Find a foundation that works for you.​

A major mistake commonly made when choosing foundation, is that you choose something that is not targeted to your skin type. One of the most important things is that you are using a foundation that is complementary to what your skin needs.

Whether that’s using a liquid foundation with an oily base for dry skin, or an oil-free foundation if you need to control your midday shiny t-zone. It is important that we make these considerations when choosing our base to make sure that our final look is natural and without imperfections.

Ignoring your skin type could leave your skin feeling dry and cracking or a sweating oily mess, meaning that you can definitely kiss that bronzed goddess goodbye.
​

Highlighter.

Lastly, highlighter plays an important role on completing your final makeup look. Using this product can create your soft summer glow, and allows you to put emphasis on ideal areas that naturally catch the light.

Applying highlighter to your cheekbones, the tip of your nose or even your across your chest! Will allow you to accentuate key areas and leave you feeling like a glowing and glittery goddess. And remember, you can never have too much highlighter!

​

​Wrinkles are signs of aging that we cannot avoid except if we undergo procedures like laser treatments and chemical peels. However, these are all but temporary solutions to the problem. With all our might, we seek the best wrinkle remover to get rid of our fine lines and wrinkles.
 
You might have found a solution to your problem, but you have to keep in mind that most anti-wrinkle products nowadays come with chemicals that are toxic both to the environment and your skin.
 
Finding the best wrinkle remover can be tricky if you want to go green. You’ll want to consider buying all-natural products that come in recyclable glass bottles, or you would have to find options where you can just make masks from what you have in your refrigerator.
 
Here are some options that you can browse to fight wrinkles from both inside and outside

​​ Masks and Oils

​
Oils - Oils are natural moisturizers. They contain emollients that can help remove wrinkles. Some oils, like coconut oil and olive oil, are rich in antioxidants, which helps fight free radicals.

How to do it: All you need to do is take a small amount of oil and massage into the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
             
Banana Mask - Bananas aren’t just good for snacks: they can also be used as creamy facial masks. The fruit contains Vitamin A that helps fade dark spots, and Vitamin B that prevents aging. Vitamin E helps fight free radicals while potassium moisturizes and hydrates the skin. 

​How to do it: Mash one banana with one teaspoon of orange juice and a teaspoon of plain yogurt. Apply it on the face and leave it on for twenty minutes.

Egg White Mask - Egg whites are packed with protein that promotes tissue repair, riboflavin that eliminates free radicals, and magnesium that slows down aging. The egg white mask also helps tighten and tone pores by removing excess oil.

How to do it: To create the mask, mix one egg white with one teaspoon of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of honey.

This egg white mask is a perfect fit for people with oily skin.

Lemon Juice Honey Dab - A quick remedy to fine lines just before you get ready for the day is the lemon juice honey dab. Honey preserves moisture, and lemon boosts collagen production.

How to do it: Mix honey with lemon juice and leave it on the face for ten minutes, then rinse off.

Cucumber Yogurt Blend - Cucumber contains folic acid, vitamin B, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron,  zinc and potassium. These nutrients helps fight inflammation and free radicals that lead to premature aging.  The cucumber yogurt blend also protects the skin from dryness and cracking.

​How to do it: Puree one half of a cucumber, and add half a cup of Greek yogurt. Place it in the fridge for a cool face mask. 

Eating Superfoods - Almonds and blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that can help fight UV damage and improve blood circulation. The antioxidants also fight free radicals that cause early signs of skin aging.

Juice Cleanses - To fight the early signs of aging, you should feed your skin with vitamins and minerals. There are juice cleanse programs that contain skin-nourishing vitamins.

​These four ideas do not require multiple non-biodegradable packagings and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Aside from this, you can use the fruit peelings as do-it-yourself fertilizers. Plus, the ingredients can be easily found in your fridge, so you won’t have to spend a lot on anti-wrinkle creams.
 
To fight wrinkles in an eco-friendly way is not impossible to do. You just need to find the best wrinkle remover that suits you best and make them by your own hands. Switch to organic options now!

