From magical potions to down-to-earth ingredients to everything in between, there are so many tricks and techniques to bring beauty that they are as yet uncounted. Every week around the world, new ideas spring up to make you look younger, sexier and more beautiful. Some work, many don’t. Some are expensive and make their inventor’s rich while other can be made with household ingredients. Caution is the word to follow. Take your time and be realistic. You’re a unique person and the beauty is yours to behold. You be the judge.

One potion we found involved Buttercups, Chopped Cucumber, Chervil, and Primrose. You are to put these ingredients in a bag and boil for 10 minutes. Take the water and pour it into a bath. You’ll find this in “The Electric Witch’s Book of Shadows”. It goes on to say: “Relax and enjoy letting all tensions melt away. Ask Aphrodite, the Goddess of beauty, to bless you with the great beauty She can bestow. You will find your skin is smooth and rejuvenated.” Who are we to argue?

We also found the Glow of Beauty Potion #2 at the same place. The ingredients include: 1 Green Candle, 4 Strawberries (mashed), 1 Teaspoon of Sage, 1/2 cup Peppermint or Spearmint Leaves, and 1 Tablespoon of Comfrey Leaf. This potion is to be used “if you a looking and feeling tired”.

It goes on to say: “Make an herb decoction by mixing the strawberries, sage, comfrey and mint and putting them in a clean muslin bag and tying it tightly. Boil it for 15 minutes then taking care not to burn yourself (not the thing to put you in a party mood, no). Then poor it into a warm bath. Dim the lights and have some energizing music playing. Light the green candle. As you bathe, meditate on the color green and all it represents – freshness, newness, rejuvenation, energy. By burning the green candle you are in effect, giving yourself a dose of green, absorbing its healing, rejuvenating qualities.”

Then there is an incantation. This helps to bring the spell to fruition. They go on to say: “When you are ready, raise your arms in the air an incant: I call upon you, Goddess, to recharge my energy. Great Goddess, I call upon you give me some of your Divine beauty. Beauty is within me, beauty is with me.” Then you are to blow out the candles to release the “power of the spell”. Does it work? Why not give it a try?

Here’s another “Beauty Potion Spell”. It asks you to: “Create a positive atmosphere in the kitchen: candles, incense, the lighting, turn peaceful music (classical is very suitable), and start doing your beauty potion. In enamel saucepans cook one orange crust (do not forget to wash it). Prepare a fresh carrot juice. Take the orange crust, with a spoon of honey, then pour the juice and add vanilla. Your potion is now prepared, it is very tasty, adds charm and helps you look irresistible when you go out in the evening!”

Whether these spells work or not, they can be fun and enjoyable to try. Why not take the time to pamper yourself and get some relaxation in? If they work, that’s all the better. If they don’t, you’ve had a wonderful evening.

When it comes to having natural looking skin, you must care for it properly. Natural skin care requires that you go back to the basics. Nowadays, most women know and some late comers are realizing the harsh effects that chemical filled products can have on their skin. They want to see results, but the side effects often cause problems much worse than the original condition they are trying to treat. If we aren’t careful, we could be using products that are harmful to our skin and the environment. In order to put the right things on your face and respect the environment, find out about which raw materials are good for you and how natural skin care might make some positive impact on your life. These raw ingredients are different for each of us; some help, some are not so helpful. Learn about the ones that are best for you.

But so far, we’ve only considered your face. Many natural products are designed for the hair as well. Some natural hair products cost a lot, and we are always tempted by new, laboratory-tested brands in shiny new bottles with fancy logos and interesting advertising motto’s. Some can be good, but most actually are not. Going back to basics is also the key to healthy and natural looking hair. Strong chemicals and unnatural processes never help truly natural beauty. There are plenty of natural hair products that are labeled as such and have clean and fresh smells instead of strong perfumes. Your hair will love you for it.

Finally, think about what kind of lotions and soaps you use on your body. There are many that offer results but don’t come through in the long run. Products with special chemicals again, can not usually bring the benefits. Fortunately for us, nature has provided an abundance of plants, roots, flowers and herbs rich in vitamins, enzymes, proteins, minerals and other biologically active compounds that have been used in the care of the body, skin and hair for centuries. Knowledge of the healing power of herbs and their special effects on the skin is used in the formulation of natural products.

