With Eyebrows, Go Bold

Although summer often brings similar make up trends no matter what the year, every year there are a few trends that may seem shocking at first. However, as the trends catch on they go from something that people scoff at originally, to something so common place that every woman across America does it without thinking. This fashion phenomenon is repeated year after year, and this year is no different.

Take one of the summer's most popular trends: eyebrows. Eyebrows are something that most women spend hours each year plucking, waxing, grooming, and penciling to no end. Eyebrows become an obsession for some women, and they spend time each day grooming their own eyebrows. Many women think large eyebrows are either manly or unsightly, and spend significant amounts of money getting them professionally done, and some even shave them off and use various techniques to pencil them back on in an attempt to control the way they look, and make them as shapely as possible.

Despite these previous trends, there is a new trend this summer that could very well become the next big thing in women's fashion. This new technique is known as "bold" or "defined" eyebrows. Believe it or not, there are runway models this year who are spending money getting their eyebrows filled in to appear larger or dyed so that the eyebrows appear more prominent. At first glance this new trend may seem a little too bold; however, some advocates of this new trend bring up good points about the benefits of having more defined eyebrows.

First this trend does tend to accentuate and draw attention to the woman's eyes, which is something that many women spend a lot of money doing with other makeup products. When women's eyebrows are bolder however, it ensures that people are looking at the upper portion of their face and therefore at their eyes. Second, this trend can add color to a woman's face in a way that seems more natural than using other makeup techniques. If a woman's eyebrows are a strong, bold color, people are more likely to remember the face, and think of the woman as unique. Finally, bigger eyebrows can give a woman's face a completely different look. Many women who feel that their face may appear plain or dull at first glance will be surprised how much of a difference a pair of full eyebrows can make.

Can Anyone Get Liposuction?

In some ways, it seems like liposuction should be the great equalizer: a procedure that can immediately remove fat from anyone, male or female, overweight or not, in nearly any area of the body. Unfortunately, though, the reality is a little more restrictive.

Believe it or not, not everyone is an acceptable candidate for liposuction. Some people are restricted for various health problems, while as for others, the procedure is technically possible, but perhaps ill-advised. While the effects of liposuction are permanent, the procedure itself is no guarantee against gaining weight in the future. Because of the mechanics of liposuction, the weight will not return to the area that was treated, but it will certainly go everywhere else. The overall effect can be unusual, unsightly, or even grotesque. Because of this problem, liposuction is usually not a good idea for those who are at a high risk of regaining large amounts of weight after their procedure.

Another way to guess at how well liposuction will work for you is to look at your overall level of health. If you are generally healthy, then you will probably recover quickly and well after a liposuction, eliminating the risk of serious scarring and reducing the possibility of lingering side effects, pain, and infection.

An ideal candidate for liposuction should also have healthy skin with plenty of elasticity. In general, the younger and healthier a person, the more elastic their skin. While there is no medical reason why people with inelastic skin cannot get liposuction, they will probably experience more trouble with wrinkled, drooping, or sagging skin afterward. For some people, this is unsightly enough that they say they would have preferred not get the liposuction at all.

If a person is in generally poor health, whether because of a specific medical condition or because of a combination of bad health habits, liposuction is generally not recommended. This is because liposuction is a surgery, and like all surgeries, it take a toll on the body. Those who are in poor health are much more likely to have a longer and more painful recovery period, and also more likely to experience side effects and complications.

Counter-intuitively, liposuction patients also need to be at a relatively healthy weight. Liposuction cannot remove large amounts of weight at once, so it really can't be used as a cure for obesity. Instead, it should be performed on normal, healthy people who just want a little help losing those last ten pounds.

In addition to good health, the ideal candidate does not smoke or drink, and exercises regularly. If they have ever had an adverse reaction to anesthetic or other medications, they must be sure to tell their surgeon well in advance of their procedure.

Can Liposuction Help Me With My Tummy Problem?

Liposuction is getting more and more popular in the world today, and the United States is certainly no exception. Our society today puts high importance on physical appearance for both men and women, so it's no surprise that people of both genders have been turning to surgical solution for cosmetic problems in greater and greater numbers.

Liposuction-also called lipoplasty and suction lipectomy-is leading the surge in cosmetic procedures in the Untied States. More than half of all Americans say they wish they were thinner, and the procedure of liposuction is seen to be an easy way to get there.

However, there are some common misconceptions out there about liposuction, which makes some people view at as a cure-all for obesity and all other weight-related issues, when in reality its scope is much smaller. In a liposuction procedure, the surgeon inserts small, hollow needles called cannulas into areas of excess fat and suctions the cells out of the body. It can target a number of different areas, including buttocks, thighs, abdomens, breasts, and faces.

Although liposuction is very flexible in which areas it can target, it is important for people to know that most liposuctions can only remove a limited amount of fat-typically no more than ten pounds. For some people, that's enough-they're only interested in losing a few stubborn pounds, or want to use liposuction to sculpt what fat they have into more attractive contours rather than getting rid of it entirely-but for others, especially those who are severely overweight, this limit significantly decreases the allure of the procedure. Some surgeons claim to do well, but these procedures frequently end up not producing high-quality results, and can be dangerous as well.

