Saturday, November 14, 2009

Nicole Richie's long and layered hairstyle


"This is a sexy, easy, Bohemian look," says hairstylist Chris McMillan of Chris McMillan The Salon in Beverly Hills, of Nicole Richie's cut. Request layers that start at the collarbone. Bangs keep the style from looking too stringy, but they shouldn't be too thick or too thin.

Chanel's Spring 2010 Runway Show





The inspiration for the beauty was a city girl in the country. "She's an urban girl going down to the farm," explained hairstylist Sam McKnight.

"The look is soft, fresh, and natural," said makeup artist Peter Philips. "It's a fresh and optimistic show. She's a romantic girl."

Philips used shades from Chanel's spring 2010 makeup line to create the look. On the eyes: Philips used all four shades from the Kaska Beige shadow quad. He swept the amethyst shade along the top lash line; the bronze color on the lids and along the inner and outer corners; the mauve-taupe shade along the crease up to the browbone; and the champage on the browbone.

For a healthy flush, Philips brushed Imprevu, a pinky-bronze powder blush, onto the cheekbones.

On the lips? Insouciante, a shimmery pink-beige, also launching in the spring.

"It's slightly Brigitte Bardot, slightly Marie Antoinette," said hairstylist McKnight of the disheveled beehive. "It's sexy and girlie—very coquettish."

After prepping the hair with texturizing spray, McKnight blow-dried the hair. He then gathered it into a high ponytail, which he teased and folded at the base, and tucked the ends under and pinned them, creating a soft updo.

Ttreatment of whiteheads

Make a paste of roasted & powdered pomgranate skin with fresh lime juice and apply over boils, pimple, blackheads and whiteheads.

Use creams containing AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Fruit acids) like glyco-creams that will clear away any dead skin cells, and helps in unclogging the pores to remove whiteheads.

Mix Cornstarch With Vinegar, make a paste and apply on the area for 15-30 minutes; wash off with washcloth and warm water, this helps to get rid whiteheads.

Make a paste of sandalwood with rose water. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.

Mix 1 tablespoon groundnut oil with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to prevent formation of whiteheads and pimples.

Common Causes for Chronic Chapped Lips

Toothpaste is a very common contributor to chapped lips, even though we may not consider it. Most toothpaste contains guaiazulene, which may cause a contact allergy.
Lipstick contains an ingredient called propyl gallate which can also cause a contact allergy, therefore causing chapped lips eventually.
Orange juice or any other juice from citrus fruits can irritate your lips. A photo-toxic reaction can occur on your lips that look like chapped lips.
We all use red dye in many products. Candy, lozenges, chewing gums, mouthwash, etc. all contain red dye that may cause allergies.
Various other lip care products besides lipstick are also a point of interest when it comes to pin-pointing allergic reactions. Many contain Phenylsalicylate (salol) which may be the cause for severe chapped lips.
Too much of vitamin A may also be the culprit behind your peeling lips. It does not matter if the source of your vitamin A comes from whole foods or supplements, if you are taking in more than 25,000 I.U. per day, then you might want to take a closer look at this.
In addition to excessive vitamin A, your body may be taking in too much Vitamin B12 supplements. As a result of this you develop an allergy to cobalt from taking your B12 supplements and this causes crusty and swollen lips.
Cinnamon flavoring can also cause lip chapping. This flavoring is found in candy, chewing gums, mouthwashes, etc.
Eating too many figs can also cause your allergic reaction due to photo-toxicity.
And interestingly enough, metal objects like paper clips and pocket change is a very likely cause of chronic chapped lips. An allergic reaction may show itself on your lips.

How to Look Great in Photos

Even Out
Apply face lotion to plump skin and soften wrinkles. Then cover undereye circles with concealer--the camera accentuates darkness. For color photos, which intensify red and blue tones, choose a pink- or peach-based cover-up; black-and-white enhances purple hues, so opt for yellow based. Avoid translucent powders, which have a colorless base--they appear pasty and zap color. Instead, use one that's yellow based.

Define
Facial features tend to seem smaller in pictures. Line your top and bottom lids using a charcoal, brown, or navy pencil; black is too harsh in photos. Use a lip pencil no more than two tones deeper than your natural lip hue to line and fill in lips.



Brighten
To keep the flash from washing you out, wear a foundation a shade darker than normal and dust bronzing powder over your cheeks, chin, and nose. Opt for matte formulations--anything too glimmery contains light-reflecting particles that can cause a glare. Color is also key: Choose a soft sand shadow for lids and a light pink for your lips.

Types of Hair color

Temporary:Color lasts from one shampoo to the next and is deposited on the outside of the hair shaft.

Semi-Temporary:Color lasts up to 4-6 shampoos. Usually contain no ammonia and does not have a developer.

Demi Permanent:Color usually contains little or no ammonia and utilizes a low peroxide developer (under 10 vol.) the color lasts about 6 weeks and fades gradually back to the natural shade.

Semi-Permanent: Color usually contains some ammonia and uses a developer of 10 to 20 vol.

Permanent:Color formulas change the natural hair color. They require maintenance to new hair growth after 4 to 6 weeks. (For the purposes of this guide we will be discussing Permanent colors and methods of processing only.)

