2009 Predictions: The Beauty Edition

The products and treatments that will take the beauty world by storm

Thousands of beauty products debut each year, so it takes something special for a product to stand out from the crowd. These are the 10 breakthroughs in the industry we think deserve a prime spot on your bathroom counter. So without further ado... See products

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How to Choose Anti Aging Skin Care Products That Actually Work

Guest Post by Sharon (The Fashion Ivy)

Choosing the right anti aging skin care product can be a daunting task, but I will give you some tips on choosing creams that will work for you. Choosing the right product that will suit your skin is vital, as each individual will not experience the same effects. No anti aging skin care product is proven to be effective for universal use. Other people tend to be hypersensitive and are prone to develop allergic reactions therefore you need to know your skin type first. The best creams contain ingredients that target the main causes of aging. There are three important problems that need to be addressed if you want to keep your youthful and healthy look for the long-run. They are:

1) Loss of collagen and elastin protein

2) Low levels of hyaluronic acid

3) Damage caused by free radicals

Here is the most common ingredients used in anti-aging products and a brief description of what it is and their best uses.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Alpha Hydroxy Acid, known as AHA, is one of the most common ingredients found in wrinkle creams. There are a large number of these acids which are sometimes better known as glycolic acids, lactic acids and citric acids. Alpha hydroxy acids in various concentrations are used in chemical peels. The concentration determines who can use it. Alpha hydroxy acid products sold to consumers must have a concentration of less than 10%. Their use is very safe if the directions are followed. However it can cause some minor burning, irritation, and redness that are temporary in people with very sensitive skin. You can find it in Obagi skin care products

Retinol Creams with Vitamin A
Retinol is very important in fighting the aging process because the skin creates new cells it rejuvenates the collagen providing a healthier and more robust skin. It prevent wrinkles or keep them from worsening, look for products containing vitamin A like those contained in the La Roche skin care products. Used nightly (or every other night), vitamin A creams stimulate collagen renewal & prevent skin cells from breaking down. Women in their 20s & early 30s can use these to keep fine lines from turning into deeper furrows.

Kinetin
Kinetin was been found in a 2000 study to be a strong inhibitor of oxidative and glycoxidative protein damage in cultured human fibroblasts (skin cells) which helps promote skin cell division as is naturally found in skin cells. By urging the cells to divide faster and reproduce it slows the aging effect. This is very effective because as cells age they slow and even stop splitting, causing wrinkles. Kinetin helps in keeping the skin cells reproducing, thusly staving off aging of the skin. Kinetin is found in the line of Kinerase skin care anti-aging products which include face and body lotions, skin and eye creams.

However, anti aging skin care products should be used only as a supplement to the natural ways of skin and body care. So, drinking a lot of water, getting a good night sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy eating habits and keeping stress at bay are essential means of delaying the aging process. No anti aging skin care product can replace them really.

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15 Date-Night Hairstyles

Copy the romantic looks seen on the cast of "He's Just Not That Into You"

Break out the little black dress and dust off the stilettos -- you've got a date! All you need now is the perfect hairstyle to complete your ensemble. Get inspired by these date-worthy looks from the cast of "He's Just Not That Into You" (and a few other celebrities we love) and get tips on recreating the styles at home. Any of these will definitely have your guy so into you -- and if he isn't, well ... that's his problem. See the looks

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Top 21 Body Washes

Which shower gel was tops -- was it from Clinique? Neutrogena? Nope.

All body washes will get you clean, but TotalBeauty.com readers expect much more when they step into the shower. They want a product that leaves skin clean, soft and smelling great, and will even put them in a better mood. Sound impossible? It's not. In fact they found 21 washes that do just that. See products

No. 21: Neutrogena Rainbath Shower & Bath Gel, $9.99

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*

"This is a great addition to anyone's shower. I love it for shaving and my boyfriend loves it because it's not super feminine-smelling when he chooses to use it."

No. 20: Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Body Wash/Bubble Bath, $13

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.2*

Why it's great: "I can't say enough about this product. I love the smell, it washes off well and leaves you smelling great!

