allaboutbeauty

bikini tips

2009-06-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

Swimsuit sizing can often seem like one of life’s cruel little jokes. Manufacturers appear to have an inordinate amount of difficulty in deciding on the universal prototype of a size 6 (or any size for that matter). Thus, the size that may have fit and worked wonderfully in last year’s swimsuit may be causing you great disappointment in the next season’s swimsuit search. In addition, manufacturers are unwilling to come to agreement over whether swimsuits should be sized as dresses (0-16) or as shirts (S-XL). The result is a general hodgepodge of swimsuit sizing that plays havoc with swimsuit consumers’ time and emotional stability. In general, to get a good swimsuit fit, you should look for a swimsuit approximately one or two sizes larger than your dress size. When trying the suit on, be sure to lift your arms, bend, and sit down to ensure everything stays covered. Below are some general tips to finding a good swimsuit fit in all areas of the body:

Torso: If you are going with a classic bikini style (bare midriff and back), the body section of a swimsuit is not really applicable. However, if you think you may be interested in a tankini, make sure the torso portion of your swimsuit lies perfectly flat on the body. You will want a good, streamlined fit with the right percentage of Lycra content. Still, be wary of too tight tankini tops; they will tend to cause belly bulges in even the slimmest of women.

Leg Openings and Waistbands: Make sure that the leg openings and the waistband of your bikini bottoms are not puckering or digging into your skin. Puckering will result in an uncomfortable and unflattering fit. If the bottoms are digging in anywhere, you will want to try a larger size or different style. If the bottoms are not offering enough coverage, a different style is the answer, not a different size. For most people, the most flattering leg opening falls an inch below the top of the hipbone. To get a good fit, start with this style of leg opening and experiment from there. Also, remember to check your butt in the mirror to be sure the bottoms are offering enough coverage.

Straps: Bikini straps should lie comfortably on your shoulders without digging in or falling down. If the straps are digging in, you will probably want to choose a larger top size. Conversely, if the straps are falling down, you may want to try a smaller size or different style. If you are trying on a style with tie straps, move around a bit in the dressing room to make sure the straps stay tied.

Bust: When trying on a bikini top, lift your arms to make sure the top offers enough coverage and does not creep up on you. Make sure that you can adjust the straps so you will feel comfortable and secure in your bikini top. If you are looking at a bikini with a built-in underwire, follow the same rules as when shopping for a bra. The underwire should completely cover the bottom half of the breast and not be sitting on any breast tissue. Your breasts should fill the cups of your bikini top completely without spilling over. For the best top sizing, look for manufacturers that offer bra sizing. If you cannot find such a manufacturer with a swimsuit style you like, look for a top with adjustable or tie straps at the back and neck.

How to Wear a Hat

2009-01-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

HOW TO WEAR A HAT

If you've fallen in love with a hat with a brim, make sure that it is scaled just right for your face and body. Monet Mazur's wool menswear hat is just about perfect: it features a neutral color that flatters her skin and the slightly dipped brim brings focus to her face.

Charlize Theron - Beauty Evolution

2008-07-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Beauty Evolution: Charlize Theron

A true beauty chameleon if there ever was one, Charlize Theron continually alters her look to suit her roles – in movies and in real life. Whether transforming into a scary Monster or walking down the red carpet in a blonde bob, the South African stunner and former teen model makes change look easy. And that’s just the first reason we love this international superstar.

January 1995
A deep, golden tan and a jet-black bob make Charlize’s light green eyes pop. Minimal makeup and soft pink lips give her a youthful glow.

October 1997
Cutting it close. This babe goes blonde with a super short, textured crop. She keeps her face bare and uses sparkling taupe eye shadow to contrast with her matte maroon lips.

February 2001
For a night out, the actresses goes all out with her hair and makeup. Curly, blonde hair frames her face when parted down the middle. And a cool, magenta lip makes white teeth look even brighter.

October 2003
Beyond bronze. Theron plays the California girl with glowing, tan skin and a pretty, glossy mouth. But her eyes have the stand-out role when colored in smoky blue and silver eye shadow.

March 2006
A fashionable, sandy blonde updo is positively regal at the Oscars. Olive green shadow smudged under the eyes brings out their natural color, and a peach blush contours her already prominent cheekbones.

June 2008
Charlize wears matte pink lipstick and eye shadow for a monochromatic face. Dark black mascara and eyeliner bring eyes into focus, and wayward blonde bangs leave us wanting to see more of this beautiful star.

The Best Budget Beauty Ingredient: Epsom Salt

2008-06-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Best Budget Beauty Ingredient: Epsom Salt

Let's face it, the economy is going through a tough time at the moment. With the rising prices of gas and food, it's hard to fit $100 or more for a much-needed facial and soothing pedicure into the monthly budget. Here's some great alternatives to those high priced spa treatments. Don't fret - simply DIY with these easy and effective at-home spa recipes using Epsom Salt!

Need to exfoliate?

Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches.

Give yourself a facial.

Mix 1/2 TSP of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.

Relax yourself and soak.

Add two cups of Epsom Salt to the water in a standard- sized bathtub; soak for at least 12 minutes, three times weekly. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent.

Make Your own bath crystals.

Mix two cups of Epsom Salt with a few drops of fragrance to create a custom bath crystal. Add a few drops of food coloring or 1/2 TSP of glycerin if you like. Store in an air-tight container.

Three things to know about Epsom Salt:

Sometimes the perfect little beauty secret can't be found in a swank boutique or a fancy department store. Epsom Salt can be found at your local drugstore, supermarket or hardware store for less than a cup of coffee. Nothing tops this inexpensive, naturally-occurring product that can improve dull skin, relax tired muscles, exfoliate feet, remove toxins from the body, reduce stress and improve overall health. And when you're on a budget and pressed for time, what's better than an inexpensive, all-in-one product? Epsom Salt – actually magnesium sulfate – is perfect for those seeking a versatile health product that's easy to use, easy to afford and easy to find. Whether you want to slough off rough patches of skin, increase the volume in your hair or reduce inflammation from too much exercise, Epsom Salt is inexpensive and effective.

Lip Tips

2008-05-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

Lip Plumper Tips

Do you sometimes think that you would kill for beautiful full lips? Sure, you could get Collagen implants, or tattooed outlines around your lip... But it’s a little bit excessive, I’m sure you’ll agree! There are other cheaper, and much more practical, ways of achieving a similar affect. Here’s how to get beautiful full lips in four easy steps...

Step one: Lip balm babe

Prepare your delicate lips with a generous slick of lip balm in advance. Nobody likes cracked and frayed lips! And in this cold winter weather its important to take more care than usual. (Cold weather will dry the moisture from your lips). Make sure that the lip balm has sunk a little before you go on to step two, otherwise your lip liner won’t work.

Step two: Line and define

Get a natural lip liner, and carefully draw around the very rim of your lips. If you get a wobbly line, don’t panic (and don’t think nobody will notice it)... just carefully remove it and start again! When you have a firm line fill in the rest of your lips with the same color.

Step three: Now add some shine!

Here comes the glamorous bit, the lip-gloss! Again, keep the color natural. Forget lipstick that’s too dark or too light. One thing you’ve gotta remember though, gloss looks better but doesn’t have the staying power of lippy. Make sure you keep it in your purse and re-apply during the day.

Step four: Plump them up

This is the ‘hard bit’. But actually it’s not! All you’ve got to do, (after you’ve completed steps one through three), is dot a white shimmery product like eye shadow or an eyebrow highlighter in the very center of your lips. Start slowly, and blend very carefully. What you are looking to achieve is natural looking shading, with your lip color being lighter where your mouth opens. This will create the illusion of beautiful full lips.

Oh, one last thing. Remember, people always want what they haven’t got, so don’t fret... just make the best of what you’ve got. And you know what they say; if you’ve got it, flaunt it!

Eye Makeup Tips and Tricks - part 2

2008-05-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Eye Makeup Tips and Tricks - part 2

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 - Lashes Unlimited, 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, 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.

* * * *

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!

Eyelashes tips

2008-05-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Eyelashes tips

The eyelashes are not just strands of hair that rim our eyelids. They are gifts that Mother Nature gave us to protect and shield our eyes from dust and other foreign bodies. And because we communicate a lot with our eyes, our eyelashes help us put color and meaning to our words with the way we flutter and bat our eyelashes.

It would be infinitely nicer and infinitely more effective, though, if the lashes that we bat and flutter look long, thick and immaculate. We do not have to be born with long and thick eyelashes to be able to have seductive looking eyes, though. After all, what is makeup for? All it takes is the touch of the magical mascara wand.

Mascara does magic for our lashes as long as it is correctly applied, in such a way that there are no globs of the stuff clinging to our lashes and that each strand is separated from the other. Nothing ruins the effect of mascara than globs and lash strands clumped together.

To avoid dried globs and clumping strands, apply the mascara to the base of the lashes with the mascara vand and then give the wand a wiggle. Afterwards, carefully brush the mascara to the ends of the lashes with the use of a lash comb. Or if you do not want to use a lash comb, just wipe the excess mascara from your wand with a piece of tissue before touching it to your lashes.

Another thing that makes mascara look ugly is if it smudges. Sometimes, the smudge happens because the eye cream or the concealer used is oil-based and still wet. You can prevent the smudging by applying powder first onto your lower eyelids before putting on the mascara. Also, try not to blink while putting the mascara on, or else it will definitely stick to your eyelids rather than to your lashes.

Sometimes, a second coat of mascara makes the lashes look thicker. But if you are thinking of applying a second coat, better do it before the first coat dries, or else you will only end up clumping the lashes. Also, do use your lash curlers before putting on your mascara, not after. Lash curlers work more effectively if preheated prior to the curling. Be careful not to heat your curlers too much, though, or else you will singe your eyes.

When applying mascara, we tend to miss the lashes at the corners of our eyes. To make sure that you have your lashes fully covered, it is best that you use a mascara wand that is short and thin. Short and wands let you reach those corner lashes; it also gives you extra control in handling it.

The best mascara results come from using clean wands, so keep your wands clean at all times. Put some makeup remover on your mascara wand to wash off the dried mascara, and then clean it with soap and water. Let the wand dry first before replacing it with your other makeup tools. A clean and dry wand not only maximizes the application and appearance of mascara on the eyes, but also prevents the eyes from getting irritated.

Perfect Makeup in Minutes

2008-05-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Perfect Makeup in Minutes

No matter what time of day it is, or how busy you are, there are certain golden rules when applying your makeup. Here is a short guide to getting your war paint right every time!

Laying The Foundations

Foundation should be the perfect match to your skin tone. Nobody looks good when they have skin the color of a pumpkin! And worse yet, beware of the tidemarks at the jaw line. Always make sure that your foundation is well blended if you want to avoid looking like you’re wearing a mask.

Top tip - if you use a shimmering moisturizer before you apply your foundation then your skin will absolutely glow!

Dark Circles?

No way! There is a huge range of products on the market for different tones and textures of concealer. Don’t be tempted to go two shades lighter than your natural color, as it will make the darkness of your skin more gray and muddy. And be careful not to lay it on too thick. Apart from the fact that it looks like you’re wearing too much makeup, it may also damage the delicate skin beneath your eyes. Remember, you want to tint the discoloration, not mask it.

Top tip - Have a good look at the actual color of your dark circles. If your darkness is gray, lightly apply a soft pink eye shadow to the circles before applying your foundation. If your darkness is more of a blue hue, use a light peach color first instead.

Powdering Up

Keep your powder application light by using loose powder and a big brush for application. Less is definitely more here. Make sure that you buy a good powder that will sink into your skin, rather than visibly lie of the top of it.

Top tip - before applying your powder, try blotting your foundation with a tissue. This will remove any excess oils, and help to stop you from getting ‘shiny’.

Blushing Beauty

Only apply your blush to the apples of your cheeks, and build up the color layers slowly. Next, blend the blush in so that the color looks natural. Remember, you’re just trying to enhance the facial definition that you already have. No matter how much we may want to, it is impossible to draw on fantastic cheekbones. Just be yourself!

Top tip - if you make a mistake and put too much blusher on, don’t panic! You don’t need to start over. Instead, just moisten a sponge and gently dab your cheeks with it. This will dilute the color and return your overall look to something acceptable!

Luscious Lips

Whatever lipstick you use, there is one golden rule to follow... just make sure that it is right for your skin tone, hair and eye coloring. Go vampy for the night time with darker shades, and keep it calm and cute with tinted lip-gloss during the day.

Top tip - if you want great looking shimmery lips try applying sparkling eye shadow over the top of your lipstick to create a new shiny shade, absolutely free!

Powerful Peepers

So long as it’s applied in a constant, unwobbly line, your eyeliner can be as bold as you wish. Use lighter shades of eye shadow during the day, and go darker at night. A shimmering highlighter applied just beneath the eyebrow gives even the most tired looking peepers a lift. And always apply your mascara in thin coats, building up the length and thickness slowly. This helps to avoid that terrible clumping which can happen it you try to apply too much, too soon.

Top tip - blend your eyeliner with a thin layer of eye shadow. This will make your eyes look absolutely magnetic!

Hat Tips

2008-05-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

Hat Head Tips

Hats and caps can make great fashion statement while protecting your skin and hair from sun damage or keeping your head toasty warm in winter.

They're also great for plastering your hair to your head, knocking all the body out of it, and making even the cleanest hair look oily and stringy at the roots.

For those of us who struggle daily to coax a little volume or curl into our hair, nothing is more deflating than arriving at work or school looking like you slept with a bowl on your head.

If your hair easily loses it's shape, it's best to avoid hats whenever possible.

For warmth, try substituting ear muffs, a headband that covers just the ears and forehead, a loose scarf or hood.

For sun protection, wear a visor, a cap with loose-fitting crown, or a light, airy scarf.

Of course, some people have to wear a cap or helmet on the job. at the end of your shift, try fluffing the body back into your flattened locks with some powder as explained in the Quick Fix for Dirty Hair article.

Intimates care

2008-04-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Intimates care

Proper care is the best way to ensure a long and lasting life for your lingerie purchases. By following these steps, your underwear wardrobe will remain fresh and in topnotch form.

Check the tags!

Manufacturers don't lie. While the tag guidelines are often brief, they are always correct. We always recommend that intimates be washed in a lingerie wash bag, which are often made of light synthetic mesh. By using a lingerie wash bag, you ensure that your intimates avoid the rough and tumble wash cycles and do not get twisted and stretched among any other wash items.

Should you remove your tag, following are some general care instructions:

DO:

Wash: Wash in cold water by hand, making sure to rinse thoroughly. If you prefer to wash in the machine, wash in cold water with like colors or separately always using a lingerie wash bag. ALWAYS wash colors separately, including similar lingerie products. Remember to hook, fasten or buckle products before you wash.

Dry: Drip dry or dry flat washed lingerie items, away from sunlight. If you must dry in the machine, tumble dry on a low and cool setting with items still in the lingerie wash bag.

Dry clean: If your tag denotes dry cleaning, you should always do so without fail. This instruction may infer that the fabric and structure of the item cannot sustain traditional washing methods or products.

