How To Create Fairy Eye Makeup

Elegant fairy eye makeup using eyeliner and sequins can be done in minutes. It is visually breathtaking in its simplicity.  These tips tell you how to create a photo perfect look. Just one color of eyeliner is all it takes. Add a few sequins in the same color range and you’ve got instant elegance.

Mesmerizing and Mysterious Swirls

How To Create The Look

Here’s what I love about this type of fairy eye makeup look. You can choose your favorite makeup style and then enhance it with that little extra fantasy frosting. As you can see from the photo above the look starts out with a gorgeous formal makeup look. The classic brown eyeshadow combined with red lipstick gives it a Hollywood feeling. A 1920s makeup look would be perfect for this. Then it’s time to dress it up.

How to draw the fantasy swirls:

1 Take a black gel eyeliner pen. Make sure it’s one with a fine point.2 Start at the outer corner of your eye and and make a half oval curve above your eyebrow.3 Add a thicker swirl on the end. Do the same for the outer area and cheeks.4 Now branch out. The swirls don’t have to match.

How to embellish the design:

1 Use false eyelash adhesive.2 Choose sequins that are the same color as the lines you drew. In this case black sequins work.3 Place a curved lines of sequins above the brow, the outer middle are and the cheeks.4 Add a few select single sequins and scatter them in the design to balance it out.

Variations of Fairy Eye Makeup

This make up style works for elegant looks and gothic fairy makeup looks. Don’t worry if  dark looks aren’t your thing. You can change it up by substituting colors. Here are a few makeup tips to do just that.
Use a blue eye pencil and combine it with crystal sequins or lighter blue sequins for a perfect winter fairy make up look.

Green eyeshadow paired with same color for the swirls works for forest creatures.
Purple can be used and looks sensational with light pink and violet eyeshadows. Top with purple mascara. Change it up with a little pink sparkle added. You could also use a little glitter for the dots.

Dying to go gothic?  Pick one of your metallic eyeshadows and have at it. Cover your eyelids entirely and then add the swirls.

I bet you’ll never look at those eyeliner pens the same now! Grab one next time you have a few moments to play and make sure to capture your favorite fairy eye makeup pic to share.

Cream Eyeshadow Secrets

Cream eyeshadow transforms your eyes in just seconds. It can be used to give you a wide awake appearance that makes you look amazing. When it’s drama you seek just a swipe of the right color imparts a sensational sparkle or smokey makeup look. Makeup artists know there’s one color you simply must have in your kit. Find out which one it is and make it work for you.

Transform Your Eyes With Color

Are you looking for the best cream eyeshadow available? This is a product where there are some real winners and it’s cheap makeup at it’s best. That’s because it only takes a little dab of cream eyeshadow to get the look you want.

5 Tips For Selecting Cream Colors

1 Test it the product. You want it to have a nice slippery feel on your skin.

2 Go with shimmer eye shadows to play up your eyes.

3 Choose a beautiful matte eyeshadow for classic looks.

4 Use it as a base for your powder eye make up colors.

5 Flesh tone eyeshadow works to combat slight discoloration on your eyelids.

If it’s an enhanced natural makeup look you want there’s a color that needs to be on your list. Every professional has a version of it. Take a look…

The Secret Instant Eyelift Color

Go ahead and wake up your eyes. When you want to look totally refreshed and healthy there’s an eyeshadow that just might do the trick. You’ve probably heard of it before. It’s Stila Kitten. Stila, the company, makes what they term smudge pots of color that can be used as either eyeshadow or eyeliner.

Kitten is often referred to as a champagne color and what that means is that it’s a little pinkish and a little golden. It’s one of those better than natural colors with glimmer.

This combination can be used to open up your eyes and with just a hint of shimmer it provides that healthy look you desire. It is a long lasting color and is water resistant. It might not be the choice for mature women because the shimmer can be overpowering. You’ll need the same type of color in a formula without the glimmer.

Simple Sultry Eye Makeup

Don’t you just love smokey eye makeup looks? Well, if you want to have all the fun with very little of the work then a cream eyeshadow just might do the trick for you. Do you prefer applying makeup with your fingers?

