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How Should You Brush or Comb Your Hair When its Wet

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, April 30, 2014 0 comments

How well you care for your own hair from the moment it emerges from the root plays a role in how healthy it looks. Everyone may have their own individual hair care needs, however there is one common rule and it relates to why you shouldn't brush your hair when it is wet!

Why You Shouldn’t Brush Your Hair When It’s Wet

Here are the most commonly known reasons as to why you should never brush wet hair:

Hair is at its weakest when it's wet.
Brushing wet hair promotes more hair breakage, split ends and it can weaken the hair further, particularly if you have chemically treated hair or curly/wavy hair.
Wet hair is more easily damaged than dry hair.
Wet hair is highly vulnerable to damage.
Wet hair swells and because brushes have lots of teeth they are likely to get caught in a tangle and pull it to breaking point.

Can You Comb Wet Hair?

If you hair is tangled, curly or wavy and it needs to be 'brushed', the best way to achieve this is to comb it.

Use a wide-toothed comb
Ensure it has smooth teeth or is labelled as a detangling comb
Use leave in conditioner unless it causes your hair to become too oily
Work your way from the bottom up.
Take it slow.

When Is The Best Time To Brush Your Hair?

The best time to brush your hair is when it is is almost dry. Whether you prefer to towel try, air dry or use a hair dryer, a wide bristled brush on dry hair is the safest match.

Quick Tip

If you have very curly hair and like to style it with your curls, you should never bother to brush it anyway. Always use a comb, particularly one with wide teeth. If you brush, besides damaging it, you will break up your beautiful curls.

How To Find The Right Shade For Your Eyebrows

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How To Find The Right Shade For Your Eyebrows

Eyebrow pencil defines the eyebrows and helps to shape the face along with eyeliner and good quality mascara, whether you are looking for a glamorous evening look, or a chic look for work. When shopping, it is important to shop for the right kind of eyebrow pencil that will offer the best definition for your skin and eyebrow tone.

Dark Brown or Black Eyebrows

Many women with dark brown or black eyebrows automatically buy black eyebrow pencil to use on their dark eyebrows. However, even women with black eyebrows can rarely pull off the look of black eyebrow pencil unless it is applied with soft feathery strokes and it is not used heavy-handedly to completely fill in the eyebrows.

Black eyebrow pencil is quite harsh and can give you the wrong look, which is why it is a good idea to get a second opinion or speak to a beauty consultant when shopping for eyebrow pencils when you have dark brown or black eyebrows. Do not always opt for the obvious shade. Shop around; look at various products, shades and brands.

Red Eyebrows

Women with red eyebrows often have luxuriant red hair and a fair, freckled complexion. Choose a shade of eyebrow pencil that is about two shades darker than your hair, such as chestnut brown.

Red eyebrows have the potential to look striking with the right shade of eyebrow pencil. Use light strokes to define eyebrows and apply more pressure if you are trying to fill in parts of your eyebrows that you are growing out or are naturally patchy in appearance.

Fair Eyebrows

If you are fair-skinned, with fair eyebrows, you will want to shop for an eyebrow pencil one or two shades darker than your eyebrows, so that you can add some definition to your eyebrows, rather than make them disappear altogether.

Shopping for the right shade of eyebrow pencil can be difficult, especially if you always end up buying the same shade that does not suit your complexion or hair tone. The general rule of thumb is to shop for eyebrow pencils that are one to two shades darker than your hair, or to go slightly lighter if you have black eyebrows. Lessen the pressure if you are heavy handed and try to use soft feathery strokes for a more even, natural appearance.

Summer of 2014 Hair Colors Trends

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Summer 2014 is upon us, and no doubt many of you and your clients are looking for a new summer hair color or summer hair style to try out!

Summer 2014 Hair Trend # 1 : Bombshell Bronde!

Clients tend to go for lighter locks in summer – we know this. However, instead of the same old boring blonde highlights, may we suggest going BRONDE? Meaning, the perfect and subtle combination of both brown and blonde hair color. This can be achieve with the bayalyage technique or and all over color with well-placed and blended highlights.

