Sunless Tanning Information & Methods

Sunless Tanning Information & Methods
Tanning products, both sunless and sun, go to work on the epidermis, or the outside layer of your skin, and not the dermis or inner layer. However, the layer of epidermis that is affected by sunless versus the layer affected by sun tanning products differs.
Sun tanning lotions, sprays, gels or foams, go to work on the stratum basale or deepest layer and sunless tanning items go to work on the stratum corneum or outermost layer.
WHEN TO APPLY:
Since most self tanning lotions have no sunscreen for protection outdoors, the best time to use self tanners is at night before going to bed.
If done earlier, allow a minimum of two hours and test for staining before putting back on your regular clothes. If your lotion contains extra coloring formula or if you're using a spray, staining could be a major issue and you won't to go to bed and stain bedding; so use these types of products earlier in the evening or when you have more time to "dry" after applying (at least a few hours).
WHAT TO DO:
Gather your necessary items together. Choose what you want to wear if you want tanning lines, whether it's a swimsuit, undergarments, etc. Use caution in your choices because the product may stain or run so choose old clothing, especially without nylon (permanently stains this fabric), and not loose clothing (to inhibit runny lotions). You will also need to be able to shower or wash beforehand.
Get a cotton washcloth or whatever you use to exfoliate your skin (sponge and other product, etc.), soap, any moisturizer you may want to use, your self tanning product, disposable clear gloves, a nail brush, a ball cap, hair pins or accessories to keep hair from your face, a sponge roller brush or paintbrush if you will apply product to your back, and access to a clock.
APPLYING:
If you are not going to use disposable gloves, you will need to wash your hands and scrub your nails often while applying the tanning product so that they don't stain orange.
WHERE TO APPLY:
Begin with a shower or washing to remove dead, flaky and dry skin. Wash with your washcloth or exfoliation sponge, gently going in a circular motion. Special areas of focus are your knees and lower legs, your ankles and feet, and your elbows. When finished, dry yourself, including your hair, thoroughly, and get hair up off neck. Let steam out of the room, if you'll be continuing in there. (Remember: moisture like steam & sweat can cause the self tanning product to run / wear off.)
MOISTURIZER STAGE:
Gently rub moisturizer into the special areas of focus mentioned above (knees, ankles, etc) to prepare for the self tanning solution. Some apply this to the face and neck areas, too.
SELFTANNER STAGE:
It's time to apply your tanning product.Beginners should practice on small areas first.
FIVE MINUTE LEGS: Begin by applying the tanning product to your legs. Work with one leg at a time, applying in a circular motion from top to bottom. For feet and ankles, go ahead and apply a little thinner coating. Most prefer to cover the torso first, using the roller brush or paintbrush on the back, then continue with the arms.
FIVE MINUTE UPPER BODY: Continue applying product upwards in circular motion. Most prefer to cover the torso first, using the roller brush or paintbrush on the back, then continue with the arms. If it's taking awhile to cover all areas and you're not using gloves, remember to check the clock and wash hands and nails thoroughly before continuing. (Treat elbows as you did knees).
FIVE MINUTE NECK-UP: Time to finish up with the neck, face, ears, nose, cheeks. Go lightly is the motto for these areas.
DRYING STAGE:
Now it's time for drying. Depending upon the tanning product and your genetics, you will want to wash and exfoliate the dry, flaky, dead skin cells and reapply product every few days or so.

Does Your Skin Tell Your Secrets?

Does Your Skin Tell Your Secrets?
Age - It is going to affect each and everyone of us, you cannot stop the aging process but you can influence the impact it has on your skin, Whether you are young or more mature, it is never to late to start a skin care program that will improve the skins hydration and overall appearance Regardless of your age, keeping your complexion healthy and glowing is one of the smartest things you can do.
The first step to a glowing complexion is cleansing your skin daily. Cleanses with ground oatmeal, sunflower seeds, aloe vera or organic sugar can help you with this step. Follow this step with a good toner for your skin type.
Cleansing scrubs, should also be used as an important part of your weekly regime. Scrubs will exfoliate your skin, remove dead skin cells, and improve the texture of your skin.
You should follow cleansing and toning with a good moisturizer designed for your skin type.
Microderm Abrasion is used to eliminate the top layer of the epidermus, bringing newer skin to the surface. It removes the old layer of skin by polishing or acting as an abrasive, to improve imperfections and fine lines this is a wonderful addition to your skin care regime and should be done weekly.
The skin you have tomorrow will be determined by the way you treat your skin today.
Please enjoy the Free recipe.
Herbal Bath TeaIngredients:1/2 cup grated ginger root,2tbs dried chamomile flowers,2tbs dried lavender,fresh or dried rosemary sprigs,fresh or dried any mints,
Combine all ingredients ia a bowl then place in the end of and old panty hose cut up,be sure to tie open end. Place into hot Bath. And Enjoy
Visit us at www.fruityfacials.com
Welcome to Fruity Facials and Body. We can customize a skin care plan designed to address idtentified problems. We can work with you to develop a skin care solution that is appropriate for your skin type and affordable.

Selling Skin Care, Consumer Report 75% of All Drugs and Cosmetics are Derived from Nature

Selling Skin Care, Consumer Report 75% of All Drugs and Cosmetics are Derived from Nature
Cosmetic companies like Erno Laszlo, Estee Lauder and Lancome, train their sales associates to sell unsuspecting women hundreds of dollars of unnecessary skin care products.
SELLING SKIN CARE, TELLING LIES - 75% of all drugs and cosmetics are derived from nature.
One of the lies, which builds the sale, is that the eye area is too frail and delicate for your facial moisturizer. "Only an eye cream will work on the eye area", another lie. "You must use our cleanser" in order to receive the full benefits of our moisturizer. "You won't receive the full anti aging benefits if you don't use the whole system". All Lies.
Try cleaning your skin with baby shampoo, milk and sugar, equal parts. Want to look younger, add cornmeal to the cleanser. Acne a problem, add aspirin. Splash to rinse 10 times with very warm water. Need a toner, use Green Tea or Orange or Aloe Vera Juice. Moisturize with a vitamin e capsule or soy bean oil (vitamin e). For melasma or brown spots, an over the counter fade cream (under $10.00) twice a day after cleansing takes the place of an in office procedure.
Erno Laszlo won't even sell individual items, they insist you use everything from Erno Laszlo, alcohol, mineral oil and petroleum based.
The news media won't tell you that cosmetic companies like Erno Laszlo use, pore clogging petroleum and mineral oil and charge the consumer up to $100 a jar for sugar, castor oil and fragrance. Can you imagine being a writer for a magazine trying to tell the truth about their advertisers skin care products?
There is no market for the truth. Cosmetic companies use sugar or glycol acid in anti aging products because sugar penetrates the skin and the skin cell. This means, yes you can take a bath in sugar and you will look younger. Your skin will become more supple looking because the sugar plumps up the skin cells in your skin.
If a cosmetic company creates a chemical that penetrates the skin and the skin cell, it would be considered a drug, not a cosmetic and require a doctors prescription. Nature provides aspirin (salicylic acid), derived from a plant, the active ingredient in acne treatment skin care products, from Proactive and Erno Laszlo.
The grape seed extract in eye care products from Erno Laszlo and Estee Lauder, is Thompson Seedless Green Grapes and green tea is green tea. How can women spend so much money buying such inferior skin care,,just bad copies of natural ingredients (food).
Fruit acid in cosmetics are made from: apples, oranges, grapefruit, berries, all very good for your skin. Cosmetic companies make chemicals that mimic the action of fruit on your face. Honey contains a natural peroxide and is a great skin care treatment for dry skin.
Where can a woman go for a true education on her skin, not the department store cosmetic counter, they have lies for the consumer.
The media does not protect the consumer against cosmetic companies because they are afraid of offending their advertisers or even their shareholders. What about a book you say that exposes that fact that exfoliation with cornmeal will make your skin look younger and aspirin can replace a product sold only with a prescription. Same problem, who would publish the book, a publisher owned by corporation who owns a skin care company. Where would such a book be advertised?
Can you literally rub lines and wrinkes away with a wash cloth and water, yes. This is a very inexpensive treatment for getting rid of "crows feet".
Aloe Vera smells really bad, but boy does it penetrate the skin without an rx. Natural ingredients like milk, sugar and aloe are synthesized preserved with chemicals and mixed into mineral oil and water for $65.00 from Erno Laszlo.
The same corporation that owns the skin care company, owns the newspaper, magazine, book publisher and television station. Did you know that garlic kills lung cancer cells in a test tube?
"SECRETS SKIN CARE COMPANIES & DERMATOLOGIST DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW"
Nanci Holloway-Prince, has more than 30 years experience at the high end retail cosmetic industry. Former Business Manager for Christian Dior, Make Up Artist for Erno Laszlo, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth, Prescriptives, Revlon and Max Factor.

