How to Do Manicure and Pedicure

Summer’s just around the corner and that means open-toe sandals—and the need for perfectly polished nails.

Here are tips for flawless nails:
Clean up: Remove any nail polish and clip and file nails.
Soak: In a large bowl or bathtub, put Epsom salts, milk or essential oils (not all together) into warm water to create a luxurious, at-home spa experience. Put olive oil, baby oil or any oil you have at home onto your cuticles while you’re soaking.
Next: Push back cuticles with a cuticle stick after soaking, but don’t cut cuticles at home. “I recommend only trimming hangnails or ragged cuticles on the side,” she advises. The reason? If you trim your cuticles the wrong way, it can actually cause damage and peeling. Not pretty.
Exfoliate: If you don’t have an exfoliation scrub, make one with sugar or salt and olive oil. You can also add lemon or lime for extra kick. The texture from sugar and salt will scrub your dead skin off. After exfoliating, scrub your calluses on your feet with a pumice stone. Rinse well.
Ahh, relax: Place a moist towel warmed in the microwave just like they do at the nail salon on your hands and feet. Jin says it revs up circulation and, aside from that, it feels really good.
Moisturize and prep: Use a non-greasy lotion to moisturize your hands and feet. Next, remove any oil and lotion residue on your nails with a non-acetone nail polish remover or alcohol. This is an important step: your nail polish will not last if there’s any greasiness on your nails.
Base coat: If you have weak nails, use a nail strengthener in place of a base coat. Otherwise, apply one coat of base coat.
Paint: Carefully apply two layers of nail color and make sure the polish dries in between coats. Top coat: Then, one coat of top coat will seal your nails—preferably a quick dry top coat.
Nail salon trick: Touch up the edge of your nails with color and top coat because color comes off there first. Plus, it will look finished and professional—like you got them done at a salon.
Lastly: To ensure your nail products retain freshness, “Store top coats, base coats and nail color in the refrigerator.” Even so, their shelf life? About two years, she says.
Tell me, are you ready to try a manicure and pedicure at home?

Beauty Tips That Work

You've been told this line before: "Okay, I know it's weird, but...." What follows is a surprising piece of advice — about anything from clearing up a zit to taming a flyaway — that totally does the trick. Call it word-of-mouth beauty. Sure, these tips might sound strange at first ("You put diaper cream where?!"), but there's a logic to them. We rounded up tons of such pointers (from pros as well as real girls) and tested them at Cosmo. Though a few clunkers had to be kicked to the curb, all the rest, presented here, are real gems.


1) Powder Your Roots

If your hairline starts to look greasy, dig up a big, fluffy makeup brush, and dip it into a pot of loose powder. Tap it once on the back of your hand to remove the excess, then dust it over your roots. It mops up oil and blends into your strands, so no one will know you didn't shower.

2) Scent Strands with Perfume

Spray a light shot of fragrance into your brush's bristles. Run it through strands from roots to ends and your hair will smell amazing throughout the day.

3) Cure Calluses with Vaseline

Slather on the petroleum jelly, and put on socks before bed to dissolve tough calluses overnight.

4) Spot-Treat Smudges

Dip a cotton swab in eye-makeup remover, and trace it along your lids to erase any slipups or goofs when there's no time to redo your whole look.

5) Fix a Flushed Face

If you turn red and stay that way after exercising (like seriously red for hours, even though you're healthy and hydrated), take an antihistamine like Benadryl when you leave the gym to reduce redness.

6) Soften Your Bod with Avocado

Take a ripe avocado, remove the pit and skin, and mash it up in a bowl. Slather it all over your body, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse off. Your skin will be sooo soft — avocado is a natural moisturizer.

7) Super-Glue a Nail

Instead of tearing off your nail when it breaks, put a tiny dab of Super Glue over the split, and paint a generous layer of your favorite nail polish shade over it. Go for an opaque option (like red, purple, or coral) to camouflage and seal the crack.

8) Use Makeup Remover on Stubborn Lipstick

Don't try to rub off red lipstick (which makes it smear across your mouth — not so sexy). Instead, take a cotton ball or tissue, dip it in makeup remover, and just dab to erase the dark stain fast.

9) Tame Brows with Eye Cream

Pat any kind of rich eye cream over brows to help keep them hydrated and banish those icky white specks that look like dandruff.

10) Buff with Baking Soda

If you find yourself streaking (not glowing) after applying self-tanner, put some baking soda on a loofah, and scrub away the stripes.

11) Brush on Hair Spray

For the final step of your blow-dry, spray hair spray onto your brush, and run it through strands from roots to tips. This way, your 'do isn't plastered and stiff but still holds volume and shine.

12) Boost Body Lotion with Baby Oil

If you're craving shiny legs that aren't greasy, blend a drop of baby oil into your normal body lotion for extra luster.

13) Dab Essential Oil on a Hangnail

Put on apricot oil, the kind found in health-food stores, to protect cuticles from turning rough and raggedy.

14) Quell a Cold Sore with Cream

When a cold sore is coming on, dab a bit of thick moisturizer, like Aquaphor, over it to prevent it from getting worse.

15) Freeze Your Eyeliner

If the tip of your eyeliner pencil crumbles and smears on your lids, store the liner in the freezer for 15 minutes before use so the tip is firm and goes across your skin smoothly.

16) Use Toothpaste on a Zit

Use just a pea-size amount. Let sit for 15 minutes to absorb the oil so the pimple won't get more clogged, then wash off.

17) Heat Up Your Curler

If you have stick-straight lashes, try blasting your metal eyelash curler with a hair dryer for a couple of seconds to heat it up so your lashes bend more easily. And use a waterproof mascara. The formula dries faster than other mascaras, so it sets the curl more effectively.

