Cosmetics21.com

Now that the air is getting cooler and drier, especially indoors at this time of year in the Northern Climate, your lips have a tendency to become dry and cracked if you don’t use an ointment to keep them moisturized.

It is very easy to make an all natural balm to keep your lips moist and supple.

Simply mix together 2 tablespoons of melted beeswax (beeswax melts quickly if you grate it first, then heat it gently in the microwave on low for about 30 seconds - depending on the power of your microwave, of course) and 1/2 a tablespoon of coconut oil.

Mix well then pour into a small container (a little metal pillbox or cleaned base of a tea-light works well for me) and allow to cool before using.

This mixture works wonders on chapped lips and lasts a lot longer than most commercial preparations.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, winter is fast creeping up on us. The bitter cold and wind can wreck havoc with your skin. Nothing, and I do mean NOTHING, is nicer that a wonderful soak in a warm tub after a cold day in the great outdoors, especially if you have added a fragrant, skin-soothing bath oil to your bath water.

Here is an idea for the ‘Perfect Cosmetic Christmas Gift’ - Bath Cookies!

Yes, cookies.

You bake them, wrap them, use them and give them - the perfect Christmas gift for that hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list.

Here’s the Recipe:

2 cups finely ground sea salt
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup of cornstarch
2 tablespoons of light oil
1 teaspoon of ‘Vitamin E’ oil
2 eggs
5-6 drops of Essential Oil of your choice
10 cups of Warmth, Goodwill and Cheer!

Mix it all together.

Preheat your oven to 350 ‘F.

Take about 1 tbsp of dough and roll dough into a dainty balls.

Arrange the balls on a cookie sheet.

Decorate the balls with sweet spices such as anise seeds, clove buds or dried citrus peel for added fragrance.

Bake them for about 10 minutes until they are firm and lightly browned. Don’t worry about under-baking them - you’re not going to eat them, after all! Just a nice light brown color is what you want to achieve.

And Voila! You have made some wonderful, homemade Bath Cookies!

Now, I know they look tempting, but whatever you do, DON’T EAT THEM! And do keep them away from kids and pets. And MEN! Especially men, as they are probably not too attuned to the merits of putting cookies in your bath water!

Now, fill your bathtub with warm, luxurious water, jump in, drop a bath cookie (or two) into the water and relax. The cookies will dissolve and you will enjoy the fragrant and soothing benefits of these amazing, skin softening, bath cookies!

You can also wrap some up in a pretty basket for a special friend. What a thoughtful and heart (and body) warming gift for this cold and harsh time of year!

Cosmeceuticals are products that contain cosmetics and drugs.

FDA does not recognize the term casumeceutical. Although a product can be a drug, a cosmetic, or a combination of both, the term “cosmeceutical” has no meaning under the law.

Many products on today’s market can be considered causmeceuticals - products such as dandruff shampoos, and moisturizers and makeup that contain chemicals that provide protection from the sun.

Here is a link to an excellent article in Wikipedia that discusses some controversial issues, and things that you should be aware of before purchasing ‘cosmeceutical type’ products:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmeceutical

If you have spots of dark pigmentation on your skin that you would like to lighten, help is at hand. While many products on the market claim to completely remove these spots, there is no absolute proof that the spots can be permanently removed.

However, these discolorations can be lightened and your complection can be evened out by the use of melanin reducing creams and formulas. Before you use any products you need to carefully research the product contents, warranties and other information.

One product that seems to work reasonably well is Meladerm Advanced Pigment Reducing Creeam. You can read more about this product here: Meladerm Skin Lightening Cream.

To read what others have said about this product, there is an ongoing discussion here: Ask Me Help Desk Type the search request: Meladerm

As with any skin lighteneing creams, results will vary based on your particular skin condition and the amount of sun exposure received. Civant Skincare products state that initial improvement is often seen in just 2 weeks.

Facial toning by exercising the facial muscles is a non-cosmetic, non invasive method of improving your facial contour. Facial exercises help reduce wrinkles and sagging in the face by increasing muscle tone. Facial toning can also help improve your appearance by helping to reduce weight gain on the face that results in facial distortion.

