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Curls, Waves, and Split Ends: Just How Do You Deal With Them?

frances@sassable.com — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:41:40 +1000

Not all women are gifted with a gorgeous mane. Let's face it. We all end up wishing that we woke up like those women in magazine spreads and hair product commercials. Thing is, beautiful hair is the result of proper care and maintenance. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to hair care.

Just Keep Trimming

Split ends are such an undesirable thing. Keep them at bay by having a trim every four to six weeks. Just a couple of centimeters will do if you're growing out your locks.

Switch to Ionic Flat Irons and Blow Dryers with a Diffuser

Heat is the number 1 cause of hair damage. Switch to ionic flat irons and use blow dryers with a diffuser to minimize the damage to your hair. The form of heat these tools seals hair follicles thereby preventing them from losing moisture.

Use Protection Every Time

It's not enough that you switch gears. Using hair protectants when heating it up will keep it moisturized throughout the process.

DO NOT Rough It Up With Your Strands

Your hair is at its most vulnerable when it's wet. After bathing, never ever rub the towel against your hair. It may cause dryness, breakage, and damage to your precious locks. Instead, pat it dry using a super absorbent microfiber towel or an old shirt.

Do Not Wash Everyday

It might feel disgusting especially when you live in a tropical climate, but washing everyday strips the moisture and natural oils out of your hair. Wash, at most, two or three days apart.

Develop a Routine

Deep condition once every week, have a hot oil twice a month, and use a moisturizing conditioner every time you shampoo. It may take about a few minutes a day, but the results are worth it.

Use the Right Products

Curly, wavy, dry, and damaged hair can be tamed with the right products. Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners often carry lines that are made for specific types such as coarse, thin, curly, wavy, and African-American hair. Use this to your advantage and pick one that will answer your hair problems.

Have any other tips on hair care for our readers? Shout out in the comments below.

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Looking For The Three Best (and most affordable) Skin Care Lines?

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:33:34 +1000

Ladies, it's time to admit that we're not all rich and famous, and that brands such as Clinique, Orogold, and Murad are a bit pricey for students and middle income earners like most of us. So what's the next best thing? Drugstore buys!

Here are some of our picks for the best facial skin care lines your limited budget will let you splurge on.

St. Ives

It isn't dubbed America's No. 1 facial scrub for nothing. The line of facial scrubs of this beauty powerhouse promises not to dry up your skin, and deliver its promises it does! It has products for every skin type that is mild enough to use every two days without overdrying your skin. Plus, it has a formula that moisturizes as it cleanses.

Etude House

This Korean Brand has successfully invaded this side of the planet. East Asian skin has this trademark dewy, youthful glow that Westerners would die for. Etude House's skin care line promises to give you just that: bring back your youth without the need for a trip to the clinic.

The Body Shop

The Body Shop isn't just about hair and body. They have a skin care line that's made from organic ingredients and are guaranteed to have an environment and animal friendly line of products. For every penny you spend on them, you'll be seeing projects and advocacies that help protect animals from lab tests and mother nature from harm.

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St. Ives

Etude House

The Body Shop

Pucker Up!

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:25:06 +1000

It may be windy, humid, rainy, snowing, or scorching hot, but you should always find time to take care of your precious puckers. Chapped lips hurt, and not to mention unsightly. It's also going to be such a nagging affair when your lips start peeling off.

So how do you care for them? Simple. It just takes a total of less than 10 minutes every day. Read on.

Brush it

Right after you brush your teeth, rinse the bristles of your toothbrush and brush your lips lightly in a circular motion. This removes the dead skin cells that accumulates every day.

Moisturize it

Apply lip balm right after brushing. Since the dead skin cells have just been removed, your lips will be sensitive at this point. They will be vulnerable to dehydration unless you slather on lip balm to moisturize it. ChapStick has always been a trusted brand in lip care. Other brands you can count on are Nivea, Burt's Bees, and the Body Shop's Born Lippy.

Protect from the sun

Like your skin and eyes, the lips are exposed to the harmful UV rays that you encounter everyday. You can invest in a lip balm that already contains sunscreen, or get a combo lip balm that's already made with sun protection. Banana Boat is great for women who spend plenty of time at the beach or in the field. It has a high SPF formula that's sure to protect your lips from wrinkling.

Chapped lips may be painful for some people. To others, it's a big no-no. Nevertheless, it is equally as important to care for them as with any other part of the body.

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Keep Your Digits in Tip-Top Shape

frances@sassable.com — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:26:19 +1000

We’ve talked about how you can improve your pedicure and pedicure experience with some simple tips and pointers, now let’s see how we can take care of your nails and make them pretty longer after your manicure or pedicure.

