Friday, December 21, 2007

5 Home-Made Face Masks for Winter Skin Care

.5 Home-Made Face Masks for Winter Skin Care



Application of masks is one of the most ancient forms of beauty treatment all around the world. In old times, women of nobility used to apply many exotic substances on their face skin in order to keep it smooth, silky and beautiful and protect from aging and elements. In the North, traditional societies used animal and fish fats to shield their skin from cold and dry winter air.

Today, natural face masks are still popular among many women, especially those who avoid using toxic commercial products and prefer to nourish, cleanse, heal, and protect their skin with unadulterated, home-made remedies. Read here more about our specially selected winter masks for busy modern women!

1. A cultured milk mask is a simple and effective cure for tired skin. Just apply a bit of natural yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream, or kefir on your face avoiding areas around the eyes. Relax for 10-15 minutes and rinse your face with cool water. This mask softens, rejuvenates, and restores a natural pH balance of your skin, thus, protecting it from negative influences of winter air.

2. An egg white mask is good for oily skin with large pores. Smooth a beaten egg yolk all over your face, let rest for half-an-hour, and rinse with water. This mask will refresh and tighten your oily skin and will make it look much healthier than before. In the winter, it will create a natural barrier to protect your skin from harsh winds and frost.

3. An avocado mask is perfect for dry skin that may become very irritated in the winter. It is easy to make: mash the flesh of avocado with a fork, add a touch of extra-virgin olive oil, and apply this smooth, fragrant mixture onto your face. This nourishing mask will supply your skin with a whole range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and softening agents to fight winter dryness.

4. An oatmeal mask is a great remedy for skin beaten by a cold wind. To make it, mix together in equal proportions raw oatmeal flakes, egg yolk, and honey. Keep the mask on your face for about 20 minutes, wash with lukewarm water, and pat dry. After the application, your facial skin should feel very soft, refreshed, and healed.


5. If you have combination skin suffering from winter elements, try a softening banana mask. Mix mashed banana with fresh sweet cream and apply this wonderful mask all over your face for 30 minutes. It will smooth, soften, moisturize and nourish your skin whenever necessary and will make you forget about the cold, harsh, and nasty winter outside!


PS: The kind of the mask you want to use depends on your skin type.


For dry skin, try these -


an egg yolk mixed with olive oil and warmed honey
sour cream
plain olive oil
avocado


For oily skin, try these -


* dissolve a teaspoon of baking yeast in a small amount of warm milk,

wait until foamy,

then apply (best done in the bath tub)

* puree flesh of a tomato and mix with some potato flour to make a paste

* cucumber (it will whiten your skin)

* beaten egg whites with a few drops of lemon juice (great for getting rid of blackheads)* carrots.




Most Fabulous Perfumes for Winter

Most Fabulous Perfumes for Winter






















What smells so good this season? Is it your mom’s pumpkin pie? The gingerbread cookies? Or is it…you? Get a whiff of these 7 most fabulous perfumes for winter, and you could be the one smelling delectable this season.

1. Vera Wang Princess
















Embellish yourself in royalty with Vera Wang Princess. It’s an intriguing blend of floral, fruit, musk, vanilla, pink frosting, and a hint of dark chocolate…an enchanting potion for any princess. Go ahead, girls. Pay homage to your bod. Mist yourself with Vera Wang Princess…your Prince Charming is waiting.

2. Estee Lauder Dazzling Gold














No, we’re not talking jewelry either. This exquisite perfume has a floral scent that will awaken your senses in the midst of the cold season. Don’t be shy- dazzle in dawn or dusk with Estee Lauder Dazzling Gold.


3. Sensi (for women) by Giorgio Armani


















This enticing fragrance is perfect for any time of year. It’s a light, crisp scent with an oriental touch. It’s enough to make any woman feel sensual.


