Skin Toning

Monday, August 31, 2009 0 comments

Due to age and other causes like vagaries of weather, pollution and other toxins in the atmosphere, the face and other parts of our body start to sag and show wrinkles. You have to tone your skin for a youthful, rejuvenated feel.
The epidermal cells gradually lose their capacity to produce new cells while the dermis that produce collagen loses its elasticity, resulting in a dry skin and wrinkles on the face. Toners can be used to clean the last traces of oil from the skin. They do not close or open pores. Sometimes they cause a slight skin irritation which makes the skin feel tighter. Skin toning lotions freshen the skin. They also stimulate the blood supply to the skin.Tips for toning:

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Moisten cotton wool with skin toning lotion and pat on the cheeks, chin and neck.
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If you have normal, combination or dry skin, use very delicate and light preparation to refresh the skin. Never use a harsh astringent lotion for this purpose. Rose water based product is preferred.
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For dry skin use rose water diluted with mineral water. Apply it gently with cotton wool avoiding the eye and upper cheek area completely.
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Use astringent lotions with a piece of cotton wool but if your skin is looking worn off and tired, pat it on with a brisk slapping movement.
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For combination skin, light toning lotion should be used all over the face, except for the eye area. Then apply the astringent on the greasy areas with cotton wool. Never let the astringent spill over the dry cheek and eye areas.
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Oily skinned people should tone with an astringent lotion, applying particularly to the oiliest places, i.e. sides of the nose, chin and forehead.
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For a combination skin, refresh the skin by mixing 2 parts of rose water with one part of witch hazel. Apply to the skin with cotton wool.
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For a dry skin, combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon glycerine and 3 tablespoons of rose water. Rub onto the skin.

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Place a tablespoon of chopped mint in a jar and add 2 tablespoons cider vinegar. Shake well and leave in the fridge for a few days. Strain the liquid and add 300 ml water. Dab onto the skin with cotton wool.
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To obtain a toner for sensitive skin or to calm sunburn, mash strawberries and apply for 5 minutes and then wash it off.
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Rose is an excellent skin toner. Make rose water by mixing 1 tablespoon rose oil with 2 ¼ litres of purified water. Bottle it and store in the refrigerator.
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Vitamin E oil and wheat oil are very effective for dry skin.
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Rub a piece of potato over the face and neck and wash off after 15 minutes. This is very effective for oily skin, and can be used for dry skin with a moisturizer.
* For oily skin, dissolve 1 teaspoon borax in 150 ml rose water. Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil and slowly add to the mixture. Beat with an egg whisk until it is thick and creamy. Then add 2 tablespoons of lavender water to it and blend well.

Oily Hair Care Tips

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A common misconception about oily hair is that it is caused by an oily scalp. The exact opposite is usually true. A dry scalp causes the oil glands in the scalp to produce more oil, and once on the scalp, this excess oil transfers to the hair itself. Therefore, to treat oily hair, one of the best things to do is focus on the dry scalp.
Below, you will find some hints and tips to help manage and care for oily hair:
* Use a mild shampoo, shampoo for oily hair, shampoo for dry scalp, or a baby shampoo
* Wash oily hair daily, but concentrate the shampoo on the hair away from the scalp to remove the excess oil from the hair, not on the scalp itself, because this can dry the scalp even more
* Always rinse your hair thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water, because soap residue can make oily hair worse
* Use a hot oil treatment directly on the scalp itself, gently massaging the oil into the scalp and then rinsing the oily hair thoroughly afterward
* If hair is very oily, do not use conditioner at all, or use conditioner only on the tips or ends of the hair
* Oily hair is likely shiny enough, so avoid using hair gloss gel or shine hair care products on oily hair
* For extremely oily hair, a vinegar rinse, comprised of one (1) part vinegar to four (4) parts water can help remove oil from your hair, but be sure to avoid using vinegar on the scalp
* Don’t brush oily hair frequently, because brushing oily hair can actually cause the scalp to produce more oil
* Don’t rub or scratch your scalp when you have oily hair, because stimulating the scalp like this can produce more oil * Diluted lemon juice can provide similar results to the vinegar rinse for oily hair with a much more pleasant scent
Shampoo that contains tea tree oil can work well for alleviating dry scalp, if dry scalp is the primary cause of the oily hair. While diet has little affect on hair itself, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids can help with dry skin and scalp too, and since dry scalp causes oil product that can lead to oily hair, diet can affect how much oil your scalp produces. Drinking water is not only good for your oily hair and dry scalp, but it's also great for your skin health too.

Best Foods for a healthy wrinkle free skin

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Nature has provided us with many natural foods which are good for various ailments of the body. I have selected the following foods which are extremely useful for a youthful well maintained skin. The skin should stay wrinkle free , without blemishes or acne , taut and full of vigor. To maintain and encourage your skin to stay youthful , I have selected the following foods. They are normal everyday foods and you will be surprised how much they can benefit your skin.
Oranges contain vitamin C which is most essential to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays . This Vitamin helps in preventing wrinkles by producing collagen in the skin. Eat one whole fruit ( not just juice) everyday, regularly for beneficial effects.
Sunflower seeds contain essential fatty acids which help skin secrete natural oils that lubricate it and prevent water loss. This helps keep skin soft and supple, improve hair texture and reduce blackhead formation . Take three teaspoons twice a week or use sunflower oil to cook your food in.

Sunless tanning tips

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Although sun and tanning is not very popular in India owing to its generally hot conditions. Yet in the winters and early in autumn and springs this does give many physical advantages. There is no doubt that if the heat he tolerable. a tan makes a feel and look good. While dermatologists warn of the dangers of sunbathing, there is also a bright side to the sun. the sun's rays enhance our feeling of well-being, as we feel relaxed and revitalized. They help our bodies to synthesize vitamin D which improves the absorption of minerals.
There is also evidence that a full spectrum of light, we receive from the sun, reaches the brain via the eyes, stimulating the production of hormones, making up feel more energetic and help us improving our mood.
Best skin tan and sunless tanning
Today's sunless tanning products produce much more realistic results. Tanning pills, sunless-tanning or self-tanning lotions and sprays, and cosmetic bronzers are available to impart a subtle bronze glow or a deep, dark tan. Bronzers yield immediate results, although some sunless tanning products require 45 minutes to an hour before taking effect. Different types of sunless tanning products
· Bronzers - Cosmetic bronzers powders and moisturizers, once applied, create a tan that can easily be removed with soap and water.
· Tanning Lotions and Sprays - Perhaps the most effective sunless tanning products are lotions and sprays containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient.
· Tanning Pills - Tanning pills typically contain the pigment canthaxanthin. Although the FDA has approved the use of canthaxanthin as a color additive in food, it has not approved its use as a tanning agent.
· Tanning Accelerators - Most tanning accelerators are lotions or pills that contain the amino acid tyrosine.

Enhance Your Cleavage

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If you have got it, you should flaunt it. Many times you have seen admired and envied the bust lines and the cleavage of the Hollywood superstars and wondered how come their breasts are so fuller and appealing? However this is no magic.
Proper care of the breasts and enhancement is the buzzword today and nothing actually increases femininity than a proper and fuller cleavage. How to get it? Well here are some tips and tricks:
Exercise:
It may not sound very interesting but you cannot simply relax and achieve something. Gym is the best place to target the breasts and some exercises like breast press, butterfly. Lateral shoulder rises and shrugs are very good for enhancing the breasts and defining it.
Bras:
There are numerous bras available in the market that will enhance the shape and the cleavage. Shop for Victoria’s Secret, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s etc. Look for those Bras that lift and squeeze and not lift and separate.
Stuff It:
If the bras are not enough then go for the pads. Pads are effective way to enhance the size of your breasts.
Eye Shadow:
Well if you are wondering what cleavage enhancement has got to do with eye shadow think again. They are hot favourite with most of the Hollywood celebrities. For this choose a shadow slightly darker than the skin tone and with a few strokes apply them in the cleavage and then smudge it with brush. Your cleavage will look more defined, full and with more depth.
Tight Tops:
If you want to show off the cleavage then wear tight tops along with plunging neck lines. They along with pads will give the breasts much more shape and lift.
Surgery:
The permanent way to enhance the breast is to go for the surgery. It is very safe if done by certified professionals and will put an end to all your worries.

