The whole world has gone wild over a new fad on the beauty market, sugar scrubs. If you haven’t heard of, or tried a sugar scrub yet, you are in for a real treat!

Sugar scrubs are comprised of several ingredients, the main being – you guessed it – sugar! The other ingredients in a sugar scrub may vary from company to company, but generally include deep moisturizing oils or butters such as Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, or Shea Butter. If sold commercially, the scrub will also contain a preservative of some sort, and usually fragrance and/or colorant.

The reason sugar scrubs work so well is because of their dual action. When you rub the scrub into your skin, the fine sugar granules gently slough off dead skin cells on the top of the skin while the oils and butters provide deep moisturizing. The result is extremely soft, silky smooth skin that is both renewed and revitalized.

There are a huge variety of sugar scrubs available on the market, with different ingredients and different packaging, but the basic action of the product remains the same. Sugar scrubs also have a huge price range as well, ranging anywhere from several dollars up into the $50 range You can even make your own sugar scrubs for use at home with common kitchen ingredients. These work just as well as high priced scrubs, but they don’t last as long (storage-wise), and may not have as exotic ingredients as some of the pricier scrubs on the market. Here are a few sugar scrub recipes you can make and use in your own home:

Ingredients:
1 handful ground almonds
5 tb. ground oatmeal
2 tb. brown sugar
2 tb. honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients and blend well. Store in an airtight container when not in use.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2-3 tsp. fresh coffee grounds
1/4 tsp. Essential or fragrance oil if desired

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients and blend well. Store in an airtight container when not in use.
makes approx. 1-8 oz.

Ingredients:
3/4 of cup of sugar
1/4 cup of grated coconut
1/4 cup of coconut milk powder
1/4 to 1/3 cup of Sweet Almond Oil
Coconut fragrance oil

Instructions:
Combine all dry ingredients and blend evenly. Add Sweet Almond oil a little at a time until sugar mixture is moist. Add a few drop of fragrance until you are satisfied with the fragrance strength. You can also add pineapple and/or strawberry fragrance oil for a nice tropical blend. Makes about 8oz.

As you can see, sugar scrubs are easy to make in your own home, or available to purchase if you want a longer lasting product. It is no wonder that sugar scrubs are such a fad right now, with the conditioning that they give to your skin! Be cautious using them if you have sensitive skin, and they aren’t recommended for use right before a big event such as the prom or a wedding, as the rubbing action of the sugar can cause redness when used.

So now that you know what sugar scrubs are, and how you can make or buy them, go treat yourself to a home spa experience with a sugar scrub!

Stephanie Davies is a 27 year old Missourian with a loving husband and an 8 year old son. She currently owns her own business, Mystickal Incense & More, and sells handmade candles, incense, bath & body products and more at www.mystickalincense.com

Why do we love Natural Beauty Products? For many reasons — the cost is one big one. However, the health benefits of using natural beauty products is also a reason to start using our Beauty Recipes. :) 

Toxic Ingredients in Cosmetics and Skin Care Products 

By: Nicky Pilkington

Have you ever examined the ingredients listed on the labels of your cosmetics or other skin care products? Do you know what those ingredients are?

What you may not realize is that many of the skin care products and cosmetics you are buying contain ingredients that are not only harmful to your skin, but also to your long term health. Many of these ingredients are known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and are used by the cosmetic industry simply because they are cheap!

Harmful Ingredients Commonly Found in Skin Care Products and Cosmetics
The following are just some of the synthetic chemicals that have been identified by scientific studies to be harmful to our health.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Often described as being “derived from coconut” to disguise their toxic nature, these chemicals are commonly used in shampoos, toothpaste, foaming facial and body cleansers and bubble bath. SLS and ALS can cause severe skin irritation, and are easily absorbed into the body, building up in the brain, heart, lungs and liver, leading to potential long term health problems. SLS and ALS may also cause cataracts, and prevent children’s eyes from developing properly.

