Lip Augmentation - The Raw Facts

Lip augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Last year, approximately 264,000 people underwent lip-plumping surgery. With fuller lips one can create a more youthful, vibrant look. This is primarily achieved through injections and grafting.

Injections: using small needles, the lip is filled with a soft substance to create a fuller appearance. The most widely used substance is collagen, which is found in cow skin. Although purified, collagen can cause allergic reactions in some patients.

A sensitivity test should always be performed prior to the actual procedure. Because the body slowly absorbs the collagen, results usually only last one to three months although the procedure can be repeated as many times as desired.

Fat harvested from other areas of the body - usually the abdomen or thighs - can also be injected into the lips. One great advantage to this procedure is that there is no possibility of an allergic reaction, although as with collagen the results are temporary.

Other injectable lip plumpers include Artecoll, a synthetic material which augments the natural tissue to create long lasting results, Autologen (collagen from the patient's own skin), which also has relative longevity and Dermalogen, which is extracted from the skin of a human donor then screened and processed to prevent the risk of disease.

The effects of the latter are relatively short term and similar to the effects of collagen.

Grafting: under local anaesthesia, material is inserted through incisions made in the inside corners of the mouth. The incisions are then closed with stitches.

Alloderm is a popular human donor material, which is strictly processed to prevent infection. The material is often absorbed, so results are temporary lasting between 6 and 12 months.

A more effective material is Softform, which does not shrink and is never absorbed into the body. Scar tissue forms at each end, keeping it in place. This also makes it easy to remove if it becomes infected.

Fat grafting produces lasting results in about 50% of those who try it. Though it can be reabsorbed by the body in time, this is popular as people are comfortable with the idea of using fat from their own bodies in order to enhance their own lips.

Most lip enhancements take between 30 minutes and two hours to perform. If the patient has no medical problems the procedure is usually on an outpatient basis, allowing them to return home a few hours after surgery.

Topical anaesthesia is generally used before injections so the procedure involves no discomfort. Most people are able to return to their normal routine within two days. Grafts usually involve more pain and a longer recovery period. Local anaesthesia is used in grafting.

Local anaesthesia makes the procedure painless but may lead to discomfort later. Recovery time may take one to two weeks and the patient may experience some problems with drooling. Grafting can also leave lips feeling unusually stiff for up to two to three months.

As with any surgical procedure, there is always a possibility of infection or reaction to anaesthesia.

There are non-surgical options for lip augmentation. One such method can be performed by your dentist. The premise is simple. The structure underneath is enlarged in order to change the appearance of the surface. Teeth support the lips so enlarging the teeth gives the lips a fuller appearance.

Dental lip enhancements are performed in one of two ways; either by changing the shape of one's arch of teeth (or bite) through orthodontics or changing the shape of the front teeth through restorative treatments such as laminate veneers or porcelain crowns. The former treatment is nearly permanent; the latter can last between 5 and 12 years.

Now that you are armed with information relating to cosmetic lip plumping procedures why not learn about some more natural methods that can give you sexier, fuller lips without the potential risks.

J O'Neal guides you through the pros and cons of cosmetic lip enhancement. Learn the facts before you decide on potentially disfiguring cosmetic surgery.Discover more about safe non-surgical lip augmentation tecniques at: <a href="http://www.radiantyouth.com" target="_blank">lip augmentation</a>

Discover Why Tanning Beds Wed Technology With Cosmetics

Since a sun tan tan is in vogue, it has created high demand for tanning equipment such as tanning beds and tanning booths. This has motivated research for sophisticated and affordable tanning equipment.

Many innovative tanning devices are available for striking tan at very reasonable prices. The following are common tanning devices available in the market:

* Tanning Beds
* Tanning Booths
* Tanning Canopies
* Tanning Lamps

Tanning Beds : Two type of tanning beds are available in the market. Commercial tanning beds have wide range of user-friendly features and fit for longer use. The commercial tanning beds are large, programmable and expensive. Usually only Tanning saloons install these tanning beds.

There are many specifications laid down to regulate tanning saloons. Only well-trained saloon employees can handle and program these tanning beds for clients. They also suggest the number of treatments needed to achieve and maintain the desired effect.

Home tanning beds are normally smaller and most of them are foldable and consume very little space. They are easy to use and very effective even with their limited features. All members of your family can use it. Therefore, it is cheaper to use a home tanning bed.

Tanning Booths: Tanning booths are a vertical version of tanning bed. Instead of lying, you have to stand in tanning booth and ultraviolet lights hit your body from all around. Most saloons will provide stools to sit on while you enjoy the tan.

Tanning Canopy: This canopy only has a tanning roof. You need to use your own bed and chair below it. Tanning canopies are cheap and convenient. You can store them easily. However, you have to roll over to tan you full body under a canopy.

Tanning Lamps: Some people like to tan only the face or hands. They can use Tanning lamps. These are small, economic and compact enough to carry.

Tips To Own A Tanning Bed At Least Cost Many tanning bed companies offer huge discounts on tanning beds. They also offer a monthly payment plan to purchase tanning equipment.

With a few dollars per month, you can get a gorgeous look and become the talk of the town. If you still suspect the utility of tanning equipment, try purchasing pre-owned tanning equipment or tanning beds. Many people, who upgrade to better equipment, sell their tanning bed at throwaway prices in garage sales or online auction sites.

You can often pick up very good bargains here. Since the tanning equipment and beds are electrically operated, gorgeous looks are now just a 'click' away!

Find out all you need to know about tanning beds. Are they safe? Do they work? Why should you use tanning beds instead of normal sunshine... Click <a target="_new" href="http://www.tanning-beds-101.com/tanning-equipment.html">http://www.tanning-beds-101.com/tanning-equipment.html</a>

New Sources of Hyaluronic Acid Provide Hope for Increased Availability

Recent research into the purification of Hyaluronic acid (HA) from the vitreous humor of fish has shown great promise. This method is highly efficient and easier than derivation from rooster combs and other traditional sources of HA.

Specifically, scientists have pinpointed a way to derive highly pure Hyaluronic acid from the vitreous humor of fish. This method has the potential to be extremely important for the commercial Hyaluronic acid market as it provides an easy, safe and economical way to synthesize high amounts of Hyaluronic acid. If patent approved, the process could make Hyaluronic acid products even more readily available and could help scientists in the search for uses of Hyaluronic acid other than Hyaluronic acid injections, supplements, beauty products, liquids and serums.

The specific protocol to obtain pure HA from vitreous humor of fish consists of the following:

1: Using platinum electrodes for protein electrodeposition.

2. Diafiltration, which reduces ethanol consumption

3: Redissolution of the pellet

4: Alkaline treatment of concentrated extracts

There are many competitive advantages to this new process of creating hyaluronic acid. The two most compelling advantages are that the process results in higher quality HA, and requires less alcohol use which makes the process easier and more economical.

Hyaluronic Acid Resources is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. For more information go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-hyaluronicacid.com/">http://www.e-hyaluronicacid.com/.</a>

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon: Treat Yourself to Surgery at Its Best

Los Angeles is the city as infamous as it is famous, as notorious a city as you can find. It is a city that is known the whole world over, even by millions who have never visited it, and it is surrounded by an intriguing mysticism that few can resist. This is where the famous people live, the young, the rich and the beautiful, a city that houses people so gorgeous that the plastic surgeons must be the best in the world! Many people travel here from all over the world to have their surgery performed here by the very best. But if the city and its surgeons are that good, surely the prices must be as high-flying too?

Because it seems that Los Angeles people have to be beautiful people too, you can be sure that Los Angeles plastic surgeons will be plentiful and highly skilled. The disproportionate demand for cosmetic surgery in this city compared with other parts of the country means that the competition within the industry here is huge - so professionals have to be top-notch in order to survive. Making an appointment with a Los Angeles plastic surgeon almost guarantees that you will be meeting a professional who is well qualified and experienced, with knowledge of all the latest innovations at his or her disposal. The success of the industry in this part of the world pushes it on to bigger and better things, so if you are looking to avail of all the most up-to-date techniques, then this is the city to visit.

The popularity of plastic surgery here means that surgeons can charge what they like - but the very multitude of professionals means also that they must remain competitive in their price structure. There are a number of great deals to be had. The city's booming industry also means that sometimes hacks can flourish, offering half price operations at half the standard of the true professionals. Always check out the credentials of your surgeon before you submit to their knife - in a city filled with the best in the world, you don't want to be one of the unlucky ones who falls prey to the unscrupulous. Even the cheapest deal in the world is not worth that.

Finding the best deals in town will take some homework - use the Internet, local press, or even ask around to find the best deals offered by the best surgeons. You might have to pay a little more to avail of the services of a Los Angeles plastic surgeon, but the gorgeous results will make you glad you spent the money.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of <a target="_new" href="http://www.abdominoplasty-information.com">Plastic Surgery Resources</a> a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

How Does Sunless Tanning Lotion Work?

Perhaps you want a suntanned look for just one occasion such as an evening out. Maybe you want something with more even coverage and a longer life. Or, maybe you've looked at all options available in sunless tanning products and decided to get your tan the old-fashioned way, after all. All of this is perfectly fine. If you choose the latter, however, be sure to take measures to protect your skin.

UVB rays, at 290 to 320 nm, and UVA rays, at 320 to 400 nm are the most harmful to our skin. UVB is easier to protect against than UVA, but both cause very real damage. Even when using a sunless tanning lotion, it is usually necessary to use sunscreen. They don't all come with sunscreen added.

Our skin protects us from UV damage by producing melanin, a substance that absorbs the harmful rays in order to protect our DNA. When the body produces melanin, our skin darkens, taking on a darker appearance, and this is how we get a suntan. Sunless tanning lotion works to make us darker by replicating this process using a chemical called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA.)