Enhance Your Cleavage

0 comments

If you have got it, you should flaunt it. Many times you have seen admired and envied the bust lines and the cleavage of the Hollywood superstars and wondered how come their breasts are so fuller and appealing? However this is no magic.
Proper care of the breasts and enhancement is the buzzword today and nothing actually increases femininity than a proper and fuller cleavage. How to get it? Well here are some tips and tricks:
Exercise:
It may not sound very interesting but you cannot simply relax and achieve something. Gym is the best place to target the breasts and some exercises like breast press, butterfly. Lateral shoulder rises and shrugs are very good for enhancing the breasts and defining it.
Bras:
There are numerous bras available in the market that will enhance the shape and the cleavage. Shop for Victoria’s Secret, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s etc. Look for those Bras that lift and squeeze and not lift and separate.
Stuff It:
If the bras are not enough then go for the pads. Pads are effective way to enhance the size of your breasts.
Eye Shadow:
Well if you are wondering what cleavage enhancement has got to do with eye shadow think again. They are hot favourite with most of the Hollywood celebrities. For this choose a shadow slightly darker than the skin tone and with a few strokes apply them in the cleavage and then smudge it with brush. Your cleavage will look more defined, full and with more depth.
Tight Tops:
If you want to show off the cleavage then wear tight tops along with plunging neck lines. They along with pads will give the breasts much more shape and lift.
Surgery:
The permanent way to enhance the breast is to go for the surgery. It is very safe if done by certified professionals and will put an end to all your worries.

Dare To Lookd Different

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Are you bored with your looks? It’s time to look more exciting by trying an all new appearance. Try to be different and always remember that your face denotes your style statement! Read on for some simple techniques to stand out!
Different Strokes:
Foundations are back dated now! Instead, you could opt for loose powder which is to be applied on the skin with a damp sponge. Dampen the sponge with a moisturizer and apply in layers on the skin. This gives a totally different look to the face.
Apply a makeup foundation which is 2-3 shades darker than your skin color. Make sure to apply it on places you want to highlight.
Running out of your regular liquid eyeliner? You can apply the mascara as the liner with a thin brush. It also adds glitz to the eyes making it look glamorous. Use a contrasting-colored eye shadow to make your eyes look catchy!
Extend the eyeliner to the edges of your eye and create swirls or designs, you like! It looks creative and different as well!
Apply shimmers and glitters to the collarbone, tips or outer edges of the eyes. This is called the “disco diva” look!
If you are wearing false eyelashes, make sure to blend it properly with the original ones. Apply a thick coat of mascara over it to make it look even more natural.
Make Up Kit Must-Haves:
Liquid eyeliner in two colors, black and white.
Glitters and bronzer.
A pair of false eyelashes in varying styles.
Bright eye shadow powder in colors like green, blue or black.
A loose touch-up powder.
A shimmering lip gloss.
Fake tattoos.
These were few tips on how to look beyond that stereotyped conventional look. Try these out and dare to look different and you are sure to stand out in the crowd!

Choosing an Organic Shampoo for Your Hair Type

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Whether you’re a vegan or just don’t like the thought of putting harsh chemicals on your hair each day, organic shampoo can be just the solution you’ve been looking for. Typically, when the average consumer hears the word “organic” they think of homegrown foods, fruits and vegetables. However, there are many organic household and beauty products on the market today. Organic shampoo and other organic products allow consumers to feel comfortable knowing there are no harmful ingredients in what they’re using at home. Here are some tips on choosing an organic shampoo for your hair type.# Visit your local health food store or national organic product chain stores. Stores like Whole Foods Market or your local co-op will likely have a wide selection of organic products. Traditional grocery, general merchandise and drug stores will not offer organic shampoo options. If you don’t have a local co-op or organic market in your area, search online for organic shampoo.
# If you are looking specifically for organic shampoo to fit your hair type, be sure to look closely at the bottle. Whether your hair is dry, oily, curly, frizzy or color enriched, there will be a brand and organic shampoo formula for you. Read the ingredients and be sure everything is natural. The hair care shampoo should be free from synthetic fragrances, preservatives (including diazolidinyl urea), carcinogen precursors and artificial colors. Without these items, you can have hair and a scalp which shines with healthy sheen!
# Organic shampoo can be great if you have hair damage from chemicals. Natural fragrances like lavender and jasmine are often used in these shampoos, which make the best choice for even a baby or someone who needs hypoallergenic products due to sensitive skin. Green tea ingredients often help those with dry hair, so look for it in the ingredients if you want more moisture in your hair. It’s also a great antioxidant. If you’re looking for a pesticide and chemical free way to treat dandruff, look for rosemary in the organic shampoo. White camellia oil and ginseng offer more moisture for dry hair, as well.
# If you really want to go to the limit, you can always make your own organic shampoo using a recipe. However, homemade shampoos can be difficult to make and are often not as rich in vitamin power as those you can purchase from the shelves. Great companies like Avalon, Aveda and Burt’s Bees have organic shampoo lines, so you can still use your favorite brands even though you’re going green!

How to Pluck Your Eyebrows

Sunday, August 30, 2009 0 comments
Tweezing your eyebrows is the most dramatic way to change your face without makeup or surgery. It can make your eyes look larger and give your face a clean, polished look.Steps:
1. Sit near a window to get the best light.
2. Wash the area thoroughly so it's not oily.
3. Decide what shape you want for your eyebrows.
Styles change: It may help to flip through fashion magazines for ideas.
4. Draw in a brow line on your eyebrow with a brow pencil to serve as
a guide. Follow the brow's natural line by conforming to the curve of your upper eyelid.
5. Pull the skin at the outer end of the eyebrow taut against the brow bone, and use the brow bone as an additional guide.
6. Use a pair of angled eyebrow tweezers to pluck the hairs below the brow; never shape your brow by plucking above it. Pluck only one hair at a time.
7. Start plucking in the middle of the eyebrow and pluck toward the outer end; then go back to the middle and pluck toward the nose.
Your brows should extend a little beyond each corner of your eye.
8. Use a cotton ball or pad soaked in pure tea tree oil or witch hazel to soothe your plucked brows.
Tips
Consider having your brows waxed once professionally to get exactly the shape you want. You can then pluck the strays as they grow in. Habitual plucking may make some hairs stop growing permanently, so pluck with caution.
There are tweezers on the market that are specially designed for plucking eyebrows. They cost a bit more but make the experience less painful.
Eyebrow Tweezing
Always grasp the hair as close to the root as possible. The further away from the root you grasp, the more it hurts. Hold the skin down and pull slowly in the opposite direction to the tweezers. This also reduces pain, as well as the risk of ingrown hairs. If you yank the tip of the hair with the tweezers without supporting the skin, you risk snapping the hair just below the skins surface. This is one of the causes of ingrown hair. Exfoliate the skin regularly with a gentle exfoliant, it helps prevent ingrown hairs also. Be sure both skin and hair are dried before tweezing (skin is more sensitive when it is wet). A heat pad is ideal to prepare
he skin. Failing that, use a hot flannel and dry off before tweezing.
The beauty of Threading
Threading is much easier than waxing. When you wax, you run the risk of pulling out wanted hairs. Tweezing is painful, as you're pulling out each hair one by one. The best thing to do is thread. Go to a salon - - threading is not for amateurs. No product is being used on your skin (such as wax). You can pluck the hairs as they grow in. I advise you to put an ointment on after threading, as some people experience redness. Be aware of the 'green shadow' that may come from waxing/threading/tweezing. When the hair grows back in its place, it leaves a green shadow. I find threading to be the best way to remove it!
So it's OK if your hair grows in for a week or two - - you can remove the shadow all at once!

