First things first, I had to figure out how safe (or not!) the usage of electric current on the delicate surface of facial skin is. Turns out, galvanic current has been used in spas worldwide for over 50 years. And just in case you were wondering, it is pain-free. Phew!

Also at first glance, the Nu Skin Galvanic Spa seemed a little too complex for me. What were those attachments? Those gels? Positive and negative polarities? It sort of reminded me of my horror school days. Let me reassure you though, it’s not as complicated as you think it is.

What it contains:

The Nu Skin Galvanic Spa consits of an instrument with four interchangeable conductors: the ageLOC face conductor, Spot treatment conductor for concentrated treatment to specific areas, a scalp conductor and a body conductor. Also included are two specially formulated gels with ageLOC. What exactly is ageLOc? Let’s just call it a revolutionary blend of ingredients that target the source of aging in skin and stop it, a little bit like a super-hero don’t you think? :D While the current stimulates cell rejuvenation in your face, body and scalp,the gels help eliminate toxins and impurities from your skin and minimize your pores and allow them to breathe.

The process:

Before the actual process, remember to wash your face and dry it. Also, let your hands be moist. Next comes the Pre-treatment step. Apply the gel and use your face conductor on it. During this step, the spa instrument and the the pre-treatment gel are negatively charged.The negative charges repel each other and drive the pre-treatment gel into the skin.

Next comes the treatment step. Apply the treatment gel and follow the same process. This time, the galvanic spa instrument and the treatment gel are positively charged. Again, they repel each other and drive the gel into the skin.

Wash your face when the gel dries, and look into the mirror…instant younger, healthy looking skin!

7. Dr.Ci:Labo Aqua-Collagen-Gel Super Moisture Moisturizer

In case you’re unaware, collagen is conducive to younger, smoother skin. It even helps tighten up pores. This is a facial moisturizer that will help minimize signs of aging, while improving your complexion with its 19 amino acids. Sounds pretty powerful, huh?

Price: $26.95 at skinenergizer.com

When I first discovered that I had black circles under my eyes, my self-confidence plunged down. Here I was, standing in front of the mirror with puffy, black eyes. What oh what was I to do? When I put on my foundation and tried to cover it up, it looked too obvious. I didn’t want this to last for long, so I started to do my own research.  And that is when I found Multi-Task Eye Cream by Bioelements.

This cream de-puffs the skin and firms it up. It also got rid of those annoying dark circled. It has a great blend of ingredients in it that is for even those individuals that have dry skin. You can use it not only under your eyes, but under your face as well.  This product also has some antioxidants as well as soothing agents in it.

Don’t forget about the plant oil and Shea Butter. It also includes Vitamin K, which helps with those dark circles. Take note that this eye cream is fragrance free. When I look at the ingredients of this product, I do not find anything bad. The only thing I find is Propylparaben. You see the word “paraben” at the end?

That’s in nearly everything out there, it’s a preservative that really is not needed.  In the end, I give this product a 9/10. Why a 9? Because it has paraben, so it’s not all natural.

6. Eye Specialist Essential Moisture Treatment by Cosmodicine

Price: $45 at beauty.hsn.com

I was in need of some under eye treatment and I needed it fast. I didn’t know exactly what to do or where to turn. No, I was not even the least bit familiar with under eye creams. With that said, I started to do my research on the Internet. During my research, I found this special product. I was a bit skeptical with trying this product. Why? Because I’m an all natural girl.

What’s that mean?  It means that I make my own stuff. However, I needed something quick, something that I could just get from the store shelves and put on. It not only gets rid of those dark circles, but it firms and tightens the skin that is around the eyes.

You will also get a softer appearance and as you are aging, it will prevent those wrinkles and fine lines.

This cream is silky smooth. Yes, it has a great feeling to it. It is also fragrance free, as far as I can tell. If you’re looking for a good skin product for under your eyes and wrinkles, then this should definitely be your choice.

5. Opti-molotgist Eye Cream with Light Diffusers by Cosmodicine

Price: $45 at amazon.com

I woke up one morning only to find that I had eyes that had black and puffy circles under them. One could only assume that it was because of my lack of sleep. However, I know that as you are aging, those black circles begin to appear under the eyes.

With that said, I needed a great under the eye treatment product and that is why I chose this one. This product is complete with all of the beneficial ingredients and antioxidants that your skin needs.

There is an amount of caffeine in it that is negligible and I must say, the rosemary oil is not that great for the eye area. However, it is still an excellent product and I will continue using it.