Guest post by: Jordan Klee 

​Shea butter is a natural product with various benefits. Its versatility allows you to use it for health and beauty purposes and DIY cosmetics. When searching for the ideal shea butter, I look for products that satisfy my personal needs. I prefer a shea butter that contains only one ingredient, is 100% unrefined, not too thick in texture, is grade A, organic, and blends well when mixing with other natural products. I personally use shea butter to make a whipped body butter. Therefore, it is necessary that the product contains these components. Out of the raw butters that I have tried, the unrefined ivory shea butter by Better Shea Butter is my favorite.
 
Ingredients

​With so many versions of raw shea butter, I read the labels to ensure that I am purchasing a quality product. Better Shea Butter is my favorite because it is 100% pure shea butter and happens to be vegan-friendly. There are no added chemicals or additives. This benefit is a plus for those who use shea butter for skin care issues such as acne and eczema.
 
How to use

​This product has a nice feel when applied to the skin directly. Some butters are too thick and heavy to mix with other ingredients. I have not had that issue with the Better Shea Butter brand. It also comes with an eBook that provides recipes for skin care. I love how soft and light it is and how it melts easily in my hands. If preparing homemade cosmetics such as lotions, creams, butters, lip balms, or a hair treatment, the consistency of Better Shea Butter makes blending a simple task. Unlike many other shea butter brands, this one comes in a block rather than a jar. I personally prefer this because reaching into a jar to use the product can be messy. When it is time to use the product, I simply slice a chunk off and apply it as needed.
 
Quality

The brand promises quality, handmade shea butter from Ghana that is easy to use. Some of the other products on the market contain additional ingredients that take the purity away from the shea butter. I’ve personally noticed that this product feels more pleasant when applying it straight to the skin. Some other brands are too thick and sit on top of the skin’s surface.
 
Product Features

​Since this shea butter is a natural, organic product, its color can vary from gray, beige and off-white. It does have a slight scent, but it is neither potent or repulsive. Its consistency has a rich texture but is still light enough that it doesn’t leave a residue.
 
Additional Benefits

Some of the other key attributes are that the product has anti-inflammatory properties, contains vitamins A, E and F, relieves severe skin damage, targets common skin problems, protects against environmental exposure, and is safe for everyone, including children.
 
Customer Reviews

​Some of the most common reviews on the product include the light smell, the benefits it provides for natural hair, the fact that it is not greasy, and how a little bit of the product can go a long way. The majority of the Amazon reviews are 4 and 5-star ratings and is a popular search item on the site within its category. Granted, Amazon reviews can be a bit of a seesaw. So it’s best to take them with a grain of salt.
 
How to Store

The product lasts approximately two years after the purchase date. I consider the temperature and humidity levels when storing the product. It should be kept in a cool setting and in its original packaging or a sealable glass container.
 
Purchasing

​I order this product from Amazon. It costs roughly $15 and I receive a 16-oz. bag of the ivory shea butter. In my opinion, many of the other shea butters on the market don’t compare to the quality and benefits the Better Shea Butter offers.
 

​Jordan is the beauty and brains behind Beautifully Alive! She loves eating healthy and trying new recipes.The self-proclaimed Zumba Queen has a passion for beauty products and loves reading new books. She's always down for a DIY project

By: Boris Dzhingarov 

Staying beautiful isn’t always easy, or cheap! In fact, many of us would relish any opportunity to bring down the amount that we regularly spend on beauty products. This seemingly impossible task is actually much easier than you think. You can save a lot of money by buying smarter, rather than buying less. There are also a number of ways that budding entrepreneurs can generate a little extra income to fund their habit.

Here are just some of the ways that you can drastically reduce the amount you spend on cosmetics products without sacrificing your overall look.

Use What You Have
​
Far too many of us end up abandoning makeup, lipstick, and other cosmetics without using the entire product. This is a huge source of wastage, even when we discard products because we decide that we don’t like them. In most cases, there is no need to throw the products away. Instead, have a look around for some creative ways to use them. Alternatively, you could see if a friend would be willing to swap it for something that might suit you better.

​Switch Brands

Consumer psychology is an interesting thing. It turns out that when we pay more for a product we feel, perhaps even ‘know’, that it is of a higher quality than a cheaper product. However, once you dig beneath the surface, you often find that this isn’t the case and that the cheaper ‘inferior’ product actually performs just as well. This is as true for makeup as it is for anything else. Try a few different, better priced, brands rather than just sticking to the established – and more expensive – big name brands.

