Natural Mineral Makeup

When it comes to mineral makeup, it is a perfect method for women to seek a natural and lighter feel to their daily makeup. Bare mineral makeup powders allow you to achieve a perfect natural look.

Mineral makeup as the name suggests is made from mineral elements. Mineral makeup products are made up of microscopic flat crystals that overlap each other on the skin to offer a filtering layer on the skin- a layer that allows the skin to breathe normally and protects it from pollutants too. It helps in hiding fine lines and evening out the skin texture. This makeup offers a long lasting effect and lightweight feel – ideal for those with problems of skin or fine lines.

This makeup stays on longer and doesn't cause or create a smear easily. It is usually devoid of artificial colours and preservatives. This kind of makeup is ideal for women who have a sensitive and acne based skin. They also offer the benefits of protecting the skin from the sun.

Bare mineral makeup refers to loose mineral cosmetics. Such cosmetics are short of artificial ingredients that cause irritations or blemishes. As a result the skin of women with bare mineral makeup get a chance to breathe and is protected from the harsh sun glare.

* Mineral Makeup application: Always remember that mineral makeup is different from regular makeup. Use the correct brushes and don't let the colours fool you.
* Applying foundation: The foundations of mineral makeup are limited in terms of colours. The reason is that colour blends into the skin and acts like a veil. Use your kabuki brush to take a small amount of foundation.
* Applying concealers: Use the concealer brush, dip it into concealer and tap it on the desired area. Then use foundation to cover the face and eyes.
* Applying blush colours: The blush colours of mineral makeup look very dark on women, so remember to go on very sheer. Always lightly brush onto cheek and outside eye areas.

Nail Design For Wedding

Wedding dress, wedding accessories, wedding ring; all things are ready and at their place. But, arent you forgetting some thing unique that completes Brides overall look C Your Nails. Everything on wedding day really should be special for bride for the reason that later it gets included into unforgettable memories.

Nail Art has emerged as prominent component of each look and it keeps on changing with seasons and reasons. So, give your nails a far more lively look by opting for one of 2010 nail art trends for brides.

Tips for the best red lipstick selection

Red lipstick always first comes up whenever women do talk about color of lipstick. But do the best red lipstick is the best choice for you? The answer always depends on its shade and tone, and also the occasion that you want to use. Red, is one of the popular choices for many girls. With some tips here, you can start and enjoy your red lipstick that can get along with your dress and hair tone.

How to choose the best red lipstick?  You firstly need to play more attention on your skin tone, to get the right red shape lipstick for yourself. The very light, light and dark skins need a different lipstick shade for their makeup. "Match" is the keyword for choosing the red lipstick shed, as well as matched the lipstick with your makeup, hair and clothe style that you are using on that day.

Dark skin with dark hair color: for the dark ton, the best red lipstick should come up with blue base. The pink-red tone lipstick is also usable for people with dark skin type. Any bolder or lighter colors of lipstick can get along well, but remember to apply more lipstick onto your lips whenever you have time to do so.

Dark skin with light hair color: with your advantage on lighter hair color, you can go for the best red lipstick with orange and yellow undertones. Go for the one that suit with your skin color the most, it will have no difficult to get the right shade for yourself.

Fair skin with visibly light hair: the best shade for this type is lipstick with yellow or orange based, just to complement with your fair skin and light hair tone.

Pale skin with dark hair: many women has fall into this type, a combination of pale skin with darker hair color. The yellow or orange based lipstick is the best matched for you. The darker tone, red with blue base is still useable for your type. With the darker hair tone, the red with blue based lipstick seems to be the best one for you.

There are many tips that you can read and learn about the best red lipstick for yourself. You can easily found it online, with one click at url like google or yahoo. With these tips, remember what shade and color of lipstick that you should try it on, apply to your skin color to see whether they can go along or not. And then, go for the one that most suit to you.

Right Dress for Your Type

So you've heard this a zillion times but it's actually what really it takes to look as smashing as a super model. And the clichéd phrase is "Dress right for your type." Just what exactly it means literally is known by all but life would be much easier if it were spelt out. Finally, here it is your complete handbook to being fashionably dressed.

* Figure out your body type: once you know what body type you are you can read tips exactly for your kind.

* Follow tips specific to your size (weight and height) and age as well.

ALL YOU WANTED TO KNOW (FOR ALL WOMEN)

* Always try to wear free flowing fabrics in one tone to achieve a long and slim look. Try fabrics like chiffon or georgette for dresses.

* Please wear only your size. Oversized clothes never have or will make look anyone any good. Stay away from anything that's baggy or exaggerated as far as size goes no matter how comfortable.

* Be careful while adding on accessories. Never add on anything just for heck of it. Your accessories speak more about you than your clothes do. So watch out there.

* Make sure whatever jeweler you wear blends well with your ensemble.

* Wear belts only if you have an extremely thin waist. (I know this is a hard one.)

* Wear clothes you are comfortable in and that reflect your personality. You'll undoubtedly look your best in them.

* Cleverly accessorize your look by adding a scarf or a stole for the added effect.

* Before picking up your clothes read the wash care and after care instructions carefully. Never buy on an impulse something that might cost you more than its cost for maintenance.

* Invest in a basic wardrobe, shoes, and bags. Mix and match the rest of the things picked up every season or even stuff picked up from flea markets.

