Bold Lips

When it comes to bold lips colors, red often comes to mind, a timeless classic immortalized by icons Marilyn Monroe and Eva Peron. These days, bold lip colors come in a huge spectrum of shades. When shocking pink and orange became popular for clothing and accessories, makeup (lipsticks in particular) followed suit, with textures that range from intense matte to sheer gloss. In choosing a color and texture for you, keep in mind that bright mattes can look severe and aging on mature faces---better stick to sheer cream or gloss instead. For color, brighter shades of pink or orange look best on fair skin, while those with medium to dark skin tones, should opt for deep red or berry shades.

Get Through The Flu

How to arm yourself in the battle against chills, coughs and body aches:

Gulp some garlic. The bulb is thought to have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that can help alleviate flu symptoms (onions and cayenne pepper can also do the trick).

Feel-better berries. Elderberry may shorten flu time by up to 50%---add some extract to a cup of warm water or take capsules according to the instructions on the label.

Chill out. Many types of heating systems dry out air in confined spaces. creating an ideal environment for viruses to spread. crack open the windows for a few hours to help air circulate, or try a humidifier.

Don't let the bed bugs bite. to prevent the virus from breeding, wash bed linens in hot water every few days when you're sick.

2 Steps On A Sexier Blond

The most glamorous haircolor of the moment is, once again, blond. This time around it's more warm and golden than ashy. One shining example of the new shade: Reese Witherspoon's character in the movie Legally Blonde. how to get Witherspoon's locks? Here's how:

Step 1: In the salon, ask for a one-process color with rich golden honey tones. If you're going radically blond, your best bet is to let a pro do it; but if you do color at home, use a permanent cream or gel hair dye with conditioners, which leave your hair soft and smooth. If your hair is naturally light blond, try L'Oreal Feria in Candleglow. If it's medium blond to medium brown, go for L'Oreal Feria in Nude Gold.

Step 2: If you're in the salon, ask for face- framing baby-blond highlights. If you're at home, after you've finished the all over coloring, use a high-lighting kit made for color - treated hair and paint the lighter hue on strands around your face. Try Revlon ColorStay Contrasts in Blonde.

Jewelry Care

Jewelry give you joy and enhance your sparkling personality. Return the favor and learn how to give TLC (tender, loving, care) for your gems and jewels.

Put jewelry on after applying make-up, perfume and hairspray, and take them off them before your nightime beauty regimen. Take jewelry off while having your hair styled or colored. If you're right-handed, consider wearing a bracelet or watch on your left wrist since you don't use it as much as your right. The opposite applies if you're left-handed.

Keep jewelry free of dirt, cosmetics, hairspray, perfume and perspiration. After wearing, wipe them with a clean, soft, damp cloth.

Store jewelry in a clean, dry place. Put each piece seperately in soft fabric bags or in its original box so the harder stones don't scratch softer ones and metal settings.

Ultrasonic cleaners clean jewelry by bombarding them with sound waves, which shake off dirt but can loosen stones from settings or enlarge gem inclusions (slight flaws). It's best to use these cleaners for gold jewelry without stone settings.

Normal wear and tear will eventually weaken prongs and other metal components. Have a professional jeweler examine jewelry once a year and when necessary, repair and re-polish.

Pack jewelry carefully for travel. There are many kinds of jewelry rolls, pouches and bags designed specifically for this purpose.

DIAMONDS:
During ordinary wear, exposure to perspiration and household chemicals can cause dulling build-up. Use a solution of one part ammonia and six parts water to clean. Gently scrub with a soft non-metallic brush especially around the prongs or setting; be careful not to scratch the metal. Have diamonds cleaned and the security of the settings checked once a year.




PEARLS:
Wash in very mild, soapy water and nothing else. Wear them often---the body's natural oils keep them lustrous. Pearls should be professionally cleaned and re-strung every year or two, as ordinary wear and pollution weaken the silk threads that string them.




GOLD:
To reduce daily abrasions and to prolong luster, keep away from harsh chemicals such as chlorine and cleaning fluids. Use a solution of warm water and detergent-free soap and a soft-bristled brush to clean; to remove grease or oil, dip into plain rubbing alcohol. Use a soft cloth that won't leave fuzz or threads behind to dry and buff jewelry.






