Perfect Lips Tips

Protect Your Skin From The Aging Effects of the Sun

2009-03-02T16:40:00.001+07:00

Are you as careful to protect your skin from sun damage as you should be? Do you wear sunscreen every time you go outside for prolonged periods? Or do you think you're safe for some other reason?

Most people are aware of the dangers of skin cancer resulting from overexposure to the sun. While people who rarely burn are less likely to contract skin cancer than people who burn easily, everyone is at risk. Even with no family history. And our collective knowledge about skin cancer risks is constantly changing. For example, dermatologists used to condone minimal use of high-pressure tanning beds (which use UVA rays almost exclusively, with very little of the UVB rays) for people who tan easily and rarely burn. The tan from these beds was thought to protect your skin from natural sunlight. Now dermatologists are finding that UVA rays cause deeper tissue forms of skin cancer, which are more difficult to detect and treat.

Even if you never contract skin cancer, overexposure to sunlight also accounts for a surprising number of the signs of aging we think of as normal. Tanning produces deep skin wrinkles, makes the skin texture leathery, and can cause discoloration such as age spots. Avoiding sun and tanning bed exposure will help keep your skin tone even, your wrinkles fine and your skin texture soft.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens provide excellent protection from natural sunlight exposure. Even if you're not going to be out in the sun for long, it's a good idea to put some on exposed skin while dressing in the morning, particularly in the summer time. If you're concerned about potentially dangerous chemicals that have been used in sunscreen, such as PABA, you should be aware there are sunscreen products available now that don't include harmful chemicals. In fact, many are comprised mainly of natural ingredients, including moisturizers, which are the basis of any good anti-aging routine. If you already have skin damage resulting from sun exposure, there are a number of products available to even skin tone and soften deep wrinkles.

Devina Hoff reviews online skin care, cosmetics and hair care vendors for Cochesi Skin Care and Beauty. Find what you're looking at from http://cochesi.com.

Lip Magic: Tips for Lips

2009-03-02T01:14:00.001+07:00

As we get older our lips get smaller and thinner ? it?s a fact of life, but it need not be the end of the world or our attractiveness. If you don?t have the money or the inclination to run off and get collagen injections there are ways you can keep your lips looking great and desirable. By using simple techniques you can create illusions of larger, pouty and more balanced lips.

Lipstick looks best on smooth lips. To keep your lips smooth use a lip exfoliant and always wear some type of lipstick or lip balm, especially wintertime or in the sun.

To start creating wonderful lips use lip liner. Lip liner is a great tool that will keep your lipstick in place, define the shape of your lips and can make your lips look larger or smaller. Use a lip liner color that is lighter than your lipstick and keep the pencil sharp.

Use lip liner to outline the natural lines of your lips and then fill in the lips with a color that blends with your lipstick. This little trick will keep your lipstick in place. Never go outside the natural lines of your lips in an attempt to make your lips look larger. Lip liner will keep your lipstick away from the fine lines around your mouth, which will keep your lipstick from bleeding.

Start by defining the V using feathery, short strokes that are not too sharp. After you have defined and filled in the lips with liner, fill with color using either a lip brush or a tube. Blot with a tissue and reapply lip color. For a fuller look use a lighter color in the middle of the lip.

Tips for Lips:

*Matte is the longest lasting lipstick but can be dry

*Gloss makes lips look fuller

*For extra definition line lips once again after you have applied lip color

*Balms have SPF?s

* Sheer lipstick won?t last long

*Neutral shades will match everything

*Lips will look larger with a medium color

*Moist lipsticks are more likely to bleed

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women learn how to dress to suit their body type and look slimmer. You can reach her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download her ebook, Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe ebook free.

The Benefits Of SemiPermanent Lip Makeup

2009-03-01T22:28:00.001+07:00

Semi-permanent lip makeup has a wide range of appeal. In this process, color pigments are injected under the dermal layer to either reshape or color the lips. This is a process that appeals to many for a variety of reasons. Those with asymmetrical lips may opt for this treatment to even out their lips. Another reason to opt for a semi-permanent lip makeup procedure is as a matter of convenience and financial savings.

Semi-permanent lip makeup can be very beneficial to those who were born with either thin or asymmetrical lips. They can benefit by having this procedure done to either create thicker lips or correct the asymmetry of their lips through subtle shading and the injection of color outside the lip line. This may be a very useful procedure for those who are self conscious about the size or shape of their lips.

Another reason to opt for semi-permanent lip makeup is to apply slight color to the lips. As people begin to age, the once vibrant color of their lips often begins to fade. For this reason, individuals may choose to have semi-permanent lip makeup applied to make their lips appear healthier and more attractive. Also, those who are frustrated with the frequent reapplication of lip color that are required throughout the day and the cost of purchasing lip color on a regular basis may opt for a semi-permanent lip makeup procedure.

Jennifer Puffer is the owner of http://www.ultimate-beauty.com A successful website focusing on providing information and products on topics that include beauty, skin care, make up, hair, mineral makeup and much more. Jennifer invites you to find more information on semi-permanent lip makeup at http://www.ultimate-beauty.com

Skincare From Your Fridge

2009-03-01T19:37:00.001+07:00

Beauty awaits you. Not at the make-up counter. Not at the day spa. Not at the plastic surgeon. It awaits you? in your kitchen.

Your best skin care secrets can come from your diet secrets. After all, you are what you eat. So, in the words of Italian mothers everywhere? Mangia!

When it comes to eating for beauty, the rule is: the fresher, the better. Avoid processed foods whenever possible. The fresher your foods, the more nutrient packed. Keep that in mind when planning and preparing meals. Shop like the Europeans. Buy what you need for a few days, not an entire week. Cook things healthfully, eat from all food groups and vary your diet.

Eat your veggies.

Fresh vegetables, when available, are preferable to canned or frozen. Raw produce has a greater concentration of vitamins and minerals. Less time at the stove, that?s attractive.

All vegetables are beneficial. So, if canned is all you?ve got it?ll do. But remember to hit the market tomorrow. Green leafy vegetables are high in beta-carotene which is essential for healthy hair, eyes and skin. Sprouts prevent wrinkles and age spots. Include some on your dinner menu tonight.

Fresh fruit are great for you any time of day.

Sweeten up your breakfast, indulge in a fruity mid-day snack, have a healthy dessert. Cantaloupe is high in vitamins A and C, which promotes healing and controls oil on skin and scalp. Tomatoes (yes, they are a fruit) are packed with A (wrinkle and pimple fighter) and beta-carotene. Citrus fruits provide great doses of vitamin C.

Again, fresh is best. What a sweetly indulgent way to take care of yourself!

Proteins are building blocks.

Turkey, chicken, fish, eggs, lean beef and soy all provide protein and B vitamins which support hair and nail health, and youthful skin. Prepared healthfully, they?ll satisfy your appetite and your form. Fish, like salmon and sardines, are full of protein and Omega 3 which promotes glowing skin.

Drink water.

Lots of water. It purifies you all the way down to your cells, and speeds the regeneration of damaged tissue. So, even if you aren?t at your best now, you soon can be.

Health and happiness equal beauty.

When you eat goof foods, you're nurturing your body. When you?re nurtured, you feel good. When you feel good, you smile. When you smile, you look good. So eat and enjoy your way to a healthier, happier, prettier you.

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, Hollywood Makeup Secrets a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

Fuller Lips Without Injections or Surgery?

2009-03-01T15:54:00.001+07:00

Once again, very full lips are one of the most sought after assets, thanks in large part to a very popular and sexy actress that seems to appeal to both men and women. Plastic surgeons say the most often requested lips they would like to imitate are Angelina Jolie's. And who can blame them? You can't deny the sensuality and femininity of a full pair of lips. Lips that are fuller can really balance out the face, and add to the attractiveness and symmetry of the overall facial structure. Full, soft looking lips seem to compliment and soften any woman's face and bring out their most feminine, sensual and sultry features.

