Beauty Tips: June 2009

Friday, June 26, 2009

How to Revitalize My Natural Hair Color

A man or woman may ask: It is possible to learn how to revitalize my natural hair color? The answer is a resounding "yes"! There are several ways a person can make their natural color look fuller and more intense so that all of its natural beauty is showcased. Specialized hair products are designed to restore natural hair color that has faded or to add the luster back to hair that has become dull.

Many people have spent years having their hair colored, highlighted and permed. After a while the hair can become dull and dry due to exposure to chemicals. It’s good to give your hair a rest, so to speak, and let your natural color shine. Revitalizing natural hair color can be done using products which strip the hair of chemicals weighting down the hair. It may be necessary to first color the hair as close to the natural color as possible. By restoring the natural color, your hair will be shinier and bouncier.

Even if you have never colored your hair, time and aging can cause hair to become dull looking. Hair cells produce less pigment which means the hair turns into a lighter color. Eventually the hair will go gray. Hair care products with a violet base will eliminate the dullness associated with gray hair. They can also add shine and luster so that you can be gray with style.

Of course, some people never color their hair and don’t have gray hair, yet need to revitalize their natural hair color. In some cases, the condition of the hair is affecting the color. Hair that is severely damaged due to sun exposure or has dulled due to medical conditions can be restored using a pH balanced shampoo and conditioner that restores luster and hair shaft flexibility. These products can bring out the hair pigment color by moisturizing and conditioning the hair so it looks healthy and full.

When You Lose Your Hair

Hormonal disorders, under nutrition, taking some kinds of medicine, stress are just a few reasons which can cause thinning and hair loss.

Extensive falling out of hair is one of the most common causes of consulting a dermatologist by men and often by women these days. Often there is no reason to be anxious and, in fact, there is no need to panic. You should be concerned about your hair loss only if you lose more than 100 hairs a day.

Why do we lose our hair?

There are various factors responsible for our hair loss.

The mechanical reason for losing one’s hair is, for example, the hair style, like: a pony tail or a bob. Such hairstyles make the hair to be pressed too much. In such cases you should simply consider changing your hairstyle. If you change it early enough, your hair will grow up again completely. However, if you wait for too long, your hair loss may remain because of the disappearance of your hair follicles.
Falling out of hair happens also for various toxic reasons, mainly if a body gets intoxicated with arsenic (As), thallium (Tl) or mercury ((Hg). In case of talasemia there are some characteristic changes in the hair structure which can be observed under the microscope. Alopecia development appears about two weeks after taking the toxin in, and eventually hair loss is almost complete. However hair usually grows again within following six to eight weeks. In cases of body intoxication, first of all a patient is given an antidote to save his/her life.
Exceeding hair loss during and after contagious diseases is caused mainly by high body temperature and, in addition, some toxic factors and food deficiency which may appear a disease is developing. Exceeding hair loss would usually appear between 2 and 4 month after the fever is gone. Hair grows back on its own accord. As body reinforcement, some vitamins and minerals are also given to patients. People who suffer from syphilis also deal with hair loss, which may be extensive or rather focal in its character. Of course, this type of disease needs specific kind of treatment which helps in growing hair again, too.
Systemic illnesses which cause baldness are, for example, lupus erythematosus, but also hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The treatment of hair loss in such cases is strictly connected with the treatment of the basic illness.
Drug-induced baldness is caused by, for instance, cytostatics and immunosuppressants which are used in not only treating chronic cancer cases but also in dermatology in dealing with such illnesses as: difficult cases of psoriasis, systemic collagenosis or pemphigus. Hair loss is likely to appear in about third week after the drug is given. After we stop giving the medicine, and in some cases, in spite of further giving it to a patient, hair grows back again. Hair loss may be also caused by taking antithyroid drugs, anticoagulants and contraceptives. When we take contraceptives, however, the hair growth is never fully stopped.
Hair loss is also connected with some skin diseases and scalp diseases. For example, in mycosis baldness would usually appear in the type of hairless inflammatory focus (es). The treatment in such cases means giving the patient oral and local antimycotic remedies.

Hair Straighteners - Top 10 Review

There are many different ways to create the sleek, shiny look of pin straight hair. Here is a review of the top ten methods of straightening hair, in no particular order.

Shampoo and Conditioner: There are many shampoos and conditioners on the market today to help encourage your hair to straighten, but most need to be used in conjunction with another product. Be sure to look for products that can help protect your hair from the heat of blow drying or ironing, and choose a very good conditioner.
Silicone Serum: Adding a touch of silicone serum will give your hair extra shine, but be careful, as a little bit goes a long way.
Blow Dry Straight: Blowing drying is an effective way to straighten your hair, but it must be used with a protective product and you should use a weekly conditioning treatment to keep your hair healthy. Remember that heat is not as important as a good strong air flow.
Ion Conditioning Blow Dryers: A new concept in blow drying hair, these blow dryers send negative ions to the hair, replacing moisture and protecting the hair, while also cutting down drying time.
Straightening balm: Usually used in conjunction with blow drying or ironing, a straightening balm can help cut down on frizz, especially in humid weather, and protect dry hair.
Chemical Straighteners: Chemical straighteners should always be applied by a professional, as everyone’s hair is different. The good news is that chemical straighteners can keep the hair straight for up to six months, but the hair needs a great deal of conditioning, blow dryers should be used sparingly, and adding color could damage the hair.
Thermal Reconditioning: This new procedure, which was developed in Japan, is a permanent way to straighten hair, and is good for all types of hair. The downside is that it takes a very long time and can be very expensive.