Paraben Preservatives
Parabens are widely used in cosmetics, deodorants, skin care and baby products to prolong their shelf life. They are known to be highly toxic and have caused rashes and allergic reactions. Recent scientific studies in the UK found a strong link between the use of parabens and the increasing rate of breast cancer in women. Researchers found a high concentration of parabens in 90% of breast tumors tested.

Propylene Glycol
Found in many beauty creams, cosmetics and cleansers, Propylene Glycol can cause skin rashes and contact dermatitis, and has been shown to cause damage to the kidneys and liver.

Isopropyl Alcohol
Alcohol is used as a solvent in many skin care products. It causes skin irritation and strips the skin of its natural acid mantle, promoting the growth of bacteria, moulds and viruses. It may also cause premature ageing of skin.

DEA (Diethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) and MEA (Monoethanolamine)
These substances are harsh solvents and detergents that are used in cosmetics and face and body creams as an emollient. They can cause allergic reactions, and long term use of DEA-based products (such as Cocamide DEA) have been linked to an increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.

Aluminum
A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mineral Oil
Derived from petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is commonly found as a main ingredient of face and body creams and cosmetics. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil! It coats the skin like a plastic film, clogging pores and stopping the skin from eliminating toxins, which can lead to acne and other skin disorders. Other petroleum based ingredients include paraffin wax, paraffin oil and petrolatum.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Used as a thickener in skin care products and cosmetics, PEGs interfere with the skin’s natural moisture balance, causing an increase in ageing and leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria.

Talc
Talc is a soft mineral used in talcum powders and cosmetic powders. Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder to the genital area is linked with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer. Inhaling cosmetic powders containing talc may also be harmful to long term health.

How To Avoid These Toxins
Examine the labels of your cosmetics and skin care products carefully, and learn to recognize ingredients that are harmful to your skin and to your health. Many web sites have lists of potentially harmful ingredients in addition to those shown above (e.g. Environmental Working Group).

Don’t be fooled by the words ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ on the front of the label. Many products contain at least one or two natural or organic ingredients, but they may also contain harmful synthetic chemicals as well.

Whenever possible, choose products with 100% natural ingredients such as essential oils and herbs. Your skin will love you for it!

Find out more about General Health at healthandfinesse.com

Who says you have to look your age? It’s time to turn back the hands of time to look and feel younger.

1. Sleep well.
The average adult needs 8 hours of sleep. So get some shut-eye. If you have trouble sleeping, try meditation, deep breathing, herbal teas (chamomile) or aromatherapy (lavender and clary sage are the best).

2. Eat healthy.
A low stress diet (low in fat, starches and sugar) is essential. Eat six small meals a day and maintain a balanced diet. Supplement your diet with antioxidants such as CoQ10, Omega 3 and Vitamin E and energy boosters such as B-complex vitamins.

3. Have a sense of humor.
Laughter really is the best medicine. Read the comics. Act silly with a child. Watch a funny movie. Find something to “lighten ” your mood each day.

4. Try something new or wacky.
Treat yourself to something different! Take a belly dancing class or woodworking workshop. Visit www.learningannex.com

5. Keep your cool.
Self-control and patience are essential to living a stress-reduced life. You can not control what people do or say to you, but you can control your reaction.

6. Stay active.
Exercise not only keeps your body looking good, it also releases endorphins. Rejuvenate yourself daily by walking or engaging in a fitness program.

7. Maintain loving, supportive and positive relationships. Surround yourself with people who share your interests and are encouraging and non-judgmental. Toxic friendships and relationships are energy drainers.

8. Be honest.
Lying means always trying to keep up and remember the lie. This can become a major cause of stress.

9. Think positive.
Our negative thoughts and fears can be overwhelming. Living with past regrets, guilt or resentment is detrimental to your health. Try changing the way you think, it’s difficult, but not impossible. A good resource is www.tamingyourgremlin.com

10. Love yourself.
Work on your self-image and self-esteem issues. Stop comparing yourself to others and embrace your uniqueness!