In addition, liposuction doesn't seem to be able to remove cellulite, which is another concern many people have about their appearance, and which is most common in fatty areas. It also can result in sagging or loose skin, especially if the person gets quite a bit of fat removed, or if they are getting older or have poor skin elasticity.

Liposuction also cannot convey the same health benefits of exercise and good nutrition. A person may be able to keep their appearance up with liposuction, but if they don't have a healthy lifestyle to go along with it, they can develop many of the same health problems that overweight people are prone to.

Finally, liposuction can only remove the fat already on a person. It's no guarantee against future weight gain. There is some evidence that if a person gets liposuction on, for example, their thighs, they will be less likely to regain weight in that spot in the future, but all that means is that the fat will be deposited somewhere else. Even worse, the person may end up looking oddly proportioned afterward, if their thighs stay relatively thin while the pounds pile up on their stomach, buttocks, and lower legs.

How to Tan Safely This Summer

Think very carefully before you jump into your garden with no sunscreen on in the hope of achieving that golden glow tan, and take into consideration the options available.

Before you even consider starting to build your tan up, it's important to make sure your skin is prepared. If your skin isn't adequately primed, you have a higher risk of sunburn (which in turn leads to more serious damage), uneven tan patches, and dry skin; making the whole process a waste of time! With beauty treatments on the rise, it's easier than ever to make sure you take the first step to a great, safe tan - by getting a full-body scrub. Having a professional body scrub will ensure your skin is exfoliated, meaning dead skin is removed and makes way for new cells, leaving your skin a blank canvas for your tan. Combining this with regular moisturising will help your skin prepare itself for the sun.

After you've treated your skin to some rejuvenation, you can take the next step. A spray tan is a great in-between from pasty skin to a healthy glow, and is as easy as visiting your local beauty salon. Getting a pre-holiday spray tan means you can spend your first day of your holiday already looking fantastic and enjoying yourself, instead of feeling the need to spend hours getting your tan started. Even if you aren't going abroad, a spray-tan is still the best way to get a glow this summer when sunbeds have increasingly high risks of lasting health problems, and at the end of the day, it gives you an excuse to visit a salon and enjoy the beauty treatments taken such as the scrub.

If you are completely against getting a tan the non-traditional way, at least make sure you protect yourself with the right sunscreen. After all, letting yourself have a bit of sun does have its benefits, such as supplying your body with vitamin D. Always make sure you use at least a factor 15 sunscreen when sunbathing, but do make sure you tailor your factor to your own skin type. The best rule to avoid future skin issues is to avoid the midday sun, and make sure to move when you feel yourself getting too warm. Sunburn is painful, dangerous and not at all worth spending an extra few minutes in the sun. So if you are spending time under the sun's rays this summer, make sure you prepare, stay safe, and keep your skin hydrated.

Style Icons and Their Hair Styles

If there's one perk of being a celebrity, it's that you never ever get a bad hair day! Or so it seems.

But it's true, isn't it? It's one thing to admire and copy your idol's clothes. It's quite another thing to copy their hair. How in the world do they make their hair fall so gracefully as that? How do they keep those locks unfrizzy and shiny and always in place?

Here are a few secrets of the top hairstyle icons of our time.

Hairstyle Icon #1: Jennifer Aniston

Remember the days when we all wanted "Rachel hair" - those gorgeous locks worn on Friends by Rachel, whom Jennifer Aniston played?

It's not impossible. But first, the bad news: Jennifer's stylist Chris McMillan reveals that - unfortunately for us - Jen actually has really good hair to begin with. "It goes curly really easily if you scrunch it, and if you blow-dry it straight, it stays straight but with body."

Thanks for rubbing it in, Chris.

But perhaps one of the reasons she's got good hair is because she treats it right. Chris reveals that Jennifer shampoos and conditions her hair every day, and she never rips through it with a brush right out of the shower. Whenever she can, she lets it dry on its own.

To keep everything looking clean and neat and perfectly tailored, Jen gets her hair trimmed every six weeks.

And the reason why Jen's hair looks like a curling iron never touched it? That's because a curling iron really never has touched it. She's fortunate to have a stylist who can teach her how to work with the natural texture of her hair so that she looks good using just the right kind of brush.

Maybe that's a trick you can ask your stylist to teach you too: how to work with your hair's natural texture rather than fighting it to the ends of the earth. Then maybe your locks can look as eternally good as Jennifer Aniston's!

Hairstyle Icon #2: Victoria Beckham

When it comes to gorgeous-looking short hair, few can beat Victoria Beckham's. Remember that posh bob? The guy who did that was Ben Cooke, and he's got a few tips on how you can get your short hair to look like Victoria Beckhams.

"The key," he said, "is to have freshly washed hair. If you are having a bad hair day, it's often quicker to start again with a quick wash. You get much better results with clean hair."

He also explained that while the main reason celebs hair looks so great all the time is because they always have a team of professionals looking after them, there are a few things we ordinary mortals can do like the celebs.

"Caring for your hair is essential - deep moisturising treatments should be done at least once a week," he said.