Spray Tan Basics

Spray Tan Basics
With more and more of us understanding the serious consequences of suntanning, we are looking for alternatives. Remember the first self tanners that hit the shelves many years ago - wella you became instant carrot orange. Well we've come along way babe! The hottest thing to hit the beauty seen is "spray tanning."
Spray tan in a can is the latest in sunless tanning technology. Forget lotions or pump sprays that leave uneven tones. Although lotions have come along way from the carrot orange days, some can still leave you with orange under tones. Aerosol tanning sprays can leave you with a perfect looking, no hassle, even tan.
Spray tan in a can is the safest, easiest way to get a perfect sunless tan at home! No more harmful UV rays or trips to the tanning bed.
You will want to find a reputable shop. Ask around, word of mouth is always a good way to find out what salon does the best spray tanning. Once you've chosen a salon book your appointment.
If your planning to have a spray tan for a special event, say like your wedding, then I would suggest a trial run about a month prior. If you like the results you can book again, if you don't then I suggest trying another salon.
On the day of your appointment shower and exfoliate. Use a loofah and shower gel and body scrub to remove all your dry/dead skin. This will ensure an even application.
At the salon they will give you instructions, often these instructions are in the form of the video. The whole procedure and what you need to do will be explained to you.
Some important things to remember:
hold your breath when the spray is going off (for about 14 seconds and its very challenging)
follow the instructions "exactly" as to where to apply the lotion to block the spray on your feet and hands. You need to block the spray from your hands and feet because these areas have excess wrinkles and creases, so if they are sprayed you will get a tell-tale white veiny looking areas in the creases.
when the spray stops you need to turn around
when you leave the spray booth you will be given towels to wipe down and remove any excess spray. Make sure you wipe not blot.
The color from your spray tan will last anywhere from 7-10 days. The treatments are still a bit on the pricey side at around $40.00 a treatment, so this isn't something you get done on a regular basis, more like a treat or for a special occasion. Some companies sell packages that give you a reduced rate.
It is important to apply plenty of moisturizer on a regular basis to the extent the life of your Spray on Sun Tan. If you have very dry skin use a deep moisturizer. Blend any moisturizer into the skin and do not wipe it off as this will remove some of your spray tan.
Baths, spas and swimming in chlorinated pools will reduce the life of your tan.
Tips for spray tanning...
All the spray tanning in the world will do you no good if it attaches itself to dead skin that is about to come off your body so be sure to Exfoliate! Use a loofah sponge in the bath the night before you spray tan session to remove these dead skin cells.
Choose your clothes carefully. Pick clothes that cover all the parts of your body you won't be tanning. Select tight fitting clothes so that the tan spray cannot go under your sleeves. Choose dark colored clothes, since spray tanners will stain clothing.
Follow the instructions! Provided by the Salon. Self-tanning booths typically have a handout, so read up, and make sure you know what to do!
For 30-60 seconds after a self-tanning booth application you need to Stand still. This will ensure that your tan dries evenly. Although it does take longer than 30 seconds for your spray tan to dry completely, the first minute or more is when you run a real risk of rubbing off the self-tanner before it has a chance to work.
After your spray tan application you will need to Blot your skin with a towel to catch any drips.
Because your feet normally get less sun than the rest of you, your feet are paler and may get dark faster, so it is important to Protect your feet. If you are spraying yourself, go lightly on the feet. If you are using a salon use the paper booties that are provided to protect your feet. You can later apply a self tanner to your feet to give them the appropriate amount of color.
If you've got a special event coming up, perhaps a wedding, prom, or a re-union, spray tanning might be something you'll want to try. When done correctly it results in a very natural looking tan adding summer color to your pale winter skin.

Spray Tan Basics

Spray Tan Basics
With more and more of us understanding the serious consequences of suntanning, we are looking for alternatives. Remember the first self tanners that hit the shelves many years ago - wella you became instant carrot orange. Well we've come along way babe! The hottest thing to hit the beauty seen is "spray tanning."
Spray tan in a can is the latest in sunless tanning technology. Forget lotions or pump sprays that leave uneven tones. Although lotions have come along way from the carrot orange days, some can still leave you with orange under tones. Aerosol tanning sprays can leave you with a perfect looking, no hassle, even tan.
Spray tan in a can is the safest, easiest way to get a perfect sunless tan at home! No more harmful UV rays or trips to the tanning bed.
You will want to find a reputable shop. Ask around, word of mouth is always a good way to find out what salon does the best spray tanning. Once you've chosen a salon book your appointment.
If your planning to have a spray tan for a special event, say like your wedding, then I would suggest a trial run about a month prior. If you like the results you can book again, if you don't then I suggest trying another salon.
On the day of your appointment shower and exfoliate. Use a loofah and shower gel and body scrub to remove all your dry/dead skin. This will ensure an even application.
At the salon they will give you instructions, often these instructions are in the form of the video. The whole procedure and what you need to do will be explained to you.
Some important things to remember:
hold your breath when the spray is going off (for about 14 seconds and its very challenging)
follow the instructions "exactly" as to where to apply the lotion to block the spray on your feet and hands. You need to block the spray from your hands and feet because these areas have excess wrinkles and creases, so if they are sprayed you will get a tell-tale white veiny looking areas in the creases.
when the spray stops you need to turn around
when you leave the spray booth you will be given towels to wipe down and remove any excess spray. Make sure you wipe not blot.
The color from your spray tan will last anywhere from 7-10 days. The treatments are still a bit on the pricey side at around $40.00 a treatment, so this isn't something you get done on a regular basis, more like a treat or for a special occasion. Some companies sell packages that give you a reduced rate.
It is important to apply plenty of moisturizer on a regular basis to the extent the life of your Spray on Sun Tan. If you have very dry skin use a deep moisturizer. Blend any moisturizer into the skin and do not wipe it off as this will remove some of your spray tan.
Baths, spas and swimming in chlorinated pools will reduce the life of your tan.
Tips for spray tanning...
All the spray tanning in the world will do you no good if it attaches itself to dead skin that is about to come off your body so be sure to Exfoliate! Use a loofah sponge in the bath the night before you spray tan session to remove these dead skin cells.
Choose your clothes carefully. Pick clothes that cover all the parts of your body you won't be tanning. Select tight fitting clothes so that the tan spray cannot go under your sleeves. Choose dark colored clothes, since spray tanners will stain clothing.
Follow the instructions! Provided by the Salon. Self-tanning booths typically have a handout, so read up, and make sure you know what to do!
For 30-60 seconds after a self-tanning booth application you need to Stand still. This will ensure that your tan dries evenly. Although it does take longer than 30 seconds for your spray tan to dry completely, the first minute or more is when you run a real risk of rubbing off the self-tanner before it has a chance to work.
After your spray tan application you will need to Blot your skin with a towel to catch any drips.
Because your feet normally get less sun than the rest of you, your feet are paler and may get dark faster, so it is important to Protect your feet. If you are spraying yourself, go lightly on the feet. If you are using a salon use the paper booties that are provided to protect your feet. You can later apply a self tanner to your feet to give them the appropriate amount of color.
If you've got a special event coming up, perhaps a wedding, prom, or a re-union, spray tanning might be something you'll want to try. When done correctly it results in a very natural looking tan adding summer color to your pale winter skin.

The Day Spa Retreat - Take a Break

The Day Spa Retreat - Take a Break
As the daily grind and extra work schedule takes its toll on your general health and well-being, do you ever long for time and space to recharge your batteries? The day spa experience offers the perfect option when you can't getaway for longer than a few hours. Enjoy a break from the everyday routine and stress. Disappear for just a short time and make yourself feel like you've been away for a week.
Each day spa offers its own menu of services and typically includes various types of therapeutic massage, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures as well as luxurious body wraps. Aromatherapy is often added to the spa treatment to provide another element to the overall experience. There are different procedures in each spa, but in general you will be given slippers, towels and a fluffy robe.
Therapeutic spa therapies used by ancient civilisations have been re-born in various forms to suit the modern-day spa-goer. Why not try one of these wonderful spa treatments that originate from around the world.
1. Enjoy a body wrap in seaweed, clay, mud or plant extracts for the ultimate relaxing and detox experience. Relax tired muscles, enhance blood circulation and nourish the whole body.
2. A Swedish or Thai massage will soothe, relax and invigorate the body. The experience is enhanced with therapeutic essential oils.
3. A European Facial will hydrate, soothe and purify the skin. Therapeutic products include calming and anti-aging ingredients.
4. A treat for your feet! The treatment begins with a soak in a soothing footbath. Gentle removal of dry skin is followed by a foot and leg massage. Leave toes natural or apply the latest color.
5. A Full Body Scrub with sea salt followed by a Vichy Shower or Hydrotherapy treatment with aromatic oils completes the treatment.
6. Feel the stress melt away with a Hot Stone Treatment! Allow the warm aromatic stones that are gently placed on your body to relieve the stress of the day.
So take that well deserved day off. Find your perfect spa spot and put the spring back in your step. The ultimate day spa experience awaits.

Skin Care - Learn the Basics

Skin Care - Learn the Basics
Skin types are unique and react in different ways to weather, environment, and creams and/or lotions. In order to keep skin healthy and youthful in appearance it is essential to know your skin type and how to care for it.
Most skin care specialists will advise to apply moisturizers all over the body to nourish the skin. Top of the list in skin care is sun protection to prevent damage to the delicate skin structure. A few other simple steps will help you care for your particular skin type.
Normal Skin: Use a rich cream or lotion to moisturise the skin. Be sure to apply the moisturizer to the neck and décolleté. Don't forget to moisturize the elbows and knees. It's best to apply moisturizers after bathing while the skin is still moist for better absorption.
Oily Skin: There are already plenty of natural oils in this skin type, so use a light moisturizer. A body mist spray is also good for oily skin, as it will sit gently on the skin, without stimulating the glands that product body oils. To avoid breakouts it is important to keep pores from becoming clogged.
Combination Skin: This type of skin usually refers to just the face. The neck however, should not be forgotten. The neck area tends to dry if you have this type of skin. A light moisturizer that contains sunscreen should be used in order to combat dryness. At night a richer cream will nourish the skin as you sleep, keeping it smooth, supple and youthful.
Dry Skin: A deep penetrating cream will nourish this type of skin. Try an oil-based lotion as an alternative; it will leave the skin silky and smooth. Dry skin is often aggravated by air conditioning, wind and sun. Always use extra moisturizers to keep hydrated when exposed to these elements.
Sensitive Skin: This type of skin often needs special attention. Formulated and medicated creams can be obtained to address specific individual needs. A visit to a professional will help evaluate this type of skin and assist in designing a skin care regime that addresses each particular case.
·Keep your skin protected from the sun at all times.·Drink plenty of water.·Get lots of sleep.·Do not rub the skin - always pat skin dry with a soft towel.·Consult your aesthetician or dermatologist they can advise you on solutions to most problem skin conditions.

Choosing The Right Cosmetic Colors For YOU!

