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Fall 2010 Updo Hairstyle Trends

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:23:56 -0500

Fall 2010 Updo Hairstyle Trends

In terms of hairstyle trends the changes the fall season brings are very exciting and varied. Updo hairstyles are among the stars of the season, being very diverse and versatile as well as being suitable for all kinds of occasions. Check out the latest updo hairstyles trends of fall 2010.

Each season we are tempted to think about what are the changes we can make to our style to be able to look our best and maybe even to discover new sides of our personality. Fortunately, the fashion industry always makes our search easier by coming up with a variety of different ideas each season.

The hairstyles trends of this fall season have a noticeable strong retro vibe remaining us about the glamor that was characteristic for the past eras. At the same time however the hairstyles tend to be well anchored in the present having a series of modern touches that makes them completely adaptable to the day to day situations the women of the 21st century has to face.

The fall updo hairstyles trends encourage us to take risks and to not be afraid to get noticed by choosing bold hairstyles that makes us stand out. Although the techniques used to create updo hairstyles are not out of the ordinary the strong emphasis that is placed on volume makes these hairstyles more impressive.

Another aspect that can be easily noticed if we take a close look at the runway hairstyles trends is that the messy look is still a powerful influence. The combination between the casual style and a formal one is one of the most intriguing characteristics of this season's hairstyles trends.

There are a variety of choices when it comes to the perfect updo hairstyle depending on on your hair type, texture or length as well as your face shape. Each one of these factors is likely to offer a set of limitations or constraints that will eventually help you narrow down the search. You can choose from a variety classic beehive hairstyles, top knots or loose bun hairstyles and personalize them according to your needs.
While creating a updo messy hairstyle might not seem like a difficult job it often takes a lot more effort than most women think especially if they are planning to get an exact copy of the hairstyles that were presented on the most important runways.

While a casual updo hairstyle might not be very challenging, if you want a trendy, slightly messy looking formal hairstyle will require a lot more patience and skill because any wrong move might ruin the final look. That's why in this case it might be better to turn to the services of a hair stylist to avoid unnecessary frustration. If you decide to get this type of hairstyle at home you should make sure you have good quality styling products at hand to help you get the results you want.

With just a few simple variations when it comes to the styling techniques you can get a lot of different hairstyles for a variety of occasions. This is also the simplest method in which you can personalize your hairstyles and add a touch of originality and discover which trends suit your personality best.

Tags: fall 2010 hairstyles trends, updo hairstyles trends, hairstyles trends 2010, fall runway trends, new hairstyles, hair styles trends, updo hair styles, runway hairstyles, runway updos, stylish hairstyles

Flawless Makeup Tips

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:26:09 -0500

Flawless Makeup Tips

Without a doubt enhancing our makeup skills is an action that can pay off quickly both in the short an long term. However, if we truly want to get the best results we must learn how to create a flawless looking makeup that will not only enhance our best features but will also help us hide some of the flaws that make us feel self conscious. Increase your knowledge about makeup with a few pro tips to boost your self confidence in minutes.

When done properly makeup can have the power of a micro plastic surgery when it comes to camouflaging the things that stand in our way when it comes to embracing our natural beauty as well as creating balance and adequate proportions. There are a lot of things that can be seen as imperfections simply because they alter the balance of the face in a negative way without actually being an imperfection. Fortunately there are plenty solutions both when it comes to visually equilibrating some features as well as for hiding blemishes or other things that might decrease our self confidence when it comes to our appearance. Here are a few tips you might find useful:

Minimize forehead
Having a large forehead can be quite frustrating especially if you don't like adding bangs to be able to minimize it. Fortunately the right makeup tricks can come in handy, helping you deal with this often unpleasant problem. Using a matte bronzer and a big powder brush to create a shadow effect that will help create the impression of a smaller, less wide forehead.

Apply it using circular motions and make sure to blend well. Using a slightly darker hue of foundation on the area compared to the one that you normally use can also have a similar effect. However avoid choosing one that is more than 1-2 tones darker than the foundation you normally use or the makeup will seem like a mask.

Sculpt cheekbones
Emphasizing a beautiful cheekbone structure is a great idea as long as you make sure that your cheekbones don't make your face wider. If you feel they do, one solution is to lift the cheekbones with an easy makeup trick. Try applying a neutral shimmer on the brow line because in this way the cheekbones will be visually lifted and will appear slimmer. To maximize this effect avoid adding strong colors on the sides of the face as it will usually make the face look wider.

Make nose look smaller
Many women tend to be unsatisfied with the way their nose looks like and many times they even thing about getting a nose job. However for those who don't want to take such radical measures some makeup tips might come in handy. Applying highlighter on the center of the bridge of the nose is a sure way to make the nose look smaller due to the contrast formed between the two shades. Because the nostrils will have a slightly different color, a darker one a slimming effect will be created.

Correct eye distance
Some women complain that their eyes are set too close while others have the opposite problem and are in need for tips on how to make the distance more harmonious.
For close set eyes the trick is a relatively simple one as it only refers to the eyeshadow colors you should use. Professional make up artists recommend using iridescent eye shadow in light colors. Also to avoid accentuating roundness, eyeliners should be applied only at the middle.

For wide set eyes, you should must be careful about how you apply eye makeup. You should apply dark colored eye shadow in the inner corner and to make sure that you line the upper and lower eyelids starting from the inner corners and moving to the outer corner. If the eyeshadow seems too dark you can blur it with a clean brush or by applying a little eye cream over the eyeshadow.

Tags: flawless makeup tips, how to hide flaws with makeup, correct flaws with make up, make-up tips, makeup basics, makeup tricks

Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Hairstyle Trends

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:11:27 -0500

Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Hairstyle Trends

For fall/winter 2010-2011 you can still bet on long, tousled and wavy hair, on the classic ponytail that comes in so many different versions, but also on retro updos and incredible rock quiffs. Hair accessories are characterized by an excessive touch, with fur, leather and different, original shapes and fabrics. The wet effect is still trendy this season, while bangs made a strong comeback too. Here are the fall/winter 2010-2011 hairstyle trends.

As summer is gone, everyone feels like changing the look and try something new. The coming of the new season is asking for a different hair color or hairstyle. There are so many trends and styles that make the selection process so difficult. Take a look to some of the fall/winter 2010-2011 hairstyle trends and find one that suits you the most. From long, wavy hair to rock quiffs, this season there are plenty of interesting and fun hairstyles where to choose from.

Ponytail
A ponytail is sometimes seen as a childish and playful hairstyle. However, when appropriately made, this timeless trend can be feminine and add elegance to any look. This season, it comes in so many different versions and styles, from classic to low set ponytails, on one side, or in a different color than the one of your hair as seen at Miu Miu, or backcombed as spotted at Michael Kors. For those of you who are always in a hurry, there is the easy and quick pony trend seen at Jil Sander, Dsquared2, Lacoste, or DKNY.

The high ponytail seems to be a hot trend for fall/winter 2010-2011, as seen at Miu Miu, Thierry Mugler, or Y-3. On the other hand, if you are more into the elegant style, draw your inspiration from collections such as Louis Vuitton, Céline, or Calvin Klein, where the pony has a more sober allure, or from Stella McCartney, where it comes in a slicked version with a side parting. An interesting approach of the classic ponytail could be noticed at Cacharel with side-swept bangs.

