Caffeine extract has been used in many products that improve the look of dark under eye circles that is caused by capillaries and blood vessels that leak, and blood pools under the skin. The extract is well known to constrict the blood vessels, resulting in a brighter, more awake look of the eyes. Products where caffeine is the main ingredient also include some topical treatments for rosacea, which is caused by dilated blood vessels that lose their ability to contract.

Now, caffeine is being praised not only for its anti-inflammatory properties, but also for its positive affects on the epidermis. The use of caffeine in bath and body products has increased tenfold over the past three years, as seen in multiple items in store, but even more in the handmade world. Sites like etsy.com and artfire.com have hundreds of soap makers and dozens of products with fresh coffee grounds or caffeine extract in them.

Their key ingredient of course, is fresh ground coffee beans for that extra good scrub in the morning. Some even include extra oils to help the skin retain its moisture. The caffeine scent not only naturally wakes the senses, but it detoxifies the skin naturally of any odors and the coffee grounds help gently cleanse away the dead skin cells. Coffee is also proven to reduce the look and feel of cellulite – it dehydrates fat cells and removes water, therefore making the skin look and feel smoother.

So, next time you are thinking of reaching for a good cup of coffee, maybe you should think about shopping handmade and trying out a natural coffee soap or scrub to see just what good it can do for your skin and how it can greatly improve the overall look and feel. Plus, you get to help out local crafters and experience what handmade can do for you!

Image courtesy of http://www.bubblesnsudssoapco.com

But ignoring the other person’s attacks is not productive either, since this will not resolve your conflict. This only creates pent-up emotions that will someday resurface, perhaps even stronger. If your spouse cannot be stopped from shouting painful words, you can physical excuse yourself from the situation and say that you will return when you are both ready to have a decent conversation. Take a time-out.

When it comes to expressing yourself in these charged moments, it helps to use the “I” message. To construct one, describe the behavior that is interfering with you, then describe the feeling that the behavior produces in you. To complete the sentence, give your reason or wish. For example: “When you curse me like that, I feel so disrespected and hurt that I can’t listen to you…”

Let your husband have his chance to speak too, and try listening to what he is really saying. Identify the thoughts and emotions behind his words, and mirror these back to him. In counseling, this is called reflective listening. Ask yourself: “What is this person possibly feeling?” Think of the feeling word that best describes the emotion being expressed, then put that word in a tentative sentence form. When your husband has an outburst, you can say something like: “It seems that you are very angry with me…” By doing this, he will feel that you understand him and thus, he will calm down. Remember, angry people need to relax before you can have an intelligent and meaningful dialogue.  This is called empathy, which is the ability to enter the world of the other. Empathy is the language of the heart that allows couples to engage in a dialogue. When your spouse feels understood, he will then be ready to listen to you.

Agree to stop this hurtful pattern before the next argument happens. Couples need to establish their basic “rules of engagement” to avoid loading up on unresolved conflicts that threaten the marriage as a whole. Learn to speak and listen without being defensive. Learn to validate each other, and express love and concern.

Conflicts can lead to growth and happiness if resolved, but can lead to distress if not addressed respectfully. Married couples must confront issues with caring, recognize their individuality, and learn to negotiate for a win-win situation whenever possible through compromises.

1. Highly romantic, sweet, and protective. Especially early on in their relationships, abusive men lavish their women gifts during courtship. This is because they see women as trophies to be won over and objects to possess, and not people to enter equal partnerships with.
2. Controlling. They tell a woman what clothes to wear, which people she can see, and where she can go. They practice a punch-card relationship their women must check in with them where they are and what they are doing all the time. They have the final say in any decision.
3. Encourage dependence. They discourage women from advancing their careers and see a woman’s financial independence as an affront to their manhood. Financial dependence is an instrument of control over women.
4. Early signs of violence.  As boyfriends, they often tap, nudge, or place their hand on their girlfriend’s shoulders during arguments. This need to lay a finger or grab a hold of their partner often foreshadow their heavy-handed ways.
5. Demands special treatment. He eats foods different from hers and has access to resources she does not.
6. Name-caller.  An abusive husband often puts down and embarrasses his wife, calling her stupid, lazy, fat, or ugly. He often does this in front of their children. He not only undermines her self-esteem, he ruins her stature among her own children as well.
7. Manipulative dad. Abusive men often dote on their children with lavish affection to get them on their side. They manipulate impressionable children into rejecting their own mother. When a wife threatens to leave, wife-beaters often hold their children hostage to keep her in her place.