* Form your own style statements and avoid following fashion trends blindly. Always have a back-up classic wardrobe and experiment with new things only to an extent.

BODY TYPE SPECIFIC FASHION TIPS

Fashion tips for petite women:

* If you've a short neck avoid wearing high collared clothes. Avoid short necklaces too. To elongate your neck, wear a deep neck and a long necklace that falls few inches above your navel.

* Wearing shoes with strings will make you appear even shorter. Avoid that at all costs. Wearing an open shoe with nothing at the ankle, just a strap to hold the toes together will make your legs look longer.

* Do not wear over all prints. They'll make you thinner. Wear prints that have something here or there and preferably over your figure's assets (like well shapes abs, tones arms, etc) to catch more attention in that area

* Add a belt or a scarf to your skirt or pants that hangs downward toward your legs. It will add height to them.

* Wear contrasting colors and fitted lines to flatter your figure

Fashion tips for tall women:

* You can indulge in everything to be avoided by petite women. And stay away from all suggestions made to them.

* To cut height around your waist area wear your tops over pants or skirts.

* Big belts will work fine for you just don't wear them too tight.

* Avoid very short skirts. They'll show off your never-ending legs and will add height.

* Similarly very long skirts will make your taller.

Fashion tips for pear-shaped women (heavy on the lower body):

* Vertical lines will definitely slim you down.

* Wear a lighter color on top and a really dark shade on your lower body. This way the light colored top catches more attention and your dark lower remains unnoticed.

* Remember to make your bottom smaller you can add broadness to your upper body to make your look more proportionate and thinner down below. E.g.: wear dresses or tops with small soft shoulder pads.

* Avoid skirts that are tapered. Free flowing a-line skirts and dresses are the key to camouflage saddlebags.

Fashion tips for apple-shaped women (heavy on the top):

* Avoid tops with a lot of detailing and ruffling or rouching. Keep it simple and clean with soft flowing fabrics.

* Do not wear very tight or clingy synthetic tops that enhance your problematic areas.

* Go for light colors for you lowers and wear darker shades on top.

* Use detailing, pleating, etc on your skirt or pant to attract attention there.

* V-necks will make your bosoms look smaller.

* Wear a wrap top to cover your stomach. Using layering in the same color and fabric here will have a slimming effect.

* Under no circumstances wear anything shoulder padded. Wear thin and light materials on top only.

Now whether you are tall or small, fat, or thin on top or bottom you know the basics to follow and dress right for your type. Start experimenting, suit your personal needs, and make new rules that work even better. Happy shopping!

Natural ways to take care of your feet

Most of us take care of our face but the feet is the most ignored part of the body. In fact the legs bear the whole weight of the body. So we should include foot care in our daily routine. Here are some ways, we can take care of our feet naturally.
1.  Soak feet in a large basin or bowl to which warm water and mineral salt is added for about 10 minutes. You can even place pebbles in the large bowl and roll your feet back and forth giving slight pressure as it gives a massaging effect. Scrub using pumice stone to remove dead skin. Wash your feet well, then pat it dry and massage with a moisturizing cream.
You can even add juice of one lemon and a few neem leaves to the water as neem has antiseptic qualities.
Rose petals can be added to the water.
You can even add 2 drops of lavender essential oil to the water to have a spa effect at home.

2.  Natural remedy for treating cracked feet:
Wash your feet well and apply Vaseline or petroleum jelly at night and slip a pair of cotton socks and go to sleep. In a few weeks, your feet will become soft.
Mix lime juice, castor oil, rose water and apply it after cleaning your feet.
Olive oil can be applied regularly to have a soft feet.
Neem paste mixed with turmeric powder can be used to treat cracked feet, though it is very messy.
Lemon rind can be rubbed daily .Wash it off after 15 minutes.

3.  Walking is best exercise for your legs. Go for brisk walk at least 5 days a week.

4.  Another exercise for your feet: Hold your ankles with your hand and rotate clockwise and anticlockwise. Do this for both the legs.
Also rotate each toes with your fingers.
Bend the toes forward and backwards.
Point your toes downwards as far as possible then flex them as high as possible. Do this for both the legs.
Exercise will improve blood circulation to your feet.

5.  Hot (bearable) and cold treatment also improves blood circulation. Soak feet in hot water first, and then in cold water. Do this for 5-10 minutes. End with cold water .

6.  Avoid heels as far as possible.

7.  Buy good fitting shoes which is comfortable for you.

8.  Waxing your legs is a better option than shaving. But if you have to shave, use lot of moisturizer to avoid razor rashes.

9.  Take a few minutes to massage your legs with coconut oil or olive oil everyday before bath.

10. Natural Homemade scrub for lovely legs: Squeeze juice of one fresh lemon and mix it with a little sugar and scrub gently.

Pedicure Tips

Just like the hands need to be cured and cared for, the feet need it all the more. This is because the feet are all the more exposed to the dirt and grime of the ground, especially if one is used to wearing open-footwear like slippers and sandals. And according to experts from the medical field, maintaining clean and hygienic feet helps maintaining a healthy body. Another secret is all acupressure points of the body are situated on the sole, so along with a regular pedicure one can also give the self-acupressure.

