Endless Beauty -- Top New Content

Find Your Face Shape in Five Easy Steps

Lyssa — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:13:19 +0000

Never Have a Bad Haircut Again

Dust off your geometry skills and get a lesson in shapes with a trick that guarantees you the perfect haircut. Knowing your face shape will make hair horrors a thing of the past.

Haircuts can be frightening situations. You spend hours, days, even weeks searching for the "perfect look" only to get disappointed when your cut doesn't turn out as expected. The culprit behind hair raising nightmares could be your face shape. The shape of your face is an essential factor in your overall look. Luckily, the formula to finding your face shape is as easy as counting to five.

Grab your measuring tape and discover how to get flattering haircuts in no time.

How to Find Your Face Shape:

1. Measure across your forehead from one side of your temple to the other. Write the number down.

2. Measure across your cheekbones from ear to ear. Write down the number.

3. Measure across your jawline across the widest part of your face. Write the number down.

4. Measure from the center of your forehead at the hairline to the center of your chin. Write this number down.

How Does Your Face Shape Measure Up?

Are your numbers equal? Faces that are as long as they are wide are considered Round.

Do you have a long face with equal width everywhere else? You are likely to have an Oval shaped face.

Is your jaw longer in measurement than your forehead? If you are equally balanced with a slightly more pronounced jaw, your face is considered a Square

Do you have a narrow chin and equally wide forehead and cheeks? Just as the geometric shape, Triangles and Diamond - shaped faces have wider dimensions that narrow at the chin.

By simply seeing how you measure up on your face shape, you can guarantee that your next haircut will be both flattering and effortlessly chic.

Shelika Baez is a freelance writer.

How to Talk to Your Stylist

Allison — Wed, 05 May 2010 21:51:48 +0000

Who Gets Paid More: Blondes or Brunettes?

Lyssa — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:42:16 +0000

How Hair Color Affects Salaries and Commissions of Women in the Workplace

After Katherine Schultze changed her hair color from blonde to brunette, she wasn’t surprised when men didn’t approach her at bars as often as they used to, her friends had told her to expect as much, but what she hadn’t foreseen was that her paycheck would suffer.

“My hair was brown for three months and I made 20 percent less than I usually make over that same span,” she said. “Oh, I changed back to being a blonde real quick!”

Schultze sells advertising for a community newspaper and relies on being taken seriously to improve the credibility of the paper, something she assumed would be strengthened by being a brunette. But she also relies on commissions to pay her bills and sometimes the unfortunate reality is that sex sells. It’s a balance that women are often challenged with in the work place.

“Stereotypes regarding a variety of physical-appearance-related characteristics can affect personnel decisions, particularly when the job applicant or employee is female,” said Dr. Heike Mahler, a psychologist at the University of California, San Diego.

Mahler and her colleague, Dr. Diana Kyle, took special interest in hair color stereotypes because unlike most physical traits, hair color can be easily modified. So the psychologists set up a study in which volunteers were asked to rate a woman’s capability and then assign her a salary based solely on her appearance.

According to the results, brunettes were rated as more capable and were assigned a higher beginning salary while females with blonde or red hair were rated as significantly less capable and thus received a lower starting salary.

However, the findings differ from those published by the University of Queensland where a recent study revealed that blondes make seven percent more than women with other hair colors and also marry wealthier men. The study revealed no discernable difference between the pay of brunettes and redheads.

“It seems the association between blondes and beauty dominates any perception that they have low intelligence,” said Dr. David Johnston, who led the study.

The different conclusions drawn by these studies may not identify brown, blonde, or red as the “most successful hair color,” but they do prove that personal appearance in the workplace does matter and that women should be aware of the image they’re presenting. So what is a ladder-climbing gal to do? Run for the liquid bleach or stay true to her roots?

“Relax and be yourself,” said Reny Buduan, human resources director for Amerigroup Community Care. “Misconceptions about your personal appearance will work themselves out, but a reputation for what kind of an employee you are will stick with you much longer.”

Buduan has been in HR for more than 20 years and said conflicts over hair color and personal appearance are often a matter of misunderstanding that can easily be cleared up with a little communication as long as both the employee and employer are willing to compromise.

If you can’t resist the urge to change the color of your hair, consider tailoring your look to best fit the job you’re going for. Mahler hypothesized that if two applicants with equal qualification were going for the same job that the edge would go to the girl who best fit the part.

“An unmade-up brunette may best fit the stereotype of the position she is applying for and thereby receive the highest evaluation,” Mahler said. “In contrast, when the position is one stereotypically associated with a fiery, outgoing individuals a redhead wearing makeup may receive the highest evaluation.”

Mark Collins is a freelance writer in Austin, Texas. He is a brunette.

Feed Your Skin An Anti-Aging Diet

Lyssa — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:15:58 +0000

The best foods to keep your skin looking young

With bikini season looming, we doubt you need much more motivation to eat healthy, but here’s yet another great reason: a diet rich in key vitamins and nutrients can keep you looking younger for longer. “You are what you eat, so the better your nutrition, the better your health, including the health of your largest organ—your skin,” says dermatologist Carolyn Jacob, M.D., director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology.

In order to perform at its youthful prime—regenerating and rebuilding new collagen and elastin tissue and breaking down old cells—our skin needs several essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Thankfully, the foods Jacob recommends that contain these nutrients taste much better than those diet “shakes” and meal replacement snacks you’ve been choking down, and they can still help you get into a two-piece by summer.

Check out our shopping list, then get to a grocery store to stock up.

Low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt: Mmmm, who doesn’t love snacking on cheese? Now you can do so guilt-free: dairy is a great source of vitamin A, which promotes cell growth and is essential to the health of skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Other sources of vitamin A include fruits and veggies that are orange or red, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, carrots and apricots.

Wild Caught Salmon: The pink fish is loaded with omega-3s, essential fatty acids that have an anti-inflammatory effect on skin cells. Because inflammation breaks down cells, it’s important to eat foods that can stop or slow down the destructive process. Additional sources: Walnuts, canola oil and flax seeds.

Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and cranberries all contain antioxidants, key anti-aging nutrients that help stave off premature aging. Antioxidants protect skin from the cell damaging effects of oxidizing sources like the sun and pollution. Dark chocolate and green tea are two additional sources of antioxidants.

Turkey: The Thanksgiving bird is one of the leanest sources of animal protein around (good for your bikini body), plus it’s a great source of selenium (good for your skin). Research has shown that selenium appears to protect skin from oxidative damage caused by the sun, and having high levels of selenium in your system may prevent sunburns, too (not that you should stop slathering on the sunscreen, though). You’ll also find selenium in whole grain breads, Brazil nuts, and tuna.

Do your skin a favor and add these four super foods to your diet. Don’t forget to wash them down with plenty of water, as H20 is essential to health skin cells, too. Bon appetit!

Megan O'Neill is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia, PA. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Health, Self, Glamour, Real Simple, Natural Health and Spa.

Human Hair Cleans Up Oil Spill

Lyssa — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:58:18 +0000

We know to donate long hair to make wigs, but who knew our human (and pet) hair clippings could also be used to create human hair mats to clean up oil spills? The oil spill that started last week in the Gulf of Mexico is reportedly about to--or already has--touched land along the coast. In Florida and other coastal states, salons are partnering with inventive charity Matter of Trust to donate hair to be used to make hair mats that soak up the oil from the spill.

Matter of Trust collects hair clipping donations and ships them to factories where they are woven into hairmats for oil spill use. Check out the video for an demonstration:

"The U.S. has over 300,000 hair salons, and each cuts an average of a pound of hair per day. By finding a local salon near you that is participating in our donor program, you can help make a difference in the ecosystem and help prevent further damage from oil spills that continue to aggressively destroy coastal water ways," said Matter of Trust in a statement.

For more info, visit the Matter of Trust website.

How to Use Portion Control to Your Advantage

Lyssa — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:12:29 +0000

And Why Portion Control is Important in Any Diet

Can you eat an entire bag of chips in one sitting? We can all knock out a food feat in certain situations, but if you don't know how much you're eating, you may need help with portion control. The simplest goal for any targeted weight loss is to burn more calories than your body takes in. Since avoiding calories is easier than burning them off later, let's take a look at why portion control is the most important part of any diet.

The popular term “You eat with your eyes first” has scientific truth to it. The bigger your plate of food (or bag of chips) is, the more you are prone to eat. If you’re handed a large plate full of food, the message is relayed from your eyes to your stomach to make more room for large consumption. This can easily be avoided by ordering or cooking less food.

We all love to stuff our face (it’s in our DNA to feast), but with these simple tricks you can avoid eating unhealthy portions by understanding how much food your body actually needs:

Know Serving vs. Portion Size – Understanding how much a serving is can be the first step to eating less. The recommended daily servings found on the side of your favorite snacks will tell you two things: how much food one serving contains, and how many servings are in that package you are about to eat. So if you pay attention to the latter, you may find out that you’re consuming two or three times more calories than you think.
Buy smaller plates – Sounds almost too simple, but just by plating on smaller plates you will naturally get fuller more quickly because your stomach won’t expand at first glance.
Don’t stare – By sitting at a table that faces the buffet, your portion control can be affected. Everyone enjoys watching the Food Channel, but if you’re looking to cut some weight back than it’s best you stop surrounding yourself with temptations.
Know when to quit – Once you’re finished with your meal you will probably feel one of three things: contempt, hungry, or full. Most of us stop eating when we are full, but experts say that we should actually stop eating way before this point. Eating a healthy diet should leave you satisfied, not full. Understand that the body continues to digest food after you’re done eating, so it may take some time for your stomach to signal the brain it’s had enough.
Quality vs. Quantity – While quality makes more sense to the taste buds, quantity ultimately affects our waist size. If you want to look good in that summer skirt, it's time to trade in the 20-ounce porterhouse steak for a 4-ounce salmon filet.
Do your research – Did you know that the recommended serving of pasta is about the size of a tennis ball? If not, then it’s maybe time you did more research on serving sizes of your favorite foods. (Click here for some easy measurement comparisons)

The American food culture has convinced us that eating more is better. We consistently eat larger-than-necessary plates at drive-ins and diners without noticing what we’re actually doing to our bodies. We’re overfeeding ourselves. One-third of our nation is obese, making us the fattest country in the world. It’s time to break the stereotype and take a second look at what we put in our mouths.

Adi Pavlovic has written for Austinzine.com, Paiscano and many other media outlets. He currently resides in Ausitn, TX.

Check out EndlessBeauty.com's interview with My Fit Foods, a controlled-portion-size prepared food company and restaurant:

Click here for the rest of our Extreme Body Challenge content.

EndlessBeauty.com Launch Party with The Donnas - behind the scenes!

Allison — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:14:04 +0000

Recap of the Extreme Body Challenge and Relentless Boot Camp

Allison — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:09:55 +0000

Baby-Faced Sun Safety

Lyssa — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:21:29 +0000

Take Your Cue From Baby When Protecting Yourself from the Sun

Envy your baby’s super soft, supple skin? If only our skin could remain that resilient for the rest of our lives.

While we know better than to walk out the door without shielding our little one from the sun, how much energy is spent protecting new moms? Sure, you put on sunblock when you go to the beach or plan to be outdoors for extended periods of time, but what about the rest of your day?

The Ugly Truth

You know the saying that beauty is only skin deep? When it comes to your skin and sun damage, you can count on it. Aside from the immediate damage to your skin in the form of a sunburn, the drying, thickening, sunspots, and wrinkles it causes aren’t pretty either.

Beauty won’t even be a question when skin cancer enters the picture. That freckle could be life threatening if it turns out to be melanoma. There is no such thing as a safe tan, whether it comes from the sun or a tanning bed – as both contain ultraviolet radiation.

The most common location for a woman to get melanoma (the skin cancer with the highest mortality rate) is on her legs and arms. Why? Spring and summer wardrobes leave these areas exposed while we're doing things like running errands, and we don't think of this as time that requires sunscreen. Over time, that sun exposure adds up.

A Good Defense if the Best Offense

Now that you’re a mom, it’s even easier to make a habit of putting on your SPF. When you cover the kiddo, cover yourself. It’s that simple!

Choose a sunscreen or block with an SPF factor of 30 for the best results and one that is safe for both you and baby to save some time. Although doctors and product labels recommend waiting until baby is at least six months before applying, check with your pediatrician if sun exposure is unavoidable.

A few favorites:

MD MOMS Baby Silk Babysafe Sunsceen Towelettes SPF 30+
Easy to apply by swiping a wipe. You and baby are both used to that! One towelette is enough to cover an average two year old, so mom might require a few wipes to get the job done.

Burt’s Bees Chemical-Free Sunscreeen SPF 30
Uses natural minerals to protect both you and baby from the sun’s harmful rays. It also contains a moisturizer to help keep skin hydrated.

California Baby No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion
An excellent choice for those sensitive to smelly stuff, it’s made from organic, sustainably-grown ingredients. Good for you, baby, and the environment.

Remember, no matter how high the SPF, it won’t last all day. You need to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and then reapply after about 40 minutes of exposure. You’ll need to continue reapplying, particularly after sweating or entering the water (check the product label for specifics).

Even the best sun block can't protect you from overexposure, so keep an eye on the clock and keep your direct sun time to a minimum. Keep yourself safe from the sun for your baby, for your health, and for your baby-soft skin.

Tia O'Neill is a glamour diva turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

Seven Sunless Tanning Tips

Lyssa — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:56:55 +0000

Get a Safe Faux Golden Glow

With all spring's sunshine, you can't help but bask in it--and want that golden glow to show. It's been said before but bears repeating: there is no such thing as a safe suntan. No, you’re not safe from UV damage if you bake after 3pm. No, you’re not safe if you establish a base tan at the tanning salon first (please, just say no to tanning beds!). And no, you’re not safe if you never get a sunburn.

Just because suntanning is bad doesn’t mean you have to look Gwyneth-Paltrow-pale all summer. Thankfully, there are plenty of terrific sunless self tanning products that can give you a natural, even, and gorgeous faux glow—but only if you apply them correctly. We spoke with professional makeup artist Susan Horrell, founder of Au Courant Cosmetics, about the best way to go about applying self tanner.

Seven expert tricks for creating the best-looking fake bake:

1. Pick the right product
When shopping for self tanner, Horrell suggests sniffing the bottle you’re looking to buy, as many products have an offending, synthetic odor that can linger on your skin for hours or even days after application. “If the scent is not appealing to you, you’re not going to use it,” adds Horrell. You should also check the directions to see how long the product will take to develop. Obviously, the faster the better and the more convenient.

2. Set aside enough time
Applying sunless tanner is not a process you want to rush through, especially if you’ve never done it before. You’ll need anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to appropriately apply the product, then another hour or so to let it dry.

3. Prep your skin
Self tanners contain a colorless sugar that reacts with the uppermost layer of your skin to color it. Sloughing away dead skin cells allows the product to go to work on a layer of skin that’s going to be around longer, meaning your tan will stick around longer, too. Dry skin also typically absorbs more color, so sweeping it away will help produce a more even look. Shaving before can also make application easier and the results more even, just don’t do it if you have sensitive skin.

4. Lotion up
Moisturizing dry spots pre-application can keep them from soaking in too much tanner. Another idea: Apply a gradual self tanning lotion all over so any mistakes you make with your self tanner will look less noticeable.

5. Apply the product
Spread self tanner from head to toe, focusing on areas that usually see the most sun and skipping over or only lightly coating those that don’t. For example, Horrell recommends putting tanner on the top of your arms, but applying it only very lightly to the undersides. You also want to go light around the hairline, brows, and upper lip, as getting too dark in these areas is a common faux tan giveaway (and not super attractive, either).

6. Touch-up trouble spots
After application, you’ll want to touch up potential trouble spots by dabbing them with a damp sponge. Areas to lightly sponge include your feet, elbows, knees, and knuckles, all areas that tend to the dry side.

7. Let it set
Avoid coming into contact with anything (clothing, the couch, etc.) for at least 15 minutes and ideally, you should wander around naked for another hour to allow the product to dry and develop. If that’s not feasible, slip into dark, loose sweats. Tight jeans and tops can be stained by sunless tanners, plus perspiration can create a streaky tan. Avoid showering for at least three hours, though even longer is best.

Keep in mind that it may take a few applications before you reach your desired shade of “sun-kissed,” so try to go light the first time around to avoid obvious mistakes. A sunless glow usually lasts around 3 to 5 days, so after a few weeks you’ll have this painstaking process down. Though it might seem like a hassle now, just think of how much time and money you’ll save on anti-aging treatments later!

Megan O'Neill is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia, PA. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Health, Self, Glamour, Real Simple, Natural Health and Spa.

You Have Permission to Be Selfish

Lyssa — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:34:41 +0000

How Redifining Selfishness Will Make You Happier

I have a long history with being selfish. Being an only child I was called selfish and spoiled all the time. When I was younger and people called me selfish, it translated as “you evil, horrible, bad person.” I always had this feeling that people were using that word drastically wrong.

The world is shaped by how we define words, people, things, and ideas. But what is a definition? Just because Webster’s dictionary puts words in a book does that make it the rule? I think it’s time that we re-define how we define our world; starting with being selfish.

Selfish is a good thing. I remember watching Oprah's makeover shows in my teens, where they would take women who had "let themselves go" and give them a makeover on TV and everyone ooed and awed. These women would blame their haggard, tired, and sad demeanor on feeling obligated to put everyone else before themselves. They had a family that "had" to come first. They had a job that required so much time. They had a sick mother who needed constant care. They had one big fat excuse.    I remember thinking to myself specifically: “I will never put anything else before my own happiness." The problem is, is that some people think there is something wrong with this.

Have you ever been on an airplane? You know that part of the flight where the flight attendant is explaining emergency procedures, what is it they tell you to do with the oxygen masks?
"Put on your mask before helping a child or other person."

Why? Because if you are unconscious because you have no oxygen, how can you help anyone else?

That’s how extreme I am about being an advocate for selfishness. I am the person who will tell you to put yourself first, and congratulate you when you claim your "I-am-ness". In my world, airlines wouldn’t even have to tell us to make sure to our masks are on first before helping others, we would just know.

The impulse to put others first is ingrained in women. Have you ever heard someone say "I work this hard so you can have all the things I couldn't or never had?" I always think "why"? Why should you have had to give up anything you want? The universe knows no bounds, there is plenty of joy, abundance, and happiness for everyone.

What would our world be like if it was full of people who would stop at nothing less than being as happy as they could be, not settling for jobs that aren't our passion, not settling for relationships that don't serve us? What if all the children of the world grew up with this example?

Imagine walking the planet with such freedom to be a selfish, beautiful, completely happy, and passion-filled woman. Imagine entering a room and letting your light shine as bright as you want, knowing that you are giving the world a gift: the gift of your unabashed, authentic, full-of-love self. I call upon every woman to be so full of life and love that she always has enough to give away without draining herself. How would we do it without selfishness?

Selfishness does not have to be about doing it for yourself with disregard for anyone else. When we put ourselves first, we are putting others in our highest regard. When we put ourselves first, we are calling others to do the same; we are calling out to them to be the best person they can be. We are allowing ourselves to be beautiful.

I'd like to redefine the word Selfishness.

Selfishness–adjective
1.devoted to or caring for oneself in order to reach the highest possible personal potential in order to serve the world from a place of fullness and love.
2. devoted to being the best person one can be; calling on others to do the same
Synonyms- Giving, self-nurturing, self-serving therefore world-serving, compassionate, Full of love, generousness, wholeness, healthiness, happiness.
Be Selfish. You have my permission.

Lauren Sheehan is an advocate for selfishness, a cultivator of feminine presence, a primal eater, and a crossfit queen. She lives in Austin, Texas and is ready to redefine the world! www.advocateforselfishness.com

Face the Facts

Lyssa — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:39:48 +0000

Your Postpartum Skin Guide

There’s something behind the saying that a pregnant woman’s skin “glows.” Extra blood and water plump and flush your face, reducing the appearance of lines and providing a rosy tint. Add to this an increase in oil production and voila! “You’re absolutely glowing!” Even if you didn’t feel that way, people noticed.

Now that the baby has arrived and your hormones are on the downside of the rollercoaster, “glowing” isn’t exactly a term that comes to mind. Many women experience an increase in acne in conjunction with dry skin, a tricky combination to manage. It’s likely those lovely dark patches of melasma haven’t quite disappeared yet either. To top it off, the fine lines have returned and your rosy glow has been replaced with an ashen tone. The stress of being a new mom probably isn’t helping too much either.

There’s hope for postpartum skin!

Like any other postpartum issue, your skin will improve over time. Here are a few tips to help treat and resolve some of the most common postpartum skin complaints:

Acne

Cleanse your skin. It sounds like a no-brainer, but chances are your routine is a bit less, well – routine – these days. The result when we don’t wash? Dirt, oils, and make up build up and you get zits, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, ugh. It’s like you're 15 all over again.

If your pimples are particularly problematic be sure to choose a cleanser with glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but avoid ones containing salicylic acid if you are breastfeeding. The same goes for prescription-grade retinols (like Tretinoin), as tempting as they may be. While research is inconclusive regarding exactly how much of these medications get excreted in breast milk, we do know that at some point they can become toxic for an infant. Don’t take the risk. If baby is on formula, however, the door is wide open.

Cleansing morning and night might be recommended, particularly if you’re breaking out, but if you have to pick one, opt for night. In the morning, wipe your face with an alcohol-free toner before applying your moisturizer.

Dry Skin

Is it possible to have breakouts and dry skin? Unfortunately, yes. To make matters worse, when we over treat one issue we can make the other worse. It’s all about balance here. Choose an oil-free moisturizer that says “non-comedogenic” on the label (this means it won’t clog your pores) and one with an SPF of at least 15 for daytime use.

Sun exposure will dry your skin, which then reacts by producing more oils and before you know it, you’re back on the breakout express. (Let’s not forget that sun damage also carries with it the potential for wrinkles, cancers, and hyper-pigmentation.)

Look for a moisturizer with similar features at night, but you can skip the SPF. Instead, why not choose something that will treat those wrinkles or brighten those dark spots?

Melasma

The extra estrogen your body produced for baby caused an increase in melanin, sometimes resulting in dark splotches on your face. This “mask of pregnancy” should become gradually lighter as time passes, usually within six months of giving birth. However, sun exposure and estrogen-containing birth control can hinder fading.

Glycolic acids are great for treating hyper-pigmentation, but if you’re getting too much sun, your efforts will be fruitless, another reason to use that sunscreen. If you think your birth control might be an issue, talk to your doctor about a progesterone-only option. The “mini pill” is often the choice of breastfeeding moms anyway, as it doesn’t affect milk production.

It's a fact that pregnancy hormones impact your skin. But with the passage of time, a little effort, and the right products, your postpartum face will be restored to its former glory.

Tia O'Neill is a glamour diva turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

Pet Prescription

Lyssa — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:24:58 +0000

Your Furry Friend Could Help You Live a Better Life

Pet-owners everywhere will agree that having an animal in your home is one of the greatest experiences that you can have. Animals provide us with more than a cuddle-buddy, animals can be a partner to encourage exercise, can help release emotional tension, and can help us in developing new relationships.

The Emotional Effect of Pets

For nearly 25 years, research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They offer us an outlet for both our animosity and affection. And pets can actually boost our immunity!

Interacting with your pet helps your body to release dopamine and serotonin. Both of these are neurotransmitters that produce a calming and pleasurable effect on the mind.

A growing number of studies show that children who come from a family that had “furred-animals” or farm animals where at a much lower risk for pet allergies once they became adults. Being around animals from birth helps improve your immune system’s defense against hair, pet dander, and dust.

Natural Calming Effects

"Studies have shown that Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home," says Lynette Hart, PhD, associate professor at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

"Their caregivers also feel less burdened when there is a pet, particularly if it is a cat, which generally requires less care than a dog," says Hart. There are even instances of insurance companies asking seniors if they own a pet on their applications, which can often tip the balance in their favor.

Caring for a cat or dog can also help those people who are suffering from disease avoid falling into depression. This benefit is even more prevalent for those people with a strong bond with their animal. Avoiding this “state of disease” will help to lower the levels of cortisol and norepinephrine in the body. Both of these chemicals have been linked with the plaque build-up in arteries, a major contributor to heart disease. In addition to this, pets can also attribute to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which are important factors in heart health and weight management.

Fill That Prescription

Pets are a wonderful addition to any family. The love and devotion of these animals is unlike anything else. Now, in addition to this already outstanding benefit, we know that a cat or dog can provide you with a great emotional foundation while also helping to ward of heart disease and common allergies.

Need relief from stress? Want to improve the health of your heart? Better fill that pet prescription!

Burberry Gets Into Beauty

Lyssa — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:08:18 +0000

British fashion label Burberry announced a 96-product Burberry Beauty color makeup line to launch in July, licensed under its Inter Parfums group, which has put out fragrances and a previous failed attempt at a makeup line.

Christopher Bailey, Burberry’s chief creative officer, has said that during their fashion shows, “When we were doing makeup, I felt like we weren’t able to get the right attitude." The new color cosmetics will emulate the classic chic of a Burberry trenchcoat.

The trench inspired the actual makeup shades too. “I liked the idea of taking the trenchcoat and the weather as the two things that influence and define the colors,” said Bailey. “You’ve got the naturals from the trenchcoats and from the weather you’ve got these beautiful stormy grays and stormy blues. Then, when the sun comes out, you’ve got this glow and you’ve got lighter tones, as well. "

Harrods will have the U.K. exclusive for the brand for one year. Burberry Beauty’s initial distribution will be limited to 30 doors worldwide, including Nordstrom in the U.S.

The collection ranges in price from 18 euros ($24) for a Lip Definer pencil to 44 euros ($59) for a Sheer Foundation compact. It includes blush, pressed powder, bronzer, liquid foundation, eye shadow, eyeliner, lip gloss, lipstick and mascara.

Makeup is the latest frontier for many labels, as beauty spending, though down from previous years, seems to suffer less during recessionary periods than fashion. Dolce & Gabbana introduced its debut color line last year with licensee Procter & Gamble Prestige Products. French fragrance and treatment brand L’Occitane also muscled in on the makeup market with a floral-inspired collection. And luxury-for-less label Topshop will add makeup to its lineup in May.

Surgery-free Facelifts

Lyssa — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:00:11 +0000

Move over scalpel, here come the needles

Many women see their anti-aging skin regimens as a “to do” list that spans decades. First it’s moisturizers. Serums, botox and fillers often become add-ons. The final step, and carefully considered decision, in the cycle is often plastic surgery. But some women are bypassing the surgical knife for less invasive metal devices – acupuncturists’ needles.

Martha Lucas, a licensed acupuncturist and owner and director of Colorado Center of Traditional Medicine, in Denver, and an expert in cosmetic acupuncture, has seen a significant increase in women over 45 seeking facial acupuncture. But, she says, she’s still surprised how under the radar these procedures are.

How Facial Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture is one of the branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a 4,000-year-old system that believes that the state of your health is determined by unobstructed flow of qi throughout the body’s meridians or energy channels. Through the use of needles, the acupuncturist manipulates the energy along a channel.

“All acupuncture points are little vortexes of qi, or energy, and they respond to stimulation,” says Lucas. “Needles are the deepest way to access that qi.”

But needles can work their magic on the face, too. Lucas treats wrinkles, crow’s feet, sagging eyelids, falling eyebrows, neck jowls, and those deep dreaded nasolabial folds that make their way from each side of the nose to the corner of the mouth.

Facial needling brings more qi and blood to the muscles, fascia and skin, and to areas in the face that are energy-deficient, explains Lucas. “It’s qi deficiency that’s implicated in sagging,” she says.

And, she adds, from the Western medical perspective, facial needling may create “micro traumas,” which get healed through the body’s transporting collagen and elastin to the area.

Different Treatment Systems

Most cosmetic-acupuncture systems have been developed relatively recently, generally by acupuncturists who built facial-acupuncture practices. Lucas and a former colleague created the TCM-based Mei Zen (“beautiful person”) system – it involves needling about 15 points on the face, along with several other channel points – which she teaches around the world to physicians and other acupuncturists.

To determine if a prospective patient would make a good candidate for the procedure, Lucas requires an initial full-body treatment to determine levels of qi. A person’s qi may be too weak, she explains, which would either not allow the needling to take, or support the results.

Each facial acupuncture procedure runs five weeks – 10 sessions, twice a week. The package – in addition to treatments for the face, she also offers them for the neck and abdomen – costs about $1,000, excluding the first whole-body session, but prices may vary in different parts of the country.

