Out Last Night

In the words of Kenny Chesney “we went out last night one thing starts leading to another”, I know most of us have done this.  Go out and have a good time on a night you have to work the next day.  After a long night of fun, you won’t have an extra 15 minutes to get yourself looking fresh for the day, so quickly evaluate what seems to be your biggest party night give away so that you can hide the evidence.  Redness, blotchiness, puffiness, lack of color, the list could go on and on, so here are a few of the most common.

For redness:

Apply Dermalogica’s Sheer Tint Moisture SPF 15 Redness Relief to help counter act the redness and put some moisture in your dehydrated skin.

For under eye troubles, including darkness, puffiness and deep lines:

Use Mavala’s Concealer to mask under eye troubles and any blemishes that decided to surface for the morning after party.  The wand makes it easier to maneuver and keep good control of placement.

For pink eyes:

I’m not talking about the infection.  A rough night out can make your eyes look like you are in worse shape than you even think.  Eye Bright pencil by Benefit is perfect for rimming the inside of your lash line to mask that discoloration that occurs with lack of sleep.

For a washed out face:

Dust a blush or bronzer along your cheeks and forehead to bring your skin back to life or at least make it look like it is.

How to Care for Naturally Curly Hair

The number of curly girls getting straightening treatments is on the rise, which is most likely due to the unfair reputation curly hair has for being unmanageable.  We like to encourage naturally curly clients to embrace curl, because when you are equipped with the proper care and styling techniques, those curls will inspire envy.

CARE-Curly hair is undeniably drier than straight hair because of the increased amount of protein in the hair and the shape of the individual hair shaft. Even products that help increase moisture in the hair often dissipate and vanish rapidly.  Always apply leave-in conditioning products to curly hair when it is very wet, almost dripping.  The hair will soak in the product more effectively, because the drier the hair is, the quicker the product will evaporate.  A leave-in moisturizing conditioner will also help to define the curls and decrease frizz and fluff.  It is very important to remember not to wrap your hair up with a towel after you have applied your leave-in conditioner. Because the texture of a terry cloth towel will create frizz when the outer layer of the hair shaft grabs onto the cloth particles, you shouldn’t use it to dry your hair at all.  For the least amount of frizz flip upside down and use paper towels, a T-shirt or a micro fiber towel and a scrunching action to dry hair trying to disturb the curl pattern as little as possible. 

STYLING- Knowing how to style curly hair properly is often the biggest challenge.  After removing some of the water from your hair, flip upside down and using the same scrunching action apply your gel.  As a general rule, you should refrain from using the blow dryer as much as possible.  To help minimize frizz let your hair air dry most of the way and then use your diffuser and blow dryer on the lowest heat and air flow setting as possible.  Try to keep your hands off your hair and let the diffuser do its job.

Speed up your morning Routine

Dragging ourselves out of bed gets increasingly harder as the week goes on.  Some girls adjust by taking their routines on the road (i.e. mascara in the car, lip gloss as you walk, etc.)—but this can prove to be dangerous.  By now we’ve all heard the shocking story of the woman who wrecked her car while shaving her bikini line.

A shocking amount of women take over an hour with their morning beauty routine but then there are those more reasonable women that dedicate 30-60 minutes to the beauty gods. To help everyone catch a few extra minutes of shut-eye, I’ve compiled some tips on how you can speed up your daily routine and get your self out the door a little faster.

Wash your hair the night before and style it in the morning

Getting your hair styled just right probably takes up a lot of your morning.  Get your day off to a good start be showering the night before, and putting off the styling until the sun rises.  This works for girls that straighten their hair but a great alternative is to pull your hair into a loose tousled side braid.  Give yourself a side part and loosely gather hair to the side of your head, securing a sexy, disheveled braid.

Use pencil liner instead of liquid

Since we’re barely awake enough before work to see what color we’re applying to our eyelids, there is no point in trying to successfully use notoriously difficult liquid liner.  Take the easy way out and quickly trace a line on your upper eyelid with pencil liner and then gently smudge.  It’s perfectly office appropriate and not at all time consuming.

Try having a curled mascara brush

Having a curled brush on your mascara wand makes your lashes curl without the added step.  Make sure to carefully trace each lash with mascara, and twist your hand upward as you apply.  This should result in the desired effect, without having to break out the eyelash curler.

Use a tinted moisturizer

Tinted moisturizer is a great way to skip extra steps in your beauty regimen—don’t bother with your face moisturizer or foundation, since it cleverly combines both.  You can simply smooth the light weight product over your skin and go.  For the days that you have more blemishes than you would like to admit you can always use a little concealer.

Make your cream blush double as shadow

Cream blush is faster to apply than a powder—so ditch the brush and use your fingers.  After swiping some color onto your cheeks, use the remaining product to add a little color to your eyelids.  Remember you have already applied eyeliner, so just adding a light shade to your lids will complete your daytime look and get you out the door quickly.

TAKE CONTROL

Do you remember the days when our hair spray choices were limited? Those days are definitely gone!  Here’s a look at three essential types that will satisfy a variety of styling needs.

Working Spray

Use a working spray to allow for combing or sculpting the hair during styling.

Sebastian Re-Shaper adds volume and texture to the hair while blocking humidity.

Enjoy Styling Spray adds volume to any style while adding thermal barriers and shine.

Finishing

Use a finishing hairspray to set a style and keep it in place.  These fast drying sprays come in a variety of formulas. 

Pureology In Charge Plus is a great non-flaking color protecting hair spray that fights humidity, adds shine, and blocks harmful UV rays.

Redken Quickdry is a great medium to firm hair spray that doesn’t flake or make the hair feel stiff or tacky.

Shine Enhancing

Use a shine enhancing hairspray to leave hair looking shiny and healthy all day long.  Most shine enhancing hairsprays tend to offer humidity resistance.

Moroccanoil Luminous Hair Spray adds tremendous shine, fights frizz, and blocks humidity.

Catwalk Sleek Mystique look lock Hair Spray is a medium hold spray that helps fight frizz, block humidity and adds gorgeous shine.

Braided headband

Braids and headbands are two of the biggest hair trends right now, so combining them is the next logical step.  If you need a style that keeps your hair back but doesn’t give you a horrible headache, this is the look for you.

Follow the steps below to get this gorgeous boho style

Make two parts, one on each side of the head near the ear.  Comb the remaining hair backwards and put into a ponytail.

Take the right side of the hair and braid, lifting us and around the head.

Wrap a hair tie on the end of the right side.  Repeat on the left side.

Lift both braids and wrap around your head, positioning them towards the front.

Secure both braids along the bottom of the head with a bobby pin. Release the remaining hair in back.

If you are unable to successfully get braids in place, you might consider trying “Braidies” from the Tony Tail Company.

WHAT IS THAT GUY STARING AT?

AS GIRLS, IT'S PRETTY MUCH OUR JOB TO OBSESS OVER THE SMALLEST DETAILS—LIKE THE WRINKLES WE SWEAR WE SEE.  FURTHERMORE, WE NATURALLY ASSUME THAT EVERYONE ELSE IS JUDGING US AS HARSHLY.  BECAUSE, OBVIOUSLY, THE GUY AT THE OTHER END OF THE BAR IS TOTALLY STARING AT OUR MINUTE WRINKLES. WE ARE OUR OWN WORST CRITICS!

WE WANT YOU TO STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF AND FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAKE YOURSELF FEEL MORE BEAUTIFUL.  BELOW IS A LIST OF BEAUTY FLAWS THAT ARE A TOTAL TURN-OFF, AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIX THEM.

BAD ROOTS

GUYS DON’T NOTICE MUCH ABOUT HAIR AS LONG AS IT’S SOFT AND THEY CAN RUN THEIR FINGERS THROUGH IT –THEY’RE HAPPY.  BUT IF YOU HAPPEN TO HAVE A BAD COLOR JOB (LIKE SUDDENLY IT’S BRIGHT ORANGE) THEY WILL NOTICE.  OR, IF YOU PUT OFF GETTING YOUR COLOR TOUCHED UP—SINCE, MAYBE, THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION—AND YOUR ROOTS TAKE UP HALF YOUR HEAD, THEY WILL ALSO TAKE NOTE.  SO, IF YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE THE JUMP AND PERMANENTLY CHANGE YOUR HAIR COLOR, KEEP IT MAINTAINED.

FAKE BAKE

NOW THAT THE VAMPIRE TREND HAS BROUGHT PALE SKIN BACK INTO FAVOR, MANY OF US RE EMBRACING OUR FAIRER COMPLEXIONS AND ARE HITTING THE TANNING SALON A LOT LESS OFTEN.  BUT, IF YOU OPT TO BAKE, KEEP IN MIND THAT MATCHING THE OOMPALUMPAS IS NOT ATTRACTIVE TO ANYONE.  HOWEVER BEING NATURAL IS.  IF YOU CAN’T RESIST A LITTLE BIT OF COLOR IN THE WARM WEATHER, TRY A SELF-TANNING LOTION SUCH AS SUN.

