TEEN Mag

Hey... Have you got a smelly feet? Remedies here...

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 08:09:56 -0500

Why do feet smell?

So, why do feet smell? Well, it is all due to bacteria that feed on sweat and make feet stinky. Bacterias are attracted towards the sweat on your feet and starts feeding on them. These bacteria get rid of waste on your feet which are in the form of organic acids. These organic acids have a strong pungent odor due to which your feet smell bad and it .

Smelly feet seem to be the part of daily routine for many people. Some take it seriously and some just ignore it. However, doctors opine that we can easily fight with chronic foot smell by following some simple tips and techniques.

To begin with what the doctors say about the treatment of chronic foot odor, you need to treat this problem more scientifically. They suggest the smelly feet victims to wash their feet on a daily basis using antibacterial soap. After washing, it is important to dry the feet completely.
Drink a lot of water. It is a better way to fight body odor.
Do not wear synthetic socks but a clear pair of socks, made with absorbent material, such as cotton.
Spray your feet regularly with a usual antiperspirant and shower foot powder in your shoes.
Do not wear the pair of shoes for two days consequently.
The sneaker wearers should interchange between two pairs to make it dry out for a while.
While indoors, wash your feet and prefer going barefoot. Wearing sandals is also a best alternative.
To fight off the smell, you should wash your feet with green tea. They have been confined in the overpowering construction boots all day.
Take bath with baking soda, along with a few teaspoons of vinegar, by soothing for feet and lessens foot odor.
Dust your feet once or twice, using cornstarch or powder.
Take some turnip juice or radish juice and try rubbing your feet with it. Being natural deodorants, these juices are excellent mediums of fighting body odor.
Supposedly taking a bath with some ginger for a long time helps one to sweat and rid body of toxins buy some ginger root-mash it up and use the juice and rub it on your feet.
Paraffin treatment is another good idea to fight body odor. In this method, the professional waxes the bottom of one’s feet using the melted down cooled wax.
Another treatment is to do without any intake of sugar and alcohol for about a week. This experiment on your body may tell you if these elements have to do anything with it.
Buy and use some acne soap on your feet. It is a special soap that is anti bacteria and helps to fight with body toxics.
Some may also suggest you to try eating some parsley and cilantro. Cilantro is great metal detoxifier that tastes good with chips and salsa. These may absorb the odor of your body.
Trying out the zinc supplements is another good idea to deal with smelly feet. You may feel certain deficiency or it can be a big immune adherent.

Best Home Remedy Tip to cure smelly feet:

Soak your feet every day for a week in strong black tea for 30 minutes. Add two tea bags in a pint of water. Boil it for 10 minutes. Now add two quarts of cool water and soak your feet in the cool solution.
An acid called as tannic acid present in the black tea kills bacteria and closes your pores. This easily keeps your feet dry for a long time preventing sweating.

Treatment to cure Smelly Feet:

If the self-care and preventative measures suggested above for smelly feet don’t help you, consult a professional for further investigations. Persistency of this condition may be due to some infection or hereditary.

If the above two reasons are the cause of your smelly feet, you will be suggested accordingly for a good treatment by your doctor.

Tips to Prevent Stinky Feets

You can prevent yourself from the embaressment of having stinky feets by following certain tips. They are:

Foot powderor a disinfectant spray: You should apply a good fooot powder or a disinfectant spray. This will help to keep your feet dry and will also help to destroy the bacteria. You can also buy an additional antibacterial soap to keep it more dry and hygenic. Before wearing your socks , do keep it in your mind, that your feet should be dry. Sometime people are lazy and they don’t bother to dry their feet especially betwen the fingers and toes.
Avoid smelly shoes: Don’t wear smelly shoes. Avoid wearing the same shoe daily, as they tends to become damp and wet with sweat. Try to dry your shoes regularly under the sun after you have used. Do have a habit of wearing sandals as they don’t cover the feet much and help to keep your feet fresh and dry.
Wear Socks: Some of us usually like to wear sneakers without shoes, as it is stylish and makes us feel fresh . But its a bad practice, one should notgo out without wearing socks with his or her sneakers. This may be comfortable but without socks , the sweat of your feet stays in the shoes, making it smelly and bacterial prone. Cotton socks or woolen socks are both effective and comfortable, you can also go for anti-bacterial, breathable cotton socks which are available in the market.

Natural Remedies For Smelly Feet:

Here are some of the natural remedies which can be followed to get rid of smelly feet. They are:

White Vinegar:It is very helpful in treating your smelly feet as it disinfects the feet by deodorizing it. Take some amount of white vinegar and dilute in a warm water solution. Now place your feet in this solution for few minutes. Make sure that you properly check your feet before soaking it in the solution of white vinegar as it stings the abrasions etc. present on the skin, as white vinegar could sting if there will be any abrasions, cuts etc. on the skin.
Lemons:These carry acidic property which makes them antibacterial as well. In order to soak your feet in a lemon solution, dilute some drops of lemon in a water solution and soak your feet in the solution for few minutes. Take proper care of any cuts and abrasions present at it might cause burning sensation on your feet.
Tea Tree Oil:Just rub some amount of tea tree oil on your foot and it will kill all the bacteria and funguses present on the foot. As it smells good so it will provide a soothing effect to your feet as well.

Smelly Armpits :The key to stop smelly armpits exposed!

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 06:13:00 -0500

Hyperhidrosis – Smelly armpits,hands and feet…

Hyperhidrosis is basically a non-normal condition of excessive sweating in localize areas in the body such as:underarms armpits,hands,feet etc…The smelly armpits,hands and feet can attack any hyperhidrosis sufferer.

The hyperhidrosis can be a huge issue for people who suffer from this uncomfortable problem.

The estimate in the U.S is about 8 millions people who suffer from hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis can effect men and women,teenagers and adult that can suffer from smelly armpits,excessive sweating in hands,foot and other parts of the body that can cause a big odor issue…

Smelly armpits is one of the problem that a sufferers phase when they come across with hyperhidrosis.

When the sufferers come across with smelly armpits they try to use remedies and other treatments to prevent excessive sweating.

Types of treatment for excessive sweating

Deodorants and perfume fragrances is one of the remedies that the sufferers try on their body to prevent the smelly armpits in their body.

However ,most of them doesn’t work for severe and excessive underarms sweating and can cause a side effects for example: Irritation on skin.

There are some surgical procedure for smelly armpits,hands,foot and other parts of the body for example:Liposuction sweat glands treatment and Botox injection treatment for hyperhidrosis.

Click on the image below and find a good way to stop the smelly armpits

The excessive sweating problems situation

When it comes to sweating problems the sufferer of hyperhidrosis have a huge psychology issues such as:

low self-esteem.
loneliness and less social.
Feel a constant fear and anxious about the sweating problems.

and much much more…

The hyperhidrosis sufferers sweating problems

It is hard to work on a daily basis when you have an excessive sweating just feel how hard it is to be surrounded by your colleague at work at try to do everything to less contact with them because of your sweating problems.

How hard it is to get to in intimacy with your girlfriend or wife when you sweating all day and the fear that your best friends make you aware about your bad smell from your body and try to avoid any contact with you.

The fear,anxious and the self-esteem is low and the sufferers feel that they are hopeless about their bad condition and trying to do everything to eliminate the embarrassment sweating problems…

Trying to eliminate the sweating problems

The hyperhidrosis sufferers try to eliminate their sweating with antiperspirant,make more than 2 showers a day,changing shirts during the days to let the body breeze and other things to let the mind and body feel more comfortable.

For most of the sufferers this condition is a huge issue and make them feel hopeless about their hard situation and those annoying sweating problems.

How to get rid of the sweat glands and smelly armpits from the body?

The most common question that hyperhidrosis sufferer can ask is how to find a good way to remove the sweat glands out of the body and reduce them significantly from the body.

The treatments for sweat glands

There are treatments that can reduce the sweat glands from the armpits such as :

Botox injection treatment
Liposuction sweat glands treatment
Antiperspirants

Botox injection – It is a simple procedure for a hyperhidrosis sufferer.

The sufferer get an injection around the armpits area that help to stop and reduce the sweating palms out of the body.

The treatment can be highly expensive for average people and also there are risk for side effects from botulinum toxin such as:pain in muscles and discomfort in treated area.

It is a temporary treatment that can be good for a 3-6 months and need to be treated 2-3 times a year,which make this treatment very expensive for the average hyperhidrosis sufferer.

Liposuction sweat glands treatment

Liposuction sweat glands is a high quality treatment to remove the sweat palms or sweat glands from the body.

The operation of liposuction is easy and simple the doctor make a tiny hole in the armpit area and suction all the sweating glands that appear in that area.

The side effects of the liposuction treatment can be lumps or scars in the area of treatment and other side effects that can be permanent or highly effected on the hyperhidrosis sufferer.

Liposuction also cost a lot of money for the average person so it is a treatment that need to take into consideration and a sufferer should make an appointment with a doctor to check out the side effects of the treatment and see if it is a procedure that can be done personally with a good result to stop the annoying sweat glands.

Antiperspirants Treatment

Antiperspirants – Aluminium chloride can be a good medication for hyperhidrosis sufferer,however it is not 100% effective and can be a side effects for antiperspirants which include irritation on the skin.

Natural smelly armpits treatment

There are a lot of treatments for smelly armpits and hyperhidrosis such as:Liposuction sweat glands treatment,botox treatment,antiperspirants etc…

Stop the uncomfortable feeling of smelly armpits

It is well recognized that the feeling of not being able to be comfortable around friends and family is a huge problem and make any hyperhidrosis sufferer feel anxious,loneliness and try to do everything without any success to get rid of the smelly armpits and other uncomfortable excessive sweating parts around the body.

The ultimate natural treatment for excessive sweating is the main thing that any hyperhidrosis sufferer should take into consideration.

A naturally effective way without problems and side effects that will help any hyperhidorsis sufferer feel good and start a new life without feeling embarrassment about smelly armpits and awful body odor.

Skin Care Tips for Teens

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 05:55:00 -0500

Are you a teen in need of some skin care tips? Maybe you’ve had an experience like 15-year-old “Cristina” (not her real name). She used a popular lotion on her skin for weeks before realizing that it clogged her facial pores, causing a full acne outbreak. She was relieved to learn how to clean her skin effectively, and now uses a moisturizer for her dry skin that does not trigger acne.

What’s Your Skin Type?

Before you can care for your skin and keep it healthy, you need to identify your skin type. The four main types of skin are normal, dry, oily, and combination:

1. Normal Skin Care

Normal skin has an even, smooth skin tone; soft texture; and no visible blemishes, red spots, or flaky patches. Pores are barely visible, and the skin surface is neither greasy nor dry. Normal skin has few imperfections because of the balanced amount of water and oil and good blood circulation.

If your skin is normal, wash your face two to three times each day, with mild cleanser or plain soap and water, to remove dirt and sweat.

