At Home Spa Treatment

At Home Spa Treatment


Do It Yourself Spa Treatments At Home: Facial, Manicure and Pedicure
While every woman loves the feeling of having just left the spa, most can go without the sinking feeling that accompanies forking over tons of money for spa treatments. Our At Home Spa Treatment guide is designed to offer you easy-to-follow tips at how to get spa results without spa prices. Follow our guide for a fast, simple facial, manicure and pedicure that will have you wondering why you ever left home in the first place.

At Home Spa Treatment: Facial
Your perfect at-home facial will take only 25 to 30 minutes. Depending on what skin care products you use, your at-home facial can cost you less than $50, making pampering yourself easier and less costly than ever before.

Follow these simple steps for the perfect at-home skin care facial:

• cleanse your skin using a gentle cleanser in order to remove surface oil, dirt and germs. If you have oily or combination skin, use a stronger cleanser; if you have dry skin, look for a creamier blend that won't dry out your skin
• exfoliate. Using circular motions, gently rub in your exfoliator or exfoliating cream in order to remove dead skin cells. Focus on the areas of your face that tend to be oiliest; these areas are usually the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
• steam. This version is much gentler than that used at the spa. Fill your bathroom sink with warm water, dip your washcloth in the water and press to your face gently. Repeat two to three times
• apply a mask. If you have oily or combination skin, use a clay-based mask; for dry skin, look for a hydrating mask. Apply mask to the skin, being careful to avoid the eye area (this can lead to sagging skin). Leave mask on for 10 to 20 minutes or as directed
• moisturize. Apply a light moisturizer in order to prevent dehydrating the skin. Look for a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher in order to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays

At Home Spa Treatment: Manicure
No spa treatment is complete without a manicure! Our at-home manicure takes about 30 to 35 minutes and will leave your nails and hands looking beautiful!

Follow these simple steps for the perfect at-home manicure:

• remove old polish using a gentle nail polish remover
• file your nails. The modern look for nails is to keep them on the short side with a straight shape and slightly-rounded edges
• soak your hands in warm, soapy water. Let soak for a few minutes in order to soften cuticles. Use a gentle soap that won't dry out your skin
• apply a few dots of cuticle cream and rub in gently
• using an orange wood stick, push your cuticles back gently. Never cut the cuticles, as this can lead to damage and even infection
• massage hands with a creamy hand lotion. Rub in for a couple of minutes in order to fully hydrate the skin, particularly if you are suffering from dry winter skin
• wipe nails on a damp cloth in order to remove excess oil
• apply a base coat before adding two coats of your favorite shade of nail polish. Always start on the side of the nail and use three strokes to fully coat each nail. Follow with a top coat, which will lock in your nail polish for longer

At Home Spa Treatment: Pedicure
An at-home spa treatment is best when topped off with a relaxing, invigorating pedicure. The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day, so taking care of your feet is a must.

Here are some simple steps that'll let you pamper your feet in 30 minutes or less:

• soak your feet for about ten minutes in a pail or plastic bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of chamomile and lavender (which have excellent relaxing properties that will soothe your tired, aching feet)
• apply a cuticle softener; after a few minutes, push back the cuticles gently using an orange wood stick
• use a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells
• use an exfoliating paste; then apply a moisturizing cream in order to hydrate the skin, as well as improve flexibility and promote relaxation. Don't forget your toes!
• apply a base coat, then add two coats of your favorite nail polish color, as above. Follow with a topcoat. Only use nail polish on alternating weeks in order to avoid nail discoloration

And voila! Your perfect at home spa treatment. You can even make this spa routine a weekly event and invite your closest friends to your very own spa parties at home. They'll thank you for introducing them to such an inexpensive, fast beauty routine. Enjoy!

Laser Eye Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions

Laser Eye Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions


How painful is the procedure?

The laser eye surgery procedure is fairly painless because the doctor will anesthetize your cornea and eye prior the procedure. However, you may feel little to moderate discomfort during surgery. Some patients have claimed to experience a "scratchy feeling" during the surgery. After the anesthetic fades, the amount of pain you'll feel varies depending on the individual. But, the pain commonly subsides after a few hours.

How long do I have to wait to get back to normal?

Some people return back to their daily routine usually after a day following the surgery. However, most people wait up to three days before returning back to work.

What common side effects should I expect?

The most common side effects reported after surgery include: the halo effect and slightly distorted night vision that produces a glare around lights. (Read also about risks of laser eye surgery.)

How long does the surgery last?

Laser eye surgery takes about 15 to 40 seconds to complete, depending on the type of vision correction needed. Time to recover from this treatment is minimal; the patient can generally go home after 30 minutes following the surgery. Your sight often improves 3 to 5 days after receiving the laser treatment.

Is the vision improvement permanent?

Yes, according to the results reported in the U.S. and internationally, vision improvement from the laser treatment appears to be permanent. However, since the eye changes as people age, re-treatments may be necessary with aging.

Is there something I should avoid doing after surgery?

After surgery, avoid rubbing your eyes. Other than that, patients can do what they normally do, unless instructed by their doctors. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully following laser treatment.

What if I move my head during surgery?

This is the most common question asked by patients before undergoing eye surgery. And if you do move your head, your surgeon will remove his foot from the pedal that controls the ultraviolet beam. Your surgeon will adjust the beam and realign it with your cornea before commencing with the surgery.

Laser Eye Surgery: Risks and Benefits

Laser Eye Surgery: Risks and Benefits

Laser eye surgery often produces pleasing results and allows patients to reduce or eliminate the use of corrective lenses. Laser correction of the vision also allows people to pursue careers that require 20/20 vision (e.g. pilot, police officer, etc). However, with these benefits come a few risks.