Start Early

Lucas advises people to start facial acupuncture when they’re in their mid- to late thirties. This is when needles can help prop up the collagen and elastin structure. “It’s a lot easier to prevent wrinkles and waddles than trying to make them go away when you’re older,” she says. A person over sixty whose face is already showing some sagging may need more than 10 treatments.

The effects of her treatment typically last between three and five years, during which she recommends maintenance sessions. And, although some women see dramatic results with facial acupuncture, Lucas says most women tend to see more subtle effects. “I tell people this is not a surgical facelift.”

Lucas cautions consumers to ask acupuncturists who advertise acupuncture facelifts about their specialized training. And, she adds, be sure to ask to see their portfolios of “before” and “after” photos.

Coeli Carr is a health and fitness writer in New York City.

For the Love of Beauty

Allison — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:53:41 +0000

Thanks for the great blog post Roxy! Check it out here.

The Breast Ideas Post-Baby

Lyssa — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:56:29 +0000

Three Ways to Improve your Ta-tas

As the baby grows in your belly, hormones kick in and enlarge breast glands. Any weight gained boosts fatty tissue. Additionally, women produce prolactin, a hormone that makes milk. “If a person nurses five to nine times a day, their breasts get larger, then deflate after each session,” says Dr. Laurie A. Casas, clinical associate professor of surgery at the University of Chicago Pritzer School of Medicine. “This enlarging and shrinking takes a toll on skin elasticity.” Between pregnancy and breast feedings, your boobies are looking down in every sense of the word.

But perking them back up doesn't have to be hard--or expensive. Follow our tiered guide to better breasts after you've had your baby.

$ Create an Illusion

Whether you like it or not, your breast shape and size changed, trashing your lingerie collection. The right bra is the easiest way to improve bust appearance. First, visit a Victoria’s Secret store or use tape measurer to confirm bra size. BraSmyth offers numerous fitting tips as well. Once you’ve got the magic number, go shopping!

While you’re out, pick up a bronzer – it works wonders on cleavage. Arm yourself with a full brush and a powder bronzer one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Wear your most enhancing (new) bra, then gently dust between breasts, blending outward. Use a powder puff to dab the top with color that matches your skin tone.

For date night, upgrade to a lighter shade with a bit of gold tint, mineral shadows work great. Avoid shimmer--after all, you’re a mother not a go-go dancer.

$$ Work Up a Sweat

Invest in a gym membership or free weights. “Proper strength training can help women get an aesthetic lift,” says Shaun Zetlin, New York City personal trainer. “The pectoral major and minor muscles tighten and as a result, the skin outside the muscles tightens.”

Zetlin suggests starting with the bench press, and using dumbbells to isolate pectoral muscles. As you lift vertically, stop an inch above your chest to activate the muscles. A dumbbell chest fly also helps with lifting the chest.

Poor posture also emphasizes saggy breasts. To stand up straight, start off with a pronated dumbbell row. Continue with bent over reverse fly exercises. Do each for 3 sets of 12 reps, dumbbell row 2 sets of 12 on each side. Try to work the chest 3 times a week.

$$$ Talk to a Plastic Surgeon

Those with high aspirations for perky breasts should look into surgery. But before you commit, consider this: “Breast surgery is not for life, once you do it once, more likely than not you’ll have another operation. It is not one stop shopping,” says Dr. Grant Stevens, medical director of Marina Plastic Surgery Associates.

Ideally, wait until you are done with rugrats. New pregnancies, breast feeding, and age almost guarantee altered breast size and shape. When you're ready, talk to a surgeon at least 6 months post-nursing, says Casas, who strongly recommends seeking an American Board of Medical Specialists doctor. Keep in mind that these procedures start at $3,500, on average, reports American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

During the consultation, discuss whether you want a breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation (implants), or both. Remember that you can still nurse post-surgery, as the as the nipple stays connected to milk glands, contrary to rumors, says Stevens. Ultimately, women seek plastic surgery to feel confident and happier with their bodies. “It not a surgery you need, it’s a surgery you want,” adds Stevens. “It’s feel good surgery.”

Yelena Moroz is a freelance writer.

Are Europe's Natural Beauty Trends Similar to America's?

Lyssa — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:29:17 +0000

In 2009, Italy's natural products market grew 4.9 percent compared with 0.8 percent for the total market, even though natural products only represent 3.7 percent, according to a WWD article (login required). One of the strengths of the market, according to Antonio Argentieri, president of L’Erbolario and Unipro’s natural cosmetics division, is that “natural consumers have more fidelity.”

In the UK, sales revenues in the natural personal care category increased by 53% between 2005 and 2008 totalling at EUR 180 million in 2008, and Organic Monitor predicts the natural beauty market to experience a further 9% growth between 2009 and 2015. Click here for the full article: Natural Beauty in 2010: Natural Cosmetics are Still in High Demand http://beauty.suite101.com/article.cfm/eco-beauty-in-2010#ixzz0lweLPsyz

Will European natural beauty trends hold true for Americans across the pond too? We think it's only natural (har har) that consumers shift toward natural products as more and more awareness is created about their benefits for your skin's wellness AND your outer beauty. But do you see any benefits to conventional products?

Healthy Prepared Meals: Do or Don't?

Lyssa — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:30:57 +0000

As part of our Extreme Body Challenge, you know we've been food logging (some of us more regularly than others ...) but we're taking it to the next level by partnering with My Fit Foods to eat portion-controlled, healthy foods. Here, we talk with My Fit Foods about eating right:

It seems like healthy ready-made meal places are cropping up all over the nation. Do you use them? Do you think having prepared meals makes it easier to eat healthy? Discuss!

Portion Control: The Importance of Food for an Extreme Body

Allison — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:22:54 +0000

Extreme Body Challenge Relentless Mid-way Check in

Allison — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:38:08 +0000

Earth-Friendly Face Washes

Lyssa — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:32:26 +0000

How to Find the Right Natural Cleanser for Your Skin Type

Spring cleaning may not be in store for our houses (yuck), but is definitely in order for our skin (yay!). “Without a good cleansing routine, you can develop blocked pores, breakouts, a dull complexion and even irritant related skin rashes such as eczema and atopic dermatitis,” says Naila Malik, MD, a Southlake, Texas-based dermatologist.

All great reasons to hit the sink—morning and night if you have normal or oily skin, just at night for dry—but what should we be washing with? “I prefer face cleansers that are free of fragrance, parabens, and artificial colors because I do not like any potential irritants in my products,” says Malik. While green-washing your cleanser may seem complicated, there are plenty of organic and non-toxic products at drugstores and online.

How to Find the Right Natural Cleanser

According to Malik, finding the face wash that’s right for you is as simple as knowing your skin type then looking for a wash that contains ingredients your particular type needs. Check out her tips below—and happy spring-cleaning!

Dry Skin

When it comes to consistency, cream cleansers are generally more hydrating than liquid soaps. You should also look for washes that are loaded with emollient ingredients. Plant-based hydrators like jojoba and coconut oils are often better than their synthetic counterparts because they more closely mimic the body’s natural oils so the skin more easily and readily absorbs them.

Zia Natural Skincare’s Ultimates Oceanic Clay Cleansing Crème contains jojoba seed oil as well as a super moisturizing and detoxifying clay.

Normal to Oily Skin

If your skin is generally well-balanced or tends toward the oil side, try cleansers with mild exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids. Natural face washes that contain fruit enzymes such as pineapple and apple can be found on drugstore shelves and do a wonderful job preventing dulling dead skin cell buildup.

Try Alba Botanica’s Hawaiian Facial Cleanser with pineapple enzyme.

Acne-Prone Skin

Plenty of plants offer antibacterial benefits that can help banish breakouts. Studies have shown that tea tree oil has bacteria-busting properties, so look for cleansers that contain this botanical. Lemon and orange peel extract are also great for acne-prone skin, as are AHA botanicals that help slough away pore-clogging dead cells.

Check out Desert Essence’s Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with Organic Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi, which also contains organic lavender to calm the irritation and inflammation often associated with acne.

Aging Skin

More mature skin is lacking in moisture and is easily irritated, so if you have aging skin, you’ll want to steer clear of cleansers that can strip away needed oil or that are too harsh on sensitive skin. Follow the guidelines above for those with dry skin, but also keep an eye out for cleansers with antioxidant ingredients like green tea, pomegranate, and grape seed extracts.

Check out Noah’s Naturals’ Age Repair Gentle Cream Cleanser, a moisturizing wash with a blend of powerful antioxidants like acai berry, pomegranate and grape seed.

Megan O'Neill is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia, PA. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Health, Self, Glamour, Real Simple, Natural Health and Spa.

Allison's Fekkai National Blow Out Day Bust

Allison — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:11:03 +0000

Relentless Boot Camp Meets Rae Cosmetics

Allison — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:36:31 +0000

EndlessBeauty.com Meets Relentless Boot Camp

Allison — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:50:36 +0000

Jessica Simpson's Price of Beauty: Japan

Allison — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:04:10 +0000

In last night’s episode of Price of Beauty, we see that the team has made a stop in Japan. They meet with a famous model (who was Miss Universe), and she tells them, “Our culture thinks that women who are reserved are very beautiful.” We found this ironic because right after, she said that she was proud that women have come a long way from being completely submissive to a man. We guess that those initial views of “beauty is being reserved” have stuck throughout the centuries.

Next, Jessica, CaCee and Ken head to a traditional Japanese spa where they let fish eat the dead skin off of their feet. It looked miserable to us, and Jessica agreed – she said she almost peed in her kimono! Then they laid in a sand pit for two hours. It is supposed to help exfoliate your skin, but it just looked extremely claustrophobic to us.

A huge price of beauty in Japan is becoming a geisha. We learned that if a geisha falls in love, they can no longer hold the title as a geisha, and their five years of training was for nothing. No wonder there are only 1,500 left in Japan (there used to be over 85,000).

Our favorite part of the episode was the fashion show with the Harajuku girls. Jessica said they possess an “explosive creativity” and we could not agree more. Even Ken let his creativity explode with some five inch heels!

What did you think of last night’s episode? And what are your opinions on the increasingly popular eyelid opening surgery that Japanese women are undergoing? Tell us in the comments section – we would love to hear!

Top 10 Ways to Keep It Simple this Spring

Lyssa — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:49:00 +0000

Spring is all about naturals

When you keep it simple this spring, you not only look naturally beautiful, but you save time too! Choose from a variety of neutral colors to get a clean, clear face. Here, our top ten tips and spring trends for natural, pretty makeup.

Spring Makeup Ingredient Primer

1. Mineral Makeup is made from crushed titanuim dioxide and mica, making it a natural sunblock and great for super sensitive skin. The inorganic minerals don’t allow for bacteria to grow, so the shelf life is longer.

2. Natural Makeup contains little or no synthetics. They’re also water-based, so they’re good for skin that breaks out easily.

3. Organic Makeup features natural ingredients grown without chemical fertilizer or pesticides making it safe for sensitive skin.

About Face

4. Forget the foundation fuss and use a tinted moisturizer and natural blush.

5. For eyes, less is more. Forget about mixing colors; instead, find one color you like and make that the main shade. The strongest shadows this season? Greens and blues take the lead.

6.The boldest look on the runway: a single stroke of color under the eye.

7. For natural-looking eyebrows, start with a slanted brow. Fill it in with brown/grey powder or shadow. This will avoid the harsh drawn-on look.

8. Brown is the new black. Keep it within a warm natural palettes of beiges, browns, plum and bronze for eyes with apricot, mauves, and rosewood for lips.

Nail It

9. For top tips, try a modern approach: keep them short and chic in shades of brown. Look for soft undertones in mauve, gold, and even grey.

Taking it All Off

10. When it comes to removing your makeup, patience is a virtue. Experts say its best to let makeup remover rest on the skin for a while. Just dab remover on a clean cotton ball, gently press it to eye, and count to three before removing. This allows the remover to seep in and do its job without damaging your skin.

There are few trends we love better than letting your natural beauty shine through.

Lena Ford is a freelance writer.

What is CrossFit, and Why Would I do it?

Lyssa — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:50:46 +0000

An exploration into one of the world’s fastest-growing fitness trends

Self-defined, CrossFit is: “Constantly varied functional movement performed at a high intensity.”

What does that really mean?
CrossFit, like P90X or Aerobics or Boot Camp or Running, is a method of increasing your fitness. It’s a lot like hiring a personal trainer, but for you and seven of your friends. Because each workout is different (“constantly varied”), CrossFit trains athletes to be good at a lot of things rather than great at one thing. Because CrossFit workouts are always timed (performed at “high intensity”), it scorches calories.

Supporters boast that workouts as short as three minutes will boost your overall health and wellness because of those two factors. Detractors say that you’ll use bad form and ultimately hurt yourself.

The Argument for CrossFit
CrossFit trains you to be “good at life.” The idea is that by constantly varying your workouts, your body never adapts to what you throw at it. Mixing gymnastics, weightlifting, cardio, bodyweight exercises, plyometrics, functional movements, and more, both challenge the body and teach the athlete new skills every day. The brutal workouts build mental toughness and determination.

And then there’s the community. CrossFit gyms become social hubs for their members, a place to meet likeminded people and forge lifelong friendships, much like the ones made on sports teams in high school and college. Traveling CrossFitters are treated warmly at other gyms, and they feel like a part of a bigger movement. CrossFit’s roots in and spread through the internet help this community feel connected across land and timezone.

The Argument Against CrossFit
Trainers around the nation have said similar things: “CrossFit gets results, but it wrecks your body.” Overuse injuries due to the high rep schemes are common. Pure powerlifting or strength and conditioning coaches argue that there’s such an emphasis on speed and intensity, form often falls by the wayside, which leads to injury.

And then there’s the community. “Yeah, but it’s a good cult” is a t-shirt slogan from a CrossFit affiliate in response to the notion that CrossFit has built a cult-like following, where members only talk to one another and don’t leave room for criticism. CrossFit has its own language—like “What’s your Fran time?”—and its own subculture—men wear boardshorts, women, the high-end yoga line lululemon.

But Does it Improve My Health?
CrossFit will, without question, help with weight loss, muscle tone, strength gain, and conditioning. The CrossFit community also relies heavily on nutrition to help see those results, with most affiliates aligning with Barry Sears’ Zone Diet or a Paleo Diet. Whether you subscribe to either school of thought or not, the emphasis on healthy eating to see results is an absolutely critical and important part of CrossFit’s success.

What’s the Bottom Line?
Eating healthy and exercising will always get results. If CrossFit provides the exercise and the community helps you be held accountable for healthy eating, then it’s a great plan for you.

Stay tuned as the EndlessBeauty.com Team gives CrossFit Central’s Relentless Bootcamps a try for the month of April. We’ll be working out and sharing our experiences, as well as sharing our food logs (gasp!). Check it all out here.

Sex After Baby?

Lyssa — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:28:10 +0000

How to Get Back in the Groove

Sex. It’s what got you that little bundle of joy in the first place.

Don’t be coy, you’re a mom - we already know you’ve done it at least once. Chances are you might want to try it again someday, but when? Better yet, how? And for those of you still recovering from the shock of conception or a traumatic birth you may even be asking yourself, why?

When Can You Have Sex Again?

Whether you gave birth naturally or via c-section, it’s likely that your doctor will suggest waiting at least four to six weeks before resuming intercourse. You can confirm this during your postpartum check up--it's usually scheduled around that time. While four to six weeks may seem like an eternity to some, others may be cringing at the prospect of jumping back in the saddle so soon. Things take time to heal and everyone heals at their own rate, so if you’re still sore, hold off for now.

Your hormones have a major impact on your libido, so the desire might not be there at first. If it takes you a few months before you’re ready, that’s okay too.

Let’s be clear about this: do not let anyone pressure you to have sex before you are ready. It may sound like a lecture you once got in high school, but it holds true no matter what your age or your relationship to the other party. He may be the father of your child, but if you’re not there yet, he needs to be respectful and take “no” for an answer. Assure him that it will happen again someday, maybe even soon. If you feel up for it, consider other activities you two can enjoy.

How to Have Sex After Baby?

Whenever you do decide to get back in the groove, it’s a good idea to take it slowly. Vaginal dryness may be an issue, particularly if you are breastfeeding. There are plenty of lubricants out there to help resolve the issue, but stick to ones that are water-based to avoid irritating sensitive tissues. Consider the “woman-on-top” approach for more control over the speed and depth of penetration.

Some women claim their sex lives are better than ever after giving birth; others may have a different experience. It might feel a little bit “unusual” at first. Just like any other part of the body, exercise is important. Pelvic floor exercises called Kegels will help you get back into shape. You've all heard it before: squeeze like you have to pee. That's a Kegel. Practice them daily!

If you still find intercourse difficult, it’s likely just too soon. Any concerns such as excessive pain, cramping, bleeding, or unusual discharge, should be brought to the attention of your doctor immediately.

Why Have Sex?

Sex is a healthy part of any committed relationship. You’ve been through quite a bit together in the last several months and regaining a little private time and intimacy is a good thing. Forget the fact that you haven’t slept and don’t worry if your body doesn’t look exactly the way it did before you got pregnant, those things will come in time.

Being wanted has an amazing way of making you feel sexy too, so why not give it a try? Let him pour it on thick and woo you back into the bedroom.

Tia O'Neill is a glamour diva turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

Rebuilding Your New Mom Self-Esteem

Lyssa — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:44:44 +0000

How New Moms Get Their Swagger Back

As a new mom, you probably have a fresh perspective of your body as a magnificent life-creating machine. You carried your child inside your womb and gave birth to a wondrous human being. You can spend hours on end gazing adoringly at your sleeping child and marveling at his or her beauty.

Yet even with this newfound respect and adoration for your accomplishments, do you find it difficult to see your own beauty when you look in the mirror?

Pregnancy may be a glorious thing, but it often leaves moms feeling less than gorgeous leading up to and immediately after the birth of their child. Some women find it hard to feel pretty for weeks, months, or even years after becoming a mom. Why is that?

Being pregnant does certain things to your body: you gain weight, change shape, swell, sweat, and waddle. You may get stretch marks, melasma, acne, and maybe even a new scar to boot. Fortunately most of these things will fade over time; it’s how we allow them to impact our psyche that has a lasting effect.

In addition to struggling to accept these physical changes, many women are also experiencing an identity crisis as they try to establish their new role as a mother. Days spent in pajamas rather than suits or cute slingbacks can certainly impact your self-image, as can realizing that most of your time will now be spent focusing on another person’s needs. But does this mean we have to lose our mojo? Can a woman be a great mother and a sexy mama at the same time? You bet you can!

So how does one get her swagger back exactly? Well, that answer is as complex and individual as each and every one of us. Your goals are unique and you’ll need to determine your priorities in order to reach them. But here’s a little tip we can all benefit from: celebrate your inner beauty first and your outer beauty will once again shine. Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear. When we feel good about who we are as a person, we tend to take better care of our bodies and appearance too.

Take a moment out of every day to remind yourself what a strong, loving, and beautiful person you are. Better yet, smile and say it out loud in front of the mirror. Do it while brushing your hair and putting on a little makeup if you like the way it makes you feel (see "Ready in 15 Minutes" for quick tips). Then try to get out of the house for a while when you can. A little adult conversation and grown-up entertainment can go a long way towards making you feel like more than just a mom again.

One thing you don’t want to do is fall victim to the belief that as a mother you’re stuck wearing sneakers and sweats whenever you’re out and about, with or without baby in tow. I know it may be easy and comfortable, but if you’re looking to feel sexy – drawstring waists just don’t make the cut. Pick an outfit that makes you feel good about yourself (See “Clothing Conundrum" for tips on postpartum dressing), slick on some lipstick, and hold your head up high. You are an amazing life-giving beautiful woman that deserves to celebrate yourself as much as you celebrate that little angel cradled in your arms.

Self-esteem is the sexiest thing you can do for yourself.

Tia O'Neill is a glamour diva turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

Recycle Your Way Beautiful

Lyssa — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:23:22 +0000

It’s never been easier being green—and gorgeous!

You turn off the tap when you brush. You bring your own canvas tote to grocery shop and turn down bags. You recycle every plastic and glass bottle in your home, but you still don’t know what to do with an empty lipstick tube! If you’ve ever wondered how to recycle your cosmetics packaging or felt a twinge of guilt for tossing an empty compact in the trash, there’s a beautiful new—guilt-free—solution that’ll keep your beauty basics out of oceans and landfills.

Thanks to eco-friendly efforts by several beauty companies, you can recycle all types of product packaging by taking it back to the store. That’s right, after you’ve used every last drop of makeup or ounce of moisturizer, a handful of stores will take the containers and facilitate recycling.

Cosmetic Recycling Programs

The most inclusive program is a first-of-its-kind initiative by Origins. The store literally accepts all cosmetic tubes, bottles and jars—no matter the brand—and sends them to be recycled. That means you can take pretty empties of all kinds into any Origins store without an obligation to shop.

If you’re a MAC makeup wearer, take advantage of “back to MAC,” a win-win incentive program that rewards you for every six MAC pieces you return to a counter or at maccosmetics.com. Your recycling reward: Any lipstick in stock. Not too shabby for saving up six empty mascara wands, eye shadow pans, liquid liner pens, etc.

New non-toxic, all-natural makeup and skin care brand W3ll People will give you 5 percent off your purchase when you re-use and refill one of the company’s aluminum containers.

Kiehl’s is like-minded, recycling its own containers when you’re done with the contents. Though there’s no guarantee of a freebie, don’t be surprised if you walk away with one—or even a handful of the store’s always-generous samples.
P.S. Kiehl’s is also helping preserve rainforests with limited-edition labels for the certified organic Kiehl’s Açaí Damage-Protecting Toning Mist, giving 100 percent of the net proceeds to Rainforest Alliance.

And there’s finally a place for all of those soda bottle caps and shampoo lids—and even the ones on mayo and mustard—the ones city recycling centers refuse. (BTW, that’s because they’re made of a different plastic from their bottle counterparts and can interfere with the recycling process.) Aveda stores will take all of your bottle tops with a smile, and eventually reincarnate them as a piece of Aveda packaging.

While not every beauty company helps in recycling its wares, many (like Lush, Tarte and Aveda) are providing earth-friendly packaging made from recycled and post-consumer content. Taking it a step further, brands like Pangea Organics and Cargo have designed “plantable” packaging that can be tossed in your garden without a second thought.

Whether you return, re-use, or re-plant product packaging, your natural glow will increase knowing that your beauty routine is helping keep the environment beautiful. So go green, gorgeous!

Holly Crawford is a beauty and style writer in Houston, TX.

Extreme Body Challenge Status Check

Lyssa — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:27:15 +0000

Orlando Magic Dietician Shares Her Magic Tricks for Nutrition

Lyssa — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:23:10 +0000

Tara Gidus Talks the When and What of Eating Right

Bikini season is right around the corner and who doesn’t want the magic formula for creating the perfect beach body? NBA Orlando Magic team dietitian and well-known Diet Diva Tara Gidus teaches us some of her real magic tricks that keep the likes of superstar Dwight Howard in check.

Always Be Fully Stocked

"It doesn't have to be difficult," Gidus says. Make sure to have the following superstar foods on your grocery list:

   •   Nuts
   •   Whole Grains
   •   High Omega-3 Fish (think: Salmon)
   •   Fruits
   •   Veggies

Add Good Fuel to Your Tank

“Before a workout, I focus primarily on carbs: a piece of fruit, yogurt, a nutrition bar, half of a sandwich, or a handful of nuts," says Gidus. Try to keep it down to 100-200 calories per snack before a workout. Post-workout, focus on getting protein to replenish and repair the muscles. Omega-3 fatty fish, vegetables, peanut butter, nuts, and avocado are all great options for post workout snacks.

Timing is Essential

“Try to eat from 30 minutes to an hour before a workout so you’re not running on an empty tank,” suggests Gidus. After your workout try to eat within an hour of finishing up because your body can continue to burn calories up to two hours post workout. However, that doesn’t mean you can scarf down a burger on the drive home from the gym. Keep the meal light, especially if your workout is in the evening hours. Protein shakes or a piece of fruit are enough to fight off hunger pangs but avoid contradicting your workout.

Remember the Cardinal Rule of Nutrition

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, enjoy the good things in life but everything in good portion and frequency.” says Gidus.

Turns out good nutrition requires no magic tricks. It is a lifestyle not a temporary fix. 80% of any weight loss program is focused on good nutrition. You are what you eat.

There are a variety of points of view on nutrition, and EndlessBeauty.com strives to showcase them all. Learn more about The Diet Diva Tara Gidus by visiting her website, www.dietdiva.net or follow her on Twitter @DietDivaTara.

Shelika Baez is a freelance writer.

How to Combat Aging Hair

Lyssa — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:02:11 +0000

As You Age, Your Hair Changes Texture and Color

I’m a natural blonde (honest!), but lately the highlighting I used to do once or twice a year to punctuate my light locks has become necessary in order to actually achieve my former “natural” blondeness. Instead of going gray, as many of my peers have, I’ve gotten annoyingly darker as I get older--but not a lovely, rich, glossy, dark color; no, a lifeless, nondescript mousy brown. At 40 I’ve become a slave to my roots, just as some of my graying friends are. Roots! They’re coming through faster and darker than one can say “bottled blonde!”

As we get older our hair changes considerably both in color (it’s not just the pesky grays) and texture. As hair begins to produce less melanin, aka color, it can lose some of its elasticity and the size of the hair follicles diminish, making it look thinner. Oil produced naturally by the skin decreases as the body ages; as a result, hair loses its natural sheen and softness. What to do for aging hair?

I called in the big guns for help and got some hair-raising advice from expert colorist Michael Robinson from the Antonio Prieto Salon in NYC. “As we age our hormones adjust, causing changes in our bodies. Scalps become imbalanced; hair becomes dry, loses pigment, and gets darker, it can also become more coarse or limp.” says Robinson. Bottom line, we’re left with the possibility of mousy, ashy, gray, course, limp, thin, dry hair. Talk about having a bad hair day!

Don't fret, we got the scoop from Robinson on how to counteract common aging-hair issues:

Blondes: hair gets darker and mousy.
Correct with highlights or a double process color.

Brunettes: gray becomes a huge issue for as it is easier to notice in dark hair.
Correct with a single process color.

Redheads: hair loses vibrancy and turns ashy .
Correct with single process color or a gloss.

Robinson recommends a professional consultation when coloring hair for best results; an expert will help you achieve the color you want, guide you to pick a shade that works with your look and skin tone--going too dark or too light can age you even more--and ensure that the color is distributed evenly. “Different color correction techniques can be used depending on the individual’s needs,” she says.

If you’re looking for a longer lasting fix, a permanent color is the way to go, but if you don’t need to correct too much there are other options like semi-permanent colors for the more cautious. As an added bonus, coloring hair actually adds bulk to your strands, making them seem thicker and fuller.

Along with chemical remedies, dietary supplements (like vitamins A, E and C) and eating healthful foods can enhance your crowning glory. Munch on proteins like nuts, flax seeds, and salmon loaded with omega 3’s for lovely locks. Legumes, low fat dairy, lean meats, and eggs also promote healthy hair. You also get tremendous benefits from brightly colored fruits and vegetables, which contain phytochemicals that help to combat hormonal changes associated with aging.

Whether you’re a blonde, brunette, redhead, or embracing your gray … you don't have to age with bad hair days!

Samantha Altea is a professional freelance writer and editor who specializes in beauty and fashion. She lives in New York City and has written for media outlets such Marie Claire, Self, Kaboose.com & Daily Candy. www.samanthaaltea.com.

Allison's Fekkai National Blow Out Day Bust

Allison — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 22:45:33 +0000

Remember when we told you about the Fekkai National Blow Out Day at Ulta salons across the country? Naturally we wanted to send a member of the EndlessBeauty.com team (the one with naturally curly hair of course) to get a blow out, and see the results. Well, that didn't exactly happen...

Chace Crawford does Beauty for Grazia magazine

Lyssa — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:03:51 +0000

We love Chace Crawford ... I mean, who doesn't? Now the snuggly, sweet Gossip Girl star is taking on the beauty world as he guest-edits UK magazine Grazia. Here's a cute video of him playing with crazy beauty goods:

And here's the Grazia article where the actual beauty gadgets Chace Crawford plays around with are revealed.

Sneaky Snipers: Could Your Sneakers Be Shooting Down Your Workout?

