Beauty And Makeup Tips

Lipstick: Love The Look Hate The Work!

2009-11-07T13:36:00.001+07:00

It was not near lunch yet and I was already reapplying my lipstick. Usually, this was a mindless routine task, but on this morning something snapped. I was all alone and thought to myself in annoyance, I wish I could just tattoo my lips a natural color and be done with it. The thought was completely foreign to me and I took a second to consider the possibility. Interesting concept, I thought and then I forgot about it. Tattoos of any kind were way out of my box and one on the lips seemed unthinkable. Two days later, while casually thumbing through a magazine, I discovered there was such a thing as tattooed lipstick. It is called permanent makeup, cosmetic tattoo, dermal pigmentation or micro-pigmentation. Now, after years of freedom from applying lipstick, or practically any makeup, I find it unthinkable to be without my cosmetic tattoos.

Beauty Is Not Pain

I expected a lot of pain when receiving permanent lip color. In fact, it took me five years to muster up the nerve to do it. Finally, while doing extensive training with a permanent makeup practitioner, I decided to trust and put my face in her competent hands. I liked that she is an artist, as I am and her skills as a technician were being clearly and impressively demonstrated to me. It went surprisingly well. For the most part the topical anesthetic worked to block the discomfort, except for small twinges. One especially sharp twinge of pain brought tears to my eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it came. There was no fumbling about, her hands moved efficiently and with an instinct garnered from experience. For an hour or two afterwards my lips felt hot, tender and huge, more than they looked. Nevertheless, I got up from the chair and immediately went to a fine restaurant with a friend, enjoyed myself and took care not to order spicy food. The cosmetic tattoo procedure was simple and caused no inconvenience.

Make Your Lips Look Their Best

There are different options for permanent lip color. The first is a lip line; a single color in a crisp outline around the mouth. The second is a lip shaper; a lip line that is softly blended into the natural lip color. The third is full lip color. The fourth is a combination of full lip color with a lip line or shaper in a slightly darker or different color than the fill. Most lip colors can be achieved, but a good eye and the effective application of basic color theory is essential to success. You will not get the brilliance of topical makeup because permanent makeup is viewed through a veil of skin. Lip balm or gloss will give permanent lip color a lipstick-like sheen. One with sunscreen is always recommended.

The Best Kept Secrets About Permanent Lip Color

The first secret is augmentation. Cosmetic tattoos can create any number of effects on the face. When applying permanent lip color you make small, crisp and precise adjustments in shape that can create symmetry. You can also make lip curves more sensuous, adjust the balance between the upper and lower lip, make the mouth appear slightly larger or smaller, cover scars and even give the lips a subtle upturn. The second secret is based solely on my personal experience and that of some of my clients. It concerns age lines that radiate out around the mouth and tend to fill up with the lipstick you wear. Skillfully applied pigment into the edge of the lips, called the vermilion border, detracts from age lines and may stop or minimize lipstick from bleeding. Granted, it is not often that I apply lipstick, but when I do it stays put. A well-defined vermilion border is not only youthful, but I have been told consistently over the years that my age lines are not visible. I don't believe people were just being nice. The lines are still there, but visually the lips themselves dominate.

Cosmetic Surgery Considerations

What if you wish to address similar lip issues with medical cosmetic procedures? If you choose to get any kind of lip filler, then have permanent makeup done first so the lip shape is clearly established. If you already have lip filler, let it go away completely before having permanent makeup applied. If you wish to treat age lines around the lips, treat them first and then have permanent lip color added later. With these simple tips you can get the most out of your lips and look your best.

Dawn Willard?s extensive career in the fine and applied arts has included lettering, illustrations and photo and film styling. Twenty-three years as a photo and film stylist taught Dawn and array of artistic skills, one being makeup. Ms. Willard?s foray into permanent makeup began in 1996. She currently owns the Permanent Makeup Studio in Asheville North Carolina. She has explored a variety of techniques and has clients coming to her from Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, New Hampshire, New Mexico and numerous towns in western and central North Carolina. She can be reached at http://www.DawnColors.com or starjump@gmail.com.

Tips and Tricks to Downplay those Pesky Fine Lines and Wrinkles Part One

2009-08-10T23:42:00.001+07:00

Are those fine lines and wrinkles worrying you? Before you do anything drastic?

Do you know that just taking care of your skin routinely can make a noticeable difference in its appearance?

There are five little steps for creating and maintaining healthy skin. They are to cleanse, exfoliate (lightly), freshen or tone, moisturize and protect. Treat your face, twice a day, to steps one through four. Seem too complicated? Some skin care products combine the first three into one timesaving step so all you have to do afterwards is moisturize. (Once a week, exfoliate your face more thoroughly to get rid of any build up of dead surface cells which can dull the appearance of your skin. Then carefully hydrate the newer cells to replace any lost moisture.)

Each morning, add step five to your regime. Protect your skin by using a sunscreen or sun block and then adding a foundation. Foundation helps to shield your face by providing a layer between your skin and the environment. The first trick it to match the color as closely as possible to your jaw line and neck. The second trick is to put on just enough foundation to smooth lightly and easily over your face (preferably with a sponge). Instead of covering up signs of aging, thick foundation settles into and emphasizes the fine lines and wrinkles you want to minimize.

There?s an urban myth that each time you sleep with your makeup on your skin ages by 11 days. Scary thought, isn?t it? Within two weeks of establishing a routine of caring for your face, you should start to reverse the effects of bad habits and see the results in clearer and smoother skin.

Once the appearance of your skin improves, makeup can be used as an enhancement rather than as a ?mask.?

Like foundation, too much concealer will detract from its intent. Concealer should be applied very lightly on under eye circles and blemishes and then blended well with your foundation

For eye color, choose warmer tones over cooler ones, lighter shades over darker, and matte consistencies over those with sparkle ? they?re less aging and ?kinder? to your face.

For eyeliners and eye brow pencils, select a shade of gray or brown or a complementary color rather than black. They?re more natural (unless your hair is black) and look much softer. To emphasize your eyes, line only the top lid and apply extra mascara on your lower lashes. Then ?open? your eyes with an eyelash curler.

For cheeks and lips, the most becoming colors are usually the ones that complement your natural warm skin tones.

Highlight either your eyes or your lips (but not both) then enjoy the visual effect of clearer, smoother skin with subtle makeup!

Sources: Mary Kay Inc., Robert Jones (simple beaute)

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

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

http://www.marykay.com/charlottemaddox

Acne and Makeup: A HowTo Guide

2009-05-18T19:36:00.001+07:00

Righty...so your new acne medication promises fast results in 10 days, but you've got to face the world today. What can we do to tie over the proceeding period before the acne goes down?

Well all you need is to learn a few creative acne makeup concealing tips to help you look your very best at school, work or play.

But remember -- Makeup conceals acne, it doesn't cure it!

But you already knew that, right? Using makeup to conceal acne isn't difficult, but there are some basic rules that you should always follow.

Your basic acne makeup toolkit

Your three acne hiding weapons will be a concealer, a foundation and a finishing powder. Stay away from the dollar store and use only brand names that you can trust.

Choose only oil-free makeup products that match your skin tone. Oil-free is the key to success here so read the labels carefully. You don't want to aggravate your existing acne problem by layering a fresh coat of oil on skin that already has too much to begin with. Choose a hypoallergenic brand while you're at it.

If this is the first time that you are using a new brand, test the makeup applying small dabs to a spot under your jaw to see how your skin reacts. If you are going to have a problem you'll know within an hour or so after applying it. Nothing's worse than adding more blotches to an already colorful face.

Before you begin

Wash your face with your normal face cleansing product and pat dry. Apply your acne medication per the instructions and let it dry throughly.

Start with the concealer

Apply the concealer in a light dabbing motion directly to any dark blotches or red areas that the acne has produced on your skin. Blend the concealer in using a disposable facial sponge. Use the concealer sparingly. You can always apply more if you need it but you don't want to layer it on too thickly. It will look terrible when it dries.

Next, apply the foundation

Apply the foundation sparingly as well and use a light dabbing motion here too. Blend the foundation with your sponge and reapply to any areas that need it.

And now for the final touch

Apply a light layer of the oil-free powder using a large makeup brush. This will take care of any shine that the acne concealer and foundation left behind and it will give you an even and finished look.

Throw away the disposable sponges when you are through so you don't transfer yesterday's skin oil to tomorrow's clean face!

Before you go to bed

Wash your face throughly to remove all makeup before you go to bed, but preferably as soon as you can after you return home. You want your skin to breath and your acne to get as much fresh air as possible.

John Wellington is from AcneHelpZone.com providing people suffering from acne with quick, relevant and free acne resources that they can download and take away with them for easy reference.

Great Looking Skin ? A Simple 4 Step Skin Care Guide

2009-05-15T01:30:00.001+07:00

Step 1: Decide what type of skin you have.

This is important so you know how to care for your skin and what products to use. There are 3 basic skin types: dry, oily and combination skin types.

Type 1: Dry Skin

Dry skin occurs when the dermis does not secrete enough oil, or sebum. The result is tight, drawn, flaky skin and a dull complexion. In more extreme cases, dry skin lacks elasticity and can be extremely sensitive to the sun, wind, and cold temperatures.

Type 2: Oily Skin

This type of skin has over-reactive oil producing glands, which makes the face shiny, especially the forehead, down the central panel of your nose and the chin (the T-zone). The pores of this skin type are enlarged making it prone to blackhead, pimple and acne. Oily skin needs special cleansing to keep the pores unclogged.

Type 3: Combination Skin

People with combination skin typically have some oily skin and either normal or dry skin on different parts of their face. Normal skin has a balanced oil and water content and feels smooth and velvety, not dry or oily. Normal skin is evenly toned with tiny, generally unclogged pores. After a wash it feels smooth and comfortable. Normal skin only occasionally breaks out in spots.

Combination: Normal to Oil

People with normal to oily skin generally have normal skin on their cheeks and oily skin with enlarged pores on their T zone, the area that stretches across the forehead and down the nose and chin. The T-zone needs extra attention as spots may often break out in this area.

Combination: Dry to Oily

This skin type is also marked by oily skin in the T zone and dry, taut skin on the cheeks.

Step 2: Develop a good daily Skincare regime.

There are 3 steps to basic daily skincare:

a. Cleansing

b. Toning

c. Moisturising

Let's break down each step.

Cleansing does just that, it cleans your skin. By cleansing, you are removing any dirt, oil, bacteria and makeup.

Toning does three things: it removes anything that your cleanser didn't already take care of, it restores the pH level of your skin and it prepares your skin to receive the moisturiser.

Moisturising helps to seal in your skin's natural oils and it acts as a barrier between your skin and the environment. Even oily skin needs a moisturiser, but chose a light product. It is best to moisturize immediately after applying toner. Moisturising is something everyone of every skin type should do, including those with oil rich skin.

Besides these daily steps you should also, less frequently, exfoliate and use a facial mask.

Exfoliation allows you to remove dead skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin. The circular motion in which exfoliating should be performed also helps to stimulate your skin allowing oxygen to come to the surface. Exfoliating is a crucial step for those with either dry skin or those with dehydrated oil rich skin.

Facial masks give you an extra boost to combat any concerns you might have for your skin. Just remember not to keep your mask on for more than 15 minutes because you could actually burn your skin. All masks should not be applied on the eyes (there are eye masks specifically formulated for this delicate area) and should be washed off with a warm face cloth.

So how often should you really be doing all of this ? Cleansing, toning and moisturising should happen twice daily; morning and night. You can exfoliate and give yourself a mask every one to two weeks depending on your skincare concerns.

Here are the steps you should follow for your day to day routine:

1. Cleanse

2. Tone

3. Moisturise

And here are the steps to be followed on the days you choose to also exfoliate and apply a mask:

1. Cleanse

2. Tone

3. Exfoliate

4. Tone

5. Mask

6. Tone

7. Moisturise

This may seem like a lot to do but your every day routine shouldn't take more than 3 minutes and your weekly routine no more than 20 minutes.

Step 3. Choose appropriate skincare products for your skin type

Your beauty specialist will be able to advise you on the best products for your skin type and skin care routine.

Step 4. Lifestyle impacts on the health and appearance of your skin, here are some lifestyle tips for enhancing your skin's appearance:

1. Avoid over exposure to the sun.

Sun damage leads to hyper-pigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use an SPF 15 or higher foundation or sun cream on all exposed skin, especially on your face.

2. Don't smoke

Easier said than done for smokers but please remember your skin is a large organ and it needs a lot of circulation. Smoking impairs circulation dramatically. That's why smokers' skin can look dull and gray

3. Get adequate rest and nutrition

Eat right and get plenty of rest. Keep vitamins such as C and E in your diet regime.

4. Protect yourself from stress - both emotional and environmental stress.

5. Touch your face less and wash your hands more!

It's very tempting to pick, poke, squeeze, and scratch in front of the mirror. But the more you traumatize the skin, the greater your risk of scarring. Apply treatment products and let them work.

6. Keep your makeup clean.

Replace the sponges in your compact on a regular basis.

7. Exercise.

Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which helps skin look young.

Donna is a trained makeup artist with her own beauty business. As both a business women and a mom with 2 children Donna understands the time pressures on women today and through this, and other articles, has endeavored to take the complexity out of looking great with some busy women friendly beauty tips and advice. If you would like to read more of Donna's articles check out her website: http://www.coloursandscents.co.nz

Permanent Cosmetics

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

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup is a state-of-the-art form of cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as micropigmentation, micropigment implantation or dermagraphics. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits tiny individual implants of pigment into the dermal layer of skin to enhance facial features. The 3 most common procedures are eyebrows, eyeliner and full lip color. How Is It Done?

Permanent cosmetic procedures are performed using various machines, including the traditional (or specialized) tattoo or coil machines; the pen or rotary machine and the non-machine or hand tool method.

What Can Be Done?

- Eyebrows - Eyeliner
- LipLiner - Full Lips
- Cleft Lip - Beauty Marks
-Skin Grafts
-Scar Camouflage
-Areola repigmentation

Who Benefits?

Women who:

?Have sparse brows and are tired of brow pencils
?Are tired of their makeup smearing
?Are athletic, yet still want to look their best
?Are allergic to conventional cosmetics
?Wear contact lenses
?Want to streamline their daily makeup r?gime
?Have colorless lips or uneven lip borders
?Have had breast reconstruction surgery (can tattoo an areola)
?Have scars and want them blended with their surrounding normal skin

?Does it hurt??

Topical cream anesthetics are used to numb the area. Most people equate the sensation as similar to tweezing or waxing. Nancy provides instructions which further promote comfort. Not following instructions can promote bleeding and increase sensitivity. Permanent makeup intrigues me, ?..I don?t know much about it??..

You probably know of someone who has permanent makeup and they love it. Or you may have seen or heard stories of bad work. It seems that the media is more likely to expound on the horror stories rather than the beautiful work that can be permanent makeup.

What Could Help Me Know If Permanent Makeup Is For Me?

First you must determine if there is something about your face, or body that you?re unhappy with. Say your brows are sparse, you use pencil every day and you?re tired of it. You may want to look into what permanent makeup can do for you. If you?ve had breast reconstruction and the areola/nipple was not replaced, then a permanent makeup artist can tattoo one on, making a woman feel whole again. Napoleon Hill said ?We Refuse to Believe What We Don?t Understand?. Without further knowledge the average person cannot make an educated decision about whether or not something will work for them. This means learn as much as possible about permanent makeup prior to making a a firm decision about it.

What Things Should I Look For In A Technician?

Once you have decided that you want permanent makeup, find out more about the technician. See if they have a website; visit that website. See if the information provided makes sense to you. Did you learn anything from it? Contact the technician, but instead of first asking ?how much it costs??, do this:

1) Learn as much about permanent makeup yourself before you talk to a prospective technician. Remember, this is your body/face ? you need to do your research and not rely only on the information they provide you.

2) How many procedures have they done?

3) What educational training have they had?

4) Do they have a portfolio of ?before? and ?after? photos you can review? Do you like what you see?

5) Does the technician seem interested in you?

6) Are they willing to provide answers to your questions?

7) Meet with her for a consultation.

8) Do you get a good feeling about this technician?

9) Ask how she keeps the procedure safe.

10) Then ask for costs. However, be advised this is not the industry to be looking for bargain basement prices?...you will get what you pay for?...trust me. I?ve repaired work that was inexpensive to the client who was only price shopping.

We?re On The Web
www.alwayslookyourbest.com

NANCY LATOUCHE
PERMANENT MAKEUP CONSULTANT
(714) 404-1306

Nancy LaTouche is a retired Board Certified Permanent Makeup Technician/Artist/Consultant.

Nancy is completing an E-book on Permanent Makeup due end of 2006, directed at new technicians. It will be information not provided in a typical course instruction, and will be published on her website upon completion. If you are a technician that is interested, see http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com

Foundation Top Picks!

2009-05-12T15:54:00.001+07:00

Hi, I'm the Fashion & Beauty Consultant for Estate Jewelry International where we don't just sell jewelry but pamper the whole you!

It's always tough finding the perfect foundation for your skin type, color, and texture. Some products are heavy,some don't cover so well, others don't blend well. We'll review a few of the products which we tried.

Tinted Moisturizers

* Laura Mercier tint moisturizer that leaves your skin feeling fresh. Comes in 7 shades all very natural. It has an SPF of 20 and is fortified with age-defying antioxidants.

* Elizabeth Arden tint moisturizer blends easily with enough coverage that you don't feel naked. It doesn't build up on dry patches. Demotologist tested. It has a SPF of 15

* Hydramax tint moisturizer is a lightweight hydrating lotion balancing moisture and coverage with natural-colour tint. Extract of Butterfly Lavender helps boost hydration by stimulating the water-trapping proteins essential for skin's proper moisture balance. Comes in 2 shades.

* Bobbi Brown tint moisturizer won the Best New Foundation award in Nov 2004 in Health Magazine. This formula is rich and luxurious so its perfect for anyone with extra dry skin. It blends easily and gives skin light coverage. Deeply moisturizes skin, to help reduce the look of fine lines. Dermatologist tested.

* Avon tint moisturizer is great for younger skin, however it has a tendency to stick out like a sore thumb on dry skin. I tried applying it as a foundation with a make up sponge and as a moisturiser using my fingertips and both times my skin looked terrible. It has a nice feel and a pleasant floral scent but the overall look it gave me was not natural in any way, the dry spots on my face seemed to show badly. Perhaps better suited for pre 40's skin. Liquid Foundations

* Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk liquid foundation is lush yet feather light with a very sheer texture. It is exceptional at correcting discoloration, elimating redness and blotchiness. Comes in 14 shades.

* L'Oreal True Match liquid foundation is a nice light weight and has terrific texture. No oils, fragrences or pore clogging materials. Contains vitamins B & E as well as glycerin to nourish the skin. Available in 24 colors.

* Laura Mercier liquid foundation is water based yet exceptionally creamy with a nice smooth finish. It has great coverage for a non oil based product. It isn't greasy or drying and the color matches well. Application is best with a sponge, and you can get more or less coverage depending on how much you apply. Takes a few minutes to set.

* Revlon Age Defying liquid foundation has great coverage and does not feel heavy. It does have a fragrance which does not go away. May hot be the best choice if your skin is at all oily. By mid day face may tend to feel oily and some experience zit outbreaks. It has an SPF of 30. Limited colors.

* T Leclerc Hydrating Fluid liquid foundation is best applied with a sponge or fingers. Its super thin so you hardly know its there. Comes in 6 shades. It has an SPF of 8. Mousse Foundation

* Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse is my all time favourite foundation. It gives great coverage but you feel like you've got nothing on. It's lighweight and easy to apply. I find it's best applied with fingers. If your skins a little on the dry side apply a moisturizer and then the mousse and it says light weight. It lasts all day and I've never had a break out using this product. It's advertised as a revolutionary whipped formula and that describes its texture perfetly. Available in 10 shades.

* Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Mousse is easy to apply and it never looks cakey or thick. Good coverage for such a sheer foundation. Great for dry skin. If you have oily or dry skin you may find yourself oily by mid day. I must say the smell can be a little harsh. If your at all sensative to smells have a whiff before buying. Dermatologist, clinically, allergy tested. Recommended for all skin types, except extra-oily.

* Erno Laszlo Absolute Finish Finishing Mousse Foundation is water free, air whipped providing flawless coverage. It is good for almost all skin types except for very oily skin and those that have a sensitivity to salicylic acid. Its very light and coverage can be sheer to complete. Stays on all day. Its a water free air whipped. Contains Emu Oil and essential fatty acids for non greasy moisturizing. Antioxidants vitamin A, C, & E to defend against free radical damage. It has UVA and UVB protection, and it is Dermatologist tested.

Wouldn't life be grand if one product worked for all of us. However, that's not the case so although I try and review products I cannot tell you how they will work on your skin. Most reputable cosmetic companies will refund or exchange a product if you are unhappy with it. When you find a product that works for you stay with it.

Remember your fashion statement includes the whole you from your hair to the polish on your toes, from your hat to your shoes, from your earrings to the rings on your fingers. So be sure to let the world know who you are and Make Your Fashion Statement!

Sher Matsen from Estate Jewelry International have 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 http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

Building A Bridge: Cosmetic Surgery and Micropigmentation

2009-05-05T19:51:00.001+07:00

There are many reasons women and men want to change or alter their physical appearance. Aging, illness and accidents are a few of the circumstantial reasons, but regardless of the circumstances the most common motivation is the desire for increased confidence and satisfaction with one?s look. One way to add vibrancy to your facial features and to regain some of your color and appeal is to invest in micropigmentation or permanent makeup procedures. Micropigmentation can increase definition of the eyes, lips and eyebrows and this definition lights up the face so you appear more present and more attractive.

Like plastic and cosmetic surgery, permanent makeup has often been misunderstood and degraded. The media has sensationalized occurrences of allergic reactions and poor technique and rarely reported on the wonderful results a majority of micropigmentation clients receive. Don?t get me wrong, there are risks and a trained, ethical practitioner will inform you of all of the potential problems involved and will take the time to assist you in making a decision that is in your best interests.

