Health And Beauty Advice

Make An Easy Lotion For Your Skin

2009-11-07T13:42:00.000+07:00

Years ago I found out how incredible easy it is to make lotion. It is so inexpensive and organic that I wondered why anyone would even consider spending a dime on the chemical rich lotions on the market.

Besides I had an added incentive, I have eczema, so I am extremely sensitive to what I put on my skin. Making my own lotion was a great alternative for me.

To begin, for a lotion base all you need is water, oil and an emulsifier. An emulsifier is simply an ingredient that blends the water and oil together. Here is the base that I begin with to make my lotion:

? cup distilled water
? cup oil (I usually use olive, almond, macadamia nut, or grape seed)
1 TBS liquid lecithin

You can experiment from here by adding essential oils, combining other oils; you can steep beneficial herbs into your water before you add your oil, etc?

Here is a nice winter lotion to get you started:

? cup distilled water
? cup olive oil
1 TBS lecithin
6-8 drops of geranium oil
2-4 drops Myrrh oil
400 IU Vitamin E oil (1-2 open capsules)

Geranium oil is good for supporting balance and rejuvenating dry skin conditions and for wrinkled and matured skin. Myrrh is a gentle oil that is effective in replenishing moisture.

Vitamin E oil is an excellent antioxidant and helps to protect the skin as well as a nice preservative.

Blend all ingredients in the blender either on whip or cream. You will have a nice creamy firm lotion. Add more water to make a lighter lotion. Store in the refrigerator in hot climates or store in a cool place. Shake well before use.

Enjoy your lotion. Hopefully this little recipe will inspire you to become creative!

About The Author

Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. Now she offers this information in an e-book entitled Wrap Yourself Slim: Body Wrap Exposed. Monthly newsletter is also available at her web site. for more information go to http://www.wrapyourselfslim.com

links@wrapyourselfslim.com

Power Play: Fall Beauty Trends Straight from the Runway

2009-08-10T23:48:00.001+07:00

When Miuccia Prada abandoned her signature ladylike aesthetic in favor of dark chunky knits, animal prints, and sky-high platforms for her fall collection, she sent a strong message: The prim lady had officially been supplanted by the 21st-century uber-woman. (Presumably, the former muse is off fending for herself somewhere in the urban jungle?.) And Prada wasn?t alone: In New York, Milan, and Paris, the runway heroine du jour represented a dramatic departure from the fresh-faced girls and submissive sex kittens of seasons past. The sartorial shift was also accompanied by a new crop of beauty trends, with blood red lips eclipsing shimmer, smoldering eyes ousting beach-bunny bronzer, and pin-straight hair surpassing more romantic styles. Here, the top six beauty trends from the fall 2006 shows.

Hot Lips
Along with trousers, tulip skirts, and ankle boots, bold lipstick is part of the power woman?s fall uniform. (Think of it as war paint to ornament your new, no-nonsense attitude.) Tuleh?s ?40s-style collection inspired a high-sheen berry lip, while Valentino?s matte red added a shot of color to the designer?s largely colorless collection. Jill Stuart chose a glossy purple, while Behnaz Sarafpour, Miu Miu, and Diane von Furstenberg all opted for classic crimsons. At Alice Roy, nearly black lips were a perfect complement to the designer?s edgy, neo-punk vision.
Trend Tips: The key to wearing bold lip colors is keeping the rest of your makeup minimal (combining this trend with a smoky eye or heavy blush will lead to certain disaster). For more staying power, add a sheer coat of foundation to lips first, followed by a light dusting of powder and lipliner. Apply the color in several light coats, blotting with a tissue between each layer.
Best Bets: Nars Lipstick in Fire Down Below, Chanel Rouge Hydrabase in Shanghai Red, Tarte Double Ended Lipgloss in Bonnie & Clyde, Clinique Quickliner for Lips in Deep Red, Sephora Jumbo Pencil in Raspberry, Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Always Asher.

The Eyes Have It
Eye makeup was unusually restrained for spring, but it made a serious comeback at the fall shows. At Allessandro Dell?Acqua, eyes were rimmed with sexy rock-goddess smudges; at Rochas, the lines were blurred with moody black shadows; and at Missoni and Narciso Rodriguez, the models wore thick ?80s-inspired liner on the bottom lids. Victor & Rolf and Armani both shifted the focus to the top lid with retro-style wings, while Zac Posen, J. Mendel, and Badgley Mischka opted for an eye that was both dramatic and wearable. You probably won?t see Christian Dior?s or Gucci?s theatrical looks at the office, but both will provide plenty of inspiration for more experimental beauty addicts.
Trend Tips: If you?re using a pencil that?s too hard, heat it under the hair dryer for a few seconds to soften the tip (just be careful not to melt the liner or burn yourself). If you have small eyes, keep the emphasis on top, rather than on the lower lid. And if you have bags or circles, use concealer?without it, dark liner will only emphasize undereye problems.
Best Bets: M.A.C. Eyeshadow in Black Tied, Urban Decay Glide-on Pencil in Zero, Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Pointe-Noire, Goldie Smudgable Liquid Line in Maha, Too Faced Lava Gloss Super Glossy Eyeliner in Chocolate, NYC Brow/Eye Liner Pencil in 921.

Devil May Care
The minimalist makeup that swept the spring runways also made an appearance for fall. But this time, barely there faces seem to make a more subversive statement (think unabashedly naked, as opposed to coquettishly nude). In the absence of color, the spotlight shifted to a strong brow at Yves Saint Laurent, Chlo?, and Fendi, while Jil Sander?s and Balenciaga?s underdone approach put the models? luminous skin and bone structure center stage. At Marc Jacobs, carefully chosen hints of neutral color complemented the designer?s heavily layered collection.
Trend Tips: For a face that looks uncontrived but not disheveled, invest in a good-quality concealer and brow gel. To camouflage flaws and even out your complexion, use a tinted moisturizer or primer. And to keep skin from looking flat, sweep an iridescent highlighter along the cheeks and browbones.
Best Bets: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion, Benefit Moon Beam, Lauren Hutton Tinted Moisturizer + Sheer Concealer, Biotherm Light Catch Moisturizing Illuminating Concealer, Sue Devitt Aromatic Camouflage Concealer.

Lighter Side
Although dark lips ruled several runways, other designers opted for pale pouts?the perfect foil to this season?s intense eye makeup. Chanel?s beige lip evoked the ?60s, Dolce & Gabbana?s golden take complemented the designer?s opulent couture, and Burberry?s pale pink transformed the models from fresh-faced girls into cool ice queens. Alberta Ferretti?s powdery version was paired with a shimmery golden eye, while Celine and Carolina Herrera each offered a sheerer take on the trend.
Trend Tips: Although it?s stunning on the runway, a pale lip that?s too beige or matte can look deadly in real life. To keep from looking like a corpse, choose lipsticks and glosses with a little peach (if your skin tone is warm) or pink (if you?re cool), and finish with a dab of clear gloss.
Best Bets: M.A.C. Lipglass in Uberpeach, Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss, Jaqua Carmel Cappuccino Lip Whip, Shu Uemura Lolishine Rouge in 968, Too Faced Diamond Gloss in Lilac, Clarins Color Quench Lip Balm No. 10.

The Tip-Off
Nails went to extremes this season, from polish-free and clear-coated to dark, goth-style tips (with almost nothing in between). Gone were the brights, the glitter, and the nail art?fall?s sophisticated lady wears somber nail colors or none at all. Most designers chose a colorless look, including J. Mendel and Derek Lam. At Marc Jacobs, the models didn?t wear polish but kept their nails looking neat with Essie?s Cuticle Pen. In contrast, Nanette Lepore?s wore Essie?s Wicked, a rich burgundy-brown, while Alice Roy?s were treated to an even darker shade in keeping with the show?s nearly black lips.
Trend Tips: Colorless nails and dark, vampy enamels can both draw attention to imperfections, so be sure cuticles are neat. In addition, keep tips no longer than one-half the length of your nail bed, and use a ridge-filler or ridge-filling base coat to create a smooth surface.
Best Bets: Essie Cuticle Pen and Wicked Nail Colour, Lippmann Collection Nail Polish in Sophisticated Lady, OPI Ridge Filler, La Cross Curved-Blade Nail Scissors, Avon Nailwear Nail Enamel in Femme, Elizabeth Arden Nail Polish in Christopher St. Cappuccino C, Creative Nail Design Nail Polish in Voodoo.

Straight Edge
It seems like just last year?and it was?that women were finally ditching their flatirons, and granted, the shows did see several wavy styles and romantic updos. But the biggest news in hair was the return of long, pin-straight strands. Getting the look can be grueling for many women, but Carolina Herrera, Bill Blass, Luca Luca, Stella McCartney, and Versace all opted for sleek, center-parted locks. Pucci, Costume National, and Ralph Lauren chose similar styles with just a bit of bend on the bottom, while straight tresses were side-parted and left loose at Marni, casually secured at Moschino, and slickly swept at Giambattista Valli.
Trend Tips: For smoother results and to reduce the risk of damage, apply a dime-size amount of a heat-protecting and defrizzing product evenly throughout damp strands. When you blow-dry, work in small sections from the bottom to the top of your head, and if you?re using a flatiron, keep it moving to prevent singeing.
Best Bets: Farouk Chi Ceramic Flatiron, Sedu Ionic Ceramic Tourmaline Straightener, Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream, Ojon Hydrating Styling Cream, John Frieda Straight Answer Styling Spray, Philip B. Drop Dead Straightening Baume, ISO Tamer Smoothing Defrizzing Gel, Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.

Jennifer Riley is a senior of Beauty Addict Magazine http://beautyaddictmag.com For more articles on beauty trends, visit the Beauty Addict Magazine Blog at: http://beautyaddictmag.com/blog/

The 5 Most Common Makeup Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

2009-05-18T19:42:00.001+07:00

Orange face, white neck. Brown neck, pink face. We all know someone with no perception of how her make-up really looks on her own face. She?s sweet, really sweet. But she?s a joke in your circle of friends. Oh, no. It isn?t you, is it?

Well, even if you don?t wear ?clown makeup,? chances are you're making some mistakes with your makeup. Take stock to be sure that you don't fall into any of the makeup traps below.

Mismatched Foundation

Your foundation should not be a different color from the rest of your body. Really, it shouldn?t. This is an easy problem to fix. March yourself down to the make-up counter at your favorite department store and let the salesperson do her job. It?s her job, after all. Don?t be intimidated, you don?t need to buy the whole product line.

Blue Eye shadow

Blue eye shadow works for some people. Little girls in dance recitals. Guests at 1970s-themed parties. Ethereal looking supermodels. If you aren't one of the aforementioned people then don?t wear it. Enough said.

Dark Circles Under Eyes/Obvious Under Eye Concealer

This is a chicken or egg problem. You?re right, the circles aren?t great. But neither are orange crescents under your eyes. Play around with a few shades of concealer to see what really works best for you.

Different products work differently on different people. Just because one brand works for your friend, doesn?t mean it?ll be flattering on you. Make sure you?re getting enough sleep and talk to your doctor. Sometimes those circles are a sign of allergies or a vitamin deficiency.

Obvious Lip liner

This is a look. It?s just not a flattering one. Lip liner is intended to add dimension to thin or small lips, to lengthen the wear of your lip color and to prevent your lipstick from ?bleeding? onto your face. It is not intended to create a visible outline.

Inferior products in your dressing area

Most of us are not starlets with dressing rooms and make-up artists at our disposal. But that doesn?t mean we don?t deserve to look like starlets with dressing rooms and make-up artists. Invest in good lighting around your vanity. Stock it with quality make-up brushes and limit your make-up collection to products you'll actually use. That way, your budget can be used to buy better cosmetics.

You?re worth it

Add a couple of extra minutes, a wee bit more effort and a little money into your daily makeup routine. It?s not vain to spend a few dollars on or a few minutes at your vanity. Put on your prettiest smile, bat your beautiful lashes and show the world that you like who you are.

Put your best face forward... you don't have to hide behind crow's feet and lip lines...

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, Hollywood Makeup Secrets a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

Acne Rosacea Symptoms Causes Treatments

2009-05-15T01:36:00.000+07:00

Acne rosacea is a skin condition characterized by reddish discoloration of the facial skin, particularly in the area of the cheeks, forehead and the nose. It is usually found in fair skinned adults, and is often mistaken for acne. The tiny blood vessels under the skin dilate and give the appearance of ?blushing?. While pimples may occur with acne rosacea there are no whiteheads or blackheads. At first the redness may come and go, but if untreated it will continue to worsen, with pimples and permanent flushing of the face. Extreme cases of acne rosacea that have not been treated can lead to disfigurement of the nose and puffy cheeks. Cosmetic surgery is the only way to repair this severe damage. Acne rosacea may also cause a gritty feeling in the eyes that, if not treated, can lead to impaired vision.

Acne rosacea can occur in men or women. Women tend to get acne rosacea more often than men, but men have more severe symptoms than do women.

Causes of Acne Rosacea

One of the most frustrating things about acne rosacea is that there is no known cause. There are many suggestion as to the origins of rosacea such as:

- Emotional factors that cause blushing or flushing of the face may trigger acne rosacea.
- Changes in the weather may cause acne rosacea to occur.
- Sun exposure generally worsens the condition.
- Mites or certain bacteria may cause the initial outbreaks of acne rosacea.
- Some medications for heart conditions that are used a vasodilator may bring about the onset of acne rosacea.

Treatments Available

It is important to remember that acne rosacea is not the same as teenage acne, and will not respond to over the counter acne treatments. These treatments are more likely to further irritate the skin and cause a worsening of the condition.

The most successful treatment of acne rosacea includes:

- A strong oral antibiotic that gradually decreases to a maintenance level.
- A topical cream that is applied regularly to the affected area. This cream usually will contain antibiotics in conjunction with cortisone or a prescription acne mediation.

Things to avoid/moderate

- Minimize skin exposure to the sun.
- Avoid or minimize smoking
- Moderate alcohol consumption
- Avoid spicy foods

As promised - you now know what acne rosacea is, what causes this condition and how it can be treated/controlled.

Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.stopping-acne-now.com/. On his website, he shows how to cure a pimple and articles about acne causes and treatments.

Celebrity Beauty Secrets What They Are and How You can Copy Them

2009-05-12T16:07:00.001+07:00

You are probably wondering how celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Simpson & Hilary Duff look so gorgeous all the time? How does their hair always look so perfect and well-conditioned?

What?s the Secret?

Well the secret is in the tools, the products and the stylist.

You can create these looks at home, and one of the best tips is:- the less time you spend on it the better it will look. Now you are probably wondering how, but if you think it takes 8-20mins to straighten your hair, you may start to believe me.

Here?s some great tips that you can use at home that will help you to look even better. These tips come not only from personal experiences but also from the celebrity stylists, who help to create a great red carpet look.

So here we go, read on for the ultimate in celebrity hair tips.

How to get that ?Going to the Oscars? Glamour

Whenever you see a picture of a celebrity on the red carpet, you are probably thinking how amazing they look. And what you can see is a hairstyle that has taken months of planning and trips to the stylists in order to look absolutely Hollywood perfect.

Before the big event, the celebrity will consult with their stylist about how they want to look, but also ask advice from their hairdressers on how to look up to date, but also very sexy and feminine.

Those who kept up with the times on the red carpet this year went for very large Hollywood curls, with an extra rich colour and shine. To recreate this look here are some tips on how to curl your hair so you can look just as elegant. Create Great Curls

If you have just bought yourself some very expensive straighteners, or you are thinking about it, why not consider the idea of curling your hair with straighteners? You can get more controllable curls which are far easier to manage than your natural hair is!

Try:-

1. Make sure that your hair is semi-straight, or if not straighten it.

2. Spray on some heat-protection spray and then divide your hair into sections. The fewer the number of sections the tighter the curls will be.

3. Take the straightener and clamp it over the top of the section, then whilst pulling down the straighteners turn the straightener round. To produce a tighter curl clamp harder with the straighteners and pull harder when you bring it down.

4. Do not brush your hair after you have done this, but simply tease through with your fingers. And add some shine spray.

Another way to curl your hair that always creates great celebrity styles hair effect is to use some heated rollers. The type of rollers that you should get should depend on how long and thick your hair is, and how tight the curl that you want to achieve is.

I would recommend for short thin hair to use a straightener (the above method) or tongs, for thick medium length hair to use some medium sized heated rollers and for really long hair I would use some very large velcro rollers. Try using these on wet hair and then drying off with a hair dryer (be sure to have plenty of hair grips on hand however).

The most perfect thing about celebrities hair is that it always appears in perfect condition. Just think, can you remember every seeing Jennifer Aniston with her hair looking messed up?!

Many celebrities will have plenty of deep conditioning treatments at their salon before the big event. These treatments will vary from Damage Restructuring to Deep Conditioning and Detoxifying.

There are plenty of high street products out there that are suitable for home use and you can pick them up on the high street for reasonable prices. I would always recommend that you look on the back and see the list of ingredients, the more chemicals it has in it, the worse it will be for your hair in the long run.

You may wish to consider trying some organic haircare products, which are not always as expensive as you think, and with organic followers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Elle McPherson you will be in great company!

Or indeed for a special event such as a prom or a ball, why not go down to your local hairdresser or beauty salon and have a hair wrap or mask? These may be quite expensive but will definitely get you the look that you desire and it?s worth treating yourself for a special event.

Always check with the salon about which treatment they think will be right for you, because not all of them will be suitable for your hair type.

For further celebrity beauty secrets and ideas for how to get your hair looking great, visit Celebrity Sedu Hairstyles

This article was submitted by Alissa Carter, owner of Dress Search - Prom Dresses website.

Reshape And Firm Your Stomach With A Tummy Tuck

2009-05-12T16:01:00.001+07:00

In the present day, even the slightest of flab around the belly can be a source of embarrassment and social discomfort. Moreover, flaunting a protruding tummy won?t help you much in wooing the opposite sex. Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reshape and firm the abdomen. Abdominoplasty involves removing excess flab and skin around the belly button, thereby tightening the abdominal wall. This lends a slender appearance to the tummy, making the overall figure to be more appealing.

Though tummy tuck surgery is carried out on both women and men, the procedure is usually sought by women who have no plans to conceive any more children. People who have excessive fat deposits, which cannot be curtailed through diet and exercise, may also opt for tummy tuck plastic surgery. Abdominoplasty is a complex procedure that can be classified into two broad categories ? complete and partial. Complete abdominoplasty involves a series of incisions, tightening of muscles, removal of extra flab and skin, and replacement of skin flap to allow healing. The complete process may take around 2-5 hours. The partial procedure requires less and smaller incisions and takes around 1-2 hours.

Tummy tuck surgery may be performed in combination with liposuction treatment. Abdominoplasty, being complex, requires a significant amount of time for recovery ? nearly 4 to 6 weeks. The patient is recommended to avoid undue stress or exertion during the recovery period, since this might lead to unnecessary complications. Patients might experience mild discomfort and contusions around the abdomen. But, such complications subside with time as the patient recovers completely. However, smoking is strictly prohibited both prior to surgery and during recovery, since smokers are at a higher risk of facing complications.

On the whole, abdominoplasty is a superlative procedure that could help you attain the much desired slender look and awesome appeal.

Nicola publishes an informational site about liposuction, with articles and news, tips and views to help you make the correct choice about Liposuction and Lipoplasty at http://lipo.plastic-surgery-info.net

Body Hair Removal Techniques: What Options Are There?

2009-05-05T19:57:00.001+07:00

Is there a way to remove body hair from the entire body? Today, many people are looking at ways to effectively remove the hair that is growing from every part of the body, from the face and neck all the way down to the toes. Is it safe to do this? Yes, in most cases, body hair can be removed without any problems what so ever. And, it can be quite successful as well. While you may need to call in a professional to help you, chances are there is a way to get rid of the hair on your body.

A Costly, But Good Option

One of the most effective ways of removing hair from the body in a permanent fashion is through laser hair removal. This can be done rather easily, actually. If you can afford to have it done, you should. It is able to remove hair faster than, say electrolysis because it can deal with several hair folicles at once, rather than each individually. Laser hair removal is an effective treatment that will work for most areas of the body including the arms and legs, the chest and the back.

But, it will cost you. Laser hair removal, as effective as it is, costs several thousands of dollars. And, it will take several treatments before the entire area will be completed. In some cases, hairs will re-grow and will need additional attention.

Less Permanent, Less Costly

Another method of hair removal is through waxing. Yes, it is less expensive, but it is also not permanent. And, it can hurt a bit too. To work, a layer of wax is placed onto the skin where the hair to be removed is located. Then, when the wax hardens just enough, it is quickly pulled away. The hair is removed, down to the root. You can do this at home, but it can be faster, more effective as well as offer better results when done professionally. The hair will re-grow, but it will take several weeks for it to do so. Waxing can be painful, but usually only for a few seconds and it is quite effective at removing hair from the follicle.

So, which is the best option for you? If you can afford to go with a laser treatment, it will work better for you in the long run. If you can handle a few painful seconds and a lower cost, waxing is a great hair removal method.

There are many online resources that can help you with information about hair removal.

As a beauty consultant Nicola is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for resources, views and information about body hair removal.

5 Insider Beauty Secrets Other Women Don't Want You To Know! (Part 2)

2009-04-28T19:51:00.001+07:00

By far one of the most important of our beauty assets is our smile. Who can resist an enigmatic sparkling white smile?

You also can't hide yellow teeth like you can most other physical defects. So you should always be sure your smile is at it's best.

Perfectly straight teeth aren't always necessary either, so if you could never afford braces or retainers don't worry too much.

Some of the most beautiful women I know (and even myself), have never worn braces in their life. And have small imperfections in the straightness of their teeth.

Even some famous actresses have teeth that have obviously never worn braces (think Amber Tamblyn, Kirsten Dunst, Kristin Kreuk).

And yet they still manage to be amazingly beautiful because their teeth are well cared for, and shine like pearls.

So how can you make your smile enviable without spending a fortune at a dentists or on teeth whitening products?

Beauty Secret 4

Whiten and brighten your smile.

For this little beauty secret you use two household items that are rock bottom cheap to buy; Baking Soda, and Peroxide.

Yep, thats how simple it is.

You take the baking soda and peroxide and you make a thick paste out of them. You shouldn't need more than a tablespoon of the paste.

Apply the paste to teeth, and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes every morning and night.

The most effective way to do this, and brighten your smile, is by brushing your teeth with the paste.