Given here are at-home pedicure tips:

1. One first needs to remove the old nail polish with a nail polish remover. Avoiding using acetone, as it can be rather harsh on the nails. Also one needs to remove the nail polish using circular motions
2. After this the nails should be cut to the required length
3. Then the toenails need to be filed for smooth edges
4. The feet should then be dipped for ten minutes in warm soapy water
5. After ten minutes the feet should be removed from the water and dried with a soft towel
6. The cuticle remover should be used following the instructions. Then a cuticle clipper needs to be used in order to clip away the dead cuticles. This needs to be done gently
7. Using a foot scrubber or pumice stone one needs to gently scrub their feet so that all the dead skin is removed
8. Then dip the feet into the soapy water for five minutes
9. After this remove the feet and dry them with the towel. Then with a foot cream massage each foot, up to the knee for five to ten minutes, each
10. Finally, wipe the feet and apply a coat of nail polish, preferably just a topcoat

Wrinkle Remover

Green Thompson seedless grapes! It has one of the ingredients in those big time expensive wrinkle creams.

All you do is cut a grape in half and gently crush it on your face and neck. Make sure that you get the "crows-feet" and the lines around your mouth. Leave it on for twenty minutes or so and rinse with tepid water and pat dry.

Repeat every day and before you know it… those nasty old lines will be hard to find!

Don't forget to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. And… eat veggies rich in Vitamin A, such as carrots, celery and spinach.
If you can, get 8 hours of sleep every night.

Daily Hair Care Tips and Advice

• Henna soaked in water of used tea bags, coffee powder, amla powder and onion peels can make for a excellent conditioner giving your hair the much needed boost.

• What you eat is reflected in the state of your hair. A hair-healthy diet includes a wide variety of foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water. A daily multivitamin will ensure that your hair is getting all the nutritional support it needs. Stay away from processed foods, alcohol and cigarettes.

• Massage the scalp regularly to encourage oil production.

• After swimming, wash your hair as soon as possible to remove chlorine residue.

• The number one problem affecting long hair is breakage, usually seen as shorter, fly-away strands, or split ends. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep and even as you sleep, there are many factors that can lead to hair breakage.

• Separate hair into small sections. With a wide-tooth comb, such as our Long Hair Comb , carefully work from the ends in a downward direction only. Use only a wooden or tortoise shell comb - never rubber. Do not pull or yank hair.

• Air-dry whenever possible.

Caring Your Jewellery

Try to guard any jewelry from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures and sunlight.

Store jewelry separately so it doesnt scrape other jewelry.

When doing household chores such as gardening and cleaning, be certain to remove rings.

Put your jewelry on after washing and applying any makeup or hair spray.

Avoid wearing jewelry while swimming in a swimming pool. The chlorine can cause damage to various gemstones and gold. Gemstones may become loose in their settings (and possibly fall out).

Avoid storing your jewellery next to a heating vent, window-sill or on a car dashboard. Store jewelry away from sunlight as the sun may fade the gemstones.

Always store bead necklaces flat - such as lapis, pearls, etc, as silk stretches over time. 
Be certain that stones mounted in rings are not loose or rattle. The prongs of a ring can wear down. If the prongs wear down too much or break, youve lost the stone. Prongs are easily "retipped" by most jewelers to keep the stone locked in.

Sterling silver will polish up by rubbing or buffing it with a soft cotton cloth or a Sunshine Cloth. If you store silver in plastic bags with an interlocking seal, it will be less prone to tarnish. (Do not store pearls in plastic bags!)

Hardness is based on a gem-trade standard called the Mohs scale. The higher the Mohs scale number, the harder the stone is. The highest Mohs scale rating is 10 (diamonds). Anything with a Mohs scale rating of less than 7 is easily scratched (such as coral, lapis lazuli, opal, pearl, and turquoise). Gold, silver, and platinum are only Mohs 2-1/2 to 4. Always carefully store any fine jewelry.

If you have bead necklaces such as lapis or pearls, store them flat as silk stretches over time. Most jewelers will restring necklaces or reset stones for fee.

Tips on how you can wear your jewellery

1. How innovatively you can wear your jewellery Incorporate them with your outfit such as dupatta, jeans etc. 
   Wear coloured jewellery in contrast with your attire 
   Wear beaded or metal belts over skirts and jeans
   Combine rustic / imitation jewellery with real ones to give the indo-western look
2. Wear your jewellery as per the event
   Keep it light while working (offices)
   Light-Semi while in college. Semi-Light can be worn in order to flaunt it
   Light-Semi while hanging out. (Shopping, exhibitions, etc)
   Semi-Heavy for parties and weddings

Beauty & You

Beauty is, to a large extent, about having visual appeal; something people can see and appreciate. As Jean Kerr, an American author and playwright, put it: "I'm tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep. What do you want? An adorable pancreas?"
You really do not know what is going on inside your skin and body, but if you are glowing on the outside, it likely means all is well.
There is a direct and definite link between your skin internally and externally. This obsession among women makes them spend hours in front of the mirror in the struggle to keep a check on ageing. What they need to understand is that creams, lotions and magic fixes may promise timeless beauty, but it is only a diligent skincare routine that will give them great skin.
If you love your skin, it will love you back. You will see that for yourself over time. The cleansing, toning, moisturising regimen is a tried-and-tested way to care for your skin. But first, know your skin type.
How you care for your skin is entirely dependent on the type of skin you have: oily, normal, combination, dry or mature.
Here is a skincare regimen for women with different skin types and needs.