No. 19: Suave Skin Therapy Body Wash, $3.69

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.2*

Why it's great: "Not only does it smell great, but it's moisturizing and it sells at a terrific price! You can't ask for better then that."

Want to see what's number 1? Click here!

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Fashionable Flu masks

Donning a flu mask is a great way to protect yourself from flu, influenza or pandemics like SARS, Bird Flu/Avian flu. In a world-first clinical trial of the efficacy of masks, researchers found adult mask wearers in the home were four times more likely than non-wearers to be protected against respiratory viruses, including the common cold. Professor MacIntyre says: "There is no effective treatment for the 90 or so common cold viruses that make families sick each winter, but masks could provide simple and effective protection."

But fashion freaks can’t bear to be frumpish and un-chic, even during a pandemic. That’s why, sometime back New Yorker Patricia Lamberti created Fashion Flu Masks that the U.S centres for Disease control and Prevention recommend to help keep airborne viruses at bay. Additionally, it could be used while doing home-improvement projects too. Lamberti had adorned them with sequins, floral appliqués, leopard fabrics, satin ribbons colourful fabric, and even fuzz ball. Don’t know for sure, if these masks are still available, as her site www.fashionflumasks.com has been taken off.

Alternatively you may consider this EnviroAir Designer Mask. It has passed 100% of all NIOSH (National Institute for occupational Safety and Health) requirements. What’s more, it has features like Anti-Microbial Liner, Contoured nose pad and adjustable strap for comfort, earplugs to tune out noise, an Eye-Flap that blocks out all light for sleeping along with a “Do Not Disturb” sign to prevent unwanted disruption while sleeping, aromatic eucalyptus oil ( Eucalyptus has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and decongesting properties, and its oil has been used traditionally to treat asthma, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, sore throat, sinusitis and other respiratory conditions; in fact a major ingredient of eucalyptus oil relieves inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis), according to a study published in Laryngoscope.) to soothe your senses and reusable Vinyl Pouch for easy travel. Not only that, this incredible mask has a beauty use as well as its eye-flap also has a pocket filled with cooled Gel-Compress which is a wonderful way to relieve eye-muscle tension and puffy eyes, while seeking protection from an epidemic. Could you ask for more?

You may also choose from these NIOSK approved N95 masks; most of them are easily available at Amazon. They are not as trendy or chic as the above mentioned masks but provide adequate protection against deadly flu/SARS/Avian flu virus. These respirators are believed to filter out at least 95 percent of airborne particles during testing using a "most-penetrating" sized particle of 0.3 microns. Research also indicates that n95 respirators provide higher protection than a standard surgical mask.

• Disposable EARLOOP Face MASK, Filters Bacteria 3 Ply - (Box of 50)
• 3M 1860 N95 RESPIRATOR AND SURGICAL MASK/BIRD FLU
• 3M SMALL 1860S N95 RESPIRATOR AND SURGICAL MASK/BIRD FLU 20/BX
• Avian Influenza ("Bird Flu") NIOSH Appvd N95 Masks (20/box)
• N95 Particulate Respirators Surgical, Dust & Avian Flu Mask, 20 Box
• MCR N95 Dust Mask Flat Fold with Valve (20 per box)

On the other hand, manufacturers and distributors of the so-called nanomask claim that their masks do better than N95 masks due to a coating that reacts to contaminants at the mask surface. According to them electric charges within the nanoparticle coating and among a contaminant react, rendering the contaminant inactive. Though it is not yet rated by NIOSK, Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City (registered under the Food and Drug Administration) has tested the product and found it is 99.99 percent effective at filtering particles as small as 0.027 microns.Nanomask manufacturers proclaim on their website that as N95 masks are not effective against any particulate, virus, or bacteria smaller than .3 microns, it’s a waste of money if one buys an N95 mask for the purpose of blocking H5N1 or any influenza virus as it gives one a false sense of security. Michael Zimring, director of the Wilderness and Travel Medicine Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, however adds: "Masks may offer people a security blanket. But just putting on a mask isn't going to do it. You have to do everything else, too. Keep your hands clean, stay hydrated and get enough rest."

