Everyday Ways to Care for Your Hair

Bad Hair Day? Don't Worry!

Hair Care Tips

In today's world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues about hair care I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed.

Health, strength and beauty of hair depends primarily on its nerve vigor and the good circulation of the oily scalp secretion which gives it gloss and luster. Beauty is not so much a matter of color where hair is concerned. If your hair has a fine glow, a rich sheen, is thick and long, it will be beautiful irrespective of its pigmentation. Hair often makes an otherwise plain person beautiful. And practically every woman, if she cares to make the effort, may have beautiful hair.

SOME HAIR HINTS

If you have the least suspicion of a curl in your hair, brushing around rather than straight will

bring it out. Do not worry if you shed your hair. It is natural for the hair to shed — and to keep right on growing in again. Only see to it that the ingrowth is equal to the loss by shedding.

No young girl should use a rat. Metal combs should be tabooed. Keep the hairbrush you use for dandruff stiff, the "polishing" brush may be softer. Use a hair net that matches your own hair color, and do not get too small a one. Remove snarls and tangles in the hair gently, with fingers, before brushing. The three-weekly or monthly shampoo is a good rule. If you wash your hair too often, it will turn dry and brittle and change color.

The hair should never be worn "done up" constantly. This is injurious because every part of the hair should have frequent air and sun baths. For normal shampoo employ Castile, tar or vegetable soaps, and Green soap for oily hair. A good egg shampoo may be made of an egg, thoroughly beaten, one tablespoon alcohol, four ounces bay rum, a pinch of borax, and four ounces of Castile soap mixed in a pint of hot water, to be used when cool.

Hair that is blonde or ruddy, as well as gray hair, may be washed with Castile soap jelly plus a quarter-teaspoonful of borax. Always comb and brush thoroughly, with fingertip massage. After shampooing is the best time for scalp massage, hair pulling and skin loosening.

DRY SHAMPOO AND SCALP MASSAGE

The scalp and hair should be cleansed between shampoos. For this purpose the "dry shampoo" is necessary.

It is actually a form of scalp massage. Preparations of orris, corn meal and other dry shampoo powders are not recommended.

They stick, and it is hard to get them out of the hair. A vigorous rubbing of the scalp after the hair has been parted, using a small piece of muslin over the tip of the finger, is best. Hot and cold applications are good, with or without shampoo, especially if the hair is falling. Remember that the hair should not be "hot-air" dried.

The hot-air cone used for the purpose in hairdressing establishments destroys the hair. Human hair should always be dried by hand.

Scalp massage makes the hair grow and prevents many hair troubles. A five-minute fingertip massage, night and morning, is the one ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure. The electrical massage by a professional (after a shampoo), the violet ray, and the rubber-disk vibrator are all excellent for the hair. They strengthen and stimulate.

HAIR TONICS

Massage is the first and best hair tonic. Though a good scalp lotion may stimulate circulation, massage always does so more directly. In general it will be wise to remember that tonics are meant for specific purposes of cure for hair disorders, rather than for common use.

A little refined beef marrow rubbed gently into the hair roots is a good natural tonic (though an old-fashioned one) and together with plenty of fresh air and sunshine, does more for the hair than all the compounded tonics and "restorers" marketed. Every woman can keep her hair in good condition if she chooses to. If she cannot give it attention in the morning she should do so at night.

The information about hair care presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about hair care or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

HAIR TROUBLES

Most hair troubles could be prevented in the start by ordinary good care of the hair, and the maintenance of the state of general good health. Of course, various diseases affect the hair: fever dries it out and makes it fall; syphilis and other sex diseases poison and destroy it. Some skin diseases have the same effect. In general, if you are healthy, broadly speaking, your hair will be healthy too.

Dandruff—What we have to deal with in dandruff is a horny layer cast off by the scalp. This layer thickens, closes the pores, diminishes the hair's oil supply, and prevents the perspiration glands from getting rid of waste.

Soon the hair loses tone and color, and is covered with whitish powder. Then it starts to itch and fall. In an advanced state of the disease, the hair falls out, and blood crusts form on the scalp as a result of scratching. Digestive disorders, toxic elements in the blood or local irritation may cause dandruff, and it is communicable.

Daily care of the scalp, massage and brushing, if persisted in when the disorder first appears, are very beneficial.

The crude oil massage of the scalp, not the hair, is excellent and often effects a cure. A massage every night, using Vaseline or olive oil, together with repeated shampoos, also helps to do away with dandruff.

Although pomades in general should be avoided, a pomade with a precipitated sulfur base, mixed with glycerin, rose-water, lanolin, and soap, or a sulfur ointment or cream kills the dandruff germ.

