Cool Makeup Tips

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. ----------------------------------------------------------

We all love mascara and the way it makes our eyes look but we hate the clumps. There are also so many of them on the market that it is hard to tell which one to choose.

Getting gorgeous lashes is less about the type of mascara you use and more about how you use it.

Here is how to get perfect lashes every time without the mascara mess.

1) Use an eyelash curler before applying mascara. It will give your eyelashes that movie star dramatic curl.

2) Take mascara globs off the mascara wand with a tissue before you apply it.

3) Apply the mascara from the base of your lashes out with a zig zag motion. Make sure that you apply more at the base than at the tips. This will give you that thick,lush lash appearance.

4) To make your eyes look bigger and more dramatic just coat your upper lashes. Leave your bottom lashes clean.

If you happen to smudge mascara on your skin, never try to rub it off. This only creates a smudge, plus rubbing the sensitive area around your eyes is never a smart move. Instead dab a bit of concealer on a q-tip and gently pat it on to the smudge.

That is all it takes to achieve full, luxurious lashes without the mascara mess. Try it for yourself.

Caterina Christakos is the founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls. For more beauty tips go to:http://www.stillagirl.com

There are several cosmetic application techniques that are used by top Tinseltown makeup artists and professional stylists on runways models and Hollywood actresses, both on movie sets and for special events across the world. These techniques apply to women of all ages. These techniques will really bring out your best features, and help camouflage areas you feel may need a little more help or a radiance boost.

We Will Discuss the Following Techniques:

Foundation Application Techniques

Eyebrow Shaping, Arching and Pencil Application

Eyeliner Application

Eyeshadow Color Choices and Application Techniques

Foundation: Color Choice and Application Technique

Foundation is one of the most important cosmetics you will purchase and use. It is absolutely imperative that you pick the right shade of foundation. Pick a shade lighter than your skin tone and try to stay away from reddish or pink tones, as they tend to look very pink and ruddy in artificial lighting, and can make your skin appear uneven and flushed.

Foundation Application Technique

It is not negotiable that you apply your foundation with a makeup pad. There are some really excellent sponge makeup applicators right now that are used by makeup artists, and are a favorite of women everywhere who want to get the most natural and well blended look from their foundation.

Makeup sponges create wonderful, even finish since they make it nearly impossible to put too much foundation on, due to their absorption of excess liquid. Be sure to thoroughly blend the makeup with the sponge, covering each and every area of the face evenly and equally, including right up to the hairline, and even on the neck, so that there is not an obvious line where your foundation ends and your real neck color begins!

Eyebrows: Shaping, Arching and Pencil Application Technique

Eyebrow pencils are also one of the most important cosmetics in your beauty collection and daily makeup routine. Carefully choose the pencil color to be a shade lighter than your natural eyebrow color. This way, it will look more natural, instead of obviously drawn on. When tweezing, follow the natural arch and shape of the brow bone and be sure to tweeze any stray hair often, for a clean and classic eyebrow shape like those coveted brows of celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta Jones.

Eyeliner: How to Select Color, and Application Technique

Eyeliner is a great cosmetic for accentuating, dramatizing, and bringing out your natural eye color and enhancing or even changing the shape of the eye. As with all other essential cosmetics, there is a specific technique for getting perfect results from eyeliner application. Brown is one of my personal favorites since it is so versatile and looks good on everyone in the daytime and at night. Brown can also be applied sparingly for a great, light daytime look, or more heavily for a smudgy, smoldering night time look.

Black eyeliner should probably be reserved for nights out on the town, or any night time usage, since black tends to be too severe in the natural daylight, and can actually wash you out and magnify complexion imperfections during the day when sun light is at its peak. If you still want to wear black during the day, that's fine. Just choose a more muted shade of black, such as a slate gray or a grey black - which is a great color between black and grey that many cosmetics companies are now offering.

Now that you know what color to use for eyeliner, here's the technique for applying it. Start with a sharp eyeliner pencil, lining the rim of your eye as close to the lower row of eyelashes as you can get without getting any of the cosmetic in your eye.

With a sponge-tipped cosmetics smudger, gently smudge the line you created using a gentle horizontal back and forth movement. You should always smudge your eyeliner at least a little bit - more if you want it more dramatic, or smokey looking. Eyeliner that has not been smudged looks to artificial and too severe. All good makeup jobs that you've seen are the result of good smudging!

If you want to make your eyes appear larger, use a bright white eye liner pencil (I know it seems weird, but trust me on this) on the very inner corners of the lower lid. This is a great trick that makeup artists use to create an optical illusion that the eyes are larger and brighter in color.

Eyeshadow: Color Selection and Application Technique

The first rule of thumb for this excellent and versatile, face altering cosmetic is to stay away from colors with pink, red or auburn hues, and these do not flatter most skin types. These tones actually tend to bring out the red, bloodshot look in the eyes, and make the eyes appear smaller than they really are, which I don't think is what any of us are aiming for!

Whether you wear browns, blues, greys or purples, make sure you have a nice pale nude or near white, slightly shimmery for the tops of your eyes, near the brow bone. Apply eyeshadow with a small, preferably fine haired or natural hair cosmetic brush. Don't go cheap on the brushes - you'll be sorry - you will get a superior finish and excellent durability if your spend a little more on a professional eyeshadow/eyeliner brush.

Brushes work much better than the small sponge-like applicators that usually come with most cosmetic cases when you buy eyeshadow at the store. Some of the new shimmery eye creams and squeeze tube liquid matte eyeshadows are also great for non-crease and lasting color - just be careful not to load up too much or it will look creased. Always apply eyeshadow a little more heavily on the crease between the upper and lower lid to add more depth and dimension to your eyes, and make them appear larger. Then, add the paler color to the top for added depth and perceived size.

Visit Cosmetic Application Techniques for more makeup selection suggestions and tips. Danna Schneider is the founder of Cosmetics Galore.com where you can find out how to get Acne Magazine: All About the Treatment of Acne.

WEDDING HAIR TIPS OTHER SALONS WON?T TELL YOU

Wedding Hair Styles- Your wedding hair planning has begun. It seems that there are so many details you must complete at the same time. You?ve imagined that you?ll have the most beautiful of wedding hair styles.

But will it match with your wedding dress and wedding hair accessories and will it be complimented by the bridal hair styles of your bridesmaids? All of this wedding stuff already has you almost overwhelmed, so you think, ?I need help?.

You?ve come to the right place. I?ll help you look like the stunning, romantic, storybook bride that you always fantasized that you?d be. You see, for over 20 years I have helped brides with their wedding hair and bridal makeup.

Finally I will give you some inside information that other salons don?t want you to know regarding wedding hair styles services and contracts.

WEDDING HAIR STYLES- WHERE DO YOU START?

Wedding hair styles and bridal makeup plans should be formulated at least 3-4 months before the event. Have your hair stylist show you some pictures of their work on brides or of special event hair styles. Bring the wedding hair pictures displaying the styles you like the best.

Pictures of wedding hair styles are one of the best ways to avoid bridal hair disasters. Pictures will help eliminate misunderstandings between you and your hair stylist.

Be practical. Try a style that is comfortable for dancing and moving around. Consider the wedding location?s climate (humid, dry, wet, cold, too hot). Make a selection from wedding hair styles that will match with the style of your dress. Keep your desired bridal hair styles in mind when picking out accessories.

ACCESSORIES AND BRIDAL MAKE UP

Wedding Hair Accessories like hair ornaments and headpieces should not overpower your wedding hair. If you plan to wear a more elaborate headpiece, your wedding hair style should be simple. Bridal Tiaras can be very flattering.

Very simple jewelry will do for the bridesmaids. Stick with earrings, bracelets, or rings, but avoid necklaces. The entire bridal party should have one theme for the wedding hair styles and bridal make-up. However the bridal party could all have different hair lengths, color and texture of hair.

Your bridal make-up should emphasize the eyes, lips, and skin-tone as these parts should be camera friendly at all times. Remember that bridesmaids are to compliment the bride and are not there to overshadow her.

WEDDING HAIR STYLES TYPE

It is not a bad idea to have an up-do, if your dress covers all the way to the neck. Don?t be afraid of a short hair style especially if you are petite. Short hair can be one of the more sexy wedding hair styles.

It is usually better to not to request a classic hair do with a contemporary wedding dress. If you have your heart set on one of the classic wedding hair styles, then it should be a casual one.

For a modern or classic Victorian style, one of the beach wedding hair styles is better when it is a basic chignon or down hair style with simple, loose curls. Soft curls give you a very romantic look. This goes for the bridesmaids as well. It is better that they all follow the same pattern.

The bridal party should wear the same color and style of dress as well as a similar hairstyle. For example, either all the bridesmaids should wear flowers in their hair or no one should at all.

WEDDING HAIR STYLES TRYOUT SERVICE

What?s the best way to check the look of all the wedding hair styles in your bridal party? Easy, it is to have your entire bridal party make a visit to a salon for a wedding hair style tryout.

Salons usually give a tremendous discount for wedding hair style tryout service since they know you will like their work and that subsequently you will book your wedding party with them. It is common for salons to present a contract to brides.

