Beauty Resolutions, Beauty Foods, and more...

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From time to time I've written articles that help get the most out of cosmetics, long lasting lip color, lipstick, lip gloss or skin care. Some contain beauty tips not widely known. Others help you make the correct cosmetic and skin care purchase that's exactly right for you.

I also occasionaly come across articles that I think may be of interest. They are listed on this page. I always appreciate any feedback on anything I write or that I include on this list of "Beauty Resources."

(Please note that the articles and ideas contained herein are the individual author's ideas and suggestions. I do not endorse any product or service and, like anything, be your own judge to determine if the idea would work for you. Do your own research, it's always the best approach to get the desired results.)

So here's a list of "Beauty Resources" for you to look over. Come back often as I will be frequently adding to the list. And don't forget to review the great information on beautiful long lasting lipstick lip colors at Lip Color Selection. And our moisturizing lip gloss should not be missed or our section on lip liners, that shows some great ideas on using lip liners to reshape your lips.

COSMETICS ADVICE, IDEAS, & SAVING MONEY

10 Beauty and Health Resolutions Every Woman Can Keep

The Cosmetics Counter Dance

The Why, When, Where & How of Cosmetic Shopping

A New Year...A New look

Beauty Foods That Will Keep You Young and Healthy

Advice, Ideas & Saving Money

10 Beauty and Health Resolutions Every Woman Can Keep

Author: Victoria Winston

So you can't lose those extra 20 pounds in 30 days - or hit the gym three days a week like you wish you could. But that doesn't mean you can't face the New Year with some resolve to be a better, healthier, even prettier you in 2006.

In fact, Yale professor Dr. David Katz says we should lighten up
on strict resolutions and approach the New Year with reasonable
expectations. Doing so will not only help you stick to your
resolve, but the small changes you make can lead to bigger
changes down the road - and an ambitious desire to improve your
life in many more ways.

"If you let the small things add up they will add up to
meaningful changes in the overall pattern of your life, " says
Katz, director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center,
and co-author of "Stealth Health: How to sneak age-defying,
disease-fighting habits into your life without really trying!"

To help get you started on those small but meaningful changes,
here are 10 fast and easy health and beauty resolutions - little
things you can do to positively change the way you feel -and the
way you look - in 2006! Try one - or all ten - and I promise
you'll see the difference way before spring!

1. Never go to bed wearing make-up. No matter how tired
you are, no matter how late it is, take just 2 minutes to
slather on and tissue off a facial cleanser and your skin will
thank you. Not only will it help remove surface bacteria that
could encourage breakouts, most make up is drying to the skin so
removing it will help reduce wrinkling while you sleep. If you
can squeeze in 30 more seconds for a quick application of
moisturizer, you'll see a definite difference in your face in 7
days or less!

2. Never leave the house without sunscreen on your face.
I know . . .you've heard it all before. But I promise you that
taking this two minute step will not only yield enormous health
benefits (like reducing your risk of skin cancer) it's also the
single most important anti aging skin care step you can take.
It's true - the sun IS the number one cause of wrinkles and
aging skin. And sunscreen - well it's the biggest gun in your
wrinkle defense arsenal! To make using it easy and automatic,
look for either a moisturizer or a foundation with an SPF 15.

3. Protect your lips - and look younger and sexier!
Want those juicy, sexy, full Angelina lips? You can have them
without a lot of muss and fuss IF you protect your pucker with a
lip gloss or balm containing sunscreen. When lips are hydrated
and protected they will automatically look fuller - and you'll
look younger! You can capitalize on the protection if you swap
out a matte lipstick for a high wattage gloss in a medium warm
pink tone.

4. Whiten your teeth. If you haven't done it yet, this
is the one resolution you MUST try! Not only is it the quickest,
most inexpensive way to take years off your appearance, it can
boost your confidence and give you that polished, well groomed
lrich girl look- for just pennies a day.

5. Clean out your make-up bag/ bathroom drawer/ vanity -
and toss any products you've had more than a year. Not only
can this help prevent potentially serious eye or skin
infections, it will force you to re-evaluate your make up needs
- and every woman needs to do that at least once a year! When
you head out to the stores to buy items, step out of the box to
try a new color or a new make up product. If you always wore
lipstick, try gloss, if you only use neutral shadows try a
deeper shade for a smokier look. Mix it up - and have fun
finding a new look!

