Beauty-Products

Luminess Airbrush Makeup - Answers to Your Questions Before Buying

2010-11-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

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Luminess Airbrush Makeup is an innovative product that is getting the attention of women everywhere, and women of all ages. Because of its quick rise, there are a few questions that one might like to have answered before they purchase.

Every magazine cover with a 'beautiful' person is a fine example of the airbrush makeup application. It is that perfectly flawless complexion that so many desire, whether it is a perfect tan, or the coverage of scars or wrinkles, this system is accomplishing it for the models and famous people.

Luminess Airbrush has brought the ability for anyone to get professional results in the convenience of their own home with their system. Imagine walking out your door with a flawless face - everyday, not just special occasions!

The following are the 4 most popular questions we get asked about Luminess Airbrush Makeup.

Does it work?
Fair enough question, an obvious one when the claims seem too good to be true. Now that consumer reviews are coming in, it can be said that yes, it works. In fact, this system makes it more attainable than ever.

Can it reduce my lines?
Yes it can, but since everyone has different 'lines' it probably wouldn't be fair to say a blanket firm yes. The air brush application can give you an even skin tone that will provide coverage and reduce, if not completely mask lines or wrinkles, leaving your face feeling fresh and beautiful. Luminess reviews are usually positive and boast of the product's fast and easy application. Many comment that it is a real time-saver in their morning routine.

What about the price?
At first glance this system may sound expensive, especially if you compare it to your traditional makeup. The initial cost includes a complete starter kit, so in the future you will only be purchasing the makeup itself. This system only uses a few drops of makeup for each application, typically there is little waste and much less used than a liquid foundation you may be using now. In the long run, you will save money.

Can I try using it first?
It is understandable that one maybe skeptical about an innovative product like Luminess. This will depend on which kit you decide to purchase. The company does offer a 30 day trial period that will let you use the system in your home for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to learn the application process as well as receive all the compliments and decide for yourself. This gives you time to stop reading Luminess air reviews and start formulating your own opinion.

Makeup Advice For Your Face

2010-11-14T06:30:00.000-08:00

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Even if you haven't a clue about which makeup compliments your skin, it is something that can be learned easily. Applying makeup can be a challenge but it is more difficult when the person has never even been shown how to do it in the first place.

If you have light skin then silver and smoke colored eye shadow is the way to go. This is a color that blends easily and looks great. To look like something from a dream, use silver eye shadow on your eye lids. Using dark black eyeliner to line the eyes and lots of mascara will give you a more powerful look.

Since you don't want to have black smudges on your face you should make sure all excess mascara is off of your brush. To accent your cheeks natural color you should use a delicate pink color of blush. If you use a light berry or pink colored lip gloss, it will keep things toned down and sweet.

Earth tones are the best makeup for people who have darker or tanned colored skin. Many people make the mistake of using a base of white to cover their skin color, but instead they should be using a simple bronzer to accent the natural color. Doing this will turn your skin from bland to glowing. Green colored eye shadows work well with this type of skin because it makes it look gentle rather than bold. If you want to touch up your lips then using a cream or peach gloss can do the trick.

There is a makeup solution for people who are in between the dark and light skinned type of people. This is actually one of the best skin types that you can have. Instead of using a smokey look you should opt for something more vibrant like blue and purple. The best way to apply it is to use the dark color at the lash line and use a lighter one to fade it outwards. The color will turn out much lighter if you simply use the brush to drag it out and removing the excess.

Your eyes will already be the center of attention so you should cool it off with less dramatic colors for your eyes and lips. Your lips should have a natural gloss and bonzer to finish the rest of your face.

Makeup for Photography

2010-11-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

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Step 1: Choosing an image

A medieval princess, the beautiful stranger, or a supermodel on the cover of the magazine - most importantly, to type you imagine very accurately to the smallest detail. Even better armed with a photograph illustrating the intended style. Then, posing before a mirror, you can easily choose the right accessories and create the mood that photos show the picture. The image must be to try on a few days before shooting to the remainder of the time to get used to it.

Tips for step 1: Before the camera lens will remember the moments when you experience strong emotions, joy, sadness, or even resentment. Importantly, does not appear in the frame indifferent.

Step 2: Set up the biological clock
Filming is best given at 11-12 hours of the day. By this time the biological clock, set up the body to work. Metabolic processes are accelerated, so skin looks fresher and swelling subsides. Makeup is better to apply no earlier than one hour before the shooting. Embarking on it, it can be contrasted washing with warm and cool water and a mask - a soothing, hydrating or lifting effect. But peeling. Consists Scrub of a base (usually a cream, gel, cosmetic clay) and abrasive particles (natural or synthetic).

Tips for step 2: On the day of filming did not experiment with new creams. The skin can respond to them as violent stimulation, hide which will much harder than to disguise a small pimple or enlarged pores.

Step 3: Hairstyle

During shooting, the hair should be obedient, easy to pack and does not crumble. If you want to take pictures with different hairstyles, start with the evening. High stacking, bouffant and styling in the process of filming can easily be transformed into lighter negligent variant. if before shooting wash them and dry the hair dryer, putting on the strands of a small amount of Fixing - mousse, varnish or gel.

Step 4:Tone

In order to face did not look flat pale, spot, it is better to use make-up tonal means more shades: natural and darker. Light cream is applied to the central part of the face, and darker - on the temporal area and the lower part of the cheekbone. You then need to disguise the light as a proofreader with a dense texture of small defects: dark spots, freckles, enlarged pores or vascular mesh - and to fix the result matte crumbly powder. With the blush should be handled carefully. Dark suit for black and white images. To face looked fresh, put on the apples of cheeks a little light blush, and the transition line blend.

Tips for step 4: Do not forget about the neck and decollete. Otherwise the flash will emphasize the difference of shades. The camera does not like powder with light reflecting particles - it creates unwanted glare and washes out the face oval.

Step 5: Eyes

Even if the skin around the eyes in perfect condition, apply to this zone light proofreader. Flash exaggerates the slightest signs of fatigue. Therefore it is best toned area under the eyes light sandy proofreader. But if you around the eyes have wrinkles, first apply a lifting tool, and only then - a little taste.

Pencil, underline line the growth of upper lash and blend well. After this, apply a matte shadow. Bright color accents in the photo may look totally wrong, as in life. For example, too dark shadows fail the eye and make face over. Therefore it is better to restrict peaceful natural makeup. Observe the classic rule: lighter shades - on the inside of the century, and rich - from the middle to outer corner.
To achieve the effect of false eyelashes, makeup artists advise to powder them before applying
By the way: Shadows will not crumble when wet applicator with mineral water.

Step 6 Lips

Create the effected lips with smeared and unevenly applied lipstick - nostrum glamorous photographers. you have to amateur photography, it is better to make a contour of the lips as clear. Color pencil must exactly match the shade of lipstick. Carefully powdered lips and then circle the outline with a pencil.

