If you are ready for beauty to be made simple these quick easy beauty tips are for you. Used by some of the top beauty professionals in the industry these fast and simple beauty tips will instantly improve your appearance and correct some of today’s most common beauty problems.

To reduce the redness and shrink the size of a blemish – soak a cotton ball with visine. Place the cotton ball on blemish, hold it there for a minute. This will reduce the redness. Next apply a small drop of Preparation H to the blemish. This will shrink the blemish.

For longer lashes – use a small makeup brush to dust your lashes with face powder before applying mascara and between coats.

To minimize dark under eye circles – Before applying your foundation use an orange tone concealer mixed with your foundation to cover under eye circles. Apply foundation and set with face powder. Avoid using blue or purple eye shadows.

To instantly lighten eyebrows – rub a small dot of foundation through your eyebrow and gently brush eyebrows with an old toothbrush.

To disappear wrinkles – After applying your foundation use a thin small makeup brush to apply highlighter directly in the crease of the wrinkle, blend and set with face powder.

To whiten and brighten your teeth – use lip colors with blue undertones such as cool red, berries, burgundies and wines.

To refresh oily hair – sprinkle baby powder onto your hairbrush before brushing your hair.

To prevent bed hair – before going to bed comb a dime size drop of leave in conditioner through your hair.

To remove yellow discoloration on nails – soak nails in any over the counter denture cleanser for 5 to 10 minutes.

Eileen Hammel is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Image, Style and Beauty Expert Ms.Hammel is President of Smarter Image, and Smart Skin Care - Smart Cosmetics by Smarter Image http://www.smartskincaresmartcosmetics.com/

As women we know that a lack of sleep leaves us irritable; however most of us are unaware of the damage it may be doing to our skin? Besides being an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, getting 8 hours of sleep per night helps improve the texture and the luminosity of our skin. During the night the skin is restored from the harmful effects of daily stress. When we do not get the required sleep our skin suffers. This is especially noticeable in the fragile skin under the eyes. The under eye area is almost fifty percent thinner than the skin on the face. Sleepless nights leaves behind fine lines, dark circles or puffy bags. Cosmetic treatments can soften the effects of sleep deprivation but preventive medicine is the best cure. Eye treatments are limited in their ability and cannot reverse the stress that a lack of sleep will do to the skin.

Sleep experts say that we need 8 hours of sleep per night. However, the latest research shows that women average 6 hours and forty minutes of sleep during the week and 7 hours on the weekend. Besides the extra work that women have to contend with (helping with homework, laundry, cooking, etc.) and the many concerns that keep them from sleep, women are also be kept awake by - small children who wake during the night, teenagers coming home late, aging parents who get up during the night.

What can we do to sleep more peacefully and longer? Here are some hints:

1. Eliminate noise from your bedroom. Bedroom sounds should be low and consistent. Try earplugs.
2. Keep your room dark by using dark fabric on your windows. If that is not possible, try eyeshades.
3. The temperature of the room should be cool.
4. A relaxing bath before you go to bed will induce sleep.
5. Set a schedule to arise, no matter what time you went to bed the night before.
6. Turn your clock so you can’t see the time if you wake up in the middle of the night.
7. Keep TV’s and computers out of the bedroom, make it a place just for sleep and sex.
8. Get a queen-size mattress if you don’t sleep alone. We need room to move.
9. Avoid alcohol before sleeping. While alcohol may help us fall asleep, it will also wake us in the middle of the night.
10. Avoid nicotine before going to bed because it is a stimulant.
11. Don’ go to bed hungry or overly full. Have a snack early in the night.
12. Watch your coffee intake. Caffeine from coffee, tea, cola and chocolate can affect you for up to twelve hours.
13. If you fret during the night or if you think of something that you must do the next day, write it down so you can deal with it in the morning.
14. Try natural-fill pillows such as down or feather because they have the most adjustability. If you suffer from back pain put a pillow between your knees for a more comfortable sleep.

