How To Stay Blonder With At Home Highlights

Even dark-haired sun worshippers try to go blonde in the summer. At one point, I began fooling around with Sun-In, senior year in high school, spraying it through my short dark hair, and ending up with golden red highlights. Actually, the highlights weren't that bad, considering my hair is very dark brown. And freshly squeezed lemons also played a role in my short-lived blonde fantasy moment.

Sun-In has been around for a number of decades. And at-home highlighting sprays are still very popular hair treatments for the summer sun. If you're trying to become platinum blonde through a spray-in highlight product, well, it's not going to work. But if you have light hair, and you're just trying to brighten your locks, then at-home highlights can make you blonder in a very subtle and pretty way.

Many women, and you know who you are ladies, have squeezed some lemons over their head and gone out into the blazing sun to brighten their hair. However, lemons can wreck up even the healthiest hair. Angelo David of the Angelo David Salon in New York City, told http://www.shape.com/, that you need plenty of conditioner when you play in the summer sun.

"Dried-out strands are a possible side effect any time you color your hair, and these sprays are no exception (which is also why you should never use undiluted lemon juice, straight from the lemon, to highlight your hair; because it's so acidic, the juice can strip moisture from your strands and leave them dry and brittle). In addition to a daily conditioner, use a deep conditioner once or twice weekly."

Angelo also suggests that you carefully map out exactly where you want to shine brighter. Don't just spray blindly all over your head.

"As a general rule, highlights toward the front of your head and around your face should be thinner and closer together than the ones in the back. If you're having trouble managing the spray, pull your hair back into a ponytail, separate the strands you want to highlight from the rest of your hair, and then dip a new toothbrush into the solution, using the brush to "paint" the highlights on."

It's always easy to add more highlights, than to spray on too many, and then try to take them away. So don't be too generous with the pump spray.

"Start small and do just a few highlights the first time (about one-third of the amount you imagine you want). Then, see what you think of the results (you should be able to see them as soon as your hair dries); you can add more if you want. Once you're happy with the look of your new streaks, you can use the spray as often as needed to maintain the highlights--and/or touch up the roots."

Excellent spray-on highlighting advice by expert stylist Angelo David.

Here are two blonde highlighting sprays we like:

Sun-In Super Hair Lightener Lemon (with marigold and flaxseed, $5, drugstores).
Clairol A Touch Of Sun Highlighting Spray with Lemon ($5, drugstores).

Shine on, and stay brighter, you blonde beauties.

McD's Southwest Salad Is A Dieter's Dream

Fast food. We all eat it. Oh, come on. At least once in a while, it tastes so good to bite into a big double burger piled with cheese, sauce, and bacon. You know what I mean.

Now let's talk nutrition and fast food. This time, McDonald's gets it right. We're talking about the delicious and nutritious McDonald's Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken (less than $5.00 in most McD restaurants). Only 320 calories without the dressing. Add dressing, and it comes out to about 450 calories. Still a dieter's dream!!

Ladies, we're all counting calories. It's not always about the prettiest new shade of coral lipstick, or the best alpha hydroxy acid serum. Diet is beauty, too. Here is your beauty tip today------ if you want to grab a filling and generous salad, this one is it! McDonald's had taken the tasty Southwest salad off their menus at some point in 2007. A lot of people complained, and now it's back!

You're biting into plenty of crispy and tangy items here: a grilled chicken breast fillet with cilantro lime glaze, lettuce, roasted corn, tomatoes, black beans, poblano peppers, cheddar/jack cheese, and chili lime torilla strips. Yummy!

You can choose the crispy chicken breast, instead of the grilled chicken breast, but you will be increasing the calories by 80 and adding an extra 7 g of fat. You should also skip the butter garlic crouton packet. That adds another 60 calories.

Ask for Newman's Own LowFat Family Recipe Italian Dressing for only 60 calories a serving.