Beauty Tips That Work 2

18) Use Soap Without Water


You know those fancy bars that are actually too pretty to use? Toss them in your underwear or tee-shirt drawers to make your skin smell delicious.

19) Groom Brows with a Toothbrush

Mist an (unused!) toothbrush or eyebrow comb with hair spray to help flatten and tame unruly brows.

20) Put Diaper-Rash Cream on Dry Spots

Slather on a thick layer of diaper-rash cream to heal cracked elbows and feet.

21) Lubricate Your Lashes

An easy way to draw attention to your eyes without putting on a pile of makeup is to comb petroleum jelly lightly through the tips of eyelashes to get a sexy, subtle sparkle.

22) Steamroll Flyaways

Spray on hair spray, then roll the can over your strands. The round bottle fits the curved shape of your head, locks in the spray, and flattens out frizz.

23) Spike Lotion with Bronzer

If you don't have time to book a self-tanning session, mix a few pumps of body bronzer with regular hand lotion and pat it on your legs for a gradual dose of sexy, beachy color.

24) Air-Dry Your Curls

Let your hair dry indoors before going out in the cold. The curls will be really bouncy and piecey-perfect.

25) Press a Tea Bag on Splotches

If your skin is sensitive or just looking irritated and puffy for some reason, steep a bag of green tea for a minute or two, let it cool down, and dab it over your face. The antioxidants in the tea take down inflammation.

26) Shave with Conditioner

Ran out of shaving cream? Do double duty by coating your stems with a thick hair conditioner. It softens the hair so it's easier to shave off and makes legs feel amazingly silky.

27) Amp Shine with Vinegar

Mix one part vinegar with four parts carbonated water, and soak dry hair. Leave on for 15 minutes before you shampoo to lock in shine and combat dullness.

28) Exfoliate Your Pits

If your underarms start to look dry and flaky, an easy trick is to exfoliate them with a gentle face scrub to keep that skin pretty when going sleeveless.

29) Customize Your Body Lotion

Instead of shelling out for an expensive perfumed body product, you can make your own by pouring a few drops of fragrance into any scent-free lotion. Rub it on — the scent will last for hours.

30) "Brush" with Mouthwash

If you're too wiped out after a late night of partying to clean your teeth, rinse with water and mouthwash, then use a dry toothbrush on the area where your teeth hit your gums.

31) Make an Egg-White Mask

To revive tired, dull skin without hitting the spa table, try this: Crack open an egg in a bowl, separate the yolk, and use the egg whites to make a face mask. The proteins help to heal and restore skin's moisture. Leave it on for five minutes, then rinse off.
32) Dry Sensitive Skin with T.P.

Instead of drying your face with a scratchy towel, pat with toilet paper — it's ultrasoft on delicate skin (and bums!).

Seven Bedtime Habits That Are Ruining Your Sleep

If you’re having trouble falling asleep, you’re in good company. An estimated 65% of Americans said they encounter sleep problems a few nights each week, according to a recent study by the National Sleep Foundation. Sleeping too little is linked with an increased risk for obesity and depression. But before you reach for a sleep aid from the nearest pharmacy, it’s worth reexamining your nighttime routine. Some of your favorite evening rituals could be responsible for that tossing and turning.

1. Going from Night Owl to Early Bird

Who says bedtime is just for kids? Take extra care to maintain your sleep schedule, especially on the weekends. The body responds to routine. If your bedtime is sporadic—11 pm some nights, 1 a.m. others—your mind won’t be properly prepared to snooze on the weekdays.

2. Going from Night Owl to Early Bird

Who says bedtime is just for kids? Take extra care to maintain your sleep schedule, especially on the weekends. The body responds to routine. If your bedtime is sporadic—11 pm some nights, 1 a.m. others—your mind won’t be properly prepared to snooze on the weekdays.

3. Facebooking into the Wee Hours

The brightness of your computer screen stimulates the brain. Plus, it’s difficult for your mind to stop fretting about your digital to-do list, even once youÂ’ve logged off. Avoid late-night surfing and shut down your computer. Give yourself time to wind down without any electronics.

4. Skimping on a Good Bed

A good mattress will cost you anywhere from $500 to over $3,000. Consider it money well spent. A decent mattress—do your homework!—will give you a more restful sleep. The same is true for quality bedding and pillows. Opt for a soft pillow if you’re a back or stomach sleeper. Buy a firmer pillow if you sleep on your side

5. Setting a Bright Alarm Clock

The looming glare of your alarm clock can be distracting when trying to sleep. The goal is to have as dark a room as possible. Block the bright numbers with a book or consider buying a small travel clock. Your cell phone alarm may also do the trick.

6. Counting Sheep

When you just can’t fall asleep, it’s useless to stay in bed. If you’ve been trying to fall asleep for more than 30 minutes, the National Sleep Foundation suggests doing something mundane, like balancing a checkbook, reading or watching TV. An activity that demands marginal brainpower will lull your mind. Before you know it, you’ll be crawling back into bed genuinely tired.

7. Exercising Late at Night

Daytime workouts will keep you invigorated for hours. ThatÂ’s why you donÂ’t want to exercise within three hours of hitting the sack. Intense physical activity raises your body temperature and pumps your energy level—both interrupt a calm transition into sleep.