How to Pluck Your Eyebrows

0 comments
Tweezing your eyebrows is the most dramatic way to change your face without makeup or surgery. It can make your eyes look larger and give your face a clean, polished look.Steps:
1. Sit near a window to get the best light.
2. Wash the area thoroughly so it's not oily.
3. Decide what shape you want for your eyebrows.
Styles change: It may help to flip through fashion magazines for ideas.
4. Draw in a brow line on your eyebrow with a brow pencil to serve as
a guide. Follow the brow's natural line by conforming to the curve of your upper eyelid.
5. Pull the skin at the outer end of the eyebrow taut against the brow bone, and use the brow bone as an additional guide.
6. Use a pair of angled eyebrow tweezers to pluck the hairs below the brow; never shape your brow by plucking above it. Pluck only one hair at a time.
7. Start plucking in the middle of the eyebrow and pluck toward the outer end; then go back to the middle and pluck toward the nose.
Your brows should extend a little beyond each corner of your eye.
8. Use a cotton ball or pad soaked in pure tea tree oil or witch hazel to soothe your plucked brows.
Tips
Consider having your brows waxed once professionally to get exactly the shape you want. You can then pluck the strays as they grow in. Habitual plucking may make some hairs stop growing permanently, so pluck with caution.
There are tweezers on the market that are specially designed for plucking eyebrows. They cost a bit more but make the experience less painful.
Eyebrow Tweezing
Always grasp the hair as close to the root as possible. The further away from the root you grasp, the more it hurts. Hold the skin down and pull slowly in the opposite direction to the tweezers. This also reduces pain, as well as the risk of ingrown hairs. If you yank the tip of the hair with the tweezers without supporting the skin, you risk snapping the hair just below the skins surface. This is one of the causes of ingrown hair. Exfoliate the skin regularly with a gentle exfoliant, it helps prevent ingrown hairs also. Be sure both skin and hair are dried before tweezing (skin is more sensitive when it is wet). A heat pad is ideal to prepare
he skin. Failing that, use a hot flannel and dry off before tweezing.
The beauty of Threading
Threading is much easier than waxing. When you wax, you run the risk of pulling out wanted hairs. Tweezing is painful, as you're pulling out each hair one by one. The best thing to do is thread. Go to a salon - - threading is not for amateurs. No product is being used on your skin (such as wax). You can pluck the hairs as they grow in. I advise you to put an ointment on after threading, as some people experience redness. Be aware of the 'green shadow' that may come from waxing/threading/tweezing. When the hair grows back in its place, it leaves a green shadow. I find threading to be the best way to remove it!
So it's OK if your hair grows in for a week or two - - you can remove the shadow all at once!

Eyeliner

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Eye liner is the most used eye makeup, and even those women who do not use any other eye makeup do not mind using some eyeliner to accentuate the beauty of their eyes.Which Eyeliner Should You Choose?
Eyes are the most delicate part of our face, and so you must proceed with utmost care when applying the eyeliner and you also need to be particular about using only branded good quality eyeliners. Here's a little help on the different types of eyeliners along with guidelines on how to use them.
Pencil eyeliner
These are the most popular ones, and they look just like a regular writing pencil. It is best to sharpen the pencil eyeliner every time before using it, but be careful not to make the tip too sharp or it might hurt your delicate eyelids. Be extra careful when applying pencil eyeliner onto the lower eyelash, and try not to exert too much force on your eyelid.
The best part of pencil eyeliner is that, they don't smudge so easily and drawing steady and smooth lines is fairly easy.
Liquid eyeliner
This one is not as easy to apply as the pencil eyeliner, but definitely it is much safer to use. It comes in a small bottle with the application brush already there. The application brush makes it easier for you to make precise and accurate lines. However you need a little bit of patience with this type of eyeliner, because you must not blink your eyes till the eyeliner has dried completely. Being liquid in from, it may smudge if not applied with a steady hand.
Cake eyeliners
These are usually available in a palette and these too need to be applied with a brush. These are fairly easy to apply, and since they are in a solid form they don't smudge so easily. With cake eyeliners you have a wider choice in terms of color as compared to the above mentioned two types.
Choose an eye liner that's easy for you to use, and most importantly an eye liner with which you can make precise and smooth lines without messing up.

Eyeliner

0 comments
Eye liner is the most used eye makeup, and even those women who do not use any other eye makeup do not mind using some eyeliner to accentuate the beauty of their eyes.Which Eyeliner Should You Choose?
Eyes are the most delicate part of our face, and so you must proceed with utmost care when applying the eyeliner and you also need to be particular about using only branded good quality eyeliners. Here's a little help on the different types of eyeliners along with guidelines on how to use them.
Pencil eyeliner
These are the most popular ones, and they look just like a regular writing pencil. It is best to sharpen the pencil eyeliner every time before using it, but be careful not to make the tip too sharp or it might hurt your delicate eyelids. Be extra careful when applying pencil eyeliner onto the lower eyelash, and try not to exert too much force on your eyelid.
The best part of pencil eyeliner is that, they don't smudge so easily and drawing steady and smooth lines is fairly easy.
Liquid eyeliner
This one is not as easy to apply as the pencil eyeliner, but definitely it is much safer to use. It comes in a small bottle with the application brush already there. The application brush makes it easier for you to make precise and accurate lines. However you need a little bit of patience with this type of eyeliner, because you must not blink your eyes till the eyeliner has dried completely. Being liquid in from, it may smudge if not applied with a steady hand.
Cake eyeliners
These are usually available in a palette and these too need to be applied with a brush. These are fairly easy to apply, and since they are in a solid form they don't smudge so easily. With cake eyeliners you have a wider choice in terms of color as compared to the above mentioned two types.
Choose an eye liner that's easy for you to use, and most importantly an eye liner with which you can make precise and smooth lines without messing up.

Eyeliner

0 comments
Eye liner is the most used eye makeup, and even those women who do not use any other eye makeup do not mind using some eyeliner to accentuate the beauty of their eyes.Which Eyeliner Should You Choose?
Eyes are the most delicate part of our face, and so you must proceed with utmost care when applying the eyeliner and you also need to be particular about using only branded good quality eyeliners. Here's a little help on the different types of eyeliners along with guidelines on how to use them.
Pencil eyeliner
These are the most popular ones, and they look just like a regular writing pencil. It is best to sharpen the pencil eyeliner every time before using it, but be careful not to make the tip too sharp or it might hurt your delicate eyelids. Be extra careful when applying pencil eyeliner onto the lower eyelash, and try not to exert too much force on your eyelid.
The best part of pencil eyeliner is that, they don't smudge so easily and drawing steady and smooth lines is fairly easy.
Liquid eyeliner
This one is not as easy to apply as the pencil eyeliner, but definitely it is much safer to use. It comes in a small bottle with the application brush already there. The application brush makes it easier for you to make precise and accurate lines. However you need a little bit of patience with this type of eyeliner, because you must not blink your eyes till the eyeliner has dried completely. Being liquid in from, it may smudge if not applied with a steady hand.
Cake eyeliners
These are usually available in a palette and these too need to be applied with a brush. These are fairly easy to apply, and since they are in a solid form they don't smudge so easily. With cake eyeliners you have a wider choice in terms of color as compared to the above mentioned two types.
Choose an eye liner that's easy for you to use, and most importantly an eye liner with which you can make precise and smooth lines without messing up.

Skincare Samples

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Skincare products can be very tricky, because they are among the most difficult products to select – finding the right one to keep your skin balanced can require lots of “trial and error” with different skincare products.
Skincare products are oftentimes some of the most expensive ones out there, so how on earth are we supposed to finally find one that works for our individual skin type without going completely broke? Well, we thought these free skincare sample offers would come in handy.
Most of these products are normally pretty pretty pricey (especially the anti-aging ones!!). So, if you’d like to, give some of them a try and you can test the product out before you decide to buy the full sized product. Save some money and find your ideal product all at the same time.

