Beauty Tips

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

Girly Girl's Beauty Guide to Camping & Outdoor Vacations

If you want to maintain your beautiful image, never go camping. You may be able to survive a hike of beauty with some waterproof makeup products that can stay put for up to 18 hours. But if you'd like to experience Yosemite or Yellowstone and would rather sleep under the stars than at the Best Western, you don't have to give in entirely to Mother Nature's plan to cover you in dirt, sweat and mosquito bites. Read on for tips to being as gorgeous as possible at the campground of your choice.Ideally, you can start each day with a warm shower.

Look for campgrounds that provide running water and "comfort stations", bathrooms with showers and sinks. Hot water (or warm water, in a pinch), is a great cleanser for a gal who's spent the days wandering through the underbrush. If you must, even a cold shower may be preferable to none at all. Most national parks have campgrounds with restrooms, but they get booked up early, so make sure when planning your trip to make your reservations in plenty of time to get a prime location.

1. Bug repellent
If there's a lake or a river, if temperatures are in the seventies or higher, if humidity is over 50%, you'll be wanting mosquito repellent. If you're planning to have children ever, read the label before buying repellents: some can cause reproductive harm. (Let's not take this particular moment to discuss why the FDA allows the sale of products that are known to cause birth defects. Then, we'd have to talk about the tobacco industry, and the petroleum industry, and we don't have time for that just now.)

--Editors Tip ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Tried and True Bug Repellant that Smells and Feel Great (Without DEET)

Want a bug repellant that doesn't contain carcinogens? Want to eat an apple while hiking without having to first wash with hot, soapy water? Herbal products on the market combine all-natural ingredients to make moderately effective bug sprays. Containing citronella, peppermint or catnip and other herbs, some bug sprays work better than others, but many herbal sprays don't seem to do a thing when you're in really buggy places; the mosquitoes swarm just as they always do.

One product has repelled mosquitoes and other things that buzz and bite. Burt's Bees Natural Insect Repellent, not only smells lovely but also repels mosquitoes better than chemical bug repellants.It has no dangerous chemicals, no DEET. But the bugs stay away!

Visit Avon online to order your Burt's Bees supply today and keep bugs away all year round without smelling like a medicine cabinet.

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After three days in a national park and a couple of five-mile-hikes through mosquito-infested meadows, I found a product called Herbal Armor, (available from www.allterrainco.com) a combination of citronella, peppermint, cedar, lemon grass and geranium oils in a base of beeswax and natural vegetable oils that kept me bite-free for the rest of the trip. I didn't test it at peak bug times, but I liked its natural, petrochemical-and-cruelty-free makeup. With the West Nile virus still growing and spreading west, bug repellents are becoming more than comfort products--they're important protection from a nasty illness.

2. Wet Wipes
A way to wash without running water. Nice smell, antibacterial. Portable. Perfect.

3. Water, and Lots of It
Drinking water is always important, and if you're hiking, you'll need even more of it. Best-case scenario, you'll have drinking water at your campsite and will just need to pack in enough for the hike. If you happen to have water for washing too, that's even better.

You can wash in streams (use biodegradable soap) and lakes, but don't drink water unless you know it's potable (there are signs at campgrounds saying whether the water is potable and can be drunk, or not). Water fresh from a bubbling spring is certainly attractive, but if a deer or raccoon (or gopher or bear) has also been attracted to water upstream from you, it may very well be contaminated with bacteria and parasites. If you're in parkland or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, or even federally managed "wilderness", the water may also be contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, runoff from logging and mine tailings, and god-knows-what. I guess the lesson here is, find out as much as you can about where you're going before you leave, and make your bathing plans accordingly.

4. The Right Clothes
You can buy clothes with UV protective qualities combined with breathability. Try REI or other outdoor clothing retailers. You should have a hat, not only to keep the sun off, but to protect your head from hanging brambles, and, in cold weather or rough country, a knit cap to sleep in is also a good idea. (I have a friend who once woke screaming because a field mouse, also screaming, had gotten tangled in her long hair.)

Clothes should fit closely enough that they won't catch on things when you're running from a bear, but loosely enough so that nothing chafes. People with sensitive skin may not be able to tolerate long hikes in heavy denim, the seams of which can rub delicate skin. Cargo pants in cotton blends may provide smooth fabric with extra storage space in the form of pockets. (But if you're more concerned about looking svelte than in extra pockets, skip the cargo pants: they tend to make most of us look hippy.)

Layering is crucial, because you're going to heat up when hiking, cool down after camp's setup, and maybe get really cold in the mountain evening. My favorite outdoor piece is an ultra-thin, silk long-john shirt I found at a thrift store five years ago. It weighs about an ounce, but slipped on under a shirt, provides the equivalent of a whole sweater's worth of warmth.

5. Animal Repellents
Animal repellents such as pepper spray, bear spray and dog spray can all be essential safety and self defense items that are perfect for the outdoors. You never know what type of dangerous situation your could find yourself in out in the wilderness either with a human attacker, wild bear or vicious mountain lions. A defense spray on hand will give you time to escape to safety.

Ways to Cover Grays

If visions of biweekly trips to the salon for constant upkeep are running through your head, think again. Even pros, who make their living off coloring hair, are huge proponents of covering grays at home. "A DIY kit is perfect for the woman who doesn't have time for the salon, has a sense of adventure about her hair color or who is on a budget," says Jason Backe. And, with expert advice and product recommendations, your hair is guaranteed to look just as fabulous leaving your house as it would the salon.

• Do-it-all dye
• A gentle solution
• Nourish brittle gray strands
• For a little touch-up
• A special coloring pen

You may be a goddess in the kitchen, but what if those homemade delights weren't made for the refined pallet, and instead used to refine flaky skin? Do your recipes measure up in the spa? Homemade beauty recipes are cheap, green and all the rage. Fluff up that recipe book with these lotions and potions made from fresh citrus.

Lemon Facial Scrub

1 Part Sunkist lemon zest
1 Part powdered milk
2 Parts almond meal
1/2 Part fresh Sunkist lemon juice

Great for oily skin, this fragrant recipe will wake up a dull complexion with a zesty kick.

Strawberry Drawing Facial Mask

2 Cup fresh strawberries
1 Tablespoon fresh milk
1 Tablespoon rice flour or cornstarch

Mash together all ingredients to make a smooth paste. Spread over your face and neck, and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry. Use twice weekly and watch the antioxidants magically reduce lines and smooth out your complexion.

Zesty Sugar Scrub

3/4 Cup of organic sugar
1/4 Cup fresh Sunkist grapefruit juice
1/4 Cup grapeseed oil
1 Tablespoon honey

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Apply to your hands by dipping a sliced grapefruit in the grapefruit sugar mixture. In addition to the massaging skin benefits, the grapefruit will also work to brighten nails. Follow the treatment with a luke-warm soaked wash cloth.

Sunkist Sugar Spa Scrub

2 Cups granulated sugar
2 Cups olive oil or almond oil
2 Tablespoons finely zested Sunkist lemon peel
2 Tablespoons finely zested Sunkist grapefruit peel

Blend all the ingredients together and massage onto wet hands or body for a full minute. Then rinse. Sugar acts as a natural exfoliant and humectant, while the citrus and oil are effective cleansers and skin brighteners

Avocado body mask

2 Avocados, thoroughly mashed into a paste
3 Tablespoons sea salt or kosher salt
1/4 Cup honey
Grated rind of two fresh lemons, along with the juice
1/4 Cup organic coconut oil

Mix all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be that of a thin sour cream. Apply to your skin for 10 to 15 minutes and then scrub off with warm water. This cooling scrub will help reduce wrinkles and signs of age. Keep unused portion in refrigerator for two to three days.

Grapefruit Foot Tonic

1 Gallon grapefruit juice (no pulp)
1 Sliced grapefruit (pink or yellow)
2 Limes (1 sliced in wheels, the other halved)
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
1 Shot glass vodka

This one is a bit more complicated, but you won't regret the effort. Follow these directions diligently, and find your dainty feet sexier than ever and as soft as feathers.

Pour 1/4 cup sugar into a small bowl and place lime half on top. Heat the grapefruit juice on the stove or in the microwave until warm, but not hot. Pour heated juice into a large basin, add shot of vodka, and garnish with sliced grapefruit and lime. Soak feet for a few minutes. Then, dip a lime half into the sugar and squeeze out a bit of the juice. Use lime to gently apply sugar to feet in a circular motion to exfoliate rough skin. Repeat with remaining sugar and the other lime half. Rinse well. Follow with lotion.

Banana and Lemon Foot Massage

1/2 Sunkist Lemon
2 Bananas
2 Tablespoons of fine sea salt
2 Tablespoons of grapeseed oil

Slice bananas into a bowl and mash. Add the juice of the lemon and the rest of the ingredients and mix together. Massage the mixture into your feet and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, dry thoroughly and apply lots of moisturizer. Now, relax. Ahh, there must be bananas in pedicure heaven.

Citrus Body Oil

1 Ounce jojoba oil
10 Drops grapefruit essential oil
5 Drops tangerine essential oil
2 Drops lemon essential oil

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container. This oily concoction cleanses and rejuvenates leaving you with porcelain skin fit for a princess. But be careful! The essential oils can cause sun sensitivity

Lemon Dandruff Treatment

Death to dandruff! Try this sour dish to fix those nasty flakes. Combine the ingredients and rub gently onto scalp. After 15 minutes, rinse, and then shampoo and condition as usual.

For more on homemade skincare

Dressing a Tall Womens Figure in Longer Length Clothes Sizes and Where to Find Clothing

Tall women come in two types: models, and the rest of us. Although in the Western world, men and women have been growing taller and taller over the generations, women over 5 ft 8" are considered tall when it comes to clothing manufacturers, who apparently measure their profits in the extra inch or two it would take to make tall women (or plus size women) comfortable in their clothes. Tall women also run the risk of becoming terrifically shy, since they tend to shoot up like bamboo while the nastiest little boys in junior high are still all mouth and no brains. Being tall makes it nearly impossible for girls to disappear, which lets them in for a lot of teasing and mental torture. The lucky girls use their height to establish an athletic career, and can pound short, nasty boys into the turf, but the rest of us just suffer through it and hope to exact our revenge in college.

Be Proud of Your Tall Model Like Height

There is no way to look less tall. Let's just get that out of the way right now. Slouching, if anything, makes women look taller, which may be why the flappers affected a bizarre, S-shaped posture that made them look like they had belly cramps. Tall was sexy then, even with cramps.

In fact, tall is sexy now, but if you were one of those tormented, willowy teens, you may not have gotten over the trauma of living in a world where it's better to be mediocre than to stand out in any way from the crowd. If you have problems accepting that tall is sexy, note the fact that most girls can't even consider a modeling career if they're under 5 ft 9".

High Heels vs. Flat Shoes

Fashionistas tell tall gals to wear flats, maybe because fashion is based on the idea that no matter what you look like, you should attempt the opposite. Flat shoes don't add height, but they also don't do much for your legs. If you're going to be tall, (and, clearly you are), have fabulous legs and great posture to match. Downplay your height, and you downplay a positive attribute: play it up, and you're operating in a whole new league: real, individual, unapologetic style.

Worried About Dating a Shorter Men - Don't Be!

Here's another radical idea. If you're uncomfortable dating men who are shorter than you, don't bother. You don't owe any favors to a guy who's probably dating you because he likes your looks: you should like his looks, and if short guys don't appeal to you, don't waste their time or yours. Tall men are often looking for tall women for very practical reasons: they're easier to dance with, and they make a tall man feel like he's out with a woman, not a doll. You have every right to date men you find appealing.

Dress in Clothes to Flatter Your Tall Body Type

Play up your height with tall clothes: long lines, knee-high boots (with heels), long hair. Look for bias-cut dresses, straight skirts and fitted blouses. Don't ever try to minimize your arms, legs, hands or neck; they are sexy features, and longer is better. Pay homage to them with opera-style gloves, sheer, sheer hose, nicely-filed gleaming nails and ropes of pearls.

I hope this has given you a different perspective: a higher perspective than most articles that purport to address the concerns of tall women and then put them in ugly shoes.

Omiru

Omiru is an amazing blog about fashion, but not the crazy out there fashion that no one can wear; it’s all about style for everyone!

One of my favorite features that I want to talk about right off the bat are the amazing fashion polls where you get to weigh in on what you think about a certain trend. For example the last poll I participated in was about Jumpers/Rompers, and whether they were really something people would wear. So it’s interesting to see how the results of the polls turn out and as soon as the results are posted another poll is put up for you to vote on. I love it!

The style is set up blog style, so you just scroll down to check out the latest content, and then you use the Previous Posts or Next Post buttons at the bottom of the page to navigate. You can also check out the feature articles on the right side menu.

What I love about this site is that it is directed at everyone, both men and women; it follows the trends and helps you figure out what is really feasible. It also discusses fit and figure flattery, to help you figure out how to look your best.

I love this site’s gumption for providing realistic style tips for all people!

http://www.omiru.com

~Amanda

Spring Cleaning for Healthy Skin: Pamper Yourself!

By Susan Evans, MD

http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/susan-evans-md/spring-cleaning-healthy-skin-pamper-yourself

As we shed our winter coats and the harsh winter comes to a close, it’s time to remember that our skin also is undergoing changes; it is a time to shed the upper layer of skin and begin working on our new summer glow. Spring is the Season of regeneration, regrowth, and renewal. Spring is the time we should revitalize our bodies both inside and out.

Winter, with its low humidity and recycled air (from your indoor heating system) can wreak havoc on your skin, robbing it of fresh natural air and nutrition. This can leave your skin looking dull and dry, both of which accentuate premature wrinkling.

In particular knees, elbows and feet take a beating from heavy winter clothes and boots. We tend to forget these covered-up areas.

I always feel that in order to create the best look on the outside we have to begin with an internal strategy. We should adjust our diet to minimize any accumulated toxins.