The Importance of Understanding Cosmetic Surgery

As the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM) and the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) have created new standards and certification processes the industry of micropigmentation has become more respected every year as a profession and as an art. Plastic surgeons agree it takes talent and experience to complete permanent makeup procedures that work. Cosmetic surgery and micropigmentation are both costly and time consuming to correct when procedures have been done poorly or by an untrained hand.

While researching the topic of micropigmentation online you will find that the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and even the University of Pennsylvania Health System?s Department of Plastic Surgery all recommend micropigmentation or permanent makeup as an option. It is often considered a complimentary procedure that has a number of advantages.

At www.surgery.org the ASAPS discusses how micropigmentation can help recreate the areola around the nipple or to restore the color of skin where natural pigmentation has been lost. Permanent makeup can also help visually correct eye and lip shape when they less than ideal.

Dixie Medford, President of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, and an experienced professional, states in her article Permanent Makeup A Modern Look At An Ancient Art that ?Women aren?t going to tattoo parlors to get permanent makeup. Instead they are visiting their local salon or medical office.? ?More and more physicians, nurses and licensed estheticians,? she continues, ?are adding Intradermal Pigmentation, otherwise referred to as Permanent Cosmetics, to their menu of services.? Dixie Medford, also discusses the importance of permanent makeup practitioners knowing their clients and understanding the implications of plastic surgery procedures in her article Waking Up With Makeup Could Be A Nightmare.

She states the following, ?The technician needs to be aware of when and how to do eyebrows on plastic surgery patients that are considering or having brow lift surgery or Botox injections.? ?It is important,? Medford continues, ?to be aware of the impact of aging skin and the changes that will occur in the brow shape.? She goes on to say; ?Plastic surgery and aging are also factors to consider when performing eyeliner?.The permanent cosmetic technician must take additional consideration when working on post surgical clients.?

Micropigmentation as an Alternative

Permanent makeup works well as a complimentary procedure for patients seeking plastic surgery, however, it can also be considered an alternative to particular procedures. The same effects created by a surgical brow lift or collagen injections into the lips can sometimes be achieved through micropigmentation. There are many reasons a patient should not choose to have plastic surgery. Often these reasons are associated with physical or mental health problems. A good cosmetic surgeon will be certain their potential patient is physically able to handle a surgery and to heal well. They will make sure the potential patient is in a healthy frame of mind and has a positive perspective on the procedure since this too can affect the healing process and outcome of the surgery.

For these patients micropigmentation may be a less intense and risky procedure. Also, if a patient has experienced problems after a facelift, micropigmentation can help to correct drooping eyelids and other issues so the client can avoid additional expensive corrective surgery.

Catty Eyes Are The Statement This Season!

2009-04-28T19:45:00.001+07:00

It?s a catty kind of season with dramatic cat eyes entering this season front and center. If you?ve check the catwalk, no pun intended, this season ?catty is certainly in. Gucci, Sass & Bride gave cat eyes a whole new meaning. Estee Lauder is calling the look the ?new Cleopatra.? Very retro and certain to make a statement as this look has great impact!

You?re a gal who has confidence in her style and you want to be ?in? with this seasons ?cat eyes.? How do you accomplish this futuristic feline look at home?

First make sure you have a black eyeliner pencil in your make up repertoire . Maybelline Cool Effect is an eyeliner eye shadow combination, Cover Girl has there eyeslicks gel eyecolors, and Estee Lauder has the Softsmudge Black. There are plenty of other good ones on the market.

Apply foundation, make sure it?s flawlessly applied and then highlight temples and cheekbones ever so slightly. Add light lip color ? remember your eyes are the focus.

Cover under the eye with concealer. This will prevent smudging.

Define your eyes with a light shadow covering the entire lid, blend softly up to the brow bone ? soft grey, cream, beige, off white, taupe, soft pink, soft lavender all work great.

Work a deep dark shade into the contour to define, then blend along the crease

Next apply a your black eyeliner nice and thick along the lash line. Draw the bottom line thick and up towards the ear.

To open the eye up you can line inside the lash line with a white pencil Or for every day wear draw thin lines using a soft gray shadow or pencil

Add mascara and if you wish a touch of sparkle and your done. Pretty simple!

Make Your Fashion Statement!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International have 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.

Makeup Bag Secrets of the Celebrities

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

Have you ever wondered why celebrities seem to look gorgeous no matter where they are and no matter what the moment? Are they prettier than the rest of us so it?s easy for them? Not at all ? they are just smarter about what their makeup bag holds. Read on for makeup bag secrets of the celebrities.

Celebrities will tell you having their makeup at their fingertips is their number one priority and it should be for every woman. That?s not to say you have to pack around 50 pounds of makeup. Just a tube of lipstick can do a lot to freshen your face. Actresses like Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Anniston, or Angelina Jole will all tell you that the ultimate makeup bag is really no secret at all.

You can buy fashionable and trendy makeup bags ranging in size from compact to purse size so even your makeup back can make a fashion statement. But lets face it. It?s what we put in it the makeup bag that really counts. And why is it no matter what size your makeup bag is, it seems to be too small or the makeup you most need at the moment doesn?t appear to have made it into the bag? It?s time solve that problem by putting together the makeup bag of the celebrities with all their secrets.

Your makeup bag is really a matter of your personal taste. Choose one that grabs your attention, fits your personality and fits your purse. There?s no sense buying a huge makeup bag when you pack a tiny purse. You can buy discount bags for as little as $5.00 or designer makeup bags for as much as $100.00.

The Celebrity makeup bag is based on the assumption that your makeup bag is small to medium in size. For those that have a tinier bag you?ll have to choose which items to remove. For those packing a large bag, add all the extras that will fit. The celebrities tell us the most important thing you need to put in your bag is a small double sided compact mirror. You can purchase a nice size travel mirror complete with protective cover for around $5.00.

The next most important tool for the celebrities are the makeup brushes. Make sure you have a blush and eyeshadow brush in your bag. Or you can purchase a compact set of miniature brushed for around $10.00. That will ensure you?ll have every brush you need. Now to the makeup. Jennifer Aniston says your foundation or powder is the absolute most essential makeup bag requirement. If the original container is too large, then purchase a compact bottle or transfer some to an after market container that seals well. Angela Jole won?t leave home without her favorite lipstick. Pick only one or your bags going to get full too fast. Remember your building a compact version of your real makeup case. You can add a lip gloss if you like. Eyeshadow is also a must have for touchup. Choose a palette of colors you can wear or use anytime. There is no good way to pack a variety of colors, so it?s best to choose your most reliable colors. And for heavens sake don?t? forget to add mascara and eyeliner.

According to the stars you also need to make sure you have your blush. Now this can be a bit trickier because the containers are a bit big. Best to look for a flat compact style blush. To keep you fresh, you can also add some prepackaged facial cleansing cloths, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, and a travel size deodorant.

That?s it, you know now the makeup bag secrets of the celebrities . All the basics, to get you through the day and have you looking gorgeous. So what was the big secret?

Makeup For Acne Scars! Where Effective Cosmetic Products Camouflage Scars Not Your Life

2009-04-13T19:06:00.001+07:00

Are you dropping out of society due to experiencing scars after acne breakouts? Are you searching for quality makeup for acne scars to help you blend your skin imperfections, and to also eliminate any future blemishes?

If your answer is yes to the questions above, then let me help you find the best cosmetic scar treatments that will allow you to get back out into the world, and enjoy your life the way you deserve to!

Nowadays, there are many advanced makeup products such as camouflage makeup specially designed for scars, and are widely offered by professional online skincare suppliers. These special skin products help you positively conceal such physical imperfections, such as scars, hyper pigmentation, rosacea, burns, and dark freckles to name a few.

If you happen to suffer from any of these conditions listed above, you?re not alone, and this is why quality acne cosmetics and scar treatments have been designed specially for you to help you in your current condition.

Now You Can Get The Scar Coverage You Need, Custom Made For You!

With treatment makeup, many of these uniquely designed scar products give you a large array of colors to choose from, helping match your skin tone perfectly, thus offering you that custom looking facial skin color blend. You pick 2-3 shades, and unify these colors together for that natural cosmetics look, and quality finishing touch!

The specially created Camouflage makeup products are made with mineral pigments that are fragrance and oil free, so it does not irritate your skin. The best thing is that the finish looks flawless, and your complexion will have virtually no signs of visible acne scars.

Don?t ever think that you?re the only one that has facial scars in this world! You would be surprised and amazed on how many of your favorite celebrities, and athletes have the same scar condition as you. This is the main reason why top quality scar cosmetics have been created, and when you?re under the camera and public microscope, these stars don?t want to take any chances of exposing their skin condition to their fans.

With that in mind, you can now take advantage of these quality skincare makeup products as well, and you don?t have to settle for the over-the-counter generic items that give you that caked on look, and do not properly blend away your scars. In most cases these retail products end up enhancing the look of your scar, rather than blending them.

You may notice that the prices on these products are a little higher than your retail store generic makeup products, but when you actually try them, you will understand why, and also realize that these uniquely designed scar care makeup items easily available to you online, are created for you in mind, and will eventually allow you to get your life back, by feeling comfortable in the public eye again!

About the author: William is the owner and the author of ?1st In Acne Skin Care Products? available at http://www.1st-in-acne-skin-care-products.com A great source for Acne Scar Makeup! Find information and tips on finding quality scar makeup products, facial cleansers, and many pure detoxifying products that will not only help you prevent facial scarring, but also aid in getting rid of your stubborn acne blemishes, that are the major cause and development of your scars.

Beauty Tip: Foundation Secrets For A Flawless Complexion

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

1. For a natural look your foundation must match your skin tone. Test foundations along your jawline. You will know the best color because it will disappear into your skin.

2. Spread foundation on your hands and pat it on your face, then smooth out with a sponge making sure not to pull or stretch the skin. Be extra careful in the area around your eyes where the skin is super thin. Don't forget to apply foundation on your eyelids and lips.

3. To make foundation last apply moisturizer first giving the foundation a base. Dry skin will soak up the foundation if not given that base. For oily skin use an oil-free moisturizer and powder foundation

4. On hot days foundation can be difficult to keep looking fresh. Set your foundation in the morning using a loose powder and puff, then do regular touch ups throughout the day.

5. To cover imperfections apply foundation first and then go back and dot on a concealer that neutralizes red. For noticeable imperfections like very dark circles and birthmarks use a yellow concealer (available from Mary Kay). Don?t use too much powder in problem areas because it will draw attention to it.

6. To avoid a foundation line around the jaw apply foundation as usual then use a little moisturizer in your hand and blend it down your neck.

7. For evening mix some shimmer powder with your powder and put it where you want to attract light such as the bridge of the nose, underneath the brow bone, the temples, cheekbone, chin and shoulders.

8. Always use a foundation with a sunscreen of at least 15 to prevent future sun damage.

9. Change your foundation shade if the color of your skin changes.

10. After you apply foundation go near a window to make sure it looks natural. Natural light is the ultimate test.

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 http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

Best Hairstyle Fashions and Beauty Trends for 2006

2009-04-02T13:01:00.001+07:00

Hairstyle and beauty has become quite a fashion statement lately. We have seen prices for a good cut or style skyrocket with no end in sight. Some cuts are going in and out of style every day it seems. As some beauty experts say - your hair can make you or break you. What will be the hot styles and beauty cuts for 2006? Some of these will surprise you.

1) The classic up-do. It has been one of the longest trends but seems to be a temporary style - something to do for a social party or event, but not every day. The hollywood stars like Jessica Simpson and many others sport the updo for Awards banquets and such, but they have personal hair stylists that can have their hair back in whatever style they want the following day. This style is best suited for medium or longer length hair.

2) Hair stenciling for uniqueness - this has been hot overseas in Japan, Milan, Paris, and London and is starting to make its way into the U.S. This is where you or a stylist create a stencil which you then attach to your hair and you use glitter and paint to make a bold, brazen fashion statement. Everything from animal prints (like tiger stripes) to symbols have been used. This works on any length hair, but is more predominantly displayed on shorter hair. Stencils have been used frequently lately on Runway models in shows by Gucci, Calvin Klein, etc...

3) The wedge. This was popular in the 1970's and is once again becoming popular. This was the cutesy do that made the likes of Dorothy Hammil America's sweetheart of that era. This style is gaining popularity amongst 30-40 year olds in search of a short and easily maintained style. The wedge tends to draw attention to your face, not your hair and looks natural. So, if you already have a beautiful face and skin this is a real winner, as it will draw people in to your good looks. We recommend natural, mild makeup with this do.

4) The mullet. Yes, I know we thought it died off in the early 90's, but it is making a surge again. No one knows why, except that is is a very low maintanence style - or basically no style. It is basically a mop of hair for head banging music. Business in the front and party in the back. It has been popping up all over the south and has been seen on the rise even in New York, Chicago, etc... This is a bad style that just won't go away.

5) The Fullet. The female version of the mullet. Just as bad if not worse, but, once again it is making a comeback. Maybe that means the Bangles will make a comeback also? Heavy makeup is common with this do.

6) The flip. The style from the roaring 20's is back as can be seen at the recent awards shows. This style has always been equated with glitz and glamour. It is another easy style and is easy to maintain. The flip goes with almost any makeup regimen. All the stars have worn this do at one time or another - from Jodie Foster to Rita Garbo.

Most of the hairstyles trends for 2006 are comebacks and are easy dos. Basically, people want something that is easy to manage and want variety - a cut that can be easily transformed from one style to another for different events or just for that different look. Women also want a style with easy, light makeup. According to numerous fashion sources these hairstyle and light makeup trends trends will be the big styles of 2006.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests and manufactures various skin peels for plastic surgeons, medispas, and in home use. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

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

2009-03-30T13:26:00.001+07:00

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

The Vanity Myth

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

Let Your Natural Beauty Emerge

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

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

Believe in Your Own Beauty

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

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

Oily Skin Care Tips

2009-03-29T19:59:00.001+07:00

Oily skin can be difficult to deal with but with the right products and techniques it can be managed. One of the most prevalent problems associated with oily skin is breakouts. The excess oil on the skin makes it difficult to prevent blockage of the pores. Another problem that is a result of oily skin is the inability to maintain a desired look with makeup. Following a few oily skin care tips can help alleviate both of these problems.

Preventing breakouts on oily skin can be possible by following a few oily skin care tips. First, washing your face at least twice a day can help to prevent breakouts by preventing pores from getting clogged. Pay close attention to only wash a few times a day because excess washing may only deplete the skin of natural oils that your skin products. It may take a while before you find the right product that will work with your skin type but once you find something that is right be sure to stick with it. Oily skin may also react with certain types of sunblock and moisturizers so when shopping for types of products read the label and be sure they are oil free and won't clog your pores.

Preventing makeup from running and smearing can also be prevented with specific oily skin care tips. One of these tips is to choose a water based foundation. This is important because oil based foundations will only compound your oily skin condition and result in your makeup running off of your face. A water based foundation, however, will not contribute to your oily skin care problem and will hold tightly on your face and will help the rest of your makeup remain intact. Another oily skin care tip is to use an application of pressed powder subsequent to your foundation application to set the foundation.

Jennifer Puffer is the owner of http://www.ultimate-beauty.com. A successful website focusing on providing information and products on topics that include beauty, skin care, make up, hair, mineral makeup, skin care and much more. Jennifer invites you to find more information on skin care tips at http://www.ultimate-beauty.com/skin-care-products.html.

Quick Professional Beauty Tips For Today's Busy Woman

2009-03-27T19:53:00.001+07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holiday 2005 Make Up Tips

2009-03-26T14:45:00.001+07:00

There are some great new looks out this fall and holiday season. If you?re planning on going out, you?re probably looking for a new or different look. I?ve compiled several of my favorite styles for this season to help you choose the one that will best fit your situation and needs.

Focus On The Lips

This look is all about your lips. Whether you use a bright jeweled lip color or a matte frost, remember to use a gemstone color. They?re hot this season. Amethyst, ruby, gold, garnet, plum, etc. are all great colors. Try to use a color a few shades darker than your usual lip color.

Don?t do much else but add mascara to your top lashes only. This look is complimented by loads of mascara. You can also add a neutral color to the crease of your eyelid. (The crease of the eyelid is becoming a popular style.)

Line It Up

Do you love eyeliner? Looking for something new and exotic? This is the holiday make up tip for you. It?s all about eyeliner.

Using a dark eyeliner pencil, lightly trace where you want your liner on both the top and bottom lids. Then take black eyeshadow and mix it with a little hydrosol, water, visine, etc. Using a thin eyeliner brush, dip it in your creamy eyeshadow mixture and trace over the eyeliner pencil line. Keep your line very thin. You?ll find it?s easier to trace over the line than to do it freehand.

Now for the fun part. You?ll see a space where your top and bottom lashes meet. Place your eyeliner brush there and draw it outwards. Make a curve as you pull it away. You?ll get a ?cat eye? look and your line will go from thick to thin. You?ll get perfect placement every time.

Then add some baby pink blush just to the apples of your cheeks. Using a brush the same size of the apples of your cheeks works best. Smile and place your brush against your apple. Does it look too big, too small or just right? You?ll be able to tell when you?ve got it right. Tap the excess blush off and tap it onto the apples of your cheeks. It?s easier if you?re smiling while you do this. Dust your brush off on a piece of tissue then gently blend the blush back towards your ear a bit.

For your lips, avoid the gloss. Use a matte or a matte frost in the now popular color of pink with tan undertones.

The Red Lip

Yes, the red lip is back in vogue. And you can wear this awesome look too. It?s red and it?s matte and it?s gorgeous. You can go two ways with this look.

1. Red matte lips and nothing else.

2. Red matte lips and exotic eyes.

For lipstick try a blue-red. It?ll make your teeth look whiter compared to an orange or brown red. Berry colors are usually a winning color.

For the eyes, you?ll have a smudgey look using either jewel tones or matte. Remember not to mix them! One or the other. Apply vibrant gold, copper, chestnut or bronze over the entire eyelid and smudge it below the eye. Don?t use black, gray or charcoal for this look. Use a rich dark brown eyeliner (no black!) and draw a thin line on the top and bottom lashes and if you like, line inside the eye. Then smudge the eyeliner so it?s still a visible line, but smudgey.

No blush for this look.

And there you go! You?ve got three of this season?s hottest styles to help you look your very best for all those holiday parties. Look and feel your best this season by not forgetting to take time for yourself this month. A little pampering can help ease the holiday stress.

Lynn Starner is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics at http://www.beautyblisscosmetics.com as well as http://www.ultimate-skin-care-tips.com.

The Why When Where & How of Cosmetic Shopping

2009-03-25T13:08:00.001+07:00

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

WHY?

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

Cleansers/Moisturizers - good for six months.

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

Lipstick - one year.

Eye and Lip Pencils - one year.

Powders and stick concealers - one year.

Eye shadow and blush - two years.

Mascara - good for three months

WHEN?

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

WHERE?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Splitting Hairs What Can You Do About Split Ends

2009-03-24T12:17:00.001+07:00

Isn't it a shame when you have to worry about covering split ends (or trichoptlosis)-the bane of every self- respecting woman's life! They happen when the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair fibers. Split ends are more likely to develop in dry or brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include excessive dying or vigorous brushing.

Once the hair cuticle is removed, it is impossible to replace. Typically, the hair splits into two or three strands, and can be as long or two to three centimeters in length. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of the damaged fiber.

But you don't necessarily have to go to the salon every week to keep your split ends in check. Back in the sixties and seventies, women used to burn off their split ends! Sure that's a little excessive. And there are easier ways to get rid of those dead ends before they split further... do-it-yourself hair trims.

These do-it-yourself trimming tips are for women who are happy with their hair; for those who don't need a restyle, but simply want to freshen things up with a 'homegrown' sort of look. If you are in any doubt, leave it for the professionals!

To Remove Split Ends:

* Take small sections of hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion. Any split ends will automatically stick out.

* Carefully snip into the twist with sharp scissors. Don't cut right through; just cut into the thickness to remove the damaged cuticles and give a natural layered effect.

* Be careful to cut roughly the same amount from each twist. Remember, sometimes the simplest, and least expensive, ideas are the best. So get trimming! You'll not only save a bundle but also time that will ease your life.

Discover all you ever wanted to know about hair. Latest hair styles, new hair loss treatments, best methods of hair removal. Click for daily updated blog of hair news and articles. http://www.hair-unexpurgated.com/

Tips and Advice: Puffy Eyes

2009-03-23T10:24:00.001+07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Dozen Don'ts To Look Younger

2009-03-22T16:41:00.001+07:00

Tired of always being told you have to do more and spend more too look younger? How would you like to do less and spend less yet look younger? Well now it's possible. All you have to do is avoid these 12 most common beauty mistakes made by women over forty and you will look younger, healthier, and more attractive.

1.Don?t use foundation that's lighter then your skin color. You will look pale, washed out and unhealthy.

2.Don't use powder foundation it tends to collect in creases and make wrinkles more prominent

3.Don't use frosted eye shadow, because its frosted particles settle into lid lines accentuating wrinkles.

4.Don't use iridescent eye shadow it attracts light and draws attention to lines.

5.Don't use brown eye shadows they tend to age the face and create a tired appearance.

6.Don't use black eyeliner it is to harsh and will emphasize any fine lines around the eyes.

7.Don't use overly light under eye concealer this will illuminate any imperfections and lines in the under eye area.

8.Don't over pluck your eyebrows; a very fine brow gives your face an aged look. .

9.Don't use too pale, too dark, or too bright color cosmetics. Anything bold, unnatural, and overpowering on the face makes it appear older and unattractive.

10.Don't apply your blusher too high or too low. If you want to create a natural, younger lift look to your face never apply blush any lower than the bottom of your nose or any higher up than the outside corner of the eye.

11.Don't apply your makeup too heavy because as the skin ages it starts to lose its firmness. Heavily applied makeup tends to slide into and accentuate lines and furrows.

12.Don't over exaggerate your lip line it will look phony even clown like.

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

Makeup With Contact Lenses On: How to Apply Makeup While Wearing Contact Lenses?

2009-03-21T22:13:00.001+07:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson very rightly said, One of the most wonderful things in nature is a glance of the eye; it transcends speech; it is the bodily symbol of identity. Eye is considered to be an integral party of one's beauty and we at times completely ignoring taking care of it. The unhygienic environment around us along with inevitable aging deteoriates the beauty of eye unless we make a concious effort to take care of it. Here are few healthy tips on how to apply makeup with contact lenses on!