TOO MUCH MAKE UP

A GUY CAN APPRECIATE A GIRL’S GLOSSY LIP OR SMOKEY EYES EVERY NOW AND THEN, BUT CAKED ON MAKE UP IS NEVER AN ATTRACTIVE LOOK.  TRENDS ARE FUN TO PLAY WITH WHEN YOU ARE GOING OUT WITH YOUR GIRLFRIENDS, BUT THE NATURAL LOOK WILL WIN GUYS OVER EVERY TIME.  SINCE WE ALL KNOW LOOKING NATURAL ISN’T AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS, START WITH A GREAT LIGHT WEIGHT FOUNDATION OR A TINTED MOISTURIZER AS A BASE AND THEN APPLY A BIT OF PEACH BLUSH TO YOUR CHEEKS.  KEEP YOUR EYES SUBDUED WITH A NEUTRAL SHADOW ADD A FEW SWIPES OF MASCARA AND FINISH THE LOOK WITH A LIGHT LIP GLOSS.

HUGE BAGS

WE TEND TO FORGET THAT SMALL BAGS, SUCH AS CLUTCHES EVEN EXIST.  ALMOST ALL OF US HAVE HAD A GUY FRIEND, AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER, MAKE A SLY COMMENT ABOUT US “CARRYING OUR ENTIRE LIVES IN THERE”—WHICH WE, OF COURSE, LAUGHED OFF.  BUT AFTER YEARS OF HEARING THESE COMMENTS, WE’VE COME TO REALIZE THAT GUYS ARE A LITTLE INTIMIDATED BY THE IMMENSE SIZE OF OUR PURSES.  IT COMES DOWN TO THIS—NO GUY WANTS THEIR GIRLFRIEND TO BE MATERIALISTIC OR HIGH MAINTENANCE.  SO, WHY DO YOU NEED TO CARRY SO MUCH IN YOUR BAG IF YOU’RE AN EASY GOING GAL?  WE’RE NOT SAYING TO PART YOUR WAYS WITH YOUR FAVORITE MASSIVE ACCESSORY, BUT MAYBE SWITCH IT UP EVERY NOW AND THEN AND CARRY A CUTE CLUTCH OR A SMALL TOTE INSTEAD.

A LIPSTICK ON YOUR TEETH SMILE

ALWAYS SMILE; YOU NEVER KNOW WHO MIGHT BE FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOUR SMILE.  IT HAS BEEN PROVEN THAT THE FIRST THING A GUY NOTICES ABOUT YOU IS YOUR SMILE.  WE OFTEN GET CAUGHT UP WORRYING ABOUT ALL OF THE OTHER DETAILS-LIKE HOW HOT WE LOOK IN OUR JEANS—THAT WE FORGET THE EASIEST TRICK OF THEM ALL, TO SMILE.  BUT BEFORE YOU FLASH THOSE PEARLY WHITES MAKE SURE YOU ARE FREE OF LUNCH DEBRIS AND SMUDGED LIPSTICK.  IN THE CLEAR? FLIRT AWAY!

BEAUTY BLUNDERS

WE NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE BEAUTY BLUNDERS WE HAVE ALL MADE AT LEAST ONCE WHEN WE WERE TRYING TO BE YOUR MOST “BEAUTIFUL” YOU.  LEARN WHAT TO AVOID AND HOW TO FIX THE BEAUTY MISTAKES YOU DO MAKE.

1-      THE WRONG FOUNDATION: WE’VE ALL DONE IT. BOUGHT A FOUNDATION THAT WAS NOT CORRECT FOR OUR SKIN TONES, EITHER A LITTLE TOO DARK OR TOO LIGHT.  THE BIG BEAUTY BLUNDER IS WHEN YOUR FACE IS A DIFFERENT COLOR THAN THE REST OF YOUR BODY.  IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA TO TEST FOUNDATION IN NATURAL LIGHT, RATHER THAN AN ARTIFICIALLY LIT STORE.  REMEMBER, IT’S BETTER TO GO ONE SHADE LIGHTER, THAN SHADES THAT ARE TOO DARK FOR YOU.  ANOTHER GREAT IDEA IS TO LET YOUR REAL SKIN SHINE THROUGH.  AFTER APPLYING YOUR MOISTURIZER, USE CONCEALER OR FOUNDATION ONLY WHERE YOU NEED IT AND BLEND IT WELL.

2-      A ZIT: IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU’RE IN YOUR TEENS OR 20’S OR 30’S. SADLY EVEN ADULTS GET ZITS FROM TIME TO TIME.  DON’T MAKE IT A BEAUTY BLUNDER BY TRYING TO COVER IT WITH TOO MUCH CONCEALER.  GENERALLY, YOU SHOULD PUT A LAYER OR TWO ON THE PROBLEM AREA. OVER COVERING CAN DRAW MORE ATTENTION TO IT.

3-      TOO MUCH MAKE UP: THIS IS A MISTAKE MANY OF US CAN MAKE.  AS YOU GET OLDER, LET MORE OF YOUR NATURAL BEAUTY SHINE THROUGH.  YOU WILL ACTUALLY LOOK YOUNGER IF YOU DO NOT CAKE ON THE MAKE UP.  GO FOR A NICE LIP GLOSS, MASCARA AND SPARINGLY PUT COVER UP WHERE YOU NEED IT AND YOU WILL LOOK RADIANT.

4-      THE AWFUL LIP LINER: THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE WORST BEAUTY BLUNDERS ONE CAN MAKE. DRAWING THE LINE TOO THICK OR USING TOO DARK OF COLOR.  THE NATURAL LIP LINER COLOR WILL SUFFICE AND IT WILL ACTUALLY GIVE YOU THE DEFINITION YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. GO FOR THE NATURAL LOOK, YOUR LIPS AND EVERYONE ELSE WILL THANK YOU.

5-      THE BROWS: EITHER YOU OVER TWEEZE OR UNDER TWEEZE THEM. RARELY ARE WE IN BETWEEN. YOU SHOULD SEE A PROFESSIONAL FOR THIS AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH AND THEN TRY TO KEEP THEM MAINTAINED.

6-      SPIDER LASHES: THIS HAPPENS WHEN YOU KEEP YOUR MASCARA FOR LONGER THAN 6 MONTHS. WHEN YOUR MASCARA GOES BAD YOUR LASHES WILL STICK TOGETHER AND WON’T SEPARATE NICELY.  MAKE SURE YOU CLEAN THE CLUMPS OFF YOUR BRUSH BEFORE USE TO ENSURE SPIDER LASHES PREVENTION AND BUY NEW MASCARA EVERY THREE MONTHS.

7-      FRIZZY HAIR: WHETHER IT HAPPENS NATURALLY OR BECAUSE OF OUTSIDE FORCES, IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAPPEN.  DON’T LET FRIZZ GET YOU DOWN.  TRY MOROCCANOIL OR THERMAFUSE DRY OIL….YOU CAN BLOW DRY OR LET YOUR HAIR DRY NATURALLY AND YOU’LL GET THE SAME PERFECT RESULTS EVERY TIME.

8-      STREAKED SELF TANNER: THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN TRYING TO APPEAR AS IF YOU JUST TOOK A VACATION IN THE TROPICS WITH A STREAKY SELF TAN JOB (IT WILL BLOW YOUR COVER EVERY TIME).  EXFOLIATE EXFOLIATE EXFOLIATE! BE SURE TO EXFOLIATE, USE LOTION AND RUB EVERY WHERE. DON’T MISS A SPOT. AND MAKE SURE YOU THOROUGHLY WASH YOUR HANDS TO ENSURE NO STREAKING ON YOUR HANDS.

9-      FADING OR RUNNING EYE MAKE UP: WHETHER YOU ARE OUT ON THE TOWN OR YOU’VE PARTIED ALL NIGHT YOU’RE LOOKING GREAT…OR NOT.  YOUR MAKE UP IS STARTING TO RUN AND NOBODY IS SAYING A WORD!  IF YOU ARE PLANNING A NIGHT OF DANCING, MAKE SURE YOU DO IT RIGHT.  DO NOT PUT MOISTURIZER CLOSE TO YOUR EYES AND FINISH WITH A POWDER AND YOUR EYE MAKE UP SHOULD STAY IN PLACE.

10-   IT’S JUST NOT YOU: WE HAVE ALL TRIED NEW LOOKS…SOMETIMES THEY WORK AND OTHER TIMES THEY DON’T.  YOU KNOW WHEN A LOOK IS “YOU”. SO KEEP IT.  IF YOU ARE A NATURAL BEAUTY, GREEN EYE SHADOW MAY NOT BE YOUR BEST LOOK AND VICE VERSE. BE TRUE AND BE YOU AND YOU WILL NEVER HAVE A BEAUTY BLUNDER.