WEDDING HAIR STYLES CONTRACTS

Make sure to read your contract carefully before signing. Read every word and make sure to ask questions if you don?t understand something. If you are uncomfortable with the wording, it is fair to ask that the contract be changed.

Don?t just gloss over the details of the contract. It should include important information such as the date of your wedding, the types of wedding hair styles and bridal make up services to be rendered.

Many salons will ask for a deposit to hold the appointment in advance. Some contracts will state that deposits are nonrefundable.

If your wedding hair styles contract has such a clause determine if there is a grace period. Pay a percentage of the service and not the whole price. Also make payment with a credit card. Should there be a problem or dispute, you will have a better chance of getting your money back.

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!

Congratulations on finding your husband to be.

In this article I gave you great tips that will help perfect your wedding hair styles and bridal make up. I?ve also given you some inside information that other salon owners don?t want you to know regarding services and contracts.

Now, take a deep breath and breathe out all of your wedding anxiety. Relax; it's just easier to turn over bridal hair styles planning to a professional, isn't it? Of course it is. Telephone Next Salon at 310-392-6645 in Santa Monica, California in order to get answers to your questions and to book an appointment for perfection with your bridal makeup and wedding hair styles.

Noori Daili is the founder (1988) and owner of Next Salon at 2400 Main Street in Santa Monica, California 90405. Call 310-392-6645 to book now & mention this article to get 10% Bridal Party Savings. For more savings check out her new Blog at BeautyHair SalonSalonsSanta Monica, CA 90405Los Angeles. Online appointments are welcome. For more info visit our special bridal page at Wedding Hair Styles.

Testimonials on Permanent Makeup

I first thought about getting permanent eyeliner because I had problems with getting it on and getting it to stay on. I was very nervous about having something ?permanent? done. But I went ahead and looked into it. I went on line and found several web sites on permanent make up. Nancy?s web site was the best I saw, she had a lot of before and after photos, and several great credentials listed. I called Nancy and she was very informative and I could tell she knew what she was talking about. Nancy made me feel comfortable with my decision to get permanent eyeliner. (She told me I would love it, and I do!)

I loved her work and the way she worked so much that I wanted to get my lips colored. Nancy helped me to decide on a good lip color for my skin and now I don?t even need to wear lipstick! Nancy again did an awesome job!

Well there was only one thing left, my brows. I was a bit nervous about having my brows done, but I trusted Nancy?s work. I now have my brows done, and of course they look great.

I can?t say enough about how happy I am with all three procedures, and the way Nancy spends her time to do it right and how you like it. I am constantly bragging to everyone about Nancy and how much I love my permanent make up! I would recommend Nancy for permanent make up to anyone who wants to look good all the time!

Tami in Huntington Beach, CA

I love my new permanent makeup. I now have the choice of not having to add makeup if I don't feel like it. I was always so self conscience about having no brows (plucked them out when I was a teenager and they never grew back). The eyeliner enhanced my eyes and makes my eyes look so natural. I actually feel younger and look younger!

Nancy is very patient and stops very often during the procedure so you can see how it's coming along. She is very conscientious about having everything clean and sterile. Initially there is a little discomfort but it goes away after the topical is applied. She is thorough when explaining the procedure so you know what she will be doing and it makes you feel more at ease.

E.M.in Newport Beach, CA

When I set out to produce a show about spa living, I knew one of the segments would have to be about permanent make-up. I scoured the Web and found a plethora of artists...especially in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. I decided I would choose an artist by using a single criterion: Who would I choose to work on me? When I found alwayslookyourbest.com, I was impressed with the professionalism portrayed through the site. The ?before and after? pictures were believable. The explanations were understandable. And mostly, Nancy?s credentials were impressive. After speaking on the phone, I knew I had the right person for the segment. On the day of the shoot, Nancy and her subject showed up early and prepared. She was accommodating and professional. The segment went perfectly, shot in only one take. And perhaps most importantly, the procedure Nancy performed looked great!

David Winter
Executive Producer
WinterMedia, Inc.

Looks great!! This is the only way to describe the transformation from no color and constant daily attention of applying eyeliner. I LOVE THE RESULTS!! The process was time efficient and relatively painless. Nancy was very cautious about the delicate area of the eyes. She constantly asked if I was feeling any discomfort. Have recommended several friends and business associates to her. Like some many things, I wish I had done this years ago. My only regret is that I can't give blood for one year. The American Red Cross still has a rule on tattoo's. Somehow the medical reasons for permanent makeup and tattoo's on the rest of the body do not equate in my mind. Nancy's business is conducted in an office environment with the cleanliness of any medical facility. Don't hesitate to have permanent make-up!!

KH Newport Beach, CA

My name is Pamela, a 44-year old resident of Long Beach, who contacted Nancy LaTouche in late 2002 to solicit her help in trying to reverse facial scars created by a dermabrasion surgery. Having paid thousands of dollars for dermabrasion surgery to improve my skin, and ending up with horrific, indented scars, you can imagine my outrage and depression as I labored to find solutions to this unexpected debacle. The doctor who scarred me was of no help, in fact, he refused to even address the matter with me. Hence, I was left to my own devices to try and find scar revision techniques.

One such technique is that of needling, wherein the scar tissue is needled numerous times with the type of small needles used in permanent makeup artistry. In researching this technique, I found Nancy's website on line, and was immediately impressed by her thoroughness and professionalism. I called Nancy to explain my situation, and was humbled by her compassionate response and willingness to devote her time and expertise in trying to help me. Nancy explained that she had not, personally, performed needling (in fact, most such professionals have not done so), yet she jumped in with both feet to research the matter, emailed knowledgeable contacts, and invested long hours in studying this matter.

We eventually met at her offices for a test run in needling several scars. Nancy had read up on numerous articles and documents about this technique, so as to be well versed in its application. She spent a good 2 hours meeting with me and performing the test run, all the while demonstrating the utmost in professionalism, care and concern. Despite her many hours devoted to my problem, Nancy charged me only a fraction of her usual fee. She has since been in touch regularly to check up on my healing and progress, and continues to offer leads into scar revision techniques for me.

I cannot say enough about the care, professionalism and expertise demonstrated by Nancy LaTouche, and feel blessed to have met this exceptional woman.

Pamela A. in Long Beach, cA

***

Nancy is Board Certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation, a member in good standing with the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and is current writing a book on what she learned in permanent makeup to be published on her website around March 2005. See http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com for more information, before and after photos and much, much more!

?Make up and skin care? is generally regarded as women?s forte. Men seldom indulge in ?Make up and skin care?. Many men do care for their skin but make up is really alien to most men. Treating make up and skin care as different topics wouldn?t make sense; after all, make up will work only if the skin is healthy. So how do you exercise make up and skin care, together? Here are some tips for make up and skin care:

1. Always have skin care on mind, whether you are buying products for make up or actually applying them onto your skin after you have bought them. So what you are buying is a ?make up and skin care? product, not just a make up product. Check the ingredients to see if it contains things that you might be allergic to. Also check if it contains high concentration chemicals that can harm your skin.

2. ?Make up and skin care? is also about testing the products before using them. So, apply the make up on a small patch of skin e.g. earlobes and check how your skin reacts to it.

3. Keep track of expiry date on your make up products and never use them beyond the expiry date. In fact some products (e.g. vitamin C based products), if not stored properly, get spoilt much earlier than the expiry date.

4. Cleanliness is an important part of make up and skin care procedure. Sharpen your eye-liners regularly and keep all your makeup equipment clean at all times. You might fix a date, each month, for overhauling of your equipment. As part of cleanliness, your make up and skin care procedure should also include keeping your hair clean at all times.

5. Nail care is another important aspect of make up and skin care. Use a good quality nail polish and always keep your nails clean. Once you are done with cleaning and polishing your nails, you should rub in cuticle oil at the edges of the nail.

6. If you have deep-set eyes, you should use a liquid eye liner instead of a pencil one. This will prevent smudging at the deep edges of your eye-lid.

7. If you have a skin disorder e.g. acne, you should not apply heavy or chemical based make up. Consult your dermatologist if you are not sure about the make up products that you can use while you have acne or other skin disorder. Never try to squeeze pimples/ acne. Remember that make up and skin care should not conflict each other.

8. Use a mild make up remover (instead of just washing it away).

9. Another important ?make up and skin care? procedure is the following golden rule: ?Never sleep with your make up on?

10. While applying a deodorant, make sure that you maintain the recommended distance between the nozzle and your skin (as mentioned on the deodorant pack).

So, make up and skin care should always go hand in hand. Do not try to treat make up and skin care differently.

Your guide to makeup tips and tricks.

Tania for ultimate-cosmetics.com . Do you want to get rid of puffy eyes? or need to tackle those ugly blackheads?

Manicures, pedicures, artificial tips, paraffin treatments, nail jewelry - the nail care industry is booming, with nail salons seemingly on every corner.

Why is this, do you suppose? There was a time when only the wealthy had regular manicures, but now it's commonplace. Whether you go to a salon weekly, or choose to buff and polish your nails at home, it's important to take care of your fingertips.