Happy Sleeping!!!!!

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

Body contouring is a group of cosmetic surgery procedures that enable you to reshape your entire figure. Typically this is done after massive weight loss. Many times a patient is dissatisfied with the original shape of their body and multiple cosmetic surgery procedures can alleviate their discomfort and provide them with an aesthetically pleasing figure. Body contouring is also a very effective way to combat the sagging skin that occurs after massive weight loss.

Body contouring treatments can occur in the upper body, thighs and face. Upper body treatment usually involves treating redundant skin in the upper arms and sometimes even elbows. This extra skin is removed and the breasts are repositioned to a more natural position. Sometimes a breast reduction is desired as well. This results in more attractive breast that better fit the person’s body size and image.

Thigh treatment involves treating the extra fat hanging from the groin area. This redundant skin and fat can cause chafing and blistering (and sometimes even skin rashes). Many times there are two incisions that are combined for an improved removal of fat and skin. The patient will generally have to spend a night or two in the hospital and can return to normal activity within a couple of weeks.

Treatment of the face usually involves a rhitidectomy surgery to rejuvenate the face and eliminate signs of aging. Procedures can include anything from a neck suspension, face lifts and brow lifts. These procedures can be performed as office based surgeries and can take anywhere from six to seven hours depending on the specific nature of the procedures. Patients can usually go home that night, but probably can’t get back to everyday activity for a couple of weeks.

To learn more about body contouring and Baltimore cosmetic surgery please visit our website at http://www.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

A wellness of beauty for mind, body & spirit
by Cathy Gatson

"When the well is dry, then we know the worth of water", unfortunately many
of us take it for granted.
The significance of water is so much deeper than drinking 8 to 10 glasses per
day. Although vitally important; water quenches more than just our physical thirst…

Mind/Spirit
Wade in the water…. Just as water is significant in baptism because it symbolizes the cleansing away of our sins and the renewing of our spirit, biblically water is a reminder that when our spirit is dehydrated we can go to God’s well and refill our cup over and over again. (John 4:7-14& 7:38). Water represents the tranquility and serenity that is necessary to reflect, renew and seek peace of mind.

Body
Inner - Water is necessary for nutrient and oxygen transport and for absorption and utilization of vitamins and minerals. Our bodies are made up of over 80% water. We lose up to 2 -3 quarts of water per day, more if you exercise. That water loss needs to be replaced. Without enough water, constipation, dehydration and a weakened immune system can occur. 8 - 10 glasses of water per day is the popular belief but did you know for every caffeine beverage you drink like coffee, tea or soda, you must drink an
additional 8 ounces of water. You can determine how much water you need per day by dividing your weight by 2…the result is approximately the amount of water you should drink in ounces. Drinking the daily-recommended amounts of water will result in a healthier, stronger body as well as reduce your risks of bladder infections, increase metabolism, keep healthy bowels and reduces halitosis.

Outer - Water improves elasticity in your skin leaving it more supple. Water also helps the body rid itself of toxins, which results in a more radiant complexion and adds a healthy glow to skin.  Keeping your body hydrated not only keeps your skin radiant but it reduces acne flair ups and chapped lips.

There’s nothing like a nice warm bath to renew your mind and cleanse your body. Add these goodies to your bath for a more enjoyable experience. Origin’s "Peace of Mind"
Tension-releasing vapor bath is very soothing if you like the smell of peppermint and eucalyptus. Or Bath&Body Works’ Aromatherapy Sleep Foam Bath is a soothing blend of Lavendar & Vanilla that will leave you on cloud 9.

Exercise - Swimming provides a great workout to your entire body. It’s toning from head to toe, while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout. It also strengthens your heart muscles and improves circulation. According to the American Heart Association, just 30-60 minutes of physical activity 3-4 days per week can help reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. As a regular physical activity, swimming can also help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.  Swimming is a relatively in expensive sport to begin, since you don’t need much equipment. For most of us, a good swim cap is all the biggest challenge. For more information on pools in your area, contact your local YMCA, 24 Hour Fitness or gym nearest you. Swiminfo.com gives advice for swimming workouts.