With the PRK surgery some of the risk include:

• Pain, mild to severe, following surgery
• Hazy vision usually for a week following surgery
• Regression within six months after surgery, which will require a second enhancement treatment or you may need to go back to using glasses or contacts.
• Corneal infection or infectious keratisis may arise and worsen the vision

With LASIK there is less pain following surgery. But, since LASIK requires the cutting into the cornea, a greater risk of complications may arise. Some complications include:

• Dry eyes, which may affect vision
• Poor night vision due to glares and halos around lights. This may impair the ability to drive at night.
• Risk of a corneal infection.
• The cornea may bulge in a serious condition called corneal ectasia, which may require a cornea implant to treat.

With recent LASEK surgery some of the risks that may arise are common to those associated with PRK including pain, haze, and regression. However, LASEK reduces the risk of dry eyes and the cornea ectasia.

Note not all the possible risks associated with laser eye treatment were covered. If you're considering undergoing treatment, consult with your eye surgeon about what type of procedure is suitable for you and what are the risks. It's also important to know that laser eye surgery may not improve your vision, even if you're a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Laser Eye Surgery: The Requirements

Laser Eye Surgery: The Requirements

Thousands of people saying goodbye to the daily hassles of using corrective lens and are receiving laser eye surgery to liberate their eyes from glasses and contact lenses. Although the thought of freeing yourself from corrective lens has occurred to you, are you a candidate for laser eye surgery? How do you go about finding the right laser eye surgeon? Read on to find if laser eyes surgery is suitable for you and how to find the right laser eye doctor.

Am I a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
To be considered a candidate for laser eye surgery you must:

• Be at least 18 years old to receive a VISX laser, or at least 21 to undergo Summit laser. Since the eyes are still developing before this age.
• Have no history or present corneal scars, retinal problems, or eye diseases.
• Have healthy eyes with minor to moderate refractive errors (e.g. nearsightedness) that can be treated
• Be able to finance the laser eye surgery, because most health insurance policies don't cover it
• Be informed about all the risks and benefits of laser eye surgery compared to other alternative treatments

Finding the Right Doctor
If you're looking into laser eye surgery you should make sure to:

• Compare the risks and benefits associated with each procedure, device, and surgeon. Make sure to check your laser eye surgeon's level of experience with the type of procedure.
• Avoid picking a doctor or procedure based solely on its cost. Known the doctor you choose and the procedure you pick may affect you for the rest of your life. So do your home work and shop around.
• Be skeptical about the eye centers that offer "package deals" and "20/20 vision guarantees". Know that with any surgical procedure, room for error is always present.
• • Read all the materials. Your doctor should provide you the patient handbook listing details about the procedure and the devices used during the surgery. Your doctor should be open to you about the risks and successes associated with the procedure. Make sure you know about all the possible complications that can arise during and after the surgery. For example during the surgery a malfunction of the device or another error can lead to irreversible damage. Similarly, after the surgery, inflammation can worsen the eye's condition than before.

But, under the care of an experienced doctor and after being fully aware of the expectations and possible risks and complications, the best screen candidates are often happy with the results of their laser eye procedure.

Banish Eye Glasses with Laser Eye Surgery

Banish Eye Glasses with Laser Eye Surgery


With the advent of laser eye surgery you can store your glasses and throw away your contact lenses. Laser eye surgery gives you the freedom of not having to put on your glasses to take in the crisp mornings and your surroundings. Read on to find out the common types of laser procedures you can have done to liberate your eyes and achieve 20/20 vision.
Types of Laser Procedures

There are four types of laser eye surgeries you can choose from. These laser surgeries include the two performed by the Excimer laser PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy), and LASIK (Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis), as well as the two new procedures called LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) and Epi-LASIK.

• PRK: This procedure was introduced in the early nineties. Using a surgical blade the surgeon will remove the outer layer of the cornea. The surgeon will then use a laser beam, to vaporize small amounts of tissue in order to correct the shape of the cornea to clear vision. Recovering from this procedure takes about a week.
• LASIK: This surgery is a bit more complex than the PRK and was introduced in the mi-nineties. It involves the surgeon cutting a flap in the cornea and lifting it to remove amounts of tissue from under the cornea. To remove the tissue, the surgeon will use a computer-guided laser. He will then place the flap back over the cornea. With LASIK surgery the eye heals faster than it does with PKR.
• LASEK: This is a combination of the PRK and LASIK surgeries. The surgery involves cutting the outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium and lifting it off in a single layer with the use of alcohol. The surgeon will then use a laser beam on the tissue under the epithelium, similar to a PRK surgery. When the laser correction is completed the epithelium is placed on the cornea. LASEK is favorable to people with minor vision correction. Healing time for this procedure takes roughly two weeks.
• Epi-LASIK: This is a variation of the LASEK procedure, where the epithelium is removed with the use of a blunt mechanical device instead of a sharp surgical blade.

So what are the benefits and risk of each type of surgery? Which procedure is suitable for you? Read our articles The Requirements and Laser Eye Surgery: Risks and Benefits to find out.

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser Eye Surgery


Laser Eye Surgery: The Eye
Thousands of women are turning towards laser eye surgery to correct their vision, and are waving goodbye to glasses and contact lenses. But like all medical procedures, laser vision correction comes in different procedures with benefits and risks for each. But before looking at the common types of laser procedures, it's useful to understand how our eyes work and why people must wear glasses and contact lenses to improve their vision.

The Eye
The eye works similar to a camera. The main function of the eye is to focus light in order for us to see. The cornea, the window of the eye, works to focus the refracted light. Once focused, the light enters the pupil and lens before reaching the retina.

The retina, made up of a layer of nerves, connects the eye to one's brain. If the light is not focused correctly on the retina, the image you see blurs. Blurred vision commonly results from a refractive error, meaning the shape of the eye structures can't bend light properly for you to see.

Refractive errors such as myopia (near-sightedness) and are not seen as eye diseases, but as a common conditions. This is why most insurance companies see laser eye surgery to correct refractive errors as a cosmetic procedure and refuse to pick up the tab.