Berries and red grapes – We're talking just about any berry that is red or blue: Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, acai berries, gogi berries all contain phytochemicals that destroy cancer cells both in culture form and in the liver.
Green tea – The catechins (EGCG) in green tea have anti-cancer properties that prevent and reduce breast and other cancers.
Flaxseed – Contains lignins that have cancer-fighting properties.
Garlic, onions, leeks – Just about any part of the allium family has been shown to reduce various types of cancers including stomach and colorectal cancer, prostate and breast cancers, as well as a number of other more common cancers.
Broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cruciferous vegetables – Men who eat broccoli 4 times a week have proven that their prostate cancer diminishes. Similar effects have been found when cabbage, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts are eaten. Of note, broccoli sprouts have been shown to demonstrate 20 times the cancer fighting properties of plain broccoli!
Tomatoes – Lycopene is the key ingredient in tomatoes and its benefits are even greater when tomatoes are cooked, so pasta sauces, pizza sauces, etc. are especially good. Studies have identified progress in the areas of prostate, breast, lung, and colon cancer. The FDA is currently disputing these studies (all 72 of them), but most experts believe that the FDA's study is flawed.
Resveratrol found in red wine – Let's hear it for red wine! Resveratrol has been shown to have very powerful cancer-fighting properties that suppress abnormal cell growth which can cause many kinds of breast cancer. Resveratrol blocks the action of estrogen, which is largely responsible for breast cancer. Early studies in lab mice show similar results in prostate cancer. One glass a day should do it.

Improve the way we moisturize our body
Once we have addressed our spring nutritional goals, our next step is to change any winter skin regimen that may not work as well during spring. The heavy moisturizing cream used in the winter months may be too heavy for spring. Switch to a lighter, oil-free formula instead, but still pay close attention to the skin around your eyes and mouth. Don't forget to apply sunscreen every time you leave the house.

Begin exfoliating your body
Putting away winter clothes means exposing more skin. To exfoliate, begin with a gentle process and move from head to toe. Products that are papaya-based and contain alpha-hydroxy and salycilic acid compounds are the best to remove dead skin cells, and promote collagen renewal for healthy new spring skin cells.

20 Beauty Secrets Every Teen Should Know

Or, What We Wish We Knew 20 Years Ago

"No, I'm not! I'm not a tomboy! I love my makeup! That's not true! I'm not a tomboy!" -- Hilary Duff, Academy Award-winning actress

There's nothing worse than getting advice from older people, we know, we know, but the truth is some advice is worth taking and keeping, especially when it comes to fun beauty tips. We've been reading fashion magazines and testing beauty products for years. In this time, we've read 1000s of beauty tips, tried 1000s of products, but only a few are worth keeping around. So, here we share with you the 20 things we wish we knew when we were teenagers.

1. Skip the foundation If you have acne the first thing you want to do is slather on the thick foundation. Don't. Foundation is for women over 35. Not only will it cover up your natural beauty, but foundation on a teenager looks anything but natural. Instead, cover up blemishes with concealer, then follow with a powder or tinted mosturizer. Tinted moisturizers tend to be lighter than heavy foundations.

2. You pat concealer in, you never rub it in We know this from watching the Tyra Banks show. When applying concealer, put a bit on the pad of your middle finger and pat it in. Never rub. Got acne? Pat the concealer on top of it.

3. Play up your lips or your eyes, never both If you are wearing heavy eye makeup, go for nude lips with just a bit of gloss. Prefer the drama of dark lipstick? Keep face light (stay away from heavy blush) and wear only mascara on your eyes and a light eyeshadow. Don't heavily line your eyes. Play up both and you'll look like a clown.

And never, ever line lips in a darker color than your gloss or lipstick.

4. Less is more Ever notice how some of your friends look best with no makeup at all? No matter your age, too much makeup makes you look worse. If you wear foundation, powder, blush, liner, mascara, eyeshadow, lip liner and gloss on an everyday basis, then you're overdoing it. Tone it down: All you really need is a great mascara, concealer for blemishes and gloss. Add a pop of blush in winter.

5. Natural hair is always hot If you have super dark hair, lighten your look by going a shade darker or getting lighter highlights. Blonde? Try highlights, especially framing the face. We see too many teens lightening their hair several shades and the look can be super-tacky, not super-fabulous. The trick is to let people assume you were born with sun-kissed hair, not that you gave yourself a bad dye job from a bottle. More hair color tips here.

6. Vaseline is your best friend Vaseline is a great, cheap eye makeup remover. It's also great for fixing chapped, scaly lips. Slather on a bunch of Vaseline, then use a toothbrush to massage lips. Wipe the excess off on a tissue. Your lips will be smooth and soft.

7. You can never go wrong with layers Long layers are great for any hair type: Super curly, straight or wavy. It makes thin hair appear thicker, curly hair appear manageable and wavy hair appear just-got-back-from-the-beach sexy. Just make sure you don't get too many layers cut in. Too many short layers is dated.

8. Acne? Get thee to a dermatologist, stat Biggest mistake people with acne make? Not going to a dermatologist. Forget those $150 jeans you covet. Getting rid of those pimples will be the best investment you'll ever make. And the only guaranteed way to do it is with a dermatologist.

9. Spend money on key beauty products Not sure what to splurge on and what to save on? I give you the scoop in this article. See if you should splurge or save on cleansers, mascara, concealer and more.

10. Buying foundation or lipstick? Test it first There are some beauty products you simply must try out at a department store or Sephora before you buy. These include: Foundation, lipstick, blush and powder.

Buy these products in a grocery store and you'll be lucky if you picked the right color for your skin tone. What you can get away with without testing: Mascara, eye liner, most basic eye shadows and lip gloss.

11. When can you skip sunscreen ? Never Here's a trick we wish we knew: The first beauty product you should apply every day is sunscreen, even if it's cloudy or rainy outside. Why? Good habits start young and if you use sunscreen now, you'll have gorgeous skin when you're 50, 60, 70. Remember, the sun's UV rays can penetrate clouds and car windows.

12. Wrapping hair around the barrel creates waves There's nothing cooler than long, layered waves. To get them, wind hair AROUND the barrel of a large curling iron. Reverse direction for each 2-inch section (wind up for one, down for another).

13. Self-tanner will always stink Unfortunately, even the best ones smell. Your best bet is to apply self-tanner a good 24 hours before an important event and take a shower (don't loofah) to wash off any smell. For really big events like a dance or wedding, consider a professional spray tan. These are pricey and don't last long, so make sure to do it a day before the big event.

14. Don't let nails go Not into manicures and pedicures? No worries. Just make sure to keep nails clean and the same length. If you do want to paint them, don't keep the polish on until half of it's chipped away. Also, there's nothing worse than too-long toenails. Keep nails clipped between pedicures! People tend to judge others by the care they put into their hands and feet.

15. Don't line the inside of your eyes It will make your eyes appear smaller. Instead, line just at the lash line. Also, an obvious line doesn't look natural. Smudge the line just a bit.

16. Oily hair? Invest in a dry shampoo If you have blonde hair, sprinkling a bit of baby powder on your roots and at your crown will soak up excess oils. If you have brown hair, you might be better off with a dry shampoo for your hair color.

17. Shave legs at the end of the shower Cut down on nicks and cuts by making shaving the very last step in your shower or bathing ritual. Nine more shaving tips here

18. Know your best feature and play it up What feature do people comment on most? Play it up. If you're told you have Angelina Jolie lips, make sure to wear gloss and play with bold lipstick colors. If it's your eye color people love, find eyeshadow colors that complement them and make sure to wear mascara. Also, know what color shirts look best on you and go shopping.

19. Scrubs are great for dry skin If you have dry, itchy skin in winter, invest in a scrub and handmitts and scrub away in the bathtub. Make sure to slather on a thick moisturizer afterward. For dry, callousy feet, buy a pumice stone. They work better than any of the other wimpy options on the market.

20. Remember: Beauty is mostly internal Think about a girl you know who's overweight yet all the guys love her. Why? Because she's confident. If you aren't wearing makeup and your toes haven't been repainted in weeks, if you're happy and smiling you will still be 10 times prettier than the mopey cheerleader sitting next to you in class. Trust us (wink).

How to Prevent Chronic Halitosis By Learning What Causes Your Bad Breath

I once took a class in Argentine Tango, which was set up so that men and women constantly exchanged partners while learning the stylized steps. That was okay, but there was one guy who had zero rhythm, and three minutes of trying to tango with him (counting to himself and still failing his steps miserably) was like a stumbling, cursing lifetime. But dancing with that poor klutz (I'm no Pavlova, by the way) was nothing compared to the man whose breath was so bad, I had to fight to hold my own breath or simply go mad.

In the few steps where we turned away from each other, I had to gasp for a fresh breath of air, then turn for the next hellish step into the miasma. I felt bad for the man at first: clearly, taking a tango class wasn't going to make him popular with women as long as he could not get rid of his bad breath. But soon, I started to hate him: how could he not know the effect his breath had on others? Why wouldn't he chew a mint, for crying out loud?

It was so bad that I actually considered telling him, a total stranger, that he should chew gum so I could bear to dance with him. I didn't have to go that far, though, because in the end, I met a lovely, sexy, middle-aged psychologist who was not only a fine and graceful dancer, but who smelled nice and liked to dance with me. He managed to show up in front of me more and more often in the partner exchanges, and soon, I hardly danced with anyone else.

--Editors Tip ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Not sure how unfresh your breath really is?
Learn how you can tell if you have bad breath on the spot.

We all know that huffing your breath into your cupped hand and taking a deep breath is no real indicator of how bad your breath really smells. It has been proven that it is scientifically impossible for you to "smell" your own halitosis. Our bodies prevent us from smelling our own odors, so that we have the proper senses to smell our surroundings (i.e. danger, food, etc.).

If you don't have another person around that you feel comfortable asking to check your breath (perhaps because you are on a first date . . .), then try this new smelly breath sensing product. The Bad Breath Detective test strips from Therabreath read the amount of sulfur in your saliva, which will indicate the level of halitosis you have. These testing strips are small enough to fit into your purse for emergencies like a date or important business meeting.

If you are still interested in learning more about the causes and treatments for halitosis, download this free health guide The Bath Breath Bible.

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Preventing bad breath from occurring or at least affecting others

I brush my teeth about five times a day, and chew gum too. I good swish of mouthwash can be quite refreshing after a garlic filled dinner as well. But there have been times when forays into Vietnamese cooking or beer-and-pizza-with-the-guys has left my mouth less than fresh, which is why I carry gum in my purse for emergencies. This is a quick, temporary solution to curing lunchtime bad breath. While some people swear by breath mints, I've found that they don't do much for eliminating your breath once they're gone.

Natural Solution to Stop Bad Breath

If you don't want to get into any serious breath medications, there simpler more natural products available. For super-halitosis emergencies, you can use Breath Assure, which is nothing more than capsules of parsley oil. You don't chew them (I tried it once and was rewarded with a strong, sweet, oily taste that made me look like my friends' cat the day we tried to give him Benadryl to reduce the swelling from a spider bite. The vet didn't specify the type, just the dosage, and the liquid baby-dose Benadryl made him foam at the mouth for two hours. It was extremely unnerving.) The parsley oil works wonders, eliminating garlic breath and sweetening the breath for hours. Maybe that's why Greek, Turkish and Arabic cuisines combine parsley with lemon and garlic for relishes, salads and sauces.

If you are on a date and in a pinch with absolutely no breath prevention methods on hand, try eating the parley sprig most restaurants place of their plates as decoration. It's free, easily available, and it works! Just be discreet so your date doesn't catch on to your halitosis worries.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath that comes from food is easily finished off by brushing your teeth, scraping your tongue, flossing, gum chewing or the aforementioned Breath Assure, but chronic bad breath can be a symptom of other problems health problems such as tooth decay, sinus infection, gum disease, or stomach problems. Eating disorders can also create halitosis from the stomach acids churned up by hunger or by vomiting. If you (or the guy in your tango class) experience chronic bad breath, the first thing to do is get to your dentist for a checkup. After ruling out possible dental care issues, your dentist may recommend a visit to the doctor to rule out other illnesses.

Home Treatment Remedy for Halitosis

Old mouthwashes contained alcohol and mint flavorings. New mouthwashes include zinc and chlorine dioxide. Zinc stops the process that creates the sulfur compounds in the mouth, which are largely responsible for causing bad breath. Chlorine dioxide kills the sulfur that's already present. You may decide to add mouthwash to your regular hygiene program whether or not you have other health issues that need to be resolved in order to stop chronic halitosis for good.

Stop a Nail Biting Habit with Proper Natural Nail Care

The first thing we can all do in having good-looking hands is to keep them
clean by washing regularly. It’s amazing how many people (guys especially, but some women and girls too) walk around with grubby non manicured finger nails. Get a nail brush and put it by the sink, so it’s convenient whenever you wash your hands. An added plus of a nail brushing your fingers is the way it feels: those soft bristles and the luxurious soapy lather take your hands on a daily very mini spa vacation. Always follow up with a nice hand cream or lotion to keep your hands moisturized

Stop nail biting. Break your toddler or child's habit early.

Beautiful hands and nail care start with basics, and not having raggy, bleeding cuticles is a primary step in having presentable hands. Granted, one of the hardest habits to break is to stop fingernail biting, but it’s also one of the more disfiguring things that can happen to a hand. We all know someone who bites their nails to the quick, then starts on those ragged cuticles. Nail-biting usually starts in early childhood as a toddler with some people never outgrowing it, while others only revert to nail-biting in times of stress.

A finger nail biting cure that helped remedy 18 year old girl's problem from when she was a child.

I know a New York woman who stopped biting her nails when she was eighteen, because she wanted to be a flight attendant, and she had read in one of those “How to Be a Flight Attendant” guides, that bitten nails would keep her from being accepted into “Smile School”. (It was a long time ago, when airlines also had age limitations for stewardesses.) I admired her greatly as she stopped through sheer willpower.

At first, she went retro and wore gloves a lot. She also started carrying a nail file in her purse so that when a nail got split or roughened, she could take care of it on the spot. She wore gloves because taking off a glove to bite a nail is a great way to make yourself pause and consider, and then stop the behavior before it starts. She never did become a flight attendant, but she did have her hands photographed for a newspaper ad for the Chicago manicure and nail salon that she frequented and once more a few years later for a Los Angeles nail care and manicure salon.

Nail care and nail biting products

There are some products on the market to stop nail-biting, super-hot or bitter things to paint on your nails. I've heard some nail-biters say that the nasty taste didn't stop them, but they must work for some people.

--Editors Tip ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Attention Nail Bitters - Where to Seek Help

I am not a nail biter myself, but I have had several visitors point us at this website that specializes in products to stop nail biting.

Find more information and helpful products to help you stop this unconscious bad habit, check out this nail biting help resource.