Lyssa — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:49:54 +0000

The right fit can alleviate pain

Do you constantly suffer from shin splints while running? Are you always spraining your ankle? Have you ever been told you have “flat feet”? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, the source of your pain may be the shoes on your feet.

According to the Stretching Institute, these symptoms are all signs that you are suffering from one of the two types of extreme foot pronation: overpronation and supination. An estimated 70% of the world’s population suffers from one of these extreme cases of pronation.

What is Overpronation? What is Supination?

Pronation simply refers to the inward roll a foot makes during normal motion as the heel strikes the ground and rolls inward. Every person’s foot has a certain degree of pronation that is considered normal. However, some feet have excessive amounts of inward rolling (overpronation) or outward rolling (supination) during the foot’s normal movement. Either of these extremes can result in detrimental ailments to the overall health of the foot.

How do I know if I suffer from it?

You can do an at-home test to figure out your pronation. All you need is a brown paper bag, water, and your foot.

    •   Step 1: Lay the brown paper bag on the floor
   •   Step 2: Submerge your foot in a container of water (such as a bathtub)
   •   Step 3: Step firmly onto the brown paper bag, stamping the footprint on to the bag.

What do you see?

If the stamped image on the brown paper bag contains no defined arch, you are overpronated. On the contrary, if your footprint has a high arch or barely visible one, you are suffering from an increased degree of Supination.

How can you fix it?

The most common forms of treatment for these conditions are the implementation of orthotic inserts or the purchase of special workout sneakers that support the weak portions of the foot movement. Visit your local athletic shoe store for sneakers that are made specifically for each foot type. Many stores offer free gait analysis that match you with your ideal fit.

Runnersworld.com also offers a great and easy way to shop for the perfect running sneaker with a few clicks of the mouse. The Running Shoe Finder on the site allows for you to select specific needs for your sneaker and matches you with the perfect one. Brands such as Asics and Brooks manufacture running shoes that cater specifically to feet with overpronation and supination. However, more severe cases will require you to seek the help of a podiatrist.

Stop killing your feet with every stride on the treadmill or pound to the pavement; invest in a great pair of sneakers. Having a great sneaker is crucial to a healthy lifestyle and in the end will provide enough support to rid you of uncomfortable workouts for good.

Shelika Baez is a freelance writer.

Taking in the Greenery: Spring has Sprung with Green Drinks

Lyssa — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:47:16 +0000

Why you should sip on the green stuff

Spring is the time to reconnect with the season’s green gifts: visually by watching new verdant growth, sensually by spraying green scents, and nutritionally by literally drinking it in. For Earth Month, we took a look at why all this green is good for you.

Benefiting from the green life

Green drinks can improve the immune system, heart health and cholesterol levels, say Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian and owner of Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life, her nutrition consulting practice in New York.

There’s good reason these drinks are becoming increasingly popular. Greens are loaded with antioxidants – substances which fight the free radicals associated with aging, heart disease, poor immune response and other chronic illnesses.

The key antioxidants in the green-vegetable realm are Vitamins A and C, says Glassman, the author of The O2 Diet: The Cutting Edge Antioxidant-based Program that Will Make You Thin and Beautiful (Rodale, 2009).

Another reason to drink greens is carotenoids, says Glassman, adding that research suggests that carotenoids, which also have antioxidant properties, may promote eye health by filtering UV light. The carotenoid lutein is found in spinach. Zeaxanthin, a carotenoid found in kale, is associated with lowering the risk for cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Fresh green juices

Juicing your own greens at home – or buying these juices at a juice bar – may seem like an extreme regimen to onlookers. But, says Glassman, the health benefits of drinking green juices are also extreme, in a good way, and this makes the expenditure of time worthwhile.

Several green vegetables are the core of juicing, she says:

Kale contains the antioxidants Vitamins A and C, the mineral iron, and even some of the essential fatty acid Omega-3. It also contains calcium, which many people associate only with dairy.
Spinach, which is rich in Vitamins A, C, K and folate, is also full of flavonoids that may help lessen the risk for osteoporosis, heart disease and even cancer.
Celery, which contains Vitamin C, is also a source of phthalides, which studies suggest may reduce the systolic blood pressure.
Cucumbers are rich in Vitamin C and silica, a mineral that’s associated with the health of connective tissues that include muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Many people who green-juice throw in springs of parsley and cilantro, as well as algae powders, like spirulina or chlorella. Glassman calls amino acid-rich spirulina a concentrated form of vitamin and minerals.

Sweeten It Up

For novice green drinkers, a bit of sweetness – adding a sweet root vegetable like a carrot or beet to the juicer – may make the strong flavor of the greens more palatable. “If the drink is sweeter, you might be more inclined to start drinking them,” says Glassman. Some people may prefer a small amount of apple, “just enough to make the drink palatable,” she says.

The calorie content of green drinks is not generally high, and tends to be lower than a typical smoothie drink. However, says Glassman, calories can add up with too many sweetening agents, even if these extras are healthy vegetables and fruits or fruit juices. Glassman suggests having juice one green juice a day, not one at each meal.

Green Juices as Replacement Meals

A vitamin-and-mineral-rich green juice – in an 8 to 16 oz. size – and a handful of raw or roasted nuts that contain fat and protein is a great occasional meal replacement, says Glassman. She notes that green-drink powders – “great for people who’d never juice on their own” – are readily available, from many manufacturers, at health food retailers. Glassman advises consumers to read these ready-to-mix products’ labels, to review the list of vegetables and other ingredients’ nutritional numbers, rule out the addition of artificial sweeteners, and check out the caloric content.

Bottom line: Although ingesting healthy green drinks is a healthy lifestyle pursuit all year round, spring is an ideal time to begin incorporating green drinks into your life. Why? They’re tasty, easy and, best of all, good for you.

Coeli Carr is a health and fitness writer in New York City.

Massage: A Necessary Part of Your Healthy Routine

Lyssa — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:08:20 +0000

No longer just a luxury, massage offers an array of health benefits

Many people still consider getting a massage to be a luxury. But more and more research is showing that massage’s myriad of benefits make it a necessary part of a healthy body and mind routine. Massage can help you sleep better, perform better, and to alleviate headaches and pain from a variety of causes.

Massage is among the oldest healing treatments still used by man: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years documented its use. One session might feel great and give you that luxurious feel, but the therapeutic benefits of massage are compounded when massage is utilized frequently.

Sleep

A study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine showed that ongoing massage could lower anxiety, reduce pain, and improve deep sleep. Tiffany Field, PhD and director of the Touch Research Institute noted that, “When you are deprived of deep sleep, certain kinds of pain chemicals are released … It’s this deep sleep that’s truly important because that is where the restorative process is happening,” says Field.

Performance

Massage can improve athletic performance, as it can accelerate the healing process, increase range of motion, reduce adhesions, and reduce swelling, bruising, and pain. Areas of stress in other muscles, created through compensating for an injury, can be eased with a regular massage regimen. Even better, massage can partially compensate for lack of exercise while recovering from injury.

Pain

More than 2,000 years ago, Greek physician Hippocrates wrote that doctors should be experienced in “Rubbing that can bind a joint that is loose and loosen a joint that is too hard.” It’s true, rubbing—now known as massage—improves joint movement, relaxes tense muscles, and stimulates the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin and underlying tissues.

In 2006, researchers from Yale Prevention Research Center held a 16-week clinical trial involving 64 individuals with arthritis. This trial showed that massage therapy improved flexibility, lessened pain, and improved range of motion in the participants. Researcher Adam Perlman, MD says that, “Ultimately, massage may be shown to lessen a patient’s reliance on medications and decrease health care costs. Our hope is to show that this treatment is not only safe and effective, but cost effective.”

The Mayo Clinic recommends that patients with migraines spend at least a half-hour each day doing something either relaxing or that involves the relaxation of muscles. Massage is a great way to relax the muscles and the mind.

Makes that relaxing massage seem much less like a treat and more like a necessary treatment, doesn’t it?

This article is sponsored by Massage Envy. To find a Massage Envy franchise near you, click here.

Beauty Rx: Quiet Your Mind

Lyssa — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:22:21 +0000

Meditating has more than psychological benefits

In our frantically paced culture, it’s often the stressed-out multi-taskers who exude nervous energy masking as efficiency getting the praise and attention. If this frenetic, busy style wins kudos from your boss or clients, why give it up, right?

James S. Gordon, a psychiatrist and the founder and director of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, says there’s a good reason to calm down. “You’ll look better,” he says.

“There’s quality people have when they’re feeling centered and at peace – perhaps a more relaxed feeling and less tension and constriction in the face – that attracts and invites other people,” says Gordon, who’s also a meditation teacher and the author of Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey Out of Depression (Penguin, 2008).

“If you’re tense, you’re in a mode of being that’s bound to come out in your face,” says Gordon. “When you’re relaxed, your smile is more genuine, and you appear more beautiful.” After all, he says, isn’t beauty about how other people see you both externally and internally?

That’s not all meditation can do for you.

Health Benefits

“Meditation brings all the body’s systems – the immune, endocrine, digestive and nervous systems – in balance, which allows them to function better,” says Gordon. When you’re tense, he explains, you’re under the fight-or-flight command of the sympathetic nervous system. Cortisol and epinephrine, stress-associated hormones, increase, and so does your heart rate and blood pressure.

Meditation helps bring the parasympathetic nervous system to the fore, which lessens the outpouring of these stress hormones, and increases levels of serotonin and endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Your breathing will slow down, your blood pressure and muscle tension will decrease, and even your hands’ temperature will warm up, says Gordon.
Your brain wave pattern will also change – fewer short “beta” waves and more large-amplitude “alpha” ones, a phenomenon especially observed in people who’ve been meditating for a long time.

Overall, you’ll feel less anxious. And, he says, the reduction of stress and improvement of your immune response mean you’ll be less likely to become ill.

Ready to begin? The process is simpler than you think.

How to Meditate 101

Meditation is nothing more than being relaxed and present from moment to moment, says Gordon, noting that hundreds of meditation techniques exist, and that all of them work.
The simplest technique – the one that Gordon typically teaches typically teaches in a first session – is called “soft belly” meditating.

Start by sitting quietly. Inhale through the nose, and exhale through the mouth, allowing the belly to become soft. This, he says, allows more oxygen to travel to the lower part of the lungs, allowing for better oxygen exchange.

Allowing the belly to get soft stimulates the vagus nerve. This nerve – it runs up from the abdomen, through the chest and back up to the brain – is the primary nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with relaxation.

“If the belly is soft, the other muscles of the body begin to relax too,” says Gordon, noting that having a “soft” belly does not mean that your core muscles aren’t strong. All you’re doing is letting the belly muscles relax because, if they’re tight, then the breath becomes shallow. “Breathing in a shallow way helps create anxiety, and anxiety also helps create shallow breathing,” he says.

Some meditation novices are comfortable, from the start, meditating for 20 minutes at a time. For those who get antsy, Gordon suggests three-to-five minute sessions conducted three-to-five times daily. And meditation doesn’t mean you have to be physically still.

“Meditation is an attitude you bring to any activity,” he says. That includes dancing, walking, and even washing the dishes. From now on, you can get beauty treatments throughout the day.

Coeli Carr is a health and fitness writer in New York City.

Free Fekkai Blow-Out Day at Ulta Stores

Lyssa — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:52:36 +0000

Frederic Fekkai's National Blow-Out Day is Wednesday April 14 and Thursday April 15 at Ulta stores nationwide. In Ulta stores with salons nationwide, you can get a free blowout on April 14th (from 5 to 8pm) and 15th (from 10am to 3pm). Appointments can be made in advance by calling Ulta stores.

The promotion is part of the launch of the Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless collection, a three step system that makes silky straight chic hair easy. The complete collection of four products works to prime, straighten and hold the hair with powerful straightening and smoothing agents.

At the Fekkai National Blow Out Day, consumers will have a choice of two signature Fekkai blow-out styles: Silky Straight or Full Blown Volume.

In addition to complimentary blow-outs, consumers will be treated to a travel-sized gift with the purchase of two Fekkai products.

Fekkai.com / Find the Ulta store nearest you - ulta.com

A Happy Mom with a Healthy Glow: Makeup in Five Minutes or Less

EndlessBeauty.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:05:39 +0000

Having a baby can turn your world upside down. Gone are the freewheeling days of taking your time getting ready and pampering yourself in the powder room. Since the arrival of your bundle-of-joy, have you noticed that grooming has become more of a record-setting speed sport than a routine? And even though we’d hate to admit it, there isn’t a new mom out there that can deny treating some previously essential grooming habits as optional.

Even if you do manage to brush your teeth and your hair, it’s likely that your makeup brush remains tucked away. Well, dust it off sister. A good, streamlined makeup session can perk up even the most sleep-deprived among us. Spending a few minutes on yourself beyond the basics will work wonders on your psyche. Consider it a visual pep talk.

First off, make sure to properly prepare the canvas. The biggest mistake you can make at this point is forgoing moisturizer. Nothing says lifeless like dull, dry skin. Tinted moisturizers are a great option because you’re combining two steps into one. Even if you’ve tried one of these dual duty products in the past, give it another shot. Many companies, from drugstore brands on up, have recently made improvements.

Of course, depending on your skin type, the moisture or the tint of a combined product may still not be enough. Opt for a heavier cream over a lotion if dryness is the issue, and better still – remember to slick some on at night too. If you’re more concerned about hiding that left over mask of pregnancy mark or those new post-partum pimples, mineral makeup is an excellent choice. Some even contain light reflecting properties to help you fake the appearance of a full night’s sleep. Choosing the right shade and properly blending into your neckline are keys to giving yourself a healthy glow. Best of all, mineral foundations do not require the addition of powder for a finished look.

Chances are your eyes are looking a little less than bright these days. Avoid the temptation to over compensate with too much concealer, shadow, or mascara. Use a concealer just a shade lighter than your foundation, or skip it altogether. Shadows with a bit of shine will bring light to your eyes. Think warmth: champagne, light bronze and peachy pinks. Blues, grays and greens will only bring out the tones of your unfortunate under eye baggage. Stay away from the “smoky eye” for now; instead of looking sultry, you’ll likely just end up looking sleepy. Stick to a mascara that is in the black or brown family and try coating only the upper lashes. This will give the look of opening the eye rather than dragging it down. The same goes for liner if you choose to use it, but considering the time crunch it’s best just to leave it out.

Cream blushes are an excellent choice for a natural, neutral rosy cheek. Since no tools are needed beyond your fingers, application is quick and easy. Some products can also act as lip color, but keep this in mind when choosing your shade. Really pressed for time? Sweep a hint of the tint across your eyes and you have a makeup as multi-tasking as a new mommy herself.

Tia O'Neill is a glamour diva new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

Jessica Simpson's Price of Beauty: Morocco

Allison — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:41:25 +0000

Last night, Jessica and the gang traveled to Morocco to discover the meaning of beauty within the Moroccan people. History and tradition are an intregal part of Morocco, and Jessica learned the hard way how the women feel about showing skin.

She had a short skirt on, and the women thought she was inappropriately dressed. Of course they did - they were covered from head to toe! Except for Layla, who was wearing a very low-cut top. It was very interesting to see what was determined beautiful and classy in this country (apparently cleavage is okay, but showing your legs is not!).

A very popular, sensual dance performed by the women is dancing with a tray of candles on your head. It started off well, but eventually Ken, CaCee and Jessica all dropped their trays and candle wax went everywhere! We are just glad that dancing with lit candles has not taken off here in America...

What did you think about last night's epidose? Did you think that it was inappropriate for Jessica to show her legs in a culture where women are usually completely covered? We want to know!

Healthy Body, Healthy Baby: Get Outside and Take Stroll

Lyssa — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:48:25 +0000

Feeling a little cooped up? Suffering from cabin fever? It’s true: new moms spend a lot of time indoors immediately after the birth of their child.

While a comfy bed and the amenities of home are important when you first bring baby home, don’t be fooled by old-school thinking that would keep you homebound well beyond what’s actually required. If you and baby are both healthy enough to move around freely and both of your docs approve, why not get out and enjoy the fact that spring has finally sprung?

The biggest no-brainer when it comes to early postpartum exercise with baby is to simply take a stroll. It’s a great way to ease back into activity, squeeze in some cardio, and get out of the house. Being outdoors helps battle the baby blues: a little fresh air and sunshine perk you up. Even better, research suggests that exposure to daylight impacts the brain’s production of melatonin, a key factor in regulating sleep.

Babies need all the help they can get distinguishing between day and night, and you need all the help you can get to find some sleep these days, so what are you waiting for? If that’s not enough reason to get you out and get moving, here’s another point to ponder: a slow but early start at exercise may help you to stick with it and get your pre-baby body back faster.

The Right Stuff

Any age appropriate stroller will do for a light walk, as will any baby carrier that provides appropriate head support, but never try to jog or run with your baby in a carrier or with a standard stroller. For that, you’ll need to invest in the proper type of equipment (a jogging-specific stroller), check the manufacturer’s age recommendation for baby, and be sure to consider your surroundings when making the purchase. Bigger wheels work best for bumpy trails, sand, and other types of rough terrain, and are best saved for when baby is a bit older. Smaller wheels are safe for smooth surfaces like sidewalks, paved roads, and itty-bitty babes.

Make sure to provide proper sun-protection for you and especially for your little one, as baby skin is extra sensitive at this stage. Mom should slather on at least an SPF of 15 (although 30 is much better, who wants wrinkles?), but baby is another story. Most sunblock labels recommend not using their lotions on babies under six months of age, so look for a stroller that provides adequate shade protection and kid clothing with an SPF of its own. Put a hat on baby for added coverage and keep your time in direct sunlight to a minimum.

If you have any questions or doubts about returning to exercise or about bringing baby outside, be sure to contact your doctor or pediatrician. More than likely they’ll encourage you to and your bundle of joy to enjoy the outdoors as long as you take the proper precautions. Stroll safely and have fun!

Link Love: Hooked on Beauty

Lyssa — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:44 +0000

Thanks for the shoutout, Carissa! Check it out here.

Airstream Trailer Beauty Bar

Lyssa — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:35:57 +0000

Here in Austin, Texas, we're used to things happening in Airstream trailers. We might even have pioneered the trailer trend, serving everything from cupcakes to gourmet dinners to giant doughnuts out of the silver bullets. So when we heard about French luxury skincare company Votre Vu's VuBar, a 27-foot Airstream full of product samples, we weren't surprised.

The swank trailer offers a full mobile skin treatment bar with treatments and tons of samples. Since Votre Vu is only sold through distributors, the VuBar will also be a place for potential brand ambassadors to chat with the national sales force about getting started.

For dates and to see if the VuBar is coming to your town soon, hit http://www.votrevu.com/corporate/vubar/tour.

Quick Makeup Fixes to Make You Look Younger

Lyssa — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:22:46 +0000

As teenagers, we wore lipstick and a coat or two of mascara in hopes of looking older. Now, the tides have turned and most of us rely on makeup to help us look younger.

But unless you really know what you’re doing, your makeup may actually be aging you. “Using incorrect colors, formulas and makeup techniques can make you look up to ten years older than your actual age,” says celebrity makeup artist Kimara Ahnert, owner of the Kimara Ahnert Studio in New York City. Thankfully, the reverse is also true: By simply correcting makeup missteps you can shave up to five years off your look. We asked Ahnert for the lowdown on concealing and detracting from the most common signs of aging.

Crow’s Feet: When working to hide fine lines around the eyes, first find a concealer that perfectly matches your skin tone. If you’re unsure about which shade to choose, visit a makeup counter at the department store for an expert’s assistance.

You also want to look for a concealer with a light and creamy consistency; a heavy, pancake-y textured product will settle into lines and wrinkles and draw the eye right to them. Apply the concealer to crow’s feet using your ring finger to blend it up and out with a tapping motion. Don’t rub it in, as this can easily damage the thin, sensitive skin in this area, which promotes more wrinkles.

For the same reason, you should also avoid waterproof mascaras, which require a lot of rubbing to remove them. Another no-no: Applying powder too close to the eye area: It tends to settle into lines and make them much more apparent.

Crepey, Loose Lids: First, apply an eyeshadow primer to help fill in lines, smooth the surface of the lids and allow your eyeshadow to better adhere. “Next, I would take a light colored—not white, but light pink or bone—matte eyeshadow and apply it all over the lid to the brow bone,” suggests Ahnert. Top this off with a shadow shade of your choosing, just make sure it’s not too dark or too shimmery; Ahnert says that dark colors and pearlized shadows can be aging.

Wrinkles Around the Mouth: Start by filling in lines around and on the lips with a lip primer. Then apply a moisturizing lipstick, as a dry pout is sure to show every wrinkle. Ahnert suggests avoiding heavy lip liners, especially in dark colors or shades that contrast with the color of your lipstick.

And what about those pesky lines in the corners of your lips? “I honestly don’t mind smile lines. I think they are signs of a happy life,” says Ahnert. A beautiful philosophy, but if you don’t share it you can conceal smile lines by applying a stick or pencil foundation directly to them and blending with a cosmetics sponge.

Hallowing in the Cheeks: As women age, we tend to lose the plumpness in our cheeks. Instead of injecting your face with fillers, try diverting attention from hallowing by highlighting your cheeks with a light diffusing shimmer powder. You can also apply a pop of pink blush to the tops of your cheeks. “The apple of your cheek is the fullest part of the face, so applying a noticeable bit of color here will automatically draw the eye to this area,” explains Ahnert. Whatever you do, resist the urge to go contour crazy, as applying makeup in this manner makes your cheekbones look more pronounced and sharp.

A Sagging Jawline: Ahnert suggests using bronzer to help create a shadow that conceals sagging skin along the jaw. Start at the center of the chin and sweep a matte bronzer (not one that’s pearlized or shimmery) outward and directly below the jawline on both sides of the face. Blend in with your bronzer brush and voila—instant facelift!  

By correcting these all-too-common mistakes, you can easily recall your youth. Try a few tips today and let us know how they work!

Megan O'Neill is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia, PA. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Health, Self, Glamour, Real Simple, Natural Health and Spa.

Sun Protection Files: Breakthroughs in Sunscreen

Lyssa — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:49:21 +0000

Spring has finally sprung throughout most of the country, which means it’s time to break out the sunscreen. “You should definitely wear sunscreen in the spring, even if the temperature isn’t that warm yet,” says dermatologist Jessica Wu, M.D., Clinical Instructor in Dermatology at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. “The sun’s UV rays can be very strong on a clear, sunny day so you can easily get a sunburn.”

Now is also a good time to check the expiration date on that half-empty bottle from last year, too. According to Wu, sunscreens are made to last for three years, but the active ingredients can break down much faster if the bottle has been left in the sun or stored somewhere warm. You should also toss sunscreen if it smells funny or changes consistency.

Another good reason to buy a new bottle: There have been plenty of sunscreen breakthroughs since last year. The latest ingredients and advanced formulas go beyond keeping your skin safe from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Just check out the benefits that some of the hottest new products are offering.

A Dose of Vitamin D: Millions of Americans are at risk for bone problems, heart disease and plenty of other serious health issues due to a lack of vitamin D. Part of the problem is that the body needs UV rays to process and absorb vitamin D, so traditional sunscreens may be contributing to the deficiency. Ocean Potion’s Vitamin D Sunscreen is the first product that delivers half of your recommended dose of vitamin D3 every time you apply it, without skimping on protection: The sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection and received the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Approval.

Anti-Aging Benefits: It’s well known that shielding your skin from the sun can guard against UV-induced aging. But several new sunscreens are aiming to further prevent wrinkling, sagging, and discoloration by including additional anti-aging ingredients. Aveeno’s Positively Ageless Sunblock Lotion SPF 70 for Face contains antioxidants like soy, feverfew, and mushroom extracts in order to fight free radical damage. And CellCeuticals PhotoDefense Anti-PhotoAging Daily Skin Protector SPF 55+/PA+++ fights aging caused by oxidation and glycation with a patent-pending complex of photostable ingredients.

No Overpowering Sunscreen Smell: While an obvious sunscreen smell can invoke fond memories of vacations passed, it’s not something you necessarily want to catch a whiff of every day. When you want protection without a pungent odor, try Kinerase’s Daily Defense Cream SPF 30. The lightweight product smells and feels nothing like sunscreen, but provides all of the UV defense your face needs.

Stronger Natural Protection: For years now, finding a 100% mineral sunscreen with a high level of SPF protection has been nearly impossible. Even brands that typically make natural products often resort to creating chemical sunscreens, as chalky mineral blocks often do not deliver the invisible UV protection most of us look for. But, a new product called Jason’s Mineral Based Natural Sunblock SPF 30 is a fragrance-free physical barrier that goes on cleanly. Plus, it contains soothing chamomile and marigold extracts so it’s perfect for sensitive skin and even babies over six months old.

Whichever sunscreen you choose, don’t forget to apply the amount equivalent to a shot glass full to your body and a teaspoonful to your face, then reapply every two to four hours. Give these products a try and let us know what other steps you take to stay safe in the sun!

Megan O'Neill is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia, PA. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Health, Self, Glamour, Real Simple, Natural Health and Spa.

Meet the Extreme Body Challengers

Lyssa — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:23:51 +0000

Meet the EndlessBeauty.com Extreme Body Challengers! Follow along this whole month for exercise, diet, and lifestyle tips from women just like you. Click here for the Extreme Body Challenge page.

Exercise background:
Extensive dance background beginning at age 3

Exercise goals:
Get fit and stay fit

Diet background:
Pescetarian for almost a year

Diet goals:
Eliminate bad carbs and sugars

Why am I doing the EB challenge?
To better my lifestyle in all areas, to become a better me

Exercise background:
Semi-active, mostly gym workouts, some yoga and pilates

Exercise goals:
5 days a week workout - get lean and mean

Diet background:
Very little meat, mostly fish, fresh vegetables, occasional burrito, no sodas

Diet goals:
High protein, little carb, no sugar

Why am I doing the EB challenge?
I want to get fit and stay fit ...

Exercise background:
Gym workouts for 3 yrs

Exercise goals:
Tone up my butt and love handles

Diet background:
Pretty healthy. I can't eat friend foods because I get really bad heartburn!

Diet goals:
Balanced meals; cutting beer out of my life for a month (that's going to be the most difficult)

Why am I doing the EB challenge?
To get in shape, eat right, and feel good about myself. Having a team count on me is the only way I stay on track.

Exercise background:
College basketball & track athlete; current CrossFitter

Exercise goals:
Lean out, reduce body fat

Diet background:
80/20 lifestyle of no processed foods, only free-range meat & chicken

Diet goals:
Cut out sugar entirely, go 90/10 this month

Why am I doing the EB challenge?
Challenges help keep you accountable!

How Much Water Should You Drink?

Lyssa — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:07:13 +0000

Six Ways to Drink More Water

Humans need water to survive. However, the amount of water you need on a daily basis – and the sources you get it from – is often disputed. Do you need the conventional eight glasses a day? Or does your diet give you enough hydration?

According to expert medical sources like the Mayo Clinic, there isn’t necessarily a golden rule or number for water consumption. Your body, which is composed of about 90 percent water, uses water to regulate your heart rate and blood pressure, flush toxins and fat out of your system, clear and hydrate your skin, and provide cushion to your joints.

Eating a well-balanced diet full of fluid-filled fruits and veggies is a good start, as 20 percent of your fluid intake usually comes from your food. To up your fluid factor, your first step in the quest for hydration should be to monitor how much water you are currently drinking on a daily basis. You have to experiment with your own eating and drinking habits to find out how much water is optimal for you.

Incorporating more liquid ounces into your daily agenda doesn’t have to be a grueling process. Here are six quick tips and tricks to get you to your hydration goals in no time – just find what works best for you:

1. Make it a game. Whether you need to drink one or eight more glasses of water a day, set a goal for yourself. If you normally drink two bottles of water during work hours and you want to double that, resolve to not leave your office (or end your daytime routine) until you have swallowed every extra drop. Use this as a motivation to leave work on time!

2. Dress it up. Buy a reusable water bottle you can’t resist that holds at least 32 ounces – if it’s cute, you’re more likely to be excited and use it. Fill ‘er up and get to drinking! If you tend to use the I-forgot-it-at-home excuse, fill 'er up at night and leave it next to something you touch every morning (you can always add ice before you leave), like the milk, your lunch bag, or the coffee.

3. In your sight, on your mind. It’s easy to forget something if you can’t see it, so keep water in your line of sight whenever possible, especially in the office. Make a permanent home for your bottle by something you look at all day – such as your computer screen – to have a constant reminder of your hydration goals.

