Guerlain Idylle Body Care Collection

Last year’s sensational perfume Idylle from Guerlain finally has a whole perfume family. The world will welcome a collection of body products Idylle Body Care Collection from Guerlain in February 2010

This collection of body products will definitely find a spot in every woman’s house who found this new perfume to her liking.

The collection will feature shower gel, body milk, body cream, and also deodorant. Those products have exactly the same fragrance composition as Guerlain Idylle. Let’s admit, the composition is a truly divine one! Bulgarian rose, raspberry, lychee, and freesia create the upper notes of the composition. The “heart” of the perfume features floral notes of lily, jasmine, rose, peony, and mountain lily. The base notes include musk and even patchouli.

Unhealthy Effects of Cosmetics

Cosmetic products are intended to enhance the look of our skin. There is a belief, however, that some beauty products are actually unhealthy rather than healthy. Geniusbeauty.com tried to find reasons behind 5 most common myths about cosmetics.

Some Lipsticks Contain Hazardous Levels of Lead

Cosmetics, Toiletries and Fragrance Association, CTFA, says this myth holds no validity. The amount of lead we could get from cosmetic products is great deal less than that we get from foods, water and air every day.

Body Sprays Cause Breast Cancer because They Contain Carcinogens and Trigger Toxins Buildup in Lymphatic Nodes of Breasts

The American Cancer Society and The National Cancer Institute declined these rumors. Lymphatic nodes get rid of toxins through kidneys and liver, not through sweat glands. There is scientific evidence that body sprays can cause only allergy and that they have nothing to do with cancer.

Some Surfactant Agents Destroy Skin

Experiments showed that sodium lauryl sulfate based products lead to increased sensitivity of skin. This agent damages the protective layer and stores in skin cells. The regular use of detergents with surfactant agents may result in dry skin, peeling skin, hair loss, pimples and dermatitis.

And while experts say they are safe in products that are washed away with water (like shampoos, body gels and foams), they still don’t recommend it for people with acne problems, dry skin or hair loss.

Preservatives in Beauty Products Are Unhealthy for Skin

Preservatives are important because they protect beauty products from bacteria. For bacteria, your cream jar is the best place to live in. Here they’ve got everything for a prosperous growth – water, nutrients (fats, proteins, carbs), oxygen for aerobes (in open jars) and the lack of oxygen for anaerobes (in closed jars).
If bacteria still make their way to a cream, for example, getting there from somebody’s finger, this may cause an allergy. Bacteria can cause infections for the skin and, especially, for the eyes.

Synthetic Coloring Agents and Aromatizers Are Unhealthy

Both synthetic and natural aromatizers may be allergic. Among coloring agents, coal tar formulas might be dangerous (black hair dyes contain these components). Though scientists gave many warnings that the components could cause health problems, no alternative to them has been found yet.

Men Think Women Are Overconcerned with Their Looks

Most women are overconcerned with their looks. There are even standards which women use to judge the “groomness” of their rivals and themselves. But how much do men care about those standards? We interviewed a man (who wanted to be anonymous) and here is what he said

Hair Roots

Women with dyed hair have to dye hair roots again and again. Even half an inch of natural hair color showing at the roots is like a sign of terrible taste for many. But men will ever think about those insignificancies only if somebody explains to them what horrible thing this is.

But most of us are convinced that it’s the right way to look and there is no point arguing. If a woman is beautiful and vibrant, no man in his senses will ever notice her hair roots.

Shaving and Epilation

As far as shaving of the private parts is concerned, it all comes down to personal tastes. Some people like to see it trimmed, others prefer it completely shaved. And somebody’s preference will be a bush down there.

Judging seems to be simpler, and harder at the same time, for other part of the body. Almost every man would say that epilation is needed for body parts where hair is not supposed to grow and they are dark and noticeable, like under lip, on the legs an so on. In such a case, going to endocrinologist first is a good thing to do.

