Wax On, Wax Off

Though shaving may do the trick in the removal of unwanted hair, as we all know, it doesn't last long, making the process a frequent (and often hated) chore. To let yourself be free of this task, there are several options for you, and one of the most long lasting of those is waxing. Using a hair removal wax pulls hair out from the root, leaving you hair (and stubble) free for up to 6 weeks. Sounds like something you're interested in? Keeping these simple tips in mind will keep you soft, smooth and hair free thanks to the power of wax.



1. Pain Tolerence - This is a major factor in why women choose the razor over the wax. Waxing can and will almost certainly be painful. Imagine the experience of pulling off an old bandaid from a patch of skin. Now imagine that patch of skin being about the size of your flat lying hand. If your pain tolerance isn't up to it, skip the wax - it is just going to sit in the cupboard if you aren't brave enough to use it. Regardless of what ever the box says, if it is a wax product involving ripping the hair out of your skin by the follicle, it is going to hurt. Promises of "pain free" waxing simply are not true. The trick is to just keep in mind - pain is beauty, beauty is pain... and that long lasting smoothness will be SO worth it.

2. Hot vs. Cold - Both have their benefits. Cold waxes can be less gooey, sticky and messy, and generally are better for your skin than the hot counterparts. However, because the wax is cold, it isn't as easy to spread as it maintains its thickness. Also, if you have hard to remove, or thick hair, you may want to opt for the hot, as cold doesn't grab onto hair as aggressively as hot wax. Keep in mind though, hot wax can be extremely messy if you are not an experienced pro. Be prepared to have a little clean up to do after you are through with the hot wax. But if you have stubborn, or small hairs, go with the hot wax, it has better grip and will remove hair more effectively.

3. Irritation - Skin irritation is absolutely normal - think of what you're doing to it! DO NOT wax immediately before needing to go somewhere, the redness and irritation can last up to 5 hours. To lessen the chance of beat red skin, try putting a little baby powder on the skin just before you put the wax on. This helps by not allowing the wax to stick to the skin as much, only the hair.

All these cautions being said, waxing is a great, long lasting method of hair removal. Though it comes with its downfalls such as pain and short term redness, its long lasting results are very much worth it (just think about throwing that razor away in the shower!)

A great wax to try is:

Gigi Mini Professional Kit

Check it out - it is a great kit with everything you need to have a pleasant waxing experience.

Enjoy those soft smooth legs! :)

Tip Top Toes!

Considering the amount of time that we spend on our feet, they are often very very overlooked. Time cooped up in socks and shoes, or even exposed in sandals, can leave feet dry, cracked, and sore. This simply shouldn't be the case! But alas, there is relief for our poor tortured toes - foot cream. Keeping your feet moisturized is the best way to keep your toes healthy, and even smelling great! Your all-over-body lotion might seem to do the job, but looking out for a foot cream with these tips in mind will get you well on your way to happy feet.



1. Cream vs. Lotion - Don't be fooled - Creams and Lotions are very very different products. Cream has thicker, more absorbent properties and is meant to last, perfect for your tired and battered feet. Look for a foot cream that says its a CREAM. If you can, open the container in the store and check for a solid consistency. If you tilt the container and the cream is thin enough to move with it, it is probably not the greatest for your feet. Lotions should be left for the rest of the body - for the feet, stick to a thick cream.

2. Moisture - If you suffer from dry or cracked feet, looking for an effective moisturizing agent will be your top priority. Moisturizers with enough punch to tackle those feet include urea, lanonin, patrolatum. These moisturizers are strong and thick, perfect for long lasting effectiveness.

3. Calluses and Cracked Heels - Both are common problems that have different solutions when looking for a cream. If cracked heels are your problem, look for creams with lidocane, it will help numb the pain. Also, if you look for creams with benzoconyum, it will help keep those cracks free of bacteria and help prevent infection. If you have calluses, or lots of dead flaky skin on your feet, look for a cream with AHA, it is an exfoliating ingredient that will help remove it.