Just for Curls

Thanks To a major curl comeback in Hollywood and on the runways, women all over the world are embracing their curls after years of trying to smooth them down. For some women it is a love hate relationship, they want to love them but they get so frustrated because they don’t know how to manage them. The key to awesome curls is hydration, keeping your curly tresses moisturized minimizes frizz. Also doing a glaze helps to lay down the outer layer of the hair shaft to minimize frizz. There are so many products out there now for curly tresses to tame and enhance waves at home, here are just a few our customers rave about:
Pureology Real Curl-Color preserving, conditioning, frizz control, humidity resistant, shine, sunscreen, and thermal protectants
Catwalk Curlesque Light Weight Mousse- Conditioning, frizz control, and shine
Sebastian Potion 9- conditioning, frizz control, shine, and thermal barriers
Redken Fresh Curls Spring Mousse- conditioning, frizz control, humidity resistant, and shine

5 Summertime Hair issues and how to cope

#1 Sun scorching
When your hair is already chemically processed it is more prone to sun scorching. Hair that is already depleted of moisture will become like straw without any protection. Use whatever SPF you can find to protect those locks!
#2 Green Hair
Porous hair soaks up everything weather it be good things or bad! And blonde porous hair is the worst!!! You should always pretreat your hair before swimming in a pool or the ocean. Using an acidic conditioner to help close down the outer layer of your hair shaft is the best way to stop the penetration. I recommend thoroughly wetting the hair and leaving in the conditioner for the best protection.
#3 Using Chemicals
Using 6% peroxide to “add highlights” is awful! Although people believe it isn’t damaging, applying peroxide blasts open the outer layer of the hair shaft and it can turn the hair into shredded wheat. This cannot be fixed!
#4 Raking or Frying Sun Tortured locks
Any hair combing, brushing, or blow drying has the potential to cause more damage. Grandma’s 100 strokes a night recommendation needs to be tossed out the window! Always use a good detangling leave in conditioner before using your wide tooth comb/pick to get the knots out. Use a tourmaline blow dryer and apply a thermal protecting conditioner before you blow dry.
#5 Putting groceries on your hair
Food belongs inside you! Eating omega-3 rich foods, such as fatty fish and flax seed oil, benefit hair. Some people insist on putting food on their head. Lemon juice, beer, onion juice, olive oil, and mayonnaise are a few do-it-yourself hair treatments and that I detest. You should use real hair products they have been tried and tested true to do what they are suppose to.

Red’s Radar

L’anza Healing Hair Care Beach Spray helps create a fresh from the beach look, including tousled waves and loose natural separation. It also contains thermal and triple UV protection to shield hair from the sun’s damaging rays.
Hydrate HydraWhip by Pureology is an emollient-rich formula that contains avacodo, jojoba and shea butters along with rosemary, sage and green tea to restore moisture and softness to fine color treated hair.
Redken’s new Structure Wax creates unsurpassed piecing and separation while adding tremendous shine and texture to dry hair.

Get the skinny

There are so many women out there that wish they could get there hair chemically straightened but either cannot afford it or their hair is in bad shape. There are a few at-home styling and care products that can temporarily mimic the results of a Keratin Hair Taming Treatment.

Onesta Hair Care Smooth & Shine Thermal Straightening Crème
Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream
Matrix Biolage Thermal Active Repair Cream
Pureology Super Smooth Smoothing Cream

COLORS MAKE A FASHION STATEMENT

WOMEN ARE GENERALLY DRAWN TO THE COLORS THAT FLATTER THEIR FIGURE AND COMPLEXION. YOUR FAVORITE COLOR DOESN’T ALWAYS APPEAR IN YOUR WARDROBE IF IT DOESN’T DO A THING FOR YOU. IF YOU’RE THE MAJORITY, THE COLOR YOU MOST OFTEN CHOOSE TO WEAR IS THE IMAGE YOU WANT TO REFLECT, AND THE COLOR MAKES YOU LOOK AND FEEL GOOD.
LET’S HAVE FUN! FIND OUT WHAT FASHION STATEMENT YOU’RE MAKING WITH THE COLORS YOU WEAR ON AN EVERYDAY BASIS—AND WHAT THE COLOR OF YOUR CLOTHING SAYS ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY.
BLACK-CONSERVATIVE YET SEXY, YOU KNOW THAT BLACK IS VERSATILE. WEARING BLACK CLOTHING MAKES YOU APPEAR THINNER, GIVING YOUR SELF-ESTEEM A TURBO-BOOST.
PINK- TRADITIONAL AND CHARMING, PINK IS FEMININE ALL THE WAY. A PINK AND BLACK COMBO IS A TRENDY TWOSOME FOR WOMEN WHO LIKE TO ADD MYSTERY TO THEIR OTHERWISE GIRLY IMAGE.
RED-BOLD AND VIBRANT, YOU LIKE TO BE THE CENTER OF ATTENTION. RED PORTRAYS THE ADVENTUROUS SIDE OF YOU THAT’S UNDENIABLE.
BLUE- FUN LOVING AND FREE, BLUE CLOTHING ATTRACTS INDEPENDENT WOMEN WHO ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THEIR INNER SELVES AND ACHIEVEMENTS.
ORANGE-EXTROVERTED AND GUTSY, ORANGE MEANS YOU LIKE TO STAND OUT IN THE CROWD. NEVER TAKING LIFE FOR GRANTED, YOU ENJOY NEW CHALLENGES AND HAVE A TENDENCY TO COME OUT ON TOP.
YELLOW-ALWAYS THE OPTIMIST, YOU’RE ATHLETIC AND OUTDOORSY. YELLOW REFLECTS A VIBRANT PERSONALITY AND GREAT INTUITION.
WHITE-THOSE WHO FAVOR WHITE PREFER “SAFE” COLORS FOR A PERFECT MATCH. WHITE CAN BE A GREAT ACCENT FOR A DEEP DARK TAN, ADDING SEX-APPEAL TO THE “COLORLESS” COLOR.
GREEN-IF YOU’RE HOT ON GREEN YOU’RE A DOWN-TO-EARTH, NATURAL BEAUTY. WHILE SOMEWHAT STUBBORN, YOU’RE STILL “THE GIRL NEXT DOOR” WHO LIKES TO HAVE FUN.

FITNESS & EXERCISE TIPS

STARTING AN EXERCISE REGIMEN AT ANY AGE IS EXTREMELY BENEFICIAL AND CAN ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE. AS WE AGE, OUR BODIES LOSE MUSCLE TISSUE AND OUR METABOLISM SLOWS DOWN. EXERCISE IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AND BE PHYSICALLY FIT.
WORKING OUT TAKES DISCIPLINE AND SHOULD NOT BE PAINFUL. “NO PAIN NO GAIN IS JUST A MYTH AND IS NOT GGOD ADVICE TO FOLLOW. EXERCISE SHOULD MAKE YOU FEEL HEALTHY AND FIT, NOT LOOKING FOR THE IBUPROFEN AND ICE PACKS.
EXPERTS ADVICE THAT 20 TO 30 MINUTES OF AEROBIC ACTIVITY AT LEAST THREE TIMES A WEEK IS BENEFICIAL FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN. SELECT THE BEST PLAN THAT IS FAVORABLE TO YOUR LIFESTYLE, WHETHER IT IS AT HOME OR A GYM.
OPT FOR A FORM OF EXERCISE YOU WILL ENJOY THE MOST AND START OUT SLOWLY, INCREASING YOUR ACTIVITY AND WORK OUT GRADUALLY. CONSIDER ADD BASIC WEIGHT TRAINING TO BUILD MUSCLES, BURN CALORIES AND CONTROL BODY FAT.
AEROBIC ACTIVITY TRAINING
• BICYCLING
• BRISK WALKING
• DANCING
• JOGGING
• ROLLER SKATING
• SKIING
• SWIMMING
• TENNIS
• ZUMBA
FOR BEGINNERS, TRY INCREASING PERSONAL FITNESS IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE BY WALKING MORE, DOING MORE YARDWORK, PAINTING, AND PARKING YOUR CAR FURTHER FROM YOUR DESTINATION. NOT ONLY WILL YOU HAVE THE SATISFACTION OF GETTING THINGS DONE, YOU’LL ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF BEING PHYSICALLY FIT.
YOU DON’T NEED TO LUMP YOUR EXERCISE ALL IN ONE SESSION. TRY IT IN 10 MINUTE INCREMENTS IF THIS IS EASIER FOR YOU AND AS TIME ALLOWS. WHILE THERE’S NO PLAN OR GUARANTEE FOR EVERYONE, GET STARTED AND FIND OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU.
ALWAYS CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE STARTING ANY EXERCISE ROUTINE AND UNDERSTAND THAT DIET AND NUTRITION WILL PLAY A BIG PART IN YOUR OVERALL RESULTS.