Take a look at your hands. What do they say about you? Think about what they say to others. Are your hands rough, red, irritated? Or, are they smooth and pampered?

Are your cuticles ragged? Or have you cut or pushed them back? Hot pink, French tips, or clear-coated, it's not the color you wear that matters. What really matters is the condition of your hands and nails, and you can improve the state of your nails by taking a few simple steps.

Protect your nails

Wear gloves when washing the dishes or the kitchen floor. Do not use your nails as tools. They aren't meant to scrape the price stickers off your new picture frame. Be sure to apply sunscreen all the way down to the tips of your nails. Sun damage affects nails, too.

Moisturize your nails regularly

Every time you wash your hands, you need to moisturize your hands. Keep hand cream in your purse. Have a bottle in each bathroom of your home and one at the kitchen sink.

Nails need to breath

Every so often, leave the polish out of your manicure routine. Let your nails get a little oxygen.

Do not use nail products containing formaldehyde

It?s not used in biology class anymore. Don?t use it on your nails, it?s not safe.

Gelatin really does work

You thought it was a myth when you heard it as a teenager, but it?s true. Eating gelatin helps your nails grow strong and healthy.

Nutrition

Water, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein from meats and fish, and vitamins (multi and E, in particular) all stimulate nail growth.

Sterilize, sterilize, sterilize

Keep your home manicure kit clean. At the salon, purchase a set from the nail technician. The salon will label it, store it, and use it just for you.

They?re inexpensive and essential to protecting yourself from fungus and communicable infections. Don?t be shy, be sure your manicurist knows that you take cleanliness seriously.

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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. ----------------------------------------------------------

Loose Powder Mineral Makeup

Mineral Makeup is taking the beauty industry by storm and with very good reasons!

Mineral makeup is micro-formulated using the highest quality minerals and botanicals. Naturally preservative and irritant-free, mineral makeup is weightless and incredibly long-wearing.

Mineral makeup will not clog pores, has high SPF naturally, helps to calm and soothe irritated skin with its zinc content, and is water resistant. You rarely need to reapply mineral makeup and it provides excellent coverage. Mineral makeup is suggested for people who have rosacea and acne.

Minerals cannot support bacteria, so doesn't lose freshness like other cosmetics on the market that contain other ingredients.

Many of these minerals have a special luster that when applied to skin give the face a lovely glow, lending a healthy, youthful appearance to blemished or aged skin.

The most irritating ingredients in cosmetics are talc, dye, and perfume. Natural loose powder mineral products are free of all of these ingredients.

Loose powder mineral foundation has the great coverage. Stop worrying about unattractive blemishes -with just a quick brush of powder, your face will appear completely unblemished, from morning until night.

Mineral makeup does not settle into the lines and wrinkles like other makeup, instead it disperses light, giving a photogenic appearance.

Even more importantly, the health and condition of your skin will actually improve with regular use of our mineral foundation. The minerals not only soothe inflamed skin, but have superior oil control.

Loose mineral makeup is comprised of naturally occurring minerals that have been used for cosmetic purposes for thousands of years. These minerals are mined from around the world, purified, and crushed into fine powders.

Cosmetic companies use these same minerals to add color, texture and luster to everything from eye shadow and lipstick to hair color. They're even in your tube of toothpaste! Many of these minerals have a special luster that, when applied to the skin, give the face a lovely glow, lending a healthy, youthful appearance to blemished or aged skin.

Loose mineral cosmetics are catching on in popularity for a very good reason. It is the most natural makeup available on the market. Just think about how your face feels when you apply a liquid foundation.

In order to create a liquid foundation, manufacturers add water, oil, waxes, petrochemicals, synthetic humectants, gums, and fillers (like talc) to the mineral colorants. They also add dyes and preservatives. Our loose, dry minerals don't require preservatives, and all of those other irritating ingredients are completely unnecessary. The natural pigments blend easily on the skin and provide superior coverage due to the lack of cheap fillers.

Large cosmetics companies are corporations that are designed to generate profit. Your skins health is not their concern. Natural minerals cost much more than cheap synthetic fillers and dyes. The bottom line of these corporations is profit. Natural loose powder mineral makeup provides: quality, purity, and performance. They provide natural cosmetic products that will enable women to achieve the look that they want without chemicals.

If you have sensitive skin, and have had bad experiences with cosmetics in the past, then natural mineral makeup is for you. While even a good quality natural cosmetic does not carry a guarantee, the likelihood of a reaction is rare. The most irritating ingredients in cosmetics are talc, dye, and perfume. All natural, loose powder mineral cosmetics are free of all of these ingredients.

Mineral foundation has the great coverage. Using loose powder mineral foundation will transform your life. Instead of worrying about unattractive blemishes or running to the mirror every few hours to do touch ups, with just a quick brush of the powder, your face will appear completely unblemished, from morning until night.

Even more importantly, the health and condition of your skin will actually improve with regular use of our mineral foundation. The minerals not only soothe inflamed skin, but have superior oil control. Loose powder mineral foundation is virtually waterproof and wearproof.

One of the main ingredients in loose mineral powder foundation is micronized Titanium Dioxide. This naturally occurring mineral effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays, without an irritating chemical sunscreen. Loose powder mineral products have a very high SPF and we recommend wearing a sunscreen of some form on your face every day. Melanoma is on the rise and can be fatal. Also, if you notice tiny lines on your face, these symptoms of aging come primarily from sun-damage, not from dryness.

Compare the cost of one multi-purpose loose mineral powder to even a cheap eye shadow, and the value will immediately be apparent. Loose mineral powders can be used as eye shadow, eyeliner, lip gloss, blush and nail polish. If you use them every day, they will last you at least a year. Just one eye shadow at a department store costs three times more than loose mineral powder. Loose powder mineral foundation lasts months and acts as concealer, powder, and sunscreen, all in one. Compare the cost to similar makeup lines and you will notice a savings of almost 50%.

JR Minerals carries a complete range of all natural, loose powder mineral makeup, including: Foundations, Light Defusing Translucent Mineral Veils, Blushes, Bronzers, Professional Quality Makeup Brushes, Eye Shadows, All Natural Vegan Flavoured Lip Balms, Mineral Lip Cremes, Natural Face Creams and much more. Join the mailing list in our store for special offers and details of our referral rewards program.

Click on this link to go direct to our online shop: http://jrminerals.com/ourshop/

Click on this link to go to our website for information on our products: http://www.jrminerals.com/

Choosing the right cosmetic colors can dramatically affect how you look, how you feel, and how others perceive you. Color is a very powerful thing; physically as well as psychologically. That being the case, it?s a good idea to make sure your fall colors are up to date. Appropriate selections can make you look fresh and vibrant. The wrong colors can make you look tired or even appear older! Traditional fall colors can be very exciting - shimmering golds, burnt oranges, bronzes, and ?bricky? reds?but keep in mind that these colors are not meant for everyone. The fall magazines are starting to hit the shelves now, and everyone is excited to see the new trends. Keep in mind that, just because something is trendy does not mean that it is the most flattering choice for everyone. This doesn?t mean you can?t have fun with your makeup, just choose the colors that are best for you. Remember that your skin tone, eye color, and hair color may be quite different from those of the cover model on your favorite magazine. Choose carefully.

Reds, oranges, yellows, and browns are considered warm colors, with purples, blues, and greens being considered cool tones. Sound simple? It can be. But just because you think you are a cooler tone does not mean that you can?t wear red lipstick. Try to find one that has more of a true red or blue undertone. If you are on the warmer side but you love green, look for one that has a strong yellow undertone, as opposed to a blue undertone. There is a multitude of choices and combinations; almost every color has variations that include warm and cool tones. Try not to limit yourself when shopping. There is definitely something for everyone.

Determining whether you are a warm or cool tone can be challenging at first. A simple way to get a feel for it is to try things on and experiment. If you?re in the area, visit our store and play with the testers; see what is the most flattering. What colors you are wearing when you get the most compliments? What colors do you feel the most confident in? If you have trouble being objective (as most of us do), why not book an appointment with a makeup artist? Another set of well-trained eyes is always helpful. The makeup artist will help you pick out the best colors for your unique skin tone, keep you up on the latest products and trends!

Jennifer Cinnani works as a Makeup Artist for Scott Miller ? a salon, spa, and store in Rochester, NY (http://www.scottmillerstyle.com).The beauty industry and makeup in particular have always been Jennifer?s passions, and she has extensive experience with several cosmetic lines including Bobbi Brown, NARS, Stila, Face Stockholm, Amazing Cosmetics, SkinCeuticals, and more.

Not everybody looks like Helen of Troy. If Mother Nature happened to be harsh on you concerning looks, you can score over her with some easy to practice makeup tips. It is guaranteed that these makeup tips will turn even a plain Jane into a woman of rare and exquisite beauty.

There are makeup tips for every beauty problem. With makeup, you can draw attention to your most beautiful feature or downplay a not particularly appealing one or even hide a scar or blemish.

Every makeup tip is unanimous on one point and that is a good skin foundation. It is essential for that ?oh-so-glamorous? porcelain smooth look. A foundation also gives protection to the delicate facial skin from harmful weather forces and pollution. In conjunction with a moisturizer, it prevents the skin from ageing.

