Expert Skin Care

As much as we love the X Factor for the talented contestants (well, we say that lightly, Jedward), we definitely get more excited waiting to see which look Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole will be debuting that night.

But it's not all about the fab frocks. During each live show, both judges have showcased flawless hair and beauty, and we were lucky enough to get this exclusive industry insider tip...

Dannii's make-up artist Christian Veermaaks has revealed how he creates that pristine finish to Miss Minogue's seemingly perfect skin.

‘My new found love is the SUQQU make-up brushes. They are a must-have for any make-up kit,' he says. ‘As Dannii's make-up artist for the X Factor, we have a lot of filming to do every week. With all those hours spent in the make-up chair, you want to use the best brushes and products available.'

The Hollywood beauty Demi Moore has always been praised for her beauty. Now, she is ready to share her beauty secrets. She is in talks to launch her own range of beauty products.

Buzz up!The 46-year-old actress is the current face of ‘All You’ve Ever Wanted.’ It is a fragrance by the cosmetics labels Helena Rubinstein. The partnership has brought about a “very deep and serious conversation” about creating her own line.

Demi Moore hopes she can settle a contract with the bosses of Helena Rubinstein. She feels that they have a greater creative opportunity in working with something where we could really form a true partnership. The venture will be mutually beneficiary.

Charlize Theron is heralded as one of the world’s most beautiful women; having started her career as a model she has become a highly successful actress with starring roles in movies such as The Devil’s Advocate, Hancock and the award winning Monster.

Now she has revealed the beauty secrets she can’t live without (InStyle magazine October 2009) and one of the most surprising is the ancient Aboriginal remedy called emu oil.

Many big stars such as Demi Moore, Zac Efron and Jenny McCarthy are also fans of emu oil, using it to keep their skin looking its best due to its anti-aging properties, but Charlie uses it for something else.

Charlize says: “I’m not big into styling products, but I use this Australian oil to moisturise my hair.”

Charlize's use of emu oil isn't just for celebrities however, and the science adds up. Emu oil is a powerful mosituriser, but unlike other oil's it won't clog up your pores as comedogencity tests show it has a score of less than one. Furthermore emu oil is naturally jam packed with essential fatty acids, nutrients vital for healthy skin and hair that help keep hair in peak condition and looking radiant.

There is even evidence to suggest that emu oil can help thicken hair and reverse the effects of hair loss with studies having looked at emu oil's ability to increase skin cell regeneration and hair growth.

In the UK the leading brand of emu oil is the Golden Emu Oil range from the Pioneer Trading Company.

Aside from their straight up oil the Pioneer Trading Company also offer a full Golden Emu Oil hair care range, including shampoos and conditioner. Now available at shopforhealth.co.uk with prices starting at just £6.80.

Halle Berry has it all: iconic beauty, an Academy Award and a happy family. Still, one thing is missing: “I’ve always wanted my very own fragrance, one that defines who I am,” Halle told OK!. In an OK! exclusive, Halle shares her style secrets and beauty tips and talks about her new fragrance Halle by Halle Berry.

The stunning actress and doting mom of 19-month-old daughter Nahla with her gorgeous boyfriend Gabriel Aubry finally has the sexy scent that she’s been seeking for. “And because the scent you wear says a lot about you, I’ve taken the time to choose the one that’s just right for me,” she told OK!.

How is the fragrance an extension of your personality?
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more in touch with my sexuality. I feel more free, and I like expressing it. I love this fragrance because it’s very sensual, sexy and playful, on top of being exotic and fruity.

Describe your personal style.
It all depends on my mood and how I’m feeling at that time in my life. But there’s always a simplicity to my look — I don’t like getting overly done-up.

What’s your beauty mantra?
I’m not one of those people who opts for plastic surgery, so my philosophy is to take care of what you have. I’m really serious about my skin-care regimen at night. I never ever go to bed — or even nap — with makeup on.

Are you high or low maintenance when it comes to your beauty routine?
I’m a fanatic about skin care, but when it comes to makeup, I’m not. Some days I’ll go out with no makeup on and not even care, because I don’t have the time to be that concerned about it.

Can you share some of the top beauty tips you’ve picked up along the way?
Don’t wear too much makeup, because you can ened up looking like a man in drag! And learn how to line your lips.

Are you into experimenting with your look?
I went back to short hair after having long hair for five years. That’s the beauty of being a woman right now — you can change up your look any way you want because there are no limits. It’s acceptable to have short hair one day and long the next.

Are you planning a follow-up fragrance?
I’m a big orchid lover, so I’d love to do something tied to my favorite flower. If you walk into my house any day of the week you’re guaranteed to find orchids somewhere.

Julie Hewett is a very important person in Hollywood. Many celebrities and filmmakers count on Julie to make beautiful faces. Some of her clients include Mandy Moore, Jodie Foster, Debra Messing, and Kate Beckinsale. She has done the makeup work for movies including The Women, Oceans Thirteen, Because I Said So, Pearl Harbor, American Beauty, and many more. I had the amazing opportunity to interview Julie. Trust me, you don’t want to miss her tips.

Gabrielle: Julie, at what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a make-up artist?

Julie: I was a fashion designer who could not sew and sat around drawing faces... when I got to do it .. I realized it was my calling!

Gabrielle: You have an array of celebrity clients. Are there any particular looks that are requested on a regular basis?

Julie: Each of my celebrity clients have their own signature looks... but my most requested look is a smashing red mouth with dewey fresh skin.

Gabrielle: Have a lot of your jobs stemmed from the first relationships you made in the very beginning?

Julie: Absolutely. There is no business without your return customers.. the same is true with make up. The greatest compliment is being asked back. I have clients for over 20 years and I am still thrilled they keep calling!