4. Replace lost liquids. Public bathrooms usually have a water fountain nearby. Wonder why that is? So you can replace your lost fluids! After every trip to the ladies’ room, make a pit stop and count to 30 while drinking.

5. Force a new habit. Pick one or two routines you do on a daily basis, like washing your face, walking the dog, or cooking dinner, and commit yourself to drinking a full glass of water before or after (which ever is most convenient) you do that activity. It’ll become a custom in no time.

6. Skip the soda at lunch. Order water at your midday meal (try it with lemon or lime for a twist) instead of your usual drink. Besides energizing yourself for the second half of your day, you’ll be saving money and calories. Triple threat!

How do you know when you've had enough water? If you're rarely thirsty and produce colorless or slightly yellow urine every day, your fluid intake is probably adequate.

Donate $1 to Padma Lakshmi's Foundation with One Click

Lyssa — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:04:59 +0000

Padma Lakshmi is one of the top faces in beauty as a model, award winning cookbook author and Emmy-nominated host of the popular Bravo TV series Top Chef. Her values are also right in line with ours, so we're happy to share the news that she's partnered with Dial to create NutriSkin Body Wash and a donation initiative to celebrate its launch.Just log on to DialSoap.com and Dial will donate $1 to a nonprofit organization Padma helped to found—The Endometriosis Foundation of America. This charity aims to fund medical research for endometriosis and educate women suffering from the condition, which Lakshmi herself has struggled with for years.

She says, “I realize that beauty is not skin deep and that giving back is what truly makes me feel beautiful. This is why I am working with Dial to raise money for my charity—an organization that supports women affected by endometriosis.”
While you're logging on to sites ... make sure to tell us what beauty means to you! Send in a picture and quote to be on our beauty wall at our launch party on April 24th. Upload your photos at facebook.com/endlessbeautyfb or email us at contests@endlessbeauty.com.

Have You Seen Your Hygienist Lately?

Lyssa — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:00:48 +0000

It’s another one of those things most people don’t discuss about pregnancy. Chances are your gums will swell up, become tender, and bleed with even the lightest brush and floss. Worse than that, it makes you more prone to tooth decay and gingivitis. For most women, symptoms clear up shortly after giving birth but for a few it may actually get worse. Can't a momma get a break?

What to do

During your pregnancy, you ideally kept your regular cleanings and check-ups, and continued daily brushing and flossing. If you are like most busy women you certainly brushed, but may have forgotten to floss from time to time, and possibly skipped that last dental appointment. Enough procrastinating; it’s time to make an appointment. You need a good deep cleaning for your teeth.

Why is this happening?

What is it about pregnancy that makes your gums and teeth so vulnerable? Your hormones of course. Progesterone causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to inflammation of the gums around your teeth. Swollen gums result in tight spaces for food particles to hide and the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. The result: potential gingivitis and, if left untreated, periodontitis.

Consequences

Gingivitis is reversible if treated promptly, but periodontitis a disease with some serious complications if ignored. Treatments are also much more invasive, ranging from antibiotics to surgery. Is that still not scary enough to get you scheduled for a seat in the chair? How about this: the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can travel through the bloodstream and affect more than just your mouth. Fighting those bacteria compromises your immune system, leaving you open to all sorts of issues. Forget about a less-than-sparkling smile, you could lose your teeth! Periodontal disease can also contribute to respiratory issues, stroke, heart disease and a low birth-weight baby if it occurs while you’re pregnant.

Unfortunately, the effects of those hormones won’t go away overnight either. “You may continue to experience some swelling and bleeding for several months after giving birth as hormone levels take time to return to normal, particularly if you are breast feeding,” said Cynthia Wooter, a Registered Dental Hygienist in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Be a Role Model

We all want a beautiful smile, complete with pearly whites and a perfect set of chompers. It takes dedication to good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist’s office. Proper prevention and maintenance is always the answer to a pretty and healthy smile. Be a good role model for your little one – brush at least twice daily, floss every night before bed, get a regular checkup and see your dental hygienist as often as they recommend (frequency varies depending on your personal risk factors).

Your smile will shine on more than just your baby!

Tia O'Neill is a glamour diva turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

Red in the Face? You Could Have Rosacea

Lyssa — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:02:17 +0000

Is that charming flush on your cheek a little too persistent? Or that annoying patch of acne like bumps too long lasting? You could be one of 14 million-plus Americans affected by rosacea, a skin condition with symptoms ranging from facial redness and visible blood vessels to the ultra extreme of swelling and tissue overgrowth (think W.C. Fields’ nose).

April is Rosacea Awareness Month, and the National Rosacea Society is committed to spreading the word about treatment. Symptoms cover a wide spectrum—including dilated capillaries with occasional flushing, bumps and pimples, raised patches of skin, dryness, watery or irritated eyes and the severe rhinophyma, the medical term for W.C. Fields’ famous nose.

But before you hide your head in the sand or tie a permanent bag over your face, take comfort that simple lifestyle changes can help control rosacea flare ups.

Environmental Triggers
“The number one problem is the sun,” said Dr. Jeannette Graf, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYC’s Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. “Everyone with rosacea must wear sun block.”

Other triggers include spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, red wine, wind, extremes and swings in weather and even exercise, basically anything that causes capillaries to expand. And like many medical conditions, stress plays a key role. “One type of rosacea is extremely stress related and can come on quite suddenly,” Dr. Graff said.

So what can you do? Firstly, Dr. Graff recommends keeping a diary to discover your specific rosacea triggers. Jot down everything you eat and drink--you could find that avoiding that extra glass of wine may just be the ticket to keeping your symptoms at bay.

Gentle Treatment
A gentle skin-care regimen and use of non-irritating makeup can help improve the appearance of your skin. “During the day, wear a good moisturizer, particularly in the winter time, to reduce the effects of wind and cold. Treat your skin gently. Use skin products designed for redness or sensitive skin,” advised Dr. Graf.

Choose a soap-free cleanser and avoid toners, which are drying, as well as abrasive scrubs. At night, use a sensitive skin moisturizer that does not contain SPF.

The National Rosacea Society and Dr. Graf suggest checking out mineral makeup if you suffer from rosacea, as these formulations typically do not contain irritating preservatives. “Minerals have a very soothing benefit for the skin, plus they provide extra SPF from the zinc and titanium in the formulations,” Dr. Graf said. She particularly likes Jane Iredale mineral makeup. Other brands the offer redness or sensitive skin products include Aveeno, Avène, Murad,Clinique and B. Kamins.

Rosacea is a condition that typically occurs after the age of 30, and tends to run in families, mostly affecting people with fair skin. Knowing your triggers, wearing sun block and treating your skin gently can control flare ups. However, if symptoms worsen and you experience burning and soreness, be sure to visit a dermatologist for treatment.

The Skinny on Fruits and Vegetables

Lyssa — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:00:45 +0000

Hollywood's hot bodies all say the same thing: eat more fruits and veggies to stay in shape. We all know these foods are a part of most diet plans and they’re good for us. That doesn’t mean that we all do what’s best for us ...

“I DO Eat Fruits and Vegetables,” you say?

But do you eat enough of them? A recent Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index reported that only slightly more than half of all Americans eat these foods frequently. Here’s how the Index ranked major U.S. metropolitan areas according to how many people eat these frequently, from highest to lowest :

1.      Kingsport/Bristol Tenn., Va.: 62.2% (These two towns tied.)
2.      Huntington/Ashland/ West Va., Ky., Ohio 60.2 %
3.      York/Hanover, Pa.: 59.0%
4.      Lynchburg, Va.: 56.8%
5.      Visalia/Porterville, Calif.: 56.6%
6.      Flint, Mich.: 56.4%
7.      Stockton, Calif.: 54.8%
8.      Bakersfield, Calif.: 53.1%
9.      Montgomery, Ala.: 52.7%
10.    McAllen/Edinburg/Mission, Texas: 45.7% (These two towns tied.)

Part of the problem may be that we have good intentions about eating healthfully, but when push comes to shove, we don’t do so well. Read on for ways to sneak healthy food into your diet.

Tips for Eating More Fruits and Vegetables:
   1.   Keep a fruit bowl on the kitchen table or on a counter. That way, you’ll see them as soon as you enter the room.
   2.   Buy fruits and veggies often so they stay fresh.
   3.   Jessica Seinfeld, the comedian’s wife who published a cookbook, Deceptively Delicious, has nothing on what mothers have known for years: add vegetables to other foods. For example, use applesauce in place of oil in cake recipes, or shred zucchini and add it to muffins.
   4.   You don’t necessarily have to eat fresh fruits and vegetables to get the benefit, either. For example, did you know that tomato paste packs an extra punch because of the processing? It’s like getting a double whammy.
   5.   Freeze banana slices and grapes in the summer for “cool” snacks.
   6.   Check out your local co-ops and farm markets (or green markets in urban areas), in season for local produce.
   7.   Salsa is great! Make homemade salsa and toss it on fish or chops. Think salsa and baked chips as a healthy, low-fat snack.
   8.   Put out a plate of fresh cut vegetables and low-fat dip or salad dressing for an after-school or pre-dinner snack.
   9.   Forego the sports drinks and vitamin water for a fruit smoothie.
   10.   Try one of the many, many vegetable soup recipes available. Don’t forget Gazpacho in summer.
   11.   Add fresh berries to ice cream and yogurt and put them atop pound cake.
   12.   Don’t forget dried fruit as a snack and sun-dried tomatoes in recipes.
   13.     Look for new recipes incorporating fruit and vegetables. Check out Fruit & Veg Grower's Cookbook by Kathryn Hawkins or Summer Fruit: A Country Garden Cookbook by Edon Waycott.

Utilize the tips that work for you and put yourself and your city on the map for fruit and veggie consumption!

Meaningful Beauty

Lyssa — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:42:01 +0000

It seems like we're experimenting with everything around the EndlessBeauty.com offices. First we're taking on this crazy Extreme Body Challenge (EB ... Endless Beauty ... Extreme Body ... get it?) where we hit up Relentless Bootcamp twice a week for five weeks, then we're food logging to lock in on the diet part of fitness and health, and now I (Lyssa) am playing around with Cindy Crawford's new anti-aging line Meaningful Beauty (http://www.meaningfulbeauty.com/).

A little primer on my skin care regimen:

See how there's nothing written? I can barely take off my makeup at night, let alone remember to put various creams on morning and night. But in the name of EB, I'm committing to trying out the Meaningful Beauty products for two full weeks.

I mean, it can't hurt if it makes me look like Cindy Crawford, right?

Cindy Crawford created her Meaningful Beauty line with her skin doc, a Parisian named Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh. Long story short, the key ingredient in Sebagh's world-famous anti-aging elixirs is a patented melon extract from a variety of cantaloupe only found in the South of France, initially thought to be too difficult to bottle. But he eventually succeeded, and Meaningful Beauty was born.

The Meaningful Beauty system includes day and night creams, eye cream, wrinkle eraser, and more. I'll get more in-depth with the Meaningful Beauty line once I've tried it. It's funny to think that someone who barely even washes her face is using an anti-aging line of skincare, but I hear it's never too early to start the aging prevention.

Let's see how Meaningful my Beauty gets in the next two weeks!

Jessica Simpson's Price of Beauty: India

Allison — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:55:56 +0000

Of course we couldn't wait to watch last night's episode of Price of Beauty, and Jessica Simpson did not disappoint! The gang went to India to discover the views of beauty in the very spiritual country.

They were able to participate in a laughter yoga group. The point is to liven up the soul by looking at the hand as if it was a mirror and telling yourself, "I'm the most beautiful, the most wonderful and the most intelligent person in the world." Another important part of the yoga is to remember that every time you laugh, you are met with a laugh. Soon, everyone was cracking up and we learned that laughter really does relieve stress.

The craziest part of the episode was when Jessica, Ken and CayCee went to a "spa" which was really an oil treatment, a netti pot and a digestion-helping drink. All of these things had benefits for the soul and body, but it also made Jessica burp. A lot.

Our favorite part of the episode was when a little girl with a cleft palate was able to have a free surgery to correct it from Operation Smile. We got choked up when she saw herself in the mirror for the first time - she said it was a miracle! Her life was completely changed during a 45 minute procedure, and it was incredible to watch.

Next week, they are going to Africa where "fat" is in. We can't wait!

Final Four Health Myths Busted

Lyssa — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:20:04 +0000

In the spirit of March Madness and busted brackets, we’ve decided to bust the four biggest health myths still around.

If you still believe that swallowing a piece of gum results in it dwelling in your stomach for the next seven years, then maybe it’s time you catch up on some recent health myths.

BUSTED: You can get an STD from a toilet seat
If someone tries to pull this fib on you, maybe it’s time to start looking for a new partner. The hard porcelain material that constructs toilet seats is actually a highly unlikely place for germs to survive. Believe it or not, there aren’t enough bacteria on a toilet seat for you to catch any kind of virus. For you to become infected from sitting on a toilet, bacteria would have to enter the body through an opening or a cut. So make it known that the only way to get an STD from a toilet seat is by actually having sex on it.

REJECTED: Chocolate causes acne
There has been a massive amount of research done on this subject, most likely because everyone loves chocolate and nobody loves acne. For a long time it has been believed that eating chocolate will cause you to have an outbreak, but it’s actually the opposite! A bar of chocolate has one-third of your daily requirement of antioxidants. Not only is chocolate good for your pores, but recent studies have proved that chocolate increases the serotonin levels in your brain, which calms you down. Since stress is one of the major causes of acne, this shot-blocks the idea that chocolate causes acne all the way into the bleachers.

BENCHED: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis
Even though it sounds damaging, knuckle cracking is not associated with arthritis. The cracking noise comes from a gas bubble in your joints being released from the fluid surrounding your cartilage when pulled on. While you may not get arthritis from this bad habit, it has been shown that cracking your knuckles on a daily basis can cause a decline in grip strength. However, the most damag associated with knuckle cracking is how annoying it is to listen to. Craaaack!

CINDERELLA: Fresh fruits and vegetables are more nutritious than frozen ones
Frozen vegetables are actually more nutritious. Hard to believe, but easy to enjoy. The Institute of Food Research says that the fresh vegetables you buy at a grocery store have already begun losing their nutrition value from the day they were picked. However, frozen vegetables are frozen at their peak ripeness and keep their nutrition twice as long. Frozen veggies: 1, fresh veggies: 0. Oh, and if you’re worried that boiling frozen vegetables kills some of the nutrition, don’t--that’s another myth. EndlessBeauty.com: 2, frozen vegetable myths: 0.

While watching the NCAA’s Final Four this weekend, rest assured that you can enjoy chocolate, frozen veggies, and knuckle cracking all you want without worrying about the mythical consequences.

Sources:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/11-health-myths-that-may-surprise-you/
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46642
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/food/2010/03/05/2010-03-05_frozen_vegetables_more_nutritious_than_fresh_study_says.html  

Moms, on your mark: Ready in 15 minutes

Lyssa — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:22:22 +0000

Look Polished in 15 minutes

If you think that changing out of a formula-stained shirt is all you need to do before leaving the house, read this now! Sure, you may not have an hour to primp, but motherhood is no excuse to get sloppy. All you need is three, five-minute sessions to be the hottest mom at the playground.

Face the Day

Your new baby, or alarm clock, is up before sunrise – here is how to fix dull skin and pillow eyes.

5:40am: Cleansed your face at night? Skip the face wash or scrub in the a.m. “Most people make the mistake of over cleansing the skin, says Regina Viotto, skincare specialist at Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa. “Instead, use a gentle toner to remove excess surface oils and apply a hydrating serum.” Choose a product with mild lactic acid to remove dead skin cells, adds Viotto. Or, go for skincare with vitamin A and C or antioxidants to help renew cell turnover and boost collagen production.

5:43am: Tackle puffiness and undereye circles with an eye cream that contains vitamin K or caffeine, ingredients known to minimize broken capillaries.

5:45am: Hydrate your skin by drinking a glass of water or a cup of green tea. Continue drinking through out the day.

Make Me Up

While your baby is playing in her crib, try our expert tricks and go from blah to beautiful in minutes.

7:15am: Forget theater makeup; instead even out skin tone with SPF 15 mineral powder or tinted moisturizer.

7:17am: Add a peachy blush for a natural glow. “When applying blush, smile and dab on apples of the cheeks,” says Aura Schwartz, a New York City makeup artist. To cut time, try a product that works double duty, says Jerrod Blandino, co-founder of Too Faced Cosmetics. Look for lip and cheek stain or a creamy tint in a lovely pink or apricot.

7:19am: Swipe a gold or pinkish shadow to brighten your lids. A sure way to look glam is by defining eyes with mascara that wakes up lashes. “First, apply baby powder to lashes using a cotton ball, then top off with waterproof mascara, says Blandino. “You’ll have instantly long and luscious lashes.”

Hair Flair

Even if your face looks polished, a bird’s nest on your head will negate a pretty face. Thank goodness for ponytails and hair accessories.

8:05am: The key to a polished ponytail is a good brush. “Boar’s hair bristles are easier on hair than plastic brushes as they redistribute oils, boosting natural shine,” says Brittany Dailey, stylist at Madison Avenue Salon & Day Spa.

8:06am: Once you brush out all the knots, secure the hair with snag-free elastic. Remember that a higher ponytail is more whimsical, while going low evokes a casual, polished look. Those with longer locks should try a charming side-braid.

8:09am: Dress up your pony with a cute clip. Better yet, build a headband collection that includes faux flowered and bowed styles.

8:10am: Finished! You are now ready to tackle mommy adventures.

Yelena Moroz is a freelance writer.

Beauty Product Ads are Fake

Lyssa — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:26:14 +0000

Magazines have long been scapegoated for women's shrinking self-images. By using unattainably-airbrushed models on fashion spreads, they're portraying unrealistic notions of beauty. Now the Sun (a tabloid, if fairly respected one) has come out with a study that says beauty advertising may be even worse:

28 percent of cosmetics ads have tiny print that say that they are artificially enhanced
44 percent "appeared" to have doctored images
28 percent portray the product in reality

Mascara advertisements are the worst:

58 percent airbrush lashes
42 percent show artificial lashes

The problem is multifold: not only does it set up unrealistic expectations for product performance, but it sets up unrealistic notions of beauty for women who see the advertisements.

What do you think? Do you see beauty ads and wish you looked like the models? When you buy beauty products, do you think they'll make you look like models in the ads?

Read the original article: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2910931/Girls-cheated-by-false-hair-and-lashes-in-beauty-ads.html#ixzz0jaRbYc2u

Designer Tom Ford Launches Lipstick Line

Lyssa — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:06:06 +0000

Hottie designer Tom Ford--who some would argue single-handedly turned Gucci around--is launching his own Private Blend Lip Color, a line of 12 shades that cost $45 each. The creamy formula includes soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter, and chamomilla flower oil.

Neiman Marcus, Saks, and Bergdorf Goodman will carry the line.

We don't have images, but it'll share the Private Blend label with his fragrances, which you can find here.

What say you, ladies? Is lipstick worth $45 a pop? Premium ingredients, staying power, and taste are all worth it ... but only to a certain extent. What is that extent? And does the fact that Tom Ford, who we all love and trust, designed it, make it better?

Embarassing Moments from Real Women, including a Mohawk!

EndlessBeauty.com — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:36:37 +0000

You wake up one morning looking and feeling great only to be struck by a beauty disaster. Smeared lipstick, bedhead, or mismatched shoes have nothing on you—you’re Kate Hudson in Bride Wars with blue hair in an important client meeting.

The Bright Side

Your reaction to these experiences shapes how other people will react to you as well. Sure, that deodorant streak on your black blouse isn’t exactly flattering and neither is the piece of food stuck in between your teeth, but it happens to everyone. Being able to laugh at your own mistakes is a huge part of developing true inner beauty as well as a real sign of maturity.

Besides, there’s always someone, somewhere, who has been worse off than you.

Check out our user-submitted Embarassing Beauty Moments:

Daring reader Shannon Tait sent in TWO don’ts:
”Definitely the "big bang theory" of the ‘80s ... the bigger the bangs, and the more hairspray, the better! I think NOT!”

“OH, or the first time I received Restalyn® injections in my lips, I didn't realize they numb you completely and that you swell up like Angelina times ten immediately. That night, I was supposed to go see some friends. I had to cancel because I looked ridiculous and was drooling all over myself for about four hours afterwards!”

Jeanine Boiko writes: “I tried going to bed at night with my hair in braids hoping for Nicole Kidman curls. All I got was a headache!”

Amanda Rutt writes: “I accidentally fell asleep with a fruit acid peel on my face and had to explain the swelling and scars the next day.”

Anonymous admits: “My children named me Dr. Spock after a botox injection caused my eyebrows to raise when nothing else on my face would.”

Our own Editorial Director Lyssa Myska Allen tells this tale, from college: “I spiked my hair into a mohawk for a costume party and my brother swore that the Elmer’s Glue would wash out—it was the only thing that could keep my long hair up that high! Five washes that night and I still had stiff hair the next day…”

Get a Fit Post-Pregnancy Body and Bond with your Baby: Working Out with Baby

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:15:25 +0000

Being a new mom is a busy job! Feeding and diapering are enough to keep your hands full – literally – yet as exhausted as we are, we still want to tone, tighten, and shed those extra pounds. The question is: just how do you find the time? Your best bet is to include your baby in your exercise routine.

Before we get to the good stuff, be sure that you have clearance from your doctor to begin exercising again. Start with just a few reps and add more only as you gain strength – now is not the time to overdo it. Also, always make sure that baby is in a secure position and his or her head is stable before completing any exercise. Head and neck control take time to develop, so be sure to provide the support they need if they can’t hold their own just yet.

Try these Muscle-Mom Exercises to Get Fit Post-Pregnancy:

Supermom Squat
Stand with your legs shoulder width apart and your toes forward while cradling your baby in your arms. Now bend your knees and drop your hips like you are about to sit in a chair, making sure not to let your knees go beyond your toes. Stick out your rear a bit rather than dropping straight down while keeping your back straight.

Bigger Baby: If your baby has more head control and you want to add an upper body move, hold baby under the arms out in front of you as you squat down, then raise baby up in the air when you get to the top. Wee!

Little One Reverse Lunge:
Cradle baby in your arms and bring one leg behind you then bend your knees to dip down as if you are about to propose to the love of your life – without actually hitting the ground. Again, don’t let the standing leg’s knee go beyond your toes. Return your back leg to standing position and then switch to the other side.

Bigger Baby: When you and baby are up for the added challenge, hold your little one under the arms out in front as you dip down, then raise him or her up once you return to standing position. This move will lift more than the baby, we promise!>

The Perfect Plank:
Lay baby down tummy up, while you are tummy-down over your cutie. Rest on your forearms, palms facedown, with your elbows positioned under your shoulders. You’ll be looking into your perfect little angel’s eyes when positioned properly. Point your toes toward the floor and lift your body off the ground, being sure to focus on using your stomach muscles to hold position and keep your back straight. Your upper body should remain stable but relaxed. Hold the position for just 15 seconds at first, increasing time as you gain strength. Baby will love the eye contact!

Baby Bench Press:
Lay down with your knees bent for lower back stability. Rest baby on your midsection and lift him or her under the arms, pressing your arms up and out from your chest until straight. Avoid locking your elbows when you reach the top. Bring baby back down and give a little snuggle to complete the rep. (This exercise is best for babies that have mastered head control.)

Precious Push Ups:
Position yourself over your baby with your hands a little more than shoulder width apart and your arms straight. Keep your head, neck, back, hips, and thighs in line with each other, but rest on your knees for now. Bend your elbows and lower yourself towards baby, giving your precious one a kiss on the forehead before allowing your body to make contact with the floor and pushing back up.

Bigger Baby: Move on to the full military-style push up (knees up, toes down) when no longer challenged. A strong chest, great arms, and plenty of giggles are guaranteed with this move!

Keep in mind that your body will take time to recover and that you’re getting a bit of a workout just picking up, carrying, rocking, and holding your baby, so add in these exercises slowly. The bigger your baby gets the more of a workout you will get, but always make sure you can handle the weight and that baby is safe.

Getting fit while bonding with your baby? You're doing great, Mom!

Tia O'Neill is a glamour diva turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

An SPF Crash Course for Youthful Skin

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:26:39 +0000

7 Must-Know Tips to Nip Premature Aging in the Bud

The fountain of youth – we’re all looking for it, whether it’s in a jar of cold cream with miraculous claims, regular facials or hush-hush trips to the plastic surgeon. If only there was something we could do to slow the aging process before it kicks into full gear.   Actually, there is: use products that contain Sun Protection Factor (SPF).

SPF is crucial to any beauty regimen in order to stay as wrinkle-free as nature will allow over time.    Putting on your sunscreen should be as second-nature as getting dressed. Think about it--following a strict daily beauty regimen – wash, tone, moisturize – without safeguarding yourself from the sun is the equivalent to killing yourself at the gym only to go home and indulge in half a box of meat lover’s pizza and a chocolate milkshake. Don’t erase all your hard work by ignoring one piece of the youthful puzzle. Consider this your better-late-than-never crash course.  

7 Things You Must Know about SPF:

1. SPF numbers correlate to UVB rays, not UVA rays. To get full protection, make sure any sunscreen you use is labeled broad-spectrum, which includes A and B.

2. There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays and generally include chemical filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate. Chemical sunscreens are normally more irritating to the skin than physical sunscreens, which form a deflecting, blocking layer on your skin. Examples of physical UV filter ingredients include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

3. If you are using a chemical sunscreen, make sure to apply at least 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the product to fully absorb; no wait is needed with a physical sunscreen.

4. For daily use – even on cloudy days – SPF 15 is recommended, but if you know you’ll be taking in some extra rays, SPF 40+ is a better option.

5. To ensure you are getting adequate protection, make sure to use at least a 1/4 teaspoon (about the size of a nickel) for your face, a quarter-size amount for your throat and upper chest, and 1 ounce (a full shot glass) for your body.

6. Try to look for a sunscreen that is waterproof. Just because you don’t go in the water, doesn’t mean your normal sweat (or glow) won’t be enough to undo your applying efforts.

7. The effects of sunscreen do not last all day from one application, so you’ll need to reapply every few hours. If you keep a small bottle inside your purse, you’ll be more prone to remembering to use it!

Arlyn Hernandez is a freelance writer.

Toxic Beauty: What Product Ingredients Could Be Hurting You

Lyssa — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:26:07 +0000

"Natural" and "hypo-allergenic" labels on your makeup may not be as beneficial as you think. Cosmetic companies aren’t regulated, which they do not have to prove the claims they make on their labels. In fact, many name-brand products contain ingredients that are known carcinogens and increase the risk of birth defects. Yikes!

The Truth Can Be Scary

Daily application of lotions and makeup products exposes you to around 126 different synthetic chemicals, a number of which have been linked with tumors, cell mutation, allergies, reproductive complications, endocrine disruption, and cancer.

In 1992 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who is responsible for enforcing cosmetics and pharmaceutical regulations in the US, declared that 65 percent of women's cosmetics contained carcinogenic contaminants. According to the US Environmental Working Group (EWG), more than one-third of all personal care products contain at least one ingredient associated with cancer. Yet out of the 20,000+ cosmetic ingredients registered for use, relatively few have been prohibited.

The Manufacturers Defense

Cosmetic manufacturers often contend that the concentrations of synthetic chemicals used in cosmetics are too low to warrant any safety concerns. But most safety testing only focuses on a single ingredient at a time, rather than the cocktail of ingredients found in many consumer products.

Should I Be Worried?

Skin is one the most complex living organs of the body, regulating temperature, protecting the body against pathogens, excreting unwanted substances, and serving other vital functions. The dermis is rich in blood vessels and sensory and can actually absorb up to 60 percent of all substances we apply to our skin. Clearly there are health concerns, however proper analysis of the products you are using can greatly mitigate your risk.

Information For Peace Of Mind

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has created a free online database for your health and safety. This comprehensive resource compares 42,000 ingredients found in your makeup against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases. This is the largest and most comprehensive database of its kind making it an extremely helpful tool. Look up the products in your cosmetic regimen at http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/.

Beauty Sales Decrease by 6% in 2009

Lyssa — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:36:38 +0000

As we run a women's whole health and beauty website, we're obviously interested in what's happening in the beauty industry as a whole. Beauty is an 8.19 billion dollar industry in the United States, and most would argue that beauty products--fragrance, makeup, and skincare--are a mainstay for women and men everywhere.