You would be happy to know that Victoria does blow dry her hair. Cooke, however, warns against doing it too often. Heat is very damaging to hair, he explained. "Hair becomes very brittle and dry, losing its shine and luster."

Buying The Right Sunscreen For Your Face

There is no denying the fact that sunscreen is necessary. We need it for all parts of our body but none more important then for our face.

With proper facial skin care, we not only lower the chances of skin cancer but we also improve the look and texture. If you want a great way to prevent premature aging, skin and putting off wrinkles as long as possible then learn how to treat your face.

Protection from the sun and the two types of ultraviolet radiation that causes so much damage has led to huge advances in products that can protect you. It is important to get protection for UVA and UVB, which both can do extreme damage to unprotected skin.

When purchasing a sunscreen for your face make sure it contains physical and chemical attributes. Physical ones are less irritating because they just reflect or block out some of the sunrays, whereas chemical ones absorb the ultraviolet rays. Today most major brands work on both and are called broad-spectrum sunscreens.

The SPF (sun protection factor) was set up to inform people the length of time to the suns exposure it covers. For example, a SPF 25 suggests 25 times longer you can be exposed to the sun before the harmful effects begin.

There are many products to choose from, depending what you are looking for and what skin type you have.

Listed below are examples of different sunscreens

1. UV Physical SPF 41 that uses natural sun blocking properties like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide both protect you for UVA and UVB sunrays. Look for ones that are oil, fragrance and paraben-free, they will absorb quickly into your skin and offer water resistance. Women should look for a transparent finish product that also can be used under makeup.

2. Always choose a product that is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. This takes the guessing if it will work or not for your particular type. Antioxidants fight damage caused by pollution in the environment and free radicals, allowing you to maintain a healthy complexion.

3. Choose at strong SPF to eliminate any chance of sunburn, which is the number one cause of wrinkles and premature aging for your face.

There are new products being introduced on the market that are in powder form. They are lightweight, clear and long lasting with a SPF of 30. Free of any dyes, chemicals, odors or colorants these brush on mineral formulas are perfect for men, women, children and anyone who suffers from skin diseases like eczema or rosacea. These are new products with FDA approval and the Skin Cancer Foundation gives them their seal of recommendation.

The powder is very easy to apply and comes in different shades. It is easy to take anywhere and you can apply it on top of your makeup if you find yourself unexpectedly in a sunny location.

Applying Eyelash Extensions For The First Time

Growing up with two older sisters meant I was always amazed when they put on their make-up and dressed up to go out on the town. Once they had left I used to grab their eye make-up and lipstick, pretending I was also getting ready to go out. Looking back on that time I'm sure they wouldn't have been bright if they knew I was borrowing their make-up and pretending to be them.

These days I purchase my own mascara, eye shadow and lipstick as well as anything else I want in the cosmetic line. My eyes had enough beam but my eyelashes didn't have enough length or volume and mascara wouldn't even expand them so I started browsing the world wide web to explore eyelash extensions in order to expand my eyes and make them look sexy and charming. Once I learned about eyelash extensions I knew it was the result for me.

I contacted a business on the internet and set an appointment to meet with a professional advisor. I had no idea that the eyelash extensions were positioned one at a time on the existing eyelashes. I couldn't quite figure out how they would stick but after the conference it all made sense. The extensions can range from a natural rejuvenated look to more glamorous or even colored lashes with jewelry built-in into the new lashes.

My visit to the professional advisor was very reassuring, she advised me of the best length and curl which would suit the shape of my eyes, so I took heed of her help. After about an hour and a half my new eyelashes were in place and when I opened my eyes I couldn't believe it was me in the mirror. My eyes looked spectacular, natural but glamorous.

They advised me that a few of the new lashes may drop out in the first day or so until the adhesive set and they recommended touch-ups every two to three weeks. I could still wear make-up but had to be very certain it was oil-free because any type of oil would damage the adhesive. Mascara wasn't required but if I did want to use some it was feasible to wear it on the tips of the lashes.

My expert instructed me to avoid direct contact with water for the first day until the glue had set. After that it was fine for me to swim or shower. Eyelash curlers unmistakably had to be avoided because they would crease or break the eyelash extension. When I go out on the town now, folks often do a double take, I feel more confident with the way I look, having more offers than ever before from young men asking me to dance and party.

How to Make a Homemade Hair Treatment

Making a hair care product at home is easy and more effective than those commercially available. It is devoid of any harsh chemicals, strong dyes and artificial essence. It is economical yet effective and easy to prepare. It does not require specific tools or containers.

Given here are some homemade treatments for hair:

Egg yolk and yogurt

This combination works great to increase the luster of the hair, making it softer to touch. Take one egg yolk and mix well in plain, unflavored yogurt. Apply on the scalp and wash thoroughly with clean tap water after an hour or when it completely dries.

Honey

When mixed with egg, it becomes a wonderful remedy to increase hair growth. Those with thin hair can get a great benefit from using this mixture to get long healthy hair.

Honey, almond oil and conditioner

These ingredients can be blended together to make a solution to treat dry hair. Apply all over hair, let it stay for 20 minutes and then rinse off. It will help get rid of frizz.