The key to sparkling eyes, as every eye makeup tip will swear by, is light colored eye shadows like brown, mauve, vanilla or beige. You can play in the subtle undertones of the skin and opt for colors like gold, olive, pale purple and gray.

The adventurous at heart can try out bronze, tan or any other shinning translucent eye shadow powder or go in for a layered look by combining two colors. Experimentation is all right, but every make up tip profess one thing, ?don?t go overboard?.

Mascara is another aspect of eye makeup. In fact, there is nothing like a dash of mascara to dramatize the eyes. For a no makeup look, a brown shade or clear mascara is the best. For a wide-eyed innocent gaze, try curling your eyelashes. But curl before applying the mascara and do not curl your lower lashes for they are apt to fall off.

A makeup tip is not meant only for highlighting a facial feature. Makeup can be used as a cover for problematic zones too.

You can make your concealer or foundation stay all day by dusting it with some translucent powder and its good riddance to bad rubbish like pimples, scars and dark circles. For the real obstinate acne, just a dab of concealer, that is one shade lighter than the foundation, bordering on the green or yellow tone is ideal.

For a large nose, light colored shoulder-length voluminous hair is the ideal mask.

There also happens to be a makeup application tip that will help those unhappy with the spacing between their eyes. A medium neutral eye shadow on the inner eyelids with a thick eyeliner stroke bordering the entire length of the eyes will make the eyes appear closer.

For eyes that are too close for comfort, a good beauty makeup tip is to apply a darker tone in matte finish in upward and outward strokes on both the lids and end in a thick flourishing curve.

The essence of all makeup tips is to make you, and not the makeup, stand out in a crowd.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental skin care interests. He can be reached at http://www.bestskinpeel.com.

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. ----------------------------------------------------------

Tired of always being told you have to do more and spend more too look younger? How would you like to do less and spend less yet look younger? Well now it's possible. All you have to do is avoid these 12 most common beauty mistakes made by women over forty and you will look younger, healthier, and more attractive.

1.Don?t use foundation that's lighter then your skin color. You will look pale, washed out and unhealthy.

2.Don't use powder foundation it tends to collect in creases and make wrinkles more prominent

3.Don't use frosted eye shadow, because its frosted particles settle into lid lines accentuating wrinkles.

4.Don't use iridescent eye shadow it attracts light and draws attention to lines.

5.Don't use brown eye shadows they tend to age the face and create a tired appearance.

6.Don't use black eyeliner it is to harsh and will emphasize any fine lines around the eyes.

7.Don't use overly light under eye concealer this will illuminate any imperfections and lines in the under eye area.

8.Don't over pluck your eyebrows; a very fine brow gives your face an aged look. .

9.Don't use too pale, too dark, or too bright color cosmetics. Anything bold, unnatural, and overpowering on the face makes it appear older and unattractive.

10.Don't apply your blusher too high or too low. If you want to create a natural, younger lift look to your face never apply blush any lower than the bottom of your nose or any higher up than the outside corner of the eye.

11.Don't apply your makeup too heavy because as the skin ages it starts to lose its firmness. Heavily applied makeup tends to slide into and accentuate lines and furrows.

12.Don't over exaggerate your lip line it will look phony even clown like.

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/

Mineral makeup behaves differently to ordinary makeup, and it will take a few goes and experimentation to work out what method of application is best for your skin type.

It's important to know how to use a flocked sponge for mineral makeup application effectively. The advantage of this type of sponge is that your makeup doesn't end up looking messy, streaked or uneven. It's perfect for blending.

Check out the following tips:

- Before applying the makeup, ensure that your face is cleansed and that the moisturiser you have applied has been fully absorbed by your skin.

- Apply the makeup in thin layers. This will avoid an uneven appearance.

- Apply your makeup, and then use the flocked sponge for blending the makeup in a stippling motion, with light, short strokes for best results.

- Only use the sponge for the initial application if you desire a heavier coverage. In this case, pick up the powder with the flocked sponge, press it into your skin, then buff for a smooth finish.

- An alternative method is to drop a few drops of water on the lid of your powder, pick up the powder with the sponge, and use it to mix the combination to your desired consistency. Or pick it up with the sponge and lightly spritz the sponge with water and apply it to the skin with light strokes until well blended.

- A flocked sponge can be used with any makeup - powder, foundation, eyeshadow and blush.

- You can wash and re-use some brands, however check the supplier for their recommendations.

Angela Page writes about Natural Skin & Beauty Care. For further information and products visit http://www.mybeautyfocus.com. You may reproduce this article only in its entirety, together with the link to the author's website, from which this article is sourced.

Now whether you are just beginning to notice your first few lines or you are experiencing more advance signs of aging you can painlessly and safely achieve a healthier, youthful, wrinkle free beauty in minutes with these simple professional techniques used by the world?s top makeup artists.

Lift a Sagging Jaw line ? After applying your foundation apply a very thin line of highlighter from ear to ear along the top of your jawbone. Blend thoroughly. Next apply a thin line of contour cream or shadow on the bottom and the underneath area of your jawbone. Blend thoroughly.

Make Wrinkles & Lines Disappear ? Before applying foundation use a Q- Tip or very thin makeup brush to apply a professional line filler product or highlighter inside the creases of your lines and wrinkles. Using the thin end of your makeup sponge or a clean Q-Tip gently blend.

Perform An Instance Face Lift ? A well groomed medium width brow with a strong arch will visual lift your face instantly. To create a well groomed brow with a strong arch pluck clean the area underneath the brow bone and shape the brow with widest part of the brow at the inner corner of your eye and the brow getting thinner has it goes out toward your temple. The highest part of the arch should be just above the outer edge of your pupil.

Create Fuller Younger Lips ? After covering the lip area with foundation and your lips with a lip cream or balm take a lip liner the same shade or a shade slightly lighter then your lipstick and line just outside your lips natural lip line . Apply your lipstick with a lip brush blending lipstick to lip liner. Place a dab of pale light color lip gloss in the center of your top and bottom lips.

Give Your Eyes A Quick Lift ? Applying eyeliner has close to lashes as possible line eyes from where the inner corner( tear duct ) of your eyes end to slightly pass the outer corner of your eyes. Has you get to the outer corner of your eye slightly tilt line upward to create a slight slant. This technique works whether you line just your upper lids or both your upper and bottom lids. Curl your lash with an eyelash curler before applying mascara.

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

Makeup foundation is the secret to whether your makeup will look good or not.

Foundation helps to smooth out your skin tone, conceal blemishes and gives you a healthier glow. Applying makeup without a foundation base can actually accentuate unsightly skin problems, rather than conceal them. Choosing and applying foundation should be a simple procedure, but there are pitfalls. Here is an easy step by step guide to choosing and applying foundation.

Step 1. Decide what foundation coverage and finish you prefer.

Decide what type of look you would like to achieve. Foundations can offer coverage from sheer to heavy and finishes that range from matte to satin. Degree of coverage and type of finish is very much a personal choice.

Step 2. Choose the right shade

Once you have chosen the ideal formulation (coverage and finish) for you, you're ready to choose the perfect shade to match your skin tone. There is a good selection of foundation shades available from the lightest of shades for pale skin through to shades for the darkest skin tones. Here's how to select the perfect shade for you.

How to select the perfect shade

? Ensure you're in natural daylight when trying out foundation colours, so you can see exactly how your skin will look once you leave the shop.

? Select a couple of shades which look as though they'll match your skin.

? Don't try foundation on your hand or on your wrist- they're a different colour to your face.

? Stroke a little colour onto your jaw line to ensure you get a tone that will blend with your neck as well as your face. The shade that seems to disappear into your skin is the right one for you.

Tip: Bear in mind you may need a slightly darker shade of foundation for summer when your face will naturally tan.

Step 3. Moisturise

Begin with clean hands and a clean face. Apply the moisturiser appropriate to your skin type. Let your skin moisturiser for a few minutes, particularly if your skin is oily. Applying foundation to freshly moisturised skin ensures you have a perfect base with which to work. Apply foundation 10 minutes after moisturising. If you don't allow the moisturiser to absorb into the skin, your foundation could come off.

Step 4 Apply concealer

Camouflage any under-eye circles and facial blemishes with concealer. Your concealer should be a slightly lighter tone than your foundation.

Step 5 Apply foundation

When applying foundation use a cosmetic sponge - using your fingertips can result in an uneven, greasy finish. Dampen the sponge first squeezing out the excess moisture - this will make foundation application easier and prevent the sponge from soaking up too much foundation. Place a small amount of foundation on the back of one hand. Dip your makeup sponge into it. Apply foundation by dotting it on your forehead, cheeks, chin and nose and then blend each one with your sponge. Blend out to your hair and jaw line until the foundation vanishes. Pay special attention to blending around the nose, mouth and jaw line. When applying foundation, slightly rubbing toward the neck area helps create less of a line around the face!

Tip: Be sure to blend, blend, and blend. Special areas to watch are the hair and jaw line. And be sure that your face isn't one color and your neck another.

