The Power of 100 Calories

Have you ever had the munchies and wished for a little something to snack on without blowing your day's worth of calories? One of the hot new trends in food marketing is the 100-calorie snack pack. In today's world of super-sized everything, it's a nice option to have all the work and math done for you.

If you are portion-control challenged and short on time, you may opt for this convenience. Rather than bringing home the big bag of chips that offers no stopping point once it's opened, you get a fixed number of snacks already pre-portioned for you into 100-calorie packages-assuming you can stop after eating only one package. But 100 calories times many snack attacks, and portion control is lost.

In addition to chips you'll find cookies, crackers, popcorn, yogurt and even soft drinks available in these smaller sizes. The selection is extensive as more than 100 of these products now line your grocers' shelves.

Food manufacturers may simply be putting 100-calorie's worth of the original product into a smaller package much like you could choose to do at home using little plastic bags.

However, there are some exceptions. To make it appealing to the consumer, the food manufacturers want you to feel like you've gotten a lot in that little package which sometimes takes creative marketing. It may mean leaving out a high fat, high sugar and high calorie ingredient to meet the 100-calorie goal to keep the package from looking skimpy. For example, some cookies may have fewer chocolate chips or lack the filling you're accustomed to enjoying.

Not only may you be getting less than you bargained for, but you also get to pay more-up to twice as much. If convenience is more important to you than your grocery dollars, you'll welcome this new packaging concept. But if you like to get the most bang for your buck you may choose to take the time and do your own portioning in little plastic bags.

These 100-calorie packages are appealing to consumer's who are watching their waistlines but don't want to buy special diet foods. The 100-calorie snack pack is real food-not the diet version of favorite snacks. However, little packages filled mostly with empty calories are neither nutritious choices nor likely to be satisfying.

Better examples of real food 100-calorie snacks packed with good nutrition are a high fiber apple, orange or banana or a few tablespoons of nuts or sunflower seeds. For a high protein snack enjoy a small container of creamy non-fat yogurt or pudding but keep the added sugar in check. On these cold days a cup of sugar-free cocoa mix made with skim milk can be very satisfying-especially for those who like chocolate. For a chewy snack have a small handful of dried fruit in place of candy.

What's my bottom line? Because we're a grab-and-go and eat-on-the-run society, be realistic but be prepared. It's not a bad idea to keep pre-packaged 100-calorie snacks on hand for emergency munching to help you get past a sudden craving if you don't happen to have fresh fruit on hand when that snack attack hits. Why undo several weeks or months of building healthy habits with an uncontrollable urge to crunch?

Relying on pre-packaged goodies as part of your daily diet isn't the best idea if they are nothing more than tasty little packages of refined sugar and saturated fat. On the other hand if you choose 100-calorie snacks that offer some protein and fiber and minimal sugar and fat, you may be doing your body a healthful favor.

Select the best and enjoy them now and then for a guilt-free winning combination.

Super Foods Simply Equal Better Health

Super foods come with good news and bad news. No single food can cancel the consequences of poor eating habits regardless of any such claims. The good news is that making good food choices can be one of the best ways to achieve or maintain good health-especially when substituted for less nutritious foods.

Super foods are nutritional powerhouses high in phytonutrients-chemicals that occur naturally in food. They protect against diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. When you make nutritious choices more often you're doing your body a favor. It's like being at a crossroads and pondering which direction to go. Often one direction is better than another. It works the same way with our daily food choices.

There are several cautionary notes to keep in mind. Some of these super foods are calorie-laden and should not be super-sized. Moderation is important. Also, including super foods does not make up for an otherwise unhealthy lifestyle such as inactivity. In alphabetical order here is my list of ten super foods to help you start down the path to better health.

1. Avocados. Avocados contribute monounsaturated fat which lowers cholesterol for heart health. Because they're high in calories, limit your daily consumption. I enjoy avocado on my dinner salad daily. A recommended serving size is 2 tablespoons, or about one-sixth of a medium-sized avocado. Each serving provides 5 grams of fat and 55 calories. A whole one contains 30 grams of fat!
2. Broccoli. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a phytonutrient, which is one of the most powerful cancer fighting components in food. Broccoli also is high in vitamins A an C-antioxidants that prevent damage to your body's cells. It's a nutritional bargain at only 43 calories in a one-cup serving.
3. Cranberries. Long known for promoting urinary tract health, cranberries come in several forms. Buy fresh cranberries in season, pop in the freezer, and use later. I toss dried cranberries into my homemade granola. The light version of the juice at 40 calories a glass is just as effective as cranberry juice cocktail for 140 calories in an 8-oz. glass.
4. Dark Chocolate. More isn't better in the case of chocolate. Dark chocolate, rather than milk chocolate or white chocolate, can have some health benefits. It's rich in flavonoids which positively affect heart health and blood flow including reducing blood pressure. Including a small amount, less than an ounce, in moderation in an otherwise balanced diet may be good for your health. That's good news for those of us who are chocoholics. However, along with chocolate come sugar, butter and cream which translate into plenty of calories.
5. Nuts. Though the evidence isn't definitive, including nuts two to five times a week may protect against heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. Nuts are high in protein and good unsaturated fat which contain naturally occurring cholesterol-lowering compounds called plant sterols. Nuts are calorie-dense at 200 calories per ounce. My husband, in the pursuit of good heart health, now substitutes an ounce of walnuts for the high-fat, high-sugar cookie he used to eat for lunch.
6. Pomegranates. Pomegranates may increase blood flow to the heart, reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, and be effective against cancer. Each one contains about 800 seeds and 100 calories. Sprinkle the seeds over salad or mix them with fruit. Pomegranate juice, filled with antioxidants, is more convenient and available year round, but it also has added sugar to offset its natural tartness.
7. Soy. High in polyunsaturated fat, soy can benefit your heart health, especially when eaten in place of other proteins which are typically high in saturated fat. Edamame, boiled soybeans, have become a popular snack. Be adventuresome and try them in place of chips at your Super Bowl party.
8. Tea. Black, green or white tea is calorie-free and may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and ovarian cancer. Keep in mind that during processing decaf and bottled teas lose some of the beneficial polyphenols, antioxidant compounds that act as anti-inflammatories to protect heart health. Sweetened bottled teas are often loaded with sugar. Your best bet is to brew your own. Did you know that herbal teas don't come from the tea plant?
9. Whole Grains. Oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat bread among other whole grains protect the heart when they're eaten in place of refined grains. Don't be fooled by packaging that touts "multi-grain goodness." Take the time to read the ingredients label. A whole grain should be listed first. Check the remaining ingredients to see if it's filled with other less healthful refined grains.
10. Wild Salmon. A rich source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, wild salmon eaten twice a week can reduce the chance of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body. Farm-raised fish are more likely to contain contaminants than those raised in the wild. The bottom line though is to include more fish more often.

