Not everyone wants a complete makeover as some like to preserve a more natural appearance. Let’s face it, many men are attracted to the low-maintenance, “girl-next-door” look and accomplishing that can be just as challenging as looking model-perfect.

So, how do you achieve a desirable look without the heavy use of cosmetics and makeup? Our natural beauty tips and advice will help you do just that, and put you on the path to a beautiful, unaffected, you.Practice a Healthy Lifestyle

Natural beauty is akin to an overall healthy appearance. Start with a better lifestyle. Your own attitudes and daily life reflects in how you look to others. Take care of your body and it will take care of you.

Eat a proper, well-balanced diet. Food that’s good for your body helps your internal organs function properly and shows on the outside as well. The trick is to read the labels carefully and eat healthy foods with minimal preservatives. Good nutrition is key to your outward appearance and longevity.

The best skin in the world will not overcome a flabby body. Get in good physical shape if you’ve been slacking off. Set some reasonable fitness goals to get your body fit and trim. Begin with short-term goals and set new ones once they’re achieved.

Skin Care Tips

Water plays a crucial role. For radiant skin, drink plenty of water to keep it hydrated and supple. Seal in water externally after a shower by applying lotion to damp skin.

Look for all-natural, organic and herbal recipes for basic skin problems. Whether it’s dry skin or blemishes, you can target the areas that need it most, foregoing chemicals that can be irritating to your skin.

As you age, you’ll hit some bumps along the way. Care for your skin as you do your most prized possession and you’ll see the benefits quickly, as well as years from now.

Don’t want leathery skin? Lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by reducing exposure to the sun’s dangerous rays.

When enjoying outdoor activities, apply a sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 and re-applying when necessary.
Wearing Makeup, Naturally
If you wish to wear makeup, utilize only the best cosmetics brushes and beauty tools to enhance your finest features and cover flaws.

This allows you to apply only the amount that is needed while blending in any excess color.

Apply a tinted moisturizer or sheer foundation with a damp sponge. Either one will allow your natural skin tone to show through while covering minor imperfections.

Creme or liquid blush blends more naturally than powder. Apply to the apple of your cheeks, outwards, into your hairline to prevent makeup lines.

Don’t want to overdo your eyes? You can now enhance your own eyelashes without adding clumps or colors. New, clear mascara is available to separate your lashes and give them luster and shine.

Reduce Stress

Stress is an unfortunate fact in today’s fast-paced lifestyle and often reflects in your skin and eyes. Make it routine to relax and pamper yourself, daily if possible. This will give you time to slow down and plan the following day.

Become aware of the facial expressions you often make when stressed-out.

If you raise your eyebrows often, you could very well end up with permanent wrinkles on your forehead. If you squint because you don’t understand something, lines between your brows may become evident.

Don’t expect to live without facial expressions, they’re part of you. What you can do is be aware of those expressions you make when nobody is looking. Replace those with something else, such as fidgeting and ease up on your face.

One of the staple foods of the famously long-lived centenarians in the Hunza valley of the Himalayas is the apricot. Here is some information about apricots and one great way to work them into your diet for your health and longevity.

Apricots: the Secret Anti-Aging Weapon

Research shows that of any food, apricots possess the highest levels and widest variety of carotenoids. Carotenoids are antioxidants that help prevent heart disease, reduce “bad cholesterol” levels, and protect against cancer. In traditional Chinese medicine, apricots are considered helpful in regenerating body fluids, detoxifying, and quenching thirst.

The kernels also have several healthy properties, including toning the respiratory system and alleviating a cough. However, be cautioned that the tip of the apricot holds a concentrated amount of the chemical laetrile, which can be upsetting to the system. To safely reap the benefits of apricot kernels, remove the tips of the seeds and do not eat more than five a day.