2. Dry Skin Care

Dry skin is dull, rough, scaly, and itchy, with almost invisible pores. Dry skin is usually caused by an abnormal shedding of cells from the skin’s outer layer. In normal situations, lubrication from the body’s natural oils helps to prevent water loss from the skin.

If you have dry skin, wash your face daily with a mild cleanser. This will help prevent your skin from becoming drier. Moisturize with a non-perfumed, non-alcohol-containing lotion after washing.

Also, limit very hot showers, high temperatures, and low humidity, which rob your skin of moisture. Even using soap and excessive washing or scrubbing of the skin increases dryness. Many teens have drier skin during the winter months, when humidity is low and heaters force hot, dry air into enclosed rooms.

If your skin is very dry, take a warm bath for about 20 minutes. Avoid using soap or other drying products. When you get out of the tub, pat your body dry, then rub mineral oil (found at most supermarkets and drugstores) or a non-perfumed, non-alcohol lotion all over your skin. Pat your skin dry again. The oil or lotion helps to lock in healing moisture, keeping skin supple and soft.

3. Oily Skin Care

Oily skin is acne-prone skin with open pores, a shiny complexion, blackheads, and pimples. Because hormones affect oil production, anything that affects your hormone levels may influence your skin. Some experts believe that stress, such as from exams, may trigger outbreaks of acne. Many teens know that acne in itself creates added stress!

To keep oily skin clean, wash your face a three times a day with plain soap and water. If you need to cleanse your face at school, use an over-the-counter cleansing pad that helps dissolve oil and removes excess dirt from the skin surface.

If you have pimples, never pop or squeeze them, which can spread the inflammation and worsen acne.

Use cosmetics and other facial products that are “noncomedogenic,” meaning they do not clog pores.Keep your hair off your face, and wash your hair daily to reduce oil.

4. Normal/Combination Skin Care

With normal/combination skin, you might have an oily “T-Zone” (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry skin elsewhere. The pores on your face are large, and the skin tends to have blackheads.

Normal/combination skin can be either overly dry or excessively oily, while cheeks may appear rough. Depending on the time of year, the oiliness and dryness can change, too. The skin is usually drier when the weather is cold.

If you have normal/combination skin, wash your face two or three times a day with plain soap and water to remove the excess oil. Moisturize dry areas, but not oily areas.

4 Simple Steps to Healthy Skin

Here are the four simple steps to healthy skin:

1. Cleanse

It’s important to cleanse your skin daily to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin flakes. Washing your skin also rids the skin of excess oil, which can prevent acne.

If you have oily or normal/combination skin, use a daily cleanser that contains salicylic acid. This ingredient is used in many popular “acne washes” such as the Neutrogena products. Salicylic acid controls oil production and increases hydration.

A cleanser containing glycolic acid can help rid skin of dead cells. It’s useful for teens who can’t tolerate prescription retinoid creams (like Retin-A and Renova). Read the label to see if your cleanser contains these ingredients.

To remove eye make-up, especially waterproof mascara, there are products specifically formulated for the eye area. But some gentle facial cleansers can effectively remove eye and facial makeup, as well as cleanse the skin. Choose products that are fragrance-free to avoid irritating the eye area.

2. Hydrate/Moisturize

When you hydrate your skin, you simply add water, such as when washing your face or taking a bath. To moisturize your skin, you add water, oil, or both.

For most skin types, you should moisturize skin morning and evening, using a moisturizer that does not aggravate a skin problem.

For instance, never put heavy cream on oily skin that is prone to breakouts. For oily skin, the moisturizer should be oil-free, but have hydrating qualities. Always apply moisturizers after cleansing and hydrating your skin.

3. Treat

Many teens need to treat skin conditions such as acne, which occurs when pores on the surface of skin become clogged. This happens when oil glands produce too much oil, and pores get blocked with dirt, bacteria, and debris. Sometimes, moisturizers and greasy cosmetics contribute to the development of acne. Oils or dyes in hair products can worsen acne by blocking pores

While soaps and astringents remove oil from the skin, they don’t alter the oil production. Scrubbing the skin sometimes causes irritation, which triggers acne instead of resolving it.

Skin products containing benzoyl peroxide may help to treat mild acne if you use sparingly (once daily in the evening). The goal is to treat all oily areas of the face — forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks — not just where you notice pimples. Treating the areas that tend to break out may help prevent future pimples.

Some of these products can cause the skin to become too dry if overused. If you feel stinging or burning, rinse your skin with mild soap and water. Try the topical benzoyl peroxide again the next day.

Be aware that you must use benzoyl peroxide daily for a least a month before you’ll see the full effect. You have to be a bit patient.

4. Protect

After cleansing your skin, protect it daily from the sun and other environmental factors. Use a moisturizer or foundation with a sunscreen of SPF of 15 or higher (depending on your skin pigmentation or color).

Wearing sunscreen daily and avoiding the sun’s peak ultraviolet rays (from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily) may provide some protection against premature aging and skin cancer.

Why Moisturize Skin?

Water is an essential part of healthy skin. Normally, hydration moves from the inside of the skin to the outer layer. When skin lacks hydration, it becomes dry and flaky. Without adequate moisture, skin looks dry and dull. During winter, the icy outdoor air and blasts of heat from the furnace make things worse. You can compensate for these “moisture robbers” by using over-the-counter moisturizers.

A moisturizer is a product that functions to increase the water content of the skin’s top layer. Choose a moisturizer that includes a broad-spectrum sunscreen to help protect your skin from the sun’s rays. If you have sensitive skin, avoid moisturizers with added fragrance.

When Should I Call A Doctor About My Skin?

No matter what your skin type, if you are unsure how to treat acne or other skin problems, talk to your primary health care provider or a dermatologist. Treating your skin properly each day is the key to avoiding more serious skin problems.

Top 10 Lipstick Brands For Beautiful Lips

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:51:05 -0500

Lipsticks are one of the most important products in the makeup category today. A lot of woman do not apply full blown make up but will rest at mascara and a lipstick; hence a lipstick is one of the high selling make up products. How can you choose a good lipstick?

Well, keep a few things in mind when shopping for lipsticks. Note your natural lip color and complexion. There is a high change that you may not be able to use nude shades without a lip pencil or foundation if your natural color is dark. If your lips lack color, you may go for dark or bright shades to brighten your face. Understand what a lipstick does for your face. Are lips the most expressive feature of your face and if not so how can you make them.

Always use a tester to see the original color. Move out of the showroom light and see the color in natural light. Hold the color next to your face in the mirror to understand the suitability. The look of a color can vary in a big way when seen in yellow light or day light.

Always buy good brands for makeup. Local or cheap brands can harm your lips with ingredients that are not supposed to be there in the first place. Check at the back for what is the lipstick made of. Ignore the salesman and give yourself a thought. Choose your lipsticks carefully when buying from an expensive brand or you will waste your money.
Lastly, choose the kind of texture or finish you want. Something for the night, may be you would like glossy. For office wear, may be you want to tone it down with a matte shade or keep it minimal with a satin finish.

To tell you what brands make it to the top 10 lipstick brands list, read on:

MAC: A superb range of lipsticks categorized with colors and finishes, MAC is a world over winner. MAC makes it a habit to launch collections every season and uses the expert help of celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath to recreate shades.
Lancome: Another affordable brand, with a huge collection of shades and finishes, Lancome too is a world over preferred brand by makeup artists and make up geeks.
Nars: The famous ‘Orgasm’ set comes from Nars. Nars all in all is a stellar makeup brand with the multiple sticks that can be used as lip color, blush or eye shadow. Try the color Orgasm as it is the best selling item at present.
Chanel: The brand is luxury at a little more than affordable price. The red lipsticks mark the victory of Chanel in the lipstick category.
Dior: Dior is a luxury brand which is widely available in the makeup space with a superb range of classic shades for women.
Estee Lauder: Estee Lauder is mostly famous form its pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick which gives maximum color impact. Estee Lauder lipsticks are long-wear, satin shine. Estee Lauder boasts that they are more into purity, luxury and emotional colors.
MakeUp Forever: Make Up For Ever has reformulated their lipsticks which are really amazing. If you follow very strict lipstick rule and very few sheer lipsticks are liked by you then MakeUp Forever colors will surely attract you.
Guerlain: Guerlain lipsticks are one of the best lipsticks which leaves lips beautifully moisturized and the colors are magical & absolutely beautiful
Bobbi Brown: Bobbi Brown lipsticks are in great demand. Bobby Brown Matte Stain for lips is gaining huge popularity.
Yves Saint Laurent (YSL): Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick comes in a variety of eighteen shades. They range from pale to bright, beige to berry. The formula is described as “light and covering, the cream texture becomes fluid on contact with the lips, for a delightful feeling and an exceptional gliding effect.”

If you are looking for a few more brands, NYX cosmetics, LA Colours, Kat Von D, Clinique, Revlon are known names in the makeup lipstick category as well.

I would love to hear your experiences of using these luxurious lipstick brands. Please leave me a comment and let me know. Subscribe our RSS to receive latest beauty and makeup updates.

How To Wear And Apply Red Lipstick Properly?

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:37:45 -0500

The lips as well as the eyes are the most important area in your makeup and that’s why the lipstick is the most popular makeup product in the world. Red lipstick is probably the best choice for those women who like to demand attention. Applying red lipstick can be very difficult and time-consuming as if not applied properly it can look overdone, cheap and unnatural. The perfect shade of red lipstick will make your eyes look brighter and your smile whiter and will transform you into a different woman.

HOW TO APPLY RED LIPSTICK PROPERLY:

Step One. Create a base
The best way to make your red lipstick stay on for longer is to dust your lips with a translucent face powder or to pat on foundation. By creating a base for the lipstick it will adhere better and the color will be more intense.

Step Two. Line your lips
It’s essential to outline your lips with a lip liner every time you apply lipstick or lip gloss, especially when applying red lipstick. Use a nude lip pencil and rim your pout very carefully. Make sure the lip pencil is sharp enough and carefully outline your lips to give your mouth a great shape and to stop your lipstick from feathering.

Step Three. Apply the first layer
To apply the red color flawlessly you should use a small lip brush as it will allow you a more precise application and will give you better control. Run the brush on the lipstick from side to side so that it has enough lipstick on it.First apply the color to the centre of your lips and then slowly brush the color out towards the edges. Always apply the lipstick to the upper lip first, using as little lipstick as possible with a firm and even strokes. At the end use a cotton bud to correct any mistakes and blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess lipstick.

Step Four. Apply the second layer
It’s essential to apply a second layer, especially when applying red lipstick or red lip gloss in order to ensure the color will last for longer. To prevent lipstick on your teeth make an “O” with your mouth and put your finger in.