Choosing only a few foods off the list is better than none. If you want more than a band-aid effect, include more of these foods regularly. Take it a step at a time and start by adding one or two new super foods to your daily diet. It takes a while to form good habits. Allow yourself this time because your health is worth it.

Weight Loss Products and Programs

Quick Facts...

• Many diet products and programs offer a quick, short-term fix, but there is no "magic bullet" for weight loss.
• When investigating weight loss products or programs, beware of high costs, pressure to buy special foods or pills, and fraudulent claims.

Diets

Approximately 50 million Americans go on a diet each year — yet only 5 percent keep the weight they lose off. Many trying to lose weight continually struggle to find an effective weight loss method. Unfortunately, there is no “magic-bullet”. The only proven way to lose weight and keep it off is by making permanent lifestyle changes. You must eat healthier, watch portion sizes and be active.

Even if you choose to use an over-the-counter weight loss product or participate in a weight loss program, the bottom line is that you still must eat fewer calories than you burn to lose weight. When selecting a weight loss product or program, gather as much information as possible. Beware of high costs, pressure to buy special foods or pills, and fraudulent claims.

Examples of Ineffective Diet Products

• Diet patches. Removed from the market by FDA in the early 1990s because they were ineffective as a diet aid.
• Magnet diet pills. Purportedly flush fat out of the body.
• Certain bulk fillers (such as guar gum) may cause internal obstruction.
• Electrical muscle stimulators. FDA may remove from market if promoted for weight loss.
• Appetite suppressing eyeglasses. Claim colored lenses project image on retina and decrease appetite.
• Magic weight-loss earrings. Supposedly control hunger by stimulating acupuncture points.

Weight Loss Products

Diet drink powdered formulas usually are mixed with a glass of milk and are substituted for one or more meals. Many users of these shakes report feeling constantly hungry and regain the lost weight when they give up the shakes. By relying on shakes, dieters follow artificial dieting methods and avoid learning how to work food into their lives.

Many prescription diet medicines have side effects and may not work for long-term weight loss. Over-the-counter pills containing the appetite suppressant PPA (phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride) can raise blood pressure. Over-the-counter pills containing ephedra may cause serious side effects, including dizziness, increased blood pressure or heart rate, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, seizure and even death. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking action to limit and/or ban the use of PPA and ephedra in over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements.

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HEALTH & BODY CARE

Drink lots of water ...

Increase your body's natural moisture level by staying hydrated throughout the day. The first step to achieving radiant skin is to make certain that your daily intake of water is sufficient to continually restore hydration to your body. The benefits of drinking water are immediate. Your wrinkles may even seem less pronounced, not to mention your body will operate at maximum efficiency, because the waste and toxins are being effectively eliminated. Try to limit your consumption of caffeine-containing beverages to no more than 3 cups per day - their diuretic effects will actually cause dehydration. Get into the habit of taking a water bottle along with you when you go out so that you can replenish and refresh at your convenience.

Mole patrol ...

A few minutes every two months is all you need to examine your moles for changes. If necessary, use several mirrors to help you view hard-to-see areas, such as your back, your entire scalp and the backs of your legs. Pay special attention to moles that look different or out of step with your other moles. Be proactive in detecting any early signs of skin cancer. Consult your doctor if you notice any changes.

Maintaining soft and smooth skin ...

When drying off after a bath or shower, don't towel-dry too vigorously and always apply lotion or body oil while your skin is still damp. This will help seal in moisture and leave your skin feeling smooth before it has a chance to dry out completely. If your skin is particularly susceptible to dryness, look for body washes that contain lotions - they'll clean and moisturize in one step. Always finish off with a moisturizer that's suitable for your skin type.

Facts about your skin ...

The skin you see is actually dead skin cells. These cells are continually flaking off - in fact, you lose about 35,000 dead skin cells each minute. In the course of a year, you'll shed around four kilograms of skin cells. It contributes to the dust in the air, in your house, so get out the vacuum!

Dark circles under your eyes ...

Dark circles under your eyes can be caused by pure genetics (does your mom or grandma have circles?), dry skin and can also be a sign of sun damage. Use an appropriate moisturizer and eye cream at night that reduces the appearance of dark circles. You may also want to explore cosmetics that can help cover-up or lighten the circles.

Defend yourself against germs ...

Whenever you touch a doorknob, push a grocery cart or press an elevator button, you're picking up bacteria and viruses that can cause both common and uncommon medical conditions. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly - it's simply the best way to protect yourself.

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty that uses a number of surgical and nonsurgical techniques to change the appearance and function of a person's body. Plastic surgery procedures include both cosmetic enhancements as well as functionally reconstructive operations. In the former case, where aesthetics are considered more important than functionality, plastic surgery is also referred to as cosmetic surgery. Most procedures involve both aesthetic and functional elements.

The word "plastic" derives from the Greek plastikos meaning to mold or to shape; its use here is not connected with the synthetic polymer material known as plastic Plastic surgeons typically mold and reshape the following tissues of the body: bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and skin.

Introduction

The basic goals of plastic surgery include the following:

• Correction of perceived disfigurement
• Restoration of impaired function
• Improvement of physical appearance

During plastic surgery the following procedures are common:

• Tissue may be moved to fill a depression, to cover a wound, or to improve appearance.
• Tissue may be completely removed to alter the contours of a feature.

