Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Dead Sea Nail Kits

Dead Sea Nail Kits
These nail kits from the Dead Sea are the same thing you've seen at the mall for over $50! They give your nails an amazing shine and healthy look in under 5 minutes! Our nail kits are the top of the line, but you pay less because we don't have to pay the high mall rent! Even the before and after nail picture does not do justice to how great these kits will make your nails look. Our nail kits make for great gifts and stocking stuffers.

Each nail kit comes complete with:
Professional Nail File - to file the nails to perfect shape
Unique Nail Buffer - Incredible Shine and Stronger Nails
Moisturizing Cuticle Oil - hydrates skin for soft, neat cuticles
Dead Sea Hand and Body Lotion - 4 Great Scents Available
The nail kit includes a professional nail file, an amazing Dead Sea nail buffer, a bottle of moisturizing cuticle oil and a Dead Sea hand and body lotion.

Before you use anything from the nail kits, make sure you're working on a clean slate - your nails are free of polish, and your hands are clean and dry. You may also want to trim any excess length from your nails. Start by using the nail file from the kit to shape your nails. File your nails from the corner to the center, in one direction only, to ensure your nails do not brittle, as tends to happen when you file them back and forth. When you've achieved the shape you want for all your nails, continue on to the nail buffer.

The nail kit contains the legendary Dead Sea nail buffer, which has 4 sides, 2 of which are identical (the dark gray strips). When using the buffer, you want to hold it with a firm grip. Buff in a back and forth motion for 10-15 seconds each side, for each nail.

1. Begin by using the dark gray strip. This side resurfaces your nail, removing it of its natural ridges and making it smooth.
2. Next use the white strip to remove the nail's dust from the previous step and any other minor scratches that remain. This step is essential to achieving that ultimate shine in the next step, so buff, buff, buff.
3. And the last step on the buffer is using the light grey strip to buff your nails to an amazing shine.

Before you go show everyone your new shiny nails, achieved with the nail kit, place a drop of the Dead Sea cuticle oil on each cuticle, and rub it in one by one. As the oil absorbs, push back the cuticles gently and further massage the oil in. Then moisturize your hands and arms with the Dead Sea hand and body lotion to keep your skin soft and supple for the whole day.

Use the cuticle oil and lotion every day, and buff your nails as often as is required. Your nails will look like a professional manicure with this kit, without nail polish and it's definitely cheaper and much quicker than getting regular manicures!

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New Acne Care Treatment

Do you suffer all the time from terrible acne blemishes as well? First of all you should know that you are not alone with the pain of acne. Statistics show that more than 70 percent of the human population suffers from the pain of acne. It’s just one of those irritating facets of life. As a matter of fact it’s such an epidemic that there always some new acne care treatment are available.

By the way, what are you combating your lumps with? Are you taking an oral medication or possible using the powerful cream? No matter what practice you prefer to get rid of pimples, one thing is crucial; it should work. Now I do not just mean that needs to rid your mug of a couple of pimples. It should be going on to clear your skin. Naturally if it’s not doing its job in effect, then you may need a new acne care treatment.

In this hectic world of today it is really simple finding a lot of a new acne care treatment. But, finding that one that really works for your skin is another situation. I ever see all those well-known cosmetic manufactures with their expensive skin care creams. What a burden of garbage. Certainly these may work fine for people without problem skin, but I seriously doubt they would do a great help to severe acne sufferers.

The truth is if you plan to get rid of acne in a wise manner, then you should start out with someone who specialize in it. First you should think about a dermatologist. This is the single most important place you should be headed for a new acne treatment. A professional is able to evaluate your situation and your skin type, so that he/she can give you valid instructions involving how to care for your skin the right way. Do you truly believe a cosmetic girl is able to do the same?

What would you imagine is the best new acne care treatment for your skin? Is it a few Clearasil product or Proactive Solution? Well, the truth is that it is different from one-on-one. I can say first hand that the ever-popular Proactive Solution won’t work for every people. My teenage daughter used it for almost a year and her acne disorders only grew worse. It wasn’t until she visit a dermatologist and got a new acne care treatment called Differin and her skin cleared up. If you are looking for a new acne care treatment, you can always jump on the internet and get reviews from other people suffers from the pain of acne.
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Choosing Clinique Skin Care Product

If you plan to look nice for years to come it is crucial taking good care of yourself. It’s all about healthy dieting, physical fitness, and a good training regime. Well, and naturally there is the quality of the skin care products themselves. What is your favored skin care line? Are you into the cheap drugstore stuff, or do you give one’s best with the Lancome and Chanel? No matter of your treatment preferences, one detail is for sure; if they work well, you’ll for certain view effects as the years go past.

I am able to all of the time tell when people ignore their visual aspect. Suddenly they already look forty-five at the tender age of thirty-two. That’s all of the time a bummer. Let alone it’s pretty much pointless as we have plenty of excellent cosmetics available today. One example are clinique skin care products. They are superiority, however without the scary cost tag.

Did you ever give those clinique skin care products a shot? You are familiar with the line you should have. The clinique skin care product is well-renowned for its sensitivity. It will hold on your mug looking young and radiant, in contrary to wrinkly and aged. Isn’t that what we are all looking for in any case? That ever-popular youthfulness serum. The thing that is great about clinique skin care products is the systems.

No matter of your skin type, normal, oily, sensitive, or combination, you are able to easily get a clinique skin care product system that works for you. It all begins with a face soap. Right away with great care you know, these are as gentle as could be. They work good to get rid of all that irritating dirt, oil and make-up. At one time you have ended up cleanup, a toner is used to tighten up the pores and take away any excess residue. After all you’ll get the moisturizing lotion, which prevents early wrinkles, and holds your faces smooth daylong.

Naturally you are able to buy additional specialty products from the clinique skin care line if the occasion comes up. On top of that, this product line even provides a great selection of shaving and skin care for men. Get ready to look smart, guys. While several cosmetic lines charge an arm and a leg for their products, clinique skin care product prides itself on costing less and doing work the best. Head away to your local department store and find out all they’ve to provide now.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

How to Wax Your Face


No woman wants a mustache or a chin full of whiskers! This guide will explain how to remove unwanted whiskers easily and at home-- all for a lot less money than you would have to pay a salon (which means you can do it as often as needed).

Here's How:

1.Purchase wax. Some people find that the hard wax (Surgi-Wax) is easier to use, while others prefer the soft wax used in combination with muslin strips. Experiment to see what works for you.

2.Heat wax if the directions indicate you should do so.

3.Apply the wax in the direction the hair is growing in.

4.Press the muslin strips onto the wax (if applicable)

5.Allow wax to harden adequately.

6.Pull up a small section of wax opposite to where you started (see tips and next step)

7.Hold skin taut and pull the wax or strip backwards, against the way the hair grows (see tips)

8.Apply any ointments, soothing lotions, or other included items to the spot as directed.

Tips :
- When applying the wax, you want to apply it the direction the hair is growing. Imagine that your chin is a cat and picture which way the fur is going: you want to go WITH the 'fur', from head to tail.

- When pulling the wax off, you should pull it the opposite direction than that which you applied it. If you applied the wax from the foremost part of your chin towards your neck, pull it from your neck out and away from you.

- Hard/Surgi-wax is a little harder to use but achieves a more professional look. Also, thicker, coarser hairs may not come off with soft wax and muslin strips.

- Always follow the instructions that come with the wax; every brand is different.

Warnings!
*DON'T overheat the wax. if you do get it too hot, let it cool until it's the right creamy consistency. You may get burned very badly if it's too hot-- and then you have to further irritate the area by pulling the wax of.

*Be extra vigilant when doing brows. Hard wax especially can drip onto more of your brow than you want gone, or worse: your eyelashes. Please be very careful.

*Always do a patch test if you've never waxed before or if you're trying a new brand of wax that has a strong scent. You might develop an allergy on already irritated skin.

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How to Wax Your Legs


From Julyne Derrick

Waxing your own legs can be tricky and sticky. But do it right and you can save yourself a lot of money from the salon.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 30 minutes

Here's How:

1.Ensure hair is long enough to wax. Hair needs to grow out 1/4 inch (the wax needs hair to stick to otherwise it can be yanked out by its roots).

2.Two days before exfoliate legs to remove dead skin.

3.Apply baby powder to skin. Baby powder removes oils helping the wax stick better to hair.