This article provided by:

Marie Magdala Roker is a Personal Development Coach who challenges women to get from where they are in life to living the life they deserve.  Her Successful Thinking Program is a coaching program that offers unlimited support, motivation and encouragement to achieve long term goals.

You can have beautiful skin simply by incorporating the steps below into your daily and weekly skin care routine.

Drink Plenty Of Water
Your body needs to stay well hydrated for your skin to look its best. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. It will help flush toxins out of your system and give you the fresh, youthful look you are looking for.

Eat Fresh Fruits and Veggies
In addition to plenty of water, your body also need the proper nutrients to keep your skin elastic, give you a healthy glow and overall feel great. Fruits and Vegetables contain antioxidants who can slow down the aging process and protect you from illnesses including certain types of cancer. They also contain other micronutrients your body needs to look its best that you can not get anywhere else.

Get Your Beauty Sleep
I know it sounds very cliché, but getting a good night sleep really does do wonders for your skin. Think about it, when you don’t get enough sleep, your eyes are red and puffy and dark circles develop under your eyes. Plenty of rest each night will avoid this and have you feeling better all over. Sleeping also allows all the muscles in your body, including facial muscles to relax.

Daily Gentle Cleanser
Clean your face each day (preferably morning and evening) with a gently cleanser and plenty of clean warm water. Stay away from harsh solutions that will irritate and dry out your skin. A mild cream-based cleansing cream or milk is a good solution.

After your skin has dried completely, follow it with a moisturizer that includes sunscreen to keep your skin protected all day. Always wash your face at night before you go to bed. You don’t want to be sleeping with old make up clogging the pores of your skin.

Weekly Mask
Nourish your skin with a facial mask each week. I prefer homemade masks from natural ingredients to commercially bought products. Treat yourself to a mask that’s just right for your skin type each week. A mask will not only give your skin the deep nourishment it needs every once in a while, but will also help remove dead skin cells and other stubborn particles that are not removed by your daily cleansing routine.

Article by:

For homemade beauty mask recipes visit www.mybeautyrecipes.com and for more beauty tips as well as information on women’s health go to www.healthandbeautyinfo.com

It is simple to look and feel more beautiful starting today. You can even put away your pocketbook because these tips are free.

1. Smile… it will brighten your day and others around you will feel your energy.

2. Stretch… cats know that total body stretch does wonders. Follow their example and roll up slowly out of bed and stretch gently. (For more tips on stretching here is a great book: AM/ PM Stretch for Health.)

3. Exercise… at least 20 mins of any continuous activity will boost your energy level and reduce bad stressors. You don’t even to pay a membership fee. The key is continuous like a 20min walk or even mopping your floors. You will look and feel better.

4. Drink water. No other liquid is quite like it. Clear your system. 8 glasses are recommended daily. Your skin will radiate.

5. Rest… you need to take breaks during the day and sleep at night. Takes breaks away from work space to keep fresh and focused. Make sure you are getting sufficient sleep at night since your body regenerates while you are sleeping. If you are constantly letting your mind wonder make a conscious decision to put away thoughts till morning. It is amazing how good your subconscious mind listens to your conscious mind (so be careful what you tell yourself)

6. Do good. When you do something for someone else without expecting anything in return you benefit in ways unimaginable. (the key is don’t expect anything in return)

7. Exchange… the money you spend on junk food for food that will enrich your body and soul. Start with a simple plan of exchange. Because some think healthy foods cost more, find out your spending pattern by making 2 lists:

. foods you like that are healthy that you normally don’t buy

. foods you like that are “junk food” that you normally buy

calculate the cost of the 2nd list then use this amount to fund your “healthy” purchase. (of course you have to say bye-bye to the “junk food”)

8. “Stop and smell the roses”. Look for good in everything. This is a toughie because most of us are “trained” to look for faults, errors, shortcomings, defects, etc. Begin with yourself. List all your assets (not just physical). Then realize all the good in being you. Move on to other things around you. Work on this consciously every day till it becomes a habit. There is something good about everything and everyone. Once you realize this you will be finding good everywhere without even trying.

