Acne and Skin Care.

Did you ever notice that the bar is continually being raised on exactly what physical characteristics define beauty? As I sit in front of the TV, I am bombarded by beauties with pouty lips, perfect bone structure, flawless skin, more “voluptuous” upper regions, size 2 waists, and hair that resembles spun silk. Take these same beauties and plop them back in time 20-30 years, when the advent of modern cosmetic technology had not even begun to reach its full potential. Do you think they would have had those same attributes you find yourself longing for when faced with these images? My guess is probably not, or at least not to the same extent.

True, genetics play a role in physical beauty, but with the likes of total “extreme” makeover reality TV (The Swan, Extreme Makeover, Dr. Beverly Hills) and abundant publicity, we see that beauty and cosmetic improvement can now be achieved by a few thousand dollars and a good plastic surgeon. Not only that, but cosmetics in general are now so technologically advanced, you can improve your looks by personal makeup application and home treatments.

There are now do-it-yourself cosmetic treatments such as home microdermabrasion kits, chemical peels, “botox” creams and gels, teeth whiteners, hair removal treatments, cellulite treatments, professional hair straighteners and colors, self tanners, lip enlargers, acne treatments, and the list goes on and on. Cosmetics marketers and science have joined forces to give women everything they ever wanted to be their most beautiful, and feel better about themselves. Women are benefitting by so many companies competing for a piece of these fairly new markets by lower, more competitive prices.

Not only are there new breakthroughs in the world of cosmetic science, but there are constantly new studies and discoveries in the field of nutrition, fitness, and wellness. Combine this with the new wave of technologically advanced cosmetics, supplements, and treatments, and you’ve got a recipe for a healthier, longer, more satisfying life for those of us who decide to take advantage of the advanced knowledge of our time.

So, does your desire to be your best and most beautiful self make you shallow, less credible, or somehow jeopardize your feminist agendas? Unless you’ve somehow compromised your integrity, morals, or core beliefs along the way, the answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT! As long as you are not putting yourself at high risk for physical harm, obsessing endlessly, or spending your life savings, investing time and money into your beauty ultimately is an investment in your well being, self esteem, and many times, mental and physical health. Feeling beautiful is part of what makes us women. Come on, it’s just plain FUN to experiment with different looks and different products! It feels good to be noticed, and when you feel beautiful, you tend to radiate confidence and power. It is inherent in our nature to want to feel feminine and look and feel our best, and there is nothing wrong with it, as long as it is not all-consuming.

As a self-proclaimed “product junkie”, I can attest that many of these newly engineered products really do work, as I have tried nearly all of them in the quest to look and feel my best. I can’t wait to see what they’ll come out with next, as every new product seems to top the last. Hey, women have come a long way, and we deserve to feel sexy and confident - beyond smoke and mirrors!

Danna Schneider, Webmaster
Provides unbiased cosmetic and beauty product reviews, along with sophisticated beauty and makeup advice, through her website
CosmeticsGalore.com Cosmetic Product Reviews and Comparisons

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Every bride wants to look ravishing on her big day, so here are the top ten beauty tricks you need to know about to wow your groom when you do that aisle walk.

Tip 1 - Start a skincare routine as soon as possible.

Go to a department store at a quiet time and get a few free skincare consultations. Discuss any skin problems you may have and find out what kind of skincare regimen would most benefit you. Make sure you pick up a good exfoliation product.

Tip 2 - Drink at least two litres of water a day.

This will cleanse your system of toxins, keeping your complexion clear and giving it a bright, luminous look.

Tip 3 - Use high factor sunscreen.

Sun exposure dries your skin out, makes it look patchy and pigmented and gives you premature wrinkles. Protect your skin with high factor sunscreen and you’ll have a smooth, even complexion for your wedding day.

Tip 4 - Go with a fake tan.

If you want a tanned look, visit a beautician for a professional fake tanning treatment. Steer clear of products that may stain your dress and be sure to exfoliate thoroughly beforehand. Arrange your final application a couple of days before your wedding.

Tip 5 - Visit the hairdressers every 6 to 8 weeks.

Ask for a deep conditioning treatment each time you visit the hairdresser. The results will amaze you.

Tip 6 - Get into shape the easy way.

Make good diet and exercise part of your routine. You should be doing at least half an hour’s aerobic exercise a minimum of three times a week, so choose something you enjoy doing like dancing, running, swimming or cycling. Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and high protein food like fish, meat, seafood and poultry.

Tip 7 - Use hand cream every day and give yourself a manicure once a week.

Finish off with a professional, classic French manicure and perhaps even a pedicure the day before your wedding.

Tip 8 - When it comes to pre-wedding hair removal, waxing is your best option.

It gives the smoothest finish of all and will keep you hair-free throughout your honeymoon.

Tip 9 - Leave hair colouring to the professionals.

No home hair dye kits please! If you want to experiment with a new colour, try it out well before your wedding day so you have time to change it if it doesn’t look good. You can’t go wrong with natural looking highlights which complement your skin tone and highlight your eyes.

Tip 10 - Choose a first-rate makeup artist and hairdresser.

Interview several people before you make your choice, and look at photos of brides they have made up in the past. Your makeup artist and hairdresser are there to make you look great all day and you’ll find their expertise invaluable.

Wow your guests with a wedding they’ll rave about for years. For free wedding ideas, red hot promotions, giveaways, your wedding ‘tip of the day’ and hundreds of inspiring articles visit Jessica Howe’s site at http://www.loveandcherish.net, home of the highly acclaimed One Stop Wedding Kit.

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Do you know that the ‘average’ woman spends about $600 a year on skin care and color cosmetics, according to the beauty industry? Whether she uses only cleansers and lotions or has an array of beauty products, shopping can be time-consuming and expensive. So, here are some quick tips on how to make the most of your beauty budget.

Part of the ’secret’ is to insist on quality for those items that matter … and the most important items are those that help you care for your skin. Look to see if the product line includes the following steps: cleansing, exfoliating, refining or toning and moisturizing. Then review the ingredients for compatability with your individual skin type and sensitivities. If you’re not sure how your skin will react, ask for samples and test them on your forearm.

Quality isn’t necessarily costly though you may spend a little more to find a product line that is the most effective for you. Conversely, expensive isn’t necessarily the best choice. Very high-priced product lines typically contain rare substances that may or may not work for you. Unless you are already using optimum products for your skin, you should notice a difference within two weeks to a month of starting a new regime. Your skin should appear clearer, smoother and well-moisturized.

After skin care, the right foundation or powder and concealer are important beauty buys. Depending upon the amount of coverage you want, select a foundation, creme to powder foundation, dual coverage powder foundation, pressed or loose powder and concealer that blend as closely as possible with your face. (With foundation, test the shade along your jaw line to compare the color with both your face and neck; watch to see if it “disappears” into your skin.)

Another part of the ’secret’ to making the most of your beauty budget is spending less on color products that change with the seasons such as eye shadows, blushes and lipsticks. Most product lines will offer the lastest “hot” colors, which tend to be similar, so comparison shop. Another idea is to accumulate a palette of primary eye colors which can be mixed to create your own “hot” colors.

There’s no need to spend too much to look your best!

© Copyright 2005. Charlotte Maddox. All rights reserved.

Charlotte is an experienced independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay Inc.

Register on Charlotte’s Mary Kay Inc. web site to receive a monthly email newsletter, Beaut-e-News(tm), with tips & techniques and a seasonal mailing of the “The Look” catalog with free samples plus the latest in skin care and color looks (complete privacy ensured).

http://www.marykay.com/charlottemaddox

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