4.Heat wax in microwave or by immersing container in warm water (follow the package instructions methods vary widely).

5.Work in small sections. Apply wax in the direction of hair growth. For proper application hold the stick at a 90-degree angle & apply a smooth thin layer.

6.Before wax cools completely apply the strip to wax

7.To remove strip peel it in the opposite direction of hair growth. Don't pull straight up, it's less painful to keep the strip as close to skin as possible. If the area stings it can help to apply pressure on immediately after the strip removal.

8.Apply a lotion containing salycylic acid to prevent ingrown hairs. Try Bliss ingrown hair eliminating pads

9.To remove excess wax on skin use a body oil do not try to remove wax with hot water. Also consider a sugaring kit like Moom Sugar. Sugar washes off much easier than wax.

Tips:
If you're using Retin A Renova or Accutane don't wax that area of the skin. You're much more susceptible to rashes & irritation.

Take 2 ibuprofen pills an hour before your treatment to cut down on the pain.

What You Need:
* Wax kit (comes with the spatula, wax and strips)
* Hairy legs
* Post-waxing cream (see Step 8 above for product info)





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Brazilian Wax


From Julyne Derrick

Brazilian bikini waxes have been 'all the rage' since the late 90's, but they're certainly not new the US. Brazilian waxing was introduced to New York in 1987 by seven Brazilian-born sisters. So how does it differ from a regular bikini wax? Basically, with the Brazilian, hair is removed in the front, back & everything in between. Most of the time a 'landing strip' is left in the front, but some clients opt for everything removed.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 15-30 minutes

Here's How:

1.Most waxings occur in a private room with a door. I have heard of some with just a curtain between you and others. You remove your pants & underwear & lie on a table with clean paper or sheets. It is possible that you could be provided with a paper thong, but chances are... you won't.

2.Because you only need about a quarter-inch of hair for the wax to grab onto, your waxer will start by trimming your pubic hair to the right length.

3.The best waxers are fast, which means less discomfort for you. The waxer will dip a waxing stick into a pot of hot wax & then spread it onto your skin & hair. She will then apply a cloth strip over the still-warm wax, pressing firmly so the cloth, hair and wax adhere to one another. When the wax has cooled, she will pull the strip off, in the opposite direction of your hair growth, pulling the hairs out by the root.

4.Most likely, your waxer will tweeze any stray hairs.

5.Waxing usually starts in the front & moves toward the back. You'll likely have to move around in all sorts of odd positions in order for the waxer to do her job.

6.Once the waxing is over, the waxer will spread soothing lotion over the waxed areas. You should ask what to do in case of bumps, redness or ingrown hairs. Your waxer should be trained in this.

7.Don't forget to get the name of the waxer so when you make another appointment you can get the same person so you don't have to bare all for another complete stranger (wink).

Tips:


1.The procedure, like any waxing, can be very painful at first, but frequent visits usually cuts down on the pain factor. I suggest taking a couple Advil at least 15 minutes before your procedure. As for the embarrassment factor -- we like to think getting a Brazilian can't be any more embarrassing than a typical visit to your gynecologist's office. These aestheticians have seen it all before.

2.The downside of a Brazilian wax... while it lasts as much as 3 weeks, the hair will grow back & you'll have to do it again.

3.Another downside... hair has to be a certain length before it can sucessfully waxed.

4.Another down side... you might experience red bumps or ingrown hairs.




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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Teach yourself ArtNails II

Teach yourself ArtNails II

You have practiced nail art on the Teaching Guides. Now, Let's create it on the ArtNails' Trainers!

How to Lose Belly fat the Natural Way




It you want to change the shape of your body or how to lose belly fat without joining a high priced gym? Here are some steps that you need to do everyday for about 10 mins enough to burn up 150 calories.

Here are some fat burning exercises tips:
Jump Rope (1-2 mins) - You must begin by performing two jumps for each turn of the rope. As a Safety precaution you must use the correct size jump rope and must try to always land softly on the balls of your feet ( the upper part of the bottom of your foot). The nest 2-3 mins you must squat thrust into a push up.

During this exercise you must stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your arms strait down next to your sides. Squat down slowly with your head forward and bring your hands to the floor just outside of your feet. You hands should be pointing forward as well. Then push your legs back in one movement and out behind you (into a pushup position).Finally you must perform one strict pushup and then jump back into your squat position and then stand back up.

During minutes three to four you of how to lose belly fat must jump rope with only one jump per turn.
From 4-5 minutes you must back to the squat thrust and Push Up only but this time adding the side plank. After completing this exercise, lift and rotate your left arm off of the ground and over your head. By doing this your left foot will rotate and rest on top of you right foot. And rotate your neck so you are looking up at your ceiling. Rotate back to the center and repeat on the other side.

When you have finished, hop back into your squat position, stand up and start again.

Minutes five to six: You must do the same exercise as minutes three and four.

Minutes six to seven: Return to the squat thrust and push up only but this time add the leg lift. Just as in minutes two and three only this time you will lift the toes of one foot about twelve inches off of the ground only after you have performed your push up. You must lower your foot and repeat on the other side. Get back up to your squat position, stand up, and repeat.

When you have reached minutes seven and eight continue the jump rope as instructed above.
Finally during the eight and nine minutes return to the squat thrust and push up exercise but this time just add Mountain Climbers.

Do everything as in minutes two and three only this time after your push up, you have to quickly jog in place from your push up position and ensure that on each rotation you bring your knees up to your chest . Repeat this entire process after performing 5 jogs.

The above instructions will greatly help you but there are other effective fat loss ways that must complement these steps.

If you really want to know how to Lose belly fat, even if you have less-than average genetics and have never succeeded at weight loss before or even if you have stubborn fat deposits without drugs and supplements and without screwing up your metabolism, then this could be the most important book you will ever read. This famous ebook about losing fat written by Tom Venuto the world acclaimed personal trainer,success coach and natural bodybuilder will greatly help you finally get rid once and for all your unwanted belly fat.

Belly Fat and How to Beat It

Of all the e-mails I get sent every day, by far the most common - from men and women alike - are questions about how to lose stubborn belly fat.
A pot belly... love handles... the spare tire... call it what you will. It seems to be the area of your body that you'd really like to do something about.


Read on, and I'll explain why belly fat is so bad, and what you can do to get rid of it.
Not only is a firm, flat stomach the ultimate symbol of sex appeal, researchers have found that losing abdominal fat is one of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy for life.

Most people realize that excess fat is unhealthy, but the key is where the fat is distributed. People with apple-shaped bodies (fattest in the abdomen) have a greater risk of heart disease and diabetes than those with pear shapes (fattest in the hips, buttocks, and thighs).

Several studies have found a link between abdominal fat and markers of chronic inflammation [1, 7, 8]. The research is based on a relatively new idea that fat is an “organ” that produces substances — such as leptin and cytokines — that can affect your health [2]. In other words, there's more to the fat around your waist than what the scales and mirrors reveal.

What is inflammation and why should you care?
Most doctors will tell you that the best way to avoid a heart attack is to lower your cholesterol. What they won't tell you is that routine cholesterol tests identify less than half of all patients who are at risk for heart disease.

In other words, a patient can receive a "normal" cholesterol reading one day and still suffer a heart attack the next. The truth is that many cardiologists believe we should be looking beyond cholesterol.

As scientists delve deeper into the fundamental causes of heart disease and other illnesses, they are starting to see links to an age-old defense mechanism called inflammation. This is the same biological process that causes the redness, swelling and pain if you cut a finger

Inflammation is a vital process in the first line of defense against disease. But problems begin when, for one reason or another, the inflammatory process persists. If you want to learn more, the BBC Radio 4 program Frontiers has devoted an entire episode to the topic of inflammation. You can
listen to it on the Internet.

One way to test for inflammation is to measure levels of C-reactive protein in the blood. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein are linked with a higher than average risk of heart disease.
What's interesting is that higher C-reactive protein levels are linked with body fat, especially the belly fat stored around your waist [1, 3, 4].

Fat in the midsection is stored deeper inside your body, in and around the liver and other organs. It's called visceral (pronounced viss-er-al) fat. Fat in the hip and thigh region is mainly stored just under the skin. This is called subcutaneous (pronounced sub-cue-tain-ee-us) fat.
What's the solution?