The cuticles are probably one of the most neglected parts of your nails. To keep them healthy, moisturize them every now and then. Use a moisturizer on your hands or a moisture pack. They penetrate the skin onto your nails to keep their healthy demeanor.

Taking vitamin supplements can also have a lasting effect on your nails. A lot of people don’t know that the nails can sometimes exhibit or show how healthy a person is. So do yourself a favor and eat healthy, drink lots of water, and keep yourself fit. This can have a long and lasting effect not only on your nails, but on your body too!

When doing hard work like cleaning or scrubbing, always try to wear gloves to protect the skin of your hands from possible scars and corns from forming. Likewise, they also expose your nails to breakage or worse. So always try to oversee the safety of your hands when doing hard work.

Take a break from nail polish to prevent your nails from drying too much. The less dry they are, the less chances for them to chip or break off.

Keep these in mind the next time you have your pedicure or manicure to make your treatment last longer.

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DIY Pedicure: Points to Ponder

frances@sassable.com — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:19:38 +1000

There’s no doubt that a pedicure is one of those little things you can enjoy by yourself. Treating yourself to a home pedicure every once in a while can really be relaxing, not to mention the giddy feeling after you’ve cleaned or have decorated your nails after. Although it is a very much rewarding and fulfilling activity there are some things you should be aware of and make sure of (likewise there are some tips that can improve your DIY pedicure).

Since a pedicure is a cleaning process, then you better make sure that all of your tools are also clean. From the nail cutter to your hands, make sure everything is squeaky clean. An accidental infection would be very ironic if it came from a pedicure.

If you’ve previously applied nail polish, make sure you’ve thoroughly scrubbed them off before starting anything else. Always remember that removing nail polish is always the first order of business. For darker colors, you may have to spend more time scrubbing them off with polish remover or acetone.

Dipping your feet into some warm water before starting the pedicure can do some good for your feet. This makes sure the nails and skin are softer and more relaxed when the pedicure starts. This means easier cleaning and relaxed feet right after. For a more spa or salon feel to it, try adding epsom salts and give a nice gently scrub for your feet’s skin.

A worthy note though, try not to shave before you soak your feet. Shaving can cause tiny cuts on the skin where bacteria can enter. Again, emphasis on sterile tools.

Finally when cutting your toenails, cut straight across to prevent ingrown nails to form. You don’t want to deal with them when they’re there, plus it really doesn’t look all that nice.

Always try to keep these tips in mind when you’re doing your pedicure, but always remember that you’re doing the pedicure to relax yourself. So take it easy and enjoy your home spa experience.

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Tan for Spring Break?

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:17:35 +1000

Are you ready for spring break? I'm pretty sure you've got the beach covered, so there's a high possibility that you'll want to go and get a tan.

Tanning the natural way is the best way to go. You avoid enormous concentrations of UV rays in tanning beds and salons and yet get the same result. Beware, however, of the harmful effects of tanning. You might get sunburn or, in the long run, skin cancer.

One way to prevent these from happening is by wearing sunblock and sunscreen. You'll know that you got a good one if the SPF is high enough for the amount of time that you plan to spend under the sun. Coppertone is one brand that's stuck through time. It has lines for both kids and adults, so you're sure to find one that fits your lifestyle.

So don't leave your sunscreen or your sunblock behind on your trip for spring break. Always carry it with you for protection.

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Spring Must-Haves for 2012

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:03:15 +1100

Okay, so now that spring is finally THE season you're in, it's time for you to gear up. You know you'll have to do plenty of searching and encounter hits and misses before you get the right one in our list, but it is worth a try.

Lip Balm

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A new season always calls for a new you, right? So start with the lip balm. You will want to don a natural-looking face this season so why don't you start off with it from the roots of your lovely puckers? Get one that has an SPF and one that is great at moisturising so you won't have to reapply all the time. ChapStick always works like a charm.

Blush

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A little blush goes a long way. It gives you that little touch of sunshine and innocence without having to break a sweat or stay under the sun. Our best bet? NARS blush in orgasm. It goes with any skin color and gives you a very adorable blush. It earned itself the title of Allure 2011's Best of Beauty nominations. That should tell you how good it is.

Lip Gloss

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Make your lips stand out while donning an all natural look by dabbing on a little lip gloss. Victoria's Secret always has fun lip glosses that come in different flavors, colors, scents, and sparkles. Make sure to always have one in your purse as it most definitely gives you that fun factor on a lazy day of errands.

