8/05/2009
Do-It-Yourself Beauty Treatments
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. _ Your hair color is fading, your unibrow is growing and you desperately need a pedicure.
In the age of do-it-yourself everything, you just need a refresher course in grooming. Channel your teenage years, when you and your girlfriends would host pajama parties just to braid hair and paint toenails. To help, we've gathered tips from Jessica Aguallo and Lisa Anderson, instructors at Marinello Schools of Beauty in Concord, Calif.
They have a combined 40 years of experience in cosmetology _ Anderson owns Diva Styles salon in Oakland, Calif. _ and are proponents of using ingredients found in your cupboard or pantry to maintain hair, skin and nails. As our professional appointments become less frequent, we decided to get tips from these experts on grooming at home.
FACIAL
Anderson has been giving herself facials using natural ingredients for years. She recommends the following basic facial once every one to two weeks. All you need to know is your skin type _ normal, dry, or oily.
_Cleanse face with whatever you normally use. "Stay away from harsh soaps," Anderson says. She's a fan of softening bars, such as African black soap, or products by Eucerin or Neutrogena that won't overdry skin.
_Once your skin is clean, make a natural steam to open up pores, she says. Bring a quart of water to a boil and pour into a bowl. While still steaming, place five tea bags _ Anderson recommends camomile or peppermint _ in the bowl, throw a towel over your head and breathe in the steam for three two-minute increments.
_Time to slough off those dead skin cells. Make a scrub by mixing granulated sugar with olive oil. The consistency is up to you. "Just make sure it's not too gritty," Anderson advises. Rub the mixture on your skin and lips in an upward motion, massaging gently for one minute. Those with oily skin should focus on the T-zone. Rinse off.
_Use a mask to close your pores. "If you have dry skin, use a thick face cream as your base and add a few drops of lavender essential oil," Anderson says. Oily types can make a mask from dry oatmeal and an egg white. Once you attain a consistency that is sticky, apply evenly to the face and leave on for 15 minutes.
_Your last step is toner, which seals your pores. Anderson makes her astringent by mixing 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice with two teaspoons cold water. "Pure witch hazel or apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball works as well," she says. "So does plain old ice water." The true last step? Sunscreen. Never leave home without applying it to your face.
NAIL CARE
Manicures are hardly the most expensive part of a beauty regimen, but every penny counts. You can do this simple nail care system as often as you like.
_First, clean up nails. Clip and shape them, making sure to file one corner at a time and even out in the middle. "Do not file straight across because that splits the nail," Anderson says.
_Make a nail conditioning treatment by using a few drops of olive oil or your favorite essential oil. Saturate cotton balls with the oil and press against each of your nails. Wrap your finger with the cotton ball and cover in tin foil. "This allows the oils to penetrate your nail plate, which keeps the nails healthy and prevents hangnails," Anderson says. Leave them on for five minutes, then remove. Wipe clean.
_Anderson doesn't encourage pushing back cuticles, unless you know how. "The white moon shape area, the lunula, is where the nail grows from," she explains. "If you push it down too far, you can damage your nail growth. You can also get a lot of hangnails."
_The best way to make your nails look great is to buff them. "Buffing is very underrated," Anderson says. "I don't think people realize how shiny their natural nails can be." Get yourself a soft buffer and run it several times along the entire surface of your nails in circular motions.
_Apply base coat, two coats of your favorite polish and follow with top coat. To pamper dry skin in winter, Anderson likes adding a few drops of olive oil to body lotion and applying that to her hands and feet at night. She puts on socks and mittens and goes to bed. In the morning, hands and feet are soft and smooth, she says.
HAIR CUT
Aguallo is not a big advocate of cutting one's own hair. But if you have to do it, keep a low maintenance haircut that's one length, she says.
_Bangs can be easy to trim at home when it's absolutely necessary. Invest in a quality pair of shears, which should cost about $15 at most beauty supply stores, she says. Again, wear your bangs long.