4. Visible Lift Line-Minimizing & Tone-Enhancing Under Eye Concealer SPF 20 by L’Oreal

Price: $7.95 at well.ca

I just didn’t know what to do about those under eye circles. I was telling my friend about them, trying to get her suggestions and that is when she recommended this product to me. She told me it is what she uses and it works perfect.

It is dispensed from a pen applicator that comes out in a click. It is built onto a synthetic brush and I must say, it glides on perfectly, without any problems what so ever. It helps camouflage those black eyes and it even gives sun protection. It comes in four different shades.

All of the shades are great for fair to medium skin tons. It doesn’t really lift skin anywhere, but that does not mean that it isn’t a great product. It does everything I need it to do.

The skin is very elastic, just take a look at what a pregnant woman’s skin goes through. For those of you that have come here in order to learn how to tighten up that skin, I am going to give you 15 tips to tighten loose skin after weight loss, so pay close attention.

1. First of all, you should not lose weight quickly …

One of the main reasons as to why people end up with that badly sagging skin is because they shed those pounds too quickly. When you lose more than three pounds each week, it is not healthy at all. It will cause your skin to lose that elasticity faster and make it difficult for it to spring back into shape. Whenever you plan to lose weight, you should plan on losing around two pounds each week. This is not only healthier for your skin, but it is likely for it to stay off longer.

2. Use moisturizer each day …

Moisturizer will add up to seventy percent of moisturizer to your skin. When you are losing weight, it is great to use a moisturizer as it will help to maintain that elasticity as your body is shrinking. Cover your body in heavy moisturizer each night before you go to bed.

3. Moisturize your body each night …

When you apply the moisturizer to your body at night, you may want to wear long sleeves and long pajamas in order to make sure it does not rub off on your sheets. This will also help to hold that moisture in as you sleep at night.

4. Use Loofah or a body scrub that really works …

When you use a body scrub or loofah at least twice a day, you will be helping to tighten up that lose skin that is caused by weight loss.

5. Scrub your skin 3 times a week …

When you scrub away that surface, you will be causing that skin underneath to generate faster.

Price: $55.00 at sephora.com

I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about trying this eye cream out, but I seen that it was listed amongst some of the best eye creams in the world. I must say, I am very glad I tried it out. This formula is known for preventing those fine lines, dullness, dark circles and yes, even wrinkles. This is an excellent moisturizer for dry skin on the face. I like the fact that there are lots of vitamins and minerals in this eye cream. It does everything I have ever wanted an eye cream to do. I give this a two thumbs up.

2. Idealist Refinishing Eye Serum by Estee Lauder …

Price$ 46.00 at Amazon.com
If you are like me and you need some work done around the eyes and you do not want to have surgery, then this is definitely the way to go. When I used this product, I was amazed to see just how smooth it glides around the eyes. It made my eyes look brighter, look fresher and feel better. When I used this on top of my makeup, I was astonished at the fact the makeup stayed in place. This product has some high quality ingredients in it that is put there to brighten up the eyes. Also, I found that I can use this anywhere on my face. I really do not have any complaints about this product as it has done everything I have always wanted.

3. Prevage Eye Anti-Aging Moisturizing Treatment by Elizabeth Arden …

Price: $98.00 at Sephora.com

I have tried out many different eye products, because I have black areas under my eyes that I do not like. I also have some wrinkles that are starting to shine through. I was about to give up on all of the eye creams, when a friend told me about this product. I am very thankful to Elizabeth Arden as this eye cream truly helped me out. It is a great moisturizing treatment that will help out with all of those fine lines. It claims to be anti-everything, but you and I both know that it can’t be anti-everything. I believe they mean it is anti wrinkles and all of that type of stuff. There isn’t anything bad about this product as it is easy and safe to use.

4. Verite Special EyeCare by Estee Lauder …

Price: $37.50 at Dillards.com
If you have skin around the eyes that needs to be hydrated, then you are just like me. The area around the eyes is very sensitive, which means you cannot put just any product around them.  However, this product, by Estee Lauder is safe to put around the eyes. Apart from hydrating the eyes, it also gets rid of those wrinkles and that puffiness that appears around the eyes. This is a water-based product that is very nice to use. I highly recommend this product to anyone. Yes, it a bit on the expensive side, but I believe it is well worth it.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who tries to reduce lines and wrinkles using eye creams, and just recently I’ve been on the hunt for something new and more effective.

I was searching through my usual sites when I came across www.eliteserum.com, a site that is selling a new eye serum that seems to have pretty impressive results!

Before I buy, I always check out the ingredients. There’d be nothing worse than spending money on a cream that does nothing, or that hurts my skin.

