Beauty Tips

Eyelashes are to your eyes what petals are to roses. Your eyelashes tell the world to come closer and gaze into your gorgeous eyes. You can get your lashes to send out irresistible invitations to your world in three simple steps.

The keys to amazing eyelashes are proper nourishment, the right curl and a well-chosen mascara.

Step 1: Condition For Longer, Thicker Lashes

Lush, sexy eyelashes are long and thick. If time or shabby genes have robbed you of these traits, you can steal them back using an array of eyelash conditioners. Lash conditioners work by strengthening and protecting the eyelash strand. This allows your eyelashes to grow longer and stay longer in the hair follicle. With time, typically two to four weeks, you'll enjoy noticeably longer and thicker lashes.

Lucky for us, Latisse (the first and, so far, only FDA-approved prescription treatment for scanty eyelashes and growing them longer, fuller and darker) is not the only way to coax your lashes to grow back.

RapidLash eye conditioner offers a reasonable path to extreme lashes for about $50US for a one to two month supply. More affordably, and comparably effective, you can grab Ardell Magic Lash Growth Enhancer for around $10US at your local drug store.

Step 2: Curl Your Lashes

Once you get a lush garden of lashes, you need to welcome them into the world with a nice curl. Eyelash curlers come in a variety of styles and functions. You can grab a simple curler at retailers like Wal-Mart or Walgreens for around $5US. To use most eyelash curlers, you simply place the curler at the edge of your eyelid, while ensuring the your eyelashes are spread evenly and naturally across the curler pad, press the curler and hold for 10-15 seconds and release.

Now, you even have the option of applying mascara and then using a heated eyelash curler. The advantage of the heated curler is that it helps stop that little loss of curl that you can sometimes get once you put on mascara.

Heated eyelash curlers are also ideal for people with eyelashes too short for curling with a traditional metal curler or people who blink so much, it makes it almost impossible to grab their lashes with the curler. These beauty tools are also sold in drug stores for $10-$15US.

Step 3: Apply The Right Mascara

Even though it seems like there are a million types of mascara in the world, they all basically perform one or two of the following functions: lengthen, add volume, separate, curl and/or waterproof the eyelash. So picking a mascara is a matter of deciding what your want your lashes to look like- longer, curlier, bushier, etc.

To get the most drama out of your lashes, you can go for Maybelline's Volum' Express the Falsies. For less than $7US, this mascara promises a 300% increase in the number of lashes you can see. It lengthens as well.

Next time you're in the mascara aisle, don't get overwhelmed by the smorgasbord of choices you have. Just decide what you want to do with your lashes (lengthen, volumize, waterproof and/or curl) and pick a mascara that does just that.

Follow these three simple beauty treatments (condition, curl and mascara), and within two to four weeks you'll be on your way to creating captivating lashes for less than $30US. Don't wait, you've got amazing lashes longing to come into full bloom.

Naweko N San-Joyz is a beauty contractor giving people the tools and know-how they need to look better on a budget. You can get started by using her free ebook Better Looking Skin Awaits You. It offers tons of homemade beauty tips that give you spa-quality results from your cozy kitchen without blowing all your cash.

Anti-Aging Tips

There are five things that everyone can do today that will slow down the aging process. They are relatively quick and quite easy. As mothers and keepers of the home these are the five things that you should start doing today to keep premature aging away. After all, we may be the ones raising and caring our family but we want to look good too!

1) Wear your Sunglasses
2) Take Care of Your Smile
3) Know your Number
4) Take your Vitamins
5) Challenge Yourself

Wear your Sunglasses

All that squinting from the sun's rays will cause premature wrinkles to appear around the delicate eye area. Do yourself and your eyes a favor and take your sunglasses with you as you head out the door. If you are still considering going out and "running" your errands sans sunglasses, think about this: There is an increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration due to sun damage that can occur. Don't forget to wear your sunglasses in the winter months too!

Take Care of Your Smile

One of the easiest things that you can do for yourself is to take care of your smile. That means seeing the dentist at least twice a year for your dental check-ups, brushing your teeth at least twice a day (in the morning and before you go to bed), and flossing regularly. Did you know that dental decay can lead to cardiovascular disease?

In addition, use a whitening toothpaste daily to nix coffee, tea and other superficial food stains from those pearly whites. Teeth whitening kits which are sold over the counter are a great way to keep stains at bay. For deeper stains you may need a professional whitening session from a dental professional.
Remember, our teeth naturally yellow as we age. Minimize this change by taking care of that smile and look years younger in the process. Limit the staining effects of your morning cup of java or tea by rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth after you drink.

Know Your Number

If you don't know where you are, how can you know where you are going? Check your weight at least twice a month (monitor more closely if you are currently working on a weight loss goal). Extra pounds can have a way of causing people to age more quickly. Excess weight gain can cause a once vivacious person to become sluggish and lack energy. This by itself has a way of creeping into other parts of your life: self esteem, sexual health and mental health are all negatively affected. Not to mention the myriad of diseases and other conditions that can result from carrying an unhealthy weight.

