Brighten up. For sallow looking skin, give yourself an instant pick me up with Ultima II Glowtion Skin Brightening Moisturizer. This moisturizer adds just a hint of color that makes skin look brighter and even toned upon application! It also contains Spf15 for protection from the sun. This is a perfect way to keep it light for summer months when foundation may seem a bit much on the skin.

Travel Light. For summer’s lightweight looks, you don’t want to be weighed down by carrying a ton of cosmetics with you for your look. The perfect solution: Bring along just one item- Loreal QuickStick Face and Body Blush in Iced Plum is the ideal shimmer shade for cheeks, over lips, on brow bones, and anywhere else you wish to apply it- try on shoulders with summer’s sundresses…

Juice Bar Freebie. Check out your nearest health and beauty aid store now for Juice Bar Scents from Parfums de Coeur- look for specially marked packaging that includes their jumbo new moisturizing lip balm. Try the yummy Cotton Candy lipbalm that is included with the Cotton Candy Juice Bar scent. It will bring you back to memories of a childhood treat, totally guilt-free, no calories!

A touch of color to the cheeks, a little lipstick, maybe some eye shadow and mascara — makeup seems harmless enough. But check out the labels on department store cosmetics, and you’ll see a list of tongue-twisting chemicals that could be hazardous to your health. But don’t despair — makeup doesn’t have to become yet another item added to your “don’t” list. Many natural cosmetics now rival department store offerings in quality — and they’re toxic-free.

Makeup’s Ugly Side

As surprising as it may sound, the majority of cosmetic ingredients are not tested for safety, according to a study released by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group. Because the government does not monitor cosmetic companies, questionable ingredients creep into most makeup products.

Although most cosmetics ingredients appear safe for use in the short term, long-term use could be deadly, says Kim Erickson, author of Drop-Dead Gorgeous (Contemporary Books, 2002). “Some cosmetic chemicals accumulate in the body’s fatty tissues, where they can remain for years and damage your cells,” she says. As an example, a study reported in the January 2004 edition of the Journal of Applied Toxicology found parabens, the most common cosmetic preservative, present in significant amounts in 18 out of 20 breast cancer tumors.

The number of chemicals in a simple lipstick is astounding. In addition to phthalates (which can cause kidney and liver damage and harm a developing fetus), lipstick may contain the possible human carcinogens butylated hydroxytoluene, polyethylene, dimethicone and a slew of artificial colors derived from coal tar. And if you wear lipstick every day, you’ll ingest at least 4 pounds of it over your lifetime.

Pretty and Chemical-Free

OK, so you’re ready to try natural makeup. Fortunately, you’re no longer stuck with blue eye shadow and orange foundation. Natural products manufacturers are turning out new cosmetics to meet a savvy shopper’s needs. “The offerings are a lot better, and there are a lot more shades for a lot more skin tones. You’re seeing stuff you would see at the MAC or Estee Lauder counters,” says Patrick McRae, marketing associate for Zia Natural Skincare.

Shoppers will see breakthrough technology in natural makeup that rivals the big brands. For example, the foundations from Borlind of Germany are made with tiny lecithin liposomes (pouches) that melt over time, so the foundation maintains a dewy look. “Some natural foundations tended to look gritty over time,” says Linda Upton, Borlind’s vice president of education and training. “This technology has changed that.”

Some companies are also taking cues from brands such as L’Oreal and changing their color schemes with seasonal fashion changes. Borlind now offers more than 20 eye shadow shades and 16 lipstick tints. And to stay on the cutting edge, Borlind has its classic mainstay colors but also fashion hues that change with the times.

A special time, another chapter, that time you laughed for hours …

A scent, just for a second, drifting past your nose can be so reminiscent. Perfume, cologne, body spray … they are the ultimate sensory experience. You can spend anywhere from $9 to $900 or more on exotic fragrances to sweeten the smell of your skin, but when the scent passes within a couple of hours or even shorter, you find yourself reapplying throughout the day.

No need.

When fragrances are used properly they can last, allowing the wearer to experience the full realm of the scent’s intensity.