The benefits of plastic surgery may include:

• Correction of a congenital or acquired deformity
• Correction of a perceived physical imperfection
• Psychological benefits

Techniques and procedures

Common techniques used in plastic surgery are:

• incision
• excision
• microsurgery
• chemosurgery
• electrosurgery
• laser surgery
• dermabrasion
• liposuction

In plastic surgery the transfer of skin tissue (skin grafting) is one of the most common procedures. (In traditional surgery a “graft” is a piece of living tissue, organ, etc., that is transplanted.

• Autografts: Skin grafts taken from the recipient. If absent or deficient of natural tissue, alternatives can be:
  • Cultured Sheets of epithelial cells in vitro.
  • Synthetic compounds (e.g., Integra--a 2 layered dermal substitute consisting superficially of silicone and deeply of bovine tendon collagen with glycosaminoglycans).
• Allografts: Skin grafts taken from a donor of the same species.
• Xenografts: Skin grafts taken from a donor of a different species.

Usually, good results are expected from plastic surgery that emphasizes:

• Careful planning of incisions so that they fall in the line of natural skin folds or lines.
• Appropriate choice of wound closure.
• Use of best available suture materials.
• Early removal of exposed sutures so that the wound is held closed by buried sutures.

Cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery is a very popular form of plastic surgery. In 2006, nearly 11 million cosmetic plastic surgeries were performed in the United States alone.

Within the U.S., it is legal for any doctor, regardless of speciality, to perform cosmetic surgery. It is thus important to distinguish the terms "plastic surgery" and "cosmetic surgery": Plastic Surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties as the subspecialty dedicated to the surgical repair of defects of form or function -- this includes cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery, as well as reconstructive surgery. The term "cosmetic surgery" however, refers to surgery that is designed to improve cosmetics, or appearance. In several countries including Australia, many doctors who are not qualified as surgeons also perform cosmetic procedures.

The most prevalent aesthetic/cosmetic procedures are listed below. Most of these types of surgery are more commonly known by their "common names." These are also listed when pertinent.

• Abdominoplasty (or "tummy tuck") : Reshaping and firming of the abdomen

• Blepharoplasty (or "eyelid surgery"): Reshaping of the eyelids or the application of permanent eyeliner, including Asian Blepharoplasty.

• Mammoplasty

- Breast augmentation (or "breast enlargement" or "boob job"): Augmentation of the breasts. This can involve either saline or silicone gel prosthetics.

- Breast reduction : Removal of skin and glandular tissue. Indicated to reduce back and shoulder pain or for psychological benefit in women with macromastia.

• Buttock augmentation (or "butt augmentation" or "butt implants"): Enhancement of the buttock. This procedure can be performed by using silicone implants or fat grafting and transfer from other areas of the body.

• Chemical peel : Minimizing the appearance of acne,pock and other scars as well as wrinkles (depending on concentration and type of agent used, except for deep furrows),solar lentigines (age spots, freckles), and photodamage in general. Chemical peels commonly involve carbolic acid(Phenol),trichloroacetic acid(TCA), glicolic acid (AHA), or salicylic acid (BHA) as the active agent.
• Mastopexy (or "breast lift"): Raising or reshaping of breasts. Involves removal of breast skin as opposed to glandular tissue.
• Labiaplasty : Surgical reduction and reshaping of the labia
  
• Rhinoplasty (or "nose job"): Reshaping of the nose
  
• Otoplasty (or ear surgery): Reshaping of the ear
  
• Rhytidectomy (or "face lift"): Removal of wrinkles and signs of aging from the face
• Suction-Assisted Lipectomy (or liposuction): Removal of fat from the body
• Chin augmentation : Augmentation of the chin with an implant (e.g. silicone) or by sliding genioplasty of the jawbone.
  
• Cheek augmentation
  
• Collagen, fat, and other tissue filler injections (e.g. hyaluronic acid)
• Laser skin resurfacing
• Injection of dermal fillers (collagen, hyaluronic acid, fat, and others)

In recent years, a growing number of patients seeking cosmetic surgery have visited other countries to find doctors with lower costs. These medical tourists get their procedures done for up 50 percent or more cost savings in countries including Cuba, Thailand, Argentina, India, and some areas of eastern Europe. The risk of complications and the lack of after surgery support are often overlooked by those simply looking for the cheapest option.

Hair Care Mistakes To Avoid

We all know what we’re supposed to be doing for our hair but it’s hard work being good all the time. Here are the most popular mistakes and how to fix them! Not having you hair trimmed regularly When you’re growing out a style or if you happen to be super busy, it can be all too easy to dodge the hairdresser’s chair for months at a time. But avoiding the salon can lead to split ends which travel up to the shaft, leaving hair looking damaged and unruly. The irony of dodging the salon chair is that if you do it for too long, you might eventually have to have far more of your hair chopped off than you would have because it will be in such bad condition.

Frazzling your locks Heated appliances cause more damage to hair then any other factor so we should all be in the habit of using a heat defence spray whenever we reach for the hairdryer, flat irons or tongs. Sadly for many, using a protective styling product is too much like hard work and for them, ruined locks are just around the corner! If you can't remeber to use a protective product, limit the damage with appliances that minimise destruction. Damage defense straighteners with steam technology maintain moisture levels in the hair and promise even heat distribution.

Never changing your hairstyle
Well, it's just boring isn't it? a new style can make you look younger, give you more confidence and cheer you up so why get stuck in a rut? If you've been wearing the same style for as long as you remeber, it might pay to find a different stylist who will have new ideas for what you can do for your hair.
Use clip-in extensions to give yourself instant new bangs, add color, extra lenght or just more thickness.

Flat Limp Hair Super Tricks

This is a biggie for people with oily hair. You start the day looking fine but by early evening your hair is limp and lifeless.
Shampooing twice instead of once and leaving the shampoo on longer before rinsing may help. So does using an oil-free conditioner applied only to the ends.