It won't surprise you to learn that the best way to lose abdominal fat is to eat right and exercise regularly. And there's a growing body of research showing that the fastest way to burn off the fat from your belly is with a combination of weight-training and aerobic exercise.

Some evidence for this comes from a six-month study of thirty obese women [6]. They were assigned to one of three groups: a control group, an aerobic exercise group and a combined exercise group.

The aerobic group did one hour of cardiovascular exercise (60-70% maximum heart rate) six days a week. The combined exercise program involved weight training (3 days a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and aerobic exercise (3 days a week, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday).
Here's what the combined exercise program looked like:

Monday — Weight training (60 minutes)
Tuesday — Aerobic exercise (60 minutes)
Wednesday — Weight training (60 minutes)
Thursday — Aerobic exercise (60 minutes)
Friday — Weight training (60 minutes)
Saturday — Aerobic exercise (60 minutes)
Sunday — Off


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How to paint your nails : Nail art

How to paint your nails : Nail art
I will introduce nail art. It is very popular among Japanese women.At first, you paint your nails, and then you stick rhinestone, seal, bead, and nail jewelry on your nails. I recommend you to paint your nails using enamel with lame. Finally, you paint your nails topcoat and it is done!! If you are interested in nail art, let's try it.

Model Beauty Tip: Katrine's Luminized Eyes



Model Beauty Tip: Katrine's Luminized Eyes
Katrine likes to use a shimmery white eye shadow to apply her lash line and below her brow to make her eyes look more awake. Become a member of http://www.fordmodels.tv by clicking here!

MODEL BEAUTY TIP: Dramatic Eyes


Elaine uses Cle de Peau eyeliner to make her eyes dramatic, but not too overpowering.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Skin Moisturizers

An Overview Of Skin Moisturizers

Overview:


The water content of the skin varies but for the epidermis it is approximately 80%, this is the same water content as in other cells. The very surface of the skin, the stratum corneum, is made up of dead skin cells and this layer is much drier, with the water content varying between 10-30%. The stratum corneum, when it is dry, will tend to lose its luster and produce what we know as dry skin. In normal circumstances there will be movement of water from the dermis up through the more superficial layers of the skin, the water then in turn will evaporate. Skin that has low water content will dry and fissure, this makes it more prone to both bacterial and fungal infection. Moisturizers are designed to reduce water loss from the epidermis. These do not reverse sun damage but they do prevent further dryness. They also can protect the barrier to soot and dirt and there is a temporary feeling of smoothness when these are used. The skin may swell slightly and cause some loss of fine wrinkles. The pores may appear to be smaller because of this swelling. Moisturizing is not required for those with oily skin. Not every skin will be dry, there is the occlusive layer that waterproofs the skin. This is called the stratum corneum. This is essentially a fat protein sandwich, sebum that is secreted from the oil glands will also have a moisturizing effect on the skin. Moisturizers are essentially a combination of occlusive and humectants. There are a number of different skin types that require different skin care.

Dry Skin:

Dry skin is more commonly seen in lighter coloured individuals. Moisturizing should be applied to the skin after washing. It should be used when the weather is cold, small amounts of moisturizer should be applied, and it is best to have multiple applications rather than using an excessive amount at one time.

Moisturizing Of The Hands:

Moisturizers that are best used for the hands will have an oil-based silicone. This is a water repellent. It also will not allow the normal fats of the surface of the skin to be washed away. These products protect the skin even after washing the hands.


Skin Moisturizers For Different Skin Types

Oily Skin:

The moisturizers for patients with oily skin should be non-comedogenic or oil-free. See also http://www.mildcleanser.ca/

Dry Skin:
There are a small percentage of people who actually have dry skin on their face, these people will be dry on the cheeks and jawline. Many of these patients work outside in rough elements, and many of these people are over 50 years of age. For these patients a creamy moisturizer in a lotion or cream is very effective. If they do not have sensitive skin, they can wear whatever products feels good. The reason for the paucity of dry skin on the face, is that there is an abundance of sebaceous glands on the face to prevent dryness. These are particularly active in young people, in men, and in many normal women. If a person is scaly in the center of the face central forehead, around the nose, and on the central chin, this may be seborrheic dermatitis. The use of a heavy moisturizer in people who have central facial dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) could lead to acne.

Normal - Combination Skin:
Most people have oily skin on the forehead, nose, and chin (called th T-zone), and dryer skin on the cheeks and neck. When the humidity is low, it may be necessary to moisturize the face. The most prudent of patients ,male or female, will select a non-comedogenic moisturizer which contains a minimum SPF of 15 in it for daily use. There are legions of such products reasonably priced, which will prevent cancer and photoaging.


Moisturizers - Body Skin:
Because there are very few sebaceous (oil) glands on the arms and legs, moisturizers are very important. Winter, dry climates, and windy climates are very hard on the skin of the body. Many body lotions incorporate sunblocks for a daily routine. This is very important for sun exposed skin. Often heavy moisturizers such as petrolatum Aquaphor, Cetaphil cream, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula, and other Jar or tube moisturizers are needed for dry climates. What may be appropriate for facial skin may be too thin for the arms, legs, hands, and feet.

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Oil Free Cosmetics

The best types of cosmetics to use for oily or acne prone skin, are either oil-free cosmetics or non-comedogenic cosmetics. Oil-free cosmetics mean products that contain little or no ingredients such as isopropyl myristate, isopropyl esters, oleic acid, stearic acid, petrolatum and lanolin (especially acetylated lanolin, alcohol’s and lanolin fatty acids). The label on the cosmetic should state that it is oil-free. This implies that the product has been formulated with no oleaginous ingredients. These products would be appropriate for oily or acne prone skin. For a small number of people, acne may still flare up, to feel better about yourself, you may want to consider using cosmetics to cover up your acne. You should remember that not all skins react alike to the same cosmetic. Oily foundations give the best and longest coverage, but tend to make acne worse.

Suggestions:

- You can use water based creams or alcohol based liquids under your foundation
- Matte or semi-matte, oil-free foundations are the best choices
- Sheer or transparent foundations are usually recommended for comodonal (blackhead) acne
- Fuller foundations (opaque) may be needed for red lesions or scars
- You can mix loose transparent powders (of appropriate tone) into the foundation to give better and longer coverage
From: Cosmetics in Dermatology, Draelos 2nd Ed.

Skincare With Non-Comedogenic Cosmetics

Non-comedogenic cosmetics are products which have been tested on the oily skins of human volunteers or inside rabbit ears. These products are less likely to cause blackheads (open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones) in patients. However, no single product is non-comedogenic for everyone. For example, a person with very oily skin may still get skin breakouts from products that another person with mildly oily skin may find non-comedogenic. A better term may be non-acnegenic rather than non-comedogenic, but this is not so widely used. It is important to test a new product on your own skin rather than rely on the label, before using it freely.

Moisturizers:
There are moisturizers labeled oil-free which have a very thin consistency. Examples of these are Nutraderm and Colladerm. These have been tested in old animal models and have been proven to be oil-free. Most people who are acne-prone or who have oily skin do not even need these products. There are moisturizers labeled non-comedogenic which are usually thicker than the oil-free products, these may be suitable when the ambient humidity is dry. When the patient is exercising or if the air is hot and humid, these moisturizers may be comedogenic.

Cleansers:
There are some products, which are suitable for oily skin, most liquid cleansers are not as helpful for oily skin as bar soaps or synthetic detergents. Some deodorant soaps or cleansers may be helpful for oily skin. Care must be taken not to over dry the skin with a strong cleanser for fear that the skin will re-bound with extra oil. Often a good gentle face bar soap, (e.g. Neutrogena bar, Dove, Oil of Olay) gentle cleansers such as Cetaphillotion, antibacterial cleansers such as Tersaseptic, or Aquanil cleanser will be more likely to allow for patient satisfaction. When the patient actually has acne and not just oily skin, many acne cleansers are available. Neutrogena, Clinique, Medicis, Aveeno, Stiefel, and many other companies have cleansers made specifically for acne. There are benzoyl peroxide cleansers in the form of 5 and 10 % bar soaps and liquid cleansers, which are very effective in controlling acne breakouts.