Sleeping Beauties

Make the most of your beauty sleep with these practical picks for p.m. pampering.
1. TOOTH FAIRY: Thwart morning breath the night before with Crest Pro-Health Night oral rinse.
2. SLEEP EASY: Don't let dry, itchy skin keep you up. Aveeno Overnight Itch Relief Cream.
3. DREAMGIRLS: Ease into sleep with this chamomile and lavender soak. Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Collection Dream Bath.
4. NIGHT LIGHT: Inspire slumber with a soft tuberose scent. P.S.: Blow it out before drifting off. Tocca Rodolfo candle.
5. MOISTUR-EYES: Ninety percent of adults suffer from dark circles and puffiness. Here's your advantage: Clinique All About Eyes Rich.
6. MOONLIGHT MIRACLE: Since your skin absorbs moisture and nutrients best at night, that's when to load up on vitamins and antioxidants. Chanel Beaute; Initiale Energizing Multi-Protection Concentrate.
7. WAITING TO INHALE: Spray the sleep-inducing lavender, bergamot, and ylang-ylang on your pillow to ensure some z's. Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist.
8. HANDY MASK: Give dry nails and cuticle beds a rich overnight moisture mask. Sally Hansen Nail Quencher Cuticle Crème.
9. BED HEAD: Nourish dry, winter-parched hair with the botanical oils and fatty acids found in Phytodensium Anti-Aging Serum.
10. SHUT-EYE: Say nighty-night to the day's mascara, liner, and shadows with Neutrogena Ultra-Soft Eye Makeup Remover Pads.

Nightmare Hair Scenarios and How to Fix Them

Disentangle Your Hair from a Round Brush

Resist the urge to grab the nearest steak knife and slice off that entire section of strands. The better approach:

Don't panic and tug. "That will only make the knots tighter," says Guy Romeo, a stylist at the Privé salon in Los Angeles.
Pin up loose strands. Gently remove as much hair as you can with your fingers, and clip up the freed strands as you go.
Pick the locks. Take a rattail comb, knitting needle, or similar skinny stick and use the pointed tip to dislodge the remaining hair bit by bit from the bristles.

How to avoid barrel-brush entanglements:
Never work with a section of hair that's wider than the brush you're using.
Lift each section up and away from your head before you start rolling the brush underneath it. (Tangles often occur when you inadvertently involve hair that's below the section you're working on.)

Fix a Dud Dye JobWhile nobody's saying that orange roots couldn't have a big fashion moment, now's not it. So in the meantime:

Go to a pro. See a colorist as soon as possible. If you try to fix the problem on your own, you'll just make it worse. This process is typically more complicated than a straight coloring job, so be prepared to pay more.
Style curls into your coif. Until your appointment, wear your hair curly. "Curls help the botched color blend in and be less noticeable," explains Rodney Cutler, owner of NYC's Cutler Salon.

How to Prevent Home Hair-Color Mishaps:Watch the clock. Leaving color on for too long can be a disaster, says Cutler. You might wind up with tangerine tresses.

Disguise a Botched at-Home Bang Trim

You thought you were so savvy trimming your own fringe — until you lopped off an inch where a centimeter would've sufficed. Some possible remedies:

Go for a side sweep. Part your hair on the side where your bangs are the longest, then sweep them across your forehead so they fall over the too-short bits.
Create piece-y texture. The more intentionally piece-y your do looks, the more effectively your bad bang job will be camouflaged. Work a dab of pomade between your palms and fingertips, then twirl little sections of hair from roots to ends.
Tie on a hip head-scarf. If your bangs are too short but not crooked, Romeo offers this approach: Brush them against your forehead and place a scarf or headband at your hairline to nudge them down to a normal-looking length.

How to Avoid Bad Bang Cuts:
Rather than cut your own bangs, finagle a free fringe trim at the hands of a pro. "Many salons offer complimentary bang trims to regular clients," says Cutler.
If you're set on doing it yourself, don't make the all-too-common mistakes of wetting your bangs and taping or holding them down (either way, they'll seem longer than they really are and you're likely to overcompensate by cutting too much off). Instead, start with dry bangs and let them hang naturally to get the most accurate sense of their length. Then use sharp, fine-tipped scissors and a slow, steady hand to do the deed.

Deal with Last-Minute Product Overload

If you overestimated the amount of styling goo to use and now your strands look more oil-slicked than glamorously styled, take these measures:

Remove excess product. Wrap your head in a dry towel, then scrunch with your hands to absorb whatever you can.
Powder your roots. To absorb the rest, use cornstarch, talcum powder, or a dry shampoo. Create a part two inches above one ear and sprinkle powder into the roots. Use your fingertips to rub it in. Repeat every two inches until you get to the other ear.
Tousle your tresses. Flip your head upside down, and with your dryer blowing on cool, run your fingers through your hair.


How to Prevent Product Overload:
Start with less product than you think you'll need — you can always add more.
Begin your product application at the nape of the neck. "When you work from the undersections of your hair, you'll deposit the bulk of the product in the least noticeable places," explains Cutler.

Treat a Curling-Iron Burn on Your Face
"Burn, baby, burn" has a nice ring to it on the dance floor — but if this is what happens when wielding a curling iron, here's first aid for your beauty flub:

Prevent inflammation. Apply ice (wrapped in a washcloth or plastic bag) to the burn immediately for 10 to 15 minutes, says New York City dermatologist Arielle Kauvar. Take a break for a few minutes, then repeat for up to an hour or as long as you can.
Assess the damage. Determine if the burn is first degree (redness but no blistering) or second degree (inflammation and mild blistering). Note: The chance of getting a curling iron-inflicted second-degree burn is pretty slim.
Treat the skin. If it looks like a first-degree burn, apply an OTC antibiotic ointment (such as Bacitracin or Polysporin) twice a day to guard against infection, and stay out of the sun to prevent discoloration. If you've managed to get a second-degree burn, see a physician for a prescription topical antibiotic.
Disguise damage. Don't use makeup on the burn, but obscure it by leaving your locks loose and tousling them forward.

