Beauty Tips, Health Tips

The sparkling eyes

2010-05-17T02:53:00.000-07:00

Eyes are one of the most prominent and expressive organ of our body which gives our feelings to the other person. The sparkling eyes are one of the best assets any women can have and those who don’t have this thing can’t carry exciting and beautiful expression for their face. Eyes should be taken proper care otherwise they became dull and pale which really doesn’t looks very pretty.Doctors suggest that Vitamin A and C are those two vitamins which can give fantastic results to one’s eyes so they should be taken in our daily food. In this article there are some natural and very simple tips provided which can leave a very fresh and sparkling shine to the eyes and they can be carried very easily.

* For the perfect shiny eyes soak one teaspoon dry gooseberry powder in one cup water and then place this mixture overnight and then strain this in the morning and add one cup of plain water. Now splash your eyes with this mixture or wash them with the help of an eye cup.

* Another very great solution for the fresh and shiny eyes is that dip a pad of cotton wool in some rose water in which 2-3 drops of castor oil are also added. Place the soaks pads on the eye lids and then relax for 15-20 mints you will surely feel better.

Sparkling Shine

* Splashing eyes with a weak tea solution also proves to be effective for eyes especially the eye lids.

* Another way for relaxing the yes is that dip cotton pads in a cold tea solution and place them on the yes while relaxing and your eyes will definitely feel the smoothness and freshness after some time.

* If you feel some sort of inflation or redness in your eyes then pour some drops of rose water into it and you will feel better.

These were some of the ways by which you can make you eyes appear shinier and more attractive, another suggestion which has not been provided above is that use olive oil on your eye lids to make them appear larger. Thus these natural treatment will let you make your eye more attractive and ultimately you’ll look more cute.

How to Get 360 Waves Or Spinnas

2008-08-19T21:53:00.003-07:00

With so much information on hair styles for men, it is hard to find information on hair styles for black men.

360 waves is a popular hair style for black men who like to keep a short hair style. This hair style is named after the wave pattern it creates and because of the way this hair style is made.

Not any man can have this hairstyle, 360 waves is a style specifically for the natural texture of black men's hair.

The style was discovered years back, when men noticed that by brushing the short hair, natural waves would form on the top of the head, this was called brush waves.

Today with the help of pomade and du rags you can perfect this hairstyle and learn how to get 360 waves look natural and professional.

The key in how to get 360 waves in your hair is to stick to your brushing and moisturizing schedule.

First off you should get a hair cut if needed because you can't get 360 waves with any type of long hair such as cornrows or braids. It is also more helpful if you get a fresh haircut as well.

As for materials you will need a du rag or stocking cap because this will help you protect your pattern and not let your time and effort go to waste.

You will also need a medium or soft style hair brush to brush the 360 waves pattern, don't use a hard brush because you can damage your scalp.

And of course you will need a hair lotion or hair moisturizer to keep your scalp and hair healthy and clean.

Check out this FREE guide on How to Get 360 Waves

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joqtan_Anicama

Joqtan Anicama - EzineArticles Expert Author

What Are the Best Methods to Get Rid of Unwanted Hair?

2008-08-19T21:53:00.002-07:00

I wonder at what point in time did we all start to feel the need to shave? Whether you are a man who is fed up of back hair or a female who generally wants to get rid of any unsightly hair. Whatever happened it has now become a huge business. With every type of hair removal product available, from the razor to hair removal products. For some hair removal goes with the job for example a cyclist or swimmer, who will shave to give them extra speed. For me personally shaving is a pain and something that I could do without. Maybe this is because I have been using the wrong product?

Here are some of the more common hair removal methods for the legs, arms, face, eyebrows and bikini line.

Firstly and probably the most common is Shaving. Shaving is quick and easy. Effective? Not always as I don't know about you but whenever I shave you can guarantee that one part will be missed. A couple of tips when shaving. Make sure if you are using disposable razors change them regularly do not let them get blunt. If you are using a razor buy a good quality razor you will get a much better result. The big down side of shaving is you have to do it regularly to get the results you want, for some people daily shaving is required.

Probably the most painful hair removal method is Waxing. You are able to wax at home or go to a salon. You have two options the 'Hot Wax' or the 'Cold Wax' method. Yes waxing does hurt but it also has longer lasting results than shaving. After waxing you can expect to be hair free for 3-8 weeks. Apart from the pain the other downside is it is recommended that your hair is 1/8 inch long before waxing.

Instead of removing unwanted hair you could go for 'Bleaching'. This is where you are able to bleach thin not very noticeable hair. Bleaching would normally take place on areas such as your face and arms, where the hairs are very thin. Following the instructions when bleaching is paramount.

There are also depilatory Creams. In these creams are special ingredients which will dissolve the hair beneath the pore and on the surface. This is undoubtedly the messiest and most awkward way for hair removal. As you have to put the cream on the area you wish to remove the hair from and then wait a period of time until you are able to wash it off. However, the plus side of this method is that it does leave your skin smoother as most of these creams will include a moisturising ingredient.

Finally, we have the creams and sprays then when used over a period of time stop your hair from growing, meaning the need to remove unwanted hair is massively reduced and in some cases you never need remove unwanted hair again.

If you asked people if they liked shaving, most would say that shaving is something they wish they didn't have to do. At Dietreviewzone we have reviews of products that will get rid of the need to wax and shave.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosie_E

Read This Before You Buy Your Next Perfume

2008-08-19T21:53:00.001-07:00

Do you love perfumes? Do you love to play with your perfume choices from time to time? Do you have a perfume range to fit your mood and the occasion you are attending? Choosing the right perfume for each and every occasion can be very expensive. However, because you will need to exude a different personality when the occasion warrants, it is necessary that you have at least four types of perfume in your perfume wardrobe.

Yes, perfume wardrobe. Buying and using perfume is just like buying and using clothes that fit your mood and the occasion you are using it for.

Some people use perfume as a uniform, they use the same perfume in the office, in events and even during parties. Your friends will therefore know it is you by your smell. If this is what you want, it is not what experts recommend, though.

Experts believe that perfumes are affected by many factors, such as:

• Personal factors - Health, mood and medication - Health including your pH balance, hormonal changes, medication affects your skin chemistry. Even, mood swings, which are intrinsic in a woman, affect her skin chemistry and thus the choice of perfume may vary depending on these factors.

• The weather - cold weather or hot weather - Cold weather intensifies the fragrance of your perfume. During cold weather, it is advisable that you choose lighter scent but apply it more often, just to keep you smelling good during the entire day or event, as the case may be. During hot weather, your perfume will easily evaporate and thus you may need a little stronger one. You may also need to re-apply.

• Occasions - There are occasions that you want to be as dressy as you can and thus your perfume needs to follow. For occasions that you may want to feel light and warm, you may choose lighter fragrance. This may however be dependent on your mood and the people that will be around you in these occasions. If you are in a party where your office colleagues and close friends are around, you may choose a different scent from your day-to-day perfume.

If you will need to follow the advice of experts to have a variety of perfumes or a perfume wardrobe, it may be painful on your pocket. To remedy your problem, I will recommend that you buy perfumes at a discount price. No, we are not suggesting you buy perfume in quantity during sale season. It will still cost you too much.

What I recommend is for you to hunt for discount perfumes online. Why online? Because on internet, competition is stiff. Perfume vendors compete for your purchase offering different sets of discounts like free shipping and other benefits. Benefits or special offers may be varying and you may need to check out as many options as possible.

Many women enjoy a shopping spree in malls. However, even the fact that there are discount perfumes and colognes you may find at the mall, there is no way they can beat the dead low discount perfumes online.

I suggest though that you hunt for these discount and perfumes. If you are able to find a good deal, good promotion, and the fact that you do not need to pay for shipping, would you not purchase online?

Discount or no discount for perfumes and colognes, let us give you an advice on how to properly choose the types of perfume and colognes you will buy online.

Tips on how to buy discount perfumes online

Whether you are buying for yourself or as a gift, there are benefits of buying online. However, you may need to visit perfume stores as well. Why? Let me answer that in a moment. Before that, let me give you the tips on how to buy discount perfumes and colognes.

1. Select the scents that you want. Scents include Floral, Fruity, Aquatic, Oriental, or Woody. Some men prefer the woody or aquatic scent for colognes. How do you select the scents? If you have no idea of what the difference are, I suggest you go to the shopping mall. Visit a few perfume stores; check out the different perfumes and colognes. Know how they smell and if it appeals to you, you already know what to buy. If you fell in love with the scent and you want to buy the perfume right there, then we will not stop you. Maybe you do not want the discounts online perfumes have to offer.

2. For those that will purchase their discount perfumes and colognes online, checkout the internet. You can do a search for cheap perfumes or free shipping on perfumes to get the best deals.

3. Ensure that you buy your perfume months before the occasion or if you are just buying for your perfume wardrobe, then there is no issue for you to rush the delivery. Choose free shipping option and try to get as much discount as possible. Let me reiterate, competition is stiff in industries like perfumeries, vendors will vie for your purchase.

If you can be wise enough in buying discount perfumes and colognes online, you can by your whole wardrobe without much issue.

As a final note, there is no tax in buying online, so take advantage of it (order from a state you don't live in).

Another important reason to buy perfumes at discount prices online is due to the fact internet offers the largest variety. Perfumes that you may not see in the stores are available online. Discount perfume supplies online are unlimited. You do not have the distance barrier in getting supply of perfumes and colognes online.

http://www.grandperfumes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sonny_Ahuja

Long Hairstyles For Women Over 40 - Good Or Bad?

2008-08-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

We all love long hair at any age, but once we start getting into our 40's really long hair doesn't look as good on us any longer. This doesn't stand true for everyone but most who are just wearing their long hair in a ponytail really need to start looking into a more attractive hair style that is shorter and just as easy to take care of.

Problems with long hair on women over 40 is:

Long hair tends to drag ones features down and usually has less life and no volume. Yet you see women over 40 with hair that has no life but are afraid to cut it. The longer your hair is the heavier its going to be, which if it's all one length your hair will look flat and life less. Its very unattractive for anyone with hair that is long with no life because it can add to your age not take away from it. Another problem is when you take all that time to style it, the style doesn't last more than

Which is the Best Mineral Makeup For You

2008-08-13T02:30:00.003-07:00

For three decades, mineral makeup gained so much popularity because of the many benefits that satisfied users get from it. However, there are those who do not find these naturally made cosmetic products that appealing since they have greater demands in terms of taking care of their skin.

Choosing the right kind of mineral makeup entails a familiarity of the product and of course, coupled with the knowledge of your own individual needs. To help you better in finding the best mineral makeup for you, here are a few things that you have to consider so that you will not have a hard time picking out the mineral makeup that fits you best.

Satisfying Coverage

If you choose a mineral makeup to cover up the blemishes in your skin and other problem areas within, you must be satisfied with the coverage that it provides for you, be it light or heavy.

One good thing about mineral makeup foundation is that it is usually in loose powder form so that when you apply it, you will be able to manipulate the application to avoid too much coverage done on your face.

Always start with a light layer and then work you way towards the perfect coverage by applying little amounts until such time that you achieve that flawless looking skin.

Lasting Ability

Unlike cream-based or chemically based cosmetic products, mineral makeup has the ability to stay on your skin for a longer period of time. This property makes it more beneficial for makeup users in that they do not have to do retouches every now and then.

For those who have dry skin, before applying mineral makeup, see to it that you get your face moisturized because this enhances the ability of mineral makeup to stick to your face well.

For women who have oily skin, a primer would be of big help to keep the mineral makeup from fading away quickly.

Nevertheless, whatever skin type you have, keep in mind that the mineral makeup that you buy has a really good lasting ability otherwise it will defeat its purpose since a mineral makeup should be just like a second skin, only that it's better.

In order to have an easier look out for the right kind of mineral makeup, choose brands that manufacture mineral makeup for certain types of skin. That way, whether you have oily skin or dry skin, you will not have to go through the moisturizing and the primer that is required to have that lasting effect of mineral makeup on your face.

Choosing Shades

There are a lot of shades that match different skin tones. In order to have that natural look, choose the shade that best matches the skin tone that you have.

For instance, when choosing the right shade of mineral foundation, you have to look for that shade that has a disappearing effect once you dab some on your face without having to compromise covering up the flaws and blemishes of your skin. If it creates color on your skin or if it doesn't blend with your skin tone, then evidently, you will have a resulting unnatural look.

The Comfort It Gives

Finally, find a makeup wherein you are comfortable wearing them on. When you are comfortable with the makeup then probably, it is the right one for you. If you are experiencing allergies out of using makeup, then it would be best to consider switching brands.

Visit Mineral Makeup Facts for more information about using mineral makeup to get a flawless finish and to buy mineral makeup products that are tried and tested. Mineral Makeup Facts has tutorials, articles and offers to guide you through buying and using mineral makeup

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Morgan

Can Mineral Makeup Really Help Your Skin Problems?

2008-08-13T02:30:00.002-07:00

A lot of physicians and dermatologists today recommend mineral makeup for their clients since it is less harmful for the skin. Apart from this, it also has other distinct characteristics that make it more appealing for a lot of women to prefer than the traditional cosmetic products that are composed of harsh chemicals that when used results to the irritation of the skin. Above all, there are a variety of mineral makeups that have healing properties. Indeed, mineral makeup helps solve the problem areas of our skin.

Acne-Prone Skin

For acne-prone skin types, the best remedy would be to observe natural skin care regime. Using mineral makeup is an ideal solution since it does not only provide the coverage of your flaws and other blemishes in the skin but it also helps to heal and calm the inflammation. Most of these mineral makeups are hypoallergenic thus it would not pose a threat for those who want to treat the problem areas of their skin.

Dermatologists worldwide have been recommending all natural cosmetic products for their patients who have acne scars or Rosacea since most of these naturally made cosmetics have that drying quality which is commonly known to be good anti-acne treatment.

Recovering From Surgeries

A lot of patients who just underwent surgery are advised by physicians to use mineral makeups while they are still recovering. The low instances of sensitivity and the natural cover up properties that these mineral makeups do to the patient's skin make it a better choice than those chemically-based cosmetic products.

Mineral makeup tends to restore the tissues of the skin and not only that, it is also free from any side effects that many conventional makeups do have.

Scientific Support

Since most mineral makeups contain elements such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, they are proved to be possessing medicinal benefits. Clinical studies have been conducted and documented by cosmetologists around the globe thus supporting the claim that mineral makeup is a good alternative for treating skin problems.

Zion oxide for instance is a popularly known element for its sunscreen properties but only a few are aware that it also has anti- bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help the skin prevent itself from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

Anti-allergy

Since a lot of those chemicals such as synthetic dyes, preservatives and perfumes are not included in the composition of these natural cosmetic products, the likelihood that your skin will react negatively to the makeup is very minimal that is why mineral makeup is best for those who have sensitive skin.

Revitalizes The Skin

Aside from the medicinal benefits that mineral makeup offers, it also has a way of revitalizing your skin in order to maintain that youthful glow. Naked minerals do not contain ingredients that are both artificial and harmful. These naked minerals unlike other chemicals found in traditional makeup helps prevent the dehydration of your skin. It is also a good source of nutrition thus maintaining and enhancing the beauty of your skin.

But of course, you cannot attribute the wellness of you skin entirely to mineral makeups, you also have to observe the proper diet, a healthy sleeping habit and ample water intake as an overall regime for a younger and fresher looking skin.

Visit Mineral Makeup Facts for more information about using mineral makeup to get a flawless finish and to buy mineral makeup products that are tried and tested. Mineral Makeup Facts has tutorials, articles and offers to guide you through buying and using mineral makeup

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Morgan

What to Look For When Purchasing Mineral Makeup

2008-08-13T02:30:00.001-07:00

Mineral makeup should contain purely the naturally derived ingredients from Mother Nature. Since this kind of makeup has been gaining so much popularity over the years many cosmetic companies are also producing their own versions of these mineral makeups. We may think that these are the kind with which we expect will be able to provide us with the promising benefits that mineral makeup offers but what we do not know is that these cosmetic companies are still using chemical ingredients for these so called mineral makeup and add a little natural ingredient to complete it.

It is for us to know that when buying mineral makeup, we should be aware of the right natural ingredients that these cosmetic products should contain otherwise, we will be left with false hopes. Perhaps, a brief description of the common natural ingredients that constitutes a mineral makeup would help you know what to look for when buying one.

Titanium Dioxide

It is a naturally occurring mineral which exists in the surfaces of the Earth. It is a white and odorless powder substance with a crystalline structure. It has a refractive index and can reflect and scatter light. It is water resistant too and as a good ingredient for mineral makeup, it has the ability to provide long-term UV protection for the skin. It provides that wonderful coverage for the foundation and it also has a non-irritating characteristic. It is primarily used for sun care as well as naturally made cosmetic products.

Sericite Mica

This mineral is a colorless substance that naturally occurs in the Earth's surface. Along with Bismuth Oxychloride, this element has a silky touch and is responsible for adding the shine in the mineral makeup's formula.

This component which provides that fine shimmer as well as the low luster effect in most mineral makeup is commonly used as base powder for foundations, blushes, eye shadows and any other product that requires a matte effect.

Mica

It is a natural pigment which when coated with titanium dioxide obtains a silvery white and lustrous powder. It is the one responsible for the pearl and sparkle effects that can be found in a lot of mineral makeups such as bronzers, eye shadows and the like.

Magnesium Stearate

It is an odorless and fine white powder that is soluble in warm alcohol. It provides the opacity, the texture as well as the consistency of the formula. It is also a viscosity enhancer and emulsifier wherein it improves the adhesive effect of powder to the skin. This natural ingredient is used commonly on lip sticks, mascaras, eye shadows and face powders.

Bismuth Oxychloride

It is a synthetic element with bismuth which is a naturally occurring metallic element in the Earth's surface. It is odorless and it provides the smooth texture with its exceptional whiteness properties. It is a main ingredient for mineral makeup and is used for face powders, lip sticks, foundations and eye shadows.

Boron Nitride

An inorganic and non-toxic silky powder, the Boron Nitride is commonly used for face powders, blush, eye shadows and mascara. This element provides the silky, softer and smoother focus of the product and also adds on to the adhesion and wear features of the makeup.

Since you are already familiar of the basic natural ingredients that are commonly found in mineral makeups, you are already equipped to buy one that is not composed of more chemicals and less minerals. So once you get to find these elements in the label of the mineral makeup that you are eyeing up, then it is for sure a good buy.

Visit Mineral Makeup Facts for more information about using mineral makeup to get a flawless finish and to buy mineral makeup products that are tried and tested. Mineral Makeup Facts has tutorials, articles and offers to guide you through buying and using mineral makeup

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Morgan

Mineral Makeup What Ingredients to Look For and Avoid

2008-08-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

Not all mineral makeup are the same, some are composed of purely natural earth-derived minerals while others may contain synthetic products. A lot of naturally-based products that are being manufactured by many cosmetic companies nowadays are not purely made out of natural elements. Some of them still contain fillers or a few harsh chemicals that may cause the skin to irritate resulting to even bigger skin problems.

The Perfect Formulation Of A Makeup

According to skin care professionals, the perfect makeup must be able to provide a natural lasting coverage, one that sticks long enough on your skin so that you would not have to keep on reapplying makeup again and again.

It is also important that it provides sunscreen protection to keep your skin from being damaged if you get too much exposure from the sun.

A good mineral makeup also contains only the natural minerals that are good for taking care of your skin. Mineral makeup should be free of synthetic elements such as the fragrances and harmful preservatives that some of the cosmetic lines have in their mineral makeup products to bulk these up. These harmful preservatives create toxic build up and thus create skin irritation in the long run.

A Few Ingredients To Look For

The high level of protection from sun exposure that mineral makeup has comes from the Zinc Oxide element in it. Because of this element, the mineral makeup does not only provide sunscreen protection but it is also an excellent remedy for inflammation caused by serious acne and a skin condition known as Rosacea.

Titanium Dioxide is an ingredient which also helps protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. It is a white powder that is perfectly safe to use and purely natural.

Substances known as Iron Oxides make good color variations for the makeup when iron rusts. It adds color to the face and they come in different varieties such as reds, browns, and pinks.

Another substance that you must look for when buying mineral makeup is Mica. It has a property of making your complexion luminous, smooth and creamy. It helps to enhance the texture of creams and powders as they prevent it's dripping and clumping.

Kaolin is a clay substance that can be found in lake beds. It has a smooth texture and it is white and all natural. It is used to keep the mineral makeup durable. Apart from that, Kaolin has also a good absorption mechanism for large quantities of oil thus making it a good remedy for those who have oily skin. It prevents acne formation and oil buildup in your skin and it is safe to use every day.

The Ingredients To Avoid

If there are ingredients that we should look for in a mineral makeup to assure if it's purely natural, there are also ingredients that we should avoid when we see them in the back labels of these mineral makeups.

Talc as an inexpensive filler is used to bulk up the product. It gives the makeup this chalky appearance and it has been linked to cancers of the ovary.

Bismuth Oxychloride is another element that can be potentially harmful to your skin. It is a by-product of refining lead and this is the one responsible for making the minerals stay heavily on your skin. However, it is a known cause for rashes, skin itching and breakouts.

Other harmful preservatives that cause skin problems include parabens (which have been known to cause hormonal imbalance), FD&C colors, petrolatum-based mineral oils (produces that suffocating effect to the skin) and Ferric ferrocyanide (which is toxic).

By knowing the right ingredients that a mineral makeup should contain, there is no doubt that you will be buying the right makeup to keep the youthful and glowing look of your skin.

Visit Mineral Makeup Facts for more information about using mineral makeup to get a flawless finish and to buy mineral makeup products that are tried and tested. Mineral Makeup Facts has tutorials, articles and offers to guide you through buying and using mineral makeup

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Morgan

Is Laser Hair Removal Suitable For You?

2008-07-15T08:04:00.003-07:00

If you are tired of having to go on an almost daily routine of shaving or tweezing to remove unwanted facial and body hair, you are not alone. This is a tedious but necessary part of personal grooming and many are looking for permanent or semi-permanent solutions such as waxing or laser hair removal.

One of the main reasons why laser removal is more popular than other methods of treatment is that it is a relatively painless process with results that can last for several months. Previously, only electrolysis offered a semi permanent option but the procedure is tedious and painful. Both methods however work on the same basis of removing hair follicles to stop hair growth.

Contrary to what many believe, laser hair removal does not give instant results with one session. It can be used for face, underarm and neck with several sessions required before results start to show. As much as a 50 percent reduction in hair can be achieved after 4 months with 1 treatment. A second treatment is required after about 6 months when hair starts to grow back.

Patients who have used the treatment reported a 70-80 percent success rate after 2 or 3 visits. Also, when hair grows back, it is usually of a finer texture and more sparse than original hair growth.

One of the earliest hair removal laser systems to be approved was the Nd:YAG. This system required that unwanted hair be removed by waxing first in order to open up follicles, allowing the laser to reach them. A light absorbing, carbon-based lotion will be applied that is heated up by the laser. The heated lotion destroys hair follicle causing them to stop hair growth.

Since then, there have been new developments in this area where instead of a continuous laser beam, a pulsing light is used. This more advanced method is less time consuming and does away with the need for waxing and application of the carbon-based lotion. The use of pulsing light allows the hair follicle to be heated up more quickly thereby exposing the skin less to potentially damaging heat.

Although laser hair removal is an effective method for removing unwanted hair, the process is fairly expensive compared to other options. This is especially so when multiple sessions are required to obtain optimal results. For some areas such as the face, removing facial hair could cost around $1,000 or more lengthy procedures such as removing hair from the back or legs can cost around $3,000 for a series of treatments.

Before you decide on parting with your hard-earned cash, make sure you do a thorough research on a professional clinic with a good reputation for this procedure. Do a search on the clinic and the doctor who will be carrying out the procedure and check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if there are any complaints filed against the clinic.

Electrolysis Laser Hair Removal is Science Fiction Beauty

2008-07-15T08:04:00.001-07:00

A notable difference between laser and electrolysis is that lasers only disrupt the hair follicle, while electrolysis completely destroys it. The major setback of electrolysis is that it treats one follicle at a time, while a laser can target quite a large area and disrupt hundreds of follicles at a time.

Technology is improving at a blistering pace. Ten years ago no one would have thought that lasers would be used to remove hair. That is right, the commercial application of laser technology as a hair removal technique is less than ten years old.

On the other hand, electrolysis was first spoken about 133 years ago. This means that electrolysis has a long tradition and can be trusted as we have had ample time to study the long term effects. As of present we understand more about the electronic processes involved in particles than we do of the other forces, energies and vibrations that keep this world together.

When you compare the prices of the two procedures it becomes apparent that laser treatment is not only the cheaper option in the long run, but also the quickest and most convenient. So why is electrolysis still around?

The first thing to note here is that in the immediate short term, electrolysis is more affordable. You can have one session a week, so your weekly expense will be around $50. If you had one laser treatment, it would set you back over $2,000. Very few people can afford that, but $50 is within the budget constraints of most people.

Tips and Techniques For Short Hair Styles

2008-07-15T08:03:00.003-07:00

Short hairstyles grow in popularity each year. Whether you are looking for that chic businesswoman look, the sexy party girl, or the sweet girl next door, there is a short hairstyle for you. In today's everything-is-possible world, there are amazing new products, tools, and techniques to give your short hairstyle the individual flare you are looking for. One of the joys of short hair that all women can agree on is the ease of care.

Most of the same gels and anti-frizzing sprays used for longer length hair also work well for short hair. However, pomades and gels that give extra texture are often preferred for short hairstyles. If you are looking for a short, sleek hairstyle, look for products that will help lock down the hair and prevent frizzing. Stylists caution however, that with short hair, a little product goes a long way.

Tools such as CHI and Sedu with plates ranging from 3/4" to 1" and hot rollers such as the Caruso brand of hair setters can put the finishing touches on a short style, or change a short curly style to a short sleek style.

Finally, there are a few tried and true tips that every woman should keep in mind when working with short hair

1. When getting a short haircut, don't go too short at first. Error on the conservative side, you can always go shorter.
2. Short hairstyles need to be trimmed regularly to keep their shape and style.
3. Anticipate major events such as weddings, graduations, and performances, and get your hair trimmed a week to ten days before the event.
4. Adding bangs to short hairstyles lightens most facial features.

If this is your year to go shorter, ask your stylists for suggestions, search the Internet for ideas, then be ready to spend your time doing the things you love. Short hairstyles are quick to style, easy to maintain and versatile.

Hair Extensions Could Be the Answer to All of Your Hair Nightmares

2008-07-15T08:03:00.001-07:00

The first appearance of hair extensions happened way back in the 80's when style was very distinctive; however back then they looked nothing like the extensions that we are seeing in all the style magazines today and because of their look and feel back in the 80's they were dismissed as a fad.

Now however they are one of the most wanted hair accessories of our time. With celebrity after celebrity sporting this latest trend the demand for hair extensions has done nothing but grown and its thanks to this latest celebrity trend that hair extensions are now available so easily to us general members of the public and thankfully they have advanced somewhat since the 80's meaning that the hair extensions that are on the market now are the highest quality and come in a range of colours to match and suit everyone's individual style. You have the choice of human hair extensions or synthetic hair extensions as well as a range of application methods, which method you choose comes down to aspects such as the condition of your hair, and the amount of time that you wish to wear your extensions for. If you only want a change in style for a special occasion then clip hair extensions may be best for you as you can put them in and take them out at your leisure. If; however, you want your extensions for a more permanent basis then an application method such as weaving or bonding may be the best method of application for you.

Regardless of the way in which you have them applied, they are sections of hair that are attached to your own natural locks in order to give it extra length, volume and even colour. There are numerous reasons that people have them applied and whichever reason you have them applied it is important that you have them applied by a professional who is not only trained in the application and removal of hair extensions but who also has experience in doing so.

They can be made from either real or synthetic hair; however the most natural looking are made with the best quality is human hair; this can however be the most expensive form of hair extensions but for the quality and condition that you are gaining the price does become worth it. As well as being available in both human hair and synthetic hair, hair extensions are also available in many different colours, textures, styles and lengths. Also you have the choice of having your hair extensions straight or curly. This generally depends on what your natural hair style is. If when you have had your hair extensions applied you decide that you want your hair cut you are still able to do so as your extensions will just be cut and shaped along with your natural hair.

When you have them applied you are free to style them in anyway that you want. They give you a lot more freedom than you may think. They enable you great flexibility and naturalness within your daily style. Also one misconception that many people seem to have about hair extensions is that they take a lot of looking after when in reality you merely treat them like you would treat your own hair. You should aim to wash and condition them every other day then just style them how you would style your natural hair; it is however highly important that you get as much condition to your extensions that you can as they won't get natural oils from your head.

If you are interested in getting hair extensions then it is important that you speak to your stylist about what type of hair extension is best for you.

Trendy Hairstyles For Summer 2008

2008-07-15T08:02:00.001-07:00

Not loving your locks these days? Get the style inspiration you'll need to revamp your look, whether you're craving easy hairstyles for the beach or feeling feverish to a fresh take on a party hairdo.

Casual Braids
Braids are a great look for summer, not only are they effortless to achieve but they also have a sense of fun and a youthful appeal. Braids are perfect for the beach or happy days in the sun, they're also one of this summer's key hair trends. Try integrating lost of small braids and twists into a soft and loose updo. A perfect beach to bar hairstyle, it needs lots of natural movement and some texture to keep it looking unstructured and sexy.