To exercise your face muscles, simply perform a repetition of voluntary contractions of your facial muscles. Use a mirror to make sure you are exercising every muscle in your face. Squeeze, hold and release face muscles by making faces at yourself. Stretch your neck, squeeze and hold, then release. Perform several repetitions every day and you should notice some improvement within two weeks.

It is worth noting, however, that although theoretically possible, the effectiveness of facial toning techniques are difficult to evaluate and prove scientifically. Resistance cannot be added, so the muscles will not grow or gain much strength.

But you certainly should have some fun doing these exercises, and even if your wrinkles refuse to be defeated you will have had the satisfaction of trying. Taking care of yourself, even in small ways, is a good way to enhance your well being.

What is the solution to dull, lifeless hair? A good, natural hair rinse.

Who doesn’t like squeaky clean, shiny hair? With so many of the commercial hair rinses, I find that my hair tends to go limp and lose what little body it does have. But I have found a wonderful solution - homemade, natural hair rinses!

Here’s the recipe I use and it works very well. My hair is shiny and it has lots of body since I started using this rinse.

Natural Products Hair Rinse Recipe

1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
1tbsp baking soda
1/2 cup chopped, fresh mint
1 tbsp chopped, fresh lavendar (chop flowers and leaves)
1 cup of water.

Mix everything together, let it sit for about 24 hours, strain and store in a sealed container.

Just pour the mix over your scalp after shampooing, massage into your hair a bit, then rinse with clear water.

It really works!

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation, why not take a minute to visit this noted Canadian Gynecologist’s website for more information:

http://www.allancentreforwomen.com/home/

Dr. Alan Bruce specializies in Labioplasty, Vagina Rejuvenation Surgery, Laser Rejuvenation Surgery, Obstetrics/Gynecology in Canada. Dr. Bruce is highly respected by the women he treats, their families and the medical community.

Hot summer days can be unpleasant. No one enjoys hot humid weather. What you need at the end of a long, hot day is a refreshing lotion to help you cool down and relax!

One of the nicest ways to cool down, relax and be refreshed is to share a gently massage with that special someone in your life. You don’t need to buy a lot of expensive lotions to enjoy this simple, relaxing pleasure.

Instead of an expensive commercial product, make your own alcohol-based lotion.

What could be more refeshing than a lovely, scented, all natural lotion to use for a relaxing massage with that special someone.

Here is a refreshing recipe for a scented rubbing alcohol massage lotion:

Choose a relaxing herb such as Chamomile, Basil or Lavender to scent your lotion,

Mix the herbs with unscented rubbing alcohol and let sit for about at least one week before using the mixture.

When you are ready for your massage, pour the liquid through a strainer to remove the herbal essences and pour the remaining liquid into a suitable container.

Use the lotion to massage the body in place of regular massage oil.

You can also use this lotions as a refreshing after-bath splash.

Just make sure to follow up with a nice body lotion, as the alcohol base can be drying to the skin.

Pamper Yourself!

You deserve it!!!

If you happen to be driving through the beautiful Ottawa Valley of Renfrew County, a wonderful place to shop is at the ‘Somethin’ Special’ gift store in the heart of the picturesque Village of Burnstown, Ontario, Canada.

Shop owner, Heather Miller-Wolff has an absolutely amazing assortment of gifts, clothing and a great selection of Kogi Naturals.

Kogi Naturals use all natural products. You can get hand made soaps, face cream, foot cream, lip lotions and so much more.

Right now there is an amazing 40% off sale on all clothing in the store. (The clothing shop is located on the second floor of the Gift Shop.)

Why not take a minute to visit the Somethin’ Special website at: http://www.somethinspecial.ca

Somethin’ Special is also featured in the Community of Burnstown section of the Shop Renfrew County website.

As you probably have noticed, the Cosmetics21.com website heartily endorses natural cosmetics, skin care and methods to enhance your own natural beauty.

I just came across this excellent article on ezinearticles.com by Lorraine Harris and have published the article in its entirety here for your reading pleasure and information. Below is the complete article, with links to Lorraine’s excellent website.