Summer 2014 Hair Trend # 2 : Peek-a-boo Pastels

Summertime is full of bright colors and fun. This is the season to put a few “peek-a-boo” highlights (or more) in your clients hair if they are looking for a unique, yet temporary change. We also suggest just a few pieces of pastel hair colors, because during the summer hair fades faster and is exposed to many elements that could turn an all over pastel hair color to a disastrous ‘chlorine-green’ color.

Summer 2014 Hair Trend # 3 : Ombré

Ombré hair color – love it or hate it – shows no signs of going anywhere this summer! It’s an easy transition for clients who normally go darker in the fall and want a subtle (or drastic – your choice) change. This versatile summer 2014 trend look can be worn worth both long and short, and comes in all shades and colors!

Summer 2014 Hair Trend # 4 : Sunkissed Strawberry Blonde

We’ve seen an overall increased demand in red hair color this year. Since red hair color is the fastest to fade and the hardest to cancel out, we suggest going for a strawberry blonde! This allows your and your client to tap into this already warm tones and brighten it up with some blonde pieces.

Summer 2014 Hair Trend # 5 : Golden Hues

Not everyone is looking to go blonde in summer. For those dark hair color clients, try suggesting warmer hues that will compliment their eye color and undertones of the skin. Look for those warm caramel and copper tones as an all over color or highlights.

Summer 2014 Hair Trend # 6 : Copper Red

We said it was the year of the redhead and we meant it! Break out those orange hues, because copper red hair color is another summer 2014 trend! Feeling extra spicy? Try a blended combination of fiery reds and copper reds, for an all encompassing look!

Summer 2014 Hair Trend # 7 : Fiery Redheads!

With starts like Carly Rae Jepsen and Megan fox opting for red hair this summer, no wonder 2014 has been nicknamed, “the year of the redhead.” Just because the summer sun will be quick to fade these red hair colors (without tip #1), doesn’t mean it won’t be requested a lot this summer. Stock up on your FR series (fiery reds), hair stylists, because it’s going to be a red hot, fiery summer!

How To Make All-Natural Mascara And Eyeliner

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, April 29, 2014 0 comments

Judging from the billions of articles about healthy beauty products out there, we ladies like our make-up and pretties. And no wonder considering how fun all that primping can be! But there’s a safer way and let’s start with mascara.

Have you ever read the ingredients in a tube of mascara? I’m wondering if there is anything more toxic than mascara we buy? Take a look at some of the ingredients:

Ethylhexyl stearate, Squalane, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Polyglyceryl – 3 Oleate,
Polyglyceryl -3 Polyricinoleate, Tribehenin, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl acetate, Hypericum perforatum extract, Triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil, Zea mays (corn) oil, Sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil, ETC., ETC., ETC.

Some of the ingredients are harmless sounding if you don’t consider how they may be refined or grown. Do you think some of the grain oils might be from GMO plants?

On my eyelashes? No, thank you. I’ll go without

Or make my own!

INGREDIENTS:

1 tsp jojoba oil
1 tsp coconut oil
10-12 capsules activated charcoal
1/4 tsp beeswax
pinch of vitamin C powder, optional

This is what I do. Melt beeswax and coconut oil in a double boiler*; add jojoba oil** then mix completely. Open several capsules of activated charcoal and pour into beeswax/coconut oil/ jojoba oil mixture. Stir thoroughly until you like the consistency. You can store in a (mascara container).

The mascara will become thicker as it cools so keep that in mind. If you find that it is too thick or stiff when cooled, simply return it to the double boiler or place the mascara tube in warm water to warm again and mix in enough jojoba oil to thin.

I don’t use mascara very often so one layer makes me happy but you could let it dry and then apply another layer. Some people use a dusting of powder along with their mascara so that may be an option you’d like to try.

Homemade Eye Liner

Ingredients

2 teaspoons coconut oil
4 teaspoons aloe vera gel
1 – 2 capsules of activated charcoal (for black) OR ½ tsp cocoa powder (for Brown)

Directions

Thoroughly mix all ingredients. And store in an airtight container.

Note: Be sure to store this in a dark and cool place. Use a clean brush to ensure you don’t
introduce any bacteria to the mixture.

Yes, You Can Wear Red Lipstick!

