There is little that holds more appeal than a long, relaxing soak in a tub filled to the brim with hot water and maybe even bubbles. Why not use your tub time to indulge yourself even more? Let’s set the stage.

As you lower yourself into the water, quiet, soothing music plays quietly in the background. The lights are dimmed and there’s a scented candle or two burning. You have a cup of your favorite beverage within easy reach. A huge fluffy towel is set aside just for you. Lean back and rest your head on your bath pillow.

You’re probably thinking, it doesn’t get any better than this. Well, think again because it does. This “me time” can be more than just soothing and relaxing. So far, you’ve taken care of the atmosphere and mentally you’re right into it. You deserve this. In fact, you absolutely love this.

But as the multi-tasking woman you are, admit it, it’s always more satisfying to do more than one thing at a time. You’ve got that covered too, because while you relax, your body is being pampered.

To soothe tired eyes, place a slice of cucumber over each eye. Leave in place for about twenty minutes and your eyes will be rejuvenated.

Aroma therapy is an effective way to relieve stress. Add a few drops of a fragrant essential oil into your bathtub’s hot steamy water and the fragrance will drift up from the water. Breathe deeply to enjoy the restorative properties. Feel the tension in those tied-up-in-knots muscles, release.

There are also a number of things that you can add to the tub that will make your skin soft and glowing. Many of them are easily found right here in your own home.

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) has been used forever in the bath as an affordable and easy to use beauty treatment. In the bath, it is absorbed through the skin to ease aches and pains and relieve stress.

You could also add several heaping tablespoons of baking soda as you fill the bathtub. Bathing in baking soda will leave your skin feeling smooth and silky. Add an essential oil for a nice fragrance.

Milk baths have been used since Cleopatra’s time because the natural ingredients soothe and nourish the skin. To make your own milk bath, simply combine two cups powdered milk, half cup each of bi-carb soda, Epsom salts and warmed honey, along with a small amount of an essential oil of your choice. Mix well. Toss a small handful into your bath with the water running.

That’s it. All that’s left is to take the time to indulge yourself a little. So what are you waiting for? Shut off your cell phone, lock the door and enjoy!

Skin care is not a issue of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only method to take care of skin. However, skin care has altered in a big way natural skin care treatment have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be ordinary place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This twist from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things – our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialization of skin care. Even herbal skin care products have been commercialized. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to rise their shelf-life, thus making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home. However, it seems that things are shifting fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none desire to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care commodity is on the rise.

So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?

Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the finest examples of herbal skin care treatment . Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.

A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are joined with other herbs like tea.

Antiseptics are another vital part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.

Tea plays an vital part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of natural skin care methods . Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in bath gels (as a hydrating mix)

Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.

Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for management of skin disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic commodity) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more smart. So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the level of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a artificial product. You should admit the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven artificial skin care products.

For the average woman, less is not more when it comes to our purses. Although some women take a minimalist approach to purse contents, for most of us, the more room the better. After all, there are just some things that a girl can’t do without, the stuff we call purse essentials.

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!

Ever dream of creating your own line of beauty products? Or maybe you just haven’t found the right line of products for you. Well it may be easier than you think to create your own because most of the ingredients that you’ll need can be found right in your own kitchen. Some are even ready to use with no preparation. Intrigued? Read on to find out more about making your own beauty products.

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.

Let’s start with the easy stuff. Four readily available ingredients are baking soda, honey, lemons and coffee. You can use baking soda as a hair rinse to rid the hair of build-up from other styling products. It also leaves the hair super clean. Honey has two great uses, to condition dry or damaged hair and a facial mask. It works especially well for skin that is apt to breakout.

Lemons can be used to lighten or add highlights to already light-colored hair (just rinse in before going out in the sun). They also work wonders in softening rough, dry skin. While lemons work to make light hair more beautiful, coffee is the ingredient of choice for those with darker hair. Pour one cup of cooled, strong espresso onto dry hair, working it in as completely as possible. Leave on for about twenty minutes, then rinse and dry for shiny, glowing hair.

Another item found in the refrigerator that can be used to help manage your hair is mayo. Mayonnaise can be rubbed into the hair as a conditioner. Use just enough to coat the hair, leave for about an hour and wash out. Your hair will be amazingly soft and shiny. You can also rinse your hair with condensed milk in place of your normal conditioner. The protein in the condensed milk will leave your hair extra shiny too.

Unfortunately, certain things can affect the smell and tone of your tresses. (Think swimming pool chlorine.) To get rid of unpleasant odors in your hair, or that slightly greenish tinge that comes from well water or coloring, use tomatoes. You read that right! Whether sauce, paste, or juice, the acidity in tomatoes works wonders to balance ph levels in your hair, bringing back it’s natural smell and color.

Every year people spend hundreds of dollars to have vibrant, healthy-looking hair. Is it really necessary to break the bank in order to have lovely locks? Having healthy hair doesn’t have to be a difficult thing to achieve either. You just need to know what to do. Here are some healthy hair tips to help make your life easier without costing a fortune at the hairdresser.

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.

The pursuit of beauty can be very expensive. Factor in the cost of shampoo, conditioner, nail polish, make-up, perfume, and lotions, to name just a few of the products you might use, and you could end up spending a small fortune. Don’t be discouraged though because it is possible to have everything you need, while saving money on beauty products.

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.

No doubt about it, our favorite celebrities look fabulous, but they don’t achieve that look alone. In fact, they have lots of help getting there. With a few tips from these insiders, we can look our best too. Read on for some secret celebrity beauty tips.

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.

Our eating habits affect our quality of life. Eat too many of the wrong types of food and you are opening yourself up to many potential health related problems. On the other hand, by eating the right kinds of food, you are helping yourself lead a healthier and longer life. In fact, eating these “super foods” will help you to look and feel younger too.

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.”

We wait all year for summer. Great weather, lots of sunshine, shorts, tank tops, bathing suits, and for those brave souls out there, bikinis. No matter which summer attire suits your fancy, you definitely want to look your best. Here’s how to put it all together and be bikini ready this summer.

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.