Honey-Glazed Masala Chicken with Apricots

Serves 4

Many of our everyday cooking seasonings are actually spices and herbs that possess powerful healing properties. Many spices such as cinnamon, coriander and ginger have been clinically shown to prevent blood clots and improve circulation. One of my favorites is the Indian spice blend masala. It is not “tongue-burning” but rather a gentle, tummy warming spice mix that improves digestion, absorption and helps reduce abdominal bloat.

Masala chicken is a popular Indian dish. People not used to the spiciness of masala may find it a little strong. Adding apricots gives it a mild sweet-and-sour taste, balancing the spiciness of the masala.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless chicken pieces (thigh and breast)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 inch piece of peeled fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp masala spice (ground cumin, cinnamon, clove, bay leaf, peppercorn, coriander, cardamom)
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 10 dried apricots
• 2 tbsp honey
• Parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Cut chicken into 2-inch pieces. Heat oil over medium heat in a deep skillet. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, ginger and masala. Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Add tomato puree, salt and 1 cup water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
4. Add vinegar and apricots to skillet, cover and simmer 15 minutes more. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle honey over top and garnish with parsley, if desired.

I hope you incorporate apricots into your diet as your own anti-aging secret weapon. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Facials Tips

Throughout the seasons, our skin can become dry and dehydrated, and our blood vessels become more visible. A thorough skin cleansing becomes a necessity, and there is nothing more effective than the application of a deep cleansing facial mask. Facial masks are a wonderful way to make your skin glow, even out its tone, and help it appear more youthful. And you can make healthy, all-natural facial masks right at home. Follow our simple Facial Mask Recipes to create this enriching experience for your skin in the comfort of your own home.

What is a Facial Mask?

A facial mask is a simple and effective dermo-cosmetic process which helps maintain youthful skin, while also preventing premature aging. Masks increase blood circulation, the dilation of the pores, and the removal of toxins, which the mask helps eliminate. In general, ingredients are more concentrated than those in lotions or cleansers, so they produce more noticeable benefits in a shorter amount of time.

Benefits of Using Facial Masks

Not only are facial masks wonderful for pampering body and soul, but also these cosmetic preparations applied to the face will tighten, clean and refresh the skin. They are much like “take-home spas,” relieving stress, enhancing well-being, and allowing a little bit of pure indulgence in luxury while offering an enhanced sensory experience. The final result is a renewed, rested and youthful appearance.

Think of facial masks as the ultimate nutrient delivery system. Because a mask is much thicker than a moisturizer or topical treatment and because of its extended application time and the inner warmth generated, which opens the pores, passage of nutrients into the skin occurs far more quickly and efficiently. When necessary, masks can also remove excess oil and environmental debris and pollutants much more gently than astringents, toners or scrubs. Although, masks can also help replenish necessary skin oils, especially during the harsh winter months.

How Often Should I Use Facial Masks?

To avoid excessive drying out of the skin, facial masks shouldn’t really be used more than once a week, which is the ideal. Think of masks like exercise – you won’t get the benefits if you only use them every few months. If you can’t manage a mask session that often, though, don’t worry. The change of seasons at the end of summer (when skin is often thirsty after sun exposure) and at the end of winter (when skin is flat and dingy) are the two prime times to make an effort. Finish off by using a warm, wet flannel cloth to remove the mask and it will act as a gentle exfoliant, leaving skin instantly brighter and clearer-looking.

What Type Of Mask Should I Use For My Skin Type?

As far as what type of mask to use, if you have oily skin, go for a clay or mud mask to absorb excess oil buildup. If you have dry skin, try a creamy, hydrating mask. If you have sensitive skin, use a light, gel mask. And if you have combination skin, you may need more than one mask to spot-treat different problems, says David Bank, M.D., a dermatologist in New York and author of Beautiful Skin: Every Woman’s Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age. For example, zap zits along your t-zone with a deep-cleansing mask and keep your cheeks soft with a more moisturizing formula. You’ll get the best results if you choose a mask that targets your specific skin type and addresses any problems you have.