Modest Swimwear: Comfort And Fashion In The Tankini

2010-11-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

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Summer is the hottest time of the year, literally and figuratively. Many people flaunt lots of skin during the warm months, and everyone wants to have a great suntan. Beach locations and hotels with massive swimming pools are excellent locations, and bikinis and board shorts are absolutely in style. Style is an integral part of every season, particularly for women, and that's why bikinis, tankinis and comfortable tank tops sell like hot cakes in the summer.

With the fad around 2-piece bikinis and strappy bathing suits, a lot of people think it is challenging to look for modest swimwear, particularly for the younger women. In truth, not everyone is happy to show off their belly buttons and backs, and many would prefer to wear something less revealing when swimming.

Bathing suits have evolved a lot over time. There are a hundred styles on the market. From colors to materials to cut, swimsuits offer you a number of types that match different body types and skin color. The variety with this kind of outfit has introduced both benefits and drawbacks to most women.

The number of alternatives created space for uniqueness and creativity. Now women never have to worry about going to the beach in the same swimwear as their friends. They could also make numerous miss-matched suits for a fashionable twist. However, some fashions that reveal too much can prove to be discouraging for many, particularly for the people with more voluptuous body types. Modest swimwear is undoubtedly the smartest choice for you if you aren't so confident with their body shape.

Because of the transformations that the classic swimsuit has undergone, companies made them increasingly more revealing and some have found it difficult to get modest swimwear. Many people fail to remember the comfort of wearing something not as revealing and think that a more practical swimsuit implies less attractive. To the contrary, selecting modest swimwear with right design can work to your benefit.

One of the biggest benefits of wearing a bathing suit that covers more skin is it will allow flexibility when you swim, making you feel much more at ease. Modest swimwear may help you cover some parts of your body that you're not really proud of, such as the small belly that the diet did not get rid of or the uneven tan on your back.

What's great about putting on modest swimwear is it will help you obscure some physical imperfections, yet still can help you be comfy and still feel good about yourself. When compared to popular 2-piece bikinis or backless swimsuits, modest swimwear covers a lot more skin, but still offers a lot of style. The conservative approach is useful to maintain a good-girl impression, but more importantly it will also help you really feel much better about the way you look.

A large number of young adults pick out bathing suits which are less revealing since they give you more comfort. Modest swimwear can also be simpler to match with casual clothing. Unlike bikinis that need to be covered with shorts or possibly a skirt, conservative swimwear easily mixes with casual clothing. You don't need to be worried about being looked at all of the time.

When girls feel a little self conscious about their body when swim suit weather comes around the last thing they want to do is be putting on a bikini. A lot more women are jumping on the tankini bandwagon these days. You will find on our website many different types of modest swimwear that will make you feel great about your body and stylish at the same time.

Skin Under 10x Magnification

2010-11-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

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When trying to get the best facial skin that you possibly can there are two main things you must be doing, identification and treatment.

Identifying something like a massive pimple on your forehead isn't what I'm referring to because those kinds of imperfections can be spotted a mile of. What I'm talking about are smaller harder to find skin infections which can have serious long term consequences for your skin. An individual spot will initially be seen as a worse problem than a small area of acne. However when you consider that those types of large singular spots are actually quite unlikely to spread as well as very treatable you're looking at another situation.

Acne is very hard to get rid of and finding it so you can treat it right away is key, because once it's too large and too well established it may seem impossible to get rid of. This is where viewing your skin under 10x magnification comes into play because you can identify the hard to remove areas before they spread too far. Many teenagers know the plight where just a few acne pimples can cover half of the face because they did nothing about it. As acne grows it becomes less and less treatable and so you ideally want to remove the problem before it even gets to that situation.

Seeing as looking at your skin under 10x magnification mirrors in effect create a zoomed in image of your face it makes finding problem areas so much more easy. Spotting the big problems are easy, as well as being easy to treat; but the smaller the problem the harder it will be to eradicate!

The Advantages Of Having A Mobile Make Up Artist

2010-11-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

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The majority of individuals do not quite understand how superficial the world can become. Having a makeup artist is the only way to guarantee that a person look their best at all times. It is unfortunate that so many people are concerned with physical appearance, but that is part of being involved in the public eye on a regular basis.

This person will be able to make sure that a star is wearing the best color for their skin tone. Then will also be able to give advice regarding the clothing choices that a person has made. The colors that a person wears in conjunction with any makeup they are wearing is very important.

Wearing the wrong color can be detrimental to a persons personal perception. It is a good idea to always consult with a professional that is very aware of image related issues before making any fashion decisions. Hiring a person of this nature can be extremely challenging because most of them are going to want some degree of support for their traveling expenses.

Most of these professionals go to school to learn the art of color and design. Finding out the different types of color schemes that can be used is often a very involved process. It takes a great deal of dedication to design in order to be able to do this effectively. Most people struggle with making these decisions without the assistance of a professional.

Most people that are involved with some type of theater will have this type of person work with them for a long time before they understand the art of how to select their own foundation colors. Some professionals even feel that the time that they are getting their face done is time for reflection and relaxation before becoming started in their performance.

It is clear to see that having a mobile make up artist is a very important part of being successful in Hollywood. This is because these individuals often have insight to help people look their best in every situation. This is beneficial for any professional that is trying to make a big impact in the entertainment industry.

If you're in Melbourne, you will want to find artists that are based near where you live. A local business directory will help you to identify Melbourne Artists, so you can make an informed decision. At Forever Flawlesswe provide professional makeup artists who are mobile though out Melbourne.

The Choice of Blue Contact Lenses

2010-11-09T06:47:00.000-08:00

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In this age of recession one might think of the price before making a choice for colour or design of the lenses. However, the good news is there is a good range among the blue contact lenses, which can be purchased at very reasonable prices. If you are on prescription, then that shall mainly depend on your requirement for a particular type of contact lenses. Normally the coloured lenses ( of course, including blue ones) cost a bit more.

A general search on the Internet shows that a pair of these contacts is available from ?10 to ?150. Before deciding to make buy lenses in blue colour make sure that you have the right choice as not waste your money for something which you later on are not much comfortable with. If you are looking up for something like to brighten up your eyes instantly then yes, cosmetic contact lenses in blue shall do the trick. It has been shown that blue lenses keep your look fresh and brighten it up.

Regarding the types and design, there are several types and designs that you can choose from. In most cases it has been found that a trial and error method works best. If you are either brunettes or blondes, or even redheads or grey, royal blue enses shall work wonder and take your beauty to another level of attraction. They look very natural and can be put on daily basis. Most people have used lenses or royal blue for up to a year time. It has been recommended that it is best to use them less than 8 hours a day.

