“Beauty is more than skin-deep. Beauty is unique grace and confidence, a shining light that sparkles through the eyes and smile. It’s not what you look like; it’s what you project.” – Beauty Den

Beauty Odyssey mainly focuses on improving our physical appearance by using cosmetics. Today I would like us to focus ourselves. I picked the term “Beauty Odyssey” because life is a journey. It’s a constant evolution and with each passing year comes changes. These changes also occur in our bodies, our looks, and our skin. How we deal with these inevitable changes is entirely up to us. As women, we are constantly focusing our attention on our flaws. We need to learn to appreciate ourselves as we are and always have the right attitude. All the make up and cosmetics in the world will not make us feel better about ourselves.

I think the media plays a big role in how we feel about ourselves. When we pick up that glossy magazine, most of us are aware that the model on the cover page has been digitally retouched. But there is always that little part of us that wishes for that flawless skin, beautiful body, perfect hair, and perfect smile. We need to always remember that the models you see in the glossy pages don’t always portray reality. They are human beings just like us and deal with the same issues like we do such as blemishes, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks and a whole host of other problems. In addition it takes a whole team of makeup artists, hairstylists, fashion stylists, photographers, art directors and photo retouchers to create that beautiful illusion. It’s an exaggerated perfection, something that no human being could ever look like.

Women from all walks of life, all crave the same thing – to look pretty and feel good. Looking your best is a combination of acquiring knowledge, accepting the things you can’t change and having confidence in yourself.
To help us on our way to appreciating ourselves, here are some natural beauty tips from www.beauty-secrets4u.com. Read the rest of this entry →

Many of us do not understand what the term SPF really means. I know that the higher the SPF labeled on the sunscreen, then the better protected I am form the sun, or is it? Most doctors recommended we apply a sunscreen of between SPF 15 and SPF 30. But there are sunscreens out there that have an SPF of 70+. So does it offer me maximum protection from say the sunscreen with SPF 15. I always used to wonder about this recommendation. If there are products with higher SPF’s, then why don’t doctors recommend the higher SPF.

SPF is the measure of a sunscreens ability to prevent UVB rays – which cause sunburn, from damaging the skin. The SPF number is a rating that determines how long you can stay in the sun without burning. It does not indicate the quality of protection, just length of time. The amount of time it takes you to sunburn depends on your skin type, and the SPF number you need depends on how much time you expect to be outdoors. Remember that if you will spend time in water, then you need to reapply the sunscreen at least every two hours for it to be effective. Click here to view a chart on SPF values for various skin types on various levels of sun intenisty.

So, here is the reason why I think doctors only recommend a sunscreen of between SPF 15 and SPF 30. SPF protection does not actually increase proportionately with a designated SPF number. For example, SPF 4 blocks 75 percent of sunburn damage; however, it may not provide broad-spectrum protection (protection from both UVA and UVB rays). Read the rest of this entry →

We protect our skin from sun damage by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the suns ultraviolet rays from reaching the skin. The term broad-spectrum means that the sunscreen protects us from both UVB and UVA rays. Many cosmetic companies have products that claim to have anti-aging benefits. The truth however is that the best defense against wrinkles is a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, be it in your moisturizer or foundation.

Daily application of sunscreen prevents new wrinkles from forming or existing ones from deepening. The basics to look for are a product rated SPF 15 or higher, and containing one of these ingredients listed as active to ensure adequate protection from UVA rays: avobenzone (also known as Parsol 1789 or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide. The best sunscreen is one that not only protects you from the sun but also prevent damage to the skin. So look for a sunscreen that is loaded with anti-oxidants

Sunscreens absorb reflects or scatters UV light. There are 2 types: Read the rest of this entry →

Skin cancer is the No. 1 most common type of cancer. Many of us unknowingly spend too much time in the sun with little protection. This exposure to the sun causes damage to our skin. Repetitive exposure of this kind, can put us at risk of getting skin cancer. Daylight, even dim, obscure daylight, causes skin damage. When the skin gets damaged, it means it slowly becomes less and less able to hold moisture or feel smooth.

Protecting your skin from the sun is important because the sun emits ultraviolet(UV) radiation. Over time, exposure to UV radiation causes many changes in the skin, including wrinkles, discoloration, freckles or age spots. It is important to note that most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun.

We really need to understand why exposure to the sun is so damaging. First, there are two types of UV radiation: UVB and UVA. UVB rays cause sunburns. UVA rays are believed to be responsible for photo aging(the damage that occurs to the skin from many years of exposure to the sun). UVA rays penetrate the skin deeply and cause sunlight induced premature aging, wrinkling and age spots. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer even on cloudy days.

Nearly 95% of the UV radiation that we are exposed is caused by UVA rays. When photo aging occurs, certain fibers in the skin called elastin(from the word elastic) are damaged by the rays of the sun. Elastin is found in the dermis and is responsible for giving structure to your skin and organs. As we age, elastin diminishes which causes the skin to wrinkle and sag. Exposure to the sun also causes the elastin fibres to breakdown causing the skin to sag and stretch. The skin also tends to bruise and tear more easily and takes longer to heal. Usually sun damage will not show up when you are young but will later in life. So be sure to also protect your young ones from sun damage and teach them the importance of applying sunscreen. Keep children under six months old away from the sun. Read the rest of this entry →

Powder
The purpose of powder is to keep foundation on longer, to set the foundation(keeps it from slipping) add a little more coverage , take away shine and give the skin a polished flawless look.