9. Learn… something new every day. Pick up a book. or search online. Learn to do something you have always wanted to do. You can even start for free by researching online. Search the subject and start stimulating and enriching your mind today.

10. Reward yourself. Set financial and personal goals and tag them with rewards for accomplishing them. (this one may be something special you have always wanted to do. and not necessarily a purchase.. But if you have done all the above maybe go ahead and splurge a little. You deserve it!

Marie Gervacio is founder and editor of SimpleBeautyTips.com , ArticleBlender.com and ShineYourStar.com Discover more simple beauty tips today at SimpleBeautyTips.com.

By: Tina Titas 

If you have sensitive skin you may find that many of the treatments you try are too harsh for your skin. While other women are buying skin care products with vitamin C or anti-oxidants, you are using the mild brand with no anti-aging benefits.

So, what can you do about it? How can you, with your sensitive skin, get the same anti-aging effects that other women are getting?

Rather than applying expensive anti-aging products on your skin, you can eat them. Now, of course, I don’t mean for you to eat your expensive night cream or any other store-bought skin products, but you can eat the effective ingredients in them. Since your skin is your largest organ, the benefits of eating the ingredients will be similar to applying them directly to your skin.

Here are some ingredients you can start with.

Green tea: There are plenty of skin care product now that contain green tea. You’ll hear about green tea everywhere and it’s now in many brands of skin care. However, if you have sensitive skin and can’t use those products, then you can drink green tea and have the same effects on your skin. Plus, the bonus is that you’ll be benefitting every other part of your body as well. Some of the other benefits of green tea are weight loss, lower cholesterol, and possibly a lower risk of cancer.

Cucumbers: An increase in fruits and vegetables in your diet can have a positive effect on the overall appearance of your skin. Increase your vegetable intake and your skin will thank you. The side effects of this option? Well, you may lose some weight and feel more energy, but that’s not such a bad thing, is it?

Vitamin C: Take a supplement or increase your intake of oranges and other fruits. The anti-oxidants in them are wonderful for your skin.

Remember, your skin is your largest organ. Take care of it by feeding it well, whether you’re putting products on it, or feeding your body with nutritious foods. And, for those of us with sensitive skin, we’ll be saving a fortune, avoiding those expensive jars of cream and instead heading straight for the grocery store produce aisles.

Tina Titas is a columnist for several health-related publications. She recommends www.EasyNaturalRemedies.com/skin_care.html and www.MyBeautyRecipes.com for natural skin care that you can make with ingredients in your kitchen cupboards.

Bath is an effective beauty therapy. It is important not only for cleanliness but also for the proper maintenance of skin.Plan and use every minute of it tothe : do everything you have to do and then relax for as along as you possibly can. Use this time to really unwind: do a few exercises while the bath is running.

Take this time and use it to the full – Exploit and use the
freedom – and emerge calm , clean and refreshed in body and mind: a new
woman !

Author Susan Christy is an experienced beautician. She has been working on beautifying People in UK Since 10 years. Her beauty care tips have helped many people. She is presently with Feelconfident UK Buy perfumes and Gifts online

The quest for beautiful skin and hair is prevalent among women. You can make inexpensive, natural beauty and hair treatments from ingredients you have in your home that will perform just as well or better than products you purchase in the store.

If you only have one natural beauty remedy in your pantry, make it Olive Oil. It’s extremely versatile and can be used on every part of your body.

Olive oil is excellent for removing mascara. It’s much better than petroleum jelly or baby oil and is beneficial to the skin around your eyes.

Use a few drops of olive oil in warm water for a wonderful at-home manicure. Apply your favorite lotion afterwards to lock in the moisture.

