Beauty Guide

How To Choose The Correct Nail Polish

2007-09-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

By: Debasmita Chanda

Nail polish is a fun, easy way to play with fashion and change your look at the drop of a glove. The old saying, "You can always tell a lady by her hands" is still true, so take care of them! When it comes to choosing a shade of nail enamel, the vast rainbow of available shades can be daunting don't worry, there are several ways to pinpoint the right shade for you! You can make a selection based on:

Season: Just as fashion trends change with the seasons, so should your nail color! For spring, think fresh, fun flower colors, such as light or candy pinks. Go for vibrant colors which gives you new look.

Skin Tone: The skin you're matching is at least as large a consideration as the outfit you're matching! If you have a fair complexion, blue-based colors will look best on you. If you have darker skin, stick to yellow-based shades.

Nail polish Fair Skin: Choose berry reds, as they nearly always have a bit of pink in them. Medium

Skin: Choose deep burgundy or wine colors

Olive or Bronze Skin: Choose orange-reds, browns, or golds

Dark Skin: Choose strong reds, deep plums, or silvers

Occasion : Since your hands will always make an impression, it's important to "polish for the occasion." For a business meeting or interview, stick to pale neutrals that don't detract attention from your conversational abilities. You can get a bit more daring with tropical or bright colors for a date or dinner with the girls. For an evening event, try a dark, more intense color.

Personality: Despite all these "rules," don't forget to be yourself! Be the real self and let that be reflected through what you use.

Source: oneindia

How to Apply Nail Polish?

2007-09-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

By: Debasmita Chanda

Apply nail polish Doing something related to beauty and care is an art, if you want to be perfect. Many people think that applying nail polish is not a big deal. But they land up all messy.

There are certain methods that you should keep in your mind when you apply nail polish. Remember you are not painting, you are applying nail polish to make your nails attractive. So there are some easy tips to follow.

It is advisable to use the remover and apply nail polish only once or twice a week to prevent your nails from drying. Even if you do this, be sure to use removers with built-in moisturizers to keep your nails healthy.

There are some tricks to keep in mind while painting your nails to give them the perfect look.

For the flawless application of nail polish, use a white nail pencil to line the nail tip from beneath for that pure white clean look instead of white nail polish.
Do not forget tthe weekly hand massage. This increases blood circulation and enhances nail growth.
To make the chip-resistant nail enamels last longer, submerge your freshly painted nails in a bowl of ice-cold water for 30 seconds.
If your nail polish has chipped to an extent that touchups are of no use, better use the remover rather than trying to hide it under a coat of nail paint that makes the texture of your nails took uneven.
Remember never to file the corner of your nails as it weakens them and make them brittle.
Get fashionable and funky by doing your nails in a solid color and allowing them to dry. Then use a toothpick to make a diagonal line across your nails in a different color. More skilled artists can go for more complicated patterns of their own.
For club night outs or hot dates, try metallic glints; nail piercing, nail tattoos and embellishments. If your nails are not as long as you desire, you can opt for fake nails too.
A quick task can be achieved by using a neutral shade as the base paint and the white shade on the tips of your nails. Apply nail polish
For shimmer and glitter, use a coat of clear gloss or sparkle on your dried nail polish. Silver glitter looks best on dark blue and black shades while gold glitter goes well with red shade. They are the best choices for bridal look or on weddings of near and dear ones and formal wear.

For toes:
Apply a thin base coat using 3 strokes, one down the middle, then one on each side. Don't paint the cuticle. Wait a minute before adding two coats of your favorite polish, then finish with a thin top coat. Clean up any errors with an orangewood stick wrapped in cotton & dipped in acetone remover.

Let nails dry for at least 40 minutes.

Tip: It's good to paint any polish remaining on the brush over the front nail edge. This prevents chipping.

Source: oneindia

DIY Manicure & Pedicure

2007-09-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

What you`ll need
A bowl (big enough for your hands to fit into)
Cotton balls or pads
cuticle stick
Cuticle cream
Hand cream
Nail clippers
Nail file
Nail polish: base, color, top coat
Nail polish remover
Paper Towels
Soap
Towel
Warm water

Now you`re ready to start
1. Remove old polish with nail polish remover and cotton. Then wash your hands with soapy water and dry with a soft towel.

2. Use clippers and a nail file to shape your nails. When you file, don't saw back and forth, it can weaken nails. Instead, start at one edge and move across the top in one motion.

3. Fill a bowl with warm water and add nail cream or you could do what Madonna does. Use a little bit of washing-up- liquid. Soak your hands in it for at least five minutes.

4. Dry your hands with a clean towel, then lay your hands on top of a paper towel on a flat surface.

5. Dot each of your nails with cuticle cream and rub it in.

6. Never cut your cuticles it can lead to infection. Instead, use a cuticle stick to gently push back your cuticles.

7. When you're finished, rinse your hands in the warm soapy water and pat dry, then apply a moisturizing hand cream. Let it absorb for about five minutes before wiping away the excess.

8. Apply a base coat to each nail and let it dry for at least two minutes.

9. Then paint two coats of nail colour, waiting one minute between coats. You should be able to cover each nail with three strokes, one on each side, one down the middle. (Never paint your nails length ways). If you get polish on the skin, don't worry; just wait until everything is dry and use a cotton bud dipped in nail polish remover to remove the excess.

10. When the polish has dried, top it off with a layer of top coat. The longer you leave your nails to dry, the less likely it is that they'll smudge.

DIY pedicure

There is nothing worse then unsightly feet and toe nails. Wear those sandals and show off your toes. Follow these easy steps to achieving those perfect toes.

1. Start by exfoliating your feet with a exfoliating scrub.

2. Use a moisturising lotion to soften the skin.

3. Trim your toe nails with nail clippers then use a nail file to smooth rough edges.

4. Rub oil into the cuticles then use an orange stick to push back.

5. Rinse feet thoroughly to make sure you get all the oil off.

Painting position: Sit with your knees close to your chest one hand holds the toe while you polish with the other.

6. Seperate the toes with toe seperaters or you could use cotton wool or scrunched up tissues.

7. Apply a base coat. Make sure to use a fast drying base coat. Place it on thinly so as to ensure an even surface. Then leave it dry for 60 seconds. (Always apply a base coat to avoid staining and to give a smooth surface to work on.)

8. Apply a nail polish of your desired colour. Let the toes dry thoroughly then apply another coat. Use three strokes for the big toes and two for the rest.

9. Apply a top coat to ensure the polish lasts.

10. Always match your toe nails with your finger nails.

Picture: KJT Konad Nail Art

Source: bendigolive

Top 10 Clever Uses for Fingernail Polish

2007-09-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

10. Gauge a bucket. Buckets usually have measured lines inside them, but they’re oftentimes illegible when viewed from above. Make those inside lines visible by marking them with a brush stroke of contrasting nail polish.

9. Pre-set a shower temp. Find your favorite water temperature, turn off the water and then mark the settings by putting a bit of polish on the stationary ring of the knob/knobs so you don’t have to fiddle with it in the mornings.

8. Mark a key. Have some house keys on your ring that aren’t for your pad? Color-code your keys with polish. ‘Red for me, purple for mom....’

7. Tighten a screw. Swabbing a bit of nail polish on screw threads before inserting them will help keep screws tight. The same applies to nuts too.

6. And speaking of screws.... Apply clear polish to new toilet seat screws to keep them from rusting too quickly.

5. Fill a nick. You can use a drop of clear polish to fill little nicks in hardwood floors. A light followup with 600 grit sandpaper over the polish will tone-down the shine.

4. Hide a chip. If you have a chip in a ceramic item, brush polish over the nick for a quick camouflage. Use a matching color straight out of the bottle or mix your own custom color.

3. Prevent a rust ring. Do you have rust rings on the side of your bathtub from shave cream cans? Avoid them by applying fingernail polish to the bottoms of the metal containers.

2. Mend a window screen. If you have a small hole–say less than 1/4 inch in diameter–in your window screen, you can patch it with a bit of polish to keep the pesties at bay.

And the number 1 clever use for fingernail polish

Remove a wart. Apparently, applying a bit of nail polish to a wart will prevent it from spreading and within a week’s time the polish will even remove or greatly diminish it. Go figure.

For even more clever and odd uses of fingernail polish, check out wackyuses.com and rd.com.

Source: Curbly

Pore-fect Clear up for better-looking skin

2007-09-08T00:54:00.000-07:00

Pore prescription When it comes to size, only some things should come big: houses, cars and of course, pay cheques.

Some things though, are best left small.

Like your pores, for example.

Having big and visible pores is a common skin woe for many, especially as we live in a humid country like Malaysia.

Pores are there for a reason – it is an opening for a sebaceous oil gland to help release oil to the surface of your skin, keeping it moisturised.

It’s ironic then, that this very same natural moisturiser wreaks havoc when they take on a larger dimension, especially as we age.

Unlike doors, pores cannot be opened or closed.

As we age they become even more noticeable.

Most enlarged pores on the face are part of your inheritance - if your parents have it, then most likely you will, too.

That doesn’t mean you are stuck with open, large pores for the rest of your life, though.

The trick to keep your pores looking refined.

Make sure your skin is clean, avoid overloading your face with heavy formulations and choose the right products to help refi ne your pores.

The most basic step to achieve “smaller” pores? Use an effective cleanser.

As pores are often trapped with oil, dirt and daily grime, it is important to clear out the impurities.

Use a milky cleanser to remove makeup at the end of the day – this ensures your skin is completely free of excess oil and dirt.

Then, use a foam cleanser to cleanse your face thoroughly.

Make sure you do this twice daily – once in the morning and once at night.

This way you will keep your pores clean, preventing them from clogging up.

If you use make up, here’s a tip: leave on your cleanser as you brush your teeth – this gives it time to dissolve the make up.

Then, rinse off with cool water to temporarily close pores.

Using a facial scrub once a week also helps minimise the appearance of pores.

Choose a fine-grained scrub – using a rough scrub will only damage your skin, giving you more problems in the future.

Slough off dead skin cells and dirt by using circular motions with your fingers.

Avoid alcohol-based products.

Sure, you may love the skin-tightening feeling it leaves, but this is a merely a short term relief that will induce damage in the long term.

Over time, the harsh ingredients will only encourage oil glands to over-produce, making your pores larger, instead.

If your skin is extremely oily, you can skip the moisturiser or use it only on areas that are dry like your cheeks and jawline.

Look for gel formulations or oil-free moisturisers – these are most suitable for those with large pores.

Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, AHA, retinol or glycolic acid in your moisturiser, as this dissolves the skin debris in your pores and keep them clear of clogs.

If you’re looking for additional protection, use a clay mask at least once a week to help soak up the excess oil from your pores.

Source: Malay Mail

Beyond skin deep

2007-09-08T00:48:00.000-07:00

Apart from rejuvenating your appearance, a good relaxing facial can also do wonders for your psychological well-being

You have an established skin care routine and your skin looks just fine to you Do you still need to go for a facial? The answer is “Yes!”, according to New York Skin Solutions branch manager and therapist, Lim Lu Sun (pictured).

And she says the younger you start, the better.

Style speaks to the beauty therapist on what the fuss about facials is all about.

Why is it necessary for me to go to a facial?

The right kind of facial can do wonders for both your skin and your mental well-being. But basically, a facial should deep cleanse, exfoliate and prep your skin for a variety of treatments.

There are many types of facial treatments available today, from detoxification programmes to collagen infusions and deep hydration treatments.

A good relaxing facial is a great way to de-stress and relax. Afterwards you would feel pampered and refreshed, ready to face another day!

What if i have very good skin? do i still need skin treatments?
A facial treatment isn’t only good for curing problems, but also for maintenance. If you have good skin, you would want to maintain it.

As your skin ages, your collagen production and skin renewal process slow down.

Facials can help to delay the appearance of problems like hyper-pigmentation and wrinkles.

At what age should i start going for facial treatments?
You can start going as soon as you reach puberty, especially if you’re beginning to experience teenage acne.

Otherwise, you can start having monthly facials between the ages of 16 and 18.

How often do i need to go for a facial?
If you have dehydrated, oily or other skin problems, it may be as often as once a fortnight.

Otherwise, once a month is good enough for general maintenance.

What should i do at home in between facials to take care of my skin?
It is very important to have the three basic steps in your skincare regimen: cleanse, tone and moisturise.

Use sunblock as exposure to the sun can cause photo damage and pigmentation.

Extras like eye cream, skin repair serums and others would depend on your age and skin condition.

We would advise you to go to a good skin consultant to determine your skin type and the right products for you.

What other factors contribute to good skin?
Your eating and sleeping habits are very important, obviously.

Not many people know this, but the optimal time for skin repair and renewal is between 11pm to 1am.

So try to go to sleep early.

And everyone knows this one, but drinking lots of water and having plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables make a difference.

Source: Malay Mail

Maximum Mascara

2006-08-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

That magic wand that turns lashes lush, recently had a brush with change. BOEY PING PING fills in an eye-opening report.

WHAT'S the secret to full, luscious, well-defined lashes? "Truly beautiful lashes are achieved only when each individual lash is defined," advises make-up maestro, Shu Uemura. But that's easier said than done when clumping is the major complaint of most mascara users.

There are two causes for clumping. One, mascara is not properly layered onto the lash. It is imperative to wait for the first layer to dry before applying the second layer. Two, clumping could be the fault of a poorly designed brush applicator.

Also, your lashes fall short of the desired length, it's hard to get your mascara to reach every lash. But the new, state-of-the-art mascara claims to do just about everything - lengthen, curl, volumise and reach even your sparse lashes. The secret is in the brush.

Estee Lauder Illusionist Intense Maximum Curling Mascara

Brush: Designed with a hollow inside, the wand is light and picks up colour pigments more readily.

Formula: The exclusive Ultra Sonic Dispersion system shrinks colour pigments to fine particles that cover more surface area on the lashes and intensifies the colour. The formula also uses lightweight crystalline waxes that don't weigh lashes down, making it curl better.

Application: Look down into a hand mirror and sweep downwards from root to tip. Then sweep upwards from root to tip covering both the top and bottom surface of the lash.

Effect: Claims to improve lash curl by 160%.

Lancome L'Extreme Waterproof Lengthening Mascara

Brush: The hi-contact brush catches every lash, even the shortest. Each lash is neatly separated, evenly coated and clearly defined. Formula: Uses an adhesive polymer, FiberStretch Complex, developed by adhesive leader, 3M to stretch lashes and create a curving effect. The formula is also enriched with Neoprefix, a water-resistant formula that holds lashes in place for a longer period.

Application: Apply from root to tip.

Effect: Acts like a hair extension for lashes, claiming up to 60% longer lashes.

L'oreal Volume Shocking Waterproof Mascara

Brush: This mascara incorporates both brush and comb to dramatise lashes. First, a criss-cross wand with an hour-glass shaped section detangles as it coats lashes with a base coat. Next, a comb with two rows of teeth combs through the lashes leaving behind a smooth trail of mascara.

Formula: Made from mother-of-pearl pigments, the silvery base-coat intensifies the depth of mascara colour while pro-vitamin B5, a staple ingredient in hair-styling products boosts lash volume. A new dispersal agent creates a more refined wax dispersal allowing you to layer on several coats minus clumps and bumps.

Application: Give the brush a slight twist to coat the lashes when you apply the silver preparation base. When the base coat is completely dry, work the mascara into the lashes from root to tip until you get the desired results.

Effect: Multiplies lash volume by supposedly 12 times to create a false eyelash effect using your own natural lashes.

Maybelline Unstoppable Mascara

Brush: The new FlexiRoll brush features more bristles, unevenly distributed to cater to every lash, long or short. Its flexible bristles follow the shape of each lash, covering its entire length all the way to the tip.

Formula: The smudge-proof, waterproof formula builds a soft, water-resistant shield around each lash that is claimed to stay put for 12 hours.

Application: Use an outward rolling motion.

Effect: Experience up to 50% longer lashes for half a day.

Shu Uemura Precise Volume Mascara Waterproof

Brush: The short bristles pull up lashes and create volume while the long bristles catch, comb and separate each lash from root to tip. The applicator's pinpoint tip deposits the right amount of mascara to allow even application to the lower lashes and tips.

Formula: Because of its gel-like properties, coats are applied in fine layers without clumping lashes together. This precision layering effect allows you to control the volume you want while the hydrophobic polymer repels tears, sweat and water.

Application: A double wiper mechanism in the applicator removes excess mascara leaving the optimal amount on the brush for precise application. Use slow, full strokes to achieve an even coat.

Effect: Coats short lashes from root to tip, delivering maximum lash volume with minimum clumping.

Tip: Unless you swim regularly or cry a lot, stick with regular mascaras rather than the waterproof version as the latter is harder to remove.

Lash lifters
Lash primers are designed to complement your mascara by laying a foundation to enhance mascara application. They coat lashes just like mascara but with a clear formula.

Lash primers help to:

protect lashes
provide an invisible layer of lushness to lashes
separate, lengthen and thicken lashes pre-mascara

For a flirty, mesmerising gaze, first curl lashes to create a sexy coil. Then apply lash primer. One coat is enough to see the desired results. Allow the lash primer to dry before finishing off with a coat of your favourite mascara.

Try: Made from naturally-derived waxes, Averine Lash Primer provides a greater base of volume and length to lashes prior to applying mascara. Perk up lazy lashes with Stila Lash Boost, an opaque primer that lengthens and thickens lashes.

Curl creator
Invest in a good eyelash curler to 'open' up your eyes. The more expensive ones have non-stick silicone pads that help to gently curl lashes while cheap metal ones can cut your lashes. Make your curlers last longer by cleaning them with a cotton pad and alcohol and replace them the moment the rubber starts cracking.

Be gentle with your lashes or you'll risk yanking them out when you remove the curler. To create a beautifully rounded curl, do a double squeeze - squeeze the upper lash gently and hold for five seconds. Move on to the middle lash and repeat the process.

Tip: Always curl your eyelashes before applying mascara. Curling afterwards can cause lashes to stick to the curlers and break off when you release it.

[via The Star Online - Clove]

S.O.S (Save Our Skin!)

2006-08-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

Nasty weather conditions and unexpected circumstances can wreak havoc on your skin. BOEY PING PING comes to the rescue with several beauty remedies to get your skin back on track.

WHEN I was in Australia recently, I experienced four weather changes in a day - chilly in the morning, sunny in the afternoon, windy in the evening and rainy at night.

Extreme climate changes can make your skin feel like it's been through four countries in a day. Worse still, your skin capillaries have to expand and contract to deal with the temperature changes.

If you want to survive the temperamental weather, arm yourself with the boy scouts motto and 'be prepared' with a box of quick fixes for any and every occasion.

Beauty survival kit

Racoon eyes

Cause: Sleepless nights and eye fatigue can leave you with dark eye circles and eyebags.

Effect: Micro-circulation around the eyes slows down encouraging toxins (that appear brown in colour) to congest. Because skin is thin near the eye contour area, it creates a 'panda eye' effect.

Skin relief: Light tapping movements helps to encourage better blood circulation around the eye area.

Try: SK-II treats all your three eye needs - dark circles, fine lines and sagging - with a single mask, Signs Eye Mask.

Cracked lips

Cause: As lips have no sebaceous (oil) glands, they need to be protected from dehydration with a lip balm. Instead of moisturising them, licking your lips will cause moisture to evaporate even faster. Not drinking enough water and using tissues to wipe lips harshly can also cause lips to dry up.

Effect: Lips become chapped and start to flake off.

Skin relief: Use a toothbrush or exfoliater to get rid of dry flakes and dead skin cells before applying a lip balm.

Jetlagged complexion

Cause: Time differences, lack of sleep and the toll of travelling stresses out skin. When skin is not in equilibrium, the cells don't function properly and skin's system of elimination and nourishment get out of sync.

Effect: Skin lacks suppleness, moisture and glow.

Skin relief: Julius Lim, general manager of Beaubelle says, "The remedy for jetlagged skin is to have the skin's cells energized. Oxygen is fuel for the skin cells to function properly."

Try: Beaubelle Future Oxygen Therapy empowers skin to breathe deeply and absorb more oxygen into the skin.

Red, blotchy spots

Cause: Sun exposure can cause red, blotchy spots to appear, especially if you don't have a sun block on. But if you wake up in the morning and see the same skin conditions, it's hormone-related.

Effect: Though red, the spots are painless and appear unevenly all over the face.

Skin relief: Try an anti-redness cream to neutralise redness. For a quick camouflage job, use yellow-based concealer. The spots usually disappear on their own.

Wind-beaten face

Cause: In summer, harsh weather conditions like chilly winds and blazing suns can exist together, causing skin to wear out.

Effect: Skin dries out and feels tight, irritated and sensitised.

Skin relief: Reinforce skin's natural barrier and lock in moisture to relieve the driest, most sensitised skin conditions. This restores strength to weak, damaged skin and defends it against future attacks.

Try: Dermalogica Super Rich Repair soothes, hydrates and regenerates damaged skin with a super-concentrated moisturiser.

Sunburnt skin

Cause: In temperate countries, the chilly weather can hide the fact that your skin is beginning to fry under the sun. In some cases, you'll only feel the full effects of a sunburn after 24 hours.

Effect: Burning, itching and sensitive skin. Skin becomes irritated and red.

Skin relief: Pacify fragile, burnt skin with something soothing and hydrating like cucumber slices, aloe vera gel or a sun repair mask.

Try: Thalgo Sun Repair Cream Mask comforts complexions with a fresh, hydrating formula that melts into the skin.

Stressed skin

Cause: According to Tom Mammone, executive director of Clinique Biological Research and Development, stress unleashes chemicals that make skin think it's under attack. Skin gets confused and starts attacking itself, ultimately damaging healthy skin cells and it's own defensive barrier.

Effect: Wrinkles and accelerated ageing. Periods of great stress can age people much more rapidly than normal wear and tear.

Skin relief: Since we can't escape stress, the best we can do is to build skin's natural immune system.

Try: Clinique Superdefense Triple Action Moisturiser helps skin defend itself while neutralising the effects of sun damage.

Pimples

Cause: Lim says, "The factors are inherited and hormonal. People with pimple problems are already predisposed to have this condition and eating the wrong foods, emotions and stress can exacerbate the condition."

Effect: When oil glands produce too much sebum, it clogs the pores causing pimples to form.

Skin relief: Find and maintain the right balance of oil. Overzealous cleansing can strip oil from your skin causing your skin to overcompensate and produce more oil. Liberate your pores by using products that aren't pore-clogging. Zap zits with tea tree oil, an antiseptic that's anti-inflammatory that will send your pimples packing.

Dehydrated skin

Cause: Josephine Lui, sales and marketing manager for Sisley says, "Using too many 'oil-free' products can cause skin to be temporarily dehydrated. When skin sweats too regularly, not only are minerals lost, but a great level of water, leaving skin dehydrated."

Effect: Skin feels taut, dry and patchy.

Skin relief: Use a cooling, hydrating mask to infuse moisture into thirsty skin cells.

Try: Used as a pick-me-up mask, Sisley Express Flower Gel offers an immediate solution to dry, parched skin.

Tired skin

Cause: According to Lui, tired skin can be rather 'stubborn' as tiredness is usually accumulated over days or weeks.

Effect: Worn-out skin lacks oxygen and circulation causing it to look dull and sallow.

Skin relief: Exfoliating dead skin helps it to 'breathe' and absorb subsequent treatments better. Use products with a cooling sensation like menthol or a refreshing smell like citrus to perk up weary skin.

[via The Star Online - Clove]

Traditional Beauty Secrets

2006-08-17T02:16:00.000-07:00

If your ageing mother's skin looks better than yours, maybe it's time you took her beauty advice. BOEY PING PING meets two women who did.

THE thought of feeding your skin, hair and body with herbal facials and fruit-based shampoos sounds nourishing but who has the time? It's easier to slap a cream over your face in the morning than to grind herbal powders and slice up fruits to make facemasks. But some women still believe in keeping with tradition. For them, the lure of nature is stronger than the convenience of a bottled product. Of course, having an extra pair of hands to do the chopping and grinding does make the work easier. But it is their staunch belief in the healing nature of herbs and beauty remedies handed down by generations past that keeps them practising these traditional rituals. New technology doesn't faze them nor does it attract them because as far as they're concerned, tradition works best.

Indian beauty secrets
Uma Devi Asokan's dining table is full of traditional aromatic plants, roots and leaves. As her helper busily pounds away at a pile of herbs, Uma patiently packs ground herb powder into capsules and bottles to be stored away for future use.

The smell of roots and oil on the boil permeates the air. The 35-year-old lady fluently recites a few herbal recipes for pimples, hair loss and firm skin. The formulations are at the top of her head as she reveals, "It'll take more than a day to tell you all of them."

Uma has been practising traditional remedies for the last 14 years. She studied basic facial steps in India but wasn't happy with the quality of herbal products in the market. She explains, "Out of 10 people who used them, three complained about side effects. Herbal products have no side effects so why was this happening?"

She began reading up on ayurvedic treatments and started to experiment with herbs, creating her own concoctions. When relatives weren't available, she was her own guinea pig, testing herbal treatments she had developed on herself.

But Uma's self-made recipes aren't jealously guarded secrets. She says, "God gave me a gift so I should share with others."

As a child, Uma's mother used to rub herbal oil onto her scalp and cover her face with a homemade mask of dhall, yoghurt and top layer of milk. From this simple recipe, Uma has created numerous recipes of her own - egg white masks to firm the face, hot oil to prevent hair loss and aromatic oils to prevent eyebags. She doesn't make her own moisturisers though as these need preservatives.

But Uma has her own facial ritual. First, she cleanses the face with a mixture of rose water and mashed aloe vera gel. Then, she adds water to a powdery mix of ground oats and seven herbs including mint, dried leaves and roots to create a paste. Neem leaves are added for pimple-prone skin. The paste is used together with a pressure point massage on the face. Then the face is steamed - over a basin of boiling water filled with pounded tulsi and lime leaves - while a towel is placed over the head to keep the heat in.

Blackheads and whiteheads are extracted and an ice pack is used to close the pores. A delicious scrub made from radish, papaya, tomato, apple, cucumber, potato, beer and young coconut water is used to scrub and clear the skin of toxins. Finally, the face is covered with a mask of honey, yoghurt, sandalwood, almond and rose petal powder.

Uma's take on herbal therapies is: if you keep on doing them, you'll see results. She says, "It may take some time but the results are longer lasting." And because the effects are accumulative, you might only realise its effectiveness when you reach your 40s or 50s. The good thing about using natural ingredients is that they don't contain harmful preservatives but that also means the products won't keep long. But after so many years, all that grinding, mixing and packing has become part and parcel of Uma's life. And she's more than happy to share this with her family and friends.

Uma says...

The best age to have a facial is when you're 23 as your body would have been fully developed. Once you hit your 30s, a monthly facial is a must if you want to maintain a firm skin tone all the way to your 50s and 60s.

Having a facial once a month is sufficient. But don't have it during your period as your hormones are imbalanced and a pressure point massage could cause side effects.

Soak hair in a mixture of coconut milk and egg white for half an hour twice weekly to strengthen and thicken the hair.

When hair is three-quarters dry, use a little almond oil and olive oil to soften dry hair. It acts like a natural hair conditioner.

To help lighten dark circles, grind lotus petals and mix with honey to make a paste. Apply two to three times weekly.

Chinese beauty remedies

Ten years ago, Chris Tan, 32, flew to Taiwan in search of beauty business opportunities. While there, she learnt the art of 'guasa', a traditional Chinese method of promoting blood circulation and removing toxins from the body.