. Always apply cosmetics after you insert your lenses. Apply eye make-up sparingly and take care not to soil or damage a lens. Apply eye make-up on the outer lid margin only, not the inside.

. Use Eye make-up that has been specially formulated to be oil and fragrance free. Use a non-oily mascara which is water-proof to prevent flaking and excessive smudging. Mascara with lash-building fibres should be avoided.

. Replace mascara and eyeliner products very three to six months to avoid contamination.

. Avoid eye shadow that is powder. Use only gel, liquid or cream. Never use eye shadow that is frosted or iridescent. These may contain oyster shells or mica.

. Do not use eyeliner that is directly drawn on the rim of the eye. Keep all eyeliner pencils sharp enough so the wood doesn't scratch the surface of the eye.

. Remove the lenses before removing eye make up all make-up daily with an oily-free remover.

Random Tip: How to achieve the smoky eyes effect-

. Use a highlighter pencil right under the eyebrow, with a wider sweep. near the end, right on the bone. Blend. Emphasing the natural curves of your eye, use silver eye-shadow on the lid and inner corner, and a deeper gray on the socket crease, outer corner and near the lashes.

. Whip out the eyeliner and redefine the shape of your eye by making the line narrower in the inner corner and wider in the outer corner, to give it an upward slanting, almond shape.

Must Read: Skin Care Treatment and Tips - 10 skin care tips a women must know at http://www.weightloss-health.com/skin%20care%20treatment%20tips.htm

Wash your hands prior to putting in each contact, and then apply makeup.

Your mascara needs to have two magic phrases on its label: hypo-allergenic and safe for use by contact lens wearers.

Never apply eye makeup while in a car.

The odd flake of mascara fiber or the wrong eye pencil can make your eyes puff up or can bring that bloodshot effect which obviously you don't want, right?.

Random Tip: Home remedy for black spots-

Try these easy recipes to do away with black spots: Make a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and glycerin and apply it on the spots.

Grind dried basil leaf, neem and mint (100gm each). Add some turmeric powder and rose water to make it into a paste and apply it on the spots.

About the Author

Ashley Green: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

To get more free tips and advice on Eye Care, visit us at Free Eye Care Product and Eye Makeup Tips

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

The Revolution in Skin Care

2009-03-17T14:12:00.001+07:00

Q: With so many skin care products on the market today, how do you know which one is right for you?

A: I encourage you to become a label reader.

The latest trend in skin care marketing is anti-aging. Many women today are concerned about reversing the signs of aging as well as prevention of the aging process. With so many well known brand name products out there, it may be difficult to find the perfect most beneficial one for you. That is why I encourage you to be a label reader and know what you are putting in and on your body.

The difference between botanically based products and those that only contain botanical ingredients is simply in the recipe. Botanicals can be added to a base of ingredients such as mineral oil, drying alcohols or animal by-products. In a base like that, your skin won?t benefit from the botanicals. You are paying for useless added ingredients that do not benefit your skin or health. For example 98% of cosmetic companies use some type of petrolatum by products, mineral oil, petrolatum or petroleum, in their products. Have you ever turned your products over and read ?animal by products?? No, but the labels might say collagen, elastin and lanolin. Remember that the next time you lick your lips.

Furthermore, what you put on your body, you are essentially putting in your body. Don't believe me? Put a piece of garlic between your toes, you will taste it in about fifteen minutes. Wouldn't you like to be putting something on your body that aids in beauty as well as health? The ingredients are just a important as the effects.

There is hope, I have found a company with a Swiss formulated skin care line for the whole family*. These products are hypoallergenic and formulated without dyes, chemicals, or synthetic fragrances. They are also PH correct, which is part of their pure, safe and beneficial guarantee. It is not beneficial to use a product that makes you feel squeaky-clean because the PH of skin is 5.5 and we have an acid mantel that keeps down the bacterial infections. PH balanced is what most products advertise and that is about a 7, which is too drying for our skin. A lot of the clear soap that people use on their skin is actually a 14 on the ph scale, the same as perm solution.

I hope you come away from the article with a greater understanding of the importance of skin care and the products used to achieve healthy skin. At least, I hope you have become a label reader and are aware of what you are using and what you should be using.

*Please refer to my Bio and Resource Box for more information.

Michelle Burke an Independent Consultant for Arbonne International, is a small business owner in the Consulting Services industry. My team of consultants and I have a combined experience of eight plus years in this industry. I have extensive knowledge of Arbonne's Swiss skin care line and nutritional products, and would be happy to provide advice based on your particular area of interest. You may visit my website for more information: http://www.gohealthyshop.myarbonne.com or contact me via Email: chellemybelle@pldi.net or Ph:405-694-4766.

Tips for Great Skin and Good Makeup

2009-03-15T19:04:00.001+07:00

Women have always been crazy about make up and skin care. But it is a foolish idea to treat make up and skin care as different issues. Because, unless your skin is supple and firm, your make up does not add any spark. Given below are a few tips for great skin and good makeup:

1. Whenever you are purchasing any cosmetic product, first look at the product quality and durability because they should not affect the texture of your skin.

2. To test the reliability of the product, first apply it on the earlobes to check if it suits your skin texture.

3. Moreover do not use items that have crossed the expiry date. Some of the products if not stored as suggested get spoilt easily.

4. Maintain the entire make up equipments because you use them often. Cleanliness is an essential activity of skin care. As part of cleanliness, keep your hair and yourself clean always.

5. Even the maintenance of nails is important. Polish them with a coat of polish and after polishing them always rub with oil at the edges.

6. If you have sunken eyes then use liquid eyeliner instead of using a pencil.

7. Do not apply any harsh chemical without the consultation of your physician, especially if you are having a skin disease. Do not try to slit off your pimples or acne. It may start to bleed.

8. When you want to remove all your makeup, do not just wash your face but apply a make up remover.

9. When you are using a deodorant see that there is a distance between the pack nozzle and your skin.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1713.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Acne And Makeup Proper Techniques To Hide Your Acne With Makeup

2009-03-15T12:45:00.001+07:00

Acne is of course a very disturbing and upsetting condition, but there are ways to help you to conceal the scars and pimples that are caused by this naturally occurring skin blemish. Makeup is a favorite choice of many people to hide their acne. One of the most important things to consider when choosing makeup to cover acne is that it is appropriate for the condition. Acne can be made worse by makeup that contains oil and so it is best to choose a brand that does not contain any. If you are not sure which is the best to choose, then it is recommended to get some advice from your dermatologist or skin care specialist rather than just guessing. If you have a lot of acne scarring then there are some special camouflage make-ups available nowadays. This can be great for concealing scarring and is also made for those with problem skin.

One of the main things to remember when you are using makeup for acne is to make sure that you skin is very clean and that you use a variety of cleansers that are good for skin with acne. You should also make sure that when you take off the makeup you are very careful to make sure that you have taken all of it off. It is very important to make sure that the skin is clear of all makeup so that the pores are clear and do not get clogged up.

One of the most useful types of makeup when you have acne is concealer. This is very good for covering up blemishes and also works well on scarring. You need to take care when applying this as it is the basis of your makeup and is a vital ingredient in allowing you to camouflage the acne well. Don't use too thick a layer but just make sure that it is even so that it can work well. You also need to apply a foundation to give your skin a natural appearance to cover the fact that you have been using the concealer to cover your acne and not make it so obvious.

Acne and makeup are very well suited to each other despite what some people think, you just to have make sure that you look after the skin by keeping it clean and ensuring that you get it all off afterwards. It can make the skin seem to be a lot clearer and this can give the sufferer a lot more confidence but you need to make sure that buy a makeup that is suited to the condition. If you buy the right makeup and apply it well then it can make a real difference.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and acne and makeup tips that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

How To Apply Loose Powder Mineral Cosmetics

2009-03-12T20:54:00.001+07:00

MINERAL COSMETICS MINERAL MAKEUP USERS GUIDE

Applying Loose Mineral Makeup Foundations

Tap a small amount of powder into the top and swirl your brush into it (for best results we recommend using a Kabuki brush). Tap the bottom of the handle with the brush head facing upward on a hard surface (e.g. Bathroom counter). This settles the powder into the brush head. Firmly spread powder on clean, dry skin to evenly blend pigments.

For blemishes, a separate concealer is not needed. Use a shader brush to apply small amounts to the problem areas and blend well. For those with dry, flaky skin, loose mineral foundation can be blended with our specially formulated cream to create a cream foundation. First moisturize as usual, then tap a small amount of powder into the palm of the hand. Add a drop of moisturizer. Blend the two products together until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved. Use your fingers or make-up wedge to apply.

Applying Loose Mineral Cosmetics Veils

Mineral Veil can be worn alone or over Mineral Foundation. Tap a small amount of powder into the top and swirl your brush into it (for best results I recommend using a Flat top bronzer brush). Tap the bottom of the handle with the brush head facing upward on a hard surface (e.g. Bathroom counter). Brush powder on and blend well.

Applying Mineral Makeup Bronzers

Remove the seal from the sifter, and place the Bronzer brush directly against the sifter holes. Turn both upside down and tap the jar just a little so some powders gets on the brush bristles.

Lift the brush and gently tap the bottom of it on a flat surface to settle the powder into the head. Gently brush the Bronzer on cheeks, cheekbones, and anywhere else you want to add warm tones. The only mistake you can make is to use too much. For darker color, apply a second layer.

Applying Mineral Cosmetics Ultra Mattes For Eyes - Recommended brushes: firm shadow brush, angle liner.

Ultra-Mattes for Eyes can be used as eye shadow or contour color, or as liquid liner. To use as an eye shadow, tip the container at an angle, and tap it until some powder rests on the edge of the sifter. Gently swirl a firm shadow brush into the powder, and then tap the handle of the brush onto the side of the container, letting excess powder fall back into the jar. Apply the shadow with short, firm strokes, then follow up with a swipe of a blending brush until all visible lines are softened. For liquid liner, wet an angled liner brush, then dip the wet brush into the powder. Make a creamy paste on the back of your hand or in the top of the container. The consistency should not be runny. Then trace a thin line around the lash, staying as close to the lash as possible. Once the liner has dried, it can be left as-is, or smudged with the firm shadow brush for a softer effect.

Multi-Purpose Mineral Makeup Powders

Directions

Eye Shadow ~ Use any color from our collection as eye shadow. Simply dip an eye shadow brush into the desired color and apply to your eyelids. Choose a lighter color as a highlighter to apply under the brow. Use a darker color in the crease as a shader.

Blush ~ Because our product is so pure, the use of a blush brush will only waste your product. Instead, use a cotton ball and lightly touch the tip into the desired color. Apply along the cheekbone and blend well.

Eye Liner ~ Dip your liner brush into water. Then wet applicator into the desired color. Mix the powder and water together on the back of your hand or in a separate container to create a creamy liquid liner. Dip the eyeliner brush into the liquid and carefully apply to the upper and/or lower lids, staying as close to the lashes as possible.

Lip Color ~ Dip your lip brush into your clear lip gloss/lip balm and then into the desired color. Apply the mix to your lips and blend well. Add more powder to deepen the color.

Nail Polish ~ Because the pigment contains no dye, you do not need to apply a base coat. Simply use clear nail polish and dip the brush into the desired color and paint onto nails. For a darker color, use more powder. You can also mix the pigments into colored nail polish to change its tint.

Body Shimmer/Highlighter ~ Use a cotton ball and lightly touch it into the desired color. Dust the powder onto your shoulder, face, chest, etc., for a healthy glow. Certain colors can also be used as bronzers

EXTRA TIPS

If your mineral makeup foundation appears pasty, here are a few possibilities:

1. The brush! Unfortunately, the right brush is an absolute necessity when applying loose mineral cosmetics foundations. The best brush for mineral makeup foundation is a Kabuki brush. Kabuki brushes have a very high density of hair- short, firm, and soft to boot. Think of how hard it is to spread cold butter on untoasted bread with a plastic knife. This is what is happening when you're using the brushes (however expensive and high-quality they may be) that you already own. Even bronzer brushes that look similar may not have firm or dense enough hair to accomplish the task. The result? Too much makeup, not well spread, sticking in all of the wrong places, definitely not natural-looking!

2. Too much product on the brush: Mineral makeup is very concentrated. It is made up of pure pigment; the same pigments that cosmetics companies use to add color to pressed and liquid foundations. Because there is little if any 'filler in this type of powder, it is imperative that you put just a little bit of powder on your brush and use that on one cheek. Buff it in well in a circular motion before applying more. How much is enough? If you follow the basic mineral foundation instructions found on the loose mineral makeup foundation product page, you should get the right amount on the brush: Basically, you press the head of the brush directly against the holes of the sifter, tip the whole unit upside down, tap the jar a bit, and then lift the brush off of the sifter. There should be a light dusting of powder on the brush head, and that amount is sufficient to cover at least one cheek, if not the whole face. You can always add another layer, so start with less.

3. The wrong shade: This is especially an issue with women of color. If you have a golden undertone, and the color you apply has a blue or neutral undertone, your face may appear grayish or pasty. It is not necessarily that the product is too light, or has the wrong formula for your skin, just the wrong undertone. Don't assume that mineral cosmetics don't work on ethnic skin. Be persistent until you find a shade that at least comes close. Blending loose mineral makeup foundation shades together, is as simple as shaking the jar, and blending one color with another may achieve that perfect shade that you're looking for!

4. Not enough buffing: Have you ever watched someone (usually a guy!) buff a coat of wax onto their car? They buff for a loooong time! This creates a smooth, silky appearance that simply applying the wax would never achieve. Do the same with your mineral makeup foundation. Buffing with the brush actually brings out the qualities of the minerals. Use a firm (Don't be afraid to be firm, our brushes are very soft) touch, and in a circular motion, blend, or spread the makeup around the cheeks, down the jaw line, over the nose. Do this several times, and you will begin to see your face glow and your skin look flawless and utterly natural.

JR Minerals carry a complete range of all natural, loose powder mineral makeup products, including: Foundations, Light Defusing Translucent Mineral Veils, Blushes, Eye Shadows, Multi-Purpose Minerals, Bronzers, All Natural Vegan Lip Balms, All Natural Essential Oil Face Creams, Professional Quality Makeup brushes and much more! Join our mailing list for special offers and our referral rewards program to earn discounts off your own purchases! Click on this link to go direct to our Online shop: http://jrminerals.com/ourshop/ Click on this link to go to our website for futher information: http://www.jrminerals.com/

Look Natural Wear Makeup!

2009-03-12T17:46:00.001+07:00

Have you ever considered how difficult it is to look natural? Quite difficult ? isn?t it? Especially if there had been no makeup available to achieve it! Many-a-website points out how ordinary our glamorous celebrities look in real life without makeup on. No wonder then that they are always on the lookout for innovative makeup supplies. Such demands have seen a virtual makeover for the makeup business much to the delight of a demanding population yearning to look good.

The art and science of good makeup.

Makeup is still an art ? supported ably, of course, by science. Gone are the days when good makeup meant just soaps, perfumes and oils carefully selected after word-of-mouth recommendation. Today, your persona comes through in MAC makeup ? or was it Max Factor? Take your pick! Show off your gorgeous eyes - wear eye makeup. Impress your peers with a prom makeup worn specially for the nite.

Make a statement with a tattoo or a strategic permanent makeup. Take expert advice ? makeup tips are available for the asking. Desist from using chemicals which may harm your sensitive skin ? wear mineral makeup instead! Consider this ? you don?t have to wear stage makeup if you don?t need to flaunt your expressions under the arc lights to an audience.

Wear makeup ? an appropriate one. Or better still; don?t wear any ? especially if you are among the lucky few who can carry off that natural look ? naturally!

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.beforeandafterpage.com/

Discover The MakeUp Artist in You

2009-03-11T14:33:00.000+07:00

As a licensed cosmetologist, I would like to share how to develop the art of truly being a makeup artist on your own face.

First, please toss out old ideas you may have had, as well as the ?one size fits all? beauty tips you?ve picked up along the way. You don?t want any pre-conceived ideas that may cloud your judgment.

Get in front of a mirror, with natural light. Cleanse your face, moisturize, etc. to get it ready for makeup. Get all your brushes, makeup gathered and pull your hair back out of the way. Imagine yourself as your own artist, with your face as the canvas upon which you are about to create a look.

There are 2 very important principals to remember. Light colors bring out, gives the illusion of an area being forward or front. Dark colors set back, creates a look of depth. Now, really study for your face for a few minutes, don?t focus for now on any particular area, look at shape overall.

It might help to even write down notes about impressions you get. What areas seem to need brought out? What areas seem to need to be set back? An example would be a very round face would need an area in the cheeks set back (darker) to give the illusion of higher cheekbones, more slender face, at the same time using some lighter shades on the forehead area above the temples to also create a look of lengthening the face. A chin that is a bit undercut would need to be brought forth more to give the appearance of being more prominent than it is (lighter color).

When using lighter & darker colors for shading & highlighting, be sure to blend very well and use a light touch. Choose a foundation that is very close to your natural skin coloring. I personally have recently discovered mineral makeup (you can do an online search for several brands) or you can use any brand you want. I just have found these very easy to use for using light & dark colors where needed. Blend, blend and blend more, you don?t want anything that looks obvious or any streaking appearance. Also if you?re a light blonde, you wouldn?t use something super dark for shading because you wouldn?t be able to blend it in a way to look natural. Use a shade that?s 1 or 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone, same with lighter shades, 1 or 2 shades lighter than your own skin tone.

Look at your eyes closely now. You want to create balance. Not every eye will look best with the typical medium color on the lid, darkest in the crease and highlighter on the brow. Again, look at your eye shape, what needs brought forth (light), and what needs to recede (dark). A person with deep-set eyes for example will do best with a light to medium shade on their lid, the lightest side in their crease, and a medium shade on their brow bone. The person with the deep-set eyes needs to avoid dark colors altogether, it will only accentuate the problem. Having the lightest color in the crease will help bring forth their eyes, making their eyes look bigger, wider and not set back.

This is the opposite pattern of what is typically told.

If a person has eyes that are close set together, you want light colors around the inside areas of the eyes (near the nose) to give the appearance of more space being there, making the eyes look wider apart, and darker colors on the outside edges.

Play with the different looks until you get the right one for your bone structure. It also helps to stand back away from a mirror, from across a room to look, as you get a better feel of overall balance than right up close. Don?t be afraid to try new combos you hadn?t thought of before, it might be the perfect fit for you!

By Valerie Garner-Mother, grandmother and candlemaker / owner of Joyful Designs in Soy. She loves to write on a variety of topics with a warm, and engaging style. http://www.joyfuldesignsinsoy.com

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

2009-03-10T14:39:00.001+07:00

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

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

Mismatched Foundation

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

Blue Eye shadow

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

Dark Circles Under Eyes/Obvious Under Eye Concealer

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

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

Obvious Lip liner

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

Inferior products in your dressing area

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

You?re worth it

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

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

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Natural Mineral Makeup a Natural Alternative to Greasy Makeup

2009-03-09T01:08:00.001+07:00

Mineral Makeup is a natural alternative to acne causing and pore clogging oil based makeups that dominate the market. Cosmetics are big business, but just because something costs more doesn't mean it's better for your skin. Every liquid you put on your skin is absorbed into the skin and goes directly into the blood stream. Think about that next time you pull out your liquid foundation and apply it to your skin.

The process by which a substance is absorbed into the blood via the skin is called transdermal delivery. It is one of the fastest ways to get something into the blood in a concentrated form. Many drugs are delivered by applying a skin creme or skin patch that contains that drug to areas of the skin that absorb it readily. The face is one of those places.

Transdermal delivery is so effective in fact that many drug companies offer their drugs in some kind of creme or patch for an effective means of dispensing the drug into the blood without getting a shot or taking a pill. It actually takes the body longer to absorb something through the digestive system and get that substance into the blood than it does to apply it directly to the skin. This is something you need to consider when you buy makeup. Read the labels carefully, and if you aren't interested in putting dies, chemicals and preservatives into your blood you may want to consider an alternative form of makeup.

Oil and other chemicals, dies and preservatives not only absorb into your skin, but they also clog your pores, which then build up sebum under the clog and cause acne. Oil based makeups are simply not good for your skin in any way. Naturall many people have turned to mineral makeup as a safe and natural alternative to commercial makeup. Why?

First mineral makeup is made from all natural minerals that come from the earth. Most of them are a combination of the minerals mica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are natural sun blocking agents and are used in almost every over the counter sun block lotion you buy. They are also water proof so the staying power of mineral makeup is usually all day with little or no touch up needed.

The minerals used to make the makeup are very finely milled into a powder that is so fine that it blends very well into the skin and looks very natural. The vast range of colors availiable in the minerals make it possible for mineral makeup manufacturers to offer many different colors. Every concievable color has been made from blush, eyeshadows, lipsticks, and foundation in hundreds of shades. It's easy to buy two or three different foundation shades and blend them for a custom color. The minerals blend very easily together.

The minerals are also milled so fine that they won't clog your pores, and if some of them do manage to get into the blood stream, remember they're all natural and they're minerals. They are completely safe for the body. Many doctors and dermatologists have proclaimed mineral makeup as the skin care makeup because it is so healthy for the skin and does not aggrivate acne and it covers blemishes, acne, large pores, and scars very effectively.

If you're interested in a safe and natural alternative to chemical, oil and preservative laden makeup, minerals may be something for you to look in to.

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

The Healing Properties of Green Tea

2009-03-08T02:10:00.001+07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.BeautyImagebyMina.com

7 Secrets To Live PimpleFree

2009-03-07T02:41:00.000+07:00

Take a long hard look at the people you consider attractive. Blonde, brunette or redhead, exotic or girl next door, sophisticated or down-to-earth - they all have one thing in common? a clear, healthy looking complexion.

There are a few people out there who have simply been blessed by the Dermatology Fairy, but just a few. Most of the people who strike you as healthy-looking and, let?s face it, lucky, are in fact dedicated to a good skin-care regime.

We?d all like to have blemish-free skin, and the truth is, with a little commitment we all can. Even you!

So, how can you change your skin?