Beeswax and olive oil melted and poured into a small tin makes wonderful lip balm that will keep your lips soft and smooth.

Dry feet can be healed after one night of this treatment. Before bed, rub olive oil into your dry, cracked feet. Do not rinse. Then, put a cozy pair of socks on and go to sleep. Your feet will drink in the moisture and feel much better by morning.

Add a few drops of olive oil to your bath water for the best skin softener you can imagine. And, if you’re feeling extra decadent, then add a few drops of essential oil for a natural aromatherapy bath.

A very small amount of olive oil applied to dry hair will condition and get rid of frizz. This is a great leave-in conditioner.

Olive oil can also work as a shaving cream for men with sensitive skin.

Don’t buy those expensive Sea Salt Scrubs. Make your own. Just add sea salt to olive oil and you’ve got a sea salt scrub that will feel like heaven. Add a drop of essential oils if you’d like your scrub scented.

Please use caution when using olive oil in your bathtub as it will get quite slippery and you don’t want to fall.

It is not necessary to pay a lot of money for beauty treatment products. The things you have in your very own kitchen can often be the best beauty products available.

Melissa B. Rayn loves to experiment with different homemade bath and body recipes. Her passion for creating beauty and spa recipes inspired her to share them with others at her website www.mybeautyrecipes.com

Face it ladies; the reason you want to look nice is to attract the opposite sex. And let’s also face the fact that most men do not even notice half the things you spend your hard-earned cash on in the name of looking good for them. Whether you’re a swinging single, have a boyfriend, or even a couple of boyfriends, you can still turn heads without blowing your entire paycheck on self-maintenance. Here are ten tips.

1. Grow your hair long. Forget the stacked and sprayed look, girls. Men want long, luxuriant locks that they can run their fingers through and maybe even give a gentle tug on once in a while to pay homage to their inner caveman. Save your money on expensive haircuts. Instead, have a friend trim those tresses at home (or do it yourself). Split ends are never in style no matter what look you’re sporting.

2. Cut your hair short. I know; I just told you to grow it and now I’m saying cut it. If you’re one of those pixie-face girls with milky skin and great shoulders who can leave the house wearing no makeup and still look hot… chop it all off! You’re naturally feminine and can get away with it. Keep the hair goop to a minimum. Again: the idea here is soft and natural.

3. Put on a skirt. If you’re married or have been dating the same guy for a while, you know the Skirt Reaction. It usually involves appreciative murmurs, spontaneous affection, and umm… well, I don’t need to explain further, do I? Your skirt doesn’t have to be Neiman Marcus. A denim mini that you paid 14 bucks for can look just as nice as whatever the models are sporting in your copy of Vogue, if you dress it up in just the right way.

4. Exfoliate. Ditch the foundation, ladies. Your boyfriend doesn’t apply beige paint to his face every time he leaves the house and neither should you. Face makeup looks unnatural, and I’ll bet your man would say it tastes kinda funny, too. Instead, pick up a tube of exfoliant for less than four bucks (it will last you at least five months). Scrub with it every four days or so, and you’ll be bright, rosy and cheeky as a schoolgirl. If you’re concerned about oil, buy a translucent powder compact at the Rite Aid and apply as necessary.

5. Paint your toenails and fingernails yourself. Do you actually pay other people to do your nails? Shame, shame. Manicures and pedicures rank high on the list of things Men Couldn’t Care Less About. Professional French Manicure, Pink Piggies Done at Home or even Naked Nails… it makes no difference to him. Save your money and have a finger-and-toe-painting party with a girlfriend or two. Also, forget the Lee Press-On look. Teradactyl talons are terribly tacky. Go with short-to-medium length, natural and “non-scary” nails.