HOW TO GET RID OF PIMPLES AND BLEMISHES

PIMPLES, BLEMISHES AND ACNE ARE THE MOST UNIVERSAL SKIN CARE COMPLAINTS AND CAN BE A HUGE SOURCE OF EMBARRASSMENT. CONTRARY TO COMMON BELIEF, THIS PROBLEM IS NOT EXCLUSIVE TO TEENS AND ADOLESCENTS. ADULTS OFTEN EXPERIENCE ACNE PROBLEMS AFTER YEARS OF CLEAR SKIN.
TREATMENT OF PIMPLES IS SOMEWHAT TRICKY. WHILE THERE’S NO QUICK, HOMEMADE CURE FOR THOSE UNSIGHTLY BLEMISHES, PUTTING A STOP TO MAJOR BREAKOUTS WILL GREATLY REDUCE YOUR DISCOMFORT AND CHANCE OF SCARRING.
PREVENTION
KEEP YOUR FACE CLEAN AND DON’T OVER SCRUB IT. THIS WILL ONLY IRRITATE YOUR SKIN AND MAKE YOU MORE PRONE TO BREAK OUTS. WASH YOUR FACE GENTLY TWICE A DAY WITH ANTI BACTERIAL OR MILD SOAP, PERHAPS THREE TIMES A DAY FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN. DO NOT USE HARSH SOAPS AND FRAGRANCES AS THEY MIGHT AGGRAVATE PIMPLES.
TO AVOID TRANSFERRING BACTERIA AND GERMS, CLEAN YOUR PILLOW CASE, WASH CLOTHES, TOWELS, MAKE-UP BRUSHES AND APPLICATORS FREQUENTLY. TRY WASHING YOUR MAKE-UP APPLICATORS IN ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP OR CLARIFYING SHAMPOO. KEEP YOUR HAIR CLEAN AND OUT OF YOUR FACE. ALONG THE SAME LINE, KEEP YOUR PHONE MOUTH PIECE AND WRITING INSTRUMENTS AWAY FROM YOUR SHIN AND CLEAN THEM OFTEN.
AVOID WEARING HEAVY MAKE-UP AND ALWAYS WASH IT OFF BEFORE BED. BUY MAKE-UP SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE AND THROW IT AWAY AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE.
WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY AND MAKE A CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE DURING THE DAYTIME HOURS. THIS IS WHEN YOU’RE MOST LIKELY TO DO IT AND YOU MAY NOT REALIZE THE HABIT.
IT’S BEST TO KEEP YOUR ANXIETY LEVEL DOWN AND GET YOUR BEAUTY REST. WHEN YOU’RE UNDER STRESS, DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE. TAKE THE TIME FOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE OR YOUR PIMPLES WILL RETURN WITH A VENGEANCE.
STOPPING PIMPLES AND BLEMISHES
ACNE PRONE PEOPLE ARE STILL GOING TO EXPERIENCE PIPMLES AND BLEMISHES, EVEN AFTER THE BEST SKIN CARE ROUTINE. AFTER THEY APPEAR, KNOWING HOW TO GET RID OF THEM QUICKLY AND SENSIBLY REDUCES YOUR CHANCES OF SCARRING.
USE THE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ABOVE, ALONG WITH SOME PIMPLE DRYING TECHNIQUES TO SHORTEN THE LIFE OF YOUR BLEMISHES AND BREAKOUTS.
IF YOUR SKIN IS OILY, USE A CLEANSER THAT CONTAINS SALICYLIC ACID OR BENZOYL PEROXIDE TO START THE DRYING PROCESS. IF YOUR EXPERIENCING ONE OF THOSE PAINFUL “UNDER THE SKIN, CYSTIC” PIMPLES, PUT A WARM COMPRESS ON IT TO DRAIN IT FIRST, THEN DRY IT UP WITH BENZOYL PEROXIDE.
THERE ARE RIGHT AND WRONG WAYS TO EXTRACT BREAKOUTS. SOMETIMES IT MAKES YOU MORE PRONE TO SCARRING AND SKIN DISCOLORATION; HOWEVER IT IS THE FASTEST WAY TO DRAIN IT. PLEASE ASK YOUR DERMATOLOGIST OR ESTHETICIAN FOR THE PROPER WAY TO DO EXTRACTIONS.
IF BLEMISHES PERSIST, SCARRING NEEDS TO BE PREVENTED AND THERE ARE MANY USEFUL PRODUCTS TO PUT A STOP TO RECURRING ACNE AND PIMPLES. IF YOUR BLEMISH IS GONE AND YOU STILL HAVE SOME DISCOLORATION BUT NO SCAR, DON’T FRET. CHANCES ARE IT WILL FADE WITH TIME.
TREATING ACNE AND PIMPLES ON YOUR BACK
WHILE ALL OF THE ABOVE HOME REMEDIES ARE AFFECTIVE FOR PIMPLES, THERE’S NO DOUBT, THE BACK IS THE HARDEST PLACE TO TREAT WITHOUT SOME HELP. INVEST IN A GOOD BACK SCRUBBER TO GET THE AREAS YOU CANT REACH IN THE SHOWER AND ALWAYS USE CLEAN DRY TOWELS.
ASK FOR SOME HELP TO APPLY A BENZOYL PEROXIDE OINTMENT AFTER EVERY SHOWER. KEEP YOUR BED SHEETS AND MATTRESS PAD CLEAN.

Pureology

COMPREHENSIVE COLOUR CARE SYSTEMS FOR ALL TYPES OF HAIR

ANTIFADE COMPLEX®

Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that attack hair follicles and colour pigments, compromising hair health and colour vibrancy. Pureology’s exclusive AntiFadeComplex® contains a blend of potent antioxidants and full spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens to protect colour from free radicals.

ZERO SULFATE® SHAMPOOS

Surfactants are an essential part of a shampoo’s cleansing system, but common surfactants, known as sulfates, can fade colour vibrancy. To gently cleanse without stripping colour, our ZeroSulfate® shampoos include a mild cleansing system, with no added salt, derived from coconut, corn, and sugar to deliver a rich lather and help optimize colour retention.

NATURE-INFUSED FORMULAS
FOR PURE PERFORMANCE

100% VEGAN INGREDIENTS

Pureology combines the best of nature with advanced technology to ensure pure performance and radiant colour, and our products are made without animal products or by-products.

ORGANIC BOTANICALS

We are committed to developing naturally-based formulas infused with organic botanicals harvested from plants grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or chemicals.

CONCENTRATED FORMULAS
FOR PURE INDULGENCE

Indulge in the ultimate multi-sensory experience with highly concentrated formulas bursting with superior ingredients that deliver up to 80 shampoos—two times more than other shampoos. Our rich lathers, featherlight textures, and decadent masques surround the senses with aromatic essences, creating a luxurious experience and incredible results. Colour-treated hair is silky soft with dramatically improved condition and remarkable shine.

Pureology 10% off 7/26-7/31

cure for aging?

BEDHEAD URBAN ANTIDOTES #3

RESURRECTION™ SHAMPOO

Perfect for: Weak, brittle hair that needs an intervention

Urban Antidote #3: Admitting is the first step! Face it . . . Your hair needs some rehab. Let the hydration therapy begin. Bring weak & brittle hair back to life with this powerful moisture packed shampoo.

Making a comeback has never been so easy.

• Moisture overhaul
• Helps keep color vibrant
• Zeros in on dry, damaged hair

RESURRECTION™ CONDITIONER

Perfect for: Weak, brittle hair that needs an intervention

Urban Antidote #3: Admitting is the first step! Bring dead-end hair back to life once and for all. Formula targets areas in the most need of repair, giving your whacked out hair the revival it has been waiting for!

• Revives lifeless hair
• Thermal protection from harsh conditions
• Zeros in on dry, damaged hair

 

 

BEDHEAD URBAN ANTIDOTES #2

RECOVERY™ SHAMPOO

Perfect for: Dry, Damaged tresses that need a moisture hit

Urban Antidote #2: You've dyed, you've fried, so take your dull hair to the bright side! Help moisture-deprived hair to the ultimate recovery.

Let this potion help strengthen & shine your worn out locks

• Hydrates dried-out strands
• Protects colour from fading
• Prevents pesky split ends

RECOVERY™ CONDITIONER

Perfect for: Dry, Damaged tresses that need a moisture hit

Urban Antidote #2: Drench moisture-deprived hair with a rush of hydration that gets stressed-out tresses back in action & on the road to recovery.

YOU'LL BE ADDICTED TO HOW STUNNING YOUR HAIR LOOKS!

• Moisturizes for major softness
• Protects from thermal & combing damage
• Prevents pesky split ends

 

 

 

BEDHEAD URBAN ANTIDOTES #1

URBAN ANTIDOTES™
RE-ENERGIZE™ SHAMPOO

Perfect for normal hair that needs a daily pick-me-up

Urban Antidote #1: Work hard, play hard ... That's how you roll. Get yourself back to normal with a hydrating, strengthening & shine-enhancing shampoo.

RE-ENERGIZE TIRED HAIR AND GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER!

• Livens up moisture levels
• Boosts hair strength
• Promotes colour retention

 RE-ENERGIZE™ CONDITIONER

Perfect for normal hair that needs a daily pick-me-up

Urban Antidote #1: Put some oomph back into your tired, over-stimulated hair. Supercharged hydrating conditoner helps strengthen weak, blah hair giving it a rush of shine and health.RE-ENERGIZE & GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER!

