CLICK HERE FOR FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES, LINK BUTTONS AND MORE! »

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Beauty Rescue # 3 Dry and Chapped Lips

After applying your lip exfoliator, here's how we can maintain the softness of the lips.

For an extra moisturizing effect, put a little moisturizer or lip balm on a lip brush before applying lipcolor.



Then apply moisturizing lipcolor and/or lip gloss to soothe dry lips and to help prevent chapping. You’ll also find there are lip products out there that can both hydrate and deliver beautiful color. Try Moisture Extreme Lipcolor for up to 8 hours of moisturization and SPF 15 sun protection in a variety of shades, one to match every skin tone.



For Best Results

Apply your lipstick by starting in the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to the outer edges of your lip, following the contours of your mouth. Repeat the technique on your lower lip.



Wednesday, April 28, 2010

no-no things when you're with a new man

There are a lot of dating tips out there, that are always true and helpful.  Here are some don'ts that sometimes we are guilty of.

    Animated Emoticons
      • DON'T fill him in on all the details of your ultimate fantasy wedding ( unless of course you're with your fiancè).  Talking to him about this is obviously sending him signs that you want him to marry him or you're too serious on him( considering you're just dating). Men are always scared of WEDDINGS and COMMITMENT.  There are a lot of nice topics you can talk  instead. Movies you like or both like, Great diners you have checked last weekend etc.
    Animated Emoticons
        • DON'T stick your foot ( or both feet) in his lap and request for a foot massage right in the middle of dinner.
      Animated Emoticons
        • DON'T bring a camera and ask the waiter to take pictures of the 2 of you together.  We love pictures, but we need no proof to our friends of how our date looks like.
      Animated Emoticons
        • DON'T show him the list of possible names you came up with for your future children.  Again, men are scared of MARRIAGE,WEDDINGS and COMMITMENT
      Animated Emoticons
        • DON'T calculate the calories of every dish on the menu before ordering.  Same goes with the menu prices.  Your date definitely has already the idea of the diner's menu price, therefore would not take you there if he's out of the budget. 
      Animated Emoticons
        • DON'T give him a photo of your family and flash cards so he can have their names memorized before he meets them. It's no school recitation and you're no teacher or tutor.
      Animated Emoticons
        • DON'T whip out your cellphone and text your best friend every time he says something funny.  Turn your phone into silent mode, so that the dinner won't be disturbed with your constant messages.  You can chat all you want with your girl friends after the date when you're to rest.
      Animated Emoticons
        • DON'T smile and ask if there's any food stuck between your teeth. Don't act Julia Stiles in Down to You with Freddie



    decode his e-messages

    It's not always the sweet nothings or the terms of endearment that shows how he loves or likes you.  You can check what he writes on his emails to you and know what it means for your relationship.


    • Check the subject line
    If he uses a creative line or a new header every time he replies to your emails, he likes to take the lead and may be controlling.


    • Check his greeting
    If he opts for a casual " Hey there!", he sees your relationship as platonic.  If he uses " Hello", he may be cautious and respectful.  If he go straight to the note without any salutation, it means he feels so connected to you that he's ditched the formal greeting.


    • Check the length of the message
    While a long email suggests he digs you, check the structure.  Only a self-absorbed man let go a block of unbroken text without considering your eyes and patience. If it's error-free, he may be rigid.  If the message is short, it could be a sign that he's not ready to get close.

    • Check if he uses emoticons
    Most guys just go straight to the message or the text without those smileys or sad faces.  So if he adds these emoticons, this displays a willingness to be goofy and off-beat around you.





    why sex is good

    Sex is  part of being human.  It is a gift from God. But most people do it for other purposes.  Researches reveal that sex is not only good or pleasurable, but is also does good on our body or health.

    Sex has physical and psychological health benefits for us.

