2005 Holiday Hairstyling Tips Trends and Secrets of the Stars

Create a super new holiday hairdo that will turn you into a shining star.

With the holiday season just around the corner, there's one question that's on every woman's mind. It doesn't matter if she's young or old, married or single, tall, short, fat, or thin. When the calendar says Only 25 More Shopping Days 'Til Christmas, women want to know?

How can I style my hair for the holidays?

Be Brave, Be Bold, But Be Sensible It's fine to say you want something new and different for the holidays. But what you DON'T want is an unpleasant surprise at the salon.

Think twice before you cut once! (And you thought that was only for tailors!)

We've all heard horror stories about women who give their stylists very specific instructions about what they want?don't listen the advice the hair professional is offering (usually because it contradicts the client's fantasy image)?and end up with an unsuitable holiday hairdo. Instead of feeling their best, these poor hair victims end up spending their holidays hiding, rather than shining.

Can't quite imagine yourself with your hair gathered loosely at the crown with tousled waves flowing down your neck?but like the idea? Wondering how your super-curly hair would look if it were smooth and straight? Afraid to boldly cut off your long dresses in favor of a sleek modern 'do?

You're smart to be cautious. A pixie-cut maybe the perfect holiday hairdo for Halle Berry, but not for you. And once you've cut, or colored, or processed your hair in some way, you're going to be stuck with it.

See it? Consider it? THEN make your decision to cut, curl, and/or color!

Don't Be Scared, Be Prepared With so much going on at holiday time, the last thing you want to do is worry about your holiday hairstyle, but you DO want to look fabulous. To do that, you'll need to think about your hair before the holidays arrive.

A pre-holiday deep conditioning treatment is a must. The oils will nourish your hair and seal the cuticles. If your hair is healthy and in good condition, it will be easy to work with. So whether you or a professional are styling your hair, it will be responsive to being brushed, curled, and combed.

Secret: clean, healthy hair in a simple ponytail looks 100% better than dry, damaged flyaway hair that 's been tortured and lacquered into place.

The Right Tool for the Job There's no holiday hairstyling tool that's more versatile and more essential than the curling iron. Curling irons come in a range of sizes, but all you need to remember is: the narrower the barrel, the tighter the curl.

Look for a curling iron with multiple settings. This will allow you to choose the heat level.

Caution: Curling irons are hot like?well like irons?and can be damaging to your glossy locks. Trimming your hair on a regular basis prevents the damage down by blow-drying from traveling up the hair shaft.)

Fashion Forecast - Going Up! Hair is definitely going to new heights for the holidays with a trend towards upswept hairstyles reminiscent of the 1950's. The emphasis is on soft natural curls and waves that say, Caress me not stiff, lacquered locks that say, Don't touch

To get the up in your up-do, work with lightweight hair products that create volume ? especially mousses. Make sure that you have bobby pins that match your hair color and that they're the right size and strength to hold your hair.

A Traditional Style That's Always Fashionable, Easy, and Sexy The classic chignon sounds French, but it actually dates back to the Greco-Roman times! It's sleek, and chic, and magnificent for the holidays because of its simplicity and timeless appeal. (It's also appealing because it doesn't require that you cut your hair!)

The chignon is the holiday hairstyle of choice for fashion icons Kelly Ripa, Heidi Klum, and everyone's favorite desperate housewife Eva Longoria.

Here's how: Brush straight, medium- to long- hair into a low, tight ponytail at the nape of the neck and secure it with a rubber band. Twist hair several times to make a tight rope, with no frayed-out ends. Curl the rope into a bun and use hairpins to secure to nape of neck. If sleek isn't in your curly hair's vocabulary, consider a braided ponytail. When your hair is wet, work in some styling moose. Then use a hair diffuser to blow-dry scrunching it with your fingers. Grab hair and braid into loose platte down back. Secure with rubber band and then cover with a decorative hair ornament.

What Knots! The complete opposite of the stately chignon is a fun holiday look doesn't require that you cut your hair either -- urban style knots, a randomly placed series of tightly curled sections.

Here's how: To become a knot-head, divide your hair into 9 sections of equal size, securing each with a clip to hold it out of the way. One by one, twist a section into a tight coil and then wrap the coil into a tight knot. This is a holiday hairstyle where decorative hairpins are a must! Use them to hold each knot close to the scalp, but use them sparingly. We suggest one decorative pin for every three plain ones.

Is Bling Your Thing? You don't have to have big bucks to look like you're living large. Even with an everyday budget, your bun or chignon can be transformed into a holiday hairdo that's modern, sexy, and very, very merry with faux diamonds and other fabulous fakes!

Placing diamond clips and delicate barrettes add a sassy touch of glamour to hairstyles for the holiday. Pretty, feminine clips and clasps come in a wide variety of textures and finishes, with ribbons and other charming details

Susan Barclay and hairstyles-today share tips for great hair all year long. If you are looking for a new hairstyle stop by http://www.hairstyles-today.com

Preventing Acne 5 Tips

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.

Cosmetic Surgery Surgeons: How To Select A Good One

Making the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery can be an overwhelming and life-changing decision. However, the question of choosing the right surgeon for the job can leave you equally perplexed. There is no dearth of cosmetic surgeons, but it is imperative that you chose a surgeon with loads of experience in the field of cosmetic surgery. You may find an expert surgeon in your vicinity, or you might have to travel a few hundred miles in your quest for the best. But the initial botheration will surely yield fruitful results.

To expedite your search for an expert cosmetic surgeon, it is crucial that you crosscheck their credentials prior to undergoing surgery. Check if they are certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or some other prominent cosmetic surgery board. You could crosscheck your state?s medical board to verify the surgeon?s credentials. Having narrowed down on one or two superlative surgeons it is time for an elaborate consultation.

The most common aspects that you may focus on during an initial consultation are as follows:-

- You may inquire about the cosmetic surgeon?s area of expertise.

- Ensure that the surgeon has performed a substantial number of cosmetic surgery procedures.

- Make sure that the surgeon wields the best technological equipment available.

- If price is a factor, check if the expenses incurred meet your budget.

- Ask the surgeon for pictures of his/her earlier patients, depicting both pre and post-surgery images.

- Cosmetic surgery, like any other surgical procedure, involves risks and complications. The surgeon must not dismiss the risks of surgery, and should be willing to discuss any possible complication of cosmetic surgery.

- Most importantly, ensure that the surgeon will be actively involved in post-operative care.

- And finally, shun away any sales gimmicks or unrealistic bargains.

On the whole, an excellent result largely depends on the expertise of the cosmetic surgeon. Hence, choose a surgeon with discretion, since a successful cosmetic surgery could give you a huge boost.

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

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright http://www.Plastic-Surgery-Info.net

Scrub Away The Years Naturally!

When we are young, our body naturally sheds and renews skins cells. This gives teenage girls a natural glow that cannot be created by even the most expensive make-up. As we age, our skin cells don?t renew themselves as quickly and exfoliation becomes essential.

Exfoliation is actually the scrubbing away of dead skin cells. It is the true key to keeping your skin youthful. When dead skill cells stay too long on the surface of your skin four very bad things happen:

1.The dead skin cells block moisture from penetrating your skin
2.Your skin gets a dry and dull appearance ? even pasty at times
3.The dead skin cells can clog your pores and result in breakouts

And worst of all,

4.The dead skin cells on the surface actually slow down the renewal and regeneration of new skin cells underneath the surface skin layer.

Proper skin exfoliation can increase the renewal of fresher, younger looking skin cells by as much as 30%!

Our creator designed the body to automatically heal and renew itself. So, when you scrub away dead skin cells, your body is triggered to replace those cells with new cells. In Psalm 139, David says: ?I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made!?.

When your body makes new skin cells, it is also signaled to produce more collagen. Collagen is the connective tissue that plumps our skin. If you read any beauty magazine you will see many products claiming to replace loss collagen in your skin. This is important because collagen loss is the main reason our skin becomes drier and more wrinkled as we age.

To give you a feel for the difference collagen makes, take a look at the average man your age. Chances are his skin is a lot less wrinkled than yours. That is because men have roughly twenty five percent more collagen in their skin than women.

So now you know, exfoliating removes dead skin cells, causes your body to produce fresh new skin cells and collagen which is absolutely necessary for younger looking skin. But, there is more!

?Exfoliating opens up skin pores that are blocked by exposure to air pollution, air conditioning, dirt and grime from our fingertips. This gives you smaller skin pores and the appearance of more refined and even toned skin.

?When you exfoliate you also increase blood circulation to your face. Increasing the blood supply to your face is absolutely essential to prevent aging skin!

?Exfoliation removes the debris that blocks moisture from penetrating into the skin. So, after exfoliation, your skin will absorb more nutrients and moisture, your skin will appear clearer and fine lines will look softer. Very fine lines may actually disappear.

After I discovered the great benefits of exfoliating, I only had one question?

How do I exfoliate and how often can I exfoliate?

The way to exfoliate varies depending of the condition of your skin and your skin type. Washing vigorously is actually enough for some people. Others will need to exfoliate ? gently.