Baking soda and peroxide will not only whiten your teeth but clean them too, if you use them in place of toothpaste.

Then just sit back and watch the results!

Your smile will become visibly whiter, and to boot you'll save a bundle on toothpaste, and teeth whiteners.

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Don't you always hate it when summer rolls around, and your body is hardly swimsuit or shorts ready?

Or even the rest of the year when it seems impossible to disguise those figure flaws!

Beauty Secret 5

Hide figure flaws and defects.

If you are bigger in the butt and upper thighs than in the hips and waist:

Wear tighter tops to show off your trim upper body, and skirts that taper towards the hemline to disguise your pear shape.

Buy jeans that are a snug fit and are low rise (the low rise will emphasize your small waist and the tightness has a surprisingly slimming effect on legs and butt).

Dresses that end just a little above the knee work nicely for pear figures as they hide bulky upper legs.

The best swimsuits for pear figures tend to be bikini's that have low cut bottoms with a flounce skirt. This draws eyes away from the legs, and minimizes them at the same time.

If you are bigger in the waist and bust, and your butt and thighs are more slender:

Wear shirts that tend to fall from the peak of your breasts downward, to hide a bulky stomach.

Or wear a snug t-shirt with a button up shirt or sweater over it, leaving the buttons unfastened on the shirt or sweater.

Wear shorts and skirts that are short to emphasize your good feature (your legs).

The best swimsuit for women who are big on top and little on bottom is a full piece that is high cut in the hips.

This hides the stomach, and shows of slender legs and buttocks.

If you are an extremely skinny woman all over:

Wear skirts that flounce out and shirts that ruffle to give you a more rounded appearance.

Wear semi loose dresses that are tight only in the right spots.

For instance emphasize a small waist with a dress that is cinched in the middle but flounces out from the hips to give a curvy appearance.

Wear tight jeans, or loose slacks with a pull over sweater, these will both work well for your figure type.

The best swimsuits for skinny women are of course bikinis. Full pieces give slender women a little girl appearance, and are not very attractive.

The bikini's are best if they're high cut in the hips and butt. This flatters a thin woman best by showing off her waist and legs.

Low cut bikini's will also work well with a skinny woman though, if you want to emphasize slender hips.

If you're a large woman all over:

You should go for just slightly loose fitting clothes. Too loose and you'll only make yourself appear bigger.

Wear panty hose to make your legs look slim. Avoid overly tight clothes at all costs, this will make your skin roll, and you'll look larger than ever.

Choose mainly capris and knee length skirts or dresses for summer.

Avoid shorts, mini skirts, or short dresses until you slim down.

The best swimsuit for a full figure is (you guessed it) a full piece, cut low in the hips, and with a skirted bottom.

If you're a curvy woman (also known as an hour glass figure):

You can wear almost anything you choose to and look good; loose slacks, tight jeans, loose shirts, tight shirts, loose skirts, tight skirts, dresses, bikini's, full pieces, etc...

So be proud of your figure and choose your clothes with some taste to best show off your unique shape.

Now that you'e armed with these beauty secrets, go out and put them to use. You'll definitely start to turn heads, and command a respect in people wherever you go.

Because, remember it's not the shape of your body, or face, or the size of your nose or lips or eyes, that denotes beauty.

It's the proud way you carry yourself, and the neatness, and good taste with which you pick your clothes and accessories.

Be sure to read Part 1 of this informative article. In Part 1 I'll teach you the beauty secrets for clearing acne, making your lips soft and kissable, and a few fashion tips every woman should know. Click Here For Part 1 Of Beauty Secrets

Pour on the Cream for Smooth Skin!

2009-04-24T13:06:00.001+07:00

Are you looking to remove unwanted hair using a depilatory cream? This is a lotion or cream used to dissolve hair at the skin surface and is usually chemical-based. You will find that there are several different formulations on the market and you will have to purchase the relative to the texture of your hair. Fine hair requires a certain formulation, and coarse hair another one. Before you use a product make sure you test a little small patch of skin to see if you have any allergic reaction. Read the instructions and leave it on the exposed skin area for the length of time required. After you have done your test patch wait an additional 24 hours and keep a close eye on the area for any signs of irritation. If there are no signs of redness or an allergic reaction go ahead and apply to the area you want.

If you are going to have a hair removal session, you will get best results after a warm bath. Your pores will be open, and it will ensure that your hair is good and soft leaving your skin silky smooth. Most depilatory products work best after a bath. Remember to read the instructions again as sometimes it is easy to miss an important piece of information. If you have any skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis or even any abrasions or mosquito bites, make sure that these are healed over before applying a depilatory cream.

Your hair removal cream can be applied generously. This is an important part of the application process, just make sure that you don't rub it in to too much. Remember to keep a timer handy as it is very important to leave it on only for the amount of time directed in the instructions. It is possible to get a chemical burn if you leave it on too long, however, if it starts itching or stinging, you will know enough to remove it. After you have removed your unwanted hair with the cream, be sure to pamper your skin. Don't use any rough exfoliating products or loofahs in the shower or bath for a while.

By Terry Price- Remember to visit- http://www.laser-hair-removal-discount.com/laser-hair-removal-new-york.html -for more important information on hair removal techniques.

What Can You Do About Facial Hair Removal?

2009-04-13T19:12:00.001+07:00

Your face is the first thing that people see. The last thing that you want is to have ugly facial hair causing others to look at you. And, it is just uncomfortable. Is there any solution for facial hair removal? Yes, there are many. You have options to removal much of the hair on your face including your eyebrows, the checks and chin, the upper lip and the nose hair. But, what is the right solution for doing so?

Facial Hair Removal For Men

First and foremost, men have many tools to help them with facial hair removal. For most men, the best method to use is that of shaving. If you are like most men, you realize the benefits of shaving with a good quality razor. You have a large selection of them to choose from as many companies are putting out better and better quality options. And, to make shaving less painful, there are shaving creams and gels that can help to reduce the irritation of the skin. Still, there are other options.

For The Ladies

For ladies who are fighting facial hair removal, there are fewer options but many that will work just fine. Shaving is not a good thing for most women. It can cause great irritation and is not necessary for the fine hair that most women battle. Most women are dealing with unwanted hair on their upper lip or strays here and there. In most cases, they will pluck them to rid them. Yes, it can hurt to do this, but it is a deep method of hair removal that should last several weeks. Still, there are other options available.

Depilatories: These are inexpensive solutions for hair removal of the face. If you are careful, they can be effective at dissolving visible hair. You can do this at home, but you will need to do it each time hair becomes visible.

Lasers? Electrolysis? These are also options. These offer permanent facial hair removal. By destroying the follicle in which hair grows from, the hair will no longer grow. While they can be costly, and may need to be done several times to be effective, they can actually help you to gain permanent hair removal as well as less painful ways of getting it.

Waxing: Ouch! Yes, waxing does hurt a bit but it is a great way of getting hair removal for both men and women. The hair is plucked from the root, which means that it will not grow back for several weeks. You can do this at your home or have a professional help you.

Which is the best option for removing hair from your face? The bottom line is that it is up to you. While not one method is fool proof and right for everyone, most of these methods can be done quite safely and to satisfy just about everyone?s needs.

As a beauty consultant Nicola is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for resources, views and information about hair removal.

Damage Control How to Transform Your Hair From Stressed Out to Strong!

2009-04-12T18:06:00.001+07:00

For most women, a healthy head of hair is a fleeting pleasure--a not-so-cheap thrill that seems to end the moment we tip our hairdressers. Even if we can prolong our post-salon glow, within a few weeks, it?s inevitably replaced by multiplying mobs of split ends and shower caddies resembling hair rehab clinics.

According to a recent Pantene survey, more than 70 percent of women believe their hair is damaged--a problem their stylists are all too familiar with. ?When hair is shoulder length or longer, it?s usually split or dry,? says Gil Ferrer of the Gil Ferrer Salon in New York City. The good news is, you can get your strands into shape by replacing a few bad habits with Beauty Addict's 12-step healthy routine.

Breaking the Cycle
Ironically, the same tricks and tools we use to improve our hair?s appearance often lead to lasting damage. According to Ferrer, ?color, perms and straighteners are all harmful, especially when they?re combined.? To create the desired effect, these chemicals disrupt the cuticle--the hair?s delicate outer coating. When that layer is permeated or frayed, hair becomes dull, dry and brittle.

Even so, an estimated 60 percent of U.S. women color their hair, and 40 percent of them opt to go blonde. Sadly, ?products that create double-processed, lighter-blonde shades are particularly hazardous,? explains hairstylist Matt Yeandle. If you?re determined to dye, Yeandle suggests sticking with a single-process color and avoiding re-coloring the same strands, which ?can cause serious damage.? In addition, many stylists recommend staying within two shades of the hair?s natural hue or using gentler, semipermanent products.

But the chemically dependent aren?t the only ones at risk; friction and hot tools can be equally unsafe. ?Going to bed with wet hair leaves strands more vulnerable to friction,? says Yeandle. After showering, he recommends lightly squeezing hair with a towel, using a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles and, once it?s dry, brushing gently, rather than vigorously. Alicia Trani, of New York City?s Mudhoney salon, also warns against overwashing, as well as potentially harmful accessories: ?Uncoated rubber bands and tight ponytails worn every day are going to cause damage,? she notes.

The 12 Step Program
As with most things, the road to hair recovery is paved with care, caution and self-control. Follow the experts? advice to get your tresses on the right track.
1. Cut and Run
To prevent split ends, experts stress the importance of trimming your hair every three to four weeks.
2. Beware the Razor
Be mindful of the tools your stylist is using. ?Although razors can create beautiful styles, they can compromise the hair?s cuticle,? says Yeandle.
3. Keep in Condition
According to colorist Erika Szabo, of New York City?s Louis Licari Salon, generous conditioning is crucial to maintaining a healthy mane.
4. Go Deep
Rather than relying solely on standard rinse-outs, Szabo also suggests ?saturating dry hair with conditioner, covering it with a shower cap, and keeping the cap on when showering, to let the steam activate the conditioner.?
5. Make an Investment
Poor-quality accessories can undermine even the best hair-care regimen. For best results, invest in an extra-gentle boar?s-hair brush and fabric-covered elastics, which create stress-free styles.
6. Choose the Right Tools
If you insist on heat-styling, stick with ceramic tools, which ultimately cause less damage than the metal variety.
7. Fight the Elements
Sun, wind, salt water, and chlorine can all damage the hair?s cuticle. Szabo recommends using UV-protective products, which also keep color from fading.
8. Beat the Heat
Blow-dryers, flatirons, and curling irons can all take a heavy toll on hair. If you?re unwilling to forgo the heat, limit yourself to weekly usage.
9. Hold Back
When blow-drying, use a diffuser or nozzle, and always keep the dryer at least six inches from the hair.
10. Keep It Moving
Flatirons should be kept in constant motion to prevent singeing, and curling irons should be carefully timed, following manufacturers? instructions.
11. Get a High-Pro Glow
Nourish your hair at home, but leave heavy-duty chemical processes to the professionals.
12.Shop Around
Remember that perhaps the most important step in preventing damage is choosing the right hairdresser: ?Make sure your stylist is knowledgeable, understands your hair, and won?t use damaging methods,? says Ferrer.

Happy Endings
Drugstores and salons are teeming with products that claim to restore, rejuvenate, and repair. According to Ferrer, ?there?s really no way to reverse damage; the hair has to grow back.? Fortunately, the following products can help improve the look of battered locks and prevent new growth from suffering the same fate.

Mild shampoos such as Bumble and Bumble Gentle, Jean-Marc Maniatis Anti-Frizz, and Garnier Fructis Fortifying are specially formulated to protect and nourish. Daily conditioners like Paul Mitchell Super Charged and June Jacobs Citrus Clarifying leave hair silky and manageable. For weekly hydration, try deep conditioners such as K?rastase Masqueintense or L?Or?al Color Care Dry Defense 3-Minute Treatment. For heat-activated help, V05?s Hot Oil Treatments offer first-class moisture, while Nutriol?s Hair Fitness contains 12 vials of patented strengthening serum. Clinique Quick Detangle gets wet tresses tangle-free; Infusium 28 Heat-Activated Leave-In Treatment fortifies strands while you blow-dry; and Neutrogena Triple Moisture Healing Shine Serum is a premium polisher, improving the appearance of split ends.

Tara Mattarazzo is the editor-in-chief of Beauty Addict Magazine http://beautyaddictmag.com. For more articles on beauty, hair care, skin care, makeup, fashion, shopping, fitness, women's health, and more, visit the Beauty Addict Magazine features page at: http://beautyaddictmag.com/thescoop/features/featureindex.html

Hair Care Home Remedies

2009-04-02T13:03:00.001+07:00

Save money and give yourself a break from the chemicals found in most hair care products by using the following natural home remedies.

Tame your frizzy hair by rubbing coconut oil into your hands and applying sparingly onto your hair. You don't want to overdo it - too much will make your hair look greasy. Shampooing your hair less frequently also helps with the frizzies. Excess shampooing strips natural oils from the hair.

Rinse your hair with one tablespoon baking soda mixed with one cup of water to get rid of shampoo build-up and styling residues.

Rinsing your hair with one juiced lemon and one cup of water is said to bring life and shine back to dull hair.

1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with two cups of water will give your hair shine and bounce.

Add essential oil of ylang ylang to your shampoo, conditioner and styling agents as a hair rejuvenator.

Ylang ylang and rosemary essential oils are also believed to stimulate hair growth.

Drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetables and getting plenty of rest is probably the best way to achieving healthy hair.

What goes into your body is reflective on the outside including your hair.

Elizabeth Kiely is the owner of EK Shower Caps: http://www.EKLBC.com

Natural Haircare Part 1

2009-03-30T13:28:00.001+07:00

Extra volume, extra shine, anti-dryness, anti-split ends, curly hair, straight hair, frizzy hair, flat hair. The choices are endless when trying to select the right shampoo. And in the ned, all of them are filled with unescesary chemicals.
Take any shampoo from the drugstore and read the lable. You will most likely find isopropyl, a solvent that dehydrates and irritates your skin, is known to increase aging and can damage your immune system; propylene- and butylene glycol which can penetrate your skin and weaken your protein structure, among other things. And those are just two of the forty-something ingredients found in shampoo.

So what does one do to maintain a beautiful head of hair without damaging the scalp or the enviroment?

There are plenty of alternatives.

The first one is to stop using shampoo and simply use apple cider vinegar and baking soda. I use this method and my hair is reborn! My hair has a fine texture, but I have insane amounts of it, so it was always flimsy and very difficult to set. After I switched from a hair-salon shampoo to vinegar and baking soda my hair has become silky, smooth and soft and is incredibly easy to set, even in very elaborate hairdos with minimal use of styling products.

To wash your hair this way, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water and apply it to your roots. Massage well to increase bloodflow to your scalp. Let it rest for a few minutes and rinse it out.
Next, mix about 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar wit 0.5-1 cup of water depending on the length of your hair. Pour it over the ends of your hair, let it rest for a minute and rinse.

Done! That's all there is to it.
If you are not quite ready to take the leap and stop washing your hair, a good option is to change shampoo, and perhaps decrease the frequency of using it. Ask any hair expert and they will tell you that you should avoid washing your hair more than once or twice a week.
Go to your local health store and ask the clerks. You will want a shampoo with as little content as possible, something that would suit hyper-allergy. It doesn't have to be expensive, but remember that decreasing your hairwashing and using less shampoo will make a bottle last longer.

Can Sugar Age Your Skin?

2009-03-29T20:01:00.001+07:00

It would seem that sugar's bad rep goes beyond tooth decay and the battle of the bulge. Research indicates that sugars can damage your skin in a process that scientists dub 'AGE,' forming a harmful waste that can prematurely age skin.

The fitting acronym 'AGE' stands for Advanced Glycosylation End-products what does that mean, and why should you moderate your sugar intake?

Skin cells are supported by a network of protein fibers; in healthy skin these fibers are resilient and elastic, allowing your skin to move, stretch and return to its soft, smooth, crease-free structure.

Wrinkles form naturally over time as a result of UV damage and reduced elasticity. When you consume too much sugar, excess sugar molecules stick to the protein fibers, binding them together, producing harmful wastes - AGE and free radicals - stiffening fibers, reducing the pliability associated with youthful skin.

AGEd skin is more vulnerable to sagging, wrinkling, inflammation and further UV damage, considered by dermatologists to be the leading cause of premature skin aging.

So, Sugar is Out?

No, unlike some hardcore low-carb weight-loss plans, this doesn't mean you have to eradicate all sugar from your diet. In fact, you body requires moderate amounts of sugar as a source of easily accessible energy. Moderate. Excess sugar accumulates outside cells where it interacts with the protein matrix that lends skin its resilience.

While scientists do expect to see a certain amount of AGE formation starting after age 40, the process has been observed in the body far earlier in recent years, most likely due to our society's high intake of sugary foods, creating an AGEing diet in more ways than one.

AGE Creators

Excess Sugar - starch and other complex carbohydrates fall into this category because they are broken down into sugars during digestion.

Too Little Fiber - consuming more fiber allows your body to process more sugar because you absorb less of it.

Too Much Processed Foods - foods that combine sugar with protein at high temperatures contain ready-made AGE since this reaction is similar to the one that produces AGE in the body.

How Much is Too Much?

We are all unique, so the amount of sugars absorbed by our cells varies from person to person. Until researchers define specific guidelines correlating AGE formation to excess sugar formation, it makes good sense to practice common sense: reduce added sugars from your diet by making informed diet choices.

Did you know that ? cup of vanilla ice cream contains less sugar than the same serving of apple sauce, and nearly half the sugar of ? cup of seedless raisins?

On average we consume 12 teaspoons of added sugars each day - try reducing that by one-half or one-third. Many foods that aren't typically 'sweet' are high in sugar or are broken down into sugar in the body (such as carbohydrates). Read nutrition labels to find out how much you consume; 4 grams of sugar equals one teaspoon. And pay attention to serving sizes.

Also, learn to identify sugars on the ingredient list - code names include sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar, honey, corn syrup, barley malt, fructose, molasses, and sucrose. While they all have different names and may be listed separately on an ingredient list, they all have the same AGEing affect on the body.

Don't forget that proper nutrition is an essential part of staying healthy and looking your best.

Johneen Manning is Editor-In-Chief of http://www.gkfa.com, a hip, savvy and fresh online women's magazine for the 'Sex and the City' generation. For more interesting and entertaining articles and to enter contests visit http://www.GKFA.com today.

Turning Back the Hands of Time

2009-03-27T19:55:00.001+07:00

When you shop for an anti-aging cream at your department store's cosmetic counter or at a drug store, are you confused about the number of choices? Well, you are not alone. In a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology, 94 per cent of the 2,079 American women surveyed are confused about over the counter and prescription anti-aging products as well as anti-aging treatments available at their doctor's office.

?The best place for consumers to find answers to their questions about aging skin is from their dermatologist, since we are the experts in the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of aging skin,? says dermatologist Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. ?Potentially, women could save time, money and confusion by simply seeking out the advice of a dermatologist, rather than guessing what might work for them.?

The survey also found that over 69 percent of women are concerned by the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness, 47 percent want to improve the look of the skin around their eyes , and 18 percent want to improve the look of the skin around their mouth.

Over-the-Counter Anti-aging Products

An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) product can also help remove the dead outer layers of skin, leaving the face with a fresh, younger appearancek, says Dr. Kauvar. AHAs are particularly beneficial for wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, which are two areas of the face where women would like to see the most improvement.?

You should also look for over-the-counter topical products with the anti-oxidants, vitamins C & E.

?But the most important thing consumers can do to prevent aging skin and further damage is to protect themselves from the sun,? recommended Dr. Kauvar. ?Consumers should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays from the sun, and has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.?

Anti-aging Products by Prescription

To reverse the signs of aging consider using retinoids, a vitamin A cream that can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.

?As long as patients have realistic expectations of the kind of improvements they can achieve, both over-the-counter or prescription treatments remain a valuable tool in the treatment of aging skin,? remarked Dr. Kauvar.

Cosmetic Treatments

Are you also confused by treatments offered by your dermatologist? More than 78 percent of the women surveyed wanted to know how long the anti-aging benefits would last and how invasive the treatments are.

Non-ablative laser skin rejuvenation plumps up skin when a laser or light source is absorbed by the water in the skin cells. Another treatment is microdermabrasion, where crystals of aluminum oxide on the skin are removed with a vacuum line, thus removing the outer layers of the skin. Chemical peels refer to a chemical solution placed on the face to remove the outer, dead layer of skin, leaving new skin underneath.

You may wish to try injectible fillers and botulinum toxin to reverse the signs of aging. injectibe fillers are injected in the skin to reduce winkles, furrows and hollows in the face. Botulinum toxin is injected to relax the muscles to soften frown lines, crow?s feet and other wrinkles.

All of these options are perfect for people with busy lifestyles who do not want the inconvenience of a long recovery,? said Dr. Kauvar. ?Each of these procedures can often be performed in under an hour, require very little or no downtime, and allow healing to occur rapidly. Most important of all is that there is minimal discomfort to patients during these procedures.?

Dr. Kauvar encourages patients who are considering a cosmetic treatment to ask their physician questions about:

Doctor?s credentials and training
Expected results
Recovery time
Risks
Cost

About The Author

Diana Clarke is a teacher, freelance writer and founder of The Sun and Your Skin, a website on life and light at http://www.yourskinandsun.com.

dianaclarke2001@yahoo.com

It's A Shame For You Not To Reduce The Appearance of Existing Signs Of Aging And Help Prevent ...

2009-03-26T14:47:00.001+07:00

Countless people are now using an anti-aging complex that works to help reduce the appearance of existing signs of aging and to help prevent the appearance of new lines and wrinkles in the future. The product they use has an extraordinary, marine-source formulation that is free of alpha-hydroxy acids, yet effectively evens skin tone and retextures, refines, brightens, and firms the skin's surface.

New pharmaceutical nutrients supply enzymes that amplify the body's natural process of rejuvenating the skin after sun exposure. Photosomes are fast-acting, light-activated enzymes, while ultrasomes are the slower acting enzymes that work without light. Pharmaceutical nutrients help speed cell renewal in sun-damaged skin to revitalize it from within.