Bombshell Hairstyle
Big hair with tons of volume is back this year. Think Farah Fawcett's big bouncy curls, Ursula Andress' sexy blonde flips and Audrey Hepburn bouffant updos.
Create yourself a voluminous '60s coiff that will make you look as if you had been vacationing in the south of France and lounging on the beach all day. Start by spritzing volumizing spray all over damp hair, focusing on the roots. Blow-dry hair in two-inch sections, wrapping them around a large round brush to give shine and volume. Then take one-inch sections of hair from behind the hairline and hold it taut while you use a fine-tooth comb to tease the hair toward the roots. Finish with a heavy mist of hairspray all over to set the style.

Tousled Beach Waves
Tousled tresses exude a playful, surfer girl vibe; the look's hip and sexy. Beach waves will always be one of the sexiest and most popular styles around because of it's glaringly obvious benefit - it's effortless! Get the beachy waves by setting narrow sections of damp, gelled hair into braids. Once hair is dry, release braids and mist on shine spray to fight frizz.

Update With Flirty Bangs
Bangs are uber-popular right now, so you can have bangs with any length or any shape, because bangs are a massive trend this season. The key is to pair bangs with a sexier "lived in" matt texture. Just add a soft curl with a large barrelled curler to the lengths and ends. It's all about effortless styling - the trick is to not to be neat and over-finished.

Chic Ponytails
Ponytails are clearly not for "bad hair days" anymore. From glamorous and sleek, to no-fuss and messy, almost anyone can carry out a pretty pulled-back pony. Low ponytails provide a look that's more romantic and sporty. Half ponytails are more flirty and feminine; you can easily create it by pulling only the hair on sides of the face up so that the hair is gathered into a ponytail that is positioned either a few inches in front of the crown or right at the crown. Ponytails often look more glam when piled higher and fuller, so hair must be back combed at the crown first for volume. The high ponytail must be positioned fairly high on your head.

Understanding Botox Cosmetic Pricing and Dosage

2008-07-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

Every day we get questions from patients asking about the way Botox Cosmetic is prepared and priced, and it is confusing until you understand the difference between dilution and units.
Botox Cosmetic is a vacuum-dried protein powder so it needs to be mixed with a liquid in order for it to be injected. The total "dose" of Botox in each vial is always 100 units but doctors mix different amounts of saline solution (water that has the same concentrations of sodium and chloride as the human body) with each vial depending on the intended use.

In some cases its beneficial to have more units in less liquid or a more concentrated solution. Men, for instance, need almost double the dose of Botox that a woman would need for each area treated, and using a more concentrated dose prevents the formation of ping pong ball-size lumps that would be seen with a larger amount of liquid. On the other hand, a lower concentration is useful when it's advantageous to have the Botox effects spread out more, such as in the underarm area when used to prevent sweating, or when only a minute amount is needed with each injection, such as around the lips.

The total number of units injected during a treatment determines the degree and duration of effect more than the number of cc (the measurement of liquid). For example, whether a more concentrated or dilute solution of Botox is used, it takes an average of about 20 units to relax a woman's frown muscles adequately for a full 3-4 months.

Think of it as taking either one 800 mg ibuprofen tablet vs. four 200 mg ibuprofen tablets. One seems like more medicine but the total dose and the final effect is the same with either choice.

There's a lot of variation in how many units of Botox each person needs depending on the size and distribution of their muscles. In general, most women will need about 60 to 70 units to relax all three main areas (their foreheads, frown lines, and crow's feet). Men usually need almost double that and I have male patients who get over 150 units with each treatment. Obviously people who are just starting to have moving lines need much less.

So how do you know what you're paying for when doctors price Botox treatments differently? Doctors sometimes set their Botox prices by the area (frown lines or forehead, for example) instead of by the unit, based on the average number of units they usually use in that area. If as a patient, you have more than the average amount of muscle movement and need more than the average number of units, the provider will either lose money by giving you the number of units you need which is more than you're paying for or he/she will use less than you need and your results won't be good.

On the other hand if you have less movement than most people, you'll be given less units than average with pricing by the area but you'll have paid for the average number. There's nothing wrong with paying by the area but you should find out how many units are included in that price.

Another consideration in charging by the unit instead of the area is that there are so many new ways that Botox can be used that only require a few units, and it's becoming a rarity for me to just treat a single area. I can lift brows, the corners of the mouth, smooth out a dimply chin, decrease smoker's lines, stop those crinkly bunny lines on the nose or decrease a gummy smile with just a unit or two of Botox in the right places.

An unscrupulous provider may use fewer units than you need with either area pricing or unit pricing and it's impossible for the patient to know since there may be the same number of injections. The difference shows up later when the relaxation is less than expected or the effects wear off within weeks. In the long run, your Botox treatments become more expensive if you have to have them repeated every 2 months or you may mistakenly believe that you're just one of those people that are resistant to Botox. Almost no one is resistant to Botox if they get the right amount.

Beware of anyone offering Botox regularly for less than $10 a unit and make sure that he or she is listed on the Botox Cosmetic Physician's Network website. Many Botox providers offering highly discounted Botox import their Botox at a discount from Canada but the product they're getting may be as real as a NY sidewalk designer purse or it may be expired. It's only a matter of time before the next disaster where people who thought they were getting American Botox find out that someone was cutting corners.

Doctors near the top of the Botox website list earn that place because they order so much Botox from Allergan here in the US and they have the most experience using it. Be safe by going with expertise.

Beauty Products Online

2008-03-01T03:37:00.000-08:00

Beauty products online allow you fast and easy access to many top cosmetics retailers. You can buy all your health and beauty products from secure health and beauty shops and chemists online. There are separate beauty aids for men and women. Just by clicking your mouse on the online websites, you can have beauty products delivered to your door.

Skin care products, cosmetics, dietary supplements, makeover products, perfumes, lipsticks, and other skin supplements are available for purchase online. Online you can also find beauty products that are made from natural herbs and essential oils. Certain online department stores specialize in offering discount beauty products. There are also shops that sell only luxury beauty products and top quality brands.

Most of the beauty product manufacturers have their own websites that provide more details regarding their products. There are a number of websites displaying lists of some of the best shops selling beauty products online. There are even sites that display the week's top seller of a particular product group, which makes it easier for you to judge the market value of a product. Beauty products for sale on the Internet have to satisfy specific guidelines to ensure quality.

Most of the beauty products purchases from websites include shipping charges along with the listed price. Some companies charge shipping fees later during the delivery of the product. Pay Pal is a commonly accepted payment method for online purchases. For international purchases, some of the most popular credit cards such as American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa can be used.

Short Sleeves Insights - Is Beauty Really Only Skin Deep?

2008-03-01T03:36:00.000-08:00

"Beauty surrounds us, but usually we need to be walking in a garden to see it." The words of Rumi bring up a good question. Is beauty something we just see or is beauty something that we feel? My thoughts about what beauty really is have changed over the last few years.

I was always looking for beauty, some outward mark of excellence, that I could identify with and copy in some way. Certainly physical beauty is the first trait we all seem to want, whether it be looks or brains or both. Physical beauty is the quest of the ages. I searched for beauty in the people and places that surrounded me. I wanted to be associated with beauty. In that way, I felt some of it would rub off on me. I didn't feel I was beautiful.

It seemed my concept of beauty changed as I changed, so that things that attracted me at one point, were no longer the beauty I was seeking. I found that my experience of beauty changed as my thoughts about beauty changed. It was not a constant. Its shape, size, function and appeal changed with my thoughts. What is the definition of beauty anyway?

As Rumi pointed out beauty surrounds us, in fact, it is us. I didn't feel I was beautiful, but I was searching in the wrong places to find the feeling. I wanted others to verify my beauty and when they didn't, I accepted my lack of beauty. Believing that this power existed outside of me, that's where I Looked. I found everyone looking for the same thing. The thing we all have, but have hidden in our illusion of duality. I could see it in the garden or a mountain or the sea, but it didn't seem to be part of me.

Now understanding that my thoughts create my reality, my world, I can feel beauty everywhere, including within myself. I accept the fact I was created by beauty, so I am what my creator is. My thoughts feel beauty in my words, actions and accomplishments. I feel beauty in nature, in friends, in events, because that is what I think. It is my prayer. I see beauty in the contrast I face in life, for that is what I focus on. The beauty of growth from a situation that shows and express pain, brings understanding to all the contrasts I encounter.

Beauty is feeling, just as prayer is feeling. If I know it is already present in everything, it's easy to experience, to express and become the thing I desire.

My desire for beauty is relentless, just as my desire for love is unending. I want to know myself for who I am, so I can grow into a grander version of beauty and love.

Frugal Beauty Tricks With Lipstick

2007-07-09T02:53:00.003-07:00

What do you do if your favorite lipstick melted in the summer heat?

Don't throw it away. That would be wasteful. You can still use it with the help of a lip brush. No doubt, it wouldn't be as glamorous or convenient as slicking it on straight from the tube, but you can still get the pretty look by dipping your lip brush into the melted lipstick and painting it onto your lips.

You can also turn some of your lipstick into a lip gloss.

Do you have a tiny travel size cream jar that's empty?
Wash and dry the jar. Then fill half of that jar with vaseline, that multipurpose petroleum jelly that every home should have. Use a clean brush to scoop some lipstick and mix it with the vaseline. For a light hint of color, a little lipstick should do the trick. If you want more color, add in more lipstick. You can even combine more than one lip color to get your ideal shade, for your perfect lip gloss.

Instead of a cream blush, you can save money by using your favorite lipstick as a cream blush. Just take a tiny dab of lipstick and apply that to the apples of your cheeks, then blend it in for that rosy glow. No need to worry about whether your blusher matches your lipstick. By getting your lipstick to double up as cheek color, you'd be certain your lipstick and cheek color match. Only catch is that if you have acne prone skin it might clog your pores. If you are prone to acne, you should stick to powder cheek color as lipstick on cheeks might give you pimples.

Get Rid Of Acne - Treatment Options For Stubborn Blackheads

2007-07-09T02:53:00.001-07:00

If you see dark dots on your face along with zits, those are probably open comedones, popularly known as blackheads. Don't try to pull those black things off from your pores using a tweezer or any sharp object as this might only worsen the condition.

Before giving out info on what you can do about your blackheads, what, first, are blackheads? These little black dots are actually open comedones signaling the excess production of skin oils. To further understand blackheads, a short background on how acne forms is needed.

When levels of hormones (androgen) change, they trigger oil glands to create more sebum or oil. These excess oils along with dead skin cells, bacteria, and other debris clog the pores. As a result, papules or bumps are formed. Those bumps that remain underneath the skin are whiteheads while those (blackheads) whose upper parts are exposed through the pores tend to darken, resulting into a blackish appearance. Furthermore, blackheads are a milder kind of acne that needs to be properly addressed so as to avoid future zits or inflammation.

Now, how do you remove these stubborn blackheads? In actuality, several treatments are now available in the market. For blackheads that are not accompanied by swelling, these tips might help:

- Facial scrubs with exfoliants -- These might do the work although you should be careful since excessive scrubbing and washing might do more harm than good.

- Pore strips – These are sticky strips that you can put on your nose or on your face for ten minutes to pull off those stubborn blackheads. Just be really careful when pulling them off since too much force might cause skin irritation.

- Blackhead remover – Your dermatologist can actually remove the blackheads by using a very sharp tool. These tools can be bought from any beauty store and the procedure can be done at home but it's better to let an expert do the work.

- Salicylic Acid – Acne medications with salicylic acid are good blackhead removers. This chemical unclogs the pores, “cutting” away dead skin cells and excess oils.

- Benzoyl Peroxide – This medication targets the acne-causing bacteria that multiplies quickly when excess oils are produced.

- Facial Masks – Masks can exfoliate your skin and unclog pores. Moreover, some masks have ingredients that can tighten enlarged pores that are more prone to blackheads.

If your blackheads are accompanied by zits or inflammation, it's best to go to a dermatologist to get a prescription treatment. Medications containing Retinoin can be prescribed if your acne doesn't respond to homemade or over-the-counter acne treatments. Other medications such as strong antibiotics and oral birth pills can help if your acne is really severe and if your dermatologist gives you the go signal.

Never squeeze out your blackheads as this habit can only push the stubborn stuff deeper into your pores. This habit also puts you at a greater risk of having infections and scars.

Stubborn blackheads and acne should not stop you from living a normal and happy life. If you want expert advice regarding the proper removal of blackheads, you should consult your dermatologist.

Is London Fashion Week Promoting The Zero

2007-07-06T02:31:00.001-07:00

After banning size 0 models in Madrid and Milan, it was expected for London to keep up the protest, during fashion week. However, organizers of London Fashion Week say they will not ban size zero models if designers persist on using them, but simply ask them to use healthy looking models.

The UK’s average women is a size 12, but more and more young girls are appearing on the catwalk and in the spotlight sporting a size zero figure (an English size 4). If our UK girls are seeing this ultra-slim image in magazines, on TV and on the catwalk, they may begin to doubt their own natural body shapes that they were once comfortable in. Seeing these tiny-framed women wearing designers latest trends, will give our women no other message than ‘it looks good on that size’. Many women may become put off wearing latest trends as they feel it would make them look ‘fat’ compared to the likes of English rose, Lily Cole.

After Uruguay’s Luisel Ramos died in August 2006, during Uruguay's Fashion Week, many fashion capitals rethought the type of image they were giving to many women worldwide. Luisel was an 18-year-old model set to star in the Uruguay Fashion Week, but died of heart failure during the show after starving herself.

Madrid was one of the first to ban ultra-slim models in September of last year, soon followed by Milan, in order to promote a healthy and beautiful image. Even Jean Paul Gaultier swapped tiny size zero models for a womanly size 20, during Paris Fashion Week last October.

There seems to be a mixed view on the infamous size zero. Many cities and designers have shown their support for healthier looking girls by saying no to zero, but does this mean that other cities, such as London, support the thin look by not banning them. Many views have envisioned what a natural size 12 women will think when seeing the size zero, but has anyone thought about how naturally slim size 6-8’s will feel?

Many girls size 6 or 8, that are naturally small framed and healthy, may have their self-esteem lowered by hearing the commotion of their neighboring size zero. It is said that if you have a BMI under 18 you are underweight, and if it is under 15, you are under the boarder of illness. Will the scare of ultra-thin models frighten healthy women into thinking they have a disorder? Many people think about the women that are actually ill, but not about the women that are that size because it suits their body shape. Will women in the UK need to start measuring their BMI regularly, to see if they are safe, or being swallowed by the slim bug?

It seems that women should feel comfortable in the size that they are naturally, whether it be a size 20, 12 or even a 6. What ever is healthy for them should really matter, not what is shown by the media. However, it is hard not to think about the kind of image will be given to the women when London Fashion Week begins. Will our nation become one of insecurity, unless we follow the trend? Let’s hope that asking designers to use ‘healthy’ looking models will be a success and London won’t get caught up in the mode of the zero.

Dermacia Review - An Answer for Women with Psoriasis?

2007-07-06T02:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, women with psoriasis may have finally found an answer with Dermacia.

In the past, many psoriasis sufferers found that their choices for foundations were extremely limited when it comes to what they can put on their face. Most foundations, while providing some coverage, usually made the plaques and dry spots look worse instead of covering them. If they picked a makeup oily enough to not irritate the psoriasis, then the result was clogged pores and acne.

Nevertheless, many women still choose to sacrifice the condition of their skin in hopes of achieving a better look. As a result, women have been forced to choose between their appearance and the health of their skin. For women who suffer from psoriasis, this was a lose-lose battle.

However, there is finally a foundation that can work for these women. Although for years it was only available through dermatologists, it is now available for purchase directly.

Dermacia works because it is a truly breathable foundation. While providing excellent coverage, it actually can improve and help problem skin. By increasing the amount of oxygen that reaches skin, some women will be able to wear makeup for the first time in years.

In fact, clinical studies prove that Dermacia’s foundation increased the oxygen content of the problem skin by 6.2% in just one day, and by 10% after a month of wearing the foundation. The women also reported a decrease in psoriasis plaques and no new acne!

For many women out there, this will be the first product that will successfully cover psoriasis plaques without irritating their skin and causing it to worsen. For these women with psoriasis, they may finally have a product that they can feel good about using on their skin.

Cosmetics - Natural Ingredients Won't Kill You!

2007-07-02T04:30:00.001-07:00

Cosmetics ~ Here is an amazing little known fact: Dead sea cosmetics protect human skin from aging! Dead sea cosmetics are prepared with pure natural cosmetic products that really soothe your skin.

It is important to get into the habit of examining the labels of your cosmetics and skin care products carefully. Many of the skin care products and cosmetics sold in the market today actually contain ingredients that are not only harmful to your skin, but also to your long term health. Learn to recognize ingredients that are harmful to your skin and to your health.

There are serious concerns regarding the coloring used in cosmetics and personal care products such as lipstick, colored lip balms, lip gloss and lip pencils. Anyone who uses these regularly literally "eats" a fair quantity of these coloring products over their life time. These coloring ingredients also appear in various skin creams, foundations and mascara.

You may be unknowingly poisoning yourself with the many cancer-causing ingredients in today’s cosmetics, toiletries and personal care products. As an example, Tetrasodium EDTA: is thought to be safe when used in the small amounts presented in cosmetics. However, did you know it is also used in large amounts in household detergents? Interestingly enough, 450 ingredients that are used in the United States are banned for use in the European Union by the cosmetic industry.

It is well worth someone's time to do a thorough research on what is really beneficial for one's skin. As an example; Jojoba oil, unlike other oils, allows the skin to breathe. Also, Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein of the skin. However, once a person "has" wrinkles, "orally" taking large amounts of Vitamin C is of little benefit for "reducing" those wrinkles. Thus, taking Vitamin C "orally" is most beneficial "before" those wrinkles develop.

Love Your Skin - Natural Dry Skin Care Product Heals Fast

2007-07-02T04:29:00.000-07:00

As we get older, our skin produces less of the natural oil that helps it retain its moisture. There are many excellent natural treatments to help heal your dry skin, virtually overnight.

Skin is one of our most important parts of the body; our largest organ. The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and a thousand or more nerve endings. The dermis is the layer of skin just beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain.

Skin is exposed to the elements, especially in winter, causing it to become drier. Bathing or showering too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, may contribute unnecessarily to dry skin. Dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea, psoriasis and other skin conditions may cause the skin to become very dry too.

Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the class of B vitamins can also contribute to dry skin or result in chronic dry skin conditions not relieved by anything else. Dry skin can also be a sign of an under-active thyroid. Drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin conditions; check with your pharmacist or doctor and read the drug insert - you can get one from your pharmacist.

It's important to drink plenty of pure, filtered water - a minimum of a quart a day. When the skin is dry and dehydrated, dead skin cells remain on the skin, which may block pores and promote acne, zits, blemishes, or other types of breakouts; drink plenty of pure water. For a fiber boost, to help your skin, add one to two tablespoons of ground up flaxseeds to two or three apples and mix in your food processor.

If you use moisturizers, use the thick, oily type which work better for dry skin. Apply moisturizers right after a bath or shower, when your skin is still damp. Use as little soap as possible, if you have to use any, limiting its use to just the armpits and genital area.

To find out what coconut oil can do for your skin fast, apply coconut oil several times a day and at bedtime. I buy coconut oil by the gallon; it's cheaper for a gallon of coconut oil than a small jar of department store, name-brand moisturizer. Coconut oil is very inexpensive. It's a great, cheap home remedy for all skin conditions.

Coconut oil is the best healing, soothing, and moisturizing treatment I've ever found for dry skin; in fact all types of skin conditions, skin eruptions, pimples, acne, milia, irritations, cuts, burns, fungus, and many others. After a soothing bath or shower at night just before bedtime, apply a thin layer of coconut oil over your entire body; it'll even last on your skin through your shower the next morning.

Many skin conditions can be converted into clear, healthy skin by using easy natural home remedies. Sunlight, water and fresh air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy.

You should see the results with improved skin within a just a few days following these dry skin tips and suggestions. Make sure to call your skin doctor or dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won't heal up fats enough. Call your skin doctor if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping at night.

Los Angeles Microdermabrasion For a California Complexion

2007-06-25T03:08:00.001-07:00

Los Angeles is renowned for the many glamorous celebrities and classically beautiful California girls who call it home. More so than just about anywhere else, youth and beauty are highly valued commodities in Los Angeles. This is part of the reason why spa and salon owners in the area have such profitable businesses!

In Los Angeles microdermabrasion plays a major role in the beauty maintenance routines those who desire to maintain youthful looking skin. Los Angeles microdermabrasion is an excellent way to reduce the visible signs of again an present a glowing, youthful complexion to the world.

There are many Los Angeles spas and salons that perform microdermabrasion treatments on a daily basis. These specialists help their clients maintain the healthy, youthful glow that is a defining characteristic of California beauty.

Whether you live in Maine or Los Angeles microdermabrasion can help you look your best without having to endure surgery or any other type of painful medical procedure. Since there is no recovery period or downtime with a Los Angeles microdermabrasion anti-aging treatment, so you’ll be able to show off your youthful complexion right away.

Finding a Los Angeles Microdermabrasion Specialist
With just a brief visit to the microdermabrasion specialist of your choice, you can show off your youthful complexion to the world. In Los Angeles, the anti-aging capital of the world, you won’t have a hard time finding a qualified microdermabrasion specialist.

There are many different locations from which to choose for your Los Angeles microdermabrasion treatment. Many people find that spas are the most comfortable setting to have Los Angeles microdermabrasion.

Others find the salon to be an ideal choice for their microdermabrasion treatments. After all, it is convenient to take care of getting your hair and nails done right along with your anti-aging skin care needs.

There are a number of different microdermabrasion techniques. You should verify what type of method your microdermabrasion specialist plans to use for your treatment. It would be a little surprising to see your Los Angeles specialist roll out a professional microdermabrasion machine to polish your skin when you were expecting a treatment that involved only the use of exfoliating creams and lotions.

Many people feel most comfortable when a licensed dermatologist performs their Los Angeles microdermabrasion procedure. As medical professionals, dermatologists will consult with you to determine the best approach to microdermabrasion for you. Some people feel that microdermabrasion treatments handled by a physician are safer and more thorough than those given in a spa or salon.

No matter where you get your Los Angeles microdermabrasion treatment, the end result will be that your face will no longer be covered with unsightly dead skin cells. Instead, the whole world will see your new complexion, aglow with the fresh and youthful skin brought to the surface by your Los Angeles microdermabrasion specialist.

LB500s Hair Removal Laser - Advanced Hair Removal Comes Home

2007-06-25T03:05:00.000-07:00

It’s inexpensive, simple to operate, and safe. It is so user-friendly; in fact, it takes the laser hair removal treatment process out of the hands of professional practitioners and puts it in your own. It is the LB500s hair removal laser, and it is the most recent advance in the technological elimination of excessive body hair.

LB500s Hair Removal laser machines require only 200mW of electricity to stop the growth of unwanted hair, and ah numerous features especially designed for home use.

Each LB500s Hair Removal laser unit includes safety equipment, a laser emission power control and a timer. Its high frequency laser has been tested for safety and causes no side effects. The units are lightweight, compact, and portable, and designed to effectively remove hair from nearly all the areas of the body, including the face, bikini line, arms, and legs.

The LB Hair Removal laser machine removes unwanted hairs more quickly and easily than traditional methods, like waxing, shaving, and depilatory use. Unlike those, it is both convenient and comfortable, and will be effective on small sections of hair in a single treatment. It will remove only as much hair as is necessary, and an added benefit is that it leaves the treated skin exceptionally soft by causing the pores to constrict.

The LB500s, because of its portability, can be used in any appropriate location, and will pay for itself in terms of the money its users can save instead of receiving laser hair removal treatment at clinics or salons.

LB500s Hair Removal Laser Precautions
Whenever laser technology is being used, there are precautions which must be observed. One should never allow his or her eyes to be exposed to the laser light, and the laser should be moved in a circular pattern over the area of the skin being treated, to minimize the chance of burning. The LB500s Hair Removal laser is most effective on short hair. To speed and improve its results, consider shaving the part of the body from which you want to eliminate hair before you begin.

Both prior to, and after completing, your treatment, place an icepack or cold compress on the skin to cool it. If you want to remove hair from an area which is difficult for you to reach, ask someone else to control the laser. Minor “snaps” of pain are normal with the application of each laser pulse; they should be bearable.

Those considering a purchase of the LB500s Hair Removal laser can visit a local dealer to learn more, or direct their questions to the friend of acquaintance from whom they learned about the machine.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery - What Are The Risks Involved?

2007-06-21T03:15:00.001-07:00

Cosmetic plastic surgery is more popular than ever for many different reasons. But even though this type of surgery can alter and improve any area of the body, there are risks and issues to be aware of. Here is a quick look at some of the more serious issues with this procedure.

One of the bigger risks or side effects of cosmetic plastic surgery will always be infections. Infections can occur from a couple of days following surgery until 2-3 later. It is critical to be aware of this as it can lead to serious issues.

Although infections are not that common, it is something that happens more often with plastic surgeries such as breast augmentation or rhinoplasty.

With that said, don't freak out and get stressed over it. Knowing what to keep an eye on is important.

Another area is mental. Depending on the type of cosmetic plastic surgery you are having, it may take several weeks or months for the swelling and scarring to go away. It's easy to feel that something is wrong and the surgery was a failure when that is not the case at all. Be patient and give yourself time to heal.

One of the most important points is to ask your doctor plenty of questions beforehand. Talk with them and understand what to expect before having the procedure.

Having a positive outlook and mind before going through plastic surgery will help you have a smooth procedure as well as help with the healing process.

All in all, the risk of anything going wrong with cosmetic plastic surgery is very low and any problems that may come up can be quickly handled.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

Olive Oil Beauty Tips

2007-06-21T03:14:00.000-07:00

Simply put- it's pure. So pure, it's often called extra virgin.

If you've never used olive oil on your skin, let it touch you for the first time and give you that summer glow.

Break open your cupboard and use some natural olive oil to repair your dry skin, damaged hair and more.

Olive oil is the only oil made from a fruit. It's not only good for your heart, but also great to apply on your body. Holistic Healer, Stephanie Moore gives these olive oil beauty tips:

"Cuticles and nails: If your cuticles are ragged and your nails are brittle, soak your nails in a cup of olive oil.

Feet: Before you go to bed, smear olive oil on your feet, put on socks, and you'll wake up in the morning with the softest feet ever.

Lips: Soothe your dry, chapped lips, by dabbing on a little olive oil.

Hair: Massage olive oil on your scalp and hair. Cover your hair with a shower or bathing cap and leave on for about 30 minutes. Shampoo. Olive oil helps repair split ends, heals dandruff, and makes your hair silky, and lustrous. Put a few drops on your hair when it's dry to eliminate the frizz.

Skin: Rub olive oil on your hands to soften and moisturize. It's rich in squalene, a natural organic compound and emollient that penetrates the skin, and won't leave a greasy film on it.

Bath: Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to your bath to soothe your skin.

Makeup remover: Use a little olive oil on a Q-tip to take your makeup off. It's as good as any drugstore brand."

Look for olive oil in lip balms, shampoo, hand lotion and soaps - and always use the purest extra virgin olive oil, which is the least processed, and gets its oil from the first pressing of olives.

Use extra virgin olive oil not only internally for your inner health, but externally for your outer beauty as well.

Herbs For Healthy Hair

2007-06-13T04:28:00.001-07:00

Hair is a reflection on the overall condition of your body. A healthy and well-nourished body reflects in bouncy and healthy hair. Healthy Hair care encompasses a wide range of treatments ranging from preventive hair care to tips for maintaining long hair. Because healthy hair is dependent on the health of the scalp (hair requires a plentiful supply of nutrient-rich blood to nourish the hair follicles in the scalp) it makes sense that eating nutritionally balanced meals will promote healthy follicles and healthy hair growth.

Herbs For Healthy Hair

1. Rosemary: Enhances dark hair.
2. Burdock Root: Promotes hair growth and reduces hair from falling out.

Home Hair Treatments

Here are some herbal homemade hair treatments and natural home remedies for hair, which have also stood the test of time:

1. When your hair looks very stressed, nettles are a wonderful tonic and detox. Infuse dried nettle leaves (some health food stores now carry nettle tea bags) and drink the tea. The infusion can also be used as a hair rinse.

2. Home remedy for conditioning your blond hair - To shine and condition blond hair, rinse in chamomile tea. Add one teaspoon of lemon juice to a liter of tea for extra shine.

3. If your hair is very dry, infusions of elderflower, parsley or sage is a great home remedy for dry, frizzy hair and it will calm the frizz and restore moisture.

4. Greasy or oily hair will benefit from a rinse made with lemon balm, rosemary, lavender or mint. All these herbs will calm the scalp and reduce the sebum production. Learn more about natural remedy or shampoo for oily hair.

5. Red heads add highlights to their hair by using a strong infusion of calendula (marigold) as a hair rinse.

6. A rinse made with sage will darken brown hair as will an infusion of rosemary. Both can also be used to darken gray hair, giving a brown tint.

Lotion Candles - 6 "Scentsible" Buying Tips

2007-06-13T04:27:00.000-07:00

What are lotion candles? If you’ve not heard of them, you’re not alone. First appearing on the market in 2004, they are just now starting to gain a presence in the marketplace.