If tap, tap, tap works for you then step up to a darker range of colors, especially if you are just doing the upper lid. It works in just seconds to create sultry eye makeup looks and if you’re into gothic eye makeup or vampire makeup looks then this is a must.

8 Reasons Korean Products Are Taking the West by Storm

Korean women are known for their flawless complexions. Isn’t it time you learned a few Korean beauty secrets and joined the Asian beauty revolution?

In the age of globalization, we consumers have more choices than ever. We drive foreign cars, import exclusive foreign fashion labels and rarely have to travel more than a few blocks to dine on some sumptuous sushi or a traditional Indian curry.

Our love for the exotic doesn’t stop there; the past few years have seen our cosmetics industry completely transformed by Eastern influences. BB Cream, CC Cream, even snail cream…where do you think these popular products came from?

Surprise – South Korea! Admit it: You didn’t see that coming.
Seoul, Korea’s thriving beauty metropolis, is well ahead of the curve when it comes to creating the biggest and best beauty trends of the decade.

So, if you haven’t already diversified your makeup stash with Korean cosmetics, I’m here to give you eight awesome reasons why you should: a guided tour of Korean beauty secrets.

#1 Korean Beauty Products Are More Affordable

As an Australian beauty blogger, I’m always ranting about the exorbitant prices we pay for cosmetics. $25 for a Maybelline mascara? $33 for a MAC lipstick? How about no?!

One of the first things that drew me into the world of Korean cosmetics was the pricing. Even if you’re based in the United States or the U.K., beauty doesn’t always come cheap. If you’re a budget beauty junkie like me, you’re always looking for ways to save a few cents.

While high-end Korean beauty products can still set you back hundreds of dollars, the drugstore/low-end brands consistently offer amazing value.

For example, most reputable low-end Aussie beauty balm creams and foundations retail for at least $20. My Holy Grail Korean BB cream? $13, including international shipping.
The same applies to mascara. None of my $20 Maybelline, Rimmel or MaxFactor mascaras can compete with my insanely volumizing Korean Etude House 3 Step Volumecara. A fellow beauty junkie echoed my sentiment, explaining, “I’d much rather spend $9 to $12 on [the Korean mascara] than the $30-plus I was paying for Lancome before!”

Bottom line? Korean cosmetics offer quality for a fraction of the price of their Western competitors. Interested? Here are just a few popular low-end Korean cosmetics brands to check out for yourself: Etude House, Missha M, Skin Food, The Face Shop, Innisfree, Tony Moly and VOV.

#2 The West Just Can’t Get BB Creams Right

If you’ve never tried a Korean BB cream, you might be staring at this article in outrage as you lovingly clutch your favorite Western BB in hand. I’m not here to diss American BB creams, but the fact is, they’re a poor imitation of their Asian counterparts.

What’s the difference? While Western BB creams act more like lightweight, tinted moisturizers, Korean BB creams tend to be thicker in consistency. They generally offer better coverage and boast a whole host of skin improving qualities, such as whitening, wrinkle control and sun protection. I know which I prefer!
Want to try the real deal? My personal favorite is Missha M’s Perfect Cover BB Cream. However, Etude House’s Precious Mineral BB Cream is also hugely popular (and affordable) with both Koreans and Korean beauty connoisseurs around the globe.

#3 Korean Beauty Products Make Makeup Fun

Source: via tumblr.com

If YouTube has taught us anything, it’s that applying makeup should be fun. Experimenting with new colours and combinations to create looks that pop is practically an art form. But when your main experience with your makeup is throwing on some neutral shades as you rush out the door to work, your beauty routine can quickly start to feel like just another chore.

Here’s where Korean cosmetics can help. You’re probably familiar with Japan’s overriding Kawaii or “cute” culture. South Korean follows similar trends, meaning that many low-end Korean makeup brands sport eye-catching and whimsical product designs that’ll make you smile every time you look at your vanity. It’s hard to be morose when you’re applying concealer from a container in the shape of a panda!

Korean cosmetics brand Etude House is known for its gorgeously girly packaging. Beauty bloggers (myself included!) can’t get enough of the recent royalty-inspired Princess Etoinette collection. Who doesn’t want to feel like a princess from time to time?