So, if you want a natural look, learning about and picking up some natural products should be your first action to take. Go to some of the health food stores or natural products stores that care about the health of our environment and the health of its people. You’ll find products there you may never have seen before. Some may have a higher price than the store brands and some will have lower prices as well because of their simple ingredients. There will probably be assistants there to help you decide which products there will help to bring out your natural beauty. Go natural.

Have you got what it takes? Can you compete in the sparkling and completive world of glamour and beauty? Beauty competitions are getting more popular all the time. There are adult competitions and children’s competitions sprouting up all over. Almost any time, you can turn on your television and enjoy a new beauty competition or beauty show. Let’s see what it takes if you want to be a part.

There are beauty pageants and beauty contests. Although these contests are usually designed to score physical beauty, often a personality, talent, and character questions are incorporated. You’ll find almost all are for young ladies and women. Rarely are boys and men involved in beauty competitions. Instead, men are more often seen in body building competitions.

Is a beauty contest right for you? They are not what they once were. After so many popular celebrities and entertainers getting their start in beauty contests, they no longer have the stigma of being shallow. They have evolved to encourage men and women to develop skills to showcase at the contest. They also gain confidence and become very comfortable speaking in public and being in unfamiliar places. Nowadays, beauty contests also offer those who join a sense of belonging and a sense of accomplishment. Not everyone can be an athlete or a whiz at spelling. Beauty contests are another outlet for those to show off their own talents.

If you want to find a beauty contest in your area, go online. You’ll find it’s your best bet for finding news and information on upcoming events. Type ‘beauty contest’ into any search engine and you’ll get thousands of results. You can type in your location and the age range you are looking for to help narrow the websites down to ones that are appropriate for you. You can also visit your local book store and check out any books on pageants and contests. Also, take a look at the magazine rack and look for the beauty pageant section. Most large chain bookstores will have a great selection of magazines from which to choose.

Although you may not consider it right away, you can also network with others in your area who are involved in the beauty contest scene. They can be a fantastic resource for where to find outfits for the beauty contests, where to find seamstresses to create your wardrobe, and to brainstorm the best ideas for your success. They will also offer general support and a community to work with to help you along. Remember though, there is also the competition factor before and after the contest. So, choose your friends wisely and try not to be too sensitive. Keep the competition healthy.

What if you win? The prize can vary from contest to contest. The larger and more popular the contest, the bigger and better the prize. Some range from medals, trophies and make up to promotional items to big cash prizes and cars. So, there are great gifts to be had. If you are just a beginner, start out small until you are ready to take on the world. If you have some good experiences, or even if you crash and burn, don’t be discouraged. You’ll know soon enough if this is the right thing for you. If it is, keep at it. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you on TV one day.

Cosmeceuticals are the combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Some of the products include anti-aging creams and moisturizers. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients claiming to have medical or drug-like benefits. These, then, are cosmetics that claim to have a medicinal action. More examples include:  Antiwrinkle Cream. Contrast them with standard cosmetics, such as eyeliners and foundation, that alter skin’s appearance only when present on the skin. They also include products that possess dermatological and pharmaceutical properties that refresh the skin. They can peel, do dermabrasion, exfoliate the skin, speed up cellular renewal, repair damage from sunburn and correct uneven pigmentation.

Dermatological research suggests that the bioactive ingredients used in cosmeceuticals do indeed have benefits beyond the traditional moisturizer. However, despite the reports of benefits from some cosmeceutical products, the term cosmeceutical remains a marketing term, as there are no requirements to prove that the products actually live up to their claims. So, it is up to the consumer to decide whether these claims are valid and worth the expense. An important distinction lies in the delivery method. The ‘cosmeceutical’ label applies only to products applied topically, such as creams, lotions, and ointments. Products which are similar in perceived benefits but ingested orally are known as nutricosmetics. For the consumer, it is important to note that these products don’t fit into any category in most countries and, therefore, aren’t required to stand up to testing for any purpose. It is ‘buyer beware’ and the consumer may be taking a risk if they are not careful with what they buy and from whom they by it.