You may be one of the lucky women who has been blessed with a perfectly pouty and full smile, but if you're reading this article you are probably seeking to enlarge, enhance, or otherwise increase the volume and fullness of your lips. But who really has the money or inclination to go have a costly, and many times painful, procedure performed which may not even produce permanent results? Not to mention, most of these procedures are, in fact, not permanent, and do require recurring visits every six months.

This can really add up, and the results may not even be as natural as you desire. So the question is, if you want fuller, larger, sexier lips, what are your nonsurgical choices, if any that are safe AND effective?

It seems like every day a new cosmetics company is popping up on the internet claiming to have the one lip enlargement product that really works. How are you to tell which of these lip enhancement products really lives up to it's claims? We all know that most of them probably are just a waste of good money. Most lip enlargement creams, gels and glosses work by actually irritating the outer layer of cells, causing it to swell slightly and turn a deeper color. Other lip enhancers use light reflection through high shine or gloss to trick the eye and make the lips appear fuller. Most of these do not result in any truly noticeable difference to the naked eye, and do not last more than one hour.

There are a few products that have been shown to help increase moisture and volume over time with repeated use (for reviews and suggestions http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/best-cosmetics-online-reviews.html ). Do not expect a dramatic increase by the use of these products alone though. The best, most dramatic natural lip enlargement can be achieved through combining the use a quality topical lip product along with a lip enlargement pump. A lip enlargement pump is a small hand-held device that gently suctions the lips outward, pulling fliud in to the lips and creating a dramatically fuller set of lips for a few hours at a time. They are inexpensive, and you only need to buy it once and you're done. I do however recommend you purchase a few so you have one for home and one for on the road. The best part about this device is that, over time and with regular use, you will notice your lip size really has increased, even after the initial effect of lip plumping has worn off.

One word of caution though, if the pump is used for too long with each individual treatment, or the suction is too vigorous and severe, it will cause your lips to bruise. So start slow, and be sure you are not in discomfort as this is a sign the lips may bruise. Be cautious and mindful of this, and stick to the recommended treatment times. If the suction is too much, reduce the pressure by releasing the nozzle until it is a comfortable tugging sensation. This device is truly a great way to achieve a dramatic increase in lip size, and is a great special occasion beauty tool. It is a Hollywood standby for photo shoots and a favorite trick of models and actresses to get the lips extra plump and full.

Another tip for maintaining moisture and fullness of the lips, besides using a good lip enhancer and a lip pump (if so desired for dramatic effects), is to keep you body hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water at all times, and be sure to apply your lip product whenever it wears off. Keeping the lips hydrated is part of the trick to keeping them as full and flushed as possible, so they stand out, instead of blending in with the rest of your face. Avoid dehydrating ingredients such as mint and camphor.

Here's an interesting fact: Did you know that your lips actually get fuller during the times of your monthly cycle when estrogen levels are elevated? You may have thought you were imagining that your lips are fuller during certain times of the month - but you weren't!

So, now you know that you really can achieve fuller lips without the surgery and injections. As long as you are dilligent in administering the treatments as recommended, and choose the best products, you are on your way to a perfectly full, soft set of lips!

Visit Natural Lip Enlargement and Lip Plumpers for more information on naturally attaining fuller, poutier lips. Danna Schneider is the webmaster of CosmeticsGalore.com Cosmetic Product Reviews

The Fundamental Basics of Cosmetic Tattoos and Permanent Makeup Pigments

2009-02-27T12:44:00.002+07:00

Permanent makeup (cosmetic tattoos) is often misunderstood by the general public. Many people believe permanent makeup is like getting a regular tattoo. There are similarities, but also important differences. Always consult a trained practitioner who communicates honestly about the risks and listens. Below is some information to help you to make an educated decision.

What is permanent makeup?
Permanent makeup is the placement of a pigment (solid particles of color) below the skin to create the impression of cosmetics. The pigment is placed in the skin with a needle.

Why are cosmetic tattoos different?
Essentially permanent makeup is a tattoo, but has a different goal than traditional tattooing. Permanent makeup artist Liza Sims Lawrence, founder of Wake Up With Makeup, LLC in Anchorage explains, ?the goal is to be subtle rather than to draw attention.? The artist strives to harmonize with the facial features and skin tones.

What are pigments?
According to the article ?From the Dirt to the Skin-A Study of Pigments? by Elizabeth Finch-Howell ?The Dry Color Manufacturers Association (DCMA) defines a pigment as a colored, black, white, or fluorescent particulate organic or inorganic solid, which is usually insoluble in, and essentially physically and chemically unaffected by, the vehicle or substrate into which it is incorporated.? The vehicle, which can be distilled water or other appropriate liquids combined with an antibacterial ingredient such as ethol alcohol, must keep the pigment evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

What ingredients are in pigments?
Permanent makeup pigments always contain basic ingredients used by all manufacturers. A small number of pigments are created with iron oxides. According to Elizabeth Finch-Howell ?iron is the most stable of all the elements and inorganic iron oxide pigments are non-toxic, stable, lightfast and have a range of colors.? Lightfast means the pigments retain their original hue over time. The difference in pigments is generally associated with the vehicle, or liquid, used to place the pigment under the skin. ?I use distilled water and ethol alcohol,? states Finch-Howell, ?I do not use glycerin as some other manufacturers do because it doesn?t evaporate.? Glycerin is a humectant with an extremely large molecule, continues Finch-Howell, this molecule is literally punched into the skin. Glycerin is also found in a variety of quality grades. Other permanent makeup practitioners prefer pigments with glycerin because they glide on the skin and do not dry out in the cup. Pigments do not contain mercury, talc or carbon.

What regulations apply to the permanent makeup field?
The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act does not regulate pigments. However the FDA requires all color additives to be screened and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration prior to being sold. Elizabeth Finch-Howell states, ?There is a list of FDA approved color additives for food, drugs, and cosmetics [that pigment vendors should be drawing from to formulate their pigments?. ?All organic colorants are subject to batch certification by the Color Certification Branch of the FDA,? Finch-Howell continues, of the approximately 90 pigments on the FDA approved color additive list, all inorganic colorants listed are exempt from certification.?

Do allergic reactions or side effects occur?
I have never had a client suffer allergic reactions to permanent makeup. According to Liza Sims Lawrence, authorized distributor of LI Pigments, photo sensitivity reactions (sunlight) may sometimes be revealed by slight itching and raised, but this is normally associated with reds and violets used in body art tattooing. Sims Lawrence continues, Once the area is no longer exposed to intense sunlight, the itching and raising usually dissipates. In permanent cosmetics we do not often use body art reds and violets on the face. True allergic reactions are extremely rare. Permanent makeup has been known to cause itching and burning during an MRI. However, the FDA states, ?This seems to occur only rarely and apparently without lasting effects.? It is best to inform the doctor and MRI technician that you have permanent makeup

What is the difference between organic and inorganic pigments?
Organic pigments are made from plant matter and inorganic pigments are made from dirt, as are topical cosmetics. In permanent makeup, organic and inorganic pigments both play important roles; pigments are not labeled organic in the same way food is by the government. Organic based pigments are necessary for vibrancy of color. Inorganic pigments give us earth tones and are lightfast. According to Elizabeth Finch-Howell, her pigment company, Derma International, uses inorganic and organic pigments and has been operating for 17 years without a single allergic reaction ever reported.

Permanent makeup is an amazing opportunity for men and women to make their lives easier and to love the way they look every day, but there are many misconceptions. Talk to a professional, ask questions and review references. To learn more about the health advantages of permanent makeup and specifics on lip, brows and eyeliner procedures visit http://www.DawnColors.com.

Dawn Willard has been in the fine arts field for over 23 years. She currently owns the Permanent Makeup Studio in Asheville, NC. Ms. Willard accepts clients from many states including North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina. To learn more about permanent makeup and cosmetics visit http://www.dawncolors.com.

Tooth Whitening Tooth Treatment: Get that Perfect Smile!

2009-02-27T12:44:00.001+07:00

I would say a smile throughout the day keeps doctor away. Undoubtly, laughter is the best medicine as it not only supplies nutrients to the skin but also makes your skin glow. But if the condition of your teeth doesn't allow you to smile confidently, don't worry, just read on to learn how to improve the condition of your teeth.

