The compounds found in the black tea will help brighten your eyes and diminish dark circles and fine lines. And to be honest it just feels good on tired eyes. I try to keep them on for a few minutes and then enjoy my cup of tea. After that I’m ready to tackle the rest of my day.

We have learned over the years from watching our moms, sisters and friends that you just never know when you might need “stuff.” We’ve learned, in some cases the hard way, that it’s better to have it, than to wish we’d put it in our purse.

Although contents vary depending on your role in life, there are certain things that, well, every girl carries. Here then is the definitive list of purse essentials and it doesn’t matter whether you’re single or married, have children or not.

Number one on our list has to be cosmetics. It’s handy to keep these all together in a make-up case, unless you like the challenge of search and rescue missions in the bottom of your purse. Lipsticks in several shades and lip gloss, along with eyeliner, mascara and an eyebrow pencil are basics. Add in powder and blush, as well as a mirror so you can actually see what you’re doing while you are making emergency makeup repairs during the day. Don’t forget the sunglasses.

Equally important would have to be nail polish and a small file in the event of unexpected chipping. Maybe even a couple of spare nails and nail glue, in case of a major nail crisis. While you’re at it, throw in a tube of lotion to keep your hands soft and your cuticles in good shape.

While we’re concentrating on looking great, it’s important to pack a brush or comb and maybe a few clips, hair elastics, or a band to repair possible wind damage or “hat head.” These also come in handy to alter your look, if at the end of your day you have an unexpected change of plans. You may want to bring along a can of hair spray and some of your favorite perfume to complete the necessities.

Now that the really important stuff has been accounted for, you may want to include a few less essential things. It’s always a good idea to carry a debit card or some cash, to pay for lunch out with friends or for the commute home. A cell phone certainly has a place in today’s purse too.

If you carry a really big purse, you have the luxury of including even more emergency items, like that extra pair of panty hose and a fashion magazine or two. So check your bag. If you don’t have all the purse essentials…maybe you just need a bigger bag!

Some of the easiest products to prepare at home are scrubs, masks and conditioners.

Avocados make a wonderful natural beauty treatment. Simply scoop the avocado out of it’s peel, mash, and gently apply to your face or around fingernails to soften and nourish skin.

Make your own facial scrub by mixing together 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal and a teaspoon of sugar. To make a mask which works for any skin type, mash up half of the pulp from a peeled avocado along with 1 teaspoon of salt. When you apply the mask, let it stay on your face for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. To make a really luxuriant conditioner, mix together 2 ounces of Aloe Vera gel, 2 ounces of olive oil, and 6 drops each of rosemary and sandalwood essential oils.

So there you have it. See how easy it can be to make your own beauty products at home? You’ll be so impressed with the results that you may just find yourself making fewer visits to the beauty supply counter in future.

The jury is still out on how often to wash your hair, but it’s generally agreed that unless your hair is extremely oily, a daily washing is not necessary. In fact, washing your hair too frequently can be damaging. If you skip a day or two between shampoos, you allow your hair’s natural oils to penetrate individual strands of hair.

Before washing your hair, be sure it is free of tangles. Use a natural bristled hair brush and gently brush through starting from the scalp and working all the way to the ends. This helps to distribute the natural oils to the ends of your hair, preventing split ends.

When you shampoo your hair, choose a quality shampoo with a neutral ph balance. Work the shampoo into the scalp, massaging with your fingertips rather than your nails. Using your fingernails can cause damage to your scalp leading to things like dandruff and dry scalp. Massaging your scalp will increase blood flow, resulting in healthier hair and re-growth.

Let the suds flow through your hair. Rinse thoroughly to get rid of all traces of shampoo. Then apply a quality conditioner. This is one thing not to skimp on. A good conditioner will not only prevent tangles, which lead to split ends and damaged hair, it will also protect and nourish your hair. Use cool water to rinse off the conditioner for less breakage and shinier, more manageable tresses.

Next, gently towel-dry your hair to squeeze out the excess water. Avoid rubbing briskly with the towel. Wet hair is easily damaged, so use your towel carefully. Then, use a wide tooth comb and slowly comb your hair. If you find a tangle, work it out with your fingers. Trying to comb through a tangle while your hair is wet will only result in damage.

Although allowing hair to dry naturally is best, most of us just do not have the time to do this. Using the lowest heat setting on your hair dryer is the next best thing. As you blow dry your hair, keep the dryer moving to avoid burning your hair and scalp. When using curling irons, or other hot styling tools, apply a silicone-based cream to your hair to shield it from the intensive heat before styling.

Use hair spray, gel and other products sparingly. Build-up leaves a residue which makes hair appear dull and unhealthy-looking. The harsh chemicals used when dying or applying a perm can put added stress on your hair, so don’t overdo either.
The bottom line is that abuse can lead to problem hair or even hair loss. Treat your hair with tender loving care and it will reward you with a vibrant, luxuriant look for many years to come.