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Maybe memories of wiping Nana's beet-red pucker off your cheek has turned you off of red lipstick. Maybe it's red lipstick's reputation as a bad-girl color. Whatever reason why you're not wearing this timeless hue, it's time to expand your horizons. Red lipstick is making a major comeback, and if you think you can't pull it off, then think again. Depending on the hue you choose, red lipstick is classic, versatile and elegant. Start by considering a few things.

Dark lipstick can make lips look thinner, so avoid the hues at the dark end of the spectrum if you're older or have thin lips. If you'll be outside in natural light, then go lighter with a softer shade. For nighttime events, choose something bolder. Women who have striking features such as very dark hair or bright blue eyes can go a little bolder as well. Go easy on your eye makeup if you choose a bold red to avoid makeup overkill. Avoid that lady-of-the-night look by going neutral on your nailcolor as well. Begin applying red lipstick by giving lips a coating of clear balm.

Then dot a bit of concealer around the edges of your mouth and follow by lining lips with a complementary lip liner. These steps will help prevent bleeding. Apply red lipstick with precision - it's not the color to just slap on in your rearview mirror. It's important to consider your coloring before investing in a red lipstick. Generally, women with pink or blue undertones in their skin should look for red lipstick with the same undertones. Berry colors and those that tend to be pinker are perfect.

Women with warmer undertones - yellow or green - should opt for warm red hues, such as corals and orange-reds. Women who don't have a lot of differentiation in their skin and hair color can go bolder with darker burgundies and tomato reds. Don't like the color you've bought? Don't trash it yet - experiment to see if you can add a bronze or gold hue over it in order to warm it up, or a pink gloss to add more of a blue undertone.

Red Lipstick Tips and Product Picks for a Range of Complexions

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Bold, can't-miss red lips turned heads on the fall runways, and now the traffic-stopping hue is this season's hottest shade. While conventional wisdom holds that a true red suits every skin tone, we got the complete color rundown from celebrity makeup artist Suzy Gerstein (who has worked with stars including Julie Bowen, Helena Christensen and Leighton Meester). Get her application tips and product picks for a range of complexions.

For fair skin with cool undertones...

"A true cherry reds look lovely," says Gerstein. To get a long lasting pout, she recommends lining and filling lips in with a pencil (which has more pigment than lipsticks), and finishing with a moisture-rich lip balm for shine.

Pro pick: Shiseido Smoothing Lip Pencil in Siren

For fair skin with warm undertones...

"Reds that are warmer harmonize with those undertones," according to Gerstein. For a subtle, more casual effect, pat color on with your finger instead of applying it directly from the tube.

Pro pick: Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in Somptueuse

For very fair skin with cool undertones...

Opt for a pink or blue-based red. "As a general rule, lip colors that have similar undertones to your skin's will look the most natural on you," says Gerstein.

Pro pick: Tarte Lipsurgence Matte Lip Tint in Lively

For sun-kissed medium skin...

"Sheer reds look fresh and help prolong that back-from-vacation glow by keeping it effortless," says Gerstein. (They're also a good idea for anyone looking to just dip her toe in the red trend!)

Pro pick: Laqa & Co. Ring of Fire Fat Lip Pencil, $20

For olive skin...

"A smoldering, classic red is ultra-flattering," says Gerstein. To prevent color from feathering, Gerstein suggests first outlining lips with a clear, silicone-based lipliner.

Pro picks: Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color in Crimson Noir | DuWop Reverse Lipliner

For deep olive skin...

"Try a sheer, glossy red with gold flecks that will pick up on the golden undertones of your skin," says Gerstein.

Pro pick: Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine SPF15 in Sunset Bronze

For brown skin with cool undertones...

This coloring can pull off virtually any red, says Gerstein, who always loves a cool, blue-based red.

Pro pick: NARS Matte Velvet Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

For brown skin with warm undertones...

"Deeper reds that have both blue and brown in them—but not too much of either—will complement this complexion," says Gerstein.

Pro pick: Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in Dragon

For dark skin with cool undertones...

"You'll look striking in reds that have a lot of oomph to them," says Gerstein. Look for dramatic, yet classic blue-based hues.

Pro picks: MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $15

For dark skin with warm undertones...

Gerstein suggests looking for warm, chestnut-tinged reds and sheer red glosses that allow your gorgeous skin tone to shine through.