Tip: When putting on foundation, always do it in a bright room or by a window. This way, you can see what hasn't been blended-in properly.

Tip: Many companies have added sunscreens to their foundations, so they'll protect you from the ageing effects of the sun while you wear them. Look out for the words UV protection and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) numbers on the tube or bottle.

Step 6 Set the foundation with powder

This is an optional step that you may find beneficial. A light brushing of powder on your foundation sets the foundations making it longer lasting. If oil surfaces during the day, blot the area with a tissue then apply a light dusting of powder. Always apply powder to set make-up and reapply throughout the day to prevent shine.

Tip: The light dusting of powder also helps with eye shadow application and also makes the eye shadow longer lasting.

Important! If you want a tanned look, don't use a darker foundation, use a bronzer.

Donna Kelly's passionate interest in beauty and makeup began as a young girl experimenting in front of the mirror with mom's cosmetics - while she was out of course. It was inevitable that Donna would go on to formally train as a makeup artist and eventually launch her own brand of high quality makeup and skin care products. As a business women and mom with 2 children Donna understands the time pressures on women today and through this, and other articles, has endeavored to take the complexity and mystique out of feeling good and looking great with some busy women friendly beauty tips and advice. If you would like to read more of Donna's articles check out her website: Colours & Scents.

We all want to look our best before we head out the door, but we sometimes find ourselves running behind schedule and having only a few short minutes to apply our makeup. Well, here are a few quick steps that will have you ready in just minutes.

Applying the skin conditioner should be the very first thing you do before applying makeup. If you know you are running late, apply the conditioner or moisturizer before you begin to get dressed. You should not apply your makeup until the conditioner has been on for about 10 minutes. This gives the conditioner time to soak into your skin and help keep your skin fresh and moisturized. So, if you do this step before getting dressed, you will have time to apply your makeup without the wait.

Now, you are ready to apply the foundation. Use a large sponge and blend the foundation over your face and neck in an upward and outward motion, never in toward your nose.

Next, is the blush, you can use a cr?me blush or a powder blush. Apply with the same motions up and out and accent your cheekbones.

Eye shadow is next. Lightly apply the eye shadow from the inner part of your eye outward. Now, apply the eyeliner. Just lightly start on your upper eyelid and move outward. Do the same for your lower eyelid. Mascara is next. Try to get as close as you can to the end of your eyelashes without poking your eye and move the tip outward. An easier way to apply mascara is to open and shut your eye while holding the mascara in place. Detailed makeup application - http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/Makeup.htm

Now apply a small amount of lipstick. Be sure you are using a moisturizing kind, especially if you tend to have dry chapped lips.

Now, you are ready to go. Applying makeup is not hard. The major mistakes women make is in the products that they purchase. They usually choose the wrong colors for their skin tone.

Try to match your skin tone when you purchase foundation. If you use a darker foundation your face and neck will have a tanned look while the rest of your neck, ears and body are still pale.

For blush and lipsticks, there is a basic rule to remember blondes should use pink colors, brunettes should use peach and if you are a red head you should always use bronze.

Alicia Caldelas for http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com ? Your ultimate resource to makeup and beauty tips. Get lots of homemade beauty ideas here.

Catch our Beauty Blog! - http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/blog/ If you wish to reproduce the above article, you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

Women have always been crazy about make up and skin care. But it is a foolish idea to treat make up and skin care as different issues. Because, unless your skin is supple and firm, your make up does not add any spark. Given below are a few tips for great skin and good makeup:

1. Whenever you are purchasing any cosmetic product, first look at the product quality and durability because they should not affect the texture of your skin.

2. To test the reliability of the product, first apply it on the earlobes to check if it suits your skin texture.

3. Moreover do not use items that have crossed the expiry date. Some of the products if not stored as suggested get spoilt easily.

4. Maintain the entire make up equipments because you use them often. Cleanliness is an essential activity of skin care. As part of cleanliness, keep your hair and yourself clean always.

5. Even the maintenance of nails is important. Polish them with a coat of polish and after polishing them always rub with oil at the edges.

6. If you have sunken eyes then use liquid eyeliner instead of using a pencil.

7. Do not apply any harsh chemical without the consultation of your physician, especially if you are having a skin disease. Do not try to slit off your pimples or acne. It may start to bleed.

8. When you want to remove all your makeup, do not just wash your face but apply a make up remover.

9. When you are using a deodorant see that there is a distance between the pack nozzle and your skin.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1713.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Have you ever wondered why celebrities seem to look gorgeous no matter where they are and no matter what the moment? Are they prettier than the rest of us so it?s easy for them? Not at all ? they are just smarter about what their makeup bag holds. Read on for makeup bag secrets of the celebrities.

Celebrities will tell you having their makeup at their fingertips is their number one priority and it should be for every woman. That?s not to say you have to pack around 50 pounds of makeup. Just a tube of lipstick can do a lot to freshen your face. Actresses like Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Anniston, or Angelina Jole will all tell you that the ultimate makeup bag is really no secret at all.

You can buy fashionable and trendy makeup bags ranging in size from compact to purse size so even your makeup back can make a fashion statement. But lets face it. It?s what we put in it the makeup bag that really counts. And why is it no matter what size your makeup bag is, it seems to be too small or the makeup you most need at the moment doesn?t appear to have made it into the bag? It?s time solve that problem by putting together the makeup bag of the celebrities with all their secrets.

Your makeup bag is really a matter of your personal taste. Choose one that grabs your attention, fits your personality and fits your purse. There?s no sense buying a huge makeup bag when you pack a tiny purse. You can buy discount bags for as little as $5.00 or designer makeup bags for as much as $100.00.

The Celebrity makeup bag is based on the assumption that your makeup bag is small to medium in size. For those that have a tinier bag you?ll have to choose which items to remove. For those packing a large bag, add all the extras that will fit. The celebrities tell us the most important thing you need to put in your bag is a small double sided compact mirror. You can purchase a nice size travel mirror complete with protective cover for around $5.00.

The next most important tool for the celebrities are the makeup brushes. Make sure you have a blush and eyeshadow brush in your bag. Or you can purchase a compact set of miniature brushed for around $10.00. That will ensure you?ll have every brush you need. Now to the makeup. Jennifer Aniston says your foundation or powder is the absolute most essential makeup bag requirement. If the original container is too large, then purchase a compact bottle or transfer some to an after market container that seals well. Angela Jole won?t leave home without her favorite lipstick. Pick only one or your bags going to get full too fast. Remember your building a compact version of your real makeup case. You can add a lip gloss if you like. Eyeshadow is also a must have for touchup. Choose a palette of colors you can wear or use anytime. There is no good way to pack a variety of colors, so it?s best to choose your most reliable colors. And for heavens sake don?t? forget to add mascara and eyeliner.

According to the stars you also need to make sure you have your blush. Now this can be a bit trickier because the containers are a bit big. Best to look for a flat compact style blush. To keep you fresh, you can also add some prepackaged facial cleansing cloths, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, and a travel size deodorant.

That?s it, you know now the makeup bag secrets of the celebrities . All the basics, to get you through the day and have you looking gorgeous. So what was the big secret?

Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

There are some who wouldn't be caught dead in public without make up and then there are some who refuse to wear make up at all and prefer the natural look.

Some people have told me they like to let their skin breathe. Well don't worry about it! There's plenty of skin on your body, let the rest of it do the breathing! Your skin is fed from the inside and won't suffer so long as you make sure you cleanse at the end of the day.

But you can actually create a natural look using make up. That way you can have that clean fresh appearance while being able to disguise those flaws that you (and probably only you!) dislike.

So let's have a basic lesson on how to apply make up to create a fresh natural look.

Natural make up techniques

We'll look at base (foundation), concealer, powder and blush this time and in part 2 go on to how to apply make up for the eyes and mouth.

In the case of applying make up the term less is more definitely applies! If your going to enjoy a big night out on the town that's different - use your bright eye shadow, lippie and glittery mascara. You can put on a bit more foundation too, to create a flawless palate on which to paint your masterpiece!

But during the day whether you're at work, at home or hitting the shops you don't want to look like Coco the clown! Too much makeup can actually appear very ageing.

So let's start with a really clean face. For daytime use a moisturizing sunscreen or sun block. If your skin is oily use a non oily one, if it's very dry use both moisturizer and sun block.

Make up base (or foundation) comes in many types, liquid, stick, cream etc. Mostly this is a matter of preference although the stick or solid base usually has a better coverage and will hide things like broken veins almost completely. The liquid bases have a lighter coverage and will give a more natural look.

If your skin is oily, the dry compact bases work well, or opt for an oil free liquid one. Dry skins like the cream bases which give a moist 'dewy' appearance.

Make sure the base you choose matches the colour of your skin as closely as possible. Don't try and create a darker sun tanned look with your base, there are bronzing powders specially created for this. Go outside the store when selecting different colours and make sure they look ok in natural light. It's best to test on your jaw line rather your wrist.

Don't buy pre-packaged make-up bases from the supermarket, you'll not be able to try them on!

Concealers are great for that natural look, you can cover blemishes and broken veins with a concealer without having to use a heavy base all over your face.