PLATINUM:

Platinum can develop a patina of wear, but a jeweler can polish it back to its original finish. Soak in a mild solution of soap and warm water, scrubbing gently with a soft-bristled brush; buffing with a soft cloth maintains luster.





STERLING SILVER:
Clean with a mild soap and water solution, then pat dry with a soft cloth. For more stubborn dirt, use a cleaner designed for silver, avoiding any gems set in the piece. Remove tarnish with cleaners specifically made for it. Rub silver with either a polishing cloth or a fine piece of felt (tissue can scratch it because of its fibers). Don't expose to light and air during storage.






OPALS:
Never wear opal jewelry in very cold weather, while washing dishes or handling frozen food---extreme temperature variations may cause cracking. Keep away from heat and strong light; they may dry out and crack. Use only a soft cloth and luke-warm water (never hot) for cleaning; avoid commercial cleaning solutions, ammonia and ultrasonic cleaners.





EMERALDS:
Emeralds are often treated using a colorfast oil or similar substance to improve their appearance. The only cleaning method recommended is the use of a soft cloth to gently rub off the accumulation around the gem and in the setting. Have emeralds professionaly cleaned every two to five years.





RUBIES AND SAPPHIRES:
Rubies and sapphires are second only to diamonds in their ability to resist scratching. Use either an ultrasonic cleaner, or a solution of one part ammonia and six parts water to clean. Gentle scrubbing with a very soft brush should loosen most dirt, but be careful not to scratch the metal of the setting. Dry with a clean cotton cloth.





ORGANIC GEMS--CORAL, AMBER AND OTHER OPAQUE GEMS:
Stones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, coral, onyx and malachite are sometimes treated to enhance natural color or luster. Organic gems should only be wiped clean with a moist cloth-- these gemstones can be soft and porous, absorbing chemicals and soap that can build up and discolor the stone. These stones need more care than transparent gems since they are essentially rocks and not crystals of a single mineral.

Younger, Healthier Skin at Any Age

This tips will show how to get your glow back!!

Shield your skin from dryness and sun damage year-round. Dry skin accentuates fine lines and wrinkles, so keep your complexion hydrated to prevent it from looking dull and washed-out. You’ll get more face time with a daily moisturizer that contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. It protects skin from free radicals (environmental enemies such as pollution) and also repairs past sun damage.

The result: Skin looks brighter and less splotchy. For two-in-one coverage, look for a moisturizer that contains an SPF of 15 or higher. If you opt for an SPF-free lotion, make sure you also use a sunscreen, no matter what the season. UV rays are a hazard all year, and sun damage is the number-one cause of premature aging.

Exfoliate, then put on a mask. Help speed up skin’s natural shedding by using a facial exfoliant once a week instead of your cleanser. Make your own gentle scrub with good old-fashioned baking soda: Combine three parts baking soda with one part water and mix into a soft paste. Apply scrub in a circular motion and rinse well. Follow with a facial mask. For very oily or combination skin, stick with a clay mask that absorbs surface oil and keeps pores clear. If your complexion is on the dry side, go for a super-hydrating formula.

Brighten up with makeup. Creamy foundations and blushes give you a dewy look and won’t settle into fine lines the way powder-based formulas can. For a quick but temporary fix for dull skin, try one of the new skin-brightening makeups such as Revlon Skinlights Liquid Foundation Diffusing Tint, or Clinique’s Gentle Light Makeup. They use light-reflective particles to create a radiant glow.

When choosing a lipstick, opt for shades of soft pink and peach; dark matte or neutral tones can make you look older. If you have fine lines around your mouth, use a lipliner to keep lipstick from bleeding into those little wrinkles, and look for a lipstick that’s long-wearing such as Cover Girl Outlast All-Day Lipcolor. Blush should also be kept in the soft pastel range, and remember to blend well with a makeup sponge or a cottonball.

As for the best antiaging makeup tip: Less is more.