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Parachute Advansed Revitalising Hot Oil

Parachute Coconut Oil 200 ml oil.

I simply adore pure, virgin coconut oil and pamper my skin with those luxurious oil-baths every winter. I also put a few drops in my bath everyday and find it extremely moisturizing on my skin. I’ve tried a number of homemade herbal hair-oils and loved them but by far coconut oil remains my favourite. Usually, I massage it on my scalp twice a week, by slightly warming it. Amongst the branded, store-bought coconut oils, I’ve tried Parachute coconut oil, and I’ve found it to be of a superior quality. Manufactured by Marico Industries, it is made of pure dried coconut (“copra”) and is packed in attractive blue plastic bottles with a tamper-proof seal to prevent duplication. It’s also available at Amazon ($4.95 for a 200 ml bottle). You may also purchase an extra large 1 liter bottle for $14.99. It smells nice and the plastic bottle can be slightly warmed by placing it in a container of lukewarm water to liquefy it after overnight freezing in the winter months and also as a hot oil nourishment for the hair. Another variant of Parachute oil comes with an hair oil warmer for a complete and most effective champi (Indian Head Massage). Parachute Advanced website says " A champi with Parachute Advansed coconut hair oil not only nourishes your scalp and hair but also relaxes your mind and nervous system. It helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area. The oil lubricates and conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp without the use of harsh chemical shampoos.” Recently they have also launched a new product 'Parachute Advansed Revitalising Hot Oil'. It’s a hot oil specially formulated with coconut oil and enriched with warming oils, Rosemary, Thyme and Patchouli to ensure special hair care during winters.

Product Highlights

(Ingredients): Specially crafted for the extra care that your hair needs in the winter with:

Coconut oil -- Moisturizes the scalp, hair and gives healthy, nourished and beautiful hair.

Warming oils/ Rosemary/ Thyme/ Patchouli -- Makes the oil hot from within and gives hair extra care.

Application method for best results

Step 1 : Pour it on your palm and rub the palm to feel the warmth come through

Step 2 : Apply it on your scalp let it soak and then massage it with hands to feel the experience of warmth.

Step 3 : Wash it off for gorgeous hair in winter

Parachute Advansed Revitalising Hot oil is available all over India in an attractive 170 ml pack, priced at Rs. 65/-(approximately $1.3) (Inclusive of all taxes).

If you have used this hot oil, please do share your views about it in the comments below.

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Puff out puffy eyes

A lot of people get puffy eyes during different phases of their lives. A teenager can wake up with puffy eyes after strenuous hours of studying overnight, an adult due to water retention, too much salt in the diet, improper sleep, consumption of excess liquor, certain medications or improper ventilation. Allergies, skin disorders like dermatitis are also common causes of puffy eyes. Other causes include Blepharitis, eyelid edema, swollen eyelid, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers and sinusitis. Dust or other irritants could also cause flare-ups that swell the eyes. Stress can also cause problems with your eyes. Physical manifestations are common among individuals experiencing high levels of stress in their lives. Crying is a cause of puffy eye syndrome, too. You can also get bags from genetics or heredity as well. Age is no barrier, so don’t lose heart over this; there are cures and remedies. Whatever be the reason for puffiness, first identify the cause and then take remedial measures.

The skin around our eyes is thin, loosely attached and devoid of any sebaceous glands. Sometimes you notice when you get up in the morning that your eyes appear puffy but the puffiness diminishes during daytime. This happens because when you sleep, the distribution of body fluid is partly interrupted because you are lying horizontally and no longer have gravity working with you to drain blood from your head. Also your circulation may be impaired from a pillow or mattress. If you want an immediate remedy then prop a second pillow while you sleep to help the fluids accumulating in the eye tissues to flow downward.