Beauty really does start from within. So if you want to raise your beauty factor from the
inside out, just add water. 

Cathy Gatson is a freelance writer and owner/operator of Yada Beauty Lounge, a hair and body salon in Northern California.

Cosmetic skin care is exactly what the name says. It is makeup or cosmetics that care for your skin. Just because a product doesn’t hurt or damage your skin doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for you.

Women are becoming more aware of what is in their cosmetics and realizing that even thought these products are deemed “safe” by the FDA, they may not be helping your skin. You may have realized that no matter what you do or try, you’ve always got problem skin or problems wearing certain types of makeup, like foundation. But you’ve got to wear foundation to cover the blemishes or discolorations. It’s a vicious cycle that will continue until something changes dramatically.

If you’re one of these women who is looking for cosmetics that will help and care for your skin in addition to giving you the look you want, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll help you discover what might be in your cosmetics that are irritating your skin and what types of products you might want to consider switching to.

What Products Aren’t Helping?

That’s a really great question. There are so many man-made ingredients out there that it would be too far long of an article to mention them all. However, we will mention the most common and general types of ingredients for you to look over.

Preservatives: Many cosmetics have preservatives of one kind or another in them. Whether it’s a stearate, alcohol or a man-made ingredient, it’s there to help promote shelf-life and stability. It helps makeup survive in a variety of different conditions. There is a huge amount of preservatives out there, and it’s likely there’s more than one in your makeup.

Fillers: I bet you can guess what this is, right? It’s the cheap stuff that makes the makeup batch go further, so the manufacturer gets more individual items out of a batch. It can be anything from talc to rice powder to waxes and parabens. Different powders, like talc, can be skin irritants and cause breakouts and rashes. Waxes cause makeup to wear off quickly because they melt with skin temperature. Waxes are known to clog pores and they can cause acne flare-ups.

Colors: FD&C dyes are commonly used in cosmetics. They give otherwise colorless or similarly colored cosmetics hugely different colors. It gives manufacturers a lot more ability to play with colors and to introduce hundreds and hundreds of colors. Why are FD&C dyes bad? Even though they are approved by the FDA, they still come from a questionable source. They are derived from coal tar. Does that sound like something that would irritate your skin? It certainly is possible, and there are plenty of women who can’t use cosmetics with these colorants. If you think one of these ingredients might be irritating your skin, maybe it’s time to think of switching to cosmetic skin care. You can find many natural cosmetics that are better than the stuff you’ll find in the drugstore, and for about the same price too.

Cosmetic Skin Care

For cosmetic skin care, you can’t do better than mineral makeup. And if you find a mineral makeup that is free of most of (or all of) the ingredients above, then you’ll see what cosmetic skin care is all about. If you’re serious about finding the best product for your skin, these guidelines will help you find mineral makeup that are made from all- natural ingredients, don’t contain any questionable ingredients and they are more affordable.

Mineral makeup is made to naturally soothe skin and is non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic. Plus, they’ll let your natural beauty shine through.

Lynn Starner is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics at http://www.beautyblisscosmetics.com as well as http://www.ultimate-skin-care-tips.com.

There really isn’t a huge debate on this subject, but there are some differences of opinion. This article looks at some of the differing opinions related to pigtails hairstyle definition, attempts to find some middle ground (perhaps unsuccessfully), and closes with this author’s own definition and description of the ideal pigtails.

A ponytail is when the hair is tied together into a bunch and hanging from the back of the head. Most would agree on that. But if that ponytail is braided, is it still a ponytail? Some say it is, others say that this is called a braid. The same question applies to pigtails, the most common term for the gathering of the hair into twin ponytails (one on either side of the head). Can pigtails be braided and still be called pigtails? Do the terms "braided pigtails" and "unbraided pigtails" make sense? Some argue that "braided pigtails" are just "braids" and not pigtails at all!

