beauty strategies

Per Cosmopolitan Magazine, there are some really big no-nos when it comes to beauty. Before you feel condemned, I will bare my soul and let you know that I’ve been guilty of some of these sins.

There, I feel so much better, having confessed. And now, we shall discuss the 8 big big beauty sins.

• Nibbling on your cuticles. Torn cuticles can lead to hangnails and infections. Keep the skin around our nails moisturized. If well hydrated, you will have fewer snags and be less tempted to pick. If you have issues putting your fingers in your mouth, try a bitter-tasting nail polish.
• Changing your hair color too frequently. Occasionally is okay but dyeing your hair too often weakens it and can lead to an identity crisis. Sure, some of the celebs can get away with it, but often times they are doing it for movie roles or to get attention on the red carpet. And…they have the bucks to repair or hide the damage. Try instead, playing with lipstick and shadow colors. If you have to change hair color- here are some tips.

Bleaching your hair is the most damaging and drying. Only do this once every six weeks. If you want to be lighter; bleach once per month, going one level blonder each time until you reach the desired hue.

Go darker for less damage. This is not as stressful to the hair since you are not stripping away the natural pigment.

Prior to coloring use a deep conditioner. This will help keep your hair strong.

• Going to bed without washing your face. Here I shine as this is something I have never done! When you to to bed with mascara and eye-makeup on you can wake up with unattractive dark circles from makeup residue and perhaps even an infection. Even if you didn’t wear makeup during the day you still need to wash your face as your skin accumulates oil and dirt which can lead to blemishes. For a lazy fix, keep a pack of pre-moistened face wipes next to your bed. That way, no matter how tired you are you can wipe your makeup away in seconds.
• Fake-baking in a tanning bed. Let me be first to say I used to do this every summer. However, I was “delivered” several years ago after learning that UVA rays are called aging rays for a reason-they penetrate your connective tissue, causing premature sagging and the proliferation of wrinkle causing free radicals. And they have been linked to skin cancer and can suppress your immune system. Enough already!

Today we can use moisturizers with color in them as well as the self tanners. If you really need to be dark, keep adding to the color daily until you reach your desired level of bronze.

• Subjecting your hair to heat constantly. Blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons will dry out your hair leaving it dull, frizzy and weak. If you must blow dry, use a medium heat and keep the nozzle a few inches away from your hair. When flat ironing, quickly slide the iron down a section of hair in one smooth motion. Any pauses along the way will create dents and require more ironing. When washing your hair, use a moisturizing shampoo to restore and keep your hair supple.
• Over-bleaching your teeth. There is something to be said for looking natural and bright white teeth do not look natural. The rule of thumb is that your teeth should not be brighter than the whites of your eyes. Constantly applying hydrogen peroxide can leave them ultra-sensitive and prone to chipping.

If you go to a professional, you can expect your teeth to whiten up about 8 to 9 shades. If you are doing the in-home whitening, you will see about a 4 shade improvement. Always follow the directions on the box and consult a dentist with questions.

• Using makeup testers. While your chances of contracting herpes or pinkeye from the bacteria and germs from the testers at makeup counters are slim, it could happen. And, it’s not okay to share lipstick or eye shadow with tons of strangers.

Make sure the makeup counter you visit practices safe sampling. At Fantasia we use disposable applicators, sponges, cotton swabs, tissues, mascara wands and our makeup brushes are cleaned and disinfected. A reputable counter should have well-trained sales associates. Wash your hands when done shopping.

• And finally, and I know you never do this- popping pimples is bad. When you do this you can extend it’s staying power since the dirt from your fingers can force bacteria into the pores and cause infection. Instead of popping, apply benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid a couple times per day. To reduce redness, put some redness reducing eye-drops on a cotton swab, place on the pimple, them follow up with concealer.

If you have been quilty of any of these beauty sins, repent and change your ways. And remember, none of us are perfect!

