The bath is the place where we clean ourselves, and where many of us relax. It is very important to take proper care of ourselves during baths, as there are plenty of places for harmful ingredients in the water can get in and cause problems with the body. However, one of the best ways to take care of your body while bathing is to use a homemade bubble bath. This can not only help enhance the skin, but it can also create a soothing and uplifting feeling of calm and relaxation that is helpful to the mind as well.

When you create your own bubble bath, you know that you are better caring for your body because you are not using the chemicals that can be found in other bubble baths. Additionally, you know that your concoction is fresh, hasn’t sat for who knows how long on some shelf somewhere. And when you create your own bubble bath, you naturally learn about different essential oils and products that can help you better care for your body in and out of the bath.

One of the main ingredients in a homemade bubble bath is an essential oil of some sort. There are many oils that have many different purposes. Additionally, there is no need to add more than a few drops to your bubble bath, as they are rather potent. Be sure to avoid ingesting the oils orally, and avoid marjoram during pregnancy. It is possible to check with the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy to find out what other oils should be avoided during pregnancy.

Allowing your body to relax is part of taking proper care of the body. Soothing relaxation helps the nervous system and has many other health benefits as well, including stress reduction and the control of stress-related conditions like acid reflux. The bath is a perfect time to do this, and many women bring books with them to better help them relax during bath time. The right essential oils can contribute to this. You can choose a scent that you like best from among oils like lavender, rosewood, sandalwood, chamomile, and myrrh, all considered soothing.

It is also important that your body feel energized at times and uplifted. This contributes to mental health and well being as well. It is very difficult to take proper care of the body when the mind is unhappy. Some of the essential oils that can help you with this care of the body are eucalyptus, spearmint, peppermint, and lemon oil. Additionally, eucalyptus can help your body fight cold symptoms, as it reduces congestion. Many people who create their own bubble baths actually make one for relaxing and one for revitalizing, in order to have what the body needs on hand.

Other oils are especially good at softening the skin. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and taking care of the skin is necessary to the proper care of the body. Almond oil and coconut oil are both excellent skin care choices. Almond oil has almost no smell to it, so it does not conflict with any oil you add for scenting purposes. Coconut oil has a nutty and floral fragrance which can help you feel as though you are in an exotic garden. However, it is possible to find scents that complement the coconut oil and provide other effects. In fact, many homemade bubble bath recipes call for the combination of different oils for better effect.

In addition to oils, there are other ingredients that are necessary to make homemade bubble bath. Many of these are found easily and relatively inexpensively at the store. Distilled water, castille soap, and liquid glycerin are these ingredients. They are necessary to help create the bubbles, add a liquid form to the bubble bath, and to provide a solution for mixing. None of these substances is generally harmful, and they add a great deal to the bubble bath mixture, as they are clean and can be used to clean the body as well as to create bubbles to sit in.

It is easy to improve the care your body gets during a bath when you create your own bubble bath to help you better cope with the general vagaries of life.

You jam your feet into fashionable shoes, kick them around, stub their toes, ignore their nails and demand that they carry you around all day. No wonder they look a little worse for the wear. Luckily, there are plenty of simple, inexpensive tricks you can use to have your feet looking and feeling their best in no time at all.

There are so many elements of everyday living that are absolutely torturous for your feet. Standing all day, too-small shoes, stuffy boots, and exposing them to the locker room floor at your local gym are examples of scenarios to which most women can relate. Feet are often taken for granted until they start to hurt and reject the burdens you place on them, so think of taking care of your feet now as an investment against problems in the future.

If you’ve ever had a professional pedicure, you know how amazing it feels to have your feet taken care of: soaking, exfoliation, moisturizing and maybe even massage. The best part is you can recreate this experience at home with only a small investment of time, money, and resources.

Begin by removing any old nail polish with a remover-soaked cotton swab and then soaking your feet in a tub of relaxing, hot water. Toss in some bath or Epsom salts to increase the pleasant feeling. If you have a home foot bath with bubbles or jets, that’s even better. Soak for at least five to ten minutes; the heat will promote blood circulation in your feet and soften your skin and you can use the time to read, watch television or just lean back and relax.