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Finally, for nail-biters and non-nail-biters alike, hand cream right before bed is a great way to keep your skin smooth. When things are looking rough (or if you’re a biter who’s trying to quit), you can get some wonderfully thin cotton gloves, slather on a hand cream like Sephora’s Bliss Glamour Glove Gel and glove up until morning. The cotton will keep the hand cream off the pillows and on your hands where it belongs. And for a real spa-treatment, get some little cotton socks and give your feet the same experience.

Nail polish shows off those fingers.

And for a little something extra try a nice bright nail polish for your next manicure. OPI nail products give a great professional finish that looks like you went to a manicure salon or spa. But buyer beware of the "fake" acrylic manicure. Your own natural nails are better than using fake "glue on" nails. If your manicurist doesn't properly clean tier tools, acrylic nail application can cause the dreaded nail fungus that has to be specially treated for months at a time. My advice save the acrylic french manicure for a special event or occasion like attending the Boston symphony in a black sleek gown.

Apply Sunless Tanning Lotion & Avoid Skin Cancer Risks

There is something to be said for a golden, California-style tan, but spending hours tanning under the blazing solar disk is more of a skin-cancer risk than it is a fine tanning option. You could go all out and spent a hundred dollars getting a spray-on tan from a salon, but you risk losing control over the shade. For a few measly bucks, hide those pasty legs to the computer and buy some Neutrogena’s Instant Bronze sunless tanning and bronzer in one at the local drugstore. It’s a soft foam that provides instant color, then develops a tan as well.

Sunless Tanning Lotions: How they Work?

Tanning lotions and creams are basically a way of dying your skin a lovely, summertime hue without exposing yourself to harmful radiation. Tanning in its most primitive form is the same thing: UV rays interact with the melanin in your skin, turning it brown and dying you from the inside out. With a store-bought tan and bronzer, you can start out golden, and any incidental color you happen to pick up in the course of your summer is just gravy.

--Editors Tip ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Show off Your Tan with a Swim Suit that Flatters Your Body Type

If you're working on a tan (or applying your sunless tan), you're probably planning to show off the perfect swimsuit. You may even want a swimsuit for tanning in! What to find a bathing suit that works with your shape and coloring? Want an all-over tan, but don't want to get naked at the beach? Buy an opaque mesh suit that lets in the sunlight—but you'll need sunscreen all over too! Don't want a single UV ray to spoil your alabaster skin? There are suits made especially to block the sun's rays.

Swimsuit shopping has reduced many strong women to tears, so when you're ready to find the right suit, look at all your options. With more separates, and sexy new styles like the tankini, it's easier than ever to find a suit that will maximize your curb appeal and hide those tiny (and not so tiny) flaws.

Get help finding the ideal swim wear for your body type, including juniors, womens and plus size suits..

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How to Apply a Believable Sunless Tan

Before you start, decide how deep a tan you want, and plan how much of your body you want tanned. Trouble spots include the neck, and the clavicle area. A deeply-tanned chest above the breasts can look old and wrinkly, so be careful. Decide how you want your feet to look: you don't want a tan that ends in a pair of white ankles! The same with your hands; your tan shouldn't end at your wrists. In general, tanning your face should be avoided because of tricky things like the thin skin under the eyes. If you feel you must have a tan on your face, consider a bronze makeup or powder, or have it professionally tanned at a good salon.

Start with freshly shaven legs so the lotion will go on smoothly, and apply it as evenly as you can. If you can, use a full-length mirror or get a friend to help you apply the lotion to the backs of your legs, you shoulders, waist and back.

Tanning lotion is like salt in a stew: you can always add more, but it's hard to take any out. If you're looking for a pretty rich color, plan to do your tanning in more than one application, so you can brown up in increments, preventing overdoing it.

I recommend Neutrogena because although it costs a little more, you won't end up the bright-orange color of cheap tanning lotions. Getting your tan from a company that specializes in skin care with an eye to sensitivity it also a good idea to my way of thinking.

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Eyebrows are tricky creatures. You know how they're supposed to look, but sometimes they don't want to cooperate, and because they're growing out of your head, they have a semi permanent character that defies wishes and good intentions.

One of the many problems of eyebrows is the fact that if they aren't the right color, they can either dominate your face or disappear entirely. Their unfortunate (but necessary) proximity to your eyeballs makes it a pretty major no-no to just sweep the hair color across each brow and hope it doesn't drip into your eyes. That's why the goddess of practical beauty created the eyebrow pencil, an unsatisfactory solution, but sometimes better than nothing if your eyebrows happen to be very pale.

Shape is also crucial, and if your eyebrows are coarse, creating and maintaining the ideal shape is difficult because pulling out individual hairs can leave large gaps, or severely shorten the length of a brow if you happen to pull out the half-inch hair on the very end.

Shape Eye Brows with Threading, Waxing and Plucking with Tweezers

Eyebrows are tricky creatures. You know how they’re supposed to look, but sometimes they don’t want to cooperate, and because they’re growing out of your head, they have a semi permanent character that defies wishes and good intentions.

One of the many problems of eyebrows is the fact that if they aren’t the right color, they can either dominate your face or disappear entirely. Their unfortunate (but necessary) proximity to your eyeballs makes it a pretty major no-no to just sweep the haircolor across each brow and hope it doesn’t drip into your eyes. That’s why the goddess of practical beauty created the eyebrow pencil, an unsatisfactory solution, but sometimes better than nothing if your eyebrows happen to be very pale.

--Editor's Note --------------------------------------------------------------

Proper Beauty Tools Make Eyebrow Shaping a Breeze

Plucking the perfect eyebrow shape can be a stressful task because no one wants painful, over tweezed brows. Follow the lead of to make up artists and get the right tweezers and eyebrow care beauty tools. For very little money you can get the same eyebrow tweezers most professional salons use.

Learn from the professionals and see some eyebrow care kits that come with everything you need for perfect brows.

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Shaping Your Eyebrows: How to get the perfect arch shape

The perfect eyebrow starts above the inside corner of your eye (over the tear duct), and ends at the outside corner, above your eyelashes. Eyebrows should have an arch: in nature, it’s rarely where it should be, which is a frustrating commentary on standards of beauty. Ideally, the arch happens over the iris, the colored part of your eye. It should be gentle, so if you’re planning to reshape your arch, take it very, very slowly. Do a hair or two a day, and err on the side of caution. Hasty plucking can give you a surprised look that lasts for weeks.

How to Pluck Eyebrows with Tweezers: The Do's and Don'ts

Many women pluck their eyebrows with tweezers. Some wax them, but wax is tricky because it’s hard to get an accurate shape. And some go to a hair removal salon to try "threading." Although threading is newly popular in the United States, it is a centuries-old technique of hair removal practiced in India. The eyebrow experts say never, never to pluck your eyebrows from above, but always to pluck from the bottom of the brow. I say, if you have some wild or stray or bushy hairs growing above your brows, feel free to pluck them. I did it once, and nothing bad happened to me.

I read somewhere that it’s okay to trim your eyebrows. I think this is good if the single hairs are long and thick. You can pluck some hairs and trim the others, brushing them up, evening the ends (be careful not to trim too much!), then brushing them down checking again and again as you go along.

Video on Tips for Eyebrow Shaping

Use Eyebrow Gel to Keep Your Brow Shape Neat after Tweezing

Finally, keeping your brows neat can be done with special eyebrow gel, or you can use a little hair gel to smooth them and keep them shapely.

You can buy an entire professional-style brow kit that includes tweezers, pencils, grooming gels and brush from Anastasia at www.drugstore.com.

How to Prevent Stretch Marks From Pregnancy

When women are going through pregnancy, they often experience stretch marks on their stomachs and hip areas. However, being pregnant is not the only way you can get stretch marks. In addition to pregnancy, rapid weight loss or gain can cause the skin to go into a state of shock. Both men and women can suffer with stretch marks, as a result. Many times as the breast area expands during puberty, teen girls will get stretch marks on their breasts. While working out throughout each trimester and controlling overall weight gain even when un-pregnant can help prevent stretch marks, puberty related stretch marks are difficult to control.

Dealing with stretch marks is not physically painful or bothersome however it can be emotionally trying. As summer arrives, many women might be wondering how they can prevent more stretch marks from appearing. If you’re pregnant, chances are you are watching for a stretch mark to appear, doing everything you can in the meantime to prevent them.

Lotions, Creams & Oil Preventions For Stretch Marks

One of the oldest prevention solutions women use for stretch marks is cocoa butter. Many women start using cocoa butter lotion on their stomach areas the day they find out they’re pregnant. By massaging cocoa butter into the abdomen area before stretch marks appear or even after they are present, the appearance of stretch marks may be diminished. Other skin experts ask their patients to rub Vitamin E oil on the areas most prone to stretch marks after showering. Treatments from companies like La Roche are also quite popular with expecting mothers and those who are prone to stretch marks.

Look At Your Diet When Preventing Stretch Marks

To prevent stretch marks in a natural way, patients may want to look at their diet. Foods high in Vitamina A, E and C can be very beneficial to preventing stretch marks. These important vitamins can be taken from the food you eat or via a supplement. Be warned: if you’re pregnant be sure to avoid too much Vitamin A. Foods high in Zinc and Silica can also be great for the skin and include beets, brown rice, bell peppers, soybeans, leafy green vegetables and whole grains.

Foods rich with essential fatty acids (vegetables, vegetable oils and fish oils) are also helpful with the task of preventing the appearance of stretch marks. These foods help with skin elasticity and collagen growth when paired with a diet where the patient tries to avoid high sugary foods. Losing weight slowly while also participating in weight or strength training can be helpful when avoiding stretch marks as well.

5 Beauty Mistakes Women Make; Plus, Five Beauty Dos

Trends, schmends: Don't break these classic beauty rules

Trends come and trends go and this season you don't want to be caught in public looking like last year (or worse, last ... decade). While we think it's cool to follow some trends, there are some timeless beauty rules that will get you through every season looking classy, no matter what coast you live on (or plain in between).

No matter the trends, the less done your hair looks, the fresher you'll look. If you curl your hair, brush out the curls ala '50s pinups. If you opt for a bun on the back of the head, set it at the nape of the neck and let it get messy. If you're off to a formal event, spend more time on your makeup and accessories and leave hair loose and sexy. Remember: Fancy, hair-sprayed 'dos are terribly matronly and best left to your grandmother's set.

Play up your eyes or your mouth, never both or you risk looking like a clown. Nude lips and smokey eyes are a great look. Or try red lips and light eyes.

You've heard this preached enough, but it's true. If you get into the habit of sunscreen application daily, you will thank yourself when you're older and relatively lineless.

Can't bother with too many lotions and potions? Consider a tinted moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. If you can't stand looking pale, brush on a bronzer. At least it doesn't smell like fake tanners.

Sophisticated women know how to properly layer fragrances to create their own signature blends. How to do it? Take your favorite scent and layer a new one atop it. Try out several versions until you find your favorite blend.

According to French Elle (via blogger boisdejasmine), the safest way to blend is via citrus notes, which can be layered with floral, woodsy and amber-y fragrances.

You can do the same with lipsticks. Create your own shades with mattes and glosses. If you don't like a shade, don't throw it out, perfect one with other colors in your beauty drawer.

Skin left unmoisturized will itch, and itching (especially done when you're not paying complete attention) can cause scabs, which in turn can scar. In the shower, make sure you exfoliate your body thoroughly with a loofah. I like wearing those loofah gloves. Then when you get out and dry off, slather on the moisturizer. See a list of my favorite moisturizers. This is a link

Short, round nails are universally preferred over long talons. I love light pearl-colored manis (always classy) and I adore dark polishes, which are uber trendy and a look that's lasted many seasons already.

For feet, please, skip the French pedicure, which we agree with a reader "looks like you have fingers on your feet." Another no-no: Nail art on your fake fingernails, although we find the occasional flower painted on your big toe adorable.

So many beauty faux pas can be attributed to foundation misuse: Tell-tale lines along the jaw, a mask-like appearance, too-dark colors or raccoon eyes.

To achieve the always classy fresh face, stick to foundation use only on the areas that need it, typically around your eyes, along your your nose and on your cheeks. You don't need foundation on your forehead or even neck. Remember to blend and consider different colors for winter vs. summer, when your skin is naturally lighter.

Keep your complexion fresh and vibrant all year long by exfoliating your face weekly. Your body needs exfoliating as well, so invest in scrubs in your bathtub or shower. (We also recommend showering with exfoliating gloves). A quick pumicing on the soles of your feet during every shower will keep feet soft between pedicures. As for lips, try this Vaseline tip to keep lips from excessive scaling in winter.

There is such a thing as hair that's too long no matter your face shape. Long hair can weigh your face down and once it grows below your breasts it's just plain tacky.

Trust us, celebrities with gorgeous eyes look that way because they slap on the falsies. There are all sorts of false eyelashes to try these days. Don't want to be too obvious? Try the individual lashes.

How to Highlight Cheekbones

Makeup is the perfect tool for emphasizing our best features. Celebrities already discovered this small trick and they seem to find huge pleasure in adding a sophisticated and slimming quality to their look. Indeed cheekbones have a crucial role in creating a sculpted look. The best way to create a flawless and spectacular image is to skim through these makeup tips for faking high cheekbones.

High cheekbones seem to embody what beauty really means. Besides being really hot these have an essential benefit for those who would like to lengthen and thin their faces. Only with the help of a tiny bronzer and highlighters you'll be able to pull off a dazzling high cheekbone appearance. All you need for the quick makeup is:

· Bronzer that matches your skin tone, still a bit darker than the natural skin color. If you would like to stick to foundation you can also opt for it in 1-2 shades darker, for an emphasizing effect.

· Blush powder or cream blush, doesn't matter the point is to repeatedly match it to your natural skin color. Look for either rose, pinkish or peachy shades. It is vital that the blush blends into the overall makeup.

· Highlighter - you'll find highlighters both in powder and liquid form on the market. However if you find purchasing it a bit difficult, you might use a bright colored blush.

The first move is to create the base for the further makeup. Apply the foundation and the concealer on the right spots. Then head to the next level and sculpt those cheekbones.

Step 1
Start with the darker foundation or the bronzer. Apply it to the hollows of the cheekbones and place it following an upward diagonal. Be careful this slight layer should not be eye-popping. The main aim is to blend it into the overall look. It should resemble a shadow rather than a defined line.

