Is Sushi Really Japan's Secret, To Healthy Living And Long Life?

By Graham Foster

It is claimed by many nutritionists that Sushi is one of the main reasons why Japanese people have the lowest incidence of obesity and heart disease. Now finally more and more are taking up Sushi as an alternative to junk foods.

Sushi, that sumptuous combination of rice and raw fish, wrapped in fish skin is quickly approaching fast food status overseas, far, far away from the country that invented it. It's sparing partner, the wasabe, the green stuff that is atrocious to the nose is a delicacy that non-Japanese people are still getting used to-but it's only a matter of time.

Wasabe or Wasabi paste as many know it has more than just taste to offer the dinner. It might suprise you to learn that this hot and firery paste has almost magical powers with the ability to kill bacteria in fish ... even if the fish may not be as fresh as it might be.

If you enjoy good food and have reasonably deep pockets sushi is a great choice. It is costly for a couple of reasons one the quality of fish required goes beyond what you might buy for other dishes and also the attention to detail goes beyond what would be required for most meals. The skill being in the knife work of preparing the sushi.

You could of course prepare your own sushi ... You'll need a good amount of time as the process cannnot be rushed and a high level of confidence with sharp knives. Maybe it is this combination of labor and skill that means most dinners either choose to buy ready prepared sushi or dine out at one of the number of eating places serving such food.

Be aware that this is not all about the fish and is much more about the skill of the knife. Prepare sushi with out the required knife skills and it will look soggy and grainy- It will look as if the fish has been attacked rather than prepared with great skill.

There are no shortcuts on the rice either, It must be authentic Japanese sushi rice .. Uncle Bens simply won't cut it. Another point to remember don't confuse sushi with another japanese favorite sashimi . The main difference being the serving of rice. If you order sashimi and want rice make sure you order a bowl as it is not part of the dish.

Types of sushi are many, but with out exception all are served with rice. Most commonly know is the sushi roll or maki which is made using nori (seaweed) and served in slices of six parts. In addition there is nigiri or hand made sushi usually prepared in pairs. In addition to these more common types there is also pressed sushi (squares) or oshi, and bean curd sushi rolls or inarizushi.

There are more special sushi styles Saikuzushi or festival sushi is almost an art form than cooking. The sushi rice is dyed different colors then sectioned and then rolled. When sliced images are created (amazing stuff). Chirashizushi or scattered sushi consists of rice spread in a box or bowl with nine different types of fish scattered on top. On some occasions Chankinzushi is prepared this is a sushi rice omelet wrapper which is shaped and tied like a ladies draw string purse (similar to chinese dimsum). Some times a solitary shrimp or pea decorates the ruffled part of the wrapper.

Makezushi is sushi rice, mixed with vegetables and seafood that has been molded into bowls or square tins and covered with strips of omelet, shrimp and vegetables. Fukusazushi is a variation of this, where the square-molded rice mixture is wrapped in a thin sheet of omelet. This is turned over to conceal the seams and garnished with a nori ribbon and ginger.

Finally we have Temarizushi which are rice balls wrapped in thinly sliced marinated fish. Itadakimasu! (enjoy eating)

About the Author:

Before you begin any diet or slimming plan on the net, make sure you check Graham Fosters' excellent free report on how he lost 22.5lbs in weight in only 5 short weeks without any diet pills, fad diets or exercising like a Navy Seal! Click here to get your own unique version of this article.

Skin Care Tips That'll Make You Glow

by skintips

If you want to look great, then having great skin is a
necessity. Diet and exercise play an important role when it
comes to taking steps to improve the health of your skin
beyond simply using good skin care products. Not only will
it make you feel good about yourself, but the following
steps also have many ancillary benefits when it comes to
your health and happiness.

Dry Brush Exfoliation: This should be done in the morning
prior to going in the shower. This gets ride of excess dead
skin, thus allowing your skin to detox. This will also help
with blood circulation and decreases any puffiness(for
example, around the eyes). While this is a great way to
improve your skin condition it also provides a calming
affect through the gentle pressure, which stimulates the
nervous system. With the help of a bristle brush you can be
on your way to a dry brush exfoliation once a day in no
time.

Hydration: This causes your digestion to slow down and in
turn leaves your body filled with impurities for longer than
it should. You should try to drink 4 litres of water per
day, at least. In order to make sure you meet this target
have a bottle of water with you at all times throughout the
day and you will find it's easy to get through this amount
without ever thinking about it. Don't like drinking plain
water? Consider adding flavoring to your water.

Fibre: Fibre will improve your diet and your skin at the
same time. Most people know that this will make their skin
glow, but few know how to realistically eat their RDA of
fibre every day. Here are some tips to make sure you
manage:

1. Brown is better than white. Pasta and bread both have up
to ten times as much fibre in them when you opt for brown
rather than white. This is an easy dietary change for most
people, so at least give it a try and see if you can make
the shift. 2. Eat apples, and lots of them! Apples are sweet
and tasty. More importantly their skins are jam packed with
fibre. Try to eat a couple of apples a day as a contribution
towards your 5 fruit and vegetables a day.