Cleansing
For the face, a cleanser is the first product you skin will touch and respond to. This is why it is imperative to find a good face cleanser and stick to it. However, the best cleanser to use first thing every morning is plain water which helps remove excess oil residue from your night cream.

Cleansing is equally important for a body and a daily bath just isn't enough. You should also invest in specialised body cleansing treatments periodically.

Toning
The second step after cleansing, toning removes traces of make-up and dirt on the face and helps close pores. Unlike the face, when it comes to the body, the word 'toning' does not refer to the use of a toner gel or toning water. Rather, we are talking about a rigorous session of body exfoliation and thorough cleansing, preferably by means of a Moroccan bath.

Moisturising
We know a good facial moisturiser hydrates, but how much should you moisturise and when? When your facial skin feels tight, it means it is thirsty. By if you overmoisturise, your skin's pores can get clogged.
The same moisturising rule applies for the body. Body moisturisers usually have a richer texture than facial moisturisers to cater for the body's rapid loss of moisture through the course of the day. Use a moisturiser after bathing when your skin is still damp.

Night Care
At night, while you rest, your skin is actively repairing the damage done to its cells in the course of the day. Night creams are richer in texture so it's best to apply them 30 minutes before you go to bed so as not to transfer the cream to your bed linen.
Although some of us have been putting it off for years, those in the beauty business swear by night-time body care. Applying a rich body moisturiser every night can bring about a dramatic improvement in skin quality as the skin gets the most from the cream during the recommended eight hours of sleep.

Sunscreen

Sun damage is by far the leading factor behind premature facial wrinkles, which is why experts constantly remind us about including sunscreen in our daily routine all year round. SPF-50 sunscreen is usually recommended here.

The Right Way To Pop A Pimple

Here to tell you how you can do that while inflicting the least amount of damage.

1) The only pimples that are (relatively) safe to pop are whiteheads, which are filled with pus and easy to drain. Painful cysts or boils are too deep to drain by yourself, and can lead to scars.

2) Wash your hands and face, using lukewarm water. Do not do this in front of a magnifying mirror.
3) Swab the area with alcohol. Using a clean needle (that you've also swabbed) gently pierce the whitehead, being careful not to draw blood.

4) Using clean fingers or Q-tips, gently squeeze from either side. If it doesn't come out easily, stop. Squeezing too hard and drawing blood will cause scabbing, which can turn into a scar.

5) Cover with a small band-aid to avoid scabbing.

Ten-point Plan

Here are some basic skincare tips:

1. Know your skin type; normal, oily, dry, combination, mature or sensitive. It's a good idea to arrange a consultation with an expert in order to be sure it is what you think it is.

2. Be clear about what results you are looking for.

3. Be realistic when it comes to your budget and results.

4. Choose a beauty therapist who has been well recommended.

5. Set aside a 3-4 hour 'me time' slot every week for do-it-yourself treatments for the face and body.

6. Be consistent with your routine.

7. Always get a second opinion and try samples before splurging on expensive products.

8. Keep your routine simple do not overload your skin with too many products.

9. Opt for consultations before you go for the actual treatments to find out exactly what you are getting yourself into.

10. Be sure to back up your beauty regimen with a healthy diet and by following a healthy lifestyle.

Festive Makeover

With the festive season upon us, the long list of parties you have to attend and the many sparkly clothes you have to wear are a must. What you may not have thought of though, is the make-up to match each dress and do. If you think festive season make-up is no different from the usual, think again. Make-up trends this season are pretty definitive. They are happily moving from grunge to gothic. You can also say the 50s are back. The good news is that in this accentuation, there is a make up trend to suit everyone. Grape is the season's hottest colour. You can see it everywhere – from lipsticks to blushes. But if you are unsure of its effect, go for the natural look. Minimise the use of colour on cheeks and eyes. Use light colours like beige instead to make the eyes look clear and bright, and skin dewy and soft. When applying make-up this festive season be perfectly sure of how much make-up you want. If unsure, go for the minimalistic look. Following are the key make-up trends for eyes, lips and cheeks this season.

FACE
Blush 
For a natural look, a pinkish blush on the apples of the cheeks will give you a healthy holiday glow. Rose, a traditional colour, works from day to evening and looks fabulous on dark skin tones. Grape and apricot shades are also very popular this winter. Be careful when choosing the shade of blush. The perfect colour should look like a natural flush. To find your colour, do a quick burst of exercise and check out your cheeks. Don't use blush to compensate for your faded summer tan.

Highlighters
Brighten your skin with a dusting of luminous pressed powder for a warm and radiant glow.
Apply highlighter on cheekbones, brow bones, down the centre of the nose, temples and shoulder blades. Use a touch of iridescent colours in the inner corners of the eyes too.

Top Tips
· Let your skin's natural glow come through if you have mature skin. Pancake on mature skin, piles over the years. A dab of lip gloss, a coat of mascara and brief cover-ups wherever required are the finishing touches.
· No matter how much make-up you apply, you can't hide dry skin. Moisturise your skin thoroughly before applying make-up, for a smooth and silky finish. Without moisture, make-up looks cracked and unflattering.
· Avoid over-moisturising. Dot on a little, work it in and let it be fully absorbed. If you have oily skin, you may not even need a moisturiser.
· Make sure your foundation matches your jawline and not your hand. Avoid a very heavy foundation as it only draws attention to the area you want to cover. Your skin changes its colour through the seasons so your foundation shade needs to change too.