Younger women can exfoliate up to four times per week. After forty, I suggest once a week if your skin is still oily. If you have dry or sensitive skin, once every two to three weeks is best. And don?t forget ? when you exfoliate always think gentle.

Believe it or not, simple table sugar is one of the best exfoliates. It has fine grains for the gentlest removal of dead skin cells and is non-drying. Most importantly, sugar rinses completely away leaving your skin clean, smooth and rejuvenated. I recommend all natural organic sugar. You can find it these days at most grocery stores. It is chemical free and safe to use on your entire body. Here is all you need to do:

1.Always start with a clean face
2.Put a couple of tablespoons of water in your hand and mix it with a bit of your favorite mild liquid soap
3.Lightly wet your face, and put about a teaspoon of sugar in the palm of your hand
4.Dip the two middle fingers of your other hand (not the index finger) into the mix
5.Use a gentle, gliding circular motion over your entire face, neck and eye zone
6.Rinse well and pat dry
7.Look at your face, it should look rosy but not irritated

Note: Always rub your face in an upward motion. This will help to reposition fat deposits higher on your face giving it a ?lift? in appearance!

To wake up and nourish a really dull completion you can use a combination of raw oats and essential oil. This next exfoliating scrub is just as natural, healthy and effective as the sugar scrub.

Natural exfoliating scrub with essential oil

?Take 2 - 3 teaspoons raw oats (not the instant or pre-cooked type) and crush into smaller bits either by hand or in a grinder.

?Mix the dry oats with pure honey and 1/4 teaspoon of a red or apple cider vinegar until it forms a smooth paste. Add more honey as needed.

?Add 1 drop of basil oil to the mixture.

?Wash your face with a gentle soap (never use a deodorant soap or alkaline soap on your face).

?Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel.

?Apply the mixture in gentle circular movements. Avoid the area around your eye. You should leave the mixture on for about 15 minutes and then wash it off thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Although this treatment is not as neat as the sugar/lather treatment, the results are excellent and it costs only pennies to make.

If you have special problems like blackheads on your face, this next exfoliate is very effective.

Baking Soda Blackhead Remover

?Make up a mixture of ? part baking soda and ? part distilled water in the palm of your hand.

?Gently rub the mixture in circular motions on your skin for about 3 minutes

?Rinse with lukewarm water.

If you are a fan of the self-tan you can get really great results by giving yourself a facial and body scrub with baking soda!

This is gentle enough for even daily use.

Your freshly scrubbed face will absorb moisture and nutrients far better. You will look younger and face the world with a beautiful clean canvas!

Linda Gaston is an advocate for natural beauty solutions for the mature Christian Woman. She has written a book Born Again Beautiful that provides all natural solutions for beautiful hair, skin and body for the woman over forty. To learn more visit http://www.bornagainbeautiful.com

The Disaster of Hair Loss: Take It Easy

Human hair is one of those essential things that form the notion of beauty. Since long time ago hair comprised men power. Everyone knows the sad story of Samson who lost his incredible power after his wife Delilah had cut his long hair off.

Today it?s more the matter of beauty and looks rather than strength and power. And basically everyone knows why: plenty of ads, healthy lifestyle propaganda and social dimension of human existence. The problem is that the more we care about our hair, the less hairs we appear to have on our head. The world is facing the disaster of hair loss, which means more time and money will be spent on hair in future.

The problem is somewhere between environmental situation, stress, genes and harder brain work. Yet, hundreds of specialists that try to work the problem out are not quite positive about the real root of the hair loss pandemic all over the world. It?s mostly individual and can be either one negative factor or the group of negative factors that contribute to it.

Each hair on human?s body has its own follicle to grow from. The follicles produce cells that eventually turn to hairs. So, hairs are those dead cells that have been pushed out of follicle. It is normal to lose 50-100 hairs daily. If a person loses more, that can eventually lead to baldness.

Baldness is not that much devastating as it seems to be. It can be treated more or less successfully by special drugs like Propecia, and what?s more - it is not dangerous for your health. Still, the numbers show that about 50% of men of the world suffer from slight or severe baldness and the age groups go down averaging at 30-40.

People that start losing hair usually have to follow simple rules to prevent further hair loss. But if the problem grows to real baldness it is recommended that you consult a specialist first. Anyway, preventing methods are also appreciated. Hair needs care every single day. It is generally advised that you wash your hair due to your hair type and if you do that every day, then you have to find an appropriate shampoo and balsam, especially in summer.

Yet, it is pretty hard to stay cool, when there are so many myths around hair and baldness. Most of them basically touch men as men are considered to suffer from baldness more than women. In fact, men more suffer from the so called horse-shoe pattern around the sides of their head which makes the baldness more visible.

Another matter has something to do with the genetical theory of hair loss attaching a rumor that it is just enough to have a look at a father and you?ll see his son when he gets older, which is not biologically correct as assumes the sole influence of father?s genes in forming son?s cells.

Popular hair loss myths also include:

-it is useless to care about my hair as I cannot prevent my old age baldness anyway;

-baldness can be one of the side effects of shampoo/balsam overuse;

-it is harmful for the hair to wear a hat etc.

You can find more articles of Rachel Bergsman at http://www.pillwatch.com, your experienced advisor on how to tackle various health problems.

You can find more detailed information on hair loss treatments, causes, hair care, and people's stories in the hair loss section of Pillwatch.com - a unique web resource, providing user-friendly information on such health problems as hair loss, overweight, obesity, skin problems etc. I especially recommend to read Hair Loss Myths for better understanding baldness mythology.

The Healing Properties of Green Tea

The healing properties of greeen tea have put it in the forefront of today's wellness news.

Known for its versatile and positive properties benefiting the whole body, it promotes blood circulation and increases the body's natural resistance, helping with oxygenation.

Proponents of green tea claims it achieves greater harmony and improves the body's ability to handle the external physical and psycological pressures of life.

Green tea also prevents tooth decay and make teeth more resistant to acids, promote digestion and cleanse the body internally.

Unlike black tea, which oxidizes as it dries, changing the characteristics of the tea, green tea is flash-steamed for about 20 seconds to retain the maximum amount of active properties.

Green tea contains vitamin B, as well as C and E. Many tea drinkers say that they actually feel less tired and brightens their whole outlook.

Mina Dimakis-Lev is an skincare specialist and professional makeup artist for the past 13 years. Her expertise in sincare and makeup followed by writing articles on how to take care of your skin, body,and applying makeup like an expert.

http://www.BeautyImagebyMina.com

Good Hair Day: Nutrition for Healthy Hair

If you're one of the many vacationers this summer who dread split ends and dried-out hair after a day at the beach or pool, or find that the sun isn't kind to healthy tresses, or discover that the partial weave doesn?t look as good as in the magazines, there's a better alternative to hair extensions, minoxidil, and high-priced salons. You may be having a bad hair day because of what you put in your mouth.

Studies by hair loss prevention researchers at MMT Research Inc. found that bad hair days abound when we don't get enough vitamins or protein. Bad nutrition causes hair loss (androgenic alopecia). In the April 2003 issue of Better Nutrition, zinc, for example, inhibits high levels of DHT, a form of testosterone that is linked to hair loss. Other inhibitors are amino acids such as L-arginine, essential fatty acids such as omega-3 (found in fish), lecithin, B vitamins, lutein, sulfur, iron, and minerals that help your magnificent mane. You can find these hair helpers in:

?Beans
?Whole grains
?Eggs
?Salmon
?Raw nuts
?Flax and pumpkin seeds
?Berries
?Dark greens

Salmon and greens also provide calcium for your teeth, so you're helping your hair and teeth. Berries are high in cancer-preventing antioxidants, and dark greens also contain lutein, which halts blindness and cataracts. So when you eat all of the above, you'll have a great hair day and look like you just had a day at a luxury spa.

In 2004, Dr. Nicholas Perricone?s bestselling book, THE PERRICONE PROMISE, outlined a diet for hair that differs from the 2003 recommendations. Perricone?s hair diet may seem as much of a fairy tale as Rapunzel. (Remember, though, Rapunzel?s mom wisely decided to eat greens during pregnancy!) Dr. Perricone?s top ten hair superfoods are no secret to health enthusiasts:

?Acai berries that contain powerful antioxidants
?Allium foods?onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots with powerful bioflavonoids
?Barley rich in niacin, which helps hair growth
?Wheatgrass, spirulina, and algae that cleanse the hair of toxins and provide essential fatty acids to build hair protein
?Buckwheat (eat your pancakes), which Perricone says is richer in vitamins, flavonoids, and minerals than other grains (except barley)
?Beans and lentils, for the same reasons as the 2003 study
?Hot peppers, which contain capsaicin that stops the pain so you don?t tear your hair out!
?Nuts and seeds, which contain essential proteins, phytochemicals and fatty acids to build healthy tresses sand reduce signs of aging
?Sprouts?they?re great for a youthful body, including the body in your hair
?Yogurt and kefir, which are said to promote longevity and health in people who live in the Caucasus Mountains in Russia?remember Julie Christie?s gorgeous hair in ?Doctor Zhivago??