However, there are other factors to consider for instance you may find your eyes seem to be puffy during pregnancy and hormonal changes to do with menstruation can also lead to the retention of fluid. These conditions can cause swelling around the eyes to be more prominent. Over indulging in alcohol and tobacco is seen to cause a build up of toxins in your body that result in fluid retention.

In many cases the natural aging process takes its toll resulting in bags under the eyes. With age the pockets of fat beneath and supporting the eyes start to bulge as muscle that holds them in place begins to weaken. Collagen the protein that helps make our skin appear firm and taut begins to break down with age and our skin starts to lose its firmness. These are factors that begin the overall aging process that we notice in the form of lines and wrinkles but they can also be a cause of what are known as baggy or puffy eyes. That loss of muscle support is going to accentuate bagginess as the pockets of fat known as orbital fat pads drop and begin to overhang slightly. To delay under eye sagging, you can take on a daily massage technique with a good eye cream or moisturizer to help your eyes appear younger and also to get rid of the bags under them. You will want to massage from under your eyes out to your temples for about five minutes daily. With tender and regular care of your eyes, like even massaging them with any pure vegetable oil once a week, you can present a great visual effect. (See Home remedies for crow's feet also.)

Also have your eyes examined, because uncorrected vision problems may cause you to strain, squint which can lead to fine lines and cavities around the eyes. As you exercise your body, you need to exercise your eye muscles because they too are always working for you and need to be toned up. Simply rolling your eyes is enough to strengthen the eyelid muscles. First open your eyes wide, roll them slowly in a large circle, first to the left, then to the right. Close your eyes for a moment to relax them, then begin to roll them again. You can do this a number of times, as long as you like. After this practise the relaxation technique. Focus on any object which is 30 cm away from where you are sitting. Shift suddenly to a faraway object. Focus again on the nearby object, then on the distant one. This kind of muscle stretching relaxes your eyes and eliminates puffiness by helping the fluids to drain out. (Read the posts: Eye yoga, Simhamudra (lion-pose) eye exercise, Keep your eyes in a good condition with these habits and Eye care for computer users also.)

Some of these lifestyle habits can go a long way in preventing puffy eyes.

• - Cut down on alcohol
• - Cut the salt out of your diet
• - Try and get enough sleep and sleep in a properly ventilated room.
• - Drink more water.
• - Stop eating junk foods.
• - Keep your stress level under control. Regular exercise and practice of Pranayamas may help.
• - Eat more natural foods, especially more of green vegetables and fruits. (See Foody tips as well.)

There are simple home-remedies which you can try to prevent puffing of eyes but if your puffiness is severe and persistent or you notice swelling (edema) in other parts of your body, you need to see your doctor says Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence Gibson, especially to rule out other possible causes of swelling, such as kidney malfunctioning, thyroid problems, sinus or a side effect of medications. Many cosmetic creams can cause an allergy, so do a 48-hour patch test first. Dr. Gibson further mentions that though there is some anecdotal evidence that hemorrhoid cream applied under the eyes can reduce puffiness, no clinical trials have evaluated its effectiveness for this use and as ingredients in hemorrhoid cream may be irritating to the skin around the eyes, resulting in dryness and inflammation, you shouldn’t try these creams on your delicate under eye skin without a doctor’s prescription.

If you get up with puffy eyes, the first thing in the morning you should do is splash your eyes with cold water. It helps in keeping the under-eye skin firm and relaxed. For tired eyes compresses of iced water, milk or diluted eau-de-cologne kept on closed eyelids for 20 minutes can work wonders. You should lie back awhile to relax while the healing works. (See Honey as an eye nourisher, Tulsi for inflammation and itching of the eyelids also.)

