Right Perfume for Me

Q. How do I choose the right perfume for me?

The first step in selecting the right perfume for you is to think about how you want it to make you feel when you put it on.  Your perfume is very personal in nature.  It tells your personality without you saying a word.  So take your time, think about what you want it to say about you.  Is it for a first date, an everyday summer scent or a job interview?  When you think about its purpose, what does that smell like to you? Is it flirty with floral notes or seductive with oriental notes?   Bring and cheerful with summer citruses or clean and fresh with watery notes?  Make that connection in your mind, imagine yourself in the situation and then smell the different perfumes to see which ones evoke that emotion inside of you. 

Q. Should I have one signature scent or many different scents?

This question is a personal one.  A signature scent is one that defines you to a tee.  You wear it everywhere, all of the time. It is you.  If you like to change your fragrance based on your mood, the occasion, the season or the time of day, there is nothing wrong with that either.  It truly is a matter of personal preference.

Q. Why do perfumes smell different on different people or different on my skin than on the blotter? 

There is much debate over these questions amongst professionals.  Some believe it is just a perception of difference because we all typically have the same pH levels on our skin.  Others believe our body chemistry and hormones alter the scent on our skin.  And others believe it is the combination of your perfume mixing with the other scents you may have on your body, from your laundry detergent to your scented soaps and lotions.  We have not found conclusive evidence to support any claim individually and most likely it is a combination of all of the above.  So we believe that you really should only be concerned with how it smells on your own skin, don't worry about others!  

Q. How long should a fragrance last on my skin and what is the best way to apply it?

The longevity or tenacity of a perfume on the skin is the result of many factors; primarily it is in the formula and aroma molecules of the fragrance.  Fragrances with deep and rich base notes will last the longest on the skin (4-24 hours) while light and airy citrus, fresh and some fruity top notes will last the least amount of time (2-4 hours).  

Where and how you apply your fragrance is also important. For the best results, apply your fragrance directly to your wrists (without rubbing them together as that will break down the aroma molecules) and both sides of your neck. Don't spray and walk through your perfume!  By the time you walk through it, many of the scent molecules have missed you as they fall quickly to the ground.

Q. Are there any tricks to making a perfume last longer on the skin?

Yes!  Hair is a great holder of scent.  The proteins in our hair attract and hold the fragrance molecules, so give yourself a spritz on the back of your hair for great scent tenacity.  Also, applying a layer of unscented body creme to your skin and then spraying your perfume is a great way to extend the life of a spritz.  The aroma molecules will cling to the creme and stay on the surface of your skin.   

Q. What is the shelf life of a perfume and where is the best place to store my perfume?

The shelf life a perfume is typically between 2-4 years.  The best way to extend the life of your perfume is to store it out of heat and light.  These 2 elements will break down the molecular structure of the perfume and cause it to degrade faster than normal.  Don't keep your perfume in your bathroom, that is the worst place because of constant temperature change and humidity in that environment. 

*Tip: If you are a seasonal perfume wearer, put your out-of-season bottles in the refrigerator during the off season to extend their shelf life!  Stick them in the crisper in a ziplock bag!


http://www.notefragrances.com/pages/faqs - Right Perfume for Me

Control Oily Skin

Oily skin is one of the most common skin problems faced by teenagers and adults alike. The cosmetics industry has given rise to thousands of different skin care products over the past few decades to address this issue. Some have proven to be incredibly effective, while many have not. An important fact to remember is that while everyone's skin is unique, the underlying problems that cause oily skin are not. By identifying what is causing oily skin it is easier to choose the right cosmetics to effectively solve the problem.

The reason skin troubles are most often associated with teenagers and young adults is because it is often caused by an increase in testosterone production. Testosterone is a male hormone however it is present men and women alike to varying degrees. The amount of testosterone in the bloodstream is a primary factor which causes excessive sebum production and secretion. It is important to note that other environmental and physical factors affect sebum production and secretion as well.

Controlling sebum production and secretion is the key to controlling oily skin. Excessive sebum secretion creates an oily film on the skin. Not only does this physically make the skin feel oily but it also increases the retention of dead skin cells. It is the retention of dead skin cells which are the leading cause of common skin conditions including pimples, acne, clogged pores, enlarged pores, and rough skin.