4. Philosophy Amazing Grace






















Amazing Grace, how sweet the scent. It’s still sweet and feminine, but only stronger due to its higher concentration than the original. Whether it’s the classic version or this upgraded version, you’ll smell graciously amazing.



5. Black Cashmere by Donna Karan






















Clothe yourself this fall and winter with Black Cashmere by Donna Karan. It’s an exotic, sophisticated perfume that’s formulated with rare spices. It’s not too strong, and it’s suitable for the season… so indulge in this scent.


6. Lauren by Ralph Lauren


















This elegant, woody fragrance is fitting for fall and winter. It’s a classic, timeless scent that never goes out of style. It even makes a great gift for Mom.



7. In Control Curious by Britney Spears














Be in control of your senses with In Control Curious by Britney Spears. It’s curiously sweet with a mysterious blend of black vanilla bean, sugared Sandalwood, and even crème brulee (just to name a few). It will make you smell deliciously sexy.



A holiday feast doesn’t have to be the only thing that smells delicious this year. Take your pick- try at least one of these fabulous fragrances.

5 Best Foundations for Winter Time




5 Best Foundations for Winter time





To achieve a flawless complexion (or at least closer to one), its imperative you start with a good base. Take a look at these five stellar foundations and you’ll be one step closer to beautiful-looking skin.



5. Benefit Cosmetics Play Sticks


















Not everyone likes applying makeup, but Benefit came up with a playful way to use foundation. Play Sticks is so easy to use, a three-year old could apply it on you. You simply doodle in any shape and blend for a smooth finish. You’re never too old to play.



4. Borghese Hydro Mineral Natural Finish Makeup


























Canvas your skin with this foundation that comes in a shampoo-esque bottle. Don’t let that throw you off, because this formula actually hydrates your face, leaving a natural, sheer finish.


3. Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup


















We probably can all agree we’d love a foundation that feels like, well, nothing. This exceptional formula by Clinique delivers just that, and has excellent concealing properties. We think that’s perfectly a wise choice.



2. Youngblood Pressed Mineral Foundation
















Youngblood Pressed Mineral Foundation is beneficial for your skin due to its unique combination of minerals and rice powder. It’s light-weight, yet offers superior coverage even for scars and other imperfections. It’s complimentary to any skin type.

1. Estee Lauder Ideal Matte Refinishing Makeup SPF 8
















This makeup from Estee Lauder is mousse-textured that provides medium coverage. It’s made with Aeropowder Technology which will make pores and lines look less apparent. This type of foundation is ideal for women with combination to oily skin.

Women who struggle with acne or other skin problems tend to shy away from foundation, fearing it will only worsen their condition. Fear not, my friends. When choosing a quality, oil-free foundation (like the ones we’ve recommended), it can only help you by making your skin’s flaws appear less noticeable. So consider making foundation your friend, not foe.




























Beauty Tips


ALL WOMEN'S TALK




5 Minute Make Up Lesson
Part I
In this video Tyra shows how to easily and quickly apply your foundation, concealer, powder and blush to achieve a perfect skin tone.
Part II
In this part Tyra shows how to beautifully highlight your eyes, and how to give your lips a seductive look in just no time.
When your make up is done, the last thing to do is to put on some stunning clothes that make you look slimmer and even more beautiful.

Beauty Care: Fresh n Cool Beauty Tips

Beauty Care: Fresh n Cool Beauty tips

Great Lips
Want sexy lips in just a few seconds? Wet a tea bag and press it against your lips for thirty seconds. The tannin acid in the tea helps to repair damaged skin cells and softens rough lips. See the difference. Put a sexy lipper, and there you are! All ready for your man!
For Perfect Skin

Make your own orange yogurt mask, by mixing a 1 tablespoon plain yogurt with the juice of 1/4 of an orange. Apply the mixture smoothly onto your face. It will have a relaxing and a cooling effect. Leave on for five minutes and then rinse. If you are feeling sluggish, this is the perfect mask for you. The yogurt will cleanse and nourish, while the orange is full of vitamin C.
Ginger Lip Balm