Yogurt and brown sugar

In a carefully proportional blend, these two work well for thin hair. Take half cup of plain fresh yogurt, (not frozen or flavored), add one teaspoon of brown sugar into it. Apply all over the scalp area gently. Wash after one to two hours. A hair fall problem can also be treated with this.

Soybean and olive oil

These are both highly nourishing for hair. The best way to use such oils is to combine these together in equal amount. Warm over a moderate flame taking care it does not burn or simmer. Remove from stove and massage vigorously in hair roots. Let it remain there for several hours, preferably overnight. Wash next morning with a highly quality shampoo. To make it more effective use this treatment at least once a week.

Protein hair treatment

It is ideal for dry brittle hair. It makes it shiny, strong, healthy and smooth. Making such a remedy is quite simple. All you need to do is combine these five ingredients in a clean dry bowl:

• 2 eggs
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 Tbsp. coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

Mix these well with the help of a fork. Apply over hair. Rinse after an hour with warm water. The protein in coconut milk and eggs will strengthen hair strand. Honey adds shine. Vanilla extract and olive oil are carrier agents, which make this formula more effective. Experts recommend using it every week for at least one month. After that, it can be used once in a month for a longer time.

The best method to apply the protein mixture is to massage in the roots of hair and moving down to the tip. The cuticle absorbs protein in almost 30 minutes, so make sure to let it stay longer.

Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar

These are well-known for adding gloss to hair. Add a little water into the mixture to reduce its strong effects that can be damaging sometimes.

Always consult and experienced person, who has been trying or observing the long-term effects of any home remedy. In case of a disease, don't try any treatment on your own, unless doctor approves it.

How to Make Your Own Organic Face Masks and Natural Beauty Products Without Harmful Ingredients

Beauty, as we all know, is more than skin deep. So too are some of the chemicals that penetrate our skin when we use commercial beauty products. To avoid having chemicals from beauty products being absorbed by your skin your face, you can create your own set of cosmetics. Not only will it save you from harmful substances and preservatives, it will also save you a lot of money since you have the advantage of picking out what goes in the products. You will have the chance of eliminating contents which can cause possible skin irritation which can be harmful to you. These natural face masks ideas are a lot better not only to you but for the environment as well than compared to chemical-based cosmetics.

Natural facial masks are made out from ingredients readily available in the market. You can pick from the wide selection of fruits, vegetables and your everyday produce such as live yoghurt, fresh strawberries, oats, cucumber and honey.

Nourishing Avocado Facial Mask

To make your own natural facial masks treatment, you can mash a half of ripe avocado. Since this fruit contains vitamins A and E, avocado facial mask is best intended for dry skin. You can use it as often as you want or as long as you feel that your skin needs a dash of nourishment and some extra glow.

Oats, Honey and Yoghurt

Porridge oats are best used to exfoliate and cleanse the skin. The porridge oats can be used as facial treatment and body scrub which you can mix with yoghurt and honey for natural face masks. It is suitable for any type of skin since honey has a content that softens and disinfects while unsweetened live yoghurt makes the skin soft. These natural face masks are recommended for those with oily skin.

Taking Care of Oily Skin Using Strawberries

If you happen to have large pores and oily skin, you can use strawberries as astringents. They are not as expensive especially during the summer season where they are readily available. You can mash fresh strawberries to treat your skin.

Cucumber Cooling Facial Treatment

Cucumber mask is the easiest among the wide variety of natural face masks. You can start by cutting several slices thinly from a fresh cucumber and put them above shut eyes and all over the face.

The procedures are all the same even if you opt to use avocados, strawberries or oats. You can start by preparing the fresh ingredients and applying the mixture on to your face and leave it about for 10 minutes. However, to avoid irritation, you can try the mixture on a smaller part of your skin and see if it reacts. Don't put the mixture directly to your eyes to avoid irritation except of course for the cucumber slices since they can be placed on top of shut eyes. After applying, you can remove the natural face masks and moisturize or wipe off using a toner.

The Natural Black Hair Revolution Is Here!

Calling all Black women! Calling all Black women! Join the Natural Black Hair Revolution now! You no longer have to hide your glory under wigs and weaves or mutilate it with creamy crack! Calling all Black women! Calling all Black women! The time to free yourself is now! Free yourself from the stigma that says our hair isn't as manageable, versatile or beautiful as anyone else's!

Sistas, take off those wigs and cut out that weave. Throw out the creamy crack (perm) and put down the flat iron! The science for natural African hair care is upon us and in full affect. Unlike the not too distant past, the knowledge and information concerning the maintenance, care and upkeep for natural hair is everywhere, in fact, many natural African hair care lines have gone commercial. We now have no excuse for hiding under wigs and weaves, because we don't "know how to deal with our hair" or worse, we think "other" hair textures are more beautiful than our own.