Get exercise: If you fail to get exercise then you'll notice
your muscle tone turning to flab. This has been said to lead
to cellulite, acne and bloating. None of which will do your
complexion any good. That's why you have to consider
incorporating an exercise plan into your lifestyle. This
shouldn't be a chore, and is an essential part of a healthy
lifestyle.

Sugar: Sugar may be sweet, but it doesn't do your skin any
favours. This is said to be one of the major causes of
ageing in the skin. You can easily tackle this problem
through ensuring your not having any more sugar in your diet
than you have to. This means that a sprinkle of sugar on
your cereal shouldn't be an option. When it comes to tea and
coffee, it's easy to gradually reduce whether or not you
take sugar. If you currently take 2 spoonfuls, come down to
zero by lessening by a half a spoonful at a time.

Article kindly provided by href='http://www.skincaretipsandmore.blogspot.com'>Have
Beautiful, Healthy Skin At Any Age

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SUPER DEALS

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What Are Age Spots?

I've been asked this so many times.... what are age spots? Yes.... as I've gotten older, they've started showing up on me as well.

Age spots, also known as sunspots or liver spots, are caused by over exposure to the sun and free radicals.

Age spots can be easily identified because they are discolorations on the skin that are flat and brown, and are a result of too much pigment being released in a pecific area.

Most often, age spots appear on hands and forearms, or areas on the body that are not usually covered by clothing. Keep in mind that age spots may appear anywhere on the body.

Which products are suggested for age spots?

For discolorations such as brown spots, age spots or sunspots, we
suggest NutriMinC® RE9 products. Please follow the suggested usage for each product.

Why are NutriMinc® RE9 products suggested?

NutriMinC® RE9 REactivating Facial Serum and NutriMinC® RE9 Body Serum could be beneficial because they contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids. The AHAs and BHAs will exfoliate the skin and increase cell proliferation (new cell growth), which could help even out skin tone. For specific attention to lightening age spots on the skin, we suggest that you may want to "spot treat" the areas with NutriMinC® RE9 REpair, Corrective Eye Crème.

NutriMinC® RE9 REpair, Corrective Eye Crème is suggested specifically because it contains kojic acid, which is a natural lightener and could be extra beneficial in lightening these spots.

Important Recommendation
Melanoma can be mistaken for age spots or sunspots. We suggest that those who notice age spots that are very dark, that increase in size, or notice spots that look different than other age spots, consult a dermatologist immediately.

references cited:
PM Maia Campos, Allured's Cosmetics and Toiletries; June 2000
Word Wise, Les Nouvelles Esthtiques; December 1999

Menopause Sucks

A lot has been on the news lately about hormone replacement
therapy, and natural alternatives.

If you have not read Dr. Lee's books on What Your Doctor May Not
Tell You About Premenopause and What Your Doctor May Not Tell You
About Menopause, I would highly recommend them. These books are
classics and should be in everyone's natural medicine library.

Natural progesterone is very useful to balance excess estrogen.
Natural progesterone is also different from estrogen in that your
body can use it as a precursor or starting material to make other
hormones such as adrenal hormones. It can even convert it into
estrogen or testosterone if your body needs it.

Some of the reasons that estrogen is frequently in excess in many
women are:

1. Overproduction of estrogen. Ovarian cysts or tumors can lead to
excess estrogen production. Stress also increases production, but
probably the most common cause is obesity. All body fat has an
enzyme which converts adrenal steroids to estrogen, so the more fat
you have, the more estrogen is present.

2. Inability to breakdown estrogen. Excess estrogen is generally
removed by the liver. Diseases of the liver like cirrhosis or
decreased enzyme activity can lead to increased estrogen levels.
Vitamin B6 and magnesium are necessary for the liver to neutralize
estrogen. Increased sugar intake will also excrete magnesium and
interfere with its ability to breakdown estrogen.

3. Exposure to pesticides in foods. Most of us eat foods that have
pesticides on them. These and many other unnatural chemicals share
a common structure with estrogen and serve as "false" estrogens
which further stimulates the body's estrogen receptors.

4. Estrogen supplementation. Clearly any additional estrogen given
by prescription will increase the level unless it is properly
balanced with natural progesterone.

5. Decreased production of progesterone. Progesterone is necessary
to counterbalance estrogen. If women do not ovulate during their
cycle they will not produce any progesterone that cycle. This
happens commonly and worsens the already disturbed
progesterone/estrogen balance.

For More Detailed Information on Natural Progesterone: You can
purchase What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause by Dr.
John Lee. It is a paperback book that sells for $13. The newer
version that was published in 1999, What Your Doctor May Not Tell
You About Pre Menopause, has a blue cover.

Order Natural Your Hormone Balancing Cream Here


Read More About Dr. John Lee Here

4 Secrets For Younger Looking Skin

Did you know that the first thing people notice about you is your face? Also, did you know that having healthy skin is an important part of a great looking face? Caring for your face is an important thing that you can do for yourself... and it's not that hard. See below for some basic tips and simple guidelines meant to encourage you to care for your skin. After all, your skin is your body's largest organ... and it deserves some TLC!


