Wednesday, April 18, 2012

A Quick Guide to Allergy Relief

Don’t let your seasonal sniffles keep you down. Learn the best ways to treat them.


The Facts
What is a seasonal allergy?
It’s an inflammatory reaction to something in the environment that causes unpleasant symptoms, such as sniffles, sneezes, and swollen sinuses. If you’re predisposed to allergies, the first time your system deems a compound (such as pollen) to be potentially dangerous, your body mass-produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E, or IgE. IgE attaches to mast cells, which are concentrated in the nose, the eyes, and the lungs and which many experts believe help protect the body from invaders. When the allergen returns, IgE latches onto it, signaling the mast cells to release histamines, chemicals that make you sneeze or cause your eyes to tear and itch.


How do you develop allergies?
There’s a genetic component to most allergies. If one of your parents has them, there’s an almost 50 percent chance that you will, too. It takes repeated exposure for allergies to develop fully, so several seasons might pass before a condition like hay fever sets in―which is why most kids don’t develop allergies until they’re 4 or 5. Seasonal allergies continue to develop throughout life. “New allergies can occur in any decade, but generally they tend to peak at around age 20,” says Linda Cox, an allergist and assistant clinical professor at the Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.


When do seasonal allergies strike?
The season typically begins in early spring, when trees, including oak, cedar, elm, birch, ash, maple, and walnut, start to pollinate. Grasses, such as timothy, Bermuda, orchard, and some bluegrasses, germinate in late spring and early summer. Weeds, like sagebrush, tumbleweed, and ragweed―by far the most prevalent seasonal allergen, affecting 75 percent of sufferers―kick in during late summer and early fall. (Goldenrod, often confused with ragweed, is sometimes blamed for allergy symptoms, but it actually produces sticky, nonairborne pollen.) Many people think that if they can just make it to fall, they’re in the clear. Unfortunately for some, moldy leaves, an often overlooked allergen, can extend symptoms almost until winter.

There’s good news for flower lovers, though. “Regardless of what you see on TV, you’re never going to have a strong allergic reaction to a bunch of roses,” says New York City ear, nose, and throat physician Jordan S. Josephson. People don’t have allergies to actual flowers. If you find yourself sneezing after a flower delivery, it’s probably due to grasses, ferns, or molds in the soil or the bouquet.


Diagnosis and Treatment
How do you find out whether you’re allergic and what you’re allergic to?
A seasonal allergy can feel like a cold, with symptoms such as chronic congestion, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. But allergies produce a thinner nasal discharge, won’t prompt a fever, are 14 times more likely than colds to trigger a migraine headache, and tend to last longer. If you’ve been sniffling for weeks on end, it’s probably time to get tested.

Luckily, that part is simple. The skin-prick test is the most common. A doctor introduces a number of allergens, sometimes as many as 60, by quickly pricking the patient’s arm or back. If redness, itching, or swelling occurs within 15 minutes, there’s an allergy match. “The process is so superficial, it’s quite painless,” says Cox. Alternatively, or if that test is inconclusive, a doctor might try a more sensitive intradermal shot, which injects allergens deeper below the skin.


What are the most effective treatments available?
Don’t be stoic. It’s important to seek relief from your symptoms, because without treatment, allergies may worsen over time. Allergic reactions can spread deep into the lungs, putting you at an increased risk for asthma. In fact, up to 40 percent of long-term allergy sufferers also have asthma. Another 40 percent will develop sinusitis, an infection of the sinuses.

For mild to moderate allergies, drugs―some prescription, some over-the-counter―are usually enough. All work similarly, by trying to stop a reaction in its tracks. “The earlier you hit the medicine cabinet, the better your results,” says Daniel Ein, an allergist at George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. You might want to take something before going outside, or consistently treat yourself before the start of the season.