The No No Hair Remover

2010-11-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

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The NO NO Hair Remover is a new product from Radiance Smart Skin Solutions which aims to substitute hair removal products and match them with something that is presumed to give laser-like treatments. With the use of this product, one subjects herself into the NO NO Hair Removal System which is centered on the patented Thermicon technology.

The patented Thermicon technology basically involves the use of heat and transmitting it into the hair roots. This incinerates hair along with it. With the simple glide of the device on the skin, the hair goes through definite stages of removal. The first stage is referred to as the 'first contact' stage. On this stage, the heat signal removes surface hair as it is transmitted down the hair follicle. The second stage is known as the 'crystallization' stage wherein the signal has fully traveled down to crystallize the hair roots. The third and last stage is known as the 'disruption' stage which means that the hair follicles are disrupted to prevent any hastened hair re-growth.

With the technology explained, one should also know that there are three steps in using this product. With the new NO NO Hair Remover, you just need to "glide","buff", and "moisturize". First, you simply have the device glide on your skin. Second, to buff involves the use of the inclusive buffing pad. With buffing, you get to remove the crystallized hair left on the skin. The last step which is moisturizing is essential to maintain good skin condition especially that skin would be made more visible without hair.

The NO NO Hair Remover makes one remove her hair without the inconvenience of pain like those from tweezing or waxing. With a simple glide on the skin, the hair can already be eliminated. It has to be stressed though that the use of the product involves a little bit of time and commitment. There's no such thing as miracle products after all. Still, despite the needed time, you can always incorporate it into other recreational activities like watching DVDs.

The technology guarantees reduced occurrence of hair growth in the long run. With its role in these new technology products, it might well be worth the try.

Natural, Organic Face Creams Need No Animal Testing!

2010-11-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

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Finding a truly organic face cream can be difficult. The USDA sets standards and inspects farms providing organic foods. Those farms may also provide the ingredients for skincare products. But it's hard to determine whether or not that is the case.

What you and I expect when shopping for organics might not be the same as the cosmetic company's definitions. Most companies add some type of sunscreen to their product. While sunscreens fit the technical definition of organics, there is a great deal of controversy concerning whether or not they are safe. Here's what the companies should provide.

They should provide safe plant-based oils and extracts, purchased from growers who do not use chemical pesticides. They should not add artificial preservatives, colorings or fragrances to those good ingredients. They should go easy on essential oils, which are concentrated plant fragrances that can cause allergic reactions and neurological problems.

The ingredients should not be tested on animals. There would be no need for animal testing if companies used only non-toxic ingredients. That provides a clue about what the cosmetic companies have been selling us all of these years. If it burns or damages an animal's skin, logically it would not be good for human skin.

An organic face cream should contain the protein keratin, because the nutrient is needed for the construction of new cells. The keratin should be derived from sheep's wool, not from animal hooves, poultry beaks or other byproducts. The best form is Functional Keratin. It is the only form that is fully usable by the skin's cells. It is a supplement grade, rather than a cosmetic-grade protein.

Functional Keratin has been shown in clinical testing, with human volunteers, to provide numerous anti-aging benefits. To be included in an organic face cream, the manufacturer should be able to trace the wool it comes from to trusted farmers.

Honey is often found in natural skincare products. Some varieties provide numerous benefits. Manuka honey for example has natural antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

If the bees gather their pollen in a polluted environment, the honey will contain impurities. There are still some unpolluted areas on the planet, far from industry and shipping lanes. The South Island of New Zealand is an example of a good location for gathering honey.

Manuka is usually included in night creams, under eye gels and deep cleansing masks. It gets its name from the Manuka bush, which is native to New Zealand.

Regular use of an organic face cream containing Manuka honey and Functional Keratin will help to reduce acne breakouts and stimulate the skin's immune system. After a few weeks of daily use, it will improve the skin's firmness. Under eye gels containing those ingredients will reduce bags and dark circles. All of these benefits have been proven in clinical studies. Of course, many of the products on the market just aren't that good.

Take the time to evaluate the ingredients and the manufacturer before you buy an organic face cream. That's the best thing you can do.

Valerie Rosenbaum is a knowledgeable author on the subject of natural, anti aging skin care products. She prefers products that are loaded with natural ingredients that nourish the skin's ability to heal itself. The products she uses and recommends reduce fine lines and wrinkles with Phytessence Wakame, Functional Keratin & Cynergy TK. To learn more visit her skin creams website.

Obagi Products

2010-11-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

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Finally, there is a complete line of products available in the market that have proven effective and are guaranteed to treat skin conditions and transform damaged skin back to its healthy, youthful state. Obagi, the most trusted name in skin-care products, bring you the Obagi Skin Care System. This system dramatically improves tone, texture, and appearance, and effectively reverses damage caused by aging, sun exposure, and conditions such as acne. The result is clear, flawless look.
For starters, here are some Obagi products that you may want to try.

Obagi Blender
The Obagi Blender is applied to the area to effectively lighten dark spots and blemishes. Its unique, lightweight formulation goes comfortably on the dermis without the heavy greasy feel of cosmetics and concealers, making this product ideal for daily use. Get instant clear, even complexion with every application. Unlike concealers, the Obagi Blender not only covers up dark spots, but is formulated to work deep in the layers of the dermis to lighten imperfections. Continued use for 6 months will result in dark spots and blemishes permanently fading, and a visibly clearer, lighter complexion.

Obagi Effective Vitamin C
This product from Obagi is uniquely formulated with Vitamin C that works to lighten complexion and even out tone. It also reduces the appearance of dark spots and blemishes, giving you clear, flawless skin. Vitamin C is also a powerful anti-oxidant that protects your skin from free-radicals. Continued use of this product protects your skin, giving you permanently clear, flawless skin.

Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35
If you are looking for a sun screen that is safe to use on the face and won't cause irritation, even to sensitive skin, try the Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35. Unlike other sunscreens, Obagi's advanced formulation does not leave your skin feeling greasy or looking shiny, like other sunscreens. Dermatologist formulated, it also won't irritate your skin or aggravate existing skin conditions. At SPF 35, it provides adequate protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun without the greasy feel.

Obagi Clear
If you are suffering from acne and skin blemishes, try Obagi Clear. Obagi Clear penetrates deep in the skin, working at the cellular level to renew and peel off dead, damaged skin. Damaged skin is replaced with new, healthy, clear skin giving you a permanent flawless complexion.

Perfume and Cologne Etiquette

2010-11-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

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Moderation is the key. The old adage holds true for fragrances, too. Sometimes too much is just too much, and when it comes to fragrance, excess is a major turn-off. You probably know people who reek of too much perfume...the receptionist at the dentist's office, the guy who rides the elevator with you every morning. Heck, maybe YOU are the culprit. Check yourself and if you find that is indeed the case, follow these tips to fragrance moderation.

