Monday, February 6, 2012

How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster Naturally: Tips & Recipes

Slow hair growth is a genuine concern for women and men of all ages. Fortunately though, longer, faster-growing hair is achievable with patience and proper care of your hair. However, growing long hair takes a commitment because it won't happen overnight – especially if you're losing hair.


Assuming you are experiencing hair loss, and are also taking new medication, consult with your physician about the side effects of the medication you are prescribed. Sudden changes in your eating habits can also cause hair loss, but the effects are not permanent, and your hair will go back to normal with time.


Sudden weight loss is another known cause of hair loss, and this should be a concern if you're losing weight too quickly by not eating enough, or over-exercising. This being said, it's important to maintain a healthy diet for your overall health, as well as to prevent hair loss.


One more thing to keep in mind is that hair can become damaged by over-styling it with heat tools, teasing too frequently, over-shampooing, extended sun exposure, and improper hair care. Now that we've covered all of the basics of hair loss/damage, here are some tips for how you can grow hair faster.

One of the myths surrounding fast hair growth is that you have to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. In reality, you only need to get your hair trimmed if you have split ends, otherwise it won't make your hair grow faster. You can even trim split ends yourself if you feel comfortable enough doing so. As soon as you see split ends popping up in your hair, take scissors and snip them off.Your hair is the most vulnerable when it's wet, so keep yourself from twisting hair or rubbing vigorously with a towel; instead, pat hair with a towel. You can also lean so that your hair is to one side, and then squeeze it with a towel to remove the moisture.When you comb your hair after a shower or bath, use a large tooth comb or pick; begin at your ends, working your way up to the roots. Since wet hair is so fragile, you should avoid being rough with your hair. With that being said, you should avoid going to sleep with wet hair to keep it from breaking.When you're brushing your dry hair, use a boar bristle brush. Along with this, flip your hair upside down to brush; this stimulates your scalp and hair follicles, and moves the natural oils down your hair shaft.Wash your hair less frequently so that the oils your body naturally produces can moisturize it. You should also use cool water to rinse your hair after both shampooing and conditioning. This helps to keep hair shiny for longer periods of time without the use of shine sprays. The average person should wash their hair every other day or less; also note that dry shampoos are a good alternative to washing daily.Conditioners should always be used after each shampoo so that the nutrients can be replenished. Avoid applying conditioner to your scalp, and rinse the conditioner completely out of your hair. Leave conditioner on your hair for one or two minutes before rinsing.

Homemade hair masks and rinses are often the best treatments for getting long hair fast. Simple and effective recipes you can make in your own kitchen are made with easy-to-find ingredients like eggs, bananas, olive oil and honey. Here are some recipes for you to try at home.

Gather an egg, banana, one teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of milk, and five teaspoons of olive oil. If you're not able to use olive oil, you can replace this with any oil you have on hand. Mix the ingredients up well, and then massage the mask onto your scalp and hair. Leave the mask on your hair for 25 minutes before you shampoo and condition.For a conditioning mask that keeps your hair healthy, combine equal parts honey to olive oil, and then massage onto the hair and scalp. You will leave the mask on for about 25 minutes before shampooing and conditioning as usual.Strawberries aren't only good in pie! Blend an egg yolk, two tablespoons of olive oil, and one cup of strawberries together in a food processor. Apply it to your entire head of hair, and soak for 15 minutes before continuing your normal shampoo and conditioning routine.Organic hair rinses like those made with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar will clear any residue left over from shampoos, conditioners or hair products. By using these, you will also remove dead skin, and promote hair growth by removing the debris around the hair follicles.A hot oil treatment from a salon or at home will improve blood circulation for healthy hair growth. To begin, heat the oil of your choice in the microwave for 35 seconds. Massage your scalp for a few minutes with olive oil, castor oil, rosemary oil, coconut oil, or even vegetable oil. Massage for a few minutes, and then shampoo and condition as usual.