Here's the nutritional breakdown:
320 calories
9 g fat
30 g carbohydrates
30 g protein
6 g fiber
960 mg sodium

For more information, visit: www.mcdonalds.com.

You can choose any item on the menu, and get a complete nutritional breakdown at their website.

Fast food might not be the healthiest option, but McDonald's Southwest Salad really is a dieter's dream.

How To Remove Moles, Warts, And Skin Tags At Home

No one wants to talk about this subject. In fact, a lot of us are ashamed to say we have 'them.' But 'them' are more common than we think.

If you've ever been bothered by moles, warts, skin tags, and age spots, then you might want to check out this at home-treatment. It's called itworkspaste. Interesting name. And quite a faithful group of users, too. It's even sold on Ebay, and the customers say it really works!

A dermatologist is a skin expert, and he or she knows all about moles, warts, skin tags, and age spots, and the removal of them. So it would be best to at least have your derm look at your moles and determine they are not cancerous to begin with.

Many people live with their skin problems, warts and all. Some have the 'undesirables' removed. And the cost isn't cheap. A few hundred dollars in fact. And good luck trying to get your medical insurance to cover the removal of moles and warts, etc. It's mostly ' a no-go.'

The makers of itworkspaste swear by their natural product ($69.95, 1 kit). It's a 20 minute application process. First you prep the skin. Then apply the paste. A scab forms. And then the scab falls off within 7-21 days. The kit contains these items---an emery board, Q-tips, alcohol pad, removing paste, applicator sticks, and a pin. One kit has enough paste to cover 1-2 large areas or up to 25 very small areas.

Itworkspaste is said to be made from natural ingredients, their website says:

"No oils or acids- unlike other products; No bloodroot; Preparation from Plant Extracts: Cashew Nut (common name); CommonFig/Ficus Carica; Tetterwort/chelidonium Jajus; citrus lemon; de-ionized water, Talc."

Some in the medical industry caution people to stay away from gimmicks, or treatments you can buy over the counter. But the customers of itworkspaste say it really does zap those 'undesirables,' safely and easily. You can take a look at the photo gallery at their website. The before and after photos are quite remarkable.

For more information, visit: http://www.itworkspaste.com/.

Rosie Jane Cosmetics Give You Natural Beauty

Many women don't wear makeup because they are intimidated by it. They don't know exactly how to apply cosmetics, or which beauty items to buy. Some women swear they don't have even 5 minutes to spare, and some don't want to feel like they are wearing a mask. All great points, but there is an easier way to put on makeup that gives you natural beauty.

Legendary makeup artist Sandy Linter, has always given us some wonderful beauty tips. Remember this: blush. According to Sandy, it is the most important makeup to wear, even if it's the only beauty product you apply to your skin. Why blush? It warms up the skin, giving you a healthy glow and enhancing your cheekbones and bone structure. It gives your face a 3-dimensional appearance, in that it isn't flat like just wearing foundation.

Stephen Moleski, west coast makeup artist phenom, also agrees with Sandy Linter, but he would apply a neutral bronzer on the cheek area, for the same reasons.

And Rosie Jane Johnston agrees. Rosie Jane was born in Australia, and she, too, is a well-respected makeup artist. Rosie Jane has traveled the globe and found that women share one thing in common---"a lack of confidence applying makeup."

Rosie Jane began developing her own line of cosmetics that bear her name. She started out with a blush, Rosie Jane Cheek Gloss ($24, http://www.rosiejanecosmetics.com/.) And she, too, suggests that blush is the beginning of a beautiful canvas. "It's all you need to brighten up the face and give a healthy glow."

Here's the simplicity with Rosie Jane Cosmetics. Her blush comes in 3 shades:
Poppy: deep berry that gives cheeks a subtle, sexy glow
Marigold: golden bronzer for a natural glow
Rose: for a youthful, rosy glow

None of her cosmetics are harsh or strong. Rosie Jane says her makeup was developed for all types of skin and ages. There are 3 color palettes to choose from for each beauty product she sells. In addition to the cheek glow, Rosie Jane also sells----eye hints, and lip dew. And her 4th newest product is the eye defines, which is an eyeliner for a P.M. makeup look.