6. Keep up with your hair coloring. The 2 inches of
"roots" look popularized on "Sex and the City" is going, going,
gone! In it's place is more natural, highlighted color . If
you're wearing a shade you just can't bear to change, make sure
you touch up those roots every 4 weeks. If the time - or the
expense - doesn't permit that kind of attention, then think
about having your hair professionally highlighted and low
lighted - a mixture of many shades and tones of basic colors
like honey blonde, or chestnut brown. The look lasts for up to
six months without a touch up.

7. Trade in your shower gel for a moisturizing bar of
soap. Did you ever wonder why the ingredient label on your
shower gel is 2 inches long and filled with chemical terms you
can't pronounce - while the ingredients on an average bar of
beauty soap is just one sentence? Most gels contain chemicals,
dyes, foaming agents, and lots of drying alcohol - all things
your skin doesn't need. Try a daily shower with a
moisturizing soap instead - and see your entire body complexion
come alive in just 14 days or less. And - you'll save a ton of
money too!

8. Wear a bronzer all year long. Most gals think of a
powder bronzer as a summertime treat. But it's also the
Hollywood secret that keeps many an aging starlet from looking
her age - or letting on how little sleep she really gets! Just a
quick pouf of powder on the bridge of your nose, the tops of
your cheers, and round the outer rim of your forehead will give
you a glow that will leave everyone wondering . . .is she in
love . . . again ?

9. Take a calcium/vitamin D supplement every day. While
many women believe calcium is only important if you're pregnant
- or post menopausal - the truth is gals of all ages need this
vital mineral to maintain a strong and healthy skeleton - and
protect against broken bones. What you may not realize: Studies
show women in their 20's need this protection as much as women
in their 50's! But that's not all! The latest research shows
getting adequate calcium may also help keep skin looking younger
longer! And since we're all staying out the sun, the vitamin D
is essential to make sure the calcium you take is absorbed. Try
it for a month - you'll see a difference!

10. Wear fragrance every day! Even if you're just
spending the day doing laundry or cleaning the bathroom, studies
show that wearing your favorite fragrance is a great way to lift
your mood and keep energy levels high. Starting your day with a
dousing of fragrance will also make you feel special - and that
can affect how you act and react during the entire day. If you
can't afford to use your favorite pricey designer fragrance
every day, look for scented body lotions or anoint your pulse
points with a fragrant bath oil. For an inexpensive scented body
powder purchase any corn-starch based baby powder, pour into an
air tight plastic container and spritz the contents several
times with your favorite fragrance. Close the lid, shake it -
and voila - when you open it you'll have a whole container of
perfumed talc for pennies!

About the author:
Victoria Winston is a former runway model and now the style
director of http://www.CountryDutchess.com - a fabulous fashion
and beauty outlet.

The Cosmetics Counter Dance
by Ruth Ann Ahnen

There's the old saying “it takes two to tango.” And did you ever notice the “dancing” going on at the department store cosmetics counters. There is normally no music playing but the soft “tap” “tap” of the keys of the POS terminal as you are separated from your money.

This is not to say that everything being sold at the department store cosmetics counter is lacking in value. However, have you ever thought about this?

In many items we purchase, a measure of value is the cost-the higher the cost the greater the value. However, at the department store cosmetics counter do not assume just because it costs more that it's “better.”

In a carefully controlled “dance” to add “beauty, allure and mystery” to the products the cosmetics companies and the department stores do everything they can to artificially add “value” to the products. From the elaborate “sets” to the smocked sales people all are coordinated to separate you from your money.

In addition, almost all of the sales people are on commission and to keep their jobs must meet an hourly sales quota.

For example, in a current employment ad for Macy's West, as a condition of employment, cosmetics counter and cosmetics sales people must meet “hourly selling goals,” and “maintain sales goals and express sales goals.” Hourly selling standards are fairly typical of all department stores cosmetic sales people.

What does this mean for you? Of course there are exceptions, but when the sales person at the department store cosmetics counter recommends the latest $89 “moisturizing skin cream system” while a perfectly acceptable $12 item would do as well, which one do you think will be touted with supposed superior benefits?

Big cosmetic companies and the sales person at the department store cosmetics counter can tell you the most outrageous claims. The cosmetic companies can make the most incredible and extreme claims and there are no FDA rules that require them to back up the claims. Be skeptical, if the claim appears too good to be true it probably is.

Overall it pays to highly doubtful of claimed cosmetic company “test” results. When the cosmetic company has total control over how the results are achieved it's no wonder the results back up their other, many times, inflated advertising claims.