DON'T:

Wash: Avoid washing you lingerie loosely with other products. Because of their delicate structure, many lingerie items can get twisted and stretched in this process. Avoid soaking or bleaching intimates in order to retain color and structure. Also avoid detergents you normally use with your other laundry.

Dry: Do not tumble dry loosely with other products. Once again, your items may twist and stretch. Also, avoid line drying, as creases and stretching may occur. Keep your intimates out of the sun! Finally, do not iron your lingerie. If absolutely necessary, use gentle steaming to remove wrinkles.

Silky Hands

2008-04-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

Silky Hands

You never tried a hand peeling? Is the secret of silky hands and it must be applied twice a week. Moisten lightly your hands and massage with your fingers the backside of hands and your palms with the peeling cream, for about 3-4 minutes. Rinse with warmish water. Soft & silky Airs and graces? No way! A nail bath is the best preparation for the care program. Keep your hands in a vessel with warm water and special ingredients, for 10 minutes. Trick: one teaspoon of your favorite shower cream, poured in the water, is very efficient for a gentle soaking of skin and cuticles. Use 1-2 drops of lavender or rose essential too.

Anti-hangnails

After the bath you can easily remove the hangnails by pushing them with a special soft wood-, or plastic stick. Nails without hangnails grow stronger, because the nutritive ingredients and nail-treatment get exactly to their base, where the nail is structured.

What to Wear - Women - Panties

2008-04-14T18:07:00.001-07:00

Panties

How do I solve the problem of panty lines?

Are problematic panty lines turning you into a panty pariah? These days there are more ways of tackling this age-old dilemma such as the obvious solutions provided by thongs, g-strings and v-strings. But for those of you who prefer a fuller coverage panty, seamless panties are also now available in both traditional cuts.

My panties are rising above my low-rise jeans.

Are peaking panties putting a damper on your lusty, low-ride look? Because the trend of low-rise jeans is showing no signs of abating, we offer a plethora of panties to accommodate your low-rise lifestyle. Low-rize, or "hipster" panties, and thongs that ride lower on the hip than traditional bikinies or briefs are one answer. We suggest the Cosabella Low Rider Thong or the Calvin Klein Seamless Thong for starters. Boyshorts are another great option and come in a variety of styles, prints and colors that can provide a coy accent to your look should the waistband decide to travel north.

My hips and/or bottom are spilling out.

Chances are your panties are too small. Many women assume that their panty size is the same as their pant size but in this day of designer fashion - where inconsistent sizing is all over the charts - there's no reliable correlation. So take a few careful minutes to pick your proper panty size by consulting and avoid discomfort and unsightly bulges.

Shapewear

Who wears Shapewear?

I think what you mean is "Who doesn't wear shapewear ? Shapewear is everywhere, from the red carpet - where Hollywood starlets use shapewear to create the perfect look beneath their couture creations - to any woman hoping to minimize or refine their figure with a little help. Create a trim, healthy and firm look with some shapewear selections from Freshpair.

Fashion Icon Sienna Miller

2008-04-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Sienna Miller - The Brit Girl

Fashion Icon Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller - The Brit Girl

Over the past year or so, Sienna Miller’s style—not to mention her personal life—has undergone WMD-grade scrutiny. So what’s a world famous fashionista to do? It seems that the Casanova star ascribes to every chic actress’s favorite maxim: looking good is the best revenge, looking great is even better. Miller has emerged from her time of troubles with a sleek new shorter ‘do and an even sleeker figure.

Every suburban mall-goer may be emulating her signature boho chic look of skinny jeans, flowing tops, and long locks, but, like a true trendsetter, Miller has already switched style lanes and left the wannabes in the dust. Her recent red carpet turn at the American film Institute’s closing night gala swapped the ubiquitous haute hippie pairing of ‘70s boots and beat-up denim in favor of sky-high sex kitten heels and a poured on strapless black body-suit worthy of another British fashion icon, The Avenger’s Emma Peel. She may be persona non grata among the citizens of Pittsburgh, but the fashion aristocracy remains charmed by Sienna Miller's ever-morphing sense of style.

Having turned the world on with her free-flowing brand of boho chic (she's among the key culprits behind everybody and their mother now wearing tunic tops and tucking their jeans into boots), Miller has of late gone seriously method for her role as Edie Sedgwick in Factory Girl, chopping her locks and going mad for mod. Perhaps not coincidentally, designers have followed suit, with swinging '60s silhouettes and Op-Art prints dominating runways from New York to Milan. Of course, by the time the rest of us catch up, Miller will likely be on to her next fashion incarnation, with the ever-vigilant trendspotting hordes sure to be staking out a front-row seat.

Perfume & Cologne

2008-04-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Perfume & Cologne

To wear to that special event, to give as a gift, or just for everyday - get on the scent to great online shopping for the best women's perfumes and men's colognes and aftershaves at the best prices.

Fragrances are often described like fine wine - with top, middle and base notes that describe which scents are released as you wear them.
Remember, before you settle on a perfume and cologne for yourself, try wearing it for several hours to interact with your unique skin chemistry. What smells good on your friends may not offer the same results for you!
The general variety of fragrances for women from strongest to weakest: perfume, eau de perfume, eau de toilette and cologne.
For men, it's cologne or eau de toilette (basically the same in strength) and then aftershave, which only lasts or several hours.

A good online buying tip is to choose a site that sells a variety of scents, and searchable under a variety of criteria such as brand, men's or women's fragrances, gift sets, clearances, etc. One site may have slightly higher prices but provide free shipping or gift wrapping, while another may offer a greater range of scents. As with anything else, it really pays to shop around for the perfect fragrance for yourself, or as a gift.

2008-04-10T08:54:00.001-07:00

What to Wear - Men

Sure, getting dressed for the office or a big night out does take some careful consideration. Should it be Frank Sinatra retro or Johnny Depp casual modern today? Boxers of Briefs? We'll leave you to your own devices on that one, but when it comes to underwear - whether you're wearing it under that designer suit or as outerwear to the gym or tennis court - we're here to give you a few answers to your frequently asked questions.

What should I wear to the gym?

If you actually go to the gym to work up a sweat - as opposed to hanging around the smoothie bar and handing out business cards - you should be wearing something that has 'wicking' power. What is wicking, you ask? Wicking is a process in which a performance fabric moves moisture away from your body, allowing it to evaporate quickly, keeping you cool and dry. And then of course there's the matter of fabric that has breathability. Calvin Klein addresses both these issues with their Pro-Mesh line of underwear. A perfect choice for the gym is the Calvin Klein Flexible Fit Tank Top 2-pack, which will keep you cool and let you show off your muscles at the same time. And because every dedicated jock should have the right support, there's also the Pro Stretch Jock Strap. For those days that you want to practice for the Tour de France, slip into the Calvin Klein Pro Stretch Cycle Short. The Baskit Action Mesh line utilizes modern fabric technology, resulting in a cotton blend that has both wicking power and super-soft feel. For your bench press duties, we suggest the 2(x)ist 50 Cent Square Cut Tank. If you're a trendy jock, check out the Papi Camouflage Jock Strap or the Andrew Christian Brasil Jock Strap with colored contour pouch.

I need a change from basic white.

Yes, change is good. Here at Freshpair we're right in step with the latest trends. Beyond basic black or white, there are a variety of fashion colors available from the top underwear brands. From the 2(x)ist Varsity line, there are short sleeve crew neck tees in royal blue, green and crimson that are perfect for wearing under a button-down or on their own with your favorite pair of jeans. From DT Underwear there are royal blue and green tennis pro low rise briefs, while at Baskit, fluorescent colors accent contour pouches on briefs and boxer briefs. The upscale Adam + Eve line has a luxurious pima cotton long sleeve Henley shirt that comes in fatigue green. Diesel continues looking toward the future with a Stripe Enjoy Tank and Stripe Enjoy Trunk which is accented with multi-stripe panels. If you're a demanding color collector, then the Tricot Nylon Crew T-Shirt from Players should satisfy all of your chromatic cravings: It comes in red, forest green, burgundy, purple, silver and more.

Are men still wearing silk underwear?

There are some things that will never go out of style: Caribbean vacations, champagne with the ladies and the luxurious feel and comfort of silk underwear. Magic Silk will satisfy all of your silk needs from the sexy Silk Knit Brief to the sensual Silk Knit Boxer Brief to the cheeky Silk Charmeuse Print Thong. For the classic Hugh Hefner look, we recommend the Silk Solid Charmeuse Kimono and the classic Silk Lounge Pants.

Do I need to go to a department store to buy multi-packs of underwear?

Sure, if you like putting up with pushy shoppers, inattentive sales clerks and parking tickets because you've waited in line at the register too long. And then there's the added fun of traveling all the way to the store and realizing that everything in your size is sold out. Sound like fun? We think not. We offer many choices of underwear multi-packs and t-shirt multi-packs here at Freshpair such as the 2xist fly front brief 3-pack and the Hanes Boxer Shorts, 2(x)ist Crew Neck T-Shirts and 2(x)ist Athletic Shirt 3-packs. The trendy C-IN2 brand offers V-Neck T-Shirt 3-packs, Square Neck Tank Top 3-packs and Bi-Fly Profile Brief 3-packs.

I'm just a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy.

We realize that you're a rebel with or without a cause and that you just want the right t-shirt to throw on with your favorite pair of jeans. For your daily outerwear requirements there's the Puma Daily Cotton collection. Puma Daily Cotton Stretch short-sleeve t-shirts come in either a crew or V-neck and there's also a long-sleeve tee option. Munsingwear also offers choices of crews and V-necks while C-IN2 offers them in super-soft pima cotton. If you want to take the luxe level up several notches, there's the Hanro Cotton Ribbed T-Shirt made from a very refined microfiber blend.

Do I have to stick to solids or is it ok to wear prints?

Not only is it ok but we encourage the dabbling in prints from time to time... and with number or printed design underwear choices these days, you may want to make it part of your daily routine. The most daring foray into the print frontier appear on the classically styled men's briefs from DT Underwear. From Hawaiian motifs to military camouflage to retro 70's poster art prints, DT Underwear is the word in embellished undergarments. For the classic whimsically printed boxer shorts look, Magic Silk offers printed Charmeuse items. If you want to go trendy, we suggest some printed briefs from Ginch Gonch. Relive your carefree boyhood with fire truck and superhero-style stars.

What to Wear - Women - Bras

2008-04-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

What to Wear - Women

Bra

My bra is riding up

Are you getting that creeping feeling in your bust area? Does your bra seem to have a mind of its own? You may need to adjust your hook and bring it out one level. If this doesn't work, you may need to loosen your straps. If the straps are adjusted too tightly they may cause the band to rise, creating awkward lines and discomfort. Most importantly, make sure your bra is the right size by checking our sizing chart

My straps are always falling down.

The falling bra strap may have worked for Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot, but you can't pretend you're a movie star every day. If your straps are feeling gravity's pull, make sure you are buying bras with adjustable straps so you can freely gauge how they will fit. However, straps that are too tight may cause lines and discomfort - but reducing your cup by one size may provide a solution. Consult our bra sizing advice to determine if you are buying the right size for you.

My bra is giving me strap marks.

Today's busy working women have enough problems - like trying to fit business meetings in between lunch and yoga class - without their bras giving them grief. Are unsightly and painful strap marks bringing you down? Many women try to create the right lift and support by adjusting their straps too tightly - the problem may be that you're wearing the wrong size bra. Check your size and choose a bra with added lift or underwire for more support. Make sure your bra is full cup and avoid demi. If you are larger in the bust, try a minimizer or full coverage bra.

What should I wear under tanks or with spaghetti straps?

We know - that white-bra-strap-peaking-out-from-under-a-red-tank look isn't winning you any fashion accolades this season. And you're certainly not about to go bra-less - we're not living in the 1960s, for goodness sake. The most obvious solution to this problem is a strapless bra, we have the strapless bra to solve your wardrobe dilemmas. If you fear the "quadraboob" look - the unfortunate illusion of four breasts - that can come from a slipping strapless bra, try a bra with clear straps. For a trendier look, select a bra with a thinner strap in a color that accents your outfit and don't be afraid to let the strap show.

What should I wear under tight tees and sweaters?

You want to look and feel sexy and the baggy blouse look just isn't going to fly. You want to wear a tight shirt. These days, many shirt styles are cut more fitted and are tighter in the bust. Smaller busted women may choose a fitted shirt for a sexy look that allows the nipple to show through, wearing it with a bra that has a microfiber, seamless. This will round and smooth the bust line but allow your breast's natural shape to show through. For the same natural look that avoids nipple exposure, try a lightly-padded, molded bra. These will provide a clean, rounded and natural looking line. Larger busted women may prefer a minimizer with full cup coverage, such as the Wacoal Slimline Seamless Minimizer Bra.

There are wrinkles across my bust under my shirt.

You've heard that saying "A wrinkle in time saves nine"?
Well, a wrinkle across your bust area saves nothing, nada, zilch. If the fabric of your shirt is smooth across your bust, you may see lines or seams under your shirt. Chances are you are wearing a bra that is too large in the cup and may need to go down a size. Check your cup size and order your new bras accordingly. Also, make sure y

ou select a bra in a seamless fabric, such as microfiber, or a bra described as being seamless such as the Wire Free Bra by Warners. You may even want to try a bra with a hidden underwire for that ultra seamless look.

My breasts are bulging out around my cups and under my arms.

Are you in the midst of the Battle of the Breast Bulge? If so, your bra is most likely too small in the cup or your straps are too tight. Loosen the straps and/or increase your cup size. You may also want to invest in a bra with side panels that flex according to your shape.

My favorite bra has been discontinued.

Don't panic. Try checking the same brand/manufacturer for similar products. With styles changing all the time, many designers may discontinue a certain item but retain the same basic structure and essence throughout their line. If this doesn't work, start from scratch and enjoy a new brand. First, find your proper size and then think about the specifics that were so appealing in your old style before beginning your new search. Our Customer Care Representatives will be happy to help you find a replacement style.

DSquared got inspired by the raceway

2008-04-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

Twin designers Dean and Dan

Taking cues from the hit animation, Cars, DSquared got inspired by the raceway, perhaps NASCAR or Formula 1. “It’s Clean Mc Queen! (Steve!!)” makes one think that the twin designers, Dean and Dan, have seen the movie cars more then once.

With “Steve” being somewhat of a theme showing up on belt buckles and patches, the collection pushed raceway slogans to a cheesy cool. “DSquared Fuel Injection” and “DSquared Speed Way Pit Crew” were just some of the branded slogans embellished on the backs of jackets and over all’s.

With support from the ING Renault F1 Team you can bet that DSquared inspiration is real. The fashion brand and racing team presented the Jne 25th catwalk show with racing cars and all. The clothes themselves were quite official race gear looking.

Coveralls played a big part in the collection. A black leather overall with the sleeves wrapped around the waist became what would be the racecar drivers uniform while an all out denim piece became his pit crew’s uniform. The “irresistible plumber” became “the irresistible Formula 1 men”.