The notion that Black hair doesn't grow or that its unmanageable is a fallacy. Granted, there's no faster hair care than just throwing a wig on, but where is the pride in that? Why do we want to continue to announce to the world that we don't think we look good unless we are wearing the White woman look? If we continue to buy into what the world thinks of us then we will continue to pass on the legacy of self hatred to our future generations, its as simple as that. Granted, fake hair isn't the only manifestation of self hatred in the Black community, but it is certainly a strong example. We've been protesting and marching for damn near 100 years for the world to grant us equal footing in all aspects of life, isn't it time we attribute the same fairness to the hair that grows out of our head? Indeed, the stigma that society has placed on the Black female characteristic is deep rooted and goes back centuries, but is time for sistas to step into the 21st century and FREE OURSELVES!

Truth be told, transitioning from chemically treated hair, wigs and weaves is the BIGGEST step. If you've never worn your hair natural and don't know anyone that wears their hair naturally, you may be wondering how in the world do you make the change. My advice is to first get educated. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of YouTube videos of sistas demonstrating natural African hair care. There are also many excellent websites and blogs like CurlyNikki that are the best guides you could ask for on natural care.

The second step would be to just stop creamy crackin' (perming)! Let your new growth come in. Some sistas decide to go all in and BC (Big Chop) their permed hair right away and rock a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro). Others would prefer to have more length before they cut off their perm and continue wearing a wig or weave. I would suggest however, if you are going to wear a weave while you transition, get the old school weave where your hair is corn rowed first and then the weave is sewn in. Just make sure your beautician doesn't pull the thread too tight and maintain a weekly deep conditioning regiment. Its also good to transition with braids. Simple box braid styles are easy to care for and help you maintain a professional look at work. Again, however, if you use synthetic hair, make sure its not braided too tight, deep condition regularly and don't keep them in longer than one month.

Natural African hair care is actually pretty straight forward, moisturize, moisturize and moisturize. Although there are many retail products out there, we can actually care for our hair pretty well with everyday household items or things we might find in the kitchen. For instance, I use coconut and olive oil to give myself a hot oil treatment before I co-wash (wash w/ conditioner). My hair loves coconut and olive oil and reveals beautiful, soft and shiny curls from a two-strand twist out. Many natural African hair conditioning methods contain other household items such as, avocado, castor oil, Shea butter or honey. Add one leave in conditioner and you can create your own deep conditioning regiment.

One very key thing to remember as you are becoming the natural you, keep the heat to a very low minimum. Nothing breaks off our hair like heat. If you want to wear a blow out, make sure you only do it once a month and that may even be a bit much. As well, dust (trim) your hair RELIGIOUSLY every eight weeks. The key word here is dust, don't give yourself a haircut, just trim enough off to get most of your crunchy ends.

In order for the world to respect us, we must first love and respect ourselves, as we are. Yes, YOU ARE YOUR HAIR! We are Black women. We are our color, our lips and our hips! If we weren't we would be someone else. It is up to us to conquer that fear and stigma, no one else can do it for us. If we don't stop wearing the stigma, then the stigma remains.

This is my first blog on natural African hair care and there's much more to come. You don't have to go it alone, there is so much information on the Internet, in the blogosphere and in the community, I don't know why every sista isn't natural. Black hair is beautiful and Black women are beautiful when we wear our hair naturally. Now go 'head and Grow Your Natural!

Penned by Shannon Rose

I've been wearing my hair naturally since 1993, so I've decided to add my voice to the Natural Black Hair Revolution. I've been through just about every stage, from permed, locked, TWA, braids, Afro to curly. I have a lot of advice and tricks up my sleeve that I feel may help Black women who are beginning to transition and those who are just thinking about it. My personal blog on the subject can be found

Hair Oil Secrets: 5 Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can be used inside and out as it is edible. In fact, in many tropical lands around the world, it is a staple of the diets of millions of people. It has a host of uses in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, and many other industries. It can be used for cooking at high temperatures like with frying. It can last up to two years due to high saturated fat. Here are five great uses for this great hair oil.

1. Deep Conditioning - Unlike other hair oils that remain on the surface of the hair, coconut oil penetrates three times more than any other. Contrast this with Olive oil which can only penetrate up to 25 percent% into the hair shaft, while coconut oil can penetrate 90 percent. Both hair oils are beneficial in maintaining hair health, but in different ways.


2. Reduce Hair Loss - Studies show that the continuous use of coconut oil could reduce hair loss by as much as 50 percent. Apply it warm on the roots and tips. For best results, leave overnight and then shampoo in the morning. It also strengthens hair follicles. It is beneficial in thickening hair and in helping to make hair curly and full.


3. Stress Relief - Stress can be a silent killer for women. Combating stress should be an integral part of a woman's health regiment. When you use coconut oil, it is very soothing on your scalp and therefore can help in removing stress. Applying it on your scalp while massaging gently helps in calming nerves and combating mental fatigue. The last time I used coconut oil for a scalp massage, it felt exhilarating. I felt it from top of my head all the way down into my toes! This is one of my favorite massage oils.


4. Skin Care - Coconut oil is excellent massage oil for the rest of the body too. It has the same benefits on the skin as mineral oil while reducing the risk of having any adverse side effects on the skin. It also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.


5. Weight Loss - Coconut oil is very useful in reducing weight. It contains beneficial acids that help in losing weight. It is easy to digest and it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems. Further, it increases the body metabolism by removing stress on pancreases, thereby burning more energy and helping women of all ages shed pounds.