1) Cleaning your Skin.
It is very important, no matter what your skin type, to cleanse your face every day. To keep pores clear and to keep your skin looking healthy, it's a must to use a good product for deep cleansing at least once a week. Your choice of cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. Soaps containing perfumes and deodorants should not be used on your face because they have harsh ingredients and can leave a detergent film behind. Yuck! These cleansers can also irritate your skin and clog your pores (we all know what happens next!). When cleansing your face, select a product that is as natural and mild as possible.


Occasionally using a good scrub will remove dead cells and smooth the skin surface. Stay away from scrubs that contain ground bits of nuts or seeds. These particles may tear and damage your skin. A good scrub will invigorate without irritating or damaging. Basically speaking, the scrub should clean your skin without damaging it.


2) Moisturize your Skin

The most important thing you can do for your skin is moisturize it! A lot of people say that they have oily skin and have no need for a moisturizer. Quite the contrary! Everyone needs moisturizer... a really good moisturizer. Again, natural is better. Use products with the least amount of chemical additives. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and don't forget to put the moisturizer on your neck area as well. If you are going to be outdoors always use a good sunscreen. You can find good moisturizers that also have a sunscreen in them as well.

For more intensive moisturizing and to target damaged skin and wrinkles use products containing rich, healing ingredients, such as vitamin E, aloe vera oil or squalene. These oils are great for under and around the eyes.This is one of the first places to show age because the under eye skin produces less of the oil that occurs naturally on the skin (sebum).


3) Toning your skin
Our skin is exposed to environmental pollutants and the sun's UV and UVB rays everyday. Toning can help keep your skin clear and firm. As we age, it is harder is maintain the elasticity of your skin. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids work well for toning the face. These acids can reduce the pore size, and unclog the pores... helping to reduce acne and avoid ingrown hairs.

4) Protecting your skin
Healthy, glowing skin is a reflection of overall body health. Protecting your skin can keep it looking healthier and younger longer. Key elements to the protection and health of your skin include:

a) Avoid over exposure to the sun. Sun damage may cause hyperpigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into cancer. Sun exposure also causes facial wrinkles. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially your face. Remember, you are exposed to the sun even while driving your car to / from work, school activities, soccer practice, the grocery store, etc. There are companies that make moisturizers that actually contain sunscreen as well. However, make sure the products don't have any chemicals, artificial dyes or fragrances.

b) Exercise. Exercise promotes blood circulation which increases oxygen distribution to the capillaries and skin tissue. This oxygenation revitalizes the skin. As gross as this may sound, sweating helps remove dirt and toxins from the pores. Always clean your skin immediately after exercising so you can wash the sweat and toxins from the surface of your skin.

c) Eat Healthy. Eating healthy food, including lots of fruits and vegetables will keep your skin looking healthy. Foods rich in vitamins C and E also help to maintain skin's elasticity. Drinking plenty of water will hydrate and firm your skin as well. No time to eat healthy? Take a good vitamin supplement that contains anti-oxidants and plant/vegetable extracts to help your skin be healthy from the inside to the outside!

d) Avoid Excess. Too much alcohol, smoking, stress or fatigue can take its toll on the health of your skin. These factors can dull and discolor your skin making you look old and tired. Get a lot of sleep and avoid excess to keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant.

Does Your Acne Treatment Product Fail "Safe Personal Care Products Manufacturing 101"?

It’s back-to-school time! New clothes, new classmates and—inevitably, it seems—new pimples.

Millions of teenagers (and adults) face the annoying, often troubling, problem of acne. Back-to-school time brings an even greater sense of urgency to keep skin blemish-free. Many will seek solace in heavily marketed brands of acne treatment.

The National Institute of Health recommends washing your face gently twice a day to help prevent acne. But it’s hard to be “gentle” when many of the U.S. products marketed to people with acne contain skin toxicants banned or restricted in Canada, Japan and Europe.

Many acne treatments sold in the United States contain sodium methylparaben, which has been banned in cosmetics by the European Union, as well as ceteareth-20 and ceteareth-12, two ingredients that are not safe for use on injured or damaged skin (including acne, ironically). Other ingredients in many acne products have been linked to cancer, allergies and skin and nervous system toxicity.

Fortunately, you have a choice: Arbonne's Clear Advantage Acne Treatment System. It's botanically-based, contains a balanced formulation of acne fighting ingredients and plant extracts; and it's guaranteed to work or you get your money back! No harsh chemicals, no toxins. Just safe, gentle and very effective.

Do you already have an acne treatment program you like? Here are some tried and true ways to help prevent acne along with your treatment products:

1. Change your pillowcases frequently: flip to the other side after two days and change at least every four days.

2. If you have long hair, tie it up loosely before going to bed to keep it off your face.

3. Avoid getting hair products on your skin.

4. Use products that are actually “gentle” and for “sensitive skin,” not those that are only marketed as such. Truly gentle products usually have few or no synthetic chemicals and a shorter list of ingredients than the harsher products do.