Gabrielle: Have you seen a beauty look that people think is ‘in’ and it just isn’t?

Julie: Cartoon black eye make up is great on the runway but not on the subway

Gabrielle: In your opinion, what is the key secret to being beautiful?

Julie: Besides the obvious great bone structure.. there is an ease and confidence to real beauty. Being comfortable in your own skin and making the most of your own uniqueness..and radiating joy helps too.

Gabrielle: What is your best-kept beauty secret?

Julie: I love pure organic camellia oil. I put it all over. It absorbs like nothing else. I even made a camellia balm for lips,eyes to soften the dry sensitive areas. (juliehewett.net)

Gabrielle: For my readers, is there any ‘never fail’ skin care of make-up tip you want to share?

Julie: Remove your make up with a hot wash cloth (you can drench,wring out, add a few drops of lavender essential oil put in the microwave for 2 minutes or so) It is an instant facial...... it melts your make up off.

Gabrielle: For aspiring make-up artists, or people who want to break into the beauty industry, can you outline an idea of what a day is like in your shoes?

Julie: The alarm goes off well before sunrise.. you rush to the trailer and you have 18 minutes set up time.. read the call sheet prepare for the day's work. Doing the make up is only part of the job. Go to set... watch the monitor for any unwelcome shine... touch up.. go to lunch.. touch up again. ..touch up again.... .

Gabrielle: Is there anyone in particular that you can say was an absolute pleasure to work with?

Julie: I just recently worked with Debra Messing. What a dream!!!!!!!!!! She loves make up. It was a joy to create lots of characters with her. We did Queen Elizabeth to Sharon Stone. It was so much fun. The Starter Wife was a blast.

Gabrielle: Is there anyone that you hope to work with in the future?

Julie: I just got hired to work with Miley Cyrus. who is so beautiful and talented. I am very excited!!!!

Thank you so much Julie! You’re an inspiration!

1. Fight Ingrown Hairs: Two days after a bikini wax, exfoliate your skin with a sea-salt scrub. It'll prevent dead skin build-up and blocked pores.

2. Apply Eyeliner Perfectly: Instead of trying to draw one long line, use short strokes, which are easier to control so you're less likely to end up with gaps.

3. Prevent Dark Polish Stains on Your Skin: Before removing a dark shade of nail polish, put lotion on the skin around your nails, which stops the color from spreading to your skin.

4. Keep Your Lips Bacteria-Free: Instead of dipping your fingers into a lip balm pot over and over again, use a cotton swab (cut in half to save money!) to avoid bacteria and germs. Then chuck the swab at the end of the day.

5. Fight Ingrown Hairs: Two days after a bikini wax, exfoliate your skin with a sea-salt scrub. It'll prevent dead skin build-up and blocked pores.

Are you wondering what is the secret behind Julia Roberts' beauty? Well, the Hollywood damsel is revealing her beauty secret for you! She claims that the key to staying beautiful is always to be looking at someone who loves you.

The 41-year-old successful actress is mother to three kids! Her happy family consists of 3-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus and 1-year-old son, Henry, with husband, Danny Moder. Julia Roberts insists all of them make her look beautiful.

She also shares the secret behind a successful family life
. All of them share their feelings in a simple way. Moreover the parents do show their love for each other in the presence of their kids too!

Victoria’s Secret model Marisa Miller is already naturally gorgeous, and always has that beach girl-look about her, so she's the perfect person to ask about how to get that summer style. Plus, as the current cover girl of Shape magazine, we had to grill her about her secrets for getting into shape for the warm months ahead.

Hollyscoop caught up with Marisa at the W Hollywood’s stunningly seductive WET Pool, and she gave us the scoop on how to look and feel great this summer.

When asked what some of her beauty tips were, she told us, “I think one of the most important things is to work out. I mean obviously no one likes to work out, but it's really important to be toned and firmed. It's really important not to forget your skin either. Coming from winter, it's like we're all a little dry, and it's important to exfoliate and to use SPF.”

We whole-heartedly agree that being tan (as well as toned) is a summer must, but we Hollyscoopers know the sun’s harmful rays are not the way to get that glow! Luckily, Marisa clued us in on a great product that’ll give you a guilt-free bronze.

She told Hollyscoop, “I love this product by Victoria's Secret, Bare Bronze, because it has sunscreen and a self-tanner in it so it's great because you can really gradually build up your color transitioning from spring to summer and it hides a lot of imperfections....so it's really important not to forget about your skin when swimsuit season is coming up.”

We asked her if laying out in the sun was a big no-no for her, and Marisa said, “I used to. I've grown up at the beach my whole life, I surf, and the last 2 years because the self tanner is so great.... maybe 10 years ago the color wasn't so great, but I mean now this Bare Bronze product I use is awesome. That's what I use and I notice my skin looks better and it's really important to use SPF.”

Aside from exercise, Marisa is adamant about maintaining a healthy diet as well. Here’s one of her supermodel secrets: “One of the things that I do before I have a big shoot is, for breakfast I'll have a big smoothie. It's really simple to make and it's easy if you're on the go and you just have a couple minutes. I'll do organic blueberries, frozen berries, a banana, yogurt, and protein powder, and it fills you up but it's good because it's good to replace with a smoothie. It makes your skin pretty. It's a nice little slimming tip.”

With Marisa’s busy schedule of modeling, it’s hard to imagine she has any time left in the day! But we asked if she’s thinking about her future, and if she wants to be a mother some day.

Marisa told Hollyscoop, “Of course. Heidi Klum...I'm such a fan of her and how she balances everything so great and she has kids and such a great family life, so that's definitely something I aspire one day, but it's a little difficult when you model swimwear!”