Antihistamines
They prevent cells in the body from releasing histamines, which trigger the coldlike symptoms. Oral over-the-counter options are often combined with a decongestant (generally tagged with a D) for more relief.
Pros: Treat throat and nasal itching, watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Newer brands, like Claritin and Allegra, claim not to cause drowsiness.
Cons: Alone, they won’t help congestion or inflammation. Some brands can cause drowsiness.


Nasal Corticosteroids
Stronger than antihistamines, these prescription sprays, like Flonase, block inflammation and have been shown in some clinical studies to be the most effective remedy for allergy symptoms. (An oral version is available for extreme cases.)
Pros: Very effective at treating congestion.
Cons: May take a week or so to bring noticeable improvement. There’s also a higher risk of mild side effects―including nosebleeds, irritation, and a burning sensation―than with other allergy medications.


Decongestants
Nonprescription and fast acting, decongestants are available orally or as a nasal spray. They work by constricting blood vessels, which in turn reduces the amount of fluid leaked from the nose.
Pros: Instant relief from congestion.
Cons: Duration is temporary. While the nasal sprays, such as Afrin, act faster than oral alternatives, like Sudafed, most doctors discourage their use for more than three or four days because of their strong “rebound effect.” Basically, once you start, you’ll need more and more to get the same relief. Long-term use can produce chemical burns inside the nose.


When to Consider Allergy Shots
If allergies send you to bed or medications produce unpleasant side effects, immunotherapy might be for you. This treatment builds up long-term immunity to one or many allergens by continually exposing patients to greater doses of them. Covered by most insurance plans, immunotherapy typically reduces symptoms by 90 percent. That said, it’s also a lot of work. Over three to six months and well before allergy season, patients receive one or two injections a week of specific allergens in increasing concentrations. Then, once or twice a month over the next three years, patients get maintenance shots of the maximum concentration reached during the buildup phase. Some people maintain their improvement indefinitely, but others relapse. Most relapses occur within three years of stopping treatment.

If you’re needle-shy, ask your doctor about sublingual immunotherapy, a method that substitutes under-the-tongue pills or drops for the shots. The dose is higher, but the treatment appears to be safer, and experts say the results compare well with injections.

Minimizing Symptoms
Check the pollen count and try to stay inside when levels are high. For current levels, go to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s website. You can also sign up for an allergen report via e-mail.


Close windows at night and delay morning jogs. Plants release pollen from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., so the longer you stay inside during this period, the better.


Run the air conditioner and invest in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which is required to capture 99.97 percent of the particles passing through it. Because pollen from shoes, animal paws, and other things can get embedded in carpets, consider replacing permanent carpets with washable throw rugs. Be wary of nonairborne allergens, such as dander, mold, and dust, which can aggravate seasonal allergies.


Keep your lawn mowed short to prevent it from sprouting pollen-producing buds. Consider substituting nonpollinating plants, like ivy and myrtle, for grass. Get rid of leaves and compost piles quickly, before molds form.


Wear natural fibers. Synthetics, such as polyester and nylon, can create a pollen-attracting electric charge when rubbed.


Shower and wash your hair before going to bed. Daytime pollen can collect on your body, meaning you’ll be breathing it in all night.


Breathe through your nose. When it comes to keeping out foreign bodies, noses are much better designed than mouths.


Avoid secondhand smoke. A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that exposure to secondhand smoke exacerbated allergic responses.


Clean the house often. Reducing the levels of pollen, dust, and mold in your home will reduce your symptoms. Use vacuums, mops, and microfiber dust cloths, which collect particles, rather than brooms, which recirculate them into the air. Buy pillowcases and mattress covers made from fabrics labeled “dustproof,” and wash them frequently at hot temperatures to eradicate dust mites and pollen. Don’t air-dry bedding or clothes, since damp cloth attracts pollen. And wipe down windowsills with a damp cloth before going to bed so you can breathe and rest easy at night.