Sunscreen

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The sun's out, so you might want to protect yourself from the UV rays. Dermagenic's Sun Savvy Solar Shield Facial Sunscreen. Don't give in to the excuse that it's just a little sun, darling. The sun may be little, but it sure packs a punch on the UV. A good sunscreen will block these out and protect your skin from premature ageing. Keep that in mind.

Perfume

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Ah, the sweet scent of spring. Transfer this scent heaven to your person with fragrances such as Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. Just a small dab of it on strategic areas like the neck, the wrists, and the elbow gives you that ultimate spring time romance. Oh, and it does pack quite a big punch.

Are you ready for spring? What beauty items are in your must-have list? Let us know in the comments below.

Be A Sexy Girl Next Door

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:47:54 +1100

When someone describes you as a "girl next door," you automatically become labelled as a sweet, laid back who can do no harm to the heart. Thank Katie Holmes and Dawson's Creek for that. But to guys, the girl next door has a subtle sexiness to her. You can credit this one to Elisha Cuthbert. Can't see it? Well, all you need is just a little touch-up. Here are 5 ways for you to bring that sex appeal up a notch.

1. Dewy skin

Have your makeup look as natural as ever- pink lips, a bit of eyeliner, and Nars Orgasm Blush. Then, spritz on a facial mist such as Evian Mineral Water Spray to set the makeup, refresh your skin, and give yourself a dewy glow.

2. A garden of lashes

Batting your eyelashes is one way to get a guy's attention especially when they're long. Arm your natural look with a sweep of Benefit They're Real mascara. It doesn't make lashes clump together or excessively lush. It keeps things natural by elongating them instead.

3. Kissable Lips

Always remember to exfoliate your lips after you brush your teeth. To do this, use the bristles in circular motions on your lips to remove dead skin cells. It makes the lips a little redder, too. Apply ChapStick every opportunity you get. If you're going out, don't forget to dab on lip gloss.

4. Sweet, "Come hither" scent

Guys love it when their ladies smell like a little piece of heaven. Jessica Simpson's fragrance collection is one that you should definitely give a try. It's light and not too "out there." Who knows, you might draw men in just by putting on a dab of perfume on your neck.

5. Wavy, tousled hair

Celebrities constantly wear their hair wavy at events. Why? Because it looks so darn sexy and comfortable. You might want to do the same thing as well. You can either use a diffuser or a curling iron to get this look. Make the curls last longer by applying products as well.

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Do you have other ideas to get make the Girl Next Door a little more sexier? How did these tips work out for you? Let us know in the comments below.

Laser Hair Removal: Should You?

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:43:25 +1100

Laser hair removal is one of the most popular procedures that women undergo. This is because repeated use has permanent effects on hair growth in unwanted areas. The latest technology, Sonata hair removal, is the safest of its kind. It can be used by all skin types, and it promises a pain-free procedure.

It uses an intense pulse of light that passes through the skin and gets absorbed by the melanin into the hair follicle. This pulse of light is then is converted into heat that damages the roots of the hair. This prevents it from growing back. It's a very fast procedure which doesn't require any down time from you, so you're sure to get back to work minutes after. You might want to have this procedure in a salon that's near your home or workplace simply because you'll be needing six to eight sessions before you can really call yourself hair-free.

If you love wearing sleeveless tops, shorts, or miniskirts, then a laser hair removal session is just right for you. It may be the most expensive hair removal procedure, but the money spent is pretty much worth the results. You get hair-free underarms in a number of sessions, and the results are permanent. This means no more waxing, plucking, or shaving.

Contact your nearest (or favorite) salon and ask if they provide this service. If they do, then you're in luck. You're in for a nice treat.

Spring Cleaning Your Makeup Kit

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:50:36 +1100

Spring cleaning your makeup kit is one thing we might have to do half-heartedly. There are memories that come with one color of eyeshadow our favorite shade of lipstick, right? Nevertheless, it's something that has to be done for our safety. If you have absolutely no idea how to start, let us show you.

Distinguish between tossers and keepers

As a general rule, toss EVERYTHING that has changed in color or smell. This means that the chemical composition has changed in time, and that when it is used repeatedly, may cause damage to the skin or the lips. Cream-based makeup are usually the first ones to go, often having a lifespan of about 6 months to 1 year. Powders last longer, from about a year to two years.

Clean your brushes and other applicators

These get into contact with your skin all the time, so to prevent breakouts and imperfections, you have to regularly clean and disinfect them. You may wash them with ordinary shampoo, but some makeup lines carry special solutions to clean brushes. When drying them, hang them with the bristles facing down so the water doesn't pool at the handle.