5. Exercise, eat well, stress less.

6. Keep your hands off your face.

Order Clear Advantage Here

How to Choose the Best Anti Aging Product

When we talk of anti aging products, there are already so many different ones in the market today that it is oftentimes difficult to identify which ones actually work. A good way to determine the best anti aging product is for you to acquaint yourself with the ingredients used in anti aging products.

The top anti aging products in the market today should contain ingredients such as Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA), antioxidants, collagen and Vitamins C, D, E and K.

Beta-Hydroxy Salicylic Acid (BHA) or its alternative Alpha-Hydroxy Acids rids the skin of dead skin cells through exfoliation. The less dead skin cells are accumulated in pores, the fresher and cleaner and younger-looking your skin becomes. However, one must keep in mind that although these are widely used in anti aging products, some individuals experience irritation due to the ingredient's exfoliating abilty.

Other ingredients like antioxidants work more than just on the surface. The antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 encourages cell turnover by restoring and preventing damaged skin. This also gets rid of dead skin cells that cause discoloration.

Collagen is another anti aging property that moisturizes the skin and protects it from further damage from too much sunshine or too much dryness. Collagen is also responsible for plumping the skin.

Several of the anti aging products we have in the market these days already have added vitamins. These are Vitamins C, D, E and K which are important in preventing deficiencies, as well as in healing wounds, smoothing out scars and strengthening the immune system. Many of these vitamins are antioxidants which fight against free radicals in the body. These free radicals cause the skin to age.

There are some anti aging properties that claim to work but are actually questionable. For one, it is not yet scientifically proven that Vitamin C can penetrate the internal layers of the skin or that it has any function there. This could be the reason why creams that contain only Vitamin C as their main ingredient (Vitamin C creams) might not have any major effect on the skin when used as an anti aging cream.

The best ingredient for anti aging so far is the antioxidant. Research shows that anti aging creams that do not have antioxidants do not work as effectively as those that contain it. This is because an antioxidant's main function is to combat free radical which are naturally produced by our body. It is this free radical's unstable oxygen that damage healthy skin and an anti aging product with antioxidant can help prevent this damage and keep free radicals at bay.

Other popular anti aging supplements such as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, thyroid and melatonin are also essential in an anti aging product. These are more commonly as hormone supplements that delay aging. These hormones are also known to increase libido, stabilize sleeping patterns, prevent cancer and help strengthen the immune system.

Other essential anti aging properties include Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), oxytocin, erythropoietin (EPO) and insulin. These ingredients are known to be effective up to some extent. Human chorionic gonadotropin aids fertility in humans; oxytocin strengthens the reproductive system. Erythropoietin deals with anemia while insulin is used to stabilize diabetes mellitus type 1.

Anti aging supplements can have varying effects on different individuals. It is therefore important to consult a doctor before using products containing any of these.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-issues-articles/how-to-choose-the-best-anti-aging-product-202338.html

About the Author:
Before choosing the best anti aging product , make sure that you get more of Marianna Pells' unbiased anti aging treatment product review first.

Vegan Baby Care - Really?

Many people are using the Arbonne Baby Care products (ABC) and cannot beleive the difference that they make. Some general questions have been asked and are answered below:

Q: Is this line approved by pediatricians?

A: The Arbonne Baby Care line is tested and signed off by a pediatrician and a dermatologist. It is also pH-balanced and the Hair & Body Wash is tear-free. It is designed for babies, children, and adults with very sensitive skin.

Q: Are nut oils included in the Arbonne Baby Care product formulations?

A: The Arbonne Baby Care line contains no ingestible nuts, such as peanuts or walnuts, but does contain Shea Butter, which is derived from a tree nut and used as a skin conditioner. The new ingredients are gentle and effective, and allow those sensitive to ingestible nuts to use the products safely.

Q: What is Decyl Glucoside?

A: Decyl Glucoside is an ingredient used in our Hair & Body Wash.It is a mild cleanser that allows the product to wash off quickly without leaving a soapy residue. It is derived from a plant; it is non-irritating, non-comedogenic and is used as an alternative to traditional surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Q: Are there animal products in the Arbonne Baby Care line?

A: All of the Arbonne Baby Care products are certified vegan through Vegan Action, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping animals and the environment. For more information, visit www.vegan.org.

Q: If there are no synthetic fragrances added to our products,what is the light, pleasant scent I smell?

A: Our Arbonne Baby Care products do not contain any synthetic fragrances. Natural oils made of orange, lemon, and cedar wood make up this non-irritating unique scent. These wonderful ingredients will leave your baby's skin feeling soft while the aroma will help to calm and relax.

Order Online Here

Detox Tea

Comprised of a gentle blend of herbs and botanicals, Detox Tea [or green tea] supports healthy functioning of the liver and kidneys - the body’s natural filtering system, and exemplifies the philosophy of “beauty from the inside out”.