Eat right. A healthy diet can work wonders for your skin. Stimulate your complexion’s collagen growth with foods rich in antioxidants, including leafy green vegetables, blueberries, cantaloupe and other melons. Salmon and egg whites are excellent sources of protein, which helps nourish skin and repair damage.

Be your skin’s best friend. Age only matters if you’re wine or cheese. Take care of your skin with our easy tips and it won’t tell tales behind your back.

Afraid of Stains?

Tips on keeping white clothes snowy!!

Barbecue sauce.
Soak and rinse with club soda, then wash in warm water. Repeat the process if necessary. Check carefully after washing; if you put something that’s still stained in the dryer, the heat will set the stain forever.

Grape juice or red wine.
Treat stains immediately with club soda, soaking and rubbing gently. Wash as soon as you can.

Lipstick.
Loosen stain with a nonflammable dry-cleaning solvent, then rub with liquid detergent until stain outline is gone. Wash in hottest water safe for fabric.

Perspiration.
Sponge fresh stains with ammonia, old stains with vinegar. Presoak in cold or warm water, then rinse and wash in hottest water safe for fabric, adding bleach if fabric is yellowed. If stain still remains, dampen and sprinkle with meat tenderizer. Let stand one hour, brush off tenderizer and wash. Sponge any garments that have a persistent odor with colorless mouthwash.

How to Choose Flattering Eyeglasses?

Pick out the perfect pair of frames for your face.

1. Pick a shape that’s the opposite of your face: If you have a round face, lengthen it with rectangular frames.

2. A frame should never cover more than one-third of your face or extend beyond your eyebrows or touch your cheeks.

3. If your skintone is warm, try a gold or coral frame. For a cool skintone, go for black or blue-gray.

The Best Ways To Wash Jeans

How can I prevent fading?


To prevent fading, turn them inside out to wash (and dry). This reduces the amount of abrasion that can happen during washing. Wash in warm water and dry on a low setting. Since dark colors tend to bleed, wash separately the first few times. Never wash more than four pairs of jeans at a time. Too much heavy fabric in one load can damage the washer.

Soothing Skincare Suggestions

Dry, wrinkly, itchy skin: no doubt winter is taking its beauty toll! Here are some suggestions on how to soothe our ailing skin.

Stay Hydrated. “It’s important to keep the body and skin hydrated,” to avoid dryness and flakiness. Get our daily dose of eight glasses of water a day, and for extra frigid days, enjoy plain hot water with a slice of lemon. Switch from a cleansing wash to a milk cleanser. “Splashing the face with water in the winter months can increase dryness and chapping,” Instead, opt for a milky cleanser which should be applied with the fingertips and removed with a soft Kleenex or cotton pad, instead of water.

Exfoliate. “Keep the skin on the body soft and glowing with an oil infused sea salt scrub,” use a body scrub twice per week to slough off that dead, dry skin. For the face, use a gentle facial scrub to improve circulation and leave the skin fresh and bright.

Moisturize. “Besides choosing a richer moisturizer for winter skin, add an extra layer of hydration by using an oil-based capsule or serum underneath your daily moisturizers". For the body switch from a lotion to a hydrating body oil. Try Neutrogena’s Body Oil.

Hands and Feet. To be sweet to our hands and cuticles, dip your fingertips into a bowl of warm Sweet Almond Oil (which can be found at a local natural food store) for ten minutes and then after, massaging the oil into your hands. If you’re suffering from severe dryness or even cracking of hands and feet, treat yourself to a paraffin wax treatment at your nearest salon. And don’t forget to apply a moisturizing hand cream throughout the day. To pamper your dry tootsies, slather your feet with a deep conditioning foot lotion before going to bed and covering with a pair of cotton socks for maximum absorption.

Lips. I know it’s hard, but the number one rule in avoiding chapped lips is to stop licking them, as that only increases chapping and dryness. Use a good lip balm throughout the day and before bed.

Masks. Now more than ever is a great time to use a hydrating face mask to repair and heal dry skin. Look for one that can be left on overnight.

Chapping and Wind Burn. If you’re skin is chapped, treat your skin with a healing balm containing calming ingredients such as Lavender, or Comfrey. Also, wear sun screen daily to protect the skin and prevent premature aging.