Steep 2 bags of teas in hot water for 4-5 minutes. Caffeine is a natural diuretic, meaning that it pulls fluid out of your system. Caffeinated tea bags can be used to help alleviate the puffy eye syndrome; it helps by constricting blood vessels to reduce swelling. It’s great if your use herbal teas such as chamomile, hibiscus as well. Herbal teas contain important anti-irritants that soothe and reduce eye puffiness. Now lie down, close your eyes, and place a tea bag over each eye; then cover with a soft cloth. Relax for about five to ten minutes. Remove the tea bags and examine your eyes. The puffiness should diminish. If the result is not to your liking, re-cool the tea bags and apply to your eyes again.

Using cucumber slices is perhaps the best and oldest known remedy, often used by supermodels and pros as a sure-fire and super-quick way to reduce puffiness or diminish dark-circles. Cucumbers indeed make good cold compresses for the eyes. Take a chilled cucumber from the fridge and slice it into thin circles. Let the cool slices rest on your eyes for about five minutes. Re-apply new slices as needed.
The cucumber's contracting qualities cause your blood vessels to constrict, quickly and dramatically reducing puffy eyes.

Would you believe that the lowly spoon from your kitchen can reduce puffy eyes in minutes? Place 4 to 6 spoons in the fridge. Lie down, close those eyes with the bowl of a spoon over each eye for five minutes; put one tea spoon on each eye. As the spoons warm, replace them with cold ones from the refrigerator (or if more convenient, keep them wrapped in an ice-pack).

Try a depuffing eye mask such as Bindi Mint Eye Mask to relieve puffiness or undereye masks infused with gels and plant extracts like Chamomile, cucumber, mint, and aloe. Chill in the fridge overnight, and apply for ten minutes in the morning.

Always make sure that you remove eye makeup before going to bed, otherwise you may be prone to any serious eye-infection. Eye makeup can be removed gently with a home-made remover. Mix 2 tbsp coconut oil, 2 tsp almond oil and 1 tsp Castor oil. Use this mixture to remove the make-up like eye-liner, mascara and eye-shadow evenly. Splash cold water and dry. There are times when you have puffy eyes and these home remedies don’t seem to work for you. You need not worry. With certain makeup tips you can conceal them. Use a darker shade of foundation on the puffy spot, then highlight the circle below the eyes to create an overall illusion of flatness. Never use any light shade on the puffy area because you will be only accentuating it. Use plenty of mascara on your lashes only. A magic trick to tighten up saggy undereye tissue can be done like this: rub a very thin coat of egg white with a paint brush on the under-eye area. Allow to dry and apply make-up foundation very carefully over it. When you clean the undereye area, be sure to apply your regular moisturizer liberally to counter the drying effects of the egg white.

An eyelid reduction (blepharoplasty) removes the surplus skin and fat to produce a more alert appearance and reduces morning swelling; however, do not take this drastic step without weighing up the pros and cons.

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Interesting facts

Did you know?

• A brain-imaging study has shown that women cannot control their hunger as well as men.
• Another study has shown that the breast cancer risk of women who are regularly physically active in the postmenopausal phase is reduced by about one third compared to relatively inactive women.
• New U.K. research has shown that even the magazine you read may affect how healthy your diet is.
• A new research has found that a common form of hormone replacement therapy shrinks women's brains.
• Scientists have found that women who breastfeed for greater than two years have a significantly reduced risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
• Women who are exposed to hairspray in the workplace during pregnancy have more than double the risk of having a son with the genital birth defect hypospadias, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
• Australian doctors say that getting botox jabs during pregnancy may cause birth defects in unborn children.
• Psychiatrists say that shopaholism can be classified as a disease and is a subset of obsessive compulsive disorder; it’s as dangerous as drug or alcohol addiction they add.
• A study has also found that unhappy people watch 20 per cent more television than those who describe themselves as 'very happy'.

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The Post-Baby Hair and Makeup Makeover

TotalBeauty.com reader Tatia gets a look that helps her juggle baby with beauty

Our makeover dream team -- American Idol lead makeup artist Mezhgan, and stylist Paul Perez and colorist Adam Scheib from the Sally Hershberger salon in Los Angeles -- give new mom Tatia no-fuss hair and a five-minute makeup look that's perfect for any busy woman. See Makeover

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