Choosing The Right Cosmetic Colors For YOU!
The first thing you need to do before picking out colors is to decide if you have a Warm, Neutral or Cool skin tone. One way to do this is to take a good look at yourself in a mirror in natural sunlight. Decide if your skin color has more Blue or Yellow to it, or if they are pretty well even.
More Blue = CoolMore Yellow = WarmEqual = Neutral
Another way to find out what skin tone you have is to compare your skin to the colors Silver and Gold. Generally if your skin looks good with Gold, you have a warm skin tone, Silver means cool, and if it looks good with both, then you have Neutral.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell on yourself, so you may want to ask a friend to help you decide.
Once you have decided your skin tone, it is time to choose a Concealer, Foundation and Powder. Depending on where you buy your cosmetics from, you may have a hard time figuring out which one looks best on your skin tone. Avon products are labeled with a W, C or N to decipher which skin tone they are best for. After this, the best way to choose a Concealer, foundation and powder is to try it out! Generally for concealer, you should pick one that is a shade lighter than your natural skin tone, so that when you use it to cover dark areas and imperfections it will blend and look natural. If you have a lot of red spots (acne, scars, etc.) then you should also look into getting a Green spot neutralizer, you use this under concealer to neutralize the red spot and make it look natural. After you have chosen the right concealer for yourself, you should choose a liquid foundation that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. If you have freckles it is recommended to match the color with your lightest freckles to help even out your skin color. Your powder should match your liquid foundation as closely as possible and be used last out of the 3.
After this you should choose an eye shadow. Again, depending on where you purchase your cosmetics you may have trouble finding shades that look good on you as they arent always labeled for skin tones. From my experience I have found that for Cool skin tones, Pinks, Berries and Blue/greys seem to look best, for Warm skin tones Earth tones tend to look best (greens & browns and some reds ESPECIALLY for redheads), and for Neutral Skin tones, I try to combine the 2.
After you have chosen and applied the appropriate eyeshadow, you should apply an eyeliner and Mascara. For people with light colored hair, brown or brown/black is an excellent choice of eyeliner and mascara. For people with Darker hair, Black is best, Although black looks very dramatic on anyone, it is a great choice for evening time.
After eyeliner and mascara it is time to choose and apply a lipstick. Generally you should match your lipstick to your eyeshadow, keep it in the same general color family, so if you are wearing pink eyeshadow, try a similar color lipstick, maybe a shade darker or lighter. Grey eyeshadow looks great with different shades of red lipstick! As a rule of thumb, if your eyeshadow is shimmery, you should avoid shimmery lipsticks, and vice-versa. I recommend to all of my clients to DAB lipstick on, not to swipe it across their lips. By dabbing you have more control over the intensity of the color and you can make a more natural or bold look.
As with everything, this is just a guideline, play around with your makeup, take whatever seems helpful and leave the rest, this is just meant to give some suggestions, the best way to find out what looks best on you, is to try different things out! Good luck!

Fashion Wigs - Change Your Image in Seconds!

Fashion Wigs - Change Your Image in Seconds!
Do you want to be a blonde one day and a redhead the next? One way to do this is to dye your own hair and restyle it, but you can achieve the same effect with much less effort - just buy a wig. To select a wig that would be indistinguishable from real human hair and become your favorite fashion accessory, though, you need to know a few insider tips.
First of all, if you're worried that a wig will not look natural on your head, never fear! A properly made wig - even the quality synthetic varieties - can look totally realistic.
Which is best - synthetic or human hair wigs?
Wigs can be synthetic or made from real human hair. Synthetic wigs are cheaper, but the very cheap ones you can find online don't look real enough. On the other hand, high quality synthetic wigs like Revlon, Raquel Welch or Paula Young wigs look very real. Also, synthetic wigs are easier to care for, as you don't need to restyle them every time you wash them.
Real human hair is in limited supply, so human hair wigs are much more expensive; typically they several hundred dollars. Human hair wigs look and feel very natural. However, it is important to know that the quality of your wig depends on the origin of the hair used. The cheapest hair comes from Asian countries, but their texture is different from the hair of European women. The best human hair wigs are made from European hair but, unfortunately, they cost a small fortune.
What wigs styles are available?
You can get ¾ wigs as well as full wigs. A full wig covers your entire head, so none of your own hair is visible. This type of wig is great when you want to try a color different from your own.
A ¾ wig is clipped to the top of your head. Because your original hairline is visible, the wig looks very natural. Also, your head doesn't get "toasted" under a wig cap. On the downside, though, three quarter wigs have to match your hair color very closely, otherwise it won't look convincing. It is best not to buy this type of wig online because the colors on the color charts are usually not very accurate.
A very interesting style of wig is the headband wig. A headband wig is a full wig with a headband attached to its front. It is especially useful if you are always in a hurry, because the headband ensures that none of your own hair is visible. This style is recommended if your natural hair is a dramatically different color from the wig.
Wigs come in all shapes and styles - from very short to 30 inches long, in straight, curly, wavy, braided, layered, spiky or 'the wet look'. It is important that you look at many styles before you decide which one your heart desires.
It is a good idea to have your wigs customized, too. If you can find a hair salon that can trim your wig to make it fit your face shape, go for it. Customizing a wig isn't cheap, of course, but it will make your new wig look more realistic and suitable for your face.
If you feel like a change, get yourself a wig. It is amazing, how much having a different hairstyle can transform a person. And for a woman it is always important to vary her image and look fresh.

Hair Extensions - the Truth About Instant Long Hair

Hair Extensions - the Truth About Instant Long Hair
Hair extensions - a few hours in the salon and you have long hair that looks like a dream. But is there a downside? Professionally made hair extensions can completely transform your appearance without affecting the health of your hair, but if they are done wrongly extensions can seriously damage your hair. You should know what to expect before going to the salon.
Would hair extensions cost a fortune?
Yes, extensions done by a professional hair extension artist and made from high quality hair would cost you several hundred dollars. The price really depends on the quality of the hair used - Asian hair is cheaper, while European hair costs 2-3 times more. If you want good looking hair - especially blond hair - you will have to pay for European material.
Online you might find hair extension 'starter kits' with complete instructions, which aren't difficult to apply. So if you feel adventurous, you can buy a do-it-yourself kit and save significantly. If done correctly, this type of hair extension looks as good as any salon made one. If you decide to follow this route, though, make sure that you order high quality hair.
What types of hair extension are available?
The two major types of hair extension are individual strands and wefts.
Individual strands, as the name implies, are attached one piece at a time to your own hair, usually using glue, or with waxes and polymers. The problem here is that most of the attachment methods require coating your natural hair with rather unfriendly chemicals. Attaching these extensions isn't a problem, but removing this type of extension can seriously damage your hair.
Wefts, on the other hand, are braided into your hair, so no chemicals are needed. A weft looks like a curtain of hair held together at the top and hanging freely toward the bottom. It is braided into your hair around the midline of your head - about ear level. It is safer for your hair but, on the downside, as you own hair grows wefts have to be rebraided - about once every two months.
What materials are used for hair extensions?
First, hair for extensions can be either synthetic or real human hair. Synthetic extensions are cheaper, of course, but you get what you pay for - they look like artificial strands attached to your hair. They're not very pleasant to the touch, either.
Human hair used for extensions gives better results. Human extension hair differs by origin. The most common are hair from India and Asian countries. They are great, if you are an Asian woman yourself. Unfortunately this type of hair has a noticeably different texture from a Caucasian's natural hair, so on Caucasian women they just don't look right.
European hair is of better quality, usually originating from Spain and Italy, is of better quality but costs more. The only problem is that its natural color is usually coal black. To make a blond extensions out of them, Italian or Spanish hair needs to be heavily bleached.
There are also so-called 'raw' or 'virgin' hair. This is European hair coming from Central and Eastern European countries, like Russia and Poland. The advantage of this hair that it is naturally light and of a very high quality. However, this type of hair is difficult to find and costs an arm and a leg.

Color Contact Lenses - an Easy Way to Change Your Look!

Color Contact Lenses - an Easy Way to Change Your Look!
Want to change something about your appearance? How about your eye color? You would be amazed how eye color affects your image. Find out what color contacts can do for your appearance and see how to get the best out of them
Color contact lenses options
Enhancement contact lenses are designed to enhance the color of light eyes. They don't change your color, but give your eyes a light blue, aqua or green tint. Enhancement color lenses make your eye color brighter and more defined.
The most popular enhancement color contacts are Acuvue 2 Colors Enhancers by Johnson & Johnson and Freshlook Dimensions by Ciba Vision. Freshlook Radiance is also a very interesting design; these lenses create an illuminating effect. Enhancement color contacts only work on light eyes; on dark eyes they will not have any effect at all.
Opaque color contacts completely change the color of your eyes. They work equally well for light and dark eyes. Even if you have a very dark brown eyes, opaque color contacts like Freshlook Colorblends can transform your color into sapphire blue or jade green.
The color of an opaque color lens isn't solid - it has an imprinted pattern that simulates the natural pattern of a human eye. High quality opaque color contacts like Acuvue 2 Color opaque or Freshlook Colorblends look very realistic. People would be amazed by what beautiful blue, green or amethyst eyes you have.
Costume color contacts are always Halloween favorites. While the contacts mentioned above are designed to give your eyes a different but realistic looking color, costume lenses can give you cat's eyes or werewolf eyes, while complete whiteouts are perfect for the effect of blind eyes. And who said that you can only wear costume color contacts for a costume party? It can be a real fun to wear them when going to the club, or just at school or work with otherwise ordinary clothes. With a pair of cat's eyes, you are guaranteed to be noticed.
Most costume contacts only cover the color area of your eye. However, there are also scleral color contacts that cover the visible portion of your eye. Scleral lenses can produce unbelievable effects. The most popular costume contacts are Crazy Lenses by Cooper Vision and Wild Eyes by Ciba Vision.
All brand-name color and costume contact lenses are available with corrective powers as well as in plano (no correction) This means that if your eyesight isn't perfect and you wear corrective contact lenses anyway, you can get color lenses with corrective powers and kill two birds with one stone.
Color contact lenses wearing advice
You should follow the same rules as for regular contact lenses - wash your hands before putting color lenses in, clean the lenses each time you use them and store them in a contact lens case in a special solution.
Color lenses are like your tooth or hair brash, and should not be shared with other people
You should put your make-up on after the lenses are in. If you use hairspray, do it before you put the lenses in, or shut your eyes very tightly while spraying.
Use only a mild multipurpose solution for cleaning your color contacts; never use peroxide based solutions. And don't rub the lenses - it can damage the color
If you don't wear your lenses often, change the solution they are stored in at least once a week
Don't wear your color contacts for longer than 8 hours at a time
Your eyes and your hair are probably the two things most people notice first. And with color contacts you can have any eye color you want. Try them, and I am sure you will see many men turning their heads when you pass.

