Permanent Hair Removal

Excess hair
Excess hair, particularly on the face, is a matter of great concern to a woman. There can be many reasons for this unwanted growth, like congenital causes, imbalance of hormones, pregnancy, irregular menses, mental tensions, long illness, worries and shocks.

Hirsutism
One should immediately rid oneself of unwanted hair when it starts growing, instead of feeling shy and embarrassed. In medical terminology, this condition is called Hirsutism.

Unwanted hair
Unwanted hair grows mostly on the chin, above the upper lip and on the forehead. 
Female hirsutism
Most of the women suffering from hirsutism are in the age group of 15 to 25. Since the main reason for the growth of unwanted hair is imbalance of hormones inside the body, it is imperative to get it treated medically.

Hirsutism treatment
The first step in the medical treatment is a thorough check-up of the genitals. In case of some defect in the uterus, it is treated by an operation. 
Remedies for hirsutism
There are many ways to get rid of a thick growth of hair such as shaving, plucking, threading and waxing.

Hairiness
Treatment of hirsutism depends on the cause as well as on its severity. The cause needs to be determined by examination and investigations like X-rays and ultra-sonograms.

However, sometimes specialized investigations like estimations of blood levels of androgens, specialized X-rays and even a laparoscopy may be required.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a process in which visualization of abdomen is carried by using a tube.
After the cause is established, it needs to be treated.

Cause of Hirsutism
It must be remembered that unwanted hair, especially on the legs, is actually present in as many as six out of ten women. The basic problem in hirsutism is the excessive action of the male sex hormones, the androgens.

Androgen hormone
An increased amount of androgens may be produced for many reasons, for instance, tumors of the ovaries may be responsible for this.

The blood levels of the androgens are then raised above normal. In most women with hirsutism, sometimes the androgen production is not increased, but since downy hair is very sensitive to the low levels of androgens, they get converted into thicker and longer hair.

Heredity and ethnic origin have a lot to do with the amount of hairiness of the skin. Some of the causes of hairy problems are:

1. Mental tension.
2. Effect of medicines.
3. Overweight and infertility.
4. Mild hirsutism may be a normal growing-up process, and a little abnormal hair may appear at puberty or at menopause.

In case the problem is rapid growth of hair and associated with infertility, do consult your doctor.

Male hairiness
Most, if not all, adult males have visible hair growing on their faces and body.

Excess hair hirsutism
Women, on the other hand, have only very fine downy, inconspicuous hair on the face and body. If hair becomes darker, thicker and visible, then the woman is suffering from hirsutism, a problem that may cause intense misery.

Hirsutism drug treatment
Consult a skin specialist and remember that medicines should be taken strictly with the consultation of a doctor. Medication may prove very useful when used along with cosmetic treatment, reducing the growth of hair and finally with continued treatment, making the hair inconspicuous.

Woman and unwanted hair
Many women have unwanted hair they want to remove, either by temporary hair removal measures or by permanent hair removal measures, like laser hair removal. Unwanted hair can be on legs, arms, underarms, bikini line or the face. Unwanted facial hair is one area where women will often consider permanent hair removal or laser facial hair removal.
Removal of unwanted hair
There are a number of remedies for dealing with unwanted hair, including bleaching, short-term hair removal, long-term hair removal and permanent hair removal. Here are some of the most popular methods of removing unwanted hair.

1. Bleaching. Bleaching the hair makes the hair more difficult to see.
2. Plucking the hairs out using a tweezer. (This is popular when dealing with eyebrow hair.)
3. Trimming the hair.
4. Shaving
5. Waxing
6. Using an epilator.
7. Depilatory creams.
8. Electrolysis
9. Laser hair removal.

Hair natural removing tip unwanted
A lot of hair removal methods require the use of harsh chemicals, but there are some natural remedies for removing unwanted hair. Shaving and plucking can be considered natural remedies, so far as they do not require the use of chemicals. Here are some other natural remedies for body hair removal and facial hair removal.

Unwanted facial hair removal
Take gram flour, mix milk or clotted cream in it. Apply it on face. After this paste getting dry, remove it through rubbing by fingers. When  all the paste is removed, wash your face.

Remove unwanted hair
Mash mustard seed in without boiled milk. Apply it on whole body. After this paste getting dry, remove it through rubbing by fingers. When all the paste is removed, clean your skin. Unwanted hairs will be removed.