What does having 20/20 Vision Mean?
If you have 20/20 vision, it means you can see at 20 feet what a normal person (a person with no refractive errors) can see at 20 feet. So if a person has a vision of 20/40, it means they have to get 20 feet closer to see the same size letter that a person with 20/20 vision can see at 40 feet. A person with 20/40 vision may choose to wear glasses, corrective lenses or have laser eye surgery to achieve 20/20 vision.

Get 20/20 Vision with Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery is becoming a popular surgical procedure used to correct many types of vision problems. Some types of vision problems correctable by laser eye surgery include:

• Myopia: or near-sightedness
• Hyperopia: or far-sightedness
• Astigmatism: is when objects appear blurry at any distance
• Presbyopia: is the inability to see nearby objects, normally as you get older.

During the corrective surgery, a surgeon will use a laser device to alter the shape of the cornea to fix moderate refractive errors. One fairly used instrument in the procedure is the Excimer laser, which emits an ultraviolet light beam to vaporize tissue.

Choosing the Right Glasses for You

Choosing the Right Glasses for You


When you wear glasses, one of the most daunting shopping trips can be the one where you are trying to find a pair of new glasses. Many of us remember growing up with glasses, and possibly being called four-eyes among a myriad of other names since kids can often be cruel. Of course shopping for new frames can bring back these memories, and the frustration of what to look for can add to the frustration.

But with the plethora of different lens and frame styles available today, the days of glasses being a fashion faux pas are over. Many designers such as DKNY, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Channel, and Dolce and Gabbana have started designing glasses, adding glasses to the list of must-have accessories for many fashion conscious women and men. Some people will even buy glasses without a prescription! So enjoy with the fashion opportunity that glasses afford you and have fun expressing yourself!

Here are a few tips to help you hone in on that perfect pair of glasses.

Framing Your Features
First, decide on a type of frame. Glasses frames come in many different kinds of plastic and metal.

While frameless glasses can be really subtle for someone who does not like others to see her glasses in front of her face, metal frames can add a hint of classic sophistication to any look. Plastic frames on the other hand come in so many colors and styles that they can add a hint of sophistication to a fashionista's wardrobe or a hint of funk to an outgoing individualist's style. This is why some of the most recognizable designer glasses often come in plastic.

While different materials provide different looks, certain materials are better for some uses than others. If you are active and play sports, you may want to look into titanium frames, since these withstand a lot of wear and tear and easily pop back into shape. If you have thick lenses, plastic frames may be for you since they tend to be thicker and work better to hide the thickness of your lenses.

Shape is also an important aspect of the glasses you will choose. Different frame shapes suit different face shapes better than others. Rounded frames (oval and round in shape) better suit squared-off face shapes since they add softness to already defined features. A squared frame can look too harsh on a squared face shape.

On the other hand, squared frames (square and rectangular in shape) tend to look better on people with round (full) or oval face shapes. The squared glasses provide definition and a focal point to soft, rounded features.

The Perfect Fit
When you are trying on glasses, make sure that they fit your face well. Although frames can always be refitted to a certain degree, this should just be done as a finishing touch to glasses that already fit. Wire frames tend to be easier and more flexible to refit than plastic ones.

Your glasses should fit snugly on your ears, and they should sit straight so that when you look in the mirror with the frames on your ears the glasses are not crooked in any way. The arms of the frames should also sit close against your head. When you tilt or shake your head, the glasses should remain in place. However, they should not be tight enough to cause discomfort to your ears or the sides of your head.

When you look in the mirror in your frames, your eyes should be in the horizontal centre of the frame and slightly higher then center vertically. The top of the frames should sit just below your eyebrows, and they should follow a similar contour line as your eyebrows as well. The edges of the frames should line up with the edges of your face. Glasses that are too narrow will make you look like you have a large face while glasses that are too wide will look too big and make your head look small.

A Second Opinion
Make sure you have a friend whose fashion sense you trust come with you to try on glasses. Her input will be especially valuable to you if you do not have contacts to wear while you are trying on glasses.

A sales representative from the store can also be helpful. Try talking to him or her before you start trying glasses on. He or she will be able to direct you to styles and materials that suit your tastes and lifestyle.

A Pair That You Like
When you find a pair of glasses that you like, you may want to leave the store and come back a couple of hours or days later, with a fresh outlook. Since glasses can be a big investment and you will probably be wearing them a lot, make sure you like them when you are in a different mood.

You should also make sure to try on the glasses with a number of different hairstyles that you wear most often, such as with your hair up and down. Does the color of the frames match your hair color, and will it match any hair color that you are likely have in the near future? Does the frame color match your skin tone now? What about those times of year when you are more tanned or paler?

No matter what pair of frames you decide on, you should be comfortable in your new glasses, and they should reflect the way you want to be viewed by the world.

Loving Yourself

Loving Yourself

Gaining self-esteem is no easy task. There is no light switch that we can flip to make ourselves stop worrying about the size of our thighs or our breasts, the texture of our hair or the way our skin looks. Wed all like to tell ourselves that how we look isnt important, but the sad truth is that we live in a culture thats obsessed with appearances, making it hard to remember that there really are more important things to think about than what we look like, or how we wear our hair.

Body Image and Self-Esteem

Body image is a major factor in a persons level of self-esteem. Theres a lot of pressure on all of us to look and dress a certain way in order to appear successful and confident, but your entire sense of self should not be based on these factors.

Basing your self-esteem on external factors, such as a relationship, having money or a prestigious job is a dangerous trap. Because these things are not under your control, they can go away very suddenly, which could leave you feeling worthless and mentally vulnerable. Instead, try working on things about yourself that only you can control, such as your physical strength or stamina, or try cultivating a sense of inner peace within your self. These are things that make your life better that cannot be taken away from you by other people.

Negativity

If you have a negative self-image and hold onto it for a long time, it can start to mentally wear on you and eventually, it can have a negative impact on your mental health; leading to shyness, social anxiety and eventually, depression or even alcoholism. Learning to build your own sense of self worth, and gaining control over your emotions, is important for steering yourself away from the slippery slope toward mental illness.