Have you ever noticed that some people always look great no matter what? I’m convinced we all have our ups and downs (literally as I’m talking weight) but some people never seem to show it.

There are “tricks” on how to put things together so as to “minimize” yourself which is what we will focus on today.

• Let’s start with accessories. Don’t wear broad belts that draw attention to your mid-riff if it’s a tad “broad”.
• Avoid fancy and obnoxious jewelory or accessories. Make sure the jewelry is simple, small and elegant. Too much clutter only adds to the bulk.
• If you wear less jewelry, use good makeup to highlight your eyes. Remember, eye shadow is jewels for the eyes.

When it comes to clothes and colors the golden rule is this. Dress in one color from shoulder to shoe. This streamlines the body and makes you look slimmer- instantly.

If you feel a bit more adventurous, don’t limit yourself to only one color but choose tones that are closely matched.

• Wear the darker color below the waist and the lighter one on top.
• Golden rule number two. Stick to dark colors.
• If you are on the heavier side and short besides, avoid contrasts and opt for a single color instead. Instead of a white blouse and black skirt, make them both black.

Now about the clothes and the cut of them.

• Avoid horizontal designs, bold and big designs and circles, completely. Stripes along the length of the outfit or “V” shaped stripes will help in cutting off inches from vision.
• Choose V or scoop necklines to camouflage chubby necks. Be sure to continue your foundation to the neck area so that there is no color change at the jaw line.
• A loosely-fitting vest can hide a thick waist if a jacket is not needed.
• Wear small prints.
• Use straight cuts and no horizontal stripes.
• A-lined outfits are best. Avoid frills, gathers and layers as much as possible.
• Avoid “tuck-ins” go for blouse styles that can hang loose (particularly if you have a “belly”.)
• Wide neck-lines, particular V-necks are great for heavy bust-lines and those with thick necks.
• If you must add trimmings to the garment, add them along the neckline. Scooped necklines and frills are a strict no-no.
• Clinging fabrics are bad news for heavy people as well as tight fitting clothes. These only help in accentuating the bulge. Wear fabric that hangs loose, with cuts that are not too tight. Crisp fabrics are best suited for over-weight people since the fabric manages to keep its shape.
• If you are fond of sleevelss garments, go for straight cuts at the shoulder which makes the shoulders look naturally rounded. Forget the darts and gathers.

The bottom line? Even though we may be carrying a few extra pounds, we don’t need to “flaunt” it.  A few simple tricks and it will be our little secret!

It can be a challenge maintaining an impeccable image when it’s upwards of 100 degrees outside.

You wake up and shower, iron your clothes so you’ll look “fresh”, style your hair and of course, apply your makeup. Then, you walk outside the door and realize it was all pointless! Your light, cool pants are sticking to you in a wrinkled mess, your hair is stuck to your melting face of makeup. So, don’t you look pretty?

Here are some tips on keeping makeup looking cool in the dog days of summer.

• Wash your face will, moisturize and follow up with a foundation primer. This sets your makeup and keeps your skin from getting shiny.
• Apply foundation but don’t go overboard. Just because you want it to last all day doesn’t mean you have to pack it on. Use a damp sponge or foundation brush for a nice, even coverage. Don’t forget to apply foundation to your eyes.
• Apply your eye shadow as normal. Use a dark brown or black pencil to fill in between your upper and lower lash line. Blend the liner with a flat brush dipped in a shadow similar to your eyeliner color. This should keep your liner from smudging throughout the day. Add a coat of mascara to finish the look.
• Give your cheeks a fresh and natural flush by mixing shades of pink and apricot. Slick on a sheer tint of gloss that coordinates with your blush.
• Dust some matte powder on your T zone and you are done.

Here’s a Summer Beauty Survival Kit:

• Makeup wipes. Great to refresh anytime and you never know when they will come in handy. Put a few in a Ziploc baggie and toss them in your purse.
• Concealer. For touch up, also works great to brighten up the T zone. Use as little product as possible and blend, blend and blend again.
• Compact powder. Shine, be gone! Apply with a brush so you get the sheerest application possible and to avoid weighing down your skin with product overload.
• Bright apricot blush and your favorite lip gloss.

