Our eyebrow shape and color influences a lot the expression and harmony of our face. You may think eyebrows have a minor importance or that they are just an insignificant detail, but you must know that they do have an important role in each of ours physiognomies.

First things first, every part of your eyebrows must be matched, and equal, they need to be smooth and their color must be assorted to your face and eyes, not to unnatural hair color you have, but to the natural color your hair is supposes to be. If you feel the need to change the color of your eyebrows you can go to a cosmetic salon. As a general rule of thumb, if you are blonde you should make your eyebrows light brown. If you are a brunette make them black.

Make-up can be used if the eyebrows are carefully arranged and perfect to help fit the harmony of your entire face. Experts recommend that you shape your eyebrows to be the correct fit for the shape of your face. If you aren’t sure what shape your face is or how to go about doing this it’s recommended to have an expert guide you or actually do it for you. Below is some information that may guide you along the way.

The different shapes of faces:
- Square face: this type of face has eyebrows that are thick and horizontal. Therefore they need to be thinner and their shape needs to change.

- Diamond shaped face: the eyebrows will need to be corrected just a little, and made as oblique as possible.

- Round face: the eyebrows don’t need to be rounded, correction has to be done as ascendant as possible. You will correct the superior aspect of the base.

- Triangular face : the eyebrows must be oblique upwards, separated and a little from the nose through correction.

The base points of eyebrows:

The base – this is at the top of the nose.
The middle- the most oblique part and the outermost part.

Perfect eyebrows are normally in the shape of a comma. The base is about 8mm and the middle should be less then 2-3mm of the top. The extremity needs to line up with the base. If your eyebrows don’t look like this you should correct them. If they are too bare, then a special pencil can be used to fill the empty spaces. The color of the pencil must fit the color of your hair.

Be cautious when you start adjusting your eyebrows! Eyebrows that are too think can darken the face. Eyebrows that are too slim will make you look like your are astonished all the time.

If you want to have smooth shiny eyebrows you need to comb them and message them with your favorite face cream. With a little extra care you’ll have the beautiful eyes you’ve been looking for.

n July 2004, Good Housekeeping reported a small study of then-available skin-firming or anti-cellulite creams. The Good Housekeeping Institute sent a small group of test subjects to a well-known New York plastic surgeon. The women saw the doctor before starting treatment, after two weeks and after four weeks.

They were instructed to use one of three cellulite creams daily on one thigh only, providing a very reliable control for comparison. For example, if a woman gained or lost ten pounds during the study, the study would still reveal if the cream alone had any effect.

At each appointment, thighs were measured at three points above the knee, photos were taken and dimply skin was graded on a scale from “very noticeable” to “none at all”. Unfortunately, GHI did not reveal the names of the two losing creams; but they did report that only Avon’s Cellu-Sculpt significantly reduced the treated thighs’ circumference. The average loss – after just one month – was 3/4 of an inch. The point is – cellulite firming creams, at least the effective ones, really can have an effect.

Fast forward two years …

Avon Cellu-Sculpt still has the same great ingredients and is still one of the most popular firming creams on the market. The key active ingredients are: caffeine and cornstarch for temporary tightening; glycerine and glycosaminoglycans as moisturizers and, most importantly, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 which stimulates growth of new elastin and collagen.

In the meantime, the search for cosmetically active polypeptides has progressed by leaps and bounds. With the introduction of tetrapeptides, we finally have an ingredient that addresses sagging, loose skin known as cellulite.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3 has been clinically shown to stop and even reverse glycation damage which causes skin to droop. Glycation is the process by which glucose links with proteins and causes them to bind together, thus stiffening tissues.

Glycation affects the skin’s support system – collagen, elastin and other proteins – and leads to wrinkles, sagging, uneven skin tone and loss of youthful contours.

Finally, in a class by themselves, are the neuropeptides. Neuropeptides are polypeptides that act as neuromodulators, neurotransmitters, neurohormones, and hormones. Probably the best-known proponent for the cosmetic use of neuropeptides is Dr. Nicholas Perricone. His previous anti-aging developments have met with broad acclaim and his three books have been on the New York Times Bestseller list.