But if you need to get through the workday without falling flat, what you don't do can also make a difference:

Don't brush or comb your hair too much.

Don't play with it or run your fingers through it.

Don't wear a hat.

And try not to sweat the small stuff. Stress boosts oil production, making hair greasier.

If none of that helps, revert to products. There are some good texturizing pastes and pomades on the market. For a mid-day lift, rub some between your fingers and palms, then apply to the roots and scrunch. Or use it to spike up droopy strands and bangs (but sparingly or it'll weight your hair down).

Then there's the classic flat hair fix: bend over and apply hairspray to the roots, then fluff.

Desperation Tactic:
Back-combing. It damages the hair cuticle so it's only to be used in emergencies when all other options have been exhausted.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is the lumpy substance resembling cottage cheese that is commonly found on the thighs, stomach, and butt. Cellulite is actually a fancy name for collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath a person's skin, which causes the surface of the skin to dimple or pucker and look lumpy.

You can check to see if you have cellulite by pinching the skin around your upper thigh. If it looks a bit lumpy, you probably have it. And if you do have cellulite, you're definitely not alone: Most girls and women - and some men - have cellulite.

Several factors influence whether a person has cellulite and how much they have. Your genes, your gender, the amount of fat on your body, your age, and the thickness of your skin are all associated with the amount of cellulite you have or how visible it is.

Whatever the cause of cellulite, it's important to know that there aren't any miracle products, treatments, or medicines that can make it go away. For example, some fancy salon treatments that promise to get rid of cellulite simply cause your skin to puff up through deep massaging, temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Treatments like liposuction (surgery to remove fat) and mesotherapy (injection of drugs into cellulite) are either expensive or may produce only temporary improvement. Many doctors even warn that liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite because liposuction is designed to remove deep fat instead of cellulite, which is close to the skin.

If you have cellulite, chances are you won't like it. It's important to remember, though, that almost everyone wishes that something about their body was a bit different. This is particularly true for teens whose bodies are going through all sorts of changes caused by puberty.

If you decide that you want to try to reduce the amount of cellulite you have, the best thing to do is to decrease excess body fat. If you and your doctor think that you are overweight, eat fewer calories and exercise more. Experts agree that an exercise routine that combines aerobic exercise with strength training is the best weapon against cellulite. In the meantime, if you want to conceal your cellulite, try using a self-tanning product. Cellulite tends to be a little bit less noticeable on darker skin.


Cellulite Reduction

Cellulite is a trouble-free skin disease and appeared on the abdomen, thighs and buttocks.

Most of the females are affected by this disorder. This skin problem is developed while connective tissue changes in compressed and hardened and making difficulty in circulation of blood.

There is a less chance that cellulite is developed in males. Genetics, smoking, diet, hormones and age can develop this problem.

The unattractive skin or the look of bad surface of the skin is called as rippling or cottage cheese.

There are various ways or methods to decrease cellulite; however, Endermologie is the good method for controlling and removing the cellulite and make the skin softer and smoother.


Endermologie Treatment

Endermologie treatment is effective to make the skin soft and clean. This provides quickly outcomes with the perfect way of performing different exercise.

This method is good to increase the circulation of blood. As per the specialists, studies have proved that the body is defended from collagen with the help of using this best cellulite treatment. So, this is a simple and efficient way to remove cellulite from the body.

Where is this treatment done?

This treatment should be done at the therapist or practitioner’s clinic. Doctor who is experienced in this method performs this treatment at the clinic to reduce cellulite. It should be done on a particular massage bed or table at the clinic.
What is the healing time for cellulite treatment?

Endermologie is the best non-surgical cellulite treatment. Therefore, there is no healing time for cellulite treatment. Persons with cellulite will continue physical activities and lifestyles in the period of cellulite treatment.
How much time the best cellulite treatment take?

The best cellulite treatment (Endermologie treatment) usually takes minimum eight weeks. It can be performed one to two times for each week and about 30 to 40 minutes in each meeting.

What is the long-term effect for the sufferers?

Endermologie treatment is an effective way to control and decrease the cellulite. In present, a study has not been done for measuring the long-term consequences of it.
Best Candidates For Endermologie treatment
Practical in the prospect of the sufferers
Desiring to diminish the cellulite appearance
A person who desires to follow the directions to get best outcome
A person who is fine in physical and psychological health
A person who has huge information about Endermologie treatment
Is there any negative effect of the cellulite treatment?

There is no any major effect of the Endermologie treatment. But it has less minor side effects such as darkening of spider veins and bruising.

Wrinkles - Why do we get wrinkles and wrinkle remedies

Wrinkles. Some women see them as the bane of their existence, and they actually go through all means they could possibly afford just to get those wrinkles off their faces, the means ranging from expensive creams to Botox to plastic surgery and facelift. Our culture and society is so youth-oriented that wrinkles, especially on women, have become totally undesirable.

Why do we get wrinkles?
Wrinkles are mostly associated with aging. As we age, the cells of our skin become thinner and lose elasticity because of the decreased levels of collagen production in our body. The skin cells also divide more slowly, thus delaying repair and renewal of the skin. Also, as we age, the fat cells just under the outer layer of our skin, which makes the skin look supple, get smaller and lose their ability to fill out whatever gaps created by the damage that occurs in the inner layers of our skin. And so our skin sags, becomes dry and develops wrinkles as we age.

Wrinkles also develop because of skin damage, the skin damage coming mostly from exposure to sunlight. Spending too much time under the sun with minimal or no protection at all causes the skin to be vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. Sunlight causes the outer layer of the skin, which is the epidermis, to become thinner, and encourages the overproduction of melanin, which eventually leads to skin cancer. Continued sunlight exposure also causes the collagen in our skin to break down more rapidly, faster than natural aging actually does. Loss of collagen results in loss of elasticity for the skin, therefore to skin wrinkling.

The development of free radicals in the skin also causes it to wrinkle. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules in the body that lack an electron; oxygen molecules need two. Free radicals also contribute to the speedy breakdown of collagen in the skin. How do free radicals develop in the skin? This happens through continued exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, air pollution and cigarette smoking.