Check some recipes for hair shampoos & conditioners or hair mask recipes for healthy hair.

What you eat plays a large part in how your hair looks, feels, and most importantly, it affects the overall health of your body. Foods that encourage hair growth are salmon, beans such as lentils and kidney beans, and green vegetables like broccoli and spinach; these foods should be incorporated into your diet on a regular basis.Other foods that are great for long, healthy hair are bell peppers, lettuce, milk, avocados, yogurt, whole grains, strawberries, apricots, seeds and nuts. If you're not able to eat these items for any reason, use dietary supplements in exchange. Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning a new dieting plan – especially if you already take medication or are pregnant.Exercise is often overlooked by men and women who want long hair. The benefits of getting just 25 minutes of any exercise will increase your mood, and decrease stress that causes hair loss. You will also experience better rest at night because exercising every morning allows your body to burn calories more efficiently. In many cases, hair loss can occur when someone is sleep-deprived or depressed.Overall, the biggest concept needed to grow long hair faster is to be realistic. After all, the average person sees hair grow only half of an inch every 30 days. So the best way to grow your hair faster is to maintain a positive attitude, and treat your hair gently without using a cabinet full of products and hair styling tools.

Hopefully, you now know the answers to your question: "How to make your hair grow faster"


 

Shelf Life of Cosmetics : Does Makeup Products Expire?

Cosmetics aren't meant to last forever, but some products might seem like it because they're sold in bulk or in giant packages. And if you like to buy makeup in bulk and/or try out new products on a regular basis like me, then your cosmetics collection really starts to build up. Eventually, you could have an entire drawer full of makeup and items that you either don't use, or that you're keeping from high school because they bring you a sense of nostalgia. But even if you like collecting makeup, there is definitely a time to throw it away, and each piece has its own expiration date.


The most common ways to tell if a makeup item has worn out its welcome is by smelling for foul scents, feeling for dry textures, or if you simply can't remember how long you've had it. If you're holding on to makeup from 4 or 5 years ago, the odds are not in your favor, and you should introduce it to the trash can! That being said, here is a thorough guide to help you decide which makeup items can stay, and which ones have to go.

Makeup Products

Blush – This keeps for about 18 months, but if your blush is still holding strong, and not drying out or becoming hard, it's safe to use for a little while longer.


Concealer – Concealer is used to hide all of the discolored problem areas on your face, neck or chest, and is essential for most women. Fortunately, you may not have to worry about it becoming hard, dried-out, gooey or runny. But just in case you've had your concealer for a long time, you should know that its average shelf life is between a year and 18 months.


Cream Blush – This adds a subtle glow to your cheeks, and in some cases, can be used for more than one purpose. Be careful after about 12-18 months of using this product because it may become difficult to use, and/or develop an unpleasant smell!


Powder – Powder is used for keeping oil at bay, and for setting liquid concealer and foundation; but it can also be used as a foundation itself. With a shelf life of 2 years, powders are some of the longest-lasting cosmetic products a woman has, and they certainly give you more than your money's worth!


Gel and Cream Cleansers – These won't be wasted, I'm sure. Gel cleansers are meant for oily, normal or combination skin types, and cream cleansers work best for dry skin since they leave skin feeling hydrated after you rinse the cleanser off. If you've been experimenting with cleansers, you'll be glad to know that they're good for about 12 months.


Pencil Eyeliner – If you've been keeping pencil eyeliner for what seems like eternity, it should be sharpened on a regular basis. Assuming you're keeping it sharpened and keeping your sharpener clean as well, your pencil eyeliner should last an amazing 3 years maximum; that is if you haven't used it all up by then.


Eyeshadow – The big makeup product that comes in small packages with large price tags is eyeshadow. And it's no wonder why the price of eyeshadow can reach well into the $60 dollar range because it's such a crucial part of defining the eye. The rulebook says to toss it out after only 3 years; however, most women will turn their noses up at this statement. Beware though that if you're part of this group, un-kept eyeshadow becomes dry, cracked, and can develop bacteria if you use dirty brushes or fingers.