How to use facial masks:

1. Wash your face and neck
2. Put some protective cream around your eyes and mouth
3. Put a mask on your face and neck and do not keep it on for longer than 20 minutes
4. Rinse it off with warm boiled water or mineral water
5. Apply a moisturizing cream.

Nothing says exhaustion and strain like dark circles under your eyes. The problem is, you may be getting plenty of sleep every night and still wake up with puffy raccoon eyes. Now what? Read on to find out why you get under-eye circles and how to reduce their appearance or get rid of them altogether.

Causes of Dark Circles
Dark circles are often a heredity trait. The skin around our eyes is the most delicate and thinnest skin in the body. Dark circles under the eyes are blood vessels that can be seen through the skin, producing the bluish tint.

Allergies are another common cause of dark circles. When you rub and scratch your itchy eyes, it irritates the skin and can break tiny capillaries beneath the skin, causing puffiness and discoloration. If allergies are the root of your problem, simply treat them or avoid what you’re allergic to. If your dark circles or puffiness are constant, you may have an undetected food allergy or an allergy to a chemical in your surroundings. Consult an allergist to determine what you may be allergic to.

Chinese medicine considers dark circles as a sign of weakness in the kidney network. Kidney weakness is due to exhaustion and overstrain coupled with lack of rest and relaxation. Since the kidney network in Chinese medicine governs the hormonal system, it affects the pigment melanin. It is said that unhealthy and depleted kidneys produce pigment deposit under the skin around the eyes and other parts of the face.

Many cosmetic problems can be attributed to vitamin deficiencies. Dark circles and puffiness are often thought to be due to vitamin K deficiency or a lack of antioxidants in the diet. Read Vitamin k spider veins

It is also believed that lack of the mineral iron can cause dark circles. An iron deficiency may point to anemia, which is a potentially serious medical condition that requires treatment. If you believe you may have anemia, see your family doctor to schedule blood work.

Dark circles occur more frequently and are more noticeable with age, because as we get older, our skin loses collagen and becomes thinner and more translucent.

Under-eye Remedies
Reduce the puffiness and lighten your circles with these all-natural solutions.

1. For starters, be sure you are getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

2. What you eat counts! Eat a healthy, balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and make sure you are getting all your vitamins and minerals. Be sure to get plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially cabbage, spinach, and other leafy greens. Eat at least 2 cups of organic fresh spinach everyday. Additionally, eat a handful of raw almonds (unsalted and unroasted) between meals. Avoid salty foods, as salt causes the body to retain water, which equals bloating and puffiness that is particularly noticeable under the eye.

3. Asian pear is a juicy and crunchy fruit that has long been prized by Chinese herbalists as a way to lighten under-eye circles. Asian (or Fuji) pears are packed with copper and vitamin C, antioxidant nutrients that help protect you from cellular damage caused by free radicals. When free radicals damage enough skin cells, signs of aging begin to appear. Copper is an essential component of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that attacks these harmful agents when they enter the body via air pollution and other toxins.

4. Treat your skin while you sleep. Just before bed, lightly wet a washcloth with cold water and place over your eyes as you sleep. By morning, you should see an improvement.

5. Apply cucumber slices or cool tea bags to your eyes. Cucumber slices are famous for their ability to reduce puffiness, and the tannin in tea bags has been found to reduce swelling and discoloration. Lie down, close your eyes, and place fresh cucumber slices or cool, damp caffeinated tea bags over your eyes for about ten minutes every day.

6. Gently apply almond oil under your eye every morning and evening until you see improvement.

7. New skin-care technology has become available through years of intensive research; it is now possible to find creams and other products that can help you combat under-eye circles. A product I suggest is an all-natural anti-aging eye cream that lightens dark circles under the eye.

8. Avoid smoking, as it causes vascular problems that not only threaten your health, but also make your blood vessels appear more prominent under the skin.

Treating your skin will help, but there may also be an underlying cause. Imbalances in your life show up on your face and skin. You may consider seeing a doctor of Oriental Medicine to uncover the root imbalance and improve your overall health.