You will now be prepared for whatever comes your way. After, a gal’s gotta look good, even in the dog days of summer!

Have you seen the magazines either on-line or in print, where they are quick to point out the celebrities fashion faux pas? Or, better yet, are you a fan of What Not to Wear? We are pretty much obsessed with how we dress but we don’t necessarily always get it right. Here are a few simple fixes so you can have a spectacular wardrobe!

Stand up straight. While true, your posture has nothing to do with your clothes, you really just look better when you stand up straight. Pull your stomach in a bit and your shoulders back and it’s looks like you’ve lost 5 pounds, instantly. And, your clothes will hang better.

How about your “foundation”? Don’t ignore what you are wearing underneath. Visible pantie lines are a fashion no-no. There are lots of options these days. Ditch your standard panties and wear a thong. If you can’t stand thongs, truly a seamless boy short or shape-wear such as Spanx. (Target has knock-offs, much cheaper.) Invest in a few good bras and make sure they fit you.

Don’t buy stuff that doesn’t fit. We are all going to lose 10 pounds,,, someday. Do you have pieces hanging in your closet with tags still attached? Dress for now, not 5 or 10 pounds from now. Otherwise, you torture yourself when you go to your closet. Find a tailor. Buy the pair of jeans that fit and flatter you and have the length and waist tailored for a perfect fit.

Wearing everything as outfits. You don’t want a complete mishmash of pieces that don’t work together but neither do you want to limit your choices by never mixing it up. Try new combinations. Perhaps try a suit jacket with jeans and some fun necklaces. “Fashion is what you buy at the store, style is what happens when you take the clothes and make them your own”, in the words of a style coach.

Don’t be a fashion victim. It’s not good to get stuck in a rut but neither is it a good thing to follow every trend coming down the runways. Look at the season’s trends and find ways to wear them that suit your body, your age and your lifestyle. You can wear trends selectively and still look completely current.

Wearing the wrong length skirt. Not every skirt will flatter every body. The most universally flattering length for skirts, whether straight or A-line, is just above or just below the knee. Your choice will depend on whether you like your knees enough to show them off. Mid-calf is a bid length for a skirt, it makes even good legs appear shorter and thicker.

Don’t confuse sloppy with casual. Dressing down is now a national past time. We even have casual Fridays in business places. There’s a way you can be informal but still pulled together and chic. A pair of khakis and a tee shirt doesn’t look sloppy with with a great pair of shoe and an interesting necklace. Make sure to pay attention to your hair and makeup.

Wearing the same jeans with different heel heights. You will probably need more than one pair of jeans if you wear them with different heel heights. Jeans with a slight flare and a half inch off the ground look the best. Any shorter than that and the proportion is thrown off, making you look hippy.

Carrying a purse that’s too big. A suitcase-size purse can overwhelm your look. Don’t give in to the trend of a back-breaking bag big enough for a weekend get away. Pare down and carry only what you need in a mid-size bag. You will still look stylish and you won’t trash your back in the process.

Over doing the accessories. Layering on too much jewelry will overshadow your clothes and you. Unless you are going for the boho look, stick to a fun purse, a great bracelet or perhaps a dramatic necklace.

Wearing the wrong shoes. It’s all about proportion. Chunky shoes don’t work with a feminine little dress. Delicate shoes typically don’t work with a tailored look. Gym shoes never go with “work” clothes. Find good flats comfortable for your commute and change when you get to work.

Saving your nicest clothes and jewelry for special occasions. An old fashioned approach to fashion is to reserve clothes only for a big night out. You can wear your fabulous heels, great jewelry and embellished tops for everyday without looking as if you are on your way to a cocktail party. Pair the dressy piece with something more casual. Fashion should be fun and there’s nothing fun about having great pieces in your closet that you rarely if ever wear!