#4 Korean Skin Care Routines Get Results

Source: via pinterest.com

Korean women are known around the globe for flawless complexions that defy aging. It’s no coincidence that while we Westerners spend our early teens sleeping in mascara and forgetting to moisturize, Korean girls are already taking meticulous care of their skin.
It’s not just starting early that gets results – it’s also the time that goes into completing a nightly Korean skin care routine. It’s not uncommon for women to use up to ten different products, each aimed at tackling a different skin care concern.
Here are the most common nightly steps for achieving complexion perfect:

1. Double cleanse
2. Exfoliate
3. Apply toner
4. Apply essence
5. Use an ampoule
6. Apply a face mask
7. Massage in eye cream
8. Add an emulsifier
9. Apply a rich night cream

The whole saga can take up to 40 minutes! Want to know more about each step of the process? Korean beauty enthusiast Kerry has the low down on her seriously informative blog, Skin&Tonics.

#5 Korean Beauty Products Are Ahead of the Curve

Source: via pinterest.com

Let’s face it – there’s something satisfying about being a trendsetter. If you love introducing your friends and family to the coolest new products and fads, it’s definitely time to dip your feet into the pool of Korean cosmetics.

Which trendy new skincare and beauty products can we thank Korea for?

• BB cream – Although it originated in Germany as an all-in-one product for patients to use post-surgery or facial peels, South Korea is responsible for making it the go-to face product for celebs and beauty junkies alike. This innovative product generally provides everything from a lightweight, medium coverage alternative to foundation to SPF properties. BB cream also purports to whiten the skin and treat the signs of aging.
• Snail cream – The idea of slathering snail secretions all over your face might not sound appealing, but England’s The Guardian reports that sales of this unusual beauty product have more than tripled in the last year. Although the healing and anti-inflammatory properties of snail filtrate were originally discovered by Chilean farmers, Korean cosmetics companies were one of the first to incorporate this amazing antibacterial ingredient in their skin creams. Now snail cream can just as easily be found in British and American high streets, with celebrities like Katie Holmes raving about its skin restorative powers.
• Sleeping packs – Now that you know just how committed they are to their nightly skincare routines, you won’t be surprised to learn that moisturizer isn’t the only facial cream many Korean women apply before bed. Here’s where sleeping packs come in. Sleeping packs are heavy duty night creams that aim to infuse the skin with stacks of nutrients between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. when the skin is most focused on healing and rejuvenation.

If you want to anticipate next season’s beauty fads, keep an eye on Seoul.

#6 Korean Cosmetics Aren’t Afraid to Be Downright Weird

We’ve already discussed the slightly squeamish topic of snail creams, but that’s just the beginning. When it comes to producing strange and innovative new skin care solutions, Korea isn’t afraid to think outside of the box. Korean products include ingredients that will definitely make the uninitiated wince!
Here are just a couple of wacky (but increasingly scientifically proven) ingredients being embraced in South Korean cosmetics right now:

• Snake Venom – It sounds a little scary, but hear me out! Recent studies have shown that viper venom can have a multitude of restorative effects on the skin. These effects have now been isolated and harnessed in a synthetic tripeptide which harmlessly mimics the functions of snake venom when applied to human skin. Products containing the synthetic tripeptide temporarily inhibit movement of the facial muscles to treat wrinkles in much the same way Botox does. Syn-ake creams can now be found on pharmacy and supermarket shelves all over the world.
• Bee Venom – Bee venom is another favourite Korean skincare ingredient that’s starting to make a buzz on the world stage. Why? Applying products that contain bee venom to the skin can trick your face into believing it has been stung with a toxin called melittin. This toxin causes the body to direct blood flow to the area, which in turn stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin, of course, are responsible for keeping the skin looking taut and youthful.
• Sheep Placenta – Thanks to stars like Simon Cowell and Victoria Beckham, the idea of paying several hundred dollars for a sheep placenta facial is no longer wildly out of the realm of possibility. LA Dermatologists frequently apply lotions infused with sheep placenta to patients’ skin along with exfoliating microdermabrasion techniques and red light therapy (to promote collagen production) as part of an expensive facial procedure that promises to roll back the years. Why sheep placenta? Sheep placenta contains stem-cells, which are renowned for their ability to rejuvenate the skin. Even applied topically, it’s known to kickstart the production of collagen, proteins and elastin for younger looking skin.
  In Korea, you don’t need an expensive facial to harness the benefits of placenta, with many popular cosmetics brands, such as Mizon, offering inexpensive placenta based night creams as an easy alternative.

