1. Be effective in your research – look for the anti aging creams that have been clinically tested and have shown great results due to the studies conducted by various chemists and scientists. These ones are known to perform tests that have resulted in the factors that enable the appearance of wrinkles and as such finding the agents to combat the aging process. Apart from the creams there are also the anti aging serums that have years of testing and have proven to give good results in the anti aging treatment of your skin.
2. Look for the quality of the ingredients – once you have found the anti aging products check for their labels and choose the one that present ingredients such as: powerful antioxidants (the ones that limit the damage to the skin for the present and for the future time), natural ingredients avoiding the ingredients with chemical names that are hard to relate to something familiar to you.
3. A feeling of smoothness on your skin – once you apply the anti aging cream it is a good thing to feel it like it caresses your face and doesn’t make you feel like you have a strange thing spread all over your skin. But this is however a matter of taste, maybe the good thing would be to purchase a cream that has a money-back guarantee. In this way you can test it for a period of time, and in case this doesn’t work, at least you can get your money back.
4. The effect of the anti aging cream – has to be the one on the long term and not only a benefit for a short period of time. The anti aging cream must be efficient not only for 30 days when you apply it for the testing period, it has to work for a better improved aspect of your face skin.

The wrinkles in this respect have to loose their depths and present a clearer surface of the skin. If this thing doesn’t happen, it means that the anti wrinkle cream doesn’t work properly for your type of skin, therefore you should consider changing it. And the sooner, the better.

• Wear foundation which is one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. Applying it with a wet sponge will make it spread more evenly and achieve a smooth matte finish. Apply foundation all the way down to your neck to the point where your bare shoulders can be seen. Then take a slightly darker shade of foundation and, with a wet sponge, apply it onto the sides of your nose bridge, the temples and the chin area to give more definition to your features.

• Line under eye area with a brown-red shade with the use of a thin brush.

• Apply eye shadow on your eyelids with inwards strokes, starting from the outermost area. Use a complementing darker eye shadow shade on the lower outer area of the lids and blend in well for definition. Finish with eyeliner on the edge of the upper lid, using a thin brush.

• Line your lips with a lip liner, then fill with lipstick of the shade of your choice.

• Apply mascara on your eyelashes to make them look thicker and richer.

• Apply a little blush on your cheeks. Blend well to make it look very subtle.

• Make sure that the shades you use on your eyes and lips coordinate with each other and blend well with your natural skin tone.

• If you have very thin eyebrows, define it by applying a brown shade. Follow the contour of your eyebrows, and use a brush to fill. If you use an eyebrow pencil directly on your brows, the lines may be too sharp and stiff when the look should be soft and natural.

• Wash off your makeup before you go to sleep. Makeup residues may clog your pores and keep your skin from breathing freely. Certain chemicals in cosmetics may also cause skin irritations.

• Apply a milk moisturizer on after washing your face.

While there may not be a literal fountain of youth, our age can mostly be ascertained through a quick look at the skin on our face and hands. No one wants to look older than they are; some of us don’t even wish to look our age. To combat the signs of aging, there are some skin care tips we should be aware of. Keeping your skin well moisturized is always a good idea, but it is especially important for the skin of our face and hands. These are the most exposed area of skin, and thus more prone to drying out. Invest in a good, reliable moisturizer and use it daily. Internal hydration is also a good source of moisturizing your skin. Drink your 8 to 10 glasses per day.  We all know what prolonged sun exposure can do to our skin, so be vigilant with your sunscreen. Not only can the sun age your skin, it is also a known factor of skin cancer.

For as many different people as there are, there are different skin types. Each skin type has some skin care tip that is specific to it. If you tend to have dry skin, then the choice of a moisturizer is going to be key to healthy, younger looking skin. If your skin leans towards being oily, then your facial cleansing is going to be important to avoid acne breakouts. Make sure you know your skin type so you can identify which skin products are right for you.

If you have an acne problem, then skin care becomes a whole new ballgame. Cleansing is still one of your biggest allies, but you may need something stronger than a normal facial cleanser. This is probably a good time to point out that you should never cleanse your face with soap; always use a cleanser that is for your specific skin type. For acne sufferers, there are many medicated cleansers available and this is going to be your best bet. Each brand works differently for different people so don’t just grab the nearest one on the shelf. You may need to try many before you find one that works for you. Just remember that your skin is an important organ and one that you need to keep as healthy as possible.

First, although there is nothing that compares with the pampered feeling we get from walking in to a nail salon and leaving with that fresh coat of polish, this is one place where you can get the same results from having a friend or family member step in and do it for you. Just remember to return the favor when it’s their turn for some penny pincher’s pampering. Manicures can be difficult to give yourself. If you are like most women, you have a dominant hand, so you get one awesome looking set of nails and then one less than stellar return.  This is one reason to get some help in this area. Make a beauty date with a good friend and give each other manicures. Not only will you get a great looking set of nails, but you’ll have some great together time with a good friend; which is worth more than all the beauty secrets around.