1. Wait before you reapply. You get used to your scent long before other people do. Just because you can't smell it anymore doesn't mean others can't. Don't be too ambitious when it comes to reapplying. And when you do, make sure you do so in private. Not at your desk, where the odor is sure to overtake the cubicle next to yours as well.

2. Location, location, location. Knowing the appropriate areas to apply your fragrance is key. Spraying it on your clothes will have a different effect than spraying it on your skin. Your body chemistry has a way of changing the scent to suit you specifically, so it will smell differently on your skin versus your clothes. Apply a light amount to your pressure points (inside wrists, behind the ears and knees) and spray a light amount on your neck.

3. Use fragrances that coincide with the season and time of day. Heavier fragrances are best for a night on the town, while light scents are ideal for the work day. Certain scents are created to complement the season. Muskier scents are best for winter while citrusy florals are a sure recipe for summer.

4. Here's a hint. Keep in mind that you just want others to get a hint of your perfume; they don't want to be blown away by it. Fragrance is intimate, so apply it with care.

5. Deodorant it is not. Don't swap cologne for deodorant. Your fragrance might mask your body odor for a bit, but not for long.

Permanent Lipstick - How Do I Get It?

2010-11-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

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The fancy word for permanent lipstick is micro-pigmentation and if you're a busy, active woman who simply doesn't have enough time in the day to stop and apply lipstick, you're probably asking "How do I get it?" and more aptly, "How soon can I get this miracle timesaver?" The answer is simple. Know that permanent lipstick right for you, know who the best people are who can perform the procedure and understand how the procedure works.

Is Permanent Lipstick the Right Choice For Me?

To make sure whether the procedure is right for you and fits your lifestyle, you should consult with a licensed technician who is actively performing micro-pigmentation. Ask him or her whether the permanent lipstick procedure is recommended in your case. They will assess all factors of your current and past health history to determine if there are any potential areas of concern. For instance, if you are heavily prone to allergic reactions, the technician may suggest a spot test to determine viability or you may even be advised to forego the procedure altogether.

Who Should I Trust to Perform the Procedure?

By fully researching your options, you will save yourself a tremendous amount of potential grief. Your goal in finding the right technician should be to locate someone who is licensed, certified, experienced and has a proven track record of successful permanent lipstick applications. There are a large number of plastic surgery practices that specialize in micro-pigmentation - and chances are the best technicians will be found at these clinics. Ask to see before and after pictures of other successful clients. Question the practice and the technician's history. This is permanent (or semi-permanent) after all, so 'better safe than sorry'.

Knowing What to Expect

Once you've realized that you are a good candidate for permanent lipstick and you have found the magic combination of experience and qualifications in an aesthetic clinic, all that remains is knowing what to expect. First, with the help of your dermagraphic technician, you will choose the color for your permanent lipstick. You would be wise to not go for anything too dark.

Next, your skin will be checked for any open cuts, scratches or small lacerations. If all is clear, your skin will be anesthetized with a special numbing cream. Then using a tool that resembles a pen (with a micro needle attached to the end, the pigment is implanted into the skin. After the pigment has been inserted, some antibiotic cream will be applied and you're on your way to recovery and always looking great with your new permanent lipstick!

Sue Woodall is the Patient Advisor at Dundrum Medical Cosmetic Clinic in Dundrum, Dublin in Ireland. If you are considering permanent make up, whether it is for your eyebrows, eyeliner or lips, download a free copy of a comprehensive report called 'The Facts About Permanent Makeup and What You Need to Know' from http://permanentmakeupfacts.ie/

Read the Label If You Want to Be Aware of the Compounds In Your Natural Body Lotion

2010-11-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

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The search for a natural body lotion is easier if you know what ingredients to look for. It might seem like a lot of trouble to read the label of ingredients, but it is something you must do.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration's advice about choosing safe cosmetics, it is up to the consumer to pay attention and do their own research. Terms like "natural" are not legally defined. Not all naturally occurring compounds are safe. Some are known to cause allergic reactions.

For example, practically all of the all-natural skincare products on today's market contain essential oils, which are nothing more than concentrated plant fragrances. The oils are known to cause allergic reactions of varying severity.

Orange oil is found in many facial cleansers. Yet it is harsh enough to strip oil off of your kitchen appliances. Imagine what it is doing to your skin.

If you have sensitive skin, you are better off avoiding essential oils and other added fragrances, all together. But, you do want essential fatty acids.

It can be confusing because the names seem so similar. Essential fatty acids are primary components of the skin's sebum, it's naturally protective oil. Natural body lotion should contain essential fatty acids similar to those found in sebum; the more similar the better.

Jojoba for example is more similar to human sebum on a molecular level than it is to vegetable oil, because of the very long-chained essential fatty acids it contains. This makes jojoba one of the best moisturizers, regardless of a person's skin type. It is non-greasy and does not clog the pores.

Olive oil is another ingredient to look for when you are buying natural body lotion. One of the things you don't want is mineral oil. Mineral oils are often referred to as naturally occurring, but they are derived from petroleum; crude oil.

Squalene is whale oil. While it is similar to human sebum, the whales are killed in order to obtain it. There are better choices.

Some vitamins and other nutrients are beneficial when applied directly to the skin's surface. Vitamin B5, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 are examples. Those are good ingredients to look for.

Grape seed oil combined with jojoba will help to fade stretch marks and scars. A natural body lotion containing those oils and the antioxidants mentioned above will help to reverse any damage done by the sun, which basically de-ages the skin.

Another good ingredient is active manuka honey. More and more lotions are promoted because of their germ-fighting or antibacterial activity. You can get those benefits from manuka honey. Other antibacterial agents are partly responsible for the increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria. Manuka does not contribute to the problem.

It might be hard to find one product containing all of these ingredients. It certainly wouldn't be one of the cheapest lotions on the market. But if you want a natural body lotion that is truly safe and effective, you have to spend a little extra.

Shaving Tools For Everyday Shaving

2010-10-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

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To get a great shave then you need to use some products in particular. By not using them you will have problems. All skin types can use these great products for their shaving efforts.

Shaving brushes are ample devices to spread shaving cream and erect hairs from laying on your face. This makes it much easier to cut the hairs cleanly. A shaving brush comes in many styles and hair types but any of them will work just as good as the next. Silicone shaving brushes work well because they are gentle on the skin and do a great job at standing the hairs on end.

Shaving cream wasn't used too much in the past like glycerin soap was. The cult of straight razor users still prefer this type of shaving cream. Regular soap doesn't provide the same amount of lubrication that glycerin soap does for the razor. A sensitive skinned person will need to pay more attention to the shaving cream or soap that they plan on using. The problem is that these types of skin are prone to painful shaving sessions due to burning.