Start a Fund

If you’re really dedicated to your preferred brand or retailer and don’t want to change, then you might find it helpful to get into some good savings habits. That way, you’ll always have some change on hand when you need it. There are a million and one ways that you can start a little fund like this for yourself. If you think of yourself as an entrepreneur in the making then you might want to look into how you can break into the world of investments. If you already know what you’re doing, look here to get the latest forex news.

​Buy Online

Internet shopping truly is a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to cosmetics. The big, and obvious, the drawback is that you can’t try products that you see on a website without ordering them. However, once you have a particular brand and product that you like, you can look into ordering it bulk and saving yourself quite a lot of money in the process.

Sales and Samples

The internet is a great platform for finding the best possible prices on products, whether you buy individually or in bulk. You can also often find coupon deals for individual retailers if you search online for ‘[retailer] discount codes’. Some retailers will offer free samples with orders and many high street chains will allow you to try free samples before you commit to buying.

​Buying cosmetics doesn’t have to be a massive drain on your finances, not if you follow these simple tips and try and spend as sparingly as you can get away with.

By: Jessicka Bell 

Here’s the reality about catwalk confidence: It’s all about projection.
 
Forget about what your life is currently truly like, or how your outfit itches like crazy. Your focus should always be on selling an image. Nothing else matters when you’re on the runway, you just have to be, in Tyra Banks’ words, “fierce and fabulous.”
 
Catwalk confidence does not only apply on the runway; it will also help you tremendously when you feel doubtful about a lot of things. Life can throw all kinds of curveballs at you, but if you have this kind of confidence, you can fake it until you make it.
 
Runway and print models from top modelling agencies will always tell you that the confidence they exude originated from a place of uncertainty. Very few personalities in the fashion world start off with amazing, intact confidence that radiates wherever they go and whatever they may be doing. Most of them start off rather insecure. However, over time, they develop confidence, a thick skin, and the ability to look at things objectively in a way that silences their self-doubt.
 
If you wish to develop catwalk confidence to beat frequent episodes of self-doubt, here are some tips provided by a leading model talent management agency.

​1.     Take care of yourself. 

Whenever you feel somewhat inadequate, aim to determine ways you can be better. One of the most important aspects of self-improvement is health.
 
Start eating more nutritious food, get more exercise, and meditate. These self-care efforts can do so much in improving how you see yourself. In addition, these can improve your body’s chemical composition. Eating vitamin- and mineral-enriched food can significantly improve your mood; ditto with working out and meditating.
 
Most importantly, the deliberate decision to take care of yourself is an obvious expression of valuing oneself. When you value yourself, you present a strong counter-attack to the voices of self-doubt that you hear in your head, and even the voices of people who belittle you.

​2.     Hold your head up high. 

A mere change in posture can boost confidence. When you stand tall, you create a powerful presence for yourself, which other people can be expected to respond to with admiration and respect.
 
Once you see people responding to you the way you want them to, whatever self-doubt you may be feeling can go away, even just temporarily.

​3.     Dress your best. 

Stylists from a talent agency say that dressing beautifully can have a huge impact on how you feel on the inside. Drown out the voices that prompt you to be cruel to yourself by assuming and maintaining an outward appearance that is the opposite of what those voices are telling you.
 
Also, research reveals that appearance strongly influences other people’s perception of you. Become a sharp dresser and you will be perceived as someone who is successful, intelligent, trustworthy, and has authority over others.
 
You may be feeling down on yourself, but when you dress impressively, who’ll be able to tell that you’re not quite self-assured? When others see you as “smart and in-charge,” you won’t be able to help but believe that you are.

​4.     Walk with purpose. 

​Fix that slouch and avoid the tendency to drag your feet when you walk. There’s nothing like walking and looking like you know where you’re going to make you feel like you really know where you’re heading. This simple action transforms the feeling of uncertainty into adventure.
 
Young models share quite often that when they go to casting calls in order to book jobs, they usually find themselves in a completely new place and without a proper clue as to how to get from point A to point B. However, they walk with a clear purpose – that is, to get a casting call – and more often than not, they find their way and achieve their target outcome.
 
These four tips are all organic approaches to developing confidence. You don’t need to change what you naturally have – you just need a healthier mindset. With catwalk confidence, you’ll be able to deal with moments of self-doubt appropriately and ensure your advantage in the runway of life.

