With a brand re-launch in Fall, 2008, The Body Shop is taking skin care to new heights with the launch of a new Baby care range. Featuring oil from the Amazonian Buriti (pronounced "boo-ree-chee") tree, the Buriti Baby Care Collection is perfect for new moms, moms to be, and even adults with sensitive skin.
The Pediatrician approved formula is recommended for infants age 3 months and older, and features no added preservatives, making it perfect for customers with sensitive skin. When used as recommended, the skin smoothing body butter will provide hours of moisturization thanks to the community trade shea butter and aloe.
With more moms getting picky about what they apply to baby's skin, you'll be pleased to know there are no parabens of any kind in the Buriti Collection. The range is exclusively available from consultants with The Body Shop at Home through Holiday, 2008. Five products comprise the body care collection with four additional accessories to augment the value of the regime.
Chocked full of essential fatty acids (EFA's), the Buriti Baby body wash, shampoo and body lotion provide lasting and gentle protection for baby's tender skin. For extra moisturization, the Buriti Baby body butter is a skin smoothing treat. If mom wants to spend some quality bonding time with baby, the no-mess, near-dripless massage gel is perfect for applying while holding your bundle of joy in a close "back rub" position. You can even pour it one-handed!
With The Body Shop touting "Nature's Way to Beautiful" as their new mantra for a greener way of living, you'd expect the company to be screaming from the rooftops about this new powerhouse product collection. Instead, they've opted to test market the products exclusively through their "At Home" sales channel in an effort to generate grass roots momentum for the holiday season. But whatever their approach, products like The new Buriti Baby collection are a powerful entry into the more conscious baby care market. Featuring "natural ingredients, bursting with effectiveness" sourced with a commitment to social and ecological responsibility. It's no wonder The Body Shop has been the number one "green" cosmetics brand for decades.
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Lisa M. Robbin Young gives "face time" to hundreds of women each month, as a skin care consultant, author and entrepreneur. Sign up for her free newsletter, "Beauty Remarks" and get a free copy of her book, "Saving Face" at QueenOfTheSpa.com
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Red Carpet Tips for Fall
(ARA) - As the leaves change their colors this fall, many people find it is a great time to also change their style. The fall season brings new fashion and a chance for women to peruse style magazines and hit the shops to revive their look. Stylist-to-the-stars Britt Bardo brings good news for this fall’s style seekers -- looking your best does not have to take a lot of time or money.
Prepping celebrities for red carpet appearances and eleventh-hour events is a daily task for Bardo whose clients include Hollywood A-listers, Jessica Simpson, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez. While she spends much of her time preparing stars for important events, Britt often finds herself providing clients with simple tips to achieve a stylish, yet effortless, look at the last minute.
But in Bardo’s opinion, a new look isn’t always about the clothes and accessories. Her easiest tip is likely the first that people notice. “When my clients have to look good quickly, my new secret weapon is the new touch-up teeth whitening product, Aquafresh White Trays Revive. It revitalizes the effects of previous whitening treatments, improving teeth whiteness in just two days -- it is a life-saver for last minute events.”
This fall, fashion doesn’t have to be complicated -- Bardo finds the most basic items to be wardrobe essentials. “When you are at a loss for what to wear, stick to well-fitting, chic basics,” she says. “A great pair of trousers and a simple t-shirt tucked in are dependable outfit home-runs. Then give the outfit some ammunition with bold accessories.”
Bardo recommends these other tips to turn heads this fall:
* Every woman should have a great-fitting, sexy little white shirt. It is classic and chic and goes with everything.
* Mix up your cosmetics with the new mineral make-ups.
* If you want to try out a trend but are hesitant to spend a lot of money, look for a similar style at a lower price. With high-end designers doing collections for mass retailers it is easy to find something fun and low cost.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Prepping celebrities for red carpet appearances and eleventh-hour events is a daily task for Bardo whose clients include Hollywood A-listers, Jessica Simpson, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez. While she spends much of her time preparing stars for important events, Britt often finds herself providing clients with simple tips to achieve a stylish, yet effortless, look at the last minute.