Free Teeth Whitening Samples

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Teeth whitening procedures can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Home tooth whiteners are expensive as well, and it’s pretty hard to know which ones work and which ones don’t. So, we’ve compiled a list of teeth whitening promotions offered by various companies so you can try them for yourself. We update the list weekly.
By trying out these offers, you can decide for yourself which ones you like before you buy the whole bleaching kit. Since everyone’s teeth are different and have different levels of sensitivity, you can make sure the product will actually work with your teeth and bleach them to the level of whitening you want, without irritating your teeth or gums.
Here are the latest offers from companies that are currently offering free teeth whitening samples, promotions and free trials:

Free Teeth Whitening Samples

0 comments

Teeth whitening procedures can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Home tooth whiteners are expensive as well, and it’s pretty hard to know which ones work and which ones don’t. So, we’ve compiled a list of teeth whitening promotions offered by various companies so you can try them for yourself. We update the list weekly.
By trying out these offers, you can decide for yourself which ones you like before you buy the whole bleaching kit. Since everyone’s teeth are different and have different levels of sensitivity, you can make sure the product will actually work with your teeth and bleach them to the level of whitening you want, without irritating your teeth or gums.
Here are the latest offers from companies that are currently offering free teeth whitening samples, promotions and free trials:

Applying Lip Color for Best Looking Lips

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Whether you choose palest pink or striking scarlet, here are the quickest lip tips for a perfect finish every time. Research suggests that we choose a lip color to reflect our moods - vibrant colors when we feel confident and want to be noticed, and paler shades when we feel introverted or even low.
Whether this is true or not, there is a cornucopia of products to color and protect your lips - lipsticks, glosses, lip powders - many enhanced with moisturizers and ultraviolet filters. Whichever color you choose, for whatever reason, remember these five tips:
Tips for Applying Lip Color
Before applying lip color, prepare your lips with moisturizer or a specially designed lip primer, so that the color goes on evenly and lasts longer without feathering.
A lip brush gives a professional finish to your lips.
It is not essential to use lip pencil you can get a good finish with a primer and brush alone) but if you do want to use lip pencil, for instance with a very vibrant lipstick that needs a precise outline, it should be the same color as the lipstick. With more neutral shades, opt for a lipliner close to your natural lip color.
Avoid frosted lipsticks as they rarely enhance your teeth or the shape of your mouth.
Choose a lip color to pull a look together, but, remember, as a general rule, blue-toned (rather than orange-toned) reds and pinks and browns will make your teeth appear whiter.
Before going out in the evening or for a special highly polished finish it is worth taking time over applying your lipstick.

Learn Your Skin's Secret

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Face mapping is an alternative treatment for the skin disorders. It helps detect imbalances in the body, thus giving an insight and explaination as to why your skin might be breaking out. Once identified, the problem can be tackled from the inside and hopefully have a positive effect on the outside. Dermatologists have identified some common problems.
The Forehead:
The upper part of the forehead is associated with the bladdar, the middle with digestion and the lower with the intestines. If you have a problem in one of these areas think about increasing your fruit and vegetable intake and minimizing your junk food intake.
Eyebrow Hair:
A way to check if stress is affecting you is to take a look a look at your eyebrow hair. If it looks or feels a bit wirey, it could be an indication that you're stressed. If that's the case, then its time to zen out with a bit you yoga or simply allocate some YOU time.
Between the Eyes:
The area between the eyes is known as the 'wine and dine area'. This reflects the poor eating habits or intolarence to dairy. If you are eating poorly, it's time to freshen up your act. Start by eating heaps of fruits and vegetables. Cut out dairy, then slowly introduce things back into your diet after a few months. If the problem reoccurs, indentify the food that triggered it and stop eating it.
Dark Circles:
Your undereye relates to your kidneys. Dark circles suggest a build up of toxins. This is a sign that your system needs cleansing or that your body would benefit from more water. A good healthy diet, at least two litres of water each day and a low intake of caffeine would be beneficial.
Cheeky Breakouts:
Breakouts on the lower cheeks relate to the gums and back teeth. This is a sign that you have a hole in your tooth or possibly gum disease and you should definitely schedule some time to see your dentist.
Cracked Lips:
We often associate the weather with dry lips, but often our diet changes as it gets colder and hotter and can subsequently be the reason of this problem. Cracked lips are meant to be a sign of gastric stress. So check your diet or see your doctor.
Monthly Breakouts:
If you find that your monthly breakouts mainly occur on the outer corner of you chin, then it's no suprise to learn that this area relates to your ovaries. Increase your fiber intake around this time and try to avoid the invariable chips or chocolate craving that kicks in a few days before your menstral cycle.
Lines:
Long-term imbalance or stress. Try practicing yoga or get yourself some counselling to sort the problem out.
Dehydration and flaking:
A particular organ is distressed, toxic or dehydrated. You need to drink more water.
Blackheads on chin and forehead:
Sluggish intestines. Dose yourself with a teaspoon of psyllium husks once a day.
Redness:
Stess, toxicity and internal irritation. Detox body and do some meditation to help you chill out.
Getting plently of sleep is an important element in managing stress levels and thus your skin. If you're not getting eight hours of sleep every night, stress levels become harder to manage and this can lead to more breakouts.

Beauty From Vegetable And Fruits

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Highly effective face packs and lotions can be prepared from fruits and vegetables which will give your skin a soft, lovely radiance.
* Astringent lotion - Blanch a small peach, remove its stone and grind and squeeze out its juice. Add to it one­fourth teaspoon each of lime and tomato juice. Mix well and spread on your face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes.
* Cucumber tonic - Grate and squeeze out juice from a small cucumber and mix in one-fourth teaspoon each of lime juice and rose water. Apply on face and leave on for 15 minutes. This tonic improves a dull and greasy complexion.
* Cleansing lotion - To one-fourth teaspoon of lime juice stir in one teaspoon each of milk and cucumber juice. Apply on the face and neck and wash off after 14 minutes. This lotion cleanses and purifies the pores of the skin.
* Cabbage mask - Grind a couple of cabbage leaves and extract juice. Dissolve one-fourth teaspoon of yeast in it and stir in one teaspoon of honey. Mix well and apply thickly over face and neck. Remove with cotton-wool soaked in water 15 minutes after application. This mask will Counteract any tendency towards wrinkles and dry­ ness and give your skin a flower-like bloom.
* Orange tonic - Blanch and grind a couple of almonds to a paste and mix in two tablespoons of milk and one tablespoon each of carrot and orange juice. Apply thickly on face and neck and leave on for half an hour. Removes scars and blemishes from the face and makes it soft and smooth.
* Tomato lotion - To one tablespoon of tomato juice add a couple of drops of lime juice. Apply on face and remove after 15 minutes. It is very effective for shrinking enlarged pores.
* Watermelon lotion - Grate and squeeze out juice from a small piece of watermelon. Apply on face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. This lotion freshens up the skin.
* Whitening lotion - To one tablespoon of cucumber juice stir in a few drops of lime juice and a dash of turmeric powder. Apply on face and neck and wash off after half an hour. Makes an excellent whitener for all types of skins.
* Potato tonic - Grind and squeeze juice of potatoes. Apply on face and neck and leave on whole night. Next morning, wash with water to which a little witch hazel has been added. This tonic whitens and brightens the skin.
* Carrot lotion - To one-fourth teaspoon of carrot juice add one teaspoon of melted honey. Remove with cotton wool soaked in water to which a little soda bicarbonate has been added after 15 minutes. It removes roughness from the skin and makes it smooth as silk.
* Tomato tonic - To two teaspoons of tomato juice add four tablespoons of buttermilk. Remove after half an hour. It is excellent for removing sunburns
* Cucumber lotion - One tablespoon each of cucumber juice and milk and a few drops of rose water should be mixed together and applied on the face and neck and removed after 15 minutes. Makes excellent whitener for delicate skins.
* Grape lotion - One tablespoon grape juice should be applied on the face and neck and left on for 15 minutes. Makes the skin soft and smooth, bright and fair.
* Papaya cream - Apply one tablespoon finely ground raw papaya to the face and leave on for 15 minutes. Removes pimples and other embarrassing blemishes.
* Apple tonic - Mix one tablespoon of apple juice with one-fourth teaspoon of lime juice. Leave on for 20 minutes. Makes excellent tonic for combating greasiness.
* Coconut lotion - Water of coconut, if rubbed on the skin and left on for 15 minutes, lightens and brightens the skin.

