The Beauty of Using Natural Skin Care and Cosmetics

Keeping good care of the largest organ in the human body (our skin) is never easy and so you will need to be especially careful about which skin care products you end up using. It is vitally important that you pick the right skincare products and in this regard you need to take a second look at using natural skin care and cosmetics. Sometimes, in extreme weather conditions our skins take a real beating and in such circumstances use of the wrong products can prove to be disastrous.
However, using natural cosmetics ensures that no matter what kind of weather conditions affect your skin that you will still enjoy healthy and vibrant skins. There are several benefits to using natural skin care including the fact that such products include ingredients (nature based) that will provide the skin with proper nourishment and which will take good care of the skin as well.
The good news is that there are many producers that are manufacturing highly effective products to ensure that the skin always remains in good health. Most of the better ones include ingredients that are extracted from plants and which are combined together to increase their effectiveness.
The best part about using these cosmetics is that they will provide healthy and chemical-free solutions to your skin and after a few applications you will notice that your skin looks healthier and more vibrant and of course, younger as well.
When you choose to use organic skin care you are ensuring that the ingredients contained in such products are only those that are found in nature and this means that the ingredients will, when they contact your skin, blend in better and provide superior results. Other than that, they also smell better and they will suit different kinds of skins and you will feel more satisfied as your skin will boast of a healthy glow and it will make you look better and feel more self-confident.
If you are still in doubt about whether or not to use natural cosmetics you can dispel these doubts very easily. all you need to do is pick up natural cosmetics reviews and learn from the experts just why it makes more sense to use natural cosmetics. What's more, you should not be put off by the slightly higher price of natural cosmetics and you should after reading reviews manage to find some of the more affordable options as well.



Caroline Bourke is a full time therapist in Florida. Check out these great Natural Cosmetics resources and articles or the more general Aromatherapy Skin Care tips.

Fabulous Beauty Tips - Which Cosmetics Create the Perfect Finish?

Why is it so important to have access to makeup and cosmetic advice before use? An honest answer is because some women haven't got a clue how to apply makeup properly to create the perfect finish. Every beauty product will be tried and tested to an extent where it is given the okay after reaching the final stage to prove that it will do the job for which it was purposely developed. If these products are not used accordingly - then heaven forbid on the result.
Come on girls be honest, have you never joked at another`s expense because of their lipstick shade or to how it was applied. We have more women walking round like Coco the Clown than that of a natural beauty. There is a technique to applying cosmetics and to buying them. Yes; it all begins at the shop counter. Use the wrong beauty product can only result in a wrong you. Ideal beauty products for your skin type and hair colouring are vital.
The first step to being beautiful is to ask yourself, do you really need cosmetics. Natural beauty comes from within. If you feel naked with out lipstick then you owe it to yourself to find out the tricks of the trade.
Useful tips below.
Aloe Vera - Resembling the cactus, it is a plant belonging to the Lily family. Some varieties have valuable medicinal purposes. Much of the plant is water, but the outer leaf contains sap which is included in lotions and gels. Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins/minerals and is also a fabulous source for skin care. It is used for skin conditions like eczema, mild burns and scrapes.
Mascara - If you want to maximise volume then simply buy mascara designed for volume. They are clearly marked. Ask chemist assistant if unsure. More volume in mascara means the more solid in-depth look to your eyes
Nail Polish - Apply clear base coat before using coloured polish. Base-coat is important as it helps prevent nail polish staining the nails; it also gives a smooth even finish on which to apply the colour. Best technique for applying nail varnish is to do it in three strokes: one down the center and one down each side. Keep cotton wool pads and polish remover easily to hand for fear of a slip up. Toenails can be awkward to cover. Sit comfortably resting one foot on a stool in front of you and separate each toe with separators. Use cotton wool or rolled up rags if you have no toe separators. Save time because you don't have to wait for the first coat to dry before second application. The first coat will wet again as soon as the solvent from the second comes in contact. Two thin coats will dry quicker than one thick layer of which can appear unsightly. Wait until this dries and apply top coat to seal.
Some women disagree to the three stroke method. If you have large nails paint the whole nail, if you have short/small nails paint the same. If you have short fingers only apply polish to the centre of the nail. Use pale shades for short stubby hands and dark shades for the delicate look.
Foundation - Make sure you have removed every trace of makeup from the day before fresh foundation is applied. Makeup should be cleansed off every night. New foundation layered over leftover debris looks unattractive? Never rush any beauty pact with the face as it can have disastrous results. When you apply foundation have the room nice and bright. Dim lighting will promote the colour in a different tone.
Perfume - Choosing Scent is not really quite straight forward. Remember the smell of scent on another person may not be the same on you. Spicy musk is said to arouse sexual emotions and vanilla is believed to be an aphrodisiac. Floral scents are seen as fresh and calming.
Skin types react differently to perfume so bear this in mind when testing.
Never rely on sniffing perfume from the bottle, Spray or dab onto the skin. Leave to settle for 5 minutes. Do not sample more than 4-5 perfumes at once, this will only confuse your judgement. Apply scent to pulse point on the wrist or in the crook of the elbow. Flowery fragrances are more ideal in hot months. Perfume is best applied to pulse points: the inner wrists, behind the ears, and lower neck
Lip-liner -There is a knack to applying this beauty asset, one is not to rush and to have a steady hand. Lip-liner should be near to same shade as your lipstick, Ensure your pencil is sharp to get a good line. A blunt lip-liner pencil is a no go.
Draw along the lips, beginning at the center and working towards the edges, both sides from the middle each time; this gives the best shape and smoothest line. Do not rush. Lip-liner should be applied before lipstick. It makes sense i.e. smudging. Not recommended to cut corners initiating this task.
Blusher -To get the best affect from blusher is to find one most natural to your skin colouring. The primary object is to choose a colour that matches your cheeks natural colour.