DSquared always knows how to put a lot of sex into their designs and this Spring Summer 08 collection was no different. A pair of mini purple trunks with DSquared signature across the buttocks was styled with a pendant necklace, runners and a great pair of abs.

Colors were bright and came in shades of purple, orange, green, red and yellow. They worked as accents on the outfits’ simple base colors like the racing stripes carried through out most of the collection. Patches were another thread that bound the collection. Used on hats and pants much like the sponsor patches you see for the drivers and crew.

The collection was fun and as always DSquared put on a good show. Formula 1 just may be associated with fashion a bit more, in the near future.

Candice Held unveiled the Spring / Summer 2008 collection

2008-04-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

Candice Held

Los Angles based designer Candice Held unveiled the Spring / Summer 2008 collection of her eponymous line at Lightbox at Smashbox Studios in Culver City.

Although this is only the second time Candice Held has released a collection, it is plain to see that she has an undeniable talent and love for scarf dresses and the eye to give the fashionistas what they crave.

This season’s collection is made up almost entirely of print style scarf dresses, all beautifully designed and keeping with next spring’s craving for prints. While bright colors are generally not my favorite, I instantly fell in love with more of these ensembles than I have time to list, and I was certainly not alone as a full audience applauded exit after exit.

Thirty-five pieces split into five different sections - original prints on silk, silk prints, cotton collection, vintage collection, and quilt dresses, all of which follow the same basic theme, a feat other designers this season could not manage.

From V-neck empire dresses to the A line skirts shown, it is hard to choose a favorite from this collection as the majority of pieces captivate the notion of casual elegance while exemplifying and complimenting the female form

Handbag Cleaning Tips

2008-04-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

How to Take Care of Your

Handbags and Purses

Zippers
Keep these fasteners working smoothly by running a piece of natural beeswax (found in hardware stores) over a zipper's open teeth.

Exteriors
Leather, of course, is a skin, so keep it happy and moisturized with a leather conditioning cream. There's no reason to treat it with a protectant or a silicone spray. Caught in the rain? Run for cover, then dab—don't wipe—moisture away.

Handles and Straps
Residue from lotions can discolor and age material—another good reason to keep hands clean.
Also, don't overstuff a bag; too much weight can weaken stitching or damage straps.

Alligator
Keep your alligator or crocodile bag supple by applying a leather conditioner (like Apple Brand). Use a soft, lint-free fabric like a sheepskin knit (found in shoe repair shops) and test conditioner in an inconspicuous place before using all over.

Suede
A suede brush can do wonders, but for serious stains, it's best to see a pro.
When storing, wrap leather handles or straps in cloth so they don't rest against the suede and leave blotches.

Fabric
Cloth bags attract dust, so when you're done using a bag for the season, give it a light dusting with a lint roller before storing covered.
For deeper stains or markings, take to a repair shop.

Snakeskin
Experts warn against using any type of product on snakeskin, which is quite fragile. Over time, scales will begin to lift.
When that happens, you can have the bag lacquered, but the treatment may change the appearance of the scales.

Patent Leather
Separate light patent leathers from darker-hued bags to avoid discoloration.
To clean, take a piece of cheesecloth, dampen with a bit of white vinegar and rub. Wipe off with a clean piece of fabric.

Tips!
Flannel dust bags, which often come with higher-end handbags, are a must when it comes to storage. Don't have one on hand? A soft cotton pillowcase works well.

Help your bag retain its shape by placing loosely balled-up, white, acid-free tissue paper or bubble wrap inside it when it's not in use.

If your bag is looking dull, our experts suggest a neutral polish like Meltonian by Kiwi ($3; at specialty shoe stores), which is safe for any color leather and should be applied with a soft piece of fabric like cheesecloth, then wiped off with a clean, dry piece of the same material.

Makeup Removal Options

2008-04-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

Makeup Removal Options

Make-up that goes up must come down at the end of the day. Let your skin breathe with all of its pores and don’t let no day leave its marks on your face – night by night remove all your makeup from face, neck and cleavage. To make this a less burdening ritual, choose one that’s on your liking. Pick a texture that delights you, so you’ll never get tempted to go to sleep with your makeup on. The most popular makeup removers are the cleansing lotions, followed by the cleansing gels and foaming textures. If you’re not feeling that responsible about this whole rigorous makeup removal thing, just use the cleansing lotion – it’s quick and doesn’t need any rinsing. If you prefer gels, keep in mind that these involve removing the texture by rinsing with water. For a happy complexion, set a water filter system, that will hold back all the impurities from the water.

At first there was the soap

If you want to remain faithful to this vintage face cleansing technique, solid soap is pretty popular among us. Just be sure that you’re doing it quite as it should be – use a product that’s specially made for face cleansing and proper for your skin type. Get the perfect soap at the drug store that contains hydrating and nourishing ingredients. You can also opt for soaps that contain exfoliating particles, but don’t use them just twice a week. If you want to treat acne, antibacterial soaps are reliable allies.

Alternative options

Even if you’re in a lack of time, there are solutions to get out face clean of it. Try to remove your makeup with makeup removal towelettes that are already dipped in makeup remover lotion. If you’ll notice that your skin begins to get dry, partially or on extended areas, the best is to get mobilized and resort to the good old cleansing formula. There are some very practical options, 2 in 1 for example, that will remove your makeup, but it contains tonic lotion too. The sensitive skin around the eyes needs special attention. It is very sensitive and more predisposed to immature wrinkles, so the area needs some cautious interventions. Remove the makeup of the eyes using a gentle remover, specially made for the eyes.

Also take special attention to the quality of the cotton pads – 100% cotton, fluffy and soft – and when you’re removing the eye makeup make sure you’re doing it with gentle motions to avoid skin irritation and redness.

It’s good to go to bed with your complexion clean, but skin shouldn’t be “squeaky clean” it should have some natural oils left behind – so don’t over-cleanse it, this may lead to serious dryness of the skin.

Tips for Oily Complexion

2008-04-05T10:30:00.001-07:00

Tips for Oily Complexion

More about hydrating

One hydrating cream for day and one for night. Or both from same line. But maybe I don’t need a night creme, because facials are better. But which one? And what kind of make-up remover is better for my complexion? These are some questions what you’re asking every day. You can find the answer here!

Oily complexion

How you recognize it: It’s sticky, oily and without suppleness. The pores are dilated, with sebum-excess and is predisposed to pimples.

Advantages: It wrinkles harder.

Taking-care: Use cosmetic products for oily skin. The idea, that oily skin doesn’t need creams and facials is very wrong, because this type of complexion dehydrate too.

At day: If you have this type of complexion, you must clean it with make-up remover and tonic lotion (with or without alcohol). This has the role to remove better the sebum-excess. If your skin has pimples too, clean it with special soap with sulphur, then rinse it water copiously.

At night: Your night cream must be for oily skin too.

Facials: It’s true that you must use facials more rare (once a week), but is obligatory to choose the absorbent ones, with kaolin-base, with yeast, citric fruit extracts and egg-white. And after your take off the mask, apply some compresses, to close the pores. Let them to take action for 15 minutes.

Exfoliation: You can forget about exfoliating, mostly about the rougher ones! Use just once a month and after apply a hydrating facial. Or you can take steam-bath made with chamomile flowers or salvia.

Make-up: Don’t ever apply the face foundation without applying before a hydrating cream. Otherwise the complexion will dry more. The best would be to use creamy blushes. Also, get used to keep a spray with thermal water in your bag, to pulverize it on your face when you feel that your complexion “tightens”.

*Attention! Dry complexion must be not cleaned with tonic lotions which contains alcohol!

Try this at home:
Prepare a mask with a yolk mixed with a spoon of olive-oil, one of wheat flakes and a teaspoon of honey.
Apply it on the well-cleaned face, then rinse it with warmish water.
Mix 10 grams of linden tree-honey with 20 ml of milk and 5 grams of wheat husk. Let it for 10 minutes on the face.

Best Skin Care Routine

2008-04-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Skin Care Routine

It’s our most visible feature and, for many, the most problematic.
But a simplified skincare routine, covering everything from cleansing to anti-aging, can help banish blemishes and fine lines and make dream skin a reality.

Step 1: Cleansing

Cleansing should be done twice daily, using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.

Always use your hands instead of a washcloth. Washcloths can harbor bacteria and they’re too rough for sensitive skin.

Skin shouldn’t be “squeaky clean” but should have some natural oils left behind.

Step 2: Toning

A good toner will remove any excess dirt or makeup left behind by your cleanser—the proof is in the cotton pad. It’s also a step too many women skip in their skincare routine.
Regular use will refine and minimize pores and make skin feel fresh.

Step 3: Moisturizing

Next to staying out of the sun, moisturizing is the best step towards keeping skin looking young.

If you don’t have problem skin use a lightweight moisturizer.

In fall or winter, you might want to switch over to something a little more substantial, but for the summer something light is best.

Moisturizer should be applied twice a day.

Step 4: Scrub/Exfoliate

Exfoliating is a step that can be done about once a week.
Sloughing off dead skin cells will reveal younger, smoother skin beneath the surface.
Use a skincare brush. You can use it with whatever cleanser is your favorite.
The oscillating brush buffs skin to a healthy glow—but a good scrubbing cleanser or pad will also do the trick.

Step 5: Anti-aging

Every dermatologist recommends never going in the sun if you want to look young. In reality, a strong defense is the best most women can do.

Start with a minimum of SPF 30 every day, and use SPF 50 or higher if you’re spending an extended period of time outdoors.

As for those fine lines that have already crept up, there are plenty of ways to combat them.

If you can, get a topical retinoid from your dermatologist. They’re great for wrinkles and smoothing skin as well as breakouts.

Even with a careful skincare regimen, most women will require regular maintenance to keep their skin glowing.

Try not to do your own extractios at home! Throw out that magnifying mirror!

You’re just wreaking havoc on your face and doing more harm than good. Instead, trust the experts with a professional facial about once every four to eight weeks.

10 Bikini Body Tips - part 2

2008-04-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

10 Bikini Body Tips - part 2

Butt
Smooth and tighten the derriere by exfoliating with a caffeine-based scrub. Wearing a skimpy bikini?? Apply self-tanner all over exposed cheeks in one shade darker than tanned legs.

Legs
When legs need to be ready for their close-up, professionals call for makeup. Use a tinted moisturiser with glow effect. It not only covers scars but also makes legs look longer and calves more sculpted.

Cellulite
Rubbing a natural-bristle brush upward on dry skin can minimize skin dimpling, since increased circulation breaks up toxins.

Thights
Some swear it is possible to melt away up on an inch – if only temporary – with anticellulite creams. Massage cream into thights, then wrap with Saran Wrap to seal in all-important heat. Remove after 20 minutes.

Feet
To elongate legs, fresh-tone sandals with a single strap. Multiple straps can make legs look stumpy.

10 Bikini Body Tips - part 1

2008-04-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

10 Bikini Body Tips - part 1

Look better by tomorrow! What a difference a day makes: get a flaunt-worhty physique with quick-fix tricks that actually work!

Neck
While beachy waves are sexy, a high ponytail makes the neck look long and thin.

Cleavage
With your cleavage as canvas, use shimmery bronze to create depth and shimmery silver to feign the illusion of fullness.

Triceps
To tone upper arms, grab a can of soup each hand, then, with arms bent in front of you at a 90-degree angle, lowering and raising them.
Do three sets of 10.

Waistline
To make the waist look narrower, use a white pencil liner each side, starting below the rib cage.
Fill in just this area with a self-tanner one shade darker then your natural skin and blend.

Nails

Soak nails in freshy squeezed lemon juice to remove stains and leave tips clean and bright. Follow with nail oil and buff to a shine.

Katie Holmes

2008-04-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Hairstyles

Celebrity Watch: Short Haircuts Vs. Long Hairstyles

Katie Holmes

After years of seeing with her long locks, it was a huge surprise when Katie had her hair chopped into an edgy bob with side bangs. A somewhat version of Victoria Beckham’s Pob, it’s become one if the most requested haircuts around the country.

Celebrity Hairstyles

2008-04-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Hairstyles

Celebrity Watch: Short Haircuts Vs. Long Hairstyles

Every celebrity went crazy lately about short haircuts. Why? Crops and bobs are the look of the moment and are a major comeback for 2008! Let’s see which celebrity can carry off with style their new short hairdo!

Rihanna

Rihanna went from long to a fabulous inverted bob. Recently she went again under the scissors and now she carries out a chic pixie haircut to perfection. It’s a fabulous and flexible haircut that suits her perfect heart shaped face.

Spring Makeup 2008

2008-03-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

Spring Makeup 2008

Spring Makeup Step by Step

Now, is the time to get yourself a spring makeover!
Spring is here and there are some great trends to check out!
Spring makeup is all about looking happy, sexy and healthy. Have fun with a vibrant color palette. Spring is all about fresh, new colors coming into life - when colors haven’t matured yet, they’re actually blooming, blossoming in front of us.
It should look like the face is beaming from within.

Find out how to get a beautifully balanced makeup and how to get all pieces come together.

Skin

Skin is the most important aspect of any makeup look – beautiful, glowy skin is very important. To achieve that, first of all use a very good moisturizer all over your skin and give it a time to settle in before you start using a light-weight foundation. Also, if you’re your skin tends to be a little bit dry, use a reflective pigment product – it’s a primer that has a little shine in it and you have to apply it on the key areas of the face, or all over and it really promotes that super healthy glow to the skin.
Just remember, when applying foundation, the main idea is not to cover the skin – is to give it an even color, without looking heavy.

Trick!

Before using the foundation, warm it up a little in your palms, then pick up small amounts at a time with a thick brush and gently brush forward until it’s completely blended into the skin. You’ll notice how the color will pick up naturally and it will become skin-like and luminescent.
That’s the look you want to get – not too much, but enough get an even, smooth canvas.

Don’t use too much powder, however if your skin is oily it’s ok to press a little bit of powder down through those oily T-zone areas, so that you don’t feel too shiny.

Lips

In spring, you want your lips to really grab focus by drenching it with lip gloss. To achieve this look all you need to do is to trace the outer edges of the lips nicely, but soften that pencil down. You may even fill your lips just a little bit with the pencil in order to create just a nice even blush, then gloss generously your lips. You can see how lips catch light and they appear fuller.
Trick!
After you applied your lips gloss, trace little vertical strokes on the lower lip to make the gloss go over the full of the lip, so that light will bounce off easily and to make lips pop out more.

Eyes

Spring eyes are all about color. Pick some beautiful reflective pigment for lids and brow bone, to drench your lids with gorgeous reflective shades: soft, pearly pinks, violets, blues, greens, even metallic gold and silver. Don’t be afraid to use color around the eye – this is the appropriate season to brighten up the eye.
If smokey eyes or cat eyes are your favorites, you can still wear them, just make sure you’ll replace blacks and greys with beautiful, fresh colors.
When lining the eyes, don’t use a hard pencil: use blues, greens and violets, to match it with the eye shadow you are using – just to make the lashes look a bit thicker. Apply mascara - wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes and then pull up.
Also, don’t over exaggerate your brows, keep them nice and soft – you don’t want them rigid looking – you want just as slight bit of a whispy look that soften the eyes.
First use a small grooming brush and just gently brush the brows upward. Then if you need to fill them in, take your pencil or powder and add just a touch.