The body is exposed to toxins everyday, from air, drinking water, food, and over-the-counter drugs. The liver acts as a filter, providing our first line of defense against these toxins and sending non-harmful waste to the kidneys for elimination. A daily Detox Tea supports both liver and kidney function by providing antioxidant protection to combat toxins and free radical exposure, as well as ingredients specifically chosen for their beneficial properties.

Unlike other detoxification products that contain harsh ingredients, Detox Tea has no caffeine and is gentle enough to use everyday. The tea’s natural diuretic properties stem from herbs that have been used for centuries, harvested around the world and selected specifically from the area in which they thrive.

Daily Detox Tea contains pure, safe, and beneficial ingredients, including*:

• Milk thistle, to support and protect healthy liver function
• Couch grass root, which helps to gently remove toxins
• Lemon grass provides flavor and soothing aroma, as well as antioxidant properties; also aids in digestion
• Sarsaparilla root protects the liver and supports detoxification; also possesses anti-oxidant properties
• Peppermint leaves aid in digestion
• Dandelion root, to support the liver and gall bladder to eliminate waste
• Uva ursi leaves, which help support the kidneys
• Burdock root helps promote kidney function and removes toxins from the body; may also prevent free radical tissue damage
• Fennel fruit, which aids in digestion and offers relief for occasional bloating

Enjoy a Daily Detox Tea at least three times per day. For additional healthy benefits, try adding a touch of honey for natural sweetness, or lemon as another rich source of antioxidants.

Order Online Here

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease With Omega-3 Oils

The following is an excerpt from the Blaylock Wellness Report "Heart Saver: Protect Yourself From Heart Attacks and Strokes."

A tremendous number of studies performed on both animals and humans clearly demonstrate that a higher content of omega-3 fats in the diet significantly reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes and lowers triglyceride levels. Triglyceride is a fat that causes the blood to easily form blood clots. Perhaps the sudden rise in blood triglycerides following a high-fat meal is why so many people suffer a sudden heart attack or stroke right after eating. Omega-3 oils also thin the blood, improve the strength of the heart muscle, improve blood flow through arteries, reduce inflammation and improve immunity.

One especially important effect is preventing arrhythmias, or irregular heart beats. This is a leading cause of death among heart attack victims. Magnesium, when combined with omega-3 oils, adds tremendous protection as well. One study shows that eating fish just once a week can reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death by 52 percent, perhaps due to Omega-3 oils' anticoagulant properties and ability to prevent arrhythmias.

I would not recommend eating seafood because of the high content of mercury, especially in crustaceans like shrimp, crab and lobster. Rather, take high-quality Omega-3 supplements, but not in the form of gelatin capsules since they are high in fluoride and glutamate and considered a high-risk product for mad cow disease. (Isn’t it great that Arbonne is committed to using only vegetable gel caps?!) Another way to get your Omega-3 oils is by eating eggs from chickens fed a diet high in these oils.

Christopher Egg Company has the highest levels of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Other brands include Gold Circle Farms, Pilgrim's Pride and The Country Hen.

Two eggs a day will supply the full complement of Omega-3 oils for adults. In addition, eggs contain phospholipids that are essential for the brain. Ignore warnings about high cholesterol in eggs; the brain needs cholesterol for normal function.

Get your Vegetable Omega-3 Gel Caps Here

What Did You Flush Down the Drain?

Did you know researchers found that 95% of the San Francisco Bay Area wastewater samples contained at least one unregulated, widely-used, hormone-disrupting chemical commonly found in personal care and household products?

Male fish exposed to these chemicals can grow eggs in their testes -- so what happens when people are exposed? Birth defects in babies, infertility in women, and reproductive problems in men are among the array of possibilities.

The good news? You can take simple steps to help protect your family's health and the environment:

1. Make sure your personal care and household products are fragrance-free.
2. Pass on the plastic bottles and utensils. Stick to glass and stainless steel.
3. Skip the "antibacterial" products and use plain soap and water. It's just as effective.

To learn more, visit http://www.ewg.org/reports/downthedrain.

Copy Celebs Smoldering Eyes

To copy the smoldering eyes of celebrities on the red carpet, stay away from blue hues -- which can make you look like you have under eye circles. Instead, go for black, gray, brown or if you want "color," use dark green shadows and liners. Then, follow these steps:

1. Apply a cream concealer over your eyelid to create a smooth base for your eye shadow.

2. Use a pencil liner (black or gray looks best) to trace your top lash line from the inner corner to the outer. Then, use the same pencil to dot between your lower lashes. Smudge both lash lines with a cotton swab or an eyeliner brush.

3. Sweep powder shadow (brown, gray and dark green all work with black or gray liner) over your lid and into your crease, blending the color up and outward.

TIP: To prevent color from fading and give your lids a more shimmery finish, pat a cream shadow over the concealer on your lid first, wait five minutes, then top with a matching powder shadow.

4. Dust a lighter, neutral eye shadow (such as ivory) over just your brow bone.

5. Finish with two coats of black mascara.

9 Key Elements Make It Work - Guaranteed

It's a fact: More than 90% of the visible signs of aging can be avoided and people are looking for a way to regain 100% of their youthful beauty and feel great. That's why Arbonne went beyond the "basics" back in 1998 with the introduction of NutriMinC® RE9, a ground-breaking, U.S. and Swiss Patent-pending skin care system including 9 REsult-oriented elements to combat the visual signs of aging.