Teenage Acne Treatment – How to Get Rid of Teen Acne Fast

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:42:03 -0500

Often, teen acne or acne that occurs during adolescence is seen as just a phase, and so is not treated. The key to successful treatment of it is to tackle it as soon as it begins. Early treatment can help keep your child’s acne to a minimum, all through the teenage years.

One can expect a teen acne outbreak at the onset of puberty. It has observed that 100% of all teens may have acne. All teenagers attain acne equally. Occurrence of teen age acne does not depend on sex and race. Commonly teen age acne starts from nose and further spread to forehead, chin and cheeks. In severe cases of teen age acne, acne moves to neck, shoulders, chest and upper arms. Teen age acne disappears as teens reach to their adulthood or twenties. But it may be possible that acne condition will persist in adulthood. Acne is typified with certain symptoms that include papule, pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, cysts.

Unfortunately, we all have different skin types and a teen acne treatment that works on you might not work on your friend. This is one of the reasons why natural teen acne treatments are highly successful. There is also a need for information on what can be done to reduce acne for teens who suffer from severe cases.

Fortunately with so many effective products being available on the market today, teenage acne scarring is being kept to a minimum. There are many teenage acne products which include home remedies, prescriptions, antibiotics and over the counter teenage acne treatments that can greatly help teenagers prevent and get rid of their acne condition.

Causes of Acne

Puberty most certainly is the culprit of the start of acne. Teens undergo great hormonal changes, which play a vital role in producing pimples. Besides, stress, oily hair and usage of too many cosmetic products can initiate the growth. Both boys and girls can be victims, but in case of boys, the condition is worse, because their skin oozes out more oil. There are many teenage acne treatments. Choose the one that your doctor recommends.

A good cleansing regime is important as dirt is also a know cause of acne breakouts.
As with exercise, at first glance it seems logical. Teen acne is the result of clogging the skin’s pores – and dirt certainly can do that! However, washing can’t cure teen acne. It won’t even help. In most cases the pores are clogged by dead skin cells, not dirt.

Hitting the teenage years through the hormones in both genders out of whack.
Hormonal imbalance during the puberty stage is responsible for the teen age acne. Boys are producing these hormones in high concentrations that’s why teen age boys suffer more severely from acne as compared to girls. Androgen is the hormone that release in teens at the stage of puberty. Higher levels of Androgen stimulates sebaceous glands (skin oil producing glands) to synthesize more skin oil or sebum. Higher production of sebum or skin oils will clog the pores of skin by mixing with dead cells and dirt. These clogs appear as blackheads and whiteheads. These black and white heads react with bacteria and cause infection, swelling, redness and pus.

Inheritance from parents is another cause of teen age acne. Parents will often tell stories about their battles with the acne problems they suffered from. In inherited cases of acne individual becomes more sensitive to bacteria trapped in hair follicle with dead skin cells and sebum. Immune system starts producing more and more antibodies that cause inflammation that finally appear as pimple.

The way to treat acne differs in the age groups of the adults vs. the teens. Teenage acne is caused by raging hormones whereas with adults the hormones have generally stabilized not producing enough hormones that cause adult acne. Women going through significant hormonal changes due to birth control or pregnancy situations can find more information by clicking on the appropriate links.

For some young people with acne, I know this can be an emotional roller coaster. There is no doubt that acne creates a real downer for the teen. Teen acne can also leave an emotional scar on one’s self worth. And these signs of acne should be addressed on a
emotional and physical level. With proper treatment you can stop worrying about your teen acne and start concentrating on other things in your life.

Appearance is everything to a teenager and this is why teen acne is so devastating.
When you are a teenager, the one thing that really makes a difference to your outings is the appearance and disappearance of acne. Imagine looking into the mirror and discovering acne or a pimple on your cheek the day you are to go out on a date! What would your reaction be? You would probably scream in dismay and curse whatever you ate the previous night. Well here is some good news; treating teenage acne is not rocket science. A little bit of care and you are good to go.

As we mentioned the hormones go out of whack during the teen years, and one of these hormones is called androgens. Usually, more boys than girls experience severe teenage acne because the male hair follicles on the skin are blocked very easily. Once the extra oil combines with the dead skin and even dirt within the hair follicle, acne will occur in the form of redness, blackheads, or even pustules on the skin’s surface.

People on the hunt for treatments beneficial to teen acne mistakenly will treat average facial type acne.

Rarely do people realize that the topic of teen acne solutions can be expounded to include the area of body acne. The general population is under several misconceptions of what causes breakouts. Some believe it is due to eating too much chocolate or other unhealthy foods. The truth is there are many different reasons why people encounter this unpleasant skin condition.

Solutions

So, what is the best teen acne treatment? Cleansing is the first step. This is especially important after any exercise. Also, it is important to wash and cleanse the skin before going to sleep. There are many teenage acne products on the market but a mild soap may be all you need for this cleansing process. I would recommend against using a harsh acne product that contains a lot of alcohol as this will usually make your acne condition worse.

Finding a cure for teenage acne is an ongoing battle for researchers. This seems to be the biggest problem for teens nowadays. Let alone, there is more and more stress on teens to strive better in school, make better grades, continue on with education, horrible diets and less exercise more than ever in today’s society. It is not a wonder why teenage acne is rising ever more these days. The good news is that there are products out there today that will conquer and cure the teenage acne problem that has been a problem for years.

I, myself, once had horrible acne as a teen. I can relate first hand to the taunting it brings forth. I had what we used to call: “Teenage zit face syndrome”. I tried every cream, ointment, solution, powder and chemical you can possibly imagine. After some time, I realized that either my face will be cured of acne or my face will completely disintegrate and melt away from erosion due to the horrible rashes and burns those chemicals were doing to my complexion. Finding a cure for teenage acne is not as hard today as it once was years ago. We now have treatments and ointments for acne and pimples that does not harm or burn your face. However, there are many products that do not work. Do not get stuck in the market of buying a product that one person tells you about. Check out reviews and testimonials. There are many acne cure products out there but only a few work at all. Please do your research before purchasing.

Over the Counter Treatments

ThermaCare Acne Treatment is a device treatment that you can purchase over the counter and may want to consider. The thermacare is a device that uses heat to kill the bacteria of the acne, and kill it. Many times, the kids think of the products as being the “acne cure for teenage kids”, but it is only a cure if it is properly used. Many times, the teenage acne product that is being used is wrongly used. Most of the times, teenagers only use the products when they have the acne-not every day like they should.

The one thing that adults who suffer from acne outbreaks should remember is to avoid purchase products that are designed to treat teenage acne. Adult acne treatments demand a totally different approach. The best thing to do is see your doctor. He can help.

As a matter of fact, most teen acne products are not recommended for adults, so when you’re in the pharmacy looking for suitable acne treatment, stay away from products labeled ‘for teen acne’. Teens require something that is a little more drying because of the excess oils they produce. Adult skin is rather dry by itself, so applying teen creams on your face will damage your skin instead of help. However, with a bit of time and proper care, adult acne can also be treated in most of the cases.

The teenage acne cures are not applicable to acne in adults which usually occurs because of specific types of hormonal imbalance. The hormonal adult acne treatment requires a visit to your doctor who may treat you to get your hormones in check.

Natural Treatment Options

Some researchers in Britain have discovered that a laser used to treat other skin problems such as wrinkles and scars seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of teen acne. Published research indicated good results. The Lancet, a published journal reported it had been found that one fifteen minute treatment with the laser reduced the overall severity of thirty-one acne patients and none suffered any negative effects.

Natural plant extracts such as coconut oil and aloe vera have been found to be very useful in eliminating teen acne. Aside from this there are may other types of holistic and natural treatments for acne to be taken both internally and applied externally. Natural acne treatments are well known for their safety and effectiveness. Look for and use natural skin care products if at all possible.

Natural treatments for teenage acne are growing in popularity. Prescriptive treatments often contain chemicals that can create serious secondary problems. Teenage acne is a common skin problem that can be embarrassing and can lower your self esteem. Below are some natural treatments to cure your teen acne so you can have a clear face without using expensive chemicals or treatments.

Picking the right teenage acne natural treatment may not be an easy choice to make.
But, I have done a ton of research and have picked what I feel is the best, and you can even grow it at home if you want: Aloe Vera. Now, I know, this is usually used primarily for sunburns, but it’s great for acne too.

Both tea tree oil and aloe vera are one of the best natural treatments for teenage acne. Their components are antibacterial which gives them their effectiveness against the bacteria found in acne. They treat and help prevent scars and act as a great moisturizer for your skin too. These natural treatments can be applied several times a day for best results.

A holistic teenage acne treatment would include adopting a diet that is high in natural food instead. Healthy eating habits are a must in both preventing and combating acne. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can help to cleanse your body and provide it with essential nutrients to help keep your immune system strong.

The last tip is the most important, prevention. Don’t pop your zits or pimples! This stretches the pore, making it much more likely it’ll be a problem as it will be easier for toxins to get in. It may be a little unexpected, but it’s easy to come by and much cheaper than most commercial products. That’s why I personally feel that Aloe Vera is the best natural treatment for teenage acne, and that’s why I still use it today.

If you’re looking for a miracle cure for acne in teenage girls, particularly bouts that flared up during certain monthly moments, you need look no further than Vitamin B6. This vitamin has a proven track record when it comes to a viable treatment for teenage acne. This doesn’t cure all instances of acne in teen girls but it can go a long way to helping specific types of acne and is definitely worth considering. Healthy foods that contain healthy doses of vitamin B6 include: baked potatoes with skin, bananas, salmon, fish, avocado, green peas, turkey without skin, chicken without skin, collard greens, and brown rice. You can also take supplements that contain vitamin B6 as well.

Specific Treatments

There are times when specific treatments are beneficial for teen acne treatments such as the advice of pros. First and most importantly, the acne treatment does not just come from anyone! These superb strategies come from former acne sufferer, nutritionist, health consultant, and medical researcher Mike Walden (who put together these strategies). These video and written tutorials are all on behalf of his own success treating severe acne with the same techniques and strategies you are going to be implementing.

Fendi Handbags 2012 – The Bag in a Bag Look is Hot

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:16:51 -0500

The perfect handbag is always essential and you definitely want bags that are up to date and fashion forward. While many great brand name bags are available, Fendi is a top name that always brings out great styles for every fashion season. As you’re planning your 2012 wardrobe, it’s definitely a great idea to consider the Fendi handbags 2012 and all the great new styles that this name has to offer. However, among the hot hits Fendi is putting out this year, the bag in bag look is definitely one of the hot options.

The bag in a bag look is very prevalent among the Fendi handbags 2012. These bags look like one handbag has been placed inside of the other with only the top of the bag showing. This new style allows you to blend together two different handbag styles for an interesting look that has become a very popular one. One of the most popular Fendi handbags 2012 styles that feature this look is the tote bag that features a drawstring bag inside.