Cheeks

Don’t be afraid to go a bit crazy with the blush.
Take your blush brush and instead of sweeping color on the cheeks, use a popping technique while applying it. Just put some color on the tip of the brush and pop.
This will create a flushing look, the color will just gently and slowly come forward on the skin. It’s almost like the color is pushing up out of your skin.
When you get that effect, skin will look like it’s alive. This will really define a look that’s really fresh and healthy glowing.

Fashion Trends for Spring 2008 Part 3

2008-03-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Fashion Trends for Spring 2008 Part 3

Trend: Color splash
The new season's palette is made up of classic, versatile neutrals punctuated by playful splashes of invigorating brights, hopefully encouraging fashionistas to explore new and creative ways to combine colors. The spring '08 color palette perfectly reflects the cheerfulness of the season. Energizing red, eye-popping neon shades of orange, yellow and pink, cool, waterborne blue and eco-friendly green will play a key role this season.

Trend: Fantasy prints
Whoever said fashion is not an art was certainly proved wrong this season, as runways included many a museum-worthy style. Whipped up filmy leopard-print dresses, the distinctive dip-dye fabric, in which colors gradually intensify from dark to light, polka dots and stars brush-stroke patterns, and whimsical scrawls played a big role on fashion week.

What is Chlamydia ?

2008-03-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

What is Chlamydia ?

is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, which can damage a woman's reproductive organs. Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur "silently" before a woman ever recognizes a problem. Chlamydia also can cause discharge from the penis of an infected man.

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. In 2006, 1,030,911 chlamydial infections were reported to CDC from 50 states and the District of Columbia. Under-reporting is substantial because most people with chlamydia are not aware of their infections and do not seek testing. Also, testing is not often done if patients are treated for their symptoms. An estimated 2,291,000 non-institutionalized U.S. civilians ages 14-39 are infected with Chlamydia based on the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Women are frequently re-infected if their sex partners are not treated.

Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Any sexually active person can be infected with chlamydia. The greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Because the cervix (opening to the uterus) of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured and is probably more susceptible to infection, they are at particularly high risk for infection if sexually active. Since chlamydia can be transmitted by oral or anal sex, men who have sex with men are also at risk for chlamydial infection.

Chlamydia is known as a "silent" disease because about three quarters of infected women and about half of infected men have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure.

In women, the bacteria initially infect the cervix and the urethra (urine canal). Women who have symptoms might have an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. When the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry fertilized eggs from the ovaries to the uterus), some women still have no signs or symptoms; others have lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods. Chlamydial infection of the cervix can spread to the rectum.

Men with signs or symptoms might have a discharge from their penis or a burning sensation when urinating. Men might also have burning and itching around the opening of the penis. Pain and swelling in the testicles are uncommon.

Men or women who have receptive anal intercourse may acquire chlamydial infection in the rectum, which can cause rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding. Chlamydia can also be found in the throats of women and men having oral sex with an infected partner.

If untreated, chlamydial infections can progress to serious reproductive and other health problems with both short-term and long-term consequences. Like the disease itself, the damage that chlamydia causes is often "silent."

In women, untreated infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflamatory disease (PID). This happens in up to 40 percent of women with untreated chlamydia. PID can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues. The damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus). Women infected with chlamydia are up to five times more likely to become infected with HIV, if exposed.

To help prevent the serious consequences of chlamydia, screening at least annually for chlamydia is recommended for all sexually active women age 25 years and younger. An annual screening test also is recommended for older women with risk factors for chlamydia (a new sex partner or multiple sex partners). All pregnant women should have a screening test for chlamydia.

Complications among men are rare. Infection sometimes spreads to the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm from the testis), causing pain, fever, and, rarely, sterility.

Rarely, genital chlamydial infection can cause arthritis that can be accompanied by skin lesions and inflammation of the eye and urethra (Reiter's syndrome).

In pregnant women, there is some evidence that untreated chlamydial infections can lead to premature delivery. Babies who are born to infected mothers can get chlamydial infections in their eyes and respiratory tracts. Chlamydia is a leading cause of early infant pneumonia and conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns.

There are laboratory tests to diagnose chlamydia. Some can be performed on urine, other tests require that a specimen be collected from a site such as the penis or cervix.

Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. A single dose of azithromycin or a week of doxycycline (twice daily) are the most commonly used treatments. HIV-positive persons with chlamydia should receive the same treatment as those who are HIV negative.

All sex partners should be evaluated, tested, and treated. Persons with chlamydia should abstain from sexual intercourse until they and their sex partners have completed treatment, otherwise re-infection is possible.

Women whose sex partners have not been appropriately treated are at high risk for re-infection. Having multiple infections increases a woman's risk of serious reproductive health complications, including infertility. Retesting should be encouraged for women three to four months after treatment. This is especially true if a woman does not know if her sex partner received treatment.

The surest way to avoid transmission of STDs is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Latex male condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of chlamydia.

CDC recommends yearly chlamydia testing of all sexually active women age 25 or younger, older women with risk factors for chlamydial infections (those who have a new sex partner or multiple sex partners), and all pregnant women. An appropriate sexual risk assessment by a health care provider should always be conducted and may indicate more frequent screening for some women.

Any genital symptoms such as an unusual sore, discharge with odor, burning during urination, or bleeding between menstrual cycles could mean an STD infection. If a woman has any of these symptoms, she should stop having sex and consult a health care provider immediately. Treating STDs early can prevent PID. Women who are told they have an STD and are treated for it should notify all of their recent sex partners (sex partners within the preceding 60 days) so they can see a health care provider and be evaluated for STDs. Sexual activity should not resume until all sex partners have been examined and, if necessary, treated.

Fashion Trends 2008 - PART 2

2008-03-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Fashion Trends for Spring 2008 Part 2
Trend: Hey boy, hey girl! The suit in its many guises was a welcome antidote to the season’s ultra feminine floral blooms, the fetish-style bustiers and dramatic flamenco-inspired ruffles. Some designers gave the classic two-piece a Gothic, punky edge and the main focus was on the shoulders. The bigger, the better. Meanwhile, other designers showed small, shrink-to-fit jackets with equally narrow skirts and pants.

2008-03-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Fashion Trends for Spring 2008 Part 1

Preview of Fashion Trends - Spring 2008

Trend: Transparencies
After a season of bold jewel tones and almost-blinding metallics shocking the wardrobes of women everywhere, designers have swept the runways for spring 2008 with a refreshing breeze of softer, neutral and washed-out hues in transparent, gauzy fabrics that play with the light of the new season.

2008-03-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

Preview of Fashion Trends - Spring 2008

What styles you’ll be shopping for come March 2008?

The old trends get refined, pared down or vamped up. This makes them seem so much more polished, creating a new desirable appeal and regenerates the fashion kudos. What's born on the runway will be incorporated into everyday clothing styles offered on the market. Keep your eyes open when shopping this spring season. Take what you witnessed and incorporate it into what you already have or create something fresh utilizing what you witnessed/learned.

2008-03-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Rihanna's New Short Hairstyle: The Pixie Cut
Rihanna got a new makeover!

Yes, she went from mid to short and she debuted a new short pixie cut at the NRJ Music Awards in France.
Rihanna carries out this chic short pixie hairstyle to perfection.
It’s a fabulous and flexible haircut that suits her perfect heart shaped face.

The hair has been layered and razored all over, closed-cropped layers frame the face, short and close around the ears and neck. Notice that nearly all of the layering on the top of the head is long.
Long peek-a-boo bangs have been added to change the geometry of the hairstyle and to draw attention to the eyes.

Your face is emphasized with this cut, so you should feel good about your skin and your features if you're going to try this style.
Long side-swept bangs make this a great hairstyle for anyone with a high forehead.

This hairstyle is fun and easy to maintain and is also a fabulous option for all ages, hair texture and face shape.

Create this style on your own by applying a mousse or gel throughout the hair.
Blow-dry the hair using a large round brush, directing all the layers under and down.
To add the extra smooth finish, run sections of bangs through a flat iron.
Finish off with hair spray.

Short haircuts are timeless; they can make you look younger and at the same time more intelligent. They can boost your confidence and simply make you feel more in control.
It's a great option for women who want to project a strong yet feminine image and spend less time managing their hair.

2008-03-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

Five Myths and Five Tips for Breaking into a Career as a Fashion Designer

For many women, becoming a fashion designer is a lifelong dream.We all love to wear beautiful clothes and make ourselves feel good from the inside out.

We often imagine what it feels like to actually make money doing something this great: dressing people up and making them feel good, models catwalking the runway gracefully to showcase our designs, stylists working frantically at the backstage and we are introduced as “the designer” at the closing. Ah, pretty tempting, indeed, but somehow it feels so surreal. Can I actually become a fashion designer?

Despite the misconception that only those who graduate from New York prestigious fashion schools can make it big in this highly lucrative and competitive field, many fashion designers literally work their way up working from home.

Karen and Warren Hipwell, for instance, started and still operate design studio from their residence in Massachusetts. Despite their humble start, now their products are sold in 110 retailers nationwide. Pure luck? Think again.

You, too, can become a fashion designer even if you have never worn “designer” clothes, don’t have a fashion degree, can’t draw or sew, and live far away from New York or Los Angeles. These are no more than myths. Let me briefly explain them to you.

Myth One: I have never worn “designer” clothes.
Reality: All clothes, including those in your closet, are designed by fashion designers. Many people confuse designer “collection,” which means high-priced seasonal line designed by top designers, with “the person” who designs clothes.

Myth Two: I don’t have a fashion degree.
Reality: Unlike the medical professions, which require extensive classroom and hands-on training, you can learn how to design anywhere. No special education is needed. You’ll be surprised to know that many established designers don’t have any special training.

Myth Three: I live far away from New York or Los Angeles.
Reality: While NY and LA are great places to find an internship position with established designers, fashion is a part of life and fashion designers can be found everywhere. Whether you live in a city of millions or a town of 10,000, there must be at least a few local fashion designers.

Myth Four: I cannot draw or sew.
Reality: Nobody can at the beginning. Strong motivation and perseverance are more important than how well you can draw or sew. Such skills can be learned easily (including using some free resources).

Myth Five: I don’t feel comfortable working in a high-profile industry.
Reality: Well, this glamorous image is no more than the most over-rated trait of the fashion industry. This image is created by the media with the help of fashion publicists and marketers to boost sales. Thus, the purpose is pure business. The better the coverage, the better the sales will be. Fashion designers work very hard for 18 to 24 months to deliver the best designs of the season.

Now you’re ready to plunge into this often-misunderstood field, here are some tips:

First, a fashion designer is an artist and an entrepreneur in one. Why? Because if you design in the name of art without considering the marketability, it’s very likely you won’t be successful. Many designers fail because of this.

Second, you can choose your design specializations from a long list of classifications. Trivial items, such as beach and leg wears, are highly profitable products and relatively easy to produce compared with haute couture pieces.

Third, understand what your career goal is. You can choose whether you want to work for others or for yourself. Whichever one your choice is, apprenticeship is always a great option for new designers.

Fourth, keep up with the industry trends and news. Travel and read a lot to be informed and inspired. New insights will keep your creative skills fresh and ready to roll.

Fifth, persevere. Perseverance is the most important virtue of all because without it, nothing can be completed. Perseverance is your ticket to the peak of your career.

2008-03-20T05:11:00.000-07:00

few tips that will greatly extend the life of your panty hose.

First: keep a bad pair of hose around and before you even start getting dressed run your finger nails over the hose if any snags occur file your nails till all snagging stops, Then do the same for your toe nails

Second: keep your toe nails clipped shorter than the tip of your toe. A long toe nail will create a pressure point between the nail and the shoe and damage the stocking.

Third: the use of pretty hands & feet ( A dead skin exfoliator that removes dead and rough skin) using it regularly will eliminate rough skin that could snag your hose.

Fourth: use hand lotion on your hands before putting hose on and a tiny bit on your heel also helps .

Fifth: hand wash your hose regularly in cold water and woolite or some other light soap . ( before I started doing the above safety precautions they never lasted long enough to be washed) all in all the above precautions should get you a whole lot more mileage from your hose .

Also watch out for Jewelry that snags and sparks from cigarettes. I've lost more hose from people bumping my cigarette in night clubs.

2008-03-20T04:46:00.000-07:00

TEST SKIN FOR OILINESS OR DRYNESS

Wash face thoroughly with PH balanced soap. No deodorant soaps, no other kinds of soap. Do not apply creams or lotions. Wait three hours.
Use one of the following: onion skin paper, facial blotting paper, eyeglass cleansing papers or cigarette papers. Cut the paper into four 1- inch square parts.
Mark them 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Hold #1 on the forehead, #2 on the cheek, #3 on the nose and #4 on the chin. Hold each in turn for a count of ten.
Now, take a look at the papers in a good light, preferably natural lighting.

a) Those papers that come away dry or unmarked indicate areas of dry skin.

b) Those papers that come away with a slight oily residue indicate areas of oily skin.

c) Those papers that come away with a heavy oily residue will tell you where your skin is very oily.

d) If you have garden variety combination type skin, paper #2 will be dry and papers 1, 3, and 4 will have some residue, more or less, depending on the oil level of the skin.

e) Slight residue on all four pieces indicates normal skin. You can use this method to determine what type of skin care you need on all parts of your face.

2008-03-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

Sweating too much?

The average man sweats about 1-1.5 litres of liquid a day – do some exercise or go the gym and you can lose about 3 litres in just an hour. But for 3% of the population, those figures are far higher and it's a big problem.

A Harris survey undertaken in the US found that 66% of people perceived a visibly sweaty person as nervous; 49% thought s/he was overweight; and 25% thought s/he was unhealthy. That sounds pretty bad, but according to the same survey, sweating isn't as bad as farting, burping, leaving your flies open or going bald.

So how can you tell if you've got a serious problem or whether you're just like any other guy? Ask yourself these three questions:

Did you begin to sweat more recently?
"Most people who suffer with primary hyperhidrosis - excessive sweating - first report the problem when they're children or teenagers," says Dr John Eisenach, from the Mayo Clinic colleage of Medicine. But secondary hyperhidrosis, which consists of unusual bouts of sweating, often begins in adulthood. If you've begun to experience heavy bouts of perspiration, see your GP. It could be a symptom of an infection, an overactive thyroid gland, or even certain medications.

Does your sweating occur in particular social situations?
If your explosion of perspiration tends to occur when you're under pressure, faced with problems or in the middle of a row, then cause is less likely to be physical and more likely to be psychological. "This is fairly common," says Dr Autumn Braddock, of Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the Mayo Clinic. "You're having a fear response. Our bodies have been fine-tuned over the years to become intensely activated when we sense fear and that generates heat, which causes perspiration."