So, I was surprised to find that this particular eye serum is using clinically tested ingredients that are supposed to do wonders for my skin, but are not actually used in any eye products yet. These include GABA, a tranquiliser which relaxes tension in the skin to prevent wrinkles, aloe vera and acai berry!

Elite Serum Ingredients

There’s even a complete guide to what the ingredients do listed on the website, so you know exactly what you’re rubbing into your skin. Suddenly, this cream seems very exciting!

As well as having a superior collection of ingredients, it’s also made in the US, which means www.eliteserum.com is regulated by the FDA and clinical health boards. They even love the product! I find it really reassuring that it’s made in America, and so it isn’t going to use any illegal ingredients or have a bad effect on my skin. I’d trust an American eye cream over one made in China any day (no offense, guys, I am crazy about your food! ;)

I decided to look around the review sites and see what other people think of Elite Serum. I frequent eyecream.com, and found that Elite Serum was editor’s pick! That’s such a good start.

It’s also been rated ‘A’ on besteyecreams.com, and called the ‘Best Eye Serum’ on eyeserum.com. It looks like the amazing mix of ingredients in this eye serum has won them all over!!!

If you weren’t already convinced that this is the best eye serum ever, check out the before and after pictures. The women look amazing after they’ve used this product, and the lines around their eyes have almost vanished. Even the bags under their eyes have gone, and that’s hard enough! I for one am definitely going to be purchasing this amazing serum, and taking advantage of the brilliant ingredients!

This is a truly revolutionary product. It gives amazing botox-like results, but for a much cheaper price, and there is no risk of it going wrong!

When shopping for the body lotions, I had 3 major problems in mind:

• Restoring the suppleness of my skin, especially in the thigh/butt area
• Deep hydration for drier areas at the ankles
• Getting a silky smooth texture and beautiful even skin tone all over

So, among all the body lotions I’ve decided to try (Clarins Body Lotion, Dior Hydraction Body Sorbet Emulsion, Biotherm Celluli Laser Treatment to name a few), the most effective one turned out to be the new Caviar Deluxe Skin Lightening & Firming Body Lotion by Porselene!

I’ve been dying to try a moisturizer with Caviar Extract in the past, but most of the brands reserved it for facial skin care only, as it’s one of the most precious anti-aging ingredients out there.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I found out that Porselene has come up with a new caviar product for the whole body – The Caviar Deluxe Skin Lightening & Firming Body Lotion!

My beautician told me so much about Caviar Extract, I was hopping with joy when I finally ordered this product online!

You see, the thing is that Caviar Extract, like nothing else, contains it all: proteins, vitamins, minerals, phospholipids and nucleic acids which, as a complex, effectively slows down the aging process in our skin cells. And as the cell format of caviar is very similar to the cell format of human skin, all these precious ingredients can easily penetrate our skin and restore it from within! 

As for this miracle lotion from Porselene, it’s such a skin care must-have!  It goes on unbelievably smoothly and hydrates my skin beautifully.

And the best part is that I don’t have to sit around waiting for it to settle, as this emulsion absorbs at once and gives my skin the firmness it’s so needed! My skin afterwards looks so luminous, I don’t even need to apply bronzer any more!

“Yay” for the Caviar Extract and for Porselene!  :))

BTW, if you too are after perfect skin and want to try this Caviar lotion, don’t let the luxurious packaging of this Caviar Deluxe Skin Lightening & Firming Body Lotion mislead you!  The price for this product is so good that at first I thought they forgot to put a zero at the end (it’s only $48 for 6 Oz). 

Not bad for a fabulous body lotion with precious Caviar Extract, huh?

What they all have in common is that none of them really worked for me. When I discovered Dead Sea products I threw my skepticism to the side and jumped in with both feet desperately hoping to have finally hit the nail on the head.

They seemed a bit costly to me at first however the idea that they were 100% natural appealed to me. After all the other chances I took, this one seemed like a no brainer.

I am sure you are asking whether or not months later these products are sitting next to all the other bad cosmetic choices I made collecting dust in the medicine cabinet. Proudly they are not!

Considering all the money I spent on useless products in the past, it made much more sense to purchase healthy facial creams from the Dead Sea that actually worked! And I felt good knowing I was nourishing the largest organ of my body with natural, beneficial and useful products.

The longer I use the products the more improvement I see and the more I learn about the benefits of Dead Sea Products in general. Consider these facts before you purchase any other cosmetic products:

# 1

The healing and beautifying properties of the Dead Sea have been known effective since biblical times.

# 2

No animal testing is being used!

# 3

They are natural products manufactured in a ‘green’ plant with as little impact as possible on the environment.