Of course, it’s important to notice that bag in bag handbags have been done before the Fendi handbags 2012 came out. However, Fendi has taken a different look at this style and given it a new twist. Their designs are more modern than previous designs and adding the modern twist to these bags definitely makes them an exciting and fashion forward choice.

So many different looks are achieved with this bag in a bag look that Fendi handbags 2012 are boasting. Not only are their tote styles that include drawstring inner bags, but you’ll also see woven bags that appear to have structured totes inside. These bags come in many different colors as well, which means you are sure to find a color and design option that will suit your own personal style. Fendi handbags 2012 offer something for every woman’s wardrobe.

Of course, while the bag in a bag styles are hot, you’ll find many other Fendi handbags 2012 to choose from as well. Structured totes are available, hobo styles bags can be purchase and more. The type of bag you choose will depend on your specific sense of style. You may like the bag in a bag look or you may prefer something that is a bit more classic in style. Look for Fendi handbags 2012 that will fit your personal style and your wardrobe.

Shoes Spring 2012

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:44:56 -0500

Ernesto Esposito Sandals

It’s not unusual for clothing and accessories to get more colorful in the Spring, but this Spring 2012 the colors are ultra bright and mixed and matched at random. If you find bold colors unsetteling, don’t worry, just pair with neutral solids for a chic look that anyone can pull off.

The Ernesto Esposito sandals are leopard print and color patent leather with a T strap and adjustable ankle strap. They have a 4.75 inch heel with a .75 inch platform. $708

The Sergio Rossi pumps are bright blue patent leather with an adjustable slingback strap. The heel measures 5.5 inches with a 1.5 inch platform. $695

The Casadei pumps are lime green pumps with an optical stiletto heel measuring 4.75inches and a .75 inch hidden platform. $740

The Brian Atwood pumps are neon yellow patent leather with an open toe. They have a 5.5 inch heel with a 1.25 inch platform. $755

These McQ sandals are neon pink leather with clear perspex island platform and heel insert. The heel measures 4 inches with a .5 inch platform. $559

These Giuseppe Zanotti pumps are brightly colored patent leather with a thin black, adjustable ankle strap and a peep toe. The heel measures 6 inches with a 1.5 inch platform. $750

How and Where to Apply Perfume to Make It Last Longer

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:55:00 -0500

Coco Chanel once said that a woman should apply perfume in those areas where she would like to be kissed. While this is most likely true (and utterly French), consider the follow guidelines as well.

The Pulse Points

The “pulse points” are locations on the body where the blood vessels are closest to the skin. These spots emanate heat, which can help fragrance to emanate from your skin into the air. (It’s the same principle used by essential oil diffusers). Apply your perfume to these points - namely, the inner wrists, the base of the throat, behind ear lobes, in the cleavage, behind knees, and the inner elbows. As you wear your perfume throughout the day, it will react with your body heat and continue to emit scent.

A Word of Caution

Despite the great Chanel’s maxim, perfume does not taste good. Keep that in mind when applying yours, and avoid any areas that may be enthusiastically nibbled.

How to Apply Perfume

Applying perfume is the simplest of matters - simply spray, dab, or in the case of a solid perfume compact, swipe. (Do avoid rubbing the wrists together after application, to prevent “crushing” the scent).

Some women enjoy spritzing their perfume into the air and then walking through it. While this does work, it also lets quite a bit of the fragrance go to waste, so it’s not the best method if you’re on a budget.

Always apply perfume before putting on your clothes and jewelry. Some fragrances will leave permanent stains on fabrics, metals, and pearls. (If you want to risk perfuming your clothing - say, spraying some scent on a scarf - be sure to test it on a hidden area of the fabric first, and spray lightly).

Perfuming the Hair

Misting the hair with fragrance is a great way to leave a gentle scent in your wake, as you move through your day. Those who you choose to get closer to be will also be rewarded with a fuller scent. Be careful only to apply perfume to freshly-washed hair, or the natural oils (and any lingering hair products) will affect the odor. Since perfume contains alcohol and can be drying to your strands, apply sparingly and from a distance. A spray or two from 8 inches away will do.

Making Fragrance Last Longer

There are a few tricks to help your fragrance last longer. For instance, a scent will fade faster when skin is dry. Applying fragrance-free moisturizer to your body is an excellent preparation for applying fragrance, and will help you get more bang for your perfume buck.

You can also help your perfume to go the distance by applying some petroleum jelly to your skin, and then applying your scent on top of that. The perfume droplets will cling to the petroleum jelly - rather than sinking into your pores - which can reduce or eliminate the need to reapply fragrance later in the day.

Layering products from the same line is another effective way to make a fragrance last. You might use the scented body gel, treat skin with the body lotion, and then spray the eau du parfum spray on top. The combination of products will help the scent to maintain fullness and extend throughout the day.

Top 10 Perfume for Young Women and Teens

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 04:34:59 -0500

The perfume you wear should make you feel good and in a subtle way say who you are. There are many fragrances for young women, so take some time to check them out and find one that fits you and your lifestyle. Experiment and have fun. Below are just a few perfumes that are well liked by young women.

1. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

Great summer or spring scent. Not too over-powering, but may be a bit pricey. Playful, citrusy and kind of sexy.

2. Abercrombie & Fitch

Sweet and light fragrance. Projects a youthful and stylish image. Well liked by Steph in the Cheerleading forum.

3. Jennifer Lopez Glow

Bright citrus fruits are mingled with sheer florals, warmed with soothing vanilla and musk. Glow has a lot of feminine sparkle.

4. Dessert Beauty Kissable Love Potion Fragrance

Kissable and impossible to resist, these delectable fragrances are infused with three delicious scent combinations: French vanilla and smooth caramel (Creamy), rich milk chocolate and coconut confection (Dreamy), and fresh, berry sweet with a subtle hint of crisp green bouquet (Juicy). Designed by Jessica Simpson.

5. Curious by Britney Spears

A fresh floral fragrance for energetic women.

6. Pink Sugar

Stylish and lively, with a distinctive personality. A nice blend of vanilla and caramel.

7. cK Be

cK Be is a unique tonic musk that’s clean and fresh.

8. MIRACLE SO MAGIC

Vivacious. Fun. Spirited. An enchanting fragrance for woman who get a thrill out of life. Delicious, pinks, sparkling fresh floral based that is sweet, delicate and sensitive.

9. Britney Spears Fantasy for Women Eau De Parfum

Fantasy By Britney Spears Is The 2nd Of Her Perfume Line, Launched In 2005 As A Fun, And Invigorating Scent. This Feminine Scent Possesses A Blend Of Red Lychee, Kiwi, Cupcake, Jasmine, White Chocolate, Musk, Orris Root. Fantasy Is Recommended For Daytime Wear.

10. Clean Fun

A fresh bubble bath blast with top notes of green tangerine, grapefruit, orange, and limes followed by a rosewood middle note, a touch of lavender, and a sweet creamy base note.

Lipstick for Teens

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:51:23 -0500

Girls, today we have so lipstick tips for you. Check it!

It is important to follow these rules and make sure you are getting the lipstick that is right for your skin type. If not, you’ll waste some hard earned cash.

Lipstick for teens should be a simple compliment and not too strong. Go for light pinks and nude tones, not reds. Your lipstick should be a shade brighter than your blush.

Look at some of your favorite teen celebrities in their pretty lip colors.

It’s hard to tell if Miranda Cosgrove and Dakota Fanning are even wearing lipstick because it looks so natural.

If you want to try a brighter shade, try something like Bella Thorne or try something fun like the orange tone Selena is wearing.

If you want to be a little risky in the summer, try the bubble gum pink Demi Lovato has or a soft gloss like Taylor Swift.

Which do you like best?

What is Acne? What Causes Acne? How to Get Rid of Acne

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:36:48 -0500

Written by Christian Nordqvist

The word acne comes from the word acme meaning “the highest point”, which comes from the Greek akme meaning “point” or “spot” - it was originally mispelt, with an ‘n’ rather than an ‘m’ in 1835. Acne is a disease that involves the oil glands of the skin. It is not dangerous, but can leave skin scars. Your skin has pores (tiny holes) which connect to oil glands located under the skin. The glands are connected to the pores via follicles - small canals. Sebum, an oily liquid, is produced by these glands. The sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of your skin. A small hair grows through the follicle out of the skin. Pimples grow when these follicles get blocked. In humans, when pimples appear they tend to do so on the patient’s face, back, chest, shoulders and neck. Acne develops when follicles get blocked and infected. Simply put - skin cells, sebum and hair can clump together into a plug, this plug gets infected with bacteria, resulting in a swelling. A pimple starts to develop when the plug begins to break down. There are various types of pimples Whiteheads - remain under the skin and are very small. Blackheads - clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin. Remember that a blackhead is not caused by dirt. Scrubbing your face vigorously when you see blackheads will not help. Papules - visible on the surface of the skin. They are small bumps, usually pink. Pustules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are red at their base and have pus at the top. Nobules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are large, solid pimples. They are painful and are embedded deep in the skin. Cysts - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful, and are filled with pus. Cysts can easily cause scars.

How common is acne?

Dermatologists (skin specialists) say that approximately three-quarters of 11 to 30 year-olds will get acne at some time. Acne can affect people of all races and all ages. It most commonly affects adolescents and young adults. There are people in their fifties who still get acne. According to Brown University, USA, approximately 17 million Americans are estimated to have acne at any one time.

Although acne affects both men and women, young men suffer from acne for longer - probably because testosterone, which is present in higher quantities in young men, can make acne worse.

What causes acne?

Nobody is completely sure what causes acne. Experts believe the primary cause is a rise in androgen levels - androgen is a type of hormone. Androgen levels rise when a human becomes an adolescent. Rising androgen levels make the oil glands under your skin grow; the enlarged gland produces more oil. Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in your pores, causing bacteria to grow.

Some studies indicate that susceptibility to acne could also be genetic. Some medications which contain androgen and lithium may cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may cause acne in some susceptible people. Hormone changes during pregnancy may cause acne to either develop for the first time, or to recur.

Treatment of acne

How your acne is treated may depend on how severe and persistent it is.

Treating mild acne

The majority of people who get acne will develop mild acne. This can usually be treated with OTC (over-the-counter) medications. OTC medications can be bought at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. They are usually applied to the skin - topical medicines.