Does the bed get soaked at night?
If it's a hot summer's night, this might be okay, but otherwise get yourself checked out by your GP as it could be a symptom of Hodkin's disease, HIV or a medication side-effect.

Do you sweat all over?
If one part of your body – ie your left hand side - sweats a lot more than the other it could be a sign of a neurological problem. Again, see your GP and ask to be referred to a neurologist.

The treatments
If you're not immediately on the phone booking an appointment with your GP, and think your sweating is more psychological than physical, try these options:

Mitchum. This extra-strength deodorant contains aluminium zirconium tetracholorhydrex gly - and the more often you use it, the more effective it becomes. Dryclor is a similar product. Both are available from chemists.

Iontophoresis. This treatment involves putting your hands and feet in water that's charged with a low-voltage electrical current. It does actually seem to work!

Liposuction. You can get your underarm sweat glands sucked out, scraped away (called curettage) or sliced out.

Botox. This wrinkle-decreaser can also block the release of sweat-triggering acetylcholine in your armpits, as well as your hands. Good success rates.

2008-03-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Missionary magic

If sex was weight lifting, the missionary position would be the bench press. It's a mainstay in our society and the ideal pose for pregnancy. Lie between her spread legs, so that you're lying on top of her and are face-to-face. While supporting your weight on your elbows or hands, insert your erect penis up into her, so it's parallel to her vaginal walls. Variations can include her wrapping her legs around your waist to change the shape of her vagina, which will alter the sensation for both of you.

2008-03-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

MEN & CONDOMS

It is quite common for men to have a few problems with condoms. People sometimes find that the process of putting on a condom interrupts the flow of their love-making and their erection subsides.

One way of coping with this is to become comfortable with condoms and good at putting them on quickly. Have you tried practising with condoms on your own, perhaps when you are masturbating? Some people find it easier to keep their erection if their partner helps them put the condom on.

Another trick that works for some people is to avoid thinking that penetration always happens as soon as the condom is on. Carrying on with foreplay after you've put the condom on gives time for your erection to come back. Then all you have to do is check that it is still on properly before you enter your girlfriend.

It can often be a bit stressful having sex with a partner for the first time. Stress and anxiety are other factors that can affect your ability to keep an erection. Here's where communication can help.

2008-03-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Impotence Day

It's generally reckoned that one in ten of all men experience what doctors call 'erectile dysfunction'. But this can only be a rough estimate as just a small proportion, around 10%, come forward for professional help. Many men are too embarrassed even to talk to their partner about the problem. That adds up to a lot of people suffering in silence.

Over the past year and a half, the 'just ask' advisors have answered well over 100 questions about erection problems. Only a small proportion were from people suffering from the kind of impotence that requires a medical solution.

now you see it, now you don't

The majority of questions were from young men experiencing what we might call temporary impotence – they had no erection problems generally but in certain situations their penis refused to rise to the occasion, or went limp just at the crucial moment. For these people the most likely underlying issue seemed to be anxiety connected with penetration – the pressure to 'perform'.

John's question is typical of this kind of thing. He's 16 and has a steady girlfriend. They've had sex quite a few times but now he can only maintain his erection for masturbation and oral sex.
Sarah's question gives a sense of how impotence can affect relationships. Like John, her boyfriend is losing his erection when it comes to intercourse. She's concerned that she doesn't turn him on enough and regrets that she made a joke about him being impotent.
Tom, too, is having trouble with his erection when he tries to enter his girlfriend. Like John he thinks the problem is psychological and he's worried about letting his girlfriend down.

drink and drugs

Another common reason for erectile dysfunction is the effect of alcohol, recreational drugs, and medication. Alcohol is well known to encourage 'brewer's droop' but other drugs like marijuana and cocaine can do the same. Some medicines – particularly antidepressants and blood pressure treatments – can have unwanted sexual side-effects too.

Peter is getting embarrassed because he hasn't managed to have full sex with his girlfriend at all. He does mention that he's always been quite drunk. Could this be the problem?

Kamal hasn't been able to make love for some time. Could it be something to do with his depression medication?

long-term loss

Where men are suffering from permanent impotence the cause is usually – in over two-thirds of cases – physical. Erectile dysfunction is quite common in men with diabetes, and abdominal surgery, particularly prostate surgery, often results in erection failure. Problems with the blood vessels supplying the penis are another common cause – this is why smoking, which affects blood flow, can be a factor.

Perhaps it's not surprising that the incidence of erectile dysfunction rises sharply with age. Many of these conditions are themselves more common in older men.

The good news is that in the vast majority of cases men who take the problem to their doctor can be treated successfully. There can't be many people who haven't heard of Viagra, but it isn't the only solution out there. There are new drugs being developed all the time and many men are helped by other methods such as vacuum pumps, injections and, sometimes, surgery.

But so often men prefer to keep the problem to themselves rather than ask for help. At the same time, doctors don't routinely discuss the sexual implications when they are treating male patients for those conditions linked to impotence. It's not just the men themselves that suffer. Partners are affected too and erectile dysfunction can be a huge pressure on relationships. Psychosexual therapy and couple counselling can help, either on its own or alongside other treatments.

Andi wrote to 'just ask' saying that her husband's impotence was destroying their marriage. He is one of the nine in ten men who don't feel they can talk to their doctor.
Another man became impotent after cancer treatment. His partner wrote to 'just ask', explaining the strain on their relationship. Again, he doesn't seem to be getting treatment for his problem.

condom problems?

This is one cause of temporary erection problems that deserves a special mention, particularly as National Impotence Day falls right at the beginning of Contraceptive Awareness Week (14-20 February). Quite a lot of men, it seems, have no trouble getting and maintaining an erection, until it's time for them to put that condom on.

Findley, aged 16, lost his erection the first time he and his girlfriend tried to have sex – it was the condom that seemed to be the problem.

Campbell, 19, had the same problem, this time with more than one partner. He felt he was coming too soon as well, but seemed to already know that it could be because he was thinking too much instead of relaxing and having fun.

It's great that neither of these men thought the solution to their problem was to forget about the rubbers altogether. Remember, condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections as well as unwanted pregnancy.

2008-03-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Testicular cancer: keep your eye on the ball

Men can be very sensitive about their balls at the best of times. The idea of testicular cancer seems to be one that many men would prefer to ignore – according to research by NetDoctor.co.uk, about four out of five men in the UK don't bother to check themselves regularly for changes in their testicles. This is worrying because, if it's caught early, testicular cancer is one of the most treatable of all cancers.

Testicular cancer is actually not very common, but it has been on the increase for the last 25 years or so. It's also more of a problem among younger men, causing more deaths in the 15-35 age group than any other type of cancer.

The good news is that over 95% of men who seek treatment in the early stages are cured. As with so many diseases, the crucial thing is to get treatment as early as possible. Get to know your testicles, examine them regularly, and if you notice a change see your doctor as soon as possible.

few questions and answers that might help you:

Q: I found a lump on my ball. I was wondering if it may be testicular cancer. Please help!

Kelvyn, 14

experts reply:

It's good that you have checked your balls. Most lumps turn out to be nothing to worry about, but any changes in your testicles should be checked out as soon as possible.

As you have noticed a change, it is important that you seek medical advice. Your doctor is used to advising young men on their sexual health, so please try not to be too embarrassed. There could be a variety of reasons for the lump you have found, for example a cyst or infection, but do make an appointment with your GP.

Q: I am worried I may have testicular cancer. Over the past week I have had a slight pain in my left testicle. After reading some information on this I have noticed that in all cases the testicle is removed. Could you give me some more information?

Morgz, 21

experts reply:

Any prolonged pain in the testicles, or unusual lumps and bumps, should be discussed with your doctor, They will be able to examine you and offer advice and appropriate treatments if necessary. Sometimes, if you haven't been used to examining yourself, you might find a lump that you had not been aware of, but this may be part of the normal anatomy of your testicles.

Q: My right testicle is about twice the size as my left testicle. Could this be cancer or is it just normal?

Sean, 17

experts reply:

You must be feeling quite worried about this. What I can tell you is that one testicle is often slightly larger than the other. Have you noticed whether your testicles have always been this size, or has this changed recently?

Unfortunately cancer is a possibility with any lump in the scrotum. However, most swellings in the scrotum turn out to be non-cancerous. It is important that all lumps in the scrotum are examined by a doctor. This may sound embarrassing but doctors deal will problems like this every day.

Q: I have a girlfriend, and we are both virgins. I think we are going to have sex some time soon. The problem is, I felt my balls and have felt a little lump on it and it hurts when I touch it. Do I have cancer? I am still young. I am too scared to go to the doctor's. Please help.

Greg, 16

experts reply:

You sound very worried about this. As you have noticed a change, it is important that you seek medical advice. Your doctor is used to advising young men on their sexual health, so please try not to be too embarrassed.

There could be a variety of reasons for the lump you have found, for example a cyst or infection. Also, you don't say whether the lump is on the outside of scrotum, or actually on the testicle itself. It doesn't have to be cancer, but do make an appointment with your GP, especially if it is causing you discomfort.

Q: I had one of my testicles removed three years ago due to cancer. The cancer was completely removed and I feel fine. However, it's affecting my confidence in asking women out, and possibly having sex, because I feel I'm 'less' than I should be as a male. Is it worth having surgery to gain a second testicle? I've never talked about this before.

Max, 26

experts reply:

As long as your testicle is functioning properly – that is producing sperm – you are physically able to have sex normally and father children. Having one testicle does not mean you are less of a male. On a psychological level, however, you are struggling with a lack of confidence about asking women out.

Asking someone out can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone, but if you are feeling low about yourself it can sometimes feel impossible. This can be due to expecting the other person to be as judgemental of you as you are being of yourself. This is not necessarily going to be the case. Being yourself, open and honest is generally what attracts people to you. Making the effort to try and feel good about yourself as a whole person could make a big difference.

It sounds like you are focusing on just one part of your body and judging your whole self by it. Bodies are only one aspect of who we are as individuals, and it is often useful to try and focus on other aspects to get a more balanced view of who we are. Most people will be unhappy about some part of their body, but for some people this dissatisfaction can become the main focus for their self-belief.

One way of trying to improve a negative body image is to try and build up self-confidence. Doing a course to improve self-esteem may be useful.

2008-03-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

SOMETHING ABOUT MEN:

PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer diagnosis has been going up for some time. Since 2003, it has been the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK, with over 27,000 new cases each year. The latest information from the Office of National Statistics reveals that one in 11 men has a lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer.

But only half of us know that prostate cancer is the top male cancer, according to a poll commissioned by the Prostate Cancer Charity. And nearly 90% of people polled don't know what the prostate gland does. This highlights the urgent need for more public awareness.

The aim of Prostate Cancer Awareness Week is to make the most common male cancer common knowledge.

Embarrassed?

A big part of the challenge is overcoming men's embarrassment and unwillingness to talk about problems in the trouser department. Research by Men's Health magazine, carried out for the Institute of Cancer Research, found that over a quarter of men have trouble talking to their doctor about potentially embarrassing problems. Professor Peter Rigby, Chief Executive of the Institute, said, 'There is still a great taboo around prostate and testicular cancers. We want men not to be embarrassed about their bodies, but to go to their GP if they have concerns.'

Ask!!!

Men may find it hard to talk to their doctor, but some seem to feel more comfortable about contacting 'just ask' for advice about sensitive subjects. In the last few years lots of men – and a few women too – have sent us questions about the prostate. Many people were concerned about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis – two conditions of the prostate that can be unpleasant to live with but are not life-threatening. Others were concerned specifically with cancer.

Starting with the most basic question of all, Sam wrote in to ask what prostate cancer is.

Robin, aged 59, had a similar question, asking for straightforward information about the disease.

Andy was more concerned about the symptoms of prostate cancer. He was experiencing a frequent need to pee during the night but, like so many men, was nervous about going to see his GP

Testing and diagnosis

Quite a few visitors to the site were concerned about testing and diagnosis. One of the few women to ask a question about prostate cancer wanted to know if there was a blood test for the disease.

Jim knew about the test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is done as part of the diagnostic process, but he wanted to know more about interpreting the results of a test.

Michael, 51, was also aware that a blood test was available but was having trouble persuading his doctor to do the test for him. This was a particular worry because there was a history of prostate cancer in his family.

Causes

Some questioners wanted to know about the causes of prostate cancer. Information about the causes is rather sketchy: genetics appears to have some influence, though perhaps not as much as the effect of diet and lifestyle.

51-year-old Ade was interested in finding out whether there was any connection between benign prostate enlargement and the development of cancerous cells.

Colin, aged 47, had an unresolved problem of pain in the pelvis. He thought it might be an ongoing infection of the prostate and wondered if this might make him more likely to develop prostate cancer in the future.

One 27-year-old questioner had heard that prostate cancer was caused by too much sex. Fortunately we were able to reassure him.

New approach to treatment

In fact, most prostate cancers grow so slowly that treatment is not necessary at all. Unfortunately there is currently no good way of telling the difference between a slow cancer and a fast one that needs radiotherapy, surgery or hormone treatment. This could mean that many men are opting for invasive treatment they may not need.

To try and tackle this problem, The Institute of Cancer Research is running a research project at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, Surrey. The research is investigating an approach to prostate cancer called 'active surveillance'. Rather than going straight for a treatment option, men are given a PSA test and a rectal examination at regular intervals. They also have a biopsy (where a small sample of the tissue from the tumour is removed) every two years. If during this time a man's PSA level rises significantly, his prostate cancer will be treated.

The research is led by Dr Chris Parker, who says, 'Active surveillance may spare two thirds of men the side-effects of treatment, without compromising survival.' That's important news for men when you consider that the side-effects can include impotence, incontinence and infertility.

'Active surveillance' might sound just like another way of saying 'watchful waiting', which is the long-standing approach to many cases of early prostate cancer. Watchful waiting involves periodic examinations and tests, with hormone therapy if the cancer appears to be developing. As Chris Parker explains, active surveillance is different: 'Whereas watchful waiting involves relatively lax observation with late, gentle treatment for those who develop symptoms of progressive disease, active surveillance involves close monitoring with early radical treatment for those with signs of progression.'

Over 60 men have joined the study in the last 12 months, the team plan to recruit another 200 over the next few years.

2008-03-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

Spring’s Most Important Fashion Rule

Starting off Spring on the right foot is very important. Not only does your Spring style say a lot about you, but it can also alter your mood. So instead of wearing something drab and dreary, put on something cheerful that will put you in a good mood and get everyone’s attention too!
As always, every season there is “the rule” that everyone must obey. This Spring’s most important rule is remembering to keep everything chic, simple, and fresh. That means throwing out your old winter makeup, getting a new do, and a fresh, new spin on your wardrobe. Let’s start with your makeup!

FRESH MAKE-UP

This winter, we saw a lot of blues and violets on the eye lids and lots of reds on the lips. Fortunately, Spring has brought us a fresh burst of ideas which doesn’t include strong, overpowering colors. It’s very important that you keep your make-up simple and fresh. Wearing too much make-up can make you look old and tired. A fresh perspective on your make-up will do you wonder. Go on a make-up spree and choose new soft and vibrant colors. Choose peachy-pink tones for your cheeks and lips for a beautiful stained look. Tired faces are so out…bring in the new!!!