1. Drink water …

Hydrate your skin from within by drinking lots of water. Carry a bottle with you when you go outside. Herbal tea is also great when it’s really cold. Your skin will soon have a healthy glow. So drink up and don’t let your skin go thirsty.

* btw check also 5 Practical Tips on Dry Skin Care

2. Humidifier …

One good option would be to put moisture back into the air. A humidifying system can help your skin remain supple instead of cracked and dry. You can buy a system from your local drug store.

3. Exfoliate …

A good boy scrub and facial exfoliant can help remove dead skin cells from your body. Add this to your cleansing routine once a week. Not only will you feel fresh but your skin will be free from all that old dry cells. Now you’re ready to moisturize!

* Read 5 Home-Made Face Masks for Winter Skin Care

4. Oil based moisturizer …

This will help protect your skin from moisture loss. Choose one that comes in an ointment form as it will contain 80% oil. Creams and lotions may tend to dry out the skin rather than keep it moisturized and soft.

* Check also Best Skin Care Products for 20-something Year Olds

5. Sunscreen …

Don’t say goodbye to your sunscreen just because summer is over. Before you leave your house, apply a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 or more. This will protect your skin from the elements. Alternatively, choose a product can combines a sunscreen with a moisturizer.

6. Gloves …

It’s simple but it works! Why expose your hands to the cold. Choose a good quality pair that does not irritate the skin. If you’re allergic to wool, wear a cotton mitten underneath. It will help keep your hands dry and warm.

* Check out these Hand Care Tips and Recipes

7. Flaxseed oil …

Although it doesn’t taste very great flaxseed oil can moisturize your body from the inside. Since it is rich in vital fatty acids it can do a lot for your overall health. It is available in oil form as well as in capsule form.

* Other 9 Best Foods for Your Skin

8. Oil bath …

Now how does a jojoba oil or sweet almond bath sound to you? Relaxing isn’t it! You don’t have to keep these for holidays. Nourish you skin by adding a few drops of these oils into your every day bath. It will do wonders for your skin.

9. No blow dry …

Yes, sadly so. The blow drier is not your friend in winter. Try the tousled look or the wavy style this winter. Hot air dries out your scalp and can irritate your skin as well. So give the blow drier a miss this cold season.

10. Don’t lick …

… your lips we mean. If you do, you’ll only chap your lips even more. Keep a lip balm in your purse and apply it when you’re tempted! Or read more advice on How to Get Rid of Chapped Lips.

Aside from this, you should have a strict skin care regimen to prevent not just blackheads but also pimples to appear on your skin. You should cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin before going to bed. Wash your face with medicated soap and lukewarm water so that the oiliness can be reduced. If you do not like using the pore cleansing strips, you can use a pore cleansing cream or facial wash so that blackheads can be prevented.

Using a deep cleansing mask regularly also helps keep your pores from grease.

Lastly, use a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated after using a cleansing product. By following these tips and using products which are suitable for the type of skin that you have, steering clear of blackheads is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

In this my first of a series of entries I am going to be a little self indulgent and let you into my world as a Beauty therapist and skin specialist. I’ve got to admit I love nothing more than to be the center of attention so for me this is heaven, the opportunity to talk about myself and my journey into the world of the beauty industry….worry not though, I aim to bring you my wealth of knowledge over the next few blogs on all things beauty but in particular my area of expertise the skin.

There will be tips, hints and discussions that you can all partake in and a chance to send me your related questions and comments.

In the beginning it was a career in the dance world that I thought I was destined for, little did I know that it was the fact that I was pretty good at French manicuring my own nails that would secure me a Saturday job in a beauty salon changing my career path and ideals completely.

I graduated in 1996 with a level 3 CIBTAC qualification in beauty therapy and CIDESCO the internationally recognised diploma. My unfortunate inheritance of the Acne gene meant that instead of looking like the glamorous beauty therapist I had visualised myself as I was a spotty, greasy mess. How ironic, day one of my training and I had full blown Acne.

It is, however, this skin problem that plagued me, that ultimately made me the skin specialist and therapist that I am today. I can not only sympathize but empathize with the clients that now seek me out to give them assistance with their skin issues. I love nothing more than nursing skin back to health and use a three dimensional approach to treating the skin.

Louise Thomas-Minns CIBTAC CIDESCO BABTAC is a skin specialist and therapist with over 12 year’s experience based in the UK. She is the owner of U Treatments, a beauty business that brings the salon to you and is about to launch a London skin clinic. She lecturers in, and is an NVQ assessor part time, in beauty therapy.

As a 30-something woman with a busy life, I know I’m not the only one that has to find time to take care of their face. It’s usually a great day if all the makeup that was applied in the AM still looks natural at the end of the day.