But in Bardo’s opinion, a new look isn’t always about the clothes and accessories. Her easiest tip is likely the first that people notice. “When my clients have to look good quickly, my new secret weapon is the new touch-up teeth whitening product, Aquafresh White Trays Revive. It revitalizes the effects of previous whitening treatments, improving teeth whiteness in just two days -- it is a life-saver for last minute events.”
This fall, fashion doesn’t have to be complicated -- Bardo finds the most basic items to be wardrobe essentials. “When you are at a loss for what to wear, stick to well-fitting, chic basics,” she says. “A great pair of trousers and a simple t-shirt tucked in are dependable outfit home-runs. Then give the outfit some ammunition with bold accessories.”
Bardo recommends these other tips to turn heads this fall:
* Every woman should have a great-fitting, sexy little white shirt. It is classic and chic and goes with everything.
* Mix up your cosmetics with the new mineral make-ups.
* If you want to try out a trend but are hesitant to spend a lot of money, look for a similar style at a lower price. With high-end designers doing collections for mass retailers it is easy to find something fun and low cost.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Buriti Oil: Baby's Amazon Skin Smoother
Buriti Oil may be the nectar of the Gods - at least in Brazil. The Moriche Palm, Mauritia flexuosa, also known as the Buriti tree, is a palm tree that grows in and near swamps and other wet areas in tropical South America. Natives call it "the Tree of Life" which is the literal translation of Buriti. The entire tree has varied uses, and indeed may be a rare gem in the Amazonian jungle.
The Buriti (pronounced bu-REE-chee) palm grows to a towering height of up to 35 meters, with a palm spread that resembles a rounded crown. Beautiful pale yellow blooms adorn the tree from December to April, and an almost artificial-looking ridged fruit grows from December to June. The nearly perfectly shaped fruit has shiny chestnut colored scales, and the edible, yellow, fleshy fruit has a high vitamin C content.
The Buriti palm is suitable for human use in a variety of ways. The sweet fruit is used to make beverages, preserves and ice cream. Buriti oil is high in vitamin A and is cold-pressed from the pulp. Natives use the healing oil to treat burns because of its soothing qualities. The inflorescence buds are eaten as a vegetable, and the sap can be made into a juice or allowed to ferment to make a wine. Threads and cords are locally produced from the tree's fibers.
In the cosmetic world, Buriti oil is highly prized for the essential Fatty Acids and emollients that work overtime at keeping skin smooth. The antioxidant properties of Buriti oil also have skin repairing and protecting properties. In fact, the concentration of carotene in Buriti oil is even higher than that in carrot oil.
Slowly, we're seeing Buriti oil make it's way into the mainstream cosmetic market. Look for major players like The Body Shop to release a new collection of baby care products featuring Buriti oil in Fall, 2008. Dubbed "Buriti Baby", the collection touts skin softening, ultra gentle cleansing and protection for baby's delicate skin. Products range from shampoo to baby body butter, and include accesories made from organic cotton and renewable bamboo.
But Buriti oil isn't just for babies. Countless health food stores are now carrying the oil, the ground nut as an exfoliant, and even the fruit. Americans are just now learning how valuable this miracle fruit can be in terms of meeting so many diverse needs for our health and beauty.
The Buriti (pronounced bu-REE-chee) palm grows to a towering height of up to 35 meters, with a palm spread that resembles a rounded crown. Beautiful pale yellow blooms adorn the tree from December to April, and an almost artificial-looking ridged fruit grows from December to June. The nearly perfectly shaped fruit has shiny chestnut colored scales, and the edible, yellow, fleshy fruit has a high vitamin C content.
The Buriti palm is suitable for human use in a variety of ways. The sweet fruit is used to make beverages, preserves and ice cream. Buriti oil is high in vitamin A and is cold-pressed from the pulp. Natives use the healing oil to treat burns because of its soothing qualities. The inflorescence buds are eaten as a vegetable, and the sap can be made into a juice or allowed to ferment to make a wine. Threads and cords are locally produced from the tree's fibers.