• Blast weightless shine
• Detangle unruly locks
• Boost hair strength

 

DEVACURL

Botanically infused and always 100% sulfate-free!

Depart from the ordinary with this exclusively designed hair care system for curly, wavy and chemically processed hair. Deva's interchangeable product line allows for individuality, simplicity and the freedom to address your hair's specific needs.

"Americans are addicted to lather" says the tress-obsessed curly girl Lorraine Massey, author of the must have book, Curly Girl (Workman Publishing,2001). Massey warns, "laundering curly hair (which is what most people are doing with ordinary detergent shampoos) just about guarantees a mass of over-dry, frizzy, shapeless locks." That's why Lorraine, along with co-owner Denis daSilva, world-class chemist Ralph Zissel and Devachan's acclaimed Color Director Shari Harbinger developed the Deva product line. This unique system, with its own unique blend of botanically infused moisturizers and cleansers, will rejuvenate, restore and respect your hair's natural order without the use of harsh chemicals.

What is in the Deva System? The answer is what is NOT in the Deva System. We took the poo out of shampoo, the harsh lathering and dehydrating detergent found in most shampoos that has no inherent value in the cleansing process. We've removed all unnecessary chemicals that often play on hair's vulnerability. We added extra botanical and moisturizing ingredients that cleanse, condition and re-hydrate the hair, more than any products existing on the market today. Each product has it's own unique blend that will enhance the overall quality of dehydrated hair. 

 http://www.youtube.com/user/DevaCurl

A life saving question

Yesterday, when I was at the dermatologist's office, the physician's assistant I saw told me something surprising. Melanoma (AKA, deadly skin cancer) can sometimes appear on your scalp, often without you even knowing it. How many times do you look at our scalp? Yeah, not often. So, that's why she tells her patients that in between yearly skin checks (guys, if you haven't had a full-body skin check, now's the time!), ask your hair stylist to keep an eye on your scalp for anything unusual while she's doing your hair. Sure, she's not a physician, but she can spot a mole or freckle you aren't aware of, which could prompt you to see a derm and get it checked out!

Not a bad idea, huh?

from Glamour Magazine

More Beauty Tips for Teens

Make up for Teenagers
Most teenager girls begin wearing light make-up around the ages of 12-13 as they become more aware of their appearance. As a teen, your make up should look natural and enhance your facial features. Don’t overdo it, this will only make you look silly. With a few simple, inexpensive products, you can play up your finest features and you will look GREAT!!! Keep your make up light for school. You don’t need to use make up on every facial feature you have. Mix and match to find out what looks best on you. For parties, you may want to add a little more make up to enhance your features. Make sure you blend it in well with your fingers or a cosmetics brush and check it in a bright light when you are finished.
Foundation
Foundation is not necessary for teens. While some can clog your pores, it can also look over done. Skip the foundation and use a concealer on your blemishes only. Lightly dust on some loose powder over your entire face to even out your skin tone, control oil, and set the concealer.
Freckles
Don’t try to hide your freckles. You may not appreciate them, but they are a part of you. Exposure to sunlight makes freckles darker so avoiding the sun and using sunscreen will keep them in check. Usually as you get older they fade, so they will be less of an issue.
Eye Make up
You may not be interested in eye shadow until you are older, if so then great. Just in case you are interested in it here are a few tips. Keep it light and use the trendy sparkles and metallics sparingly, they can flake off into your eyes and cause irritation. Eye shadow doesn’t have to match your eyes. Earth tones (tan, brown, gray) are very complimentary to blue, brown and hazel eyes. Keeping your eyes as natural looking as possible is best.
When you start using mascara, brown works best for both brunettes and blondes. Black is a little harsh at a young age, especially in the daytime. If you find brown isn’t dark enough try brownish black. Waterproof may be necessary when playing sports or participating in outdoor activities. It stays on longer and doesn’t run, but it’s harder to take off.
If you are going to use eyeliner, a pencil liner looks more natural than a liquid. Learn to apply it with a steady hand for straight lines, and blot it with a tissue if you get it too dark.
Blush
Liquid and stick blushes are popular choices for teen because they glide on smoothly and blend in well. Pinks and peaches compliment almost any skin tone. Apply to the apple of your cheeks and blend outwards toward your hairline.
Lips
For luscious lips, lip gloss does the trick. If you want to add some color to your lips for a nighttime look, try a lipstick in a sheer color. For extra shine put lip gloss over your lipstick. Always have lip balm handy for chapped lips.
As with any make up blending is key. Check your make up in daylight if possible and don’t be afraid to swipe any excess with a tissue. If you ever experience any skin irritation, quit using the make up immediately until you find out what the problem is. Consult your dermatologist for the best remedy.

BEAUTY TIPS FOR TEENS

Being a teen in today’s world brings many pressures from society to look good. The media is full of beautiful faces that add to the stress of growing up. Don’t let that undermine your self confidence! What’s a girl to do? There are many ways to enhance your natural beauty and keep a practical skin care and make up routine. These tips will help bring out the best in you, but remember, good posture and a smile give a great first impression.
Skin care Tips
Teenagers have different skin care and make up needs than mature women. Skin care regimens should be started when we are pre-teens. Hormones start to kick in and blemishes begin to appear. As you mature your skin care needs will change as you skin does. Pay special attention to what products you are using and if there are any undesirable affects taking place. What makes your skin look radiant one month may cause blemishes and break outs the next.
Moisturizer
At an early age, a light moisturizer may be called for—but do not use a heavy cream used for dry skin. Choose a product that is formulated for light skin care maintenance and doesn’t clog your pores. A heavy moisturizer will wreak havoc and cause pimples. Start with the moisturizer just once a day before bed as to not over do it.
Pimples and Blemishes
Acne is the #1 skin care concern for teens. Keep your face and hair clean, wash your hands frequently, and keep them away from your face. There are many products available on the market today for acne prevention and cures, and they are much more effective than years ago. Once you begin experiencing problems, take action to avoid life time scarring.

EXERCISE MYTHS

Muscle can turn to fat~ Muscle and fat are two different tissues and cannot convert into the other. Decreased physical activity reduces your muscle tissue and your metabolism.
You can spot reduce~ You can’t lose weight in any particular place before another. Your weight will first come off from the last place you put it on.

BEAUTY MYTHS

Beauty myths are more often than not old adages that were handed down to each generation. Some of these misconceptions are centuries old and just plain silly. While logic doesn’t seem to play a big factor in beauty myths, they’re still abundant. These are a few that deserve to take their place in the myth “HALL OF SHAME”
Soap is bad for your skin~ Older formulas contained animal fats and vegetable oils. Newer soaps are formulated to be milder and some contain moisturizers that don’t dry out your skin.
Shaving your legs will make your hair grow in thicker~ Your hair thickness is genetically determined. So when you shave it your hairs will be stubbier causing it to look thicker.
Drinking a lot of water leads to beautiful skin~ While drinking water is necessary for our bodies, too much will only lead to bloating and too many trips to the bathroom. However most of us do not drink the suggested 64 oz a day which would be sufficient to hydrate your body and skin.
Split ends can be repaired~ The ONLY way to rid split ends is to cut them off and prevent them in the future with good hair care and proper trimming.
You can wash away acne and pimples~ Scrubbing too vigorously can do just the opposite, it will increase oil production and aggravate the condition.
The sun clears up blemishes~ While the sun will temporarily dry out pimples, it interferes with healthy skin cells. This can cause a worse breakout a couple days after sun exposure.
Stick to one brand of products~ This beauty myth was probably put out there by manufacturers who want to keep customers loyal to their brand. However if you are using a acne skin care line you should stay in that line (so you aren’t mixing chemicals that don’t blend with each other)
You don’t need a sunscreen on a cloudy day~ The sun’s UV rays penetrate clouds and can still damage your skin.
Natural ingredients are non-allergenic~ Whether it’s natural or chemical ingredients, if you’re allergic, you’ll see a reaction. With the big hype about using more natural products we are seeing more and more people allergic to wheat products.
You can shrink the pores on your face~ Your pore size is another thing that is genetically determined. Pores may appear larger by bacteria and dead skin cells. Retin-A and alpha hydroxys are designed to break up these materials and bring the pores back to their original appearance.