Now you know how to avoid common style missteps that some women regularly make. You go girl!

Have you ever noticed that young people can’t wait to be older and most older people only want to be younger. In fact, while nothing can actually reverse time, lots of us are spending lots of money, time and effort attempting to look younger.

While there is no miracle cream or pill that can make a senior citizen look like a teenager again, there are definitely things one can do such as have a good anti-aging skin care regimen. Here are some tips which will help assure that you skin tone and texture will be their best and you will be fighting wrinkles and blemishes as well.

Cleansing your face is an essential part of any anti-aging skin care program. It it imperative that you get the day’s makeup, dirt, pollutants and other irritants off your skin and out of your pores. When you rest your body (sleep), it renews and re-energizes itself and this includes your skin. It’s best that it be as clean as possible during this time.

It is important to cleanse correctly. Avoid harsh products such as regular soap or strong cleansers as they can cause dryness and flaking which only helps wrinkles and blemishes to flourish. Use a gentle face cleanser to help you with your anti-aging routine. At Fantasia, we recommend and sell SkinCeuticals which is an herbal botanical line of skin care products. SkinCeuticals is both affordable and wonderful for your skin.

Weather is important when it comes to the aging process. Your skin is affected by the elements every time you set foot outside. You are either dealing with the sun or the wind. A good gentle face moisturizer is just as important as a good cleanser.

Stress plays a part in everyone’s life so your must learn to manage your stresses. Stress causes you to tense up and strain your facial muscles which can draw moisture out of your skin. A daytime anti-aging cream is good to protect your face as it will act as a protective barrier between your skin and makeup. When in doubt or under stress, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. A nighttime anti-aging cream will help your skin with the natural process of repairing itself.

A healthy body has healthy skin so -drink plenty of water and get some good, routine exercise. Make sure you get enough sleep and maintain a good diet. Your skin is the window to your health just as the eyes are the window to your soul. When you don’t take proper care of your skin, there isn’t any amount of anti-aging skin care in the world that can help you.

For the best anti-aging skin care tips, stay well-hydrated - drink lots of pure water, and get enough rest. Even the best wrinkle creams and lotions will only take you so far with out a good foundation in place! However, it you practice these two things and add some good anti-aging skin care such as SkinCeuticals to your routine, you will have a winning combination!

I’ll bet you didn’t know that the US market for anti aging will hit $72 million dollars in 2009? This information comes from Nutraceuticals International, a trade publication. The baby boomers are on a quest for immortality and are fueling this current boom.

Scientists are unlocking several key factors in the aging process, generating headlines about how it might be slowed or reversed. For example, in studying metabolism, researchers have zeroed in on proteins called sirtuins, which apparently control age-related illnesses in other organisms. Resveratrol, a substance found in small amounts in red-grape skins and red wine, is believed by some scientists to boost sirtuins in humans. Of course this has triggered excitement about its potential benefits.

Other researchers are exploring the effects of the enzyme telomerase, which could thwart the natural tendency of chromosomes to break apart as cells age. Stem cells hold out the promise that doctors might someday be able to regenerate body tissue or even grow new replacement organs.

However, you should know that no drug, nutritional supplement or medical regimen has been proven to extend the human life span. Vitamin B-12 shots have a fairly miraculous energizing effect on individuals who are B-12 deficient but little to no effect on those who aren’t. To date, there are no double-blind, controlled studies on healthy human beings showing any particular substance leading to greater longevity.

A decade ago, you had to be a big-league or Olympic athelete to have your own chemical guru. Hollywood stars and hip-hop artist picked up on the trend of personalized supplements and steroid regimens. Thousands of anti-aging clinics have now opened across the country offering those with extra cash the chance to look and feel younger.

Anti-aging is definitely the buzz word for the new millenum. In 1933, Time magazine reported the secret to long life as given by an aged Chinese man named Li Ching Yuen. Li supposedly lived to the age of 256. What was his secret? “Keep a quiet heart, sit like a tortoise, walk sprightly like a piegon and sleep like a dog.” Doesn’t sound like anything money can buy!