In the cosmetic world, Buriti oil is highly prized for the essential Fatty Acids and emollients that work overtime at keeping skin smooth. The antioxidant properties of Buriti oil also have skin repairing and protecting properties. In fact, the concentration of carotene in Buriti oil is even higher than that in carrot oil.
Slowly, we're seeing Buriti oil make it's way into the mainstream cosmetic market. Look for major players like The Body Shop to release a new collection of baby care products featuring Buriti oil in Fall, 2008. Dubbed "Buriti Baby", the collection touts skin softening, ultra gentle cleansing and protection for baby's delicate skin. Products range from shampoo to baby body butter, and include accesories made from organic cotton and renewable bamboo.
But Buriti oil isn't just for babies. Countless health food stores are now carrying the oil, the ground nut as an exfoliant, and even the fruit. Americans are just now learning how valuable this miracle fruit can be in terms of meeting so many diverse needs for our health and beauty.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Nature's Minerals: Makeup That's Good For Your Skin?
One of the hottest trends in make-up today is loose-powder mineral cosmetics. With brand names like "naked", "bare" and "pure", one would think that mineral makeup is one of the best products for your skin. To a point that's true. Because many of the traditional additives in cosmetics - fragrance, filler, binders, synthetic dyes and preservatives - are not a part of mineral makeup, these new, "natural" cosmetics are easier on the skin, but don't be fooled. According to WebMD, the major mineral components in this trendy new make-up "have been the basis of most makeup foundations for decades." What's more, many of the ingredients are actually synthetically formulated, which takes "nature" right out of the picture, in a manner of speaking.
Here's the lowdown on the 4 most common "minerals" found in today's hottest cosmetics:
Iron Oxide. More commonly known as rust, certain isotopes of iron oxide have been used since prehistoric times as pigments, paints and dyes. Different chemical configurations create different colors, most often red, brown, yellow and black tones. There is a large concentration of iron oxide on Mars, thus giving it the red hue, and the nickname "the red planet". According to Wikipedia, however: "Iron oxides graded safe for cosmetic use are produced synthetically in order to avoid the inclusion of ferrous or ferric oxides, and impurities normally found in naturally occurring iron oxides."
Nature's own minerals being replicated in a lab? Doesn't sound very "natural" to me!
Titanium Dioxide. From paint, to sunscreen to food coloring, this naturally occurring substance has also been used in cosmetics for decades - primarily as a thickener and, more recently, for the SPF protection that it provides. Most dermatologists would agree, however that no matter the SPF, mineral makeup by itself is not enough sun protection for the skin of your face. Dermatologists recommend a minimum SPF rating of 25 for face protection. And never tuck yourself in at night without washing your face. No makeup is pure enough "to sleep in it". Plus the recent concerns over the recent classification of titanium dioxide as a "group 2B carcinogen" have people reexamining the benefits of the mineral. This classification indicates that the mineral could be potentially carcinogenic to humans, as it has been found to cause cancer in rats that inhaled the particles.
As most mineral makeups are in a loose, powder form, it is unclear at this point if it will pose a future threat to humans. One of the biggest complaints regarding mineral makeup is the loose powder spillage and dispersion in the air during application. According to WebMD, however, the fine particulate matter of the makeup may pose other concerns. "Minerals like zinc and titanium are safe when applied to healthy skin but in a micronized nanoparticle form, there remains a concern, particularly when applied to damaged skin, or when inhaled".
Mica. Though to be derived from an ancient word for "glitter", mica's light diffusing properties have made it a component in eye colors for decades. Highly heat resistant, mica has been prized for centuries and is the predominant component of the sun pyramid just outside of Mexico City. In mineral makeup, mica is used to reflect light, create a shimmering effect or to help disguise fine lines by "bending" light. Mica was extremely rare and prized throughout Europe during the 19th century. Now, mica is easily refined and is one of the truly natural minerals in cosmetics today.
Kaolin/ Kaolinite. This earthy clay hardens to a soft, chalk-like substance. This nearly white mineral is prevalent around the globe, and is another true mineral in mineral cosmetics. Because of the absorbent nature of clay, it adheres more uniformly to the contours of facial skin and holds its position better than most liquid foundations. It is kaolin and other clays like it (some companies are using "Mediterranean" clay, commonly known as illite, which is a cousin to kaolinite) that gives mineral make-up the long lasting coverage for which it is popular.