Oral Care

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Regular Oral Care is neglected by many people from all over the world. It should be noted that dental health is very important to general health. We all know the value of a pleasant smile and to keep our teeth healthy and shining, oral care is very necessary. Oral care will ensure that our teeth last longer, we are not affected from any ailments of the gums or the mouth.
Various Oral Care products have flooded the market today. There are a wide range of medicated toothpastes, tooth-powders, cleansers and mouthwashes. It is necessary that one regularly brushes his/her teeth to prevent onset of germs and foul breath. A regular visit to the dentist is also a necessity to ensure that there are no bacterial formations on the teeth or conditions that may lead to tooth decay or cavities. The tooth can be classified into the following parts: * Dentine
* Gum
* Nerve
* Enamel
* Pulp
* Root
* Cementum
Dental care is necessary to ensure that cavities do not form in the teeth with time. For children, a regular dental checkup is absolutely necessary as decays form on their teeth due their affinity for chocolates and sweets. Children should be encouraged to brush their teeth regularly and gargle with medicated mouthwash before bedtime.
A brush before bedtime is considered very important as it prevents the formation of germs in the mouth overnight. One should take a diet of plenty of fruits and vegetables which ensures stronger teeth by enriching the body with calcium, minerals and vitamins. Calcium is very important for the formation of strong bones and strong teeth. Foods which have a high content of calcium are recommended as a natural oral care agent.
Regular Oral care prevents diseases and ailments such as:
* Trench Mouth
* Mouth Ulcers
* Cleidocranial dysostis
* Gingivitis
* Periodontitis
* Abnormal color of tooth
* Dental Caries

Relax at Home

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A lot of us have come to believe that the best way to unwind from the stress brought about by the daily grind to work and to whatever activities we have that makes our schedules jam-packed is to escape to the spa. True enough, the services we get at a spa are designed to pamper us from head to foot, making each trip a relaxing indulgence that is truly worth getting addicted to.
Sometimes, however, we do not need to go to the spa just to rest and loosen up. We can do that inside our very homes.
One way of getting the spa atmosphere at home is to just sit with your feet soaked in warm water mixed with spa salts and essential oils. This is an instant, do-it-yourself foot spa. When the skin of your feet is all soaked and soft, you can scrub away at the calluses and thickened layers of dead skin with glee. Afterwards, you can treat yourself with a nice pedicure.
For some people, the idea of relaxing at home is never complete without food. Why not cook yourself a nice dinner for one? Immerse yourself in the therapeutic rhythms brought about by the pounding, dicing, slicing and mincing that comes with the preparation of food. Make the experience a little more sensual by adding fragrant herbs in your food and by using aromatic mood candles instead of the glaring fluorescent lights. This experience will surely leave your stomach filled and your soul refreshed.
Another great way of relaxing at home is taking off your watch and just lounging about the den all afternoon. Spend the afternoon eating your favorite snacks while vegging out on a daytime soap opera or a rented movie. For once, keep your mind focused on something that is not even remotely related to work.
Perhaps you can try lying in bed with head directed towards the foot of the bed and your feet up on the headboard and flat against the wall. Let your arms rest at your sides away from your body and breathe deeply. Savor the relaxing feeling of blood flowing from your legs to your head. It is a great way to de-stress the body.
If you find yourself awake early in the morning and you do not have to go to work, start off your day with a cup of piping hot coffee and drink it while sitting at your porch. Prop up your feet and take your time reading the morning paper. Or you can just sit back and breathe the morning air while watching your neighbors jog or walk their dogs.
The body needs to relax every once in a while so it can continue functioning properly, without falling to any illness brought about by stress. Going to the spa for some time off for yourself is always a good idea. However, the idea behind relaxing is spending some time not really doing anything and just letting the body rest. You can always do this at home if you do not feel like going to the spa.

Hand Treatment

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A Quick Hand Treatment
Hands are the most visible parts of you, but they also take a lot of abuse. You use them in everyday activity, and yet, they are the ultimate accessory. You must give them the same attention you give your face.
* Soften your hands even while you do the dishes. Add a little almond oil (about a teaspoon) to dishwater. The water will soften rought skin while the oil seals the moisture.
* Slough off dead skin cells with a solution made of sea salt lemon. Brush it into hands with an old toothbrush. Do this twice a week to soften hands and remove discoloration.
* Wash hands thoroughly with warm water, then, using a coarse washcloth, rub briskly. While skin is slightly damp, apply a mixture of one teaspoon honey and one teaspoon olive oil. Place hands in small plastic bags, then in a pair of cotton gloves for thirty minutes. The heat helps the treatment penetrate.
* Warm a cup of milk in the microwave for thirty seconds (or until warm, but comfortable to the touch). Soak your hands for five minutes to strengthen nails and hydrate skin. Not only is milk loaded with lactic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates dead skin, but its high calcium content will strengthen fragile nails

Healthy Hair

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The food you eat is responsible for giving you the hair you have; not any hair shampoos!Great, healthy hair denotes a healthy body as well. So if you have one; you get the other one for free. A balanced and nutritious diet is a must for healthy hair, as is the case with a healthy body. Here is a great recipe and beauty tip to get you amazing hair!! You will not believe the results this would give you.
Water
A quarter of the contents of your hair is water. Water in the hair gives the hair its life and hence you need to drink a lot of water. Never wait till you feel thirsty, as it means you lost more water than your body needs already. Thirstiness is the call of your body to refuel the water tank. Water causes your hair to be really shiny and silky in addition to hydrating your body. You are supposed to drink between eight and ten glasses of water each day.
Protein
One of the major units of hair is protein. A diet with a lot of protein in it is necessary for healthy hair. Protein gives real strength to your hair shaft and thus prevents possibilities like splitting or snapping and other possible damages. Fish, meat, milk, cheese, cereals etc. are protein rich food items.
Minerals
Oxygen supply to the hair is improved with iron in your food. If you lack iron in your food, that will cause your hair from receiving enough oxygen and cause in the brittleness of the length of your hair above the root. Red meat and dark green vegetables are good sources of iron. You can take iron supplements if you have iron deficiency.
Hair protein is built by zinc and helps in reducing hair loss. Zinc is highly available in meat and sea food items.
Your hair color is provided by the copper involved in the food you eat. If you include a lot of copper in your diet, you can get really great natural hair color without using any artificial hair dyes or fake colors. Food items which contain copper are shellfish, liver, fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds, meat etc.
Vitamins
You get great scalp and skin with lots of Vitamin A in your diet. Vegetables like carrots have a lot of Vitamin A and they help you in losing weight as well.

Healthy Hair

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The food you eat is responsible for giving you the hair you have; not any hair shampoos!Great, healthy hair denotes a healthy body as well. So if you have one; you get the other one for free. A balanced and nutritious diet is a must for healthy hair, as is the case with a healthy body. Here is a great recipe and beauty tip to get you amazing hair!! You will not believe the results this would give you.
Water
A quarter of the contents of your hair is water. Water in the hair gives the hair its life and hence you need to drink a lot of water. Never wait till you feel thirsty, as it means you lost more water than your body needs already. Thirstiness is the call of your body to refuel the water tank. Water causes your hair to be really shiny and silky in addition to hydrating your body. You are supposed to drink between eight and ten glasses of water each day.
Protein
One of the major units of hair is protein. A diet with a lot of protein in it is necessary for healthy hair. Protein gives real strength to your hair shaft and thus prevents possibilities like splitting or snapping and other possible damages. Fish, meat, milk, cheese, cereals etc. are protein rich food items.
Minerals
Oxygen supply to the hair is improved with iron in your food. If you lack iron in your food, that will cause your hair from receiving enough oxygen and cause in the brittleness of the length of your hair above the root. Red meat and dark green vegetables are good sources of iron. You can take iron supplements if you have iron deficiency.
Hair protein is built by zinc and helps in reducing hair loss. Zinc is highly available in meat and sea food items.
Your hair color is provided by the copper involved in the food you eat. If you include a lot of copper in your diet, you can get really great natural hair color without using any artificial hair dyes or fake colors. Food items which contain copper are shellfish, liver, fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds, meat etc.
Vitamins
You get great scalp and skin with lots of Vitamin A in your diet. Vegetables like carrots have a lot of Vitamin A and they help you in losing weight as well.