​AUTHOR BIO
​
Jessicka Bell co-founded the AgenC, one of the leading model/talent agencies in the Middle East, in 2014. After just three years in the market, the AgenC now works with most (if not all) of the heavy hitters in media and fashion, as well as represents over 1,000 talents ranging from international models through to cast, kids, creatives and photographers.

​Essential oils are extracted from different leaves, petals, fruit and barks and contain their own aroma. They are very strong and rich with antioxidants that are great for skin, especially the aging one. Plus, the consistency of these oils is so seamless that they go deep into the layers of skin and address the skin conditions better than any other skincare products you might find in the market. And the best part is that they are 100% natural too. What more can you ask for!

If you want some oil with anti-aging benefits, you have got to try one of the 7 in the list below. Keep reading and thank me later!

Geranium Essential Oil

This essential oil is a treat for both hair and skin and has got a really nice flowery fragrance. Its astringent properties help reduce the appearance of large pores while leaving the skin firm and tight. Plus, it also helps the regeneration process by improving the blood flow in the skin cells. It has the power to protect the skin from degeneration.

Directions to Use

​All you have to do is mix a few drops of this oil in your bath for complete skin protection. Plus, you can also mix it with aloe gel for turning it into a gentler treat for the skin while you sleep. Therefore, it also works well as a soothing night mask. 

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood oil is great for reversing the damage that UV rays cause to your skin. It consists of astringent properties as well that help improve the texture and tone altogether of the skin. It has active ingredients that are great for reversing the aging process and bringing the youthful glow of the skin back.

Directions to Use

Take 5 drops of sandalwood oil along with 5 drops of geranium oil and add them in a cup quarterly filled with argan oil. Shake it well before using it every night as a part of your nighttime skincare routine.

Frankincense Essential Oil

This is one of the best essential oils for aging skin. Not only does it help tighten the skin but it also has the power to remove pigmentation, dark spots and scars. It helps in maintaining the pH level of the skin while protecting it from free radicals. It is a great oil for those with acne problems as well as it contains anti-inflammatory properties and therefore, it soothes the skin down effectively.

Directions to Use

​Take about 4 drop of this oil and rose hip oil and add these in a cup quarterly filled with jojoba oil. Store the mixture in a dropper bottle for ease of use. Apply it twice to three times a day as a moisturizer on your face for the best results. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Massaging the skin with lavender oil does not only help reverse the aging signs but it brings back the natural youthful glow and softness as well. It contains anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-aging properties that help the skin to recover from all sorts of skin conditions and grow in to a much healthier form.

Directions to Use
​
Take around 20 drops of this oil and mix it with a bit of rosehip oil. Make sure you massage your skin with it before going to bed every night for better blood circulation and faster regeneration process. 

Author bio:

​Sania is a student of accounts and finance. She enjoys shopping, trying out skincare remedies and blogging about anything that is related to beauty and self-care. Her love for pets, tea and travelling is eternal. She recently published a post on choosing the correct moisturizer for skin.

 By: Neve 

So, conventional wisdom (and the movies) had you believing that you'd glow during pregnancy; that you would be shining radiantly as you blissfully glided about your day. Instead, however, you're feeling bloated and nauseous, you are constipated and have hemorrhoids, and your skin, far from glowing, is itchy, dry and may have developed a 16-year-old's acne.

What gives?
 
If you have all the icky pregnancy side-effects just listed, then poor you! You're having an uncommonly tough pregnancy. What's not unusual, though, is developing sore or uncomfortable skin.
 
Fear not.
 
Here come five super-easy, natural tips to manage your skin and keep it comfortable.

Demand a Daily Massage - 

​Prolonged stress is intimately connected to many of our bodily functions, often in negative ways. For example, cortisol, the 'stress hormone' may increase the amount of oil produced by your skin, leading to acne. Other skin conditions are caused by autoimmune problems which, again, can be triggered by stress.
 
Karen Mallin, PsyD, of the University of Miami, is a lecturer in psychiatry and dermatology. She notes that "The mind and skin are connected on many different levels ...  Psychodermatogy is a [growing] field that addresses the impact of an individual's emotion as it relates to the skin."
 
You've got a strong case, so convince your partner to whip out the organic coconut oil and give you a daily back rub.
 