Drug-Free Allergy Remedies
Change your diet. Some foods, particularly fruits, have the same allergens in them as tree pollens. Therefore some people who are allergic to tree pollens may have symptoms, such as tingling in the mouth, when they eat certain fruits. This is called oral allergy syndrome. Fruits this can occur with include apples, pears, and cantaloupes. Peeling or cooking the fruit usually prevents the reaction.

Use saline drops. Squirt a salt-water or saline solution up your nose once or twice a day using a bottle with an angled tip to rid nasal passages of residual pollen.

Try acupuncture. Results are preliminary, but a handful of studies have found that acupuncture can be effective at reducing seasonal allergy symptoms, according to a review published in the 2006 edition of Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Via Real Simple

7 Quick Mood Boosters

Brighten your spirits in no time flat with these easy tricks


Reach for the sky
Get on your feet, look to the ceiling and stretch your arms straight up, spreading your fingers. "The simple act of standing prompts a boost in circulation, delivering oxygen- and energy-rich blood to your cells," explains psychotherapist Kimberly Willis, PhD, author of The Little Book of Diet Help: Expert Tips and Tapping Techniques to Stay Slim for Life. And smile as you hold the stretch: It will trigger the release of feel-good brain chemicals.


Turn "to-do" into "it's done!"
Turns out that just having a to-do list can seem overwhelming and make you feel tired instead of inspired to finish the tasks. So, create an "it's done" list to give yourself a sense of achievement, suggests Tamar Chansky, PhD, author of Freeing Yourself from Anxiety. Take a minute to write down 10 quick things you've accomplished today or this week.


Use your imagination
Has a hectic day left you longing for a relaxing beach vacation? Go there—in your mind. "Your brain responds the same way to a vividly imagined experience as it does to a real one," says George Pratt, PhD, coauthor of Code to Joy: The Four-Step Solution to Unlocking Your Natural State of Happiness. Close your eyes and focus on the sights, smells and tastes (the sensory parts) of your chosen escape.


Go for the good carbs
To boost your levels of serotonin, a calming brain chemical, try a carb-rich snack. No, this isn't a free pass to binge on chips: It only takes about 30 g of carbohydrate (4 cups of air-popped popcorn) to get the lift. Try half of a whole-grain English muffin with 1 Tbsp jam, or 1/2 cup oatmeal.


Put on something bright
Just changing out of that gray or black shirt and putting on one in a bold color can give you a lift, says Jennifer Baumgartner, PsyD, psychologist and author of You Are What You Wear. Bright shades of red, pink and yellow are best for stimulating your brain.


Try acupressure
One quick way to ease stress from a bad mood? Rub an acupressure point that helps release tension in your body, suggests Dr. Willis. Grab the skin between your thumb and first finger with the thumb and first finger of your other hand. Gently massage in circles for a minute, then repeat on the other hand.


Choose your words wisely
"Nothing's going right! Everythingis out of control!" Sound familiar? When you get stressed, it's easy toslip into an all-or-nothing mentality. But that can just drag you down, says Dr. Chansky. A simple solution: Use the word some. In other words, "Some things are going right, some things aren't." Suddenly, the glass is looking half-full.

Via Women's Day

44 timeless beauty tips


Gorgeous Hair
1 Camouflage roots by zigzagging your part rather than making it straight. February 1981

2 Brush hair from roots to ends nightly. This distributes natural oils throughout the shaft and gives hair a healthy sheen. October 2005

3 Be direct when telling your hairstylist what you want, and bring photos from magazines of styles you like. April 1971

4 Doing your hair color yourself? Don’t make too drastic a change. Stay within one or two shades of your natural color. October 1955

5 Comb wet hair like the pros: Hold a handful at a time and work from center to ends, then scalp to center. March 1963


Beautiful Brows
6 Soften skin before tweezing by dabbing with a cotton ball soaked in warm water or cream. April 1963

7 Tweeze in the direction the hair grows. April 1971

8 Don’t change the place where your brows peak and never pencil the whole brow. Instead, only fill in holes. November 1976