How to Avoid Curling-Iron Burns:
When rolling the curling iron against your head, stick a thin plastic comb between your scalp and the iron, suggests Cutler. A basic black comb that's about an eighth of an inch thick fits the bill — it's enough to block the heat but not so thick that it will block access to your roots. "I use this trick at shoots, because if you burn a model's face, she hates you for life," says Cutler.

Revive Limp Locks
If your do has drooped, you don't have to spend the day with strands that are as flat as a pancake. To make your flapjack style look more full:

Shake dry any damp spots. If you were stuck in bad weather or in a sweaty situation (hmmm...), use a towel (or tissue if that's all you have) to get your tresses as dry as possible.
Tease your roots. Pull out a comb, hold a two-inch section of hair straight up, then briskly move the comb up and down the backside over the roots only (from your scalp to two inches away). Make sure to do the back of your head as well.
Pull it back . When all else fails, try a sleek ponytail.

How to Prevent Limp Locks:
Don't overload on product. If you expect wet weather, use a humidity-proof styler.
Use a root-boosting volumizer when styling.
While blow-drying, lift your roots up and point the nozzle up into them to lock in lift.

Get Rid of Dark Under-Eye Circles

You already know that lack of sleep can result in rings under your eyes, but what you might not be aware of is that dark circles can also come from drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, excess pigmentation in your skin (which is genetic), and allergies. Here, expert tips for erasing them:

Put a Potato to Work

Fade your rings temporarily by cutting a potato (which has a skin-lightening enzyme called catecholase) into two thin slices, says makeup pro Shalini Vadhera. Leave them on your eyes for 10 minutes, allowing the juice to seep into your skin. Do this twice a week.

Take an Antihistamine

If your circles appear during allergy season, consult your doc, says Dr. Robert Mirsky, an ophthalmologist in New Jersey. “Airborne allergens cause blood to pool in the vessels under your skin. Plus, rubbing your eyes can bruise those same vessels, causing a dark appearance under the eyes.” Your doctor may want you to try an antihistamine or allergy-relief eyedrops.

Double Up on Eye Cream

Vitamin K has long been the gold standard for lightening the color of the under-eye area. A recent study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that it’s even more effective when combined with a topical vitamin A derivative (such as retinol). But since retinol is always used solo, you’ll need two creams, says Dr. Audrey Kunin. She recommends MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Anti-Aging Eye Complex every other night and MD Skincare Lift & Lighten for the other nights.

Protect Your Peepers

Cumulative sun damage can cause darkening under your eyes. You can prevent this with a broad-spectrum SPF that won’t sting when you wear it around your eyes. Try Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion.

Quick Makeup Tricks

The problem: Lackluster skin.

The boost: Use tinted moisturizer and cream blush to make skin glow. “Apply moisturizer with a sponge right over any makeup you’re wearing,” says Kim Smith, a makeup artist in Fairfield, Connecticut. Try Olay Definity Color Recapture ($25 at drugstores). Then blend a pink or peach cream blush onto cheeks. Consider Stila Convertible Color in Peony ($25, stilacosmetics.com).

The problem: Tired eyes.

The boost: Wake them up with an illuminating shadow and a mascara refresher. Use a concealer under the eyes if needed. Next, sweep a sheer gold-flecked powder over lids and on the inner corners. Try Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Filigree ($16.50, lancome-usa.com). Also brush on one of the new mascara emulsifiers to rewet and smooth the mascara you applied in the morning. Try Tarte Rejuvelash Natural Declumping Lash Exhilarator, $16, sephora.com.

The problem: Blah-looking lips.

The boost: Apply a berry-colored stain. It requires less precision than dark lipstick (just use a finger), and it won’t rub off. A rosy shade, like Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon ($25, beccacosmetics.com), flatters all complexions. Top with gloss for extra shine.

7 Ways to Keep Hair Healthy

Seattle-based freelance stylist/Pantene consultant Hallie Bowman's elbow-length hair is so fantastic that she attracts new clients just walking around town. Here, she shares her hard-won, personally tested tips for keeping her whole look healthy as it gets longer.

1. Read the back of shampoo bottles.

"You want a strengthening formula—and a little silicone, to slicken and dissolve knots if you're prone to tangles."

2. Be extra gentle.
"Use a boar-bristle brush to help distribute natural oils, never comb when your hair is wet, and use snag-free elastics."

3. Trim once every two months or so.

"Ask your stylist for a 'dusting' to get rid of split ends. If you feel confident, you can also do it yourself with sharp scissors."

4. Avoid heat.
"If you must use hot tools, find one that works fast, minimizing the damage. Air-dry your hair as much as possible; if you want volume, blow-dry—and always start with a good heat-protection product."

5. Minimize overnight breakage.

"Wrap your hair into a topknot before bed and secure with a soft scrunchie. Silk or satin pillowcases are less rough on hair (and prolong blowouts)."

6. Vitamins work.

"Most hair-growth supplements have good-for-you vitamins, too (B8 is particularly effective). And avoid crazy diets: Eating well really does make your hair stronger."

7. Deep condition.
"Once a month, I sit for 20 minutes with my hair wrapped in plastic: The heat from your head increases the efficacy of the product. I alternate traditional conditioners with emu oil—weird, but it works."

Eye Makeup in 4 Easy Steps

Give them a few extra minutes and you’ll go out feeling truly gorgeous. We’ll show you the new ways.

Define Your Brows:
The trend is shaped and well-groomed. “Tweeze hairs out of line with your arch,” says makeup pro Scott Barnes, author of About Face. Then set with brow or hair gel. Mistake not to make: Overpenciling. Fill in sparse spots only.