Hey, everyone! My name is Nina and I'd like to welcome you! I am a cosmetologist, style consultant, makeup artist and beauty specialist. I've been doing hair and makeup for over twenty years and finally made the commitment to follow my passion professionally.

Hair Care Tips - How to Help Your Hair Grow Fast

When meeting others the first thing they notice about you is your hair. The most important part of your beauty routine is your hair and how you take care of it. People notice its style, thickness, length, texture, health and beauty. Beautiful, healthy long hair adds to your personality and gives you confidence.

Selecting the proper shampoo can be a challenge. The selected shampoo depends on the type of hair you have and the results you expect to achieve. Most shampoos work as part of a team that includes a conditioner, making the selection process even more important. Shampoo and conditioner combinations made of essential all natural ingredients need to be your first choice and must complement each other.

Shampoos are meant to remove dirt, oils and daily environmental build up, while conditioners add shine, protect hair from drying out, add moisture and allow for easier management. There are dozens of brands that will achieve these requirements and there are others that will go a step further and assist in the growth of your hair.

Some women (and men) have hair that is slow growing, causing them to wait after a hair cut before having it styled. In these cases the shampoo/conditioner combination they are looking for should supercharge their hair's growth while leaving it clean and manageable. The proper shampoo/conditioner should be a natural blend of hair growth herbs and amino acids, and be the ultimate in quick healthy growing hair.

The proper hair growth shampoo/conditioner combination will not have you waiting months for slow growing hair to grow out. They will allow for optimum penetration by providing a deep cleansing, scalp stimulating shampoo and an amino rich conditioner that work together to increase the hair's growth. They must work safely together to infuse the hair with all the requirements to stimulate and maintain a hyper-accelerated rate of growth.

The best combination for hair growth acceleration is FAST Shampoo and FAST Conditioner. When used together, these products offer an accelerated hair growth rate that is 45% faster than normal growth rates. Growing long hair is a commitment that is a serious undertaking, but the results can be fantastic. Fifty percent of test subjects using these products noticed their hair growth rate increased after 45 days of daily use. These products will not replace lost or thinning hair, they are a way to make healthy hair grow longer, stronger, faster.

How to Purchase Wholesale Beads for Jewelry Making

In recent years, jewelry making enjoys great popularity among people, especially young women, for it can show their individuality, taste, imagination and creation. It becomes a fashionable activity for many people, and gets exceptional fame and acceptance all through the world. People can use various beads, such as, Pandora beads, rhinestone beads, gemstone beads, crystal glass beads, and other jewelry making supplies to create unique jewelry.

The most important aspect to make your own jewelry is the beads, which is the essential part of jewelry making supplies. There are thousands of different beads to choose from and many places to purchase. If you want to seek out cheap beads to save your money, you should keep the following tips in mind.

Firstly, it is wise to buy beads in bulk. When buying beads or other jewelry suppliers, you can purchase them in larger quantities, which can help you to save a considerable amount of money. There are many websites offer discount beads for bulk purchases, but you need to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable one. You can choose a company according to its reviews and feedback. Wholesale beads should be purchased only from reputed online stores which possess a safe checkout, and then you will be able to ensure the safety of the deal.

Secondly, you need to inspect the beads and emphasize the quality. Simply because an item is very cheap doesn't mean you really have to buy it. Usually, when a product is selling at a quite cheap price, you need to doubt whether it is poorly manufactured. You need be careful, and do not buy beads which could be broken, clipped or scratched. When preparing to make your own jewelry, definitely you need to purchase beads which are lengthy lasting, durable and would not lose their shine and shade. Or it is impossible for you to make exquisite and intriguing jewelry.

Thirdly, you need have a clear conception of wholesale. When speak of buying wholesale beads online, we are talking about wholesalers who sell at wholesale prices and does not need a resale license to complete a purchase. And a wholesale price usually means that you're getting the best possible price for a specific quantity. The price usually decreases as your quantity purchased increases.

Beside the above tips, there are many other things you should draw attention to. Such as, using advanced search and price comparison tool in the website; reading carefully about the shipping policy, private security, etc.

An Alternative Take on Girl's Night Out

Instead of hitting the clubs or going out to a casual dinner, why not enjoy a spa party with your best girlfriends? It's fun, relaxing, and it's a step away from the usual night outs that usually end in bad hangovers. Studies have shown that regular detoxifying treatments like massages and aroma therapy can greatly increase mental alertness and lessen risks of stress-induced ailments like respiratory problems, chronic muscular pain, hypertension, and insomnia. So if you're planning for a simple party with the girls, why not take the party to the spa?

There are numerous spa and health clubs in the Tampa area and shopping for one that offers group packages should be easy to do with the convenience of the Internet. Spa parties can be comprised of an array of soothing treatments-from facials to foot spas; from manicures to full-body massages. Some offers even come with drinks and snacks that everyone can enjoy while sitting in the hot tub. There are even places that allow you to choose the combination of treatments for your spa day. Here's a list of popular choices:

Massage Therapy

This is basically a staple for any spa party. The question is what type of massage will you avail of? There are numerous choices. Swedish massage is popular among newbies. It aims to soothe and relax. A deep tissue massage is more intense and directly addresses muscular pain. Reflexology and foot massage are known to treat internal ailments like indigestion and constant headaches. An emerging popular choice is the hot stone massage where special stones are positioned along the spine to relieve it of tension and loosen surrounding muscles.