Natural Henna Hair Color: The henna plant is native to Asia and the Mediterranean coast of Africa and thrives in warmer climates all over the world. The leaves are harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Henna contains hennotannic acid, a dye that bonds with the collagen in skin cells and keratin of fingernails and hair, leaving behind a coloring.

Natural Indigo Plant: Indigo's botanical name is Indigofera tinctoria found in India and other sub-tropical countries. A blue dyestuff is obtained from the various species of Indigofera readily soluble in water. It is a very well-known and highly important dye, millions of pounds being exported from India annually.

Friday, November 13, 2009

How to Hide a Blemish Without Making it Worse!

Have you recently woke up horrified to a big, bright red blemish has appeared smack in the middle of your face? Sitting prominently on your otherwise smooth cheek is a pimple so big that you immediately run to the bathroom mirror and start squeezing away at the sucker.

Before you get yourself into pimple panic mode, stop, take a deep breath, and remember it's only natural that blemishes appear from time to time. Everyone encounters a blemish or two; nevertheless, it's essential that you care for them so that they disappear instead of sticking around for good

Rinse And Repeat

Use a clean washcloth and a bar of soap to cleanse the surface. Try and stay away from makeup remover cloths, as they use certain chemicals that may sting or burn your blemish. Use hot water and press on your blemish (do not squeeze or pop, apply minimal pressure). Make sure that you've thoroughly washed and gently pat your face dry. Let your pores take in the natural air by not applying anything to your face for at least five minutes.

Silky Smooth

The blemish and rest of your face should still be moisturized. Use either a medicated brand of moisturizer or chose from our list of recommended moisturizers. Apply a thin layer as you don't want to clog your pores.

Blend In

Find a concealer with a slight yellow tinge to cover up the bright red blemish. It's important to wash your hands, and instead of using any applicators, use your finger to apply the concealer. This way you won't poke or put unnecessary pressure on the blemish. Apply to the blemish in a circular motion and pat down gently to finish.

Beautify

Once you've covered up your blemish with concealer, put your makeup on as you normally would. There's no reason to over-do your makeup to distract from your pimple. It's better to go with your natural makeup
After Hours

Once you're home and you've made it through the bad-blemish day, take a hot shower and slip into some sweats. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands and face again. If you have constant blemishes, you may want to see a dermatologist who can prescribe night cream for a blemish-free face. Otherwise, before you're ready for bed, take some toothpaste (I know it sounds crazy, but it really works) and apply it the same way you did the concealer. In the morning your blemish will be half the size.

Depending on your skin type, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid topical creams can burn, sting, and possibly create scars, so be careful with your skin.

Britney Spears


YOUNGER: Face-framing layers and baby blonde highlights are feminine.


OLDER: Bleached, blunt-cut hair is not

Agyness Deyn's Bob



If you're thinking about a bob like Deyn's, consider your face shape. If it's long and narrow face (like hers), ask for a cut that's aligned with the top of the lips, advises hairstylist Chris McMillan of Chris McMillan The Salon in Beverly Hills. "This length gives her face a bit of fullness," he says. If you have a rounder face, go for a chin-length style with bangs swept all the way to one side. This cut works on both fine and thick textures, but not on curly hair. "If you've got thick, curly hair, stay away," says McMillan. "It'll turn into a wavy ball."

Hair and Makeup From Anna Sui's Spring 2010 Runway Show


"The clothes have a lot of patterns, prints, and bright fabrics—and the theme of the show is a circus—so I wanted to do simple, gorgeous faces," said makeup artist Pat McGrath. "The look is very fresh."



McGrath skipped shadow, but applied black cream eyeliner and coats of mascara (to create purposely clumpy lashes). She brushed ballerina pink blush onto the apples of the cheeks, and finished with clear lip balm.



"The hair is very '60s: polished, side-parted, and flipped up at the bottom," said hairstylist Garren. To get the look, he blew the hair out straight, and flatironed it. After that, he used a medium-barrel curling iron and rollers to create volume—and a flip at the ends.

Differences between a classic wet-cut and a dry-cut.

Try a Dry Cut If:

A Your hair is long. "Women who have long hair and want to keep their length intact should definitely get a dry-cut," Buckett says. "Hair shrinks when it's wet, so the amount the stylist is removing might be deceptive."

Your hair is curly, fine, or wavy. "When clients have wavy or curly hair, or lots of cowlicks, I always recommend a dry-cut" says Buckett. With a dry-cut, the stylist can plainly see what he or she is dealing with, how the hair falls, and where the weight is distributed.


Your hair is looking weighed down. A dry-cut is the best way to remove weight and add texture without significantly changing the shape of the cut.


Try a Wet Cut if:

You want to try something new. "The stylist has more control over wet hair," says Buckett. "It's easier to craft an entirely new shape when the hair is holding still."

You've had several consecutive dry-cuts. "A wet cut is necessary once in a while because too many dry-cuts in a row can leave hair stringy," says Buckett. A wet cut is great for freshening and evening up the ends.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Stopping Pimples and Blemishes

Acne prone people are still going to experience pimples and blemishes, even after the best skin care routine. After they appear, knowing how to get rid of them quickly and sensibly reduces your chance of scarring.

Use the preventive maintenance above, along with some pimple drying techniques to shorten the life of your blemishes and breakouts.

If your skin is oily, use an over the counter cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to start the drying process. If you're experiencing one of those painful "under the skin, cystic" pimples, put a warm compress on it to drain it first, then dry it up with benzoyl peroxide. Sometimes putting a small piece of tape on your blemish overnight will help draw out the fluid and infection.