Layer Your ShadowUse two shades and you’ll look twice as sexy. Try brown, gray or silvery blue. Sweep a darker hue from lash lines up to creases; top with a lighter or shimmery version. Mistake not to make: Neglecting to blend; go to it.

Line Your Lids Right
Apply a streak of pencil that matches your shadow on top and bottom lids; smudge. Feeling bold? Rim inside of eyes with black. Or skip shadow and just use colorful liner. Mistake not to make: Wow liner and wow lipstick. One’s plenty.

Lush Up Your LashesCurl, apply mascara and wait 10 seconds for it to dry before adding more “so you don’t end up with tarantula eyes,” says Barnes. Especially festive: a blue one. Mistake not to make: Ignoring bottom lashes. Show them the love!

Anti-Aging Health Alert: Vitamins Alter Aging

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that multivitamins can keep you younger, longer. It shows that people who take a daily multivitamin had younger DNA.
Humble vitamin C has a secret life that nobody knows about. A Japanese study tested vitamin C’s effect on telomeres and found that raising the level of vitamin C in the cells could slow down the loss of telomeres up to 62%.

What Are Telomeres?

Telomeres are the key to aging. And it’s not just your life span that’s affected… Short telomeres dramatically boost your risk of serious diseases. One study of 60 to 75 year olds showed those with short telomeres had a 300% higher death rate from heart disease and an 800% higher death rate from infectious diseases.

Anti-Wrinkles: to rid and prevent

If you're serious about getting rid of wrinkles, you should stop smoking right now. Cigarettes do a number of things to your body that could cause premature wrinkles to form. Cigarettes inhibit the amount of collagen that your body makes to heal wounds and repair damaged skin, which can lead to deeper wrinkles. Cigarettes also inhibit the body's circulation, which means blood won't reach the capillaries (minute blood vessels) in the skin on your face, which means more dead skin, wrinkles, and less color in your cheeks.

Staying out of the sun should help you get rid of wrinkles. If you're sun worshipper like myself, you're painfully aware of how bad the sun is for your skin these days. Not only do you do a lot of squinting in the sun, producing "crows feet" wrinkles around the eyes, but if you've ever seen a man or woman who just won't stop tanning, you'll see what I'm talking about--their skin is like leather. Do yourself a favor and reduce wrinkles by putting on suntan lotion if you're going to be around between the peak hours of sunlight (10:00 am - 3:30 pm), and wear sunglasses when you go out, too.

Avoid strong soaps and scalding water if you want to get rid of wrinkles. A lot of people make an association between exfoliating face washes and the reduction of wrinkles. The fact of the matter is, harsh facial cleansers, hot water, and soaps that claim to get rid of wrinkles only serve to make your skin less healthy and more prone to forming wrinkles by killing the top layers of your skin and seeping the oil out of layers of skin below that. Over time, this repetitive abuse of your skin will show in the number and deepness of your wrinkles.

A diet rich in Hyaluronic Acid may be to your ticket to get rid of wrinkles. Studies done have shown that people who ingest a large amount of hyaluronic acid (sweet potatoes are loaded HA) live longer than people who do not. Because the lack of hyaluronic acid is often times the cause of premature wrinkles, it's safe to assume that hyaluronic supplements are an effective means to get rid of wrinkles. There are, however, some studies linking HA to cancer. So, before you go off to your local health foods shop in search of hyaluronic acid supplements, do a little research and maybe see a nutrionist or a doctor and ask them for a second opinion on this matter.

Treatments that contain Hydroxy acids and moisturizing creams may help get rid of wrinkles. You have two choices for Hydroxy acids: alpha and beta. For reasons we won't get into here, alpha hydroxy acids are best for treating sun-damaged skin that isn't prone to things like acne. In other words, teenagers should stay away from alpha hydroxy acids, and go with beta hydroxy acids which are better for treating clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, and to avoid premature wrinkles.

10 ways to look younger

Multitask with your makeup, squash signs of aging and exercise. Freshen up your look and feel more youthful with these 10 age-defying tips.

Eat the seeds

Pomegranates can be a challenge to pry open, but there's a treasure inside: Ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in high levels, can protect skin against the sun's rays, according to a study from Kikkoman Corporation in Noda, Japan. Researchers found that eating pomegranate seeds blocks UV-induced free radicals that can erode collagen (your skin's support structure) and lead to wrinkles. "Eating half a cup of pomegranate seeds or drinking one cup of the juice every day can smooth fine lines and make skin feel more supple," says Nicholas Perricone, M.D., a dermatologist in Meriden, Connecticut.

Another way to eat your way young? Cucumbers! These cool complexion-helpers are rich in silica, a mineral that maintains collagen production.

Put on blush first

To revive a dull, sleepy face, dab a bright cream blush or stain onto clean, moisturized skin, right on the fleshy part of your cheek, before putting on foundation. "This trick mimics the naturally rosy undertones skin had when you were younger," says David Horne, a makeup artist in London. Wake up fair skin with pinks and peaches; illuminate medium to darker complexions with mauve or raspberry shades. Done? Don't forget to say cheese! Smiling is the natural way to energize your face.

Make your products do double duty

You multitask all the time — so why shouldn't your makeup? "Products don't have to simply enhance features or hide imperfections," says Matin, a makeup artist in NYC. "They should treat what you're trying to conceal, too." Look for formulas that contain skin-care-worthy ingredients such as firming peptides, antioxidants and hydrating hyaluronic acid.