Breakouts is not only caused by the type of skin you have or the kinds of food you eat. The bacteria that comes from makeup also makes a contribution to your skin's health. You should learn to properly care for your little gems to prevent bacterial growth. One way to do this is to keep them away from moist and dark areas such as the bathroom because this kind of environment is conducive to bacterial growth.

Declutter your kit

Do you have plenty of items that serve absolutely no purpose in your kit? Items empty tubes of lipstick, a brush that you no longer use, shades of eyeshadows that you no longer think pretty should be considered as clutter. If it gives you nothing but clutter, you should consider tossing them. If they're still in mint condition, you may opt to give it away- but make sure that they're free from bacteria. Better still, you may want to reconsider how you shop for makeup.

Get yourself organized

Having an organized makeup kit is one way for you to speed up your prep time. This is so you won't have to spend minutes looking for that lip gloss that goes well with the eyeliner. Divide your kit into three: eyes, lips, face. Then, you can organize the items by color or by function. Have a separate container for your applicators and brushes. From there, you will see how easy it is to reach for that tiny little lip gloss that you haven't seen since the day you purchased it.

A little spring cleaning will bring you big results when it comes to saving time and your skin. Make sure to do this regularly to keep your kit in top shape.

Do you have any other spring cleaning ideas for your makeup kit? Tell us how you do it in the comments below.

Quick Beauty Fixes for a Lazy Daisy

frances@sassable.com — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:33:25 +1100

Not all of us are cut out to spend hours in front of a mirror, right? With many things to juggle like appointments, chores, work, and family, who would have the luxury of time? We'd rather spend that extra hour catching up on sleep, won't we? A little cheat here and there and a couple of shortcuts will definitely give you enough me time. So, if you need a makeover for that high profile presentation or that PTA meeting, read on.

Face

Nothing works better than clear skin. Moisturize daily, and you'll have that fresh glow all throughout the day. Give yourself a scrub at least once a week to remove dead skin cells and bring a new layer to the surface. It takes at least 5 minutes to do this, but if it becomes a routine, you'll have skin that you can be proud of. Then, you can skip the concealer and the foundation. You might want to add a little color to your cheeks and other spots where the sun hits. Blush or bronze, it's your choice. Nars blush in Orgasm and Max Factor Bronzing Powder Golden are great fixes.

Eyes

Curl your eyelashes. This makes your eyes look bigger and rounder. If you want a little drama, apply light eyeshadow in earth tones such as coffee. Covergirl has a coffee palette that you might want to try. It's a fuss free, idiot proof way of making your eyes pop. If eyeliner is your thing, use a pencil because it's quicker and easier to apply. Don't forget to groom your eyebrows while you're at it.

Lips

A little colored lip gloss goes a long way. If you don't want to fuss about things getting stuck to your lips, go for matte lipstick. Deep reds like M.A.C's Ruby Woo are always a sure way to make yourself look polished. If you don't have time to line your lips, apply one coat then place a tissue in between your lips. "Bite" it using your lips to sort of press the color into your lips. This will keep the color from bleeding and sticking to your teeth. Then, apply another coat and you're good to go.

Hair

Updos are your best friend. They're classy and easy to do, especially french chignons. If you want wavy hair, braid your hair in different sections after towelling it dry. Take the braid to bed with you, and untie it in the morning. Finger through it, and apply a volumizing product to give it body. Voila! Beach waves without the heat. Volumizing mousse also works wonders with short pixie hairstyles. Finger it through your strands and mold your hair into something edgy.

Nails

Short nails are always chic with or without color. It's easier to maintain as well compared to its longer version. Trim it in a round shape and file the edges in one direction. Make sure that you leave a bit of white on it to give an illusion of a french tip. Most importantly, keep it clean ALWAYS. Dirty nails are never attractive.

Got enough fixes to last you a lifetime? Share it with us. We'd love to hear from you.

Perfect that Brow!

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:49:49 +1100

There is no better way to frame your face than to use your eyebrows. In fact, a neat and well-groomed arch will make your eyes look larger, thereby brightening up your whole face.

There are many ways to shape your brows as this process falls under hair removal. You can wax them, pluck them, thread them, or (for at least some people) shave them. Waxing may be messy and can cause you to accidentally remove more hair than you want to. Shaving will definitely give you a stubble up there. You wouldn't want that either. By process of elimination, you'll notice that the best way to remove hair in this area is to either pluck them or thread them. Here's how.

If you do have the means and the time to go to a salon to have your arches fixed, by all means do. Normally, they would offer to have your brows fixed by threading them. When hair starts to grow back after a few days, you can just follow the shape that the consultant left for you.

If you're strapped for time and have absolutely no means of going to a salon, well then, it's time to read up. Don't worry, it's not as difficult as you think it is. It's definitely a quick process too.

