A cosmetic case that won‘t zip closed, that basketful of make-up on your bathroom counter, the vanity drawer crammed with products and colors you’re saving just in case. We all have a stockpile of make-up that is either impractical, a little too glitzy or just plain old. You don’t need to stockpile your cosmetics. In fact, you really shouldn’t for a few very good reasons.

WHY?

Your beauty supplies may not be marked with a specified shelf life, but they have one. Write purchase or throw away date on bottom new products with a permanent marker. Old products are not safe, do not wear correctly and subtle changes in color may occur.

Cleansers/Moisturizers - good for six months.

Foundation - six month shelf life if applied with fingertips, one year if applied with a sponge.

Lipstick - one year.

Eye and Lip Pencils - one year.

Powders and stick concealers - one year.

Eye shadow and blush - two years.

Mascara - good for three months

WHEN?

Shop when seasons change - new season, new colors – when products have gotten old, and when things are on sale. Keep an eye on those pharmacy and department store circulars. You can find great deals if you’re a smart shopper.

WHERE?

Local pharmacy/health and beauty chains are convenient and inexpensive. Shop sales, sometimes you can even buy two items for the price of one. Department stores with high end products and trained cosmetologists often have giveaways.

Look for in-store banners. Some product lines will even mail you invitations/reminders for sales. A purchase as small as lipstick may get you a goodie bag full of trial and even full size products. If you shop during bonus events, you’ll get your money’s worth.

Independent Beauty Consultants are in everywhere. There are good products available, but be prepared. These sales people are often friends and it’s hard to say no when a friend must meet a sales quota. If you can stick to buying only what you need, this is a great way to get individualized service in the comfort of your own home.

On-line beauty catalogs may save you a lot of money. But you need to do your research first. Only purchase make-up that you have used in the past. Orange pancake foundation is still orange and thick, even if it was on sale. HOW?

Carefully and with an honest friend at your side. Take someone with you who has your best interests at heart. Trust your friend’s opinions, and don’t get upset if she tells you not to buy that gold shimmer lip gloss.

There are many, many ways to look great and not spend too much… develop your own unique personal style.

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, "Hollywood Makeup Secrets" a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved. ———————————————————-

Accentuate the Positive:

Beautiful features come in all shapes and sizes. Gorgeous eyes, pouty lips, sculpted cheekbones, artfully arched brows, a flawless complexion. You may not have them all – hardly anyone has them ALL. But chances are, you’ve got at least one… one really gorgeous facial asset that’s the envy of your friends. So, are you making the most of what you’ve got?

Lips… full, pouty, inviting lips.

If you’ve got them, you’re blessed. Make them as kissable as possible. Lip balm with sunscreen is a must. On no make-up days and even under your lipstick. Use a lip balm/moisturizer after you remove your lipstick at the end of the day.

Lipstick and liner should be checked and reapplied every few hours to ensure that all eyes are on your best features for the right reasons. Gloss makes those lips even more tempting.

Eyes… the window to the soul.

How about dressing up your baby blues, your doe-eyes or your emerald beauties?

Eye shadow should complement your complexion, not match your sandals. Have a make-up professional sample different colors on you.

Choose a color combination for day and a separate one for nights out on the town. Two or three shadow colors give your eyelids dimension.

Waterproof mascara is great at weddings and graduations, but not for everyday. It dries out your lashes and causes them to fall out. Don’t touch your eyes or rub them.

This causes wrinkles and introduces bacteria. Give some attention to your brows once a week. Always use a makeup remover made for your eyes, wiping gently with a cotton ball.

Cheeks… we all have cheekbones.

Using a good quality, large make-up brush - not the little, cute one that comes with your blusher - is the key to applying blush. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Rest the brush lightly on the “apple” of the cheek and gently sweep the brush back toward the temple.

Voila, gorgeous cheeks.

Beautiful skin… if you’ve got it, flaunt it.

If your skin is clear and even-toned, you already have what the rest of us are trying to achieve with foundation. Consider using a tinted moisturizer instead.

Or, go natural - forget the foundation during daylight hours.

Foundation is made to cover imperfections. Okay, it does help keep your other makeup in place, but if you can get away with not wearing it most of the time, you should. The rest of us aspire to that freedom. Go on and give us some hope.