We are probably not aware of this, but gravity also plays a role in why we get wrinkles. Gravity pulls at our skin, causing sags and jowls to form.

Getting wrinkles is a natural process. It is something we cannot avoid, and it is something that starts happening in our twenties and thirties. Facelift and other cosmetic surgery cost an arm and a leg, but there are cheaper ways and more effective ways of arresting the formation of wrinkles in the skin and keeping our skin looking younger for longer.

Ways to diminish wrinkles
First is to keep our skin well-protected from UV ray exposure. This means laying on product, such as creams and lotions, that have SPF protection all over the skin. Another is proper nutrition and hydration. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and fish that are rich in vitamins and minerals that fight the development of free radicals in the body. Also, drink plenty of water and fruit juices to keep the body hydrated, and avoid too much black tea and coffee.

Get as much sleep as possible as well, as much as eight hours a day. Sufficient rest keeps the body from being stressed, since chronic stress accelerates the aging process. Lastly, give up smoking because smoking dehydrates the skin and burns away the nutrients of the body.

Wrinkle Removal Recipe

Banana is wonderful as an anti-wrinkle treatment.

Mash 1/4 banana until very creamy. Spread all over face and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water followed by a dash of cold.
Gently pat dry.

Get Rid of Acne Scars

At some point you had acne, now you are left with embarrassing, ugly scars. There are ways to diminish and reduce the appearance of the acne scars. The severity of the scars will determine what you will need to do to diminish them. I would recommend seeking advice from a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon to determine the best course of action.

For very mild scarring you can try a few at home procedures and products to help reduce the appearance of the scars. At home dermabrasion and chemical peels can help diminish some scarring especially if you also use retinol or alpha hydroxyl acid lotions or creams. For sensitive skin you may not want to apply retinol or alpha hydroxyl products right after dermabrasion or peels because it can cause redness and irritation. Other products you can try are scar reducing creams like Mederma or Rosehip seed oil which is said to be great at reducing scar tissue. Aloe Vera juice and gels and lavender oils are also said to work well on reducing scars.

Professional treatments for scarring include Laser Resurfacing which involves the use of a laser to remove skin so new skin can form in its place. Laser resurfacing can cause uneven skin tones in people with darker skin. It is still being studied but shows a lot of promise. After treatment you may experience redness and swelling which may last for several weeks.

Dermabrasion has been around for decades. Originally sandpaper was used to remove damaged skin. Now a machine rotates to remove the damaged skin, the skin is numbed or frozen first. After the procedure your skin is raw and scabs will form. After the scabs heal your skin will be reddish for several weeks.

Augmentation is a procedure where material like collagen or your own fat will be injected under the scar to bring it to the surface. The treatments last for about six months but they are working on more permanent solutions.

Subcision is a technique that detaches the scar from deeper tissue and allows a pool of blood to form under the scar. The blood clots and helps form connective tissue under the scar to level it with the rest of the skin surface. Subcision is usually combined with either dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

The depth and shape of your scars will determine what treatment your doctor will recommend.

Beauty Tips, Best Free Beauty tips to look naturaly beautiful

Beauty Tip 1) Brighten grey elbows by rubbing them with half a fresh lemon, it has a nautural bleaching effect. Moisturize the skin afterwards to counteract the drying effects of the juice.

Beauty Tip 2) Carry a spray of mineral water in your handbag to freshen up foundation while you are out and about.

Beauty Tip 3) Sleeping on your back helps prevent wrinkles, accrording to recent research. It is certainly worth a try!

Beauty Tip 4) Dunk feet into a bowl containing warm water and 4 tablespoons of epsom salts to help ease swollen ankles.

Beauty Tip 5) If you have very soft nails, file them while the polish is still on to prevent them from cracking.

Beauty Tip 6) If you find eyebrow tweezing painful, hold an ice cube over the area first to numb the area before you start.

Beauty Tip 7) Warm up your looks by dusting a little blusher over your temples, chin and the tip of your nose as well as your cheeks.

Beauty Tip 8) Keep your smile looking its best by changing your toothbrush as soon as the bristles begin tp splay. This means at least every three months.

Beauty Tip 9) Soak nails in a bowl of olive oil once a week to strengthen them.

Beauty Tip 10) When plucking your eyebrows, coat the hairs you want to remove whith concealer - it will help you visualize exactly the shape of brow you are after.

Beauty Tip 11) For eyes that really sparkle, try outlining them inside your eyelashes with a soft white cosmetic pencil.

Beauty Tip 12) Hide cracked or chipped nails under stick on false ones.

Beauty Tip 13) Make over prominent eyes appear smaller by applying a wide coat of liquid liner. The thicker teh line the smaller your eyes will look.

Beauty Tip 14) Calm down a red angry blemish by hosling an ice cube over it for a few seconds and then apply your usual medicated concealer.

Beauty Tip 15) Apply foundation powder with a damp sponge for a thicker, more opaque coverage. Applied wiht a dry sponge, the result will be sheerer.

Got a cool beauty tip? We will publish it here along with your name.

Suggestions for Cleansing and Detoxing Our Bodies

Fall is a particularly good time to pay attention to cleansing the body. People have cleansed throughout the ages to remove buildup of toxins and impurities in the system which constantly drain our immune systems.
There are countless ways to cleanse, but here is just a sampling of ideas to consider:

1) Digestive Cleansing
One of the most comprehensive ways to rid the body of the accumulated junk (mucous and build-up) in our digestive track. Digestive cleanses may involve fasting, wheatgrass juice, or juicing, cayenne pepper, enemas and colonics. Each of these is intended to assist the body in the process of elimination (particularly the elimination off all the “bad” things we’ve ingested over the years). Often the results of digestive cleansing - after the initial “reaction” stages of headaches or irritability- include feeling more “clear-headed”, lighter, more aware, less fatigued, energized.

2) Skin Brushing / Dry Brush
Brushing your skin with a dry body brush is one of the best ways to clean your skin. It may feel kind of odd but it is more effective than brushing your skin with a wet soapy brush or sponge.