Michael Kors
Jil Sander

Stella McCartney
Cacharel

Natural
If you have long, healthy hair, make it shine wearing a careless, effortless, yet attentively studied hairstyle. If you are looking for a natural style, leave your hair free, whether you have bangs or not, or make a middle parting. Seen at Diane Von Furstenberg, Burberry Prorsum, Blumarine, Ralph Lauren, Emilio Pucci, Marc by Marc Jacobs, or at Salvatore Ferragamo, Zac Posen, and Paul&Joe in a more wavy version, natural tresses are so hot for fall/winter 2010-2011. A really tousled hairstyle could be seen at Alessandro Dell' Acqua. A tousled hairstyle is very easy to achieve, you just need a hairdryer, some hair mousse and simply scrunch for a wavy result. For a more studied look, use the curling iron in order to get soft waves.

Wet effect
Another natural-looking style is the one that offers mysterious touch to your look. The hair is combed with a side parting, gently covering a part of the forehead. You could spot the trend Givenchy and Dries Van Noten. The wet effect is back on a big way for fall/winter 2010-2011. You can see it at Alberta Ferreti, Etro, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Ann-Sofie Back, and Rag & Bone. Alexander Wang has a daring, yet very beautiful approach, while Carolina Herrera uses the wet effect in order to create a '70s hairstyle.

Diane von Furstenberg
Emilio Pucci

Alexander Wang
Carolina Herrera

Updos
The updo has many interesting and chic versions for fall/winter 2010-2011. First of all, there is the effortless, messy bun seen at Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, or Loewe. Then, there is the elegant version with chic, stylish chignons as seen at Jason Wu, Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, and Prada, where the high bun, '50s style, has a sophisticated retro feeling. For a '50s bun, rock'n'roll style, you can also take a look at Fendi. The top knot could also be spotted on the catwalks at Erdem and at Ruffian, in a more edgy and extreme approach.

Prada
Missoni

Fendi
Erdem

Braided hair has been very trendy in the past. For fall/winter 2010-2011 it seems to remain a constant in matters of hairstyle trends. The side braid that has been so popular this summer is back again with a relaxed and retro approach. The classic, simple side braid could be seen at Simonetta Ravizza, while at Christian Dior, the fishtail plait was rather messy with backcombed hair and braided behind the ear.

Two other very important hairstyle trends for fall/winter 2010-2011 seem to be the backcombed hair and bangs. Backcombed hair is a very stylish hairstyle that was spotted at Nina Ricci and Roberto Cavalli. If you have bangs, don't be afraid to take full advantage as seen at Lanvin, Anna Sui, L.A.M.B., Jen Kao, or Dries Van Noten.

Christian Dior
Nina Ricci

Dries Van Noten
Lanvin

photos via style.com

Tags: fall/winter 2010-2011 hairstyle trends, 2010-2011 hairstyle trends, hairstyle trends, ponytail, wavy hair, tousled hair, chignon, 50s bun, side parting, wet effect, updos, fishtail plait, side braid, top knot, bangs

Makeup Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:55:53 -0500

Makeup Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Wearing contact lenses doesn't necessarily mean that you have to give up using makeup. Besides being a very tricky business, using makeup when wearing contact lens can be also be painful and harmful for your eyes. Here are some tips and tricks on how to use makeup in your advantage without irritating the eyes when having to wear contact lenses.

When wearing contact lenses you don't have to give up using makeup. You just have to follow certain rules in order to avoid irritating your eyes and damage the contact lenses, and avoid a few makeup mistakes. Sometimes the biggest dilemma for women having to deal with this problem is when to apply the lenses.

The general rule says that you should put the lenses before the makeup. However, depending on the problem you have, you can put your lenses before or after applying makeup. If you have a bigger problem that doesn't allow you to focus the eyesight without corrective help, you don't have so many options. You'll just have to apply makeup with the lenses on.

On the other hand, if the problem you have is not that serious, it is rather preferable to first apply makeup and immediately after your lenses. This way, any small flake or dust grain from your makeup products can be taken care of before they enter into your eyes. If you apply makeup with the lenses on, you might have to take them off again in order to remove the irritating element, clean the eye, and start everything over.

There are two essential rules that everyone should follow when using makeup and wearing lenses. First of all, there is the texture of the makeup, and then, the products you purchase. These two crucial rules are applied not only on the products used for the eye makeup, but for all the products you use on your skin. There are on the market certain products that are specially made for contact lens wearers, which are more gentle with your eyes and they are ophthalmic tested.

If you use a brush or a different fabric to remove the translucent powder excess on your face, you cannot avoid that many dust particles to stick on your skin. Some of these particles will certainly get into your eyes irritating them. If you want to avoid this, you have two main options.

First, you can replace the light powder with a compact one. Gently apply it on the nose, forehead and chin and try to stay away from the eye area. The difference between the two powders is that for the second one the particles will stick better on the skin. Secondly, you can use a 2 in 1 foundation and powder. This type of products have a more watery texture that helps the product to fix immediately on the skin.

As for the eye makeup, an eyeliner and a mascara are good and safe options for those of you who have lenses. You can apply them after putting your lenses. As you need to reduce at maximum the risk of irritating the eyes, you need to take into consideration a few details when it comes to choosing your mascara. You should choose a hypoallergenic mascara and one that is safe for contact lens wearers. As for the eyeshadow used, a great choice would be a cream or pressed powder eyeshadow. The eyeliner should be water-based, and make sure you avoid applying it inside the lid.

Use makeup products that are oil-free and fragrance-free. Also, the mascara and the eyeliner used should be waterproof that doesn't only provide long lasting coverage, but it also avoids them to run on your lenses and irritate the eye. Moreover, they should be easier to remove.

Try to avoid using a mascara for volume as the fibers might damage your lenses. Also, don't apply mascara at the base of your eyelashes, but start from the middle continuing towards the ends.

If you don't know what colors to use when wearing contact lenses, remember that cold colors, such as blue or green, give a certain touch of freshness and serenity to your look, while warm shades, like brown, red, pink, or yellow, are rather dynamic. As for the neutral colors, like black, white, beige, gray, they add discretion and mystery to the look.

Tags: makeup tips for contact lens wearers, makeup tips, contact lens wearers, contact lenses, lenses, mascara, waterproof mascara, waterproof eyeliner, foundation, pressed powder, pressed powder eyeshadow, compact powder, hypoallergenic mascara

Top Teenage Room Designs

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:57:39 -0500

Top Teenage Room Designs

Your room is your kingdom especially if you are a teen, therefore it is important to furnish it with the most stylish furniture and other accessories and decorations to feel comfortable in your own home. The top teenage room designs below offer you the chance to take a glimpse at the most popular themes used to cheer up the plain walls and floor as well as adapt the look of the room to the personality of the one who spends most of his/her time in it. Draw some inspiration from these ideas and launch your own makeover project.

The first and most important step when it comes of furnishing our house is to know who the different rooms will be populated as the paint color as well as furniture and additional decorations should adapt to the personality of the one who live in it. This is extremely important in order to guarantee that the person will be thrilled to spend most of his time in this place. The latest interior design trends offer a detailed insight into the top teenage room designs that are available on the market and would suit the preferences of those who consider home decor and furnishing an essential factor in life. Turn your house into a pampering shelter that offers you the privilege to relax and have fun.