Thanks to your tight schedule and fast lifestyle, you have yellow teeth which not only affects your confidence but also puts off the other person. But with the help of modern dentistry, your teeth can be bleached. You can have that perfect set all over again. But the sad part, the bleaching affect is temporary. The bleaching or whitening affect depends on the discoloration of your teeth. Obviously there are home remedies for whitening of your teeth like baking soda but then, tooth whitening is a very delicate process(as it involves gums) and should be left to experts only.

The best you can do to your teeth is to eat the right food and brush them properly. Even then if the condition of your teeth doesn't improve, then its time for you to visit your doctor or undertake some tooth whitening program. When i say eat properly i mean, eat a balanced diet to provide essential vitamins and minerals to your teeth which will help teeth and gums to grow strong and healthy. Calcium, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D are most essential minerals and vitamins for your teeth.

Tip: It is also wise to note that eating sweet snacks between meals affect teeth more than eating sweet snacks with meals. It is because the increase flow of saliva during mealtime protect your teeth by washing sugar away. Eat snacks without sugar between meals and snacks with sugar during meals.

With brushing teeth properly i mean, brushing your teeth twice a day. Brush your outer and inner surfaces at 45-degree angle. On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth. On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and won strokes with toe of the brush. Even brush your tongue to remove food particles and freshen your mouth. DO NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EACH MEAL as it may effect your enamel.

Tip: The amount of time for which our teeth are exposed to sweets affect our teeth more than the number of sweets. So avoid sticky sweets like toffee or hard candies like mints.

Other reasons which can stop an individual for showing off a 440 watt smile can be Bad Breath(Halitosis), some kind of gum diseases, some stains(internal or external), ill-formed teeth etc. Now good news for you, learn how to fight bad breath here at http://www.weightloss-health.com/Badbreathhalitosis.htm. Some handy home remedies to get you back the most refreshing breath. Also, too much smoking of cigarettes leave really ugly stains(external) on your teeth. To counter that, you can some whitening toothpastes but then you have to be extra careful with such toothpastes as they may abrade to tooth enamel. Internal stains are mostly caused by ageing or calcium or fluoride deficiency. In this case, whitening toothpastes are not helpful whereas bleaching can be really effective.

--> To learn more on tooth whitening, tooth care and LAUGHTER THERAPY, visit http://www.weightloss-health.com/teethproblemtreatment.htm

About the Author

Jasdeep: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

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Tips For Choosing The Proper Lipstick

2009-02-27T12:34:00.001+07:00

Choosing your lipstick is very important and it makes a lot of difference as to the way you look and portray yourself to the people around you. A right lipstick can give you the right look and can be according to the occasion. Never try a lipstick which looks good otherwise and not on you. Many people make the wrong choice which just makes loss of good money.

Now trends have changed lipstick are not only about looks of your lips and face, but for better and fresh lips. If you are suffering from dry lips, keep in mind to use lipstick with moisturizer. It has all the necessary ingredients which can make your lips soft and beautiful. They contain ingredients like aloe, glycerin and Vitamin E.

The other lipstick which has come out is with a shine and is considered to be more dehydrating even though it provides a wet look. Lipsticks which are high on oils are also very good as it provides the necessary food for your lips to make them as supple as they are.

Cream lipsticks are also on a roll as they have many different color and varieties which protects your lips, but may keep your lips dry which can be a problem. It is very important to apply lip gloss which can give that deadly look. Always look for products which contain some valuable ingredient to take care of your lips.

The other is transfer-resistant which are very popular with women who are in a rush and would have to look presentable all the time. This helps in keeping that fresh look even at the end of the day and you don't have to apply it again and again. It can remain in this state for 4 to 6 hours and sometimes more than that. Make it a point to buy lipsticks which are good for your lips and not only looks.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of sites related to hair and skin care which informs you about some very common guidelines for choosing your lipstick. It helps in giving you some of the valuable tips for your hair and skin.

What's Your Skin Worth?

2009-02-27T00:29:00.001+07:00

Are you like me who has used over-the-counter acne products, bought anti aging facial cleansers from department stores, or used the top of the line lipsticks? I was a complete fool, I bought into all the ?hype? and thought I was using the best skin care products available for my skin.

Was I really caring for my skin? NO????? Not at all!

Don?t you want your skin to look the way it did the day you were born, you know, before you chose to apply all of those skin care products to your face? Don?t you think the skin care products you are using, may be contributing to the aging process? Diet, stress, environment and everyday life, all have an effect on the way we look. But one of the contributors to aging you can control and I want you to consider?.. are skin care products.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) is a skin irritant, skin care products containing AHA exfoliate not only dead skin cells, but the skin?s protective barrier as well. What you may have been doing is trying to exfoliate the dead skin cells that probably were not dead in the first place. What you need to do is allow your skin to make more cells. You may not be allowing this to happen because the products you may be using contain harsh chemicals.

You may be uneducated and find yourself using them and they are not allowing the skin to produce new cells. Some people need exfoliation often, but there are people who only need it once in awhile. If you keep exfoliating, the new cells don?t have enough time to be born and that is why you may be cleansing and scrubbing too much and you may be creating more symptoms.

I see many people who are not educated and they are purchasing these products on the market with very little knowledge or instruction and they may be creating long-term skin damage. What you want to do is slow down the aging process, you may have been speeding it up. You should create the healthy balance your skin deserves. To achieve this, you want the skin to make new cells and by doing this you need to apply the best topicals you can.

If you have been uneducated and you have been using products that contain harsh chemical ingredients for a long time, this will begin to show over time. It may be from the wear and tear of using them on your skin. If you are washing your face two times a day or even one time a day with these products, you may not only be contributing to, but actually speeding up the aging process. In my opinion, symptoms of dull skin are developed by harsh chemicals in products and long term use of the wrong products. Use safe skin care products that are nourishing to your skin, not damaging to the skin.

Your skin may also become red and blotchy and your blood vessels may become more prominent on the surface of your skin. If you are using harsh skin products or products that have harmful ingredients in them, they will strip your skin. Think about it, depending on how old you are, your elasticity of your skin has been breaking down and may have been causing your skin to thin and making your blood vessels to be more prominent around the crease of your nose, cheeks and forehead. The products may have been messing with your skin for so long it can?t even produce the adequate number of cells.

For instance, if you were diagnosed with oily skin, and you were prescribed a skin care product that stripped the natural oils and protective barrier from your skin, when you didn?t really have oily skin in the first place. The harsh chemical ingredients damaged and thinned your skin and the blood vessels became more prominent.

You may also want to change your make-up or wear less of it. Choose make-up products and skin care products that are safe and free of synthetic ingredients. Become educated.

Alayna A. Fries, Licensed Esthetician

Author, If Your Skin Could Talk, What Would It Say?

Get the rest of this article at: http://www.ifyourskincouldtalk.com In my book I discuss the harmful ingredients in skin care products that are creating skin symptoms we all face from time to time and make recommendations on what to use on your skin. I also talk about the importance of using safe and natural products and how they can reduce the chances of speeding up the aging process. Become educated on the ingredients in your skin care products, know what you use on your skin.

For All Those Beginners: How Do I Put On MakeUp?

2009-02-25T00:49:00.001+07:00

It is very important to start with a clean slate. Use a gentle cleanser with a light exfoliant. It is important to make sure that it is hypoallergenic. Your face is a very sensitive area and it won?t take much to irritate it and make things worse. Whether you are in the shower or standing at the sink, gently apply a small amount, about the size of a pea, onto your face and softly rub onto face in an upwards motion, your forehead and left-right motion. Someday there will be a point when we are all worried about getting wrinkles and bags, and by always touching our face in an upwards motion it will help delay the aging process on our faces. We shouldn't help the aging process along at all, even if our faces are fresh and wrinkle-free now. Gently rinse the cleanser off and pat your face dry with a soft warm towel.