Your unique features make you who you are. Show off what you’ve got.

Be the most beautiful you.

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, "Hollywood Makeup Secrets" a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved. ———————————————————-

Orange face, white neck. Brown neck, pink face. We all know someone with no perception of how her make-up really looks on her own face. She’s sweet, really sweet. But she’s a joke in your circle of friends. Oh, no. It isn’t you, is it?

Well, even if you don’t wear “clown makeup,” chances are you’re making some mistakes with your makeup. Take stock to be sure that you don’t fall into any of the makeup traps below.

Mismatched Foundation

Your foundation should not be a different color from the rest of your body. Really, it shouldn’t. This is an easy problem to fix. March yourself down to the make-up counter at your favorite department store and let the salesperson do her job. It’s her job, after all. Don’t be intimidated, you don’t need to buy the whole product line.

Blue Eye shadow

Blue eye shadow works for some people. Little girls in dance recitals. Guests at 1970s-themed parties. Ethereal looking supermodels. If you aren’t one of the aforementioned people then don’t wear it. Enough said.

Dark Circles Under Eyes/Obvious Under Eye Concealer

This is a chicken or egg problem. You’re right, the circles aren’t great. But neither are orange crescents under your eyes. Play around with a few shades of concealer to see what really works best for you.

Different products work differently on different people. Just because one brand works for your friend, doesn’t mean it’ll be flattering on you. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and talk to your doctor. Sometimes those circles are a sign of allergies or a vitamin deficiency.

Obvious Lip liner

This is a look. It’s just not a flattering one. Lip liner is intended to add dimension to thin or small lips, to lengthen the wear of your lip color and to prevent your lipstick from “bleeding” onto your face. It is not intended to create a visible outline.

Inferior products in your dressing area

Most of us are not starlets with dressing rooms and make-up artists at our disposal. But that doesn’t mean we don’t deserve to look like starlets with dressing rooms and make-up artists. Invest in good lighting around your vanity. Stock it with quality make-up brushes and limit your make-up collection to products you’ll actually use. That way, your budget can be used to buy better cosmetics.

You’re worth it

Add a couple of extra minutes, a wee bit more effort and a little money into your daily makeup routine. It’s not vain to spend a few dollars on or a few minutes at your vanity. Put on your prettiest smile, bat your beautiful lashes and show the world that you like who you are.

Put your best face forward… you don’t have to hide behind crow’s feet and lip lines…

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, "Hollywood Makeup Secrets" a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved. ———————————————————-

You own the best makeup money can buy. You thumb through fashion magazines to study the faces of those stick-thin, runway models. You spend two hours each morning putting on your face. And, you still don’t look right. What’s a girl got to do to look good around here?

Lights, camera, action…consider three things:

What’s the lighting in your make-up area? Adjust it, and you may find that you’re better able to cover your flaws and accentuate your attributes.

Picture yourself. Is the look you’re struggling to attain realistic for you? The supermodel-look you’re using to create your own makeup style may not be at all like you.

Look for famous faces with features similar to your own.

What colors and products do your look-alikes use with success Try modeling yourself after realistic ideals.

Are you using the right colors and products?

Learn from the pros…take a lesson.

Spend a half hour with a professional makeup stylist. Visit a department store beauty counter. Ask a well-put together friend for a tutorial. Take notes. Here are a few basic guidelines to keep in mind.

Foundation

Careful selection of color is essential. Remember, what looks good in January, may not in August.

Reevaluate color often.

Apply with sponge or fingertips. Dot foundation in the shape of a ‘T’ from forehead to chin. Then blend outward. Don’t apply pressure to skin. Be sure you don’t leave a ‘defining line’ along your jaw line.

Blend any line with a tissue.

Eyes

Eye shadow is available in complementing multi-tone color combinations.

It’s a good idea to buy these sets, rather than individual colors, if you don’t trust your own beauty know-how.

Swipe applicator across lightest color, tap off excess powder, and sweep across lid to brow bone working from the inside out. Accent with medium tone from middle of lash to outer edge of eyes. For a smoky, night time look, use a third color as an accent. Blend colors with your pinky.

Cheeks

Using a full-sized blush brush, apply blush to brush, tap off the excess, smile and sweep color gently from apple of cheek to temple. Soften color with a tissue, if needed.