Blue Teen Room Design

Choose blue as the best shade to decorate the room of your child. This popular shade is among the most sought-after tones both among girls and also boys. Therefore it is highly recommended to skim through the infinite blue color palette and spot the one that cheers up your moods. Add a patch of color to your home and complete the overall look of the room with the best furniture pieces and decorations that further improve the pleasant atmosphere of the home.

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Feng Shui Symbols for Your Home

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:27:15 -0500

Feng Shui Symbols for Your Home

In Feng Shui practice there are various symbols that play a major role in fighting negative energies and spreading positive ones. Whether we are talking about the Laughing Buddha, the Double Happiness Symbol, or the Celestial Animals, all these symbols can bring prosperity, longevity, happiness and fortune into your lives. Usually, Feng Shui symbols represent different objects that should be placed in certain places depending on the effect we are looking for.

We all want to have a happy and prosperous life, without having to worry about the future. Feng Shui take away all the anger, stress, and worries, offering protection against all harmful elements. Moreover, some of them help rejuvenating Chi energy, spreading positive energies, bringing happiness and good luck into the house.

Double Happiness

The story says that a young student, who was on his way to have a difficult examination, was taken ill and was nursed by a doctor who lived with his daughter. The student and the doctor's daughter fell in love. Finally, the young man had to leave. He was the best at the examination, winning the first place.
The Emperor named the young man his minister and allowed him to go back to the doctor's house and look for the girl. For the wedding, they decided to double the symbol of happiness in order to celebrate the two important events in their lives: the wedding and the young man's success. Nowadays, it is believed that the Double Happiness Symbol brings luck in love and a fulfilled marriage life.

Celestial animals

They can be placed at the entrance of the house or in one of the cardinal directions. The Black Turtle in the north, the Red Phoenix in the south, the White Tiger in the west, and the Green Dragon in the east. All four directions should be in perfect harmony.
The Turtle represents protection and support, but also a good professional help, the Phoenix represents future projects and success, the Dragon, good energy, wealth and prosperity, while the Tiger means intelligence, fortune and protection against any harmful elements.

Laughing Buddha

The Laughing Buddha is the symbol of happiness, prosperity, success and good luck. It is the most popular Feng Shui symbol also known as Matreiya or Happy Buddha. It is said that keeping this symbol into a home, it can take away stress, problems, anger, or sadness. It also has a good effect upon Chi, absorbing the negative energies and fighting the negative ones.
The Laughing Buddha is seen as the maximum symbol of happiness and success, and patron of children and of the poor and weak. Moreover, the sack, the large ingots or the pots of gold the Buddha figurine is depicted with, it is believed to be containing a lot of gold and treasures. Y
ou can put the figurine anywhere in your home, but make sure it can be seen. Certain Feng Shui specialists believe that it is not appropriate to place the figurine in the bedroom, dinning room, or bathroom. A laughing Buddha can represent the perfect gift for different occasions.

Wu Lou

The Wu Lou is a bottle that is made from a gourd crust in which is used to keep medicines. Therefore, the Wu Lou becomes a symbol of health and a protector against the negative Chi or Sha. It is usually covered with golden paint and it has a red band. Wu Lou also symbolizes prosperity and longevity.

Chi Lin

These beautiful animals have the body of a horse and the head of a dragon. Also known as Kei Loon, Chi Lin is the Chinese Unicorn. It is the symbol of prosperity and it brings happiness, success and fame. You can use it alone or in two. In pair, there is a male having a sphere and a female with a young Chi Lin.
The sphere symbolizes protection when it comes to your relation with the world, while the young Chi Lin symbolizes the protection of your home. The Chi Lin should be placed in the northern area of your home. If you choose to put it at the front door with the face outwards, they will keep away bad people and anything that could harm you.

Chung Kuei

He was an amazing swordsman, but his ferocious look made impossible his admission as an official at the royal court. Many years after his death, Chung Kuei showed himself in the Emperor's dreams. Afterwards, the Emperor ordered to be made a portrait of Chung Kuei. They recognized him for his great ability of overcoming black magic, and therefore repair the injustice that was made. The image of Chung Kuei should be placed in front of the door, offering protection from enemies and thieves. He is usually depicted with a sword and a fan used to scary off evil spirits. There is a magical inscription on the fan which means "Lead on happiness, restore the hall.”

Tags: feng shui symbols for your home, feng shui symbols, feng shui, Celestial Animals, Laughing Buddha, Double Happiness Symbol, Chi Lin, Chung Kuei, Wu Lou

Interior Decorating Secrets

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:48:55 -0500

Interior Decorating Secrets

Our home is a precious sanctuary for each one of us investing time in making it as pleasant as possible should be one of our main concerns. Although most of us prefer to leave the job of decorating to professionals knowing some basic decorating secrets can always help us come up with new ideas to upgrade our comfort and to make our living experiences better.

Decorating is a true art that many people prefer to leave in the hand of professionals. However, learning a couple of simple principles when it comes to home design and decorating can quickly pay off in a much greater way than we can imagine. Keeping things interesting is a must when comes to decorating to be able to avoid boredom and learn how to combine functionality and aesthetics properly to get the best results. Here are some things you might want to consider if you are planning to make some changes when it comes to interior designs:

Choose the dominant style: Browsing trough various magazines in the search of the perfect style for your home can give you a better idea of what are the designs you might be more drawn to. Try to involve the whole family so you can determine the what are the main influences you should take into account when choosing decorative items so that the personality of each family member is properly represented. However, before purchasing decorating items make sure that you will be able to create flow and make a smooth transition for the different elements.

Create dimension: One of the easiest and most affordable ways to create interest in any room is to focus on creating various focal points by alternating small objects with bigger, more dramatic pieces. The contrast created helps keep things more interesting by adding focus where needed.

If you also make sure that the contrast created also refers to the colors used you should be able to create even more interest. If you choose to display art make sure that you hand paintings at eye level or slightly higher if you have a high ceiling.

Add texture: This is one of the most important principles of modern design. Experimenting with various different materials also adds interest to any room especially when the room tends to be monochromatic. When various similar decorating items are placed together and the variety of different textures are being highlighted as a result you can immediately liven up the entire room.

Find clever ways to merge functionality and style: Space is often a problem for many homes so we often must be highly creative if we want to have a proper balance between design and practicality. Finding versatile pieces that can serve multiple purposes is a great first step but it is often not enough.

For example personalizing a coffee table and finding room for your favorite books don't have to be seen necessarily as two separate tasks: you can do them both. There are countless examples like this one waiting to be found if you just have the patience and the willingness to look outside the box and find them.

Be careful about lighting: Interior designer specialists think that home owners should pay almost as much attention to the lighting sources as they do when it comes to their furniture because they tend to have an important contribution when it comes the overall image. Consider both natural and artificial lighting sources as well as which are the sources of light that have a functional value and those that have a decorative value and that are more subtle.

Tags: interior decorating secrets, interior design, how to decorate my home, home decoration, interior decorating ideas, living room decoration, interior decorating styles, functional interior design, clever home decorating

Makeup Ideas for Brunettes

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:53:36 -0500

Makeup Ideas for Brunettes

Makeup can be your best friend as long as you learn how to use it so check out the following makeup tips for brunettes so you can become a brunette bombshell!