How Much Makeup?

The average female uses up to 20 different skincare products per day (according to a recent study). This adds up to a phenomenal amount of makeup and skincare product use per year. This is particularly interesting due to the fact that most of these products contain a large helping of chemicals.

Thus, these chemicals are absorbed through the skin result in various skin problems and ageing issues. While some chemicals that are contained within skincare and makeup products might be ok to use on their own, there’s no telling when these products might do once they are mixed.

A Chemical Reaction?

As basic chemistry teaches us, when two chemicals are mixed together there is often a reaction. Thus, the various products that women put on their face during any one given day may result in a chemical reaction that is less than positive.

What can be done about this possible problem? Simply put, we have to be more careful about the products that we place upon our skin. It is crucial to understand what each chemical inside of a makeup or skincare product does, and whether or not it will cause a negative reaction when it is mixed with another product.

Where Do Chemicals Go?

If a small amount of a skincare product is accidentally swallowed, then the stomach will simply break up that product resulting in no harm done. However, if a product is simply placed upon the skin, it will be instantly absorbed, and it will enter into your bloodstream almost immediately.
This means that you could be doing a lot more harm to your skin than you think. Take a good look at those chemicals that are included in your skincare and makeup products. Find out what each chemical means, and make sure that they are not part of the "chemical watch list."

Possible Problems

Some chemicals that are currently under scrutiny include parabens and sodium lauryl suphate. While the cosmetics industry states that there is no need for concern, this may not be entirely true.

For the time being, simply be aware of the things that you are placing upon your skin. If a skincare product is laden with chemicals, take the time to figure out what those chemicals are...and ask yourself if you should be using organic products instead.

Go Organic

Most organic products are derived from natural sources. This means that these products contain items that are safe for your skin. You can feel good about using an organic product when it comes to your skin.

Unlike other chemical laden products, organic products will not harm your skin. In the end, it’s worth it to take a closer look at the skincare products that you do use. While there may not be any known chemical side effects at the moment, these things have a way of changing in the blink of any eye.

Explore How to stop possible and harmful effects of applying makeup and start a skin care revolution with the innovative technology brining professional clinical results which enables women and men of all ages boost collagen production and create amazing anti-aging results.

1. LIGHTEN UP
   
   The heavy moisturizing cream that you used in the winter months may be a little too heavy for spring. Switch to a lighter, oil-free formula instead, but still pay close attention to the skin around your eyes and mouth. Don't forget to apply sunscreen every time you leave the house.
   
   Makeup colors should lighten up too. Put aside your dark lipstick, blush and eye shadow and go for a little more natural look this season. Replace the plum and wine colors with more pinks. For daytime use a lip gloss, rather than a lipstick, and switch from black mascara to brown. Instead of a liquid foundation, switch over to tinted moisturizer or mineral powder instead.
   
   
2. EXFOLIATE YOUR BODY
   
   As you toss your boots and sweaters to the back of your closet, you probably realize that you will be exposing a lot more skin soon. Shorts weather is almost here and bikini time is right around the corner. Skin care isn't just about your face. Body care is important too. Exfoliate from head to toe to slough away dead skin cells and rejuvenate your dull complexion. Follow these tips on how to exfoliate and get a smooth, glowing complexion.
   
   
3. PAMPER YOUR FEET
   
   Your tootsies have been hiding all winter long but it's time to break out the sandals. If you can't afford a trip to the salon, you can do your own pedicure at home. Add 3 cups of milk and one cup of honey to a large basin and soak your feet for 20 minutes, massaging the liquid into your skin. Use a pumice stone to remove extra rough patches. Rinse your feet with warm water and pat dry. If you have dry, cracked heels, slather petroleum jelly on your feet before bedtime and sleep in a pair of clean, white cotton socks.
   
   
4. DRINK MORE WATER
   
   It's no secret that water is great for your body and your skin. It's very important to stay hydrated in warm weather. Carry a bottle of water wherever you go, not just to the gym. Make it a habit to drink 8 glasses of water each day. Snack on berries instead of chips, cookies and other munchies. Berries are rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and encourage collagen renewal.

CELEBRITIES are always under pressure to look good, so it's no surprise that their bathroom cabinets are packed with top-of-the-range lotions and potions. However, many female stars shun leading brands and instead delve into their kitchen cupboards.

Hollywood A-lister Catherine Zeta-Jones recently revealed that she washes her hair with beer to get her gorgeous shimmering locks.

The Welsh actress, who is married to Michael Douglas, also divulged some of her other weird and wonderful beauty tips that are more commonly found in the kitchen than on a cosmetics shelf.

Ever wondered how she maintains her soft, glowing skin? The Intolerable Cruelty star - who turns 40 this year - moisturises with honey and salt to keep her skin looking youthful.

Instead of toothpaste, Zeta-Jones uses natural whiteners such as apples and strawberries to cleanse her canines.

Here we uncover other bizarre - and inexpensive - celebrity beauty secrets that will have you raiding the kitchen cupboards for the next-best-thing.

MILK
Supermodel Cindy Crawford is a fan of milk, but as well as drinking it, the model-turned-actress uses it to cleanse her skin. According to experts, milk contains antimicrobial and cleansing properties. Lactic acid helps dead skin cells deteriorate. Also reported to be a believer in the benefits of milk baths is Cameron Diaz, who uses powdered milk as an exfoliant on her skin which is prone to acne. Mixed with honey, milk helps the skin to glow.

TOOTHPASTE
Besides using it to keep her teeth white, American actress Jennifer Love Hewitt swears by using toothpaste for spots. If apimple appears, she applies a small amount of toothpaste to it, leaves it overnight, and that helps to clear it up.