Bronzers And Powders
Keep your skin looking like satin this season with less powder and more shine. Use a bronzer powder that is two shades darker than your skin and sculpt your cheeks and eyes. Go for a cream bronzer if you wish as it has a stronger pigment. But, never use blush to contour your face – it looks very artificial.

EYES
Eyeshadows
This season is all about accentuating the eyes in a unique way. For added mystique, the smoky look is best (yes, it's back). However, it does not have to be black. Instead, choose charcoal shades with hints of purple, blue and green or even glossy brown. This look goes great with bare, glossy lips and matte skin.
For a more natural look, you can use subtle shimmers and even gloss on the eyes. Blended together, pearly shades, pale pinks, beiges, blues, silvers and neutral tones create a dewy look. When using shimmer eyeshadows, use a matte base first so the shimmer has something to hold on to. For an alternative to the natural look, team this with pearlescent lip gloss and dewy skin finish. Remember to always apply concealer and powder to your eyelids before applying eyeshadow. This helps the colour blend in easily and last longer.
Strong eyebrows are also back with a bang. Using a thin brush, apply eyeshadow in order to cover any unattractive marks and brush your eyebrows so the hair stays in place. Never fill in eyebrows with pencil – you may end up looking like an extra from the set of The Adams Family. For a natural look, use a powder and a brush, and with light feathery strokes, fill in the eyebrows.

Top Tips
· When the base of the lower eyelashes is traced with a thick eyeliner pencil which is not blended in, it looks unflattering. Make sure your pencil is sharp, or use a thin liner brush instead.
· Avoid over frosted eyeshadows. A little sparkle on the brows and eyelids look pretty but too much and poorly blended shadow looks plain unattractive.
· Comb your lashes before the mascara dries.

Eyeliners
The winged eyeliner is back. This season you can add a bold pop of colour like a blue shadow along the crease for a more dramatic look. Why not try fishtail flicks (two lines at the outer corners instead for one)? For a more subtle look line the inside of the eyes with a black kohl pencil. This will set off the eye colour perfectly.

Mascara
A 'no mascara' look is a key trend this season but only if you are going for the minimalist, natural look. If that is the case, instead of layering on mascara, simply put on a little liner and eyeshadow. If you find mascara a habit hard to break, try swapping black mascara for brown.
If festive glamour is more your thing, curl your lashes before applying a lash primer and then a generous coat of your favourite mascara. It is best applied in a zig-zag motion starting at the lash roots.
For extra drama and impact, add a few individual false lashes to the outer corners of the eyes and bring on the mascara!

LIPS
Bright red lips are back – but now with more power. This season, try a deep, matte red – go for reds with a hint of grape. If you wish to be truly faithful to the season's 50s inspiration, deep scarlet, deep purple and berry are the shades to use.
When applying red lipstick it is helpful to use liner to achieve proper lip shape, followed by a lip brush for precise application. Blot and powder lips with translucent powder before applying a second coat. This will ensure the colour lasts all day.
Matte and gloss for lips are both acceptable for the season, depending on the overall look. These can be complemented with winged eyeliner (use liquid liner) for an authentic 50s look. Add some sticky gloss for a modern twist.
Nude shades, beige and light pinks are also a good choice this season. Dust on some shimmer powder for holiday sparkle.

Top Tips
· Never extend your lipliner beyond your lip's natural line to correct an uneven shape as it will look unnatural.
· The best way to prevent lipstick feathering is to trace the edges of your mouth with a lip liner (the same colour as your lipstick or your skin-tone). After applying lipstick, blot with a tissue. If you find your lip colour is still too slippery, consider switching to matte or semi-matte lipsticks. Using semi-permanent lip stains is another way to prevent feathering.

Lipliners
Choose a lipliner that matches the colour of your lipstick. When applying, start with the 'v' at your cupid's bow. Then from the outer corners draw small, feathery strokes to meet the centre V. Do the same with the lower lip, starting with the lower curve. Lipliner helps define your lips and reshape them if they are uneven. It can also make lipstick last longer if you fill in your lips with a loner before applying the lip colour.

Skin Care For Spring

Nothing cheers people up more than the weather turning warm! The coming of spring can be noticed all around, from shrinking piles of woollen clothes, to small green buds popping out on tree tops. The change in the weather and environment also means it is time to re-evaluate your skin care regimen. Changes made in preparation for winter's harsh reality will not be suitable for the freshness of spring. Cleansing and rejuvenation are the keywords for spring. Spring skin-care, in keeping with this overall theme, focuses on deep-cleansing, exfoliation and gentle nourishment to prepare the skin for the hotter months to follow.
Spring is perhaps the most pleasant of all seasons. It is no excuse to compromise on your skin care. Your skin may be in a slump after the cold and harsh winter months. So it is important for you to get it prepared for the spring with the proper skin care. The foremost characteristic of spring is the transformation.
Here are some effective skin care tips that will help you sport a gorgeous skin all through the spring season.

Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliation is a quick-fix solution that delivers instant results. It removes all the dead skin cells that get accumulated on the skin surface and gives your skin a dull and dehydrated appearance. There is an extensive range of exfoliants available in the market that help you remove dead skin cells and reveal the fresh new cells from underneath. As a result, the skin becomes smooth and soft and your complexion looks brighter. Moreover, you can also get rid of the wrinkles and fine lines with consistent exfoliation.

Spring clean your skin-care cabinet: Skin-care products and cosmetics generally have a shelf-life of about two years, after which they lose their effectiveness. Moreover, they can collect bacteria and therefore damage the skin. Spring is a good time to go though your skin-care products cabinet and do some cleaning. Throw away products that you have stored for years or anything that has acquired an odd smell or colour along with the ones that are past their expiry dates. Be especially careful with skin-care products that contain salicyclic acid or SPF.

Moisturise effectively: it is important to keep your skin moisturised during the spring season. This could be especially beneficial if you use a moisturiser with SPF. If you tend to spend a lot of time outdoors it is important to keep your skin protected against the ill-effects of the sun. Even on a cloudy day there is no excuse to avoid SPF. Though the sun's rays are very dim when it is cloudy, they do reach your skin surface. Even when you are driving in you car, the sun affects you.

Wear protective clothing: When you go out take along a hat and sunglasses. It will not only look good but also help to keep your skin protected from the sun's rays.

Stay hydrated and well nourished: Drinking water is very important to keep your skin hydrated in the warm weather. Your internal organs get the benefits of water first and your skin is the last organ that gets its benefits. So make sure you drink lots of water to get good skin-care benefits. Nutrition is the basic building block to any skin-care system. Spring time is the best time to take advantage of fresh, green vegetables and fruits. Capitalise on the growing season of asparagus, baby greens like spinach, and strawberries.

You probably already know that you must avoid oily and fatty foods that can contribute to skin problems. But don't forget to eat positively for your skin's health as well. Take advantage of warm-weather produce and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are good for your skin, like leafy greens and antioxidant-rich fruits and berries.

Vitamin A is long known to be an important component in skin care. Vitamin A is often found in night creams and prescription skin care products. Vitamin A has a proven ability to help fade out brown spots and ageing spots and to smooth rough edges. Retinoids are essential to making the skin look and feel younger. Adding a few carrots to your afternoon snack will help provide you with some beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A.

Vitamin B3 is another skin enhancing supplement, which is often overlooked. Yet the truth of the matter is that vitamin B3 has been shown to significantly reduce redness and to boost hydration. So, if you can't seem to down enough water throughout the day to hydrate your skin, try adding a B3 supplement to your regimen as well. Alongside fatty acids, B3 has been proven to strengthen the skin's protective barriers. This vitamin can help keep irritants out while maintaining moisture on the inside.It can also reduce and minimise dark pigmented spots.

Treat eye puffiness: Your skin may be especially prone to allergies during the spring season. As a result, your eye area may look tired and puffy. Calm your eye contours by keeping your skin hydrated.
There are a variety of eye creams that can help solve the problem. Another chief concern of spring involves the introduction of allergens to the air. Allergy flare-ups can cause puffy eyes, swollen sinus cavity areas, and redness on the nose and cheek area.

Adjust your moisturiser: Winter's dry air calls for a stronger moisturiser, but warm weather brings increased humidity, which in turn can make you sweat and increase your skin's production of natural oils. Switch to a lighter moisturiser, one that is not oil-based, and that includes a higher SPF protection for the happy hours you'll be spending outdoors in the sunshine.
Here are some ayurvedic skin-care tips to avoid kapha-related skin problems and to keep your skin looking radiantly fresh, clear and alive:
Stringent cleansing, at least twice a day, is crucial. Choose a cleanser that is right for your skin type. Avoid harsh cleansers in general, and aim for purification while maintaining the moisture balance of your skin. To make your own cleanser for dry or normal skin, mix together two tablespoons of almond meal, two tablespoons of coarse oatmeal and a few drops of rosewater in milk or cream to form a smooth paste.
For oily skin, blend together two tablespoons of coarse oatmeal, two tablespoons of multani clay, one teaspoon of lemon peel powder and 1/2 teaspoon of neem powder in fresh yogurt or water. Apply the cleanser in smooth upward strokes to face and neck. Wait for three-five minutes; then rinse off with lots of tepid water.

How To Get Gorgeous Skin

Don't go to bed with makeup on. Makeup left on overnight seeps into your pores, clogs them, and congests your skin. Make sure that you wash your face twice at the end of the day. Once to get the makeup off. A second time to wash the skin itself. 