A powerful oxidative-defense complex that is rich with vital nutrients provides optimal nutrition for hair and skin cells. Concentrated whole-grape extract, rice-derived gamma oryzanol, and green tea are powerful antioxidants that keep skin and hair strong, while vitamin E and tocopherols soothe and nourish to maintain the integrity of the skin's lipids. This breakthrough, topical-flavonoid complex is your first line of defense for beautiful, healthy hair and skin.

The crucial role that vitamin C plays in cell health and collagen synthesis has been known for decades. A revolutionary formulation of water-soluble and lipid-soluble forms of vitamin C that counteract the harsh effects of the environment on the hair and skin's appearance and provide essential antioxidants. Proline and glycine, highly effective amino acids that draw in moisture, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Smoother, brighter hair and skin can be yours with this powerful beauty therapy.

Essential fatty acids are a basic building block for healthy skin and hair. Use pharmaceutical products that provide important polyunsaturated fatty acids to support smooth, hydrated skin and soft, manageable hair. Fiber is an important element in maintaining healthy skin because it helps maintain overall body health. Use a great-tasting, low-glycemic drink mix that provides more than twice the amount of fiber.

Parabens preservatives seem to be in everything we touch, taste, or use. They are commonly found in salad dressings, sunscreens, topical dermatological medications, toothpastes, and other products. And they cause more damage than good. Are you using parabens and don?t know it? Do you have allergic reaction to these parabens preservatives? Contact me for a free health assessment.

PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in newsletters and on web sites provided attribution is provided to the author, and it appears with the included copyright, resource box and live web site link. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required. Mail to: eagibbs@ureach.com

Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Management Consultant and Trainer, conducts seminars, lectures, and writes articles on his theme: ... helping you maximize your potential. He offers a free health survey at http://eagibbs.usana.com; free state tourism guides at http://www.ExecutiveAndGroupTravel.com; travel updates at http://www.executiveandgrouptravel.blogspot.com. Reach him at eagibbs@ureach.com or at 502-386-1175.

How To Take Care Of Your Home Tanning Bed

2009-03-25T13:10:00.001+07:00

We all wanted to have our tanning beds to last as long as possible. This is why some people buy tanning beds that are touted to be durable. But tanning beds do last long if the owners take good care of them.

Here are some ways to take good care of your tanning bed.

After each session, you need to do two things, ?inspect? and ?clean?. You need to inspect the click strip and make sure that it is attached firmly. And you need to inspect the facial glass (if your tanning bed has it) and make sure that it has no cracks or any other ?blemishes?. Then, you need to clean. You must clean the bench and canopy acrylics. Use only the right cleaning liquid, not alcohol nor bleach. And use only soft non-abrasive cloth. You must also clean the tanning bed pillow. Do not use the outdoor or oil-based tanning lotions. These will damage the acrylic. And lastly, you must clean and sanitize the goggles. This is also for your own safety.

Everyday, you do the same thing to your tanning bed, even if you are not using them, and especially if there are many users of the bed. That is, you must inspect and clean. You must inspect the acrylics for cracks, wear, or hazing. Then, you clean the pillow, the bench, and the canopy acrylics. You must also clean and sanitize goggles and the bed exterior. Again, use only the approved cleaning solution.

Once a week, aside from inspecting and cleaning, you must do more things to make sure that your tanning bed is in top condition. You must dust the lamps. But do not touch them with your bare hands. Then you must remove and clean the inside of the bench and canopy acrylic sheets. You must wipe and vacuum the fans, the vents, and the vent hoses. Check if the shock tension needs to be adjusted. If it does, then adjust it. Check the set bolts if these are still tight. And check the power cord and the bench-to-canopy connectors if these are also snug with no wear and tear.

And monthly, you clean again the bench and canopy acrylics. You also need to clean the reflectors using the appropriate cleaning solution. Inspect the vent hoses for optimum ventilation and do the necessary adjustments if needed. For sufficient ventilation, make sure that the bed is at least six inches away from the wall. And lastly, check the voltage being supplied to the bed. It should conform with the ones stated in the manufacturer?s guidelines. If you need to replace a lamp, choose replacements that meet the frequency recommendations.

When you do all these things with your tanning bed, then you are assured that the quality of your tanning bed will last longer.

John Grant is a full time article writer who spends most of his time writing articles about home tanning beds and other health / beauty related topics.

The Important And Useful Benefits Of Papaya

2009-03-24T12:19:00.001+07:00

The papaya is an amazingly rich source of the proteolytic enzymes. These are the chemicals that enable the digestion of protein. Papain, which is the most important of these enzymes in the papaya, is extracted and dried as a powder for use to aid the digestion, and it is often used as a meat tenderizer, the enzyme partially breaking down the meat fibers - digesting them in fact.

Many experts, such as Dr Lytton-Bernard, have claimed rejuvenating properties for papaya, especially for the control of premature ageing. It may be that it works simply because a poor digestion leaves the body without the correct nutrients. Those who find it almost impossible to digest anything frequently find that papaya used regularly, either in tablet or juice form, marks the turning point in the climb back to vitality and good health.

As a cleanser you can take a quarter pint (150ml) of papaya juice alternated each hour for twelve hours by the same amount of cucumber or green bean juice. Papaya loses some of the enzymes as it ripens, so if you have the choice select them green. They are easy to obtain in most parts of America but are not found in British greengrocers very often. Fortunately there has been a rapid expansion in the numbers of specialist shops providing for the needs of the Indian and West Indian communities where papayas can be bought.

Papaya contains arginine which is known to be essential for male fertility and also carpain, an enzyme thought to be good for the heart. Fibrin also occurs and this substance is not commonly found in the plant kingdom; in man it forms part of the blood clotting process. The papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C, with 82mg per 100g (4oz), and is rich in carotene.

After treatment with antibiotics the use of papaya juice will quickly assist the restoration of the normal bacteria in the gut which will have been destroyed by the treatment. Papaya is good for many digestive disorders and is excellent for improving poor digestion. It has also been recommended as part of the treatment for cancer. Therapeutically it can often be combined with pineapple juice in which there is another important enzyme bromelain.

The skin of the papaya is a first class external treatment for skin wounds and places that do not heal quickly. The pulp from the juicer can be used for this and as a poultice.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for common problems as well as the value and importance of papaya .

It's So Easy to Have Smooth Skin All You Need is an Epilator

2009-03-23T10:26:00.001+07:00

There are many hair removal systems available in today?s retail stores, but which ones actually work and give you weeks of peace-of-mind and hair free sensitive skin areas?

Okay, we know that we can purchase razors in all sizes, types and styles, but most razors do not get those small fine hairs and you usually have to shave at least every other day or you have that prickly feeling. This is very unsightly as the short hair poke out of your pantyhose and can even cause runs in your hose. Then there are all types of shaving creams and gels that are suppose to lift the hairs for easier shaving, but you are still left with shaving about every other day.

Then there is waxing. These hair removal systems do in fact rid your body of unwanted hair, but try in on your bikini line. This can be very painful, not to mention time consuming.

There is also a type of laser surgery that guarantees it is a permanent hair removal system. But, who can afford to have a doctor remove unwanted hair, plus the time involved as well.

The cheapest easiest hair removal systems are epilators. These unique hair removal systems were designed especially for women. There are several on the market today that are virtually pain free that can guarantee you will rid your body of unwanted hair for 4 to 6 weeks.

The idea of these hair removal systems is that they use a specially designed head with one or more rows of tweezer type discs that will pull the hair out by the root. When the hair comes out at the root it will take much longer to grow back. You may say, ouch, but in fact they are designed to hold the skin taunt to aid in pain reduction. They are also created with unique heads that do not even touch the skin to ensure that your skin does not become irritated.

In the course of my work I have had nothing but praise from my clients to whom I have recommended epilators.

So, if you are seeking hair removal systems that are convenient, safe, and inexpensive, then you need to compare epilators. You are sure to come up with one which matches your lifestyle.

As a beauty consultant Nicola Kennedy is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for the Best Resources, Views and Information to help you choose the Best Epilator for you.

Preventing Acne 5 Tips

2009-03-22T16:43:00.001+07:00

What is Acne - It is a condition in which the skin is inflamed. It occurs because of bacteria that enters into the pores of the skin and breeds. It can happen quickly. But, why it happens is what is important here. There are many causes of acne but the reaction the body has is the same. Understanding what happens to the body will help in the prevention of additional acne later on.

How it happens - The body normally secretes oil through the skin. This helps to keep the skin healthy. But, sometimes, there are high levels of oils being secreted. On the other side are the pores. The pores can become clogged, so to speak, with dead cells and the oils. The combination makes for a warm, wet location for bacteria to get into and to breed quickly. All of this leads to painful, unpleasant pimples on the skin.

Here are some tips to help you with the prevention of acne:

1.The most important thing to do is to keep your face clean. Your face is normally going to be oily, to an extent. But, you?ll want to keep it as clean as possible nonetheless. Washing it with a good, quality soap is essential to keeping the excess oils off and the bacteria away.

2.Consider your needs for exfoliating. Remember those dead cells we mentioned? They too can get in there and help to cause acne. So, pick up an exfoliating cream or cloth and wash your face with it. It will help to remove dead skin cells from the face and therefore keep the zits away.

3.Seek out the help of a dermatologist. If you are facing continuous problems with severe acne or are otherwise concerned about your skin, you should speak to your doctor. They can uncover several things. First, they may find that there is a need to use prescription medication to slow down the production of oils within the body. They can also prescribe antibiotics to help rid the skin of these infections which are what acne really is.

4.Make sure that you are informed. If you educate yourself about what acne really is and why it happens, you can help to prevent it. It is also important to realize that not all acne can be treated or cured and that some of it is inherited.

5.Lastly, eating a well balanced diet and getting regular amounts of exercise really can make a large difference.

Mike Singh is a successful webmaster of http://www.stopping-acne-now.com Find out more about acne causes and treatments or severe acne remedies.

Face Value

2009-03-21T22:15:00.001+07:00

Micro-dermabrasion is one of the more recent skin-care techniques to have crossed over from Hollywood to the mainstream. So what exactly is micro-dermabrasion and what does it promise particularly for women over 40? Do you need a doctor or is it something you can do yourself?

As an alternative to a dermatologist?s office or with an expensive in-spa professional treatment, there are micro-dermabrasion creams and scrubs you can apply at home. These contain the same crystals you'd find in professional treatments, but many cut out the use of a specialized tool for application. Instead, you use your hands to rub the products into your face, neck or arms, pushing the crystals against your skin so they grab and remove the dead cells of the outer layer of your skin. The benefit is replacing dead, dull skin cells with new, healthy ones.

When looking for a Micro-dermabrasion Home System you?ll want to find a system that includes both a Refiner and Replenisher to achieve the maximum benefits:

Step 1, Refine: Contains aluminum oxide crystals ? the same professional-grade, highly refined aluminum oxide crystals that dermatologists use. These crystals are super exfoliates that gently buff away rough, dull, lifeless skin cells that naturally accumulate on the surface of your skin.

Step 2, Replenish: A serum that nourishes the newly revealed healthier younger-looking skin with vitamins, antioxidants and an anti-irritant. It soothes, smoothes and softens the skin.

With a Micro-dermabrasion Home System you'll receive instant results: Fight fine lines, refine pores and achieve beautifully smooth skin ? immediately ? with a simple, two-step set.

It is a great ?at home? alternative for busy women who want to save time and money.

You Glow Girl!

Leslie Freude, the Skin Care Girl, is a Beauty Consultant. For consultations, product information and to sign up for your free issue of Beauty News visit: http://skincaregrl.blogspot.com or write Leslie at skincare-girl@comcast.net

Beauty Salon 12 Tips They Don't Want You To Know

2009-03-17T14:14:00.001+07:00

Hair Care Professional- Breaking One In

Beauty Salon- It is so important for us to find the right beauty salon so that we can have the right look at the right time. However, there are certain things that beauty salon owners don't want you to know.

According to the September 13, 2005 issue of the LA Times, soon after Hurricane Katrina passed through the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama beauty salons with power and water reopened. Women who had lost EVERYTHING flocked to those open beauty salons. They wanted to look good even though they did not have a place to live. They wanted and needed professional hair care.

This fact alone confirms your intuition about the absolute necessity of finding the right beauty salon. This holds true for a beauty salon Santa Monica, or a beauty salon Long Beach, Mississippi.

Let me give you some general guidelines and tips to use when you are looking for a new beauty salon. I will also include some helpful suggestions about how to deal with your hair stylist.

1. How far is the beauty salon from your home or work? Is it convenient to either or both?

2. Telephone the salon. Ask if their hair care stylists have experience with your type of hair. For example, is your hair long, curly, textured or exposed to frequent changes to hair color, heat and the elements?

3. Search the Internet for reviews of beauty salons in your work or home zip codes.

4. It seems obvious, but it's crucial: Who do you know whose hair looks fabulous? Ask them where (and to whom) they go.

5. When you get to the beauty salon what does the atmosphere FEEL like to you? Is it peaceful or stressful? Which do you prefer?

6. Are you greeted right away or are you forced to wander around or ?twiddle your thumbs? until someone attends to you?

7. If you've made an appointment is it kept?

8. Is the beauty salon clean and well organized? Does everything seem to be in its place?

9. How is the staff dressed? Are they dressed appropriately to your taste?

10. What does the hair of the staff look like to you? Is the hair of the staff professionally done or is it sloppy?

Ok, you've decided that the beauty salon environment is satisfactory, now how do you deal with the hair stylist?

11. Collect and bring pictures that are appropriate for your type of hair. The biggest beauty salon hair disasters occur when your hair stylist doesn't understand what you want. Pictures help convey your message.

12. Don't immediately go for a cut, take it slower. Book a blow-dry with your selected stylist. Ask, if you were to cut my hair, how would you do it? Once you've set aside the time for a real consultation, here are some key questions to ask yourself as you talk to your stylist:

? DO YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE with the hair care stylist? You should like his or her sense of style. This means clothing, grooming, personality, everything.

? IS THE STYLIST ASKING YOU questions, giving ideas and suggestions that relate to your personality, rather than pointing to a style on the wall or in a book?

? IS THE HAIR CARE STYLIST ADDRESSING the health of your hair, not just proposing to cut off split ends? The two of you should be talking about conditioners and rinses that enhance shine and bounce, and special treatments that can prevent or repair damage done by the environment, such as pollution, sun, chlorine, humidity, or dry air.

? ONCE YOU'VE AGREED ON A LOOK, does the stylist preview how you'll need to blow it dry, wash it, and maintain it? These are all things to think about before actually getting the cut.

If you can answer most of the questions to your satisfaction, then you've probably found a beauty salon and a hair stylist that will make you look fabulous. If you cannot, then move on to the next beauty salon on your list.

Take the above tips with you when you come to Next Salon in Santa Monica, CA. We think that you'll find that you came to the right beauty salon.

Noori Daili specializes in making women and men look luscious and desirable. She is the founder and owner of Next Salon at 2400 Main Street in Santa Monica, California 90405. Call now at 310-392-6645 and mention this article for a 10% savings on hair service appointments. For more info go to the beauty salon website. Online appointments are welcome.

Skin Care and the Physiology of the Skin

2009-03-15T19:06:00.001+07:00

The largest organ of the human body is the skin. It protects our bodies from the environment, maintains body temperature, excretes waste matter, gives sensory information to the brain and regulates body moisture. We think about our skin more than any other part of our bodies, and we manifest that attention by investing our emotions and about 6 to 20 % of our disposable income into our skin (Lappe, 1996). It is worthy to consider, then, how cosmetic products affect our skin. In this article the psycho-social impact of cosmetics will be examined as well as why cosmetics are deemed necessary. The physiology of skin, how cosmetics affect skin function and the effects of synthetic and natural cosmetic ingredients on the skin will also be considered.

The Psycho-Social Impact of Cosmetics

Our society is preoccupied with the culture of beauty (Lappe, 1996) which includes the notion that our skin must always look young and appear free from blemish. Our psychological well-being is often closely enmeshed with perceptions of how our skin appears to ourselves and others. We define our self-image to include the visible representation of our skin to others, so as a result, it has become the primary canvas on which our cultural and personal identity is drawn (Lappe, 1996). Cosmetic companies set aside concepts of natural beauty so that flaws such as large pores, fine lines and wrinkles are brought to the fore, influencing our spending habits in pursuit of flawless skin.

In the animal kingdom, most male species are endowed with colourful physical attributes so that a less colourful, but wisely camouflaged female mate will be attracted to it. Humans do not have equivalent ornamentation, so women use cosmetics, specifically make-up, to decorate their faces to attract prospective mates.

The Need for Cosmetics

A cosmetic is any substance which, when applied, results in a temporary, superficial change (Anctzak, 2001). We use a myriad of cosmetics on our skin, from moisturizers to lipstick. Make-up alters our visual appearance by enhancing our facial features through the artistic application of colour. It can beautify the face and be used to express our sense of self to others. Make-up can hide blemishes, scars, under-eye circles or even out our skin tone. It can boost self-esteem, make us feel more attractive and increase our social acceptability in some social situations. Using make-up can contribute to a well-groomed image, which positively influences our confidence, self-esteem, health and morale.

Skin care cosmetics treat the surface layer of the skin by providing better protection against the environment than skin left untreated. Creams treat the skin's surface by imparting moisture to the skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin. It also forms a thin barrier which traps moisture underneath, thereby preventing the evaporation of water from the skin's surface. Creams also accelerate the hydration of skin cells on the outer layer, giving the skin a temporarily smooth, plump appearance. Exfoliants improve the appearance of the skin by sloughing away flaky skin, blackheads and some dead skin cells. Astringents improve skin tone and texture by swelling the pore walls so dirt and debris do not collect within. Soaps loosen particles of dirt and grime by dissolving the greasy residue left on the skin from natural skin oils, creams and make-up.

The Physiology of the Skin and How Cosmetics Affect Skin Function

Skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The epidermis is the only layer we can see with our eyes and as we age, remarkable changes occur which are hidden from our view. For instance, the skin gradually thins over time, especially around the eyes. Some cosmeceuticals can minimally re-thicken the skin, but the process of thinning is inevitable. Elastin and collagen, located in the dermis keep the skin resilient and moist, but with ageing these fibres break down to create lines and wrinkles. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation accelerates this process, and since few cosmetics can actually reach the dermis, the idea that a cosmetic can reverse this process is unfounded. The best way to prevent fine lines and wrinkles is to limit our exposure to the sun and ultraviolet radiation.

The skin is a highly complex, dynamic tissue system. One square inch of the skin is composed of 19 million cells, 625 sweat glands, 90 oil glands, 65 hair follicles, 19 000 sensory cells and 4 metres of blood vessels (Lappe, 1996). The outermost layer of the epidermis is called the cornified layer, and is made of sheets of keratin, a protein, and squames, dead, flat skin cells. It is our barrier against dehydration from the environment. It receives its primary supply of moisture from the underlying tissue, since constant contact from the external environment tends to dry out the skin's surface. When the skin is exposed to dry conditions, the cornified layer can become dry, brittle, firm and if untreated, it can crack and lead to infection. Creams create a waxy barrier to prevent dehydration and keep the skin moist and supple. Underneath the cornified layer lie six more layers of the epidermis responsible for cell generation. The life cycle of skin cells within this layer takes approximately 28 days, so it may take three to four weeks to observe any changes at the skin's surface from using a new cosmetic.

The skin surface is also home to millions of healthy micro-organisms which increase our immunity to pathogenic, or disease-causing bacteria. Thus, our desire to sterilize the skin also destroys beneficial bacteria, such as streptococcus mutans, and micrococcus luteus . Toners, for instance, are beneficial in keeping bacterial populations down, thus reducing acne flare-ups resulting from microbes which invade and proliferate in the pores. Overuse of anti-microbial agents can produce harmful results when too many beneficial bacteria are destroyed, allowing pathogenic bacteria to multiply unchecked on the skin. The skin also produces antimicrobial proteins, two of which are called defensins and cathelicidins, which increase when the skin is damaged. Perspiration, necessary for the maintenance of internal body temperature, also excretes a germicidal protein called dermicidin to combat bacteria producing body odour. Deodorants also assist in keeping the bacterial population down, thus decreasing the odours produced as they feed on the waste matter excreted by the sweat glands. Research has shown that people who wash excessively are more prone to infection and eczema as a result of 'washing away natural bacteria and germicides too frequently (Awake!, 2004).

The Effect of Natural and Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients on the Skin

A natural substance is any plant or animal extract, rock or mineral which is obtained from the earth (Antczak, 2001). An artificial or synthetic substance is a substance which has been modified through chemical reactions in an industrial process (Antczak, 2001). We use a myriad of cosmetics on our skin, but before we use these beauty aids, three essential questions should be asked:

- What is the composition of the cosmetic?

- Why is each ingredient used?

- Do the ingredients have positive or negative effects on the skin and body? (See glossary at www.organicmakeup.ca)

Many products claim to be safe or even may appear to be safe, but beyond the short-term benefits of using the cosmetic, are there any long term effects from daily absorption of its use? Skin used to be considered an impermeable barrier, but transdermal drugs have proven that the opposite is true; the skin allows many substances to pass through its layers into the bloodstream.

Several factors affect the rate with which the skin will absorb various cosmetic ingredients. The condition of the skin, such as whether it is dry or damaged will increase absorption. Cuts, acne or abrasions also increase absorption. Other ways to absorb cosmetic ingredients is to inhale them, such as with hairspray or talcum powder, or through the mucous membranes. Moist substances are most readily absorbed and powders are absorbed the least by the skin. Many products claim to address a skin issue, such as acne or dry skin, but contain ingredients which exacerbate these problems. For instance, acne treatments may contain comedogenic, or pore-clogging ingredients. Creams that are supposed to treat dry skin may actually strip the skin of its natural oils which are useful in preventing dryness. Some contain chemicals which seep through the skin and dissolve skin oils and defat the skin (Lappe, 1996). A growing trend is chemical sensitivity, which can develop at any time, even after long term use of the same product. The ingredients in many cosmetics cause 20% of the population (U.S. data, Erickson, 2002) to develop the symptoms of chemical sensitivity. Natural cosmetics emphasize more traditional skin treatments with few of these harsh effects, acknowledging that short term beauty does not balance with long term hazards to health.

The health of the skin is dependent on sound nutritional practices, healthy living and effective, safe protection on its surface. The organic make-up co. can help you achieve healthy, radiant skin by offering a complete line of cosmetics and makeup composed of all natural ingredients, with no animal, synthetic or petroleum-based ingredients. Our products are made fresh for you once we receive your order, and contain preservatives such as d-alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and other plant oils with anti-microbial properties.

