Facial Exercises

Facial Exercises**Chin and jaw..Mouth and cheeks..Forehead..Forehead..Neck...

Facial Exercises

Like the whole body, the face too requires exercising to keep it young and beautiful. By doing facial exercises, you strengthen and tighten the muscles of the face, you stimulate the blood supply and also nourish your facial skin. As you grow older, the muscles of the face begin to sag giving appearance of fine lines called wrinkles. By doing these exercises, you straighten and tighten the muscles and prevent wrinkling of the skin.

Try to push the face out stretching the skin toughly over the skin. Hold it like that to a count of four. Relax and repeat 10 times.

Chin and jaw

1. Lean your head as far as will go. Then open your mouth. Put your chin out and slowly take it up until it closes your mouth. Do this 5 times.

2. Touch your nose with your tongue.

3. Touch the roof of your mouth with the base of your tongue.

Mouth and cheeks

1. Put the forefingers at the corners of your mouth and stretch it as wide as possible. Relax and repeat this 6 times. Keeping the fingers still there, try and pull the mouth shut, forcing the muscles to work. Count 6, relax and repeat 5 times.

2. Open your mouth as wide as you can. Close it very slowly with tension. Repeat this ten times. Turn your head frorn left to right when doing this exercise to maintain your jaws.

3. Blow out your cheeks as if you were blowing a balloon. Relax and repeat 6 times.

4. With your mouth closed give a big false smile. Relax and repeat this 6 times.

Forehead

Without moving the rest of your face try to move your forehead and without wrinkling it push it up towards the hairline. Hold it to a count of 6 and relax. Do this as often as you can.

Eyes

* Open your eyes as wide as possible. Hold to a count of 6 and relax. Do this several times.

* Roll your eyes around in a circle. Do it slowly first one way, then the other.

* Keep the eyes closed. Contract the muscles by blinking hard. Hold the muscles tight for a few seconds. This reduces puffiness of the eyes.

* For dropping eyes, open your eyes, and put your middle fingers into the corners of your eyes, then you gently squeeze the eyes shut and you will feel the muscles there working away.

Neck

Exercise No.1

Sit with your back straight. Drop your head forward to touch your chest, bring your head upright and drop it backwards. Do this exercise 6 times.

Exercise No.2

Sit with your back straight. Drop your head to the right side so that your ear nearly touches the shoulder. Bring the head upright again and drop it to the left. Repeat this 6 times on either side.

Exercise No.3

Slowly roll the head around front, left, back, right and to the front again. Do this four times first clockwise and then anticlockwise.

Article Source:http://www.makeup-artists.org/

Exercise Therapy

Exercise Therapy

Every woman's best bet for maintaining her health and beauty is exercise. It improves the circulation to the point where areas are stressed and regular exercise will actually develop tiny blood vessels to deliver extra oxygen to the body and remove waste material. Muscles trained by exercise develop greater stores of energy in the form of glycogen. The muscles also grow larger and stronger, lung function improves and heart turns healthier. Somehow we must try to fit exercise of some sort or the other in our daily routine. Forget the car for short trips and walk whenever you can. Stretch when you reach for something on the shelf. Skip elevators whenever you can. Walk up and down the staircase. Park your car a few blocks away from your destination, walk the rest of the distance; do the same for the bus or train. Get off one stop before your destination. Whenever you get a chance stand rather than sit. Do not be a couch potato. Be always on the move if you want to remain young and healthy.


Stretching: This keeps the body firm and graceful. In the morning it awakens the body, during the day it releases tension and stretching at night helps you to sleep. Before you get up in the morning gently stretch first on one side and then the other. Then get out of bed, stand with your feet flat on the ground and reach for the ceiling, try and touch it. Stretch one side, feel the pull from your fingertips to your feet, now stretch the other side. Do this 10 times. Now do the same stretch standing on your toes. Repeat this 10 times then let your body go completely slack.

Cycling: Recent research on heart attacks has shown that cycling is one of the best forms of exercise. It can minimize the likelihood of giving you a heart attack by increasing the blood circulation and exercising all the muscles of your body.

Walking: This the easiest exercise in the world. The act of walking combining both the exercise and the actual striking of feet on a hard surface promotes the addition of essential minerals to the bones. It also works wonders for the circulatory system of the legs and also it improves the entire vascular system. Besides it burns up cholesterol and other fats. But mere walking is not enough, your pace has got to be brisk, because brisk walking though a mild exercise is a good aerobic workout.

Skipping: This exercises the whole body. It strengthens your lungs, legs and wrists. It improves the circulation, firms up the breasts, thighs and buttocks. It tones the muscles, improves your co-ordination, improves your skill at sports, reduces nervousness, increases endurance and helps improve your hand and foot co-ordination. Jumping rope is an excellent means of achieving total body workout. It is equal to jogging 1 and a half kilometers, 350 meters of swimming and half hour of continuous basket ball.

Breathing: Every tissue in the body requires oxygen, therefore practice deep breathing. Stand before an open window and fill your lungs with fresh morning air, then exhale pushing out the last breath. Repeat this for 10 minutes.