Soft as a baby butt! A good moisturizer is key. Your face will feel very itchy and flakey if you don't keep it moist. I like, again, Velocity facial moisturizer. It is lightweight and doesn't leave your face feeling greasy. Plus it helps absorb oil throughout the day. Apply a small amount, maybe a little more than the size of a pea, and gently massage it into your face. Make sure you are still using the upwards motion we talked about in step 1. Massage into face until all excess moisturizer in absorbed into your skin. Now doesn't that feel good??

Build a strong foundation. Some people do not like to use foundation and that is ok. But foundation is a great way to help protect your face from all those hazardous things you literally face everyday. The sun, wind, rain--anything can cause your face to get irritated. A good foundation will help protect your face from whatever is out there. Try a foundation with a light sunscreen in it. The extra protection will make a big difference. Make sure that you do not get a color that is too light or too dark for your face or it will look too painted on. It is important for it to look natural. If you really want a nice warm look on your face, a darker foundation is not the answer. Try some bronzer, which will be mentioned later. The general rule of thumb is to try to match your foundation with the color of your neck. This will assure that it is the most natural color you could wear. Blend the foundation into your face and make sure that is it all absorbed before you move onto the next step. A triangle sponge is very helpful to blend the foundation the best.

Conceal those blemishes. Chances are, like most of us out there, you might have some imperfections on your face. Try a slightly lighter that your foundation shade of concealer. You have the option of applying your concealer before, or after, your foundation, but it seemed to make the most sense to put things in this order. Apply a very small amount of concealer on the tip of your ring finger and lightly dab it on the desired areas of your face. Typical concealer is placed on the under-eyes and on any pimples that might be visible at the time. Dab on the concealer and allow it to dry for a few seconds and start to carefully blend it into your skin to make it look as natural as possible. If needed apply some more foundation to help it blend even more. Let concealer fully absorb before moving onto the next step.

Loosen up with powder. Get your hands on nice large powder brush. After putting on your foundation and concealer, use either a loose or pressed powder to help set the make-up on your face. Lightly dab your brush into your powder and get a small to moderate amount onto the end of your brush. If using a loose powder, lightly tap the end of your brush on the counter to cause the powder to drop into the bristles a little so that it doesn't just fall onto the first part of your face that you touch. Lightly stroke your face with your brush in downward strokes until your entire face has been brushed and you have achieved a nice matte look on your face. This is the only time we would ever use a downwards motion on your face. Unfortunately all of us have small amount of peach fuzz on our faces and by brushed our faces downwards it helps to lay those little hairs down and make them less noticeable. Make sure that your powder is applied evenly and move onto the next step.

You want your make-up to last all day, right? I thought so. To make it last, I suggest using an eye shadow primer before applying any eye makeup. Try Urban Decay's Primer Potion. Apply it everywhere you apply eye makeup. Then that ever-elusive eye shadow and liner will stay put for you. Sounds nice, doesn't it? Now its time to line those gorgeous gems of yours. Eyeliner is good to start with so you don?t mess with your mascara. Some of you don?t like eyeliner, so you can just skip this step. Anyways, first you have to decide which eyeliner formula to use: liquid, or pencil. Both have their advantages. Liquids are usually more long lasting as they don't smudge, and provide you with a clearer, definite line. The fact that you have to paint it on and wait for it to dry can make it tricky though. Pencils give a smokier, sultry quality and can be applied more easily and with more precision. However, they have tendency to smudge. Starting at the inner corner of your eye, slowly apply a thin streak along your lash line. If you are using liquid, fan it dry, then open up and see how you like it. Too thin? Try it again, this time a little thicker. Too thick? Dab a q-tip with water or eye-makeup remover, and swipe away from the thickness until you're satisfied with the result. It's also a good idea to make your eyeliner thicker toward the outer corners of your eyes to make them look larger. If you would like, repeat the process on the bottom lash line, or just above it at the inner rim of your eye (this can be tricky for beginners.)

Open your eyes to the wonders of eye shadow! Yes, this sounds cheesy, but with practice eye shadow really is amazing. There are so many effects to choose from when using eye shadow. But basics are still good, so here goes. First decide what color family you want your eye shadow to be. Pink and blue are popular as well as neutrals like brown, peach, and cream. From these color group, pick one color as dark as your skin tone (think basic pink), one darker or brighter than your skin tone (think darker mauve or hot pink), and one much lighter than your skin tone (think pale pink). Using an eye shadow sponge apply the darker or brighter shadow along the crease (basically, the dip between lid and brow bone), applying more heavily toward the outer half. Then with the medium shade and an eye shadow brush, dust the lid and smudge the edges of the darker color until things look even. Then wipe the brush off on a towel or piece of toilet paper, and sweep it through the lightest shade. Then sweep the brush along your brow bone to taste. Tweak your shadow as much as you want using our other tips sections.

Bat those lashes, girls! Time to put the finishing touch on your eyes: mascara. Its less versatile but can be the most beautifying of your eye makeup. Start out by, if you wish, curling your eyelashes wish a metal lash curler. Place at the base of your lashes and squeeze gently. Then take your mascara wand, dab the tip off on a towel, and place the brush at the base of your eyelashes, under your lashes. Wiggle the as you push it up through your lashes. Repeat as necessary, focusing on the tips after the first stroke. Coat your bottom lashes as much as you want, but they are less important.

The apple of my... cheek? This is the easiest of all the steps. Get your blush, and with a nice, mid-sized blush brush, lightly brush your cheeks in an upwards motion. Starting at the apple of you cheek, right below the middle of your eye (in most cases), brush outward toward your hairline lifting the brush away from your face as you go. Doing this will focus colored where you first applied it and will blend it outwards to create the desired effect. Use a triangle sponge to blend even more if desired.

Luscious Lips! There are many options when it comes to your lips. Lipstick or lip gloss? Matte lipstick or metallic? Shimmer gloss or shiny? In the end, the only thing that matters is what you like. If you do want to use a liner, I would suggest going with a natural or neutral shade. You can change things up a bit with different colored lipstick or gloss--depending on your mood. If you want something a little more daring, try a liner a shade or 2 darker than your actual lip color. Take the liner in your hand and hold it like you would a normal pencil. With light strokes, draw an outline of your lips starting at the top in the center of your lips and working outwards and down. If needed, lightly stroke the liner on the inside area of your lips to help blend the color so you don?t have such a definite line. If you don't want lipstick then skip this step. Take your lipstick and, again, start in the middle on your top lip and work your way out and down. Rub back and forth until you get the desired amount on your lips and then smack your lips together to ensure uniformity. Top it all off with a nice lightly colored lip gloss. Apply like you would the lipstick blending as you go. Smack your lips together again and check your teeth to make sure you don?t have any smudges.

Written By:
Katie Weaver & Debbie Frantzen
http://www.glitznspritz.com

How To Apply Makeup For Everyday Wear

2009-02-25T00:41:00.001+07:00

One of the questions women most frequently have regarding makeup is how to apply makeup for everyday wear. The key to applying makeup for everyday wear is do so in a way that does not look like you are wearing makeup at all. Everyday makeup applications should apply the principle of subtlety and moderation.

Before starting be sure to wash your face and apply a moisturizer to help your foundation glide on evenly. Choosing the right colors for your eyes is equally as important. Depending on the time of day or the function you are attending will help you decide which types of shades you should be using. Subtlety is very important in how to apply makeup for everyday wear. While special occasions may require a more dramatic look, everyday wear lends itself more to subtle makeup applications that enhance your best features while simultaneously minimizing your undesirable features. For everyday wear you want to apply your makeup in a way that is not obvious but does improve your appearance. Using complementary shades that work well with your skin tones are some of the best ways to create a subtle yet beautiful appearance.

Knowing how to apply makeup for everyday wear also requires the principle of moderation. Again nighttime activities or special occasions may present the opportunity to use an abundance of makeup to create a more dramatic look but this is not attractive if used during inappropriate occasions such as running errands during the day. You may wish to use several products such as mascara, eye liner, eye shadow, lip liner, lipstick and blush but it?s important to not go over the top with any of these products and use it excessively.

