Will Using a Lip Balm Protect Your Lips?
Without the lips, one may neither give the brightest of smiles nor greet somebody a warm hello. Since the lips are among the most valuable assets of men and women, but since they are truly delicate and soft parts of the body, one must afford it the protection it needs so that it does not get damaged by weather elements and other external factors. One of the ways to do this is by using lip balm.
A lip balm, or a lip salve, is a substance with a waxy consistency that you can apply on your lips in order to give it a layer of protection against harsh weather elements. With all the changing temperatures and weather conditions of today, your lips would need all the protection it could get against the cold temperatures, dry air, and strong winds. If they are not protected in any manner, you might suffer from dry chapped lips and cold sores.
It actually provides the moisture that they need. So even if your surroundings are dry and entirely unkind to them, it would prevent moisture loss and would give you a more comfortable time. It would also save you the embarrassment of having to constantly wet your lips because of a dry feeling.
However, not all of them are considered as safe. Some of them contain ingredients that are actually harmful to the body. An example of which is petrolatum, which has been linked to breast cancer. In fact, this derivative of petroleum has been listed as a probable carcinogen by the UNECE, or the European Union’s Dangerous Substances Directive. Aside from petrolatum, you also need to watch out for mineral oil, methylparaben, polyparaben, padimate, and tocopheryl.
A safe alternative to them that contain harmful ingredients is a natural one. You can expect ample protection from a natural one, and at the same time, you are assured that its ingredients are natural. Some natural ingredients include jojoba, Vitamin E, aloe vera, carrot, avocado, hempseed, coco butter, as well as wild crafted beeswax. You also need not to worry about the sun’s UV rays because natural lip balms provide sun protection as well. A lip balm with SPF30 is enough to keep your lips safe from the sun. Of course, if it has a higher SPF, it also provides better sun protection.
Using lip balms will definitely protect your lips from harmful elements of the sun and the weather. You just need to be careful with the type that you will be using.
Tooth Whitening Products
In these modern times, almost anything can be made synthetically in order to cater to the demands of a certain population. Items ranging from artificial sweeteners, artificial meat, synthetic cloth to artificial pregnancies in artificial insemination (of hogs and cattle), all need a safer and better solution once utilized. The same can also be applied when it comes to tooth whitening products. If you are not careful, you might possibly experience irreparable damage that you might later regret. So when it comes to tooth whitening products, be sure to verify how safe it is to use.
Some of the safer ones that are recommended are teeth whitening gels, dental whitening kits and the safest of them all, the in-office procedure. Let us then tackle each one of these tooth whitening products briefly.
Teeth whitening gels are made up of many combinations of chemical ingredients varying from one company to the next. But the most common one would be the hydrogen peroxide ingredient that penetrates the enamel’s pores, lightening the dentin (The inner part of the tooth next to the enamel). The dentin is responsible for the teeth color thus producing white teeth. These are usually applied twice to thrice for three to four weeks before you acquire a really noticeable look. Some similar products would claim instant temporary results – within just one hour from application. Dental Kits have nebules of teeth whitening gels that are applied onto the dental trays – both upper and lower. Before anything else, the dental trays are submerged on lukewarm water just long enough to soften it a little and then immediately placing it on your teeth then molding it. The last product mentioned here is the in-office procedure done by the dentist. This is the safest among all methods but also the most expensive. All the more because dental surgeries and cosmetic procedures are not deductible to insurances. This would require several trips to the dental office and having a gradual improvement in teeth color. The dentist uses differen kinds of tooth whitening products depending on the client’s needs.
For the unsafe products, do not choose those products that require to be swished and spitted. Like mouthwashes for example. The product does not stay for very long inside the oral cavity plus it contains a stronger acid thereby eroding the enamel and weakening it. Whitening toothpastes that do not have fluoride are the ones that destroy teeth and make it brittle. Granules or powders are still no different than the toothpastes mentioned. Some tooth whitening products also allow greater damage when combined with another unsafe one.