Ever hear of the K.I.S.S. principle? Keeping things positive, it means keep it simple silly! We have a tendency to complicate things and make them so cumbersome it leads to inactivity because we are so overwhelmed!

How about some simple, common sense beauty strategies. No rocket science here, just some simple, little things which can have big impact over time. Sound good? Here goes!

Love your hair! Everyday! Find a good hairstylist, get a hairstyle that works with your schedule and which helps you look and feel your best, everyday!

Your makeup and moisturizer are important in helping you look your best, are they healthy for your skin? If they are older than 6 months, toss them and get fresh. When your makeup is fresh, you will look and feel fresh!

Pack a small beauty bag for quick fresh ups during the day. Things like face and body moisturizers, lip care products, mascara, feminine products, a nail file and any other critical items you may need when you are on the go.

Instead of turning to sugar or coffee for a pick me up, try a 20 minute walk! It’s refreshing and invigorating and will lift your energy for the rest of the day.

Clean out your closet. Purge, purge, purge. If you have not worn it in a year, get rid of it. Find a good organization you can donate to.

How’s your foundation? Is your bra doing it’s job? How about the panties? Toss any bras or panties that are worn out. Treat yourself for Valentine’s Day, buy a new sexy bra with matching panties. Perhaps you are the only one who will see it but you will still feel sexy!

It’s pretty difficult to hide your hands so no nasty nails! Keep an inexpensive manicure kit and hand moisturizer at your desk. Paper is drying to your hands so keep your hands and manicure pretty by moisturizing and taking care of your nails.

Take 5. A 5 minute beauty break when you take a bathroom break. Remember that bag we talked about earlier? Freshen up. If you’re home, moisturize and refresh. Consistent beauty breaks will keep your hands soft for holding and lips supple for kissing.

What are your beauty habits? What new ones do you need to incorporate? Implement one new habit weekly into your daily routines. Once you work them into your daily routines, you no longer need to think about them, they become automatic!

Being beautiful does not have to be complicated! Remember, K.I.S.S.

Most of the time, we take very little notice of our hair and nails. Except maybe during adolescence when we are trying to “find” our-self, our style, etc. As long as things are normal for us, we just don’t really notice.

Pretty much, on this website we focus on hair loss and thinning hair for women (as well as men and children.) Today we will take a look at the opposite side of the spectrum.

Have you ever heard of hirsutism? This is the term for the growth of coarse hair on women but - in a male pattern. In women, there is a wide variation of normal hairiness. For instance, some hairs on the upper lip, around the nipples and on the lower legs are common enough to be normal. Particularly this is true after menopause. On the other hand, a heavy beard or growth on the chest is clearly abnormal. There is no easily identifiable point to distinguish between what is normal and what is abnormal.

The problem is made even more difficult by the consideration variation between different racial groups. Many Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean women have dark hair on their face and limbs. Typically this is not the case with North American women.

If you have concerns about excessive hairiness, you have to decide whether on not to consult your doctor. The huge majority of excessively hairy women have no underlying “disease.” It’s just a part of their development and may run in their family history. If, on the other hand, the hirsutism comes on very suddenly, your doctor might want to do some blood test. You must decide if you wish to have treatment for your excess hair growth.

What are some common treatments? Shaving would be one. Today there are shavers marketed especially for women so it’s become a more accepted practice. Waxing is a great way to go especially for large areas of the body such as the legs. It is a great salon treatment and should be done every couple of months. The hair is removed by the root and possibly for a few individuals it could eventually be permanent. However, waxing can be painful but many feel the end result is worth the pain. Bleaching hairs makes them less obvious and this is a method of choice by many women.

There are creams that loosen hair, thus enabling it to be pulled out. You should know however, these creams can irritate the skin, are very foul smelling, and are quite frankly, very toxic! It is for these reasons that these creams are not widely used.