Pro pick: Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Blackberry, $25

10 Overnight Beauty Tips

Posted by Unknown Monday, April 28, 2014 0 comments

Often, because of hectic lifestyle, many ladies don’t have much time to take care of their hair, skin, nails, eyes, lips, etc. Today, let’s discover some overnight beauty tips that can work for your beauty while you sleep. So, how to be more beautiful in the morning? Let’s begin:

Care for your hair while you sleep

Well, there are many beauty treatments that you can use at night. One of my favorites is to make a nighttime nourishing and rejuvenating hair treatment: take your favorite leave-in hair conditioner or hair mask and apply it on your already washed, damp hair (apply only on the length avoiding the roots) and leave it on overnight. You can wrap you hair in a scarf to protect your pillowcases. When you wake up, rinse your hair with water and enjoy silky, smooth and nourished locks!

How to make your hair wavy overnight?

This “old school” trick is very easy to use and very efficient: braid damp hair prior to going to sleep and wake up with beautiful waves in the morning.

How to get soft hands?

If your hands are very dry, dehydrated and, even, have painful cracks, then try this beauty technique: apply a thick hand cream (or nourishing oil) on your hands, put on light cotton gloves and leave this treatment on overnight. When you wake up your hands will feel very soft, moisturized and smooth.

Smooth your heels

You can go ahead and do similar nourishing treatment for your feet, as well. Massage a thick cream all over your feet, put on cosy cotton socks and go to sleep. In the morning your feet will say “thank you”!

No more pimples!

You can treat your blemishes while you sleep: apply a tea tree oil on top of your pimple and see it diminish and disappear overnight!

Silk pillowcase

Get yourself a silk pillowcase! Not only it’s a true luxury experience, but also, sleeping on a silk pillowcase can be beneficial for your hair, reducing split ends; silk also can help keep your face look fresh and crease-free in the morning!

Best sleeping position

When you sleep on your side or on your stomach, you are more likely to get those undesirable facial lines, as well as under eyes bags, which can become permanent, if you stick to the same sleeping position every night! Try to sleep on your back instead and say farewell to facial lines.

Care for your lips

Exfoliate your lips before heading to bed and then, apply your favorite lip balm or a nourishing oil (olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil) on your lips. Doing this often will help you to forget about chapped lips forever!

Bright eyes

Store your eye cream in your fridge and apply it cool straight from there, when you prepare to go to sleep. Not only it will help prolong the life of your product, but also, cooling effect will help to de-puff and soothe your eyes. You can also apply avocado or sweet almond oil right under your eyes before sleeping. These oils are very nourishing and can take great care for the delicate area under your eyes, so that you will wake up looking fresh and rejuvenated!

Plumper skin

If you live in a dry climate, sleep with a humidifier running during the whole night, it will help add moisture and freshen your skin while you sleep.

10 Tips To Curl Your Hair and Make it Last

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1. IT ALL STARTS WITH YOUR HAIR CUT

I’ve always known thick, blunt ends won’t hold a curl, and that long layers work best for beach waves, but it wasn’t until I read how to make your curls stay by Hair and Make-up by Steph that I realized the health of your hair plays an important role, too. In fact, the more damaged and split the ends of your hair are, the harder it will be to curl your hair.

2. CUT BACK ON THE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

We all know that unwashed hair holds a style better than freshly washed hair (right?), but did you know that cutting back on the hair conditioner can also help your hair hold a curl better? No? Neither did I! All Woman Stalk tells you all about this, and more, with her tips to help you curl pin straight hair!

3. INVEST IN A GOOD DRY SHAMPOO

On the days when you’re skipping the hair wash, a little dry shampoo will do wonders in adding some volume and getting rid of any excess oil. I prefer Oscar Blandi’s Pronto Invisible Dry Shampoo Spray, but there are heaps of other options. Check out this awesome list of the top 10 dry shampoos by BIRCHBOX to figure out which one is the best for you!

4. ADD SOME TEXTURE TO YOUR HAIR

My hairdresser swears by Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse, but I’ve used lots of other (cheaper!) alternatives from our local drug store, and I’ve never had any issues. Just make sure to read the labels and find something that suits your hair type.