IN THE NAME OF FASHION

If you have beautiful long locks, the last thing you probably want to do is chop it all off. But this Spring brings us hot trends including shorter, more sophisticated hair. Anything that is chic, easy to up-keep and cute. Think Kaite Holmes or Rihanna - who doesn’t love their fabulous cuts? So if you’re daring enough, head to the salon this weekend and ask your stylist to re-create a star’s look. Not only will you feel better, but you’ll look more revived, refreshed and younger too! The bottom point: chic and sophisticated!

RE-INVENT YOUR WARDROBE!

Now that you have fresh makeup and a chic new do, all you need is a hot wardrobe. Pick up simple, basic things that you can combine with multiple outfits and get multiple uses out of. Flowy fabrics are very hot this Spring, so keep that in mind. Don’t go for super-tight fashions. Instead, keep it simple and flowy. Pick soft and sheer fabrics. Colors you can wear this spring: white, neutrals, peaches, pinks, yellows, greens, and these are just a few. Keeping your outfit fresh and simple is the key to looking fabulous.

2008-03-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Beachwear Tips

Where do you wear beachwear? Anywhere. Beachwear is not just for the beach or the pool.
Are you going on a cruise or taking off to a resort?
Think “bikini beachwear” for sunning by the pool or those days along the sandy beaches.
But you will also want other summer beachwear as well, like dresses, skirts and pants.
For shopping or dining or even a night on the town, there are many beachwear options in many different styles and patterns that will assure that you are not breaking the dress codes while still enjoying the comfortable, cool and sexy feel of summer or the tropics.

Clubkinis and halter top beachwear will be awesome additions to your summer or vacation wardrobe to mix and match with your beachwear skirts or your jeans.

With just a few beachwear items, you can create many different looks and styles that are all your own.
With beachwear- anything goes. It’s all still a matter of your own personal style. Sometimes just throwing on a fun summer skirt over your swimsuit and walking the sands of the beach can give you a sense of freedom that is much more powerful than the hottest bikini.

Shopping for bikini beachwear? Most women already know what type of swimwear they are looking for through trial and error and those countless and frustrating trips to the dressing rooms. We usually know what is the best fit for us, whether it’s underwired tops, string bikini bottoms, full coverage, slight coverage, tankini, French cut,
Brazilian…

It’s possible the beachwear that is available in our local shops may be limited, but the internet is not. We don’t have to settle on this issue and we can find exactly what we want via internet shopping.
So refine those searches and be specific about what you are looking for, metallic beachwear, crocheted or ruffled beachwear, gauze and lace, (or even sheer beachwear), resort or cruise wear, exotic beachwear… even a lambskin bikini, if that’s your style.
So, define your style! Decide what you love and want and go get it.

Best Beachwear

You got weight problems, wider hips, DD or E cup sizes?

We give you some tips to hide delicate any flaw!

Do's

For those of you with a bit of tummy wobble, try one the very flattering Tankinis which give bust support and lift but fall softly round the tummy to hide our imperfections.

The overall look is much more flattering than a one piece and the added bonus is, while noones watching, you can roll them up and get a tanned tummy!

You can also choose one piece but with vertical prints top to visually lenghten your body.

Don'ts

Don't opt for Retro Pant with straight cut and low on the leg because they're too wide and they shorten your body visually and make your legs thick and short.

Plus, avoid light colors!

2008-03-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

Acne - Pimples?

Acne occurs when hair follicles are clogged by dead skin cells. Hair follicles produce an oil called sebum. If this oil builds up in the clogged pore it becomes infected, and the hair follicle becomes inflamed. If the follicle bursts, the infected matter inside the pores spreads across the skin, infecting the surrounding area and creating new pimples.

Treatments for acne

Acne can and does cause enormous suffering for those who are affected by it, and needs to be treated as soon as possible. Early treatment should limit the severity of acne and prevent the physical and psychological scarring that can be caused by acne.

Available treatments for acne today include medicated cleansers, exfoliants, benzoyl peroxide, Retin A, topical antibiotics, physical treatments, oral antibiotics, intralesional corticosteroids, hormonal therapy, systemic corticosteroids, accutane, and natural treatment formulas.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is the undisputed king of over-the-counter acne medications.

Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is a mild astringent that dries the skin and removes dead skin cells.

Topical antibiotic: These kind of externally applied antibiotics are formulated as water-alcohol solutions, creamy lotion, gels, and ointment. They are very effective in mild-to-moderate acne and dry up pustules quickly.

Tips for Beautiful Look

Don't pick pimples.
Drink lots of water.
Keep astringents away from irritated skin.
Go easy on the stress.
Check your diet. Fruits and vegetables are important for healthy skin and overall well-being.
Research products before using them to make sure they are right for you.
Do facial exercises and get facials.
Use olive oil to keep the skin supple.
Keep your hands away from your face. Hands carry germs that are often transferred to our faces.
Don't smoke.
Cut down on alcoholic beverages. They dehydrate the skin.
Use makeup, in moderation.
Wash your face at least twice a day.
Don't sleep with makeup on. Your pores need to breathe.
Steam yourself. It's great for the skin and reduces stress.
Exercise.
Use homemade body-buffing salt, made from coarse kosher salt, safflower oil, and your favorite essential oil.
Get a shower brush to reach the middle of your back. This may reduce the appearance of blackheads.
Try vitamin E oil for scars.
Condition the lips. Our lips are often overlooked until they begin to peel and crack.
Take a skin softening milk bath.
Don't forget suntan lotion and sunscreen
Lemon juice is excellent for embarrassing skin discolorations.
A full body massage is a great relaxing agent as well as a way to get circulation flowing through your entire body to improve your skin.
Never scrub your skin. Gently massage it.
Use soap that is skin-friendly. Some soap can be very harsh on your skin and leave a build up that keeps your skin from looking its best.
Keep all beauty accessories and tools clean to reduce the risk of germs infecting your skin?

2008-03-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

Aging Skin
Aging is a normal appearance, but you can reduce to slows down or keep skin aging with personal frequently watch. Quality daily skin look out, orderly life practice and well-balanced diet, and crisis free surroundings are the key points you can initiate with to gain control on aging skin.
The skin ages for a numerous reasons. It will naturally age with increasing loss of flexibilityas collagen and elastin within the epidermis slowly becomes less elastic. Also it has been proven that sun light speeds up the ageing process of the skin caused by UVA and UVB wavelengths from the sun. The other external factors such as the free radical produced in the vehicle exhaust gases, dirty industrial processes and smoking can further speed the ageing process of otherwise healthy skin.

But one need not worry as plants and fruits that are available in abundance play a major role in the protection of the skin. Plant oils may be used to form a protective moisturizing layer that reduces water loss from the epidermis of the skin and hence increases the hydration of the skin. This increases the 'plumping' of the tissues, contributing to a smoothing of the wrinkles.

Tips on Anti Aging Skin

The rejuvenation of the skin has also become an important aspect of modern cosmetic care. Many professional techniques are used. These range from plastic surgery for total or partial face lifts, chemical peeling, collagen implants, and laser therapies and so on.

We have been working with natural substances for skin rejuvenation, as we found that natural extracts, used in specialized treatment, help to minimize the signs that we associate with ageing.

You can use a clinical procedure consisting of specialized cleansing and toning, followed by use of the some good mask, which has been endowed by modern techniques and perfected by the substitution of herbal extracts. It should have the extracts that are known to stimulate the regeneration of new cells.

Among these are Saffron, Aloe Vera, Rose, Bael, Mint and so on. The mask ingredients are applied on the skin and allowed to harden. As it hardens, the mask generates heat and creates the ideal temperature at which the skin's capacity to absorb products is enhanced.

The heat increases blood circulation to the surface. As the mask cools down and becomes hard, it tightens the pores and tissues, sculpting the jawline. It also helps to minimize wrinkles, improve muscle tone, skin elasticity and revitalizes the skin.

The mask acts as a complete cosmetic treatment, because it helps to improve the skin's normal functions. It restores balances, improves cell respiration and speeds up the process of cell renewal.

In fact, it is a mini face-lift. When the mask is hard, it comes off in one piece, leaving the skin tighter, rejuvenated and porcelain-like.

2008-03-05T10:27:00.001-08:00

Botanical Skin Care

There is plenty of confusion when it comes to botanical skin care as most people equate botanicals to natural ingredients. However, the Food and Drug Administration equates all natural products, even those extracted from plants and herbs as being chemical in nature. Realistic or not, the approach to botanical skin care is similar to that of using chemical peels and chemical skin defoliation. The ideal situation is being able to maintain the body's natural moisture to help maintain the body's largest organ…the skin.

The use of botanicals in all types of treatments has been around since about the fourth century, as more humans began to experiment with plants and how they could treat a variety of ailments and problems. While skin care may not have been high on their list of priorities at the time, the use of botanical skin care has grown into its own industry in the last decade. Whether using all natural products or the chemically designed products to imitate the botanical plant structures, the use of skin care products continues to grow.

Some of the most popular botanical skin care products are shea butter jojoba. Shea butter is derived from the kernel of the karite tree, also named the tree of life, and has a profound effect on the amount of moisture retained by the skin. Jojoba is a natural skin moisturizer and closely resembles the sebum of the whale, and also works to soften the skin.

Preventing Dry Skin Part Of Botanical Skin Care

Helping to maintain soft and moist skin begins by eliminating the factors that cause dry skin. For years, honey was used as a botanical skin care product as it also provided protection against the sun and other environmental problems that dries the skin as well a helping to replenish moisture in the skin.

It is also well-documented that remaining hydrated helps to prevent dry skin from the inside, reducing the dependency on topical skin moisturizers and many of the botanical skin care products that cannot be classified as organic, may contain ingredients that counteract the moisturizers being applied. They may also contribute to clogged pores, which can lead to an outbreak of acne.
When choosing botanical skin care products, reading the ingredients, usually listed on the label, can offer hints of whether there may be chemical products or other oils that may cause other skin conditions while moisturizing the surface of the skin. If using commercially prepared products, the all natural botanical skin care products will probably be more expensive than those created in a lab.

2008-03-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

Cleansing Skin Care for Everyday Use

Our skin is a vital part of our body; it helps to protect us from dangerous elements and to help cool our body. One of the more important aspects of skin care is cleansing. Cleansing skin care is necessary for our skin to breathe and be free from clogged pores and impurities. These clogged pores promote acne and other skin imperfections that arise from skin that is not maintained properly.

Make up and oil from our skin contribute to clogged pores and impurities. The right cleansing skin care regimen must be applied to your face and body to promote clear and blemish free skin. Not only do our faces need to be cleansed from everyday dirt but our bodies need it too. Everyday exposure to dust, wind and smoke of every kind can contribute to clogged pores. The proper cleansing skin care regimen must be observed to maintain your skin.

Tips for Proper Cleansing Skin Care

One thing that you must remember is that cleansing skin care does not necessarily mean expensive skin care products. You can cleanse your skin with just ordinary inexpensive products that work just as well as pricier ones. The important thing is that the cleansing skin care products are gentle and devoid of harsh chemicals that can dry out skin. Water temperature must also be just right or even warm to promote better skin care. Water that is too hot may damage you skin while cold water can dry out the skin.

Some people like to use toners as part of their cleansing skin care regimen. This is fine as long as you stay away from toners that contain alcohol and are labeled as photosensitive. The way you apply the cleanser and toner must be gentle enough to cleanse your skin but not damage it. Forcefully scrubbing skin can damage it and bring about other consequences. Cleansing your face must be done to a minimum since too much washing or cleansing skin care can dry it out too.

After your daily cleansing skin care, you might want to moisturize it to provide the daily defense against the weather and the elements. Moisturizing is the best way to maintain the suppleness and elasticity of the skin.

The Best Time to Cleanse the Skin

Probably the ideal time to cleanse the skin is when you arrive home from work or before you sleep. This is the right time because you do not need to go out anymore and expose you skin to environmental factors that add to skin problems.

2008-03-05T10:21:00.000-08:00

Skin Care Cream Tips and Facts

Our skin is the largest of the body; we need to take care of it and help maintain the state of the skin in order for our outer appearance to look good and to help our body ward off any sickness or germs that we come in contact with daily. A skin care cream can help us maintain the elasticity and suppleness of our skin. These kinds of creams are usually made to be moisturizers to keep the moisture in our skin and combat aging and dry skin.

Composition of Skin Care Cream

Skin care cream usually contains lipids, sterols, humectants, emollients, oils and lubricants. These are just the basic contents of any skin care cream. Other manufacturing companies add other elements to magnify or to promote the benefits of the cream. You can make homemade skin care cream with the basic ingredients and add any herbal or natural ingredients to make it a personalized cream to suit your needs. Most of the basic ingredients are available in specialty stores or drug stores.

Humectants can be any of the following lactic acid, sorbitol, glycerin and urea. Emollients can be lanolin or some specialized oils specifically made for skin care cream use. Emulsifiers usually act as preservatives or as agents for fragrance used in making creams.

Uses of Skin Care Cream

The main use of these creams are as moisturizers for our skin and as a barrier against moisture loss from heat and sun exposure. Other uses for skin care cream are as agents for medication or therapeutic uses. In cases like these, they have certain medicinal values that are specifically integrated into the creams in order to facilitate improvement of the skin or healing of the skin.

Adverse Effects of a Skin Care Cream

Some skin care creams may cause allergic reactions to sensitive individuals or aggravate the skin conditions that you were trying to heal in the first place. Symptoms of allergic reactions of aggravation may be redness in the area, itching or stinging sensation and often rashes. You must be aware of the contents of the cream that you wish to use to avoid any undesirable side effects.
ream that is not recommended by your dermatologist to clear up any skin problems should be avoided. On the other hand, if you just want to moisturize your skin, basically any skin care cream moisturizer will do; just make sure you don't develop a rash or an allergic reaction to it.

2008-03-05T10:18:00.000-08:00

Body Care

Your body is uniquely yours and it’s your responsibility to take care of it, to use it and make the most creative use of it so that you will be healthy for whole life. Your body can be affected from the diet you are taking and the environment in which you are living. Body care matters in healthy of a human and it may be of hands, nails, eye and arms care. Your mind rules to your body so try to use fresh food that maintains your body. Always try to use research-proven, simple tips for keeping your body healthy, slim, well and trim.

There are various solutions and technique for body care that works best for different working, hardworking or for them who is taking rest. For making healthy some research proven body tips are mentioned below that work best as requirement and you will get positive result.

Alpha Therapy

This technique helps in maintaining your concentration level. Alpha Therapy uses Sound waves and light for reliving your body from stress and tension. This technique works best for increasing concentration level.

Moisturizing Treatment

This is a well know body care technique. In this technique first of all your body is cleaned that is followed by a well known technique for body care called Massage is used. After that marine sediment is applied in moisturizing technique.

