Important Reasons Why Replace Your Makeup

There are lots of reasons you need to replace your makeup on a pretty regular basis, and here are the most important ones.

1. Grainy, Thick Foundation
After half a year or so, liquid foundations and other types of liquid concealers
have a tendency to get thick. They get those weird bubbles and they no longer go on smoothly. Some of them can even take on an odor, and you simply do not want to be wearing that on your face.

2. Bacterial Blues
In reference to my little eye problem, anything that goes on your eyes should ideally be replaced between three and six months. This especially applies to eyeliner and mascara. If you really cannot bring yourself to replace your mascara, then try to wash the brush itself in hot water every couple of months. That can also make your mascara go on smoothly again.


3. Germ Carriers
Every makeup brush can carry germs. If you use the brushes and puffs that come with your blush, eyeshadow, or powder, then often it can be easier just to replace the product. However, a lot of people use their own brushes. In that case, just make sure you clean them regularly.


4. liquid eyeliner
If you use a liquid eyeliner
, it is even more important to be vigilant. That carries more germs than a pencil. You shouldn’t even go six months before replacing liquid liner. Do so every three months at least, so you aren’t putting your health in jeopardy. It’s easy to get pink eye
when you don’t


5. Lipstick
Here’s some good news: a lot of people worry that lipstick and gloss is like eyeliner, and needs to be replaced. However, if you aren’t sharing it around with all your friends, you’re safe for about a year. That being said, if you get sick or have a cold sore or something like that, it’s a good idea to replace your lip color earlier.

6. Sponging
A lot of people don’t realize this, but makeup artists
and other experts are adamant about never using your makeup sponge more than once. Doing so can spread all kinds of bacteria. Since sponges are relatively inexpensive, if you use them, make sure you pluck out a new one every time you apply your makeup.

7. That’s Sick
Any time you are seriously sick, you may want to overhaul your makeup. At the very least, you should get rid of “susceptible products,” especially if you are sick with a bacterial based infection. That most often means you will want to toss your mascara and eyeliner first.

The Advantages and Risks of Botox For Wrinkles

If you've ever fretted over fine lines or deep wrinkles, you may have wondered if Botox just might be the solution. This cosmetic procedure has become increasingly common in recent years, with some patients even hosting "Botox parties" to share the experience with friends and family. Is this procedure really right for you? Before you can decide, you need to consider your own needs as well as some of the possible advantages of using Botox to revitalize your looks.

Reasons To Try botox

As we age, the effects of time, gravity and stress begin to show on our faces and bodies. Skin begins to lose its elasticity, leading to facial lines and wrinkles. Some of the most common problem areas include the areas on the forehead, around the eyes and around the mouth. Botox is actually a bacterium-based toxin derived from botulinum toxin type A. While it can be dangerous or fatal in a pure state, its use in Botox helps relax facial muscles and smooth lines.

So why do so many people opt for this treatment? In addition to smoothing out current lines and wrinkles, regular use of Botox can also help prevent future facial lines. Every time you raise your eyebrows, squint your eyes or frown, your facial muscles create skin wrinkling. Over time, these wrinkles can become permanent. By relaxing muscles with Botox, these creases become less prominent and less likely to develop into much deeper wrinkles.
 
The Advantages of Using Botox

With so many different cosmetic solutions available today, why should you consider using Botox to revitalize your looks and rejuvenate your face? While your decision will ultimately depend upon your own unique needs and goals, there are a number of benefits that make Botox an ideal solution. The greatest advantage of this treatment is its ability to take years off of your appearance. Even small lines can make you look older, but Botox can reduce or even eliminate these minor lines and wrinkles.

Another major advantage of Botox is that it is nonsurgical. Many treatments for aging skin require major surgeries and long recovery times. Botox treatments typically take less than an hour to complete, often requiring less than 10 minutes for the actual injection process. Additionally, patients begin to see noticeable improvements in just a few days time. In comparison, a facelift surgery may require months of recovery before the full effects become noticeable.

Botox treatments typically last four to five months. If you have deep lines and sagging skin, you might instead opt for a more invasive facial plastic surgery. Before you decide if this option is right for you, it's important to discuss your plastic surgery concerns with a qualified cosmetic plastic surgery doctor.