First, make sure that your face is clean. It's better to pluck or thread your brows right after a hot bath since the pores are open. You can also numb the area by rubbing an ice cube onto it. If you don't have the patience, take an aspirin a few minutes before you start. Since you are on your first trial, it's better to pluck than to thread because honestly, it's easier to control a tweezer than a piece of thread. Choose one with slanted edges. Tweezerman is the best for this.

Brush your hair upward and start tweezing the stray hairs. It is important that you DO NOT tweeze the hair that forms the shape of your brow. Limit yourself to plucking stray hairs because really, you wouldn't look good in an overplucked brow. Work with what you have, and not with what you want. It would look more natural, and natural is always good.

Then, move on to the area between the arches and start plucking. To get an idea where you should start plucking, take a pencil and lay it on top of your nostrils. Any hair that lies beyond it should go. To determine where your arch is, take the pencil and lay it parallel to the edge of the iris. The point where the pencil hits the eyebrows is where the highest point of the arch should be. Remember, work with what you have. If there is no arch, it's better to leave the shape as it is. To determine where the eyebrow should end, take that pencil and place it so that it touches the edge of your nostril and the edge of your eye. The point where the pencil meets your eyebrow should be where it ends, so remove any stray hairs there.

If you've managed to overpluck your brows (yikes!) don't panic. You can always use brow shadow or an eyebrow pencil to fill it in.

Superb Hair Do's for a Valentine's Date

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:42:12 +1100

Sure, your hair looks so great unstyled that you rarely even touch it. However, this Valentine's Day, you should be able to make it a little more special by dressing up your hair. If it's long enough to style, then read on for some of the sweetest looking hairstyles your hair has to offer.

1. Wavy Hair

Apply volumizing or texturizing spray to the roots of your hair. If your hair is already coarse, curly, or wavy, a straightening balm will do. Citre Shine Straightening Balm is great for coarse hair while Perfectly Luscious Curls Wave Activating Spray is perfect for fine hair. Use a wide-barrel curling iron on small sections of hair. Make sure that you alternate the directions of the curls so that they won't look artificial. After you finish curling all of your hair, blow-dry it (without the nozzle) with cool air. Use your fingers to separate the curls in this process.

2. French Chignon

Gather hair at the nape, and then twist it around twice until it feels tight. The hair will tuck itself in while you twist it, so secure it with bobby pins while you do so. Tuck the ends into the twist and secure them again with bobby pins. If you want a smooth updo, brush in the direction of the hair and apply mousse onto it. If you want that carefree look, let a few strands of hair fall at the sides of your face to frame it.

3. Half-Up Ponytail

Curl your hair the same way as the first hairstyle. You want to achieve those beach waves for this look. Tease the top half of your hair. Just a little so that you get the right amount of volume. Then, gather the top section of your hair and tie it with a band and let a few strands of hair fall beside your face to make this hairstyle looks sweet and soft.

4. Low Ponytail

Gather your hair at the nape and tie it with a band. This look works best if its polished, so use a styling cream to achieve this effect.

The Health Benefits of Tea

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:21:32 +1100

You may be the most dedicated coffee lover, but you can never deny yourself a good cup of tea. After all, it works like a charm when you're feeling under the weather. But did you know that teas have more health benefits other than making you feel warm, fuzzy, and a whole lot better during a runny nose?

Different kinds of teas have different effects on your body. While many claim that teas can help minimize your chances of getting cancer, there is always more to it than what they say. So, if you want to learn more about this ancient wonder medicine, then read on.

Green Tea

Among all the teas that the world has tasted, perhaps nothing is comparable to the health benefits of green tea. It holds true to its reputation of being a treasure trove of antioxidants. Studies show that it helps prevent different types of cancers and clogging of the arteries. It also helps in lessening your risk of developing neurological disorders at the onset of old age such as Parkinson's disease. It also minimizes your chances of getting a stroke. Apart from these, green tea is also known to be helpful in burning fat and keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level.

White Tea

White tea is tea in its purest form. It is unfermented and unprocessed, thus it has the most powerful set of antioxidants among all other types of tea. It also has known effects of whitening teeth (thought you'd see that one coming) because it contains a small dose of flouride. It also fights bacteria which cause plaque, bad breath, and tooth decay.

Black Tea

Black tea has the highest amount of caffeine among all types of teas because of the fermentation process it undergoes. While it may have the highest amount of caffeine, it does not have the same negative effects and caffeine content that coffee has. That way, you can say goodbye to headaches and palpitation during long nights with this one. Its flavor is the base flavor of some fancy combinations like chai and bubble tea. Black tea helps reduce the risk of stroke as well as protect your lungs from the damages of second hand cigarette smoke.