Age Spots

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Age spots or Solar spots or solar lentigos are the dark spots you may find on your skin. These age spots could be up to an inch in diameter and could be the result of years of exposure to sun light. Get rid of those age spots with out beauty tips.
The usual places where you will find age spots are on your chest, your face or on the back of your hands. These parts of your body are the most vulnerable to exposure to sun light all through your life.
By avoiding exposure of your body to sun light, sunbathing and the regular use of a proper sunscreen, you will be able to avoid age spots. The sunscreen needs to be SPF 15 or higher. But these steps will not help you in any way in getting rid of your existing age spots.
You can use skin cream containing alpha-hydroxy or retinoic acid to reduce and lighten your age spots. This could be obtained with a prescription from your doctor or dermatologist. Over the counter skin creams are also available.
Make sure you put on some good sun screen before you use alpha-hydroxy or retinoic acid creams as the ingredient chemicals of these creams may affect the sensitivity of your skin to sun light.

Face mask for dry skin

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1. Take 1 tbsp olive oil and mix with 2 tbsp of fresh cream, leave it on the face for 10 minutes and then wash your face with warm water.

2. Mix 1 tbsp of honey with 15 drops of orange juice and 1 tbsp of fuller’s earth and add 1 tbsp of rose water. Mix well and apply on the face, wash off after 10 miuntes.
homemade beauty tips

homemade beauty tips

Face mask for oily skin

1. Mix a tbsp of honey with 1 egg white and apply thickly on the face and neck. Leave for 10 minutes and wash off.
2. Mix 2 tbsp of papaya pulp with 10 drops of lemon juice and leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse well.
3. Take fresh juice of any of the fruits (orange, sweet lime, watermelon or papaya) and apply on the face as a mask. This is very relaxing, it cleanses the skin, closes pores and stimulates blood circulation.
Carrot Facial Mask
Ingredients Needed:
2-3 large carrots
4 1/2 tablespoons honey
Directions:
Cook carrots, then mash. Mix with honey. Apply gently to the skin, wait 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
Glowing Facial Mask
You will love your radiant skin after using this recipe…
All you need is:
1 tbsp fuller’s earth
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp mashed papaya
Mix and put on face for 20 minutes then rinse off.
Honey Facial Mask
Perhaps the best facial mask is honey.
Place a cloth in warm water and apply to your face to open the pores. Smear on honey, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores.
Use once a week.

Face mask for dry skin

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1. Take 1 tbsp olive oil and mix with 2 tbsp of fresh cream, leave it on the face for 10 minutes and then wash your face with warm water.

2. Mix 1 tbsp of honey with 15 drops of orange juice and 1 tbsp of fuller’s earth and add 1 tbsp of rose water. Mix well and apply on the face, wash off after 10 miuntes.
homemade beauty tips

homemade beauty tips

Face mask for oily skin

1. Mix a tbsp of honey with 1 egg white and apply thickly on the face and neck. Leave for 10 minutes and wash off.
2. Mix 2 tbsp of papaya pulp with 10 drops of lemon juice and leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse well.
3. Take fresh juice of any of the fruits (orange, sweet lime, watermelon or papaya) and apply on the face as a mask. This is very relaxing, it cleanses the skin, closes pores and stimulates blood circulation.
FCarrot acial Mask
Ingredients Needed:
2-3 large carrots
4 1/2 tablespoons honey
Directions:
Cook carrots, then mash. Mix with honey. Apply gently to the skin, wait 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
Glowing Facial Mask
You will love your radiant skin after using this recipe…
All you need is:
1 tbsp fuller’s earth
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp mashed papaya
Mix and put on face for 20 minutes then rinse off.
Honey Facial Mask
Perhaps the best facial mask is honey.
Place a cloth in warm water and apply to your face to open the pores. Smear on honey, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores.
Use once a week.

Nail Designs

Saturday, August 29, 2009 1 comments

If you intend to get a make over, then it is the right time. You can spend less than an hour's worth of time to gain a sexy and attractive look. Keeping your nails in great shape all through this season with the help of the coolest designs available today will definitely add some glitter to your life.
Short and metallic
The most popular shades out there this season are metallic ones. Why not try this trendy look on for this spring? Splashy looking metallic shades will look really great if you keep your nails comparatively short. Any attractive sparkly shades like silvers, greens, blues, blacks etc. are good for your nails.
Some of the most popular shades out there this season are greens. So if you want to be really hip, get a great shade of green and you are in the middle of it all. You may find a shade that goes perfectly with your car's paint job as well!!
French manicure
You can try French manicure to get you the cool feminine touch. You can try on a pale pink shade on your nails with a white tip to enhance your finger tips and your attire, be it a swim suit or a dress. You can get a perfect manicure if you get an appointment at a salon and you can choose to do it the natural way or go fancy with acrylics.
If you feel a little more adventurous and would love to polish your nails on your own, check out the french manicure kits available at local pharmacies or department stores. some kits do come with small sticky strips which will help you in deciding how to go about each section of your nails. They will also tell you where to apply the pink shade and where should the white tips go. A lot of guys consider french manicure to be really sexy and so it is still in style. Give it a try and you got your sexy look!!
Pretty and pastel nail art
Pastel colors are always in style; and they will remain so as well. You have so many choices in pastel like a shimmery lilac or lavender, a dainty pink, peach, rose or some other light pastel colors.
If you try an iridescent, glossy, pearly or glittery top coat, that would give you some more brownie points as far as style is considered. If you try a subtle white shade on your nail tip, that would give a modern French manicure look.
Traditional nail design
If you apply strong pink or red shades, it would add glitter to your glamour with any kind of clothes you wear and whatever personal style you have. Lighter shades of red or pink are all seen all over the place on nails and they look great on any skin color, any kind of nails and any choice of wardrobes.
As far as lip stick and nail polish is concerned, pink and red shades had been great all through history. So there are proven choices of color combinations out there for you to try even when you are confused about the look you are trying to achieve. When you decide to reduce the sharpness of your shades from strong red and pink to lighter shades like carnation, brick, peach etc. do the change slowly by going down a shade or two at a time.
Just doing window shopping at a local mall and browsing through the shelves would give you new ideas about new color ideas or style ideas for your nails. There may be some exquisite colored nail polish or a cute set of decals and adornments. You can let your spirits run a little wild and have a fun season. Keep your nails healthy and let your creative juices flow on to your nails!!
How can you get the best kiss me kind lips. Beautiful Legs can be cynosure of all eyes. Grab the attention in any party with your stylish nails. Hand care is an important part of your daily routine. Learn the beauty secrets of celebrities. Know

Beauty Tips for Eyebrow

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Well groomed Eyebrows add definition to your face and can enhance your beauty. Read our beauty tips for eyebrow carefully to get that stunning smoky looks on your eyes.By plucking eyebrows before sleeping redness disappears overnight. In shaping your eyebrows use your facial features.
Use a pair of tilt edged tweezers which can grip hair easily. Comb hairs one way and then the other to remove loose hairs.
Pluck hairs between the brows and any stragglers. Never remove the hairs from above of your eyebrows.
Pluck each hair individually close to the root. Work in the direction of the growth.
Avoid over plucking always. In defining your eyebrows choose a shade similar to your

Lips And Lipstick

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Muted colors like purple, brown, bronze etc. will look good, if you are having big lips.
-Never use dark colored lipstick, if you have smaller lips.
-It will be better to apply lipstick with a brush as preferred by professionals. This will help in reducing the amount of lipstick used.
The colors that suit you are:
-Shades like wines, berrys and mauves will look great on light blondes. Cappuccino colors will look good on them as well.
-Shades like corals, apricots, peachy hues etc. will be really good on golden blondes.
-Olive skinned blondes will look fabulous in warm peach, brown or terracotta shaded lipsticks.
-Terracottas, cinnamon's and brownish reds will look great on brunettes.
-Red heads will be best suited to wear warm terracotta colors, cinnamons and peachy browns.
Adjust Your Lips
How to adjust your lips :-)
Make Small Lips Look Larger - By applying a little bit of lip gloss or Vaseline on the middle part of the bottom lip, you can achieve the required result. This will make your lips look bigger by bringing the lips out ward.