One of the largest cosmetics companies offers fully over 300 separate skin care products. Do we really need a special skin cream for the left elbow of right handed people? Skin is basically skin-with the sensitive skin around the eye perhaps being the only exception.

Tip: The best anti-aging strategy for your skin in not some overpriced skin cream but as the experts tell us is to reduce exposure to the sun. When spending time outdoors, always wear appropriate sun screen. Apply the sun block before you leave the house and not when you get to the beach or picnic.

Before shopping at the department store cosmetics counter here are some tips to consider:

1. Do some planning. What are you trying to accomplish? Are you looking for information, application tips, etc.?

2. What products do you like? What products have you had problems with? What has worked for you and what has not?

3. Have a realistic budget. Don't let the commission sales person intimidate you into something you can't afford. Remember, many times, you can purchase a similar product at the drug store for a fraction of the price. Do you really need a $55 lip gloss with a fancy name in an expensive package when a $14 refined Shea Butter based lip gloss will do a similar or better job?

4. Ask questions. Get past the hype.

5. If possible, try it out. For example, always try out foundation and go outside to see how it looks in daylight. If this is not possible bring along your current foundation and try to match the color.

6. Does the sales person know how to apply the lipstick or makeup? Department stores are short handed. You might be dealing with someone who just got transferred in from the luggage department.

7. If the sales person is using the product and it is unflattering maybe you should be dealing with someone else.

8. Finally, ask about the return policy. Can you return that skin product that causes irritation? Make sure you understand.

At the department store cosmetics counter you don't always get what you pay for. Try some comparison shopping and you'll find some great inexpensive products at the drugstore that will work as well or better than the high priced department store lines.

For example, Lancôme and L'Oreal brands are owned by the same company and have many similar skin care products. If you find a Lancôme product you like but don't like spending so much money, L'Oreal many times has a similar product at the drug store for much less. Many similar products are just renamed and repackaged for a lot less money.

Instead of “dancing” at the department store cosmetics counter-one sure way to feel better-think of the money you saved by shopping around.

The Why, When, Where & How of Cosmetic Shopping

Author: Allison Saunders
A cosmetic case that won't zip closed, that basketful of make-up
on your bathroom counter, the vanity drawer crammed with
products and colors you're saving just in case.

We all have a stockpile of make-up that is either impractical, a
little too glitzy or just plain old. You don't need to stockpile
your cosmetics.

In fact, you really shouldn't for a few very good reasons.

WHY?

Your beauty supplies may not be marked with a specified shelf
life, but they have one. Write purchase or throw away date on
bottom new products with a permanent marker. Old products are
not safe, do not wear correctly and subtle changes in color may
occur.

* Cleansers/Moisturizers - good for six months.

* Foundation - six month shelf life if applied with fingertips,
one year if applied with a sponge.

* Lipstick - one year.

* Eye and Lip Pencils - one year.

* Powders and stick concealers - one year.

* Eye shadow and blush - two years.

* Mascara - good for three months

WHEN?

Shop when seasons change - new season, new colors - when
products have gotten old, and when things are on sale. Keep an
eye on those pharmacy and department store circulars. You can
find great deals if you're a smart shopper.

WHERE?

Local pharmacy/health and beauty chains are convenient and
inexpensive. Shop sales, sometimes you can even buy two items
for the price of one. Department stores with high end products
and trained cosmetologists often have giveaways.

Look for in-store banners. Some product lines will even mail you
invitations/reminders for sales. A purchase as small as lipstick
may get you a goodie bag full of trial and even full size
products. If you shop during bonus events, you'll get your
money's worth.

Independent Beauty Consultants are in everywhere. There are good
products available, but be prepared. These sales people are
often friends and it's hard to say no when a friend must meet a
sales quota.

If you can stick to buying only what you need, this is a great
way to get individualized service in the comfort of your own
home.

On-line beauty catalogs may save you a lot of money. But you
need to do your research first. Only purchase make-up that you
have used in the past. Orange pancake foundation is still orange
and thick, even if it was on sale.

HOW?

Carefully and with an honest friend at your side. Take someone
with you who has your best interests at heart. Trust your
friend's opinions, and don't get upset if she tells you not to
buy that gold shimmer lip gloss.

There are many, many ways to look great and not spend too
much... develop your own unique personal style.