The secret of exercise is to develop interest not so much in the exercise but in some hobby which requires vigorous movements of all kinds like swimming, dancing, yoga, karate, tennis, cricket, hiking, gardening, etc.

Article Source:http://www.makeup-artists.org/

Coloures and Textures for Obese People

Coloures and Textures for Obese People

There are very few people who have perfect figures. The whole art of dressing is to create an optical illusion that emphasizes the good points and minimizes the weak points. It is here that colours and textures are important if a person is on the heavier side.

When choosing fabric for yourself, keep in mind that bulky and heavy fabrics will add width to the body. Soft and clinging fabrics will hug the body and reveal the silhouette. Shiny and glossy fabrics will increase your size because they reflect light. Dull surface and medium weight fabrics tend to give slender appearance. As they do not have highlights, they tend to minimize size and conceal the outline of the silhouette. Prints and patterns should be in proportion to the size of the figure. A large orient on a small figure looks ridiculous. In the same way a small print on a large frame will look absurd. Therefore, overall prints should be small and not contrast too much.

To look slim, stripes must be narrow. Bold broad stripes will make you appear broader. Vertical lines create an optical illusion that help you look taller and slender than you really are. When the eye moves in upward direction it gives an illusion of tallness and thinness. When the upward motion of the eye is interrupted by cross wise lines then the object looks shorter and rounder. Besides fabrics and prints select a colour to suit your weight. If you are stout, dark coloured fabrics will make you appear stouter, therefore you should go in for cool colours like blues and greens that tend to recede and make you appear slimmer. Light colours make your figure seem much larger than dark ones. You should use medium colours that blend with the background but do not necessarily define the outline of the figure. For example, you should choose a forest green colour instead of muted grape colour, instead of royal blue a soft rose and instead of bright pink grey.

Article Source:http://www.makeup-artists.org/

In House Beauty Treatments

In House Beauty Treatments

Instead of wasting your time and money in a beauty salon you can do the same treatments at home yourself with less than one-fourth the amount of money you spend in a Salon.
Facial

Facial is a sort of guardian angel which in a short time rejunuvates the skin. Tie up your hair. Then clean your face with a good cleansing milk. Wipe off with a piece of cottonwool dipped in water. Release impurities by steaming. Steaming is done by putting your face over a basin full of hot water, with a towel over your head to keep the steam in as long as possible. Steam for 5 minutes only. Hold your face 25 cms above the water otherwise you will have broken veins. For dry skin stean for 5 minutes and if you have oily skin then steam for 10 minutes. The heat dilates the pores and empties them of dirt and cleanse the skin of all its impurities. Thoroughly wipe with, a damp napkin and pat dry. Now apply a facial scrub. Use gentle circular movements and avoid the eye areas. After 20 minutes wash off and apply a mask for greasy skin. Gently apply eye cream. After 20 minutes wash off and apply a alcohol free toner. While the skin is still damp apply a moisturizer.

Warning - Do not give yourself a facial if you have acne or other skin conditions. You might make the condition worse.
Perfect eyebrows

Only one professional brow-shaping done in a saloon can help you maintain perfect eyebrows all your life. Every day see your eyebrows in a mirror, kept near an open window where you get plenty of light. If you see any stray hair just pluck them out with a tweezer. If you find that tweezing is painful then take the sting out of the operation by dabbing the eyebrows with a piece of cotton wool dipped either in eau-de-cologne or astringent lotion. All the stray hair from above the nose should be plucked out regularly by using a pair of scissors. This should be done daily without fail to keep your eyebrows permanently in shape.
Waxing

To prepare your own wax at home, take 250 grams of sugar and squeeze in juice of 6 large limes. Cook the mixture over gentle fire till it turns light brown and sticky. Remove from fire and mix in 1 tablespoon glycerine. Apply the wax in the direction of the hair growth with the help of a blunt knife. Press a clean strip of cotton cloth over the wax. Grip the edge of the strip firmly. Pull off in one swift motion against the skin in the opposite direction making the removal of hair easier. Before starting waxing on any area, dust the area with talcum powder to ensure that the wax pulls off cleanly. After waxing, moisturize the skin with a moisturizing lotion or cream.
Manicure

Your nails deserve a weekly manicure to keep them in a good condition. Remove old nail polish a day in advance to give them a chance to breathe in oxygen and to get the benefits of sun and air. Before beginning your manicure, wash your hands thoroughly with hot soapy water using a soft shaving brush. Apply cuticle remover over cuticles with a cotton bud. Cuticle remover softens and loosens cuticles. Never cut cuticles and do not push them back too hard as you might hurt live tissues at the nail base. Wash fingertips again, work off dead skin with a napkin and then dry hands thoroughly. Massage a little warm olive oil around the nails and then wipe thoroughly so that no trace of grease remains. Cut nails and shape them using a nail file. Use long movements in one direction. Gently level the tips with downward strokes so as to seal together the nail layers. Now scrub nails downwards with a nail brush dipped in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. Place your hands firmly on a table and apply a thin even layer of nail polish. Stroke brush down the middle, base to tips and then do the sides. Stop and dry and apply a second thin coat and wait till it dries up. Finally apply a thin top coat and leave to dry. Reapply every few days sealing the edges to make your manicure last longer. Keep nail polish in the fridge to prevent it from thickening. Do not shake the nail polish bottle if you want to use it (it creates air bubbles). Roll between your palms instead.
Pedicure

Don't ever have long toe nails... It's just not done. Keep nails upto the edge of the toe. Cut straight across to prevent ingrown toe nails. File the nails carefully and remove old nail polish. Push back-cuticles with cottonbuds. Soak the feet in warm soapy water and scrub with a foot brush to remove dead cells. Dry well and nip off any ugly nails or bits of dead skin with scissors. Before applying nail polish, place small swabs of cotton between each toe. Paint the nails using a thin' coat first and then follow up with 2 more coats of nail polish.