Exercise to erase age

Stick with your get-fit routine and you can make your body 12 years younger, biologically speaking. Researchers found cardio increases oxygen intake by 25 percent, helping maintain strength and function from head to toe. To look and feel more youthful, squeeze in 30 to 60 minutes on most days.

Take cover (but go sheer)

Avoid emphasizing creases while achieving subtle full-face coverage: Apply a liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer on your face and blend with your fingertips using small downward motions. "This technique creates a thin veil that doesn't seep into pores and draw attention to lines," Matin, a makeup artist in New York City, explains.

The final step in your get-glowing makeup routine: concealer. "It can camouflage even the most obvious early evidence of aging, including sun damage on cheeks and random broken capillaries around your nose," says Matin. Dry formulas (typically housed in pots) blend well into oily areas such as your T-zone, whereas liquids won't accentuate age-related crevices (think laugh lines).

Enhance cheekbones


Collagen (aka skin's support structure) declines over time, causing skin to sag and therefore making cheeks look hollow. To reclaim youthful roundness, apply a shimmer cream on the outer edge of cheekbones, then sweep it up and out toward your hairline. "The iridescence attracts light, which will bounce off skin to create the illusion that cheekbones are full and lifted," notes Sandy Linter, a makeup artist in New York City at the Rita Hazan Salon.

Squash signs of aging


Butternut squash, a classic winter vegetable loaded with beta-carotene, can help keep your skin looking young. The antioxidant helps prevent collagen breakdown and protects skin from ultraviolet rays that can lead to wrinkles and age spots, according to Regina Goralczyk, a biology and human nutrition researcher at DSM Nutritional Products in Basel, Switzerland.

Easy prep trip: Slice squash in half, then bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour. Drizzle with a tablespoon of maple syrup and enjoy!

Deep-six dark circles

Lack of sleep slows circulation around eyes, so blood pools and casts a bluish tint. To zap the raccoon effect — without putting a spotlight on fine lines — use a soft, flat-bristled brush to press concealer from the inner lower corner to midway under eyes (where most darkness lies), Horne says.

Enhance your eyes


Enliven your lids by drawing eyeliner (or wet an eyeshadow brush and dip it into powder) along upper lash lines. At outer corners, extend the line with an upward stroke to create a flattering raised cat's eye. And use mascara on the top lashes only. "Doing it this way lifts the eyes because upper lashes point upward," says Robert Jones, a makeup artist in NYC. "Keep bottom lashes bare."

Feed your Face
Wild salmon, Atlantic mackerel, and walnuts, plus fortified eggs, are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation in the body caused by sun and stress. "Inflammation produces free radicals, and free radicals contribute to aging by attacking collagen," says Susan Taylor, M.D., a dermatologist in Philadelphia. But research still needs to connect the dots definitively and show that the anti-inflammatory abilities of omega-3s translate to younger-looking skin, she says. One study did find that older people who consumed more fish and veggies over their life had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports. The research didn't focus solely on fish, however; vegetables' antioxidants, for example, may have been a factor. Aim for: two 5-ounce servings of fish per week; on other days, 1 oz of walnuts or 2 omega-3 eggs.

New Mineral Make-Up

Mineral make-up is made of all natural, finely ground minerals from the earth, mineral make-up is created without any of the chemicals, dyes, and preservatives found in traditional cosmetics.


Now, a new mineral make-up brand has gone a step farther and developed what may be a truly revolutionary approach in cosmetics - and one that seems to be paying off in a big way.

The company, RAW Minerals, was the brainchild of cosmetic scientist Christina Maraccini, and is the first high-performance mineral makeup based on all-natural ingredients designed to actually improve skin health. But their goal wasn't just to let women consolidate their cosmetics and anti-aging routine into one; they were also determined to change the way that woman sampled and purchased cosmetics.

Home Beauty Remedies That Really Work

To lighten age spots, mix the juice of 1 lemon, 1 lime, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 ounces of plain yogurt together in a bowl. Yogurt contains a natural bleaching property. Rub the mixture into each spot, including sun-damaged cleavage. Do this several times before you need to attend a big event, and your skin will look even and gorgeous.

- To make my absolute favorite face tightener and pore minimizer, beat 1 egg white to a froth. Apply the foamy liquid to your entire face, focusing on problem areas around the jaw, eyes, and forehead. Let it dry completely (about ten minutes), then gently rinse and pat dry.

- To combat under-eye bags -- there are many tried-and-true remedies for this problem -- try placing cucumber slices, raw potato slices, moistened tea bags, or chilled spoons over each eye. Leave them on for ten minutes or so, then check your results. Repeat until bags disappear.

- To reduce puffiness around the eyes: Preparation H is an old tried-and-true prescription for shrinking eye puffiness. It works, but some people find the ointment greasy and/or are put off by its smell (or just the idea of it). I am one of those people. Someone told me to try Tucks pads, and guess what? They work just as well as Preparation H and are odor and grease-free. You can use them on your neck, jaw line, or forehead -- any place that needs quick tightening.

- To make a fantastic moisturizing mask, mash up an avocado and apply it to your face. You'll look scary while it's on, but after removing it with warm water you'll see that it works.

- To make my excellent exfoliator, mix a few tablespoons of sugar with a few tablespoons of olive oil or water, if you have acne-prone skin. Gently massage the mixture all over your face. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

- To make a gentle exfoliator, make a paste of baking soda and water and rub the mixture all over your skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

- To make a clay mask -- which is great for pulling toxins out of your skin -- some facialists use (I kid you not) 100 percent clay kitty litter. (I told you I'd try anything!) It contains the same ingredients that are in the expensive clay masks. Make a paste of the clay by mixing it with water, and apply to your skin. Let it sit until it hardens, and then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

- To make your own collagen booster, mash 1 cooked carrot with 1 avocado, then add 1⁄2 cup heavy cream and blend. Apply the cream to your face and neck and leave it on for fifteen minutes. Then rinse with cool water. The beta-carotene in the carrot, the vitamin E in the avocado, and the calcium in the heavy cream combine to boost collagen levels, lighten age spots, and improve overall skin tone. Do this once a week for a month and your face will glow.