Unwanted body hair
Make paste of 4 table spoon flour refuse, 1 table spoon peppermint leaf, 1/2 table spoon mustard oil, one and half table spoon water. Apply it on hands & legs. After this paste getting dry, remove it by rubbing through fingers. When all the paste is removed, wash your hands & legs. Its regular use for 2-4 days will make the body clean.

How to get rid of unwanted hair
Mix 2 tea spoon fine flour, 1 cup milk, pinch of turmeric. Make its paste. Before bathing apply & rub it on whole body. Due to rubbing , all the dirt of the body is cleaned with the paste. This paste makes the skin soft & removes the hair of skin.

Homemade hair bleach
Hair can be bleached with lemon juice and chamomile tea.

Home waxing
Sugaring is a method first used in ancient Egypt. By combining  lemon and sugar you can create your own mixture. It is used in a similar way to waxing.

Pumice stone
A rough stone (like a pumice stone) can be used to remove hair by causing friction.

Some hair removal products can be purchased that use only natural ingredients.

Facial sauna
Hot water and steam are not methods of dealing with unwanted hair, but they are helpful when removing hair from the roots. Before plucking, waxing or using an epilator, a hot bath or a facial sauna with open up the pores and make the hairs easier to remove.

Depilatory
A long used method of hair removal is the process of removing hair using depilatories. Depilatories are made up of a chemical mixture that is applied to a region of unwanted hair. Once applied, the depilatory is left on the hair from anywhere from three to fifteen minutes depending on the size of the area and the amount of hair being removed. Once the chemicals have had time to kill the hair, the depilatory is removed and the area of skin is smooth and free from hair. Unlike laser hair removal and electrolysis, using a depilatory is completely pain free and can be done in the privacy of your own home. A number of depilatories are sold at local supermarkets. However, for people with sensitive skin depilatories may not be the right way to go about removing unwanted hair. Since depilatories contain such strong chemicals in order to kill the hair, they often cause skin irritation for people who are prone to having sensitive skin. Depilatories also typically require repeat treatments considerably sooner than both electrolysis and laser hair removal. There are many creams and gadgets on the market that assist women in facial hair removal and body hair removal.

Depilatory hair removal whole body
Depilatory creams use chemicals to dissolve the hairs at the skin's surface. They are often used for facial hair removal or removal of hairs around the bikini line. Different creams can be purchased for different hair removal tasks. As these creams contain harsh chemicals, they may irritate the skin. For this reason, all creams should be tested on the skin before use.

Depilatories
For the slightly advanced enthusiast, depilatory creams are a good bet to do facial hair removal and leg hair removal. These creams effect quick hair removal through surface chemical reactions with the protein in your hair, breaking it down and making it easy to come off. Available in a variety of forms such as gels and aerosols and typically calcium-compound based, this treatment offers a solution which however is not a permanent hair removal method.
Bleach hair
Hair bleaches lighten the hair, so that it is becomes less visible. There are a number of hair bleaches available in the stores. Hair bleaches are popular for facial hair, where it is difficult to remove hair without waxing or undergoing permanent hair removal treatments, like laser facial hair removal.

Waxing
Waxing is a popular way of removing unwanted body and facial hair. There are a number of special waxing kits available for purchase, some of which include all-natural ingredients. People can also get their hair waxed at beauty salons.

Shaving
Shaving removes the hair at the skin's surface. As the hair is cut off, it may grow back thicker and darker than before. Shaving products include razors, disposable razors and electric razors. Shaving cream can help while shaving, but it does not help remove unwanted hair.

Body shaving
While it's a quick painless hair removal method which is effective, it lasts only for very short bursts of time and can never be termed a permanent hair removal solution. Still for people short on time and low on cash, shaving still promises to be an affordable practical solution.

Shaving tip
Never use a razor to remove the hair. It hardens the roots of hair and also encourages rapid regrowth of hair.

Epilator
Epilators are electronic devices that roll along the body, pulling up hairs at the root. As the hairs are removed at the root, it takes longer for the hairs to grow back than they would in normal shaving.
All of these methods can be useful while dealing with unwanted hair. Some of these methods last longer than others, but none of them provide permanent hair removal.

Hair plucking
If there are one or two unwanted hairs on the face, then it can be pulled out by a tweezer. This method is known as plucking. If there is a lot of hair, then do not use a tweezer, because the roots of the hair get hardened and the repeated pulls may result in injury to the roots and subsequent growth of pimples and acne.

Tweezer
Tweezing like waxing works by plucking the hair out of the skin right from its roots, thereby giving a hairless skin which can last for several weeks until the roots of the hair grow back. 