Concealers also come in different forms but they all do the same job. You can buy them with built in sunscreen and also with anti bacterial additives if you like. Try to find one just slightly lighter than your skin tone. Pat the concealer onto the area you wish to cover. Don't rub hard or it will disappear into your pores. Make sure it is blended well and has no tide marks.

Now dot the base onto your face. Use the sheerest one you can. Don't use too much at first, you can always add more.

Blend really well. Some make up artists recommend a damp sponge, but fingers work just as well. Make sure you blend into the hairline, sides of face, around the nose and particularly the jaw line. Don't just stop at the jaw, your face will look like a mask. Just blend away to nothing before your throat, that way you won't get make-up stains on your collar.

Powder is optional but I like to use it as it sets your make-up and absorbs excess oil. Press the powder onto your face with a puff or you may prefer to use a powder brush. After a couple of minutes brush the powder off using light downward strokes.

Next apply blusher. Brush this lightly on the apple of your cheeks and up towards the temples. Don't put too much on your brush, you can always go over it again. If you are using a cream blusher, apply this before powder. Dot onto the apple of your cheeks and blend in up to the temples. Blend really well!

Now for my special tip. Place a cool damp (not wet) face washer over your face and press very gently. this will give the whole face a fresh look - Gorgeous!

Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen

Wendy Owen is a health researcher and author. For advice on absolutely natural skin care visit http://www.just-natural-skincare.com

As a licensed cosmetologist, I would like to share how to develop the art of truly being a makeup artist on your own face.

First, please toss out old ideas you may have had, as well as the ?one size fits all? beauty tips you?ve picked up along the way. You don?t want any pre-conceived ideas that may cloud your judgment.

Get in front of a mirror, with natural light. Cleanse your face, moisturize, etc. to get it ready for makeup. Get all your brushes, makeup gathered and pull your hair back out of the way. Imagine yourself as your own artist, with your face as the canvas upon which you are about to create a look.

There are 2 very important principals to remember. Light colors bring out, gives the illusion of an area being forward or front. Dark colors set back, creates a look of depth. Now, really study for your face for a few minutes, don?t focus for now on any particular area, look at shape overall.

It might help to even write down notes about impressions you get. What areas seem to need brought out? What areas seem to need to be set back? An example would be a very round face would need an area in the cheeks set back (darker) to give the illusion of higher cheekbones, more slender face, at the same time using some lighter shades on the forehead area above the temples to also create a look of lengthening the face. A chin that is a bit undercut would need to be brought forth more to give the appearance of being more prominent than it is (lighter color).

When using lighter & darker colors for shading & highlighting, be sure to blend very well and use a light touch. Choose a foundation that is very close to your natural skin coloring. I personally have recently discovered mineral makeup (you can do an online search for several brands) or you can use any brand you want. I just have found these very easy to use for using light & dark colors where needed. Blend, blend and blend more, you don?t want anything that looks obvious or any streaking appearance. Also if you?re a light blonde, you wouldn?t use something super dark for shading because you wouldn?t be able to blend it in a way to look natural. Use a shade that?s 1 or 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone, same with lighter shades, 1 or 2 shades lighter than your own skin tone.

Look at your eyes closely now. You want to create balance. Not every eye will look best with the typical medium color on the lid, darkest in the crease and highlighter on the brow. Again, look at your eye shape, what needs brought forth (light), and what needs to recede (dark). A person with deep-set eyes for example will do best with a light to medium shade on their lid, the lightest side in their crease, and a medium shade on their brow bone. The person with the deep-set eyes needs to avoid dark colors altogether, it will only accentuate the problem. Having the lightest color in the crease will help bring forth their eyes, making their eyes look bigger, wider and not set back.

This is the opposite pattern of what is typically told.

If a person has eyes that are close set together, you want light colors around the inside areas of the eyes (near the nose) to give the appearance of more space being there, making the eyes look wider apart, and darker colors on the outside edges.

Play with the different looks until you get the right one for your bone structure. It also helps to stand back away from a mirror, from across a room to look, as you get a better feel of overall balance than right up close. Don?t be afraid to try new combos you hadn?t thought of before, it might be the perfect fit for you!

By Valerie Garner-Mother, grandmother and candlemaker / owner of Joyful Designs in Soy. She loves to write on a variety of topics with a warm, and engaging style. http://www.joyfuldesignsinsoy.com

Right eating habits and the right natural care can do wonders for your looks and health. Here are some precious natural skin care tips which will make your skin glow round the clock.

1) Wake up your looks: Tossing and turning all night can show on your face the next morning. But you can look rested even when you are not. Try these quick-picker-uppers to wake up your looks.

. Shower 'up': Take a shower with an energizing body scrub and a nylon loofah. Let the spray massage tension away. Switch to cool water for the final rinse.

. Wear an energizing fragrance: Try scents with hints of lemon, jasmine, bergamot, lily of the valley, hyacinth, basil, and geranium.

2) For Dark Circles: Grated potatoes can lighten under-eye circles. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which is used in cosmetics as a human skin lightener. Put the potatoes in a food processor and stuff the raw mash into a piece of cheese cloth. Apply to the area directly beneath your eye- dont let the potato juice come in contact with the eye itself - and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe away the starchy residue.

3) Fixing Dark Circles: Other traditional and well known remedy is to place cucumber slices on eyelids while relaxing in hot bath. This will be like pampering yourself to the acme, treating yourself like a queen.

4) Soft Hands: So your hands dont feel soft anymore? Before you go to bed, lavishly apply vaseline and then pop on a pair of cotton gloves. Your hands will be incredibly soft by morning.

5) White nails: To whiten your nails, try these:

. Use a common whitening tooth paste. Try scrubbing your nails with toothpaste, its just as easy as achieving a pearly white smile and will take away any stains and shine up your nails.

. Soak your nails in water with lemon juice or lemon slices. The lemon acts as an astringent and will strip away stains.

Hungry for more? Look out for more such natural skin care tips which can do wonders to your skin at http://www.weightloss-health.com/skin%20care%20treatment%20tips.htm

Ashley Green: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get more informative skin care tips and anti-aging tips and treatment at Anti Aging Skin Care(Tips) Treatment and Products

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup is a state-of-the-art form of cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as micropigmentation, micropigment implantation or dermagraphics. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits tiny individual implants of pigment into the dermal layer of skin to enhance facial features. The 3 most common procedures are eyebrows, eyeliner and full lip color. How Is It Done?

Permanent cosmetic procedures are performed using various machines, including the traditional (or specialized) tattoo or coil machines; the pen or rotary machine and the non-machine or hand tool method.

What Can Be Done?

- Eyebrows - Eyeliner
- LipLiner - Full Lips
- Cleft Lip - Beauty Marks
-Skin Grafts
-Scar Camouflage
-Areola repigmentation

Who Benefits?

Women who:

?Have sparse brows and are tired of brow pencils
?Are tired of their makeup smearing
?Are athletic, yet still want to look their best
?Are allergic to conventional cosmetics
?Wear contact lenses
?Want to streamline their daily makeup r?gime
?Have colorless lips or uneven lip borders
?Have had breast reconstruction surgery (can tattoo an areola)
?Have scars and want them blended with their surrounding normal skin

?Does it hurt??

Topical cream anesthetics are used to numb the area. Most people equate the sensation as similar to tweezing or waxing. Nancy provides instructions which further promote comfort. Not following instructions can promote bleeding and increase sensitivity. Permanent makeup intrigues me, ?..I don?t know much about it??..

You probably know of someone who has permanent makeup and they love it. Or you may have seen or heard stories of bad work. It seems that the media is more likely to expound on the horror stories rather than the beautiful work that can be permanent makeup.

What Could Help Me Know If Permanent Makeup Is For Me?

First you must determine if there is something about your face, or body that you?re unhappy with. Say your brows are sparse, you use pencil every day and you?re tired of it. You may want to look into what permanent makeup can do for you. If you?ve had breast reconstruction and the areola/nipple was not replaced, then a permanent makeup artist can tattoo one on, making a woman feel whole again. Napoleon Hill said ?We Refuse to Believe What We Don?t Understand?. Without further knowledge the average person cannot make an educated decision about whether or not something will work for them. This means learn as much as possible about permanent makeup prior to making a a firm decision about it.

What Things Should I Look For In A Technician?

Once you have decided that you want permanent makeup, find out more about the technician. See if they have a website; visit that website. See if the information provided makes sense to you. Did you learn anything from it? Contact the technician, but instead of first asking ?how much it costs??, do this:

1) Learn as much about permanent makeup yourself before you talk to a prospective technician. Remember, this is your body/face ? you need to do your research and not rely only on the information they provide you.

2) How many procedures have they done?

3) What educational training have they had?

4) Do they have a portfolio of ?before? and ?after? photos you can review? Do you like what you see?

5) Does the technician seem interested in you?

6) Are they willing to provide answers to your questions?

7) Meet with her for a consultation.

8) Do you get a good feeling about this technician?

9) Ask how she keeps the procedure safe.

10) Then ask for costs. However, be advised this is not the industry to be looking for bargain basement prices?...you will get what you pay for?...trust me. I?ve repaired work that was inexpensive to the client who was only price shopping.