All you need are 3 Rosie Jane beauty items to create a fresh-faced natural beauty: blush, eye shadow, and lip gloss. It's quick, easy, and you look pretty after you're done.

The Best Ways To Keep Your Neck Looking Youthful

You've seen this, even on the red carpet. A lovely woman with luminous, firm facial skin, and then, her neck of sags and wrinkles. What went wrong?

Think about it. We are constantly warned to protect our faces from the sun's strong rays. Emphasis has been placed on the face, but rarely, on the neck. Expensive moisturizers and firming serums are applied to our complexions, and then many of us forget our necks, or barely pay attention to the delicate skin there. Maybe we just think the neck doesn't get old, but according to the dermatologists, it's one of the first places that shows age.

Remember this: Treat your neck as nicely as you treat your face. When you apply sunscreen, please apply it to the neck. When you put on your anti-aging serums or creams at night, don't forget to apply below the chin. It's never to late to improve aging skin.

Allure Magazine's March 2008 issue, had an informative article about neck protection:

Protect your neck. The neck is actually more prone to aging than the face, which is supported by a cushion of tissue. You can make your neck look much younger with the right creams.
The most crucial treatment is prevention with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. Apply it every day.
You don't need to buy specific creams for the neck: Face creams with the right ingredients work just as well.
An antioxidant cream used daily will protect skin from environmental damage that causes wrinkles. Product: Dermatologists recommend idebenone (Prevage or Priori Smooth Lines), CoffeeBerry (Revale Skin), Green Tea, Pomegranate or a combination of vitamins C and E.

And if you're into strength training or lifting some free weights, your neck will benefit from the rigorous training it receives when working out. Latest studies show that weight-lifting keeps a neck looking youthful. No.You don't have to lift around huge amounts of weight. Just 10 lb. weights or less can do a body good. No.You won't develop a huge neck like the professional bodybuilders. Most exercises involve the neck area during weight training sessions. You can feel the muscles moving. So any exercise involving weights, is great for toning the muscles in your neck.

You can also exercise your neck muscles without weights. We found these excellent exercises at: www.ageless.co.za/facialneck.htm. This website sells pure and natural anti-aging lotions and creams for your complexion, neck, and body. And the ingredients are all natural and pure.

Neck and throat facial exercises
# 1
A great exercise is to sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling while keeping your lips closed and then start a chewing movement. You will feel the muscles working in your neck and throat area - and will be truly amazed at the results. Repeat 20 times.
# 2
Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Start puckering your lips together in a kiss and stretch the kiss, as if you were trying to kiss the ceiling. Keep your lips puckered for 10 counts, then relax, bring your head back to its normal position and repeat 5 times.
# 3
Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Open your lips and stick your tongue out as if you were trying to touch your chin with the tip of your tongue. Keep your tongue out in this position for 10 counts, and then return your tongue and head to its normal position.
# 4
Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Next move your lower lip over your top lip as far as possible and keep it there for a count of 5. Relax and repeat 5 times.
# 5
Lie on your bed, with your head hanging down over the edge. Slowly bring your head up towards your torso and keep it there for 10 counts. Relax and lower your head towards the floor again - repeat 5 times.
# 6
Sit upright and face forward and while keeping your lips together, separate your teeth by dropping your jaw and then push your jaw forward, keep for a count of 10, bring back to starting position and repeat 5 times.

No Gray Is The New Way To Cover Resistant Gray Hair

If you don't have gray hair yet, or never got but a couple of stray strands, lucky you. Many women dye their hair, one in five of us, and most are doing it just to cover up the gray. And yet, there are a number of women who are not satisfied with permanent haircolors in the drugstore and in the salon, because their color washes out, or hardly picks up the dye.