#7 Korean Cosmetics Companies Understand the Importance of Sunscreen

Source: via pinterest.com

One product that most Korean women swear by is sunscreen. While there is a growing emphasis on being sun-smart in the West, East Asian products are way ahead of the competition. Korean culture recognizes that keeping out of the sun isn’t only important to avoid developing melanomas, but it’s also the key to maintaining youthful skin.

If you’re as forgetful as I am when it comes to applying sunscreen, having a two-in-one product is a lifesaver. Fortunately, most South Korean beauty products, including foundations and BB creams, contain a high SPF content. Not only that, but many are also formulated with ingredients to even skintone and lighten any dark spots you’ve already got courtesy of too much sun exposure.

#8 Korean Beauty Products Come With an Amazing Community

Last but not least, I’ve got to acknowledge the tight-knit but welcoming online Asian makeup community. When buying makeup, few of us take into consideration what kind of an online following the products have. When I first delved into the world of Korean beauty I was instantly struck by the fabulously enthusiastic community standing behind Korean cosmetics.

You need only Google your new products to find whole forums of ladies (and possibly some gents), such as the Asian Beauty Reddit, discussing their fave foreign beauty finds. Got questions about your skincare routine? Need someone to read the Korean instructions on your new face mask? Everyone is eager to lend a hand. Joining the Korean beauty revolution online is a great way to make new friends worldwide and pick up fascinating make up tips from around the globe.

Whether you fancy yourself a trend-setter, you can’t get enough of cute makeup, or you simply want a fool-proof and thorough new beauty routine for less, there are tons of great reasons to start exploring the world of Korean cosmetics. What are you waiting for? Start Googling and spice up your makeup collection today!

Have you ever bought beauty products from overseas? What are your favorite foreign brands?

 

Natural Ways to Speed Up Hair Growth

Nothing is more frustrating than having to wait for your hair to grow, but there are ways to speed up the process. While you won’t have long locks overnight, you can give your scalp and hair the best chance to grow as quickly as possible.

It’s frustrating when you’re ready for a change in your hairstyle and want longer hair. Unfortunately, getting long hair is a long process and doesn’t happen overnight.
While waiting for your hair to grow, there are ways to help things along. Follow these tips to get your hair in the best condition possible, which means it will grow stronger and quicker than ever before.

You are what you eat.

Beauty starts from within. In other words, if you eat the right diet, your hair will reap the rewards. The right diet means protein-rich foods that are high in healthy vitamins and minerals (Vitamins A, B, C, and E, iron, selenium, zinc, copper and magnesium).

If you don’t have a balanced diet in your everyday life, consider taking multivitamin tablets. If you prefer a single vitamin or mineral tablets supplement, opt for Vitamin B-complex.
Ensure that your diet includes ‘good’ foods such as salmon, spinach, eggs, milk, avocado and lots of fruit. The shaft of the hair is made up of 3% omega-3 fatty acids. This can be found in foods such as fish, walnuts, olive oil and flax seeds, so try and squeeze them in to your eating routine.
If you are deficient in some vitamins or minerals, this is terrible for hair growth and stimulation and can lead to hair loss or thinning. Your diet is the first thing you need to take a good look at if you want your hair to grow quickly and healthily; often, it only needs a few tweaks and considerations when buying your groceries and cooking.

Give your lifestyle some TLC.

Make sure you treat yourself with Tender Loving Care! It’s not only your diet that is key to healthy and shiny hair, but other factors in your everyday life. Ensure you drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated, sleep well, exercise and stay away from excessive sun.

Stress can cause hair loss, so try to identify the triggers that cause you stress and minimize them. Ways to combat stress include yoga, breathing exercises and meditation or even taking long strolls on a mountain, forest or beach. Look after yourself, and your hair will thank you for it.
Don’t be afraid to cut.

People trying to grow out their hair tend to stay away from hairdressers altogether, but the truth is, you should visit the salon every 8-12 weeks for a trim.

