Monday, July 26, 2010

Choosing a Designer Handbag That Compliments Your Body

With so many choices in designer hand bags, it can be an overwhelming task choosing the right one. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting your designer hand bag. If you follow these tips, your hand bag will show you off in the best possible way, and your beautiful shape.

A general rule for selecting the right hand bag is to choose one that both contrasts and compliments your body shape. This will help to create balance with your shape and show off your hand bag at the same time.

If your shape is curvy, choose a sleek rectangular shaped bag. If your shape is more straight lines, choose a hand bag that has a more rounded look.

You can emphasize your best features simply by choosing the right length of your hand bag. If you want to emphasize your bust, choose a short handled bag that falls below your armpit. These are better suited for women with a smaller size bust size. If you want to emphasize a small waist, choose a hand bag length that falls right at the waist. If you are large busted, choose a hand bag with longer straps to help create a vertical look.

To compliment your body type, choose a hand bag that mirrors your body size. If you are a large woman, select a larger handbag. If you are a petite woman, choose a smaller bag or a tote that hangs from the shoulder if you need more space.

Color is also important when selecting the right designer hand bag. It should flatter your natural coloring and work well with your outfit. You will get more for your money if you select a hand bag that works with several items from your wardrobe.

If you follow these guidelines for selecting your designer hand bag you will choose just the right one to create the perfect overall look. A designer hand bag is an investment that can really enhance your unique style when chosen carefully. If you choose your hand bag wisely, you will feel confident and relaxed with your appearance knowing it sets you off to your best advantage.

You can find genuine designer hand bags here.

--Carla

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Advice for Choosing Teeth Whitening Products

One of the best beauty tips that can instantly take at least 10 years off your age is creating a whiter smile. I heard a top makeup artist on TV say when asked “what is the first thing you do to make a woman look younger?” He replied “whiten her teeth.” I thought it made great sense because our teeth tend to become dull and look yellow the older we get. Who wants yellow teeth?

The market is flooded with brands of tooth whitening products and it is difficult to know which one is best, especially when ordering from the internet. Here are a few of my experiences.

I purchased a whitening system from my dentist for about $300 and was very happy with the results. It was not an instant fix, but my gums did not hurt after I used it. One problem is this process must be repeated from time to time to maintain a white smile. The other problem is my current budget will not allow me to afford to do it again right now.

There are two brands I would definitely stay away from. I tried these two brands of dental whitening I had ordered over the internet. The information I received was to use the two products together to achieve maximum results. My teeth did get whiter, however, the products really made my gums and teeth hurt for a long time.

These products were initially inexpensive because they were a “free trial”. However, because I did not cancel them within the specified time, I might as well have visited the dentist due to the cost. Also, when I did try cancel them, one of the companies made it very difficult to cancel. I had to make at least 3 calls to them and it was very time consuming. The two brands I would not recommend are Dazzling White and Everbright Smile.

If you do decide to order teeth whitening products over the internet, check out my “Consumer Tips for Free Trials” blog published in April to avoid repeating my unfortunate mistakes.

If your teeth are just lightly stained, try using a whitening toothpaste. This should be enough to keep your teeth looking their whitest.

If your teeth are heavily stained due to coffee, tea, aging or smoking, it is probably best to use a dentist approved tray and gel system to return your teeth to their naturally white color.

You can get the same system used in a dental office for less from a company called ProWhite. They are an actual dentist lab and will create custom trays and use the same gel solution you get from the dentist’s office. Dentists also purchase their gel from this lab. You can save money by dealing directly with the lab.

I have not tried the tooth whitening pens, however, after my negative experience with the brands I mentioned earlier, I would stay away from any “instant” product as I do not want to permanently damage my teeth or gums.

Whitening your teeth more slowly is what most dentists recommend. The reason is it does not damage your teeth and gums. Unless of course you can afford the rapid whitening method provided in a dentist’s office. I know we all want quick results, just be careful when choosing a tooth whitening system so you don’t damage your teeth or gums.

I hope this information helps you to make an informed decision about choosing the right product to whiten your teeth. Remember, your smile is one of the first things notice about you and having sparkling white teeth makes a great impression. Having a gorgeous white smile can easily make you look 10 years younger.

You can find an affordable dental lab here.

--Carla

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Seven Tips to Feel More Beautiful by Increasing Your Self Esteem

The biggest challenge to being beautiful is feeling beautiful. Our hectic lives can sometimes put our spirits on the back burner and we can begin to under value ourselves. Here are few things you can do to feel good about yourself, boost your self esteem and feel beautiful about the person you already are.

Tip 1
Know you are unique!
When you wake up in the morning, remind yourself that you are unique and there is no one else like you in the whole world.

Tip 2
Respect yourself!
Think about what your deepest needs are as a person and consciously make an effort to fulfill those needs. We are not talking about immediate gratification, but your deepest needs as an individual. Ask yourself who am I? Am I living my true purpose? How do I get there? Take baby steps.

Tip 3
Be your own person!
Decide what you want out of life and pursue it with enthusiasm. Do not let others decide what your life should be.

Tip 4
Feel good about yourself!
Keep a journal and write down 10 to 15 things you accomplished well every day. This will help you focus on the positive things you did so you will spend less time on the negative things.