Use a lighter colour during the day and darker for the evening
Powder - Apply face powder on the lips, it is said to make lipstick last longer and prevent 'bleeding'.
A regular mistake made with eyeliner is to draw a thick black line across the lid, rather than working the pigment into the lash roots. The ideal way is to warm the pencil on the back of your hand first and lining the upper lid, look upwards, and apply from below the lashes to get a subtle blended line. If your eyes are small or deep-set, line the lower lashes, too, applying a dark shadow with a blunt brush for a softer effect. Black is poplar and suits everyone, however teach yourself to compliment
Accentuate blue eyes using warm-toned eye shadows; deep purple and blues work just as well as gold and copper shades, provided a warm undertone is retained. Never be tempted to over add as it can spoil the look altogether. Hazel eyes look fabulous with soft plum, brown and forest greens, while brown eyes just about suit any colour or shade of eye shadow.
Laughter lines - All you need to hide laughter lines is a concealer pencil. Draw a few small lines next to the edges of the mouth with pencil, not to much. Use a sponge to blend in to the corner of the mouth - and hey presto you crack a smile without the cracks.



The Perfect Pout Lipstick
Winkle Treatments

Five Winter Beauty Products - Should You Try Them?

With the onset of winter it is time to change your beauty and makeup habits or even the products that you use. You may want to put away your summery lip gloss and tanned complexion foundation. Now that winter is here, it's time for some different beauty product options. Did you know that your skin and hair changes in the winter time as opposed to the other months of the year?

Your skin color will be paler from less time spent in the sun. Even if you use tanning salons, you will probably still notice a lighter skin tone this time of year. Your skin will also probably be drier as might be your scalp and hair. This will affect your beauty care needs.

This calls for important changes in your makeup and beauty product usage as well. Body care is important and there are so many different products out there. There are equally a large number of perfume products, hair products, makeup and more. When choosing beauty products, you don't want to choose what is most popular at the time but what is best for you, your skin and beauty needs and your style. You also want to coordinate this with the time of the year for the best effects.

What Changes Does Your Beauty Routine Need During Winter?

You should never use the same foundation or base in winter that you used in summer. No matter who you are, your skin will be more pale in the winter months than in the warmer times of the year. Whatever kind of foundation you use, it is generally suggested that you look for a color that is close to the color of your neck. The number one makeup mistake is foundation that is too dark. One great option is Cover Girl Smoothers All Day Hydrating Makeup, $7, which moisturizes dry winter skin as well as evening out skin tone. It's affordable so it's not a big expense to change a couple of different times a year to help you match your color properly.

Some other things to keep in mind are that you probably won't need as much blush since the winter weather will give you a natural glow. If you do use blush, you can probably use less and a lighter, sheer shade such as L'Oreal Translucide Sheer Blush for only $10. As you tend to be paler in the winter than you'd like and you're missing that summer bronze, try using a bronzing product to recreate the same look. A carefully chosen shade of bronzing powder dusted over your nose, cheeks and forehead can brighten up the tone of your winter face. Just remember with bronzing powder that a little goes a long way so don't apply too much.

Do Your Makeup Right

On the topic of makeup, what about your eyes? Many people choose to change their shade in the winter. This is a great time to experiment with something new and try some new colors. In the winter, you can wear shades that would normally be too intense in the summer months. You can try darker, smoky eyes with a natural lip color or go for darker, dramatic lips and a neutral eye shade. Winter is a great time for going bold with your eyes so try out some blacks and grays and even navy, dark green and burgundy.

Now what about your lips? Will you need a new shade for this season? When you are changing the rest of your makeup, you will likely want to change your lipstick shade as well. One thing you might want to remove is gloss. Winter winds can blow your hair onto glossy lips and cause your hair to be sticky. If you have short hair or tie your hair back or don't mind taking this risk, then go ahead with the lip gloss. Scented, tinted glosses are a good option as many come with products to condition and protect your lips such as sunscreen, vitamin E, beeswax, cocoa seed butter, etc.

If you want to avoid lip gloss, you might try a nice cream color. You should probably avoid harsh reds and bright pinks this time of year but if you go with neutral tones on everything else, you can be a little darker in your lip color for a bold look.

Remember Your Body and Skin Care as Well

You should also remember your body care products. Winter weather tends to dry out the skin so use a good moisturizer. You will also want to use a daily moisturizer for your face before you apply your makeup. Also remember that there is sun, even in winter. In fact, some winter weather (such as snow) can make the sun's rays even more intense so don't forget your sunscreen.

You will want to watch your hair and scalp for dryness. If you are the type of person that frequently gets dry and brittle hair or has problems for dandruff, it will likely become more of a problem in winter.

Great Product Ideas

Here are five great beauty products to try out this winter. Are they worth it? We're going to give you the scoop as to whether you should go for it or save yourself the hassle. These products have received some of the best reviews for makeup ratings and if you are looking for the best beauty products this winter, you can't go far wrong with these:


Cover Girl Advanced Radiance Age Defying Liquid Make-Up - This makeup from Cover Girl features Olay skin care ingredients and while designed for women aged 30 and up, it is great for any age especially during the winter months that can be a bit challenging on your skin.
Rimmel London Cool Shine Lipstick- Here is a great lipstick option from Rimmel London that is hot for winter lips. This revolutionary lipstick is made with 25% pure water and has a gel-based formula with virtually no wax. Your lips will look smoother and stay hydrated through winter weather.
Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely Liquid Satin- This sexy, luxurious perfume will be the first thing you want to put on out of the shower and before slipping into bed at night. Liquid satin will leave you smelling and feeling great through those chilly winter days and nights.
Dove Colour Care- The same Dove that knows how to treat your skin right has a great product for your hair as well. If you color your hair, you know it can become dry and damages, especially in the winter but this hair care line is the perfect solution for your lovely locks.
L'Oreal Solar Expertise Milk Spray-Mist- A perfect, travel-sized easy to use sun care product for anyone to use. This milk spray mist fits right in your pocket so you can use it when you need it. Perfect for all those busy winter activities.

Simon Petch is a successful writer and Internet Publisher providing valuable tips, advice and product reviews on all aspects of beauty [http://www.no1-in-beauty.com/] care including cosmetics [http://www.no1-in-beauty.com/cosmetics.htm] products and women's perfume [http://www.no1-in-beauty.com/womens_perfume.htm].