5. PROTECT YOUR LOCKS

Before you bust out the curling iron, make sure to apply a heat protector to your hair so you don’t damage it. I really like Frizz Ease® Heat Defeat® Protecting Spray by John Frieda, but I highly recommend checking out this list of the best heat styling products by totalbeauty.com to find the one that’s perfect for your locks.

6. MAKE SURE YOU’RE USING THE RIGHT CURLING IRON

For years, I always thought the 2″ barrel curling iron was the secret to sexy, curly hair, but after spending some time over on The Beauty Department, I finally know what size curling iron I should use. And guess what? After switching to a 1 1/4″ Curling Iron, my curls look better AND last longer!

7. USE THE RIGHT TECHNIQUE

I don’t know about you, but I need to see something in action if I have any hope in heck of figuring out how to do it. And that’s why I love Beauty High. They compiled this awesome list of the best YouTube curling hair tutorials, which are full of awesome tips and tricks to teach you how to curl your hair and make it last!

8. START FROM THE TOP

I always thought it made sense to clip my hair into different layers, and start curling it from the bottom up. That’s what I do when I straighten my hair, so it just seemed like the natural thing to do. But when I told my hairdresser this, he almost died of laughter before showing me how much easier (and quicker!) it is if you start from the top and work your way down. Live and learn, I say!

9. CRACK OUT THE BOBBY PINS

If I could only give you ONE piece of advice about how to get your curls to last, it’s this: roll each fresh curl around your finger, fasten it to your head with a bobby pin, and then, when all of your hair has been curled and pinned, spray with hair spray, leave for 10 minutes, and remove the curls one by one. It takes me LESS time to curl my hair with this method, and the end result is always bouncier curls that last all day long.

10. NEVER FORGET THE HAIR SPRAY

Always lock in your look with hair spray. I prefer NEXXUS Comb Thru Finishing Mist, but before you grab a bottle, check out this list of the 8 best hair sprays by Real Simple. And don’t forget to grab a small bottle for your purse – you’d be amazed at what a little spray can do to revitalize your curls at the end of the day!

How to get the last bit of your Bare Minerals

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Here's a simple trick to get more out of your Bare Minerals foundation, when there's a little bit of powder left, but it won't shake out of the container.

Via: hand me down style

4 Creative Things To Put Your Hair Up With and Exactly How To Do It.

Posted by Unknown Sunday, April 27, 2014 0 comments

Here are 4 creative things to put your hair up with and exactly how to do it.

1. Chopsticks:

Next time you order takeout Chinese food, ask for an extra pair of chopsticks. Then pull your hair on top of your head into a tight twisted bun, and on an angle, push the chopsticks through. Voila—chic, easy and resourceful.

2. A Leather Shoelace (Or Any Shoelace):

Pull your hair back into a ponytail, either on top of your head or at the nape, whichever you like. Then tie the shoelace and knot it at the base of your ponytail making sure to cover any elastic. Next, wrap the hanging laces down the ponytail with medium tension until you run out of lace and knot it at the end. The ponytail should become stiff but moveable, then twist pin and pull some hair out between the laces. This is a great look, says Vercher, and really fun too!

3. Elastic From Pantyhose:

Cut the elastic off the waist of an old (but not dirty) pair of pantyhose and rock it like a headband. If it’s tight enough, you can even take your hair in the back and tuck it into the back of the elastic to create a smooth, modern, clean look that will hide all your locks.

Another use is to take the leg of the pantyhose and cut the foot off. Then separate your hair into two sections, as if you were about to do a braid, and use the pantyhose leg as the third piece of hair. You can play around and use different colors and textures to spice up your braid.

4. A Sponge Roller:

Take the sponge off the roller and simply use the plastic part as a barrette. Gather the hair on top of your head and make a loop like a ponytail that didn’t go all the way through. Once you have the loop, grab the plastic part of the roller to hold the hair in place. This look is super cool, says Vercher!

How to Keep Your Makeup Fresh All Night

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How to Keep Your Makeup Fresh All Night

We know that the lifespan of some of your favorite beauty looks can be pretty short-lived, but if your makeup isn’t making it past happy hour it’s time to make some changes. This weekend, take a page out of our beauty editor’s handbook and try a few of the fresh makeup tips we swear by.