Powder

Loose powder sets make-up and extends its wear. Gently dust your made-up face.

Lips Last

Liner and lipstick are your last step. Apply and blot with a tissue.

Less is more…really!

Avoid looking overly made up. Too much make-up can look worse than the flaws it’s intended to hide.

Practice, practice, practice.

Do you remember how much fun it was to play with make-up as a child? Recapture that fun. Play around with different looks.

You don’t know how something will look until you try it. But, save the experiments for a slow day. Your sister’s wedding day is no day for a new you.

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, "Hollywood Makeup Secrets" a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved. ———————————————————-

Take a long hard look at the people you consider attractive. Blonde, brunette or redhead, exotic or girl next door, sophisticated or down-to-earth - they all have one thing in common… a clear, healthy looking complexion.

There are a few people out there who have simply been blessed by the Dermatology Fairy, but just a few. Most of the people who strike you as healthy-looking and, let’s face it, lucky, are in fact dedicated to a good skin-care regime.

We’d all like to have blemish-free skin, and the truth is, with a little commitment we all can. Even you!

So, how can you change your skin?

No, it won’t cost you a dime, all you need to do is change your habits. People with truly beautiful skin dedicate time, just a little, and the results are, well, the results are beautiful.

Here’s How You Can Join the Ranks of Pimple Free People

* WASH using an oil-free cleanser and your bare hands (washcloths and sponges damage your skin), in the morning, after exercise and before bed no matter how tired you are.

* LAUNDER your sheets frequently - don’t lay that freshly washed face on a less than fresh pillowcase!

* WATER is essential to clear skin. You’ve heard it before, but here we go again: Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

* EAT HEALTHY FOODS. They are just as important to skin health as they are to overall health. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals; fish are full of essential oils; avoid junk foods. Research does not support the common myth that chocolates cause break-outs, but too much of any junk food is detrimental to your well-being, and is therefore bad for your skin.

* SLEEP when you’re tired. Sleep, and its counterpart, relaxation, are necessities, not luxuries. Physical exhaustion and stress are enemies of a clear complexion.

* BABY your skin. Don’t pick at pimples. Avoid touching your face unnecessarily - the oil on your fingertips belongs on your fingertips, not on your face. Moisturize and use sunscreen with at least a 15SPF every day all year long.

Make these habits your own and you will see a difference in as little as a week. You may even find people looking a little longer at your face. That look… it’ll be envy.

People will be wondering if the Dermatology Fairy has blessed you.

Share your secrets with the envious masses. Imagine. A world populated by happy, healthy faces.

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, "Hollywood Makeup Secrets" a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved. ———————————————————-

The Eyes Have It

Remember the dreamy eyes of your first love? Who can resist a beautiful set of eyes? Your eyes are one of your

most important features. Do you treat them like the treasures they are? Even if your eyes are not ‘to die for’, you can make them truly memorable.

Eye Care. Do you care for them the way you should?

Sunscreen on your lids? Sunglasses? Carefully cleaned and stored contact lenses? Makeup remover made expressly for eyes? Adequate sleep? These aren’t merely suggestions. They’re requirements for stunning eyes.

Eye Color. Do you take the time to make up your eyes every day.

Take a minute to add some extra color and your whole face will light up.

Medium and dark complexions can’t go wrong with universal earth tones.

Going to work? Apply brown tones on the lower lids, highlight with a light taupe at the inner corners, sweeping up and outward to the brow bones.

Going out on the town? Add a complementary bronze or deep gold to your outer lid, gently swept from the middle of the eyelash line to the corner of the eyes. Fair faced women should use lighter colors as their basic palette.

Conservative? Use two colors for day - apply medium-gray or mushroom all over the lids to the brow bones, and from the middle of the lash line outward with a coordinating lighter shade from the same family. At night, add a shimmering gold dust overcoating.

Eyelashes and Eyebrows

Let’s talk mascara. Brown is becoming ever more popular because it complements all iris colors. It works on everyone, as does the standard black. And even though it’s available, avoid blue and green tinted mascara, unless it matches your ultra-colorful dye job. Waterproof mascara is really not for everyday, unless you’re especially weepy. A water-soluble mascara leaves your lashes in healthier condition, and healthy is beautiful.