There you have the safe and unsafe tooth whitening products that will help you to decide which ones to buy and utilize. Know the pros and cons and you will surely attain the whitest teeth you can probably acquire.
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Eye Circle
Dark eye circle is a very common problem with many people. It may be due to several reasons like watching late night movies, sitting with your lap top for long hours or due to last night drink. Sometimes dark circles may be due to long term illness, inadequate sleep, or due to some allergies or some time it may be due to heredity factor.
There are many remedies which will effectively reduce or completely eliminate the dark circles. Following steps are there to reduce dark circles under the eyes naturally
1. First know the cause of your dark circles before finding out its remedy – If you are in a need of some treatment of dark circles, it is necessary to find out its cause. It may be for prolonged time period or for short term. It may be due to nasal congestion, allergies, inadequate sleep, pigmentation irregularities, sun exposure, thinning from age, your facial features, heredity and lifestyle factors. For each and every cause there is a suitable remedy.
2. Try a natural remedy – Natural remedy is best to treat the problem related to dark eye circle. Natural or home remedies are simply available in our home or garden. Natural or home remedies give the best result in treating the problem of dark eye circles. For using natural remedies you can use a potato and liquidize it. Scoop out and place gently the pureed potato on your closed eyes. Keep it on your eyes for 30 minutes and washes it off with warm water, another remedy is to slice cucumber into thick slices and place this slice over your eyes. Do this remedy daily. It is helpful and effective in reducing the problem of dark eye circles.
3. Get your beauty sleep – It is essential to have a plenty of sleep to reduce the problem of dark eye circles.
4. Healthy diet – It is necessary to take healthy diets to reduce the problem of dark eye circles. Always try to take healthy and balanced diet. It is also necessary to take vitamins and to drink plenty of water. It is said that dark circles may be caused due to deficiencies of vitamin K and also due to inadequate antioxidants.
5. Use cosmetics solutions – To reduce the problem of dark eye circles, cosmetics are also very effective and helpful. But be cautious in using the cosmetics whether they have some allergic reaction on your skin or not.
Homemade Hair Mask Recipes
Our hair gets easily damaged by blow of wind, sunrays and rain. It is necessary to take proper care. We must protect and improve the quality of our hair by preparing and applying masks. Hair masks are very important for improving the condition of the hair. But some of the hair mask is quite expensive. So it is better to prepare the hair mask at home only. There are many advantages in preparing the hair mask at home. The biggest advantage of preparing hair mask at home is that it won’t have any chemicals that why it will help in improving the quality of hair. There are many ingredients in our home by which we can easily prepare a hair mask at home.
Some of the homemade recipes
1. Egg mask – Take two eggs with 2 tablespoons of water and beat it properly. Apply this mask to your hair properly and massage it properly. Leave this mask for 10-15 minutes and then wash your hair with mild shampoo.
2. Yoghurt mask – Separate the yellow and white part of an egg. Beat the white part till it becomes foamy. Mix 6 tablespoons of natural yoghurt into this mixture. Massage this mixture into your hair and leave it for 15-30 minutes. Wash your hair with mild shampoo.
3. Avocado mask – Take one ripe avocado and mash it properly. In this ingredient add 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix these ingredients until it becomes creamy and apply this mixture to your hair. Leave this mask on your hair for 20 minutes and then wash it out with a gentle shampoo.
4. Milk and honey mask – Take a cup of full fat milk and add a tablespoon of honey in it. Mix it properly and apply it to your hair for 15 minutes. Wash your hair with mild and gentle shampoo.
5. Honey and Olive mask – Take 3 tablespoons of olive oil and add 2 table spoons of honey in it. Apply this mixture to your hair and wrap your head with a plastic film or you can also put on a shower hat. Leave your hair for at least 30 minutes and rinse it well by using a proper shampoo.