Whereas candles were once simply a functional way to light the dark, candles are now most often purchased to scent homes or to add a romantic or relaxing ambiance.

Lotion candles, also called body candles and massage candles, are yet another type of candle, this one serving several simultaneous functions. While they light a room, provide a wonderful ambiance, and emit subtle fragrance, lotion candles also contain cosmetic ingredients that make them a superb body moisturizer and massage oil alternative.

Because of their ingredients, a true lotion candle will melt at a very low temperature, usually at just 101 – 102 degrees. At slightly above body temperature, they are warm and not hot.

When shopping, how do you know if you’ve found a “true” lotion candle of good quality? Here are six tips to help you shop wisely.

1. Does the candle label list ingredients? Because lotion candles are intended for use on the body, they fall under FDA guidelines. Lotion candles should have all ingredients listed in order of prominence on the product label. If ingredients are not presented, the maker is not in compliance with the FDA.

2. Does the label list net weight and manufacturer contact information? As an FDA regulated product, the net weight must be included on packaging. The phone number and/or address of the manufacturer or private-labeled reseller must also be present.

3. Is the fragrance skin-safe? Not all fragrance is. Some traditional candle makers are now beginning to make lotion candles as well. If those candle-makers are not familiar with bath and body product requirements, they may be using fragrance oils not intended for body use. If you are buying from an independent candle-maker, be sure to ask about the fragrance they use. Fragrance that is not skin-safe can cause adverse reactions.

4. Is the fragrance used in skin-safe amounts? Even if a fragrance is developed for safe body use, the amount of fragrance used in lotion candles is only a fraction of the amount used in a traditional scented candle. Using more can be toxic to the skin. Beware of anyone touting a lotion candle that is “highly scented” or that can “scent your whole room.” Such claims almost guarantee that there is too much fragrance used and that the candle is not skin-safe, even if the fragrance oil used is skin-safe by definition.

5. Does the container make it easy to access the melted lotion? Many traditional candle jars will make it difficult to get to the melted liquid for easy and convenient use. The container should be easy to dip into to access the melted lotion.

6. How does the candle feel when applied? If you’re able to sample, a quality lotion candle will not feel waxy or leave a heavy residue. If it does, your candle is most likely made with traditional candle wax. Quality lotion candles feature cosmetic-grade ingredients that will provide your skin with the greatest benefits. A quality lotion candle should melt into a moisturizing liquid that fully soaks into your skin within a few minutes leaving a silky, soft feeling.

If you haven’t tried a lotion candle yet, you’re in for a treat. Just do your homework to ensure that you’re buying a candle made by a quality manufacturer that follows FDA guidelines and uses high quality ingredients. Then just light it and pamper yourself or a partner with the rich, warm lotion. Enjoy!

Essential Body Oils

2007-06-08T03:28:00.001-07:00

Essential body oils can only be used when blended with a suitable carrier oil onto the skin or in the bath. These oils are not suitable to be used neatly onto the skin as they are very strong and may effect the body in certain ways as it penetrates through the bloodstream. Certain oils can not be used when suffering from epileptic fits, high/low blood pressure, kidney disease, hyper-sensitive skin etc. Sesame oil is very beneficial to make skin smooth and soft. One can use this oil with combined another oils like coriander, lemongrass or bergamot. Pregnant ladies should avoid certain oils, please consult a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils. Essential body oils are fragrant, highly concentrated, volatile extracts from flowers, leaves, spices, fruits, woods & roots, each with its own benefits to the body & mind.

Essential body oils are used in aromatherapy, environmental fragrancing, and bath, body care & massage products. Because of the quickly evaporating, volatile nature of essential oils, they usually leave the body within 48 hours. For instance, a drop of Essential Oil placed on a cloth or napkin will completely disappear within a few minutes to a few days, leaving no trace or stains. One should use mixture of olive and almond oil to the hands before going to bed at night. One should this oil regularly to make hand soft and strength. Almond oil or vitamin E oil is very effective to reduce dark circles under the eyes. One should apply a few drops of almond oil or Vitamin E oil under the eye area. There are many essential oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, sesame oil, olive oils and tea tree oil for different parts of the body.

Essential body oils are generally extracted by distillation. Other processes include expression, or solvent extraction. They are used in perfumes and cosmetics, for flavoring food and drink, and for scenting incense and household cleaning products. People who have oily skin can use oils such as sage, camphor, peppermint, clove and cypress. One with sensitive skin can use olive oil for moisturizing. Aloe Vera oil is unbeatable for removing inflammation and irritation of the sensitive skin. If one has a cellulite disease, keep in mind take a steam or hot bath with a few drops of any essential oil as they tend to block pores in the skin. One can also use vegetable oil such as jojoba oil or olive oil for the body.

Essential body oils may be defined as odorous pure plant essences, they are complex chemical compounds produced by photosynthesis and obtained from the plant by one of the following extraction methods:

1. Steam distillation.

2. Solvent extraction.

3. Hand expression/cold pressing.

4. Maceration.

Learn Manicure and Pedicure at Home

2007-06-08T03:27:00.000-07:00

A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands enjoyed by both sexes. A manicure can treat just the hands, just the nails, or both. A standard manicure would usually include filing and shaping of the nails and the application of polish. French manicure is the latest and popular method in the nail fashion. A similar treatment performed on the feet is a pedicure. A manicurist can also apply treatments to real nails, such as painting pictures or designs on the nails or applying imitation jewels.

French Manicure:

1. Begin by removing any old nail polish with a cotton ball or pad.

2. Next, exfoliate your hands with either a salt or sugar scrub and then rinse thoroughly.

3. Apply a cuticle cream or drop of sweet almond oil to your cuticles. Leave on for a few minutes and then using an orange wooden stick, carefully push back cuticles until they are all even with each other.

4. The best way to shape nails is to keep them straight across the tips and round on the edges. Never file nails back and forth across the nail.

5. Next, apply a clear base coat over each of your nails and allow a few minutes to dry. A base coat will help strengthen nails.

6. Finally, apply a clear topcoat for shine and added protection to your french manicure.

French Pedicure:

1. First, remove any old nail polish from your toes with a nail polish remover.

2. Next, soak your feet in a tub of warm water. You can add a sweet almond oil to soften feet, if you'd like.

3. Use a cuticle cream or oil to gently push back cuticles.

4. Place a toe foam separator between toes and apply one base coat of clear nail polish.

5. Apply a translucent pink or nude nail color over the entire toenail. Allow to dry before apply a second coat.

6. Finally, apply a top coat to give your new french manicure shine and protection.

Manicure purpose:

1. Its main purpose is to keep hands, arms clean and in good condition.

2. It prevents long nail formation.

3. It discourages the wrinkles on the skin on the hand which is the first sin of ageing.

4. It prevents nail damage like fragile tips, splits.

Purpose of pedicure:

1. To keep the feet clean, fair and in good condition.

2. To make the skin soft and smooth.

3. It improves blood circulation, nourishes the skin of leg and the foot muscles.

4. To keep the toe nails clean, well shaped and shiny.

Beauty Pageant Hair Tips

2007-06-05T04:10:00.001-07:00

When it comes to competing in and winning beauty pageants, one important step that cannot be overlooked is your style of pageant hair. Unlike your body structure, natural physical characteristics, or inherent personality your hair is one of the easiest qualities that you can change. You can easily change hair color, length, style, or go from curly to straight without much effort. However, if you change your hair too much, you run the risk of damaging it. Dry, frizzy, or over processed hair is not going to win you your next crown, therefore it is vitally important that you care for your hair properly and choose pageant hair styles that are not only complimentary, but are gentle to your hair as well.

One of the first resolutions that you should make is to never color or perm your hair yourself. Always leave these steps to a professional. Commercials, print ads, and even local sales people may try to sell you on the idea of highlighting or adding low lights to your hair at home, but these procedures do require an expert who has a license. You can ruin your hair as well as your chances simply by coloring or perming your hair at home, so always leave the chemicals in the hands of professionals.

You may also discover that the hairstyle that works best for you is one that compliments your natural hair texture as well as face shape. If you decide to make a complete color change, such as going from brunette to blonde, then you may want to seek the advice of a hair colorist. You can schedule a consultation where the colorist will look at your hair and discuss the toll that such a color change may mean to the condition of your hair. Beauty pageants are a serious commitment, and you will need to commit to maintaining your hair color throughout the entire competition. Roots or new growth will look dreadful, so it is wise to find a hair colorist that you trust and feel absolutely comfortable with.

If you are looking for pageant hairstyles to wear throughout the competition a great place to start is by watching videos of past pageants. Be sure to take special notice of the hairstyles worn by the winner and the runner-ups. However, take into consideration the contestant’s face shape because a winning hairstyle on an oval shaped face may not look as dazzling on a woman with a heart shape faced. Always tailor your hairstyle for your particular facial shape and bone structure. Again, discussing these options with your hairstylist is an excellent way to determine what styles accentuate your best features.

If you are considering adding clips or decorative accessories to your hair be conscientious of how these items will look with your gown as well as other jewelry pieces. It is always better to choose accessories in a conservative manner then to over use them. You can always ask the advice of your hair stylist as well as beauty pageant trainer before deciding on additional hairpieces or accessories to wear.

A Beginner's Guide to Beauty Pageant Dresses and Gowns

2007-06-05T04:09:00.001-07:00

When it comes to beauty pageants, everyone knows that pageant dresses and gowns can make or break a contestant. Choosing the best pageant dress is critical to ensuring that you have given the competition your very best effort. Along with exuding self-confidence, poise, and grace your choice of pageant gown may be the determining factor of how the judges score your performance. It is important that you make the decision of what gown you will wear carefully.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a pageant dress is color. When choosing the color of your dress, it is important to understand what colors look best with your natural skin tone and hair color. Certain colors are more flattering to the wearer then others and you should never choose a dress simply because it is your favorite color. You may find that working with a pageant trainer is the best way to develop your eye for shades and ensure that you choose pageant dresses that compliment and enhance your skin and hair tones, rather then work against them.

Knowing your body shape is vitally important when selecting a dress. Always choose a dress that compliments your shape. If you are long waisted, then don’t choose a dress that has a short waist line, and vice versa. You will also need to consider how revealing you want your dress to be. Judges may look unfavorably upon some dresses that are too low cut or have excessively high slits. Knowing what the judges are looking for is crucial for making your decision. It is also important to follow any rules and guidelines set forth in the pageant competition.

The season that the pageant is hosted in is also an important factor to consider when choosing a pageant gown. Different colors are associated with certain seasons and it is important to choose a color that is appropriate for that time of year.

You will also need to ensure that the dress fits perfectly. If it is too tight around the bust or too loose, you may end up forfeiting the win. You will also need to determine what type of neckline your pageant gown should have. Your natural figure and shape will determine what type of neckline will look best on you. The neckline should also compliment as well as enhance your shoulders.

Knowing your body type and choosing a dress that enhances your best features is essential to winning beauty pageants. You will also need to be wary of choosing a dress that has too many patterns or extra detailing. If the gown looks too “busy” the judges may not be impressed and you may walk away with a very low score. Studying past pageants may help you decide what the judges are looking for when it comes to pageant gowns. You want to make sure that you choose a gown that looks smashing, but not trashy. Choosing gowns that compliment your skin tone, don’t reveal too much flesh, and have tasteful patterns contribute to ensuring that you will look poised and graceful in your next pageant.

Kinerase Review - N6 Furfuryladenine As An Effective Skincare Ingredient

2007-05-21T03:54:00.001-07:00

Kinerase Skin Care Review - What sets it apart?

Kinerase Products are perhaps some of the most recognized and popular skin care treatments today, as proven by a kinerase product's appearance on nearly every best selling and top rated list in the skincare and anti-aging markets. But why the popularity and success you ask? What is it about the kinerase products that have them consistently sitting near the top of all recommended, ratings and top selling lists? Why does a new product introduced to the kinerase brand name quickly rise to the top of its field I wondered, and decided to do a little internet investigation to pinpoint what truly is different or special about the kinerase products that have the general public convinved they are truly worthy of the publicity and fame they achieve.

One thing Kinerase contains that the rest don't

Sitting Kinerase above the rest of the pack, was the inclusion of the proven effective ingredient kinetin (or the technical name: N6-furfuryladenine) This N6-furfuryladenine molecule is actually a plant growth hormone, although more recently a scientist began to run tests on it to find its worth and anti-aging effectiveness in human cellular longevity.

Soon thereafter the studies and clinical research came up with some pretty impressive results in kinertin's ability to retard aging in human cells, effectively preventing future premature skin problems as well as working to reduce current cellular and skin health damage. With its biological, chemical and natural occurrence already being well documented in the pharmaceutical industry in the past, it was then patented as an anti-aging molecule having passed and proven itself in these studies.

Kinetin or 'N6-furfuryladenine ' is currently found in two skin care product lines, the highly expensive treatments of 'Kinetin by Osmotics' and the more cost effecting Kinerase brand products. The inclusion of kinetin / N6-furfuryladenine is the only thing I was able to pinpoint as being sufficiently different then that of most other available antiaging creams, and as such is quite possibly the reason and effective active ingredient behind Kinerase's exceptional performance and fame.

Kinetin / N6-furfuryladenine as an anti-aging ingredient

Kinetin is an essential growth and maintenance factor in plant life, and was suspected and then proven to be similarly beneficial in human cellular activities.

In a 48 week independent study done in 1996; N6-furfuryladenine was found to be both highly effective and safe in reversing the clinical signs of photo damaged facial skin during extended application onto the skin across multiple weeks.

Working effectively at a deep cellular level for the reduction of wrinkles, fine lines, and other various aging related skin problems such as; blotchy hyperpigmentation and skin texture, it works by slowing down the natural cellular aging and death cycle, as well as helping to heal and repair premature damage and restore cells to a healthy state.

Also worth mentioning, is the fact that unlike similar deep active treatments such as Renova, studies and customer kinerase reviews do not shown any signs or subjective symptoms of irritation to the applied skin area, a highly uncommon but awesome bonus for those with sensitive skin looking for an appropriate 'gentle' anti-aging approach.

In conclusion

Everything suggests that Kinerase products will continue to grace the top of the charts for quite a while to come. They have established a brand presence and following like few companies have, and continually build upon and improve their lineup of superior anti-aging and skin care products.

Expect in the near future for their continued success but also some more treatments and products coming out that utilize the power of N6-furfuryladenine and kinetin.

It is highly effective and potent, and with only two skin care companies utilizing its effectiveness thus far with awesome success, expect to see many competing brands finding and formulating their own version of this powerful anti aging ingredient in the very near future, as more people like you and me continue to find wrinkles and lines appearing, and desperately search for the most effective and suitable solutions to younger more appealing skin!

A fellow consumer in the beauty, skin care and anti-aging markets, Donna Ogwal frequently researches and reviews products in this gimmick filled market, reporting back information and worthiness on the products that do or don't deliver on their promises.

20 Quick and Easy Make-up Tips

2007-05-21T03:53:00.004-07:00

Here are quick and easy make-up tips. Anybody can use these as they are not targeting anyone with special features.

- If you do not have time for a full make-up, but want to look great. Paint on a bright red lipstick. At least its happy and glamorous color will immediately brightens your face.

- Sweep a little loose powder under your eyes when applying dark shades of eye shadow to catch any falling specks and prevent them from staining your skin.

- Make your lips look larger by wearing a bright, light lipstick. Or make them appear small by wearing dark and more muted colors.

- If you do not have a specialized contouring product for cheeks, simply use an ordinary face powder a couple of shades darker than your usual one to slim down the cheeks.

- Add a drop of witch hazel available in all good drug stores to turn ordinary foundation into a medicated one, it will work wonders on oily skin, which is prone to acne and pimples.

- Mascara your lashes before applying false ones to help them stick properly.

- If you look tired then blend a little concealer just away from the outer corner of your eye - it will make you look as though you had a good night's sleep.

- Never apply makeup before blow-drying your hair - the heat from the dryer can make you perspire and cause your makeup to smudge.

- The color of powder eye shadow can be made to look more intense by dipping your eye shadow brush in water first.

- Keep eye lashes smooth and supple by brushing them with petroleum jelly before going to bed at night.

- Apply cream blusher in light downward movements to prevent it from creasing in specks of color from catching in the fine hairs on your face.

- If mascara tends to clog on your lower lashes then try using a small thin brush to paint color on to individual lashes.

- Make sure you give moisturizer time to sink in before you start applying your makeup as it will help your makeup go on more easily.

- If your eyeliner is too hard and drags your skin, hold it next to a lighter bulb for a few seconds before applying.

- Lip gloss can look sophisticated if you just apply a dot in the center of your lower lip.

- If you are unsure where to apply blusher, gently pinch your cheeks. If you like the effect, apply blusher in the same area.

- To prevent lipstick from getting on your teeth, try this tip. After putting it on, put your finger in the mouth, purse your lips and pull it out.

- Women who wear glasses need to take special advice on makeup. If you are near-sighted, your glasses will make your eyes look smaller. So, go for brighter eye shadows and lots of mascara to ensure they do not disappear.

- A little foundation lightly rubbed through your eyebrows and brushed through with an old toothbrush will instantly lighten them.

- For long lasting blush on sunny days or hot nights, apply both cream and powder blusher. Apply the cream formulation first, set with translucent powder then dust with a little powder blush.

Have fun discovering your new colors.

What You Should Know About The Effectiveness Of Laser Hair Removal Treatments

2007-05-21T03:53:00.003-07:00

The acceptable body image for women in 21st century America has reality has been established by the media and based on the physiques of high fashion models, with their sleek beauty and unblemished skin.

One of the ways in which those models create that perfect skin is through hair removal. Hair removal has become a mainstream cosmetic procedure for both men and women who want to achieve the same look. And many of them have researched the effectiveness of laser hair removal.

What May Influence Your Treatment’s Effectiveness
The effectiveness of laser hair removal procedures depends to a large extent on the heredity and health of the individuals receiving them, and those with greater amounts of body hair should not expect to have it entirely removed. While the effectiveness of laser hair removal may be 100% for some, it may not be for all.

Those considering the procedure should not rely on treatment centers which claim 100% effectiveness of laser hair removal for all their clients. Responsible, professional hair removal practitioners do not promise things that they cannot medically deliver. The best laser hair removal centers tell their clients what to expect on a case-by-case basis, with a clear explanation of the results each individual can reasonably expects. They will also continue to offer guidance throughout the laser hair removal process.

Another big factor in the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatment is the variety of laser equipment which a center has. The best hair removal specialists in the world are only as good as their laser machines. If your treatment center does not have machines suitable for your hair removal needs, you will never be a satisfied customer. Research the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments done by different machined, and find a clinic with the machine which will work best for you.

Safety And Length Of Treatments
Pre-and-post treatment safety measures also greatly influence the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatment. Anyone who will be undergoing laser hair removal procedures in the near future must avoid sun tanning and wax hair removal. And following their treatments they need to avoid sun exposure or anything which will irritate the treated skin.

Anyone considering it should do enough research beforehand to have a reasonable idea of the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatment, and realize that they will have to undergo a series of procedures. The hair in the “resting” phase during the early treatments will have to be removed in later ones, and require a wait of up to three months before it can be treated.

How To Buy The Perfect Contact Lenses For You

2007-05-21T03:53:00.001-07:00

You'll want to take simple precautions to make any lens purchase safe and effective. Before you buy contact lenses from anyone other than your eye care professional, it pays to be a wise consumer. There are 75 million contact lens wearers worldwide and 31 million in the U.S. alone.

Always buy from a reputable company; you can buy discount contact lenses without a prescription, but the company is selling you a prescription device as if it were an over-the-counter device, in violation of FTC regulations - selling you lenses without having a prescription from you. Among the many kinds of contact lenses you can buy are: novelty, colored, crazy, Halloween, special effects, theatrical, costume, scary, glow in the dark, wild eyes, mirrored, black, white, and red.

Soft lenses are easier to adjust and are much more comfortable than rigid lenses, because they conform to the eye and absorb and hold water. Although easier to handle and less likely to tear, rigid gas permeable lenses are not as comfortable initially as soft contacts and it may take a few weeks to get used to wearing the RGPs, compared to just a few days for soft contacts. There are also a few rigid gas permeable lenses that are designed and approved for overnight wear.

Rigid lenses generally give you more clear vision. The expiration date for your prescription is currently set by your state requiring a one-year or two-year renewal; if your state hasn't set a minimum expiration date, government regulation sets a one-year date unless your eye doctor determines there's a medical reason for less than one year. Rigid gas permeable lenses tend to be less expensive over the life of the lens since they last longer than soft lenses.

There are differences in the water content and shape of the lens between different brands. While the ability to hold water increases the oxygen permeability of soft lenses, it increases their fragility quotient as well. Rigid lenses don't absorb chemicals, unlike soft lenses which will soak up residue from your hands like soap or lotion.

The length of continuous lens wear depends on the lens type and your doctor's evaluation of your tolerance for overnight wear. Some doctors prescribe disposables as planned-replacement lenses, which are removed, disinfected, and reused before being discarded.

Check to see if you have a health insurance plan that includes vision coverage. Focus on value, not just the price; most people looking for the best price are really looking for the best value. Get a feel for how the retailer handles customer service calls; in case you have a problem after your order arrives.

Carefully check to make sure the company gives you the exact brand you ordered, the name of the lens, the power, sphere, cylinder, if any, axis, if any, diameter base curve, and peripheral curves, if any. Make sure you have a current, valid prescription when you order contact lenses. When you place your contact lens order, request the manufacturer's written patient information for your contact lenses; it'll give you important risk and benefit information as well as instructions for use.

Always ask what rebates are available. You can buy contact lenses from an eye doctor, on the Internet, from an optical store or a warehouse club. Ask about prices at your doctor's office when you have your eye examination, or during a follow-up visit after you get your prescription.

Extended-wear rigid lenses can cause unexpected, undesirable, reshaping of the cornea. The most serious safety concern with any contact lens is from overnight use. Getting a proper fit is essential; contact lenses that are poorly fitted can lead to eyesores, eye inflammation, and eye abrasions.

Soft extended-wear lenses bind down on the closed eye, but they are porous and allow some tears through during sleep; because they have so little form, their binding has very little effect on the shape of the eye. Don't wear lenses any longer than they're prescribed for, nor when sleeping unless you are otherwise directed. Daily-wear lenses are removed daily for cleaning and are a safer choice, provided they aren't worn during sleep.

If you're looking for cheap contact lenses, you may find that cheap materials or other ways of cutting costs will affect the quality you'll want for your precious eyes. Make sure to visit a reputable eye doctor for a complete eye examination once a year, or more frequently if needed. Laser surgery and its risks can be frightening and too expensive for some people; contacts can provide a safe, comfortable and time-tested alternative.

Makeup Tips For Brown Eyes

2007-05-21T03:52:00.001-07:00

Brown eyes come in many different shades so let’s look at a kaleidoscope of colors to help us to enhance eye color. Colors opposite each other will be complementary so, will work to brighten each other up. For example: Red and green, orange and blue, purple and yellow. Depending on the shade of brown your eyes are will determine the shades of eye shadow you may use to brighten the brown which, may give you the effect of lightening that you are after, especially if you use colors that shimmer. If your eyes have a yellow tinge, try using an eye shadow with a purple tone.

The next thing you need to consider is the one rule of makeup that will always guide you: Light colors bring out, make larger and highlight. Dark colors recede, minimize or contour. So with this in mind you could work with dark eyeliner and light eye shadow colors to emphasize your dark chocolate eyes with black liner, mascara, a smudge of pale pink eye shadow, and finish with lightly flushed cheeks and make your lips your signature. Create lip focus with a red or berry stain. To pull color focus from your eyes, giving the illusion of lighter eyes, go for a deeper shade of lip color.

Dark brown eyes are very versatile when it comes to color accents, and dark brown eyes are such a beautiful feature to have, I would play them up. Compliment your brown eyes with pale pinks, or accent the brown with gold and deep rusts. Have you tried using eyeliner to add definition? One look is to use one sheer glittery eye shadow used all over in combination with a softly smudged liner for a more sophisticated look.

I would definitely recommend you have a play with colored eyeliners. Dark brown eyes look stunning lined in shades of plum mix with a pale mauve shadow, aubergine mix with a shimmery light pink shadow, raisin mix with a mushroom soft brown shadow. Just remember to combine with a lighter shadow or your eyes may look more dramatic. There are various methods of using eyeliner. Pencils are the most versatile eye-defining tools, as you can start softly, blending each layer back if it starts to become too heavy looking. Pencil can be smudged softly, or add depth under an eye shadow for a muted look, or used alone for strongly defined eyes.

Liquid eyeliner is much more dramatic, and can be applied over top of your eye pencil for added intensity, or used under eye shadow to enhance your eye shape. Both of these techniques ensure longwearing eyeliner.

For the most natural way to line your eyes, use a small, firm brush and apply eye shadow as your eyeliner. Make the most of your dark brown eyes, using soft pinks to really bring them out. Use brown mascara for day, and a black/brown mascara for evening or special occasions. Keep eyeliner to a minimum though. Just use it to softly frame your eyes. Avoid all black as it tends to be too strong. Chocolates, deep plums and charcoals smudged into your lashes will do the trick. You might like to try adding a very subtle contour in a soft mushroom color on your brow bone just above your crease and blend this softly.

On the days you feel like your eyes need a pick-me-up, jazz up your eye make-up a little. Graduating your eye makeup from at your lash line to your brow will give your eyes more depth. Use the darkest shade along your lash line, and merge into lighter shades nearer your brow. Contouring and shading can create the illusion of different eye shapes. By using dark to minimize and light to make larger, you can play with altering the length and size of your eyes. ?

If you just want to keep it simple, sweep a shimmery pastel shadow all over your lid, curl your lashes, apply 2 to 3 coats dark grey charcoal or dark brown mascara, and add a few individual false lashes on the outer corner of your eyes!

Have fun discovering your new colors.

Curl Your Hair In a Hurry - Without Heat!

2007-05-15T05:06:00.002-07:00

Sleep is too precious a commodity to waste tossing and turning to accommodate rollers. And days are too busy to spend hours in curlers waiting for them to dry. How, then, can we get healthy, luscious curls - without heat, and without wasting time?

Pretty Clips

The easiest way to curl hair on the go - and look good while doing it - is to use decorative clips. These are available almost everywhere, are inexpensive, and come in all shapes, sizes, styles, and colors. Some clips are decorated with "pearls", some with rhinestones, some are plain. You can get colors to match your hair or your outfit. You can get plain clips and decorate them yourself - with glitter, fabric, small silk flowers.

In purchasing decorative clips, make sure:

1. the clip closes down all the way. Look at it sideways when it's closed - do all the teeth mesh together, from front to back of the clip? This is important, because hair will fall out of the clip if only the tip of the clip closes properly.

2. to choose a variety of sizes. You'll need big clips for soft curls, and smaller clips for tighter curls. Check out the newest rage, the octopus. It's perfect for long, thick hair. Scunci makes them in all sizes.

3. Don't confuse clips with barrettes. Barrettes generally won't hold enough hair to create curls.

To use the decorative clips, wait until hair is 90% dry (this will happen naturally as you put on your makeup and do morning chores). Then roll up hair the way you would if you were pincurling it - but use the clips instead. You'll have to use fewer clips than you would pincurls, for aesthetic reasons. For instance, you might pull your hair up into a roll near the top of your head and secure it a clip. Make a second roll of the remaining hair, and secure it too. A few hours later - at work or when you go out that night - take the clips out, spritz with a light-hold hair spray, and your curls are big and lovely.

Note: If you do find your hair slipping out of a clip or an octopus, use bobby pins discreetly to keep the clip in place.

Braids

A stand-by for many centuries. If you don't like the way braids look on you, pin them up close to the head, and add a store-bought pony tail to create a more updated look.

Pony Tails

When hair is almost dry, make a pony tail and twist the hair around a number of times before securing it at the bottom. Your long hair will come out with pretty, natural-looking bed-head curls.

A pony tail, high on the head, with the bottom ends tucked under and held with bobby pins, will yield a sleeker style. Your hair will be smooth and volumized, with a sophisticated look. To keep from getting a crease where the elastic was, use a scarf or ribbon (secured with bobby pins) to hold the pony tail in place.

A bun...

is a classical style that leaves a curly head of hair when taken down.

A French twist...

will create curly hair, too, but it will be fluffier and less symmetrical than curls from a bun.

Pincurls?

Put hair up in close-to-the-head pincurls and don a pretty, wide-brimmed summer sun hat.

Hand-scrunching

Air dry hair until it's the tiniest bit damp. Then add styling mouse and scrunch with hands until hair is dry. This method works best on short hair. You'll get a casual, tousled look.

Root work

Giving the roots of your hair volume and body can make your whole hairstyle look good.

For short hair - use a strong-hold styling mousse toward the end of the air-dry time, and hold your head upside down, fluffing the hair with your fingers. Stand up and don't comb.

For medium to long hair - use a root hair spray. Spray either of 2 ways:

1. Flip your hair upside down, and gently spray the roots. Wait a few seconds for spray to dry before flipping your head back up.

2. Divide hair into sections - perhaps 4 to 6 sections, more or less depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Take one section at a time, hold the hair up, and spray the underside at the roots. Pincurl into place until the spray dries. Continue on to the next section. When letting hair loose, don't comb - just use fingers to put hair in place.

Hair Extensions - Get The Low Down On How To Have Hair Extensions Put Into Your Hair

2007-05-15T05:06:00.001-07:00

Here is another look Victoria Beckham had for a while, this was while she was growing her natural hair.