Visit - www.MildCleanser.ca for more information


Foundations:
Foundations for acne prone skin are often formulated to be like a shake lotion the color contents settle on the bottom while the opaque or clear solution is on the top. The bottle is shaken before the foundation is applied, these are the least elegant oil free cosmetics. Most foundations remain mixed together but are not heavy or thick. It is not necessary to have poor coverage in foundations for oily or acne prone skin. Titanium dioxide is the ingredient which allows for better coverage, and that ingredient is not oily, varying amounts of starch and kaolin will thicken up the products without causing acne. For patients who actually have acne prone skin, the addition of 1-2% salicylic acid may be partially therapeutic. For patients who need a blotter for the excess oil in their skin, extra amounts of starch, kaolin, and polymers which absorb sebum may be added.

Sunscreens:
The active ingredients of sunscreens UVB blockers such as Cinnamates, Octocrylene, Salicylates, and UVA blockers such as Benzophenones, Parsol 1789 (avobenzone), micronized zinc or titanium dioxide, are not themselves comedogenic. These ingredients can be incorporated into foundations, non-comedogenic moisturizers, and oil-free bases. The least comedogenic sunscreens are usually formulated into gel formulations for example, Presun Ultra SPF 30 Gel, or Shade 30 Gel.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Skin Toning Tips - Best Skin Toners


These days skin toning have definitely gone out of fashion. Skin toners helps to improve blood circulation to the skin surface and gives the skin the glow that is associated with its good health. Modern opinion is that faces do not need toning as skin tone comes from within, and cannot be applied from a bottle. But be warned, if you use toner too often you could end up suffering from dry, tight skin.

In addition, watch out for clarifying mists and lotions - they may glory in modern names, but they still often contain harsh skincare agents such as acids, alcohol and witch hazel. however, if you do not feel properly cleansed unless you make toning a regular part of your beauty regime, make sure that you choose a product that is alcohol free. This category of skin-care products include cosmetics like skin fresheners, toners and astringents. They basically contain alcohol and water. Glycerine, witch hazel, menthol, camphor, boric acid, rose water and alum are often added.

Skin toning is absolutely necessary for all types of skin and ought to be made a part of daily skin care. It is refreshing, enhances blood circulation and adds a healthy glow to your skin. Dry skin and wrinkles appear on face as the epidermal cells gradually lose their capacity to produce new cells while the dermis that produces collagen loses its elasticity. Toners are used to clean the oil from the skin. They may cause skin feel tighter because of skin irritation. The skin is freshened by skin toning lotions. They help to increase the blood supply to the skin .

Toning is important for both men and women as it is the protective step after gentle, but thorough cleansing of skin as it keeps pores clean, skin healthy and breathing and thus more receptive to ultimate in nourishing care that comes with moisturizing. For men, the need for narrowing down on top skin toners may be significantly more than women since they have about fifteen percent oilier skin and considerably larger pores than women. Thus, their skin gets dirtier and requires more frequent deep cleansing and timely toning to look fresh and healthy. Skin care experts reveal that the top skin toners and cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible and persons with dry or sensitive skin must avoid use of deodorant soaps. Soaps that foam and lather easily usually cleanse with harsh ingredients and leave a detergent film behind, which can irritate your skin and clog your pores, making it difficult to achieve healthy toning up afterwards.

The basic difference in the formula is in the amount of alcohol these products contain. As alcohol has avery drying effect, there is little or none of it in the products intended fordry skin while the products for use on oily skin have a high alcohol content. These products are used after cleaning the skin (with soap or any other cleanser), though they can be used as interim cleansers as well, as they can remove grime and oils. They freshen and tone up the skin and prepare it for application of make-up. They also restore the acid, alkali balance of the skin, because they are pH balanced. It contracts muscles, refines (shrinks) pores, absorbs the oil and grease immediately, leaving behind a fresh, radiant skin.


Tips for Skin Toning

* Use astringent lotions with a piece of cotton wool but if your skin is looking worn off and tired, pat it on with a brisk slapping movement.
*Moisten cotton wool with skin toning lotion and pat on the cheeks, chin and neck.
* For dry skin use rose water diluted with mineral water. Apply it gently with cotton wool avoiding the eye and upper cheek area completely.
* A piece of cotton should be used with astringent lotions.
* Oily skinned people should tone with an astringent lotion, applying to the oiliest places, that is sides of the nose, chin and forehead.
* Vitamin E oil and wheat oil are very effective for dry skin.
* For dry skin vitamin E and wheat oil are also effective.
* Rub wit a piece of potato over the face and neck and wash it off after 15 minutes. This is very effective for oily skin and can be used with moisturizer for dry skin.
* An excellent skin toner is the rose. Make rose water by mixing one tablespoon rose oil with two and half litres of purified water. Put it in a bottle and store in a refrigerator.
* Moisten cotton wool with skin toning lotion and put it on cheeks, chin and neck.
* Rose is an excellent skin toner. Make rose water by mixing 1 tablespoon rose oil with 2 ¼ litres of purified water. Bottle it and store in the refrigerator.
* Two tablespoons of lemon juice wit one tablespoon glycerine and three tablespoons of rose water should be used for a dry skin. Rub this juice on the skin.



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Sensitive Skin Care Tips

Sensitive skin is very reactive an easily affected by environmental conditions, such as too much cold, sun, sudden temperature changes or irritants contained in some cosmetics. It reacts quickly to both heat and cold therefore, it sunburns and windburns easily. It is commonly dry, delicate and prone to allergic reactions. If you have this type of skin, use sun-screen lotions or creams.

Choose products that do not contain potential allergens such as fragrance or PABA sunscreens. Wash your face with mild baby soap, rinse thoroughly and pat the skin dry with a soft towel do not use rough towel. Never use any makeup or perfume without first trying a little of it on the inside of your wrist to see the reaction of your skin to it, for very few items of makeup agree with a sensitive skin.

Every night apply home-made moisturizing cream on your face before retiring for the night. If you have dry, sensitive skin, you should consider using a cleanser such as Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser or Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. You may also consider using the M.D. Forte Replenishing Hydrating Cleanser, which gently removes makeup, oils and other debris without irritating the skin. M. D. Forte offers a full line of skin care products for people who have sensitive skin.

A sensitive skin is a thin or a fine-textured skin. Natural vegetables and fruits are very harmful for this skin. The goal of the skin is to sense important environmental parameters such as proximity to objects, heat, moisture, and direct touch sensations. Sensitivity reactions generally become apparent as breakouts, red or blotchy skin. However, some skin reactions are not visibly seen, instead, you may experience a burning or stinging sensation in response to an irritant. The common perception of sensitive skin is that it is skin that is easily irritated. Although not clearly defined medically, sensitive skin tends to become more irritated or 'react' more (e.g. redness, itching) than normal skin.

For some people, their skin always seems sensitive. If your skin is becoming dry and more sensitive with age, you should avoid using all cosmetics that contain harsh or potentially irritating ingredients. It is of paramount importance that you select mild and gentle cosmetics, such as facial cleansers. You should always look for skin care products that contain anti-irritant ingredients such as aloe and allantois. You should avoid products that are known to irritate the skin such as alpha hydroxy acids and Retin-A. If you have sensitive skin, you should always test any new cosmetic by first applying a small amount of it to a small area of your skin to see if you develop a reaction such as redness or itching. In addition, you should not purchase cosmetics containing fragrances. Fragrance can cause severe skin irritations, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Sensitive Skin Care Tips
1) Two or three times a week use a deep cleansing mask specifically formulated for oily skin.
2) Wash your face no more than twice a day using a natural pH balanced cleanser.
3) Use a toner that is appropriate for oily skin.
4) Use a moisturiser designed specifically for dry and sensitive skin.
5) Use your natural skin care regime every single day.
6) Ensure your diet is very high in nuts, grains and vegetables and very low in saturated fatty foods.
7) Drink plenty of water each and every day to help keep your skin hydrated.


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Oily Skin Care Tips

Oily skin is caused by over-active glands, which produce a substance called Asebum, a naturally healthy skin lubricant. Often a chronically oily skin has coarse pores and pimples and other embarrassing blemishes. It is prone to blackheads. This skin type is not necessarily bad since it is less prone to wrinkling and other signs of aging than other skin types. This is the result of the oil helping to keep precious moisture locked in the epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin.