She says, "In the old days, people could not afford to see the doctor so they used coins and spoons to scrape the body to release their pain and swelling caused by blockages in the body." But coins and spoons have since been replaced by the modern-day buffalo horn, which is less painful and more user-friendly.

"Guasa offers a lot of beauty benefits. By massaging the skin with a guasa board, you're actually helping to remove the skin's dead cells. Scraping also helps improve blood circulation which makes the skin glow. It helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to keep the skin firm. And because your skin keeps shedding off the dead cells, you can even get rid of epidermal pigmentation."

Guasa isn't difficult to practice. All you need is a guasa board, some oil to help lubricate the skin and a few pointers on the right massage techniques. Like guasa, most traditional Chinese therapies don't cost much as they were developed at a time when people were poor and modern tools hadn't been invented. Long before man created shavers, the Chinese learnt to remove facial hair by twisting and pulling a single thread on the face. Tan says her grandmother taught her the art of threading but admits she's since forgotten how to.

But Tan remains a great believer of acupuncture. Although acupuncture doesn't help improve your beauty per se, it has been proven effective at improving the blood circulation and helping one lose weight.

"Performing acupuncture around the earlobe and tummy helps control a person's appetite. And when you focus on the tummy area, you can help cure hormonal imbalance, indigestion, constipation and reduce a bloated stomach."

She adds, "Unlike modern medicine, Chinese traditional therapies seem to have no side effects and longer lasting results. Acupuncture helps you keep your weight down longer compared to modern remedies."

Tan says...

Although Tan says guasa isn't very effective for slimming, it still helps to soften the skin and increase the penetration of slimming creams. Apply slimming cream or essential oil to the body part and 'guasa' the surrounding area. Then wrap the area with cling wrap to keep the heat in for half an hour to 45 minutes, preferably while seated inside a steam room or sauna.

Ground rice soaked in water and dried into pellets is very soothing and good for pimpled skin. It is also very moisturising and is said to brighten skin.

Make your own peel-off mask with egg white to help remove blackheads.

Malay beauty mysteries

Songbird Anita Sarawak says her mother, the late Siput Sarawak, used to feed her with ubat periok, a herbal drink that kept women of the ancient Javanese court and Malay royalty beautiful. Anita's mum also used to drink water boiled with cekur, a type of bitter root. She believed her mother owed her soft, smooth complexion to downing cups of herbal potions.

Martha Tilaar, who popularised Indonesian jamu (traditional herbal preparations) learnt the ancient beauty secrets of queens and princesses from the princess of Surakarta, Indonesia. One of these secrets include the traditional lulur - a treatment that starts with a massage using herbs and spices, followed by a yoghurt body mask that ends with a floral bath.

The legendary Mahsuri of Pulau Langkawi was said to have mixed air gamat (a mixture made from sea cucumber) with clay to use as a beauty mask. Sea cucumber was believed to give skin a soft, smooth texture. It is also believed to quicken post-natal recovery.

Shelf secrets

If you're no kitchen goddess but have a hankering for traditional remedies, you can always buy them off the shelf.

Neem

Neem is said to purify the blood and detoxify the body. It also has anti-bacterial properties that help control the recurrence of acne and pimples.

Himalaya Herbals Neem Face Pack regulates excess oil secretion, cleans clogged pores and prevents the outbreak and recurrence of pimples.

Rice

In China, rice water is used to moisturise, brighten and cool heaty skin.

Cleanse off oil and dirt from your skin with Skin Food Rice Mask, the modern equivalent of ground rice pellets. Rice bran and rice extracts in Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant help to gently exfoliate dead skin cells.

Coconut oil

In India, coconut oil is used as a natural hair conditioner to smoothen and hydrate dry hair.

Add shine to your crowning glory with The Natural Source Hi-Shine Extra-Body Conditioner infused with coconut extracts to improve hair manageability.

[via The Star Online - Clove]

Pampering Fables

2006-08-17T02:08:00.000-07:00

Australian brand Aesop, rolls out the first of its beauty treatments at its signature store in South Yarra, Melbourne. BOEY PING PING goes Down Under to face the music.

Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.' Mae West

BOOKING way in advance is necessary if you want to get your face tweaked and pampered at Aesop South Yarra in Melbourne, Australia. Anything less than three weeks and you'll be denied a good hour of much-needed indulgence. But an Aesop facial treatment is as elusive as a get-young-quick cream. Aesop South Yarra, the third Aesop store in Melbourne, is the first in the world and one of only two stores to offer a quintet of facials. And that, is the entire menu of beauty services they offer.

To top off its exclusivity, facials are performed only four times a day. Facialist maestro, Maria Vovos explains, "If you were the fifth or sixth customer, you wouldn't want your facial to be any less pampering compared with the first customer, would you?"

At least, you know you don't have to be a star to be treated like one here. Everyone gets the same amount of pampering. To keep standards up and complaints down, Aesop does all it can to ensure that your last facial will always be good as your first.

The brand has no qualms about blowing its trumpet on quality. It uses plant-derived ingredients rather than man-made chemicals. It boasts perfume grade ingredients that are claimed to contain lesser impurities in lieu of industrial grade ingredients. Its originator, Dennis Paphitis stresses, "Things that are done well should last. We design with longevity and sustainability in mind."

Beauty is no fad to Paphitis, who ensures each product that comes out of the beauty oven isn't the result of a cosmetic trend. He says, "We look far and wide - at books, music and art for inspiration. We look everywhere, except the beauty industry."

Last year, while perfume giants churned out light, clean fragrances that wouldn't overpower the wearer, Aesop developed its first fragrance - a rich and spicy brew of clove, cardamom and jasmine. Paphitis deduces, "With fragrance, you can take a risk. It is the more sensual of beauty products and you can't have something timid and gentle."

He is already planning for a second fragrance. "Smoky and incense-based. For people who like full-bodied wine," says Paphitis with a smile. And because Paphitis is just as passionate about food as he is about creating skin, hair and body care, Aesop will soon produce bottles of olive oil infused with the essential oils of lemon, coriander and ginger. The creator of Aesop jokes that he develops products to meet his needs. "Yes, I'm selfish. The next two will also be for me."

At Aesop South Yarra, you're encouraged to be self-centred when it comes to fulfilling your skin's needs. But having a facial here isn't just about scrubbing and masking your face so that you leave the store with a two-week long glow. It's about enjoying and experiencing all 60 minutes of your little beauty adventure.

If you don't take time to pay attention to the smells, the sounds and the surroundings, you'll miss out on the little gestures and care designed to make your experience special. Like the short and precise quote that you'll see printed on the ceiling - "Your time is now" - as you take your place under the unusual linen and mohair blanket. Or the woollen socks that you slide on before the treatment to keep your feet feeling warm and snug. Or the unusual way the treatment starts - with a shower, so that you can cleanse and refresh yourself with a cleanser that hits you in the nostrils with the smell of aromatic wild geranium. And the way the moisturising balm envelopes you with a scent of warm, woody vanilla tones before you dry off with a fluffy, white towel.

Vovos walks around like a mother hen, tucking me comfortably into the large, generous bed. Miles, Leonard and Ludwig calmly croon in the background. The Skin Quench facial is intended to intensely and rapidly hydrate dry, stressed and tired skin with booster doses of active ingredients.

But I find the steps no different from the usual facial - deep cleanse, exfoliate and mask. There is, however, an absence of uncomfortable steaming or painful extraction. It makes the treatment less painful, pleasurable and highly addictive. My skin leaves the store feeling rather 'happy'.

The beauty experience at Aesop recreates the facials of 20 years ago when they were performed in intimate settings in homes. Paphitis remembers, "It was very private and comforting because a lot of time and focus was spent on each facial. There was only one room and one client each time."

With the new store opening and Aesop's debut of beauty treatments, Paphitis proudly declares, "Each new store is an opportunity for us to push our design limits further." No two Aesop stores are alike. Paphitis tells, "The idea is to enjoy the original architecture. It could range from classic, like Kens Apothecary in Malaysia, to girly or traditional like the one in Antwerp."

At South Yarra, the main wall is covered in a carpet of crimson and gold autumn leaves. In the middle of the store sits a dining table beautifully laid with leaves, trimmings, polished plates and silver cutlery. The only thing missing is the food. Instead of delectable dishes, Aesop's bestsellers fill the cups, bowls and saucers. As Paphitis will tell you, "We believe that external beauty is ultimately the result of a healthy attitude, diet, moderate exercise and consistent physical attention to, and protection of the skin."

[via The Star Online - Clove]

BOTOX: Not Just For Wrinkles

2006-07-17T04:34:00.000-07:00

BOTOX treatments aren't used just for wrinkles, as they have been proven to work well in many other areas of the body.

One unique way in which BOTOX injections have proven efficient is when the treatments are injected into the prostate gland of men who have been diagnosed with prostatic hyperplasia, commonly referred to as enlarged prostate. When Botulinum toxin A, or BOTOX, is injected into the prostate gland, symptoms of the enlarged prostate were subdued and it was found their quality of life was improved.

BOTOX has also been used in research to better understand how nerve cells communicate amongst themselves. Researching basic cell function and changes, and learning about causes of nerve disease are some of the alternate uses to the potent neurotoxin.

Other uses include human therapy, in treatment for conditions such as strabismus (cross-eyes) voice, head and limb tremor, spasticity, stuttering, involuntary movements and painful rigidity. The nerve cells injected with BOTOX are not killed, but instead begin to emit sprouts which cause the injected nerve cells to be revived.

BOTOX Cosmetics is a purified protein produced by Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Treatment is administered by injecting small doses of BOTOX Cosmetic into the muscle that causes wrinkle lines. The entire process usually takes less than 10 minutes, and recovery is immediate. Results are able to be seen within days.

Although the results are temporary, BOTOX treatments have gained popularity all over the U.S. and throughout the world because of the simplicity of the procedure and fast immediate results. But many people aren't yet aware of other uses for BOTOX. When the toxin is injected into the muscle, it works to block the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles. This causes the skin to become smoother, with a more refreshed appearance. Studies have shown that BOTOX is also effective in relieving migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes as well.

BOTOX has also been known to help those who are suffering with incontinence. The use of BOTOX on an overactive bladder works by stopping the spasms of the bladder muscle. This gives the patient more control over the bladder, giving the patient more control. The procedure takes about 10 minutes, just about as long as it takes when injected into facial muscles. The patient is awake, but slightly sedated.

Ryan Jennings is a contributor at cosmetic surgery blog Surgeon-Directory.com where he creates informative posts on topics such as BOTOX injections.

Article Source : Featured Articles

Skin Care - The Importance of Prevention and Maintenance

2006-07-17T03:07:00.000-07:00

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.

About the Author

Kevin DalPorto is the founder of 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.

Article Source : Featured Articles

Wedding Whiff

2006-07-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

Make time to find a special signature scent to remember your wedding by. BOEY PING PING sniffs out several fragrances to wear on your big day.

AROMA has a way of reviving memories, thoughts and feelings more vividly than a photograph. Certain smells remind us of mum's cooking, a day in the park, a romantic date or a special event. Fragrance can revive magical moments, which is why it's so important to take time to choose a wedding fragrance. If you scent your special day with an aroma you love, you'll be able to relive those memories anytime with just with a whiff of that scent.

Timeless and traditional

Whether it's held at a mosque, temple or church, most Malaysians love a traditional wedding because of their reverence for religion, culture and tradition. Traditional weddings revive dying traditions, are steeped in culture and always have the approval of the older folk.

Sarah Jessica Parker may seem to be far from traditional but her latest scent, Lovely, brings to mind all that is beautiful and charming - a string of pearls, a kiss, a white orchid, a pink ribbon. Like her personal style, Parker's Lovely is a flashback to the classics made modern with her twists on tradition. The silky white amber scent is a timeless concoction of fresh mandarin, lavender, creamy orchid and white amber.

A truly British fragrance, Burberry London is as classic as it gets - an elegant floral, with notes of rose and honeysuckle to evoke an English garden on a bright spring morning and zesty clementine to suggest crispness of the air.

The inspiration for Creed Love In White came to the creator whilst strolling in the forest. Olivier Creed says: "All the blossom was on the trees, the white narcissus were flowering, the sun was shining and I could feel winter lifting. It all looked so fresh and optimistic and I thought that this is how love begins, with everything to experience and anticipate, the beginning of something beautiful." The result was a gorgeous bouquet of fresh, creamy white florals.

Garden of Eden

Other than Mother Nature herself (read: rain, earthquakes and tsunamis), nothing can destroy the picture-perfect beauty of an outdoor wedding. With nature as your background, you'll enjoy an orchestra of chirping birds, a ceiling of fluffy white 'pillows' against a clear blue sky and inhale the smell of fresh, green grass. Let the scent and sight of soft, pink rose petals lead you to the altar, where you'll be transformed into husband and wife.

It was love at first bite, or rather second bite, for DKNY's second fragrance, Red Delicious (available in August). The bouquet captures the heart of a passionate relationship with a scent as intoxicating as love itself. Ripe with love, life and adventure, Red Delicious tempts with a glittering champagne accord and crisp apple, intensifying into a heart of rich, velvety rose before capping off with sweet raspberry.

Estee Lauder transports the wearer to a perfect, sunny spring day with Pure White Linen (available in August), a reinvention of White Linen with a touch of fruitiness. Like a perfect day captured in a bottle, Pure White Linen first slowly releases the dewy freshness of a radiant morning with grapefruit, granny smith apple and blooming lilies. Then red tulips blend with the velvety petals of rose and white flowers that mist the air with heady blossoms. It ends serenely with the seductive warmth and sensuality of white cedarwood and heliotrope.

Let love bloom with Clinique Happy In Bloom, a fresh floral scent that brings to mind a frosted spring morning with an aura of dew-laden flowers. Frozen fruit and watery green notes keep the scent crisp while amber and white wood provides a feminine softness.

Seashore scents

So, you want to be a beach bride. To feel the sand between your toes, hear the roar of the waves behind you and have a breathtaking backdrop of the sun setting in a tropical paradise. But the heat can get pretty unbearable on an island. CK One Summer comes to the rescue with a fragrance that doubles up as a cool sea spray to keep you fresh and invigorated despite the blazing heat. The breezy concoction captures the splash of the ocean waves with crisp melon, dewy water fern, sparkling citrus notes and cool musk. Keep your fragrance light because the higher your body temperature, the more potent the scent.

Another perfect beach buddy is Ralph Hot, a scent for the girl who is fun, flirty and sexy. Unlike traditional weddings, beach weddings are casual affairs in which the bride can come dressed in bikini top and shorts. Hot heats things up with a delicious whiff of sensual mocha cream, spicy cinnamon and luscious maple.

Mirror your stunning sunset wedding with the flacon of Lacoste Touch of Sun, bathed in the glow of deep orange and yellow. The energy that radiates from the sun inspires uplifting experiences - dancing on the beach and celebrating the joy of a happy moment. Touch of Sun opens with youthful crisp green notes of bergamot, continues with the queen of fragrances - rose - before settling into a woody-musk base.

How to shop for a fragrance

Karyn Khoury, Estee Lauder's senior vice president of fragrance development, says: "Choose something that makes you feel feminine and pretty. It will be a long day so make sure you choose a fragrance you enjoy wearing and expresses to you the love and happiness of the day."

Leave your mother or girlfriend at home. Fragrance shopping should be done alone to reflect your true personality and personal choice.
Spray the perfumes on blotters before you try them on your skin so that you can narrow down your choices to just two or three.
Don't try too many scents in one day, or too many scents on one hand; otherwise, you'll end up more confused than when you started. If your nose starts tuning out, have a cuppa. The smell of coffee beans helps cleanse your sense of smell.
It takes 15 minutes for the top note to sink in and an hour for the middle and bottom notes to develop. So, walk away for an hour after spraying before you make your decision.
Rather than placing your nose to the skin, let it come to you in the air. Wave your wrist so that the fragrance disperses into the air.

How to wear your wedding fragrance

Parfum: As parfum is very concentrated and lasts up to eight hours, it should be used sparingly. Khoury of Estee Lauder finds it most appropriate for the evening.

Eau de parfum (EDP): Lasting four to six hours, EDP should be used on the pulse points only.

Eau de toilette (EDT): Less concentrated than EDP and can be sprayed all over.

Body splash/mist: A very light concentration that can be sprayed all over to lightly scent skin.

Fragrance should be sprayed on before getting into your wedding dress to avoid staining the dress.
Don't apply a fragrance immediately after a warm bath as your pores would have dilated leaving you skin more sensitive to the alcohol in your perfume.
Applying perfume lavishly on the pulse points doesn't make it last longer. It just makes the fragrance overpowering for the first few hours before fading away. Layering - start with a scented bath gel/cream followed by a matching scented body lotion and, finally, a perfume or EDP - helps the scent to last longer. Alternatively, reapply perfume to your pulse points throughout the day.

Source: The Star Online - Clove

Bride and Beautiful

2006-07-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

Whether you're a church, beach or garden bride, your make-up should look radiant and natural. BOEY PING PING picks up some tips from the experts.

WEDDINGS don't always have to take place indoors. Garden nuptials and beach weddings are gaining popularity here as we're blessed with greenery and the sea on most sides. While the idea of being surrounded by nature as you say your vows sounds like a breath of fresh air, not being in control of the climate can wreak havoc for your make-up artist. Cindy Chang, co-owner of Beauty Haven says, ''When you're under broad daylight, flaws can easily be seen. A good skincare regime from the very beginning is essential as healthy skin provides the perfect canvas for beautiful make-up.'' Director of national make-up artist for Kanebo, Sam Kian Ping recommends colours that are light and natural to bring out the true beauty of the bride. Natural, earth-tones are the best as they remain timeless and elegant, long after your wedding is over.

Princess charming

Even if you hold your wedding indoors, M.A.C make-up artist, Syahidah says, ''It's best to use long-wearing mascara that's smudge proof and flake proof so that it will last the whole day.''

Eyes: Put a sparkle on your eyes with Stila Eye Shadow Palette, a trio of base, crease and liner shades.

Face: Make all your dreams come true with Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, an air-whipped foundation that's so light and airy, you won't feel like you're wearing a 'mask' of foundation. Plus it has particles that create a soft focus effect, helping to mask flaws, fine lines and wrinkles.

Lips: Go light on the glitter or you'll be competing with your dress for attention. Estee Lauder's Pure Colour Lipstick in Azalea offers subtle shimmer without too much shine.

Nails: Add a little romance to your fingertips with O.P.I's soft shades of pink nail lacquer. Enchant Prince Charming with 'Princesses Rule!', a bright sparkly pink with royal presence.

Hair: Hairspray helps keep traditional up-dos in place.

In full bloom

The best nail colour for any type of wedding, says Chang, is a French manicure that can be painted either pink or beige to suit your dress. She suggests using pretty, pastel colours on the eyes but Sam says it's alright to use blue eyeshadow on fair skin and green eyeshadow on darker skin to blend in with the environment.

Eyes: A mellow, pastel blue lends a soft touch to your peepers. Kate Highlight Flash highlights eyes in a flash.

Face: Aim for a soft, dewy look. Red Earth's loose powder, Face 'N Glow in 'pink princess' contains ultra-fine mica particles that highlight the face with a soft, luminous glow.

Lips: Lip stains and lip glosses help create transparent, juicy-looking puckers. Kanebo Testimo Serumdrape Rouge stains lips while keeping lips moist and plump.

Nails: Take your nails from plain to gorgeous French-manicured nails with SilkyGirl Snow White nail colour.

Hair: Whether you decide to have your hair up or down, dainty, white flowers add a romantic feel to your crowning glory.

She says her vows on the seashore

''You'll be sweating a lot so you'll need lots of waterproof products,'' advises Chang. Sam adds that they also need to be long-lasting. Chang suggests using bronzing powder to bring out your natural glow. The goal is to create a sun-kissed look. ''And don't forget your sunblock,'' she warns.

Eyes: Make both your marriage and your eyeliner last. Besides being waterproof, you'll need a liner that won't smudge, budge or fade before the ceremony is over. M.A.C Liquidlast Liner in Auto-Orange combines long-lasting wear with smear-free lines.

Face: Put a hold on perspiration, sebum and pores with Lancome Maquiliquide UV Perfect Forever SPF15/PA++. This liquid foundation works all day to 'catch' and absorb sweat and oil while providing UV protection. On dark skin, foundations that are too light tend to give a washed out, mouldy look. Bronzing powders fare better than foundation at bringing out the glow. Light pink or peachy blushers work well on fair skin but on medium to dark skin tones, earth tones look better.

Lips: Glossy, transparent lips are the best way to show up a sun-kissed complexion. The Body Shop Hi-Shine Lip Treatment in 'mauve dream' creates mouth-watering lips he won’t be able to resist.

Nails: Create talons of desire with Revlon Nail Enamel in the oh-so-natural shade of Nude Attitude.

Hair: Go easy on the hairspray as the goal is to create soft, flowy, dreamy hair.

Source: The Star Online - Clove

The Truth About Beauty

2006-07-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

by: Janice Wee

What's with this fascination with beauty?

The demand for beauty services in spite of the economy?
Even when there is a recession, beauty parlours still flourish. Beauty products still fly off the shelves.

There is this saying that beauty is skin deep.

Then again, first impressions count.

Put it this way. Beauty is power. That was true centuries ago. That is true today.

When a beautiful woman walks into a bar, men flock to her and offer to buy her drinks. When an unattractive woman walks into the same bar, chances are, she would have to buy her own drinks.

A beautiful salesperson, man or woman is more likely to win the sale. Between a beautiful job seeker and an unattractive one, all other things being equal, the employer is likely to choose the good looker.

Like it or not, looks do count.

In the past, when women were dependent on men to support them, beauty was everything to a woman. A beautiful woman would have more suitors. She would be able to marry up. To marry a rich man who could take care of all her financial needs and that of her children. Long before commercial cosmetics existed, mothers would instruct their daughters on traditional beauty remedies. Simple beauty remedies like using mayonnaise as a moisturizer, or egg white as a firming mask were often used by women in the days before commercial cosmetics.

Then along came women entrepreneurs like Estee Lauder and other women from around the world. They converted traditional beauty recipes which worked for themselves into beauty creams that they sold to other women. Every woman has a right to look her most beautiful and these women were selling others their beauty secrets.

Women all over the world are willing to suffer for the sake of beauty. Long ago, in China, women in wealthy families would bind their feet. The Chinese back then view tiny feet as beautiful, so little girls have their feet bound, to prevent them from growing big and ugly. Now that long legs are considered beautiful, some women go through a very painful medical procedure that breaks their legs, and stretches their legs by a few millimeters a day through a painful device until they attain the height they want. With their newfound height, these girls can look forward to a wealthy, glamorous future as an international model.

In Europe, centuries ago, wasp waists and curvy bodies were considered beautiful, so corsets were worn to make the waist look much smaller. These were tied so tightly that women faint easily. All for the sake of beauty. Now, corsets are in again. These days, women and men subject themselves to surgery to attain the beauty they desire. Liposuction to remove the excess fat to contour the body. Breast augmentation for bigger breasts that are considered beautiful. Nose jobs, face lifts, the works.

Both men and women even have poison (botox) injected into their faces to paralyze their facial muscles in order to erase the expression lines we know as wrinkles.

There is also a return to natural beauty remedies. This time, commercial cosmetics use natural ingredients that women have used in centuries in the home beauty preparations.

With modern advances, beauty preparations are more effective than ever. Even doctors have developed their own skin care ranges. Acne can be a thing of the past with some of the latest acne treatments. Some doctors, both dermatologists and general practitioners offer facials which treat most of today's skin problems very effectively. After all, beauty is skin deep. Healthy skin is beautiful.

There is wisdom in the old ways women took care of their looks. Fresh food, exercise, plenty of water, plenty of sleep, soap and water. That's all the women in the olden days had in their beauty routine. These days, add a good sunscreen worn every day to protect your skin from the sun. A good toner, cleanser and moisturizer, a regular scrub and mask and you are done.

About the Author

The writer is the webmaster of Cosmetics Online , where you can find cosmetics, skincare, makeup and all the beauty products from your favourite beauty brand.

The right Beauty Supplies Will make you look Great!

2006-07-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

by: Mike Yeager

Use beauty supplies the right way and yours could well be the face that launched a thousand ships! Growing old may be mandatory, but looking it certainly isn't. It's just that one has to do it right. But that's exactly what's difficult. The mind boggles with the onslaught of unending types of beauty supplies, countless makeup and enticing brands. Am I using the right beauty supplies? Am I doing it correctly? What about side effects? Thankfully, makeup tips are not very difficult to find.

Trust the beauty supply expert.

Generally, you can always trust a beauty supply expert. And thankfully, one is almost always available without much trouble. The media abounds with beauty supply tips. And then there are brands that you can trust your skin with. Or use exotic mineral beauty supplies that are a great alternative to chemical beauty supplies. They use natural ingredients and causes less damage to the skin. Over a period of time, the presence of wrinkled skin could make that vital difference between skin that used regular beauty supplies and skin that used natural beauty supplies.

Beauty supplies today not only means enhancing beauty that is skin-deep, it also means preservation of skin nutrition. After all, our skin is the largest organ of our body and needs adequate nutrition like any other organ. Consistent, healthy skin care is the best way to avoid wrinkles, sunspots and premature aging. It will pay off in the end. We spend our hard-earned cash on beauty and skincare. Lets make sure that its main beneficiary is our skin, not skin care product manufacturers.

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-beauty-4u.com/

The Pure Truth About 'All Natural' Products and Other Beauty

2006-07-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

by: Deanna Ferber

Myth: "All Natural" Beauty Products Are Best

Pure Truth: First of all, there are not really any 'all natural' products available for commercial sale. Unless you make them yourself, and are prepared to refrigerate them & use them within a few days, you really can't find any. This is because, just as in food products, the ingredients are perishable.

Just think what would happen to a jar of 'natural' ingredients sitting on your vanity... The smell alone would keep me from opening the lid, let alone touching it! So beauty products, like foods, use preservatives to give them added shelf time. When you buy products, they have to last through storage with the company, shipping and still have some time left for you to use them. As for the term 'natural' it is not even regulated. This means any company can call their product natural, no matter what it contains.

Myth: Chemicals Are Bad For Your Skin

Pure Truth: Not all chemicals are bad for your skin. Just as medicines are chemical or synthetic versions of medicinal plants, so the science of chemistry brings us beauty products. Many natural ingredients have been re-created in synthetic form for ease of use & distribution, which can also make them cheaper to supply.

Myth: Product Packaging Does Nothing But Add To The Price

Pure Truth: Many people believe there is no importance to the packaging of beauty products, that the bottles and jars are just made 'neat looking' in order to make us buy the products. This can be true, but with some of the 'new' beauty ingredients, packaging has a much larger, more important role. Some ingredients are considered unstable, meaning they are affected by sunlight and air exposure. For those ingredients, like retinol and some antioxidants, the packaging is a big deal. If you want to get some use of what you paid for, look for packaging that limits the products exposure. This may mean a dark colored container, or those similar to pharmaceutical products.

Myth: Buying Beauty Products Is a Gamble

Pure Truth: If you want to avoid buying products that simply don't work, being an educated consumer is your best bet. For the best information on cosmetics ingredients in the US, go to the FDA site. This site also has information on labeling & label claims.