So if you have to choose, mineral make-up is probably the lesser of all cosmetic evils, and even a great choice for people with acne-prone skin. The clay helps to absorb excess oils, and gives a "flawless" professional finish with even coverage. One mineral to steer clear of, however is bismuth oxychloride. While this element is technically a mineral, it does not occur naturally, and "Bismuth is a byproduct of lead and copper processing" according to the experts at WebMD. It is strongly cautioned that people with sensitive skin, rosacea or chronic acne avoid this ingredient, as it "is considered a skin irritant and can cause itching and rashes and in large amounts it can cause cystic acne."
For normal to oily skin, makeup made from nature's minerals are a blessing, but for dry/sensitive skin, heavy applications of mineral makeup can be too drying on the skin, emphasizing fine lines and "weighing down" the skin's appearance. A simple trick to improve the coverage without applying a second coat? Mist your face to add a bit of moisture before applying the makeup, and consider using a less diffuse applicator brush. The smaller the brush, the heavier and more direct the coverage. As technology and testing catches up with this cosmetic trend, watch for mineral makeup that is actually proven suitable for sensitive skin. It's only a matter of time.
==========
Lisa M. Robbin Young gives "face time" to hundreds of women each month, as a skin care consultant, author and entrepreneur. Sign up for her free newsletter, "Beauty Remarks" and get a free copy of her book, "Saving Face" at http://www.lisamrobbin.com/savingface.aspx
Here's the lowdown on the 4 most common "minerals" found in today's hottest cosmetics:
Iron Oxide. More commonly known as rust, certain isotopes of iron oxide have been used since prehistoric times as pigments, paints and dyes. Different chemical configurations create different colors, most often red, brown, yellow and black tones. There is a large concentration of iron oxide on Mars, thus giving it the red hue, and the nickname "the red planet". According to Wikipedia, however: "Iron oxides graded safe for cosmetic use are produced synthetically in order to avoid the inclusion of ferrous or ferric oxides, and impurities normally found in naturally occurring iron oxides."
Nature's own minerals being replicated in a lab? Doesn't sound very "natural" to me!
Titanium Dioxide. From paint, to sunscreen to food coloring, this naturally occurring substance has also been used in cosmetics for decades - primarily as a thickener and, more recently, for the SPF protection that it provides. Most dermatologists would agree, however that no matter the SPF, mineral makeup by itself is not enough sun protection for the skin of your face. Dermatologists recommend a minimum SPF rating of 25 for face protection. And never tuck yourself in at night without washing your face. No makeup is pure enough "to sleep in it". Plus the recent concerns over the recent classification of titanium dioxide as a "group 2B carcinogen" have people reexamining the benefits of the mineral. This classification indicates that the mineral could be potentially carcinogenic to humans, as it has been found to cause cancer in rats that inhaled the particles.
As most mineral makeups are in a loose, powder form, it is unclear at this point if it will pose a future threat to humans. One of the biggest complaints regarding mineral makeup is the loose powder spillage and dispersion in the air during application. According to WebMD, however, the fine particulate matter of the makeup may pose other concerns. "Minerals like zinc and titanium are safe when applied to healthy skin but in a micronized nanoparticle form, there remains a concern, particularly when applied to damaged skin, or when inhaled".
Mica. Though to be derived from an ancient word for "glitter", mica's light diffusing properties have made it a component in eye colors for decades. Highly heat resistant, mica has been prized for centuries and is the predominant component of the sun pyramid just outside of Mexico City. In mineral makeup, mica is used to reflect light, create a shimmering effect or to help disguise fine lines by "bending" light. Mica was extremely rare and prized throughout Europe during the 19th century. Now, mica is easily refined and is one of the truly natural minerals in cosmetics today.