Makeup Brushes – These last for a very long time if maintained properly. Clean your makeup brushes and eye makeup brushes 1-2 times weekly. Avoid getting water or brush cleaner in the ferrule or metal piece that holds the bristles and handle together. Getting water in the ferrule will loosen the bristles and cause the brush to slowly deteriorate. If your makeup brushes are scratchy or losing bristles, it's time to replace them with new makeup brushes. Assuming you're using cosmetic sponges or pads, take the time to wash them weekly as well. Sponges and pads usually begin to fall apart or feel dingy within 30 days, so it's recommended to replace them with new ones.


Foundation – Foundation gives your face a smooth and clear complexion, but the shelf life depends on the formulation of the foundation. Water-based foundations last about a year, while oil-based foundations can last up to 18 months. Interestingly enough, there are things you can do to increase your foundation's life span. For instance, if it happens to become dry between the changing seasons, add a small amount alcohol free toner to your water-based foundation. Shake the foundation and toner well, and you're ready to apply. Oil-based foundations will separate naturally, so all you need to do is shake them up and viola!


Lip liners – These are great and last up to 3 years! To save yourself a lot of hassle, only buy pencil lip liners since the push-up or mechanical lip liners often break off, which is wasteful. Also the push-up and mechanical lip liners dry out quicker than a lip liner pencil that you sharpen.


Lipsticks – Your lipsticks can stay in your makeup bag for 1-4 years. An easy way to tell if your lips' best friend has checked out is by smelling the tube; assuming the lipstick smells foul, then it's time to kick it to the curb. If you're concerned with your lipstick's life draining rapidly, store it in the refrigerator because this has been proven to lengthen lipstick's shelf life.


Mascara – This has a well known reputation for spoiling fast, and it's true since the average mascara only lasts 3-4 months. To increase the life of your mascara, avoid taking the wand in and out multiple times for application since doing this exposes the product to the air, which dries it out.


Nail Polish – The problem with nail polish is that it becomes goopy and difficult to open when left alone for too long. It's a stubborn product that needs a lot of attention if you want it to last longer than a year. Shake your nail polishes up a couple of times a month, unscrew the cap slightly, then screw it back shut, and you'll have a greater chance of making your nail colors last! Since nail polish is based on solvents, no bacteria can grow inside of the bottle as long as you're storing it tightly-closed and well-shaken. Even so, you can bring some nail polishes back to life by adding a small amount of polish thinner to products that become too thick. You can find these at most beauty supply stores.


"Does Makeup Expire" - yes, makeup does expire, so it's time to do some cleaning.


 

Tips on Applying Eye Make Up: How to Apply Eye Shadow, Eyeliner & Mascara

Eye makeup is worn to draw attention to your eyes for a dramatic appearance, and can be as simple, or as elaborate as you want it to be. Learning how to apply eye makeup is important for those who want to look professional and stylish on a budget. What's nice is that you can manipulate eye makeup to match your overall style of dress because it's very versatile in color, textures and formulas.

For basic eye makeup application, you'll need a few products, including 2-3 eye shadow tones or colors, eye liner, concealer, eye shadow primer and mascara. You can also jump to read about applying false lashes.

All of the products mentioned above are manufactured and sold at drug stores, department stores, super markets and on the internet. For those who have little experience with eye makeup application, it is best to begin with less expensive products so you can discover what colors and textures you appreciate more. Because women have different eye shapes, you should keep the following points in mind.

You will be better off purchasing an eye shadow palette that offers a variety of tones. You can find eye shadow palettes in any drug store, department store, or grocery store, which makes them very easy to find. Other formula options for eye shadows are cream eye shadow, eye shadow pigment and liquid eye shadow; also note that the most common formula of eye shadow is pressed powder.