A woman’s hair is sometimes as much a part of her identity as her fingerprints. The luxury of trips to the salon for a trim, color or hair style on a frequent basis may be one part of your beauty routine that you are loathe to give up.  Since most of us aren’t professional hair stylists, this can be a part of our beauty basics that is hard to do ourselves.  As for the trim or style, while you may not be able to do away with salon visits all together, you can make them farther apart. Have a friend give you a little trim or find a style that isn’t as high maintenance; one that you can keep at home. Hair coloring products have been available for at home use for a very long time. Because of this, this can be one of the easiest parts of your beauty routine to do at home. This can also be another bonding opportunity with a friend. Plan a day to color your friends hair one week, and they can do yours the next.

One of the most luxurious treatment that many women indulge in are facials. This is also a very expensive habit if you are going to a spa to get this done. There are many products for at home facials available at your drug store or beauty counter. With a little creativity, it is easy to be beautiful and thrifty at the same time.

If you use foundation, search until you find the shade that matches your skin perfectly. If it’s too pink you’ll look sunburnt, and if it’s too yellow you’ll look like you have a liver problem. If it’s too dark you’ll look like you’re trying to fake a tan, and if it’s too light you’ll look like a mime. Take the time to find the exact shade that works under the most lighting conditions. It will be worth it.

Take care of your eyelashes. Mascara application is an art that almost every woman can learn. You may have to try a few brands before finding one that you really like. But once you do, you’ll know that you can take two or three minutes and in that time make your eyes more beautiful with a few flicks of the wrist. Some people use artificial eyelashes, applied by a professional or at home. This is a real art that takes some practice, so don’t worry if you don’t do it right the first few times.

A great smile can do more for your look than just about anything else. Whitening products come in all price ranges these days, and even the ones you buy at the drugstore can do a great job of getting rid of coffee and other stains on your teeth. If you want more dramatic results, you should ask your dentist. Some advanced in-office procedures can get your teeth 8 shades whiter in just an hour or so. A white smile looks great and boosts your confidence.

These are the beauty basics that any woman can learn, and all three will make a real difference in how put-together and confident you look.

Hair extensions

Extensions  involve pieces of synthetic or human hair either being inter weaved, fused with heat, gluing, using metal rods to clamp, or waxed with sections of your natural hair. Since most of these methods do require some sort of chemical or other substance, the extensions do need to be removed and redone every couple of months. This is not what damages the hair. Damage to the hair can occur when the extensions are taken out improperly.

How do hair extensions damage your hair?

Sometimes the hair extensions can be attached too close to the scalp and may give you a headache because of the hair is being pulled too tightly. Hair extensions can become tangled and unmanageable, which often happens with synthetic hair. This may also happen if the hair extensions don’t mesh together with your natural hair. Extensions will never truly match the color of your natural hair, no matter how synthetic.

Lastly hair extensions applied to human hair that are attached by glue can sometimes be removed with acetone (fingernail polish remover), which will damage your hair.

So how do you protect your hair from damage?

1. Get your hair professionally done. Do not attempt to do it yourself, and don’t let another family member help you with it as well. The professionals get paid to do it, so let them. Better yet, if the professional screws up they are obligated to fix it!
2. Protect your extensions. Prolong the use of your extensions but washing your hair with a mild shampoo and wash it less frequently to help the natural oils stay in place.

Just take care of your hair extensions and have them maintained properly. A few simple steps to ensure you keep your real hair healthy.

1. Smoky Eyes

Smoky eyes have always been popular but the black and gray shades used to achieve them aren’t always appropriate for spring. This season try smoky eyes using brown, gold, violet or green shadow. Look for eye shadow collections with four colors in the same family to easily achieve smoky spring eyes. Usually the lightest color goes on your lid area, the middle color in the crease and the darkest color to the outer corner top of your lid, for depth. The 4th color (if any) is used as a highlight – below the brow area, or in the inner corner of the eye.

2. Soft Lip Colors

Nude lip colors were hot on the runways this spring. You can get the same look by using a soft lip shade that is close to the color of your lips, then blotting and lightly brushing on face powder. If you don’t want to go nude, try a shimmery pink for a pretty spring look.

3. Healthy skin

Healthy skin is always in style, but this spring it’s the hottest fashion accessory. Fashion runways for Spring 2009 featured barely there makeup and flawless skin. Make sure to moisturize daily to keep your skin soft and smooth. Use a tinted moisturizer and peach blush to complete the look.

When it comes to healthy skin, regular cleaning with a natural cotton cloth and a natural, paraben-free cleanser is a sure bet. When you avoid products with preservatives (like parabens) your skin is going to be healthier, happier and acne free.