Step 2
Use the highlighter to emphasize the most prominent lines of your cheekbone. Again take care of the blending process, still we didn't arrived at the peek of the makeup. This beauty tool will efficiently reflect the light, emphasizing your cheekbones. The prominent features will start to come to the surface.

Step 3
Finally top the look with the blush applying it on the apples of your cheek, sweeping it upward all throughout the upper section of the cheekbones. Keep the blush far from the eye area, to protect the sensitive skin.
Concentrate on the higher portion of the cheek. The result will be a dashing look, the 3 killer combo makeup adds finesse to your features and creates the illusion of high cheekbone and weight loss even if you only fake it.

Flattering Swimsuits for Body Shapes

If you spot a fabulous bikini at the local store, don't buy it immediately you'll be disappointed if it doesn't fit your body shape. Instead have some things in mind when choosing the best bikini for you. The type of a swimsuit is as important as its color and patterns, it can accentuate your weaknesses or your strengths. That's why follow the principles below when buying the flattering swimsuits for your body shape.

Athletic Figure

Girls with an athletic, sporty body shape have several options to choose the best bikinis.

- The keyword is balance in order to be as feminine as possible. Women with small bust tend to have a sporty figure and wider shoulders. That's why it is important to camouflage their proportion.

- Different, smaller or larger prints will be of great help when emphasizing your small bust. Choose bikini tops that create the illusion of a larger bust. Swimsuits that are ruched, with underwires right at the bust area can make your busts look larger. The more complex a pattern is around your bust the more accentuated they seem. Triangle-top bikinis are a must for you. You'll look fabulous in them.

- An athletic figure lacks curves, why not create them artificially. Feminine bikinis with little ties, bows, belts or other small details can give the appearance of having refined curves. Wear them frequently to give definition to your thighs and bottom.

- You can easily emphasize curves by wearing a bottom that is gathered on the side, moreover if it's bright colored, your toned hips will look sporty still wonderful in them.

Apple Shape

The apple shape often implies problems with the tummy and large breasts. That's why it is important to take into consideration these factors.

- In this case we should not deal with emphasizing the upper half of the body. However to make these strengths more attractive, wear tops that have a darker color. Halter-top swimsuit matches your body shape perfectly. These will support your larger bust more effectively. If you don't want to wear dark colors, try vivid ones, but avoid strapless bikinis and triangle-tops that would reveal too much skin.

- Accentuate your cleavage with a V-cut, don't look too cheeky just attractive.
- Spandex and Lycra are great inventions in the case of apple shaped women. These will make you look way slimmer especially if it's paired with a little, decent belt.

- The mono-type bikini will only make you look larger, that's why choose decent patterns, as little flowers and polka dots. Grecian style swimsuits will look amazingly on you.

Pear Shape

Women with pear body shape tend to have larger bums and wide hips. It is a fact that there's no need to fake curves, your shape gives you enough definition in the hip area. That's why you the perfect swimsuit must draw the attention to the upper half.

- Tops that immediately grab the attention of others work perfectly for your shape. Choose patterned and vivid colored ones on top and dark colored more simple ones for the bottom. Halter necks catch the eyes, shifting the attention from your buns to your bust.

- High cut shorts will elongate your legs and won't spoil the overall image. You'll notice that you seem slimmer wearing these than side-stringed ones.

If your body shape combines different elements, choose those tips that match your features.

10 New Year's Beauty Resolutions

Happy New Year! In honor of the very good year ahead, I've compiled 10 beauty resolutions for us. I plan to follow them and I hope you consider adopting some or including yours in the comments section below:

1. No more studying my face for wrinkles. After all, none of us are ever going to be younger than we are right now at this very moment. So much of beauty comes from within. I'm going to try to remember this.

2. Enjoy the moment. A wise man once told me misery comes from obsessing on the past and fearing the future. True happiness happens in the moment. I'm going to stop myself when I'm freaking out and I'm going to savor the beautiful moments more (like my best friend sitting next to me on the couch right now after a long holiday weekend of memorable moments).

3. More massages. Every time I get one, I vow to get another. Massages, I believe, feed the soul.

4. Less sugar. Studies show sugar can cause premature aging. And even though I'm not going to obsess about aging, I am going to be more careful with the amounts of sugar I put into my body.

5. More yoga. At the end of a vigorous yoga session I feel like all is right in the world. It's like being given a Zen injection or something.

6. Post-shower moisturizer. Because I suffer from major winter itch, I am going to try to remember to slather myself with organic extra virgen coconut oil after every shower.

7. Experiment with makeup. This last year I got out of my beauty rut (I wore the same eye makeup for 4 years) and tried a new eyeshadow palette which was such a hit, even random male coworkers noticed it and complimented it. This year, maybe I'll try a new red lipstick!

9. No more boring polish colors. During my New Year's Eve manicure this year I went on a whim and got a deep, rich gray nail polish color (OPI's "You Don't Know Jacques") instead of no polish on my fingers and pearl polish on my toes and I can't stop staring at my hands. A salesgirl at a boutique asked me later the name of my polish so she could try it herself.

10. Compliment people on their best features/lipstick/nail color. I find when I tell someone they have the most amazing eye color or the perfect shade of red lipstick, they brighten. So I'm going to do this and I'm going to make an extra effort to compliment teenage girls I know because they of all people struggle with body issues and need to be reminded what about them makes them extra special.

Bonus Resolution: Take more risks. This has nothing to do with beauty but today my girlfriends and I met up in Coney Island with 1000 other people and jumped into the frigid water as part of the annual polar bear swim. It was a baptism of sorts, a way to start the year anew. Never had I thought I would be the sort of person to jump into ice cold water in the middle of winter in New York City, but I did it and I had so. Much. Fun. There will more of this in 2010.

30 Manicure Tips

The Secrets to Gorgeous Nails

People notice your manicure. It's a fact of life I try to remember at all times because if I'm not careful I'll end up with fingernails at 5 different lengths and a hangnail or two. Here, I share 30 of my most favorite manicure (and pedicure) tips. Enjoy!

1. The most flattering nail shape is not long or short or square, it's "squoval" -- not quite square and not quite oval. Get the look yourself by filing nails into a shape that mirrors the curve of your nail base. Square tips can make fingers look chubby, according to nail guru Deborah Lippmann in InStyle Magazine.

2. To ensure your nails are the same length after filing, line each nail up with its counterpart.

3. Don't shake the nail polish bottle, instead roll it between your palms. This mixes the polish without causing air bubbles.

4. Before polishing clean nails, soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover and swipe across nails. This will remove any excess oils or soap than can cause peeling once polish is applied.

5. One trick for applying nail polish: Hold the brush between the thumb and middle finger while resting your forefinger on the top of the cap.

6. To get the best results, apply thin layers. Start with a thin layer of basecoat, then apply a thin layer of polish down the middle then one on the left and one on the right. After the first coat dries for a couple minutes, repeat, then follow with a thin layer of topcoat.

7. Once your pedicure or manicure is complete, run an orangewood stick dipped in nail polish remover along either side of nail to fix any mistakes.

8. Speed up the drying process by aiming a blow-dryer at toes (set on cool) for a minute at a time. Be sure to keep the dryer at least 12 inches from your feet.

9. Gotta leave the house before your pedicure is dry? Apply cuticle oil over the polish. This will keep anything from sticking to your polish.

10. If nails are yellowed or stained, apply a drop of lemon or lavender oil onto the nails and then use a buffer to buff off the stains. You can also buff nails with a peroxide toothpaste such as Arm & Hammer Peroxicare.

11. For an extra spa feeling to your home pedicure, nuke a damp towel in the microwave for a couple minutes, slather feet in moisturizer and wrap them in the warm towel.

1. It's my professional opinion that real nails are much classier than fakes. They are also much better for your nail health. So check out these 5 really, really tacky manicure trends and skip the fakes.

2. If you are super-paranoid about germs in nail salons, you can bring along your own tools for your manicure.

3. Cut the cuticle or not? Ji Baek, owner of the Rescue Beauty Lounges in New York City, recommends people not cut their own cuticles.

The cuticle is there to protect the nail bed and a cut on a nail can easily become infected. Instead, push the cuticle back with an orangewood stick covered in a cotton ball. According to Baek, professionals are trained in cuticle cutting so most can be trusted. If you are paranoid (manicurists have accidentally cut into my skin one too many times for me), simply ask them not to cut.

4. Like the look of clean, nude nails? Skip the polish and ask for a buffing or buff your own nails with a good buffer. Buffing removes ridges and creates a high shine that clear polish tries to emulate. About 30 percent of Baek's clients ask for a buffing over polish. "Fashion editors have it done before they go to shows in Europe," says Baek in InStyle Magazine.

5. Skip the fast-drying topcoat unless you are in a hurry. Salons like to charge an extra dollar or two on this gimmick. While these coats do dry faster, they are more susceptible to chipping.

1. A fresh swipe of topcoat every other day on your manicure and once a week on your pedicure will keep the polish from chipping.

2. When it comes to chipped polish, a nail buffer is your best friend. Repair a chip by smoothing the ragged edges with a buffer (the more smooth the chip is, the better the fix is). Fill in the chip with polish. Once it's dry, apply a coat over the entire nail.

3. Don't file nails after a shower, when they are too soft. File in one direction only to prevent tears.

4. For a pedicure, use a special pedicure nail clipper made for clipping toenails. The straight-edge works better for feet because they don't allow nails to become curved, which can lead to painful ingrown nails (been there, done that). You can round the edges slightly with a file.

5. Since cotton balls can leave behind fuzzies, consider a cotton band like Miss Webril (about $6 at beauty stores) instead. For stubborn polish that stains, press the cotton on the nail for several seconds before wiping off. Don't be stingy with the polish remover, says Baek in InStyle magazine. The more nail remover you have on the cotton, the easier it will be to remove.

7. If you suffer from dry cuticles, keep cuticle oil in your bag or on your desk at all times. Cuticle oils tend to be more effective than creams.

8. Nail-biter? Get a manicure every week for 12 weeks. According to Baek in "Confessions of a Beauty Editor," if you can commit to 12 weeks, you won't bite your nails. It tastes gross and you'll also think twice because of the cost of getting nails done. Baek says many women backslide in week 3, but she suggests persevering.

1. To keep dead skin off of your feet, try the PedEgg, which works as long as you don't overuse. It's best to use the PedEgg on dry feet.

2. Keep dead skin at bay by regularly exfoliating in the shower with a pumice stone. Apply a thick lotion or cream (I love Eucerin's Aquaphor) to feet then wear socks to bed.

3. For extra soft feet, try this trick from "Confessions of a Beauty Editor,": Apply a thick coat of diaper rash cream to feet (yes, that's what they meant), put feet in a thin plastic bag, then put socks over it. If you can sleep like that (there is no way I could without pulling off the socks and bag in my sleep and ending up with sheets full of diaper rash goo), then you are guaranteed the softest feet ever in the morning.

1. Don't grow out nails more than an eighth to a quarter inch past the tips of your fingers, according to "Confessions of a Beauty Editor." Anything longer is verging on tacky.

2. In her book, "How Not to Look Old," Charla Krupp says nothing ages you more than red nail polish, fake nails and bad French manicures (too-white polish and an edge that's not thin). She suggests keeping the fun, crazy colors on your feet and keeping your fingernails neutral.

3. In "Confessions of a Beauty Editor" the beauty editors confess to lazy pedicures. They wait until nighttime to paint on a basecoat, then follow with 2 thin coats of polish and another thin coat of topcoat and <i>they don't bother to keep polish within the lines.</i> In the morning shower, they reach down and scrape off the excess. They swear it works. I'm too lazy to do my own pedicures so I've never tried it. I'd rather pay a professional.

Natural Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff is a common scalp condition marked by white flakes on the scalp and itching.

It appears to be caused by a yeast-like fungus called malassezia, also known as pityrosporum. Malassezia is normally found on the scalp without causing problems, however, if it grows unchecked (possibly due to hormone imbalances, stress, immune suppression, infrequent shampooing, illness, or increased oil production), there is mild inflammation that produces dead skin cells. The dead cells mix with oil and clump together, making them appear white and flaky.

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and anti-fungal agent. There are many tea tree oil shampoos available in health food stores and some drug stores, and many people report these products help with dandruff.

There haven’t been many research studies on tea tree oil for dandruff. One study involved 126 people with mild to moderate dandruff. They used either a five percent tea tree oil shampoo or a placebo daily for four weeks. At the end of the study, the tea tree oil shampoo significantly reduced dandruff. No adverse effects were reported. Although promising, this was not a double-blind study (which means that the researchers knew which participants were using tea tree oil and which were using the placebo), so it cannot be considered solid evidence that tea tree oil works. For more information about tea tree oil, read the Tea Tree Oil Fact Sheet.

A home remedy for dandruff is to mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water.

Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spritz it on to your hair and scalp, being careful to avoid the eye and ear area. Wrap your head in a towel.

After 15 minutes to an hour, remove the towel and wash your hair. This is generally done once to twice a week.

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It is sold in supplement form and is also found naturally in foods.

Food sources of biotin are egg yolk, liver, milk, soy, barley, brewer's yeast, and royal jelly. Biotin is also produced naturally by bacteria in the intestines.

Eating raw egg whites and prolonged use of antibiotics are thought to be causes of biotin deficiency.

Sources
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Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. J Am Acad Dermatol. 47.6 (2002): 852-855.

Hairstyles by Age

What can you get away with at 20, 30, 40, 50 and older?

Don't believe everything you hear out there. Just because you're 65, you don't have to immediately sign up for a helmet hairstyle. In fact, a younger look and lighter color can take years off your face. And just because you're 21, you don't have to have long hair. You can do just about anything. Find out what you can really get away with at age 20, 30, 40 and older.

Your 20s This is the best time of your life to try out all types of haircuts and styles. Short hairstyles, done right, can make you look more mature (or like a kid) while long looks (like Angelina Jolie's here) can be pretty and romantic.

Tip #1: Consider your career goals. In your 20s you're looking to establish yourself in a career, so depending on what that career is, you might opt for a more professional look. If you're in a more artsy profession, you can get away with a funky look. Trying to make your way in a man's world? Chop off that long hair and try a shorter cut. Check out this photo gallery of super-short looks.

Tip #2: Experiment with length and color. Now is the time to see how you look with super long hair, then cut it off and see if you take to short hair. At your age, your hair will grow faster and thicker than at any time in your life. So enjoy it while you have it. Hair coloris the key to reinvention. If you had blonde hair as a kid, you'll look great blonde now. Blessed with black hair? Try a lighter brown or red.