While you can eat your way to healthy hair, many ?hair formula? supplements crowd the market. In general, a multivitamin containing biotin, especially multivitamins for women, will strengthen your hair, skin and nails. Be sure to compare vitamin supplements, and make sure you don?t get an excess of vitamin D, which can lead to cancer as well as too much calcium that your body can?t process. Don?t count on supplements to save your hair.

Also, don?t expect to look like you?ve just stepped out of a hair commercial after changing your diet. You?ll start to see healthier hair three months after you improve your regimen. You can jazz up your beauty routine with juicing, dehydrating, and sprouting. Better nutrition will help color-treated hair maintain its bounce, too. And drinking water is always a great idea. You?re worth it!

Kristin Johnson is health editor for LivingRight.com, your source for health-improving appliances such as the Blendtec Kitchen Mill Grain Mill and the Green Star Juicer. Visit http://www.livingright.com for health appliances and ideas on living right.

She's Come Undone Hair and Makeup Trends Straight From the Spring Runways!

Early-morning workouts notwithstanding, faded makeup and unkempt hair are usually more closely associated with sluggishness than sex appeal. But at the spring 2006 shows in New York, Milan, and Paris, underdone beauty made a memorable appearance on virtually every runway. The effect: a confident, self-assured woman whose seeming spontaneity only adds to her allure. Fortunately, this season?s take on au natural isn?t for flawlessly skinned supermodels only; the following ten trends are sprinkled with enough flattering twists that any woman can pull them off with aplomb.

In the Nude

Underscoring fashion?s return to minimalism, spring makeup was decidedly more discreet than any we?d seen for seasons. ?The goal is to create an ?is she or isn?t she?? look,? says makeup artist Viviane Hidalgo of Miami?s Primal Studio. ?For most women, that means using a concealer, a primer, and a moisturizer mixed with foundation to achieve good coverage.? In real life, a look completely devoid of color can run the risk of looking deadly, so Hidalgo urges women to use a subtle shade to emphasize their best feature. ?If you?ve got great eyes, for example, add a little definition in the corner,? she suggests.

On the Runway: At Chlo?, models wore only a smidge of liner along the top lash line; at Balenciaga, freshly scrubbed faces were enhanced with hints of carefully chosen color; and at BCBG Max Azria and Christian Dior, makeup was barely there at all.

Best Bets: Maybelline New York Revitalizing Concealer, Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation, Olay Complete Moisturizer, M.A.C. Prep + Prime Skin

Rope Trick

Each season seems to spawn a signature hairstyle, and for spring, braids were the models? crowning glory. If you haven?t worn them since the sixth grade, however, you may want to look before you leap. ?It?s a very young look,? says Kim L?pine of the L?pine New York salon. ?If you?re young and funky, you should do them everywhere, allover,? she recommends. For older or more sophisticated ladies, L?pine suggests ?a single braid toward the back of the head as an elegant detail for a bun or an updo.?

On the Runway: Funky cornrows ruled the L.A.M.B. runways; at Rochas, hair was plaited into skinny, princess-worthy halos; Viktor & Rolf?s stylists opted for ropey, oversize versions; and at Calvin Klein, strands were swept into a single loose, low-maintenance braid.

Best Bets: Goody Exquisite Rat Tail Comb, Mason-Pearson Brush, Biosilk Silk Therapy, Sebastian Shaper Hairspray

Hot Lips

In a season of understatement, some makeup artists relied on ruby lips to add a dose of drama?a classic, glamorous look that makeup artist Troy Surratt loves. ?A bold, sexy red lip is especially perfect for winter,? he maintains. What?s more, ?you don?t need to be scared of it. If you?re using a red lip, just remember to play down the rest of your face.?

On the Runway: Lips were a matte cherry at Alessandro Dell?Acqua, a glossy rich scarlet at Costume National, and a warmer tomato shade at Emanuel Ungaro.

Best Bets: Maybelline New York Moisture Extreme in Royal Red, Chanel Le Crayon Gloss in Grenadine, Urban Decay Pleather Pencil in Kink, Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave

Heavy Metal

Sparkly shadows in shades of gold, silver, and bronze made a strong showing on virtually every runway. According to Surratt, ?shimmer can play up anyone?s eyes, and golden shades tend to be the most flattering.? The key, he emphasizes, is dolling out the dazzle in small doses: ?Be sure to keep the shadow on the lid, and use only a tiny bit to highlight your brow bone.?

On the Runway: At Alberta Ferretti, golden shadows highlighted the eyes? inner corners, darkening to bronze at the browbone; Anna Sui used just a hint of sheen on the lids and lower lash lines; Chanel opted for a futuristic silvery shade; and John Galliano?s metallics (in keeping with the couture) took a Felliniesque turn.

Best Bets: Maybelline New York Roller Color in In-Line Ice, Bare Escentuals Foiling Glimmers, Girlactik Beauty Sparkle Eye Liner Set, Benefit Show Offs

Brown-Eyed Girl

Spring?s mink, sienna, and sable eye shadows proved that browns are anything but boring. ?It?s a nice balance between nude and made-up, and there are a bazillion browns to choose from,? says Bobbe Joy of the Bobbe Joy Makeup Studio in Beverly Hills. ?To amp up a neutral shadow, add a line of gold or iridescent shadow from the lashes to the crease, right down the center of the lid,? she says. ?It?s still a natural look, but it really opens up the eye.?

On the Runway: At Andrew Gn, eyes were enhanced with a warm walnut; at Celine, makeup artists opted for an offbeat ochre shade; Moschino?s chocolate shadows were coated with glitter across the crease; and at Vera Wang, eyes were swept with a more unassuming ecru.

Best Bets: Cargo Eye Shadow in Cocoa Beach; Cover Girl Eye Enhancers in Mink; Too Faced Eyeshadow Duo in Full Frontal; and Afterglow Multitasking Eye Shadows in Champagne Shimmer, Dune, and Coco

Pretty Slick

Despite its gangster associations, slicked-back strands looked surprisingly fresh and pretty on the runways. In real life?without a team of stylists at your disposal??the look is best suited to those with thin, fine, or straight hair,? says hairstylist Lindsay Rider of the Bang Salon in Washington, D.C. Assuming you have the appropriate hair type, start by coating freshly washed strands with a smoothing cream, then blow-dry and finish with a shine spray. To ensure an end result that?s sleek, not slimy, ?use less product in the beginning,? Rider suggests; ?you can always add more later on if you need to.?

On the Runway: Hair was swept into shiny ponys at Chloe and Prada; Narciso Rodriguez used glossy strands to create an ultramodern French twist; and Alexander McQueen split the difference, slicking back strands in front and leaving them loose in the back.

Best Bets: Tigi Bedhead After-Party Smoothing Cream, Fr?d?ric Fekkai Glossing Cream, Redken Vinyl Glam 02 Mega Shine Spray, Citre Shine Mist Anti-Frizz Spray Laminator

Doll Face

Continuing a trend that began last fall, makeup artists relied on rosy blushes to give the models a fresh, pretty glow. For a convincing flush, rather than?80s-style racing streaks, selecting the right product is key. ?You want to avoid pigments that are too heavy for your skin tone,? Hildago explains. ?Creams and stains tend to work better on skin without enlarged pores, while powders tend to complement less-perfect complexions.? In either case, ?you should use a round motion to get good blending, and remove any excess with a tissue,? she adds.

On the Runway: Carolina Herrera?s models got a healthy pale-pink flush, while Zac Posen?s and Anna Molinari?s were treated to a more intense rosy shade.

Best Bets: Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Bronze, Nars Orgasm Blush, Fresh Blush Powder in Charm School, Cargo Blush in Topeka

Smudge Report

Thin is eternally in on the catwalk, but at the spring shows, makeup artists eschewed skinny sweeps of liner in favor of thick, more imprecise spoltches. According to Hildago, blurring the lines beautifully is largely a matter of choosing the right the product. ?To achieve a diffused look, use a soft kohl pencil to rim the eye,? she says. ?Black can be very intense, so depending on your coloring, you may want to try a neutral brown or taupe instead.?

On the Runway: At Donna Karen, eyes were enhanced with a smudge of black liner on the inner corners and an abridged cat?s-eye on top; at Givenchy, the lines were thicker and more intense, continuing around the entire eye; and at Louis Vuitton, dark lines were seamlessly blended with progressively lighter shadows on the lids and brow bones.

Best Bets: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black, M.A.C. Eye Kohl Liner in Smolder, Benefit Bad Gal Liner, Estee Lauder Artist?s Eye Pencil in Softsmudge Black

Wet 'n' Mild

On many runways, makeup artists used lip glosses to give neutral palettes a dewy sheen. To give your gloss more staying power, ?first prep your lips with a bit of foundation,? Surratt says. ?Then line them with a shade very close to your natural lip color, and fill in with a light gloss.? The liner, Surratt explains, will ?prevent the gloss from bleeding on to the rest of your face.? And if you opt for a nude, lustrous lip, ?play up your eyes, and add a little highlighter to your cheeks,? he suggests.

On the Runway: Pouts got a pale-pink polish at Behnaz Sarafpour, a rosy sheen at J. Mendel, and a coral-colored glaze at MaxMara.