We?re On The Web
www.alwayslookyourbest.com

NANCY LATOUCHE
PERMANENT MAKEUP CONSULTANT
(714) 404-1306

Nancy LaTouche is a retired Board Certified Permanent Makeup Technician/Artist/Consultant.

Nancy is completing an E-book on Permanent Makeup due end of 2006, directed at new technicians. It will be information not provided in a typical course instruction, and will be published on her website upon completion. If you are a technician that is interested, see http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com

Mineral makeup is the thing to wear this summer if you're looking for an all natural makeup with safe and effective sunscreen. The fact is that two of the main ingredients in mineral makeup are natural sunscreens that not only reflect light but protect your skin from harmful and cancer causing UV rays.

The ingredients, Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide, both natural and very safe minerals are found in almost every sunscreen on the market. Titanium dioxide is so effective because of it's ability to reflect light. It has one of the highest refractive indexes in the world at (n=2.4). In fact this refractive index is surpassed by only one other mineral in the world-diamond.

Titanium dioxide is also inorganic so it keeps the skin from gathering moisture that could feed bacteria and cause or worsen acne. This is great news for acne sufferers looking for an effective makeup and sunscreen product that won't worsen their condition.

The second natural sunscreen mineral in mineral makeup is zinc oxide. Zinc oxide was not chosen as an ingredient because of it's sunscreen qualities however, it was chosen for it's vast array of colors and indeed is elimental in providing a large array of colors for makeup artists to work with when formulating different foundaitons, blushes, and eyeshadows.

Zinc oxide is a natural UV blocker just as titanium dioxide is. It also has the same very water resistant quality of titanium dioxide and wards of bacteria. Zinc oxide is as widely used in sunscreen lotions as titanium dioxide. These two elements together give most brands of mineral makeup an spf of 15.

Sure, almost any sunscreen touting makeup you buy has these minerals in it, so what's the big deal? For acne and rosescea sufferers, believe me it's a big deal. Mineral makeup is known world wide as the skin care makeup because no matter what skin care conditions you may suffer from it is a makeup that is totally safe for your skin. Recommended around the world by dermatologists and plastic surgeons it is actually so pure that you can sleep in it without worrying about acne flair ups or any adverse reaction.

Talc based makeups, although they may contain these two natural sunscreen minerals also have other additives such as dies, chemicals and oils. Talc itself is organic and can help feed bacteria which worsens acne and rosascea. Almost all makeup on the market is talc based. Another drastic difference is the way mineral makeup is processed and worn.

Minerals used in the makeup are finely milled until they are too fine to clog pores. Talc is not milled this fine and it can clog pores worsening or causing skin problems. If you're looking for a sunscreen makeup that is natural and safe mineral makeup is definately the way to go.

Find more Mineral Makeup information at http://www.bare-mineral-makeup.info Get the facts, ingredients, and benefits as well as advice about which brands are the best.

Mineral Makeup is the natural solution for any person looking for natural sunscreen this summer. Especially if you are looking for a gentle and safe sunscreen. Then look no further than your makeup bag for fabulous looking results and full spectrum sun protection.

Here are the top 3 reasons why mineral makeup should be your sunscreen of choice:

1. The two principal ingredients in mineral makeup are natural sunscreens, giving full range UVA and UVB sun protection.

Zinc oxide is the top ingredient in mineral makeup. Because it absorbs both UVA and UVB rays of ultraviolet light very effectively it is the most widely used ingredient in sunscreen products. This mineral helps protect against sunburn and other damage to the skin caused by ultra violet light.

Titanium dioxide is also widely used as a sunscreen. Because of it's brightness and very high refractive index, next only to diamonds in brightness, this mineral, added to mineral makeup gives your face a radiant glow.

2. Mineral Makeup helps fight acne. And that is very good news if you want to wear makeup out doors in the hot summer. If you have acne, then you probably know that wearing makeup and cosmetics when you are going to be sweating only aggravates and worsens your acne.

Mineral makeup is your solution. It is inorganic, and repels bacteria feeding moisture from entering your pores, yet the minerals are ground so that they lay weightlessly on your skin and do not clog the pores.

3. Mineral Makeup does not meltoff your face when you sweat. Because it contains titanium dioxide, which turns the extra moisture into a strong steralizer, the moisture cannot be absorbed by the minerals and thus the makeup will not move or run off in the hot summer sun. This makeup stays put.

The steralizing effects of the makeup also give it a powerful punch in the acne fighting department. No wonder dermatologists love it, and call it the skin care makeup.

Find out more about Natural Mineral Makeup and how to get a complete Mineral Makeup starter kit at http://www.bare-mineral-makeup.info

In 2006 women have many choices. Every day the media portrays women in positions of power in newspapers, on TV and the radio. Women are buying their own homes, having babies when they are over forty, marrying younger men or not getting married at all, driving race cars and working as the president's right hand man. Women are beginning to believe they can have it all, that their dreams can come true and they are right. As a permanent makeup professional I see many women in my practice from all walks of life. I am pleased that so many women I meet who are over fifty are living exciting, inspired and transformative lives. Quoted in a recent article by Jane Ganahl in the San Francisco Chronicle Candace Bushnell, author of Sex and the City, stated Five or six years ago we [women were talking about men, relationships and sex. But now it's about careers, aspirations, hopes, dreams -- what you hope to do in your life.

Redefine the Word ?Older?

Writer and humorist Erma Bombeck once said When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'. Living life to the fullest is one of the important parts of experiencing wholeness and satisfaction with your life. These days women in their 50's, 60's and even 70's go back to school, start dating, visit places they have never been, feel sexy, write novels, start businesses and purchase property. Women have reinvented themselves. Getting older no longer means hating loud music, getting shorter and having blue hair; it means being free of the responsibility of raising children, being more financially stable, having stronger and more passionate relationships because you know yourself better.

Let Yourself Shine

Loving the way you look is beneficial to how you age. Permanent makeup offers a wonderful alternative to cosmetic surgery, hours of applying makeup or simply feeling bad about your appearance. The ultimate aspect of beauty is up to you?shining your own unique light. Permanent makeup strives to enhance the features you have and increase the sharpness and clarity of facial color that begins to fade as we get older. Recently I had a client who is over seventy and after her permanent makeup procedures she told me even with the plastic surgery [3 facelifts, the permanent makeup is the one thing that gave me the most self-esteem. I wish I?d known about it and done it years ago.?

Believe in Your Own Power

It takes courage to grow old gracefully. Many people focus on the negatives and allow themselves to focus on the end of life, but life is really a series of beginnings and endings that happen every day. The experience of life really makes us more self aware and therefore more powerful. If we acknowledge that, we manifest growth and transformation. If we believe that age drains us and makes us weaker than it is very likely that will occur. Speaking of transformation, let me tell you about another client of mine. For over forty years, she had suffered from serious illnesses. Then multiple organ transplants freed her of diabetes and dialysis. To celebrate her new health and vitality, she had me apply color in her brows and lashes which had thinned out since the surgery. A burst retina makes it difficult to apply conventional makeup so permanent brows and eyeliner seemed the perfect solution. While in my office she told me It was not until after my transplants that I found myself asking the big questions of Life and seeking understanding.? It is never too late to take a new lease out on life and you can never predict the changes the Universe will give to you.

Carrie Fisher once said, I don't want life to imitate art. I want life to be art. Permanent makeup is living art. It is also functional, transformational and can change the way you view yourself and your future. As you get older don't wallow in the past, keep dreaming about the future and believe that you can age well. Manifesting beauty in your 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond happens inside and out; you have the power. To learn and read more about giving yourself the gift of permanent makeup visit my web site at http://www.dawncolors.com.

Dawn Willard has been in the fine arts field for over 23 years. She currently owns the Permanent Makeup Studio in Asheville, NC. Ms. Willard accepts clients from many states including North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina. To learn more about permanent makeup and cosmetics visit http://www.dawncolors.com.

While acne medication may promise results in just 7 days, you need to put your best face forward TODAY. Fortunately, you don't have to wear a bag over your head. Instead just a few good acne concealing makeup tips will help you look your best wherever you need to go.

Remember -- makeup only conceals acne, it doesn't cure it. While concealing acne with makeup isn't difficult, there are some definite procedures that you should always follow.

Your Basic Tool Kit

There are 3 acne-hiding makeup weapons -- concealer, foundation and finishing powder. Be sure to use only brand names because you don't want to trust your face to cut-rate products.

The key to success here is oil-free makeup, therefore read the labels carefully. You do NOT want to aggravate an existing acne problem by laying another coat of oil on skin that already has too much. Choose products that match your skin tone, and stick to those labeled hypoallergenic.

Before using any new product, it's important to test the makeup by applying a small dab under your jaw to see if your skin reacts negatively. You'll know in about an hour if there is a problem. You certainly don't want to add more blotches to an already colorful face.

Before You Begin

Wash your face using a normal face cleansing product. Completely pat your face dry, apply your acne medication, and then let your face thoroughly air dry.

The Concealer

With a light dabbing motion, apply the concealer directly to any acne blotches on your skin. Blend in the concealer using a disposable sponge. Use the concealer sparingly -- if applied too thickly, it will look terrible when it dries. You can always apply more later, if needed.