To decide which cosmetics will effectively control oily skin, it is important to focus on their underlying approach. The first thing effective cosmetics need to do is control the excessive sebum and dead skin cell accumulation. It is impossible to completely stop this process but it can be effectively limited.

Additionally, effective cosmetics must provide additional nourishment and relaxation to promote healthy skin growth. Unhealthy skin is at an increased risk of bacterial growth and the formation of free fatty acids. This is what causes the inflammation commonly associated with unhealthy skin and acne.

To control oily skin it is also important to utilize a moisturizer that creates a protective layer on the skin. This promotes healthy skin because it prevents the release of elastase and the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are associated with a variety of skin conditions. Finally, an effective cosmetic must thoroughly cleanse the pores. Clean pores not only lead to healthier looking skin but provide an additional defense against inflammation and the release of elastase and free radicals.

How do I control oily skin

When choosing the right cosmetics, it is important to ensure they will control oily skin by combatting all of the problems associated with poor skin health. Some cosmetic companies package multiple products together when each product is designed to combat a specific factor which leads to oily skin. Other companies utilize an all-in-one approach. Neither option is inherently superior as both have proven effective. The key is trying multiple cosmetics to determine which one is the most effective for each person's unique skin type.


http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Decide-Which-Cosmetics-Effectively-Control-Oily-Skin&id=8061004 - Control Oily Skin

Exercises for Great Legs

When it is legs day, do your Legs! Don't cop out and say you'll give them a great workout next week. Certainly don't make the mistake that legs aren't important and no one looks at your legs. 

The amount of calories that you burn when working your legs is by far more than you will burn on any other workout day. Trust me legs are important, and should not be missed. It is also really important to note, that by doing these exercises you are indirectly giving your core a killer workout, you will be shedding inches off the waist along with building and sculpting a insane set of legs.

So what are the most important exercises for great legs and your Lower Body?

Squats - Squats are the most important exercise you can do for the lower body. They work both you hamstring and quads, along with all kinds of other stabilizing muscles. These bad boys will burn more calories than any other single strength training exercise. So what does that mean, that means that they are a must in the leg routine. They will literally make your entire body stronger by building a ton of muscle and strength, and ladies don't worry you can do squats and your legs wont balloon out just make sure you aren't doing too much weight. Trust me when I say these are a must in the strength training world. Special note - Try front squats to add a bit more stabilization to your core.

Walking Lunges - These exercises are great for molding and sculpting a great set of legs. Basically you just grab two dumbells and lunge across the room in a slow and methodical process. For a bit of added burn, try to add curls between the lunges. Ladies, this one is for you especially. Sometimes when I am working with women, they are not to keen on doing exercises like deadlifts and front squats. They often know that lunges are going to be great for them, and they are right. The legs and buns will have a fantastic workout from these.


These are the workouts that will give you the most bang for your buck, and help you build a great set of legs. Check out how to properly integrate these into your fitness programs. They are simply a must, for anyone that wants to get stronger and build muscle, or simply build a set of sexy legs that the guys will drool over!


http://ezinearticles.com/?Exercises-For-Great-Legs---Both-Male-and-Female&id=4299715 - Exercises for Great Legs

Foods for Beautiful Skin

We all know that foods have healing properties and very therapeutic effects. If you want healthy skin, it is important for you to have a healthy diet- a diet, which contains adequate amount of vitamins, minerals and proteins. Balance is the key word.

No single diet is responsible for building up or maintaining the skin- so fad diets, which over-emphasize one food in preference to others can actually deprive you of essential nutrients and so may even harm your body and skin.

There are a lot of myths about the effect of certain foods on your skin. For the most part they are false. It is false for instance; that eating chocolates, sweets or rich cakes will give you spots. It is also false that eating greasy, fried foods will give you a greasy skin or make your hair greasy. Although eating very greasy food have almost little or no benefit for the body in any form. 

There is no ironclad guarantee, that if you fill yourself with cucumbers, grapes, carrot juice or lettuce you will acquire a beautiful, flawless complexion. There are extraordinary claims, suggesting, for example, that salads will dramatically change your appearance and to develop a perfect skin you must take vitamin and mineral supplements exclusively.