Tweezing
This method is particularly painful and suffers from the same drawbacks of shaving in terms of permanence of effect and areas of applicability. It is hard to imagine that laser hair removal and tweezing essentially are solutions to virtually the same problem.

Tweezer hair removal
Before using a tweezer, apply cold cream on the area to soften the roots. In case the roots are hard, then soak a swab of cotton wool in hot water and keep it on the hair for some time. This will soften the roots. 
Threading hair removal
When thread is used to remove hair, the process is called threading. Threading does not make the roots of hair hard. It should be done after two or three weeks.

How to use a pumice stone
Abrasives, in the form of pumice stones and special emery covered mitts and pads, are frequently used to remove superfluous hair.

This method is very cheap and its effects are very temporary. But it is good for the skins which tend to suffer reaction quickly. Use gentle circular movements and apply a moisturizing cream after the use of abrasives. If the skin is rubbed too vigorously, it will become tender and sore.

This method of hair removal is used for coarse hair of the legs and arms, and is not suitable for use on the face. After waxing, the regular use of pumice stone can delay the re growth of hair.

Hair permanent removal
Permanent hair removal is one way of removing unwanted hair.

Electrolysis
Electrolysis removes hair permanently, so that it will never grow back. Laser hair removal also provides semi-permanent and long-lasting hair removal.

During electrolysis, a thin needle is inserted into the hair follicle, destroying the hair completely. To complete electrolysis hair removal, people need to attend a number of sessions. It can be painful, costly and time-consuming. The cost of electrolysis varies, depending on the area that is treated and the amount charged by the electrologist. The cost of electrolysis hair removal for the upper lip may cost anywhere between $450 to $1035.

Laser hair removal
Although laser hair removal is not as permanent, the cost of laser hair removal is cheaper than electrolysis and the hair is removed for at least six months.

(Some hair never grows back.) During laser hair removal, a beam of laser light is sent to a group of hair follicles, damaging or destroying the root.

Laser facial hair removal
Laser facial hair removal is quite popular as it provides long-lasting removal of unwanted facial hair - a place where hair is particularly unwanted as it is embarrassing and difficult to hide. Removing hair from the upper lip by other means is often short-term or difficult to accomplish.

The cost of laser hair removal also varies. Laser facial hair removal of the upper lip may cost between $400 and $800.
Advantages of Laser Hair Removal
The relief from the age-old hair removal methods like plucking, waxing, shaving is temporary. In the new hair removal method of electrolysis, each hair is treated
separately. This makes the process time consuming and restricted to small areas. The inconvenience faced in the old methods has made the Laser Hair Removal the most popular hair removal technique. Most of the cosmetologists prefer laser hair removal to other methods of hair removal.
Here are some advantages of Laser Hair Removal:
1. Ease of Use - Laser treatment uses the principle of
light energy absorbed by dark matter such as hair. An
experienced laser technician directs and fires a laser beam at the area of hair growth thereby burning off the unwanted hair. Laser hair removal method is not painful like waxing. Users have compared it to a tingling sensation like a small pinch.
2. Less time - Unlike electrolysis that is painful and
takes a lot of time, laser hair removal is faster. With
laser hair removal process, facial hair can be removed in about 45 minutes. Larger body parts take a longer time.
3. Few side effects - Unlike waxing or hair removing
creams, laser hair removal treatment does not cause skin irritation or any other side effects.
4. Long Lasting - Laser hair removal treatment is long
lasting than waxing, shaving or hair removal creams which have to be repeated every few weeks.
The wavelength required by laser to achieve efficient
treatment is in the range of 670 to 890 nanometers. The treatment includes wearing protective eyewear. Usually, more than a single treatment is required since hair is best removed when it is in the active growth phase.

Choosing a Hair Removal Method
Choosing a hair removal method can be difficult. It is often difficult to know the best method of hair removal to use. Some people choose to use different hair removal methods for each area that has unwanted hair. General and unproblematic hair might be dealt with by temporary hair removal methods, like waxing and shaving. Facial hair might undergo laser facial hair removal. Whether it's temporary or permanent hair removal, it is up to each person to choose the method that works best for them.

Body waxing
Of course, if you are a girl, you have probably gone through the painful procedure of waxing for body hair removal especially for hands and legs hair removal.

Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the only permanent treatment for removing facial hair, but being costly, this treatment is beyond the means of women of the middle income group.