6. Banana and almond mask for dry, damaged hair -take a ripe banana and mash it properly by adding few drops of almond oil in it. Mix it properly and apply to your hair. After 15-30 minutes wash out with gentle shampoo.
Makeup Foundation, The Below the Surface Secret to Perfection
This time I will teach you how to choose and apply the perfect makeup foundation. Let me assure you something, you do not need expensive surgeries to cover those imperfections that we all have and we all want to make disappear. I will give you my secret to accomplish that task without emptying your pockets.
Like we all know, everything starts with the correct and perfect makeup foundation. In a prior article on makeup in general, I talked briefly about makeup foundation and its importance. Now, let me elaborate. Makeup foundation is an amazing secret that makes our skin look naturally flawless, smooth and with a healthy glow. The tone of your makeup foundation completely depends on your skin, and when you have a good regime of maintenance, reparation and prevention system (skin care regimen and the subject of another of my informative articles) you will notice that foundation is not as necessary which means that you can go straight to a light dusting of powder. Until we get you there though, there are many types of makeup foundations, and is important to choose the one that best adapt to your skin tone and skin type so its looks natural. Also there are foundations that have luminescence with is light reflecting qualities creating a glowing, refine look; creating a more youthful look. When you choose the correct and perfect makeup foundation I guarantee your makeup will stay on longer and look its best.
Technology has given us many forms of foundations with multiple consistencies such as stick, liquid, crème, tinted moisturizer, tinted face balm, moisturizer compact, mineral powder and mousse. The stick form is neatly packed crème foundation and concealer in one, best for normal to dry skin. Liquid form is the most popular, and it can be formulated to different types of skin. Crème form is smooth and creamy, specifically formulated for dry to normal complexions. Mousse form is actually a crème foundation that comes in a jar and is of whipped consistency. It is perfect for mature skin because it does not accumulate in fine lines, and instead of sitting on your skin it tends to sink in to it giving you skin a natural appearance instead of the cakey look. Tinted moisturizer is perfect for summer time because is very light and gives sheer light weight coverage. Tinted face balm gives skin a dewy finish and is formulated for extra dry skin because it adds hydration to the skin. Moisturizing compact provide medium to full coverage for dry to extra dry skins. Mineral powder is best for oily to very oily skin and there is a warning: oily skin tends to change the shade of the powder.
Now it is time to choose the right shade. The most important aspect at the time to choose a shade is that it has to blend well into your skin, for nobody wants a cakey look. Choose a makeup foundation that is yellow base, as just about 1% of people is pink base (basically people that get sunburn even in the shade). Makeup foundation should only even out your skin tone; therefore, you should try many shades or ask a person that knows about makeup to help you choose the correct one. Many companies have shades cards that will give you an idea of your shade. Is very important for the perfect makeup to have an even skin tone, and that is why I recommend to double check the shade of your makeup foundation on your forehead, for many women tend to have darker skin around that area. I also suggest choosing a shade during the day, because it helps you to select one that better blends with your skin. Never try makeup foundation on the arms or other areas, as your face is rarely the same color of the rest of your body. Some skins get darker during the summer or when on vacation as a natural response to sun exposure. Keep a darker shade on hand so you can blend it when you are between shades or use it alone when your skin gets darker.
Before applying your foundation use a good primer and concealer to cover imperfections like red spots or blemishes. Begin applying the foundation on the nose using a small amount; blend it upward toward the hairline. You can apply it all over, or just where you need it and press it to your face with your fingers to fully blend.
Times have change and there are foundations made for those with combination skin. These new foundations are made with silica beads that soak up oil and lecithin that hydrates skin. Moisturizers and oil control lotions can be applied on the skin before you apply your make up. There are primers and concealer that will help you to create the perfect skin tone and will help you minimize dilated pores. Also there are primers to give more light to tired eyes, to cover marks on skin and blemish skin. The bottom line is you have everything you need to create the perfect canvas for the perfect makeup. For more information on tools and techniques to apply makeup feel free to contact me, I will love to personally help you.