Oily skin can be sallow and roughing texture and tend to have large, clearly visible pores everywhere except around the eyes and neck. Heredity and hormones play the key role in whether or not you have oily skin. The most important thing you can do for oily skin is to work hard and consistently at keeping your skin clean using hot water and soap. Cleaning your face with astringent pads is also recommended if washing your face frequently is leaving your skin irritated. Use only water-based cosmetics if you have oily skin.If is extremely unlikely that your diet has anything to do with whether or not you have oily skin. Because of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is common in teenagers, but it can occur at any age.

In general, skin tends to become dryer with age. The flow of sebum or oil increases during adolescence and starts decreasing with age. During pregnancy and menopause, hormonal imbalances can also upset the oil balance and increase the activity of sebaceous glands.
Oily skin is shiny, thick and dull colored. Oily skin cleansers need to remove excess oil, but not to strip the skin bare from its natural protection. Alcohol is much too harsh and will only create sensitivity in the long run, so watch out for it on the product label. Skin oil is made of sebum, which is produced by sebaceous glands. Excess sebum can be controlled with topical applications as well as by using products such as oil blotting papers. There are many misconceptions about use of different products for oil control. Let us find out more about oily skin and know how to get the radiance of normal skin. Oily skin care second step is moisturizing.

Oily skin can, and very often is, dehydrated. That means lacking water and the first signs of dehydrated skin are very fine lines, that become wrinkles. Oily skin care third step is nourishing. This is usually the role of the night cream. Even oily skin needs antiaging products, which are used at night.Eye creams are used at night or in the morning. Masks are very beneficial and can be a part of the oily skin solutions. Masks for oily skin can be used once to three times a week. Oily skin masks will balance excessively oily skin and assist in removing blackheads.

Causes of Oily Skin

The common Causes of Oily-skin :

*Heredity.
*Pregnancy.
*Diet .
*Hormone levels.
*Cosmetics you use
*Humidity and hot weather .
*Oily Skin Facial
*Facials help in deep cleansing, rehydrating and rejuvenating the skin. There are three important steps of a facial:
*Deep and thorough cleansing that exfoliates the top layer of dead skin and gives a healthier look to the skin.
*Rejuvenates the skin by enhancing the process of cell renewal.
*Providing in depth moisturizing



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Dry Skin Care Tips

Dry skin (xerosis) usually isn't serious but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly turning plump cells into shriveled ones and creating fine lines and wrinkles. The dry areas may result in dermatitis, i.e. the skin becomes red and itchy. This may result in a crazy-paving appearance on the lower legs ('eczema craquelé) or round patches scattered over the trunk and limbs (a dry form of nummular dermatitis ). Fortunately, most dry skin results from environmental factors that can be wholly or partially controlled. These include exposure to hot or cold weather with low humidity levels, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and excessive bathing.
Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin. Dryness is exacerbated by wind, extremes of temperature and air-conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. This type of skin is tightly drawn over bones. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines on these spots and at the comers of the mouth.

Dry skin is a very common skin problem. Your skin needs moisture to stay smooth and supple, and retaining moisture is especially difficult in winter. Dry skin can affect any part of the body, as the only significant oil glands we have are on the "T-zone" of the central face, armpits, and groin. For some people it may be a symptom of a hereditary or chronic dry skin condition such as eczema , psoriasis or contact dermatitis . For others, it is something that they suffer from at some point in their lives. Different people suffer to a different degree, but generally the same symptoms occur. The wrong moisturizing lotion can have the same effect. Generally, water-based lotions (Lubriderm, Keri lotion, others) are best cosmetically but oil-based creams are more effective in trapping moisture.

Causes of Dry Skin

The common Causes of Dry-Skin

* Dry skin is more common in those with an underactive thyroid or with excessive weight loss.
* A change in season can also cause dry skin.
* Dry skin is more susceptible in cool weather with low humidity.
* Medications and excessive air travel can cause dry skin.
* As we age dry skin increases, resulting in decreased natural lubrication and a dehydrated, tight dry skin.
* Excessive bathing, showering or swimming (especially in strongly chlorinated water) exacerbates a dry skin condition.
* Frictional irritation and chapping results from dry skin.


Symptoms of Dry Skin

Some common Symptoms of Dry-Skin

*Flaking.
*Itching.
*Redness
*Scaling.
*Peeling.
*A feeling of skin tightness, especially after showering, bathing or swimming.
*Itching (pruritus) that sometimes may be intense .

Treatment of Dry Skin

*Avoiding harsh soaps, detergents, and perfumes, which tend to dry the skin.
*Reduce how often you bath or shower, and use lukewarm water. Showers may be better than baths.
*Applying a salicylic acid solution or cream (which removes the top layer of skin) - if the skin is scaly.
*Replace standard soap with a substitute such as a synthetic detergent cleanser, water-miscible emollient, bath oil, anti-pruritic tar oil, etc.
*Avoiding rubbing or scratching the skin, which can aggravate the symptoms and cause infection .
*The doctor can prescribe an Alpha hydroxyacid lotion for your skin which will dissolve the scales and will increase the moisture content of your skin.
*Apply an emollient liberally and often, particularly after bathing, and when itchy. The drier the skin, the thicker this should be, especially on the hands.
*Treat eczematous patches with a topical steroid for a 5 to 15 day course. These are prescribed by your doctor and should be only applied to the red and itchy areas.


Dry Skin Care Tips

These includes:-

*Use a mild soap because soaps can dry the skin. Try to use a mild, superfatted soap or non-soap cleanser.
*Moisturize immediately after bathing are most effective for trapping water in the skin.
*To minimize the irritating effects of shaving on already dry skin, make sure to use a lubricating agent like shaving cream before starting and shave in the direction that hair grows.
*Avoid hot water, because it removes natural skin oils more quickly.
*Prolonged showers or baths hydrate the skin, but the evaporation process and towel drying the skin. Therefore, bathing and showering should be kept brief, between 5 and 10 minutes.


How To Create Beautiful Smoky Cat Eyes

How To Create Beautiful Smoky Cat Eyes
By Joanne Elliott


It is easier than you might think to create professional looking, ‘sex kitten’, smoky eyes like Keira Knightley. This vampy look can be as subtle or dramatic as you wish. The tips below will create a more powerful look in black, but to achieve a more understated look simply select light grey, burgundy or dark khakis instead.
Remember, a lot depends on your skin tone and hair color - see blonde to brunette, so why not try a few different tones to see which suits you best?

Ingredients for powerfully sexy eye makeup:

* Black eyeliner - pencil. Ensure that it is sharp.
* Black eyeliner - brush. The thinner the liquid eyeliner is the better.
* Eye shadow brush. Thin stumpy bristles are best to maintain control.
* Dark eye shadow. Irridescent rather than flat matt (too hard), or shiny (too messy).
* Highlight shimmer for under the eyebrow. Avoid garish looking ‘high glitter’.
* A good eyebrow pencil. Try to select the most natural shade for you as possible.
* Eyelash curlers - see Jessica Alba.
* Black mascara. Obviously choose a quality brand to avoid clumping and ‘spider eyes’.


Step-by-step
instructions for smoky cat eyes like Keira Knightley:



*Apply your foundation, under eye concealer and powder.
Using your black eyeliner pencil, start from the front corner of your eyelid. Draw a soft smudge line to the end of your lash line.

*Use your eyeshadow brush to apply the dark eye shadow over the top of the smudged line for a soft smoky look. Ensure that the edges are neatly blended.

*Then take the brush eyeliner and apply as close to your lashes as you can on the top lid only. Make the line as thick and pronounced as you wish, but make sure that the line is thickest at the outer corner, and thinner as you go inward.

*Apply another smoky coat of eye shadow with the brush to blend the harsh edges. Subtly blend your darker eye shadow up from your lashes to your eye crease. Then apply a shimmery highlight in white or cream under the outside corner of your eyebrow.

*Use your eyebrow pencil to make your eyebrow curve more pronounced.

*Curl your eyelashes, then apply thin coats of mascara, building the layers up gradually to avoid clumping.

Joanne Elliott is an international freelance writer and illustrator involved in several different areas. Enquiries welcome: joelliott45@yahoo.co.uk




How To Apply Eyebrow Make-Up

Make-up artist Lisa Glassock shows you how to apply eyebrow make-up to help frame your eyebrows and eyes.