DHA adds color to skin by interacting with the amino acids in dead skin cells. As these skin cells are shed, the color fades. The effects of sunless tanning lotion last from five to seven days, depending on the quality of the product, application, and the individual's characteristics.

Sunless tanning lotion works particularly well for people with fairer complexions, allowing them to achieve a darker tan than they would through sun exposure.

To get the best application from a sunless tanning lotion, make sure to clean and exfoliate areas where the lotion will be applied first. Apply the lotion in a circular motion, instead of a back-and-forth or brush-like motion. It's often necessary to wait for at least fifteen minutes after application of the lotion, as it can stain or rub off. Lighter application is recommended for areas like knees, elbows, and ankles. It's always a good idea to patch test the product before use. Finally, be aware that some lotions can make some wearers look orange, rather than golden tan.

With sunless tanning lotion, you can go to the beach and not sit in the sun! You will still be able to hit the boardwalk with what should be a flawless tan.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-sunlesstanning.com">Sunless Tanning Info</a> provides detailed information about sunless tanning lotion, booths, sprays, salons, and pills, as well as reviews of best sunless tanning products and methods. Sunless Tanning Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.i-tanningbeds.com">Tanning Beds Web</a>.

The Attraction of Pigtails

Very young girls wear their hair in pigtails because their mommies do their hair for them. Of course, this is because the hairstyle is easy and moms just want their little girls to look cute. When girls get older, the pigtails hairstyle is sometimes selected out of choice. This certainly goes for teenagers, but it is also true for young women as they mature into their 20's, and sometimes beyond. This begs the question, "Why?" Why do young women sometimes choose to wear their hair in pigtails?

The possible reasons for pigtails being a hairstyle of choice are many, some more obvious than others. When the weather is hot, getting the hair away from the head is a cooler way to go, and pigtails help immensely. When a girl is short on time and needs to get her hair ready in a jiffy, pigtails are quick and easy. Ladies might wear pigtails as a fashion statement. Or they might wear them because they want to look young, playful, cute, or sexy. (And yes, pigtails can be both cute and sexy at the same time.) Another possibility for pigtails is when a young lady wishes to present herself as an enigma. "Is she a good girl pretending to be bad, or a bad girl trying to look good?" And then there's the best reason for a young woman to wear pigtails: she wants to be a Pigtail Dream Girl at PigtailDreams.com! But seriously, pigtails are an attention getter, and the more mature the woman wearing pigtails, the more attention those pigtails get.

So, why do pigtails attract attention? Let's start with reasons for men liking pigtails. (OK, not all males enjoy pigtails, but most do, even if secretly.) Pigtails represent youth and, in our society, youth is attractive. As I said above, pigtails are cute and sexy, and what man doesn't enjoy a female showing off something cute and sexy? Some men fall for the enigma thing: "Why is this lady wearing pigtails? What is she up to?" Other men, myself included, see a woman in pigtails and think, "Wow, this lady is truly special." But pigtails also attract the attention of other females, who pretty much react the same way that men do, but with additional possible thoughts like, "She's such a child!", "What a slut!", or "Wow, I wish I had the guts to wear pigtails."

So, we see here that there are oodles of reasons for pigtails to be appreciated by pigtail wearers and pigtail observers alike. But I will close with what pigtails mean to me. To me, an adult female with her hair in pigtails screams confidence. This is a lady who is fun-loving, outgoing, bold, and confident. She likes what she has, but knows what else she wants, and is determined to get it. This is a woman with very high self-esteem. There are women all over the world capable of being dream girls, but it takes a truly special lady to have the confidence to be a Pigtail Dream Girl.

Alan Decker is a big fan of pigtails and one of the webmasters at PigtailDreams.com. URL - <a target="_new" href="http://www.pigtaildreams.com">http://www.pigtaildreams.com</a> Email - <a href="mailto:alan@pigtaildreams.com">alan@pigtaildreams.com</a> More articles at <a target="_new" href="http://magazine.pigtaildreams.com">http://magazine.pigtaildreams.com</a>

Want to Try on That New Hair Style Before You Get It?

Hair Styles Cuts And Dos Review:

Description: Hair Style Editor, Photo Uploading, Hair Style Gallery with 3,950 photos of short, medium, long, and updo photos for women.

Subscription Price: $9.99

Subscription Term: Annual

Payments Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Secure connection

Current Number of Members: 25,291

User-Friendly: Yes

Guarantees: Satisfaction guaranteed! If you don't like it, you get a refund! If for any reason within 30 days, you are not satisfied with your membership we will refund your money, no questions asked ! There's no risk involved, don't like it then just ask for your money back. It's that simple!

Strengths Extensive Hair Styles Galleries, Ebook on hair advice, 1 year membership, Satisfaction Guaranteed, Very quick- find a new hair style in 5 minutes

Introduction

Advertising and promotional material for this website focuses on uploading a photo and trying on various hair styles. When I first logged in to the members area, the first thing that got my attention was the incredible amounts of hair style photos for very short, short, medium, long and updo hair styles. An immediate sense of relaxation came over me. If I couldn't find a good hair style among the thousands, well then there there just wasn't any hope.

There is also an extra E-book included in the membership that is barely mentioned on the web site. This E-book is great! It is a list of hair care tips and advice from a top hair designer in England. It covers all sorts of topics, such as how to select a hair designer, how to select a new hair style, various styling tips and tricks and what to do when your home hair color didn't turn out so great. This E-book has valuable information that everyone can use. I read every page of it--almost 100 pages total.

Hair Style Galleries

I quickly browsed through all the galleries, looking at all the different hair styles with different hair colors, textures, volume and even highlights. There are no photos of men's hair styles, ethnic or african-american women hair styles. The photos are all optimized to load quickly, so there is no time wasted waiting for photos to load. If you find a photo that you like you can click on it to enlarge it and even print a copy to take to your hair stylist. Printing the updo photos are especially helpful if you are looking for prom, bridal or formal hair styles. There is also the option to save the hair style photos that you really like in your favorites so you can play a slide show of them later.

Hair Style Editor

After browsing all the hair style photos, I move on to the hair style editor part of the website where I am told I can upload a photo of myself and try on some hair styles. The instructions to upload are very straightforward and I upload a photo of myself within minutes (it might have even been seconds). The photo that you upload should be taken against a plain white background and you should probably pull back most of your hair so it doesn't hang in your face.

Once you have uploaded your photo, you enter the hair style editor where there are four tools at your disposal.

Color Palette - allows you to change the color of your chosen style

Mask Pad - allows you to mask the undesired details on your photo prior to trying on different hair styles. For example, you may want to remove long hair that appears in a photo or the background of the photo

Size Tool - allows you to modify the size and proportions of the hair style you select

Trash Tool - allows you to remove the modifications that you just made without having to start over

First, I masked my photo so that only my face shape was showing. By the way, this is a great way to figure out your face shape! The masking takes a little bit of expertise with the mouse. If you are switching categories, for example, going from medium hair styles to long hair styles, you must re-mask your face again. You can change the width of the mask tool to make it a little easier closer to the face. After masking, I went to the category selector which allows you to browse thru and try on hair styles in the five categories, very short, short, medium, long and updo hair styles.

Once you find a hair style you want to try on, you just click on it and drag it to your photo. It automatically loads. Then you can move it around a bit to make it fit right on your head. After you are done adjusting the size and color of the hair style, you can print it or save it as one of your favorites to view later. The photo that you get with the selected hair style is obviously computer-generated, but it does give you a glimpse of what the hair style would look like on you. For example, I have been wanting to add some bangs to my current hair style. When I tried on the hair style with bangs, it didn't look very good at all. I think I have decided to skip the full bangs for now and maybe go with just a few long whispy looking bangs.

Conclusion

Hair Styles Cuts and Dos is an immediate relief for anyone desperately looking for examples of any type of hair style. You can literally find a new hair style in 5 minutes!! The hair style editor is also a great tool to try on various hair styles and get an idea of how they will look on you. The extra E-book is full of tips and advice for hair, tons more than you would find in any magazine.

Typically a lot of women go and buy a bunch of magazines when they want to find a new hair style. If you consider the price of a magazine alone- between 3-5$-- and the fact that you don't always find the style you want in just one magazine, the price for admission at Hair Styles Cuts and Dos - currently $9.99 for a whole year ---is well worth it

The Hair Styler Review

Description: Online virtual hairstyling with over 2000 hairstyles and 53 color choices to try, online hair consultation, face shape info

Subscription Price: $14.99

Subscription Term 6 months

Payments Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Bankcard, Diners, Secure transactions

User-Friendly Yes

Guarantees:TheHairStyler.com guarantees* that upon the fee being paid to us, a member will be able to use TheHairStyler.com website for a total period of 6 months to view all available hairstyles using their own uploaded image or a Model image supplied by TheHairStyler.com. Strengths: Celebrity hair styles, men hair styles, description and maintenance routine of hair styles, hairstyle articles, face shape information

Introduction

There is a demo version of the software on the site for you to try out. The demo shows a selection of hair styles and how you can try them on. Also available to visitors for free is the hairstyles consultation. You answer some basic questions about your face, age, height, skin color, hair density, generer, eye color, etc. and then the hairstyle consultation comes back with some recommendations for you to try out. It also has several styles to avoid. Several hairstyle articles are also free for visitors to the site. Some of them cover celebrity hair styles, recent trends and other hair related articles. The freebies on the site are very useful.