Since I work in what most would consider a professional environment, I have learned that you get more respect if you don’t show up for work with a bare-face. That being said, even though we all have to eat and our jobs provide for us, we still have to take care of our skin underneath. There is no way that I’m going to retire from my job with wrinkles.

For the most part, I have lived most of my life with blemish-free skin. I intend to keep it that way. Of course, now that I am older, I am trying to prevent wrinkles, discoloration and growths. These inevitably come with age, but there are things that I am trying to do to help lessen these before they begin.

Everyone over the age of 10 should have a facial regime in place. Since the skin on our face and neck changes, we have to change the products that we use over time.

Here is my current daily regime. I do this in the AM and when I am settled in at home in the evening. I like to use products that are inexpensive and easy to find. I know that you can relate to this, since everything is so expensive now.

I wash my face with one Ponds Clean Sweep Towellette. These are awesome. They have a soft side and a side that lightly exfoliates. You just wet it, wipe your face and throw it away. No rinsing is required. These towellettes are non-irritating and removes all of your make-up with ease. You can find these at Walgreen’s for $4.

After my face dries from using the towellette, I follow with Dr. Galen’s Witch Hazel Skin Tonic on a cotton round. I have used all sorts of toners, and this one is the best by far. I liken it to Tend Skin for a portion of the price. I give this toner double-duty by using it after I do my eyebrows. It works wonders on ingrown hairs. It too, is non-irritating. You can find it at Bath & Body Works for $15. The clean, cool sensation it provides is addictive. You have been warned. I won’t even look at another toner.

It’s finally time to moisturize. I have under eye circles (our little secret). L’oreal has a treatment called Visible Effect Eye. I have used everything under the sun within the $20 range on my dark circles. This stuff is the business. I don’t know how it works, but it does. It’s also non-irritating to the eye. I have been using it for a little over a month and two-thirds of my darkness has disappeared. I promise that I don’t work for L’oreal, but I am having a love affair with this product. You can find it at Rite-Aid for around $12.

I then moisturize with Oil of Olay classic. Yeah, yeah, I know it’s retro, but it’s still great. I am aware that it contains petroleum and mineral oil which are no-no’s for the skin. I have not experienced any breakouts from the Oil of Olay. It is non-greasy and it blends in perfectly. I also give this product double-duty as a primer for my make-up. Olay Classic also helps to even the tone of my skin even while it’s under my make-up. (See, beauty can be sneaky and fun too). I want to hold off on the crows feet, laugh lines and wrinkles for as long as possible. You should too. You can find Olay Classic at Walgreen’s for around $10.

Now, I need for you to pinky swear that you will keep those instances of falling asleep with make-up on to a minimum. And don’t forget your neck!

Life is a runway and are you runway ready? Over the years I have learned many tips from the pros and I have the ones that actually work.

First comes first… Moisturize Moisturize Moisturize! During the day, use one with SPF; at night, no SPF. SPF can clog your pores so do not sleep in it! Makes sense right?

When applying your daily moisturizer, apply it all over the face and neck but not your eyes. Eyes call for their own moisturizer, an eye cream. The skin around the eye is way more thin and tender so give it what it needs and deserves. Moisturizer quenches your skin’s thirst so your skin won’t absorb your makeup, therefore it lasts longer. It also allows you to apply your makeup even and avoid makeup blotchiness.

After apply the moisturizers, its now time to create a blank canvas. A painter always begins with a blank canvas correct? Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is an amazing product!! It’s great for any age. It fills in fine lines and wrinkles and leaves the skin so smooth. Once you use this product, you will not be able to live without it and that’s a guarantee.

Now on the eyelid, use either foundation, concealer, a makeup eye cream (I love Revlon Eye Glide)…whatever you choose and this keeps the eye shadow from creasing. After applying it, be sure to let it dry.

Now, on to the lips…Remember if you’re going for a smoky or some kind of dramatic eye, down play the lips. You do not want to look like a clown. You need to pick one not both. If you’re using a red lipstick or a very commanding lipstick, make the eyes a neutral color.

Eyebrows are often ignored and they are one of the most important things you can do. Your eyebrows frame your face. Smashbox Brow Tech is to die for, no joke. If you do not believe me, go to QVC.com and watch the videos on it. It’s amazing.