Step 1: You will need
- Hairspray
- Eyeshadow brush
- Lash wand
- Dark brown powder eyeshadow
- Slanted eyebrow brush
- Highlighting eye shadow

Step 2:
Pluck your eyebrows into a good shape.

Step 3:
Brush your eyebrows with an eyebrow brush or old mascara brush.

Step 4:
Apply the eyebrow makeup in the direction of the hair growth.

Step 5:
Apply a light dusting first, then build up as needed.

Step 6:
With the mascara or eyebrow brush, remove any excess powder from the eyebrow.

Step 7:
Use a strong hold hairspray on the brush and comb through each eyebrow.

Step 8:
Use a light eyeshadow underneath the eyebrow to define the shape.

How To Apply Fake Eyelashes



Applying fake lashes is best left to your makeup artist, but with a little patience and practice, you too can master this art. So don't try it five minutes before leaving to a big party. Andrea lashes are great and they are available inexpensively at the drugstore.

Keep a piece of paper handy to hold the lashes, and a magnifying mirror, which makes the job a lot easier. Using a tweezer, dip the base end of the lashes into the glue, then place the lashes as close to the baseline of your own as you can, filling in wherever you want the greatest impact (generally, the mid to outer lashes look fabulous in false lashes). Press gently, but firmly with something blunt. Hold the lash in place for about 5 seconds until the glue has a chance to hold.


Let the glue dry, and then apply a dark eyeliner to camouflage the line of the fake lashes and then apply your mascara. The mascara will help blend your own lashes with the fake ones, and make your eyes look fuller and larger.


To remove, gently pull them off with tweezers.

Step 1: You will need
- A pair of fake eyelashes
- Some Eyelash glue
- Small scissors some
- Liquid eyeliner
- Tweezers some
- Mascara A damp cloth
- some petroleum gelly
- fake eyelash remover

Step 2: Choose the right eyelashes
Fake eyelashes widen the eyes, can enhance the natural lashes and give a dramatic effect that could not be achieved otherwise. They are available in all colours, lengths and shapes. For a more subtle look, individual lashes or small clumps of lashes can be used. Synthetic fibres are usual, but sterilized human hairs can also be found. These are most commonly used by people who have lost their natural lashes.

Step 3: Preparation
Apply a little translucent powder before gluing on the lashes. If you will be wearing eye shadow apply it now. Oiliness will prevent the glue sticking adequately, and eye shadow or powder will help to prevent this.

Step 4: Trim the lashes
Fake eyelashes are made so one fits the left eye and one fits the right. Hold the lashes up to the eyes, noting which eye the lashes will be applied to. If they are longer than the eye, the width should be trimmed with a small scissors on the outer corner of the lashes. Do this BEFORE gluing them on.

Step 5: Check the packet
Some items like glue will vary from brand to brand. For best results follow the instructions supplied with the lashes or glue.

Step 6: Apply the glue
The easiest way to apply an even coat of glue, is to squeeze some on to the back of your hand and run the lash through the glue. Some glues will need to be left for a couple of minutes to become tacky before application to the eye. Check the tackiness with your finger before using the lash.


Step 7: Put the lashes in position
Rest your elbow on a table to steady it in front of the mirror.

Pick up the lashes with tweezers.

It is essential that you press the lashes to the eyelid as close to your own lashes as possible, it is very difficult to mask a space between the two lines of lashes.

Single or clumps of lashes can be glued under the real lashes, to seem more natural.

Step 8: Be Careful!
Watch carefully in the mirror as you put the lashes on to ensure that no glue gets in to your eye.
If it does, rinse the eye with cold water immediately. Make sure you know what to do for the glue that you are using, before you put on the lashes.

Step 9: Hold
Hold the lashes in place until the glue is completely set. Again, glues will vary so check the packet.

Step 10: Finishing
TouchesOnce securely in place, fake lashes can be curled, or have extra mascara applied. This is useful if the fake lashes are a different colour to your own lashes. To do this press your finger behind the fake lashes, apply mascara to your own lashes, pressing the fake and real lashes together. This binds them together.

If there is an area where the space between the fake and real lashes is obvious, fill it in with liquid eyeliner or eye shadow. Also use liquid eyeliner or eye shadow to cover any noticeable glue.


Step 11: Taking them off
Fake lashes should always be removed before going to sleep. Some glue requires a special remover, which should be supplied with it. Most are water based, and can be removed by moistening with a damp cloth and pulling away gently.

Step 12: Storage
Once off, fake lashes can be used again. It's best to store them in their original packaging, as this will help them to retain their shape.

If the lashes are proving stubborn, don't pull hard, this might remove some of your lashes too! Try some petroleum jelly, on the stubborn lashes, leave for a few seconds, and try again.

Step 13: Practice, Practice, Practice
Applying fake lashes becomes easier with practice. It is a good idea to try a few times before the big night when they have to be perfect.



Beauty Tips for Teen Girls

Beauty Tips for Teen Girls
By Beverly Smith


Makeup and clothing is an issue for many teenage girls. If you are stressing about what you should look like as a newcomer in middle school, or a freshie in high school, here's a quick guide to help your fashion mature with you throughout middle and high school.

In Sixth grade, wear lip gloss, some mascara, and maybe a little bit of pale eyeshadow; don't go too heavy or it may look bad. If you want to try out more types of makeup, keep that for home experiments. As for clothes, keep it in your comfort level. Bear this in mind: if you are wearing a bra or undershirt, don't let the straps hang out. It doesn't look cool; it just looks sloppy. If you are wearing a short shirt, check in the mirror to see if your stomach hangs out of the bottom. Otherwise, wear something a little bit longer. Also, if your pants are likely to slip, wear a belt. Belts are totally hip now! * The main point is to keep the makeup light, and the clothes clean cut.

In Seventh grade you are beginning to care a little more what you look like; you might want to try curling your hair a few days a week, and using different hairstyles besides your typical ponytail. If you are acne prone, try foundation. Remember thet even oily skin can get flaky and that looks horrible with foundation. So try it on weekends first and ask your mother (or someone that uses foundation well) if it looks okay. In Seventh grade you might want to try eyeliner. But not too much because you don't want to look like a racoon! Start trying to tie outfits together with accessories. It's good to try new things with your makeup and clothes. But when you try the new things, make sure it looks good on you, not just in the picture or at the store. Check out different stores, and find out if there is a style that suits you.

In eighth grade you are probably getting good at makeup and you know what you like. Try establishing your own hairstyle without looking like everyone else. For example, if everyone has long, layered hair with no bangs, try light wispy bangs and a shorter, layered look. You might be wearing tighter jeans now and probably starting to get concerned with impressing the guys, so it's safe to try out more mature styles such as a sleek leather blazer, or lower cut necklines. If you are happy with your sports bra, that is totally OK. But it's safe now to check out the actual bra department and wear something that makes you feel pretty - like lace.

Ninth grade: high school! This is a big transition. Now in the same world as seniors, you are going to want to look like the rest of your peers. You should by now have your makeup and hair styles already. Try to update this look a bit, because no one wants to carry the same look they had in middle school. Dramatize a detail in your hair. If its known for it's left side part, part it even deeper. Make a straight style even sleeker and hip. Learn to make youre curls tighter, or looser.

In high school you might want to wear your usual make up during the day, and as you start to go out with friends and boys at night, add a darker shade of eyeliner, or jazz up your lips with something more festive. It's also good to try new shoes, try wearing spikier ankle boots with a pair of hot jeans and a blouse.

Chunkier heels aren't as hip as spikes as you get older. Incorporate accessories into your outfit. Buy yourself a bag that's in suede or leather to keep your schoolbooks in, instead of a backpack. You will want to buy yourself a new jacket, and make it your own. You know what you like, so go and find clothes that fit your style, but crank it up a notch for a more mature feel.


Tuesday, November 13, 2007

How To Treat Acne Scars

Due to a collection of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors, pimples develop because of abnormalities of the pores lining cells that result in a clogging of the pores. These clogged pores provide a dark, oil rich environment that allows the acne bacteria that causes acne to flourish. Unchecked this process can lead to flat red or dark marks where spots used to be. Called macules they are the last sign of the inflammation in the skin and can last for up to one year.

The acne scars can be divided into two basic categories: physical scars and pigmented scars. The physical acne scars tend to cause an indentation in the skins’ surface. The pigmented scars often leave behind inflamed red marks.