One way to reduce your costs on beauty products is to use homemade products. In fact, some home beauty treatments are simply a matter of using a single ingredient. Investing in a good book that will show you how to create your own products will save you lots in the long run. An extra bonus is that your products will be chemical free, especially important for those who have sensitive skin.

Comparison shopping is a good way to get products at the best price. Make a few phone calls and check store ads. Ask if you can get free samples with your purchase. Some stores may be willing to sweeten the deal to make a customer out of you.
Waiting for sales is an excellent cost saving measure. Many products will be discounted from time to time. The trick is to stock up when they’re discounted, so you’ll hopefully have enough to last until the next sale.

New products are frequently priced at lower introductory prices to entice consumers to give them a try. You may even get free samples of a related product from the same manufacturer. The beauty companies know that if they can get you to try their product, you may continue to use it. Take advantage of this and save some money. You might even discover a new product you absolutely love.

Sometimes buying a more expensive product can save you money in two ways.

1. You love it and actually USE it.

2. It’s more concentrated so you use less.

Also, shopping with a Direct Sales Consultant can sometimes save you money, if they offer a money-back guarantee. Companies that offer natural beauty products AND a guarantee can be a better deal than buying in bulk at the discount store.

Wardrobe expert Ricci DeMartino offers advice on looking slimmer than you really are. To look lean and pulled together, wear clothing in matching colors on the top and bottom, like khaki pants and a taupe blouse. Avoid wearing two different colors like a red blouse and blue pants. This cuts you in half and draws attention to your waist making you appear bigger.
Stars like Tyra Banks and Gwyneth Paltrow swear by figure-controlling pants and tights to hide bulges. They are not the only stars who wear minimizing undergarments when wearing elegant evening wear either.
With zoom lenses picking up the tiniest flaw, great skin care is high on the list of must-dos for celebs as well. A biggie is protecting sensitive skin from the sun’s UV rays as well as from environmental irritants. Products of choice contain antioxidants.

Slathering on the sunscreen is recommended too. Even with sunscreen on, the stars avoid sunbathing, to keep their skin in top condition. So how do they get that just off the beach look? Stars like Lindsay Lohan use a process called Mystic Tan, where a self-bronzer is sprayed on in a tanning booth. The glow lasts for up to seven days and is UV free. No tanning beds or lying on the beach to get that awesome tanned look.

Keeping the skin well hydrated is another biggie for celebrities and it should be for you too. Dry skin shows fine lines, making you appear older. Products containing Vitamin A fight signs of aging so read the label and check the ingredients when you choose your moisturizing cream. Go for the super dewy look like Debra Messing.

If your eyes look tired, puffy or red, you look older. Youth and vibrancy go hand in hand. Alicia Keys’ make-up artist advises the use of concealers to get rid of dark circles and make eyes appear brighter and more rested.

There are secrets to having great looking hair too, of course. One surprising trick that many stars rely on is to not wash their hair every day. In fact many stars absolutely won’t wash their hair the day of a big awards show. Why not? Well, it seems that shampooing too frequently gets rid of naturally occurring oils. We knew that but why is that important? These oils are what keep hair shiny and smooth naturally, creating a fabulous look for the big event.

Hair extensions are all the rage in Hollywood these days. But this may be one tip you may not want to use. They come with a hefty price tag and some heavy duty upkeep.

We may not have access to our own personal make-up artists, hairdressers, or advisors, on a daily basis, but with a little bit of work and some creativity, we too can achieve a celebrity-like look.

The golden rule of healthy foods is to eat raw, buy organic, and avoid processed. Cooking destroys vitamins and nutrients in food, so eating foods raw, when possible, is recommended. Organic foods are generally agreed to be a healthier alternative because they are free from chemicals and other contaminants.

Avoid packaged and commercially prepared foods as much as possible. Stay away from sugar and refined carbohydrates. Dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt believes that sugar breaks down elastin and collagen in the skin, causing premature aging. He thinks you can turn back the clock by ten years and improve the texture, tone and radiance of your skin, simply by reducing the amount of sugar that you eat. (Dr. Brandt counts Madonna and Cher among his clients, so he definitely has some believers in his theory.)
A diet that is rich in fiber, whole grains and antioxidants will keep you looking and feeling younger. Most of us know about fiber and whole grains, but what exactly are antioxidants? Well, antioxidants are vitamins and nutrients. They are so highly regarded because they are thought to protect against damage to the heart, arteries and other tissues. Not only that, they are also capable of repairing damage that has already occurred in cells.

Foods rich in antioxidants include most of the berry family with blueberries topping the list. Kiwi has been recognized for its unusual combination of health promoting substances as well. Apples, cherries and plums are almost as highly rated as berries, so be sure to include them in your anti-aging diet. All vegetables contain varying levels of antioxidants as well as lots of nutrients, especially green leafy vegetables, with beans, artichokes and broccoli having high levels.

The good news for snack lovers is that nuts are considered a healthy food. Pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, and walnuts are especially good for you because they contain Omega 3 fats, which are great for the heart. For those who don’t enjoy eating fish, which are prized for their Omega 3 fats, nuts make a wonderful substitute. Nuts are high in calories, so a little go a long way.