When you’re done soaking, use a small brush to buff one foot at a time, removing dead skin and softening your feet. Let each foot go back into the water after you’ve finished brushing.

Use a dollop of foot scrub lotion (available at any department or drug store) to further soften any rough spots like your heels or the sides of your toes. When you’ve massaged the lotion into your feet, take a pumice stone to finish off any lingering rough skin. This is a great tool, so take your time and rinse your feet when you’re done.

Feeling good by now? There’s more. Remove your feet from the water and dry them with a soft towel. Rub your feet with some of your favorite lotion. A peppermint lotion may be particularly soothing and relaxing, especially if you have willing partner to handle this step for you. Either way, it feels marvelous.

After you’ve finished massaging your feet, it’s time to add a little style. Trim and shape your nails with clippers and a file, and then use a cuticle stick to gently push back your supple cuticles. If you have a cuticle trimmer, you may want to scale away excess cuticle skin, although it’s imperative to do this carefully to avoid damaging the cuticle.

Once your cuticles are under control, you will want to even out the surface of your nail by applying a clear or opaque base coat. This will help hide any ridges or lumpy areas that might show up if you applied nail color directly to the affected area. When the base coat is dry, add a coat of your favorite nail color. Choose something soft and light for a conservative look or something bold and daring for more flair. Whatever your choice, it’s a good idea to apply several coats to improve the durability of your finish. Clean up any messy areas as you go, using a small cloth or cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to dissolve stains that may have been deposited around the edges of your toe nail. An additional coat of clear sealer will prevent chips and scuff marks from harming your pedicure masterpiece.

That’s it! You’re ready to strap on a pair of open-toe sandals or to pad around the house in your bare, and very fashionable, flattering feet.

Looking pretty is one element of great feet. The other part is keeping your feet healthy. Wear supportive, well-fitted shoes, wash and dry your feet carefully to avoid fungal and bacterial problems, and mention any significant problems, such as cuts and scrapes on your feet not healing well as that could indicate a more serious problem such as diabetes.

5 Easy Strategies

Juggling a husband, kids, a home and a job can be a real struggle. More often than not, there isn’t enough time to strike off every item on your to-do list. You’re tired, worn out, run down and it shows, but who has hours to spend primping in front of a mirror? Not you. And this shouldn’t matter. With a few simple tricks, you can go from blah to babe in one hour or less. So treat yourself to your full beauty potential with the following easy strategies.

Start your instant makeover with a look at your skin. A clean, smooth complexion is the base of a glowing face, so assess the condition of your skin. Is it oily, dry or normal? Are there any eruptions or blackheads that should be treated and removed? Use a gentle cleanser and exfoliation pad to remove excess oil and dead skin, and then rinse your skin with cool water. Blot gently and apply your favourite moisturizer, preferably one with built-in sun protection. Be sure not to rub your face as you are applying the moisturizer – particularly around the super-sensitive skin near your eyes, and to smooth body lotion from neck to toes. Many women apply facial moisturizer every day but neglect to care for the rest of their skin, even though it, too, is subject to wear and tear from dryness and environmental pollutants.

Experts agree that a new hair cut is a great way to change your look and boost your mood. But if you’re only looking for a temporary change, consider styling your hair differently. You don’t need a salon to do this! You just need to be adventurous. Is your hair short and unfussy? Add a little gel for a sleek and sophisticated look.  Get out your curlers if you normally wear your hair straight, or your straightening iron if your regular hair style is curly. The demands of everyday living often drive women to simply tying back their hair with little regard to how it works. Take a few minutes to wash, condition, and style your hair to see a dramatic improvement in your appearance and sense of confidence.