Modern Beauty in Science

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder but this saying is not applicable nowadays. The media has changed the meaning of beauty for many years now and for many generations the standards of beauty has been changing and evolving into something different from what it was before.

History has taught us that beauty in every culture differs. In ancient China having a "lotus feet" is considered a sign of perfect beauty. For ancient Romans, Persians and Egyptians having sparkling eyes is a must for everyone woman who wants to be considered beautiful. In the Elizabethan era, women shave their forehead in order to have a high forehead. On the onset of the 20th century with the increasing popularity of the cinema women have began using famous celebrities as the basis of good looks.

Nowadays, beauty is not really a subjective view but more of an objective. This is evidenced by the increasing acceptance on modified beauty. Liposuction, lip reduction, tattooed eyebrows, breast augmentation, skin peeling, bleaching, nose lift and laser hair removal are just a few of what women can do in order to achieve their ideal beauty.

Liposuction

This is a cosmetic surgical procedure that will vacuum excess fats under the skin. This treatment is used to lessen fat from any part of the body in order to add voluptuous contour to a body.

Lip Reduction

This is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess lip tissue. This is a procedure used to reduce the size of full lips.

Tattooed eyebrows

This procedure is similar to tattoo. This procedure is used to add permanent contoured eyebrows for those who have a very thin eyebrow or for those who wanted a permanent one.

Breast Augmentation

This is a cosmetic surgical procedure done by implanting saline-filled or silicone-gel-filled implants in order to add volume to the breast or sometimes to add breast to those without it.

Skin Peeling and Bleaching

This is a beauty procedure that uses chemicals in order to whiten the skin color.

Nose Lift

Rhinoplasty or for a more common term nose lift is a cosmetic surgery which may involve manipulating the bone and cartilage of the nose in order to achieve the desired shape and a splint is added to keep it in shape.

Laser Hair Removal

This procedure uses super intense laser light or SIPL in order to damage the hair follicles responsible for hair growth. The result is the removal of hair and reduction of hair growth which can last for years.

Things You Should Not Forget in Purchasing Beauty Aids

Our ability to appreciate beauty has been the reason why almost all people wanted to look beautiful and pleasing to everyone. Appreciation is a great factor that affects the whole personality of a person. When you often experience being appreciated by the people around you because of your achievements and even because of your simplicity, you are more prone to develop a strong self confidence. You have a high self esteem. Meanwhile, the personalities of those who receive less appreciation from the people around them often result to insecurity and a low level of self confidence.

Appreciation is essential during the developmental process of a person. It is necessary for him or her to feel that he or she is important. Psychologists believe that it is part of the emotional needs of person. In order for a person to develop confidence and trust his or her emotions must be stimulated with the necessary support from the people around them.

Almost all individuals particularly women are very much conscious of their appearance, since the physical feature of a person has been the immediate factor that determines how other people are going to treat them. Physical beauty is genetic and biological trait that can be passed from one generation to another. It will depend on whose traits are dominant or recessive if you wished to trace your genetic traits from your parents.

It has been a great problem for those who have skin complications. It is indeed hard to earn your confidence especially if you are ashamed of your problems. You are not obliged to please others with the way you look. However it is good to take care of yourself and cure your skin problems because it will greatly affect your life and the way you live it.

There are several beauty products available in stores nowadays. The number of beauty parlors and establishments are highly increasing as of the present moment. We all wanted to look nice and beautiful. Meanwhile it depends on your taste and preference how you define beauty. Most women are using beauty products not just because they want to impress men but to gain confidence and respect.

Certain beauty products are used to enhance the features of a person. It could be in a form of cosmetic products of slimming pills. There are also products that are made for those who are suffering from the early signs of aging such as wrinkles and silver hairs. However you must be cautious of what type of beauty aids you are going to choose.

It is wiser to consult a dermatologist before buying beauty aids to avoid complications. You should know first that there are certain types of beauty aids that are not safe for your skin and health. If you have a sensitive skin you should be aware of the possible allergens that are present in beauty aids. Generally your body will naturally react with foreign materials such as cosmetic products. This reaction commonly occurs in a form of skin allergy.

You are not obliged to stay beautiful to everyone, however your body deserves to experience the finest way of preserving your natural beauty through the exact use of beauty aids [http://www.skincarefact.com]. Don't just let it down and learn how to love the sweet thing about preserving your own natural beauty. Follow here [http://www.skincarefact.com] for more details on how you can enhance yourself and gain more confidence.

Cosmetics - Use Them Wisely

Every woman likes to get compliments about her beauty and to make this happen, cosmetics play a very important part. Everyone knows about cosmetics, especially the women who started using it from a very early age to look beautiful. It is also essential to take good care of the skin because it helps in making one look younger.

Beauty products play a very important role in one's life. It is only about using it safely and in the right amount so that the skin does not get damaged. If used with care and in proper manner it can work wonders. The proper use is the main criteria because it can make or break one's image. If some products are not used in right quantity they can make a person look like a clown. This can become very embarrassing at times like in a party or on a date. So using it wisely is the most important thing.

There are many beauty products available in the market but choosing the right one is the biggest test. As some are costly so choosing the right one which suit best in relation to skin as well as the pocket is very important. So here are some buying tips:

Always try samples of small sizes first before buying anything.
Samples of concealers, foundations and lipsticks must be checked.
Decide beforehand what to buy and of which brand.
As there are many types of products available in the market just choose the right one.
Test samples on the skin at least 24 hours before using it actually. This way one gets sure that it suits the skin or not.
Purchase only non-allergic stuff.
Make list of the colors and brands that are needed to buy.There are a large number of products which are used for general care of the body like shampoo, body wash, conditioner and face wash. All these products help in making a person beautiful. These are the general things for the cleanliness purpose only. Afterwards comes the make up which is a very tricky thing to do. The only thing to keep in mind is not to overdo it. Keep it as simple as possible for most of the occasions.