 
The Disadvantages Of Using Botox
However it has its disadvantages, botox for wrinkles is not a long term solution, its results may last for up to 6 months and then you will need another botox treatment. Also the more treatments for botox you get, your skin will become immune to the treatment thus producing less results.

Is important to consult your dermatologist before making a decision, to make sure that you are in the condition necessary to undergo for this type of treatment.

There are many other treatments such as laser resurfacing, radio wave frequency, chemical peels, face lifts, etc. Botox have shown to be effective although it can be expensive for many people.

How to Naturally Brighten your Teeth

An average dental office visit to have your teeth whiten can cost around $300 or more while you can expect to pay $50 or more for a good on the market teeth whitener kit and even though the chemicals used in these products are said to be safe, they’re certainly not natural. Brightening your teeth naturally is less expensive and a much safer alternative to the above options.

If you’re really concerned about stained teeth you should limit your intake on foods and drinks that can leave stains on your teeth. Berries, tea and coffee are all guilty of leaving dark stains on teeth. If you must have these, brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking them. Smoking is another big culprit for staining teeth. You can limit your intake on this, but you’re better off just giving it up if you can.

 

If you’d prefer something a little more convenient, there are natural teeth-whitening toothpastes on the market. Be sure to read the labels, however. Products that are labeled natural should only contain herbs and minerals. Avoid those that contain aspartame or other “unnatural ingredients.” You can find natural teeth-whitening toothpastes at your natural health store and some local and discount stores that carry dental care products.

Strawberries contain an enzyme that actually whitens your teeth. To Use: Mash a strawberry and rub onto your teeth using your fingers. Rinse and then floss to remove the seeds.

Baking soda has been used for years to help brighten teeth. To Use: Dip your toothbrush into a small amount of baking soda and brush teeth thoroughly. Brushing with baking soda after ever meal can whiten your teeth in about two months. To remove stains a little more effectively, you can add a little salt with the baking soda.

Using hydrogen peroxide when brushing your teeth has also been known to whiten. To Use: Dip your toothbrush in a small amount of the peroxide and brush thoroughly. Rinse with water after brushing and with regular use, you should see results in a few months.

A combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is said to be one of the best home remedies for whitening teeth. To Use: Add a few drops of peroxide to a teaspoon of baking soda to make a paste. Brush thoroughly with the paste and rinse afterwards with water.

Lemon Juice contains a natural bleaching agent that can whiten teeth. To Use: Mix lemon juice and a teaspoon of salt to make a paste. Brush with the paste and rinse thoroughly afterwards with water.   For a more effective combination you can mix a paste of baking soda and lemon juice together instead of the salt.

Although not too tasty, a combination of apple cider vinegar and baking soda makes a good whitener as well. To Use: Mix apple cider with a teaspoon of baking soda to form a paste. Brush with the paste and rinse thoroughly with water, afterwards.

Orange peels and bay leaves can brighten teeth. To Use: Grind bay leaves and orange peel together and then dip your toothbrush in the mixture. Brush thoroughly and rinse with water afterwards. Rubbing the inner side of an orange peel over teeth can whiten teeth as well.

Crunchy foods like apples, celery, carrots and broccoli are naturally abrasive and act as a whitener when eaten regularly.

While the above are all natural remedies for brightening your teeth, please keep in mind that as with any product, over-use of these ingredients can eventually cause damage to your teeth and gums. Use them on a regular basis, but you them in moderation.
 

Skin and Body Care In Winters

 Changes in weather conditions in winters and summers can be hard on the skin. The dry and cold air in winter can drain essential moisture from the skin, making it look capped and dry. Follow these tips to maintain your skin healthy in winters.

Skin Care Tips in Winters

Use SPF sunscreen on face, neck and all visible parts of body when going out during winters.

Do not take excessive long and hot showers as this will deplete the natural skin moisturizer.

Keep your skin nourish by using good quality cleansing cream and mositurizer and wear warm clothes that does not create any iching sensation on the skin.

An ancient Chinese herbal remedy for detoxification during winter is drinking a glass of hot water with lemon. This cleanses the liver and gall bladder and the body cleans blood faster, thus toxins responsible for bad skin are eliminated.

Drink adequate water, say 12 glasses a day.

Take proper sleep.