No, it won?t cost you a dime, all you need to do is change your habits. People with truly beautiful skin dedicate time, just a little, and the results are, well, the results are beautiful.

Here?s How You Can Join the Ranks of Pimple Free People

* WASH using an oil-free cleanser and your bare hands (washcloths and sponges damage your skin), in the morning, after exercise and before bed no matter how tired you are.

* LAUNDER your sheets frequently - don?t lay that freshly washed face on a less than fresh pillowcase!

* WATER is essential to clear skin. You?ve heard it before, but here we go again: Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

* EAT HEALTHY FOODS. They are just as important to skin health as they are to overall health. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals; fish are full of essential oils; avoid junk foods. Research does not support the common myth that chocolates cause break-outs, but too much of any junk food is detrimental to your well-being, and is therefore bad for your skin.

* SLEEP when you're tired. Sleep, and its counterpart, relaxation, are necessities, not luxuries. Physical exhaustion and stress are enemies of a clear complexion.

* BABY your skin. Don't pick at pimples. Avoid touching your face unnecessarily - the oil on your fingertips belongs on your fingertips, not on your face. Moisturize and use sunscreen with at least a 15SPF every day all year long.

Make these habits your own and you will see a difference in as little as a week. You may even find people looking a little longer at your face. That look... it?ll be envy.

People will be wondering if the Dermatology Fairy has blessed you.

Share your secrets with the envious masses. Imagine. A world populated by happy, healthy faces.

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

Natural Skin Care Tips: 10 Skin Care Tips Women Must Know (Part 2)

2009-03-07T00:50:00.001+07:00

Right eating habits and the right natural care can do wonders for your looks and health. Here are some precious natural skin care tips which will make your skin glow round the clock.

1) Wake up your looks: Tossing and turning all night can show on your face the next morning. But you can look rested even when you are not. Try these quick-picker-uppers to wake up your looks.

. Shower 'up': Take a shower with an energizing body scrub and a nylon loofah. Let the spray massage tension away. Switch to cool water for the final rinse.

. Wear an energizing fragrance: Try scents with hints of lemon, jasmine, bergamot, lily of the valley, hyacinth, basil, and geranium.

2) For Dark Circles: Grated potatoes can lighten under-eye circles. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which is used in cosmetics as a human skin lightener. Put the potatoes in a food processor and stuff the raw mash into a piece of cheese cloth. Apply to the area directly beneath your eye- dont let the potato juice come in contact with the eye itself - and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe away the starchy residue.

3) Fixing Dark Circles: Other traditional and well known remedy is to place cucumber slices on eyelids while relaxing in hot bath. This will be like pampering yourself to the acme, treating yourself like a queen.

4) Soft Hands: So your hands dont feel soft anymore? Before you go to bed, lavishly apply vaseline and then pop on a pair of cotton gloves. Your hands will be incredibly soft by morning.

5) White nails: To whiten your nails, try these:

. Use a common whitening tooth paste. Try scrubbing your nails with toothpaste, its just as easy as achieving a pearly white smile and will take away any stains and shine up your nails.

. Soak your nails in water with lemon juice or lemon slices. The lemon acts as an astringent and will strip away stains.

Hungry for more? Look out for more such natural skin care tips which can do wonders to your skin at http://www.weightloss-health.com/skin%20care%20treatment%20tips.htm

Ashley Green: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get more informative skin care tips and anti-aging tips and treatment at Anti Aging Skin Care(Tips) Treatment and Products

Toxic Ingredients in Cosmetics and Skin Care Products

2009-03-06T21:35:00.001+07:00

Have you ever examined the ingredients listed on the labels of your cosmetics or other skin care products? Do you know what those ingredients are?

What you may not realize is that many of the skin care products and cosmetics you are buying contain ingredients that are not only harmful to your skin, but also to your long term health. Many of these ingredients are known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and are used by the cosmetic industry simply because they are cheap!

Harmful Ingredients Commonly Found in Skin Care Products and Cosmetics - The following are just some of the synthetic chemicals that have been identified by scientific studies to be harmful to our health.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) - Often described as being derived from coconut to disguise their toxic nature, these chemicals are commonly used in shampoos, toothpaste, foaming facial and body cleansers and bubble bath. SLS and ALS can cause severe skin irritation, and are easily absorbed into the body, building up in the brain, heart, lungs and liver, leading to potential long term health problems. SLS and ALS may also cause cataracts, and prevent children's eyes from developing properly.

Paraben Preservatives - Parabens are widely used in cosmetics, deodorants, skin care and baby products to prolong their shelf life. They are known to be highly toxic and have caused rashes and allergic reactions. Recent scientific studies in the UK found a strong link between the use of parabens and the increasing rate of breast cancer in women. Researchers found a high concentration of parabens in 90% of breast tumors tested.

Propylene Glycol - Found in many beauty creams, cosmetics and cleansers, Propylene Glycol can cause skin rashes and contact dermatitis, and has been shown to cause damage to the kidneys and liver.

Isopropyl Alcohol - Alcohol is used as a solvent in many skin care products. It causes skin irritation and strips the skin of its natural acid mantle, promoting the growth of bacteria, moulds and viruses. It may also cause premature ageing of skin.

DEA (Diethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) and MEA (Monoethanolamine) - These substances are harsh solvents and detergents that are used in cosmetics and face and body creams as an emollient. They can cause allergic reactions, and long term use of DEA-based products (such as Cocamide DEA) have been linked to an increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.

Aluminum - A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer's Disease.

Mineral Oil - Derived from petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is commonly found as a main ingredient of face and body creams and cosmetics. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil! It coats the skin like a plastic film, clogging pores and stopping the skin from eliminating toxins, which can lead to acne and other skin disorders. Other petroleum based ingredients include paraffin wax, paraffin oil and petrolatum.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) - Used as a thickener in skin care products and cosmetics, PEGs interfere with the skin's natural moisture balance, causing an increase in ageing and leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria.

Talc - Talc is a soft mineral used in talcum powders and cosmetic powders. Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder to the genital area is linked with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer. Inhaling cosmetic powders containing talc may also be harmful to long term health.

How To Avoid These Toxins - Examine the labels of your cosmetics and skin care products carefully, and learn to recognize ingredients that are harmful to your skin and to your health. Many web sites have lists of potentially harmful ingredients in addition to those shown above (e.g. Environmental Working Group).

Don't be fooled by the words 'natural' or 'organic' on the front of the label. Many products contain at least one or two natural or organic ingredients, but they may also contain harmful synthetic chemicals as well.

Whenever possible, choose products with 100% natural ingredients such as essential oils and herbs. Your skin will love you for it!

New! Hollywood beauty professionals and celebrities reveal exactly how they get the perfect hair, skin, nails, make up, and bodies... Super model Sarah Jane reveals for the first time insider access to exclusive Hollywood beauty secrets and advice... Discover advice for: Hair Styles, Makeup Application, Nails, Skin Care, Body and Shape, Weight Loss, Exercise, Fashion and Style Inner Beauty And More!

What Is Mineral Makeup?

2009-03-06T02:18:00.000+07:00

Loose Powder Mineral Makeup

Mineral Makeup is taking the beauty industry by storm and with very good reasons!

Mineral makeup is micro-formulated using the highest quality minerals and botanicals. Naturally preservative and irritant-free, mineral makeup is weightless and incredibly long-wearing.

Mineral makeup will not clog pores, has high SPF naturally, helps to calm and soothe irritated skin with its zinc content, and is water resistant. You rarely need to reapply mineral makeup and it provides excellent coverage. Mineral makeup is suggested for people who have rosacea and acne.

Minerals cannot support bacteria, so doesn't lose freshness like other cosmetics on the market that contain other ingredients.

Many of these minerals have a special luster that when applied to skin give the face a lovely glow, lending a healthy, youthful appearance to blemished or aged skin.

The most irritating ingredients in cosmetics are talc, dye, and perfume. Natural loose powder mineral products are free of all of these ingredients.

Loose powder mineral foundation has the great coverage. Stop worrying about unattractive blemishes -with just a quick brush of powder, your face will appear completely unblemished, from morning until night.

Mineral makeup does not settle into the lines and wrinkles like other makeup, instead it disperses light, giving a photogenic appearance.

Even more importantly, the health and condition of your skin will actually improve with regular use of our mineral foundation. The minerals not only soothe inflamed skin, but have superior oil control.

Loose mineral makeup is comprised of naturally occurring minerals that have been used for cosmetic purposes for thousands of years. These minerals are mined from around the world, purified, and crushed into fine powders.

Cosmetic companies use these same minerals to add color, texture and luster to everything from eye shadow and lipstick to hair color. They're even in your tube of toothpaste! Many of these minerals have a special luster that, when applied to the skin, give the face a lovely glow, lending a healthy, youthful appearance to blemished or aged skin.

Loose mineral cosmetics are catching on in popularity for a very good reason. It is the most natural makeup available on the market. Just think about how your face feels when you apply a liquid foundation.

In order to create a liquid foundation, manufacturers add water, oil, waxes, petrochemicals, synthetic humectants, gums, and fillers (like talc) to the mineral colorants. They also add dyes and preservatives. Our loose, dry minerals don't require preservatives, and all of those other irritating ingredients are completely unnecessary. The natural pigments blend easily on the skin and provide superior coverage due to the lack of cheap fillers.

Large cosmetics companies are corporations that are designed to generate profit. Your skins health is not their concern. Natural minerals cost much more than cheap synthetic fillers and dyes. The bottom line of these corporations is profit. Natural loose powder mineral makeup provides: quality, purity, and performance. They provide natural cosmetic products that will enable women to achieve the look that they want without chemicals.

If you have sensitive skin, and have had bad experiences with cosmetics in the past, then natural mineral makeup is for you. While even a good quality natural cosmetic does not carry a guarantee, the likelihood of a reaction is rare. The most irritating ingredients in cosmetics are talc, dye, and perfume. All natural, loose powder mineral cosmetics are free of all of these ingredients.

Mineral foundation has the great coverage. Using loose powder mineral foundation will transform your life. Instead of worrying about unattractive blemishes or running to the mirror every few hours to do touch ups, with just a quick brush of the powder, your face will appear completely unblemished, from morning until night.

One of the main ingredients in loose mineral powder foundation is micronized Titanium Dioxide. This naturally occurring mineral effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays, without an irritating chemical sunscreen. Loose powder mineral products have a very high SPF and we recommend wearing a sunscreen of some form on your face every day. Melanoma is on the rise and can be fatal. Also, if you notice tiny lines on your face, these symptoms of aging come primarily from sun-damage, not from dryness.

Compare the cost of one multi-purpose loose mineral powder to even a cheap eye shadow, and the value will immediately be apparent. Loose mineral powders can be used as eye shadow, eyeliner, lip gloss, blush and nail polish. If you use them every day, they will last you at least a year. Just one eye shadow at a department store costs three times more than loose mineral powder. Loose powder mineral foundation lasts months and acts as concealer, powder, and sunscreen, all in one. Compare the cost to similar makeup lines and you will notice a savings of almost 50%.

JR Minerals carries a complete range of all natural, loose powder mineral makeup, including: Foundations, Light Defusing Translucent Mineral Veils, Blushes, Bronzers, Professional Quality Makeup Brushes, Eye Shadows, All Natural Vegan Flavoured Lip Balms, Mineral Lip Cremes, Natural Face Creams and much more. Join the mailing list in our store for special offers and details of our referral rewards program.

Click on this link to go direct to our online shop: http://jrminerals.com/ourshop/

Click on this link to go to our website for information on our products: http://www.jrminerals.com/

Choosing and Applying Makeup Foundation A Simple Step by Step Guide

2009-03-06T01:34:00.000+07:00

Makeup foundation is the secret to whether your makeup will look good or not.

Foundation helps to smooth out your skin tone, conceal blemishes and gives you a healthier glow. Applying makeup without a foundation base can actually accentuate unsightly skin problems, rather than conceal them. Choosing and applying foundation should be a simple procedure, but there are pitfalls. Here is an easy step by step guide to choosing and applying foundation.

Step 1. Decide what foundation coverage and finish you prefer.

Decide what type of look you would like to achieve. Foundations can offer coverage from sheer to heavy and finishes that range from matte to satin. Degree of coverage and type of finish is very much a personal choice.

Step 2. Choose the right shade

Once you have chosen the ideal formulation (coverage and finish) for you, you're ready to choose the perfect shade to match your skin tone. There is a good selection of foundation shades available from the lightest of shades for pale skin through to shades for the darkest skin tones. Here's how to select the perfect shade for you.

How to select the perfect shade

? Ensure you're in natural daylight when trying out foundation colours, so you can see exactly how your skin will look once you leave the shop.

? Select a couple of shades which look as though they'll match your skin.

? Don't try foundation on your hand or on your wrist- they're a different colour to your face.

? Stroke a little colour onto your jaw line to ensure you get a tone that will blend with your neck as well as your face. The shade that seems to disappear into your skin is the right one for you.

Tip: Bear in mind you may need a slightly darker shade of foundation for summer when your face will naturally tan.

Step 3. Moisturise

Begin with clean hands and a clean face. Apply the moisturiser appropriate to your skin type. Let your skin moisturiser for a few minutes, particularly if your skin is oily. Applying foundation to freshly moisturised skin ensures you have a perfect base with which to work. Apply foundation 10 minutes after moisturising. If you don't allow the moisturiser to absorb into the skin, your foundation could come off.

Step 4 Apply concealer

Camouflage any under-eye circles and facial blemishes with concealer. Your concealer should be a slightly lighter tone than your foundation.

Step 5 Apply foundation

When applying foundation use a cosmetic sponge - using your fingertips can result in an uneven, greasy finish. Dampen the sponge first squeezing out the excess moisture - this will make foundation application easier and prevent the sponge from soaking up too much foundation. Place a small amount of foundation on the back of one hand. Dip your makeup sponge into it. Apply foundation by dotting it on your forehead, cheeks, chin and nose and then blend each one with your sponge. Blend out to your hair and jaw line until the foundation vanishes. Pay special attention to blending around the nose, mouth and jaw line. When applying foundation, slightly rubbing toward the neck area helps create less of a line around the face!

Tip: Be sure to blend, blend, and blend. Special areas to watch are the hair and jaw line. And be sure that your face isn't one color and your neck another.

Tip: When putting on foundation, always do it in a bright room or by a window. This way, you can see what hasn't been blended-in properly.

Tip: Many companies have added sunscreens to their foundations, so they'll protect you from the ageing effects of the sun while you wear them. Look out for the words UV protection and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) numbers on the tube or bottle.

Step 6 Set the foundation with powder

This is an optional step that you may find beneficial. A light brushing of powder on your foundation sets the foundations making it longer lasting. If oil surfaces during the day, blot the area with a tissue then apply a light dusting of powder. Always apply powder to set make-up and reapply throughout the day to prevent shine.

Tip: The light dusting of powder also helps with eye shadow application and also makes the eye shadow longer lasting.

Important! If you want a tanned look, don't use a darker foundation, use a bronzer.

Donna Kelly's passionate interest in beauty and makeup began as a young girl experimenting in front of the mirror with mom's cosmetics - while she was out of course. It was inevitable that Donna would go on to formally train as a makeup artist and eventually launch her own brand of high quality makeup and skin care products. As a business women and mom with 2 children Donna understands the time pressures on women today and through this, and other articles, has endeavored to take the complexity and mystique out of feeling good and looking great with some busy women friendly beauty tips and advice. If you would like to read more of Donna's articles check out her website: Colours & Scents.

Making Sense of the Natural vs Synthetic Debate: Acceptability of Synthetic Ingredients in Cosmetic

2009-03-05T22:36:00.000+07:00

Ideas and perspectives as to what constitutes a natural product vary. Is bread natural? Is fruit natural? What about soap? Or nail polish? What criteria can an interested consumer use to distinguish between a natural or synthetic product? The answer is not as clear as some would have you believe. The world around us is composed of atoms, molecules, compounds and chemicals. We manipulate the natural world around us so that new substances can serve our needs in ways not even imagined fifty years ago. This article will clarify what is natural and what is synthetic, followed by a discussion of how we should view synthetics and their implications in our daily use of cosmetics and personal care products.

What is Natural?

Nature is composed of physical, chemical and biological elements, principles and laws which govern the known and unknown world and universe. The term 'natural' is used to describe a substance or condition which is:

- in harmony with nature

- belonging or connected to nature

- derived or obtained from nature

According the U.S. National Organics Program (NOP), a natural substance is derived from a plant, mineral or animal source, without having undergone a synthetic process (defined in the next section of the article). Physical and biological processes can still render a substance as natural. For instance, dried corn kernels can be removed from the cob, then milled to produce corn flour. The corn has undergone a physical change, but is still considered natural. Yeast is an example of a micro-organism which can be an agent for biological change in a substance. This micro-organism is used to facilitate the process of fermentation of plant extracts, such as grape juice. The process of fermentation yields carbon dioxide and ethanol, which converts the grape juice into wine. Natural substances can result from physical and biological processes, even when the resulting substance cannot be found in nature independent of these processes.

What is Synthetic?

A synthetic substance is a compound which is made artificially through chemical reactions. Natural substances have been chemically modified through human labour or skill to yield substances which are chemically different from the pre-reaction substances. The NOP definition of a synthetic is a substance which has been formulated or manufactured by a chemical process, and has chemically altered a substance which was derived from a naturally occurring plant, mineral or animal source. These definitions encompass two types of synthetic substances: those viewed as natural, and those considered un-natural.

Fig. 1

NATURAL -------------------->SYNTHETIC ----------------> FUTURE

technically synthetic still viewed as natural

SYNTHETICS

Why the intermeshing of two seemingly opposing concepts? Consider what occurs during a chemical reaction. A combination of reactants undergo a chemical change, which is a loss, gain or sharing of electrons between or among atoms. The chemical reaction changes the physical properties of the reactants involved. For example,

Na (sodium: a silvery, metal poison) + Cl (chlorine: a poisonous gas) ---> NaCl (table salt)

Table salt no longer carries the physical properties of sodium or chlorine. Table salt, then, could be considered synthetic if human labour set up the conditions for the two elements Na and Cl to react. However, we can also find NaCl that is naturally occurring, such as in sea salt or mined salt. Commercially available salt has the same chemical formula, NaCl, but has been obtained from salt beds or underground lakes and then purified. Products resulting from chemical reactions which occur independent of human interference can be considered as natural substances.

What is a Practical View of Natural and Synthetic Substances?

Synthetic substances can best be understood as existing on a continuum (see Fig.1). Some chemical reactions occur naturally after minimal human input, such as enzymatic browning. This chemical reaction turns the surface of a cut apple brown in a few minutes because of a chemical reaction called enzymatic oxidative browning:

Phenolic enzymes (phenolases) join with tannins -? oxidation of phenols found in the apples-? melanines formed (brown or grey-black pigments)

Who would claim, however, that the resulting chemical changes transformed the cut apple slice into a synthetic food or that melanin, a pigment, is as synthetic as artificial pigments like acrylic? Contrast this with the creation of artificial sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin. These substances are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, and are created through chemical reactions. They have no similar counterpart in nature and should be placed on the upper range of the synthetic continuum. Saccharin, for instance, is made from petroleum products and aspartame is made by combining aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. Whether or not a chemical reaction has occurred, then, is not a reliable indicator to separate synthetics from natural substances since chemical reactions are part of the natural realm.

Human labour or skill is also not a differentiating factor between a synthetic or natural substance, simply because we can re-create and set-up conditions for naturally occurring reactions to take place. Baking cookies is an example of a product which does not exist in nature unless human labour and skill set up the conditions for a series of chemical reactions to occur in the oven to yield cookies. For instance, baking soda is one of the oldest leavening agents used in baking:

baking soda + acid (lactic acid found in milk, benzoic acids from fruits, etc) ---water--> salt + carbonic acid

carbonic acid ----- dissociates --> water + carbon dioxide

This is an example of a chemical reaction which is technically synthetic because of the addition of human skill, but is clearly viewed as natural since it contributes to a product viewed as natural and because the final results of the reaction are naturally occurring substances.

In the cosmetics industry, hundreds of ingredients are used to impose various effects on the skin. These ingredients range from purely natural ingredients extracted from nature in their original condition, to purely synthetic ingredients which have been created from synthetics through a complex series of chemical reactions and have no connection to nature any longer. So how is a consumer to decide which ingredients are natural and which are synthetic?

Every chemical reaction has three parts, and each prompts a series of questions to help us decide:

reactants ----- + -------- catalyst/energy process ----------> products

Reactants:

- Are these naturally occurring, i.e. taken from the earth in its original state or modified physically through grinding, melting, sifting, etc.?

- Are these the result of biological processes?

Catalyst:

- Is this a natural substance?

- Is this natural but toxic i.e. harmful to humans or the environment?

- Is this environmentally damaging to obtain or use?

- Is this re-usable?

- Is this synthetic? If so, where does it belong on the synthetic continuum?

- Is this a petrochemical?

Energy Process:

- Is the process externally imposed on the reaction?

- What is the source of energy being imposed and is it from a non-renewable or renewable source?

- Is the amount of energy needed to conduct the reaction minimal or energy intensive? This must be weighed against the benefit of the products resulting from the process i.e. is it worth the energy cost when compared to human benefit?

Products:

- Are these naturally occurring in the reactants but now separated out?

- Are these chemically different than the reactants in part or in whole?

- Are these toxic or non-toxic to humans and the environment?

- Are these biodegradable without impact to the earth through normal micro-biological or decay processes?

Implications for Daily Use of Cosmetics

There is a vast array of cosmetic products at our disposal. Why does the natural versus synthetic debate matter? Our personal health and well-being, as well as our environment locally and globally, are in question by the widespread use of synthetic substances. We cannot avoid all synthetic substances, and not all synthetics are bad for us. Many of these materials have improved the quality of our lives, but many have also deteriorated it. We do not know what will result from our use of certain synthetics in the long run. Cosmetics are products which we have a direct physical and emotional relationship with, as we wear them daily on our skin and bodies. The environment can be sustained or systematically destroyed by our choices. As consumers we can participate in the sustaining of eco-friendly organic farming practices, wise waste disposal, clean manufacturing processes and biodegradeability of ingredients. The choices are many, and the freedom to choose is ours. Where do you stand on the natural vs synthetic debate? The answer can make a difference to your health and our ecosystem.