Membership

Once you become a member, you have access to the entire selection of hair styles and you can load your own photo into the hair styler software. Be sure to upload a good photo with your hair pulled back off your face and a white background. If you are unable to upload photos on your computer, you can send your photo to The Hair Styler and they will do it for you. Uploading a photo takes about 10 seconds and you are allowed to upload as many photos as you want in the six-month membership. Once your photo is there you can go and try on hair styles in the 7 different categories Celebrity, Everyday, Formal/Bridal, Classic, Mens, Alternative and Dreadlocks.

After you upload your photo you go to a section where you determine your face shape. The face shapes are Oval, Round, Oblong, Heart, Square, Diamond and Triangular. The example face shapes are very easy to place on your photo. Determining your face shape is a breeze!! After your face shape is determined you have to line up the eyes in the diagram to your own eyes and adjust the color of the photo as needed. Next you move on to try on different hair styles

The Celebrity category is broken down further into various female, black female, classic female, various male, black male, classic male and celebrity search. There is a large list of celebrity hair styles to choose from and if this is what you are after, The Hair Styler is your place!! Descriptions for the different hair styles are very useful. They include info on how long it will take to style that particular hair style, what hair care products you will need and what face shape and hair texture the style is suited for.

Everyday hairstyles are broken down into texture- with straight, wavy and curly as choices, and length- short, medium and long are choices. Formal/Bridal categories include UpCurls, UpSmooth, DownCurls, and DownSmooth. If you are looking for prom or bridal hair styles, this section will give you quite a few ideas for your special event. The descriptions for the hair styles are very helpful, giving you suggestions on styling, hair care products to use and how long the style will last.

The Classic and Dreadlock categories are not broken down any further and the Mens hairstyles choices are short, long and conservative. The face model for the mens hairstyles is still the women model, but if you upload a mans photo you will get a good idea of how the hair style will look.

In every category there is the option to save or print the hairstyle photo that you like. When you print the hairstyle it prints not only the hair style you like, but also the directions, hair care products to use, what face shape the style is recommended for and the time required to style that particular hair style. This is all very useful info that you can bring to your hair stylist.

Conclusion

The Hair Styler has many features that are helpful for selecting a new hair style. The hairstyles are realistic looking when they are loaded on your photo and the site is constantly updated with new hair fashions. The system is easy to use and no complicated sofware is needed, only an internet connection. Since The Hair Styler goes into face shapes and has many different categories, it may take you a little time to find what you are looking for. But the time is well invested with lots of useful hair style information that will help you with your hair style now and in the future.

Stellure Review

Description: 3D Hair Style Studio, Photo Uploading, Face Shape Info, 3D Model of Your Face

Subscription Price: 3 Levels

Sampler: Free Trial

Figure: $19.95 6 months

Reflect: $34.95 12 months

Lifetime:$49.95 Never pay again!

Payments Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Delta with Secure connection

User-Friendly: Yes

Guarantees: Satisfaction guaranteed! If you don't like it, you get a refund! If for any reason within 30 days, you are not satisfied with your membership we will refund your money, no questions asked ! There's no risk involved, don't like it then just ask for your money back. It's that simple!

Strengths Realistic 3D Models, Can get customized 3D face model, Satisfaction Guaranteed, Monthly Newsletter, Value pricing, Articles on hair styles, Oscar fashion, prom hair fashions

Introduction

Stellure is a relatively new site that offers hair imaging in three dimensions. It differentiates itself from other imaging programs because of the very realistic 3D aspect. Currently they have the first batch of 151 hair styles loaded in the system. They are adding a lifelike color tinting system soon and they have just negotiated a deal that will give them access to large volumes of top quality fashion and classic hairstyles. As more and more hairstyles are added, the membership prices will be going up. The best value at this time is the lifetime membership as it gives you the benefits of the increased catalogue at a much lower price. And, let's face it, examining your hair style and trying to find new ones is a lifelong activity.

The Hair Style Studio

Joining Stellure is quick, easy and secure. Depending on what type of membership you have selected, you can view hair styles on a stand in model or upload photos of yourself for Stellure to create your own 3D model to view hair styles. For the purposes of this review, we went with the customized 3D model. There are detailed instructions on the site for taking the photographs. You will need a front view and a side view. If you have scanner it is very easy to take a regular photo and scan it in for uploading. If you don't own a scanner, you could probably go to your local photo processing center and have it done for you.

Before you get started with the hairstyles, you are directed to the face shape wizard to help you determine which one your face fits into. The wizard loads very quickly and asks you several questions about the dimensions of your face. After you have answered everything, the wizard tells you your face shape. This is important information since all of the hairstyles come with descriptions that detail which face shape they are suited for. There is also a link to style advice in the members area to specific style advice for your face shape.

We opted for the Reflect membership where we would get our own customized 3D face model. We had two photographs taken of one of our staff members, one front view and one side view. Once we uploaded the two photos in the Stellure member area, we received an Email in less than 24 hours that the 3D model was ready. (They do state on the website that the 3D models will be finished in 48 hours or less). Once your 3D model is finished, you will get a list of recommended hair styles for your face shape and then you can go to the hair style studio to try them on.

To try on a hair style you simply click on the style and it will show up on your face model. You can set the face model to spin clockwise, counterclockwise or you can click on any of 12 different angles to view the hair style. The hair styles and face models are very realistic looking and the 3D view gives you a very good idea of what the selected hair style will look like from the back. The back view of a hair style is probably the most often ignored view of any hair style and the 3D spinning face model allows you to see the back from a very different perspective.

As you try on different hair styles, you can get styling information by selecting the small i on the menu, you can print the hair style and you can save it in your favourites to view later. When you print a hair style, you will get a front view, back view and a view from each side. The detailed description is included in the printout. Information such as suitable lengths, length descriptions, suitable densities, face shapes, trim period, texture description, styling instructions, maintenance level and styling time. These are all very important factors to consider when considering a new hair style. If a hair style you like requires 30 minutes to style every morning and you do not have that kind of time, then you will probably not be very happy with your results.

There is a search function that will allow you to search by category, face shape, hair density and hair length. Categories include: Latest, Classic, Glamour/Evening, Formal/Bridal, Easy Care and Updo. Face Shapes include Oval, Rectangle, Square, Round, Heart, Pear and Diamond. Hair Density includes Thin, Medium, Thick and Hair Length selections are Short, Medium and Long.

In addition to the hair style studio, you will receive a monthly newsletter that discusses the most current hair style fashion and how to get it. This is great info if you want your hair to be in fashion. And, if you can't find the hair style you are looking for, you can actually request it.

Conclusion

The fact that the technology used to develop the 3D Hair Style Studio at Stellure is patent pending says a lot about the high quality of the program. Most hair imaging programs offer just the front view of the hair style and Stellure offers a 3D look at selected hair styles with either a stand in model or your very own face model. It factors in your face shape information and offers suggestions for selecting a new hair style The results are very realistic and as more and more hair styles are added to the Hair Style Studio, this subscription based program will be the place to go if you want to find a new hair style and see how it will look on you.

Perriann Rodriguez is the author of the recently published 2005's Most Popular Hair Extensions, available at <a target="_new" href="http://www.hairresources.net">http://www.hairresources.net.</a> She is also the founder of <a target="_new" href="http://www.hairresources.com">http://www.hairresources.com</a>, the center for World Class Hair Styles + Beauty Salons. Perriann is listed in the 2004 Who's Who of Executives and Professionals and the U.S. Register of American Writers.

Color Contact Lenses - Do They Work on Dark Eyes?

Do you want to change dark eye color to something different, but you are unsure if color contacts will work for your eyes? If you have brown eyes and tried color contact lenses several years ago, you were probably disappointed. Color contacts of the previous generation ether gave your eye color only a very slight change or your eyes looked blue but completely unnatural.

Creating color lenses that would truly transform brown eyes into sky blue or emerald green is a very difficult task, but modern color contact lenses can do it. The trick is to select the lenses that would work for you.

There are two types of color contacts - enhancement color contacts and opaque color lenses. Enhancers usually come in different shades of blue, green and gray and are designed to make your natural eye color look brighter. They are translucent and create a natural-looking effect. Unfortunately, enhancement color contacts work only for light eyes. Over brown eyes, enhancers would be either completely invisible or create only a very light tint that was not enough to change your color.

Opaque color contacts, on the other side, are specially designed for brown eyes. As the name suggests, they aren't transparent; only the center of the lens is clear, so you can still see. Opaque lenses aren't solid color, of course: they simulate the natural pattern of a human eye.

However, not all opaque color contacts do a good job of recreating a natural pattern. Here, I will highlight the brands that create a vivid, but natural-looking, effect.

Freshlook Colorblends by Ciba Vision looks very realistic, because the base color for each lens is actually a mix of three different shades - just as it usually is in the human iris. The lens is lighter toward the middle and darker at the edge, with a pattern imprinted on it. The color created is vivid, but dark, so Freshlook Colorblends won't make your eyes appear light. Freshlook Colorblends are monthly disposable color lenses. In my opinion, Amethyst and True Sapphire are their best colors.

Acuvue 2 Colors Opaques also create a beautiful, realistic effect. Like all Acuvue contacts, Acuvue 2 Colors is a comfortable lens. The lenses are designed to be replaced every two weeks - this is what the "2" in the name means. Acuvue 2 Colors is manufactured by Johnson ' Johnson.

Illusions, also by Ciba Vision, can transform your brown eyes into light blue or green. The effect they create is truly amazing. One drawback of Illusions, though, is that they are traditional, annual replacement contact lenses, which means that they are thicker and not as comfortable as Freshlook or Acuvue.

Problems opaque color contact lenses can create.