Jennifer Puffer is the owner of http://www.ultimate-beauty.com. A successful website focusing on providing information and products on topics that include beauty, skin care, make up, hair, mineral makeup and much more. Jennifer invites you to find more information on makeup application at http://www.ultimate-beauty.com/mineral-makeup.html

Fuller Lips How Lip Enhancement Works

2009-02-20T22:21:00.001+07:00

Aaaahhhhh, fuller, younger looking, pouty lips. Full lips are definitely a sign of ?youth? but what happens to our lips when we begin to mature? Lips become thinner, less attractive and pretty soon, one just might give up wearing lipstick because the top lip virtually disappears, especially when smiling. When this shrinking act is apparent in the mirror, usually vertical lines begin to invade the lips making a mature women look positively ancient.

Women aren?t the only ones who want softer, fuller lips. Men whose lips are thin and hard may portray a steely attitude in the boardroom; however, men with fuller lips look more attractive, boyish and younger.

Lips are soft tissue and as a man or woman begins to mature, volume dissipates which means tissue shrinks.

There are many modalities for revitalizing soft tissue in lips; the old standby ? bovine collagen, Zyderm? and Zyplast? has competition. Restylane?, CosmoDerm? and ComoPlast? (human cadaver collagen), Radiance?, Artecoll? and others have entered the market of ?fillers?. These new fillers do not require skin testing for allergic reactions and they are all injected. The procedure time varies from 3-10 minutes and some patients relate that these types of injections can be painful. These services can be relatively expensive because they?re not permanent fixes and these injections must be repeated every few months to maintain lip fullness. The most common side effect, as with any injection, is redness, bruising and swelling at the injection site that typically last less than three weeks.

A more permanent lip procedure that is widely used is Gortex. Strips of Gortex (threads of foam-like material) are inserted into the lips; the lips do become somewhat larger after the procedure is completed but some users complain that their lips feel hard, not soft and supple. Some of these implants cannot be removed if a problem arises because the lip tissue grows into and around the implant. Possible complications include infection, migration or extrusion of the implants and lip asymmetry is a concern.

Another somewhat permanent solution is fat injections; a patient?s own fat is removed from usually the tummy or buttocks, washed and then re-injected into the lips. While this is probably a fairly safe modality, the fat tends to reabsorb rather quickly, deflating the lips.

Recently over the counter glosses, lipsticks, and other types of topical preparations have been introduced promising fuller, poutier lips with more definition and volume. Many cosmetic companies have jumped on this bandwagon promising the users that their special ingredients will produce full, luscious lips after a few weeks of use. In fact, there have been over 200 new products introduced to the marketplace in the last two years ranging in price from $6.99 to almost $40. Instead of traffic stopping lips, some of these topical products have produced burns, mouth sores and empty pockets.

Some cosmetic companies do use natural components in their formulas but some of the formulas may be misleading. No product can deliver the look of a collagen injection in a topical. How these products work is through the use of an irritating ingredient such as niacin, cinnamon, caffeine or peppermint; these ingredients may cause some temporary swelling via dilation of the blood vessels along with mild inflammation, giving the illusion of fullness. Some preparations require the user to rub the lips briskly for several minutes and this friction results in some degree of temporary swelling.

Many women and men want fuller lips because poutier lips make them feel sexier and more alluring. Consumers are willing to spend a lot of money to have ?the look?; but not everyone agrees that the topicals deliver what they have promised. Dr. Sam Most, Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle asked seven women to use a certain topical whose website says their product increases actual lip volume and contour an average of 40.7 percent; Dr. Most said, ?In subjects who used the product as directed over a long term there was no visible change in the lips.?

Is there an actual difference in using topical applications that promise full, pouty lips or is lipstick and a liner enough? Maybe Yoki Ono, a saleswoman at a Madison Avenue designer boutique, quoted in the NY Times, has the answer: ?You might as well get some extra-spicy Buffalo wings and eat them.?

Or better yet, save yourself a bundle of cash and brush your lips with a baby?s toothbrush and petroleum jelly for about a minute, your lips will be fuller and soft ? guaranteed!

Cynthia is widely recognized as an expert in all natural facial fitness with over thirty years experience in health & beauty related fields. She has appeared on The View, Fit TV, HGTV and other popular shows. This author, speaker and television personality is leading the crusade to keep men and women looking vibrantly younger through natural techniques without spending their children?s inheritance.

Cynthia Rowland, http://www.facialmagic.com

Lip Augmentation The Raw Facts

2009-02-19T10:48:00.001+07:00

Lip augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Last year, approximately 264,000 people underwent lip-plumping surgery. With fuller lips one can create a more youthful, vibrant look. This is primarily achieved through injections and grafting.

Injections: using small needles, the lip is filled with a soft substance to create a fuller appearance. The most widely used substance is collagen, which is found in cow skin. Although purified, collagen can cause allergic reactions in some patients.

A sensitivity test should always be performed prior to the actual procedure. Because the body slowly absorbs the collagen, results usually only last one to three months although the procedure can be repeated as many times as desired.

Fat harvested from other areas of the body - usually the abdomen or thighs - can also be injected into the lips. One great advantage to this procedure is that there is no possibility of an allergic reaction, although as with collagen the results are temporary.

Other injectable lip plumpers include Artecoll, a synthetic material which augments the natural tissue to create long lasting results, Autologen (collagen from the patient's own skin), which also has relative longevity and Dermalogen, which is extracted from the skin of a human donor then screened and processed to prevent the risk of disease.

The effects of the latter are relatively short term and similar to the effects of collagen.

Grafting: under local anaesthesia, material is inserted through incisions made in the inside corners of the mouth. The incisions are then closed with stitches.

Alloderm is a popular human donor material, which is strictly processed to prevent infection. The material is often absorbed, so results are temporary lasting between 6 and 12 months.

A more effective material is Softform, which does not shrink and is never absorbed into the body. Scar tissue forms at each end, keeping it in place. This also makes it easy to remove if it becomes infected.

Fat grafting produces lasting results in about 50% of those who try it. Though it can be reabsorbed by the body in time, this is popular as people are comfortable with the idea of using fat from their own bodies in order to enhance their own lips.

Most lip enhancements take between 30 minutes and two hours to perform. If the patient has no medical problems the procedure is usually on an outpatient basis, allowing them to return home a few hours after surgery.

Topical anaesthesia is generally used before injections so the procedure involves no discomfort. Most people are able to return to their normal routine within two days. Grafts usually involve more pain and a longer recovery period. Local anaesthesia is used in grafting.

Local anaesthesia makes the procedure painless but may lead to discomfort later. Recovery time may take one to two weeks and the patient may experience some problems with drooling. Grafting can also leave lips feeling unusually stiff for up to two to three months.

As with any surgical procedure, there is always a possibility of infection or reaction to anaesthesia.

There are non-surgical options for lip augmentation. One such method can be performed by your dentist. The premise is simple. The structure underneath is enlarged in order to change the appearance of the surface. Teeth support the lips so enlarging the teeth gives the lips a fuller appearance.

Dental lip enhancements are performed in one of two ways; either by changing the shape of one's arch of teeth (or bite) through orthodontics or changing the shape of the front teeth through restorative treatments such as laminate veneers or porcelain crowns. The former treatment is nearly permanent; the latter can last between 5 and 12 years.

Now that you are armed with information relating to cosmetic lip plumping procedures why not learn about some more natural methods that can give you sexier, fuller lips without the potential risks.

J O'Neal guides you through the pros and cons of cosmetic lip enhancement. Learn the facts before you decide on potentially disfiguring cosmetic surgery.Discover more about safe non-surgical lip augmentation tecniques at: lip augmentation

The Why When Where & How of Cosmetic Shopping

2009-02-19T10:38:00.001+07:00

A cosmetic case that won?t zip closed, that basketful of make-up on your bathroom counter, the vanity drawer crammed with products and colors you?re saving just in case. We all have a stockpile of make-up that is either impractical, a little too glitzy or just plain old. You don?t need to stockpile your cosmetics. In fact, you really shouldn?t for a few very good reasons.

WHY?

Your beauty supplies may not be marked with a specified shelf life, but they have one. Write purchase or throw away date on bottom new products with a permanent marker. Old products are not safe, do not wear correctly and subtle changes in color may occur.