Vitamins for Healthy Skin

Apart from using makeup for looking good, a healthy diet is also essential. A nutritious, full of vitamins, balanced diet is not only a delicious way to eat - it can work wonders for your skin. A healthy diet means diet contains lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, fibre rich, low in fats and low in added sugar and salts that provides your skin all the required vitamins and minerals for proper functioning.
Vitamins Checklist for Healthy Skin

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for growth and repair of certain skin tissues. Its deficiency can cause dryness, itching and loss of skin elasticity. Foods like carrots, spinach, broccoli and apricots are good sources of vitamin A.
Eating for a Beautiful Healthy Skin

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is need for collagen production to help keep the skin firm. It is found in strawberries, citrus fruits, cabbage and tomatoes.

Vitamin E
It is an anti-oxidant vitamin that neutralizes free radicals - highly reactive molecules that can cause ageing. Vitamin E is found in foods like almonds, hazelnuts and wheat germ.

Vitamin B Complex
This vitamin is necessary to maintain a healthy skin tone and helpful in treatment of stress and acne. Wholegrain cereals including bread are an excellent source of B vitamins and also provide fibre needed by skin to stay healthy.

Zinc
Zinc works with vitamin A in the making of collagen and elastin which are the fibres that give your skin its strength, elasticity and firmness. Shellfish, wholegrains, milk and cheese are some good sources of zinc.

These are some of the essentials that your skin needs to keep your skin in healthy tip-top condition. However, the most important element is water. You should drink atleast two litres of water a day to keep your body healthy and skin clear.

10 Basic Principle for Buying The Best Perfume

Scent of a woman or for that matter any human being is unique owing to his or her unique body chemistry and pH balance. Consequently, fragile notes of a perfume interact with this human scent and create an individual scent for people. When you chose your perfume, you should remember this basic principle and then something that best defines your persona.
Here are some guidelines that can help you choose your perfume:

 

Here are some guidelines that can help you choose your perfume:

  

1* All perfumes have three notes - top note that evaporates first, middle note that develops a little later and finally the base which is the true scent. Choose sheer top notes.
 

2 * Focus on your favorite smells and take the help of the salesperson. Don't be hesitant to give a list of your favorites even if they include things like 'wet earth', 'rainforests' and so on. Every clue you give will point the salesperson in the direction of the perfume class you prefer - fruity, floral, woody and so on.
   

3* Don't try more than two scents at a time; you simply won't be able to make a judgment. Spray a spot and don't rub it, you will spoil the composition. Wait for ten minutes allowing the base note to develop and then make the purchase. Sometimes the base note can take hours to develop. It is a good idea to get a sample and make the purchase the next day, especially if you are buying an expensive perfume. Remember that perfume is an investment into your personality.
 

 4* Don't buy a perfume simply because it is the launch of the season. Check it and see if it really appeals you. After all, you have to walk around with it the whole day. You buy perfumes for yourself and not for people. Any perfume that satisfies you will reflect well with your personality.
 

5 * Expect a perfume to last about three years from the date it was bottled. Never store your perfume bottle where it is exposed to high temperature (near hot baths) or direct sunlight. In fact, colognes and eau de toilette should be stored in the refrigerator to increase their shelf lives.
   

6* You don't have to wear a perfume like a uniform! Try different brands and class of scents. You can use different smells for different times of the day or year. After all, you do have summer and winter wardrobe!

7 * When choosing a perfume you must also remember the climate of the locale. Warm humid conditions will intensify a fragrance, making it cloistering. It is wise to choose lighter scents in such conditions and apply them more often. Keep in mind one thing: heat helps the scents to evaporate sooner and cool weather strengthens scents.

8* A scent is worth the pleasure it gives, not the money it costs. Be judicious.
 

9* Never buy perfume when you are in transitory phase like pregnancy. The body will be undergoing immense hormonal changes, which affect your sensory perceptions, especially olfactory perceptions.
   

10* Ask for a wrapped package when you make your purchase.

8 Methods For Smooth, Sexy Legs

Legs do more than hold us up. Sleek stems can also stop traffic and turn heads! It’s never too late to get those gams ready for a skin-baring debut, even in the chilly winter months. After all, you’re not going to wear snow pants to a holiday party, are you? Here are a few tips for getting a leg up, no matter the season...