If you are having trouble getting your negative self-image under control, and you feel that you need help, know that you arent alone and that you shouldnt be embarrassed to talk to your friends, family or a mental health professional.

Love Who You Are

Think about the people whom you are most attracted to. What are they like? Do they seem to radiate something from the inside? Maybe theyre extremely confident, while still being kind, or theyre beautiful in a way that radiates throughout their entire presence, not just from how they look. Most likely, these people are at peace with themselves and it comes through in their personalities.

Trying to cultivate your own sense of inner peace is easier said than done, but if you can manage it, you will feel better about yourself and the people around you. People will notice the change in you and in turn be attracted to you.

Eleven (11) Ways to Boost Your Confidence

1. Be aware of your own weaknesses and accept them, but dont wallow in them. Remember that nobody is perfect and often its our flaws that endear us to others but only if we dont constantly point them out to everyone around us!
2. Once you know your weaknesses, work to strengthen them.
3. Try to see challenges as opportunities. Use them to learn new things and grow as a person.
4. Remember that its good to care about the happiness of others, but making everyone else happy is not your responsibility. Dont put the happiness of others above your own you deserve to be happy too.
5. Remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
6. Figure out what you dont like about yourself and work on changing it.
7. Learn about yourself; understand why you do the things you do.
8. Have pride in your actions and accomplishment.s
9. Remember to pamper yourself, it will reduce stress and you deserve it!
10. Accept who you are and learn to love yourself.
11. Take the time to notice improvements in your confidence and self-esteem and reward yourself for positive changes.

Finding The Perfect Bra

Finding The Perfect Bra

When it comes to women and fashion, comfort goes a long way. The perfect bra should provide a balance between proper support and style, giving you the comfort you need whether in the form of sexy lingerie or a simple sports bra.

With a seemingly endless variety of bra styles, it may be difficult to choose the bra that's just right for you. If you're looking for a plus size bra, a push up bra, or think you may need a professional bra fitting, here's a quick and easy guide that can help you find that perfect bra fit.

Bra No-Nos
Depending on your breast size and body shape, you may be faced with different problems when it comes to ill-fitting bras. Here are some signs that may indicate that your bra is not providing you with proper support in your search for the perfect bra:

• If your bra is riding up at the back of the ribs, this may indicate that the underband of the bra is too big
• Red marks caused by bra straps on the shoulder indicate a bad fit
• "Double breasting" happens when excess breast tissue pops above bra cups that are too small for the breasts.
• You should not be able to feel any pressure from the under wire of your bra
• The center of the bra should touch the breast bone
• Breast tissue should not be "spilling" out of the sides of the bra near the underarms
• Your breasts should not look out of shape

Remember, an ill-fitting bra can not only look unflattering on the body, but can lead to discomfort such as headaches and backaches.


Perfect Bra For All Body Types
There are several different bra styles that experts generally agree are better suited for some body types and breast sizes than others.

For women experiencing problems with bras that are too tight leading to breast tissue that "spills" out of bras, changing the cup size is key. The overflow of the breast is caused by a cup size that is too small. Trying a larger cup size with a wide band can provide extra control, while an overflowing bra with seams in the center can provide added support and keep the breasts in place.

For plus-sized women, high sides, wide straps, and bra cups that provide full coverage of breast are generally best suited. Look for an underwire bra that can offer as much support at the sides of breasts as it does at the bottom.

Half-cup bras can flatter women with a smaller bust. If a push up bra doesn't appeal to you, try a bra that has padding near the underwire and at the sides of the breasts if you're looking for an extra lift. A deep-V bra can also highlight cleavage.

A busty gal should use as much support as possible. Avoid bras made of stretchy fabrics and opt for constructed bras with molded shapes instead. Make sure the bra cups fit snuggly with no gaps in between breasts. A bra with an anchored center and side support is also preferred. If you're looking to minimize the appearance of your breasts, choose plain bras with smooth fabrics.

Bra Tips From The Experts
The size and shape of every woman's breasts fluctuate more frequently than you may have thought. Bra specialists recommend that women receive a bra fitting or a breast measurement - which can be done at home - every six months.

According to experts, the most common mistake women make when purchasing bras without determining bra size by a specialist, is buying cups that are too small with back straps that are too big. Take this into consideration when looking for the perfect bra without a bra fitting.

Lastly, remember that bra sizes vary depending on the brand, so that the same bra size from one manufacturer is bound to be different from another. Getting a bra fitting at a specialty lingerie store can help you avoid this problem, and purchase a bra in the same store based on those particular bra measurements.

Dressing for Your Body

Dressing for Your Body

Got a question about how to camouflage heavy hips? Feel freakishly tall? Find all the answers to dressing right for your body here.

Bottom Heavy

• If you're concerned about the size and shape of your hips and tummy, balance is the key word.
• Balance out a fuller bottom with a voluminous, ruffled blouse to draw attention away from your bottom half. Avoid embroidery and large patterns for pants and skirts, and avoid pockets on pants and jeans to detract from a fuller bottom.
• Monochromatic dressing is also a good idea. Sleek heels give the impression of a longer, leaner line. Knee length A-line skirts, as well as empire waist dresses, also help balance out a heavy bottom.
• When it comes to pants, avoid narrow, tapered legs. Boot cut and flared pants look best. Use bold accessories such as necklaces to draw attention away from your trouble spots.

Top Heavy

• The direct opposite of the bottom heavy figure, a top heavy figure poses its own special challenges.
• V-neck sweaters and tops are most flattering as they open up the neck area. Avoid full or puffy sleeves. And make sure your bra is providing you with enough support.
• Draw attention to your bottom half by wearing bold prints here, including pinstripes. Try a full, floral skirt.
• Avoid bold necklaces or fussy earrings.