    1. It cures headache. Oxytocin, a hormone responsible for labor contractions during childbirth and contractions of the pelvic floor muscles during orgasm, releases endorphins which are similar o morphine that help alleviate headaches.
    Woman With Headache Royalty Free Stock Image
    2. Alleviates menstrual cramps.  Red flag days usually mean it's off-limits for sex, but research has found that having orgasm during menstruation can reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps.  It may also prevent endometriosis ( painful condition that develops when the tissue lining the uterus grows in other places, like the ovaries or the fallopian tubes), because the uterine contractions triggered by orgasm push out menstrual debris.
    Woman With Stomach Issues Royalty Free Stock Photography
    3. It burns calories.  1/2 hour of sexual activity can burn up to 150 calories, just like having 1/2 hour dancing or walking.
    Exercise Royalty Free Stock Photography
    4. It improves blood flow. The increase in heart rate and breathing during sex helps improve blood circulation and flow.
    Close-up Of Happy Woman On Bed. Royalty Free Stock Photos
    5. It's good to have a better sleep. The total relaxation that follows orgasm promotes deep sleep.  Orgasm also brings a release from stress.
    Sleeping Woman On Bed Royalty Free Stock Image
    6. For body repair. The production of the hormone DHEA is increased with sexual excitement.  DHEA plays important role in bone growth, maintenance and repair of tissues, suppleness of the skin, and cardiovascular and immune system health.
    Tired Woman Stretching Her Arms In Bed Stock Photos
    7. For spiritual healing. Intimacy and touch play roles in keeping humans healthy in body, mind and spirit. 
    " Anything that promotes feelings of love and intimacy is healing"  Love & Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy.
     Couple Getting Intimate While In Bed Royalty Free Stock Image
    8. It adds more years.  Research shows that people who are intimately connected with a loving partner are 3 to 5 x less likely to die a premature death.
    Happy Old Couple Stock Image
    Ooops!...But before you get all worked up...not all sex is good for your health.  Unsafe sex can give you sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Promiscuous relationships can leave you emotionally vulnerable and psychologically devastated, according to some experts.  THE BEST SEX IS INTIMATE AND LOVING.

    photos: dreamstime

    taking care of your precious skin

    We all wanted to have timeless beauty.  Often we envy older women who are still young-looking, and sometimes even younger-looking than us.  It's just a matter of taking care of one's skin. We almost read a lot about different skin care products and anti-ageing products, the fact is, we can't stop our skin to age, it's natural.  What we can do is to help our skin still look young and fresh despite the age.  Here are the common skin problems and what we can do about it.

    When we are in our 20's
     Beautiful Young Face Stock Images
    PROBLEM: This is our best skin ever, but this is also the time when acne, pimples and blemishes appeared due to hormonal imbalance caused by stress in school, work, or relationship.           
    DAYTIME TREATMENT: Use moisturizer that fits your skin type. Use sunblock when you leave the house especially during summer.
    NIGHTTIME TREATMENT: When acne or pimples appear, use an acne medication and for acne scars, use whitening cream to lighten the marks and moisturize.

    When we are in our 30's
    Woman With Perfect Skin Stock Photography

    PROBLEM: This is the time when brown spots appear.  You will notice too fine lines around your eyes, corners of lips, that we call laugh lines. 
    DAYTIME TREATMENT: Use whitening moisturizer before applying make-up, this will reduce the brown spots.
    NIGHTTIME TREATMENT: Since the regeneration of the cells at this age take slower, use a serum or cream that would expedite skin cell turnover, there are a lot of skin reform creams in the market, use also a gentle exfoliator.

    When we are in our 40's
    Young Beautiful Woman Applying Skin Cream Royalty Free Stock Photos
    PROBLEM: The fine lines that appeared in our 30's are more visible or noticeable now.  This results to wrinkles and sagging of the face and dryness because we are nearing menopause.
    DAYTIME TREATMENT: Drink a lot of water, this would help to prevent the wrinkles to deepen. Use also a wrinkle corrector available at your favorite beauty shops.
    NIGHTTIME TREATMENT: This age needs a stronger reform/repair cream and serum than the ones we used in our 30's.

    When we are in our 50's and above
    Laughing Woman With Good Condition Of Skin Royalty Free Stock Photos
    PROBLEM: This is the age when women lacks moisture, more wrinkles appear, so avoid soaps,wash,creams and other products that would dry the skin.
    DAYTIME TREATMENT: Be careful when you choose a moisturizer, pick one that does not dry the skin, have a facial exercise to give the sagged skin a lift ( you should smile more often).
    NIGHTTIME TREATMENT: A good moisturizer before going to bed and eye/lip contour cream because these are the key areas where your age is noticed.