In my personal experience there is no one way or answer to good skin. To have beautiful skin there must be a menagerie of factors involved. You must take care of your health from the inside out!

Just as foods are important to healthy vibrant skin, it is equally important to remember, that the single most important factor in determining the beauty of your complexion is heredity. 

That being said then one would embark on a healthy lifestyle that includes, rest, healthy food, exercise, water, good sleep, high quality vitamins and supplements. It would be great to get a leg up on what foods have some of the highest benefit for your skin. Here is a list of 5 easy foods for beautiful skin that you can purchase from your local supermarket and begin your path to healthy skin:

Asparagus -Because of the extreme high alkaline content- it helps to balance the ph levels of the skin.

Coconut oil -Lubricates the joint and skin and helps to have a healing effect on the body.

Avocado -Keeps the skin young and supple, it moisturizes from the inside out.

Foods for Beautiful Skin include Mango

Mango -Because of the high enzyme content it helps to increase circulation and clear the skin.

Raw Organic Honey -The moisturizing properties of this applied topically as a mask help to keep the skin clean and soft.


http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Foods-For-Beautiful-Skin!&id=494749 - Foods For Beautiful Skin

Sleep Affects Beauty

Sleep Affects Beauty

Everyone wants to look young forever; however, we all know that ageless beauty does not exist. Eventually, all of us will be greeted by wrinkles and uneven skin tone. However, there are various factors which contribute to our premature aging. Some of these factors include: sun exposure, lack of sleep, unhealthy nutrition, lack of exercise, and unhealthy lifestyle habits (such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption). In this article I will reveal how lack of sleep affects beauty and can make you look and feel years older.

Lack of sleep can definitely put a damper on your daily glow. A sleepless night can instantly change your appearance by adding unavoidable puffy and red eyes. However, aside from overnight damage, sleepless nights also cause deeper damage. When we are tired we release the stress hormone known as cortisol. When cortisol levels are high in the body, they start to break down the collagen in skin.

Even one sleep disruption can cause your immune system to turn against healthy tissue. The best way to avoid this problem is to pick a bedtime and stick with it. Be sure to wake up and go to sleep at the same time each night. Make your room as peaceful as possible. Avoid any disruptions, such as noise, light, and television. In order to increase your risk of pleasant sleep, be sure to eat your last meal at least 3 hours before sleep and don't engage in any physical activity before bed.

So remember, that expensive facial creams are not the only factors which contribute to beauty. If you have a difficult time sleeping, you can try various herbal remedies, such as all natural sleep  aids. Everything from sleep aids to quick weight loss supplements is currently available in all natural form. 


http://ezinearticles.com/?Can-Lack-of-Sleep-Affect-Your-Beauty?&id=2400022 - Sleep Affects Beauty

Stand Up Straight: The Importance of Good Posture

Stand Up Straight

Stand up straight!' Who hasn't had this command barked at them at some time in their lives? Posture is an area that we are often told to be conscious of but in reality it is an area that few of us truly understand. Today we are going to demystify posture and outline 4 steps you can take to ensure you have optimal posture.
Posture can be thought of as the representation of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves. All of our experiences in our lifetime can be viewed through the window to our posture. If the eyes are the gates to the soul, then posture is the map of the journey.
Here are some common influences on our posture:

Exercise programs - a poorly designed exercise program can alter posture for the worse, while a well designed program will consistently improve posture.

Nutrition - poor nutrition leads to organ stress which then carries over and affects the musculoskeletal system.

Muscle balance - When muscles get too strong relative to another muscle on the same joint, they pull posture in that direction. A common example is tight chest muscles pulling the shoulder forward due to the weaker back muscles.

Emotional health - Depression has been associated with a stooped posture.

Stress - Our stress levels will tense our muscular system, altering our postural mechanics.

Injuries - An injury such as a broken leg will shift our posture away from the injured side.

Sleep - a lack of sleep will lower our available energy levels making it harder to maintain good upright posture.

Hormones - Hormones have incredible effects on the musculoskeletal system.

Work environment - Sitting at a desk all day will alter posture towards the position which is been adopted.

Motor Programs - faulty movements encourage over development of certain muscle groups.