I hope you will take these tips and put your best face forward. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me

Simple Tips On How People With Acne Should Care for Their Skin!

Acne Skin Care – One the simplest but often neglected things you can do to care for acne skin (aka zits) is simply….”washing daily”. This should be done prior to applying any makeup or medications.

Cleansing is important for the long-term health of your skin and to get rid of pimples or zits. It reduces bacteria, keeps pore ducts open, and exfoliates the surface skin cells.

For facial skin care, always use a gentle cleanser and wash your face twice daily. Follow up with a toner and moisturizer, and use an exfoliating scrub or mask weekly. Here are a few simple easy to follow tips to keep your skin looking clear,soft and beautiful. Free of pimples and zits.

Avoid Frequent Handing of your Skin

Please avoid constantly squeezing, picking and especially poping zits. We know it’s tempting, especially when you’re going on a date or nice evening out. By poping those zits, you are likely to:

Make your acne worse by infecting the surrounding areas

Develop scars and dark blotches

Do more damage than good

Caring for Oily Skin

There is no way to completely prevent oily skin. Howerver, following these carefully selected tips will keep the oil and acne under control.

- Oil and dirt build up on the skin contribute to clogging of the pores. Resulting in pimples and zits, therefore proper washing is a good way to keep things under control. For best skin care result,avoid harsh soap, Cleansers and extremely hot water as these can lead to more irritation.

Use a mild cleanser that cleans without drying

Watch your diet. I can’t have chocolate! you ask? Don’t worry there is no proven link between chocolate and Acne breakouts. Howerver, some doctors suggest avoid eating foods rich in Iodine (such as fish, iodized salt)

Last but not Least RELAX Medical studies have shown that stress can cause the body to produce more androgens. Which in turn can increase sebum (oil) production leading to acne flare-ups(Zits).

Acne Skin Care – Choosing Makeup

When being treated for acne skin care, you may need to change some of the cosmetics you use. All cosmetics should be oil free to be most effective for acne skin care

It may be hard to apply foundation evenly during the first few weeks of treatment because the skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide. Products that are labeled as noncomedogenic (do not promote the formation of closed pores) should be used; in some people, however, even these products may cause acne. So be careful with makeup.

Source: acedia.info

Changing temperatures mean a change of routine, no matter which part of the world you live in. Knowing a little about how skin functions in the winter, and tweaking a few habits, can make all the difference between a dull winter complexion and glowing radiance.

Moisturise Your Skin

During winter, always keep the skin moisturised. Even oily skins need moisture, as the outer layer can get very dry.

Those with oily skins should use light moisturising lotions, especially after cleansing.

After a bath, apply a body lotion while the skin is still damp. It helps to seal off moisture.

Look after your Lips

And don’t forget about your lips. Chapped lips are often the most noticeable problem for a lady in the winter.

Use a highly moisturising lip balm which provides a protective barrier against the elements.

Exfoliate

At least once a week. This will remove dead cells and allow the skin to absorb extra moisture.

The oil which we all complain about in the summer is no longer being produced because of cooler winter temperatures and central heating. Therefore the skin looses the water which should be retained in the lower dermis of the skin. This can lead to premature aging of the skin and fine lines.

Beauty sleep!

Money can’t buy the benefits of a good nights’ rest. Your oxygen levels will drop if you don’t get enough sleep, meaning that your cells will not be renewed as quickly.

This is when degenerative skin aging sets in. Try to get seven, if not eight hours of rest a night to achieve absolutely gorgeous benefits!

By Cristina Masci

Breast Enlargement also known as breast augmentation or the common boob job is currently the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the UK today. With the media constantly on women’s backs about looking like a world class A list celeb with the must-have perfect dazzling smile, the hour glass figure and of course the St Tropez tan, it’s really no surprise that women are saving up for this cosmetic enhancement! However getting a boob job is not always due to wanting the perfect body – even though the Jordan effect has swept the nation, it is popular with those who have naturally small breasts or those who have experienced dramatic weight loss, those who are feeling the after effects of breast feeding or are simply ageing naturally and want to defy gravity!