3) Pranayama
Incorporating a breathing practice, with breath retention, and focus on expelling all the air out of the lungs helps invigorate and cleanse the lungs. Many yoga studios offer a pranayma class or incorporate pranayama in their scheduled classes.

4) Tongue Scraping / Tongue Cleaning
Ever notice that slimy white (or sometimes yellow, if you’re sick) film on your tongue? Sounds, gross, I know, but that’s the mouth’s eliminatation system and one of the causes of bad breath (the rest of it is coming from your digestive system). A tongue scraper can be used to scrape off coated tongues first thing in the morning.

5) Detox Bath
Use a combination of epsom salt, sea salt and baking soda to help pull out toxins from the skin (another great way to eliminate toxins). This one can be especially beneficial to ease emotional imbalances.

6) Water Flush
Most of us know that it’s important to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. A Balinese healer gave me another tip…drink 2 liters of warm water first thing in the morning to flush your system.

Age-Defying Skin Secrets from GlamSpirit

I am not a beauty expert, but I am frequently told that I have really good skin. In my experience good skin comes from a wholesome, nutrient-rich diet, 8 hours of sleep each night, drinking plenty of water and keeping my energy body clear.
In addition the beauty regimen listed above, I do have one guiltless (unsolicited, non sponsored) beauty obsession. It’s called SKII. Someone gave me a bottle as a gift and that’s when I and became hooked.

The secret ingredient: Sake. Well, not just sake, it’s actually the fermentation of yeast and enzymes needed to create sake that set this beauty potion apart from the rest.

Here’s the story from: SK-2 website for beauty

For almost a generation, Japanese women have known a secret. This secret was discovered by a Japanese monk who visited a sake brewery in Kobe.

He was surprised to discover that the brewery workers had extraordinary soft and youthful hands. Even an elderly man with pronounced wrinkles on his face possessed the silky smooth hands of a young boy. This observation encouraged the monk to conduct a series of experiments. He eventually discovered a clear, nutrient-rich liquid that could be extracted during the yeast fermentation process. He shared his findings with a group of skincare scientists, who became equally excited by the potential of his discovery.

Before you run off to Japan to go work for a sake factory, consider treating yourself or asking a loved one to treat you to a bottle of SK-2 cream.

3 Hot Hair Trends: Right Now!

1.*The retro shag  -   Side-Swept Shag      
2.*Tousled beach hair  -  Sexy Hair Products
3.*Lots of volume  -  Sexy Hair: Get More Volume Now


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*The retro shag  -   Side-Swept Shag
*1.This modern-day side-swept haircut offers a fresh and jaunty attitude that we fell in love with instantly. Created by Charles Worthington and aptly named the urban shag, it's a contemporary trend that embodies carefree sophistication and just plain fun. The texture is achieved with a choppy "razor cutting" method, in which hair is cut at an angle to frame the face in long extended wisps. The hair is then blown dry after an application of Charles Worthington Relax & Unwind Blow-Dry Straightening Balm (available at drugstores nationwide). After each section is dried in a downward motion, hair is blasted with cold air to help seal the cuticle. Next, a light application of Worthington's Results Straightening-Iron Protection Spray, and then a straightening iron is run from the roots to the ends to ensure poker-straight hair.

*Road Test: Sexy Hair Products
*2.Does your hair ever look better than it does after a day of sand, surf and cool ocean breezes? Ours doesn't, which is why we seek sexy beach hair from a bottle! Our testers tried out the hottest texturizing sprays on the market and found some superstars for year-round summer style. As an added bonus, these beach-in-a-bottle products won't damage your hair like a day in the sun will.
By the Sea

Product name: Ocean Waves Sea Spray Texturizing Styler
Claim: This "sea water" spray by John Frieda promises sexy, tousled waves, just like the ones you end up with at the beach.
Tester says: First off, the smell was fantastic! It's like spraying coconut suntan lotion in your hair. Yum. I put it in and let my hair dry naturally. The waves were incredible: big and loose and messy. The only thing I didn't like about it was that it didn't tame my frizz. It didn't claim to, but I thought it would. I tried it again paired with an anti-frizz spray, and my hair looked absolutely perfect.
Price: $6.49

*Sexy Hair: Get More Volume Now

*3.Could you do with a little lift? Here are 10 elevating options, including a couple of secret techniques to get this season's sexy volume. So go and lift yourself higher!

1.Get highlights or lowlights: Aside from the fact that hair usually has more body when it's colored, sometimes "lift," or hair volume, is more of an impression, and that's where what's known as dimensional hair color comes in. When hair is monochromatic, it appears flatter. When you add color dimensions to hair, says Louis Viél, color director at Miano Viél, it gives the perception of lift. As with an optical illusion, your eyes perceive movement, even where it might not exist.

2.Use root volumizers: These are products designed to lift hair at the scalp. They come in gel, mousse and spray versions, and you place the product directly at the roots of towel-dried hair, lifting hair with your fingers as you apply. Miano's favorite is BigWigg, which comes out almost like spray-starch foam. And he likes the fact that you can spray it on, which he says makes it easier to move around on your head.

3.Hot/cold blow-dry your hair at the roots: Blow-drying will give you a good lift if used with a fairly large, round brush. The trick is to situate the brush as close to your scalp as you can, essentially pulling the hair straight up from the base of your head, and using bursts of heat from the blow-dryer, aimed at the brush, followed by cool air which "sets" the style.

4.Set with Velcro rollers: A few strategically placed Velcro rollers will give your hair terrific volume. After hair is washed and blow-dried, curve one-inch sections of the hair you want lifted around the roller (small rollers for a slight lift and large for a higher lift). Three or four rollers should do the trick. Leave rollers in for about five minutes, remove and arrange newly lifted hair with your fingers. It's recommended you don't brush at this point, as brushing could "deflate" the set.

5.Use a curling iron... the right way: Because of the intense heat generated, a curling iron will give an instant lift. Starting at the crown of the head, take hold of one-inch sections of hair and lift vertically, wrapping hair around the iron, as close to your scalp as you can. Then spray with a holding product such as Alterna Caviar Working Hairspray for a firm but still flexible hold.