Petite

• If you have a petite frame, avoid anything that is overwhelming to your shape.
• Avoid large prints that can make you look even smaller.
• For bottoms, stay away from jeans that have a large flare, as well as crop pants.
• Tight clothing will make you look like a child who's grown out of her sister's hand-me-downs; wear clothes that fit your frame well to ensure you look your best.
• Big accessories and wearing too many colors can also overpower your shape.
• Try boot cut jeans or jeans with a small flare, jackets that hit at the waist and spaghetti strap dresses to show off your delicate shape.

Tall

• If you're a lanky lady, avoid vertical lines and patterns as they will only make you look taller.
• Tiny accessories are not suitable to your shape; try larger handbags to complement your height.
• Show off your long legs in pencil skirts; boot cut leg pants and jeans are best for your shape.

Hourglass Shape

• Flatter your figure with clothes that show off your best feature: your tiny waist!
• Wrap dresses and sweater dresses that cinch at the waist play up this feature. But make sure you avoid bulk or bold patterns that make you look larger than you really are.
• You can even try one of the season's hottest trends, a colorfull belt, to emphasize your shape. Just make sure it sits at your natural waist and is not too overpowering.
• For pants, try a boot cut to make you look leaner and longer.
• Remember, clothing is supposed to be fun. So embrace your body, "flaws" and all and enjoy. Happy shopping!

Taking Care of Your Skin

Taking Care of Your Skin

Skin care is, and should, be an important part of every womans life. While some might argue that investing in skin care products is superficial, or frivolous, taking care of your skin is central to your well-being.

Our skin is not only an important organ, like our brain or heart, it is our largest organ. Skin protects us against infection and illness. Looking after our skin helps to keep us from developing acne, or wrinkles and reduces the risk of developing various types of skin cancer, such as melanoma.

Skin Types
It seems that everywhere you turn there are skin care products for women claiming to do it all: prevent blemishes, get rid of wrinkles and replenish dry, irritated skin, and some even tout skin tag removal, but before buying expensive skin care products, you should determine what type of skin you have.

The four skin types are:

1. dry
2. oily
3. normal
4. combination

Women who have dry skin often feel that their skin is tight, or rough. Dry skin is often also flaky and scaly, and it can sometimes be red or itchy. If you have dry skin, you should avoid washing with hot water. Also, stay away from harsh soaps and alcohol-based skin products, as these will only further irritate your skin.

Oily skin is shiny in appearance and often has large pores; it is also prone to acne. If you have oily skin, you should avoid scrubbing your face as this will lead to more breakouts; use non-comedogenic skin products.

Normal skin has a healthy glow and does not have any redness or large pores. It is neither oily nor dry; women with this skin type should use products that will help their skin maintain its natural water balance.

Combination skin has areas that are dry and oily. The oily sections are generally the forehead, nose and chin (also known as the T-zone), while cheeks tend to be less oily. Women with combination skin should use products developed specifically for their skin type, in order to avoid over-drying their skin and causing irritation.

Women with sensitive skin should ensure that that they use water-soluble products and wash with tepid water to avoid irritation. Look for alcohol-free skin care products and sensitive skin care products that contain thyme, rosemary and calamine.

Women with dry, or sensitive skin should also take short showers or baths of no more than five to ten minutes, using lukewarm water. They should use a moisturizing cream immediately after a shower or bath; moisturizing hand soap is also useful in keeping the skin properly hydrated.

Daily Skin Care
Every womans skin care routine should be made up of three main components, morning and night: cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

Cleansers remove makeup, dirt and oil. If you have normal or oily skin, you can use soap, while a formulated cream works better for women with sensitive skin. Make sure to rinse well, splashing the face five to ten times with warm water. Pat dry.

A toner or astringent removes any remaining traces of oil, dirt and soap. Those with drier, or more sensitive skin should consider alcohol level when purchasing a toner, as toners can dry out the skin. Toners should be applied using a cotton pad or cotton ball. Toners are especially helpful for those with oily or combination skin.

Moisturizing is an important final step of every womans daily skin care regimen; even oily skin needs to be well moisturized. A skin care moisturizer cream helps replenish the skin, helping it regain the moisture lost throughout the day and through the cleansing process. Dot moisturizer on gently and avoid rubbing it in.

Using a mask once-weekly helps deep clean the pores and replenishes moisture to the skin.

Also remember to keep your hands off your face; touching your face spreads germs and can lead to break outs. Wash your hands with soap and water.

Skin care doesnt have to be expensive; there are many affordable skin care options available for women. Find a brand that works for your skin type and stick with it for at least 6 to 8 weeks in order to start seeing results.

Diet and Your Skin
One of the easiest ways to get healthy, glowing skin is to maintain a balanced diet. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables helps skin look and feel its best while drinking lots of water keeps skin moisturized.

Acne-Prone Skin
While most people develop facial acne and body acne as teenagers, due to hormonal changes, adults can also develop acne due to stress and changes in hormone levels.

Proper acne treatment should include the use of a cleanser containing either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, both of which help reduce breakouts.

Cleanse the face gently; scrubbing only exacerbates the skin. Also be sure to change your pillowcase on a regular basis, as it can trap oil. Pull your hair back as much as possible; oil in the hair can cause breakouts, especially along the hairline.

Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer and foundation to avoid clogging your pores.

More severe forms of acne are more effectively treated using prescribed oral treatments, such as birth control pills and oral antibiotics. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about which oral acne treatment is best for you.

Anti-Aging Skin Care
The most common signs of aging skin are the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; skin also loses its elasticity due to a decrease in collagen production.

Maintaining a well-balanced diet also minimizes the effects of aging on your skin. So does not smoking.

Look for skin anti-aging care products that contain flax oil and vitamin B complexes. Many top skin care products have anti-aging skin care treatments that contain retinol. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol boosts collagen and elastin in the skin, making it appear more youthful and healthy-looking. Retinol also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look for wrinkle free skin care products that contain retinol to keep your skin looking and feeling great.