No one has the perfect arch without a little help from tweezers or a lot of help from a stylist. All eyebrows need taming, whether it’s tweezing to remove one stray hair or an all-out waxing at the salon. Tweezing is cheap, which is great. And you don’t need an appointment. Oh, and if you use tweezers…

Did you know that some estheticians (that’s a highly trained skincare professional) will create a template for you to use when tweezing? If you want to deal with your brows on a less frequent basis, investigate having your eyebrows waxed at a reputable salon. It hurts, but many women feel the irritation is worth the gorgeous results.

Eyeglasses. Wear them if you need them?

Of course.

They’re not just an accessory of necessity. Carefully chosen spectacles look great and can draw deserved attention to your eyes. Just think how smart they make you look. And smart is always in style!

———————————————————-

Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, "Hollywood Makeup Secrets" a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved. ———————————————————-

So you want to look like a star?

Who doesn’t? It would be really nice to wake up and have someone else worry about your hair and makeup.

Celebrities have “people” whose very jobs are to help famous faces look their best.

Award-winning actresses, runway models, even pop stars all depend on their looks.

Do advertisers want to feature close-ups of crow’s feet?

Who wants to see cellulite on the big screen?

Teen idols should look young and fresh so their audience will want to be like them. It’s their job to look great.

Without a beautifully packaged look, they’re out of work. So work they do. They work at their beauty.

And so can you.

But, you don’t have beauty professionals at your beck and call…

Oh, but you do.

Just not the same ones the celebrities do.

You’re worthy of a cast of beauty professionals, too.

You deserve it and it’s not a luxury impossible to afford.

Consider your beauty “people” and, if you choose carefully, you will have professionals looking out for you, keeping you up to date on the best products, colors and techniques available for you.

How do you choose the right people?

Use only professionals whose overall look is something you like.

If you’re seeking a natural look, look for make-up and hair stylists who successfully achieve that look.

If they can do it for themselves, they can teach you the same techniques they’re using.

If you want to appear polished and sophisticated, use a stylist whose own personal style impresses you.

Department store makeup counter salespeople

Use them. You don’t need to buy any of their products, unless you want to. But what they can teach you at no cost is something you should really take advantage of.

They’re trained in proper technique and are up on the latest trends.

Independent beauty consultants

That neighbor leaving catalogs in your mailbox is a good source of ideas. Invite her over and let her give you a makeover. Again, you’re not obligated to purchase anything unless you really want it.

Hairdressers

Hairstyles change with the times, so should your stylist. If she’s not attending stylists’ conventions or changing her own hairstyle, she’s not as professional as you deserve.

So, now you have your people.

What do stars do when they’re at home being people, not stars?

Beauty Sleep

It’s not a myth. Get yours.

No caffeine…
…or limited caffeine if you must. It causes premature aging, and who needs that?

Shimmer creams and bronzers…
…help stars shine.

Eat Fish…
…like sardines and salmon. They’re full of essential oils that actually nourish your skin.

No smoking
Not only is it bad for your health, it causes lines and dullness in your skin.

Your skin care regime
It doesn’t have to be expensive. Your products can come from the local drug store. Everyone benefits from a cleanser, a toner, and a moisturizer.

Always, always, always remove makeup at the end of the day. Two more minutes of sleep is not worth a blemished face in the morning. Quick fixes from famous faces.

*Coffee grounds can be recycled and used as a cellulite scrub.

*Castor oil, used by a certain British raven- haired actress/spokesperson/ beauty, creates star quality shine for hair.

*Cinnamon oil (check your health food or vitamin store) rubbed on the lips creates pouty, kissable lips.

*Soak your nails in olive oil, as does a Hollywood Pretty Woman.

*A combination of milk and water mixed in equal parts, spritzed on the face throughout the day is all the rage with many silver screen beauties.

*Legally Blonde hair is baby soft and shiny thanks to baby shampoo.

Glow like a star. You deserve to look your best. Treat yourself to a day of beauty - at home or at the salon. Live the life of a star, without being chased by paparazzi.