There are many kinds of shavers in the market. Not everyone likes wet shaving and some will prefer to use an electric shaver to cut their hair. Usually straight razors give a very smooth shave and the others give a quicker but rougher style of shave. It doesn't matter which method of shaving you use because you will need to be careful when cutting hair so close to the skin.

Using moisturizer isn't just for women and men should consider it as well. Shaving leaves skin dry and it is important to moisturize since the body can only produce so much natural oil on its own. Dry skin is one of the causes of skin irritation.

And finally the last item is water. Cold water prevents your razors edge from warping and warm water will keep your face ready for a razor to slide over it.

Shea Body Butter: The Ideal All-Over Body Moisturizer

2010-10-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

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Over time, skin loses its natural moisture and this loss of moisture often results in rough, dry and scaly skin. The environment, weather, bad habits and even household chores all have profound effects on the skin and because it is impossible not to get exposed to any of these elements, the most that any woman can do is to protect her skin and help it regain the moisture it had lost. For a lot of women, this means turning to the various creams, lotions and potions churned out by different beauty companies.

With the wealth of choices available on the market however, women are hard-pressed to find a product that is right for them. This demand by women for an effective product has led beauty companies to turn to nature for a solution. In the quest to find an ingredient to make into an effective product, beauty companies looked to Africa and discovered shea butter, one of nature's greatest moisturizers.

Nowadays, most beauty companies offer shea butter in their range of beauty products and not surprisingly, it is one of the most sought after products by women. Between shea body lotion and shea body butter, most women would opt for the latter as it has a higher concentration of shea butter thus making it the ideal all-over body moisturizer. Naturally, it costs more too but most women are willing to spend a little extra because the benefits derived from using body butter as opposed to lotion are far greater. Besides, shea butter is more expensive compared with other moisturizing ingredients to begin with. The difference in cost can be attributed to the fact that the shea tree from which fruit the shea butter comes from only bears fruit every 15 years or so.

Shea body butter is an excellent moisturizer and it helps a lot in combating dry skin. It works well for use on any part of the body especially those prone to dryness like the hands, elbows, knees and the soles of the feet. For cracked heels, it is usually recommended to slather on shea body butter at night before covering the feet with socks. As with any body butter however, it is important to remember that the shea body butter has a shorter shelf life compared to its lotion counterpart. Whatever brand you choose, a good rule to keep in my mind is that body butter needs to be used up within six months from its first use.

Shop Online for the Best Deal in Perfumes

2010-10-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

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Perfumes are one of the most widely used cosmetics all over the planet. All people want that they smell nice, their home gives a pleasant fragrance and some even take care that their pets give a soothing aroma. That is why the perfume industry has got huge prospects. With the advent of internet it's been seen that people go online to shop almost everything right from books to cosmetics, garments to cars. Some people may argue that while buying perfumes online you don't have an option of trying those perfumes. But they must ask themselves that the last time when they went to purchase perfume from a retail store, were they able to quickly decide on which perfume they would buy. In most cases you are lost in the fragrance of different perfumes. And after some time you are not even able to differentiate between the fragrances of different perfumes. You end up buying a perfume which you may not like in future.

When you shop online, there are various advantages that you avail. Firstly you don't have to go anywhere like a mall or a supermarket to search for your favourite perfume. A mall may have 500 choices for perfumes or even 1000 but that is far less than the number of choices you get when you are buying online. Hence purchasing the perfume online saves your time, money and effort at the same time. Another very important thing which helps online is that you can actually checkout the reviews of different people who have already used that particular perfume. They can easily answer questions like whether the fragrance lasts for long time or not, does it have any sort of side effect on your skin and so on. You can also pick up perfumes from any corner of the world. The perfumes are used and produced everywhere in the world. There is a certain possibility that the perfume which is produced or which is available in your area, doesn't suit your taste. But going online to purchase perfumes, you get freedom of selecting the best perfume by reading the reviews and looking for various available options. You are in a position to select perfumes from all over the planet and the best part of the story is that you get the best bargains.

Over millions of perfumes are available worldwide in different fragrances and in very attractive pickings. The choice of fragrance varies from person to person. That is why it becomes really important that you must get all the information properly before going for an online purchase else you may end up buying a product which doesn't suit you. Things may become even worse when you are choosing for someone else. Basically there are seven main types of perfumes which are offered online. These categories include Floral, Chypre, Leather, Fougere, woody, citrus and oriental. You must be very careful in selecting from these categories. As there are number of people providing perfumes through online stores hence the competition is really high. Consumers can easily get benefit because of such high competition. So if you want the best deal in perfumes, go online.

Should Whale Tail Bathing Suits Be Banned for Good?

2010-10-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

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We have always been bombarded with the same question over and over, "Should whale tail bathing suits be banned?" In a world where nobody is as daring as we could have never expected, my answer to this question is NO. It should not be banned BUT there should be some restrictions when it comes to wearing it. I cannot blame those designers who created this kind of swim wear because they are just simply doing their job and that is to continuously create something new and sexy and daring in fashion. If they create something that is already expected and common then they would lose their job. They are here, I believe, to make the world more colorful and so they are free to create whatever it is that they want or else everything will be boring.

A woman is allowed to express herself through the clothes that she wears because that is what fashion is all about. They are the biggest clients of the fashion industry. Ask me I am also a woman. The argument continues as to whether the whale tail bathing suit be banned or not and I already made it clear that it should not be as long as there will be certain restrictions when it comes to wearing this. And what are those restrictions? This kind of swim wear is really beyond what we could imagine. I mean you are revealing almost everything there is in you. Others may find it sexy while others may find it somewhat insulting especially to those women who have high respect to them and I do not have anything against the wearers of this type of swim wear either. I mean we could not just simply judge someone by what she is wearing but the point is that we should also be considerate of our surroundings and just leave the imagination to our husbands and that means if it is possible just wear those whale tail type when you are at home with your husband and better if you have own swimming people too because you can wear them freely anytime of the day.

Whale tail bathing suits are already here so we really do not need to make more arguments about it. I am not asking people to completely embrace them either. We just have to be kind of neutral about it. You can still wear a pair and enjoy having one but if you can just be a little considerate then I think nobody will have to give up something.

Skin Firming Creams For Younger Looking Skin

2010-10-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

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When people are younger, their body can produce enough essential elements for skin health. These are the collagen and elastin. Collagen helps the skin to be firm while elsatin does the opposite; it makes the skin flexible. These elements make a skin looks healthier and youthful. As people grow older, their collagen and elastin begins to diminish. This is why wrinkle, sagging skin and age spots occur. The signs of aging have paved the way for the creation of a skin firming cream.

This skin care product is being widely used by people all over the world. It aims to reduce wrinkles and makes the skin firmer. Studies has shown that these creams can be effective to people. It can't be harmful as long as the product contains safe and natural ingredient.