Soft, Full, Younger, Sexier Lips

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Did you ever fancy to have the voluptuous lips of super models or famous Hollywood actresses? If your answer is yes to this beauty tip of ours, there is a very good probability that you may have tried lip enhancers which burn and then fade very quickly. You must be frustrated with their effectiveness. To spend the money, time and to sit through the pain of injections is probably too much for you. You can get really perfect sensual and sexy beautiful lips without going through all that hassle

A Refreshingly Natural Makeup Look

Thursday, August 27, 2009 0 comments
Happy New Year beauties!
Start the New Year off fresh! This refreshing tutorial shows you how to create a truly natural, barely-there daytime look. The “no makeup”-makeup look tutorial is by makeup artist Jamie Melbourne. This look is quick, and perfect for everyday activities like work, running errands, working out, or even just hanging out.
Tanya, the model in this video is just darling and the natural makeup gives her this amazingly perfect glow. She really does look gorgeous, yet still looks like she isn’t wearing any makeup! It was refreshing just to watch it. Many women are overly “done up” ALL the time. This video was like a breath of fresh air. It reminds us that natural beauty is always in, and that there’s a time and a place for different makeup looks. It’s definitely a tutorial everyone should see.

A Refreshingly Natural Makeup Look

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Happy New Year beauties!
Start the New Year off fresh! This refreshing tutorial shows you how to create a truly natural, barely-there daytime look. The “no makeup”-makeup look tutorial is by makeup artist Jamie Melbourne. This look is quick, and perfect for everyday activities like work, running errands, working out, or even just hanging out.
Tanya, the model in this video is just darling and the natural makeup gives her this amazingly perfect glow. She really does look gorgeous, yet still looks like she isn’t wearing any makeup! It was refreshing just to watch it. Many women are overly “done up” ALL the time. This video was like a breath of fresh air. It reminds us that natural beauty is always in, and that there’s a time and a place for different makeup looks. It’s definitely a tutorial everyone should see.

Free Skincare Samples

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Skincare products can be very tricky, because they are among the most difficult products to select – finding the right one to keep your skin balanced can require lots of “trial and error” with different skincare products.
Skincare products are oftentimes some of the most expensive ones out there, so how on earth are we supposed to finally find one that works for our individual skin type without going completely broke? Well, we thought these free skincare sample offers would come in handy.
Most of these products are normally pretty pretty pricey (especially the anti-aging ones!!). So, if you’d like to, give some of them a try and you can test the product out before you decide to buy the full sized product. Save some money and find your ideal product all at the same time.
Here’s to perfect skin! Cheers.

itness & Exercise Tips for Women & Men

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aAs we age, our bodies lose muscle tissue and our metabolism slows down. Exercise is the best way to get physically fit and lose weight. Starting an exercise regimen at any age is extremely beneficial and can add years to your life.
Working out takes discipline and should not be painful. "No pain, no gain" is just a myth and is not good advice to follow. Exercise should make you feel healthy and fit, not looking for the ibuprofen and ice packs.
Experts advise that 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week is beneficial for both men and women. Select the best plan that is favorable to your lifestyle, whether it is at home or a fitness club.
Opt for a form of exercise you will enjoy the most and start out slowly, increasing your activity and work out-time gradually. Consider adding basic weight training to build muscles, burn calories and control body fat.
Aerobic Activity Training

*

Bicycling
*

Brisk walking
*

Dancing
*

Jogging
*

Jump Rope
*

Roller-skating
*

Skiing
*

Swimming
*

Tennis

For beginners, try increasing personal fitness in your everyday life by walking more, doing some yard work, painting, and parking your car further from your destination. Not only will you have the satisfaction of getting things done, you'll enjoy the benefits of being physically fit.
You don't need to lump your exercise all in one session. Try it in 10 minute increments if this is easier for you and as time allows. While there's no plan or guarantee for everyone, get started and find out what works for you.
Consult your physician before starting any exercise routine and understand that diet and nutrition will play a big factor in your overall results.

Fitness & Exercise Tips for Women & Men

As we age, our bodies lose muscle tissue and our metabolism slows down. Exercise is the best way to get physically fit and lose weight. Starting an exercise regimen at any age is extremely beneficial and can add years to your life.

Working out takes discipline and should not be painful. "No pain, no gain" is just a myth and is not good advice to follow. Exercise should make you feel healthy and fit, not looking for the ibuprofen and ice packs.

Experts advise that 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week is beneficial for both men and women. Select the best plan that is favorable to your lifestyle, whether it is at home or a fitness club.

Opt for a form of exercise you will enjoy the most and start out slowly, increasing your activity and work out-time gradually. Consider adding basic weight training to build muscles, burn calories and control body fat.

Aerobic Activity Training

  • Bicycling

  • Brisk walking

  • Dancing

  • Jogging

  • Jump Rope

  • Roller-skating

  • Skiing

  • Swimming

  • Tennis

For beginners, try increasing personal fitness in your everyday life by walking more, doing some yard work, painting, and parking your car further from your destination. Not only will you have the satisfaction of getting things done, you'll enjoy the benefits of being physically fit.

You don't need to lump your exercise all in one session. Try it in 10 minute increments if this is easier for you and as time allows. While there's no plan or guarantee for everyone, get started and find out what works for you.

Consult your physician before starting any exercise routine and understand that diet and nutrition will play a big factor in your overall results.

Fitness & Exercise Tips

  • Get busy at home. Clean your house more frequently, do more gardening and yard work.
  • Walking is one of the most popular forms of exercise, and for a reason. It's easy to do and comes naturally.
  • Begin exercising at least 20 minutes a day. Start slow.
  • Take it one day at a time, with realistic goals.
  • You don't need to invest in fancy fitness equipment. Buy yourself a $5 ab-roller, this is very easy to travel with.
  • Treadmills and exercise bikes are great aerobic activity tools for cold months indoors.
  • Add entertainment such as music or tv to your indoor activity.
  • The more muscle you gain, the higher your metabolism.
  • Get family and friends to exercise with you.
  • Take multi-vitamins.
  • Don't allow yourself to watch your favorite TV show unless you do it on a treadmill or exercise bike.
Add hand weights gradually to your r

Hairstyle Trends for Spring & Summer 2009

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So what's gonna be hot for hair when the weather turns warmer? The new hairstyle trends for spring and summer, 2009, characterize a variety of styles that will flatter hair of any length, whether it's short, long or in-between.
There's something for everyone! Looking for change? Get a haircut that allows you to wear a practical style for daytime and a more flirty look for the evening hours.
Long Hairstyles
Wavy, textured hair brings a tousled, feminine look. If your hair is long and thick, this is easy to achieve because textured and shaped hair allows you more control with your hair style. Simply wash your hair, add some mousse and blow dry your hair on low. Use a curling iron and finger-comb the layers. For piecey chunks, apply styling wax on the ends to separate.
For a simple, sleek and smooth look, straight hair can look great on almost anyone, reflecting light and enhancing shine. If you have natural waves, you don't need to blow-dry. Simply use a flat iron to straighten it out section by section after you let it air dry. Set the style with hair spray and stay away from rain or heavy humidity.Short Hair
Want less fuss with a short hairstyle? Ask your stylist for heavy layers to add dimension, fullness, and bounce. Boyish, yet feminine, this is the easiest cut to wash and style. If you prefer more than a basic bob, look for an asymmetrical cut to update your look and keep you on the edge.
Ringlets that are too tight look old-fashioned and Victorian. Keep your short curls loose and natural. Finger comb and tousle your tresses when slightly wet for a true romantic look. Face-framing layers will help make a basic hairstyle more versatile and add much needed movement.
Whatever your hair length, this year's parts are leaning towards the center. What looks best on you may depend on the shape of your head, if you have bangs, and if they will also part to reveal a portion of your forehead. If you prefer a side part, forgo the center and wear it where you wish. Not every trend looks good on everyone.
Bangs
The current trend for bangs is soft and side-swept, exposing only part of your forehead. To look anything but ordinary, opt for angled bangs to accentuate your unique style. Whilst bangs require more frequent maintenance, they're great for covering up a long forehead, flaws, or lines.
Ponytails are back in a big way. With their practicality, getting ready for a casual or formal event is a snap. Soft waves add sensuality to a basic ponytail. For any texture of hair, set high or low, what's classic is now trendy. Try combing your hair back with your fingers for a slightly imperfect, messed-up hairdo.
Color & Highlights Trends
Sexy, feminine highlights are always in style. Chunky highlights give way to subtle. Spring brings popular multi-tone highlights and lowlights for several shades of color that adds dimension and reflects the light. A great haircut combined with delicate highlights ensure that you will look classy at special events and in pictures. Trendy and stylish, this summer promises to bring some of the most exciting hairstyles we've seen in years. What better time is there to update your tresses?