Cleansers/Moisturizers - good for six months.

Foundation - six month shelf life if applied with fingertips, one year if applied with a sponge.

Lipstick - one year.

Eye and Lip Pencils - one year.

Powders and stick concealers - one year.

Eye shadow and blush - two years.

Mascara - good for three months

WHEN?

Shop when seasons change - new season, new colors ? when products have gotten old, and when things are on sale. Keep an eye on those pharmacy and department store circulars. You can find great deals if you're a smart shopper.

WHERE?

Local pharmacy/health and beauty chains are convenient and inexpensive. Shop sales, sometimes you can even buy two items for the price of one. Department stores with high end products and trained cosmetologists often have giveaways.

Look for in-store banners. Some product lines will even mail you invitations/reminders for sales. A purchase as small as lipstick may get you a goodie bag full of trial and even full size products. If you shop during bonus events, you'll get your money?s worth.

Independent Beauty Consultants are in everywhere. There are good products available, but be prepared. These sales people are often friends and it?s hard to say no when a friend must meet a sales quota. If you can stick to buying only what you need, this is a great way to get individualized service in the comfort of your own home.

On-line beauty catalogs may save you a lot of money. But you need to do your research first. Only purchase make-up that you have used in the past. Orange pancake foundation is still orange and thick, even if it was on sale. HOW?

Carefully and with an honest friend at your side. Take someone with you who has your best interests at heart. Trust your friend?s opinions, and don?t get upset if she tells you not to buy that gold shimmer lip gloss.

There are many, many ways to look great and not spend too much... develop your own unique personal style.

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http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

How Much Does Plastic Surgery Cost? Breaking It Down

2009-02-19T10:26:00.001+07:00

Plastic surgery costs can vary widely from one surgeon to another. Several factors govern the cost of a particular plastic surgery procedure. A couple of major factors include the surgeon?s expertise and experience, and the length and complexity of the procedure. Moreover, the cost may vary from one clinical setting to another. A surgeon owning a state of the art clinic and wielding advanced equipment would charge more for a particular procedure, in order to cover the cost of his/her investments. The same procedure if carried out at a fairly average clinical facility might incur a significantly lower expense.

Whatever the cost, it should be disclosed and settled upon prior to the surgery. Some medical facilities tout attractive bargains, concealing certain costs in order to dupe prospective clients. Therefore, the patient must ensure that the cost agreed to covers the surgery, anesthesia, post-operative exams, and corrective procedures if required. The patient must also make sure that the surgeon has a provision for post-operative care. Plastic surgery costs are typically not covered by insurance unless the surgical procedure is regarded as a reconstructive procedure. However, several finance schemes are available, which allow the patient to pay the costs in easy installments.

At the advent of plastic surgery, the procedure was the preserve of the affluent few, since the costs were simply overwhelming. However, with advances in technology, plastic surgery procedures are now almost ubiquitous. This has significantly reduced the expenses, and made plastic surgery accessible to the populace. The costs depend on the particular plastic surgery procedure performed, and may vary between $1,500 and $8,000. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery?s most recent (2003) estimates, average expense incurred for a few major procedures is as follows:

- Breast Augmentation - $3,360
- Breast Lift - $3,965
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) - $4,827
- Breast Reduction (women) - $5,351
- Facelift - $5,966
- Lower Body Lift - $7,874
- Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) - $3,869

Nicola publishes an informational site about liposuction surgery, with articles and news, tips and views to help you make the correct choice about Liposuction Surgery at http://lipo.plastic-surgery-info.net

Simple Home Based Tips to Protect and Care for Your Eyes Lips and Hair

2009-02-19T01:12:00.001+07:00

Eye Care

1. Avoid looking directly into bright objects with naked eyes. For example sun, bright lights, lightning etc.
2. Do not strain your eyes too much while stitching or doing embroidery work or knitting.
3. Do not sit with your head bent for too long.
4. Limit your television viewing time as this affects the eyes.
5. Sleeping late at nights and sleeping too long during the day also causes swelling of eyes.
6. Do not read very fine prints at a stretch for too long. It strains the eyes.
7. Always read wherever there is proper lighting.
8. Avoid tension and stress as this causes dark circles around the eyes.
9. Avoid places where there is lot of dust or mud. It irritates the eyes.
10. Do not wash your eyes with hot water and never use hot water on the head while bathing as it affects the eyes.
11. Every morning wash your eyes with water. Take a bowl of water and dip your eyes into it. It is always good to wash your eyes occasionally with cold water.
12. Put salt in lukewarm water and use this to wash your eyes at night. This remedy cures a lot of eye ailments.
13. Dip cotton in rosewater or milk or almond oil and keep it on the eyes to soothe tired eyes.

Lip Care

1. Eat nutritious foods for healthy lips.
2. Avoid sun and smoking.
3. Avoid biting lips as it causes the lips to swell.
4. Apply tomato paste and milk cream for soft lips.
5. Apply mixture of rose petals and milk cream to preserve the red color of lips.
6. Applying almond paste adds glow to lips

Hair Care

1. Indian gooseberry powder mixed with water is good for hair. It makes the hair dark, lustrous and shiny.
2. Use of reetha powder is good for dandruff.
3. For falling hair, use paste of lemon leaves and apply to hair.
4. For long lustrous hair, use Indian gooseberry, Reetha and Shikakai powders for washing hair.
5. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight. Use the water in which it is soaked for massaging your scalp in the morning. Wash your hair after half an hour.
6. Once a week massage your scalp with curds. Leave for some time. Then wash off. It strengthens your hair and also adds shine to it.
7. Never backcomb your hair.
8. Never comb wet hair.
9. Do not rub hard with a towel to dry hair. It causes hair fall.

Kevin Pederson is the webmaster of http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com Natural Home Remedies: http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com

The 5 Most Common Makeup Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

2009-02-17T18:30:00.001+07:00

Orange face, white neck. Brown neck, pink face. We all know someone with no perception of how her make-up really looks on her own face. She?s sweet, really sweet. But she?s a joke in your circle of friends. Oh, no. It isn?t you, is it?

Well, even if you don?t wear ?clown makeup,? chances are you're making some mistakes with your makeup. Take stock to be sure that you don't fall into any of the makeup traps below.

Mismatched Foundation

Your foundation should not be a different color from the rest of your body. Really, it shouldn?t. This is an easy problem to fix. March yourself down to the make-up counter at your favorite department store and let the salesperson do her job. It?s her job, after all. Don?t be intimidated, you don?t need to buy the whole product line.

Blue Eye shadow

Blue eye shadow works for some people. Little girls in dance recitals. Guests at 1970s-themed parties. Ethereal looking supermodels. If you aren't one of the aforementioned people then don?t wear it. Enough said.

Dark Circles Under Eyes/Obvious Under Eye Concealer

This is a chicken or egg problem. You?re right, the circles aren?t great. But neither are orange crescents under your eyes. Play around with a few shades of concealer to see what really works best for you.

Different products work differently on different people. Just because one brand works for your friend, doesn?t mean it?ll be flattering on you. Make sure you?re getting enough sleep and talk to your doctor. Sometimes those circles are a sign of allergies or a vitamin deficiency.

Obvious Lip liner

This is a look. It?s just not a flattering one. Lip liner is intended to add dimension to thin or small lips, to lengthen the wear of your lip color and to prevent your lipstick from ?bleeding? onto your face. It is not intended to create a visible outline.

Inferior products in your dressing area

Most of us are not starlets with dressing rooms and make-up artists at our disposal. But that doesn?t mean we don?t deserve to look like starlets with dressing rooms and make-up artists. Invest in good lighting around your vanity. Stock it with quality make-up brushes and limit your make-up collection to products you'll actually use. That way, your budget can be used to buy better cosmetics.

You?re worth it

Add a couple of extra minutes, a wee bit more effort and a little money into your daily makeup routine. It?s not vain to spend a few dollars on or a few minutes at your vanity. Put on your prettiest smile, bat your beautiful lashes and show the world that you like who you are.

Put your best face forward... you don't have to hide behind crow's feet and lip lines...