Block Shine Before it Begins

Sure you can powder and blot all night long, but an easier way to banish shine is to double up on your makeup setting spray. Mist once before your makeup application—this layer acts as a glue to will hold your makeup in place and keep oil at bay. Then mist again when your look is complete to seal the deal. For oily skin, we’re partial to Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray.

Stop Eyeliner Smears

Nothing says, “I’m ready to go home” like smeared eyeliner. For eyeliner debacles, go to the source and swap a defined line for a smoky look. Put down the skinny liners, and pick up a highly pigmented shadow pencil, like Maybelline Master Smoky Longwearing Shadow-Pencil. Draw a thick line and smudge it out with the built-in smudger for a sultry look that won’t have you worrying about smears.

Fight Fading Lip Color

Going for a bold lip? Prep your pout and use a lip stain (we love Hourglass Aura Sheer Lip Stain and Urban Decay Lip Envy), before you apply your chosen hue. Applying a lip stain acts as your beauty safety net. Even if your lip color fades as the night goes on, you’ll be protected from the feathered lipstick and outlined lips that are often left behind after a few cocktails.

Maintain Freshly Mascara-ed Lashes

Another telltale sign that your makeup is past its peak? Dry, flaking mascara. Keep your lashes looking lush all evening long by choosing a hydrating and water-resistant formula with a glossy finish. Moisturizing ingredients fight flake-off, and the word ‘waterproof’ is pretty much a perquisite for a night on the town, but the real key to keeping that fresh mascara feel, is the glossy finish. Sunday Riley The Influencer Extra Volume Glossy Mascara and Lancôme Hypnôse Star 24H Waterproof Mascara will give you hours and hours of enviable lashes.

6 Home Remedies For Legs Care

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Every year billions of dollars are spent on expensive creams, lotions, ointments and gels in an attempt to get perfect skin and beautiful legs. But expensive over-the-counter skin care treatments often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic perfumes, which can cause your skin more harm than good. If you want beautiful legs naturally and easily, just open your kitchen cabinets. Read on to learn how to care for legs with natural home treatments.

Things You'll Need: Baking soda, Almond oil, Apple cider vinegar, Cheesecloth, Cucumber.

Instructions:

1. Mix 4 tbsp. of baking soda with enough warm water to make a natural skin care paste. Once a week gently massage the baking soda paste onto your legs. This treatment will help to prevent ingrown hairs, will smooth the skin and leave your legs looking healthy and feeling silky.

2. Massage almond oil into your legs everyday after a shower as a natural moisturizer. Almond oil not only deeply moisturizes your skin, but can work to relieve pain and reduce the swelling of tired legs and feet. The gentle daily massage combined with the anti-inflammatory effects of almond oil can help to prevent and reduce varicose veins.

3. Elevate your legs at night to help increase blood circulation by placing a pillow lengthwise between your knees and ankles. Increasing blood circulation can help to lesson skin discoloration in the legs, keep muscles healthy and prevent varicose veins.

4. Eliminate varicose veins once and for all with an apple cider vinegar remedy. Soak a piece of cheesecloth in apple cider vinegar and wrap the cloth around your legs where varicose veins are present. Elevate your legs and relax for an hour or so before taking a lukewarm shower or bath. You should see results in as soon as a month.

5. Eat one whole cucumber daily to help reduce swollen ankles and calves. Cucumber is a natural yet gentle diuretic that can effectively reduce swelling in the body. Natural, nutritious and delicious, cucumber is the perfect addition to your skin care treatment.

6. Get plenty of exercise and eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Diet and exercise are the best skin care treatments nature can offer, helping to reduce cellulite, keep muscles toned and the skin and body healthy.

Five ways to reduce under-eye bags

Posted by Unknown Saturday, April 26, 2014 3 comments

Eye bags are partly down to genes and worsen with age. They may also signal an allergy. Sadly, though, according to the British Association of Dermatologists, nothing has been scientifically proven to reduce them. We do know that they are often caused by fluid retention, and that dehydration might exacerbate this, so increasing your water intake could help. Other than that, you could try these popular but scientifically unproven treatments. If nothing else, they might cheer you up.