Best Bets: Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Foundation, Clinique Sheer Shaper for Lips in Blushy, Stila Lip Polish in Glisten, Smashbox Lip Gloss in Shoot

Bronze Age

For years now, makeup artists have used self-tanners and bronzers to give porcelain-skinned models a faux glow. But for the past few seasons, we?ve seen the fad evolve into a subtler, more believable bake?a trend that continued on the spring runways. ?Self-tanners and bronzers can give nice color,? Joy says, ?but they tend to have a lot of orangey tones, so you need to choose the right one. One size definitely does not fit all, especially if you?re pale.? For a more realistic glow, ?use a blush on the apples of the cheeks, too,? she suggests. And remember, ?your head is sitting on your neck, so don?t forget to apply these products to your neck, shoulders, and d?colletage.?

On the Runway: Skin was tawny Michael Kors, a rosier glow at Oscar de la Renta, and glowing bronze at Versace.

Best Bets: Jergens Natural Glow, Clarins Liquid Bronze, Bobbi Brown Bronzer and Blush Duo, Stephane Marais Bronzing Powder

A Fine Mess

Deliberately disheveled manes provided a chic contrast to slick strands and cascading curls at the spring shows. According to L?pine, getting a sexy just-rolled-out-of-bed look requires a careful balance between chaos and control. ?Use soft-hold products, like light gels, waxes, and pomades, to give the mess some order,? she says. ?At that point, you can leave it loose or secure the hair discreetly with pins for a casual updo.?

On the Runway: Strands were messy and sexed-up at Libertine; pulled into haphazard updo?s at Luca Luca; and left loose and wavy at Roberto Cavalli and Missoni.

Best Bets: Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, John Frieda Beach Blonde Ocean Sea Waves, Aveda Purefume Brillant Humectant Pomade, Matrix Biolage Shaping Cr?me Wax

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

Stop Hair Loss!

Are you losing more than 20-100 strands of hairs a day? If your answer is yes; you are part of 50 percent of the population experiencing hair loss, but before you get alarmed there are some changes in your body either conscious or unconscious that maybe causing your hair to shed. Did you make a change in your diet, Are you eating enough proteins and amino acids, Is your body going trough a hormonal change (postpartum, thyroid), Anemia, stress, medications etc.? It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for anyone experiencing extreme hair loss. A professional will evaluate all the possibilities and right treatment for those with a more serious problem.

Here are some recipes that will act on the scalp by tightening it and helping to avoid hair loss and promote hair growth.

Caution: Make sure recipes are not to hot before applying to hair or scalp.

1.Apply 2 tablespoons of warm olive oil to scalp, leave on for 10-30 minutes before washing hair.

2.Boil 2 cinnamon sticks in one cup of water apply to hair and live on for at least 5 minutes then rinse off.( it will sting a little).

3.Apply & massage vitamin E oil to scalp at least once a week. It's also helpful for dull hair lacking shine.

4.Increase your protein intake by taking multivitamins. Eat high protein foods like meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dried beans, grains etc.

5.Massage your hair with warm Castor and Almond oil once a week.

About The Author

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics.

keniamorales@kpatra.com

If You Are Serious About Removing Unwanted Facial Hair You Need A Facial Epilator

Everyone has hair on their face. Some women have facial hair that is very fine and can not be seen, while others may have darker hair on their upper lip. Facial hair especially for women can be very embarrassing and they try all kinds of things for unwanted facial hair removal.

The different things you can do include shaving, which is not something most women desire doing on a daily basis, waxing to remove unwanted facial hair, plucking, or even a type of laser surgery.

Waxing and plucking unwanted facial hair can be very time consuming and very painful for many women. Laser surgery or any other type of medical treatment can be very expensive. So, what is the answer for the average woman? That is easy - a facial epilator.

These wonderful new inventions are great for removing unwanted facial hair - usually lasting for 4 to 6 weeks. There are many new designs that are so easy to use, fast, and very effective. You can find several epilators for under $50 that will have you hair free in just minutes.

You can find the perfect epilator for unwanted facial hair removal that will provide you with smooth and silky skin. These epilator use heads that have tweezer discs that gently pull the hair out by the root. This is why you will be hair free for longer periods of time. They are designed to hold the skin in place for easier removal of even the tiniest hairs with pain reduction. The idea is to hold the skin taut for less pain and most epilators will do just that for unwanted facial hair.

You can search online and find many wonderful epilators designed especially for dealing with unwanted facial hair. You will be able to compare and find corded, cordless, compact, perfect design for all the contours and curves of your face, and usually at a bargain.

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 Facial Epilator for you. Copyright ? Epilator.info. All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

What are You Reflecting?

Have you looked in the mirror lately? I mean, really looked in the mirror. What did you see? Were you surprised by the image being reflected back to you? Did it look like you? Did it meet the image you hold of yourself in your mind?

If it didn?t match, what were the differences? What was the image telling you?

What do you think the image is that you are projecting out to the world? Does it match your inner view? How has it changes from a year ago? 5 years? 10 years?

Think about the image you have of yourself. Has it evolved over the years as you have? Do you still see yourself in your 20?s even though you are in your 50?s?

So often, we lock an image in our mind of who we are, never upgrading it or enhancing it as we change in the world. We upgrade our technology, cell phones, computers, etc, however we forget to upgrade our inner view of ourselves.

Think about how much you?ve changed and ask yourself if your image is really outdated? Is your inner image stuck in the 70?s and disco, while your outer self approaches the world in the latest fashions?

Internal imaging is not only about your body image, but it is about your entire being, mind, body and spirit. Body image is such a powerful subject in the media of late with actresses coming forward to speak about their struggles with food and image.

While the pressure they are under comes so much from their industry, it is also self imposed. Insecurity about their appearance existed deep within their being and rattled their inner foundation long before the external pressure began.

Think about your inner foundation. Is it stable or rickety and swayed by the latest fashion model to be on the cover of a major magazine? If you don?t feel stable and sure of yourself and the image you have of your self, what steps can you take?

First, identify that the image is just that- an image. The image is not a real thing, but just a picture or idea you took and filed away in your memory. That snapshot has been subjected to years of media influence, family and society influences.

The snapshot is no longer a clear picture, its been subjected to many layers of distortion and became an image that resembles a digitally enhanced, high-tech animation or caricature. It is no longer the truth.

After many years of distortion, it requires clarity. Sorting through the layers may take some time and concentrated effort. It takes patience and commitment, along with a good dose of compassion and self nurturing.

As you peel away the layers, each step of the way its important to clarify the truth. Ask yourself if the image you are seeing is the core truth for your being. Listen to your intuition. Feel the answer deep within your belly. Does the belief attached to that image ring true? Is it your belief or society?s? Is it your mother?s voice you hear, or maybe another?s?

Then ask what motivates that particular image. Is it motivated to please mother? Is it motivated to please father?s image of you? Could it be motivated by attracting attention, or by not wanting to attract attention? What is the deepest motivator? Could it be motivated by aloneness and the quest to never be alone? Could it be motivated by comparison and the need to meet some fictional inner standard?

Once you have identified your motivators, you can choose to address the core issues. You can face the emotion that is connected to the belief and release it, then replace the belief with a new truth.

You define your own truths. You create your own images. You define who you are and how you choose to present yourself to the world. It?s all up to you. You are the creator of your world. Regain your power from the fears you have held within you. Call on friends, family, or counseling for assistance in sorting the facts from the fiction.

You are the only one who knows the truth for you. Others can try to define it for you and tell you who they want you to be, or you can look to others who will help you ask questions and uncover your own truth.

Seek empowerment, not mass media and pre-determined molds to try to fit in to. Seek your inner path and find the light of your own truth, then radiate that light out for the world to see.

You are a unique being with your own inner beauty and shining light. If you recognize it, own it and value it, then so will others. Let that be the new image you show to the world.

? 2006 Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is an Intuitive Counselor who assists clients to create extraordinary transformations in their daily lives. Her work is uplifting, empowering and success-oriented. You can visit Jodie?s website at http://www.illuminationsnetwork.com for further information and to schedule a private intuitive session. You can also look for daily updates to her blog at: http://intuitiveinnovations.blogspot.com

Publisher's Guidelines: You may freely publish this article online, in email newsletters, or in print so long as the resource box and byline are in tact and all links are active. Author would appreciate a notification, but that is optional.

Lay Your Makeup Like a Pro

Although concealer is one of those ?optional? products, I personally would never leave the house unless well concealed. (Shades will work if you?re in a pinch, but on a cloudy day, it?s a dead giveaway.)

Foundation, what is the purpose of foundation? Simple, the purpose of foundation is to even out your skin tone (not to make it darker, we have bronzing products for that). There are oh, so many types to choose from out there. The sheerest of all looks would be a loose powder. However, you have many more options and today?s formulas are mostly all non-comedogenic (will not clog pores) and safe for sensitive skin. Some even have SPF built right in for extra added protection. Whether you choose cream, liquid, oil-free, powder or cream-to-powder foundation, always choose a color that completely disappears or is a very close match to your natural skin tone. Most cosmetic companies have formulas in a wide range of shades for a perfect match. (You can always look for a 100% satisfaction guarantee to ensure you don?t accumulate several mismatched and unusable foundation products. Mary Kay offers such a guarantee.)