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http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

Makeup Tips for Eyes Lips and Face

2009-02-17T18:10:00.001+07:00

When I hit my 30's, I decided to get more serious about skin care and makeup. I've become a regular at Department Store 'Bonus Days', when you buy an item and get a bunch of samples for free! Cosmetics and makeup can be fun, easy and inexpensive if you follow these tips!

Your Eyes:

1. For great looking eyes make sure to use powder shadows for a natural look and a eyeliner pencil for drama at night. Make sure the liner has a smudge tip at one end to get that smoky eye look. Only line the top of the eye is you're looking tired. You don't want to bring more attention to dark circles under the eyes. Neutral tones with a hint of color are flattering on everybody.

2. For sheen on the eyelids, dab a bit of Vaseline for a pretty reflective quality, as well as moisture.

3. Open up the eye with a gold/beige shimmery high lighter onto the brow bone.

4. Don't throw away cash on an expensive eye makeup remover! Find a pretty glass bottle and fill it with baby shampoo.

5. If your cream eye shadow dries out, use a few drops of water or mineral oil to soften it up again.

5. Potatoes, like cucumbers, will reduce the appearance of dark, under-eye circles.

Your Lips:

1. Use blush as a lipstick, then use clear gloss or lip balm over it. Longer staying power.

2. Natural ingredients have been used for centuries as makeup: apply beet juice to lips and cheeks as a stain,or mix it with melted bees wax to make your own lip balm! Cayenne pepper can plump the lips, but use with caution!

3. Use eye makeup remover to treat super dry, chapped lips. It's a great nighttime lip treatment!

Your Face:

1. For a longer lasting foundation try a product with silicone. The silicone creates a sweat-proof and smudge resistant second skin. For me, I find it helps with my rosacea because the live yeast extract has healing powers.

2. A powder bronzer under blush can really even out skin tone. I dab my brush in the bronzer, then into the blush and lightly cover my whole face.

3. For a new bronzer, use a foundation that is two to three shades darker than your skin tone and apply where you would use your bronzer. In a pinch you could use a brown eye shadow.

4. Papaya mixed with plain yogurt into a paste makes a great exfoliating mask for all skin types!

5. Use an egg white mask for a quick fix for diminishing the appearance of pores.

Jane Arnold is a freelance writer and part-time beauty buff. You can get more health and beauty tips at her website at: http://www.girlyside.com/girlyside.html The website is a girl's guide to health, beauty, love and leisure. Sign up for the free newsletter at http://www.girlyside.com/newsletter.html

Eliminate Fever Blisters or Cold Sores Without Medicine

2009-02-15T16:48:00.000+07:00

A fever blister or cold sore is a fluid-filled, painful blister.

The infection from the virus erupts as small painful blisters on the usually on the outside of your lips, or the mouth area.

Fever Blisters can form on other parts of your body such as on your fingers. This is quite uncommon, but it does happen. At one time, my mother-in-law had one on her ear.

Oral herpes, or Herpes Simplex virus, is very common. More than 60% of Americans have had a fever blister or cold sore at one time or another, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, and 25% reoccur. Canker sores or ?mouth ulcers? are also a form of the virus.

The herpes virus can be spread to anyone by direct contact. A person is most contagious when the blister first appears and when the scab forms at the end. So, be sure to always wash your hands.

There are several causes that seem to bring on a fever blister/cold sore. Exposure to the sun, especially for several hours, always triggered a fever blister for me growing up.

I learned, the hard way, to always wear sunscreen on my lips while out in the sun for long periods of time.

Also stress, an illness such as a cold, certain types of diet, a fever or during a woman?s menstruation can cause an outbreak.

A fever blister starts out as a tender, tingling or burning sensation on your lip, or other area affected. (On my finger I could see tiny blistery circles under the skin that were very tender) Within a day or two a small blister will develop that grows larger, as did with my finger, and sometimes spreads. The puffy fluid-filled blister will be tender, very sore and embarrassing, too.

Let?s look at some Home Remedies that you can use to get rid of those awful fever blisters:

When you first feel the tenderness, a tingle or twinge on your lip hold a piece of ice, wrapped in a cloth, on the spot for as long as you can stand it. Repeat process several times a day. The ice will deaden the oncoming blister, which will prevent it from blistering up. It must be applied when tenderness is first noticed or it won?t help.

If a blister does appear break off a leaf from an Aloe Vera plant and rub the liquid gel to the blister. It smells nasty, but works wonders! Apply the Aloe Vera several times a day especially at night before bed. Your fever blister will dry up and go away within a few days. Make sure you keep a plant around the house. It?s easy to grow and works great for many problems.

Tea tree oil can be applied to the blister which should help it go away within a few days.

I can't say enough about using Aloe Vera because for me, it is the BEST treatment. It works for me every time, even on those ugly blisters that appeared on my fingers. Hopefully it will work for you, too.

Hang in there, I know your fever blister(s) hurt, but they will go away and remember; they are contagious!

Be sure to check out Aloe Vera...The Healing Plant or Fever Blisters or Cold Sores for more home remedies.

Perfect Lips

2009-02-14T00:51:00.001+07:00

Nothing impresses your friends more than a perfect lip line, because it is the hardest makeup application to do.To get it, avoid applying the lip pencil too heavily, which will be difficult to blend and soften into the lipstick. Keeping your mouth closed lightly trace the lip line with the lip pencil so it can barely be seen, but can be used as a guide line.

Hold the brush horizontally to trace along the lip line, and do a little bit at a time, backing up and going over it again. Don't try to get the whole line in one stroke. The best lip brush is a sable with a slightly tapered edge, not straight one.

This provides more control and a cleaner line.If you are really pressed for time, apply lipstick only on the bottom lip and press your lips together. Then, blend out to the lip line with the edge of a lip brush, not the tip, for a precise line, or use a dampened cotton swab for a soft, natural lip line.

When finished, instead of blotting the lips by biting a tissue, lay the tissue across both lips while your mouth is closed. This will imprint your lips, including the edges of the mouth where lipstick usually bleeds. Perfect!

Mina Dimakis-Lev
BeautyImagebyMina.com

Plastic Surgery: Do The Risks Matter Or Are The Benefits More Important?

2009-02-12T00:15:00.000+07:00

Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery, as the name suggests, is performed for aesthetic reasons. Although certain medical conditions might suggest the need for reconstructive plastic surgery, aesthetic plastic surgery is primarily carried out to alter and beautify features that the patient finds unappealing. While some people go in for aesthetic surgery to defy the signs of aging, others do so as they crave for a celebrity look.

Cosmetic surgery appears to be the most prevalent modern way of personal enhancement. Evidence of this lies in the fact that millions of aesthetic surgery procedures are performed worldwide on an annual basis. And the inherent risks hardly boggle a prospective patient, since the desire to improve appearance is rather unyielding.

Aesthetic surgery, like any other surgical procedure, has possible risks and complications. These may include, but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. However, such complications are a rarity, and can be further eliminated if the procedure is performed by an expert aesthetic plastic surgeon. Moreover, it is imperative that the patient heeds to the advice of the surgeon, on both pre-operative and post-operative care.

As increasing numbers of people line up for aesthetic surgery, a debate rages whether the procedure is worthy enough of the risks involved. People that hold a dissenting opinion argue that meddling with the natural aspects of beauty is not appropriate and, moreover, opting for a risky surgical procedure for mere beautification purposes is not justifiable. However, aesthetic plastic surgery continues to grow in popularity, as people seek to erase signs of aging, rare blemishes on skin, and beautify features that they find unattractive.

As long as the aesthetics govern our choices in a plethora of ways, the popularity of cosmetic surgery will never die down. With much safer and constantly emerging advanced technology equipment at cosmetic surgeons? disposal, there is no looking back for aesthetic surgery.

Nicola publishes an informational site about eyelid surgery, with articles and news, tips and views to help you make the correct choice about Eyelid Surgery and Blepharoplasty at http://eyelid.plastic-surgery-info.net

Full Lips Are Still Hot!