Makeup can play a very important role when it comes to physical appearance and style, this is why it is crucial to select carefully the right makeup which will contribute to enhancing your natural beauty. Makeup can put into value certain facial features and it is important for the colors used to match perfectly the skin tone, eye color as well as hair color.

Brunettes can consider themselves lucky as there are a variety of shades which can do wonders in combination with your hair color. There are a variety of makeup ideas for brunettes but we have selected some of the best styles that can do wonders for you regardless of your eye color. The following makeup ideas for brunettes are meant to suit different occasions and women with different personalities so inspire yourself and experiment new look.

Minimalist makeup

Choosing a more natural look can be quite beneficial especially during the day as a heavy look is not daytime appropriate. Natural beauty is highly appreciated and promoted this year so this look will not only be suitable for you it will also be trendy. Going minimal doesn't mean barely skin foundation. Curl your eyelashes and apply mascara on to define the eyes but still make them look natural. Apply a clear or lip colored lipstick or gloss on your lips as a final touch.

Bronze makeup

Bronze is a great color for brunettes especially for the brunettes which feature a subtle tanned complexion. This type of look is more appropriate for evening wear due to the powerful and sexy appearance it helps create. Just like any type of makeup a flawless complexion is needed and you can achieve a perfect looking skin using a concealer to cover up any blemishes or dark spots, after which you can use foundation to create the lovely finish. Apply the eyeshadow on your eyelid and apply a liquid eyeliner close to your lash line. Curl your eyelashes and coat them using a black colored mascara. Apply a brown colored blush to subtly enhance your cheekbones and apply a clear or lip colored lipstick or lipgloss.

Smokey eye makeup

The smokey eye makeup is a makeup which looks great and helps create a perfect look for more formal occasions. This type of eye makeup can be created using different shades so you can use the shade that you prefer but still the most popular and the real smokey eye look uses black as the base color. Apply the black eyeshadow on the eyelid and combine it with a lighter shade such as gray or white towards the ends to give it that fading effect. Apply an eyeliner on your lid close to your lashes and a black eyeliner pencil on your waterline. Coat your eyelashes using mascara and you can even use false eyelashes to create a more dramatic look.

Purple makeup

Purple eyeshadow looks gorgeous on brunettes as it creates a softer look which exudes femininity. This type of makeup is suitable for casual as well as formal occasions, depending on how powerful the makeup is created. Use two shades of purple to create a more sophisticated look and apply a black eyeliner close to your eyelashes. Coat your lashes using mascara and apply a lip colored lipstick on your lips. Make sure your skin is flawless and enhance your cheekbones using a brown tone blush, but use the blush lightly.

Makeup can be your best friend as long as you know how to deal with it and how to create the perfect makeup style for you. Practice with different looks and you will soon become a master or inventing new looks that suit brunettes perfectly.
Photos via style.com and Getty Images

Tags: makeup for brunettes, brunette makeup, makeup for brunette hair, hair, brunette hair, makeup tips, makeup tips for brunette women, brunette hair, make-up tips, purple makeup, smokey eye makeup

Eco Fashion Guide

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:45:20 -0500

Eco Fashion Guide

The sustainable way of living is a huge hit both among Hollywood celebrities as well as for ordinary women who understand the importance of making a change in their lifestyle. A better understanding of the principles that are at the base of eco fashion is a good first step in helping us make better choices.

The popularity of the eco friendly lifestyle is rapidly expanding as people begin to realize the impact of their daily habits on the climate changes. Conservation efforts are the primary focus of the environmentalist movement and these efforts refer to all the aspects of our life. While most of our clothing items might seem unimportant when it comes the effects over the environment a more careful analysis can reveal a frightening reality. When we consider the production process with all the electricity and chemicals used as well as the pesticides used for producing natural fabrics, the transport and distribution carbon footprint we begin to realize that the apparently harmless habit of shopping is much more complex than it might appear at a first glance.

Eco fashion has emerged as a way of minimizing the overall carbon footprint of the process of production as well as making clothing items safer and more available for the average consumer. Nowadays there are several brands that offer eco friendly clothing but in order to make the best choices we must understand what are the things we should look for when purchasing green clothing. Here are a few guidelines for creating a greener wardrobe and avoid green washing when shopping:

When shopping for sustainable clothes you might get confused with all the terms used and as a result you might find it harder to know what to look for. Cruelty free and vegan, sustainable or low carbon footprints are some of the main terms used by those who try to advocate certain products as being better for the environment. Cruelty free or vegan products do not test products on animals or harm any animals in way.

One example is vegan leather which is basically artificial leather that allows you to look fashionable without harming any animals in the process. For this reason eco fashion generally takes a stand against fur clothes or any accessories that cause animal suffering in the process of production. Stella McCartney is one of the designer that strongly advocates for cruelty free clothing and has designed numerous clothing items and accessories that respect this principle. Recently, Stella McCartney teamed up with Adidas for a cruelty free line of shoes and other sports accessories.

Sustainability refers to the fact that the production certain product can be done without harming the environment and preferably from renewable sources. Organic cotton, bamboo and hemp are considered to be the main fabrics that are environmentally friendly. Bamboo has received a great deal of attention lately due to the fact that is a highly fast growing plant thus a renewable source, can be cultivated without pesticides and it seems to have certain antibacterial properties as well.

Unfortunately some manufacturers took advantage of the popularity of these statements and used them as an opportunity to to mislead consumers trough green-washing. There are several products that although are advertised as being made out of bamboo are actually made of rayon. Rayon is an artificial fiber similar to bamboo that relies on a variety of toxic chemicals for its production being bad for the environment. Experts claim that one of the ways in which bamboo can be distinguished from rayon is by paying attention to the feeling of the fiber. If the material feels silky soft it is probably made out of rayon.

Clothing items produced locally generally have a much lower carbon footprint compared to ones that are produced in other countries. This is another important criterion that should influence our decisions when trying to green our wardrobe. Also, we should not forget that enriching our wardrobe with classic vintage clothes is another good way to reduce our carbon footprint and perk up our style since they don't require additional resources for production. Purchasing basic items that you will use regularly to create interesting outfits and making the most of the items you already own is one of the best ways to help the environment and to get your money's worth.

Tags: eco fashion guide, eco fashion basics, eco fashion tips, green shopping guide, eco friendly shopping guide, green fashion tips, green fashion basics, fashion tips

Top Must-Haves for Fall/Winter 2010-2011

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:20:17 -0500

Top Must-Haves for Fall/Winter 2010-2011

Fall/winter 2010-2011 means aviator jackets, capes, military coats, cosy knitted items, furry boots, leather, and shearling. Even though they are characterized more by their practicality, this season's collections are very special and unique. Let's take a look at the top must-haves for fall/winter 2010-2011.

Animal prints, shearling, military, or leather are just a few of the must-haves for fall/winter 2010-2011. There is no doubt that this season you cannot create your wardrobe without adding a camel clothing piece or a cape. Here are some of the top must-haves for fall/winter 2010-2011.

Aviator jackets
Shearling is the star fabric for fall/winter 2010-2011. You can see it on the catwalks used for the aviator jackets. Inspired by the aviators of the Second World War, the aviator jacket is an essential element to keep in mind this season. You can wear it with anything and everything, such as in the Burberry Prorsum show with very feminine dresses and thigh high boots.