Make-up for Color Contact Lenses - Expert Secrets

Make-up for Color Contact Lenses - Expert Secrets
Color contacts are great, whether you wear enhancement color lenses to brighten your natural color or opaques to change it completely. However, you will also need to apply some eye make-up to get the best effect from your lenses. There are a few eye make-up secrets that will make your new eyes really stand out.
The shadow colors you will need to use depend on your skin color and the color of your colored contact lenses.
For women with fair skin
For green color contacts neutral or pale shadow in green or blue-green varieties are best. If you get blue or turquoise contacts use blue shadow, but a shade lighter than the color of your contacts. For amethyst, violet or gray color contacts, lavender shadows work great.
Use gray or brown eyeliner rather than black - it looks more natural on fair skin. And smooth the line under your eye, so it doesn't look too sharp. Also, if your color lenses are blue or turquoise, try blue mascara. It will give your eyes a really deep blue color.
For women with medium skin
With warm, medium-dark skin and green, blue or violet contacts, neutral shadows like taupe, browns or plums look best. For amethyst or turquoise color lenses, use dark lavender or plum eye shadow with a hint of silver across the eyelid.
Dark skin make-up suggestions
Amethyst, sapphire blue and green color lenses are magnificent on women with dark skin. If you apply bronze shadow in the crease, green eyes would look very deep. Mauve or deep brown shadows will do a good job emphasizing your blue or amethyst colored contact lenses. With aqua or turquoise lenses, try amber shadows across the top eyelid.
No matter what color contacts you wear, they will make your eyes bright and noticeable. Your eye make-up shouldn't be too bright though; it shouldn't overpower the new brilliance of your eye color.
Lipstick is also important in emphasizing your eye color. Neutral color lipsticks won't do anything for your eyes. Most varieties of pink and bright, but light, red, on the other hand, would make your eyes stand out.
Eye make-up should be applied after your color contacts are already in place. Otherwise tiny particles of your mascara or eye shadow can get under your lenses and irritate your eyes. You should take your lenses off before you start removing make-up.
Use high quality mascara, so it doesn't brush onto your lenses. Otherwise your eyes will feel very uncomfortable. Water-based mascaras are recommended. Also look carefully at the mascara label; some brands have a "safe for contact lens wearers" mark.

The Best Self Tanning Lotion

The Best Self Tanning Lotion
Jeremy was the kind of guy who always wanted the best of everything. He spent his days searching internet consumer opinion sites to determine who made the best omelet, which was the best high speed internet service, and who created the best looking web sites. He was heavily influenced by the opinions of others and as long as it was considered the best - whatever - he had to have it. Of course he decided at some point that he had to have the best tan and he set out on a bit of a quest to find the best self tanning lotion.
Self tanning is essentially the acquisition of a "fake tan," achieved by using a self tanning or "sunless tanning" lotion. For Jeremy, only the best self tanning lotion would do. Even though the tan wasn't necessarily the best (it was fake, after all), but as long as others thought it was the best tan, that was all that mattered to Jeremy. As I mentioned, the opinions of others meant a great deal to him.
As Jeremy searched for the best self tanning lotion he went through all kinds of trial and error tests. The first one he managed to discover was the old Coppertone QT - Quick Tanning Lotion. He knew that Coppertone was one of the best brands in tanning for a very long time and that QT was the first ever self tanning lotion, introduced in 1960. He decided that if it was the first it must be the best. He was wrong, as anyone who has ever seen the results of QT can attest to. This stuff turned him as orange as an Oompa Loompa. He used some of the best soap and the hottest water he could stand to wash it off. He continued trying different brands and styles of self tanning lotions, convinced he would one day find the best self tanning lotion available anywhere.
Some may think that Jeremy's search was in vain. How would he know when he found the best lotion? Self tanning lotions all do pretty much the same thing and act in more or less the same way (with the exception of the old QT - self tanning technology has advanced quite a bit since then) and "the best" must surely be a matter of opinion in many cases. That was really the point, however, as far as Jeremy was concerned. As long as he could deem it the best himself, it wouldn't matter what anyone else thought. Happily, Jeremy did indeed find the best lotion. Self tanning became something he would do every few days for most of the rest of his life since he'd spent so much time in his search. Which lotion did Jeremy deem the best? I honestly don't know. His search made him a little bitter and cynical. Every time I asked him what the best self tanning lotion was he'd tell me to go find it myself.

Colored Contact Lenses - How to Choose the Color That is Best for You

Colored Contact Lenses - How to Choose the Color That is Best for You
You want colored contact lenses but you aren't sure which color would be best for you? Here are some tips that should help you select your best color.
First of all there are two major types of colored contacts - enhancement color lenses and opaque lenses. Enhancement lenses are suitable for people with light eyes only, and are designed to make your own color brighter or give it a slightly different hue. For example: a person with naturally green eyes can wear blue enhancement color lenses and get most beautiful aqua effect.
Opaque lenses are designed for a more dramatic change. Whether you have light or dark eyes, opaque lenses are not transparent, so they completely replace the natural color of your eyes with the color of the lens. What type and color of colored lenses to select depends on the effect you want to achieve.
You want your eye color to get brighter, but you don't want to startle everybody who knows you with a different color
In this case, if you have light blue eyes, choose blue or aqua enhancement color contacts. You can also try Freshlook Radiance in Eden or Moonlight, which gives your eye an 'illuminated' effect.
If your natural color is gray or blue-gray, try blue from Acuvue 2 Colors or Freshlook Dimensions, to get a beautiful ocean blue color. If you feel more adventurous, go for jade green. Green eyes are quite rare, so you can make a statement with your new color.
If your eyes are brown, none of the enhancement color contacts would work for you. Try brown opaque lenses, which will make your color more defined, or hazel, which would make them lighter. You can also consider Freshlook Radiance Sunrise (lighter) or Autumn (darker), to add shimmer to your eyes.
Do you want to try something dramatically different from your natural color?
In this case opaque color lenses like Freshlook Colorblends, Acuvue 2 Colors opaques or Illusions by Ciba Vision would be your best choice.v
If you have dark eyes and dark hair, try blue or amethyst colors, like True Sapphire or Amethyst from Freshlook Colorblends collection. Amethyst looks extremely daring and sophisticated, because this color is very rare in nature. You can also try green color contacts; they would look especially good if your hair is red. For most people, green eyes are associated with sexiness and creativity.
If your eyes are naturally a cool blue or gray color, try honey color contacts. Honey eyes are associated with intelligence, warmth and trustworthiness. You can reinforce the warm effect by wearing warm colors.
Most people with dark skin naturally have brown eyes, so by selecting blue or green lenses you will attract a lot of attention.
To emphases the change, wear a new outfit, different in style and color from the clothes you usually wear. And to create a completely new image, change your hairstyle as well.
If you still not sure which color is best for you, ask your doctor to prescribe you disposable color lenses. Color contact lenses can be either annual replacement - you wear them for a year - or disposable - they come in boxes of six and you replace them every 2 weeks or every month. Disposable lenses are not very expensive - particularly if you buy them online - so you can try several different colors. The lenses mentioned in this article, Freshlook and Acuvue 2 Colors, are disposable color contact lenses.

Tips on Choosing the Best Skin Care Product for You

Tips on Choosing the Best Skin Care Product for You
Your face is the first thing that people notice when they meet you. So, it is no wonder that skin care is big business! Millions are spent each year to treat acne, under eye circles, wrinkles, discolorations, and a variety of other ailments. If you are in the market for a skin care line, there are a few things that you should consider before settling on a product. First you need to look at the type of ingredients the product contains, and then find out what works best for your particular skin type. So, get ready to put your best face forward!
A good skin care product is only as good as its ingredients. Make sure to read the label before you buy. If you are unable to pronounce anything on the bottle, move on to something else. The best skin care products are made with natural ingredients. Look for a formula with Aloe Vera and vitamin E for a great complexion. You want a skin care line that keeps you looking your best, while feeling great on your skin. Cleansers and creams shouldn't burn or sting. Depending on your skin type, you may find that formulas that contain alcohol can actually aggravate your problem. So do your homework beforehand. If you have a specific problem like acne or sun damage, you will want to find a skin care line that focuses on your problem areas. Benzyl peroxide has been known to work wonders on acne, while alpha-hydroxy helps improve the appearance of wrinkles or sun damage.
If you have dry skin, you will want to find a formula that helps replenish the moisture in your face. Products made with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E are particularly good at this. Look for skin care lines that come in a cream or a lotion form. A good humidifier used at night may also help improve your complexion. Always remember that excess washing can actually dry your face out further, so limit your washings to once or twice a day.
If you are plagued by oily skin, you may find that acne is a major problem for you. Here again excess washing can aggravate the problem, so limit washings to once or twice a day. Follow up your skin care routine with a quality astringent or toner. This will help control the amount of oil on your face, and reduce the number of breakouts.
Combination skin can be a tricky situation. You have patches of dry skin as well as oilier regions. Look for a formula that is specifically designed for your type of skin. Oil absorbing masks applied to the T-zone (your forehead, nose, and chin) once a week will help control oil and breakouts.
No matter what type of skin you have, you should have no trouble finding a skin care line to suite your needs. The key is to understand what different ingredients do. Research anything that you don't understand- and don't be fooled into thinking that a product has to be expensive to work. Some of the best products on the market cost less than $10 dollars a bottle!

Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong Not Just News

Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong Not Just News
As with just about anything in life, there are many things that can go wrong with plastic surgery. But just as we don't hear news reports about the millions of planes that have taken off and landed safely, there is not the same attention devoted to the many success stories of cosmetic surgeries as there is to plastic surgery gone wrong. There are risks involved with this type of surgery, as there are in undergoing operations of any kind, but the usual difference is that while no doctor can force a patient to have surgery of any kind - even if it is a life-saving operation to remove a cancerous tumor - plastic surgery is generally a little more elective than the other.
And perhaps this is why we seem to delight in hearing about plastic surgery gone wrong. Nowhere is our interest in celebrities as heightened or as vicious as in this arena. While assigning the delight we find in the personal disaster of another human being to jealousy might be overly simplistic, there is doubtlessly a sense here of revelling in the fall of someone we thought - or felt they thought themselves - to be untouchable.
It seems that regardless of the expensive doctors they might have access to, the rich and famous are as susceptible to the vagaries of happenstance as the rest of us - sometimes, things simply just go wrong. Plastic surgery has literally been the death of some, and side effects can be life threatening. Even relatively minor mishaps can be unsightly and embarrassing, and plastic surgery gone wrong includes an enormous range of problems, from capsular contraction in breast implants (where the implants harden painfully) to problems with the wound and the slippage of implants inserted in a range of locations, including cheeks, chin, and butt. Surely we wouldn't wish these accidents on our worst enemies - unless they were in the public eye.
So celebrities might have thousands of things we think we want, but they are as subject to the whims of higher powers just as the rest of us are. Above all, we are all human, and plastic surgery gone wrong, regardless of the paycheck of the life it affects, is a painful and upsetting time. Let's just hope they get well soon.