Regular trims will help to prevent split ends and improve the condition of your hair. So, while it might look a bit shorter straight after having the chop, it’ll grow thicker and faster as a result.

This is how to wash your hair.

You don’t always need to shampoo your hair when you wash it, but you absolutely must condition it.
Shampoo washes away dirt and the build-up of products in the hair and it is important to keep hair clean, but each time you use shampoo, it also strips away natural oils that keep your hair strong. Be gentle with your locks, especially when lathering up shampoo, and don’t over-wash your hair.

Finish each hair-wash with a cold water rinse (if you are brave enough). Cold water helps to smooth the outer layer of hair and prevents heat damage and moisture loss. Don’t worry: you don’t need to keep your head under for more than a few seconds to do the job!

Conditioner is your friend when you want to grow out your hair. It helps to replace proteins inside the hair shaft and seals them to prevent everyday damage to your hair.
Consider applying an oil mask hair treatment weekly when growing your hair. You’ll find numerous articles online with great homemade recipes to save you money.

Be gentle with your hair.

We get into so many bad hair habits, including brushing our hair furiously, rubbing wet hair with a towel, using heat on our hair with no heat protectant spray and more. Your hair is delicate so treat it as though it is fragile and needs very gentle care and attention.

At night, swap your cotton pillowcase for a satin one, which causes less friction and fewer hair tangles. Tease wet hair with a wide-toothed comb, never brush it when wet and avoid sticking a big cotton towel on wet hair to absorb moisture.

Again, this can cause breakages and if you are growing your hair out, you need it in the best possible condition.

The same goes for hair styling. If you wear your hair in the same low ponytail day in and day out, you need to switch it up—the hair bobble will cause the hair to break after time. Anything that breaks the hair will prevent it from growing as quickly as it could and should.

Choose the right treatments for your hair.

There are lots of hair growth masks and supplements on the market, but many are just out to take your money and do very little to improve the rate at which your hair grows. Usually, you can also get the same results yourself for much cheaper. What you do need to do though is improve the condition of your hair.
There are lots of conditioning masks you can whip up at home, including an egg mask (google for recipes), and castor oil is a good addition. This oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids so it is known to improve hair growth and condition.

Mix it in with another oil such as coconut or almond oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it for around half an hour and then shampoo your hair. In fact, it’s a good idea to massage your hair on a daily basis whether you wash it or not.

Massage helps to improve circulation and blood flow to the scalp, which stimulates hair growth. Make small, circular motions with your finger tips to stimulate the hair follicles, but do not rub too hard or this could cause breakages, which is the opposite of what you desire.

Other advice includes simply flipping your hair upside down for a few minutes a day to promote hair growth as it improves circulation. If that feels a bit odd, just try sitting with your head between your legs and get the blood to your scalp. Apparently this works wonders!

Slowly does it.

Hair grows at about a quarter to half an inch a month. It needs to be healthy, shiny and in top notch condition to grow. This means minimizing breakages, hair loss/thinning and split ends.
You need to be patient as the process is very slow. Don’t expect miracles. In the meantime, why not consider investing in clip-in hair extensions. This way you can simply create the look you are working towards before you have the real thing.

If you follow the tips above, you won’t suddenly wake up the next day with hair down to your waist (unfortunately), but you will begin the process of improving your health and well-being and the way in which you care for your hair.

Be gentle with yourself and your hair will benefit from the care and respect you show yourself. While you wait for it to grow and give it the best chance possible, you can spend time deciding which hairstyles you will try out once your hair is fully grown out. Good luck!
Have you grown out your hair? Can you add any advice to the article above? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!

How to Wash Your Hair: 10 Essential Secrets

Want fabulous hair? It all starts with an epic wash day. Get it right every time with these 10 secrets of how to wash your hair.

When it comes to great hair, few things are more important than making sure it’s clean. Everybody knows that, right? But how much do you really know about what happens when you shampoo and what kinds of products are best for different kinds of hair? No one ever really teaches you how to wash your hair.
All of that changes today. Here are 10 secret strategies for attaining hair-washing nirvana.

Sure she’s smiling…now that she knows how to wash her hair properly. You’ll smile too. via idiva.com

#1 Prep Your Hair

Prep? Really?
Yes, really. Even before you reach for your favorite bottle of shampoo, you need to prepare your hair.
Some say prepping hair isn’t necessary, but I highly recommend it. Try it once and you’ll see what a huge difference it makes. You won’t wash your hair the old way ever again.