Bikini Waxing
If you usually shave your extra body hair, then you may want to consider waxing. The results last much longer, it is less rough on the skin, and it doesn’t result in thicker, darker hair growing back (an unpleasant shock to many body hair shavers). Bikini waxing is a touchy subject for many women. They may have waxed their upper lip or their eyebrows, or maybe their legs, but hesitate to pay someone to cause them pain or discomfort in their most sensitive of areas. Perfectly understandable. However:
Bikini Waxing is Better Now!
As you might imagine there is a large demand for a bikini wax that is less painful. Have no doubt that many salon and spa product companies are investing huge amounts of money to develop better waxes, better preparation powders, and more soothing post-wax creams. Most waxers prefer using what is known as a “hard wax” for a bikini waxing. It is reported to be easier on the skin, and results in less pain. Ask your spa’s esthetician what preparation they recommend before coming into the spa, and what they recommend after the treatment as well. Sometimes simple is good. Waxers often take a few Advil 1 hour before going into the spa/salon. Many salons recommend “No Scream Cream” 35-40 minutes before the wax. It contains 20% Benzocaine as a numbing agent, and is FDA approved.
Don’t Go Just Anywhere for a Wax!
This is a spa treatment that you want done by a professional. Ideally you want a trained, experienced esthetician who is caring and sensitive. Both they, and the spa/salon they work in, should come highly recommended. Don’t just walk into any strip mall salon; they most likely don’t have the experience and facilities a high quality waxing salon or day spa does. You need to have clean surroundings for this type of waxing, of course – especially since you will be lying down partially naked. And while prices are important, and not many people have cash to burn these days, don’t decide by price alone. You can usually find online coupons or discounts for any spa or waxing salon, but get feedback about the specific location first.
If you talk to your friends/girlfriends about this type of thing: Ask! Where have they tried? Have they tried it at home? (Not recommended.) What did they like or not like about certain waxing salons? How about specific estheticians? Once you have looked online for reviews, or asked your friends for recommendations, check the spa or salon out. Talk to the clientele in the waiting area. Do they have a person they always go to for their wax? That way you can know who to ask for (or to avoid!). Once you have your bikini wax, make sure to get the name of your waxing esthetician. A gentle touch by a skilled spa staff deserves a good tip and a positive online review. And that way you know who to ask for next time.
Bikini waxing is not all fun, but the results are totally worth it. Just ask any of the millions of women who wax – It gives you smooth results, a sexy look you can customize (check out different bikini wax styles, Vajazzling, and even Vatooing!), and it lasts for weeks. Like any beauty or day spa treatment though: Do your research, and do what is good for you.
Smokey Eye Make Up and Eye Make Up Ideas
Are you longing to have a fabulous fun date with glamorous exciting eye shadow make up over an elegant dinner at a very sassy restaurant?
The answer is yeeessssss!!!
Cover your under eye shadow make up with a concealer by starting at the inner part down to the outer edge. When applying eye make up, please do not rub, just pat until the discoloration even out or disappears.
The secret to keeping your eye make up from fading within minutes from application is to follow some known eye make up tips such as applying a base without properly priming your eyelid so it will not form a greasy line and crease.
Start your make up for the eyes color works using a three-toned eye shadow. Apply with your brush or applicator from your lids to brow and create a smokey eye make up. Blend the colors like a rainbow. You will look gorgeous with this color set blending for smokey eye make up. Begin by selecting a light color that matches the color of your lid and spread it across up to your brow’s bone when applying eye make up.
Follow your eye shadow make up with a medium tone across your lid and then darker attractive color in your crease part. Brush to blend the colors well.
Eyeliners do wonders with enhancing the shape of your eyes especially for a smokey eye makeup. You may use your best eyeliner pencil or dark eye shadows for a greater smoother blend.