Listed below are the 9 key elements your skin needs to regain the youthful appearance that you once had:

1. Bio-Hydria Complex: Proprietary blend of seven plan nutrients that soften and condition skin:
• Comfrey Root Extract skin-softening agents
• Cucumber Extract cooling, soothing, astringent properties
• Birch Leaf Extract cooling, soothing, astringent properties
• Watercress Extract stimulating effects
• Clover Blossom Extract soothing abilities
• Gingeng Extract conditioning properties
• St. John s Wort (Hypericum) normalizing effects

2. Nanospheres: Infused with free radical fighting antioxidant vitamins, penetrate deep into the skin to protect, condition and adjust to skins specific needs.

3. Vitamin C, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: A biologically-active form of vitamin C promotes collagen, elastin and ground substance (the strength and elasticity of the skin).

4. Elhibin & Stimu-Tex: Elhibin, a revolutionary, plant-derived skin protectant, contributes to skin’s elasticity, softness and smoothness.
Stimu-Tex, a unique, plant-derived skin moisturizer, helps to improve the appearance of the skin’s epidermal lipid layer, minimizing water loss and helping skin metabolism.

5. Alpha Lipoic Acid: A powerful antioxidant that penetrates skin quickly and absorbs into the skins cells to increase cell metabolism.

6. Kojic Acid: A highly effective, natural skin lightening agent that reduces the appearance of long-term sun and environmental damage.

7. Copper: Visibly smoothes, softens and firms skin. Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines while promoting younger looking skin.

8. Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids: Activate healthy cells while diminishing the appearance of the fine lines and wrinkles.

9. Peptides: Improve the skin roughness and lessen the appearance of wrinkle volume and wrinkle depth.

Using a product with all 9 of these key elements, you can enjoy:
• 117% Increase in Collagen type I
• 327% Increase in Collagen type IV
• 287% Increase in Glycosaminoglycans
• Over 6 months of use ,the mean surface area occupied by deep wrinkles can be reduced by 68% and mean wrinkle density by 46%

How To Apply Blush

Apply blush to your face to resemble the natural glow of your cheeks and watch the compliments flow in! A hint of blush.. and you can look fresher and prettier. The trick lies in choosing the right blush color and learning how to apply blush correctly. However, blush often remains the most misused makeup cosmetic. When it comes to applying your blush, remember that less is best.

Determine your face shape before applying blush. Do you have high cheekbones? Concentrate blush on the center of the face. Do you have a rounder, more full face? You would look good with dusty pink or rose blush at the outside of the face near the hairline.

Blush warms with the heat of the body to a more intense hue, which is one reason to apply it very sparingly.

1. Throw away the brush that comes in the compact -- it’s too stiff, too small, and the bristles are not shaped correctly to create a natural look. Use a good brush for your blush. Find a quality blush brush that is the size of the apple of your cheek for perfect application. A full round brush can give a professional look to your blush makeup. A bigger brush gives better results – one with a dome-shaped head and generous fibers. Also remember that you should not use the same brush to apply powder that you use to apply your blush.
2. Grin like a happy fool into the mirror. This will allow you to see where the apple of your cheek appears.
3. Dip your blush brush into the powder and always shake off the excess before applying it to your face. Brush it lightly over the apply of the cheek, moving toward the ear with short, up-and-down vertical movements.
4. Blend the blush in with one soft horizontal stroke on top of the vertical strokes, and blot a tissue on top to remove the excess, or lightly cover with powder. There shouldn’t be an obvious patch or line of color on the cheeks. Sweep powder blushes in one direction only.
   If you are feel particularly washed out, you can brush a light stroke of blush across your forehead up by your hairline or just above the brows where the sun would hit your face…. But be careful not to overdo it!
5. Be sure to do the ‘blush test’. When you are done with applying your makeup, stand back, look in the mirror. Check to see if your face is ‘balanced’. You should have on just enough blush to make you look as though you are blushing… hence the term ‘blush’. If you have on any more than that you need to tone it down.
6. To soften blush, apply some powder over your blush. In the evening, you have a little more liberty… so you can go a bit heavier according to the look you wish to achieve.

Blushers are available in powder, cream or liquid and in a wide variety of tones. Liquid and cream blush should be applied before powder. Powder blushes are easier to apply than cream blushes. Cream blushes must be dabbed on each cheek and gently blended with the fingers. You can use a sponge to smooth it out.

Dry Skin: Cream blushes work best
Oily Skin: Consider using a powder blush; however, liquid and gel are also great.
Rosier Cheeks: Consider gel or liquid tints

Remember to blend quickly!

Summer Essentials

Sun Days

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, limit your exposure to the sun during these hours.

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

Always use sunscreen — with an SPF of 15, at least — on all exposed skin 15 minutes before sun exposure. Re-apply every two hours, and after swimming or perspiring.