One problem is that a lens can slip a little on your eye, so part of your brown iris is visible. Most people, however, don't worry about it, because the brown is visible only under close scrutiny; otherwise, it blends with the black of your pupil.

Another problem is that opaque color lens might affect your vision. As you know, pupils get larger or smaller, depending on the lighting conditions - it is smallest under a bright light and largest in the dark. Since the clear part of color contact lens isn't adjustable, in low light situations, part of your pupil will be covered by the opaque lens and your vision will be decreased. It doesn't mean that you won't be able to see in the dark, just not as well as you would see if you weren't wearing your contacts. For this reason, driving at night while wearing your color contacts isn't recommended - at least, not until you know for sure how they affect your eyes.

If you wonder how you will look with different eye colors, give color contacts a try. Eyes are the focal point of your look, and you would be amazed how different you appear with eyes of a different color.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of <a target="_new" href="http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/">http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/</a>, where you can find unbiased information about eye health, all types of contact lenses and comparison of <a target="_new" href="http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contacts.html">color contact lenses</a>

Boost your Natural Beauty

Make your hair shine and your skin glow with these all-natural Skin and Hair Nourishing masks & recipes, that you can whip up with just a few simple, easy-to-find ingredients.

Egg yolks are widely acknowledged as one of nature's best moisturizers. Here are a couple ultra-rich masks to "deep condition" hair and skin.

1.Egg Yolk & Honey Facial Mask

(Best for dry skin types)

Mix Together in equal proportion

? Honey

? Egg yolk

? Almond oil

? Yogurt.

Honey stimulates and smoothes, egg and almond oil penetrate and moisturize, and yogurt refines and tightens pores.

2.Egg Yolk, Avocado & Mud Facial Mask

(Best for oily skin types)

Clay or fuller's earth mud is available in powder form at any Health food store or Nutrition outlets.

Mix Together in equal proportion

? Dry clay

? Egg yolk

? Mashed Avocado, with

? Witch hazel

Mud dries excess sebum while the egg yolk and avocado

replenish lost moisture. Witch hazel acts as a toner.

3.Fruitamins Hair Mask

In a blender mix

? 1/2 Banana,

? 1/4 Avocado,

? 1/4 Cantaloupe,

? 1 tablespoon Wheat germ oil

? 1 tablespoon Yogurt.

For extra conditioning, squeeze in the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Leave in hair for 15 - 20 minutes.

4.Fruitamins Face Mask

In a blender mix

? Strawberries

? Pineapple

? Banana

Apply to the face and leave it for 15 - 20 minutes, Wash off to find a glowing face.

Well, this is one of the best solutions for females going on a date ? Believe it!!

N.SRIVATHSHAN MBA(PHARMA MARKETING),BA SALES,PRODUCT, ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT,PHARMACY,NUTRITION&DIETETICS. PRODUCT MANAGER NANDAN BIOMATRIX <a href="mailto:srivathshan@yahoo.com">srivathshan@yahoo.com</a> <a target="_new" href="http://www.geocities.com/srivathshan">http://www.geocities.com/srivathshan</a>

A Review of Popular Sunless Tanning Products

When the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer, we are all drawn outdoors to enjoy the sun. Many will recall seemingly endless hours outdoors, soaking up the sun's rays without a care.

Unfortunately, sunbathing isn't as carefree an activity as it used to be. These days, there's more to worry about, such as premature aging, scarring and blemishes, or even skin cancer. With so many options for sunless tanning, finding the best sunless tanning products and methods can be confusing.

In terms of coverage, consistency of color, and follow up care of the tan, spray booth tanning is a good bet. Though it can be costly, and the convenience of home application is lost, many people report high levels of satisfaction from spray tanning. Fantasy Tan and Mist-On Tan are two popular systems. Costs will vary by region and depending on the facility.

Other products touted among the best sunless tanning are Bain de Soleil Tinted Self Tanner Foam (medium) for its quality of color and duration of the tan, and Bain de Soleil Faces Tinted Self Tanning Cr?me for its ease and smoothness of application and duration of the tan. Though considered high in cost, these are quality cosmetics, according to some.

Coppertone Sunless Tanner Spray (dark) is popular, because it is a spray, and it is applied in the home. No need for a salon visit. This product is appreciated for the quality of the tan, the ease of application (the spray mechanism doesn't clog,) and how long the resulting tan lasts.

Sunless tanning is a large and growing industry, with advances being made regularly in blend and technology. There are products for every budget and lifestyle. The best sunless tanning is UV free, convenient, and looks great! Best of all, no one has to know where that beautiful tan came from!

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-sunlesstanning.com">Sunless Tanning Info</a> provides detailed information about sunless tanning lotion, booths, sprays, salons, and pills, as well as reviews of best sunless tanning products and methods. Sunless Tanning Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.i-tanningbeds.com">Tanning Beds Web</a>.

Cool Tattoos

Practitioners admit it hurts like hell and speech is initially difficult, but claim that the surprise factor of sticking out their tongues at unwary persons is worth the effort.

For those seeking out cool tattoos getting the tongue tattooed might be too much. Circus carny and graphic designer Curtis McMurty is the person credited with developing a specially patented Tongue-Dyed Tattoo? technology.

And McMurty's innovation doesn't stop with the visual. He claims the new technique has the same durability as any regular tattoo, but has the added aspect of eliciting a specific taste to go with the design. "They come in chocolate, vanilla and garlic. If you really want to shock a person's sensibilities, go for the garlic - you won't be disappointed."

"I've always been unique. My friends say I'm 'touched.' Now I'm twice as unique!" - Egrett Emry, tongue tattooer

The first person to have the procedure done was Egrett Emry, who has a depiction of vomit it was a toss-up between that and an "Eat Me" graphic). Emry's roommate acknowledged that Emry's first week after getting it done has been "a real tongue twister. He really sucks at taking phone messages."

Emry later noted in an email interview that, "I've always been unique. My friends say I'm 'touched.' Now I'm twice as unique. If scientists could grow another tongue on me through stem cells, I'd totally tattoo that one, too. Hey, I'm a no-hold-the-bar kinda risk-taking guy."

Emry added that so far all food tastes like burnt flesh. "Don't get me wrong, I've never actually tasted burnt flesh, but I think we all agree on what we think it must taste like, you know?"

About two dozen Californians have supposedly received tongue tattoos at McMurty's parlor in East L.A. In terms of safety, initial research shows that it's no more harmful than swallowing small droplets of mercury.

And in terms of imagery, well, the sky's the limit. McMurty was contacted recently by some Portland, Ore., teenagers who want to tattoo the Nike corporate swoosh on their tongues, "to speak out about the omnipresence of corporate greed."

"It can certainly be shocking," admitted Emry, describing how he surprised his dentist when he went in for a routine check-up. "The poor guy said, 'Open up.' So I did - and I swear he fell over backwards when I stuck it out at him. I guess the general public will find this sort of thing hard to swallow."

Tattoo Designs Tattoo Galleries <a target="_new" href="http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com">http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com</a>

Wearable Art: The Great Conversation Starter

Ok, you are heading to a small get together or large party and you know that you will not know many of the other guests. Alternatively, you want people (or maybe that cutie!) to have an easy way to approach you. In these situations, wear something that is highly likely to be a good conversation starter. For example, if hats are your thing, choose one that that people will be prompted to ask you about it. Even easier, is to wear a unique and funky jewelry accessory (called wearable art) that will quickly catch people's attention and gives them an easy in to ask you about it.

Bring your own conversation piece

Wearable art is a fantastic conversation prop, providing a non-threatening way to start a conversation. Actually, you are giving people an excuse to come and talk to you. You make yourself more approachable and interesting because you are wearing (&quot;Come say hi to me!&quot;) something about you that is an obvious talking point. These jewelry fashion props are natural conversation starters. They encourage conversation and others will be more naturally compelled to start a conversation with you.

Jewelry adds to your body language

Jewelry reflects the ultimate style and personality of the person wearing it. Zany and colorful wearable art works best, it shows you have spirit, are playful, light-hearted, and spontaneous. People are naturally attracted to this.

Timely Fashion

Wearing watches just to tell time is outdated and out of fashion. Creative and artistically creative watches are now the hottest, must have accessories. Both sexes are buying watches that are as fashionable as they are functional. Look for watch art with unique colors, design, shapes, or other significant characteristics. They stick out and help you get that conversation started.

Best bet: Never leave home without your wearable art conversation prop!

Contributor: Stuart Glasure [A fashion and wine enthusiast and publishing member of the wine source: <a target=_top target="_new" href="http://www.winedefinitions.com">http://www.WineDefinitions.com</a>.]

Protect Your Eyes with a Wide Variety of Sunglasses Available Online

Besides being a wonderful complement to your wardrobe, sunglasses (including discount sunglasses and designer styles), also play an important function in protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Protecting your eyes with sun glasses is just as important as protecting your skin. UV (ultraviolet) light consists of three bands of light to include UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA light hasn't been proven to lead to any eye disorders but the eyes should still be protected from it. UVB is the most damaging of the three as it will burn skin and damage the eyes, possibly leading to cataracts and UVC is said to be of little worry. When purchasing sunglasses it is important to find a pair of sun glasses that has at least ninety eight percent UVA and UVB protection to ensure your eyes are getting the best protection.

Never have there been so many sunglasses designs, styles and colors to choose from whether you are shopping for discount sunglasses, children's sunglasses, designer sunglasses, replica sunglasses, prescription sunglasses or sports sunglasses the choices are endless. Whatever sunglasses you do have in your collection you'll want to be sure they are good quality eye wear that protect your eyes while looking great.