Permanent laser hair removal
Electrolysis for hair removal on the other hand works on the principle of destabilizing the hair roots through surface electrical currents charged through electrodes implanted in the skin. While the effect of electrolysis hair removal is long standing in nature, frequent sessions and a serious dent on your bank balance are realistic possibilities that you need to keep in mind.
Body hair permanent removal
The best hair removal method available today is laser hair removal for men and women alike. This treatment is swift, precise, painless hair removal technique which normally guarantees an extended period of freedom from unwanted hair. In just a few sessions, whether it is facial hair removal or back hair removal, the laser technology effectively answers all your needs and desires for looking your personal best!
Visit your local salon or contact your beautician for understanding which of these hair removal treatments would work best for you. All the best to looking good and feeling great!!

What To Look For In Hair Removal Products
As the quest for easier and safer hair removal becomes an important issue for many, manufacturers are stepping up to the plate by offering products to do just that. So how do you know what works when it comes to hair removal? The sad truth is that you're probably not going to know until you use the product, but you can take a few steps to keep from purchasing products that are not likely to work at all, costing you money and time.
The first thing you should do when considering a new hair removal product is to remember the old adage - If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This holds true with many products and hair removal products are no exception. A company that touts instant results and promises that hair will never grow back, all for the amazing price of $1, is probably making claims that they can't fulfill. While it might seem worth the price just to see what you're getting for your dollar, you could also find yourself with a product that doesn't work at all. And don't think that just because a hair removal product is expensive that it will work. In fact, be leery of products that seem excessively high. The idea could very well be that you're paying a lot for that product because the company knows they won't sell very many of them.
Look for reputable and well-known names when searching for new hair removal products. A company that's been providing hair removal products for many years is likely to have a good product when they offer something new though (of course) every company could offer something that simply won't work.
Talk to family and friends. While advertisements are supposed to be positive and will never tell you that a hair removal product doesn't work, family and friends will likely have no such reservations. They're more likely to be completely honest if they've used something that didn't work, and will share with you if they've used something that did.
Finally, take time to read the ingredients list and the directions for use. You may find that active ingredients are no more active than baby oil and that you can't even expect this product to work. You don't have to be a chemist to compare ingredients and you may find that two products have exactly the same ingredients - if one didn't work, the other isn't likely to work either. And by taking time to read the directions for use, you may very well discover that you're expected to touch up with a razor - a sure sign that the product is not going to be what you need from a hair removal product.

Hair Removal Device
Like the Galvanic needle which is used for electrolysis, there are several other electrical appliances used to treat the skin and scalp. The vibrator is an electrical appliance used in a massage to produce a mechanical succession of manipulations.

Laser hair removal device
Hair Removal Device has a stimulating effect on the muscular tissues, increases blood supply to the parts to be treated, is soothing to the nerves, increases glandular activities and stimulates the functions of the skin. The vibrator is used over heavy muscular tissue such as the scalp, shoulder and upper back. Avoid the use of a vibrator on facial tissue. People suffering from fever or a weak heart should avoid the use of a vibrator:

Steamer
A steamer is an electrical device used to produce a moist, uniform heat. It is used to cleanse and steam the face, clean out the pores of the skin and soften any horny scaliness on the surface of the skin.

Heating cap
A heating cap is another device, applied over the head, to produce a uniform source of heat. It is used to recondition dry, brittle and damaged hair and also serves to activate a sluggish scalp. Hair dryers deliver hot, medium and cold air for proper drying of the hair.

Precautions while using Hair Removal Device

You must observe the following precautions when using electrical devices:

1) Disconnect the appliances when not required for use.

2) Keep all wires, plugs and equipment in safe conditions.

3) Safeguard against cords getting wet and do not handle a device with wet hands. Do not clean the appliance when it is plugged in.

4) Sanitize all electrodes properly. Do not touch a metal while using an electrical appliance. Do not touch two metallic objects at the same time while connected to an electric current.

Get A Healthy Whiter Smile With Toothbrush, Toothpaste & Whitener Products Professionals Use

Taking care of your teeth means more than brushing with a good toothbrush twice a day with a flouridated toothpaste, and visiting the dentist twice a year, but those are the basics for caring for your smile. As we get older, problems with bad teeth and gums start to show in terms of yellowing, chipping or sensitivity. With age, teeth lose their whiteness and begin to yellow: one sure-fire way to take years off your appearance is by whitening your teeth with a home or professional whitener.