_To cut, wet hair and comb all bangs forward. Gather in the middle and decide where you want them to hit when they are dry. Cut across carefully and slowly. Touch up when dry.
_Because the sides "traveled farther," they'll be a little longer and will frame the face nicely, Aguallo says. She recommends a bias bang _ which can be pushed off to either side _ because it falls evenly both ways.
HAIR COLOR
Women have long colored their hair or touched up their roots at home. It's not difficult. Just find a color you like and make sure to wear gloves and a cape to cover up while you apply color, Aguallo says.
_Here's an easy color tip: If you're just touching up your part until you see your colorist, you can buy color wands at most pharmacies. They work like mascara on the hair, Aguallo says. Since they wash out, wands are best for short-term touch ups.
_If you're touching up the outgrowth at home, follow the directions on the box of color. But do not apply the color to your previously colored hair. It will cause a color build up on your ends, resulting in color saturation there. Instead, if previously colored hair needs to be refreshed, comb color through the ends during the last five minutes of the coloring process.
_Need a simple way to prolong color? Use a shampoo and conditioner with pigment in it. They come in all colors _ blonde, red, and shades of brown. Also, Aguallo adds, use a shampoo free of sulfates, the ingredient that strips hair of color.
_Because roots are so close to the scalp and heat permeates from it, you can develop "hot roots," where the color ends up lighter, Aguallo says. To avoid this, apply color a half-inch from the scalp. Then, go back and apply color to the scalp.
_Finally, if you're covering gray, start your color application process in the front, as this area is usually the grayest, Aguallo says. "Gray hair is resistant so you should leave the color on 45 minutes from the time you last applied the color," she adds.
(c) 2009, Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.).
Visit the Contra Costa Times on the Web at http://www.contracostatimes.com.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Picture is from http://www.marketamerica.com/urbeautifulj
7/16/2009
Women's Beauty Tips - First Rate Beauty from the First Lady
Since taking office, Michelle Obama’s every fashion choice has been documented and, in a lot of instances, copied. But I actually think her beauty picks have been just as inspiring. Mrs. Obama isn’t afraid to experiment—check out the great eye shadow pairing she’s wearing in this picture! But, as any risk taker can attest, making an experiment work is just as much about knowing when to play it safe. Here, a step-by-step guide to making the First Lady’s glowing, glamorous look your own.
Step 1:
Start with Motives Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation in the correct shade for your skin type. Brush on lightly and be sure to blend evenly. I always use my finger around the nose and along the jaw line, where it’s easy for smudges to form. Let the foundation sink in for a few minutes for a nice dewy effect.
Step 2:
Highlight those cheekbones! Nothing works better than a smile when you’re applying blush. So using Motives Pressed Blush in Runway and a grin dust on a thin layer at an upward angle along your cheeks, concentrating a majority of the color directly below the middle of your eye. Blending is key; you don’t want any defined strokes, or, even worse, circles!
Step 3:
Use Motives Pressed Eye Shadow in Pink Diamond, to draw attention to your strong brow line, while opening up the eye. Then apply a darker-but-complementary shade, like Motives Pressed Eye Shadow in Midnight, along your upper eyelid. You want to be pretty heavy handed with the application directly along the lid, and then use a brush to blend up and away from the corner of your eye. You should stop just as the darker shade begins to touch the lighter on the outside.
Step 4:
Apply a thick line of Motives Kohl Eyeliner in Amethyst along the upper lid, but leave the bottom unlined. This is one of those places where you can take a risk with your color selection, but balance that risk by only lining one part of your eye.
Step 5:
Finally, pick a nude-but-not-matte shade for your lips, like Motives Rich Color Lipstick in Pink Sand. You want them to take a back burner to the drama of your eyes.