On the other hand, removing tiny colorless hairs wherever you spot them is something really morbid. Men either don’t notice it or think it as normal. What’s real problem is spiky bristles a few days after leg shave or irritated skin after epilation (and therefore upset woman)

Manicure and Pedicure

It’s hard to say for sure about manicure. Some men like neatly trimmed nails; others prefer bright nail polish on long nails. Anyway, even the most observing man wouldn’t realize more than 10% of your manicure details. So do we really need to go out of the way for it? It’s better to choose simple and safe choices.

As for pedicure, you don’t have to bother about that at all. There is a small chance a man will be looking at your toe nails. They are much more interested in what lies way above them.

Stretch Marks and Cellulites Creams

Is it a surprise for you that nothing can help against stretch marks? So, try to put up with the fact that nothing could be done. And to fight cellulites, you need exercising, massage and a proper diet.

But we are straying a little bit here. So what do men think about stretch marks and cellulites? Let’s start with the point that most men don’t even guess about the problem until you begin complaining about it, hoping to get comfort or evidence for your heavenly beauty from them.

Those, who know how these “imperfections” look like, don’t mind touching them, though. It’s more important for a man how well you are built and fit. And if you want such a figure, you have to toss out your anti-cellulite compresses and follow the tips described above.

What Does a Man Really Value in a Woman?

Let’s summarize it all quickly. Most men are almost not concerned with those standards for female “groomness”. Obviously, it doesn’t mean you have to do nothing for your appearance. But it would be enough to stick to some middle ground option which allows looking good without spending loads of time and money.

Only some men would demand more than that. Those men can be divided into two categories. First, those are metrosexuals who suffer from the same perversions themselves. Second, they are snobs and wicked chauvinists who are looking for an elite hellcat or a doll instead of a woman with whom they will really feel good.

Are you dreaming of those types?

Women Apply 515 Chemicals on Their Face Every Day

An average woman applies more than 515 chemicals on her face every day, according to Telegraph.co.uk. Scientists estimated women use 13 beauty products for face on a daily basis, most of which contain a minimum of 20 different chemicals.
On average, lipstick contains 33 chemical ingredients, body lotion 32, mascara 29, and hand moisturizer 11. Some perfume products comprise up to 400 chemicals. Scientists warn that it is still unknown how that much of chemicals could impact face skin and overall health, while allergy prevalence is increasing with every year.

Novelty from Vichy to Treat Dark Circles

Those with dark circles under the eyes know nothing can fix it but a good corrector. Vichy claims now you can get rid of puffiness and dark circles in almost one hour.
This will come true in September with their new hydrogel Aqualia Thermal. The company promises 80% reduction in puffiness in one hour and 67% reduction in dark circles in just four weeks of use.

The gel’s formula is promising with thermal water rich in minerals, dextran and escin. These components can tone, refresh and remove signs of tiredness. The gel is friendly in use due to its roll-on applicator. This will ensure maximum care when applying on such a tender area as eye skin.

Myths about Well-Groomed Women

Do we really need to see beauticians? Beauty treatments are often considered to play important role in women’s struggle for youth and unfading beauty. However, regular visits to the beauty salons can lead not only to skinny wallets, but to premature aging as well.

Myth 1. Cosmetic tricks help slow down the aging process

This highly common misconception is widely supported by cosmetologists and glossy magazines. No wonder, since their financial well-being heavily relies on this myth.

Any cosmetic procedure works only at the surface level of skin, while the major age-related changes occur in the deeper layers (in the dermis and epidermis). Thus, no beauty salon treatment can prevent development of wrinkles, but can only make them less noticeable, on the condition that the woman will work on her appearance systematically.

Beauty care can be compared with regular gym workouts, since even the most outstanding athlete will loose shape without them.