FOUR COMMON SKIN TYPES

With the skin being one of the largest organs of the body, it’s no wonder how much emphasis is placed on caring for it. The skin is also the most visual of all the organs and good skin care means a more beautiful, healthy you. Our genetics, race, and age all play a factor in our skin type. How our skin reacts to our diet, hormones, the environment, and climate we live in can help us determine how to choose the best skin care products and the most effective way to treat our problem areas. I’ll outline four common skin types:
NORMAL
Normal skin feels comfortable and requires the least attention. Those lucky enough to have this skin type have a proper balance of moisture and oil production to have healthy, smooth skin with minimum breakouts. Cleansing with a mild soap everyday and using a light moisturizer is usually enough for this low maintenance skin type.
DRY SKIN
Dry skin can affect any age group but it’s more common as we get older. It’s uncomfortable and tight, often with dry patches that can get irritated and itchy. Because of the lack of oil, dry skin is prone to fine lines and wrinkles appearing. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer often, underneath makeup and before bed to increase the comfort level and reduce your chances of unwanted lines.
OILY SKIN
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands work overtime and provide too much oil, giving our skin a shiny and sometimes greasy appearance. Large pores often are a characteristic of those with oily skin and teenagers frequently experience pimples and acne, reducing their self esteem. Fortunately there are many products on the market today to keep the oil in check, thus reducing or eliminating any scarring that may occur. Use of makeup or powder helps to soak up excessive oil while minimizing shine.
COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin is the trickiest to care for because some areas are dry, some are oily and some are perfectly balanced. Oily areas are usually in the T-zone and forehead while dry areas are common on the outer areas of the cheeks. Use of hair care products that come in contact with the skin around the hairline can cause an unwanted drying affect. There’s no one product that magically solves problems for each individual area so it’s best to take the time to treat combination skin types accordingly.
No matter your skin type or environment you need to cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturize and protect. Always use sunscreen, your health and life depend on it!

Control Frizz

From the straightest of tresses to the curliest, most if not all of us have issues with FRIZZ! It’s an awful nuisance and some of us have a hard time trying to control it. Try these tips:
• Make sure you are using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If you keep your locks moisturized it will help to tame the unruly frizz.
• Deep condition your hair once a week.
• Use a leave in conditioner or serum.
• Once a month apply a clear demi permanent hair color to coat the hair shaft and calm the frizz.
• Get regular trims.

Bad haircut help

The dreaded bad haircut goes beyond a bad hair day! It can change the way you feel about yourself and undermine your self esteem for months. It’s no secret women are picky about their hair. It’s hard enough to get a good style but with a bad cut it’s almost impossible.
Fist of all, don’t panic! If misery loves company, you’ve got plenty. The bad hair cut club is not exclusive anybody can get in; it may help to know that you are not alone. Here’s some advice to get you through it.
Contact your stylist
You need to tell your stylist that you are not satisfied with your cut. It’s possible you wont realize it’s bad until you are home. If that’s the case, give your stylist a call and tell him or her why your not satisfied. If there is some hair to work with, make an appointment to have it corrected. If it’s too short it is better to just let it grow you don’t need to make it any worse.
If this is a new stylist and you wont trust him or her again, get a referral, go back to a trusted one, or try a new one to get help for your bad cut. There’s no reason to have someone cutting your hair again if they’ve caused you so much grief to begin with.
If this was a trusted stylist who botched your hair, it’s better to forgive and allow them to make a mends. Nobody is perfect, and it may just have been a bad day for them or simple miscommunication. While this is little relief, they’re trying their best to make it right.
Some Consolation
Now for some bad haircut help. For your emotional stability, you need to remember that hair grows about ½” a month and it’s probably not going to take near as long as you think to grow it out to a stage where it’s acceptable. Trust me, this is the only time you will appreciate dark roots because it means your hair is growing!
Give it some time. If you’re one of the few lucky ones, you may decide the cut wasn’t that bad after all and you may even like it. If that’s not the case…
Growing out a bad haircut is awkward but there are ways to minimize your discomfort. If the hat fits wear it. Some people look great in hats and already have some. Ok so that may not be what you had in mind.
Add some style
Try adding some body to straight hair with Velcro rollers or a curling iron. Adding some waves and curls will help disguise any blunt cuts. If your hair is wavy or kinky, straighten it out to give it some length. Don’t be stuck in a rut. Now that you have a different haircut (like it or not) you need to do damage control with some new styles.
Use hair Accessories
A rotten haircut gives you a good excuse to try out some of the awesome new hair accessories. If your hair is long try pulling it back and leaving a few strands hanging out around the face to give the illusion of longer tresses. Try using some of the new headbands and clips that have come out recently with bows, feathers, flowers and rhinestones.
Add hair extensions
You can find clip on synthetic pony tails, braids and straight hair extensions almost anywhere these days. If you can match the color of your hair you’re in luck! You will have an instant feminine look. I personally do not suggest extensions that are glued or fused into the hair because in the long run they will create more damage giving you one more thing to have to work at growing out.

Whatever bad haircut fix you decide on, remember, it’s only a matter of time before you’re back to your normal fabulous self and this will be only a bad memory.

Summer Beauty tips

As the weather changes, so should your beauty routine. When the temperatures start rising, your body and skin reacts differently than it does in colder climates. A change in your routine is in order for your skin, make-up and hair to keep it healthy and look fabulous. If you want to look great when the summer heat finally hits, take note of these basic summer beauty tips to adjust yourself to a different climate and keep your youthful glow.
Change your skin routine
Hot weather means more humidity and your skin will need less moisture than it does in the winter. Switch to a lighter moisturizer to keep your pores clear and you will be less likely to experience blemishes. Keep your feet in top notch shape by regularly exfoliating to slough off dry skin and calluses. Moisturize to the max and treat yourself to a pedicure so that you can show off your feet in a strappy pair of sandals.
Drink more water
Water is the trick to beautiful youthful skin. Your body needs more water in the summer to stay hydrated. Since you will sweat more in hot weather, it’s vital that you restore your fluids when exercising or simply being out and about in warmer temperatures. Always keep a bottle of water handy in your car so it’s ready to go where you are.
Keep your tan in check
A healthy tan is a myth! There is no such thing. Your goal should not be to suntan, but to protect your skin against the suns dangerous UV rays so you don’t prematurely age. Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 on ALL exposed areas of your body when you are outside. (Please see my previous blog on choosing the right sun protection)
You can still get a healthy looking tan without damaging your skin if you use a sunless tanning lotion.
Exercise in Cooler Temperatures
If you have to do your walking or jogging outdoors, then doing it in the morning is more beneficial because the temperatures haven’t risen to day time highs yet. If this means getting up earlier, then give it a try. You may find that a little time alone is a good way to start your day. Another alternative is to work out in doors, where the temperature is controlled. Whether you do this at home or in a gym, use your own towel to keep your skin clean and dry.
Use insect Repellent
Bugs and mosquitoes are common pests in the summer, particularly in the evening and early morning hours. When outdoors, especially camping and hiking, use bug repellent to avoid any irritating bites and bumps that go along with it. Sometimes it’s not a pimple that sprouts on your face it’s an insect bite!

How to get the Best Haircut and Style

Have you ever come home from the salon upset because you thought your hair was ruined? And to top it off you paid for the catastrophe on your head! It’s probably happened to just about all of us at one time or another but you can prevent it from happening again. On your quest for the most fantastic hair cut and style here are some important steps to ensure you get just what you want.
Choose a Reputable stylist
Seek out others for referrals. Ask your friends with great looking hair which salon they go to and the name of the stylist. More important, ask those who have similar hair texture, thickness and styles that you prefer where they go. If you see stranger whose hair you adore, don’t be shy, flatter that person with compliments and get the information you need. Most people are happy to share their stylist and can often get a discount for giving referrals.
Take Pictures to your appointment
It’s not always easy to vocalize what haircut you want. Your description may bring up something completely different in the stylists mind, leading to a bad cut that can take months to recover from.
Salons are full of magazines and styling guides for a reason. If you bring a picture from home or select one from the salon’s magazines, you’re more likely to get just what you want, Be reasonable, not all cuts and styles will work on every hair texture and some can accentuate facial flaws. The best insurance is to bring along a few pictures and ask the professional’s advice.
Be Precise
If you want your long hair to stay long, say just that. If you want just a trim, tell the stylist how much you want cut and make sure you show them with your fingers. Don’t be afraid to interrupt while your hair is being cut. If you just sit there, knowing they are on the wrong track you will kick yourself later. A stylist who asks plenty of questions about how you want your hair to look is one that wants to make sure that you will walk out happy.
Watch Closely
Don’t get into heavy chatting and then discover that you have no idea how to achieve that fantastic look. A great hairstylist is one you’ll want to replicate over and over so it’s important to watch carefully and see how it’s done. Again, ask questions and you can pick up some good tips for manipulating your hair into the style that’s perfect for you.
Be Decisive
There are times when you’re just not happy with the cut. If you are aware of it before you leave the salon, make it known. If the salon is not busy, this may be able to be corrected then and there. If you feel rushed, tell the stylist and let him or her know that you may be in touch soon. If you discover that the haircut is not to your liking after you get home, make another appointment to follow up. After all, you wanted to look better, right? The best way to do this is to communicate with the professional.