OLIVE OIL
Pretty Woman Julia Roberts has an unusual beauty regime when it comes to nail-care. The Erin Brockovich star has been known to apply olive oil to her nails and cuticles. Soaking your nails for 30 minutes in a small cup of olive oil can improve brittle, dry nails. Olive oil is also good for you hair, skin and diet.

COFFEE
You can achieve shiny hair using coffee. It's a popular alternative to shampoo for Jennifer Love Hewitt. But coffee also has another use - and that's for beating cellulite, according to Halle Berry. It's the caffeine in it that helps rid cellulite because it increases blood flow and cellulite is related to poor blood supply.

WINE
Desperate Housewives all over Scotland will be trying out this beauty technique - if they crave smoother skin but don't mind wasting a glass or two of wine. Teri Hatcher, who stars in the hit US drama, is a firm believer in pouring some wine into her bathtub. It has a natural skin softener and exfoliant and wine grapes can draw toxins from the body. Some spas have introduced the latest 'vinotherapy' craze.

CRANBERRY JUICE
Pouring a cup of cranberry juice over your hair after shampooing can boost its shine. The juice does this by sealing the cuticle to add shine. It is said to enhance the colour of red or strawberry blonde hair. It's a favourite technique adopted by the likes of Nicole Kidman.

BEETROOT
Bollywood star and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Shilpa Shetty uses beetroot as a blusher. She says: "If you want a natural flush, boil some beetroot in the microwave and rub a bit on your cheeks, over your moisturiser."

SALT
Salt is great exfoliator: after a bath or shower, sprinkle it on to your hands and rub gently over the skin to remove dry skin. It also acts as an alternative to mouthwash: mix salt with baking soda in a glass of water and gargle. It's thought to whiten teeth and remove plaque.

VINEGAR
If you are prone to bruising, vinegar is thought to help by reducing blueness and speeding up the healing process. Soak a cotton wool ball in white vinegar and apply to the bruised area for an hour.

YOGHURT
A yoghurt face mask is ideal for soothing tired skin or cooling sunburn. Apply natural yoghurt to a cleansed face for 15-20 minutes. Adding honey helps moisturise dry skin and, for oily skin, add a few drops of fresh lime juice. Rinse off with water.

Flowers have been long used to enhance beauty and to keep mind and body healthy. In India, the Indian Rose has been used by ancient Queens to make their skin soft, supple and fair, while in China, women drink Chrysanthemum soup to detox their digestive system and avoid bacterial infections.

Flower Therapy is seen as a hot new trend, much-welcomed by people who wish to de-stress themselves, and for those who crave for a rose tinted, flawless complexion.

According to experts, the flowers that do not have any side effects, but are packed with goodness of nature, have grown to be an instant hit among customers.

According to Hitender Chandra, an Aromatherapist in India, various flowers are used for different therapeutic purposes. For instance, lavender is an excellent antiseptic and has magical properties. It heals allergies, pigmentation, acne, excess oil secretion, and open pores, and hence tops the list.

Next in line are the Marigold and Sunflower that penetrate the skin and imparts wonderful glow.

Jasmine comes as a blessing for hypersensitive skin. More than anything, it is the visual impact of flowers and their fragrance that has high healing effect on our senses. It de-stresses mind and enhances skin tone.

Even a mere visit to a florist shop, or looking at arrangement of flowers, has a deep impact on one’s state of mind, and in general renders a happy and positive feeling. The fragrance of flowers rejuvenates the senses and peps up our moods, say therapists.

However, in a therapy room, it wouldn’t be sufficient if there are just few flowers or bouquets lying around. Rather, a complete environment with flowers is required, which renders a peaceful feeling, and this makes a lot of impact.

However, the goodness of flower becomes double when mixed with other herbal products, as is usually done in Flower Therapy. The flower pastes and tea barks are mixed with fruit pulp and other ayurvedic ingredients, such as cream and aloe vera gel, along with floral paste, which enhances their healing properties.

For the beauty-conscious in India, particularly in the ‘Pink City’ (Jaipur), Flower Therapy is proving to be a much sought-after treatment for skin ailments. Several clinics and parlors here are offering these therapies. Irrespective of the kind of problems, be it acne or dark circles under the eye, Flower Therapy seems to be the perfect quick-fix treatment.

Aromatherapy Benefits: Although some doctors doubt the efficiency of Aromatherapy, medical researches have scientifically proved that Aromatherapy may produce both psychological and physiological effects. Aromatherapy benefits includes stress and headache relief, sleep improvement, mood boosting, hormones’ regulation, muscles’ relaxation, immune system’s stimulation, blood circulation, skin diseases’ healing etc.

Buying Guide and Aromatherapy Safety: Entering into an aromatherapy shop can make you feel like walking into an aromatic paradise. However, due to great variety of aromatic products, choosing the best aromatherapy is not as easy as you might think. These buying tips can help you save money and avoid confusion. Although essential oils can be used by everyone, some precautions must be observed carefully. Inexperienced individuals should consult a qualified aromatherapist before trying to make any blend. Keep in mind that pure essential oils are very potent substances and must always be diluted with base oil before being applied to skin.

You might be surprised to find out that men are actually more prone to acne than women during the adolescence period. In addition, the number of adult men who suffer from acne is not that far compared with the number of women who have the same skin condition.

Acne cures for men and women are generally the same, although there are habits that are exclusive to the male species that must be taken into consideration when looking for male pimple solutions. Below are some guidelines concerning acne control for men.

1. Choose your shaving materials carefully. If you are already suffering from zits, shaving improperly might worsen the condition. To prevent skin irritation, use a sharp razor and always make sure that it is clean. If you have a habit of using after-shave colognes or shaving foams, choose the mildly formulated types; better yet, consult a dermatologist on what type of shaving kits fit your type of skin and what formulas will not aggravate your pimples.