1. Shaving
Certainly the easiest, quickest and cheapest method. Obviously it doesn't last long, but razors are cheap enough (just don't buy really cheap ones, and it's best to shave in the shower). Or get yourself an electric shaver.


2. Waxing
It's a good method though for summer and holidays "“ just make sure that you allow enough time for any redness to settle down. Don't have your legs waxed the day before a big event!


3. Sugaring
This is a very old technique similar to waxing. As the name suggests, sugaring is done with a paste made of sugar and lemon juice. You can buy commercial products or make your own (pretty cheap).you can use cotton strips or just pull the paste off.



4. Plucking (or Tweezing)
Unless you're very patient, this is only good for very small areas. If you're worried about getting a good shape for your eyebrows, use a stencil or draw the shape you want with an eyebrow pencil and work around it. Contrary to popular belief, you can pluck hairs from moles and it will not cause them to turn cancerous.


5. Laser
The most permanent option of all, and therefore the most expensive. It works best on people with lighter skins and darker hair. Each area will need a number of sessions. It is important to note that, contrary to what many believe, laser removal is not permanent, although it will reduce the amount and thickness of hair by a very high percentage. Also, avoid home lasers.


6. Creams
If you want to try one, do remember to buy a product intended for the area you want to defuzz, and to do a patch test beforehand.

7. Threading
This ancient Indian technique uses a simple length of cotton thread to remove facial hair and tidy up eyebrows. I would recommend it depending on your pain threshold.


8. Epilation
Epilators pull out the hair, rather than cut them, as in shaving. It's recommended that the first time you use it is after waxing, as it will be less painful. After that you will be dealing with regrowth, which is finer.

8 Beauty Treat

There are some spa treatments everyone should experience at least once simply because they are amazing!

1. Full Body Massage
Full body massages are super relaxing, with the masseuse concentrating on your back, legs, arms and neck. They usually last around an hour, and are great for soothing muscle pains and getting rid of stress and tension. I sometimes find normal body massages too harsh, however, and would recommend opting for a Swedish massage the first time, which is a lot gentler and amazingly relaxing. It feels divine!

2. Body Wraps
There are many types of body wrap, including algae, clay, mud, seaweed...even chocolate! Of course they have different effects on your skin, but all of them will leave you glowing. An aesthetician will cover you in the wrap, and then wrap you in warm cloths. Typically, you stay in the wrap for around twenty minutes, before they are removed and you can wash. They make you glow! Your skin will look better than ever, and it's surprisingly relaxing too. Perfect!

 
3. Salt Glow
Salt glows are professional exfoliations, which make your skin look radiant and healthy. The salt glow is usually a mixture of salt, oil and an aromatic such as lemon or lime, which is applied to your skin by a therapist. Some massage the mixture around, whereas others allow it to sit, and then you wash it off. You don't moisturize afterwards, in an attempt to leave some oil on the skin, but you can follow this treatment with a massage or body wrap.


4. Hair Therapy
I love this! There is nothing that relaxes you quite as quickly as a good head massage. A masseuse will give you an invigorating head massage, before applying a deep conditioning treatment  to your hair. This will soothe your scalp and make your hair shiny, and generally feel amazing. Your hair will be in great condition when you are finished, and you'll feel utterly relaxed.


5. Thai Bodywork
, it combines acupressure, reflexology and yoga; and a therapist will help you to move your body in order to release stress, tension and remove energy blocks. It's not only relaxing, but completely rejuvenating too.

6. Hot Stone Massage
This involves a therapist heating smooth stones in different sizes, and applying them to the back. A mix of the weight and heat is very relaxing, and feels utterly blissful. These massages can take as little as half an hour or up to three, and are a great variation from usual massages.

7. Flotation Therapy
This involves getting into a shallow pool full of Epsom salts, which mimics the effects of zero gravity. Regardless of your shape or size, you can float comfortably, and it's so stress relieving. It's also fantastic if you are suffering from muscle or back pain, as the lack of gravity really eases the pain. It's an amazing experience, and you'll feel blissful afterwards.


8. Facials
Sometimes, everyone needs a facial. Whether you need relaxation, rejuvenation or just pampering, there is a facial for you, and they all nourish your skin to make you look amazing. If you want something slightly different, try a light based facial. A bit strange, but you'll look and feel amazing afterwards!
Thinking about these treatments makes me want to hit the spa right away. They really are amazing, and anything that makes you feel and look great is worth doing, right? Take some time out and hit a spa, you won't regret it!