Another overnight home remedy for zapping a zit is to put a dab of toothpaste (not gel) on it to help dry it out. You may need to test this on a short-term basis to make sure it doesn't irritate your pimple. Calamine lotion will have the same drying effect.

Aspirin is a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory drug. It can also be used for drying out pimples. Put uncoated aspirin in a small bowl. Crush with a spoon and add warm water to make a paste. Apply it to the pimple and leave it on for several minutes. Rinse. You should notice reduced redness and swelling. This also works on bug bites!

It's not recommended to squeeze a pimple, but the jury is still out. While doing this makes you more prone to scarring and skin discolorations, sometimes it's the only fast way to drain it. If you're at the point where you feel the need to squeeze, consult your dermatologist for treatment.

If blemishes persist, scarring needs to be prevented and there are many useful products to put a stop to recurring acne and pimples. If your blemish is gone and you have some discoloration but no scar, don't fret. Chances are, it will fade with time.

Manicure at Home


The first step in a manicure is to shape the nails. You should never use a file on damp fingernails. Just as your hair is weaker and requires more care when it is wet, the same holds right for fingernails. There are four basic nail shapes: round, square, oval and pointed. The nail must be shaped to conform to the shape of the finger. Generally, the oval shape works well for most hands. Men, or people who do a lot of work with their hands, may wish to wear their nails shorter and more rounded to avoid nail breakage. File each nail from the corner to the center, going from left to right and then right to left, do not slide the file back and forth over the tip of your nail and do not over file the sides of the nail, this will lead to weakening and breaking.

Soak hands in a bowl of foamy water to soften any dry skin or rough cuticles. Soak hands for about 5-10 minutes, depending on your preference and the condition of the hands. If you have dry skin, you should soak your hands in a thick hand cream or Vaseline instead of water solution. Apply a thick coat of the cream or Vaseline over your hands, cover your hands in gloves or saran wrap, and allow them to set for 10-15 minutes.

Apply a blend of soap and salt or sugar to exfoliate the hands. You can pour the salt or sugar over your soapy hands or make a blend of soap and salt/sugar in a bowl. The mixture should be of a thick stability. An exfoliating cream can be used in place of the salt/sugar mixture, if you would wish. The exfoliating mixture will remove any old or dry skin cells and leave your hands feeling softer. Generously rub the exfoliating mixture over hands and around nails for quite a few minutes.
Gently dry the hands with a clean towel. Rub the cuticle area of each finger with the side edge of the towel.

Gently push back the cuticle of each nail with a cuticle pusher or orange wood stick. Never cut your cuticles, this may cause pain and infection. If you have any hangnails or loose pieces of skin around the nails or cuticles, you may trim them very cautiously with cuticle trimmers or fingernail clippers. Use the cuticle pusher to clean beneath each nail.

Apply a good amount of hand lotion to both hands and massage it into your skin. Using one hand, massage the palm of the other hand; work the lotion into your skin. Using the thumb of the opposing hand, massage about each cuticle and nail. Slowly rotate each finger, and rotate the wrist.

Natural Remedies For Skin Rashes And Itchiness


Aloe Vera: Widely known for treating burns and sunburns. Aloe vera also helps in healing wounds and minor skin irritations such as itchiness and rashes. This plant produces anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, and anti fungal properties. It also contains folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E.

The best way to reap the benefits of aloe vera is to use the actual fresh gel from the plant. At the time of application, slice off a portion of the leaf and directly apply the gel to the affected area.

Chamomile: Has anti inflammatory properties that soothes and eliminates irritations. Chamomile is also used in treating eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn. People who are allergic to grass and ragweed may acquire an allergic reaction to chamomile.

Witch hazel: Acts as an astringent that relieves itching and minor skin inflammation. Also used for treating sunburns. For maximum benefit, use fresh witch hazel bark. Simmer one ounce of the bark with one pint of water and leave for ten minutes. Strain and cool. Apply with a clean cloth and leave it on for about thirty minutes.

Homemade Hair Conditioner

Banana hair pack: 1/2 banana, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey. Crush until creamy. Your hair has to be dry to do this. Leave it on your hair and wash out after twenty minutes and then shampoo.

Milk based Hair Balm: after you wash your hair, wash it with some milk and leave on for about 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and see that it bring back the softness and natural shine.

Sour Cream Hair Pack: 2 teaspoons of sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon of wheat germ oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix it all together, apply to hair and rinse off after 15 minutes.

Olive oil for shiny hair: teaspoon of olive oil and 1 egg. Mix the two and then apply on hair. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and wash off using warm water, then apply shampoo.

Egg white for oily hair: Beat the egg and simply use on dry hair. Leave it until it is dry and crusty. Wash with warm water and then shampoo. Doing this a couple of times in a week will help reduce the oiliness and remove the excess oil.

Hair pack for damaged hair: Juice from freshly squeezed lemon, 2 egg yolks, 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix all the ingredients, apply on hair and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. After that, shampoo and rinse it off.

For soft and silky hair: 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix altogether and apply on hair. Wrap the hair with a towel and let it rest for 15 minutes. Shampoo and rinse the hair properly.