We invite you to give our natural products a try. Our cosmetics and make-up are developed on the basis of sound, scientific principles and the physiology of the skin. Our products will convince you on their own merit, since they are natural, vegan, and an excellent alternative to conventional make-up and cosmetics.

Please contact us at http://www.organicmakeup.ca for further information.

References:

- Anctzak, Gina & Stephen, Dr., (2001). Cosmetics Unmasked, Harper Collin, London.

- Erickson, Kim, (2002). Drop Dead Gorgeous, Contemporary Books, USA.

- Lappe, Marc Dr., (1996). The Body's Edge, Henry Holt & Co., New York.

- Purvis, Debbie, (1989). The Business of Beauty, Wall & Thompson, Toronto.

- Awake! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Canada, February 8 2004.

- http://www.naturalcosmetics.ca

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

The Why When Where & How of Cosmetic Shopping

2009-03-15T12:47:00.001+07:00

A cosmetic case that won?t zip closed, that basketful of make-up on your bathroom counter, the vanity drawer crammed with products and colors you?re saving just in case. We all have a stockpile of make-up that is either impractical, a little too glitzy or just plain old. You don?t need to stockpile your cosmetics. In fact, you really shouldn?t for a few very good reasons.

WHY?

Your beauty supplies may not be marked with a specified shelf life, but they have one. Write purchase or throw away date on bottom new products with a permanent marker. Old products are not safe, do not wear correctly and subtle changes in color may occur.

Cleansers/Moisturizers - good for six months.

Foundation - six month shelf life if applied with fingertips, one year if applied with a sponge.

Lipstick - one year.

Eye and Lip Pencils - one year.

Powders and stick concealers - one year.

Eye shadow and blush - two years.

Mascara - good for three months

WHEN?

Shop when seasons change - new season, new colors ? when products have gotten old, and when things are on sale. Keep an eye on those pharmacy and department store circulars. You can find great deals if you're a smart shopper.

WHERE?

Local pharmacy/health and beauty chains are convenient and inexpensive. Shop sales, sometimes you can even buy two items for the price of one. Department stores with high end products and trained cosmetologists often have giveaways.

Look for in-store banners. Some product lines will even mail you invitations/reminders for sales. A purchase as small as lipstick may get you a goodie bag full of trial and even full size products. If you shop during bonus events, you'll get your money?s worth.

Independent Beauty Consultants are in everywhere. There are good products available, but be prepared. These sales people are often friends and it?s hard to say no when a friend must meet a sales quota. If you can stick to buying only what you need, this is a great way to get individualized service in the comfort of your own home.

On-line beauty catalogs may save you a lot of money. But you need to do your research first. Only purchase make-up that you have used in the past. Orange pancake foundation is still orange and thick, even if it was on sale. HOW?

Carefully and with an honest friend at your side. Take someone with you who has your best interests at heart. Trust your friend?s opinions, and don?t get upset if she tells you not to buy that gold shimmer lip gloss.

There are many, many ways to look great and not spend too much... develop your own unique personal style.

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http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

Cellulite Clinical Study results

2009-03-12T20:56:00.001+07:00

A clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and benefits of Vital Science's Cellu-System products which consist of the following four items:

Cellu-System Toning Tea
Cellu-System Toning Capsules
Cellu-System Toning Cream
The study looked for effectiveness of these products in reducing the visible appearance of cellulite over an eight week trial period.

Selection of Participants

34 participants were recruited through a community posting. Criteria for participation in the study was as follows:

Female

Over eighteen (18) years of age

No chronic or severe medical conditions that could affect results of the study

Not pregnant or nursing

No significant changes in lifestyle (diet and exercise) during the study

Obvious cellulite skin condition

Age ranges of participants who have completed is as follows:

Between 18 and 24 = 1
Between 25 and 30 = 5
Between 31 and 40 = 14
Between 41 and 50 = 5
From 51 and over = 9
Evaluation Tools:

Subjective evaluation by the participants

Professional evaluation by the practitioner through assessment of skin tone, hydration and appearance

Participants degree of satisfaction with their condition, both before and after the trial

Participants opinion of the products for: their effects, their ease of use, and side effects or benefits

Monitoring of weight

Thigh measurements

Before and after photos

Instructions

Participants were asked to attend the study clinic for a ? hour assessment at the beginning and at the end of the study period. During the eight week period, the instruction was as follows:

TEA - drink 1 cupful, one hour before retiring at night.

CREAM - apply to cellulite areas twice daily, once in the morning, once in the evening

CAPSULES - take two capsules in the morning.

For more information on Dermaglow telephone +44(0)800 328 7612, or e-mail info@dermaglow.co.uk; web site http://www.dermaglow.co.uk

Collagen and Fat Injections for Smoother Skin

2009-03-12T17:48:00.001+07:00

Most surgical procedures, such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing are meant to remove the outer layers of skin, forcing new collagen growth which eventually fills in the wrinkles. The opposite approach is to fill in the wrinkles with an injectable substance such as collagen or fat. This fills in the defects giving the skin a smoother appearance.

The most common filler is bovine collagen. Since there is a risk of allergic reactions, a skin test is required before its use. There are now bioengineered collagen products that are non-allergic and do not require a skin test, as well as synthetic fillers. Another choice is a transplant of your own collagen or even fat removed by a mini-liposuction procedure just before injection.

Usually you will receive a local anesthetic and the collagen product will be injected directly under the surface of the skin. There may be some bruising or swelling in the treated areas.

The collagen injection restores the skin?s natural collagen and you skin will look younger as it fills out.

Just like your own natural collagen, injected collagen will eventually start to break down and need to be replaced. You might have to repeat the treatment several times a year. However, injected fat tends to last a lot longer and the results may be permanent, especially if it was injected into other areas in the face containing fat.

According to a report issued by the Harvard Medical School, a new product is being developed that is designed to produce new collagen as needed. Called Isolagen, it uses a sample of your own skin to clone fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. Since this is a new procedure, its long term effects are still unknown.

Anyone who watches movies or TV knows the results of overdoing these types of procedures. Many famous actresses wound up with lips reminiscent of Bozo the Clown from overzealous collagen injections. Make sure you use a doctor experienced in this procedure and be frank with him on the results you expect to receive.

When properly done the results should be undetectable and natural looking, giving you another weapon against wrinkles and creases in your face.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice. Consult a qualified physician if you are interested in any of these procedures.

Jean Bowler was a ballet dancer and instructor, a teacher, a personal trainer and a cosmetics consultant. She is editor of Ageless Beauty ? http://www.ageless-beauty.com

How Can Waxing Rid You Of Unsightly Body Hair?

2009-03-11T14:34:00.001+07:00

Are you using waxing as a hair removal technique? If not, then you should consider it. The process of waxing is very old and one that has been used in one way or another for thousands of years (dating back to ancient Egypt even) and can work very well for you today. What is it? It is the removal of hair from the root through a process of applying a wax and then quickly removing it. And, yes, waxing does hurt a bit but it is only temporary and can give you hair free results for up to six to eight weeks. All in all, it can be well worth it.

Where To Wax?

Waxing can safely be done throughout the body. Individuals use it for their legs, eyebrows, bikini areas and much larger hairs such as their chest, stomach and back. You can have it done so that you can shave time off of your swimming competition or to help you to just look the way that you enjoy looking.

What Is It?

What?s in the wax? The mixture that you will use is a combination of paraffin or beeswax and natural oils. These products are chosen since they work well with the body and stick to the skin. There are two types, cold and hot waxing. Some have supplements in them to help improve the skin?s feel and texture.

Hot Waxing: In this method of waxing, a hot but comfortable temperature is used for the wax. It is spread onto the area in the direction of the hair growth. When the wax cools, it is torn off quickly in the opposite direction, pulling the hair out with it. Usually, this gives the best results in waxing.

Cold Waxing: In this method of waxing, the strips of cloth are coated with the wax and them applied to the skin. The strips are rubbed in the direction of the hair growth and then ripped off in the opposite direction.

After you wax your skin, you can use a treatment of a non perfumed moisturizer. This will help to restore the feel of the skin by adding Vitamin B and Aloe Vera to it. Whatever you do, you do not want to go swimming, use a spa or hot tub, tan, or apply perfume, deodorant or other chemicals to the area that was just waxed as these can cause infections and pain.

It is important that you carefully look at your skin prior to using any type of waxing. You should not use in areas where there are open sores, infection, moles, warts or other skin irritations. You should never attempt to wax eyelashes, ear hair, nose hair or nipple hair. And, you should make sure that you use the appropriate combination of wax for specific areas such as pubic hair. Make sure to test the temperature of the wax so that you do not get burned too.

Waxing has been around for centuries because it is an effective way to remove hair. There are not normally side effects besides a little bit of pain and redness. And, you can do it at home or in a salon. Waxing is an effective method to remove unwanted hair from virtually every area of your body.

As a beauty consultant Nicola is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for resources, views and information about removing body hair.

The Gift of Permanent Makeup: The Healing Power of Loving the Way You Look

2009-03-10T14:40:00.001+07:00

Poet, artist and philosopher Kahlil Gibran wrote in his book The Prophet ?Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. But you are the life and you are the veil. Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are eternity and you are the mirror.? In these words he speaks of an age-old human struggle we have all faced, the struggle to see our own inherent beauty. Part of the Universal human experience is to learn how to love, appreciate and enjoy the way we look; our faces and our bodies are often judged by others when it is only our own opinion that truly matters. Loving the way you look can be a spiritual and healing experience, it can change the way you move and speak. It transforms the energy you project to others.

The Vanity Myth

There are many misconceptions when it comes to the practice of permanent makeup or cosmetic tattooing. It is the same myth that pervades the medical field of cosmetic and plastic surgery. There is a belief in America that if a person engages in procedures such as permanent eyeliner, permanent lipstick or other cosmetic changes that they are driven by vanity or are shallow inside. Although I agree that there is a portion of people who will never be satisfied with their appearance, I do not believe these people are the majority. Most of the clients I see in my practice are men and women who are in the process of learning to love themselves more and through this process they eventually gain more confidence and experience a better quality of life.

Let Your Natural Beauty Emerge

There are many reasons to have permanent makeup. Illness, injury and a desire for practicality, efficiency or increased confidence are just a few. All of these motivations have less to do with vanity and more to do with building self-esteem and self-appreciation. Loving yourself is a healing process and I am lucky to work in a field where I can participate in this process with my clientele. I work, not only with their faces but I also connect with their individual energy. I use my artistic eye for color and symmetry to apply the permanent cosmetics, but I also access my intuition in order to see what they see and to understand what they feel needs to change about their appearance.

A wonderful example of this process is a former client named Becky, a college professor and author. ?I have looked at myself in the mirror each day since you did my eyeliner and I am so happy with what looks back at me, ?Becky states, ?I knew I wanted to have the procedure done for esthetics and got a bonus of enhanced self esteem.? ?Thank you for your artistic, beautiful work that walks around with me everyday, collecting compliments whenever I reveal my secret,? she continues. In the end the goal is to create a look that doesn?t compensate for flaws or imperfections, but enhances what is most beautiful about the person naturally. Natural beauty exists within all people and bringing it to the forefront is the key to a great look. Then each day you look in the mirror to see your best facial features highlighted. This allows you to walk with your head high, to feel more comfortable in your own skin and to move forward in ways you may have avoided n the past.

Believe in Your Own Beauty

To achieve a beauty that you can believe in you must make choices to enhance the beauty that is already there. Everyone deserves to leave home feeling confident and excited about their own appearance. Permanent makeup is not a way to cover up the problems; it is way to help your best facial qualities and features to emerge. As you see this previously hidden part of you walk out into the light of day healing takes place and this healing energy can spread through the rest of your life.

Dawn Willard?s twenty-three year career in the fine and applied arts has included lettering, illustrations and photo and film styling. She has learned an array of artistic skills, one being makeup. Ms. Willard currently owns the Permanent Makeup Studio in Asheville North Carolina. She can be reached at http://www.DawnColors.com or starjump@gmail.com.

Finding a Reputable Laser Hair Removal Facility in New York

2009-03-09T01:09:00.001+07:00

Having a lot of body hair can be embarrassing, and it can be painful and tedious to remove and maintain yourself. A popular new trend in hair removal is laser hair removal. Many people looking for a permanent or long-term way to remove unwanted body hair look to this procedure for relief. This increasingly common procedure removes the hair relatively quickly with a handheld device that releases beams of light into your hair follicles. The procedure eliminates hair for a much longer period of time than the routine techniques of hair removal, such as by shaving or waxing. Practitioners promise that your hair is removed quickly from the root with little discomfort, and you can expect that your hair will grow back at a much slower rate than with waxing. If you are looking into the procedure for yourself in a larger city such as New York, it is vital that you know all educate yourself on all aspects of laser hair removal, from knowing the basic principles behind it to knowing how to sift through the volumes of laser hair removal centers in the phone book, and especially what it will cost you to get this treatment.

There are many positive aspects of laser hair removal. The primary reason people seek out the procedure is for the relief and convenience of having unwelcome body hair removed for a long period of time. Although this treatment has not been proven to permanently remove body hair, there is often a permanent reduction in appearance of your hair, which can alleviate stress and embarrassment. When the hair does grow back, it is often a lighter color and a finer texture, which may prove to be more manageable, and might not warrant repeat procedures. As long as it is performed cautiously and by someone with experience, laser hair removal is generally considered safe. Laser hair removal is the best solution for those who have a large area on the body that they wish to treat, such as the back, chest, or legs that is too hard to maintain by shaving. Laser hair removal might be preferable in a case such as this because of the longer-lasting effects. Patients with fairer complexions that have darker body hair usually get the best results seen with laser hair removal.

Just as there are several positive aspects to laser hair removal, there are also some potential concerns raised with the procedure. Because the procedure goes largely unregulated, there is no medical evidence that laser hair removal is completely safe or effective. Further, it is difficult to establish a set gauge of hair regrowth rates, because every body is completely different. The process does not work as effectively on gray, red, or blonde hair, and people with darker skin tones or on people who tan themselves need to take heed, as there is a risk of burns, abrasions, or skin discoloration as a result of the procedure. Since it can take several sessions to get the desired effect, the cost of laser hair removal can be quite expensive. And because some people do not react to the process in any way, it can prove to be a waste of time and money.

As is common with most types of cosmetic surgeries or procedures, the cost of laser hair removal differs according to the region in which you live, and by the practitioners that perform the procedures. If it is a clinic that only performs laser hair removal, the cost might be slightly higher than if laser hair removal is performed by a plastic surgeon or clinic that specializes in more than one type of cosmetic procedure. In cities such as New York, where the cost of living is significantly higher than in other parts of the country, laser hair removal might be radically more expensive than in a region such as the Midwest. There are also a few other variables to think about that might affect the cost of your laser hair removal. If you will need multiple treatments, if you have a large area on your body that you want treated, or if you have thicker body hair, laser hair removal might be more expensive. When researching practitioners, look for special offers such as referral discounts, and check to see if any offer financing.

When looking for a practitioner to perform you laser hair removal in a city like New York, not only do you need to consider the increased cost, but you also need to bear in mind the reputation of the clinic you choose. You want someone trustworthy, and well thought-of. Make sure to schedule several in-office consultations with the practitioners that would perform the procedure on you, and try to get a patch test done. Check for clean facilities, and don't commit to the procedure until you have spoken to former patients that have had the procedure done. It is important to know the risks of a procedure like laser hair removal, both physically and financially. It is important to know that it probably isn't an everlasting solution to your unwanted body hair, and that the cost of laser hair removal in a large city like New York can be very high depending on your situation and the practitioner you choose.

Learn the essential information for picking the right beauty clinic for your treatment. Laser Hair Removal New York

Beauty Tips

2009-03-08T02:11:00.000+07:00

1.Your foundation will look only as good as the skin underneath. To get an even, smooth look, cleanse and exfoliate regularly.

2.If you have sensitive skin and are prone to allergic reactions make sure you test new cosmetics on a small patch either on the inside of your arm or your neck. If after 24 hours you don?t have a reaction it is safe to use the product.

3.If you have acne or find you cannot use any skin care products without getting an allergic reaction or dry itchy skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist.

4.Use mascara sparingly. Using too much will make your eyelashes stick together and form into blobs. Dip your brush only once to do both eyes making sure you twist, not pump the brush.

5.No matter how tempting it might be to drop into bed after being out late, don?t do it. Your skin will thank you if you remove all traces of makeup and apply your skin care cream before going to bed.

6.Take care of the skin around your neck as well as your face by applying moisturizer. This is a delicate area which is quick to show wrinkles.

7.Cosmetics do not last forever and using old products can cause irritations. Here are some guidelines:

*Foundation ? 1 year

*Concealer - 1 year

*Powder - 2 years

*Mascara - 3 months

*Lipstick ? 1 year

*Eye pencil ? 1 year

*Eye Shadow ? 1 year

*Powder Blush ? 2 years

*Cream Blush ? 6 months

*Moisturizer ? 1 year

*Eye Cream ? 1 year

*Sun Screen ? l year

?2005 Sheila Dicks

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who teaches women how to dress to suit their body type and look slimmmer. You can reach her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download her ebook, Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe ebook free.

Yoga For a Beginner

2009-03-07T02:42:00.001+07:00

Yoga for a beginner is an exciting time when you start to discover all of the wonderful benefits that yoga has to offer. When you first begin yoga, there are several things you can do to make your experience positive.

The following are ideas you might want to consider as you begin your yoga journey.

Types of Yoga
It is a good idea when you are doing yoga as a beginner, that you choose a style that matches your fitness level, personality, and health condition. Review what each type of yoga has to offer so you can choose a class that is best suited to you.

Yoga Instruction
Yoga for a beginner is best practiced under the supervision of an experienced teacher. It is important to maintain proper body alignment. A good teacher will make corrections so you don?t injure yourself and can also offer modifications if you have any physical restrictions. A teacher can also help you go a little deeper into a pose so you get the most from your practice.

You can find beginner yoga classes at many studios and gyms. Often the first class is free, so you can try different classes to see which ones you like best.

Yoga Attitude
An important point to realize about yoga for a beginner is that it is non-competitive. You are not trying to stretch farther than other people in the class or even keep up with them. You are paying attention to your body, and while you want to challenge it, you also want to listen to it. If, at any point during your practice, you begin to feel pain, either ease up a little, or come out of the pose. It is more important to honor your body than to try to do a pose perfectly.

Breathing
The most important point in yoga for a beginner is to breathe correctly during the postures. In yoga you breathe in and out through your nose in order to allow yourself to breathe more deeply. Breathing helps you get relaxed and it also helps you move more deeply into the poses. If you feel an area of tension in your body, you can direct your breathe to that spot to help it release. If, at any time during a pose, you find that you cannot breathe deeply, either ease up or come out of the pose. Breathing correctly is one of the most important goals in any yoga practice.

Yoga for a Beginner Kit
You might want to get a beginner yoga kit, which usually includes a sticky mat, a strap, and one or two yoga blocks. Some also include a yoga video so you can supplement your classes with practice at home.

Preparing for Class
Do not eat a heavy meal fore several hours before your class. Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. Do drink water, both before and after your practice in order to keep your body well hydrated.

Yoga for a beginner is the first step on a journey of ever increasing self-awareness, a greater level of strength, endurance, and flexibility, and a deeper sense of peace. Have fun and enjoy everything along the way!

Della Menechella is a yoga and fitness enthusiast who has been involved in fitness for over thirty years. Here website http://www.beauty-fitness-yoga-source.com is filled with practical information about how you can make yoga and fitness a positive part of your life.

Mineral Makeup: A Natural Sunscreen

2009-03-07T00:51:00.000+07:00

Mineral makeup is the thing to wear this summer if you're looking for an all natural makeup with safe and effective sunscreen. The fact is that two of the main ingredients in mineral makeup are natural sunscreens that not only reflect light but protect your skin from harmful and cancer causing UV rays.

The ingredients, Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide, both natural and very safe minerals are found in almost every sunscreen on the market. Titanium dioxide is so effective because of it's ability to reflect light. It has one of the highest refractive indexes in the world at (n=2.4). In fact this refractive index is surpassed by only one other mineral in the world-diamond.

Titanium dioxide is also inorganic so it keeps the skin from gathering moisture that could feed bacteria and cause or worsen acne. This is great news for acne sufferers looking for an effective makeup and sunscreen product that won't worsen their condition.

The second natural sunscreen mineral in mineral makeup is zinc oxide. Zinc oxide was not chosen as an ingredient because of it's sunscreen qualities however, it was chosen for it's vast array of colors and indeed is elimental in providing a large array of colors for makeup artists to work with when formulating different foundaitons, blushes, and eyeshadows.

Zinc oxide is a natural UV blocker just as titanium dioxide is. It also has the same very water resistant quality of titanium dioxide and wards of bacteria. Zinc oxide is as widely used in sunscreen lotions as titanium dioxide. These two elements together give most brands of mineral makeup an spf of 15.

Sure, almost any sunscreen touting makeup you buy has these minerals in it, so what's the big deal? For acne and rosescea sufferers, believe me it's a big deal. Mineral makeup is known world wide as the skin care makeup because no matter what skin care conditions you may suffer from it is a makeup that is totally safe for your skin. Recommended around the world by dermatologists and plastic surgeons it is actually so pure that you can sleep in it without worrying about acne flair ups or any adverse reaction.

Talc based makeups, although they may contain these two natural sunscreen minerals also have other additives such as dies, chemicals and oils. Talc itself is organic and can help feed bacteria which worsens acne and rosascea. Almost all makeup on the market is talc based. Another drastic difference is the way mineral makeup is processed and worn.

Minerals used in the makeup are finely milled until they are too fine to clog pores. Talc is not milled this fine and it can clog pores worsening or causing skin problems. If you're looking for a sunscreen makeup that is natural and safe mineral makeup is definately the way to go.

Find more Mineral Makeup information at http://www.bare-mineral-makeup.info Get the facts, ingredients, and benefits as well as advice about which brands are the best.

Beautiful Skin 101

2009-03-06T21:36:00.001+07:00

Most women shy away from being called 'too sensitive.' But when the subject is kin, they're all too willing to wear the scarlet S. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, at least 40% of women believe they have sensitive skin, although most dermatologists report that only a fraction really do. Sensitivity defined as skin that's prone to irritation from products, weather, or stress is a real (albeit misunderstood) condition. It's not the same as an allergy. It means you have a lower tolerance for irritating ingredients, such as fragrances and dyes. The evil twist here is that the more skin reacts, the more sensitive it becomes. Imagine normal skin having a natural barrier like Saran Wrap. People with sensitive skin have a disrupted barrier all the time. But by identifying what disrupts that barrier and protecting it with the right moisturizer, you can develop a thicker skin.