Extra Protection

Hats with wide brims offer great protection for your face, ears and the back of your neck.

Lose Your Shadow

Not all shade structures (umbrellas, trees, etc.) offer complete protection from the sun. If you can see your shadow, you’re not in the shade!

Lip Saver

Lips can get sunburned too! Be sure to apply a Lip Saver, SPF 30 to avoid burning and chapping.

What is Rosacea?

What is Rosacea and Are There Any Rosacea Treatments?

Rosacea (pronounced "roh-ZAY-sha") is a condition of the skin often referred to as adult acne (although it shouldn't be confused with acne) that causes red blemishes to form on the nose and cheek area. Rosacea is a condition that afflicts millions of Americans alone, and usually manifests between the ages of 30 to 40. The condition, unfortunately, often worsens with time. Rosacea is a common skin condition characterized by redness, pimples, and broken blood vessels. Rosacea is not 'picky' about its victims. Both men and women have been diagnosed with it; however, the condition is usually worse in men because men generally wait a long time before seeking treatment for the condition.

General redness, broken and enlarged capillaries often accompany these areas. The cause of the condition is unknown but it is suspected that genetics play a role. In its mildest form, Rosacea can be difficult to recognize. In some cases, Rosacea may also occur on the neck, chest, scalp or ears. Over time, the redness tends to become ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear. Left untreated, bumps and pimples often develop, and in severe cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue.

Sometimes, oily skin accompanies Rosacea. Flare-ups of this condition have been associated with the consumption of alcohol, spicy foods, citrus, hot beverages, tobacco, external heat and sun exposure. People with Rosacea should avoid these irritating factors. Menopause may also be a factor.

Rosacea, in short, is a skin disorder that can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, embarrassment, and lower self-esteem. It is no wonder that so many people are looking for possible Rosacea cures and potential Rosacea treatments. It should be noted that fair skinned people, such as those of Celtic, Irish, and Scandinavian origin are particularly susceptible. The cause of Rosacea is still unknown, but most experts believe it could be a bodily response to bacteria. Oral antibiotics are often prescribed, not as Rosacea cures, but as Rosacea treatments.

Unfortunately, there are no proven Rosacea cures yet. However, there are various Rosacea treatments that you might want to investigate; these will require seeking the advice of your physician, dermatologist, or a skin care consultant. Oral antibiotics are often prescribed, not as Rosacea cures, but as Rosacea treatments. Among the most popular are tetracycline and erythromycin. These will help more with the acne-like flare ups associated with Rosacea, but less helpful for the ruddy complexion and conspicuous blood vessels.

As well as antibiotics, there are also some prescription topical medications that are often prescribed for Rosacea treatments. One of the most popular of these is Metronidazole, which is an antibiotic cream. These topical Rosacea treatments can help more with the redness of the condition. Again, they are not Rosacea cures, and they may have side effects.

Some of the Rosacea treatments for the embarrassingly conspicuous blood vessels include having laser therapy or electro surgery performed. All available Rosacea treatments should be addressed with your doctor as some can have serious side effects.

Although hardly constituting Rosacea cures, what follows are some lifestyle tips and suggestions for those with this condition:

1. Sunlight can exacerbate Rosacea, so use sunscreen, or wear clothing that limits your sun exposure (such as a hat). Also, try to cut back on activities that put you in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

2. Stress can aggravate Rosacea as well. Try to make time for meditation or other relaxation techniques everyday. Yes, this may be difficult for some, but at least try to relax!

3. Hot weather, hot water, and hot, spicy foods can all make the condition worse. Keep cool!

4. Alcohol can cause flushing of the skin, which makes the visible signs of your Rosacea more noticeable.

5. Profuse sweating and flushing from exercise can worsen the condition.

6. Use a very gentle cleanser without harsh chemicals.

Although the items listed above are not Rosacea cures, they should help you control your condition's severity. Unless directed otherwise by a physician, some specific over-the-counter skin care products may help to ease the discomfort and negative effects of Rosacea. Make sure they are mild and contain no harsh chemicals that may further irritate your skin. An example is Arbonne's Baby Care product line. This is a very gentle, botanically-based product line without harsh chemicals and with soothing properties that has been proven to be very effective for reducing redness and swelling for people of any age with Rosacea.

What is Eczema?

Eczema ... also known as atopic dermatitis ... is a rough, red, patchy rash that is usually associated with extremely dry skin. Often it forms large infected patches on the fronts of elbows and the backs of the knees. These patches are extremely itchy, which If scratched could make the infected area worse.

Many experience hand Eczema ... scaly, split, bleeding dry hands. It's not contagious but does seem to run in families. In certain cases Eczema can be the result of an allergic reaction occurring on the skin. The cause of Eczema is not known, but aggravating factors include hands that are in frequent contact with soap and water, harsh household products and vegetable juices, such as potato and onion juices.

Diet Myths Revealed

Say goodbye to strict diets, enjoy a midnight snack, visit your favorite not-so-healthy restaurant ... and if you save enough room,order dessert! You read right! Now read on to find out how a significant number of dieting "don'ts" are myths, which have become accepted over time. Learn health facts versus fiction by reading about six typical diet myths listed below, along with matter-of-fact ways to approach them.