Washing your hair is a stressful experience for your strands. You’ll be doing a lot of manipulation that can damage your ’do. If your hair is relaxed or color-treated it can be even worse. Shampoo itself can be damaging to delicate hair tissue.

A pre-wash treatment can condition follicles and moisturize cuticles before washing.
I’m a natural-haired girl with little patience for beauty routines. For a long time I resisted adding a prep stage to my hair routine. But I’ve learned that a better foundation leads to better results. And that foundation starts with preparation.

#2 Set the Tone With a Pre-Poo

Open the pantry and help yourself to a tasty bottle of pre-poo. via anacortescenterforhappiness.org

The easiest way to prep your hair is to start with a pre-poo treatment.
A pre-poo is a pre-shampoo treatment, and it turns out it’s easy to do. Simply apply your favorite oil to your hair before shampooing. That’s pretty much all there is to it.

Oil helps moisturize and condition your hair, adding a protective barrier to keep harsh detergents from damaging your strands during washing.

Edible oils are my favorite pre-poo products. You can try anything from coconut oil to extra virgin olive oil to see what works best for you. Coconut oil is my personal fave because it contains tons of vitamins and minerals. It helps my hair retain moisture, too, because of its ability to penetrate the hair. Olive oil is great too. It’s full of vitamin E and antioxidants that promote a healthy scalp.

If you’re feeling adventurous you can pre-poo with honey, Greek yogurt, or avocado.
The best part is you most likely have everything you need for a pre-poo right in your kitchen!
To get the most out of your pre-poo, section and detangle your hair, then coat each section generously with product. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let it rest for an hour. Make sure to rinse the treatment out thoroughly before you apply shampoo.
This may sound crazy, but believe me, your hair will thank you!

#3 Choose the Right Shampoo

I know I’m not alone when I say I get overwhelmed in the hair aisle. Who knew so many different shampoos existed? There’s shampoo for straight hair, for curly locks, for natural girls, for color-treated divas, for relaxed ladies and the list goes on. It’s a wonder we make it out of the store at all!
It turns out that those different products exist for a reason. Choosing the right shampoo is a key step in making sure you get the best results when you wash your hair.
If you have concerns about moisture, seek out products that boost hydration. If your issues are mainly with frizz, select a shampoo that promotes smooth strands. Picking a shampoo that’s optimized for your hair’s needs will ensure a better outcome.

#4 Check the Ingredients

Suds are a sign that you are damaging your hair with sulfates. Switch to a sulfate-free shampoo for best results.

Beauty-industry professionals started the buzz about sulfates, and now it has spread. Fear of sulfates has driven even the most nonchalant beauties to scan the back of shampoo bottles everywhere.
Sulfates are the surfactants the produce lather when using any particular cleansing product. Pretty much all of the shampoos we have used all our lives contain sulfates.
It’s surprising that the substances that make all those suds are actually doing more harm than good, but that’s the truth. Sulfates strip down the hair and remove layers that form a protective barrier against the elements. That “squeaky clean” feeling after a wash is the one that leaves hair looking dull and damaged.
That’s why the beauty industry has created new families of sulfate-free hair products. You should switch right away.

Using a sulfate-free shampoo for the first time can be a bit alarming. With no lather, it’s hard to feel that you’re actually cleaning your hair. This psychological barrier sends many women back to their hair-damaging, sulfate-ridden shampoos. Don’t be one of them!

If you can’t bear to part with your suds, choose a low-sulfate option.
You should also steer clear from shampoos that contain alcohol, which is drying and damaging.
No sulfates, no alcohol. That’s how you pick a shampoo that will clean your hair without harming it.

#5 Know Your Hair

Dry? Curly? Straight? Brittle? Oily? Everyone’s hair is different, so everyone needs a different cleansing regimen. via trusper.com

Anyone can write a list of hair-washing tips, and the advice might be pretty good. But every woman’s hair is unique. To get the best results, you must learn more about the distinct peculiarities of your own strands and follicles. That’s true during styling and it’s doubly true when putting together a washing strategy.
A simple strand test can be a good start. Take one strand of hair between your fingers and try to pull the ends apart.