Love,
Loren
http://www.myfashioncents.com
Labels: Michelle Obama, Motives Beauty, Motives by Loren Ridinger, Motives Kohl Eyeliner, Motives Pressed Blush, Motives Pressed Eye Shadow, Motives Rich Formula Lipstick, women's beauty tips
7/14/2009
Join Great Meetings and Build Your Network
"The First Meeting for the Starter
- Date: July 17, 2009
- Time: 7pm - 9pm
- Place: Saddlebrook, NJ
- Requirements: Free and Open to All
7/09/2009
Beautiful Wedding Dresses - Henry Roth
About Henry Roth
http://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/
Beautiful Wedding Dresses - Douglas Hannant
Beautiful Wedding Dresses - Alita Graham
How to Buy And Use Lip Cosmetics: Lipstick, Lipgloss And More
You want sexy lips yet is seems there are a jungle of tubes and pots that are so confusing no one could ever choose from among them. Even if you could, how can you narrow it down to a few so as to at least make it affordable? What are some good pointers?Judging your coloring: People are unique, they do not all come in one size or color. Even though through artistry you can complement, blend, define or contrast the appearance of things there are limits to this. This is why some colors look , actually, awful on you yet good on someone else. You will want to examine the whole picture to choose any cosmetic wisely. You will want to consider your hair, your skin, your eyes and the whiteness of your teeth, especially when you want to choose lip colors.
Darker colors in lip makeup: Dark lip colors typically work well if you have dark hair, dark eyes or fair to medium skin, if you want a generalized analysis, and not be so flattering on the dark skin tones. Too much of one thing is what happens here.
If you have dark skin you should probably stay away from dark lipsticks. Most people have skin that is either medium, fair or light colored and can use dark lipsticks fine.
Dark lip colors are great for whitening teeth and aside of punk shades like black, many people can use a pretty shade of dark lip color to do this. If you are a very deep complected person and would love to use dark lip color, choose lip gloss, this reflective light takes away from the darkness and adds some light which will be more flattering for you. People with light palettes from their hair to their eyes sometimes have a difficulty wearing the darkest shades, too. A person with fair or ivory skin, light blue, green or tan eyes, and light blond or red hair may have to line their eyes heavily to pull off a dark shade of lip makeup. A better idea could be to use dark gloss instead just like the dark skinned person, the reflective light helps you pull off the look.
Pale Easter Shades? Sweet confectionery colors or "Easter Shades" in lipstick or pencil can be tricky to use. They often create the problem of creating for the wearer a ghost like appearance. Also, these shades can easily make anyone who hasn't just went through three boxes of Crest White strips have yellowed looking teeth.
What helps is looking for light colors with a yellow low light like pale coral, tangerine or champagne. You may be surprised as well that these shades create a pink or beige appearance once you apply them. Another thing to investigate are the violets, orchids and lavenders. These colors contain blue which enhances the white in a person's teeth. These colors, in particular in pastel versions, go great in your lipstick pouch. In pastel versions, they substitute for pink lip gloss/stick and they also will perform another cosmetic trick. They make a great lip liner. If you look pretty unlikely in medium tones of lip color, other than browns, cocoas and beiges, a little lavender or orchid liner around your mouth can help you look great in these colors. This is more flattering than a darker tone of lip liner (the way you are supposed to do it). If you look good in these mid-range colors go ahead and line them in a darker version of a matching color. In your case the right way looks best.
What's good about lip liners? A lip liner is supposed to keep lip stick from bleeding, basically, and also it is supposed to enhance your mouth and lip color to an extra degree. A lot of women or especially younger girls bypass lip liner preferring to simply swipe color onto their mouth from a tube, pot or brush in a couple of quick movements to the mouth. They think it is too time consuming to bother with lip liners.
It is not so difficult, although to add some lip liner to your makeup routine if you want. And it will stretch out your color palette. Experimenting with different colors of lip liners will help you use up some of the wasted colors that you picked up somewhere that don't look good on you and make them usable by you. If you don't usually bother with lip liner, you could try lining lips for special occasions. Lip liners also are usually a matte color, this, just like dark colors or colors with blue undertones, has a tooth whitening effect.