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, "Hollywood Makeup Secrets" a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved. ———————————————————-

ABC News has recently focused on the possible anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid, also known as Hyaluron or HA. In a story entitled, "The Village of Long Life: Could Hyaluronic Acid Be an Anti-Aging Remedy?", the focus was on a villiage in Japan named Yuzuri Hara where people usually live a long time and often have perfect skin into their 80’s or even into their 90’s. More than 10 percent of the population of his village is 85 or older, which is about ten times the average in America.

Some studies suggest that the reason that residents Yuzuri Hara, known as "The Village of Long Life," live such long and healthy lives is mainly due to the fact that the local diet that is unique to the village features a starchy vegetable which is particularly rich in HA. In fact a large pharmaceutical company in Japan began Research & Development on a pill supplement containing HA. When they tested the pills on one thousand individuals, around half of them reported smoother skin and even improved eyesight. Hyaluronic acid has also proven effective in lubricating arthritic joints as well, as certain studies have shown positive results from injections into the joints of Hyaluronic Acid, a component of the bodies own lubricant fluid, that may delay the need for a joint replacement.

Hyaluronic Acid, also simply called HA, is plentiful in our bodies when we are born, but it’s levels gradually recede over time. This reduction in HA levels may be a big part of the aging process which we see.

Hyaluronic Acid occurs in the deeper layers of our skin known as the dermis and it appears to help keep the skin smooth because of it’s water retention qualities. Hyaluronic Acid also apparently helps to repair skin wounds and certain other problems.

In addition, it appears to help maintain collagen levels. Under normal circumstances, collagen depletion is widely considered to be a prime factor in subpar skin tone as well as elasticity of the skin, something that is often associated with the visual aging process.

Hyaluronic Acid makes up about eighty percent of the human eye, a fact that is surprising to some people. It is a sort of shock absorber to the retina which helps to prevent trauma to the eye. It has only been recently that hyaluronic acid has been considered effective in oral form although it has long been used in injections into the joints.

A.M. Wilmont is a writer and researcher. For more information go to http://www.hyaluronic-acid-information.org or http://www.the-health-portal.com/

In many cases, hair loss is attributed to a physical condition, such as Thyroid disease, or the lack of proper nutrition. Certain medications can also strip your body of vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair production and growth. In these cases, the proper vitamin and mineral regimen can significantly reduce hair loss and promote new hair growth.

After starting a vitamin and mineral supplement program, it can take up to 2 to 3 months to see results, but you will see results. So, do not become discouraged if your hair loss does not totally reverse itself after a few weeks of vitamin and mineral therapy.

The following is a guide to some of the more common vitamins and minerals that have been proven to be effective at promoting healthy hair growth. If you are going to start taking any of the listed supplements, be sure to consult with your doctor first and not to exceed the recommended dosage. Doing so can actually cause hair loss in some cases.

Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps to produce healthy sebum (oil) in the scalp. You get Vitamin A by consuming foods such as fish liver oil, milk, meat, cheese, eggs, cabbage, carrots, spinach, broccoli, apricots and peaches. The daily recommended dosage of Vitamin A is 5,000 IU.

Vitamin C is another antioxidant that helps maintain healthy hair and skin. You get Vitamin C by consuming foods such as citrus fruits, kiwi, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green vegetables. The daily recommended dose is 60 mg.

Vitamin E increases scalp circulation which is vital for hair growth. You get Vitamin E by eating foods such as wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds ad nuts, dried beans and leafy green vegetables. The daily recommended dose is up to 400 IU.

Biotin is thought to help produce keratin, the building block of hair and nails. It is also thought that is vitamin may prevent graying. You get Biotin from eating foods such as whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice and milk. The daily recommended dose is 150-300 mcg.

Vitamin B6 is thought to prevent hair loss and help create melanin, the pigment which gives hair its color. You get Vitamin B6 by eating foods such as liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats and egg yolks. The daily recommended dose is 1.6 mg.

Calcium is essential for healthy hair growth. You get Calcium by eating foods such as dairy, fish, nuts, lentils and sesame seeds. The daily recommended dose is up to 1,500 mg.

Copper helps prevent hair loss and defects in hair color and structure. You get copper by eating foods such as shellfish, liver, green vegetables, eggs, chicken and beans. The daily recommended dost is up to 3 mg.

Iodine helps regulate thyroid hormones. Thyroid disease is the number one cause of disease-related hair loss. You get Iodine from foods such as fish, seaweed, kelp, iodized salt and garlic. The recommended daily dose is 150 mcg.