Maximise Your Sleep - ​

​​Blood flow to your skin increases as you snooze. Get a good sleep and you're more likely to wake up with a healthy complexion. The problem is you can never guarantee eight hours sleep during pregnancy. Those pesky trips to the toilet, or the sheer awkwardness of getting comfortable despite your bump, make it a bit hit-and-miss.
 
To give yourself a fighting chance, try burning some lavender essential oil. Don't go for the cheap stuff which is often just perfume. Instead, treat yourself to some pure, organic lavender oil.
 
Next, invest in a decent pregnancy pillow. This can be a lifesaver. Even if you previously tried and didn't get along with one, take another look. There are many different shapes and sizes, so it's worth finding one that works best for you and your bump. I've written a whole guide on pregnancy pillows and how to choose the right one if you'd like to learn more!

Drink plenty of water - 

​Yup, you knew this one was coming! And, no doubt, you are well aware that during pregnancy it's important to stay hydrated. I won't labor the point here (excuse the pun), but will quickly mention that our skin is about 65% water and, put simply, skin cells function best when they are properly hydrated. This leads to healthier-looking skin. Another reason to keep on top of your fluid intake during pregnancy.

Stretch marks -

​As your boobs and belly grow, you may find that you develop stretch marks. Try not to worry too much. Firstly, if you read around, you'll soon discover that most guys don't mind them. More than that, many men find them sexy. (Not that I'm advocating self-esteem and body image based on what men think!) There are also lots of natural ways to reduce or avoid stretch marks altogether.
 
If you're into DIY, then try mixing organic coconut oil, coconut butter and shea butter together. You'll need to warm them up first. Then add a few drops of Vitamin E and organic lavender oil. (Heck, if you make enough of this, then you can use it for your daily massage, too.)
 
If, on the other hand, you want to save time and keep it simple, then there are some conscientious companies making decent organic stretch mark creams.

Eat Dark Leafy Greens -
​
​These wonder foods contain beta-carotene along with lutein, potassium, fiber and folate. This is great for all sorts of things, but in terms of your skin, the folate is an important nutrient for repairing DNA. This helps to keep your skin looking great.
​
There You Have It. Pregnancy is a wonderful time but comes with some niggling side-effects. Give these five tips a shot and, hopefully, bad skin won't be one of them. In fact, with a little help from your surging hormones, you may even attain that elusive "pregnancy glow".
 
Neve blogs at WeTheParents.org where she seeks to bring out the humour in parenting and gets nerdy researching and reviewing the gear that mums and dads (apparently) need. You can also catch her on Facebook and Twitter.
​

By: Will

Hair loss affects both women and men of all different ages. It can have a serious impact on someone’s self esteem and confidence.
 
You will probably have seen a lot of adverts or spam emails sent to you about all the different pills and miracle ‘cures’ for hair loss. But it is understandable that putting loads of chemicals in your body can seem really off putting and not the right answer for you.
 
Having hair implants is a serious decision and not one to be taken lightly, and you may want to try other less invasive solutions first.
 
Luckily, there are many natural ways to fight hair loss and even to reverse it. You don’t have to sacrifice one part of your health and suffer the side effects of medication to grow your hair back.
 
These natural remedies are not only less invasive and harmful to the body, but they have proven to have successful results. They will help you to take control of your hair loss and even reverse it, giving you that extra confidence boost every day.
 
Why Does Hair Loss Happen?
 
To be able to understand how a natural remedy might work, first we need to understand a little bit about why hair loss, scientifically known as androgenetic alopecia, happens to us.
 
Put simply, there is a naturally occurring hormone within our bodies called DHT that attacks the hair follicles, slowly causing them to wither and die. When the follicle gets too small it eventually falls out and doesn’t grow back. DHT is a normal and healthy hormone that is created from testosterone, which is why men more than women get pattern baldness. Equally, some men get significantly worse male pattern baldness than others, while some don’t get it at all. It seems to be pure luck and a lot do with what we inherit from our parents that determine the level of DHT that we are born with. The fortunate men born with low levels of DHT never go bald.