The Random House College Dictionary defines "pigtail" as "a braid of hair hanging down the back of the head." Huh? It refers to ONE pigtail hangs down the back of the head, and calls it a braid? Hmm, there’s no mention of TWO pigtails at all! Something doesn’t seem right here. The dictionary entry for "ponytail" matches the definition I gave above. So what’s up with all this? Is the dictionary wrong? Are there multiple dialectal or regional terms for twin ponytails, hence the difficulty for a dictionary to properly address the word’s definition? Has the definition been too fluid over time for the dictionary to pin it down? And why doesn’t the definition include the phrase "the cutest hairstyle ever?"

The word pigtail is also a wire cabling term that applies to a particular method for terminating an electrical cable’s braided shield. (There’s that word "braid" again!) Another technical, and even more contemporary, use of the word pigtail is for some sort of wireless accessories for radios or cell phones, or something like that - I haven’t completely figured this one out yet.

A few years ago, a survey was done in a college classroom regarding the term pigtails. The students pretty much agreed that pigtails are two ponytails, one on each side of the head, and that they cannot be braided. If they were braided, they were called braids. The class instructor, being of a different generation, had a different definition. He believed that pigtails specifically meant two braids and that two unbraided ponytails should actually be called doggie tails. My personal analysis of this "experiment" is simply this: The instructor must have been elderly, or nearly so, and possibly losing his memory, so who knows what his generation really called "twin ponytails." And doggie tails? There is no way I could ever adapt to using such a term. The word dog, or anything like it, can never be used to describe a woman with the playfulness, boldness, and/or superior self-esteem to wear her hair in pigtails. The students clearly had a much better handle on what pigtails are all about.

So, where does this leave us? There appears to be generational differences and possibly regional or dialectal differences contributing to the debate (if you’d call it that). So, I’ll put it this way: Pigtails are two gatherings of hair hanging on the left and right sides of the head. They may be braided or unbraided. But I’ll add my preferences here as well, because the way I see it, there’s one right kind of pigtail. Pigtails are far more attractive when unbraided. They should be located on the sides of the head, maybe a little behind and above the ears. Pigtails that are too high on the head, too low, or too far around in back, just don’t possess the true spirit of pigtails. And pigtails without this true spirit are simply unable to work their undeniable magic on the wearer and those around her.

Bob Decker is a pigtails hairstyle aficionado and one of the webmasters at http://www.PigtailDreams.com. The website tastefully honors "the cutest hairstyle ever."

Beauty is a word just like any the word. Looking it up in Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary it means "A quality or combination of qualities that delights the senses or appeals to the mind." Nice words. It really doesn’t say anything about defining beauty.

When it comes to defining beauty one might envision that famous model walking down a catwalk with a frown on her face and a some fancy designer clothes on her back. Or maybe that guy in the latest action movie shirt-less that just takes your breath away, making your heart pound in your chest. Handsome equals Beauty just depending on the person thinking about it.

Still, what is the meaning of beauty?(Don’t bother looking it up again.)

What is missing is questions to think about when asked what defines Beauty?
How about a woman’s joyful smile lighting up her face with the thought that finally, she is pregnant?
Or how about children seeing snow for the first time, ever?
Or rain needed to save a crop to a farmer?
Or even snowcapped mountains at sunset to a skier,
Or dew on a prized rose at first morning light to a gardener?
How about the eye’s filled with tears of the woman you just asked to marry you , again after 25 years?
What about love?

Beauty is so many things to so many people who are all so different. The Dictionary left out a few words when it defined Beauty. It left out "what appeals to the heart". The next time you might be asked if something is beautiful, ask yourself, does it appeal to my heart? If it does, you just defined beauty.