A great foot cream to keep those toes their best is:

Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme with Vitamin E

Burt's Bees is a great, trusted brand. Not only does this cream work well for dry feet, it smells great! A definite personal favorite of mine. :)

Squeaky Clean

Though traditional bars of soap were once the standard for scrubbing up in the shower, there is a new trend emerging - body wash. Instead of a solid bar to wash all over with, body washes come in a liquid - almost gel consistency, that some people even swear by. But no one has really asked the question why? What are some of the advantages of body wash, and what should you look for when buying your bottled bubbles? Keeping these tips in mind will help you successfully select your suds.



1. Make Sure It Is Body Wash - Not all shower gels are actually meant to be a replacement for your old bar of soap. Many are simply meant to be bubble baths or bathing gel, in which case it will be much more concentrated, and not at all effective for cleaning the skin. Make sure the shower gel you pick up is meant for washing your body. This may seem self explanatory, but you would be surprised how many of you out there aren't actually washing with a body wash at all.

2. Skin Type - If you find you have oily skin all over, you may want to stick with the traditional bar of soap. For those of you with normal to dry skin, the body wash will help moisten skin for a nice, soft, touchable feel. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, body wash will be a good option for you as well. The pH in body washes are more closer to our own skin, making it less abrasive if you use it in the wash.

3. Extra Ingredients - Many body washes will be filled with extra ingredients - vitamins and minerals - that claim to keep your skin softer and smoother. But be careful, many claims are simply unfounded and you will end up paying more money for those infused ingredients. Two things to look for in your shower gel that have been proven effective are petroleum jelly and aloe vera, so if you are looking for soft skin, those two ingredients are your best bet.

4. Fragrance - One of the main benefits of a body wash is the millions and millions of fragrances they have, and the choice is all yours. Make sure you take a smell in the store - scents that may sound appealing on the label might not translate into a very yummy fragrance. If you have sensitive skin, be careful with fragrance. Often the chemicals used in making body washes smell nice can effect sensitive skin - if this is the problem go with a fragrance free option, or body wash made especially for sensitive skin.

A great body wash with a lovely fresh scent is:

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash Value Pack, Two 24oz Body Washes with Free Body Pouf

It has great moisturizers, a clean scent everyone likes, and comes with a free bath pouffe to lather yourself up with. :)

Buying body wash is something that should be fun. Keep in mind your skin needs and fragrance preferences, and you should be well on your way to bubbled bliss.

That Healthy Glow

Many women desire that "fresh from a day in the sun" look, but we all know what kind of health risks actually spending all of that time in the sun can do. Sun exposure that can give you that great bronzed look also packs quite a health risk - unprotected UVA and UVB exposure is just not worth the risk. But what is a girl to do to get that healthy tanned look? Bronzer! Adding this cosmetic product to your daily routine can ensure that you have that beachy look all year round, and none of those dangerous health effects. When looking to buy a bronzer, it is important to keep these helpful tips in mind.



1. Color - Color is absolutely key in choosing the right bronzer for you. No matter how expensive or how great a bronzer may be, if it is the wrong color, it is a waste of money. Never buy a bronzer that is more than 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone - it will look fake if you go outside of this color shade. Make sure you try some on in the store on your face (not your hand) and take it outside. Natural lighting is a better color guide to indoor lighting. In general, look for bronzers with a more golden undertone - bronzers with a more peach or orange tone will leave you looking too orange and fake.

2. Matte or Shimmer - Shimmery Bronzer can leave you with a fresh dewy look without over doing it. However, it is important to note that these fine shimmers will settles very prominently into fine lines and wrinkles - so if that is something you are trying to avoid, a Matte finish will be better for you. Matte finishes also tend to have better, more even coverage. So if you are a first time bronzer and need to get the hang of application, Matte finishes may be the right choice.

3. Powder or Liquid - Bronzers come in two basic forms - Powders or Liquids. Powders are more easy to apply, give you a more transparent, natural feel, but that may not be enough for your needs. If you a more seasoned pro, Liquid is a great option. It provides thicker coverage and you have more control when applying. Also, take into consideration your skin type. If you have oily skin, a Liquid bronzer will tend to just make your skin more oily. Similarly, powders will make dry skin appear just that much more dry.

A great line of bronzers available to you is:

Mall Beauty Shimmer, Shape & Glow Face Defining System in 4 Combinations

Each package comes with three different shades, so you can customize your look. Give bronzer a try! You'll be amazed at what a difference a little "Faux Fun in the Sun" look can do!