Finally, we’ll take a look at three different kinds of straightening irons:

Ceramic Hair Straighteners: Hair irons that have ceramic plates have extremely smooth surfaces, usually have no edges that will catch the hair, and heat up very quickly, in around thirty seconds.
Titanium Hair Straighteners: Hair irons with titanium plates infuse the hair with negative ions which help protect the hair and helps prevent colored hair from fading.
Steam Hair Straighteners: Steam is an effective way to straighten hair, but beware of badly made products that will eventually break down or cause hot water to spill on you as you iron your hair.

Great Come Back of Brown Hair

It is time to hear the brown-haired women now. All that is trendy now is blonde, chestnut-brown and amber. Donna Karan, Chanel, Valentino presented their newest haute couture collections on brown-haired women. Actresses such as Kate Beckinsale, Juliette Binoche and Natasha McElhoe also persuade us that all dark is beautiful.

L’Oréal Paris has chosen a brown hair Virginie Ledoyen to advertise their newest make-up trends. Even the most famous Hollywood blondes have decided to darken their hair. Cameron Diaz as Jenny in "Gangs of New York" had her hair dyed in the shade of reddish brown. Just like Drew Barrymore who in the sequel to "Charlie’s Angels" wears chestnut brown hair. This should give a hint to Donatella Versace, a famous fashion designer, who has just been announced one of a few hopelessly styled women in the fashion world. Why? The reason is simple: she lightens up her hair too much. If you are afraid that after you change your hair colour, your chances with men would fall down rapidly, we want to calm you down. Men do not have their fixed preferences either. In Great Britain 69% of men is absolutely sure that dark hair is far more seductive.

You get whatever you like
If your complexion is that of a warm sand and your eyes are brown, you should choose warm, honey or caramel brown colours. In the line of Preference L’Oréal Paris you may choose light golden brown or light amber. In the series of Nutrisse Garnier the best shade for you is light golden brown hair, and in Open Color L’Oréal Paris, which is the line with less amount of ammonia, you should go for golden brown. If you do not wish to change your hair colour permanently then you should try out the colouring conditioning shampoo Casting L’Oréal Paris in the shade of chestnut brown.

If your complexion is that of cold colouring you should choose ashy dark brown shades. You can find them in the Decoré colouring cream palette by Wella. Palette Intensive Color Creme by Schwarzkopf offers: dark blond, light, medium and dark brown. Similar options are offered in the line of colouring shampoos Palette Instant Color by Schwarzkopf.

Those women who have natural dark circles under eyes should avoid one shade of colour on their hair. To make your face look more cheerful, you should try to lighten your hair up with a few strings of fairer hair. If you have got fair hair, you should try a dark wig on before you decide to dye your hair. You notice then that even light brown will look almost black in comparison to your natural hair colour.

What every dark-haired person should know:

Dark hair needs perfect cutting. Badly cut and carelessly styled hair is more noticeable.
Focus on conditioning. Dark hair absorbs light. If hair is neglected and with no shine, this is much more noticeable on dark than on fair hair.
Dark shades of hair make your eyes more visible. You may use brown or black eyeliners then to make them look better.
If you turn 45, be careful about using dark paint on your hair. Too much contrast between your complexion and hair will make you look much older.

Best Shampoos for Straight Hair

Straight hair is typically very fine and can be difficult to care for. While the way the hair is styled will have an impact on how straight your hair is, shampoo can also play a part in how straight your hair is. The type of shampoo you use can help add volume to thin hair and help keep it clean and protected. In this article, we’ll discuss what you should look for when buying a shampoo for straight hair or if you wish to encourage your wavy hair to be straighter.

When looking for the right shampoo for straight hair, be sure to avoid creamy shampoos that are formulated for curly hair, as they can weigh down your hair and cause it to look greasy, so be on the lookout for clear shampoos. Look for shampoos that advertise formulas for fine, limp or straight hair. An important ingredient in good shampoos for straight hair is panthenol, which experts believe can penetrate the hair follicle and make each strand thicker.

Those with fine, straight hair often find that their hair looks oily the day after a shampoo, but this will depend on the product. Don’t be afraid to experiment with how often you can go between shampooing, because the less you shampoo, the better it is for your hair.

If you have wavy hair and wish to encourage it to be straighter, you can also benefit from shampoos that are formulated for straight hair. Straightening shampoo can help by cutting down on frizz and flyaway hair, encouraging the hair to be smoother and straighter.

Often, straightening shampoos will need to be used in conjunction with another styling method if your hair is naturally curly, but this type of shampoo will certainly help protect the hair. For the best effect, be sure to choose a straightening shampoo that doesn’t contain alcohol, which will result in dry hair.

Are You Eating Enough Beauty Foods

Eating certain foods can dramatically improve the appearance of our skin, hair, nails, and eyes.

A diet rich in "phyto-compounds" can stimulate DNA repair, increased collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. This not only keeps you healthy but it keeps you looking younger longer.

Creams and lotions can do wonders for your skin, but your diet is by far the most crucial when it comes to having healthy skin.

Beauty is dependent on the overall health of your body. In order for your skin to look attractive and vibrant you need to make healthy lifestyle choices, and a great place to start is with the foods you eat.

So if you want your skin to feel soft and look firm here are a few foods that you can eat starting today.

Blueberries: These blue little balls are one of natures most potent anti-aging foods. They help keep the skins elasticity, strengthen the gums, and contribute to the health of our eyes.

