Should You Get Hair Extensions?
February 21, 2008
Are you sick and tired of your current hair style and want to change it immediately? Hair extensions can add instant length volume, thickness or highlights to your hair in just a few hours. They can be attached to your natural hair using many different methods available today. For example, there is bonding, cold and warm fusion, sew-in, braid-in, heat-sealed in and even clipped in. The hair that is used can be synthetic or human and varies in price and quality. The method of attachment often times dictates the type of hair that will be used.
Hair extensions can be a little pricey, especially if you are going for quality. You definitely get what you pay for with hair extensions, as they are not cheap. Many stylists receive special training from various hair extension companies and become certified to perform specific methods of attachment. Hair extensions are not a one size fits all, and some methods may not be suitable for certain hair textures and conditions.
Here is a list of the TOP FIVE reasons that women and men get hair extensions added to their natural hair.
Gemstone Treatments
February 20, 2008
Though not common knowledge to the public, most gemstones are treated in some way to enhance their color and clarity. An untreated gemstone is a rarity. These treatments are common and widely accepted in the industry and normally do not de-value the stone.
Most retail jewelers do not divulge this information to their buying public or they themselves are not aware. If they are a reputable and ethical establishment then they will be honest if queried on the subject. Don’t expect this information to be offered without inquiring first.
Heat treatment is the most common method used to color enhance gems. Tanzanite, which has become a very popular gemstone in jewelry and to collect is heat treated to obtain that gorgeous cornflower blue color with lavender tones and flashes of red. The rough must be heated to 600 degrees; otherwise, Tanzanite as we know it wouldn’t exist.
Benefits of Soy in Facial Creams
February 19, 2008
Creams with soy are recommended around 40yrs and up or 30s if skin is dry, sun damaged or showing signs of ageing.
Soy is an incredible source of important nutrients providing the necessary ingredients to build protein in the body.
Soy proteins are rich in amino acids, vitamin E and many anti-oxidants, they assist the skin in retaining moisture, aid in eliminating free radicals and maintaining skin elasticity! They can help lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.
Soy lipids helps to regenerate damaged tissue and promote quick regeneraton of the skin cells. Soy also contains nutrients such as lecithin that are beneficial in repairing the skin, renew collagen production making skin soft and flexible, also helps tone the contour of the face therefore avoiding the natural process of aging.
Soy is rich in isoflavones which have estrogen-like properties, particularly valuable for mature women. Diminshes dryness, smoothes texture, improves radiance and firming. The soy’s role in skin is to stimulate, stabilize and influence production of collagen and elasticity.
Skin Care: Organic, Natural or Scientifically Advanced ? Which is Best?
February 19, 2008
In an age where fear of water impurities has millions drinking bottled water, and concerns about genetically engineered corn has others searching for "natural food sources", many people are also wondering what type of products to use for healthy skincare.
We are frightened by the new world we seemingly live in, and at first blush may think that organic or natural is the way to go - as the words “organic” and “natural” in and of themselves engender visions of a time when life was simpler, purer and more wholesome.
This fear often drives us to the multitude of publications promoting organic or natural lifestyles; however once we delve into their pages the information barrage may be overwhelming.
Are soy beans really good for us, and if so do we have to eat five pounds a day to see any benefit? Lemon juice may help bleach out age spots, but is all that acid really healthy for our skin? Can ginseng actually alleviate wrinkles, and if so, why doesn’t every skincare company in the world use it as an ingredient?
Gemstones Natural vs Synthetic
February 18, 2008
What is a synthetic gemstone? A synthetic gem is created in a laboratory under controlled conditions. The gem is grown from a natural gemstone "seed". By controlling the environment in which the gem is grown, impurities and inclusions can be avoided which occur in natural gemstones. The created stones have perfect color and clarity which is so highly desired. Most natural gemstones have imperfections due to uncontrolled growing conditions in nature. Synthetic stones will have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of their natural counterparts without the imperfections.
A good analogy for synthetic gemstone creation is growing roses. Roses grown in a hot house where their growing environment is controlled will be closer to perfection than roses that are grown in your backyard. They’re both roses, but the backyard rose will most likely be flawed or imperfect due to disease, insects, and other environmental impacts. Not so with the hot house rose because of the controlled conditions.
Don’t confuse simulant gemstones with synthetic gemstones. Simulants can be made up of any substance, like glass. They are made to simulate a particular gemstone, but they do not have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of the natural gemstone like the synthetic gemstone. Some examples of simulants are cubic zirconia, moissanite, and yttrium aluminum garnet which are diamond simulants.