For Increase hair volume: 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/2 cup of warm water. Spray bottle - pharmacy stores normally sell them for a couple of dollars, get a smaller one. Mix the ingredients in a bottle and shake them well. After you wash the hair with shampoo, let it dry for a moment. When it is moist, spray the mix you have prepared. Massage the scalp so the liquid gets absorbed well. Do not rinse the hair off, simply let it dry.

How does Halle Berry stays in shape?


Halle Berry has a dream body and a perfect diet to match. Diagnosed with diabetes when she was 19, Halle avoids refined sugars and instead chooses naturally sweet fruit. Plus she limits fried foods, fills up with vegetables and rather than constantly going out to restaurants, eats at home where she can easily control her meals.

Fabulous Fall Fragrance


A fresh beguilingly playful match of red currant,freesia,pink honeysuckle and white musk.
CYNTHIA ROWLEY eu de parfum



An exotic, enticing combination of grape-fruit, mandarin, rose tea, and ginger, this floral scent is perfect for an autumn afternoon stroll. ESTEE LAUDER pure white linen


This rich blend of pear, freesia, and cedarwood is just as girlie and wild as Betsey. BETSEY JOHNSON eu de parfum




This vibrant blend of passion flower, vanilla, and vetiver is seductive and sweet. LANCOME hynose


Perfect for those who enjoy a fresh, delicatescent – notes include Provencal Lemon, Cotton Blossom, and Violet Musk. CLEANprovence


Love in a bottle – this flirty, feminine scent is perfect for a romantic night out with that special someone. HILLARY DUFF with love


Infused with delectable notes of violet, raspberry, and orange blossom, this enchanting luxury fragrance exudes Old Hollywood glamour. GUERLAIN insolence

Choosing the Best Fragrance


Today, the market has innumerable perfumes, colognes and scents available. It has become rather difficult to choose the one that suits you best. Trying the tips below would be definitely helpful.

Think about the occasion you are going on. You might be going to your office, party or you might be on a romantic date. While in your office you should use a light fragrance like cologne. Strong perfumes could cause headaches. If you are on a romantic date, you should choose one of the floral fragrances with pheromones to attract the opposite sex. A party scent should be a personal choice. It is also advisable not to wear any scent in hospitals or in crowded places.

After you decide whether you need a strong or a light perfume, smell different scents at the fragrance counter. Choose the one you like and try it on.
Try various perfumes and make sure that the fragrance is not overpowering. Make sure that you don’t have allergies to any fragrance that you buy. This should be noted specially when you choose a fragrance for the wedding.

Do not buy too much of a new perfume at once. Try to use a sample for a few days. It happens at times that your skin chemistry does not work out with the new perfume. It depends whether you have a dry or oily skin. Keep trying new perfumes until you get the one that you like most.

Pure perfumes are always more expensive than normal ones. But, they keep the scent on your body for a longer period. Lastly, you should always feel good in the perfume you choose.

Perfumes give you the power to captivate a person. A good perfume draws others attention around you and leaves behind a trail. Perfumes with pheromones are particularly the best when you need to attract someone. Finally, the most important thing with your perfume is that you should feel good and know your motive of wearing it.

5-Minute Flat Belly Meals!

Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal


Mix 1/2 c dry oats (cooked with water to desired consistency) with 1/4 c semisweet chocolate chips and 1 c raspberries.

Total calories: 419



Chocolate Banana Blast


Mix sliced 1/2 small banana and 1/4 c semisweet chocolate chips with 6 oz container unsweetened fat-free Greek-style yogurt.

Total calories: 352

Strawberry Chocolate Cottage Cheese


Sprinkle 1 c fat-free cottage cheese with 1/4 c semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 c sliced strawberries. Sprinkle with chopped mint leaves.

Total calories: 379

Cherry Chocolate Smoothie


In a blender, combine 1 c fat-free milk, 1 c frozen cherries, 3 oz fat-free vanilla yogurt, and 1/4 c semisweet chocolate chips. Mix until smooth.

Total calories: 402

Simple Salmon Sandwich


Mix 3 oz canned boneless, skinless wild salmon, drained, with 1/4 c chopped red bell pepper, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and 1 Tbsp olive oil. Top with romaine lettuce leaves and serve on whole wheat roll.

Total calories: 413


Avocado Bruschetta


Spread 2 slices toasted whole wheat bread with 1/4 c sliced Hass avocado, mashed, and top with 2 sliced small tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Have 1 medium apple.

Total calories: 374


Avocado Mango Salad


Mix 1 cubed mango with 1/4 c diced Hass avocado and 2 Tbsp minced cilantro. Squeeze with juice of 1/2 lime and sprinkle with ground red pepper. Serve with wedges of 1 toasted large whole wheat tortilla.

Total calories: 367



Chicken Lettuce Wraps


Spread 6 Bibb lettuce leaves with 2 Tbsp hummus and top with 3 oz sliced grilled chicken and 2 Tbsp walnuts. Also have 1 c raspberries and 6 small whole wheat crackers.

Total calories: 405


Mango Walnut Salad


Top 3 c spinach with 1/2 c chopped mango, 1/4 c sliced red bell pepper, 4 chopped baby carrots, 2 Tbsp walnuts, 2 Tbsp vinaigrette, and 1 Tbsp raisins. Eat with 1/2 large whole wheat pita.