Although it may be an exciting prospect, undergoing breast enlargement is not a decision you can or should just jump straight into. There are of course implications: it costs a lot of money, it’s a painful process and it’s also life changing!

Breast surgery has been developed over the years and there is now a wide range of implants available in all shapes and sizes! It’s important to find the right clinic with the right team of experts to meet your needs and wants.

If you want more information on Breast Enlargement UK then check out The Hospital Group and you can get yourself a consultation with the experts. Other breast surgery is also available such as breast reduction as well as breast uplift surgery.

Just about everyone has wanted to change some part of their body at some point. Some people are only looking for small adjustments that they can make on their own, but others require medical help to give patients the look that they want. This article provides a general overview of available types of cosmetic surgery. Procedures are categorized by the area of the body that they modify.

Head/Face

Because the face is often the most visible area in social situations, it has also been the biggest target for revision. Common procedures include nose adjustments, lip augmentation, and facelifts. Other less known facial surgeries include chin and cheek augmentation, hair transplants, and forehead lifts. If you have large, unusually shaped, or distended ears, you may be a candidate for ear surgery. Eyelid surgery may be an option for those seeking to reduce droopiness, puffiness, bags, or excess skin. To combat the effects of aging or help reconstruct the face after illness or injury, facial implants are also available.

Skin

Chemical peels can help correct wrinkles, damage from sun exposure, or unevenly distributed pigmentation. Fat injections and some other types of injectables can be safely used in many areas of the body—like the face, depressed skin, hands, or lips—where the individual might desire a fuller, firmer look. Micropigmentation is a procedure done to give the appearance of “permanent make up” and enhance certain areas of the body. Other common skin-related treatments include microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, and spider vein treatments.

Breasts

Cosmetic surgery related to the breasts includes breast reduction, breast reconstruction, breast lift, and breast augmentation. Breast reduction is most common in women whose breast size causes pain in other areas of the body. If a woman has severely asymmetrical breasts (one breast is much larger than the other), breast reduction or breast enlargement with implants may be considered. Reconstruction (including of the breast, nipple, and areola) is an option for women who have lost one or both breasts because of an accident or illness like cancer; or for women whose breast development was severely impeded because of an abnormality. Implants breast augmentation can help women who have felt self-conscious about small breast size to gain more confidence. Breast lift is often an option for women who are happy with the size of their breasts but prefer that they be positioned differently.

Other Areas of the Body

Most other areas of the body are targeted for removal of excess fat. This includes tummy tucks, general liposuction, lower body lifts, and arm lifts. In some cases, individuals who have undergone weight loss surgery may want to have extra, loose skin removed in a post-bariatric surgery procedure.

#1 Keep it clean.

Men have approximately 15% oilier skin and significantly larger pores than women do. Basically, this means you get dirtier. It is very important; no matter what skin type you have, to clean your face every day. Deep cleansing is important. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy and you looking good.

Cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. Deodorant soaps shouldn’t be used on your face. They cleanse with harsh ingredients and leave a detergent film behind. This may irritate your skin and will clog your pores. Go natural.

A good scrub is essential for healthy clean skin. It will remove dead cells and smooth the surface of your face. The scrub should be strong without being damaging. Stay away from scrubs that contain rough elements like ground bits of nut or seed extracts. They will tear and damage the skin. A good scrub will invigorate you, not hurt you.

Moisturizing is a necessity. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and shaving and don’t forget your neck!

For an intensive moisture treatment use pure vitamin E, or aloe vera oil. It is available in liquid form, or just break open a capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin. This is a great under eye treatment. Remember it is very important to moisturize this sensitive area of the face. It is one of the first places to show age because the under eye skin secretes no necessary oils on its own.

#2 Keep it toned.