Myth 2. The more often you see your beautician, the better you look

Excessive and unnecessary use of cosmetic treatments can lead to rapid aging of the skin, especially if the treatments are used not according to instructions. Any cosmetic procedures, even the lightest ones, should be done in separate sessions. The rest of the time should be seen as the skin’s rest-period. Overloading the skin with frequent fix-ups is useless, and even dangerous in some cases.

“Spoiled” skin will not be able to adequately respond to even the most “powerful” cosmetic procedures.

Myth 3. Cosmetologists know best what your skin needs

Surely, beauticians can spot the most apparent skin problems right away. However, they do not have the power to help their clients fix those problems completely and permanently. The skin reflects the body’s internal problems. Persistent face acne can be caused by gastrointestinal problems; oily hair usually indicates issues with the hormonal balance; and red itchy spots on the face indicate liver malfunction. Consult a doctor whenever you observe persistent skin problems.

Myth 4. The pricier the procedure is, the more effective it is

The salon prices are not controlled by market, since the companies declare a price according to their expenditures, such as rent, office maintenance, and cost of the cosmetic products. The novelty effect is important as well, as the newest services usually are the most expensive ones. Don’t rush to try them out on your skin, since any innovation is prone to have undiscovered effects. The “older” treatments are generally more reliable, cheaper, and their effect is more predictable. Below are the most popular treatments, their application and safety procedures.

Massage

Recommended: from age 25.

What it does: improves the skin tone and appearance, maintains muscular corset of the skin, models the shape of the face, and visually smoothes out the wrinkles.

Frequency: once in three weeks, or 5-8 sessions annually.

Face Cleansing

Recommended: according to doctor’s recommendation.

What it does: cleans the pores, removes dead cells, and improves complexion.

Frequency: once every three weeks if recommended by a doctor, otherwise once in six months.

Masks

Recommended: from age 25.

What they do: depending on the skin type they can moisturize, nourish, tone, reduce the size of the pores, etc.

Frequency: 1-2 times a week.

Peeling

Recommended: according to doctor’s recommendation.

What it does: peels off the outmost layer of the skin with the help of cosmetic products and special devices (rotating brushes).

Enlarged Pores

One of the most common problems with face skin is enlarged pores. Even the most expensive facial care cosmetics can’t fight this skin defect. What makes it worse, enlarged pores are beneficial environment for different bacteria. Oily and mixed types of skin are characterized by enlarged pores. Unfortunately, the type of skin you have depends on your genes and you can do nothing about it. Neither can you get rid of enlarged pores for good, but you can use temporary solutions for it. Later on, you will have to support the positive effect when needed.

What Makes Pores Dirty

The top tip is to keep your face skin and pores clean. The following factors contribute to dirty pores:

• disorders of internal secretion glands,
• hormone fluctuations,
• stress,
• taking some medicine,
• weakened immune system.

Skin Peeling to Narrow Pores

Skin peelings (surface and medium-depth) can help clean and narrow the pores. Chemical peel effect is based on removing a few surface layers of skin by means of chemical solutions. Peeling is intended to stimulate derma by removing the outer layers of the epidermis.

Enzyme Peel (Surface Peel)

Enzyme Peel is surface peel. Peel formula usually include such ferments as papain, bromelain and trypsin. The effect of enzyme peel is as mild as ultrasonic peel.

TCA Peel

TCA peel (using trichloracetic acid) falls into medium-depth peel category. It is effective for the correction of atrophic postinflammatory defects in patients with acne. It is quite aggressive treatment with 2-3 weeks recovery period.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is the quickest and most comfortable treatment against enlarged pores. Cryotherapy helps resolve inflammatory infiltration of acnes, reduce oil production caused by oily seborrhea and lighten the skin for people who have skin pigmentation problems. The treatment can help against withered skin and fine wrinkles.

Best Way to Treat Enlarged Pores

You can’t get rid of enlarged pores by one visit to beauty salon. What you need is quite a long treatment. You have to combine professional treatment with daily facial care at home. All-round treatment is what can ensure a positive effect.