Total calories: 395


Almond Butter With Fresh Fruit


Spread 1 slice whole wheat bread with 2 Tbsp almond butter. Eat with 1/2 c each sliced strawberries and sliced kiwifruit.

Total calories: 350

Spanish-Style Eggs


Fry 1 whole egg with 1 egg white in 1 tsp olive oil. Place on top of 1/2 c salsa and 10 sliced large green olives. Eat with 6" whole wheat tortilla.

Total calories: 383

Grab & Go Cheese & Crackers


Mix 1/2 c fat-free cottage cheese with 1 c chopped red bell pepper and 10 sliced large black olives. Serve with 6 small whole wheat crackers. Have 1 medium apple.

Total calories: 378


Mediterranean Salad


Toss 1/2 c chickpeas, rinsed and drained, with 1/2 c halved cherry tomatoes, 1 chopped cucumber, 10 large black olives, and 1 Tbsp lemon juice. Serve with 1 toasted large whole wheat pita.

Total calories: 398


Hummus, Olive, And Tomato


Spread 2 Tbsp hummus on each half of a toasted whole wheat English muffin. Top each half with 5 thinly sliced olives and a slice of tomato. Have 1 medium orange.

Total calories: 362

Flat Belly Diet Pocket Guide! is out now.
Download it at:http://www.prevention.com/goguide/fbd/index.shtml

9 Ways To Achieve A Beautiful Smile

1. WHITEN NATURALLY
To brighten a smile that's yellowed with age,combine-teaspoon baking soda with 1
or 2 drops of hydrogen peroxide.Brush on,let sit for a few minutes,then rinse
(don't swallow).

2. HIDE LIP LINES
Get younger looking lips and make lips lines less noticeable by applying a lip
balm made of beeswax:its heavy consistency softens lines and creates a barrier
that keeps lip color from migrating.

3. WEAR SOFT LIP COLORS
With age,lips lose their rosebud color,so choose soft vibrant tones,such as berry,
rose or apricot and a dab of gloss to plump your lips.The brown lipstick that
looked dramatic in your 20's may make your pout look washed out now.

4. LINE YOUR LIPS
To keep lipstick from feathering into those tiny lines around your lips,choose
a lip pencil that matches the color of your lips-not your lipstick.When applying
lip liner,always anchor your elbows on your vanity or dressing table,which allows
you to glide liner on in a streak-free motion-like windshield wipers.

5. COME ON,SMILE!
When older women flash a broad smile,they're perceived even by younger people
as more youthful and appealing,according to a recent study.

6. PERFECT YOUR POUT
Plump lips the tasty way:Eating honey-whether spooned into your tea or smeared
on toast-helps your pucker stay soft and smooth.The natural sugars in the honey
attract and maintain moisture,so lipstick glides on smoothly and is less likely
to bleed into fine lines.

7. GET GLOSSY
Lip gloss brightens your face,even if you're not wearing color under it.

8. DRINK TEA
Black and green teas contain polyphenols,antioxidant plant compounds that prevent
plague from adhering to your teeth and help reduce your chances of developing
cavities and gum disease.

9. SIP THROUGH A STRAW
Most sodas,sports drinks and juices contain acids,such as citric and phosphoric,
that can erode dental enamel-even if they're diet or sugar-free versions.Sipping
acidic drinks through a straw positioned towards the back of your mouth limits
their contact and helps preserve the enamel.

Makeup tricks that erase the years

By Bobbi Brown , A well-known makeup artist and author of three best sellers on beauty, Bobbi Brown is also the founder of her own multimillion-dollar cosmetics business.


1. Choose the Right Hue
Pick a yellow-based formula that's at least two shades lighter than your skin tone.


2. Apply It
Using a small-headed concealer brush, apply a dab along the lower lashes to the innermost corner of eyes and the hollows of the nose. You can also use your ring finger, which has a naturally light touch and added warmth to tap and gently blend.


3. Set
A dusting of a sheer, loose yellow-toned powder locks the concealer in place.

Give makeup a firm base

Try this trick favored by movie stars in the 30s: Splash your face with cold water before applying makeup. The coolness temporarily shrinks pores and tightens skin so the product glides on seamlessly, says makeup artist Valerie Sarnelle, founder of the cosmetics line Valerie Beverly Hills.

10 Things About Men We've Learned From Men's Magazines

We flipped through countless pages of half-naked women and “bacon porn” in order to uncover some truths about the men in our lives.
- Faye Brennan, BettyConfidential.com




I’ve always thought the best way to learn more about men is to go directly to the source. Think about it — if men were to read BettyConfidential’s love+sex section or Cosmopolitan (though, with a grain of salt), they’d read about how we still like to be taken out to romantic dinners even if we’ve been dating for what seems like forever, and that some of us have never found our G-spot, but we welcome our men to try.

So, with this in mind, I decided to read through the November issues of the most popular men’s magazines to see if there was something on those pages that could teach us women a little bit more about the opposite sex. Here’s what I found:

1. Their morning wood has little to do with waking up next to us.
It’s disappointing, but true. According to Men’s Health, men wake up to Mr. Woody not because they feel a warm, sexy body next to them, but because of what happened in the middle of the night. As it turns out, during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, men tend to have hot and steamy dreams — an average of three to five per night! If your guy wakes up during the final REM cycle, he’ll find he’s pitched a tent — and you’ll feel a suggestive “nudge nudge” in your back.