The truth about over the counter whitening toothpastes

Many toothpastes claim to be "whitening", but when you read the label, you'll see the only active ingredient is fluoride. Fluoride is necessary for preventing cavities, but it doesn't do a thing for whiter teeth. Other over-the-counter "whitening" products include baking soda and peroxide. Baking soda wisdom works by friction: it polishes stains from teeth. But, if your enamel is thin in places, baking soda can wear it further, exposing the dentin layer beneath the enamel. When that happens, you wind up with a brown spot or pit in the tooth. These spots often appear along the gemlike, where enamel tends to wear away naturally and is weak. Whitening toothpastes can't fix worn enamel: it takes a trip to the dentist to replace the missing layer with bonding.

Strengthing and repairing worn tooth enamel

Worn enamel comes with age: it also appears in younger people who grind their teeth, people who eat a lot of acidic foods, and people with bulimia whose enamel has been worn away by stomach acids. People with chronic heartburn or acid reflux disease may also have enamel worn off by acid, but for bruxers (or people who grind their teeth), the enamel comes off because of the pressure exerted by the jaws. The enamel flakes or cracks off under the pressure. If you grind your teeth, your dentist will recommend that you wear a plastic night guard over your teeth at night.

 

Natural tooth whitening remedy and products

Peroxide is the classic at-home tooth whitening ingredient. Toothpastes like Rembrandt contain peroxide in a dosage that, over a period of weeks or months, has a bleaching affect on teeth by six shades or more. Depending on your teeth's sensitivity, you may prefer slower-working toothpastes to quick-acting whitening kits. Bleach can make teeth sensitive, so if you try a tooth-whitener, go slow at first, and maybe pair it with a sensitivity-reducing paste such as Sensodyne.

Professional dentist tooth whitening - $$$$

If you're in a hurry, you can have your teeth professionally whitened in about an hour at the dentist's for around $300. Your dentist may use a combination of topical bleaching gel and a light activator to get your teeth super-white in no time at all.

Whiten your teeth without a trip to the dentist

If you don't want to spend several hundred dollars, you have other options. Rembrandt has a new two-hour whitening system (Rembrandt 2-Hour White from www.drugstore.com) that uses trays and a gel to whiten teeth in a much shorter time than the usual two-week period needed for other whiteners. You leave the trays on for 20 minutes, then take them out for ten minutes, alternating until the two hours are up. Or you can try other popular at home whiteners, like Crest White Strips, which take about a week to complete the whitening process.

Stop a Nail Biting Habit with Proper Natural Nail Care

 

The first thing we can all do in having good-looking hands is to keep them
clean by washing regularly. It’s amazing how many people (guys especially, but some women and girls too) walk around with grubby non manicured finger nails. Get a nail brush and put it by the sink, so it’s convenient whenever you wash your hands. An added plus of a nail brushing your fingers is the way it feels: those soft bristles and the luxurious soapy lather take your hands on a daily very mini spa vacation. Always follow up with a nice hand cream or lotion to keep your hands moisturized

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Stop nail biting. Break your toddler or child's habit early.

Beautiful hands and nail care start with basics, and not having raggy, bleeding cuticles is a primary step in having presentable hands. Granted, one of the hardest habits to break is to stop fingernail biting, but it’s also one of the more disfiguring things that can happen to a hand. We all know someone who bites their nails to the quick, then starts on those ragged cuticles. Nail-biting usually starts in early childhood as a toddler with some people never outgrowing it, while others only revert to nail-biting in times of stress.

A finger nail biting cure that helped remedy 18 year old girl's problem from when she was a child.

I know a New York woman who stopped biting her nails when she was eighteen, because she wanted to be a flight attendant, and she had read in one of those “How to Be a Flight Attendant” guides, that bitten nails would keep her from being accepted into “Smile School”. (It was a long time ago, when airlines also had age limitations for stewardesses.) I admired her greatly as she stopped through sheer willpower.

At first, she went retro and wore gloves a lot. She also started carrying a nail file in her purse so that when a nail got split or roughened, she could take care of it on the spot. She wore gloves because taking off a glove to bite a nail is a great way to make yourself pause and consider, and then stop the behavior before it starts. She never did become a flight attendant, but she did have her hands photographed for a newspaper ad for the Chicago manicure and nail salon that she frequented and once more a few years later for a Los Angeles nail care and manicure salon.

Nail care and nail biting products

There are some products on the market to stop nail-biting, super-hot or bitter things to paint on your nails. I've heard some nail-biters say that the nasty taste didn't stop them, but they must work for some people.