Most acne OTC products may contain the following active ingredients:

Resorcinol - helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. It is a crystalline phenol and comes from various resins. Resorcinol is also used for treating dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.
Benzoyl Peroxide - kills bacteria and slows down your glands’ production of oil. Benzoyl peroxide is a white crystalline peroxide used in bleaching (flour or oils or fats) and as a catalyst for free radical reactions. It works as a peeling agent, accelerating skin turnover and clearing pores, which in turn reduces the bacterial count in the affected area.
Salicylic Acid - helps break down blackheads and whiteheads, also reduces shedding of cells which line the follicles of the oil glands, effective in treating inflammation and swelling. Salicylic acid is a white crystalline substance which is also used as a fungicide, or in making aspirin or dyes or perfumes. It causes the epidermis to shed skin more easily, prevents pores from becoming blocked while at the same time allowing room for new cells to grow. It is commonly added to shampoos used for treating dandruff.
Sulfur - helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Sulfur, in its native form, is a yellow crystalline solid. Sulfur has been used for centuries for treating acne, psoriasis and eczema. Scientists are not sure how sulfur works to help skin diseases. We do know that elemental sulfur does oxidize slowly to sulfurous acid which is a mild reducing and antibacterial agent.
Retin-A - helps unplug blocked pores. Retin-A contains Tretinoin, an acid from of vitamin A, also known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Tretinoin is also used for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Retin-A has been used widely to combat aging of the skin, it also acts as a chemical peel.
Azelaic Acid - strengthens cells that line the follicles, stops oil eruptions, reduces bacteria growth. It is a saturated dicarboxylic acid found naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. Azelaic acid also mops up free radicals, which reduces inflammation. It is useful for patients with darker skin who have dark patches on their face (melasma), or whose acne spots leave persistent brown marks.

You can buy acne medications in the forms of gels, soaps, pads, creams and lotions. If your skin is sensitive you may prefer a cream or lotion. Gels, which are usually alcohol based and tend to dry the skin, are better for people with oily skin. OTC medications will have these ingredients in different concentrations. It is advisable to start with the lowest strengths. You may experience skin irritation, redness, and/or burning when you first try them. These side effects usually go away after continued use. If they don’t you should see your doctor.

Treating more severe cases of acne

If your acne is more severe you should consider seeing a dermatologist - a skin specialist. The specialist may prescribe a treatment that contains some of the active ingredients mentioned above, such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, as well as adabalene. Prescription medications for acne are presented in many forms, such as creams, lotions, etc. Your dermatologist will decide what is best for you.

You may be prescribed an oral or topical antibiotic. Antibiotics can combat the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Most commonly Erythromyocin and Tetracycline are prescribed as antibiotics for the treatment of acne.

Treating a cyst with interlesional corticosteroid injection
If an acne cyst becomes severely inflamed there is a high risk of rupturing. A rupturing acne cyst can often result in scarring. The specialist may inject a diluted corticosteroid to treat the inflamed cyst and to prevent scarring. The injection will lower the inflammation and speed up healing. The cyst will “melt” within a few days.
Isotretinoin
This is a strong oral retinoid, used for the treatment of severe cystic acne, as well as severe acne that has not responded to other medications and treatments.
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are frequently prescribed for patients with severe acne and some patients with moderate acne too. The aim of such oral antibiotics is to lower the population of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacterium commonly found on the skin, which will multiply rapidly in blocked follicles. The dosage will be initially high, and then as the acne reduces so will the dosage. Antibiotics are not taken for more than six months. As time passes the P. acnes can become resistant to the antibiotic and another antibiotic is needed. Some American studies have indicated that it is better to use oral broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Oral contraceptives
The majority of women with acne find that taking certain oral contraceptives clears it up. Oral contraceptives suppress the overactive gland and are commonly used as long-term treatments for acne in women. If the woman has a blood-clotting disorder, smokes, has a history of migraines, or is over 35, she should not take this medication without checking with a gynecologist first.
Topical antimicrobials (topical = applied to the skin or mucus membranes)
As with oral antibiotics, the aim of topical antimicrobials for the treatment of acne is to reduce P. acnes populations. Topical antimicrobials are used for patients with moderate to severe acne. Examples may be clindamycin, erythromycin, and sodium sulfacetamide
The dermatologist may prescribe a topical retinoid. Topical retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A and are very popular for the treatment of acne. They unclog the pores and prevent whiteheads and blackheads from developing. Examples of topical retinoids prescribed in the USA are adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin.

Looking after your skin if you have acne (or are prone to acne)

Wash your face about twice each day. Do not wash it more often. Use a mild soap made especially for people with acne, and warm water. Do not scrub the skin. Experts advise the use of an OTC lotion which contains benzoyl peroxide.
Don’t try to burst the pimples. You may push the infection further down, causing more blocking and worse swelling and redness. Popping pimples makes scarring more likely.
If you have to get rid of a pimple for some event, such as a wedding, or public speaking occasions, ask a specialist to treat it for you.
Try to refrain from touching your face with your hands. When you are on the phone try not to let the receiver touch your face - there may be sebum and skin residue on it.
Keep your hands clean, wash them regularly.
Always wash your hands before touching your face. This includes before applying lotions, creams or makeup.
Glasses should be cleaned regularly. They will collect sebum and skin residue.
You skin needs to breathe. If your acne is on your back, shoulders or chest try wearing loose clothing. Tight garments, such as headbands, caps and scarves should be avoided - if you have to wear them make sure they are cleaned regularly.
Don’t go to sleep with makeup on. Only use makeup that is nonceomedogenic or nonacnegenic - you should be able to read this on the label. If you cannot find it, ask the shopkeeper or pharmacist. You should use makeup which does not have oil and does not clog up the pores.
Hair collects sebum and skin residue. Keep your hair clean and away from your face.
Too much sun can cause your skin to produce more sebum. Several acne medications make it more likely that you will be sunburned.
If you shave your face, do it carefully. Use either an electric shaver or safety razors. If you use a safety razor make sure the blade is sharp. Soften your skin/beard with warm soapy water before applying the shaving cream.

What can make acne worse?

Menstrual cycle - Girls and women with acne tend to get it worse one or two weeks before their menstrual period arrives. This is probably due to hormonal changes that take place. Some people say they eat more chocolate during this time and wonder whether there may be a connection. However, experts believe the worsening acne is not due to chocolate, but rather to hormonal changes.
Anxiety and stress - mental stress can affect your levels of some hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which in turn can make acne worse. Again, stress can make some people binge-eat. Experts believe the culprits are most likely the hormone levels, rather than the binge-eating.
Hot and humid climates - when it is hot and humid we sweat more. This can make the acne worse.
Oil based makeups - moisturizing creams, lubricating lotions, and all makeup that contain oil can speed up the blocking of your pores.
Greasy hair - some hair products are very greasy and might have the same effect as oil based makeup. Hair products with cocoa butter or coconut butter are examples.
Squeezing the pimples - if you try to squeeze pimples your acne is more likely to get worse, plus you risk scarring.

To be loved

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:47:00 -0500

By Christian Audigier

“A Better You” Your one week program to self-improvement

I apparently lost count on what number of times I’ve read and got word of celebrity marriages failing virtually left and right. Not i care (and privately I don’t), it seems like strange that we generally see movie and TELEVISION SET stars as flawless men and women, living the fairytale lifestyle of riches and glamour. Maybe we all have to halt sticking our heads inside clouds and face truth.

There are many solutions to lose your sense involving self-esteem despite of how trivial it could possibly get. But whatever comes about, we should all never lose our own impression of self.

So what does it take becoming a cut above the remainder? Here are some in the things you can feel and improve on that you should enough for a 1 week.

1. Know your function
Are you wandering by way of life with little direction – hoping that you find happiness, health along with prosperity? Identify your life function or mission statement and you will probably have your own exclusive compass that will send you to your truth north whenever.

This may seem tricky to start with when you see yourself to stay a tight or perhaps dead end. But there’s always that little loophole to show things around and you’ll make a big big difference to yourself.

2. Recognize your values
What does one value most? Make a directory of your top 5 valuations. Some examples are stability, freedom, family, spiritual growth, learning. As you collection your goals for 2005 – check your goals versus your values. If the goal doesn’t align with any top five values – you might like to reconsider it or up-date it.

The number must not discourage you, instead it will motivate you to do over you can ever thought of.

3. Know your requires
Unmet needs can preserve you from living legitimately. Take care of on your own. Do you have a should be acknowledged, to be appropriate, to be in command, to be loved? There are many people who lived their existence without realizing their dreams and many end up being burdened or even depressed as an example. List your top four needs and have them met before it can be too late!

4. Recognize your passions
You know who you happen to be and what you actually enjoy in life. Obstacles like doubt and deficiency of enthusiasm will only slow down you, but will not derail your possibility to become the person you will be. Express yourself and honor people who has inspired that you become the very person you planned to be.

5. Live through the inside out
Increase your understanding your inner wisdom by regularly reflecting alone. Commune with nature. Take in air deeply to quiet your current distracted mind. For many people city slickers it’s challenging to even find the peace and quiet we want even in your own home. In my case My spouse and i often just sit in a very dimly lit room along with play some classical tunes. There’s sound, yes, nevertheless music does soothe your savage beast.

6. Respect your strengths
What are generally your positive traits? What special talents are there? List three – in case you get stuck, ask those closest to you personally to help identify these kind of. Are you imaginative, witty, good with your arms? Find ways to show your authentic self by way of your strengths. You can increase your self-confidence when it’s possible to share what you recognize to others.

7. Provide others
When you are living authentically, you may see that you develop an interconnected sense to be. When you are true to who you happen to be, living your purpose and giving of your respective talents to the entire world around you, you hand in in service what you located share with others -your heart – your essence. The rewards for expressing your gift with those in the area is indeed rewarding, additional if it were to get the eyes of a stranger that can appreciate what you do to them.

Self-improvement is indeed one type of work that may be worth it. It shouldn’t be within the confines associated with an office building, or maybe in the four corners of your family room. The difference lies within just ourselves and how much you should change for the greater.

Perfect Perfumes for Teenage Young girls A girl’s perfume is supposed to be soothing

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:43:00 -0500

By Christian Audigier

Perfect Perfumes for Teenage Young girls

A girl’s perfume is supposed to be soothing, sensuous, and inviting. The fragrance of an individual’s perfume should linger during the air with just an individual spritz. I’m sure you may have given a second thought while spending money on an exotic brand on your school days or teenaged years. But investing on one of the best brands is definitely worth it because it’s a treasure for everyone. Launch of new types of perfumes has been continuing for a few years and so the development of wearing new fragrances has spread rapidly among the women. Luxurious brands happen to be manufactured by reputed dental companies, fashion houses, or they’re just signature products of models. You must look for that fresh, young and vibrant fragrance in your own teenage years rather than choosing a strong oriental scent that could be more lady like. Which means that here’s the list meant for best perfumes for teenaged girls.

Top Perfumes meant for Teenage Girls

Reading fashion magazines and staying updated regarding the current brands will definitely allow you to prepare find out the perfect perfume. However, the vintage brands are always famous and definitely will hold a prominent place available. The brands listed below shall assist you in picking the best brand for your self.