There are also several websites with product reviews, done by independent consumers, just like you. The best sites will post the reviewers' information, so you can get an idea if the reviewer's skin type, age etc. is similar to your own. Two review sites are www.cosmeticconnection.com and emakeup.com reviews. You may also try the various message boards devoted to beauty. These boards are a great place to get information on new products or companies before you buy. And reputable companies will allow exchanges and refunds. If the company you are considering doesn't, look for another... In the competitive beauty game, you can always find a company that is more like to cover your bet.

Deanna Ferber is President of GlamKitty, a cosmetics and skin care company dedicated to helping Busy Women with 9 Lives find their own Tabby Chic (tm). Take a 'paws' in your day at http://glamkitty-beauty.com

The Pearl Necklace - A Timeless Beauty

2006-07-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

by: Sam Serio

It has been said that of all the pieces of jewelry in the world, a pearl necklace is the only thing that a woman should not be without. And that's no wonder, for a pearl necklace is the embodiment of classic sophistication and timeless elegance. It goes with a variety of outfits, from casual day wear to formal evening attire. And depending on the type of pearl and color, there are various pearl necklace styles suitable for the very young, those enjoying their golden years, and almost everyone else in the middle.

The price of a pearl necklace depends on the quality of its pearls. Saltwater pearls are generally more expensive than freshwater ones, which are cultured. The sheen and the thickness of the pearls' nacre also affect the price, as well as the size and roundness of the pearls themselves. Pearl necklaces of various colors are available on the market. Smaller pearls in light hues of blue or pink are usually more suitable for young children, while the creamier, ivory-toned pearls are preferred by older women. Jewelry pieces made from black pearls are very, very expensive, since these pearls are so rare.

According to Chinese folklore, pearls are the tears of a dragon. In Roman mythology, they are the tears of Venus. Jewelry designers, in their tireless efforts to do justice to the legendary beauty of these gems, have been adding their own twists to the pearl necklace. Aside from the classic strand, the pearls used in necklaces are sometimes set in gold, silver or platinum. Some designers also mix pearls with other gems to create a unique effect. Extra ornaments, such as charms or a brooch, can also be attached to a pearl necklace to give it a personalized flair.

Caring for a pearl necklace does not involve a lot of fuss. The most advisable thing to do is to wear it often, because if it's stored away for long periods of time, it will dry up and lose its sheen. The body's natural oils will keep the pearls looking lustrous and fresh. It's also important to avoid having the pearls come in contact with substances such as hair spray or body lotion, since these can also adversely affect the pearls' condition.

The popularity of the pearl necklace has never waned both among ordinary people and society's elite. The quintessential fashion plate, Jackie Kennedy, had a passion for pearls; so does actress Maria Berenson. Other celebrities often photographed wearing pearl necklaces are Michelle Pfeiffer, Sophia Loren, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton. The versatility of pearls is such that fashion experts are even predicting an increase in the number of men who will start wearing pearl-accented dress accessories. For now, however, there is very little to surpass the elegance of the sight of a pearl necklace gracing the neckline of a woman, whether she's a celebrity or not.

About the Author

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com

The Most Common Myth Regarding Professional Beauty Products

2006-07-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

by: Melissa Eaton

The biggest myth in the beauty retail industry is that people think the more it costs, the better it must be.

Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, many of the most common high priced and name brand beauty products have the exact same ingredients as the lower priced brands that you can buy in any discount store. The difference is, you are paying for a name brand.

As a stylist, I constantly shoot myself in the foot regarding retail sales. But I really can't stand to see good people spend hard earned money on products that they don't need or can pay less for and achieve the same results. Many think I'm crazy for telling people this, but selling my services are what pay the bills, NOT the sale of retail products. My honesty has gained me hundreds of repeat clients through the years and I'd much rather have a client coming in once a month for a trim or color than every other month to buy a bottle of shampoo. You get the drift.

When it comes to shampoo, conditioner and styling products - just because it comes from a salon doesn't make it any better than products you can buy in a discount retail store. Shampoo is a detergent no matter how you package it. Conditioner is just what it says and the same goes for styling products. The only difference is that salon products are more concentrated and will last longer. In the end, the costs really figure out to be the same for salon and regular retail products. So my advice is to use whatever works best for you and the products you like.

There is one area that I have to say that salon products are better and that is COLOR. The reason I say that is, professional products are formulated under strict guidelines in the industry to insure that salon professionals will achieve the same color results every time. The colors you can buy over the counter are not as regulated and can truly vary from bottle to bottle. How many times have you bought the same home color and gotten a different result almost every time?

If you have your hair colored professionally and would like to do it at home, you might consider talking to your stylist about it. They might be willing to send you home with your color and specific instructions on how to use it. I've done this for many of my clients and truly don't mind doing it. I would rather my clients have what they are used to and be satisfied with their result than have them buy a product off the shelf and call me the next day saying they have pink or bright orange hair.

Use your best judgement regarding your hair products and use what you like and what works best for you.

About the Author

Melissa is a professional cosmetologist who is constantly updating her education. For daily updates including tips, secrets and other information, please visit her blog at http://bizewomanbeautytips.blogspot.com/ Beauty doesn't have to cost a fortune!

The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach to Beauty and Skin Care

2006-07-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

by: Nancy Lonsdorf M.D.

"Every person is born perfect. Inferiority is a mistake of the mind, a cloud covering the light. Dissolve the clouds by observing a balanced life with healthy habits. Nourish your mind and body. Connect with your own inner self. Celebrate your own magnificence and your beauty will always shine through."---- Dr. Rama Kant Mishra, renowned Ayurvedic physician and dermatologist

The Three Pillars of Beauty

Maharishi Ayurveda (MAV), the modern, consciousness-based revival of the ancient Ayurvedic medicine tradition, considers true beauty to be supported by three pillars; Outer Beauty, Inner Beauty and Lasting Beauty. Only by enhancing all three can we attain the balanced state of radiant health that makes each of us the most fulfilled and beautiful person we can be.

Outer Beauty: Roopam

The outer signs of beauty - your skin, hair and nails - are more than just superficial measures of beauty. They are direct reflections of your overall health. These outer tissues are created by the inner physiological processes involved in digestion, metabolism and proper tissue development. Outer beauty depends more on the strength of your digestion and metabolism, the quality of your diet, and the purity of your blood, than on external cleansers and conditioners you may apply.

General Recommendations for Outer Beauty

As we will discuss, the key to skin care is matching your diet and skin care routine to the specific skin type you have. Meanwhile, there are some valuable recommendations for lustrous skin, hair and nails that will be helpful to everyone, regardless of skin type.

1. Diet: Without adequate nourishment, your collagen layer thins and a kind of wasting takes place. Over time, your skin can shrivel up like a plant without water from lack of nourishment. To keep your skin plump and glowing:

A. Eat fresh, whole organic foods that are freshly prepared.

Avoid packaged, canned, frozen, processed foods and leftovers. These foods have little nutritional value and also they are often poorly digested which creates impurities that localize in the skin. The resulting buildup of toxins causes irritation and blocks circulation depriving the skin of further nourishment and natural cleansing processes.

B. Favor skin nourishing foods. Leafy green vegetables contain vitamins, minerals (especially iron and calcium) and are high in antioxidant properties. They nourish the skin and protect it from premature aging. Sweet juicy fruits like grapes, melons, pears, plums and stewed apples at breakfast are excellent for the skin in almost everyone. Eat a wide variety of grains over different meals and try mixed grain servings at breakfast and lunch. Add amaranth, quinoa, cous cous, millet and barley to the wheat and rice you already eat. Favor light, easy to digest proteins like legume soups (especially yellow split mung dhal), whole milk, paneer (cheese made from boiling milk, adding lemon and straining solids) and lassi (diluted yogurt and spice drinks). Oils like ghee (clarified butter) and organic, extra virgin olive oil should be included in the diet as they lubricate, nourish and create lustre in the skin. Use spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and black pepper to improve digestion, nourish the skin and cleanse it of impurities. Avoid microwaving and boiling your vegetables. They lose as much as 85% of their antioxidant content when cooked in this way. Steaming and sautéing are best.

Caring for outer beauty through knowledge of skin type

Besides these general recommendations the key to Outer Beauty is to understand the difference in skin types so you can gain the maximum benefit from your individualized skin care regimen. MAV identifies three different skin types based on which of the three main metabolic principles (doshas)- present in everyone, but to different degrees- is most dominant in your body.

Vata Skin

* Description: Vata is composed of the elements of air and space. If you have a vata skin type, your skin will be dry, thin, fine pored, delicate and cool to the touch. When balanced, it glows with a delicate lightness and refinement that is elegant and attractive. When vata skin is imbalanced, it will be prone to excessive dryness and may even be rough and flaky.

* Potential problems: The greatest beauty challenge for vata skin is its predisposition to symptoms of early aging. Your skin may tend to develop wrinkles earlier than most due to its tendency to dryness and thinness. If your digestion is not in balance, your skin can begin to look dull and grayish, even in your 20's and 30's. In addition, your skin may have a tendency for disorders such as dry eczema and skin fungus. Mental stress, such as worry, fear and lack of sleep, has a powerful debilitating effect on vata skin leaving it looking tired and lifeless.

* Recommendations for care

With a little knowledge, you can preserve and protect the delicate beauty of your vata type skin. Since your skin does not contain much moisture, preventing it from drying is the major consideration. Eat a warm, unctuous diet (ghee and olive oil are best) and favor sour, salty and sweet tastes (naturally sweet like fruits, not refined sugar) as they balance vata. Avoid drying foods like crackers. Drink 6-8 glasses of warm (not cold for vata types!) water throughout the day and eat plenty of sweet, juicy fruits. Going to bed early (before 10 PM) is very soothing to vata and will have a tremendously positive influence on your skin. Avoid cleansing products that dry the skin (like alcohol-based cleansers) and perform Ayurvedic oil massage to your whole body (abhyanga) in the morning before you shower.

Pitta Skin.

* Description: Pitta dosha is composed of the elements of fire and water. If you have a pitta skin type your skin is fair, soft, warm and of medium thickness. When balanced, your skin has a beautiful, slightly rosy or golden glow, as if illuminated from within. Your hair typically is fine and straight, and is usually red, sandy or blonde in color. Your complexion tends toward the pink or reddish, and there is often a copious amount of freckles or moles.

* Potential problems: Among the many beauty challenges of pitta skin types is your tendency to develop rashes, rosacea, acne, liver spots or pigment disorders. Because of the large proportion of the fire element in your constitution, your skin does not tolerate heat or sun very well. Of all the three skin types, pitta skin has the least tolerance for the sun, is photosensitive, and most likely to accumulate sun damage over the years. Pitta skin is aggravated by emotional stress, especially suppressed anger, frustration, or resentment.

* Recommendations for care

Avoid excessive sunlight, tanning treatments and highly heating therapies like facial or whole body steams. Avoid hot, spicy foods and favor astringent, bitter and sweet foods which balance pitta. (Again, naturally sweet, not chocolate and refined sugar!) Sweet juicy fruits (especially melons and pears), cooked greens and rose petal preserves are especially good. Drinking plenty of water helps wash impurities from sensitive pitta skin. Reduce external or internal contact with synthetic chemicals, to which your skin is especially prone to react, even in a delayed fashion after years of seemingly uneventful use. Avoid skin products that are abrasive, heating or contain artificial colors or preservatives. Most commercial make-up brands should be avoided in favor of strictly 100% natural ingredient cosmetics. And be sure to get your emotional stress under control through plenty of outdoor exercise, yoga and meditation.

Kapha Skin.

* Description: Kapha dosha is composed of the elements of earth and water. If you have a kapha skin type your skin is thick, oily, soft and cool to the touch. Your complexion is a glowing porcelain whitish color, like the moon, and hair characteristically thick, wavy, oily and dark. Kapha skin types, with their more generous collagen and connective tissue, are fortunate to develop wrinkles much later in life than vata or pitta types.

*Potential problems If your skin becomes imbalanced, it can show up as enlarged pores, excessively oily skin, moist types of eczema, blackheads, acne or pimples, and water retention. Kapha skin is also more prone to fungal infections.

* Recommendations for care

Kapha skin is more prone to clogging and needs more cleansing than other skin types. Be careful to avoid greasy, clogging creams. Likewise, avoid heavy, hard to digest foods like fried foods, fatty meats, cheeses and rich desserts. Eat more light, easy to digest, astringent, bitter and pungent (well-spiced) foods as they balance kapha. Olive oil is the best cooking oil and a little ginger and lime juice can be taken before meals to increase your characteristically sluggish digestive fire. Take warm baths often and use gentle cleansers to open the skin pores. Avoid getting constipated and try to get some exercise every day to increase circulation and help purify the skin through the sweating process.

Inner Beauty: Gunam.

Happy, positive, loving, caring individuals have a special beauty that is far more than skin deep. Conversely we all experience the quick and deleterious effect on our skin from fatigue and stress.

Inner beauty is authentic beauty, not the kind that shows on a made-up face, but the kind that shines through from your soul, your consciousness or inner state of being. Inner beauty comes from a mind and heart that are in harmony, not at odds with each other, causing emotional confusion, loss of confidence, stress and worry. Inner peace is the foundation of outer beauty.

Maintain your self-confidence and a warm, loving personality by paying attention to your lifestyle and daily routine and effective management of stress (I highly recommend the TM technique for its scientifically-verified benefits on mental and physical health and reduced aging.) You will also be healthier and feel better through the day if you eat your main meal at midday and make a habit of going to bed early (by 10 PM is ideal.)

Remember, kindness, friendliness and sincerity naturally attract people to you. On the other hand, being uptight or tense makes people want to walk the other way, regardless of your facial structure, body weight, or other outer signs we associate with attractiveness.

Lasting Beauty: Yayastyag

In order to slow the aging process and gain lasting beauty there are two additional key considerations beyond those already discussed,

1. Eliminate toxins and free radicals in the body: The main deteriorating effects of aging come as toxins and impurities (called ama in Ayurveda) accumulate throughout the body. These toxins may begin as free radicals in the body, or over time may become oxidized into free radicals, all of which contribute to premature aging in the body. For lasting health and beauty it is essential to avoid and neutralize free radicals, to prevent impurities of all kinds from accumulating and to remove those that have already become lodged in the body.

The most powerful cleansing therapy in Maharishi Ayurveda is "panchakarma" therapy, a series of natural treatments ideally performed twice yearly, that involves 5-7 days in a row of massage, heat treatments and mild herbal enemas. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of undergoing this cleansing program once or twice a year to prevent impurities from accumulating, localizing and hardening in the tissues. Just as we change the oil in our cars regularly for optimal performance and lifespan, Ayurveda recommends that we cleanse the "sludge" from our tissues on a regular basis through panchakarma treatments.

Best of all, panchakarma treatments are luxurious, blissful, and make you feel (and look) completely rejuvenated in just a few days time. I have had many a patient who told me that friends asked them afterwards if they had gotten a facelift, they looked so fresh and youthful!

Other free radical busters include: reducing mental stress, eating antioxidant foods like leafy green vegetables, sweet, juicy fruits and cooking on a daily basis with antioxidant, detoxifying spices like turmeric and coriander.

2. Add rejuvenative techniques to daily living:

The daily activities of life in the modern world systematically wear us down and speed up the aging process. Ayurveda maintains it is crucial to practice daily rejuvenative regimens to counteract the stressful wear and tear of everyday life. According to Ayurveda the most important rejuvenative routines for your life are: Going to bed by 10:00 PM. This simple habit is one of the most powerful techniques for health and longevity, according to MAV. Meditate daily. Any meditation that does not involve concentration (which has been shown to increase anxiety) can be very helpful. I highly recommend the twice-daily deep rest and enlivenment of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique, whose benefits have been verified by over 700 published research studies. Eat organic, whole fresh food that is freshly prepared. There is an Ayurvedic saying: "Without proper diet. medicine is of no use. With proper diet, medicine is of no need." Be sure to avoid those leftovers, processed and microwaved foods for better nutrition and vitality. Perform Ayurvedic oil massage in the morning (abhyanga). Morning oil massage purifies the entire body, reduces anxiety and stress, helps prevent and heal injuries and supports circulation. It is especially helpful in creating a radiant complexion and keeping your skin youthful. Research shows it may also help prevent skin cancers. Practice yoga asanas. Maintaining flexibility and circulation is key to health. Practice pranayama (yoga breathing) techniques. Pranayama enlivens the mind and body. Ideally practice the following sequence twice a day. Asanas, pranayama and meditation.

Summary

Everyone's unique beauty shines forth when they have radiant health and personal happiness. Beauty is a side effect of a balanced, fulfilled life. Supreme personal beauty is accessible to everyone who is willing to take more control of their health in their day-to-day life through time-tested principles of natural living.

For most of us, beauty is not a gift but a choice. Every woman can be radiantly beautiful simply by beginning to lead a healthier life. You will be rewarded by the glowing effects you will see in your mirror each day and the powerful, bliss-producing effect your special beauty has on everyone in your life.

About the Author

Nancy Lonsdorf M.D. received her M.D. from Johns Hopkins and did her postgraduate training at Stanford. She has studied Ayurveda with some of the world's most renowned Ayurvedic physicians in India, Europe and the U.S. Dr. Lonsdorf has 17 years of clinical experience with Ayurveda and is currently the Medical Director of The Raj Ayurveda Health Center in Vedic City Iowa.

Dr. Lonsdorf has authored two books on Ayurveda and women's health: A Woman's Best Medicine (Penguin/Putnam 1995 ; ISBN 0-87477-785-2) describing the Ayurvedic approach to the major issues in women's health A Woman's Best Medicine for Menopause (Contemporary/McGraw Hill 2002; ISBN 0-8092-9335-8) describing the Ayurvedic approach to menopause

Doctor Lonsdorf's contact information is:

Nancy Lonsdorf M.D.
1734 Jasmine Avenue
Vedic City, IA 52556
641-472-8246
web site url: http://www.ayurveda-ayurvedic.com/
info@ayurveda-ayurvedic.com

The Lore And Beauty Of Turquoise

2006-07-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

by: Lee Dobbins

Turquoise has been sought after for centuries for it's beauty and healing powers. Well known for it's uses in Native American jewelry and carvings, it has been used for centuries and dates back to ancient Egypt as evidenced by turquoise jewelry found in the ancient Egyptian tombs.

This popular stone can range in color from vivid sky blue to a yellowish green color and is found in mines all over the world. Although quite porous in nature, most turquoise has been stabilized for use in modern jewelry which renders it less apt to chip and protects it from discoloration due to exposure from body oils. Turquoise can be strung as beads, carved into animal fetishes and combined with a variety of other stones to make striking handmade jewelry.

Turquoise gem stones are reputed to have powerful healing properties. This stone is said to help with public speaking as well as enhance calmness and creativity. The wearer of turquoise my also notice improved wisdom and honesty as well as a new sense of empathy. It has also been used to help enhance relationships, strengthen the bond in friendships and allow one to have a better connection with their inner self. It's healing properties are associated with the respiratory, skeletal and digestive systems and has long been used to cleanse the body of toxins.

Turquoise is mined in many places around the world including Iran, China, Turkey, Persia, Egypt adnNorth America. The color of the stone depends on the minerals that are in the ground. Blue stones are found where copper is present, green stones are found where iron is present a yellowish green stone which is quite rare is found where zinc is present and the White Buffalo turquoise found in Nevada is mined where there are no minerals present.

If you wear turquoise jewelry, take care to clean it carefully. This porous stone can be easily damaged if submerged in chemical cleaners. Never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners for your gemstone jewelry. The gentlest method of cleaning is to dip a Q-tip in warm soapy water and wipe the stone with that - wipe again with plain water to remove any soap residue.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lee Dobbins is owner and editor of Artisan Jewelry Online where you can learn more about turquoise jewelry.

The Beauty of Lace

2006-07-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

by: SKY

Lace adds elegance like nothing else does! Lace takes what's already beautiful and makes it gorgeous! You'll see lace everywhere in the world of fashion, whether on stunning evening gowns or on delicate lingerie. Lace can also make a big statement in the home. Curtains, tablecloths, even pillowcases are made more beautiful.

There are many kinds of lace. History is rich with the story of how they came into being, having been created in different parts of the world and at different times. Bedfordshire Lace was used to dress up vintage handkerchiefs, Point de Gaze Lace from Belgium carries a gauzy look, Gros Point Lace was extremely popular in 1670, and has made a big comeback in these last few years. Xiao Sham lace from China is intricate beyond description.

Perhaps the crowning glory of fine lace is on a young woman's wedding dress. This is a dress to remember for all time, and much of its beauty is owed to the lace that adorns it. But whether it's for such an occasion as that, or for everyday use, lace really does make things nicer!

About the author:
http://www.a1-2more-4u.com

The Beauty of a Rose

2006-07-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

by: Rose DesRochers

There is an old English Proverb that goes like this a friend in need is a friend indeed. How true! Having a special friend you can turn to in good times and in bad is a beautiful and splendiferous thing. Leo F. Buscaglia said: "A single rose can be my garden...a single friend my world, "To illustrate this point, let me tell you a story about friendship.

The Beauty of a Rose

I was walking through the forest and through the bushes I heard weeping .I followed the sound of the soft cry until I arrived at a woman sitting upon the snow .Her eyes were filled with tears and her heart heavy from life. I sat upon the cold snow with her and I offered her my shoulder and my ears.

"What is your name", she asked". I smiled at her and I said, "My name is Faith, my middle name is hope and my last name is compassion. I saw a faint smile come upon her face as I asked her "what is your name? " "My name is flower child and "I had given up on hope, faith was something I was loosing site of and I have no more compassion to give. "

I asked her if I may read her a poem and through the poem I showed her self-worth .That it was more important for her to have self worth for when she loved herself others would love her to. I showed her reality, that you can not save the world if people don't or won't listen. I spoke of how important it was to have a compassion for others.

I showed her praise, I praised her for staying strong when she had given up on faith. I showed her patience as this was something not easy for any of us. Things take time I told her. Sometimes people just don't want to accept what is in front of them. I told her to please hang on that someday they may learn respect. I then said to her this you see flower child this is hope

We sat and talked awhile and I saw a smile come back through flower Childs eyes. I picked up a wild Rose that was laying there in the snow. I placed the rose it in her hand. It wasn't everyday you had roses in winter. This is friendship the most important of all things in our life. It is truly as rare as this rose in the snow. When you receive it cherish it and don't ever let it die.

Then I smiled, I handed her a piece of paper with my number on it and I walked away. She called me the next day and I heard join in her soft voice. She told me that she had thought of me and I truly lived up to my name. I think she found her faith, her hope and her compassion. She said she found it in me but I think she had it in her all along. But what she did not have was the friendship of a Rose or an earth angel to help guide her along

We all need someone in life to say I believe in you. Friendship is as rare as a rose in the snow. When you receive it cherish it don't let it ever die. Life is too short not to cherish those who show us compassion. Don't let silly things stand in our way. For friendship is the beauty of a rose.

The Beautiful Bride To Be - Beauty Tips For The Big Day

2006-07-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

by: Declan Tobin

It goes without saying that we all want to look our best for the big day. So preparation is the key. Take care of your skin, hair and body in the months leading up to the wedding and you will have a good base to start from.

Starting with body, you want to look slim and happy in your wedding gown not bloated and insecure so watch what you eat in the months coming up to the wedding and exercise regularly. A good tip to prevent bloating as sworn by Hollywood stars before the Oscars are to cut down on carb's the last few weeks before the big day. This should eliminate any unwanted bumps and bulges.

To give your skin that healthy glow desired by all, you need to drink plenty of water, at least 2 liters per day, dehydrated skin looks dull, dry and unattractive. The essential fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, nuts and seeds are essential for beautiful skin and hair, try to eat as much of these as possible. Jennifer Lopez swears by this, she is so well known for her glowing, perfect skin that her perfume was called Glow in reference to her glowing complexion.

Keep your skin in shape with a daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine. It's very important that you are using the right products for your skin type. You can get advice from your local beauty sales counters on the best products out there for you. Remember to exfoliate your skin weekly, this will eliminate old dull skin cells and reveal new fresh skin beneath.

You should have an exfoliating routine for your back, arms and chest or any other part of your skin that will be on show in your dress. This will give a lovely healthy shine to your body. Remember to lash on loads of body cream after you exfoliate to sooth and moisten the skin.

If you are unlucky enough to have dry frizzy hair or you use color and harsh styling products regularly, you need to give your hair regular hair masks to bring the life and shine back to your tresses. Most salons provide hair treatments with lovely essential oil and vitamin products, which are great for your hair and scalp as a lovely weekly or biweekly treat. The price can range from $30 to $80 depending on the salon.

If you are more of a DIY girl why don't you purchase your own intensive moisturizing hair conditioner and do your own treatment. When you have put the treatment in the hair apply heat to using a hairdryer, then wrap your hair in cling film to keep in the heat, leaving as long as you desire this will prove a more intense treatment allowing the moisture to penetrate the hair cuticle.

Your hair will be shining with health and smelling yummy on the big day.

Now for the real magic "make up" of course. Now that you are all glowing and beautiful nature sometimes needs a little help to give us that Hollywood beauty we all desire. The next step is your make up application. If you are going to get your make up done professionally you should shop around, just be cause they are "professionals" doesn't mean they are talented.

Make sure you have an idea of what you want to look like on the day, bring bridal photos with make up styles you like and ideas on what hair style you will have also helps.

A clean fresh look always works with definition on the eyes. Make up that looks good in person is usually too little for photographs; the last thing you want is your eye disappearing in the photos. A good idea is to bring an instant camera with you and take photos of the various make up looks you have tried out, between you discuss what you like and don't like. Remember a photograph is less forgiving than a mirror.

Finally your hair, the range of styles are endless. Do not try out any new hair colors or cuts in the months leading up to the wedding, You don't want to try something different and trendy and then hate it leaving you no time to grow it out. Stick to what you know suits you. Also going for the most up to date styles isn't recommended you don't want to look back on your photos in ten years time explaining to your kids how it was fashonable at the time.

The first decision up or down? Wearing your hair up shows off your neckline and bone structure, always flattering in photographs. On the other hand more people are going for the sexy wavy tresses look that is being sported by Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston on her wedding day, very bohemian chic.

Your wedding gown will ultimately dictate your hairstyle. The rule of thumb is usually sexy wavy tresses equals' plain simple dress. The simple up style will flatter the more elaborate dress. Either way what you feel comfortable with and the prettiest with is the style for you, a happy comfortable bride is a pretty bride.

About The Author

Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice on purchasing a variety of Wedding Dresses which includes Wedding gowns, Designer wedding gowns, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your wedding interests. http://www.no1-in-wedding-dresses.com

Take Care of your Inner Beauty

2006-07-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

by: Hifzur Rehman

Let us talk about beauty from a different angle!

We have our own criteria for judging the beauty of a woman. We look the beauty of a lady from a certain angle and then pass the remarks whether she is beautiful or not. It's not fair. Let me tell every woman that she is unique and beautiful.

The business of beauty is thriving everywhere. Women are spending much of their time and money on buying beauty products. Even in the third world countries, women living below the poverty line, buy cheap and substandard beauty products, which give more harm to their skin than good.

It's the fundamental right of every woman to look beautiful. Every woman wants to listen the sweet words "you are beautiful". But the beauty of a woman is far from her looks or figure. Physical beauty is only one aspect while a beautiful charming personality is a complete blend of many fine characteristics such as good manners, etiquette, behavior, smile, intelligence, sense of humor, social and family values etc., all make a woman look beautiful and attractive.