Respiration - Breathing through the mouth will generally pull the head forward and collapse the chest.

Vision - Poor vision will often lead to straining of the neck to see clearly.

Jaw mechanics - Altered jaw mechanics will alter the mechanics of the sacro-illiac joint, Occipital/atlantal joint and the ankle joints.

Visceral Health - our organs reflex their stress into our muscles.

Sports and Work activities - This can be dominance of a movement pattern e.g. a golfer being rotated towards the side the swing with.

Flexibility - poor flexibility often leads to poor posture.

Spiritual challenges - This is very similar to emotional stress.

Primitive reflexes - These reflexes are ingrained into our central nervous system from in utero and have a high degree of influence on our motor skills.Underdevelopment of a primitive reflex will generally impair movement skills and thus degrade posture.

Parental influences - Children will observe their parents and copy them.

And many more!

Balanced posture is a very challenging objective to achieve due to the plethora of factors that affect it. Here are some action steps and exercises that will assist you achieve optimal posture and aesthetics.

1. Get your work ergonomics checked. It does not matter how good your exercise program is if you spend 8 hours a day hunched over! An occupational therapist and many others can assist you in setting up an ergonomically sound workplace.

2. Get a personalized exercise program. A program customized for you is one of the most important areas of addressing poor posture. A good program will always result in a move towards better alignment. If your posture has been degrading with your current exercise program, it is time to get a new one.

3. Stand up from your desk every hour - this will not only help your posture it will generally improve your spinal health.

4. Using a foam roller. Doing soft tissue work can help improve posture.


http://goarticles.com/article/Stand-Up-Straight-The-Importance-of-Good-Posture/8219821/ - Stand Up Straight

Natural Ways to Prevent Hair Loss

Vitamins and lifestyle changes have been shown to encourage hair to grow and reduce hair loss. Balding is a genetic trait but good nutrition can play a part in hair growth. Hair products, such as masks, shampoos and leave on conditioners can also prevent hair loss and restore healthy, vibrant hair. Adding nutrients will help regrow hair so here are some natural ways to prevent hair loss.

1. Protein Grows Hair
Because the hair is made of protein, a protein deficiency can cause hair loss. Add protein to the diet by including animal products, such as meat and dairy, or protein shakes made from whey.

2. Vitamin C is Needed for Healthy Hair
Vitamin C is also a component of healthy hair. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are especially high in vitamin C, as are green peppers. Suggested dosage is 1,000 to 3,000 mg a day.

3. B Vitamins Increase Hair Growth
Biotin and the complex B vitamins are needed to grow hair. B3 helps increase circulation to the scalp, thereby encouraging hair growth. It is best to take a supplement that includes all of the B vitamins, called a B complex supplement, as the nutrients work synergistically.

4. Iron Reduces Hair Loss

Apricots offer good Iron

The mineral iron helps increase circulation in the scalp as well, which then fuels hair growth. Foods that are high in iron include liver, apricots and raisins.

5. Drink Water to Grow Hair
The hair shaft is comprised of one quarter water. Drink at least 4 to 8 cups of water a day to stay hydrated and grow healthy hair.

6. Reduce Alcoholic Beverages to Reduce Hair Loss
Drinking alcohol reduces hair growth. Reduce or eliminate alcohol from the diet and you will see an increase in hair growth.

7. Hormones Influence Hair Growth
Hormones influence the production of hair. Hormones decrease with age and slow hair growth. Increasing hormones can increase hair growth. Adding bio-identical hormones for women is a possibility, but accurate blood tests are needed to identify and balance the various hormonal components in the body. Natural foods contain some hormones as well, for instance, wild yam is a natural source of estrogen.

8. Vitamin E Grows Hair
Vitamin E is another nutrient needed to grow hair. It stimulates the circulation in the scalp and can be taken internally or applied to the scalp.

9. Smoking Causes Hair Loss
Smoking cigarettes reduces the blood flow to the scalp and this causes a reduction in hair growth. Stop smoking to help hair grow.