2. They appreciate a solo night in just as much as we do.
We’re often led to believe that guys enjoy a night in doing nothing just about as much as they enjoy holding our purses as we drag them through the mall. But, as a GQ writer claims, he actually looks forward to a night at home by himself. His “Big Night In” includes listening to vinyl records with ESPN on mute, while he sips a martini, talks to his high school buddy on the phone, or reads a book. No women or bromance playdates necessary.

3. They really do listen to us — sometimes.
As Maxim’s monthly sex column proves, men will read what a woman has to say – as long as it has to do with sex. This month, Maxim’s female columnist tells male readers just how much we enjoy having numerous romps and are willing to try kinky new things while on vacation. C’mon, you can’t argue with that. We just hope guys don’t abuse that wealth of information. (Though, sorry to say boys, what these girls are doing on vacation is probably going to remain in your fantasies only...).

4. They text us during the day because that’s what they’re told to do.
One guy asked Men’s Health for advice on how to save his relationship — he’s been slammed at work and is putting in long hours and thus is worried his girlfriend may leave him. MH’s “Jimmy The Bartender” gave the following advice: “Risking your work rep for her is a high price — right now, at least. So do little things for her during the day. Drop her a nice text or e-mail every so often.” It’s not the hardest concept in the world, so why can’t they think of that on their own?!

5. They like cougars.
Young women, beware: if you want a man your own age, you’re going to have to fend off the cougars to get him. This past August, at the First Annual Cougar Conference held in Palo Alto, CA, Details found that cougars are the new intrigue for men, as countless “cubs” made an appearance to try and snag older women. "Girls in their twenties will just lay there," said one young man. "They won't reach down. They won't work to get you aroused. They kinda just don't care. That makes me feel like a sleazeball." But with a cougar, he says, it’s a different story: "I'd never met a woman [before] who wanted to do everything to me, and she was so good at it." Yikes!

6. They like looking at expensive cars they can’t afford … a lot.
No, like really a lot. Cars to men are like Christian Louboutins to us — so beautiful, so exquisite, so out of our price range.

7. Some of them think jealousy is the hottest turn-on.
According to an article in this month’s Details, some guys actually get revved up when their girlfriend throws a cell phone at their head or slashes their tires for cheating. “For most men, extreme jealousy is a deal-breaker,” writes Ian Daly, “a sure sign that you're in for a lifetime of self-justification, surveillance, suspicion, and maybe even a torched Audi or two. Still, there's a certain Sid-and-Nancy appeal to knowing that your partner is crazy enough about you to check up on you.” Hmm, we don’t know who these guys are that get turned on by jealous antics, but trust us, boys, our anger is not a form of foreplay.

8. They’re comfortable with seeing Taylor Lautner shirtless.
Scratch that. Every man who opened this month’s issue of GQ was probably stricken with an insane amount of jealousy after seeing Taylor model dress shirts with his rock hard abs front-and-center. Hopefully, your man saw Taylor’s ripped body as a source of inspiration, kind of like what we do when we see pictures of Marisa Miller in a bikini.

9. They’re also kind of obsessed with Adam Lambert.
Perhaps men were looking for tips on how to apply eyeliner for Halloween, or maybe it was all the gay guys swooning over his photos, but something is to blame for making Details’ cover story on Adam Lambert the most popular article this month. The mag is even offering dudes a chance to win a one-on-one photo shoot with the American Idol hunk. We’re assuming women need not apply.

10. They don’t mean to snap at us after a long day at work.
Eli Finkel, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Northwestern University explains to Men’s Health readers that it’s not entirely their fault that they argue with their girlfriends/wives after a stressful day at work. “Self-control functions like a muscle,” he says. “If you’ve been implementing a lot of self-control in other domains, you’ll have less left over for your relationship.” A note for us ladies to take home: if you’re guy isn’t safe from layoffs, he’s spending all day at work tiptoeing on thin ice. That means when he comes home, he doesn’t have the energy to tiptoe around you or your feelings. Just don’t take it personally — after all, the more you know about guys, the easier it is to understand them.

Faye Brennan is Assistant Editor at BettyConfidential. She used to intern at one of the sexy men's magazines mentioned above, but trust her, there were no naked women walking around the office.

Blue Ribbon Meatloaf


Ingredients:
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
1 (12 ounce) bottle dark or amber beer
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey
1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 egg white, lightly beaten

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until translucent and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Pour in beer and increase heat to high. Bring to a vigorous boil; cook until the liquid is quite syrupy and the mixture reduces to about 3/4 cup, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in thyme, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Add beef, turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, beaten egg and egg white to the onion mixture. Mix thoroughly with clean hands and transfer to the prepared pan.

Bake the meatloaf until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees F when inserted into the center, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes; drain accumulated liquid from the pan and slice. Serve hot or cold or in a sandwich.
Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 363 kcal

See more from
EatingWell.com on Yahoo! Food

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Permanent Cure for Bags Under the Eyes

Although there are a plethora of creams, potions, tips and tricks for banishing puffy undereye bags, many of the results are temporary. If you're looking for a permanent result to rid yourself of eye droopiness and look years younger, this can be achieved through a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty.

About Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, also called "eyelid surgery," is a common cosmetic procedure performed today. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 221,398 people had blepharoplasty surgery in 2008. This procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both.
Surgical Information
While performing blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions to tighten the skin above and below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle. Very fine sutures (stitches) are used to minimize any scarring. The procedure generally takes one to three hours, and your surgeon should be able to give you an accurate estimate of the length of your individual procedure. After surgery, mild swelling and bruising is normal and expected. Different surgeons have different post- operative instructions, so it is important to follow them and to be monitored closely by your doctor and staff.
Candidates for Blepharoplasty
Good candidates for blepharoplasty are those who suffer from severe sagging of the upper and/or lower eyelid skin and who desire a permanent change. It is important to be in good health and to have your doctor perform a thorough evaluation prior to surgery. Many plastic surgeons will recommend blepharoplasty to rejuvenate your appearance and take years off your age.

Common Beauty Myths

Beauty myths are often no more than old adages that are handed down to each generation. Some of these misconceptions are centuries old and just plain silly. While logic doesn't seem to play a big factor in beauty myths, they're still abundant. These common beauty myths are pure fiction and deserve to take their place in the "beauty myth hall of shame."

Soap is bad for your skin.
Older formulas contained animal fats and vegetable oils. Newer soaps are formulated to be milder and some contain moisturizers that don't dry out your skin. Clean skin is better than dirty skin.

Shaving your legs will make your hair grow in thicker.
You have as many hairs as is genetically determined, regardless of whether you shave them.

Split ends can be repaired.
The only way to rid of split ends is to cut them off and prevent them in the future with good hair care.

You can wash acne and pimples away.
Scrubbing too vigorously will increase oil production and only aggravate the condition.

You don't need to use sunscreen on a cloudy day.
The sun's UV rays penetrate clouds and can still damage your skin.

Natural ingredients are non-allergenic.
Whether it's a natural or chemical ingredient, if your allergic to it, you'll see a reaction.

Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne.
No one food has been proven to cause breakouts. If you find a correlation, quit eating that particular food.

You can shrink the pores on your face.
Your pore size is genetically determined. Pores may appear larger by bacteria and dead skin cells. Retin-A and alpa hydroxys are designed to break up these materials and bring the pores back to their original appearance.

Men's Grooming Tips

Keep your fingernails trimmed and clean. Same for toenails.
Trim your nose hairs occasionally. What you're used to, others may notice.
If you don't iron your clothes, remove them immediately from the dryer so wrinkles don't set.
In hot weather, wear light-colored, cotton clothing and socks. This will absorb less heat and "sweat stains" will be less visible.
Consider trimming your arm pit hairs in warm weather. Less hairs, less bacteria, less smell. Think about it.
Don't be reluctant to trim or tweeze any stray eyebrow hairs.
Good dental hygiene means a dazzling smile.
Brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. Your tongue attracts bacteria and can cause bad breath.


Skin Care for Men

Wear sunglasses outside, not only will the sun damage the skin around your eyes, constant squinting will leave permanent creases over time.
Fake a tan - use sunless tanning lotion.
Men need moisturizers and sunscreen just as much as the opposite gender. If you don't have a skin care regimen, start now.
Quit smoking and restore your healthy glow.
Never pick a mole. If one looks suspicious or is bothersome, your dermatologist can remove it with a very simple procedure.
Visit your dermatologist annually for a complete examination.
Use a concealer for blemishes. Men do this all the time. Just don't think about the "make-up" word.
If you're prone to acne and breakouts, wash your face twice a day with antibacterial soap.
Use a toner to remove excess oil and shine on your face.
Use lip balm outdoors to prevent chapped lips.

Combact Dark Circle

Grated potatoes can lighten under-eye circles. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which is used in cosmetics as a human skin lightener.

Run one spud through your food processor and stuff the raw mash into a piece of cheesecloth.
Apply to the area directly beneath your eye — don't let the potato juice come in contact with the eye itself — and leave for 15 to 20 minutes.
Wipe away the starchy residue

Invigorating Carrot Face Mask




Ingredients Needed:
2-3 large carrots
4 1/2 tablespoons honey

Directions:
Cook carrots, then mash. Mix with honey. Apply gently to the skin, wait 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water

Steal Blake Lively's Oh-So-Pretty Curls


-Work a curl-sculpting cream into damp hair.
-Blow-dry, lifting the roots if you have fine hair that needs extra volume.
-Put your hair in large, soft hot rollers.
-Allow them to cool down all the way before removing, or, if it doesn't bother you/you're wearing them the next day, sleep on them.
-If, once you've removed the rollers, you have sections that are unruly or not curled enough, use a large-barreled curling iron to fix them by wrapping one-inch strands around the entire length of the heating element.
-Keep the iron vertical to create the cascading effect, curling sections away from your face.
-Finally, lots of high-hold, fine mist hairspray for those with hair that has trouble holding a curl, which is designed to give strong hold without adding much weight.

Fall 2009 Back To School Fashion Trends

Anya Hindmarch “Hector” in Pewter Python -The high-shine and metallic bag is super glam and very lightweight. It’s more of a pewter color than gold so you can go everywhere with it. The handbag is large enough to store your everyday essentials. Again, large handbags is a definite must-have for fall.



Coach New Leather Brooke - The classic soft leather bag with several fall colors to choose from. This medium-size bag has a fabric inside lining with multifunctional pockets.