There is a lot of skin firming cream available in the market. Each may have different way of treating an aging skin. Some tightens the outer layer of the skin or plump it up to make it feel smoother and look firmer. Other's use essential elements that could help regenerate skin cells.

Products that contain collagens cannot be effective on treating an aging skin. You may think that you have to increase the level of your collagen, but literally applying it on your skin would not help. Collagen molecules are too big to be absorbed by the skin; hence, it would just lead you to a waste of money. You must choose a firming cream that could stimulate the growth of your collagen. There are some products that could help stimulate the growth of elastin as well. This kind of product could more likely give a positive outcome.

You must avoid buying a skin firming cream that contains mineral oil, paraben, alcohol, fragrance or dioxane. All of these ingredients can be very harmful to your skin. Some of them can cause irritation and rashes; it may even be a cause of some cases of cancer. Try to select products with natural oils such avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil, emu oil or even fish oil. You may think that these oils could be harmful to your skin, making it feel greasy or clogging your pores. But it doesn't, these oils have essential vitamins and minerals that can stimulate skin cell regeneration, prevent free radical damages and stimulate collagen growth.

Products with natural extracts, manuka honey and cynergy TK is something you should also sought after. These ingredients may help in stimulating collagen growth as well; in fact, studies show that cynergy TK can also stimulate elastin growth. Thus, using products containing these very beneficial ingredients can give you the results you are looking for.

Smartlash Eyelash Enhancer Review

2010-10-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

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Every woman envies and hopes to have lengthy and glossy eyelashes. Smartlash is a product introduced by IQderma (a company from California) that is one of the most respected beauty product producers on the market nowadays and promises to provide the wanted impact. Despite the fact that there are numerous eyelash boosters available over the counter today, the product and its style has resulted in millions of reviews that are positive amongst ladies. The item pledges to help increase longer, luscious and thicker eyelashes. Longer and richer lashes assist in making your eyes look brighter and even bigger and have the ability to make facial features look more defined.

Unique selling points

Smartlash uses VisiLash technologies to avoid the harmful results that this sort of products tend to create. They claim to use scientifically tested ingredients. The primary one in the product is water, which is of course harmless. Additionally, it contains marsupium bark extract, soybean oil, mannitol, lecithin, apigenin and panthenol in addition to many more. They do not contain prostaglandin that is generally used by typical eyelash enhancers. This particular substance has been proven to trigger darkening of the skin on the eyelids. It is also clear of the ill unwanted effects caused by similar items.

It's been recommended to use this product twice a day, morning and night in a way the eyeliner is applied and also at the brow skin in a preferred shape of eyebrow. The product is a powerful remedy against eyelashes which are currently shortening because of the external environment and other beauty products.

Added benefits

This item indicates amazing results during individual testing. A 68% increase in lash length in a time period of 60 days and a 100% boost in lash volume in four weeks has been reported in an independent medical study. In addition to increasing size of eyelashes, it may also help in highlighting eyebrows. The lack of prostaglandin is favorable. The product can be bought from independent shops. It matches magnificently with mascara. Each item from IQderma including this particular one has a 30 day money back guarantee if absolutely no results are noticed. This particular eyelash enhancer can be utilized by wearers of contact lens too and does not create any sort of irritation.

The item has a whole lot of benefits which make you lower the need for skin drying chemicals, clumpy mascara, costly extensions and sticky eyelash glue. No prescription is needed for this product. It is actually safe for the eye brows and contains absolutely no parabens. There's been simply no reported indications of discoloration too.

Among the many similar products you can purchase today, Smartlash is offered on a free trial at $4.95 for shipping and handling and even if used 2 times a day (as is recommended), it can easily last many months in contrast to many other comparable items. Although many items claim to enhance and improve eyelashes, this product has obtained a lot of reviews that are positive.

Smoky Eye Makeup Tips For a 5-Minute Face

2010-10-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

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The smokey eye look is still very popular and it looks fantastic when done correctly. If not done well, it can look like you have 2 black eyes, and no one wants that effect! The smokey eye is sexy and dramatic and alluring. There are many, many tutorials out there that provide step by step instructions on achieving the perfect smokey eye look. In an effort to save you time and any eye makeup disasters, here is a simple step by step tutorial to achieving the perfect smokey eye.

1. Prep your lid area. Using a primer designed for the eyelid is a great way to make your eye makeup last longer and look fresh all day long. Apply primer all over lid area and let dry.

2. Line your eyes with eyeliner. Any color will do. If you want an especially dark and dramatic look use a black eyeliner. Or change it up and use a bright jewel toned liner such as amethyst purple or green. Apply the liner to the top lash line.

3. Apply eyeliner pencil to the bottom lash line and smudge using your finger or a sponge. You can also achieve this by using an eyeshadow and smudging that after applying.

4. Use a light shimmery eyeshadow and sweep it over your entire lid.

5. Now, using a darker color eyeshadow and an eyeshadow brush, apply the shadow beginning at the outer corner of your eye and blend inwards. You do not want the darker shadow to go any higher than the crease of your eye. Also apply just above the lashes and smudge upwards. The key here is to blend your shadows together.

6. Step back from the mirror and admire your gorgeous smokey eyes!

With a little practice you will be able to do this in no time at all and can leave the house with sexy smokey eyes any time you like. Perfect!

Straight Lines - Crooked Lines - Puddles - Oh My!

2010-10-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

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It makes me really happy to see Africans especially women, breaking stereotypes and succeeding in business. This is one of the reasons I decided to start a blog. But I was so busy last week with a translation project that I didn't get a chance to think what to write about next. I like doing the interviews like the one I did on Hidden Voices and I do have another one lined with a Ugandan lady who's doing some extraordinary work in East Africa. But for today I'm kinda happy because Handbag Designer101 said they'd like to feature me and sent me some questions to answer in preparation. Going through the questions really took me down memory lane. I laughed a little (actually a lot), as I reminisced the days when I was still flapping around in "idea land" trying to think what on earth I could do apart from work. I remembered how one time after I had decided to try bag-making, I was so frustrated that I couldn't find any sewing contractors willing to work with someone just starting out. Everyone I contacted said they weren't interested in producing small quantities. At the height of frustration that day, I hopped on the internet and ended up in Europe!

I couldn't afford to make large quantities and didn't want to either. I think I more or less expected the bags to NOT be exactly what I wanted and was prepared to live with that. Actually, what I was really worried about was the quality. I'm almost fanatical about finishing. In the end I decided not to use one of my better designs and instead sent a sample bag that I had used to have my first bag pattern made - which had proved to be a disaster.