Capes
A cape is a total must-have for fall/winter 2010-2011. Even if it looks rather strange and maybe a little bit uncomfortable, the cape is one clothing article that you should have in your fall/winter wardrobe. Made from wool, fur, or tweed, the cape will give you a special, unique look. They are different cape styles such as the utility, casual cape, or the work cape, appropriate for an office look. Draw your inspiration from the runway showa as seen at Chloé, Céline, Alexander Wang, Yves Saint Laurent, or Giambattista Valli.

Burberry Prorsum
Mulberry

Giambattista Valli
Chloé

Camel
Camel is the It-color of the season, being considered as the new black. Besides gray, camel is the color characterizing itself through simplicity and moderation. Moreover, gray and camel represent an interesting chromatic pair for fall/winter 2010/2011. You can mix camel with copper, golden brown, mahogany, and denim. You could see it at Chloé, Stella McCartney, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Phillip Lim.

Military
Military is back this season. Heavy military boots and military jackets are some of the key elements of this season's army style. Military means coats with strongly emphasized shoulders and appropriate buttons, caps, overalls, and cargo pants. The perfect color describing this style for fall/winter 2010-2011 is khaki.

Chloé
Marc Jacobs

MaxMara
Burberry Prorsum

Knitted items
Knitted clothing pieces are the perfect solution if you want to protect yourself against the cold outside. They are so cosy and comfortable, yet they offer a special, chic look. We have seen knits at D&G, Isabel Marant, Chanel, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Chloé. You can team knits with more feminine dresses, delicate tights, and stilettos.

Long skirt
When it comes to skirts the longer version is the key this season. From midi to floor-length, fall/winter 2010-2011 means '50s style skirt for sophisticated, yet casual outfits, and floor sweeping skirts for bohemian women. We have seen them at Salvatore Ferragamo, Ralph Lauren, Dries Van Noten, and Tommy Hilfiger.

D&G
Christian Dior

Salvatore Ferragamo
Michael Kors

Boots
The Yeti look is so trendy for fall/winter 2010-2011. Therefore a pair of furry boots is the perfect choice. They are so cosy and comfortable for cold winter days. For fall/winter 2010-2011, thigh-high boots seem to be one of the hottest trends when it comes to shoes, offering a feminine and sexy feeling. They could be seen on the catwalks at Burberry Prorsum, Christian Dior, or Vivienne Westwood.

Pointed-toe shoes
Pointed-toe shoes are back in a big way for fall/winter 2010-2011. Pointy kitten heels were spotted at Stella McCartney and Isabel Marant, while at Louis Vuitton you could see pointed-toe shoes in a retro version matched with block heels and flat bows.

Chanel
Christian Dior

Stella McCartney
Louis Vuitton

Tags: top must-haves for fall/winter 2010-2011, must-haves for fall/winter 2010-2011, fall/winter 2010-2011, aviator jacket, camel, gray, knitted, military trend, capes, shearling, animal prints, furry boots, thigh-high boots, gloves

Top Alcohol Free Cocktails

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 06:34:15 -0500

Top Alcohol Free Cocktails

Some might long for learning the art of cocktail mixing or enjoying the delicious and fabulous tastes however alcohol might not be that appealing for them. In this case why not try out the top alcohol free cocktails that would grant you with the same ambrosial taste with the lack of an additional ingredient. Learn more about the easy-to-make as well as delicious recipes to explore the world of colorful and fancy cocktails.

Cocktail mixing is indeed one of the modern arts of our times. Those who are fond of the colorful and heavenly beverages will have the chance to enrich their recipe collection with the following top alcohol free cocktails that leave out this ingredient and still succeed to pamper our tasting buds with a memorable and blissful experience. Find out which are the most simple as well as more complex recipes to try out this summer as well as on special events to reward your family and friends with a soothing and charming drink. The content of these drinks is indeed proper for all ages as most of them use fruits and vegetables as well as natural juices to achieve the gustatory pleasure and synchronize the various aromas.

Shirley Temple

One of the most well-known and beloved alcohol free cocktails, the Shirley Temple won't require pro mixing skills as well as rare ingredients in order to enjoy the pleasure it offers. This virgin cocktail recipe would require elements as: a highball glass that would ensure the perfect visual appearance of the classy cocktail, as well as dashes of grenadine added to the glass filled with ice as well as the whole ensemble is topped with ginger ale for an ambrosial taste. Then crown the whole mixture with lemon, squeeze it and drop some of it into the drink. Don't forget to stir it and finally enjoy its delice with your friends.

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Tags: top alcohol free cocktails, alcohol free cocktails, alcohol free, cocktail recipes, top cocktails, cocktail mixing, cocktails, fruit drinks, drink recipes, drinks, beverage, recipes

Celebrities Without Makeup

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 07:49:07 -0500

Celebrities Without Makeup

It can be really disappointing to see our favorite music or movie idols in their worst shape which happens to be the look without additional beauty corrections. This short parade of celebrities without makeup would reveal the less popular face of the world-famous actresses and divas of the music stage. Spy on their no-makeup look and spot which is the celeb who stays mostly true to her real self both on the stage as well as off.

One of the most shocking event is when we spot our favorite beauty idols without their glamorous makeup.This can be indeed a surprising moment as some of them become almost unrecognizable due to the revealed spots and wrinkles as well as other skin problems. These celebrities without makeup illsurate that celebs also struggle with acne as well as more severe affections that are wisely hidden by pro makeup artists who turn them into real fairies for the red carpet events as well as other public appearance.Indeed this brief insight behind the curtain would also shrink the huge distance between fans and celebs who are often considered real goddesses due to their beauty as well as sex-appeal.

Katie Holmes

One of the young and famous celebs of our times,Katie Holmes managed to keep her private look hidden and flashed only her best assets over and over again when appearing in public either with hubby Tom Cruise or super-cute daughter and style icon Suri.However the obvious differences illustrate that Katie in spite of the luxurious skin treatments and spa sessions still has some problems with her skin which places her on our top list of most shocking celebs without makeup.

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Tags: celebrities without makeup, celebrities images, celebrity makep, makeup, celebrities makeup, entertainment news, celeb beauty, celeb news, celebs, makeup disasters, beauty disasters, celebrities, entertainment

Formal Medium Hairstyles

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:39:26 -0500

Formal Medium Hairstyles

Formal occasions usually ignite an inner desire for perking up our hairstyle and making it stand out. Medium hairstyles tend to be highly versatile and offer a multitude of styling options so choosing the perfect hairstyle for you is a matter of creativity and skill. Check out the following medium hairstyles to be able to get a better idea of your options.

Medium hair length is by far the most common choice of women due to the incredible versatility of medium hairstyles. Stylish and practical medium hairstyles are easy to care for and can be easily adapted to a great variety of demands. Although it might seem that when it comes to formal hairstyles the options are limited, this is a big misconception most of the time. Depending on the personal preferences of each individual as well as the hair length the options you have might vary. Blunt cuts offer a classical style but tend to be rather restrictive when it comes to styling flexibility.

On the other hand, medium layered hairstyles are considered the most suitable choice for those who want to have maxim freedom when it comes to styling. The structure of a layered hairstyle can be emphasized in a variety of ways and depending on the chosen layer style you can create multiple focal points. Straight hairstyles can be emphasized the best with a dramatic layering technique while naturally for naturally curly or wavy hairstyles soft layers are generally more appropriate.