Cosmetics Giant Touts Beauty, Power of Hyaluronic Acid
February 17, 2008
Cosmetics giant Estée Lauder has jumped on the hyaluronic acid bandwagon with the release of its high-end "Perfectionist" skincare products, the CP+ Correcting Serum and the Correcting Concentrate for Lip Lines.
In recent months, several beauty products containing hyaluronic acid (also known as HA) have flooded the market, ranging from vitamin supplements to injections. With its "Perfectionist" skin moisturizer treatments, Estée Lauder is the latest to validate the beautifying effects of hyaluronic acid for your skin.
Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in human skin and is capable of holding 1000 times its own weight of water. Although the amount of HA in skin decreases with age, supplementing the body’s natural supply can help offset visible signs of aging. The protein acts like an "instant facelift," retaining essential moisture in the skin layers to reduces wrinkles caused by dehydration and aging.
The cosmetics industry continues to debate what type of hyaluronic acid treatment is best. As injection procedures are still on the rise ? in 2004 there were 882,469 performed in the U.S. alone ? many beauty enthusiasts are gravitating towards less invasive HA treatments. Leading the pack, Estée Lauder boasts that its "Perfectionist" skin products visually improve clarity and elasticity more effectively and safely than any injection procedure.
Natural Rosacea Products & Rosacea Medications : The Common Thread
February 16, 2008
If you are one of the thousands of men and women suffering from the skin discorder rosacea or acne rosacea, you may already be familiar with the standard dermatologist-prescribed courses of action and medications.
What many people don’t know, is there are actually non-prescription, natural rosacea products that are just as effective, if not more effective, than prescription rosacea medications and topical rosacea gels and ointments.
First, let’s look at the common ingredients in pharmaceutical rosacea medications. Two popular topical prescription drugs for rosacea are Metronidazole and Azelic Acid.
As an oral medication for rosacea, physicians may utilize a variety of medications, mostly antibiotic in nature, to help control rosace by controlling severe facial flushing and swelling. Sometimes in severe cases, even cardiovascular medications are used to help control the facial flushing.
Because of the higher risk of negative reactions associated with the long term use of oral antibiotics, topical therapy is usually the preferred long term treatment method. There is also the danger of antibiotic resistence becoming a problem for people who are treated long term with anitbiotics.
Hair Split Ends
February 15, 2008
This is a common condition which proves to be the devil of every girl’s life! Split ends are most often seen in long hair but also found in shorter hair that is out of condition and is an affliction of anyone trying to grow their hair. The problem can be solved with good hair maintenance so check out this article!
Split ends, (or trichoptlosis), are the nightmare for every self-respecting woman’s life! They happen when the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair fibers. Split ends are more likely to develop in dry or brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include excessive dying or vigorous brushing.
Once the hair cuticle is removed, it is impossible to replace. Typically the hair splits into two or three strands, and can be as long or two to three centimeters in length. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of the damaged fiber.
THE MAIN CAUSES WHICH BRING THIS GHOST TO YOUR HEAD:
1. As your hair grows, the natural oils from the scalp can fail to reach the ends, making the ends of the hair more vulnerable than the roots.
Handbag and Purse Trends 2005
February 14, 2008
Handbags are becoming the most popular fashion accessory on the market. The popularity of handbags (especially in the last year) has taken everyone by storm including handbag manufacturers. There are so many styles and trends available on the market right now and the average woman now owns at least 3 purses. You can make the same outfit look completely different just by changing your handbag. If you are interested in handbags and would like to know the latest styles and trends for this summer, fall and winter, keep reading and you will find out everything you need to know.
These are the latest handbag trends and styles:
Handmade and Homemade Toiletries?Buyer Beware
February 14, 2008
If you’ve been to a craft show or a farmers’ market recently you’ve probably noticed that more and more people are making and selling homemade soaps, toiletries and cosmetics. Gone are the days when the neighborhood soap maker was a grandmotherly lady in a long cotton dress-today’s soap makers are young, hip stay-at-home moms hawking homemade lotions, makeup and bath products. But are the products they’re selling any better than store brands? More importantly, are they safe? Consider these facts before you make your next purchase:
*Commercial toiletries are manufactured in clean, modern labs which are subject to FDA inspection at any time. Homemade cosmetics, on the other hand, are often made in home kitchens where food is prepared, cleaning chores are performed and meals are consumed. Because they’re so small these home-based companies often slip right under the FDA’s radar and are never inspected at all.
*Commercial companies are required to follow a set of FDA guidelines known as the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices. These practices include having dedicated work spaces, employee dress codes and specific safety procedures. Homemade cosmetics are often made in the presence of pets, children and others not wearing proper attire like hair nets or gloves. No home-based business can meet the FDA’s GMPs for cosmetics manufacturing.