The natural look is nice, but applying makeup is an easy way to glam up your look without expending a lot of effort or time. Take advantage of the season’s trend toward pretty mauve lipsticks and dramatic, multi-tone eye shadow. Eyeliner has also made a comeback, so use it to make a bold statement for an evening out on the town. Mascara is an absolute must and takes literally seconds to apply. Also, if you haven’t already done so, take a few minutes to have a professional cosmetician recommend colors and shades that will complement your hair, eyes and skin.

Choose a dynamite outfit and accessorize. Dressing up isn’t just for special occasions. Chances are, if you look sloppy, you feel sloppy, so put on a great pair of jeans, a soft sweater, heeled boots and a pair of earrings before heading to the grocery store or to your son’s soccer game. Going out for dinner? Let your dinner companions ooh and aah when you arrive in a fabulous dress or pantsuit. Even if you consider the choices in your closet a little on the dull side, you can always mix and match to add excitement to your wardrobe. Add a flirty silk scarf or unusual brooch to a conservative outfit for instant visual interest and appeal.

Your most powerful beauty tool is a big, genuine smile enhanced by sparkling, lively eyes. When you’re happy and relaxed, it shows in how you look, feel and behave, so do whatever it takes to allow you to smile. This might mean taking a short nap to catch up on your rest, de-stressing with some time in front of the television with your favorite reality program, pursuing a hobby, exercising, sipping a coffee or hanging out with a friend. Make time for a few ‘you’ moments each day. Having and enjoying this time is just as vital as any other appointment, so make it a point to set aside at least 20 worry-free ‘you time’ minutes each day. You’ll feel better, look better, and your smile will be absolutely gorgeous.

Many women, and even some men, will do just about anything to get that perfect tan.  But, with so much current research into skin cancer and other problems associated with overexposure to the sun, many are wondering how to still get that great tan, while avoiding the potential side effects of sunbathing.

Safe Tanning Tip #1

Even though you are looking to get a tan, you should still wear sun block.  With a sun block with a low SPF, your body can still catch some of the sun’s rays, but you are less likely to get burned.  Remember, a tan is essentially your body’s way of protecting itself from the harmful effects of the sun.  The more you can slow down this process, the less your skin will receive long-term damage from sunbathing. 

Safe Tanning Tip #2

Similarly, you should gradually build up the time you spend in the sun.  Many people are tempted to intentionally burn themselves right away, believing this provides a good “base” for the tan.  Sunburns are a sign of skin damage and can lead to serious skin complications.  Instead, the tan should be slowly built up to lessen the potential damage.

Safe Tanning Tip #3

You should apply your sun block to your body before you head out to the sun. Applying sun block first helps ensure that you get cover your entire body, guaranteeing that all of your skin is protected.  And don’t forget to apply sun block to your lips!  Lips can become easily burned or dried out, which is both unhealthy for your skin and unattractive.

Safe Tanning Tip #4

The sun is at its hottest between noon and 3:00.  Avoid sunbathing at this time.  The added intensity of the sun does not improve the look of your tan.  Instead, it increases you likelihood of becoming burned and, consequently, experiencing skin damage.  During this time of the day, it is best to stay in a shaded area and to wear protective clothing.

Safe Tanning Tip #5

Spending time in the water increases your chances of getting sunburned.  The sun’s rays reflect from the water and are basically magnified onto your body.  Getting a sunburn while in the water can happen with little to know warning signs.  Where a sun block, even if it is a low SPF, every time you are in water.  Make sure the sun block is water resistant, as well, and reapply it as often as the product recommends.  This is normally at least every 2-3 hours.

Safe Tanning Tip #6

Hats and shirts do provide an extra layer of protection to your skin.  Be sure to wear these when not sunbathing in order to protect your skin from excessive amounts of sun.  This is particularly important if you will be spending a great deal of time outdoors, such as playing sports or gardening.

Safe Tanning Tip #9

If you do play a lot of sports or if you work outdoors and sweat a great deal, be sure to wear a sun block that is specially formulated for such activities.  Waterproof sun blocks are ideal for those who are active during the day outdoors.