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon: Treat Yourself to Surgery at Its Best

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon: Treat Yourself to Surgery at Its Best
Los Angeles is the city as infamous as it is famous, as notorious a city as you can find. It is a city that is known the whole world over, even by millions who have never visited it, and it is surrounded by an intriguing mysticism that few can resist. This is where the famous people live, the young, the rich and the beautiful, a city that houses people so gorgeous that the plastic surgeons must be the best in the world! Many people travel here from all over the world to have their surgery performed here by the very best. But if the city and its surgeons are that good, surely the prices must be as high-flying too?
Because it seems that Los Angeles people have to be beautiful people too, you can be sure that Los Angeles plastic surgeons will be plentiful and highly skilled. The disproportionate demand for cosmetic surgery in this city compared with other parts of the country means that the competition within the industry here is huge - so professionals have to be top-notch in order to survive. Making an appointment with a Los Angeles plastic surgeon almost guarantees that you will be meeting a professional who is well qualified and experienced, with knowledge of all the latest innovations at his or her disposal. The success of the industry in this part of the world pushes it on to bigger and better things, so if you are looking to avail of all the most up-to-date techniques, then this is the city to visit.
The popularity of plastic surgery here means that surgeons can charge what they like - but the very multitude of professionals means also that they must remain competitive in their price structure. There are a number of great deals to be had. The city's booming industry also means that sometimes hacks can flourish, offering half price operations at half the standard of the true professionals. Always check out the credentials of your surgeon before you submit to their knife - in a city filled with the best in the world, you don't want to be one of the unlucky ones who falls prey to the unscrupulous. Even the cheapest deal in the world is not worth that.
Finding the best deals in town will take some homework - use the Internet, local press, or even ask around to find the best deals offered by the best surgeons. You might have to pay a little more to avail of the services of a Los Angeles plastic surgeon, but the gorgeous results will make you glad you spent the money.

The Dangers of Plastic Surgery

The Dangers of Plastic Surgery
There is very little in this life that comes without risk, and the dangers of plastic surgery are a prime example of this. Most of us have been reminded by elderly relatives that our lives could be cut short any day simply by crossing the street; this adage is usually quoted to remind us to live each day to the full, and to do the things that will bring fulfilment to our lives, despite the many risks inherent. While it is true that the sensible among us put the inevitable risks of daily life to the back of our minds in order, simply, to stay sane, a balanced life is perhaps knowing risks to pay attention to, and which to ignore.
There is little doubt that the dangers of plastic surgery are multiple, but its popularity nevertheless continues unabated. These dangers, clearly, are for many people acceptable one, and plastic surgery seems to be something that offers potential benefits significant enough to plough on regardless.
But there is also an element in the human condition that clings to the tenet that ignorance is bliss, that it won't happen to me anyway, and perhaps there is something to be said for that belief. Constantly thinking of the possible dangers of life will only immobilise us with fear. We would never take a chance on anything; never seek to better ourselves, or our world. And while plastic surgery has its detractors as well as its advocates, surely even those opposed to the surgical alteration of a healthy body can applaud the willingness to take a leap of faith towards something believed in?
They say that knowledge is power, and the making of an informed decision is only possible with all the facts to hand. Perhaps you will choose to continue on your desired route despite understanding the risks and dangers of plastic surgery, but you will be making a decision based on something real, rather than the foolhardy belief that things cannot go wrong.

Cosmetic Chin Surgery - The Final Facial Touch

Cosmetic Chin Surgery - The Final Facial Touch
When either cosmetic or plastic surgery are mentioned to us, our thoughts run immediately to breast implants or liposuction, but there are many other procedures available that although they might not receive the same attention of their more obvious counterparts can have a huge impact upon both the appearance and the self confidence of a patient. One of these unsung heroes is cosmetic chin surgery, which can exert a profound effect that belies the ease with which it can be performed.
Cosmetic chin surgery is a relatively simple procedure that is usually performed in about an hour or so. Scarring is minimal, and though the patient might be limited to a liquid diet for the two or three days following surgery, recovery time is typically fast, and patients are back to their usual routines within a couple of days. Side effects, including the risk of infection or numbness in the area, are rare, making the benefits of cosmetic chin surgery far outweigh the risks.
And the benefits are striking. Those of us with ample chins have probably never noticed how they suitably frame our facial features, creating a sense of balance in our face. A smaller or receding chin can set this balance awry, placing a disproportionate emphasis on other features, such as the nose, particularly if this is already large - in fact, chin and nose surgeries are commonly performed in a complimentary fashion, in order to balance the patient's features, and release their true beauty.
Cosmetic chin surgery involves the simple insertion of an implant through an incision made either underneath the chin or in the mouth. The implant will be custom designed for each patient, insuring that the client achieves precisely the look that they and their surgeon have agreed will be most flattering to their features. The surgery can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic, and is usually done on an out patient basis - meaning that before the day is out, you will be at home again, waiting until your bandaging can be removed so that you can see the new you, in all your glory.

Surgery for the Stars

Surgery for the Stars
While plastic surgery might remain for many of us something of a pipe dream, the thing we'd do if we won the lottery, for those in the entertainment industry, it has slowly but surely become akin to an entry pass into Hollywood. While there are still a large percentage of women in the general populace who are quite content to sit around with their girlfriends and talk about what they would have done, there is a certain faction of womankind - though as the pressure to conform to a particular 'look' increases, the male membership of the group increases also - for whom plastic surgery is simply inevitable.
It is very difficult to find a woman in tinsel town whose only surgeon has been the natural passing of time - in fact, there is a growing subsection of the entertainment and gossip industry that thrives off the maudlin reportage of what stars are having done, and how wrong it is going. While there is undoubted interest, and even admiration, for the woman who has had plastic surgery go right, we seem to take greater delight in perusing photograph after photograph of some former beauty who has suffered the misfortune of having something not quite go to plan in the surgery room.
Because regardless of the star who succumbs to the knife, and regardless of the surgeon who wields it, the fates sometimes frown on surgery, and the rich and famous take the same risks with plastic surgery that the rest of us do. But this inherent danger seems to be of little consequence, as the list of surgery supporters grows ever larger. And while we continue to gaze with wonder at the beautiful celebrities that fill our magazines, it becomes increasingly difficult to find one that has not yet been surgically enhanced. Because it seems that to succeed in a world where talent is only second best, the surgical manipulation of physical appearance really is inevitable.

Should You Get Plastic Surgery?

Should You Get Plastic Surgery?
These days, plastic surgery is often much maligned, and while the apparent levity with which it is sometimes undertaken and its almost epidemic-type spread can seem rather worrying, the benefits of plastic surgery can easily be overlooked. While there is an overwhelming array of various plastic surgery horror stories reported in the press, the quiet stories of success often remain untold. For the right candidate, plastic surgery can truly be a life-enhancing procedure.
It would be wonderful to live in a world where everyone is truly accepted, regardless of their physical appearance, and while this type of world might one day evolve, these days, being different is undeniably difficult. For those people who suffer under the weight of a single feature that seems to swallow the rest of them whole, plastic surgery is simply the door to a new life. One of the first things that many patients notice after surgery is how the correction of this feature can bring a sense of balance to their whole appearance. For the woman with big breasts or the man with prominent ears, the hated feature can dominate their self perception, and its alteration to a state that blends in more easily with those of others, truly allows the rest of their self, both physically and spiritually, to blossom.
The most important element of the plastic surgery picture is the surgeon who will perform the procedure. A good plastic surgeon will first evaluate the patient's suitability for treatment, both physically and emotionally, and will help them to approach the surgery with realistic expectations. A good surgeon will adapt the problem feature to match not only the patient's physical appearance, but their personality also, allowing the person who has been hiding behind the perceived imperfection to really shine. Because this is what plastic surgery does, at its best - it does not have the power to change the way a person feels about themselves, but in changing something that has been oppressive to the patient, it allows them to find their confidence again

The Pedicure - A Treat for Your Feet!

The Pedicure - A Treat for Your Feet!
So often we take our feet for granted as they carry us around each and every day. We pamper our hair and faces but tend not to give our feet a second thought. Until the time arrives when we get a remainder in the form of aching arches or even a more serous foot condition. Taking care of our feet with a regular pedicure will add more than pep to your step; it will also keep some of those unhealthy foot conditions at bay.
Pretty and well cared for feet are more than a delight to the eye. A pedicure can be a wonderful form of pampering; it can lift your spirits and soothe your feet at the same time. Whether you choose a full spa pedicure or opt for an at-home treatment your feet will thank you for it!
The pedicure: Ultimate pampering at home or at the spa
1. At home or at the spa start with a comfortable place to sit. A footbath or large bowl filled with warm water and perhaps therapeutic mineral salts. As you soak your feet for 10 minutes or so, listen to music, read a book or just relax and enjoy the sensation of the water.
2. Remove feet from the water and dry with a soft clean towel. Clip and file the toenails carefully and clean gently around cuticles. Rinse feet and gently pat dry.
3. While the feet are still moist apply a foot scrub to remove any hard skin or calluses from the areas around the heels especially. A pumice stone may also be used at this point. Rinse the feet in the warm water. Wipe feet dry paying special attention to the areas between the toes.
4. Apply a good moisturiser or lotion to the feet and ankle area. Steady massaging stokes will give you a relaxing and therapeutic foot treatment. Allow the lotion or cream moisturizer to soak into the skin.
5. Leave toes nails natural or apply the latest nail polish.
Foot Notes: Schedule your spa pedicure in advance. Many spas and salons take walk-in customers; however, you’ll have less stress and far less chance of a long wait if you make an appointment in advance. Bring a pair of sandals with fully open toes. Allow a full hour for your pedicure. You may be done in 30-40 minutes; however, you don’t want to rush it and you’ll want to make sure your toe nail polish is completely dry before leaving. Bear in mind that you may be sitting in an open area with your feet elevated. For your own comfort plan what you wear accordingly!
Spas in Canada © Copyright 2005

The Manicure - More than Pretty Nails!