1 tablespoon almond oil 1 tablespoon jojoba oil 2 teaspoons cocoa butter 2 teaspoon beeswax 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil 4 drops of ginger extract (food grade) Gently heat the first four ingredients in a double boiler or heat bath until the wax and cocoa butter are melted. Stir in the vitamin E oil and ginger extract, continuing to stir until almost cool. Pour into a small lip balm container. Apply with a clean lip brush, Q-tip or cosmetic spatuala.
8 Steps to a Fabulous Facial

For deep-down cleansing and a definite improvement in skin-tone, try an at-home facial. Just once a month, will make a noticeable difference to your complexion. Follow these steps to re-create the benefits of the beauty salon in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
1. Smooth your skin with cleansing cream. Leave on for 1-2 minutes to give it time to dissolve grime, oils and stale makeups. Then gently smooth away with cottonwool.
2. Dampen your skin with warm water. Then, gently massage with a blob of facial scrub, avoiding the delicate eye area. This will loosen dead surface skin cells, and leave your skin softer and smoother. It will also prepare your complexion for the beneficial treatments to come. Rinse away with warm water.
3. Take steam for around 5 minutes, to allow the steam to warm and soften your skin. If you have any blackheads, you can try to gently remove them with tissue-covered fingers after this treatment. If you have sensitive skin, or are prone to broken veins, you should avoid this step.
4. Smooth on a face mask. Choose a clay-based one if you have oily skin, or a moisturizing one if you have dry or normal skin. Leave on for 10 minutes, or for as long as specified by the instructions on the product.
5. Rinse away the face mask with warm water. Finish off with a few splashes of cool water to close your pores and freshen your skin, then pat dry with a towel.
6. Soak a cottonwool pad with a skin toner lotion, and smooth over oily areas, such as the nose, chin and forehead.
7. Dot your skin with moisturizer and smooth in. Take the opportunity to massage your skin, as this encourages a brighter complexion and can help reduce puffiness. 8. Smooth your under-eye areas with a soothing eye cream to reduce fine lines and wrinkles., and make the skin ultra-soft.
Apple Zinger Facial Mask

The apple zinger facial mask works wonder for an oily or acne prone skin. Ingredients: 1 medium size apple, grated fine 5 tbs. honey Mix the grated apple and honey well. Smooth over skin and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. You'll see the difference. Do it at least twice a week.
Homemade Ancient Egyptian Scent

1. Prepare chips of fragrant wood (and leave them to macerate) in wine.
2. Strain through a sieve.
3. Melt a quantity of fat in a vessel. Add sweet herbs (and the liquid of the wood chips).
Keep a (slow but) steady heat and stir continuously. Cool, skim off the fat and set aside.
4. Grind herbs and spices carefully.
5. Mix herbs and spices with the fat and shape into little cakes (Leave covered overnight).
6. Place the cakes in a broad pot, (Pour water over and) boil gently, stirring all the time.
7. (Leave to cool and skim off the scented fat). Store in earthenware pots.
Soothing Summer Body Spray

1 tablespoon witch hazel1 teaspoon lemon essential/fragrance oil1 teaspoon cucumber essential/fragrance oil1 cup waterDirections:For a refreshing cool feeling, make an after shower spray by combining all the ingredients. Place in a pump spray bottle.*Note: Dont use if you have sensitive skin, the lemon may irritate it.
Combat Acne

Here are a few tips, which could help you to combat the acne problem in just a while. To stop redness and swelling in an emergency situation , ask your doctor for a cortisone injection. It calms down a pimple almost instantly. If you can't get to your dermatologist, temporarily reduce redness and swelling by dabbing on a drop of cartisone cream or Preparation H.
Puffy Eyes