Concealer and foundation lay the groundwork for a well made face. Hide those dark circles that make you look tired, stressed and drawn out. Even out your skin tone for a polished, put together look and a radiant glow. Take pride in your appearance and those around you will begin to take notice. Because, when you know you look fabulous, you feel great about yourself.

Have a great day!

Dawn Hull Professional Skin Care Consultant http://www.MaryKay.com/ShopOnline

Sign up to receive a FREE monthly beauty newsletter: Beaut-e-News - Discover what's new, what's now ? what's changing the face of makeup and skin care! You'll find beauty secrets revealed and tips and techniques that will help you look your beautiful best. Click here to register: http://www.marykay.com/PWS/MyMK/Login.aspx?Moniker=SHOPONLINE

The Belief That Aging Is Inevitable

Although many would like to stay youthful and vital it's obvious that many believe that aging is inevitable. This is obvious given the time, energy and money that many on this planet put out to try to beat this menace.

The menace in my view is the belief that aging is inevitable. Now some of you may be feeling confused after that last statement because as far as you may be concerned aging is a fact and not just a belief.

Well in my experience it is because one holds the belief that aging is inevitable to be a fact and never challenges it that makes it a fact. In other words the belief that aging is inevitable is actually a choice one makes if ones subscribes to it as a fact.

If this is you, then you have stored in your mind and body a program, much like the software on the hard drive of your computer that directs every molecule, cell and organ in your body to follow it. If the program is one that dictates that aging is inevitable then this is how your body will respond.

Is it possible to change the program? Well beliefs are in my experience not hardwired as some may think. They are actually very malleable and changeable. Now here I'm not referring to using things like hypnosis or other forms of brainwashing.

What I am referring to is a new modality which allows you to literally decide what you store in your own mind and body. You didn't know you had such a choice did you?

Beliefs like memories are simply like quanta of information that are stored in your mind and body as a result of past experiences. When you had such experiences the information associated with them left an imprint in you.

This process of recording the so called past is often considered to be a one way phenomenon that one has no control over. In fact, it is possible to release or erase these stored imprints if one chooses to. In other words one has a choice as to what goes in and what comes out of one's mind and body.

Working with a tool called the Mind Resonance Process(TM) (MRP) individuals have been able to release unhelpful beliefs from their mind and body and thereby reclaim their right to their lives. The results are nothing short of remarkable including, spontaneous healing, reclaimed youthfulness and vitality, and feeling more fully alive than ever before.

To experience a short audio example of MRP you can visit the web link below where you can download it free.

Dr. Nick Arrizza is trained in Chemical Engineering, Business Management & Leadership, Medicine and Psychiatry. He is an Energy Psychiatrist, Healer, Key Note Speaker,Editor of a New Ezine Called Spirituality And Science (which is requesting high quality article submissions) Author of Esteem for the Self: A Manual for Personal Transformation (available in ebook format on his web site), Stress Management Coach, Peak Performance Coach & Energy Medicine Researcher, Specializes in Life and Executive Performance Coaching, is the Developer of a powerful new tool called the Mind Resonance Process(TM) that helps build physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being by helping to permanently release negative beliefs, emotions, perceptions and memories. He holds live workshops, international telephone coaching sessions and international teleconference workshops on Physical. Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Well Being.

Business URL #1: http://www.telecoaching4u.com

Is There A Wrong Way To Wash Your Hair?

It's not as simple as it sounds. There is a difference!

When washing your hair, it is best if you get in the shower. You may give yourself a back-ache and won?t be able to rinse properly if you wash your hair in the sink. Start by rinsing your hair to remove any leave-in conditioner or styling aids. Use a quarter sized dollop of shampoo and rub your hands together to distribute it. Put the shampoo on your scalp, not the ends of your hair. Work up a lather by massaging your scalp with your fingers and scalp brush. Don?t mix your hair all over your head; the more you do, the more tangled it will become.

You may notice that during the first shampoo, you won?t have much lather. That is because your hair is still dirty! Rinse well and then repeat, but this time, let the shampoo sit for a minute (especially if you are using a protein shampoo). Rinse, then press the water out of your hair. Never squeeze or pull your hair when it?s wet. Instead, smooth your hands down from the top of your head down to remove excess water, and important step before adding any conditioner.

Hot or Cold Water?

Honestly, it doesn?t matter because the effects are barely noticeable. However, experts say to wash hair in hot or warm water to help remove dirt and build-up and to rinse hair in cool water to close the cuticle and add shine.

Deep Conditioning

Conditioners penetrate better on towel dried hair so remove excess water first. Be gentle! To protect your hair, smooth your hands down your head from the top of your head down to remove excess water. As your hair grows longer, gather your hair at the base of your neck with one hand, and once anchored, use the other hand to gently press the water out of the ends of your hair. Then, use a generous amount (half-dollar size dollop or more for longer hair) to make sure your hair is completely covered. Concentrate on your hairline, nape and the ends of your hair, where it?s needed most. Massage well, but DO NOT COMB THROUGH; it?s too damaging to your hair. Snap on a plastic cap and sit under a warm dryer for 10 minutes. Rinse well and follow with an instant conditioner.

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

Acne Medication Potential Side Effects

Patients with mild or occasional acne may be able to treat themselves without the use of prescription medication. Such remedies may include an alteration in diet and exercise habits, regular cleansing to remove residue and buildup on the skin, choosing the right cosmetics and eliminating stress. But for some individuals, this simply isn?t enough. For those who suffer from moderate to severe acne, a stronger medication may be needed in order for that individual to find relief from their condition.

There are several different types of medication that are commonly used to treat acne, each of which may contain the potential for certain side effects. As is the case with most over-the-counter acne medication, prescription medicines are usually available as gels, creams, lotions or solutions. In determining which is the best choice for the patient, a physician will study the skin type, severity of acne and the patient?s likelihood of having a negative reaction to any medication. Once a prescription is written, the physician will explain how often to use the medicine and how to properly apply it to the skin.

As mentioned previously, it is not uncommon for individuals to have a reaction to strong acne medication. For some it is only temporary, but others may require a change in their prescription. The most widely seen reaction is that of the skin?s condition actually worsening. Many physicians agree that most medications will cause the skin to worsen before it actually improves, which may take 6-8 weeks of using a medication. However, additional side effects may include extreme redness, burning, stinging, peeling, soreness, scaling or a discoloration of the skin. If individuals notice these side effects becoming increasingly worse or if they do not go away after a specified period of use, which should be indicated by a physician, the medication may need to be changed.

Individuals who take oral medications for the treatment of acne may face an entirely different set of potential side effects, including an upset stomach, dizziness and skin discoloration. Certain types of medication can be dangerous to women who are pregnant or children under a certain age, so individuals should report any possible conditions to their physician prior to accepting a prescription.

As with any medication, there are often risks and benefits of it?s use. The best way to learn of these is to speak with a physician, ask about any potential side effects and completely disclose your current medical condition and any medications that you are currently taking. In some instances, medications may negatively react with one another and this can be very dangerous to the patient. Acne medicine is no different and the patient should have a complete understanding of how it operates before using it.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for the cause, diagnosis or treatment of acne. If necessary, individuals should consult a medical doctor or dermatologist for information regarding the use of acne medication or other effective treatment methods.

Find more about acne medicine, bacne treatments or read about natural acne treatments on http://www.naturalacnemedicine.com/

What Does Beauty Really Cost?

Yes! We all want to be beautiful no matter what. We are shown what is classed as as beauty on a regular basis by the media. Fashion models who look like bean poles and who cant possibly eat chocolate or cream cakes as this would be the ultimate sin.

In reality they probably eat very little!

We are all made to be beautiful in our own way! it might not necessarily be in the way the media portray.

This is a good thing as it would be a rather boring world if we all looked exactly the same.

Time is also a big factor as we struggle to fight against it,nobody likes growing old, but are we really winning or delaying the inevitable?

What is all of this really costing us? we spend millions of pounds a year in the UK on beauty products and treatments.

How many of us know what we are really using in these products? We heard recently about parabens possibly causing cancer yet manufacturers still produce products containing them which we buy and use!

We need to look at what we are buying and what they contain!

Would you knowingly eat something containing poison or harmful ingredients? I know i wouldn't,yet we regularly buy and use thing to so called make ourselves more beautiful without reading the labels.

Here are some of the many things to look for:

DEA,MEA,TEA(not the kind you drink) are irritants which dry the hair and skin ,also known as allergens
METHYL,PROPYL,BUTYL & ETHYL PARABENS: are food grade preservatives-used to preserve products and extend there shelf-life. considered to be highly toxic and have been found in cancerous tumors ,also allergens.
ISOPROPYL:poisonous solvent used in many products.
IMIADAZOILDINYL UREA:formaldehyde-forming preservatives,known to weaken the immune system.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL: wetting agent and solvent main ingredient in antifreeze and brake fluid.
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL(PEG): is a caustic substance used to dissolve grease. found in oven cleaner and most skin cleansers.