• Exfoliate daily. After washing your face at night, be sure to exfoliate. Use a delicate scrub. If you don't have one on hand, a tablespoon of sugar or oatmeal will work just fine. 
• Use facial masks regularly. If possible, everyday is ideal. Again, if you don't have one on hand, make your own. Mashed banana or avocado is good. Plain yogurt also works well. 
• Keep a treatment and moisturizer on your face, day or night. Put your skin first. After you wash it at night, put on some kind of skin treatment, whether it's alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin A or C, or any kind of special cocktail treatment. Let that sink in, then put a moisturizer over that. In the morning, do the same. 
• Don't use the cheapest or most expensive cosmetics. Mom tells me that moderately priced cosmetics are the best. They get the job done, and the ingredients are usually pretty good. You have to keep trying various brands until you find something that works well for you. 
• Hydrate your face throughout the day. Whether it's a commercial product, or one you make yourself (fill a spray bottle with distilled water, add a few drops of chamomile or rose essential oil, shake it gently before each use, and spray it on) hydrate your face, even over makeup, frequently throughout the day. 
• Treat your face gently. Never pull, tug, or scrub your facial skin. Be very gentle when you clean it, moisturize it or makeup on it. This will lessen the chance that you'll damage your skin and get wrinkles. 
• Keep your face covered when you're in the sun. As beautiful as she is, my mom never lets anyone see her face when she's in the sun. She'll slather on a high factor sunscreen, put on sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat. 
• Eat fresh foods and drink lots of water. My mom tells me to stay away from "dead food" food that's basically not fresh. She always eat lots of veggies, fruits, nuts, and drinks tons of water. 
• Let go of stress. Stress can show up on your face, no matter how well you take care of your skin. Do something your enjoy everyday, whether it's watching TV or going shopping. Your face reflects what's going on inside of your mind.

5 Practical Tips on Dry Skin Care

1. Moisturize the right way

Dry skin is usually sensitive and, since winter tends to worsen the condition, it requires thorough care. The best approach to managing dry skin is to avoid using commercial creams and lotions that contain mineral oils and other petroleum products.
Creams and other skin-care products that are based on natural hypoallergenic ingredients are the best.
Every morning after showering, pat your entire body with virgin coconut oil, cocoa butter, or shea butter. They contain naturally occurring nourishing ingredients, such as essential oils, skin-friendly Vitamins A, C, D and E, and protein.

Coconut Oil
Natural creams and lotions are extremely beneficial for dry skin - they heal, deeply moisturize, and protect skin from aging.

2. Avoid tap water …
If your face skin is dry, try not to wash it with tap water since it often contains chlorine, fluoride, and other undesirable chemicals. Instead, use cold mineral water or ice made with it, or, better, clean your face with an alcohol-free cleaning lotion, toner, or cosmetic milk, made of natural ingredients.
They gently refresh dry skin without causing irritation, while respecting its balance of moisture. Toners and milks effectively remove daily impurities and makeup, purify and refine pores, and leave dry skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated.

3. Use oatmeal soap …
If your skin is dry and irritates easily, try to cut back on the amount of time you bathe or shower - some dermatologists even suggest spending no more than three minutes a day in water! Use the mildest soap available and do not overdo it - use soap every other day only. Scrubbing is usually not recommended for dry skin. Instead, once a week use a mild oatmeal soap, which will gently exfoliate your skin without causing irritation.

After bathing or showering, do not rub your skin with a towel, instead, softly pat it dry. Apply a natural oil or butter when the skin is still moist, and pay the most attention to your lower legs where skin tends to be the driest.

4. Include good oils into your diet …
If your skin or scalp develop dry, irritated, itchy spots, do your best to avoid scratching. Apply shea butter or coconut oil several times a day and try to prevent water from splashing on irritated areas. Dry skin is also prone to eczema and other uncomfortable skin conditions. A good preventive measure is to augment your diet with essential oils contained in raw organic butter, cod liver oil, Omega-3 eggs, coconut oil, and fresh cold-water fish.

5. Use a humidifier …
In cold and dry winter months, consider investing in a humidifier and placing it in your bedroom or other apartment area where you spend a significant amount of time. The additional moisture in the air will help your skin condition improve almost immediately.

Makeup Tricks for Dark Skin

Makeup Tricks for Dark Skin Update your bag or tricks -- and your makeup bag -- with these new rules for women of color.

With so many new, beautiful cosmetics options for women of color, it's time to throw out that old, dated, just-doesn't-work-anymore makeup advice! Here, fresh takes on old dark-skinned beauty thinking from Byron Barnes, creative director of Iman Cosmetics:

Old thinking: Dark skin has red undertones; your foundation should be red, too.
Fresh take: "Nothing is further from the truth," says Barnes. "Most dark-skinned women have yellow or golden undertones in their skin." That means that your foundation should have those same yellow or golden undertones for the perfect match. Use foundation to cover dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone, all common problems for women with dark skin. A new formula to try: powder foundation. "It has the ease of application of a regular powder, but can give more coverage when buffed onto the skin" says Barnes.

Old thinking: Use super-bright blush shades of fuchsia, orange, and red.
Fresh take: Stick to neutrals. "Bright colors aren't skin-tone friendly," says Barnes. His favorite cheek-color trick: Use bronzer in place of blush, sweeping it over cheekbones to add definition and to sculpt. If you love your blush shade too much to let it go, top it off with bronzer to soften the look. "Your blush should blend into your complexion," says Barnes.

Old thinking: Wear black liner and shadow on dark eyes.
Fresh take: Add color! Instead of sticking to black, go for blackened (read: deep and rich) shades of liner, such as deep navy blue or forest green. On lids, go for soft earth tones to complement your liner. "Earth tones are the most flattering to darker skin tones," explains Barnes. Ones to try: mauve, gold, brown, gold, and pewter.

Old thinking: Use dark, matte lipsticks and liners.
Fresh take: "The newest thing is the glossy mouth," says Barnes. To achieve this look, skip your regular liner and try Barnes' trick: Use a brush to line your lips with a neutral shade of blush. "The blush keeps gloss in place and adds some shape," he says. Then fill in with a high-shine gloss in a shade like bronzy brown or shimmering mauve.