Garnier Deep Pore Sauna Mask

Garnier is expanding its Pure line with a new product – Deep Pore Sauna Mask! This sauna mask warms up when applied to the skin and cleanses away black spots and other impurities in the skin. If you had a facial treatment at a beauty salon at least once, you are familiar with the way the sauna mask works. Before the skin cleansing procedure, the specialist steams your face first to make further process go easier and faster.

Likewise, the mask heats up on contact with water, steaming your face. This will open the pores up, allowing to draw dirt and oil out of them more effectively.

The mask contains thermal active magnesium that actually creates this sauna effect, exfoliating granules that cleanse the pores and smoothes the skin’s surface, and glycerin for the moisturizing and softening effect

Get Rid of Freckles

The brightest freckles are found in young adults, usually having blonde and especially red hair. The skin tends to freckle in spring and summer, but as fall comes and winter approaches, they turn pale and disappear. The color and brightness of freckles, however, depend not only on the color of your hair and skin, but also on how long and intensely your skin is exposed to sunlight.

Anti-Freckles Diet

In spring, you should eat more foods rich in vitamin C such as fruit, green onion, red or black currant juice, sauerkraut and wild rose tea. Vitamin C makes the skin less sensitive to sunbeams.

Whitening Masks against Freckles

Skin care masks have a positive cosmetic effect, too. You can make them with handy ingredients (tomatoes, currant, strawberry, radish, apples), using one or several components. Whatever berry or vegetable you are going to use, you first need to remove their seeds and then mash or grate them. Grate the radish, add several drops of vegetable oil and mix everything well. Use the following application method. Fold a gauze napkin in half or in thirds, put the paste on it, apply and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then wash it off with warm water. Apply a cold pack to finish.

Cucumber Mask to Get Rid of Freckles

Cucumber facial masks are very popular. Grate cucumbers, apply a paste to face, cover with a gauze napkin and leave it on for 20 minutes (you can use thin slices or cucumber skin instead). Wipe leftover moisture off with paper napkins to finish. You can also make facial masks with milk, cottage cheese, kefir, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs and berries, starch and vegetables.

How to Bleach the Freckled Skin

If you need to bleach, smooth or refresh you skin, try facial masks made with black currant leaves, sorrel, elder leaves and elder-berries or rowanberry, lemon or horseradish juice mixed with sour cream or sour milk (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon of paste or leaves juice). Parsley juice helps bleach the skin, too (finely chop parsley, pour boiling water in, strain and let cool; wash your face with the mixture 2-3 times a day).

Bleaching Masks Application Rules

You should apply facial masks regularly, 2-3 times a week and preferably in the evening (15-20 masks in total). Don’t forget, that you won’t get bleaching effect right away. You may additionally use bleaching creams daily in the evenings (15-20 applications in total).

Pigmented Spots on Skin

All mentioned skin care remedies also work for women whose skin shows brown pigment spots in spring. Be careful about overbleaching, though, as it leads to premature withering of the skin and makes your face look unnatural, as if powdered with chalk.

Hairdryer Attachments

If you plan to use a hairdryer not only for drying but also for styling your hair, you need to choose hairdryer attachments carefully. Today, most hairdryers come with at least two attachments such as dry nozzles and diffusers. Let’s learn about various hairdryer attachments which are used to make the hair look perfect.

Dry Nozzle

The dry nozzle is one of the more popular hairdryer attachments among hairdressers. It has a flat tapered end and is essential for hairstyling. All hairdryer manufacturers offer portable hairdryers with dry nozzles.

Diffuser

Another popular hairdryer attachment is a diffuser, but it can be used for many purposes. The diffuser is a bell-shaped attachment with its narrow end clicking onto the nozzle of the hairdryer. It causes a strong airflow to pass through many sieve-like openings, resulting in a warm breeze.