Estee Lauder Pure Bright white Linen
Among the top perfumes for girls, Estee Lauder is the appropriate pick for teenage young girls. Pure white linen provides a fruity and floral blend of show while flowers, pink tulips, raspberry and raised bloom. The fragrance can be quite soothing and fresh. Any variations of Pure Bright white Linen are Light No-brainer and Pink Coral. Estee Lauder’s Amazing Love, Beautiful Sheer, Beyond Paradise are some other sort of good products for adolescent hearts.

Fantasy Midnight Perfume by Britney Spears
The beautiful blue bottle within the perfume is damn attractive thus is its scent, making it one of the greatest perfumes for teenage young girls. People define it mainly because ‘a mysterious realm for temptation and intrigue’. Any versatile tones include iris, vanilla, amber, orchid, framboise, ebony cherries and plum. Midnight fantasy is sexy and also exotic scent of fruits and veggies make is highly alluring. It was created by Caroline Sabas during the year 2006 and many other versions include Britney Spear’s Covered Fantasy Perfume and Fable By Britney Spears for girls.

Miss Dior Cherie
If you are researching for a luxurious brand possessing a long lasting scent, then pick Miss Dior Cherie, which happens to be also defined as a good ‘chic and flirtatious perfume’. Miss Dior Cherie stands out as the right grab for girls seeking to create an enticing vibe within. The traditional feel for Dior is retained, which happens to be blended with modern fragrances of jasmine, tangerine, sweets caramel and strawberry. Miss Dior’s Cherie stands out as the perfect choice of some sort of assertive personality. The elegant twist during the fragrance is wonderful and also design of this different collection was inspired by just original Dior.

Light Purple Perfume by Dolce together with Gabbana
The ‘fresh together with playful’ vibe of Brightness Blue Perfume is impressive. The azure blue bottle includes sparkly scent having gynaecoid appeal. The combination of flavors cause it to be an ideal choice all through spring time and summers. Wonderful aroma of white raised, jasmine, bluebells make it an incomparable piece. Girls are permanently tempted by its silpada and cedar wood undertones. Buying this perfume is definitely expensive affair. But you should pick up the perfect? Know more brands produced by article best perfumes for women.

Others
Fendi Palazzo
Dior J’adore L’Absolu
The main by Dolce and Gabbana
Tresor for girls by Lancome
Calvin Klein Euphoria Crystalline Edition
Delices de Cartier by just Cartier
Magnetism by Escada
Yellow Sugar by Aquolina
Viva Los angeles Juicy Perfume by Juicy Couture
Vera Wang Princess Perfume by Vera Wang for girls
Abercrombie & Fitch 8 Perfume
Glow by Jennifer Lopez for girls
Joy by Jean Patou
Lacoste Impression of Pink by Stella Parfum
Dais by Marc Jacob’s
Coco Mademoiselle by just Chanel
Harajuku Lovers Really enjoy by Gwen Stefani
Supermodel Perfume for girls by Victoria’s Secret
Impression of Pink by Lacoste
Lovely for girls by Sara Jessica Parker
Warmer summer months Romance by Ralph Lauren
Candy bar Beauty Deliciously Kissable Really enjoy Potion Fragrance by Jessica Simpson
Girls who go crazy about perfumes will definitely really enjoy the brands mentioned during the content above. So what’s your choice? Well then, grab it and useful little secret of your signature smell in the bag. And spread any magic secretly

30 Beauty Tips for Teenage Girls

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:42:23 -0500

It’s easy for teenage girls to create looks that are natural and flawless; however, it’s just as easy to create looks that are cakey and overdone. After all, teens are battling acne, worrying about boys, and stressing out over big tests. With all of this being said, sometimes it’s tough for teenage girls to keep up with the latest beauty trends on top of everything else.

So in an effort to make things a little bit easier, here are 30 beauty tips for teenage girls that are broken down into several different categories. But before we jump into this, let’s take a quick look at the underlying theme of true beauty – confidence.

Confidence and Self-Esteem

While anybody can learn a few tricks with their makeup brush, not everybody knows how to carry themselves afterward. In short, confidence and self-esteem are also important traits in regards to beauty.

Confidence is what gets girls noticed, and self-esteem is what gives them confidence. All it takes is being willing to try new things and get out of your comfort zone. Everyone has insecurities, but accepting your imperfections is key to unlocking your true potential. Now onto the beauty tips!

Skin Care Tips

Tip #1 (Tissue Test): One of the most important aspects of taking care of your skin involves knowing exactly what skin type you have. The five basic skin types are sensitive, normal, oily, combination and dry. When you’re trying to diagnose your skin type, do a simple test in the morning with a tissue after waking up. This is the easiest way to tell which of the five basic skin types you have. To perform the test, just unfold the tissue, and lay it so that the tissue covers your face. Then press it onto your skin, and remove the tissue to see what it reveals. Use these descriptions to find your skin type in order to take proper care of yourself.

Tip #2 (Sensitive Skin): Your tissue will have little-to-no oil left over from your skin. Sensitive skin can become a challenge to treat since it often feels tight and dry with reddish-scaly areas. In addition to this, sensitive skin can itch and tingle with spotty breakouts. If your skin becomes inflamed or irritated easily, then you probably have sensitive skin.

Sensitive Skin Care Tips:
Avoid facial exfoliants and cleansers with sand or peach pits to avoid worsening your red skin; instead, use cleansers made with castile soap because it is soothing and gentle on your skin. Do not use facial cleansers that contain large amounts of benzoyl peroxide, alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) and/or beta-hydroxy-acid (BHA) since these can irritate acne further. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find a facial cleanser that treats sensitive skin in drugstores because these are the most common ingredients in many cleansers and exfoliants on the market.

Tip #3 (Normal Skin): The tissue will have no oil left over from your face, and your skin will feel plump, glowy and elastic. Lucky for you, this skin type is the easiest to treat and manage because it continues to have healthy circulation and a clear complexion - even with little-to-no care involved. Those lucky enough to have the normal skin type will continue to have clear skin as they age.

Normal Skin Care Tips:
The best thing to do if you have normal skin is to wash it every day - morning and night - with gentle soap so you don’t irritate the balance that your skin already has. Use a toner if you like, and of course apply a moisturizer daily.

Tip #4 (Oily Skin): If your tissue has traces of oil from where your nose, forehead and cheeks were, then you likely have oily skin. Oily skin is a problem for a lot of girls since it causes skin to look shiny, coarse, thick, greasy, and often leads to uncontrollable breakouts.

Oily Skin Care Tips:
To keep your skin looking young and supple, while also keeping it from wrinkling as you get older, use proper facial washes designed to treat oily skin. You won’t have any trouble finding treatments for oily skin because there are a variety of products to choose from. But don’t use the same soap you use on your body since it will dry your skin out, and leave you with unwanted pimples! Use an exfoliating scrub once or twice a week to combat breakouts.

Tip #5 (Combination Skin): If your tissue has oil on the areas reflecting your nose and forehead only, then your skin type is combination. You are amongst most women, who have a combination of dry and oily skin, and have to use different kinds of care for each zone of their face.

Combination Skin Care Tips:
Your dry zones are typically your cheek and eye areas, and these won’t need much attention until the age of 30 or older. The other areas of your face are known as oil zones, and they require daily cleansing and weekly exfoliating with a product designed for oily skin.

Tip #6 (Dry Skin): Girls with dry skin will have a clear tissue, but also skin that feels dry, tight, and flaky once the tissue has been removed. Dry skin is problematic because it is known to age and develop wrinkles faster than oily and combination skin.

Dry Skin Care Tips:
You can easily fight off wrinkles and aging by developing healthy skin care habits that involve plenty of moisturizers containing hypoallergenic ingredients. Use lukewarm water to cleanse with since hot water irritates skin. In the winter, these tips are especially important to keep in mi

Makeup Tips

Makeup is used to make women appear older, sophisticated, trendy, and of course, it’s used to hide pimples, scars, and red areas on the face. Finding the right makeup to use for your own special complexion is difficult because there are hundreds of different brands, colors, formulas, and prices to consider before making a purchase. There are a number of makeup items you can use during the application process including, but not limited to, foundation primer, foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss.

Tip #7 (Choosing your Foundation): You can find foundation in a few different formulas including liquid, whipped, cream and powder. Liquid foundations typically come formulated specifically for every skin type; however, liquid foundation isn’t always the best choice. Use your skin type as a guide to find the best foundation formula because if you’re using the wrong foundation, your skin can look similar to a powdered doughnut, or it can even look like you’re wearing a mask. In order to keep any of this from happening, learn how to find the right foundation for your skin type.

Tip #8 (Foundation for Dry Skin): If your skin is dry, using a hydrating powder, stick, or an oil-based liquid foundation will give a positive result. Sticks and liquids have both a moisturizing and creamy texture; the hydrating powders are specially designed to release moisture to the skin, while covering better than a normal pressed powder. If you choose to purchase hydrating powder, make sure the packaging says something similar to “compact makeup” or “foundation”.

Tip #9 (Foundation for Oily Skin): Liquid or powder foundations that are labeled oil-free are ideal for oily skin. Mineral foundations will also work well on oily skin since these products absorb excess oil to give your face a smooth, matte finish. These foundations are good for covering up acne, or when used as a concealer for dark under-eye areas. For skin that has frequent breakouts, use foundation containing salicylic acid to dry the oil-producing glands that create pimples.

Tip #10 (Foundation for Combination Skin): Combination skin is best covered up with powder, whipped or cream foundation. You will get strong coverage with any of these products, as well as the added bonus of intense moisturizing benefits. Plus powder, whipped, and cream foundations are all easy to apply, and are better choices than that of a liquid or stick foundation.

Tip #11 (Foundation for Sensitive Skin): If you have eczema, rosacea, or you’re highly prone to acne breakouts, then you have sensitive skin. Assuming you have skin that is tight, scaly, red and irritated, then try using a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers will provide you with light coverage, while also giving your skin plenty of moisture. Another option is to use mineral makeup such as the mineral makeup at SheerCover.com; however, it’s possible for the mineral makeup to dry your skin, so in combination with this foundation, you should use a toning spray to set and lock in moisture throughout the day.

Tip #12 (Foundation for Normal Skin): For skin that has minimal problems with oil, acne or dryness, you’ll be able to use almost any formula of foundation.

Finding Your Foundation Shade

The next time you’re at the mall, find a makeup counter and try some of their different shades. When doing this, keep in mind that the skin on the back of your hand is the closest match to the skin on your face; so it’s the best place to find a match if you’re not wanting to apply lots of different shades on your face. Using natural light can prove to be difficult in a store or mall, but it will reflect more accurately on how the foundation really looks on your skin. It’s also important for you to have a clean face when you’re experimenting with different foundation shades.

Tip #13 (Fair Skin Tones): Skin that is slightly translucent (having visible veins), pale, or sunburns easily is considered to be fair. The ideal shades of foundation for fair skin tones are ones that have pink or beige undertones.

Tip #14 (Olive Skin Tones): Foundations with beige, green, or yellow tones work well with Asian and olive skin tones. Powders that have peachy or pink bases warm up skin that looks unhealthy or pale.

Tip #15 (Medium Skin Tones): Neutral, beige, gold, and earth tone shades of foundation wear well on Latina or medium skin tones. If you’re using powder, the powder should still be in the neutral earth tones; you might also consider using translucent powder to set the foundation.

Tip #16 (Dark Skin Tones): Mango or banana-toned powder will warm up darker skin tones. It’s worth mentioning that when cool colors are used on darker tones, the skin can turn out ashy so avoid these. Also keep in mind that it might be necessary to use two different shades of foundation if you have two different skin tones. Luckily, some foundations are available with two colors for easy blending.

Concealer

Tip #17: If you have problems with dark circles under your eyes, concealer needs to be applied before foundation. If you are looking to cover up acne, the concealer can be applied after the foundation.

Tip #18: There are makeup brushes specifically made for the application of concealer; however, they aren’t a must-have item. All you need for application is a q-tip, or even a finger will work fine when applying the concealer to acne. It’s important to be precise about applying the concealer directly onto the pimple, and not just the general area where you have a lot of breakouts.

Tip #19: It’s important to know there are concealers that offer medication to treat acne, as well as cover the pimples up. It is also worth mentioning the idea of using foundation that offers strong coverage so you won’t leave your skin looking cakey.

Eyebrows

Everyone is born with bushes above their eyes, but it can be easy to make the bushes look like groomed shrubs. When it comes to your eyebrows, you have options, but don’t go overboard with waxing, plucking or trimming. The worst thing you could do for your eyebrows is to kill the hair follicles by over-plucking them. The easy way to get perfect eyebrows is to use a brow kit that provides you with stencils, eyebrow powder and a brow brush; however, not everyone can afford to purchase a kit. Here are some tips on how to achieve perfect eyebrows.

Basic Eyebrow Grooming

A few things to keep in mind when maintaining your own eyebrows is to pluck one hair at a time, get as close to the root as possible, and pull in the direction of hair growth. If you have thin eyebrows, you can use eyebrow powder and stencils to fill them in; if you don’t have eyebrow powder, experiment with your eye shadow to find a color that matches as closely as possible.

Use an eye shadow padded wand to make small strokes to fill in your brow. There are also eyebrow pencils that are perfect for filling in thin brows. Apply the color with small strokes beginning at the inner corner, then working towards the end. Use a brow brush to comb excess color off your brow, and then use a very small amount of brow gel or regular hair gel to finish off the look. If it’s the first time you’re plucking your eyebrows, beware of the redness that will occur. Assuming you plan on leaving the house, be prepared to explain why your brows are red. Also, you can use a cold wash cloth to hold onto your brows to help close the follicle.

Find Your Eyebrow Shape

Tip #20: Take a straight object like a pen, eyeliner pencil or popsicle stick, and hold it vertically along the side of your nose. The object you’ve held up should reach your eyebrow to indicate where your brow should start.

Tip #21: Use the straight object again, only this time, line the object with the center of your eye (the pupil) because this is how you indicate where the arch of your brow should be.

Tip #22: To find out where your eyebrow should naturally end, hold the straight object up so that it makes a line from the corner of your nose to the corner of your eye. The object should reach your eyebrow to indicate where it should naturally end.

Tip #23: If your eyes are close-set, your brow will look better if it starts a little in from the corner of your eye. Your arch looks good if it is slightly outside of the center of your eye. Your brow looks best if it ends just a little past the outer corner of your eye.

Tip #24: For girls with eyes that are well spaced (an eye’s width apart), start your eyebrow directly above the inside corner of your eye. Your arch looks best directly above the center of your eye’s pupil. The brow looks good if it ends above the outer corner of your eye.

Tip #25: Some girls have eyes that are more than an eye’s width apart, which is completely normal. Begin your eyebrow closer to the nose with your arch a little in front of the center of your eye. Your eyebrow looks best if it ends slightly above the outer corner of your eye.

Fingernails and Toenails

It may seem weird to hear that people judge others by their hands, but it is true. When you meet someone for the first time and shake their hand, it’s the first thing that they notice about you. This being the case, having dirty hands isn’t cool, so find out ways to keep your nails looking fresh and clean.

Tip #26: Never bite your fingernails! The reason why is because prolonged fingernail biting causes the nail to become misshaped and curved.

Tip #27: Use a nail file properly, and always go in the same direction when you are filing your nails. By doing a sawing motion on your nails, you’re creating small tears in your nails that will eventually make them break off.

Tip #27: Push your cuticle up toward your skin daily to keep your nails from looking shaggy. This is easiest when your fingers are wet, thus making the ideal time right after you get out of the shower.

Tip #28: Keep your nails at a safe length that you’re comfortable with by using nail clippers. When you’re trimming your nails, don’t try to clip the nail in one cut. Use multiple cuts until the nail is trimmed so that you get a nice shape.

Hair Tips

Not every day is a good hair day, but there are ways to make most days good, while also skipping out on the hot blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons (damaging to the hair). There are also easy hairdos that only take 5 minutes or less, but look like they took an hour to do like braids, buns and half-up-dos. One more thing worth adding is that there ways to make your hair smell good without using expensive hair products and shampoo. Now that we’ve covered all of this, here are a couple of good hair tips.

Tip #29: Create a chic pony tail by using an anti-frizz cream in curly hair, or curling cream in straight hair. Then tease your hair at the crown, and follow up by pulling the hair into a low ponytail. Leave a section of hair out on one side that is about a half inch wide, and use a clear ponytail holder to secure the ponytail. Use the hair you left out to wrap around the ponytail, and then hold the hair in place with a bobby pin.

Tip #30: Spray your favorite body spray or perfume onto your bristle brush, and comb your hair immediately afterward to make your hair smell fresh all day. If you have matching lotion, rub a little in your hands, and then put the excess lotion on your strands. This takes care of static, and gives your hair a delightful scent.

20 Beauty Secrets Every Teen Should Know

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:27:51 -0500

No, I’m not! I’m not a tomboy! I love my makeup! That’s not true! I’m not a tomboy!” — Hilary Duff, Academy Award-winning actress

There’s nothing worse than getting advice from older people, we know, we know, but the truth is some advice is worth taking and keeping, especially when it comes to fun beauty tips. We’ve been reading fashion magazines and testing beauty products for years. In this time, we’ve read 1000s of beauty tips, tried 1000s of products, but only a few are worth keeping around. So, here we share with you the 20 things we wish we knew when we were teenagers

1. Skip the foundation If you have acne the first thing you want to do is slather on the thick foundation. Don’t. Foundation is for women over 35. Not only will it cover up your natural beauty, but foundation on a teenager looks anything but natural. Instead, cover up blemishes with concealer, then follow with a powder or tinted mosturizer. Tinted moisturizers tend to be lighter than heavy foundations.

2. You pat concealer in, you never rub it in We know this from watching the Tyra Banks show. When applying concealer, put a bit on the pad of your middle finger and pat it in. Never rub. Got acne? Pat the concealer on top of it.

3. Play up your lips or your eyes, never both If you are wearing heavy eye makeup, go for nude lips with just a bit of gloss. Prefer the drama of dark lipstick? Keep face light (stay away from heavy blush) and wear only mascara on your eyes and a light eyeshadow. Don’t heavily line your eyes. Play up both and you’ll look like a clown.

And never, ever line lips in a darker color than your gloss or lipstick.

4. Less is more Ever notice how some of your friends look best with no makeup at all? No matter your age, too much makeup makes you look worse. If you wear foundation, powder, blush, liner, mascara, eyeshadow, lip liner and gloss on an everyday basis, then you’re overdoing it. Tone it down: All you really need is a great mascara, concealer for blemishes and gloss. Add a pop of blush in winter.

5. Natural hair is always hot If you have super dark hair, lighten your look by going a shade darker or getting lighter highlights. Blonde? Try highlights, especially framing the face. We see too many teens lightening their hair several shades and the look can be super-tacky, not super-fabulous. The trick is to let people assume you were born with sun-kissed hair, not that you gave yourself a bad dye job from a bottle. More hair color tips here.

6. Vaseline is your best friend Vaseline is a great, cheap eye makeup remover. It’s also great for fixing chapped, scaly lips. Slather on a bunch of Vaseline, then use a toothbrush to massage lips. Wipe the excess off on a tissue. Your lips will be smooth and soft.

7. You can never go wrong with layers Long layers are great for any hair type: Super curly, straight or wavy. It makes thin hair appear thicker, curly hair appear manageable and wavy hair appear just-got-back-from-the-beach sexy. Just make sure you don’t get too many layers cut in. Too many short layers is dated.

8. Acne? Get thee to a dermatologist, stat Biggest mistake people with acne make? Not going to a dermatologist. Forget those $150 jeans you covet. Getting rid of those pimples will be the best investment you’ll ever make. And the only guaranteed way to do it is with a dermatologist.

9. Spend money on key beauty products Not sure what to splurge on and what to save on? I give you the scoop in this article. See if you should splurge or save on cleansers, mascara, concealer and more.

10. Buying foundation or lipstick? Test it first There are some beauty products you simply must try out at a department store or Sephora before you buy. These include: Foundation, lipstick, blush and powder.

Buy these products in a grocery store and you’ll be lucky if you picked the right color for your skin tone. What you can get away with without testing: Mascara, eye liner, most basic eye shadows and lip gloss.

11. When can you skip sunscreen ? Never Here’s a trick we wish we knew: The first beauty product you should apply every day is sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy or rainy outside. Why? Good habits start young and if you use sunscreen now, you’ll have gorgeous skin when you’re 50, 60, 70. Remember, the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds and car windows.

12. Wrapping hair around the barrel creates waves There’s nothing cooler than long, layered waves. To get them, wind hair AROUND the barrel of a large curling iron. Reverse direction for each 2-inch section (wind up for one, down for another).

13. Self-tanner will always stink Unfortunately, even the best ones smell. Your best bet is to apply self-tanner a good 24 hours before an important event and take a shower (don’t loofah) to wash off any smell. For really big events like a dance or wedding, consider a professional spray tan. These are pricey and don’t last long, so make sure to do it a day before the big event.

14. Don’t let nails go Not into manicures and pedicures? No worries. Just make sure to keep nails clean and the same length. If you do want to paint them, don’t keep the polish on until half of it’s chipped away. Also, there’s nothing worse than too-long toenails. Keep nails clipped between pedicures! People tend to judge others by the care they put into their hands and feet.
15. Don’t line the inside of your eyes It will make your eyes appear smaller. Instead, line just at the lash line. Also, an obvious line doesn’t look natural. Smudge the line just a bit.

16. Oily hair? Invest in a dry shampoo If you have blonde hair, sprinkling a bit of baby powder on your roots and at your crown will soak up excess oils. If you have brown hair, you might be better off with a dry shampoo for your hair color.