Purchasing sunglasses can be an exciting and overwhelming experience given the vast array of styles, designs and colors of sunglasses frames and lenses to choose from. Some of the popular trends in sunglasses today can include; preppy look sunglasses with semi-rimless styles made with metal and zyl; sports optics sunglasses with special lenses to filter out blue and red light while allowing green light excellent for enhancing a golfers vision on the green; vintage look plastics with metal trims, visible studs and openwork designs, available in sunglasses styles that are large, square or with rounded corners; sunglasses with jewelry touches, rhinestones and facets and magnetic sunglasses clip-ons for prescription wearers.

You'll want to start early when it comes to protecting your children's eyes from UV (ultraviolet) damage, especially as they are more than likely to spend a lot of time playing out in direct sunlight. There is a wide variety of sunglasses styles to choose from with plenty of designs similar to the sunglasses worn by adults. With popular designs to include oval sunglasses, rectangular sun glasses, round sunglasses, cat eye sunglasses and geometric sunglasses shapes along with plastic frames styled like the popular adult sunglasses. It's always a good idea to let your children choose their own sunglasses as they will be more likely to wear them.

Another popular trend in sunglasses is that of designer sunglasses, with most clothing designers having a line of sunglasses designs. Whatever look you may prefer; whether it be feminine, urban, simple or conservative, there is sure to be fashion sunglasses to complement your lifestyle. For anyone who appreciates the look of the designer sunglasses but cannot afford the price that goes along with them, there is a wonderful selection of designer replica sunglasses that offer a much more affordable alternative.

For prescription eyewear users who usually wear clip-on sunglasses there are many prescription sunglasses choices today. Clip-ons are wonderful sunglasses accessories but can be easily misplaced, whereas prescription sunglasses can be worn outdoors anytime without having to look for and keep handy your clip-ons. It is now possible to find basic to high prescription sunglasses, bifocal sunglasses, presbyopic sunglasses and progressive sunglasses lenses. The prescription sunglasses are also available in most of the trendy designs, styles and frame colors as regular sunglasses with the exception of some of the wraparound sports sunglasses that have a severe curve in the lenses. Sunglasses lenses can be made in many materials to include high index, polycarbonate and regular plastic with glass lenses rarely being used.

Polarized sunglasses are another popular choice when it comes to selecting the right sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses are ideal for water and winter sports where water and snow can increase the reflective glare. Polarized sunglasses are excellent for boating, fishing, water skiing, snow boarding, driving, golfing, cycling, motorcycling and jogging available in sunglasses and goggles styles. With polarized sunglasses absorbing approximately ninety eight percent of reflective glare they offer glare free vision. The polarized sunglasses are available in a wide variety of designs, styles and colors to complement whatever sport of activity you might be participating in.

The selection of sports sunglasses and performance sunglasses have never been better with sunglasses to not only protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays, but sunglasses to enhance your sports performance. Sport optics sunglasses with special lenses are available to filter out blue and red light while allowing green light to come through, thus increasing the contrast on the golf green allowing golfers to see the subtle lines and breaks in the green without squinting. There are also sports sunglasses with specially tinted lenses for tennis which allow you to better see the tennis ball. You can find sports sunglasses in an excellent variety of designs, styles and colors also available in goggle designs great for skiing or snow boarding. Sports sunglasses are made of impact resistant polycarbonate substrate and the lenses are usually made with an antireflective, UV and glare reduction coating on the back of the lenses for added safety and protection.

With so many wonderful discount sunglasses to choose from your sure to have at least a few pairs in your collection. When shopping for sunglasses it helps to know in advance what sunglasses frames look best on you. Whether you need there are sunglasses to complement every face shape, lifestyle and preference.

Valerie Giles owns and operates Eyewear-4U <a target="_new" href="http://www.eyewear-4u.com">http://www.eyewear-4u.com</a>, an eyewear site featuring fashion eyewear, sports eyewear, prescription eyewear, <a target="_new" href="http://www.eyewear-4u.com/discount-sunglasses.htm">discount sunglasses</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.eyewear-4u.com/discount-contact-lenses.htm">contact lenses</a> as well as accessories.

The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

SPF? What Does It All Mean?

Spf or sun protection factor, is the amount of increased protection a sunscreen provides. If you are like most people, you will begin burning after 15 minutes without protection. An SPF helps protect against sunburn, and does not "stop" the tanning process completely!!! It's the burning that you want to omit, that is what causes skin damage! it's not the tan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Determine your protected sunning time by multiplying the SPF number by the amount of time it normally takes you to show signs of burning if unprotected.

For example: Spf 8: 8 x 15 = 2 hours of increased protection.

Spf 15: 15 x 15 = 3 3/4 hours protection.

If you burn in 5 minutes (usually very sensitive skin) with an spf 15: 15 x 5 = l h 15 increased protection.

Most common sunscreen ingredients are: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and avobenzone (also called parsol 1789) and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane.

Avobenzone (also called Parsol) is less pore clogging than titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, but some people do experience irritation (rash or little red bumps) from avobenzone. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc oxide are natural products but can be more pore clogging as they sit on the skin's surface and deflect back the UV rays, rather than absorbing into the dead layer of the epidermis.

A combination of Avobenzone and titanium dioxide or zinc oxide may be less clogging then td or zinc alone for some people. But in the end they all block the pores to a certain degree because of there texture.

Remember the lesser the spf in your cream or lotion the less chances your skin will react!! for example an spf 8 in your cream will give you minimal to no skin irritations or pore clogging!!! So it comes down to choose what works or is best for your skin or what you feel more comfortable with!

spf 2 blocks: 50%
spf 8 blocks: 86%
spf 15 blocks: 92%
spf 30 blocks: 96%

Spf 8-15: Is sufficient to give your skin ideal protection against the harmful effects of light for normal exposure to the sun like at home, at the office, in the city, day to day errands,. but the more sun you are exposed to (an entire day at the beach, for instance) the higher the SPF should be to give your skin optimal protection.

Sunscreen: Is usually a cream or lotion. It is a chemical protective product works by absorbing a minimal amount of the uv rays and filtering them. Many people have allergic reactions to the chemicals in sunscreen seen as a rash...

Sunblock: Is usually an opaque cream or paste. Provides a physical block that functions by reflecting rays. sunblocks contain natural minerals. Sunblock protects you by reflecting the uv rays before they penetrate your skin. Makeup with spf in it do not offer enough protection against the sun you are better to skip those entirely and splurge on a good moisturizer with sunscreen or a sunblock.

One should never go to bed with sunscreen on your face, not to mention all the chemicals that will sit there causing irritation and blocking your pores. At night your skin heals and renews itself taking in nutrients from the air and your treatment creams. The skin's optimal renewal action takes place between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. this is a time to nourish the skin not block the pores...... Please wash off your sunscreens as soon as you can.

Again I stress my view on spfs use - apply them when you need them do not abuse there use...... they are meant to be used when you are outside....

When you need protection from the sun especially during summer time, or whenever you are out in the open, for day to day use in the summer while doing errands, in and out of the home/car all day then an SPF 8 to 15 is sufficient... You can apply 30 when you will be outside for a longer period of time. In my opinion high spf lotions are not to be used daily all year round if you are not working outside or if you will be inside most of the day.....

If you really feel the need to wear a cream with spf daily stick with the ones that have a low spf... like an spf 8 and use an spf of 30 on areas (spot treat) where you need extra protection such as discolorations spots..... In my opinion if you are inside most of the day you do not need a cream with an spf in it!!!

Best protection is to wear a hat whenever possible and stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 10/11 a.m. - 3/4 p.m.

Note: If you have pigmentation spots (discoloration) and are worried about them you can spot treat them with an spf 15-30 if you wish!!! instead of putting an high spf all over the face.

Did you know that Vitamin C,Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Carrot Oil and Vitamin E help support the skin's natural defences against uva/uvb! Vitamin E protects the cells against the adverse effect of free radicals, it protects skin during sun exposure!

Many studies have shown that antioxidants may be a very important strategy for preventing skin cancer.!

Aloe Vera was used 1000s of years ago as an essential protection against the rays of the sun.!

If you will be spending time out in the sun please always apply a sun block/sunscreen over your serums or creams containg vitamin A or C.!!!!!!!!!!

My tips for this summer!!

- First time you go out in the sun, go for no longer then 30 minutes - fairer skin less time and find a shade place you can go too after the initial 30 minutes then increase gradually through the summer always protecting the skin!

- Go out between the times of 9-11 am and after 3-4 p.m.

- Prepare the skin properly and treat the skin after being out in the sun!

To prepare the skin properly apply your moisturiser under your sunscreen or sunblock, the layers help to protect the skin! After your time in the sun wash off your sunscreen or sunblock and apply a moisturiser or product designed for after sun!!

Please try and stay away from tanning beds, in my opinion they are not safe for your skin!

Professional Esthetician
Elle's Esthetic Studio
<a target="_new" href="http://www.ellesestheticstudio.com">http://www.ellesestheticstudio.com</a>

Protect the Skin Youre In

Summer is approaching and thousands of people will be working on their tans before they whip out their shorts and swimsuits. However, improper skin care can cause permanent damage from the suns rays. Regardless of your skin type, it is very important to protect your skin. Here are some key tips to keep in mind this summer.

Choose an appropriate sunscreen. If you've been to the store lately, you've probably seen a complete aisle full of sun block products. It's often hard to know which one to buy. Look for one that protects against UVA and UVB rays. (UVB rays are actually more harmful for sun burning the UVA rays). It's crucial that your sun screen protects against both of these sun rays. Don't waste your time with half the protection.

What about the SPF?

The SPF number simply tells people how much longer they can last out in the sun without being burned. The higher the SPF number, the longer your skin is protected against the sun.