Article Source:http://www.makeup-artists.org/

Beauty Hints for the Working Women

Beauty Hints for the Working Women

Being a working woman you are often invited to parties and outings immediately after work. In short time between work and party how will you manage to look fresh and beautiful.

Here are some handy hints if you follow them you will be the cynsore of all eyes without even going home for a change.


1. Carry a few accessories in your bag like mini makeup kit, a few pieces of jewellery and a pair of shoes, or you can keep the makeup kit and shoes in your office in your locked drawer in case of emergencies.

2. Now for the change of dress: just remove the plain blouse you had worn to your office over your saree and wear zari choli or embroidered choli or blouse. Same with churidar Kameez or Salwar Kameez; just lock away your ordinary dupatta and wear an exotic dupatta and see the deference it makes to your appearance. The dupatta and the blouse can make a big difference to the occasion. If you have worn pants or skirt and jacket, then wear under a stripy nicely embroidered and sequined top and in the evening just lock away the jacket and your days clothes will be complete transformed.

3. In the make up kit always carry foundation, lipstick and mascara. Wash the face nicely, then apply foundation all over the face after mixing it with little rose water. Blend thoroughly with upward outward strokes over the entire face. Mascara is a must for the starry eyed look. If you do not prefer mascara, then you can use eyelash curler. By making lashes turn upwards they appear longer and eyes look larger. Place curler as near to the baseline as possible, squeeze for a few seconds and gently work the curler out towards the end of the lashes for a natural curl. To apply blusher, smile and place a little of your lipstick colour on the apple of the cheeks using a circular motion. Blend upwards and outwards until there are no lines to indicate where blusher begins and ends. For using lipstick, first outline the lips with a lipstick pencil and then fill in the colour with lipstick. For the more natural look, you can use a lip pencil that is either the colour of your skin or a shade darker. Fill the lips with plain lip gloss for a complete natural look. You may also use a frosted lipstick in natural tones, for a party a strong recommendation is to use waterproof lipstick which does not smudge.

4. You can either use a dressy bendi or you can make your own bindi with your lipstick.

5. And as for the ear-rings you can use hops which are latest fad in tinsel town. And lastly do not forget the perfume. While using perfume to avoid wastage and to ensure that it lasts you all evening you should dab it behind your ears and at the pulse points like wrists, inside your elbows, at the end of your neck line and inside your knees. In this way with each pulse beat the perfume will spread further and further not only enveloping you but also everybody else in its lasting fragrance.

Article Source:http://www.makeup-artists.org/

6 Ways Of Pubic Hair Removal

6 Ways Of Pubic Hair Removal,(1) Trimming,(2) Shaving,(3) Depilatories,(4) Waxing,(5) Electrolysis,(6) Laser...

6 Ways Of Pubic Hair Removal

Want to try pubic hair removal but don't which method to go for? There are some people seek expensive services such as bikini line waxing or laser hair removal or bikini line waxing to help them with it. Others get it done privately in their own home. Whichever way it is, grooming your pubic hair is a clever move.

Why? Because it's not just great for personal grooming, you'll probably experience a higher sensuality and fluidity in your bedroom romps. While it's true that different people may get different experience and results, one thing is for sure. Deciding one the best approach to trim your pubes requires a deliberate understanding of the respective methods available.

(1) Trimming

Instead of keeping your pubic area totally bare, you can probably just consider making it neat and tidy. Trimming can help you do that. Using scissors or electric trimmers, you can trim your pubes every 2 weeks in the comfort of your own bathroom. For those of you who're not skilled with the scissors, it's recommended to go for the trimmers to prevent getting pubic hair that's more funny than alluring and sensual.

(2) Shaving

An approach that most people are already familiar with, tools to help you with this are easily available. Shaving gives you an immediate smooth clean touch. A tip : use the razor while you're taking a warm shower for the best results. You don't have to clean much and since the shower will give you an immediate wash. Unfortunately, this method requires regular maintenance and may result in irritations such as razor burns and cuts. You may get ingrown hair too.

(3) Depilatories

Lotions or creams that dissolve the unwanted hair so that you can easily wipe them off, depilatories takes just 10 minutes to take effect. It's however, recommended to test the product to ensure you're not allergic to it. Apply it onto the back of your wrist and see if you'll get any irritations for about 2 days. Seek medical advice immediately if you do. As this method's rather easy to implement and relatively pain free, it's quite popular. Hair regrowth also seems much softer and finer as opposed to shaving.