2009-02-12T00:10:00.000+07:00

Full, pouty, sensual lips are in the news. And it?s all the same news; i.e. three young, hopeful women trying several topical items hoping they will see noticeable changes in the plumpness of their lips. In truth, the results are so temporary; the user will never experience any substantial lip pouting.

Lips are soft tissue; they easily lose hydration and shrink when men and women reach a certain age. The area surrounding the lips is muscle. As the orbicularis orris muscle shrinks due to atrophy and no exercise, the lips begin to implode. They appear smaller because they are affected by the collapse of the mouth muscle into the soft tissue.

After a while, the lips look dormant; they become thinner and usually lose their well-accentuated borders and contours. Likely, small lines will invade the area where the border was once prominent. Women see little lines that disturb their lipstick and liner; lip putties and topical preparations will slightly help to ?fill in the cracks? but these are only temporary.

Many women and some men will try soft tissue augmentation to enhance their lips. There are many injected types of filler offered by physicians; these, too, are temporary and may cause discoloration, lopsidedness and swelling.

Some fillers are human derived (cadaver material!); some are animal and non-animal sources. These materials are ?purified? before use then dehydrated, re-hydrated and then either injected or pulled through tunnels underneath the lip. Does that sound scary? These methods and modalities will have to be repeated over and over again for the user to maintain the enhancement.

So how does one enlarge the lips without pain, recovery time and expense? If you are serious about protecting your lips, your face, here is a proven exercise to give new life to your mouth:

While standing in front of a mirror, put the heels of both hands together. Place your thumbs in your mouth in a ?V? position. Push the lip muscle outward without creating any lines around the mouth or lip area. The entire upper lip surface should be smooth and oval. Compress the upper lip muscles against your thumbs and hold for a count of five seconds. Remove your thumbs, take a deep breath, exhale and repeat the above movement for 10 seconds. Again, remove your thumbs, take a deep breath and exhale. Repeat the above movement twice for another twenty seconds.

Stand back and look at your face?keep it still and relaxed while you experience the rush of oxygenated blood and strength to your upper lip. Watch closely as your mouth corners turn upward?and your lips feel fuller, now marvel at the new, appealing you.

Cynthia is widely recognized as an expert in natural facial fitness and has appeared on ABC?s popular morning TV show The View, Fit TV, KTLA Morning Show and Good Day L.A. This author, speaker and television personality is leading the crusade to keep men and women looking vibrantly younger. ?When You Use Facial Magic it Shows? http://www.facialmagic.com

Six "Sexy Lips" Tips

2009-02-10T23:51:00.001+07:00

Full, soft, inviting lips. Want them? We all do, and now we all can have them. Here?s the kiss and tell on luscious lips.

#1 Hands off. Let?s start simple, with a line you may have heard in your youth. Mom always told you and so will we ? stop biting and licking your lips. It smears your color and irritates your lips. Keep utensils and pens away from your lips. It?ll keep your pucker pretty and keep lipstick off your teeth.

#2 Hydrate yourself inside and out. Water, water, everywhere. Be sure to drink your share. You know you need to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Here?s another reason to do it. Water is vital to tissue health.

#3 Protect your lips from wind and sun damage. Always wear lip balm with a SPF of 15 or higher. Always. And, don?t forget your lip balm. It moisturizes your lips and serves as a base for your lip color. Wear it in place of lip color on no make-up days. Worn under your lipstick, it?ll even help extend the life of your color.

#4 Lip liner can be a lifesaver. Lip liner serves two main purposes. It solves size and shape problems. It reins in your color. Thin lips? Following the lip line, outline your natural lip shape slightly beyond the edge of your lip. Thick lips? Lucky you. If you think they?re too thick (is there really such a thing?), try the opposite. Following your lip line, outline your natural lip shape just inside the edge of your lip.

Lining your lips helps keep your lip color from seeping out to the skin around your mouth. So, if your lipstick seems to migrate, then lip liner can keep it in place. One caveat to using lip liner: Your lip liner should not actually be visible once your lipstick is applied. So, choose your lip liner carefully. If the world sees an outline around your mouth, you?re using the wrong liner.

#5 Lip color sends a message. The color you choose says something about how you view yourself and how you want others to view you. What does your favorite lip color say?

Pale pink: pretty and sweet.
Red: chic or daring.
Coral: fiery and adventurous.
Brown tones: classic and timeless.

In fact, browns are a universally great choice. Every mouth can wear brown.

#6 Get glossy. Lip gloss is not just for teens. A little gloss worn on low-key days brightens up your face. Lip gloss applied over your daytime makeup transforms you into a party girl. Lip gloss dotted just in the center of your lips creates a pouty look.

Your lips are ready? are you? You?ve pampered, primed, lined and colored yourself all the way to a perfect pair of lips. So pucker up ?

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http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

Cosmetic Surgery And Reconstructive Surgery What Are The Differences?

2009-02-10T23:48:00.001+07:00

Plastic surgery includes two broad fields, namely cosmetic (or aesthetic) and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is performed to enhance the appearance of a person, who finds his/her body parts, though otherwise fully functional, to be unattractive. Thus cosmetic surgery is performed with a purely aesthetic intent. On the other hand, reconstructive surgery focuses on concealing the destructive effects of trauma, disease or accident. That is, it strives to improve function and impart a standard look so the patient may lead a normal life.

Reconstructive surgery is a way of veiling defects by using skin implants and tissue flaps. Either local tissue is used or tissue is transferred from another part to the problem area. Reconstructive tissue flaps comprise of skin, muscle, fat, bone or a combination of these elements. The most common reconstructive surgery is to cover the defects of burn survivors and other accident victims.

Another common reconstructive surgery is breast reconstruction for women who have had mastectomy ? surgical removal of one or both breasts, either partially or completely. Mastectomy is performed to combat breast cancer, or to circumvent the disease if a woman is at a high risk of acquiring it. Rhinoplasty may also be considered as a reconstructive procedure if the extent of damage to the nose cartilage and bone is rather grave. In such a case, tissue is moved from another body part and grafted in the damaged area.

One of the most prevalent uses of reconstructive surgery can be found in the field of professional contact sports. Players are likely to suffer injuries during vigorous contact sports, and such injuries can only be treated by reconstructive surgery. Though rare, sexual reassignment surgery is another example of reconstructive surgery. There is a certain gray area between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and distinguishing one from another can be confusing at times. But in a gist, reconstructive surgery is usually performed to correct an abnormality, and not to enhance an otherwise normal appearance.

Lip Tips

2009-02-10T23:45:00.001+07:00

Nice lips are every woman?s wish but as we get older some things grow and some things shrink, and never in the order we wish. Your lips are going to get smaller and thinner. Now stop! It?s not the end of the world. There are plenty of things you can do to make your lips look fuller.

If you?ve got a really big pocket book you can have collagen injections but if you are like most of us and can?t quite afford to go that route don?t worry there are lots of makeup artist tricks that will have give you the illusion of larger pouty sexy lips.

Lipstick always looks best when your lips are nice and smooth. To keep your lips smooth exfoliate them and always wear some type of lip balm when not wearing lipstick.

Start by applying lip liner to define the shape of your lips and make them larger. By the way you can use it to make your lips look smaller too. Make sure your lip pencil is nice and sharp so as to create a very narrow line.

Outline your lips with the liner then fill in between with your lipstick. The liner will also stop your lipstick from bleeding through. Never draw fake lips, always stay within the natural lines of your lips.

Start at the v in your lips with short strokes then outline the rest of your lips then fill with your lip liner. Now apply your lipstick, blot, then reapply. If you want your lips to look fuller you need to apply a lighter shade in the center of your lips.

A matte lipstick will last longer than any other type of lipstick but it is drying. A gloss lipstick will make your lips look fuller. Sheer lipstick doesn?t last very long at all.

Neutral shades will match everything while a medium color will make your lips look bigger. The moisture the lipstick the more likely it is to bleed.

When buying lip balms makes sure they have SPF protection. Some lipsticks also have SPF protection. It?s a good idea to use it all the time if possible.

See with a few little make up artist tricks you?ll have beautiful lips all day long!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.