Safe Tanning Tip #8

People with fair skin need to be especially cautious when exposing their skin to the sun for long periods of time.  The same is true for people who burn easily or who have a history of tanning poorly.  People with freckles or a great number of moles should also take extra precautions when spending time in the sun.  People who fit under any of these categories are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer.  Similarly, children under the age of 16 and individuals with a family history of skin cancer should avoid exposing their skin to excessive amounts of sun.

Safe Tanning Tip #9

If you have sensitive skin, make sure to purchase a sun block that will not irritate your skin.  There are hypoallergenic sun block’s available.  If you are not sure where to look or what you need for your skin, ask the pharmacist and she will be glad to help.

A deep, brown tan can be very attractive and provide what appears to be a healthy glow.  Be sure to follow a few simple guidelines to ensure that the glow is, indeed, healthy – and not damaged skin crying for help.

If you are looking for the best wholesale liquidation company you should go to www.merchandizeliquidators.com. Whether you are into the clothing business or you’re planning to start one then this is the company for you. Merchandize liquidators is the largest apparel wholesale company that gives you a huge array of liquidation clothing and goods. They have earned a name to those who are into the apparel business. They even supply the most profitable sellers on eBay. It is more convenient to buy by bulk. Prices are very low if you buy overstock clothing compared with buying per piece.

It is one way of maximizing your profit. In merchandize liquidators you can find different wholesale clothes. It is divided into different categories ranging form men’s apparel, women’s, children’s apparel and plenty of others, with goods varying from underwear to formal to wholesale jeans. The company gets their products from top department stores. These products are liquidations and closeouts which mean those items will no longer be available in the department stores. These wholesale clothes are guaranteed to be at its best quality. There website will give you every information you need to know about clothing wholesale.

It is very easy to navigate because there are useful links provided. The site provides pictures of the items as well as the prices and product descriptions. You can also find links to special deals that you might be interested of. Transacting with the company is just as easy as 1 2 3. You just need to follow those simple instructions then you are off to getting your business up and going.

Summer time means dragging out your bathing suit and showing some skin.  It also means it is time to focus more on your bikini area when you shave.  The bikini area is the most sensitive area when it comes to shaving.  Some people prefer to get the area waxed, however most women would rather take care of it with shaving.  Although it may seem easy to maintain your bikini area, there is nothing worse than getting bikini burn from shaving.  Most of the time bikini burn occurs when important shaving steps are skipped. To get a smooth and pain free shave, try these great tips when shaving your bikini area. 

Prepping your skin for shaving is one of the most valuable things you can do for your skin.  If you prefer to shave in the mornings, try lathering the bikini area with a deep moisturizing lotion the night before.  This will help soften the hairs while you sleep.  When you wake in the morning, the hairs will be much easier to shave. 

Once you get into the shower or bath, don’t let shaving be the first task on your list.  Go ahead and wash your body and hair before picking up the razor.  If you allow the bikini area hair to soften with the water and heat, then you will get better results.  If you are in a hurry and cannot wait to shave, consider putting hair conditioner on the area for at least two minutes before you begin shaving.  This will give the area a bit of moisture which is better than none. 

Choosing the proper razor is the key to a good shave.  Most women prefer the do-it-yourself method as opposed to an electric razor for the area.  It is a good idea to go over the area with trimmers however if it has been a while since you shaved it.  This will allow you to get a smoother shave.  Make sure your razor is clean and sharp.  You will most likely get bikini burn if you shave with a dull razor.  Razor companies are now making small disposable razors made specifically for the bikini area, so pick up a few to try.

When you are ready to shave, make sure you have a shaving agent on hand.  Don’t use soap when shaving your bikini area, as it will dry the area out and leave you with a rash.  Try using sensitive skin shaving gel or cream for bikini area shaving.  If you are curious about which type to get, try using your man’s cream.  It contains basically the same ingredients a female shaving cream would contain, although it may offer a manly scent.  Female versions tend to offer a clean scent, while many male shaving creams offer a musk scent.  There are also specific products you can use for the bikini area.  They specify their specific use on the bottle and are made for sensitive areas.  These sensitive shaving agents are a perfect way to prevent bikini burn.