Myth 1: Eating late at night will cause you to gain weight.

Fact: Whether you eat first thing in the morning or right before you go to sleep, your body turns excess calories into fat. Plan to eat what calories your body can burn off naturally throughout the day.

Myth 2: A strict diet will work better than a flexible one.

Fact: A rigid diet can make you feel deprived, tired and unmotivated. Maximize your weight loss potential with a diet that features an adjustable meal plan, nutritious and beneficial products, and useful dieting tools.

Myth 3: When dieting, avoid all less-than-healthy foods.

Fact: Celebrating your weight loss progress with one of your favorite treats is a great form of motivation. Discipline is key to reaching your dream figure, so it's okay to indulge with a treat on occasion.

Myth 4: Skipping meals will help you lose weight.

Fact: Skipping meals can backfire. When your metabolism plummets,hunger pangs can occur and prompt overeating. Take a healthy approach instead: Keep your metabolism going strong by eating regularly.

Myth 5: You'll lose weight faster by cutting out certain foods,like carbs, fats and dairy products.

Fact: Our body benefits from all types of food, such as fats, dairy and carbohydrates. Talk to your primary care physician before making any changes to your diet.

Prevention and Protection Are Key to a Youthful Appearance

Let's get one thing out of the way right now. You are beautiful. No doubt about it. But, what you may not know is that almost all of the skin care products that you have used to help you look younger and more beautiful today may not keep your skin beautiful as your age increases. And to make matters worse, most of the skin care products on the market today contain a lot of additives and preservatives that, quite frankly, I wouldn’t want in my own backyard, much less sealed up tightly in a pretty bottle or cute jar on my bathroom counter.

I know that you put forth your best effort to present yourself to the world and to look & feel your best. To do this, you are probably buying cosmetics, lotions and skin care products from only the best department stores or that have the most attractive packaging. Maybe you purchase products that are the most expensive because that means they contain only the best ingredients. That is not always true. .... During my research, I have found that prevention and protection are key to a youthful appearance. You need a comprehensive skin care approach that addresses both of the aging factors: Intrinsic Aging and Actinic Aging.

OK, so just what is Intrinsic and Actinic aging?

Intrinsic Aging: 10% of our aging process: In our mid-20s, the natural aging process beings. This is also know as Intrinsic aging and it is genetic, not much we can do about that. It is a continuous process that causes collagen production to slow down, and causes the elastin (the substance that enables skin to snap back into place) to have a little less ‘spring’. Our skin’s ability to reproduce collagen and elastin slows down 65% between the ages of 20 and 80. Our skin begins to thin at a rate of 6% every 10 years. As we age, our skin’s ability to hold moisture declines, and our skin become dehydrated. Our dead skin cells do not shed as quickly as before, and the turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. While these changes usually begin in our 20s, the signs of intrinsic aging are typically not visible for decades.

Actinic Aging: 90% of the visible signs of aging: Actinic aging is caused by years of skin exposure to UVA and UVB rays. That's right... sun damage. For those of you that like to play golf, outdoor sports, relax on the beach or by the pool, or even in a tanning bed need to be careful! Some of the typical changes that occur due to Actinic aging are that our skin starts to look leathery and thick and will have irregular pigmentation. Blood vessels may be visible on the surface of your skin, and deep furrows develop in the skin- in addition to wrinkles. Years of Actinic aging, starting from childhood, is responsible for up to 90% of the unwanted characteristics of aging skin.

By the time you have reached adulthood, you have had decades of exposure to free radicals that destroy cells. You’ve been exposed to UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the sun’s silent killers. You don’t feel them, but they are the primary cause of skin cancer and wrinkles. Did you know that UVA rays penetrate through clear glass windows that do not have a UV coating? UVA rays also destroy collagen and elastin, which creates sagging.

UVB rays have an immediate, harmful impact on your skin. Damage from UVB rays takes place within the very first minute of walking outside. These rays are those that cause your skin to ‘burn’, and with that you increase your risk for skin cancer.

Don’t get too freaked out. The good news is that only 10% of how you age is directly related to your genes. The other 90% is due to how many free radicals you’ve been exposed to that destroy your skin.

Using the right products, with the right ingredients, can reverse the signs of aging. Some products have 3 of these ingredients and some have maybe 1 or 2 of them, or none at all. First, you need a skin care product that doesn't contain mineral oil, so that the ingredients can actually get below the surface of the skin and rebuild the damage you've been exposed to. Secondly, look for products with a combination of Vitamin C, Copper, Elhibin & Stimu-Tex, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Kojic Acid and Peptides (to name a few).

When choosing any product that you are going to put on your skin, remember that the skin absorbs everything very quickly. Many products on the market today contain harmful chemicals and other ingredients that can cause additional skin problems. Anything that you put on your skin will be absorbed into your bloodstream. Your skin is your body's largest organ and needs all the TLC it can get!