There is an "oily dandruff," also, though the disease is most commonly a dry scalp one. Shampoo with tincture of Green soap should cure this type of the disease in about a week's time. If you have dandruff, observe a regular diet, and stick as much as possible to milk and fresh fruit.

Falling Hair.—An acid condition of the blood encourages the hair to fall. Correct it and you will have removed the cause of your complaint. The use of the violet ray and the vibrator, which hold down the tendency to an oily scalp, is also valuable for hair treatment in this connection. So, too, are hot and cold applications.

HAIR DISEASES WHICH SHOULD NOT OCCUR

Favus, the development of yellow scalp crusts, accompanied by severe itching, bald spots and a musty odor, is a dirt disease, hence inexcusable in a woman, unless as a result of infection. To remove it the scalp must be soaked in olive oil for a few days, carbolic acid being mixed with it in a weak solution, the hair pulled out of the most infected areas, the crusts removed, and the whole scalp shampooed with an antiseptic soap.

Ringworm is usually a gift of those evil things, the "common property" comb and brush, or the patent hair clipper. Rubbing with sulfur ointment, washing with bichloride soap, or painting with iodine, to precede the application of a cleansing ointment, is the treatment. It is dangerous since it may result in baldness.

Head lice (which may be cured by saturating the hair with kerosene or crude petroleum at night,

wrapping in a towel to retain fumes, and following by antiseptic soap shampoo) is a most disgusting trouble, and unless communicated cannot occur except as a result of neglect and uncleanness. The possibility of contagion constitutes the menace of all three of these diseases.

Is there really any information about hair care that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

5 Quick Tips for Great Holiday Hair and Makeup

Hair and Makeup for the Christmas Holidays

You should be able to find several indispensable facts about hair and makeup in the following paragraphs. If there's at least one fact you didn't know before, imagine the difference it might make.

This holiday season you might say that old fashioned glitter and glamour is back. The online beauty tips web site http://www.1-minute-beauty-diva.com has snooped out what’s hot this season: a modernized version of the old Hollywood glamour look.

Holiday Hair and Makeup Trend #1: Healthy Bronzed Skin

It may be cold and snowy out but you’ll look like you just flew in from sunny California. Achieve the look with a tinted moisturizer or bronzing powder.

Holiday Hair and Makeup Trend #2: Sparkling Eyes

Forget twinkle toes. Make your eyes the center of attention with a little sparkle. Achieve the look with glitter eye shadow and eye liner, optional: apply jeweled false eyelashes.

Knowledge can give you a real advantage. To make sure you're fully informed about hair and makeup, keep reading.

Holiday Hair and Makeup Trend #3: Glossy Lips

Plain lips become beautiful lips that look moist and dreamy with the right shade and lots of shine.

Achieve the look with shiny lipstick in shades of pink or plum, or use a non-color gloss over a subtle shade of lipstick.

Holiday Hair and Makeup Trend #4: Upswept Hair and Loose Waves

A casual upswept do adds a bit of sophistication to your holiday look. Achieve the look by sectioning hair into two parts--below and above the ear. Twist and pin the bottom section into a tight bun. Sweep the top half back and tease out individual strands of hair. Loose waves bring back the 1930s era with style. Achieve the look with a large barrel curling iron.

Holiday Hair and Makeup Trend #5: Glitter Nails

All that glitters is golden for nails this season. Glitter adds the perfect finishing touch to beautifully manicured hands. Achieve the look with tinted or clear glitter nail polish. Or, add jeweled rhinestones to polished nails.

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on hair and makeup. Compare what you've learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of cosmetics.
For more great beauty tips visit: http://www.1-minute-beauty-diva.com

Save on Wedding Costs and have that Chocolate Fountain

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Chocolate Fountains but were Afraid to Ask!

Weddings and Chocolate - A Fountain of Ideas

In today's world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled about chocolate fountains and planning a wedding are actually still being openly discussed.

Chocolate fountains, once a rarity at weddings, are becoming more common -- but no less beloved. Still, they pose a budget crunch for many brides, coming in at only slightly under the cost of the wedding cake -- and that's for a one-day rental!

If you're like us, there's something that just burns our little Yankee hearts about spending over $400 to rent a machine that granted, costs a little over ten times that, but gets rented out many times. And yet if you're like us, you really want a way to fit that chocolate fountain in.

We're both in luck, because higher-end chocolate fountains are coming to the home market and becoming more accessible ... even to skinflints!

What We Didn't Buy -- And Why

You've seen the early entrants, maybe on eBay -- inexpensive chocolate fountains made by lesser-known brands selling for about eighty bucks.

You've probably thought of trying one out, just because the price difference between that and a rental machine was so astronomical.

We did too, but as we read about the small, cheap versions, we ran into a lot of complaints.

One of the most worrisome was that the cheap fountains made such a loud grinding noise, you couldn't have a conversation standing next to one -- which was not the ambiance we wanted for our party.

Further, we weren't sure if we wanted to keep the fountain over the long term. We wanted to buy something with good resale value so we could recapture our money if needed.

Fortunately, as our deadline approached, Sephra -- the standard in high-end rental fountains -- began offering pre-orders on their first home market fountains. We snapped one up for about $250, an attractive fountain that holds five pounds of chocolate. The fountains were so new, we had to switch our order from the lovely cherry red we'd wanted to a stainless steel in order to get it in time. But we got it.

Show time ... And Some Helpful Hints

Once acquired, it was time to test it out in live conditions! The first party we unveiled it at was on the small side, with about 25 people. Setup was simple. The experience did, however, teach us some tips:

Try out and get comfortable with your chocolate fountain before a really big affair. You won't really understand the logic behind the instruction book until you try it. For example:

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole chocolate fountains story from informed sources.

1) The chocolate fountain really does need to be balanced to work properly. Sephra models offer adjustable feet to accomplish this. When we first set up our fountain, we were so busy we didn't level it, and it didn't flow well until an left brained type in shining armor fixed it for us. Then things worked 100% better.

2) When melting large quantities of chocolate, don't even bother with a double burner. You need a glass bowl and a large microwave, which your venue hopefully provides. Heat gently, as advised -- no higher than 50% power.

3) Also, Sephra provides you with a little tool for telling whether your chocolate's melted enough to flow well. Err on the side of "too melted" rather than "not enough." Especially given the minute or so it takes to transport it, the chocolate can easily get too thick for easy flowing.

With 25 very interested people, we nearly (but not quite) ran through our first five pounds of chocolate. So you can guesstimate needing a pound of chocolate per five invitees. Just be sure to have extra on hand.

We worried whether it would be difficult to refill the fountain -- for example, whether we would have to lug the whole thing back into the kitchen, disassemble, refill -- but it turned out to be dead simple. You just pour melted chocolate into the bottom most bowl.

Our Chocolatey Conclusions

Sephra is bringing larger versions of their fountain to the home market. For a large wedding or a party of several hundred, we would probably go with a larger version.

Yet you can also do very well with the five pound model. After all, it's hard to melt, carry and otherwise handle more than five pounds of chocolate at once (you wouldn't believe how many "chocolate chips" that is). All you need is someone willing to watch and refill periodically, which isn't hard. Pick someone who can get slightly messy without a problem -- not a bridesmaid in shiny taffeta.

If we'd had more time and a larger party, we'd probably get the largest fountain we could buy, care for it well, and resell it when the hoopla died down. That would save a huge chunk of change over the $400-500 one day rental, and bring the chocolate fountain within reach of a lot more brides (and happy guests).

And if you happen to fall in love with it and the day for selling it never comes?

Well, it happens. Just ask us.

If you've picked some pointers about chocolate fountains that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won't really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge about planning a wedding reception if you don't use it.

Can Women Build Big Muscles?

Why Women Can't Build Big Muscles Easily

Women & Muscles

Why Is It Difficult For Women To Build Big Muscles?

Super Women

This article explains a few things about women and big muscles, and if you're interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don't know.

"I don't want to workout lifting weights because I don't want to build big muscles " or "I just do aerobics and sit ups to lose weight because if I lift weights, I may build muscle and looked like a man."

Ladies. Have you made these comments before? Awww... c'mon ladies, if you have ever uttered these words, you have just done a terrible disservice to yourself and are missing out on many great benefits that working out with weights can give you.

Have you ever pointed to your belly or butt and sweetly proclaimed, "I want lose weight here." So managed to convince yourself that sweating profusely is the answer to a slim and beautiful body and you hit the gym day in and day out just to sweat off your tummy or butt fats!

So you peddle away on your stationary bike in the gym just like little hamsters or frantically stepping away on the step up machine and then you woefully do crunches after crunches in the hope of having a flat belly and a well rounded shapely butt not realizing that there is no such thing as spot reduction.

You never even bother take a look at the weight lifting machines or the free weights lying everywhere in the gym not to say even touching those weights.
Gosh.this terrible myth of building big muscles on women is creating so much fear in women causing them never to train with weights at their detriment.

Ladies! If you are listening, I want to say this loud and clear. There is no way women will build big huge muscles unless you are on special supplementation and specially designed training system. Some of those muscle bound ladies you have seen may even be taking steroids which are banned and obviously harmful. never never touch steroids to build muscles.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of women and big muscles is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about women and big muscles.

So the, why is it difficult for women to build big muscles? Well, it is simply because you do not have enough of testosterone, a male hormone that encourages your muscles to grow. In fact, women have ten to thirty times less of bodybuilding hormones, testosterone than their male counterparts. Women who accept the myth that they will build big muscles if they workout with weights will miss out on all of the benefits that weightlifting and bodybuilding can offer.

This myth is so ingrained in women's psyche that even after explaining the facts to my women clients, they are still afraid to lift weights. So will women who lift weights in their workouts build more muscle tissue? Yes, of course, but it will not be those big huge muscles like those of bodybuilders. Your muscles will just tone your body shape resulting in a tight, firm, healthy, attractive and desirable body.

The body shape that is ever so sexy and healthy. Yes, you may have noticed an increase in weight when you step on a scale. This is because muscles weigh more than fat. Thus, as you increase your muscle tissue, your weight will increase but your fats will be reduced giving you a well toned sexy body which most women can only dream of.

Muscle burn calories naturally even when you are sleeping. In fact, research has shown that for each kilo of muscle you build, you will burn 70-100 more calories per day. So, if you gain 2 kilos of muscle and lose 2 kilos of fat, you will burn about 75 more calories per kilo, which equates to burning 150 additional calories per day, which translates into 4200 additional calories per month and ultimately results in a fat or weight loss of 7-8 kilos a year without doing anything! One kilo is 2.2 pounds. Doesn't that sound great?

Another reason that women should do weightlifting is the benefit it can have on your bones. Weight training is a powerful preventive action against osteoporosis, a disease caused by porous bone and low bone density. Women has a much higher risk than men to suffer from osteoporosis. In fact, most women will suffer from this disease as they age. Those plagued with osteoporosis have an increased susceptibility to fractures. These fractures can even be fatal. So, women should exercise with weight to strengthen and increase bone density. Research has shown that six months of weightlifting may increase bone mineral density by as much as 15 percent. As you increase your muscle tissue, your bones must adapt to accommodate this increase in your muscle mass . So your bones respond by increasing in density. The result? You will own a stronger skeletal structure and a reduced risk for osteoporosis.

So, don't completely swear off weightlifting fearing that training with weights will build big muscles and turn you into an Incredible Hulk! You won't and you can't. Period.

OK girls, the weights are over there. Let's lift them now! Have the last laugh when your girl friends tell you that they don't want to lift weights and yet watching you transform your body that will make heads turn when you are in your bikini.

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on women and big muscles. Compare what you've learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of women and big muscles.

Laser Hair Removal - Your Choice?

Are You Considering Removing Unwanted Hair by using Laser Hair Removal ?

Laser Hair Removal Tips

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood about removing unwanted hair or bikini hair by method of laser treatments. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

If you have heard all the facts about laser hair removal, you already know your answer to the question above. But, although it is heavily advertised, most people actually do not know all that much about laser hair removal.

But, this is okay because you can find quite a bit of the information you need to make a decision on it right here on the web. Laser hair removal works by targeting the dark material on the skin. There are many more facts that you need to know though, before you can make a decision.

How It Works

How does it work? Laser hair removal works through a light wavelength that targets these dark colored materials on your skin. This is usually the pigment of the hair.

It works through a hand held device that targets these areas and removes hair from them. It works the best on those with fair colored skin and dark colored hair.

The darker the skin’s pigment the more difficult the procedure of laser hair removal will work on you.

The information about laser hair removal presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about removing bikini hair or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

What To Know

Although laser hair removal has been around for a long time, it has only been used commercially for a handful of years. In that time period, many have found great success with this process. But, the hair removal is not always permanent. Hair that does come back can be lighter in color in some people. For others, it does remain gone. Laser hair removal is quite expensive as well.

Problems With Laser Hair Removal

When used properly, there are few problems, medically speaking, that can occur during laser hair removal. Yet, many people complain that it is a painful process.

You will not be given any medication, as the pain isn’t horrible, but it is uncomfortable. Also, if done wrong, laser hair removal can cause a number of issues such as burns, skin that is discolored for months at a time, lesions, and patchy hair regrowth.

If you've picked some pointers about laser hair removal that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won't really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don't use it.

With Your New Funky Hair Color You can Look like you were in an Accident!

Or... At Least You won't be just one of the crowd!

Funky Hair Color

Current info about funky hair color is not always the easiest thing to find. Fortunately, this report includes the latest hair dye info available.

What does your hair color say about you?

The hair on the top of our heads (or in my case, the lack of it) is something of a barometer for our personalities. A person with a conservative, medium brown hair cut probably won’t be seen in a punk rock club in the middle of a mosh pit. However, sometimes we all have a yearning to do something crazy, to jump out of the normal hairstyle box we’ve put ourselves in to and try something wild and outrageous. Temporary funky hair color is a fun way to do just that.

Should you attempt to change your hair color at home or go to a beauty salon?

Even though many stores sell hair dye kits you can apply yourself at home, you might want to consider visiting a beauty salon to have the funky hair color put in by a professional hair stylist.

Even if it’s the type that washes out with just a shampoo, it does need to be applied correctly to guarantee that it will indeed simply rinse out. You also do not want to be sporting a neon green or bright pink scalp for weeks. Having a stylist apply your funky hair color will help minimize the risk of these things happening.

Temporary vs. Permanent Funky Hair Color

Another reason for using the temporary variety is that you can experiment with different looks. Maybe you’ve always wondered what you’d look like with royal blue hair.

With funky hair color you can have the color applied and see how you look. As a model photographer I love to see models go out of the box from time to time and a funky hair style and color can make the model session more interesting and fun for photographer and model.

And, the temporary hair dye is so easy to rinse out that you won’t have to worry about carrying that look around with you for months after your funky hair color application.

So far, we've uncovered some interesting facts about hair dyes. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

When is a good time to try out a new funky look with your hair color?

What about Halloween? This is the time of year when people go all out looking for crazy and wacky hairstyles. Many of these styles involve the use of funky hair color. In fact, no one really gives a second look to a young man with green hair near the end of October. The same can be said for a woman with bright orange locks.

It’s during this time of year that funky hair color becomes a very popular trend. This is a great time to have some model photos done too! You can combine that funky hair and your costume for a wild and crazy photo session. Add some sunglasses and you're all set!

Are you brave enough to try a new funky hair color?

While you are still young, experiment with your look, consider changing your hair color. Although you can certainly turn to the standard blonde, brunette or black, adding a funky hair color to your life can also bring on the excitement. One thing is for certain about wearing a flashy color in your hair is that you’ll no longer blend in with the crowd.

Caution: Just one thought about changing hair color. If you are not yet of age make sure your parents know what you are about to do. Nothing gets you grounded more quickly than surprising your Mom and Dad with a funky hair color. They may not see the allure as you do. d:-)

Notwithstanding the warning above, life is about living and if you have enough spunk and confidence to carry an outrageous hairstyle consider taking the plunge and having it done.

Remember that hair always grows back and the color eventually fades so even if you don’t like it, it’s never a lifetime commitment.

Now you can understand why there's a growing interest in funky hair color. When people start looking for more information about funky hair color, you'll be experienced enough to meet their needs.

The Right Beauty Supplies will make You Look Great!

Tired of the same-o same-o look?

Choosing the Right Beauty Supplies

The only way to keep up with the latest about choosing the right beauty supplies is to constantly stay on the lookout for new information. If you read everything you find about beauty supplies, it won't take long for you to become an influential authority.

Use beauty supplies the right way and yours could well be the face that launched a thousand ships! Growing old may be mandatory, but looking it certainly isn’t.

It’s just that one has to do it right. But that’s exactly what’s difficult. The mind boggles with the onslaught of unending types of beauty supplies, countless makeup and enticing brands.

* Am I using the right beauty supplies?
* Am I doing it correctly?
* What about side effects?

Thankfully, makeup tips are not very difficult to find.

Trust the beauty supply expert.

Those of you not familiar with the latest on choosing the right beauty supplies now have at least a basic understanding. But, you need to read the rest.

Generally, you can always trust a beauty supply expert. And thankfully, one is almost always available without much trouble.

The media abounds with beauty supply tips. And then there are brands that you can trust your skin with. Or use exotic mineral beauty supplies that are a great alternative to chemical beauty supplies.

They use natural ingredients and causes less damage to the skin. Over a period of time, the presence of wrinkled skin could make that vital difference between skin that used regular beauty supplies and skin that used natural beauty supplies.

Beauty supplies today not only means enhancing beauty that is skin-deep, it also means preservation of skin nutrition. After all, our skin is the largest organ of our body and needs adequate nutrition like any other organ.

Consistent, healthy skin care is the best way to avoid wrinkles, sunspots and premature aging. It will pay off in the end. We spend our hard-earned cash on beauty and skin care. Lets make sure that its main beneficiary is our skin, not skin care product manufacturers.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

The Truth about Homemade Facials

Beauty and the Homemade Facial - The Truth

If you're seriously interested in knowing about homemade facials, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about makeup and beauty.

I started making facial masks after reading several books on natural cosmetics. Common ingredients used in home made facials are eggs, lemon, milk, honey, cucumber, tomato, essential oils and lots more fruits, herbs and other ingredients.

The assumption I had was that home made cosmetics, being all natural and preservative free were much safer than the commercial masks you found in stores. A wrong assumption. You know the saying about assumptions, right? Did you know some of the deadliest poisons on earth are 100% natural?

There are complaints about preservatives irritating the skin and all that. That may be true especially for a person with very sensitive skin.

But preservatives actually make cosmetics safe to use. Preservatives kill or at very least, inhibit the bacteria, mold, viruses and nasty things that would otherwise thrive in the cosmetics we use. Commercial preparations usually contain some preservative or other to make these products safe for use.

Some of the very high end cosmetic formulations are packed in sterile capsules to do away with or at least, minimize, the need for preservatives.

A Facial Warning!!

If you make your own skin care for use later in the week, chances are, unless you are anal about sterilizing everything and freezing every batch once it has cooled, thawing it only when you are going to use it, and keeping your cosmetics away from the raw meat in the freezer, eventually, you could find yourself using contaminated home made cosmetics, which could lead to a skin irritation.

I used to make my own skin care but found all the precautions I had to take such a hassle, now I buy mine off the shelves.

Even if you make your facial products for immediate use, you have to be careful about using only the freshest ingredients. A moldy fruit or anything that is spoilt can lead to disastrous results on your skin.

Safety in Skin Care

Then there is the safety of the ingredients used in your skin care products.

I once told a pharmacist about the lemon remedy I was using on my pimples. She was horrified. Lemons are highly acidic. Lemon juice is pH 2. Sulfuric acid is pH 1. Lemons can cause a nasty acid burn if you are not careful.

We had a discussion about this. She told me about a customer who showed up with an acid burn. Turns out, she had a sunburn. Back in Australia, she would soothe that sunburn by rubbing cut cucumber over her skin. The juices would ease the sunburn. This time around, she was unlucky. The cucumber she used was more acidic than the ones she was used to and she ended up with a really nasty acid burn.

Now that we've covered those aspects of homemade facials, let's turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

Though cucumber is soothing, cucumber contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids as do most fruit and some of the other ingredients used in homemade beauty recipes.

You see, in home made skin care, the exact chemical makeup of the ingredients you use may vary, leading to unpleasant results if you are unfortunate. That is why, every time you make any facial mask, test it on the inside of your wrist first, before you let that mask touch your face.

I was lucky. The lemon facial I did helped clear my skin by killing the bacteria, without burning my skin. The pharmacist said I was fool hardy. As did my cousin who has been making her own beauty products for years already.

Lemon can thin the skin. It is so acidic. The pharmacist thought the other things, like the almond meal I mixed with the lemon juice helped neutralize the extreme acidity. Also, when I used freshly squeezed lemon juice directly on my face, I would dilute it with water first.

Yet the books I read with home made beauty recipes often include lemon in their recipes. After all, lemon has lightening properties. Lemon juice is often used to lighten freckles. Lemon was even recommended in a book by a former model, for use as a toner.

Not all ingredients are that dangerous though. Oats is an excellent ingredient for use in soothing facials. That was recommended to me by a doctor. For my toddler's rash. Cooked oats in a bag in the bath water is a home remedy to soothe itchy skin. Here is a facial that uses oats and rose water. http://www.womanht.com/facials/RoseOatsFacial.htm .

A home made face mask can be as simple as putting some mash fruit your face. http://www.womanht.com/facials/fruity_facials_tried_and_tested.htm outlines such experiments with fruit.

Different skin types require different ingredients. Dry skin can use richer, nourishing ingredients. Really dry skin would love the moisturizing effect of sweet almond oil or olive oil. Oily skin, on the other hand would break out in pimples if you try massaging these oils on your face. What works for your best friend may be disastrous on you.

The easiest thing to do nowadays is to simply buy a great mask for your skin type off the shelf for your home facial. I use commercial masks these days after some disastrous experiments trying to find new ingredients for new home made facial masks for my site. The successful facials were published at http://www.womanht.com/facials/ .
Now that wasn't hard at all, was it? And you've earned a wealth of knowledge about facial skin care, just from taking some time to study an expert's word on homemade facials.

Dior Brow Gel

Dior Brow Gel

Product Description

Perfectly fixes eyebrows after applying eyebrow pencil.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #11490 in Beauty
* Brand: Dior

Dior Brow Gel

Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow - Incognito 030

Product Description

What it is:A seductive palette of five rich, versatile eyeshadow colors. What it is formulated to do: Allows you to create a multitude of makeup looks, from the simplest, to the most sophisticated, depending on your mood. What else you need to know:The light, smooth texture is easy to apply, offering incomparable staying power and a silky-fine finish.Shades include: matte beige, golden pearl, matte peach, taupe shimmer, and warm brown shimmer plus two double-ended sponge applicators...Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow - Incognito 030

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #11297 in Beauty
* Brand: Dior

Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow - Incognito 030

Dior DiorSkin Icone Photo Perfect Creme-To-Powder Makeup

Product Description

The perfection of a retouched photo is now yours with this creme foundation that melts into the skin to become a flawless powder veil. Dior's special, "soft focus" technology erases irregularities with retouch precision, leaving your skin radiant, velvety, and beautifully elegant.In addition to a wide range of skin-toned shades, Icone offers one "magical" transparent shade (Transparent 001), designed to wear alone or as a makeup base...Dior DiorSkin Icone Photo Perfect Creme-To-Powder Makeup

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #8521 in Beauty
* Brand: Dior

Customer Reviews

Perfection!!!
I'm 26 and have used every brand of foundation in search of "THE ONE". When makeup is concerned, you truely get what you pay for. I've used foundations I liked, but never loved. I want a light non-sticky consistency, medium coverage, and a cream to powder finish that doesn't look chalky. This foundation meets and exceeds my expectations. It goes on with a featherlike weight and softness. It turns to a velvety powder that looks so soft and natural, its like the skin I had as a young child. It's not "your makeup looks great", its "your skin looks great". The name is not an overstatement in the least. As for the price, well worth it. How much money do most women spend during years worth of buying and trying out foundations? This is your foundation and powder all in one. A little goes a long way. I highly recommend it!!!!!!
Dior DiorSkin Icone Photo Perfect Creme-To-Powder Makeup

Dior DiorSkin Forever Compact Flawless & Moist Extreme Wear Makeup SPF 25

Product Description

What it is:A long-wearing compact powder foundation with a sponge and SPF 25.What it is formulated to do:Extreme wear for extreme beauty. This luxurious foundation stays flawlessly smooth and looks naturally perfect in any environment. It is portably convenient and ultra-hygienic with separate trays for the sponge and makeup. With two unique innovations: an exclusive nano-stretch network inspired by nano-textile technology to insure makeup will fit like a second skin and a unique hydra-gel moisture-stabilizing system, Dior takes smoothing, wear, and comfort to the ultimate extreme of beauty. Non-transfer and waterproof...Dior DiorSkin Forever Compact Flawless & Moist Extreme Wear Makeup SPF 25

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #3588 in Beauty
* Brand: Dior

Customer Reviews

great product
This was recomended by Paula Begoun(the "Cosmetics Cop). It has a very silky texture and applies flawlessly. The coverage can vary from light to medium and looks very natural which is the effect I prefer. The UV protection is complete and I like the fact that the applicator is stored separately. It is one of the few pricey products I would regularly buy.

beautiful application & wearablility
I don't care for liquid "make-up" so I tried this. DiorSkin protects my skin & looks natural. Beautiful application, allowing you/me to apply more or less as needed. I am blessed w/beautiful skin,however, this makes it flawless. People actually come up to ask if they can "touch" my face. I tell them what I use & send them to the Dior counter.
It's a unique product. I do resent the high price for something that only lasts 1.5 months w/an everyday application.
Do know your correct coleur.....Linen has alot of yellow undertone making it perfect for Asian skin.
Enjoy! I love this product.
Ladies, remember that skin care is still number one before buying face make-up.
Suzanne of New York

Dior DiorSkin Forever Compact Flawless & Moist Extreme Wear Makeup SPF 25

Dior DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation

Product Description

What it is:An ultra-fluid mist foundation.What it is formulated to do:Delivers an "airbrushed" effect with precision and ease. Evens out skin tone and visibly diminishes the appearance of fine lines and skin irregularities...Dior DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #346 in Beauty
* Brand: Dior
* Ingredients: Butane, Aqua (Water), Cyclopentasiloxane, Propane, Nylon-12, Cocoglycerides, Sodium Lactate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glycerin, Caprylyl Dimethicone Ethoxy Glucoside, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Methylparaben, Potassium Sorbate, Propylparaben, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Zinc Stearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Tocopherol, Benzyl Salicylate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene, Carboxaldehyde, Citronellol.

Customer Reviews

Expensive for What You Get
This foundation is nice in that it is light, covers well, and is natural looking. The downside is that it doesn't last but three hours on my combination skin. Theres also not much in the can for $60 bucks. I can't imagine how someone would use this without a tool. I use a foundation brush that works well to work it around. I would definitely have this in my stash of tools if it weren't so expensive.

Amazing coverage
I have a lot of acne...but using this foundation conceals nearly all of it. When I take pictures, I seemingly have flawless skin. I'd post a picture if I could ;-)

very disappointed
I was looking forward to trying this product after reading the rave reviews and having tried a couple of other Dior beauty products that were top-notch quality. I didn't mind the price because I was intending on only using it for special occasions or when I thought I might get my picture taken, not for every day use (I have to have an SPF for every day foundation.) Well, after the first time I used it I DID get my picture taken and it was awful. Even though it looked like it when on very smooth (and I checked it in artificial and natural light before going out) by the end of the evening it looked very blotchy on my skin!! I have never had this problem with other high quality, but less expensive foundations. I DO NOT recommend this product if you have dry skin as I do. I think my skin absolutely needs a cream foundation. Since I got it from Sephora I am going to try to exchange it for the DiorSkin Icone Photo Perfect Creme and let you know how it works for me. If that doesn't work either I'm just going back to my old foundation which really wasn't bad, it just made my skin a little whiter than I preferred in pictures because of the SPF content.

Dior DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation

Christian Dior Diorshow Mascara Waterproof Black

Christian Dior Diorshow Mascara Waterproof Black

Product Description

A new waterproof version for long lasting effect Effectively thickens, prolongs & curves lashes Gives your lashes fullness, length & volume With a curved XXL brush & a silvery metal case A must-have item for creating a glamorous look
Product Details

* Brand: Dior

Christian Dior Diorshow Mascara Waterproof Black

Bobbi Brown Corrector

Product Description

For extra darkness under the eye, Bobbi's secret is her Corrector shades. These pink-based shades provide extra coverage for dark circles and are designed to be layered under your regular, yellow-based Creamy Concealer shade. Use it daily or just when you need extra coverage...Bobbi Brown Corrector

Customer Reviews

Best dark circles concealer I've ever used!
I have serious dark circles that makes me look sallow and tired. They are not puffy, just dark. After I bought the Bobbi Brown Corrector, I never leave home without applying it on my circles. It has excellent coverage, and I can use it on other parts of my face as well. It also doesn't dry up the delicate undereye skin. It's a perfect concealer for me!

Bobbi Brown Corrector

Learn More about Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about cosmetics? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about cosmetics.

Let’s explore the cosmetic options:

Braces

While you may have worn braces as a child, braces are now a treatment option for adults as well although realignment may take longer for an adult. In some cases an adult will require more than just an orthodontic procedure.

Braces are the recommended treatment to correct an orthodontic problem called malocclusion or “bad bite.” A few of the causes of the bad bite are extra, missing or crowded teeth. This condition is usually inherited although some may be caused by accident or other means. Having a tooth knocked out and chronic thumb or finger sucking may contribute to a bad bite.

Before treatment can begin, a thorough history is necessary for the dentist to render a proper prognosis.

The dentist may take numerous x-rays, plaster molds and photos of your face and teeth before determining whether orthodontics is an appropriate method to apply to your individual situation.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole dental cosmetics story from informed sources.

If the dentist determines that your treatment requires mechanical appliances, the information gathered in his preliminary examination will help to create your custom appliance(s). There are many different types of appliances and the best recourse is the one created specifically for you.

Once created and put in place, the appliances will require periodic adjustments. The dentist needs to monitor the progress frequently in order to assure that the teeth are shifting in position accurately.

Finally, once the appliances have done their work, they will be replaced by a “retainer.” The retainer will stay in place so that the newly aligned teeth will remain in their proper location.

One of the first questions from patients is usually, “how long will I have to wear this?” This not a “one size fits all” situation as the time varies from patient to patient. It will take as long as it takes and greatly depends on patient cooperation. Average time for orthodontic treatment is around 24 months with adult treatments requiring just a bit longer.

Other factors apply, of course, such as how severe the bad bite, overall gum and tooth health not to mention how well the patient cooperates with the procedure. Most people who have worn braces report years later that it was well worth it!

There's a lot to understand about cosmetics. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.