Fortunately there are skin treatments that can help acne scars look better and smoother. The most commonly used forms of scar treatments are:

Dermabrasion The dermabrasion is appropriate procedure for those with superficial scarring on the cheeks, chin and forehead. With dermabrasion a high-speed mini-sander is used to remove the top layer of the scarred skin. The new skin grows back without as much scarring.
The bad thing is that the dermabrasion poses the risk of your skin healing with light or dark spots.

Chemical peels With chemical peel an acid is used to peel off the top layer of the skin. The new skin heals without scars. Unfortunately it often leaves a local swelling, redness and sun sensitivity. The peel unblocks the pores, opens the blackheads and whiteheads and stimulates the formation of new skin cells.


Laser resurfacing The laser resurfacing is less damaging to the skin then dermabrasion , but still lead to post-inflammatory pigmentary changes.

Acne surgery The acne surgery consist of using a comedone extract which remove the contents if blackheads and whiteheads. The procedure also includes draining pustules and cysts through a small incision.

Recommended Products Treating Acne Scars:

Neutrogena On The Spot Treatment Vanishing Formula ($6) – contains benzoyl peroxide, clears up blemishes, provides maximum strength effectiveness in fighting acne, while being gently to the skin.


Neutrogena Advanced Solution Acne Mark Fading Peel with CelluZyme ($16) – reduces the appearance of post-acne marks, for clear, even-toned skin use 1/ 3 times weekly.


Clean&Clear Persa Gel 10, Maximum Strength ($5) – works immediately releasing deep into the pores where pimples begin.


Acnomel Adult Acne Medication ($10) – effective treatment of adult acne and blemishes. Doesn’t contain benzoyl peroxide, helps prevent new acne pimples from forming.



Proactive Solution ($40) – contains Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, Repairing Lotion, helps skin heal blemishes fast, balance skin tone, helps prevent future blemishes.





Teen SkinCare Tips: Six Common Skin Problems In Teenagers

During the teens years your skin is plump, firm and strong but unfortunately it’s more prone to frequent breakouts and blemishes – pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, large pores, acne. During puberty the skin begins to produce more oil (sebum), hormonal changes occur, your body begins to produce more hormones – Androgens.The teenage years are the best time to begin a healthy skincare routine. A teen’s daily skin care regimen should consist of cleaning, toning, moisturizing, exfoliating, sun protection.

Common skin problems in teens are: acne, pimples, excessive oiliness, blackheads, whiteheads, large pores, hyperpigmentation, post-acne scars.

1. Common Teen Skin Problem: Acne
Acne is the most common skin problem among teenagers. 75 percent of the teenagers from ages 13 to 18 are affected, at least occasionally by acne. The most common form of acne among teens is Acne Vulgaris – it starts when the excess oil (sebum) and dead skin cells clog up the facial pores, the hormonal changes are also to be blamed.

Acne can be composed by variety of skin lesions: blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, red spots, zits, pus-filled pimples. In most cases acne in teenagers is caused by a hormone imbalance, genes, stress and improper skincare.Acne can be very depressing for a teenager but fortunately there are products, treatments and procedures that may help heal acne. The dermatologists usually prescribe:

- Antibiotics – used to kill acne-causing bacteria.
- Accutane – an oral retinoid that is very effective in severe cases of acne
- Corticosteroid injection – used only in severe cases of acne. It is an anti-inflammatory medication that is injected into the inflamed acne lesion.
- Benzoyl Peroxide – probably the most effective and widely used acne medication. It’s available in lotions, creams, cleansers, gels.
- Salicylic Acid – helps unclog pores and prevent blemishes.

The acne treatment can be very complicated and a long process but no one should give up trying to heal the acne. It’s essential to follow a strict skincare regimen in order to keep your skin clean and clear.Every acne-sufferer should use specially designed creams, cleansers, lotions for acne-prone skin. Look for skincare products containing Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Hydroxyl Acid. Wash your face daily at least two times with a mild cleanser that cleanses your skin deeply without drying it. Regular exfoliation is a good way to keep your skin healthy and glowing and to prevent acne as the dead skin cells combined with excess oil on the surface of your skin may lead to blemishes and breakouts.

2. Common Teen Skin Problem: Pimples
An estimated 89 percent of the teenagers have pimples outbreak at some point. A pimple usually begins to form when skin cells clump together causing a plug, then the excess oil being produced by the oil glands starts to build up beneath the plug. Dermatologists believe that the main cause of a pimple formation is the increased production of male hormones called Androgens combined with the presence of bacteria on the skin’s surface. Pimples can flare up at any time and unfortunately most of them leave a red scar behind.
What you can do to prevent pimples: Follow a strict skincare regime. Cleansing and toning your face is the best way to treat and prevent pimples. There are many cleansers, exfoliators, creams, lotions containing active ingredients that cleanse the skin deeply and dry out the pimples. It’s crucial to select a facial cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. If you have many pimples you may want to use a facial toner with alcohol as it dries out pimples fast but be very careful. Look for a toner with Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic Acid.Your best choice for a cleansing mask will be a clay mask as it draws out impurities and removes the excessive oil from your skin, which is very beneficial for those with combination or oily skin.

3. Common Teen Skin Problem: Excessive Oil Production
As we said early, during puberty the oil glands begin to produce more sebum (oil) due to hormonal changes. Excessive oil production may cause clogging of the pores, blackheads, whiteheads, enlarged pores, pimples. Excessive sebum production usually appears on the T-zone – forehead, nose and chin as these areas contain more oil glands than the other areas. Fortunately there are products specially designed to control the excessive oil production. They reduce and control the excess surface oil and prevent clogging of the pores. Main ingredient in shine/oil control products is Nordihydraguaiaretic Acid as it reduces the sebum production.

4. Common Teen Skin Problem: Blackheads and Whiteheads
The presence of blackheads and whiteheads is a common skin complaint among teenagers. Blackheads can affect every skin type and every age, especially those with oily and combination skin. Blackheads are caused by hardened masses of sebum (oil) trapped in the pores. They are direct result from skin facial pores becoming clogged with oil, dead skin cells and dirt. The blackheads (open comedones) usually appear on the T-zone and the whiteheads show up as tiny white spots around the eyes.

What you can do to prevent blackheads and whiteheads: the best way to prevent and treat blackheads is to exfoliate your skin regularly - once or twice a week. When exfoliating you remove the dead skin cells, the impurities on the skin’s surface that usually lead to breakouts and blemishes. Regular exfoliation encourages new, healthier skin cells to form, unclogs pores and prevents further breakouts. Another alternative for dealing with blackheads are the pore strips that pull away oil and build up dirt from the nose, chin and forehead. It’s crucial to cleanse your face and to remove your makeup in the evening and in the morning, to keep your skin clean and free of blackheads.

5. Common Teen Skin Problem: Large Pores
Puberty can cause enlargement of the facial pores due to the increased production of oil. During puberty the skin begins to produce more sebum and the pores have to enlarge in order to be able to handle the increased output. Pores appear enlarged when they are clogged, dilated, infected and that’s why the best way to keep your pores small and less visible is to keep your skin clean all the time. Often the pores get clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, oil which makes them appear more prominent and that’s why regular skin exfoliation is essential in order to remove the dead skin cells and to allow your skin to produce new, healthier cells. Use a mild exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells twice a week, but make sure it’s appropriate for your skin type. Using a pore minimizing (refining) products should be an essential part of your skin care regimen to keep your facial pores under control. These products target the production of sebum deep in the pores, clear away debris and reduce the size of the large pores.

6. Common Teen Skin Problem: Post-Acne Scars
As we said most of the pimples leave behind a red scar. The post-acne scars can be divided into two categories: physical scars and pigmented scars. The physical scars tend to cause an indentation in the skin’s surface, the pigmented post-acne scars usually appear as inflamed red mark, spot on the skin’s surface. Squeezing or picking at a pimple always increases the chances of scarring.Microdermabrasion, chemical peel, laser resurfacing are all very effective in removing post-acne (post-pimple) scars, but such treatments are appropriate only for very severe scarring. There are many “on the spot“ treatments containing Benzoyl Peroxide, Kojic Acid, Glycolic Acid that clear up blemishes and reduce the appearance of post-acne marks.