Women kill me who do not do this… CURL YOUR EYELASHES! Why would someone not do this? It lifts your eye and makes you look so much more awake. I’m a firm believer in cheap eyelash curlers. I’ve bought a $30 eyelash curler thinking this has to work. Oh no, it doesn’t. It was horrible. I’ve bought other ones ranging from $15-$23. Those brands will remain nameless. Revlon eyelash curlers are one of the bests out there. Also, if you have a Big Lots store in your area, they sell 99 cent eyelash curlers that I actually prefer over Revlon. I get compliments all the time on my eyelashes. Use a blow-dryer to heat up your eyelash curler. You won’t believe the difference. If you think I’m crazy, think about this…When we want to curl our hair, we use a hot curling iron. We wouldn’t use a curling iron and not turn it on, right??

Now you’ll always feel runway ready! Enjoy!

In the quest for eternal beauty, new product have emerged which applied the high-tech factor into making us perfectly groomed, beautiful and fabulous!

From skin care to bath and body items to hair grooming products, we’ve listed down the top 10 must-have high-tech beauty tools which will turn us from drab to fab in an instant. Check it out:

1. Clarisonic Skin Care Brush & Cleanser, $195.00

First up, we have this Clarisonic skin care brush and cleanser kit which comes with a 2 oz. cleanser. The device is actually a sonic-based brush which unclogs pores – and is said to be twice as effective as manual cleaning.

The product’s gentle enough to be used twice a day – and the best news for me is that it helps increase the absorption of moisturizers by as much as 60%!!

Online users describe this high-tech beauty product as an electric toothbrush for the face. Check the product out and experience the results for yourself.

2. Leaf & Rusher Derma Roller Kit $122.00

At first, I wasn’t really sure what the Leaf & Rush derma roller kit is supposed to do – but it’s actually a device which you can use at night to cleanse and tone the skin. It incorporates the technology used in Balinese massage – and the end benefit is that the deep pressure and massage strokes will relieve stress, tension and enhance the circulation in the affected area.

3. Bliss-Philips Bikini Perfect Deluxe Spa-at-Home Grooming System $59.99

Do you remember one of those days when you’re too busy to go to the spa and you just can’t seem to fit a bikini wax into your schedule?

Well, that’s not a problem anymore if you have the Bliss-Philips Bikini Perfect Deluxe Spa-at-home Grooming system.

Bliss is actually the name of the famed celebrity spa – and they collaborated with electronic giant Philips to come up with this product. All that unwanted hair on your bikini line will banish in an instant with this kit.

4. NuFace Facial Toning System, White $379.00

Cleanse, tone and moisturize is a beauty regimen that no woman should forget. With this facial toning system from NuFace – you won’t have to. The toner works in such a way that micro current impulses are used to get rid of those fine lines and icky wrinkles on your face. It also helps restore facial muscle tone for a more youthful look.

5. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $19.00

Your morning beauty ritual before you leave perfectly made up for the office will be even easier with this Shu Emura eyelash curler. It has an upgraded silicone pad which is mushroom-shaped so that your lashes will be prettily, perfectly curled!

6. Tanda Regenerate Anti-Aging Starter Kit, $385.00

This may look like too much for a beauty product – but it’s a must if you want to fight the effects of aging. The Tanda Regenerate Anti-Aging starter kit uses light therapy to treat those unwanted problems and improve the tone, color, texture and overall look of your skin.

7. Tweezerman Petite Manicure Set, $20.00

Again, if you’re too busy to go the spa for a manicure or pedicure, you can do this beauty ritual by yourself right at the comfort of your own home. The Tweezerman Petite Manicure Set includes a miniature nail file, cuticle and hangnail trimmer, as well as a pushy and nail cleaner.

8. GHD IV Styler Pure $349.00

Whether you’re in the mood for curly or sleekly-straight hair, this is just the product for you. The tag line of GHD is “A new religion for hair” – and they are! The IV Styler Pure uses infrared heat and produces negative ion to reduce static, create shine and perfectly style your crowning glory!

9. Jonathan Beauty Shower Purification System, $95.00

This product will benefit both your skin and your hair. The Jonathan Beauty Water Shower Purification System was made by famed celeb stylist Jonathan. What the purified water does is to enhance the skin’s pH balance, soften your hair and skin, preserve your hair color and increase the shine and manageability of your hair.

10. Tweezerman Pink Tweezermate 10x Magnification Travel Mirror, $15.00

Finally, we have this handy Pink Tweezerman travel mirror which is specifically made for tweezing the eyebrows. There’s a suction cup so you can attach it to a smooth surface – and your eyebrows will come out perfectly, evenly groomed every time!

I thought my worries of acne and pimples would be over after High School. I honestly believed that I would wake up the next morning after graduation and all my teenage girl problems would disappear. I was officially an adult, even more so than when I turned 18 a few months prior. However, to my absolute dismay the occasional zits did not get the memo that they were no longer needed. Fortunately they did show up less often and didn’t come with a full army, only one or two at a time. As the years passed on the visit became less and less frequent. THANK YOU!

