Rethinking make-up after 40

Sooner or later it happens. We look into the mirror and see our mothers looking back at us. We start to see the subtle, or not so subtle, changes that are happening to our faces and our bodies; and we are not quite ready for what we see. Our once soft and smooth skin is no longer, replaced by fine lines and wrinkles. It's the age thing starting to take hold, and for most of us, our skin is the most visible sign of aging. Aging is a natural occurrence and part of growing older gracefully lies in our willingness to accept and adapt to change. To alter our appearances, besides changing the lifestyle such as modifying our diet, reducing the stress in our life and increasing the amount of exercise we get, I believe that the right make-up can help women look more youthful, especially choosing the right foundation.

When turning to 40 or over, some of people stop wearing foundation because they thought it would collect in their laugh lines and emphasize their imperfections. They should change their mind. Today, some kinds of foundation, no matter liquid or mineral formula, contain anti-aging ingredients such as peptides, sodium hyaluronate, vitamins, and antioxidants helping aging skin. Check labels to find products that carry two or more of the following ingredients:

Soy: the most well known can reduce the severity of hot flashes in menopausal women by acting as a fill-in for estrogen.

Vitamin E: this antioxidant protects the body's tissues against harmful effects of free radicals.

Peptides: these proteins send a signal within the skin structure to make collagen, which results in firmer and thicker skin.

C0-enzyme Q10: this activates the skin's defense mechanisms, boosting its immunity and protecting against free radicals.

Alpha lipoic acid: this reduces skin inflammation and increases cell metabolism, improving the skin's ability to heal. It also increase the positive effects of vitamin C and E in the body.

These ingredients will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and restore the skin's luster and softness, giving a more youthful look and feel. So, don't be afraid of using foundation because foundation is truly the key to a flawless appearance for the face.

Berry Good

Even if you get up on the wrong side of the bed, you can still start your morning off on the right foot with a Super Berry Smothie. Excerpted here from Beyond Botox, a new healthy-skin guide from Ben and Howard Kaminsky, founders of the skincare line B. Kamins Chemist, the easy-to-make concoction is chock-full of antioxidants, protein, complex carbohydrates, the good kind of fats and many other key nutrients that will help get you through a hectic day.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup calcium-fortified soy milk

1/2 cup nonfat yogurt

1 cup fresh or frozen "Super Berries" (use any combination of blackberries, black raspberries, wild blueberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and cherries without pits to equal one cup)

1/2 cup chopped or crushed pineapple (in natural juice, drained)

1/2 banana

1 tablespoon flax oil or freshly ground flax seed

2 ice cubes

Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. The recipe makes two medium snack servings or one large mealtime serving.

Miss America 2007

The Miss America pageant (different from the Miss USA pageant) is a long-standing competition which awards scholarships to young women from the 50 states plus two territories of the United States of America. Miss America 2007 was held at the Aladdin Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, on January 29. This year, the first-prize winner of the national pageant belongs to Lauren Nelson, Miss Oklahoma. Nelson is the second consecutive Miss America and sixth in the history of Miss America to hail from Oklahoma. Shilah Phillips, Miss Texas, was named first runner-up to Miss America, and Amanda Kozak, Miss Georgia, was placed second runner-up.

If you didn't have a chance to watch this show, here are some video clips that will help you have a general look into the world of beautiful ladies.

2007 Miss America top 5 finalists


Miss Oklahoma wins Miss America 2007

Happy Valentine!

I know this post doesn't have anything related to my blog topic. Just because today is Valentine's Day, so I want to share some happiness to you who are in love and be loved. Right now, it's freezing outside. Snow and cold. However, this bad weather seems not to stop people celebrating this special day. I hope all of you will have an unforgettable day with beautiful flowers, gifts, candies and romantic love messages from your lover, your family, and friends. Every year, we consider February 14 as a day to express our love, but I wonder that how many people know the history of this day? I didn't. Yesterday, my 10-year-old niece just asked me why do people celebrate Valentine's Day? How come we have to give red roses? At that moment, I didn't know how to explain it to her. I remember I heard somebody told me about the history of this day, or maybe I read it somewhere, but just a little bit information. Therefore, I went to Google and figured out the answer. Here are some interesting links:

wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine

theholidayspot.com/valentine

Anyhow, Happy Valentine to all of you. Enjoy the day with love and spirit.

Funny Commercial

A Revolutionary Guide to Your Best Skin Ever

Dr. Leslie Baumann, a world-renowned dermatologist, comes a program that's revolutionizing the way people think about and shop for skincare products. The Skin Type Solution is one of the best book to help you identify and buy a products that are right for your true skin type. Through this book, you'll discover:

* Your personal skin type profile detailing exactly what will work and what won't for your unique complexion.

* Natural health and dietary advice for beautiful skin.

* Tips on preventing skin aging and "problem" skin.

* The latest information on the new world of prescription products, facials, chemical peels...

I think with this book in hand, you'll save time, money, and something even more valuable: you beautiful skin.

Refreshing skin with fruit facials

As our skin ages, changes obviously occur in our outward appearance. Due to the lessening of natural moisturizers, our skin becomes very dry, unsmooth, and in some areas on the face will appear wrinkled. To help improve your skin and make it become healthier, here are just some easy treatments which are inexpensive facial recipes right in your kitchen.

Cucumber Facial
1 cucumber
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon witch hazel
1 egg white, beaten with an electric beater until fluffy.

Peel the cucumber and run it through a blender or a food processor. Pour the cucumber pulp into a colander or strainer and force it through to take out the liquid. Combine the cucumber liquid with the lemon juice and the witch hazel. Stir it and add the beaten egg white gently. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 15 to 25 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. This treatment will help your skin brighten and soften. You should do this facial twice weekly

Tomato Facial

The tomato extract will help clean and provide moisture for your skin. However, if you have a sensitive skin, you should be careful because tomato can cause some allergies which make your skin itch. You can do a tomato facial in 2 ways: crushing or slicing tomatoes, then mix them with fresh milk. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. After that, rinse it off with toner and cool water. Do this treatment twice weekly for good results.

Avocado Facial

Avocado facial is very good for normal skin and dry skin. Avocado helps clean, provide nutrition and recover moisture for skin. The treatment with avocado has the same steps as with the tomato facial. However, leave it on your face and relax for 30 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Carrot Facial

Use food processor to crush carrots, then mix them with plain yogurt. Appy this combination to your face and leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with water. This treatment is very good for teenagers to reduce blackheads. In addition, yogurt also helps eliminate bacteria which can cause acne and pimples on your face. Morever, Vitamin A in carrots also helps heal your scars and lighten dark spots caused by sun damage.