Dr. Perricone explains his work with neuropeptides in his third book The Perricone Promise thus: “In The Wrinkle Cure and The Perricone Prescription, I introduced a major theme of my research: the Inflammation-Disease-Aging Connection. Because inflammation is a great contributor to accelerated aging, it has been an important focus of my ongoing scientific research. And we now know that neuropeptides and peptides play an important role in mediating inflammation.”

According to Dr. Perricone, neuropeptides provide the benefits of the above polypeptides as well as provide powerful anti-inflammatory (i.e. anti-aging) activity and maximum hydration to the skin.

We surveyed the market for cellulite creams that contain some or all of the ingredients you want for maximum firming. Then we ranked them for their firming effectiveness. The ideal firming cream would contain ingredient(s) from each category below.

Key Ingredients to Look For in a Cellulite Firming Cream

A. For Temporary Skin Tightening

Though the skin tightening effect is what most people are looking for in a firming cream, the effect is regrettably temporary. It’s literally like putting starch on fabric; and many of the temporary tighteners are starches. Look for cornstarch, hydrolyzed soy flour, hydrolyzed wheat protein, etc..

Starch is a natural polymer or combination of many sugar monomers. Working in similar fashion to natural starches are synthesized polymers. These include acrylates, acrylate crosspolymers and lauryl methacrylate.

Astringents are another class of temporary skin tightener. They work by removing oils and soap residue from the skin, leaving the skin smoother and tenser. Examples are alcohol, propylene glycol, witch hazel, and salicylic acid. Astringents are generally drying. If you already have dry skin, you may want to avoid firming lotions that contain them.

Anti-edema ingredients are yet another type of temporary skin tightener. They tighten the skin by reducing abnormal swelling and inflammation within the cells. Examples are aminophylline, caffeine, chamomile, centella, grapefruit, ivy, laminaria (seaweed) and rosemary.

B. Both Temporary and Restorative

Probably the most popular, but also most under-rated, skin care ingredients are good moisturizers. Many people don’t realize that the benefits are not just temporary. Keeping the skin well-hydrated not only feels good temporarily but also supports the skin’s matrix against collapsing with the passage of the years.

Recent studies suggest that skin moisturizers also accelerate the recovery of irritated or injured skin. The skin is the body’s largest organ and its first line of defense. The skin acts as a physical barrier against infection and injury. In a study from the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden, a moisturizing cream was tested for its effect on damaged skin with excellent results, including far less water loss and enhanced barrier recovery.

Better, more effective moisturizers are developed every year. Current top picks are: hyaluronic acid and other glycosaminoglycans; and imidazolidinyl or diazolidinyl urea. Other excellent moisturizers are collagen, elastin, glycerin, glycogen, glucose, polysaccharides, amino acids, cholesterol, lipids, ceramides and lecithin.

The above are all Natural Moisturizing Factors or NMF’s. For maximum benefit, NMF’s need to be combined with emollients such as silicone, lanolin and other animal oils, mineral and plant oils (shea butter, cocoa butter, petrolatum), cyclomethicone, cholesterol, stearates, mystirates, palmitates or triglycerides.

C. Turn-Back-the-Clock Restorative: The Polypeptides

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 (PP-3), Palmitoyl Tetra- (or variously Tera-) peptide-3 (PT-3), and Neuropeptides are truly active anti-aging ingredients. PP-3 stimulates the growth of new collagen and elastin to plump out wrinkles and dimpled skin from within. PT-3 stops and reverses glycation damage, thereby lifting the skin and refining body contours. Neuropeptides have been developed that do the work of PP-3 and PT-3 combined, as well as hydrate and fight inflammation that accelerates the skin’s aging.

One of the best things I have done for myself has got to be changing my diet to one of raw and natural whole food. Being healthy in a natural way is something that is now very close to my heart. I can honestly say that I never miss bread, pizza or cakes, and I had no trouble leaving these things behind. But when I first made this transition – did I miss anything? Yes, .. Cosmetics.

While I did wish to continue wearing cosmetics, I certainly didn’t want to plaster chemical products all over my face. No one who eats a pure and natural diet would want to cover their healthy skin with the nasty ingredients found in most commercial products. But I did love my make-up. I was still young enough not to ‘need’ it, but I enjoyed wearing colour on my face as many girls do. I really did find this harder to leave behind than chocolate! What was a girl to do? Seek out natural alternatives! And there was, and are, plenty to choose from.