2. Keep your face and your body clean. Wash your face at least twice a day. For men who suffer from back pimples, avoid wearing rough clothing, cotton will be preferable particularly if it's summer. Since men sweat more than women, changing your clothes regularly and taking showers will help, since sweat can make the pimples on your back worse and might even cause them to itch.

3. Keep your hair clean. If you're sporting a long mane, shampoo your hair regularly. The dirt in your hair can easily transfer to your face. Better yet, tie it back in a ponytail. If it will not take away from your style, avoid growing your hair in the summer months since it will cause you to sweat more and the rough ends of the hair's strands can irritate the skin, particularly at your back and the underside of your jaw.

4. Do avoid excessive alcohol intake and smoking. Although drinking and smoking might not cause acne, they can make your skin drier and more prone to breakouts. Alcohol does cause dehydration and smoking (aside from the other diseases it causes) will not exactly make you any healthier. A healthy body can translate to a healthy skin, trust me.

The guidelines above might be quite basic, but sometimes, it's the basics that we tend to ignore and forget. If you really want to have a clear, healthy skin, follow these tips and you will achieve your goal.

1. Medium Bridal Hairstyle
This wedding hairstyle is a choice for medium length hair. The bangs have a small sweep and the tresses are just allowed to naturally flow down with some touch. The ends are lightly curled out producing a complimentary style with the veil. A nice wedding hairstyle idea for woman with medium length hair.



2. Long Wedding Hairstyle
The second wedding hairstyle here is for hair that is a several inches longer in length. The hairstyle is center parted with wavy locks that fall gently past the shoulders. Instead of a veil, a floral tiara is used to add a touch to the overall style where a veil could take away from the overall view.

3. Updo Hairstyle for Weddings
The third wedding hairstyle idea present here is your basic, but really gorgeously done updo. A lot of women prefer updos because these hairstyles provide a unique appearance that no one attending the wedding can outshine. A great updo can make the bride gleam with radiance. This updo has a distinctive tie in the back and the hair is brushed back to form a prime place to add a tiara to top of the look.

1. Massage your feet. Rub feet to release tension, increase circulation and rejuvenate the skin.

2. Soothe your soles. Soak feet for at least five minutes in a container filled with warm water. Pat your feet dry and apply lotion to hydrate your feet.

3. Elevate your legs. Lift your legs above your heart while lying down to help reduce swelling.

4. Rotate your ankles. Cup the foot under the back portion of the heel to brace the foot and leg and turn slowly at the ankle five times. This loosens the ankle joint and relaxes your feet.

5. Point your toes. While standing, do toe raises, toe points and toe curls for five seconds; repeat 10 times. This alleviates toe cramps and strengthens calf muscles.

6. If high heels are creating a burning sensation on the balls of your feet, use colorful ball-of-the foot cushions such as Foot Petals Tip Toes. Not only do they pamper the feet, but they stop them from sliding forward by moving the center of pressure toward the heel.

7. If your heels hurt, you can put some spring in your step with the help of Spenco for Her Comfort Casual Insoles. Designed to absorb shock and curtail odor, they also prevent blisters, as well as cracked and callused heels.

8. If sassy party slingbacks are digging deep into your skin, create a protective barrier by using a moleskin or Foot Petals Strappy Strips to prevent blisters and strap slippage.

Just add water. Moisturizing means keeping water in your skin. In winter months when the humidity is low, water in the skin rapidly evaporates resulting in dry skin.

Grease is good. The basic job of a moisturizer is to hold water in the skin rather than to add water. Creams generally work better than lotions. Nothing holds water that is already in your skin better than petroleum jelly.

Time it right. Apply moisturizers right after toweling off, before the water in your skin that was absorbed while in the bath or shower has time to evaporate.

Don't skip. Water is a two-edged sword. Water IN your skin means moist skin, but water you bathe in (especially hot and soapy) strips your skin of its natural protective oils allowing more rapid evaporation. Five minutes after your shower your skin will be drier than before you bathed. ALWAYS moisturize after bathing.

Don't skimp. Buy products you can easily afford, and be generous when applying.

Keep it simple ... ingredients. The ingredients in moisturizers that work are safe and inexpensive. Fancy packaging, fragrance and extravagant claims boost cost. Look for ingredients like oils, glycerin, propylene glycol, ammonium lactate, glycolic acid and urea.

Keep it handy. Hands take a beating in winter. Moisturize every time you wash your hands -- more if possible. Keep your moisturizers scattered around the house, at work and in the car. Avoid greasiness by choosing products containing lots of glycerin. For most people waterless antiseptic hand cleaners are easier on the hands than repeated washing.

Soap sucks -- oil off your skin. Soap strips off your skins natural protective oils. Look for moisturizing cleansers which are widely available, and won't leave you feeling too squeaky-clean.

Getting it on -- your back. That very itchy central back is impossible to reach. Get your significant other to apply moisturizer whenever possible.

Desperately dry deserves a dermatologist. Excessive dryness can lead to eczema, and may require a visit to a dermatologist for treatment.

First, if you’re under the age of 18, you may be required to have a parent with you before they will perform the piercing. Do you know of a place that will do it without a parent? Fine, but discuss it with your parents first so you can explain why it’s important to you and so they can tell you how they feel about any risks.

Secondly, and most importantly, don’t take it upon yourself to pierce your body or let one of your friends do it. This should only be left up to professionals. This will drastically reduce any health risks or permanent damage.