Wasn't I scared about them not making the bags right or even worse, being cheated? Of course I was but I had done everything I knew to do (which at the time was almost zero) to find someone, anyone, to produce them. I didn't even know I had to provide technical sketches of the bags. I could barely draw a circle. You see, all this happened just after I had taken the radical decision that rather than just SELL bags, I would start to DESIGN bags. (Read the full story here). Well, I later learned that designing the bags was just the beginning of the process. I still had to select the fabrics and leathers, lining, zippers, handles and other bag components AND send these to the sewing contractors - and all this to Bulgaria. Yes, you heard me, BULGARIA!. I had to plead for mercy to get them to agree to make the bags since initially they too told me that their minimum order was 1,000 pieces. I wanted only about 30!

Eventually they said yes, but by that time I had developed cold feet and all the concerns I mentioned earlier came flooding back. I found myself rehearsing all the what ifs and this, to the point that I decided maybe I should just forget the whole thing. I mean after all, I had absolutely no contacts in Bulgaria and knew nothing about the country and to be very honest with myself (and you), I had absolutely no idea what I was doing going all the way to Eastern Europe to make bags! But I did have ONE thing that stood in my favor. You see, I had a dream that wouldn't die. And when you have a dream...

I was still teeter-tottering over what to do as common sense and conventional wisdom were both hinting me very strongly I might add, to drop the whole idea. I don't remember what the trigger was, but out of nowhere, I suddenly remembered a book I had read many years ago. It was the autobiography of Dr An Wang, co-founder of Wang Laboratories and titled ''Lessons''. There were two quotes in particular that really left a footprint in my mind. The first one said: "You have to risk failure to succeed. The important thing is not to make one single mistake that will jeopardize the future.'' Well, I'm not actually going to Bulgaria; just my fabrics and the bag components so I couldn't be jeopardizing that much, could I? I mean it's not like my life is at stake or anything like that, was how I reasoned. Nonetheless, I had to admit that it sounded pretty crazy to go all the way to Bulgaria just to get a few bags made when I had the whole of the U.S. (where I lived at the time) to choose from. I was still struggling with yes, do it and no, don't do it, when I remembered that there was another one of Dr Wang's quotes that I had stored somewhere in my emails. I searched for it and found it. It says: "Progress is not a straight line; the future is not a mere projection of trends in the present. Rather, it is revolutionary. It overturns the conventional wisdom of the present, which often conceals or ignores the clues to the future.''

Well, I figured I had wrestled with conventional wisdom enough and that if it worked for Dr Wang maybe it could work for me. So I followed his advice and tried to steer away from anything I felt would jeopardize the success of the project. I followed up with the company with tons of questions, emails, phone conversations and did as much research as I could on the company via the internet. Many weeks later, I decided to go ahead.

Did everything work out perfectly? Of course not. Was I cheated? Nope. Were the bags well-made in terms of quality and finishing? Very. Did they keep to the agreed deadline? Yes. Did I get what I expected though I didn't provide any technical sketches? They exceeded my expectations: the sample bag I sent was awful. What was the retail price of the bag? $80. Was it worth all the effort? Absolutely! Did I make any mistakes? Of course. I learned how important it is to provide good technical sketches if you want your designs to be captured properly. I was just lucky to have had some sort of sample to show to give an idea of what I wanted. I also knew nothing about US customs at the time and subsequently took a course on it to escape the bondage of my ignorance. Would you do it again? If necessary. Why? "Because sometimes you have to step out on what you see 'cause if you see the invisible, then bless God you can do the impossible."

-TD Jakes.

Having by-passed straight lines to walk in crooked lines and step in puddles, I have learned from Dr Wang never to underestimate the power of a quote. Besides, you know what they say: if the quote fits, run with it.

Study Reports Skin Moisturizer Causes Cancerous Tumors!

2010-10-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

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A skin moisturizer caused an increased rate of cancer tumor formation according to a tumor biology study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in August of 2008. The results came as no surprise to some people.

Experts from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other public safety organizations have been trying to warn consumers for years about the dangers lurking in their medicine cabinets. Ingredients commonly found in moisturizers and other skincare products are known to cause cancer, cellular mutations, nerve damage, organ failure and birth defects.

Due to lax cosmetic industry regulations, companies are allowed to include all but a handful of highly toxic ingredients in their formulas. The ingredients are allowed because of an old mistaken belief.

Although some traditional healers have known better for thousands of years, relatively modern scientific theory held that cosmetic ingredients could not penetrate through the skin's outer layers.

Many major cosmetic companies still adhere to that theory. That's why the companies have been allowed to use toxic ingredients. Why not change the formula?

It's hard to say why companies steadfastly refuse to change their formulas. Money probably has a lot to do with it.

The retail price of a skin moisturizer is determined by several factors. The cost of the ingredients is one factor. The cost of advertising and marketing is another. If the product is sold by a retailer, rather than directly through the manufacturer, there is the cost of mark-up.

In order to change their formulas, many cosmetic companies would have to start over from square one. That means they would have to do the necessary testing, research and development. That would add more to their costs. Prices would go up. Customers might stop buying.

What are the most hazardous cosmetic ingredients? Researchers used more than one skin moisturizer in the 2008 study. They contained different ingredients. Some of the compounds that may have contributed to the tumor formation are parabens and sunscreens.

Petrolatum was present in all of the moisturizers. According to the EWG, the biggest petrolatum concern is the contamination risk. Petrolatum is a byproduct created when crude oil is converted to gasoline. During the manufacturing process, cancer-causing chemicals may contaminate the petrolatum. Although most companies use acceptable purification methods, there's just no way to be sure. A chemical assay is not required before distribution.

Parabens have been found in tumors before. Some sunscreens are known to penetrate through the skin's outer layers and cause cellular mutations that can lead to the formation of a cancer cell.

So, what kind of skin moisturizer is safe? There are lots of safe creams and lotions on the market. In order to be sure, you can evaluate the label of ingredients or look for a manufacturer that has signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

Companies signing the Compact agree to adhere to the European Union's stricter cosmetic regulations. Their products do not contain ingredients that are known to cause cancer, cellular mutations, nerve damage, organ failure or birth defects. You can buy a skin moisturizer from those companies with confidence.

Tea Tree Oil - Heal Your Skin Naturally

2010-10-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

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Essential Oils are the highly concentrated essences distilled from specific plants. They are used not only for their scent, but for their medicinal attributes as well.

Tea Tree is the most powerful antibiotic and antifungal of the essential oils. It's pungent, medicinal fragrance is refreshing and revitalizing to the senses. The oil is distilled from the leaves of the Tea Tree. Native to Australia, Tea Tree has been used by the aborigines for centuries to relieve respiratory problems, headaches, and to heal infected wounds. Captain Cook's sailors used it in the 18th century to fight scurvy.