Are we taking unnecessary risks by not doing a simple thing like reading a label?

Is it worth risking your health for the sake of beauty,when these days there are more and more natural alternatives available in our retail stores,supermarkets and online so we can have a more natural way to enhance our beauty. Without the extra costs!

Alison Jones http://www.pureessenceproducts.bravehost.com

Natural Beauty Products That Don't Cost The Earth.

Massive Weight Loss Causes "Turkey Waddle" for WLS Patients

A friend of mine who recently lost nearly 150 pounds after gastric bypass was sharing her excitement with an acquaintance. She was excited because all symptoms of her Type II Diabetes were gone and she no longer takes any medication ? she feels healthier than ever in her life.

Then the acquaintance, a life-long skinny-minny, burst her bubble, ?But doesn?t having that turkey neck bother you? You know, all that wrinkly skin just hanging there??

What a cruel world. My friend was crushed. It is true, she has a turkey neck. Most people who lose massive weight will have a saggy wrinkly neck so kindly referred to in the cosmetic surgery profession as ?turkey waddle?. A saggy neck is a small price to pay for better health and wellness. Even so, we want to look our best after weight loss surgery and having someone draw attention to this residue of our obesity is disheartening.

There are some surgical options to tighten then neck skin: A neck lift is actually a set of procedures used to enhance the appearance of your neck:

?Cervicoplasty is the procedure used to remove excess skin

?Platysmaplasty removes or alters neck muscles

A plastic surgeon also can perform neck liposuction, which removes excess fat. In some cases, Botox injections may be the answer to your problems if you have fullness or bands.

A neck lift was out of the question for my friend, so we did some research and found a more holistic approach that yielded some improvement. From Bharti Vyas? book, ?Beauty Wisdom? we found the following advice:

?Give your neck a weekly massage

?Hold your head in proper alignment ? imagine that your head is being pulled upwards by a piece of string attached to the crown

?Cleanse your neck night and morning the same as you do your face, starting at the collarbones and working up to the jawline.

?Apply a rich-moisturizing cream at night and moisturize with sunscreen during the day. Cover front and sides of neck and the area around the collarbones.

?Exfoliate your neck weekly.

?For crepey neck, apply almond oil as a nourishing moisturizer.

Ms. Vyas also recommends some simple exercise to tone neck muscles (and *Bonus* these are wonderfully relaxing):

?Hold your head in a central position, then lean it as far over as you can towards one shoulder and hold for a count of 10. Your neck may feel rather stiff to begin with. Repeat on the other side, making sure that your shoulders remain still and relaxed throughout. Do five repetitions.

?Keeping your chin level, turn your head to one side so that the chin is over your shoulder. Incline the head backward in a ?come hither? movement. Repeat on the other side. Repeat the sequence five times.

My friend follows these practices faithfully. Her neck is not flawless, but to me it?s beautiful. She has collarbones and a chin and a beaming smile on her healthy face.

Copyright ? 2005 Kaye Bailey - All Rights Reserved.

Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story having maintained her health and goal weight for 5+ years. An award winning journalist, she is the author and webmaster of http://www.livingafterwls.com and http://www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com

Fresh & insightful content is added daily, check in often.

To subscribe to the LivingAfterWLS monthly newsletter ?You Have Arrived? click on http://www.livingafterwls.com and enter your details in the subscription box.

Beauty Tips for Luscious Lips

The last step in your makeup regime is lipstick application. Some women say if they could have only one beauty item it would be lipstick. Lip color brings the whole look together to create harmony. To keep your lips looking perfect, have lip color with you at all times and reapply when needed.

When you select a lip color take in consideration your clothing and blush colors. The color of your clothing and blush should complement your lipstick but doesn?t have to be perfectly matched. However, the colors should be in the same intensity and range. Wear cool colors together and warm colors together. Pink lipsticks go with blue and pink colors and corals and russets go with clothing that falls in a yellow/orange range.

Steps to apply lip color:

1.Prepare your lips by applying foundation over them (this will extend the wear).

2.Outline and define the shape using a lip pencil that has soft, pointed top. Start at the V in your upper lip drawing down to the corners. Then, starting at the middle of the bottom lip draw a line to the corners. To help lipstick stay on longer, use your pencil to cover the lips entirely.

3.Fill in upper lip with lipstick or you can use a lip brush.

4.Fill in the lower lip and then blot with a tissue and reapply.

5.Dab gloss in the centre of your lower lip to create a fuller more glamorous look.

When defining the lips with a lip pencil be sure the pencil and lipstick colors are very close. The lip liner should not be noticeable. Lip liners are meant to keep your lipstick in place, keep lipstick from bleeding, define the shape and help them look more natural. Do not try to change the shape of your lips by going outside the natural line.

* Dark lipsticks will make small lips appear smaller.

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

Yoke Hatha Yoga with the Raw Foods for Superb Health

Since writing my two books, Beautiful On Raw: UnCooked Creations and Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You, about my exploration and acceptance of the raw food lifestyle, I have added another important dimension to my health regimen. Hatha Yoga. I firmly believe that Hatha yoga practice has to be an integrated part of the raw food lifestyle.

I discovered and converted to the raw lifestyle in an effort to gain the peak of health, endurance and healing that I needed to ensure that I would be able to maximize the results of my upcoming surgical ordeal.

I was born in Russia with congenital hip problems that could not be corrected. For 45 years, I lived with one leg shorter than the other. I looked and felt like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. After immigrating to the United States, I prepared for the surgery that would ultimately replace my hips and allow me to walk without a limp. I was so accustomed to my tilt that when I was at last straight, I felt as though I were going to topple over at anytime.

I was thrilled with the results of the surgery and felt that much of my ability to heal from such massive trauma was from being on the raw food diet. I had to take private yoga lessons that worked with my limitations but I have improved tremendously and would not give it up anymore than I would go back to eating cooked food.

Yoga and the raw food diet offer many similarities in the ways they benefit the body. Yoga books describe the same euphoric experiences I have found in the raw food diet. Both purify and heal the body. Both offer powerful therapeutic effects in dealing with physical and psychological problems. Both promote radiant health.

Yoga is a systematic program whose sole purpose is spiritual. However the unhealthy condition of the average human body is a major obstacle to spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer and self-realization.

Running, swimming and weight lifting are great for muscle building but do little for connective tissue. It is the flexibility of the joints and of the connective tissues that gives us the feeling of ease and lightness in the body.

Think about that thin film running under the skin when you peel back chicken skin. It is called fascia. Humans have it, too. It runs under the skin throughout the body and even envelopes each individual cell. All major systems of the body?the circulatory and nervous systems, the muscular-skeletal system, and the various organs are cocooned in connective tissue. Tensions carried through the connective tissues are responsible for all the movements of the body.

Now imagine a young plant. It is pliable and limber when it?s young, but becomes hard, dry, and brittle with age. So with the human body, which tends to stiffen and tighten as we age. The body becomes choked in a net of shrunken and rigid connective tissues like constrictive body armor that is not only solidifying but shrinking by the minute. Every system of the body, every organ, every cell is being subjected to internal strangulation.

Connective tissues are tough and fibrous. Your connective tissue doesn?t respond to brief, repetitious stretches the way muscles do. They stretch best when pulled with steady tension like rubber band. Holding postures for a few minutes with moderate stress will cause the body to develop longer and thicker tissues.

Asanas increase your strength, stamina, and flexibility. Combined with raw food nourishment, yoga postures release tension and relieves pain even more effectively. You?ll find startling the resulting enhancement in your looks, improvement in your posture, and your better skin and muscle tone. You?ll feel your vitality brought by Asanas to a new lofty height.

I owe all of my health-my transformation from distortion to harmony-to a combination of the raw food diet and Hatha yoga. I can now practice 90 minutes of serious stretching everyday. My ability to recover and heal is the result of my raw food diet. I am stretching the scar tissue and since it is stronger and more resistant than regular tissue, I would never be able to practice yoga daily without the miraculous benefits of raw foods.

Yoga postures and the raw food diet make you more alive. Each practice complements the other, bringing many of the same physical and mental benefits. Asanas and the raw food diet are alike liberating, energizing, and exhilarating. As I practice the raw food lifestyle with regular Hatha yoga, my sense of feeling clean, good, and pure gradually becomes so prevailing that it permeates every part of my life. My emotions undergo a deep cleansing and healing paralleling similar changes in my body.

Yoga postures gently stretch the connective tissues that encase our joints, renewing our physical elasticity. Asanas lubricates the body, increasing circulation and flexibility. Stretching, twisting, bending forwards and backwards, vigorously massages various organs. Holding poses combined with proper breathing move stagnated blood that improve the flow of fresh nutrients and drains away impurities. It relaxes tense, pained areas of your body and strengthens weak areas.

Both practices?asanas and the raw food lifestyle?have their limits. For example, if the ligaments or other fibrous connective tissues are shortened as a result of injury or inactivity, raw food will definitely make stretching easier. But your food won?t do your stretching for you. On the other hand, there are many people who practice asanas regularly yet still struggle to achieve their optimal weight. Adopting the raw food diet will make a world of difference in that situation. Great as are the benefits of each, they?re finite benefits. For the best possible results, use them in tandem.