For example, lets say you put on a sunscreen with SPF 20. This would protect your skin up to 20 times longer than your average amount of protection time. To find out how long your sunscreen will protect your skin (multiply how long it normally takes you to burn * SPF of your sunscreen) So, if you normally burn after 30 minutes in the sun and you have sunscreen with an SPF 15, your skin would be protected for 450 minutes ( or 7.5 hours)

It's also important to consider skin types when choosing the proper sunscreen.

For young children (6 months and up): Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to protect against both sun tanning and burning. Look for a product that offers UVA and UVB protection. This is known as the &quot;broad-spectrum&quot;.

For Very Fair Skin: This type of skin burns quickly. Look for a sunscreen containing SPF 20 to 30.

For Fair Skin: This type of skin burns fairly easily but some tanning occurs. Look for sunscreen products containing SPF 8 to 12.

For Medium Skin: This type of skin yields a moderate brown shade when exposed to the sun. Look for sunscreen products containing SPF 4 to 8.

For Dark Skin: This type of skin rarely burns. Look for sunscreen products containing SPF 2 to 4.

After choosing an appropriate sunscreen, apply it before going out into the sun. Be sure and apply it generously over all skin that will be exposed.

Taking good care of your skin now will give you great-looking skin well into the future.

P.S. Your skin is your number one defense mechanism against the environmental elements. Exercise, rest, and good nutrition are the foundation for beautiful, healthy skin.

GranMamma is the webmaster at <a target="_new" href="http://www.babynamebox.com"> First Name Meanings - Baby Names Box </a> - <a target="_new" href="http://www.babynamebox.com">http://www.babynamebox.com</a> - Where you can explore over 20,000 baby names and their meanings. Read articles on parenting, family, home and gardening. Be sure to say hi to GranMamma!

Winter Skin Savers

Do you have the winter skin blues? Is the itching and flaking driving you crazy? Don't worry; you can take steps to protect and soothe your body's largest organ. With proper care, healthy, glowing skin is achievable during winter. Whatever your age, follow these helpful guidelines throughout the season.

No matter how dark your skin, you still need to protect it from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. Choose a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or more. Sunscreens containing Titanium Dioxide tend to leave darker skin tones looking &quot;ashy&quot;. A sunscreen gel is preferable and it absorbs invisibly into your skin.

I know it's tempting, but taking long, hot showers drain essential moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and lacking in water content. Limit your showers to about 5-10 minutes. (Tip: Use a leave-in conditioner, so you don't have to spend as much time washing your hair, but still be able to keep it conditioned.)

Wash your hands and face using lukewarm, not hot, water.

This winter, opt for a non-foaming cleanser which cleanses but does not strip away your skin's natural moisture barrier. You don't want that squeaky clean feeling you get with cleansing gels, which can leave your skin feeling dry and taut.

Invest in a great hand cream: it will help to keep your hands soft and smooth. If possible, avoid washing your hands frequently. Apply hand cream to your hands immediately after washing them to seal in moisture.

Your lips have no natural defense against the elements. Wearing a lip balm with SPF is essential even during winter months. Your lips tend to dry out faster during this time of the year, so make sure to re-apply as necessary. Licking your lips can cause them to dry out faster, too. As the saliva on your lips evaporates, so does your lips' natural moisture.

In general, and especially during winter months, avoid skin care products containing Alcohol. Not only is Alcohol an irritant, but it is drying, too.

Instead of exfoliating with AHAs, (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) wear a good water-based moisturizer to hydrate your skin and keep it from flaking. AHAs can be a great way to de-flake the skin's top layer, but they usually tend to dry out your skin. If you plan to use them anyway, don't overuse them.

About The Author

Tara Sabeti is Vice-President of Marketing at <a href="http://www.BeautySteals.com" target="_new">http://www.BeautySteals.com</a> an online retailer of cosmetics, skin care and fragrances. A graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, she has spent more than five years researching and working in the cosmetics and fashion industries.

<a href="mailto:Tara@BeautySteals.com">Tara@BeautySteals.com</a>

How To Get Those Big Beautiful Lips Youve Always Dreamed Of

Big beautiful lips have always been a symbol of sexiness! Full lips scream "kiss me" and guys go crazy over them. Full lips are a sign of youthfulness and health.

Great but not all of us were lucky enough to be born with those sexy full lips. Look at the "stars", plenty of them flaunt their big full lips, but believe me not all of them were born with those lips!
So what to do?

Well the simplest, most non-invasive, and most affordable way to get full lips is to purchase one of the pout pumper products on the market. <UL> <LI>theBalm Tinted Gloss comes in several sheer hues, each with a delicious flavor. It gives your lips a subtle fuller look. <LI>Too Faced Lip Injection gives a noticeable size difference to the lips almost instantly. It's not thick or goopy so you can apply it in layers <LI>LipFusion - Instanly swells the lips and it lasts for up to 12 hours so you don't have to keep reapplying it. <LI>DuWop Venom Flash - It's colorless but turns your lips a flushed pink with a shimmer. It expands the lips nicely. </UL> Another easy method to create the illusion of bigger lips is quite simple <UL> <LI>Line the outer rim of your lips with a mute lip pencil staying within the natural border of your lips <LI>Apply a light colored lipstick. Dark colors make your lips appear smaller <LI>Use the wand of a pearly pink gloss - apply from the bottom of your lips upward to add more dimension <LI>Lastly dab a bit of gold lip gloss on the center of your bottom lip. </UL> Then of course there are the more invasive and more costly procedures;

1. Your dentist can bond thick veneers onto your front six teeth. This pushes out the upper lip for a fuller look. Are you sitting down? because this process costs on average $1500.00 USD per tooth. Perhaps that's why the only ones using it are the "stars".

2. Lip augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis. <UL> <LI> Artecoll is a synthetic material that plumps up the lips. It is synthetic so there is a higher risk of having an allergic reaction, however it lasts longer than collagen. <LI> Autologen is an injection of your own collagen, extracted from another place on your body. There's no risk of allergic reaction. Results are temporary. <LI> Collagen is extracted from cows and then injected into your lips. There is a risk of allergic reaction. Results are temporary lasting from 1 - 3 months. <LI>Dermalogen is collagen extracted from deceased human donors. It's also called injectable Human Tissue Matrix. Also temporary.

Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry,and wedding help. Please visit us at <a target="_new" href="http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/">http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/</a>

The Day Spa Retreat - Take a Break

As the daily grind and extra work schedule takes its toll on your general health and well-being, do you ever long for time and space to recharge your batteries? The day spa experience offers the perfect option when you can't getaway for longer than a few hours. Enjoy a break from the everyday routine and stress. Disappear for just a short time and make yourself feel like you've been away for a week.

Each day spa offers its own menu of services and typically includes various types of therapeutic massage, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures as well as luxurious body wraps. Aromatherapy is often added to the spa treatment to provide another element to the overall experience. There are different procedures in each spa, but in general you will be given slippers, towels and a fluffy robe.

Therapeutic spa therapies used by ancient civilisations have been re-born in various forms to suit the modern-day spa-goer. Why not try one of these wonderful spa treatments that originate from around the world.

1. Enjoy a body wrap in seaweed, clay, mud or plant extracts for the ultimate relaxing and detox experience. Relax tired muscles, enhance blood circulation and nourish the whole body.

2. A Swedish or Thai massage will soothe, relax and invigorate the body. The experience is enhanced with therapeutic essential oils.

3. A European Facial will hydrate, soothe and purify the skin. Therapeutic products include calming and anti-aging ingredients.

4. A treat for your feet! The treatment begins with a soak in a soothing footbath. Gentle removal of dry skin is followed by a foot and leg massage. Leave toes natural or apply the latest color.

5. A Full Body Scrub with sea salt followed by a Vichy Shower or Hydrotherapy treatment with aromatic oils completes the treatment.

6. Feel the stress melt away with a Hot Stone Treatment! Allow the warm aromatic stones that are gently placed on your body to relieve the stress of the day.

So take that well deserved day off. Find your perfect spa spot and put the spring back in your step. The ultimate day spa experience awaits.

<A target="_new" href="http://www.spasincanada.ca">Spas in Canada</A> ? Copyright 2005

Angie Kocsi is co-founder of <a target="_new" href="http://www.spasincanada.ca">http://www.spasincanada.ca</a>. After many years enjoying the great spas in Europe and drawing upon her experience and knowledge of the corporate world, along with a successful career in Public Relations and International Marketing <A target="_new" href="http://www.spasincanada.ca">Spas in Canada</A> was created. For more information contact the spa team by email: <a href="mailto:spas@spasincanada.ca">spas@spasincanada.ca</a>

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Makeup

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Cosmetics

Q2) What is the recovery time for permanent makeup?
A2) Everyone is different, but a general rule would be 3-7 days on the surface, and another 10-14 days below the surface. It is common for a person to return to work the same day. Lips will have some residual swelling and will chap. There may be slight swelling after the eyeliner; brows may look darker than usual ? all of which softens in a few days.

Q5) Can I still wear traditional makeup over the tattooed area?
A5) Yes, after the area has healed. Permanent makeup is designed to be only an enhancement to your natural features. Wearing additional cosmetics is a personal choice that enhances your permanent makeup.

Q6) What if I decide to have cosmetic surgery?
A6) Plastic surgery has no affect on properly placed permanent makeup. However, if you're contemplating plastic surgery, you may opt for the surgery before the permanent makeup.

Q7) What reaction is common regarding permanent makeup?
A7) Women are usually amazed at how awesome, natural and subtle permanent makeup is. They wish they had done it a decade ago. No more smudged makeup, daily hassle, etc. Life has become simpler!