Best Remedies For your skin & Hair

 Some of the best remedies are in your own refrigerator in the form of fruit. Read on for some great fruity beauty tips!
 

1. Banana Face Mask
Bananas have a lot of potassium, which is great for skin discolorations and smoothing out your skin! Simply mash up a banana and rub it onto your clean face. Allow to sit for 5-10 min, then wash off and see how your skin glows! Follow with moisturizer if desired.

2. Strawberry Tooth Whitener
Strawberries are full of salicic acid, which helps to whiten your teeth and fights acne. So here's a 2-in-1 for you: Mash up strawberries then spread them on your clean face and rub them all over your teeth. Allow to sit on face for 5 minutes then wash off. As for your teeth, its hard not to want to swallow them, so the best way to do it is put a lot of the strawberry pulp on your toothbrush, then vigorously brush your teeth for 2 or three minutes. Do this daily for a few weeks and you WILL see results!

 3. Avocado Hair Mask
Avocados are great for softening and conditioning your hair. Before you shower, mash up and avocado and apply it all over your hair. Wrap your hair in plastic wrap followed by a towel for 15 minutes. When you shower, wash your hair like you normally would, then be amazed by how shiny and soft it is!

4. Lemon Nail Strengthener
Do you have weak, brittle, yellowed nails? Here's your fast fix! Take a slice of lemon and rub it over your nails and cuticles once or twice weekly to strengthen your nails and bleach them back to white. Plus it has such a relaxing, fresh aroma you will feel energized instantly!


5. Peach Body Scrub
Peaches are great for gently exfoliating your skin. Take a peach, pit it and then mash it to as fine of a pulp as you can. Add a few tablespoons of sea salt, and enough olive or baby oil to make a paste. Scrub down all your dry scaly areas, then rinse off. Besides making your skin ultra soft, it smells divine as well!


6. Orange Body Spray
Make your own body spray! Squeeze and orange and strain the juice so it won't get caught in the spray bottle you use. Add¼ cup water, a teaspoon of vanilla and a little bit of rubbing alcohol (for staying power). Be sure and shake it well each time you use it. You'll be the lovely-scented attraction of the day!

 7. Citrus Hair Shine Spray
Want shiny, luscious-smelling tresses? Here's how to get them! Squeeze the juice from and orange, a lemon and a lime, then add a little bit of water and shake the mixture up. I sometimes add a drop of coconut flavor because it makes the scent smell so irresistible! Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and mist it over your hair for icy shine and such a sweet, fresh smell!

How To Get A French Manicure

STEP 1
It's essential to prepare your hands and nails before applying nail polish. First, exfoliate your hands by massaging them using a small amount of body scrub. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. One of the main causes of chapped hands is not drying them properly after washing.


STEP 2
File your nails. If they are brittle or tend to split, keep them flat across the top with smooth, rounded edges. When filing, move in one direction, from outer corner to centre-sawing movements can damage the nail plate. Choose a nail file with a fine surface that glides over the nail.



STEP 3
Coat hands in a layer of sweet almond oil, to norish and soften, then wrap in a warm towel and relax for 15 minutes. Unwrap, and gently push back cuticles using a rubber hoof stick (available from most chemists). Never use cuticle clippers, as they can nick the skin. Rinse hands with warm water and dry thoroughly to remove any oil residue.

STEP 4
Apply one coat of base coat over your entire nail and allow a couple of minutes to dry. This will help strengthen the nail. Some products also level fine ridges and imperfections, leaving a smooth surface to apply polish. There's a wide range of base coats to choose from.



STEP 5
For a square look, paint a straight line across the tips; for a rounded appearance, follow the curve of the nail; and to get a pointed style, paint in from each side to the centre. Some manicure kits include sticky strips to use as a guide. when applying, lay your hand on a flat surface and keep the ball of your painting hand steady and keep the ball of your painting hand steady by resting it on the same surface. Leave to dry.

STEP 6
Finally, apply a coat of translucent shell-pink nail polish over the entire nail to seal the whitened tip and complete the look. Allow 10 minutes for it to dry. For extra shine and protection, apply a clear, glossy top coat.

French manicure