Kaolin/ Kaolinite. This earthy clay hardens to a soft, chalk-like substance. This nearly white mineral is prevalent around the globe, and is another true mineral in mineral cosmetics. Because of the absorbent nature of clay, it adheres more uniformly to the contours of facial skin and holds its position better than most liquid foundations. It is kaolin and other clays like it (some companies are using "Mediterranean" clay, commonly known as illite, which is a cousin to kaolinite) that gives mineral make-up the long lasting coverage for which it is popular.
So if you have to choose, mineral make-up is probably the lesser of all cosmetic evils, and even a great choice for people with acne-prone skin. The clay helps to absorb excess oils, and gives a "flawless" professional finish with even coverage. One mineral to steer clear of, however is bismuth oxychloride. While this element is technically a mineral, it does not occur naturally, and "Bismuth is a byproduct of lead and copper processing" according to the experts at WebMD. It is strongly cautioned that people with sensitive skin, rosacea or chronic acne avoid this ingredient, as it "is considered a skin irritant and can cause itching and rashes and in large amounts it can cause cystic acne."
For normal to oily skin, makeup made from nature's minerals are a blessing, but for dry/sensitive skin, heavy applications of mineral makeup can be too drying on the skin, emphasizing fine lines and "weighing down" the skin's appearance. A simple trick to improve the coverage without applying a second coat? Mist your face to add a bit of moisture before applying the makeup, and consider using a less diffuse applicator brush. The smaller the brush, the heavier and more direct the coverage. As technology and testing catches up with this cosmetic trend, watch for mineral makeup that is actually proven suitable for sensitive skin. It's only a matter of time.
==========
Lisa M. Robbin Young gives "face time" to hundreds of women each month, as a skin care consultant, author and entrepreneur. Sign up for her free newsletter, "Beauty Remarks" and get a free copy of her book, "Saving Face" at http://www.lisamrobbin.com/savingface.aspx
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Spa Parties: Pamper Your Body and Shop at Home All At Once
Spa parties are not a new idea, but the trend is more popular in recent years. As technology improves, companies are offering spa quality products to smooth your skin and pamper your body while you shop at home in a relaxing and fun "party" setting.
The idea is simple, and most are based on the direct selling, party plan model. An independent consultant arrives at your home, sets up her "shop" and presents a short product demo that includes slathering your body's skin with naturally inspired beauty and skin care from a company with a track record for excellence. Women with tired, achy feet are encouraged to soak them in tubs of warm water infused with products called "cooling peppermint foot soak" or "plunge and purify bath soak". Tired tootsies are refreshed and softened - much like the ladies themselves.
Most of the time, the products are far superior to anything you can buy in a retail outlet. Sure, you can get a tub of body butter at your local Wal-Mart, but the consistency and ingredients of the product are generally of a lesser quality than the body products you can shop for at home parties. Plus, many of these companies are using botanicals, natural ingredients and even rare herbs and oils to further bolster the effectiveness of the product. With the green craze in full swing, more consumers are looking for products that are good for their body, with more natural ingredients, and fewer additives, preservatives and chemicals.
In recent years, some of the biggest manufacturers of skin, hair and makeup products have established home party channels from which their clients can continue to shop. In fact, companies like Avon, which started as a direct selling company, have added stores in malls, as well as "in home" type sales presentations to their arsenal in recent years in an effort to "reach customers where they are". With the rising transportation and fuel costs, the in home party plan consultants are actually noting an increase in business, because people would rather "shop from their seat, instead of their feet" saving time, gas, and money in the process. One "shop at home" body care company projects that independent consultant sales will eclipse their retail store sales in the next 3-6 years. The convenience, comfort and value of attending a spa party at home is gaining more mainstream recognition, as women that have attended parties begin to rave about the products, the pampering and the fun with friends.
But the fun is not just for customers. While they can shop in a party-like setting, hostesses get a great deal more than just friends, food and fun. They also have the opportunity to earn additional products for free and half price when their friends shop for body care products at their house.
So just for opening their doors to family and friends, a hostess can walk out of the independent consultant's "shop" with an armload of free bath and body products delivered right to her home. All she has to do is invite her friends, serve light refreshments, and open the box of "goodies" when it arrives.