Plan Ahead

• Preexisting health conditions: If you have any allergies, skin disorders, diabetes, immune system deficiencies or disorders, or are pregnant, consult your doctor on if a body piercing would be okay or what other measures, if any, you should take.
• Immunizations: Make sure that you’re up to date on your immunizations, especially hepatitis and tetanus immunizations.
• Plan where you will go for medical care in case you experience any difficulties later on pertaining to the piercing.
• Check out the piercing shop ahead of time.
• Know the health risks before getting a piercing.
  

• Jewelry: Check out their jewelry and make sure that they use non-toxic materials such as surgical steel, 14-karat or 18-karat gold, titanium, platinum, or niobium. Other materials can cause skin irritation or even several rashes or outbreaks of the skin.
• Cleanliness: The shop should be clean and all needles and waste products such as gauze and other items that may contain blood are properly disposed of.
• Person Performing the Piercing: Make sure the person washes their hands and uses a fresh pair of disposable gloves.
• Sterilization: Make sure that the instruments used are sterilized and make sure that a new needle is being used.
• No Piercing Guns: These aren’t’ sterile, so make sure these aren’t being used.
  

• Infection and Chronic Infections: This is a risk especially with any piercings in or on the mouth and/or nose.
• Damage to Teeth: This is a risk for tongue piercings and is not a short term risk, but can happen over the course of several years.Gum Issues: This is a risk for any piercing that is on or in the mouth. Again, it’s not an immediate risk, but can happen over a prolonged period of time.
• Prolonged or Excessive Bleeding
• Scarring
• Disease: Mainly, you can contract Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or tetanus.
• Skin Allergies
• Abscesses or Boils
• Nerve Damage

Aging may be natural but that doesn't mean you have to give in to it. You can still look good as you grow older. A big part of that is having skin which looks younger. How do you do that? Well, you can start by checking out the raw diet and how that can help your anti-aging efforts.

Cleansers

There are a lot of different cleansers that you can make your selection from. The important thing is to know your skin type and to get a cleanser that is compatible with that. If you have sensitive skin, for instance, you should not use fragranced cleansers as they may irritate it. Likewise, if your skin is dry skin don’t go for a cleanser that contains alcohol and will therefore dry it out further. If your skin is oily you will want to avoid heavy, oily cleansers.

A good think to look out for in a cleanser is alpha hydroxy. This substance sends signals to your body to encourage the production of collagen and elastin, both of which are great for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Also, think about buying a cleanser that exfoliates too as well as giving your skin more moisture. Both of those things will help you to keep your skin looking younger for longer.

Anti-Aging Wrinkle Cream Products

There are a lot of anti-aging wrinkle cream products available to buy these days so deciding which one is right for you can be a difficult decision to make. However, you will know if you have found the right one as you will see it working almost immediately. Don’t think you have to wait a month for anything good to come out of using an anti-aging wrinkle cream but they should also give you great long-term benefits too. The best thing to do when looking for one of these creams is to find one with a money-back guarantee. That way, if the first anti-aging wrinkle cream doesn’t work for you, you can always look for another one and you won’t be out of pocket.

Non-SLS Soaps And Shampoos

We’ve been waiting for non-SLS products for a long time. Some of us just don’t know that we have! SLS is the abbreviation for sodium lauryl sulfate. Yeah, now you know why we called it SLS! Well, all you really need to know is that it is one of the bad guys. It is a powerful chemical de-greaser so it can certainly clean your skin. The problem is that while SLS is washing away all the dirt and grime from your skin, it is toxic and some have even blamed this chemical for causing further skin problems and even baldness.

On the other hand, you could promote faster hair growth by using shampoos which don’t contain SLS so it’s worth taking a look at the list of ingredients on the label to avoid this little nasty. Check this out for both shampoos and soaps.

Most people forget that the skin is an organ – our largest organ, in fact. Once you remember that, it should emphasize to you the need to take good care of your skin. Do everything you can to protect it. Use antioxidant skin-care products and do the best you can to ward off the signs of aging for as long as you can.

Don’t forget organic products. You can get some fabulous organic anti-wrinkle products and cleansers. That way, by choosing organic, you know you are steering clear of chemicals altogether. Your skin will thank you for it.

You really are spoiled for choice with all the great anti-aging products that are available today. They offer a wide range of different benefits and include many different ingredients. Shop around and find the best anti-aging products and skin-care products for your particular needs. Everyone is different so what works wonders for your best friend may be useless or even a problem for you. The point is not what products you choose, but that the products are effective for your particular needs.

Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez are both beautiful full figured gals. When they pour themeless into a tight fitting dress there are curves everywhere. Jennifer used a personal trainer to help her get her post baby (actually twins) back and Kim reveals to Us Weekly Magazine, "What it Takes To Have My Body!" The magazine reports that Kim Kardashian's stint on DWTS inspired to get even fitter for her sexy 2010 swimsuit calendar. "I noticed my body get firmer, and I didn't want it to stop!" The 5'3" reality star, 28 - who has gone from 125 to 115 pounds - tells Us Magazine.

Her exercise partner? Who needs a personal trainer when you're dating New Orleans Saints star Reggie Bush, 23? "He writes my workouts for me," she says of her regimen: running two miles, then strength training arms, legs, and abs. "In the off-season, we work out together almost every day!"

She has also reined in her sweet tooth. "I changed my Oreos to nonfat frozen yogurt," admits Kardashian, she sticks to a diet of oatmeal, chicken, salmon and veggies. "My body can't handle too many carbs." She adds - "I have spent hours on the treadmill."

1. MYTH: The thicker the cream, the better it hydrates.

TRUTH: "Concentrated doesn't necessarily equal optimum hydration," says Annet King, director of training and development for the International Dermal Institute. "An overdose of lipids can actually trap dead cells and leave skin looking duller." King suggests layering serums under creams in order to boost moisture. Skin expert Sonia Dakar agrees: "Serums are light, yet have super concentrated ingredients — ideal for absorption."