You might consider some natural organic makeup this spring. Natural mineral makeup is not only the latest “fad” – it’s also better for your skin! Safer, natural products ensure clear pores and no breakouts.

There are five major types of skin. Understanding your skin type is the best approach to your personal skin care.

• Normal skin—is the type of skin that we’d all love to have. This is the “healthy” type of skin. This type is the not too oily, not too dry type, characterized by few blemishes, generally firm and smooth with small pores. When you pull the skin away from the bony structure, it springs back to normal position. Lines and wrinkles are appropriate for age.
• Dry Skin—due to environmental exposure to harsh elements and very often lack of water skin may flake off and feel tight in your face. It may lack natural oils, may look rather flaky with small pores, blemishes and blackheads. Without adequate moisture, dry skin can easily become chapped. As dry skin ages, it’s more likely than other types to become wrinkly.
• Oily Skin—skin may look oily and coarse, may have recurring blackheads, acne and large pores. The texture of skin is thick; the touch is often sticky. This type is usually youthful- looking due to the presence of oil on the skin. Often, individuals with oily skin have a tendency to develop acne in their teen and middle years, and overgrown oil glands, or sebaceous hyperplasia, in the middle and late years.
• Combination Skin—varies according to your skin type. This is the Jekyll and Hyde type of skin, often with split personality. This type may be characterized as oily on the T-zone (the area that stretches from the forehead down to the nose and chin), and dry to normal on the cheeks and around the eye area.
• Sensitive Skin—people with sensitive skin are the most prone to allergies, rash, sting, and burns. This type of skin gets irritated easily and can go very red and blotchy. This type will have a lot more trouble to environmental factors and tends to be very sensitive to cosmetics.

Know your skin and take care of it. It is your glory to being healthy and beautiful.

The face is the window to your heart. A smiling face can to wonders and a glowing clear face adds to your personality. Taking care of your face is really important. Aging signs are first seen on face and neck, it is important that you take care of your skin early on to avoid the signs of aging. There are few basics on face skin care which will ensure lasting beauty and glowing skin.

First basic step is to clean the face of the debris and pollution. This cleaning process is important in ensuring clean face which is free of alien material. It is utmost important to clean the face thoroughly if you have put up make-up. This will give the face air to breath and it is not advisable to leave the make-up on the whole night. It is better to avoid bar soaps for cleaning your skin. Face wash are better as they do not leave your skin dry.

Exfoliation is the next step in face care. This will help in clearing your face of the dead cells. Scrubs will help in removing the outer dead layer of your face. A scrub should not be harsh on your facial skin and it shouldn’t be too soft either. Even exfoliating with lemon, which acts as a natural cosmetic will do the needful for you face. Even tomatoes work well for exfoliating skin. Even chemical peels are a boon for your skin. They will reduce the signs of aging drastically but they come with a price tag. They are a great investment for your face and will work wonders for you.

Lastly, an important beauty tips – it is necessary to moisturize your skin. This will sum up your face care and will leave your skin all glowing and subtle. Natural moisturizers like honey work well for any skin type. There are skin care cosmetics available from various brands, buy the one that suits your skin type. The branded ones re costly but one need not take chances with their skin. It is important to know which product is suitable for your skin and the one which jells with your skin type. Even drinking loads of water will help in taking good care of your skin. A good balanced diet and some regular workout will help you in having good facial skin. Good amount of sleep will avoid the dark circles and will help you attain the glow naturally. ]]> http://www.all-about-her.com/beauty-tips-face-care-basics/feed/ 0 http://www.all-about-her.com/tips-for-finding-quality-hair-salons/ http://www.all-about-her.com/tips-for-finding-quality-hair-salons/#comments Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:56:46 +0000 Kate http://www.all-about-her.com/?p=26

When you move to a new area, there are many relationships that you will need to develop as quickly as possible. Finding quality hair salons can be one of those essential, albeit tricky, tasks. The truth is that not all hair salons are created equal and the place that services your neighbor down the street just might not work for you at all. We have tips for finding quality hair salons that will help you find the perfect salon and stylist for your unique needs.

The first method of finding quality hair salons is to ask around. Ask your neighbor where she gets her hair done. If possible, find someone with a style similar to yours; to ensure they are already familiar with your style and length.

If you are given the name of hair salons that sound promising, the next step could be to make an appointment for a consultation so you get a chance to check out the salon and the stylists. When you walk into beauty salons for this purpose, there are some red flags to watch out for.

First, see if the hair salons appear clean and tidy. Clean salons can be a sign that the stylists take pride in their position. Watch to see if the stylists greet you in a friendly manner when you come in and whether they appear to be listening to their clients’ preferences before working on their hair.

One of my best beauty tips is that if you feel good about the hair salon during your consultation, chances are you would feel comfortable going there on a regular basis. ]]> http://www.all-about-her.com/tips-for-finding-quality-hair-salons/feed/ 0