But, how will you know that your weight is creeping in that direction if you don't check it? Certainly your clothes will fit more snugly and maybe your "nosey" neighbor will let you know. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to know your weight and take charge. Ignoring the numbers on the scale will only amplify the problem. Remember, naturally our metabolism will slow down as we age. So be vigilant about checking and knowing your numbers.

Take Your Vitamins

Of course you should take your vitamins daily. It is like an insurance policy for your home. Would you skip that? But, that is not what I referring to though. I am talking about the vitamins for your face. Your face is the first thing that people see when they see you. Well, if they are looking at you from the front at least. Besides, cleansing, moisturizing and protecting your skin (with SPF), "hot mamas" should at least be using a retinol cream at night. Retinol creams contain vitamin A and help keep wrinkles at bay. A stronger option is a prescription Retin-A cream. Both can cause irritation especially in the sun, so be sure to wear your cream at night and consult your doctor if you have any other concerns.

Challenge Yourself

Continuously challenging yourself is good for your brain and is the best anti-aging tip that I can offer. Research shows that continuous learning is a great defense against Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. Besides, as a parent I want to be able to go "toe to toe" with my kids. I want to be able be able to not feel intimidated when new technology comes my way. Doing so will keep you independent, keep things interesting, and keep you young!

Lisa is a true learner of life. Although much of her learning came from the scientific arena, she garners her lifestyle management lessons from any setting.

This self proclaimed "Domestic Life Stylist" is passionate about matters concerning the home and takes a multi-faceted approach to the topic from a modern mom's perspective.

For more information on cooking, travel, entertaining, budgeting, family health and overall home management tips go to http://thedomesticlifestylist.blogspot.com.

The Domestic Life Stylist has been nominated for "The Circle of Moms Top 25 contest" in the home management category. Please show your support and vote for my blog. You can vote once per computer IP address/day. The contest ends on October 11, 2011.

Simply search for the "Top 25 Home Management Blogs",
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A Simple Solution To Eliminate Bad Hair Days

Hair, like the skin likes a balance between nourishment and purification. While most people will carry out regular treatments to deep clean and clarify their skin, and even their bodies, they will never even consider a similar procedure for their hair and scalp.

The hair and scalp, like the skin is also susceptible to a build up of chemicals and impurities that regular shampooing cannot remove. Most of us love to use moisturising shampoos and nourishing serums, especially if we have dry hair. But when used regularly over a long period of time these products can leave residues on the hair and scalp.

Of course, deep conditioning and moisturising is vital in keeping the hair protected and nourished. But when no clarifying treatments are carried out, the result is dull, lifeless hair and a unbalanced scalp as both are covered in a veil of product residues.

On the other hand insufficient or absence of conditioning after shampooing leaves the hair unmanageable, dry and susceptible to damage from the elements.

When the hair is balanced by deep cleansing and regular intensive conditioning, it is full of bounce, shine and lustre. The hair and scalp can be effectively deep cleansed and detoxified by using a clarifying shampoo once a month. This will ensure all dead skin and impurities from the scalp and hair are completely removed resulting in soft shiny hair and a healthy scalp.

A totally natural hair and scalp purifying remedy is Amla, or Indian Gooseberry powder. This is a truly miraculous herb for the skin and hair. It is exceptionally high in antioxidants and Vitamin C, and has been used in the Indian subcontinent in various ways to promote healthy hair and skin for centuries.
Simply mixing a quarter teaspoon of powdered Amla to your regular shampoo will effectively and gently remove build up from the hair and scalp.

Another effective and simple hair and scalp clarifier is Moroccan Rhassoul Clay. This ancient cleanser and purifier is an excellent choice for removing product build up from the hair and scalp. Again the same method applies, mixing a quarter teaspoon to your regular shampoo should do the trick.

Some points to remember when doing a hair and scalp detox:

Always follow a detox treatment with a deep conditioner.
Detox treatments should not be done more than twice a month, excessive deep clarifying of the hair and scalp can lead to dry hair and irritated scalp.
Detox treatments are not recommended for excessively dry, porous and processed hair.
All product should be thoroughly removed after treatment.

For more information on natural skin and hair solutions please click on the link in below.

Disclaimer; All information in this article is for general information only. Please refer to your therapist/health practitioner before starting any new treatment.

Marisa is a therapist and founder of Alive Earth Skincare. For truly natural and holistic beauty products that are 100% free from toxins and chemical ingredients go to http://www.aliveearth.co.uk.

How Toxic Is Your Skin

Beautiful skin glows with health and radiance. Not only is the skin our largest organ, it is a visible reflection of our physical and mental wellbeing. Many different factors affect the health and appearance of our skin, some intrinsic and others extrinsic. Apart from a poor diet and stress, the build up of toxins and synthetic chemicals can interfere with skin health more than any other factor. Internal and external toxic overload makes normal functioning of the skin very difficult, encouraging problems like acne, dryness and premature ageing.

Common causes of Intrinsic toxicity.