With the diffuser, your hair dries faster as it covers more space than the tapered attachment.

These days, however, hairdryer manufacturers market diffusers as the attachment to create curls and add volume. While it can’t be said, their arguments are false, even some skilled hairdressers cannot always achieve the best results.

The Use of Diffuser

You have to be skillful with the diffuser to make a nice hairstyle by yourself. With straight hair, you will need professional hair stylist, let alone numerous hair styling compositions. With some limitations, the diffuser is useful for styling permed hair. Actually, many hair stylists say diffusers make the styling even harder and can be used only for the massaging of the scalp. Nevertheless, all above mentioned has nothing to do with the diffuser’s function to dry hair.

Undoubtedly, the diffuser attachment saves your time and protects your scalp form drying out by making heated air to be gently diffused from the dryer.

Brush Hairdryer Attachments

Outside diffusers and dry nozzles, there are various brush attachments. Usually, the hairdryers with brush attachments are not very powerful and designed essentially for hairstyling.

Various Hairdryer Brush Attachments and Their Use

Besides the nozzle and diffuser, there are other types of hairdryer attachments.

• Half-round brush attachment is useful for permed hair if you want to straighten your curls. This attachment gives hair a lift and straightens the locks.
• Use standard round brush with plastic bristles to create curls.
• Comb attachment is for hair care, drying and creating volume.
• Wide comb is for drying and styling.
• Standard hair crimper is for creating curls.
• Small-diameter hair crimper is for making small curls.
• Round brush with natural bristles is for shiny hair.
• Folding bristle brush is for making curls and keeping the hair from tangling.

Tea Instead of Cosmetics

Do you think tea is only good for drinking? No such thing! It is beneficial not only to your internal organs, but also for the face and body skin. Keep in mind, however, that tea retains all its health benefits only within 20 minutes after brewing. That’s why Asian saying goes: Freshly brewed tea is healing. Overnight tea is poisonous.

Tea for the Beautiful Skin

Healing powers of tea, however, work not only for our internal organs. Tea is a great cosmetic remedy, as well. Chinese, for example, use powdered or brewed green tea as facial moisturizer. For facial tea mask, they mix tea with honey. The mixture moistures dry and withered skin. For the mask, mix ½ cup of honey (100 g) with 2 tablespoons of strong green tea. Apply to face and leave for 15 minutes. Wash the mask off with cool water.

Tea Bath to Help Relax

You can even take a tea bath. It would help you relax after a tough day and fix your nerves. For a bath, put 2 tablespoons of tea in a small piece of gauze, tie the fragrant bundle up with a thread and dip it into filled bath. Immerse into water and kick back for 10-15 minutes.

Liposuction

Plastic surgery is now at its peak of popularity. Female body has some zones where the concentration of stored fat is very high: knees, belly, waist and chin. The struggle against obesity with only diets and exercising is sometimes helpless. This is when lipoaspiration (also called liposuction) is irreplaceable.

There are three major types of liposuction (though such classification is only relative).

Standard Liposuction

Standard (dry and wet) liposuction is a classical type: one side of a cannula (hollow pipe) with one or a few openings is placed under the skin through small skin cuts. The other side is attached to a vacuum apparatus which sucks the fat out.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction stands out by the special solution which is injected in the marked area just before the procedure. The solution consists of physiological substance, local anaesthetic agent, and vasoconstrictive agent. This way the traumatism during the procedure is minimized and a large amount of fat can be removed at once.

Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction

Ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL) uses special fat destroying equipment instead of mechanical force. An ultrasonic probe, which transmits ultrasonic waves, is placed into the fatty tissue. The waves destroy fat cells by turning them into fluid which is removed with a vacuum.

Today surgeons prefer to combine various types of liposuction. UAL works better on thick fatty tissues while tumescent liposuction is preferred for the removal of flabby fatty tissues.