Straight layered hairstyles can be best emphasized in two ways: by adding volume or by emphasizing the hair ends. Adding volume is fairly easy with the help of volumizing spray and a good blow drying technique and it can have an intense and powerful overall effect.

Emphasizing the hair ends can be a good choice for those who are more into modern hairstyles that are a little unconventional. For these styles a perfect finish is not required nor recommended. These hairstyles look best when they have a purposely messy overall look that adds a playful touch to this hairstyle.

Adding a few loose curls on the lower part of the hair is another easy method in which you can instantly transform a hairstyle and make it appropriate for a formal occasion. This technique works especially well for those who need to add width around the chin area to balance the overall facial features and to create a more oval face shape and soften harsh angles at the same time. If you are feeling adventurous you can even try to increase the volume in this area by teasing the hair after using the curling iron to create the curls.

Depending on the length of your hair you can also try half up/down hairstyles if loose hairstyles are not satisfying for you in terms of complexity. Bump half updo hairstyles have a timeless elegance, creating a beautiful structure that helps emphasize the facial features to the max. Adding volume at the top of the head can also help reduce the overall width, an aspect that can be very important for various face shapes, being especially beneficial for those who have a round face shape.

Low bun hairstyles can also be a suitable choice for those who have medium to long hairstyles. If you are not able to create a low bun you can also rely on a series of styling products to create the desired bun like shape. If you opt for this method, make sure to use a high quality hair spray with a strong formula to avoid unpleasant surprises. Adding hair accessories is a good way to bring out the best in a medium hairstyle and to create a focal point that will direct attention towards the aspects you are trying to emphasize and away from the features you would rather camouflage.

Tags: formal medium hairstyles, formal hairstyles for medium hair, formal hairstyles, medium hair styles, elegant medium hairstyles, medium hair, new hair styles, 2010 hair, trendy haircuts, wedding hair, hair styles, haircuts, hair

Fall 2010 Pants Style Trends

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:03:21 -0500

Fall 2010 Pants Style Trends

Pants are hot and can give you a stylish and comfortable look for any occasion so take a peek at the new fall 2010 pants style trends so you can get inspired and pick the style that suits you best!

Fashion trends are constantly changing to bring in new and more modern styles into fashion, allowing people to enjoy variety when it comes to style, avoiding a fashion routine which could make you loose your “spark” when it comes to your fashion style and the way others perceive you from this point of view. Pants have always been in style since women have began wearing them and the fall 2010 pants styles look absolutely adorable.

Pants have become a very important fashion item in a woman's wardrobe and we couldn't be more thrilled about this as pants offer a stylish look as well as a high level of comfort, allowing women to move freely and still maintain that femininity that defines women.
Designers find their sources of inspiration for their fashion collections in different parts and this allows a vast variety of pants styles to be developed. The new fall 2010 pants style trends are fabulous as vintage styles have been combined with modern style pants, thing which allows you to be diverse with your fashion style, by choosing different pant style outfits and still look trendy.

So which are the pants style to add to your wardrobe this 2010?

The fall 2010 ready to wear collections have revealed some of the hottest pants styles to inspire yourself from so make sure you add the pants that suit your body type, personality and fashion style to your stylish fall/winter wardrobe:

Flared pants
Flared pants are back in fashion and this couldn't be more fabulous. The style and sexiness these pants exude is amazing and actually suit most body types as there are a variety of flared pants styles to choose from. Whether with a more classic flare or an emphasized flare, these pants are hot comfortable and come in a variety of shades as well. Allowing you a stylish relief from tight fitting pants, the flared pants can help give your look that extra spice you need. Depending on the fabric these pants are made out of and their style you can choose to wear them with fitting tops, blouses as well as blazers. Inspire yourself from the fabulous collections signed Derek Lam, Balmain, Rochas, Chloe, and many others more.

Tight fitting pants
Tight fitting pants look hot and can mold to the feminine forms of a woman's body, aiding sexy appeal in a very stylish manner. These fabulous pants styles look great but unfortunately they are not for everyone to wear. Due to their tight fit they are mostly created for women with gorgeous long legs to put the legs into value so make sure you benefit from this style before you go ahead and purchase a pair. These pants can be created out of different fabrics so that they can suit different outfits styles, from casual-chic to more classic. Inspire your look from fabulous designer collections such as Donna Karan, Balmain, Dsquared2, and so on.
Photos via style.com

Tags: pants styles, pants 2010, 2010 pants styles, 2010 pants fashion, 2010 fall pants, 2010 fall fashion trends, 2010 fashion trends, new trends in fashion, what's in style in 2010 fall, 2010 fall, fall fashion, women fashion, style, fashion

New Hairstyles Ideas for Straight Hair

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 06:44:12 -0500

New Hairstyles Ideas for Straight Hair

Hairstyles can say a lot of a person so make sure to select the hairstyle that suits your personality and style. If you have straight hair and are looking for a new hairstyle for your hair type choose one of the following hairstyles which will help enhance your beauty!

It is a well known fact that women have always loved sleek straight tresses just because of the lovely, simplistic and refined look these hairstyles help create. There are a variety of hairstyles ideas for straight hair to choose from and this allows you to choose the hairstyle that suits your personality and style best.

The new hairstyles ideas for straight hair are meant to help you adapt your straight tresses to the new trends as keeping up with what's new will help enhance your beauty and style. Choosing the right hairstyle implies paying attention to details as even the small details can have an influence over the final result. Face shape is one of the most important details that needs to be considered when selecting a new haircut for straight hair, and because there are a variety of new hairstyles ideas for straight hair to choose from, we have selected some of the hottest ones so you can inspire yourself and look great:

New straight hairstyles ideas

Short straight hairstyles
When it comes to straight hair you can select different hair lengths, which suit your personality, fashion style as well as face shape. Short hairstyles are perfect hairstyles for women with feminine facial features and sleek straight tresses so if they suit you don't hesitate to get a short crop as there are a variety of styles to choose from. The new popular short straight hairstyles are the pixie, short bob hairstyles, asymmetric haircuts as well as bowl cut hairstyles. Style your hair using hair styling products and achieve a different look every time you wish.

Medium length straight hairstyles
Choosing a medium length hairstyle allows you to benefit from a great amount of versatility in styling at a low maintenance level, combo which convinces most women to go for a medium cut. Medium length hairstyles look great if created on sleek straight hair and the most popular mid-length hairstyles are bob hairstyles. There are a variety of bob variations to choose from just so you can benefit from the style that works for you best. Bangs incorporated into your medium length straight bob hairstyle can help spice up your look and there are different ways to style your bangs just so you can create the look that you most feel comfortable wearing. Choose layered or straight cut bob hairstyles as sleek straight hair collaborates well with any style.

Long straight hairstyles
Women with long hair benefit from the highest level of versatility when it comes to hair styling as the hairs length expands the options when it comes to styling any haircut. Choose a blunt or layered cut depending on personal preference and face shape so you can look gorgeous. Long straight hairstyles with bangs as well as center parted long hairstyles are the most popular hairstyles to choose and all look great. Regardless of your choice you can experiment with your hair and style it differently every time you wish.