The few tips to remember to look beautiful are that not to wear it while sleeping. While using concealer, blend it well with your skin so that the skins does not look patchy and awkward. Keep the day makeup light as during daylight it will otherwise shine a lot. For evening parties one can apply a little more dramatic color because it will make a person look bright. Always wear sunblock lotion while going out in the sun whether its summer or winter. One should avoid tanning. The last thing that must be kept in mind is that apply only that much, that looks great and wonderful.

Buy world class perfumes and cosmetics at PerfumeCosmeticMall.com and add fragrance and freshness to your daily life. Find your signature perfume and cosmetic at discounted price and enjoy great savings.

How to Fill in Sparse Eyebrows

Few of us have perfect eyebrows. A famous makeup artist once said he had never seen a model who didn't need to fill in her brows. But how to do it perfectly? Do you use a pencil? Should you splurge on special brow powders? And what's the best way to mask graying brows?

The best brow tips I've read come from makeup artist Bobbi Brown.

The trick, according to Brown, is to use a dark eyeshadow (dark brown will suit most women) and a slanted eyeliner brush. Simply dab the brush into the shadow and the sweep onto brows in upward strokes. This will fill in the sparse spots and cover over gray hair.

How to keep the shadow in place all day? You might try "setting it" with hairspray. Spray onto finger and "dab" onto the newly colored brow. For a more elaborate version of Bobbi Brown's eyebrow tips, check out, "How to Fill in Sparse Brows."

More on brows:

My biggest beauty pet peeve (aside from fake nails and French pedicures, go ahead and berate me in the comments section, I'm used to it) is an untweezed brow. Here's how to tweeze your own brows. Skip the wax, get your brows threaded.

Photo: Digital Vision for Getty Images

View the original article here

Are Your Beauty and Personal Care Products Toxic?

Years ago, I discovered that the cosmetic and skin care products I was using contained parabens and that they were harmful to our health. I did some research and learned that there was a link between parabens and breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Fund reports that parabens have been found in breast cancer tissue. Also, I learned that they can interfere with our hormones and are toxic to our immune system.

I then started to read all of the ingredients that were in my beauty and personal care products and researched them. I discovered that there were many more chemicals in my products, in addition to parabens, that were harmful to our health. Other common chemical ingredients such as triethanolamine (TEA) and triclosan, which is an antibacterial ingredient and a preservative, are toxic. Even fragrances derived from chemicals, which are found in thousands of products, can be toxic.

The bottom line is that there are a lot of health risks involved with being exposed to the chemicals that are in cosmetic, skin care and personal care products. I realized that continual exposure to them was just as harmful as smoking cigarettes.

Because these products are not regulated by the FDA, companies are allowed to put harmful chemicals in their products. Also, companies are not required to list harmful chemical byproducts or contaminants in their ingredients.

1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate processing, among others, is a known toxin found in personal care products such as soaps, cosmetic cleansers, shampoos and toothpaste. Nitrosamines are toxic chemicals found in cosmetic and personal care products. Since, both of these toxic chemicals are considered as byproducts, they are not required to be listed as ingredients.

Also, it is easy to be fooled by the labels on products that say "natural", because what is considered "natural" is not regulated by the FDA or the USDA. The USDA does regulate what is organic and USDA certified organic. If a product is 100% USDA certified organic, then you know that you have a true organic product. If a product is not 100% USDA certified, the best thing to do is to research the ingredients.

The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization, has their Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. Cosmetic and personal care products can be searched by company, product name or ingredient. The site provides a safety score between 0 and 10, with 0 being the safest. This site has been very helpful for me to determine which products are safe to use.

At first, it was very challenging for me to find truly chemical free organic and natural products that were affordable. The best way to ensure that the products we use are safe is to research the ingredients or purchase 100% USDA certified organic products. Finding reputable companies that are dedicated to providing only truly natural and organic products is a good idea, since you will have a trusted source to buy from.

Grisele Brooks owns the Within Natural Beauty internet mall which can be found at http://www.withinnaturalbeauty.com. The mall stores sell beauty and wellness products that are made from organic and natural ingredients and materials.

Mineral Makeup - The New Buzz in Cosmetics

There is a new buzz in the cosmetic marketplace. It's mineral makeup! So what is it and how is it different? Mineral makeup is just as the name suggests made from minerals. These are naturally occurring minerals and inorganic pigments from the earth (Metal ores and iron oxides) that are very finely crushed and milled. They contain no oils, no preservatives, no fragrance, no talc and are safe for even very sensitive skins.

In fact, they are so safe that a lot of Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists are recommending them to their patients. Not only is Mineral makeup not harmful for the skin, it is actually good for it. The ingredients are so finely milled that they will not clog your pores and because it is made from inorganic minerals it will not gather moisture to feed bacteria therefore it is totally pure. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping to calm and soothe irritated skin.

What are the ingredients in Mineral Makeup?

TITANIUM DIOXIDE.

This is a naturally occurring white mineral that is a fantastic sunscreen. It is the second most highly reflective mineral. (the first is DIAMOND) Therefore it not only acts a physical sunscreen but also helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

ZINC OXIDE

This is again a natural sunscreen giving you a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. But more than that it is also used for its wide range of colours. This mineral allows foundations to be different shades, and is also used in Eye shadows and Blushes.

IRON OXIDE

This is a very opaque pigment again used for colouring cosmetics.

KAOLIN CLAY

Used for it's oil absorbing qualities.

DIMETHICONE

Made from silica that is a combination of minerals but largely comprised of quartz. Dimethicone aids spreading, is transfer resistant and imparts a remarkable smoothness and creaminess to the overall product. It also improves coverage without adding heaviness. It is non-comedogenic and highly water repellent.

MICA

Is found in nature in a variety of colours and can be used to add shine and sparkle to cosmetics.

How does it differ from regular makeup?

Mineral Makeup is generally applied with a brush or sponge in a downward motion on a clean, moisturised skin. If you have very dry skin, the foundation at first can appear a little powdery but all you have to do is gently mist your face with water and all powderiness vanishes. For oily skins the foundation contains natural oil absorbing ingredients, therefore you will find the foundation nice and matte all through the day.