10. Vitamin A Feeds Healthy Hair
Vitamin A helps create vibrant shiny hair because it works with the fat synthesis in the hair follicles and spurs hair growth. Foods that contain vitamin A include eggs, kale, squash, and carrots.

http://www.naturalnews.com/028251_hair_loss_balding.html - Natural Ways to Prevent Hair Loss

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

People can develop stretch marks on legs, buttocks, abdomen and the upper torso. Of these different areas, stretch marks on legs are some of the more noticeable scars but there are a number of treatments that can help to prevent, reduce or remove these scars from your legs. Here are 8 of them you should try.

1. Focus On Weight Loss 
Women who have recently given birth often find that an easy solution to get rid of stomach, buttocks, and leg stretch marks is to lose the extra weight that they gained during their pregnancy. This can be accomplished through the usual means; regular exercise and eating a nutritious, low calorie diet. People who have stretch marks due to being obese can also use this solution.

2. Skin Strengthening Diets 
Smart diet plans are an important holistic treatment for any skin condition, including stretch marks. Foods that have a high antioxidant and fatty acid content help the body and the skin to fight against damage from free radical molecules and toxins. That gives the skin the nutrients that it needs to be able to repair damage quickly and effectively. Some examples of foods that provide these benefits are products made from whole grains, beans, peas & legumes, cold water fish, lean meats, and of course, fresh fruits and vegetables.

3. Daily Supplements 
A nutritional supplement taken every day will ensure that essential vitamins and minerals -- those of which are EXTREMELY beneficial to the skin -- are available & delivered to the skin. The foods we eat often lack what the skin needs to effectively fight off these nasty scars. These daily supplements correct that issue.

4. Staying Hydrated 
Healthy skin needs to be well hydrated so it stays flexible and supple. That said, drinking a good amount of water every day is important! You might think this is too simple of a remedy for stretch marks -- and in many ways, it is. However, you'd be surprised at the sheer number people who are NOT getting enough water each day.

5. Simple Leg Exercises 
Light stretching exercises can help to break down scar tissue in stretch marks and increase circulation to help nutrient delivery to the skin. Exercise firms and tone muscles while burning off unwanted weight, all of which reduces the appearance of these nasty scars.

6. Leg Massages 
Massage can help to reduce and remove stretch marks in two ways. The massaging action increases the flow of blood in the area and that means that more beneficial nutrients reach the skin. The pressure that is exerted by the masseuse (or by you if you're using home methods) can also help by breaking up scar tissue so it can be removed.

7. Exfoliating Treatments 
Removing a thin layer of the skin through exfoliation helps to reduce the size and visibility of these scars and will eventually remove them altogether. It also cleanses dead skin cells from the surface of the skin so that it breathes better and is more able to protect itself from damage.

8. Natural Oils, Creams, & Gels 
Numerous natural and holistic essential oils, creams and lotions are available that have been proven to be efficient, safe and inexpensive ways to get rid of stretch marks anywhere on the body -- including the legs. These holistic creams can moisturize the skin for better elasticity and flexibility, exfoliate scar tissue and help to rejuvenate the skin if they contain natural body proteins such as elastin and collagen.


http://ezinearticles.com/?8-Great-Ways-to-Get-Rid-of-Stretch-Marks-on-Legs&id=6848159

Top 5 Blusher Tips

Putting on the blusher adds an instant beauty to your entire face. The blusher helps to contour your cheeks and creates a nice natural healthy glow on your face if applied correctly. Since it is such a vital component to the makeup regime, I would like to offer top 5 blusher tips for that perfect glow on your face.

Tip 1

Just like the foundation, never buy the blusher just by looking at it. Test the blusher on your face if you are not applying any makeup or on the insides of your wrist area for a more accurate result. The right color should look natural on you.

Tip 2

Next, the color should match your complexion. If you are fair, you may want to choose more of the beige or pinkish tones or the translucent colors. If you are dark, you need stronger blush colors such as bronze, auburn or apricot shades to bring out your features.

Tip 3

The trick to applying blusher is to make sure it looks natural on you. For small faces, start from the cheek apples and brush slowly up to the sides. Use a wide "U" shape as a guide for that smiley look. If you have a broad face, just spread the blusher nicely on the apples. Avoid spreading it up to the sides as it will make your face even wider.

Tip 4

Always stand in a well-lit area when you are applying your blusher or makeup. White lights are highly recommended when putting on makeup. Avoid application under yellow lights as they give you a false impression that your makeup looks fine when it is not.