Didn't you know that there is a marked difference between a carefully hand woven expensive Persian carpet and a cheap machine made carpet. Both of these cannot be equated. A beautiful woman is like an elegant hand-knotted Persian carpet. Each and every silky, colorful thread of her character, nicely woven into her personality, gives a woman an everlasting beauty and attraction.

Looks are very important indeed but the characteristics of a person are much more important. Besides taking care of your physical beauty, why not think of improving your inner beauty. The beauty which everyone admires is becoming a rare commodity these days. While on your way to a beauty parlor keep on thinking ways of improving your inner beauty.

Take care of yourself and take care of your inner beauty. No doubt you are a beautiful person!

Hifzur Reman is the author of popular articles on self improvement. He is also the editor of his website: http://www.selfimprovement.ch which is a great source of self-improvement related information on various aspects of life. A visit to his site will open the doors of success for you!

Sugar Sweet Beauty

2006-07-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

by: Danielle Sims

Create inexpensive beauty products using the main ingredient, sugar.
In the self-care and beauty industry, the latest craze is to include sugar in skin care products. If you search the internet you will find everything from sugar body scrubs to sugar hair removers. The prices can range from $8.00 to $35.00 for each product. How's that for a product in which the main ingredient can cost you a no more that $3.00 for a 5 pound bag!

To enjoy all of the benefits of a sugar based product without shelling out the big bucks, trys these recipes:

Orange Cream Sugar Body Scrub

This recipe is great to remove dead skin and give your skin a healthy glow. The sugar contains glycolic acid and the cream is a source for lactic acid. Avoid irritated or broken skin areas.

Ingredients: ½ cup sugar, 2 TBSP cream or whole milk, 5 drops orange oil, and 1 cup olive, jojoba, or almond oil

Mix sugar, oil and cream together. Add orange oil after main ingredients are completely mixed.

Apply to your body by starting at the feet and working your way up. Massage in a circular motion and leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then shower it off. This recipe is enough to make one full body treatment.

Lemon Head Sugar Body Scrub

This recipe is both cleansing and detoxifying. Lemon is very detoxifying to the body and will also help brighten the skin.

Ingredients: ½ cup sugar, 10 drops lemon oil, or ½ a lemon freshly squeezed, and 1 cup olive, jojoba, or almond oil

Mix all ingredients together. Apply to your body by starting at the feet and working your way up. Massage in a circular motion, then shower it off. This recipe is enough to make one full body treatment.

Facial Cleanser

Ingredients:

white or brown sugar, your favorite facial cleanser, witch hazel, and water

Using your favorite daily facial soap, an easy, inexpensive facial scrub can be made by adding sugar. Simply add a teaspoon of either white sugar or brown sugar and massage it gently on your facial skin. Rinse with cool water and spritz your face with a ½ witch hazel and ½ water mixture.

Sugar is a natural and inexpensive way to include alpha-hydroxy acids in your skincare program. It produces glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, which is included in many skincare product lines. Today's pricey beauty products that include sugar or alpha hydroxy acid, can be created inexpensively right at your kitchen table. You can experience all of the benefits without the inflated price.

About the Author

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

Simple Beauty - 10 Tips that are Free and Easy

2006-07-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

by: Marie Gervacio

It is simple to look and feel more beautiful starting today. You can even put away your pocketbook because these tips are free.

Smile... it will brighten your day and others around you will feel your energy.
Stretch... cats know that total body stretch does wonders. Follow their example and roll up slowly out of bed and stretch gently. (For more tips on stretching here is a great book: AM/ PM Stretch for Health.)
Exercise... at least 20 mins of any continuous activity will boost your energy level and reduce bad stressors. You don't even to pay a membership fee. The key is continuous like a 20min walk or even mopping your floors. You will look and feel better.
Drink water. No other liquid is quite like it. Clear your system. 8 glasses are recommended daily. Your skin will radiate.
Rest... you need to take breaks during the day and sleep at night. Takes breaks away from work space to keep fresh and focused. Make sure you are getting sufficient sleep at night since your body regenerates while you are sleeping. If you are constantly letting your mind wonder make a conscious decision to put away thoughts till morning. It is amazing how good your subconscious mind listens to your conscious mind (so be careful what you tell yourself)
Do good. When you do something for someone else without expecting anything in return you benefit in ways unimaginable. (the key is don't expect anything in return)
Exchange... the money you spend on junk food for food that will enrich your body and soul. Start with a simple plan of exchange. Because some think healthy foods cost more, find out your spending pattern by making 2 lists:

foods you like that are healthy that you normally don't buy
foods you like that are "junk food" that you normally buy

Calculate the cost of the 2nd list then use this amount to fund your "healthy" purchase. (of course you have to say bye-bye to the "junk food")
"Stop and smell the roses". Look for good in everything. This is a toughie because most of us are "trained" to look for faults, errors, shortcomings, defects, etc. Begin with yourself. List all your assets (not just physical). Then realize all the good in being you. Move on to other things around you. Work on this consciously every day till it becomes a habit. There is something good about everything and everyone. Once you realize this you will be finding good everywhere without even trying.
Learn... something new every day. Pick up a book. or search online. Learn to do something you have always wanted to do. You can even start for free by researching online. Search the subject and start stimulating and enriching your mind today.
Reward yourself. Set financial and personal goals and tag them with rewards for accomplishing them. (this one may be something special you have always wanted to do. and not necessarily a purchase.. But if you have done all the above maybe go ahead and splurge a little. You deserve it!

About the Author

Marie Gervacio is founder and editor of SimpleBeautyTips.com , ShineYourStar.com and WhoisMarieGervacio.com/index.html Get free info and downloads on beauty at http://simplebeautytips.com

Should you make your own beauty products?

2006-07-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

by: Womanht

With the huge range of beauty products on the shelves, why do some people still make their own beauty products?

I started making my own skin care products years ago. I got a book about natural skin care. You can actually make masks out of mashed fruit. They are really messy though, but back then, I was really broke. Could not afford to spend on good skin care so I made do with what I could get.

I mashed watermelon and put in on my face. My face felt really clean, but there was a bit of a rash after that. I also read that papaya was used in spas for back exfoliating masks. In fact, the enzymes in papayas and pineapples are often used to exfoliate the skin. These can be rather harsh though, so I never tried that on my face.

One thing led to another. I moved on to make my own creams. I went through a period of time where every body lotion I tried from the stores, from the cheap ones to the $20 ones, made my skin itch. That prompted me to make my own body cream.

The cream recipes I found were mainly for cold cream. These were really heavy, oil based stuff. I wanted something lighter. A water based lotion.

A cream is basically droplets of water suspended in oil, kept in that state by an emulsifier. For my creams, I used beeswax as an emulsifier.

I experimented in the kitchen. After plenty of failed experiments. I finally came up with lotion in a texture I simply loved.

A lotion is made of droplets of oil suspended in water, kept together by an emulsifier. I used lecithin for my lotion. Here are some of the lotions I made.

By varying the water based part, using rosewater or tea instead of plain water, you can make all sorts of lotions. Likewise, you can play around with the oil part of the formula, with various infused oils, or a few drops of different essential oils, to change the lotion or cream. You can make tailor your beauty products to your personal tastes, and needs.

I had lots of fun with that. My skin loved these home made creams when they were fresh.

I even made a batch tailored specially for a cousin, using ingredients that she loves.

Yet, I have since stopped making them.

Why?

Laziness is the main reason. Lack of time is another reason.

So much care must go into making the lotions which don't keep. For me, even if I keep the lotions refrigerated, 2 days after making the lotion, if I use it on my face, my skin breaks out. 3 days later, if I use it on my body, my skin itches.

Preservatives are put in commercial skin care products to prevent these from spoiling. Without preservatives, bacteria, mould and all these nasty things multiply rapidly, spoiling the entire batch, causing nasty reactions on the skin. These home made beauty products don't have preservatives. That meant that I had to make new batches of skincare almost everyday.

Also, care must be taken to ensure all the equipment is sterile so the final product is safe to use. Carelessness could introduce lots of nasty germs into the beauty products you make. The water and oil component must be heated to the same temperature and drops of one are added to the other while mixing thoroughly or the batch might separate.

It is so much more convenient to buy beauty products from brands that agree with my skin condition, than to make them from scratch. That is what I have been doing lately. Plus the reknown skincare lines are way better than what I can make. I mean, with their R & D budgets, they can afford to do plenty of research on creating the most effective beauty products for virtually any beauty need.

At the end of the day, whether you make your beauty products or buy them off the shelf, it is a matter of your personal preference.
About the Author

The writer is the writer of the articles in Beauty from A Woman's Heart.

Seeking Ideal Beauty

2006-07-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

by: Jeannine Schenewerk

There seems to me to be definite parallels between this era, and the Elizabethan Age, when it comes to women, and their desperate struggle to either halt the natural aging of their appearance, or, to discover a miracle age-reversal method. During the sixteenth century, well-born women were obsessed with achieving, and maintaining, 'ideal' beauty, as they perceived it, to the point of what we would call 'madness'. What was this ideal they so longed to possess? Youthful unlined alabaster skin, overly bright eyes, red cheeks and lips, and the fairest of hair colors. Add to these attributes, a high, arched, pale eyebrow, and high brow line. To achieve the 'look' of perfection, these women made use of the period's highly respected skin care techniques, and the finest cosmetics available to them, at the time.

First, the hairline was plucked back, an inch or more. Next, the eyebrows had to be plucked and arched, and the hair of the head and eyebrows was then bleached out using a variety of the most up-to-date bleaching agents, including urine, and sulfuric acid. Women, who could afford the high cost, purchased the top of the line skin whitener, 'ceruse', a mixture of white lead, and vinegar. This was used on the face, neck, bosom, and often the hands and arms as well. This concoction was used in conjunction with the 'skin firmer' of choice, uncooked egg white. This noxious mess was then spread on the face, neck and bosom, and allowed to dry, to tighten, and hide wrinkles, and give the face a white, unlined, mask-like finish. To imitate a blush and pout of youthful beauty, vermilion (mercuric sulfide) was THE choice for lips and cheeks. Faintly traced veins were then added to the skin surface of the bosom, for that 'natural' look. Drops of belladonna were then administered to the eyes, to achieve that desired 'sparkle', and the eyes were outlined in kohl. To care for their complexions, the ladies made use of what was highly touted as the best cleanser. Mercury mixed with alum, and honey. Of course, a common practice was the 'facial peel', and the most widely used, and highly regarded peel agent, was mercury.

These were the commonly accepted 'beauty' practices, of women over four hundred years ago, and yet, how 'in the moment', it all seems! We may not use mercury for chemical peels, but glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid; trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or carbolic acid (phenol) - are used. We don't spread raw egg white on our complexions as a temporary skin firmer, but modern women may be surprised to learn, they could very well have used 'skin firmers' containing formaldehyde. We may gasp in horror over sixteenth century women applying poison to their faces; yet, Botox injections seem perfectly mundane, and safe, to us.
What were the long-term results of the use of their miracle beauty and facial products, for the classy Elizabethan lady? Complexions more rapidly aged, gray, shriveled, and mummified.

When I read of young women still in their twenties, opting for 'beauty treatments' that require they have their complexions chemically treated, or otherwise ravaged, I am appalled. I can only wonder at the long-term effects of such drastic measures. Mature women, obsessed with seeking some elusive anti-aging/age-reversal miracle, become nothing more than willing test-subjects for any new facial product/procedure that hits the market. Often, they have no idea as to the ingredients in the products they are smearing on their faces. Nor, do they take into consideration future effects of certain procedures. Perhaps, we modern women should consider the lessons of the past, and proceed with caution, and common sense, when choosing our 'beauty' regimens.

Author-Jeannine Schenewerk
http://www.intouchwithjeannine.com

About the Author

Jeannine Schenewerk is a freelance writer residing in Atlanta, Georgia. Her recent article, 'Self Image and the Mature Woman', has been published on numerous sites. She maintains an informative, inspirational, website, 'In Touch With Jeannine', for mature women.
http://www.intouchwithjeannine.com

Secret of Health & Beauty

2006-07-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

by: G.J Bajaj

AMLA ( EMBLICA OFFICINALIS )
FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTY

AMLA, proudly known as 'Indian Gooseberry' has been the key constituent of many Ayurvedic formulations. And nowadays, it has been accepted by almost all medical branches as a result of extensive research carried at Germany, England, India, and various other countries.

IN AYURVEDA, importance of Amla has been ascertained from the experiments and experiences of ancient Rishi-Munis of India, namely Charak, Chyavan, Atreya, Kartik, Vrat Koumudi, and many others. Amla is considered one of the strongest rejunevatives (rasayana), particularly for blood, bones, liver, heart and skin.

SOURCE OF NATURAL VITAMIN C : Amla is exceptionally rich source of vitamin C and powerful anti-oxidant. 100 gm. of Amla contains about 700 mg. of vitamin C, which is thirty times the amount found in oranges.

VITAMIN C : Vitamin C is essential for making 'Collagen' in the body. Collagen provides much of the framework in the cell or tissues, just as the skeleton provides the framework for the body. Thus, Vitamin C plays the vital role in growth and repair of tissues in ALL PARTS of human body, and hence it is useful for treatment as well as prevention of so many diseases. It enhances the overall immunity.
" When your immune system is strong,
You get sick less often, and recover quickly."

POTENCY OF AMLA : Research has shown that Amla is 12 times more assimilable and creates more potent medicinal effect than synthetic vitamin C, known as Ascorbic acid. Researchers have also shown that just 8.7 mg of natural vitamin C from Amla is equivalent to 100 mg of synthetic vitamin C. The synthetic vitamin C is missing vital nutrients such as Rutin, Bioflavonoids and the "J" & "K" factors.

MODERN SCIENCES: The modern sciences too, have accepted the supremacy of Amla towards imparting health and beauty, due to its very high vitamin C content.
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE researchers, published the result of their study, based on a single measurement of vitamin C in the blood of 19,496 individuals aged 45 to 79 state that : as concentrations of vitamin C in blood plasma went up, the risk of dying from all causes went down.

This report in the March 3, 2001 issue of 'Lancet' state that the risk of death from all causes including heart disease, cut in half for individuals who have highest levels of vitamin C in blood. In the findings of Dr. Kay Tee Khaw, the high blood levels of vitamin C were associated with a decreased risk for cancer.

AN ANTIOXIDANT : Oxidation is removal of electrons from the molecular oxygen and to convert it to an active form called as 'oxidant'. It has a tendency to acquire electrons and damage most cell structures by releasing DNA damaging free radicals. The Vitamin C in Amla is a well-known antioxidant, which is able to inactivate DNA-damaging free radicals, by releasing oxygen electrons. Thus vitamin C in Amla prevents the abnormal growth of cells in all parts of body.

H.L.NEWBOLD, in his book "VITAMIN C AGAINST CANCER", has interviewed four Noble Prize Winner scientists, and professors from some of the world's best-known medical centers. He reports the latest findings about vitamin C as a promising new weapon in the battle against cancer- not only for treatment, but also for prevention. Few lines between the covers of his book have been quoted below:

.. (Nobel Prize Winner) Dr. Linus Pauling and Ewan Cameron began an experiment with 1100 terminally ill cancer patients. The results: the 100 patients taking vitamin C had lived four times as long as 1000 control patients who received no added vitamin C.

.. cholesterol is broken down and eliminated as bile acids. Vitamin C is beneficial to heart patients.

.Mr. Cameron said that in terminally ill cancer patients treated with vitamin C : not only their lives prolonged, but also the quality of their lives was greatly improved during the time they did live. This freedom from pain was most important for terminally ill cancer patients.

.We (human beings) cannot make our own vitamin C.
.one should not wait for the application of vitamin C until one gets ill. We should take it all the time.

.like oxygen and water, vitamin C is an indispensable part of the life of every living creature on this globe.

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES: Amla is not only a wonderful antioxidant, but it has proven anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, yeast inhibiting, nematicidal, anabolic, anti-hepatoxic, anti-hyperhidrosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, anti-spasmodic, hypolipidemic, and hypotensive relieving properties. It also acts as an antacid and anti-tumorganic agent. In addition, it increases protein synthesis and thus useful in cases of hypoglycemia.

q PREVENTIVE AND IMMUNITY ENHANCING, ANTI-AGING USES OF HEALTH FOOD : AMLA POWDER
HEALTH

Cough, Bronchitis, Asthma, Intermittent fevers
Hyperacidity, Bilious vomiting, Gastritis
Ulcer, Jaundice, Hepatitis
Hemoglobin, Red blood cell count, Anemia
Cholesterol, Hypertension, Cardiac disorders
Diabetes
Ophthalmopathy, Cataract
Rheumatism, Osteoarthritis
Diarrhea, Dysentery
Gonorrhea, Spermatorrhea,
Sexual rejuvenation
Scurvy, Bleeding gums
Cancer
HIV
Heavy metal poisoning

PREVENTIVE AND IMMUNITY ENHANCING, ANTI-AGING USES OF HEALTH FOOD : AMLA POWDER
BEAUTY

Premature graying and hair loss
Skin diseases, wrinkles on skin
Obesity
Anti-aging

q RECOMMENDED DOSES : Daily intake of dietary vitamin C
(According to U.S. RDA), are listed below :

Infants age below 1 year : 30 to 35 mg
Children age 1 to 14 years : 40 to 50 mg
Adolescent age 15 to 18 years : 65 to 75 mg
Men age over 18 years : 90 mg
Women age over 18 years : 75 mg

In accordance with above chart, as a HEALTH FOOD & BEST DIETARY SUPPLEMENT, about one teaspoonfull of vitamin c rich, quality Amla Powder is sufficient for enhancing general immune system. Daily doses of powder can be adjusted with the age.

As we cannot make our own vitamin C, and the body excretes any excess of the same, the regular intake of herbal Amla Fruit Powder is highly recommended for all the people.

About the author:
url: http://www.kanhaiyaamla.com

Real Beauty Fitness

2006-07-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

by: Ruby Boyd

Fitness and beauty can be one and the same. Being fit and healthy
will automatically make you look better. A healthy inside creates
a healthy outside.

Fitness through exercise can help you to maintain a healthy
body weight and improve muscle tone.

Our looks reflect the sum total of who we are and how we live,
and the best we can do in life is to make the best of what
nature has given is, without excuse, apology, or pretense.
If we try to live otherwise, we find ourselves acting on a stage
with other actors and actresses--great pretenders without real
friends, without real lovers, without real relationships.

While we realize that there is such a thing as "natural beauty,"
which is beyond all standards of culture and history in some
sense, there are also "relative" standards of beauty.

We all know about fads, styles, and adornments that are "in" one
season and "out" the next. This includes cosmetics, hair styles,
clothing, and even body weight and size.

These standards may vary from country to country, year to year,
or even among different age groups in the same country and year.

For example, full figures are considered the ideal in some
historical periods, but slender figures are valued now--at
least in Western countries.

The point is that cultural standards change--and we may choose
to follow or ignore them--because the cultivation of natural
beauty is not dependent upon fads.

In order to get along harmoniously, whether at the level of
dating, courtship, or marriage, men and women have to get past
physical looks and into the more important qualities that make
up human relationships, such as kindness, friendship, and areas
of mutual interest.

There is such a thing as a beautiful personality. There can be
beauty in the way a person thinks. An attitude or smile can be
beautiful. Love is certainly beautiful, and all of life is
beautiful when we are in love.

A person is truly beautiful when he or she is healthy. Any
disease or illness affects all parts of the body, sometimes
for many years before the symptoms are manifested. If the body
and mind are not healthy, then a person cannot feel or be truly
attractive.

Good health brings a glow to the skin, a ring to the voice, a
twinkle to the eye, and a spring to the step that no beauty
school can teach.

Learn more at Beauty Fitness.

www.a1-natural-health-and-beauty.com

Pure Truth About 'All Natural' Products & Other Beauty Myths

2006-07-07T05:49:00.000-07:00

by: Deanna Ferber

Myth: "All Natural" Beauty Products Are Best

Pure Truth: First of all, there are not really any 'all natural' products available for commercial sale. Unless you make them yourself, and are prepared to refrigerate them & use them within a few days, you really can't find any. This is because, just as in food products, the ingredients are perishable.

Just think what would happen to a jar of 'natural' ingredients sitting on your vanity... The smell alone would keep me from opening the lid, let alone touching it! So beauty products, like foods, use preservatives to give them added shelf time. When you buy products, they have to last through storage with the company, shipping and still have some time left for you to use them. As for the term 'natural' it is not even regulated. This means any company can call their product natural, no matter what it contains.

Myth: Chemicals Are Bad For Your Skin

Pure Truth: Not all chemicals are bad for your skin. Just as medicines are chemical or synthetic versions of medicinal plants, so the science of chemistry brings us beauty products. Many natural ingredients have been re-created in synthetic form for ease of use & distribution, which can also make them cheaper to supply.

Myth: Product Packaging Does Nothing But Add To The Price

Pure Truth: Many people believe there is no importance to the packaging of beauty products, that the bottles and jars are just made 'neat looking' in order to make us buy the products. This can be true, but with some of the 'new' beauty ingredients, packaging has a much larger, more important role. Some ingredients are considered unstable, meaning they are affected by sunlight and air exposure. For those ingredients, like retinol and some antioxidants, the packaging is a big deal. If you want to get some use of what you paid for, look for packaging that limits the products exposure. This may mean a dark colored container, or those similar to pharmaceutical products.

Myth: Buying Beauty Products Is a Gamble

Pure Truth: If you want to avoid buying products that simply don't work, being an educated consumer is your best bet. For the best information on cosmetics ingredients in the US, go to the http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-prd.html, the FDA site. This site also has information on labeling & label claims.

There are also several websites with product reviews, done by independent consumers, just like you. The best sites will post the reviewers' information, so you can get an idea if the reviewer's skin type, age etc. is similar to your own. Two review sites are http://www.cosmeticconnection.com and http://www.emakemeup.com/reviewboard/cgi-bin/main.cgi. You may also try the various message boards devoted to beauty. These boards are a great place to get information on new products or companies before you buy. And reputable companies will allow exchanges and refunds. If the company you are considering doesn't, look for another... In the competitive beauty game, you can always find a company that is more like to cover your bet.

Deanna Ferber is President of GlamKitty, a cosmetics and skin care company dedicated to helping Busy Women with 9 Lives find their own Tabby Chic (tm). Take a 'paws' in your day at http://glamkitty-beauty.com

Proven Beauty Tips For Women Who Can't Seem To Find Time To

2006-07-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

by: Caryl B. Grecia

This page is dedicated to the busy woman who juggles professional and personal life so efficiently but seems to frequently forget to include herself in her timetable. Women superheroes look gorgeous on TV, magazines and comics. So can YOU -you're the daily superhero who comes unnoticed and most of the time, disregarded! It's time to come out.

Give yourself the rewards fit for royal ladies, princesses and queens- PAMPER yourself!

No, keep your wallets and step out of those walking shoes. You are not going anywhere. Stay glued right in front of your screens for a few minutes and you'll soon be on your way to that awaited luxury.

Tidying up is one of the most vital chores every woman accomplishes. Most of the time, she is the one who sees to the cleanliness of the home. Cleanliness protects the family from germs and eventually, sickness. She knows it and so, cleanliness has to start on herself.

It is typical for a woman to stay so long inside the bathroom. Many say it is her domain. Yes! And the other place where you see her reign is The Kitchen. These parts of the house are the certified zones for women. The kitchen and the bathroom are the areas you could get on with the treats and transformation processes.

When night finally comes, clear everybody out of your domains and start on with the program. Just make sure that the dishes are all done, the house is clean and the kids are all tucked up. You wouldn't want someone banging on the bathroom door after a few minutes.

It would be marvelous to wake up the next day already looking gorgeous without going to the hairdresser. Starting from the crowning glory - the hair, give it a boost, a life! A homemade shampoo of egg, hot water and an ounce of fresh rosemary would do the first trick. Rinse. Then follow up with deep conditioner of mayonnaise and avocado. Rinse. Then, finally, give your hair the energy it needs with olive oil and vitamin E liquid combined in boiling water. Cover with a hot towel and leave on for 30 minutes.

A hot bath would be one of the best ways to soothe the knots from the shoulders to the feet. Create a relaxing atmosphere by lighting little candles or lamps with your favorite aromatherapy oils. For more calming and relaxing bath, you could add milk and lemon juice to the water to achieve silky smooth skin right after. Or, you could give your skin the vitamins it needs without actually taking tablets or syrups orally. Instead of swallowing the vitamin E capsules, just poke them with a pin and squeeze out the oil to the tub along with regular sea salt and drops of your favorite essence oils for an invigorating soak. Once inside the tub, you might imagine that you are in an expensive spa instead of just in your own bathroom.

However, if you don't have that much time for a dip, you could always have an alternative. Have some invigorating body scrub in the shower. Exfoliate your skin with a combination of finely ground oatmeal and almond oil. Let the pour of water massage your body at the same time cleanse it.

Free your face of worry wrinkles. You wouldn't want to look older than your age, do you? Combine vodka, fennel seeds and honey (let sit for 3 days) and apply as toner with a cotton ball to do the trick. A mask made of mashed ripe banana and honey will give your face a new, vibrant feel. When going somewhere, you might want to highlight your eyes and cheeks for more stunning effect without really going through extensive alterations. You can bring out the natural beauty of your eyes and cheeks by putting the perfect shade of foundation, eye shadow, blush on and lipstick properly. The trick here is to know your skin type and skin color and to determine the colors that would compliment the shape and type of the face. And at the end of each day (or night) do not forget to remove make-up. One secret is to mix castor oil, light olive oil and canola oil. Then with a cotton ball, apply tenderly over the eyes to remove make up. Keep the shine off your face too, by using lemon juice mixed with cold-water toner. When a trace of pimple is showing on your face, prevent it by placing an ice cube wrapped in saran over the threatening pimple. Retain the freshness in your face.

Your feet deserve the total rest they badly need after carrying you anywhere you want to go. Give them a rest for a few moments by propping them on a chair. Then prepare a great footbath something you'd find in a posh spa. Treat them to a deodorizing bath with Epsom salts, white vinegar and warm water. Then exfoliate them with a mixture of strawberries, olive oil, kosher salt and finely chopped almonds. For smooth and soft feet overnight, smear on a mixture of banana, honey, lemon juice and natural margarine. Wear thick socks to bed and rinse the next day. Follow with a foot deodorizing powder made from baking powder and drops of your favorite essential oils. Your feet will love you.

And after doing everything, your hands need the last attention. Make sure that you have done the last of your chores so that your hands could get the treat they deserve. A hot oil hand treatment could leave your hands feeling soft and gentle. Heat olive oil in a dish and soak fingers to soften cuticles and strengthen nails. Combine cold cream, honey and slivered almonds to make a scrub then leave on for 10 minutes. Wrap hands in hot hand towels tightly for 10 minutes. Remove the rinse and apply leftover olive oil. Wrap hand again in towel or inexpensive cotton hand gloves. Then put plastic over gloves and seal with rubber bands and let stay for 10 minutes. You'll feel the moisture as it creates a terrarium effect.

After the program, you'd feel relaxed and almost lulled to sleep. Indulge! And tomorrow, do not be surprised to feel new and energized. Then check yourself out, feel your skin, your hands and your feet - still amazingly smooth and soft, right? It's not so difficult going through all your daily routines when you're especially in good mood - inspired! Did your family notice?

The flattery is quite addictive, right? You could say it's magic. You didn't have to go out of the house to feel great! You didn't even spend anything because, the oatmeal was just on the top cabinet, and the herbs just at the corner table. The hubby wouldn't probably notice that you took a little of his vodka from the bar.