The Organic Make-up Company considers synthetic ingredients to be those which:

- do not have natural reactants

- use petroleum derived reactants

- use catalysts which are petroleum derived or on the upper end of the synthetic range

- use processes which require pressure and/or heat which cannot be achieved with simple technology

- yield products through chemical reactions that have properties which are chemically (not physically) different from the reactants

- yield chemically produced substances which are not biodegradable through normal biological processes

The Organic Make-up Company considers natural ingredients to be those which:

- are derived, obtained or drawn from plants, minerals or animal sources such as beeswax (please refer to our policies on animal testing and use of animal part ingredients).

- have not undergone a synthetic process as defined under our criteria above of a synthetic substance

- are refined through physical processing

- result from biological processes

- result from simple chemical processes where the reactants and catalysts are natural as defined in this article and the statements above

- have been changed or created through the use of simple technologies such as those that can be found in a conventional kitchen

References:

- Freeland-Graves, Jeanne & Peckham, Gladys. Foundations of Food Preparation 5ed, Macmillan Publishing Co; New York:1987

- http://www.naturalmakeup.ca

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

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

Effective Makeup and Beauty Tips and Products: Do's and Dont's Avoid These Most Common Mistakes!

2009-03-05T18:13:00.000+07:00

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.

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

Also get more informative skin care tips related to various skin related issues at Anti Aging Skin Care(Tips) Treatment and Products

Cosmetic Application Techniques

2009-03-05T02:08:00.001+07:00

There are several cosmetic application techniques that are used by top Tinseltown makeup artists and professional stylists on runways models and Hollywood actresses, both on movie sets and for special events across the world. These techniques apply to women of all ages. These techniques will really bring out your best features, and help camouflage areas you feel may need a little more help or a radiance boost.

We Will Discuss the Following Techniques:

Foundation Application Techniques

Eyebrow Shaping, Arching and Pencil Application

Eyeliner Application

Eyeshadow Color Choices and Application Techniques

Foundation: Color Choice and Application Technique

Foundation is one of the most important cosmetics you will purchase and use. It is absolutely imperative that you pick the right shade of foundation. Pick a shade lighter than your skin tone and try to stay away from reddish or pink tones, as they tend to look very pink and ruddy in artificial lighting, and can make your skin appear uneven and flushed.

Foundation Application Technique

It is not negotiable that you apply your foundation with a makeup pad. There are some really excellent sponge makeup applicators right now that are used by makeup artists, and are a favorite of women everywhere who want to get the most natural and well blended look from their foundation.

Makeup sponges create wonderful, even finish since they make it nearly impossible to put too much foundation on, due to their absorption of excess liquid. Be sure to thoroughly blend the makeup with the sponge, covering each and every area of the face evenly and equally, including right up to the hairline, and even on the neck, so that there is not an obvious line where your foundation ends and your real neck color begins!

Eyebrows: Shaping, Arching and Pencil Application Technique

Eyebrow pencils are also one of the most important cosmetics in your beauty collection and daily makeup routine. Carefully choose the pencil color to be a shade lighter than your natural eyebrow color. This way, it will look more natural, instead of obviously drawn on. When tweezing, follow the natural arch and shape of the brow bone and be sure to tweeze any stray hair often, for a clean and classic eyebrow shape like those coveted brows of celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta Jones.

Eyeliner: How to Select Color, and Application Technique

Eyeliner is a great cosmetic for accentuating, dramatizing, and bringing out your natural eye color and enhancing or even changing the shape of the eye. As with all other essential cosmetics, there is a specific technique for getting perfect results from eyeliner application. Brown is one of my personal favorites since it is so versatile and looks good on everyone in the daytime and at night. Brown can also be applied sparingly for a great, light daytime look, or more heavily for a smudgy, smoldering night time look.

Black eyeliner should probably be reserved for nights out on the town, or any night time usage, since black tends to be too severe in the natural daylight, and can actually wash you out and magnify complexion imperfections during the day when sun light is at its peak. If you still want to wear black during the day, that's fine. Just choose a more muted shade of black, such as a slate gray or a grey black - which is a great color between black and grey that many cosmetics companies are now offering.

Now that you know what color to use for eyeliner, here's the technique for applying it. Start with a sharp eyeliner pencil, lining the rim of your eye as close to the lower row of eyelashes as you can get without getting any of the cosmetic in your eye.

With a sponge-tipped cosmetics smudger, gently smudge the line you created using a gentle horizontal back and forth movement. You should always smudge your eyeliner at least a little bit - more if you want it more dramatic, or smokey looking. Eyeliner that has not been smudged looks to artificial and too severe. All good makeup jobs that you've seen are the result of good smudging!

If you want to make your eyes appear larger, use a bright white eye liner pencil (I know it seems weird, but trust me on this) on the very inner corners of the lower lid. This is a great trick that makeup artists use to create an optical illusion that the eyes are larger and brighter in color.

Eyeshadow: Color Selection and Application Technique

The first rule of thumb for this excellent and versatile, face altering cosmetic is to stay away from colors with pink, red or auburn hues, and these do not flatter most skin types. These tones actually tend to bring out the red, bloodshot look in the eyes, and make the eyes appear smaller than they really are, which I don't think is what any of us are aiming for!

Whether you wear browns, blues, greys or purples, make sure you have a nice pale nude or near white, slightly shimmery for the tops of your eyes, near the brow bone. Apply eyeshadow with a small, preferably fine haired or natural hair cosmetic brush. Don't go cheap on the brushes - you'll be sorry - you will get a superior finish and excellent durability if your spend a little more on a professional eyeshadow/eyeliner brush.

Brushes work much better than the small sponge-like applicators that usually come with most cosmetic cases when you buy eyeshadow at the store. Some of the new shimmery eye creams and squeeze tube liquid matte eyeshadows are also great for non-crease and lasting color - just be careful not to load up too much or it will look creased. Always apply eyeshadow a little more heavily on the crease between the upper and lower lid to add more depth and dimension to your eyes, and make them appear larger. Then, add the paler color to the top for added depth and perceived size.

Visit Cosmetic Application Techniques for more makeup selection suggestions and tips. Danna Schneider is the founder of Cosmetics Galore.com where you can find out how to get Acne Magazine: All About the Treatment of Acne.

Makeup Tips For Brown Eyes

2009-03-04T02:28:00.001+07:00

While I don't believe that there are set-in-stone makeup tips for brown eyes, I do know some people like to have a set of rules to help them out. This article is going to cover some very basic steps that women with brown eyes can follow. Keep in mind that variety is the spice of life, and if you really like a color there is no reason why you shouldn't try it out. You may be surprised at how good it looks on you. In my experience, experimenting is all the fun. So, remember these are merely guidelines to help you choose colors when you're standing there in front of 300 colors and have no idea where to start. Just because I don't mention anything about a certain color does not automatically exclude it from the list.

Choosing An Eyeshadow

The most popular question I get is what eyeshadow can I wear with my eye color? Listen up, and I'll tell you.

General makeup tips for brown eyes always include browns, beige and neutral tans. Grays and charcoals look good with this eye color, as do violet and lavender. You can mix it up with a lavendar and a violet.

Khaki and olive green are a great color combination. Browns with green highlights or copper highlights are always a fun option. Try copper and even gold. If your eyes have a tinge of green, or like mine are half green, choose green eyeshadows as well.

You'll find that even though you've heard that you should never wear an eyeshadow the same color as your eyes, that brown shadow can look very good with brown eyes and green shadow can look very good with green eyes. Sometimes it's a matter of finding the right shade. Brown eyeshadows are all pretty safe, so you don't have to worry too much about those. Colors like purple, green and blue require a bit more testing.

Black is out, so don?t use it as an eyeshadow.

Keep trying until you find a color you like. You'll know when it's right- trust your instincts.

Colors To Avoid

Like I said, I hate to rule anything out, but makeup tips for brown eyes should include that certain pink and mauve eyeshadows can cause you to look swollen or puffy around your eyes. It isn't true for all women or for all pinks, either. But if you're certain you don't want to risk it, avoid pinks. Mauves also fall into this category. It may be because women with brown eyes tend to have more yellow skintones making them warm complexioned and pinks and mauves are definitely cool colors. The blue in the pinks can react with the yellow of the skin producing an unattractive feature.

And while it isn't specifically makeup tips for brown eyes, you may want to avoid blue eyeshadow too. There's the misconception that blue eyeshadow is out, but like I said, it really depends on who's wearing it. Playing it safe would include skipping this color.

Silvers are not a good color for brown eyes. They tend to cause a ?washed out? look. Leave silver for blue eyes.

Eyeliner Colors

And now for the eyeliner colors. Brown eyes always should include dark brown and black eyeliner. These are very good choices for this eye color. Don?t line your black liner too thick, though. That?s pass?. Racoon eyes are a big no-no.

If you?re trying to open small eyes, line with silver or white, especially the first third from the inside corner of your eyelid. Then finish with a dark brown.

Navy, forest green, violet and copper are also great eyeliner choices. Play around with the different colors and pick the ones you like best.

Lynn Starner is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics at http://www.beautyblisscosmetics.com as well as http://www.ultimate-skin-care-tips.com.

Mineral Cosmetic FAQs

2009-03-03T22:31:00.000+07:00

When you?re deciding whether or not to use mineral cosmetics you probably have a lot of questions. After all the hype, you?re left wondering ?Are they really that good?? Sure, there are lots of positive things being said about mineral makeup right now, but before you invest in it you should make sure all your questions are answered.

These are common questions people ask before choosing to buying any mineral cosmetic brand.

Is it waterproof?

No, it is not. It is water resistant. This means that mineral cosmetics hold up well in moisture. Whether you get damp from sweating or being in the rain, your mineral makeup should hold up. Simply dab the excess water off, instead of rubbing it off.

Is it hard to remove?

No, it isn?t hard to remove. Using any type of facial cleanser, cold cream, eye makeup remover, etc.- even soap and water- will remove it very effectively.

How can it last all day and still be easy to remove?

The basic properties of mineral makeup (titanium dioxide and iron oxides) have great adhesion properties. This means they bind well to the skin. There are no oils or waxes, which helps them to stay on longer. Finally, each ingredient is water- soluble. This makes them easy to remove, and is why they are not waterproof.

Does it really look natural?

Yes. It won?t leave that tell-tale ?mask? on your skin like a liquid foundation. Plus you can easily mix colors to give yourself the best match to your natural skin, which helps it look better.

What makes it matte?

A matte mineral cosmetic will not have any mica in it. Mica adds the sparkle, shimmer, interference, etc. Some micas even give makeup more depth so that it is more compatible to different skintones. Without it, the mineral cosmetic can look really flat, like paint.

Isn?t serecite a mica?

Yes, it is colorless mica. It adds a little more ?slip? to the makeup, giving it a silkier feel. It has a very low shimmer to it and it becomes unnoticeable when mixed into the makeup.

Will it clog my pores?

No it won?t. It is considered non-comedogenic and safe for women with sensitive skin. IT is lacking the oils and parabens associated with clogged pores.

Will it affect my acne?

It shouldn?t. Most mineral cosmetic brands are non-acnegenic, which means they won?t irritate acne-prone skin. In fact, many women with acne that use mineral makeup see their faces clear up after using it consistently for awhile. Those that do have trouble can usually attribute it to the ?buffing?, cornstarch/rice powder (which is a food product for bacteria), or bismuth oxychloride. Finding a brand free of these ingredients will ensure the best possible chance of not irritating your acne.

Is it ok for oily/dry skin?

It is highly recommended for oily skin because of its intrinsic oil-absorbing properties. It tends to work very well on oily skin. Dry skin can be more problematic because of all those drying ingredients. However, there are formulations out there specifically for dry skin, so those will probably work best.

Which brand is the best?

Choosing a mineral cosmetic company depends on what you are looking for. Many women focus on ingredients, color selection, quantity vs. price and customer service. You know what you want, so the best idea is to base your choice on your priorities.

Are Ebay brands good?

This is a bit tricky. Yes and no. Some are and some aren?t. Unfortunately, many people selling on Ebay under their own brand are simply resellers of someone else?s wholesale brand. It?s called a ?private label.? They buy someone else?s products at a reduced price because they?re buying in bulk and put their stickers on it. The problem with this is that they don?t know anything about the ingredients or how to help their customers make an appropriate match. But there are also some reputable sellers on Ebay. Buying off Ebay depends solely on your personal preference.

Now you have the information to decide if mineral makeup is for you and how to pick a brand that will meet your needs.

Lynn Starner is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics at http://www.beautyblisscosmetics.com as well as http://www.ultimate-skin-care-tips.com

Perfect Lips

2009-03-03T17:56:00.001+07:00

Nothing impresses your friends more than a perfect lip line, because it is the hardest makeup application to do.To get it, avoid applying the lip pencil too heavily, which will be difficult to blend and soften into the lipstick. Keeping your mouth closed lightly trace the lip line with the lip pencil so it can barely be seen, but can be used as a guide line.

Hold the brush horizontally to trace along the lip line, and do a little bit at a time, backing up and going over it again. Don't try to get the whole line in one stroke. The best lip brush is a sable with a slightly tapered edge, not straight one.

This provides more control and a cleaner line.If you are really pressed for time, apply lipstick only on the bottom lip and press your lips together. Then, blend out to the lip line with the edge of a lip brush, not the tip, for a precise line, or use a dampened cotton swab for a soft, natural lip line.

When finished, instead of blotting the lips by biting a tissue, lay the tissue across both lips while your mouth is closed. This will imprint your lips, including the edges of the mouth where lipstick usually bleeds. Perfect!

Mina Dimakis-Lev
BeautyImagebyMina.com

Power Play: Fall Beauty Trends Straight from the Runway

2009-03-02T22:46:00.001+07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mineral Makeup Applications

2009-03-02T16:47:00.001+07:00

This article is meant as a self help, general know how for the application and uses of mineral makeup.

Foundations:

The best way to apply essential mineral foundation is with a kabuki brush, or you can use a powder brush if the hairs are not to loosely apart. You can either tap some mineral powder in your lid and swirl the brush in the powder or dip your brush in the powder and then swirl it in the lid. Gently tap off excess powder on the edge of your lid, with bristles pointed upward. Then begin at the jaw line and in circular motions apply in thin layers until you get the desired coverage you want. You don't want to begin at the center of your face, or the powders will get into your lines and creases. If you still have a few spots that need covering, just take your concealer brush, dip into powders, and apply to necessary areas. Foundations may also be applied with a damp sponge.

Finishing Powders:

Finishing powders are applied as you would a foundation. You may also use heavier coats on oily areas.

Blushes:

Using your blush brush simply swirl and tap in your lid and apply to cheeks. You can also use to contour different parts of the face such as jaw line, parts of brow, nose, ect. You can apply more than one coats if you desire more color intensity.

Bronzers:

Tap some powder in your lid, swirl and tap your brush, and apply lightly to forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. You can also use for contouring jaw line and parts of brow. In the winter you can also use your tan foundation as a light bronzer.

Multi-Use Colors (Shimmers and Mattes)
Eyeshadow:

Use a small brush or sponge applicator to apply shadow over your eye lids, or in the creases, for contouring effect. Apply more than one color if desired. Cover whole lid from lash line to eyebrow, then add another color to lid (lighter color), then one in the crease of the eye lid first using color as a highlight on brow bone blend color just where the meet. Mix matte and shimmer color together. Apply wet for a more dramatic effect or use as an eyeliner. There are too many different ways these shadows can be used, experiment and have fun. If you have any further questions, you can always visit www.cmhessentials.com.

christina harris is the owner of CMH Essentials pure mineral makeup with a website @ http://www.cmhessentials.com

Keep Your Make Up Looking Fresh Using Mineral Foundation

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

There are so many cosmetic products on the market today with some new advances in skincare. Most recently the newest type of foundation on the market has been mineral powder foundation. This isn?t just ground up pressed power like you may be used to; in fact, it is made up of ground minerals found in nature.

Even if you?re not a naturalist, you may be interested in trying the new forms of mineral foundation.

During the hot summer months, liquid foundations can be cakey, hot, and oily, that literally melt off your skin. It really is an icky feeling, making you want to run home just to wash your face. With these new advances in mineral foundation, that icky feeling is vanished. Mineral foundation leaves your skin fresh looking all day. Mineral foundation has the consistency of a fine powder, but the coverage of a liquid foundation. It will stay on all day, even with sweating, and will not run off your face like traditional foundations.

To keep your skin fresh this summer, (and all year long) simply start your morning off by washing your face with your favorite cleanser. Follow this by applying a facial moisturizer (one with an SPF is best) and make sure to wait for your skin to dry. Apply your favorite mineral foundation with brush or sponge. You may add additional color with the many mineral blushes and eye shadows available. Like the mineral foundation they will stay on your skin all day without caking. Top off with a little gloss and your good to go.

If you are going to be out all day and evening you may want to bring a little mineral foundation with you to touch up, but you won?t need much, mineral foundations should stay on all day!

So the next time your out in the heat, and your make up feels heavy and oily, and you want that fresh skin feeling back, consider switching over to the newest mineral foundations.

Kat White is the resident Bare Minerals fan at Bare Mineral Reviews.

For more great reviews on your favorite mineral makeup visit http://www.baremineralreviews.com

Why Switch to All Natural Cosmetics?

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

The human skin wraps and protects our bodies. It constitutes a living, dynamic tissue system. It has the remarkable ability to absorb applied products, partially or completely, into the bloodstream. In fact, up to 60% of the products we use on our skin are absorbed and deposited into the circulatory system (Fairley, 2001). For instance, the average woman absorbs 30 pounds of the ingredients contained in moisturizers over sixty years (Dr.Hauschka).

These new understandings of how the skin functions reveal concerns about the possible long term effects due to the combination of chemicals used in cosmetics, often termed the chemical cocktail effect. Several chemicals which are used in common, popular cosmetics are known irritants and carcinogens. Concern stems from the knowledge that most of these ingredients are derived synthetically or from petroleum. Avoiding these substances serve to decrease overall exposure to harmful or irritating cosmetic ingredients.

Ingredients to Avoid Forms Found in Cosmetics and Possible Negative Side Effects

Aluminum
- Thought to contribute to Alzheimer's Disease.

- Found in almost all antiperspirants.

- Works by blocking pores so sweat cannot be released by the skin.

Artificial colours
- FD&C, derived from coal tar.

- For example, Azo dyes are a risk to asthmatics, eczema sufferers and people sensitive to aspirin.

- Causes hyperactivity in children, severe headaches, blurred vision and itchy/watery eyes and nose (Antczak, 2001).

Benzoates
- Benzoates Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate.

- Used as a preservative in cosmetics and fizzy drinks.Causes gastric irritation, numbing of the mouth and aggravates asthma (Antczak, 2001).

Certain essential oils
- Rosemary is harmful to epileptics.Sage is not recommended for pregnant women.

DEA, MEA, TEA
- Causes allergic reactions, irritating to eyes and dries out hair and skin (Fairley, 2001).

Dibutyl phthalate
- Found in all persons tested by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA) in a 2000 Fall study.

- Highest levels were found in women of reproductive age.

- Causes birth defects in animals, and damaging to the male reproductive system (ABC News, Internet Ventures 2000).

- Used in cosmetics to assist the absorption of other ingredients.

Formaldehydes
- A preservative.

- Causes skin reactions.

- Imidazolidinyl urea is the second most identified preservative causing contact dermatitis ( American Academy of Dermatology: Fairley, 2001).

- DMDM hydantoin

- Quaternium 15

- Diazolidinylurea

- 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1

- 3-diol

Fragrances
- Can contain up to 200 undeclared substances (Fairley, 2001).

- Major cause, in addition to artificial colours, of skin irritations and allergies (Antczak, 2001).

- May cause dizziniess, skin irritation and hyperpigmentation (Fairley, 2001).

Genetically Modified Organisms
- Soy, Corn

- Effects still undetermined.

Isopropyl Alcohol
- Drying agent, from petroleum.

Keratolytic chemicals
- Such as hydroxyl acids, retinoic acid.

- Corrosive, used in skin peels.

- Dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis (outermost layer), making skin more sensitive to sun damage.

- Accelerates production of dead skin cells; the skin thickens to repair its surface so that vulnerable skin cells underneath are protected from the effects of skin peeling.(Antczak, 2001).

Methylisothiazolinone
- Causes allergic reactions and irritations (Fairley, 2001).

Parabens
- Petroleum product.

- Triggers skin irritations and may be an xerestrogen (Fairley, 2001).May play a role in falling sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates (Fairley, 2001).Used in 99% of all cosmetics (Fairley, 2001), and in many so-called 'natural' products.

Parraffin
- Derived from petroleum.

- In the form of wax, mineral oil or petrolatum.

- Comedogenic, i.e.blocks pores.

Propylene Glycol
- When derived from petroleum.

- Increases the amount of acid in the body, resulting in metabolic problems.

- Large amounts are needed to produce this effect (Agency forToxic Substances and Disease Registry or ATSDR, 2003).

Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate
- Forms carcinogenic nitrogen compounds when combined with specific ingredients.

- Irritating to eyes, skin and lungs (Antczak, 2001).

- Harmful if swallowed and may cause damage to eyes (Antczak, 2001).

Tallow
- Animal fat.

- Not suitable for vegans, and may be a skin irritant.

Toluene
- Found in many nail products and nail polish removers.

- Produced during the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil or coal.

- Evaporates into the air when products containing toluene are opened.

- May affect the nervous system, and/or cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea, or loss of appetite.

- Symptoms disappear when exposure is eliminated (ATSDR, 2003).

In Canada, not all cosmetics list their ingredients on their labels, but most have toll free telephone numbers which link you to their customer service departments, where inquiries about ingredient lists can be made. Reading labels and recognizing problematic ingredients are necessary skills for a consumer who intends to choose products that are completely natural. The cost of a cosmetic is not a reliable indicator of either its quality or natural characteristics. Most cosmetics, from the lowest priced, to the most costly brands, are composed of identical base ingredients (Begoun, 1991).