Choose a large room for your group and enjoy getting massage therapy together. Some massage therapy treatments may also come with seaweed wraps or salt scrubs. Again, it all depends on what the place is offering. Just make sure you choose a spa registered in Tampa.

Facials

This treatment can range from simple cleansing to anti-aging. There are also facial treatments that promote the production of collagen to rejuvenate dull skin. Microdermabrasion is one option for ladies who want to lessen the appearance of scars and fine lines. Acne facials are self-explanatory but there is also such a thing as back facial where bumps and pimples are taken care of. Chemical peels aim to help resurface younger looking skin while dry and dead cells are scrubbed away.

Manicuresand Pedicures

Perk up your fingers and toes with special nail care treatments like Paraffin wraps and foot spas. Remember that the hands and feet get more abuse than most parts of our bodies and occasional treats like pedicures and manicures will not only make them look better but these treats will make nails healthier. Brittle nails may be a sign of dry cuticles. There are manicures that specifically cater to such conditions.

Look for spa packages that are available even at night. Look for a Tampa spa that can provide flexible deals for you and your girls for a truly relaxing and unconventional night out.

Myths and Facts About Hair Color Products!

In this fashion conscious world, there is hardly any woman who hasn't tried using hair color products. Even if not to keep up with the emerging trends, nearly every one of you would have resorted to these products at least to cover your grey hair. The popularity of these styling products increases and so do the myths woven around them. Let's try and bust a few of these hair color myths!

Myth 1: Both temporary and permanent hair colors contribute to split ends and hair breakage.

Fact: Of course, hair color products suck up the moisture in your hair leaving it dry. However, these styling products cannot be completely blamed for even UV rays can make your hair dry. Blow drying also dries up your hair, ultimately leading to split ends. The perfect solution to offer your hair good thermal protection is to opt for heat protection sprays.

Myth 2: Hair color tends to fade away quickly during summer than other seasons.

Fact: Not really! Whatever season it maybe, exposure to sun's rays will fade away the color. The best way to protect the color is to get color protection products that contain vitamins A, C and E.

Myth 3: Color protection products do not always prove to be effective.

Fact: Remember that your colored tresses definitely deserve some extra attention. Specifically designed to offer color protection, these products help keep the color from fading away. These products will also moisturize your hair apart from ensuring that the color does not fade away quickly.

Myth 4: All types of coloring can be done at home.

Fact: Simple coloring can be conveniently done at your home. However, hair color highlights definitely require professional help. Of course, if you think you are a pro at coloring for yourself, then go ahead and do it. However, women with a sensitive skin or scalp can go to a salon if you want to avoid allergic issues. Also, when you have done serious mistake in terms of coloring, then it's always safe to go to a salon to get it fixed. Remember that applying color over another can mess up with your looks.

Myth 5: It is unsafe to use coloring products during pregnancy.

Fact: Temporary hair colors, which are free of ammonia or peroxide are safe on pregnant women. Even color highlights can be used as they will not touch your scalp.

With all the major myths busted, don't you want to stay in tune with the latest color trends?

At Shopeasy Cosmetics, you can browse through an extensive selection of makeup cosmetics for women.

Skin Care: Exfoliation Tips

Exfoliation is a commonly used word, but do you commonly use it in your beauty regimen? Many don't know the reasons for exfoliating, let alone the proper techniques. Let's examine what it really means to exfoliate so you can start working on the newer, fresher you!

About Exfoliation

Dating back to the ancient Egyptians, who are credited with the development of exfoliation, this cleansing practice has been used for centuries to provide glowing skin. Exfoliating is the process of removing the dead, upper layers of skin to reveal the new, clean cells (referred to as the dermis) that lie beneath the surface. Exfoliating can help treat dry and oily skin alike, as well as acne problems. When the imperfect top layers of skin are removed, the underlying dermis is able to breathe, resulting in a more youthful, flawless appearance.

Exfoliating Methods

To achieve beautiful, radiant skin, there are three forms of exfoliation: mechanical, chemical, and hair removal.

Mechanical exfoliation is performed by scrubbing the skin with a rough surface, such as sugar, salt crystals, a luffa or a microfiber cloth. Many skin care products are available for mechanical exfoliation, from body polishes such as Clarisonic Refining Skin Polish or Kai Perfume Body Buffer, to exfoliating facial masks such as those offered by Patyka. For a more rigorous scrub, consider microdermabrasion, which suctions away dead layers of skin.

Chemical exfoliation, often referred to as a chemical peel, is generally performed in a professional setting, although over-the-counter options are available. In this process, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing the dead skin to peel off.

Hair removal is the third form of exfoliation. Waxing, shaving and chemical removal (using products such as Nair) get rid of old skin cells as well as unwanted hair.