Extensions were use through the back and side sections to give the appearance of long hair, they come in a few guises, the simple clip on ones use a comb and clip to hold onto the hair, to apply these just take a neat section line about an inch above the hairline and clip in. work up the head to around the occipital bone, do not go too high with the extensions as they need the natural hair to cover the clip part of the extenuation.

If you are getting too much of a “Line: where the natural hair falls onto the extenuation, try zig-zagging the section, this is done easily by placing a tail comb on the scalp where you want to start your sectioning, and keep the tail comb in contact with the scalp and zig-zag your comb working left to right, the hair that is lying above your tail comb, lift up and you should have a very neat zig-zagged section, clip the extenuation at the root of the underneath hair, then let the zig-zagged hair fall on top of the extenuation, giving a more natural look.

Other ways to secure extensions are glue guns, they can be used on there own or with a plaiting technique then secured with the glue gun. These put individual extensions onto the hair and can last up to 3 months with careful shampooing and brushing.

The more expensive extensions are secured in the same methods but are made up from various colours of hair extensions, these will look the most natural and you can add up to 3 colours of hair with a few strands of a highlighter colour, the skill is mixing and matching up to your clients hair, but this can be gained very quickly. The price charged for this service can range between £350.00-£500.00 and upwards, because of the skill level, the time it takes and the amount of different extension colour swatches you will use.

Getting Rid of Dark Circles with New Laser and Sclerotherapy Treatments

2007-05-15T05:05:00.003-07:00

Dark circles are caused by an increase in vascularity in the periorbital region. This is mainly due to loss of fat or vasodilation (a process by which veins enlarge). According to medical professionals, this vascularization may be caused by a wide-range of factors including; allergies, sinusitis, and many genetic considerations. Although it may be the most helpful to treat the underlying cause, it is often very difficult for sufferers to do this. Rob Darien, co-owner of Dark-Circles.net, agrees. He says, "Searching for the personal cause of dark circles can be a very overwhelming process." When a search in unsuccessful, he says that sufferers should consider two new treatments; periorbital sclerotherapy and vascular laser treatment.

Sclerotherapy is a very popular practice among vein clinics. It's widely known for its use in varicose veins (on the legs). However, it's also proven to be very effective in eliminating that "tired-look." In a five-minute process, the doctor injects a solution into the vein causing little-to-no pain. This eventually causes the walls to collapse, and eventually shut. Darien says, "it leads to a 90-100% disappearance of the vein." While very effective, this procedure is not always a dark circles "cure-all" and not all veins can be treated.

Although sclerotherapy around the eyes has proven to be very safe, some doctors are still hesitant-fearing adverse effects on the eye. So it is crucial that you ask your doctor for their credentials before committing to this or any other procedure.

Lasers have also proved helpful in reducing the dark areas around the eyes. New lasers are being introduced frequently and are better than ever! Currently, a vascular laser will provide a 40-75% improvement in reddish-purple areas around the eyes and will help shrink those unsightly veins!

Some dermatologists admit that two lasers are necessary in the treatment. (For example; both Lyra and Aura -both Gemini) while other doctors use a single laser such as the VBeam, or CoolGlide. Either way, most doctors agree that 4-6 treatments are necessary for visible results. The cost?-$200-500/treatment.

Some Facts and Fictions about Make-up

2007-05-15T05:05:00.001-07:00

The use of make-up has been around for more than a thousand or so years. Artifacts have shown ancient civilizations used make-up for religious ceremonies and for everyday occasions. Since we know that people have worn it for years then why are there so many questions about it.

People still question whether or not make-up is healthy for you, can it cause cancer, or if it is made out of harmful chemicals. The answer to all three of these questions is no, by the way. So, we’re going to lay it all out on the table for you. The people at Makeuptip.com have put together a quick Fact and Fiction list for you of the most common concerns and questions they get from their clients.

Fiction: Cosmetics are not regulated.

Fact: The individual ingredients must be safe, and labeling must be truthful and not misleading. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have legal authority over cosmetics similar to its authority over other FDA-regulated products, such as foods, non-prescription drugs and non-prescription medical devices. For instance, the FDA can take immediate action to stop the sale of any cosmetic product that does not meet its standards.

Fiction: Cosmetics contain dangerous, toxic ingredients.

Fact: FDA regulations require all ingredients used in cosmetics be validated for safety. If it isn't done, the product's label will read: "WARNING: The safety of this product has not been determined." In the U.S., cosmetic manufacturers are required by law to establish the safety of both finished products and its ingredients.

Fiction: No independent body evaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients.

Fact: The cosmetic industry supports an independent panel of world-class medical and scientific experts. They are called the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR). This scientific body examines all available data and assesses the safety of all cosmetic ingredients. CIR publishes its findings in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Toxicology and has restricted or banned the use of hundreds of chemical ingredients due to concerns over safety.

Fiction: Cosmetic and personal care products often contain substances known to or suspected of causing cancer and reproductive problems.

Fact: No credible research has ever shown that any cosmetic or personal care products cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. Chemicals found to be human carcinogens are not used in cosmetics. In fact, almost no reports of injury involving cosmetics have ever been reported.

Fiction: Cosmetic companies can use any ingredient they want in their products.

Fact: By law, every cosmetic on the shelf must be safe. In the U.S., cosmetics are regulated under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which is enforced by the FDA and has the legal authority to regulate the safety of cosmetic products. It rarely needs to use this authority, since cosmetics are made of safe ingredients and because, when necessary, the cosmetics industry has acted voluntarily to withdraw ingredients that have been scientifically shown to be dangerous.

Fiction: Skin-care products are all hype; soap and water works just as well.

Fact: The science behind skin-care products has grown in leaps and bounds over the past twenty years. There is good scientific evidence behind the use of such ingredients as antioxidant vitamins, green tea polyphenols, retinoids, alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids and essential oils in skin-care products to minimize wrinkles, fade dark spots, and strengthen collagen.

Oxylight Review

2007-05-15T05:04:00.000-07:00

The Oxylight is a compact, high frequency skin care tool that can be used for the following:

1. At the beginning of the facial

Cleanse, perform extractions if necessary then use the Oxylight prior to applying toners etc.

2. At the end of facial

The stimulating massage produced by the Oxylight allows the moisturizer to sink into greater depths. This helps tighten, tone and firm the skin to reduce the signs of aging.

3. In the declotte area

Use the Oxylight with your day or night moisturizer. This helps reduce the appearance of aging skin in an area that typically receives little home care. This treatment can be done once a week.

4. After waxing

Typically the skin is irritated, red and sore after waxing. By using the Oxylight (with or without a calming solution) after the procedure, the skin is calmer and it minimizes any adverse reactions.

5. After shaving

The Oxy Light is excellent for using on razor burns.

6. After Microdermabrasion

Use the Oxylight with a moisturizer at the end of the procedure. It helps calm irritated skin and reduces redness.

7. Scalp treatment

Make sure the scalp is clean and dry. Sweep the Oxylight in areas to be treated without any product. If you are using a hair regrowth product, apply it about 5 minutes after the scalp treatment.

Here are just a few benefits of the Oxylight:

* Gently exfoliates dead skin cells.
* Stimulates lymphatic drainage and decongests to reduce the appearance of puffy eyes and dark circles.
* Arouses skin functions, giving a face lift appearance.
* Stimulates lazy, slackened skin to produce a firming response
* Refines enlarged pores giving skin a new clarity.
* Improves circulation to keep the skin nourished for a healthier, more vibrant appearance.
* Repairs environmentally weakened and sun damaged skin.
* Increases relaxation and provides relief from facial tension.
* Diffuses skin care creams and lotions, providing a cushioning effect to lift away fine lines and wrinkles.
* Limits sebaceous secretions maintaining a perfect balance between oil and water production to keep the skin supple.

Best Product for Shaving Pubic Hair

2007-05-08T04:40:00.003-07:00

Finding the best product for shaving pubic hair starts with the disposal of your old razor blade, and ends with the purchase of a new personal shaver;

Personal shavers are by far the safest and most effective method for shaving pubic hair. Perfect for women and men, these amazing little devices will leave your pubic area smoothly shaven without the risk of ever nicking or cutting yourself, even sensitive regions such as the testicles.

Unlike regular razor blades, personal shavers are used on dry skin and hair. This makes pubic hair shaving less messy and more time efficient.

Let us take a look at what makes personal shavers such an effective pubic hair removal tool;

One of the most noticalbe differences between a personal shaver and a regular shaver is its cylindrical shape. This shape enables you to shave even the most awkward regions of you pubic area without ever cutting your self.

Personals shavers have a combination of special rotary blades and a thin foil. This combination ensures that there is no risk of ever cutting your self while getting the smoothest shave possible. These rotary blades are able to remove the most stubborn and curliest pubic hairs in your pubic area with no effort at all.

In order to get the best results out of your personal shaver, always hold it at a slight angle whilst shaving. Keep in mind to move the personal shaver in small circular motions on the area you wish to shave. If you come by any loose skin, simply pull the skin tight with your fingers before shaving that area.

Before purchasing any personal shaver, always do your research to make sure you are purchasing a good quality one. Poor quality personal shavers have a reputation of leaving you with an unsatisfied shaving experience and risk of nicks and cuts.

Barbara Harrington Shares Her Best Make Up Tips For The Brow - WOW for Brows!

2007-05-08T04:40:00.001-07:00

EyeBrows: Creating the Frame of the Eye

The key purpose for eyebrows is to prevent moisture (such as perspiration or rain) from going into the eye. The shape of the eyebrow and the direction which the eyebrow hairs point make sure that this moisture flows sideways around the eye to help protect the eye. Plus, the protruding brow ridge and the eyebrows also help shade the eyes from sunlight.

Eyebrows create a frame for the eye. Our eyebrows are linked to our expressions in amazement, surprise or anger.

So....It is important to discover what the best shape for your eyebrows is without sacrificing their natural appearance.

To create the best shape, and have maximum control, tweezing is best. However, that is not say you can't have your eyebrows waxed, but you lose on the control aspect.

Eyebrows - Basics 101

The beginning of the brow should align with the center of the nostril.

The arch of the brow should fall at the back third of the eye.

The eyebrow should follow the length of the eye but it shouldn't extend into the temple area. The basic rule is that the front part of the brow should never drop below the back part of the brow.

Tips To Thicken Thin Eyebrows:

Eyebrow should begin parallel to inner corner of eye and end just beyond eye.

Eyebrow is fullest at Nose Bridge, gently arches and softly tapers at the end.

Start at the bridge of the nose with EyeBrow; apply color over entire eyebrow area in short hair-like strokes.

Tips for Full Eyebrows::

The beginning of the eyebrow should be in line with inner corner of the eye and end just beyond eye.

Use a feather-touch stroke with brow color to fill in any areas with sparse hair.

Blend with eyebrow brush.

Brow Tips: To Tweeze or Not to Tweeze...That is the question

Most of us need to tweeze (at least a little bit), to allow the brow to suggest a more finished look to the face. Besides the general rule of using a very good tweezer, it's a good idea to go to a reputable eyebrow professional at least once. It's worth the $12.00 to $15.00 to have her decide what's right for your face and establish the line for you. You can take over from there.

The reason for going to a professional is so that you know which hairs you need to tweeze, and which ones to leave alone. Knowing which ones to tweeze really makes all the all the difference in an attractive brow vs. one that isn't.

If you don't do this professionally, try different shapes over your brow first to get the right one for you first. And follow the stenciled shape the best you can.

To help you really see what you are doing, use a good magnifying mirror (at least with 5x magnification).

Go Slow - Check your work.

Your brow should align with the center of the nostril.

Eyebrows should follow the length of the eye, and not extend into the temple area.

Avoid over tweezing!

Don't tweeze a thin line thinking it will make your eyes look larger...because it won't and it wall be not easy to correct.

To make it less painful, tweeze immediately after showering.

How To Thread At Home?

2007-05-08T04:39:00.003-07:00

One of the best methods of upperlip hair removal is threading. Threading removes the tiniest and finest hair right from the root. Here's how you can thread at home.

Getting rid of hair on the upperlip is extremely annoying. If you get it waxed, you need for it to grow a certain length before you can wax it again. If you get it threaded at the parlour, you wait until there is a slight green shadow before visiting the parlour again. Bleach isn't very good for the skin and it leaves the hair lighter but not completely invisible. And hair removal cream doesn't remove the hair from the root, causing hair to grow back thicker.

The best method of hair removal from the upperlip is threading. You don't have to wait for hair to grow a certain length threading removes the tiniest and finest hair right from the root. Tweezing does the same as well, but tweezing is more painful, more time consuming, and tends to leave in-growths.

If you have easy access to a parlour just across your home which charges Rs. 5 for upperlip threading, you can skip this article. But if not, here's how you can remove upperlip hair at home, easily and quickly.

Take around 2 feet (24 inches) of thread length. Make sure you use a good quality, strong thread. There is no special thread for threading, you can use any thread as long as it is strong and doesn't snap easily.

Take both ends and knot them up. You need to have a circle of thread. Although beauticians normally use thread straight from the reel keeping one end in their mouth and holding the other end, you don't need to get so technical especially because you will not be able to thread your own upperlip in this manner.

Now hold the thread with both hands, and wind it around ten times. The wound bit now lies in the center of the circle.

Now, place the thread around the fingers of both hands. Push the wound portion towards one hand by widening the fingers of one hand and simultaneously closing the fingers of the other hand.

Similarly, by opening the fingers of the closed hand and closing the fingers of the other hand, push the wound portion in the other direction.

Keep practicing pushing the wound portion back and forth. Once you are able to push back and forth easily, you can move on to the other step practicing on a body part.

It is best to practice threading on your leg. Most people have a lot of hair on their legs and their legs are easily reachable. They don't have to strain too much to look for hair or to reach it, and they don't have to look in a mirror.

Sitting on your bed or on a chair, prop up one leg and identify the portion from which you want to remove hair. Place the thread on this portion. Let the wound part be one end of the hair, and the thread from the other side should be on both sides of the hair you want to remove. Now, move the wound portion to the other side, making sure that it catches the hair while moving. It will then lift the hair from the root as it moves back and forth.

Effective Cellulite Solutions

2007-05-08T04:39:00.001-07:00

We liken it to orange peel or cottage cheese. Women have it, so do men. Cellulite, also known as dermatomyoliposclerosis, affects the young, the old, the fat, the slim, the gym-sculpted and the couch potato. General estimates say up to 90 per cent of women have it. But can we do anything about cellulite? Cellulite is a disease of the fat level of skin. The fat cells are arranged in chambers surrounded by fibrous bands. When there is a build-up of toxins and poor lymphatic drainage, water retention occurs and cellulite forms. The fibrous bands can contract, resulting in a permanent dimpling of the skin.

Unfortunately, once formed cellulite is hard to dispel with lifestyle changes alone. Many have suggested drinking more water, exercising and eating healthily, but none of these are effective. Even liposuction, often touted as the cure for cellulite, can worsen the situation. Hormonal changes also contribute to cellulite, which partly explains why women are more prone to it, and genes are thought to play a part. Cellulite appears largely on the thighs and bottoms, but can be found on the inner knees, hips, lower abdomen and under the arms.

Advances in Aesthetic Medicine have brought with it a number of effective cures for cellulite:

1. Mesotherapy improves the circulation, dissolves excess fat deposits and removes hardened fibrous connective tissue. Mesotherapy can dispel cellulite after 6-10 sessions, but mild to moderate cellulite responds as well, if not better, to machine treatments.
2. Endermologie, the use of suction and rolling technology, physically improves the circulation and expels toxins from the affected areas. The skin tone is improved, and even end stage fibrotic cellulite can be less visible after such treatment.
3. Ultrasound treatment can melt the fat in the treated areas and therefore reduce the bulging in the affected area. Coupled with lymphatic drainage, toxins can be eliminated for effective cellulite elimination.
4. Biomesosculpture is the latest in cellulite treatment. This technology stimulates the extra-cellular matrix surrounding our cells to reduce toxin stagnation. The infusion of a luxurious chocolate slimming cream infused with pure plant botanical and homeopathic extracts (ivy, dandelion, juniper) reduces cellulite and fat buildup. MRI studies show the instant inch-loss is due to fat reduction and not just water loss. The slight rise in temperature generated stimulates collagen production, hence stimulates skin firming and rejuvenation.

Of all the treatments listed thus far, Biomesosculpture shows the most promise as it treats cellulite formation at root cause. This detoxifying treatment has immediate, permanent results. With minimal downtime, this treatment is safe enough to use every day. Cumulative inch loss is far greater than surgical fat reduction if sessions can be taken in close succession, with the major advantage of minimal discomfort or disruption of normal activities. Ten sessions are suggested for each area. Results may continue to improve after the treatment course, as the toxins causing the imbalance and stagnation have been eliminated. Biomesosculpture can be used for spot reduction, reducing the appearance of cellulite, lymphatic drainage, buttock lifting, thigh tightening, waist reduction, hip reshaping and stomach rejuvenation. It can also be used for facial rejuvenation and chin/jaw line lift.

Finding Your Best Hairstyle

2007-05-08T04:38:00.000-07:00

We see them everywhere; on TV, on magazine covers while we wait in shopping lines, and sometimes,on occasion, on a friend or a stranger. Just seeing a great hairstyle and falling in love with it is only the bare beginnings of creating a whole new you. Before sitting in your stylist's chair and expecting miracles from him or her, let's discuss what you need to take into consideration before those scissors touch a single strand.

First of all, consider your lifestyle. Do you work indoors in an office all day? You can afford to spend the extra time on your look should you desire since there should be nothing working against your hair such as wind or rain. Or are you out in the elements? Perhaps you go to the gym after work and need a style that dries by itself and yet still looks presentable? A precision cut or permanent wave may suit this type as they both would dry stylishly on their own. Longer hair of course should be clipped up in the wind to protect its health as well as its beauty.

Secondly, how much time do you really have to spend in the morning to create your fabulous look on a daily basis. Not how much time you'd like to spend or think you will, yet the harsh reality of how many actual minutes on the ticking clock do you have before you really need to hit the road to work or school? An everyday look should fit into your routine.

Should you only need a few, quick curls, then plugging in the old curling iron every morning will become second nature having it ready for a couple of quick applications. Do you shower in the morning and would rather have a cut that you can just blow dry or flatiron and have it lay right in place? Your style will demand more trips to the salon for trims as any style that has that precision cut to keep it low-maintenance will have to have the style kept "in shape". And this doesn't necessarily mean a short haircut as medium length styles can have blunt lines or textured ends to speed up the styling process having them styled straight or perhaps in a little "flip".

Have a little more time to spend on your do? Perhaps you would like a little more body or curl. Large, loose curls are are the rage now, ranging from gigantic 3-5 vertical curls that are left undisturbed to fall freely during the day to the more time-consuming S-waves. Should you prefer the latter on a regular basis, you should consider a design-wrap perm to lock these defined patterns in and cut your styling time way down. This will be less damaging to your hair in the long run as you won't be applying the direct heat from appliances on a daily basis.

So now you have an idea of time and environment. The next step is the hardest. Your head and facial shapes, as well as your neck structure are all very important things to consider in determining how well you might carry off that cute style you just saw. Unless you are fortunate enough to have a perfect oval face, a well defined jawline, a sleek neck of average length, all of which are well-balanced enabling you to wear short, medium or long styles of any type, you need to face the facts that you probably cannot wear just any hairstyle that you fall in love with.

Brush all your hair back off of your face, clip it or place a headband. What do you see? An oval, a square shape? Heart? Is it oblong? Or Diamond shaped?

Square, Heart and Oblong shapes usually tend to have "high foreheads". These require a part close to the center that allows hair to fall along the temples and covers up the majority of the forehead. Though the best remedy for this situation are bangs, or as they call them abroad, fringe. Bangs cover or break up areas that we would prefer to disguise.

Diamond and Heart shaped faces have very narrow chins and styles that hit about the jawline is best to help "fill in" this weak area. Or a longer style could be worn with layering in this area that may be textured with curls which would also serve the same purpose. However, Square and Oblong shapes have thick, wide jawlines and it's best to draw attention away from this area. These face shapes should not have a hairstyle that widens this area further. Hair should be flat (straight) against the sides of their chins or at least much longer or shorter to draw attention up or down away from the chin or jawline. Remember this can apply to anyone with a double chin or thick throat area as well.

These same rules apply to the top of the face. A short forehead, one who has a hairline that comes down close to the eyebrows, also needs camouflaging. Bangs are an option here. Diamond, Square and Oblong shapes do not want hairstyles that comb back to expose these flaws. It's best to allow hair to fall on the forehead somehow to disguise your less than perfect hairline.

A Diamond or Oblong shaped face needs to be very careful to avoid hairstyles with fullness across the nose and eye level as these styles will only make their face shape appear wider here. Neck length can appear shorter or longer according to your needs, depending on your style and its length. This physical characteristic is often overlooked.

Now to discuss your hair color. Yes, it's something you really need to consider as it can make or break any hairstyle. You can have the best haircut in the world for you, however, if the color is all wrong, it ruins the whole look. For those of you, who already color their hair or are considering it, know these important factors. Black and very dark shades are not just for the young-at-heart, they are for the younger and younger looking crowd only. These unforgiving colors will only harshen the features of anyone who has found themselves with fine lines and wrinkles. Very fair, porcelain skin should steer clear of very light shades as this usually washes them out.

Determine if you are a warm or a cool color person. Yes, it's something else to think about, yet it is a good thing to know not just for hair color, yet for makeup color and clothing colors as well. While some folks are lucky enough to wear either one, some look only good in one or the other.

Look good in pinks, blues, or violets? These make you a "cool color person". Only look good in warm colors? Then you usually select reds, oranges, or yellows. Green is a neutral shade and some colors steer away from their usual temperature. For example, red can be cool if it has purple undertones like say a burgundy and yet it can be quite warm if it has more of an orange cast to it.

Why is all of this important?

Well, if you are a cool color person, you cannot wear true reds or an auburn hair color unfortunately. Ever see a redhead wearing purple clothes? This is an extreme example, yet I think you get the picture. Likewise if you only look good in warm colors, anything violet, blue or possessing a blue cast would be out of the question.

Yes, there IS a lot to consider when you are talking beauty and fashion. However, once you sift through all the determining factors and find what really works best for you, you'll learn to really spot a great haircut or style that would be perfect for you instantaneously. And shopping for clothes and makeup will become much easier and fun!

Spare yourself the heartache of crying yourself to sleep knowing your hair will take forever to grow out from a bad style. Find a stylist who will really, truly listen and who has this knowledge and then some. ALWAYS take pictures with you when you want to make a hairstyle change. Not only will you know both of you are on the same page about your looks, you will reap the rewards of all your homework and knowledge. And feeling better about yourself can only lead to more confidence and a better outlook on life in general.

Contact Lenses - Buying Tips To Save You Money

2007-05-04T04:07:00.004-07:00

Always buy from a reputable company; you can buy discount contact lenses without a prescription, but the company is selling you a prescription device as if it were an over-the-counter device, in violation of FTC regulations - selling you lenses without having a prescription from you. Now it's easy to order the perfect contact lenses online at a great discount. Ophthalmologists (M.D. or D.O.) are eye surgeons who study and treat eye diseases and can also perform the duties of optometrists; optometrists (O.D.) examine eyes, diagnose and treat vision problems, and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and in most states they also can prescribe medicine; opticians grind and dispense eyeglasses and in some states dispense contact lenses.

Before you buy contact lenses from anyone other than your eye care professional, it pays to be a wise consumer. You'll want to take simple precautions to make any lens purchase safe and effective.

Although easier to handle and less likely to tear, rigid gas permeable lenses are not as comfortable initially as soft contacts and it may take a few weeks to get used to wearing the RGPs, compared to just a few days for soft contacts. With planned-replacement lenses, the doctor works out a replacement schedule tailored to the needs of each patient. Extended wear contact lenses are used for overnight or continuous wear ranging from one to six nights or up to 30 days.

Extended wear lenses are usually soft contact lenses; made of flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. Extra-thin soft lenses are on the market for very sensitive people. Rigid lenses generally give you more clear vision.

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are more durable, resistant to deposit buildup, and generally give a clearer, crisper vision. Keep in mind contact lenses are often more complex than appears. You can mark rigid lenses to show which lens is for which eye; they don't rip or tear, so they're easy to handle.

Bifocal correction is possible with both soft and rigid lenses. Soft contact lenses are made of soft, flexible plastics that allow for oxygen to pass through to the cornea.

When you place your contact lens order, request the manufacturer's written patient information for your contact lenses; it'll give you important risk and benefit information as well as instructions for use. Carefully check to make sure the company gives you the exact brand you ordered, the name of the lens, the power, sphere, cylinder, if any, axis, if any, diameter base curve, and peripheral curves, if any. Get a feel for how the retailer handles customer service calls; in case you have a problem after your order arrives.

Compare prices - get quotes from two or three online and offline suppliers. Always ask what rebates are available. Check out how long the online supplier has been in business before you buy.

You can buy contact lenses from an eye doctor, on the Internet, from an optical store or a warehouse club. When you receive your order, if you think you've received an incorrect contact lens, check with your doctor or eye care professional right away; don't accept any substitution unless your eye care professional approves it. Make sure you have a current, valid prescription when you order contact lenses.

Don't wear lenses any longer than they're prescribed for, nor when sleeping unless you are otherwise directed. Heat disinfection is the only method effective against the microorganism Acanthamoeba keratitis, a common culprit for contact lens wearers, and it also kills organisms in and on the lens case. Extended-wear rigid lenses can cause unexpected, undesirable, reshaping of the cornea.

Soft extended-wear lenses bind down on the closed eye, but they are porous and allow some tears through during sleep; because they have so little form, their binding has very little effect on the shape of the eye. Microorganisms may be present in distilled water, so always use commercial sterile saline solutions, if you plan to use enzyme tablets in water for disinfections. The FDA has approved extended-wear lenses for use up to seven days before removal for cleaning; but there are risks with use of extended-wear lenses even for one night.

If you haven't had a check-up in the last one or two years, you may have problems with your eyes that you're not aware of, or your contact lenses may not correct your vision as well as you'd like. If you're looking for cheap contact lenses, you may find that cheap materials or other ways of cutting costs will affect the quality you'll want for your precious eyes. Shopping for contacts online will save you a lot of money; contact lenses are deeply discounted.

Daily Wear Make-Up and Beauty Tips for You

2007-05-04T04:07:00.003-07:00

I don’t know about the rest of you out there, but I HATE wearing make-up every single day. Am I right? I’m not sure which part I hate the most. I hate waking up earlier than normal to put it on and make sure I did it right. I hate the way it feels after wearing it for ten hours. I hate coming home and going through all the trouble of taking it all off, just to reapply it the very next morning. It all gets very monotonous.

It’s not easy being beautiful. It isn’t a simple task having to apply make-up on a daily basis and still maintain that new and fresh look everyone knows you for. Make-up worn everyday isn’t very good for your skin, either. That’s what we’re here for. Here are some tips from the experts at Makeuptip.com to help you with some of the above mentioned problems:

* Always remember that if you use make-up on a daily basis you should use only quality products. Wearing the cheap stuff everyday isn’t very healthy for you. Therefore choosing the right brand is an important step as it is directly related to your skin care and health.
* For daily makeup, powder make-up is preferred because it not only keeps the shine under control but also contains less preservatives and skin irritants as compared to their liquid cousins.
* If you cannot avoid using liquid foundation, then try to pick one with a silicone base. They are less likely to instigate a touch of acne.
* If you apply make-up daily, you also need to remove it daily. You may need to use a make-up remover. Remember that when using remover to clean out waterproof make-up, it also wipes out the protective layer of sebum from the skin; therefore you should use waterproof cosmetics only occasionally.
* You should never use make-up that has crossed its expiry dates because it could be extremely harmful. Normal life span of make-up:
o Mascaras: about three to four months
o Foundations: last for one year
o Lipsticks: last for one year
o Powder: last for about two years
o Eye shadows: last for about two years. You should also clean make-up brushes and sponges regularly.
* Pencil eyeliner and eyebrow pencils that are wax based should be preferred because they can be cleaned off easily by using water only.
* Light earth tones are preferable since they not only give a natural look but are also less likely to cause a skin irritation than some of the darker tones.
* You should stick with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. A sunscreen with an SPF15 or higher and with ingredients such as zinc oxide is very effective in avoiding UVA rays.
* For a quick at-home pedicure, scrape the dead skin off the soles of your feet after a shower using an emery board. Next, rub them with lotion and push back the cuticles of your toenails.

The key thing to remember is to find a look and a routine you are comfortable with and one you like. If you’re not comfortable using a certain type of make-up, then why would you wear it? Daily makeup helps us feel more confident, and nothing is sexier than self-confidence.

Tips for Wearing Your Makeup Correctly Around the Office

2007-05-04T04:07:00.001-07:00

The look of how you present yourself is more important than ever these days for women. It’s especially more important for women who work in an office environment. We want to be taken as serious business professionals but we also want to keep our femininity. After all, isn’t that what makes us women? We also don’t want to wear too much make up and come off as childish or unprofessional. It’s quite the tightrope we women need to walk.