Cosmetics do not stay on the surface of the skin without penetrating to some degree. Lipstick wearers, for example, consume 1.5 to 4 tubes in a lifetime (Aveda). If one considers the ingredients being internalized by the body, absorbing plant oils and waxes, mineral pigments or essential oils is a healthier alternative than absorbing petroleum by-products and synthetic chemicals. The ability to choose the right cosmetics for you depends on accurate ingredient knowledge, personal needs and market choices. Caring for one's whole body includes skin care choices that support and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Natural cosmetic products and make-up are safer, healthier alternatives especially when these products are composed of all natural ingredients. A natural product is described as one that contains mostly or completely naturally derived ingredients (Antczak, 2001). It also indicates that the product is free from, or contains minute amounts of artificial chemical additives. Caution is required when products claim to be natural. For instance, they may contain small amounts of plant extracts, but the bulk of the product is petroleum based and loaded with fragrances. Instead, consider switching to completely natural products, which perform to the same standard as their non-natural counterparts. The Organic Make-up Company offers a wide range of simple, affordable and high quality products. Our cosmetic products are carefully formulated from plant waxes, plant oils, essential oils from flowers, barks and spices, as well as richly coloured mineral pigments.

Switching to all-natural cosmetic products and make-up can help you to avoid feeding your skin harmful chemicals. Many skin problems, such as acne, contact dermatitis, irritations and allergies may disappear once petroleum or synthetic ingredients are removed from your skin care regimen. Using fully natural products can contribute to healthy skin and a healthy body in the long term.

We invite you to give our natural products a try. They are completely natural, vegan and an excellent alternative to conventional cosmetics and make-up.

To view our products, please visit our website at http://www.organicmakeup.ca.

References:

- Antczak, Dr. Stephen and Gina, (2001). Cosmetics Unmasked, Harper Collins, London.

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

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

- www.abcnews.com, ABC News Internet Ventures, 2000.

- www.atsdr.cdc.gov, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, April 2003.

- http://www.naturalcosmetics.ca

For All Those Beginners: How Do I Put On MakeUp?

2009-03-01T19:42:00.001+07:00

It is very important to start with a clean slate. Use a gentle cleanser with a light exfoliant. It is important to make sure that it is hypoallergenic. Your face is a very sensitive area and it won?t take much to irritate it and make things worse. Whether you are in the shower or standing at the sink, gently apply a small amount, about the size of a pea, onto your face and softly rub onto face in an upwards motion, your forehead and left-right motion. Someday there will be a point when we are all worried about getting wrinkles and bags, and by always touching our face in an upwards motion it will help delay the aging process on our faces. We shouldn't help the aging process along at all, even if our faces are fresh and wrinkle-free now. Gently rinse the cleanser off and pat your face dry with a soft warm towel.

Soft as a baby butt! A good moisturizer is key. Your face will feel very itchy and flakey if you don't keep it moist. I like, again, Velocity facial moisturizer. It is lightweight and doesn't leave your face feeling greasy. Plus it helps absorb oil throughout the day. Apply a small amount, maybe a little more than the size of a pea, and gently massage it into your face. Make sure you are still using the upwards motion we talked about in step 1. Massage into face until all excess moisturizer in absorbed into your skin. Now doesn't that feel good??

Build a strong foundation. Some people do not like to use foundation and that is ok. But foundation is a great way to help protect your face from all those hazardous things you literally face everyday. The sun, wind, rain--anything can cause your face to get irritated. A good foundation will help protect your face from whatever is out there. Try a foundation with a light sunscreen in it. The extra protection will make a big difference. Make sure that you do not get a color that is too light or too dark for your face or it will look too painted on. It is important for it to look natural. If you really want a nice warm look on your face, a darker foundation is not the answer. Try some bronzer, which will be mentioned later. The general rule of thumb is to try to match your foundation with the color of your neck. This will assure that it is the most natural color you could wear. Blend the foundation into your face and make sure that is it all absorbed before you move onto the next step. A triangle sponge is very helpful to blend the foundation the best.

Conceal those blemishes. Chances are, like most of us out there, you might have some imperfections on your face. Try a slightly lighter that your foundation shade of concealer. You have the option of applying your concealer before, or after, your foundation, but it seemed to make the most sense to put things in this order. Apply a very small amount of concealer on the tip of your ring finger and lightly dab it on the desired areas of your face. Typical concealer is placed on the under-eyes and on any pimples that might be visible at the time. Dab on the concealer and allow it to dry for a few seconds and start to carefully blend it into your skin to make it look as natural as possible. If needed apply some more foundation to help it blend even more. Let concealer fully absorb before moving onto the next step.

Loosen up with powder. Get your hands on nice large powder brush. After putting on your foundation and concealer, use either a loose or pressed powder to help set the make-up on your face. Lightly dab your brush into your powder and get a small to moderate amount onto the end of your brush. If using a loose powder, lightly tap the end of your brush on the counter to cause the powder to drop into the bristles a little so that it doesn't just fall onto the first part of your face that you touch. Lightly stroke your face with your brush in downward strokes until your entire face has been brushed and you have achieved a nice matte look on your face. This is the only time we would ever use a downwards motion on your face. Unfortunately all of us have small amount of peach fuzz on our faces and by brushed our faces downwards it helps to lay those little hairs down and make them less noticeable. Make sure that your powder is applied evenly and move onto the next step.

You want your make-up to last all day, right? I thought so. To make it last, I suggest using an eye shadow primer before applying any eye makeup. Try Urban Decay's Primer Potion. Apply it everywhere you apply eye makeup. Then that ever-elusive eye shadow and liner will stay put for you. Sounds nice, doesn't it? Now its time to line those gorgeous gems of yours. Eyeliner is good to start with so you don?t mess with your mascara. Some of you don?t like eyeliner, so you can just skip this step. Anyways, first you have to decide which eyeliner formula to use: liquid, or pencil. Both have their advantages. Liquids are usually more long lasting as they don't smudge, and provide you with a clearer, definite line. The fact that you have to paint it on and wait for it to dry can make it tricky though. Pencils give a smokier, sultry quality and can be applied more easily and with more precision. However, they have tendency to smudge. Starting at the inner corner of your eye, slowly apply a thin streak along your lash line. If you are using liquid, fan it dry, then open up and see how you like it. Too thin? Try it again, this time a little thicker. Too thick? Dab a q-tip with water or eye-makeup remover, and swipe away from the thickness until you're satisfied with the result. It's also a good idea to make your eyeliner thicker toward the outer corners of your eyes to make them look larger. If you would like, repeat the process on the bottom lash line, or just above it at the inner rim of your eye (this can be tricky for beginners.)

Open your eyes to the wonders of eye shadow! Yes, this sounds cheesy, but with practice eye shadow really is amazing. There are so many effects to choose from when using eye shadow. But basics are still good, so here goes. First decide what color family you want your eye shadow to be. Pink and blue are popular as well as neutrals like brown, peach, and cream. From these color group, pick one color as dark as your skin tone (think basic pink), one darker or brighter than your skin tone (think darker mauve or hot pink), and one much lighter than your skin tone (think pale pink). Using an eye shadow sponge apply the darker or brighter shadow along the crease (basically, the dip between lid and brow bone), applying more heavily toward the outer half. Then with the medium shade and an eye shadow brush, dust the lid and smudge the edges of the darker color until things look even. Then wipe the brush off on a towel or piece of toilet paper, and sweep it through the lightest shade. Then sweep the brush along your brow bone to taste. Tweak your shadow as much as you want using our other tips sections.

Bat those lashes, girls! Time to put the finishing touch on your eyes: mascara. Its less versatile but can be the most beautifying of your eye makeup. Start out by, if you wish, curling your eyelashes wish a metal lash curler. Place at the base of your lashes and squeeze gently. Then take your mascara wand, dab the tip off on a towel, and place the brush at the base of your eyelashes, under your lashes. Wiggle the as you push it up through your lashes. Repeat as necessary, focusing on the tips after the first stroke. Coat your bottom lashes as much as you want, but they are less important.

The apple of my... cheek? This is the easiest of all the steps. Get your blush, and with a nice, mid-sized blush brush, lightly brush your cheeks in an upwards motion. Starting at the apple of you cheek, right below the middle of your eye (in most cases), brush outward toward your hairline lifting the brush away from your face as you go. Doing this will focus colored where you first applied it and will blend it outwards to create the desired effect. Use a triangle sponge to blend even more if desired.

Luscious Lips! There are many options when it comes to your lips. Lipstick or lip gloss? Matte lipstick or metallic? Shimmer gloss or shiny? In the end, the only thing that matters is what you like. If you do want to use a liner, I would suggest going with a natural or neutral shade. You can change things up a bit with different colored lipstick or gloss--depending on your mood. If you want something a little more daring, try a liner a shade or 2 darker than your actual lip color. Take the liner in your hand and hold it like you would a normal pencil. With light strokes, draw an outline of your lips starting at the top in the center of your lips and working outwards and down. If needed, lightly stroke the liner on the inside area of your lips to help blend the color so you don?t have such a definite line. If you don't want lipstick then skip this step. Take your lipstick and, again, start in the middle on your top lip and work your way out and down. Rub back and forth until you get the desired amount on your lips and then smack your lips together to ensure uniformity. Top it all off with a nice lightly colored lip gloss. Apply like you would the lipstick blending as you go. Smack your lips together again and check your teeth to make sure you don?t have any smudges.

Written By:
Katie Weaver & Debbie Frantzen
http://www.glitznspritz.com

Are Your Cosmetics Wreaking Havoc on Your Skin?

2009-03-01T15:59:00.001+07:00

We all have times when our skin looks less than gorgeous. At those moments we inevitably reach for the miracle products -foundations, concealers, powders-we rely on to cover up the flaws we?d like to hide. Yes, makeup is a great temporary fix, and it?s a wonderful tool for enhancing our best features. But depending on cosmetics to cover over your troubled complexion could actually be making the problem even worse.

Cosmetic Acne - What Is It?

If you use makeup regularly, then those blemishes you?re trying to hide could actually be caused by your cosmetics. You can usually tell if your acne has been triggered by a chemical, topic agent because it will look somewhat different from the genetic or hormonal type that?s often characterized by red bumps and pustules. Cosmetic acne is more rash-like and generally made up of tiny pinkish or flesh-colored bumps. These bumps can appear anywhere you apply the cosmetics - on your forehead, cheeks, chin or nose, or even on your neck.

People who mistakenly think that these little bumps are chronic low-grade acne of the type that requires topical creams or antibiotics may be tempted to cover up with even more makeup. They pile on the foundation, smothering the skin and creating a more persistent and noticeable rash.

It?s important to recognize that this isn?t true acne of the type caused by internal factors. Cosmetic acne is all about what you are putting on top of your skin. Therefore, it requires a different treatment. If you want to get rid of cosmetic acne there is a very simple fix: just stop using the makeup that?s causing it! In most cases, the acne will clear up within a few weeks of throwing out the offending cosmetics!

What Cosmetics Should You Use?

Does all the above mean makeup is a no-no? Of course not! But in order to avoid potential flare-ups, choose your cosmetics carefully. Opt for formulations made without oils and look for makeup marked non-comedogenic, which means that they have a lower likelihood of clogging pores. Avoid heavy, thick or greasy substances. And don?t be afraid to go bare-faced - we all tend to exaggerate our own flaws, but they are usually much less noticeable to other people. It?s good to let your skin breathe as much as you can.

What if you are experiencing isolated breakouts along the hairline or on other parts of the body? You should take a good long look at all the creams, soaps, shampoos and other substances you?re putting on your skin in order to determine what could be causing the condition. Sometimes using heavy conditioners can clog the pores around the scalp and even on the neck or back (especially if you have long hair that hangs down and touches your skin). Try switching to a lighter formula, or be vigilant about keeping your hair away from your skin.

If it?s your body soap that seems problematic, you may want to switch to a formula that offers extra exfoliation to keep pores clean. Consider one that contains the acne-fighting ingredient salicylic acid, which sweeps away dead skin cells and prevents clogs from forming in the pores.

Methods of Application

Finally, remember that sometimes it?s not just what we are putting on our skin that is wreaking havoc on our complexion - sometimes it?s how we are applying those substances that needs to change.

For example, scrubbing too hard when applying your facial soap can encourage your skin to produce more oil, leading to acne flare-ups. Rinsing with hot water instead of lukewarm can also promote breakouts, so keep your sink and shower water at a comfortable but not too steamy temperature.

And whatever you do, don?t dip your fingers directly into pots of foundation or apply concealer wands directly to blemished areas. Doing so allows oils on your fingers and acne bacteria to take up residence inside your cosmetics - and next time you use that foundation or concealer you risk spreading acne to your fresh, clean skin.

So make it a point to use disposable cosmetic sponges, Q-tips and tissues to keep your makeup pristine, and wash your cosmetic brushes regularly. Toss out any makeup that?s been sitting in your cabinet for longer than a few months to ensure that whatever you put on your face is clean and free of potential skin hazards!

About:

Man, woman, young or young at heart, enjoy free high quality in-demand cosmetic and natural skin care product offerings and free articles on sound skin care tips. For those who believe skin care is a 24/7/365 affair, a

Foundation Makeup: Should You Use Liquid or Powder?

2009-02-27T12:50:00.003+07:00

Foundation makeup is the key to whether your makeup will look good or bad. The application of a foundation will help to smooth out your skin tone, conceal blemishes and give you a more healthy glow. Applying makeup without a foundation base can actually enhance unsightly skin problems, rather than conceal them. But before you head out to the store, here are some basic rules that should be followed when making your product selection.

How Do I Choose A Foundation Makeup Base?

First, you need to select the correct color for your skin tone. Often times, people choose foundations that are either too light - making them look pale and washed out - or too dark - which often leaves a line of makeup between the jaw and neck. Generally, you will look like you're wearing a mask. The foundation color that you choose must blend in with your natural skin tone.

Also keep in mind that your skin tone color will change with the seasons. In the summer, you will most likely need a slightly darker foundation color, as your skin will tan somewhat (even if you don't purposely suntan - you still need to go outside sometimes.) In the winter your skin will lighten again back to its original tone and you should use your natural base color foundation makeup.

Deciding Between Liquid and Powder Foundations

The next decision is to determine whether you would prefer powder foundation or liquid foundation makeup. This tends to be more personal choice, although there are pros and cons to both types.

Most women seem to prefer the liquid foundation base. It appears to be quicker and much easier to apply. As well, once blended into the skin, liquid foundation makeup appears more natural and lighter, giving the skin a smooth, even appearance. However, how it is applied can also make a difference. Applying too much will cause streaks and spots that look heavier then others on your skin. Using a makeup sponge rather than using a fingers can help a lot with creating a smooth, even appearance. Apply a small amount of liquid foundation at a time and blend in carefully.

Another advantage of a liquid foundation is that it absorbs into the skin rather than sitting on top of it, so you get a more natural skin tone appearance. It also comes in a variety of bases to suit women with dry skin, normal skin, oily skin, combination skin, and sensitive skin types.

Powder foundations are a less popular choice, but can work just as well as liquid foundation makeup. It's easy to apply and there is less blending involved. They are also great for people that have very oily skin, as the powder will soak up the oil and prevent a greasy appearance. You can also carry a compact powder case with you on days when you need to do a slight touch up to your makeup or on days that are hot and humid, to rid your face of shine.

A slight problem with powders, however, is that they can look like they are caked on your face if applied to heavily or after a couple of hours in warm weather. They also tend to rub off on clothes easier since the powder sits on top of your skin.

Another Choice: Liquid-Powder Foundations

Liquid-powder foundation combinations are another choice that is gaining in popularity. The foundation makeup comes in a compact, much like powder bases, but contains a somewhat creamy mixture. Application of this foundation gives a smooth appearance, like a liquid, with the absorption benefits of a powder. However, you have to be careful when applying this type of foundation, since a heavy hand will give you a caked appearance. Like liquids, the key is to apply it lightly and blend well. This combination is not the best for people with dry skin as it will also give you a patchy skin appearance. Choose this type of product if you have normal to oily skin.

If this is the first time you are going to buy a foundation, you should visit a make-up counter that allows you to try out the various products or seek out a professional make-up artist to help you with your selection. For those that have problem skin, such as severe acne breakouts, you should visit a dermatologist first. They can help you with making a wiser choice on the type of foundation makeup would work best, plus provide you with other skin care options to help clear up underlying problems.

Remember, the best makeup techniques start with a good foundation that is appropriate for your skin type and skin tone. Be smart and take the time to research what is out there before spending money on any product. You'll be happy you did.

About the Author:

Rose Smith owns TotalBeautyTips.com. Learn you how to enhance your own natural beauty using a variety of makeup techniques, skin care advice, and products designed to make your total body feel smooth, soft and fabulous. Visit Total Beauty Tips today.

Is Your Face a Nightmare After Christmas?

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

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

WATER YOUR BODY

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

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

SENSITIVE SKIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EYE CARE

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

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

PUFFY FACE

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

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

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

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

Mineral Makeup a Natural Acne Cure?

2009-02-27T12:39:00.001+07:00

Mineral makeup may offer new hope for acne sufferers. Because mineral makeup has several unique qualities not offered in any other makeup product that make it ideal for helping cure acne.

To understand how mineral makeup can cure your acne it is necissary to look at the seven causes of acne:

1. Genetics. Sadly, nothing can change your genetics. If your parents had acne as teenagers there is a good chance that you will too.

2. Hormones. During adolesence, hormones called androgens become active and stimulate oil glands in your skin, increasing oil production. This, in turn, clogs pores, causing pimples and blackheads.

3. Stress. Although stress doesn't actually cause acne, it can add to the problem by affecting hormones.

4. Diet. Many times what you eat has been shown to cause acne. Most of the time acne is an adverse reaction your body has to a food allergy.

5. Washing your face too often. This can irritate the skin making acne worse.

6. Medications. Many medications can cause acne or make an existing condition worse. Read labels or talk to your paharmacist to find out if acne is a side effect.

7. Using greasy skin care products and oily cosmetics. Most makeup falls into this category.

While these are the casuse of acne it is important to remember that acne is ultimately a result of bacteria growing in clogged pores. Bacteria is organic and thus cannot grow or multiply without the presence of water. This is where mineral makeup plays an almost magical role in curing acne.

Mineral makeup is made of natural minerals derived from the earth, these minerals are not only inorganic but they are also extremely resistant to water. They actually act as a shield on your face keeping bacteria feeding moisture away from your pores. Mineral makeup is not soluable in water so even if you put water directly on your face the minerals will not be absorbed and the water cannot pass through.

Mineral makeup does not clog pores either. Because it is so finely milled during production, the granules are much smaller than your pores. This not only prevents acne from forming, but makes the makeup extremely easy to blend into the skin with a very flawless look and conceals problem areas very well. If you suffer from a break out the finely milled minerals are very effective as disguising it.

Because of these and other unique qualities mineral makeup is known througout the world as the skin care makeup and recommended to acne sufferers by dermatologists. Ultimately, it does not matter what the cause of your acne is, without water to feed the bacteria, and something to clog the pores and hold that moisture in acne cannot form or worsen. If you suffer from acne, mineral makeup may end up being your best friend.

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

How To Make Your Eyes Irrisistible

2009-02-27T00:34:00.001+07:00

The Eyes Have It

Remember the dreamy eyes of your first love? Who can resist a beautiful set of eyes? Your eyes are one of your

most important features. Do you treat them like the treasures they are? Even if your eyes are not 'to die for', you can make them truly memorable.

Eye Care. Do you care for them the way you should?

Sunscreen on your lids? Sunglasses? Carefully cleaned and stored contact lenses? Makeup remover made expressly for eyes? Adequate sleep? These aren't merely suggestions. They're requirements for stunning eyes.

Eye Color. Do you take the time to make up your eyes every day.

Take a minute to add some extra color and your whole face will light up.

Medium and dark complexions can?t go wrong with universal earth tones.

Going to work? Apply brown tones on the lower lids, highlight with a light taupe at the inner corners, sweeping up and outward to the brow bones.

Going out on the town? Add a complementary bronze or deep gold to your outer lid, gently swept from the middle of the eyelash line to the corner of the eyes. Fair faced women should use lighter colors as their basic palette.

Conservative? Use two colors for day - apply medium-gray or mushroom all over the lids to the brow bones, and from the middle of the lash line outward with a coordinating lighter shade from the same family. At night, add a shimmering gold dust overcoating.

Eyelashes and Eyebrows

Let?s talk mascara. Brown is becoming ever more popular because it complements all iris colors. It works on everyone, as does the standard black. And even though it's available, avoid blue and green tinted mascara, unless it matches your ultra-colorful dye job. Waterproof mascara is really not for everyday, unless you're especially weepy. A water-soluble mascara leaves your lashes in healthier condition, and healthy is beautiful.

No one has the perfect arch without a little help from tweezers or a lot of help from a stylist. All eyebrows need taming, whether it?s tweezing to remove one stray hair or an all-out waxing at the salon. Tweezing is cheap, which is great. And you don?t need an appointment. Oh, and if you use tweezers...

Did you know that some estheticians (that?s a highly trained skincare professional) will create a template for you to use when tweezing? If you want to deal with your brows on a less frequent basis, investigate having your eyebrows waxed at a reputable salon. It hurts, but many women feel the irritation is worth the gorgeous results.

Eyeglasses. Wear them if you need them?

Of course.

They're not just an accessory of necessity. Carefully chosen spectacles look great and can draw deserved attention to your eyes. Just think how smart they make you look. And smart is always in style!

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

Wedding Hair Styles How To Avoid Disaster

2009-02-25T00:54:00.001+07:00

WEDDING HAIR TIPS OTHER SALONS WON?T TELL YOU

Wedding Hair Styles- Your wedding hair planning has begun. It seems that there are so many details you must complete at the same time. You?ve imagined that you?ll have the most beautiful of wedding hair styles.

But will it match with your wedding dress and wedding hair accessories and will it be complimented by the bridal hair styles of your bridesmaids? All of this wedding stuff already has you almost overwhelmed, so you think, ?I need help?.

You?ve come to the right place. I?ll help you look like the stunning, romantic, storybook bride that you always fantasized that you?d be. You see, for over 20 years I have helped brides with their wedding hair and bridal makeup.

