Friday, November 28, 2008

Vanity is Timeless - "The Lighter Side" of Beauty Secrets

During the 17th century, one of the primary ingredients used in anti-aging creams, was . . . wait for it . . . drum roll . . . dog's urine. Honest. You knew that, right? Women were advised to get up each morning and wash their faces in 'puppy water' or 'night water', more commonly known as urine.

Another popular home beauty treatment was a personal collection of urine, mixed with rosewater and lemon peels, for a special daily face wash. Further research finds Ukrainian women from the old country wiped their faces with wet, warm, baby's diapers for younger looking skin. Arabic women were known to wash their hair in camel's urine. The reason? Urine has a lot of uric acid and urea in it, both excellent hydrators. Urine is also a large source of vital nutrients and contains antibodies that cannot be duplicated or derived from any other source. As a powerful wound healer, there is no surprise it was used to control acne. Oh, and the puppy thing? Puppies only drink milk and don't eat meat. The uric concentration (and odor) increases when a more mature dog begins to eat solid food. This beauty ritual gives a whole new meaning to aroma therapy. Pee-you.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Full of Bull - "The Lighter Side" of Beauty Secrets

Do you have dry and unmanageable hair? Tried every product on the market only to find that your hair just does not have lustre anymore? Ah, . . . not to worry. There is a new organic beauty treatment on the horizon that holds promise for your glorious mane.

What is it? Bull semen. That's right. Aberdeen Angus bull semen mixed with Katera, an Iranian plant. This odorless 30 minute treatment is a protein packed masque that guarantees to give your hair the strength and shine of yesteryear. Oh, and the manufacturer promises no animals are hurt in the process. Think about it, . . . on second thought, . . . never mind.

Monday, November 24, 2008

The Dish on Fish - "The Lighter Side" of Beauty Secrets


Sardines as a beauty treatment? Of course, why didn't we think of this. Sardines contain a substance called DMAE that produces dramatic results when applied topically to the skin. What results, you may be wondering? Ah, the two biggies . . . tightening and a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes. The instructions are simple. Take two sardines, place one under each eye for 10-15 minutes. The results are said to be evident immediately after the first treatment and increase with repetition. Hey, you'll look great, but you won't win a popularity contest with this one. Don't be surprised when everywhere you go you hear everyone whisper, . . . ."what's that smell?" You may look 10 years younger, but your social life will sink like the Titanic with this treatment.

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Scoop on Poop - "The Lighter Side" of Beauty Secrets

News wires always have a good time reporting the lengths women will go for the sake of vanity. Earlier this year reporters focused on a relatively new exotic skin care masque that has caught on like a house on fire, compliments of an ancient and traditional Japanese society. Um, . . . just one thing. The main ingredient of this magical facial treatment is hummingbird (or nightingale) droppings. Yes, their poop. Apparently the poop contains an enzyme called guanine, which is an amino acid that promotes healing while bleaching the skin. The treatment is a generational custom for geishas, kabuki actors, and monks who polish their bald heads with it. This 60 - 90 minute facial has a price ticket of $200 - $400 per treatment. The information sheet says it is totally organic. Well, duh! It's poop!

Monday, November 17, 2008

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - ENTER TO WIN

How Will You Rock Sweepstakes
Enter by November 30th
Grand Prize: One (1) winner. Two (2) coach airfare tickets from the major commercial airport nearest winner's primary residence in the US to San Diego, one round-trip auto transportation between San Diego International Airport and Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, one (1) Rock Star Suite (double occupancy) for three (3) nights at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, Daily Breakfast for two at Maryjane’s Coffee Shop at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego (4 days), two 50-minute spa treatments at the Rock Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, and $500 shopping spree in the Rock Shop® (valid only at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego location). Also VIP Check-in at the front desk “Green Room”, one dinner for two at Nobu San Diego featuring the signature Omakase menu (alcohol not included), VIP front-of-the-line access into Sweetwater Saloon and Moonstone Lounge (bottle service, food, alcohol are not included) and one daytime use of poolside cabana (bottle service, food, alcohol not included.) The approximate retail value of the prize is $5,500

Friday, November 14, 2008

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - ENTER TO WIN

Michael Kors Holiday '08 Shopping Trip Sweepstakes
Enter by November 30th
Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Project Runway Fans! This week's Spa Sweepstakes delivers a winner straight to the golden doorway of one of the celebrity judges on Project Runway. Seize the moment and gift yourself with a chance to select and take home a few stylish pieces of Michael Kor's beautifully designed clothing. The winner of this contest will be in seventh heaven while going on a shopping trip to New York and spending $1,000 in Michael's store in Soho.

The grand prize also includes airfare, hotel accommodations for a two day, two night trip for two to New York City, pampering at a day spa, . . . and as if that wasn't enough, dinner at one of New York's hottest restaurants. Sign me up! The approximate retail value of the prize is $5,000.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Yoga - The Yin and Yang of Beauty

Yoga offers so many benefits it is no wonder it is sweeping the globe. It balances the body's system, improves vitality, relieves stress and tension, brings more oxygen to the body, controls hormone levels, increases sluggish digestion, flushes out toxins, offers a new level of mental alertness, and improves circulation leading to the reduction in wrinkle formation and producing a natural face lift. Long story short . . . yoga offers a healthy, more youthful way of living.