The Manicure - More than Pretty Nails!
Pretty and well cared for hands are more than a delight to the eye. In the business world the two things often considered the most important in presenting yourself, are a good pair of shoes and well-groomed hands. Our hands say a lot about us and well-groomed hands make a good impression. Business and social occasions often require us to meet and greet colleagues and acquaintances. The first thing we do when we met someone is hold out a hand to greet the person.
Taking care of your hands with a regular manicure will add more than style to your appearance; it will also keep your hands well-groomed and prepared for all occasions. Whether you choose a full spa manicure or opt for an at-home treatment you need to follow a few guidelines to ensure that your hands are your best assets.
The manicure: Ultimate pampering at home or at the spa
1. At home or at the spa start with a comfortable place to sit. Soak each hand in a bowl filled with warm water and perhaps a few drops of your favourite aromatherapy oil.
2. Remove hands from the water and dry with a clean towel. Carefully clip and file the nails and clean gently around the cuticle area. Rinse hands and gently pat dry.
3. While the hands are still moist apply a light scrub to exfoliate the dead skin. Rinse the hands again in the warm water and wipe completely dry.
4. Apply a good moisturiser or lotion to the hands and wrists. This is a good time to enjoy a relaxing hand massage. Allow the moisturiser to penetrate.
5. Leave fingernails natural or apply nail polish.
Handy Notes: One of the very best ways to care for your nails is to eat a healthy diet. Boitin rich foods such as eggs, soy, whole grains and liver are reputed to promote healthy nails. Foods rich in sulphur minerals like apples, cucumbers, grapes, garlic and onions are also a must for strong nail growth. The essentials oils in salmon, seeds, nuts and tuna all help to keep nail shiny and pliable. A daily moisturiser will prevent those ragged cuticles and hangnails.
Spas in Canada Copyright 2005

The Importance Of Moisturizing

The Importance Of Moisturizing
The age of your skin has no bearing on whether you should moisturize. Even women in their 20s should us a good moisturizer to keep their skin young and supple for many years, and of course to help stave off those wrinkles.
Dry skin can occur at any age. When your skin is dry it is unable to retain enough moisture. Dry skin results in flaking, red blotchy patches, and it may be itchy. There are many causes of dry skin ranging from cold dry air especially in the winter months, to medication you are taking, to hormones.
Research has also shown that yo-yo dieting can cause severe stretches to skin resulting in lost elasticity. This can cause the face to wrinkle and sag prematurely. Sun tanning is also known for causing premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.
Experts believe the skin is a smart organ that has a memory. That is why some people have crows feet around the eyes from squinting or smile wrinkles from smiling. If the face forms a specific expression over time, the skin remembers and automatically folds to that form. So stop frowning!!
Women are under the misconception that if the skin is dry it need oil. Actually what it needs is water or moisture to rejuvenate it. That's why too much cleaning can do more damage than good. The best time to apply moisturizer is on damp skin. It then traps the moisture between the cream and the skin so it can be absorbed.
The best moisturizer is really dependant on your skin type. There are plenty of products to choose from all claiming to make you look younger. However there is no research available to actually determine which creams work or don't work. There is no question some are better than others but don't believe for a moment that because it cost more it's superior.
The best moisturizers are non-comedogenic, non-greasy and non-irritating formulation that contains a superior system of emollients and natural ingredients to nourish the skin.
So don't wait until your 40 or 50 to start moisturizing. Rather start young and keep those laugh lines and fine wrinkles at bay. Be good to your skin and it will reward you with years of youthful healthy looking skin!
© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved

Botox® - Fast And Effective But The Big Question Is Is It Safe?

Botox® - Fast And Effective But The Big Question Is Is It Safe?
Women are constantly seeking products to look younger and often they are digging deep into their pocket books to try new products. Some have had laser treatments, some have spend exorbitant amounts on new face creams, some have tried holistic or natural approaches. Woman and I might add men are always on the quest for a more youthful appearance. Many have turned to Botox® .
What we know for certain is the Botox® anti-aging treatment works. In 2003 in the US 8.3 million cosmetic procedures where done. Of that 8.3 million 78% of the procedures did not involve surgery such as injectables to ease wrinkles.
Botox® ® is the trade name for botulinum toxin A.What Botox® does is "paralyze muscles and soft tissue fillers" which are derived from natural collagen and restore plumpness. Originally Botox® was used to treat uncontrollable blinking. Doctors soon discovered the patients being treated for blinking were obtaining a more youthful appearance - thus the future of Botox® took a turn down the cosmetic road.
The protein compound of Botox® actually causes botulism which can result in paralysis. When it is injected into the skin the muscle stops contracting it causes the skin to relax and the wrinkle to soften. Botox® works best on individuals who have deep set highly visible wrinkles. It is mostly used on the forehead, between the eyes, and on crow feet. It takes 3-5 days after the injection for the effects to occur which last 3-4 months.
Some people are having "Botox® Parties" where everyone gets together for cocktails and their Botox® injection. We strongly recommend you do not partake in these parties. Seek medical advise if your are considering a Botox® treatment. If you are thinking about a Botox® treatment make certain your Doctor uses FDA approved Botox® and only get treatments form a licensed Doctor. Dermatologists or Plastic Surgeons are the most expert in administering Botox® so if either of these are an option I would recommend taking that route. Get a few recommendations for doctors and check each one out thoroughly. Check if they are board certified, get references if at all possible, schedule an appointment for a consultation which will give you a better indication if you are comfortable with your choice. Ask your doctor to show you before and after pictures of procedures he has done.
Some of the potential problems that can occur
Some people experience a pinching or burning sensation when the needle enters the skin. Ask your doctor for a numbing cream prior to your treatment
Minor post treatment headache may occur
Red blotching can occur for around 15 -30 min. Wait to leave the doctors office until redness fades.
Droopy eyelid results when there is seepage of Botox® into the muscle that keeps the eye open. It can occur anywhere from immediately to two weeks after the injection.
Some may experience an expressionless face. Use a lower dose of Botox® next treatment
BOTOX® ® has been approved as an anti-wrinkle remedy by the American Food and Drug Administration (AFD). Since this is a public and federally funded institution, they are primarily concerned with public safety one would assume they would not approve BOTOX® ® for general public usage without conducting all the sufficient and necessary tests to determine whether or not it is safe.
The use of Botox® is truly a personal choice and we recommend you do your research before making a decision.
© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

How To Get Those Big Beautiful Lips Youve Always Dreamed Of

How To Get Those Big Beautiful Lips Youve Always Dreamed Of
Big beautiful lips have always been a symbol of sexiness! Full lips scream "kiss me" and guys go crazy over them. Full lips are a sign of youthfulness and health.
Great but not all of us were lucky enough to be born with those sexy full lips. Look at the "stars", plenty of them flaunt their big full lips, but believe me not all of them were born with those lips!
So what to do?
Well the simplest, most non-invasive, and most affordable way to get full lips is to purchase one of the pout pumper products on the market.
theBalm Tinted Gloss comes in several sheer hues, each with a delicious flavor. It gives your lips a subtle fuller look.
Too Faced Lip Injection gives a noticeable size difference to the lips almost instantly. It's not thick or goopy so you can apply it in layers
LipFusion - Instanly swells the lips and it lasts for up to 12 hours so you don't have to keep reapplying it.
DuWop Venom Flash - It's colorless but turns your lips a flushed pink with a shimmer. It expands the lips nicely. Another easy method to create the illusion of bigger lips is quite simple
Line the outer rim of your lips with a mute lip pencil staying within the natural border of your lips
Apply a light colored lipstick. Dark colors make your lips appear smaller
Use the wand of a pearly pink gloss - apply from the bottom of your lips upward to add more dimension
Lastly dab a bit of gold lip gloss on the center of your bottom lip. Then of course there are the more invasive and more costly procedures;
1. Your dentist can bond thick veneers onto your front six teeth. This pushes out the upper lip for a fuller look. Are you sitting down? because this process costs on average $1500.00 USD per tooth. Perhaps that's why the only ones using it are the "stars".
2. Lip augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis.
Artecoll is a synthetic material that plumps up the lips. It is synthetic so there is a higher risk of having an allergic reaction, however it lasts longer than collagen.
Autologen is an injection of your own collagen, extracted from another place on your body. There's no risk of allergic reaction. Results are temporary.
Collagen is extracted from cows and then injected into your lips. There is a risk of allergic reaction. Results are temporary lasting from 1 - 3 months.
Dermalogen is collagen extracted from deceased human donors. It's also called injectable Human Tissue Matrix. Also temporary

How To Get Those Big Beautiful Lips Youve Always Dreamed Of

How To Get Those Big Beautiful Lips Youve Always Dreamed Of
Big beautiful lips have always been a symbol of sexiness! Full lips scream "kiss me" and guys go crazy over them. Full lips are a sign of youthfulness and health.
Great but not all of us were lucky enough to be born with those sexy full lips. Look at the "stars", plenty of them flaunt their big full lips, but believe me not all of them were born with those lips!
So what to do?
Well the simplest, most non-invasive, and most affordable way to get full lips is to purchase one of the pout pumper products on the market.
theBalm Tinted Gloss comes in several sheer hues, each with a delicious flavor. It gives your lips a subtle fuller look.
Too Faced Lip Injection gives a noticeable size difference to the lips almost instantly. It's not thick or goopy so you can apply it in layers
LipFusion - Instanly swells the lips and it lasts for up to 12 hours so you don't have to keep reapplying it.
DuWop Venom Flash - It's colorless but turns your lips a flushed pink with a shimmer. It expands the lips nicely. Another easy method to create the illusion of bigger lips is quite simple
Line the outer rim of your lips with a mute lip pencil staying within the natural border of your lips
Apply a light colored lipstick. Dark colors make your lips appear smaller
Use the wand of a pearly pink gloss - apply from the bottom of your lips upward to add more dimension
Lastly dab a bit of gold lip gloss on the center of your bottom lip. Then of course there are the more invasive and more costly procedures;
1. Your dentist can bond thick veneers onto your front six teeth. This pushes out the upper lip for a fuller look. Are you sitting down? because this process costs on average $1500.00 USD per tooth. Perhaps that's why the only ones using it are the "stars".
2. Lip augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis.
Artecoll is a synthetic material that plumps up the lips. It is synthetic so there is a higher risk of having an allergic reaction, however it lasts longer than collagen.
Autologen is an injection of your own collagen, extracted from another place on your body. There's no risk of allergic reaction. Results are temporary.
Collagen is extracted from cows and then injected into your lips. There is a risk of allergic reaction. Results are temporary lasting from 1 - 3 months.
Dermalogen is collagen extracted from deceased human donors. It's also called injectable Human Tissue Matrix. Also temporary