But as the country faced a long recession, beauty spending fell, some for the first time in years. Industry insiders classify the Total Beauty industry into three categories: fragrance, makeup, and skincare. Check out the chart below for each of those categories' market share and decline:

Fragrance	$2.48 Billion	30%	-10%
Makeup	$3.16 Billion	39%	-5%
Skincare	$2.47 Billion	30%	-4%

Fragrance suffered the steepest decline, with sales down 10 percent to $2.48 billion.

Makeup posted its second year of declines, decreasing 5 percent to $3.16 billion.

Skincare sales, which once rose steadily, declined, slipping 4 percent to $2.47 billion. However, skincare was the only beauty category to post growth in the fourth quarter (October-December period) gaining 2 percent in dollars.

Sensitive skin products surpassed antiaging as the #1 sellers. We cover 'em all here at Endless Beauty! Our goal is to provide you with important, reliable information about the best in beauty for your total health and wellness.

Click here for the full NPD Release.

Beauty Sleep Challenge

Lyssa — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:33:36 +0000

Are you a catch-up-on-the-weekends sleeper, or someone who gets 5 hours of sleep a night but tries to take naps? Whatever your ideal sleep pattern, you know as well as we do that whenever your life gets busy, sleep is the first thing to go. But as sleep proves to be more and more essential to health, wellness, and beauty, we have got to find another solution.

In honor of their new Midnight Recovery Serum, Kiehl's is sponsoring a Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge, where six busy people, including fashion designer Lela Rose, commit to going to bed by midnight, getting 7 hours of sleep, and using two drops of the recovery serum, which promises visibly restored skin. We can't vouch for the serum, but getting to bed by midnight and getting 7 hours of sleep could work wonders for your health and beaty.

Among the beauty benefits of sleep? Skin radiance, decreased undereye circles, increased blood flow. Health and wellness benefits include increased energy levels, lower stress levels, and decreased appetite. Our Snooze to Lose article discusses the connection between sleep and weight loss. Also check out a Mark's Daily Apple article on sleep and stress.

Stay tuned, as the Endless Beauty team will soon be taking on a challenge of our own--it's not a sleep challenge, but a whole body health and wellness challenge for the month of April. More to come soon!

Keep the Gray at Bay

EndlessBeauty.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:51:56 +0000

Aging is inevitable
As the years keep coming, so do the changes. As we all know, a big change we experience is with our hair. As you age, hair begins to thin, grow slower, and the pesky gray hairs start to peek through. By keeping the following tips in mind, you can mask the gray hairs and keep yourself looking youthful.

Healthy Diet
It is known that unhealthy eating is a major contributor to gray hairs. By simply reevaluating your diet and adding fruits, vegetables and nuts, you can lessen your chances for grays. Foods high in nutrients and proteins will also help to keep your hair looking its best.

Vitamins
Add a multi-vitamin that contains copper and vitamin B-5 to your daily intake. Copper deficiencies cause your pigment levels to drop allowing grays to shine through, while vitamin B-5 can help prevent premature gray hairs.

Hair Mascara
If you’re running low on time and need a quick fix, hair mascara is the answer for you. This product is a quick way to mask the grays and add vibrant color. Buy hair mascara in your shade and sweep it through your hair. This product simply coats the hair, leaving your strands gray-free without chemical damages.

Less Stress
Stress seems to be a major factor for a lot of our bodily changes. By stressing out, we are causing our hair to shed quicker and causing our hair pigment to wear out. As long as we sit back and relax, the grays can stay away!

Give Yourself a Boost

Allison — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:22:15 +0000

An energetic you is a more beautiful you. Concealer and makeup may cover up tired eyes, but they are not fixing the actual problem. There are many small, simple ways to add energy to your life by inserting healthy habits. Start with the following steps:

Re-think your workout. A lot of people head to the gym after work; however, late night workouts could be harmful to your sleep pattern. Consider moving your workout to the morning. Not only will you sleep better at night, you will also be energy-packed for morning meetings and tasks and you will continue to burn calories throughout your day.

If you aren’t incorporating workouts into your schedule, you are missing out on the energy that is created by exercise. Although gym-time seems as if you are doing more, you will actually be more energetic throughout the day.

Consider your weight and blood pressure. A healthy diet (think fruits and vegetables) and plenty of exercise can lead to lower blood pressure, which is tied to having more energy. If you’re overweight, lose a few pounds. This will give you more energy overall.

Notice what you’re drinking. Although we all get tired of hearing about drinking eight glasses of water a day, consistently not doing so will result in fatigue. Not only will water help with your overall energy, a walk to the water cooler for a refill can serve as a boost as well.

Drinking coffee is an easy quick fix to a sluggish morning, but try not to drink it throughout the day. Coffee can disrupt your sleep pattern and lead to dependency. Instead, eat an apple for a much healthier boost. Also, avoid energy drinks, which are famous for their “crash” after a temporary high. Try teas with ginseng, or drinks stocked with Vitamin C; both are much healthier alternatives that will leave you refreshed.

Get some zzzz’s. If you need a nap during the day, shoot for a shorter power nap while sitting at your desk or in a chair. It will give you energy without the grogginess you would receive by laying down. Try to keep your nightly sleep patterns as consistent as possible, even on the weekends. You will maximize the sleep you get, reduce your nighttime frustrations and become a more energetic you.

Eat for energy. If you feel tired mid-morning or afternoon, snack on something low in fat and high in fiber and protein. By snacking throughout the day, you will receive energy while remaining less likely to overeat later. Also, try to eat a bigger breakfast and a lighter lunch. The breakfast will give you morning energy, and the lighter lunch won’t leave you sluggish for the afternoon. Spreading out the calories does wonders for your figure as well.

Diet and Body Shape: What’s the Connection?

EndlessBeauty.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:46:20 +0000

What fruit is your body most shaped like? The answer may give you a clue to the kind of foods that will best support your weight loss goals. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with an apple shape – those who carry most of their weight around their middle – lost five times more weight on a low carbohydrate diet than those who followed a conventional low fat diet.

“One of the most interesting questions in field of obesity is why some people do well with conventional weight loss diets and others do not,” says Dr. David Ludwig, director of the Optimal Weight for Life Program at Children’s Hospital Boston. Ludwig is the study’s senior researcher and author of a new book, Ending the Food Fight.

The study included 73 obese adults between the ages of 18 and 35 who were assigned to either a conventional low fat diet or to a low-glycemic-load diet, which is one that stabilizes blood sugar after meals and is similar in nature to the Mediterranean diet. With all other factors kept equal, researchers found that dieters who secrete higher levels of insulin tend to do better on this type of eating program.

“We found that people who secrete insulin slowly lost the same amount of weight on both diets, whereas people who secrete insulin rapidly lost almost five times more weight on the low-glycemic diet and kept all of that weight off for the 18 months of the study. Virtually all long-term weight loss studies show that dieters regain a substantial amount, if not all of the weight they’ve lost after a year,” says Ludwig. The fact that dieters in the low-glycemic group lost substantially more weight and kept it off is, therefore, quite note worthy.

The Connection Between Insulin and Weight

Ludwig says a glucose tolerance test that is able to detect the rate at which a person secretes insulin is not yet being used because more needs to be done to ensure its accuracy. “As a suitable guideline, people with a body shaped like an apple, with body fat mostly in their midsection, tend to be high insulin producers and might do better on this kind of diet.” Ludwig points out that no body type does worse with this low-glycemic- load approach, but apple-shaped people derive the greatest benefit.

Although most people understand that concentrated sugar will raise blood sugar quickly, fewer may realize that refined starchy foods, such as white bread, many potato-based products and most prepared breakfast cereals can digest in the body in just moments, causing blood sugar and insulin to skyrocket. “We know that people vary in how much insulin they produce after eating and we know that foods and diet differ in how much insulin they require our bodies to make. The combination of a low fat, high carbohydrate diet in a person with high insulin secreting tendencies seems to be particularly bad in terms of weight gain,” Ludwig says.

Dieting Tradition

Over the past three decades, general ideas about weight loss have swung between diets that reduced fat and loaded up on carbohydrates, to those that eliminated all carbohydrates from a person’s diet and had them load up on fat. While people have had short-term weight loss with both approaches, neither approach, according to Ludwig, has proven to be successful over the long haul. Diets that restrict major food groups are simply not realistic for a life-long approach to maintaining a healthy weight.

A Measured Approach to Dieting

Ludwig proposes a low-glycemic-load diet and a balanced approach to healthy eating involving the three key factors affecting body weight: biology, behavior, and environment. “We feel this approach is the perfect compromise. You don’t restrict any major food group. Instead, you focus on the quality of the fats and the carbohydrates. Higher quality, slower releasing carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, beans and unprocessed grains digest slowly and keep blood sugar and hormones stable for hours after the meal.”

The same holds true with fats, according to Ludwig, who emphasizes what he refers to as high quality, healthful fats, which include olive oil, avocado, fats from fish and nuts. “We think that by focusing on the quality rather than eliminating entire classes of foods, people will support their body’s metabolism better but they’ll also be psychologically happier,” he says, pointing out that our tendency is to rebel against highly restrictive eating programs.

In addition, everybody in the study, regardless of body type, did better in terms of their HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which are key heart disease risk factors. So, as well as an effective way to lose weight — particularly for those who carry most of their weight in their midsection — the low-glycemic-load diet can help to prevent diabetes and heart disease.

Lisa Zamosky is an independent health care journalist who writes for consumer and professional audiences in magazines, websites and daily newspapers. She lives in Southern California with her husband and son.

Decode Your Wrinkes

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:36:34 +0000

Turning back the hands of time is an alluring quest. There wouldn’t be an endless list of anti-aging products on the market if it weren’t. But what do we really know about the creams we place our wrinkle-free hopes and dreams in? Endless Beauty is here to help with three common ingredients found in wrinkle creams; find out what they are, what they do and what you should know about them.

Ingredient: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

What it is: A synthetic acid derived from fruit

Claim to fame: As an exfoliate, AHAs aid in removing the top layer of skin; this works to stimulate new skin growth, which results in a smooth, even complexion.

You should know:

Your skin will likely peel and be incredibly susceptible to the sun; always wear sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30.
To limit the side effects, use only one product containing AHA. We recommend a moisturizer.

Using a cleanser with hydroxy acids will be the least effective for repairing wrinkles. This is because AHAs need to be absorbed into the skin, and a cleanser will be washed off before this occurs.

Ingredient: Retinol

What it is: A vitamin A compound that helps prevent your skin cells from breaking down and causing wrinkles

Claim to fame: Retinol is one of the first antioxidants to be used in over-the-counter creams. It provides visible results in reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles.

You should know:

When using over the counter Retinol, it may take up to 12 weeks to see results.
Allow your skin some time to get used to the product. Start out slow, using the product only a few times a week. Gradually increase the frequency as your skin allows it, until you are using the product every other day.
Always use a good sunscreen and moisturizer, as Retinol tends to dry out your skin and increase your sensitivity to the sun.
Use a pea-sized amount before bed on thoroughly dry, clean skin to limit intolerance.

Ingredients: Copper peptides

What they are: A combination of a copper ion (found in every cell) and a peptide (protein)

Claim to fame: Copper peptides are widely known as anti-inflammatory skin healers that stimulate collagen production, which in turn increases firmness and elasticity.

You should know:

Copper peptides have no known side effects.
They are best used to improve the appearance of fine wrinkles, uneven skin tone and sun damage.
The proteins (peptides) help to fatten up your skin at the cellular level, while the copper increases cell renewal to act as it does in younger skin.

Drink to Your Youth

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:32:30 +0000

As years pass us by, aren’t we all in search of a mystical fountain of youth? You know, that illusive magical potion that will keep us looking as beautiful as we did in our teens - with perfect flawless skin, wrinkle free, shining hair, glistening wide eyes and the hot body we had way back when. But is looking younger longer, something that only exists in fairytales?

The next time you’re tempted to spend an inevitable small fortune on the latest lotion or crème promising to turn back the clock, how about simply taking a sip of H2O. Water – it’s a remarkable youth enhancing substance on tap, literally, right in our homes.

Keeping hydrated is one of the most important things we can do to both look and feel great. Without water we’d be unable to function, but worse than that, we’d look like heck. Our skin would dry out and have an unattractive pallor for starters, and cracked lips…they’re so last year. In fact, without water, we’d surely die. Believe it or not, our bodies are made up of about 65-70 percent of the wet stuff, our brain is 75 percent, our blood contains more than 80 percent water and as for our liver - it’s a whopping 96 percent water!

We lose about one pint of fluid every day just by breathing, never mind in hotter temperatures. Then add any kind of activity and we’re losing aqua left and right. But don’t sweat it. Just drink up!

With proper hydration our skin should glow, look healthy, plump, blemish free and with fewer visible wrinkles. Water boosts collagen production in our skin, keeping it elastic and helps skin cells replenish themselves. With enough water our metabolism will flourish, also making our skin, hair, and body look and feel younger. Our liver will be able to flush out toxins, including those that that speed-up the aging process and even our muscles, with enough H2O, look fuller and defined - not to mention the benefits of drinking water to promote weight loss and therefore a youthful body - You can’t lose weight without water to flush out the by-products of fat breakdown.

So soak up the facts to make sure you drink enough:

In order to get “enough” water, research used to suggest eight, eight-ounce glasses a day, but recent studies challenge this, some saying that half this amount is sufficient and some saying more. Bottom line, listen to your body, be aware of your environment and drink when thirsty.

Many drinks contain huge amounts of water, but beware of sodas, energy drinks, coffee, teas and the likes, because they contain caffeine and act as diuretics - so what goes in, quickly comes out.

You can also get a healthy amount of water from other sources; like fruit and vegetables.

A great way to get watered on the go is to tote bottled water, but note that there are no strict regulations on the quality of that water and while it is clean…it may just be the same as the regular water you get from your faucet. Many manufacturers sell plain and simple filtered water for profit, while the water we get from our faucet…well, the United States boasts one of the most regulated and cleanest water systems in the word.

But however you get your daily intake…

Drink up – because water works!

Samantha Altea is a professional freelance writer and editor who specializes in beauty and fashion. She lives in New York City and has written for publications like, Marie Claire, Self, Kaboose.com and Daily Candy.

Looking Younger 101

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:25:01 +0000

Are you horrified every time you look in the mirror? Wish you could turn back the hands of time? Well…the real truth is that you can’t! Every one of us is getting older every day. Groan! That’s the bad news - but don’t stop reading just yet. The good news is that we’ve got a cheat sheet (yes we do) that will make you fall in love with your reflection all over again.

Follow our checklist and get started on a younger you:

Wave good day to gray: Say goodbye to your gray, it really does make you look older. But be warned, when coloring your hair don’t go too dark, or light. Very dark or over bleached hair has the opposite effect.

Pearly whites: Try whitening your teeth for a more youthful appearance. Think about it, after years of coffee, tea and all the things that can stain our teeth, it makes sense that discoloration leaves us looking so much older.

Take a hand in it: After our faces, our hands are one of the most visible signs of aging, but we often forget about them. It’s important, at any age, to take care of your hands. Wear sunscreen in the summer (to prevent wrinkles) and gloves in the winter. Rubber gloves shield hands from harsh detergents, and daily moisturizing is just as important as it is on your face.

Detox: Drinking too much alcohol activates the same hormones in your body as major stress would and leads to premature aging. Smoking releases a chemical called, ‘acetaldehyde’ that causes aging, so skin looks noticeably lifeless, more wrinkled and saggy. Smokers also have frown lines, (due to squinting through a haze of smoke) and lip wrinkles from pursing lips around a cigarette. Caffeine accelerates the aging process by stimulating stress hormones and processed foods (aka empty calories) contain additives, preservatives and chemicals that interfere with the way your body and hormones work. The results...you guessed it!

Update your cosmetics bag: if you’re still wearing the same make-up you did 10, or 20 years, ago then it’s probably dating you. Revamp your makeup for a younger, more contemporary look. Note: As you get older it’s better to wear a little less makeup. Thick cosmetics age you and seep into wrinkles and fine line.

Don’t forget the neck: It’s another forgotten area that gives away our age. Be sure to moisturize it and even do face/neck exercises to keep it toned.

Exfoliate: Use a facial scrub at home, or go for professional exfoliating treatments. Dead, dry skin looks old, because it is. Exfoliating also reduces the look of fine lines.

The eyes have it: They’re the windows to your soul. They also make you look older if not groomed. Keep your eyebrows manicured and they’ll give you a brighter, wider eyed, younger look.

Exercise: You might hate it, but let’s be honest, once you’ve done some exercise you feel revived and full of energy. Exercise definitely helps to keep us looking younger. If nothing else, try parking a little further away from the entrance to the supermarket, movie theatre, or mall…that way you’ll get some exercise when walking to your car!

Samantha Altea is a professional freelance writer and editor who specializes in beauty and fashion. She lives in New York City and has written for publications like, Marie Claire, Self, Kaboose.com and Daily Candy.

Breast Cancer. Fight Back.

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:28:40 +0000

In the U.S., one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The National Cancer Institute claims that once a woman hits the age of 30, her chances of getting breast cancer multiply by ten!

So what can you do about it?
Fight back. Here's How:

Exercise

Has it ever wronged you? Statistics show that exercise pumps up the immune system and lowers estrogen levels, which prevents your chances of getting breast cancer. Whether it's jogging, yoga or salsa dancing, the intensity of the workout doesn't really matter. As little as 15 to 20 minutes a day can do amazing things for your immune system.

Nutrition

A low fat nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. Foods high in fat trigger estrogen production that can fuel tumor growth. According to Science Daily Author, Dr Andrew Renehan, , “It is possible that obesity may become the biggest attributable cause of cancer in women within the next decade."

Foods to consider:

Soy: Soy foods (beans, milk, and tofu) contain a plant substance called phytoestrogens that protect receptors in breast tissue. Studies show that women in Asia have one-fifth the breast cancer rate of western women, and scientific speculation has focused on their soy-rich diet. Just one serving of soy foods a day can help.

Fiber-rich foods: Fruits, vegetables and beans reduce your levels of estrogen which is linked to causing breast cancer at high levels.

Seaweed: We know it sounds gross, but it’s not. This salty-cabbage can be eaten crispy or tossed in a noodle salad and has been proven to lower your risks of cancer tremendously.

Fish: The fatty acids and Omega-3 oil found in fish release a compound that helps your immune system identify and remove tumors.

Check-ups

Getting a physical once year isn’t enough. Be sure to give yourself a self-breast exam once a month to check for lumps. Look for any changes in size and shape. If you find something, see a physician immediately, but remember not to panic. The National Breast Cancer Foundation found that 80 percent of breast lumps are not cancerous.

Less Stress

Nothing is harder on your immune system than yourself. A couple of deep breaths a day can do great things for your body, as well as your mind. Try to give yourself personal space and relax at least once a day – preferably around lunchtime (when your blackberry is blowing up the most). At last, remember to enjoy life and take it one day at a time.

These simples steps will not only improve your healthy mentally and physically, but help make sure you don’t become a breast cancer statistic.

Wrinkle-free Routine

EndlessBeauty.com — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:44:45 +0000

Your new plan to smoother skin starts here—no surgery or Botox required. Younger, smoother looking skin isn’t as elusive as you think: Play down the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with this at-home regimen today for prettier, healthier skin tomorrow.

WAKE-UP WASH
Reach for a hydrating, soap-free cleanser that won’t strip away natural oils or clog pores. “Too much water can dry out skin and make wrinkles more noticeable,” says Dr. Francesca Fusco, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai in New York City. Try a low-suds cleanser that only needs one rinse of water, or a cream-based one that can be wiped off with a tissue. Try Boots Naturals Skin Brightening Cleanser with hibiscus extract for a great cleanser that can softly brighten a dull tone.

SERUM SENSE:
Think of the mild-mannered serum as the Superman of skincare. This light-weight formula can be more potent than a moisturizer (a moisturizer’s cream base dilutes the active ingredients), and absorbs easily into skin. Opt for one rich with antioxidants that fights skin-damaging free radicals (ultraviolet rays and pollution) and strengthens sagging skin. “Antioxidant ingredients, like green tea, idebenone and vitamin C, have been proven to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. They’re really your best defense against premature aging, “says Dr. Fusco. Try Kate Somerville Total Vitamin Antioxidant Face Serum with high concentrations of Vitamins C and E for dramatic results.

MOISTURIZER MUSTS
It goes without saying that your moisturizer should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. But hyaluronic acid is just as crucial. This hydrating ingredient acts like a sponge, trapping in water to plump up sags and fill in deep creases, says Dr. Fusco. A good one to try is L’Oreal Paris Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer SPF 15. Spread a quarter size drop on skin after you apply your serum; the moisturizing layer will lock in the serum’s active ingredients. Your eyes need extra moisture too, so pat a firming eye cream with SPF, such as Chanel Beaute Initiale Energizing Multi-Protection Eye Cream, around your eyes to target crow’s feet and bags.

BASE BASICS
A loose powder mineral foundation is like a light switch for your face: The natural mica particles reflect light, thus making lines and wrinkles virtually disappear. But if you’re looking for heavier coverage, opt for a liquid foundation that boasts wrinkle-fighting peptides. The peptides send signals to nerve endings to slow down muscle movements, thus relaxing creases and making them less noticeable. A good one to try is Peter Thomas Roth UnWrinkle Foundation that’s loaded with powerful peptides like argireline and light-diffusing pigments that soften fine lines.

PM POWER
Before bed, always remove makeup with a gentle makeup remover, then follow with a textured exfoliating pad like Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads. The light exfoliation washes away dead cells to reveal a fresh layer of skin and jump-start collagen production. Pat face dry, and if you’re under the care of a dermatologist, apply a thin layer of prescription-only Retin A cream—still the gold standard in wrinkle reduction, says Dr. Fusco—before your night cream. If you’re not on an Rx, look for a night-time serum or cream with a high concentration of retinol (Roc’s Deep Wrinkle line is a good one to try). A night cream is heavier than a day cream, and that dense texture restores moisture loss and repairs a day’s worth of damage while you sleep; the perfect ending to a smooth routine.

By Lisa Cohen Lee is a New Jersey based writer specializing in beauty and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Self, Woman's Day, Instyle Makeover, Bride's, Glamour, Redbook, O, and New Jersey Life; and online sites, www.lifeandbeautyweekly.com, www.shop.com and www.beautypress.com.

Your Makeover from the Inside Out

EndlessBeauty.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:56:57 +0000

After months of deliberation, you’ve embraced the reality that new make-up and a more up-to-date hair style will better define you personally and professionally. You’re ready for your close-up. But are you really?

Transitioning to a newer look – edgier, softer, more minimalist, more colorful – is not just about buying better cosmetic brushes and concealer, or making botox or restylane appointments. Transformation really begins in your psyche, where fears take hold.

The fear of not doing it right

Most gals, from about the time they’re 16, long for and fantasize about makeovers, and approach them in a positive way, says Judith Sills, a clinical psychologist, and author of The Comfort Trap: Or, What If You’re Riding a Dead Horse. “As they get older, women don’t lose their enthusiasm for makeovers,” she says Sills. “They simply don’t know how to pull it off.”

There’s a fear you’ll make a mistake – or, in the case of plastic surgery, that your physician will err – and that everyone will now be able to tell you’ve overcorrected and look worse than before, she says. Women are also afraid they’ll be perceived as “trying too hard” and wearing their insecurities on their sleeve, as though there’s something they’re trying to get, such as love, attention, or a better job or sex life.

The fear of being judged by friends

You may have a cadre of die-hard friends, but that doesn’t mean you like being criticized or judged by them. Although few women would shy away from a makeover if the results make them more fabulous-looking than their friends, Sills says that many women might stop themselves if they’d look different from the group. For example, the unspoken rule of a middle-age group of friends might be wearing light-colored lipstick and short hair. What happens if you veer away from that so-called uniform? “We all decide what we do on the basis of what our group does,” says Sills. “Anytime we go outside the norm of our social group we’re subject to criticism.”

The fear of family objections

If you’re considering changing your appearance, you might have real concerns about what the family thinks. “We’re all connected, and transformation has an impact on whomever you come in contact,” says Sills. “That’s because the unfamiliar is disorienting.”

Mates and partners may weigh in with their opinions. So will adult children. Grown children are allowed to look at you and disapprove, says Sills, who explains that, in the eyes of adult children, mothers are supposed to stay the same. “Moms are bastions,” she says. “They’re not supposed to be about looking great, having sex or spending money on themselves.”

Sills advises older moms to be honest with their grown kids, help them in their distress and not seek their approval. “Confining yourself to doing things your daughter approves of is as goofy as confining yourself to things your mother approved or disapproved of,” says Sills. “Your children are not the rule makers. Trust yourself first. And don’t ask permission.”

Taking the first step

The good news is that a makeover is not one of life’s massive decisions.

To wear bright red lipstick for the first time does not require a total emotional, personal and internal self examination, says Sills. “You don’t need to understand every nuance of why you want to change. You just need a small opening that says change is a good thing.”

And, she underscores, even if your makeover falls short, it’s correctible. “Hair grows back, make-up washes off,” says Sills.

Coeli Carr is a health and fitness writer in New York City.

Price of Beauty: Finding the Joie de Vivre

Allison — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:18:05 +0000

The EndlessBeauty.com staff watched the Price of Beauty last night and absolutely loved it! Jessica Simpson's mission and goal of the show is right up our alley, and we too are all about the idea that women should feel beautiful.

This episode was filmed in Paris, where the average weight of a model is only 115 pounds. The pressure to be skinny is unreal! So much so that a model named Isabelle (who at her lowest weighed 86 pounds - and she is a grown woman!) is battling anorexia. She is currently trying to pass a law in France making it illegal to model if you're under a certain weight. Our hearts went out to Isabelle, as did Jessica's, Ken's and CaCee's.

Our favorite part was when the first plus size model in France said, "Whatever shape and size you are, you can be beautiful. And if you feel beautiful inside and out, you can do anything." Awesome quote! We hope women everywhere saw her confidence and that they too can be beautiful no matter what skin they are in.

We are hooked and will definitely be tuning in to VH1 next Monday at 9:00CT - they are going to India!

The Mark of the Post-Partum Princess

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:58:44 +0000

Much like battle scars or the marks of a warrior princess, many new moms find their abdomen (and often their thighs, breasts, and buttocks, for that matter) adorned with blazing reminders of the previous nine months. Some may say they should be worn with pride; after all you got them from creating and carrying a living, breathing human being. Sure that’s a nice sentiment, but when it comes down to it, you’d like to don a swimsuit or wear shorts again someday. What’s a warrior princess to do?

First, let’s establish why some women get them and others don’t, and what causes stretch marks anyway. It might have something to do with how much and how fast you gained your weight or how well you tended to your skin (belly butter anyone?). Then again it could just be that you’re genetically predisposed to them. Gee, thanks Mom! The reality is that the middle layer of your skin, called the dermis, stretched rapidly and actually tore. Those lovely hormones play a role in it too, which is why stretch marks are more common in puberty and pregnancy. The end result: you look like you had a recent run-in with a tiger. And the tiger won.

Okay, so you’ve got them. Evil hormones strike again and of course your mother is to blame. To top it off all that cocoa butter you put on did little more than leave you smelling like a chocolate covered Buddha. Even though plenty of women swear by it, studies tend to disagree on whether or not such products can really prevent stretch marks. However, I say slathering on that butter, cream, or oil does do something. Skin that is rich with moisture is healthier and more resilient, therefore leaving fewer marks, or at least marks that aren’t quite as dark or deep. If nothing else, it just feels good.

What is proven to work then? For one thing, all treatments appear to be more successful when the marks are fresh, that is while they are still red and before they have faded to a silvery white. Consider using over the counter scar treatment products like Mederma, which has even created a line specifically for the treatment of stretch marks.

If you have the time or can afford to see a dermatologist, prescription options like Biafine and Retin-A will certainly help reduce the color and appearance of those pesky striae. Micro-dermabrasion digs a bit deeper and helps in the formation of collagen and elastin, key ingredients to minimizing your marks. Laser treatments can get pricey, but with recent advancements in laser resurfacing tools and techniques, results can be promising.

Last, and certainly the most invasive of all options, is to resect the offensive area. This procedure literally removes the skin and underlying tissue, most commonly seen as the tummy tuck, but other areas of the body can undergo this type of contouring as well. Throw in a breast lift and a little liposuction and you have what’s affectionately referred to as getting a “mom job” in the world of plastic surgery.