Hair. To tame frizzy, unmanageable winter hair, use a deep conditioning hair mask 2 -3 times per week, and avoiding excessive blow drying and curling iron use. Instead dry the hair with a diffuser and curl hair with rollers. Also, avoid hairsprays as they often have a high alcohol content, and instead opt for serums and styling creams to add moisture and shine.

Pedicure Essentials

Warm weather means sandals, bare feet and regular pedicures.

Remove dry skin and calluses. Soak feet in warm water for at least five minutes, then wet a pumice stone or foot file and rub feet using a back-and-forth motion. Don’t be tempted to use a callus shaver for immediate satisfaction. It can remove too much skin and lead to infection.

Moisturize. Apply an emollient-rich foot cream with shea butter to seal in moisture or alpha-hydroxy acid (aha) for extra smoothness and exfoliation.

Add color. Apply base coat, two coats of polish (the season’s must-haves are bright, hot colors like orange, tangerine, melon and coral) and top with sealer from base to over edge.

Treating Your Clothes Well Helps Them Last Longer

What’s the best way to arrange your closet?
Organize by category, necessity and convenience. Separate work clothes from play. You can also organize by color, but don’t store light clothing next to dark.

How should you store clothes?
Use wooden or plastic instead of wire hangers. Remove dry-cleaning bags immediately so clothes won’t discolor.

What types of clothing should be folded?
Loose weaves, knits and fragile or beaded items. If you’re not planning to wear the item for two months or longer, steam it before folding.

What about bags and shoes?
Don’t hang purses or bags; instead stuff and wrap bags with acid-free tissue paper, which absorbs moisture. Cover purses and put on a shelf to protect them from light and dust. Use shoe trees for shoes and boots, and make sure all items are clean and dry before storing.

Can a closet ever be big enough?
Combat overcrowding by adding a second rack. Donate an old piece of clothing every time you buy a new one. Then buy only things that you’re wild about, no more “maybes.” If you haven’t worn something in a year, donate it.

How can you make clothes last longer?
Buy only quality, well-made garments and treat them like a temple. Wear them with respect and recognize that clothing is perishable. It must be given great care to look its best. Have things cleaned at the first sign of soil, stains or perspiration; inspect clothing after wearing it; and let it breathe before folding or hanging. Allow deodorant, hairspray and perfume to dry before you dress. Make repairs as needed, rotate your wardrobe so you don’t “overwear” specific outfits, be careful to store clothing in a dry, well-ventilated place and select a quality dry cleaner.

Can you ever ignore a dry-clean-only tag?
Dry clean your most cherished delicate clothing and learn the safest and best way to wash the rest. Think about color and fading, texture change and shrinkage before handwashing. Don’t overwash or let items soak for a long time.

Do home dry-cleaning kits really work?
Some are very effective for removing odors and relaxing or getting rid of wrinkles. They can also remove water-based stains like cola, wine, milk, etc. For oil-based stains like ballpoint ink, lipstick and body oils, stick with a professional.

Help! I spilled coffee on my favorite blouse.
People generally panic after getting a stain and take a napkin, dip it in water and rub until they think it’s gone. Never do this. Blot only, with a dry, white napkin. Stains come in two varieties: either water-based or oil-based. If you put water on oil stains, then you’re helping to set the stain. Be sure to tell your dry cleaner what it is.

What’s the hardest stain to remove?
Super Glue.

Stay Healthy This Summer

Whether you're hitting the beach or hanging out in your backyard, you'll probably spend tons of time outside this summer. And while wearing a hat and sunscreen can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays, there's more you'll need to do to feel good all summer long.

Listen Up!---If you're a swimmer, you're bound to get water in your ears. If there is no sign of infection, such as pain, gently wash out the water with isopropyl alcohol. If this doesn't work, see a doctor.

Look Out!---Even short-term exposure to the sun can burn your corneas, which can lead to a painful condition called photokeratitis. Long-term exposure may increase your risk of developing cataracts. You need a good pair of sunglasses that absorb UV light. Each lens must cover your entire eye.