Copyright 2005 Kim Snyder, owner Overallbeauty.com.
Great lover of all natural beauty care and products.
Never happy without trying to make the world a little prettier for all.
Visit her at http://Overallbeauty.com
Visit to see the latest in cosmetics and so much more.
Attn Ezine editors/website owners Free feel to preprint this article in its entirely in your ezine or on your website. As long as you leave the links in place. Do not modify the
content and include our resource box as listed above.

1. For a natural look your foundation must match your skin tone. Test foundations along your jawline. You will know the best color because it will disappear into your skin.

2. Spread foundation on your hands and pat it on your face, then smooth out with a sponge making sure not to pull or stretch the skin. Be extra careful in the area around your eyes where the skin is super thin. Don’t forget to apply foundation on your eyelids and lips.

3. To make foundation last apply moisturizer first giving the foundation a base. Dry skin will soak up the foundation if not given that base. For oily skin use an oil-free moisturizer and powder foundation

4. On hot days foundation can be difficult to keep looking fresh. Set your foundation in the morning using a loose powder and puff, then do regular touch ups throughout the day.

5. To cover imperfections apply foundation first and then go back and dot on a concealer that neutralizes red. For noticeable imperfections like very dark circles and birthmarks use a yellow concealer (available from Mary Kay). Don’t use too much powder in problem areas because it will draw attention to it.

6. To avoid a foundation line around the jaw apply foundation as usual then use a little moisturizer in your hand and blend it down your neck.

7. For evening mix some shimmer powder with your powder and put it where you want to attract light such as the bridge of the nose, underneath the brow bone, the temples, cheekbone, chin and shoulders.

8. Always use a foundation with a sunscreen of at least 15 to prevent future sun damage.

9. Change your foundation shade if the color of your skin changes.

10. After you apply foundation go near a window to make sure it looks natural. Natural light is the ultimate test.

Copyright 2004 Sheila Dicks

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

The various lifts of the face can restore the effects of aging.

A facelift can improve many areas: sagging, loose tissues of the mid-face, deep folds of loose skin at the sides of the nose and mouth, jowls or loss of definition of the jaw line, and excess fat or loose skin causing loss of definition and “hanging” of the tissues in the neck area. A facelift is a great cosmetic and plastic surgery procedure. Dr. David Metzner performs the facelift procedure in his New location in Manchester, Vermont. Look at his facelift photos online at http://www.plasticsurgeryvermont.md/facelift.shtml

It is crucial for you to discuss your areas of concern during a consultation and the physician can demonstrate the degree of correction you may be able to achieve in each area.

A facelift does not stop the clock. It simply "resets" it. How long a facelift lasts depends on many factors including the inherent characteristics of your tissues. Also, people tend to age in “spurts” (look at Presidents before and after serving). If you are in, or entering, an aging cycle, your facelift will not last as long as someone who is not in such a cycle.

You’ll notice some loosening within a few months following a facelift, but you may never regain the degree of your original aged appearance. On average, patients may request a less extensive tightening procedure in 7-10 years to maintain the best possible appearance.

A forehead lift corrects the sagging or low position of the eyebrows. It also softens creases across the forehead and frown lines between the brows. The result is a more relaxed and refreshed appearance. Tiny incisions are hidden within the hair, and no scalp or hair is removed.

Eyelid surgery removes the excess fat and wrinkled, droopy skin of the upper eyelids. It also eliminates bags under the eyes and tightens the lower eyelid skin. Eyelid surgery helps to eliminate the appearance of being constantly tired, resulting in a more youthful and rested appearance. Eyelid Surgery is expertley performed by Dr. David Metzner in Manchester, Vermont.

The Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty) is a family of treatments that can address problems with the fat, muscle and skin of your neck and jaw line. Is your neck overly full and out of proportion with your face? Have you lost weight only to find sagging skin in your neck? A Neck Lift can help correct a fleshy neck, "jowls", plastysma or neck "banding", or that "turkey waddle".