Fragrance are created by combining different layers of scents, called notes. These notes can be created in labs, synthetically, or they can come from plant, fruit and flower extracts. The top not fades the quickest; the middle note lasts a little longer; but the bottom not remains for about 24 hours. Most fragrances change a bit as the day or evening wears on and certain notes wear off. The smell at first spray is different from the scent that remains hours later.

The best way to make your body spray last all day is to layer, layer, layer. You love the body spray, but immerse yourself in a scented bubble bath, using the complimentary scented body wash. Scented body crème and the accompanying powder should lie beneath the final layer, sprayed onto moistened skin.

To maximize the wear of your body spray, shower and oil up before dousing. Fragrances last longer on oilier skin and evaporate faster on drier skin.

Following those tips may make your fragrance last longer, but that doesn’t mean the scent won’t change with wear. Where you place the scent on your skin affects the way that it smells. Don’t apply the body spray behind your ears, the sebaceous glands effect the scent. Medication, hormonal changes, including menopause and pregnancy, as well as diet can also effect the way you wear a scent. If you’ve eaten garlicky or spicy foods, wait a few days before trying the fragrance. The changes in your diet will be reflected in the fragrance’s scent on your skin.

Even after taking your diet and hormones into consideration, every fragrance doesn’t smell the same on everybody. You may love the romantic scents of floral body spray or the sexiness of musk but the only way to find the scent that best compliments you is to try many. Department stores offer small cards to test their fragrances on. But your skin won’t react with the fragrance in the way that a slip of paper does. Try a quick spray of the scent on the underside of your wrist, right where your pulse is. The beating of the pulse keeps the scent warm which also maximizes its intensity and allows you to get a true idea of what it smells like on you.

Your fingernails are the hard plates that cover the tip of your fingers and are made up of cells called Keratin, similar to your hair. These cells constantly produce new cells and push the old cells to the surface, which give you new nail growth. Most women enjoy having long nails but seem to have problems keeping them from chipping or cracking when reaching a certain length. The cause for brittle nails can be from lack of nutrients in your diet or just lack of protection. Wonders of science have given women with problem nails help in a product, which is called a nail hardener or strengthener.

A nail hardener is like a primer for your nails, a protectant. There are many different kinds of products on the market for you to choose from. The following will help you understand what a hardener can do as well as what are the best ingredients that you should be looking for in a hardener.

The most popular ingredient in a nail hardener is Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde serves for two different purposes, one is that it acts as a fungicide, and also helps to extend the shelf life of the product. Formaldehyde is often found in nail polish and when mixed with a chemical called aryl sulfonamide, it forms a resin that causes the polish to adhere to the surface. Some manufacturers no longer use formaldehyde in their products because of the relation between it and cancer, however the FDA does recommend that using quantities of 3 percent or less in a product as being safe.

Prolonged use of formaldehyde may cause the nails to split, become dry and brittle, so one should consider using a waterproof product to help stimulate nail growth and to help keep moisture in while repelling water and dirt. Nail moisturizers that contain petrolatum, mineral oil or lanolin, glycerin, propylene glycol and proteins come in a cream or lotion form and give the nail strength while allowing it to bend. Alpha-hydroxy acids and lactic acid increase the water-binding effect of the nail plate. A well-formulated nail product should contain all of the aforementioned groups to treat the dehydrated nail plate.

A waterproof nail hardener should be applied after first soaking your nails in warm water for approximately 10 to 20 minutes and should be done on a daily basis for about 3 months while discontinuing use of detergents and nail polish removers. After soaking the nails, gently pat the nails dry. Before applying any hardener, the nails should be trimmed and polished leaving no rough edges immediately following the application of the hardener cream.

Shape your nails using a file or emery board and always file in one direction, do not file in a back and forth motion. The tip of the nail should be slightly rounded as well as the edges. After the initial treatment, follow the above instructions every week. Always wear gloves when doing gardening, washing dishes or even when using daily household chemicals. Household cleaners may contain ingredients that can dry out your nails. Proper and weekly care of your nails will give you beautiful nails that you will be proud to show off.