Even better news for snack lovers is that chocolate has made the list of “good for you” foods. Dark chocolate in particular has healthy benefits for us. Only eat a small amount of it though or the excess calories you consume may outweigh the health benefits.

And to wash all this delicious food down, your best choices are water or green tea. Water is the number one beverage choice. We need it to hydrate the skin and wash toxins from our body. Not consuming enough water will lead to a tired, lethargic feeling and a less than glowing appearance. Drinking a cup or two a day of green tea daily is beneficial. Not only will it burn extra calories, it’s just plain good for you.

Make wise choices in your daily diet and you will be on the road to looking and feeling younger before you know it. And, as Martha Stewart would say, “That’s a good thing.”

You will no doubt want to shop for some new beach wear. Your choice of a new bathing suit is no longer limited to the basic one-piece or bikini. There is a huge variety of new styles, one of which will be perfect for you. If you’re trying to hide a flabby stomach, check out the tankini. If the tops of your legs are not your best feature, go for a mini swim skirt to go with your bikini. If you need some extra lift in the bust area, try a suit with a built-in support top.

Once you’ve found the perfect suit, you’ll also want to look for some accessories to accentuate it. There are many different types of swimwear cover-ups. A cover-up is a good way to protect your skin from over-exposure to the sun. Just about anything goes when it comes to cover-ups. From an over-sized t-shirt to a beach robe, you’re sure to find one that fits your taste and goes well with your suit. One very popular type of cover up, for those just wanting to cover the bottom half of the body, is a sarong.

Hats are a pretty yet practical accessory. Wearing a hat helps protect your face, neck and shoulders from the damaging rays of the sun. It’s a bonus if your hat just happens to perfectly co-ordinate with your suit and cover-up. Even though your hat will shade your eyes, sunglasses are another necessity. The darker the better and be sure they have a good level of UV blocking for maximum eye protection.

The importance of shielding yourself from the sun makes sunscreen one of your most important accessories. Apply liberally and thoroughly and re-apply periodically throughout the day.

Many beach lovers like to get a head start on their tanning by visiting a tanning studio before heading to the beach. A better idea might be to use one of the self-tanning products that are available. Having a base tan helps avoid sunburn and because you already look tanned, you will probably be more willing to use a more protective sunscreen and avoid getting too much sun.
Before you hit the beach, you’ll want to give your feet a little extra attention too. After all, they’ve been hidden away and maybe even neglected for months. If you spring for a pedicure your feet will be very grateful and look great too. At the minimum, massage some cooling foot lotion into your heels and cuticles. This will go a long way toward making your feet ready for that new shade of nail polish.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your towel and beach bag, put on those sandals and that pretty cover-up over your bikini and head out to the beach looking fabulous this year.

Before the arrival of computers, TV, and fashion magazines, daughters looked to their mothers for advice about beauty. Even though this advice may not be as necessary as it was years ago, a mother can still be depended upon for a few beauty tips in this day and age.

Your mother is certainly aware of what she considers the good, the bad and the downright, I’d like to forget about this, parts of her appearance. No doubt she has worked to improve the parts that she doesn’t like while taking good care of her assets. While doing so she has probably passed on some of the tips that have worked for her in the beauty department.

As a girl you probably sat and watched as your mom applied her make-up, combed her hair, or got ready for an evening out. Many of her tips were probably casually tossed out while you chatted together during these times. Things like, go easy on the eyeliner to avoid the raccoon look, or blend in the blush so you don’t get the round clown dots on your cheeks.

Mothers are aware that the older we get, the more we sag. So when your mom tells you to throw your shoulders back and walk tall, she is really talking about posture. When you have good posture, you look slimmer, have more confidence and feel good about yourself.

Another piece of good mom advice is to relax. We tend to be so stressed today and this is reflected in our faces. Frowning and grimacing produce fine lines around the eyes and mouth that deepen with age. Make a conscious effort to smile as much as possible. Not only will you look better, but you’ll feel better too!

Another tip she may pass on is to wear sunglasses when it’s sunny no matter what season it is. Another tip is to wear glasses if you need them instead of straining to see. Scrunching up your eyes produces wrinkles around them in years to come. You can delay the crow’s feet and other wrinkles around the eyes by what you do (or don’t do) with your eyes now. So, stop scrunching up your face to avoid the bright sun or read that newspaper.

Some tips from mom may even be passed on without conscious thought from her. You can learn a lot about yourself just by looking at your mother. For instance, take a careful look at your mom and you’ll get an idea of what you may look like in twenty or thirty years. Using what you’ve learned from doing so might indeed prove to be an important beauty tip from your mom.

Moms are wise. Some of the tips that she shares are really designed to support a daughter who is bemoaning some aspect of her appearance or her life. Since mothers are all about championing those she loves, don’t be surprised when she talks about beauty being on the inside. No, it doesn’t mean that she thinks you’re hopeless. She just wants you to love yourself for who you are, just like she does. When you think about it, this tip alone is the single most important beauty tip she can pass on to you.

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