Q8) Who would benefit?
A8) Active women and men ... those needing feature correction; people with allergies to make-up ... athletes ... the vision impaired ... alopecia sufferers ... those looking for a natural look - or those looking for something more dramatic.

Q9) How is it done?
A9) A sterilized, disposable needle is used to implant hundreds of tiny dots of colored pigment beneath the basal (top) layer of the skin enhancing natural features.

Q10) Does it hurt?
A10) The topical numbing anesthetic creams used today are much stronger than in years past. If you follow the simple rules beforehand of: no alcohol, aspirin, blood-thinning medications, Vitamin E, garlic or herbal supplements 3, preferably 5 days prior to your appt. will greatly reduce any discomfort associated with the procedure. Also, have no caffeine the day of the procedure. Following these guidelines greatly increases your comfort level during your permanent makeup procedure.

Q11) How long will it take?
A11) Most of the procedures require approximately 2-3 hours. The most important part of all the procedures is the artwork and choosing colors, both of which require approval by the client.

Q12) How soon will the results be visible?
A12) Within seven days you will notice a visible difference. We require all of our clients to come in for verification 30 days after creation at which time any adjustments will be made (if necessary).

Q13) How long will it last?
A13) Normally one to five years maybe longer. Re-enhancements otherwise known as &quot;touchups' or &quot;refresher color boosts&quot; are recommended for maintenance. You must remember that permanent makeup is a &quot;low&quot;, not a &quot;no&quot; maintenance procedure. You eventually will need a color touchup when your color fades. Once the color lightens you will know that you are ready for your refresher color boost! You cannot avoid this fact ? everything fades with time, especially anything out in the sun.

Q14) What about allergies?
A14) Those with allergies are particularly good candidates to permanent makeup. If you are prone to allergies, you may ask the technician about an allergy test. The allergy test will be done using a red pigment. The red pigment is usually the one that will cause the most noticeable allergic reaction if there will be a reaction at all. Reactions are rare.

Q15) What does it cost?
A15) Fees vary according to the creation required and will be determined at a free consultation. But remember, you get what you pay for. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300-$600 per procedure, depending on your technician and your location. The smart thing to do is to for sure not to choose the cheapest artist, but you need not choose the most expensive artist either.

Q16) What if the shape isn't what I want?
A16) The eyebrows are drawn on with semi-permanent marker prior to the start of any procedure, so you will see exactly what is going to be done before anything permanent is applied.

Q17) What about removal of pigment?
A17) We call removal &quot;pigment lifting&quot; which is available and works very well if the technician is trained in the process. Typically only small areas should be attempted to be lifted with either a salt/saline mixture or a similar &quot;lifting&quot; product, used for this purpose only? trying to removal larger areas of permanent makeup pigments will require more extensive treatment, such as a laser. Under these circumstances, contact a dermatologist.

Nancy is Board Certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation and remains active in the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals. See her website:<a target="_new" href="http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com">http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com</a></a>

Rejuvenating Technology for Skin and Body!

<p class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center> <p class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt">
Currently, tremendous interest and research are being focussed on <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">anti-oxidants </B>and their role in helping to reverse and prevent free radical damage to the body. Enzymes and anti-oxidants protect the body against the harmful effects of these free oxygen radicals. The best known of such enzymes is called SOD (super-oxide dismutase).

<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt">
<UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0cm" type=disc> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt">Worldwide studies have shown that people who take anti-oxidants live longer and healthier lives. Anti-oxidants are essential for the removal of <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">free radicals</B>, which can cause premature ageing and can cause diseases such as cancer. Anti-oxidants include vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and SOD or super-oxide. Because of the polluted environment that we live in, it is not always easy to get access to the natural anti-oxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C.</LI></UL> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt">
<UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0cm" type=disc> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Rooibos Tea,</B> (Redbush Tea) is well known all over the world and regarded as safe to drink for its health benefits.</LI></UL> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt">
<UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0cm" type=disc> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt">Scientists have discovered that the Rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis) contains nine types of flavonoids. Four of these flavonoids, specifically quercetin, luteolin, isoquercitrin and rutin are very powerful. Flavonoids like the quercetin found in Rooibos, help to <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">neutralise free radicals</B> and in combination with the tea's naturally high Vitamin C content (1,5mg/ml), they act as anti-oxidant compounds thus protecting the body against diseases and premature ageing. Rooibos has Anti-inflammatory and Anti-allergic properties that can be very helpful in the treatment of eczema. Rooibos is also Caffeine free, Rich in Minerals and Low in Tannin. </LI></UL> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt">
<UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0cm" type=disc> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt">Thanks to Rooibos tea's natural powerful, rejuvenating and antioxidant qualities it is also excellent for use in skin and healthcare products. The <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Annique Rooibos Products </B>contain an <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Award Winning</B> <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Rooibos Extract </B>to restore and retard the ageing process. Annique has been utilising the powerful benefits of Rooibos for more than 35 years in skin and baby care, and health capsules.</LI></UL> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt">
<UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0cm" type=disc> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; COLOR: blue; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt">Retrieve your youthful skin and stay healthy with the unique Annique Rooibos Range! <A target="_New" href="http://www.anniqueuk.co.uk/"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">www.AnniqueUK.co.uk</B></A> </LI></UL>

Selling Skin Care, Consumer Report 75% of All Drugs and Cosmetics are Derived from Nature

Cosmetic companies like Erno Laszlo, Estee Lauder and Lancome, train their sales associates to sell unsuspecting women hundreds of dollars of unnecessary skin care products.

SELLING SKIN CARE, TELLING LIES - 75% of all drugs and cosmetics are derived from nature.

One of the lies, which builds the sale, is that the eye area is too frail and delicate for your facial moisturizer. "Only an eye cream will work on the eye area", another lie. "You must use our cleanser" in order to receive the full benefits of our moisturizer. "You won't receive the full anti aging benefits if you don't use the whole system". All Lies.

Try cleaning your skin with baby shampoo, milk and sugar, equal parts. Want to look younger, add cornmeal to the cleanser. Acne a problem, add aspirin. Splash to rinse 10 times with very warm water. Need a toner, use Green Tea or Orange or Aloe Vera Juice. Moisturize with a vitamin e capsule or soy bean oil (vitamin e). For melasma or brown spots, an over the counter fade cream (under $10.00) twice a day after cleansing takes the place of an in office procedure.

Erno Laszlo won't even sell individual items, they insist you use everything from Erno Laszlo, alcohol, mineral oil and petroleum based.

The news media won't tell you that cosmetic companies like Erno Laszlo use, pore clogging petroleum and mineral oil and charge the consumer up to $100 a jar for sugar, castor oil and fragrance. Can you imagine being a writer for a magazine trying to tell the truth about their advertisers skin care products?

There is no market for the truth. Cosmetic companies use sugar or glycol acid in anti aging products because sugar penetrates the skin and the skin cell. This means, yes you can take a bath in sugar and you will look younger. Your skin will become more supple looking because the sugar plumps up the skin cells in your skin.

If a cosmetic company creates a chemical that penetrates the skin and the skin cell, it would be considered a drug, not a cosmetic and require a doctors prescription. Nature provides aspirin (salicylic acid), derived from a plant, the active ingredient in acne treatment skin care products, from Proactive and Erno Laszlo.

The grape seed extract in eye care products from Erno Laszlo and Estee Lauder, is Thompson Seedless Green Grapes and green tea is green tea. How can women spend so much money buying such inferior skin care,,just bad copies of natural ingredients (food).

Fruit acid in cosmetics are made from: apples, oranges, grapefruit, berries, all very good for your skin. Cosmetic companies make chemicals that mimic the action of fruit on your face. Honey contains a natural peroxide and is a great skin care treatment for dry skin.

Where can a woman go for a true education on her skin, not the department store cosmetic counter, they have lies for the consumer.

The media does not protect the consumer against cosmetic companies because they are afraid of offending their advertisers or even their shareholders. What about a book you say that exposes that fact that exfoliation with cornmeal will make your skin look younger and aspirin can replace a product sold only with a prescription. Same problem, who would publish the book, a publisher owned by corporation who owns a skin care company. Where would such a book be advertised?

Can you literally rub lines and wrinkes away with a wash cloth and water, yes. This is a very inexpensive treatment for getting rid of "crows feet".

Aloe Vera smells really bad, but boy does it penetrate the skin without an rx. Natural ingredients like milk, sugar and aloe are synthesized preserved with chemicals and mixed into mineral oil and water for $65.00 from Erno Laszlo.

The same corporation that owns the skin care company, owns the newspaper, magazine, book publisher and television station. Did you know that garlic kills lung cancer cells in a test tube?

"SECRETS SKIN CARE COMPANIES & DERMATOLOGIST DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW"

Nanci Holloway-Prince, has more than 30 years experience at the high end retail cosmetic industry. Former Business Manager for Christian Dior, Make Up Artist for Erno Laszlo, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth, Prescriptives, Revlon and Max Factor.

Holloway-Prince wrote a book after successfully getting rid of her melasma and her daughters acne. "Secrets Skin Care Companies & Dermatologists Don't Want You to Know". <a target="_new" href="http://www.worlddome.com/skincare.html">http://www.worlddome.com/skincare.html</a> or <a target="_new" href="http://www.worlddome.com/consumer-report.html">http://www.worlddome.com/consumer-report.html</a>

The Benefits of Clip-on Hair Extensions

We all need a change every now and then. From our clothes to the music we listen to, a little bit of variety is great sometimes. So, why should we have the same hairstyle day in and day out? With hair extensions, we can look and feel like a new person -- any time we want to.