2. MYTH: Overcast skies mean you can cut back on sunscreen.

TRUTH: Hardly. As a depleting ozone has led to stronger UVB burning rays, SPF is now a year-round endeavor. And clouds do little to filter out wrinkle-accelerating UVA rays. Come cooler, drier weather, find a daily moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF 15 (or higher) to hydrate and protect. "You can enhance your sun protection exponentially by using an antioxidant-rich serum underneath your moisturizer," says Washington, D.C., dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Burgess.

3.MYTH: Oily skin can forgo moisturizer.
TRUTH: Dry, cold climates wear on all skin types, even oily. And without some added protection, barrier function (which keeps pollution and other damaging elements out and moisture in) gets compromised. If your skin is super oily, you can get by with a gel-cream or lotion formula. For true combination skin, use different moisturizers for different areas: a light formula for your T-zone and a richer one for cheeks that get dry, patchy spots.

4. MYTH: Exfoliating in winter exacerbates dry patches.

TRUTH: "The sloughing in fact causes a burst of cell renewal, so you're helping new moisture-rich cells move to the surface," says King. The key in winter is to moisturize thoroughly — occasionally with a hydrating mask — as your skin barrier is weakened after exfoliating. Adds Dakar: "Enzyme-based exfoliants will deliver results in a more gentle way."

5. MYTH: Loading up on lip balms prevents chapping.

TRUTH: Only if it's the right balm. Some common ingredients can actually have an adverse effect. Mineral oil (petroleum jelly) creates an artificial film on your lips, signaling your skin to stop producing lipids, while funky flavors, perfumes, and colors can also dry out skin. King suggests seeking natural-oil-infused balms or those with shea and cocoa butter. "To get rid of flaky patches, apply a little facial exfoliant to damp lips (a soft toothbrush also does the trick), scrub gently, then follow with balm," she says. Wait till spring to resume use of lip plumpers and super-long-lasting formulas that dry out your pout.

6. MYTH: Steamy showers impart moisture to dry skin.

TRUTH: "Even though they feel great on a bone-chilling day, hot showers and baths are extremely drying," says New Jersey dermatologist Dr. Robin Ashinoff. Exposure to hot water with temperatures over 98.6 degrees causes blood-vessel dilation that results in water loss throughout the epidermis. If you crave heat, keep it under five minutes, and stick with a soap-free body wash instead of bar soap or anything highly perfumed. Pat — don't rub — your skin dry, and moisturize while it's still damp to help your cream penetrate.

7. MYTH: Your skin will benefit if you stay indoors as much as possible.

TRUTH: True, extreme cold temperatures do suck the moisture from your skin. But retreating indoors, where central heating is pumped to the max, can leave your derm equally parched. So enjoy the fresh air and winter sports, and then do what you can to add moisture to the air at home. A humidifier can help — especially at night, when, combined with a night cream, skin is more apt to drink in moisture. A humidifier can also defrizz staticky winter "hat hair." Dakar recommends adding a teaspoon of tea-tree oil to the water tank to clean it every few days and prevent mold.

8. MYTH: Let winter-ravaged skin hibernate — cut back on pro treatments.

TRUTH: Actually, winter is one of the best times to start in-office laser treatments like hair removal, as pre-laser skin shouldn't be at all tanned, and post-laser skin won't tolerate sun exposure. But if it's red and irritated from a long ski weekend, moisturize accordingly (see Myth 9 regarding windburns). Immediately following laser treatments, apply anti-inflammatory creams to boost skin's recovery capability.

9. MYTH: Windburn gives your skin a natural, healthy, desirable glow.

TRUTH: Depends whether you consider broken capillaries in the cheeks "desirable" — which is what regular exposure to harsh wind can do. The worst-case scenario is that it leads to permanent redness (a.k.a. rosacea). "Sensitive skin is especially susceptible to windburn," says King. "So before heading outdoors, load up on a protective-barrier moisturizer and cover up with a scarf. If you do get burned, calm and soothe with gentle cream cleansers and balm-like moisturizers until your skin calms down." Needless to say, it's better to get the fresh-off-the-slopes flush from a good blush.

10. MYTH: Extra layers of high-tech clothing are a cold-climate must.

TRUTH: While warmth is obviously a necessity when temps plummet, some nylon and polyester fabrics can cause unsightly bumps, clogged pores, and even ingrown hairs when they trap dead cells, oils, and sweat. Better to wear natural fabrics — especially inner layers that touch your skin — and moisturize head to toe, morning and night. "Shea butter is ideal, since it's a natural antioxidant as well as a moisturizing agent," says Dakar. Also consider face and neck creams with humectants like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid.

Chantel Hobbs first began struggling with food at the age of eleven. In her website biography, she remembers walking down the aisle "as a 'plus sized' bride", the birth of her two children and the weight that just wouldn't disappear. At 29 years old, Hobbs weighed over 350 pounds. Despite telling herself that she just was too busy to lose weight, inside she felt "ugly, judged and pathetic."

After her second child's birth, everything Hobbs had felt in the past came to a head. Hobbs told CBN.com that after a night of desperate prayer, she realized something, "You are not being the best you can be."

After this realization, she decided to stop dieting and lose the weight for good. In her words, she "decided to take the challenge!" Her weight loss journey began on April 30, 2001. She started off determined to establish a regular exercise habit and began exercising for 30 minutes a day on the recumbent bike. She began eating smaller, more frequent meals (5 meals a day of about 300 calories each) to keep her metabolism high and to prevent hunger attacks, eating about 1,500 calories a day.