6. Neaten up those eyebrows. No “miracle lipstick” in the world is going to make a difference if your eyebrows look like two caterpillars curled up and died on your forehead! Eyebrow artillery: sharp trimming scissors, a good pair of tweezers. Step 1: brush eyebrow hair upward. Step 2: Trim straight across. Step 3: pluck stray hairs and define arches - and please don’t overdo it! Think Jennifer Aniston, not Bette Davis.

7. Avoid the Lumpy Look. The lumpy look occurs when your clothes are too tight. If the jeans are too small, find a top with tummy coverage. If you’re spilling over the bra cups, camoflauge with a thicker fabric shirt or sweater. The Lumpy Look is a semi-emergency situation that demands action. Either hit the stores for a bigger size, or get on Weight Watchers ASAP because girl, you’re in trouble.

8. Eyes or Lips - not both. The key to being tastefully attractive is downplaying one feature while up-playing another. If you decide to go with smoky baby blues, then opt for bare or clear lips that day. To show off your perfect pucker, select a nice flattering shade of lipcolor. Paint inside the lines (this is important - no man likes the Rodeo Clown look) and leave the eye makeup to a bare minimum. This same theory applies to your clothing. Legs on display? Cover up the belly. Cleavage peeking out? Hide that junk in the trunk.

9. Forget the tanning bed. Yes, fake tanners, we are all talking about how silly you look behind your back. Keep up the year-round tanning, and in five years you’ll resemble a Ball Park hot dog that’s been on the grill for far too long. Tan in a bottle is no better, especially with those telltale brown creases behind your knees. Do your skin a favor and keep tanning to the summer months.

10. Feel good about yourself, and smile! By far the best way to be attractive is to actually FEEL attractive. If you’re smiling and in a great mood, you’ll be naturally sexy no matter what you’re wearing. Put on your favorite tunes, go hang out with your best pals, get some fresh air and do the things you enjoy most in life. Real beauty comes from within, and has a lot more to do with the gleam in your eye and the spring in your step than an expensive haircut or anti-aging cream. So, let it all hang out, be yourself and be happy about it. After all, you’re one of a kind… and that’s pretty attractive!

Dina Giolitto is a copywriting consultant and ghostwriter with 10 years of experience writing corporate print materials and web content. Trust her with your next e-book, article series or web project, and make a lasting impression on your audience of information-hungry prospects. Visit http://www.wordfeeder.com/ for more information.

Summer is here! Are you prepared to be a sun-loving beauty? This checklist for Summer Preparation will give you a good start for swimsuit season.

Exercise – Ladies, there’s nowhere to hide it anymore. The big, bad cellulite fairy visited during the winter again. Or does cellulite reproduce when it’s cold? Either way, get out your walking shoes and hit the streets. Or grab an exercise video and shake it until it melts off.

Pluck or wax those eyebrows. – The bright sunlight will show every little straggler. There’s nothing worse than looking like Bert in a bikini!

Swimsuit Shopping – Although most women would rather have a root canal than to go swimsuit shopping, it is a necessary evil. If your options are to go swimsuit shopping or to run around the pool in a worn, baggy, see-through swimsuit – please drag yourself to the store! I’ll be the one hiding in the stall next to you, laughing as I try on yet another swimsuit over my undergarments and try to figure out exactly what I’m looking at.

Body Hair – Let’s face it. Winter is not the time we are most diligent about keeping up with shaving. If you’re dreading another year of shaving, there are many more options these days to choose from — from home waxing kits to laser hair removal.

Feet – Eew! Those scratchy, rough, lizardy-feet need to go away now. Buff them or grab a power sander, but get them looking like skin again before sandal season. Once you’ve got people-feet instead of hobbit-feet, then dust off a bottle of toenail polish, grab a toe-ring, and make them pretty.

Now you’re ready for swimsuit season. Grab a little drink umbrella, drop it into your diet Coke and enjoy your summer, as the sun goddess that you are!

About the Author: Nicole Dean is the mostly-sane mom behind http://www.romanceyourhusband.com  – ’til death do us part is a loooooooong time. Enjoy it!