Oolong Tea

Some people hold on to the belief that oolong tea is a good weight loss supplement, but unfortunately science has yet to prove this one true. On the other hand, this type of tea has been found to lower bad cholesterol levels.

Teas have always been there since the early days of humanity. Drinking it has been a tradition that many cultures have passed on from one generation to another. While it has taken decades for studies about this beverage to emerge, the knowledge about the health benefits of teas remains one of the most grounded and informative researches about a beverage.

Analyzing Your Skin

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:13:23 +1100

Did you know that there are different types of skin?

Knowing what type of skin you have will help ease your way into achieving a healthy, glowing skin. For one thing, you will be able to address common problems such as acne, flaking, and redness that is usually associated with your skin type.

There are five categories, and your skin might fall into one of these. Let's take a look at them, shall we?

1. Normal Skin

Lucky you. You have something that all women die trying to achieve- close to perfect skin. Normal skin has small pores and the right balance of oil and moisture. It is very elastic and supple as well, meaning early signs of aging will not be a problem for you.

2. Dry Skin

Dry skin is very prone to wrinkling. During cold seasons, it gets rough, itchy, or flaky. This skin type has very fine pores, and although it may look good, it is very prone to early signs of aging such as wrinkles, patches, and blemishes.Thus, you will need to apply moisturizers and creams that target dryness.

3. Oily Skin

Oily skin is oily. That much is true. As a result, it tends to break out because of the excess sebum and the dirt that clogs the large pores. It is important that women with this skin type be vigilant in keeping the skin clean. Dirt can easily get trapped in the pores that are unusually large in this skin type. It is also important to maintain and manage the excess oil to prevent the skin from looking shiny instead of dewy. Blotting papers, powders, and foundations will do the trick.

4. Combination Skin

This type of skin can be tricky and sometimes difficult to care for. It is oily on areas such as the forehead, the nose and the chin which makes this zone, aptly named the T-zone, prone to breakouts and blemishes. The cheeks remain dry and flaky which means that you need to put on heavy moisturizers in that area. You will also need to put creams under the eyes as it will be prone to wrinkling.

5. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin needs the greatest amount of care among all the skin types. It is very reactive to the changing climate as well as chemicals and responds by breaking out, flaking, itching, and flaring up with red patches. You will need to use special kinds of products such as Cetaphyl that do not contain perfumes, dyes, or harmful ingredients that would irritate sensitive skin.

It will take plenty of research, visits to the dermatologists, and hits and misses to find the right product for your skin type. VMV Hypoallergenics is a skin care line that carry products specially designed for a particular skin type. It ranges from cosmetics to skin care products, so be sure to check it out. If you do have the time to spare, make sure to research more about your skin type.

The first step to a personalized skin care regimen is knowing which among the five skin types you have. It will enable you to address and somehow manage blemishes and delay ageing.

Makeup Must Haves for Valentine's Day

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:38:24 +1100

February is already in plain sight and you know what that means. V-day is already peeking around the corner. So if you have plans for the day of hearts, you also have to prepare to beautify yourself. It doesn't matter if it's a simple date at a park, a posh dinner at a fine dining restaurant, or a night out with your friends. You're still going to want to look your best. We've listed a couple of things that you might want to get on your face this season of love.

Bold, Red Lips

Red is most definitely the color that has stood the test of time when it comes to lipsticks. It speaks confidence and sex appeal albeit in a very subtle way. Red lipstick looks best when it's matte. Matte, not dry. For your perfect pucker, try M.A.C. Ruby Woo for that retro beauty. This is one reason why it's Dita Von Teese's favorite. Make sure to keep the rest of your face clean and simple, though. You wouldn't want to look like Ronald McDonald's.

Cat Eyes

Nothing says "come hither" better than the eyes. For that statement, cat eyes are your best bet. When your eyeliner is made with the perfect texture and the finest ingredients, it's surely going to make for a long-lasting stare contest between you and an admirer. Try Maybelline Ultra Liner Waterproof for that smooth, even, and instant cat eye.

Pink Flush

Nothing says youth better than a pinkish flush on your cheeks. Makeup artists swear by the magic of Nars Blush in Orgasm because it is tried and tested to suit all skin tones. That slightly pink glow works like a charm in giving you that innocent, child-like appeal that most people find both adoring and alluring.

These are a few of the best ones out there. There may be more in store for you if you start looking around. It's a new year, so go ahead and pretty-fy yourself with these new toys that you will love all year long.