Marc Jacobs Luxe St. Marks Quilted Python Shoulder Bag -There’s a lot of textured-style handbags this fall and this Marc Jacobs bag is no exception to the trend. The taupe python body is surrounded by studs with a chain-link strap. Inside you’ll find a satin lining with zipper pockets. A fantastic medium-sized bag for fall that you can sport during your day-to-day activities yet still glam enough to wear at night

You're going from day-to-night

Your every day eye shadow needs to be more dramatic: Go black - as in eyeliner. Whether you use a gel, liquid, pencil, or powder, lining your eyes close to the lashes with a black liner will instantly up your glamour quotient. I like to use a brown liner on my lower lids, though; it's less severe and really helps to open up your eyes.
Your blush is too basic: Now's the time to shine. Top your blush with a dab of a shimmer cream, powder, or lotion in the same color family.
Your lipstick is too subtle: You can either line and fill in lips with a lip liner that's slightly darker, or layer on a deeper version of gloss.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich



Take 2 large slices of whole wheat bread (160)


Fill with 2 slices of American cheese (139)

Spread 1/2 Tbsp butter on each outside surface of bread (102 for 1 Tbsp)


Brown each side of sandwich in a hot pan until cheese melts

Total calories: 401

8 Reasons Guys Are Obsessed With Sex

Not all guys are obsessed with sex. Some of my friends and I would honestly rather have their football team win than get laid, are too lazy to deal with getting laid, or don't put so much stock into getting laid. But my friends and I are an abnormal lot.

I've come up with reasons to explain why many guys are sex-obsessed. Keep in mind I'm not defending being obsessed with sex. I'm just attempting to shed light on why a guy might be obsessed with sex to give you some peace of mind:

We Have To Be "Let In"

Sex physically resembles "VIP Access" because we have to be invited. We work for it, we convince, we campaign, strategize, and pull out all the stops. The woman controls all access. Men enjoy the challenge of obtaining this "invitation".

It Symbolizes Success To Guys

My friend enjoys insulting me by asking: "when's the last time you got laid?" I don't find it insulting when he asks me this- I'm just puzzled why he thinks getting laid makes someone so great. I just want to be called cute, or kiss a cute girl anyway. Guys insult guys who aren't getting laid, and praise guys who get it all the time. Now if my friend wants to call me out for not getting a kiss or not being called cute in eons, that's would hurt! Some guys think: "If I'm nice, she might have sex with me," instead of "If I'm nice, she might like me."

Our Heroes Do It

Men and women idolize talented people like musicians and sports heroes, or even geeks like Bill Gates. Part of the fantasy of being wildly successful and talented includes tons of women that fawn upon us. Promiscuous behavior among famous males is glorified in the press while the press chastises Miley Cyrus, for example, for wearing a skirt that's too short.

It Was a Big Deal Growing Up

At some point, the fun and games dissolved, and my manhood was measured on whether I had lost my virginity or not. It was incredibly intimidating when the older guys would ask me about my "prowess" with women, and how many times I had "bedded" a girl especially when the answers were: I have no prowess, and I have "bedded" ZERO girls. Young men do feel pressure from other/older guys to lose their virginity. We all grow out of these silly ideas, but the idea of being a "stud" is fostered among guys at an early age.

The Porn Factor

While porn helps satisfy urges, it also intensifies urges. And for women, unlike guys, porn is not a vital necessity like oxygen and water.

We Are Control Freaks

One of the most confusing entities in the world to men is...the woman. We don't understand why you need entire shelves in your closets just for bags and shoes. We don't understand why you are so happy one day, then angry the next. As humans, we seek order. Having sex with a girl symbolically, and temporarily, "solves" the mystery and adds a little order to the gender for us although, I'm sometimes more confused after sex.

We Are Always Thinking About It

Our eyes must have express direct wires to the "sex section" of our brains. We walk around town considering whether we'd have sex with women that pass by and what it would be like to do so. High heels or a sliver of cleavage can set us off. And, one question many guys ask before being introduced to a woman, regardless of the situation: "is she hot"?

We Like To Conquest

It is in our blood to conquest and some of us don't feel victorious with a kiss or a few dates. The "conquistadors" go for sex, and usually go for it with many women.

Whatever the reason for sex obsession, most of the issue boils down to security. People who need someone else prove that they are worth something are insecure. While it's a good idea to steer clear of men who are out to conquest or just out to get laid, it's also good to steer clear of insecure men. Men who need sex to vindicate themselves, feel in control, prove something to their buddies, etc, are obviously not dating material.

Do you agree with my reasons that I've listed, and what reasons would you add? Do you find that most men you meet are sex-obsessed, and how does this dictate your actions in dating?

Article by Rich Santos, Marie Claire

Clinique Juiced Up Colour Collection for Spring 2010


Coming soon in early spring, Clinique’s collection is called Juiced Up Color.We’ll be seeing a new mascara entitled High Lengths, as well as an all-over cheek color, a specially designed eyeshadow, and two shades of Vitamin C Lip Smoothie.

Spring Preview: Chanel Les Impressions de Chanel Collection for Spring 2010





Chanel is going sandy browns, subtle golds, and very neutral for this coming spring.
There will be several limited edition products such as a highlighting powder, alongside will be a plummy-brown eyeshadow palette, new shades of Rouge Allure Lip Colour, additional Glossimers, plus three new lacquers.





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