Brazil nuts: Help protect our skin from UV rays and they help reduce dryness.

Strawberries: Help protect our skins collagen structures. Collagen is what keeps our skin firm. Wrinkles form when our collagen levels start depleting.

Salmon: Promotes soft smooth skin, free from dry itchy patches.

Avocados: These contain folate which helps blood formation. This is essential for cell regeneration.

Acai: This is the king of all berries. It has 50% more antioxidants than pomegranates, and twice as much as blueberries. They also contain omega 6,9 fatty acids, fiber, calcium, and vitamins.

Apricots: Very rich in fiber and phytochemicals like beta-carotene and lycopene. They also have vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, folate, iron and potassium, making them very beneficial to our skin.

Broccoli: Also very high in fiber, vitamin C, and folate. There's a compound in broccoli called sulforaphane that protects our bodies cells from injury.

Beans: Jammed packed with phytochemicals, fiber, folic acid, protein, calcium, and magnesium. These guys can stabilize blood sugar as well as lower cholesterol.

Black currant: Has a high source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Also contains a high amount of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Carotenoids: This isn't a food, but it's found in fruits and vegetables. It's a fat soluble pigment which helps fight against cancer and cardiovascular disorders.

Carrots: Have lots of beta-carotene which is a powerful antioxidant.

Cruciferous vegetables: A.K.A.- cabbage, broccoli, kale, collard greens, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. These guys release a compound called glucosinolates and an enzyme called myrosinase when chewed, which are known for their anti-cancer properties.

Cranberries: High in vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin E, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, and citric acid.

Cucumber: A great source of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for increasing collagen production.

Camu-Camu: Very rich in vitamin C.

Dark leafy greens: A.K.A - Spinach, kale, and dark lettuce are loaded with vitamins and minerals like beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate, iron, magnesium, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.

Fish: Has lots of vitamin A, B1, B12, and B6. It also has omega 3 fatty acids which are very beneficial to the skin, as well as the heart and brain.

Flax, grapeseed, walnut, seaweed, spirulina, watercress: These are very high in zinc which is vital for the health of our skin. Plus they have been known to help clear up acne, and help keep us regular.

Grape seed oil: Has trace elements of selenium, zinc, copper, and iron. It's also a unique source for oligomeric procyanidine, which is known to improve our skins elasticity.

Honey: A nutrient rich alternative to refined sugar. Refined sugar is believed to contribute to aging.

Myrtle: Is known to slow down our skin aging process. Has been used in folk remedies for centuries.

Millet: A nutritious seed, high in silica, which is good for our skin, hair, and nails.

Oats: Very high in soluble fiber, and complex carbohydrates. High in iron, manganese, phosphorous, calcium, vitamins B and E, and silicon. Silicon is crucial for healthy skin by maintaining collagen levels.

Papaya: When applied as a paste on the skin, it's enzymes help breakdown dead skin cells.

Pomegranate: Very good source of polyphenol antioxidants. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that can damage the skin.

Water: Hydrated skin naturally looks younger.

If you are one of the millions of people worldwide that spend money on lotions and creams in an attempt to look better, then it only makes sense to incorporate these beauty foods into your diet.

It wont take very long to start seeing the major benefits these beauty foods will have on the health of your skin and the way it looks and feels.

How To Fight Winter's Skin Itch – To Arms!

Everyone needs to learn how to fight winter's skin itch. Ignoring the problem of dry flaky skin does not make it go away. In fact, leaving skin defenseless against the dry cold air of winter can result in severe skin problems, because the skin is the first barrier against bacteria and virus invasions. When skin gets too dry, it becomes itchy which makes scratching feel good, but only temporarily. Scratch long and hard enough and the skin is damaged even further.

There are many cases where people scratch so hard trying to find relief they cause welts or even bleeding. This is a sign the outer layer of skin has almost no moisture in it.

Fighting winter's skin itch requires preparing to do battle against the cold, wind and low humidity. It means taking up arms against the very things that bombard your body through the winter months. You can create a fortress which prevents winter skin itch.

Don't shower or bath in excessively hot water,
Don't shower or bath for longer than 15 minutes,
Apply moisturizer immediately after the shower or bath,
Use a heavy moisturizer that's oil and cream based to prevent moisture evaporation through the skin,
Apply moisturizer twice a day if necessary,
Avoid products containing alcohol,
Soak in herbal bath up to 15 minutes which contains skin coating oils to restore skin moisture.

Just like in any battle, you cannot let your defenses down for a moment. If it's windy outside, wear enough protective clothing to shield the skin. You should never go outside in the winter without moisturizer. Also, moisturize your entire body using a facial moisturizer specifically designed for facial skin.

If you faithfully moisturize your skin every day, winter skin itch should not be a problem. You can learn how to fight winter's skin itch simply by taking up your moisturizer "arms" and applying the moisturizer as your "armor" against the damaging effects of winter weather. This is a fight you can win!

Sunscreen in the Winter – The Sun Shines All Year!

Everyone should use sunscreen in the winter for the simple reason the sun shines all year long. It doesn’t matter if the temperature is colder or there are more cloudy days. The fact is the sun’s ultraviolet rays bombard the earth throughout the year and can penetrate many cloud covers. That means the skin is continually exposed to the sun’s rays.

It doesn’t matter that more clothes are worn during winter, because unless you completely cover yourself from head to toe, there will always be skin exposed.

The most vulnerable places on your body during the winter are the face and hands. In the winter, the sun’s heat is less due to the angle of sunlight, but the ultraviolet A and B rays are still strong enough to cause skin damage. When your skin is exposed to these rays it doesn’t matter what time of year it is. The ultraviolet rays can cause permanent skin damage.

Using sunscreen in the winter is important for a lot of reasons. Even if you don’t develop skin cancer, there are a host of other sun related skin problems the sun can cause. The sun dries the skin out and can cause premature aging.

People who have spent a lot of time in the sun without sunscreen protection are usually easy to spot. They have deep wrinkles in their skin. The sun can also cause brown aging spots and skin rashes.

In the winter, even after you bundle up in warm clothes, the face, ears and hands are still exposed to the sun. Everyone should use a winter moisturizer that also contains sunscreen. The damage done to the skin by the sun is cumulative.

Every time you get a sunburn, changes are happening in the very cell structure of the skin. Over time, the damage becomes permanent or irreversible. Using sunscreen is a simple and highly effective way to prevent the sun from damaging skin including during the winter months.

Common Winter Spa Treatments – Transforming the Body and Mind

Common winter spa treatments are intended to rejuvenate the body while promoting calming moments for the mind. The very word "spa" can evoke images of long soaks in a tub, muscle relaxing massages and a chance to restore the skin to a more youthful appearance. It sounds like a few hours spent in paradise.

Winter can be very harsh on the skin. The lack of humidity and the cold air drain the skin of moisture and promote aging. As if that weren’t enough, the winter months can be mentally dreary with less sunlight and long nights. A trip to the spa can be the perfect answer to the winter blues and the need to protect the body from the ravages of the frigid winter air.

Common winter spa treatments include some of the most relaxing and restorative services available in the health and beauty market. Spa treatments often begin with a massage which stimulates the skin and promotes healthy blood flow. The massage may be followed by a customized facial using cleansers and moisturizers that contain plant extracts and skin protecting creams or lotions.

The spa treatment can include using a body scrub containing a gentle exfoliate to leave the skin renewed. Other common winter spa treatments include pedicures, manicures and full body wraps. Normally, clients can mix and match the treatments preferred resulting in a customized plan ideally suited to their needs.

During the winter, going to the spa can provide the needed relaxation and body care that will help you get through the dark winter days. Winter weather can cause a lot of damage to skin. A spa treatment goes beyond the home treatments in that special products are used for deep cleaning and hydrating winter worn skin.

The deep hydration helps the skin protect itself even while being bombarded by winter winds and frigid air. The common winter spa treatments are popular, because they rejuvenate and breathe new life into tired skin while promoting a peaceful mind.

Should I Use Moisturizer in the Winter?

Should I use moisturizer in the winter? That’s the question many people ask, because winter air is obviously different than the air of other seasons. In the summer, you know moisturizer with sunscreen is imperative in order to maintain healthy skin and prevent sun damage. But winter is another story. Or is it?

In the winter, the air is much drier due to the cold temperature and weather patterns. As a result, the skin dries out, and if left untreated, begins to flake or even crack. Cracked skin can be very painful, especially on the hands or feet. The flaky itchy skin is almost as uncomfortable and often results in skin damage due to scratching and the development of related rashes. Yet the simple use of moisturizer can prevent or relieve many of these problems.

The question is: Should I use moisturizer in the winter? The answer is: Yes, you should. Moisturizer used once or twice a day can seal in skin moisture which prevents the skin from drying out. The drier your skin, the more intense the moisturizer should be. The thickest and most pore sealing moisturizers are the oil and cream based products. The cream contains ingredients, such as petroleum and glycerin that literally seal the skin so moisture can’t escape.

It really does not matter what kind of climate you live in either. Even milder climates experience drier winter air which can lead to skin problems. Whenever the moisture in the skin evaporates due to the condition of the air surrounding you, the body will draw upon water stored in the body. It’s much better to keep your skin moisturized on a daily basis, and in doing so, prevent additional water loss.

Should you use moisturizer in the winter? The answer is you should use moisturizer year round. That’s the only way to protect your skin from the sun, wind, humidity, cold and anything else the weather can produce. You should use a deep penetrating night time moisturizer and a lighter daytime moisturizer you can wear under your foundation.

What Kind of Perfumes Should I Wear in Winter?

When asking what kind of perfumes should I wear in winter, the real question is which scents will evoke the seasonal fragrances and moods. In the summer, light perfumes always claim to elicit memories of warm days on the beach enjoying the sun and water. The fragrances are fruity or reminiscent of spring and summer flowers.

Winter perfumes, on the other hand, tend to be a bit heavier and evoke images of cool autumn and crisp winter days. Instead of remembering when you were lying on the beach, you think of taking a long walk through fallen leaves or snuggling in a warm coat.

In the winter, most people wear more and heavier clothes. Unlike spring and summer, there’s not as much skin exposed. Perfumes worn in the winter should be able to overcome being mostly covered up with clothing, and that’s one reason the scents tend to be a bit stronger. The musk scent is a great example of a heavier scent more appropriate for winter than for summer.

Winter perfumes have scents that reflect the scents of the holidays and cold winter days also. For example, the scents may have a woody flair or remind the wearer of holiday desserts made with vanilla beans. Winter perfumes are usually sparsely worn so the scent is not overpowering. A winter perfume scent should be a subtle scent that makes the wearer think of sexy warmth.

What kind of perfumes should I wear in winter? When you ask that question, the answer is to wear one that works distinctly for you. The same scent will produce a different result on each person. What smells good on one person may smell entirely different on your body. When choosing a winter perfume scent, select those scents which remind you of the season.

Information About Perfume

The fact that types of perfumes are so numerous may be astonishing. You may easily feel lost with so many new fragrances being introduced into the world market each year.

Although there is no officially confirmed division, each of the new fragrances possesses certain features which allow its categorization to one of the following groups:

Floral fragrances

These fragrances are the most popular and they also cause the least controversy as for their reception by customers. Floral fragrances are designed either around the scent of only one flower, e.g. lily in Diorissimo by Dior (1956), or around the floral bouquet, e.g. Pleasures by Estee Lauder (1995).

Fruit fragrances

These fragrances are most often defined as fresh and light scents. They use the aromas of melon, lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, or orange blossom. The most popular fragrances of this type are: Tommy Girl by Tommy Hilfinger (1996) and Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani (1995).

Ocean fragrances

These fragrances are the newest types of fragrances based on synthetic ingredients which smell like fresh ocean waters.

Green fragrances

These fragrances are made with distinctive and fresh aromas which remind you of environmental scents, for example: woods, grass, sour apples or lavender. Now the well-known fragrance of this type is Beautiful by Estee Lauder (1986).

Oriental fragrances

These fragrances are associated with Far East. Their base is designed around exotic spices and flowers, sandalwood and resin. The first perfumes of such kind were introduced in 1925 by Guerlain under the name of Shalimar. The oriental fragrances are very strong and in the eighties when there became very popular, they became also banned by the owners of some of the big companies in their office buildings. Oriental scents are not in fashion all the time. However, those who like them are usually very fond of them. The typical example here is Obssession by Calvin Klein from 1985.

Chypre fragrances

These fragrances are the smallest yet the most unique group of perfumes. Therefore women who love this scent will always love it, and those who cannot stand it, will never wear it. The basic note here is oak moss scent which gives it very specific aroma of soil. Then others notes of ciste labdanum are added. The complementary notes are: patchouli, rose or bergamot. The examples here are: the classic Aromatic Elixir by Clinique (1972) and recent Rush by Gucci (1999).

Information About Essential Oils

Essential Oils are highly concentrated and potent oils extracted from plants, leaves, flowers, roots, buds, twigs, rhizomes, heartwood, bark, resin, seeds and fruits. Essential Oils are found in special secretory glands or cells within plant life.

The aromatic substances are formed and stored in certain organs of a plant as a by-product or because of its metabolism. Each essential oil has its very own blueprint that is absolutely unique. The combination of the plants blueprints, the energy of the sun, soil, air and water gives each oil its individual perfume and beneficial healing properties ( antibacterial, moisturizing, therapeutic etc.) and its individual fragrance( citrus, floral, woody and herbal).

It must be also said that ethereal oils have beneficial influence on our mental and spiritual disposition.

The top note (head) is invigorating, refreshing and enhances concentration. These are ethereal, delicate ad fresh fragrances which last for about half an hour (citrus oils).

The heart note (middle) gives harmony and peace. This note accounts for a sensuous side of the fragrance .These are floral aromas that develop in higher temperatures and last for about 4-6 hours.

The base note (bottom) is stabilizing, reinforcing and helps regain energy.

These are heavy, balmy, deep and long lasting oils which develop after 30-60 min and last for about 8 hours (woody and resinous).

Some essences are included into top-heart or heart–bottom notes. They have a twofold effect. Firstly, the top-heart note is stimulating, smoothing and settling, whereas the heart-bottom note strengthens and brings harmony.

Choose Perfume for Yourself

The division of fragrances according to hair and skin types is no longer valid mainly because of changes in our everyday diet which has become varied. Therefore, every woman may choose perfume she likes and wants to wear following her intuition, taste and personality. The only test she should do to find out if she likes the scent or not is to spray a bit of perfume on her skin.

Do not decide to buy the best-known brand of perfume or the one which is "on top" at the moment. This may not be a good idea at all.

To make a good choice, you should go to the perfumery early in the morning when you can smell things better. However, if you have a cold or you are tired, you should put off your visit till another day.

Try perfume on clean, non-perfumed skin. During one test you should try only up to three different fragrances because your nose will not be able to recognize more scents.

Do not smell the top of the bottle or its cap because the scent you smell is not the real one. You may smell an odor of alcohol instead. You should not also try perfume on the piece of paper but on your skin.

When you spray perfume on your skin for the first time, wait for about thirty seconds until alcohol evaporates. Then you will be able to find out what the top notes of perfume are. The top notes are highly volatile, evaporate quickly and do not last very long. The Base notes have a profound influence on the blend. They are very long lasting (come out 20 minutes to 2 hours later) and at the same time, fix other essences.

If you have already decides which perfume to choose, buy the smallest bottle of it. The expiring date of perfumes is usually up to three years from the manufacturing date. Even if you do not use your perfumes often, they may change.

Different fragrances are suitable for different age groups or for different occasions. For example, for a young woman green scents are more suitable than oriental ones. But for the evening meetings or dates you should wear heavier, more sensuous types rather then light ones which, in turn, are suitable for daylight use.

Fresh perfumes are refreshing in summertime while sweet and spicy fragrances can make you happy when the winter comes.

How to Produce Essential Oils

An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word "oil" are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color.

Steam distillation. Hydrolytes are by-products which contain soluble in water plant components and about 0.5-1% of the oil essence.

Cold pressed peel (e.g. citrus fruit). Not only oils but also wax is obtained. These types of oils are called essences.

Extraction with a solvent is used in case of resins and flowers that can’t be distilled.

The resin is mixed with a solvent, extracted in high temperature and filtered.

The final product is distilled to remove the solvent. Sometimes traces of the solvent are left and the substance is called a resinoid.

A similar process is used in case of flowers that are put into a solvent and then extracted and distilled. Colored and fragrant paste is obtained and it is called concrete. Next, it is blended with alcohol, heated and filtered. In the process of second distillation alcohol is removed and an absolute is obtained.

Another method is called enfleurage and it is the most time and labor-consuming.

Glass panels coated with a thin layer of fat (beef or pork) are covered with flowers which are replaced with fresh ones after 12 hours. This activity is repeated 36 times. A thick substance is produced that is later mixed with alcohol. Finally, the alcohol evaporates and only aromatic substances are left.

However, this type of oil is rare and rather expensive as it is wholly hand-made.

How to Choose Right Lip Plumper – Soft and Full

It’s important to know how to choose the right lip plumper, because there are several different types on the market. You can also learn to make lips look plumper simply by choosing the right color shades and skillfully apply them to create the appearance of fuller lips. Whatever route is chosen to create plump lips, the result can be youthful and sexy.

Women who want to learn how to choose the right lip plumber usually have one of two features. In one case, she is aging and the lips have begun to become drier creating a thinner lip look. In the second case, the woman has naturally thin lips and wants to make them look fuller. In either case, the lip plumpers can effectively puff up lips so they look fresher and younger.

Many lip plumpers work in an unexpected way. They contain spices like cinnamon and ginger and other spicy oils. When applied, the spices irritate the lips making them swell. Some women find this to be an uncomfortable sensation though these lip plumbers are inexpensive and work quickly.

The other kinds of lip plumpers use marine collagen and hyaluronic acid as the primary ingredients. They may also contain peptides. This type of lip plumper works just as quickly as the spice filled version, but doesn’t cause any tingling sensation.

When choosing a lip plumper, there are several things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose a plumper that will hydrate your lips. Also, you can use a product that can actually reduce the appearance of lip vertical lines. The plumpers are sold in various colors so you can choose a product that reflects light and makes lips appear even fuller. The right application of lipstick can also make lips look plumper. For example, using a lighter color frost or gloss in the middle of the lips and a blended darker color on the edges of the lips can create an illusion of fuller lips.

Once you learn how to choose the right lip plumper, thin lips become a thing of the past.

Makeup for Older Woman - Natural Woman...

Make up for older women should serve two purposes. First it should add color to faded skin. Second it should conceal minor flaws and wrinkles as much as possible. Having said this, it’s important to understand that make up for older women is not intended to layer the face in foundations and colors that attempt to make ladies look younger. They are intended to bring out the natural mature beauty, which can make a woman look younger more as a by-product then as a goal. Women with mature skin are as beautiful as the dewy youth – just in a different way.

To start, the foundation for mature skin should be close to medium-weight. Mature skin has wrinkles and a heavy foundation can actually make the wrinkles look deeper. If you have mature skin, you should always err on the lighter or sheerer side of foundations. A sheer or medium-weight foundation will reflect light and cover up many blemishes. An oil-based foundation should be applied on top of a daytime moisturizer designed for mature skin.

A rule of thumb for applying make up for older women is to not use too much. When make-up is too heavy, and doesn’t blend into your skin tone or highlight your best features, it can actually make you look older. We’ve all seen women who obviously think more make up is better, but that’s a fallacy when it comes to mature skin. Also, your eye shadow and brow colors should blend with your skin tone. The eye shadows used should be cream based, because they will moisturize while hiding flaws. The appearance of dark bags under the eyes can be minimized with a concealer which is one shade lighter than your foundation.

Another tip for applying make up for older women includes using a very small amount of blush on the cheeks that creates a glowing, rather than a clownish, look. Also, make up for older women should include lipstick with moisturizer in the formula. Older women’s lips will dry out and need frequent moisturizing.

Careful selection and application of make up for older women can enhance any mature women’s beauty. Soft application and color designed to highlight natural beauty, while downplaying signs of aging, usually results in melting the years away.

Mascara for Spring

idSpring brings a rise in temperatures and the return of color, both in nature and in our style. Just as we change our wardrobes with the turn of the season, we also change our makeup. Mascara is an important element in any makeup routine, and the change of the season is the perfect time to throw out your winter mascara and try something new. In order to prevent eye infections, mascara should be replaced every three months, so what better time than with the change of seasons?

Woman with beautiful makeup on spring day

Makeup for spring is typically a return to softer, warmer colors, and mascara is no exception. For a light, spring look, go sparingly on the eyeliner and a light coat of mascara to help accentuate the eyes. For the best results, remember that it isn’t the formula of the mascara that determines thick or fine eyelashes, but the type of wand. A smaller brush will help you reach the corners of your eyes and a comb like brush will help keep the lashes separated.

Spring is also an excellent time to try out new mascara colors. If you are fairer skinned or have fairer shades of hair, consider using brown based mascara, especially for daytime. Not only will brown shades of mascara give you a warmer look, but will also give you a more natural look. However, brown isn’t for everyone, and may make some eyes look red or not even be noticeable on those with darker hair or skin tones.