Useful Teen Tips:

- Remember: a complete skincare routine now is the best step in creating a lifetime of healthy habits and preventing future skin issues.
- Remember: the appearance of your skin is influenced mainly by your skin care routine.
- Never use oil-based makeup products because they may clog your facial pores and cause breakouts.
- Look for non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic products.
- Consult a dermatologist – he/ she may prescribe you some medicines that might help you.
- Never squeeze or pick at a pimple as doing so may spread the inflammation and leave an ugly red scar behind.
- Look for oil-free moisturizer.
- Look for a gentle, non-comedogenic gel or cream cleanser.
- Always apply a moisturizer in the morning, even if your skin is oily or combination.
- Do a cleansing face mask once or twice a week to keep your skin clean.
- Always wear a sunscreen or sunblock with SPF at least 15, even during the winter months to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Exfoliate your face once or twice a week with a gentle cleanser to remove the dead skin cells.
- Avoid rough scrubs as they may make your skin condition worse.
- Remember: the damage that occurs now is what will be evident when you get older.
- Choose skin care products and makeup products that are appropriate for your skin type.
- Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, fish, whole grains.
- Avoid eating chocolate, greasy foods.
- Don’t smoke – smoking seriously damage your skin.
- Drink plenty of water – at least 1.5 liter a day to keep your skin and body hydrated.
- Avoid touching your face with dirty hands – you can transform bacteria and cause inflammation.
- Avoid using products with fragrance as this may increase the possibility of allergies and irritations.

The Best Products For Treating Enlarged Pores

We know how hard it can be to select the most appropriate cosmetic products for treating enlarged pores that’s why we offer you a list of some of the best products for treating enlarged pores on the market.

The new Garnier Pure products are especially formulated for normal to oily skin. The range is designed to help cleanse and purify the oily skin whilst also exfoliating the dead skin cells and impurities to help protect against the appearance of imperfection.

Garnier Pure Deep Clean Foaming Wash (8$) cleanse the unclogged pored and remove traces of makeup and impurities. The Deep Clean Foaming Wash purify the pores and leave the skin looking clean and radiant.

The new SOS Pen of Garnier (7$) helps target imperfections and you can apply it as soon as they appear to help you recover clearer-looking skin as soon as possible.

The Pure A Moisturizer (6.5$) of Garnier helps control oily skin, tighten pores and make them shrink.
The L’oreal’s Pure Zone products consist of 3 Steps – cleanser, astringent and moisturizer.

The Pore Tightening Astringent (6.55$) by L’oreal is recommended for all skin types. It eliminates the last traced of oil, dirt and makeup from pores, prevents shine for hours and minimizes the pores` size.

The Cleansing Foaming Cleanser (6.95 $)by L’oreal is recommended for oily skin. It clears pores from impurities, rinses clean, leaving no residue or tightness. And most importantly purify the pores in deed.

Lancôme Pure Focus Exfoliator (23$) - deep pore refining scrub with micro-beads that cleans and helps oil and shine disappear for fresh, pure, matte skin.


Lancôme Pure Focus Cleanser (23.50$)– oil-free cleansing gel with micro-beads that helps oil and shine disappear for fresh, pure, matte skin.

Lancôme Pure Focus Cleanser (23.50$)– oil-free cleansing gel with micro-beads that helps oil and shine disappear for fresh, pure, matte skin.

The Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector (17.50$) by Clinique instantly refines the look of the pores with a natural-looking and long-lasting matte finish. It can be used over the entire face, under or over the foundation.

The Clinique Pore Minimizer Refining Lotion (18.50$) is a multi tasking oil-free formula that smooths, clears away debris to instantly reduce the look of the pores.
The Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser (23$) visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores just by washing your face. It sweeps away the dead surface skin and refines rough, uneven patches. It penetrates deed into pores so they appear smaller and less visible.

The Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner (8$) penetrates deep into the enlarged pores and after a few days they appear smaller and less visible.


Bioré Pore Minimizing Refining Exfoliator – contains superfine microcrystals that dramatically yet gently exfoliate the surface of your skin, removing pore-clogging dead skin cells to minimize the appearance of your pores.

Bioré Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (8.50$) - get dirt and oil in those hard to reach areas. Helps reduce the appearance of pores with regular use. Formulated with tea tree oil, menthol and witch hazel.

Artificial Nails - Types, Maintenance, Tips


If you want beautiful, long and well-shaped nails you should consider getting artificial nails. There are different types of fake nails that suit every taste and that offer variety of colors, shapes and “styles“. Artificial nails not only give you a well-groomed manicure every day, but they are also ideal solution for those women who tend to bite their nails.

Advantages of artificial nails:
offer variety of colors customized to suit the taste of every woman cover up short, brittle nails don’t break or cur easily prevent nail biting long lasting and durable polish lasts much longer

Disadvantages of artificial nails:
- the chemicals used to make and adhere artificial nails ay cause allergic reactions
- if not applied and removed properly they may damage your natural nails
- fungal or bacterial infection is possible
- can be very expensive to maintain
- most of the fake nails cannot be removed by chemicals

TYPES OF ARTIFICIAL NAILS:
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails, also known as artificial nails, fake nails, sculptured nails are the most used artificial nails. Acrylic nails should always be glued onto the natural nail plate. Acrylic nails are made of monomer (a liquid acrylic product) and a polymer (a powdered acrylic product). The artificial nails are the most preferred by the women as they are very durable and the strongest.

The application and the removal of acrylic nails takes a lot of practice and should always be performed by a licensed manicurist. You can have fake nails in any length and at any color that will last longer than nail polish on your natural nails. If you decide to get artificial nails you should know that they require a lot of maintenance – acrylic nails should be filled in every two/ three weeks as your nails grow. They are the strongest, the thickest and most durable of the artificial nails.

Many women think that artificial nails can seriously damage the natural nails but that’s not always the case - if the fake nails are applied and removed properly by a professional they may cause little or no damage to the natural nail plate.

Gel Nails
Gel nails are usually made of gel acrylic. Gel nails are appropriate for those women who want to achieve more natural look. The manicurist will apply the acrylic gel over your natural nail plate and will cure the gel under an ultraviolet light. Unfortunately the gel nails aren’t as strong and durable as the acrylic nails. There are two types of gel nails – the first use light and the other don’t. Both types of gel nails can be shaped and styles as you desire. One thing you should remember: gel nails cannot be removed easily – they must grow out and be filled down for removal.

One of the biggest advantage of gel nails is that they should be filled in less often then the acrylic nails for example.

Wrap NailsWrap nails usually include pieces of silk, linen, fiberglass or paper that are cut to the desired shape and then are glued to the natural nails. Just like the gel nails, wrap nails also look very natural as they are thin and smooth. Most of the beauty salons use fiberglass in place of silk or linen as it is stronger and provides a lot of flexibility. Unfortunately all types of wraps are less durable than the others. Wrap nails aren’t appropriate for those women with an active life as they break easily.

Solar Nails
Solar nails are similar to the acrylic nails but they use a different product – usually white or pink acrylic nails. Solar nails often look like a French manicure. Like the acrylic nails, the solar nails also should be refilled every three weeks.



Useful Tips:
- Artificial nails should be filled in every two/ three weeks.
- Always consult a manicurist to find out what type of fake nails will be best for you.
- Always pay attention and moisturize your cuticles to avoid infection or dry cuticles.
- Always wear rubber or plastic gloves every time you use chemicals. It’s essential to apply nail
and cuticle oil every day to keep your cuticles moisturized.

- Remember: harsh chemicals may cause the artificial nails to weaken and even to discolor.
- Never use household glue for nail repairs – you can seriously damage them.
- Always choose a reputable, licensed nail salon to have your artificial nails applied properly.
- Applying fake nails properly takes a lot of practice; if you decide to apply artificial nails at home always follow the directions written on the box to ensure you put them safely.
- If you want to remove your fake nails at home you should use a nail soak – soak your fingers for approximately 30/ 40 minutes.
- Never share your nail tools with another person and keep your tools (files, scissors) sanitized.
- Never apply artificial nails on infected or irritated nails.
- Never wear artificial nails for longer than 3/ 4 months to avoid damage.
- Remember: the chemicals used to make and adhere fake nails can cause serious allergic
reactions.
- Always check if you have allergies before you get your nails done.
- Remember: fungal infection is quite common if you don’t maintain your fake nails properly.
- Never use Acetone nail polish remover.