Read Labels: Before applying creams, lotions, or makeup, read the ingredients list. The fewer ingredients on the label, the better. All products and formulas should be free of fragrance, dye, and isopropyl alcohol (commonly known as rubbing alcohol). And beware of botanical ingredients and oils. Test each new product on the side of your neck for a few days before using it on your face.

Cleanse: Wash you face with a milky, non-foaming liquid cleanser or a soap-free bar. Do not use a washcloth or any rough scrubber, which can be too abrasive for sensitive skin. Rinse face well by splashing with lukewarm water and pat with a soft towel, leaving skin slightly damp. There is no need to use a toner, which generally contains drying and irritating isopropyl alcohol.

Moisturize: Dab moisturizer onto damp skin in the morning and night. Look for one that contains ceramides, fatty acids, or cholesterol, all of which help form a protective barrier against irritation. In the morning, when the moisturizer is absorbed, apply a sunscreen (with an SPF 15 or higher). It should also contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are least likely to cause reactions. Cheat Sheet

Choose the right products. 'Allergy-tested' means it doesn't have ingredients that cause common reactions. 'Noncomedogenic' means it won't clog pores.

Read labels. Not everyone with sensitive skin is troubled by the same thing, but the most common irritants, in order, include fragrance, isopropyl alcohol, dyes, PABA, lanolin, sorbic acid, formaldehyde, and benzoic acid. Don't assume that natural products are safe. Some botanicals (rosemary, sandalwood, arnica) and essential oils (jojoba, tea tree, lavender) may irritate.

Test samples on the neck for several days. If they don't irritate you, they'll probably be fine for your face. Don't try an arsenal of new products at once. Similarly, if skin breaks out, stop using everything, and reintroduce products one by one.

Be as gentle as possible. Use a creamy, liquid cleanser or a soap-free bar and rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid Buf-Pufs and washcloths. Pat with a towel and leave skin slightly damp.

Moisturize with a product for sensitive skin, or one that contains fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides. Every day, be sure to apply a PABA-free sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Daily Basics

Wash with a milky, non-foaming liquid.
Use a soap-free formula with oatmeal that calms dry and itchy skin.
For day, use a fragrance-free moisturizer containing a non-irritating sunscreen. At night, smooth on a noncomedogenic formula that helps fortify the skin's barrier while you sleep.
Dermatologists say that sensitive-skin sufferers are more likely to avoid using sunscreens, associating them with past reactions to PABA. Choose one that won't aggravate skin.
It's not just what you put on your face. Hair spray can cause breakouts along the hairline. Use an allergy-tested and keep the hair off the face whenever possible.

Extra Help

To soothe redness, dermatologists recommend using a fragrance-free treatment. A dime-size dab of an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream also relieves itching.
For dryness on the body, increase resistance to the environment with a product containing lipids, which is safe for sensitive types.
To treat blemishes, start with an irritant-free face lotion that minimizes blotches with vitamin A. Follow with a concealer that won't aggravate acne, which does double duty by helping clear and conceal blemishes.
Dermatologists like products that get their color from iron oxides, which are less likely to cause reactions. They're also talc-free, which means they won't rob skin of the moisture it needs.

Tricks of the Trade

Don't' shower or bathe for more than 20 minutes, or you'll dry out your skin. Use lukewarm water.
Don't start any aggressive treatments during the winter, when skin is dryer and more sensitive because of low humidity and indoor heating. A humidifier helps skin from becoming parched.
Grainy or chemical exfoliants can cause breakouts. Excessive daily scrubbing rubs the sebaceous glands, which can clog pores. Use a clay or mud mask to slough off dead cells instead.
Facials are trouble unless they're simple, steam-free, and employ fragrance-free products.
Avoid chemical peels and laser treatments if you're sensitive to exfoliants and skin-lightening creams.
If acne medications irritate your skin, ask your doctor about taking oral antibiotics or birth-control pills, which can help minimize blemishes.
Keep Retin-A treatments to only once a week. Dilute the strength by mixing it with your moisturizer.
For skin that seems provoked by anything and everything, ask you dermatologist about cleansers and moisturizers that are normally prescribed for hypersensitive postsurgery and postpeel patients.

This article is brought to you by IH Distribution, LLC.

Bringing you health, anti-aging and skin care products from around the world. Shop online: www.ihdistribution.com & www.ihd.myarbonne.com or contact us: sales@ihdistribution.com

Please share the content of these articles with your friends, family and colleagues. Reprint rights granted. All reprints, must include a link to www.ihdistribution.com. Content may not be altered and articles must be used as distributed by IH Distribution, LLC

The Benefits of Discount Salon Equipment

2009-03-06T02:19:00.000+07:00

Many suppliers of salon equipment offer products that are labeled as ?discount? for various reasons. Some discounted salon equipment may be a good bargain, but the buyer must always be an educated consumer when purchasing such discounted items.

Discount salon equipment may pertain to both new and used equipment. There are many suppliers that tout the word ?discount? to entice consumers to purchase their products. In an effort to convince the customer that they offer better prices than their competitors, they loosely advertise that they offer ?discount? prices. There are numerous, reputable suppliers that do offer great buys and low prices on quality equipment; however it is extremely important to be a wise consumer and conduct basic product research prior to purchasing discount salon equipment.

Suppliers of discount salon equipment typically offer many different styles and brands of equipment. Large suppliers are often able to offer deep discounts to the customer due to their ability to make bulk purchases directly from the factory. This can equate to great cost savings for the consumer. Unlike smaller suppliers, businesses specializing in discount salon equipment typically do not offer customization of equipment. They offer what is currently in stock and quickly ship to the customer in an effort to bring in new equipment. Many discount suppliers have elaborate e-commerce sites and online catalogs that allow potential customers to easily research available products and prices.

Suppliers of discount salon equipment frequently offer financing or leasing options to qualified customers. Even at discount prices, some salon equipment can be very expensive. The option of financing or leasing equipment often makes good business sense to a salon owner. The ability to break a large payment into smaller monthly payments or take advantage of lower monthly ?lease? payments may appeal to a new salon owner or simply entice a thrifty customer to make a purchase.

In purchasing discount salon equipment it is important to know that the supplier is reputable. Ask questions about their return and exchange policies. If the policy is not easily understood or does not exist, make a purchase elsewhere. The Better Business Bureau is a great resource when attempting to ensure that a supplier is reputable. Networking and asking other salon owners where they purchase their equipment may also lead to capturing a great deal.

Salon Equipment Info provides detailed information about beauty, hair, nail, tanning salon equipment, as well as wholesale and discount salon equipment. Salon Equipment Info is the sister site of Hair Extensions Web.

And Smiles To Go A Wider Smile Makes A Square Face Appear Longer!

2009-03-06T01:35:00.000+07:00

People have become more aware of the significance of aesthetically pleasing smiles these days. And obviously, when you smile, your teeth are on display. Bad teeth or gums ? essentially bed dental health ? can mar your smile and make you very conscious. One must remember that good dental health doesn?t always require sacrificing beauty for function. Ultimately, emanates form good health.

Many habits can ruin a smile. Smoking stains the teeth as does consumption of coffee and tea. Holding objects, like pipe or glasses, in your mouth can cause spaces. Chewing ice or cracking nuts with your teeth can chip or fracture them. Biting, chewing or sucking on the lips or cheeks can damage tissue, and can cause tooth arrangement abnormalities, like spaces. So can constant tongue thrusting or placing your fingernails between your front teeth.

Many people erroneously believe that all of their facial defects reside in their smile when, in fact, their problems lie elsewhere. In these cases, plastic or oral surgery, rather than dental treatment, may be necessary, like an incompetent or a short upper lip, wherein your teeth appear to be big and you feel they are jutting out. Virtually everyone can be helped with cosmetic contouring/shaping of teeth to improve the shape of their natural set. By just going to a dentist for treating teeth and gum deformities, you are not assured of a perfect smile.

For instance, you may think that if only your front two teeth were capped, you would have a great smile. In reality, however, this treatment may just backfire by making your front two teeth stand out.

Facial shapes can sometimes be altered by changing the way you smile. Stand in front of a mirror and observe the shape of your face when you smile. First, smile normally. Next, smile wider. Observe the effect of the wider smile on your facial outline.

?A wider smile will help a square face to appear longer or oval.

?If you have a round face, practice smiling such that your teeth show. Open your mouth wide, them smile with your teeth showing. Chances are that your facial profile and smile will improve.

?While smiling, ensure that the bottom biting edges of the upper teeth are visible. Again, opening the mouth more may keep the lower lip from covering the edges, thus preventing the teeth from looking like a row of chicklets.

For more on how to get your teeth white =>http://www.beauty-cosmetic-guide.com/tooth-whitening.htm

How to determine your face shape? =>http://www.beauty-cosmetic-guide.com/hair-style/face-shape.htm

Join the beauty Blog for more on latest tips and tricks which work well for your beauty here =>http://www.beauty-cosmetic-guide.com/blog

Acne Skin Care Treatment Goals Is Chocolate A Cause?

2009-03-05T22:37:00.000+07:00

Acne Skin Care usually involves continual treatment of skin even after the acne goes away. It can form on the head, back, or chest and is caused by the blockage of pores by excessive sebum production from your sebaceous glands. Acne is not caused by eating chocolate or greasy foods although oils and grease that land on your face can irritate acne and make it look worse. Nor is it caused by stress but of course stress can make it look worse.

It's not recommended that people pop their acne but sometimes it's hard to ignore. If you do decide to pop, thoroughly wash your face and hands, and find a needle to lance it. Be sure to sterilize the needle with alcohol or heating it over a lit matchstick. Pierce the pimple and gently squeeze until it runs clear or you see blood. Wash everything again and let it alone.

There are several drug treatments available for acne, that are aimed at four goals: stopping the abnormal clumping of cells within follicles, stopping increased oil production, reducing bacteria on the skin, and reducing inflammation that makes acne look so bad.

Over the counter medicines available for the treatment of acne are: Benzoyl Peroxide, Resorcinol, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur. Benzoyl Peroxide kills the acne causing bacteria, Resorcinol breaks down blackheads and whiteheads, Salicylic acid helps to break down blackheads and whiteheads and also cuts down the shedding of cells in follicles and Sulfur also breaks down blackheads and whiteheads.

Over the counter treatments come in the form of gels, soaps, creams, soaked into pads, or in lotions. They can cause irritation to the skin as well so if you experience burning, or redness after a prolonged use of the treatment, stop using them and consult your doctor.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Free info on Acne Skin Care with suggested treatments.

A Guide to Beauty Salon Equipment

2009-03-05T18:14:00.000+07:00

Beauty salon equipment is a broad term that applies to various pieces of equipment all having uniquely different functions within the beauty industry. The type of beauty salon equipment found within a salon?s doors is best determined by what services the salon offers its clients.

Most beauty salons offer basic hair cutting and hair styling services. The basic beauty salon equipment necessary to provide these services consists of hair styling chairs, wash basins, hair dryers and supply trolleys. Basic types of salon equipment are available through a large number of suppliers that offer it at a low cost. This ?low end? type of beauty salon equipment is simplistic with no added features that can be costly.

Due to popular demand, many salons are expanding to offer day spa services to their clients. Day spa services aim to pamper the client and assist them in the pursuit of mental relaxation. Day spa services often include manicures, pedicures, tanning, skin care, waxing, and massage. These services all require the use of specific equipment. This beauty salon equipment is also readily available through a variety of suppliers, many of whom have elaborate e-commerce Web sites and online catalogs that allow a customer to make quick cost comparisons between suppliers.

Day spa equipment tends to include various features that enhance client comfort and provide relaxation. The cost of day spa equipment can be extremely varied. When purchased new, items such as tanning booths, tanning beds, and pedicure spas can cost thousands of dollars. To save money, a salon owner may choose to purchase used beauty salon equipment. There are many suppliers who specialize only in offering quality used beauty salon equipment. If a consumer conducts sufficient product research and ensures they are purchasing used beauty salon equipment from a reputable supplier, they can obtain equipment at tremendous cost savings. The money saved can then be invested in their business and used to attract new clients.

Cleopatra's Beauty Secrets

2009-03-05T02:09:00.000+07:00

The Legendary Queen of Egypt was known for her exquisite complexion. One of her secret beauty treatments, the milk and honey bath are still being used today.

One of the main ingredients, Milk, contains lactic acid, which helps to exfoliate your skin. The lactic acid in milk is an alpha hydroxy acid, which helps to cleanse the deepest layers of the skin.

Honey has an abundance of health properties. First of all, it is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose so it is also a gentle alpha hydroxy acid. It?s made up of both minerals and vitamins to help nourish and heal the skin. Since it also contains phytochemicals that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungus, it?s has a natural anti-inflammatory effect which heals wounds quickly. This makes honey a good substitute for wound dressings.

Here are a couple of ways to enjoy these 2 main ingredients found in her ancient beauty secrets.

Cleopatra Honey & Milk Bath

Ingredients
?1/2 Cup Powdered Milk
?1/2 Cup Raw Honey
?2 teaspoon Jojoba Oil (optional)

Mix ingredients in a large bowl and pour your warm bath. Soak for up to 20 minutes to infuse these beneficial ingredients in your skin. This recipe makes enough for one bath.

Milk & Honey Rinse for Wrinkled Skin

Ingredients
?1 oz raw honey
?1 Cup skim milk
?2 teaspoons aloe vera gel

Combine Ingredients in a jar and shake well. Apply to your face morning and evening with a cotton ball. Store mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Incorporating these beauty recipes in your daily regime will help you to experience healthy, vibrant, and ageless skin.

Food Addiciton!

2009-03-04T02:29:00.001+07:00

Hi, I have had a weight problem all my life. But I think it is more of a pleasure problem It is also a self esteem of issue. Food was always a reward or to keep me happy kind of thing. Food is a happy gathering kind of thing... holidays.. going out to eat..sweet cakes on my birthday. Even as a baby I am sure that I was given food when I wasn't given personal attention.

Diet's are a form of restrictions.

When a person is on a diet it is like a statement to everyone around them that they are trying to lose weight. They are telling the people around them they can only eat a certain foods... That food is the food that is on the diet. It is a form of restriction on a loved one. They now have to show their love by helping me stay on a diet. With a diet it seems easier for a person to watch me sweat and work out harder to obtain that new weight that I have set for myself.

I seem to think that being one of the reasons for me being fat. As a baby, a child is given a bottle to drink to make them happy and stop crying. Even I give myself pleasure with food. I have learned to have pleasure from food.

Now diet, is a plan of food a person eats for life to keep a certain weight. OK.. the rules change, and now my self esteem is up and I am worth surviving. Yes, it is a survival issue. Eating too much can kill me.

Of course the story of being fat isn't that easily answered or talked about. There are many other factors on the way I think about this issue. There is much more to it. Much, much more.

And this wonderful web site and you wonderful gals are helping me. Women need more self esteem on many issues. Women can and deserve to be happy.

- Peggy (WSE member)

Thank You Peggy for allowing me to share your post in my blog. For people with an emotional addiction for food, losing their extra weight is a lot harder than eating less food and getting on the treadmill. Many people are over weight because they are suffering with an inner issue. They will use food as an emotional void filler. The only reason they are hungry is because they are sad. They have confused hunger with sadness. They use food as their drug to feel calmness. They will eat and space out as an addict does after a fix.

They will also fall into the roller coaster of self-loathing. Loathing the fact that they once again fell into the unnecessary need for food. People that are obese and actually have lost weight, are of two minds. They feel like they are someone else when they are thinner and live a life where they fear that they could fall into that food addiction at any second. The other mind is the one that is consumed with self-disgust and a weakness for the addiction of food. People with eating addictions love and hate food. Again being of two minds. They try to justify themselves, by criticizing people without food addictions. They will drive by fast food restaurants and debate within themselves, only to increase the need for food, which only causes them to devour even more than usual. They are in a constant battle with, should I or shouldn't I. I know I shouldn't but I so want to. It's a viscous circle for them.

One of the hardest things for obese people to deal with is the whispers and snickers from other people as they pass by them. They know well enough that they disgust people just by watching their reactions, yet is is not enough to make them stop eating. Obese people are ridiculed in public all the time and they loose out on many relationships because the other person cannot understand their addiction for food. Food addicts will even ignore that they are literally killing themselves with every bite that they do not need.

They choose to not think about it, as any addict does. Some will say that solving food addiction is as easy as just telling people to stop being lazy, to exercise and to stop over eating. For them, food means so many things besides fueling their bodies with nutrients. Their addiction will totally over rule their nature to protect themselves, health wise or society`s concerns about appearance.

Depression, low self-esteem, history of abuse, poverty, family obesity and emotionally troubled childhood upbringings are a few of the greatest causes that trigger off food addiction. As I said earlier in this article, people are desperate to fill an emptiness. Food is the easiest route to reaching that full feeling they desire. Emotional emptiness is the monster that creates the addiction in obese people.

You would think that with all the methods that have proven to help people with their weight issues, there would not be a single overweight person, but the numbers are growing faster every day. Obesity is one of the only health issues the we know how to battle and prevent, yet we fail to do so.

Why is that? Is it because FAT is one of those HUSH words? Do we ignore the overweight issues of others, so not to hurt their feelings? Are we doing them any favours by pretending it is OK to be dangerously overweight? Do we feel that if they like themselves like that, who are we to judge them? Do we think to ourselves, better them than me?

People that are addicted to the food drug are just as mprisoned as any other addict. There is only one way to get off the drug, and that is to seek help. Also they must want to get off this drug, for themselves. They must want to feel good about themselves. To be able to get to that point, they must build their self-esteem and address the skeletons in their closets. This is why I created womensselfesteem.com. This is one road to an addiction-free place in your mind.

As you read in Peggy`s post, she has finally begun her climb up the mountain to a better feeling person. She wanted to share this with other women that are behind those bars of food addiction. It is beatable. You just have to want to begin the battle.

Again HUGGZZZZ Peggy.

Dorothy Lafrinere
Owner/Operator
Website- http://www.womensselfesteem.com Weblog- http://www.justblogme.com/Dorothy Forum- http://womenselfesteem.proboards29.com email- dorothy@womensselfesteem.com

Soft Contact Lenses Are They Safe?

2009-03-03T22:32:00.000+07:00

I have a very bad eyesight and I don't look good in glasses. I want to switch to contact lenses, but there is a lot of talk about contact lenses causing eye infection. Are soft contact lenses safe?

This is a very common question. Many people would like to switch to contact lenses, but they are afraid that this can cause diseases such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) Lets look at the dangers wearing contact lenses might present and how you can avoid them.

There are two main lens types - RGP (rigid gas permeable lenses) and soft contact lenses. Here we will talk about soft contact lenses, since they are the most popular type.

Contact lenses features that can put you at risk of keratitis

The quality of your contact lenses, how much oxygen they let through to your eyes and how high is the percentage of water in the lens should all be considered. It is important to select lenses made from high quality polymer with a high (more than 50%) water content. Also the lenses should breathe - in other words, they should let enough oxygen through. A good choice would be Acuvue Advance lenses or any of the Focus contacts. Also see more suggestions on healthy contact lenses.

Another consideration is how the thickness of the lens. The more corrective power your eyes require, the thicker the lens is. A thick lens presents a higher risk of infection. If your eyesight is very bad, RGP lenses might be a better choice for you, instead of soft contact lenses.

Third, having your lens properly fitted is especially important. The lens shouldn't be too tight across the surface of your eye. There should be space for tears between the lens and your eye. Only an experienced eye doctor can fit your lenses properly. You should never buy contact lenses without a prescription, on the assumption that they will fit you. Most likely they won't, and you can do irreparable damage to your eyes.

Another problem is exposure to pollution, smoke, dust or pollen. Lenses tend to collect even the smallest particles from the air. This causes discomfort and, quite often, inflammation of the cornea. If you feel that there is something stuck between your eye and the lens, take your lens off immediately and wash both the lens and your eye. See additional eye health suggestions.

Sleeping in your contact lenses isn't recommended. Contact lens manufacturers realize that people would very much like to have a lens that they can wear continuously for several days. They put a lot of research into producing such lenses: for example, Focus Night and Day is said to be safe for 30 days of continuous wear, and Acuvue is designed to be worn for a week.

However, from your health point of view it is better to be safe than sorry; don't sleep in your lenses. Of course, if you live in the mountains where the air is crystal clear, wearing your lenses for several days might be all right. But most of us live in polluted cities and travel a couple hours a day through peak hour traffic. Just imagine all that dust collecting between the delicate surface of your eye and a lens for a week, or a month ? It's not a pleasant thought, is it?

Early symptoms of keratitis are blurry vision (while wearing lenses) and discomfort when exposed to light. If you notice these signs, don't wear your lenses and see a doctor.

After reading this article you probably think that soft contact lenses are dangerous and you are better off with your old glasses. Please don't. Modern brand-name contact lenses are designed to minimize the risks and, if they are properly fitted, worn according to the schedule and properly cared for, they are quite safe. The most important thing is to follow the advice given above and see your eye doctor immediately, if you start to feel discomfort.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/, where you can find unbiased information about eye health and all types of contact lenses with reviews and pictures

Selecting a Professional Body Waxing Salon

2009-03-03T17:57:00.001+07:00

When performed properly, waxing can be one of the quickest and longest-lasting hair removal methods available. However, done improperly it can be painful and dangerous, risking infection, deep tissue bruising, and torn muscle tissue, and worse. This is why finding a skilled, safe, and clean professional waxing salon is an important part of this hair removal method.

First, you'll want to scout out the prospective salons. Ask your friends, look online, look in the yellow pages. Remember, a good salon will have good things said about them.

Once you have several places in mind, time to get out the phone and make some calls. Talk to the aestheticians. Some questions you may want to ask, are... How long has she been waxing, and where did she train? What type of wax do they use? Is it hard wax, soft wax, or do they actually use sugaring? What does their procedure and consist of? Do they use any powder or lotion? What does their sanitation consist of? Also pay attention to her mannerisms. A good waxer should be friendly and make you feel comfortable. If she is cold or seems reluctant to talk about her methods this not a good sign. Also you'll want to discuss cost and the area you want to be waxed.