Mud wrap

This treatment is best for removing muscular ache. In Mud wrap treatment as per name implies first warm mud is applied on the body and after that your body is wrapped in a warm blanket. This technique is providing best solution for muscular ache and arthritis.

Seaweed Wrap

This treatment also helps in removing joint pains and muscular ache and cellulite. This treatment is same as Mud Wrap the only difference is that we use oil instead of warm mud. This oil will provide relax to your body and also help in energizing the body, eliminate toxins and nourish the skin.

Steam Bath

This is another popular treatment that is used for body care. This technique helpful in invigorates the body by the steam. This treatment applied in steam diffused room with required oils. This helps in cleaning the skin and invigorates the body.

After exhausting day your body will need some rest and relax this relax can be get from these several treatment that will take care of your body and really beneficial in body care.

2008-03-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

Hair Tricks To Slim Your Face

Most hair stylists will tell you that a good starting point to a face slimming hair style is to give your hair a svelte look. How do you do that? Here are some hair tips that can work for minimizing fuller face shapes:

Don'ts

Just as clothes with horizontal strips add the elusion of weight, hairstyles with blunt edges can make your face look much wider than it really is. Avoid styles or cuts that have any type of strong lines that will make your face look larger than it really is.
Avoid hair that is either too long or too short.
Avoid big hair, lots of curls, wedge styles or super short cuts.
The Square and Pear shapes are also not suited for super short cuts that will highlight the jaw or the chin.

Do's

Add slenderizing vertical lines to your hair through well placed highlights or lowlights. A talented colorist can also add wonderful depth to your overall face with multi dimensional color.
Adding height at the roots automatically minimizes the fullness of any face by adding instant length. Ask your stylist to add texturizing or layers around your crown area to add height. If your hair is naturally thin or fine use a great volume enhancing shampoo to add fullness. Add a root lift solution or volumizing gel to the roots and use a brush to lift as your blow dry. Remember to direct the airflow from the ends to the roots for even more volume. If you prefer you can use a small barrel curling iron right at the roots for added texture.
Up dos add instant height. Consider pulling your hair into a high ponytail or braid anchored at your crown. Pull out a few tendrils on either side of your face to add a subtle slenderizing.
A shoulder skimming shag style with texturized bangs is excellent for reducing facial width. Blow dry hair forward with a large round brush to smooth and curl hair under. Set with a good hair spray. The best length for faces that need slenderizing is between the jawline and the shoulders. This length elongates your face and neck creating a much slimmer appearance. Bangs can be flattering if worn to enhance the eyes. Select bangs that have an uneven edge. Try angled bangs or bangs that have wispy lengths.
Round faces benefit from long straight lines added around the face. A chin-length bob with minimum layering is a great option. Angled bobs with sides that taper softly below the cheeks is also a wonderful selection. This look can create the illusion of higher, more angular cheekbones. By introducing a horizontal line, side-parted bangs that sweep across the forehead also help break up a face's roundness.
A key to slenderizing round faces is to minimize the volume of hair that is at the sides and ear area. If a hairstyle is selected that falls above the jaw it is best to wear an off-center part to interrupt roundness. A longer jaw length or longer style can benefit from a center part.
The Square & Pear shapes do well with chin length bobs. A bob with fullness at the chin will balance a pointed chin prevalent with heart shapes.
A square face benefits from a chin length bob that ends in a soft flip or gentle wave. Adding emphasis to the cheekbones and the middle section of the face helps a lot. Bangs are a great solution. Wearing your hair at least 2 inches below your jaw line will also help a lot.

2008-03-05T08:33:00.001-08:00

Nail Care

Your nails may be craving something - If your nails are weak, splitting, fragile etc, the problem could be traced back to an inadequate water intake.

Most people don't drink nearly enough water. Drink up!

What to do about brittle nails

The most common nail wreckers are harsh detergents and water, which can stress nail fibers. So be sure to put rubber gloves on while you clean or do dishes.

Also, avoid using perfume lotions that usually contain alcohol if your nails are brittle. It will only make your nails worse.

It may be possible that your calcium intake is low, as well.

How To Give Yourself A Manicure

Whether you prefer your nails to be long or short, they can still look stunning with a little know-how.
Wash and dry your hands.
Using a double-sided emery board, file nails using a gentle stroke. Avoid corners of your nails as this can weaken them.

2008-03-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

New Cosmetic Tips :

Make-up timeline

To ensure your eyes stay healthy and free of infection when using make-up, heed the following due-date rules. Throw out your mascara after three months, powder eye shadows every nine to 18 months, and cream eye shadows every six to 12 months. Sharpen your eyeliners often to keep them clean.

Mascara mistakes

To avoid mascara flake-off or smudging on your face, apply a thin cost of mascara to top lashes only. Then run an eyelash brush through lashes to prevent clumpy mascara build-up.

Get a rosy glow

Want your face to radiate a healthy glow? Try using a gel blush or cream (instead of powder) in a rosy shade of pink to create a more natural look. Gels or creams are more transparent and blend smoothly – rub it on the apples of your cheek and blend up towards the eye for a glowing complexion.

Minute manicure

Need a fast fix for unpolished nails? File nails into a square shape, buff them to create a bit of shine and apply a clear coat of polish. Next rub in cuticle oil around the edges of the nail and moisturize your whole hand. It takes less than 15 minutes and will give your appearance a polished look.

Brow etiquette

The trend in eyebrows for this season is natural looking, not sparse and skinny. Use a tinted brow definer or eyeshadow to fill in scanty brows.

Fix tired feet

Pamper your tired feet with a luxurious footbath. Fill a basin with warm water and add a few drops of essential oils. Next place marbles or small stones (found at your local garden centre) into the basin. Run your toes and soles of your feet over the marbles, and relax for 15 minutes.

Eye/lip pencil care

Before sharpening your eyeliner or lip pencil, place them in the freezer for 10 minutes. They will harden slightly and not break when sharpened.

Eyeliner hint

Women with deep-set eyes should use liquid liner instead of regular pencil eyeliner, to prevent smudging in the crease of the lid. Liquid liner does not smudge as easily.

Nail polish know-how

Is your nail polish from last season too thick? Chances are the polish has begun to thicken at the bottom of the bottle. Add a bit of nail polish thinner to the bottle to get the maximum use of your nail polish.

Foundation tester

When picking out a concealer or foundation, always test the colour on the inside of your wrist. The skin there is the most unblemished and will give you a good idea of how it will look on your face.

Extend your foundation

Want to extend the life of your foundation and cut down on heavy concealer? Mix a drop of it with your natural moisturizer to create a luminescent look for your skin.

Curl your lashes

Before curling your eyelashes, heat the curler with a hair dryer for a few seconds. Test to make sure it is not too hot, then apply to eyelashes. The heat will lock in the curl on extra long eyelashes.

Foundation secret

Apply foundation to your face AFTER you have done your eye make-up. This helps you to fix any last minute smudging from mascara or eyeliner under the eyes.

Lipstick trick

Love matte lipstick, but feel your dry lips wreck the look? Apply a lip balm to lips before starting your make-up routine. By the time you have done your eyes and rest of the face, your lips will be moisturized and ready for the matte lipstick.

Manicure tip

If you have been sloppy applying nail polish, simply soak nails (when dry) in warm water for a few minutes and then rub off extra nail polish gently with a finger.

2008-03-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

first steps to getting fit

We all know that exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle, but it's all too easy to make excuses and put off that jog or gym visit. Next thing you know, you're so unfit you can't face the notion of exercise – so you become even less active, you put on weight, you feel sluggish and lethargic and your self-esteem plummets. Add to that increased risk of suffering from coronary heart disease, obesity and mental health problems and the whole problem snowballs.

'It doesn't have to be hell to be healthy,' explains Stuart Biddle, professor of sports science at Loughborough University. 'Mild to moderate exercise is the best way to health, because you set attainable goals that you actually enjoy reaching, which means you form long-term habits. There's too much pressure put on people to over-do it in the short term, which means they hate their exercise regime and can't wait for it to stop – so take it slowly and make sure only you decide what you want to do and achieve.'

In fact, Professor Biddle suggests many people determined to get fit might find it better to incorporate regular exercise into their daily routine rather than punish themselves in the gym. Walking to work rather than driving, taking the stairs rather than the lift, and doing mild exercise like gardening or cleaning is a more effective way of staying fit, he says.

'Peoples' engagement with exercise will fluctuate – as a result of other events in their lives,' he says. 'Structured exercise at a gym can be too disruptive to everyday life.

'We have got an obesity problem because we have lost those little bits of everyday activity that we used to have, like walking to the shops or to work.'

His research followed six people over a year as they tried to keep up regular exercise at a gym. He found lack of time, responsibilities of work or childcare, boredom with the exercise regime and lack of support from gym staff led most to give up.

'They could then be left feeling worse than before they joined,' he says. Signing up and then missing sessions can cause demoralising feelings of guilt and the knowledge that the large membership fee is being wasted. The more sessions missed, the more weight goes back on and the less inclined you are to return to the gym.

'Starting your own exercise regime, at home or outside, is often a better entry point – just don't think that getting fit has to be hell.'

make it fun

Most of us can find time to watch a favourite movie or listen to a new piece of music by a band or a musician we like. But for many people, exercise isn't perceived as fun. Here are a few ideas from Joliffe you may want to consider to make exercising more enjoyable:

Exercise with a friend at a pace that means you can still talk to each other
Be active to music
Choose to exercise in a beautiful place, such as a beach, park or river bank
Exercise while wearing clothes that make you feel good and feel comfortable
Vary your activity so you don't get bored so, for example, if you normally exercise indoors, try an outdoor activity and vice versa
Try something that helps you 'find the child within', such as flying a kite or using a microscooter or trampoline.

To achieve the benefits of exercise, it's recommended you take 30 minutes' moderate physical activity (for example, brisk walking), five days a week. 'That's 1.5 per cent of the total time in a seven-day week,' Joliffe says. 'And for a priority such as improving your health, that represents an excellent investment of time and effort.'

running from scratch

There's no more accessible route to fitness than blowing the dust off your trainers and hitting the streets (or park). 'Whatever your level of fitness you should comfortably be able to build from nothing to running continuously for 30 minutes in the just two months,' explains Rob Spedding, deputy editor at Runner's World Magazine. 'Make a commitment to run at least three times a week and follow this simple run/walk programme that will gradually ease you towards the goal.' Repeat each of these three times a week to get you up to speed, allowing at least a day between runs. 'Try to find a friend at a similar fitness level to you to run with, so you can push each other when you're feeling you might give up.'

Week 1 Run one min, walk 90 seconds. Repeat eight times.
Week 2 Run two mins, walk one min. Repeat seven times.
Week 3 Run three mins walk one mins. Repeat six times.
Week 4 Run five mins, walk two mins. Repeat four times.
Week 5 Run eight mins, walk two mins. Repeat three times.
Week 6 Run 12 mins, walk one min. Repeat three times.
Week 7 Run 15 mins, walk one min, Run fifteen mins.
Week 8 Run 30 mins continuously.

exercising tips

Take on a partner. This is trickier, but worth it, Jolliffe says. 'If you can find someone with similar expectations and ability, you can pace yourself better. And if you work out alone, it's too easy to rationalize that you're too busy to train,' he says. When you have a partner, skipping a workout means you're letting someone else down.
You shouldn't change your workout every time a friend gives you a piece of new advice. In the beginning, it's better to master a handful of exercises than to try a lot of new ones. As you become more experienced, the opposite will be true, so that's when you should try those workouts endorsed by huge men covered with barbecue sauce – not before.
Take adequate breaks between workouts. Otherwise, your body will break down rather than tone up. If you're under 40, you should allow a full 48 hours between anaerobic workouts. If you're over 40, you may need 72 hours in between. (You can do aerobic workouts in the interim, however.) Carefully monitor how your body feels. If you start to feel more tired from one workout to another, you may need an extra day in between.

eat right – nutrition tips

Don't run out and buy a load of nutritional supplements. OK, a multivitamin's a good idea, but forget everything else for now and concentrate on eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality protein from eggs, lean meat, and low-fat dairy products. 'If your diet's shoddy, it's not going to do any good to supplement it,' exercise nutritionist Penny Hunking says.
Eat protein and carbohydrates about 2 hours before workouts, and then again immediately after. This timing has been shown to significantly increase your supply of growth hormone, which is crucial to making muscle cells bigger and fat cells smaller. Try some eggs, toast, and fruit 2 hours before your workout, and a chicken sandwich with a glass of semi-skimmed milk and a salad afterwards.
Stay away from foods that are labelled 'fat-free.' They're usually loaded with preservatives and chemicals. And if you don't give your body some good fat, it won't let go of any stored fat. Seek out fish oil, salmon, almonds, cashews, walnuts, olive oil, and avocados.

2008-03-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

don't panic

Afraid of wasting your doctor's time on an embarrassing lump, pain or discharge, but worried that it could be serious? Here are 12 common symptoms which you shouldn't ignore. They don't necessarily mean that you have a serious illness, but speedy treatment will make you feel a whole lot better and could save you from bigger problems later on.

1. Blood on the toilet paper

It's probably piles, but it could be cancer of the bowel. Either way, it shouldn't be ignored and does need treatment. If your GP can't sort it out, you can usually get a specialist appointment in just a few weeks, so don't suffer in silence.

2. Blood in your urine

This can be caused by an infection which needs treatment, but is sometimes a sign of more serious kidney problems. Either way, this needs investigating. So, off to your GP.

3. Coughing up blood

A hacking cough can sometimes cause a tiny blood vessel to burst in the lungs. But if you cough up blood it should always be checked out to make sure it's not something sinister. Your GP will probably arrange a chest X-ray.

4. A discharge

A discharge from the vagina or penis usually means an infection. Common infections, such as thrush, urethritis, chlamydia and bacterial vaginosis can all be treated. But ignoring them could make you or your partner sterile. If you're too embarrassed to tell your GP, check out the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinic at your local hospital.

5. Warts

Don't pass them on! If they're on your hands and feet, get creams from your pharmacist.

If they're on your penis or your vagina, see your GP or go to the STD clinic at your hospital. Treatment for genital warts will usually get rid of them, but if you do nothing genital warts can cause cancer – for you or your partner.

6. Impotence

No need to make excuses. Impotence affects most men at some time. In most cases it is caused by psychological problems (eg: tiredness or stress) and is temporary. But in some cases the cause is physical (eg: diabetes complications) and hoping for things to improve may not be the answer. Go to your GP who can check if the cause is physical. There are good treatments for impotence, including Viagra.

7. A pain in your testicle

Sudden pain and swelling could mean that your testicles are twisted and you need urgent treatment, so go to your GP or your hospital Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) straight away.

Don't ignore painless lumps in your testicles. They may be cysts, but they could be cancer and need urgent treatment. Get to know the look and feel of your testicles, so you'll know if there's a change.

8. Trouble peeing

Men (usually middle aged or older) often have trouble peeing because their prostate gland is pressing on the tube from their bladder. They can have it fixed with medication or surgery. Sometimes, the prostate has a cancerous lump which needs treatment. See your GP.