- To use oils to your advantage: coconut oil is a miracle moisturizer on dry hair, nails, feet, you name it. Olive oil is a legendary Mediterranean beauty secret for supple, soft skin -- rub it on your skin, your feet, and your nails. To condition and repair damaged hair, combine 1/2 cup of olive oil and 2 to 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary and let it sit overnight. The next day, remove the rosemary, and massage the oil into your hair; let it soak in for ten to fifteen minutes, and rinse with warm water. Then shampoo to get rid of the oil residue. Sesame oil is another great all-over body moisturizer. Neutrogena makes a body oil that is super light and smells heavenly; apply it to damp skin after you shower for a smooth, subtle sheen that also accentuates muscle tone and enhances a tan. Right before I step onto the red carpet, I like to rub a little lavender oil on my arms and legs. It smells great, and it makes my skin soft and silky.

- To make a lip exfoliator -- you should try to exfoliate your lips once a week to get rid of dead skin and plump them up -- mix a paste of honey and sugar and rub the mixture on your lips. Then use a toothbrush to slough off the dead skin.

- To make an instant lip plumper, simply rub cinnamon on your lips. It's that easy.

- To make my ultra hand moisturizer, blend 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 drops of lemon essential oil. Use it every time you wash your hands and your hands will be silky smooth in no time.

Effective Home Remedies For Cracked Lips

Cracked lips, also known as chopped lips, is a condition of dried out and cracking Lips. Lips are more sensitive to chapping than the skin because, unlike the skin, the lips do not produce oils to protect them against drying. That is why when the weather is dry, cold or windy the lips get cracked.

Home Remedies For Cracked Lips :

* Smear olive oil on lips (do not put Vaseline on lips it will make them more dry).
* Indian med: Rub melted unsalted butter on the cracked lips.
* Home remedy for cracked lips: apply some table salt on your lips, peel, wipe and apply some olive oil on the lips.
* Apply some Aloe Vera gel on the cracked lips.
* Smear honey on the lips.
* Mix 1 tablespoon of Vaseline to the same amount of butter; then put 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of sugar and apply on the cracked lips.
* Natural treatment for cracked lips: apply some fresh orange juice drops on the afflicted area of the lips (might sting).
* Apply some cocoa butter on the cracked lips.
* Smear some Vitimin E oil caplets on the chapped lip
* Slice a cucumber and rub the chapped lips with a slice.
* Dip a wet toothbrush in baking soda and gently scrub the cracked lips.
* Apply some hand/body lotion on the chapped lips.

Beauty Tips For Women: How To Achieve That Sexy Look

Here are a few proven tips to help you look sexy and attractive in no time. Sometimes you don't have to spend a fortune on beauty products/services in order to look sexy. All you need is some positive attitude, self confidence and a few tips like the ones in this article.

Beauty tip 1: Brush Your Teeth

Always take good care of your teeth. Keep them extra white and shiny (aka sexy). Visit the dentist every now and then to ensure your teeth are healthy.

Beauty tip 2: The Earrings

I strongly recommend using your favorite jewelry when trying to look sexy. I will stress the use of earrings especially at dark hours. A pair of metallic classy earrings can make the difference and give you the hottest look.

Beauty tip 3: The Red Lipstick

Red color is bound to attract attention. Nothing does the job better than a red lipstick. Younger women should also use some lip gloss to sweeten their lips and have that shiny attractive look. Older women should avoid lip-gloss and choose a red lipstick that matches their skin type. For example, a blonde lady should use a pure red lipstick while a dark-skinned lady should go for a dark-red one.

Beauty tip 4: Quit Bad Habits

No matter what you think, quitting bad habits like alcohol or smoke will have a tremendous impact on the way you feel and look.

Beauty tip 5: The Sun Glasses And The Hat

Some people look extremely sexy when they look mysterious. A pair of sunglasses of your choice will give you a mysterious and cute look and it will protect you from UVA and UVB radiation. How about adding a hat to the set? A hat will strengthen your sex appeal and will draw attention too.

Beauty tip 6: Elegant Fabrics

Try wearing clothes made out of elegant fabrics like silk or cashmere. These fabrics feel good and will boost you self-confidence. Plus, you can visualize you are taking the place of your favorite celebrity.

But enough with the beauty tips...

Keep in mind that outer beauty is not all you need. No matter how many tips you know, how many beauty products you've bought, how many experts/stylists you've taken advice from etc...

Do you have the right kind of mindset to look sexy? Do you feel good about yourself?

What is inside is reflected on the outside. You always have to take good care of your inside and feel good about it in order to achieve an astonishing and sexy look. Then you can apply all the beauty tips you want.

Celebrity Beauty Tips: How Do They Do They Look Shiny?

It's a fact that all celebrities have something special in common. Is it the shining star above their heads? Is it the beauty secrets all of them apply and help them always look at their very best? The truth is that everyone has a star and everyone can make use of some so called secret beauty tips, for healthy and beautiful looks.

Here are some "best-kept" celebrity secrets that everyone can apply.

Beauty Tip #1: Stay Fit.

Try to walk as often as you can. Try to exercise. This is an easy way to help your skin shine. Do some fitness exercises when you wake up, after drinking a fresh orange juice. Then you can have some breakfast or drink a coffee. Always eat some breakfast.