Now, once you have a feel for your prospects, pay them a visit and check out their facilities. Talk to the employees, they should be friendly and personable. Get a feel for the place. Everything should be clean and neat, akin to a doctor's office. Ask if you can view the area where the waxing is performed. It should likewise be clean and tidy.

So far so good. Time to schedule a visit. Remember, during the waxing procedure if anything makes you uncomfortable or concerned, you can tell them to stop right there. After all, this is your money and you deserve acceptable, professional treatment for it.

Prices can range from $30 to $100, depending on the area to be waxed and quality of the salon.

by Greta of http://hairemoval.blogspot.com/

Easy Recipe For Clear Skin During Summer Months

2009-03-02T22:47:00.001+07:00

Here's a great recipe for a toner/astringent that I love to use every summer- it's especially great for combination skin. It helps clear pores from sweat, dirt, and other ickies, yet still offers some nice moisturizing benefits for a nice glow. It also feels really nice and refreshing!

1/2 cup witch hazel

1/4 cup water (Tea, especially green or chamomile, is even better!)

1/4 cup lemon juice

5 drops natural vegetable glycerine

5 drops lavender essential oil

2-3 drops peppermint essential oil

Just shake it all up really well in a small bottle. When you're ready to use it, just dab some on a cotton ball and gently wipe your face clean. Couldn't be easier!

You can adjust the essential oils to more or less, depending on your skin type. I find it's best to use in between face washings as a freshening up. I noticed sometimes using a toner or astringent right after washing your face can create an imbalance in skin that can dry it out too much - sometimes within an hour it can retaliate and be more oily than it was before! (Especially during the summer heat!)

Don't forget- sometimes half the fun in homemade beauty recipes is is being creative. If you'd like, don't be afraid to try your own unique variations!

You can visit Lisa Chambers' website at http://www.chambersessentials.com for more free information, recipes, and tips based on natural or crafty point of views.

An Intimate Approach to Beauty

2009-03-02T16:48:00.001+07:00

An Intimate Approach to Beauty

In this article we return to a time when beauty was defined in natural terms. An almost time-forgotten sensual approach to self-care, with simple rituals that will pamper you from the inside out. Where beauty was within every woman and man?s reach and where sometimes, just sometimes less is more.

Dare to be Bare

From time to time leave your skin bare. No make-up, foundations or facial care products that contain chemicals. Know your Skin

Maintaining your skin's moisture balance is essential for overall skin health. However, generally, moisturizers do not replace the essential water needed in skin cells. It is therefore important to leave your skin damp to help your moisturizer or cream penetrate deeper into your skin.

If your skin is oily, you may discover that you do not even need a moisturizer. Even acne prone individuals should not over-wash their skin. Dry skin can actually make the condition worse.

Furthermore, most cleansers and toners with alcohol tend to dry the skin, creating the sensation of needing a moisturizer.

Something as simple as drinking more water will help your skin, nails, your whole well being feel better. All natural, soaps should also be an important element in your skin care regime. These handcrafted soaps maintain its glycerin, which is a water-binding agent. Water-binding agents keep water in the skin, which aids skin damaged by sun and dehydration.

Good Cleansing

Soaps and scrubs should not strip the natural moisture from the skin; instead, these products should help the skin to find its balance as well as enhance your skin?s natural inner glow.

The ideal formulation should help to hydrate the skin so that during cleansing your skin can absorb adequate molecules of water into the cells.

Organic Oats Honey Lavender Facial Scrub is a classic quartet for the face. Its formulation contains organic oats to gently slough off dead skin cells, organic honey to nourish the skin while organic lavender essential oil helps to reduce inflammation.

Create a Bathing Ritual

Water has a healing power for many of us. Just the thought of the vast expanse of clear blue water will tend to relax the inner you. Creating a bathing ritual can offer you the same many physical and mental benefits.

Even cool summer baths can let a fresher you emerge. Surround yourself with nothing but soft candlelight, soothing sounds of nature and sink deep into cool relaxation. Select Citrus bath fizzy to sharpen the senses and restore energy or Lemongrass bath fizzy to relieve exhaustion and fatigue.

The Healing Power of Touch Include a full-body massage with warm oil to your bathing ritual. A body massage can help to increase the firmness of the skin and can even reduce physical and mental fatigue.

A warm Spirit Body Oil will help lift your spirits and nourish the layers of your skin. Spirit Body oils are nothing more than pure plant oils that purify the skin; enhance the complexion and make you feel more attractive.

http://www.anaturalperspective.com is The Place for natural, holistic and organic skincare products.

http://www.anaturalperspective.com sources different skin care products with an emphasis on promoting your well-being. A Natural Perspective brings you all-natural beauty products especially formulated to help bring back your skin to its beautiful, natural balance. You will feel the difference!

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Vitamins that May Affect Hair Growth

2009-03-02T01:20:00.001+07:00

Several different vitamin or mineral deficiencies can cause dry hair. To treat dry hair, try taking a multivitamin with 100 percent of the daily value of the essential vitamins. A multivitamin and mineral combination may provide some added coverage for possible deficiencies.

It's been shown that too little biotin and pantothenic acid (both B-complex vitamins) can lead to dry hair. Shampoos and hair treatment products commonly contain pantothenic acid (or pantothenol).

But evidence supporting the benefits of pantothenic acid for dry hair and hair loss is very weak. Also, some people with hair loss do show low blood levels of biotin. While the evidence isn't strong, it may be worth it to try taking supplements of biotin and pantothenic acid for bothersome hair conditions that are not helped by hair treatment products.

Iron and Zinc also affect hair growth. Iron is an important trace mineral that is found in every cell of the body, including hair, usually combined with protein. Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell, including our hair.

It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in your body. Zinc supports a healthy immune system, is needed for wound healing, helps maintain your sense of taste and smell, and is needed for DNA synthesis.

Eat right and you will glow from head to toe.

About The Author

Nicole Elizabeth Smith, the author of Healthy Black Hair (2003), is a freelance health and beauty writer and a graduate of Michigan State University. She and her son Zack live in Michigan. Currently, she is beauty editor for www.myhairbook.com.

nicole@myhairbook.com

Information On Raw Juice Therapy

2009-03-01T22:34:00.001+07:00

When raw juices are unlocked from the cells of plants, pure and vital liquids of great healing power are released, and their infinitely gentle action can coax our bodies back to normality. Raw juices have none of the potentially dangerous side effects of many potent drugs, yet they can eliminate health problems arising from many of those deficiencies created by the bustle and pace of modern life.

The regular addition of such juices to a wise diet is also a great strengthener of bodily function, assisting in the prevention of the prema?ture degeneration of skin, flesh, glands and organs that causes so many who should be enjoying a long and active prime of life to lapse into early senility.

For effective therapy you need to know which fresh vegetable and fruit juices are needed to benefit the body. We will try to explain the best for each condition, with the most important points of each therapy and the best ways of extracting the precious juices, both mechanically and by hand.

Sunshine and good healthy soil enlivened with refreshing rain allow plants to develop to a rich maturity, and the raw juices they yield are the quintessence of nature's handiwork. Readily available and easy to digest, they contain a wealth of nutritional factors needed to supple?ment the diet. The ancient Romans knew this when they added honey, crushed or juiced fruits, aromatic plants and scented flowers to their drinks.

When used swiftly after extraction, raw fruits and vegetable juices are an incomparably effective way of rapidly utilizing the powers of the plants to protect you from illness. The composition of juices is so com?plex that analytical procedures give only a part of the truth. In addition, it is not only the compositions of the individual juices which create their profound effects, it is the subtle natural balance between the con?stituent parts.

On the face of it, juices do not seem likely to be very energizing, but, as experts point out, the calorie content of a litre (1?pt) of grape or pineapple juice is between eight and nine hundred. To achieve the same you would need 1.5 litres (2? pt) of milk or a dozen eggs, 1. 4kg (3lb) of potatoes or 650 grams (1? lb) of meat. Apple juice contains 500 calories per litre; pear juice 420; cherry juice 450; orange juice 400; strawberry juice 220.

The descriptions of plants and vegetables many times mention the wide variations found in their vitamin and mineral contents. What is sure is that storage and cooking are major factors in reducing what is present naturally. Therefore, raw fruits, vegetables and their juices are ideal ways to obtaining maximum nourishment.

The therapeutic uses of juices require that all the factors that are normally present are consumed in sufficient quantities to be efficacious. It would be impossible for most people to consume the amount of raw cabbage needed to give the pint or two a day needed for the treatment of a gastric ulcer. But it is not difficult to take the cabbage in the form of juice.

Remember, juices are never dangerous. But, some drugs are so dangerous that the side effects are almost as bad as the condition they are supposed to treat!

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for some of the most common illnesses and some tips on raw juice therapy.

Is Your Face a Nightmare After Christmas?

2009-03-01T19:43:00.001+07:00

The party's over and the morning after Christmas brings along the dread of watching your haggard face in the mirror. Hectic partying does that for you -- let's face it. And so we might as well start looking for ways to beat the post party face catastrophe.

WATER YOUR BODY

Your body needs it as much as your plants do! Late nights and alcohol can bring about serious depletion of moisture from your face. Drink as much water as possible throughout the evening. If it is not possible to drink much water during the party, be sure to drink a glass when you come home, before going to bed.

Next morning, over a couple of hours, try to drink a whole bottle (at least 750 ml) of fluids like water, herbal tea (jasmine or chamomile also helps hangovers), lemonade, fresh fruit juices etc. For the rest of the day, keep spritzing your face at regular intervals. You could also go in for a light, fruit-water based moisturizer.

SENSITIVE SKIN

A healthy, glowing skin, if heaped with lots of various makeup ingredients, takes no time to turn into an irritable, sensitive skin. Try to use mild and protective products and don't punish your face by applying a little bit of everything you can find in your makeup box.

Find ways to maximize your look with minimal cosmetics. Always cleanse, tone and moisturize before you apply your makeup. It keeps makeup from looking chalky and also acts as a protective layer.

C-L-E-A-N-S-E

Remove all traces of makeup from your face as soon as possible. Cleanse well before going to sleep that night and cleanse again in the morning.

Besides water, use good quality makeup removers and make it a must to use a good eye makeup remover for the eyes.

Over cleansing can strip protective oils from your skin and make your skin more sensitive. But since its absolutely essential that you remove your makeup when you return, use a gentle cleanser. A cream-based cleanser is the gentlest.

Don't forget to tome and moisturize after you have removed your makeup. Massage your skin with an enriching moisturizer for about 5 minutes to stimulate circulation and glow naturally.

EYE CARE

If you are beginning to get dark circles due to lack of sleep and poor circulation, use an eye cream.

A great remedy from the kitchen is to place potato or zucchini slices on your eyelids for about 5 minutes and apply slight pressure. This helps to drain out excess fluid and soothes your eyes.

PUFFY FACE

The best way to deal with a puffy and zitty face is to cool it down. The 'tried and tested' used tea bags and cucumber slices work well. Another remedy is using ice cubes of rosewater. Chill a tray before leaving for parties and rub it all over your face in the morning.

You can also grate a cucumber, soak a cotton ball in it and wipe your whole face with it. Fifteen minutes in a steam room or a cold shower also works wonders for a puffy face.

So now there's nothing to stop you from enjoying your Christmas and New Year Parties and Bashes. Just get equipped to beat the post-party face catastrophe and party hard!

Lata Tokhi is the Founder and Editor of Dot Com Women (http://www.dotcomwomen.com), a premier women's website and fast-growing online community. For more beauty tips and advice, makeup tricks, interviews with famous Fashion personas, seasonal styles and trends, visit the 'Beauty & Fashion' channel at http://www.dotcomwomen.com/beauty

The Evils of Tanning Beds

2009-03-01T16:00:00.001+07:00

OK, so you've had a few days of steady rain, and going to the beach isn't an option. But you're starting to notice your pasty white skin, and you'd like to do something about it. Or ... it's January, and tanning outside is a little brisk.

So you head to a tanning bed, and -- voila! -- in a few short minutes, you've got that tan you wanted.

What's the problem with this scenario? You're inevitably going to get complaints from people who tell you that a tanning bed is somehow dangerous.

Nonsense.

A tanning bed is not dangerous, is not a voluntary coffin, (to quote my mother's dermatologist) and isn't silly.

It's a way of getting tanned, a way of getting your body's needed dose of vitamin D.

Your body doesn't differentiate: the UV rays react on the skin whether you're out on the sand for a few hours, or spending 10 minutes on a tanning bed.

10 minutes is a good rule of thumb: it's roughly equal to an hour in the sun. It's easy, relatively cheap (look for specials) and is especially good for those times when you don't have time to spend in the sun, or can't because of the weather.

Of course, watch your time. Most places won't let you use more than 20 minutes at a pop, but even that's a long time, if you haven't had any UV exposure for a while. Start slow, ease in, and enjoy your tan.

And if it's December, enjoy the envy of your pasty-skinned friends. If your looking good bothers them, suggest they get therapy.

Jim Huffman, RN specializes in natural and alternative healing therapies. His first book is 'Dare to Be Free: How to Get Control of Your Time, Your Life, and Your Nursing Career,' and is aimed at helping other nurses find satisfying, dynamic careers. His website is http://www.NetworkForNurses.com and his health blog is at http://www.shababa.blogspot.com

Contact Lenses and Healthy Eyes 12 Rules Every Contact Lens Wearer Should Follow

2009-02-27T12:50:00.001+07:00

Do you want to switch to contact lenses from glasses, but you're not sure if contact lenses are safe or if caring for them is too much of a hassle? Or do you wear contacts already and want to make sure that you do the best for your eye health?

Taking proper care of your eyes and contact lenses isn't rocket science. Here are 12 simple rules you can follow, to keep your contact lenses and your eyes happy and healthy.

Modern contact lenses vary in quality; make sure that your doctor prescribes the contact lenses that are healthiest for your eyes. See suggestions on advanced contact lenses

Clean your lenses every time you handle them (before putting contacts in your eyes and after removing them). Give each lens a gentle 10-15 second rub in solution. The only exception to this rule is color lenses - rinse, but don't rub them; it might damage the color.

Handle only one lens at a time, so you don't confuse them. Train yourself to start with ether the right or the left lens

When cleaning your lenses don't forget to take care of the lens case as well. Wash it with unperfumed soap and let it dry. Doctors also recommend that you replace your contact lens case every 2 or 3 months.

Never put your lenses in the same solution twice; replace the solution every time you handle your lenses. Usually you shouldn't use any solution 6 months after the bottle has been opened, and definitely not after the expiry date. Store your contact lenses and solution in a dry, cool place. The refrigerator door is ideal.

Soft contact lenses shouldn't be allowed to dry up. The lens should be either in the eye, or in a special solution. If you accidentally let the lens dry up, throw it out, it is no longer good.

Don't wear contacts if you have got a cold, cold sores or another infection. You don't want any germs to get into your eyes. It is handy to have a pair of glasses for such occasions.

If you wear make-up, apply your eye make-up after putting your lenses in, and try to use water-based mascara. Lenses are very sensitive to deodorants and hair sprays, so either spray before you put the lenses in, or close your eyes very tightly while spraying.

Don't forget to replace your contact lenses on schedule. Daily disposables - every morning, 2-week replacements - every fortnight and so on. A couple of days delay wouldn't make any difference, but wearing 2-week replacements for a month is definitely not healthy for your eyes. See more information about disposable contacts.

Avoid smoky or dusty rooms; soft contact lenses collect every tiny particle and your eyes will feel uncomfortable.

If your eyes feel uncomfortable or irritated, take the lens out. It is possible that something is stuck under it or the lens is torn. If your lens isn't damaged, wash your eye and the lens, and put it back. If the unpleasant sensation doesn't go away, take the lenses out and don't wear them until you can see your optometrist. Damaged lenses should be thrown away, no matter how expensive they are. A torn lens can do serious harm to your eye.

Don't sleep in your contacts. Lenses designed as day wear block oxygen flow to your eyes and the eyelid puts extra pressure on the lens, so your eyes would feel terrible after you wake up. The only exception is extended wear lenses, like Focus Night and Day or Acuvue; they are designed for continuous wear and sleep.

If you routinely follow these rules, your contact lenses should never give you any problems and, most of the time, you should feel like you don't wear any corrective lenses at all.

Recipes For Beauty Products

2009-02-27T12:50:00.000+07:00

We all want to look our best and beauty products help us to look and feel the best. But often it happens that we don't have time to visit a salon or we always cannot afford buying expensive beauty products. Homemade beauty products help in this case. You only need to know the recipes for preparing these beauty products; you are all set to use them according to your convenience.

Today, the market is flooded with a wide range of beauty products ? starting from hair to toe ? we get beauty products for each and every part of our body. However, homemade products have their own specialties, as you get the pure and chemical free products to use, means less harm on your skin as well as hair.

Beauty products for your hair

Here are some quick recipes for taking care of your hair. The ingredients are easily available; you will perhaps find all of them in your kitchen.

Hair Conditioner: Beat one egg yolk and mix a cup of plain yoghurt into it. Rub this mixture before washing your hair and wait for 30-45 minutes. Rinse well and finally wash it.

Hairspray: Take a lemon and cut it into 4 pieces. Place them in a pot with 2 cups of water. Boil it until the water becomes half. Cool, strain and keep it in a spray bottle. Keep this spray in refrigerator to use it for a long time. If you find the spray is sticky, you can add a little more water into it.

Hair Color: Coffee gives a warmer glow to brown hair. Brew a cup of coffee and cool it completely. Then strain it and rub it in your hair. Leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse it out.

Beauty products for your face

Face masks can moisturize your face skin and make it glow with beauty. Here are some recipes for preparing facemasks.

Citrus fruit mask: Take 1-tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of orange juice. Mix them with 1 apple puree with ? teaspoon sage. Mix all the ingredients well and then heat the mixture for few minutes in microwave. Apply this pack evenly on your face and keep for 20 minutes. Then wash clean with a warm washcloth. This mask is suitable for all skin types.

Cucumber mask: Take ? cucumber, 1 egg white, ? teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of apple mint, and make a mixture of these ingredients using a food processor or a blender. Keep this mixture in a refrigerator for 10 minutes. Then apply it on your face and keep it for 20-25 minutes. Rinse off with hot washcloth and then rinse with cool water. This mask is very good for oily skin.

Other beauty products

Recipes for teeth whitening product:

Take 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a paste and apply this on the yellowish tint.

Take the inner white part of orange skin and rub your teeth with it. This will help you get a lovely white shine.

Recipes for home made perfume:

Place cheesecloth in a bowl and fill with 1 cup of flower blossoms of your choice (Lavender, Lilac, or any highly fragrant flower). Pour water over the flowers until they are completely covered. Cover the bowl and keep it overnight. Next day, take out the water by pulling the edges of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze the scented water into a small pot. Simmer the water until one-tablespoon amount is left. Cool and place it in a bottle. You can keep this perfume for 1 month.

You don't need to use costly beauty products to maintain your beauty. You can achieve professional results following the recipes for beauty products and using these products.

For more informative health and beauty articles or to browse our wide variety of quality herbal supplements visit http://www.natural-health-4-life.com

Homemade Facial Mask Recipes

2009-02-27T12:40:00.001+07:00

Have you ever calculate how much money you have spent for beauty purpose in a month or a year? $200? $500? or maybe $1000 or more? Maybe it's time for you to stop wasting too much money by trying some cheaper beauty products which also will bring you the same results (or even more) compare with those expensive ones.

These are all natural homemade facial mask recipes, which you can prepare easily within minutes and the best part is: won?t cost you much!

* Normal, combination skin, oily and blemished skin

Mix one egg white, 1/2 cup cooked instant oatmeal, a teaspoon olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice until smooth. Spread on your face and neck, leave on for 15 ? 30 min then rinse with lukewarm water. Few drops lemon juice will help to reduce blackheads while egg white will leave your skin feel ?tight? after this mask application.

* Dry skin

Mix one egg yolk, a teaspoon honey and a teaspoon olive oil and some vitamin E oil. Spread over your face and neck, leave on for 15 ? 30 min then rinse in lukewarm water. You can add more olive oil if you still feel dry on your skin.

* Dry and spotted skin

Mix dry oatmeal (you may grind it in a blender), honey and plain yogurt to make a paste. Spread it over your face and neck, leave on 15 ? 30 min then rinse with lukewarm water. You may add a little salt and olive oil to make an exfoliating mask or scrub for your bocy dry skin area.

For more information about beauty, health and fitness, please visit http://beauty-health-fitness.blogspot.com and for beauty, health and fitness selected stuff, please visit http://beauty-health-fitness-estore.blogspot.com

Protein Diet The Healthy Way Of Living

2009-02-27T00:35:00.001+07:00

You need protein for the repair and growth of the body. Protein is composed of chains of amino acids. There are only twenty common amino acids but they are combined in nature in an infinite number of ways so that proteins differ in structure and in their enzymatic qualities.

In the old days scientists spoke of first and second class proteins. Today we know that out of the twenty amino acids, eight are essential in that the adult cannot make them in the body, and the rest are called nonessential because they can be made from the essential ones.

One more amino acid, histidine, is needed for growing infants, and so is essential to begin with, but not later on. It is a mistake to think of the non-essential amino acids as being without value, for they too are found in the cells of our bodies; it is only that we can do without them if we have to. The essential amino acids are: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.

Most vegetable sources of protein are lacking in one or other of the essential amino acids, but eggs, milk, meat and fish contain all the amino acids in the correct proportions. However if you mix grains, seeds, pulses, nuts and legumes so that your diet is not consisting of a single type of vegetable protein, then the biological value of the mixture is excellent.

Indeed such a diet is good because if does not contain the saturated fat commonly present in meat.The body does not need a great deal of protein, provided this supplies the essential amino acids in the right mixture. The unwanted amino acids are converted into heat and energy and not materials for the growth and repair of the cells.

Only recently did the World Health Organization realize that vast sums were being spent on giving too much protein to the starving and under-privileged millions, when all the poor were doing was to convert the excess protein to much-needed energy. When energy providing foods are given instead the protein levels usually do not need supplementation.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and the importance of proteins and other necessary supplements required by our body.

Swelling After Facial Procedures

2009-02-25T00:55:00.001+07:00

The makeover shows on television have resulted in a significant upswing in the popularity of facial plastic surgery procedures. They often fail to show, however, the swelling afterwards.