Make-up experts all agree that it is a fine line what women need to walk in an office environment. Today’s women need to show they are just as strong as a man; that they can keep up with a man, and yet still show they are soft and kind like a woman. Here are some quick suggestions for an office environment friendly make-up routine:

* First off, clean your face with cleansing wash does not contain any harsh ingredients. After cleaning your face, apply a layer of toner for removing excess cleanser and unclog the pores and then massage your face with a little bit of moisturizer.
* Do not use face cream or foundation on the face. If you have a smooth complexion, you can get away with some foundation with a few drops of water and toner for translucent the skin. Use a small amount of powder and pat it on the cheeks by using a brusher.
* After you do all this, apply some eye makeup by using an eye liner, eye shadow and some mascara. Apply a liquid eye liner to define your eyes that extra little, and lastly, apply one or two coats of mascara.
* Put on a light-shaded lipstick. Blot it to give a natural look by using tissue papers.

You’re one hour away from quitting time and you get the email that you have been scheduled for a last minute meeting with a potential client or investor. Now, it’s been around seven to eight hours since you’ve checked your make up so what do you? The answer is don’t panic. Here are some tips for those quick emergencies like this:

* First, pat a little bit of compact powder on your face, and then define the eyes in large size. After you do this, press your eyelids softly with a cotton swab or your finger. It should give you a smoky effect.
* Use blusher on the chin, forehead and cheek bone. Apply lip liner and lipstick on lips.
* Apply a dark lip liner on top of the lips for making lipstick for long term period. You can apply only lipstick in case of having no lip liner if you NEED to.

Make-up Foundation - Today's Wonder

2007-05-04T04:06:00.001-07:00

While I was still lying in my bed this morning and it was so hard to lift my body, I was thinking about foundations. This is the time during the day when I usually get the most wicked ideas. But this time I was thinking what would happen if foundation would simply disappear from this world. That no girls would wear foundation anymore. Could you imagine what would happen? Can you imagine all the Hollywood movies and all the blister and fame they have. What would happen with that, when all the supermodels would suddenly show all those pimples and acne?

There is more to this. Camera and strong lights when shooting movies reveal every skin condition there is. Suddenly all the actors would look 5, 10, 15, maybe 20 years older. I would feel old. Actually I think that suddenly watching movies would feel like I waked up in a world that is 20 years later from yesterday. Maybe I would even go crazy and start pulling my hair, what do you think?

I'm a make-up artist. I put foundation on girls daily. This is the part of make-up that takes me the most of my precious time. It takes me like 10-15 minutes to apply foundation and all concealer stuff, to hide blemishes, redness and to make other corrections. Suddenly if foundation would disappear from this world, I would probably lose my job. Even if I could still apply eyeshadows, lipsticks and blushes, without foundation it would be all worthless. Well at least for most of the girls. Not all girls like using foundation, but lately I notice that more and more girls use them. It seems like acne actually has gone worse in the past few years. I don't know is it polluted air, junk food we eat but all these things show on our skin. Even more and more guys use foundation lately, not me though.

I think cosmetics, specially foundation is a today's new age wonder. Millions if not billions of girls use it to make them look more beautiful, and they do look better. This means when you walk into a store and cute young girl smiles at you, you just can't resist to buy whatever she sells to you. This means even if you feel bad and want to yell at everyone, when you wait in line in bank for 40 minutes to finally get for what you came for, you just want to yell at that person behind the glass. But when you see that nice smile and gorgeous looking girl that looks at you, you just can't do anything else but smile back. Isn't that a wonder? What would happen if those girls would have big nasty pimples and didn't cover them with foundation? Wouldn't that make you act differently?

That's what I was thinking about this morning. Foundation has become an item used every day like mobile phones. We don't think much about how it changes our life.

It is very important to know the right technique to apply foundation. Because otherwise it may not look natural or it may not cover all the pimples or other skin problems. Ok, that's it for today. Now I should really get dressed and get ready for work, enough of thinking for today.

Retinol - Essential To Get Rid Of Dark Eye Circles

2007-05-04T04:05:00.000-07:00

Retinol, the active form of Vitamin A, is a yellow fat-soluble, anti oxidant vitamin important in vision and bone growth. It belongs to the family of chemical compounds known as retinoids. Retinol is ingested in a precursor form; animal sources (milk and eggs) contain retinyl esters, whereas plants (carrots, spinach) contain pro-vitamin A carotenoids.

So what does Retinol do for you? Retinol helps to plump skin. This is very effective when it comes to combatting fine lines on the eye area. Retinol also thickens the epidermis. Now, this is valuable for the eye area as the skin around the eyes are twice thinner than the skin on the face. Therefore, it is highly sensitive and has a lesser ability to build collagen to smooth the skin. Retinol also helps to improve texture and blood circulation. As we already know by now, dark eye circles are mostly caused by your capilaries around your eye area. These capillaries sometimes break very easily thus leaking blood around the eye area which results in red, purple or blue rings under your eyes. These are actually your dark eye circles. Therefore, use creams that also has Vitamin K in it as Vitamin K helps to constrict capillaries.

Hence, with retinol, it helps to circulate your blood around the eye area so blood will not be pooled in the eye area so easily. Besides, the skin in the eye area are the thinnest thus they are easily damaged by sun. Retinol helps to rebuild damaged cells from harmful UV rays.

Here are some good food sources rich in retinol:

Sweet Potato

Carrot

Kale, boiled

Mango

Turnip Greens

Spinach, raw

Papaya

Red Bell Pepper

Apricot

Cantaloupe

Milk, Fat Free

Romaine lettuce

Egg, large

Milk, whole

Tomato, raw

Broccoli

Green Bell Pepper

Orange

Apart from eating a diet rich in retinol, you can also indulge in some highly recommended eye creams/masks that are infused with retinol as part of your beauty regime. You can find out more of these creams in recommended retinol eye creams

Flat Irons Work Better With The Perfect Blowout

2007-04-30T03:16:00.001-07:00

Starting with clean damp hair, before you use any appliance that generates heat, you should generously spritz a heat styling protectant all over your hair to protect it from the excessive heat and to also add additional moisture, volume and shine. After thoroughly spraying the protectant from roots to ends, you are ready to begin blow-drying.

You should section your hair off into manageable 1 to 2 inch pieces. Start by parting your hair down the center from the front to the back of your head, gently pull each section to either side, and secure each side with a clip. Then take each side section and divide it into 2 pieces, above your ear and below, again securing the remaining sections above your ears with more clips so this hair is out of your way until you are ready to style it. Continue creating smaller sections and securing them out of the way until you are left with a section of hair that is easy to work with, and is small enough to fit into the brush you are using.

A good, round ionic brush is recommended to generate negative ions. The negative ions are created from the heat of the blow dryer. Once generated, they enable the moisture to be sealed into the hair cuticle. This increased amount of ionic energy allows the brush to slip through your hair without pulling or snagging.

Using a round barrel ceramic/ionic bush, take a small section (about 1 inch wide) and starting with the back of your hair at the ends, roll the section of hair loosely around the brush up towards the roots. Holding the dryer with the nozzle pointed at the hair section about 2 inches away, slowly pull the brush and the dryer down the section to the ends, and continue going over this section until it’s completely dry.

Working your way around your head from back to front, keep sectioning off and blow-drying each piece, until your hair is completely finished. It’s important to blow-dry your hair first to prepare it for styling. A good blow out gives your hair the smooth, perfect base needed for styling with any flat iron.

Flat Irons That Turn Dull Wavy Hair Into Straight and Shiny Hair

2007-04-30T03:15:00.004-07:00

Modern flat irons can straighten wavy or curvy hair like magic. However, not just any flat iron can also make that straight hair feel silky smooth and look shiny… This article will tell you what features to look for in a flat iron that not only makes hair straightening easy, but also makes hair silky smooth and shiny.

Ordinary flat irons may straighten your hair, but they may also not change your hair's dull appearance. If you have such an iron, hair care products or conditioners may be able to rescue your hair. If you decide on purchasing flat irons with the features mentioned here, you may not need to use these additional products.

Here are some of the important features to look for in a flat iron that will transform curvy dull hair into straight shiny hair…

* Tourmaline -- Negative ions seal the outer layer of the hair helping to retain moisture and eliminate frizz. Tourmaline is a gemstone that when heated delivers six times more negative ions than ordinary flat irons.

* Ceramic Plates -- Even heat distribution prevents damage to the hair – With ceramic plates there are no hot or cold spots so you can style in a single pass.

* Infrared Heat -- Heating the hair from the inner core allows hair to dry without damage to the outer layer. Infrared rays penetrate hair and heat it from the inside out.

* Temperature Control -- With the right temperature, you can straighten any type of hair, whether it's fragile, normal or coarse. Flat irons that allow you to select the heat setting will make straightening hair easier.

To recap, in this article, we have learned about what to look for in a flat iron that will turn hair that was dull and curvy into hair that's shiny and straight. We learned that the best flat irons have tourmaline ceramic ionic plates, generate infrared heat and provide temperature control.

Many flat irons made today have almost all these features. But which of these flat irons are the best ones? The second part of this report on our web site, lists the best flat iron brands.

How To Enhance Smaller Eyes

2007-04-30T03:15:00.003-07:00

You don’t have to be any magician to create flawless illusions. As a former model I picked up all sorts of little tricks from the various make-up artists I worked with. They would say their most often used trick in their magic bags is to “use the powers of light and dark to illuminate the good and hide the bad”. Such drama queens they are. But they are true goddesses of illusion.

What you will require for this little exercise is:

Dark brown or black pencil or liquid eyeliner
White pencil or liquid eyeliner
Lash curler
Mascara (brown-black, black or charcoal)
Light frost eye shadow
Medium color matte eye shadow

Always apply eye shadow first before liner or mascara. Brush a light frost eye shadow on the brow just under the eyebrow. I like to use yellow. (Only use gold or white if you are going out at night because it comes off as a little harsh.) The yellow really opens up the eyes and it makes me glow. For a little added glamour, or as I call it my sly sexy look, I dab a bit on the inner corners of my eyes (and maybe a dab on the highest point in my cheekbone!). Take the medium color matte eye shadow and sweep it on the outer half of the eyelid for contour. If you wish to use dark eye shadow, use it only in the outside corner area and sparingly. Remember, dark hides and shrinks.

Next the liner. Start with a fine line from the inner corner of your eye as close as you can get to your eyelash. As you past the midway point of your eyelid, make the line thicker. Extend your liner beyond the corner of your eye a little to open your eye. This will make your lashes look thicker and longer. For even more of an open-eye look, line the inside rim of your lower eye with white liner. Never completely surround your eyes in a dark liner if you have small eyes; this is counterproductive. One makeup artist did this to me once. And I do mean only once.

And finally for lush luxurious lashes, curl them. Then the mascara. Apply one coat on your eyelashes. Wait a few minutes to see the effect. Then apply second or a third coat to darken your eyelashes more. This will make your eyes look larger as well.

Use lighter shades of eye shadow or a slight shimmer on your lid to really open your eyes, and also use an iridescent highlighter under your brow.

We use the dark to diminish and light to enhance. These are a few tricks that can create the illusion of having bigger eyes.

Liposuction And Plastic Surgery - Are You Confused?

2007-04-30T03:15:00.001-07:00

Some people may be confused about what liposuction and plastic surgery are. In many ways its like talking about the difference between a fruit and an apple. Liposuction is a form of plastic surgery. Many people think of plastic surgery as something to do with your face. Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that can be done on many parts of the body from the knees all the way to your face. The confusion may also lie in the word plastic. If you look at Wikipedia "The word "plastic ' derives from the Greek work plastikos which means to mold or to shape." That is why plastic surgery encompasses much more than face lifts.

Liposuction and plastic surgery in general have much in common but specifically liposuction deals with removal of excess fat primarily away from the face. Plastic surgery is typically associated with nose jobs and face lifts. Both liposuction and plastic surgery are extremely expensive procedures. If you are considering liposuction or any of the other forms of plastic surgery that are out there you need to consider whether you are the best candidate for them. You don't want to throw your hard earned money at a procedure where you do not have a high chance of success. As a generality, liposuction and plastic surgery procedures are ideal for those in their 50s, are mildly overweight by approximately 10 pounds and don't have a great deal of wrinkles.

Liposuction is more successful with those who are not obese or extremely overweight. Removing more than 15 pounds is usually not considered safe and if you want to do this you will have to go back for multiple surgeries. Both liposuction and plastic surgery leave scars. A face lift will leave scars behind your ears and liposuction will leave them on the belly button and skin creases depending on what kind of liposuction you are having.

In order to maximize your success before performing liposuction and plastic surgery ensure that you are physically fit. You will also have to follow strict guidelines depending on the cosmetic surgery involved. Know the facts beforehand to make sure you have the discipline and will to follow through on these or else the procedures will not produce the results you expect. Liposuction and plastic surgery also have similar cost challenges when it comes to being covered by medical insurance. Typically most procedures are not covered unless the problem you are trying to address is posing a health threat to you.

Cosmetic procedures typically take several months of recovery. Complications can develop but a lot of that depends on you. Follow the doctors instructions throughout the process. Make sure you research the specifics of the procedure you are considering whether it's liposuction or any other form of plastic surgery. Plastic surgery can be a the road to a younger, slimmer, healthier you.

Eye Wrinkle Cream Review - Which Are The Best Eye Creams That Work?

2007-04-30T03:14:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for an eye wrinkle cream that really works? Well, not all eye creams are the same, because not all of them gives impressive results. So impressive that you look at least 10 - 20 years younger than you are! Well, Hydroderm eye wrinkle cream is one of those creams that has such results. And you know what, the eye area is an important area to have looking younger.

Why?

Because it's the area that a person notices the most when they see you. So if you want to make a dazzling fist impression, use an eye wrinkle cream that works.

Here's how Hydroderm eye serum works.

Hydroderm Triple Effect Eye Serum has these three mechanisms of action:

1. Firstly, it provides hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a component of out skin that decreases with age. It's important for binding water and hydrating our skin properly. When we replenish it, wrinkles are reversed.

2. Secondly, Hydroderm eye cream supplies chamomile, an anti-inflammatory ingredient. This means less puffiness, swelling and redness which is a feature of aging skin.

3. Thirdly, it supplies AH3, an ingredient that relaxes muscle. This means that deep lines and wrinkles are reduced around the eye area. And when you have all three ingredients in action, you get wonderful results.

So much so, that many women are looking ten or even twenty years younger than their age, with this cream alone.

When you look at the photo testimonials, and before and after pictures, you'll quickly realize how well Hydroderm eye cream works. And the best part is that you can get a free trial sent to you, to try the cream out for yourself and see the results.

For less than the cost of going for coffee, you get to try out this top eye wrinkle cream! And when you see yourself looking years, and even decades younger, you'll never look back. It's wonderful having great skin, especially in the eye area as it's most sensitive to aging. And when you look after this area, with an anti-aging wrinkle cream that works so well, you're helping your skin to look youthful for years to come.

So go ahead and get great looking skin and look way younger than you are. You'll have all your friends totally envious of you, and ask you how you did it!

Creating the Elusive "Lunchtime Facelift"

2007-04-25T05:17:00.001-07:00

The "lunchtime facelift" has been the holy grail in plastic surgery for quite a while. The idea of providing facial rejuvenation with no downtime appeals to both plastic surgeons and patients. Get your treatment, look improved and freshened, and immediately go back to work, out on the town or, for some of our entertainment patients here in Beverly Hills, head over to the red carpet at an awards show. Who wouldn't want to get their facial rejuvenation and then have no recovery?

Essentially all of the so called "no downtime facelifts" or "lunchtime facelifts" simply did not live up to their billing. As a plastic surgeon, I know that surgery involves recovery. It is just the way the body responds to a surgical procedure. Traditionally, if the body did not react to the procedure, nothing much was really done and few changes were visible when all was said and done.

But now we have many nonsurgical techniques that can create instant facial freshening -- removing or smoothing wrinkles, plumping lips -- with no recovery. Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra and other new products provide facial rejuvenation and do not create scars or undue swelling. They can help achieve that elusive goal of improvements without downtime. This is perhaps the biggest revolution in plastic surgery in thirty years.

These products work very differently. When we do Los Angeles Botox we are using the medicine to paralyze some of the tiny muscles in the face. The twitching of these muscles creates a skin wrinkle on the skin that lies above it. If the muscles lay quietly, they do not tense and cause a wrinkle in the skin above. Botox is extremely safe, its results are predictable, and it can create fantastic improvements in facial appearance. My sister recently had it for the first time, and it dramatically improved and freshened the look of her face – just like I have seen it do for countless other of my patients.

The we use skin fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm we work to provide bulk under the skin to fill in wrinkles from below. They are very effective for both small lines and larger ones, such as the nasolabial folds which run from the sides of the nose toward the outside edges of the side of the mouth and the so-called marionette lines that go along the side of the chin.

Each person's face is different, so each person will do best with a different noninvasive treatment and nonsurgical skin rejuvenation. But the various procedures do provide fast changes with little or no recovery. Where in the past the “weekend facelift” was illusory, it is now possible to create dramatic changes without downtime.

Hair Extensions Salon Is The Destination For Good Looks

2007-04-25T05:16:00.002-07:00

Hair extensions have come as a boon for those women who lack the perfect hair for some reason or the other. If you are of those women who do not have beautiful hairs for some, you do not have to worry at all. Hair extension is a process through which you can attach new hairs to the existing ones and increase the length of your hair or simple add volume to your exiting hair. Hair extensions are a process and if you are willing to undergo the process make sure that you do so only under the supervision of a professional hair extensions expert. The best place for you to go for this is a hair extensions salon. Here is the place where one can undergo different types of hair extensions procedures depending on your looks and also what you need.

In today’s context looking good and presentable is very important for being successful in your personal, social and professional world. The type of hairstyle that you carry is important in making your look beautiful. Seek appointment in a hair extensions salon to talk about the whole process of hair extensions. Well if you have decided that you want to undergo the process, you must make sure that you have a thorough knowledge about all the things which are associated with this. You are experimenting with your hair when you decide to visit the hair extensions salon and for doing something so important you must do your homework really well and be absolutely sure what you want to do.

There are plenty of hair extensions salons from where you can get the process done. Just be sure that you find the best hair extensions salon for this. Before you seek consultancy from any of the hair extensions salon, take the trouble to find out if the consultancy is offered for free or not. Most hair extensions salon do provide this service free of cost, but there are some salon that charge for this consultancy. Make sure that you go to that hair extensions salon which provides the service free of cost. Well, who would live to shell out dollars just because some professional has just spoken to you about the thing? Be careful about this before you seek their services.

Hair extensions are bond to the hair with the use of different types of bonding or chemical glue. The chemicals that are used can contain certain materials which can be harmful or cause allergies to people. If you are susceptible to allergies of any type talk with the professional at the hair extensions salon, beforehand. Take care to follow all the after care methods that the expert asks you follow for this. After all this is your hair, and you will do good by following all that the expert at the hair extensions salon asks you to do.

Hair extensions salon is juts the ideal place to get that new hairstyle which you have been dying to get. When you go to a social gathering with the new hairstyle, you are sure to catch the attention of one and all. That is not all your hair can become the topic of discussion in those gatherings and your friends will surely envy you for this.

Peter Symcox is a professional writer, who has an extensive knowledge of hair extensions and their necessity in the fashion world. He works for Jaiainc and likes to disseminate his knowledge of hair extensions to people suffering from hair loss.

Pubic Hair Removal

2007-04-25T05:16:00.001-07:00

Pubic hair removal is becoming a regular routine for women and men nowadays. Whether it is for reasons of style, to the more practical reasons of hygiene, pubic hair removal is definitely here to stay. Let us take a look at the best method to get rid of unwanted pubic hair;

Though there are many methods available for removing pubic hair, one of the more popular methods is the use of a personal shaver. This especially holds true for men.

So, what makes personal shavers popular?

Personal shavers have been designed in such a way that it is virtually impossible to cut, nick or bite the area of the pubic region. Because of the safety features of the personal shaver, it is also perfect for shaving the testicles.

Let's face it; using the trustee old razor can be quite a messy and time consuming affair. Personal shavers on the other hand can be used on a daily basis, leaving you smoothly shaven in no time at all. Also, because personal shavers are a "dry shave" method, there is little to no mess involved in the whole routine.

However, please keep in mind that not all personal shavers are same when it comes to quality. Using a poor quality shaver can leave you with more cuts and bites than the trustee old razor.

It is advised that you do as much research as possible before you purchase one of these devices. Doing so will ensure that you are left with a smooth shaven pubic area without the nicks, cuts or bites.

Factors Affecting Breast Augmentation Recovery

2007-04-25T05:15:00.002-07:00

Generally speaking, most patients have a similar recovery experience after breast augmentation surgery. At first, patients are stiff and sore and experience swelling, minor bruising, redness and discomfort surrounding the incision locations. Patients need to wear a special support bra, limit their movements and get a lot of rest during the first 24 hours to aid in the recovery.

During the first day or two, it is recommended that patients have a friend or loved one assist them with making meals, preparing ice packs and taking their pain medications at the appropriate times. Most patients are usually back to normal activities within the first few days and then back to work within a week of the surgery as long as their jobs do not require strenuous physical activity.

Scars from the breast augmentation surgery will usually begin to fade in about four to six weeks, and the breast shape should settle into its permanent positioning during that time. Most patients are entirely healed and enjoying the final results of their surgery between six months and a year from the time of the procedure.

Although most patients have similar recoveries overall, there are some factors that can influence the ease and length of recovery. The most important factors to consider are your age, medical history, skin characteristics and the surgical methods used by your cosmetic surgeon, including the implant type and implant placement.

Age and Pre-existing Medical Conditions

The younger you are, the easier and faster your recovery time will likely be. This is because your body is more resilient and able to heal at a quicker pace. Healing time can also be affected by other health conditions you may have or medications you must take on a daily basis. You should discuss your medical history and medications thoroughly with your cosmetic surgeon to find out if you will need special post-op care due to these factors.

Skin Type and Characteristics

Your skin type and characteristics can also impact your recovery time and the extent of scarring and bruising you experience. If you tend to bruise and scar easily, you should expect to see more bruising, scarring and a longer overall recovery than the average breast augmentation patient. Make sure to discuss this with your cosmetic surgeon so he or she can plan your follow-up appointments accordingly and ensure that you know the proper exercises for keeping scar tissue and additional post-op complications to a minimum.

Procedure and Implant Type

The exact procedure type and breast implant you select can affect your recovery time. For example, if you have selected an adjustable implant, healing time and scarring is usually decreased. This is because adjustable implants are not fully filled at the time of the initial procedure, keeping tension and pressure on the incisions and surrounding tissue to a minimum. This expedites the recovery process by reducing overall swelling and helping the incisions heal as quickly as possible.

If you choose to have your implants placed under the muscle as opposed to over the muscle, healing time will take longer. This is because there are more incisions needed to insert implants under the muscle, which causes additional swelling and bruising.

What Will Be Hot in the Summer of 2007

2007-04-25T05:15:00.001-07:00

Summer is almost here! Is your hairstyle ready? Summer is the time to showcase more skin, don a dark tan, switch up the wardrobe, and change the mane to be in style for the season. Most of us will cringe to think of how difficult it will be to keep our hair looking great during the warmer season. The sun drying out the hair, chlorine from pools being less than friendly, and let’s not forget about the humidity creating frizz!

For those of us who dare to accessorize, there is a summer hair solution. Investing in a wondrous looking wig for summer is a hot idea! Why not? They look great, are easy to manage, and present the opportunity to change your style in minutes.

Style gurus will tell you that the only thing better than having a spectacular hairstyle is to have multiple spectacular hairstyles. Purchasing wigs will grant you the chance to keep your fans guessing and give you the freedom to dare to be different. Men, I am not just addressing the ladies!

So, what is “the look” for the upcoming season? There are several to choose from. This summer will feature a big comeback of curls, and blonde will be the preferred color. It seems that this year will feature styles that are simpler and less showy; too much fuss was last year, but this year will be different.

The buzz word will be ‘voluminous.’ Coming from the stars, movies, and fashion shows, it seems that volume will be in this season. The mavens are saying the thick, full look is definitely sought after.

‘Colourfusion’ (a blend of colors) will also be part of the lexicon of style. Colors are projected to be softer, free of large streaks and strong contrasts. The combination of colors will be those of similar nuances that softly blend in together. Choosing hair clip-ons or extensions would be the perfect way to engage in ‘colourfusion.’

Less will mean more, and simple will mean bold this summer. Hair style and color creates a platform for expressing oneself. Whether one will choose to follow the trends or not will be their own choice, but the message the professionals are sending refers to expression. They encourage everyone to make their own impression upon the world through the means of their individual style.

New Hair Vitamin Discovered: Straight from the Labs

2007-04-23T04:15:00.001-07:00

The search for a true hair vitamin has puzzled scientists for years. Now, doctors in California have identified a vitamin-like substance that looks like the natural solution to balding and unwanted hair loss...

Stunning Results in "Leftover" Mice

Doctors at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles had some mice left over from drug experiments. Some of the animals had excessive hair loss, but were otherwise healthy. They decided to see if they could regrow hair in the mice, by adding a natural extract- known as polyphenols- to their diet.

Hair Loss "Stopped Completely"

The doctors divided the mice into two groups. They gave the first group a polyphenol extract added to their drinking water. The other group received plain water only.

After six months, the mice receiving the polyphenols in their drinking water showed no progressive hair loss. This finding is remarkable and bears repeating. In every one of the mice fed the extract in their water, hair loss completely stopped.

Polyphenols Grow New Hair

The findings on hair loss cessation are exciting by themselves. But the real surprise is the report of "significant regrowth" of hair in animals receiving the polyphenol treatment.

The L.A. scientists found that 33% of the treated mice had significant hair regrowth. They actually referred to this as "spontaneous remission," a medical term usually reserved for unexplainable or miraculous reversal of disease.

No hair regrowth was observed in the untreated (control) group. Other than the polyphenols, both groups were fed the same diet. Both were housed in the same conditions. Only the polyphenol group had zero further hair loss, and substantial hair regrowth.

Science Strongest for Apple Polyphenols and Hair Growth

Previous experiments have proven that polyphenols from apple skins, grape seeds and barley all exhibit the ability to regrow hair in animal and human trials. This is the first report in the literature showing that green tea polyphenols also have some hair growth effects. This study is also important because it's the first time that polyphenols have produced new hair growth when taken internally.

Proof of "Significant Regrowth"

Human clinical trials on apple polyphenols, specifically procyanidins, have shown the best and fastest results in hair regrowth, but have only been tested topically. This latest study is proof that polyphenols, taken internally, have significant hair growth effects in mammals.

The human hair cycle is a complex process. Other vitamins, minerals and hormones are certainly involved in the general health of hair follicles, skin, and other organs. But now, for the first time, you can specifically target hair loss and regrowth with polyphenols- the new hair vitamin.

Natural Hair Loss Product Proven in Clinical Trials

2007-04-23T04:14:00.002-07:00

A drug-free hair loss product, from a surprising source, may be the new answer to thinning hair, alopecia, and male pattern baldness.

"You have no idea what it's like," says Joe Rice, a 60-year-old professional from Fort Wayne, Indiana. "I started losing my hair in my twenties. It's miserable. It has a way of shaping your whole life."

Joe's worn a toupee for years. No one sees him without it, not even his closest friends. He's tried "just about everything" to stop hair loss, including Rogaine and Propecia, without success. But deep down, he still holds out hope.

"I know the drugs work for some people, but they didn't work for me," he sighs. "Just show me one new hair, and I'm a customer for life."

A Serious Problem

Joe is not alone. Millions of men and women suffer in silence from alopecia, baldness and thinning hair. And while hair loss isn't fatal, it is a serious condition with profound psychological effects. For many, hair loss brings feelings of shame, despair, and crippled self-esteem.

New Hope from the Orient

Since 1999, a group of scientists in Japan, led by researcher T. Takahashi, has been studying botanical extracts looking for a safe, effective solution for hair growth. After testing over a thousand different extracts, they found three promising natural chemicals. One was from barley. One from Chardonnay grapes. And one- by far the most potent- was an extract from ordinary apples.

Move Over Minoxidil

One year later, the scientists announced even more striking findings to the international community. They compared the apple extract, known as procyanidin B-2, to the proven hair growth drug minoxidil in cell cultures.

Their results seemed almost impossible: in head-to-head tests, the apple chemical proved to be twice as effective as minoxidil in stimulating new hair growth.

In further experiments on mice, the apple procyanidins, as well as minoxidil, repeatedly produced "extensive hair growth."

Proven in Double-Blind Clinical Trials

In clinical trials on humans, the results were even more exciting. The procyanidins from apples consistently grew new hair in men with male pattern baldness, the most stubborn form of unwanted hair loss- and without any of the side effects of hair loss drugs.

Scientists are normally conservative when it comes to conclusions. But the statements from the Takahashi group were unequivocal. "Procyanidin B-2 therapy," they wrote, "shows potential as a promising cure for male pattern baldness."

For Joe, and 60 million other men and women, this research means new hope. "Of course I'll try it," he says. "Just show me one new hair..."

Maintain Healthy Hair and Nails with Natural Health Products

2007-04-23T04:14:00.001-07:00

Your hair is one of the most obvious first impressions people will get when they see you, simply because it complements all of your other features.

Your hands also tell a story about your life and therefore it is important to take care of these features as well. It is common to note that people often don't consider that their hair and nails have an effect on their everyday lives.

That is to say, when you have a bad hair day it can either make or break your day. That is why it is important to have healthy hair and nails.