This is the perfect time of year to incorporate 20 minutes of yoga into each day. Why now? November and December are the busiest times of the year when we have the least amount of energy to burn. Unfortunately, the physical math does not work. Winter is considered the 'yin' season, one that is cool, wet, slow, feminine, and quiet. Summer, on the other hand, is the 'yang' season and is the exact opposite with warm, dry, fast, masculine, and 'anything but quiet' energy.

Winter should be dedicated to storing energy. The winter solstice, three or four days before Christmas, are supposed to be the quietest days of the year, but instead we burn the candle at both ends while taking part in 'yang' activities. We are clearly at odds with our nature adding a great deal of stress to our lives. Stress turns itself outward by accelerating the aging process and causing illnesses.

Yoga has the ability to correct the problem, and in doing so, create a more youthful and harmonious balance. It is said, "if you want to change your appearance, you must first change your thoughts, emotions, and habits where stress and aging originate." A stressed out body and mind will project the same in our appearances. Conversely, if we nourish ourselves by adopting a healthy lifestyle, we will age ever so gracefully. So, what are you waiting for? O-m-m-m-m-m . . .

Monday, November 10, 2008

Terry Face Cloths vs Exfoliators


I am from the old school of thinking when it comes to skin care. Why can't I just use a plain, old terry face cloth to exfoliate my skin and save the money I would otherwise spend on exfoliators?


Using a face cloth to clean the skin is fine as long as it is used in gentle upward circular motions. Having said that, there are many beneficial ingredients incorporated into exfoliators that would be missed by just simply using a terry cloth. More importantly, terry face cloths cannot minimize pores, help hydrate the skin, soothe and calm the skin, draw out impurities and do not have antibacterial capabilities. We highly recommend a consistent exfoliation skin care routine using a product chosen for your particular skin type. Most exfoliators are not very expensive, and in our opinion, the results are definitely worth the money spent.

Oh, and don't forget to exfoliate your entire body. Love the skin you are in!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Lip Schtick Tips

Why is it that the more I lick my lips, the drier my lips get? It is driving me crazy.

Stop licking your lips! Saliva contains digestive enzymes which will wreak havoc on the natural protective coating of your lips. The more you lick, the drier and more uncomfortable your lips will become. The skin on your lips is very thin and has no oil glands to help protect them from the environment.

Drink lots of water, use a humidifier at home, apply a waterproof lip balm that contains natural beeswax, shea butter, vitamin E (break open a capsule and apply to your lips), almond, jojoba, or coconut oils. Petroleum jelly works well, but it is a bit messy. Chapped lips, or those nasty little sores at the corners of your mouth, may indicate a deficiency in B-complex and/or iron.

Take care of your lips, . . . after all, they frame each and every word you say.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Exfoliation Feels Grate, Not Great!


I understand the importance of exfoliating and have tried to incorporate it into my skin care routine but my skin feels tight and red afterward. What am I doing wrong?


Exfoliation should leave your skin with a pink flush and leave a light tingling sensation, . . . the opposite of what is happening to you. Perhaps you need to reconsider how often you exfoliate and/or change the product you are currently using and select one that is not so aggressive. Don't forget to rinse, rinse and rinse again.Exfoliation is an important step in a skin care routine, but it is equally important to choose an appropriate product.

*For reference look at our posts on exfoliators on June 2nd, 4th, and 5th - a few helpful recommendations are listed there.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Antioxidants: The Leader of the Pack


I have been reading your post for sometime now and have learned so much. Thank you! I would like to see a list of antioxidants that I should be eating to begin the beautification process from the inside out.


Great question. The highest level of antioxidant foods generally found in supermarkets are, in order of strength: undutched cocoa powder (twice that of red wine/three times that of green tea); bittersweet chocolate; white tea; green rooibos tea; green tea; red rooibos tea; oolong tea; and black tea. Some studies claim that the blueberry (especially wild blueberry, a.k.a. bilberry) contains more antioxidants than any other mainstream fruit or vegetable, when compared on the basis of equal calories. Others give the top award to Montmorency cherry juice—which does have more calories than blueberries, but is accessible year-round. Other fruits and berries that are high in antioxidants include the blackberry, raspberry, cranberry, cherry (especially the Montmorency, also known as the tart or sour cherry), dried plum (prune), dark grapes (including raisins, purple grape juice and red wine), crowberry (a North American berry that looks similar to a blueberry), kiwi, pomegranate, papaya (a source of vitamin E, lycopene and beta-carotene, three very powerful antioxidants), citrus fruit such as orange and grapefruit (the highest concentration of antioxidants are in the pulp, where the pectin is found); and leafy, dark green cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, daikon radish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard/chard greens, parsnip, rutabaga, turnip and watercress). The latest star of the antioxidant show is the Brazilian acai berry, a true superfruit.

FYI - One cup of green tea has antioxidant effects greater than a serving of broccoli, an antioxidant-rich food. A 2006 study showed that elderly Japanese people who drank more than 2 cups of green tea a day had a 50% lower chance of cognitive impairment than those who drank less green tea, or who consumed other tested beverages. The high amount of catechins in green tea are believed to be responsible.*