I hope you people are liking these beauty tips. There are many more to come. I will add new beauty tips almost on the daily basis. So, just stay around :) Getting back to puffy eyes... To reduce puffy eyes, dip two metal spoons into a glass of iced water. Lay a small piece of thin cotton material over each eye, then place a spoon over this and leave for several minutes. To relax tired, aching eyes, place either a piece of cucumber over each, or a cold, wet teabag, for 10 minutes or so. For deep-set eyes, use lots of mascara and, to make the eyes look larger, apply blue eye liner along the inside lower lid.
Dry cracked lips and cold sore lip balm

1 oz. Emu Oil 1 oz. Almond Oil 1 oz. Avocado Oil 1/2 oz. Beeswax 1 tsp. Aloe Vera Liquid 6 drops Lavender Essential Oil 3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil 3 drops Lime or Sweet Orange Essential Oil Heat oils and beeswax in a double boiler until beeswax has melted. Let cool slightly. Stir in aloe vera, lavender, tea tree, and lime (or sweet orange) essentialoils. Pour into lip balm container As with any of these recipes, if it comes out too soft, add a little more beeswax; if it is too hard, add a drop or 2 more oil. They are really hard to mess up.. so have some fun!
EXFOLIATE to let your skin breathe... natural way

Here's a natural way to exfoliate. Wet your face and apply a couple of tablespoons of sea salt, then gently massage with a wet washcloth or fingers. Sea salt removes dry, flaky and dead skin. Focus on the T-zone and cheeks, but avoid the eye area. After one or two minutes, rinse with cold water to tighten the pores. It is important to do this regularly, or face creams will not penetrate. You can do this maximum once per week.
Fresh Face

All you need are eight to nine whole strawberries and three tablespoons of honey to get the glow. Mash the strawberries into a pulp and add honey. Mix the two well. Don't blend it or it will get runny. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and apply the mixture directly to the skin and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

A Fresh Start: Our 10 Beauty Tips for the New Year

A Fresh Start: Our 10 Beauty Tips for the New Year
















Out with the old, in with the do: Our countdown of style changes will have you looking great in ’08

10 Change Your Part:

The middle part is back in a big way, whether you wear your hair in layers like Beyoncé or channel Halle’s blunt cut. Think of it as your ten-second shortcut to effortless sex appeal. Keep it chic with a shine spray ike Dr. Miracle’s Healing Oil Sheen Spray ($8, Sally Beauty stores).

Update Your Bob

It’s a surefire way to freshen flat, lifeless hair. The perfect length for a fab bob? Top stylists say anything shoulder length and above. If you’re too scissor shy to go short, opt for a good trim. Just an inch will give your style more mileage.
8 Rock the Latest Accessories

Whether you pin up your hair with a beautiful comb or pull it back under a colorful headband, nothing adds instant attitude like the right accent piece. We love this Swarovski hair clip and Miu Miu and Swarovski headbands.

Out with the old, in with the do: Our countdown of style changes will have you looking great in ’08

















Do It Up Right

From the red carpet to the silver screen, celebrities are wearing upswept looks that are sexy and sophisticated, not stiff (read: no more slick-and-set gel styles).


Ready for top billing? Pull hair up or tie it back, letting strands fall naturally into place. A wide-tooth comb and a light holding spray like S-Factor Vivacious Hair Spray ($26, beauty salons nationwide) are the only supporting cast this production needs.

Create–or Update–Bangs

The best ones slim the face and soften features.


For a fresher look, cut or grow your bangs to just above your lashes. And try a different shape: side sweeps work best for rounder faces like Queen Latifah’s; straight or asymmetrical bangs look great on oval faces like Rihanna’s. Keep yours looking fabulous, not frizzy, with Luster’s Renutrients Replenishing Style Créme (about $6, drugstores).


Add ExtensionsOur favorite new hair accessory?

Clip-on hair extensions, like Euronext 100% Premium Remy Human Hair Clip-in Extensions ($70, Sally Beauty stores). They make it easy to achieve a fabulous style, as well as add thickness and volume to your look. Even better: Clip-on extensions don’t require as much time—or money—as a full weave.