Whether you choose to wear them as badges of honor or run to your nearest cosmetic surgery center for the latest and greatest technique, know that you are not alone. Stretch marks happen to the best of us.

*The above is in no way intended to replace medical recommendations. Discuss treatment options with your doctor first. Be aware that some treatments are not intended for use by women who are pregnant, intend on becoming pregnant, or that are currently breastfeeding..

Tia O'Neill is a former glamour diva, turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

Avoiding the Follicle Frump

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:13:53 +0000

Congratulations! The baby has arrived and you’re finally starting to get the hang of this mommy thing. You’ve mastered changing diapers in the dark, can handle spit up with ease, and manage feeding the baby and yourself simultaneously. You’ve even figured out how to squeeze in a shower here and there. But wait, what’s that in the shower drain? Is that my hair?

Relax; you’re not going to go completely bald. It may seem like there’s more hair on your hairbrush than stuck to your head, but the good news is the loss is only temporary. The bad news is, all that effortlessly shiny and healthy hair you’ve been sporting for that last nine months is, for now at least, only a memory. Post-baby hormone fluctuations often leave hair looking dull and a little thinned out. You might also notice your color is not quite as bright, particularly if you chose to forgo coloring while pregnant. And styling, who has time for that these days?

Fortunately these issues are easily fixed; it’s just not so effortless anymore. It’s time to let daddy practice his diapering skills and schedule a little mommy time.

Salon owner and stylist Jonathan Nuckles of The Nuckles Salon in Charlottesville, Virginia has a few suggestions for new mommies facing follicle frump. “To bring back vibrancy and shine, consider opting for a demi-permanent color glaze or clear gloss. These are deposit only products, meaning there is no lightening or color lifting from the hair,” said Jonathan. Demi-permanent color is big on shine and longer lasting, an excellent option for busy new mothers.

When it comes to hairstyles, budding soccer moms tend to favor the ponytail. Yes, we know it’s easy and that’s a good thing, but that doesn’t mean you have to sport a pony with no pizzazz. “Consider adding some volume to the root and giving it a little lift before tying it back. Or opt for a tail that’s slightly to the side for a more updated look,” Jonathan suggested. You can even add a little braid or a fashionable barrette or hair tie. (Please note that a fashionable hair tie is in no way to be confused with a scrunchy. If you own a scrunchy or know someone who does, do yourself and them a favor and throw it out. Now.)

Short cuts are also a great option for a quick and easy modern look. They dry quickly and can often be styled with little more than some pomade and your fingers. This is not a time to make drastic changes to your look, however. “With all those post-baby hormones, emotions can run pretty high. Radical changes to your cut or color will only end in tears and more time at the salon,” warns Jonathan.

Every new mom deserves to look great. “Investing in good quality products really pays off in the long run. Items like dry shampoo can be a serious time saver,” said Jonathan. Finally for a little glamour, Jonathan recommends “dusting off the old hot rollers.” We’re not talking about 80s style perms or tight curls. “For a softer look brush hair out into loose waves, or add a little paste for a textured, messy look,” said Jonathan.

It may take just a bit more effort, but when it comes down to it, a sassy mom is a happy mom.

Tia O'Neill is a former glamour diva, turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

The Clothing Conundrum

EndlessBeauty.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:44:10 +0000

You stare at your closet in disbelief. Isn’t there anything that fits? Your maternity clothes are too big or just too pregnant-lady looking, while your pre-pregnancy jeans taunt you from their dusty post. It’s amazing how many moms truly believe that giving birth will immediately remove all excess weight from their frame. Well, it's not that simple and that's why the postpartum clothing conundrum is a big one.

Trying to find something that fits and that doesn’t leave you feeling frumpy can be tough. Living in your pajamas and sweatpants is normal for several days after the baby is born, but resist the urge to continue the habit weeks later. Feeling good about the way you look is an important part of winning the battle against the post baby blues. With a little creativity and ingenuity, there is a life outside of your sweats.

Some of your maternity clothes might still work, but look for items that don’t scream “baby onboard!” Those shirts and dresses with the empire waist certainly flattered your pregnant figure fabulously. Unfortunately, wearing them now may leave you in tears when someone asks “when’s the baby due?” four weeks later. Your maternity pants, shorts, skirts and jeans are keepers, for now at least. Pregnancy clothing has become so fashionable these days you can’t even tell there’s an elastic waistband under there. Go ahead and wear them; trust me you’re not the only one.

It’s a fact: your abdomen isn’t going to shrink overnight and your hips will take time to work their way back into place. Invest in a postpartum support belt or panty shaper made specifically for new mommies; you’ll be glad you did. This may help you get back into a few of you non-maternity clothes sooner than expected. And if you still can’t get those buttons closed, then don’t bother. There are several versions of stretchy elastic bands meant to be worn over your clothes and hide the fact you’re unfastened. Belt-type extenders that attach to your pants and cover the unzipped area are also options.

Topping it off is a little bit easier. Start by scouring your closet for shirts and blouses that work. Got a button up that’s not quite buttoning up? Wear a cami or tank underneath and leave a few undone. V-neck and scoop neck t-shirts can have a slimming effect, besides why not make the most out of that added cleavage you’re carrying these days?

And speaking of cleavage, choosing the right bra makes a difference too. If you’re popping out of your brassiere anyplace at all, you’ll need to get measured and find one that fits. An improperly fitting bra can leave you looking sloppy. If you choose to breastfeed a nursing bra will make things easier, but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to just nursing tops and shirts. Cover-ups have become quite fashionable and allow you to discreetly feed your little one whenever you need.

When all else fails, go shopping. If you can afford to splurge then indulge in a few good pieces. If not, check out your local discount, thrift, or consignment shop. You may have to buy a size or two (or three) bigger than you’re used to, but you’ll look and feel better for it. With a little work the weight will come off, but don’t wait until then to get out of your sweats – just save them for the gym!

Tia O'Neill is a former glamour diva, turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

Give Yourself a Hand – A Pretty One!

EndlessBeauty.com — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:24:30 +0000

Much like that luxurious mane you sported throughout pregnancy, it’s likely that your nails grew long and strong too. A few women may actually have suffered from nails that were more brittle during pregnancy, but after baby arrives almost all moms notice less strength and a slower growth rate around four to six months later (a little longer if you are breastfeeding).

People often tend to attribute hair and nail growth during pregnancy to taking prenatal vitamins, and while it’s true that those extra nutrients do play a role in hair and nail health, hormones are also a big factor. So when your body stops producing those growth-promoting hormones, and the prenatal vitamins are no longer part of your daily routine, it’s natural to see the return of short, broken nails that just don’t seem to grow. While you may not be able to entirely eliminate the effects of the hormonal rollercoaster, you can prevent adding to the damage.

You took vitamins your entire pregnancy (we hope), so why stop now? A daily multi-vitamin will help balance out what your diet lacks, which is an important factor in hair, skin and nail health. If you are breastfeeding, it’s likely that your doctor has recommended you continue your prenatal vitamins anyway. Do it. It’s not just for you, but for your baby, too. Nutrients pass through breast milk, helping baby grow healthy and strong and your body will be even further depleted without them.

Vitamins are an excellent tool to add to your kit, but let’s not forget that eating the right foods is the first step in maintaining overall health, from the tips of your fingers down to your toes. Choose foods rich in Calcium (dairy, dark leafy greens, beans), Vitamin C (citrus, mango, broccoli), Folic Acid (spinach, potatoes, whole grains), and Essential Fatty Acids (fish, flax seed, walnuts) to maximize nail health and minimize damage.

And speaking of minimizing damage, make sure to take protective measures. Not that you have a whole lot of time to scrub the tub these days with the new baby and all, but if you do decide to get down and dirty make sure to wear gloves. Pick a pretty color, strike your best Betty Crocker pose and consider it homage to housewives of the 50s. Take care not to use your nails as tools for other household chores either. Get a pair of scissors to open those jumbo sized boxes of diapers and to crack the safety seal on bottles of formula.

While pampering yourself may sound like a far off dream, do take a little time for physical maintenance. Your nails and cuticles need moisture now more than ever. Get a good, thick cuticle cream or oil and remember to put it on as often as you can. Resist the urge to trim or cut your cuticles, as this will only exacerbate the problem when they become dry again or start to grow back. Remember, moisture can come from the inside too, so drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water each day, possibly more if you’re breastfeeding.

Go on mom, give yourself a hand…a pretty one!

Tia O'Neill is a former glamour diva, turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

Battling the Baby Bulge

EndlessBeauty.com — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:28:19 +0000

No one expects to leave the hospital sporting their exact pre-pregnancy shape, but what you may not be prepared for is the Pillsbury dough-boy style tummy roll now hanging over your knickers. Relax! Like many postpartum issues, it’s only temporary. Your abdominal wall was stretched tremendously by your growing baby, eventually becoming too long and causing a condition known as laxity, aka jelly belly.

So the first thing you’re going to do when you get home, besides get that diapering thing down, is hit the floor and start crunching, right? Sorry sister, not only is it likely to soon to start sit-ups but this and similar exercises aren’t necessarily the solution you seek. Before we talk about just what will target the right muscles and eliminate the stomach sag, let’s get one thing straight: You must first consult your physician.

Chances are she or he will likely give you the go ahead to begin light exercise as soon as you feel up to it, provided there were no complications during pregnancy or childbirth and you didn’t require a caesarean (c-section). If you did, you may have to wait at least six weeks before you can begin a fitness routine. Additionally, make sure you are not suffering from diastasis recti, the separation of your abdominal muscles into two halves. A small separation along the midline of your abdomen is common after pregnancy, but a gap of more than two finger widths means you will have to hold off on your abs until, once again, your doctor says it is okay.

Once you’ve got the green light to start exercising, make sure you begin slowly--especially when it comes to your abs. Overdoing it now can not only cause damage, but will make sticking to a regular routine all the more difficult. Practice a few reps just a few days a week to start, increasing repetitions and frequency only when you no longer feel challenged.

The muscles you want to target to eliminate laxity are called the transverse abdominis and lie deep within your abdominal core. Regular sit-ups and crunches focus mainly on your rectus abdominis and external obliques, which sit more at the surface. You’ll want to work these muscles too, but getting to those deep “girdle” muscles, as they are sometimes called, will help to quickly suck in that pooch.

Here are a few moves to target the transverse abdominis:

Isometric Abdominal Contractions: Lie down on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Breathe in deeply, and then exhale slowly while contracting your abs. Remember, you’re trying to pull your stomach muscles in – not push them out. Try to imagine pulling your belly button down into the floor. You’ll know when you’re doing it right because you’ll feel it after just a few reps. Add in a pelvic tilt when you’ve mastered this by lifting your pelvis off the floor and toward your navel using only your lower abs.
The Plank: Lie on your stomach and rest your forearms in front of you, palms facedown, with your elbows positioned under your shoulders. Point your toes toward the floor and lift your body off the ground, being sure to focus on using your stomach muscles to hold position and keep your back straight. Your upper body should remain stable but relaxed. Hold the position for just 15 seconds at first, increasing time and number of reps as you gain strength. When you’re ready for an added challenge, complete the same move but rest on your hands instead of your elbows, keeping your arms slightly bent.
The Scissor Kick: Lie on the floor and place your arms close to your body at your sides. You may want to place your thumbs under your tush to help keep your back on the floor and maintain stability. Raise both legs off the floor two to three inches. Now raise one leg at a time to a 45-degree angle, then switch. Complete as many reps as you can and increase slowly over time.

Remember, when it comes to your body recovering from pregnancy and childbirth, it’s going to take a while. You’ll need to combine cardio and other toning exercises to see real overall results. But with the right moves and a little effort, you can win the battle of the baby bulge.

Tia O'Neill is a former glamour diva, turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

Sleep, What’s That Again?

Allison — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:57:13 +0000

It’s three o’clock in the morning and you’re awake for another feeding. You bounce, you rock, you sing and pace, and before you know it, the sun has come up. You’re little one is now nestled into bed and just has your head hits the pillow, the alarm clock goes off. It’s time for your mate, your other children and the dog to get up. You shuffle them all out the door and run back for a little shut eye, but wait, what’s that sound? It’s the baby again and it’s time for another feeding.

It would be great if we really did just “sleep when the baby sleeps” but a recent poll of mommy friends proves this often isn’t the case. We have lives to lead while we nurture our newborns. Bills must be paid, food must be made and sleep, well –what’s that again? All too often we forgo rest and relaxation for order and organization. After all, who could relax with all those dishes in the sink? Add in a job, a pile of laundry, a trip to the grocery store and something has to give. Chances are, if you’re like most moms, it’s sleep.

You might choose to skip something else if you knew just how detrimental sleep deprivation can really be. Did you know that a lack of sleep can contribute to difficulty losing weight and may actually play a part in packing on the pounds? Now that’s just what a new mommy struggling to lose the baby-weight wants to hear. And we all know that sleepless nights lead to stressful days. Who hasn’t bitten off a head or two after a restless night? Unfortunately, these little tidbits are just the tip of the iceberg.

Here are the facts: not getting enough sleep can lead to an increased risk for diabetes, elevated blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and even cancer. It puts your immune system in a depressed state and inhibits your natural ability to fight off the common cold and seasonal flu. Need something a bit more immediate to convince you? Getting behind the wheel while suffering from sleep deprivation can easily be compared to driving drunk. You wouldn’t get behind the wheel with your little one if you were intoxicated, now would you? In reality though, lack of sleep can slow your reaction time and inhibit concentration just as much.

So what’s a new mom to do? We might not be able to skip the midnight feedings for now, but we certainly could let those dishes go for a day or two. And why not delegate? Forget the friends that just want to hold the baby and chat. Call in the go-getter and ask him or her to do a load of laundry, vacuum the floor, or take over entirely while you take a much needed nap. Use earplugs, pull the curtains closed and allow yourself to sleep. Hire help if you can afford it and invest in a good meditation recording if you need assistance unwinding.

It might not be easy at first, but with time and practice you can learn to let go of that super mom complex and get the sleep you need.

You’ll be a better mother and a healthier human being for it.

Tia O'Neill is a former glamour diva, turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

A Little Extra Luggage? Try These Home Remedies to Treat Your Tired Eyes.

Allison — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:46:44 +0000

As beautiful as they are, we all know that babies come with quite a bit of baggage. Chances are you’re carrying around a little extra luggage than you used to, and we’re not talking about baby weight here (though EndlessBeauty.com has suggestions to help with this too). Stop, take a deep breath, and look in the mirror. Those bags under your eyes aren’t designer, they’re disaster. Fortunately, they’re also fixable. Aside from getting more sleep, just what solutions to sagging can a new mommy seek?

Let’s start with a quick look in the kitchen. We’ve all heard of putting cucumber slices on our eyes, but that’s just a cliché, right? Wrong. Cucumbers not only soothe the eye, but fatty acids, potassium, and cucurbitin found in the veggie work to reduce puffiness, tighten skin, and fade redness and dark circles. No cucumbers in the house? Use potato slices instead. They contain some of the same chemical properties and work quite well. Chill before applying for a little extra help with inflammation.

Out of produce entirely? Put a washcloth in the freezer for a few minutes and then place over your eyes. You might not get the added benefit of fatty acids or potassium, but the cold compress should ease some of the puff. Can’t wait for the cloth to cool? Put an ice cube inside instead and apply directly under the eye. Be sure not to rub or irritate the skin though, as this will defeat the purpose entirely. While you’re there, drop a few cubes in a glass of water and drink up. Not getting enough H2O will exacerbate any under eye or skin issue, so be sure you’re getting your eight to 10 glasses per day.

Need something a little stronger? Make yourself a couple cups of tea and be sure to opt for one that's high octane. Part of what causes those unsightly bags is fluid retention just under the surface of the skin and caffeine acts as a mild topical diuretic helping to wick it away. Teas also contain tannins which help tone and tighten the skin and contain antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals, one of the causes behind crow’s feet. Again, cool the bags before placing on your eyes for added soothing, then lean back, relax, and sip your double-caff for the next ten minutes. The baby has to sleep sometime.

When all else fails, a good concealer can help cover some of the discoloration. Be sure to choose a color that matches the undertone of your skin; for example, yellow, pink, olive, mocha or terracotta. Trying to cover up with a color that is too light, too dark, or that is just off entirely will only draw attention to your little Louis Vuittons.

In the end, there are plenty products available for purchase that promise to work magic under your eyes, some of which actually do. But, as often the case with new moms, there isn’t always enough time for a trip to the cosmetics counter. Many of those products contain concentrated versions of home remedies anyway --so when you’re in a pinch, why not work with what you’ve got?

You’ll save time, money, and your tired eyes.

Tia O'Neill is a former glamour diva, turned new mom. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.

Top Tips for the Bride To Be

EndlessBeauty.com — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:40:42 +0000

Drink water, all of the time. Consider purchasing a reusable water bottle that you mentally label your “Bride Bottle”. Heck, you can actually label it, we don’t care. Drinking more water during the pre-wedding time will help your diet, your skin, your hair, your digestion and everything in between.

If you’re going to invest in a gym, add on a personal trainer. If ever there was a time to spend money on personal training, this is it! Don’t add stress to your life by having to research and design your own workouts. A trainer can maximize your gym time, and help target specific areas. Spending the money and scheduling the training appointments will also hold you accountable, making you less likely to cheat on your exercise routine.

Eat less, more often. We’ve all heard about this, and for good reason. By splitting up three big meals into five or six smaller meals throughout the day, you are less likely to overeat. The goal is to eat more often, while eating less overall. Increasing the frequency of meals turns less food into fat. Also, slow down while you eat, and you will feel fuller faster.

Consider something that also works your mind. Many brides say that a yoga class was the ultimate way to workout until the big day. It is a great combination of mind and body stimulation. One beginner session in yoga or pilates may just find you hooked on these stress-relieving workouts.

Vitamins please! Put a bottle of all-in-one vitamins next to your toothbrush. Take one every morning to boost your levels of the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin C will help your immune system, which will be prone to attack due to stress and lack of sleep.

Be healthy together. There is no reason for you to practice healthier habits, while he sits like a couch potato. Invest in a healthy pre-wedding lifestyle together. It will motivate both of you, and give you more time together. The good news is that sex can be great exercise too!

Get a good night’s sleep. Put a notebook and pen on your nightstand to jot down the last minute thoughts and to-do lists that run through your mind. Then try every night to get the rest that you need and deserve. Practicing routine sleeping habits will reduce your chances of getting sick, and provide the energy you need to plan a wedding!

Protect your skin. Make sure you are kind to your skin during this time. Try spray tanning instead of tanning beds, and wear sunscreen when going outside. Invest in a good face moisturizer, and use it every day. Forgetting about your skin can have damaging, long-lasting effects. Oh, and don’t forget to exfoliate!

Don’t forget to reward yourself. If you think that you have to give up everything that doesn’t say “fat-free”, you are in for a miserable bride ride. With stress levels at their peak, it is perfectly okay to go out for ice cream, or celebrate when the office party only serves cookies and cake. Also, cholesterol and unsaturated fats contribute to giving you a “glow”.

Mix it up. When you get tired of your routine, whether it be eating or exercising, do something different. The key is not to quit. Take a break from your trainer, and attend a cardio dance class. Take a healthy cooking class and get excited about your new meals. Go on a kayaking trip one weekend. Whatever it is, be sure to add some flavor to your fitness routines. Your health should be a top priority, but this doesn’t mean it has to be boring!

Bridal Makeup 101

EndlessBeauty.com — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:53:36 +0000

Avoid makeup trends and fads. The point here is to look back ten years from now and not want to burn every wedding picture from your big day. Try to avoid the latest in revolutionary makeup, and go more for the timeless look. You can’t go wrong with classic beauty. Sure, trends and fads are fun, but don’t get so crazy that your fiancé looks confused when he sees you. Make sure your makeup is consistent; a vamped up, polished version of what you usually wear.

Consider the lighting. When making your makeup decisions, the lighting is a decisive factor in choosing colors, shades, etc. Will it be a morning, afternoon, or evening wedding? What is the setting for the pictures? What is the lighting in the venue? Make sure to consider these factors when practicing your makeup shades. You’ll want to go with darker shades for darker settings, and vice-versa.

Upgrade your makeup toolkit. Your beauty bag should now contain products that are marked by either “all-day” or “waterproof”.

Practice. It is very important to try all of the products well in advance in order to avoid makeup disasters. Try coping with a sudden allergic reaction to a new product – yeah, no thank you! Practice also allows you to tweak color arrangements to achieve the perfect coordination on your big day. If you are outsourcing the makeup application process, even if it is to a close friend, set up an appointment for a trial run; and be honest with the results – this is your day!

Bride Emergency Kit

EndlessBeauty.com — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:06:06 +0000

We know that every beautiful bride has to have a wedding day emergency kit. Looking beautiful is important, but staying that way is definitely a priority! We have compiled a comprehensive list of health and beauty items to reduce your stress level on your big day. These kits can be purchased online, but we hope you take a look at our longer list to avoid any drama; and, of course, reduce your stress by delegating the Emergency Kit task to your Maid of Honor!

Duh – But remind me anyways…

Makeup for Touchups
Mirror
Makeup Tools
Toothbrush/Toothpaste and Floss
Mints or Breath Spray
Hairbrush/Comb
Hairspray
Bobby Pins
Tissues
Lotion
Deodorant
Perfume
Safety Pins
Tampons
Sewing Kit
Double-sided Tape
Stain Remover Stick

Okay – I may not have thought of that…

Bottled Water
Snacks
Lint and Static Removers
Allergy Medication
Antacids
Pain Relievers
Scissors
Super Glue
Earring Backs
Pins
Blotting Papers
Q-Tips
Nail File
Nail Polish and Remover
Eye Drops
Hand Sanitizer
Phone Charger
List of Important Phone Numbers
Printed Driving Directions
Insect Repellent
Pen and Paper
Steamer
Cash

For some added stress relief, feel free to add a bottle of wine and a few glasses.

All-Day Makeup

EndlessBeauty.com — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:08:22 +0000

Moisturize. Make sure that you use a moisturizer on your wedding day, before putting on your foundation. Makeup doesn’t stick as well to the skin’s natural oils. Also, wait ten minutes after moisturizing to put on your foundation. The moisturizer isn’t effective until you let it settle in.

Use a Primer. Consider using a makeup primer between the moisturizer and foundation stages. Primers have a good reputation for extending makeup wear. Once again, allow the primer to settle before applying foundation. Primer isn’t just for foundation, either. Use it on your eyes to help extend the life of your eye shadow.

Set with Powder. Powder formulations have an amazing lasting ability. Brush powder over your foundation, and always have your compact handy throughout the day for touch ups.

Blot. Carry blotting sheets and be sure to wipe away excess oils as they appear. This will keep them from washing away all of your hard work!

Waterproof your eyes. You will need to use waterproof products, even if you never have before. Mascara and eyeliner both come in waterproof forms. Liquid eyeliner definitely beats a pencil in terms of staying power. You will need lots of practice with these, and don’t forget to remove them with only high-quality makeup remover.

Lock in your lipstick. There are many products available that have all-day potential. However, you will want to go above and beyond for this day when it comes to your lips. Start by applying a little lip balm, and letting it settle in for a few minutes. Wipe away the excess, and while applying foundation and powder, also brush it over your lips. This creates the base for your lipstick. Be sure to wear lip liner to keep the lipstick from bleeding. Keep some in your purse for reapplication, and smile knowing that your lipstick is locked-in!

Mist with a finisher. A good finisher will lock in your makeup for a true all-day stay. It’s like hairspray for your face.

Invest in all-day products. If you aren’t hiring someone to do your makeup, you will most likely need to purchase some new products. Just don’t forget to add the waterproof makeup, all-day lipstick, and the makeup primer and finisher to your beauty toolkit! The purchases will be worth your while.

Get in Shape with a Bridal Bootcamp

EndlessBeauty.com — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:18:00 +0000

This six-week workout is specifically designed for the busy bride. It maximizes weight loss and toning by targeting the full body. Can’t afford a gym membership? No problem! This metabolism-boosting workout can be done at home.

This exercise set is labeled “Bridal Bootcamp” for a reason. Begin it six weeks before your wedding date, and make it a top priority. It only takes 30 minutes, but burns up to 900 calories.

Follow this fast, uncomplicated workout four to six times per week for a smaller you on your big day:

Power Jacks

1. Start in a shoulder width stance with your knees slightly bent.
2. Jump up into the air and spread your legs out into a wide stance and land in this position.
3. Immediately proceed into a squat and then stand back up into a jump to land with both feet at a shoulder width stance.
4. Repeat this movement for 20 repetitions or more if possible. Complete four sets with 15-30 second breaks in between each set.

Walking Lunge Curl and Press

1. Start by lunging forward with the dumbbells at your side.
2. As you stand up from your lunge curl the dumbbells up towards the shoulders.
3. Bring the dumbbells back down to your waist as you go into your next lunge.
4. As you stand up from the second lunge raise the dumbbells up over your head as if you are shoulder pressing them up.
5. Bring them back down to the waist when you lunge down for the third time and repeat this sequence.
6. Repeat for 20 repetitions or more if possible. Complete four sets with 15-30 second breaks in between each set.

Ball Transfer Crunch (Can also be done without a ball)

1. Start by lying on your back with a stability ball held between your legs and your arms directly above your head.
2. Simultaneously raise your legs with the ball and your shoulders up towards the ceiling.
3. At the top grab the ball with your arms and return to the starting position with the ball in your hands.
4. Repeat this movement and transfer the ball back to your feet.
5. Repeat for 20 repetitions or more if possible. Complete four sets with 15-30 second breaks in between each set.

Reverse Crunch Scissor Kicks

1. Start by lying on your back with your legs straight up and perpendicular to the floor.
2. Slowly lower one leg until you are no longer able to keep your lower back neutral to the floor.
3. Lift your leg back up and then repeat with the other leg for the desired repetitions.
4. As you get stronger continue to lower your legs closer to the floor as long as you can keep your back neutral with the floor.
5. Complete as many repetitions as possible until muscle failure.

10 Food Myths: Fact or Fiction?

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:01:50 +0000

Will that next packet of Sweet'N Low lead to cancer? Can cutting out eggs lower cholesterol? Does celery really have negative calories? With so many food myths out there, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. Get the truth from the experts. Plus, find out how much you know about eating healthy…

1. Carrots improve eyesight.
FALSE!

Carrots are a great source of vitamin A, which is important for healthy eyesight, glowing skin and preventing infections, says Keri Gans, a registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association (ADA) spokesperson.

But, if you have poor eyesight, eating more carrots is not going to make it better.

“Carrots are an excellent food and part of a well-balanced diet, but people shouldn’t eat them thinking that they’ll improve their vision,” she says.

A person deficient in vitamin A does have a higher risk of developing night blindness, Gans says. So eating carrots, as well as whole eggs, whole milk and liver, is an important way to avoid a vitamin A deficiency and keep the eyesight you have.

2. Sweet’N Low causes cancer.
FALSE!

Sweet'N Low’s main ingredient is saccharin, and that’s what has people worried. In the early 1970s, research linked saccharin to bladder cancer in rats, leading Congress to require all foods containing the substance to bear a warning label.

After years of study, however, saccharin has not been associated with bladder cancer in humans, and it remains on the market.

“Sweet’N Low can be part of a well-balanced diet,” Gans says. “If someone wants to enjoy a cup of coffee or two a day with Sweet’N Low, there’s no risk associated with that.”

3. Warm milk can help you fall asleep.
TRUE!

“Warm milk can help put you to sleep because it contains tryptophan, an amino acid that your body converts to melatonin and serotonin,” Gans says. “This can help induce sleep.”

All dairy foods (and turkey) are a good source of tryptophan. So don’t count sheep, head to the refrigerator for a bowl of ice cream or a cup of low-fat yogurt.

4. Chewing gum takes seven years to pass through your digestive system.
FALSE!

This myth has been hanging around since school days, but there’s no truth to it. If you accidentally swallow your gum, it doesn’t dissolve, but it eventually passes through the system undigested, says Gans.

“Gum is more like fiber: It may take longer for your body to digest it,” she says. “But it won’t take anything close to seven years.”

5. Coffee can stunt growth.
FALSE!

“There’s no evidence that coffee stunts growth in children,” Gans says. But caffeine may not be good for children, because it can interfere with sleep, cause dehydration and make kids hyperactive.