And the best thing there is, you wake up feeling so good, you'd still be delighted enough to make a mouth-watering but un-sinfully delicious dessert! Again, indulge!

And while driving the kids to school or sitting on your desk at your office, have some easy and simple exercises that could trim and shape you up! No need to call on that gorgeous health instructor with enviously sexy body. Have it yourself - at home.

Start now!

About the Author

The writer, Caryl B. Grecia, works for Sphinx Cyberworld Ventures whose website, www.beautytips1001.com , features the e-book for natural beauty secrets entitled "1001 Beauty Tips - Bring Out Your Natural Beauty". This e-book provides comprehensive and proven natural treatment tips for acne, skin care, hair care, make-up guide, effective work out and weight loss program and scrumptious but totally healthy recipes. This is your total health guide.

Olive Oil In Your Beauty Routine?

2006-07-07T05:46:00.000-07:00

by: Melissa Eaton

We all know that olive oil is wonderful and healthy for us to cook with, but what about its other uses? Truthfully, olive oil is another main ingredient in several beauty products you can buy on the shelf. See for yourself how you can make your own skin cocktails and save a little money at the same time.

A mixture of 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, & 1/4 cup water used as a night cream will make your skin glow. The olive oil softens and moisturizes and the vinegar lightens discolorations, kills bacteria and loosens dead skin cells. Splash water on your face before applying.
Olive oil can be used as cleansing cream if your skin is dry.
For a facial, wet face thoroughly, then massage olive oil into your skin. Use about a half teaspoon of sugar and scrub your face with that, then wipe off gently with a warm, wet cloth until the sugar is all gone.
Use olive oil on your feet with clean white cotton socks. Helps to soften up you feet and it absorbs better than baby oil.
It seems when you pour olive oil out there is always a drip, so wipe it up with your hand and rub it in to your elbows. Wonderful softening properties.
Use olive oil as bath oil. Two to three tablespoons will do the trick.
Use olive oil for your hair. Not only does it condition, but it also gets rid of the frizz. Put a small drop into your palm & then rub both hands together & apply it to dry hair.

Just a few of the many creative uses for olive oil in your skin care routine. Not only is it cheap, but it will go alot further than most products you can buy. Have fun and be creative.

About The Author

Melissa is a professional cosmetologist who is constantly updating her education. For daily updates including tips, secrets and other information, please visit her blog at http://bizewomanbeautytips.blogspot.com/. Beauty doesn't have to cost a fortune!

"Inimitable Beauty With Imitation Diamonds"

2006-07-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

by: Peter Crump

Diamonds are forever - the shine is beautiful, but what about the style, and what if you don't have such a deep pocket? Still you want to experience the look and have the sheer glamour. In the twentieth century diamonds are passé. Amongst the other available alternatives moissanite rings make the best choice - why? Moissanite rings are a very beautiful, classy, elegant and affordable alternative to diamond rings.

Though some people feel that nothing symbolizes love like a diamond, most people cannot tell the difference between moissanite rings and a diamond ring and this includes many jewelers also! The biggest pro of moissanite is the cost. If you are on a budget, definitely look into this gem. Moissanite is beautiful enough to be used as a classy alternative to diamond at a fraction of the price.

Go For Moissanite Wedding Rings!

In fact moissanite is actually more refractive than a diamond, giving it more brilliance and fire than a diamond has.
Due to the extreme luster, durability and heat resistance properties of moissanite, it may well replace diamonds in bridal rings for decades to come. It has more luster than diamond and doesn't look like the fake stone that CZ [cubic zirconia] does. It is also very durable. It has a hardness rating of 9.25, almost as hard as a diamond and harder than the other gemstones.

Moissanite originally came from a meteorite in Arizona 50,000 years ago. It has not been found in large enough quantities naturally to be used for jewelry. So, moissanite used in jewelry is grown in labs. It is named after Dr. Henri Moissan the French Nobel Prize winner who discovered it. Most, if not all, moissanite on the market is lab created by Charles and Colvard.

For those who want the beauty, brilliance and durability of an exquisite jewel at a surprisingly affordable price - come, own a piece of this cosmic gem, whose flare and brilliance cannot be matched by anything on Earth! Find beautiful moissanite wedding rings, loose moissanites, moissanite rings, and more at great, discounted prices. Forget the mundane and go for a moissanite ring, you will have a stone from the stars amidst heavens!

Wear a moissanite ring and find out how it feels for yourself.

About the Author

Find out more about Moissanite as well as Moissanite Engagement Rings and other types of Moissanite rings at Peter's website, The Magic of Moissanite.

"Experience The Exquisite Beauty Of Moissanite Rings"

2006-07-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

Natural Beauty: What is it really?

2006-07-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

by: Lori Stryker

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, tocopherol acetate (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 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.
The Organic Makeup Company can be located at www.organicmakeupcompany.com

About the Author

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.

Moissanite Diamonds, The Beauty Of Diamonds Without The Pric

2006-07-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

by: Peter Crump

Moissanite diamonds are taking the gem world by storm. Diamond specialists pride themselves on offering the best to their customers, selling diamonds that shine brilliantly and beautifully, not only because of the professional reputation they have worked so hard to foster, but also because they respect and admire the medium with which they work.

So it might come as something of a surprise that many professional gemmologists are now selling simulated diamonds alongside the 'real thing'. Have they somehow compromised their principles? Or is it just that moissanite diamonds are simply that beautiful?

Simulated diamonds have long been held in disfavor, because of the assumption that simulation necessarily implies inferiority. This has caused moissanite diamonds to be greeted sceptically, and with no lack of foundation. Previously produced simulated diamonds have included such alternatives as cut glass, rhinestone and cubic zirconium, which might lay claim to a certain attractiveness in their own right, but in no way approaching the sublime beauty of a real diamond.

But the development of moissanite diamonds has shaken this old foundation to the core. Those who have yet to be awed by the physical presence of moissanite diamonds dismiss them prematurely as being manmade, unlike real diamonds, which Mother Earth has brewed in her belly for millennia. But this harsh dismissal is to ignore the many wonders that man has created throughout his evolution, from art and poetry to the scientific wonders that can save lives.

Many of man's finest creations have been born in the lab, and moissanite diamonds are no exception. Even professional gemmologists have been able to distinguish them from real diamonds, and many of those who have deem their brilliance and fire superior to that of a real diamond.

Simulated diamonds were previously only the domain of those who were unable to afford the real thing, but now moissanite diamonds can offer, and even surpass, the beauty of a real diamond at a far lower price. Even the experts are impressed - and you will be too.

Moissanite diamonds offer the beauty and fire of diamonds, but without the price tag.

About the Author

Find out more about Synthetic Diamonds as well as Imitation Diamond Rings and other types of Moissanite rings at Peter's website, The Magic of Moissanite.

Mineral Makeup- Natural Beauty

2006-07-07T05:37:00.000-07:00

by: Lynn Starner

As we become more aware of our environment and more aware of the products that we are putting into and onto our bodies, natural and homeopathic products are taking the cosmetic industry by storm.

It's likely you've noticed new skincare and cosmetic companies popping up with "all natural" and "organic" products. Of course, just because they say they are, doesn't necessarily make it true. That is where consumer education comes in, and why it is so important.

The title of this article is "Mineral Makeup". After learning what mineral makeup is, what products go into it, and what its benefits are, you can decide if this is the right choice for you.

What Is Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup is designed from all naturally occurring products. It is often recommended by dermatologists to women with sensitive skin, rosacea, post operative, laser and other procedures because of its intrinsic skin soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a powder makeup of finely milled minerals. It can provide very sheer or very opaque coverage, depending on the formulation and application. However, it still allows natural skin radiance to show through, so you don't get the dreaded "mask" look. It is typically free of fragrance and preservatives. Minerals cannot feed bacteria, so there is no danger of spoilage, thus it needs no preservatives. It does not go bad. It is very good for oily skin because it has several oil- absorbing components.

It is usually applied with a brush, and is typically shown to be "buffed" into the skin. This technique forces the makeup into your pores, which is never a good thing. A technique that works with better quality mineral makeup (which we'll discuss later) is to "dust" the makeup on, instead of "buffing" it. If a brush irritates your skin, you can also use a non-latex or flocked sponge. Application can be done either wet or dry.

What Are The Ingredients?

This is the most important part. Learning what is in your makeup will give you the ability to choose what will meet your needs best. These are the ingredients you will most likely come across.

Titanium Dioxide- A white natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory agent. It is highly reflect, with only a diamond being higher, and thus minimizes fine lines and some skin discolorations.
Zinc Oxide- A natural sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Sericite- A colorless mica that can be used to cut the opacity of Titanium Dioxide and also works as an oil absorber.
Cornstarch/ Rice Powder- Cosmetic grade- An oil humectant (draws oil out of the pores). Can make acne worse as it is a source of food for bacteria.
Kaolin Clay- Natural oil-absorption.
Mica- Natural "glitter". Provides shimmer and sparkle.
Iron Oxides- Natural pigment- very opaque. Used for tinting cosmetics.

Ingredients To Avoid

These ingredients are also common, but can cause problems so are best to avoid.

Talc/ Various Powders- Common fillers- can cause respiratory problems.
FD&C Dyes- Derived from coal tar.
Bismuth Oxychloride- Known skin irritant- causes itching, rashes and breakouts. Especially prevalent when the wearer sweats.
Ferric Ferrocyanide- Controversial because of its suspected toxicity.
Carmine- Crushed beetles.

What Brand Should I Buy?

Well, if you're familiar with mineral makeup, it's likely you've seen the infomercials. After further research you'll find these companies use controversial ingredients, and charge quite a bit for their products.

There are several good mineral makeup companies out there that provide a much better product at a more affordable price, as well as a superior customer experience. They also offer samples, which the larger companies do not. You'll get to try the makeup (unlike in the drugstore!) for a fraction of the cost before you buy it. They don't have expensive advertising and packaging to pay for, so the savings are often passed on to you.

About the Author

Lynn is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics at www.beautyblisscosmetics.com and www.ultimate-skin-care-tips.com

Make Time For Beauty

2006-07-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

by: Kenia Morales

In today's hectic World many of us women have little or no time at all to take care of ourselves. Wouldn't it be nice to have a couple of hours just for yourself? Or simply have a more put together look? Here are some tips that will allow you to make time for your own beauty routine!

Schedule the beauty routine in your weekly schedule beforehand; even if you are going to do it at home.
Make it a routine and stick to it, for example: I will do my hair and nails every Thursday night.
Do you have dry skin and no time for daily moisturizing? Try buying soap for dry skin.
Delegate at least one of your chores to your partner or a family member.
Cut off your cooking time, and order out or prepare microwave dinner. You can also cook for two days and take the next day for your beauty routine.
If you can afford it pay someone to do a portion of your chores.
Have all the necessary items for your beauty routine in one place, to avoid wasting time looking for them.
Do not take phone calls during your beauty time.
Cut off or limit time wasting habits such as TV.

About The Author

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine www.kpatra.com "For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics" click here http://www.kpatra.com/keniascolumn.htm to find Kenia's little piece of heaven her inspirational column

Latin Dating - Beauty and Romance

2006-07-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

by: Frank Duru

Like any other society, Latin culture is one that is embedded with traditions, values and celebrations. Of all the different attributes that are associated with Latino's, there is no question that passion and romance are considered to be two of the most intriguing.

If you are of Latin descent and are interested in seeking a relationship with another Latin man or woman, there are many ways you can go about creating the perfect romantic dating experience, that both you and your date should be able to enjoy with no strings attached.

The following are a few ideas of how you can create romance on your dates:

Dinner - Dinner is always a perfect dating choice, because you can make it as casual or romantic as you would like it to be. It all depends on where you go, and the way you act during the meal. If you are interested in being romantic at dinner, listen intently to what your date has to say, take his or her hand from across the table, look them in the eyes and be honest when you express yourself. However, you should keep in mind that romance can be interpreted as an invitation to sex, or even make the other person feel uncomfortable if they are interested in taking it slow. Therefore, be a tasteful romantic and know when to draw the line. For although you want to capture your date's interest, you don't want to make them feel uncomfortable in the process.

Dancing - Dancing is a great way for you to have fun, while still getting to know and remaining close to your date. Going to a club, or attending Latin dancing is how you can keep the romance freely escalating without having any further expectations hanging in the air.

Walking - You would be surprised to discover the power behind a nice leisurely walk. There is something truly magical about making nature apart of your date. Although not everyone is fortunate enough to have a beach close to them, there is sure to be parks, waterfronts and old fashioned neighbourhoods awaiting your footsteps. Holding hands and talking on an evening stroll, watching the sunset in silence, and gazing up at the stars, are just some of the ways you can use simple beauty to add to the romantic atmosphere of your date.

Due to the fact that traditions are an important part of Latin culture, dating someone of your same ethnic background is usually a plus when it comes to family relations, especially if you are interested in perusing a serious relationship with your dating partner.

Nevertheless, despite your dating intentions, there are many ways you can make your dating experience a beautiful time that you can truly enjoy who knows where a little romance can take you.

About the Author

Frank Duru is the author of many different articles but his works concentrate much on dating related information, such as "Homosexual Dating - Truth and Connection", "Asian Dating - Respect and Honour". Join Loveempire.net Mixed Race Community and read more dating related articles which are only for members.

Interior Decorating For Cat Owners - Finding the Beauty of C

2006-07-07T05:27:00.000-07:00

by: Joey Lewitin

For the most part cat décor is less about being beautiful and more about keeping your pet safe and comfortable. However there are so many manufacturers of cat products that you can fine almost any of the items mentioned above in several different colors. Try purchasing items such as litter boxes and scratching posts in matching or complimentary colors. If you match the hue to the rest of your setting you may be able to blend them seamlessly into the area

Alternatively, you may want to set aside a space just for the cat's things, in order to separate them from the look of the rest of the room. While this won't completely eliminate the intrusion of cat toys onto your setting, it can allow you to create interplay between the cat's possessions and yours. If your home is predominated by a single color such as green or blue, purchasing matching black cat possessions can actually compliment this look. If your colors are more mottled, then patterned cat toys, or subdued sandy colored ones, may be a better way to create equality in the room's hue.

The litter box is one of the most troublesome cat possessions to decorate around. It stinks, it's dirty, and it's generally surrounded by stray litter tramped out of the box by your oblivious cat. One way to deal with this item is to hide it, either in a bathroom, or somewhere out of the way such as a closet. If you don't have anywhere to hide it, then you should consider getting a covered cat box. They are much more attractive then leaving the litter bare, and will also reduce the smell. Unfortunately these are rarely attractive, and become dirty easy. To create your own custom covering, get a giant cardboard box and place it over the litter. Cut a hole in the front where the door is. Cover the box in decorative paper, such as wrapping paper, and then coat this in plastic to protect it from moisture. This method should only be used in conjunction with an existing plastic cat cover; otherwise moisture will seep into the cardboard and turn it to mush.

Cats can make wonderful loving pets. They are fairly self sufficient, and don't require much attention. However, they are still animals, and will be oblivious to the beauty of your home. In order to maintain the look of your setting, while maintaining the safety of your pet, you will have to plan the décor that you develop in your home. Every cat is different, so let your home evolve with the pet, until you reach a stasis in which safety and beauty are at their best.

About the Author

Joey Lewitin is an artist, author, and designer that specializes in innovative decorating ideas. Click here to see more Interior decorating and home décor ideas from him and experts

Hyaluronic Acid - Newest Celebrity Beauty Secret?

2006-07-07T05:26:00.000-07:00

by: Jana Willinger

We can always count on celebrities to serve as guinea pigs for the latest cosmetic and beauty treatments. During the Botox T craze, even director Martin Scorsese commented that he couldn't find actresses who could frown anymore! Perhaps actors, politicians, musicians and the like all grew tired of looking like Stepford wives because the latest cosmetic craze involves Hyaluronic acid, a key component of human tissue, providing the body with essential moisture and a viable way to erase wrinkles without the loss of facial expression. Hyaluronic acid is available in facial injections reportedly favored by celebrities like Charlie Sheen, Tommy Lee Jones and Oprah Winfrey who have chosen Restylane, a Hyaluronic acid wrinkle-filler that works to lift the lip, wrinkle or fold and create volume. Hyaluronic acid injections do not relax muscles but instead "fill in" areas most affected by wrinkles and fine lines.

There are also several new, non-invasive beauty products that contain Hylauronic acid or work to stimulate the body's own Hyaluronic acid production. Apparently full lips a la Angelina Jolie are a must-have because celebrities of all ages are going gaga for City Lips, a cutting edge product developed by City Lips Cosmetics. The City Lips product stimulates lips to produce their own collagen and Hyaluronic acid, painlessly increasing the size of lips. According to Karen Rauen, Good Housekeeping Institute's chemistry director, "The City Lips lip plumper, we found, plumps people's lips an average of three millimeters." Celebrities like Teri Hatcher, Nicolette Sheridan, Jamie Lynn Discala, Virginia Madsen, Melissa Rivers, Angela Bassett, Lacy Chabert, Lake Bell, Eliza Dushku, Bijou Phillips, Haylie Duff, Kathy Griffin, Tracy Ross, Marlee Matlin, Shannon Elizabeth, Michelle Rodriguez, Faith Evans, Giuliana Depandi, Debbie Matenopoulos and Princess Ann Claire, are reportedly huge fans of City Lip Cosmetics.

There are other Hyaluronic acid boosting "lip plumpers" on the cosmetic market including Lucky Lips which allegedly increases Hyaluronic acid levels by 148% just 48 hours after use. Other celeb Hyaluronic acid beauty favorites include Hydrating Gel Cream from Prada Beauty, a lightweight, sheer cream featuring Hyaluronic acid and Rest-A-Line Face Treatment by Joey New York, an anti-aging cream rich with Hyaluronic acid which helps the skin hold 1000 times its weight in water, causing a natural plumping effect. All in all, between facial injections and non-evasive beauty creams, it seems like there is much hope on the frontier for finding that elusive fountain of youth; for celebrities and for common folk, alike!

About the Author

E-Hyaluronicacid.com is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. For more information go to www.E-Hyaluronicacid.com

Hyaluronic Acid - Beauty Wave of the Future?

2006-07-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

by: Jana Willinger

In our continuing search for the fountain of youth, there is a new weapon. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a key component of human tissue, aiding the body's flexibility, mobility and moisture retention, is emerging as a key ingredient in many anti-aging beauty products and as a viable alternative to collagen and related substances in injection procedures. As we age, the Hyaluronic acid levels in our body decrease, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dryness in the skin. Hyaluronic acid beauty products and injections can decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles by replenishing the body's natural supply of Hyaluronic acid and/or by stimulating the body to rejuvenate its own supply of HA.

Among the exciting new developments in the world of Hyaluronic acid products is the recent FDA approval of Restylane and Hylaform, facial injections containing Hyaluronic acid. These injections can be administered quickly and with little chance of side effect. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more people than ever are choosing to forgo invasive plastic surgery for less painful, less time consuming procedures. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) predicts that in 2005, Hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Hylaform) will surpass collagen as the most popular soft tissue filler for lines and wrinkles. The Society also predicts that additional Hyaluronic acid products developed specifically for facial volume enhancement and for improvement of depressed scars will be introduced.

Currently, Hyaluronic acid injections are most commonly used around the mouth and on forehead wrinkles and smile lines and to enlarge, moisturize and "plump" lips. The entire injection process takes less than an hour, and requires repeat treatments every four months to a year. Hyaluronic acid treatments are more expensive than those using collagen (a syringe of Restylane or another Hyaluronic acid product might cost up to $500 as compared to around $373 for collagen) but HA injections last longer because they help the skin retain natural moisture. When injected, the filler plumps up the skin by allowing it to attract and hold water. Side effects are much less likely with Hyaluronic acid than with collagen contributing to its attractiveness as an alternative treatment.

The possibilities seem endless for uses of Hyaluronic acid. In Japan, Daikin Industries is even offering an air conditioner that emits Hyaluronic acid from the filter to moisturize skin. There are sure to be even more innovations and future ways to take advantage of Hyaluronic acid's many health and beauty benefits.

About The Author

Jana Willinger

E-Hyaluronicacid.com is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. For more information go to www.E-Hyaluronicacid.com

Homemade Beauty Recipes

2006-07-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

by: Kenia Morales

Do you want to look stunning with out wasting too much money? If your answer is yes, then you should read this tips. They have past on from generations to generations. The best part of it, is that you may already have the ingredients at home!

Get rid of blemishes
Apply toothpaste to the required area, Leave on overnight.

Dried or chapped skin
Apply petroleum jelly (vaseline) affected area.

Falling hair
Pour cinnamon in to 12 or more ounces of water, let it boil for 5-10 minutes. After it cools down, apply to hair scalp for 10 -15 minutes. Then shampoo and rinse as usual.

Hot oil treatment
Heat any vegetable oil (do not over heat). Apply to hair cover with shower cap and leave on for 10-20 minutes.

Blackheads
Mix oatmeal and honey, apply to skin. Massage skin for 5-7 minutes then rinse off with warm water.

Kenia Morales is the owner and publisher of online magazine " For Every Aspect Of Today's Woman". To find more beauty tips and other women related issues and topics visit her site at www.kpatra.com

Health Is Internal Beauty

2006-07-07T05:20:00.000-07:00

by: Tonya Zavasta

Excerpted from the book "Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You" by Tonya Zavasta.

Jean Kerr, American author and playwright wrote: "I'm tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep. That's deep enough. What do you want an adorable pancreas?"-

Jean Kerr was closer to the truth than she might have realized. Every outside organ of the human body is eligible to be called beautiful, but because internal organs are ordinarily seen only by surgeons, they get excluded from the beauty contest. If our internal organs were observed, we would describe them in terms of attractiveness, and normal color and shape would be considered beautiful. You need only compare pictures of normal healthy internal organs with pictures of their infected and diseased counterparts in the medical books to convince yourself that health and beauty are synonymous.

A healthy colon looks like evenly braided muscles. On the other hand, unhealthy colons are deformed: twisted and looped in some parts, ballooned and engorged in others, as revealed by barium X-rays. Visit a colon therapist, if only to observe the pictures of unhealthy colons and see for yourself how ugly one can be on the inside.

The blood of a healthy person is also beautiful. The red blood cells are uniformly round. The blood of a body full of toxins is contaminated with pathological bacteria, abnormal proteins, and parasites. When red blood corpuscles clump together, the condition is called Rouleau or "sticky" blood. Rouleau, this clumpy, unattractive blood, appears 5 to 20 years before symptoms of illness present themselves. It is an early messenger of hundreds of degenerative diseases. Conglomerates of red blood cells cannot access the fine capillaries of the body. Rouleau is particularly damaging to the organs of the head, in particular the eyes, ears, and scalp. A diet high in meat and dairy products increases the stickiness of your platelets. Blood that becomes sticky is a sure precursor of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.

The arterial pipelines in a healthy circulatory system are clean and clear from obstructions. In healthy arteries, the inner lining, called the intima, is smooth, supple, and without cracks. A cross-section of a normal coronary artery shows no arterial thickening or blood-blocking plaque deposits.

An unhealthy circulatory system paints an entirely different picture. The middle muscular layer of the artery can no longer fully recoil after a pulse wave has expanded the vessel. Elasticity of the artery walls is reduced, and cracks and hollows appear. They catch calcium, cholesterol deposits, fat accumulations, and clusters of platelets. Cholesterol deposits roughen the inner surfaces and damage the walls of the arteries. At first, plaque build-up does not cause discomfort--it is just ugly. But later, thick, clogged bloodstream results in coronary arteries becoming occluded with fatty buildup, which effects circulation and causes deterioration of the connective tissues. Deterioration and abnormal hardening of the arteries result in a process called arteriosclerosis and may cause heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.

The body often displays real ingenuity faced with substances it cannot metabolize or eliminate. It breaks them down and distributes them to remote areas of the body away from vital organs to minimize harm. The body takes the poisons out-of-the-way but not necessarily out of sight. The toxic wastes are pushed towards the peripheral organs, which happen to be the skin and every other organ that we can see on the outside.

External deformities are direct manifestations of internal pathologies. Ugly ropes of varicose veins, puffy faces, and cellulite are telling tales about your inside condition. Every pimple, psoriasis, or pigment change on your skin is in fact a reflection of some organ struggling to do its job. Every bulge, boil, or swelling is a sign that the body is pushing out some toxins in its effort to protect itself.

The term "natural beauty" has been misused and abused beyond restoration. Because there is no natural beauty without 100% natural food, the beauty that will emerge on the raw food diet I call Rawsome Beauty. Our external beauty is at its best when our internal organs are in the best possible shape, form, and color. Beautiful is not something extra the body needs: to be beautiful both inside and out is the natural state of one's body.

The vitality of internal organs, working properly, transcends your skin and brings a radiance to your face. This is when beauty does penetrate the skin. So when we admire sparkling eyes, fabulous skin, and lustrous hair, in a way we are admiring the teamwork of a healthy liver, colon, kidneys, etc. How profound the direct meaning of the phrase "beauty comes from within" really is.

Health and beauty are considered to be chronological losses. In my books I will convince you they don't have to be. It is biologically possible to look beautiful at any age. I intend to prove that beauty is not an accident; beauty is your birthright, it can be yours through the right daily choices, food you put in your mouth being the most important one. You can dramatically improve your appearance and do it 100 percent on your own without expensive products, plastic surgery or costly cosmetics.

About the Author

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: www.beautifulonraw.com

Handmade Beauty Business . . . Virtually!

2006-07-07T05:18:00.000-07:00

by: Charlon Bobo

The business of Handmade Beauty has grown exponentially in the past ten years. I have personally observed and been an integral part of enormous growth and innovation as the industry has become more well-known, and even mainstream.

As an instructor in the arts of cold-process soap-making and toiletry-making, it is amazing to talk with student after student about their newfound knowledge of creating handmade beauty products and their desire to start a business. The range runs the gamut from selling a few weeks annually during the pre-holiday craft fair season to starting a full-time business with a very sophisticated long-term business plan. I am always amazed at the passion this craft elicits and the endless possibilities, variations, and directions in which such a business could go!

I know. From personal experience, I know it very well.

What I like to share in my consultations is that anything is possible. With enough commitment, endurance, a well-thought plan, and enough cash to carry you through until you are generating the income sufficient to get by and thrive, it can be done.

That said, in my experience, from the moment you decide you are serious about being in business, it is imperative to adopt a mindset of maximizing your time and energy. One way of doing that is to hire a professional Virtual Assistant, also known as a "VA."

Depending on the experience and expertise of your VA, s/he caters to your administrative, technical, creative, and financial needs. Delegating these time-consuming tasks to the capable hands of your VA frees you to focus on what's most important: growing your business and generating revenue!

A virtual assistant is your partner in business. Aside from you, they care as much about the success of your business as anyone! They are equipped with the most updated equipment and systems. They are savvy and industrious when it comes to finding innovative ways to implement new programs or introduce new products. As you mature in business, it is not uncommon to depend heavily on the services of a VA for the superior behind-the-scenes contribution they make to your success.

Partnering with a professional Virtual Assistant will:

Increase your revenue.
Increase your productivity.
Save you money.
Save you time.
Save you frustration.