Regardless of your skin type, the foundation will give you a very natural, fresh appearance all day long. The makeup is also water resistant, meaning it will not run or smudge in humid weather or throughout your workout or if you get caught in the rain. All you have to do is pat the water or perspiration off your face, instead of rubbing it off.

Having said that, the makeup is not difficult to remove. Not containing any waxes or oils all you have to do is use your regular, favourite makeup remover. Over all, Mineral Makeup is worth buzzing about.

It is truly a major breakthrough in cosmetic skin care.

Once you have tried and perfected the use of Mineral Makeup you will not want to go back to your old foundations. There are several great companies that specialise in Mineral Makeup. Check them out for yourself.

Livia Mercer is the creator of The Beauty Review. A FREE monthly online magazine for women who love beauty and cosmetics and want REAL product reviews by REAL women. For a free, subscription, visit: http://www.thebeautyreview.com.au

Interview With About.com's Guide to Prom

A few weeks ago, I decided to ask some of my fellow guides here at the Style section of About.com if they'd be interested in sharing their own beauty secrets. A couple weeks ago, About's makeup guide, Faith Lawless, sat down for an interview (read it here) and this week, Cassandra Morris, About's prom and formal dance guide, did the same. Get the scoop on her favorite makeup and skincare products and find out how proms and formal dances have changed since you and I were in school in my interview with Cassandra.

View the original article here

Uses of Cosmetics

Cosmetics have been in use since ages for improving the appearance of the person wearing them. Beauty cosmetics can make a drastic change in a person's features, as they enhance the best features and cover the blemishes.

People use lotions and creams to cleanse the skin deeply. This is not possible with regular soap and water. Deep cleansing opens the skin pores and removes other underlying pollutants. Blocked pores lead to the formation of acne and beauty cosmetics prevent this from happening.

At the same time, we cannot remove some imperfections so easily. Blemishes and dark spots are very common on most people's skin. The use of makeup, such as a good concealer can effectively cover up the imperfection. This results in a skin, which looks flawless. Makeup foundation is very useful in covering up imperfections, while giving the skin a smooth finish at the same time.

Makeup is a branch of cosmetics that deals with colored products that beautify a person's features or occasionally change them, such as in theatre. Different makeup is available for different parts of the face. However, sometimes, an alternative product provides the same effect. For example, a woman may use lipstick in place of blush to obtain a better definition of the cheeks.

Eye makeup is a very important part in any type of makeup. Highlighting the eyes is often the only cosmetic procedure followed by women. This is especially true for women, who lead busy lives. Defining the eyes alone can lighten up the face.

Eye makeup products include mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow. Occasionally, women also use makeup on their eyebrows. People use mascara to lengthen and give volume to their eyelashes. Eyeliner, on the other hand, defines the shape of the eyes. Eye shadow puts emphasis on the eyelids. Defining eyebrows usually utilizes an eyebrow pencil. The entire idea of eye makeup rests on the premise that larger eyes make the person look more youthful.

Lipstick defines the shape and the volume of the lips and a lip plumper gives an illusion of more volume. Powder works like a concealer, except that it might also give the person a fairer appearance. Other beauty cosmetics include nail polish, blush, and rouge and so on.

People use makeup, because it gives them a better appearance than natural. This increases their confidence and allows them to carry themselves confidently.

Makeup is safe as long as one applies it safely. Especially with eye makeup, one needs to take great care, as eyes are extremely delicate and sensitive. As long as the application is right and the product is safe, the user will not have any problems with makeup.

Thus, cosmetics are an important part of a modern person's life, as it gives him/her a safe alternative to surgery in order to enhance the facial features. With the application of cosmetics, one can easily achieve smooth features and thus, feel more confident in every sphere of life.

For good quality Makeup foundation and a good variety of products to choose from, visit Sacha Cosmetics at sachacosmetics.com

Important Facts About Cosmetic Surgery

It is very important that people realize how serious cosmetic surgery procedures are. Anyone who is thinking of having a procedure done is going to want to learn more about cosmetic surgery first so that they know what they are getting into and can be sure that this is really something they want to do. There is a lot to learn about this, from what different procedures are available to what the possible risks and complications are. This is going to help the person make the right decisions here and also feel more comfortable about it.

Before going ahead with any procedure a person needs to make sure that they know what each procedure has to offer so they can choose the right one. Of all the different procedures the breast augmentation is one of the most popular. There are a lot of different reasons why a woman may want to go through with a breast augmentation procedure. There are different reasons that women have the procedure but mostly it is because they have had children and their breasts have changed so much.

There is also the rhinoplasty procedure which is quite commonly performed. This procedure is also known as a nose job and helps to reshape the nose in order to help it look more proportionate with the rest of the face. There are a lot of women who want to have smaller noses and even some men go through with the procedure. There are also cheekbone implant procedures which can help people to look more like a model because it gives them higher cheekbones.

These are just a few examples that people should be aware of when they are learning about this surgery. For one thing there is the cost of the procedure. The cost is going to vary from one procedure to the next so it will be important to talk to a surgeon about the price of the procedure and what it will be. There are also a few health risks that people need to be aware of when they are learning more about cosmetic surgery.

There are a lot of people who have cosmetic procedures and then are not happy with the results. The surgeon will be more than willing to sit there with each potential client and make them aware of everything they want and need to know. When learning about cosmetic surgery people must know that the biggest risk has to do with the anesthesia or sedation which is used. It is just important that people learn more about cosmetic surgery and really know what they are getting into before getting serious about any of this.

If you would like to know more about cosmetic surgery then check out this great Cosmetic Surgery Costs report or you can visit this great blog about Cosmetic Surgery blog for some eye opening information.

Another Quick Lip Color Tip: How to Get Nude Lips

Love nude lips but wonder how in the world to get them? Cover lips with concealer or foundation before applying gloss. This renders lips practically colorless -- a great look paired with smokey eyes.