Tip #3: Beware the wrong short cut. What you don't want to look like is a stock 'Mom' character. Choose a short look that fits your age and the latest trends. For some ideas, check out these photo galleries of short cuts.

Your 30s These are the years you may be starting a family or powering ahead in your career (or both). While you can get away with all sorts of styles at this age, you'll want to pick a style that fits your lifestyle. Single in the city? Go for long, sexy waves. At home with a toddler or two? Skip the all-one-length long hair and try for a medium-length cut that can go in a ponytail during the day but with rollers can look great while out with your husband.

Tip #1: Just because you're a mom doesn't mean you can't be sexy. If you want the long, sexy locks, go for it. Just make sure you have the time to keep up your style.

Tip #2: Don't be afraid to go short. We have to admit, we keep our hair long because we know some day we'll have to go short. But we're missing out on some cute styles and you may be too. After all, you can always grow out your hair.

Tip #3: Gray hair popping up? Most women see a few strands of gray hair in the mid-to-late 30s. African-American women tend get gray later in their 40s. If you have just a few strands, ask your stylist to hand-paint the strands instead of applying a full head of color. But if more than a third of your hair is gray, go with full color and camouflage gray hair in between coloring with hair mascara.

Your 40s Believe it or not, you don't have to go short in your 40s. In these years, your personality might drive your hairstyle. If you ooze sexuality, go for a long, sexy waves. Funky and athletic? Opt for a short, sleek look that is as befitting to a 20-year-old as you. My friend, Nia, who's in her mid-40s, has a haircut that totally fits her funky personality: It's short and a bit spiky. And if you met her, you'd think she's no older than 35.

Tip #1: Take care of your hair. As you age, your hair will tend to get brittle. Treat your locks to a hot-oil treatment once a week and get your hair trimmed every 6 weeks.

Tip #2: Layers are very flattering, flat hair isn't. Give your hair body with layers, no matter your hair length.

Tip #3: Go for color. If you're blonde, try highlights. If you have dark hair, go for caramel highlights or go a shade or 2 lighter all over.

Your 50s Shoulder-length hair is a great option for you. Medium-length hair is very versatile -- it can be worn up or down. You can 'sex it up' with waves or go sleek with a straight-iron. You'll also find it's more flattering than long, flowing hair.

Tip #1: Try layers. Piecey layers around the face are very flattering. Or go one-length with underlayers. This will give hair body and looks great dried under.

Tip #2: Hair that is too styled can make you look dated. Even if hair is short, don't go for a spiky look, instead ask for longer layers. Cut out pictures and bring them to the stylist with you.

Tip #3: A lighter color can take years off your face. Ask your stylist what color works best for your skin tone.

Your 60s and older Short hairstyles, whether you opt for sweet or spiky, are a great bet for you. They frame your face, showing off and highlighting your best features. You'll be glad to know they are also low-maintenance.

Tip #1: Silver hair can be very sexy. However, not all women embrace their natural hair color. Many women become blondes as they get older, a natural move considering gray is a softer, lighter color than a natural brown. But blonde hair doesn't complement all skin tones. A better bet for naturally dark-haired women is to color your hair a dark base and get lighter highlights.

Tip #2: Skip the old-lady salons where they cut your hair short and give you curls tight to your scalp, spray it into a helmet and send you off on your way until next week. Go to your daughter's salon and ask for a new look. Better yet, take your daughter along and ask her advice.

Tip #3: Yes, you can have longer hair. Just don't let hair grow below your shoulders. Pull your hair back into a sophisticated chignon and show off your beautiful features.

Makeup Tips for Older Women

How to conceal wrinkles, crow's feet, crepe-y lids & much more

The last time I posted beauty tips for older women on my blog, women wrote in begging me for "more, more, more." So here, you go.

Less is more when it comes to downplaying wrinkles on your face. Find out the right and wrong way to apply powders and foundation.

· Downplay wrinkles by highlighting your eyes. Great eye makeup will make eyes "pop" and attract eyes away from the wrinkles on your face. Keep brows groomed and filled in.

· Go light on foundation. Many women with wrinkles make the mistake of trying to cover them. But a face full of heavy foundation only highlights wrinkles. Instead, try a tinted moisturizer and use only on the parts of your face that need covering up. Also, no matter how pale you are, go a shade or two darker with your foundation or tinted moisturizer. Lighter shades only highlight wrinkles.

· Watch that powder habit. When you were younger, you likely had oilier skin and got used to powdering your entire face. But dewy skin is actually youthful and you should put away your powder (except for the nose and chin). Makeup artists tell me they NEVER use powder on women over 50 unless they're going to be taped, because powder sits atop wrinkles highlighting them.

You've heard the old quote attributed to Catherine Deneuve, "When you get older, you have to be ready to trade your ass for your face." If you have sagging skin, don't run off to a plastic surgeon. Here are my favorite tricks and tips that, unlike a facelift, cost little to nothing.

· Downplay jowls with gorgeous earrings, but stay away from chokers, which bring eyes straight to your jawline. Love necklaces? They should hit at the collarbone or lower. Don't wear elaborate earrings and a necklace, pick one or the other. Both can be overkill.

· Got a crepe-y neck? Haircuts that hit just below the chin will draw attention away from your neck. Long cuts attract the eye downward, according to stylist John Barrett in the November 2007 issue of O magazine. I also love the look of scarves, wrapped several times around the neck. Very European.

· Don't apply blush to the apples of your cheeks or you risk looking like a clown. Instead, choose a rosy blush and using a large fluffy brush, sweep color over the highest point of your cheekbones. Start about an inch in from the nose.

· Dewy skin is always youthful. Because aging skin tends to be dry, skip the powders and opt instead for liquid foundation and creamy blush.

People start developing crow's feet around the eyes in their 30s. I consider my own "laughing lines" and believe it's sign of a good life.

· Don't try to cover up wrinkles around the eyes with heavy coats of concealer. You'll end up with raccoon eyes. Instead, apply just a few dabs of concealer and always pat in concealer with your ring finger. You can also use a brush which distributes concealer more evenly.

· Laugh lines around lips? Plump up lips and bring attention to THEM, not the surrounding area with a moisturizing lip gloss. Any time you add moisturizer to skin or lips, it plumps them up, making them appear more youthful.

Crepe-y lids are another natural part of the aging process. You can spend thousands on an eyelift or you can try these beauty tips that cost nothing.

· Never apply mascara to bottom lashes. Instead, curl lashes and then apply a couple coats of the darkest mascara you can find. Curling lashes always makes eyes pop.

· Makeup artists also suggest keeping eyeliner to the upper lid only. A liquid liner stays better than pencils. You can practice curving the line up on the outer corners of eyes to "lift" them. Avoid thick, heavy lines, however. I am a believer in rule-breaking however, so I think you can go ahead and line the bottom lashes, just skip the liquid liner and try a pencil instead. Don't make the line thick and be sure to smudge. Also, your eyes will look beady if you try to line the inside of your eyes (my mom used to do this and it drove me crazy).

· Reconsider shimmers. Shimmery eyeshadows only highlight crow's feet. The one area they work in is the inside corner of the eye. Apply a dot of shimmery light eyeshadow in the instead corner of the eye to make eyes pop.

· When you have a saggy upper lid, no need to go all out with several different colors of eyeshadow. Instead, keep eyeshadow in place all day with an eyeshadow primer, then apply a couple sweeps of a light eyeshadow that's flattering to your skin color. Skip the bright, crazy colors.

· False eyelashes have made a comeback. But skip the full lashes from the 70s and instead opt for individual lashes. Seehow to apply false lashes.

I'm a stickler for good brows and am known for making my friends let me tweeze theirs.

Keeping your brows done nicely is like having a facelift without surgery, according to author Charla Krupp's brow guy. Here are some tips for keeping your brows perfectly done:

· Get your brows professionally done. Nothing opens eyes up like curling lashes and keeping your brows neat. If you can't afford waxing or threading every few weeks, use the professional's job as a map for your own tweezing. Simply pluck the stray hairs that grow in between professional tweezing or waxing.

· Avoid tweezing gray brow hairs. Instead, conceal them with a brow powder or pencil.

· Drawn-in brows are a no-no. You know the pencil-thin line you see some of your friends or women in your town wear? Well, they only age you and they're somewhat tacky. Learn how to properly fill in sparse brows.

Personally, I love a thin lip. I read somewhere once that it's a sign of intelligence. I don't know about that, but I do know it's a sign of the natural aging process. Here's how to plump up thin lips.

· Picking the right lip color is a must. Makeup artist Bobbi Brown suggests skipping the bright colors and instead opt for a color that's just a shade or 2 darker than your natural lip color.

· As you age, your natural lip line fades. Create a lip line by coloring in lips first with a lip liner, then apply gloss or lipstick over the liner.

· Consider getting rid of lipstick and using lip gloss instead. Gloss creates the allusion of puffed-up lips, especially when applied to the middle of lips.

· Lip plumpers do work, but the effects don't last long (we're talking under an hour). So skip the plumpers and save your money. Even Vaseline in lips will make them appear larger.

For the record, I know 30-year-olds with chin hair problems. You can tweeze them or have your stylist tweeze them, but they will always grow back. The only way to keep chin hairs at bay permanently is electrolysis.

· You have 2 options for moustaches: Wax them off with a home waxing kit you can buy in any drugstore or have a professional do it.

· To lighten dark moustaches, try kit made just for this which you can find in your beauty aisle at the drugstore.

10 Ways to Maintain Your "Sexy"

Put your best face forward with radiant, silky-smooth skin from head to toe. A good cleansing routine along with a few easy overnight treatments and a touch of sun-kissed color can result in temptingly touchable skin you'll love. Here's all the info you need to get your sexy glow on.

• Opt for a gentle liquid cleanser for your face.
• Restore pH balance with the right toner.
• Avoid harsh exfoliants.
• Deep cleanse with a weekly steam treatment.
• Choose the right facial mask for your skin type.
• Regular moisturizing is essential to your skin.
• Create a DIY spa environment with fragrances that soothe.
• Take time to pamper your hands and feet.
• A humidifier prevents dry skin and can enhance sleep.
• Self-tanners offer color without the risk of sun exposure

The Hidden Dangers of Common Beauty Treatments

Driven by articles in women’s magazines and the steady image stream of perfectly pressed and coiffed celebs, many of us dutifully trek to the salon on a monthly—even weekly—basis to undergo an array of treatments from the pleasant (see pedicure) to the not-so-pleasant (see Brazilian wax).

What is the cost of beauty? I’m not talking financially, here, although many treatments aren’t very easy on the wallet. Rather, I’m talking about the health risks we incur every time we walk into a salon. Sure, glycolic facial peels and Botox injections are performed at our own risk with knowledge that there could be some problems, but a haircut or manicure? Read on, ladies, read on.

Getting Coiffed
In 2007, a young woman received chemical burns while getting highlights at her local salon. She was hospitalized and received skin grafts, and was left with two three-centimeter bald patches at the top of her head, according to MSNBC. Such severe injuries are rare, but the FDA lists hair straighteners and dyes among the products that garner its top consumer complaints. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions and burns that run the gamut from itchy, uncomfortable skin to serious injury or even death from anaphylaxis.

Other salon perils include burns from hot blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons, as well as ringworm, dandruff, and lice from combs and brushes used on multiple clients.

To protect yourself, have your stylist test chemicals on the inside of your elbow the day before you get your hair done to identify a possible allergic reaction, and alert him or her to any burning sensation you might feel during your treatment. Bring your own comb and brush—you can get your stylist’s advice on which to purchase for your hair type and cut—to avoid cooties from other clients and make sure your stylist pays attention while wielding hot instruments.

Another tip: have the shampooer place a towel on the back of your neck before you put your head in the sink. It’s extremely rare, but tilting your head backward while shampooing can alter blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke. Researchers at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey have found that a support, such as a towel, reduces the risk of it happening. If you do feel a sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body; confusion or trouble speaking or understanding; trouble walking; dizziness or loss of balance or coordination; difficulty seeing in one or both eyes; or a sudden, severe headache, get medical help immediately.

The Mani-Pedi
True or false: alcohol completely sterilizes the instruments your manicurist uses to shape your nails and tame those cuticles. False! Unless your salon uses the same methods as hospitals and doctors offices for surgical instruments, they can transmit from client to client the organisms that cause everything from fungal infections to hepatitis to HIV. Other perils include allergies to the formaldehyde in nail polish, the potential for acrylic nails to separate your own nails from the nail bed, and the harmful effects of acetone nail polish removers.

And what could be more relaxing than soaking your feet in one of those warm, bubbling, pedicure stations? Nothing, if you take out the risk of fungus and infection. These luxurious and comforting footbaths harbor bacteria, flakes of skin, and hair from previous clients. There have even been reports of women contracting the drug-resistant staph bacteria MRSA from foot baths.

Before sitting down to a mani-pedi, talk to the practitioner about the salon’s hygiene practices. This may feel rude to you, but it’s better than a staph infection. Check that there is a sterilization machine and a first aid kit before sitting down. If you have sensitive skin, read the ingredients in the nail polish and remover your salon uses to avoid formaldehyde and acetone/acetate. Also, watch how the other clients are treated. Are the practitioners focusing their full attention on the job in front of them or are their minds elsewhere, chatting with each other or answering cell phones? Nicks happen, but they happen much more frequently if the person performing your treatment is being careless. Ask how they clean the footbaths; the correct answer is that they run bleach through the pipe system on a regular basis and thoroughly clean the baths between clients. And, always ask to see a license.

You can do your part by never going for a pedicure when you have any open sores on your feet or legs or any fungal infection. This will both protect you and other clients. Also, don’t shave your legs before your treatment. You might find it embarrassing, but the open hair follicles leave you vulnerable to bacteria.

Even better, save your money and ditch the salon mani-pedi altogether. Do it yourself or have a girls’ night in and trade treatments with a friend.

The Hair Down There
The New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling has begun to move toward banning genital waxing after two women reported injuries ... down there.

It’s true. Both women were hospitalized for infections that ensued from their Brazilian waxes and one has filed a lawsuit. The ban has been overturned, but the concerns about the dangers of this common practice remain.

Millions of American women—and, yeah, some men—endure the pricey, painful practice of Brazilian waxing in their quests for a completely smooth pubic area. We know it hurts, but just how bad could a Brazilian be?