The best part? Spa parties are free to host. Independent consultants do not charge a fee to set up their "shop" at your home. Most consultants rely on sales from guests to pay for their time and materials at an in-home spa party. Some consultants charge a flat rate per person if no sales will be collected during the event. Hostesses can also get credits for additional products from the consultant's catalog when her guests agree to schedule a show at a later date. This is how an independent spa party consultant generates sales and repeat business. There are usually gifts or incentives for the guests to host a party as well.
==========
Would you like to use this article in your newsletter or e-zine? You can as long as you include this entire credit (including the web links):
Lisa M. Robbin Young is a skin care consultant, author, and entrepreneur. Sign up for her free newsletter, "Beauty ReMarks" and get a free copy of her book, "Saving Face" at http://www.lisamrobbin.com.
The idea is simple, and most are based on the direct selling, party plan model. An independent consultant arrives at your home, sets up her "shop" and presents a short product demo that includes slathering your body's skin with naturally inspired beauty and skin care from a company with a track record for excellence. Women with tired, achy feet are encouraged to soak them in tubs of warm water infused with products called "cooling peppermint foot soak" or "plunge and purify bath soak". Tired tootsies are refreshed and softened - much like the ladies themselves.
Most of the time, the products are far superior to anything you can buy in a retail outlet. Sure, you can get a tub of body butter at your local Wal-Mart, but the consistency and ingredients of the product are generally of a lesser quality than the body products you can shop for at home parties. Plus, many of these companies are using botanicals, natural ingredients and even rare herbs and oils to further bolster the effectiveness of the product. With the green craze in full swing, more consumers are looking for products that are good for their body, with more natural ingredients, and fewer additives, preservatives and chemicals.
In recent years, some of the biggest manufacturers of skin, hair and makeup products have established home party channels from which their clients can continue to shop. In fact, companies like Avon, which started as a direct selling company, have added stores in malls, as well as "in home" type sales presentations to their arsenal in recent years in an effort to "reach customers where they are". With the rising transportation and fuel costs, the in home party plan consultants are actually noting an increase in business, because people would rather "shop from their seat, instead of their feet" saving time, gas, and money in the process. One "shop at home" body care company projects that independent consultant sales will eclipse their retail store sales in the next 3-6 years. The convenience, comfort and value of attending a spa party at home is gaining more mainstream recognition, as women that have attended parties begin to rave about the products, the pampering and the fun with friends.
But the fun is not just for customers. While they can shop in a party-like setting, hostesses get a great deal more than just friends, food and fun. They also have the opportunity to earn additional products for free and half price when their friends shop for body care products at their house.
So just for opening their doors to family and friends, a hostess can walk out of the independent consultant's "shop" with an armload of free bath and body products delivered right to her home. All she has to do is invite her friends, serve light refreshments, and open the box of "goodies" when it arrives.
The best part? Spa parties are free to host. Independent consultants do not charge a fee to set up their "shop" at your home. Most consultants rely on sales from guests to pay for their time and materials at an in-home spa party. Some consultants charge a flat rate per person if no sales will be collected during the event. Hostesses can also get credits for additional products from the consultant's catalog when her guests agree to schedule a show at a later date. This is how an independent spa party consultant generates sales and repeat business. There are usually gifts or incentives for the guests to host a party as well.
==========
Would you like to use this article in your newsletter or e-zine? You can as long as you include this entire credit (including the web links):
Lisa M. Robbin Young is a skin care consultant, author, and entrepreneur. Sign up for her free newsletter, "Beauty ReMarks" and get a free copy of her book, "Saving Face" at http://www.lisamrobbin.com.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Fall 2008 Fashion Jewelry Forecast: Deep and Warm is the Trend
Summer's barely here, and the trend setters in the fashion industry are already making forecasts for Fall, 2008. Smooth, rounded shapes pair with matte metallics in the coming season. Personal style takes a warm, rich turn as the holiday season approaches. So before you even retire your favorite summer swimsuit, trendsetters are already talking about softer stylings, coupled with mixed materials and deep, rich colors. Here are 5 of the hottest trend ideas (complete with coloring advice), straight from the leading edge of fashion jewelry:
1. Rounded shaped like discs, rings, and hoops. Like a 3-ring circus, many of Fall's hottest designs are taking a circular shape. Look for designed inspired by retro looks of the 1960's: think British Invasion, West End geometrics. Medallions - the bigger the better - are also a popular look, reminiscent of the love-fest 70's.