    Religious intake of water, enough sleep and exercise, healthy lifestyle are still the best ways to have and maintain beautiful skin as we age.
                       
    photos: dreamstime


    Tuesday, April 27, 2010

    picking out the right diy hair color

    Home coloring kits are almost as good as a salon color job, as long as you have the right product for you..  Before grabbing the box that looks good on beauty stands, try these tactics:

    1. The front of the box usually displays the hair color as worn by a pretty model.  Let's forget the front and instead check the side or back of the back because the instructions and results are there. 


    2. Remember that the model on the box is just a model.  Her hair in the photograph has been most likely enhanced. If the box doesn't include a chart, gauge that your hair will be 30% darker than what it looks like on the model, if the color you're looking at is red, blonde or ash-based.
    Offended Look Stock Photo

    3. Check the specs. Find out how long the color will take to set in, how many items there are in the kit, and how long the color will supposedly last.  You don't want to end up soaked in color for one hour if you don't have the time and alter a bunch of bottles all for color that will fade in a month.
    Woman Dyeing  Hairs Royalty Free Stock Images

    photos: dreamstime




    Come back for tom

    20th Century Fox releases the latest trailer of “Knight and Day” that tracks Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz in a superlative of stunts as they play a fugitive couple racing across the globe.
    “Knight and Day” was briefly introduced to the movie viewing public months back when its first trailer played in theaters and on the blogosphere depicting Tom Cruise as a mysterious man clad in jeans, shirt and a jacket stalking the panic-stricken Cameron Diaz who had been thrown in a cycle of cutthroat events that threaten her life.
    An action-comedy that begins when a small-town woman (diaz) has a chance encounter with a mysterious man (cruise). He is either the man of her dreams or perhaps, her nightmares. Also starring in “Knight and Day” are Peter Sarsgaard (“An 
    Education”) as a federal agent relentlessly pursuing the couple; Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as a CIA director trying to decipher the true purpose of their high-wire activities; Paul Dano (“There Will Be Blood”) as an eccentric genius behind a revolutionary technology; and Olivier Martinez (“Unfaithful”) as a ruthless arms manufacturer. Co-starring are Maggie Grace (“Taken”) and Marc Blucas (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”).
    The movie is directed by James Mangold (“3:10 to Yuma,” “Walk the Line”) from a screenplay he co-wrote with Scott Frank (“Minority Report,” “Out of Sight”). The film’s executive producers include blockbuster makers Joe Roth (“The Great Debaters”), E. Bennett Walsh (“Kill Bill”) and Arnon Milchan (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith”).
    One of the world’s largest producers and 
    distributors of motion pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation.
    “Knight and Day” opens in the Philippines on July 7 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.
    Here’s the latest trailer of Knight and Day:



    chic peepers

     When buying glasses, keep these tips when choosing and buying a pair.

    1. Get the best that you can afford.  Don't be cheap when choosing and buying a pair.  If it costs a little much, it means it will last long and you'll be able to use it daily.
    Young Woman Eye Royalty Free Stock Photo

    2. Be sure that you will choose and buy a pair that suits the shape of your face because they will not only be FUNCTIONAL but also FASHIONABLE. Big frames are good for large faces  but when worn by someone with small face, she'll definitely look like a FLY.
    Asian Chinese Woman Trying To See With Glasses Royalty Free Stock Photos

    3. Make sure that you have the correct  lens size, your eyes should be at  the center of the lens. 
    Young Woman Wearing Glasses Stock Images

    4. Glasses have to  rest comfortably and evenly on ears and align at the same level under eyebrows.
    Portrait Of The Young Woman In Glasses Royalty Free Stock Image

    5.  Aside from considering the size of the glasses in # 2, you also have to consider the shape of the glasses that will suit your face shape.  The shape of the glasses should be one that contrasts to your face shape.  The rule of thumb is like in choosing your outfit, if it's round then don't choose a style that would further the roundness, if it is elongated, then don't choose something that would make you look longer or elongated.
    For round faces, glasses with pointed or sharper frames will look good, for long face, choose round frames.  If you have squarish jaw, avoid rounded frames or square frames like this, opt for oval shapes to make your face look slimmer.


    photos: dreamstime

    At-Home Beauty Treatments # 3 Recipes for Puffy Eyes and Dark Circle

    With stress, age, and insomnia, it's no wonder your eyes look like they do. Try these simple, at-home recipes for spa-quality eye treatments.