9 Use only the side of a sharpened brow pencil—not the pointed tip—so as not to draw a hard line. January 1938

10 For unruly brows, apply hairspray to an old toothbrush, then brush brows upward and outward. September 1992


Bright Eyes
11 Treat your eye area gently. This is the most delicate part of your face. Cleanse with care; blot, never rub. September 1961

12 Reduce puffy eyes by splashing with cold water or applying a cold compress (ice cubes in a washcloth): 15 seconds on, 15 seconds off. October 1987

13 When you put on mascara, don’t lower your chin—that’s how mascara gets on your lid. April 1971

14 Get eyeshadow to stay in place by priming lids with moisturizer and foundation. October 2011

15 Always use your ring finger to apply moisturizer or concealer to the eye area. It puts the least amount of pressure on the skin. November 1990


Pretty Face
16 Don’t touch your face unnecessarily. Breakouts can be caused by your own fingers. November 1963

17 Apply cream or cleanser by lightly pressing upward—never down. The delicate skin sags easily enough in time. April 1942

18 For the best color match, test foundation and powder either on your face or neck (the inside of your wrist is too pale). May 1990

19 Use foundation, not concealer (which is lighter than your skin color), to cover up redness or blemishes. February 1998

20 Rouge should be well-blended far out on the cheekbone; circles of rouge don’t look good on anyone. February 1938


Lovely Lips
21 Get lips soft and smooth by using a damp, warm washcloth at night to rub off the flaky dry bits; follow with a coat of lip balm. September 1998

22 Ease the evening switch to a redder or darker lipstick by applying it over and blending it into your daytime color. April 1992

23 To make lipstick last longer, allow it to set for a few minutes after applying, blot lips with tissue and dust them with powder, then apply another coat. April 1963

24 Cheeks feeling flushed? Put on a bold color lipstick; a neutral shade will only make red cheeks stand out. April 1969

25 For lipliner that glides on, warm it up first by pinching it with your fingertips. February 1998


Glowing Skin
26 The best time to apply lotion is right after a shower or bath, when skin is still damp. January 2006

27 When drawing a bath, scatter bubbles or crystals directly under the faucet before turning on the water, but drop in perfume oil while the tub is filling. November 1959

28 Beautiful skin starts from within. Include lots of vegetables, fruit and water in your diet. September 1961

29 Overdo it with your perfume? Dab rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball on your skin. The alcohol will cut the scent without altering it. September 1992

30 Microwave lotion for 5 seconds to soothe dry winter skin. February 2009


Smooth Legs
31 Improve circulation in your legs and lower the risk of unsightly veins by elevating your feet when resting. August 1942

32 Wait until after your shower to shave. The steam softens hairs for smoother results. July 2010

33 Don’t use creams that contain heavy fragrance or alpha hydroxy acids on freshly shaven legs. They’ll sting and cause a rash. July 1998

34 When applying “liquid stockings” [or today’s self-tanner], don’t forget the back of your knees, which are often missed. July 1945

35 Waxing your legs? Pull skin taut before applying the wax to make it easier to remove the strip in one clean motion. Remove leftover wax with a cotton ball dipped in baby oil. October 2011


Model-Like Hands
36 Shape nails with an emery board, filing sides toward center—never straight across—and rounding off edges. April 1944

37 What works for your face works for your hands. Remove age spots with facial brightening cream. October 2010

38 The fast way to remove nail polish: Hold cotton saturated with polish remover firmly on your nail for a few seconds to let it start working, then wipe nail clean. January 1944

39 Apply polish starting at the pinky, working toward the thumb to avoid dragging your hand across wet nails. April 1990


Happy Feet
40 To counteract dryness, massage feet with a lanolin-based lotion, kneading it deeply into your instep, then massage soles, heels, top surface and around nails. March 1959

41 Before using a pumice stone or foot file to remove a callus, be sure to soak your foot in warm water for at least 5 minutes. Follow with a little foot cream. June 2004

42 To prevent ingrown nails, trim toenails straight across, not down into the corners. March 1942

43 Relieve swollen feet by soaking them alternately in hot water (for 3 minutes), then cold water (for 1 minute), for a total of 15 minutes. April 1963

44 Use fresh pineapple or kiwi skins, which contain bromelain (a meat tenderizer), to exfoliate heels. Rub the fleshy part over heels for 5 minutes, then rinse, dry and moisturize. February 2009

Via Yahoo!