6. Ground turkey is healthier than ground beef.
FALSE!

“Ground turkey is frequently made from dark meat and often includes the skin,” Gans says. “So it’s going to be a lot higher in fat” than ground sirloin, which is a lean cut of beef.

But all-white-meat ground turkey is better than ground sirloin.

Read packaged meat labels to know what’s in the meat and be sure of its health benefits.

7. Celery has negative calories.
FALSE!

If only a food with negative calories existed! Celery has just 6 to 10 calories per serving, but the idea that you’ll burn more calories from chewing it is just not true.

And, “you’re not going to burn off calories from other foods you’ve eaten because you’ve munched on some celery,” Gans says.

Still, there are far worse snack choices, if you’re trying to lose weight.

“In place of potato chips, for example, celery would be an excellent choice,” she says.

8. It's healthiest to stop eating by 7 p.m.
FALSE!

Not eating after a certain time of day is the right idea, says Tara Miller, registered dietitian and program manager with the Center for Corporate Wellness at NYU Medical Center. You want your last meal to be several hours before you go to bed, she says.

But the time you stop eating must fit your schedule. Not eating after 4 p.m., for example, may not work “if you’re not going to bed until 1 a.m.,” Miller says.

9. Eating dairy products helps you lose weight.
TRUE!

“There is a lot of research supporting this,” Gans says. Why? Because of calcium. It “binds to fat and decreases its absorption in the intestinal tract,” she says.

Dairy products can also make you feel full. “I recommend a snack of string cheese or low-fat yogurt and a piece of fruit. This helps to keep them fuller so that when they eat their next meal, they don’t overeat.” Gans says.

10. Eating eggs will raise your cholesterol level.
FALSE!

Eggs are a great source of protein. “Even if you have high cholesterol, an egg a day is totally fine,” Gans says.

“It’s not cholesterol that raises cholesterol, it’s saturated fat,” Gans says. Yolks do contain some saturated fat, she points out, but what’s unhealthy is how they’re prepared.

“If you’re frying it in two tablespoons of butter, or you’re eating eggs with bacon and home fries, you’re not making a healthy choice,” Gans says.

By Lisa Zamosky
Lisa Zamosky is an independent health care journalist who writes for consumer and professional audiences in magazines, websites and daily newspapers. She lives in Southern California with her husband and son.

Use your SMARTs and Lose Weight Faster

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:47:26 +0000

Be honest: How many times have you let your diet slip and then berated yourself for being weak and unmotivated? We’ve all done it. But the truth is, dieting success or failure is not about motivation alone. If you want to make changes with lasting power, you have to arm yourself with skills that will help you to hold onto the changes you are making.

No matter what kind of weight-loss program you decide to follow, dieting success comes down to three basic principles, according to Josh Klapow, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist at University of Alabama at Birmingham: You need to know what to eat; you have to really want to do the diet; and you have to arm yourself with the skills to change your habits long-term. “Without any one of these three components, you’re not likely to succeed,” says Klapow. Here are five SMART tips Dr. Klapow offers for long-term dieting success:

1. Set a specific and reachable goal. Example: I want to lose one pound a week.

2. Monitor your actions. Write down everything you eat – you may be surprised at what or how much you’re actually putting in your mouth!

3. Arrange for success. Know ahead of time what healthy options are available at your favorite restaurants. Pack your own lunch for work or school. Remove tempting, high-calorie foods from your cupboards.

4. Recruit a support team. Diet with a buddy and ask your friends and family for support.

5. Treat yourself. Build in a reward for yourself every week. The more positive reinforcement you get, the better your chances for success.

Be SMART and shed those unwanted pounds!

Women's Medical Checklists for Every Age

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:56:49 +0000

As girls, we get medical check-ups every year. But as adults, we often don’t see our doctors as regularly as we should. Life, work and caring for our own kids makes it difficult to find the time. And medical check-ups aren’t so simple anymore, either. Women’s needs involve a lot more than an ear check and knee tap. Knowing which medical screenings you should have at every age will help you stay healthy. Here is a decade by decade overview of what you’ll need…

What We All Should Get

Annual physicals

Beginning in our 20s, we should get certain exams regularly. Annual physicals, for starters, should include an evaluation of height and weight, blood pressure and a full-body check for skin cancer. These appointments are also excellent opportunities to ask your doctor about any physical ailments or conditions you may be experiencing.

Pap tests and pelvic exams

According to Dr. Christine Miller, associate clinical professor of reproductive medicine at the University California San Diego, women who have been sexually active for at least three years or who are 21 or older should have a Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer, and a pelvic exam annually. Some doctors schedule Pap tests every two to three years as long as previous tests have come back clear and there are no additional risk factors, such as multiple sexual partners or herpes infection.

Breast exams
Breast exams at an annual physical and/or annual visit to your OB/GYN are a must for every woman, young and old. Women should also examine their breasts at least once a month: look in the mirror for any change in size, shape and color; squeeze the nipples to check for any discharge; and, lying down, feel their breasts from top to bottom and side to side.

Flu shots

Some physicians recommend annual influenza shots for everyone, while other doctors don’t feel they’re necessary until you’re 65 and older, or if you have additional risk factors. “If you have pulmonary disease or your immune system is compromised, if you are a health care provider or live with someone who is at high risk, you should have a flu vaccine annually,” Miller says.

Tetanus vaccination

Boost your tetanus vaccination every 10 years. Ask your regular physician for one; most health care providers administer them.

Dental Checkups

Aim for dental checkups and cleanings every 6-12 months, particularly if you’re pregnant, have diabetes, smoke, have dry mouth, or are HIV-positive. Good oral hygiene can help prevent certain medical conditions, such as gum disease, from developing. Research has recently linked gum disease and heart problems.

In Our 20s

Sexually transmitted diseases

If you are sexually active, you should be tested regularly for chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis, Miller says. She also advises women, particularly those age nine to 26, to ask for the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, a new vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer. Older women may also ask about the vaccine, particularly those who have multiple sexual partners.

Cholesterol

Dr. Mitchell Charap, associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University School of Medicine, advises women in their 20s to begin having cholesterol levels checked every three-five years. Your regular doctor can administer this test.

Hepatitis B vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone under 18 be vaccinated. So should anyone at risk of infection, such as people who have sex with multiple partners or with someone who is already infected, have contact with blood products, or travel to countries where hepatitis B is common.

Lifestyle

Charap feels that lifestyle issues may be one of the most important areas to examine during regular check-ups. “Most people [who die] between the ages of 20 and 40 die of accidental causes,” he says. “So when I see a young woman for a check-up, I want to make sure she’s wearing a seatbelt and/or a helmet. I want to know how her nutrition is and whether or not she’s depressed. I ask if she’s smoking, whether she’s exposing young children to smoke, if she’s drinking, taking drugs or engaging in unsafe sexual practices.”

In Our 30s

Medical screenings you’ll need in your 30s won’t change much from those of your 20s. However, there are some issues to consider.

Birth control

Your birth control needs may change during this decade, as many women these days have their first children in their 30s. This same decade is when many other women are finished with child bearing. As your needs change, you should consult with your OB/GYN about the best birth control method for you.

Another factor: smoking. If you’re on the pill and are a smoker, you should talk with your doctor about other birth control options. “We try to be cautious with birth control pills if a woman is a smoker and 35 or older,” Miller says. Women this age who smoke are at greater risk for blood clots when they are also taking birth control pills. Otherwise, low-dose pills are safe until a woman reaches perimenopause, the time when her body begins its transition into menopause.

Mammograms

Mammograms are typically not recommended until age 40. But Charap suggests that if you have a family history of breast cancer – particularly involving a close relative, such as a mother, sister or aunt – you may want to start getting screenings in your 30s.

In Our 40s

Mammograms

“Between the ages of 40 and 50, a woman should have a mammogram every two years,” Miller says.

Bone density scans

If you’ve entered early menopause, you should have a bone density test because of lowering levels of estrogen, which in turn affect bone density. Ask your primary care physician how to get one.

Cholesterol

At 40, begin having your cholesterol checked yearly.

Weight check

Many women’s metabolism begins to slow in their 40s, making it easier to put on weight. Miller encourages women to make sure they are maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9.

In Our 50s
At age 50, regular medical screenings become increasingly important and more frequent.

Colorectal cancer screenings
Colorectal cancer screenings need to be part of a woman’s regular medical checkups at this age. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should begin screenings earlier. The American Cancer Society recommends colonoscopies every 3-5 years, beginning at age 50. If your regular physician doesn’t perform them, ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist.

Bone density scans
Bone density tests are a must. All post-menopausal women should have a baseline test. If it comes back normal, they should continue to have their bone density tested every five years. If the bone density is not normal, Charap suggests exams every two years.

Mammograms
At 50, mammograms should be given annually.

Pap tests
These should now be performed annually along with a pelvic examination.

Plan for Diet Failure

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:19:12 +0000

At the start of any diet, you want to believe that, this time, you’ll really stick it out to the end. After all, planning for success is an important part of being successful. But when it comes to dieting, we can quickly find a million and one things to block our progress. That’s why any successful diet also includes a plan for failure.

According to Josh Klapow, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist at University of Alabama at Birmingham, instead of just hoping for the best, you need to plan for the worst. “People should make a list of situations in advance that may keep them from their healthy diet or exercise program and come up with a quick plan for dealing with it before the situation occurs.” Winter weather can make exercising a challenge, for example. But instead of lamenting the snow storm blocking you from your daily jog, make sure you have an indoor environment where you work out. Will an upcoming business trip force you to eat out every night for the next week? Locate some restaurants ahead of time that offer healthy menu options. Plan for last-minute meals, too. Always have a handful of healthy meal options in your mind that you can order anywhere, like salad or broth-based soups. Going on vacation? Sight-see on foot, or start your day with a walk. And when it comes time to indulge, make sure to share desserts with your travel partner if you have one. “Don’t let life catch you by surprise and throw you off your plan,” says Dr. Klapow. “Come prepared for the challenge.”

An Easy Tip to a Fresh Face

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:27:25 +0000

Women at any age should moisturize their skin in order to keep it healthy and looking fresh. Before applying makeup, creating your color palette or experimenting with your cosmetic arsenal, you must recognize the value of hydration and the importance of moisturizing. When skin is unable to retain enough moisture, the results can be unpleasant. Red blotchy patches, flaking and itching are all common in skin that is under moisturized. Women have a misconception that if their skin is dry, it needs oil. Actually, what it needs is water or moisture to rejuvenate it. That's why too much cleansing can do more damage than good.

Using a good moisturizing lotion for the face and body, as well as a hydrating body wash, is a solution will help to approve the appearance of dry skin. The best moisturizers are non-comedogenic (does not block pores), and are made up of non-greasy and non-irritating formulas. High quality products will also have emollients and natural ingredients to nourish the skin.

Aveeno® has two great products, which are formulated to meet these standards. Aveeno® Positively Smooth Moisturizing Lotion and Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer are great examples of what a moisturizer should accomplish. Both contain an exclusive combination of natural soy extracts, skin-silkening soy and skin conditioners, which make for exceptional softness and nourishment. The organic benefits of these Aveeno® products go a long way when it comes to healthy skin.

Think of your moisturizer as a barrier between your skin and the harsh environment that it is exposed to on a regular basis. It prevents signs of aging, such as wrinkles and blemishes, so it is perhaps the single most important part of your daily skin regiment. Whether it’s the sun, pool or synthetic cosmetics, give your skin a fighting chance with a good moisturizer.

Four 'Miracle' Foods... Or Are They?

EndlessBeauty.com — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:14:53 +0000

A walk down the supermarket aisle exposes you to an array of foods that have been enhanced in the name of health. Functional foods – those that claim to provide health benefits historically limited to dietary supplements or medicine – entice us with promises of improved digestion, additional vitamins, increased energy, and a strengthened immune system. Every day it seems a new wonder food is hyped on billboards and television commercials urging us to take a proactive role in our health. But how much truth lies behind these claims?

Yogurt and the Probiotic Craze

Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer health benefits, particularly for problems with ingestion and yeast infections. Some products claim to have a unique probiotic strain of live bacteria that aids regularity and shortens the length of a cold. Dannon and Fage are two popular brands. TCBY even offers a frozen yogurt option.

“There is rationale for repopulating bacteria in the [gastrointestinal] tract with the use of acidophilus and yogurt cultures, especially after taking antibiotics,” says Marc Siegel, M.D., associate professor of medicine at New York University School of Medicine and author of False Alarm: The Truth About the Epidemic of Fear (Wiley, 2005). For this reason, Siegel says the claims of improved digestion made by companies producing yogurt with probiotics are probably fair, although it’s unclear whether positive results can be attributed to the specific formulas.

“The bottom line is that you want to look for live cultures in any yogurt,” says Andrea Giancoli, registered dietician and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. “That’s what makes it yogurt.”

As for the claims by some companies that their dairy products provide strength and energy, both Giancoli and Siegel are skeptical. “Many things can give you energy,” says Siegel. “These products have sugars and good proteins that can give you energy. There’s nothing specific about yogurt that’s going to make an old man young again.”

Fortified Soft Drinks

An 8-ounce can of Diet Coke Plus, a product from the Coca-Cola Company, claims to offer drinkers 15% of the recommended daily intake of niacin and vitamins B6 and B12 and 10% of daily zinc and magnesium needs.

“I don’t think that we should allow the presence of vitamins in drinks to obscure the intrinsic nature of the beast,” says Siegel. “Caffeine will give you energy but so will a good night’s sleep. I’m all for getting vitamins, but the best place to get them is a vitamin pill, not a soft drink.”

Siegel says, however, that vitamin water is a good alternative for someone who might otherwise drink a sugary soda. Many vitamin waters are available today, including Glacéau’s VitaminWater, Coke’s vitamin- and fiber-infused Dasani bottled water and PepsiCo Inc.’s SOBe Life Water, which is enhanced with four types of B vitamins.

These products make varied claims about their health benefits, touting their ability to enhance physical endurance or provide clarity and focus. However, he doesn’t see any of these fortified drinks as a vitamin substitute, but rather a lesser of evils.

Be sure not to make the mistake of looking to these so-called healthy drinks as your primary source of nutrients. “If you don’t take your vitamin pill, you don’t eat your vegetables, but instead of drinking a soda you drink vitamin water, that’s an improvement,” says Siegel.

Fruit Juices: A Source of Antioxidants and Omega-3s?

POM, the 100% pomegranate juice, claims to fight free radicals and guard against cancer and aging with antioxidants. “The dark red and purple fruits do have a variety of nutrients and have antioxidants as well,” says Giancoli.

Because POM is pure pomegranate juice, both Siegel and Giancoli believe it is good for you, but like all juices, it is high in calories.

“Be really careful with the calories,” says Giancoli. “A small glass of POM juice is probably healthy, but if you drink too much, you’ve saturated the benefit and only increased your calories.”

Tropicana offers orange juice fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to cut the risk of heart disease and possibly Alzheimer's. According to Siegel, omega-3s are healthy, “but it makes me nervous as a gimmick added to orange juice for the purpose of increasing the public yield without addressing the essential issue of whether orange juice is good for you.”

Orange juice has a lot of sugar and is high in calories, which can decrease some of the benefit gained by taking in additional omega-3s. “It’s better to get it from fish, but if you won’t eat fish, the orange juice can be helpful,” says Giancoli.

A number of other foods have been fortified with omega-3s as well, including eggs, cereal and dairy products. “There are better places to get omega-3,” says Siegel. Fish and flaxseed oil are perhaps the best sources.

Fortified Cereals and Granola

From oatmeal to wheat flakes, there are many cereals on the market fortified with soy for heart health. Not to mention a variety of granola bars containing plant sterols, which claim to help lower cholesterol.

According to Giancoli, cereals are a great way to get whole grains. “A recent study showed that eating whole-grain cereal everyday for breakfast lowers the chance for heart disease. Soy is lean plant protein and a good way to get protein while avoiding the fat and cholesterol from animal products, but whether it’s truly a benefit for heart health is being called into question,” she says.

As far as granola bars boasting sterols as a means to lower cholesterol, Siegel isn’t buying it. “Granola fortified with sterols is not the best way to lower cholesterol. Eating granola is fine, but the notion that eating it will lower your cholesterol is just a marketing gimmick.” Granola is high in calories, and often sugar, so eating it in moderation is important.

Sometimes the most obvious way to maintain a healthy diet is also the best. “Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and fiber is the best way to help lower cholesterol,” says Giancoli.

Beware of the Miracle Food Trap

Giancoli says often one food or nutrient steals the spotlight until we find evidence suggesting it isn’t the miracle food we initially thought it to be. “But this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad. We’re so focused on nutrients and individual foods, and what we really need to be focused on is an overall healthy diet. It isn’t specific foods that keep you healthy; it’s your overall dietary pattern. One food will not fix a poor diet.”

Simple Solutions for Beautiful Skin

EndlessBeauty.com — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 23:12:01 +0000

Your skin reacts to the environment in which it lives. In a healthy environment, your skin can glow and look radiant. In environments full of stress, pollution and lack of rest, your skin may react negatively and simple changes in lifestyle can have a dramatic effect on your skin.

Stress

Everything in your environment affects your skin. This is because environmental conditions cause certain stress responses in your body. For example, loud music, especially if you don't enjoy the music, can put your body into "fight or flight" thus causing your skin to react.

When you are presented with a situation that's stressful, your body begins the stress cycle. Adrenalin excreted by the adrenal glands starts to pump through the body. Adrenaline is known as the "fight or flight" hormone because it gives you plenty of energy—enough to run away from a situation, or enough to stay and fight the battle. Immediately after your adrenal glands excrete adrenaline, a second hormone, Cortisol, is released. Cortisol acts as a master strategist working to find solutions to handle the situation. Then, when the stressful event comes to a conclusion, the body goes into a recovery phase. The body rests, relaxes, the adrenaline and Cortisol dissipate, and life returns to normal.

Pollution and sick-building air can be harmful as well. Did you know that some office buildings and other public buildings have poor air-quality? The air conditioning and heating systems are inefficient at filtering out dust and allergens. Many buildings contain fungus and mold growing within the walls and basements. Such buildings are considered to have sick-building syndrome. If you work in such a building, you can protect yourself and your skin by opening a window, if possible. Or purchase a small air purifier and place in near your work are

Skin Stressors

Your body is bombarded with stressors every day. Some are mild, some more severe, but they all add up to stress and elevated Cortisol levels. Here are a few stressors that can harm your skin:

Air pollution. This is a fact of life, but you can plug a simple air purifier into the electrical socket at your home or office. You can even purchase an air purifier to use in your car. Foods you're allergic to and artificial foods. Avoid eating both.
Most tap water. Drink purified water instead.
Working in factories and other locations filled with pollutants and toxins
Dust and household dirt. Clean your house frequently. Change litter boxes often.
Sleeping in makeup or with sunscreen on your face Wash your face before going to bed.
Poor air quality. Change air filters in your home every two to three months. This keeps the air fresh and protects your skin from airborne particulates, fungus, bacteria, dust, and allergens.
General workplace conditions. If you work in a place where your skin can pick up dirt and grease, such as in a restaurant kitchen, be sure to thoroughly cleanse your face every night after work.
New paint, new carpet, new houses, new cars. All of these contain pollutants that create internal stress. When remodeling, be sure to continually air out your home and install an air purifier to reduce airborne toxins.

What You Should Know About Hair Extensions

EndlessBeauty.com — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 23:22:32 +0000

Hair extensions are the new alternative to the out-dated wig, providing women with the ability to artificially lengthen and thicken their hair. Many stylists recommend putting in extensions to help modify your look, or perhaps you’ve always wanted that long, gorgeous head of hair. Whatever the case, it is important to understand the different methods used for extensions and which ones will work best with your hair type.

Before you choose a means in which to attach the hair, you must determine whether you want to use natural human hair or synthetic hair. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The major benefit of natural hair is that it can be treated and maintained as you would your own hair. There is a wide range of color possibilities and textures with natural hair; however, it is significantly more expensive than synthetic hair. Due to its coarse texture, Asian hair is the least expensive. European hair retails at a steep price, but is premium quality. Synthetic hair has an unlimited supply, making it cheaper and more accessible. Regrettably, it will not match your hair perfectly and may also have a slightly unnatural wave. Still, this is a great option for anyone wanting to adjust their look without paying a fortune.

There are three varying techniques applied once you have chosen your hair type. These consist of strand-by-strand extensions, weft extensions and clip-ons. Choosing the right technique is extremely important. You must carefully analyze your budget, skin type, hair type and overall goals of your extensions.

The strand-by-strand method uses small strands of extension hair that are attached one- by-one to sections of your own hair by either weaving, gluing, heat fusing, clamping with metal tubes or using waxes and polymers. This method provides a very natural look and as many or as few extensions can be put in place as you desire. Unfortunately a professional stylist must remove these extensions and the day-to-day care is significantly greater and more challenging than any other extension. Depending on the length of each strand, the cost can vary from $300-$2,200 and last up to four months.

Weft extensions are applied by using a track with hair already attached. Small sections of your own hair are braided close to the scalp in a row and the extensions are then applied to one row at a time instead of the strand-by-strand method. You can have a hand-made weft made that will match your hair color and texture much better than a normal, synthetic weft extension. With this technique, no chemicals are used to place or remove the extensions.

In addition to this, the false weaves of hair can be removed, the braids tightened or redone and the weaves sewn back onto the hair and reused again. Unfortunately, weft extensions, like weaves, can put a lot of tension on the scalp and be heavy and uncomfortable. Also, this method works much better with thicker hair types because it can create a bulge in thin hair which is visually unappealing. There are lots of poor quality weaves on the market so you need to be sure of what you are buying. The typical cost can vary from $500-$1900 and can last up to three months.

Clip-on extensions can be removed or added to your normal hair at anytime. These are typically weft hair clips of varying lengths and widths. They are great alternatives to the more permanent methods listed above. This allows for experimentation and contrasting styles for your daily hair regiment. The costs can vary, but is cheaper than weft or strand-by-strand extensions and last however long you prefer.

The reality is that all of these are good methods to choose from, but it really comes down to your desired look and hair type. One thing is certain though; using an unsuitable method will not only hinder your appearance, but also do serious damage to your hair.

The Beauty of Spring Cleaning

EndlessBeauty.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:57:13 +0000

For a real uplift after surviving the winter blahs, nothing beats spring cleaning. But the act of tossing can actually create a liberated feeling from life’s unnecessary objects. Getting rid of stuff may indirectly help you look good. Here’s where you can eliminate – and create a beeline to a healthier lifestyle.

Spring Clean Your Makeup

For many women, the more makeup you’ve got, the more options you have towards creating beauty, says Ritu Saini, a dermatologist in New York. You might hang onto product because you don’t want to throw out high-price items, or you fear that certain colors will be discontinued. But make-up has a shelf-life, underscores Saini.

True, many items, like eye shadow, lipstick and lip liners, can safely be kept for a year or more – provided they haven’t been exposed to light and high temperatures, says Saini. Mascara, on the other hand, should be discarded three to four months after first use. Although many women go through mascara at break-neck speed, bacteria in the air and bacteria-laden debris on the eyelashes can be introduced into the tube. And, she says, natural products with fewer or no preservatives may contain ingredients that are less stable, thereby causing the items to break down quicker, she says.

The solution, says Saini, is to pare down your collection. She suggest that you toss items you’ve not used over several months, buy less expensive brands for special-occasion makeup and label the product with the date you bought them.

With makeup, it’s about quality, not quantity, says Saini.

Spring Clean Your Pantry and Refrigerator

What you eat and how you feel and look tend to go hand-in-hand. “Planning is the key to successful weight management, so it’s just as important to monitor where you keep your food items,” says Tara Harwood, a registered dietician at Cleveland Clinic. Spring cleaning is an ideal time to inventory what you’ve got.

The quality of infrequently used food items can deteriorate in the cupboard, says Harwood, especially if they’ve been exposed to fluctuating temperatures. Open boxes, even if stored in a cool, dry place, may even draw insects, or worse. Some items can easily get lost in the far-reaching corners of a refrigerator, and others which are prone to mold, such as cheese, may wind up spoiling other foods as well.

Harwood attributes the over-packed larder to an ingrained notion that it’s wrong to waste food. The reality is we keep more food than we need, she says. Often we’re attached to these foods, even though they’re too high-calorie or high-fat to be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Rethink spring-cleaning your food locations: it’s not about what you’re getting rid of, but about what you’re making room for that you can easily access when you open your pantry, says Harwood. For example, if you or family members tend to keep four boxes of cereal, choose one healthier boxed variety, or switch to cooking whole grains, such as old-fashioned oatmeal. “If you change your mindset, tossing unhealthy food is easy.”

Spring Clean for a Yoga or Meditation Space in Your Home

Ever wish you could create a designated personal place in your home to meditate or perform a few yoga asanas to destress? You can spring-clean that notion into reality, says professional organizer Erica Ecker, owner of The Spacialist in New York. The first step is deciding what means more to you – keeping that messy corner or having room to embrace the body-mind activities that support you in your life.

After you commit to creating your retreat, declutter it. Ecker believes that any extra work associated with an activity – for example, moving a chair or coffee table to allow you to lay down a yoga mat – will lessen the chances you’ll use that space. Many people whose homes are cluttered have a tough time dealing with newly empty areas, she says.

Ecker suggests using containers for rolled-up yoga mats, and making other items part of the décor. Buy yoga mats and meditation pillows in colors that blend in with the rest of the room, and keep your DVD player and instructional exercise and meditation DVDs within reach. “Balancing the use of space can also contribute to a healthy lifestyle,” she says. “With appropriate planning, you can have a well organized area where you can decompress, without affecting the rest of the room’s function.”

Coeli Carr is a health and fitness writer in New York City.

Tanning Salons Long-term Damage

EndlessBeauty.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:39:02 +0000

Getting a golden glow may require only a few visits to a tanning salon, but it takes years – often a decade or more – to see long-term damage. And because young women who begin using tanning beds at an early age don’t see skin changes right way, they’re often lulled into a false sense of security. Don’t be fooled, says Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic. Even if the impairment is not immediately visible to the human eye, those ultraviolet (UV) rays are taking a toll.

“The damage is cumulative over time,” says Piliang. “The ultraviolet rays from tanning beds – both UVA and UVB – damage skin and DNA just like natural sunlight does.”

Premature Aging of the Skin

In normal skin, the collagen and elastic fibers help keep the skin plump and firm, says Piliang. But a tanning salon’s UVA rays tend to penetrate deep into the skin and damage those fibers. Once those structures are destroyed, the skin sags and becomes thick and leathery.

When you’re young, explains Piliang, the skin’s own antioxidants and the body’s repair mechanism can defend against this damage. But regular exposure to the UV rays from visits to tanning salons affects the body’s defense system. The damage builds over time – not enough to see after each tanning session, but clearly apparent in your 20s, if you’ve been frequenting tanning beds since your teenage years.

DNA Damage and Cancer

The Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org) is a not a big fan of tanning beds. On its web site, the organization says that these establishments’ UV light may lead to skin cancer. Basal cell and squamous cell are the most typical skin cancers resulting from excess UV-ray exposure, says Piliang, adding that people who’ve used tanning beds prior to their mid-thirties are at an increased risk for melanoma, the most deadly type.

Skin-cancer risk is also cumulative. The downward spiral starts with UV damage to DNA in the cells. Everyone’s skin experiences cell turnover, and normal cells have a brake that prevents that process from going haywire, says Piliang. However, she says, cells that have been damaged no longer have an operative “stop” mechanism, and the result can be unregulated cell division which can lead to skin cancer.

Accelerated Risk

Unnecessary exposure to UV light at tanning salons also causes damage to happen faster, warns Lenora Felderman, a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York- Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “The skin remembers the damage resulting from long-term sun exposure,” says Felderman. “There’s a good chance that a person who frequently uses tanning beds will manifest skin cancer at a much earlier age than someone who abstains from tanning, especially if she’s genetically predisposed.”

Felderman notes that a sun tan is short lived. You can get similar results from self-tanning products, and create the illusion of a tan with make-up, she says.

Be Aware

“Unfortunately, teenagers and young adults believe they’re invincible,” Piliang, adding that many believe that skin cancer, if it happens, will only hit them when they’re old “Many don’t even feel they need to put sunscreen on their face or chest, because they’re in the tanning salon precisely to get a tan.” And myths abound, such as believing that tanning beds create a “safe” tan, she says. Eliminating visits to tanning salon can help make your skin history a healthy one.

Coeli Carr is a health and fitness writer in New York City.