2. For warmer tones: Try rich oranges and warm reds like Carnelian, Cinnabar, and Red Aventurine. Olive makes a great secondary color to mix things up. For cooler tones: watery, icy pastels in pink and blue set a relaxed but classy tone, while deep royal purples combined with matte gray add a touch of higher class.
3. Mix it up: Layers, textures and materials are all being interchanged this season. Silk cords with textured metals, suede with wood or metallics.
4. Go Natural: Wood, shell, natural stones are all hot commodities this Fall. The "go green" concept has hit the jewelry world with full force, and mother of pearl (dyed in a rainbow of colors), abalone and freshwater pearls are making a big "splash", as well as turquoise, agate and jade (also in a rainbow of colors).
5. Bold or Understated, the choice is yours: Big, bold dramatic pieces as a fashion focal point are the statement of the season. The peasant styles of the 70's, as well as the dynamic, two-toned geometrics of the 60's are playing nicely this Fall. Black and White (or silver and black) are hot properties. For the understated look, consider smaller crystals with lightweight metallics, pewter or graphite toned, for a great daytime/office look.
Fashion jewelry this fall is full of possibilities for once in a long time. It can be almost anything that you make of it. These 5 tips are a great starting point to put your jewelry wardrobe in high style. With layering continuing to be a trend, consider coupling a few more understated necklaces at various lengths with one larger, "chunky" bracelet, to create a wardrobe worth talking about all season long.
Lisa M. Robbin Young is a beauty and fashion consultant for two of the most recognized brands in the US today. Sign up for her free newsletter, "Beauty ReMarks" and get a free copy of her book, "Saving Face" at lisamrobbin.com
1. Rounded shaped like discs, rings, and hoops. Like a 3-ring circus, many of Fall's hottest designs are taking a circular shape. Look for designed inspired by retro looks of the 1960's: think British Invasion, West End geometrics. Medallions - the bigger the better - are also a popular look, reminiscent of the love-fest 70's.
2. For warmer tones: Try rich oranges and warm reds like Carnelian, Cinnabar, and Red Aventurine. Olive makes a great secondary color to mix things up. For cooler tones: watery, icy pastels in pink and blue set a relaxed but classy tone, while deep royal purples combined with matte gray add a touch of higher class.
3. Mix it up: Layers, textures and materials are all being interchanged this season. Silk cords with textured metals, suede with wood or metallics.
4. Go Natural: Wood, shell, natural stones are all hot commodities this Fall. The "go green" concept has hit the jewelry world with full force, and mother of pearl (dyed in a rainbow of colors), abalone and freshwater pearls are making a big "splash", as well as turquoise, agate and jade (also in a rainbow of colors).
5. Bold or Understated, the choice is yours: Big, bold dramatic pieces as a fashion focal point are the statement of the season. The peasant styles of the 70's, as well as the dynamic, two-toned geometrics of the 60's are playing nicely this Fall. Black and White (or silver and black) are hot properties. For the understated look, consider smaller crystals with lightweight metallics, pewter or graphite toned, for a great daytime/office look.
Fashion jewelry this fall is full of possibilities for once in a long time. It can be almost anything that you make of it. These 5 tips are a great starting point to put your jewelry wardrobe in high style. With layering continuing to be a trend, consider coupling a few more understated necklaces at various lengths with one larger, "chunky" bracelet, to create a wardrobe worth talking about all season long.
Lisa M. Robbin Young is a beauty and fashion consultant for two of the most recognized brands in the US today. Sign up for her free newsletter, "Beauty ReMarks" and get a free copy of her book, "Saving Face" at lisamrobbin.com
Monday, July 7, 2008
Aging Gracefully Inside and Out
(ARA) - Whether you've noticed the signs of aging in family and friends, or acknowledged how it affects your own mind and body, getting older is an unavoidable part of life. And while Ponce de Leon never found the Fountain of Youth, daily preventative measures can be taken to help you age beautifully both inside and out.