(4) Waxing

Either hot or cold wax is applied to the hair removal zone. Then, it is evened out with a plaster or piece of cloth pressed on it. The plaster or cloth is then ripped off, pulling out all hair from it's roots at the same time. It takes little guessing to know that this could be painful. It's also expensive and restricted to less sensitive zones on the pubic area (especially for the guys). The longer lasting effects and finer hair regrowth texture keeps people going for it.

(5) Electrolysis

The only approach that's really permanent hair removal, electrolysis is an good option if you're planning to be bare underneath for a longer period of time. The number of treatments is much lesser (as compared to electrolysis for other parts of the body) since the pubic area is relatively small.

However, the duration of each treatment can range from 2 - 12 hours depending on your aesthetician's skills. This is because each hair follicle has to be handled one by one. It's great for all different hair texture and skin tones but can be slightly painful for some people. Cost is the main issue that draws people away from this method.

(6) Laser

Although laser hair removal takes a shorter time than electrolysis, it's not exactly permanent hair removal. Hair regrowths occurs much slower as opposed to waxing. There are also limitations. For instance, people who have lighter colour hair or darker skin tones may not react well to laser hair removal. However, it's efficiency and satisfactory results have made this technology popular over the years.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

What's My Skin Type?

skin type...Normal Skin,Dry Skin,Combination Skin,Oily Skin,Other Skin Conditions,Dehydrated Skin,Sensitive Skin,Characteristics of sensitivity include:....

What's My Skin Type?

At Adore Beauty, we refer to four basic skin types, depending on how much oil ("sebum") your skin produces. Your skin may be oily, combination, normal, or dry. This article will help you determine your skin type and what characteristics to look for when determining your skin type.

However, you need to remember several things: Your skin type can and will change throughout your life, depending on what climate you live in, how old you are, hormonal changes, etc.

So your current skin type may not be the same as your skin type five years ago. You need to constantly re-assess your skin's needs.

Every skin is different. We narrow things down to four basic types, because it makes it easier for you to get an idea of what products may be suitable for you. However, if you feel that you don't quite fit into any of the types shown here, send us an e-mail telling us as much about your skin as possible, and we will endeavour to give you a personalised skin analysis. Alternatively, visit a beauty therapist or dermatologist - he/she will be able to have a close look at your skin and tell you your skin type.

Normal Skin

* Skin is producing just the right amount of oil

* Neither oily nor dry.

* Has small pores.

May Also

* Get a little shiny on the T-zone towards late afternoon.

* Occasionally be little dry on the cheeks. Have the occasional pimple or blackhead.

Dry Skin

* Skin is not producing enough oil

* Never gets shiny - has a matte appearance all over.

* Has very small or invisible pores.

May Also

* Be slightly flaky.

* Feel tight or uncomfortable.

* Be prone to fine, crepey lines.

Combination Skin

* Skin is producing different amounts of oil in different areas.

* Develops an oily or shiny appearance on the T-zone by the afternoon.

* Does not get shiny all over.

May also:

* Have visible pores on the T-zone.

* Be prone to breakouts, pimples and blackheads.

* Occasionally get slightly dry on the cheeks.

Oily Skin

* Skin is producing too much oil.
* Has an oily or shiny appearance by midday, all over the face.

May Also

* Have large visible pores.

* Be prone to breakouts, pimples and blackheads.

Other Skin Conditions

Now that you have figured out your basic skin type, you may be thinking: "That doesn't quite fit me exactly." Well, that's okay, because you may have a temporary or ongoing skin condition, that can make your skin look or behave a little bit differently. See if any of these sound like you:

Dehydrated Skin

This means your skin is lacking water. This can be as a result of a number of factors, and can affect any skin type.

Symptoms of dehydrated skin include:

* Flakiness

* Fine, crepey lines on the surface of the skin.

* A dull complexion.

Sensitive Skin

Everybody's skin has the potential to become "sensitive", although some people experience ongoing symptoms of sensitivity.

Characteristics of sensitivity include:

* Tendency to redden easily.

* Prone to reactions from various products Stinging or uncomfortable sensations, particularly after cleansing.

* Prone to rashes and irritations.

* Burns easily with sun exposure.

Article Source:www.smart-mums.com.au

12 Great Tips To Look Younger

12 Great Tips**on’t use foundation that's lighter then your skin color.,Don't use powder foundation it tends to collect in creases and make wrinkles more prominent.....

12 Great Tips To Look Younger

Tired of always being told you have to do more and spend more too look younger? How would you like to do less and spend less yet look younger? Well now it's possible.

All you have to do is avoid these 12 most common beauty mistakes made by women over forty and you will look younger, healthier, and more attractive.

1. Don’t use foundation that's lighter then your skin color. You will look pale, washed out and unhealthy.

2. Don't use powder foundation it tends to collect in creases and make wrinkles more prominent.

3. Don't use frosted eye shadow, because its frosted particles settle into lid lines accentuating wrinkles.

4. Don't use iridescent eye shadow it attracts light and draws attention to lines.

5. Don't use brown eye shadows they tend to age the face and create a tired appearance.

6. Don't use black eyeliner it is to harsh and will emphasize any fine lines around the eyes.

7. Don't use overly light under eye concealer this will illuminate any imperfections and lines in the under eye area.

8. Don't over pluck your eyebrows; a very fine brow gives your face an aged look.

9. Don't use too pale, too dark, or too bright color cosmetics. Anything bold, unnatural, and overpowering on the face makes it appear older and unattractive.