Most people assume that there is not much difference between antiperspirant and deodorant, but you might be surprised. Antiperspirants use chemicals to obstruct pores, which prevents the release of perspiration. Deodorants, on the other hand, allow perspiration to occur but counteract the odor.

Many people worry that they will offend others if they forego using antiperspirant. Even if they use a deodorant to minimize unpleasant odor, they may be uncomfortable with appearing “sweaty” or fear that they are just covering up one smell with another.

Contrary to popular opinion, most deodorants do not just cover up odor with fragrance. They actually have antiseptic properties that work to kill bacteria, which is what causes odor to begin with.

However, both products may have adverse effects on your health. Some medical professionals believe that blocking the pores and obstructing the body’s natural method of lowering body temperature is unhealthy. More important, many believe that the chemicals used in antiperspirants, specifically aluminum compounds, may be linked to serious health problems.

While the subject continues to encounter heated debate, at least a handful of studies show a connection between the regular use of antiperspirant and the risk of breast cancer. At least one study shows the risk to be elevated if antiperspirant is applied directly after shaving underarms.

There is also research that indicates that aluminum compounds can be absorbed into the blood stream, and eventually build up in the brain. Researchers have tied this phenomenon to the increase in cases of Alzheimer’s disease.

Deodorant was believed to be a safer alternative, but a new study links parabens found in many deodorants to breast cancer as well. One study used autopsy results from women who died of breast cancer, which discovered parabens in their breast tissue. For many professionals as well as consumers, this is enough of a correlation to cause concern.

Some members of the medical community are not convinced that there is any validity to these concerns. Healthcare professionals and some health agencies claim the cited studies are flawed, and believe that any danger thought to be caused by antiperspirants or deodorants is just a myth. However, there are strong arguments on both sides of this issue.

This subject is likely to be debated for some time, and further study is indicated. In the mean time, consumer watchdogs as well as some health professionals advise consumers to reconsider using antiperspirants. They also advise checking deodorant labels to insure that they do not contain parabens.

Increasing questions about the safety of everyday products have led many people to choose natural alternatives. Natural deodorants are available in many health stores and online, and may provide a healthier choice. Consumers should still read labels to insure that such products do not contain dangerous chemicals. Not everything that is advertised as “natural” is made from 100% natural ingredients.

Some people have gone so far as to make homemade natural deodorant, mixing equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch and adding a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. This mixture can be applied by dabbing it on with a damp cloth. This concoction washes away easily and is believed to be a safer alternative than some of the commercial products available today.

Before you next head to your bathroom to cleanse your skin, shampoo your hair, or apply your make-up, you might want to take a gander at the ingredients in your beauty products. Additives, fillers and chemicals are more common in commercially bought brands than we might realize. These common ingredients can dry out the skin and hair, clog the pores and accelerate the aging process.

Many beauty, skin and hair care products contain ingredients that are actually harmful to our hair and skin (not to mention our overall health). What’s worse, some of these ingredients, due to clever marketing campaigns and buzz words, are actually thought to be harmless– sometimes even thought to be good for us. The truth is, they are not. Because of shrewd advertising tactics, the general public is sadly misinformed.

If you are concerned about harmful effects of common beauty products, you may want to avoid products that contain the following ingredients:

Mineral Oil– This product is typically found in lipsticks, lotions, make-up removers, liquid foundations, and is usually the main ingredient in baby oil. The word “mineral” makes this product sound like a nutrient, but in fact it is a crude oil derived from petroleum. Mineral oil literally coats the skin like a film, preventing the pores from doing their job. The skin cannot breath or rid itself of toxins through the substance.

Petroleum– Another like mineral oil, this product can clog the pores and smother the skin. You may find petroleum in your face creams, lotions and lipsticks.