About the author:
Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the
author of an amazing new course, "Hollywood Makeup Secrets" a
step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and
outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and
subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:
http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/

A New Year...A New look

Author: Virginia Alexander

Hey, all you fantastic fashionistas! A recent trip to Fashion
week proves that this year is just incredible when it comes to
fashion and style! "Less is more" is the rule for 2006. The
color pallet is warm or cool, but always romantic, glamorous,
bold and totally inviting! As a stylist for film and television,
it's my job to create styles for my clients that make them look
good, have proper fit for their body shape and are in fashion.
My client list varies from media personalities to individuals
who need to build an entire new wardrobe because of weight loss.
Redesigning your image is a real treat after weight loss. You
have been actively working from the inside out. Now is the time
to reap the rewards of your labor! You may not have your own
personal stylist, but that should not keep you from looking
fabulous. Looking your best is really quite simple if you follow
what I call Virginia's Rule of 3: Accent the positive, detract
from the negative, and create the illusion of what you don't
have. How do you follow this rule? By following these 6 tips:

1. Prepare to shop! Shopping for clothes requires preparation?
Believe it or not, it does! Before you shop, start with proper,
well-fitting undergarments and comfortable clothes that come off
and on easily so that you won't get tired while trying things
on. Wear shoes that slip off and on easily--wear flats, but
bring heels. You have to have shoes of the right height to
properly see what any garment will look like on you. Plus, here
is the kicker ... a 2-inch heel or platform will make any
garment hang & look different; it raises your bottom too!
Finally, wear your makeup and do your hair before stepping out
the door. That will make everything you put on look better;
after all, you will be coifed and looking your best when you
wear these new clothes in public! 2. Choose styles that work
for your body type and shape. Do you know what works for you
specific body shape? There are 3 basic body shapes or
proportions: hourglass, bigger on top, and bigger on bottom. We
can all identify with one of them. Certain styles compliment
certain body types. For instance, high waists and flowing skirts
can disguise a larger bottom half. Look for styles that make the
most of your shape. While every person's body is different, one
sure-fire way to make your body look balanced is to wear one
solid color top to bottom. This ensures a sleek head-to-toe
look. Just make sure you pick a color that looks great on you!

3. Choose Colors that Make Your Complexion Look Great. To figure
out what colors make your complexion glow, pick out about 10
shirts--all in different colors--and hold them up in front of
yourself. Now, look in the mirror holding one up at a time!
Notice what the color does for your complexion. Does it make
your complexion and eyes look bright? Does it make you look flat
and dull? Does it create dark circles around your eyes? Most of
all, how do you feel in this color? If it makes you glow and
feel great, then it is a good color for you. Colors fall mainly
into 3 categories, Cool, Warm and Mid-tone. You will probably
look best in colors from one of these palettes: * Cool tones
Wear bright colors, such as bright emerald green, turquoise, a
blue-toned red, pink, navy, dark gray and a bright purple. Avoid
beige, olive green, brick red and apricot. * Warm tones Wear
olive greens, burgundy, mustard, ambers, tomato red, and
russets. Avoid hot pink, sky blue, navy, dark gray, and black. *
Mid-tones Wear muted colors like clear red, hot pink, lemon
yellow, aqua, periwinkle and sage green. Avoid rust, salmon
pink, icy blue, charcoal and black. Still not sure? Ask a
stranger: they are usually more honest than a friend!

4. Choose Bold Accessories to Dress up Your Whole Wardrobe.
Accessories for 2006 are big and bold. The colors I love are
pink, ambers, sage greens, turquoise, and dark brown and black.
So, when it came time to accessorize for the year, I went
through my jewelry box to see what pieces would work with my
favorite hues. I already had some long amber earrings, big
silver hoop earrings, silver bangle bracelets and turquoise and
silver Indian jewelry. So, I only bought a chunky and very long
amber glass bead necklace ($42) and big multi-tiered turquoise
and amber earrings ($20). I am now totally accessorized for 2006!

5. Focus on Essentials! I like separates because I can create a
lot of outfits with just a few basic pieces of clothing: a pair
of faded jeans, a flowing black skirt, and black pants.
Supplement and create new looks by pairing these three
must-haves with clothes you already have! Look through your
closet before you shop, and get rid of what you won't or don't
wear. Make a list of what you need or want. I tear pictures out
of magazines, and get as close as I can to the look I love!
Remember to make sure you feel good in the clothes when you try
them on! Ask yourself these questions: Can I bend over without
flashing the universe? Can I breathe? Does it pull or pinch?
Does it gape or gap anywhere? Can you see through it? (Look in
the light!) Does it hang well on me? Is the fabric rough or
irritating? If it is not comfortable in the store, it's never
going to be! You will not wear it, so don't buy it. I always buy
clothes that have an element of stretch to them for two reasons.
First, I can move and breathe in them. Second, pants with
stretch always make my butt look better!