It's important to know what your options are when it comes to eye shadow texture. The labels on eye shadow packaging will help you identify which texture the eye shadow has. Here are descriptions for all of the main eye shadow textures.
Matte eye shadows
leave your lids with no shine at all. These eye shadows are best used as a base for other shadows to mask discoloration on your eyelids (if they match your skin tone). Find matte textures in pressed powder or cream shadows.Satin eye shadow
texture gives you a slight shine without too much shimmer. You can use satin eye shadows as a base for other eye shadows if you want a clean and glamorous look. Find satin textures in pressed powder shadows, pencil or liquid formulas.Shimmer eye shadows
offer sheer coverage that sometimes allows your skin to show through. Eye shadows that are skin-toned work great as highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. You can apply shimmer eye shadows over matte shades to make them pop. You can get a shimmer texture with powder, liquid, or pigment eye shadow formulas.Frost textured eye shadows
are considered to be full coverage, but will vary in coverage depending on the brands and colors. Keep in mind that this type of eye shadow is best for young skin since it tends to sink into wrinkles. Frost textures are found in liquid, powder or cream shadow formulas.
Before applying your eye makeup, be sure that you've applied foundation and concealer. When you buy eye shadow, the colors will usually come in sets of 3 or more with tones ranging from light to dark; this makes it easy to get depth and dimension. Typically, eye shadow you will apply:
the lightest shade to your brow bone, inner corners, and upper part of your eyelid.The medium shade works best when applied toward the inside corner, and blended out toward the outer corner of your eye.The darkest color will go in the outer "V-area" of the eye, which is known as the outer corner, and it will add dimension.
Tip: Blend the color out to remove harsh lines, and use a brush or your finger to pull the color into your crease.

After you've blended the eye shadow, the next step is to apply eyeliner. You can use any formula of eyeliner that fits your taste, or is the easiest for you to apply. The different formulas are pencil, cream liner, gel, liquid, or cake eyeliner.
Apply eyeliner to the top eyelid as close to your lash line as possible;Start the line slightly toward the middle of your eye closest to your nose. As you move the liner out toward the outer corner of your eye, gradually make the line thicker.
Mascara is the finishing touch that makes your lashes fuller, and has the ability to make your lashes look longer.

The best way to apply mascara is to use a side-to-side motion while keep your eyes looking down. Looking down will keep you from getting mascara on your eyelid, thus preventing you from having to re-do your eye makeup.
Use small, light strokes to separate your lashes and create more volume and length.Be sure to remove the clumps of mascara out of your lashes so that the lashes look more natural.You can apply more than one coat to get the effect you want.
If you're going on a date or out with friends, you might think about using false lashes since they are easy to apply, and give your look more drama. The main products you'll need to do this are false lashes and fake eyelash glue.
Once you have your eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara applied, remove the false lashes from the package.Put the glue on the lashes, and then place the lashes onto your eyelid as close to your lash line as possible.Let the glue dry, and then use an eyelash curler to press the false lashes in with your real lashes.Take your eyeliner over the false lashes again to make your liner look smooth and flawless.
Use these instructions as a guide to create a simple makeup look that flatters most eye shapes. As you gain experience and get more comfortable with the basic eye makeup application, you will find yourself creating new looks by using different colors and techniques. You'll also want to purchase makeup brushes for easier blending and application; but please note that they can be expensive if purchased all at once.

Must-Haves: Beauty Items for Vacation : Beauty-Tips.net

If you are planning a vacation, road trip, weekend getaway, or a trip that requires air transportation, note that there are certain items every woman should bring with her in case of a beauty emergency and/or for everyday use.


Some of you may need to bring all of the below-listed items, and some of you may not, but just be prepared by reading our guide of must-have beauty items for a vacation.


Instead of using zip-lock baggies for your items, bring a clear makeup bag that is big enough to hold your essentials. Clear makeup cases are easy to find, and are available in a variety of sizes. Plus they just so happen to be more durable and fashionable than those zip-lock bags your mother swears by!