Electrolysis is also somewhat popular but is expensive. A fine needle is pushed down the side of the hair shaft and a tiny electric current is passed which is converted to heat and destroys the root. Very few hairs regrow. Electrolysis treatments are painful and most people can only tolerate a fifteen minute session. In that amount of time, between 50 and 100 hairs can be treated.

As with many other conditions, there are drugs which will reduce hair growth. However, the treatments will go on indefinitely and there are side effects so this is one condition you will probably want to deal with in a more “natural” fashion, as discussed above.

I’ve been passing along some things I’ve been reading about how you should accentuate yourself as you age. Maturity is a badge of honor to be respected with good taste. There comes a time when all the extra bling and fabulousness of fashion, hair, and makeup is best when toned down. Wisdom carries with it a confidence and sophistication which allows you to do less and achieve more. We are no longer screaming to be looked at, grasping for status or hipness. Less is more makes a statement in and of itself that doesn’t require bright lips, over-the-top earrings, or a crazy hip belt to bring it forward.

Here are some great guidelines for aging gracefully:

• Avoid drawing attention to your mouth with bright or dark lips
• Avoid drawing attention to your aging eyelids with frosted eyeshadow
• Avoid drawing attention to aging hands with bright nail polish and a multitude of attention-grabbing rings
• Draw the eye to your face with the neckline interest and earrings
• When in doubt, leave it out

I’ll be the first to tell you I personally like funky. However, I find these days I like funky within reason. There are some hairstyles I might have worn a few years ago that I will passon today. The same with clothes. While I really like the boho look, there are somethings I just can’t bring myself to wear today that I would have worn only a few years ago.

I must admit I still like bling in purses and shoes. That is one addiction I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to break. There’s just something about the gold with the stones in shoes and purses. I guess since they aren’t drawing attention to the aging parts of my body I’m okay, besides, I’ve always said my feet are one of my best assets, so I don’t mind drawing attention to them. The only sad thing is that they are covered up for over half of the year!

Let’s talk about the importance of being current. Have you ever been around someone when all of a sudden you have this odd feeling of nostalgia? I’ve been in homes like this but I’ve even been around people who have changed nothing in decades. I happen to be someone who really likes change whether in the home or in fashion and beauty so I really don’t get it when someone never changes anything. I have a friend whom I love dearly, who has not changed her hair since we first met over 30 years ago. Since that time, I have changed hair styles and colors who knows how many times.

I have another acquaintenence who has the Donna Douglas, Ellie May Clampet thing going on and I think the Beverly Hillbillies went off the air in the 70’s! What’s really bizzare about this is that she is a hair dresser! (She does NOT work at Fantasia, in case you are wondering!)

Keeping current does not have to be an expensive challenge. That is of course, unless you have to have designer everything! The best way to keep abreast of trends is magazines. You don’t even have to buy the magazines, you can hang out at Barnes and Noble and scope out the latest fashion trends. Or how about TV? Oprah is always discussing the hottest, latest and greatest both on her TV show and in her magazine!

Here are some things you should never do/wear/own - particularly if you are over 40!

• a micro mini
• combat boots with formal wear
• white panty hose
• frosted eye shadow
• chunky platform shoes
• dark brown lipstick
• butterfly barrettes
• extreme low-rise jeans
• visible underwear
• spiral perm

In stead, learn what is age appropriate and how to look “modern”. You can look current and youthful without being over the top. Our image should reflect the person we have become, not the person we were.

Here are some “do’s” when it comes to dressing age appropriate.

• Create symmetry with your hair, clothes and makeup - this will make you your most attractive
• Avoid fads; know and wear your trends as soon as you see them emerging
• Update your classics regularly, with trends in color, line and texture
• A little bling goes a long way, when it comes to accents, less is more
• It’s easy to become outdated, looking current keeps you alive and in the game

Age-appropriate is not expressing who we once were, but about declaring who we have become!