Home Made Shampoos
​
First, lets start with what you put on your hair. Shampoos that you buy in shops, some shampoos are going to contain numerous chemicals and preservatives, even some shampoos which claim to be natural. This is not a good choice for people suffering with hair loss. But do not despair as making an all natural shampoo at home is much easier than you would think. It can really improve the hair’s strength and growth. Why not give it a go yourself using the ingredients and directions below.

​Ingredients:

·       Liquid castile soap (1/2 cup)
·       Maple syrup (1 tablespoon)
·       Carrot seed essential oil (5-10 drops)
        Castor oil (10 drops)  

Directions:

​Combine all ingredients in the container of your choice. Mix well, and be sure to mix thoroughly before each use.

When ready to use, pour over wet hair. Massage into scalp for 2-3 minutes, and then let sit for an addition 2-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm (or, even better, cold) water.
 
 
Essential Oils

Another natural remedy that can be put on hair to promote growth are essential oils. Evidence does suggest that many essential oils, a few in particular, can promote hair growth. They are a simple and inexpensive remedy to add to your hair care routine, and not one that should be overlooked.

​The best essential oils to promote hair growth are:
        
​        Peppermint essential oil ·      
        Rosemary essential oil
·       Blackcurrant essential oil
·       Evening primrose essential oil
·       Pumpkin seed oil
        Tea tree oil

They can all be found at your local drug or health care store.
 
Scalp Massages & Exercises

Not only do scalp massages feel absolutely great, and are very relaxing, but they can even improve hair growth and prevent hair loss.

A good scalp massage encourages the blood flow to increase around the follicle. If there is not enough blood directed to the follicle then then follicle will eventually die. On the other side, a healthy amount of blood flow to the follicle can even cause the follicle to repair itself and therefore the hair will grow back. A scalp massage has got to be one of the most enjoyable treatments of hair loss, and you can always try out several different types of head massage in the name of ‘research’.

​Eliminating Allergies
 
Next we need to think about what we are putting into our bodies. Everyone knows the old adage ‘you are what you eat’ and it is certainly scientifically proven that what we eat affects how we look and how we feel.
 
The reason that the hormone DHT causes hair loss is because it causes an immune reaction against the actual hair follicles. It mistakenly causes our bodies to attack our own hair as it wrongly thinks it is a foreign invader.
​
This is the same process that occurs when we have food allergies. Allergy reactions from food result in the body becoming ultra-sensitive to what it believes is a foreign invader. Not only can food allergies cause untold digestive problems, but they can directly cause the rate of hair follicle miniaturisation to increase.
 
There are many different groups of food allergies and some of the most common are dairy and gluten, although there are many others that you may have never even suspected.
 
There are simple ways to test for food allergies and it is always recommended to speak with your local doctor about your symptoms and suspected allergies.  
 
Natural DHT Blockers
 
There are ways to block DHT from being produced. One of the very best natural DHT blockers you can take is Pumpkin Seed Oil (PSO). PSO is made from pumpkin seeds (no surprises there) and its success is down it producing an enzyme called 5AR that blocks DHT from being produced. Therefore the hair follicle is safe from the damage DHT causes.

Pumpkin seed oil is one of the most effective DHT blockers as it starts working from the inside after being taken orally. This allows it to target 5AR at the source, and prevents DHT buildup from even occurring on the scalp.
 
Microbiome Health
​
The human body is full of naturally occurring levels of bacteria, and keeping the balance right is key to a healthy body, also called microbiome health. We are still only just finding out how important a healthy microbiome is for our overall health as well as our hair health. Unfortunately, due to our modern world and our increased use of hand gels, bacteria killing cleaning products and chemically altered foods, our environment is now impacting our microbiome health.

An unhealthy microbiome has been shown to cause inflammation and also increase hair follicle sensitivity to DHT.
​
To cure hair loss naturally you will need to stop triggering these autoimmune problems and decrease inflammation as much as possible.
 
Mesotherapy (aka Microneedling/Dermarolling)
 
Mesotherapy is a physical treatment where tiny needles are put into the scalp. More commonly known as microneedling, it is a drug-free hair loss treatment that has had significant and proven results for hair regrowth.
 
The tiny needles break the surface of the skin but the procedure should not be painful or cause scarring. The puncture wounds then begin being repaired by our body. As the healing process takes place, this stimulates collagen production. This then leads to the production of new skin cells which contain new and (in most cases) healthy hair follicles.