Cosmeceuticals typically claim to improve skin tone, texture, and radiance, while reducing wrinkling. Cosmeceuticals are the fastest-growing segment of the natural personal care industry. Consumers are always interested in maintaining a youthful appearance, and as the global population’s median age increases, this market is increasingly expanding. Some of the most important botanicals pertaining to dermatologic uses, such as cosmeceuticals, include teas, soy, pomegranate, date, grape seed, Pycnogenol, horse chestnut, German chamomile, curcumin, comfrey, allantoin, and aloe. Only green and black tea, soy, pomegranate, and date have been studied to the extent that clinical trials for the treatment of aging have been published. It is important to know that few botanical-based cosmeceuticals have uses that are supported by evidence-based science.

Some of these products claim to prevent cancer. Although this may be possible, there hasn’t been enough study to prove it either way. What has been more the topic of research for many years is the use of vitamin ‘A’. In the 1930s, the clinical manifestations of vitamin A deficiency were recognized, and the idea to use vitamin A in the treatment of skin diseases was initiated. With synthetic versions of vitamin A in the 1970s, new interest was stirred into their biological activity, especially on the skin. Since then, vitamin A and its derivatives have been useful in the treatment of many skin disorders, including ichthyosis, acne, and psoriasis. A great amount of research has concentrated on its use as an anti-aging compound as well as its use for other disorders.

Hydroxy acids are likely the second most available cosmeceutical, and in low concentrations, they are found in mass-marketed cosmetic formulations and have been shown to decrease the signs of aging. The skin appears smoother and more uniform. Scientific evidence to support many claims is still incomplete and controversial.

In summary, here are some of the basic types of cosmeceuticals the average consumer may want to know about. Antioxidants: These build a barrier to protect your skin against smoke and sun damage. They are best used from an early age and will help minimize wrinkles and fine lines. Growth Factors: These came as the result of years of wound treatment. Researchers have found that these compounds help produce and distribute collagen and elastin, which can tighten the skin. Hydroxy Acids: The future of this compound is poly hydroxy acids, which bring moisture to the skin and can make it shiny and smooth. Botanicals: Usually plant-based, these have anti-inflammatory properties, which, according to Berson, are helpful for people with rosacea, sensitive skin or sun damage. Peptides: Proteins that stimulate the production of collagen and are helpful to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

As with most purchases, you want to be careful about what you’re getting, but this relatively new category of treatment may be of benefit to more than a few of us.

In some cultures, the whitest skin possible is regarded as the most beautiful. Women use umbrellas each day to avoid the sun darkening their skin. In other cultures, people lie in the sun for hours or spend money on lotions and booths to get darker skin. These differences are mostly between Asia and the West. In the West, to be called pasty or too white is quite an insult. Let’s look at the trouble people go through to make their skin darker.

Most tanning occurs because the body is trying to protect itself from UV rays. It uses a brown colored pigment called melanin. Lying in the sun or lying in a tanning booth is a common way to get the darker skin color so many desire.  Another method is through lotions, creams and sprays. Using artificial means of getting a tan has become more popular as reports of too much sun causing skin cancer abound. The debate is still going, though. Some experts say that sunlight is healthy for you and some say even a few minutes can be damaging. It is a common fact that too much sun can dry the skin, cause wrinkles or quicken ageing. The debate continues about just how much sun causes just how much cancer – if any.

For those that want to avoid the negative effects from ultraviolet rays, sunless tanning becomes the best option. There are basically 4 types: stainers, bronzers, tan accelerators, and solaria – like sunbeds and sunlamps.

Many sunless tanning products are available in the form of creams, gels, lotions, and sprays that are self-applied on the skin. These products create their effect by either creating a chemical reaction in the skin, or simply painting the color on the skin. A colorless chemical burns the dead cells located on the top layer of the skin resulting in a brown color. The use of bronzers provides temporary effects. There is also a professional spray-on tanning option or ‘tanning booths’ that is offered by spas, salons, and tanning businesses. For those who choose a tanning bed, today there are an estimated 50,000 outlets for tanning, whereas in the 1990s there were only around 10,000. The tanning business is a five-billion dollar industry.