Then it happened. My hormones got thrown all out of whack with my first pregnancy. The occasional zits and blackheads that once plagued me in high school had now become full on acne. I washed. I moisturized. I used creams. I even tried prescriptions. Nothing worked. Four years later and I’m still fighting the same battle.

Last week I decided to try something a bit different. Forget the massive amounts of money I’ve spent before on acne treatment, there has to be something reasonable or dare I say cheap that will take care of this problem once and for all. Low and behold I found it. I decided to mix to creams that I had use individually to join forces. Sialic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Now every AM after washing my face with a mild soap I apply Sialic Acid to my entire face and benzoyl peroxide only to the current breakouts. In only a few days I noticed the redness and marks from old breakouts were gone. Now I can tell the number of pimples has greatly reduced. I’m betting that with in another week I’ll look 18 again. ;)

Facial cleansers and scrubs are important for your skin’s circulation. The best way to clean your face is the gentlest way. Use facial pore cleansers & scrubs when it comes to caring for your face. Some skin care face cleansers can be too harsh on your skin. Your facial cleansers and scrubs should remove makeup and dirt without leaving your face feeling overly dry. Choosing appropriate facial cleansers and scrubs is vital to healthy skin.

When washing your face you want to dissolve the dirt and oil on the surface of the skin and normalize your skin condition. Facial cleansers and scrubs basically consist of oil, water and surfactants. Oil dissolves the oil on the face and surfactants dissolve everything else and finally water washes it all away. Facial cleansers can also help prevent blemishes.

If you use facial cleansers that are too rich for your skin you can clog your pores, if it is too drying it can irritate your skin. Facial cleansers and scrubs are available for all skin types. It is important to clean your face thoroughly and it is vital that you remove your makeup every night before bed. To have naturally healthy looking skin use pore cleansers for deep cleaning which can be of further help in stopping facial blemishes.

Cleanse your face gently with warm water to loosen clogged pores and stimulate blood circulation to the skin. Be sure to rinse with cool water to tighten your pores, water that is too hot or too cold can cause broken capillaries. Using facial cleansers and scrubs regularly can make a huge difference in your appearance. You can keep your skin healthy looking with natural facial cleansers.

A natural facial cleanser to try:

Lettuce Cleansing Lotion
½ Head Lettuce
4 Cups Water
1/8 tsp tincture of benzoin

Place lettuce in a medium sized saucepan and cover with the water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat and simmer for one hour. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Strain off all solids and stir in the tincture of benzoin. Pour into a clean container with a tight fitting lid. Use this lotion to cleanse your skin.

This gentle lotion is particularly well suited to the needs of sensitive skin and can also be used to soothe minor burns and irritations. Lettuce contains vitamins, sulfur, silicon and phosphorus, all important ingredients for a healthy complexion.

Yield: 16 ounces

Around the age of 35 most women start to worry about skin aging and so starts the search for the product that will help them retain their youthful looks. For most, it is a never ending quest as they find the much touted products just do not give the results we expect. I am one of those women. As I approach my 50th birthday my skin is sagging by the day and I am still searching for that miracle product that I do not have to mortgage my house in order to buy. I have been a Beauty Therapist for almost 20 years and still I buy into the media hype and end up with a drawer full of products never to be used again.

So unless you can afford botox, skin peeling or better still a face lift here is some advice for anti-aging. You should start using anti-aging skin care as early as 25 years of age if you are not prone to acne outbreaks. This skin care is just too rich for those with oily skins.

So what can you do? First of all you must be disciplined with your skin care routine. Second do not over expose your skin to the sun and when you are out in the sun wear a good sunblock that will not clog your pores. Exfoliate at least twice a week. Drink plenty of water and get 8 hours sleep everynight. Eat a healthy diet and exercise daily. Do not smoke and drink in moderation. If you can afford it go for a facial at least twice a month. By following this routine your skin should remain youthful into your 50’s and 60’s. Do use anti-aging skin care when you hit your 40’s because it is the most suitable for drying skin, and remember the skin can only absorb so much so don’t expect miracles.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer- Oil Free

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Try it instead of foundation. Although your skin won’t get maximum coverage as a foundation offers, this tinted moisturizer will deliver an extra warm glow and light coverage to your skin – a great alternative to your usual heavier base. And hey, it’s oil-free, so you need not worry about the extra shine factor either.