Because it has the ability to regulate the production of sebum (the skins natural oil), tea tree is a fabulous healing tonic for your skin. The oil benefits skin by helping to heal burns, acne, and cold sores. Tea tree clears blemishes caused by chicken pox and is even good for warts. It also helps to relieve itching and foot fungus.

To heal mild infection from a cut or insect bite, place 3 drops of the oil on a cotton ball and apply to affected area.

This oil can be used directly on the skin or added to a carrier oil such as almond or olive oil.

Mixes well with lavender.

Warning: Tea Tree oil may be irritating to sensitive skin. Do a patch test before using.*

Sample Recipe:

Acne Zapper
? 3 drops Tea Tree Oil
? 3 drops Geranium Oil
? 3 drops Lemon Oil
? 3 teaspoons carrier oil such as almond or olive.

Mix oils and apply to clean face nightly.

*Patch test-Before using a new recipe, even if it's natural, it makes sense to do a patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inside of your arm. Cover it with a band-aid for 24 hours. If the spot becomes red and/or itchy, you are having a bad reaction to one of the ingredients and you should not use it on your skin. Wash it off with warm soapy water. If you have particularly sensitive skin, consult with your dermatologist.

The Amazing Effects of a Synergistic Anti Aging Facial Cream!

2010-10-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

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The benefits of an anti aging facial cream or mask may be numerous. The sum of the benefits sometimes exceeds the benefits of individual compounds, if the ingredients work together in synergy. Here's a look at some that do.

Functional Keratin is an active protein extracted from sheep's wool using patented processes. In clinical studies, a 40% improvement in firmness has been noted. Peptides are believed to work in synergy with the protein to enhance results.

Peptides are similar to proteins, but they contain shorter chains of amino acids. Thus they are more easily absorbed by the skin's cells.

Numerous peptides have been studied for their benefits to the skin. Tetrapeptide-3 is one that has been shown to improve the skin's firmness, particularly on the neck. As much as a 40% improvement in firmness has been seen in some studies.

Imagine the results you would see if you used both Functional Keratin and tetrapeptide-3. Some research and development teams have imagined the results. They have included both ingredients in their company's anti aging facial masks.

Masks can be deeply hydrating or deeply cleansing, depending on the ingredients they contain. They are typically used twice a month, often on an alternating basis.

The cleansing masks pull dirt and toxins out of the pores, which reduces your risk of blemishes and makes your skin's surface smoother. The deep hydrating masks provide moisture and nourishment to the cells.

Each cell in the skin's outermost layer contains the protein keratin. One of its functions is to absorb moisture and pull it into the cell. This makes the cell plumper, which in turn makes your face firmer.

So, increased firmness and smoothness are the benefits that accompany the regular use of anti aging facial masks. Daytime moisturizers and nighttime creams can provide even more benefits if they contain nano-particles of coenzyme Q10.

Nano-particles are tiny enough to be absorbed into the deepest of the skin's layers. Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant found naturally in practically every cell of the body.

The amount of COQ10 present in the cells decreases with age. For example, the amount present in the cells of the heart starts to decline drastically once we pass the age of 20.

The amount present in the skin is quickly depleted during sun exposure. This is one of the reasons scientists began evaluating the benefits of including COQ10 in an anti aging facial fluid. Sun exposure is one of the main causes of cellular aging, the signs of which become visible in the form of wrinkles and sagging.

If used daily for three months, a cream containing nano-particles of COQ10 may help reduce wrinkles by as much as 30%. A reduction of other signs of sun damage has been seen, including reduced roughness and dryness.

The most effective day creams and nighttime moisturizers contain COQ10 and Functional Keratin. Wrinkle reduction combined with improved firmness is equal to amazing results. Why choose an anti aging facial cream that provides only one benefit when there is so much more to be had?

The Basics of Makeup

2010-10-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

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In an earlier article we discussed how every little girl moves from playful and wanting to just look like mum to getting serious about enhancing her natural beauty. We also took you through the simple steps of proper cleansing, applying a moisturizer, a concealer and a perfect foundation to create a beautiful canvas for these next steps in the Basic Makeup process.

Basic Eye Makeup

It's said the eyes are the window of the sole and in health and beauty circles it's said that the eyes are the window to health and attraction. Eye Makeup is one of the most important and best ways to enhance your natural beauty.

There are several steps for applying make up around the eyes.

* Always start with your eye brows. Create a brow-line using an eye brow pencil. You can also use the pencil to fill in gaps where you may have plucked away your natural brow. Applying carefully and sparingly as an eye brow pencil can really show and look unnatural. Use a slanted eye makeup brush to apply eye powder to finish the job. Eyeshadow come next and it needs to match and compliment your eye color as well as your skin tone so chose your colour after some study of both. Use darker shades of eyeshadow to line your upper eye lid. Then use medium shades above and up to the crease of your eye. Light eyeshadow now goes from that point to just under your eye brow. Basic Makeup Tip: An eyeshadow palette is handy for have colours to mix and match.
* Use an eyeliner in a darker matching colour to make your eyes stand out more. Apply in a thin line on the bottom edge of the upper eye lid using your eye makeup brush. To make your eyes to look larger, apply the eyeliner only on the upper eyelid, extending the line 1/2 inch beyond the corner of your eye. If you already have large eyes and prefer a more dramatic look apply eyeliner on the edge of the lower lid below the eye lash.
* Mascara is your final step in the eye makeup part of this basic makeup application. Once again pick a colour based on your skin tone. Use dark brown if you are fair and black if you have darker skin. Navy or plum is good for evening wear but not appropriate for work. Dip your Mascara applicator into the tube and gently apply to your upper and lower lashes. Wait a few moments to dry then apply a second coat. This helps avoid clumping.

Basic Blush Makeup You will find Blush in powder and gel form. It doesn't matter which form you choose just be sure to apply it sparingly. Smile to find the 'apples of your cheeks'. Apply blush on your 'apples' or just below them. Experiment to determine which place is more flattering for your face. Basic Makeup Tip: Invest in good Makeup Brushes to apply your blush and other cosmetics.

Basic Lip Makeup By now you know that matching and coordinating is everything in makeup. Choose a lip stick or lip stain that goes with your skin and your outfit. You can apply it from the tube with lip stick or use a lip stick brush for lip stains. Professional make up artists always use a lip brush when applying either. Next apply lip-liner around the edges of your lips. Basic Makeup Tip: Use a lipliner of similar shade to your lip stick or stain.

Marcia Canti is a Basic Makeup Specialist who has created the 'Basic Makeup' method for looking great everyday. From tips on how to the Basics of Makeup to shopping for cosmetics Marcia knows her stuff! Whether you're taking the kids to school or heading out for a formal function Marci will make sure you look your best. Learn more about Marcia's 'Basic Makeup' Methods and discover great deals on cosmetics too at BasicMakeup.com