Plastic Surgery - A Risky Business

Plastic Surgery - A Risky Business
When most of us think of plastic surgery, we contemplate the different things we would - or are going to - have done: that bump on the nose smoothed down, the perky boobs put in, the fat we'll have sucked out. But perhaps the most important question we should ask when considering plastic surgery is not what - but rather why?
Plastic surgery is becoming an increasingly popular choice as people realise that they no longer have to tolerate a body part that they find aesthetically upsetting. And while the procedures involved in plastic surgery can be as risky as having any other operation performed, the truth is that technological advances have made having plastic surgery easier than ever before. Within minimal time frames, patients can be up and about again, with all manner of altered body parts, and, theoretically at least, with exactly what they wanted. So why is it that many plastic surgery patients are no happier after surgery than they were before?
Plastic surgery is not a cure-all, and must not be seen as such. Many prospective patients await anaesthesia with unrealistic expectations in mind. And no matter how obvious an assertion it might seem, too many patients are not grasping it fully - plastic surgery can alter our bodies, but not the way we feel inside.
For many patients, it is not the decried body part that is the true problem, but rather the self-perception with which it is viewed. In other words, the wish to change a physical attribute can be a symptom of a larger problem. While there is no doubt that many patients find their confidence improved ten-fold after surgery, there are many other who, without realistic expectations of what the operation would change, simply remove their dissatisfaction from the altered body part to a new one.
Plastic surgery changes the body, not body image. So before considering any physical alteration, ask yourself whether your issue is something that can only be changed from the inside out. Because unless you are having surgery to simply change the dimensions of a part of your body, you will be disappointed with the results. Approach your self-perception first - you might be surprised with the effectiveness of a little surgery to the psyche.

All About Plastic Surgery

All About Plastic Surgery
The plastic surgery has become a multi-million dollar one, as both men and women employ more and more extreme tools in order to reach the ever more ubiquitous image of perfection that torments us. It sometimes seems as though the tiny people of Hollywood have been constructed entirely out of plastic in a conspiracy to make the rest of us feel like ogres. And in a world where beauty is a highly rated currency, it is little wonder that many of us succumb.
And while plastic surgery is not a bad thing in and of itself, it is still an invasive procedure as dangerous as any other type of surgery, and should not be undertaken lightly. But if the growing number of people who choose surgery every year is anything to go by, then surgery is becoming the quick fix of the masses.
But if anything needs fixing, surely it is a society where people undergo risky surgery in order to feel okay about themselves. We pride ourselves on the advancements we make as a society every moment, and while attractiveness has historically always been of value, is it not now time that we rebel against the status of beauty as the primary currency in our society? But beauty is more powerful that ever, and combined with our enormous technological knowledge, we are at a point when we have the tools to look almost exactly as we wish.
Perhaps the world of 'The Stepford Wives' is really not so very far away. As people make appointments daily for surgery that will make them look like someone else, we are at risk of losing our individuality to a cult that simply wants us all the same. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it seems that as time progresses, we are all beginning to see through one blighted eye. What will we do once we are all finally beautiful? Perhaps then we will begin to look a little deeper. Or perhaps we our notion of beauty will change, as it has done countless time through history, and we will all be left to start from scratch again

6 Ways to Destroy a Beautiful Complexion

6 Ways to Destroy a Beautiful Complexion
Women (and men. too) spend billions of dollars trying to make their complexions look great. Sometimes their efforts are self-defeating. Some of the following problems you have heard of before but I bet you haven't heard of all of this.
Sun damage
Harmful UV rays can cause scarring of the elastic tissues in your skin. These elastic tissues make skin soft and easy to move. A condition called solar keratosis develops from long term exposure to UV rays. This will cause the skin to lose its flexibility and will make a 30 year old woman look 59. Plus skin cancer can ruin your entire day. Use sunscreen.
Also, many women, after years of sun exposure develop a condition called, Fungal Solar Keratosis. The sun damage cracks the skin, allowing fungal parasites under the skin. These parasites will interfere with normal healing even if therapeutic skin creams are used. Special fungal skin creams are the only solution.
http://www.themoldlab.comGrandPa@GrandPaGraham.com
Bad make up
Many manufacturers put chemicals in their products to make them last longer. It costs money to remove spoiled lipstick et al from the shelves of grocery stores and pharmacies. So they put things like phenol and formaldehyde in all their skin care products. Germs can't live with these poisons around. But these products are very caustic. They burn skin and can cause cancer.
Use only skin products without these poisons. Check the labels.
Dryness
If you live in a dry or salty environment, the dry air will suck moisture out of your skin. This causes the skin cells to shrivel up and makes puckering lines develop. Women in moist environments like Great Britain are noted for their youthful complexions.
Good chemical free moisturizers will help. Also moving to a lake will help.
Bad diet
Skin needs proper nutrition in order to replace dead skin cells with new softer, healthier cells. Of course, you entire body needs proper nutrition. But the skin shows the signs of improper diet long before the liver does. When did you ever see an unhealthy, ugly liver anyway? You've seen a lot of ugly skin.
Look up the food pyramid put out by the US government. Stick with this and you will generally be ok.
Air toxins
Household cleansers contain some of the deadliest materials known to humankind. Yet we cover our bodies with them when we clean our homes and offices. Many contain bleach which will destroy our skin and make us look like mummies. It's also bad for the lungs and kills sperm development in small boys.
Also chemicals in the air from household mold will cause the skin cells to toughen up and get scaly. The molds live in the walls and under sinks and send these chemicals into the air of your home.
http://www,tennesseemold.com
Illness
Of course, being sick makes you look terrible.
You don't need a dermatologist for most of these probems. Just common sense and a little time checking ingredient lists.
For 30 years, Dr Graham has been helping people treat and prevent disease by showing them how to live in a clean environment.

Age Spot Erasing Made Easy And Right From Your Own Kitchen

Age Spot Erasing Made Easy And Right From Your Own Kitchen
If you're anything like most baby boomers, after graying hair, poor eyesight, weight gain and winkles, age spots rank fifth on your list of aging nuisances. But you can find comfort in erasing those age advertisers right from your own kitchen.
What Causes Age Spots
To protect your skin against excessive sun exposure, your skin makes cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes create the dark brown pigment called melanin. The melanin makes your skin look darker or suntanned.
But sometimes, your typical day in the sun causes an uneven jump in melanocytes. This awkward production creates irregular coloring or pigmentation of the skin.
The resulting solar lentigines, or what most people call liver spots or age spots, can appear brown, black or gray. Age spots pop up on the areas of the skin most readily exposed to the sun, like the chest, back, face and hands.
Even youngsters can get age spots with too much unprotected sun exposure.
How to Avoid Age Spots Completely
Preventing age spots proves the best way to completely avoid them. This includes:
1. Avoiding intense sunlight hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2. Wearing a hat and long sleeve shirt in the sun.
3. Applying sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplying it every two hours.
Precautions
Additionally, note that the sun and excess chemicals don't mix. For instance, most often in middle-aged women, might mistake irregular areas of reddish-brown pigmentation called poikiloderma for age spots.
Poikiloderma results from chronic sun exposure combined with sun-sensitive chemicals in cosmetics or perfume. Hence, poikiloderma most frequently appears on the side of the neck or on the cheeks.
Sunscreen Is More Potent Than You Thought
You may feel annoyed with the repeated advise of slathering yourself with sunscreen, but a study published in the October 14, 1993 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine gives you reason to appreciate your sunscreen an effective age spot eraser.
In the study, researchers found that among sunscreen users, those who rubbed on the most cream with the greatest regularity had the largest reduction in actinic keratoses.
Actinic keratoses (AKs) describe the rough, red, scaly patches, crusts or sores that measure anywhere from one-quarter to one-inch in diameter. Like most other age spots, you'll find actinic keratoses on body areas most readily exposed to the sun.
How To Minimize the Appearance of Age Spots
Eat your age spots away Research studies also reveal the benefits of eating your nutrients to reduce the appearance of age spots. The water-soluble pigment found in most vegetables, fruits, grain, flowers, seeds, leaves and bark, called flavanoid provides numerous antioxidant properties.
In research studies, flavanoids even prevented cancer formation in animals.
Likewise, you'll find age spot reducing properties in soy products. The protein extracts of soybean and soymilk contain several different estrogen-like substances called isoflavones. One study showed that soy isoflavones might lighten age spots.
Home Remedies
Erasing your age spots can begin right in your own kitchen. In Japan, the rice based drink, sake, serves as an age spot lightener when applied to the skin.
You can also use lemon juice to lighten age spots. Simply dab a cotton ball in freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply the liquid to the age spots twice daily- once in the morning and once in the evening. Warning: Lemon juice makes the skin photosensitive so ensure to protect your skin with sunscreen before enjoying the sunshine.
Pull a green papaya out of the fridge and use the fleshy side of the skin to reduce age spots. Just apply the papaya to the spots for 15-20 minutes daily and repeat until you attain the desire lightness.
Of course, since home remedies offer an inexpensive and gentle way to reduce age spots, they require time to see results- usually six to eight weeks.
What To Do Right Now To Stop Age Spots
Because age spots, poikiloderma and actinic keratoses can serve as warning signs for skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends scheduling a professional skin examination each year.
You can find out how to give yourself a skin examination by visting http://www.skincarephysicians.com. Use this information now before your forget, because before you know it, the sixth aging nuisance for baby boomers- memory loss-will creep in on you.