Topical Vitamin C Skin Care
Many new skin care products contain vitamin C; vitamin C is the only antioxidant that is shown to increase the synthesis of collagen, which slows down the signs of aging. Studies have shown the effectiveness of vitamin C in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. However, when vitamin C comes into contact with oxygen, it is impenetrable and therefore useless. Ask your doctor or dermatologist about which vitamin C products are effective.

Organic Skin Care
Organic skin care products are products in which no chemicals were used during their development. Chemicals are used to produce skin care items on a large scale. Organic products help exfoliate the skin, as well as cleanse and nourish it.

Herbal Skin Care
Herbal skin care is excellent for all skin types.

• Chamomile is great for helping to soothe dry skin
• Plantain oil works well for irritated skin
• Products containing aloe help soothe skin that is inflamed or red, and also helps reduce itching.

Sun Protection
The effects of the sun on your skin can be fatal. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation leads to changes in the skin, including moles, and pre-cancerous and cancerous growths such as melanoma.

To reduce skin sun damage, avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 3 pm, when the suns rays are at their strongest. Always wear a sunscreen (year-round) with an SPF of 15 or higher. Make sure that your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, as both these types of UV radiation can lead to serious sun damage. Reapply every two to three hours.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and cover up with clothing to further protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays.

How to Get the Haircut You Want

How to Get the Haircut You Want

We've all had this experience before. You go to the salon with a vision of a fabulous cut in mind, but when your stylist stops making his scissors fly, you want to put a bag over your head until your new cut grows out.

Before you sit in the hot seat again, learn some excellent tips that'll help you get the hairdo you've been pining over. You'll never feel more ready to cut it all off!

Finding the Right Hair Salon

One important step in getting the hair style you want is knowing your salon. If you're not happy with your current salon, try tagging along with a friend to scope out hers. Look at the quality of the stylist's work: does the hair stylist listen to his clients? Does she spend too much time talking or does she listen to what her client's concerns are?

Take a look around at the state of the salon itself. Is it clean? Does it look professional? Does the hairdresser clean brushes and combs in between clients or doses she use the same styling tools? Look for other clues of sloppiness like lots of hair clippings left lying around on the floor.

Check out your potential stylist's own hairdo as well. If she has a magenta pink 'do and you're a more conservative type, you might want to think twice before letting her near your head with a pair of scissors.

Money is another factor. How much does a great cut cost? That all depends on how much you're willing to spend. While a high price can indicate a hairdresser is experienced and has an excellent reputation, you can also get a great haircut without going broke.

The You Factor

If you're going in for more than a trim, you might want to take a minute to really think about whether a certain hair style is right for you before taking the plunge.

First, decide on what you really want. Look at magazines for ideas and think about what length you want.

But be realistic; recognize that your hair texture and face shape is probably different than the model or actress whose 'do you admire.

Another important factor to consider is how much time you have in the morning to style your hair. If you're a low-maintenance girl, stay away from 'dos that require a lot of primping. Your hairstyle should match your personality and life style. And remember that you don't have (or probably don't have) a team of stylists at your beck and call like your favorite star does.

The Consultation

Before committing to anything, set up a consultation. This is great for getting a feel for a stylist and lets you explore your options before committing to anything. It's especially super if you're thinking of getting your hair done at a high-end place.

A good stylist will discuss a look with you in detail; he'll suggest possible changes and let you know what he thinks won't suit you.

This is also a great time for you to express what you love and hate about your hair and to reveal those deep dark hair secrets like what your natural color is (come on, we know you were faking it!).

It's All About Communication

When it comes to getting the perfect haircut, it's all about communicating with your hairstylist. Whether it's a consultation or the real deal, expressing what you want and don't want is crucial to getting the hair style that's right for you.

Bringing in a photo or magazine clipping of a hairstyle you like will help you communicate more effectively with your hairdresser about what cut you want. This will also help avoid a misunderstanding (and the possibility of ending up with a horrid mullet instead of that layered look you were after).

Besides bringing in a photo, be as specific as possible when describing what you want. Use your hands to show exactly where you want your hair to fall; point out exactly what you don't want (for example, short, piecey bangs).

Being vague about what you want in a cut or not speaking up when your stylist mentions a style you don't feel comfortable with (like chunky blond highlights) will only leave you with a hair cut you hate.

The same also goes for hair styling products. Ask about hair products that'll help keep your 'do looking gorgeous long after you've left the salon.

The Cut

So you've decided that cutting it all off is the way to go! But before you get that great pixie cut or that super chic bob with lots of layers, you might want to consider your face shape, hair texture and hair volume.

Face Shape

If you have a heart-shaped face, your forehead is wider than your chin. The best cut for you is one that balances the width of your forehead with the rest of your face. A center part or long bangs works great for you.

Women with oval-shaped faces are super lucky: any hairstyle looks gorgeous on you! Long, short, curly or straight, you have what is considered the ideal face shape.

If your face is round, you want to create height at the top of your head. Long bangs pushed to the side look great, while a one-length bob is another great hairdo option. Ladies with small faces look great with cropped cuts that highlight their delicate features.

Hair Texture

Hair texture is also important when considering which hair style is right for you. Fine hair which is smallest in circumference is easy to dye but also gets most easily damaged. Shorter cuts help keep the hair looking its healthiest; avoid long, straight 'dos which only weigh down your hair.

Medium hair texture is the most common and manageable; you can also get away with a wider range of styles, from short to long. Layers can add visual interest and volume. For women with coarse hair (which is thickest in circumference), longer styles work best.

Hair Volume

If you have thin hair, it often looks flat. Thin hair works well with bobs and blunt cuts. Avoid long cuts; they'll look straggly.

Hair that is medium in volume looks great with layers that frame the face and that are placed around the crown.