Cosmetic Acupuncture Takes Whole Body Approach To Facial Rejuvenation

Move over, Botox and cosmetic surgery. At a time when consumers are bombarded with miracle cures that promise to restore a youthful appearance, cosmetic acupuncture is an age-old solution that really works for an age-old problem.

In contrast to the bruising, swelling and lengthy recovery associated with plastic surgery, cosmetic acupuncture is a facial rejuvenation procedure that is relatively painless and requires no recovery time.

Although a relative newcomer to our western culture, the procedures used in cosmetic acupuncture were used by the Chinese nobility for thousands of years. It takes a whole-body approach that produces more youthful and toned skin without the use of drugs, surgery or electrical stimulation. It works remarkably well on the face and abdomen.

One form of cosmetic acupuncture that is gaining popularity in the U.S. is called Mei Zen. Practitioners of Mei Zen acupuncture are highly specialized acupuncturists. They follow a very precise protocol and incorporate unusual needling techniques. Its teachings are rooted in the ancient Chinese medical texts that stipulate the precise location and configuration of needles so they can work synergistically to restore balance to the body and rejuvenation of the complexion. The placement of the needles work to effect change in three ways: 1) improved circulation of blood and chi (pronounced “chee”) through the dilation of local blood vessels resulting in better distribution of nutrients to the cells to aid regeneration; 2) the increased production of elastin and collagen that reduce wrinkles; and 3) the underlying elevation of health that shows naturally in our appearance.

A facial rejuvenation course of treatment entails two one-hour sessions per week for a minimum of five weeks. During treatment, tiny, less than hair-width needles are inserted into selected points superficially into the skin’s surface.

With facial acupuncture, fine lines disappear, deep lines lessen, and there is an overall improvement in the complexion. Even skin conditions such as rosacea and acne are improved. Because acupuncture is based on the idea that optimal health is achieved when the body’s systems are in balance, there are other benefits from treatment as well. For example, women who choose facial acupuncture can expect reduced depression and less anxiety, better digestion and sleep cycles, and fewer hot flashes and night sweats. Those who opt for abdominal acupuncture are likely to benefit from increased fertility and/or sex drive. Those who have experienced cosmetic acupuncture often report feelings of warmth, tingling, lightness and lifting immediately following a session, as well as an overall feeling of wellness.

The technique is gaining popularity, and there is evidence that it works. A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture showed that of 300 people who received facial acupuncture, 90 percent saw marked results after their first course of treatment.

From a consumer standpoint, one of the most attractive features of cosmetic acupuncture is its cost, which is a fraction of most other forms of cosmetic enhancement. Additionally, maintenance is relatively inexpensive.

Cosmetic acupuncture is not for everyone. A practitioner must carefully evaluate a patient to determine if the procedure is appropriate and whether or not there are any underlying imbalances that must be addressed first. Those who suffer from serious chronic diseases, seizure disorders, high blood pressure, or have had a stroke are not suited for this procedure, but may find relief from these conditions in other forms of Chinese medicine.

The Mei Zen Cosmetic acupuncture program is comprehensive in that it provides many supportive aspects to the 5-week procedure. One important component is the use of Chinese herbal formulas. These formulas contain herbs known to benefit the skin and treat the body’s imbalances. They are quite specific and formulated in accordance with each individual’s particular needs. Another important adjunct is the inclusion of food therapy that outlines a customized program of foods that will help rebalance the body while nourishing the skin. Qi Gong exercises may also be added to the program to facilitate the restoration of health and vitality.

Although the individual results of cosmetic acupuncture will vary, this holistic approach will yield noticeable improvements. How long the new look will last depends on how much a person addresses other areas off attention such as nutrition, exercise and stress reduction. But at a fraction of the cost of surgery, cosmetic acupuncture is a sound alternative that can restore a radiant glow both inside and out.

Lorraine Harris is a licensed acupuncturist and nationally certified practitioner of Oriental Medicine. She is the only Mei Zen trained acupuncturist in Western North Carolina. She specializes in women’s health, fertility and anti-aging programs. She can be reached at 828-215-8185 or at her website http://www.ChiMedicineWorks.com

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lorraine_Harris