Monday, April 16, 2012

The 12 Most-Requested Celebrity Hairstyles From Coast to Coast

Whenever we ask top stylists for advice on getting the cut we want, they suggest bringing along an inspiration photo. And it seems like you've been following that advice: There is a wave of sought-after celebrity haircuts across the country. Here, what's hot from city to city—and how to ask for each look, no matter where you are.



NEW YORK
Nicole Richie's Wispy Bob
This city prides itself on being stylish—and this look fits right into that vibe without being (horrors!) fashion victim-y. "Clients tend to bring in pictures of Nicole Richie when they want to go short and chic, but not overly trendy," says New York City hairstylist Oscar Blandi, who first gave Richie the cut back in 2006.

What to ask for: Eye-grazing short layers with longer ones just below the jaw line. "Emphasize that you want an angular bob, but with soft lines that will not elongate your face," Blandi suggests.

LOS ANGELES
Michelle Williams's Pixie
California girls are going gamine, according to celebrity stylist Chris McMillan, who says the style is popular because Williams, his long-time client, makes it looks so effortless. "She's fashion-forward and has no problem going for it—people find that inspiring," says McMillan.

What to ask for: Show your stylist photos of the style from different angles so he can see the details of the sideburns, neck, and perimeter of the bangs. "The sideburns and edges should be softened, and the hair at the neckline should be short—it will elongate your neck," McMillan adds. Ask your stylist to keep the top layers in the front four or five inches long so you can muss up the hair for a more punk-rock look.Scroll upScroll down

CHICAGO
Adriana Lima's Sexy Waves
"I always ask, 'Do you want to look cute, or do you want to look sexy?' Nine times out of ten, they want to look sexy," says Marco Cardenas, hairstylist at Salon Rouge in Chicago. That's why voluminous, flowing waves like Adriana Lima's are coveted most. It's a versatile style, says Cardenas, and looks best if you have medium to thick hair that's shoulder-length or longer.

What to ask for: "Emphasize that you want face-framing layers, with some in the back for texture " says Cardenas. "But the key to this cut is really all around the face."

WASHINGTON, D.C.
Rihanna's Cropped Do
Our nation's capital is leading the way in asymmetrical, androgynous styles like Rihanna's from 2008, according to Kelly Gorsuch, hairstylist at Immortal Beloved in Washington, D.C. "It's more about the overall vibe rather than a specific shape or technique," he says. "The only thing you need to pull it off is a healthy dose of confidence."

What to ask for: The key feature here is the juxtaposition of pieces that are short underneath with ones that are longer on top. Ask your stylist to section off the longer pieces at the top, then cut the opposite side very short, all the way to the deep side part, "until there's a strong disconnection between the two sections," says Gorsuch. "The hair can be swept to the side or worn up and back, which lends itself to a little more drama."Scroll upScroll down

SEATTLE
Zooey Deschanel's Wide, Blunt Bangs
Seattleites generally avoid high-maintenance hair, according to Jenny Slay, senior hairstylist at Vain Salon. "It's rainy and wet up here, and people don't spend a ton of time styling their hair," she says. "Aside from being so cute, this style looks finished whether you let it air-dry or you blow it out."

What to ask for: Tailor it to your face shape. "I'd narrow the width of the bangs if you're worried about your face looking too round or too wide," adds Slay.