It’s excellent at making one’s skin tone look even and it’s seriously easy to apply -just use a tiny bit and use your fingers to spread a very thin layer on your face.
Harrods Girl, a fashionholic from London

Stila Stila Sun

Instead of the harsh UV rays, opt for a Stila bronzer! I mean, seriously. Who needs a burn from the real sun when you’ve got a skin-friendly “Sun” alternative by Stila that adds a hint of tan factor to your skin?

A perfect bronzer for those of us with fairer skin tones, this is not orange, but a beautiful neutral tan color with shimmer to add high lights to the places naturally darkened by the sun.
Meredith, Makeup Shaker from Indianpolis, US

Bare Escentuals Buxom Babes Lip Tints

Instead of matte lipstick opt for this lip tint when hitting the beach. Bare Escentuals celebrates the summer and every one of us babes by creating funky little lip tints that give those puckers a healthy dose of antioxidants to keep lips soft and supple coupled with a yummy scented, sheer color. Hey, they didn’t call it Buxom Babes for nothin’!

I absolutely LOVE Buxom Babes Lip Tints in every shade. The texture is so unbelievably smooth. This is a lip gloss that actually feels like it is nourishing your lips, making them softer by the second. The shine is also out of this world.
Suzy Shopper, makeup obsessed from Chicago, US

Sephora Brand Colorful Eye Shadow Palette

Bring out the inner surf chick in you! Ok, so you might be wondering what this eye shadow has to do with surfing. Well, nothing actually. I don’t know about you, but this color palette reminds me of the ocean and sand. Very beachy.

The Colorful Eye Shadow Palette features four gorgeous eyeshadows in bands of color in one stealthy compact. You can highlight, shade, contour, add color, bring attention to the whole eye area with this single palette.
Cindy Bokma, beauty writer form California, US

Tarte Cheek Stain

Get that Aunt Bertha-pinching-those-cheeks or post-flirtation and flattery from a cute boy look sans the blush brush. Tarte Cheek Stain imparts a natural looking flush to your cheeks, and it’s water based, so it won’t clog those precious pores. Plus it’s packed with a multi fruit complex, so your skin will reap some benefits as if you popped a Centrum. It comes in cheeky colors (no pun intended) such as Doll Face, Flushed, Sunkissed, and Blushing Bride… awww.

I love this product and with practice, it has become a staple in my makeup arsenal. The goal of a natural body flush is accomplished. The product has lasted me a very long time and I’m nowhere close to needing a replacement.
F. Nashville, fashionista from Nashville, US

Bourjois Pump Up The Volume Waterproof Mascara

Just because it’s now swim season, doesn’t mean your lashes have to lack in the volume department. So pump up the volume while doing those back strokes with Bourjois Pump Waterproof Mascara. It will magnify those eye lashes without running down your face during aquatic sports. This mascara is certainly the hot summer fling for my lashes this year.

I’ve tried numerous mascaras, but this is one of the best waterproof ones that I’ve tried yet…This mascara delivers and will survive a flood of tears – staying truly glamorous at all times.
The “Pretty” Obsessed, from Toronto, Canada

So even if the unforgiving sun is scorching and the air conditioner in your car is not working, don’t let that hinder you from achieving a J.Lo inspired glow this season. With these makeup must-haves for the summer, you’ll have a reason to say “Life’s a beach!“

Anyway, we do have the tendency to reach for the peeler when eating fruits – but did you know that the skin that we’re taking off actually provides benefits for our skin and health?

The peel of one apple, for example, has 87% more phytochemicals which lower the risks of certain cancers.

Go for unpeeled, organic cucumber and enjoy the benefits of lesser wrinkles. The purple skin of an eggplant contains potassium – which prevents muscle cramps, and fiber which helps trim down your excess weight.

Unpeeled kiwi is also beneficial – although you may not want to bit into al that furry stuff! Lastly, go ahead and use as much orange zest as you can into those salsa, cocktail and salad recipes – they actually help reduce the risks of skin cancer by 30%.

For a long time I’ve been pretty skeptical about the pore minimizing products, since some of them did not do a thing, but I’ve decided to give them another shot, and I am so happy I did!

Please let me introduce you to the pore miracle worker:

Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector:

This Cliniqe Pore Minimizer (unlike the Clinique moisturizers that promise shine-free skin) does actually work! In fact I can’t believe I ever lived without it!

The thing is that when you put it on, your skin gets so much smoother and the pores get so much smaller, even without the powder or foundation your face looks million times better. And when you apply the foundation or powder, it looks incredibly silky and smooth and well…perfect!

God bless the people who invented this Pore Minimizer, and once you try it, guys, your makeup and your skin will never look the same! Try it and see for yourself!

PS: Just make sure you get the right shade, ladies ;)