Archive for the ‘Cosmetic Cosmos’ Category

December 21st, 2009 ‘Tis The Season For Specialty Gift Giving

Thanks to the explosion of specialty gift shops in the last few years, shoppers are able to get everything from mineral makeup to super hot chipotle hot sauce at their local mall or online. With the season of giving upon us, people now have many new options when trying to find the perfect gift.

There’s an old saying that goes “it’s better to give then receive”. While the true merits of that statement can be can debated until the cows come home (getting gifts does kinda rock), it’s true that during the holiday seasons there is a special feeling that goes along with giving someone the perfect gift.

Thanks to the fact that specialty products have been big business in recent years (both specialty shops and chain stores now feature everything from mineral makeup to a wide variety of flavored hot sauces), you now have plenty more “specialized” options when trying to find said perfect gift. Because of the shear variety of these products, it’s worth taking a quick look at some of the more popular options available this holiday season.

One of the biggest gift industries to pop up in the last few years is specialized foods that offer fresh ingredients and quality you can’t get in more mainstream products. May it be different salsa, or meats, or a variety of cheeses, there are plenty of gift options to match the palate of the receiver. The most popular of the specialty food craze may be the different varieties of independent hot sauces that have taken the marketplace by storm in recent years. Everything from super hot chipotle sauces to fruity mango flavors have been flying off the shelves, and Christmas is their hottest (no pun intended) time of year.
Another specialty gift that has been increasingly popular the last few years has been designer candles and candle holders. Besides specialty shops like Yankee Candles, mega chain stores like Target and Wal-Mart offer aisles of candles of every imaginable sizes and scent. Surprisingly, one of the best places to find candles and accessories may be the “build-it-yourself” mecca of IKEA. Here you can get candle holders of all sizes (don’t worry, you don’t have to build them yourself) and a pack of 36 tea candles for around $4. You can even choose from a variety of scents such as pumpkin, lavender and green apple. Just don’t eatthem, no matter how amazing they smell.

One of the hardest demographics to shop for is 13-17 years old teenagers. In that world, trends last minutes, not weeks. What was hot three months ago is now so passé that you’ll get the stare of death if you purchase them the wrong item for the holidays. For this demographic, I heavily suggest some type of gift card to a specialty shop. For boys, any name brand clothing store specializing in “skateboard” inspired clothing is a pretty “hip” bet. Or for those who are into music maybe a local independent record shop or a big chain like Best Buy. For girls, try Hot Topic, Claires, Forever 21 or Abercrombie and Fitch. Also, someplace like Target or Wal-Mart aren’t terrible ideas since they have recently begun to carry “hip” brands featuring artists like the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus.

Of course, the best present comes from the heart, so use it when trying to think of what to get a friend or family member. If you have any doubt a gift card might be your best option. Because, c’mon, who doesn’t like to go shopping with money already in their pocket.

In the experience of author Kimberly Green, mineral makeup has proven to be a very welcomed gift for any occasion.

October 31st, 2009 Anti-aging Skin Care

There are several things you can do to take care of your skin as you get older. Maintaining healthy eating habits, staying hydrated with plenty of water, reducing stress, exercising regularly, getting a good night’s sleep and using soothing, natural skin care products all go hand in hand in treating your skin well. There’s a lot that goes into anti aging skin care, but it is all worth doing.

As you age, your skin naturally loses elasticity. As cells break down, skin becomes thinner, and is more prone to bruising, tearing, creases and wrinkles. By being pro-active with anti aging skin care when you’re young, you’ll be able to extend the vibrance and youthful appearance of your skin for decades to come.

First, maintain a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Keep proper body metabolism in check by eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, and going easy on the fatty and oily foods. Take multi-vitamins and other supplements if you’re not sure that your daily diet is adequate enough.
Water is the best fluid for hydrating your body and your skin. Replenish cells and flush out dirt and debris by drinking plenty of water. Aim for at least sixty-four ounces of water per day, every day.

Second, if you smoke, now is definitely the time to quit! Cigarette smoke increases your risk for lung, throat and mouth cancers, and it damages your skin by increasing the lines and creases around your mouth. The chemicals found in cigarette smoke are very harsh and drying, so they shouldn’t be found anywhere near your skin! Treat your body right, inside and out, by doing away with the cancer sticks as soon as possible.

Care for your skin with preventative and treatment measures. Avoid using chemical-based skin care products, as their components can often be harsh and unyielding on sensitive skin. Instead, opt for gentle, natural and organic products, and use them as directed. It’s important not to overuse skin care products, lest you dry out your skin or increase sensitivity to the products you’re using. Set up a daily regime for anti aging skin care products, and do your best to follow through with the products you use on a daily basis.

Wash off makeup, excess skin oil and daily dirt and debris at the end of every day. Use gentle cleaning clothes to wipe away makeup and impurities, and follow up with an exfoliating cloth to unclog and open up pores. Nightly creams can help restore moisture and decrease wrinkles, and are often recommended for anti aging skin care regimes.

More than anything, it’s important to understand that genetics will certainly play a role in how your skin looks as you age. By implementing preventative anti aging skin care measures when you’re young, you’ll be able to retain your skin’s youthful appearance and feel for a long time to come!