How to apply eyeliner: Choose a slanted brush, wet the tip, and then dip in the dark eye shadow. You create a line as close to your upper lashes as possible starting from the inner to the outer core. Put on best eyeliner at the bottom of your eyes. Make sure it is only the line from the middle part of your eyes to outer part. Smudge the bottom line with your little finger so it will not look prominent.
Create a smokey eye make up effect by patting the dark eye shadow with the brush along your upper lid as well as below your lid. Smudge to blend. Use a highlighter to brighten your eyes. Gold or pink highlighter blends well with any eye shadow color. This is great for the inside part of the eye application only. Here’s one of the best make up tips. Draw a V-shape line following top to bottom inner core of your eyes to make your eyes pop. Blend with your fingers.
Highlight your eyebrow using the same eye shadow make up highlighter color and dab it from your mid brow to your outward brow bone. Blend again using your finger. Curl your eyelashes and put on mascara. Now you are ready for a fun date. Enjoy!
How to Apply Foundation
With a brush
There are various types of foundation brushes. The three most popular types are the small foundation brush with densely packed bristles, the basic powder brush, which is a large brush with loosely spaced bristles, and the kabuki brush, a stiffer brush with more densely packed bristles that hold more makeup per area and provide fuller coverage with each layer. With all three types of brush the technique is the same. The only difference is how sheer the coverage is. For sheerer coverage or if you are a beginner, choose the traditional powder brush. For fuller coverage, try a kabuki brush or the small powder brush.
If you are applying loose powder, tap a little of the powder out into the lid of the container and swirl the brush around in it until the makeup has been worked in between the bristles. Tap the excess off. You should see very little makeup on the top of the brush. If you do see a lot, you may have used too much powder. You can try tapping the brush again or gently run a tissue over the top of the brush to get the excess off.
If you’re applying pressed powder, which is moister, simply swirl the brush around in it a few times. If you’re using liquid, apply a small amount – less than a dime size – to the back of your hand and lightly dip the brush in that. A smaller brush is easier for pressed powder and liquid mineral foundation.
Once you have some foundation on your brush, gently buff it into your skin in circular motions, covering each area of the face several times. Include the area of your jaw line and just below it to make sure you don’t have a “makeup line” between your face and neck.
With a sponge
To apply loose powder foundation with a sponge, tap a small amount out of the container into the lid or onto the back of your hand. If you have problem spots that need concealing, like acne scars, dark shadows under the eyes or broken capillaries around the nose, you can first dip a dry sponge into the powder and dab it onto the problem areas.
To apply the foundation to your entire face, dampen the sponge and dip it in the powder, pressing gently so it’s absorbed into the sponge. Stroke the sponge over your face. Make sure to blend it over and just below the jaw line so the foundation color blends into the natural color on your neck. Instead of dampening the sponge with water, you can mix a little powder with moisturizer and dip the sponge in the mixture.
To apply pressed powder foundation or liquid foundation with a sponge, simply apply a small amount to the sponge and stroke it over the face.
With fingers
Of course there’s always the good old-fashioned way: with the fingers. This can work well for liquid foundation. To apply powder foundation with the fingers, mix it with some moisturizer first. Make sure your hands are very clean if you are going to use this method. This is not recommended for anyone with oily skin, as it will just add more oil to your face from your fingers.
What to do if you have oily skin and want apply your makeup but you don’t have a brush or a sponge? You can use a cotton ball. It won’t give you the same quality of coverage as a brush or a sponge, but it’ll do in a pinch.
Learn How To Apply Makeup Flawlessly
Apply the correct color of foundation for your skin with a foundation brush to ensure there are no streaks. Remember your foundation is simply the base for your makeup, so you do not need to apply either pink or yellow tones to give your skin color.
If you have acne scars or blemishes you would like to cover, using a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your skin would work the best. Green cover sticks will help you to eliminate any redness in the skin, just be sure to blend really well.
