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.

#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.

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

Make-up timeline

To ensure your eyes stay healthy and free of infection when using make-up, heed the following due-date rules. Throw out your mascara after three months, powder eye shadows every nine to 18 months, and cream eye shadows every six to 12 months. Sharpen your eyeliners often to keep them clean.

Mascara mistakes

To avoid mascara flake-off or smudging on your face, apply a thin cost of mascara to top lashes only. Then run an eyelash brush through lashes to prevent clumpy mascara build-up.

Get a rosy glow

Want your face to radiate a healthy glow? Try using a gel blush or cream (instead of powder) in a rosy shade of pink to create a more natural look. Gels or creams are more transparent and blend smoothly – rub it on the apples of your cheek and blend up towards the eye for a glowing complexion.

Minute manicure

Need a fast fix for unpolished nails? File nails into a square shape, buff them to create a bit of shine and apply a clear coat of polish. Next rub in cuticle oil around the edges of the nail and moisturize your whole hand. It takes less than 15 minutes and will give your appearance a polished look.

Brow etiquette

The trend in eyebrows for this season is natural looking, not sparse and skinny. Use a tinted brow definer or eye shadow to fill in scanty brows.

Fix tired feet

Pamper your tired feet with a luxurious footbath. Fill a basin with warm water and add a few drops of essential oils. Next place marbles or small stones (found at your local garden centre) into the basin. Run your toes and soles of your feet over the marbles, and relax for 15 minutes.

Eye/lip pencil care

Before sharpening your eyeliner or lip pencil, place them in the freezer for 10 minutes. They will harden slightly and not break when sharpened.

Eyeliner hint

Women with deep-set eyes should use liquid liner instead of regular pencil eyeliner, to prevent smudging in the crease of the lid. Liquid liner does not smudge as easily.

Nail polish know-how

Is your nail polish from last season too thick? Chances are the polish has begun to thicken at the bottom of the bottle. Add a bit of nail polish thinner to the bottle to get the maximum use of your nail polish.

Foundation tester

When picking out a concealer or foundation, always test the colour on the inside of your wrist. The skin there is the most unblemished and will give you a good idea of how it will look on your face. Extend your foundation

Want to extend the life of your foundation and cut down on heavy concealer? Mix a drop of it with your natural moisturizer to create a luminescent look for your skin.

Curl your lashes

Before curling your eyelashes, heat the curler with a hair dryer for a few seconds. Test to make sure it is not too hot, then apply to eyelashes. The heat will lock in the curl on extra long eyelashes.

Foundation secret

Apply foundation to your face after you have done your eye make-up. This helps you to fix any last minute smudging from mascara or eyeliner under the eyes.

Lipstick trick

Love matte lipstick, but feel your dry lips wreck the look? Apply a lip balm to lips before starting your make-up routine. By the time you have done your eyes and rest of the face, your lips will be moisturized and ready for the matte lipstick.

Manicure tip

If you have been sloppy applying nail polish, simply soak nails (when dry) in warm water for a few minutes and then rub off extra nail polish gently with a finger.

Aftershave Recipes

Raw, burning, irritated skin on your neck and chin-how is anyone supposed to get through the day when his face is on fire? Below are a few tried-and-true aftershave recipes that should help you cool down that razor burn and keep you smelling and feeling clean and refreshed all day.

Energizing Aftershave

Combine 2 cups witch hazel extract, 2 oz. rose water, 2 oz. aloe vera gel, 1/2 oz. vegetable glycerin, 1 drop peppermint and 1 drop eucalyptus essential oil in a container with a spray nozzle and shake well. Spritz on to skin after shaving. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

Your Choice Aftershave

Combine 1/4 cup witch hazel, 1/2 cup distilled water, 3 drops benzoin oil, 1 tbsp. olive oil, and a few drops of your choice essential oils (try lavender, rosemary, sage, orange, lemon, cinnamon, or cloves-it’s up to you!) in a container with a spray nozzle and shake well. Spritz on to skin after shaving.

Minty Menthol Aftershave

Combine 3/4 teaspoon glycerine, pinch borax, tiny pinch menthol crystals, 3/4 witch hazel, 10 drops peppermint essential oil, 10 drops sandalwood essential oil, 2 drops lavender oil, 2 drops rosemary oil in a container with a spray nozzle and shake well until all borax and menthol crystals are dissolved. Spritz on to skin after shaving.

Citrus Magic Aftershave

Combine 6 tsp. dried lemon balm leaves, 4 tsp. dried chamomile leaves, 1 tsp. rosemary leaves, 3 tsp. calendula leaves, 4 parts rose essential oil, 1 lemon peel, 1 sage leaf, and 3 comfrey leaves in a wide mouthed jar with 2 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar and cover. Let mixture rest in a warm spot for 2 weeks and then strain the liquid. Strain the mixture and keep the liquid; to each cup of scented vinegar add 2/3 cup rose water or witch hazel and add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil. Pour into a bottle with a spray nozzle. Product does not need to be refrigerated and will keep indefinitely.

Honey-Dill Aftershave

Combine 1/4 cup dill seed, 1 tbsp. honey, and 2 1/2 cups distilled water in saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Let mixture cool, and then add 1 tbsp. witch hazel. Strain and pour liquid into a bottle with a spray nozzle. When refrigerated, keeps for 2 months.