If, however, the skin of the neck is loose, hanging, or crepey, even if there is excess fat, liposuction alone will not produce the desired result. A full Neck Lift may be used to address problems with slack skin, slack neck muscles, or both. Most patients over 40 will require some surgical skin tightening. Each person will have very different requirements for improving the appearance of their neck.

If you are interested in any of these cosmetic surgery facial lifts, contact Dr. David Metzner’s office for a consultation to determine the best treatment for your situation. Go to: http://www.plasticsurgeryvermont.md

Dr. Metzner combines his special surgical skills, artistic
insight and good communication abilities to achieve a very
natural appearance for his patients.
Dr. David Metzner - Manchester, VT 05254
Call us at (802) 362-5655
Go online http://www.plasticsurgeryvermont.md

This guide will give you the basic directions for nail care, however, it cannot provide the same direction and hands-on experience offered by a Professional School of Cosmetology.

SUPPLIES:

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1 - Nail scissors

2 - Small tray, about the size of a soap dish

3 - Gentle dishwashing detergent or other skin softening, bubbly liquid (such as some bubble bath products)

4 - Warm water

5 - Two to three hand towels

6 - Moisturizer or Hand Lotion with Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter or similar ingredient to condition skin

7 - Clear Base Coat Nail Polish

8 - Colored Nail Polish

9 - Top Coat Nail Polish

10 - Small lamp or other radiant source of light

11 – Table or desk so that, when seated, your arms can easily extend across from the relaxed position of a comfortable chair

12 - Hair dryer or similar device (not required)

13 – Cotton swabs

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STEPS:

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1 - Fill tray with warm water and sudsy liquid (the trick is to add water at just the right temperature so it will soften skin without being too hot to the touch)

2 - Place one hand in tray and let it soak for several minutes

3 - If you’re giving someone else a manicure, you can use oil or moisturizer to massage one hand while the other one is soaking

4 - Remove soaking hand and pat dry with hand towel

5 - Place other hand in tray to soak for several minutes

6 - While the second hand is soaking, you should carefully begin trimming cuticles that form around the edges of the nail itself (NOTE: Pay close attention to what you’re doing, so you don’t cut too close and end up causing skin to bleed. If you take your time and trim slowly with tiny strokes, you should be fine.)

7 - If your timing is perfect, you will be finished cutting the cuticles on that hand before the first hand gets wrinkled from being in the warm water too long. (Tip: Don’t try to hurry the cuticle trimming process to make your timing work. Instead try to remember to check on the soaking hand half-way through the course of cutting cuticles. If the water is cold or the hand shows hints of wrinkling skin, that’s your cue to stop the soaking operation and pat hand dry with hand towel, apply some lotion and go back to the trimming procedure.)

8 - When you have completed trimming cuticles on both hands, you should make sure all loose skin is removed from nail area. Begin to polish nails with clear base coat by applying a thin layer as smoothly and carefully as possible. Try to keep polish on nails only. If you accidentally apply too much or get extra polish on skin around nails, use a cotton swab dipped lightly in nail polish remover to correct your mistake.

9 - After applying base coat to both hands, choose polish color and repeat previous procedure beginning with the same hand you started with last time. Follow guidelines described above to produce best results.

10 - The next application will be a top coat to create a seal or protection for colored polish. Repeat previous steps to ensure success in this process. Remember less is better when it comes to nail polish. Thick layers lead to messy results.

11 - You have two choices to complete this process and make your manicure last.

(1) You can dry nails with a blow dryer or similar device set on slow speed at a moderate temperature. You should keep hands positioned under heat source for at least three minutes and then sit still, touch nothing, and wait for another minute or two to avoid smudges or smears that will ruin your efforts.

(2) You can skip the dryer process and sit still, touch nothing and wait for at least five minutes to creating lasting results that will make your manicured nails look their best.

Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp