Monday, March 11, 2013
Hair Extensions Look So Real, How Do They Work?
Celebrities such as Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton have popularized hair extensions in the past, with Jessica going so far as to go into the extension business with her best friend and hairstylist Ken Paves (see their Website here).
Prices run anywhere from $10 for a single extension to $2,000 for a full head of not-your-own-yet-still-human hair. Visit www.hairuwear.com for a list of salons and to see before and after shots.
Don't want extensions glued to your own hair? Clip-ons made from human or synthetic hair (Ken and Jessica's line includes hair made from Vibralite fiber) let you flirt with a new look without committing to it. Popular brands include by Hair U Wear and Easihair.
Clip-ons are easier to use and don't require professional application. You simply slip them in just below the crown, while keeping top layers out of the way with clips. Because they are do-it-yourself, clip-ons are cheaper than the more permanent version. For an idea of prices or to buy now, check out Jessica and Ken's extensions here.
By Julyne Derrick,
http://beauty.about.com/od/plasticsurger1/a/5-Amazing-Uses-For-Botox.htm
My Hair is Falling Out? How Much Is OK?
Before you go to the doctor worried about a major vitamin deficiency, take deep breaths. Hair loss is typically normal, especially in the fall months. Why? Read on.
Everyone loses between 40 and 120 strands a day, depending on how much hair you have, your age and your hair's growth cycle. People with fine hair tend to have more of it and therefore will lose more of it than their thicker-haired sisters and brothers. Your hair also thins as you get older, particularly after menopause for women. But unlike aging men, the thinning tends to stop after awhile.
Here are common causes of thinning and hair loss:
1. Seasonality.
You'll lose the most hair in the fall -- typically November and December when hair reaches maturity in its growth cycle.
2. Anemia.
I know of at least two women whose hair started falling out. Blood tests showed both women were anemic. According to dermatologist George Cotsarelis, M.D., director of the University of Pennsylvania Hair and Scalp Clinic, iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss. The Mayo Clinic reports about 20 percent of women suffer from an iron deficiency.
3. Aging.
Marc Avram, MD, a Manhattan hair transplantation specialist, told Elle Magazine, "As we get older, follicles shrink, producing skinnier, shorter strands; then the follicles start to die off. That rate and the extent of that process is a matter of genetics."
3. Pregnancy
Some women experience hair loss with pregnancy or as part of post-pregnancy hormonal changes. Other women experience hair loss when going on or off (usually off) the birth control pill.
4. Illness or intense stress Sometimes hair loss occurs as a result of illness. Stress, excessive weight loss, iron deficiency and thyroid problems can also cause hair loss.
If you're really worried, ask your doctor, however, experts say you really only need to worry if your part is getting wider or you can see your scalp through your hair. For severe cases, you might consult a "trichologist," a physician who specializes in hair loss.
By Julyne Derrick,
http://beauty.about.com/od/hairbasics/f/hairloss.htm
How to Give a Great Massage.
The benefits of massage are extraordinary, so much so the "Attachment Parenting" recommends parents give their infants and children massages. Olympians swear by them. Doctors recommend them. I try to get a massage at least twice a month.
Since massages can be pricey, I strongly recommend you and your partner learn how to give yourself massages. They relieve stress, bring you closer to your family member and allow you to do something nice for someone you love. Here are some tips on how to give a killer massage.
Take a Couples Massage Class
You can learn basic massage techniques in a massage class. Bring along your partner so you can both learn the tricks necessary to give a relaxing massage. Find a class through your local college or adult ed programs provided by the city by searching for "couples massage, (insert your city here)" via Google or Bing.
How to GET a Great Massage
So what if you don't want to do your own massages and you want to just get them? I've received dozens (and I mean dozens) of massages over the years and I've had a lot of good ones, a couple "meh" ones and a few amazing ones. So what makes a great massage? Find out in What Makes a Spa Massage Good? and get the scoop on the various types of massages you can get in a spa. You'll learn the difference between Swedish, shiatsu, sports and rolfing as well as many other types of massage.
Julyne Derrick,
http://beauty.about.com/od/organic-skincare/a/How-To-Give-A-Great-Massage.htm
How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
One mistake so many of us make is we forget to regularly clean our makeup brushes and tools. When you invest so much money in brushes, eyelash curlers and powder puffs, it's important to protect your investment. Here, I show you how exactly to do that.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes
I strongly recommend investing in a few nice makeup brushes and then taking very good care of them by washing them monthly or every 2 weeks if you're Type A or a germaphobe (I'm not). Oils, dirt and makeup get trapped in brushes and will break down the bristles over time, so washing them actually preserves them. See my list of the best makeup brushes.
Here's how to clean makeup brushes correctly:
Remove excess color from bristles by wiping them back and forth on a paper towel.
Immerse bristles in a warm bowl of water, being careful not to immerse the metal casing, known as the "ferrule." Bristles are glued to the base and you want to avoid getting the glue wet. You can also wet bristles by running them under warm water just enough to get dampen the bristles.
Squeeze a few drops of mild shampoo (baby shampoo works great, too) into the palm of your hand. Swirl the brush into your palm, being careful not to rough up the bristles too much. You can also put a few drops of detergent in the bowl of water and swirl the brushes in there instead of using the palm of your hand.
Hold the brush, bristles down, under running water until the water runs clear.
Gently squeeze out excess water. Reshape bristles and let the brushes dry hanging over the edge of your sink overnight. You can also place them on a towel, but I find airdrying over the sink works best because it doesn't mess up the shape of the bristles.
I find natural brushes take about 24 hours to dry, so I have 2 of every brush so I don't have to go without makeup. For a quick fix, or while traveling, you can wash brushes with baby wipes or spritz bristles with makeup remover and wipe off on a paper towel.
How to Store Makeup Brushes
It's best to store makeup brushes upright in a holder or in a makeup case (sort of like the cases chefs use to transport their expensive knives). Never place brushes bristles down in a holder or you risk damaging the shape of the brush and the bristles themselves.
How to Clean Makeup Sponges
I love using sponges for foundation application, but have always wondered if you can wash them and how often they should be washed. Turns out high quality sponges can be washed many times in a solution of baby shampoo (mild shampoo or Ivory soap works too) and water. Cheapie disposable sponges can be washed a few times as well before they fall apart.
Eyelash curlers come with rubber pads that will last quite a long time before they fall apart and need to be replaced. Typically curlers come with replacement pads, but you can usually pick them up from any drugstore or beauty supply store.
How to Clean Tweezers
Tweezers can be cleaned with soap and water. The main problem with tweezers is they become dull wit use. That's why I buy only Tweezerman tweezers, which come with a lifetime sharpening policy. Once they become dull, you simply ship them to the company, they sharpen them and return them to you.See How To Shape Your Eyebrows
How to Clean Powder Puffs
If you've invested in a nice pricey powder puff, you can handwash it using mild shampoo and warm water. Let powder puff dry on a towel overnight after squeezing out excess water. Makeup artist Bobbi Brown also suggests throwing the powder puff in the top rack of a dishwasher, which sounds a bit harsh to me.
By Julyne Derrick,
http://beauty.about.com/od/makeupbrushes/a/How-To-Clean-Your-Makeup-Brushes.htm
Look Younger in Just 8 Simple Steps
Here are a few beauty tricks that will make you look younger with just a sweep of a blush brush or mascara wand.
1. Keep your hair between your chin and your shoulders. Side-swept bangs and hair no longer than your shoulders will take off years. Find out why in this article on the most flattering haircuts on women.
2. Wrong lipstick shades can age you Another trick to looking younger is to steer clear of brown lipstick shades. Avoid matte lipstick as they tend to settle into your lip lines. Instead, try creamier lipsticks or glosses. (Glosses are especially youthful and make your lips appear bee-stung).
3. Stick to creamy blushes and shadows Older skin usually means dry skin, so creamy blushes and shadows are your best bet. Also, powder blushes and shadows tend to settle into your fine lines and wrinkles, while creamier products "plump" up your skin.
4. Define those eyes Curled lashes immediately make eyes "pop." One tip I love I learned from the editors of Allure: You can curl your lashes AFTER mascara application, just make sure the mascara has dried. I find lining my eyes helps make my somewhat tiny eyes look 10 times larger. I rarely leave the house now without mascara.
5. Don't overpluck Once you hit your 30s, you'll want to be careful not to overpluck your eyebrows since brows are less apt to grow back if you excessively pluck. Find out what you can do to fix overplucked brows.
6. Try teeth whitening Over time, teeth may yellow from coffee, tea or red wine stains. You can whiten teeth quickly with over-the-counter products such as Crest Whitestrips.
7. Stand up straight. Think about all the sexy women you know. They stand up straight and confidently. Not only will this make you look ten pounds thinner in seconds, it will make you look five years younger as well.
8. Get a good night's sleep Few things age you overnight more than a poor night's sleep. Your eyes are puffy, your skin sallow and dull and your face sags
By Julyne Derrick,
http://beauty.about.com/od/makeuptrickstips/a/younger.htm
Wedding Hairstyles 2013: 20 Amazing Updos Inspired by the Red Carpet
By Julyne Derrick,
http://beauty.about.com/od/homecominghairstyles/ss/Wedding-Hairstyles-20-Amazing-Updos_20.htm
Spring Wedding Flowers in Season ( March, April, and May)
Spring weddings are an occasion to highlight the feminine side of floral arrangements, as many of these seasonal flowers are known for their fragrance and pastel colors. You can go contemporary or traditional with these flowers, as the range of form and texture give florists much to work with.
1. Columbine
As a native wildflower, columbine blooms look at home in mixed bouquets and casual wedding flower arrangements. Flowers may be single or double, and many varieties feature attractive spurs that give the blooms an unusual shape. In spite of their delicate appearance, columbines have a long vase life, lasting a week to 10 days without wilting. The most common colors available in the trade include purple, pink, red, blue, and bi-colors.
2. Forsythia
Forsythia bushes grow clusters of vivid yellow flowers along woody stems that stand erect in a vase or urn. The flowers form before the leaves, so there won’t be any greenery to distract from the sunny blooms. Forsythia stems work better in large ceremony or reception arrangements rather than in bouquets.
3. Foxglove
Foxgloves are odorless but stunning flowers that grow like thimbles clustered along a tall spike. The interior of most foxgloves features freckles that add to their charm. Look for foxgloves in all the peach, pink, purple, and ivory hues that characterize many springtime wedding palettes.
4. Freesia
Freesia flowers sport many fragrant blooms along a single stem, in pink, white, purple, orange, red, or yellow. The arching stems and satiny blooms work well in bridal bouquets and corsages. The language of flowers tells us that these South African natives symbolize trust and innocence, a fitting expression for your wedding day.
5. Hyacinth
These fragrant flowering bulbs bear spikes of pink, white, yellow, purple, red, or blue flowers on stocky six-inch stems. Brides who desire blue flowers but want the real thing, not tinted blooms, should consider hyacinths. The blue variety is a clear, sky-blue, without a hint of pink or purple.
6. Lilac
Lilac flowers are highly fragrant blooms that grow in sprays of tiny blossoms in shades of purple, red, and white. The flowers have a rich heritage as a Victorian favorite, and are suitable for using in vintage style weddings. The flower clusters of lilacs add mass to large arrangements, and texture to wedding bouquets.
7. Lily of the Valley
Although some gardeners may shun lily of the valley plants for their invasive qualities, the flowers are highly prized in wedding arrangements. Also called Our Lady’s Tears, these waxy flowers emit a powerful fragrance for their dainty size. Lily of the valley flowers would get lost in a large arrangement, so florists mostly use the white or pink blooms as fillers in bouquets.
8. Peony
If there’s a reason to choose a springtime wedding date, it’s the availability of the popular peony blossom. The white, pink, garnet, or red flowers have a high petal count that makes a few blooms go a long way in any wedding arrangement. The fragrant flowers represent a happy life and a happy marriage, good karma for any bride to have on her wedding day.
9. Poppy
If you aren’t swept away by all of the Easter egg hues of many spring flowers, ask your florist to incorporate some poppies into your wedding arrangements. The red blossoms with black centers make a strong statement in a monochromatic bouquet.
10. Stock
Scented stock blooms aren’t the most showy wedding flowers, but they are richly fragrant. Many florists add a few stems of stock to arrangements that feature flowers with little or no fragrance, like calla lilies, ranunculus, or orchids.
By Jamie McIntosh
http://flowers.about.com/od/Special-Occasion-Flowers/tp/Spring-Wedding-Flowers.htm
Skin Care: Cleansing, Moisturizing and Anti-Aging Tips
To keep your face looking as youthful as possible, you need to proper skin care. Here I show you how to properly cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize your skin while never leaving the house without at least 30 SPF sunscreen.
The Basic 4-Step Skincare Regimen
Step 1: Cleansing
Simple is key here. You need to find a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it: See the best cleansers for your skin type.
You can find a good cleanser at the drugstore. There's no need to spend $40 on a fancy wash. Avoid bar soaps as they tend to dry out the skin. According to Rona Berg, in her book, "Beauty," a French cosmetics executive once told her, "Soap should only ever touch your skin from the neck down." I agree. Choose a creamy cleanser if you have dry skin or a clear cleanser if you have oily skin.
Be careful not to cleanse too often, you risk over-cleansing skin, see signs you are over cleansing your skin. You really only need to wash your face at night to remove makeup and sunscreen, which can clog pores. If you have dry skin, consider cold cream like Pond's, which the French use or make your own organic cold cream using this simple cold cream recipe. Simply apply cream, then wipe off, no water needed (if you have hard water, it can be especially harsh on skin). Most women prefer the water method: Use warm water to loosen dirt and clogged pores. Use a dime-sized bit of cleanser, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. I personally swear by my Clarisonic Mia, as does pretty much everyone I know who has one.
Make sure to remove eye makeup with a proper makeup remover. The area around the eye is delicate so don't pull or rub too hard. You can also use olive oil as a natural eye makeup remover. Find out more in Use Olive Oil as an Eye Makeup Remover.
In the morning, a splash of lukewarm water is all you need (I find it's great for removing excess oils from your nightly moisturizing). Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both can cause broken capillaries).
Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the step most people skip in their weekly skincare routine. But trust me, if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference. According to Berg, one of the reasons men's skin looks more youthful than women's is because men tend to exfoliate daily when they shave.
In my article, How to Exfoliate, I share all my tips and tricks to proper exfoliation. Including why you should throw out the loofah.
There are several exfoliating options that I use weekly. Here are my favorites:
A facial scrub. You can buy a great scrub or make your own. I prefer sugar scrubs to salt ones, but it's just a matter of preference. See my list of the best facial scrubs or try out a recipe using brown sugar and coconut oil in Make a Face & Body Scrub With Sugar and Oil.
A washcloth. Put a dab of cleanser and a sprinkle of white refined sugar on a damp washcloth and massage skin in a circular motion. After a quick rinse, any sign of dead skin is erased. If you have dry skin, try extra virgin coconut oil.
Microdermabrasion. You can buy microdermabrasion kits. I have and found quite a few I like. See my list of the best facial scrubs and microdermabrasion kits.
Chemical peels. In the hour it takes to get a chemical peel, you can take a year from your face. Can't afford the price tag for a monthly peel? Try some over-the-counter peels that work over the course of a month. I prefer MD Skincare's.
Retinoids. Retinoids (such as Retin-A or the more moisturizing Renova) also work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells while also generating collagen in the skin. "Collagen is the skin's structural fiber," dermatologist Dennis Gross said in O Magazine. "As we get older, it breaks down, creating lines and large pores." Skincare experts disagree on all sorts of things, but most of them consider retinoids to be a miracle skin saver. I'm addicted to Retin-A, which I pick up in Mexico on my yearly jaunts.
Should you use a toner? Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not (I once read a skincare expert claim, "toners are only for copy machines"). Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup and dirt, but a good cleanser should do this. I firmly believe it's up to you. If you like the way your skin feels with a toner. Buy it. Use it. Enjoy it.
Step 3: Moisturize
While I know of at least one famous beauty editor who swore skin doesn't need moisturizer, basically everyone else I've read disagrees and is an adamant believer in it. A basic rule of beauty is that if you have dry skin, you should invest in a basic moisturizer. So how much should you moisturize? Your skin will tell you. When your skin is tight, it's crying out for moisture. Be careful not to over-moisturize -- this can clog pores.
Are eye creams necessary? Well maybe. Some beauty experts strongly recommend eye creams. Why? The skin around the eye contains no fatty tissue and is therefore very thin and susceptible to wrinkles. Special eye creams are formulated to "thicken" this area. Yet other experts (including the beauty editors of Allure in their new book) claim your daily lotion works around the eyes just as well.
Step 4: Apply Sunscreen
The #1 cause of wrinkles is sun damage, so it's important to use a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF from your early years on even in winter and on cloudy days. A great trick is to purchase two moisturizers: One for night and one for day that includes UV protection. Don't use moisturizers with sunscreen at night, the ingredients are not meant to be used 27/7 and can aggravate skin. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it contains Mexoryl (found in my favorite sunscreen La-Roche Posay) or Helioplex, found in Neutrogena products.
By Julyne Derrick
http://beauty.about.com/od/skinflaws/a/basicskincare.htm
Friday, March 8, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)