Metallic Colors and glosses: Everyone can experiment with metallic colors and lip glosses. All people from fair to dark can use these to lend a polished glow to their look. From light applications to intense you can make these work for you. Metallic colors are light reflective much like glosses or any of the lip coatings with a shiny finish such as satin or liquid finish types. These can be used solo or as a top coat. Two neat tricks for metallic lip color use are to line you lips with the metallic and to dab a smidgen of the lip coat on the center of the lower lip. This is often just enough glitter effect. Metallic finishes look sexy, pretty and new if you use them wisely. A trend in metallic cosmetics is the best time for using them freely, however, otherwise you probably want to save this look for evening or beach wear. Glosses can be used anytime, are usually less expensive than lipstick, are as good for your lips as lip stick and often come in flavors, anywhere from root beer and chocolate to strawberry and mango.
The purchase: A nice beginning to your cosmetic bag would be a selection of lip stick and other lip colors that have one dark color, one light color, one gloss, one lip pencil and one metallic. This is quite a lot to buy at once, perhaps. So, narrow down to the shabby chic budget; a lip pencil, a gloss and one light or medium color. Remember to get your lip liner in a shade darker than your main light to medium color or in a pale orchid or lavender shade.
The gloss could simply be a personal tube of Vaseline or whatever appeals to you. You can add dark colors, metallics and other shades of pencil to your collection later. It is not that hard to choose a few lipsticks for your makeup bag. With a few pointers you will have just the right shade on hand instead of a useless clutter of items that you cannot enjoy.
The Perfect Swim Suit For Your Body Type
Let's go shopping for a new swim suit! It's time to retire your old swim suit and spend a buck and buy that cool, sexy, flattering bathing suit for the rest of summer. It's a pefect time to shop for a new bathing suit since most stores are having great sales. Get out there and look! It may not always be fun to try on numerous bathing suits but with the tips below, it should point you in the right direction and save you some time.
First, think about your body type.
- Are you pear shaped?
- Apple shaped?
- Are you fuller on top and slender through the hips?
- Are you fuller in the bottom area and need a little "something, something" to help you feel more comfortable?
1. Halter-tops or molded under wire cups are suitable for those with a full bust.
Woman with full breasts should look for a swimsuit that supports them nicely. One alternative is to wear a bathing suit or two-piece that sports one color on the top and another on the bottom. The most suitable swimsuits will be the ones with halter-tops or molded under wire cups to keep everything in place. An additional strap across the back or along the bust line for additional support is also a great idea. This will give them a more proportionate look. If you like to do sports at the beach or at the pool, the more support you have the better. Halter tops also are very flattering for nice toned arms. However, if you have a small bust area, go for a padded bikini top and try enhancing your bottom area with nicely detailed bottoms. Use the same pattern for top and bottoms. There are so many cute pattern out this summer…you can really have fun picking one out!
2. Boy cut bottoms for those with fuller bottoms are flattering.
Boy cut bottoms will minimize the large hips and give an illusion of a proportionate rear end. Apart from being comfortable, they look really cute. Avoid the revealing bottoms that will make you uncomfortable. Bright colors for the top are a nice treat for the eyes. That will help in drawing attention from your rear end. Diagonal prints will do the job for you. Whether you have a lot of junk in the trunk, big thighs or both, there are bathing styles that suit this body type. You should draw attention away from the lower part of your body by wearing tops that enhance your upper body with things such as halters, padded and push-up tops. Printed tops with dark, solid colors on the bottom will automatically cause the eye to move up instead of down. High-cut bottoms can slim large thighs and boy shorts provide excellent coverage. Also try a strapless style to balance out your figure.