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Watch Out For Harmful Cosmetics

You could be making yourself vulnerable, (and probably you are!) with the regular use of all those highly commercialized products that are advertised to give you an "x" amount of beauty care. Why would you like to take the risk of ruining your skin and go buy them, knowing well that they are surely harmful for you! Just as we would like to ensure that the produce we eat is fresh and organic, and not laden with chemicals or genetically modified, wouldn't you like to ensure the same for what you allow your skin and scalp to absorb? In fact, after the lungs, the skin and the skull are most receptive to absorption. If you just take a close look at this, you would be totally appalled at the high number of toxicity and chemical dosages most of your ever popular "dermatologically tested", friendly and celebrated cosmetic products contain!

Ever read the label at the back of your make up bottles? If you have the time, just look up some search material for each of the chemicals mentioned in any of your foundation bottles. From titanium dioxide to coal tar and what not, you will be devastated to discover the true concoction of your beauty! It seems that we are such vain creatures, that even though some of those elements could jolly well be found written on the back of rat poison bottles, whenever we see a promise of beauty enhancement, we run towards it unconsciously!

Yet, if we indeed take a more enlightened approach towards this subject that goes beyond half the celebrity propaganda and all those bombarding adverting campaigns, we can seriously find alternatives to most retail beauty capsules and potions. Well, just for plain common sense, if all the stars and supermodels used what they claim to in those ad campaigns, do you think they would have looked like that?

Do you think actors and actresses guzzle those colas they advertise? So, why the hell would they be lathering themselves with cheap soaps and put on cosmetic products they advertise unless they were being paid to do so.

Angelina Jolie may have advertised for many cosmetic campaigns, but what the inside grape vine is that she relies on unpasteurized goat milk based exotic soaps for cleansing herself! A bit of an eye opener, isn't it? That's why you need to do a little bit of research before you decide to buy the first product that your favorite personality is advertising.

Visit my blog Crystal Clear Skin for more articles on beauty and skin care.

Sunscreen Review: Josie Maran Argan Sun Protection for Body

My friends are the eco-conscious sort and the one beauty question I get from them is what natural, organic skincare products can I recommend. Enter in Sue Costello, the absolute perfect person to try out and review natural, organic skincare, makeup and hair products. Sue tries out all sorts of cosmetics for this site and only writes about the stuff she finds that work and works well. Sue recently tried out model-and-actress-turned-cosmetics-maven Josie Maran's Argan Sun Protection for the Body and liked it enough to give it an excellent review (read it here).

What I love about Josie Maran is she's really dedicated to finding products that are good for the body and the environment. If you can relate to that, this might be the sunscreen for you.

Image:Josie Maran Argan Sun Protection for Body

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Beauty Today - All Smoke and Mirrors?

Did you ever notice that the bar is continually being raised on exactly what physical characteristics define beauty? As I sit in front of the TV, I am bombarded by beauties with pouty lips, perfect bone structure, flawless skin, more "voluptuous" upper regions, size 2 waists, and hair that resembles spun silk. Take these same beauties and plop them back in time 20-30 years, when the advent of modern cosmetic technology had not even begun to reach its full potential. Do you think they would have had those same attributes you find yourself longing for when faced with these images? My guess is probably not, or at least not to the same extent.

True, genetics play a role in physical beauty, but with the likes of total "extreme" makeover reality TV (The Swan, Extreme Makeover, Dr. Beverly Hills) and abundant publicity, we see that beauty and cosmetic improvement can now be achieved by a few thousand dollars and a good plastic surgeon. Not only that, but cosmetics in general are now so technologically advanced, you can improve your looks by personal makeup application and home treatments.

There are now do-it-yourself cosmetic treatments such as home microdermabrasion kits, chemical peels, "botox" creams and gels, teeth whiteners, hair removal treatments, cellulite treatments, professional hair straighteners and colors, self tanners, lip enlargers, acne treatments, and the list goes on and on. Cosmetics marketers and science have joined forces to give women everything they ever wanted to be their most beautiful, and feel better about themselves. Women are benefitting by so many companies competing for a piece of these fairly new markets by lower, more competitive prices.

Not only are there new breakthroughs in the world of cosmetic science, but there are constantly new studies and discoveries in the field of nutrition, fitness, and wellness. Combine this with the new wave of technologically advanced cosmetics, supplements, and treatments, and you've got a recipe for a healthier, longer, more satisfying life for those of us who decide to take advantage of the advanced knowledge of our time.

So, does your desire to be your best and most beautiful self make you shallow, less credible, or somehow jeopardize your feminist agendas? Unless you've somehow compromised your integrity, morals, or core beliefs along the way, the answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT! As long as you are not putting yourself at high risk for physical harm, obsessing endlessly, or spending your life savings, investing time and money into your beauty ultimately is an investment in your well being, self esteem, and many times, mental and physical health. Feeling beautiful is part of what makes us women. Come on, it's just plain FUN to experiment with different looks and different products! It feels good to be noticed, and when you feel beautiful, you tend to radiate confidence and power. It is inherent in our nature to want to feel feminine and look and feel our best, and there is nothing wrong with it, as long as it is not all-consuming.

As a self-proclaimed "product junkie", I can attest that many of these newly engineered products really do work, as I have tried nearly all of them in the quest to look and feel my best. I can't wait to see what they'll come out with next, as every new product seems to top the last. Hey, women have come a long way, and we deserve to feel sexy and confident - beyond smoke and mirrors!

Danna Schneider, Webmaster
Provides unbiased cosmetic and beauty product reviews, along with sophisticated beauty and makeup advice, through her websites Beauty News Blog, Product Reviews CosmeticsGalore.com Cosmetic Product Reviews and Comparisons

The Growth of Cosmetic Surgery Fillers

Are you looking to get back that youthful appearance you once had? Do you dream about getting rid of any wrinkles you may have that are making you appear older than you really are? Ageing skin is a major concern for many. Yet, the bigger concern is going under the knife: many people are not at all prepared to undergo plastic or cosmetic surgery. So how does one get the appearance they desire while avoiding cosmetic surgery? Are there alternative methods to cosmetic surgery or can one get healthy non-surgical cosmetic surgery benefits from other products or treatments?