If you do decide to go out in the sun and get a tan the old-fashioned way, there are some warnings you will find. Here are a few: Make sure the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. These types of sunscreens, called broad-spectrum sunscreens, contain more active ingredients. Ideally a sunscreen should also be hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic so it doesn’t cause a rash or clog the pores, which can cause acne. Sunscreen needs to be applied thickly enough to make a difference. People often do not put on enough sunscreen to get the full SPF protection. In case of uncertainty about how much product to use, or discomfort with the amount applied, switching to a sunscreen with a higher SPF may help. Research has shown that the best protection is achieved by application 15 to 30 minutes before exposure, followed by one reapplication 15 to 30 minutes after the sun exposure begins. Further reapplication is only necessary after activities such as swimming, sweating, and rubbing. The rays of the sun are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m, so frequent shade breaks are recommended during these hours. Wear a hat with a brim and anti-UV sunglasses, which can provide almost 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation entering the eyes. Be aware that reflective surfaces like snow and water can greatly increase the amount of UV radiation to which the skin is exposed.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the use of sunscreens, wearing sun protective clothing and avoiding the sun altogether. It seems that avoiding the sun altogether may be the most conservative of advice. We are not here to give medical advice, so we’ll pass on that. But, it could be that, in the future, there will be more evidence on the debate. In the meantime, a healthy body from lots of healthy movement and good food makes a person glow – tan or no tan.

She set the standard for a young, filthy-rich socialite with her billion-dollar disposable income and striking good looks. An heiress to the Hilton hotel chain fortune, she is also known for her hard-to-get-along with attitude. She’s been a celebrity figure in the super chic New York social scene. Paris was born on February 17, 1981. Her parents, Rick and Kathy, are currently in control of the worldwide Hilton Hotel name, which was started by Conrad Hilton. Conrad brought a little notoriety to the family name when he married Elizabeth Taylor. Paris Hilton grew up in the super-affluent New York dwelling, the Waldorf-Astoria, and also spent time at the other family properties located in Beverly Hills and the Hamptons. Sound rough? Even though she was raised in the lap of luxury, – and here is an interesting note – she was a good student and did well in her school studies. But she shunned the university, opting for a serious education in glamour and partying. If you were born rich, what would you have done?

It wasn’t only parties as she started modeling for designers like Marc Bouwer and Catherine Malandrino and even starred in an ad campaign for Italiano label ‘Iceberg’, modeling the latest Ice jeans. She constantly made the tabloid headlines, and before long the likes of GQ, FHM and Vanity Fair magazine were clamoring for Paris to work with them. She even starred in the hit reality series ‘The Simple Life’, which co-starred fellow socialite Nicole Ritchie. The two had a rather public spat, which has led to numerous and brutal slanging matches between the two former best friends. Moving on, in another unpleasant note, Paris has also had an unusual three year restraining order successfully pinned on her.

Brian Quintana, an events manager/producer, won a court case against Hilton, which resulted in her having to stay at least 90 yards away from him for three years. The reason? Paris was found to be harassing and threatening him. It takes two to tango, as they say.

In 2007, she spent 23 days in jail for driving-related offences. Despite her troubles, though, Paris has nurtured money by endorsing jewelry, perfume and clothing lines, as well as pursuing acting and music careers with varying degrees of success. She has her own channel on the Internet video site YouTube which is reputed to be the 34th most subscribed channel on the service, with over 10,000 subscriptions and 2 million views. That doesn’t hurt her notoriety. And there seems to be a method to her madness. “Even my grandpa said to me, ‘You work harder than any of my CEO friends or anyone I know’,” she told an interviewer. Having dated Leonardo DiCaprio and boxer Oscar DeLaHoya, she was even engaged to Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis,  but cancelled instead. Probably a good move.

Back in July 2006 she declared she had taken a one-year vow of chastity. “I’m doing it just because I want to,” she told interviewers. It has even been reported that during her time in jail she told an interviewer by telephone that the sentence was a message from God to change her party loving lifestyle and become a positive role model for women. As extreme as that may sound from a party girl, it seems to be proving true.

In September of 2008, she told British magazine Heat, “I don’t want to go to clubs now. I was caught up in a lifestyle that seemed fun at the time, but ultimately left me feeling very empty.”  As of January 2009, Paris is beginning to build a reputation as a very hard working girl. She also is not too proud to admit her own flaws: her feet. “I desperately hate one thing about my body. I have size 11 feet. Yeah, it sucks, because I see all these super cute shoes in the stores: Guccis, YSLs, Manolos. And when they bring them out in my size, they look like clown shoes.”