Contraindications for Liposuction

Liposuction can have some contraindications such as any chronic illnesses, abnormality of blood clotting, pregnancy, serious psychological disarray and oncological illnesses.

Liposuction after the Operation

Lots of women dream of getting rid of that fat on their waists and hips, but are afraid of liposuction, as this is a serious surgical procedure. They have no idea, how they will look and what happens after liposuction has been performed. You already know the types of liposuction, and here is some more useful information about it. Not everyone can afford this operation, but those, who still do, should know what they should expect after they have it done.

What Happens Right after Liposuction Has Been Performed?

Right after the procedure a tight bandage or an elastic bandage is placed and the next day compressive linen is put on the area. If the operation was insignificant, the patient can return home on the next day after the operation. The pain after the liposuction is usually not strong and can be easily eased with analgesic. Unavoidable bruises and swollen skin usually disappear in two weeks, but sometimes it takes longer – 3 to 4 weeks. The compressive linen, however, has to be worn for 1-2 months.

When Will Your Skin Look Smooth Again?

Young, elastic skin returns to its initial state rather fast and soon, looks smooth and healthy. Some perceptible scars are left at the places where canulla was inserted (usually, the cuts are made in the natural skin folds). Smart eating and regular exercise can allow your liposuction results to last potentially indefinitely.

After-Effects of Liposuction

If your initial expectations are realistic then there is no need to worry about the results. Insignificant asymmetry of zones is also one of the after-effects of liposuction. In 6 to 12 months the skin will even-out on its own, without any additional intrusion. In the worse case scenario, however, the skin has to be removed with a follow-up surgical correction.

Another possible unpleasant after-effect is the lost of skin elasticity which results in flabbiness and limpness. It can be corrected, however, with the skin-lifting surgery.

Extend the Suntan Life

Coming back from vacations in a far-away land, apart from souvenirs and unforgettable impressions, we bring gorgeous suntan. Unfortunately, “seaside” suntan stays on the skin much shorter than the “local” one, moreover in many cities water is heavily chlorinated and because of that tan gets washed off even faster. How can we “save” the bronze-chocolate beauty?

Moisturize the Skin

First of all, you need to moisturise your skin well. It is recommended to take baths with sea salt and various vegetable oils. On the other hand, put saunas and Russian baths aside.

Don’t Use Skin Bleachers

You should stay away from skin bleachers as well as masks and cosmetics which contain cucumber, lemon, and milk.

Tea Mask for the Face Skin

Washing up with light tea and applying masks with tomato pulp (for 15-20 minutes) will help you preserve your tan.

Drink Enough Water

You should drink 1.5 litres of water and eat fat sorts of fish.

Dieting Tips for the Longer Living Suntan

Vitamins A, C, and E (vegetables, fruits, milk, egg yolk, beef liver, cheeses, watermelon, vegetable oils) will prolong your tan’s life as well. Increasing your vitamin A consumption (for example, by eating carrots) is not a bad idea either. You suntan will decorate your skin longer if you moisturise it and follow a proper diet.

Deodorants Dangerous

It’s really difficult to do without deodorants, especially in summer, when it’s so hot. Although a recent study conducted by British scientists has shown, that every woman is probably going to make a choice soon: either using the deodorant or her own health, as the use of these cosmetic products may increase the risk of breast cancer.

A group of substances provoking the development of breast cancer is known under the name of parabens. Parabens are at the same time present in deodorants. These very substances are found in significant amounts in more than 20 tissue samples of tumors, which were studied by the researchers from University Riding, not far from London. Those parabens are present in tumors in such amounts and forms, which could get there only through skin.

Parabens are used in thousands of cosmetic products, drugs and foods as preservatives, but this study was the first to find their ability to accumulate in tissues. Parabens are similar to female sex hormones and because of this they can speed up the growth of tumors. Although further studies are needed to be absolutely sure, that applying such necessary cosmetic products as deodorants contribute to breast cancer.