    Green Tea Cucumber Slices
    A variation on the traditional cucumber remedy, with twice the results.

    Ingredients:
    ½ cucumber
    1 green tea bag
    Instructions:
    Brew green tea, steep, chill. Slice cucumber and add to green tea. Refrigerate until cool. Place soaked cucumber slices over eyes for 10 minutes.

    Girl Putting Sliced Cucumber On Her Eye Stock Photography

    Avocado-Almond Rinse
    A rich masque for your eyes.

    Ingredients:
    5 drops almond oil
    3 slices ripe avocado
    Instructions:
    Blend almond oil into avocado, smear around eyes. Rest 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

    Attractive Young Adult With Makeup On White Stock Photo

    Potato Puffiness Cure Cream
    Moisturize and soothe your eyes with this simple recipe.

    Ingredients:
    1/2 raw potato
    1 tsp moisturizer
    Instructions:
    Peel potato, grate finely. Measure 2 teaspoonfuls into moisturizer, mix well. Apply liberally around eyes, cover with damp cotton pads or gauze. Let rest 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
    Potato Royalty Free Stock Images


    Sour Cream & Parsley Pillows
    Reduces puffiness and increases circulation.

    Ingredients:
    2 tsp sour cream
    1 tsp fresh parsley
    2 squares cloth
    Instructions:
    Chop parsley finely, mix into sour cream. Place half of mixture into the middle of each square of cloth, fold into "pillows," put one on each eye for 10-15 minutes.
    Woman With Organic Spice Stock Photography

    photos: dreamstime 

    Old Wives Tales: believe it or not?


    1. Grandma's wisdom: Ginger is good for upset stomachs.

    Science says: Yes. Good evidence shows ginger reduces nausea.







    2. Grandma's wisdom: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

    Science says: Granny's overstating this fruit's potency. Still, the peel is a good source of quercetin, an important antioxidant that, studies suggest, helps lower blood pressure, fight asthma and allergies, and prevent heart attacks.




    Beautiful Young Blonde Woman Offering Red Apple Stock Photography


    3. Grandma's wisdom: Honey speeds healing.

    Science says: Yes. Mild to moderate burns (but not other types of wounds) heal faster if you spread honey on them -- maybe because it creates a moist, antibacterial environment that promotes tissue growth.




    Girl With Jar Of Honey Royalty Free Stock Photography


    4. Grandma's wisdom: Put butter on a burn.

    Science says: No. There's no evidence of a benefit from butter.




    Portrait Of Beautiful Blonde Woman Royalty Free Stock Photography


    5. Grandma's wisdom: Sleeping in air-conditioning can give you a chill.

    Science says: She may be onto something. Air conditioners dry out the protective layer of mucus along nasal passages, which likely allows viruses to infect you more easily. Viruses reproduce faster inside a cold nose too.

    Girl In Blanket Sleeping Royalty Free Stock Image
    6. Grandma's wisdom: If you go out with wet hair, you'll catch a cold.

    Science says: Maybe. Some research indicates (but doesn't prove) that a wet head helps cold viruses take hold, by tightening blood vessels in the nose and making it harder for white blood cells to reach the viruses and fight them off.




    Girl With Wet Hair At Beach Royalty Free Stock Photos


    7. Grandma's wisdom: Swimming after eating can lead to cramps and drowning.

    Science says: Not exactly, but not completely wrong either. After you eat, blood gets shunted to your digestive tract and away from exercising muscles. That can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in your muscles, so swimming a few laps too soon after lunch could cause a sudden (though not fatal) cramp.

    Fries At The Pool Stock Photos
    8. Grandma's wisdom: Chocolate gives you pimples.

    Science says: Not quite. Chocolate bars might trigger an acne flare-up, but if so, the culprit is probably the sugar, milk, and gooey fillings, not the cocoa.


    Woman Eating Chocolate Royalty Free Stock Photo


    photos:dreamstime