Kick household stenches (and maybe even some germs) to the curb—sans chemicals—with vanilla. Not only does it lift odors, but a compound in vanilla may serve as an antibacterial. You can concoct your own nontoxic deodorizing spray by adding a few drops of pure vanilla essential oil (preferably organic) to a few cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray it in stinky spots throughout your house to make your place smell like baked goods. Sweet!
Who doesn't want great-looking skin? Start by knowing your skin type. Then you'll know how to take care of it.
• Dry skin is flaky, scaly, or rough.
• Oily skin is shiny, greasy, and may have big pores.
• Combination skin is dry in some spots (cheeks) and oily in others (forehead, nose, and chin).
• Sensitive skin may sting, burn, or itch after you use some makeup or other products.
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Sitting all day can actually be harmful for your back, posture and overall health. Here are some fun tips and ways you can avoid sitting during your day!
Pace on the phone
Invest in a two-way speakerphone, super long phone-to-ear cord, or quality headset so you can be more mobile while you chat.
Even if you simply stand while on the phone, you'll naturally shift from leg to leg.
Popping pimples. We’ve all been scarred by it. Doing extractions the right way, though, can actually improve your complexion.
Prep
Apply an exfoliating enzyme peel to the pimple or blackhead, then cover it with a hot, wet towel. After about three minutes, clean off the product with a massaging motion.
Operate
Wrap your fingers in an unscented tissue. With one finger holding the skin close to the blemish, use the other to push against th...
During your day you can hit some low times where your mood will just drop! Here are some tips to help you overcome that sadness and spark some happiness.
1. Hit the bottle
The water bottle, that is. Being mildly dehydrated can make your mood, energy levels, and ability to think clearly plummet—especially if you’re a woman, according to a new study in The Journal of Nutrition. Your urine is a good way to gauge your hydration level: The darker it is, the more likely you're ...
Even though you are going away with the family it is important to stay healthy during that beach vacation. Don’t use your getaway as an excuse to get off the health wagon! Here are some things to take with you to ensure you stay healthy while away.
• Reusable water bottle to drink water from during your day
• Healthy snacks to munch on wherever you are
• Exercise apparel – to ensure you can workout (even for a quick session) while away
The lowdown. An inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, tendinitis is most often seen in women who work out a lot—or wear high heels regularly. After a number of years, your Achilles tendon ends up chronically shortened, so it's easily stressed when you exercise or walk on it.
What it feels like. Pain, stiffness, and/or swelling along the Achilles tendon when you wake up in the morni...
These days, it seems like everyone's obsessed with getting a blindingly white grill. But there's more to taking good care of your mouth than having a soap-star smile.
The condition of your teeth and gums is associated with a host of other health issues that involve your hormones and your heart, and your dental needs can change from decade to decade. Here's how to keep smiling strong at any age.
You can lose 10 pounds instantly with the right outfit.
V-neck blouse
Dress to draw the eye up toward your shoulders and neck, where most women don’t gain weight. Go with a V-neck or off-the-shoulder top. Everyone knows vertical stripes are slimming, but even a ruffle or fabric with a vertical pattern can lengthen your body.
Flared trouser pants
Trouser pants have roomy legs that balance your figure, and front pockets won’t draw atten...
Hate the thought of getting wrinkles? Well here are a few quick and easy ways for you to avoid getting wrinkles.
Sleep On Your Back
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) cautions that sleeping in certain positions night after night leads to "sleep lines" -- wrinkles that become etched into the surface of the skin and don't disappear once you're up. Sleeping on your side increases wrinkles on cheeks and chin, while sleeping facedown gives you a furrowed brow. To...
When you have eczema, how you wash your skin is important. Take a short, warm (not hot) bath or shower every day. Use a gentle cleanser instead of soap and avoid scrubbing your skin. Pat your skin slightly dry. While your skin is still damp, apply moisturizer within 3 minutes to seal in moisture. An oatmeal bath can help control itching. But for your baby or child, ask your health care provider before using oatmeal products in the bath.
Just in time for the Spring weather with all of those UV rays poking through the sky. It is important to brush up on your SPF knowledge. Even though some of these may be second nature to you, it is essential to never forget these tips!
- Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Use 1 ounce—think shot glass at the bar—of lotion with each application. For extra protection, apply an antioxidant serum before sunscr...
Spider veins and varicose veins are practically a rite of passage. As we age, many of us find the jagged purple lines or swollen bluish cords spreading across our thighs and calves. These warped blood vessels occur in up to 60% of adults.
Spider veins are small, twisted blood vessels that are visible through the skin. They may be red, purple, or blue and most often appear on the legs or face. They take their name from their striking spiderweb pattern....
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 rubbin...
Have you ever wanted to try threading your unwanted hair away? Here are some tips to help you start!
String Safety. Choose a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, or waxer. Any tearing of skin can make you vulnerable to skin infections.
Speed and Cost. Eyebrow threading can cost anywhere from $5 to $40 and up. Look for someone who will spend at least 10 minutes shaping your brows, even if that means paying a bit more.
1. Know your infection risk: If you currently have an infection or an open wound, it's a good idea to put off the piercing until you are healthy. Risk of infection is higher -- especially if the piercer is poorly trained and working in an unsterile environment or using unclean equipment -- or if the wound doesn't heal properly.
2. Be aware of medical issues: If you have health problems, such as poorly controlled diabetes or other conditions that weaken your immune syst...
Step #1: Make sure you chose the right color for your hair – get professional advice before you dye.
Step #2: Apply the dye right way – first detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb, then mix the dye correctly, and apply it to your roots working from the front to the back of your head. Then massage in the dye and use the comb to pull the formula through to the ends.
Step #3: Rinse and condition after 10 minutes until the water runs clear.
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How to Extract a Blemish
February 10, 2012
Popping pimples. We’ve all been scarred by it. Doing extractions the right way, though, can actually improve your com-plexion. Here are some easy steps to help you improve your extraction procedure.
Prep
Apply an exfoliating enzyme peel to the pimple or blackhead, then cover it with a hot, wet towel. After about three minutes, clean off the product with a massaging motion.
Operate
Wrap your fingers in an unscented tissue. With one fing...
You may know a few, but some will be a surprise. Here are some great healthy hair secrets which will leave your hair with that glow you always wanted.
Eat Fish and Nuts for Healthy Hair
The same nutritious foods that are good for your body promote stronger, healthier hair. The protein and omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and nuts produce a healthier scalp. Nutrients found in leafy vegetables, beans, and carrots are also good for your hair. Stay away from fad diets aimed at...