Genital waxing can actually be very dangerous because the hot wax can irritate or tear delicate skin in the bikini area, resulting in infections, ingrown hairs, and rashes. My gynecologist even told me of a patient who had to have her labia sutured after an especially unfortunate waxing experience.

Waxing isn’t for everyone. Women with especially coarse hair have a higher risk of ingrown hairs and consequent infections. Consider other hair removal methods, or be a trendsetter and bring back the au naturale look. If you must get waxed, find a reputable salon with good hygiene practices and ask to see a license before you spread ’em. Also, make sure the person performing the treatment never waxes the same area more than once, since this increases the risk for infection, and avoid tight clothing and direct contact with the waxed area for at least the next few hours.

Natural Beauty Is Not a Myth
Enjoyment of life comes from simple pleasures and looking and feeling great are really important for women, so don’t let fear of potential complications spoil whatever pampering and relaxation you’re able to fit into your busy schedule. But if, like me, you question the value of shelling out your hard-earned cash for a treatment you’d much rather do without just because you feel it will make you more attractive, these potential dangers may make you consider the treatments you indulge in more carefully. After all, if beauty comes from within, why risk a staph infection without?

How to Pick the Right Hair Color: 8 Tips

Are you a warm or a cool?

When you color your own hair, picking the perfect new shade or color can be daunting. Here are a few tips to make it easier:

If you want to go from dark brown to light blonde, get thee to a hair salon. Don't try this at home. I get so many women writing in wondering how they can fix a bad dye job. Avoid this by using semi-permanent color and never going more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color.

Pictures on hair color boxes can be deceiving. Go by the color swatches and the descriptions instead. Most boxes will call out the color (blonde, brown, black and red) and the shade of that color (light, medium and dark). There might also be mention of the tone (golden or ashy).

Most of us would like to think we are both warm and cool. But when it comes to hair color, it's important to know which one you really are (and it has nothing to do with your fantastic personality).

You're likely a "warm" if you have golden, olive or dark skin and brown or dark eyes (most Latinas, Asians and African Americans fall into this category). "Warm" women tan easily and the veins in their inner wrists are green.

You're a "cool" if you have fair skin and blue or green eyes, you burn before you tan and the veins in your wrists run blue. If you're confused because you sometimes burn, sometimes tan, you likely skew warm.

Once you know if you're a warm or cool, you'll better know what shades of color look good with your skin tone.

If you have warm skin, opt for golden shades such as caramel and bronze in a darker shade than your skin. Avoid jet-black hair which will wash you out. If you do opt for a golden shade, don't go too light or your hair could turn orange and you'll write in to me and I'll send you to the salon. Can you go blonde as a "warm"? Yes. But it is a delicate process and should be done in a salon, not on your own.

If you are a cool shade, avoid colors such as gold, auburn or copper. They will only highlight the ruddiness of your skin tone. Ash blondes and cool browns work best.

When you go to the hair salon, ask your stylist to bring out swatches. First pick out the colors you are most drawn to, then hold them up to your face near a window where natural light comes in. Ask the stylist to help you determine which shades and tones work best next to your skin.

A basic rule of thumb: People who had blonde hair as children have the right skin tone to be blonde adults. Does this mean you can't be blonde if you didn't have blonde hair as a kid. Nope. You just need the right shade and you should ask a professional for her advice.

Brassy blonde color or highlights on someone with a warm skin tone can be harsh. Opt for warmer shades instead.

If you have brown hair and want to go blonde, you don't want to go too light or you could look washed out. Opt for contrast: Highlights and lowlights. And keep in mind that darker hair will actually complement brown or green eyes better than blonde hair.

Good news! Almost everyone can go red, what's most important is finding the right shade. If you want to go red, I suggest not trying it on your own. Get a professional consultation.

Gray hair can be stubborn to color because of its coarse texture. Many women hide their gray hair with blonde color. If you want to stick with your natural color and your hair is less than one-thirds gray, opt for a semi-permanent color that's a shade lighter than your natural color (or matches your color). The gray will blend right in.

This can happen if you try to go more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural color. If this does happen, a professional can fix it in mere minutes. Don't try to do it yourself. Fixing a bad dye job is a scientific venture and the professionals know exactly what they're doing. You likely do not.

Non-invasive ways to youthfulness

You don't have to face the knife or needle in the quest for a more youthful look. Rebecca Barnes looks at the best non-invasive alternatives

Cosmetic procedures are gaining popularity and more and more people are choosing to go under the knife but what if you don't have the budget, or simply don't want to take the drastic measures of subjecting your face or body to a surgeon's scalpel?

The good news is there are alternatives that might just make a difference to your skin, and won't give your bank manager palpitations, although they obviously won't yield the dramatic effects of surgical procedures.

An interesting ingredient to look out for is peptides. These modern anti-agers trick older skin into producing collagen and hyaluronic acid, another key factor in providing moisture to the skin, in order to repair itself like younger skin.

So whether your concern is sagging skin, thinning lips, dropping eyes or a turkey neck, read on to discover the latest, greatest products to hit the anti-ageing market.

For your eyes

The delicate eye area is one of the first places to reveal the ageing process, and every time we blink or frown, muscle contractions crease the skin, causing wrinkles over time. Garnier Ultralift Eye Cream (£8.99), contains ginger, a powerful anti-wrinkler. It's the UK's best-selling eye cream, and at under £10, it won't break the bank either.

Avon Anew Clinical Eye Lift (£15 for 2x10ml), contains two products in one pot to target specific problems. The Upper Eye Gel boosts elastin and collagen, preventing drooping skin on the eyelids by giving a vertical lifting effect, while the Under Eye Cream helps accelerate cellular metabolism under the eye, visibly reducing puffiness and lines.

An ideal quick fix and powerful enough to work on deeper lines and wrinkles, Estee Lauder Perfectionist Power Correcting Patches (£38 for three), is a targeted treatment that includes a potent bio-peptide to reduce the look of lines and wrinkles faster than topical creams, creating a smoother, lifted effect.

For your skin

Who needs Botox when there's Bio-Medic Siax Hepta Muscle Relaxant (£45 from www.beautyisskindeep.com or 02380 676733), a gentle muscle relaxant that leads to a reduction in expression lines and wrinkles. It contains active hepta-peptides which, acting directly on the epidermis and the dermis of the skin, decreases muscular contractions.

To firm and redefine features and lift your bone structure, try Transformulas Face Control (£39.95 from www.transformulas.com or 0800 161 3166). Containing an award-winning tetra-peptide, Eyeseryl, 75 per cent of testers showed rapid improvement the day after the first application.

Roc Complete Lift - Immediate Lift Serum (£24.95), immediately and visibly lifts skin with the help of THPE, an ingredient which is reportedly four times more effective than DMAE. Raffermin, a plant extract, also acts to firm the skin with long-term effects. For more information visit www.rocskincare.co.uk

Grab some 'me time' and treat yourself to Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial, (from £70). This breakthrough anti-ageing facial has been proven to stimulate biological cell renewal and resurface skin by up to 75 per cent after just one treatment.

For your lips

Forget fillers and unattractive trout pouts, Mene and Moy Balm (£90 from www.beautyisskindeep.com or 02380 676733), is not a temporary plumper that tricks the lips into swelling, but a product that delivers lasting results. It contains retinoic acid that removes dead skin cells, stimulates fibroblasts and increases collagen production, which in turn increases oxygen to the lips.

For a cheaper fix, try Too Faced Lip Injection Mask (£19 from www.hqhair.com), which contains plumping red pepper resin, along with algae and aloe, glycolic humectants and vitamins A and E which reduce the appearance of vertical lip lines.

For targeted action

Botulinium toxin, or Botox, is the quick-fix treatment du jour when it comes to spot-treating areas of the face. However, Mary Cohr Intra-Derm Lift Express Wrinkle Eraser (£35 for 7ml), has a roller-ball application and plumps furrow lines from within for an immediately visible lifting effect, and can also work on deep lines on the neck.

Sanctuary Line Smoothing Serum (£9.95 for 15ml), is packed with filling spheres to plump out wrinkles and smooth skin around the eyes, lips and forehead. A collagen-boosting peptide helps promote firmer skin, while organic rosehip seed oil protects against ageing.

For the body

NV Perricone Firming Body Mist (£120, available from Selfridges; 08708 377 377) might not be that cheap, but it's a darn sight more affordable than a nip and tuck. Perricone products contain DMAE, the magic ingredient for firmness and tone, plus neuropeptides, and this mist should be spritzed liberally onto areas of concern.

Spring Clean (Your Body)

Mom, spring has arrived and it's time to reawaken your body after the damage that occurred during the harsh winter months. For a healthy, radiant glow, revitalize your skin and hair with help from our spring beauty guide. You'll learn the ins and outs of exfoliating dry, scaly skin; shaving your legs without nicking; and toning your arms before it's time to bare them in cute, seasonal sleeveless dresses.

When you are done pampering—and you realize you haven't made your kids' school lunches yet—check out The Rules of Bento for cute and easy meals you can create with leftovers.

Enjoy!

Christine Petrozzo
Associate Producer | Pregnancy & Parenting

Spring Clean Your Makeup

Spring is finally in full swing which also means the daunting task of spring cleaning. Even though we may do a little extra cleaning to our homes each spring, including the dreaded windows, we sometimes forget to clean out our makeup and wash our makeup brushes. I know what you're thinking: "Oh great…just another thing to clean and I have no idea where to start or why I need to even do it".

Well, let's start with our makeup supplies. Did you know that your good makeup can go bad? I don’t mean that it's going to attack you when you're not looking or anything, but good makeup can turn rancid without a moments notice. Last year I did a basic Quick Tips article, giving you the basic rules of makeup shelf life. So this spring check out When to Toss Out Your Makeup, and then move on to your brushes. The fact is that most women don't wash their brushes enough, which can cause skin irritation and infections. You should really wash them every 2-weeks, and if you're unsure where to begin then take a look at my pictorial step-by-step article on How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes. Once you're done you can take inventory of your makeup collection and use your dwindling supply as an excuse to go buy that new fun color. This is perfect timing for the next Clinique Bonus Time, which will begin at Macy's on April 5th. I'll be showcasing this GWP as soon as I get the details, so check back soon!

How to Create a Spa Vacation on a Budget

Tricks We Learned at Ocho Tulum Resort in Tulum, Mexico

For the past couple of years, my dear friend, N, and I have splurged on a vacation together. One year, it was to a fancy destination spa (pricetag: $4,000, including spa treatments and airfare). Last year it was a tour through Southeast Asia (pricetag: about $3,600 a person with travel). This year, with the economy in a crumble, N and I decided to stay within a budget without sacrificing luxury. The goal, we decided, was to create a fancy, luxury spa experience at about half the price. Here�s how we did it.

You can create a spa vacation out of cold or warm climates. Pick among the beach, the desert or ski resorts. The trick is to find a hotel that offers a spa or is near one. This way you can get treatments in the evening after a day of skiing, hiking or bobbing in the ocean.

After much research, N and I decided to spend our winter vacation in Tulum, Mexico. The exchange rate was phenomenal -- after several years stuck at about 9 pesos per U.S. dollar, the rate during our stay was a whopping 15 pesos per dollar. Also, the beach resorts were offering phenomenal deals due to the stagnating economy.

We choose to spend several days at the year-old Ocho Tulum Resort in Tulum, Mexico (see my review of Ocho Tulum). One of the nicest resorts (if not THE nicest) in Tulum, Ocho was serene, clean and hip. Rooms at Ocho run from $220 for two double beds with a garden view to $280 on up for a beachfront room. If you booked 5 nights in the cheapest room and split the cost, you're spending only $550 each, and this is during prime season -- rates during the off-season are even better.

Many hotels and resorts are currently offering fabulous package deals to lure in guests while the economy stagnates. Many luxury hotspots, such as the 5-star Maroma Resort & Spa near Playa del Carmen, are currently offering a "buy 3 nights, get one free" deal. Rancho La Puerta, one of the top destination spas in the world, also offers on-going deals, including one where a friend can join you at 50 percent off.

Also consider booking your tickets close to your travel dates. Most places prefer to book rooms for deep discounts rather than let them sit empty.

Scoring a cheap flight in a bad economy is easy. For a beach vacation in February, there were scores of cheap flights to Anguilla, Mexico, Hawaii and various Caribbean locations. My roundtrip ticket from NYC to Cancun was under $300.

So how did we fare on accommodations? Pricetag per person for 5 nights at Ocho: $750.

The best destination spas offer schedules that mix exercise with healthy food and spas. You can create your own daily schedule that accommodates all three.

At Ocho, I did yoga in the mornings (offered three times a day for $15), I ran along the beach followed by lunges, and I walked in the surf knee-deep along the beach for 45 minutes a day. N dubbed this "surf-striding." It's better than any elliptical and the view is much prettier, too.

8 a.m.: Yoga or Pilates
9:30 a.m.: Breakfast
11 a.m.: Surf-striding or meditative beach walk
1 p.m.: Lunch on the beach
3 p.m.: Snorkeling or sea kayaking
5:30 p.m.: Horseback ride at sunset OR a beach run, plus lunges.
7 p.m.: Spa treatment (massage, facial or wrap)
9 p.m.: Dinner

So how did I fare on exercise costs during my stay at Ocho? Pricetag: $60 for daily yoga.

One of the best things about a stay at a destination spa is the healthy, organic menu (check out some of Rancho La Puerta's most popular recipes). No meat is served at Rancho, only fresh fruits, vegetables and fish. Even their specialty guacamole is made of a blend of avocado and peas, though you'd never know it.

To stay healthy at Ocho Tulum, I ate a plate of fresh fruit (papaya, melon, mango, pineapple) every morning (continental breakfast is included at Ocho), sometimes mixing in yogurt and granola. For lunch, I stuck to fresh guacamole (good Omega-3�s) and ceviche made from fish caught that day. Dinner is usually a salad and another fish (the grouper is amazing) or shrimp.

I shied away from more than one serving of alcohol a day and heavy cream and cheese dishes.

What is a spa vacation without the spa? I purposely chose a resort with a spa menu.

Belen, the spa manager at Ocho, suggested I try Ocho's signature "Luxury Treatment," a full two hours of bliss. The Luxury Treatment starts with a facial, moves on to a scrub and concludes with a massage. The treatment was glorious and took advantage of natural, organic products including honey, yogurt, several fruits, Mayan clay, which is indigenous to that area, and even the famous sand in Tulum, fine enough for a scrub. At only $120, it was the best deal on the spa menu.