Regular hair extensions must be weaved, braided, sewed, or glued -- that's more of a commitment than some people are willing to make. What's more, it can be quite expensive. If you want a little hair variety without the time or financial commitment, consider a clip-on hair extension.

Clip-on hair extensions are a temporary way to change your look, either for fun and style or as a test drive for &quot;real&quot; hair extensions. Some clip-on hair extensions are small sections of hair attached to metal clips, much like barrettes. This type of clip-on hair extension is not meant to be used alone and you will need at least three or four of them. You simply clip the extension wherever you need added volume or body. Then the hair can be styled as usual. These hair extensions can be either synthetic or natural.

Another type of clip-on hair extension is already pre-styled and used as created. A popular style for this type is the ponytail. These extensions are widely available at department stores, beauty supply stores and some grocery stores. They are generally synthetic and low-cost with a short lifespan.

Though experts say the clip-on hair extensions are easy to work with, you can have a hairdresser apply them if you prefer.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-hairextensions.com">Hair Extensions Info</a> provides detailed information about human, fusion, clip-on, and wholesale hair extensions, as well as hair extension sales, prices, and more. Hair Extensions Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-salonequipment.com">Salon Equipment Web</a>.

5 Sunless Tanning Lotion Tips For Summer

If you use sunless tanning products it's probably because your skin's health is very important to you - yet you still love the tan look. The following tips will help you make the most as you protect your skin and stay bronze at the same time.

Exfoliate is great! Scrub nice and hard in the shower a few hours before application. Getting rid of the dead skin will help your canned-tan to stick a little longer.

Shaving is great a few hours before applying lotions, but.. avoid shaving right before applying sunless tanning products. Chemicals in the lotion can cause irritation if you don't give your skin time to recover from the shock of the blade.

Stay dry after you apply. Don't get wet and don't sweat for at least a few hours after applying sunless tanning lotions. This will help prevent irregular streaking in your fake-bake.

Gloves, gloves, gloves. Unless you want your hands to be neon orange, wear cheap latex gloves when you apply your bronzers.

If you notice some areas of your body, like your elbows, get too dark after applying sunless tanning lotions, apply baby oil or gel to these areas before hand. This will help balance out your bronze.

Try these self-tanning tips this summer, and enjoy looking golden without sacrificing your skin to the sun!

James Allen is the webmaster of <a target="_new" href="http://www.bestsunlesstans.com">Best Sunless Tans</a>. Come learn everything you need to know to save your skin and still look golden all year long.
<a target="_new" href="http://www.bestsunlesstans.com">http://www.BestSunlessTans.com</a>

Chemical Peels

Generally, chemical peels can be arranged into three categories of light, medium and deep. Light peels are used to help dry skin, acne, liver spots, sun spots, diminish fine facial wrinkles and pore size and improve overall skin texture. Light peels are done in a series of six to eight sessions with two or three week periods in between. After a light peel the skin is only slightly red for about a day. Medium chemical peels are used to remove larger wrinkles and precancerous skin lesions. These peels are done only once every few years and the skin will be burned for about a week during which time the patient should stay indoors and out of the sun. Deep chemical peels eliminate larger wrinkles and can have facelift-like effects. However skin will remain damaged for a month or two after treatment.

Some types of chemicals used for chemical peels include alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) which are used to smooth rough, dry skin, controls acne, improves sun-damaged skin, correct pigment problems, and as TCA pre-treatment, trichoracetic acid (TCA) which is used to smooth out fine wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes and correct pigment problems, and phenol which is used to correct skin problems caused by sun exposure, birth control pills and aging, to remove pre-cancerous growths and to smooth out coarse wrinkles.

Want more Information about <A target="_new" href="http://www.sleepingswan.com/articles/Chemical_Peels.htm">Chemical Peel</A> Cosmetic Surgery?

Find a qualified <A href="http://www.sleepingswan.com/" target="_new">Cosmetic Surgeon</A> in Your Area at <a target="_new" href="http://www.sleepingswan.com">http://www.sleepingswan.com</a>

Taking the Leap: Short Hair Styles Great For School

Imagine the splash you'll make as you walk into class with a new short haircut, one that exudes confidence and style. Will your friends recognize you? Will the teachers do a double take?

Short hair styles are great for school because they are so easy to care for and they really make a statement. Short hair says to the world: "I'm confident enough to get rid of all that hair I used to hide behind. Now you get to see the real me!"

But making the cut won't be easy if you've had medium length or long hair for a while. After all, some of that hair has been with you for years. So to help you make the decision whether to "go short or go home", here are some of the pros and cons of changing to one of the new short hair styles:

Pros: <ul>A time saver, especially in the mornings when you're in a rush.</ul> <ul>Can be easily washed every day.</ul> <ul>Requires much less care and conditioning than longer hair.</ul> <ul>Looks sporty and fresh.</ul> <ul>If you don't like your short hair style, just wait a few months for it to grow a bit and try another short cut.</ul> <ul>Your earrings finally show!</ul>

Cons: <ul>If you've never had short hair, it can take some time to get used to that "exposed" feeling.</ul> <ul>Short hair styles need to be cut more often, every 4 to 6 weeks, to keep them in shape.</ul> <ul>You might have to use more styling products than when your hair was longer.</ul> <ul>Some people will try to convince you that guys don't like short hair on women, but don't buy it! This is about your style, your comfort, and your confident new look.</ul>

How Do I Know if Short Hair Styles Are Right For Me?

One of the best ways to decide which short hair styles suit your face and hair type is to consult with a stylist you trust. Bring along some magazine pictures of styles you like so you can discuss their suitability with your salon pro. He or she will take into account factors like the shape of your face and the thickness of your hair before recommending a cut.

A great innovation lately has been online hairstyling tools that let you try different virtual styles before you make the first snip. These websites allow you to upload your photo and overlay various hairstyle images onto your headshot, with excellent results. It's a great tool that's easy and fun to use. (Suggestion: Invite your friends over and throw a hairstyle selection party!)

So before you make the leap to any of the new, short hair styles, do some research and find the one that suits you best. The new virtual styling tools are an exciting way to update your look without the stress and uncertainty.

Nancy Faizabadi is a professional hair stylist and the founder of ShortHairStyle.com. Visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.short-hair-style.com">http://www.short-hair-style.com</a> to find hundreds of ideas and tips for short hair styles and to read reviews on products like the new virtual hairstyle makeover tools.

7 Tips for Great Skin At Any Age

1. Cleanse your face twice a day - Did you know that every time you don't wash off accumulated dirt and environmental 'stuff' at night, you age your skin 27 days? You can help prevent some premature signs of aging by making sure you cleanse your face every morning and night. In the morning, you are washing off the residue of the cell renewal process, which occurs primarily at night. In the evening, you're cleansing off the day's effects on your skin, including exposure to pollution, sun, wind and office building air.

2. Use a skin care system - Putting together a cleanser, toner and moisturizer from what's on sale at the chain drugstore down the street is a recipe for disaster where your skin is concerned. Use a skin care system with products that are designed and formulated to work together, and you'll get much better results. Even you die-hard soap and water users could benefit from use of a skin care system. No more guess work about which product is the best for your particular type of skin, or wondering what to do when you run out and your drugstore no longer carries your "favorite" product. Gentlemen, this means you as well!

3. Eat a balanced diet - Yes, we all know that a balanced diet is the healthy thing to do, but did you also realize that a balanced diet helps with the moisture balance and the condition of your skin? Start with a minimum of 8 - 12 glasses of water each and every day, and follow up with lots of fruits and vegetables. Continue with a basic low-fat diet (but don't starve yourself!) and good-quality protein, and you'll have a recipe for not only good health, but also great skin!

4. Be gentle - Use a very light touch on your facial skin at all times. If you're used to rubbing your face or eyes vigorously (if you have allergies, itchy eyes or sensitive skin) you could be aggravating the condition. The skin on your face is very delicate, and the skin under your eyes is the most delicate of all! Never rub under your eyes. If they itch, try a cold compress or washcloth, or a cotton pad moistened with toner or witch hazel. Aggressive rubbing during your cleaning routine can also cause damage. Use a gentle touch on your face at all times.

5. Moderation in alcohol consumption - Alcoholic drinks tend to enlarge the blood vessels near the surface of your facial skin, and prolonged alcohol consumption or abuse can damage your skin. The overall health effects can be very negative, and they'll show up first in your face!

6. Get your ZZZZ's ? The majority of cell repair and generation performed by your body's systems happens when you are at rest. If you're not getting enough sleep, your skin can't renew itself. Find the right sleep balance for you by tracking how you feel when you sleep 6 - 8 hours versus 4 - 6 hours over a 7 to 10 day period. When you feel your best for an extended period, that may be the right sleep level and amount for you. Try to ensure proper rest by winding down from the day's stressful activities so that you can fall asleep easily and rest completely.

7. Watch out for nature! - Blustery days with lots of wind can cause your skin to become dry and tight. We often protect our skin from winter's chill winds, ice and snow, but windy days in any season can cause skin damage. If you're riding in a fast-moving vehicle, or with the window down, make sure to moisturize your skin before and after the ride, especially if you notice any tightness. In fact, don't wait for the tightness to appear, take extra care with your skin every single day!

Follow these tips to help give you great skin at any age!

About the Author: Dianne M. Daniels is an Image & Color Coach, Consultant and Professional Speaker, and the author/publisher of "Polish & Presence: 31 Days to a New Image". She has helped individuals refine and define their personal and professional image, along with corporations and organizations. Learn how to create your Personal Climate for Personal and Professional Success at <a target="_new" href="http://www.imageandcolor.com">http://www.imageandcolor.com</a>