Remember this wise advice: In the morning, eat like a king. In the evening, eat like a peasant.

Beauty Tip #2: Do not smoke.

I'm sure you already know that smoking can cause lung cancer and it's bad for your heart too, but did you know that smoking prevents you from having a good sleep? Nicotine is a substance equal to caffeine, and can seriously affect your sleeping and resting habbits. Cigarette smoke can also severely damage your skin's cells. So the solution is simple. Do not smoke!

Beauty Tip #3: Protect Your Skin.

When you're under the sun always use some protection. Wear a nice looking hat and use some sunscreen to protect yourself from the harmful rays. In the winter apply some appropriate cream on your lips. You get the picture. Try to protect your skin because it's valuable. Celebrities treat their skin like gold because they know it's precious.

Here is a secret celebrity tip to tighten your skin: apply tomato juice to your clean face for 5-10 minutes. Then wash your face with cool water. It will tighten your loose skin temporarily.

Beauty Tip #4: Sleep well.

If you have a tired body and mind it will definitely affect your skin and looks. Even if you use the best skincare products there's no way to replace the benefits of a good sleep. You have to get enough rest if you want your skin and your eyes to shine and be healthy. Most people need 5-8 hours of sleep to look and feel good. Ideally, try to get at least 8 hours of sleep. To get the best out of it, try to rest in a quiet, dark and cool room.

Beauty Tip #5: Eat well.

As you may know, what you eat is really importand if you want to look like a celebrity. Try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Try to eat them at least three times a day with your main meal or separately. Fruits and vegetables contain plenty of proteins and vitamins which will "secure" your skin and make it shine.

Eat fish. Fish meat is an excellent resource of proteins that will protect and strengthen your eyes. Try sardines. This is a secret tip that most people never heard of. Sardines contain certain fats and oils that are extremely useful for your circulation and your skin.

Celebrities drink a lot of water. I'm sure you know that already, and you are probably drinking a lot of water yourself. And why is it importand? It's importand because it helps your skin to hydrate properly. So drink a lot of water, at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.

These so called well-kept beauty secrets are not that secret after all, right?

You see, It's not that hard to look beautiful and shiny like a celebrity. All it takes is to feel good about yourself, follow some simple formulas and be optimistic. You have a shining star above your head.

Cosmetic Surgery Reviews

Are you thinking of Cosmetic Surgery?It might be if you have an imperfection, like excess fat, excess skin, or wrinkles, that you want to change. As great as cosmetic surgery is, it isn’t something that is right for everyone. So, is cosmetic surgery the best thing for you?

When you start in deciding if cosmetic surgery is best for you is by examining the expense. Is it within your budget? Unless you are going in for reconstructive surgery, like to repair a serious burn or serious cuts and scrapes from an accident, your health insurance provider may not cover the costs. With that said, be sure to check. There are a small number of cosmetic procedures, such as breast reduction surgery, that are from time to time covered and possibly in full. On the back of your health insurance card or on your policy, there should be a phone number. Call that number and make an inquiry.

Another sign that cosmetic surgery may be correct for you is if you are looking to better your health. Although many individuals opt for cosmetic surgery to only improve their visual aspect, there are some exceptions. Liposuction and gastric bypass surgery can be used to help you achieve your weight loss aims . Typically, liposuction isn’t considered a weight loss plan, like gastric bypass surgery, as you only have around five to ten pounds of fat removed from your problem areas. If you opt for gastric bypass surgery or another similar procedure, you can lesson your risk of heart complications, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Cosmetic surgery may also be right for you if you do not feel that you have any other options. As it was previously declared, liposuction is better for those who have a little bit of extra weight and fat that they would like to have removed. If you have tried eating healthy and physical exertion, you may not feel like you don’t have any options left.It can also be said for slowing the signs of aging. If you have tried numerous over-the-counter products to reduce or eliminate your wrinkles and you haven’t seen success, you may see a surgical face lift as your only option. In these instances, cosmetic surgery is usually best.

In keeping with limited options, it is also important to examine that hopelessness you may be feeling. As previously stated, cosmetic surgery is frequently used to improve one’s physical appearance. While you may be told that beauty is more than just your physical appearance, it may have a negative impact on your life. Those who are down or feel like they don’t have any other options are likely to suffer from depression, low self-esteem, and have a poor feeling of self-confidence. If you are feeling this way, cosmetic surgery is something that is worth looking into .

Perhaps, the most prime factor to take into consideration is the recovery process. Depending on the cosmetic procedure you undergo , recovery can take a several hours to a few weeks. Be sure to determine this time frame in advance of any surgery. Also, what steps will you need to take to care for yourself? If you undergo a surgical face lift, moisturize or antibiotic ointment may required to be applied several times a day. Can you remember to do so? If not, cosmetic surgery may not be right for you, as the recovery process can be just as important as the surgery itself.

To recap, cosmetic surgery is not right for everyone.Saying that , if you really need to improve your self-confidence, your health, and if you can afford the cost of cosmetic surgery, it may be right for you. To see if you are an ideal candidate, contact one of your local cosmetic surgery centers or a surgeon who runs their own private practice. You will want to schedule a consultation appointment. If you are an ideal candidate for surgery, you should get all of the information you need. This information should always include a elaborate explanation of the procedure, the recovery process, and the total cost.

Before thinking of cosmetic surgery of any kind you must consult from your own doctor. Get recommendations from friends or people you know who have experienced cosmetic surgery themselves. Read as many Cosmetic Surgery Reviews as possible and shop around for the best deal and always ensure the surgeon is licensed qualified and insured, it is much safe cosmetic surgery is by far the best option.