Do It Up Right

From the red carpet to the silver screen, celebrities are wearing upswept looks that are sexy and sophisticated, not stiff (read: no more slick-and-set gel styles). Ready for top billing? Pull hair up or tie it back, letting strands fall naturally into place. A wide-tooth comb and a light holding spray like S-Factor Vivacious Hair Spray ($26, beauty salons nationwide) are the only supporting cast this production needs. 6 Create–or Update–BangsThe best ones slim the face and soften features. For a fresher look, cut or grow your bangs to just above your lashes. And try a different shape: side sweeps work best for rounder faces like Queen Latifah’s; straight or asymmetrical bangs look great on oval faces like Rihanna’s. Keep yours looking fabulous, not frizzy, with Luster’s Renutrients Replenishing Style Créme (about $6, drugstores).


Add Extensions

Our favorite new hair accessory? Clip-on hair extensions, like Euronext 100% Premium Remy Human Hair Clip-in Extensions ($70, Sally Beauty stores). They make it easy to achieve a fabulous style, as well as add thickness and volume to your look. Even better: Clip-on extensions don’t require as much time—or money—as a full weave.

Take a short cut

Short can be chic: Think Kelis or Keyshia Cole. If you’re a girl on the move who likes to just shake it and go, a close crop is the look for you. Keep it funky with a sculpting wax like Pantene Pro-V Texturize! ($4, drugstores nationwide), and don’t forget to keep sides and back smooth and sleek with an Umberto Beverly Hills boar and nylon brush ($13, Target stores.)


Out with the old, in with the do: Our countdown of style changes will have you looking great in ’08


Go Back to Your Roots
If you’re considering growing out your relaxer and going natural, there’s no time like the present to make the transition. To help with those in-between stages, use a curling cream like Kinky-Curly Curling Custard ($25, kinky-curly.com). They’re great for smoothing down new growth, defining waves or curls, and adding moisture.
Play With Texture
Curls and waves add volume and body. Here are a few stylists’ tricks from our photo shoot: For natural hair, two-strand twist or plait wet or dry hair, then pin-curl to set at night; release in the morning for beautiful waves. If your hair is relaxed, reach for hot rollers—the pros’ go-to gadget. Try using the Profiles Spa 20 Piece Tourmaline Hairsetter Rollers ($50, sallybeauty.com) instead of a curling iron to achieve lush, romantic curls. For extra volume, set hair at the crown.
Pump Up Your Color
Make a statement in the season’s hottest hues. Deep, warm colors like reds and dark browns always look best against winter’s frigid backdrop. If you are a dye-hard blond, try getting lowlights— a method of streaking hair with darker shades to give lighter colors added dimension. Can’t get to the salon? Color at home with Dark and Lovely Fade-Resistant Rich Conditioning Color in Soft Amber ($5, drugstores). Are you planning to use one of our hair tips or one of your own in 2008?

BEAUTY tips to stay Fresh

BEAUTY tips to stay Fresh

Just a couple of beauty tips to keep makeup fresh and hair looking great.

If your eyemakeup creases while you are out, just use your finger tip and tap, not push or smudge, tap eye shadow with finger tip.

This will redistribute eye makeup and rid of crease.Need volume in hair in a hurry, but no comb. Put head upside down and with your fingers rough up your scalp.

Then place head upright and use two fingers like a comb and "tease" your hair . Hair in between two fingers and run up and down near root area to create lift.Place your hair carefully with your hands and voila...volume. Exfoliate your skin with nature.....crush some almond nuts in food processor or blender. Place into mesh bag or cheesecloth bag. Wet face then use round circles onto your face to exfoliate.

If you mix crushed almonds with plain yogurt you make a paste to apply to your face. Almond oils are extremely healthy for your skin and the yogurt will help tighten skin. Sounds good enough to eat!!Have a very wonderful day everybodyEllencurly