ONESTA

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All formulas contain certified organic botanicals

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How to deal with bad hair color

We have all had it happen to us either the stylist messed up her formula or we bought the wrong box at the store, and when bad hair color happens it is awful. But what are we suppose to do about it?
• Do NOT try to color your hair again! Applying another color on top of the bad color will not fix it. If it went to dark and you put a lighter color on it you will end up like a cheetah, spotty and multiple colors taking the bad hair color to worse. If you went to light give it some time and then go to a stylist to have it covered, what you buy in the store may not be the right base color to give you the desired shade.
• Do NOT bleach it out! Going too dark is awful but bleaching the life out of it is not the solution. When you apply bleach to hair that has been colored dark you never know exactly what the outcome will be.
• Do not use a color remover. Store bought color removers are not as predictable as what the professionals use. Your end result will still be the wrong color and even more damaged to where it cannot even be repaired by a stylist.
• Try using hot water when you shampoo. Using hot water when you shampoo will open up the outer layer of the hair shaft to help release the pigment in the hair.
• Add some baking soda to your shampoo to strip some of the color out. In you hand sprinkle some baking soda into your shampoo work into hair and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Make sure you use a good conditioner after the baking soda treatment because it will dry out your hair.
• Try out new hair accessories! Using hair accessories will draw attention away from your hair color.
• Visit your stylist. If your stylist says they are unable to fix your color due to the condition of your tresses it maybe time for a new style.

Diet solutions for hair issues

Eat your way to beautiful, healthy hair. Just like your body, your hair also needs a balanced diet to stay healthy.

DRY BRITTLE HAIR:
If your hair is dry and breaks easily, it is probably lacking in essential fatty acids. By including plenty of good sources of essential fatty acids in your diet you can give your hair back its strength and luster. You can find these in fish like tuna, trout, salmon, herring and mackerel. Nuts, seeds, olives, avocados also contain the good fatty acids. Also make sure you drink plenty of water, six to eight 8 ounce glasses every day.
GREASY LANKY HAIR:
A lack of vitamin B in your diet can lead to oily, greasy hair. To fight off greasy hair, be sure to eat lots of whole grains, nuts, seeds, dairy products, eggs, wheat germ, legumes and green leafy veggies. These are all a great source of vitamin B. You should also try to steer clear or greasy foods!
THINNING HAIR:
Some times our diet can be the cause of hair loss. Thinning hair can be a sign your body is lacking in essential vitamins and mineral. Be sure to eat plenty of iron rich foods such as red meat, eggs, legumes, whole grain cereals, dried fruits and green, leafy vegetables. Protein rich foods can help reinforce the hair follicles since hair is composed mostly of protein, your hair will most likely respond well to the addition of high protein foods. Try adding meats, eggs, cheese, seeds and nuts for some extra protein. Vitamin E is also found in green, leafy veggies, nuts, and grains which will help those with a thyroid condition which can cause hair to thin. Having a diet rich in antioxidants will help to slow the aging process in general.
Food, vitamins and supplements to help hair growth:
Hair is mostly protein, so nutritionists advise those wanting healthy hair to eat a well balanced diet that include healthy proteins, along with foods high in Vitamin B, C, A, E, and K.
Vitamin B- Green vegetables, beans, sunflower seeds, nuts and peas
Vitamin C- Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, melons and berries
Vitamin A- Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, cantaloupe and apricots
Vitamin E-Avocados, rice bran, nuts, dark green veggies, legumes and whole grains
Vitamin K- Seafood, dairy, figs, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, dark green leafy veggies, oatmeal, soybeans, wheat, yogurt, egg yolks, and liver

What's the Best Sunscreen?

Wondering what to wear this summer? Get the latest facts before you buy your next sunscreen.

By R. Morgan Griffin
WebMD Feature

Choosing a sunscreen isn't as simple as it used to be.
The next generation of sunscreens is just hitting the market -- including L'Oreal's Anthelios SX and products containing Helioplex -- designed to offer fuller protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Given all the new options, how do you know which is the best sunscreen for you?
"For most people, trying to compare one sunscreen to another can be complicated," says David J. Leffell, MD, professor of dermatology and surgery at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn.
While choosing the best sunscreen is important, perhaps even more crucial is using it correctly -- something a lot of us don't do, says Henry W. Lim, MD, chair of the department of dermatology at the Henry Ford Medical Center in Detroit. So before you plop down on the lawn chair -- or take the kids to the beach -- here are the sunscreen facts.

Finding the Best Sunscreen

Sunscreens help shield you from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays in two ways. Some work by scattering the light, reflecting it away from your body. Others absorb the UV rays before they reach your skin.
A few years ago, choosing a good sunscreen meant you just looked for a high sun protection factor (SPF) -- which rates how well the sunscreen protects against one type of cancer-causing UV ray, ultraviolet B (UVB.) "SPF refers to blockage of UVB rays only," says Leffell.
Research soon showed that ultraviolet A rays (UVA) also increase skin cancer risk. While UVA rays don't cause sunburn, they penetrate deeply into skin and cause wrinkles. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 90% of skin changes associated with aging are really caused by a lifetime's exposure to UVA rays.

The New Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens

So which is the best sunscreen for you? Clearly, you'll want a sunscreen with broad-spectrum or multi-spectrum protection for both UVB and UVA. Ingredients with broad-spectrum protection include benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and ecamsule (Mexoryl SX).

• SPF 15 or higher for UVB protection. The SPF factor rates how effective the sunscreen is in preventing sunburn caused by UVB rays.  If you'd normally burn in 10 minutes, SPF 15 multiplies that by a factor of 15, meaning you could go 150 minutes before burning.
  
  For the vast majority of people, SPF 15 is fine, Leffell tells WebMD. But people who have very fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, or conditions like lupus that increase sensitivity to sunlight should consider SPF 30 or higher.
  Keep in mind that the higher the SPF, the smaller the increased benefit: contrary to what you might think, SPF 30 isn't twice as strong as SPF 15. While SPF 15 filters out 93% of UVB, SPF 30 filters out 97%, only a slight improvement.
  
• UVA protection. There is no rating to tell you how good a sunscreen is at blocking UVA rays, says Leffell. So when it comes to UVA protection, you need to pay attention to the ingredients.
  
  Look for a sunscreen that contains at least one of the following, Leffell says: ecamsule, avobenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone, or zinc oxide.  Any of those should do the trick.
  
• Ecamsule. One newly approved ingredient that blocks UVA is ecamsule.  It's been available in Europe and Canada, as Mexoryl SX, since 1993. In the U.S., ecamsule is now sold in L'Oreal's Anthelios SX products. It isn't cheap. A 3.4 ounce tube -- barely enough for 4 full-body applications -- can run $30.
  
• Avobenzone. Neutrogena's Helioplex isn't really a new ingredient; it's a "stabilized" version of a common UVA-blocker called avobenzone (or Parsol 1789). Unless it's stabilized, avobenzone breaks down when exposed to sunlight -- exactly what you don't want in a sunscreen. You'll find stabilized avobenzone in other sunscreens, too, like Active Photo Barrier Complex and Dermaplex.
  
  Some of the excitement about these new products is advertising hype, says Leffell. For instance, any brand-name sunscreen that has avobenzone is stabilized. If you want to spend $30 on a bottle of sunscreen, go ahead. But you can get equally good protection for a lot less.
  
• Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Less expensive options for UVA protection have been available for a long time, the experts tell WebMD. Old sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide used to make people look pale and ghostly, says Fairbrother. But newer manufacturing techniques have resolved the problem, she says.
  
• Water and sweat resistance. If you're going to be exercising or in the water, it's worth getting a sunscreen resistant to water and sweat.
  
  But understand what this really means. The FDA defines water resistant sunscreen as meaning that the SPF level stays effective after 40 minutes in the water. Very water resistant means it holds after 80 minutes of swimming. These sunscreens are in no way water-proof, so you'll need to reapply them regularly if you're taking a dip.
  
• A brand you like. Even if a brand is recommended by all the experts, if you don't like it, you're not going to use it, says Karrie Fairbrother, RN, president-elect of the Dermatology Nurses Association. Personal preference is really important.
  
• Kid-friendly sunscreen. The sensitive skin of babies and children is easily irritated by chemicals in adult sunscreens, so avoid sunscreens with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and benzephenones like dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, or sulisobenzone. Children's sunscreens use ingredients less likely to irritate the skin, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Unlike chemical ingredients, these protect babies' skin without being absorbed, Fairbrother says.
  
  For kids 6 months or older, look for a sunscreen designed for children with an SPF of 15 or higher. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies under 6 months be kept out of the sun altogether.
  
• Sunscreen for skin problems or allergies. People who have sensitive skin or skin conditions like rosacea may also benefit from using sunscreens designed for children. Go for titanium dioxide or zinc oxide instead of chemicals like para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, or sulisobenzone. If you have skin irritation or allergies, avoid sunscreens with alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives.

Other sunscreens include moisturizers or other ingredients for people with dry or oily skin. As long as they meet the UVA and UVB requirements above, you can give them a try and see what works best.

How to Wear Sunscreen

While choosing the right sunscreen is important, it won't help much if you don't use it daily and correctly. Use these tips from the experts.