Your Guide to Perfect Skin

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What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful that the garment with which it is clothed?" -- Buonarroti Michelangelo
5 Dos and 5 Don’ts to Help Slow the Aging Skin Process
Maybe you're in your 20s or early 30s and you think you can't possibly have (gulp) aging skin yet. Well, you're wrong. Your skin's 'youthfulness' has less to do with age than how it's been treated, so if exposed to sun, smoke and stress, your skin will start ‘acting old,’ losing collagen, glow and elasticity. Lines will develop and pores can seem more pronounced. It's easier to prevent damage than to repair it but the good news is you CAN reverse skin damage.
Here are 5 dos and 5 don’ts to help slow down and reverse the aging process and leave your skin glowing at any age.
* Do stop smoking. Ever notice the skin of a lifelong smoker? It can appear wrinkly like a squashed paper bag. The fact is, smoking is the 2nd biggest cause of skin damage after sun exposure. Why? Nicotine constricts blood vessels and decreases the flow of oxygen to the skin. Not good things.
* Do use an AHA or BHA (also known as retinols) every day. A daily application of a one percent prescription retinoid lotion (such as Retin-A or even better, Tazorac) can erase years from your face. AHAs used properly not only take off lots of dead skin, but can seem to take 10 years off as well by reducing fine lines. (Keep in mind these products do NOT shrink pores. Your pore size is completely hereditary, so don't believe promises of permanent reduction). Over-the-counter options such as RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream (see compare link below to buy) are good, but prescription creams work the best. Extra tip: You must stay out of the sun if you use retinoids. You are extra-susceptible to sunburns.

Diary of a Laser Hair Removal Guinea Pig

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A little over a month ago, I did it. I made the leap and tried laser hair removal. Before I tell you exactly what happened (trust me, I'd wished someone had told me before I did it), let me first tell you the top 3 reasons I hated every other form of hair removal I'd tried before. Let's start with...
The Top 3 Reasons I Despise Shaving
Reason #1: The smooth results last only an hour. I have sandpaper leg hair, which means within a few hours of shaving, my legs turn into a fine grade. A couple days later and the fine grade has grown coarse.
Reason #2: Wintertime shaving. There's nothing worse than when goosebumps develop in mid-stroke. (I have sworn for years that you can FEEL the hair grow when you get goosebumps).
Reason #3: The rashes and the nicks. It's a rare occasion that I have a rash-free and nickless shaving experience. In fact, I'm certain it's never happened.
After years of shaving I discovered waxing. There were many things about waxing I loved. The results leave you smooth as a baby's butt and last a long time. But here I offer...
Three Reasons I Will Never Wax Again
Reason #1: The pain. Want to know what waxing feels like? Take a 6-inch length of packing tape and apply it to your forearm. Pat it down so every hair is firmly attached. Hold on to one end, take a deep breath and RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!
Reason #2: The growing out period between waxes. For waxing to work, you need longish hair for strips to adhere to. This means if you want to wear skirts outside the house in summer and you're at the point where you're Just About Ready for Wax, you have to endure sandpaper legs.
Reason #3: It's not cheap (about $60 a pop for bikini and legs, at least in NYC).
I should mention there were other reasons I hate waxing including wicked in-grown hairs, an accidental burning that turned into what seems to be a permanent dark spot and having to lay down half-naked several times a year and make small talk with a complete stranger while she rips the hair from my body.
And This is What Led Me To Become a Laser Hair Removal Guinea Pig
It for all the reasons listed above that I decided to research what I felt was my very last option for hair removal -- laser hair removal. I wanted to know how much it hurt -- my body AND my pocketbook. What were the chances the hair would grow back. Would it scar me or cause in-grown hairs and did it matter where I got it done (some places seemed much cheaper than others).
Here are 5 questions I asked and the answers.
How does high-tech hair removal work? There are a couple options, both of which rely on heated lights: Laser beam or intense pulsed light (IPL). Lasers are focused beams, whereas IPL uses interspersed flashes. While one visit will result in a lot of hair removal, it takes about 5 visits each one month apart to kill as much as 70% of the hair. Hair grows in cycles so you want to make sure you get as much of it as possible.
Is everyone a good candidate? Lasers work best on people with pale skin and dark hair (like me!), but these days there are even options for women with dark skin and light hair. Keep in mind dark skin may require 2-3 more sessions.
Are the results guaranteed? It's impossible to predict how successful lasers will work on everyone. Results depend on the quality of the laser, the type of hair you have and the number of procedures you have done. Never trust a company that guarantees hair removal. I suggest you try to a consultation in person before you sign up.
How much does it cost? Depends. Laser hair removal isn't cheap (about $200-$500 a session depending on where you live and the areas being treated. Again, it takes about 6 sessions to get rid of 70% of hair permanently. Touch-ups are always an option at about $100-$150 a session.
What about scarring? When I looked into getting this done for this article, the ex-editor of Glamour told me a 'funny story' about a writer (I think she referred to her as the magazine's 'guinea pig') who got her entire body treated carpe diem. She ended up scarred for life. For this very reason, you want to skip the discount places and get treated by a trained technician at an established medical facility. These places do NOT offer discounts.
What about in-grown hairs? Because lasers kill the follicle, hair won't grow back causing in-grown hairs you get with waxing (waxing damages the follicle, it doesn't always kill it and hair can grow in on itself).
Now that I had all the information I needed, I decided to research facilities. The first place I found (which will remain nameless)offered discounts and when they found out I was a writer, they were eager to help me get rid of hair everywhere for free. Further investigation showed they had unsatisfied customers.I realized this was a medical procedure, therefore, I needed the very best, so I found out rather quickly that the very best high-tech hair removal place in Manhattan is Completely Bare (212-366-6060). I booked a consultation. Fin

Tips for Taking the Fear Out of Forbidden Foods

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The other day, I received a comment on my blog that really struck me: “It’s great that you allow yourself to enjoy a bagel. I’m too afraid to eat them.”
Sure, bagels get a bad rap for being full of unrefined carbs and scant on fiber, but being “afraid” of a specific food really confused me at first. It’s not like bagels are baked with poison! But the more I thought about this comment, the more it made sense to me.
Like many people trying to lose weight, I used to fear calories and fat. I kept a close eye on my calorie consumption and diligently recorded my workouts each day. While I never put specific foods in the off-limit category, I worried about eating too much of my favorites because my oversize portions were what led to my weight gain. And while losing weight is tough, it’s oh-so-easy to gain it all back!
I learned to stick with nutritional superstars like blueberries, spinach, and quinoa. It’s hard to be afraid of something that’s so good for you! And most importantly, I know that food does not make me fat—it’s the type of food and portion size that may make me gain weight.
forbidden-foods-bagel
(Getty Images)
Eat real food
It’s tough to feel anxious about a food that I know is good for me. Choosing wholesome, nutritious foods are always an easy decision. The thought of a fresh, crisp apple, for instance, never scares me!
Remind yourself that you’re in controlA big plate of buffalo chicken nachos can be intimidating. I know it’s easy to overdo it—especially when I’ve had a stressful day at work or I haven’t eaten since breakfast. And if I feel like I’ve already fallen off the diet wagon for the day, I know I may be tempted to continue to pig out. But knowing that I am in control of the situation helps me stop eating when I have had enough. A quick mental reminder before faced with “fearful” food typically does the trick! My plate method also makes me feel in control.
Pay attention to your tummy
If I choose to eat a less-than-nutritious food, I enjoy it without fear because I pay attention to my satiety cues. I eat my favorite foods in moderation, listen to my body, and stop eating before I am too full. For instance, if I want a brownie sundae for dessert, I can have one. I don’t fear it because I know I can enjoy a few bites and not eat every crumb in the bowl.