Coarse hair works better with longer styles; layers can help reduce bulk. Now you know all you need to know about how to get the hair cut that's right for you. Happy haircut!

Curly Hair Guide

Curly Hair Guide

How To Tame Curly Hair

When it comes to curly hair, it can be difficult to find just the right hair products. Some women with curly locks prefer styles that are geared towards taming curly hair, while others look for the best curly hair products to accentuate naturally curly hair. Whether you want to down play your curls or show them off, our curly hair guide will tell you all you need to know about curly hair!

Taming Curly Hair

If your curly hair is coarse or frizzy in texture, using curly hair products is essential to taming unruly waves. A pomade or a balm is an excellent hair product that can smooth out your locks. Pomades and balms usually come in heavy and light consistencies; heavy pomades and balms are in wax form and are usually sold in a tin, while light consistencies are available in liquid format.

Looking to straighten your curly locks? To straighten long curly hair, wash and condition hair the night before and apply a straightening balm. Blow dry hair and then pull back into a bun until the morning to create a smooth, polished look.

Bringing Out Curls

If you're interested in accentuating your curly hair, try using a curl-enhancing balm or mousse. These curly hair products help to emphasize your natural curls while providing volume.

Gently detangle hair and create a part. Allow hair to air dry until hair is 80% dry. Scrunch your hair and apply product throughout. Push hair into the fingers to create style, lifting at the roots. You may also use a small barreled curling iron to further define curls.

Curly Hair Products

The best curly hair products are:

• balm
• pomade
• mousse
• conditioner

Women with curly hair should comb conditioner through their hair in the shower to ensure their locks stay healthy and strong.

Natural hair products are also good options to treat curly hair, particularly if it is damaged or has been dyed. One ingredient to look for in natural curly hair products is balm mint. Balm mint helps to create curl, while renewing color. It also soothes the scalp, which can help treat an oily scalp.

What to Avoid

If you have curly hair, you should avoid using brushing dry hair as this will only promote frizz and bulk, and may cause split ends. Avoid these problems by combing curly hair with a wide-toothed comb while it is soaking wet. If hair becomes tangled, run your hands under water and run your fingers through the hair to gently detangle.

You may want to avoid shampooing curly hair on a daily basis, as this will only aggravate a dry or sensitive scalp and can cause frizz.

Hair Color Guide

Hair Color Guide

Choosing A Hair Color: How to Choose the Best Hair Color For You
Looking for a hair color change but are unsure of which hair color is right for you? Unsure about trying a new hair color? Or perhaps you want to complement your natural hair color with highlights? Our hair color guide has all you need to know about choosing the best hair color for you. Discover our hair color tips in order to discover your true beauty and make bad dye jobs a thing of the past!

Choosing A Hair Color
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a new hair color including your skin tone, eye color and your current hair color.

Choose which of the following categories best matches you in order to find your best hair color:

• Light warm skin tones: Your skin has warm, yellow-red undertones. Your skin is ivory, creamy beige, peaches and cream or is light golden tan in appearance. Your eye color is brown, amber, green or hazel.The best hair color for you: Individuals who fall under this category look best in lighter hair colors that have warm undertones. Such hair colors include strawberry blonde, light brown with golden or reddish highlights and beige blondes.
• Medium to deep warm skin tones:: Your skin has warm, yellow-red undertones and is tawny, golden brown or coppery in appearance. Your eye color is dark brown, green or amber.The best hair color for you: Rich, dark shades suit you best. Your best hair color is medium to dark golden brown, chestnut, honey brown, copper or mahogany.
• Light cool skin tones: Your skin has a cool or blue-red tone to it. Your skin color is best described as rose beige, light pearl or rosy pink. Your eyes are light blue, grey-green, turquoise or grey-blue. The best hair color for you: You should choose a hair color that is ashy or cool, such as a silvery blonde, light brown with wheat-colored tones or platinum blonde. These hair colors are best when paired with lighter ash or platinum blonde highlights.
• Medium to deep cool skin tones: Your skin is light olive, dark olive, dark brown or ebony. Your eye color is cool brown, black, blue green, or deep blue or green. The best hair color for you: Your best hair color is dark brown, plum or black and can be accented with plum or burgundy highlights.

Options Available for Dying Hair
Hair coloring can be done either at home or at the salon.

While salons can be pricier, it is usually best to have a professional color your hair if this is the first time you are having your hair colored, or if you want a drastic change or lots of highlights. Salons are also a good option if you want a permanent color, which will usually take several months to grow out.

At-home hair dying kits are a more affordable option. These kits come in a variety of shades and are available in permanent and semi-permanent (fades after a few shampoos) and semi-permanent forms which are considered the best way to color grey hair. If you are dying your hair at home, it is best not to go more than a couple of shades lighter than your current hair shade to minimize application problems.

In addition, natural hair dyes are an increasingly popular option for women who want a healthier hair coloring option. These herbal-based products are ammonia-free and provide hair with the nourishing benefits of herbs and henna, which help to keep hair healthy. These natural hair dyes do not actually change the color of your hair, but help to enhance color and shine while conditioning hair.

Hair Removal

Hair Removal

A recent study found that 80% of women expressed having what they deemed unwanted hair. But what causes unwanted hair growth? How much body hair we have depends on our genetics, as well as our levels of testosterone. While there are a variety of hair removal techniques available to women, all those choices can make choosing a method of hair removal confusing.

Our hair removal guide gives you an overview of the most common hair removal techniques, including waxing, laser hair removal and threading, and what the pros and cons of each hair removal technique are. The removal of unwanted hair has never been easier!

Shaving
Shaving is the most common way to remove unwanted hair. While its effects are temporary, lasting around one to three days, it is generally painless, fast and cheap.

Shaving involves using a razor and normally, a moisturizing shaving cream containing aloe vera and vitamin E, which reduces skin irritation. Side effects of shaving include: stubble, cuts, ingrown hair, skin irritation.

Contrary to popular belief, shaving does not cause hair to grow in thicker.