Daily Routines that Keep You Awake

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:49:53 +1100

Oftentimes our bed time routines will completely drain us of energy rather than refresh us the next morning. As an effect, we end up waking up feeling more tired or just as exhausted as the night before. For one thing, we should be more relaxed and energetic after a long night's sleep right? Wrong. Why is that so? Read on.

Many of us might think that a full 7-9 hours of sleep will do us good, but really, it's not just the number of hours that you should count. You may have as little as 6 hours of sleep and feel refreshed enough to do as many tasks as you need to or want to accomplish. Here are the top bed time routines that keep people from having that restful slumber:

Not having a bed time

You are never too old for bed time. The key to having constant energy the entire day is to sleep at exactly the same time every single day (or evening). Another thing you might want to consider is to have a daily routine at home before going to bed. This sets your body clock to a routine and tells it that you should, by hook or by crook, go to bed at exactly 11pm. For those who have a very unpredictable schedule, try to make sure that you are in bed at exactly the same time every single day. Trust me, your body will thank you.

Exercising

You may think that exercising will get you tired enough to just fall into bed and sleep. It's not like that. Exercising triggers your brain to release adrenaline. This gives as much energy as an energy drink, and that's why it's best to exercise during the morning after waking up. If done before bed time, it will keep you up for at least three more hours.

Rigorous Mental Activity

A leisurely read is fine, and even recommended by doctors to relax your brain. Magazines and chic lit, fiction, and fantasy novels will do the trick. However, if you start reading that history book, you better be prepared to wake up feeling like you pulled an all-nighter for a paper.

Books and reading materials that contain too much information triggers the brain to stay up and process it. This could take to as long as overnight and by the morning, you will surely feel as tired as ever. Avoid studying a few hours before bed time while you're at it.

Mid-day long naps

It's fine to take a 10-minute nap during the day. In fact, doing so improves your concentration and focus. However, a nap that lasts for more than 20 minutes tells your brain that you need to sleep, not a nap. A long nap during the day will push back your date with Mr. Sandman by a couple of hours. By the time you feel your eyes getting heavy, it'll be early in the morning.

Caffeine

The effects of caffeine can last up to five hours (at least) after consumption.This being said, it's wiser to avoid drinking anything with caffeine in the afternoon. You may think you need it in the evening for work, but it's no use working if your brain is already exhausted and not functioning properly. It's best to give it a fresh start early in the morning instead.

Studies show that adults need 7-9 hours of sleep in order to function properly. Of course, as with any health-related issue, this varies for every person. Some may be fine with only 5 hours, but surely that's because they have good sleeping habits that help their brains relax during sleep. Try to be more considerate of your brain and body and be sure to factor in your daily routine when considering a bed time. Who knows, you might have a good slumber every night.

Quick Ways To Get Your Energy Back

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:08:42 +1100

You wake up in the morning feeling like... you want to go back to bed. You may be over-stressing yourself that your body craves for sleep even if you've had a complete, straight, eight-hour slumber. You might be suffering from fatigue, and this will definitely bring your productivity to an all-time low. Fight it by getting your energy back in these quick, simple, and inexpensive ways.

1. Drink Tea

Studies show that tea is a better for your body than coffee or energy drinks. Four to six cups a day of black tea reduces the stress hormones in your body significantly.

2. Cold Water Shower

Cold water will wake you up instantly. If you can't handle an entire shower with it, start with warm water and work the temperature down until it gets really cold. If you need a wake up in the office, splash your face with cold water, and then make sure to have a retouch session.

3. Get Out!

Take a breath of fresh air. Literally. Go outdoors even when it's cold and take a few minutes to walk. Leave your desk for a while and focus on your surroundings. Smell the flowers and the hotdogs on the street or listen to the hustle and bustle of the city. A little distraction goes a long way in bringing back your concentration. Once your mind is clear, will have a better time focusing on what needs to be done at work.

4. Power Nap, Cat Nap, Disco Nap

It may take a lot of disciple and a permission from your boss, but quick naps will do you wonders. The operative word here is "quick" because any more than 20 minutes of it won't make you any less stressed or tired than you were before it. So set an alarm to go off after 10-20 minutes and get jump up from your light slumber.

5. Pinch Yourself

Well, not really, because it will hurt. What needs a slight pinching is the area between your thumbs and your forefingers. Applying a little pressure for several minutes onto this area will give you a really quick boost of energy. This technique is one of the many things applied in Acupressure.

The best way for you to maintain your energy the whole day is to have a bed time. It may sound juvenile, but setting your body clock to snooze at a certain time every evening will assure you that it won't remind you to go to sleep at odd hours during the day.