Tip 5
Don’t try to be perfect!
Trying to be perfect is a negative loop and can keep you from accomplishing even the smallest goal. The reality is that life is not perfect. Do the best you can and be genuinely happy with the outcome.

Tip 6
Inspire Yourself!
Pursue work and activities that inspire you to be the best person you can be. Engage in activities and hobbies you have a passion for and you will feel on top of the world!

Tip 7
Laugh!
Express your inner joy and laugh whenever it is possible. See a comedy show, watch a funny movie, or read a funny book. Laughter is contagious and good for your mind, spirit, body, and those around you.

These are just a few tips to help you increase your self esteem. All of us have experienced times where we just don’t feel as good about ourselves as we are capable of. When you have healthy self esteem, you love and appreciate yourself exactly as you are. Remember you are unique and have enormous potential. Isn’t it time you allowed yourself to express the beautiful person you already are?

Friday, July 2, 2010

June Beauty Tips

Here is a list of the June Beauty Tips . . .
6.4.10

Conditioning your scalp when you have thinning hair can clog pores and inhibit hair growth, instead condition just the ends of your hair.

For thinning hair, hold your head upside down and gently massage the scalp once or twice a day to increase blood flow to hair roots.

Use a volumizing shampoo to make thinner hair look thicker and have more body.

Take a multivitamin (with folic acid) with breakfast each day to ensure thinning hair is not caused by a nutritional deficiency. Folic acid helps hair, skin and nails to grow stronger.

Do not wear hair styles that pull hair too tightly or can cause breakage to avoid thinning hair.

Nioxin products can be effective in treating thinning hair.


6.09.10

To keep hair healthy, massage your scalp for a few minutes every night before you go to bed to stimulate blood flow to the roots. (Or have your significant other do it for you, it feels great!)

Always rinse hair with cool water after you shampoo. It makes the cuticle lie flat and your hair will be shinier.

Be gentle with the ends of your hair when you shampoo as scrubbing the ends dries them out.

Before swimming in a pool or the ocean, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair to protect them.

Always blot your hair dry after shampooing, rubbing your hair can cause split ends.


6.15.10

When applying mascara, start at the base of your lashes and move the wand gently back and forth as you glide it toward the ends. This will help separate the lashes, and make them appear thicker and longer.

For best results to create thick and long lashes, use two types of mascara. Apply one for length first, and then apply one to thicken eyelashes.

Use a spoolie to separate wet lashes after you have applied mascara to eliminate any clumping.

Make your own spoolie by completely washing a wand from an old tube of mascara and let dry before using.

For great lashes, use a clear primer first and then apply your mascara.

Use an eyelash curler before or after you apply mascara to make your eyes look larger.


6.29.10

A water-based foundation with a sheer, satin finish will work best for most all skin types.

For mature or dry skin an oil-based matte foundation works best for your skin type.

Use an oil-free foundation with a matte or satin finish for oily skin.

A tinted moisturizer with a sheer finish works best for normal, dry or mature skin because it provides light coverage.

Mineral makeup foundation with a matte finish is usually good for all skin types. It should be used sparingly on older skin to avoid a heavy look.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Five Steps for Applying Mineral Makeup

Mineral makeup has become very popular lately and for good reasons. First of all when applied properly it looks very natural and is light to wear. Secondly, the minerals are actually good for nourishing your skin. Follow these easy steps for applying mineral makeup and your skin will not only look gorgeous, but will also be healthier.

The biggest secret to applying mineral makeup flawlessly is to use good quality mineral makeup brushes. The most affordable way to get started with mineral makeup is to sign up for a really good introductory offer that includes brushes with their starter kit.

Step one – Moisturize
Apply moisturizer to your clean face. You may also want to follow with a makeup primer for mature or aging skin to achieve a smoother surface. Wait about 10 minutes before beginning to apply your makeup.

Step two – Conceal
Put a little concealer into the cap and using a concealer brush, swirl it around the powder, tap off excess and apply in gentle circles around the areas you want to conceal. Note, some people advise you to conceal after you have applied foundation, and this step can be implemented however works best for you. I have found it works better for me to apply concealer first and then blend with the foundation powder.

Step three – Foundation
Place some foundation powder into the cap and using a foundation brush, swirl in the foundation powder, tap excess off of brush and apply in a gentle circular motion starting at the outside edges of your face and work toward the center to blend evenly.

Step four – Setting powder
Place some setting powder into the cap and using a brush that has denser bristles than the foundation brush, swirl brush into the powder, tap off the excess and apply in a gentle circular motion. You can apply this powder all over your face or just to the T-zones for combination skin. Setting powder will keep your makeup looking fresh longer and also help with shine if you have oily areas or oily skin in general.

Step five – Blush
Place a very small amount of blush in the cap and swirl a small amount onto your brush. The best way to apply blush is to smile and apply to the “apple” areas of your cheeks. Blush will give a healthy, natural glow to your face. You may also want to use a separate dense brush to blend in the blush so it looks completely natural.

Finish your eye makeup and lips as you normally would and you are ready to go. Using mineral makeup is easy, feels great and is good for your skin. If you follow these easy steps, you will look absolutely fabulous and feel great too knowing your makeup is flawless!


You can find cheap mineral makeup and starter kit here!