TIP: To make your hair even more luscious make sure you give it just enough hair volume to enhance the hairs beauty and once you have styled your hair sleek straight apply a shine serum to make your hair look like its radiating beauty and health.

Tags: straight hair, 2010 hair, straight hairstyles, hairstyles for straight hair, sleek straight hair, new hairstyles ideas, hairstyles for straight hair, sleek straight hairstyles for all hair lengths, straight, sleek straight, trendy haircuts, new hair styles, hair styl

How to De-Emphasize a Large Bust

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 03:15:24 -0500

How to De-Emphasize a Large Bust

Women with a generous bust line can sometimes have problems when it comes to choosing outfits due to the fact that it can be quite challenging to create an adequate balance between the upper and the lower part of the body. Knowing some of the several strategies that can be used to create a harmonious body line can have a strong impact on our choices, helping us create a more flattering overall image.

Although big breasts are usually considered an attractive feature, many women have trouble finding outfits that create an adequate equilibrium between the upper part of the body and the lower part of the body and as a result, they can end up frustrated with the way they look. Creating adequate proportions is a core rule when it comes to style, as it is one of the surest way to make flattering choices for any body type.Learning to emphasize our best physical attributes while downplaying the features that stand in the way of creating the image we want for ourselves takes time and practice but as long as we know a few tricks that can help us make better choices, the process tends to be a lot simpler. Here are a few strategies that can be used to create a less prominent bust line:

Choose a good supporting bra : Taking time to choose the perfect bra is one of the basic things that can have the strongest impact on the overall image. Contrary to popular belief, push up bras offer an excellent support without adding bulkiness or visually increasing the size of the chest. Good options for those women who are really self conscious about the size of their breasts are also minimizing bras.

Invest in high quality pieces that fit you well and make sure that the bras you purchase offer you enough support. Looking for a wide rib cage support and a full cups is a great strategy that can not only make you look better but can also minimize back pain.

Avoid heavy patterns around the chest area: It's a well known fact that certain patterns should be avoided by those who have big busts. Horizontal stripes, bows and heavy ruffles are two fairly obvious no-nos for big breasts. However, women with big breasts can get away with wearing ruffles if the ruffles help create a vertical line and they don't add extra width.

When it comes to creating a flattering cleavage you should have the same principle in mind. V necklines and open collars work great for big busted women precisely because they help elongate the upper part of the body. Make sure that you choose clothes that fit you perfectly rather then wearing loose fitting clothes because otherwise you will do yourself a big disservice.

Take advantage of the layering technique: One of the most effective ways to minimize the size of your chest and create a more interesting and elaborate look is to use the layering technique. This is one of the best options you can use to create professional looking outfits. A nice fitting blazer can immediately balance the frame and create a better proportion by creating a better body line and emphasizing the entire upper body part not just the bust line.

Balance the lower body part appropriately Although you might make excellent choices when it comes to the de-emphasizing the bust line in the upper part of the body, in order to get a balanced look you must make sure that the choices for the lower part of the body are equally flattering.

It is advisable to avoid pencil skirts and tight fitting pants as they will most likely draw unwanted attention to the upper part of the body in an unflattering way. A line skirt styles, straight cut and flared pants are a much better alternative because they create an adequate proportion instead of being too contrasting compared to the upper part of the body.

Choose the right accessories: Accessories are a very important when it comes to creating an interesting outfit so choosing the right style of accessories is critical especially for accessories on the upper part of the body.

If you want to accessorize you outfit by wearing necklaces you should do your best to avoid short necklaces that fall close to the upper part of the the neckline. Instead, you should choose layered necklaces that will help create a more vertical line and that won't emphasize the bust line area in strong way.

Tags: how to de emphasize a large bust, how to hide large breasts, style tips for women with large chests, style tips, fashion tips, style guide

Short Nail Art Trends 2010

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:41:18 -0500

Short Nail Art Trends 2010

It's not necessary to have super-long nails in order to take advantage of the speed of light evolution of nail art. Instead try your hand at the short nail art trends that would fuel you with the extra inspiration to change your manicure every time you prepare for a special event. Pair the stylish shades as well as the cute prints and patterns to the shape of your nails and fingers and also find out the basic techniques of application to polsih your skills. Both the uniform designs as well as the colorful and complex nail trends would offer you the pleasure to cheer up your appearance.

Some might not find short nails inspiring enough when it comes complex and high brow nail art. However professionals are eager to show us how this length is also perfect for great things and to sport colorful and fabulous designs. Those who are rookies in this art have the chance to choose from the easy-to-handle still stylish nail art designs. Others who would like to challenge their handiness will also have the privilege to skim through the infinite selection of designs and techniques to pull off the latest nail art trends with mastery. Spy on the most popular short nail art trends 2010 to wear the most voguish prints and colors and stay up-to-the-minute with the quick evolution of nail art.

Floral Nail Art

Flowers are also a girl's best friend therefore why not enhance the beauty of these with stylish and tiny flower designs and prints. From the classy black and white to the colorful designs all are available on the market if you are one of the adventurous nail art talents. Show off your handiness with a few useful tricks and create either large and complex or more simple and classy tiny flowers with the help of the proper nail brush. Secure the proper effect of your manicure by using high quality nail varnish as well as applicators.

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Tags: short nail art trends, short nail art, short nails, nail art trends, nail art, nail designs, nail polish, 2010 nail trends, manicure tips, manicure, nails

Top Myths about Skin Aging

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:59:39 -0500

Top Myths about Skin Aging

Maintaining a youthful and glowing skin is one of the top beauty concerns of women all around the world. There are countless theories about what are the steps that should be taken to preserve our natural beauty and delay the process of aging. However not all these theories are 100% accurate and we have to learn to separate the truth from fiction in order to make sure that we adopt the most adequate care routine to delay this dreaded process. Discover the truth behind some of the most common myths about aging.

Each year thousand of dollars are invested for anti aging research in an attempt to reverse the processes that deteriorate our body. In the attempt to stop the process of cellular deterioration scientists come up with a lot of different theories that looked at the process of aging from different perspectives. Although some theories have become highly popular with the speed of light and have been accepted like a general truth, many of them only have a theoretical value more than anything else. This mindset often leads to the development of urban myths that can offer a highly distorted image about how things really are. Here's a selection of myths concerning skin aging that you might still believe:

80% of wrinkles are caused before the age of 25
At the origin of this myths lays the conviction that unprotected sun exposure is the main cause for the development wrinkles. While no one denies the devastating effect that UV rays can have over the skin, the truth is that there are a lot of other factors involved in the formation of wrinkles that cannot be neglected. As the collagen supplies become start to reduce the process of aging starts to accelerate even more. Being a smoker is also an aggravating factor when it comes to developing wrinkles regardless of the age so, although this myth expresses a real concern at its core it can only be considered a half truth at best. Taking care of your skin is equally important at any age.

Anti wrinkle creams can remove wrinkles
While anti wrinkle creams can certainly improve the way our skin looks, neither of the anti aging creams available on the market will be remove any wrinkles. While anti aging creams can temporarily camouflage fine line, to get rid of wrinkles for a longer period of time the only option remains plastic surgery. This should not be surprising at all since even the companies that produce the specify on the label that results are not guaranteed or ''effects may be temporary only''.