SAN FRANCISCO
Drew Barrymoree's Textured Layers
Barrymore's medium-long style speaks to San Francisco because "it screams youth and versatility," says local salon owner Joseph Cozza. It's ideal for those with oval-and heart-shaped faces and medium-fine hair with a little wave to it.

What to ask for: "The key feature is blended layers at the collarbone, with the shortest layers falling between the mouth and the cheekbones, so you can tuck it behind your ear," says Cozza.

PHILADELPHIA
Jennifer Aniston's Shoulder-Grazing Shag
Laurentius Purnama of the Laurentius Salon in Philadelphia says Aniston's all-American style is a big hit in his town—especially this shoulder-grazing shag. "My clients love that its relaxed but sophisticated at the same time," he says. It's ideal for straight hair, but those with an especially fine texture should be wary of this style, as too many layers can thin out their hair.

What to ask for: The key to this look, says Purnama, is the "textured, contoured effect of the face-framing layers." He suggests avoiding razor cutting, which would make it too angular. Those pining for Aniston's locks should also keep this in mind that "the length of this cut is very specific and requires a once-a-month trim to keep the ends fresh. On the other hand, it's easy to grow out and has no awkward transition stages. Another reason to love it!"

DALLAS
Brooklyn Decker's Bob
Brooklyn Decker's short style is a big hit down south, says Dallas-based hairstylist Charlie Price. "She makes it look so versatile—it seems different every time you see it," he says. While it works with most hair textures, people with especially round and square faces should steer clear.

What to ask for: "The longest layer should fall between the Adam's apple and the collarbone," says Price. Be sure to ask for squared-off layers with minimal texture—overtexturizing will mess with the shape, and it'll lose its easy, breezy vibe.

BOSTON
Reese Witherspoon's Fringe
"We get a lot of requests for blondes," says Marisa Marino, hairstylist at Stilisti of Boston. "And Reese's cut and color complement each other, so she always pops up no matter what. Her bangs are the perfect length for her face shape, and they're weighty without looking heavy." Those with corkscrew curls should avoid this, adds Marino, because the bangs would be nearly impossible to maintain.

What to ask for: "Make sure your stylist knows that you're committed to the result, so he's not gun-shy about cutting thicker bangs," says Marino. "I've seen stylists be too conservative and make the bangs too wispy and veil-like. Let them know they should go for it." Also ask your stylist how far back he plans to take the bangs section—if he goes too far back, you risk having pieces fall to the side rather than on your forehead.

ATLANTA
Heidi Klum's Soft Waves
The "404" is obsessed with Klum's tousled waves, says Spencer Malay, hairstylist and owner of Spencer Malay Hair & Med Spa in Atlanta. "It's easy to maintain and always looks sexy. To style, all you have to do is take five or six thick sections of hair and wrap them around a curling iron or hot rollers, and finish with a light hair spray," he says.

What to ask for: "Mention that you want soft layers with a beachy texture and face-framing pieces," suggests Malay. Definitely avoid short layers—aim for the shortest piece to align with your chin.

DETROIT
Jennifer Lopez's Long Layers
American Idol fans can attest to the fact that J.Lo is adventurous when it comes to her hair—she's constantly morphing from ponytails to chignons, and from wavy to stick-straight looks. "People are drawn to her hair because it's not overly layered and it's long enough that you can wear it so many different ways," says Katrina Malota, hairstylist at Luigi Bruni Salon in Detroit.

What to ask for: "The bangs situation is the most crucial thing about this cut—it's where the layers start," says Malota. "As a rule of thumb, women with curly hair should start below the nose and down, depending on the length of the hair." Women with straight hair can start above the nose to add a little volume. Stagger the layers so they're not so connected and not evenly matched—the back crown area needs to stay long, or you'll risk a mushroom effect.