Paraffin– Derived from coal or petroleum, paraffin is a wax filler; the same kind of wax found in cheap candles. It is used to solidify products such as bath bars (they aren’t even allowed to be called soap), and liner pencils. It can be a skin irritant and clogs the pores.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA)– AHA is organic and generally thought to be a desirable moisturizing ingredient and natural exfoliant. It is found in skin cleansers, masks and moisturizers. It does exfoliate, but so powerfully that it removes not just dead skin cells, but the skin’s natural protective layer as well. It can make the skin up to 50% more susceptible to harmful UV rays, leaving one vulnerable to the sun’s aging effect, and even skin cancer.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)– This ingredient is commonly found in cosmetics, toothpastes, shampoos, garage floor cleaners and engine de-greasers. Not only is SLS bad for your skin, as it is a detergent that dries the skin out, but when combined with other common chemicals it can form carcinogenic compounds. This chemical is actually used in labs to cause skin irritations on which other products can be tested, but since it is cheap and creates foam, many commercial cosmetic companies use it in their products.

Formaldehyde (formalin)– Yes, the same substance used in labs to preserve dead bodies can often be found in our nail polish, shampoos and skin creams. This substance can be irritating and cause allergic reactions when in contact with the skin. Its fumes are linked to asthma and cancer.

Alcohol or Isopropyl Alcohol– This petroleum-derived chemical found in perfumes, hair sprays, after-shave lotions, body lotions, and hair color products can also be found in products such as anti-freeze and solvents. It is a toxic substance. Its fumes can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness and depression. It has a drying/aging effect when used directly on the skin.

Talc– found in loose and pressed powders, such as blushes, powdered foundations, and baby powder. This mineral is a potential carcinogen when inhaled.

Laquer– Generally added to water-proof mascara to make lashes look full and keep color from running, prolonged use of this hardening chemical will eventually lead to the loss and thinning of eye lashes.

Collagen– Many of us are under the impression that collagen is good for our skin. And indeed, the body’s naturally produced collagen keeps our skin healthy and elastic. Unfortunately, the collagen added to cosmetic creams, moisturizers and other skin care products are extracted from animal skins and ground chicken feet. The protein cannot penetrate the pores by rubbing it on the skin; it only serves to clog the pores and keep the skin from functioning properly.

Lanolin– Another product we are often under the impression is healthy for our skin, it is a fat derived from wool and is known as a skin sensitizer which causes irritations and rashes.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the harmful ingredients found in many products we use daily. If you are concerned about the effects such additives will have on your beauty and health, you may want to make yourself aware of just what you are putting on your body by reading ingredients before making purchases. Don’t let catch words like “natural” or “organic” fool you; just because something is natural doesn’t mean it won’t harm you. Manure is natural, but you wouldn’t rub it all over your body, would you?

Brides around the world have different expectations of how their wedding day should turn out. But one thing every bride wants is to look beautiful as she attends pre-wedding events, strolls down the aisle, and attends her post-wedding celebrations and romantic honeymoon.

As you see a transformation in your appearance, you’ll learn that you won’t need as much help using products on the outside to make an impression. You can go with lighter makeup, so that it doesn’t have that caked-on look. Take a feminine, romantic approach to your beauty routine and it’s guaranteed that you’ll feel confident when you wake up the day you’re to become a Mrs!

There are other ways to achieve a breast augmentation other than actually having surgery. There are ways of changing the appearance of your breasts and not having to go under the knife. You can do a few simple things on your own and it will look like you have natural and beautiful breasts.

You can also buy a padded or push up bra to help give your breasts a lift. These bras will give the illusion of larger and fuller breasts with out having to have any kind of breast augmentation done. This is something that you can choose to do on certain occasions or you can wear the added padding all the time. Either way, this will give you the freedom to do look the way that you want in order to feel good about your body.

It is interesting to see how scientists are combining ancient knowledge with the latest scientific breakthroughs to create truly effective anti-aging skin care products.

As another example, in the case of pentapeptides, the result is thicker skin that forms a stronger barrier against infection. Pentapeptides stimulate the growth of new collagen beneath the surface of the skin and plump out wrinkles from within.

Skin lesions of various types like moles, warts, cysts and skin tags can be all very cumbersome. Though most of them are benign yet they may be painful or unsightly. They may even restrict movement. So, you may want to have them removed.

Upon completion of the operation the local anesthesia will lose effect soon and you may feel a pain. For this, painkillers may be administered as per prescription from your physician. After completion of surgery you may be asked to give up or reduce smoking in order to lower the risk of infection and hastening healing.