Unhealthy diet, especially regular consumption of deep fried, processed and commercially prepared foods.
Lack of exercise.
Smoking.
Long term use of prescription drugs.
Prolonged stress.
Excessive alcohol consumption.

Common causes of extrinsic toxicity.

Continuous use of chemical based skincare products.
Exposure to synthetic perfumes/sprays.
Pollution from car fumes/factories.
Regular exposure to passive cigarette smoke.

Making a few simple changes to your regular routine and the products you use can significantly improve the
appearance and health of your skin by reducing its toxic overload.

Here is a checklist for helping your skin to get softer, smoother and brighter every day.

*Start the day with a mini cleanse by drinking a cup of warm water with a few drops of lemon juice.

*Decrease your exposure to harmful chemicals and synthetic additives by choosing skincare products that are truly natural. Some of the most widespread chemicals found in skincare and toiletries include, Parabens, DEA, MEA, TEA, and Isopropyl Alcohol to name just a few.

*Get plenty of exercise, regular exercise increases lymph flow which can help reduce puffiness, dullness and acne.

*Exfoliate regularly using a gentle exfoliator. This will remove deeply imbedded dead skin cells and impurities to encourage fresher and smoother skin to come to the surface.

*Have regular saunas to induce perspiration, remove toxins and activate your skins elimination process.

*Stay away from white sugar and avoid artificial sweeteners. Natural unprocessed sweeteners like honey and dark brown sugar are much better options as they actually provide the body with some nutrients rather than providing the body with pure carbohydrates.

*Drinking herbal teas is a gentle and effective method of eliminating toxins. Excellent detoxing herbs include Burdock, dandelion and sarsaparilla.

*Improve kidney function by drinking 6 glasses of pure filtered water daily.

*Limit your intake of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

*Include plenty of fresh, raw fruit and vegetables in your diet. The skin thrives on the living nutrients from fresh wholesome and unadulterated foods.

*Use a clay based face mask once a week, there a various different clays to suit almost all skin types, from mild and gentle pink and white clays to deeply clarifying Fullers earth and Bentonite.

*Regular facial and body massage with a detoxing essential oil blend can be very helpful at reducing the effects of congestion in the skin.

And remember, our skin tells the truth. When we are mentally and physically in balance, it glows, get depressed and it responds by becoming lifeless and dull. Our skin displays very accurate information about our state of mind, overall energy and vitality. It deserves the same quality of pure and natural nourishment topically as we feed our bodies internally.

Disclaimer:The content of this article is for general information only. Please refer to your health practitioner before making any changes to your diet/lifestyle, especially you have any medical health problems.

Marisa is a therapist and founder of Alive Earth skincare. To see her unique range of truly natural, toxin free skincare go to http://www.aliveearth.co.uk.

The Benefits of Using Natural Bar Soap

The number of people using organic products is increasing significantly every year and for good reason; they are better for your health and the environment. One of the trends rising the most within the "organic living" community is the use of natural bar soap. In this article I am going to discuss some of the reasons why using organic bar soap is great for you and your family.

In recent years there has been a movement for healthier eating around the world so more people are turning towards organic foods. This health movement has expanded into using natural products on your skin and around your home as well. Therefore, natural bar soap and other natural cleaners have gained a lot of popularity now that people are realizing their benefits.

Because truly natural bar soaps only use organic ingredients, they are better for your skin, great for the environment, and just plain healthier overall. Also, most of the natural soap bars are scented by their ingredients so they smell great, and are naturally colored as well. Many foods have great scents that they will add to the soap, such as coconuts and oranges, and these are usually used when creating organic soap.

However, there's no doubt that the top selling point for natural bar soaps is that they are great for your skin. The pure ingredients used to make them are also what give them a great lather and natural moisturizing properties. In addition to that, they go through a natural soap making process so they retain all of their glycerin, which is normally extracted from regular commercial soap. Glycerin is a very good moisturizer so that gives natural soap another advantage from the start.

Another great thing about these organic soaps is that often times they have natural exfoliating properties. In fact, a lot of luxury spas use various types of natural soaps as part of their relaxing spa treatments. If you have your own at home, you get to pamper your skin every day similar to the way a spa would, but without the huge costs.

You must also remember that the vast majority of commercially produced bar soap contains synthetic lathering agents, artificial colors, and a whole bunch of chemicals most people can't even pronounce. Most of the antibacterial and antimicrobial soaps contain triclosan, which is a toxic chemical known to cause cancer. Your skin is porous and absorbent so it soaks up whatever comes in contact with it. Long term use of those soaps full of chemicals will cause your body to store them and you really don't want all those chemicals inside your body!

On top of that, those harsh chemicals and toxins end up finding their way into our environment. Every time that lather washes down your drain, the pollutants are going with it into the eco-system. Therefore, organic, all-natural, handmade soap is a much better alternative to use for many reasons.

I am partnered with a pure products company that specializes in natural beauty products and environmentally friendly cleaners. Some of our most popular items are the organic bar soap, natural cleaner and homemade facial masks. Visit http://www.jenuinelypure.com to see the full line of organic products.