It is not a myth used by shampoo ads; it is the reality and a harmonious aspect of being healthy. This is due to the fact that overall health means just that, overall health, not just one component of being "healthy".

Natural health products are wonderful products to use. With the natural ingredients they will nourish and feed your hair, without unwanted side-effects that many chemical products create. These natural health products encompass a number of shampoos and conditioners.

If you have dry hair, there are natural products that will help you solve the problem. Remember that the weather also has an effect on your hair. If your hair sustains a whole lot of damage, you will need to rectify if before it gets worse.

There are also natural health products you can use on your hands. These will enable you to have strong healthy nails by exfoliating dead cells and fortifying living cells with minerals.

A woman's worst enemy is brittle hair and nails. That is why these naturally formulated products are here to help. The key ingredients are mixed together in a way that will ensure that all your hair and nails needs are met.

Besides products that are used externally, there are many natural supplements that are taken internally as well. Any health food store can recommend products which will work in tandem with the external products to produce amazing results on both your hair and nails.

So maybe you should go out and find those naturally formulated health products that will work for you.

Do some research. Find out what your options are and how you can use these special products to benefit you.

At least you will know that you are giving yourself the best care there is by using naturally healthy products.

Thermage - A Miracle of Radio Waves

2007-04-23T04:13:00.002-07:00

It is estimated that more than 100,000 people rush to cosmetic surgeons to undergo the common procedure of having their face lifted. In the United States, this is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both females and males. The reason facelifts are so popular is because the technique wipes years away from the appearance of the face. The results amount to a thoroughly younger look in the skin. But, this is not always the way individuals wish to go especially those who are afraid of having surgery.

Facelifts require incisions that are made in the skin around the scalp, forehead and around the ears. Not only does this approach offer the threat of infection and throbbing pain, but it also takes time from the things you love to do or have to accomplish. Although the procedure lasts about 1-2 hours, the aftermath takes much longer to bear. Sometimes people recuperate for about a month or so, taking time off from work to recover from their facelift.

So, what are people to do when they wish to have a more youthful facial appearance but do not want to have surgery? A current cosmetic approach toward achieving facial improvements is here and it is called Thermage.

How Thermage Treatments Work: What to Expect
As the skin ages, the collagen that gives the face its structure and youthful elasticity starts to deteriorate. This is why unsightly wrinkles and fine lines start to form in the skin. Thermage works to reenergize the skin and promote the gradual increase in newly developed collagen. Through this procedure, wrinkles are temporarily decreased and the face begins to adhere to its former, youthful structure.
When undergoing a Thermage treatment, you will become rather acquainted with a tool called ThermaCool, which is used to tighten the skin, as well as give your face that extra lift.

The ThermaCool device uses what is called the ThermaTip, which produces the RF energy needed to penetrate the skin. It is a doctor that controls how much RF energy enters the skin by weighing your personal comfort with how to provide the best results. The treatment will be conducted in a comfortable office setting.

As the ThermaTip makes contact with the skin, a high level of heat penetrates the deeper layers of collagen. Although a hefty amount of heat is used to encourage collagen growth, there is also a cooling effect that covers the outer layers. This effect also offers protection. As time passes, the skin will continue to tighten and after awhile, a more healthy, smoother-looking appearance is achieved.

Good news for health and safety conscious consumers: the ThermaCool device is approved by the FDA for the effective non-evasive treatment for wrinkles and beyond.

The Difference Between Thermage and Surgical Facelifts
Thermage is a temporary, quick, easy and convenient technique that does not cut into the skin. There is also no downtime involved with this procedure This means no lost wages from taking time off from work. Although the results of Thermage bring about healthier, younger skin, they do not last as long as a surgical facelift. But, this is a small price to pay for not cutting into your skin. Typical facelifts can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, whereas Thermage has a shelf life of about two years. Thermage treatments still last longer than costly injectable fillers that use fat or collagen. These approaches only enhance the skin and face for only 4 to 6 months.

What About the Pain?
There is less pain with Thermage when compared to a facelift. Although you may feel a fleeting sensation of heat, the discomfort is brief. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to later apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment surface. As with the common facelift, the risk of infection or scarring is present and, depending on the skill of your surgeon, you may have paid a bundle for something that does not even meet your expectations. With Thermage, some of the potential side effects include bumps, redness, swelling and blisters; all of which will usually disappear in a couple of days.

Treatment Length
For those that are completely impatient when it comes to how long something takes, you will be delighted to know that the Thermage procedure can take as little as a couple of minutes to an hour. The time period it takes to complete a Thermage treatment is determined by how vast the facial space is. It is so simple that some people have used their lunch hour to have a Thermage treatment. For this reason, it is not uncommon to hear of this procedure being jokingly referred to as the lunch hour facelift.

Thermage Results
After having a Thermage treatment, you will immediately feel slightly tighter and smoother skin. Over time, the tightening process will continue and you will experience additional gradual changes over the course of 3 to 6 months. Depending on how fast your skin responds, increased results may occur sooner. The results are different in each and every patient. How long the treatment will last also varies per patient. You will find that the aging process is different for every person. For the maintenance of Thermage results, additional visits are needed. If not, the face will gradually slip back into the way it looked before treatment.

The Cost
For a single treatment, Thermage may cost as low as $2000 but may go up to as much as $5000. These prices may change over time, so it is best to call a qualified doctor to see what they are charging for a single procedure. Sometimes, financing is available for this face-lifting choice of treatment.

The Benefits of Using Thermage
Besides not having to deal with painful incisions to the face and taking time from everyday activities, Thermage allows patients to accomplish a tighter appearance in their skin. This is what gives the look of youthfulness to the face. For some, it is the eradication of wrinkles that proves most helpful. If your decision is to undergo a Thermage treatment, you will be pleasantly pleased with the results.

The Lure Of the Perfect Antiaging Skincare Treatment

2007-04-23T04:13:00.001-07:00

In this age of anti aging we can find many promises in the skin care market that give use hope that we have found the perfect anti-aging skin care treatment. Most women and even men are now highly motivated to hiding or removing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. We no longer admire the older generation. We actually tend to look down on people who look old or even look their age. We consider that people who have managed to fight aging well are people that are successful and to be admired. If someone does not attempt to fight aging then they are considered weak by some and we actually feel sorry for them. There is no such thing as growing old gracefully anymore, we have to fight it all the way and we are not happy to look our age but have to look younger than we really are.

Antiaging Skincare Treatment Can Help

Skin care treatment can help fight aging but the trick is to know which antiaging skincare treatment is the right choice for you? The market has produced many different creams that, when applied to the face, will remove or hide wrinkles through various chemical processes. There is a wide array of creams, oils, and ointments available from all kinds of places from health food stores to department stores to aromatherapy spas. The main thing that most people look for in choosing between these many products is that they want them to use natural ingredients where possible.

A couple of important creams that are known to be effective are:

1. Microdermabrasion
2. Vitamin K Cream

Microdermabrasion

This has become an extremely popular antiaging skincare treatment involving facial creams. Microdermabrasion is treatment that makes use of a lotion that includes micro beads to remove the outer layers of dead skin that can build up and make wrinkles look worse. Fine crystals or beads scrub the dead and damaged skin from the surface leaving a smother, softer looking skin surface. This treatment is used extensively for anti aging skin care treatments and also for problems with acne skin.

Vitamin K

Using Vitamin K cream has become very popular in recent years. This cream has been used for many different skin complaints but is increasingly being used for anti aging treatment. It is said to help diminish spider veins that will often appear with aging as the skin becomes thinner. A popular way to use Vitamin K cream is to use it on blotchy areas of the face and also on the dark circles which often appear under eyes as we age.

Often you will see a claim that a company has the ultimate cream that will remove redness, lighten pigmentation, smooth wrinkles, remove fine lines and generally fight the signs of aging. Sometimes this "magic" cream is nothing more than Vitamin K cream. They may have added components that will conceal the aging skin problems rather than actually heal them.

Get Advice

It is a good idea to consult a professional about antiaging skincare treatment. Professionals come in many different fields. Of course, there are dermatologists who can do the more involved processes but also the various dermabrasions and peels are now available at many spas and even in good effective at-home products. The best way to find a skin treatment that works for you is to ask around your friends and find something that has worked for someone else. Also don't be afraid to give something a try, see if they have samples or if they will demonstrate it on your skin so that you know at least that you will not react to it. If it is fine then go ahead and try it. Remember to give it a fair trial period, nothing works in one day so allow enough time to see the improvements evolve and you will find your perfect antiaging skincare treatment.

Dry Skin - Helpful Facts Tips And Treatments

2007-04-20T03:14:00.002-07:00

Xeroderma, the medical name for dry skin, occurs most commonly on the lower legs, arms, the sides of the abdomen and thighs and is a very common condition. Only a lucky few of us have 'normal' skin; the rest of us have dry, oily or combination skin; if dryness is your skin problem, read on.

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.

Environmental factors, such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Skin gets exposed to the elements, especially in winter, causing it to become drier. When the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes dehydrated.

Dry skin can be due to a genetic condition but it's not common. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin or result in a chronic dry skin condition that's not relieved by anything else. Bathing or showering too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, may contribute to dry skin.

When the skin is dry and dehydrated, dead skin cells remain on the skin which may block pores and promote acne, zits, blemishes, or other breakouts; drink plenty of pure water. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements, in liquid form, every day. Drink freshly extracted carrot juice, if you can, every day; carrot juice is an excellent cleanser for the liver, great for the skin and contains a great deal of nutrients, all beneficial for dry skin, eczema, acne, zits, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and other breakouts.

Use bath oils and moisturizers, or better yet, coconut oil, daily. Use as little soap as possible, if you have to use any, limiting its use to the armpits and genital area. Avoid all products that have an alcohol base.

After a soothing bath or shower at night just before bedtime, apply a thin layer of coconut oil over your entire body; it'll even last on your skin through your shower in the morning. Use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up, if you wear it, to moisturize and soften your skin throughout the day. I buy coconut oil by the gallon; it's cheaper for a whole gallon of coconut oil than a small jar of department store, name-brand moisturizer.

Coconut oil is the best healing, soothing, and moisturizing treatment I've found for dry skin; in fact all types of skin conditions, skin eruptions, pimples, acne, milia, irritations, cuts, burns, fungus, etc. When you buy coconut oil, make sure you get the kind that hasn't been refined, processed and deodorized.

The skin supports its own ecosystem of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. Sunlight, water and air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy.

Call your doctor or naturopath when your skin feels itchy all over your body, with or without a visible rash. Make sure to call your skin doctor or dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won't heal. Usually we can take care of dry skin without seeing our doctor, but sometimes we can't avoid it.

Tips For Healthcare Savings - What Every Person Should Know

2007-04-20T03:14:00.001-07:00

Are you interested in saving on your health care needs? Do you occasionally need a prescription drug, only to have to do without because you can't afford it? How many times, just this year alone, have you looked at your smile wishing you could go to the dentist?

Not only can you save on these needs, but you can also save on vision and hearing needs as well. With the healthcare savings tips below, you can take care of yourself and family members without going broke.

Save at the Pharmacy

There are several ways to save money at the pharmacy. If you own a business, both over-the-counter and prescription medications are tax deductible. When you file taxes, you can use medical bills as leverage to save on your tax bill. This adds up quickly when buying expensive prescription drugs.

There are also special discount cards designed specifically to save you dollars at the pharmacy. With these cards, you can get antibiotics prescribed by a physician at discounted rates and short-term medications such as painkillers, which you shouldn't have to do without when you need them. Also with many discount prescription drug cards and pharmacy plans, you can visit almost any major pharmacy chain.

Another way to save on prescription drugs is to always ask for a "generic" brand. Generic brands can be substituted for name brand prescription drugs if the physician permits it. Generic drugs are often less expensive but have the same healing properties. There are also herbal remedies that can sometimes be substituted for prescription medications. Check with your doctor and pharmacist to see if this is a possible solution.

Saving at the Dentist

You can also realize savings on your annual dental cleaning as well as root canals. Getting a crown can really make you dig deep into your purse. Luckily there are health savings plans that can help you with these and other orthodontia needs so your beautiful smile can be a reality instead of just a wish. Just as medical doctor bills and prescription drugs, dental bills are also tax deductible if you own a business.

There are also independent dental insurance plans you can purchase if your current insurance company does not offer a dental plan. You can use the Internet to research plans that are available in your state. Though these plans often have a very limited maximum payout per year, they can be helpful in saving on individual dentist bills if you go regularly.

Savings on Vision Care

Does a saving of up to 60% on vision care interest you? It should, knowing that a pair of eyeglasses just five years ago was well over $350! Not to mention the average eye exam at around $75. Yes, vision care can get quite expensive these days. You don't have to put off going to the eye doctor any longer just because you can't afford it. Most people do put it off for that very reason.

Healthcare savings plans and discount cards are also available for vision care. And yes, this too is tax deductible for business owners. Another way to realize savings on eyeglasses is to keep your same frames when getting a new prescription. The new lens can be placed in your old frames so you won't have to pay for new frames.

With these savings, you don't have to feel guilty for taking care of your much-needed eyesight any longer.

Savings on Hearing Care

That old saying, "Nothing lasts forever" can be so true. It seems that the hearing is usually one of the first senses to start fading. You shouldn't have to be embarrassed when the time comes that a hearing aid is needed to boost your hearing. It's all a part of life. Whether you are more interested in ordering products through the mail or visiting a local hearing aid center near you, there are healthcare savings plans to help you save money on hearing products and exams.

Use these tips to realize tremendous savings on your health needs and live your life without worry of outrageous medical expenses!

Homemade Beauty Tips

2007-04-20T03:13:00.002-07:00

Women in today’s generation give more priority to their external beauty. Most of the females who want to have a beautiful look they rush to beauticians that which waste their time, money and finally results in loss of natural skin shining. One can have a healthy and natural beautiful skin by following safe and easier tips at home that does not cause any damage to the skin and which protects the skin for long.

Now many home made beauty tips have been introduced which really gives natural look without causing any damage to the skin where they can do on their own or with anyone help. The variety of tips are in use that which highlights your natural beauty in areas like hair care, blemish removal, skin care, make up, eye care and many others. One can have a face massage with fruits such as orange, papaya, banana, apple and many more with following the directions that really makes the skin shine and blossom.

In case of having fine air, curly air, shining air one can one follow the easy directions in cutting and trimming to make them look beautiful. By applying the sunscreen of good brand can protect the skin from tan. The chemical free sunscreen lotions protect the skin from ultraviolet rays, which damages the skin. Frequent face wash is highly suggested to avoid the dust, pimples and bacteria. You can make your skin glow with the easy steps that can be followed at home like regular wash face before and after bed, Applying the low chemical creams before leaving out that protects the skin from sun tan. The in taking of fruit juices and vegetable juices like orange, apple, carrot, beetroot and other fruits makes your skin shine and healthy.

Moisturizing the face with low content of chemicals keeps the skin tight without any wrinkles. Drinking excess water makes the skin glow where the water helps to eliminate the bacteria and toxins from the body. Cleaning the skin with the cleansing milk is the best tip where it consists of milk factors. One can have the healthy eyes by applying the cucumber juice whenever the eyes are tired and looks puffy. By applying the regular lip gels and the fruit creams can make lips shiny, smooth and soft. It is good to use the fruit creams and vegetable creams rather than chemical creams to have a healthy and beautiful young look skin where the chemical creams slowly damages the skin resistance.

One can make the gorgeous skin by applying the fruits creams, low chemical creams, with regular face wash, in taking of water an juices, with adequate sleep and by following many other easy tips that can make on your own. Simple make up helps the skin from damage. Using the good brand products gives the beautiful look. Apart from all the beauty tips the most and important is one can have the younger and slim body look by exercising daily that which protects the body from extra fat and toxins and gives the energetic glow to the body and skin and also internal and external body fitness.

Hair Styles For Prom - Look Your Best For Prom Night

2007-04-20T03:13:00.001-07:00

So the big day is coming up and you want to make sure that you look your best. You have your plans made, perhaps you have even rented a limousine and you know exactly how the evening is going to go, so what is it that you still want to know? I know what it is, it's the same thing that almost every girl that is waiting for the prom wants to know. You want to look at some hair styles for prom so that you can get some ideas for how to do your hair for the prom. Here are some ideas that are both classic and new.

Many times you can get your hair done in an up-do; this is a classic hairstyle for the prom, and for other things such as weddings, by the way. It involves putting your hair up and decorating it in some way. Many times this is done professionally. You can also make your short hairstyle look sexy for prom night with the right fashion for you. The most important thing about getting your hair ready for prom is to make it both unique and to have it fit in with your own personal features. Looking at pictures of other prom hairstyles can be a great help in deciding what to do.

So get out there and make your decision, then make sure that you have an appointment at the salon if you are unable to make the hairstyle yourself. Your hairstyle for the prom will only last for a day, but the pictures that are taken before prom will last a lifetime.

Hair Removal with Threading

2007-04-20T03:12:00.000-07:00

Unwanted hair growth is a problem for a great number of people. Hair on areas like the hand, foot and face is normally not desired by men and women. In this case people often go for various hair removal methods.

There are temporary and permanent methods of hair removal. Threading is an old method of hair removal. This method involves the use of thread for removing hair. The practitioner rolls twisted cotton threads over untidy hairlines and plucks the unwanted hair. Eyebrow threading technique is healthy since it does not result in in-grown hair.

Threading, inspite of being an ancient method, is still being used in some parts of the world like India and the Middle East. In Arabic this method is called khite whereas in Egypt it is called fatlah. In some western countries also there are beauty saloons that use threading hair removal method. Threading is used to remove hair from entire face including eyebrows, upper lip, chin, sideburns and cheeks. Sometimes it is also used to remove hair from belly button to pubic bone and toes.

While using threading to remove hair from the face, the practitioner holds one end of the cotton thread in his/her teeth and the other in left hand. While doing this the middle part of the cotton is looped through the index and middle fingers of the right hand and the loop is used to trap unwanted hair and pull them from the skin. In some cases some devices can be used to hold the thread during the procedure. Eyebrow threading is a delicate process and requires a professional to perform it. If not done properly, threading scan result in pain and can also cause hurt to the skin.

Eyebrow threading technique is an inexpensive method of hair removal. The process is done comparative fast and is less painful compared to plucking, another hair removal method. The effect of this method of hair removal lasts up to two to four weeks. This method can be used even on sensitive skin. Threading also takes less time to perform. To get both brows done it takes around 15 minutes. It is a safe method since it does not involve use of any chemical.
One disadvantage of threading is that it takes an expert to perform this treatment. It is also hard to find a practitioner of this method. The method can have some side effects like folliculitis, a bacterial infection, skin reddening and changes in skin pigment.Another problem with threading is that it can be performed only on flat surfaces and it is difficult to be done on body areas that are not flat like the bikini line and the knee.

Get Rid Of Unwanted Hair Your Own Way

2007-04-18T05:50:00.003-07:00

Unwanted hair on the face or on the body affects a huge number of women. Some women are likely to develop hair growth where they don’t want it usually during the onset of their puberty period. Unwanted hairs are usually specific traits that are inherited, through families or races.

I. Ways To Get Rid Of Hair:

1. Shaving

This is done either through electric razors or a disposable razor held by hand, that can give about three dozen of smooth shaves. Applying a shaving cream on wet skin will be helpful in achieving a smooth appearance. While this method is very fast, easy and painless, the results are brief; usually will last 2 - 3 days. New hair growth can be bristly giving you rough and even legs that are painful to the touch. Avoid razor burns:

- Always shave with a new blade.

- Shave thoroughly, applying as little pressure as possible, paying special attention to the curves.

- Wash off shaving cream with cold water.

- Apply an aftershave.

- Pat with a towel to dry the area well.

- Smooth on lotion to skin.

2. Waxing:

Waxing is a method of epilation, meaning the hair is plucked from beneath the surface of the skin. The results of waxing can lasts long for several weeks. Waxing involves two techniques, warm and cold waxing. Both can be easily done at home with the use of waxing kits. Warm waxing is usually performed in a salon and more effective compared to cold waxing. Pain is dependent to each individual’s threshold. Hand pressure is applied so discomfort can be minimized. The waxed area will remain red for a few hours.

- In a warmer, wax is heated until it melts.

- Using a spatula, the warmed wax is then applied to the skin.

- A paper or cloth strip is positioned over the wax until cooled.

- The cooled wax becomes slightly hard and the strip is pulled to the direction opposite the hair growth.

3. Depilatory Creams:

These creams work by dissolving the hair on the surface of the skin, which normally takes ten to fifteen minutes. It is applied to the skin and leaving it for a few minutes then washed off using a towel or a sponge. With this method, hair can grow back as fast as shaving and some depilatory creams have unpleasant odors. Chemical depilatories are mainly used for the under arms, arms and legs. Using it on the face will cause irritations unless it is stated in the label that it is safe for the face. Thin hairs are damaged faster than thick ones; therefore these creams may be not effective on certain areas of the body and in some individuals. When applying the cream for the first time, test it first by rubbing a small amount onto an area of the skin. Wait for a few minutes and see if it causes a reaction on your skin. If it does, do not use it. Read and follow the instructions carefully, the manufacture has provided instructions for safety. Do not leave the cream on your skin longer than what the label says for it could irritate your skin.

4. Electrolysis

This method is done by destroying the roots of the hair with an electric current, thereby loosening the hair follicles, and removing it with tweezers. This is a simple process where a very thin needle that is electrically charged is inserted into the hair follicle, where the hair is coming out. The follicle is then zapped with electricity and destroyed.

5. Laser

Hair must be in a growing stage during this treatment, reason why laser is done on a few sessions. All follicles are always not on the same phase and all not at the same time and each stage or phase of hair growth can last from two to six months. Growth, regression and resting are the stages of hair growth. This method disables the ability of the follicle to make more hair. The stage growth and hair darkness will determine how many sessions is required to get rid of all unwanted hairs. Once the session is finished though, one could go on for life without unwanted hairs.

From Lacking To Lushious - What To Look For In A Lip Balm

2007-04-18T05:50:00.001-07:00

They flake. They peel. They crack. They hurt. In addition, they are about as kissable as sandpaper. Nobody wants chapped lips. But cold, dry, or windy conditions or just some bad luck in the genes department can definitely dry out and roughen up that tender and sensitive section of your face. Hence, using lip balm regularly is the best way to keep lips moist and prevent chapped lips. All lip balms, no matter what their ingredients, are, basically, a way to replace or add to the normal, moisture-retaining barrier of the skin. Lip balms functions the same way as lip-gloss, though, the former is more of a treatment and the latter is more on its cosmetic purpose.

1. What Are Lip Balms?

Generally, lip balms are made from menthol, scented oils, beeswax, camphor, petroleum jelly, and other different components like alum, salicylic acid, and vitamins. When buying lip balms, there are certain factors that need to be considered. There are ingredients that when present in lip balms may induce greater result and long-lasting treatment.

2. Go natural

Basically, all lip balms are created for the same purpose and are definitely effective on their own ways. However, it is still important to choose lip balms that contain natural substances. This is to be sure that using lip balms will not irritate your chapped, dry lips.

3. Look for the super friendly oils.

When buying lip balm, it is best to buy those that contain vegetable oils like olive oil and almond oil. These particular types of vegetable oils are useful in bringing back the natural oils to the lips. Hence, you will have healthy-looking, clean, shiny lips.

4. Consider the kind of lip service you want from your lip balm.

Do you want to use it as an everyday alternative to lip-gloss? Are you looking for medical treatment with regards to your super dry, heavily chapped lips? Do you want to provide some sun-block protection to your lips? Or do you just want to have that super protection that you had been longing to have? Lip balm uses may vary from the everyday lip care to the super-protection lip balms.

5. Consider the kind of weather you have on your place.

How often should you use lip balm to prevent your lips from chapping? It depends on where you live and the time of the year. For example, if you live in Denver, the typical weather or climatic condition would be very dry and cold in the winter, and there is a lot of sun. Hence, it is important that you should use a lip balm on a daily basis, applying it a couple of times a day. If your neck of the woods is less dry, less cold, or less sunny, you may be able to use lip balm less frequently.

6. Choose a lip balm with sunscreen.

The lips take a solar beating just like the other areas of the face that are exposed to sunlight, but they typically do not get protection from sunscreen. That is why it experts strongly suggest using a lip balm with a sun-blocking ingredient. People, however, should be wary of using lip balms with sunscreen protection elements. Some people are sensitive to sunscreen, and their lips can become chapped because they are using it on their lips. Hence, if you notice any itching or redness, go back to a lip balm without the extra protection.

7. Observe the first batch of lip balms you have bought

It is really hard to distinguish the different ingredients in lip balms and its propensity to cure chapped lips. In fact, there are instances wherein some lip balms can even make the matter worst. And so, it is extremely important to note if a certain brand of lip balm can actually do more harm than good. If this is the case, then, it would be better to find another brand and look for the possible ingredient that could have caused the irritation. Indeed, it has been said before but it certainly bears repeating: The fastest way for a woman to update her look is by simply swiping a flattering shade of lipstick over her kisses. However, this is not possible if you have dry, chapped lips.

Eczema - Causes And Treatment

2007-04-18T05:49:00.003-07:00

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by a red itchy rash that is scaly and is oozing in some cases. The condition can appear on the arms and legs, cheeks, forehead, and in body parts such as knees and elbows where there are creases. In some cases, skin will have a leathery feel and even crack or blister. Some people also experience a thickening of the skin, red patches and even a slight color change when they have eczema.

1. Skin Conditions

This refers to the skin's inflammation, while atopic means an allergic, and usually genetic or inherited, tendency. The condition is common for infants, although eczema is typically outgrown. The child's condition could be chronic, or recur with regularity, if the problem persists beyond the second birthday, when eczema usually disappears. Eczema can worsen during winter, when dryness pervades the house, and summer, when temperatures could rise to extremes.

2. Treatment

The rashes are easy to eliminate, although they return sometimes even with proper treatment. To prevent eczema, bubble baths, exposure to extreme heat, strong soaps and other triggers must be avoided. In cases where these triggers are sometimes hard to avoid or identify, moisturizers may be the most important weapon one can use to prevent any flare-up of the condition. Since atopic dermatitis can accompany dry skin, individuals with this skin type will benefit from taking a daily bath - of about 5-10 minutes - with lukewarm water and using only a mild soap with moisturizing properties. This helps locks the moisture into the skin, limiting the likelihood of eczema development. Some people benefit from having topical medications as the first layer of treatment, with moisturizers or lubricants applied on top as the second layer, following a bath. This two-pronged approach should be enough to maintain healthy and hydrated skin.

3. Ointments & Creams

Greasy ointments are one of several moisturizers available in the market. Aquaphor and Vaseline are probably the more popular choices, although consumers should also consider other brands and similar products to determine which one works best for their skin. For more extreme eczema break-outs, individuals may need to turn to topical steroids and Protopic and other non-steroidal treatments. Hydrocortisone creams are among the very mild over-the-counter topical steroids one can use, even on facial eczema. Drug stores will already ask for a prescription for Dermatop, 0.1% Triamcinolone, Cutivate, Elocon and other more potent topicals. These stronger products are generally not advisable for children, as they could have adverse effects.

4. Medications

Protopic, Elidel and other non-steroidal medications, or immunodulators, are preferred for children with eczema. These milder topicals can be used twice daily, and even on the face and other more sensitive areas. However, steroid-free medications take a longer time before producing results compared to topical steroids. Some doctors recommend antihistamines as part of eczema treatment. Atarax, Benadryl and other antihistamines with a sedative effect are particularly effective in cases when itching is already hampering sleep. Other solutions that can also help are cold compresses, wet dressings, ultraviolet light therapy, oral steroids and cylcosporin and other immunosuppressive drugs.

5. Other Factors

Some individuals may find that the condition is common within the family. One who is genetically disposed to having sensitive skin could easily trigger bouts of eczema due to an allergy, stress or other specific environmental factor. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and other similar disorders tend to accompany eczema in these individuals. When this happens, the allergen or source of the allergy must be identified first and properly addressed. These sources could include shrimp and other seafood, strawberries, nuts, cow's milk, eggs and other types of food. Pollen, dust mites and other airborne agents are also possible triggers. Eczema can also be driven by irritation to specific substances such as detergents, products containing chlorine, earrings and jewelry containing silver or nickel, woolen fabrics, synthetic materials, latex rubber, and formaldehyde and similar chemicals.

6. Treatment Tips

Eczema may not require continuous treatment, as most people generally outgrow the condition as they become older. However, antibiotics may have to be used when infections set in and hamper treatment of the flares. A dermatologist, allergologist or other specialist should be consulted after reasonable time and treatment fails to eliminate eczema or improve skin condition. Consultation should be immediate particularly if the affected individual develops fluid- or pus-filled blisters, which are symptomatic of eczema herpeticum - a rare complication attributed to the herpes simplex virus.

Choose Your Body Lotion

2007-04-18T05:49:00.001-07:00

Body lotions come in many different combinations of herbs, natural products derived from fruits, plant leaves or seeds. They work in so many ways, such as healing dry skin, improving skin’s texture, nourishing and replenishing skin’s lost natural oils as well as it restores the radiance of the skin.

I. Natural Ingredients:

1. Shea butter

Derived from the fruit kernels of the shea nut tree, it has remarkable healing and softening abilities. Studies show that shea butter has anti inflammatory effects on the skin, thus increase wound healing and improve scar appearance. From its physical make up of vitamin E, vitamin A, and cinnamic acid as well as a unique fatty acid profile, this butter can moisturize and heal dry skin.