Creams that contain collagen and antioxidants are effective in preventing wrinkles
This is yet another myth that is based on a true statement but that is purely speculative. Although anti aging creams might contain collagen, this doesn't mean that applying collagen on the skin guarantees its absorption. In the majority of cases the collagen molecules are too big to penetrate the pores of the skin so the effects are only minimum at best if in fact there are any. The same is true for synthetic antioxidants as well, because synthetic antioxidants are not absorbed in the same way by the body as natural antioxidants are.

Doing facial exercises is helpful for preventing wrinkles
Facial exercises can do more harm than good due to the fact that unlike other muscles, the facial muscles are attached directly to the skin instead of being supported by ligaments so what is true for the rest of the body is not necessarily true for the muscles of the face. That's why, all the facial movements you do have a direct impact on skin elasticity. Doing facial exercises to fight wrinkles can make the problems worse, because it can even highlight crow's feet or make a double chin more pronounced.

Products made from natural ingredients are always better then those made with synthetic ones
With all the preoccupation nowadays for green living it is completely understandable that everyone is more inclined towards natural skin care and wants to green their beauty routine. However, with all the "green" washing that takes place nowadays it can be very difficult to really make a distinction between ''natural'', ''organic'' or ''made from natural ingredients''. Another problem is that although a problem is really made from natural ingredients, it doesn't automatically mean that it is hypoallergenic. Another fact that should be kept in mind is that often, natural ingredients are harder to preserve against microbial contamination or growth than synthetic ones. Although natural products can be beneficial, it's best not to take every claim made about them at face value.

Tags: top myths about skin aging, myths about wrinkles, myths about anti agin products, skin care myths, truth about anti aging, anti aging tips

Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:12:11 -0500

Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe

When asked about our favorite desserts most of us would probably place chocolate cake at the top of the list, without the slightest sign of hesitation. If you appreciate the savor of a delicious homemade chocolate cake but you are a beginner when it comes to the art of cooking this easy and quick recipe will definitely be an excellent choice.

The chocolate cake is a classic dessert that always manages to satisfy even the most exigent food critics. It's almost impossible to define what makes this dessert so delicious as each element plays an equally important role that contributes to the heavenly taste of this wonderful sweet indulgence.

This wonderful culinary creation was invented back in the 19th century, being immediately adopted by a lot of different cultures that customized the original recipe creating a myriad of different variations in texture, ingredients or toppings in an attempt to create the ultimate chocolate cake.

The thought of making a homemade chocolate cake might seem extremely appealing and intimidating at the same time. Many might think that creating the ultimate chocolate cake requires excellent cooking skills and a lot of experience but it doesn't necessarily have to be this way. Nowadays there are a variety of easy recipes that can be experimented both by those who are rookies at the art of cooking as well as by those who are highly skilled when it comes to creating decadent desserts.

This chocolate cake recipe is fairly easy to make and it doesn't take much time either. As a matter of fact this delicious moist chocolate cake recipe will only require about 25 minutes of preparation and 25 additional minutes of cooking time. Here are the ingredients you need this mouthwatering chocolate cake recipe:

For the cake:

3 (1 oz.) squares of unsweetened chocolate

2/3 cups of butter

2 cups of flour

2 cups of sugar

1 cup of water

3 tbs of cocoa powder

1 and ¼ tsp of baking soda

2tsp of pure vanilla essence

1 pinch of salt

For the frosting:

2 (1 oz) squares of unsweetened chocolate

½ cup of buttermilk

2 raw eggs

2 tsp of vanilla essence

½ cup of milk

1/3 cups of butter

4 tbs of powdered sugar

a pinch of salt

Directions

Begin by heating the cup of water and preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Then melt 3 squares of chocolate and 2/3 cup of butter in a large saucepan, add the heated water and bring the entire mixture to boil. After the boiling point was reached, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the flour, the cocoa powder, the sugar and the baking soda to the mixture.

After making sure that the mixture has cooled enough transfer all these ingredients in a food processor and mix everything until you get a smooth consistency using the eggbeater. Add the buttermilk and the eggs and the vanilla and repeat the process. When the desired consistency has been reached, pour everything in a 13x9'' pan and bake it for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Meanwhile begin making the frosting by melting the chocolate and the butter in another saucepan. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat everything well. Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes and then add the frosting beating it again if necessary.

Tags: easy chocolate cake recipe, chocolate cake recipe, chocolate cake, cake recipes, delicious desserts recipes, sweets recipes, easy dessert recipes

Medium Length Bob Hairstyles Ideas

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:45:08 -0500

Medium Length Bob Hairstyles Ideas

Bob hairstyles are extremely popular due to the hairs low maintenance and fabulous style so check out the following medium length bob hairstyles so you can get inspired for your new look!

It seems that medium hairstyles appeal more to women due to the balance they offer between versatility and maintenance making them perfect hairstyles for different hair lengths. It is absolutely stunning how much a simple hairstyle can transform the look of a person so choosing the right hairstyle is crucial. There are a variety of medium length hairstyles to choose from, but there are a few which manage to stand out from the others such as medium length bob hairstyles.

Bob hairstyles are not actually new hairstyles, as they are vintage hairstyles which have been reinvented and reintroduced in the hairstyles trends due to their fabulous appearance as well as low maintenance style. It seems that medium length bob hairstyles can vary widely, as nowadays classic and edgy designs are in a constant battle to conquer the hearts of women with a variety of hair types and face shapes.

It is a well known fact that choosing the perfect hairstyle means taking a variety of factors into account such as hair type, hair lengths, face shape, facial features, etc. All these factors contribute greatly to the finished result so pay attention to details and you will most definitely make the right choice. However, choosing from such a vast variety of medium bob hairstyles can be difficult so we have selected some of the most adorable, stylish and popular medium bob hairstyles to inspire yourself from:

Layered chin length bob hairstyles
Layered chin length bob hairstyles are fabulous hairstyles which suit women with feminine facial features as the hair draws attention towards the face. The soft layers gently take the shape of the face, this is why not all face shapes can opt for this type of medium length bob. Women with an oval face shape should definitely go for this type of cut as long as the hair has a natural sleek straight look. Girls with curly tresses should avoid this type of cut as it will not be flattering for your hair type. If you are looking for a more interesting look, a look which will bring a little bit of a sexy edge to your layered bob, incorporate side swept bangs into your hairstyle and this way you will look outstanding, The bangs adding a whole new twist to your look.

Blunt cut medium length bob
Blunt cut hairstyles are edgy looking hairstyles with face framing properties which capture the attention similar to a magnet. It seems that this type of cut creates a perfectly nit look, a mysterious and sexy look which cannot however be an option for everyone. In order to obtain this type of bob you need to benefit from sleek straight hair as the hair's straight look will enhance the cut. Blunt cut bangs are very popular when it comes to this type of bangs so if your face shape and hair type can pull off this look, don't hesitate to get it.

Soft layered medium bob
The soft layered medium bob hairstyle is one of the most versatile bob hairstyles of all as it suits most hair types, from curly to sleek straight. The bob is softly layered to remove some of the hairs weight and to give the hair a little bit of hair volume, as hair volume is definitely a must when it comes to bob hairstyles. Choose to incorporate bangs into your soft layered bob hairstyle if they suit your face shape and style the rest of your hair as you desire.

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