What you do to your skin after shaving your bikini area is extremely important.  Immediately after getting out of the shower or bath, you must moisturize the area.  If you have sensitive skin, try an unscented lotion.  You can also use baby powder or baby oil if you tend to break out from using lotions on shaved areas.  Try not to go into a pool or the ocean for a few hours after you shave.  This will allow the area to heal before you expose it to salty water or chemicals.  If you must go in the water, be sure to moisturize after you get out. 

If you already have bikini burn then you know how annoying it can get.  There is not much you can do for bikini burn.  You really must simply let it heal on its own.  Do not shave the area however until the rash is gone.  You can also buy over-the-counter chafing lotions that will help heal the area.  Wear loose clothing and avoid the ocean or pool until it heals.

If you shave your bikini area everyday, the area will become less sensitive to the shaving process and you will be less likely to get bikini burn.  Don’t ever shave more than once a day, but try to shave at least every other day.  You can skip shaving your bikini area in the winter months if you like, but be sure to start back again before bathing suit weather so you can get any initial irritation out of the way.

Most women have two types of bras: everyday use bras and sports bras. No matter what type of bras you wear, however, there are few things more uncomfortable than a bra that fits poorly. The key to being comfortable in your own skin, and feeling confident when you leave the house, is having a bra that fits correctly and comfortably; this can be achieved simply by knowing how to find a bra that fits.

Everyday bras

Getting proper measurements is the best way to begin. Most lingerie and some department stores offer this service upon request. When you know your measurements, you can begin by looking for bras that most closely fit women of your general size.

Next, you should try on a variety of bras. Do not just choose one style of bra and then “go with it.” Find a style that you think fits your personality and provides superior comfort. Under wires add to the support of the bra, while thicker padding adds inches. Take into account how you will wear the bra, and what kind of clothes you have to ensure that the bra will not cause discomfort when worn with other clothing.

When trying bras, lean forward from the waist and use the straps to pull the bra away from your breasts so that the breasts fall into the cups in a natural fashion. Make sure the band is snug, but that it does not dig into your flesh. This is the same rule for the straps. You want them snug for proper support, but you do not want them digging into your skin. Remember that bras stretch out over time. So, buy a bra that fits correctly when on the loosest clasp and with lengthened bra straps. Then as the bra stretches you can tighten straps and move to the tight clasps.

Oddly enough, it is a good idea to swing your arms, walk around, and jump in order to test support and comfort. These are all activities that you will be participating in while wearing the bra, and so it is important to ensure that you will be comfortable no matter what you are doing.

Sports bras.

The first thing to do is to select the size that is closest to your proper size and then try the bra on. Sports bras often go over the head, but some also fasten in the back or the front. You should sense for comfort, making sure that the band and the straps are not digging into your skin. If you are rather large-breasted, you need to make sure your bra has adequate support without adding pressure to the shoulders.

Most of the comfort with a good-fitting sports bra has to do with construction and material. Make sure that all liners and metal parts of the bra have plush linings to prevent irritation from exposed metal or plastic pieces. Additionally, find out the fabric content. You want something with a lycra lining to wick sweat away from your skin, and also something that provides adequate support. A cotton/polyester/lycra blend is a good choice for bra materials because it will wick while being supportive (while straight cotton is supportive, it does not wick sweat away from the skin).

Finally, as with a regular bra, make sure that you jump around to understand movement. When one is a size D cup, a compression bra is a good idea, as it will help keep from causing discomfort. Women with full D cups and large should look into encapsulation bras to better contain the movement.

And, no matter what sort of bra you are looking for, there are a few general tips:

Try on all bras, as manufacturers have different sizes. You might be a 34C with one bra maker but only a 32B with another.