Finally, for nail-biters and non-nail-biters alike, hand cream right before bed is a great way to keep your skin smooth. When things are looking rough (or if you’re a biter who’s trying to quit), you can get some wonderfully thin cotton gloves, slather on a hand cream like Sephora’s Bliss Glamour Glove Gel and glove up until morning. The cotton will keep the hand cream off the pillows and on your hands where it belongs. And for a real spa-treatment, get some little cotton socks and give your feet the same experience.

Nail polish shows off those fingers.

And for a little something extra try a nice bright nail polish for your next manicure. OPI nail products give a great professional finish that looks like you went to a manicure salon or spa. But buyer beware of the "fake" acrylic manicure. Your own natural nails are better than using fake "glue on" nails. If your manicurist doesn't properly clean tier tools, acrylic nail application can cause the dreaded nail fungus that has to be specially treated for months at a time. My advice save the acrylic french manicure for a special event or occasion like attending the Boston symphony in a black sleek gown.

Top 4 Unique Sexy Gifts for Valentines Day

Trying to find a unique Valentine's Day gift that feels like it conveys something about your feelings and carries the requisite sexual overtones can be a bit trying at times. If you're looking for an alternative to flowers and chocolate, and making your own presents isn't in the cards for you, check out these unique gift ideas that combine sexual explicitness with personalized touch (literally and figuratively).

1. Custom Candy Hearts

You have to buy 10lbs at a time but if you're looking for an extravagant gesture, check out these personalized candy hearts. If you can't figure out what you'll do with 4200 candy hearts, visit Acme Heart Maker and generate an image of a candy heart with whatever two names you enter.

2. Have an Erotic Story Penned for Your Sweetie

Custom Erotica Source is a team of talented writers' intent on satisfying your desires for high quality erotic literature. You can have a story tailored to your desires (or if you're lacking in imagination, they'll do the work for you). You can also have custom illustrations added, and even choose the writer (they have several well known erotic writers available). You need to plan ahead for this one, but it will definitely be a personalized gift not soon forgotten.

3. Immortalize Yourself in Silicone

Give your partner a little (or big) piece of yourself this Valentine's Day with this fun and interactive make your own dildo kit. It takes some patience (they give you two molds, in case of mistakes) but the resulting toy is made of high quality silicone rubber, and while it might not make its way to the mantle with the other Valentine's Day cards, it's sure to be something remembered for years to come.

4. Create a Teledildonic Groove for your Lover

Je Joue is the first commercially available product to really offer a practical teledildonic experience. This high end sex toy allows you to tell it what to do, and then email your desires to your lover for her to download to the Je Joue handset. Je Joue is a perfect way to lavish attention on a partner far far away.

Top 10 Kid Gifts Made Quick and Easy!

When your child's care provider or teacher plans a gift exchange between kids...what should you do and how much should you spend? For group gifts, the key is to think small and special. You don't have to spend much to give a present for each child in the class or playgroup. Just use your thinking cap. Here are some quick and easy ideas--all under $5 or much less!

1. Smile! Photos Are A Sure Hit

If you can take a few minutes and have a digital camera, you can create special photo memories for children. From fun foam, create a simple shape (star, tree, heart, sun), then cut out middle for where photo will go. Using only glitter glue, sequins, beads, feathers, or ribbon, create a special keepsake featuring each child's photo in the center. Be sure to create a loop for hanging.

2. Craft A Friendship Bracelet

This season, have your child craft friendship bracelets. Cost is, in a word, "cheap," but kids will love their special gift from your kid. Purchase stretch bead elastic from any craft store and knot one end. Slip on inexpensive beads (consider school colors, holiday themes pastels for springtime or summertime neon tones). For extra charm, include a couple jingle bells.

3. Have An Ice Cream or Treat On Me

Purchase books of gift certificates for kid-friendly restaurants (McDonald's and Sonic are always popular options), then give each child one certificate (valued at $1) along with a special note signed from your child. Say, have an ice cream or slush on me this holiday season. Attach a mini-candy treat, and you're done!

4. Plan an Autograph Party

Ask for a special "dress up" or "theme" day and take a creative group photo of your child's class. Make a print of the photo for every child. Then, cut poster board to create a wide matte border around the photo and use cute lettering to write the name of child, school and year on the front. Set up an "autograph party" time where kids can sign their names on everyone's photo and add simple art (like hearts, smiles, peace signs, etc.).