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• Avoid wearing suits, dresses, or pants in bulky fabrics.  It doesn’t mean that you have to totally avoid wearing fuzzy sweaters, a luxurious quilted jacket, or textured shirts.  Just make sure you wear slim pants with your knitted sweaters, a sleek shirt with that heavy skirt, or a narrow evening skirt or pants with you quilted jacket.
• Wear similar shades from waist to toe.  You don’t have to restrict yourself to wearing a single color from head to toe.  For instance, if you choose to wear a grey skirt, in this case, instead of wearing the usual skin-tone hosiery, opt for grayish or opaque stockings.  The objective is to extend the color from waist down.  If you choose to wear slacks, wear a neutral boot or shoe that blends with the color of your pants.  Since the length of most jackets falls below the waist, they should blend with the shade of your skirt or slacks.  They don’t have to match, just blend.  If your jacket is shorter than your waist length, it can contrast with what you’re wearing.  It is okay for the short jacket to blend with the bottom, but don’t be compelled to wear all one color.
• Avoid extremes.  Just choose clothes and accessories proportional to your size.  Generally avoid too large handbags, chunky shoes or clogs, super high heels, enormous floral prints, huge hats, very wide skirts, very wide belts, and extreme collars.  You can wear short skirts, long skirts, or knee length skirts; you can wear sweaters, blouses, jackets, and tops with high necks and low necks, even turtlenecks.  Just avoid extremes.
• Don’t be something you’re not.  You’re not tall. That’s it. Be yourself and make the most of it. People admire you because of your personality and achievements not because of your height. 

1) Daily dose of iron. Everyone woman should either have a flat or a curling iron. Either one of these help in creating looks for work days or parties. Find one that’s right for your hair length (although you many want to change sizes if you either cut your hair or let it grown long) The best bets are ones with a tourmaline finish that won’t dry out hair.

2)Just peachy. A peach eye shadow is the perfect way to wake up your face after a rough night. Use a peachy or coral eye shadow to make not just your eyes but also your face brighter. You can also use a peachy blush on lids too to get this effect. The best ones are Southern Belle by Everyday Minerals, Sweet mineral eye shadow by elf and Golden Salmon mineral shadow by Signature Minerals. Also a good peach blush is a must. It even looks good if you’re just wearing it and some clear gloss,. Everyday Minerals has the best, try their Truly Tiger, New Car Smell or All Smiles. These are punchy corals that just make you look fresher and years younger.

3)And save some for the lips. Also a peach lipstick or gloss is a must too for those days. It brightens up the whole face as well .Use elf’s Studio line gloss in Nashville or Everyday minerals lip gloss in Siesta .These colors look good on any coloring no matter what the season. Coral lips are perfect for work. You don’t look too dramatic or washed out. Coral lipstick or gloss are also great for parties when you want to look refreshed after a long day.

4)Crank up the conditioner.

5)Tone up

 6)A good nail file. Everyone should have at least three of these around. Your best bets are the crystal glass ones. They file and shape the nails the best. without leaving any rough edges . You don’t; have to splurge on them either. Go to Sally’s or harmons to puck up a few for the home and office. Also a smaller one is good inside a evening bag just in case a nail breaks during a night out.

 7) Be strong .A nail strengthener is a big help for anyone with weak nails. It also is an aid in keeping nails unbreakable and healthy. Always have a bottle around. Some can also double as a clear nail polish so you can wear it all the time. A very good one is American Classic Gelous Nail Strengthener which acts as a protective barrier for days. Again you can buy this at any Sally or Harmon store along with chain drugstores like Rite Aid, CVS or Walgreens.