How does that sound? The handmade beauty business of your dreams awaits!

by Charlon Bobo, Muse worksT © 2005

You have permission to freely distribute this article provided all the text contained herein remains intact.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Charlon Bobo is the Founder and Creative Director of Muse worksT, a dynamic trend-setting Virtual Assistant enterprise in Southern California that caters to the niche needs of entrepreneurs in the handmade beauty industry. For more information, visit Muse worksT and Muse worksT Blog. Feel free to contact us at 805.405.4944 or info@museworks.org.

HairMax Beauty Treatment LaserComb

2006-07-07T05:16:00.000-07:00

by: Tzaf

Why pay £4000.00 for laser hair restoration treatment? HairMax Lasercomb hair loss laser treatment. To re-invigorate, condition and re-vitalise hair.

HairMax Beauty Treatment LaserComb. Sends nourishing laser light energy into your hair to revitalise it and improve its condition. Your hair will thicken, strengthen and become healthier with better quality. Its that simple!

Light is energy. Living cells 'like' light and your hair is no different. The stimulating laser light from HairMax Beauty Treatment LaserComb reinvigorates your hair to make it thicker and healthier. The end result is that you hair will flourish and you can start to like your hair again!

Just pass the HairMax Beauty Treatment LaserComb slowly over your scalp for ten minutes three times a week. It may be used by itself or in conjunction with other treatments.

The HairMax Beauty Treatment LaserComb is an economical way to have thicker, fuller hair. A rugged precision built instrument with a laser module that has an estimated life of 10,000-15,000 hours. By using the HairMax Beauty Treatment LaserComb 30 minutes per week it should easily last a lifetime. Compare the one time cost of a HairMax Beauty Treatment LaserComb with ongoing costs for other hair treatments and you'll see how much more economical it is.

With over 17 years of clinical experience the results seen are both exciting and impressive. Results have shown that both men and women of all ages respond with positive benefits to laser therapy. Customers range in age from 18 to their late 80's.

User feedback collected to date suggests that more than 90% of HairMax users achieve positive benefits and results. In general about 45% of HairMax Beauty Treatment LaserComb users see noticeable indications of benefits within the first 6 weeks. Another 45% realise indications from 6-12 weeks. A small group of users take longer to see results with noticeable improvements at around 12 weeks.

What they are saying

"I have been using HairMax Beauty Treatment LaserComb for six months and have noticed a definite improvement. There was a considerable reduction in loss after about a month. And since month three have seen new hairs growing around the front hair line and a noticeable thickening on top" Mr Brown UK

"It definitely works. I am fully satisfied as my hair has got substantially thicker." Mr H - UK

Product Specification

Easy to use - Only 10 minutes three times a week for best results
Complies with strict safety standards
Convenient home treatment
Increase the fullness of your own hair naturally - save on transplants and hairpieces
Improves hair condition
Attractive ergonomic design with high tech feel
Designed to fit the hand like a brush
For both men and women

http://www.livingiseasy.co.uk/search/?search=hairmax

http://www.livingiseasy.co.uk

info@livingiseasy.co.uk

02074831991

About the Author

Welcome to the world of LIVINGISEASY. Every little contribution you make towards your well being adds up. At Livingiseasy we help you to add life to your years and years to your life. So if its to buy, to browse, share your ideas, check out new products, latest offers and top tips or simply listen to our relaxing theme tune remember Livingiseasy.co.uk

Gold Jewelry: The Ultimate Adornment For Style and Beauty

2006-07-07T05:13:00.000-07:00

by: Angela Davis

Gold jewelry can never go out of style. It can look good on almost everyone. It is the ultimate amalgamation of classic beauty, wealth and style.

The value of gold jewelry depends not only upon the style or the designer who has designed it, but most importantly it is dependent upon the quality of gold used to make the gold jewelry. The quality of gold in the gold jewelry is determined by its percentage or by the karat. The higher the karat number, the higher the percentage of gold in your gold jewelry. The various karat numbers are 24K, 18K, 14K, 12K and 10K - 24K is pure gold.

Gold jewelry is also available in various forms. In some cases it is plated with gold, in some it is filled with gold and in some others the gold jewelry is made of pure gold. Gold by itself is very soft and isn't practical for daily wear which is why it has to be mixed with other additional metals to give it tensile strength such that it can be molded into various designs. Other metals are mixed with it to make it more durable (and to lower its cost).

Adding other metals to the mix also allows metallurgists to change the color of gold. Palladium or nickel can be added to create white gold. Adding copper produces a rose or pink tint, while silver gives gold a greenish cast. If you want jewelry which can be worn regularly then it is wise to get it made out of solid gold (Solid gold is a term that can be used to describe an item that's at least 10K (in the US) gold all the way through. Even though it's a gold alloy--18K, 14K, or anything down to 10K--it can be called solid gold.).

Gold has in a way always stood as a symbol for wealth, prestige and power. Through times immemorial gold jewelry has been the ultimate ornamentation for kings, queens and noblemen. At one point of time, gold jewelry was also seen as a status symbol and was not meant for the common man. It still is looked upon as a status symbol since not every one can afford gold jewelry. However because of the numerous forms in which gold jewelry is available to day (such as plated gold, gold filled, gold coated jewelry or gold jewelry of a lower karat), it can now be easily bought by anyone.

Gold jewelry does not entail very big or intricate designs, it can even be quite small simple and delicate. How so ever a piece of jewelry maybe, it immediately stands out. There is a timeless classic appeal surrounding it which can never go out of fashion. Gold jewelry is not only something which you can buy for yourself or as a gift to someone you love; you can also buy gold jewelry to keep as an asset. The value of gold jewelry does not depreciate, it only appreciates with time. It can prove to be a very valuable investment.

About the Author: Looking for information about Jewelry? Go to: www.merryjewelry.com 'Merry Jewelry' is published by Angela Davis - The Complete Jewelry Resource Directory Check out more Jewelry articles at: www.merryjewelry.com/archive
Source: www.isnare.com

Friendship Is The Beauty Of A Rose

2006-07-07T05:11:00.000-07:00

by: Rose DesRochers

There is an old English Proverb that goes like this a friend in need is a friend indeed. How true! Having a special friend you can turn to in good times and in bad is a beautiful and splendiferous thing. Leo F. Buscaglia said: "A single rose can be my garden...a single friend my world, "To illustrate this point, let me tell you a story about friendship.
The Beauty of a Rose

I was walking through the forest and through the bushes I heard weeping .I followed the sound of the soft cry until I arrived at a woman sitting upon the snow .Her eyes were filled with tears and her heart heavy from life. I sat upon the cold snow with her and I offered her my shoulder and my ears.

"What is your name", she asked". I smiled at her and I said, "My name is Faith, my middle name is hope and my last name is compassion. I saw a faint smile come upon her face as I asked her "what is your name? " "My name is flower child and "I had given up on hope, faith was something I was loosing site of and I have no more compassion to give. "

I asked her if I may read her a poem and through the poem I showed her self-worth .That it was more important for her to have self worth for when she loved herself others would love her to. I showed her reality, that you can not save the world if people don't or won't listen. I spoke of how important it was to have a compassion for others.

I showed her praise, I praised her for staying strong when she had given up on faith. I showed her patience as this was something not easy for any of us. Things take time I told her. Sometimes people just don't want to accept what is in front of them. I told her to please hang on that someday they may learn respect. I then said to her this you see flower child this is hope

We sat and talked awhile and I saw a smile come back through flower Childs eyes. I picked up a wild Rose that was laying there in the snow. I placed the rose it in her hand. It wasn't everyday you had roses in winter. This is friendship the most important of all things in our life. It is truly as rare as this rose in the snow. When you receive it cherish it and don't ever let it die.

Then I smiled, I handed her a piece of paper with my number on it and I walked away. She called me the next day and I heard join in her soft voice. She told me that she had thought of me and I truly lived up to my name. I think she found her faith, her hope and her compassion. She said she found it in me but I think she had it in her all along. But what she did not have was the friendship of a Rose or an earth angel to help guide her along

We all need someone in life to say I believe in you. Friendship is as rare as a rose in the snow. When you receive it cherish it don't let it ever die. Life is too short not to cherish those who show us compassion. Don't let silly things stand in our way. For friendship is the beauty of a rose.

About the Author: Rose DesRochersadmin@todays-woman.net www.todays-woman.net Rose is a published author and web columnist from Canada Ontario and she is also the founder of Today's Woman a community for men and women over 18, where writers/poets/columnists meet and exchange ideas, contest, rate and review and help each other succeed in the writing industry.

Source: www.isnare.com

Fashion and beauty for your Destination Wedding

2006-07-07T05:10:00.000-07:00

by: Pamela Stevenson

If you're getting married overseas, there are a few extra considerations when it comes to looking good. It's time to start planning your 'princess for the day' look!

Your wedding attire
there are two main considerations when planning your outfit for a wedding abroad. You need to find something that you will be comfortable wearing, especially if you're getting married in the sunshine, and you also need to choose something that you can transport relatively easily.

If the temperature on your wedding day is likely to be very cool, a 'floaty' beach dress probably isn't the perfect choice. Look for something that will suit the environment - more of a traditional ball gown-style wedding gown, for example. Equally, consider accessories such as shoes. Pretty beach sandals aren't the thing for walking around the castle grounds. Instead consider a high heel shoe.

What you wear for your wedding is entirely up to you and there are no real dress rules if you are marrying in the grounds of your hotel. However, if you have arranged for a religious service in a chapel or church you will most likely be expected to respect local custom and cover your head and shoulders. Also in some Eastern countries, such as Thailand there is a specific dress code. Your wedding coordinator or the relevant embassy will advise you.

Transporting and caring for your outfits
when you choose your perfect dress, speak to the designer or store about how best to transport it. It may pack well with plenty of tissue paper, or could be better kept in a dress bag.

Check with your airline for advice on transporting your wedding outfits. Some recommend that they should be boxed or packed into separate suitcases. They will then be placed into the hold. Others suggest that you use suit carriers and, space permitting, they will be hung in the cabin of the aircraft. Outfits can always be carried as hand luggage but this will restrict you to keeping the rest of your hand luggage to a minimum.

As soon as you arrive at your hotel, unpack your wedding outfits and hang them up. A warm and humid tropical climate should allow creases to fall out naturally. However, your hotel or your wedding coordinator can normally arrange for your outfits to be steamed if necessary. Alternatively, hang clothes in a steam-filled bathroom which will help the creases drop out.

Hair and beauty
Hair and beauty treatments can be arranged when you arrive at your hotel, or you might even decide to book things before you arrive. If your hotel does not have these facilities, ask whether there is somewhere you can visit nearby. For total peace of mind, practice styling your own hair and make-up before setting off.

You're likely to want to have a healthy tan on your wedding day, but basking in the sun before the wedding isn't a good idea. As well as damaging your skin, you run the risk of looking more like a lobster than a sun-kissed bride. Pace your sunbathing on the run-up to your wedding or help nature along with a good quality fake tan. If you're doing your own fake tan, be sure to practise well in advance.

About the Author

Pamela Stevenson is founder and owner of www.AmberleyRose.co.uk which is a UK Wedding Coordination service, specialising in UK Destination Weddings. Their packages include 'Fairytale Castle Weddings' and London's finest locations.

Essentials of Facial Beauty

2006-07-07T05:09:00.000-07:00

by: Kristine Llabres

Beauty regimens are normal for ladies for it is one way of maintaining their vivacity and prettiness. Women tend to apply several creams, lotions and use different soaps and beauty care liquids in order to attain their desired complexion or maintain their very own smooth and silky skin.

At this moment, not only women are meticulous and particular in their skin tone and looks but also men who are conscious of their appearance and how they will carry themselves and interact with other people.

Nowadays, a face pack does not only cleanse your skin and pores but it also helps in maintaining the tautness and balance of your skin. There are different face packs according to your skin type, so choose the one that suits you.

Dry Skin Pack
The dry skin is usually flaky and dull looking around the eyes and cheeks. That is why it needs to be motorized well. Wash your face with milk and oatmeal instead of ordinary soap since the milk moisturizes and nourishes the skin while the oatmeal acts as an exfoliate agent.

To have extra moisturizer, make a pack with a mixture of ten almonds, two spoons oatmeal, four tablespoons of full cream milk, two spoons china clay, juice of half a lemon and one mashed avocado. Apply it gently on your face then leave for twenty minutes. Dampen cotton wool with cold milk and wipe it off. Finally, splash your face with cold water and apply light moisturizer.

Oily Skin Pack
The oily skin has active sebaceous glands that secrete more oil leaving the skin greasy and dull thus it attracts a lot of dirt which then clogs the pores. It definitely needs a thorough cleansing routine to remove the surface grime and unclogged the pores.

You need a pack that rejuvenates, tightens and exfoliates skin. You can mash six strawberries with a teaspoon of Brandy, two spoons of breadcrumbs, two spoons of fuller's earth and a few drops of rose water. Mix those well then apply a thick layer on the face and neck and leave it for twenty minutes.

Strawberries have Vitamin C and certain acidic properties they leave the skin sparkling clean. The breadcrumbs help to exfoliate dead skin while fuller's earth will tighten the pores and brandy would help to add some glow.

Combination Pack
With this type of skin, usually the nose and forehead are oily then the eyes and cheeks are dry. Cleanse the center zone with an astringent while dab the rest of the face with cold milk then apply a pack made of half a cup of powered, dry peas mixed with three spoons of curd, juice of one lemon and half a cup of papaya pulp. Apply it then leave again for twenty minutes, after rinse off with cold water. Better still to rub an ice cube dipped in rose water over the T-Zone.

Always see to it that your face is clean, free from harsh chemicals and radiantly white and flawless. Avoid exposure in different pollutants and always be protected against ultraviolet rays. Take a lot of care and be extra beautiful inside-out!

About the Author

For Comments and Questions about the Article you may Log - on to www.facialskincareproducts.com

Effective Make-up and Beauty Tips and Products: Do's and Don'ts

2006-07-07T05:07:00.000-07:00

by: Jasdeep Singh

With the amount of importance given to make-up these days, many women just tend to do a bit too much. Getting the right make-up for the particular occasion is the call of the entire womanhood. But beauty shouldn't be misinterpreted as just by carrying a beautiful face. A overall healthy body reflects eternal beauty which one should be longing for. The idea is to look younger and FEEL YOUNGER.

Here are some precious makeup Do's and Dont's which one should know very well before applying make-up.

Find the formula that meets your skin's needs and your lifestyle. Though, it isn't that hard also to get it right. Generally, we apply make-up in a hurry and we tend to ignore this vital part.
Women generally don't wash their brushes as they are always busy applying their makeup.(Hey, Nothing against women :-), relax!). Brushes should be washed properly and allowed to be dried naturally.
Special care should be taken, while applying and even after applying lipstick. Don't stain your teeth with lipstick. It really looks gross!
Never use your mascara more than twice. It will definitely look clogged.
Last but not the least, don't forget to take off all the make-up from your face once you go to bed specially from and near your eyes.

About the Author

Jasdeep: for www.weightloss-health.com your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Divine Food for Divine Beauty

2006-07-07T05:05:00.000-07:00

by: Tonya Zavasta

Excerpted from the book "Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You" by Tonya Zavasta.

The phrase "natural beauty" has been abused and misused beyond restoration. The modern use is almost never associated with its true meaning. Someone said there should be a portrait of a healthy person in a museum so people would know what they are talking about. If we don't know what a healthy person looks like, how do we know what natural beauty is?

In our unnatural world, the word "natural" no longer means without effort, at least not in the realm of obtaining your best look. One thing is a must in defining natural beauty: its achievement must not involve any sacrifice of health. None, period. If health is compromised in any way beauty is not natural.

Our body was created in the image of God, the Supreme Beauty. When our actions are in opposition to nature, the results are different types of bodily ills, deformities, and ugliness. Since there can be no natural beauty without eating 100 percent natural food, most of you have never seen the natural you.

There is an urgent need for another word. The contemporary meaning of natural is too far from the divine. I suggest filling this void with "rawsome", a new word circulating in the raw food community. It is a combination of two words:" raw" and "awesome" with the meaning being something between natural and divine. The diet of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds also needs to be renamed. I have often been told that the phrase "the raw food diet", sounds like eating raw meat, particularly sushi, which is misleading. The raw food diet is so awesome that it should be called the very name it inspired- the Rawsome Diet.

Most of us feel our appearance lacks something. In reality, ugliness is more about excess. Toxic accumulations in our bodies are responsible for stealing our health and attractiveness. Beauty lies latent under cushions of retained fluids, deposits of fat, and sick tissues. Your beauty is buried alive, but in most cases it can be revived in a version that will be satisfactory to you. You must take immediate action to revitalize it. When you do, your uncovered beauty will surprise and delight you.

Eating cooked food will leave residues the body cannot utilize, and they will be deposited in places our Creator never intended. Everything not fully digested and properly eliminated, the body will treat as an abnormal substance. It will pocket these toxins as far away from the vital organs as possible--on the peripheries of the body--where it will invariably be reflected in our outward appearance. If the body cannot use it inside, it will deposit it on the outside. Nutrients from the food you eat spiral upward to the epidermis, and their quality will determine whether you will have a glowing clear complexion or skin spotted with growths, such as moles and skin sores.

Some physical characteristics of our face and body we cannot change--they were determined prior to our birth. But the consumption of the raw plant diet as an adult will make a difference in the texture of skin and hair, the health of nails, weight and complexion. All of these traits and more are determined by daily choices, with food being one of the most important and, luckily, the one we can fully control.

The Rawsome diet is the most suitable one for human physiology. It is salubrious to the body's health and salutary to its beauty. The ability to renew cells is built into your body, and the body itself is capable of making you look more attractive. After all, we were designed to bloom continuously as old cells get replaced by new ones. The Rawsome diet makes the most of this rejuvenating ability of our bodies.

Rawsome beauty is not manufactured from the outside but cultivated from the inside by nutritionally charged food. Whole raw food restores the integrity of every cell and facilitates the optimal operation of every organ inside and out. The body, having been awakened by the improved diet, in its wisdom, will reach out to the places where health was lacking, and you will gradually see your beauty surfacing. The Rawsome diet will eliminate all the toxins on a deeper level and bring amazing changes to your appearance.

Only the body sustained on raw food will host natural beauty, or should we say Rawsome beauty. The landscape of the body will change. The surface of the skin will become soft and smooth but still firm and supple. Visible pores will diminish. A sallow skin with a yellow pallor will turn into a porcelain-like complexion. The whites of eyes, once red, will become bright with a bluish tinge. As natural collagen production improves, it will fill in the places where it is needed as in hollow cheeks. Raw food eating will clarify and refine your features and bring delicacy to your face.

On the Rawsome Diet, you will marvel at how the Master Artist will make the most of your individual features and bring balance to the entire face. Texture, hues, and shape will be harmoniously arranged into a genteel whole. Perfection and imperfection will be tied together into a unique original version of beauty.

Each time I see a woman, I study her appearance, and I see not just the way she looks but the way she could look. What I see is how far her image falls short of her potential beauty. I perceive her beauty as it would stand out after the body has cleansed itself from toxins and excesses.

From age 15 until recently, I wore my hair permed, only to discover at 45 that straight hair in my natural color was the best possible frame for my face. Did my preference change? Not at all. My face did. So let me give you a hint, if you need a camouflaging hairdo, you are not looking your best. The changes in your face brought about by raw foods will bring the freedom to arrange your hair in any way you want. When your peer group is thinking: "I am losing my looks", you will be finding yours. At 45, I enjoy looking in the mirror while before I detested my reflection.

As the cleansing initiated by this diet is completed, you will be very pleased to see how you were meant to look. Your body will exhibit beauty and dignity. You will become satisfied, even fascinated, with your appearance. When you look your very best, you look perfect, in a sense that you are as close to the divine image for yourself as you could ever be. You accept yourself completely. Natural beauty is above conformity; it doesn't demand to be accepted by the dictates of the beauty norm.

People who have been on the raw food lifestyle for several years begin to have a glow, the kind not often seen in middle-aged people. Optimal health is recognized by an emerging radiance. Glow is hard to fake because it is internal. It comes from an abundance of clear, pink, almost transparent cells that light up the face. Only superior blood circulation can bring this transfiguring glow. Several years on the raw food diet will make you look as though you just stepped out of a painting by Renoir--the impressionist best known for his preoccupation with light.

I have come to believe if you do not embrace the 100 percent raw food diet, you will never meet The Most Beautiful You. The best proof that the Rawsome diet is optimal for the body is it makes you beautiful. Slim face, slender waist, and clear skin with smooth coloration-these subtle changes will convince you the raw plant diet is the best for good health and graceful beauty. No woman knows her true beauty until she cleanses her body completely of all waste.

You can say there are people who are beautiful, and they are not on this diet. That is true. It is hard to believe, but even they haven't seen the best of themselves. Dissatisfaction with one's appearance arises not from perceiving our bodies inaccurately but because subconsciously we are aware we haven't achieved our optimal look. The Rawsome diet gives a feeling of authenticity, an assurance we have become what we were meant to be.

Raw food not only corrects beauty's shortcomings but also lifts the limitations of one's spirit and releases strains and tensions in both your mind and body. People on the raw food diet have an aura about them, a transcendent nobility and complacent dignity. Sickness is goodness lost, and our unhappiness is a longing for goodness. One takes in the goodness in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables and feels its purifying process on the inside. Goodness in one's food summons up goodness in one's appearance and character.

Do you think it is hard to follow this life style? Women have done so many outrageous and dangerous things to themselves in the pursuit of beauty, I believe they should at least try the Rawsome lifestyle, which promises to transform them into beautiful people. What a woman won't do for health, she will do for beauty. This is the first time beauty asks no sacrifice from health.

About the author

Tonya Zavasta is the author of the book "Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You" and of the soon to be published its sequel "Beautiful on Raw". In these books Tonya comes across as an ambassador for plain looking women in their quest for physical beauty. Tonya knows firsthand what it is to be humiliated, face adversity and meet the complex obstacles of daily living with a congenital disability. Facing several reconstructive hip surgeries to enable her to walk, she sought a way to offset the devastating effects of anesthetics on her health and appearance. She became more and more convinced that the solution to her quest for health and beauty was to be found in the raw food lifestyle or the Rawsome Diet as she calls it. The Rawsome Diet not only helped her to sail courageously through troublesome times, brought her general health and appearance to an all time best, but also opened a new chapter of her life. Firmly believing that the roots of under-performing and under-achieving lie in feeling and looking less than your personal best, she is on a mission: she wants every woman to look and feel beautiful. Tonya is convinced that by eating as God intended everyone can look uniquely beautiful as God envisioned. To learn more about how you can uncover your Rawsome beauty, visit: www.beautifulonraw.com

Dead Sea Beauty Products

2006-07-07T05:01:00.000-07:00

by: Johann Erickson

Without a doubt, one of the liveliest business and investment ventures rocking the health and beauty industries today is the ancient, venerable Dead Sea.

From mineral-rich black mud body masques to health treatments in thermo-mineral springs and the Dead Sea brine, the region's abundant cosmetological and therapeutic natural resources are truly legendary.

Cleopatra knew well the value of the naturally beautifying and restorative products that came from the Dead Sea region. She so coveted the bounty of the mineral-laden bath salts, the skin-revitalizing mud baths and the intoxicating balsamic perfumes extracted from the oases that her lover, Marc Anthony, led his troops into a fierce and bloody war to secure the region for his beautiful Queen.

And Cleopatra herself built the very first Dead Sea cosmetic facilities. Visitors to Ein Bokek and the Biblical, historic Ein Gedi can still see the bones of those factories today.

What makes Dead Sea products so clinically beneficial is their source -- a unique mix of solar radiation, an oxygen-rich atmosphere and geological features unlike any other on earth.

Flanked by mountains to its east and west, the heavily saline Dead Sea is cradled in a deep, sealed basin with hot, arid air above its surface. More than 400 meters below sea level, the Sea takes in water and mineralized run-off from mountain streams and alluvial springs, but loses the water rapidly to evaporation.

The resultant residue of leeched minerals and thick salts has long been used the world over to relieve the effects of muscle pains, psoriasis and other human ills.

The mineral cocktail produced in the Dead Sea waters and absorbed into the human body is believed to help skin to literally regenerate.

Today, the Dead Sea's reputation as a healer, revitalizer, replenisher and therapy treatment is thriving. Visitors travel to the Holy Land the year-round to bask on the sunny beaches and luxuriate or heal at one of the many top-quality day spas and treatment centers.

Today's Dead Sea products aficionados are finding that Cleopatra was right on the target about the value and effectiveness of the region's bounty!

Based on years of scientific testing, manufacturers report their products will smooth wrinkles, revitalize the skin's appearance, relieve muscle tension and cure acne.

There are also products to stimulate, cleanse and tighten skin, shrink large pores, rejuvenate hair luster, moisturize dry skin and give a healthy glow to whatever body part is enjoying treatment.

Among the many different types of Dead Sea beauty and pharmaceutical products marketed today are:

Therapeutic Black Mud masks, soaps, hair restorer, body cleansers, pain relievers, dry-skin treatments and scalp treatments. Many firms also market the mineral-rich mud as a topical application to relieve soreness caused by inflamed muscles.
Dead Sea mineral-based shampoos, conditioners and anti-dandruff treatments
Dead Sea bath gels, shower gels, foot spas, foot creams, sun screens, skin toners, and astringents for oily skin
Dead Sea chloride salts rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, iodine and bromide
Balsam-based cosmetics, perfumes and medicines.

More than 50 different Dead Sea health and beauty products manufacturers have production facilities operating in the region today.

About the Author

Johann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart and TV Products 4 Less. Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article.

Cosmetics - the practical way to BEAUTY!

2006-07-07T04:59:00.000-07:00

by: Mike Yeager

Want that healthy, tanned look without that elusive Spanish holiday? Use cosmetics! For cosmetics is the easiest way to enhance your image. Image is what the cosmetic industry sells through its products. And although it's up to you to believe it or not, I'm sure you won't complain. Definitely not when you can get "that look" without being much the poorer for it.

There are cosmetics for almost every need.

There are cosmetics for almost every need. Foundations, lipsticks, hair dyes, hair straighteners, hair sprays, skin conditioners, contact lenses, sunscreens, tanning products, glosses, shadows and what have you... The list is seemingly endless. Branded cosmetics abound! Choose between MAC cosmetics or Mary Kay cosmetics if you will. And if you can't afford it - well, there's always discount cosmetics which give you famous brands at a fraction of their price! So despair not! Get rid of that patch of graying hair, mask that niggling pimple, and banish the ugliness of your nose albeit temporarily with some prudently used cosmetics. Do take care, of course, to check out the contents. Certain cosmetic additives are harmful for the skin. Don't use so called "cosmeceuticals" unless their content, medicinal benefits and safety is verified. Having done that, go right ahead and indulge. And, if a lipstick is all that's between you and that Marilyn Monroe look, go, get it!

Mike Yeager

Publisher
www.a1-beauty-4u.com

Body Jewelry

2006-07-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

by: Angela Davis

Since ancient times body jewelry has been a part of the culture and heritage of different religions. It has been known to be an essential part of the clothing and appearance of the people in many regions of the world. At different parts of time through the centuries it was also used to signify the class demarcations prevalent in society at that point of time.

How ever in recent times it has acquired a new dimension. Body jewelry has never been in such high demand. The human body is not merely a body, it is a piece of art which has its own innate beauty and body jewelry is the perfect way to enhance the beauty of your body. Not only can you decorate your body with it, but you can also use it to bring into focus certain parts of your body or to enhance the beauty of certain parts.