Fighting Those Flakes

Having to live with dandruff can be one of the most embarrassing and life changing common ailments to suffer from. Those little, white flakes that end up everywhere - on your hair, your shoulders, your clothes, your furniture - can be a HUGE annoyance. Almost everyone will have dandruff at some point in their lives, and finding treatments can make living with dandruff much, much easier. Shampoos offer some relief - however, how do you pick one? There are several different brands on the market that claim to rid your hair of those pesky flakes. When choosing a dandruff shampoo for you, keep these important buying tips in mind.



1. The Active Ingredient - There are many different types of dandruff shampoos on the market, with a variety of different ingredients they use to keep the flakes at bay. Tea Tree Oil is a natural ingredient that is technically non medicated, but has been proven to help prevent dandruff. Tar-Based is just that, tar. Using ingredients found in the production of coal, Tar Based shampoos work by slowing the rate of skin cell production, which reduces the number of skin flakes (dandruff) from being produced. Pyrithione Zinc is an ingredient that prevents bacteria and fungus that produces dandruff. The lesson here is to check out the active ingredient in any dandruff shampoo you are buying. Check out the risks and benefits of each, and weigh them carefully.

2. Smell - Though you may have the greatest of intentions when it comes to buying that dandruff shampoo, you need to buy one that you know you are going to actually use. Some of the ingredients in dandruff shampoo can pack quite a smell, and if you know you will opt for a better smelling shampoo found in your shower, its going to be a waste.

3. The Way it Washes - Even though its main purpose is to treat dandruff, you must remember that it also serves as your shampoo. For most women, the way the shampoo leaves your hair - dandruff or not - can be a deal breaker. You have to ensure that the shampoo you pick does a good job in washing and protecting your hair. Washing with a dandruff shampoo followed by another more hair friendly shampoo simply does not work. The dandruff reducing properties of your dandruff shampoo are effectively useless with the use of another.

A great shampoo with a nice smell that leaves hair feeling soft is:

Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo, Dry Scalp Care

The task of picking a dandruff shampoo is simply trial and error. With the numerous choices and options out there for you, finding one that you like wont be that difficult. Finding an effective shampoo for you should rid you of those pesky, pesky flakes.

Nail Polish...That Works!

For every woman, there is nothing like a manicure and a fresh coat of nail polish to make your hands feel nice a pretty. Women have been painting their nails for years, and only recently have polishes been straying defiantly from that red hue. Whether you like the classic pinks or reds, or you're a wild child with the blacks and blues - no nail polish looks good chipped or cracked. Buying the right kind of nail polish can save your hours of frustration - no cracking, chipping or constant reapplying. The selection, style and brands of nail polish can be quite overwhelming, but with these few tips in mind, you are well on your way to happy handed bliss.



1. Color - Just like regular paint for your walls, nail polish wont dry exactly the same color as what it looks like in the bottle. If you are looking for a very specific shade or tint, make sure you test out a sample and let it dry completely. You don't want to spend the money on a whole bottle of nail polish only to find out that it isn't the color you wanted. Keep in mind your skin tone also - pinks and reds flatter paler complexions, gold and orange based tones suit olive skin, and darker skin tones look great with any color. Keep in mind, these are only suggestions, you need to find a color that you are happy with and you know you will wear.

2. Chemicals - To keep that polish on, nail polishes are often packed full of chemicals. Three major controversial ingredients - Phthalates, Formaldehyde and Toluene - are still used in nail polishes today, and their health effects are still in question and haven't been proven. Nail polish labels are often concealed well, so make sure you peel off ever label and corner to make sure you know all the chemicals in your polish. To avoid excessive inhalation when applying the nail polish, make sure you are in a well ventilated area. Better yet, apply outside.

3. Cost - The chemical make up of all nail polishes has little, little variation, so no matter how much you are going to pay for your bottle of polish, you are getting just that, nail polish. What the difference may be is in color. Generally, the more expensive a polish, the better, richer color they produce, and the more variety of color they sell. If you are looking for a very specific tone, you might have to shell out the dollars to find it sold by an expensive brand. If you are looking for a basic red or pink, save your money and go with the drug store brand.