6.Try some rats! Popular in theatre and TV, Hair Rats are forms that actually stay in your hair, providing lift. They come in two shapes, donut or cylindrical, and are made of foam or nylon mesh so they're soft and malleable. Rats are attached to the underside of hair with hairpins, after which hair is brushed up and over to obscure them. Okay, so it's like hiding an Easter egg in your hair — but it works!

7.Get a haircut with shorter layers: If your hair has a little wave or some curl, layers offer a ready-made lift. Nikki Flaming of the Beehive Salon likes layers just at the crown of the head. If they're cut very short, you'll get a punkish-pixie look; if they're cut in longer layers, you'll get more of a graduated, subtle lift.

8.Try Do Dads: Damien Miano, owner of Miano Viel Salon raved about these miniature hairpieces called Do Dads, which are, in fact, simple hair combs with hair extensions attached. You choose the color to match your own, or a contrasting color if you're feeling funky. To get the lift, you fasten it on just as you would a traditional hair comb by combing it in against the grain of your hair.

9.Go for carefully concealed pin curls: Vu Nguyen, stylist at Frederic Fekkai Salon and Spa, always keeps a few basic hairpins handy, which he recommends using to create lift on curly or coarse tresses with four or five tiny pin-curls buried under the top layers of hair, which are secured with pins. He then flips over the top sections of hair, concealing the pin curls, resulting in a lift.

10.Rubber band it: Nguyen came up with this idea when he ran out of hair pins, and it's become one of his trademarks ever since. He makes miniature bushels of hair by tying off small segments and securing with rubber bands, then flipping top sections of hair over the bushels.


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Beauty is commonly defined as a characteristic present in a person, place, object or idea that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure, meaning or satisfaction to the mind or to the eyes, arising from sensory manifestations such as a shape, color, personality, sound, design or rhythm. Beauty is studied as part of aesthetics, sociology, social psychology and culture. Beauty, as a cultural creation, is also extremely commercial.

Human beauty

Brazilian Gisele Bundchen, the richest model in the world, is an example of the western world's idea of beauty. according

The characterization of a person as “beautiful”, whether on an individual basis or by community consensus, is often based on some combination of inner beauty, which includes psychological factors such as personality, intelegence, grace, charm and elegance, and outer beauty, which includes physical factors, such as health, youthfulness, symmetry, averageness, and complexion.

Inner beauty, however, is more difficult to quantify, though beauty pageants often claim to take this into consideration as well.

This is your year to look and feel like you belong in a beauty pageant.

You will discover in these pages more than the usual celebrity talent search makeup tricks for hair, skin, and eyes.

Prepare yourself for a complete makeover as you discover the inner world of true beauty as we dispense tips and advice on every aspect of beauty from homemade remedy to beauty pageant secrets. Our free tips and advice will work whether your skin is Asian, African American, Indian, or a light complexion.

The free beauty tips, advice and secrets contained here are for the mature woman as well as the teen girl still facing the trials of acne. The information contained here goes past the normal focus of teaching women how to apply their makeup, do their eyebrows, or fix their hair. We will deal with our inner attitudes, how we treat others, our posture, and our diet. We will guide you how to get the most out of what you have and how to find what you might be missing and camouflage what you have more than you need.

Most Recent Beauty & Fashion Advice Articles

1. Choosing a skin moisturizer - Learn about skin types and various moisturizer ingredients.
   
2. Under eye skin care - Find tips that will help prevent under-eye puffiness, dryness and wrinkels.
   
   
3. Causes and treatments for age spots - Learn how to prevent and reduce the appearance of age and liver spots.
   
4. Wrinkle prevention and treatment at home - Learn about wrinkle skin care that you can do at home.
   
   
5. Self defence tips for women - Learning to defend yourself is just as important as your beauty up keep!

Try these beauty tips and beauty secrets:

1. Eyebrows

2. Eye Makeup

3. Haircare

4. Hands

5. Lipstick

6. Nailcare

7. Skin Care

8. Various Tips


*1. EYEBROWS - Quick and relatively easy alternative to plucking your eyebrows

Eyebrow Waxing

Unless you have very sensitive skin, waxing is a quick and relatively easy alternative to plucking your eyebrows. Although it is generally best to get eyebrows waxed professionally it can be expensive - up to around $15 as a general rule, although salons do differ. If you have a tighter budget, or if you are feeling fairly brave, here are some simple steps for you to try at home...

1) Preparing the Eyebrow

Brush the eyebrow into place with a baby toothbrush or clean mascara wand, so that their natural shape is neatly defined. Next, apply an astringent such as witch hazel to anesthetize the sensitive skin under the brow. Work out your natural brow shape by standing several feet away from a mirror, and following these simple steps…

Working out the length of the eyebrow

Hold a ruler parallel to your nose, and level with the inner corner of the eye, to work out where the brow should begin. If your eyes are close together, make the gap between the brows wider. If your eyes are far apart, don’t wax the start line of the brow too much so that they are closer together. Mark the correct point with a dot.

Working out the curve of the eyebrow

You can work out where the highest point of the curve/ arch should be by holding a ruler from the edge of the nostril past the outer edge of the iris (the colored part of the eye) and up to the eyebrow. Mark the spot with a dot.

Final planning

Now link up the dots in a gentle arch to draw on the ideal shape of the eyebrow that you want to achieve. This will give you a guideline to go by when applying the wax. You should aim for a smooth arched brow that tapers slightly at the outer ends.

2) Applying the Wax

Buy a professional waxing kit - basically a jar or tub of wax which can be warmed up in boiling water and applied with a small applicator or spatula, and (usually muslin) removal strips. Each product varies slightly, so be sure to read the manufacturers directions carefully.

Warm up the wax to optimum temperature and use the small spatula to apply a thin layer of wax to the growth. Make sure that you only use a small amount of wax on the spatula to avoid the wax dripping when it is applied. Apply wax with the hair growth under the eyebrow, (i.e. in the same direction that the hair grows in). You don’t need to use much, and you should not let the wax dry.