Since the beach can wreak havoc on feet and hair, N. and I went into the town of Tulum for pedis, manis and a hair treatment at Fashion + Look salon on Calle Andromeda. I highly recommend a visit for the basics.

For the perfect spa vacation, I recommend taking advantage of the steam and sauna rooms if your resort has them. They're usually free.

So how did I fare with spa treatments? $300 for four days of spa treatments.

If you add up the cost of this trip, airfare included, it was $1,610. That's a third of the cost of a destination resort. My goal was to do this trip in pure luxury at about half the cost and I beat that by a long shot.

Even if you went all-out in the Yucatan, you could save big bucks. I figured a 5-night stay at Maroma (one of the world's best resorts), plus 3 spa treatments and meals included would cost about $2,500 per person for a cheaper room. With airfare, that's still about $1,200 cheaper than destination spas I've been to. And Maroma, believe me, is cr�me de la cr�me.

Would I do a "do-it-yourself" luxury trip again? Absolutely. I'm considering heading back to Ocho for a Yoga Retreat. At $1,500 per person, all meals, accommodation, spa treatments and activities included, it's a screaming deal.

For more information on Ocho Tulum, check out their Website or call 52-998 282 8399.

Top 10 Ways to Fake a Spring Glow

The beauty of spring unfolds, luring us all out of winter hibernation. As we step eagerly into the gentler, sun-dappled climate, our desire for radiant, luminous skin awakens. Luckily, there are products that can help us on your quest for sun-kissed skin without the risk of sun damage. So say goodbye to dull skin—it's time to get your glow on!

· Start fresh: A weekly deep-cleansing mask can lift away impurities that dull your skin.

· Exfoliate to smooth away dead skin cells, revealing fresher, softer skin. A "must do" before self-tanners, too!

· Moisturizers with gradual self-tanners can help you achieve a subtle, natural radiance.

· Sport a subdued shimmer on exposed areas. It's fun and adds just a touch of glam!

Beauty Myths That Deserve to Die

We are all so-called experts on skin care. After all, great aunt Mary Ellen’s best friends mother swore by smearing globs and globs of Vaseline on her face each and every night. And her skin was weathered like a piece of leather perfect, so it must be true. Come close and let me share a secret. Would you believe me if I told you that not everything you hear or read is true? (Which might lead one to argue that that statement could therefore be false, which would negate this entire post … ouch I think I just pulled a muscle in my brain.)

Here are some common myths and what I found out about each.

Myth: Preparation H Reduces Eye Puffiness
Yeah okay. No. In fact, using Preparation H around the eyes can cause dry and inflamed skin. Therefore, you’ll just end up with dry, inflamed, greasy eyes. You’re better off just saving it for your nether region.

Myth: Your Skin Pores Open and Close
A pore is not a door or window—they can not open and close. However, if something is built up in the pore (ie. dead skin cells) the pores can appear enlarged. Go ahead and exfoliate in order to remove that gunk stuff.

Myth: Cucumber Reduces Eye Puffiness
The cucumber itself does not reduce puffiness. But consider this, have you ever heard of someone being referred to as hot as a cucumber? No, it’s cool as a cucumber. Cucumbers are able to stay cold for long periods of time outside of a refrigerator. That cold is what actually reduces puffiness (it causes blood vessels around our eyes to contract, thereby reducing swelling). That being said, you could lay a dirty sock over your eyes and it could help. As long as it is cold.

Myth: Soap Is Bad for Your Skin
When soaps contained lye and animal fat, this was true. But newer soaps are less harsh and have good stuff like moisturizers.

Myth: Vaseline on Your Face Every Night Will Prevent Wrinkles?
Petroleum can make wrinkles less apparent by softening lines, but it can’t prevent aging.

Myth: Never Pluck a Gray Hair; Ten More Will Grow in Its Place
Answer me this: If you grow some carrots and pull them up out of the ground, will a bunch more pop up in its place? It’s just not possible.

Myth: Alcohol-Free Is Better
Not all alcohols are drying alcohols. There are also fatty-alcohols. Fatty = emollient. Emollient = softer skin. (Examples of fatty alcohols would be cetyl-alcohol, benzyl-alcohol and oleyl-alcohol.)

Myth: Cutting Your Hair and Eyelashes Once a Week Will Make Them Grow Longer
We’ll believe just about anything, won’t we? Try this one out and you’ll just end up bald.

Top 10: Ways to Brighten Your Look

It's time to pack away the vestiges of winter, shake off the shackles of gloominess and open yourself to the bright, shiny newness of spring! The first place to start is developing a positive outlook. Let your inner beauty and confidence become the magnet that draws admiration.

· Need a mood booster? Channel your thoughts and emotions by blogging or visiting our message boards.

Welcome to the Beauty Brains weekly recap newsletter. Here you'll find a summary of all the things that have been happening on the Beauty Brains in the past week. Just click on the stories you find most interesting. As always, your feedback, comments and questions are welcome.

Cosmetic chemists answer your beauty product questions! We are a group of cosmetic scientists who understand what the chemicals used in cosmetics really do, how products are tested, and what all the advertising means.

Welcome to the Beauty Brains bi-weekly recap newsletter. Here you'll find a summary of all the things that have been happening on the Beauty Brains in the past week. Just click on the stories you find most interesting. As always, your feedback, comments and questions are welcome.

New Uses for Common Toiletries

Instead of chucking products that don’t work quite like you had hoped, find out what else they can do for you. These tips, culled from blog confessions, expert advice, and our own experiments, will have you reusing your common toiletries in no time, not to mention save you money and get you out of emergencies.

Petroleum Jelly = Furniture Fixer
You may have used Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly as lip balm, moisturizer, lash definer, or makeup remover, but did you know it also camouflages light scratches in wood furniture? The Beauty Brains bloggers love this tip: Just dab it on and buff. You can also make light bulbs easier to unscrew by spreading a little around the thread of a new bulb before screwing it in.

Baby Powder = Floor Fixer
Baby powder, or most any body powder, can be used for a number of things like temporarily deodorizing shoes and armpits, but it can also silence little squeaks in wood floors. Just sprinkle it over the offending cracks and use a small paintbrush or broom to sweep it in. Wait a day or two for the powder to work its way in and voila! Silence. (Note: Larger squeaks may call for more drastic measures.)

Conditioner = Shaving Cream
When traveling or just in a pinch, use the same trick employed by stars like Natalie Portman: Shave your legs with hair conditioner. It provides the same slickness as your shaving cream does, allowing your razor to slide over your legs and condition your skin without nicks and razor burn.

Rubbing Alcohol and Hairspray = Stain Remover
To remove home hair color stains on your skin, sink or even carpet, sponge it with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball or rag. Just be sure to apply with a cotton ball soon after you see the stain. If you wait too long, the stain gets harder to remove. If you don’t have alcohol handy and the stain is on fabric, try this tip backed by Good Housekeeping: Saturate it with hairspray, which contains alcohol and can help loosen the stain. Then soak and launder as soon as possible.

Clear Nail Polish = Screw Fixer and Rust Fighter
Author and fix-it whiz Joey Green claims painting a bit of nail polish on screw threads and nuts before inserting them will help keep them in tight. You can also apply clear polish to new toilet seat screws to keep them from rusting too quickly. And for yet another household use, paint the bottom of your shaving cream cans to keep them from rusting in the shower.

Cleanser or Moisturizer = Skin Soothing Treatment
Refrigerate cleansers or moisturizers in lotion or gel form and use them as a post-extraction soothing treatment or refreshing makeup remover for dry skin types. You can also do this with eye cream to give tired eyes a cooling, soothing effect.

Lip Balm = Cuticle Conditioner or Makeup Remover
When you’re done applying your lip balm, don’t just wipe off that leftover product on your finger. Rub it into your cuticles for a nice conditioning treatment. (Note: You can also do this with any room-temperature oil or butter you get on your hands while cooking.) Another tip for lip balm: Like petroleum jelly, it makes a great on-the-go makeup remover for that little eye makeup stain you get after washing your face. Just make sure you’re not using peppermint or menthol lip balm as it could sting your eyes.

Oil-Free Moisturizer = Frizz Tamer
Skin Rhythm blogger Jen confesses using a less-than-pea-sized amount of Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer as a smoothing cream for her very fine hair: “It smoothed and sealed my dry ends and added a bit of shine. It even added a bit of definition to my layers without weighing down my hair or causing it to look [flat and] oily, even hours later.” You can use most any face moisturizer, lip balm, or body lotion to smooth frizzy flyaways. Start by rubbing just a drop of the product together between hands, then smoothing over hair or along hair ends to tame frizz. (Curly hair tip: To help define curls, wrap one-inch pieces of hair around your finger.) Add more product if necessary, but use sparingly to avoid a greasy look.

Eye Shadow = Highlighter, Contour Creator, Eyeliner, and Brow Filler
Neutral metallic or white eye shadow can easily double as a highlighter, while matte eye shadow that’s a few shades darker than your skin tone can be used to contour features. You can also use eye shadow as eyeliner by wetting an eyeliner brush, dipping it into the shadow and dragging it along your lash line. For brow filler, dab dry shadow on an angled dry eyeliner or brow brush and use a very light hand to fill in your brows.

Foundation = Tinted Moisturizer/Concealer
Want lighter coverage than say, Nars Balanced Foundation, without getting a new foundation? Create tinted moisturizer by mixing your current foundation (you can even do this with stick foundation) with a little moisturizer. Do this on the back of your hand—not in the bottles—and experiment with the consistency and coverage until you get what you want. Apply with a fingers or a brush (a sponge may soak up too much product) and blend well. Don’t forget to set with powder to make the coverage last longer.

Bonus tip: If you need a concealer when you’ve run out, dab on a bit of the foundation that has caked into its cap. The moisture there has evaporated a bit more, leaving your foundation with a thicker consistency. Blend outward with fingers or a concealer brush.

Lipstick = Blush
You may have learned this one from your mother. To give your cheeks a healthy glow, start by dabbing lipstick on the apples of your cheeks. Blend outward, building the color to your liking. (A word of caution: Lipstick is usually a lot more heavily pigmented than blush, so use a light touch.)

Body Scrub = Pre- or Post-Shaving Body Lotion
When shaving any body part, clean and rinse the area, then apply a gentle exfoliating body scrub. This will get rid of leftover dead skin cells, moisturize your skin and fend off razor bumps. Look for a product that contains essential oils or smooth exfoliators like jojoba beads (vs. rough walnut shells), which will slide off easily without clogging your razor or leaving micro-tears your skin. If you’re shaving with the scrub, rinse your razor often to keep it unclogged. After you’re done, rinse the scrub off with lukewarm water and enjoy smooth skin afterward—no lotion necessary.

Gel = Root Volumizer
If you don’t have a root volumizer handy, try this quick fix from hairstylist Marco Pelusi: Rub a tiny, pea-sized amount of gel between your hands, making sure to get it on your fingertips too. Work the gel through damp roots in areas where you need a lift. Blow-dry hair upside down, or for more control, while holding strands up vertically with your hands.

Now that the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to wear shorts, capris and cropped pants. If this frightens you because your Thighmaster has been collecting dust all winter…don’t fret because there is good news in the short department this year!

I am happy to announce the fashion gods have finally answered our prayers! A flattering length of short is “IN”. The Bermuda short! Yes, ladies the Bermuda short that hits at, above or just below the knee-- is a “hot” fashion statement! We can ALL finally wear something cute, comfortable--and trendy! (I think the fashion gods are saying sorry for the impossible-to-wear “skinny” pants most of had the sense not to wear!)

Women wonder (and ask) what is the most flattering length for shorts, capris and cropped pants? Your pant or short length is often one of the first things noticed about you. So wearing the best length for your body type is important. Here are basic guidelines to get you started. In a couple of weeks a complete shorts guide for each body type (with pictures) will be listed on the site.

Bermuda shorts: Hits at the knee. This length is universally flattering. Look for a flat front (no pleats) straight cut for the leanest look. Inseam should be about 12”. Add a wedge heel or espadrille sandal for a long sleek and dressier look. A cropped or fitted jacket works well with Bermuda shorts too. For a more casual look, wear flats, a short-sleeved cardigan sweater and perhaps a pretty long beaded necklace.

Walking shorts: Hits mid-thigh and are loose, casual and comfortable. This style is best for women that are fairly confident with their legs and thighs. Best length is around 7” inseam.

Short shorts: These are also called “Daisy Dukes”. Short shorts are for ladies who used their Thighmasters all winter--or answer by the name of Jessica (Simpson). Inseams are a mere 3”.

Capris: These tend to run around the mid-calf area and can be hard to wear. Women love Capris because they are cooler than long pants and hide a multitude of “issues”. The best Capri silhouette for most women (unless they are tall and thin—then any length is okay) is above the calf. If capris are long, have them hemmed up shorter to add slenderizing length to your legs. Avoid capris that hit your thickest part of your calf.

Cropped pants: These are above the ankle bone. Cropped pants are very hard to wear. If you are heavier or shorter—your legs appear chopped off—like tree trunks. If you are tall, you appear even taller and like you are wearing high-water pants! Wear cropped pants with a heel for the most leg lengthening look. MissusSmartyPant’s advice is to avoid them all together.

Petites and plus sizes: Wear shorter lengths for shorts and capris, if you can. Find a length that is flattering (around the knee is best) and avoid the longer lengths that can make you look dumpy. The longer your legs look the better, tall, leaner, etc.—you get the picture!

One last thing before you get your legs out there…spend some time pampering. Groom your legs (shave) use tan-in-a-can (if you need a glow) and get your tooties looking terrific too! Now you are ready for flip-flops, sandals and of course--Bermuda shorts!

Leslie Gonzales AKA MissusSmartyPants helps women by assessing their body types and building personal profiles to help each woman dress her best. Check out her website for more information, www.missussmartypants.com

Top 10: Quick Ways to Change Up Your Style

Don't get stuck in a beauty rut. Keep your look fresh, your style vibrant and your mood positive. Getting started is easy! You can kick-start your beauty revival with quick makeover tips and explore the world of possibilities with an online virtual makeover. Read on for more ways to jazz up your image.

· Embrace a maintenance routine! Give your skin a little TLC, protect your hair from split ends and pamper dry cuticles.

Find more tips.