Many people try over the counter anti ageing products: products that can have little to no effect. Whilst the bottle may make splendid promises, the fact is that such products seldom deliver. Why? The truth is that over the counter products only attempt to treat the surface of the problem and they do not get deep down into the skin where ageing begins. Wrinkles are produced from a lack of collagen and while products may promise to replace the collagen you are missing, the truth is that the collagen molecules are too heavy to pass through the first layer of your skin to do you any good.

There are several different avenues that you can pursue if you have no intention of undergoing cosmetic surgery. Collagen implants, dermabrasion, Restylane, Skin peels, and other anti-wrinkle treatments like Botox are all options that can help you manage issues with aging skin. Below, each method is describe and explained in full. Upon reviewing each method you can further research the described method or consult a physician about such methods.

Collagen implants are a simple anti-ageing treatment that many people rely on to get rid of wrinkles in the area of the face. When skin lacks the appropriate amount of collagen, wrinkles are the result. Essentially, collagen injections are very much like Botox injections except it is collagen that is injected into the wrinkled areas of one's skin instead of Botox. Collagen injections are fast, inexpensive and can be done right at the doctor's office. Plus, there are no extensive stays in a hospital and there is no recovery time involved.

Collagen implants do require maintenance, eventually the collagen will have to be re-injected. Many people opt for collagen implants because the procedure is so quick and efficiently. Unlike collagen skin cream products that have difficulty sinking into the skin and reaching the layers of skin it needs to in order for the user to relinquish themselves of wrinkles, collagen injections are injected directly where they need to go. The result is that the effects produced are truly astonishing.

Dermabrasion is another non-surgical procedure that helps people improve the appearance of ageing skin. Basically, the first layer of skin is removed in dermabrasion and with it, anything that makes the skin look unhealthy or older like dead skin cells, scars and the like. The removal is a simple process and the recovery time is minimal when it comes to dermabrasion procedures. Patients may have extremely sensitive skin after a dermabrasion procedure, and some swelling may result. The healing process is different for everybody, but it can take anywhere from five to ten days to reach full recovery from a dermabrasion procedure.

It should be considered that the effects from dermabrasion are in no way permanent and that the procedure will more than likely have to be repeated in the future. If the patient experiences a lot of discomfort from a dermabrasion procedure, they may want to consider one of the many other anti-ageing treatment alternatives. In fact, dermabrasion is much like a skin peel procedure, and some skin peels can result in long recovery periods.

Restylane works a lot like Botox as it causes the area where wrinkles are to swell and thereby diminishes the wrinkles in question. The results derived from Restylane are estimated to last as long as 6 months or more, and patients find that its long lasting results mean fewer visits to the doctor's office. Restylane is injected into the areas where ageing skin has cropped up and the results are immediate. The side effects of the treatment include tenderness, swelling, and some redness at the injection points. Finally, following a Restylane procedure, you may have to avoid strenuous activities or the consumption of alcohol until the redness disappears.

Skin Peels are still a popular alternative to cosmetic surgery and there are variety of different skin peel techniques. Skin peels involve the use of special chemicals to essentially remove the first layer of skin, much like the dermabrasion technique. Many people enjoy the results derived from skin peels as the technique reveals their beautiful underlying skin and the effects are long lasting. The removal of wrinkles, acne, surface scars and ageing skin make people feel and look instantly younger. Skin peels can have painful results however, especially if the patient has sensitive skin. Several days of recovery may be needed when one has a skin peel and skin peels are not recommended for everyone.

Anti-wrinkle treatments like Botox are extremely popular right now, and this trend is showing no sign of slowly in most western countries. Like collagen implants, Botox is injected at the location where wrinkles are located. Botox causes the skin to fill up or swell back to the way the area once appeared before wrinkles appeared. Botox injections are extremely fast and efficient, there is no long recovery period and the results are immediate and long lasting. Nevertheless, the injections will have to be repeated over a period of time. Still, it is far better than going under the knife and you get the same results that you would get from a more expensive face lift procedure.

Ageing skin doesn't have to be something you settle for, even if you don't want to go under the knife and endure the risks associated with cosmetic surgery. New products and new techniques are coming out on the market every day. Trying one or more alternatives to cosmetic surgery may provide you with the beauty relief that you seek.

Mark Burns works for Ucompare Cosmetic Surgery, a comprehensive resource for users considering undertaking cosmetic surgery or collagen implants [http://www.ucompare-cosmeticsurgery.co.uk/skin.htm].

Using a Natural Cosmetics Skin Care Product

When it concerns using the best cosmetics skin care products it has been established through personal experience as well as through research that use of nature based cosmetic products offers users the best results that coupled with desirable side effects helps ensure that their skins always remain healthy and beautiful. The main reason why it pays to choose them is that such products have the ideal balance between different ingredients and it is well known that nature provides the most health benefits. So, choosing to buy natural cosmetics skin care products makes more sense.

If however you go in products that are made from artificial ingredients and which include chemicals you will find that such ingredients will do more harm than good, especially when used over a longer period of time. The reasons for such harmful effects are simple and easy to understand. Essentially, the chemicals that come into contact with your skin tend to create an imbalance in the skin and this can lead to further complications as well as to suffering from various ailments.

Every woman takes great pride in her skin and they will use all kinds of skin care to ensure that they look their best. In a bid to vastly improve their appearance and personalities women tend to disregard using safe cosmetics products and will buy according to whims, price and other factors. They are not so alert to understand the dangers of artificial ingredients that often lead to damage to the skin.

It is in the best interests of every woman to study each and every different product to find out what's good and bad about each one and to then make informed decisions based on efficacy, safety and usefulness of different products. Natural cosmetics skin care products are recommended because they meet all the essential criteria of judging a product: safety, efficacy and usefulness. Aloe Vera is a natural product that has proved to be extremely good in treating skins under different weather conditions and being natural it certainly deserves to be considered more seriously.