4. Application - The way nail polish lasts and performs depends mainly on the way it is applied. For the least amount of chipping and cracking, apply a solid base coat, 2-3 thin coats of color, and finish with a top coat. Rushing through application with one super thick coat of polish will invariably be too thick to adhere to the nail properly, and crack or chip off. Patience is key also, make sure that each coat is dry (does not stick to the finger when touched) before you apply the next one.

A great package of nail polish colors is:

Nail Dazzle 10-piece Set - Create Beautiful Looking Nails At Home!

The lesson here - don't spend extra money, just spend extra time. With a basic set, and colors you like, you'll have happy hands in no time!

To Spray, or not to Spray!

Consumers have become more health concious than ever - diet foods, low fat, low sugar products have began to pop up everywhere. Everyone is looking to shave a few calories here, a few grams of fat there. Fat and Calories can slip in anywhere, and you'd be shocked to see how much fat is added in the cooking process. But don't fear - there is a solution. Cooking sprays provide the non-stick properties of butter, but shave down the fat and calories you are using to cook your food. Though each cooking spray out there may seem the same, here are a few tips in mind to ensure that you pick the right spray for your needs.



1. Fat Content - Even though these sprays claim to cut down on the amount of fat you use while cooking your foods, it may not be the case. Read the nutritional information on the back of the can to see if it's claims of "Non-Fat" are actually true. In most countries, a product can claim to be non-fat if it is under 0.5 grams of fat per serving. If a serving size on your Non-Stick Spray is very small, those 0.5 grams can add up in a hurry. Make sure you know how much (or how long) of a spray each serving size is listed as, and buy accordingly.

2. Flavor - Some No Stick sprays have added flavor right in the can. If you only use your non stick spray for one purpose (ie. grilling vegetables) this might be a good option for you. For those who use No Stick spray for a variety of uses, the flavor added in the can might not be good for all your needs. Those home-baked cookies might not taste so good with a herb and garlic flavor!

3. Product Specific Sprays - Save your money on sprays that are labelled good for "baking only" or "grilling only" - they are made of, and produce the same amount of No Stick goodness as any other general purpose spray. These product specific sprays often cost more, but is an unnecessary expense.

A great No Stick spray that is great for all your needs is:

Pam Original Non Stick Cooking Spray

Though No Stick sprays may seem like a great alternative to buttering up that pan - you really have to watch how you use it. Used correctly, and wisely, No Stick spray can be a great addition to any kitchen cupboard.

The Buzzing Brush

Many of us dread the trip to the dentist - so much so that very few go on a regular basis. We all fear that the dentist will affirm or repremand us about how we didn't brush three times a day, didn't floss, or use that anti-bacterial mouth wash. Keeping those pearly whites their best can be a hassle, all of the care that the dentist recommends can be quite time consuming and cumbersome, but with the right tools - especially the recently popular electric toothbrush - keeping your teeth their healthiest can be less of a chore, and even a little bit fun. When shopping for an electric toothbrush, the choices can be quite overwhelming. Keeping these few tips in mind can guide you to making the right purchase for your needs.



1. Brush Heads - Take into account whether the brush heads on the electric toothbrush are replaceable - this feature would allow the whole family to share one brush, but all using different heads. A replaceable head also saves you money in the long run - instead of replacing the whole electric toothbrush, you can just replace the heads.

2. Battery Operated/Rechargeable - A battery operated electric toothrush will save you money, but will need to be replaced more often. When looking at the battery operated variety, check to see if the batteries are replaceable and standard batteries you can buy yourself. Depending on how often it is used, a standard battery operated brush should last approximately 4 months, and by the time you factor in the cost of the batteries and the replacement head - it might be more cost efficient to buy a whole new unit. Rechargeable electric toothbrushes will last much longer, no parts to replace, and they are often replaceable heads but - they are more expensive. In the long run, it may save you money going with a rechargeable model.

3. Noise - These little devices pack a lot of power - and sometimes a lot of noise! Make sure you test out the toothbrush in the store to make sure it wont be disturbing others in your household should you take it home with you. Because of the way they are constructed, battery operated toothbrushes are slightly noisier.