10. Don't apply your blusher too high or too low. If you want to create a natural, younger lift look to your face never apply blush any lower than the bottom of your nose or any higher up than the outside corner of the eye.

11. Don't apply your makeup too heavy because as the skin ages it starts to lose its firmness. Heavily applied makeup tends to slide into and accentuate lines and furrows.

12. Don't over exaggerate your lip line it will look phony even clown like.

This article is courtesy of Eileen Hammel, she is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Image, Style and Beauty Expert Ms.Hammel is President of Smarter Image and Smart Skin Care.

Article Source:www.smart-mums.com.au

Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated Skin. What is it?**How can I tell if my skin is dehydrated?**How can I tell if my skin is dehydrated?**What makes skin dehydrated?**Your Cleanser.**Air Conditioning.**Smoking.**Medication.**How can I treat dehydrated skin?....

Dehydrated Skin

Is your dry and dehydrated skin a product of your lifestyle or of your environment? Are you using the wrong products on your skin? This fabulous and informative article from Adore Beauty explains everything your need to know about dehydrated skin.

Dehydrated Skin. What is it?

Dehydration is when your skin is lacking water. It is not the same thing as dryness, which means that your skin is not producing enough oil.

How can I tell if my skin is dehydrated?

Look in the mirror and smile widely. Does your skin crease into many tiny surface lines as it stretches from your nose to your cheeks?

Now relax your face. Place your index finger horizontally across your cheek, pointing at your nose. Now gently lift your skin upward with this finger. Do you see a lot of tiny lines, like crepe paper, on the bulge of skin that you have lifted up?

If you answered "yes" to these tests, your skin is probably dehydrated. Other visible symptoms of dehydrated skin are flakiness and a dull-looking complexion.

What makes skin dehydrated?

There are several causes of dehydration, some to do with what you are using on your skin, and others to do with your environment or lifestyle.

Your Cleanser.

Often the cause of dehydration is using a cleanser that is too harsh for your skin. Soap-based cleansers are a major culprit, because they are very alkaline, and as a result they tend to damage your skin's natural acidic protection layer, the acid mantle - which helps to seal in your skin's moisture balance. Switch to a soap-free cleanser, such as Baiame Lillypilly Facial Cleanser, Gorgeous Skin Breathe, Eleusian Foaming Gel Cleanser/Toner, or bod Face Cleanser.

Air Conditioning.

While air conditioning may make the climate a little more comfortable, your skin doesn't fare so well in the super-dry air that your air conditioner pumps out. This effect is particularly noticeable if you go on a long-distance flight, because the pressurised cabin adds to the dehydrating effect on your skin. If you work in air-conditioning, or are on a long flight, you should try and drink as much water as you can - at least the recommended 8 glasses a day, if not more - in order to compensate for the moisture you are losing. You can also use a moisture spritz (such as Baiame Wild Rosella Hydrating Mist, Eleusian Hydrosol Tonic Mist, or Urban Scents Hydrating Spray) to rehydrate your skin throughout the day.

Smoking.

As if you needed another reason to quit, smoking is very devitalising and dehydrating on your skin. And even if you're not a smoker yourself, remember that smoky environments, such as clubs and bars, can be just as rough on your skin. Always ask to be seated in the non-smoking section in restaurants, and try to persuade any smokers in your family to take their habit outside!

Medication.

Prescription medicines can do funny things to your skin. Always ask your doctor when he/she prescribes medication for you, what side-effects (if any) you may experience. Some acne medications in particular can have a very dehydrating effect on the skin. (Note: if your doctor or dermatologist has prescribed medication for skin treatment, make sure you ask what skincare products are okay to use during treatment.)

How can I treat dehydrated skin?

As mentioned above, check to make sure your cleanser isn't the culprit. If, after cleansing, your skin feels taut or itchy if you don't moisturise straight away, think about trying something different.

Exfoliate regularly. Sloughing off those dead skin cells will help to reduce the appearance of flakiness.

Use a moisturiser after cleansing - a cream is best for a dry skin, and oily skin will benefit most from a gel, which replaces lost water without adding more oil. Apply your moisturiser to slightly damp skin. Not only will this seal in more water, it will also help your moisturiser go further.

Article Source:www.smart-mums.com.au

The Joy of Bathing

Your bathing should not go for any more than 15 – 20 mins. Regularly soaking for long periods, especially in hot water—is actually not best for the long-term health of the skin....

The Joy of Bathing

Create your own private Oasis. There is no denying the relaxation you can derive from a quiet interlude in a serene, carefully prepared bath. With our fast paced lives, many of us lose sight of spending quality time to connect with our inner being. Simply feeling beautiful and tranquil is the main goal of a leisurely bath. Even the thought is gratifying.


Following are some ideas for helping to create a peaceful haven in your home where you can float away to your fantasy location and enjoy a relaxing bath without harming your skin:

* Start running the bath using water that's only slightly hotter than normal; water that is too hot can be hard on the skin and may cause problems over the long haul.