1 Yo-Tox. The hottest non-surgical "facelift" trend from Manhattan: "Sit cross-legged and place the first two fingers of each hand on either side of your nose about an inch down from the center of your eyes," instructs facial yoga expert Katrina Repka. "This is an ayurvedic energy point. Keep a light pressure, close your eyes, and turn your eyes upwards in your head to gaze at the third-eye point - between your eyebrows. Stay for 5-10 seconds and repeat as needed to help reduce puffiness and stimulate the drainage of fluid from the eye area."

2 Take a nap. Though no research backs up the sleep-eyebag link, psychological studies show that we feel worse about our appearance when sleep deprived. Loughborough University's Sleep Research Centre has established that a 15-minute nap is enough to fool the brain into thinking it has had a proper night's sleep.

3 Cool off. Jane Griffin, a facial mapping specialist at Neal's Yard Remedies, in London, says a cooling eye gel may help to shrink the blood vessels, reducing some of the puff.

4 Acupressure. The acupressure point for eyes is on the mound on your palm just below the index finger. Press it. Repeatedly.

5 Potato therapy. "Potatoes contain catecholase, used in some cosmetics as a skin lightener," says Charlotte Vohtz, founder of the natural cosmetics company Green People. "Rest half moons of potato on the eye bags for 20 minutes." At the very least, you'll get some rest before the next festive boozathon.

5 Down Hair Styles

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browsing through different hair styles is so fun, right? i remember always loving those huge books at the salon where you can pick out the style you wanted. i did a post on 5 up hair styles, so i thought i would do one on hair down looks as well. i’ve been in the mood to switch up my hair lately (a change of seasons will do that to ya.) here’s the looks that i’ve been drawn to…

i like taylor swift’s retro look here. long bangs and a slight curl.

The short bangs. it has such a french cinema vibe to it. i would love these, it just feels like a big commitment to chop those off.

parted bangs. messy but still feminine. i’m into it.

my go-to hair style when i want to look a little fancier.

and my favorite hair inspiration? miss bardot of course.

Face Mapping: Why & How To In 5 Steps

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I know, I know- face mapping? What is that? If you think of your face as a map, and your blemishes as X’s, face mapping is the idea that you can troubleshoot areas that correlate to your internal organs. Make sense? It should. Read through the below 5 basic tips to help comprehend the face mapping concept.

1. Forehead. Breakouts across the forehead are often triggered by stress or sleep deprivation. Make sure to log 7 to 9 hours of beauty rest a night to keep your forehead clear and don’t skip that weekly yoga class or two. The forehead is also linked to digestion so drink less soda and more water.

2. Above the brow. The area above the brow is affected by your immune system. Breakouts here tend to happen right before, after, or during a cold or flu. If you notice a breakout in this zone, be sure to include Emergen-C in your diet for a few days. They have a bunch of great flavors to help get the job done! Or if this doesn’t tickle your fancy, taking some good ol’ Vitamin C will do just the trick.

3. Between brows. Breakouts between the brows can be caused by overindulgence of unhealthy foods or a food allergy. Cutting back on sugar, dairy, rich foods, and alcohol can help clear up skin in this zone. I can always tell if I have been drinking or had fries by looking in the mirror the next day…and now so will all of you ;)

4. Cheeks. Your cheeks are linked to your respiratory system. Smoking is a major contributor to this particular area…that and you will die, so STOP SMOKING. The cheeks are also linked to allergies! Pay attention to all what products you are using, your environment (pollution, pet dander) etc. to help target this region.

5. Sides of chin. The sides of your chin are affected by hormones. Breakouts here occur around that time of the month; mother nature takes over but eating more fruits, veggies and taking your omega-3’s will help for sure.

How To French Braid Bangs

Posted by Unknown Friday, April 25, 2014 0 comments

Steps :

Step 1 : Grab a 3 inch section of hair on your hair line; on the side that you part your hair on. Divide it into three sections; and braid those together one time. Then combine the first one last section together to create one strand.
Step 2 : Pick up a new braiding piece. combine your first and last braid strand as your new braiding piece. combine your first and last braid strand together. then pick up a new piece of hair and repeat the process again.
Step 3 : Continue the process all the way down your hair line. Make sure you pull the strands close to your ear really tight so your braid wont become too losse at the end. When you've reached your ea; secure the braid with a clear rubber band, or a hair tie that matches your hair color!