Nurturing Your Nails

EndlessBeauty.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:28:16 +0000

Sometimes we forget that our fingernails and toenails are living things in need of attention. We often abuse our nails, and make them the source of a few bad habits. The good news is that healthy nails are also pretty nails, so the work put into them will show. By following a few simple rules, we can transform the way we view and treat our 20 pretty friends.

Hydrate. Nails need hydration too. Don’t forget to rub lotion over your nails when applying it post-shower. For added moisture, rub petroleum jelly or olive oil over your fingers and toes. Most importantly, before you hydrate your nails, they must be completely dry (ironic, we know). By making sure to fully dry hands and feet after showering or washing the dishes, you will prevent fungi from growing in the damp nail bed.

Protect. Bacteria growth is a direct result of prolonged moisture. Let sweaty shoes air- dry and change damp socks immediately. Try using rubber gloves when washing the dishes, and always give hands and feet a two-minute towel drying session if they do get wet. Try to avoid nail biting at all costs – it damages the nail and makes it more prone to infection. If you have brittle or fragile nails, put on a hardening polish for added strength. Although bare feet are fun and sexy, steer clear of germs by not going barefoot in public places.

Groom. Well groomed nails are a sign of attention to health; groom often, but use caution! Nails are fragile, and over-grooming can have painful results. For example, buffing your nails will make them shiny, and also stimulate the blood flow to the nail; excessive buffing, however, will wear the nail too thin. Also, always cut finger and toenails straight across, and use an Emory board to round down the edges. This ensures that you won’t cut the corners too close to the nail bed. Avoid a straight-on force when pushing your cuticles back; instead come in at an angle to reduce the damage done to the nail.

Learn. Some nail irregularities are normal and/or temporary. However, if you are experiencing yellowish discoloration, opaque or white coloring, separation of the nail and the nail bed, spotting or curled nails, you should speak with a health professional. Nail infections can be dangerous and contagious. If your nails aren’t smooth and consistent in color, you may have a more serious problem that should not be ignored.

Healthy Hair Care

EndlessBeauty.com — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:26:21 +0000

Unfortunately, your natural-born hair is the healthiest it will be. Exposure to chemicals, diet changes, different water types, heating tools and sun will all have damaging effects on your hair. Healthy hair requires consistent extra effort and an investment in products; however, your commitment to having healthy hair will pay off in gorgeous locks. If beautiful, shiny hair is on your wish list, follow the guidelines below:

Protect hair from heat. Between hair drying, straightening and curling tools, it seems women are constantly blasting their hair with heat. There are certain ways to reduce the amount of heat applied to your hair. First of all, apply your makeup before doing your hair. Leaving your hair until last will allow for more drying time, which means less minutes under the blow dryer. Also, buy your flat and curling irons with adjustable heat settings. Thinner hair can get the same results with a lower, less damaging temperature.

Although we pay a lot of attention to the sun’s damaging effects on the skin, we often overlook the damage to our hair. Look for sun-protecting products, but remember to always bring a hat for the best sun protection on days spent outside.

Beware of brushing. One of the biggest myths about hair is that it should be brushed 100 times a day. Although the hairbrush is good for spreading around the natural hair oils, too much will pull and break hairs without need. Only brush your hair when it is dry and absolutely necessary. Replace a brush with a wide-toothed comb a much as possible (especially when wet). Many experts agree that a brush with natural boar bristles is the preferred type.

Think about diet and supplements. It is important to remember that your hair is an extension of your skin and body. Poor nutrition will ultimately affect your hair as well; a diet that is high in sugar and salt can lead to dull, dry hair. Because your hair is mainly composed of protein, try to reduce your sugar and salt intake, and add more protein to your diet. As far as supplements, flaxseed oil taken daily can have a variety of benefits, and your hair in particular will receive healthy growth from the omega-3 fatty acids. Don’t forget that drinking plenty of water also contributes to hair moisture.

Spoil your hair. Depending on your level of damage, deep condition your hair weekly or biweekly. There are many products and home recipes to accomplish this, but it is important to get an intense conditioning session in quite often. This will strengthen your locks, while also creating shiny, beautiful hair. During this conditioning time, massage your scalp for a lengthened period of time. This increases the blood flow and oxygen that your hair receives. If you color your hair, use color-protective shampoo and conditioner to reduce color fading. Don’t forget your trip to the salon for a trim every one to two months to snip away those split ends.

Ethnic Hair: Myths, Fables and Tall-Tales

EndlessBeauty.com — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:02:42 +0000

For decades, ethnic hair has been a taboo subject – from the myths and misconceptions about its texture, to simple things like proper maintenance and ways to care for it. Ethnic women often find themselves frustrated by the lack of products and knowledge on how to keep their hair healthy.

Celebrity hair stylist and “Hair Architect”, Keith Campbell, once said; “There is no such thing as white hair or black hair, good hair or bad hair. Hair is just hair and has an identity like people have identities. Therefore, it should be treated as such.”

Let’s take a look at a few of the fallacies and falsehoods pertaining to ethnic hair, and finally put to rest the misconceptions of ethnic hair.

Myth #1. Ethnic Hair Doesn't Grow

False
The truth is all hair types grow an average of 1/2 inch per month. While your hair is growing, you may not be retaining the length due to improper care (over-processing, too much heat, not enough moisture and using the wrong products). Most ethnic hair grows in a kink or a curl, preventing you from seeing its real length. Which leads to the belief that it doesn’t grow long.

Myth #2. Ethnic Hair Needs Grease

False
You do not have to "grease" your scalp in order for it to be healthy. A better approach to moisturizing ethnic hair is to apply natural oils directly to your strands, paying special attention to the ends rather than the scalp.

Myth #3. Ethnic Hair Is Hard to Manage

False
Ethnic hair can seem hard to manage if you attempt to treat it like you would other hair. If you use the same tools and expect the same results that you would on other hair, you're going to be disappointed. Your fingers, a wide-tooth comb, natural boar bristle brushes and natural oils are the best ways to treat ethnic hair.

Myth #4. You Shouldn’t Use Products on Ethnic Hair That Weren’t Made For Ethnic Hair

False
Just because you have ethnic hair doesn’t mean that ethnic hair care products are best for you. Most products made for ethnic hair are full of ingredients like petroleum and mineral oil, which will only clog your scalp and attract dirt to your hair. This is not a healthy approach to your hair. Hair comes in many textures, from straight and fine to thick and coarse; and hair types are defined by its texture (fine, dry, oily, curly, coarse, etc.), so the type of hair should determine the products used.

Whether or not ethnic hair is considered good or bad is a thing of the past. You can cut, color, braid, weave, curl or perm it. You can love it or hate it; either way it’s yours. If you want to achieve more beautiful, longer and healthier hair, just take care of it. If you want it, you can have it; beautiful hair in every texture and type.

Celebrity Diets: Fad or Fat-Busting?

EndlessBeauty.com — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:34:10 +0000

Flip through the pages of any popular magazine or just turn on the TV: You won’t have to look hard to find yet another celebrity’s weight-loss transformation. We’re obsessed with the quick-fix diet, hoping the secrets of celebrities can transform our figures, too. But how healthy are those Hollywood diets? And how realistic are they when you don’t have a personal chef or trainer? We looked into A-list dieting trends to find the real scoop…

Extreme Diets, Extremely Ineffective

For her role in Dreamgirls a few years back, Beyoncé lost 20 pounds on the Master Cleanse Diet (also called the Master Cleanser or Lemonade Diet), created in the 1940s by nutrition writer Stanley Burroughs. For 10 days, she adhered to a diet of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and water.

“When celebrities go on an extreme diet, it’s usually for a given role or event,” says Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., associate professor with the department of Health Care Organization and Policy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and co-author of Living Smart (DiaMedica, 2007). “They need dramatic results in a short period. But these diets aren’t designed for the long term, and they aren’t sustainable.”

Tara Miller, registered dietician and program manager for the New York University Center for Corporate Wellness in New York City, also offers a thumbs down on this diet. “The only difference between the Master Cleanse and starving yourself is that at least on this diet you stay hydrated, which will mitigate some of the negative effects you’d feel if you were just starving.”

On this type of a regimen, the body does go into starvation mode, making any weight loss nearly impossible to maintain. “You can’t really trick your body,” Miller says. “If you starve your body for three days and lose weight, that’s great, except now your body’s on to you. The next time you put food in your mouth, your body is going to adhere to those calories like it’s never adhered to anything before.”

A search on the Web about the Master Cleanse Diet will bring up a slew of devotees who swear that they feel better afterwards and that fasting from time to time is healthy. But fasting to cleanse one’s system is not necessary, Miller says. “The liver is an incredibly effective mechanism when it comes to clearing out toxins.”

Most people who claim to feel better or have clearer skin following the regimen would likely accomplish the same thing by cleaning up their diet.

Hollywood’s Go-To Program

Jessica Simpson, Katherine Heigl, Alicia Keys, Eva Mendes, and other big-time Hollywood celebrities are hooked on the 5-Factor Diet, a program developed by fitness guru Harley Pasternak and writer Myatt Murphy.

The program recommends three meals a day, approximately 300 calories each, plus two 200-calorie snacks. Eating at such regular intervals helps stabilize your blood sugar, which in turn keeps your energy level up. Each meal or snack must contain five components: a low-fat protein; high-fiber carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables and whole grains; healthy fats; and a sugar-free drink. Exercising five times a week for 25-45 minutes is another must.

According to Miller, that’s the way all of us should eat (and exercise) all of the time. The 5-Factor program is right on the money because it focuses on foods that give the most nutrition for the fewest calories. And by keeping blood sugar stable, you’re less likely to let yourself get so hungry that you ultimately binge.

“A big reason why people gain weight is because they don’t eat breakfast, they’re too busy to eat lunch, and they go home and gorge themselves on dinner,” Miller says. “Then they fall asleep.” Eating small meals and snacks throughout the day allows your body to absorb and use the calories instead of storing them as fat.

Thin at a Big Price

The Zone Diet, developed in the 1970s by Barry Sears, Ph.D., has been popular over the years, thanks in large part to big name followers like Jennifer Aniston.

The diet, a formula of 40% carbohydrates, 30% fat and 30% lean protein, is not perfect, but it’s also not far off the recommendations of the American Dietetic Association. The carbohydrate levels could be higher and the protein lower, Miller says, but “it recommends eating a fair amount of vegetables, which is always a good thing.”

Both the 5-Factor and the Zone Diets also offer a daily delivery service, but can cost as anywhere from $300 to $800 a week. Delivery’s convenient, but not a luxury most people can afford.

Another downfall you might not consider is that when meals are prepared for you, you lose out on the education required to change your eating long-term, says Miller: “The education comes from knowing what a lean protein is, what a carbohydrate is, and which carbohydrates are better than others. You have to be able to make choices when you go to restaurants.”

Eating By the Clock

Oprah Winfrey has been known to promote eating a well-balanced diet and working out 30 minutes a day, five days a week. She has sworn that eating nothing after 7:00 p.m. keeps the pounds off.

The latter rule is actually a common dieting myth. People do tend to overeat late at night, which will certainly lead to weight gain. And eating a big meal before bed may disturb your sleep. However, no studies suggest it causes weight gain, unless the calories you eat are extra ones.

In fact, “not eating after 7:00 p.m., for example, isn’t good for you if you’re not going to bed until 1:00 in the morning,” Miller says. She suggests making your last meal several hours before you go to bed.

However, Miller recommends another healthy practice of Oprah’s: limiting foods containing white flour and sugar. Both foods digest quickly, setting your blood sugar up for a rapid rise and fall. Once blood sugar drops, you’re hungry again, even if you’ve just eaten more than enough calories.

The Extreme Exercise Diet

There have been many stories about celebrities dropping all of their pregnancy weight within months, and returning to their hot, pre-pregnancy bodies. Many achieve miraculous results by exercising with a personal trainer for hours every day after giving birth. Sure, exercising is good for you, but is that much healthy?

“Exercising that much everyday isn’t healthy for you unless you are a world-class athlete,” Klapow says. The stress on your body can lead to injuries like pulled muscles or stress fractures. And excessive exercise, like too strict dieting, can lower your metabolism, causing your body to burn calories more slowly.

It can also cause you to stop menstruating, a condition called amenorrhea.

The Lasting Fix

While celebrities are usually the first to adopt the latest diet fad, the programs that ultimately work have balance in both diet and exercise and require long-term healthy habits, not short-term fixes.

“The diets that are sustainable all recommend eating lean proteins, a lot of vegetables and fruits, and avoiding unhealthy fats, juices and processed foods,” Miller says. “Such diets sustain you because they are nutrient-dense.”

“We all want a quick fix but there is no magic potion,” Klapow adds. “It’s not realistic to think that you can lose 20 pounds in two weeks without hurting your body.” Even if you’re famous.

Subtle Signs Your Nails Can Give

EndlessBeauty.com — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:25:10 +0000

Nails endure a lot of abuse throughout the day. Finding the perfect balance between nurturing your nails and rigorously testing their endurance, can be a challenge. Nails may or may not rank highly on your list of worries, but they can be a surprising source of information concerning your health. As well, they provide aesthetic benefits, beauty and confidence.

"Healthy, strong nails are important not just for their looks, but also for performing the tasks of daily life, like picking up objects," said American Dermatology Academy speaker Dr. Marta J. Vanbeek. Your nails account for 10 percent of all skin conditions and have tell-tale signs concerning your health.

Here is what to look for:

White spots can result from pushing the cuticle back too vigorously or other trauma to the nail bed or plate. The spots eventually grow out.

Weak, thin and splitting nails are either genetic or caused by loss of moisture or frequent contact with chemicals like those in household cleaners.

Yellow discoloration occurs when you wear dark polish for long periods of time. A fungal infection also can cause discoloration and separation from the nail bed. It can also cause swollen, red skin around the nails and is just one symptom of irritation or infection.

Vertical ridges often occur as you age or if nails are dehydrated. Light buffing can help smooth small ridges.

It may surprise you to know that a lot of the cosmetic products designed to help solve these problems and save your nails can actually be far more detrimental than beneficial.

Using polishes that contain hardeners or apply ingredients like gelatin will not help strengthen nails. The reality is, the best way to grow strong nails is to make sure that they are kept moisturized. Because nails take a lot of abuse in daily life and are repeatedly exposed to harsh detergents and chemicals, they may often dry out. Instead, select a moisturizer that contains a mineral base or petroleum that helps to retain moisture. In addition to this, avoiding dark polishes that can also increase the smoothness and depth of color while reducing the chances of fungal infection and yellowing.

Nutrition and diet all play a pivotal role in good heath. There is absolutely no question that keeping a close eye on your nails will benefit both beauty and health. Nail health can cue you into serious medical conditions that sometime have subtle warning signs. Kidney disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, psoriasis, fungal infection and vitamin deficiency can all be spotted through proper evaluation of your nails.

Be Sure to See the Signs

EndlessBeauty.com — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:57:42 +0000

Vision issues rank as the second most prevalent problem for United States citizens; affecting more than 120 million people. They have become a staggering statistic in the medical community, with some even calling it an epidemic. What’s more, nearly 172 million people (61 percent) of Americans need some sort of vision correction.

Vision correction may seem like something that only affects people on a personal level or prevails as an individual choice; but the reality is that a Georgetown University Medical Center study concluded approximately 1,000,000 new blindness cases each year are curable or preventable through detection and treatment. This leads to an estimated annual savings to the federal government of over $1 billion.

This is not just a waste of tax dollars; it’s a blatant disregard for your own health. The value of sight is immeasurable, so why not take the proper preventative measure to maintain it?

Sun damage, chemical exposure, genetic disposition, flash burn and abrasions are all possible sources for major eye difficulties. Other common eye diseases include glaucoma, cataracts and pink eye. While some of these circumstances are unforeseen and unpreventable, others are very easy to prevent and contain on your own.

Eyes are one of the main features in a woman’s beauty arsenal, offering emotion, color and depth to any personality or look. All of the cosmetic reinforcement and application in the world is useless if you do not take proper care of your vision. Your best defense, in many cases, is a great offense. Early detection and treatment could prevent vision-loss, making routine check-ups important because eye diseases do not always have clear symptoms.

Sudden changes in vision, pain, double vision, fluid coming from the eye and inflammation are clear signs to visit an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Lutein, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin A are all important nutrients that promote healthy vision. In the last 20 years, eye-health research has linked diet and nutrition with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A study by the National Eye Institute provided evidence that nutritional intervention in the form of supplements could delay the progression of AMD. The study concluded that taking an antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplement reduced the risk of advance AMD progression by about 25 percent.

There is one thing that all health officials can agree on; good nutrition is vital. Clearly you can see that your eyes are no exception.

Seven Stress Relievers

EndlessBeauty.com — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:30:06 +0000

Instead of banging your head on your desk, there are many healthier ways to give your body and mind a little bit of a break. Experiencing stress for long periods of time can be harmful to your body, and take a toll on your beauty. Below are seven simple strategies to try:

Breathe. With your eyes closed, take a deep breath in, holding in the air for a few seconds. Then, slowly release your breath, focusing only on your breathing. Repeat ten times, or as much as you feel necessary. Giving your eyes, body, and mind a break will have an immediate calming effect. If the space allows, lie on the floor and use the same breathing pattern. Focus on relaxing each part of your body (beginning with your feet), and slowly moving up to your head. The focus will shift your mind from its stress, and give your entire body some much needed r & r.

Sweat it out. The ultimate stress reliever is a good workout. Endorphins, anyone? Head to the gym, even if it is not your normal gym time. If you can’t leave work, head outside for a brisk walk around the office. Removing yourself from the stressful situation and releasing the tension through exercise is a quick way to regroup. Not to mention it’s good for the body.
Snack. Try eating a low-fat snack for a break from stress and a boost of energy. Need a drink? Try some green tea. Avoid caffeine intake if at all possible. The snack will snag your attention away for a moment, and give you a bit of “oomph” to continue on.
Massage out the tension. Trade massages with a co-worker, or spend the dollars to receive a professional massage. The release of muscle tension will allow you to re-focus on your daily tasks. A revitalized you will help you feel more physically and mentally motivated.
Stretch. Stretching muscles is a good way to relieve some built-up muscle tension. It increases blood flow to the muscles, and decreases the production of stress hormones. Stretching a few minutes every few hours will make you feel more alert and productive, and also help your flexibility.
Silence/Sound. Try turning off anything that makes noise, including your computer. Turn off the lights, close your eyes, and sit in silence. Take time to think about nothing except the quiet around you. If the thought of silence drives you crazy, blast a favorite song.
Focus on neck and shoulders. Especially if you’re sitting in a chair all day, take a few minutes to work on your neck and shoulders. Start by slowly shrugging your shoulders up and down, then rotating them in circular motions. After they are relaxed, slowly tilt your head all the way back, and then carefully rotate it clockwise three times. Repeat counterclockwise. Then clasp your hands together and push them as far away from your body as possible. Take a deep breath, and feel the stress leave your body.

Sleep Easy

EndlessBeauty.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:32:20 +0000

It’s no coincidence that Americans are getting less sleep than ever before. Our fast- paced lifestyle, stress, work and other daily tasks leave little time for a full nights rest. Even the sleep that people do get often does little to properly rejuvenate the body. The pressures and anxieties of everyday life still weigh heavy on our minds right up to the point before falling asleep.

Nearly every one of us must deal with these social and professional stressors throughout our entire lives and truth be told; it can take some getting use to. Unfortunately, problems with sleep can extend past external factors. At least 40 million Americans each year suffer from chronic, long-term sleep disorders and an additional 20 million experience occasional sleeping problems.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders (NIND), a common and extremely prevalent condition known as sleep apnea (SA) affects over 18 million citizens. That is one in 17 people in this country, making this disorder as widespread as diabetes or asthma. What’s worse, between 85-90 percent of those affected by SA are either undiagnosed or untreated. This frighteningly high number of untreated cases of the disorder costs our healthcare system just under $22 billion annually, as those 16 million with undiagnosed SA cost an average of $1,366 more for healthcare per person than regular sleepers.

So what is sleep apnea? SA is categorized as pauses in breathing during sleep and usually occurs in association with fat buildup or loss of muscle tone with aging. The NIND states that during an episode of obstructive apnea, the person's effort to inhale air creates suction that collapses the windpipe. This blocks the airflow for 10 seconds to a minute while the sleeping person struggles to breathe. When the person's blood oxygen level falls, the brain responds by awakening the person enough to tighten the upper airway muscles and open the windpipe. The person may snort or gasp, then resume snoring. This cycle may be repeated hundreds of times in a single night.

The results from this erratic sleep behavior are unpleasant to say the least. Depression, anxiety, irritability, irregular heartbeats, loss of sex drive, high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart attack or stroke are all common problems associated with SA. In addition to these medical conditions, those suffering from chronic SA are two to three times more likely to be involved in an automobile collision than the general population.

As with many illnesses, taking preventative measures and having the proper tests best serve you to determine whether or not you have this disorder. Specialized sleep centers or doctors can give you a polysomnography, which is a test that records a patient's brain waves, heartbeat, and breathing during an entire night.

If you have SA, taking sleeping pills or sedatives poses a great risk to your health. These sleep aids may actually prevent your nervous system from waking you up to the point needed to catch your breath. A disease like this one, where symptoms can be deadly yet only occur in an unconscious state, is extremely dangerous. Proper amounts of sleep will improve your beauty and the way you feel. So if catching up on your sleep seems to be impossible, talk with your doctor about sleep apnea. It just may just save your life.

Teeth Tips

EndlessBeauty.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:45:05 +0000

Your pearly whites need to be healthy in order for your smile to be beautiful. Fortunately, taking care of your teeth begins with the simple stuff. Read on to find out the basic steps and reminders that lead to a healthy, beautiful smile.

Know brushing basics. Many of us spend less than a minute with our toothbrush at each brushing session. However, an effective amount of time is closer to three minutes. The easiest way to solve this problem is to buy an automatic toothbrush that alerts you when you’ve brushed effectively. Even the more affordable, simpler electric brushes usually have this capability. If manually brushing, brush in round circles, not vertical or horizontal motions. Remember to replace your toothbrush at least every three months.

You really do have to floss. Even with an electric toothbrush, only using a toothbrush is not enough. Flossing removes the plaque between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Wrap a long string of floss (about 18”) around the middle finger of each hand, and floss a few times between each tooth. This only takes a couple of minutes a day, and is worth the effort. Try flossing while you wait for your moisturizer to settle in, or put some on your nightstand for a bedtime reminder.

Top it off with a rinse. Swish around a mouthwash before heading out the door or off to bed. Rinses come in many flavors, so avoid buying one that you know you will not like or use. Not only will it give you amazing breath, it will also leave you feeling refreshed and energetic.

See a dentist regularly. Don’t wait for a toothache to visit the dentist. Schedule a cleaning and checkup every six months. Most dentist offices are proactive about contacting you for checkup reminders, but try to schedule the cleaning in person before you leave the dentist’s office. Even though you may change the day or time at a later date, you are less likely to procrastinate and postpone the appointment.

It is important to see a dentist immediately upon noticing anything abnormal. Red, puffy and bleeding gums, consistent bad breath, and loose teeth should not be left without professional attention.

Be kind to your teeth. Avoid sugary, sticky candy, as it is terrible for your pearly whites. Try not to chew on anything hard that could potentially chip or damage your teeth. This includes ice or sugary cereals (without first adding milk). Tobacco products cause staining and increase the possibility of gum disease and cancer.

Protect Your Eyes from Harmful Rays

EndlessBeauty.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:13:37 +0000

Ultra violet (UV) radiation has become a prominent problem for all ages. This powerful radiation affects not only our delicate skin, but also our eyes. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to severe eye damage and lifelong eye problems including temporary vision loss, cataracts and macular degeneration. By abiding by the following tips, you can help protect yourself from risk:

Invest in your sunglasses. When choosing sunglasses, be sure to look for a label that reads UV 400 or 100 percent UV protection. The lens used in these sunglasses block 99-100 percent of UV radiation. Also, check to see that your sunglasses wrap around to your temple. Having full coverage leaves no room for the sun’s rays to sneak in.

Wear a hat. Buy a hat with a wide rim. The rim helps to shade out the sun and block about half of the sun’s rays. Wearing sunglasses along with your hat, gives you double the protection.

“Weather” or not…the sun is shining or the clouds are out, be sure to still use protection. When the weather is cool and overcast, the sun’s rays can still manage to pass through the clouds.

Avoid the strongest rays of the day. The sun’s rays are at the peak from mid-morning to early afternoon. If you can avoid being outside during these hours, you can reduce your risk for eye damage.

When tanning ALWAYS use protective goggles. Tanning beds are harmful enough to your skin, but always wear goggles to protect your eyes from the bulbs that emit UVA and UVB rays. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), repeated sun exposure to the eyes before the age of 30 can increase the chances of eye cancer by up to 70 percent.

And NEVER look directly at the sun. Looking directly at the sun causes the most extreme damage. Retinal burn, along with total blindness, can occur and can leave lasting effects. So stay safe and always wear protection!

The Truth about Acne

EndlessBeauty.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:57:55 +0000

When it comes to acne, there is an endless supply of tips that many of us tend to follow whether or not we know if there is actually truth behind them. We have uncovered the reality of four common myths about acne that might surprise you!

Myth: The more you wash your face, the fewer breakouts you will have.

FALSE

Although regularly cleansing your face is an important daily task, washing your skin too frequently may irritate your pores, causing acne to become worse. A facial cleanser is a great product to use for removing excess oil, along with dirt and dead skin cells from the surface of skin, but should only be used twice a day. If using a wash cloth to cleanse your face, be sure to be very gentle or just use your fingers.

Myth: Your diet directly affects your acne.

FALSE

There have been no scientific findings that have connected acne to diet. No matter what you eat, it will not cause or prevent you from breaking out. However, concentrating on a healthy diet can help you feel better about yourself, thus creating the confidence you need to look and feel beautiful.

Myth: Wearing makeup can cause acne.

TRUE AND FALSE

When purchasing makeup, it is important to look for products that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, which means the ingredients are fragrance-free and will not clog pores. It is best to use products that are powder- based instead of liquids that tend to be oil-based. The powder can also help absorb any excess oil on your skin. In addition, it is important to remember that makeup applicators tend to collect acne-causing bacteria, so be sure to clean them two-three times a week with warm water and antibacterial soap.

Myth: Being exposed to ultra violet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning bed will help clear-up acne.

FALSE

The redness of a tan or sunburn may temporarily mask the appearance of acne, but will eventually cause skin to become dry and irritated in the long run. When you go out in the sun, always be sure to use a brand of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and that is labeled non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.

Give Yourself a Boost

EndlessBeauty.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:03:14 +0000

The Secret to Decoding Your Wrinkes

EndlessBeauty.com — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:38:11 +0000

Ingredient: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

What it is: A synthetic acid derived from fruit

Claim to fame: As an exfoliate, AHAs aid in removing the top layer of skin; this works to stimulate new skin growth, which results in a smooth, even complexion.

You should know:

Your skin will likely peel and be incredibly susceptible to the sun; always wear sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30.
To limit the side effects, use only one product containing AHA. We recommend a moisturizer.

Using a cleanser with hydroxy acids will be the least effective for repairing wrinkles. This is because AHAs need to be absorbed into the skin, and a cleanser will be washed off before this occurs.

Ingredient: Retinol

What it is: A vitamin A compound that helps prevent your skin cells from breaking down and causing wrinkles

Claim to fame: Retinol is one of the first antioxidants to be used in over-the-counter creams. It provides visible results in reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles.

You should know:

When using over the counter Retinol, it may take up to 12 weeks to see results.
Allow your skin some time to get used to the product. Start out slow, using the product only a few times a week. Gradually increase the frequency as your skin allows it, until you are using the product every other day.
Always use a good sunscreen and moisturizer, as Retinol tends to dry out your skin and increase your sensitivity to the sun.
Use a pea-sized amount before bed on thoroughly dry, clean skin to limit intolerance.

Ingredients: Copper peptides

What they are: A combination of a copper ion (found in every cell) and a peptide (protein)

Claim to fame: Copper peptides are widely known as anti-inflammatory skin healers that stimulate collagen production, which in turn increases firmness and elasticity.

You should know:

Copper peptides have no known side effects.
They are best used to improve the appearance of fine wrinkles, uneven skin tone and sun damage.
The proteins (peptides) help to fatten up your skin at the cellular level, while the copper increases cell renewal to act as it does in younger skin.