By January 30, 2002, Hobbs had lost 101 pounds. Seven years later, Hobbs is a spinning instructor, fitness trainer, marathon runner and 200 pounds lighter. Unlike many who attempt weight loss plans, Hobbs never actually set a weight loss goal for herself. She told CBN.com that her goal was simply not to fail.

She has since released a book, Never Say Diet: Make Five Decisions and Break the Fat Habit, and has offered her weight loss challenge to others. For $19.99 a month, Hobbs offers advise on how to lose weight without dieting, with personal encouragement via Internet chats and videos.

Quit smoking reason #1:

Reduce your risk of lung cancer
Lung cancer accounts for 26 percent of cancer deaths among women reports the Lung Cancer Alliance. Just 50 years ago, lung cancer accounted for only three percent. Though smoking is not the only cause of lung cancer, it can greatly increase your risk of developing this deadly disease. According to the American Lung Association, smoking is directly responsible for 87 percent of reported lung cancer cases.

Quit smoking reason #2:

Protect yourself from HPV
In the book The HPV Vaccine Controversy, author Dr Shobha S Krishnan warns that smoking can make existing HPV infections persist in the body and even cause HPV-related diseases because smoking weakens the immune system

Quit smoking reason #3:Save your eyesight
Dr Edward Paul, one of the world’s leading authorities on macular degeneration, says smoking increases a patient’s risk of developing age-related macular degeneration – a leading cause of blindness in Americans 65 years old and older – by a whopping 350 percent.

Quit smoking reason #4:

Your heart-health
Smoking increases your risk of developing heart disease and stroke - among other diseases – and the more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your risk. Even reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke per day can help protect your heart. A study in Nicotine & Tobacco Research reports that fewer cigarettes can decrease “bad” cholesterol, increase “good” cholesterol, and improve the blood’s ability to transport oxygen – meaning you will feel less winded during exertion. Kicking the habit for good delivers even more heart-health benefits.

Quit smoking reason #5:

Keep your teeth
A study in BMC Public Health earlier this year indicates that current smokers are significantly more likely to lose their teeth than former smokers or nonsmokers aged 20 to 38 years old. That’s too young to be losing teeth! Additionally, the nicotine in cigarettes stain teeth, meaning the teeth you don’t lose will stay a dingy shade of yellow.

Quit smoking reason #6:

Live longer
Don’t you have family and friends you enjoy spending time with? What about your kids – don’t you want to see them grow up, get married and have kids of their own? Quitting smoking will lengthen your life – as well as improve its quality – and the healthy results of kicking the habit are realized rather quickly. A May 2008 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that 61 percent of the full benefit of quitting in regard to coronary heart disease mortality and 42 percent of the full benefit of quitting in regard to cerebrovascular deaths was realized within the first five years.

Quit smoking reason #7:

Improve your fertility
Having trouble conceiving? In the article Smoking adds a decade to your fertility age, experts say smoking could be hurting your chances. However, lead researcher Dr Bea Lintsen, from Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, says: "The positive news from our results is that they suggest that couples – in particular, women with unexplained subfertility – may be able to improve the success of IVF treatment by quitting smoking."

Quit smoking reason #8

Stay beautiful
According to Kori Ellis, author of 8 Healthy skincare tips, studies show that the skin of cigarette smokers ages more than twice as fast as that of non-smokers. Smoking dehydrates your skin and depletes it of essential nutrients. She suggests that you detoxify your skin by quitting smoking and/or limiting your exposure to second hand smoke and other pollutants.

Quit smoking reason #9:

Better your digestive health
Believe it or not, smoking can contribute to digestive diseases. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases warns that smoking can effect all parts of the digestive system, contributing to such common disorders as heartburn and peptic ulcers as well as increasing the risk of Crohn's disease, and possibly gallstones, which form when liquid stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material. Smoking can even damage your liver.

Quit smoking reason #10:

Be a good role model
Even though packs of smokes say smoking is hazardous to your health, your kids are going to look to you for guidance. If you smoke, chances are great they will, too. If you don’t, you improve the chances they won’t, either. If you quit, you are showing them that smoking is a poor choice for long-term health and, as importantly, you are showing them that you care enough about them as well as yourself to live to see them grow up and have kids of their own.

Forget trainers and two-hour gym workouts. Kate Winslet has another secret to her movie-star figure: 20 minutes and a DVD.

Winslet, who at 33 is a slim size 6 (UK size 10), tells the UK edition of Elle that "I don't go to the gym because I don’t have time, but I do Pilates workout DVDs for 20 minutes or more every day at home."

And, Winslet says, she's been the same since she had her second child, Joe, five years ago.

"I still don't believe this craziness for being skinny, but I eat sensibly and I don't stuff down chocolate biscuits," she tells the magazine in its February edition.

Despite a set of stunning, sexy shots in Elle that show off her body, she is modest about her shape, calling herself "pretty average." She adds, "I have cellulite, I have a rumply tummy and my boobs have dropped. I did think that post-kids, my sex scenes days were over."

Far from it. Both her current movies – Revolutionary Road, directed by her second husband Sam Mendes, 43, and costarring Leonardo DiCaprio, and The Reader – contain sex scenes.

Winslet also talks about her enduring friendship with DiCaprio, the Titanic costar with whom she broke box-office records a decade ago. "He's part of the family and I love that he's matured into this kind, dedicated man. When we work together we instinctively know what the other one is thinking."

As for the legacy of Titanic, the English-born New Yorker says she has an "absolute fear" that her daughter Mia, 8, is now old enough to watch the biggest movie of her mom's career while on a playdate. "It may sound silly," she tells Elle, "but I want that to be something we all share as a family."