Look 5 Years Younger and 5 Pounds Thinner

One drawback to aging is that you lose pigment in your skin, says beauty expert Robert Jones. As a result, you can start to look pale and washed-out. Here's a secret to looking younger (not to mention thinner): If you add color by "sculpting the face" (that means blending multiple shades of foundation and powder in specific areas), you can turn back time.

The makeup guru also explains how to get that youthful glow in Looking Younger: Makeovers That Make You Look as Young as You Feel (Fair Winds Press, 2008). We got the scoop from him on how you should apply makeup. Just pick your face shape below and go!

Top 10: Hair Myths Busted

Who would you go to for hair advice: an artist, a blogger, a salon owner or a beauty expert? Meet Louis Licari, who just happens to be all four and more! Often seen on the Today show offering his expertise in makeovers, Louis understands our passion for beautiful hair. When it comes to separating hair fact from fiction, our celebrity beauty expert lifts the mist from the myths.

Daters, Keep Patti's Tips in Mind

Your mama always said that he should like you for you. If he doesn't, then he's not worth it. Patti Stanger, star of Bravo's The Millionaire Matchmaker, begs to differ. The matchmaking guru says, "Men fall in love between their eyes. If you're not [appealing], he's not going to even look at the menu."

While I do agree with your mama—no man should ever make you change who you are—a little style advice before a first date can't hurt. So I asked Patti about her fashion and beauty tips for daters, and here's what I learned:

After sloughing off your dead skin, what happens to those plastic microbeads that wash down the drain? Some make it all the way to the ocean and linger until they become a very unhealthy supper.

When you're pregnant, you seem to emanate a radiant glow. But even the loveliest complexion can use a little extra pampering -- especially during the summer months. Between the sun, chlorine, sweat, and your fluctuating hormones, your skin can begin to look less than radiant if you don't treat it with care. Try these tips for healthy, soft, and clean skin -- and let your pregnancy glow shine through!

1. Cleanse: Clean skin is beautiful skin. It's important to keep your skin cleansed of sweat, dirt, and oil to prevent clogged pores and a dull appearance. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser every morning and night, followed by a quick sweep with toner on a cotton pad. Also, wash your face after activities such as exercising, cleaning the house, gardening, or any other dirty or physically exerting activity, or one that requires the use of sunscreen.

2. Exfoliate: Does your skin seem dull? It could be the buildup of dead skin cells, sunscreen, makeup, or oils. Exfoliation, which is done with a mild scrub or by using a cream containing fruit acids, is a good way to get that glow back to the surface by revealing the fresh, new skin underneath. If you choose a scrub, try not to scrub too hard or your skin will look ruddy. Gentle pressure is all you need to help the scrubbing granules in an exfoliant do their work. If you use a fruit-acid cream or gel, don't overdo it. Follow the product instructions to prevent skin irritation.

3. Refresh: If you don't have time to wash your face, or just want to get rid of that "tired" look, use an astringent to refresh and clean your skin. Try witch hazel on a cotton pad. Or fill a spray bottle with one part alcohol to six parts water, and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Close your eyes and lightly spritz your face. You'll feel invigorated and your face will show it!

4. Moisturize: Keeping your skin moisturized is very important. Even if your skin is oilier than usual because of the summer heat and pregnancy hormones, you should use an oil-free moisturizer to replace the moisture that's stripped when you cleanse your face. Also, you'll need a moisturizer to even out your skin tone if you have "combination skin" -- skin that's oily in some parts and drier in others. Apply moisturizer to your face after each cleansing. Look for products that are hypoallergenic, because many skin types become very sensitive with the changes of pregnancy.

5. Protect: One of the most critical thing you can do to keep your skin healthy, younger looking, and evenly toned is to wear sunscreen every day. This is especially true when you're pregnant because your skin might be more sensitive and prone to burning. If you tend to have breakouts or skin irritations, look for oil-free or extra-gentle sunscreens especially formulated for facial skin.

6. Soothe: If you've overdone your exposure to the sun, soothe your skin with aloe vera gel or cocoa butter cream. These ingredients coat the skin with soothing moisture and are very gentle. Opt for fragrance-free formulations to minimize the possibility of further skin irritation.

7. Enhance: Just because you're minimizing sun exposure doesn't mean you can't get that sun-kissed look. Enhance your pregnancy glow with a shimmery bronzer -- a sheer cream or gel that's used like a foundation and easily washed off. Use a tester to select a shade that's just a bit darker than your natural skin tone. After evenly applying a light layer of bronzer, lightly dust some rosy blush on the apples of your cheeks, and you'll look like you've been having fun in the sun!

8. Powder: Glow looks great, but grease doesn't! With the mercury rising, you're bound to sweat. If you have oily skin then you might be prone to more breakouts. Keep a translucent pressed powder compact on hand, and blot your skin frequently with a powder puff or tissue tipped in powder to absorb extra sweat and oil. You'll look fresh and it'll help keep breakouts under control.

9. Nourish: The stress of summer and pregnancy can do a real number on your skin. But you can fight back by nourishing your skin with a relaxing facial mask. Buy a botanical mask for normal skin, a mud mask for oily skin, or an avocado mask for dry skin. Or for all skin types, here's an easy mask you can make at home: Simply mix 1/2 cup of oatmeal with warm water and a tablespoon of honey. Apply liberally to your face, avoiding the eye area. Sit back and relax for 10 minutes and rinse well. Your skin will feel soft and fresh!

10. Pamper: Your skin will feel and look fantastic if you make it a point to pamper it once a week. Give yourself a home spa treatment by gently cleansing your face, then steaming it over a bowl of hot water with lavender and rose leaves or your favorite fragrant tea, for five minutes (just use a towel draped over the back of your head while leaning over the bowl to trap the steam from the hot water). Next, splash with cold water and apply some toner and moisturizer. Your pores will be deep-down clean, and you'll look and feel relaxed!

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

Baby sleeping? Stop doing the dishes and do something for yourself for a change.

We wait and wait and wait for baby to nap, and then what do we do? If we're lucky or smart or both, we also take a nap. But because it can be so hard to drop off to sleep on a dime, we often spend baby's naptime either cleaning, which is work, or zoning out in front of the TV, which is mindless. Break out of the rut and do something interesting instead. Here are 20 little ideas.

1. Revisit a hobby you've been missing. Pick something you had to set aside when your baby was born, like knitting, scrapbooking, crafts, playing a musical instrument, or gardening -- anything the "old you" used to enjoy.

2. Escape to your bathroom "spa." We like the idea of doing a few quickie treatments at once. For instance, apply a facial mask, then slather your hands and feet with a rich moisturizer. Cover your hands and feet in plastic wrap and cotton gloves or socks, then lie on the couch and relax for 15 minutes. Step in the shower and rinse it all off.

3. Stretch out those mommy muscles. We know your upper back feels tight: Take time to stretch away the stress. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your side. Inhale deeply, raising your arms slowly over your head and stretching toward the ceiling. Exhale slowly as you lower your arms to your sides. Repeat four times.

4. Feed your brain. Keep a book of short stories on hand, borrowed from a library or purchased from a bookstore. Read a story whenever you have some alone time, or get in the habit of reading while you're nursing.

5. Treat yourself (and your husband!) to a movie night, which you can plan now. Rent a film you missed, or just set the VCR to tape a movie. Call him and tell him the plan, and ask him to bring home microwave popcorn. It will give you both something to look forward to -- and something to discuss other than the baby.

6. Start keeping a journal of motherhood moments. You'll need a notebook, of course, but in a pinch you can just start writing on notepaper and keep the scraps in a box. You'll enjoy looking back on this time and sharing it with your children as they grow older. Don't pressure yourself to do it every day -- just whenever you have time.

7. Get some talk therapy. Call a good friend -- one who always lifts your spirits and makes you laugh -- and have a 20-minute, guilt-free gabfest.

8. Write an old-fashioned letter on real stationery. Or just pen a quick handwritten note (no e-mail allowed) to an older relative like your grandmother or favorite aunt, a childhood friend, or even your husband. Putting words down on paper is so personal and often therapeutic.

9. Who doesn't fantasize about taking a vacation? Stop pining and research affordable options online. Planning a getaway gives you something to look forward to on difficult days. Visit Web sites that offer bargain airfares and inexpensive hotels, and print out some choices to share with your husband over dinner. Or, slip them into a folder and take them out if you find some extra cash (hello, tax refund). Sites to try: sidestep.com, site59.com, and familytravelforum.com. You can also have fun posting reviews of your past vacations at tripconnect.com and zoomandgo.com.

10. Go to school from home. You can take courses via the Web in subjects such as interior decorating or foreign languages. Since there's usually no pressure to complete the course in a set period of time, you can work at your own pace. A place to start: degrees.education.yahoo.com

11. Pull out your special-occasion vase or just a pretty glass, and create a flower arrangement. If you haven't picked up flowers at the supermarket or a local florist, head into your own yard. Even in the dead of winter you can collect evergreen branches and arrange them; bushes with berries also make for pretty displays.

12. Love to organize? Clean out your purse, diaper bag, or jewelry box. Fingering old jewelry is our personal favorite; it's heartwarming to remember where each piece came from.

13. Speaking of organizing, what about those photos? Drive down memory lane by taking scattered pictures and putting them into albums. This is usually a big project, so don't try to tackle it all at once. First, use a box to hold the loose photos, then just place a few at a time.

14. Goof around in the kitchen. If cooking relaxes you, whip up something that you enjoy making -- and don't stress about whether your toddler or husband will eat it. Cooking or baking for the sake of the process is relaxing for many of us.

15. Garden indoors. Go online and order a miniature herb garden for your kitchen window. We like the kit at Greenfeet.com ($22.50), which comes with four different plants -- lettuce, clover, cress, and mustard -- that grow easily indoors.

16. Give yourself a confidence boost. Stop running around in your sweats and a ponytail and take 20 minutes to really get dressed (nothing fancy, just a pulled-together outfit), style your hair, and put on a little lip gloss. Looking good is like magic; it can change your whole outlook on the day.

17. Customize your television. Instead of being a slave to the boob tube, make a plan to tape only your must-see TV. You can use the old-fashioned VCR timer, but the latest digital video recorders like TiVo are easy once you learn how to use them. Because you can skip the commercials, you can squeeze a half-hour program into just 20 minutes. You'll wonder how you ever lived without it!

18. Remember birthdays. Sit down with a calendar and make a list of family birthdays. Fill out cards now, even if you'll mail them later. Need a gift? Shop online. We like amazon.com and redenvelope.com.

19. Take a walk. It's wonderful to walk unencumbered -- no baby, no purse -- but if there's no sitter, take baby along in her stroller. You don't need any particular destination in mind -- for once just enjoy the journey.

20. Make a cup of hot chocolate or a healthy fruit smoothie. The best part -- you don't have to share with the kids.

Here's what busy moms need to know about pampering themselves with the best pedicures.

There's nothing worse than spending precious time polishing your toenails only to have the results smudged by your shoes. The best way to prolong the life of your pedicure is to be patient. Allow polish to dry thoroughly (about 30 minutes) before putting on socks or closed shoes -- for instance, slip on flip-flops and carry on with your day while your toes dry.

If you go to the beach, protect nails from abrasive sand with a chip-resistant topcoat like Barielle Manicure Extender. Chlorinated pools can also wear away even the toughest polishes. Reapply the clear topcoat every few days.

Be perfectly pedicured with step-by-step advice from Sunny Lee, director of Dashing Diva Nail Salon (dashingdiva.com):

1. Wipe off old polish with a non-acetone polish remover. Then clip and file nails to the desired length and shape. Do it right before a shower and you can skip soaking feet in a basin of water, which is messy and time-consuming.

2. In the shower, apply an exfoliant to calluses, rub with a pumice stone or foot file, and rinse well.

3. Dry feet, apply cuticle oil, and massage into skin. Gently push back cuticles with an orangewood stick (available at most drugstores). Use cuticle snippers only for hangnails, since aggressive trimming can cause them to grow back faster.

Tried and True Bug Repellant that Smells and Feel Great (Without DEET)

Lemon Facial Scrub

Strawberry Drawing Facial Mask

Zesty Sugar Scrub

Sunkist Sugar Spa Scrub

Avocado body mask

Grapefruit Foot Tonic

Banana and Lemon Foot Massage

Citrus Body Oil

Lemon Dandruff Treatment

For more on homemade skincare

Be Proud of Your Tall Model Like Height

High Heels vs. Flat Shoes

Worried About Dating a Shorter Men - Don't Be!

Dress in Clothes to Flatter Your Tall Body Type

20 Beauty Secrets Every Teen Should Know

Or, What We Wish We Knew 20 Years Ago

Not sure how unfresh your breath really is? Learn how you can tell if you have bad breath on the spot.

Preventing bad breath from occurring or at least affecting others

Natural Solution to Stop Bad Breath

Causes of Bad Breath

Home Treatment Remedy for Halitosis

Stop nail biting. Break your toddler or child's habit early.

A finger nail biting cure that helped remedy 18 year old girl's problem from when she was a child.

Nail care and nail biting products

Attention Nail Bitters - Where to Seek Help

Nail polish shows off those fingers.

Sunless Tanning Lotions: How they Work?

Show off Your Tan with a Swim Suit that Flatters Your Body Type

How to Apply a Believable Sunless Tan

Shape Eye Brows with Threading, Waxing and Plucking with Tweezers

Proper Beauty Tools Make Eyebrow Shaping a Breeze

Shaping Your Eyebrows: How to get the perfect arch shape

How to Pluck Eyebrows with Tweezers: The Do's and Don'ts

Video on Tips for Eyebrow Shaping

Use Eyebrow Gel to Keep Your Brow Shape Neat after Tweezing

Lotions, Creams & Oil Preventions For Stretch Marks

Look At Your Diet When Preventing Stretch Marks

5 Beauty Mistakes Women Make; Plus, Five Beauty Dos

Trends, schmends: Don't break these classic beauty rules

30 Manicure Tips

The Secrets to Gorgeous Nails

What can you get away with at 20, 30, 40, 50 and older?

How to conceal wrinkles, crow's feet, crepe-y lids & much more

The Hidden Dangers of Common Beauty Treatments

How to Pick the Right Hair Color: 8 Tips

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Not sure how unfresh your breath really is?
Learn how you can tell if you have bad breath on the spot.

Are you a warm or a cool?

Tricks We Learned at Ocho Tulum Resort in Tulum, Mexico