Having good skin is a bonus that comes from having a good diet and drinking lots of water, but we could all do with a little enhancement, right? A mineral foundation or tinted moisturiser is the answer to evening out skin tone. Sometimes prices can seem a little high, but in my opinion it is certainly worth paying that extra cash for something organic and of the highest quality natural ingredients. When I did eventually bite the bullet and go for the more expensive brands, I was glad that I did because I could notice a definite difference in quality. The same goes for highlighters, eye shadows and powders – and it is a matter of trying out different products to see what suits. Look for reviews and recommendations to point you in the right direction.

There are now tons of natural lipsticks on the market which moisturise, nourish and protect you lips, as well as giving a modern kiss of colour. The same goes for lip glosses – there is no reason not to choose a natural option. I have found that even the cheaper brands have been excellent in this department. Personally I have decided to buy the cheaper lipsticks so that I can buy the more expensive foundation.

When I first began using natural make-up I found it really difficult to find good mascara, but recently I have come across 2 different mascaras with mostly natural ingredients. It just keeps getting better!

I have now been using natural make-up for 3 years and love it. I shall never go back, why would I when the ranges keep improving as time goes by, and I know I am doing my skin a favour.

In the past few years, information on childhood obesity seems to be everywhere. The reason for this is because of the frightening rate at which the number of obese children is growing. Society is consequently trying hard to react to a worsening problem that is spreading to almost epidemic proportions.

There are four main steps all parents must take in order to prevent childhood obesity in their children.

Abolish soft drinks from the diet

One of the biggest problems in children’s diets today is that of carbonated soft drinks. Because of the fact that there is absolutely no nutritional value in these drinks, it is crucial that they are eliminated from the diet. This is particularly recommended by physicians and nutritionists as an important factor in combating the epidemic of childhood obesity that has become a reality of the modern era.

Elimination of these drinks from your child’s diet may be a difficult process, depending upon age and the amount of consumption. If the child is at an age where he or she does not yet make a choice in what is consumed, then the process is easy. This is where you simply stop giving these drinks to the child, replacing them with more healthy alternatives. Where children are old enough to help themselves, it is important to ensure that no soft drinks are available. Stock your refrigerator with low-fat milk, water, or fruit juices made from real fruit.

Remember that you are a role model for your child and therefore, it is important that you lead by example in your choice of nutritious drinks both at home and when dining out.

By creating a soft drink free environment at home and teaching your child about healthier alternatives, you can help to change the thought processes. This is only one step but that step can go a long way toward helping your child to achieve or to maintain a healthy weight.

Restrict fast food

For children who are already showing signs of obesity, it is best to completely eliminate things such as hamburgers, fried chicken, chips, milkshakes and other fattening products from fast food restaurants. However, if this has been part of the child’s routine, it may be difficult. Although scientific literature gives no specific recommendations, it is believed among nutritional experts that fast food is acceptable on a once per week basis.

It is not necessary to totally eliminate takeaway food from the diet but rather to help the child to make healthier choices. Many fast food restaurants are now listening to public opinion and providing a healthier range of food rather than just the traditional range that they are renowned for.

To totally eliminate fast food would be unrealistic as there is also a social connection, particularly in the older children. Often this is a meeting place for friends and it would be hard for the child to resist temptation. It is crucial therefore, that parents ensure their child understands how the traditional fast foods contribute to obesity.

Limit television viewing
It would be unrealistic to think of eliminating television from your child’s life not to mention deprivation. There are many programs on television these days that are beneficial to your child’s development. However, it is important to limit television viewing as well as other technology such as DVDs and internet.

Child rearing professionals advocate no television at all for children under two and no more that two hours per day for children over two. This also applies to other media technology though internet surfing for homework purposes could be exempt. Remember also that if your child is spending a lot of time on the internet, it is important to have internet security software for their protection.

Another way of restricting television viewing is to only have a television in the family room rather than allowing your child to have one in the bedroom.