Waxing
Waxing is another hair removal process, although its effects generally last from three to eight weeks, making it a good long-term hair removal solution.

Waxing involves using warm or cold wax that is applied to the skin and then quickly stripped off. It is an effective treatment but it can also get expensive, and is best suited for large areas of hair, including the legs and the pubic area (as in the Brazilian waxing process).

Negative side effects include pain, ingrown hair and scarring. Also, waxing should not be done on irritated, sunburned or broken skin.

Sugaring
Similar to waxing, sugaring involves a syrup made up of sugar, lemon juice and water that is heated and subsequently turns into a ball-like shape. Once placed on the skin, it is flattened and stripped away.

Because sugaring is made from natural ingredients, it doesn't stick to the skin as much and so therefore tends to cause less irritation. It lasts approximately five to six weeks.

Threading
An ancient technique of hair removal, threading is especially popular in Arabic countries; eyebrow threading is the most popular form of threading.

Threading uses a long twisted loop that is rotated to create coils that trap the hair, which is pulled from the skin and broken off.

Threading can lead to pain, scarring and ingrown hair. It is an inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair and results last about a week; however, threading has the added benefit of causing hair to become thinner over time.

Depilatory
Using depilatory hair removal products is another way to get rid of your unwanted hair. Depilatory creams contain alkaline chemicals that dissolve hair protein, causing it to break in half. Depilatory products come in gel, cream and roll-on forms.

Not recommended for women with a lot of hair or with coarse body hair, depilatory products should also not be used on the eyebrows, pubic area or broken or sensitive skin. Side defects include an allergic reaction to chemicals in the product, ingrown hair and dry, itchy and sometimes burning skin.

Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a hair removal process in which needles send an electric pulse into the hair follicle, thereby hindering future hair growth. This technique is especially recommended for those with more body hair as well as coarser body hair.

A slow process, electrolysis is nevertheless effective, offering more long-term results, although only after multiple sessions. It costs roughly $50 to $100 per session. Side effects can include scarring, pain and in rare cases, bacterial and viral infections.

Laser Hair Removal
A new hair removal technique is laser hair removal. It is a long-term hair removal technique, although four to six sessions are generally needed in order to remove hair on a permanent basis.

In this technique, a laser pulse is used to destroy hair.

However, laser hair removal can be very costly; small areas cost about $1000 while removing hair from the bikini area costs roughly $1200. Laser hair removal is recommended for women with more body hair that is also coarser in texture.

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs arent pretty and they arent pleasant to have. What they are is extremely common, though some people are more prone to them than others. Read on to find out what exactly ingrown hairs are, what causes them, and how you can stop them before they even start.

What is an Ingrown Hair?
Ingrown hairs are usually the result of the hair being cut, or broken off, bluntly, although distorted follicles can also cause ingrowns. As the hair grows back, it may come in on more of an angle than normal, causing it to miss the opening of the follicle, curl back around and start to grow back into the skin. This leads to infection, which is the source of the papules (those raised red spots) that commonly occur when hairs become ingrown.

Ingrown hairs usually resemble acne and are characterized by raised, red bumps and occasionally pustules, or whiteheads. The two are actually very similar. As the hair grows under the skin, it blocks the pore and allows bacteria to grow, essentially creating a pimple.

Causes of Ingrown Hair
Causes of ingrown hair include:

• Oil stuck in the hair follicles
• Dry skin
• Coarse, curly, or stiff hair
• Shaving too close, or shaving against the direction of hair growth
• Any kind of hair removal, including waxing, electrolysis, shaving and tweezing.

Hair Removal Methods
Depending on your skin and hair types, certain hair removal methods will probably cause more ingrown hairs than others. Its best to experiment with different types of hair removal, to see which ones work for you. Heres a general guideline:

• Shaving bluntly cuts the hair, usually at or just below the surface of the skin. This is the hair removal method most likely to cause ingrowns.
• Tweezing involves pulling the hair out at the root. In some people this can cause the hair follicle to become distorted. This could result in the hair growing in at an improper angle, leading to ingrown hairs.
• Waxing also involves pulling the hair out at the root, and can also cause distorted follicles. However, many people report experiencing fewer ingrowns with waxing than they do with shaving.
• Sugaring is similar to waxing, however, there is a higher risk of the hair breaking off when sugaring, so this might raise the risk of ingrowns for sugaring over wax.
• Depilatories use a chemical to dissolve the hair, just below the surface of the skin. Because the hair is dissolved instead of cut or broken off, there is less chance that ingrowns will develop after depilatory use.
• Electrolysis is done by sliding a thin metal probe into the hair follicle, and then sending a mild electronic current into the probe. The electricity is supposed to kill the hair. This method has varying success, but is intended to stop the hair growth altogether, which, if successful, will eliminate ingrown hairs.
• Laser Hair Removal uses laser light to destroy the hair follicles, preventing re-growth. If this procedure is successful, ingrown hairs will be eliminated.

Prevention
The best way to prevent ingrown hairs is to stop removing your hair but who are we kidding, most of us are never going to embrace the au naturel look. Here are some tips to help keep the ingrowns at bay:

• Allow your hair to grow longer before removal
• Exfoliate you skin often, directly after removing the hair and in between hair removals.
• Shave with the grain of the hair, not against it.
• Keep your skin well moisturized, using a moisturizer that wont block your pores.
• Keep your skin as clean as possible, make sure to wash the areas where youre prone to ingrowns after sweating or exercising.
• Try different hair removal techniques to find one that works for your skin type without causing ingrown hairs.

Treatments
If youve got ingrown hairs, chances are youd like to get rid of them as soon as possible. Heres some helpful hints:

• Wear loose fitting clothing until the ingrowns heal.
• Do not exfoliate while you have ingrown hairs.
• Try applying a hot compress to the affected area, 3 times a day, until it heals.
• DO NOT try to dig out the hair yourself this could cause an infection.