Exfoliation Tips

While many people associate exfoliation with the face, it's important to focus on the entire body. Start with the bottom of your feet and work your way up, finishing with the face. Although you probably exfoliate your body on a daily basis, it's best to avoid too much exfoliation of your face because the skin is much more sensitive. It is advisable that you test different frequencies and methods of facial exfoliation to determine what is right for you.

Follow these exfoliation tips for optimal results:

- Do get into a normal routine, be it a few times a week or daily. Don't overdo it, because too much exfoliation can be rough on the skin and cause redness.

- Do use a cleansing product that also provides exfoliation, such as the Kai Perfume Body Buffer.

- Don't wash your face before you exfoliate; it's better to cleanse after removing dead skin cells.

- Do use scrubs, such as Clarisonic Skin Polish, to help remove dead skin cells all over your body.

- Don't use scrubs containing large granules on your face, as they can be overly abrasive.

- Do consider hair removal as a form of exfoliation. Don't use a wax and a scrub at the same time, which will result in over

Facial Toner - Is It a Time Machine in a Bottle?

A facial toner may, for the uninitiated, sound like something that you should be doing down at the gym - doing facial exercises is actually a good idea - but this is something that you're going to find far less stressful to do, and you're probably going to enjoy it a lot more, too.

Isn't it awful looking into a mirror and wondering who the old person is, looking back at you? You start off the day all bright and cheery, well, maybe not, but your mood sinks as soon as you get to the mirror, and realize that time has sneaked up on you during the night and run off with another year's worth of your youthful looks; it wouldn't be quite so bad, if you didn't seem to think the same thing each day, right?

The thing is a good facial toner is going to give you back the healthy skin that you once had, and it will look like the years are falling off at night, not piling on. So how does this little miracle of the beauty industry give you the facial skin care that's going to make you look, and feel so much younger?

When you cleanse your face, do you ever feel that the cleanser has left some residue behind, and putting moisturizer directly on top of this residue means that you aren't going to get the full benefit of the moisturizer? If you have, you're right, and that's one of the jobs that a facial toner does to make sure that your - often expensive - moisturizer can do the job that's required to give you the healthy skin that you want.

Of course, your facial toner will remove other things, too. Is there really any point in washing your face if you're going to leave behind dead skin cells, traces of dirt, make up, and an excess of oil? Not only does it clean these impurities from the surface of your skin, it will also remove them from your pores.

Anyone who has suffered from acne will know how important cleaning out your pores is; but there's more to it than just that. With your pores unblocked you'll have healthier looking skin. Fine lines and wrinkles will begin to fade, and your skins hydration will be better than it has been in years.

It makes it sound like you've hardly washed at all, doesn't it? Well those are the sorts of things that your moisturizer is going to have to combat before even trying to work its facial skin care magic. So, can you see how a facial toner is an important middle step between cleansing and moisturizing?

Naturally a good facial toner is going to do more than just remove the day's or night's debris from your face; it also helps to balance the pH, and that's essential for the products that you choose to use after the toner, and is a good way on its own to help towards facial skin care.

When you do choose your facial skin care products, it's best to go for natural ingredients in your facial toner. Some will contain alcohol, which may be a problem if you have sensitive skin, and others may have astringents that could strip away far too much of the natural oils on your face. It's a fine balancing act if you're going to pick a facial skin care system that's chemical based; but not so with a system that uses natural ingredients.

3 Essential Benefit Face Powders to Die For

Benefit Cosmetics is one of the leading brands of make up products gaining ever increasing popularity with women across America and UK. It is also being noticed by clever marketing by young ladies across Europe. The benefits range of products is extensive but I am going to inform you of 3 of several amongst their popular range of face powders and primers.

Let us take a look at the first of the range which is Benefit 10 Bronzing & Highlighting Face Powder Duo face make up powder. The box is contents include a soft bristle brush with a two tone shimmery pink and brown face powder as well instructions on how to apply the two tones with the brush. The instructions also describe how to load the brush evenly and then the movement in which to apply the powder, avoiding excessive application. Once you are comfortable with how to mix and apply then you will notice the looks and comments you get from friends and onlookers.

Now let us look at Benefit Coralista face powder. This is a shimmering warm coral pink shade that is generally perfect for every face. The Coralista box comes with a soft bristle brush as well as the blusher. The powder is well compacted and will last for a long time. So don't let the price deter you from carrying this in your handbag. This is an amazingly gorgeous and beautifully perfect coral face makeup powder. This blusher is ideal for achieving a natural glow. This is not just a summer bronzer but can be used throughout the seasons to give you that warm glow.

Benefit Dallas works perfectly well with faces that have pink undertones because it is a bright pink blusher. The box comes with application brush, white soft bristles with a wooden style holder. Although, a little fiddly to hold the brush and swirl it in the small box, you will soon get used to this and will be glowing with pinkish. By the way the box design is perfect. So, don not be overly concerned here. Just apply the Dallas blusher lightly to get the natural healthy looking glow.

Benefit has lots and lots of make up products for the eyes lashes and face. The 10 Face powder as well as Coralista and Dallas blusher bronzers are amongst the popular and well like products. One thing applicable to all three powders is that the boxes are identical size and carry approximately the same amount of compacted powder in a square metallic base container held within the box. Each box comes with the applicator and the 10 comes with instructions.