A Subtle Change Makes a Big Difference

Small changes in our appearance can easily go unnoticed. As we age, little ridges develop along the horizontal part of our teeth. On the upper teeth, it would be along the bottom of the teeth.

Turn the clock back in one easy step. Ask the dentist to even this up. It is painless and fast. Very little is actually removed which is good because shorter teeth are also an age indictor. I asked about it during an appointment and my dentist did it right then and only charged me $30. It's instant, long lasting and affordable.

Rekindle the Romance

You have to nurture a relationship. Time creates routine. Routine becomes boring. Here are some ideas to keep the romance alive in your relationship.

Leave a post it note with a message such as I love you or can’t wait to see you
Send an e-card
Turn the tv off and light candles for dinner
Give a back rub
Show up in lingerie
Post a message in the newspaper
Share a bath
Leave a sexy voicemail message
Hold hands
Make a CD of meaningful songs
Give a real kiss, like when you dated
Wear new sexy matching bra and panties
Give a list of 100 reasons why you love him
Leave him a note on his car
Towel him off after his shower
Pay him a compliment
Leave him a card
Offer to drive

Purging Pores of Impurities

Need a do it yourself beauty treatment to purge your pores of impurities and congestion (blackheads)? An herbal laxative can be used to steam the skin and release the impurities. I have had good results using Swiss Kriss (available at Whole Foods). Mix a packet with 2 cups of boiling water and set a timer for 5-10 minutes. I use the microwave timer so I can hear it. With clean skin, drape a towel over the head, covering the bowl. Steam close to the bowl but take care not to burn the skin. When finished, wipe the face clean with a cool towel to close the pores. Apply a mild toner and moisturizer.

True or False - Lipsticks can contain Lead

True – Some lipsticks do contain lead, which can be hazardous to your health if exposed in the right quantities. The long lasting lipsticks tend to have a higher lead count than the others. According to their website, "the FDA has not set limits for contaminants, such as lead, in cosmetics. However, FDA does set specifications for impurities, such as lead, for color additives used in cosmetics. FDA approval of color additives is based on safety evaluations that consider the color additive's intended use(s) and estimated consumer exposure resulting from those uses."

Lead is not listed in the ingredients label because it is considered a contaminant. There have been no confirmed cases of cancer resulting from the use of lipsticks containing lead. In a 2007 FDA study, some Cover Girl lipsticks, followed by some Revlon lipsticks, had the highest levels of lead in them. A list from the study is provided on the FDA website.

The following test for lead has gone around in circulation via email.

Put the lipstick on the back of your hand.
Scratch with a 24K-14K ring.
If black marks appear, the lipstick contains lead.

The black marks are actually a result of the testing agents, coins or jewelry. There is no way to know if the products you are using contain lead. The options are to stop using lipsticks or to solicit for government regulation. If you want to join the campaign for safe cosmetics, check out http://safecosmetics.org.
The FDA site is http://www.fda.org.

Rear View Mirror Horrors

Ever go for a ride on a sunny day, the radio playing your favorite song. Feeling good, you glance into the rear view mirror to check yourself out and oh no! there is hair every where, on the brows, over the lip, is that hair on the chin? What to do...waxing, threading, laser hair removal. There is another option.

The FDA has approved a prescription cream for excessive unwanted facial hair. Vaniqa reduces and controls the hair by blocking its growth with an enzyme inhibitor. Hair removal is still necessary but less frequently. This product is only for women but is appropriate for all ethnicities and skin types. Results are typically seen between 4-8 weeks of use, applying 2 times per day. A 30 gm tube of 13.9% cream goes for between $60-70.

As with any medication, side effects such as stinging, swelling, etc may develop. See a doctor if you experience anything unusual.

Milia

Many people find little white bumps on their face. Running your finger across it, it feels as if there is a hard, round substance just under the skin. This can be milia, which are keratin filled cysts. They are benign but should be removed by an esthetician or dermatologist. An opening must be made and the pearl like substance, coaxed to the surface.

Milia appear after using harsh face washes or being exposed repeatedly to heat stress. No matter what skin type you have, you should not expose your face to the hot water of the shower. It can dry the skin, break capillaries, etc.

For best results, make sure you gently exfoliate the skin, use good products and stay hydrated.

The Eyes Have It

False eyelashes are a great way to bring drama to the eye. Individual lashes or a strip of lashes are available in many colors and lengths. Lashes are very inexpensive, so it can be a fun way to add some pizazz and experiment with your look or to glam up for a special night.

Application of eye makeup and eyeliner should be done before applying the lashes. They can be attached as is or they can be trimmed to the desired length. Longer lashes should be on the outer edge of the eye, decreasing length towards the inner edge.

Tools for the application process should include:
Scissors for trimming
Tweezers for applying individual lashes
A small piece of foil for the glue
An applicator for the glue
A mirror

Individual lashes are pretty easy. The hardest part is getting them on with the curl facing upward. A little practice is all it takes. Squeeze a small dab of glue on the foil. Pick up a lash with the tweezers and dip it into the glue, just getting enough to cover the tip of the lash. Starting about 1/4'” in, lay the lash down on the closed eye lash line. Apply a couple more lashes towards the outer corner. It may be helpful to use the other end of the tweezers to press the lash into place. Wipe clean between each lash so the glue doesn’t pull off the lashes.

Strip lashes need to be cut to the length of the eye. Lay the strip along the lash line to determine how long it needs to be. When cutting the strip, cut the end that has the longest lashes. Save this, it can be trimmed and used on the outer edge another time. Squeeze some glue on foil or any surface that can be tossed away when done. There are different ways to get the glue on the lashes but it seems easiest to use something like a toothpick or the end of a thin makeup brush and apply the glue to the lash. Applying the strip should be done by applying the center to the center of the lash line and then to the outer edges of the lash line. Lightly press the lash in place.

Mascara is optional. It can be applied to your lashes prior to adding the false lashes. It would probably not be a good idea to add to the false lashes as it may tug on them and weaken the hold. False lashes will last through the day. They are removed by gently peeling them off. It would be a good idea to practice applying and wearing them before your special event. Oh so sexy, have fun!