MIAMI
Kim Kardashian's Shiny Waves
Kourtney and Khloé took Miami, but Kim's hair made the biggest impression. "My clients love her long, healthy waves and rich color," says Pascal Bodin, hairstylist at Vidal Sassoon in Miami. "They also want her hair's shine, softness, and lack of frizz, which is definitely appealing to anyone dealing with Miami's humidity!"

What to ask for: "It's rare to find a natural texture that mimics Kim's exactly, but you should ask your stylist to keep your hair long and slightly angled at the front. A slight graduation at the front is enough to accomplish this desired look since you want to keep the heaviness on the outside line, as well as in the layers to keep the luster."

Via Allure

10 New Sexy (and Speedy) Makeup Looks

Sexing up your look takes more than a red lip stain and tousled hair (but that's a good place to start). It also takes restraint, grace, and the ineffable ability to make it look like you didn't fuss for hours over every last detail. In that spirit, we offer you our favorite sexy new looks that actually only take about 30 seconds to create.


Natural Moisturized Lips
Sex kittens the world over swear by this one: Apply a lipstick that matches your natural lip color, then make your mouth superglossy by coating it in clear balm or gloss.

Glowing Skin
If you're wearing anything cut up to here or down to there, you can't neglect your arms, decolleté, and legs. A good body lube, like Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil, will make the skin look smooth, dewy, and that most tantalizing of adjectives, supple.

Orange-Red Lips
Every woman is a mere two lipstick swipes away from sexpot. The key is getting the shade right—too red spells harlot, too orange is plain ugs. Try mixing shades, like makeup artists did to create the perfect shade at the spring 2010 Prada show: a little bit of Make Up For Ever Lacquered Lipstick in Fluorescent Orange blended with Laura Mercier Crème Lip Colour in Truly Red. (Or M.A.C. Lipstick in Lady Danger will get you there in a single swipe.)

Metallic Lids
It takes a certain kind of woman—specifically, the smoking hot kind—to get away with eyelids dripping in rich gold shadow. Don't wimp out with safe bronze or pale copper—try pure gold, like Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Busy Signal, smeared on from the lashes to the crease.

Warm Cheeks
Nothing says corn-fed, golly-gee sweetness like naturally blushing cheeks. And since you can absolutely fake that kind of Lolita glow, there's rosy cream blush. Rub it on the apples of your cheeks and let the hair twirling begin.

Light Pink Lips
You can keep biting your lips for hours, or you can do it the easy way. Apply a light—almost peony—pink lipstick and blot it slightly so it looks more natural. L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in Pink Lady is the perfect demure shade.

Lived-in Eyeliner
Smoky eyeliner always makes the sexy list for two reasons: 1) It makes people think of sex and 2) we forget the second one. The trick is to take a black pencil, cream liner, and powder shadow and go to town around the eyes—trace the lashes with the pencil and cream liner, smudge the lines gently with a brush or cotton swab, and then swipe black cream and powder shadows from the lids to the crease, brusquely blending as you go.

Warm Skin
To gives skin a warm, sunny glow, try St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse—it doesn't streak, and thanks to its Aromaguard technology, it doesn't stink, either.

Dramatic Winged Liner
In the interest of full disclosure, this does take more than 30 seconds, but not much. And once you have winged eyeliner in place, no one will notice your other makeup anyway. Line the top and bottom lashes with black liquid liner, then flip the upper line out slightly at the outer corners (a credit card is good for making the wing straight).

Violet Eyes
Your neutral greige shadow will not exactly leave the opposite sex panting. Kick up the intrigue level with a shimmery purple shade applied from the lash line to the crease, then line the upper lid with deep violet liquid liner—a look inspired by one of the sexiest shows we've seen to date, Versace spring 2010.

Via Allure

EVENT FACIAL TREATMENT SPRING - SUMMER 2012

LIMITED EDITION



Orange and grapefruit extract.
Fresh citrus vitamins for your skin.

Welcome spring and summer with an Orange and Grapefruit vitamin cocktail to energise your skin after winter!


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