* If you have normal to dry skin, drizzle in bath oil that contains almond, olive, or sunflower oil. If you have oily, blemish-prone skin from the neck down, oils of any kind are not the best idea. Bath and shower gel is best, and will produce lots of bubbles and you only need a drop.

* Adding bath salts is an inexpensive way to enjoy a soothing bath. Milk baths are popular and choose one with organic sea salts that is gentle on the skin. The milk will leave your skin supple and soft. Bath salts with essential oils such as lavender can also provide therapeutic benefits.

* Light a scented candle or two and place them in strategic locations so the light can flicker on the water and in the mirror. An oil burner that contains essential oil can also help radiate fragrance throughout the room.

* Turn down the lights or turn them off altogether and bathe by candlelight.

* Prop a towel or bath pillow behind your head and stretch out.

* While you're soaking, take the time to gently, and I mean gently, buff a washcloth over your body. A loofah can be used providing it is not too harsh and you don't have sensitive skin.

* Use a body cleanser or body wash alone or with a gentle washcloth. Soap can be too drying on skin.

* Using a body exfoliant in the bath is an excellent way to clear the skin of dead cells and help in its natural renewal process. This gives a healthy glow to the skin.

* When you're done soaking, exit as slowly as you entered.

* Next apply a body lotion (but not on areas of the body that tend to break out after shaving).

Your bathing should not go for any more than 15 – 20 mins. Regularly soaking for long periods, especially in hot water—is actually not best for the long-term health of the skin. Oversaturating the skin with water can break down its immune/healing response and can actually make it drier.

Article Source:www.smart-mums.com.au

Do-It-Yourself Pedicure

The following is a great system for creating the perfect pedicure at home:You will need:Nail polish removing,Trimming your toenails,Filing Nails,Exfoliating & Moisturising Feet,Polishing Nails....


Do-It-Yourself Pedicure

Spending a fortune on pedicures will be a thing of the past, after reading this great article from Cristina of Absolutely Gorgeous. She will show you how to take the time to indulge yourself in a full pedicure, for your tired feet.

The following is a great system for creating the perfect pedicure at home:

You will need:

1 pack of cotton balls

1 nail polish remover

1 emery board

1 nail trimmer

1 bottle of nail polish

2 toe separators

A couple of paper towels

Nail polish removing

Firstly, take out as many cotton balls as needed and douse each toenail with nail polish remover, until your whole toenail is your natural true color.

Use as little nail polish remover as necessary to remove the polish. Never soak the nail in it! Nail-polish remover is extremely drying and damaging to the entire nail, especially the cuticle.

Keeping contact with nail polish remover to a minimum is crucial for the well-being of the nail and cuticle.

Trimming your toenails

Trim toenails carefully, using nail clippers. Use nail scissors on your finger nails when you want to reshape or shorten your nails more efficiently than with an emery board.

Nails are definitely easier to trim after bathing or soaking though if you have soft nails cut them before you soak the nails to prevent tearing or damage to the nail. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, slightly above the quick. Avoid cutting toenails too short because doing so increases the chance of developing ingrown toenails.

Filing Nails

Next, you should have what is called an emery board. An emery board is usually a very inexpensive fingernail board used for filing down rough nail surfaces that is rough on the surface at least on one side. An emery board should not be used to scrape your natural nail surface at all. It will make your smooth nails rough.

You can use the emery board quite effectively on the end of your nail, in order to give it a consistent shape and make the tip of your nail smooth, not rough. As soon as you are done smoothing the tips of your nails in a uniform manner, proceed to the next step.

Exfoliating & Moisturising Feet

Now is a great time for using a sugar scrub to massage your feet and legs. Rinse your hands first and then take time to use a pumice stone to buff away calluses and rough areas on the bottoms of your feet. Then rinse the scrub off your feet and legs.

Lastly moisturize you feet with a thick moisturising foot cream, a peppermint based one that will act to soothe tired feet and heal cracked and rough dry skin, is great.

Polishing Nails

Before polishing nails, be sure to remove the excess moisturizer with nail polish remove.

Polish your nails in layers, allowing them to dry between coats. A minimum of four coats is standard (including one base, two a colored polish, and one top coat).

If you have weak or brittle nails, place one or two coats of ridge-filling nail polish on the nail as the base coat; this is the best way to shore up the nail. Two coats of a colored nail polish are next, followed by a top coat to add shine and lustre.

Use foam toe separators to help separate toes when applying polish to toe nails.

Allow plenty of time for the polish to dry.

Article Source:www.smart-mums.com.au

Summer Survival Guide

You can have gorgeous skin and hair throughout the months ahead...Get Glowing - Exfoliate,Lighten Up,Barely There Make up,Summer Detox,Safely Sun-Kissed,Save Your Skin – use a sunscreen,Treat Your Tresses Right,Unmask Beautiful Skin....

Summer Survival Guide

Staying cool but looking hot is the name of the game this summer. But, how do you pull this off? Here are some suggestions to at least make you look cool! But with a few refinements to your beauty routine, you can have gorgeous skin and hair throughout the months ahead.