Raw food will make your constriction less rigid, but it is Hatha yoga that will stretch your tissue. Raw food furnishes the body with the best material for optimal health. Hatha yoga helps the body to make the most of it.

This article may be freely reprinted as long as the entire article and byline are included.

Tonya Zavasta is the raw food lifestyle expert, the author of the books Beautiful On Raw: UnCooked Creations and Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You, named a 2004 Health Book of the Year Award finalist by ForeWord Magazine. For more information on how to reveal your Rawsome beauty visit her web-site at: http://www.beautifulonraw.com Write to: BR Publishing, PO Box 623, Cordova, TN 38088-0623, USA or Call 866-STAY-RAW

Skin Care The Importance of Prevention and Maintenance

When it comes to skin care, many people don?t think about it until they start to see the first signs of wrinkles, usually some time in their thirties. Although paying attention to skin care is beneficial at any age, it is important to learn the basics of good skin care as early as possible, and make it a routine. Many times, however, people just don?t know where to start. With all of the beauty products on the market, and all of the claims of their cleansing and anti-aging benefits, how can we figure out the best skin care regimens for ourselves? There have been many strides made in the field of skin care, and some of the new skin care products combined with some old, tried-and-true methods of care can help anyone keep their skin in the best shape possible.

1. Skin care from the inside out ? One thing that a lot of people don?t realize is that skin care is more than just keeping your skin clean and applying the right kinds of creams. The skin is an organ ? the largest organ of the body - and all the organs of the body need good nutrition in order to function properly. With today?s fast food diets and busy lifestyles, where many peoples? idea of a meal is grabbing a quick bite on the way in or out the door, it?s no wonder that there is a nutritional crisis going on. When it comes to skin care, proper nutrition should be the first thing that we think of. Eating healthy foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive or canola oil can go a long way in helping the skin stay healthy and supple. A good quality vitamin and mineral supplement each day can help too, especially for busy people who don?t watch their diets as closely as they should. To be healthy, the skin needs the right balance of vitamins and minerals, especially the B vitamins, anti-oxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Proper eating habits and vitamin and mineral supplementation should be considered the first and most essential beauty products and anti-aging products on our lists.

2. The Importance of Prevention in Skin Care ? It is much harder for skin care beauty products and anti-aging products to work when we don?t work to prevent many skin care problems. Good nutrition is one way to do this, but we also need to do more. One of the most damaging elements to the skin is the sun. Not so long ago, people regarded a nice tan as a sign of healthy skin. Today, most of us know that too much exposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun and even the so called ?safe? UVA rays that come from tanning booths is extremely damaging, and dangerous, to the skin. UV and UVA rays cause premature aging of the skin, and can also cause other skin conditions such as rashes, inflammation, and skin cancer. A good quality sun block lotion is an essential beauty product to have on hand at all times ? with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sun block should be worn all the time when you are outside ? ultra violet rays are still present even on cloudy days ? and should be reapplied whenever necessary. Hats work well for shielding our faces from the sun, as well as trying to always sit in the shade and not directly in the sun.

3. Cleaning ? Keeping skin clean is essential for good skin care. A mild soap that doesn?t dry the skin can be good, and there are several beauty products on the market that focus on safe skin cleansing. Your skin should be cleansed before applying or reapplying any creams or lotions, and any make-up used on the face should be as clean as possible.

4. Creams and Lotions ? Today there are a variety of creams and lotions on the market that are very helpful for skin care. Beauty products and anti-aging products for the skin have been developed over the years that can help the skin renew itself, that can prevent or reduce wrinkles, help prevent or reduce other signs of skin aging, and clear up acne and other debilitating skin conditions. Exfoliating skin creams help the skin slough off old skin cells and produce newer, more resilient skin cells. Certain moisturizers not only keep the skin supple, they can also help the skin rejuvenate itself, and can soften or plump lines and wrinkles, making them noticeably smoother and less apparent. There are creams and lotions for specific areas of the face and body, such as creams for the delicate area around the eyes, the thicker and rougher area of the elbow, or the vulnerable area of the neck. There are non-prescription and prescription creams that can be extremely helpful for clearing up acne and blackheads.

One of the best things that you can do is consult a dermatologist to figure out the best beauty regimen for your skin type. With all of the wonderful beauty products and anti-aging products on the market, as well as some knowledge about nutrition and preventative skin care, your skin can look its best for a very long time.

Kevin DalPorto is the founder of http://www.whatsyourage.com/ , an anti-aging skin care shop and resource site full of informative skin care articles as well as high quality skin care products.

Home Tanning Beds

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.

Natural Beauty: What Is It Really?

Natural beauty is the ideal many people strive to achieve when they purchase make-up, creams, shampoos and other forms of cosmetics. But what really constitutes natural beauty, and how can it be achieved?

Many consumers, in an attempt to cleanse, tone, moisturize, mattify, shine, colour, enhance and so on, have overloaded their skin and their cabinets with too many needless products. Experts have found that 63 percent of all women complain of having developed 'sensitive skin', and many of these complaints can be traced back to an overcomplicated skin care regimen (Fairley, 2001). In contrast, the needs of human skin are simple. They are cleansing, moisture, nourishment and protection. Skin which suffers from burning, reddening, pimples, rashes and other symptoms similar to these may be caused by or made worse from adverse reactions to the cosmetic products overloading many women's cabinets. Often many of these products claim to alleviate or eliminate the very symptoms they are causing (Begoun, 1991).

When selecting skin care, it is best to choose a product formulated for your skin type. Everyone's skin is individual and varied, but to assist in product selection, and in understanding what your own skin needs, the following skin types have been generalized.

- Balanced, which is neither oily nor dry, and similar to the skin type of children.

- Oily

- Dry

- Sensitive, which is a condition involving reddening, burning or rashes when a cosmetic is applied.

- Problem, which is prone to acne and breakouts.

- Combination, which is most skin, containing oily and dry patches.

Beautiful skin can be obtained by making good choices for your skin, such as using cosmetic products and make-up which are truly natural. Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, water and healthy oils (such as polyunsaturated fats, essential fatty acids found in flax seed oil, olive oil, etc.) all assist in achieving and maintaining healthy skin. Lastly, adequate rest, sleep and exercise also contribute significantly to beautiful skin.

Simple Skin Care Steps:

- Gentle cleansing - depending on your skin type or preference, choose a natural soap.

- Toning - use a toner which is alcohol-free, infused with essential oils

- Daytime moisturizing - light or rich skin moisturizer

- Nighttime moisturizing - use facial oils formulated with essential oils

Make-up:

Choose make-up which is made with all natural ingredients and colours, regardless of one's age. All faces look fresh and naturally beautiful when colours which reflect the earth's vibrant range of hues are applied. Rainbow-like colours, or deep, dramatic shades cannot be obtained naturally in make-up without synthetically derived colours. These colours rarely look natural, are often trendy and go out of style quickly.

Great looking skin does not mean flawless, masked skin. Rather, lets reconstruct our notions of what constitutes 'beautiful skin' and 'beautiful faces', because perfection does not exist in the natural world, nor does it exist in human beings. Computers, cameras, lighting and other sophisticated technologies create flawlessness, to create an ideal image no one can attain. Instead, beautiful skin and natural beauty is skin that is free from harmful chemicals, hydrated from within and on the surface, fed with balanced nutrition and wise food choices, and regulated with reasonable exercise. A positive outlook on life and an optimistic perspective also contribute to natural beauty, inside and out.

How The Organic Make-up Company Can Help You Achieve Your Own Natural Beauty

Our products are made fresh for you once we receive your order. We do not stock inventory, so our cosmetics do not require powerful shelf life lengtheners or potent synthetic preservatives. The preservatives we use are natural, such as wheatgerm oil, grapeseed oil, d-alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) and/or ascorbic acid (vitamin C). While our products do not need refrigeration, our creams, as they contain water, are best stored in a cool, dark place, away from steam, light or unnecessary exposure to the air.

Our packaging is simple, without fancy and unnecessary labels, boxes or inserts. We believe very strongly that the purchasing power of your money should be directed towards a natural, high quality product, rather than wasted on packaging.

We invite you to give our natural products a try. We do not make any unrealistic or unscientific claims, such as anti-aging or wrinkle elimination, which are impossible in any cosmetic. We develop our products based on 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 cosmetics and make-up.

If you have any questions, please contact us at http://www.organicmakeup.ca.

Interested in selling our products? Contact us to discuss how we can assist each other to bring our safe, natural cosmetics and make-up to interested consumers.

References:

- Begoun, Paula (1991). Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Beginning Press, Seattle.

- Fairley, Josephine (2001). Organic Beauty, DK Publishing, London.

- 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.