Manganese prevents hair from growing too slowly. You get Manganese from foods such as eggs, whole grain cereals, avocados, beans, nuts, meat and chicken. The daily recommended dose is 3 to 9 mg.

Silica prevents hair loss by strengthening the hair. You get Silica from eating foods such as seafood, soybeans, rice and green vegetables. The daily recommended dose is 55 mcg.

As was mentioned earlier, taking more than the recommended dosage of these vitamins and minerals can have devastating consequences to your health. In addition, some supplements are not recommended for people with certain health conditions or for persons taking certain medications. So, be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any supplements to prevent hair loss.

In addition to these few examples, there are myriads of vitamins and minerals that can help you promote hair growth and slow down the process of hair loss. To find out which ones meet your needs, talk to your doctor.

By Rose Lenk
For more hair care tips and articles visit me at http://www.haircaretoday.com

Let me first start off by saying that the term “anti aging” is a misnomer of sorts. The grim fact is that we will all age and eventually die. Not one of us is immortal. The good news is that we can prolong our lives and avoid disease by making a conscious effort to take care of ourselves. Prevention is key when it comes to anti-aging. Many people are still looking for that perfect cream or pill that will make them look younger. The fact is that it’s most important to take care of what’s on the inside before you will see external results. What you put into your body is a reflection of what you see on the outside. The path to healthy aging (or antiaging) takes dedication and a conscious effort. Nobody is perfect – we all have our vices – those things that we just love and feel must be included in our lives, be it lying out in the sun, drinking that morning cup of coffee, or the occasional sweet indulgence. The key is moderation. Don’t deprive yourself of that which you love because you will only be likely to over-do it next time you are tempted. Think about the things you put into your body every day: the things you eat and drink, the stress you put upon yourself, the exercises you do, the exposure you give your skin to harmful UV rays and cigarette smoke, and the time you take to let yourself relax. By making a conscious effort to cut down and possibly eliminate those things that are dragging our health into the gutter, we will live happier, healthier, more youthful and productive lives. You can start small and work your way up to a healthier lifestyle. When you start seeing the benefits of your efforts, you will be more motivated to stick with your plan and implement more healthy changes. Here are some basics to look at. You may already be doing some or even all of these things – if so; you are on the right track! If not – congratulations for making a conscious effort to start living a healthier life. Remember, start small with one or two items a month and keep adding more as you go:

1) Drink water. Many people don’t realize that they actually drink more calories than they eat. Soft drinks and juices can pack on the pounds and make you feel sluggish. On the contrary, water will make you feel more energized and can also suppress your appetite between meals. If you are trying to loose weight or increase energy then water is your friend. Your skin will thank you, too.

2) If you smoke – quit. Be hard on yourself about this one. We all know that smoking is linked to cancer and a host of other health problems. You must win this battle or all of your other efforts will be in vain.

3) Exercise at least 20 minutes every day. Even if you have to get up at 5 a.m. to take a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Fit it into your schedule somewhere. You will find that you have more energy and your body will begin to show the effects of your efforts. The key is to stick with it even when you don’t feel like it – the results don’t come for free.

4) Eat more veggies. Vegetables (and fruits) are a wonderful source of age-fighting antioxidants. To get the best health benefits, eat a range of colors. Get your greens, reds, yellows, and purples every day. Some good choices are spinach, tomatoes, carrots, and blueberries. Not only will you be getting your antioxidants, but you will also be adding more fiber to your diet.

5) Limit your time in the sun. Always use SPF 15 or higher when you know you will be out in the sun. Damage from the sun will cause your skin to look older, faster. If you really enjoy that “bronze” look, try a self tanner. You will get the look of a tan without the harmful UV exposure.

6) Take time for yourself. The world can be a stressful place. Stress that is built up in your body can cause you to age quicker. Take time to meditate, read a book, or get a massage at lease once a week, if not more.

These six tips for antiaging may seem simple, but if you actually implement them into your lifestyle, you will see positive changes in your health, mood and looks. Your body will thank you in many ways and you will be able to live a more youthful, more active life well into “old age”.

Stacy Tabb is a successful publisher of many informative websites including http://www.aa-antiaging.com