Get Glowing - Exfoliate

Our bodies slow in the winter - just as bears hibernate - and the exfoliation process is no exception. We need to slough off the ugly, dying ceils to reveal younger, plumper cells. This simple process can take years off our appearance in a matter of minutes.

Skin is smoother, more vibrant," she says. When exfoliating, the key is to remove the dead skin cells but leave healthy ones intact. Look for exfoliants that contain gentle ingredients, such as a scrub with sugar or salt.

Try: Island Kiss Brown Sugar Scrub $19.95 - 250g.

Lighten Up

Set aside heavy-duty skin creams, and stock up on lightweight products for the summer. Heavy moisturizers aren't necessary during the summer months because our skin isn't exposed to tire harsh environment of winter.

Try: Wild Hydrating Day Cream $15.95 100ml

Barely There Make up

Summer makeup is minimal. You should be able to see your features at their best. We shouldn't see your makeup. Use a light-weight, sheer liquid foundation of tinted moisturiser. Eyes – stick to earthy, bronze, coral shades.
Instead of a heavy lipstick, opt for a lip gloss with a smidgen of colour.

Try: Sante Natural Lip Gloss in Natural Brown $25.95

Summer Detox

Nourish hair, skin and nails front the inside out with healthy eating and lifestyle. Avoid sugary foods, complex carbohydrates ie cakes, biscuits, bread, avoid yeast, alcohol, chocolates, foods that are high in fat and foods that contain artificial colouring or preservatives.

Instead opt for raw fruits and vegetables, protein, nuts, legumes, brown rice, herbal teas and above all plenty of water.

Try: Clipper De-tox Tea - $7.95

Safely Sun-Kissed

Worried about the potential health hazards associated with sunbathing but want a bit of colour? Try the new breed of sunless tanning creams that actually produces an authentic-looking tan.

Opt for a natural sunless tanning product that is enriched with botanicals and vitamins that leave skin soft and supple.

Try: Sante Natural Self Tan - $34.95 - 75ml

Save Your Skin – use a sunscreen

If you spend lots of time outside, be sure to use sunscreen with minimum SPF 30. The cancer-preventing benefits are obvious, but protection is also a must for those of us who don't want to look old before our time.

Make sure that you are adequately hydrated - at least 8 glasses of water a day and even more when you are outside. If you do burn, apply Aloe Vera or lotions containing it. This will cool and soothe your skin and help you to heal faster.

Treat Your Tresses Right

Chlorine, wind and sun are all hard on our hair during the summer. Protecting yours with shampoos and conditioners that offer moisturizing and soothing benefits - as well as protection against the weather - is especially important this time of year.

Also, during the summer months, consider a leave-in hair conditioner.

Try: Alchemy Avocado & Calendula Conditioner - 225ml $12.95

Unmask Beautiful Skin

There is perhaps nothing more effective than a mask to reveal beautiful skin and stimulate cell renewal. Masks help to detoxify the skin and are usually gentle exfoliants as well.

These are great to help remove debris and toxins. They also encourage the shedding of old dead skin cells for a younger, smoother look.

Try: La Clinica Gly C Mini Peel Facial Mask - $44.95 - 100ml

Article Source:www.smart-mums.com.au

Applying Fake Tan

Fake Tan***Step One: Remove Unwanted Hair..Step Two: Exfoliate..Step Three: Moisturise..Step Four: Apply Self-Tan..Step Five: Let it dry!..Fake Tan Hints:...

Applying Fake Tan

Gone are the days of coating ourselves with baby oil and roasting ourselves in the sun - these days, we know that the only safe tan is one from a bottle! But unless you know the right way to do it, getting a fake tan to look natural can be pretty tricky.

Never fear, Adore Beauty brings you the easy step-by-step guide to Faking It!

Step One: Remove Unwanted Hair

Self-tanners can stain hair, making it appear darker, so if you prefer the smooth hairless look, it's best to shave, wax or epilate before self-tanning. If you wax or epilate, it's best to do this the day before applying self-tan, to allow time for the skin to calm down.

Step Two: Exfoliate

NOTE: If you wax, you probably won't need to do this step as dead skin cells are naturally removed when the wax is ripped off. To exfoliate your skin, you can use a body scrub (or a facial scrub if you're tanning your face), or a loofah glove with shower gel. If you're using a body scrub, try using it on dry skin for extra scrubbing power!

Why exfoliate? Self-tan works by staining the surface layer of skin cells. Exfoliating first makes your fake tan last longer, by getting rid of the dead skin cells that otherwise would fall off within a day or two, leaving your tan patchy.

Step Three: Moisturise

This is particularly important if your skin is dry, or if you are applying the tanner to dry areas such as ankles, knees or elbows. Massage some body cream, body lotion or body oil into your skin from top to toes, paying particular attention to feet, ankles, knees, elbows and hands. Allow 10 minutes or so for it to absorb properly.

Why moisturise? Dry skin is "thirsty" - it will naturally try and soak up whatever is applied to it. However if self-tan is applied directly to dry skin, the dry patches will soak up more of the tanning liquid than less dry areas, meaning that you'll have darker patches of tan once it develops! Dark elbows and knees - not a good look!