All the major cosmetic companies including the likes of L'Oreal and Shisedio and Estee Lauder ensure having done cosmetic product testing on all their products. In fact, they have gone the extra mile to even use nanotechnology to ensure that all their products are fit for use by every woman and interested person.

Caroline Bourke is a full time therapist in Florida. Check out these great Cosmetics Online resources and articles or the more general Beauty Cosmetics tips.

Cosmetic Surgery - When is Enough ENOUGH?

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASPC), there were 11.5 million cosmetic surgeries in the United States in 2006. The statistics continue to grow from year to year, and from 1997, when the ASPC began collecting data, cosmetic surgery has increased 446 percent. Men having cosmetic procedures only comprise eight percent of the total and have decreased nine percent overall. The question arises of why American women seem obsessed with the need to change their appearance so drastically spending over 12.2 billion dollars a year to look better.

Research suggests that some women who have repeated cosmetic surgeries have a mental health issue called Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD). The symptoms of BDD are people obsessed with personal care rituals, constantly examining and picking at their skin, steering away from social gatherings because of feelings of ugliness, and needing multiple cosmetic surgeries. There is help for BDD such as psychological counseling that may help people stop obsessing with plastic surgeries and learn to appreciate the body they have. BDD victims often have the same symptoms as people with obsessive-compulsive disorder and suffer immensely from the affliction. These people come out of multiple surgeries rarely looking better and are never satisfied with the outcome.

Like a bartender at a bar, should plastic surgery doctors be responsible enough to tell their patients when enough is enough? Board certified cosmetic surgeons are trained to perceive the reasons why patients want surgery thereby heading off possible BDD problems.

So when is enough cosmetic surgery enough? Here are some questions to ask yourself before making the decision to go under the knife.

Why do you want plastic surgery performed? Do you have multiple body features you want changed like your lips, tummy, breasts, liposuction for your hips, and your eyebrows raised? If your self-image is so low that your body seems to need a total overhaul, perhaps you need to speak with a mental health professional first. It's much easier to look into your motivations first rather than have serious consequences later that can't be undone.

It's vital that you know that plastic surgery doesn't lead to contentment for the rest of your life. It's not a type of life insurance policy that pays out with a sense of security. Plastic surgery might influence many areas of your life, but that isn't a reason for it. Plastic surgery does not last a lifetime. Aging will continue to be a factor in your outward appearance. Surgery can also be affected by the aging process.

People are subject to myriad degrees of stress in life. Cosmetic surgery won't help you deal with the grief of the death of a loved one, a divorce, transitioning into retirement, help empty nest syndrome, or any other personal problem. Plastic surgery procedures are meant to improve your outward appearance, not life's challenges.

Reality TV continues to influence the way people feel about themselves. Someone who had cosmetic surgery and show the fabulous results on television doesn't mean those results will be the same for you. You are an individual with a unique body and mind unlike anyone else's. Only a board certified surgeon can help you decide if a change in your body will be a positive change in your life. Your doctor will prepare you for preparation before the surgery; inform you of the risks, healing, and the desired successful outcome. Take some time to research all of the options available today. Science has come up with new types of procedures that are almost painless unlike the surgery techniques used in the 1950s. Think about when the best time would be to commit yourself to cosmetic surgery. Often the recovery time is anywhere from a week to several months depending on which procedure you wish to have done. Another piece of advice that is absolutely necessary is that when you begin your search for a competent doctor, make sure he/she is certified by the American Board of Certified Plastic Surgeons. There are too many uncertified doctors out there in the business for the money with little care about outcomes. Protect yourself from life-affecting results that you'll have to learn to live with. The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to help you feel better, not spend your days regretting the decision.

Help your doctor get it right the first time. And then you won't have to stress at all about when is enough cosmetic surgery enough.

Vicki Wallace blogs on beauty topics on her website and shares her opinions and experiences on the pains of being beautiful. You can read more on her blog at http://www.beautypains.com

Resurfacing Or Cosmetic Lift?

If you are experiencing fine lines or wrinkles on most of your face, or the fine lines that develop around the eyes and upper lip, resurfacing may be just what you need. Laser and light treatments and chemical peels treat pigmentation problems such as age spots and damage from too much sun. The best-suited treatment depends on natural skin color and type. Your doctor will want to take the least amount of risk that your skin will develop additional pigmentation or excessive whitening. Regiments of multiple treatments are necessary so that improvement in skin clarity and texture is achieved.

Skin rejuvenation is achieved in different ways such as light, chemical peels and laser treatments. Either of these methods results in a clear, smooth, and youthful appearance. The purpose of resurfacing your skin is to improve the texture, clearer skin, and overall appearance.

Cosmetic lifts are achieved by special blends of soy peptides and red marine that you apply over the wrinkled are of your skin, negating the use of needles, and is absorbed into the skin. The solution tightens the skin giving an instant cosmetic lift. Lines are smoothed immediately. The appearance of your face will be virtually poreless.

Cosmetic lifts include a combination of amino acids and makes wrinkles relax, which copies the affects of Botox, but without needles. It interrupts nerve signals the muscles receive and flattens the excess skin. Lines and wrinkles will be reduced by 30 to 50% within 30 days. Six salon treatments with another treatment weekly are recommended for best results. By also using the home treatment you will be provided, will promote the results obtained from the salon treatments. It can be used between the eyebrows, around the eyes, neck, and mouth.

After having any kind of resurfacing treatment, you should avoid direct exposure to sunlight until the pink and redness have healed. Be sure to use a good sun block afterward, and when possible, put on a wide brimmed hat. If you've had a phenol peel that eliminates your ability to tan, this is especially important. Wear good quality sunglasses when you go outdoors if you've had treatments around your eyes. Sometimes, after particular types of resurfacing, you want to be careful of chlorinated water. Your surgeon will advise you. Listen to your cosmetic professional; it could mean the difference between a lovely face and results you don't want.

Vicki Wallace blogs on beauty topics on her website and shares her opinions and experiences on the pains of being beautiful. You can read more on her blog at http://www.beautypains.com