17. Shave legs at the end of the shower Cut down on nicks and cuts by making shaving the very last step in your shower or bathing ritual.
18. Know your best feature and play it up What feature do people comment on most? Play it up. If you’re told you have Angelina Jolie lips, make sure to wear gloss and play with bold lipstick colors. If it’s your eye color people love, find eyeshadow colors that complement them and make sure to wear mascara. Also, know what color shirts look best on you and go shopping.

19. scrubs are great for dry skin If you have dry, itchy skin in winter, invest in a scrub and handmitts and scrub away in the bathtub. Make sure to slather on a thick moisturizer afterward. For dry, callousy feet, buy a pumice stone. They work better than any of the other wimpy options on the market.

20. Remember: Beauty is mostly internal Think about a girl you know who’s overweight yet all the guys love her. Why? Because she’s confident. If you aren’t wearing makeup and your toes haven’t been repainted in weeks, if you’re happy and smiling you will still be 10 times prettier than the mopey cheerleader sitting next to you in class. Trust us (wink).

Skin Lightening Home Remedies

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:15:21 -0500

If you want to get a lighter complexion use skin lightening home remedies. You can get beautiful and healthy skin by using various ingredients available in your kitchen. You have to make mixtures or pastes using these ingredients and apply on your face regularly for the best results. Unlike the over-the-counter skin whitening products they will not cause any harm to your skin. You need not spend huge amount of money on getting these ingredients too. Apart from skin lightening these skin lightening home remedies are useful for toning the skin and providing various healthy nutrients to make it healthier and glowing

What are the different kinds of skin lightening home remedies? How to use the remedies effectively? Given below are a few effective skin lightening home remedies that you can easily make from your home. A mixture of lemon juice and rose water is very effective. Lemon has bleaching properties and helps to lighten your skin to some extent. Use this mixture regularly and see the difference it makes. Lemon juice can also be mixed with other ingredients like honey, milk powder and almond oil. Use this mixture on your face and wash it after 10 minutes

One of the simplest and easiest skin lightening home remedies is using mint leaves. Make a fine paste of fresh mint leaves and apply the paste on your face. After 20 minutes wash your face well with clean water. You will feel fresh and the texture of the skin is also enhanced. Use this paste daily for getting very good results. A mixture of yogurt, oatmeal and tomato juice is also very beneficial for skin lightening. It is one of common skin lightening home remedies used by many people. You can improve your complexion to a great extent using this mixture.

There are various other skin lightening home remedies that can be used effectively. Chamomile flowers are also used for skin whitening. Boil a cup of water and add 3 teaspoons of dried flowers into it. Let it boil for about 15 minutes. Drain the resulting liquid and add a tablespoon of honey and rosewater to it. Apply this mixture and wait for 15 minutes. Wash well with water. This herbal remedy is very effective for whitening your skin. Another highly beneficial mixture is made of lemon juice and turmeric powder. Use the paste all over your face and neck and wash it off after 30 minutes. You can use many other skin lightening home remedies to make your skin lighter without any side effects.

Some simple skin lightening home remedies include the use of buttermilk, potato, tomato juice, aloe vera, castor oil and honey etc. Since most of the ingredients are easily available in your home there is no need to go to the market and search for the best products for face whitening. These products are made of different ingredients including chemicals that can cause allergic reactions on sensitive skin. So it is better to use the skin lightening home remedies made of natural ingredients to lighten your skin safely. Use one of these remedies and lighten your skin naturally.

What is a Dry Brush Exfoliation?

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:34:46 -0500

A dry brush exfoliation involves the use of a soft, dry brush to gently brush the skin. It is recommended by holistic practitioners to remove dead skin cells, improve the circulation of blood and lymph, and enhance detoxification through skin. The gentle pressure is also thought to have a calming effect.

How is Dry Brush Exfoliation Done?

The only tool needed is a soft, dry, skin brush, preferably with natural bristles.

Step 1

Stand in the shower with the water off.

Step 2

Starting at your feet, start brushing in small circles towards your heart. Apply very light pressure, avoiding broken skin, skin rashes, or areas where the skin is thin, such as the face or inner thighs.

Step 3

After you’ve finished both legs, move on to your arms. Brush from your fingertips, again towards your heart.

Step 4

Reach around and brush from your back towards your stomach.

Step 5

When you are finished, begin showering.

5 Tips for Natural Skin Care

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:30:49 -0500

By Cathy Wong

Tip 1: Give Yourself a Dry Brush Exfoliation A dry brush exfoliation can be done in the morning before you shower. It eliminates dead skin cells and allows the skin to detox (skin is the largest organ of elimination). Dry brush exfoliation also improves lymph and blood circulation and decreases puffiness. An added benefit is that the gentle pressure is calming to the nervous system. To give yourself a dry brush exfoliation, you’ll need a soft, natural bristle brush.

Tip 2: Rev Up Your Digestion

In alternative medicine, good skin is a reflection of a good digestive system. People with skin disorders such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis often suffer from constipation, imbalanced “good” vs. “bad” bacteria, leaky gut, and other digestive conditions. The two most common sluggish digestion culprits are:

Culprit #1: Not Enough Water Water bathes cells and eliminates waste products, preventing constipation. 5 Ways to Boost Your Water Intake
Culprit #2: Not Enough Fiber Most people lack fiber in their diets - the average person eats only 12 g of fiber a day. In 2002, the National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board established recommended fiber intakes. For men aged 19-50 years, 38 g fiber is recommended, and for men over 50, 31 g fiber is recommended. For women aged 19 to 50 years, 25 g fiber is recommended, and for women over 50, 21 g fiber is recommended
Some suggestions:
1. Add Whole Grains - Choose whole grain products over refined. Have brown rice instead of white or make your own 50:50 combination.
2. An Apple a Day - Have an apple, skin on, as a snack.
3. Eat Cauliflower - Try this delicious Roasted Cauliflower recipe!
4. High-fiber snacks - Snack on nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, such as dates, figs, and prunes.
5. Eat Beans and Legumes - Open a can of your favorite beans or legumes. Rinse them well and add them to your meal.
6. Ground Flaxseeds - For any easy fiber boost, sprinkle ground flaxseeds (available at health food stores) on rice, salads, oatmeal, or any other meal. Store flaxseeds in the fridge.

Tip 3: Invigorate Sluggish Circulation

Do you sit at your desk for hours, only getting up to go to the bathroom? One of the best things you can do for your skin, stress level, and overall health is to get moving! Inactivity may affect skin and promote bloating and puffiness, acne, cellulite, and loss of muscle tone. You’ll learn more about exercise in Step 9 of the Wellness Makeover. Here are some quick suggestions:

Take a quick break to go outside and walk around the block.
Book a massage therapy appointment.
Close your door and stretch.
Go to the gym
Start each morning by stretching.
Get a skipping rope.
Tip #4: Avoid Excess Sugar
Most people do not realize this but excess sugar is considered one of the main causes of premature aging. The more sugar we eat, the more sugar we have entering our bloodstream. Over time, this can result in a process known as glycation, which is when a glucose (sugar) molecule damages a protein molecule by sticking to it. The new molecules formed are called advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs. AGEs damage collagen in skin, cartilage, and ligaments and promote a loss of elasticity. Wrinkles form and skin begins to sag.
Tip #5: Eat Some Good Fats
Essential fatty acids are simply fats your body cannot live without. They are needed to make cell membranes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Essential fats are thought to keep your heart healthy, fight inflammation, and possibly prevent cancer. They are also particularly important to people with inflammatory conditions such as eczema and acne, and also for people with dry skin. People with essential fat deficiency sometimes notice bumps on the backs of their arms. Here are my suggestions on getting more essential fats:
- Flaxseed and walnut oil - Use flaxeed oil or walnut oil with balsamic vinegar as a salad dressing. Be sure to keep these oils refrigerated. They should not be heated or used for cooking.
- Cold water fish - Sardines are a good source of essential fats. Salmon is another good source, however these salmon accumulate toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (otherwise known as PCBs) in their body fat during the 95 percent of their lives they spend at sea.
- Supplements - Consider fish oil supplements.

Simple Skin & Face Care Tips for Teenage Girls

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:04:33 -0500

The Intro

Teen age is a difficult time for the girls if you take skin problems into account. Like the school, relationships weren’t tough enough, they get skin problems. Most of the skin problems occur due to the hormone changes and though some skin problems are inevitable, teenage girls can certainly follow a skin care routine that will help reduce those skin problems. Here, you will find some skin care tips for teenage girls that is all about following some simple rules and taking care of those small things that make a difference.

A good skincare habit from the teen age will help you prevent future skin problems.

The most common teenage skin problem is acne. It is not because of the chocolates that you ate, not because of your dam care lifestyle, but as I have mentioned earlier it is because of the hormonal changes that take place in teenage years.

Don’t give too much attention on the cause of acne as changing your lifestyle and maintaining personal hygiene will help you a lot in fighting acne. If you don’t take it seriously, acne will start to spread from your face to all over your body

The Tips

Do not touch the affected areas of your face directly with the hands; wash your face at least twice a day and use cotton napkin to wipe the water from your face. You can use lukewarm water and don’t share your napkin with others.

Avoid oil based makeup products, the facial pores can get clogged by those. And remember to wash those off before going to sleep.

Do not pick the pimples, though it is not easy but remember doing so can leave a scar in your face.

Use oil free moisturizers and use the moisturizer in the morning every day.

Eat What?

Though your diet is not the cause of those teenage skin problems, but changing to a diet that contains a lot of vegetables, fruits, whole grains will work for your skin for now and in the long run. Avoid smoking and keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water, general guideline is no less than 1.5 liters a day.

People would say these vitamins are good for fighting acne and those are for some other skin problems. You eat this for that and so on. But the best option is to have a balanced diet that provides you plenty of all the necessary nutrients. In that way, you won’t have to remember which food has what vitamins, which vegetable is good for what, you can try them all, and it will give your diet a lot of variations.

Back to Skin Care Tips

Do not touch your face with dirty hands; it can supply bacteria to the skin. And avoid anything that you are allergic to.

Regular exercise, well we all know the benefits.

Avoid soap to wash your face, instead use gentle facial cleaners. Soap takes away the moisture from your face.

Spa Facial Treatments?

Sometimes, you can visit some spa for teen facial treatments. You can choose a facial treatment that contains deep cleansing, facial steaming and exfoliating, masking, toning as well as moisturizing. Facial spa in NYC and in other states have special facial treatments designed for teens. It is not mandatory nor is needed too often; visiting a spa for a teen facial treatment a month should be enough.

You can seek professional advice from dermatologists or cosmetologists if you think your skin problems are getting out of hand.

All of us want to look attractive but teenage girls often find it difficult with all those skin problems. These simple skin care tips for teenage girls can be of great help to reduce those problems to minimum.

by alhamora