2. Sunflower oil

Is rich in vitamins E and A and very high in fatty acids that aids in restoring skin moisture, natural oils and regenerates. Vitamin A encourages collagen production and is able to retain moisture.

3. Almond oil

Easily absorbed, this is an important nutrient for skin softening and conditioning. With high vitamin A content, it is very suitable to dry, flaky or inflamed skin. Helps the skin to balance its loss and absorption of moisture.

4. Jojoba oil

Good for all skin types, It readily penetrates the skin to nourish, moisturize and softens dry skin. Hypoallergenic and pure, it contains minerals, proteins and a waxy substance which imitates the skin’s collagen, making it supple and soft to the touch.

5. Cocoa butter

A very popular ingredient among hand and body lotions, like the shea butter, it acts as an emollient helping the skin feel soft and calm. It can also prevent and lessen stretch marks if applied regularly.

6 Aloe Vera

Studies show that aloe vera can very well improve the skin’s capability to hydrate itself. It has a powerful penetrating ability which carries healthy substances through the skin. With daily use, aloe vera will help maintain a healthy glowing skin. Because of its numerous biologically active ingredients, such as polysaccharides, phytosterols, glycerol, vitamins E, B & C and zinc; these all contribute to the healing, scar reducing and anti inflammatory effects of aloe vera.

7. Macadamia oil

This has lubrication properties and is easily absorbed. This oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids acting as anti oxidants to prevent deterioration and weakening of cell membrane. It is also an emollient with magnesium and thiamine, that soothes and calms. Good for mature and aging skin.

8. Glycerin

It has humectant properties, drawing moisture from the air unto the skin.

II. Choosing The Right Body Lotion For You:

- Read labels Different products have different ingredients. It is important that you know what consists of the lotion that you are buying, to avoid allergies. Also choose a product labeled as a moisturizer.

- Choose a moisturizing lotion Take note of the positive changes it has done to your skin. Note these changes and if you love the results, then continue using it.

- Know your skin Although many lotions are for all skin types, there are lotions which are specifically formulated for normal,dry, amd extra dry skin. It is best to buy a lotion that could address to your skin type to achieve the best results.

- Know what you need Do you need a lotion just for daily moisturizing? Or you have stretch marks that needs attention too? There are hundreds of moisturizing products in the market that can improve the appearance of your stretch marks as well as nourish your skin.

- Consider your skin’s condition If you have sensitive skin, choose a moisturizing lotion that is noncomedogenic. This means that the lotion has been proven and tested not to cause acne reactions on the skin. Likewise, unscented body lotions will unlikely cause allergies.

- Consider your lifestyle If you are the type who loves spending time outdoors, you may need a lotion with ultraviolet protection, to minimize skin wrinkling and drying.

- Consider the season In winter, choose a heavier lotion with shea butter or any intensive ingredient. During the summer, a lighter, well absorbed lotion with aloe vera and sunscreen protection works best.

Chemical Peel Facts - Is It Right For You

2007-04-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, there are a lot of options available towards getting that youthful glow for your skin. From the most complicated of plastic surgeries, to a simple face lift or chemical peel - there are about a hundred options that one can choose from to remove dead skin cells and get rid of that old, wrinkled look to give your spirits a lift and your morale a boost.

1. Skin Damage

When we go out and get exposed to sunlight, the outer layer of our skin gets damaged and dead skin cells remain embedded on our skin, resulting from the dirt that gets stuck to the pores. Thus, as we grow old, the skin looks more dull and lifeless. When you add the acne scars, freckles and other facial blemishes, you really would like to have an option to restore that youthful glow that only movie stars seem to exude on screen, no matter how old or young they are.

2. What Is A Chemical Peel?

If you would not like to go for the surgical and more complicated procedures such as face lift and plastic surgery, chemical peel is definitely an option for you. There are three basic types of chemical peel that you can choose from, depending your individual need and skin type. Basically, a chemical peel is a procedure wherein the dead skin cells and the damaged outer layers of the skin are removed. There is that chemical word in the term because a chemical solution is used to smoothen or even out the texture of the skin. Eventually, the chemical applied causes the skin to peel off, hence the term chemical peel. This is typically done on the face, neck or hands. The procedure also enhances your overall look by removing the damaged outer skin layers. This is applicable and recommended for people with uneven skin tones, for people with wrinkles and facial scars from pimple/acne, and for people who just need to improve their skin texture.

3. Mild Peel

This procedure removes the superficial skin layer. This is the most skin-friendly type of peel and may be performed on all skin types. It is used to treat simple acne and pimple scars and uneven skin pigmentation. The chemical peel involves a dilute acid solution, which normally stays on the skin for a few minutes. After the chemical has been applied, the skin is neutralized with water, then the solution is wiped off. This type of peeling procedure produces a light peel, and will result to a smoother and brighter-looking skin and improved skin texture.

4. Medium Peel

This procedure goes a little beyond the superficial layer of the skin. After the treatment, the person undergoing the procedure will experience a sun-burned look and the skin might look chafed. The chemical solution stays longer on the skin, as compared to mild peels. This is applicable for people with more sun-damaged skin types, and can treat wrinkles as well as uneven skin pigmentation.

5. Deep Peel (RARELY USED)

As compared to the mild and medium-depth peel, the chemical used for this type of peeling goes through several skin layers. This can treat more pronounced skin pigmentations and wrinkles, as well as pre-cancerous growths. Moreover, this has more medical complications and considerations so it is better to consult a medical professional before undergoing a deep chemical peel. The procedure will definitely take a longer time, about more than an hour, for the chemical applied on the affected skin to take effect. However, the results are more glaring than the first two types.

After the treatment, whether you opt to go for a mild, medium-depth or deep peel, the person who underwent the procedure will experience redness of the skin. This will be followed by scaling, then peeling. The number of days that the skin will peel depends on the strength of the treatment. It is also important to avoid sun exposure after undergoing the chemical peel procedure. Finally, it is always good to consult a medical professional before undergoing any procedure, to be on the safe side. It is better to know every detail about the treatment that you would like to undergo, so that you would know how your skin would be treated and what to expect right after the treatment.

Vaniqa Cream - Answers To Frequently Asked Questions

2007-04-16T03:39:00.004-07:00

Vaniqa cream, the first topical prescription for women with unwanted facial hair, came on the personal care scene in the year 2000 after exhaustive testing and clinical trials to meet with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval.

This list of answers to frequently asked questions will help you decide whether it is an option you may want to consider:

Just exactly what is Vaniqa cream?

Vaniqa is the brand name for a cream containing 139mg/g of eflornithine hydrochloride. It took the name "eflornithine hydrochloride 13.9%" and was sold under the brand name - Vaniqa.

Interestingly it was noticed by accident that the side effects of this drug, originally intended as a medication for cancer and later used for African sleeping sickness, was hair loss.

The pharmaceutical companies involved were able to develop this drug into Vaniqa cream which can interrupt hair growth.

How is Vaniqa cream used?

Vaniqa cream should be applied to the skin twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening for example. Simply massage it into the area you want to treat such as the upper lip, beneath the chin or other facial area.

Wait for the cream to dry before applying any cosmetic preparations to the skin.

What does Vaniqa cream do?

This topical preparation affects the mechanism of hair growth in the hair follicle. It must be clearly understood before purchasing Vaniqa cream that it is NOT a hair removal cream. Those are called depilatories.

Vaniqa cream is a hair growth retardant. It slows hair growth, reduces it, thus making hair removal sessions using waxing, sugaring, tweezing, and threading easier and less frequent.

When will I see results?

This varies from person to person but many women see a difference in hair growth after 6-8 weeks if they use the cream twice a day. Persistence and patience is needed. Six months is a reasonable time to give it a fair chance.

Are they any side effects?

Vaniqa cream is only available on prescription but the fact it has been FDA approved indicates it has passed vigorous safety tests and clinical trials.

The only side effects reported were irritation on the skin, a little swelling or redness, on the part of just a few who participated in the tests.

What is the success rate?

In the clinical trials, around 58% of the women who used Vaniqa cream reported a decrease in hair growth. This means a fairly large proportion did not see a difference. Hence, Vaniqa may not work for everyone. The idea is to try it and see for yourself as each individual is different in the way they respond to medications.

Are there any limitations with Vaniqa cream?

Vaniqa cream is intended only for women. Also young females under 12 years of age should not use it.

Pregnant or nursing women should exercise caution and consult with a medical practitioner before using Vaniqa cream as there is insufficient data available regarding the effects of this drug on this section of the population.

To summarize: For women concerned about unwanted facial hair, Vaniqa cream could be just what they are looking for. If they prefer to do their own hair removal sessions at home using tweezers, or waxing and sugaring pastes and strips, Vaniqa cream is an ideal complement as it reduces actual hair growth.

In view of the stringent testing and minimal side effects, it could be worth experimenting to see if you are in the 58% it works for.

To check current prices and ordering information through an online drug outlet see the resource box below.

Mike Jones is a writer and webmaster with over 10 years experience.

Find Natural Relief from Depression and Anxiety

2007-04-16T03:39:00.003-07:00

If you suffer from depression or anxiety, life might seem overwhelming at times. Depression can cause even minor problems to seem unbearable, so you might choose to ignore normal daily tasks and withdraw from those you love. Anxiety and panic attacks can cause insomnia, and you may feel helpless at times. Panic attacks can be very scary even when your body seems to be healthy otherwise.

Taking prescription medications can help both of these conditions, but many people don't realize that there are natural ways to find relief as well. Learn about these healthy and affordable alternatives below.

The Stress Connection

Did you know that stress is deeply connected to many health conditions including depression and anxiety? Stress comes from many directions - work, family problems, or finances. Finding ways to relieve stress is important because it helps reduce your risks of depression and anxiety. Through exercise and either medication or a natural remedy, you can tremendously reduce your amount of daily stress and start living a happier, more fulfilling life.

Prescription Medications for Depression and Anxiety

Although there are many types of prescription medications that can help with depression or anxiety such as buspirone, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and benzodiazepines, these are not always the best remedy. There are several disadvantages to taking these types of medications. Some medications are very costly and may cause adverse sexual effects. They may be habit-forming, may cause insomnia or extreme fatigue, or may have cardiovascular risks.

Also, you might already be taking pharmaceutical medication for another health condition that could react with the depression or anxiety medication in an undesirable way. You should consult with your doctor to be sure the medications will not counteract one another.

Natural Alternatives

With a natural supplement, you might find relief from depression or anxiety without spending a fortune on doctor bills and prescription medications. Sometimes the answer can be as simple as taking a certain herbal remedy such as Amoryn or making minor changes to your diet. Studies with Amoryn, for example, have shown positive results for 90 percent of those with depression and 88 percent of those with anxiety. Amoryn is a natural antidepressant that boosts the brain's natural capacity for happiness.

Seredyn is another natural supplement that helps relieve anxiety and panic attacks by calming you and giving you a sense of control as you go through the day.

Benefits of Natural Supplements

With natural supplements, you can enjoy relief while avoiding many of the unwanted side effects that can occur with prescription medications. These are not usually habit-forming and often produce positive results within a short period of time. You can now research these online to find the right herbs for you. If you suffer from severe depression or anxiety, share your findings with your physician to come up with a viable solution.

Don't let depression and anxiety control your life. Take back control with natural remedies and start living once again!

Risks Of Plastic Surgery

2007-04-16T03:39:00.001-07:00

Unless you have been living in a cave, you certainly must have heard the latest news report about a young girl who has plastic surgery on her nose that had recently been broken. The girl died as a direct result of the surgery itself. Sadly, most people who go in for plastic surgery think that because this type of surgery is considered "minor" there is really no cause to be concerned. Well, this article will hopefully alert you to all the risks of plastic surgery. That way, at least you will be well informed should you decide to let a plastic surgeon take a scalpel to that pretty face of yours.

One of the risks of plastic surgery, which people really don't want to consider at all, is that the surgery itself may not bring the desired results that you're looking for. Unlike on TV, where everybody comes out of surgery looking like Tyra Banks, there is always the possibility that the surgery will not go well and you won't look any better than before you had it. This however, does not relieve your liability of having to pay the plastic surgeon's bill. And since most plastic surgery is elective surgery, this will usually come out of your own pocket. There are no guarantees that plastic surgery will work.

Another risk of plastic surgery is the anesthesia. Some people have adverse reactions to being put under. In the case of the girl who died while having plastic surgery on her nose, that is exactly what happened. She actually died as a result of the anesthesia. At least that were the reports. Any time that you are put under, for any reason at all, there is always the risk that you're not going to come out of it. Again, this is something that most people don't want to think about.

Even if the surgery goes well, there is always going to be pain and swelling immediately after the surgery. In some cases, the pain is great enough that the patient has to be put in pain killers. With any type of medication, especially pain killers, there is always the risk of adverse reactions to the pain killers. Plus, there can always be complications post surgery. While people want to think of plastic surgery as minor surgery, surgery is just that, surgery, and any time you take a knife to part of a person's body, there is risk involved.

There are more risks than what I have already listed, but these should at least give you some cause for concern. We live in such a looks conscious world that it amazes me how people will have surgery for the smallest imperfection, especially when it comes to their face. Well, hopefully the few things I have listed here will at least give you cause to have second thoughts when considering plastic surgery. A young girl with a nose that maybe wasn't as pretty as it could have been is no longer with us to grow old and ugly.

Was the trade off worth it? I guess only you can answer that question for yourself.

Permanent Hair Removal Considerations

2007-04-16T03:37:00.002-07:00

Permanent hair removal means stopping the growth of hair for longer period. There is no such technique or equipment to completely for unwanted hair removal forever. However new technologies are available for removing the hair very efficiently for a long period.

The technologies available reduce unwanted hair growth for longer period but not permanently. It is frustrating for a person to remove unwanted hair especially in difficult parts of the body unless the right method is chosen for removal of unwanted hair. By modern methods people can choose to get rid of the unwanted hair almost permanently and with ease.

Several technologies are available in the market by which long-term hair growth stoppage can be achieved. These methods include laser hair removal, electrolysis, intense pulsed lamps etc.

1) LASER HAIR REMOVAL: It is a new technology used to stop the growth of the unwanted hair. In this method the laser causes damage the root of hair without causing damage to rest of the skin. It is considered the one of most effective and safe methods of hair removal and suitable for large area. This technique enables the hair removal for light skin and dark hair only. Even if removed hair grows back it is usually thinner and lighter in color.

2) ELECTROLYSIS: This method reduces the hair growth for a long period if it is performed correctly and efficiently. In this method a thin metal probe is inserted into hair follicle (in a hair root) and electricity is passed through the probe. Due to this permanent damage is caused to the follicle or hair root, due to which hair stops to grow. Although the method is expensive and a little bit painful, it is still a safe method providing good long-term results. However, electrolysis may not be suitable for hair removal in large areas.

3) INTENSE PULSED LAMPS OR FLASH LAMP: Gives good and long term results in removal of hair. Here specific wavelengths of light are generated in a flash lamp's and the full spectrum is transferred to the dark root of the hair to damage it. It is similar to the laser technology.

Unwanted Facial Hair - 10 Facts You Should Know

2007-04-16T03:37:00.001-07:00

It is reckoned many millions of women in the United States alone are concerned about unwanted facial hair as it affects their feeling of well-being and even their sense of femininity.

Vaniqa, a prescription cream, has now been on the market for many years, and although the company who produces it has changed over the years, millions of dollars have been spent on obtaining the rights. Evidently it is still a very viable option many women use to neutralize unwanted facial hair.

Here are 10 facts you should know about Vaniqa:

1. Vaniqa cream is not a hair removal cream. Depilatories contain strong chemicals which basically dissolve the hair. Vaniqa is not a depilatory. Rather, the ingredients in Vaniqa get into the hair follicle and affect the hair follicle's ability to produce new hair. So it is rightly described as a hair growth retardant or inhibitor.

2. Time is needed so be patient in waiting to see results from Vaniqa. Many women see a difference in the rate of hair growth after using it twice a day for about 2 months. If after six months you see no difference then it's probably never going to work so discontinue using it.

3. Vaniqa is particularly effective for unwanted facial hair on the upper lip, below the chin, and on the neck.

4. Vaniqa should only be used by women or young females over the age of twelve. It is not intended for men.

5. In clinical trials some women experienced slight side effects such as redness and irritation of the skin. However, this was a small minority and the adverse reactions are minimal.

6. Vaniqa cream should be massaged into the skin where the unwanted facial hair is growing twice a day, perhaps once at the beginning of the day and once at the end of the day.

7. Pregnant women or women breast feeding should be aware that there is insufficient data from the clinical trials to give assurance that Vaniqa is completely safe in these situations. Consultation with a medical practitioner is advised.

Some women who are expecting or nursing choose to avoid any risk whatsoever to the unborn or very young and instead continue with their current method for removing unwanted facial hair such as waxing, sugaring, or tweezing.

8. Vaniqa cream is a prescription drug. You can either obtain it through your local physician or use an online drug agency. In the latter case, be sure to give honest answers about your medical history and condition in the questionnaire that must be completed before an order is processed.

9. You can still use cosmetics and skin moisturizers with Vaniqa. Just make sure you apply Vaniqa cream first and wait for it to dry before applying any cosmetic preparation.

10. Vaniqa can be a good accompaniment to laser hair removal for unwanted facial hair. Clinical tests indicate that using a combination of laser hair removal and Vaniqa increased the effectiveness of the laser treatment.

It must be stated that no two individuals are exactly the same when it comes to responding to prescription drugs and medications. In some tests, about 58% of the women involved reported a decrease in hair growth. Obviously Vaniqa will not work for everyone.

Nevertheless, if unwanted facial hair is bothering you, why not try the Vaniqa option and see if you can make your facial hair removal sessions easier and less frequent.

Beauty - Truth, Secrets and Illusion

2007-04-03T03:16:00.002-07:00

Back in the late 1960s a 'Motown' group named the 'Temptations' sang a song that included a lyric 'beauty's only skin deep, yeah, yeah, yeah'. And, not much later another recording artist, Joe Cocker sang 'You Are So Beautiful'. And, going back even further, the 'Mona Lisa' and 'Venus de Milo' provide further evidence of mankind's infatuation with beauty.

Even literature reminded us that 'A Thing Of Beauty Is A Joy Forever' and 'Beauty Is In The Eye Of Its Beholder '. So, when confronted with such immortalized images, lyrics, and prose, along with the present day marketing blitz of 'super models' and makeover products filled with 'secret' ingredients, one can only think, 'this beauty thing is serious stuff'.

It certainly goes a long way in explaining why possessing beauty and being beautiful is one of the foremost preoccupations of human beings. Over the years, consumerism has transformed such preoccupations into outright obsession. Few would deny that beauty is power. It was true centuries ago, and, it's just as true today. The perception of perfect beauty however, is neither objective nor real, and is therefore nothing more than an illusion. But, if you can feel good about yourself by enhancing your looks, then go for it. You may indeed find more joy in your life by doing so.

The truth is, 'Inner' beauty may no longer be the 'in' thing, but 'skin-deep' beauty certainly is! And, it's really not that difficult to achieve. It's no secret that the media is filled with beauty tips and an infinite number of beauty products, but the best place to begin any makeover regime are first of all, to get sufficient rest, exercise, proper nutrition and a good 'sun screen'. Discipline in those areas will yield far more satisfying and longer-lasting results than 'secret formulas' and cosmetics alone.

Harry Monell maintains several affiliate and content websites. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Old Dominion University. Following formal retirement in 2000, he spent five years working as a special projects consultant and now spends time with what he considers his most challenging, yet most rewarding endeavor - developing his writing skills.

Hands Care - Tips For Soft And Beautiful Hands

2007-04-03T03:16:00.001-07:00

Hands very often are treated roughly. People treat them badly while washing clothes, dishes, scrubbing floors and working in the garden. Hands are so beautiful and important but one probably feels no need of taking care of them. One must take proper care of the hands.

Hands are the most precious gift given to the human beings from God. Like one takes care of other parts of body, hands too need proper care and protections. Hands are the most noticeable part of the body. One must give proper attention to them as one gives to the face.

By following some easy tips, one can maintain the natural beauty of the hands. The hands will definitely thank one for taking good care of them. Hands ask for a little care in turn of infinite jobs that they perform for us. Also find more beauty tips at http://www.free-makeup-tips.com

There are some useful tips that one can follow to keep the hands safe, soft and healthy

Always wear rubber gloves while working with harsh chemicals soaps and detergents. It is also necessary to wear rubber gloves while gardening or spading snow. Gloves protect hands from harsh chemicals and prevent them from loosing natural softness.

Prefer washing the hands with mild soaps or hand wash. After washing, pat dry the hands and apply a nice moisturizer to them. One should use a moisturizer that contains lactic acid’s urea, which is an essential hand care chemical that helps in binding water efficiently to the skin.

For soft and beautiful hands, apply Vaseline or any other good moisturizer before going to bed. One will find hands amazingly soft by the morning.

Exfoliate the hands at least once a week with a nice face exfoliater. One can also use weekly the night face cream on the hands before going to bed. One should use proper hand care lotion to prevent the hands from harmful sunlight and dry weather.

If one is having dry skin, then one should scrub the hands under lukewarm salt water. It is an effective home exfoliater for dry skin hands. After scrubbing, massage the hands with a good moisturizer.

To stimulate the proper blood circulation, with the help of palm, massage the back of hand. Exercise the fingers by stretching them and giving a normal calisthenics to them. Hand exercise not only stimulates proper circulation, it also helps in maintaining the perfect shape of hand and fingers.

Do not reapply too much nail polish remover. The agents present in removers can discolor the nails and can often make them fragile.

It is extremely necessary to manicure the hands at least once a month. Manicure removes the dead, cuticles and helps in keeping the nails strong and healthy.

A Complete Guide For Buying a Wholesale Home Tanning Bed

2007-04-03T03:15:00.002-07:00

Tanning beds are ultraviolet light emitting devices used for the purpose of creating a cosmetic tan. Tanning beds emit the a simulated light similar to that of the sun via a mirage of florescent lamps. The strength of the tanning lamps included with a particular tanning bed is depend on the bed's size. Tanning beds with smaller frames generally feature between twelve and twenty-eight one hundred watt lamps. Commercial salon systems are characterized by twenty-four to sixty lamps with between one hundred and two hundred watts of power. There are a variety of ultraviolet devices available for purchase on the retail market, including the commercial tanning bed, the wholesale home tanning bed, which residential tanning beds available at discounted prices, and high pressure tanning beds.

Types of Wholesale Tanning Beds For Home

Wholesale home tanning beds were designed to offer consumers a shot at residential tanning at reduced prices. Wholesale home tanning beds are offered in entry level, elegant, convenient, and magnificent models-according to the unofficial certifications wielded out in the tanning industry.

Entry-Level: Entry-level wholesale home tanning beds are often sold for several hundred dollars off manufacturer's suggested retail prices and offer many of the signature amenities available with the purchase of a tanning. Entry-level tanning beds feature gridded canopies with option of acrylic, a base reflector system, and Performance lamps.

Elegant Tanning: Wholesale tanning beds dubbed as "elegant" are characterized by up to twenty-four ultraviolet lamps and a natural tanning lamp, which is proclaimed to create a deeper, golden tan. Face tan and arm tan features are also prevalent with this tanning devices-typically placing a limit of thirty minute tanning sessions.

Convenient Wholesale Home Tanning: Tanning beds that have been coined convenient for home tanning customarily equipped with a reflector system, and acrylic face and arm tan-enhancing properties designed to tan tough to reach places. Wholesale tanning beds sold for convenience also often feature canopies with lift systems for easy storage.

Magnificent Home Tanning Beds: Wholesale tanning bed retailers dubbed "magnificent beds" as home units that sport commercial design. Such tanning beds are offered with face and arm tan enhancing lamps for an "all over tan," click-strip system, and a curved canopy top.

The cost of maintenance for owners of a wholesale home tanning bed has reduced significantly, as a result of home tanning lamps and bulbs being offered at inventory prices.

The History of Indoor Tanning Beds

2007-04-03T03:15:00.001-07:00

Indoor tanning beds are popular cosmetic tanning devices that use several fluorescent bulbs to expose the skin to ultraviolet rays, similar to the light emitted from the sun, all year around.

Indoor tanning beds are championed by tan lovers for their trademark ultraviolet/UVB control, and limited exposure times, while the sun emits unlimited exposure to it's rays. The levels of ultraviolet rays released by indoor tanning beds are higher than those produced by the sun. The infrared heat associated with indoor tanning beds has been linked to deep muscle pain relief. Indoor tanning beds offer various maximum exposure times, typically ranging from five to forty-five minutes. Most beds may be used for twenty minutes at a time. All indoor tanning beds are required to feature "Recommended Exposure Schedules," either on the front of the tanning bed or in the Owner's Manuel. Manufacturers suggest adhering to recommended guidelines on exposure while using indoor tanning beds. Most users achieve the optimum desired tan within seven to ten sessions. One to two weekly sessions are recommended to achieve a continuous tan courtesy of an indoor tanning bed.

Indoor tanning beds do not provide a tan as deep as the one provided by the sun. Tanners are recommended not to tan indoors and outdoors on the same day. People with a dark indoor tan are at an increased risk for going outside and suffering a severe sunburn because the deeper levels of the skin may not have been properly exposed. Such overexposure to UV rays can destroy the level of melanin in the skin.

The indoor tanning bed process begins with three to five minute exposure to the lamps of the bed, followed by twenty minute bed sessions over the course of three to four weeks. Many states have enacted regulations requiring a forty-eight hour waiting period between indoor tanning sessions due to the affiliation between tanning and the risk of developing skin cancer. The majority of such states require timing mechanisms located outside the tanning bed room to prevent users from unintentional overexposure.

Tanning lamps, or tanning lamps as they are also called, are the major component in indoor tanning beds. In addition to listing an exposure schedule, tanning beds must also make note of the lamps certified for use on the unit. Owners of commercial indoor tanning beds, like tanning salon owners, must replace tanning lamps with the exact same lamp or an equivalent lamp certified by the bed's manufacturer. Tanning lamp replacement and tanning salon replacement compliance is state regulated in the United States.

From the time of their introduction in 1978 until 1988, indoor tanning beds were not subjected to any government regulations. The 21 CFR 1040.20 federal law was the first regulatory act placed on indoor tanning beds. The law was created to ensure that tanning beds and tanning salons adhere to a set of skin cancer prevention guidelines. Creating these health guidelines is left up to the individual states.

Purchasing Discount Tanning Bulbs For a Home Tanning System

2007-04-03T03:14:00.000-07:00

Discount tanning bulbs, otherwise popularly known as tanning lamps, are ultraviolet devices that serve as the main component of tanning devices, like tanning booths and sunbeds. Tanning bulbs exists with the primary purpose of helping tanning device regulars achieve cosmetic tans, although the bulbs also have a reputation in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. Cosmetic tanning quality is depended on the spectrum of light produced for the tanning bulbs. An overwhelming number of tanning bulbs produce more ultraviolet light than the sun.

Nearly all tanning bulbs gain power with the help of a ballast, a device used to stabilize the flow of electrical currents inside of the lamp. Ballasts are required because tanning bulbs are made of plasma, similar to a neon sign, and will house electricity in excess without the filter service provided by ballasts.

There are various types of tanning bulbs offered for retail sale, including reflector tanning bulbs, and lamps featuring very high output. Most bulbs function as a part of two main groups low pressure and high pressure. In the industry of discount tanning bulbs, it is customary to call high pressure tanning lamps bulbs, while tanning bulbs featuring low pressure are called lamps. Both high and low pressure tanning bulbs require an oxygen free environment inside of the lamp.

High pressure tanning bulbs range in length from three to five inches and operate with two hundred fifty to eight hundred watt ballasts. Four hundred watt high pressure tanning bulbs are the most common, they are often included in the face tanning component of a tanning bed. High pressure tanning bulbs are made of quartz glass and an additional specialized feature necessary to filter out potentially deadly ultraviolet rays. These tanning bulbs, which contain mercury and argon, exist with the purpose of produce ultraviolet light in high amounts. Handling high pressure tanning bulbs by hand requires a great deal of precision, removing even a little oil from the bulb can cause premature bulb failure. High pressure tanning bulbs should be replaced after four hundred to eight hundred hours of use to avoid ballast damage.

Low pressure tanning bulbs are similar to fluorescent lamps. The glass that makes up low pressure tanning bulbs automatically filters out all ultraviolet rays. Low pressure bulbs enjoy a lifespan of six hundred to sixteen hundred hours of use.

Tanning bulbs are also offered in several sizes featuring a multitude of voltages:

· F59 and F60- Eighty watt lamps

· F71, F72, F73, F74 -One hundred to One hundred twenty watt lamps

· F71 -One hundred sixty watt bulbs

· F59 -One hundred forty watt tanning bulbs

· F79, 2M -Two hundred watt bulbs

Discount tanning bulbs were designed in an effort to make maintaining home tanning systems easier.

Beauty Sleep To Reduce Dark Circles Under Eyes

2007-03-27T03:02:00.004-07:00

Eye puffiness is a constant cause of worry for women of today. It makes you look overworked, tired and severely stressed and also greatly decreases your attractiveness. To combat dark circles from forming underneath your eyes, here are simple activities and methods which you can do within the comforts of your own home.