Step Four: Apply Self-Tan

If your chosen self-tanner has a tinted formula, it's a good idea to wear latex gloves during application, to avoid staining your hands and nails. (Alternatively, invest in a self-tan remover - such as those by St Tropez or Modelco - to make it easier to clean your hands afterwards.)

Apply the self-tanner to your body in sections, starting at your lower legs and working up. Wait till the end to do your knees, elbows and ankles - just use the excess on your hands to lightly cover these areas. Use a tissue to remove any excess between your toes.

If you are applying your self-tanner to your face as well, but don't want your face to be as dark as your body: dilute the tanner 50/50 with your face moisturiser before applying. Avoid your hairline, but don't forget your neck! When you've finished, remove your gloves (or clean your hands with the self-tan remover).

To tan the back of your hands, try this trick of the trade: apply a drop of your self-tanner to the back of one hand, then rub the backs of your hands together, making sure you cover the backs of both hands evenly.

Step Five: Let it dry!

Allow a good twenty minutes for your tan to dry before getting dressed. While the tint in your self-tanner shouldn't stain clothes permanently, I still wouldn't recommend wearing any expensive light-coloured clothing on the day that you tan - just in case.

The tint in your self-tan will give you an immediately tanned appearance, with the active ingredient of the self-tanner developing over two to three hours. So next time you shower, the tint will wash off, leaving behind your beautiful new fake tan!

If you want to be super-tanned, you can reapply later in the day. Otherwise, you'll only need to reapply once or twice a week - exfoliate before every reapplication

Fake Tan Hints:

* Moisturise every day
* You still need to wear sunscreen!
* Get a friend to do your back
* Apply self-tan the day before a special event
* If tanning the face, put Vaseline on your eyebrows and hairline first, to avoid staining.

Article Source:www.smart-mums.com.au

Fresh Start for Autumn

Fresh Start for Autumn

With Summer gone and Autumn just on our doorstep we are probably all experiencing the excesses of Summer and the party season, such as over exposure to the sun, damaged locks and poor eating habits. With the days getting shorter and chillier and the demands of school and office increasing, stress is often nipping at our heels.

It is the perfect time of year to reassess and revitalize your make up, skin and hair to get your body and soul in great shape for Autumn!

Revitalise Your Skin

Now is the time to take care of your skin. Use a facial scrub, to exfoliate any dead skin cells, caused by the damaging effects of sun impurities from too much sun and sunscreen.

A moisture mask adds valuable moisture to your skin. Apply in the shower, just five minutes, and your skin will be softer.

Your skin is in desperate need of re-hydratration. Treat yourself to a daily rich hydrating moisturizer such as a repair cream.

This is also the perfect time of year for an all-over body scrub. I like to use sugar to exfoliate the skin and deep cleanse it. Sugar is gentle, less dehydrating and can be used by all skin types. When you use a body scrub you are deep cleansing your skin.

Clean skin will retain more moisture and look healthier - a definite benefit! I would suggest adding a monthly all over body scrub to your beauty regime.

Body Detox

The laziness and frivolity of summer have caused most of us to neglect our bodies.

Detoxification is the word for April. Doing an effective Detox Diet works wonders for your skin, hair and general energy levels. Avoiding sugar, wheat and dairy for a couple weeks and replacing this with a mainly raw diet is often quite revealing and helps us to feel better—lighter and more youthful with greater energy.

Exercise activity is crucial now as in any season. As the weather cools, stretching is even more important, as is adding indoor exercises to our routine.

Bring Your Hair back to Life

Your hair takes a beating all summer long from sun, salt, chlorine, and wind. Get a good hair cut or trim and deep condition your hair to replenish lost moisture.

Autumn is also a great time to update your style. If you have a classic hairstyle, you can achieve a more contemporary look by adding layers or texturizing to break up the interior. To add fullness to your hair, try a Styling Mousse, or Straightening balm to smooth out unwanted curls.

Try a New Make up look

With the start of Autumn here, makeup colors reflect the cooler temperatures and warmer clothes. As clothes get heavier, so do makeup colors. This means it's time for a change in your makeup bag as well. Autumn makeup is defined by flushed cheeks, and emphasis on both eyes and lips.

The most dramatic focus of the season is on the eye. Using a colour mascara instead of jet black gives lashes lots of soft volume. Apply some concealer to your eyelids and dust with powder- this is a make-up trick used by the pros to ensure that shadow stays put and looks smooth.

Deep purples, plums, blues and neutrals adorn the classic smoky eye, while bright berries, burgundies, reds and fuchsias give the lips a dramatic sizzle.

Keep that summer glow around for just a little longer with a light bronzing powder. Remember to sweep towards your temple and apply to areas normally hit by the sun.

Open to the Creative Spirit

The New Year normally starts with many of us setting resolutions and goals for the coming year. Now that the holiday season is over it is time to open to the creative Spirit.

We need to focus on new ideas and actions necessary to fulfill our purpose and move us forward in our life. This can help to improve motivation with new energy and excitement for life. It's a good time to start the planning now so that feel motivated and satisfied in the colder, darker months.
Article Source:www.smart-mums.com.au