Aloe Vera Skin Care

1. Silky Aloe Vera Skin Care Body Lotion
1 cup Aloe Vera gel 1-teaspoon lanolin 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil 1/3-cup coconut oil 1/2 to 3/4 ounce beeswax 3/4 cup almond oil 1 ? teaspoons essential oil Use a blender (or food processor) to mix the Aloe Vera gel, lanolin, & vitamin E oil. Microwave coconut oil & beeswax in a glass container on high 30 seconds, and stir. Repeat heating in 10-second blocks until fully melted. Stir in almond oil, reheating if necessary. Run blender or processor at low to medium speed, and then pour in melted oils in thin stream. As the oil is blended in, the cream will turn white and blender's motor will start to grind. As soon as melted oils are added and you've achieved mayonnaise-like consistency, stop the blender; add essential oil and pulse-blend. Do not over blend. Transfer cream to glass jars while still warm - the lotion will thicken quickly. This lotion really absorbs well and leaves no residue on skin. This recipe makes two cups.

2. Oats & Aloe Vera Exfoliant for your skin
1 tablespoon finely ground oats 1 tablespoon finely ground almonds 1-teaspoon honey 1-tablespoon Aloe Vera gel Combine ingredients in a bowl and stir until well mixed. Apply to face and neck skin after cleansing and before toner is applied, using gentle circular motions. Rinse well with warm water and gently pat excess moisture from face. Follow with facial mask.

3. Aloe Vera Face Mask for Healing and Soothing
(Great for sensitive and dry skin, especially after sun bathing) Ingredients: -3 TBS pure and certified organic aloe Vera juice -1 drop Helycrisum essential oil -1 drop Rose essential oil Combine all ingredients and apply mixture evenly on face and neck. Leave it on for at least 7 minutes and rinse with warm water. Pat dry, and apply the following healing and soothing aromatic blend, prepared in advance in a 10-ml bottle filled with vegetable oil: -1 drop Neroli essential oil -3 drops Lavender essential oil

4. Aloe Vera Skin Toner
Soak a cotton pad with pure aloe Vera gel and use it to freshen your skin and remove excess oil. Use daily, following with moisturizer. This is especially good for normal and oily skin and is a great overall toner. Dilute the gel 50/50 with spring water if you have sensitive skin. You can also use the juice of a leaf from your aloe plant. Cut off the amount you are going to use, and put the remainder of the leaf in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. The leaf will keep for about 3 days.

5. Floral Aloe Vera Gel
1/2 cup Aloe Vera gel (available in most natural food stores) 1 tbsp. dried lavender flowers or 3 tbsp. fresh. 1 tbsp. dried calendula flowers or 3 tbsp. fresh. 1. Mix together the aloe Vera gel with the lavender and Calendula flowers in an ovenproof glass container, then heat the container gently by sitting it in a hot water bath on the stovetop. 2. Let the mixture cool completely, and then pour it through a clean, fine strainer (to remove all of the solids) into a clean container.

6. Exfoliating Foot Mask
1/2-cup oatmeal 1/2-cup cornmeal 1/2-cup coarse salt 1/2 cup unscented body lotion 4 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel in a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Slide feet into mixture and rub, beginning at toes, working up to heel and ankle. Do one foot at a time, rinsing in a separate bowl of warm water.

7. Exfoliating Aloe Vera Face Mask
4 Tbsp. Pumpkin puree 1 Tbsp. Honey 4 tsp. Cornmeal 2 tsp. Aloe Vera gel 2 tsp. Pineapple, diced 1 tsp. Green tea 1/2 tsp. Sunflower oil 6 drops frankincense essential oil (optional) 4 drops cinnamon extract (optional) Directions Steep green tea in boiling water. Set aside to cool. In blender or food processor puree pineapple and place in medium-sized mixing bowl. Add pumpkin, honey and aloe. Mix well. Stir in sunflower oil, green tea and cornmeal. Discard the remaining green tea. Add frankincense and cinnamon. Stir. Apply small amount of pumpkin mask to cheeks, forehead, chin and neck. Massage in circular motions gently buffing skin. Repeat. Apply more product as needed. Leave a thin layer of pumpkin mask on face and neck for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with tepid or cool water and pat dry with soft towel. Follow with appropriate moisturizer. Store remaining mask covered in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Benefits: Pumpkin enzymes dissolve dead skin cells while the cornmeal sweeps them clean. Honey has antimicrobial properties as well as moisturizes and softens. The result is a beautiful glowing complexion. Use this mask as often as you like.

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 health problems.

Want Healthy Glowing Skin?

Are you struggling with skin problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis etc.? Various factors such as toxins, vitamin, mineral, protein deficiencies, long-term exposure to sun light, dehydration etc. might be the cause of your skins unhealthy state. Would you like to have beautiful glowing skin again? Luckily there are several options that can help you restore your skins healthy glow.

Stay hydrated- drink 8-12 glasses of water a day.

Avoid direct sun light- by wearing protective clothing, staying on the shade and applying sunscreen daily.

Avoid or limit your toxins intake this includes alcohol, coffee, spicy food, drugs, limit sugar intake etc.

Get rid off dead skin cells; exfoliate regularly at least once a week.

Maintain a cleansing routine- remove makeup daily (do not wash more than two times a day), and get a facial every 7-10 days.

Exercise regularly, to reduce stress and brings more oxygen to your skin resulting in firmer and nourished skin.

Maintain a healthy diet, eat foods rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B this include fruits, vegetables, fish, liver. Take supplements if necessary.

About The Author

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics.

keniamorales@kpatra.com

Do You Really Need To Wear A Moisturizer?

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.

MultiVitamin Health Benefits and 100% Fruit Juices

Keep hydrated

Make sure that you do not become dehydrated. Your body needs a constant intake of water to be healthy. You can be hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids such as herbal teas, multi-vitamin, health benefits and 100% fruit juices. Soups also contain water and count as a liquid. Indication that you are well hydrated is your urine being clear and not yellow, and not feeling thirsty throughout your day. Multi-vitamin, health benefits and 100% fruit juices.

Vitamins

Take a multivitamin per day to get the vitamins and minerals you may not get through your food. B6 is a member of the B vitamin family, and helps in stress reduction. Vitamin B6 converts tryptophan into serotonin, the chemical which makes us feel less stress and more relaxed. B6 also helps lesson pre-menstrual syndrome. Food sources of B6 include tuna, chicken, beef, prunes and bananas. Before taking B6 supplements, consult with your physician as too much B6 can result in irreversible nerve damage. Multi-vitamin, health benefits and 100% fruit juices.

Exercise

Should be a part of everyone's life as the health benefits are numerous. Get healthy for your wedding day by doing a form of exercise that you enjoy. Many types of exercise will be good for your heart, lungs, muscles and bones, such as working out at a gym, walking, biking, hiking or even gardening. Moving your muscles and remaining active with proper rest periods is beneficial to your overall health. Exercise creates endorphins, chemicals in our brains that act as natural anti depressants. When we exercise we sleep better. Check with your physician before starting any exercise program. Multi-vitamin, health benefits and 100% fruit juices.

Ken and Deidre are successful authors and publishers of Health and Beauty information specified for you. http://www.weddingdresses-gifts-flowers.com and look under Bride Health.

Lady Godiva Hair

I love long hair! Especially mine.

Yes, I live in a hot coastal town with 95% humidity and 95 degrees all summer long. So what? I refuse to cut my gorgeous hair for 3 months out of the year. That just doesn?t make sense. I can?t grow it back in the remaining 9 months, not to past my waist where it belongs. Sorry.

Yes, I have friends, both male and female who seasonally crop their beautiful locks to get their hair off their shoulders and necks for the summer. I hate that. Have they no sense of esthetics? What is wrong with putting it up for a couple of months? I ask you!

But no, they have to go and cut it. I don?t even let my friends say the words, ?cut? and ?hair? in the same sentence around me. I don?t. Ask them. We trim our hair. We do not cut it. That goes double for my boyfriend. I don?t look twice at these guys whose hair doesn?t even extend below their earlobes. What fun is that?

My sweetheart has the most beautiful waist-length blonde hair on the planet. I can tolerate the fact that he puts it in a ponytail for work. Can?t have those suits getting all annoyed that their programmer fellah ain?t dressed right, now can we?

The minute he hits the door, though, I want those silky tresses out of their hair tie and back where it belongs: in full sight. I?ll never forget the first time I saw him. We met at a party. The first thing I saw was that hair! I immediately asked a friend nearby who the new guy was. She said she didn?t know, but Angel would. So I wandered over to Angel and inquired.

Angel said he was new here. He had just arrived from Michigan. Well, isn?t that nice? Next thing you know he has my phone number. Isn?t life sweet? Now that we live together, he promises never to cut his hair. I?ll hold him to it, too. If he ever wants to break up with me, all he has to do is cut that hair and I?m outta here. He won?t, though. I was careful. He loves his long hair as much as I love mine.

We go out to the beach and put those tresses up in a ponytail. Slide it aside to apply suntan lotion and we are set. We?ll wash it later. I?ll sometimes put mine up in a bun, okay, but it comes down the minute I?m off the beach.

Are you one of us? Do you love your long hair summer or winter? I see that you are. It?s really beautiful that way.

About this author -
Christy Mettarod went into hair styling right out of college. She has been styling hair for 30 years. You can read more articles about hair at Your Hair.