Finally I will give you some inside information that other salons don?t want you to know regarding wedding hair styles services and contracts.

WEDDING HAIR STYLES- WHERE DO YOU START?

Wedding hair styles and bridal makeup plans should be formulated at least 3-4 months before the event. Have your hair stylist show you some pictures of their work on brides or of special event hair styles. Bring the wedding hair pictures displaying the styles you like the best.

Pictures of wedding hair styles are one of the best ways to avoid bridal hair disasters. Pictures will help eliminate misunderstandings between you and your hair stylist.

Be practical. Try a style that is comfortable for dancing and moving around. Consider the wedding location?s climate (humid, dry, wet, cold, too hot). Make a selection from wedding hair styles that will match with the style of your dress. Keep your desired bridal hair styles in mind when picking out accessories.

ACCESSORIES AND BRIDAL MAKE UP

Wedding Hair Accessories like hair ornaments and headpieces should not overpower your wedding hair. If you plan to wear a more elaborate headpiece, your wedding hair style should be simple. Bridal Tiaras can be very flattering.

Very simple jewelry will do for the bridesmaids. Stick with earrings, bracelets, or rings, but avoid necklaces. The entire bridal party should have one theme for the wedding hair styles and bridal make-up. However the bridal party could all have different hair lengths, color and texture of hair.

Your bridal make-up should emphasize the eyes, lips, and skin-tone as these parts should be camera friendly at all times. Remember that bridesmaids are to compliment the bride and are not there to overshadow her.

WEDDING HAIR STYLES TYPE

It is not a bad idea to have an up-do, if your dress covers all the way to the neck. Don?t be afraid of a short hair style especially if you are petite. Short hair can be one of the more sexy wedding hair styles.

It is usually better to not to request a classic hair do with a contemporary wedding dress. If you have your heart set on one of the classic wedding hair styles, then it should be a casual one.

For a modern or classic Victorian style, one of the beach wedding hair styles is better when it is a basic chignon or down hair style with simple, loose curls. Soft curls give you a very romantic look. This goes for the bridesmaids as well. It is better that they all follow the same pattern.

The bridal party should wear the same color and style of dress as well as a similar hairstyle. For example, either all the bridesmaids should wear flowers in their hair or no one should at all.

WEDDING HAIR STYLES TRYOUT SERVICE

What?s the best way to check the look of all the wedding hair styles in your bridal party? Easy, it is to have your entire bridal party make a visit to a salon for a wedding hair style tryout.

Salons usually give a tremendous discount for wedding hair style tryout service since they know you will like their work and that subsequently you will book your wedding party with them. It is common for salons to present a contract to brides.

WEDDING HAIR STYLES CONTRACTS

Make sure to read your contract carefully before signing. Read every word and make sure to ask questions if you don?t understand something. If you are uncomfortable with the wording, it is fair to ask that the contract be changed.

Don?t just gloss over the details of the contract. It should include important information such as the date of your wedding, the types of wedding hair styles and bridal make up services to be rendered.

Many salons will ask for a deposit to hold the appointment in advance. Some contracts will state that deposits are nonrefundable.

If your wedding hair styles contract has such a clause determine if there is a grace period. Pay a percentage of the service and not the whole price. Also make payment with a credit card. Should there be a problem or dispute, you will have a better chance of getting your money back.

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!

Congratulations on finding your husband to be.

In this article I gave you great tips that will help perfect your wedding hair styles and bridal make up. I?ve also given you some inside information that other salon owners don?t want you to know regarding services and contracts.

Now, take a deep breath and breathe out all of your wedding anxiety. Relax; it's just easier to turn over bridal hair styles planning to a professional, isn't it? Of course it is. Telephone Next Salon at 310-392-6645 in Santa Monica, California in order to get answers to your questions and to book an appointment for perfection with your bridal makeup and wedding hair styles.

Noori Daili is the founder (1988) and owner of Next Salon at 2400 Main Street in Santa Monica, California 90405. Call 310-392-6645 to book now & mention this article to get 10% Bridal Party Savings. For more savings check out her new Blog at BeautyHair SalonSalonsSanta Monica, CA 90405Los Angeles. Online appointments are welcome. For more info visit our special bridal page at Wedding Hair Styles.

Makeup Tips for Eyes Lips and Face

2009-02-25T00:46:00.001+07:00

When I hit my 30's, I decided to get more serious about skin care and makeup. I've become a regular at Department Store 'Bonus Days', when you buy an item and get a bunch of samples for free! Cosmetics and makeup can be fun, easy and inexpensive if you follow these tips!

Your Eyes:

1. For great looking eyes make sure to use powder shadows for a natural look and a eyeliner pencil for drama at night. Make sure the liner has a smudge tip at one end to get that smoky eye look. Only line the top of the eye is you're looking tired. You don't want to bring more attention to dark circles under the eyes. Neutral tones with a hint of color are flattering on everybody.

2. For sheen on the eyelids, dab a bit of Vaseline for a pretty reflective quality, as well as moisture.

3. Open up the eye with a gold/beige shimmery high lighter onto the brow bone.

4. Don't throw away cash on an expensive eye makeup remover! Find a pretty glass bottle and fill it with baby shampoo.

5. If your cream eye shadow dries out, use a few drops of water or mineral oil to soften it up again.

5. Potatoes, like cucumbers, will reduce the appearance of dark, under-eye circles.

Your Lips:

1. Use blush as a lipstick, then use clear gloss or lip balm over it. Longer staying power.

2. Natural ingredients have been used for centuries as makeup: apply beet juice to lips and cheeks as a stain,or mix it with melted bees wax to make your own lip balm! Cayenne pepper can plump the lips, but use with caution!

3. Use eye makeup remover to treat super dry, chapped lips. It's a great nighttime lip treatment!

Your Face:

1. For a longer lasting foundation try a product with silicone. The silicone creates a sweat-proof and smudge resistant second skin. For me, I find it helps with my rosacea because the live yeast extract has healing powers.

2. A powder bronzer under blush can really even out skin tone. I dab my brush in the bronzer, then into the blush and lightly cover my whole face.

3. For a new bronzer, use a foundation that is two to three shades darker than your skin tone and apply where you would use your bronzer. In a pinch you could use a brown eye shadow.

4. Papaya mixed with plain yogurt into a paste makes a great exfoliating mask for all skin types!

5. Use an egg white mask for a quick fix for diminishing the appearance of pores.

Jane Arnold is a freelance writer and part-time beauty buff. You can get more health and beauty tips at her website at: http://www.girlyside.com/girlyside.html The website is a girl's guide to health, beauty, love and leisure. Sign up for the free newsletter at http://www.girlyside.com/newsletter.html

Acne Sufferers Look Fabulous This Holiday Season With Natural Mineral Makeup

2009-02-20T22:26:00.001+07:00

The holidays are fast approaching, and for many acne sufferers they're dreaded because of the cofines of friends and family. With that many people close, it's hard to get excited when you know they'll get a close glimpse at your acne prone skin.

The natural inclination is to smear loads o concealer and foundation over blemishes to hide them from a close examination. But drugstore foundations that are manufactured by big brands such as CoverGirl, Maybelline, Loreal and others are ridden with oils, chemicals, preservatives and other pore clogging unmentionables.

Caking on these foundations can be more trouble than it's worth because they cause further blemishes and most times major break outs. That's not a scenario that most acne sufferers would associate with happy holidays. So what's the average sufferer to do to avoid this dreaded scenario?

Mineral Makeup is the most popular trend - recommended by dermatologists the world over and used by hollywood celebrities because of it's many benefits to acne sufferers. Mineral makeup is an all natural makeup that is made with minerals from the earth. The minerals are highly water proof so they help to dehydrate and thus kill off the bacteria in your pores that causes cystic acne.

Dermatologists are calling mineral Makeup the skin care makeup because it is so gentle to the skin that you can actually sleep in it. The mineral are ground so fine that they are too small to clog pores. instead they lay on the skin as little flakes that interlace to protect the skin from moisture getting in and feeding acne causing bacteria. The overlying flakes still allow the skin to breathe while shielding off this moisture.

The two primary ingredients in mineral makeup are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. If you read makeup labels then you probably recognize these two minerals. That's because they appear in virtually every sunblock on the market for their full range UV sunblocking abilities. That's right, Mineral Makeup is a natural sunblock as well, which means all that sunlight reflecting off the snow as you build snowmen and go sleding this holiday season is blocked by your mineral makeup. Sumblock is just as important to your skin health in the winter as it is in the summer.

And Mineral Makeup looks fabulous when you wear it. It is delivered to you in powder form and goes on very smoothly, it is so light weight that many people forget they are wearing it. This light weight quality helps it to blend seamlessly into the skin for a beautiful natural look.

Considering the many benefits of using mineral makeup could really help to turn your holidays into the happy holidays we all dream of.

Look fabulous this holiday season with our Natural Mineral Makeup Complete 9 Piece Starter Kit...

The Benefits Of SemiPermanent Lip Makeup

2009-02-19T10:53:00.001+07:00

Semi-permanent lip makeup has a wide range of appeal. In this process, color pigments are injected under the dermal layer to either reshape or color the lips. This is a process that appeals to many for a variety of reasons. Those with asymmetrical lips may opt for this treatment to even out their lips. Another reason to opt for a semi-permanent lip makeup procedure is as a matter of convenience and financial savings.

Semi-permanent lip makeup can be very beneficial to those who were born with either thin or asymmetrical lips. They can benefit by having this procedure done to either create thicker lips or correct the asymmetry of their lips through subtle shading and the injection of color outside the lip line. This may be a very useful procedure for those who are self conscious about the size or shape of their lips.

Another reason to opt for semi-permanent lip makeup is to apply slight color to the lips. As people begin to age, the once vibrant color of their lips often begins to fade. For this reason, individuals may choose to have semi-permanent lip makeup applied to make their lips appear healthier and more attractive. Also, those who are frustrated with the frequent reapplication of lip color that are required throughout the day and the cost of purchasing lip color on a regular basis may opt for a semi-permanent lip makeup procedure.

Jennifer Puffer is the owner of http://www.ultimate-beauty.com A successful website focusing on providing information and products on topics that include beauty, skin care, make up, hair, mineral makeup and much more. Jennifer invites you to find more information on semi-permanent lip makeup at http://www.ultimate-beauty.com

Look Years Younger In Minutes

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

Now whether you are just beginning to notice your first few lines or you are experiencing more advance signs of aging you can painlessly and safely achieve a healthier, youthful, wrinkle free beauty in minutes with these simple professional techniques used by the world?s top makeup artists.

Lift a Sagging Jaw line ? After applying your foundation apply a very thin line of highlighter from ear to ear along the top of your jawbone. Blend thoroughly. Next apply a thin line of contour cream or shadow on the bottom and the underneath area of your jawbone. Blend thoroughly.

Make Wrinkles & Lines Disappear ? Before applying foundation use a Q- Tip or very thin makeup brush to apply a professional line filler product or highlighter inside the creases of your lines and wrinkles. Using the thin end of your makeup sponge or a clean Q-Tip gently blend.

Perform An Instance Face Lift ? A well groomed medium width brow with a strong arch will visual lift your face instantly. To create a well groomed brow with a strong arch pluck clean the area underneath the brow bone and shape the brow with widest part of the brow at the inner corner of your eye and the brow getting thinner has it goes out toward your temple. The highest part of the arch should be just above the outer edge of your pupil.

Create Fuller Younger Lips ? After covering the lip area with foundation and your lips with a lip cream or balm take a lip liner the same shade or a shade slightly lighter then your lipstick and line just outside your lips natural lip line . Apply your lipstick with a lip brush blending lipstick to lip liner. Place a dab of pale light color lip gloss in the center of your top and bottom lips.

Give Your Eyes A Quick Lift ? Applying eyeliner has close to lashes as possible line eyes from where the inner corner( tear duct ) of your eyes end to slightly pass the outer corner of your eyes. Has you get to the outer corner of your eye slightly tilt line upward to create a slight slant. This technique works whether you line just your upper lids or both your upper and bottom lids. Curl your lash with an eyelash curler before applying mascara.

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

How To Apply Makeup For Everyday Wear

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

One of the questions women most frequently have regarding makeup is how to apply makeup for everyday wear. The key to applying makeup for everyday wear is do so in a way that does not look like you are wearing makeup at all. Everyday makeup applications should apply the principle of subtlety and moderation.

Before starting be sure to wash your face and apply a moisturizer to help your foundation glide on evenly. Choosing the right colors for your eyes is equally as important. Depending on the time of day or the function you are attending will help you decide which types of shades you should be using. Subtlety is very important in how to apply makeup for everyday wear. While special occasions may require a more dramatic look, everyday wear lends itself more to subtle makeup applications that enhance your best features while simultaneously minimizing your undesirable features. For everyday wear you want to apply your makeup in a way that is not obvious but does improve your appearance. Using complementary shades that work well with your skin tones are some of the best ways to create a subtle yet beautiful appearance.

Knowing how to apply makeup for everyday wear also requires the principle of moderation. Again nighttime activities or special occasions may present the opportunity to use an abundance of makeup to create a more dramatic look but this is not attractive if used during inappropriate occasions such as running errands during the day. You may wish to use several products such as mascara, eye liner, eye shadow, lip liner, lipstick and blush but it?s important to not go over the top with any of these products and use it excessively.

Jennifer Puffer is the owner of http://www.ultimate-beauty.com. A successful website focusing on providing information and products on topics that include beauty, skin care, make up, hair, mineral makeup and much more. Jennifer invites you to find more information on makeup application at http://www.ultimate-beauty.com/mineral-makeup.html

Permanent Cosmetics Looking Your Best All the Time

2009-02-19T01:16:00.001+07:00

Permanent cosmetics, also known as cosmetic tattooing, is becoming increasingly popular over the use of conventional make up. The techniques used are often referred to as micropigmentation, micropigment implantation or dermagraphics. The implantation is a deposit of tiny individual implants of pigment or vegetable-based dye into the top layer of the skin. The benefits to those wanting a feature definition or scar camouflage are huge!

These cosmetic procedures are performed using different kinds of machinery such as the traditional tattoo or coil, the pen or rotary and the non-machine or hand method.

The process includes the initial consultation and application, and then one or two follow up visits for adjusting the shape and color or density of the pigment.

Those Who Benefit

?anyone who wants to enhance their appearance
?following surgery or an injury
?loss of hair including eyebrows and/or eyelashes
?vitiligo those who may have lost their pigment to areas of skin
?physically active people who don't want to worry about sweating off or reapplying cosmetics
?those who can?t wear cosmetics because of allergies or sensitivities
?the vision impaired
?the motor impaired with unsteady hands
?entertainers, actresses, and models
?mothers and other busy professionals who can?t find the time

What Can Be Done?

?eyebrows, proper placement will open up the eyes
?eyeliner, top and bottom - can be used to help reshape the eye
?eyelash - making them thicker and fuller
?lipliner and full lip color - redefinition of an irregular line; restoration if fading has occurred
?beauty marks

Is it Really Permanent?
These actions are considered permanent because the coloring is set and cannot be washed off. However, fading can occur, so periodic maintenance is required. Consider this and all other aspects when choosing a technician.

Some factors that can negatively influence the longevity of these cosmetics are the sun?s UV rays and tanning booths, some drugs, excessively dry skin, and smoking. Stay away from Alpha- hydroxy, Retin-A, and glycolic acids because these kinds of substances slough away top layers of skin and eventually the implants will be affected.

How Much Does it Cost?
These cosmetic procedures are commonly known as para-medical. If work is performed in a physician's office or in specialized clinics the rates may be higher. However, the cost should not be the most important issue but rather the training and skill of the technician and the client?s confidence.

How Long Does it Take?
It will generally take 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours with much less time for the follow-up.

Is it Painful?
This is invasive so there may be some discomfort but will vary according to the individual and to the skills of the technician. A topical anaesthetic can be used if needed. There may be a small amount of bleeding but the area is washed at the end of the process and antiseptic cream applied.

Is It Safe?
Visit the location where this is to be done. Look for all materials including needles, machine parts and supplies to be kept in a sanitary manner. Gloves should be worn, workers clean and neat, fresh drapery used for the patient and the room tidy and free from any contaminants.

Regardless of all precautions understand that an allergic reaction could occur at any time so testing may be done by request.

What If I Don't Like It?
Although this type of cosmetics is permanent, there is a flexibility to change color and shape somewhat, depending on the expertise of the technician. There are some methods for removing tattoos including laser treatments, abrasion, and surgery. But there are side issues such as many visits, cost and possibly a change of color to a less desirable shade.

Take note that colors initially will appear darker but will lighten during the healing which takes about a week or longer depending on the individual and the procedure.

Choosing a Technician
Consider the training, experience, and do look at photographic testimonials. Remember that the shape and proper placement is as important as the correct coloring. The desired result is discussed at the first visit. It is important that at all times there be interaction between both parties. You do not want to live with someone else?s mistake.

MRI
Caution - if it is necessary at some time that you undergo a diagnostic procedure known as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a burning sensation may occur and there may be some swelling in the areas that have been colored. It is not harmful but can be uncomfortable for a short time. The pigments can interfere with the image acquired by the scan. Do inform the radiologist so that this can be taken care of.

The New You
This new look can enhance your life! Wake up to perfectly applied makeup every day. Join actress Joanna Kerns, Donald Trump, former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley and soul-rocker James Brown, to name a few.

Not for You? Consider Semi Permanent
Now that you have reflected on this type of cosmetics maybe there are second thoughts. So here are some other things to think about. The Magic Stylo pen is a perfect alternative or it can be used in addition to the permanent cosmetics for a ?touch up?. It is a long lasting (8 ? 24 hours) semi-permanent pigment and smudge-proof.

?be sure to apply to dry, clean skin
?always cap the pen after each use
?apply to extend lips and use before lipstick
?apply to eyebrows to create a natural look
?will clog around eye shadow, lotions, and lipsticks if not used correctly

If the pen clogs, gently clean the tip with a small alcohol pad. Then, give a little shake for the liquid to flow to the tip again.

How it Works
It soaks into the skin rather than ?cake? on top thus creating a more natural look. Doesn?t rub off and is ?kiss-proof?. It can be removed easily with any makeup remover.

Check out brand names such as Revlon, Max Factor and Clinique who advertise lasting performance cosmetics.

Finish the Day Free Of Cosmetics
At the end of the day do remove all traces of makeup, leaving your face clean and fresh for the night.

There is so much to learn about our skin, its care, all the products that are out there and how best to look and feel good. This goes a long ways to helping our self-esteem and building confidence in ourselves. We can do a minimum skincare regime of cleaning our skin, to using daily rituals of moisurizing and toning; using makeup or going for permanent cosmetics. We trust that we have some good information available on our sites. Look for us at http://www.perfume-n-cologne-shop.com or http://www.skin-care-n-cosmetics.com

Is My Coloring Cool Or Warm?

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

Choosing the correct color for your clothing, hair color and makeup is one of the biggest steps you can take to look your best.

With complimentary colors in cosmetics and clothing your skin tone will appear radiant and glowing, your eyes will appear brighter and clearer, your hair will reflect highlights and you will hear compliments - such as You look great?!

With ?clashing? colors in cosmetics and clothing your skin tone will appear tired and drained, your eyes may appear shadowed, dark circles are more apparent, even your teeth can appear with a slight yellow hue and you will hear comments - such as You look tired? or Do you feel OK?.

Coloring is generally broken down into cool and warm colors. You should match your skin tone in your fashion and makeup choices.

To determine the undertone of your skin, look at the underside of your arm. If your veins appear bluish you are cool toned, if they appear greenish you are warm toned.

Cool colors include jewel tones - blues, greens, pinks, purples, blue-greens, magentas, and blue-based reds. People with cool coloring look better in pure white than in off-white or ivory, and they can easily wear black

Warm colors include earth tones - yellows, oranges, browns, yellowish greens and orange-based reds. People with warm coloring look better in off-white or ivory than in pure white and look washed out by black.

Ladies with cool coloring should select a foundation that is more pink based and warm tones should go with a yellow based color.

Cool skin colors include: Very dark brown with reddish or blue undertones; Brown with pink undertone; True olive (most Asians and Latinos); Medium with no color in cheeks; Medium with faint pink cheeks; Pale with no color in cheeks; Pale with pink undertones; Ruddy-pinkish red and Brown or bronze tan.

Warm skin tones include: Very dark brown with golden undertones; Brown with golden undertone; Medium with golden undertones; Pale with peach or gold undertones; Golden brown when tan.

Celebrities with cool coloring include:
Elizabeth Taylor, Cher, Jaclyn Smith, Marie Osmond, Princess Caroline, Liza Minnelli, Marlo Thomas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Oprah, Snow White', Jaclyn Smith, Barbara Bush, Elizabeth Hurley, Gloria Estefan, Cindy Crawford, Angela Bassett, Michelle Kwan, Winona Ryder, Sophia Loren, Sharon Stone, Charlize Theron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Meg Ryan, Vanessa Williams, Courtney Cox, Elizabeth Taylor, Katie Couric, Demi Moore.

Celebrities with warm coloring include:
Nicole Kidman, Kathie Lee Gifford, Sarah Ferguson, Reba McEntire, Gillian Anderson, Molly Ringwald, Hilary & Chelsea Clinton.

If you can't decide, cool coloring is much more common than warm. (You probably know if you are warm.)

A Registered Nurse, Suzanne Ryan has a passion for helping women look and feel their best. She has received training in image consulting and color analysis. One of greatest passions is Mineral Makeup. Charts of cool and warm colors can be seen at her website, Mineral-Makeup-Reviews.com. Her latest adventure is The Beauty Blog.

Quit Clowning Around Blushing 101

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

Don?t want to look like a clown? Then get the low down on how to choose the correct blush for your skin type.

Step 1: Choose a Shade - Pinch your cheeks gently so they flush ?this is the blush tone that suits you. As a rule, light peach and pink flatters pale skin, apricot and terracotta give warmth to olive complexions, reddish and coral tones compliment darker skin. Cream and gels blend easily but use powder if your prone to acne.

Step 2: Contour with Colour ? If using powder blush, set foundation with translucent powder. Smile into a mirror, applying blush over the cheeks with a fingertip, brush or damp sponge, blending up and out. For powder, use a swirling motion over apples of the cheeks, blending up to the temples.