4 Natural Beauty Tips

Women all over the world spend millions of dollars on gels, creams, powders, and lotions all in the attempt to maintain or enhance their skin and beauty. Beauty is a universal theme that has been around since the beginning of time and all civilizations have had a natural beauty tip or two. Modern western cultures have taken the idea of beauty to extreme by resorting to plastic surgery, liposuction, injections, and other medically invasive treatments to gain a sense of enhanced beauty. There is no need to spend thousands dollars or resort to surgery, our 4 top natural beauty tips are freely available in this article for everyone. 

First, natural beauty tip is to drink enough water every day. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water will solve many problems that you may be purchasing creams for. Drinking enough water will hydrate your skin and rid your body of the toxins and chemicals that are damaging your skin and hair. Flush the toxins out and hydrate your body with at least eight glasses and your beauty regime will improve greatly.

The second natural beauty tip is to eat fruits and vegetables daily. Fruits and vegetables contain the vitamins and minerals our body needs. When out bodies are fueled with the necessary vitamins and minerals many skin and hair problems disappear. Also, many fruits and vegetables such as carrot, oranges, cucumbers, and apples are known to be good rejuvenators for skin, hair, and nails.

Regular exercise is the third natural beauty tip that everyone should know. Regular exercise pumps oxygen to our cells, which in conjunction with water, helps to rid our bodies of those nasty toxins. Exercise does not need to be hours in the gym a walk around the block on a consistent basis will do wonders for your skin and body. Exercise also helps our bodies become more adept at digesting food which will allow the vitamin and minerals from the fruits and vegetables be absorbed into our bodies easier. Regular exercise also helps increase your energy level and sometimes can lift your mood. When you are happy and awake, you can look younger and feel younger. Isn't that what all the beauty products people buy are for? To create a younger you!

Finally and most importantly, do not discount the power of a positive attitude toward your beauty regime as well. Happy people are considered more beautiful in western society and having a positive attitude is the fourth natural beauty tip. Having a good attitude has been proven to lengthen your life span and boost your immune system, when we feel good we look good as well.

Natural beauty tips are really everywhere. There is no need to resort to a thousand dollar an ounce cream to achieve the same results you can get from eating right and exercise. Beauty really starts from within and following our 4 natural beauty tips can save you money.

Eyebrow Shaping Tips

Top 10 Do's and Don'ts to Mastering Your Brows

1. Do decide on the eyebrow shape first

You need a plan of action on deciding where your brows are going to start, end, and where to to place the peak of the arch. Use a white eyeliner or concealer on the hair that you want to remove, so you don't stray off course.

If you think using eyebrow stencils means you can't go wrong, you can. They don't take into account how your brows currently look and your other facial features.

2. Do use a quality pair of tweezers

Most people opt for tweezers when shaping brows at home. You'll be frustrated, and end up taking twice as long if your tweezers slide off or break the hair instead of pulling them out- or can't grab onto short hairs. A good pair of tweezers cost about $20, and worth the small investment. 

3. Do trim brows if needed

Here's a very important eyebrow shaping tip. A big mistake people make is taking out more hair when trimming the excess length really is what needs to go. For men this helps make the brows look more neat and groomed and for women it helps them acheive that perfectly defined look.

4. Do clean up top of brows (if you want)

I remember reading in my teen magazines growing up NEVER to touch the top of the brow. How things have changed. While I'm not suggesting going into the main shape of your brow, experts agree cleaning up the stray hairs above the shape create a more defined, clean eyebrow and can help trouble brows look even with one another. Read more to see if it's right for you.

5. Do use an eyebrow pencil, powder or mousse for filling or correcting

If you have sparse brows, over plucked, or are growing out brows, filling them in will give you the look you want. Use the wrong products or technique and they will look painted on, instead of natural.

6. Don't stand too close to the mirror when shaping

With some distance from the mirror you will be able to better see to balance your brows and see the 'whole picture', and have less chance of making brows uneven. After you have your shape in, you can then get close-up to better reach the finer, lighter hairs.

7. Don't put a shape that isn't flattering to your face

Please keep in mind that arching your brow doesn't mean two perfect half circles or arches, which doesn't complement anyone's facial features. It does mean to clean up the excess hair to better frame your eyes.

8. Don't use ice to numb skin

Cold tightens the pores and can make a firmer hold on the hair follicle. You want to soften skin and hair by using a warm washcloth on brows, or do your shaping after your come out of the shower. If you're really concerned about the 'ouch factor' use a numbing spray (compare prices) first applied to a cotton swab and then to eyebrow area.

9. Don't shave eyebrows

I know there are little razors sold out there specifically for your brows. Read why shaving your legs is okay, shaving your eyebrows is not.

10. Tweeze correctly

Hold skin taut by gently holding skin firm with your free hand while tweezing, means less tugging and pain on the skin. 

If the hair is just too short for tweezing, don't push the tweezers into the skin. Scraping, bleeding or even scarring can result if you get a little too forceful with your tweezers. Having some hair is a better option over broken skin. Instead, just wait until the hair is a bit longer and can be easily grabbed on to.

Crescent Lawn 2011