Swelling After Facial Procedures

Choosing to have plastic surgery is always a big step. More people are deciding to have this permanent form of cosmetic change due to the aging population and the amount of Hollywood stars that talk about their procedures. An especially popular form of plastic surgery for women and men over 40 are facial procedures. Here are a few things that you can expect when going in for yours.

Keep in mind that there are many different types of plastic surgeries for the face that can be performed. There are upper and lower lifts. There are also laser treatments, which are also known as laser skin resurfacing. The goal of all facial procedures is to correct issues on the face that can happen as a person ages. Sagging skin, wrinkles, jowls and deep cheek folds are all issues that traditional surgeries can correct, while laser procedures tend to target smaller skin imperfections such as small wrinkles.

A facial procedure is usually performed by a board certified plastic surgeon under general anesthesia. Cuts are made into the skin at the hairline, and the underlying tissue and muscle is pulled taut. This gives the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance. Sometimes, excess skin is also removed from the facial area. All of this work can be done on an outpatient basis. Patients are often up and moving around very soon.

If you have a full or partial surgery, you are going to have to deal with some discomfort afterwards. Swelling will be a part of this and you have to have reasonable expectations. You are not going to come out of surgery and immediately look great. The adjustment of muscles, fatty tissue and skin is going to get a reaction from the body. Swelling will be prominent immediately after the procedure as the body forces blood into the area to help with the healing. Frankly, your face will look like a balloon. After a few weeks, however, the swelling should seriously abate. This will let you get a better idea of the final look. That being said, some minor swelling can last as long as 10 months, so you have to be patient.

Having plastic surgery on your face requires significant surgical invasion into muscles, skin and fatty material. The body is going to act to heal itself by pushing blood into the area. This will result in swelling on a large scale. Don?t panic when you see yourself for the first time after the surgery. The swelling will go down with time.

Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com - a directory of plastic surgeons. Visit us to read more plastic surgery articles.

Great Beauty Resources

2009-02-25T00:47:00.001+07:00

I love Vogue and W. Like Playgirl and Playboy, they have plenty of terrific articles but the draw for me is really the pictures. Along with thousands of other women, each month I leaf through the seemingly hundreds of pages of the newest issues of Vogue and W. I learn about the styles and looks that designers hope will catch on in two seasons (silk and tulle when many of us are shopping for heavy cottons and wools ? or vice versa) and fashions which I can?t afford or don't fit my lifestyle. That?s not to say that all the contents are fashion forward; the ads are right in the moment.

[Next to the pictures, my favorite is the headlines. For example, ?Gwyneth takes Paris!? (what does that mean exactly?), ?GREAT LENGTHS, The New Lust for Long Hair? (really?), ?SECRETS OF THE SUPER BRIDES? ? compared to those, how lame is ?GREAT beauty resources??

I?m always disappointed when I get to the end of Vogue and W; then I put them aside and ?forget? about them. While it?s important to know what?s ?happening,? isn?t the trick to selecting great (beauty) resources in choosing those that help you enhance your lifestyle and further your interests and goals?

So, considering my age, health and fitness level (which I plan to maintain ... my health and fitness, that is), I pick up InStyle, Allure, More, pilatesstyle, Prevention ? oh, and anything with anti-aging in the title. While I browse, I also want to learn how to ?Cut Cancer Risk, 30 steps to take now,? ?WALK OFF WEIGHT THIS WINTER, Our easy 7-day plan? (easy?), ?AGE-PROOF BEAUTY, THIS STUFF WORKS!,? ?134 NEW FALL LOOKS ? and how to wear them? (!!!). There?s always a tip or trick to learn and, much more importantly, I can relate.

Thankfully, the beauty industry and magazines have evolved from covering the prevailing fashions to helping women adapt the current modes and offering them choices for their lifestyles and purses (notably, InStyle and Style network?s show ?The Look for Less?). While the focus is still stubbornly on youth (which is hard to understand with the number of baby-boomers who have plenty of disposable income), any number of resources are on the market with tips, trends, techniques .. and pictures.

What are ?great? beauty resources for me won?t necessarily work for you, of course, since ?great? is so subjective. You have your own style and focus which makes you unique and attractive. The GREAT beauty resources are the ones that help each one of us enhance our individuality ? and maybe they include Vogue and W.

Charlotte is an experienced independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay Inc.

Register on Charlotte's Mary Kay Inc. web site to receive a monthly email newsletter, Beaut-e-News(tm), with tips & techniques and a seasonal mailing of the The Look catalog with free samples plus the latest in skin care and color looks (complete privacy ensured).

http://www.marykay.com/charlottemaddox

How to Improve Your Vision Without Surgery Simple Eye Exercises Work Wonders

2009-02-20T22:27:00.000+07:00

We all know how important it is to keep our bodies fit. Going to the gym, jogging, and swimming are all on the good for you list of activities. But did you know that you can exercise your eyes as well? Exercising your eyes keeps them healthy, takes away eyestrain, helps you to focus and even improves your vision without surgery.

Exercise 1. Massage

First close your eyes tightly for 3-5 seconds, then open them for 3-5 seconds. Repeat this 7 or 8 times.

Then close your eyes and massage with circular movements of your fingers for 1-2 minutes. Make sure you press very lightly; otherwise you could hurt your eyes.

Press three fingers of each hand against your upper eyelids, hold for 1-2 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times.

Exercise 2. Movement

Sit and relax. Roll your eyes clockwise, then anticlockwise. Repeat 5 times, and blink in between each.

Exercise 3. Mark on the glass

Sit about 50 cm from the window. Make a mark on the glass at your eye level (a small sticker, black or red, would be perfect). Look through this mark and focus on something far away for 10-15 seconds; then focus on the mark again.

Exercise 4. Follow a pencil

Hold a pencil in front of you on a length of an arm. Move your arm slowly to your nose, follow the pencil with your eyes until you can keep it in focus. Repeat 10 times.

Exercise 5. Writing on the wall

Look in front of you at the opposite wall and pretend that you are writing with your eyes, without turning your head. It seems difficult at the starts, but with a bit of practice it is really fun. The bigger the letters, the better the effect.

Exercise 6. Watch the time with your eyes

Imagine that you are standing in front of a really big clock. Look at the middle of the clock. Then look at any hour mark, without turning your head. Look back at the center. Then look at another hour mark. Do this at least 12 times. You can also do this exercise with your eyes closed.

When doing the exercises, make sure that you're not facing anybody, or else that they know you're doing eye exercises. Otherwise they might think you have gone nuts.

If you can spare 10-15 minutes a day to do these exercises, it would be very beneficial for the health of your eyes. But it is even more important to do the exercises regularly, than it is to do them for a long time. Even 30-60 seconds of eye movement every hour is very helpful. For example, when your computer takes its sweet time to do something, most people just swear at the poor thing and waste the time, but you can make a few circles with your eyes. Even the first day you do this, you should notice that, when you finished working, your eyes aren't as tired as usual.

See other simple tips for your eye health

Tips and Advice: Puffy Eyes

2009-02-19T10:54:00.001+07:00

Some of the causes of puffy eyes are: lack of sleep, alcohol, allergies, aging, stress, poor diet and genetics.

To decrease the appearance of puffy eyes use a thinly sliced cold cucumber or a slice of raw potato and place a slice on each eye. Use any cold compress on your eyes for a few minutes, but do not place ice cubes directly on your skin. Cotton wool pads soaked in witch hazel (which reduces swelling) or iced water should also do the trick.

You can also reduce the appearance of puffy eyes by taking a beaten egg white with a drop or two of witch hazel and brushing it under your eyes for a tightening effect.

Do you need to change your lifestyle in order to decrease the puffiness under your eyes?

Do you know that salty foods cause water retention which can accumulate in the eye area? Sodas and alcohol drinks are high in sodium (salt). Drink water instead. Do you drink enough water? Remember you should drink 8 glasses of water per day.

Exercise will help your overall circulation, including your renal circulation and will aid in the elimination of water. Do not sleep on your stomach, instead, sleep on your back with your head elevated so that water cannot accumulate around the eye are.

Here is a great tip: DO NOT NOT NOT use preparation H on your face!

A concealer or highlighter can do wonders to hide puffiness under your eyes. Pat your concealer on first and blend it in so it looks natural. Then apply your foundation and set it with a light dusting of loose powder.

There are many eye treatment creams on the market today that are formulated specifically to reduce bags underneath your eyes. I recommend Colos? Creme Miracle as it reduces puffiness, fine lines and dark circles. It contains collagen, vitamins, elastin and jojoba oil. Store creams in the refrigerator, as the coldness will also help reduce puffiness.

If you continually have eye puffiness go see your doctor. You could be having symptoms of sinusitis or allergies that can be cleared up by antibiotics or medication.

CREDIT BYLINE: Article written by Katrina VanDoran, Editor of Make-up USA Newsletter: http://www.make-upusa.com. Ms. VanDoran is a top makeup artist at her Spa in Brussels, Belgium. She predominantly uses Bren and Colos? Cosmetics and Skin Care products. Make-up USA ? All Rights Reserved.

Do You Really Need To Wear A Moisturizer?

2009-02-19T10:43:00.001+07:00

You just may be able to get away without using a moisturizer.

?Not everyone needs or should use a moisturizer, especially women with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin!? Paula Begoun, author of Don?t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, writes on her website. But what if you just can?t part with your favorite day and night creams? What should you be looking for when shopping for a moisturizer?

According to Paula, a good moisturizer should contain emollients (essential for making skin not feel dry), water-binding agents (ingredients that attract water to the skin and help keep it there), anti-irritants and antioxidants. For daytime, it must contain a well-formulated sunscreen.

If you have an oily t-zone area (forehead, nose and cheeks) and your skin is normal to dry elsewhere on your face, you have combination skin. Most of us will have combination skin at some point in our lives. Use an oil-free moisturizer in the t-zone and a light moisturizer on other areas. In order to normalize your skin, it may be necessary to apply two different types of products on the different areas of your skin. Alternatively, you can skip the moisturizer for your t-zone entirely and just moisturize the cheeks and eyes.

If you have dry skin, your skin may feel dry and itchy and wrinkles are more obvious on your skin than other skin types. Although the use of a moisturizer can help to temporarily smooth out wrinkles, none of them can turn back the clock. Choose one which makes your skin look smooth and feel supple. A water-based moisturizer is preferable, although it won?t last as long as an oil-based moisturizer. However, emollients in water-based moisturizers such as plant oils and shea butter can help to provide your skin with essential moisture. (Tip: Apply moisturizer on damp skin to lock in moisture.)

If you have sensitive skin, you may have red patches on your face and/or are easily irritated by using certain products. It can be difficult to find a product which doesn?t aggravate your skin and cause breakouts or unsightly rashes. Look for moisturizers which do not contain fragrance and ingredients which you know can be potentially irritating to your skin. Even something as harmless as Aloe Vera can cause skin irritations!

Sunscreens are essential for daytime wear to protect your skin from the sun?s harmful UVA and UVB rays. There are plenty of sunscreens on the market which hydrate the skin as well as protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Why not skip the moisturizer and wear a sunscreen instead? The fewer products on your skin, the less likely your skin will develop an irritation to any of the ingredients.

Tara Sabeti is Vice-President of Marketing at http://www.BeautySteals.com, an online retailer of cosmetics, skin care and fragrances. A graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, she has spent more than five years researching and working in the cosmetics and fashion industries. Her in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the cosmetics industry, from product development to e-marketing, as well as cosmetic applications for women of varying backgrounds, makes Sabeti an authority women can trust.

The Quest for Ageless Beauty

2009-02-19T10:31:00.001+07:00

Age creeps up on us all. However we no longer have to allow it to ravage us, unchecked. Antiaging research and development have been releasing studies and new antiaging products almost daily ? all to help us look and feel younger.

For those who want to stay the hand of time and remain youthful and active through and past middle age, there has been no more exciting time to be growing older.

Science has produced many new antiaging solutions. We now know that parts of the aging process can be slowed or delayed. There are steps one can take to support the body and keep healthy processes going.

We now understand the value of early and consistent sun protection, proper nutrition, vitamin supplements, and age-appropriate exercise. Thinning hair can be slowed and maybe even reversed with treatments such as minoxidil, propecia or copper peptide solutions.

Some signs of aging can be ?erased?. There are antiaging procedures such as face lifts, facial peels, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing techniques that quite literally erase facial wrinkles.

Hair replacement can erase a receding hairline by implanting healthy follicles where others have died an untimely death.

There are antiaging skincare products that camouflage signs of aging, at least temporarily. Cosmetics with special properties like light-reflecting particles, foundation shades that match skin tones and provide coverage without a mask like appearance, temporary ?lifts? that tighten facial skin all allow us to look years younger one day at a time.

AHAs, BHAs, Retin A and retinol preparations provide longer lasting results by uncovering more youthful skin beneath the surface and speeding up the skin?s natural rebuilding process. The latest antiaging firming creams for cellulite and slackening skin have performed well in standard industry tests, providing smoother tighter skin that lasts.

Most exciting of all are the new products that hold the promise of actually reversing some signs of aging. Newer antiaging cosmetic surgery techniques give more natural looking and lasting results. Botox, and perhaps the new serums that purport to mimic the muscle-freezing effect of Botox, prevent the formation or deepening of lines of expression.

There are new creams on the market that combine ancient herbal remedies with modern substances created in the laboratory and claim to actually rebuild collagen beneath the skin?s surface removing wrinkles from the inside out! Amazingly, they actually seem to work.

And there are the controversal hormone theraphies, such as HGH and DHEA. They seem to be effective, but at what cost to our future health?

All this has come just in time for the boomer generation, the leading edge of which is now turning sixty. There has never been a bigger demand for effective products to help them stay young and vigorous.

Everyone knows this lovely phrase written by John Keats.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases
It will never pass into nothingness?

Endymion, 1818

If you desire to take joy in a more youthful and beautiful ?you? and preserve your beauty, if not forever, at least as long as possible, you want to know about the most recent antiaging developments.

Just as importantly, you want to know which antiaging products are proven effective, look promising or are simply fads or marketing hype. You also want to know which product among competing ones offers the best value.

By Jean Bowler. For the latest in antiaging skin care and cosmetic procedures; diet, nutrition and exercise; hormone theraphy; hair loss and more, visit http://www.ageless-beauty.com

Tumescent Abdominoplasty

2009-02-19T01:16:00.000+07:00

Plastic surgery is definitively a medical procedure, but there is also an artistic element to it. This brings us to the subject of tumescent abdominoplasty.

Tumescent Abdominoplasty

One of the most popular methods of liposuction is tumescent abdominoplasty. It is a cosmetic surgical procedure commonly performed to remove excess fat deposits in localized areas permanently, which are resistant to exercise and traditional diet programs. Tumescent Abdominoplasty is also recommended for patients suffering from morbid obesity.

Tumescent abdominoplasty involves the use of advanced techniques to guarantee permanent results by filling and swelling the fatty areas to be removed, thus the name tumescent, literally meaning to swell. Tumescent abdominoplasty is performed by filling large volumes of fatty areas with a special solution before the surgical procedure. The solution used by surgeons has the effect of a local anesthetic facilitating the surgery and preventing the use of heavy intravenous sedation or general anesthesia that might be risky for some persons. Additionally, the solution makes adrenalin that constricts the blood vessels, reducing bleeding to negligible amounts in comparison with other liposuction methods.

By means of small tubes called cannulas, the patient is connected to a suction syringe or device that extracts the fat in a safe manner that also facilitates a quick recovery. Fatty deposits removed in very specific areas allow the surgeon to sculpt artistically any body into a new shape with the aid of delicate instruments.

There is minimal pain involved in tumescent abdominoplasty. Most clinics use natural therapies to relieve it such as listening to sedative music or friendly talking during the application of the solution which is the time when some pain may occur. The removing and sculpting procedure on fatty deposits does not cause pain by in and of itself.

Patients who undergo this cosmetic surgery often refer to the procedure as comparable to a deep massage session. Because the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, a patient can cooperate with the surgeon by changing position if necessary to optimize the results. Compared to traditional invasive liposuction, this is a drastic improvement.

The anesthetic effect of the solution applied before the procedure generally lasts for nearly 24 hours after which patients may experience light soreness that usually disappears alone after 1 or 2 weeks. From all the abdominoplasty techniques, including dry technique, wet technique, Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL), Power Assisted Techniques (PAL), etc, Tumescent Abdominoplasty is safest method of liposuction available today.

If you are considering a procedure to address hard to get at areas of fat, tumescent abdominoplasty may be a perfect option. Make sure to discuss the applicability of the procedure to your situation with your plastic surgeon.

Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com - a directory of plastic surgeons.

Risks Of Tanning Beds Not All They Are Hyped Up To Be

2009-02-17T18:34:00.001+07:00

The risks of tanning beds aren?t all that it?s hyped up to now-a-days. For example, all of the skin cancer horror stories that you hear about all came from people who went about tanning the wrong way 20 to 30 years ago. You see, skin cancer has a latency of about 20-30 years. That long ago almost everyone that that getting a sunburn would fade into a nice looking tan, so most people would go to the beach and keep up with a pattern of getting sun burnt. This is what causes skin cancer, the repetitiveness of getting sun burnt. So there is common misconception of the risks of tanning beds. It's not all cancer in a box as many people say.

Some other risks of tanning beds are your eyes. There is some risk if you choose not to wear safety eyewear, or the goggles. This is a requirement for all tanning salons to provide safety eyewear, but no one can actually make you wear them. Without wearing them, the risks of tanning beds increase. You can get an early form of cataracts and you could even have temporary or complete blindness. Although using the safety equipment can leave almost unnoticeable white circles around your eyes, the risk of not using them does not make up for it.

You can reduce the risks of tanning beds by not staying in them for to long. If you notice that after your tanning session that you got burnt, then the next time you go you need to reduce your time a little. Getting sun burnt is the worse thing you can do to your skin. Also, to reduce risk, be sure to wear the goggles for your eyes.

This is one of many articles posted weekly on http://www.tanning-beds-resource.com/

About The Author

Adam Murray is currently the webmaster and author of several websites, http://www.tanning-beds-resource.com/, is one of his newer additions.

Beauty and the Benefits: What are the Best Beauty Products?

2009-02-17T18:14:00.001+07:00

If you are looking for beauty supplies that work better than the ones you are using now, or if you are going for a whole new kind of look?check out the very best beauty equipment and beauty supplies there are available on the market. When you find the best beauty supplies for you, you will feel better about yourself, better about how you look, more confident in all you do, and you will thank yourself.

For example: if you go to a job interview looking only partially groomed, you are giving off a worse impression than if you were to go to that same interview with a beautiful ensemble, well trimmed hair and nails, and clothes that make you look more fashionable, it shows off your sense of style In addition, it will show your potential employer that you are already serious about the job you are trying to get.

This means that you will want to have great beauty products such as skin care products, nail supplies, hair accessories etc. With the proper beauty supplies you can make a great impression fight from the start, whether you are going for a natural look, a business-casual style, a professional appearance from head to toe, etc.

Salon supplies and styling products could be the best way to go. However, there are some good options out there that can be a bit less expensive. Sometimes you just need to find out the information you need to know about beauty supplies before choosing the beauty supplies that best suit your needs.

The most high quality beauty supplies are usually found in salons or from salon overstock sellers. There are many kinds of beauty supplies you can find out about over the internet which may be able to help you narrow down the perfect beauty supplies for you.

From nail treatments to nail polishes to hair supplies, to hair accessories and much, much more, our website provides information that will help you choose the very best beauty supplies you will need. Beauty products are not only the kinds of merchandise like make-up, extreme-vanity ridden materials, but the category of beauty supplies also includes simple grooming necessities that everyone needs from day to day.

Beauty supplies are very important, not just for your self-esteem or vanity, but your overall appearance will affect your daily life in many ways. Remember, a first impression can be the most important part factor of how someone will view you from that point on.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on fashion and beauty please visit Beauty Supplies.

Finding Reliable Health Information Online

2009-02-15T16:53:00.001+07:00

The Internet is the source of a wealth of information, and it's getting easier and easier to by-pass the usual authorities and locate information on your own. But if you want to find reliable health information online, how much of this information can you trust? And when what you need to know is as important as your health how do you know which information is reliable and which information is best ignored?

The problems of self-diagnosis
The answer is not simple. Anyone using the Internet to get information about health is taking a risk, because self-diagnosis is dangerous. It is always best to see a professional when it comes to your health. But, if you want some background information, then by all means search the Internet but learn how to decipher the good and reliable from the bad and unreliable.

You can't believe everything you see
Anyone can post information on the Internet. The people behind the information can be a serious expert or a wacky profiteer. How can you tell the difference?

Always start by being sceptical. If you come across someone who is suggesting you stop taking your prescribed medication and start taking his very expensive cure, then think twice before you buy. Read through the website carefully. Ask the opinions of friends and professionals. Search the Internet for similar suggestions. Search the Internet for stories of other sufferers who may be using the same miracle cure. If you can, contact some other people who have tried the miracle cure.

Start with government agencies
When you come across a health site try to understand who is behind it. If you don't recognize the URL, then try to find the About or Contact page. If you still aren't sure, try to make contact with them and ask them who they are.

In all cases it is recommended to begin with the most legitimate providers of reliable health and medical information, such as government agencies or university bodies. Most of these offer informational pamphlets and brochures.

Here is a list of legitimate American health sites:

American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/
American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org/
American Medical Association: http://www.ama-assn.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/
Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.hhs.gov/
Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/
Healthfinder: http://www.healthfinder.gov/
National Cancer Institute: http://www.nci.nih.gov/
National Institutes of Health: http://www.nih.gov/

Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.healthcenterpoint.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Apples The Magic Of Fall And Beauty

2009-02-14T00:55:00.001+07:00

Ever since ancient times, the apple is considered the divine fruit and was included in rituals of adoration for many gods. Did you know that apples can actually do wonders for your beauty? Apples contain alpha-hydro acids, determining skin rejuvenation and dead cells exfoliation, as well as agents like pectin with firming and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, apple consumption guarantees you a fresh breath and healthy dentition.

Apples - more then just a fruit?

Have you been eating onions or garlic and have an important meeting to attend? The apple is the rescue solution! Why? The pectin neutralizes the intense smell of certain ailments, while the fruit fibers act as a tooth brush.

Facial mask based on apples and honey

This particular formula combines the benefits of apples and honey, reputed for its nourishing properties.

Effects:

Your skin will be optimum hydrated and will enjoy a soft and bright appearance.