Because men are outside more than women are, environmental debris and pollutants are more a factor to their skin’s health. Toning helps keep the skin clear and firm.

As skin ages, it needs to work harder to maintain its elasticity. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids work the best for toning the face. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They are aggressive and have quick results. Remember to look for a product that is not photosensitive (sensitive to light).

#3 Treat your skin.

Depending on your skin type (oily, dry or combination) and the time of year, there are different products that treat and enhance your skin. Different treatments will have very different results. It is important to know your skin’s needs.

All types of skin need to be exfoliated. This is the removal of dead skin cells that form daily. This is an essential part of skin treatment.

After shaving, you need to moisturize with a product that has absolutely no alcohol in it. Avoid heavy fragrant after-shave products too, as they can irritate the skin.

Skin that is too shiny doesn’t look healthy, just greasy. Blot the excess oils away. Blotting papers or a light powder that will give you a more natural finish, are both good options to try.

Don’t forget about your lips. Find a balm that has an SPF of at least 15 in it. Peppermint oil has a nice feel and keeps the lips looking luscious.

#4 Protect your skin.
Healthy skin is young looking skin. There are preventative techniques that can promote the best skin possible and keep it looking its best longer. Remember that your skin is a mirror of your overall body health.

Here are the key techniques:

* Avoid over exposure to the sun.
Sun damage leads to hyperpigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use an SPF 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially on your face.
* Stay in shape.
Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which keeps skin looking young.
* Eat right.
Keep vitamins such as C and E in your diet regimen.
* Everything in moderation.
Too much of anything is never a good idea. Stay away from excessive alcohol, smoking, fatigue and stress. Not only can these factors lead to premature aging; they also decrease facial circulation making you look older.

Hair loss can affect both women and men; even though baldness typically affects men it is still very worrying. Baldness can cause men to look much older than they really are; this means that their confidence is damaged as a result. There are however many hair loss drugs, and other natural remedies to treat baldness.

Normally people suffering from a loss of hair will opt for using cosmetic treatments; these simply make the person look although they have a head of healthy hair. There are many simple cosmetic treatments, including hairpieces and weaves. There are also more invasive techniques such as surgical implants; these do however create permanent lasting effects.

Hair pieces are fairly popular because they are so easy to use, you can find these made out of synthetic hair or real hair. Nobody will be able to tell the difference between this and your real hair as long as you choose carefully. Many have netting which lets the hair continue, this makes it look much more natural and realistic. You can also use some pretty strong adhesives which will prevent your hair taking off in the wind! There are also plenty of shampoos, supplements and lotions which can be used.

There are also prescription baldness drugs which have been developed by scientists, these work by slowing down the rate at which you lose hair. Two examples of well known baldness drugs are Rogaine and Propecia; these are commonly used by a number of different people. Both of these drugs have FDA approval for peace of mind.

It’s even possible to purchase Rogaine over the counter without a prescription; the FDA has declared that this is an effective treatment for slowing down hair loss while helping you to re-grow hair that you have lost. The active ingredient in Rogaine is Minoxidil; this is applied directly to the scalp and should be put on twice per day. This is a very popular medication as it not only slows down the rate at which you lose hair, but it also helps you to re-grow your hair. It normally takes a couple of months for your hair to re-grow fully. Rogaine is an effective treatment for genetic baldness; however it may not be suitable for other causes.

Propecia is another drug; however this requires a prescription from your doctor. This is another effective drug for treating male hair loss; it does not work for female loss of hair. This works by reducing the levels of chemicals in the body which damage the growth of hair. This drug was initially developed to manage prostate problems; however this drug has actually seen to be more effective than Minoxodil. This is a great solution for male pattern baldness.

Both of these prescription drugs will slow down the loss of hair, however they don’t normally help you to re-grow any hair.

BIO: Author is an expert in the field of hair loss vitamins and products, hair loss shampoos and hair loss vitamins due to many hours of research. You can learn more about hair loss remedies and hair loss control by visiting HelloHair.org