9. A lump in your breast

Don't delay, show your GP. Most breast lumps are harmless, but in some cases they could be cancer – for men as well as women. Hospital scans and tests can give you an answer within a few weeks. Then you can find out the right treatment for you. Early treatment for breast cancer gets the best results.

10. Painful or heavy periods

If these develop quite suddenly and are a change from your ‘normal' periods, see your GP. In rare cases you might have a gynae problem that needs investigating.

If your periods are usually heavy or painful this is rarely due to something life threatening, but miserable just the same. Your pharmacist can advise on painkillers, or your GP can clear the way to a specialist. Some hospitals run special clinics for women with period problems, so give yours a ring and find out.

11. Bleeding between periods

Spotting or bleeding between periods should always be investigated by your GP. The majority of cases are not serious and may be due to hormone changes especially around the menopause, but they can indicate more worrying gynae problems.

12. Missing a period

If your periods are usually regular and you miss one, do a pregnancy test. Tests from chemists are very accurate and can be done as early as the day your period is due. Better to find out early.

2008-03-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

Guide to Facelift

Considering a facelift? These articles contain information on the facelift procedure, what makes a good facelift surgery candidate, recovery, several variations on the facelift, and other topics related to facelift surgery.

Americans spent more than $1 billion on facelift and facial surgery in 2005, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Facelift (rhytidectomy) is a major procedure to treat severe facial skin laxity and sagging. The procedure often provides a benefit for more than 10 years.

The Facelift Surgery Procedure

There are many variations of facelift surgery. You should ask your doctor about facelift variations, which may include the deep plane lift or composite lift, SMAS lift, subperiosteal lift, skin lift, mid facelift, and feather or thread lift.

Facelift plastic surgery may be performed by making an incision at the temples behind the hairline. The incision typically extends downward, along the natural creases in the skin, in front or on the edge of the ear, in the crease of the ear lobe, and behind the ear. Making the incision in the natural creases helps hide scarring after surgery. The surgeon then separates the skin and muscles of the face from the deeper facial tissues.

In some cases the skin is removed, in others the skin and muscle tissues are reshaped. The underlying muscle may be tightened with the skin, or separately. After the tightening or removal of excess skin, the skin is re-draped and sutured or stapled in place.

Facelift patients normally undergo general anesthesia. Time in surgery is approximately 90 to 120 minutes. In some cases, drainage tubes are left in place under certain areas of the skin for several days to reduce post-surgical swelling. Depending upon the extent of the procedure, a facelift may be performed under local anesthesia — while you are numbed and sedated, but awake, or a light general anesthetic, where you are lightly sleeping. You should discuss anesthesia options with your plastic surgeon and the anesthesiologist.

Recovery After Facelift Surgery

After surgery, patients may experience moderate swelling of the eyelids and other facial areas. Immediately after surgery a large fluffy dressing is usually applied. Typically within one day after surgery it is removed and may be replaced with an elastic wrap.

There is normally some discomfort following facelift surgery, which can be managed with medications. Strenuous activity should be avoided until the swelling has subsided. This can take four to six weeks; however, within two weeks the swelling should be reduced enough to engage in some social activities. Many patients prefer to delay significant social activities for four weeks after surgery. The skin may feel dry and feel rough for a few months.

Smoking and Facelifts

Smoking reduces blood flow to areas of the facial skin, so you shouldn't smoke a month before and a month after surgery. Stopping smoking will help the healing process. One in ten smokers will experience skin death at the incision site if they continue to smoke after surgery.

2008-03-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

BREAST AUGMENTATION

This is done to enlarge an under developed breast that became small after child birth. A silicone gel implant is placed behind breast tissue and the breast muscle, an incision about 2” long is made at the lower part of the breast or at the areola (dark skin around the nipple). This surgery is done under general anesthesia and usually requires one day stay in the hospital.

MASTOPEXY (BREAST LIFT)

In mastopexy operation drooping and sagging breasts are tightened, recontoured and lifted up. In the actual operation first specific parts of the skin are removed from lower part of the breasts and from around the areola (dark skin around the nipples) then skin defects are pulled together and sutured. This tightens the breast. Also the nipple and the areola are relocated higher to give a normal appearance. If necessary, the size of the areola is also reduced at the same time.

The mastopexy operation is done under general anesthesia. It takes approximately 2 hours to lift each breast. But, it could take longer if a silicone implant is placed at the same time to enlarge the breast. The usual hospital stay is 1 day. In most instances, the patient is admitted to the hospital in the morning of the day of the surgery and discharged the next morning.

BREAST REDUCTION

In this operation, the size of the breast is reduced by removing fat, breast tissue and skin from the lower part of the breast, the nipple is relocated higher and the breast is reshaped and contoured. The cuts are made in such a way that all the scars form at the breast fold, below the areola and at the margin of the areola. The scars at the areola margins are usually not visible. Other scars could be prominent but fade to a greater extent in 1 to 2 years. This surgery is done general anesthesia and requires 1day hospital stay.

2008-03-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's up to you :

LIPOSUCTION OR FATSUCTION

Until two decades ago, people thought “staying chubby is nicer and staying chunky is healthier and so on. The fads and fancies of the new century are “stay slim” and “keep slender” exercise centers, weight reduction clinics, wrap centers and jazzercise tapes are seen all over the world today trying are to help the people melt their fat away.

Lipectomy means “removal of fat by surgery. In suction assisted lipetomy or Lipolysis, the surgeon loosens and removes fat from an area by using long or short metal tubular instruments connected to a suction machine or syringe. The suction tubes are usually made of stainless steel. The tips are blunt. The tubes have 1-5 holes near the tip on one side or on different sides. The suction machines used for this purpose create very powerful negative pressures (1 torr to 35torrs at sea level). Fat collection of the hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, arms, under the chin, upper torso, etc, can be reduced by this procedure.

Lipolysis is neither a substitute for dieting nor a cure for obesity. Persons with a reasonably normal weight and a young, healthy, elastic skin, but with extra localized fat in certain areas, get the best results from this procedure. This procedure is done under general anesthesia and usually requires one day stay at the hospital.

ABDOMINO PLASTY

A bulging abdomen invites comments like, “it is a sign of prosperity” or “she must pregnant”. For these persons, cosmetic surgery could provide the answer by abdominoplasty. This operation is helpful for women who after having children, have relaxed loose abdominal skin. It is very effective in those patients who have lost excessive weight by successful dieting but now have an excess of hanging skin in the lower abdomen.

During abdominoplasty, the fold of the skin is resected if someone also has excess of fat a combination of lipolysis is done along with the skin resection. At the same time of the abdominoplasty the abdominal wall muscles are tightened to restore the lost tone during pregnancy. This surgery takes approximately 2 to 4 hours and requires General anesthesia. The usual hospital stays 1 to 2 days, depending upon the individual’s response to surgery.

Or...

2008-03-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

QUICK TIPS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Be concerned with the fat levels and sugar levels of foods. Some foods that display 'low fat' on their packaging tend to be high in sugar, which can be just as bad for someone trying to lose weight.

Consider portion size. Many people are now eating low fat diets but they are eating larger portions. You need to get the balance right between calories consumed and calories burnt.

Don't do the shopping when you are hungry. You will be more inclined to by the high sugar and high fat snacks.

Write down your shopping list before you get to the shops and don't buy anything that is not on that list.

Keep an accurate diary of food and exercise. This will help to expose weaknesses. You can then design strategies to overcome them.

Only eat at the dinner table. Never whilst watching TV or reading.

Chew slowly as this will give the body time to fully digest the food and you will feel 'full' with less food.

Plan in advance for social events. If you are going to a restaurant, get them to fax the menu through earlier in the day so you are not deciding on impulse.

If you must snack only eat low fat and high fibre foods.

How do I reduce fat?

Use minimal amounts when preparing food. If you must use oil then use a little olive or canola oil.
Limit mayonnaise and salad dressings.
Use low fat dairy products.
Trim the fat off your meat before cooking.
Grill meat instead of frying.
Avoid sausages, bacon, and processed meats such as salami, pepperoni, devon, etc.
Avoid foods with pastry such as pies, sausage rolls, croissants, cakes, etc.
Only snack on low fat, high fibre foods such as fruit and vegetables.

Tips for reading Nutritional Information Tables on foods

When comparing foods you need to take into consideration sugar, salt (sodium), fat, and fibre. We need to eat more fibre and less sugar, fat, and salt. Nutritional tables always list the ingredients per 100g as well as per serve. Always compare the 'per 100g' figures. We have listed examples of high and low amounts.

The following are large amounts per 100 g:

30g of sugars
20g of fat
3g of fibre
600 mg of sodium

The following are small amounts per 100 g:

5g of sugars
3g of fat
0.5g of fibre
120mg sodium

Don't be mislead by nutritional claims on labels!

Foods that are 90% fat free still contain 10% fat.

The term 'light' doesn't necessarily mean that the product is low in fat. They could be referring to the colour, texture or taste.

Some foods derived from plants display claims of 'no cholesterol' or 'low cholesterol. This is meaningless because plants have virtually no cholesterol. Some do contain fat and this should be considered if you are trying to lose weight.

Meals

Breakfast:

Use cereals such as All-Bran, Special K, Muesli (not toasted), or Rolled Oats.
Alternatively, have two slices of wholegrain bread.

Lunch and Dinner:

Choose 1 serving from each column. Use the prescribed serving size. You can add as much salad as you like, but no cheese and no dressing (try some lemon juice!)

Serving size:

Protein: The size and thickness of your palm.

Carbohydrates: The size of your fist.

2008-03-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

Red Lipstick - How to use red

Red lipstick, is it for you or not?

You bought red lipstick...but many times you found that the shade just wasn't right for you. Perhaps most of the time it was just too bright for your skin tones.

Triy adding a little brown to your red. It tends to tone down the brightness. Experiment a little. You will have lots of fun and create signature colors that are all your own.

If you manage to make/mix up the perfect color for yourself and you don't want to continue mixing your own color, take a sample to the mall with you and find a red that is as close as possible to the shade that you created.

Beautiful Lips

Some of us have less perfect lips than others. But don't despair! There are plenty of tricks of the trade to help make your lips more balanced and beautiful. Some of the most effective solutions:

* The best lip color fixative? - A thin layer of Chapstick. The formula holds lip color like crazy as it heals and protects.

* Powder lips also gives lip color or gloss something to cling to for longer, smoother wear.

* For longer wear, blot lips after applying lipstick to set color and remove excess. Add a thin layer of loose or pressed powder, then apply color again.

* Turn down too much shine by holding a single-ply tissue to your lips and pressing a little loose powder through it - just enough will sift through the tissue to adhere to color and reduce the shine.

* Turn up the shine with a thin layer of clear lip gloss over lipstick or alone.

* For high-voltage shine and color, try a lip lacquer over lipstick or alone.

* For fuller, poutier lips, spotlight lip gloss right in the center of your mouth.

* Keep matte lip color from drying your lips - use a lip primer or lip color fixative before you apply the matte color.

* For evening special-effects, apply a sheer lip gloss in silver, gold or an iridescent shade over the lip color.

Lips And Lipstick Tips

Lipstick Color
The elegant choice

Choosing the right lipstick color is not as easy as it seems...

You have found a gorgeous shade of lipstick on a model in a magazine and you instantly run out and buy it. You spend a small fortune on the color and when you get home, you realize it looks terrible on you. The lipstick was a complete waste of money.

To avoid this trap, make an appointment at one of those cosmetic salons that will assist you in your color choices. That's their job, after all! Let them suggest colors to you, try them out and if you like it, then you buy. It's as simple as that.

Lips And Lipstick

Your Lips And Lipstick

Quick Tips:

* To stop lipstick from bleeding, use a lipliner, or apply foundation over the lips first.

* If you have big lips, use muted colours such as purples, browns and bronzes.

* If you have small lips, avoid dark colours.

* Professionals prefer to use a brush for lipstick application. Brushes generally allow you to use much less lipstick.

The colors that suit you are:

* Light blondes can use wines, berry's and mauves. They also suit cappuccino colours.

* Golden blondes should use corals, apricots or peachy hues.

* Blondes with olive skin tones are best suited to warm peaches, browns or terracotta's.

* Brunettes suit terracottas, cinnamon's and brown tinted reds.

* Red heads can use warm terracotta colours, cinnamon's and peachy browns.

Selecting Perfume Scents that Compliment Your Personality

Spending all day at a designer beauty store or department store may be overload for your scent sensors. Perfume is basically aromatherapy blends of essential oils and other perfume ingredients. Fragrances will smell different on every woman becuase of individual body chemistry. There are many perfume sample options (like mini tester vials) today that allow you to take fragrances home for proper sampling over a longer period of time.

2008-03-02T07:08:00.000-08:00

Benefits of Sauna and Steam Rooms

Did you know that after a 10-20 minute Sauna session your heart rate can increase by 50-75%. The body's metabolic rate increases the same as during a brisk walk.

Blood vessels become more flexible improving circulation to the body's extremities Blood flow increases to as high as 50-75% bringing nutrients to the skin tissue resulting in a healthy radiance.
Steam Baths and Saunas induce sweating, cleaning and detoxifying the body's largest organ - the skin. 30% of the body's waste passes through the skin's pores which improves the immune system and the functions of the liver and kidneys.
Steam Room and Sauna improve the benefits of massage and lymphatic drainage by the elimination of the toxins from the body.
Relieves pain and stiffness of arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Improves muscle tension from physical exercise.
Steam Baths improve the respiratory system, relieving respiratory conditions of chest congestion. It also helps relieve the symptoms of bronchitis, laryngitis and sinusitis.

A good shower is recommended during and after Steam Room, Sauna and Spa as this improves your treatment. It is also recommended that you drink lots of filtered water.

Note: This treatment is NOT suitable for people who suffer from high blood pressure, severe heart conditions and women during pregnancy need to be cleared by their doctor.

Benfits of Spa

What could be better than relaxing in a warm spa as the hydro jets and spa bubbles gently massage away stress and tension from fatigued muscles.

Promotes better sleep

Accelerates the natural healing process by:

Easing pain by relaxing muscles and increasing endorphines (the body's natural pain relief.)
Increase blood flow which improves circulation
Improves the immune system by speeding the elimination of toxins that are replaced by oxygen and the body's natural nutrients.

Improved Arthritis/Chronic pain by:

Improving joint flexibility
Decreasing joint swelling and encouraging collegen tissue around the joint to be more flexible.

Helps improve Diabetes Type 2 by:

Improved sleep
Lowered blod sugar
Boost general sense of well-being, helping to make exercise easier.

2008-02-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-02-27T10:05:00.000-08:00

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.

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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.

2008-02-27T09:56:00.000-08:00

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.

More...

2008-02-26T15:31:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-02-26T09:23:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-02-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-02-21T06:28:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-02-18T02:55:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-02-18T02:45:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-02-18T02:30:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-02-18T02:19:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-02-18T02:10:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-02-14T07:01:00.000-08:00

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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