Step 3: Glow baby glow ? accentuate cheekbone contour with a little shimmer. Use cream highlighter with cream or gel blush. White or silver suits fair skin, bronze or berry suits darker complexions. Apply just above cheekbones, where light hits, then blend so there?s no visible line.

iheartbeauty favorite BLUSH products:

Want a luxurious & sophisticated blush for your apples? Try Guerlain: Radiant Blush. We're loving it due to the variety of shades, look & feel on our skin and of course who could forget the fancy case

Want a versatile product - that's easy on the budget, perfect for the eyes, cheeks AND lips. Try Clarins: Multi Blush. Its long lasting and excellent value.

Don't know your skin type? Want something that's light, small and easy to fit into your tiny Louis Vuitton clutch? Try Bobbi Brown: Cream Blush Stick. It's not only lifts up facial contours but its also Dermatologist tested.

Junalaine Tumang providing the latest Beauty & Styling tips inspired by celebrities at http://www.iheartbeauty.com.

Mineral Makeup (Info You Should Know)

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

Mineral makeup is made from all natural minerals that come from the earth. Most of them are a combination of serecite, mica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are natural sun blocking agents and are used in almost every bulk store bought sun block or lotion you can buy. Most minerals are also water proof so the hold of mineral makeup is usually all day with little or no touch up needed.

The minerals used in the makeup are very finely milled into a powder that is micro-fine and will blend well into the skin and look very natural. An outstanding range of colors in the minerals make it possible for mineral makeup manufacturers to offer a vast array of colors. A virtual rainbow has been made from blush, eye shadows, lipsticks, and foundation in hundreds of shades. It's easy to buy two or three different foundation shades and blend them for a custom color of your own because minerals blend very easily together.

Because our cosmetic grade minerals are so finely milled they won't clog your pores, and if some of them do happen to get into the blood stream, don?t worry, after all they're all natural and they are completely safe for the body. Many doctors and dermatologists have proclaimed mineral makeup as the skin care makeup because it is so healthy for the skin and does not aggravate acne and it covers blemishes, acne, large pores, and scars very effectively.

If you're interested in a safe and natural alternative to chemical, oil and preservative laden makeup, minerals may be something for you to look in to. You can find more information on Mineral Makeup at http://www.cmhessentials.com. Get the facts, ingredients, benefits as well as the makeup.

Christina Harris is the owner of CMH Essentials pure mineral makeup with a website at http://www.cmhessentials.com

How to Get Long Luxurious Lashes

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

We all love mascara and the way it makes our eyes look but we hate the clumps. There are also so many of them on the market that it is hard to tell which one to choose.

Getting gorgeous lashes is less about the type of mascara you use and more about how you use it.

Here is how to get perfect lashes every time without the mascara mess.

1) Use an eyelash curler before applying mascara. It will give your eyelashes that movie star dramatic curl.

2) Take mascara globs off the mascara wand with a tissue before you apply it.

3) Apply the mascara from the base of your lashes out with a zig zag motion. Make sure that you apply more at the base than at the tips. This will give you that thick,lush lash appearance.

4) To make your eyes look bigger and more dramatic just coat your upper lashes. Leave your bottom lashes clean.

If you happen to smudge mascara on your skin, never try to rub it off. This only creates a smudge, plus rubbing the sensitive area around your eyes is never a smart move. Instead dab a bit of concealer on a q-tip and gently pat it on to the smudge.

That is all it takes to achieve full, luxurious lashes without the mascara mess. Try it for yourself.

Caterina Christakos is the founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls. For more beauty tips go to:http://www.stillagirl.com

Beauty Routine

2009-02-12T00:18:00.001+07:00

1. I never ever ever go to bed with my makeup on, even if I have been out partying and had one too many. If you do, you will wake up the next morning, not only with a possible hangover, but with gunged, screwed up, dirty eyes that need loads of tlc. (tender loving care) So you must develop your own bedtime routine.

2. I try to get a good nights sleep as this, in my opinion, is the best beauty treatment you can have. And it's free. As we go through life this is not always possible with all the stresses and tensions that modern day living has brought to us. But as I said, I try.

3. In the morning I have a cup of tea, if I feel particularly virtuous I'll have a cup of green tea, ugh, and then get up to face the day.

4. Before I have a shower I tie my hair up and clean my teeth while waiting for the water to get hot.

5. After my shower I cleanse my face with one of those new style wipes and they are brilliant.

6. I spritz my face with a water spray then moisturise. I would not miss this for the world because moisturiser holds the water in your skin and helps keep your skin hydrated.

7. Next. Wow but Next. I always, without fail, use a TOTAL sunblock. My daughter says I look too pale but, if you don't want a pale face, the answer is to use either a brown cheek shadow, blusher or an artificial sun colorant.

8. Let the cream dry thoroughly before applying your makeup. This is a pain but necessary or your skin will be too greasy.

Then I have my two minute plan.

9. Take a large soft brush, like a shaving brush, and the dust your face with mineral powder make up. This is the best make up I have ever used for a day time make up. You can add extra if you want a more made up look for evening or if you want to conceal blemishes.

10. Then with a flat eye shadow brush and using a basic beige powder shadow I brush all over my lids, fading it out the closer to the brows I get. I normally accentuate the creases of my eyelids for a slightly more dramatic look with a darker shade.

11. Then a quick lick of mascara (brown) a touch of lip gloss and I'm off. I promise you that this quick beauty routine is all you need to have a beautiful look that will keep in all day and not look overmade up or take forever to apply.

Why waste your valuable time doing all that heavy smuck?

P.S. I only ever buy moisturiser and face creams from the local supermarket, because in my opinion, unless you have a problem skin that may need specialist treatment, the designer products are over priced, often celebrity endorsed and offer little value for money.

Jaks Lloyd, former photographic fashion model, is the author of the above article which appears in her definitive website http://www.eyebeautytips.com The Ultimate Cutting Edge in Eye Beauty.

Mineral Makeup Natural Makeup For a Healthier Skin

2009-02-12T00:11:00.001+07:00

As a doctor I know what damage some traditional makeup products can cause the skin if worn over time for prolonged periods without adequate cleansing. So the advent of mineral makeup to the cosmetic counters is a major breakthrough in healthy living and skincare.

Mineral cosmetics have their basis in ground-up minerals, including various metal ores and iron oxide. Being natural, they are allergen-free and contain no chemical dyes, added preservatives, fillers, perfumes, oils or talc ? or other ingredients commonly found in traditional makeup products.

Mineral makeup contains only pure mineral pigments in concentrated form. Due to their concentration they perform the functions of concealer, foundation and powder - and incredibly all in a single application which binds to the skin so well that very little touch-up is required as the day progresses.

After mineral makeup is first applied ? and this can be done very simply with a brush - the skin might appear a little powdery, but after a short time you will find that it is taken up very well by the natural oils within the skin. And incredibly, you?ll find that by nighttime your face will look just as fresh as it did in the morning when the makeup was first applied, without shine or streaks.

Mineral makeup?s purity means that it works well with most skin types and you will find that it adds a day-long youthful sheen to your skin. But it also possesses several other benefits:

SUNSCREEN

Mineral foundation powders also contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that act as a reflective coating which blocks the harmful effects of the sun. In addition natural forms of Vitamins A and E are regularly added which have anti-oxidant benefits and also help prevent photo aging of the skin.

ANTI-ALLERGY

Since synthetic dyes, perfumes and preservatives are avoided in the composition of mineral makeup, there is little risk of skin sensitivity to the ingredients, resulting in a considerably reduced risk of longer-term allergic reactions.

EASY APPLICATION

Mineral makeup can be applied quickly and easily with a brush or sponge, and when applied to clean moisturized skin, it doesn?t smear or run. To immediately do away with the initial powdery effect, all you need to do is mist your face lightly even with ordinary water.

VERSATILITY

Due to it?s day-long enduring qualities, mineral makeup is not only ideal for those with hectic lifestyles, but it has also found favor in the film and tv industries. Plus, it is often provides a great solution for many with existing skin problems, such as those caused by burns.

Now let?s take a look at the cost. If you are used to cosmetic counter prices, you aren?t going to be totally shocked. However, you should also consider the savings you can make by using mineral makeup. What would you normally put on your face before venturing out in the morning? After a moisturizer, how about a primer? Then there are concealers, foundation, blusher, creams, powder?

However when using mineral makeup, after using a moisturizer, you?ll find that many products which were once a part of your daily regimen, now become totally redundant. So the overall savings could be quite significant. And think about the time saving too!

Modern mineral makeup represents a major advance not only in cosmetics but also in skincare and your overall well-being.

BY DR. BIANCA TAVARES

Dr. Tavares is a medical consultant with wide-ranging experience and interests in both traditional and complementary medicine and health care.

She has a particular passion for disseminating quality medical information to the people who matter ? the patients ? and acts in an advisory capacity to numerous journals and health related web sites. Her writing about mineral makeup can be found regularly at Makeup Girl?s Makeup Tips.

This article is copyright by Dr Bianca Tavares. It can be reprinted freely online as long as the entire article and this resource box are included.

CancerCausing Ingredients in Your Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

2009-02-11T00:43:00.001+07:00

Cosmetics make you attractive, but some of the ingredients in your cosmetics and personal care products may be killing you!

If you?re like most Americans, you may be unknowingly poisoning yourself and your family everyday with the many cancer-causing ingredients in today?s cosmetics, toiletries and personal care products. Makeup, shampoo, hair coloring products, baby powder (Yes, baby powder!), shaving cream, mouthwash and toothpaste are just a few of the products that contain cancer-causing ingredients.

But don?t despair! In just a minute, you?ll know what products to avoid and how to choose those that are safe for you and your family.

You may be asking yourself, Why do I have to check the ingredients to see if they?re safe? Doesn?t the government do this? The answer is: Well, kind of..., but not really!

The truth is the cosmetics industry is very poorly regulated. With the exception of a handful of extremely toxic chemicals, manufacturers can put almost anything in their cosmetics without testing to see if the ingredients are harmful. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can only make suggestions or recommendations to manufacturers about cosmetic products or their ingredients, but the manufacturers don?t have to follow them.

To make matters worse, most products are labeled to sell rather than to provide accurate information. Words like natural and hypoallergenic (which give us a nice warm feeling about the product and persuade us to believe that a product is safe) do not have official definitions. This means the manufacturers can use them to mean anything they want and not get in trouble with the regulatory agencies. This often leads to misleading information on the label...and more sales.

Here?s a rogue?s list of ingredients in cosmetics, toiletries and personal care products you should avoid:

Fragrances. Each fragrance can have up to 600 different ingredients which are not required to be listed on the label. Even if you?re not sensitive to fragrances, it?s wise to avoid them because they often have hazardous ingredients and there?s no way of knowing if they do.

Preservatives. Many preservatives contain or release formaldehyde which is a carcinogen, neurotoxin, irritant and sensitizer. These include DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, quaternium 15, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate and bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol). Other preservatives that may also cause reactions include the parabens, methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone.

Talc. It may contain carcinogenic contaminants and products containing talc, including baby powder, should never be used on babies and children.

Artificial colors. Many of them cause cancer. Most of the D&C and FD&C colors are derived form coal tar, a known cancer-causing agent.

Silica. By itself, silica is not harmful, but it?s often contaminated with crystalline silica which causes cancer. Manufacturers are not required to list contaminants so you?ll never see it on the label.

How big of a threat are contaminants to you and your family? From 1978 to 1980, the FDA analyzed 300 cosmetic samples for carcinogenic contamination. Forty percent of the samples analyzed contained carcinogens. Things actually got worse the next time they analyzed cosmetic samples. In 1991-92, they found that 65% of the cosmetic products sampled contained carcinogenic contaminants. Most recently, in 2004, the Environmental Working Group evaluated 7,500 personal care products for safety. They found that nearly 70% of all products contain ingredients that can be contaminated with impurities linked to cancer and other health problems.

Polysorbate 60 or 80, polyoxyethylene, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, PEG, anything ending in -eth, such as sodium laureth sulfate. These ingredients may be contaminated with cancer-causing 1,4-dioxane, which is easily absorbed through the skin. Again, manufacturers are not required to tell you about the contaminants.

Diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). These two ingredients are found in many cosmetic and personal care products. Even though they don?t cause cancer by themselves you should avoid all products that contain them because DEA and TEA can react with nitrites to form nitrosamines which can cause cancer. The tricky thing is that nitrites can be present as a contaminant and not listed on the label. So there?s no way of knowing whether or not a product with DEA or TEA ingredients is contaminated with the cancer-causing nitrosamines.

Propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate. These are common ingredients in shampoos and they?re both toxic. Propylene glycol is a skin irritant which causes kidney and liver damage. Sodium laurel sulfate causes genetic damage.

So what?s the bottom line? Even though a great many cosmetics and personal care products are harmful, there are products that are safe and healthy to use. But you?re the one who needs to know what cosmetic and personal care products you're using are safe. The way the current regulations are structured, the government simply cannot protect you. Their hands are tied. According to John Bailey, Ph.D., director of the FDA?s Office of Cosmetics and Colors, Consumers believe that 'if it?s on the market, it can't hurt me,' and this belief is sometimes wrong.

Knowing how to read and interpret the ingredient label on cosmetics, toiletries and personal care products is a powerful shield. But the manufacturers are fighting back. They?re designing packaging with seductive designs to make it look like their products are healthy and made from natural ingredients. Don?t be fooled by the fancy packaging and persuasive words like natural, gentle and hypoallergenic. When you read the label, you?ll probably find that is not the case.

As you might suspect, there are more ingredients that can harm you. But if you start avoiding products with the above ingredients, you may find that you and your family feel better and more energetic, allergic reactions may disappear, and your risk for cancer will, most definitely, be decreased.

Christine H. Farlow, D.C. is the author of Dying To Look Good, which classifies over 1300 commonly used ingredients according to safety and lists over 750 safe products, with resources where to buy. For more info, visit DyingToLookGood.com

Why Switch to All Natural Cosmetics?

2009-02-03T20:38:00.001+07:00

Ingredients to Avoid Forms Found in Cosmetics and Possible Negative Side Effects

Aluminum
- Thought to contribute to Alzheimer's Disease.

- Found in almost all antiperspirants.

- Works by blocking pores so sweat cannot be released by the skin.

Artificial colours
- FD&C, derived from coal tar.

- For example, Azo dyes are a risk to asthmatics, eczema sufferers and people sensitive to aspirin.

- Causes hyperactivity in children, severe headaches, blurred vision and itchy/watery eyes and nose (Antczak, 2001).

Benzoates
- Benzoates Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate.

- Used as a preservative in cosmetics and fizzy drinks.Causes gastric irritation, numbing of the mouth and aggravates asthma (Antczak, 2001).

Certain essential oils
- Rosemary is harmful to epileptics.Sage is not recommended for pregnant women.

DEA, MEA, TEA
- Causes allergic reactions, irritating to eyes and dries out hair and skin (Fairley, 2001).

Dibutyl phthalate
- Found in all persons tested by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA) in a 2000 Fall study.

- Highest levels were found in women of reproductive age.

- Causes birth defects in animals, and damaging to the male reproductive system (ABC News, Internet Ventures 2000).

- Used in cosmetics to assist the absorption of other ingredients.

Formaldehydes
- A preservative.

- Causes skin reactions.

- Imidazolidinyl urea is the second most identified preservative causing contact dermatitis ( American Academy of Dermatology: Fairley, 2001).

- DMDM hydantoin

- Quaternium 15

- Diazolidinylurea

- 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1

- 3-diol

Fragrances
- Can contain up to 200 undeclared substances (Fairley, 2001).

- Major cause, in addition to artificial colours, of skin irritations and allergies (Antczak, 2001).

- May cause dizziniess, skin irritation and hyperpigmentation (Fairley, 2001).

Genetically Modified Organisms
- Soy, Corn

- Effects still undetermined.

Isopropyl Alcohol
- Drying agent, from petroleum.

Keratolytic chemicals
- Such as hydroxyl acids, retinoic acid.

- Corrosive, used in skin peels.

- Dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis (outermost layer), making skin more sensitive to sun damage.

- Accelerates production of dead skin cells; the skin thickens to repair its surface so that vulnerable skin cells underneath are protected from the effects of skin peeling.(Antczak, 2001).

Methylisothiazolinone
- Causes allergic reactions and irritations (Fairley, 2001).

Parabens
- Petroleum product.

Parraffin
- Derived from petroleum.

- In the form of wax, mineral oil or petrolatum.

- Comedogenic, i.e.blocks pores.

Propylene Glycol
- When derived from petroleum.

- Increases the amount of acid in the body, resulting in metabolic problems.

- Large amounts are needed to produce this effect (Agency forToxic Substances and Disease Registry or ATSDR, 2003).

Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate
- Forms carcinogenic nitrogen compounds when combined with specific ingredients.

- Irritating to eyes, skin and lungs (Antczak, 2001).

- Harmful if swallowed and may cause damage to eyes (Antczak, 2001).

Tallow
- Animal fat.

- Not suitable for vegans, and may be a skin irritant.

Toluene
- Found in many nail products and nail polish removers.

- Produced during the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil or coal.

- Evaporates into the air when products containing toluene are opened.

- May affect the nervous system, and/or cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea, or loss of appetite.

- Symptoms disappear when exposure is eliminated (ATSDR, 2003).

We invite you to give our natural products a try. They are completely natural, vegan and an excellent alternative to conventional cosmetics and make-up.

To view our products, please visit our website at http://www.organicmakeup.ca.

References:

- Antczak, Dr. Stephen and Gina, (2001). Cosmetics Unmasked, Harper Collins, London.

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

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

- www.abcnews.com, ABC News Internet Ventures, 2000.

- www.atsdr.cdc.gov, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, April 2003.

- http://www.naturalcosmetics.ca

Using Acne Cleansers To Control Your Acne

2009-02-03T13:14:00.001+07:00

Before getting into acne control, let us know how it is formed. Oil called sebum is secreted normally from hair follicles which travel up to the pores where it lubricates and protects the skin. Sometimes, there are overworked oil glands which enlarge and produce too much sebum which can get trapped in the hair follicle. Thus the pores will get clogged which are either called blackheads or whiteheads, allow bacteria overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes. In the surrounding skin, acne will be formed by inflaming the hair follicle by this bacterium.

Acne control

Including a variety of seeds, nuts, vegetables and fresh fruit in your diet can be a good control for acne. Drink plenty of water every day since dehydrated skin sheds dead cells which can lead to clogged pores and effective acne control. Most skin care products contain chemical ingredients that can aggravate acne. If you use make-up, try products that are non-comedogenic. Keeping stress levels low can also reduce the release of stress hormones and reduce the intensity of acne. Dairy products and red meat in your diet can cause acne. Heavily tanned skin can lead to blocked pores. Some of the acne control guidelines recommended by The American Academy of Dermatology are as follows.

?Do not squeeze, pop or pick at the acne lesion. This can spread the inflammatory process and worsen the acne.

?Wash your face twice a day gently with mild soap or sulfur soap. Just pat your face dry and do not rub it with a towel.

?Avoid oil based products.

?Avoid acne irritants such as airborne grease from fast food restaurants, rubbing or friction from sporting equipment etc.

?Give anti-acne products time to clear up the lesions. This can mean several weeks or even months.

?Some acne products increase the skin's photosensitivity. When in the sun wear a hat and use sunscreen and avoid tanning booths while using these products.

Acne Cleanser

Acne Cleansers have an important part in skin care. A good acne cleanser will remove make-up, oil build up, dirt and other debris from the skin's surface, preparing it for acne fighting treatments.

Before the acne treatment, the skin has to be washed properly. Avoid using bath soap on your skin for cleansing. There are many kinds of skin cleansers in the market and you can choose the mildest cleanser for your skin. They are all natural and medicated cleansers and are great in controlling acnes. Some of the natural daily cleansers are as shown.

1.PhytoMe Gentle Cleansing Gel

Ingredients include herbal extracts that remove debris, impurities and excess sebum from the skin's surface to leave a clean refreshed feeling to your face. It can be used 2-3 times daily as a facial cleanser or make-up remover.

2.Clarins One-Step Facial Cleanser

It includes all natural, facial cleanser/toner/make-up removers. This acne cleanser uses the properties of orange extracts to remove impurities and dirt from the surface of the skin. This product does not clog pores and it keeps the skin clean and nourished and is great even for oily skins.

3.FACE Stockholm Foaming Facial Cleanser

The self foaming formula of this cleanser clears all make-up and impurities without harming the skin. The skin is cleaned and refreshed and can be used both in the morning and night.

4.St. Ives Facial Foaming Cleanser

It is 100% soap-free and includes acne-fighting tea tree oil combined with gentle glycerin and chamomile extract to balance the moisture, creating a cleanser that prevents breakouts without drying the skin. This cleanser is excellent for removing facial make-up, oil and dirt.

5.Fira Foaming Tea Tree Facial Cleanser

The clarity, tone, and texture of your skin can be greatly improved by using this instant, self-foaming acne cleanser. The tea tree oil has the natural properties for controlling skin problems and fighting acne causing bacteria. Due to the deep penetrating action of the foam, the skin is cleaned, leaving it fresh, and refreshed.

Jamie is the author of other Acne Tips located at Health Tips and Acne Articles Please stop by and sign up for our free health tip news letter.

Makeup Tips For Brown Eyes

2009-02-03T02:52:00.001+07:00

Choosing An Eyeshadow

The most popular question I get is what eyeshadow can I wear with my eye color? Listen up, and I'll tell you.

Black is out, so don?t use it as an eyeshadow.

Keep trying until you find a color you like. You'll know when it's right- trust your instincts.

Colors To Avoid

Silvers are not a good color for brown eyes. They tend to cause a ?washed out? look. Leave silver for blue eyes.

Eyeliner Colors

If you?re trying to open small eyes, line with silver or white, especially the first third from the inside corner of your eyelid. Then finish with a dark brown.

Navy, forest green, violet and copper are also great eyeliner choices. Play around with the different colors and pick the ones you like best.

Lynn Starner is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics at http://www.beautyblisscosmetics.com as well as http://www.ultimate-skin-care-tips.com.