As of May 2010, in addition to cleaning up her act she is cleaning up her diet. Despite those infamous sexy commercials in 2009, she’s given up fast food. “I’ve been really working out. I’m not eating fast food anymore,” she told UsMagazine.com. “No more McDonalds, In-N-Out done,” she added. “[I'm] getting my bikini body, so I’m about that.” She announced her split from Doug Reinhardt in April, so is single these days. “I’m just enjoying being independent and having fun and spending time with my family and having the time of my life”.

Paris, at 29 years old, is growing up. Having had her fun in her 20’s – as many of us do – she’s looking more to long term and acting more grounded. Expect some real things from this lady. If her character and stamina are significant, her talent and brains will impress us even more in the future. Stay tuned to channel Paris.

Knowing your skin type is absolutely necessary in order to make a right decision about a proper skin care or treatment, which is suitable for your particular skin needs. The initial quality, or type, of your skin is genetically determined – meaning that you are born with it.

However, the health and beauty of your skin later in life largely depends on what you eat and how you take care of yourself. A popular Russian saying states that, after the age of 30, a woman looks the way she deserves …To always look great, the first step is to determine your skin type so that you can match it with the best recommended methods to improve your look and slow the aging process.

Generally, we can single out five basic skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive, with each having particular characteristics and requiring specific care and/or treatment.

To determine your type, use a simple test with a clean facial tissue (or paper) to wipe your face in the morning, when you have just woken up:

1. Normal Skin …

If you skin belongs to a normal type, the tissue will not reveal any traces of oil. Your skin should feel vibrant, elastic, and supple. Normal skin is the least problematic type.

It looks clean and smooth and has a good circulation and healthy complexion. Even with a minimum care, it will look good well into your advanced age.

2. Dry Skin …

If your skin is dry, the paper will be clean, too, but your face skin will feel flaky, dry, and tight after you have wiped it.

Dry skin can easily develop a sallow tone, wrinkles, and fine pores, and it is very prone to aging and irritating. It might still look great on a young person, but, to keep it healthy, you should apply thorough care and use regular skin or beauty treatment with natural masks and moisturizers.

3. Oily Skin …

If you have oily skin, the paper will have spots of facial oil on it, corresponding to the areas of your cheeks, nose, and forehead. Oily skin is problematic – it usually looks greasy, thick, coarse, and shiny, has enlarged pores, and tends to break into acne.

A good thing, though, is that oily skin is not prone much to aging and wrinkling. Careful cleaning, minimizing of carbohydrate consumption, and avoiding rich creams can be helpful in improving the quality of oily skin.

4. Combination Skin …

If you skin is combination, like that of most women, the tissue will have traces of oil coming from your nose and forehead, but will be clean in the areas that touched your cheeks.

Combination skin has patches of both dry and oily skin, and it requires different types of care in relation to particular facial areas.

Dry zones, which are usually located on the cheeks and around the eyes, should be treated with rich creams and moisturizers, while oily areas, usually on the forehead and nose, will benefit from frequent and thorough cleaning.

5. Sensitive Skin …

Sensitive skin is usually very dry, tends to feel tight, and becomes inflamed and irritated easily. Typically, sensitive skin develops reddish and scaly areas, can be itchy and tingly, and is prone to breaking into spots. It is the most problematic and fragile type of skin, which needs a very special type of care. To get the right body products for this skin type too requires great research.

So, what type of skin do you have? Have you found great skin care products that work beautifully for your skin? Please do share…

Skipping Eyeliner

Even if your Saturday nights no  longer end on Sunday mornings, you don’t need to start ditching eye makeup. As we age, our eyes start to droop at the outer corners—and liner and mascara can do wonders. Fake a lifted look by lining your upper lashes with black pencil, making the line a bit thicker at the outer corners. Next, curl your lashes and add a few coats of mascara—straight lashes may make lids appear hooded.