6. Know What's Hot and What's Not!

What's "In" for 2006: * Soft, feminine fabrics * Color,
magnificent color * Empire-waist blouses * Embellishments on
fabrics--around the neckline or cuffs or on pockets, just a
little * Jeans--all colors, faded, distressed or slightly
embellished (embellished pockets) * Embellished belt buckles *
Western looks--jeans, cowboy hats & western style boots with
heels * Soft gauzy peasant tops--that seventies hippy look *
Ponchos, wraps, shrugs and soft scarves. * Jean jackets--can be
worn with almost everything! * Lace up high boots--boots are big
this year! * Sexy platform shoes * Belts * Button up sweater
with jeans--kind of a retro fifties look. Add pearls for a chic
classy look!

What's "in," but not flattering for most of us: * Gaucho
pants--unless you're 6 feet tall and 120 pounds, you should
reconsider wearing them! * Drop waist short dresses--It looks so
cute on kids, not adults! * Short shorts--The daisy duke's, just
what were they thinking? * Embellished over-priced designer
sweat suits--okay for exercise, but not to be worn in public! *
Bikini Jeans--need I say more? * Dresses and blouses cut to the
navel--interesting, but not appropriate on anyone!

What's out: * Straight-legged slacks * Leggings * Extremely
low-waisted jeans and slacks * Oversized shirts--oversized
anything really! * Same print skirts and tops--just break them
up! * Lots of jewelry, or "Bling" Exception: If you are a Rap
Star, can you still get away with this.

What's "in" for Hair and Makeup: No look is complete without
beautiful hair and make-up. Hair this year shows dimensional
color and highlights. Lowlights and length are both back as
well. Hair that is colored a few shades deeper underneath is a
super look. Longer hair is in, worn straight and flat-ironed
with a wispy cut or big and curled. Remember when you get your
hair restyled to look at all of you, not just your face. You
need to focus on a total look to be balanced. A short hair cut
on an ample body will make you look out of proportion! Makeup is
soft and subtle or fully glamorous for evening. Daytime colors
are soft neutral tones on the eyes (browns, taupes) and light
colors on the lips (Coppers, pinks, peaches), loads of mascara
and subtle, blended eyeliner. Lip-gloss is still in. For
evening, Evening Don't be afraid to use a lot of color on the
eyes and to provide strong definition. Eyeliners are perfect in
showdown and bright mineral hues. Use loads of mascara to
achieve long, thick lashes. Go for soft blush and hot lips
defined in neutral colors, then glossed.

Follow these tips, and you will be ready to kick off the New
Year looking and feeling your best! It's a New Year, and It's
all about You!

About the author:
Virginia Alexander began her career in the beauty/ make up
industry in Washington DC. In 1973, catering to political figures
and business professionals who needed to project their
individual image in a professional manner. She increased her
horizons to include the production level by providing her
talents as a make up artist for Video, Photography, Motion
Picture,

Beauty Foods That Will Keep You Young and Healthy

Author: Donna Monday
You?ve heard that old saying: True beauty comes from within.
Well, now nutritional experts have confirmed that you really are
what you eat.

Forget French fries and fatty hamburgers. If you want to look
beautiful and feel young and healthy, you?ll eat a generous
variety of super foods that have been proven to work wonders on
the human body.

Whether you're on a low fat diet, low carb diet, or no diet,
adding these super foods to your plate should become as second
nature to you as putting your lipstick on in the morning.

Healthy Skin ? Eat: blueberries, cranberries, raspberries,
strawberries, cherries, currants, purple grapes, pumpkin,
carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes.

Healthy Eyes ? Eat: broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage,
cauliflower, bok choy, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, mustard
greens, turnip greens.

Strong Bones ? Eat: yogurt, kefir, soy, tofu. Drink: skim milk.

Reduce Stress ? Eat: beans (navy, pinto, red, black, etc.),
green beans, sugar snap peas, green peas, chick peas.

Boost Immune System ? Eat: turkey, skinless chicken breast,
broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, spinach. Drink: black or
green tea.

Sun Protection ? Eat: tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit.

_______

Hope you enjoyed the information contained on this page. Start with Long Lasting Lipstick Lip Colors, protect your skin with appropriate sun block and pick cosmetics right for you at the right price. I know you'll get many compliments with the beautiful result.

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