The first step to prevent dark circles from forming is to have enough rest and sleep for the day. Physicians usually recommend 6 to 8 hours of sleep. The Chinese also believe that when you sleep during the hours of 11pm to 3am, your liver naturally rejuvenates your body. Sleeping during these hours help you garner more benefits from it that sleeping in the wee hours of the morning. When sleeping, you can also elevate your head with pillows to help decrease eye puffiness. Your head should be higher than your heart when sleeping. Gravity will help lessen the accumulated blood underneath your eyes when you sleep in this position.

Eye puffiness is also caused by the pooling of blood into lax blood vessels underneath the eyes. Cool tea bags and ice wrapped in a soft cloth, when applied to the eyes also reduce their puffiness. These items are known to decrease the distension because of the tannin in the tea bags and the strong cooling effect of ice, which are known to vasoconstrict the blood vessels, thus decreasing blood from pooling in them. Cucumber slices also help in reducing eye puffiness and dark circles. Apply them for about 15 minutes to reduce the puffiness and you’re off to go.

Eating healthier foods can help decrease your chances of developing dark circles. Fruits and vegetables are known to contain antioxidants which help flush out the toxins in your body. Try to take in an adequate amount of water to help the process, too.

Facing Up To Your Age

2007-03-27T03:02:00.003-07:00

Unfortunately, we all have to face the effects of time, quite literally. Although you might feel young at heart, your skin can be a big giveaway. Skin, being our largest organ, is directly influenced by our well-being and although the ageing process happens to us all, some will age better than others. Noticeable signs of skin ageing include thinning and wrinkling as cell products slows, sagging as less elastin and collagen are produced, age spots and dryness. The manufacturers in the cosmetic industry are continually striving to come up with the ultimate product to combat these unwanted associations with ageing.

There are basic lifestyle factors that impact upon the speed of the ageing process which we should all be familiar with. We all know that the sun is the most common damaging factor to our skin but did you know that without sun damage, we would probably not develop wrinkles until our 80s? Smoking also has multiple skin destroying effects. A smoker’s skin is characterised by more wrinkles and a sallow/slightly grey complexion, resulting from poor circulation. Lack of sleep also has a strong adverse effect on our skin as it doesn’t have enough time to repair and rejuvenate.

So the first step in slowing the ageing process is to protect your skin in the sun. Many moisturisers now include UV protection. Look for a minimum of SPF15. The next piece of advice is to ditch the cigarettes or avoid smoky atmospheres, this can also include polluted environments. Try and eat a well balanced diet to ensure your skin is receiving all the essential nutrients and drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Exercise regularly to improve circulation and aim to get in your 8 hours kip.

Now, having said all of this, in order to live our lives our skin is going to be subjected to damaging conditions. Well we can’t sit in a dark room for the rest of our lives can we? That’s why there is an array of creams, serums, scrubs and formulae out there all designed to help combat the signs of ageing. Although we are now also seeking a more dramatic result and going much further in our quest for the elixir of youth. Recent years have seen the remarkable increase in demands for cosmetic surgery. In particular men have shown that they are willing to pay thousands in an attempt to stop that clock ticking. They have been resorting to what is been dubbed “the lunchtime facelift”, Botox. In fact Botox is the UK’s no 1 non-surgical cosmetic treatment.

Botox, which is derived from the botulinum toxin A, is a diluted form of a food poison, which blocks nerve signals and causes paralysis. Wrinkles develop where muscles contract frequently, so paralysing facial muscles and preventing those contractions makes the area look smoother and less wrinkled.

Although many have reported pleasing results it is not wallet friendly. A single treatment can cost £200 upward for one treatment area. It is also not a permanent solution. In order to maintain and improve upon the results, it is usually necessary to have treatment every 3-4 months. Although Botox is viewed as a relatively safe procedure it can have some side effects which include weakness in neighbouring muscles, a droopy eyebrow or eyelid and headaches.

If the idea of Botox doesn’t appeal but you but you still want to have similar results, you might be interested to know of Medik8’s Pretox Injection Free Alternative To Botulinum Toxin Treatment.

It comes in the form of a gel which is applied to the skin, so no needles and no surgeons. Like Botulinum Toxin A, Pretox releases the amount of nerve stimulation on the local muscle tissue being targeted but unlike Botulinum Toxin A, Pretox does not paralyse the muscle completely.

Instead it gently and temporarily reduces the strength of specific muscle contractions, thus the formulation of new lines and wrinkles is reduced and old lines appear much less prominent - leaving you with smoother younger looking skin.

If you want results but want a safe and relatively inexpensive alternative to the harsh muscle paralysis treatment, then this is the products for you. This treatment comes in different levels depending on the severity of your wrinkles. Use Pretox10 for the earlier signs of ageing and Pretox20 for deeply formed wrinkles. Both have been proven to reduce wrinkles by up to 50% in just 30 days!

Head to Toe Health - What You Can Do Right Now

2007-03-27T03:02:00.001-07:00

Most people have been led to believe that making positive changes in their health requires dramatic alterations to their lifestyle, but this is not the case. By simply adding a few things to your weekly routine and making the effort to help your body help itself, you can increase your energy, your stamina, and your immune system. Here is what you need to start thinking about adding to your life.

Standing on your health?

While many of us would do most anything for the chance to soak in a nice foot bath, maybe you have a good reason to do so now. Recent studies have shown the foot detoxification systems really do work to help restore health and prevent future illnesses. By adding a foot cleanse to your health routine a few times a week, you can help to adjust the energy in your body in order to free toxins from your body as well as increase your overall energetic balance. And when this happens, your body can more easily heal itself and repair damage that’s been done.

All you need to do is find an ionic foot bath dealer, such as the Original ioncleanse that has both EU and FCC certifications. These foot cleanse systems will be easy to use and do not require expensive accessories or oils. All you need for foot detoxification is water and access to an electrical outlet. You simply plug the device in after putting water in the system (the order will depend on the instructions that come with the unit) and then turn the system on, place your feet inside and then soak for twenty to thirty minutes a few times a week. You may notice that the water changes color as your body is rid of the various toxins that have built up. But you will also notice an immediate increase in your energy. Some people report feeling lighter after the experience as well.

Your feet can collect a lot of toxins due to the long periods of sitting and standing that we do. And when our circulation and excretion systems aren’t working as well as they should, the toxins can accumulate due to gravity. By soaking in the bath, you will allow the energy of the system to draw these toxins out of your body.

What about the rest of your body?

However, to complement this therapy for your body, you can also do a full body cleanse. Many times this internal body cleansing will require that you dramatically change your diet or take supplements that will change your digestion speed. What you’re doing is ridding your body of excess debris that may have built up in your intestines and may be causing your body to feel sluggish. What’s happening is that your digestive system is trying to digest these foods over and over, using up a lot of energy in the process. By doing a full body cleanse, you can expedite this process and have that excess energy back. An internal body cleansing is only necessary a few times each year as well as after taking long courses of medication.

Eat Your Way To Healthy Beautiful Skin & Hair - The Power of Superfoods

2007-03-27T03:01:00.001-07:00

There are two ways you can feed your body. Yes, it’s true. The first way is through your mouth and the second way is through your skin. Some people fail to realize the importance of eating wholesome, healthy, natural and organic foods. This can clearly be seen each time you go to the grocery store and look at the abundance of poor food choices too many Americans make each time they buy food. Likewise many don’t realize that the products they use on their skin get absorbed into the body. Skin absorption is so effective that an increasing number of medicines and birth control are in patch form (which is applied to the skin). Applying products to your skin is no different from eating them. Why? Because they enter the bloodstream regardless if they are ingested in the mouth or absorbed through the skin. However, the absorption rate for the skin is slower when compared to consuming something orally. Now you can see how important it is to buy natural and organic food, skin care and hair care products—these types of products are usually free of pesticides, chemicals and toxic ingredients and often contain healthy ingredients from nature that have many nutrients in them.

Many people supplement their diet with vitamins or other dietary supplements to ensure that they get sufficient daily nutrients. Holistic Living & Health, hlhealth.com, has several all natural vegan high nutrient rich dietary supplements that are extremely rich in Superfoods. The Phyto-Eats Green Essentials, Phyto-Eats Maca Noni and Healthy Hair Growth Enhancer (which can be found at our sister web site MiaSB.com) contain an abundant amount of high quality Superfoods. Superfoods are a group of wholesome foods that pack a nutritious punch. In addition, they contain an exceptionally high nutrient content when compared to other foods and are known for their health enhancing benefits. Medical professionals say that Superfoods can help people feel more energetic, provide protection against disease and promote a healthy lifestyle now and for the future. Some of the phytonutrients (“phyto” means plant) found in our all natural wholefood based Superfood dietary supplements are a class of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, normalizing/balancing properties, phytochemicals, immunity enhancing nutrients, alkaline properties that help balance acidic foods like coffee, alcohol, sugar and meat in addition to enzymes (which help eliminate and/or reduce chemically active oxygen molecules thought to contribute to aging, disease and chronic ailments). Some of the most effective and powerful Superfoods are used in these products for their many beneficial attributes to the body, skin and hair. These special superfoods include chlorella, wheatgrass, barely grass, alfalfa leaf, spirulina, maca root and noni fruit. To see pictures of what these wonderful gifts from nature look like and to read a detailed description and benefits of each visit http://hlhealth.com/phyto-eats.html.

Our hair and skin requires a wide array of daily nutrients to help the body operate properly and for overall health. Eating many different types of colorful fresh organic vegetables and fruits is a good way to ensure your body gets the broad spectrum of nutrients needed for energy, balance and good health. However, it is important to understand that most people often destroy many of the vitamins and other nutrients in their vegetables when they cook them. Why? This is because heat destroys the “living” nutrients that are in our vegetables, fruits and other foods. By eating more of your vegetables (and fruits) raw you can increase the amount of living nutrients you consume on a daily basis. Learning new ways to prepare your vegetables that are tasty and appealing yet healthy can be a rewarding experience and in time your body will thank you in ways like healthier looking skin, stronger hair that grows more, increased energy and improved health.

Below are several recipes that are very easy, quick and extremely healthy. Try them for breakfast, snack or dessert.

Phyto-Eats (Maca Noni) Banana Mango Smoothie

Recipe:

1 extra large mango

1 banana

1 cup soy milk or vanilla yogurt

1 tsp Phyto-Eats Maca Noni

1 tbsp agave

4 ice cubes

Prepare:

Add all ingredients to blender and press the pulse button until ingredients are smooth and liquid. Pour into glass and enjoy!

Phyto-Eats (Green Essentials) Pineapple Island Dream Smoothie

Recipe:

1 cup fresh pineapple

½ mango

1 banana

1 cup soy milk

1 tsp Phyto-Eats Green Essentials

1 tbsp honey

4 ice cubes

Prepare:

Add all ingredients to blender and press the pulse button until ingredients are smooth and liquid. Pour into glass and enjoy!

Spa Party A Growing Trend

2007-03-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

Spa party has now become one of the leading trends. The spa party is a private party, which can be either bridal shower, birthday etc. The first and the foremost thing for a spa party is to find a professional company that has a credible background and are known for specializing in the spa services. The company who is organizing the spa party designs a truly comfortable atmosphere, which includes scented candles that will give an excellent fragrance to the environment. They also set the spa music, robes as well as slippers for the guests.

The professionals who organize spa party also decorate the spa according to the theme of the host and for that they gather an extensive detail from them. The other things that are the part of a spa party include the manicures, pedicures as well as massages. These treatments are for about a 20 minute period or so. All of these services just make the spa party really successful and all the guests just have a wonderful time and enjoy it at best.

The charge of a spa party varies according to the services that are included in the package, as well as the time duration for which the party is going to last. Generally the home spa parties costs in the range of $100 to $150 per person and includes either two or three treatments and sometimes includes a gift. There are some spa companies that can arrange catering as well as elaborate goodie bags. Spa parties can also range from four people to large gatherings.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for spa party supplies and fun free educational party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Shop has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Party Themes to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

Hair Extensions For Fine Or Thin Hair

2007-03-23T03:03:00.003-07:00

What type of hair extensions should you get?

When you first start thinking of getting hair extensions, you may be very overwhelmed by all the different methods available today and how each one is designed for a particular type of hair. Researching all the different methods is very important and the quality of your research may directly relate to whether your hair extensions will be good or bad.

Below is a Letter to the Editor asking about specific hair extension methods for fine/thin hair.

Question:

Hello. I am interested in getting hair extensions, but I am a little concerned about what they can do to your hair. I am only a teen but i have thin/fine hair that is a little damaged from blow-drying and frequent use of the flat iron. I want to know if hair extensions could ruin my hair and if it is a bad idea to get them? I do not want cause any further damage or like permanently ruin my hair. Write back with any solutions or advice if possible. Thanks.

Answer:

I am not a professional cosmetologist, so I cannot give you a professional opinion. However, I have done extensive research on hair extensions and I can share with you some information that I have learned.Human hair extensions are very heavy, and if attached to hair that is damaged, they can result in permanent hair loss. The extensions can pull out your natural hair because of the extra weight of the human hair and the damaged condition of your natural hair. Synthetic hair extensions weigh about 1/3 the weight of human hair and may be more suitable for your situation.You can do a stress test on your hair yourself to see how damaged it is. Take one strand of hair and pull it. If it comes out very easily, then your hair may not be suitable for extensions. If you have to pull it pretty hard, then your hair may be okay. There are several hair extension methods that have been developed specifically for fine and thin hair. You can research the methods at our Hair Extension Resource Center.If you really want to get hair extensions, perhaps the best place to start is schedule several hair extension consulations at different salons near you. Get different opinions about how damaged your hair really is and whether it could support hair extensions.

Hair Extensions and Excess Shedding Issue

2007-03-23T03:03:00.001-07:00

Hair Extensions Shedding

Getting hair extensions can be very involved. There are many different methods available, many different types and qualities of hair to use and many different stylists to choose from. Hair Extensions are not something that you should rush into without thoroughly checking things out. Many things can go wrong if they are not properly attached, removed and maintained.

One issue that may come up with hair extensions is shedding. Shedding starts at the point of attachment. There are many different ways that the hair extensions can be attached. When the point where they were attached becomes loose, the hair extension will slip and fall out of the hair. Sometimes the natural hair will come out as well. Some shedding is to be expected. Here is a question from a woman that had this issue.

Hair Extension Question:

I have extensions that were fused into my hair using the strand method. I have had hair extensions before and it seems that I always have problems with excess shedding for some reason. I don't have a hair thinning problem and my hair is fairly thick. I was wondering if maybe my stylist should use the hair with the glue that is already on the tips along with the regular glue she uses in the gun. Would this make the extensions more secure? I love having hair extensions, but within 3 weeks I am ready for a fill. I don't think they should shed this much

Answer:

I'm sorry that you are having problems with your extensions falling out. This can be a very common problem with some hair extension methods. I am not a professional cosmetologist, so I cannot offer you a professional opinion. But I have done extensive research on hair extensions and I can share with you some of the information I have learned.First of all, it is normal to lose some extensions and need filling in. Most hair extensions methods require monthly maintenance visits to address this type of problem. However, if you are losing a lot of the extensions, something else may be wrong.There can be 3 reasons why your extensions are falling out.1. Your hair is not strong enough to hold the hair. (You did not mention whether the extensions are pulling out your natural hair when they fall out.)2. Your hair for whatever reason (perhaps too oily, dry, etc.) is not working well with the glue that your stylist has used.3. The extensions are not being put in properly (Did you thoroughly check out your stylist's qualifications and training for hair extensions?)

Some of the pre-tipped hair extensions available today are with certain distinct hair extension methods that the stylist must be trained and certified to attach. The chemical makeup of the pre-tipped extensions may be different than the glue that your stylist is using. I wouldn't think that mixing two types of glues would be good for your hair. Is your stylist concerned about too many extensions falling out? A trained hair extension stylist will know when too much shedding is taking place and some action must be taken.If you are not satisfied with your stylist, perhaps you could schedule a hair extension consultation at several other salons in your area so that you can have another professional opinion about your hair extensions. Some salons charge a nominal fee for the consultation.

Steam Room Benefits - Three Important Benefits Of Steam Bathing

2007-03-23T03:02:00.002-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, steam room benefits are not just limited to relaxation and skin cleansing.

It's pretty well known that a visit to the steam room is a great way to "take a load off", but few people realize that regular steam bathing just might have a strong impact on your health.

Steam bathing can be a very effective aid for…

* Relieving sinus congestion
* Relieving tension and stress
* Improving skin look and feel
* Easing muscle and joint pain and stiffness

Steam baths and saunas are both therapeutic, but the high moisture content in a steam room is especially beneficial for respiratory problems.

The above benefits are great, but…

Three of the most important reported steam room benefits are:

1. Immune system strengthening
2. Blood circulation improvement
3. Lymph detoxification

Immune System

Your immune system is your body's line of defense against millions of bacteria, viruses, toxins and parasites that would love to take over your body. It's proper function is of the utmost importance.

The heat in a steam room benefits your immune system by inducing an artificial fever. No, this doesn't mean that you get sick! An artificially induced fever actually causes an increase in the production of white blood cells.

Also, because of the activation of your immune system during a fever, the growth of bacteria and viruses is forced to slow down.

Taking regular steam baths is a way to help keep your immune system in tip top condition.

Blood Circulation

Your circulatory system includes your heart, blood vessels and blood. It works around the clock delivering nutrients and oxygen to every part of your body, and it also carries away waste materials.

Poor blood circulation has been linked to a number of health problems.

So how can steam baths assist your circulatory system?

As your body increases sweat production to keep cool inside a steam room, your heart works harder pumping more blood at an accelerated rate. This is how saunas and steam rooms can help improve circulation with regular use.

An important point to be made is that blood circulation is increased, but not blood pressure. The heat causes blood vessels to expand, and this accommodates the increased blood flow, however...

If you do have high blood pressure or any other conditions, it's a good idea to consult with your doctor first before starting a regular steam bathing routine.

Lymph Detoxification

Two body fluids carry waste material away from your body's cells: blood and lymph.

The lymphatic system - which is part of your immune system, affects every organ and cell in your body.

Steam baths help enhance lymph system cleansing. Good lymphatic system function is very important because lymph acts to remove bacteria from your tissues and transport fat from your small intestine.

There you have it. These are three of the most important benefits of a steam room. If done regularly, you can see how steam bathing may enhance your overall health and well being.

Your Best Beauty Asset - Let It Shine

2007-03-23T03:02:00.001-07:00

Attitude - what's inside your head; your posture; your facial expressions; how gentle you are with yourself and others. Attitude is the one beauty asset that can make or break a look.

Woman #1: Attractive but Not Gorgeous. Have you ever seen a perfectly coiffed woman with flawless makeup and an outfit to die for? Just for fun, let's add some Cindy Crawford sunglasses and a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes. When you get close to her, you realize she's wearing Adrienne Vittadini Perfume. But wait - something's still not right. Why are you not dazzled? Could it be something as simple as a slouch?

We're not advocating perfection. Trying for perfection is stressful. We're advocating a natural confidence, irregardless of exterior trappings.

Woman #2: Breathtaking but Not Runway-Pretty. Let's look at another woman. She has no makeup on - maybe a light dusting of powder over plain features, and some lip gloss. She's wearing jeans and a white t-shirt. She doesn't wear perfume because co-workers in the office have complained of allergies. Yet she's dazzling. People on the street turn to look at her.

How could this be?

Our jeans woman walks tall. Her shoulders are back, her frown lines are minimal - from not frowning, not from Botox. Her stride is steady. You feel you could have coffee with her and tell her all your secrets and she'd still like you. She's not in an enormous hurry, and her awareness is centered, not scattered. How do we know all this? It shows in her appearance. We hear it in her voice when she speaks in a comfortable register and volume. Her hair is pulled back with a simple clip, and some stray locks have come loose - but it's silky and shiny. You can imagine her casually pulling out the clip, running her hands through her hair, and effortlessly putting the clip back in.

It's About Self-respect

You've seen this before, haven't you? Beauty is all about attitude. Your attitude toward yourself, and the way you look at others. It shows in the way we talk to ourselves in our heads; in the way we treat the waitress at lunch; in how we gently offer to help a colleague who's behind in her paperwork; in how we smile at the person behind us in a long, slow post office line. It shows when we offer to take a message for someone rather than just say they're not in. When we choose a pet from the pound instead of a breeder. Oh yes, it totally shows.

So how's this for good news: Your most powerful beauty asset is 100% free. It's a choice; a decision we make. It shows in the details. How we respect ourselves and others. We may not have perfect red fingernails, but our nails are filed and our cuticles cared for. We may buy clothes at the discount store, but they fit well. We may have some gray in our hair, but boy does that hair shine. We eat a healthy diet, and our eyes sparkle. Cigarettes? No thanks, they ruin a look.

A confident attitude starts on the inside. It's our default way of thinking and acting. But what about those of us who don't have it inside? How do we get it?

Working It From the Outside In

Easy - we start on the outside, and let it work its way in. We walk tall and make that a habit. We anticipate success in our projects and relationships, and catch ourselves when we hear negative voices in our head. We get organized at home and at the office, get our clothes in order, sew those buttons on, tell our people we love them, get rid of clutter in our personal papers. For more ideas, see True Beauty - How to Get It at My Makeup Mirror. In the meantime, here's how to get started:

1. Monitor your voice. Let it be softer if need be.

2. Be aware of your habits. No need to shriek into the cell phone in public. No need to rush into that parking spot that someone else also wanted. (You'll probably get a better parking spot the next time around the block.)

3. Watch your posture. Bad posture is a huge attitude-buster.

4. When someone approaches you at the office, smile. It doesn't have to be a big grin or anything major. Just a slight smile to put them at ease.

You'll be beautiful. You'll be an inspiration for others. And although it's all in your head, it will affect every aspect of your life.

Selecting Makeup in Tune With the Season

2007-03-23T03:01:00.001-07:00

Did you know that you really should change your make-up with the seasons? It's not a life or death situation, but it really does reflect on your appearance. Here's a quick guide on how to do your make-up all year round.

Spring
You aren't still wearing the same old makeup colors that you wore last winter are you? Spring is here and there are some great new colors to check out. For eye shadow, pinks are popular, but you already know that don't you. There are some great pinky purple and blue lavenders to check out as well. Lighten up your eyes with these new shades.

There is a great new mascara from L'Oreal. One end fortifies and lengthens the lashes and the other end coats the lashes with lush color. And when they say that is makes your lashes 60% longer... it definitely works that way for me.

I test out a lot of foundations and one that I just picked up is definitely worth sharing. It is called "Nearly Naked" by Almay, and is so different from what is on the market at the moment. It isn't in a bottle for one thing. It comes in a "touch pad" jar. And the best part, it offers flawless coverage, but to anyone else, it's just you.

Although there are some gorgeous pink blushes on the market, not everyone can wear this color. Instead, you can wear a mixture of pink and peach. For some reason, those two colors warm up some complexions perfectly. Try mixing the shades that you have and see how it works for you.

All kinds of pinks are waiting for you at the cosmetic counters, but again, it's finding the right shade. Here is a little trick that works every time. Look for a pink that is included in the Gifts With Purchase campaigns that major companies offer regularly. They choose the cosmetics for these GWP very carefully. They can't afford for you not to like the colors they include, so they always add one that will work with most skin tones.

Again pink is at the front of the color choices available, but I can't believe just how many pink variations there are to choose from. Paler shades are also going to be very popular for your toes this summer, so stock up!

Summer
Full face make-up is not in style any more (no matter what your age). It prevents your skin from breathing! And in the summer who wants caked make-up running down their face? Use a tinted moisturizer rather than a regular foundation. It will even out your skin tone and is so much lighter.

If you want to wear foundation, use a non-matte make-up. It's less oily and keeps your face fresh. Wear as little powder as possible. Try just using it in the "t-zone" that might get a little oily. As far as fragrance goes, keep your summer fragrance light and fresh. A cologne or toilet water spray with some of the new aromatherapy scents is perfect. You can always go back to your regular or a heavier perfume at first frost. Overall, just think light, airy, sunny, and you can't go wrong with less make-up in the summer.

Makeup Foundations: How to Choose the Right One

2007-03-06T05:14:00.001-08:00

Using a foundation that's just right for your skin is like turning your face into a perfect, flawless canvas. Ready for whatever your mood dictates - red lips, a glittery bronzer, smoky eyes. However you want to look, it begins with that perfect, blank canvas.

There are two main choices in makeup foundation:

1. the texture of the makeup itself

2. the finish of the makeup, after it's on your skin.

All makeups have one of three finishes: dewy, matte, or satin. Dewy leaves a slight sheen (not a shine!) on your face. Satiny finishes give a natural look, and matte is a dry, flatter option. Oily skin works best with a matte or satin makeup. Combination or dry skin looks good in a satin or dewy finish.

Textures are more about ease of application, and coverage. Coverage can be light, medium, or full. Let's look at our options.

Liquid Makeup

Matching the color to your skin is key. Many stores have testers, department stores usually will give you a small sample to take home, and most stores allow returns if the color turns out to be wrong. Test the color in daylight, incandescent light (yellow-based home lighting), and fluorescent light.

Liquids vary in how much they cover. But it will usually say on the bottle if the coverage is light, medium, or full. You can personalize liquids further by choosing either an oil-free base, a water-base (good for combination skin), or a moisturizing base.

Creativity is the word here. Mix and match. You might choose a non-oily liquid to use on the t-zone, and the same color and brand but in a moisturizing version, to use on the rest of your face.

Most liquid makeup is easy to apply using fingertips, but oil-free liquids should be applied with a foundation application brush, or a damp foam wedge.

Some new foundations (and blushes) will match the color of your skin once applied. If you have rosacea or melasma (dark patches, often on the cheeks), a smart-foundation won't work. It's less about covering and more about evening out your existing skin-tone.

Mineral Makeup

Ooo, the ease of application is totally irresistible. And mineral makeup looks good on all skin types. Coverage is not an issue. For quick, light coverage, just buff on one quick coat. For more coverage, use a thicker, more tightly packed brush (make sure your brush does not contain fur - see Perfect Makeup Brushes, and work the minerals into the skin. Don't worry, it won't clog pores and it washes off easily with soap and water. The more coats you apply, the more coverage you get.

Different brands of minerals have different finishes. Some impart a slight shimmer to your face, some are pure color. Most need to set for a few minutes after application before applying a setting powder, although some women prefer to skip the powder.

Cream-to-powder

The fastest and easiest way to be out the door. And because these foundations come in compact form, usually with built-in mirror and sponge applicator, they are totally handbag-friendly and can go with you anywhere. Which is a good thing, because cream-to-powders tend to fade more easily than other foundations, and need touch-ups during the day. Coverage is light to medium.

Mousse

Just plain fun! Who doesn't love to play with soft, whipped, luscious, cool-to-the-touch textures. Mousse makeups blend easily when applied. You may even feel like you're airbrushing your face. Coverage is usually light, and unlike minerals, applying more coats doesn't work well. Choose mousse if you're complexion just needs a light boost.

Cream Makeup

Full coverage is the reason to choose a cream. Application takes time and skill, but with the right color and texture for your face, you can achieve a gorgeous, movie-star look. Loose finishing powder is a must - choose a shade that is translucent so it doesn't fight with the foundation color. Cream makeup can be applied with the fingers, carefully blending small sections of the face at a time. Or try a damp foundation application brush. Work the makeup until it is totally smooth, and don't forget your jaw line and a little below.

Stick foundations are similar to creams in consistency, but are not as thick. You will need a finishing powder.

Personalize Your Foundation

* Some women skip formal foundation and simply spot conceal, then finish with a light dusting of loose or pressed powder.

* You can always use a tinted moisturizer and be done with the whole thing in seconds!

* Foundations come packed with add-ins. You can find makeup with sunscreen, with moisturizer, with wrinkle-reducers, or with acne medication. It's all out there.

Androgenetic Alopecia

2007-03-06T05:13:00.001-08:00

Androgenetic alopecia a.k.a. male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss among men and women. The only difference lies in the pattern of hair loss. The condition is called male pattern baldness in the case of men, and female pattern baldness in the case of women. androgenetic alopecia definition in a nutshell.

Male and female pattern hair loss

In men, androgenetic alopecia causes hair loss in a well-defined pattern. The process starts above both the temples. Gradually the hairline recedes to form a characteristic “M” shape. Hair loss is also witnessed at the crown (near the head top), often resulting in either partial or complete baldness.

In the case of hair loss in women hair becomes thinner all over the head. However, the hairline does not recede. Total baldness caused by the disease among women is rare.

Causes of male androgenetic alopecia?

Androgen can be called the root cause of male androgenetic alopecia. It is a generic term referring to any natural or synthetic compound (usually a steroid hormone) stimulating or controlling the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics in vertebrates by binding to androgen receptors. The latter is an intracellular steroid receptor specifically binding the two types of androgens - testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

This receptor binding allows the androgens to stimulate and regulate the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics in vertebrates. Male androgenetic alopecia is caused by androgenetic function and androgen receptors are at the centre of androgenetic functions.

Genetic factors in androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is influenced by genetic factors. People with a strong predisposition to the disease start balding in their teens. Those with a weak predisposition may start balding in their 60s or 70s.

Less than 15 per cent of men have little or no baldness by the age of 70. As per research, several genes that one inherits from both of his parents play a role in this disease. Paternal hair loss reportedly correlates with alopecia possibility in sons. On the other hand, androgen receptors (AR) - that can correlate with baldness - are X chromosome linked.