Since she is on most lists as the most beautiful woman in the world, an icon and easily and quickly recognizable representation of beauty, we’ve chosen to display the picture of Marilyn Monroe. For perhaps most of the world, she has transcended the status of mere ‘beautiful woman’ to the status of ‘the definition of beauty’. Whether one agrees with this or not, it seems to be the consensus. It may be because of her popularity at the time she was alive – perfectly positioned to fill the role as sex symbol and goddess. Maybe it was the era in which she was famous, so turbulent and in transition. Certainly her tragic death from drug overdose and the resulting media mayhem that followed was a major contributor to her fame and brought in the curious and sympathetic to her list of followers. Perhaps she will be replaced, but for now, she reigns as the queen of beauty.

As a close second, we recognize Audry Hepburn. Born in Belgium and becoming famous on the silver screen as an actress, her beauty was also above and beyond a matter of debate. Well known for her role as Holly Golightly in the film ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audry Hepburn’s beautiful eyes and captivating smile could make a glacier melt. Another in this category of ‘beauty icon’ is Grace Kelly also known as Princess Grace. Starring in several films by the famous director Alfred Hitchcock, her charm and grace was overwhelming and it is this sort of style that makes a technically beautiful woman become a beautiful person.

With a treatment of the icons incomplete but at least addressed, let us move on to other categories. The following women are beautiful for their time, super stars and fantastic hits that dominate some categories but not enough to reach icon status. Nonetheless, their fame and significance must be noted without reservation.

Sophia Loren holds a special place in our hearts as not only a magnificent woman, but too sexy to ignore. Her magnetism and style made every film in which she appeared more than interesting. Gracing thousands of magazine pages were images of her sultry eyes and lips waiting to be tasted. Other actresses in more modern times include Uma Thurman who is absolutely gorgeous and has performed in extremely challenging roles that require great physical condition. Kate Beckinsale falls into this category as well.

Fitting the category of drop-dead gorgeous actresses and models are English film and television actress Keira Knightley, Cindy Crawford, Sharon Stone, and Gisele Bundchen. Sharon Stone should get a special mention for her incredible talent as an actress.

Who, of the women popular today, will carry on as icons of beauty for generations to come? Our votes must go to: Catherine Zeta Jones – a talented actress and singer from Wales, Angelina Jolie who has not only made her mark as a box-office draw but as a humanitarian force to be reckoned with, and Julia Roberts who has proven herself beyond the shadow of a doubt to have the beauty, talent and charisma to transcend her super-star status and move into timeless fame.

Although incomplete in scope and depth, we’ve made an attempt at giving credit where credit is due. It is now up to you to point out our errors and express the beauty you’re beholding.

What’s aging you: Yellowing teeth

A white smile is a surefire way to look younger and healthier. Most drugstore kits work just as well as a pricier trip to a professional – if your teeth are sensitive, just wait a little more time between each treatment. Post-whitening, try to stay away from stain-causing drinks like coffee, dark soda, and red wine (or make sure to rinse these away with water after drinking).

What’s aging you: Thin lips

Our lips lose volume as we age, but fake-looking collagen implants don’t seem to be the answer. Instead, use a glossy lip plumping product for a temporary (but noticeable) boost. At home, keep your lips smooth and shiny by exfoliating with a washcloth, or with a mixture of brown sugar and honey.

What’s aging you: Dull skin

We obsess over wrinkles, but it’s often discolouration (usually due to sun damage) that makes people look older than they are. Brighten up dull skin and help fade pigment spots with a moisturizer loaded with vitamin C (or ascorbic acid). It acts as a natural exfoliant and removes that glow-stealing layer of dead skin cells. It’s also an antioxidant, which means it helps prevent future damage. And of course, keep slathering on that sunscreen.

What’s aging you: Heavy makeup

Thick foundation and powder can settle into wrinkles and will actually draw more attention to them. The key is to illuminate your skin rather than try to cover it up. Use small amounts of concealer where you need it, and add a highlighting cream to your cheekbones and around the outer corners of your eyes to reflect light away from any lines.

What’s aging you: Coarse hair

If grey hairs bother you, a semi-permanent hair dye will let you cover them up without straying too far from your natural shade. Plus, these types of dye usually don’t contain ammonia, which can damage your strands. If you’ve decided to embrace the grey, keep it silky with a gloss or an intense conditioning treatment every few weeks.