Next on the list of must-have travel items are your shampoo and conditioner. These two items are the husband and wife of beauty products, and can't live without each other or be left behind. Shampoos and conditioners are complimentary at some hotels, but they're not going to be your favorite brand, scent or formula, so it's wise to purchase your favorite shampoo and conditioner in travel-sized packages, or buy the refillable bottles in the travel section of department stores and/or drugstores.


Dry shampoos are also handy to travel with – especially if you're traveling with a large group since it cuts your primping time down by a few minutes. Dry shampoos also save you from bringing shampoos or conditioners when you know you'll only be gone for day or two.


Depending on where it is you are vacationing, think about the climate and weather patterns. If you're going to a beach, then you'll want to bring hair products that tailor to that specific climate and weather. These items may consist of mousse, gel, hair spray, or a smoothing serum for those frizzy, high-humidity days. You can also use the refillable travel-sized bottles for your hairstyling products to save space in your overnight bag or suitcase.


Bobby pins and hair elastics are a must-have travel beauty item as well!
Use them to pin hair out of your face, and hold a place in your book for long car rides. Bobby pins and hair elastics are a necessity when traveling so you can easily get hair out of your face, or style an up-do for a night out.


It's obvious that your hair is important, however, your body care items shouldn't be forgotten about either. Things like body wash and body lotion often get neglected and left behind when you're packing for a trip. But these are especially important if you have sensitive skin or skin allergies to fragrances.


That said, purchase smaller, travel-friendly bottles of your favorite lotions and body washes/soaps to moisturize when you're away from home.


You won't want to skip taking care of the skin on your face, so be sure to pack your skin creams and serums.


If you're wearing makeup, it's crucial to bring your:

face wash,makeup remover,exfoliating facial scrub,and your moisturizer along for a vacation.

Moisturizers can be packed easily if the bottle or jar they come in is small; however, you can buy refillable jars at department stores and drugstores if necessary. If you are really looking to save space, use a clean contact case to put your serum into. You can put a few pumps into each side of the contact case seeing as a little goes a long way.


Makeup removing wipes make it easier to remove makeup on the go, and can be easily tucked into a suitcase without the fear of it bursting, spilling, or falling open during travel time.


For sunny days, rainy days, and most definitely the days spent at the beach, sunscreen should be packed in your luggage. Not only does your skin need SPF to protect you from the sun's harmful rays, but it also needs SPF to defend against premature aging. Be sure to read the label for protection from both UVA and UVB rays because these are the skin-aging and skin-burning rays you don't want touching your skin.


Even if you think you are the cleanliest person alive, you're bound to make a spill eventually.


Cleansing wipes, baby wipes, or moist towelettes come in handy at the pool, beach, park, restaurants, arcades and in taxis, and are great if you can't reach a sink right away. Also, bring a stain removing stick along on your trip for quick stain removal from your clothing or car upholstery. This comes in handy if you have an accident, and can't get to a washing machine in a hurry!


Be sure not to bring your entire collection of eye shadows and blushes because this could take up too much space, and you will probably only wear your everyday look. Foundation primer, foundation, and concealer are all must-haves since you'll be snapping a lot of photos while you're away from home. Bring one eye shadow palette that can give you a few different looks, and only bring one blush to save space. Waterproof mascara works wonders in humid weather, so include it in your makeup bag as well. You will also want to include lip balm, lipstick, and lip-gloss on the trip to keep your makeup looking complete and your lips hydrated.


Your fingernails and toenails shouldn't be forgotten while on vacation, so be sure that your signature nail color tags along with you on vacation in case your nail polish gets chipped. If you're going to be away from home for a couple of weeks, it's good to bring a couple of colors so that you can change up the color if you desire. Of course, if you're bringing nail polish, you should also bring your polish remover and cotton balls!


Now that you've got a vacation check list laid out, you can focus on what you're going to wear!