Allow your bras to air dry. This will keep them from shrinking in the dryer or having the padding shifted into odd lumps. You should also use a delicate cycle or lingerie bag when using a washing machine to wash your bras.

Buy several bras when you find one you like in order to avoid finding yourself out of luck if the style is discontinued.

Make sure that you can return the bra if there are problems, especially if you are purchasing the bra online.

Have you ever wondered what might be stopping you losing weight?

I came across a website today that helps you make better decisions in what you eat.  By keeping an online diet and exercise journal, you can stay in control of your diet with this free calorie counter.

Although calorie counting is important in weight loss, it’s not all you have to be concerned about, so the site, My Fitness Pal, also tracks aspects of your diet such as carb intake etc.   The site is 100% free, you can use all of the features, calorie counter, diet journal, exercise journal, dieting tips etc.  So get on over there if you want the best body you can get!

Cellulite – it’s that ugly little problem that causes your skin to look like an orange peel.  No one is 100 percent sure what causes cellulite, but it appears to originate from our own female hormone.  In fact, nearly 98% of girls develop at least a small amount of cellulite after reaching puberty.  Those back-stabbing hormones of ours seem to be triggered during adolescence, when they begin laying down fat, particularly in the hips and the thighs, by enlarging cells. 

Lymph fluids then gradually pass through the tissue and accumulate in areas with poor circulation.  The fat then becomes compressed and starts to harden into lumps.  Over time, these lumps are visible through the skin. 

Some experts believe that certain lifestyle factors, such as lack of exercise and taking in high levels of toxins, like alcohol and coffee, increase the likelihood of developing cellulite.  Bearing this in mind, the best way to treat cellulite is to live a healthy lifestyle and avoid getting it altogether.

Of course, avoiding getting cellulite isn’t necessarily all that easy.  For some women, developing cellulite is simply the result of genetics, a part of the aging process, or due to pregnancy.  Furthermore, many of us already have it and just want to know how to get rid of it. 

One way to get rid of cellulite is through exercise.  Sitting for long periods of time decreases our body’s circulation.  In fact, the most stubborn cellulite deposits are often located right in the area where the leg meets the chair while sitting, most likely because this is the area where the circulation was cut off. 

A sluggish circulatory makes it more difficult for the blood and the lymphatic system to send oxygen around the system and to remove toxins.  Therefore, regular exercise that can is brisk, yet gentle, is one way to treat cellulite.  Swimming and walking are great ways to do this.

Cellulite can also be treated with skin brushing and massage.  These forms of treatment help to clear and cleanse the lymphatic system by speeding up circulation.  This, in turn, gets rid of cellulite that has been building up for a long time in the body cells.  A wooden brush with a long handle is needed for skin brushing.

Like shaving, depilatories can be used in the privacy of your own home, as they are often sold close to razors and other shaving needs in stores.  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. 

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 relatively soon after the first.  However, many depilatories do keep areas smooth and free of hair longer than shaving.  People who use depilatories also do not have to worry about nicking themselves with a sharp razor.  Hair removal with depilatories is completely devoid of pain.

There are other, newer forms of hair removal that keep areas hair free much longer are now available to consumers but they must be practiced by a professional and, in some cases, can be expensive.  Electrolysis and laser hair removal are growing trends in hair removal.  When removing hair by electrolysis, the technician uses a needle that projects an electric current into the hair follicle, killing it at the root.  By sending the current directly to the root of the hair follicle it prevents hair from growing back in the same spot.  Although it may take longer than laser hair removal, electrolysis is one way to permanently remove hair in a certain area.  With laser hair removal the customer needs fewer repeat treatments until the hair is completely dead and gone forever.  With laser hair treatment a wavelength of energy is omitted from the laser, working to kill the hair from its base.  Laser hair removal may seem like the most appealing hair removal procedure but there is a downside.  Since laser hair removal is a relatively new procedure and can be high in demand compared to the number of specialists licensed to practice the procedure, the cost of laser hair treatments can be relatively high.