Bug Off!----With diseases such as dengue, it's important to prevent mosquito bites. Insect repellent should be applied regularly to exposed skin.

Drink Up!---Not much dehydrates you more than time in the sun. Drink water continously all day.

Wet Look

My face gets shiny in the summer. How can i prevent it from looking like an oil slick?

As the temperature rises, your skin produces more oil, leaving you looking greasy. To get rid of the unintended "wet look", follow these steps:

---Wash your face twice daily with a cleanser specifically suited to your skin type. More often will cause more oil.

---Follow up by using an alcohol-free toner to remove any excess moisture.

---Don't forget to finish with an oil-free moisturizer. Clean & Clear Shine Control Moisturizer, contains micro-beads made of an ultra-fine oil-absorbing powder; they soak up excess oil so it doesn't turn to shine.

---Throughout the day, touch up with Peter Thomas Roth Oil Control Blotting Sheets. Created from Oil Control Film patented by 3M, they absorb dew without disturbing your makeup.

A Clean Sweep

How to remove long-lasting makeup once we finally do want it off?

---Waterproof formulas are easily removed with soap and water.

---For eyes and lips, usea makeup remover that has mineral oil listed as one of its main ingredients.

---Makeup removers clearly labeled "sensitive" or "gentle" are always the safest and least harsh.

---If you have to scrub your face really hard to clean it, you're not using the right product and will irritate your skin.

---For easy removal, try Cover Girl Clean Make-up Remover for Eyes and Lips!

Turn Your Room Into A SPA

Save your cash and make your bedroom a place of Zen!!!

Fill a pitcher with water, ice and cucumber slices. The refreshing drink, offered at many top spas, is said to improve your complexion.

Pop in a relaxation CD. The sounds send you to the anxiety-taming alpha brain state.

Scent the air with a sweet aroma. The hibiscus-scented oil acts like stress-relieving incense.

Long Shorts

Short shorts are HOT........If you're Jessica Simpson. But for those of us who know what cellulite is or have inherited our mother's thighs, knee-length shorts are a lot more forgiving and, best of all, look stylish and dressy with very little effort.


As with capris, you may have to try on a few pairs to find the most flattering length for you. But most women look best in styles that hit right at the knee. If you would rather keep that part covered up, go for shorts that just graze your calves. When creating your look , think nice tops and heels.

Make Your Perfume Last

Oriental and woodsy scents last longer than florals, but whatever bouquet you prefer, help it linger with these tips:

Layer your scent. Use another product scented with your fragrance, such as body lotion, shower gel, soap or powder.

Dab Vaseline. Rub some petroleum jelly or unscented lotion onto your wrists and neck. Perfume disappears faster on dry skin, so moisturize first.

Apply it to your pulse points. The spots on your wrists and neck tend to be warm, so they help radiate the fragrance.

Keep it cool. Store your perfumein a cool, dry place like the refrigerator door. Sunlight and heat can weaken the scent.

Tell Your Friends To Butt Out

Being around smokers isn't just bad for your lungs, but for your heart, too. A recent study found that nonsmoking women who are exposed to secondhand smoke (from the end of a lit cigarette) have a 15 percent greater risk of dying from heart disease than nonsmokers who are not exposed to passive smoke.

Moisturizers must be.....

Contains an acne-fighting ingredient, so your skin stays hydrated without breaking out! It's oil-free, so you don't have to worry about clogging pores!!

Specially formulated to go beyond moisturization to provide long-lasting shine control. With the oil-free formula, your pores will thank you!!

Hydrates skin while skin brightens to help you look alive and fresh!!

Fiction:

You don't need a moisturizer unless you have dry skin!!!

Fact:

Whether your skin is oily, dry or normal, a moisturizer can make it look and feel better. In fact, moisturizing is a key component to a healthy skin care regimen. The right moisturizer keeps your face in balance to give you soft, smooth, beautiful skin!!!

Make-up must be.....

Georgous shades to bring out your natural beauty!!!

Whitens and brightens your face!!!

No fade, fresh color that stays true all day!!!

Smooth application and silky feel!!!