3) Removing the hair

This is the painful bit! Ouch!!

Never wax above the eyebrow, only ever shape from below. Waxing from under the brow will widen your eyes and help to get the line even. This will make you look younger and much more glamorous if done correctly! As soon as it is applied remove the wax against the hair growth, (i.e. in the opposite direction that the hair grows in). This is done by gently smoothing a piece of cotton muslin over the waxed area, pulling the skin taut with one hand, and pulling the muslin off with the other.

It is a good idea to take a little hair off at a time, especially if you have fairly this growth. You will be surprised how much difference a little hair removal will make to your appearance.

4) The Aftermath

Any straggly hairs left over after waxing can be easily plucked out using a set of good tweezers. Apply a soothing balm like tea tree oil onto the area afterwards. You should avoid direct sunlight, acid based facial treatments, and liquid makeup for several hours.

To give the gorgeous new eyebrow shape emphasis, use an eyebrow pencil or tinted brow shadow to subtly fill in any gaps, and even out the natural color tone. Don’t worry if you make mistakes, even if you have bald patches or empty spaces. Practice makes perfect, and anyway, the hair will have grown back before you know it!!

*2. EYE MAKE UP - Define Your Eyes - Eye Makeup Tips and Tricks

No matter if blue, brown, hazel or green, eyes have been referred to as “windows to the soul,” giving those who exchange glances the power to better grasp one’s personality and emotions. Eyes reveal joy and elation as much as they uncover sadness, melancholy and distress. Sometimes pensive, mischievous or mysterious, eyes can let us in on little secrets we might otherwise miss in dealings with people we know and love.

Eyes can exercise a special power of seduction by casting an enchanting gaze in another’s direction. A wink can signal a special understanding or remind another of an inside joke or amusing memory. Eyes also key into flirtation a great deal. Cartoons and old movies always show the femme fatales batting their long, dark eyelashes in an attempt to attract the men.

No matter what your motives, playing up the looks of your eyes will bring a natural definition to your facial features while accentuating perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic on your visage. The main makeup components you may want to consider when dressing up your pretty peepers Retro Eyes are mascara , eye shadow and possibly eyeliner, though sometimes pressed powder or a light foundation will work wonders for circles under the eyes.

Eye Shadow

Depending on the hues you wish to use, you can get a little colorful and creative with the wide selection of products for eyelids on the market. No longer do you have to sift through dozens of shades of eye shadow powder looking for the perfect blend… now you can accessorize your eyes with a beautiful array of powders , creams and glittery dustings. Traditional eye shadow powders are very easy to use with small applicator brushes and foam pads. For a dimensional look, blend two colors of powder or one color of powder atop a cream shadow base.

With cream-based eye shadows, less really is more. The cream shadows generally come in small squeeze tubes that really enhance the look of your eyes with a light application across the lid, reaching up to your brows if you wish.

Not sure about colors? Go with something neutral, like Uma Thruman, the first couple of times until you get the hang of it. Apply a light dusting of bronze, tan - see Bronze Ambition or other shimmery transparent color for a gentle hint of color.

Mascara

When selecting mascara, many factors come into play, with each brand’s newest addition to the line claiming bigger and better benefits. From thickening to lengthening to blackest black, waterproof and curling, each mascara product has a special offering of its own. Considering your own lashes, choose one that best suits your needs.

If you wish to avoid that scary-looking metal eyelash curler that appears more like an ancient torture devise, opt for a product that contains a curling formula. Choose the color you want to wear - black, brown or even navy blue. With so many options available, you can add a couple types of mascara to your collection and change your look as often as you like!

Generally, applying two coats of mascara will give enough definition to lashes to really make a difference. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second in an effort to prevent clumping. If some of the mascara accidentally brushes onto your eyelids or underneath, simply use a q-tip to remove it. This may necessitate touching up your eye shadow a bit.

Eyeliner

To really define your eyes, apply a thin line of eyeliner in black or brown, khaki, plum or navy. To properly apply the eyeliner pencil or liquid liner, gently pull the corner of your eye outward, forming a straight line along your lashes. Starting at the inside corner and working toward the outside, delicately trace a line with the pencil angled toward your lashes.

Be careful how much eyeliner you apply, as a little really does go a long way. For a dramatic look, thicker and darker is very acceptable. For a subtle definition, stick with a lighter application.

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Feel free to experiment with a bunch of different products until you find the ones that suit you best. Also, check into the makeup counters at local department stores. They have a wide array of makeup you can test before you buy so that you know what you are getting for the money. For lower budgets, drug stores sometimes offer a return policy if a customer is dissatisfied with her purchase. Doing a home makeover can be fun as well as a form of much-needed stress relief. For best results, invite some girlfriends over and make a night of it!

History of beauty

A famous depiction of male beauty in Michelangelo's DAVID.

The earliest theory of beauty can be found in the works of early Greek philosophers from the pre-Socratic period, such as Pythagoras. The Pythagorean school saw a strong connection between mathematics and beauty. In particular, they noted that objects proportioned according to the golden ratio seemed more attractive. Ancient Greek architecture is based on this view of symmetry and proportion. Modern research also suggests that people whose facial features are symmetric and proportioned according the golden ratio are considered more attractive than those whose faces are not.

Symmetry may be important because it is evident that the person grew up in a healthy way, without visible genetic defects. Although style and fashion vary widely, cross-cultural research has found a variety of commonalities in people's perception of beauty. Large eyes and a clear complexion, for example, are considered beautiful in both men and women in all cultures.

Understanding the nature and meaning of beauty is one of the key themes in the philosophical discipline known as aesthetics. The composer and critic Robert Schumann distinguished between two kinds of beauty, natural and poetic. The former is found in the contemplation of nature, whereas the latter lies in man's conscious, creative intervention into nature. Schumann indicated that in music, or other art, both kinds of beauty appear, but natural beauty is merely sensual delight. Poetic beauty begins where the natural beauty leaves off.