Another option for those with naturally long lashes is clear mascara, which will help keep the lashes in place and will help contribute to the overall naturally warm look. Black mascara is always appropriate for a dramatic evening look, and can even make your eyes appear to be whiter, so don’t be afraid to use darker shades in the evening.

Foundation for Summer

Changing your makeup style with the seasons is a natural as changing your wardrobe. In the hotter summer months, your goal is create a fresh, natural look and foundation can help you achieve it. Those that are lucky enough to have flawless skin may be able to go without it in the winter, but the rest of us still prefer to use foundation to help smooth out skin tone. Just because it’s hot, doesn’t mean your looks have to suffer. Here are a few tips on using foundation in the summer.

An important thing to remember when it comes to foundation is that your skin tone is likely darker in the summer than it is in the winter, so you may need to purchase a foundation that better suits your summer skin. It’s always best if you can buy foundation in a place with plenty of light, and natural light if possible, so you’ll get a better idea of how you’ll look when you leave the house. Do try to test a small amount of foundation before you buy, because the color could react with your skin and end up a slightly different color than how it looks in the bottle. Don’t forget to make sure the color will blend well with your neckline.

The type of foundation you use may be dependant on how hot it gets where you live. If you live in the hottest of temperatures in summer, try to find a foundation that advertises staying-power, which will help the foundation stay in place even on the hottest of days. Choose a liquid foundation over a cream, which will help your skin breathe and stay healthy. Always apply moisturizer before foundation, as this will help ensure that the foundation goes on smoothly and creates a uniform color. If you already have a foundation you love but want to adapt it for summer, try combining a small amount with an equally small amount of moisturizer, which will thin it out and provide you with a lighter coat.

Foundation for Autumn

Foundation is an essential part of your makeup routine. It should be like your second skin, only better! A good foundation for your face will include a moisturizer, concealer, if you need it, and the actual foundation. Just as we change our wardrobe with the seasons, our makeup needs will change as well. Creating a natural look is important and choosing the right tools for your skin is the best way to put your best face forward. In this article, we’ll take a look at some helpful tips for foundation in autumn.

In the autumn, our skin tone starts the transition from the summer tan to the paler tones of winter, and it’s important to use a foundation that accurately matches your skin tone. When choosing a foundation for autumn, always try to test the foundation before you buy it, and whenever possible, test it in good lighting. Natural light is best, when it is available. Test the foundation on your skin and let it set for a couple of minutes. Often, the color of foundation will change when it comes in contact with the natural acids in our skin, so the color in the bottle may not be exactly the same for everyone. Also be sure that the color will blend well into your neckline.

In recent years, trends in foundation have been towards natural looking, luminous skin, even in autumn and winter, and how you apply it can make the difference between looking caked on and creating a natural look. Start your routine with a moisturizer, which will help the foundation go on smoothly. Apply concealer as you need it; under the eyes to hide dark circles or to cover up blemishes, for example. Apply the foundation with your finger tips in small amounts to help create the natural look. Remember, you can always add more foundation if you need it.

Winter Weight Loss – Stoking the Internal Fire

Winter weight loss can seem like a daunting task, but all it takes is the same discipline applied in the summer months. It’s tempting in the winter to stop worrying about weight and fitness, because there are the holidays and cold weather to contend with, in addition to the fact the body is usually completely covered. Winter food can also be heavier and more fattening due to a lack of abundant fresh vegetables and fruits like the ones found during the summer. Instead, winter stews in gravy, chili, beef and creamy soups are eaten and the result is weight creeps up over the months.

You can maintain or lose weight in the winter just like you do in the summer. Winter weight loss requires the same health and fitness rules be applied. This includes eating a healthy diet, matching calories consumed with calories expended and getting plenty of exercise. There’s no reason to retreat to the kitchen or to stop exercising during the winter. There are plenty of ways to maintain an active lifestyle which includes walking and bike riding. You can also avoid the heavy carbohydrate loaded meals which are typical on winter menus and pack on the pounds.

Even if you put on some pounds during the winter, winter weight loss should become a priority as soon as you realize the weight has crept up on you. You don’t have to wait for the snow to melt or the air to warm up. You can begin an indoor exercise routine during the winter which can then be taken outdoors when Spring arrives. You should also create healthy balanced meals which focus on using winter vegetables and year round fruits instead of fats and carbohydrates. When it’s cold outside, turning to the refrigerator or unnecessary snacking out of boredom is too easy.

Winter weight loss is something most people face at some time in their life. Following a common sense diet and instituting a fitness plan can quickly melt the pounds.

Shoud I Lose Some Weight?

Maintaining a healthy diet and following an exercise regime are the best ways to ward off disease and live a long, full life. Unfortunately, gaining weight and obesity have been a growing problem not just in the United States, but all over the world. With our ever increasingly busy lives, we rarely leave ourselves enough time to eat a balanced meal or make time for exercise. In this article we’ll discuss why maintaining a healthy weight is so important and how to know if you need to lose some weight.

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are very important in preventing a number of different diseases and disorders. Being overweight can put extra strain on the heart, causing high blood pressure and can eventually lead to heart disease. Exercising helps build healthy bones and can prevent or slow down the onset of osteoporosis. Not only is exercise good for the body, but it’s also good for the mind. Exercising releases serotonin, which regulates the mood. It can leave you feeling elated after a good workout and can relieve stress. Exercise can also relieve tense, stressed muscles after a long day.

Getting in better shape will not only help you in the long run, but will give you a better sense of self confidence. Let’s face it – there’s plenty of discrimination out there for people that are overweight. Getting in shape will make you feel better about yourself.

If you’re not sure if you need to lose weight, try calculating your BMI, or your Body Mass Index. This calculation, based on your height and weight, can give you an approximation of how much fat is in your body. To calculate your BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, and then divide by your height in inches twice. The target is to have a BMI of between 18.5 and 25, while 25 and higher indicates being overweight, while over 30 is obese.

Lose Weight - Not too Fast!!!

One of the best things you can do for your body is to get rid of that excess body fat and lose weight. But it’s tempting to try out weight loss pills or crash diets that promise a quick fix. The truth is that the safest and most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is to follow a healthy diet and exercise program. Don’t forget that it may have taken years for you to gain the weight. Why would you expect it to go away in a week? It takes work, but the rewards are well worth it. In this article, we’ll learn why it’s important to lose weight, but not too quickly.

Everyone knows that the best way to lose weight is to burn off more calories than we consume. That being said, many of us take this thinking too far and drop the amount of calories we consume drastically. This can be dangerous and can lead to long lasting health problems. We need a minimum amount of calories in order for our bodies to function properly, and if you’re exercising, you may need more calories than you think.

Here’s what happens to your body when you follow a diet that is extremely low in calories: First, your body will use up its stores of carbohydrates, or glycogen, as well as the water that is stored with it in the liver and muscles. Once the body has used up this source of energy, it starts using the proteins that are found in the muscles, which can leave you feeling tired and irritable.

Soon, the metabolism will slow down, forcing your body into a kind of starvation mode. At this point, the body will start storing up calories because it doesn’t know when it will get more.

Even worse, when crash dieters resume their former bad eating habits, as they are often want to do, the body doesn’t know how to process this new influx of calories, and starts storing it as well, prompting weight gain.

Not every body is the same and the amount of calories you need may not be the same for other members of your family. In order to be sure you’re getting the calories you need to lead a healthy lifestyle, talk to your doctor or nutritionist.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Losing Weight?

Keeping your body in top shape is the best way to ward off disease and will help you live a longer, fuller life. For those that are overweight, losing weight can be a difficult but rewarding road. If there are any disadvantages to losing weight, they are usually because of the manner in which the weight was lost or how quickly. There are also some instances where losing weight can be a sign of illness. In this article, we’ll take a look at the few disadvantages of losing weight.

The best way to lose weight is to follow a healthy diet and exercise regime, but some are tempted by losing weight fat schemes that include following a crash diet or taking diet supplements. Crash diets are notoriously difficult to follow and rarely end in long lasting results. These diets often are made up of extremely low calorie meals, which will lead to losing carbohydrates and water stored in the body, instead of fat.

Most people resume their normal eating habits after following a crash diet, and this leads to not only gaining back the weight lost, but additional weight as well. This is because the body puts itself in starvation mode when it doesn’t get the amount of calories it needs, and once the calories are increased when the diet it over, the body doesn’t know how to process the new amounts and stores it instead of burning it off.

The best way to lose weight safely is to forget trying to lose weight in a short amount of time and do it safely by following a healthy diet.

However, sometimes losing weight is a sign of illness. If you haven’t changed your eating or exercise habits and are losing weight, this could be a symptom of problems like diabetes, an overactive thyroid or even some types of cancer. If you believe you have lost a great deal of weight without changing your usual habits, you may wish to consult your doctor.

Vitamins and Weight Loss

Vitamins play an important part in the fight to lose weight, but don’t be fooled by "lose weight fast" gimmicks of pills and supplements. The safest and healthiest way is to lose weight through a healthy diet and exercise program, and all of the vitamins that will help you lose weight can be found in a wide range of healthy food choices. Plus, when you lose weight gradually through diet and exercise, you’re less likely to gain the weight back. Here are a few vitamins that will help you lose weight and the types of food where you can find them.

Vitamin B2 helps promote healthy thyroid and metabolic production, which in turn helps you burn calories more efficiently. Foods rich in Vitamin B2 include, milk, eggs, liver, kidney, almonds, hard cheese and green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin B3 also helps regulate thyroid hormone production and also helps your body tolerate blood sugar. Foods rich in Vitamin B3 include meat, chicken, turkey, tuna, eggs, salmon, barley, oats, cheese, dried fruit and brown rice.

Vitamin B5 helps us use fat to burn energy, instead of muscles, and helps in energy production. Foods rich in Vitamin B5 include poultry, meat, liver, kidney, eggs, nuts, wheat germ, beans, oats, barley, and green vegetables.

Like Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6 helps regulate thyroid hormone production and the metabolism. Foods rich in Vitamin B6 include beef, poultry, eggs, sardines, mackerel, dried fruit, cabbage, brown rice, bananas, avocados, wheat bran and wheat germ.

Vitamin C helps the body in a number of different ways, but it helps those trying to lose weight to convert glucose to energy. Foods rich in Vitamin C include broccoli, green peppers, black currents, kiwi fruit, Brussels sprouts, lemons, oranges, cabbage, and strawberries.

While Choline isn’t considered a vitamin, as it is produced by the liver, it does make up a part of the Vitamin B complex, and helps the metabolism work efficiently. A deficiency of choline can lead to a build up of fats in the liver. Foods rich in choline include beef liver, beef heart, egg yolks, cucumber, cauliflower and peanuts.

Much like choline, inositol is a part of the Vitamin B complex and helps the metabolism work efficiently. Foods rich in inositol include beef liver and heart, eggs, soy, nuts, whole grains and citrus fruits.