Hold on. Here's another one to try. And this box claims their dye will absolutely cover EVERY gray hair. We're not making any promises, but at only $5.99 a box at RiteAid, why not sample it?

It's called No Gray and it's a fairly new haircolor additive out on the market. In fact, the folks who make the product, call their brand 'revolutionary.' All you do, is mix the No Gray with your favorite at home hair color. And it will tackle even the most resistant gray hair.

Ensures maximum gray coverage
Intensifies and locks in color

Promotes longer color retention

The back of the box says this: "No Gray is an additive that mixes with any permanent or semi-permanent haircolor, using a new revolutionary technology that ensures maximum coverage, on even the most resistant gray hair. Just add to any haircolor mixture and apply as usual."

Not sure it works, but several friends want to take a shot at it.

How To Wear Winged Eyeliner The Right Way

Yes. These smoky, sexy eyes belong to Sophia Loren. The classic 1950's cat eye. Marilyn Monroe. Bridgitte Bardot. These women knew how to rock the cat eye, or dark winged eyeliner.

Today, there is British singer Amy Winehouse. Well, let's just say, that's a severely exaggerated cat eye she's sporting. Not very attractive.

Dark winged eyeliner is very much in vogue this season. You see it everywhere. The red carpet. The runway. However, the cat eye is actually a timeless look. It has never gone out of style. But achieving the perfect, dark winged eyeliner is almost impossible. I said, almost.

If you have a brilliant, professional makeup artist like Sandy Linter or Stephen Moleski, then leave the fine lines to them. If you're left on your own staring into the mirror, well, here are some valuable tips:

First, liquid eyeliner is the bomb! In other words, the liquid liner makes for the best cat eye. But doing the winged eyeliner the right way, takes lots of practice and tons of Q-tips, yes, cotton swabs (I'll get to that in a moment).

I did some research on dark winged eyeliner, because I, too, have been wearing the cat eye for a number of years now. But it is so hard to achieve. I know you laugh, but when it's done right, it is a darn sexy eye.

Allure Magazine had a great article in their September 2007 issue, on How To Pull Off Dark Eyeliner by Susan Giordano.

Giordano has wonderful qualifications as a makeup artist. She has worked on Victoria's Secret and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoots, as well as those for Allure. Here is her advice:

"Go beyond basic black. For most women, a rich, chocolate brown eyeliner is a better choice than black; dark plums are also pretty. They both have the depth without the potential harshness. Contrary to what most people think, Marilyn Monroe wore brown.
• Keep it solid. Make no mistake—liquid liner is very difficult to apply. It dries as soon as you put it on. Most people should just skip liquid and try a more forgiving gel formula that will give you the bold look. If you want the appearance of liquid, Laura Mercier makes a great cake liner with a rich, velvety texture. You moisten it and then apply with a small, teardrop-shaped paintbrush. (I find those stiff, angled brushes hard to use.) This look is great for evening, when you can really pull off an exaggerated, winged-out line.
• Don't overdo it. The biggest mistake women make when putting on liner is to rim their eyes with it completely. Eyeliner is meant to add definition and make your eyes look larger, but circling them completely will make them look small and beady. Lining the inner rims of your eye can also have that effect. Just try to get the liner as close to your lashes as possible. You don't want to have any skin showing between the liner and your eyelashes."

Most professional makeup artists use Q-tips or cotton swabs for plenty of makeup techniques, as well as makeup mishaps. For the winged eyeliner, take a moistened Q-tip, and flick the end of your eyeliner into a thin wing that extends up and beyond the outer eye. If you make a mistake, simply use another cotton swab to wipe it away.

If you still need more help, here is an excellent tutorial on cat eyes with some wonderful step-by-step photos:

http://www.temptalia.com/tutorial-cat-eye-liner-liquid-liner-tips-neutral-eye.