Body jewelry items are usually for particular places on the human body. These more common places for body jewelry include the nose, eyebrow, nipple, ear lobes and naval, along with ear plugs (both curved and straight barbells). As fashion trends keep changing, the various parts where you can use body jewelry and the manner in which you can use it also keeps changing.

Nose body jewelry comes either in the classic captive circular barbell, or in the form of a nose screw. The nose screw can either be jeweled or plain, depending upon your preference. Eyebrow body jewelry is similar to that of the nose, in the sense that the eyebrow body jewelry also has the small captive barbell. This is now being made with a dangling, sparkling charm to hang from the upper most part of your eyebrow barbell. The eyebrow body jewelry can be either curved or straight with a charm of any style or color dangling from the top.

Nipple and naval body jewelry is one of the more popular types of body jewelry, it sis especially popular amongst the youth or the more adventurous in spirit. Nipple body jewelry includes the nipple barbells and the nipple shields. Naval body jewelry designs are also endless.

Whatever kind of body jewelry you use or wear it is important to keep some pointers in mind. Such as what kind of material is that specific body jewelry made off, is your skin allergic to it and is the piercing for the body jewelry done in a sterile and antiseptic environment.

This kind of jewelry is available for almost every conceivable part of your body. There are endless styles, designs, colors and textures in which body jewelry is made. What ever your budget, whether it is low end or high end; body jewelry is available in every range to suit your pocket as well as your tastes.

Body jewelry is not merely a decorative fixture; it is also a personal style statement. You can use it to bring attention or to take away attention from a specific part of your body. It is quite in vogue these days and has been in existence since time immemorial. If you have the attitude and the panache you can carry of any kind of body jewelry.

About the Author: Looking for information about Jewelry? Go to: www.merryjewelry.com 'Merry Jewelry' is published by Angela Davis - The Complete Jewelry Resource Directory Check out more Jewelry articles at: http://www.merryjewelry.com/archive
Source: www.isnare.com

Best Beauty Buys For 2005 Summer

2006-07-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

by: Sher Matsen

So many beauty products, which to buy? Each of us is different so our suggestions may not work for all but they are a good place to start. We've had 20 staff members test each product and then compiled their opinions to give you our 25 best beauty buys.

Sue Devitt Pencil Liner is nice and creamy with a velvety texture and is available in 10 shades Mac Eye Shadow has a wide selection of colors. If the color is available from mother nature than Mac has it. Rich texture and blends easily.
Revlon Eye Shadow is expensive and has a huge selection of shades. The colors are up todate and apply easily.
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara is dependable and affordable. Comes with a nice fine brush that grabs every eyelash and the formula is nice and rich and doesn't flake.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Filler has a great color selection and applies easily with a brush.
Stila Convertible Color Blush creates natural looking rosy cheeks. Creamy formula blends well producing a very natural look.
Revlon Skinlights Bronzer is inexpensive. It's rich and smooth texture is easy to apply and it is enriched with vitamins A, C, and E. Available in 6 shades and has a SPF15.
Tarte Cheek Stain is an oil free push up blush available in 5 natural tones.
Max Factor Erace Concealer is inexpensive with a sheer texture so it can be used around the eyes, but covers well enough to hide those more prominent imperfections.
Mac Pressed Powder is ultra translucent and you can be sure no shine will creep through.
Mac Lipstick is available in over 200 shades. They won't bleed and have a good lasting power.
Mario Badescu Lip wax is soothing and not waxy. It is enriched with Vitamins C & E and has a SPF15.
Lancome Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss can be worn by itself or layered over your lipstick, resulting in luscious glistening lips.
Cetaphil Facial Cleanser is highly recommended by dermatologists. No perfumes or irritants, powerful mild cleansing.
Kinara Lactic Acid facial Exfloiator is a light hydrating serum that easily absorbs into the skin. Non abrasive exfoliant that cleans deep.
Olay Regnerist Anti Wrinkle Cream is enhanced with pentapeptides and amino acids that encourage production of collagen for firmer skin.
Lancome Heavy Duty Moisturizer is a nonsticky cream that contains glycerin, wild yam extract, sea algae, and soy restore moisture.
Dove Facial Cleanser is mild and easily rinses away makeup and oil leaving skin feeling fresh and clean.
Aveeno Facial Moisturizer is an excellent emoillience but it is scented. Oil-free lotion enriched with skin softening soy extract.
Murad Acne Kit consists of 4 steps - cleanser with triclosan and salicylic acid to fight bacteria, pore cleaning gel with glycolic and salicylic acids, exfoliating lotion with retinol, and spot treatment with sulphur.
Kiehl's Blue Herbal Pimple Healer Spot Treatement is a fast acting blemish fighting gel. Contains Salicylic acid, and glycolic acid as well as herbal incredients such as cinnamon bark and ginger root.
Lancome Eye Makeup Remover will even remove waterproof mascara. Very gentle so perfect for sensitive skin.
L'Oreal Home Microdermabrasion is a two part system. Smooth skin with aluminum oxide crystals and moisturize with vitamin E cream.
Neutrogena T/Gel Dandruff Shampoo is soothing and calms the scalp eliminating flakes and relieving itchy scalp.
Pantene Pro V Overall Conditioner is inexpensive and hairstylists say its great. Frizz fighting rich nourishing formula rich in vitamins is easily absorbed by the hair

About the author: Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

Best Beauty Buys

2006-07-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Sue Devitt Pencil Liner is nice and creamy with a velvety texture and is available in 10 shades
Mac Eye Shadow has a wide selection of colors. If the color is available from mother nature than Mac has it. Rich texture and blends easily
Revlon Eye Shadow is expensive and has a huge selection of shades. The colors are up todate and apply easily
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara is dependable and affordable. Comes with a nice fine brush that grabs every eyelash and the formula is nice and rich and doesn't flake
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Filler has a great color selection and applies easily with a brush
Stila Convertible Color Blush creates natural looking rosy cheeks. Creamy formula blends well producing a very natural look.
Revlon Skinlights Bronzer is inexpensive. It's rich and smooth texture is easy to apply and it is enriched with vitamins A, C, and E. Available in 6 shades and has a SPF15.
Tarte Cheek Stain is an oil free push up blush available in 5 natural tones.
Max Factor Erace Concealer is inexpensive with a sheer texture so it can be used around the eyes, but covers well enough to hide those more prominent imperfections.
Mac Pressed Powder is ultra translucent and you can be sure no shine will creep through.
Mac Lipstick is available in over 200 shades. They won't bleed and have a good lasting power.
Mario Badescu Lip wax is soothing and not waxy. It is enriched with Vitamins C & E and has a SPF15.
Lancome Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss can be worn by itself or layered over your lipstick, resulting in luscious glistening lips
Cetaphil Facial Cleanser is highly recommended by dermatologists. No perfumes or irritants, powerful mild cleansing.
Kinara Lactic Acid facial Exfloiator is a light hydrating serum that easily absorbs into the skin. Non abrasive exfoliant that cleans deep
Olay Regnerist Anti Wrinkle Cream is enhanced with pentapeptides and amino acids that encourage production of collagen for firmer skin.
Lancome Heavy Duty Moisturizer is a nonsticky cream that contains glycerin, wild yam extract, sea algae, and soy restore moisture.
Dove Facial Cleanser is mild and easily rinses away makeup and oil leaving skin feeling fresh and clean
Aveeno Facial Moisturizer is an excellent emoillience but it is scented. Oil-free lotion enriched with skin softening soy extract
Murad Acne Kit consists of 4 steps - cleanser with triclosan and salicylic acid to fight bacteria, pore cleaning gel with glycolic and salicylic acids, exfoliating lotion with retinol, and spot treatment with sulphur
Kiehl's Blue Herbal Pimple Healer Spot Treatement is a fast acting blemish fighting gel. Contains Salicylic acid, and glycolic acid as well as herbal incredients such as cinnamon bark and ginger root
Lancome Eye Makeup Remover will even remove waterproof mascara. Very gentle so perfect for sensitive skin
L'Oreal Home Microdermabrasion is a two part system. Smooth skin with aluminum oxide crystals and moisturize with vitamin E cream
Neutrogena T/Gel Dandruff Shampoo is soothing and calms the scalp eliminating flakes and relieving itchy scalp
Pantene Pro V Overall Conditioner is inexpensive and hairstylists say its great. Frizz fighting rich nourishing formula rich in vitamins is easily absorbed by the hair

These products are great choices to keep you looking great!

About the Author: Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry, and wedding help. So stop by and visit us at www.estatejewelryinternational.com We'll help you make your fashion statement! Remember looking good doesn't have to cost a fortune!
Source: www.isnare.com

Beauty Today: All Smoke and Mirrors?

2006-07-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

by: Danna Schneider

Did you ever notice that the bar is continually being raised on exactly what physical characteristics define beauty? As I sit in front of the TV, I am bombarded by beauties with pouty lips, perfect bone structure, flawless skin, more "voluptuous" upper regions, size 2 waists, and hair that resembles spun silk. Take these same beauties and plop them back in time 20-30 years, when the advent of modern cosmetic technology had not even begun to reach its full potential. Do you think they would have had those same attributes you find yourself longing for when faced with these images? My guess is probably not, or at least not to the same extent.

True, genetics play a role in physical beauty, but with the likes of total "extreme" makeover reality TV (The Swan, Extreme Makeover, Dr. Beverly Hills) and abundant publicity, we see that beauty and cosmetic improvement can now be achieved by a few thousand dollars and a good plastic surgeon. Not only that, but cosmetics in general are now so technologically advanced, you can improve your looks by personal makeup application and home treatments.

There are now do-it-yourself cosmetic treatments such as home microdermabrasion kits, chemical peels, "botox" creams and gels, teeth whiteners, hair removal treatments, cellulite treatments, professional hair straighteners and colors, self tanners, lip enlargers, acne treatments, and the list goes on and on (http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/best-skincare-products-reviews.html ). Cosmetics marketers and science have joined forces to give women everything they ever wanted to be their most beautiful, and feel better about themselves. Women are benefitting by so many companies competing for a piece of these fairly new markets by lower, more competitive prices.

Not only are there new breakthroughs in the world of cosmetic science, but there are constantly new studies and discoveries in the field of nutrition, fitness, and wellness. Combine this with the new wave of technologically advanced cosmetics, supplements, and treatments, and you've got a recipe for a healthier, longer, more satisfying life for those of us who decide to take advantage of the advanced knowledge of our time.

So, does your desire to be your best and most beautiful self make you shallow, less credible, or somehow jeopardize your feminist agendas? Unless you've somehow compromised your integrity, morals, or core beliefs along the way, the answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT! As long as you are not putting yourself at high risk for physical harm, obsessing endlessly, or spending your life savings, investing time and money into your beauty ultimately is an investment in your well being, self esteem, and many times, mental and physical health. Feeling beautiful is part of what makes us women. Come on, it's just plain FUN to experiment with different looks and different products! It feels good to be noticed, and when you feel beautiful, you tend to radiate confidence and power. It is inherent in our nature to want to feel feminine and look and feel our best, and there is nothing wrong with it, as long as it is not all-consuming.

As a self-proclaimed "product junkie", I can attest that many of these newly engineered products really do work, as I have tried nearly all of them in the quest to look and feel my best. I can't wait to see what they'll come out with next, as every new product seems to top the last. Hey, women have come a long way, and we deserve to feel sexy and confident - beyond smoke and mirrors!

Danna Schneider is the webmaster of the beauty review and advice website CosmeticsGalore.com She is a cosmetics and beauty product researcher and enthusiast.

The Health and Beauty of a Good Night's Sleep

2006-07-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

by Cathy Gatson

Sleeping is a necessity, not a luxury. A good night's sleep is just as crucial to maintaining wellness as is a healthy diet and proper exercise.

The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is a restorative process. While we're sleeping, our brain is cycling through the 3 stages of sleep: light, deep and REM. Sleep restores, rejuvenates and energizes the body and brain. Our immune systems are recharged, cells grow and repair themselves, and our bodies conserve energy.

Dangers of Sleep Deprivation
Unfortunately, to many sleep is not valued. In this "open all night" society we now live in, four out of ten Americans are trading much-needed sleep hours for longer hours at the office, gym, club and other activities which seem more important or interesting. What they may not realize is that lack of sleep takes a toll on our mental and physical well being. Studies performed by the National Sleep Foundation show that even minimal sleep loss has a profoundly detrimental impact on mood, cognition, performance, productivity, communication skills, accident rates and general health. For optimal functioning throughout the day, the average adult needs between seven to nine hours sleep a night. According to the NSF, the American adult population functions on about six and a half hours of sleep per night.

Don't Sleep?
For some, lack of sleep is not a choice, but a condition. Millions of Americans suffer from insomnia. According to the NSF, a third of Americans are using over the counter or prescription sleep aids at night. If you suffer from insomnia, here are a few tips to help you get some shut eye:

Pray before bedtime. The bible tells us to "Cast your burden upon the Lord. Don't go to bed with a heavy load. Give it to God. Remember Joy comes in the morning"
Avoid caffeinated food and beverages like coffee, teas, soft drinks and chocolate 3 to 4 hours before bedtime.
Exercise regularly, but complete your workout at least three hours before bedtime. Keep your body calm.
Make sure your mattress is the right one for you. Flip your mattress over periodically.Develop a bedtime ritual. Taking a warm bath 90 minutes before bedtime will relax your body and usually make you feel sleepy.
Make sure your bedroom is quiet and comfortable.
Have a cup of warm milk.
Play relaxing music.
Go to bed and wake up the same time every day. When your sleep cycle has a regular rhythm you will feel better.

Be a Sleeping Beauty
A friend of mine once told me that a woman should present herself to her husband at bedtime like a present. Interesting.so I polled a few colleagues and found overall most husbands prefer their wives to be lingerie clad at bedtime. Nude came in a very close second and pajamas were considered very un-sexy. Wives preferred their hubbys wear only boxers to bed. Whatever your sleepwear preference, bedtime is the opportunity to prepare your mind and body for the rest it deserves. Here are a few more tips to help you sleep pretty:

Always remove your makeup and cleanse your face thoroughly before bed (Oil of Olay Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin). Going to bed without washing your face not only leads to mascara-stained sheets (Andrea Eye Q's eye makeup remover pads $3.50+ voted best by Allure Magazines 1999) but the dirt picked up during the day can clog pores and lead to acne.
Brush and floss your teeth.
Vaseline works wonders on rough spots while you sleep. Try it on feet, elbows, and knees and dab a little on your lips too.
There are several night creams on the market now claiming to be more effective if applied at bedtime, here are a few to try: Lancome - Primoridale Intense Night Cream $41.50, Murad Perfecting Night Cream $41.50. If these prices are more than you normally spend then L'Oreal Age Perfect Night Cream and Oil of Olay ProVital night creams are available at Wal-Mart and Target. Prices range from $14 - $15.
If you wrap your hair in a scarf at bedtime, remember to wash it regularly.
Wear your fancy nighties to bed. Don't save them for a special occasion. You are a special occasion.
After your bath or shower ritual slather on a lotion that relaxes you and helps you fall asleep like Origins Night-a-mins moisture lotion or Calm to Your Senses Body Souflee.
Marilyn Monroe is said to only have worn Chanel No.5 to bed but if you prefer something a little lighter then Issey Miyake's L'Eau D'Issey Soothing Night Fragrance is a good pick.

Here's wishing you brighter days and more restful nights!

Cathy Gatson is a freelance writer and owner/operator of a hair and body salon located in Northern California.

Reprinted from: www.ezinearticles.com
Source: www.isnare.com

Beauty Secrets of Celebrity

2006-07-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

by: Josh Bernstein, DDS

It comes as no surprise that many of the most beautiful and famous people go to great lengths to maintain their youthful appearance. They work out with personal trainers. They go to the best hair salons and rejuvenating spas. They use exotic skin care products. And they go to the best cosmetic surgeons.

Cosmetic or plastic surgery can be as simple as a "lunchtime peel" or as involved as a complete face-lift. Botox injections can eliminate "frown lines." Liposuction can reduce excess fat. You can reduce or enlarge just about anything! But there is one beauty secret that is not well known. It beautifies the most looked-at part of the body. It provides dramatic transformations in one visit. It doesn't require surgery. In fact, you can stay awake through the entire procedure. What is it? Cosmetic Dentistry.

While plastic surgery certainly has its place, cosmetic dentistry has its own distinct advantages. It doesn't matter how beautiful the rest of the features are, if the teeth are ugly, no one's going to pay much attention to the rest. Beautifying a smile provides instant gratification. The changes to one's appearance can be incredible! A "smile lift" immediately improves confidence and self-esteem. The recovery time is insignificant. You can eat with it, smile with it, talk with it and kiss with it!

Beyond appearances, cosmetic dentistry has the unique advantage of being able to improve one's health. So many people are walking around with historical dental work that is compromising their oral health. Many others have worn their teeth to the point that their bite is causing symptoms of "TMJ," such as headaches, muscle pain, and even dizziness. Top cosmetic dentists address these problems. The frosting on the cake is that patients leave looking their very best.

About the Author

Dr. Bernstein is a longtime Piedmont resident in private practice 2 blocks from Cal Piedmont. He is a clinical instructor at the world renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and his practice focuses on Cosmetic Dentistry and 5 star guest services. Dr. Bernstein can be reached at 848-SMILE (848-7645) and at www.allnewsmiles.com

Beauty Secrets

2006-07-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

by: Kenia Morales

How many times have you looked at yourself in the mirror and wished you could change a minor problem? To look even more beautiful. Here are five helpful & easy ways to achieve beauty secrets.

Skin lightener

Lighten elbow and knee areas by scrubbing lemon juice and sugar. The lemon has a bleaching effect and the sugar will exfoliate the dead cells.

Shiny Hair

hair mix fresh orange juice, water, 1 tablespoon Honey and any type of vegetable oil.

For plumper lips,

Apply lipstick and lip-gloss.

Add a dot of eye shadow in the center of your lips and blend carefully. You might also want to check out City Lips Collagen Lip Plumping Treatment.

Dark circles

Tired looking people do not look attractive cover under eye circles with make up. Choose a color that matches your skin shade, avoid getting lighter shades. We recommend TheBalm TimeBalm - Under Eye Concealer

Fake Tan

Get a tan without exposing your skin to harmful sun rays.

DuWop Revolotion Tinted Body Moisturizer With SPF 15 and Shimmer

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine www.kpatra.com "For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit us to find a variety of women related issues and topics".

Beauty Secret from Brazil for Cellulite

2006-07-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

by: Burgundy Shank

Brazilian women spend much of their time on the beach, so it's no wonder that their secret to cellulite-free skin is found there. A handful of ordinary sand will do wonders for cellulite when rubbed across the skin with a lubricant such as vegetable oil (or even sea water) just a few times per week.

How does this work? The sand improves circulation by helping to unsettle deposits of fat that collect in the problem areas of the body, such as the thighs, buttocks or abdomen. The coarse nature of the sand allows for this movement, and if you're not so close to the beach, a substitute like cornmeal, finely crushed salt or sugar will also do the trick. As a double bonus, battling cellulite in this way will allow you to exfoliate at the same time, giving you a healthier glow to your skin by bringing new skin cells to the surface.

Cellulite removal can also be increased with the help of massage. A hand-held massage brush with either wooden or rubber pegs feels great and is inexpensive. Massages can be used daily to help with cellulite removal.

Once you've completed the treatment, the broken up fat will begin to look for a new place to rest in the body. You can avoid this by drinking lots of water both before and after your scrub or massage.

About the Author

Burgundy Shank makes scrubs and other personal care products using essential oils, botanicals and other natural ingredients. You can download the FREE Report "The Top 10 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Personal Care Products" by joining her online newsletter, "Beauty Secrets from Around the World" at www.burgundysoap.com

Beauty is Wellness from Within

2006-07-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

by: Dr. Renate Bodden ND

Beauty comes from within, we as women can wear all the make-up we want and yes it can make a difference as far as self esteem, enhance our features, improve the look of our skin. But if the body is not healthy due to being obese, certain organ dis-stress, the body can be out of balance in Mind-Body and Spirit. There are certain Holistic modalities that are used in my practice to bring about balance and our Wingspan Wellness Weekends, enhance the healing due to rest, relaxation,and concentration on self.

Renate Bodden is a Doctor of Naturopathy, Reiki Master and certified Yoga Instructor. Renate resides in Houston, Texas, and is very passionate about Wellness, her Holistic Health modalities include Kinesiology,Nutrition, Bachflower Therapy, Reiki Therapeutic body Treatment and Yoga.

Healthy Foods That Will Keep You Young and Healthy

2006-07-06T06:12:00.000-07:00

by: Donna Monday

You've heard that old saying: True beauty comes from within. Well, now nutritional experts have confirmed that you really are what you eat.

Forget French fries and fatty hamburgers. If you want to look beautiful and feel young and healthy, you'll eat a generous variety of super foods that have been proven to work wonders on the human body.

Whether you're on a low fat diet, low carb diet, or no diet, adding these super foods to your plate should become as second nature to you as putting your lipstick on in the morning.

Healthy Skin - Eat: blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, currants, purple grapes, pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes

Healthy Eyes - Eat: broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, mustard greens, turnip greens

Strong Bones - Eat: yogurt, kefir, soy, tofu, Drink: skim milk

Reduce Stress - Eat: beans (navy, pinto, red, black, etc.), green beans, sugar snap peas, green peas, chick peas

Boost Immune System - Eat: turkey, skinless chicken breast, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, spinach, Drink: black or green tea

Sun Protection for Skin - tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit

About The Author

Donna Monday writes beauty related articles for www.1-minute-beauty-diva.com

Beauty doesn't have to be Expensive

2006-07-06T06:11:00.000-07:00

by: Melanie Breeze

Where do you buy your beauty supplies? If you buy them from a department store- you are paying way too much! I was a department store buyer for many years. I was hooked on a particular brand, and I thought that the products were only available at the department store. I was wrong. With a little bit of time and research, I was able to shave off 50% of my beauty supply bill. Imagine what you could do with the extra money. The process is actually really simple. All you have to do is find the right websites.

Many of us are hooked on a particular brand of beauty supplies. We have used them for years, and love the way that they make us look and feel. The price tag however isn't very pretty. Try doing a search online for your favorite beauty products. You may find that auction sites such as EBay.com have really good deals. Make sure to find out about shipping and return policies. I am a sucker for a free shipping deal, so try to find them whenever possible. You may also be able to purchase the product directly from the manufacturer's website. Look for online promotions that will give you discounts on the items you buy most. Coupon sites can give you even better discounts, so shop around.

If you are feeling adventurous and want to try a new cheaper brand, have no fear. Most websites will include a list of ingredients for all of their products. You can then compare this list with products that you have tried before. Look for products that have natural ingredients. If you can't produce anything on the label, chances are its not a good deal. There are many companies that focus on creating cheap designer knock-offs, so you may get a fragrance or cologne for much less than the name brand.

Buying beauty supplies online can be a lot of fun. You will be amazed at the level of savings, and pleased with the final product. Try getting together with friends and family members to compare beauty regimens. You may find a new product or item that you cannot live without. Always remember- beauty doesn't have to be expensive!

Melanie Breeze, avid online shopper and user of CouponChief, is always shopping around for the best deals. You can find beauty supply bargains and savings available around the web at CouponChief, all in one location. Always find an online coupon 1st before making ANY purchase!

Beauty Divine

2006-07-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

by: Advice Diva

The quest for beauty, age defiance and physical enhancement are at an all time high. The beauty industry, comprised of simple salons to mega-corporate giants, pulls in billions of dollars annually. People are obsessed with making themselves beautiful and more attractive for their own personal satisfaction and so others can see them they want to be seen. Not only do people search for ways to enhance themselves, but they also seek beauty and attraction in other things, most notably a dating partner.

Some people might conclude that canvassing the importance of beauty in the dating world is a bit gratuitous. We all know its out there and it can even be considered nature's cruelest form of sexual selection. You either have it or you don't. However, I think it is a poignant topic of consideration whether you are just now entering the dating realm or you have been in it for years and whether you are male or female. Today's society places heavy weight on good looks in the work place and in social scenes. You can't escape it and you can not deny it. Amidst growing liberties, democracy, the abolition of racial and religious oppression and the rising demand for an open mind one would naturally assume that our advanced culture would not treat certain individuals better simply because of advantageous genetic facial features. But we all know that this is the furthest from the truth. We see it every day.

Doctor Nancy Etcoff, a faculty member of Harvard University and a psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, has beautifully illustrated the ageless hunt for beauty in her book Survival of the Prettiest. I was enthralled with the hundreds of references throughout history Dr. Etcoff found and adapted to the importance of beauty. One of the most interesting ones involved Eleanor Roosevelt. When asked if she had any regrets she remarked that she only wished she had been prettier. To hear a statement such as this coming from a heroine to women everywhere, it makes one want to examine why and how being beautiful or handsome plays such a dubious role in our every day lives. As Dr. Etcoff examines this very thought further in her book, I think it would be best if we just accept our idealistic qualities and move on to facing them.

When it comes down to selecting new single men and women we choose to date, our very first assessment of the potential mate is based on looks. Most people will say that they are looking for more profound qualities such as character, motivation, sensitivity, a commonality in activities, beliefs and a sense of humor and that looks, although important, are not at the top of the list. Of course everyone wants to feel as if he or she had more noble intents in mind. And although this may be true, nature tends to sway our first choice. Psychological tests upon tests show that we all gravitate towards the more attractive person at first. This is not something that we can readily help, nor can we consider it malevolent behavior. It is simply programmed into us from commercials, magazine ads, celebrities and more. It is a learned responsive behavior. While not everyone looks like Naomi Campbell or Brad Pitt and there are only a few genetic anomalies in this world who apparently represent what we all should look like, we can all take steps and measures to improve the way we look and how we appear to others. It is the very first rule in dating!

The first person you need to impress is yourself. When you look good you feel good. Take advantage of what modern science has created in the field of beauty. From getting the basic proper shampoo and conditioner for you hair to hair regrowth products and surgery, from makeup to enhance your features to elective surgery for more dramatic effects. Your wardrobe should be a priority issue as well. If you are still showing up at the door to pick up your date in those same ripped jeans you have had since the 1980's, think about a complete wardrobe overhaul. Getting in shape is an absolute must. Not only does it show that you care about your body, it is essential for your health and it will help you to feel great physically and emotionally. The better you feel about yourself, the more confident you will appear. And confidence is a very sexy and appealing part of your overall appearance.

In her book Dr. Etcoff assumes that people, mostly men, are more attracted to beautiful people for short term relationships while beauty is less important when seeking a committed relationship. However, it is that attractive quality of sex appeal which will get you in the door. When you are just getting to know people for dating purposes such as with the use of online dating resources, your appearance is going to be one of the most compelling forces in attracting dates. Everyone wants someone to fall in love with them for the right reasons, but you can't change basic human instinct and the natural affinity for beauty. You don't have to be the most beautiful or most handsome person in the room, but you can take the time and effort to look the best you possibly can.

About the Author

The Advice Diva has written four self-help guides on relationships and dating which can be found at http://www.advicediva.com She also hosts an online advice column which is completely free of charge. The Diva does not claim to be an expert in any field. However, she has the ability to understand relationships through past experience and her incredible insight.

Beauty Comes From Within

2006-07-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

by: David Stanton

Since real beauty comes from within, it's important that your beauty products bring out your best natural qualities. Natural beauty product reviews can help you choose which products are best suited to your own individual needs.