Hair that is very elastic and almost spongelike needs more protein. That fact can guide you as you choose cleansing products and treatments.
If your hair is brittle and snaps, then moisture is your best friend. Focus on optimizing moisture retention during washing.
Once you start paying attention to your hair you can save time and money by focusing on the products and strategies that are right for your hair.

#6 Detangle Gently

Untangle your hair – yeah, right. This is easier said than done, especially for a big curly fro-haired gal like me. The longer and curlier your hair, the more time and trouble it takes to untangle it. I’m sure I am not the only curly-haired woman who has contemplated tossing the detangling brush and picking up a razor instead.
Detangling your hair may be difficult, but it’s important. And you’ve got to do it gently.

The best way to detangle long locks is to approach the task while your hair is still slathered with conditioner. Don’t wait until your hair is dry. That’s just asking for trouble.
You should also consider detangling with your fingers instead of a comb or brush. Tools can cause your hair unnecessary stress.

For best results, take your time. Attack your locks in small sections and work each one thoroughly before moving to the next.

#7 Wash it Right

Wash the scalp, condition the ends. The part in the middle pretty much takes care of itself. via inhabitat.com

I’ve spent most of my life washing my hair wrong, and you probably have too.
Like most people, my hair-washing routine included application of a generous amount of shampoo all over my head, including my scalp. When I was done with the shampoo, I applied conditioner the same way.
It turns out that’s a very poor way to wash hair.

As a general rule, you should wash your scalp and condition your ends. Most importantly, keep your scalp clean and free of conditioner in order to prevent any gross build-up.
Almost equally as important is your physical approach to working shampoo and conditioner through your hair.

I’ve always tried to emulate the way professional stylists massage my scalp and work the shampoo and conditioner deep into my hair follicles. But it turns out that such manipulation is very rough on hair. It can lead more tangles – and nobody wants more tangles.
For better results, section your hair and wash each section gently with your palms. You’ll have more control over how much product you use and you’ll cut down on the time it takes to untangle your mane.
Finish your routine with a blast of cold water. This seals in moisture, helping to ensure that your strands remain hydrated.

#8 Less is More

When it comes to washing your hair, less really is more.
You don’t have to wash your hair daily or even every other day. In fact, overwashing can increase frizziness and leave your hair dull and limp.
For curly and natural-haired girls, a thorough wash every four or five days is all you need to keep your hair in a good state.
If your hair is straight or relaxed, shampoo every three or four days.
Don’t be afraid to spritz with water between washes if you need a hair boost.
You can even condition your hair without washing it if you want to refresh your locks. And thanks to the ever-evolving beauty industry there is now such a thing as dry shampoo. It’s worth a try.

#9 Condition, Condition, Condition

The secret of perfect hair is in the conditioner.

Did I say “condition”?
Conditioning is a must. I would never, ever recommend washing your hair without following up with a good conditioner. The secret of perfect hair is in the conditioner.
It’s important to apply conditioner after every wash. It’s even better if you’re able to do a deep conditioning treatment.
Deep conditioning is much like a pre-poo. You apply the product of your choice, cover your hair, and let it remain for an hour or so. Using heat, whether sitting under a hooded dryer or wrapping a warm towel around your head, maximizes the benefits.
Be sure to rinse your conditioner out thoroughly, as leaving it on your hair can lead to gross buildup. There’s nothing fun about that.

#10 Try Co-Washing

Co-washing is an idea whose time has come.
This idea is that you wash your hair as normal, according to your regular schedule, but instead of shampoo you use conditioner only.
You follow all the steps of your usual routine, including the pre-poo. But you use conditioner when you get to the cleansing part of the process.
I co-wash my hair weekly, opting for shampoo only once a month.
There are many benefits to co-washing. Number one is the elimination of the harsh detergents and chemicals that are found in even the gentlest shampoos.
Do you wash your hair daily? Switching to a co-wash every other day lets you maintain your routine without causing your strands undue stress.
You can use the conditioner you have or try out the new cleansing conditioners that are popping up in beauty-supply stores.