Learn How To Tan Safely

Learn How To Tan Safely
Finally summer has arrived, the sun is warm and inviting and we can ditch that heavy clothing. It's the season to enjoy the outdoors and enjoy that sun. But the trick is to tan safely and enjoy the sun safely.
There are so many terms related to tanning, sun tan lotions, and the whole industry. Have you ever wondered what the difference between SPF and UV index is? Here's some tanning terms to help you understand the industry lingo. Then you can be on your way to being that sexy goddess or god with that deep golden tan.
We'll start by defining tanning. Don't laugh it's an important lingo term. A tan occurs when your skin absorbs UV rays [ultraviolet radiation]. As the UV rays penetrate your skin produces melanin which darkens the outer layers. Funny thing is we all see that darkening as a healthy tan but infact it is a sign of damaged skin. In actuality it is the beginning of a burn.
Well that little tid bit isn't going to stop the sun worshiper so then you'll need to understand what the UV index is. This is just a scientific measurement with a big fancy name that tells us how much UV rays is reaching the earth at certain time during the day.
UV is not visible but it is always present at some level. UV rays actually consists of UVA and UVB rays. Experts say they are both bad so you'll need to protect against both.
The UV index is on a scale of 10. The higher the number the stronger the rays and the more exposure you will have. If the index is really high you need to be really careful because it won't take long to burn. And how attractive is the red tan with the peel effect?
SPF is how suntan lotions are rated. It stands for sun protection factor. All suncreens have a number from 4 to 30. The higher the number the higher the protection. The level of protection you will need is based on your skin and how fast you normally burn. People that tan easily and never burn can use a 4 but a fair skinned person who thinks sun and get red is going to need a 30.
The difference between sunscreen and sunblock also needs to be explained as they are totally different products.
Sunscreen comes in a lotion, oil, or cream and has an SPF rating attached to it. It reacts with the sun creating a barrier that you cannot see. How strong the barrier depends on how strong the SPF. The lower the number the less protection.
Most sunscreens tell you to apply 20 minutes before going out and if you swimming you need to reapply when you come out of the water. You can also buy waterproof sunscreen which lasts longer.
Sunblock on the other hand has no SPF rating because it does just what it says it blocks the sun's UV rays completely. This is thick and gooey. You've seen people with it on their noses and lips.
Where you have to be careful is some sunscreens that are a 15 or higher will be marked as a sunblock but this is totally not true! If you are looking for a sunblock then look for a bottle that has no SPF rating.
So go play in the sun, enjoy that warm weather, even get that golden tan if you must, but do it smartly and safely!

The Secret to Shiny Hair

The Secret to Shiny Hair
I'm sure you've seen on TV the Pantene commercial where the hair shines like a mirror. I don't know why other hair commercials don't do the same thing with all that shine.
I do like the Pantene shampoo because there is silk in it.
For one thing, what I learned going to cosmetology school is that you need to shampoo your hair 2 times to get the crap out of your hair. The first time you shampoo your hair, you bring the dirt up to the surface, and the 2nd time you shampoo, you get all the residual dirt out of your hair. The second time you shampoo your hair, just use a dime size amount.
Now that you shampooed your hair, you can use a conditioner, especially if it has silk in it.
The biggest secret to shiny hair is to use either lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle to get your hair back to its natural ph and closes the cuticle. When the cuticle is closed that's when you hair is shiny.
Make sure you use a natural bristle brush or comb and always comb in the direction the hair falls, which is down.
If you want to use a light mousse, that's fine but after you comb it, just leave it alone and let it dry naturally.
Now if you blow dry your hair, again, blow dry it in a downward motion. This allows the cuticle to stick together naturally. Then your hair will reflect light. If you blow your hair against the natural direction, your hair will not be shiny. You can also use Infusium Leave In Conditioner to protect your hair. Infusium will untangle any knots.
If you use a curling iron, use one of those ceramic curling irons--the professional ones. It can make your hair extremely shiny because again you are using the iron in a downward direction. It is good if you can use Infusium Leave-in spray conditioner to protect the hair.
These are simple techniques to get the most shine out of your hair.
Copyright 2005 F. Kuhn, RN - Specializing in Diabetes

Wrinkle Buster In Your Kitchen

Wrinkle Buster In Your Kitchen
Many cosmetic companies are capitalizing on on our need to fight the signs of aging. Prices for these "miracle" concoctions can run as high as $200 for a cream! So what is in these small jars of hope and promise? Looking through the ingredients and deciphering the scientific names, you may discover that some of the ingredients are derived from fruits and vegetables that we regularly buy in the Produce section of our favorite grocer.
A simple fruit, grapes, has been used in anti-aging treatments as an antioxidant and a skin rejuvenator. Seed or Seedless? With Seeds! An added benefit is provided when you use the grapes with seeds. The seeds contain proanthocyanidin which is considered to be a very potent antioxidant. A study shows that grapeseeds can be a potent healer of the skin. In addition to being a potent healer, it also makes a wonderful skin softner as well as improving the skin's texture.
Want an easy way to put grape skin conditioning and healing properties to the test?
Open a white grape and rub the mashed grapes over your face and neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes or until dry and rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat daily. In a week or two, you may be hard pressed to find those tale-tell signs of aging when you consult with your mirror!

My Story - Yoga for the Face or Face-lift Through Exercise

My Story - Yoga for the Face or Face-lift Through Exercise
Here I was, 52 years old and a long-time meditator. I took a good look in the mirror. To my total dismay - gravity was well at work!
Since I was 19 years old, I had eaten organic foods, taken supplements, gone through natural childbirth with my son and practiced Yoga at least three times a week. I even meditated on a regular basis. Yet, when I looked into the mirror in my early fifties, I saw deep lines in my forehead, crow's feet that testified to lots of laughter in my life (at least I could acknowledge that part!), hanging jowls, lines around my lips and rings around my neck. Help! It seemed that vanity was alive and well and thriving in me!
I confess: I found myself on a quest to "correcting" (what a great word) the ravages of time showing up as wrinkles and bags in my face and neck.
Surgery was not a consideration for me - no, no! At age 65, my beautiful mother looked permanently surprised from too many face-lifts. Besides, I'm the organic type. What to do? I was on a search to look younger - some how, some way - naturally!
First I bought the electronic gadgets. I found myself holding this one contraption to my face for an hour a day - getting little electric jolts to the muscles in my face. Well, I lasted five days. I understand staying even this long with such a device was some kind of record. No way was I going to spend so much time doing this. Besides, my arms were also getting tired holding this thing to my face. Next, (yes I did shame on me!) I bought the electronic mask! This was a 45-minute-a-day regime. Forget it. I found that I wouldn't spend the time doing this either. Besides, the results were really not forthcoming. I looked just as "baggy" and tired as ever. Sigh?
There just had to be another alternative to isometrics and electric shocks! I then discovered face exercises. Yes! To make a long story short, I ended up buying all 12 programs offered out there on the market at the time. I discovered, to my dismay, that these programs were either too long, too short, incomplete, "incompetent," or they also took 40 minutes a day. However, some of these exercises were showing results on my face.
I discovered that the old belief that touching or rubbing your face caused wrinkles was false. Actually, I had stumbled upon muscle resistance training for the face. This made sense to me. After all everybody knows that through exercising in a gym or through doing Yoga, you can firm up the body and skin. Naturally, the same could be true about the muscles and skin on the face. I was about to find out for sure.
Since I am a teacher at heart (I taught school for years) I developed my own program and I got amazing results. My wrinkles flattened out and then disappeared. The muscles in my face got bigger and created lift, giving me the appearance of youth. The papery skin under my eyes and on my neck smoothed out and became firm. The rings around my neck completely disappeared. The lines around my mouth were evaporating. I had my young, plump lips back. My upper eyelids were showing, again. In short, my exercises were working. I was regaining that youthful, dynamic look I had when I was young!
The next thing I knew, all my girlfriends wanted to know what I was doing to look so good. I told them, and my workshops were born.
Okay, okay - I knew from past experience I wasn't going to spend 40 minutes a day on this stuff, no matter how young it made me look. So I consulted my long-time family doctor, and together we developed a program that covered all 57 muscles in the face and neck in a 15-minute session.
I admit it. I have a bit of a perfectionist residing in me. It took me three years to perfect this workshop program. As I worked on the exercises, I found I got sick of counting and trying to remember everything. So, I made cassette tapes and CD's that teach, pace and count for me. Maybe I'm a lazy perfectionist? Sigh?
Then the problem came up as to when to do these exercises. All the old programs I had tried before suggested doing five exercises in the morning before your shower, five more at lunch and ten more at bedtime. Egads! Not only could I not remember what exercise I did last, I forgot to do them at all. I decided to solve this problem. After all, as strange as it may sound, I knew I had to do these exercises to have the results I wanted!
In the end, I designed 28 exercises that completely firm up the face and neck, and I fit them all into a 15-minute session. The session is also done lying down. (I am lazy!!!) Now I set my alarm 15 minutes earlier than usual in the morning, turn on my CD and my voice guides me through the exercises. No more remembering what comes next; no more counting. It's all done for me. Plus, my face is almost "addicted" to the glorious massage and Yoga antics it gets put through in the mornings. What a beautiful and relaxing way to wakeup. On top of it all, I've done all I need to do to have a younger, more youthful-looking face. I don't have to think about it again for the rest of the day!
As my program developed, I found that I had to make flashcards for my workshops. Now I've even made photo-illustrated cards so my clients can easily see how each handhold is done correctly. I have an easy-to-follow workbook and lots of other material all about beauty (I worked as a photographer and runway model when I was younger, so I have a good idea about the world of beauty). Add to this my three CD's for easy learning, and you'll understand "once a schoolteacher, always a schoolteacher." I know how people learn, so I had a big advantage, I could put together a great package for learning the exercises.
I found myself giving workshops on a regular basis. Next, my girlfriend from Hawaii called. She had read an article I'd written and wanted to do my program, but couldn't attend my workshop. My "Self-learning, Take-home Kits" were born. These are a comprehensive package with everything you need to learn the exercises on your own. It's so amazing how existence seems to keep rewarding me when I do something I love.
Now I even have a DVD demonstrating all the exercises, making the program really easy to learn! My business is growing leaps and bounds and I'm loving every minute of it.
All right, I admit it. I'm vain. My whole life devoted to meditation and here I am exercising my face to look younger. So, I am "watching/meditating" on a younger-looking face, as well. Thank you life!
Carolyn Cleaves: After graduating from university and graduate school, I taught English, Math and Science along with remedial reading for years to 7th and 8th grade students. This background has allowed me to design a Facial Fitness program that is easy to follow and use. I understand how one learns. I was able to put this skill into the creation of my course, making it very complete and comprehensive.
Beauty and fitness have always held an interest for me. I've run several businesses, including my own clothing company. I've even taught Yoga and aerobics. I've also worked as a photographer's model and a runway model. I've lived and traveled all over the world. I currently reside in the Pacific North West(near Seattle, Washington) with my husband, Sigi, a German lawyer. I'm 59 years old.