5. Bells Rock!

Create a jingle-bell necklace in a blink of an eye with this easy craft. Buy cord (gift wrap cord will work just fine). String a large bell in the center and then string festive beads on each side for accent. Don't get carried away in beading the entire cord. A few accent beads on each side, and perhaps one special one that stands out on each side, will do just fine! Write a clever message and you're set! This works for any holiday!

6. Craft Customized Books For Kids

Create a custom storybook for each child, and no, you don't need to be an author. Simply know each child's name and a few details, and create a simple storyline that will be treasured long after the gift-exchange is over. A favorite is to make the setting in the teacher's classroom or daycare, and add all kid names throughout.

7. Special "Food" Offers Glitz and Grins

Make reindeer food to give to each kid to put out on their lawn on Christmas eve. How? You can customize the recipe as desired, but the simplest one calls for oats sprinkled with magic, sparkling glitter. Include directions that the magic reindeer food should be put out just before a child goes to bed so that the reindeer will have enough energy to complete their route on this one busy night each year. You can alter theme to include "goblin food" for Halloween or bunny treats at Easter.

8. Encourage Group Giving To Others

Ask your child's teacher or provider if a gift for charity can be exchanged this year instead of toys. Gifts should be selected to benefit a child in need. Whether it is adopting an angel from the Salvation Army Angel Tree, collecting canned goods, or requesting new socks and underwear, let your child shop with you. Have a "giving party" in which all the items collecting are displayed and kids are treated to a special party. Now, that's the spirit!

9. Chinese Auctions Are A Great Kid Choice

It's called many names, but most are familiar with its concept: everyone brings a $2 wrapped gift with a certain theme (i.e. ornament, something edible, nail polish or Hot Wheel car), then numbers are drawn and guests get to pick either an unknown present or "take" one that is already opened. Regardless of how it is played, the concept works because everyone leaves with a present, only one gift has to be purchased, and the game is fun and is entertaining (good for hosts).

10. Craft A Shirt

An inexpensive shirt in a color of choice and permanent markers, fabric glitter pens, beads and scissors is all you need to create a memory that will last way past the party. Kids can autograph each others' shirts (youngsters can trace hands or create simple drawings such as a smiley face), then glitz it up with fabric glitter pens and more. Cut 4-inch vertical strips on T-shirts at the hemline, slide on a few colorful beads, and knot it underneath for some extra style.

Make-up Starting Point?

Are you clueless about make-up and not sure where to begin? Well, don't freak out. Keep it simple if you're not sure. Less is more when you're just starting out. Try this.

Ingredients:

Concealer - Put under your eye with a dab on your eyelid

Powder - Evens out your complexion and covers minor blemishes. Also gives your T-zone a matte finish

Basic black mascara - Will enhance the whole eye by highlighting your eyelashes

Blush - Use something soft and subtle. Powder is better than cream

Lipliner - Gives emphasis to your lips

Sheer gloss or lipstick - Brightens the lips and illuminates your whole face

Apply in the order listed above for a sexy, sassy, and simple look. If you're not sure what colors to pick, choose "neutrals". Some major cosmetic brands (e.g., Max Factor) say "neutral" right on the package. Now, go knock 'em dead!

20 Beauty Secrets Every Teen Should Know

There's nothing worse than getting advice from older people, we know, we know, but the truth is some advice is worth taking and keeping, especially when it comes to fun beauty tips. We've been reading fashion magazines and testing beauty products for years. In this time, we've read 1000s of beauty tips, tried 1000s of products, but only a few are worth keeping around. So, here we share with you the 20 things we wish we knew when we were teenagers.

1. Skip the foundation If you have acne the first thing you want to do is slather on the thick foundation. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Foundation is for women over 40. Not only will it cover up your natural beauty, but foundation on a teenager looks anything but natural. Instead, cover up blemishes with concealer, then follow with a powder.

2. You pat concealer in, you never rub it in We know this from watching the Tyra Banks show. When applying concealer, put a bit on the pad of your middle finger and pat it in. Never rub. Got acne? Pat the concealer on top of it.

3. Play up your lips or your eyes, never both If you are wearing heavy eye makeup, go for nude lips with just a bit of gloss. Prefer the drama of dark lipstick? Keep face light (stay away from heavy blush) and wear only mascara on your eyes and a light eyeshadow. Don't heavily line your eyes. Play up both and you'll look like a clown.