One popular type of natural beauty product is stretch mark removal cream. Since stretch marks are pretty common--their causes range from pregnancy to body building--a lot of people can be helped by a natural, effective treatment for them. While reading natural beauty product reviews, I noticed that the best stretch mark remedies contain high amounts of Emu Oil, Aloe Vera Gel, Collagen, Elastin and Vitamin E. When these key ingredients are combined in a highly concentrated cream, they can not only help reduce stretch marks you already have, but actually help prevent new ones from forming!

One of the most helpful things about natural beauty product reviews is that they tell you about the ingredients in the best beauty products out there. Whenever you're looking for skin treatments--whether it's cellulite cream, spider vein therapy, sunless tanning or stretch mark removal--you want to make sure that the ingredients are safe and actually make your skin look better, not worse. What's the point of diminishing stretch marks if the skin around them becomes red and irritated? Natural beauty products tend to be safer, because they don't include a lot of harsh chemicals in their ingredients.

If you're fair skinned like I am, you know how hard it can be to enjoy the great outdoors. There's nothing unusual about stretch marks or cellulite or spider veins. They are the natural effects of having bodies that grow and change. Using natural, high quality products to safely improve your skin's appearance can help you feel less self-conscious at the beach or in the bedroom.

Then your natural, individual beauty can shine through!

Beauty Basics Tips

2006-07-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

by: R. L. Fielding

Despite the media coverage of makeover reality shows, the majority of Americans are not looking for extreme transformations. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, most of us want to look better, naturally, with 68-percent preferring a subtle change. And experts agree that looking your best could be accomplished at home for considerably less.

Dr. Linda Franks, a leader in the specialized skin care frontier, says "To get that timeless, healthy look you need to start with an appropriate skincare regime. Taking good care of your skin can stave off fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and even dry skin."

Doctors say whatever your skin type, the key is to cleanse it gently.
oAvoid hot water and use lukewarm instead, to prevent over-drying.
oAnd throw in the towel - traditional washcloths are too abrasive for the face, so use your hands and fingers.

Sixty-eight-percent of women claim to have sensitive skin which means dry, tight, chapped or easily irritated skin.
oMoisturize regularly.
oAvoid harsh cleansers with ingredients such as fragrances, dyes and preservatives because sensitive skin is easily damaged and takes longer to recover.

If your skin is dry and easily irritated, don't wash more than once a day. You may risk stripping the skin of its natural oils.
oLook for non-irritating cleansing washes that are soap-free.
oUse light, oil-free, water-based moisturizers to help maintain the skin's natural barrier.
oMake sure to choose a facial moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15, which protects against both UVB and UVA rays.

Skin sensitivity may also result from the third most common, non-surgical skincare procedure known as Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a quick and easy, non-invasive procedure that helps to reveal healthier-looking skin by sweeping away dead skin cells.
oDr. Franks reveals that, following the treatment, the best way to avoid irritation is by opting for an ultra-gentle cleanser and moisturizer.
oA new clinical study shows that PURPOSE gentle cleansing wash and dual treatment moisture lotion with spf 15 are compatible with this procedure.

How else can you obtain optimal skin health? Dr. Franks says, "Exercise opens up blood vessels to make skin look healthy and youthful. It's so important for healthy skin."
oRegular cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow to the skin which assists in collagen production.
oMaintaining muscle mass through exercise can also help anchor and support skin, keeping it taut.
oAnd drink up! At least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day are crucial for optimal skin hydration.

So before you sign on for an extreme and expensive makeover, just think back on some simple, beauty basics! You just might like what you see!

About the Author
PURPOSE® Skin Care (www.purposeskincare.com) manufactures a number of skin care products, including sunscreen, moisturizer, and face wash.

Beauty Basics at Face Value

2006-07-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

by: Chris Spewock

Last year, more than eight-point-seven-million people underwent cosmetic procedures to enhance what nature gave them, or didn't. But experts tell us that Americans may be jumping into invasive procedures too quickly.

Despite the media coverage of makeover reality shows, the majority of Americans are not looking for extreme transformations. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, most of us want to look better, naturally, with 68-percent preferring a subtle change. And experts agree that looking your best could be accomplished at home for considerably less.

Dr. Linda Franks, a leader in the specialized skin care frontier, says "To get that timeless, healthy look you need to start with an appropriate skincare regime. Taking good care of your skin can stave off fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and even dry skin."

Where to begin? At the sink! Doctors say whatever your skin type, the key is to cleanse it gently. Avoid hot water and use lukewarm instead, to prevent over-drying. And throw in the towel - traditional washcloths are too abrasive for the face, so use your hands and fingers.

Sixty-eight-percent of women claim to have sensitive skin which means dry, tight, chapped or easily irritated skin. Dr. Franks advises moisturizing regularly and avoiding harsh cleansers with ingredients such as fragrances, dyes and preservatives because sensitive skin is easily damaged and takes longer to recover.

If your skin is dry and easily irritated, don't wash more than once a day. You may risk stripping the skin of its natural oils. Dr. Franks recommends looking for non-irritating cleansing washes that are soap-free, moisturizers that are light, oil-free, and water-based to help maintain the skin's natural barrier. Another tip-make sure to choose a facial moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15, which protects against both UVB and UVA rays.

Skin sensitivity may also result from the third most common, non-surgical skincare procedure known as Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a quick and easy, non-invasive procedure that helps to reveal healthier-looking skin by sweeping away dead skin cells. Dr. Franks reveals that, following the treatment, the best way to avoid irritation is by opting for an ultra-gentle cleanser and moisturizer.

A new clinical study shows that PURPOSE gentle cleansing wash and dual treatment moisture lotion with spf 15 are compatible with this procedure.

How else can you obtain optimal skin health? Here are some other healthy basics to keep your skin looking its best:

Dr. Franks says, "Exercise opens up blood vessels to make skin look healthy and youthful. It's so important for healthy skin." Regular cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow to the skin which assists in collagen production. Maintaining muscle mass through exercise can also help anchor and support skin, keeping it taut. And drink up! At least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day are crucial for optimal skin hydration.

So before you sign on for an extreme and expensive makeover, just think back on some simple, beauty basics! You just might like what you see!

Beauty as a Sexual Object

2006-07-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

by: Punkerslut

To fall in love -- considered by some as the ultimate quest in life, and prepared by others with a constant and unending flow of fantasies, dreams, and enchanting ideas. And what we find sometimes to be so uniquely freakish of a fetish of our own, so personally vaulted and denied at every conscious inquiry -- we find, in fact, that it is a secrecy of our own sexuality and our own fantasies, that disallows us from discovering that, what we find to be deviant is actually commonplace in the minds of all individuals. There is no person whose sexual ideas are unique, no fantasy of anyone that is not based on the same roots of the fantasies of others. This is sexuality, a social and emotional facet of every human. So, it must be granted as truth, that it is the repression of sexuality in our society, that convinces us that our own sexuality is a freak, a deviancy, an intolerably disgusting and improper attitude. Despite the fact that sexuality has been an intrinsic part of the lives of the hundreds and hundreds of millions of people, or the hundreds of billions of animals, there are still some puritanical ideas of people to oppose it. And, even if sexuality weren't commonplace, one would think that the argument of "so long as none are harmed, let it be," would be enough to justify it. I think that it was not a matter of argument, but one of shame and repression, that granted the puritan-minded people to believe and preach as they do.

If, in fact, those of the puritanical ideas had no conception of sexuality, I do not believe they could have the will to rally against sex. If it is just a fact of life, nothing that personally effected them, then it would not be something they could muster so much unforgiving hate for. Alas, I do not think these puritanical ideas have done much of anything to uplift the personality of goodness or the character of charity. The idea that sex is an evil is not a friend of the ideals of kindness, intelligence, or truth. These puritanical soldiers have done nothing but bog down the structure of civilization, waging a war against our own animal nature. By seeing their own feelings of sexuality, experiencing the desires and urges, the thoughts and inhibitions, puritans find themselves villified with their own character, ashamed and mortified. I think that people manage to put anger, passion, and strong, powerful emotions into vengeance, when it is their own personal nature that they are attacking. The puritans have allowed themselves to be cruel, brutal, and absolutely cold blooded in their war against sex. As the blood running through civilization warmed, the extent to which they were allowed to fight has been limited and limited. Tortures and murders were an intrinsic part of the original Puritan culture, when it came to their attitude about punishing sex.

It is a rather popular statement, that beaty is in the eye of the beholder. Yet everyone seems to interpret this statement differently. The fact that someone or something is beuatiful is only true because there is a critic to call it that. No artwork exemplified beauty without an onlooker, no song brought forward melody without a listener, no poem created peacefulness or rage without a reader. There can be no argument to this. We find, also, that just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so is ugliness in the eye of the beholder. The same artwork that was called beautiful by one may be called ugly, disgusting, or otherwise unappealing by another. It is here that the true meaning of the phrase may be captured. The only reason why something is appealing or unappealing, attractive or unattractive, is because there is a mind in the sensory organs there to judge. The ideas of what is or is not gorgeous, enchanting, homely, or wretched are all dependent upon the viewer. Then we apply these ideas to a person. One's voice is seen as glorious in tone or rancid in quality. The face and body become a considerable work of art or a defaced panting, or something in between or to a more extreme. Judging a body and a face, though, as beautiful or ugly, is a much different action than judging a painting as either beautiful or ugly.

A person, unlike a painting or a poem, is conscious, capable of emotion and happiness. All of a sudden, their physical attributes become subject to criticism and judgment. What is the purpose, though, of finding someone attractive or unattractive? The simple and obvious answer is for thepurpose of mating and procreation. Now that the reason for appeal or unappeal, in a person's beauty anyway, has been uncovered, another question remains open. If a person's outter shell can be judged as ugly or beautiful, by one person or another, and since this judgment does not help us to determine their character, should we disregard beauty and ugliness as a deterent to a person's true self?

Of those individuals who call themselves Freethinkers, artists, independent minds, lovers of intelligence and friends of liberty, it is the typical attitude that a person's emotions and way of thinking is in fact a part of their intrinsic self. There can be no greater proof of this than experience: beautiful people may be cruel and heartless, as the ugly people can be intelligent and meaningful, and vice versa. A person's beauty does not determine the way they think. It does not make them more kind or charitable, nor does it instill in them attributes of vice or cruelty. This fact, I imagine will meet with no argument from those whom have experienced the world. The Freethinkers, though, have further advanced this position, by incorporating this philosophy int their personal lives. They do not judge people on their image, and accept friendship and affection from someone regardless of theri looks, and they are not less scornful of a brutal person no matter their beauty. They have taken a rational position and they must be commended for that. In another way, some of them have incorporated their philosophy into their sexuality, either consciously or unconsciously. For example, they find someone attractive based on their ideas, their character, their way of thinking and personality. One's physical body becomes esxually arrousing once they are identified with ideas of justice and goodness. They have not warded off human sexuality, so they have much more mindfulness and personal awareness than the puritans. In some cases, a Freethinker who fell in love with someone for their ideas, after the berakup, individuals they see resembling their initial love, even if socially considered unattractive, are considered attractive by the Freethinker.

So it happens, that the phrase comes to us, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," and we find that beautiful and ugly are relative terms, subjective in that they are exsiting only in the mind. Our natural response to this is that a person cannot wholly be judged by their physical, since they are conscious. they are capable of thoughts, ideas, emotions. Thus we find every Freethinker and independent individual falling in love with a personality of a person, irregardless of physical appeal.

There is one fact that must be treated, though. An individual cannot have sex with a personality. As much as the idea is desired, physical affection cannot be given to a thought, an idea, or a character. It is necessary that a body is there. Admiration of an individual and their thoughts is never so pure or heart-warming as when there is a face for that individual, by which emotions and even ideas can be expressed. The look of ease, of a person laying down at the end of a long day, or a look of interest and intrigue, fascinated by the current occurrences, or a look of boldness and strength, defending what we believe in and what we fight for. The analytical expression, unsatisfied with what we know, delving through thoughts, facts, memories, to develope a more just theory -- the expression of deep thought, it allows us a a greater admiration of the deep thought itself. Nothing can greater express sadness than a story one wished to levie by retelling, accompanied by tears.

This is just the face alone: eyes compliment diw th brows, a mouth given a tongue, and a nose, the rest covered with skin enveloping ten thousand muscle strands, all of which can combine to tell us thoughts and emotions. Anger and aggression, sadness and solemnness, pleasure and euphoria, exhaustion and rest -- all feelings by which we can purely communicate to another by the contraction or relaxation of our face muscles. The blessing of the voice adds to whatever feeling we are comunicating, even if we are not speaking actual words. In fact, the emotion or facial expression delivers is dramatically heightened and empathically understood those vocal sounds which transcend all human language, particularly when we express a sudden pain, joy, or understanding.

Then, we are to consider the rest of the body. There are few words so reassuring, as a gentle, affectionate, and understanding touch. The idea of love can be written in a million poems and a thousand essays, which help us understand it in a reflective manner, but few things are so realistically understood as love when through the physical act of it; it is so logical to believe that experience is necessary to knowledge in this situation, just as it is impossible to know the true nature of terror without going through war, or other experiences. Lips, eyelashes, and other facial features, gently caressing, touching, or nuzzling the intimate or even common parts of the body: love-making, never so real or pure as can be demonstrated through experience. Those gentle parts, the neck, the stomach, the inner arms, find themselves also to be the most intimately felt. Perhaps it is the nature of evolution: ourselves becoming most protective of our most vulnerable parts, that they can also be the most intimate parts, because we feel that we want our lovers to feel those parts which we are most aware of. The other parts, the spinal column, the inner fore arms, the hands, though we are not only protective of them, we regard them during sex as gentle and intimate.

Understand, though, that up to this point, of the necessity of a body for physical expression and physcial love, I have said nothing of beauty, spoken no words on one's complection as it is concerned to sex. I have only demonstrated the purity of expression when physical, when either in body and through the face. Yet there may be something rather unsettling, or otherwise seemingly contradictory about these thoughts. Those who have based their opinion on Freethought and independence, have argued that the physical complection, of beautiful or ugly, is not accurately indicative of a person's inner character. But, on the other hand, the body allows us the most pure and affectionate method of expressing our desires.

I suppose that it must be admitted that one's body and face is an important part of love and sexuality. Whether we find one's body to be beautiful or not, the existence of such a body is important. But, beauty can even play a positive role in this. A body may in fact be considered indefferent, perhaps somewhat ugly or holmely. But, once that body has a personality, an opinion, an ideal, a character, these things alone may be enough for us to find them attractive physically. The same can be said of a body we initially find attractive, but then we hear a rather unintelligent, thoughtless mind speak, a rather cocky personality, and an otherwise unattractive character, and we find them ugly physically. It is not always the case, but it happens to be true often. Thus, beauty, no matter what it comes from, a physical complection, is necessary to a meaningful relationship.

Before ending this dissertation, there are still some thoughts on beauty that will not rest in my heart until I have fully explained them. As I stated before, there are many people who would find it immature or thoughtless to love or deeply care about someone just by their physical complection. But, it is almost a thing of serenity, when a young boy's passions are enveloped around just the image of a girl. Granted, he may not be thoughtful in his quest, but he is listening to his desires. The thoughts and ideas that are spurning in his mind may be misguided, but they are gorgeous, wonderful, and even comforting. Fantasies may be pplayed out where just a kindly personality is placed in the boy's fictionaly apparition of her. He will feel joy when he imagines her impressed with every aspect of him, and very loving and caring of him. The same can be said of a girl and her affection for any handsome man.

With this, I end. I can only hope that I have enlightened some minds.

www.punkerslut.com

For Life,

Punkerslut

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Punkerslut (or Andy Carloff) has been writing essays and poetry on social issues which have caught his attention for several years. His website www.punkerslut.com provides a complete list of all of these writings. His life experience includes homelessness, squating in New Orleans and LA, dropping out of high school, getting expelled from college for "subversive activities," and a myriad of other revolutionary actions.

Beauty and Ecumenicism

2006-07-06T05:48:00.000-07:00

by: Robert Bruce Baird

There are many vantage points from which to find beauty. The side of the mountains overlooking Lake Louise on the grass of the hotel sipping champagne with your most cherished friend is a memory of beauty that will always overcome my consciousness. The purr of my friend and companion as he welcomed me home from a hard days work or the smile on the face of most any person who 'sees' what little part of life we can partake in to help each other. There are many beauties and no real evil. This will be dealt with in greater detail under Abraxas in the concept segment. In the whole of the 'brotherhood' there are many religions and in each one; I have found the essence of beauty expressed by wise and metaphysical or soulful people. In Islam my favorite is Sufism. They make a good point about the poison of negativity and any form of thought that does personal energized harm to other life in this quote:

"The soul who had to sympathize with the whole world was thus prepared that the drop of that poison which always produces contempt, resentment and ill feeling against another was destroyed first. So many talk about purification of the heart, and so few really know what it is. Some say to be pure means to be free from all evil thought, but there is no evil thought. Call it evil or call it devil, if there is any such thought it is the thought of bitterness against another. No one with sense and understanding would like to retain a single drop of poison in his body. And how ignorant it is on the part of man when he keeps and cherishes a bitter thought against another in his heart. If a drop of poison can cause death of the body, it is equal to a thousand deaths when the heart retains the smallest thought of bitterness." (56)

The fear of nature or one's inner uncertainties has caused many to find evil in places where beauty exists. Once one no longer has to control nature, there is no place where beauty will not be found. It may be a bittersweet beauty such as seeing your lover find a person she wants to marry; when you are an older man with all the love in the world for a person you love in every way. It may be the joy you feel when you know you aren't going to have to schlep or drudge for money in the socially structured gambit to gain material things. The fears that create the opposite of harmony and brotherhood are the 'poisons' which no true Kelt would know as he/she spoke to Alexander about their creed and their honest appreciation for the soul in everything. Nature has no evil and the crooked bristlecone pine that dormantly awaits the desert rain has lived longer than the rash fast-growing ash that sprouts quickly skyward. In the soul that knows it is immortal the idea of change is welcome and thus the warrior's death is too.

Thus one who truly loves will let all things and thoughts go free and hope to share the beauty of 'what is'. The Cathars had great 'brothers' in the Sufis who few people in the world are ready to accept the wisdom of in that war-torn realm of misogyny we call the Middle East. In my limited appreciation for the beauty of Jesus I see him being the kind of person who learned and changed throughout each day and therefore all the time he spent on earth. Each moment is a 'Zen' opportunity for the 'greater good'. But how many of our ways of organizing social behavior really wish good for each individual? There is no beauty in more of any THING; rather beauty exists in the fullness of each and EVERY thing. Oh yes, the turn of phrases and eloquence that waxes and wanes poetic can be a joy which in the crevices of thought are beauty-full but are they really beauty when they seek to arrange MORE for the politician and his cronies or platform? Alexander is said the first to have declared himself Divine while alive. We are in truth, all Divine. It is a divine comedy to be sure, this thing we call life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author of Diverse Druids
Columnist for The ES Press Magazine
World-Mysteries.com guest 'expert'

Beauty is a Joy with Photoshop

2006-07-06T05:46:00.000-07:00

by: Granny's Mettle

Human nature always seems to have this predilection with beauty and what society believes is beautiful. When we are fat, we want to be slim or thin. When we have the so-called "love handles", we decide we do not love them anymore, so we go to the gym and exercise until our tongues fall out from fatigue. We are blessed with dark colored skin, so we try all the new bleaching products available in the market to lighten our color. We have white skin so we go to tanning salons to get olive skin, and the out-in-the-sun color to your skin. We are naturally brunette but we go to the nearest salon to get our hair done and died to blonde because they said "blondes always have such fun".

And digital technology is also banking on the partiality of people to not have fun with what the Lord has blessed them with originally.

I have been in the digital business for quite some time now, and what I regularly encounter are numerous questions on how to remove blemishes from photos so that their faces would look great and give that "fashion-magazine look" that the media is glamorizing so much nowadays. Here are a few suggestions then from a photographer on beauty retouching.

(Now, if I could just do it in real life, I would be a millionaire by now.)

Beauty Retouching with Photoshop

1 - Try to improve the colors on the face in your photo as far as you can go. To edit, it is better to do it in RGB rather than CMYK. With RGB, editing is more flexible and easy. And explore all the selections in the various feathers. Do not be afraid to experiment. After all, being creative is all about using all the choices available.

2 - After editing your color, it's now time to create a new layer. This is also a tool for you to be able to control your work. Begin your retouch using a heeling brush and cloning stamp to remove the things you want removed. Start with the bigger imperfections and move your way to the littlest blemish. You could also use the heeling brush to remove the lines under the eyes to create that young look to the face.

3 - To adjust the size of any part of the face (e.g. big nose), adjust to your liking with the Liquify filter. Click the Filters menu and choose Liquify. This tool allows you to smudge, move, squish, and even distort your image according to your satisfaction. For best results and easy navigation, turn the grid on. This will let you view the changes you've made.

For increasing or reducing the size of the area, you can also use the Warp, although the Pucker and Bloat are most effective with this type of retouch. Remember to be careful and again, do not be afraid to experiment. Use the appropriate brush size and go slowly, moving bits at a time.

4 -To smoothen the skin, use the cloning stamp and carefully apply to the skin. The best would be to use multiple clicks rather than strokes to even out the skin tone. This is the part where you need to be patient. Be careful with your patterns and do not repeat. Also, try to be creative. Don't worry if you make mistakes along the way. Just go back to the history palette everytime you create something you don't like and start again.

5 - For overdoing the smoothing process, just use the history palette to restore the specific area. If this does not work, try to select and add the noise filter to simulate the texture of the skin.

Finally, after a little adjustments and a little nip and tuck here and there, you are ready to view your final image.

According to the photographer, beauty retouching needs patience and a lot of perseverance. Many methods are available, but there are only a few tricks to help others retouch their photos. Even for professionals, this job takes time to finish. However, with time, one can get faster.

About The Author

Granny's Mettle is a 30-something, professional web content writer. She has created various web content on a diverse range of topics, which includes digital printing topics, medical news, as well as legal issues. Her articles are composed of reviews, suggestions, tips and more for the printing and designing industry.

Her thoughts on writing: "Writing gives me pleasure. pleasure and excitement that you have created something to share with others. And with the wide world of the Internet, it gives me great satisfaction that my articles reach more people in the quickest time you could imagine."

On her spare time, she loves to stay at home, reading books on just about any topic she fancies, cooking a great meal, and taking care of her husband and kids.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit www.losangelesprintingservice.com

A thing of beauty is a joy forever!

2006-07-06T05:39:00.000-07:00

by: Mike Yeager

It is said that a thing of beauty is a joy forever. That probably explains why possessing beauty and being beautiful is one of the foremost preoccupations of human beings. Over the years, consumerism has transformed such preoccupations into frank obsession. Inner beauty is no longer in - skin-deep beauty certainly is! But what is wrong with that? Cosmetology and the beauty industry have come of age, aided steadily by advances in cosmetic surgery. Daily workouts, gym sessions, visits to beauty parlors and keeping in sync with beauty and fashion tips has certainly become trendy.

Enhancing your beauty.

Beauty is in the eye of its beholder. Perfect beauty is but an illusion, but if you can feel good about yourself by enhancing your looks, you may find more joy in your life. And it is not too difficult to achieve. The media is full of beauty tips and beauty products. Beauty supplies are always at hand - be it at the Shopping Mall or on the Net. However, it is beautiful to be simple and yet simple to be beautiful. One can surely start from ones home itself. Maintain a regulated lifestyle. Six to eight hours of sleep with fixed times for fixed quantity meals, avoidance of "junk" food and high calorie stuff, lots of fluid intake, high priority for vitamin-rich fruits and a rigid regime of self-discipline, would certainly make a good start in ones quest for beauty.

Publisher www.a1-beauty-4u.com

A Beauty Salon Will Help You Look Your Best!

2006-07-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

by: Mike Yeager

A beauty salon will help you look your very best with a price that will fit in almost any budget. A beauty salon will be able to make your hair, skin, toes, and fingernails look marvelous. In addition, most beauty salons offer their services for a fairly reasonable price. However, sometimes it may be difficult to choose what service you want. If that is the case, simply be on the lookout for any fashion style that you like. Look through magazines and cut out photos of styles and colors that you find pleasing. Take notes so that when you do go to a beauty salon, you will know exactly what you want. However, be aware that some beauty salons are better than others. To make sure that you are in high-quality beauty salon, check to see if it has clean beauty salon equipment and a clean work area. Also, be aware that in most states, beauty salons are required to publicly display their establishment license. If the salon or barbershop won't show you an establishment license, you don't know whether the shop's health and safety procedures have been approved by the state.

Time saving Beauty Salon Tips.

A beauty salon visit can be time consuming. To get the most from your visit and still have time left in your day, try these time-trimming tips. Before you leave your beauty salon, schedule your next appointment. Call ahead on your appointment day to see if your stylist is running on time. If not, you won't have to waste time sitting at the beauty salon when you could be home. If you want to be quickly in and out for your beauty salon appointment, try to schedule the first appointment for the day.

Publisher www.a1-beauty-4u.com

7 Steps to Great Makeup

2006-07-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

1. Avoid wearing too much.

Makeup is meant to enhance features not bring negative attention to you. That's what wearing too much makeup will do; it will bring you unwanted attention. Don't wear too much of anything such as:

Eyeliner: dark, thick eyeliner will make you look overdone and will ruin the rest of your makeup.
Mascara: too much mascara looks fake and will flake. It looks especially bad if worn with thick eyeliner or dark blue eye eye shadow.
Foundation: Make sure your foundation is the same color as your skin. Foundation is meant to protect and give the face a smooth look. The magic word is blend.
Powder: The same holds true for powder - not too much. Also, be sure to blend your makeup so there are no obvious lines.

2. Lips

Apply lip liner to completely cover the lips, add color and your lipstick will stay on much longer. Make sure your lip liner doesn't show. Also, your lip color should match your skin tone; wear cool colors if you have cool coloring and warm colors if you have warm coloring. If you want to make your lips look smaller, keep your liner on the inside of your lips. However, if you decide to make your lips look larger, going outside the natural outline of you lips is a mistake. This can look quite messy and unnatural.

3. Appropriate makeup

Wear makeup that is appropriate for the occasion. If you are going to the beach you shouldn't wear the same or as much makeup as you would if you were going dancing. Also, when you are in daylight your makeup should be a lighter than when you are out for the evening.

4. Too little or no makeup

Some women don't wear makeup because they are not sure how to use it and are afraid of being overdone. If you are unsure, start will light colours in your shade. Start slowly and add one product at a time. Maybe start with foundation, add mascara, blush or lipstick. If you are not used to wearing makeup, using a lot a first may be a little too much for you, so start slowly. The bottom line is a little is better than none. If you are still unsure seek professional advice.

5. Overall look

When your makeup is completed it should look natural. That means avoiding colours that clash. If you have dark skin and hair you will look better in darker shades; light colours will make you look washed out. If your hair and skin tone are light, light colours will look better on you. Dark makeup will make you look older and harsh. If you have oily skin, first use oil control moisturizer and foundation. Then be sure to wear loose powder, keeping pressed powder with you for touch ups.

6. Hair color

Your hair color should also be in harmony with your skin. If you have dark hair and you want to add color, keep it close to the same shade. If you have light hair, use light colors. As you age your skin will lighten, so should your hair color. One last thing about hair color - if you do color you hair be sure you keep it up, don't let your roots show.

7. One last thing

Keep makeup looking fresh all day by doing regular touch ups. Don't let your makeup fade or crease. Smile!!!

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.