Ingredients:

half of an apple?s core
2 tea spoons of honey

How to do it:

Mix the ingredients until a homogeny paste is obtained. Keep that paste in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply the mixture on a priory cleansed face, massaging it gently until the mixture becomes very thick. This way, your blood flow will be stimulated, while your face will become brighter. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

How to diminish wrinkles and inflammation
Grate a green apple and apply it on your face. This will lead to vanishing fine lines and calm down irritations. Keep the fruit on for 10 to 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Acne and greasy skin mask
Mix green grated apple and honey in equal quantities, apply the mixture on your face and massage it well for fast absorption. Keep it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.

Swallowed and tired eyes
Mix two spoons of sugarless apple juice and one grated potato. Take two cleansing swabs and imbue them with this mixture. Then apply them on your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, wash it off with lukewarm water.

Double-effect facial mask: exfoliation and hydration

Ingredients

grated quarter of an apple?s core
one tea spoon of crushed oat
one tea spoon of honey
one tea spoon of cream

How to do it Mix all the ingredients well and apply the result on your face with gentle moves. Keep it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.

I hope now, when you are aware of the benefits of apples, not only you'll eat more and be healthier, but you'll use them in your own cosmetic lab.

Mihaela Patroi is copywriter for Find-Help.us, a web site that offers information and reviews on cosmetics. Recent work: Alphaderma CE anti-aging cream research and FAQ.

What is Tanning Lotion?

2009-02-12T00:18:00.000+07:00

Tanning is a very popular thing to do. There are a lot of people that want to have that golden-bronzed look for summer. When you want to achieve the best-looking kind of tan, you need to use a tanning lotion to help it along. There are so many different kinds and brands of tanning lotions that are available to buy. Many of them do different things and it is important to figure out the best one for your needs.

There is no best tanning lotion. There are better products for different people. Everyone's needs are not the same. For some people, they are going to need more protection from the sun than others. Many people have a harder time than others tanning and they find themselves getting a stronger tanning lotion, which may be more expensive too.

It will depend on the person's skin type to decide the tanning lotion that is right for them. There are many different types of skin. Dry skin, oily skin, and normal skin. It is going to depend on the skin type and what kind of tan the person wants to achieve. Another factor may be if the person is getting a tan from sun or from a tanning bed. Outdoor tanning lotions are made to be used with the sun and uncontrolled conditions, while indoor tanning lotion is to be used in tanning bed with the artificial light.

There are some tanning lotions that have a certain degree of SPF. You should have some form of sun protection outdoors. This is what will help to protect your skin from the suns harmful rays. There are different levels of SPF. You have to use the right one for your skin tone. If you have lighter skin, it is important to use the right lotion to protect your skin. You need to make sure that you have all the protection that you need. If you are looking for deeper and darker tan, you can go lower on the SPF.

You can find tanning lotions in many department stores or you can find them in a lot of beauty salons. You may find that you will get a better lotion when you choose buying it from a professional salon. You may find that different lotions will give you a separate look. You will find that you may go through a few different ones before you finally find the right one.

Achieving a great summer tan will give you confidence and a slimmer look. You will feel more attractive and better about yourself when you have the bronzed glowing look. Getting a great tan should be something that you have control over. You need to make sure that you protect your skin and get the natural sun kissed look that you love.

Copyright 2006 - Agust Hauksson. Agust is a regular contributor of articles to many online publications. Find more great information at: http://www.tanning-lotion.info/, http://www.tanningbed-guide.info/ and http://www.tanningsalon-guide.com/

How to Reduce the Appearance of Age Spots

2009-02-12T00:12:00.000+07:00

Age spots are mainly caused by long-term sun exposure. Although sun is the number one reason for developing age spots, smoking, a poor diet, poor liver function, and a diet rich in oxidized oils are also contributing factors.

These age spots are a result of the overproduction of lipofuscin, a dark substance produced by our cells. Age spots usually begin appearing when we are in our 30?s and, besides being unsightly, increase our risk of skin cancer. As is the case with most skin conditions, age spots are easier to prevent than to treat. Eating a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, carrots, yams, and other foods that are high in carotene will help reduce your chances of getting age spots in the first place. If you are already are suffering from age spots, don?t loose hope. There are options available to you to reduce the appearance of age spots, as well as improve the overall health of your skin.

There are several products on the market today that will help in diminishing the look of age spots. Fade creams are a popular choice among consumers. These over-the-counter creams contain moisturizers with a two percent hydroquinone content which is a bleaching agent that will aid in the fading process. Best results are obtained with the cream is used in conjunction with glycolic acid moisturizer. Prescription creams that contain vitamin A, such as Retin-A or Retinova, work more effectively than the over-the-counter fade creams.

There are more invasive options available to you for those suffering from a more serious case of age spots. Chemical peels are one of these options. Using 30%-70% glycolic acid, the fading factor is much more pronounced than in either of the creams mentioned above. The treatment is simple and can be done in a short session, even on your lunch break if need be. You will need more than one treatment to reach the full effects of the procedure.

Laser resurfacing is another option similar to the chemical peel. In this procedure, the age spots are literally burned off the skin?s surface with a laser and can be accomplished in one treatment. It does, however, have a recovery time of about one week and can be quite expensive.

For a more natural and cost-effective way to help prevent age spots simply limit your exposure to the sun and, when you are in the sun, wear sunscreen. Limit your alcohol intake and eat a well balance diet.

Brian Fong
http://www.NaturalVisage.com/

There are options available to you to reduce the appearance of age spots, as well as improve the overall health of your skin.

Home Tanning Beds

2009-02-11T01:16:00.000+07:00

These are the most popular and best selling home, non-commercial tanning beds that can be found on the market with prices ranging between $1500 to $5000.

ETS SunVision ZX30 Tanning Bed: This tanning bed features a computer-designed Bio-Tech Tunnel Design for consistency. It has 30, 100 watt lamps, and is built with heavy-duty extruded aluminum and steel mainframe with a DuraMax 2000 exterior. Other features include Quick Clip acrylic removal system, digital timer with built in hour meter, glossed aluminum reflectors, 7 foot tanning surface, staggered lamp design, and acrylic sheet. The product costs around $4500 to $5000.

Sunquest Pro 24RSP (120V) Tanning Bed: This Bio-Tech Tunnel Design tanning bed has 24 tanning lamps is designed with a steel mainframe, curved acrylic sheets, DuraMax 2000 exterior housing, Superflow internal cooling system and 20 minute session time. It features a control key lock, backup timer, and Quick Clip acrylic removal system; and requires a 20 Amp Circuit Breaker, 120 Volt Dedicated Circuit, and 20 Amp NEMA #5-20R Receptacle. The tanning bed costs around $1500 to $2000.

Supreme Tan Pearl 16 Plus Tanning Bed: This is one of the smaller and cheaper entry level tanning beds. It is 76 inch long, features 12 Philips Performance lamps, 4 integrated facial tanning lamps, dial timer, canopy with grids, a base reflector system, adjustable gas spring lifts, and a 30 minute tanning session, and costs around $1900.

SOLTECH 16: This tanning bed uses 16 High Powered Phillips 100 Watt tanning lamps and features frosted acrylics for even UV disbursement, 30 minute tanning session time, easy acrylic removal system, Internal fan cooling system, and a 30 minute on board timer. Optional components include a spring timer, front panel base body fan, DualSun Facials, frosted Acrylic, and a free starter Kit. SOLTECH 16 costs around $2000 to $3000.

Wolff Tanning Bed: This product is also manufactured with a Bio-Tech Tunnel Design with heavy-duty extruded aluminum and steel mainframe, with DuraMax 2000 exterior housing. It features 24 high-output 100-watt lamps, glossed aluminum, Quick Clip acrylic removal system, wide curved tanning surface, and acrylic sheets. The SolarMax IFT face tanner is an optional component. You can get this tanning bed for about $2500 to $3500.

Ruby Tanning Bed: The Ruby Tanning Bed comes with 24 lamps of only 120 volts. It has 6 face tan enhancing lamps and 8 arm tan enhancing lamps, and features a 30 minute tanning session, adjustable Gas spring lifts, acrylic click strips, canopy acrylic, matching base skirt, and a dial timer. The product costs somewhere between $2400 to $3900.

SOLSMART 20: This tanning bed uses 20 High Powered Phillips 100 Watt tanning lamps and features frosted acrylics for even UV disbursement, 20 minute tanning session time, easy acrylic removal system, Internal fan cooling system, and a 20 minute on board timer. Optional components include a spring timer, leg base, and free starter Kit. The standard color is silver but you can choose between silver/charcoal, silver/black, silver/blue, and silver/red. The SOLSMART 20 costs around $2000 to $3000.

http://tanninghq.com/ Tanning HQ: articles and information about the tanning and keeping your body looking beautiful.

Why is a Mattress so Important?

2009-02-11T01:14:00.000+07:00

Buying a mattress can always be put off until later. Or can it? You shouldn?t scrimp on the single most used piece of furniture in your house. This single item has a lot to do with your health and well being also. How and why should I select a mattress that?s right for me?

First, you must understand two basic mattress construction terms. The core is where the springs and structure are. This is what determines the longevity and support. Old mattresses used an inner spring design. Usually, the more inner springs used in a mattress, the better it was. Not so anymore. A current mattress design uses ?zones? to locate the number and types of springs since our body weight is not evenly distributed, then why should the springs in our mattress?

The second construction term for a mattress is the upholstery. Several different types of foams, fibers, and materials make up this top layer. This gives the mattress the pillow top or soft feeling. Springs are there for support of this comfort layer.

I personally am sleeping on a Simmon?s Beauty Rest Back Care mattress. It has the wrapped spring coils and several comfort layers. It even has some memory foam. It is an excellent bed and it was reasonably priced.

I looked at several models today. It seems the inner spring mattress will be going to the way side after a few years. Everyone wants a memory foam bed. They have several to choose from, but they are all made out of the same material. This foam is nice and Sealy and Serta have finally come on board with their versions. The tepurpedic has been out there the longest and seems to be the best quality at the best price.

However, foam mattresses just don?t look like a regular bed. They look like a flashback to the days of the popular water beds. Its just not what we are accustomed to seeing. King Koil came out with a combination of this model. A traditional looking mattress, with contemporary foam for a core. You get the look of a regular bed with the benefit of a solid foam core. No more inner springs.

Comes to find out, the most sold mattress in the store where I was at, was the King Koil brand as I described above. Actually, the top 3 sellers were all King Koil brand, with only one of the three have an inner spring coil.

Beds weren?t meant to last forever. You can chunk it and get another. If it?s bad enough for you to get a new one, don?t pass it on and give problems to someone else, either. And don?t sell your old mattress as it is against the law in some states.

Stuart Simpson http://www.mattress-review.com

Quick Professional Beauty Tips For Today's Busy Woman

2009-02-11T01:13:00.000+07:00

If you are ready for beauty to be made simple these quick easy beauty tips are for you. Used by some of the top beauty professionals in the industry these fast and simple beauty tips will instantly improve your appearance and correct some of today?s most common beauty problems.

To reduce the redness and shrink the size of a blemish ? soak a cotton ball with visine. Place the cotton ball on blemish, hold it there for a minute. This will reduce the redness. Next apply a small drop of Preparation H to the blemish. This will shrink the blemish.

For longer lashes ? use a small makeup brush to dust your lashes with face powder before applying mascara and between coats.

To minimize dark under eye circles ? Before applying your foundation use an orange tone concealer mixed with your foundation to cover under eye circles. Apply foundation and set with face powder. Avoid using blue or purple eye shadows.

To instantly lighten eyebrows ? rub a small dot of foundation through your eyebrow and gently brush eyebrows with an old toothbrush.

To disappear wrinkles ? After applying your foundation use a thin small makeup brush to apply highlighter directly in the crease of the wrinkle, blend and set with face powder.

To whiten and brighten your teeth ? use lip colors with blue undertones such as cool red, berries, burgundies and wines.

To refresh oily hair ? sprinkle baby powder onto your hairbrush before brushing your hair.

To prevent bed hair ? before going to bed comb a dime size drop of leave in conditioner through your hair.

To remove yellow discoloration on nails ? soak nails in any over the counter denture cleanser for 5 to 10 minutes.

Eileen Hammel is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Image, Style and Beauty Expert Ms.Hammel is President of Smarter Image, and Smart Skin Care - Smart Cosmetics by Smarter Image http://www.smartskincaresmartcosmetics.com/

Health Benefits Of Carrot Juice

2009-02-11T01:12:00.000+07:00

Carrot juice has a number of health benefits. The carrot provides what is certainly the most important basic juice. The yellow color is due to carotene. Another name for this form of carotene, the transform, is pro vitamin A. Many authors write that carrots contain a lot of vitamin A. This is not actually true; what the carrot does contain is the pro vitamin. That means a substance that is converted by the body into the vitamin itself.

Carrot juice plays the most important part in an infant's supply of vitamin A. When carrot juice is consumed jointly with milk, the utilization of carotene as vitamin A is considerably increased. A carrot and milk juice is the ideal vitamin A source for infants and can in no case lead 10 the risk of the child having too much A.

Carrots are widely used. Indeed it is estimated that in Germany carrots account for 10% of the total vegetable consumption. From the carrot juice point of view, the varieties to be employed are ideally those with the most carotene. It is fortunate that the pro vitamin is strongly colored for this means that so long as you use good colored carrots they are likely to be the best nutritionally speaking too.

As a general rule, early carrots are pale and low in carotene. Because carotene is not water soluble, but is fat soluble, there is not a very great deterioration in the vitamin content on storage.

Nursing mothers are well advised, for the sake of the quality of their milk, to take carrot juice throughout lactation. When the baby is on its way it is good sense not only to drink the juice but also to nibble a carrot when you feel hungry. For although a good sized one will provide your minimum requirement of vitamin A, 7oz (200g) of carrot contain only 50 calories, which cannot be considered to be a fattening snack.

The carrot is recorded as being used in medicine by the early Greeks and has been cherished ever since. Its juice is one of the most delicious and healthful, and alone or in combinations should be in every daily diet providing, as it does, the essential vitamin A, without the saturated fats with which this vitamin is associated in eggs and butter.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures which can be done with the help of juices like beet, carrot and other vegetables.

Brighten Up Dull & Tired Skin

2009-02-11T01:10:00.000+07:00

As we grow older and are constantly exposed to the UV rays of the sun our skin starts to appear dry and dull. This is the result of the outside layer of the skin getting excessive build up and is not exfoliated on a regular basis. Build-up is especially noticed after we have spent the summer in the sun. It?s more apparent to women since we realize that our make-up doesn't look as fresh and our foundation begins to fade within a couple of hours. Our make-up and foundation is actually being absorbed into the accumulated dead skin cells, which gives a very tired and unhealthy look to the skin.

To keep your skin vibrant and healthy on a regular basis, you must have a regimen that incorporates exfoliation and nourishing the skin. Your regular skin care program does not have to be a department store or drug store solution. You can prepare an all nature skin care program right from your kitchen table and manage to get the same results if not better results that your store bought product promises.

Exfoliation:

You should exfoliate at least 2-3 times per week (daily is even better) to keep the skin?s healthy glow. One solution for exfoliating the skin in an in expensive way is to use sugar. Yes, Sugar! Glycolic acid which is found in most AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid) products is from sugar cane. You can benefit from glycolic acid by using sugar for exfoliation.

Simply mix ? to 1 teaspoon of sugar in with a small amount of your favorite skin cleanser. Wet your face and massage the cleanser/sugar mixture over your face for 1-2 minutes. Rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove this mixture and you will instantly feel a difference in your skin.

Nourish:

Give your skin a refreshing drink with a simple nourishing facial mask. The ingredients are powerful and can be found in your kitchen. Combine one or more main ingredient with a liquid ingredient for to make a wonderful facial mask. Base your ingredient choices on the health properties of each item.

Base Ingredient:

Honey ? It is a humectant (which draws in moisture) and it has antibacterial qualities that also stimulates and smoothes the skin.
Mango - Provides natural fruit enzymes which also exfoliates the skin and the oil in mangos help moisturize.
Avocado - A naturally rich moisturizer has essential fats and oils.
Oatmeal ? Moisturizing and slightly exfoliating

Liquid Ingredient:

Milk ? Enzymes and Lactose acid to exfoliate and milk fat to condition the skin.
Aloe Vera Gel ? Healing and softening.
Egg White ? tightening and conditioning.

You will want to follow your treatments with your favorite hypoallergenic moisturizer. For best results, these treatments can be done 2-3 times a week to help keep your skin youthful and vibrant.

Using Water to Get Glowing Vibrant Skin

2009-02-11T01:08:00.000+07:00

I?ve mentioned your skin?s need for water before, but it?s such an important topic that it deserves a section all its own.

We sometimes forget our skin -- until something goes wrong! Your skin is the largest organ of your body. The skin protects us from infections, guards us against harmful effects of the sun?s rays, and helps to regulate our body temperature.

But what most of us think about with the skin is how it looks. All of us have seen those with unhealthy skin or complexions. Their skin has a sallow look, pasty, or drawn. It?s not a pretty sight.

And, of course, what the skin needs is moisture. When the body is inadequately hydrated, there?s not enough moisture in the skin tissues, and that can contribute to the drawn and haggard look so many have.

The skin also needs hydration to clean the body of toxins. Your body is constantly in contact with things that are not good for us. Those things can come from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and things we come into contact with by touching. (And in some places in the world -- thankfully not usually in North America! -- even water itself can bring in those toxins).

The simplest way the body gets rid of toxins is through washing. Washing your hands is probably the very best thing you can do to prevent infections, whether your own or someone else?s. Bathing or showering (and shampooing) also get rid of toxic materials our bodies don?t need.

But the cleaning works internally, too. Water courses through your body, a never-ending stream flushing out harmful substances. And if there?s not enough of that water, your body itself can become polluted, something like a river in a time of drought, when there?s just not enough water to clean out all the junk.

Your body can operate like that, too. Because there?s not enough fluid to clean out the toxins, they accumulate in the body?s tissues. The whole body can start to act sluggish, but the place where we see it first is in our skin. And while we are quick to put on lotions and skin treatments, the primary and most important ?skin treatment? you can use comes in a glass -- and it?s available from the tap!

Again, the most important means of taking care of your skin is our regular, 20 glasses a day water plan. Keep drinking on a regular basis. You will find that it becomes a wonderful habit very quickly, and you come to miss it if you?re separated from a water source for very long.

Prevention is of first importance, but if you find you?ve been exposed to something toxic (such as secondhand smoke), first wipe your face with cool (not cold) tap water, and then drink a couple of glasses of water right away. You want to give your body a chance to get rid of the toxins right away, and there?s no better way than water.

You may also notice times when your skin looks drawn or haggard, even when you?re drinking enough (or at least think you are!) In most of these cases, what has happened is that you have become busy or pre-occupied, and haven?t been drinking enough. Whatever the reason, start pumping the water right away. You will even find that water will help you to look better if you?ve temporarily not had enough sleep. If you have to miss a few hour?s sleep (or even a whole night) really load up on the water. It will make you feel better and look better until you can catch up on sleep.

Vitamins that May Affect Hair Growth

2009-02-04T01:35:00.002+07:00

It's been shown that too little biotin and pantothenic acid (both B-complex vitamins) can lead to dry hair. Shampoos and hair treatment products commonly contain pantothenic acid (or pantothenol).

Eat right and you will glow from head to toe.

About The Author

nicole@myhairbook.com

Spring and Summer Makeup Trends 2005

2009-02-03T17:14:00.001+07:00

Natural, Radiant skin

That's right, summer is upon us already, which means less emphasis on covering up under layers of foundation, concealer and powder and focusing instead on the natural beauty of our skin. This is all very well for those blessed with perfect, clear skin, but for the rest of us mere mortals, help is at hand! With the proper use of foundation and blusher that peaches and cream/English rose radiance can be yours this summer.

Foundation should be kept as light and dewy as possible. Apply a fluid or cr?me foundation with the fingertips, and blend with a sponge for a flawless finish. Use foundation sparingly, and only where necessary. Certain areas of the face - the forehead, nose and chin - naturally will require more coverage than the cheeks.

Blusher should be applied first to the apples of the cheeks and then swept back and upwards, using light strokes. To keep skin radiant and lustrous, ensure you use a good exfoliator, to remove dull dead skin cells and reveal new skin for a brighter complexion. Follow this with an SPF moisturiser suited to your skin type, bearing in mind many people can use a slightly lighter cream or lotion in the summer months than is required in the winter.

What?s in: perfectly natural complexions. What?s out: heavy bronzer and fake tan. This summer it will be all about pale, milky skin with just a touch of blush across the cheeks and nose. Think pinks and peaches for fairer skin tones, and light golden bronze for darker skins.

Glossy nude lips

After the winter of covering up lips in bold shades, its time to ditch the lip liner and vampy red lipstick in favour of a lighter glossier look. Lips are more delicate and understated this season, think lip tints and sheer glosses, in pink and peachy tones for paler skins and golden bronze hues for darker skins. The whole look should be very fresh and unpretentious. Try Clinique?s Colour Surge Impossibly Glossy lip colours, or Est?e Lauder pure colour crystal gloss. For a little extra coverage and long lasting wet-look colour apply Lanc?me?s juicy rogue, with a dab of ?babydoll? the newest addition to their cult juicy tube collection. As with make-up look, preparation is key, so invest in a lip-exfoliator and start applying a good non-petroleum based lip balm frequently, for kissably soft lips!

Bright n? bold eyeliner

In keeping with previous make-up trends there is still very much a focus on eyes this spring. However the emphasis this season has shifted to eye-liner, and the bigger and brighter the better. Reinvent your night-time look by lining your eyes with kohl or liquid liner, in vivid turquoises, rich purples, azure or aubergine. These work particularly well with a hint of shimmer to open and draw attention to the eye. I recommend Bobbi Browns Long-Wear gel eyeliner, applied with an eyeliner brush, so you can intensify the look as much as you like. You could also try M.A.C pigments, which come in an exhaustive range of colours and textures. Loyal fans of the kohl pencil, try Lanc?me?s Crayon Kh?l in 019 le bleu de jules, a soft aqua-marine blue or Bourjois Khol & Contour Eye Liner in Violet Irise 18, a vibrant lilac-fuchsia.

Finally for all the eye-liner buffs out there, Make-Up Forever?s colour liquid liner, thanks to its ultra fine tip applicator, will give a highly pigmented pearly finish.

Nicola Hickey-Crowe, make-up artist.