The Foundation

Use a light dabbing motion in applying the foundation. As with your concealer, use the foundation sparingly. With a sponge, blend the foundation and then reapply it if needed.

The Final Touch

Use a large makeup brush to apply a light layer of oil-free powder to take care of any shine that the acne concealer and foundation have left behind. It will also give your face an even and finished look.

Don't forget to throw away those disposable sponges when you are through, so that you don't transfer yesterday's skin oil to tomorrow's clean face!

Before You Go To Bed

It is best if you can remove your makeup as soon as you return home from school or work. You want your skin to breathe and your acne to get as much fresh air as possible.

Finally, before you go to bed wash your face thoroughly to remove every last trace of makeup. A thoroughly clean face will maximize the healing power of your sleep.

Visit acne skin care to learn more. Ron King is a writer and web developer, visit Articles for authors.

Copyright 2006 Ron King.

When I hit my 30's, I decided to get more serious about skin care and makeup. I've become a regular at Department Store 'Bonus Days', when you buy an item and get a bunch of samples for free! Cosmetics and makeup can be fun, easy and inexpensive if you follow these tips!

Your Eyes:

1. For great looking eyes make sure to use powder shadows for a natural look and a eyeliner pencil for drama at night. Make sure the liner has a smudge tip at one end to get that smoky eye look. Only line the top of the eye is you're looking tired. You don't want to bring more attention to dark circles under the eyes. Neutral tones with a hint of color are flattering on everybody.

2. For sheen on the eyelids, dab a bit of Vaseline for a pretty reflective quality, as well as moisture.

3. Open up the eye with a gold/beige shimmery high lighter onto the brow bone.

4. Don't throw away cash on an expensive eye makeup remover! Find a pretty glass bottle and fill it with baby shampoo.

5. If your cream eye shadow dries out, use a few drops of water or mineral oil to soften it up again.

5. Potatoes, like cucumbers, will reduce the appearance of dark, under-eye circles.

Your Lips:

1. Use blush as a lipstick, then use clear gloss or lip balm over it. Longer staying power.

2. Natural ingredients have been used for centuries as makeup: apply beet juice to lips and cheeks as a stain,or mix it with melted bees wax to make your own lip balm! Cayenne pepper can plump the lips, but use with caution!

3. Use eye makeup remover to treat super dry, chapped lips. It's a great nighttime lip treatment!

Your Face:

1. For a longer lasting foundation try a product with silicone. The silicone creates a sweat-proof and smudge resistant second skin. For me, I find it helps with my rosacea because the live yeast extract has healing powers.

2. A powder bronzer under blush can really even out skin tone. I dab my brush in the bronzer, then into the blush and lightly cover my whole face.

3. For a new bronzer, use a foundation that is two to three shades darker than your skin tone and apply where you would use your bronzer. In a pinch you could use a brown eye shadow.

4. Papaya mixed with plain yogurt into a paste makes a great exfoliating mask for all skin types!

5. Use an egg white mask for a quick fix for diminishing the appearance of pores.

Jane Arnold is a freelance writer and part-time beauty buff. You can get more health and beauty tips at her website at: http://www.girlyside.com/girlyside.html The website is a girl's guide to health, beauty, love and leisure. Sign up for the free newsletter at http://www.girlyside.com/newsletter.html

Have you ever examined the ingredients listed on the labels of your cosmetics or other skin care products? Do you know what those ingredients are?

What you may not realize is that many of the skin care products and cosmetics you are buying contain ingredients that are not only harmful to your skin, but also to your long term health. Many of these ingredients are known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and are used by the cosmetic industry simply because they are cheap!

Harmful Ingredients Commonly Found in Skin Care Products and Cosmetics - The following are just some of the synthetic chemicals that have been identified by scientific studies to be harmful to our health.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) - Often described as being derived from coconut to disguise their toxic nature, these chemicals are commonly used in shampoos, toothpaste, foaming facial and body cleansers and bubble bath. SLS and ALS can cause severe skin irritation, and are easily absorbed into the body, building up in the brain, heart, lungs and liver, leading to potential long term health problems. SLS and ALS may also cause cataracts, and prevent children's eyes from developing properly.

Paraben Preservatives - Parabens are widely used in cosmetics, deodorants, skin care and baby products to prolong their shelf life. They are known to be highly toxic and have caused rashes and allergic reactions. Recent scientific studies in the UK found a strong link between the use of parabens and the increasing rate of breast cancer in women. Researchers found a high concentration of parabens in 90% of breast tumors tested.

Propylene Glycol - Found in many beauty creams, cosmetics and cleansers, Propylene Glycol can cause skin rashes and contact dermatitis, and has been shown to cause damage to the kidneys and liver.

Isopropyl Alcohol - Alcohol is used as a solvent in many skin care products. It causes skin irritation and strips the skin of its natural acid mantle, promoting the growth of bacteria, moulds and viruses. It may also cause premature ageing of skin.

DEA (Diethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) and MEA (Monoethanolamine) - These substances are harsh solvents and detergents that are used in cosmetics and face and body creams as an emollient. They can cause allergic reactions, and long term use of DEA-based products (such as Cocamide DEA) have been linked to an increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.

Aluminum - A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer's Disease.

Mineral Oil - Derived from petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is commonly found as a main ingredient of face and body creams and cosmetics. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil! It coats the skin like a plastic film, clogging pores and stopping the skin from eliminating toxins, which can lead to acne and other skin disorders. Other petroleum based ingredients include paraffin wax, paraffin oil and petrolatum.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) - Used as a thickener in skin care products and cosmetics, PEGs interfere with the skin's natural moisture balance, causing an increase in ageing and leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria.

Talc - Talc is a soft mineral used in talcum powders and cosmetic powders. Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder to the genital area is linked with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer. Inhaling cosmetic powders containing talc may also be harmful to long term health.

How To Avoid These Toxins - Examine the labels of your cosmetics and skin care products carefully, and learn to recognize ingredients that are harmful to your skin and to your health. Many web sites have lists of potentially harmful ingredients in addition to those shown above (e.g. Environmental Working Group).

Don't be fooled by the words 'natural' or 'organic' on the front of the label. Many products contain at least one or two natural or organic ingredients, but they may also contain harmful synthetic chemicals as well.

Whenever possible, choose products with 100% natural ingredients such as essential oils and herbs. Your skin will love you for it!

New! Hollywood beauty professionals and celebrities reveal exactly how they get the perfect hair, skin, nails, make up, and bodies... Super model Sarah Jane reveals for the first time insider access to exclusive Hollywood beauty secrets and advice... Discover advice for: Hair Styles, Makeup Application, Nails, Skin Care, Body and Shape, Weight Loss, Exercise, Fashion and Style Inner Beauty And More!

Are those fine lines and wrinkles worrying you? Before you do anything drastic?

Do you know that just taking care of your skin routinely can make a noticeable difference in its appearance?

There are five little steps for creating and maintaining healthy skin. They are to cleanse, exfoliate (lightly), freshen or tone, moisturize and protect. Treat your face, twice a day, to steps one through four. Seem too complicated? Some skin care products combine the first three into one timesaving step so all you have to do afterwards is moisturize. (Once a week, exfoliate your face more thoroughly to get rid of any build up of dead surface cells which can dull the appearance of your skin. Then carefully hydrate the newer cells to replace any lost moisture.)

Each morning, add step five to your regime. Protect your skin by using a sunscreen or sun block and then adding a foundation. Foundation helps to shield your face by providing a layer between your skin and the environment. The first trick it to match the color as closely as possible to your jaw line and neck. The second trick is to put on just enough foundation to smooth lightly and easily over your face (preferably with a sponge). Instead of covering up signs of aging, thick foundation settles into and emphasizes the fine lines and wrinkles you want to minimize.

There?s an urban myth that each time you sleep with your makeup on your skin ages by 11 days. Scary thought, isn?t it? Within two weeks of establishing a routine of caring for your face, you should start to reverse the effects of bad habits and see the results in clearer and smoother skin.

Once the appearance of your skin improves, makeup can be used as an enhancement rather than as a ?mask.?

Like foundation, too much concealer will detract from its intent. Concealer should be applied very lightly on under eye circles and blemishes and then blended well with your foundation

For eye color, choose warmer tones over cooler ones, lighter shades over darker, and matte consistencies over those with sparkle ? they?re less aging and ?kinder? to your face.

For eyeliners and eye brow pencils, select a shade of gray or brown or a complementary color rather than black. They?re more natural (unless your hair is black) and look much softer. To emphasize your eyes, line only the top lid and apply extra mascara on your lower lashes. Then ?open? your eyes with an eyelash curler.

For cheeks and lips, the most becoming colors are usually the ones that complement your natural warm skin tones.

Highlight either your eyes or your lips (but not both) then enjoy the visual effect of clearer, smoother skin with subtle makeup!

Sources: Mary Kay Inc., Robert Jones (simple beaute)

? Copyright 2005. Charlotte Maddox. All rights reserved.

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

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

http://www.marykay.com/charlottemaddox