Powders are used to set our “liquids” and prime for color. If the “dewy” look does not appeal to you, translucent powders are best to use. Powder should be concentrated on the eyelids and lips to help eye shadows and lipsticks stay on longer.
Fill in eyebrows with brown or black eye shadow to prevent gaps from showing through. Using a highlighter brush, apply your light base color eye shadow all over your eyelid. With your applicator brush, apply the deeper color you have chose to wear to the fold of your eye, being sure to follow the natural contour of your eyes.
Apply eyeliner above your lash line and blend to give a soft focus to the shape of your eyes. Brown or black eyeliners are great, but using a color to compliment your eye shadow is a great idea as well. Once your eyeliner is the way you want it, you can apply your mascara. Using a back and forth zig-zag motion to ensure you cover each lash and make them appear longer.
Now you can bring a very nice glow to your cheeks by using blush. Cream blushes tend to streak and look harsh on the skin, unless you are quite skilled at applying it. Whether you choose cream, glowing blush or a matte finish blush, you will want to apply blush with a very light hand just under your cheekbones and blend well.
Using a neutral colored lip lining pencil, line your lips and blend with a q-tip. Then fill in your lips with a soft light color for day, using a lip brush. Finish with your favorite lip gloss.
How to apply makeup to go from day to night very quickly-
Apply darker eyeshadow over your day wear eye shadow. Create a smokey look by making your outer corners darker and blend.
Apply liquid eyeliner to your lash line, creating a bolder, more dramatic look. Follow up with a coat of mascara.
Darker lipstick with your favorite lip gloss over it.
That is absolutely all there is to it! That is how to apply makeup in a step by step fashion. Simple right. I hope this article has helped you.
More Than Enough Options for Stretch Mark Removal
Stretch mark removal is a widely sought goal among many who have experienced labor, excessive weight gain, or other physiological changes that have resulted in stretch marks. These marks are caused by the damage of skin tissue when it is confronted with severe changes. Puberty and weight lifting have been known to cause stretch marks, as well as the more common causes, like pregnancy and obesity. The severity of the scarring of the skin varies among individuals who wear them. Fortunately, there are plenty of options from which to choose. The options available not only offer different techniques of removal methods, they have costs that are variable enough to suit a large budget range from low to high.
The most inexpensive methods of healing the skin include lotion and creams. These, however, are also the least effective of all the options available. As with any product, some creams are much more effective than others. Although some will significantly reduce the effect nature has left on your body, the scars will remain present and visible. Most lotions and creams that are designed to remove stretch marks are generally more beneficial if they are applied while the skin is experiencing changes. This provides an opportunity for the skin to remain protected with the natural, vitalizing moisturizers being massaged in regular.
The most tried and true method of is surgery. By use of procedures like tummy tucks and skin graphs, doctors are able to erase the history of the damaged skin. Prices for surgical removal of stretch marks vary by geographical location, as well as other factors that may be specific to the patient seeking the service. Many surgeries are performed every year with minimal complications and virtually no side effects.
There are other services that do not require surgery that can also be performed in a hospital setting. While they are less expensive than surgery, they do require quite a bit more visits to the doctor to complete. Additionally, these methods are more abrasive, and require healing time between each visit. Some of the procedures of this nature include microdermabrasion and chemical peeling.
A bit more costly than the non-surgical methods of removing stretch marks are procedures that use a laser to eradicate the scarring. A laser is used to burn away the old, scarred skin. During the process of healing, new plush skin is born. Much like the other alternatives to surgery, such as chemical peeling, a patient generally needs to be seen more than once to complete the process. Laser treatment has proven to be mostly a safe procedure that is accompanied by minor or no side effects.
While costs vary on every procedure, there are normal prices ranges under which each of the procedures outlined will fall under. Multiple providers should be investigated before settling on a doctor to perform any procedure. Make sure your selected physician does not have a history of reported mal practice, and take the time to shop around to be sure you are getting the best deal for your stretch mark removal.