4. Features - Some electric toothbrushes come with some additional features that may be beneficial to you. If you have more sensitive teeth, you may benefit from a brush that has multiple speed settings so you can customize how you like your brush to perform. Also, some toothbrushes come with an automatic timer, making sure that you brush long enough each day. These features can be really handy when it comes time to brush those pearly whites - but if you know you aren't going to use them, skip them. They are likely to tack on $'s to the cost of your brush.

A great brush that has all the great features for a reasonable price is the:

Oral B 7550 Professional Care Power Toothbrush



Electric Toothbrushes are an effective and even fun way to keep up with your dental hygiene. Making sure you find one that is suited for you (and your family!) will ensure that those trips to the dentist wont be so frightening!

Those Pesky Allergies

Whether seasonal or year long allergies plague you, you are certainly not alone - allergies affect more than 50 Million people in the US and can have side effects ranging from very mild to potentially deadly. Allergies are caused by an unusually high sensitivity and reaction to an ordinary or usually harmless substance. When an allergic person comes into contact with a substance they are allergic to, their body treats the substance as a harmful intruder, causing the body to react with symptoms that most allergy suffers have to content with - itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, congestion and difficulty breathing. Though methods of curing allergies has not yet been found, there are several options at the pharmacy counter that can alleviate those pesky symptoms. Though the selection may seem endless, there are several key elements you should look for when selecting an antihistamine for your needs.



1. Cost - Cost is always a big factor when purchasing medications over the counter. Most medications, brand name or not, are made from the same basic chemical make up. Determine how often allergy symptoms need to be treated, the number of pills coming in a pack, the recommended dose for treatment and the features of each brand to determine what size and cost you are willing to dole out. It is often the case that when a store brand is compared to its brand name counter part, there is no difference. Going with the store brand can save you a bundle.

2. Features - Some antihistamines focus on different types of allergies, mainly grouped into either indoor or outdoor. If you suffer from only one of these groups, go for a medication that treats this group specifically - otherwise you could be taking medication that you simply do not need. Many treatments, however, claim all-allergy-treatment, a good option for you if you suffer from many types of allergies.

3. Side Effects - The medicine used in antihistamines often cause drowsiness, and if there is no specific label telling you that it is a "Non-Drowsy Formula" it is most likely going to make you sleepy. If you need to be alert and aware during the time you are on antihistamines, you may want to consider spending a little extra on a treatment that wont leave you groggy or tired. These formulas often do a better job of making your allergy ridden self feeling just like new.

A great all-round, inexpensive brand you might try is:

Benadryl Allergy & Sinus Headache Caplets, 24-Count Boxes (Pack of 4)

Though allergies can be a nuissence, they don't have to be a problem. Looking for the right antihistamine can be your best bet on relieving those annoying symptoms!

Get Your Curl On!

Although nearly 60% of people have some sort of wave or curl in their hair, consumers flock to the curling iron as a source of that perfect do. Whether your hair is dead straight, or unmanageably curly, using a curling iron can tame your tresses into a very fashionable hairstyle. While the selection of curling irons may seem endless, there are three key features that you can look for to ensure that your look is just what you desire.



1. Barrel Size - This is the most important feature when looking for any curling iron. The barrel size can be described as the diameter of the hot cylender, and it heavily affects the way your curling iron will work. The smaller the barrel size, the smaller the curl. If you are looking for tight ringlets, opt for an iron with a small barrel. For those wider and softer curls, choose an iron with a wider barrel.

2. Heat Settings - Dependant on your type of hair, you may want to look for a curling iron that has a variety of heat setting to tailor to your needs. if you have highly damaged or fine hair, you may benefit from an iron with a low heat setting. Thick or hard to curl hair will hold curls longer with a hotter setting.

3. Metal or Ceramic? - Curling Irons can be separated into two groups METAL and CERAMIC. Metal irons tend to be less expensive than their metal counterparts, are heavier, take up to 5 minutes to reach full heat and can snag and pull hairs. More expensive metal irons will be gold plated, as it is a softer metal and takes less time to heat. Ceramic Irons are the more expensive of the two, but boast quick heating times, a more effective hold, less frizz and snag to your hair.

For an all purpose, mid-priced, great iron, check out the:

Babyliss Pro Porcelain Ceramic Spring Curling Iron 1 1/2"

It has all the important features of a high end iron, but for a middle of the line price.

Now go, enjoy that bounce - you deserve it!