• Apply the sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go out in the sun. For woman, sunscreen can be applied under makeup. Use about 1 ounce (or 2 tablespoons) to cover your whole body. Don't skimp. A number of studies show that people simply don't use enough -- and only get 10% to 25% of the benefit. 
• Don't forget the easy-to-miss spots, like the tips of your ears, your feet, the back of your legs, and, if you have one, your bald spot. Since your lips can also get sunburned, use a UV-protective lip balm and reapply it regularly, Fairbrother says.
• No matter how long-lasting it's supposed to be, reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, and more often if you're sweating or getting wet.
• Pay attention to the expiration date on the bottle. Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time.
• Wear sunscreen whenever you're out during the day -- and not only when it's hot and sunny. On a grey, overcast day, up to 80% of the dangerous UV rays still make it through the clouds. And during the winter, exposure to the sun's rays still can have damaging effects on your skin.

Sunscreen Isn't Enough

Some people have the impression that wearing sunscreen makes them fully protected against the sun's rays, Lim tells WebMD. But that's not the case. No sunscreen can do that.
No matter how high the SPF, no matter how thickly you slather it on, sunscreen will never fully protect you, experts say. This misunderstanding can be dangerous: people who think they're safe wind up spending too much time in the sun and raise their risk of skin cancer and other problems.
Even your clothes may not protect you. The average cotton T-shirt only has a pitiful SPF of 4, says Leffell.
So in addition to wearing good sunscreen, you still need to take other precautions:

• Stay in the shade when possible.
• Wear sunglasses.
• Stay inside when UV radiation levels are highest, usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the U.S.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat.
• Wear sun-protective clothing, preferably with a UVP (ultraviolet protection rating) on the label. At least wear clothes that are dark and tightly woven, which offer a bit more protection.

Sunscreen works, says Leffell. But protecting yourself against ultraviolet rays requires a lot more than sunscreen alone. And remember that with sunscreen, you need to defend yourself against the sun's rays with both UVA and UVB protection.

SUNBURNS

This home remedy is also suggested for other types of burns as well. Repeat this scenario every two to three hours for as long as the pain of your sunburn persists.

How to Relieve Sunburn with Vegetables

Although not the best home remedy to relieve sunburn pain, placing a bag of frozen vegetables inside a clean towel and placing it gently upon the sunburned area can offer some minor and temporary relief. This home remedy helps to cool down the sunburn.

Thinly slice a raw cucumber, potato, or apple. Gently place the pieces on your sunburn. Not only is the coolness of the vegetables soothing to your skin, but also, it is possible that they will help reduce any inflammation occurring from your sunburn.

Another one of the remedies for sunburn involving vegetables involves lettuce. Wash some lettuce leaves and place them in a pot of water. Bring the water to boiling for several minutes and then allow the liquid to cool. Strain the liquid and discard the residue. Place the liquid into the refrigerator and allow it to cool for several more hours. Use large cotton balls to apply the cool liquid to the affected areas of your skin. The coolness is soothing to your skin and it should help to relieve any inflammation.

How to Relieve Sunburn with Vitamin E

Relieve sunburn pain with vitamin E. Eating foods that are rich in vitamin E can help to reduce the inflammation caused by sunburn. 

Foods rich in vitamin E include but are not limited to: products made with whole grains, vegetable oils and nuts. Vitamin E supplements can also be taken. However, whenever you use a vitamin E supplement, it is best to ingest the natural form only. As with any supplement usage, consult your physician first.

How to Relieve Sunburn with Tea

Another one of the suggested home remedy cures for sunburn is to use tea compresses. Boil a pot of strong tea and allow the tea to cool in the refrigerator for a few hours. If you need to cool the tea more quickly, keep the tea bags in the pot of water as you cool it with ice cubes. Use cotton gauze or a clean cotton towel or cloth to make a tea compress. Since whatever you use to apply the tea is going to become permanently stained, use something that is dark in coloring or that you simply do not care about.

Gently place the tea compress on the sunburn to draw the heat out, relieve inflammation and to set the burn to a tan. Typically, the sunburn will still result in peeling of the skin. The tea compresses should remain on for at least half an hour. Repeat this procedure as desired every two hours or so. Additionally, one can place some of the cold tea in a spray bottle and spray it directly on the affected areas of the skin. The tannic acid in the tea is the essential ingredient for this cure. If desired, the teabags can be placed on closed eyelids to relieve the discomfort of sunburn in that area.

 

How to Relieve Sunburn with Baking Soda or Oatmeal

Sunburn relief might be attained with cold compresses made with baking soda or oatmeal that have been dissolved in cool water. Additionally, you can take a bath in a tub full of cold water to which one pound of baking soda or oatmeal has been added. The mixture will cling to the sting that the sun has left behind.

How to Relieve Sunburn with Aloe Vera

The leaves of the Aloe Vera plant contain a thick, sticky substance that can provide relief from sunburn discomfort. Gently remove one of the thickest leaves from the plant. Split the leaf open and gently place the inner substance on your sunburn. It should provide a coolness to your sunburn that is soothing and offers you some relief from the pain.

Preventing Sunburn

Avoid exposure to the sun during the peak hours that tend to burn us more quickly than any other times of the day. 

The hours between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm are notorious for providing the strongest and most harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays of the sun. If you stay indoors or limit your exposure to the sun during those hours, you will reduce your risk of getting a sunburn. Rather than worrying about trying to find cures for sunburn, the best thing is to simply try and avoid it in the first place.

If you must be outdoors during the peak hours of daylight but cannot wear sunscreen, you will have to rely on natural cover to protect your skin from sun damage and sunburn. The obvious first step is to choose protective clothing with long sleeves and either a long skirt, or long pants. The goal is to cover as much skin as possible while remaining cool in hot weather. Choose light colors of fabric, such as white, tan, cream, or beige. Avoid dark colors, which tend to attract the sun’s rays and hold heat close to your body. Even flowery prints or colorful plaids can draw heat, which is the last thing you want on a hot summer day.

In addition to selecting clothing in light or neutral colors, make sure the fabric’s texture is tightly woven so it can help to prevent the sun’s rays from piercing through lightweight fabric and reaching the skin beneath. The clothing need not be heavy or thick, but it should not be a light weave that allows light to readily pass through. You might even wear a tank top or tube top under a lightweight shirt for added protection against the aggressive sunlight. 

 

 

 

 

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15 Minutes to a New Do

For a sexy, sideswept look, work a texturizer through dry hair with a boar bristle brush.
Spray a little hairspray onto a vent brush and tease hair at the crown for a little extra height. Then grab that section and sweep loosely back to the side, fastening with a flower pin accessory.
Mist entire head with a light hairspray to keep the sexy, tousled look working hard all night.

Unwashed straight hair is the perfect foundation for this style. Run a little mousse through hair to give it some extra hold and volume.
Make a deep side part and tease the front section pulling it loosely back, over your ear instead of tucked behind it. Do the same with the other side.
Use a little styling cream on your ends and pull loose hair forward over your shoulder.

To loosen natural curls, take a wide-toothed comb and rake some mousse through dry hair.
Then, grab a large-barreled curling iron and wrap different sized sections (1-3 inches) around the iron loosely. The heat will help cut down on the frizz. Don't do your entire head, just a few pieces.
Then, flip your head over and spray with hairspray.

The easiest updo is the kind that's only half up. Make a side part.
Take a front section on either side and twist it back so it stays very loose in front.
Gather the two sections together in a twist in the back and clip with a small, embellished barrette.
Spritz a little shine-spray all over to finish the look.

Haircolor fading

      Hair color inevitability fades weather you use a semi permanent or permanent hair color depending on how you care for your hair.  Semi-permanent colors are designed to fade out over time because they do not penetrate the hair shaft as deeply as permanent color but they are also not as harsh on the hair.  Permanent hair color should only fade mildly if it is properly cared for.  Properly cared for, your hair color can outlast all the rest.

-Using color protecting shampoo is the best thing you can do to preserve your hair color.  Many of the big box store products are not good for your hair color.  Sulfate free shampoos are best, they do not strip the hair of its color or moisture.
-Avoid using too hot of water when you wash your hair.
-Some volume shampoos will also help to speed up the fading because they are designed to open the hair shaft.  Make sure your volume shampoo is color preserving!
-Use a color enhancing shampoo.  There are so many colors out there to help keep your hair color fresh, vibrant and give it some shine.  Red tones fade the quickest so this is vital for red hair color!
-Protect your hair from UV rays.  Wear a hat or apply sunscreen to your hair before you basque in the glorious sunlight.  There are quite a few styling products that have sunscreens in them or sometimes you can just use a leave-in conditioner that contains sunscreen.
-Use a clear coat.  Just like on your nails you can apply a clear coat.  A demi permanent hair color coats the outer layer of the hair shaft to help protect your color even more.  The clear will coat the hair for about 3-4 weeks thus delaying the fading of your hair color.  Using a clear will also tame frizz and give the hair awesome shine!

Using as many of these tips as possible will preserve your hair color and help you to get your moneys worth each time you visit the salon!