The Future of Clean Hair

One final tip: Resist the urge to towel-dry your locks. Towels dry your hair, undoing all the good work you have done in keeping your mane moisturized. Get an old t-shirt instead, and rub your hair gently.
That’s it! You’ve made it through the pre-poo, scrutinized labels, researched your hair type, picked your shampoo or cleansing conditioner, and made sure you washed and deep-conditioned your hair carefully. That’s it. That’s how you wash your hair.

7 Bedtime Beauty Habits to Help You Look Beautiful

It may be tempting to just fall into bed at the end of a long day, but you really can’t afford to skip these steps in your pre-bed routine. Trust us: You’ll thank us in the morning!
Waking up in the morning and asking the mirror, “How do I look today?” may be the question that starts your day. However, what the answer will be depends on how much effort you put in at night to help you look radiant in the morning.

A fresh look in the morning is something that everyone desires and can help your day start just right. With a dull and gloomy look, you cannot expect to have a vibrant day. For a fresh appearance every morning, maintaining a regular routine is a must. That’s why these seven beauty habits are a must before drifting off.

1. No makeup, please!

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9 to 5 schedule, excessive workload, late night parties, etc.: I agree; it was really a hectic day, but please don’t make it a hectic night for your skin.

It doesn’t matter how long the night is, never allow yourself to get into bed without removing your makeup.
Allow your skin to breath after a day’s exhaustion. Going to bed without removing your makeup will increase the chances of clogging your pores at night, which results in pimples, acne and other skin problems. The result is that your skin will look dull and messy in the morning.

After a long and chaotic day, nothing will rejuvenate you and make you feel fresher than taking a bath.

A proper refreshing bath not only de-stresses you, but ensures that you sleep soundly during the night. You can use different store-bought body soaps or body washes to clean yourself.

Egyptian queen Cleopatra was known for her beauty and it’s said that thousands of liters of milk were used for her baths. I’m not telling you to order lots of milk in order to take a bath, but try adding 3-4 cups of milk and 4-5 tablespoons of honey to a bath for that extra refreshing touch. A few rose petals will only enhance the experience.

3. Moisturize your skin.

After taking a bath, be sure to moisturize your skin. Always use moisturizer on wet skin as it will help to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated. For glowing morning skin, moisturizing is imperative.

Though many options are available in addition to body lotion, body oil, moisturizer, etc., you can also use coconut oil for a long-lasting effect. Don’t forget to put a layer of night cream on your face, which will give you a glowing face in the morning.

4. Tie up your hair.

Before heading to bed, tie up your hair. While fastening your hair, make sure it is not too tight. If your ponytail or bun is tight, it will create pressure on the hairline and, eventually, you may lose your hair. Leaving your hair undone at night is not a good idea as it will make the hair more tangled and will ensure a messy look in the morning.

5. Don’t ignore those rosy lips.

Dry, chapped and cracked lips can ruin all of your beauty efforts. To have a naturally glowing face, equal attention should be given to the lips, too.
Make a homemade lip balm with Shea butter. Mix a few drops of rose essential oil along with Shea butter to make a smooth, homemade lip balm for your rosy lips. Apply the balm at night, leaving it on overnight. The beautiful smell of the lip balm will add extra charm to your morning beauty.

6. Whiten your teeth.

Imagine your perfect morning look ruined by a set of yellow teeth. Is this acceptable? Of course not. A beautiful smile can make your day. A set of yellow teeth will take away the beauty of your smile. So, it’s our duty to remove the yellow shades from our teeth.

You can use whitening toothpaste or baking soda to whiten your teeth. Choosing a whitening agent is up to you, but, you have to use it daily if you really want to have a whiter and brighter smile.

7. Sleep.

Last but not least, these beauty tips can only work if you have sufficient sleep at night.
For a splendid look in the morning, no compromise should be had with sleep. Eight hours of sleep each night will not only give you glowing skin but will increase the functionality of your digestive system, which is directly connected your appearance. So, be sure to get eight hours of sleep before anything else.

Looking beautiful is everyone’s dream and like any dream, this demands effort and dedication. Maintaining these seven bedtime beauty habits will help to start your day better. Your mirror will speak on your behalf. Don’t forget to remain happy and positive throughout the day with a smile on your lips.

What other bedtime beauty habits or tips do you have? Our readers would love to know.