The most frequently recognized signs of aging include extrinsic indicators such as gray hair and wrinkles. But have you ever stopped to think about other factors that influence how young we feel and how young others perceive us to be? Here are some tips on how to take aging in stride and help you look and feel your youngest:
* Heart-felt: Choosing a heart-healthy diet may not only lengthen your lifespan by helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, it will also help you age healthier. The FDA recommends eating well-balanced meals low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt. Additionally, heart-friendly foods, especially those high in fiber, such as salmon, soy protein, oatmeal and spinach, will help you stay "young at heart."
* Smile On: Tooth stains and red gums can age the appearance of your smile and impact its health. In fact, gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that affects one out of every two adults, can be a major cause behind prematurely aging smiles. "The good news is that it's preventable," says Dr. Jamie Sands, D.D.S. "I recommend using Crest Pro-Health toothpaste, which helps stop gingivitis before it starts and protects all these areas dentists check most -- plaque, cavities, tartar, sensitivity and stains and a power toothbrush, such as Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean, which reduces up to two times more plaque than a manual brush."
* Work It: No one is too old to reap the benefits of exercise. Regular physical activity provides endless advantages -- from reducing the risk of osteoporosis to increased energy and feelings of well-being -- even a brisk 20-minute walk several times a week can improve your overall health.
* Skin Deep: Although genes are a major factor in how skin ages, a great deal of visible aging also stems from environmental factors. Just a few minutes of sun exposure a day can cause noticeable changes to the skin, such as freckles, age spots, spider veins, fine wrinkles, and of course, skin cancer. To maintain your youngest-looking skin, avoid deliberate sun exposure, wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, and apply sunscreen, preferably SPF 15 or higher, year-round.
* Thought-provoking: Studies suggests that people who engage in logic-based activities, such as crossword puzzles and games that involve strategy like Scrabble or chess, are less likely to develop memory loss. Not only will these hobbies keep your vision and hand-eye coordination sharp, but such challenges also help to keep your mind active.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
The most frequently recognized signs of aging include extrinsic indicators such as gray hair and wrinkles. But have you ever stopped to think about other factors that influence how young we feel and how young others perceive us to be? Here are some tips on how to take aging in stride and help you look and feel your youngest:
* Heart-felt: Choosing a heart-healthy diet may not only lengthen your lifespan by helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, it will also help you age healthier. The FDA recommends eating well-balanced meals low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt. Additionally, heart-friendly foods, especially those high in fiber, such as salmon, soy protein, oatmeal and spinach, will help you stay "young at heart."
* Smile On: Tooth stains and red gums can age the appearance of your smile and impact its health. In fact, gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that affects one out of every two adults, can be a major cause behind prematurely aging smiles. "The good news is that it's preventable," says Dr. Jamie Sands, D.D.S. "I recommend using Crest Pro-Health toothpaste, which helps stop gingivitis before it starts and protects all these areas dentists check most -- plaque, cavities, tartar, sensitivity and stains and a power toothbrush, such as Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean, which reduces up to two times more plaque than a manual brush."
* Work It: No one is too old to reap the benefits of exercise. Regular physical activity provides endless advantages -- from reducing the risk of osteoporosis to increased energy and feelings of well-being -- even a brisk 20-minute walk several times a week can improve your overall health.
* Skin Deep: Although genes are a major factor in how skin ages, a great deal of visible aging also stems from environmental factors. Just a few minutes of sun exposure a day can cause noticeable changes to the skin, such as freckles, age spots, spider veins, fine wrinkles, and of course, skin cancer. To maintain your youngest-looking skin, avoid deliberate sun exposure, wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, and apply sunscreen, preferably SPF 15 or higher, year-round.
* Thought-provoking: Studies suggests that people who engage in logic-based activities, such as crossword puzzles and games that involve strategy like Scrabble or chess, are less likely to develop memory loss. Not only will these hobbies keep your vision and hand-eye coordination sharp, but such challenges also help to keep your mind active.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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