8)Go for the bronze

9 Oceans of liners

10) Let in moisture. A good moisturizer is the number one product every woman (and man should have) Your face is the most exposed part of your body, subjected t o harsh winter winds and scorching summer rays. You need to treat it well. Try to get a light, easy soluble face cream that is paraben free and chock full of vitamins and essential oils. You don’t need to go to your nearest department store or make up emporium to get an over the top expensive one A drugstore brand will do the job just as well. Alba makes a very good one that is feather light yet heavy on keeping skin dewy and soft. You can try some of the other all natural creams like Say Yes To Cucumbers, Carrots and Tomatoes found in your local chain drugstore. .

 Your bath and bedrooms shouldn’t loaded up with a ton of appliances and junk. There are only ten good beauty products you ‘ll always need to get though life. You’ll look good no matter what age you are or what season you’re in or what trend is in your life right now.

. Eye liner is another must have. A light brown or grey one can add emphasis and polish to a regular work day face or a gel one can add sexiness and sophistication to a party one. Buy a few of each to expand your arsenal. Stick with the basics, such as brown, black and navy. You can expand to a sexy gunmetal, silver and bronze for holiday wear. Include a pearlized lavender,  gold, and teal ones for summer. . Bronzer is a must in every gal’s arsenal. It gives you an sun kissed look at the height of whatever season you’re in. A good mineral one is the best because it not only provides a glow but also has good for you ingredients and often SPF. Companies like Everyday Minerals and Signature Minerals have bronzers ranging from sun kissed beige to a sexy caramel so picking the exact color is easy. . Toner is one of the most important beauty products to put on your face. It’s great at night or in the morning .Any toner is also good to use before you put on makeup. It makes skin a clean, smooth canvas that foundation and blush adhere to better . Try to buy all natural ones like Alba’s These won’t have any irritants that will cause any rashes or blotches.Your hair cries out for this , especially if it has been fried by every appliance under the sun , plus the sun itself. Pantene produces an excellent array of paraben free ones that just add luster and silkiness. Also consider a spray in conditioner too after shampooing on days when you just use shampoo. Rusk has one that is designed for colored hair but it works well with untreated tresses too.

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As we age, we develop fine lines around the lips. As the lines become more prominent, they form little paths that allow lipstick to travel outward.

A few simple makeup tricks will add staying power to your lip color. First of all, blend foundation and powder over your lips instead of stopping at the edges to create a stable base for the lipstick. Next, outline your lips and color them in completely with lip liner, then top with a coat of lipstick. The liner’s waxy texture will help stop lipstick from feathering.

For extra coverage, lightly blot the first coat of lipstick, then cover the lips with a tissue and dab it lightly with loose powder using a makeup brush. This process leaves a fine dusting over the initial coat. Finally, apply a light second coat of lipstick on top.

And don’t forget: Lipstick needs to be attended to throughout the day. Check in the mirror every ouple of hours to see whether it has bled or if you need to reapply. Avoid dark or red shades, which tend to bleed more noticeably than neutral shades.

• Take advantage of the Delta effect.  The skin needs all the stages of sleep to dissolve free radicals — but it’s only in the “Delta” stage of sleep where hormone levels peak and cell repair takes place.
• Kick down the cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that cause premature aging and leaves us more vulnerable to diseases like hypertension. Unfortunately, the body produces huge amounts of this when it lacks sleep. While one or two late nights won’t do any harm, prolonged sleep debt — like those suffered by moms of newborns and call center employees — puts you on the wrinkle fast track.
• Lose weight. Just missing out on three hours of sleep increase your body’s levels of ghrelin, which triggers your body’s hunger mechanism. You wake up starving for complex carbohydrates.
• Maximize your beauty routines. Skin temperature also rises when you sleep, allowing topical treatments to penetrate the skin more effectively than they do during the day.
• Skip the makeup. While puffiness is determined by genetics, shadows are often aggravated by lack of sleep, which can cause some blood to seep from the tiny capillaries beneath the thin skin under your eyes. You could use concealer, but when you’re sleep-deprived, do you really feel like putting on makeup?