Tip 5

The final result should look as if you have just emerged from a great workout. You have that healthy glow shine on your cheeks. The blusher should complement your overall makeup instead of being in the limelight. The bottom line is that the blusher is not supposed to show, it is supposed to be in the backstage, enhancing your features. If you have put on too much blush, just use your fingers to spread it out or use a clean makeup sponge to gently take the color out.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-5-Blusher-Tips&id=1955474 - Top 5 Blusher Tips

Dry and Peeling Skin on Feet

Dry and peeling skin on feet
is not a pretty sight

Dry skin and peeling on your feet is a mild-to-serious skin condition and it needs immediate and serious attention. I do not exactly know if you would agree with me on this but our feet are the most stressed and neglected part of the body. Almost every time, they bear the entire weight of our body when walking. And yet, for many people, lesser attention is given to the feet compared to other parts of the body, probably because our feet are not very visible unlike our faces. Well, so much about my litany.

How do you get them?
Drying and peeling of the skin on our feet are results of neglect and lack of proper attention they so deserve. Primary causes for these conditions are lack of moisture and fungal infection. Too many keratin combine with the dead skin cells to constitute the uppermost layer of the skin. It is called stratum corneum. This layer does not contain any capillaries that can supply fresh nutrients, oxygen and moisture. Keratin performs a very important function to augment this situation. Keratin is responsible for retaining moisture and for absorbing the same from the environment to keep the skin surface moist and smooth. When huge amount of skin moisture is lost, dry skin sets in and skin peels soon appear.

Remember these!
If no proper attention is given, the condition may worsen and eventually develop to athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is characterized by the scaling, flaking and itching of the skin layers, mostly found between the toes. Secondary bacterial infection may follow, which already requires the administration of oral antibiotics. Any mild case of skin condition may eventually develop into more severe skin ailments. These may cause lasting damage to the affected skin parts, aside from the embarrassment and social stigma they bring. Here's a simple list of how you can effectively get rid of the dry and peeling skin on feet.

1. Rehydrate. Basically, dry skin is caused by lack of moisture on the skin surface. You need to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water. You may need to drink more during hot and dry weather. Water is essential for the maintenance of proper balance of the dermal system. Dry skin is often the result of massive loss of fluid or the inability of the skin surface to retain moisture.

2. Use moisturizers. Be careful when choosing your skin moisturizers. Some are known to contain a lot of harmful chemicals. Nothing compares to the natural ingredients. Despite advances in the science of cosmetics and nutrition, majority of experts are one in saying that all natural ingredients still remain as the most holistic and effective treatment for varied types of bodily conditions.

3. Keep your feet clean. Remember that the uppermost layers of the skin are made up of dead skin cells, dirt and keratin. Keratin is a protein naturally produced by our body to help keep moisture on the skin surface. Unhygienic feet may provide ideal conditions for the growth of yeast and fungi. When left untreated, this may eventually lead to a severe skin condition on your feet called athlete's foot. This is a highly inflammatory and very contagious skin condition. In fact, in advanced stages, this may lead to bacterial infection which already requires immediate medication, like oral antibiotics.

4. Use natural skin creams and lotions. I like these most, personally. I am an avid fan of everything natural when it comes to diet and treatments. Many all natural creams and lotions contain essential substances taken from plant extracts that help promote good skin condition. These may contain fair amounts of topical oils, such as tea tree oil used for itching. A 20054 study conducted by M. Shams and published in the official journal of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, showed that onion extracts are effective in addressing this condition. Garlic extracts are also helpful in killing various types of bacteria and fungi.

5. Soak feet in water mixture. You can mix water with apple cider vinegar. Aside from keeping your feet moist, this also kills the microorganisms that feed on the dead skin cells.

Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle will prevent you from acquiring this. Early detection is necessary but that only happens when you give additional attention to your feet. Live healthily and you will prevent your feet skin from getting dry and flaky.


http://ezinearticles.com/?Dry-and-Peeling-Skin-on-Your-Feet?-5-Natural-Remedies-For-Silky-Looking-Skin&id=2015002 - Dry and Peeling Skin on Feet