Dinner time is for enjoying the meal and also for enjoying the company and closeness of family. Turn the television off to promote conversation.

Promote physical activity
One of the great regrets of our modern age is the lack of activity of our children. Imaginative play has been replaced by media technology which induces sedentary lifestyles. Our children should all be physically active every day. This can take the form of play, sport, physical education, walking to school or shops, community activities, or any other activity that requires a level of physical exertion.

Pre-school children should be engaging in a minimum of three sessions each week of physical activities that last more than twenty minutes at a time and that require moderate to vigorous levels of exertion. This should increase as the child gets older. As the child reaches school age, this activity should be reaching around 30 minutes to an hour of physical activity on all or most days of the week.

These recommendations will be difficult at first for the child who has been inactive so don’t expect results too quickly. Aim for fun activities with siblings or parents at first. Things such as playing a game of tag or going for a family walk in the park are better than doing nothing and will be beneficial to everyone. Gradually increase the activity during these outings. If done in a fun atmosphere, the child will look forward to these activities and it will become a natural way of life.

Looking to the Future
Unfortunately, obese children often grow up to be obese adults. They are then likely to suffer diseases attributable to this obesity and the economic costs to the community are substantial.

It is therefore in everybody’s interests for measures such as the abolition of soft drinks and fatty fried foods, sweets and chips and any other obesity producing foods to be banned from school tuck shops and in other areas where children frequently purchase foods. Advocating for our children’s health and for the future of this generation is of the utmost importance.

Sprouts are rapidly becoming popular all over the world as people are seeking a healthy and economic source of food. A handful of seeds can sprout into enough “live food” to provide balanced nutrition for a number of meals.

Why eat sprouts?

1. Sprouts are an abundant source of predigested amino acids, minerals, vitamins, natural sugars and life force. Research shows that sprouts are among the highest natural source of vitamins.

2. They provide our cells with nutrients, vigor and life.

3. For this reason, sprouts can retard the aging process.

4. Sprouts contain goodly amounts of male and female hormones, as well, in their most easily assimilated form.

5. Finally, consider the tremendous potential of sprouts as a survival food. Sprouts alone can sustain and adequately nourish life and growth. If enough seeds are stored and dept dry, millions could be fed in the event of a catastrophe.

What Kinds of Seeds Can be Used?

Almost any seed can be sprouted. The most popular are wheat, alfalfa and mung beans (these are sprouts you find in Chinese food).

Wheat sprouts

Contain vitamin plenty of Vitamin E and Super oxide dismutase, both of which are important antioxidants, which protect us from free radicals.
They are beneficial to our reproductive system and provide oxygen to the body giving it tone and endurance.
They can have a healing effect in adolescent acne and all types of inflammations.
They help dissolve blood clots.
They are also recommended for depression as they contain calcium, phosphorus and vitamin B (especially B1) which strengthen the nervous system.

Note: Eat wheat sprouts as soon as you see the small white root coming out, one coffee spoon each day to start with and gradually increasing the quantity. Remember to chew them very well.

Give wheat sprouts to your children instead of candies or chocolate as they contain natural sugars and become very sweet when chewed well.

Wheat sprouts are the best «pep-foods» for athletes.

Alfalfa sprouts

Have many of the benefits of wheat sprouts. They need more room to expand. Use only one tablespoon for your first try and you will be amazed at the volume you will get. They are very delicate and best used raw in fresh salads.

Mung beans

Are more appropriately cooked briefly with a vegetable or rice dish or lightly steamed.

All sprouts have some effect in retarding the process of aging.

How to Make Sprouts

1) Put about 1 inch of seeds in the bottom of a jar.

2) Fill with water and let soak for 12 to 24 hours.

3) Secure a piece of cheesecloth or screen onto the top of the jar. You may secure it with a rubber band.

4) After the first 12 to 24 hours in which the seeds are soaking, you rinse the seeds twice daily by pouring in water mixing the seeds and sprouts around and pouring the water out again. You then leave the jar upside down so that the water drains out. Let them germinate in a dark but well-ventilated area.

5) The sprouts will be ready to eat within three to five days depending on the type and the temperature of the room. Now cover them and put into the refrigerator.

Enjoy these healthy and deliciously vibrant foods.