Do-It-At-Home Manicures

frances@sassable.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:22:15 +1100

Okay ladies, let's just admit it. There are just times when we just don't feel like going out. Blame it on the hormones or the bad weather, but really, when we don't feel like going out, even a trip to the salon would feel like a drag. Seriously, would you go to the salon for a manicure during a hurricane? Why not try giving yourself a manicure at home just because. Here's how.

Before you begin painting, you first have to remove last week's nail polish. If it starts chipping so that half of your nail is naked, yes, it's time to repaint it. Use a non-acetone nail polish remover because acetone can be too harsh on your nails. Try Cutex® Essential Care™ Advanced Nail Polish Remover Pads.

Next, cut your nails short (just above the tip of your fingers) and file them to smooth perfection. Make sure that it is rounded as well. Start at the edges and move towards the top, filing in only one direction. After this, soak your nails in a mixture of gentle moisturizing soap and water to soften the cuticles. Some like to put in a little olive oil instead of soap. This is fine.

After around ten minutes, apply cuticle cream on the cuticles and rub in. According to reviews, one of the best cuticle creams out there is by Burt's Bees. Make sure that the cream is fully absorbed before you proceed to the next step. Use an orange wood stick to push the cuticles back. Push, not cut. Cutting might give you infections. Apply a moisturizing hand lotion after. We particularly like Aveeno Intensive Naturals Hand Cream. Wipe your nails (and your entire hand for that matter) with a damp cloth or tissue to get rid of the excess oils before moving to the next step.

Apply a base coat and let it dry for roughly about one minute. After it dries, apply two coats of your color of the week. You should be able to cover the entire nail in just three smooth strokes. Do not stop halfway as this will cause your polish to coat unevenly. Start of with the sides and then finish off with the top. Allow it to dry for about a minute or so before applying the next coat. Lastly, apply a top coat to finish off your manicure and prevent it from chipping or fading.

Giving yourself a manicure might be easier said than done, but the best thing about it is that the service is free. You have all the time to yourself as well. So go on, on days when the weather's bad or you just feel like the world hates you, give yourself a manicure and make your nails a little prettier.

Exfoliating: Uncovering the Facts Beneath

webmaster@sassable.com — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:57:32 +1100

You might think that exfoliating simply means removing the dead skin cells on the surface of your face. Yes, you are thinking the right thing, but there's even more to it.

The skin continuously creates new skin cells in the dermis, the second layer of the skin. Over a month's time, these new skin cells move their way up to the surface of the skin and become acidic. These skin cells die after moving to the surface and become saturated with keratin after the 30-day period. Since they are at the surface of the skin, they become the first barrier of protection against the elements. In this sense, keratin becomes a protective layer.

The drawback of this process is that the dead skin cells make the skin look dry and rough. This is especially true among women who are into their menopausal stage and who are, well, ageing. Skin erosion becomes uneven simply because not all the dead skin cells are removed from the surface. Exfoliating removes the remaining dead skin cells and reveals the new layer underneath it. This process unclogs the pores, keeps your skin clean, and ultimately reduces the chances of you breaking out from dirty and clogged pores. Exfoliating is also as important to men as it is to women. The process allows the hair follicles to be exposed thereby allowing a closer and better shave.

Bear in mind that exfoliating is best done after cleansing the skin. This is the time when it is still soft and will allow an easy exfoliating process. However, overexfoliating can cause dryness and skin irritation especially in the face so remember to always moisturize after exfoliating. This moisturizer from Aveeno, for example, is good enough to maintain the moisture in your skin and prevent it from drying out even after exfoliating.

There are two types of exfoliation processes - mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation involves scrubbing the skin with tools such as loofas, facial scrubs with microbeads, sugar, salt, and apricot shells, among others. Some products, such as St. Ives Renew and Firm Apricot Scrub, are gentle enough to be used everyday without overdrying your skin.

Chemical exfoliation necessitates the use of acids to help dissolve the connective bond between cells allowing them to simply and easily be removed. These chemicals are usually administered by medical professionals or can be bought in drug stores. Examples of these chemicals are salicylic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acids or more commonly known as AHA's, and beta hydroxy acids or BHA's, just to name a few. Chemical exfoliants put you at risk for skin damage when applied incorrectly and in high doses. Thus, it is better to consult a professional for this type of exfoliating.

Perhaps we should thank the ancient civilizations for discovering this beauty technique. For one thing, it is a very affordable and easy beauty regimen. So there, now that you've read about the importance of exfoliation, make sure to include it in your beauty routine. When done correctly and religiously, it will definitely make your skin glow. That's a guarantee.