Since make up looks very different in the package than it does on your face then just like foundation it’s important to try it on your skin before you buy. The secret to powder is to get one with a yellow undertone and one that’s a shade lighter than your foundation. It will make your skin look natural, healthy and radiant.

There are four types of powder that come in loose powder form or pressed powder form. Loose powder is used when you first do your make up. It’s usually applied with a large powder brush. Always apply powder with a light hand, building it up when you need to. The key here is to apply it delicately and sparingly.

Pressed powder comes in a compact. Normally used for touch ups and to combat midday oiliness. Read the rest of this entry →

FOUNDATION
What do women want in a foundation? A flawless, natural-looking coverage that evens out their skin. Today, foundation comes in many different textures, consistencies and formulas. Finding the right foundation is like finding the perfect fitting jeans.

Types of Foundations
1. Oil-free and matte liquid foundations
Has a smooth finish with no shine or dewy appearance. How long foundation lasts usually depends on how oily your skin is. It is therefore a good idea to always set your foundation with a light dusting of loose powder. Most oil-free and matte liquid foundations provide sheer to medium coverage. They are best for oily skin type as they have minimal shine and leave a smooth matte look. Read the rest of this entry →

Concealer
It’s used to cover minor blemishes from birthmarks, sunspots, age spots and under eye circles. It’s one of the most important products in any woman’s beauty arsenal. In fact it is known as the secret of the beauty universe. Most women suffer from undereye circles and usually, concealer is the only way to go.

So how do you determine what is a good concealer and a bad one. A bad concealer is chalky dry or greasy and may emphasize the flaws you are trying to cover up. A good concealer is smooth, creamy and yellow toned, blends into your skin and makes you look instantly better. You can also feel the concealer between your fingers. A good one should feel creamy and not powdery, sticky or greasy.

Obviously, concealer is a try before you buy product. Choose concealer that’s a shade lighter than your foundation(of course keeping in mind that your foundation matches your skin exactly). And if your circles are very dark, go 2 shades lighter. If it’s too dark or too light, it will look unnatural and actually highlight the area you are trying to conceal. Sometimes undereye circle can be lighter than the skin on the rest of your face. Try a concealer that’s the same shade as your foundation or a shade darker.
A yellow based concealer is always the best bet no matter your skin color. Read the rest of this entry →

The right make up tools can make a difference between looking unpolished to looking flat-out fabulous. The right make up tools also make make up application easy and results in a flaw less looking face.

The right make up brushes will probably be your biggest make up tool investment so it’s important to know how to shop for them. So how do you tell between a good make up brush from a bad one? The bristles should feel soft against the skin and never scratchy or rough. It does not matter whether they are made out of synthetic or natural hairs. How they feel is the most important.

Lip brushes and concealer brushes are best when synthetic because they need to be stiff enough to apply a thicker creamier product. Eye shadow, blush and powder brushes need to be soft and fluffy so that they spread out over your skin. Before buying try the brush out by running it over the area of your face it’s designed for. Check the strength of the bristles by running your hand over them to make sure they do not come out. The handles need to feel comfortable in your hand.
Read the rest of this entry →

Growing up, the only skin care regimen I knew was to cleanse with Imperial Leather soap and then slather on some Vaseline to moisturize my skin. I have since moved on to a more sophisticated skin care regimen but Vaseline still remains my number one choice when it come to taking care of dry skin issues especially my lips, hands, feet and elbows. There is always a tub of Vaseline petroleum jelly in my house and I’m sure it’s the same with many other households around the world. The great thing about this product is that it’s cheap and very versatile.

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly was named Vaseline by Robert Cheesebrough in 1869, after he discovered its various remarkable healing properties on the skin. However it has no medicinal value. Vaseline cannot be absorbed by the skin, therefore it acts as a seal around minor cuts and burns preventing germs from getting into the wound and locking in moisture thus it’s healing properties.
Vaseline has been around for over 100 years and over time it has evolved to include a variety of uses. Is it any wonder that women have discovered that petroleum jelly acts as a wonderful and cheap beauty aid. Here are a few ways you can use Vaseline as part of your beauty routine. Some were new to me and I can’t wait to try them out.   Read the rest of this entry →

If you are like me, you’re probably feeling the economic crunch in a big way and have been looking at your budget every month trying to figure out what things you can really do without. For many of us women, it becomes very difficult to compromise on our beauty regimen especially when it’s taken so long to find those great products that work so well on our skin. Well, the good news is you don’t have to compromise. You can still get that weekly, bi-weekly or monthly facial by learning how to do it yourself at home. It’s a very simple process and with a few tries, you will be well on your way to becoming your own beauty expert. In addition you will save yourself a good amount of cash and numerous trips to the beauty salon.

What You Need:

• Cucumber slices or tea bags for your eyes
• Towels and washcloths
• Facial cleanser
• Facial Exfoliator
• Facial mask
• Facial moisturizer
• To give yourself a relaxing spa atmosphere you need:
• A relaxing place to lie down
• Aromatherapy spray
• Relaxing music

Read the rest of this entry →