4. Less is more Ever notice how some of your friends look best with no makeup at all? No matter your age, too much makeup makes you look worse. If you wear foundation, powder, blush, liner, mascara, eyeshadow, lip liner, gloss on an everyday basis, then you're doing too much. Tone it down: All you really need is a great mascara, concealer for acne and gloss.

5. Natural hair is always hot If you have super dark hair, lighten your look by going a shade darker or getting lighter highlights. Blonde? Try highlights, especially around your face. We see too many teens lightening their hair several shades and the look is super tacky, not super fabulous. The trick is to let people assume you were born with sun-kissed hair, not that you gave yourself a bad dye job from a bottle. More hair color tips here.

6. Vaseline is your best friend Skip the bottled cleaners: Vaseline is the best eye makeup remover hands down. It's also great for fixing chapped, scaly lips. Slather on a bunch of Vaseline, then use a toothbrush to massage lips. Wipe the excess off on a tissue. Your lips will be smooth and soft.

7. You can never go wrong with layers Layers are great for any hair type: Super curly, straight or wavy. It makes thin hair appear thicker, curly hair appear manageable and wavy hair appear just-got-back-from-the-beach sexy.

8. Acne? Get thee to a dermatologist, stat Biggest mistake people with acne make? Not going to a dermatologist. Forget those $150 jeans you covet. Getting rid of those pimples will be the best investment you'll ever make. And the only guaranteed way to do it is with a dermatologist.

9. Spend money on key beauty products Not sure what to splurge on and what to save on? Here's our Golden Rules: Don't scrimp on eye shadow, facial moisturizer, powder, self-tanner or lipstick. There's a big difference in quality for these products. Don't waste your money on fancy mascaras, cleansers, eye liners or lip gloss.

10. Buying foundation or lipstick? Test it first There are some beauty products you simply must try out at a department store or Sephora before you buy. These include: Foundation, lipstick, blush and powder. Buy these products in a grocery store and you'll be lucky if you picked the right color for your skin tone. What you can get away with without testing: Mascara, eye liner, most basic eye shadows and lip gloss.

11. When can you skip sunscreen ? Never Here's a trick we wish we knew: The first beauty product you should apply every day is sunscreen, even if it's cloudy or rainy outside. Why? Good habits start young and if you use sunscreen now, you'll have gorgeous skin when you're 50, 60, 70. Plus, the sun's UV rays can penetrate clouds.

12. Wrapping hair around the barrel creates waves There's nothing sexier than long, layered waves. To get them, wind hair AROUND the barrel of a large curling iron. Reverse direction for each 2-inch section (wind up for one, down for another).

13. Self-tanner will always stink Unfortunately, even the best ones smell. Your best bet is to apply self-tanner a good 24 hours before an important event and take a shower (don't loofah) to wash off any smell.

14. Don't let nails go Not into manicures and pedicures? No worries. Just make sure to keep nails clean and the same length. If you do want to paint them, don't keep the polish on until half of it's chipped away. Also, there's nothing worse than too-long toenails. Keep nails clipped between pedicures! People tend to judge others by the care they put into their hands and feet

15. Don't line the inside of your eyes It will make your eyes appear smaller. Instead, line just at the lash line. Also, an obvious line doesn't look natural. Smudge the line just a bit.

16. Oily hair? Invest in a dry shampoo If you have blonde hair, sprinkling a bit of baby powder on your roots and at your crown will soak up excess oils. If you have brown hair, you might be better off with a dry shampoo for your hair color.

17. Shave legs at the end of the shower Cut down on nicks and cuts by making shaving the very last step in your shower or bathing ritual. Nine more shaving tips here

18. Know your best feature and play it up What feature do people comment on most? Play it up. If you're told you have Angelina Jolie lips, make sure to wear gloss and play with bold lipstick colors. If it's your eye color people love, find eyeshadow colors that complement them and make sure to wear mascara. Also, know what color shirts look best on you and go shopping.

19. Scrubs are great for dry skin If you have dry, itchy skin in winter, invest in a scrub and handmitts and scrub away in the bathtub. Make sure to slather on a thick moisturizer afterward. For dry, callousy feet, buy a pumice stone. They work better than any of the other wimpy options on the market.

20. Remember: Beauty is mostly internal Think about a girl you know who's overweight yet all the guys love her. Why? Because she's confident. If you aren't wearing makeup and your toes haven't been repainted in weeks, if you're happy and smiling you will still be 10 times prettier than the mopey cheerleader sitting next to you in class. Trust us (wink).