Alkalisation

​We spoke briefly about microbiome health above, but there are other ways that the body balances itself and this is through our acid and alkaline levels. The foods we eat affect these levels, and a diet with lots of grains, dairy and meat causes the body to become more and more acidic. If the acidic level becomes too high, the enzyme 5AR also mentioned above becomes more aggressive and DHT levels in the scalp go up leading to hair loss.
 
One way to reduce our acidic levels is to eat less acidic foods to shift the body back into its natural alkaline state, although you should always consult a health care professional when considering any significant dietary changes.

On the other side, when your body is alkaline (its optimum state) then the enzyme that produces DHT in the exact part of the scalp where male pattern baldness occurs is inhibited.

This mean lower levels of DHT and remember that no DHT means no hair loss, great!
​
As we can see, there are many very effective natural remedies that should be tried before anything more invasive should be considered.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

By:  Angela Gross
​
There’s been a real buzz in the beauty industry over the last few years about Rosehip Oil and its popularity has increased phenomenally.
 
So just what is Rosehip Oil and what’s all the fuss about?

​Rosehip Oil, also known as Rosehip Seed Oil, comes from wild rose varieties like Rose Moschata and Rosa Rubignosa (native to the Southern Andes region) and Rosa Canina (found in parts of Europe, South Africa and Asia).
 
Rosehip Oil is extracted from the seeds of the ‘hip’ or fruit of the rose – this is the bulb that replaces the rose flower once it has dropped its petals. The oil is obtained through a process called “cold pressing”. Good quality organic Rosehip Oil does not have added colours, fragrances or preservatives. It has a subtle woodsy scent and a rich red/orange tinge to it. If you find a Rosehip Oil that is a light yellow colour, it may have been refined.
 
Why is Rosehip Oil so good for your skin?
 
Used by the Egyptians and other ancient civilisations for centuries, Rosehip Oil is renowned for its healing properties. The people of those cultures also recognised its skin and hair care benefits. Rosehip Oil’s benefits come from its numerous naturally occurring nutrients like:
 

• Essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6, 9 (linolenic, linoleic and oleic acid) – these can assist in collagen production and help with the repair and regeneration of damaged skin tissue. Linoleic acid is considered to be particularly beneficial in the treatment of acne and blemishes.
• Vitamin C – a powerful anti-oxidant with anti-ageing benefits for younger-looking skin, along with skin brightening properties.
• Vitamin E – another anti-oxidant and free radical fighter to help rejuvenate your skin, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, lighten scars and relieve sunburn.
• Lycopene & Beta-Carotene – powerful anti-oxidants and free radical fighters to help prevent premature ageing.
• Trans-Retinoic Acid – converts to Vitamin A which strengthens the skin’s outer layer, helps reduce fine lines & wrinkles, lighten brown spots and pigmentation and smooth skin texture. It’s also known for its anti-microbial properties.

Not just good for your skin, Rosehip Oil can also be used to moisturise dry hair, help control dandruff and improve the condition of dry, brittle nails.
 
Rosehip Oil usually has a light texture and is absorbed fairly quickly. Make sure you apply it while your skin is still damp. This helps to ‘lock in’ the moisture. While many people like to use Rosehip Oil on its own, it can also be found in the formulations of many skin care products like cleansers, moisturisers and serums. Alternatively, you can add a few drops yourself to your favourite moisturiser.
 
With celebrities like Miranda Kerr and Victoria Beckman praising the benefits of Rosehip Oil and claims that even the Duchess of Cambridge uses it, Mother’s Nature’s best-kept secret is definitely a secret no more.
 
So, why not give it a try and see if Rosehip Oil is a good match for your skin? As with any new product, you should always do a patch test first to ensure you have no reactions.
 
Author Bio:
The author is a lover of natural & organic beauty products and the owner of an online organic beauty store (www.naturallysafe.com.au) where she maintains a regular blog, providing news about the dangers of chemicals in cosmetics, health tips and promoting the benefits of natural cosmetics.
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By: Santanu Majumdar

​Rosacea is a common skin condition that a lot of people face. The condition is generally characterized by redness. If you are experiencing rosacea, it is extremely vital to maintain a gentle routine for your skin care. You also need to be aware of the cosmetics and skin care products that could irritate your skin. It is advisable to consult with a dermatologist about your skin care routine. You can also discuss the ingredients present in the products that you use. If you apply makeup properly, you can actually fake good and naturally looking skin, meanwhile concealing the redness caused by the condition. 