3. Wear one piece swim suits to hide a fuller mid-section.
They are many cute and flattering designs. If you've got a little tummy or don't feel secure about your stomach, your best bet is a one-piece swimsuit that offers an empire waist or side shirring. Some styles even have built-in control panels that create a slimming effect. Diagonal lines, patterns, dark colors and high-waistbands are a plus for women who'd prefer their swimsuit to hide their stomach issues. But remember, you don't have to wear a one piece to cover your tummy - there's always tops that take up most of your stomach area. One piece suits are the way to go to create the right kind of impression. They are many cute and flattering designs. Printed swimwear takes away the focus from your tummy area and gives an optical illusion of a slimmer you. Halter suits too are a great bet in hiding your belly and creating an elongation effect.
4. Go for tankini if you have a curvy figure.
If you are curvy, a tankini swimsuit top with hipster bottoms would suit the best. Hipster bottoms won't add to your curves and will be just right. Currently there are many styles that have cute litlle skirt with a built in bottom. They are great for running around the pool or beach. One piece swimsuits with strategic cutouts on the sides might also fit well for a curvy figure.
5. Pick the right plus size swimsuit to look sexy.
With the right type of swimsuit, full figured women can also look beautiful and sexy. Swim wear with horizontal stripes is a big no. Select swim suits that offer an option of mix and match so as to create an impression of well defined curves. As for the colors, stick to dark shades that tend to create a slimmer look. One-piece bandeau will do wonders for a full figure. A hint of sexiness with the semi exposed upper part of the body will make heads turn at the beach or pool side.
6. Small Bust line? No problem!
Look for bathing suit tops that enhance the cleavage you have. Push-ups and padded tops are very popular, and can make you appear larger if you like. If you'd rather not show too much skin, then go for a top that has ruffles or even one with a horizontal neckline. This will draw the attention away from your small chest, but at the same time it gives off the appearance of a fuller bust, which works out for you! Try to avoid tops that have horizontal stripes or patterns, as this can make you appear flatter. Have fun shopping...think about your body type and ask the store clerk for help in selcting the designs that best fit your body. Be confident and have fun. Bathing suits come in all shapes and sizes...just like us! You will find the right fit that makes you feel great.
Hit the beach or pool soon while the summer is here.
Enjoy and embrace it!
by DoTell
posted on 06/22/2009
http://www.advice.com
Finding A Modest Bridal Gown
Finding a modest bridal gown or bridesmaid dress can be challenging.
Strapless is definitely "in" right now and it is a trend that does not appear to be going away anytime soon.
If you are uncomfortable in strapless dresses or simply want something a little less revealing for yourself or your bridesmaids on the big day, here are some tips to find that perfect gown.
] Look at shops geared towards women of certain faiths, such as the Church of Latter Day Saints. These churches have modest dress standards for their members, and as a result bridal gowns are tailored to be in accordance with modesty in mind. The dresses will usually have sleeves at least, and some will have a high neckline if that's what you want.
These shops can be found online very easily-a Google search for "modest bridal gowns" yielded at least five different online stores on the first page alone. If you live nearby, many of them will do in-house fittings and alterations, otherwise you can easily buy your gown online and have it altered locally.
2] If you must go to a chain bridal shop or somewhere local, ask if the seamstress can alter the gown so that it has sleeves and a higher neckline. With some dresses this will be impossible to do because of the structure of the gown in question, but it may surprise you at how often these alterations can be done successfully. Small cap sleeves are usually easy to add and fairly inexpensive.
3] If neither of these options appeals to you, why not find a vintage gown? There are plenty of places on the web that sell vintage bridal gowns, and many of these are far more modest compared to the gowns of today. Remember, strapless wedding dresses did not become popular until the late 1990s!
4] As a final resort, it may be easiest to simply go to a fabric shop and find a wedding gown pattern, and then find a seamstress to make it for you. This method can actually turn out to be cheaper by far than buying a gown off the rack and then having it altered, depending on how much the seamstress charges and what type of fabric you want to use. Of course, if you have sewing skills you can sew it yourself, which is probably the cheapest alternative of all! In any case, congratulations on your marriage and good luck in finding the perfect gown!
by xoxokara
posted on 06/30/2009
http://www.advice.com/
7/02/2009
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