Most often, dryness is caused by the harsh treatment of everyday life.  Follow these tips to limit damage:

1.  Wash less frequently

Shampoo every other day at most. Washing removes the protective oils that trap the moisture your hair craves.

2.  Dry naturally

blow-dryers only fray ends even more, so air-dry if you can. If you can’t at least keep your dryer on the coolest possible setting.

3.  Use a thickener

Shampoos and conditioners with thickeners contain waxes that protect hair and keep the moisture in.

4.  Add oil

If you’re prone to especially dry hair, get deep oil treatments from a salon or use at-home deep moisturizing treatments.

5.  Trim often

Split ends can’t be repaired; you have to cut them. If you don’t the split will continue to travel up the strand of hair, creating more damage. As a rule, trim hair every 6 weeks.

Nails appear bonelike but are composed primarily of protein and derive their nourishment from blood vessels in the dermis. The matrix extends beneath the exposed nail bed, produces nails at the rate of about 3/16 inch per month, requires up to six months to grow a new nail, is speedier in summer than in winter, slows with age, and is influenced by nutrition and general health as well as external care.

Try the following to help with your nail growth and healthy look:

B-complex combination – taking a B-complex stress tab plus garlic peries and a zinc supplement each day is said to duplicate the fantastic fingernail improvement achieved by a month of treatment at a health spa.

Brewer’s yeast – 1 or 2 tablespoons per day, encourages nail growth – especially when accompanied by calcium supplements.

Calcium – 1,200 milligrams per day is a healthy nails essential.

Iodine – is another requisite for nail health and strength. Salmon, tuna, iodized salt, or kelp salt substitute are natural sources.

Six to eight glasses of water are vital for nail health. Brittle, flaky nails can result if their moisture level drops. Too much external water, however, leads to a variety of nail problems. To avoid over submersion, rest your hands on the sides of the tub while soaking in your beauty bath, and wear rubber gloves for dishwashing or household cleaning. When your nails are water logged, applying hand lotion or petroleum jelly will help seal in the moisture to prevent damage.

If you are about to embark on a gloveless project, plan ahead by digging your nails into a bar of soap. After your chore is concluded, remove the soap and grime with a nailbrush.

Buffing your nails with a chamois buffer will improve circulation, promote growth, and add sheen. Buff gently from the cuticle to the tip; buffing too vigorously, or with back and forth motions, can build up heat and harm your nails. Massage a bit of petroleum jelly or wheat germ oil into your nails before buffing will help strengthen them.

Exercise your nails by playing the piano, embroidering, doing needlepoint, typing, even tapping your fingers to stimulate them. Just don’t abuse your nails by assuming they are screw tighteners or tile grout cleaners.

File your dry nails from the outside toward the center with an emery board. Use nail clippers or scissors only after your nails have been softened by soaking.

Nourish your nails by soaking unpolished nails for 10 minutes in a bowl of warmed almond oil to which you have added the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Wipe off the excess but do not wash your hands before going to bed.

Cuticles help prevent bacteria from attacking the nail base. Protect them by rubbing in a dab of petroleum jelly before swimming or putting your hands in soapy water, cut them only if a hangnail develops, and keep them attractive by doing the following:

1. Pushing them back with a towel, cotton tipped swab, or orange stick each time you clean your hands.

2. Massaging them every night with cocoa butter, petroleum jelly, or vitamin E from a snipped capsule.

3. Removing roughness by soaking them in warm oil for 5 minutes, then rubbing them with almond meal or cornmeal.

4. Trimming off the loose skin of a hangnail, then coating the area with fresh lemon juice petroleum jelly, or vitamin E from a pierced capsule.

The main thing to remember about your nails, is to establish a daily routine. And anytime your hands touch water, always apply moisturizer of some form and massage gently into the cuticles to keep them subtle. Beautiful nails can be achieved with a little tender loving care.