When you hydrate your skin, the outer layers of your skin are plumped up, which creates an even surface. This is important for applying makeup in a smooth manner. There is a difference between a regular person applying makeup and a professional makeup artist doing the same. The foundation application done by the makeup artists are always smoother, even if they use the same makeup and tools as you.
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One thing that you would tend to do with makeup application is try and rush through you skin preparation. As such, you tend to smear the moisturizer onto your face and let it do the job for you. However, you should not do that. You should try to dot the moisturizer to your face deliberately so that it is evenly applied. Then, you can pat the product to your skin with the help of your fingertips. You need to be a little more attentive with problematic areas like under the eyes or around your nose.
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This method of applying moisturizer doesn’t necessarily have to be slow. Once you get used to it, you can pat on your moisturizer adding less than a minute to your makeup routine. You will find out that this added minute is certainly worth it. Rather than simply spreading your moisturizer, patting it on makes blending the foundation easier without streaks. Also, the skin is prepped up more evenly for the best makeup for rosacea and the final result is also more natural looking.
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Never Skip Your Primer

​After you pat on your moisturizer for prepping your skin, you must never forget your primer. You should try to use a product that is silicon based. This is because it creates a light layer over skin pores or skin texture problems. Thus, it blurs and smoothens the problematic areas. Only a small amount is needed. You can apply it to the problematic areas of your skin using your fingertip.

Color Correction

​When you have rosacea, you have got to color correct using the correct formula. Instead of using a thick layer of concealer or foundation to cover up your redness, you should try using a light layer of color corrector; it cancels out much of the redness. Then, you can move on to applying a significantly lighter layer of foundation over corrector. This way, it will look a lot more natural.

You can find different color correctors in the market with various formulations. Generally, products that are lighter in weight should cover larger areas. Spreading a thick color corrector over larger areas of your skin is more difficult. So, you should be looking for a product that comes in the form of a lotion or a light liquid that can be spread gently over the problematic area.
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​Correct Problematic Areas Only

​You should always try not to cover your entire face with a color corrector, even if the redness from the rosacea is extensive. The tint does cancel out the skin redness, which means if it is applied all over the face, there will be no redness left and your face will have a greenish look. You certainly wouldn’t want that.

When you are using a corrector, it can be a little weird if a green corrector is used over a widespread area. This is why you should rather try using a color corrector that is yellow tinted. Yellow also does the job of cancelling out the redness, but it certainly doesn’t leave an unnatural look to your skin.

Use Skin Toned Makeup for Covering the Corrector​

When you use a small amount of color corrector on your skin and the redness disappears almost immediately, it can be very tempting to leave it just like that. However, there are chances that under different light, the corrector might not be as invisible. This is why you should apply a light layer of concealer or foundation over the corrector.
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You can blend it with the surrounding skin with the help of a makeup sponge or a brush. Even after the skin toned makeup, if some discoloration remains, you should never resort to adding another layer of corrector. When you switch between two products like that, it results in a very unnatural finish. Instead, you should use concealer on only the problematic spot.

Blush

​As far as makeup for rosacea is concerned, you are doing so to cover up the redness of your skin. As such, the last thing you’d want is too much of pink blush. It does nothing but highlight whatever redness that remains on your skin after the makeup. You may consider skipping the blush completely, but choosing bare cheeks might also be a mistake.
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When you skip blush, the skin imperfections that haven't been covered perfectly looks more like a feature. So, you should choose to apply blush very lightly, just as a distraction from the trouble spots.

​Use a Good Lip Color for Distracting

Whether you are using a lipstick, lip gloss or lip stain, you should always opt for a color. With darker lip color, the face of those having rosacea looks much better. Peach, bright pink or perhaps a red lip color adds a great color to your face, meanwhile also distracting the eye from your skin. So, after applying the makeup, even if you have some areas that aren’t completely covered, using the right lip color can do the job for you.
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Santanu Majumdar is a part-time blogger and currently blogs at healthresource4u.com . He is also a health and fitness lover who loves to share his ideas on health, fitness, and beauty. You can check him out on Twitter and Facebook
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