Lips are one of woman’s most beautiful anatomical attributes. We love pretty lips, which is why lip products within the beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar industry alone. If I had a nickel for every shade and type of lipstick I have purchased in my life…I’d be rich!

We’ll spend our last dime on lip products that color, soften, provide shine and even augment, but oftentimes we forget to buy products in order to just keep our lips healthy and safe.

Luckily many lip products these days offer aesthetics as well as protection, but certainly not all of them. And there are times of the year in which we need additional protection, such as hot summer sun and cold dry winter.

Lips need to be protected from the sun just like the rest of our skin…possibly even more. And lips look and feel better when they are treated with tender loving care and protection. There are even facial treatments specifically for the lips, but if you feel you don’t have the time to go the extra mile to give yourself a lip treatment such as an exfoliation or mask, you can still care for your lips by picking up a quality lip balm that will both nourish and protect this delicate skin.

I once heard that one of the most dangerous places to get squamous cell carcinoma was on the ears and/or the lips, so that in of itself should be reason enough to grab a lip balm or stick with an added sun protection or screen the next time you’re standing in line at the pharmacy. Additionally, lips feel and look healthier when they are properly moisturized and most lip balms (even those with sunscreen) do an excellent job at keeping them luxuriously hydrated.

So pucker up those pretty, healthy lips and keep them safe by starting today!

 Is juicing beneficial or overrated? I suppose it depends on just whom you ask. The juicing lifestyle or culture is hugely popular with plenty of people…me included! But before you decide for yourself we should first consider the pros and cons of juicing. Let’s first take a look at the over-rated or down side of it. Many experts say that it would be a lot better to just eat the entire fruit or vegetable itself, than it is to extract its juice, all together.  Some reports suggest that juicing can strip the food of some of its fiber and healthy nutrients and attributes that are desired of the produce.  However, they’ve also said that of cooking them. Some opinions include the dexterity of the benefits achieved through this diet phenomenon.  One of these differences is the idea that if a healthy person juices they will likely notice smaller increases in energy and health, but for those of who are not exactly healthy or perhaps ill will potentially notice major increases in juicing benefits.

I find that I feel exponentially better when I’m in my juicing mode, whether I’m in a healthy state or under the weather. I have found that I’m more likely to consume  a larger variety and quantity  of fruits and vegetables at the same time because it’s all in one health-packed drink; whereas when I’m not juicing I’m less likely to eat the equivalent in separate small meals or daily servings.

But just like most things in life; it takes much more than a glassful of healthy vegetables (blended up in a juicer) to reach the levels of vitality that those of whom are in great health may possess.  Many more factors must be implemented in order to achieve a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet (in addition to those power-packed cups of carrots!), plenty of exercise and abstaining from high risk behaviors, in order to feel like a million bucks!

 Earlier today while perusing the online pinboard, pinterest.com, I saw dozens of pictures of gorgeous bathrooms and it suddenly came to me that I too wanted to display my beauty products in a beautiful and organized way.  As I’m sure you can imagine…I have more than just a few! As luck would have it, I later came across an awesome article in the beauty blog known as thecleanbeautyblog which actually discussed brilliant ways to keep your beauty tools and products perfectly organized. The beauty blog presented everything from antique trays to precious glass jars along with awesome separation inserts to keep your drawers clean and organized. Thanks to thecleanbeautyblog.com I will never again be unable to find exactly what beauty product I’m looking for!

 There are many myths about skin care when it comes to women of color, particularly when it comes to the sun and its ultraviolet rays and sun protection. Many people (including those who are of different ethnicities) are under the assumption that because their skin is dark or darker than those with fair complexions they do not need to worry about burns or sun protection. The rationale being that because their skin is melanin-rich they will not tan or burn. However, that is indeed a myth and a false sense of security.

Everyone needs to protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun. African American, Hispanic and other races who have dark skin can and will still burn and can even potentially be at risk for skin cancer caused from UV rays and other environmental attacks. Darker skin is indeed richer with melanin but that melanin can only protect so much. Additionally, dark skin will tan just like those of Caucasian decent, but perhaps they may be happy with their natural color and do not want to get their skin any darker. But more importantly, even the darkest of skin will burn with too much unprotected sun. After all, melanin may be somewhat of a sun protection factor…but remember spf is only a number. For instance, if we use a sunscreen that provides an SPF of 15 we will still have to reapply at some point in order to maintain the protection so if you look at it that way…there will inevitably come a time in which too much sun is simply too much sun, for anyone.

In addition to the problem at hand (meaning the risks of not using any sun block or sun protection), there are other factors which contribute to health issues related to the sun such as skin cancer. And there are reports that not only suggest that those of dark heritage can indeed burn, the problem becomes exacerbated because many are less likely to have problems such as skin cancer diagnosed early as well as have a lower survival rate if they do indeed get a skin cancer such as melanoma.

I recently read an article about an African American woman who said she always protects her skin from the sun because she has indeed burned her skin in the past. She said she doesn’t like the dry, itchy peeling skin she has gotten in the past and has been an avid sunscreen user for herself as well as her children to keep them safe from the sun’s harmful and damaging rays. She knows first-hand that when it comes to protecting the skin of her family, the harmful summer rays certainly don’t discriminate!

 Pleasure and delight your senses with two highly effective skin care brands that offer outstanding scented body care products. L’Occitane and Ole Henriksen are two well-known brands which deliver efficacious properties and benefits via their superior products formulated with natural and fragrant botanicals. Lovely skin is always nice, but lovely skin from head to toe is spectacular! And even better is lovely skin from head to toe that not only feels and looks spectacular but also smells incredible!

L’Occitane Products

In my opinion, nothing smells better than products fragranced with almond. And when a world renowned beauty brand such as L’Occitane decides to make a special line of body products which revolves around one ingredient…you know that ingredient not only smells amazing but also must be highly effective! The L’Occitane products included within the L’Occitane Almond line are without a doubt some of the best cellulite and firming treatments on the market today. Almond oil is used in virtually every product within this highly impressive line and is proven to tone and firm sagging skin and is also known to exponentially improve the elasticity of the skin as well.

There are two L’Occitane products in particular that speak volumes in terms of deeply nourishing the skin and promoting superb elasticity. L’Occitane Almond Tonic Body Oil and L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil are two such products.

L’Occitane Almond Tonic Body Oil uses the properties of almond oil and other rich nutrients to improve the skin’s natural tone and hydrate it beautifully. Along with precious almond oil, this extremely popular L’Occitane tonic oil also contains a combination of ingredients known to stimulate circulation as well as red algae for effectively provoking waste elimination. L’Occitane reviews are outstanding for this organic toning and cellulite reducing oil, with users saying such things as “excellent product!” “buy L’Occitane!” and “an effective bloat fighter!”

L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Body Oil is considered natural and is rich in almond protein, peppermint and L’Occitane Immortelle oil. The formula is also loaded with omega fatty acids and camelina oil which provide for softer, suppler skin. Like L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream and many other L’Occitane products, this L’Occitane skin care oil effectively repairs and maintains the skin’s hydro-lipid barrier as well as works beautifully for preventing stretch marks. If you’re already hooked on the L’Occitane hand cream, the body oil makes for a great addition to your body care regimen. You can purchase L’Occitane online.

And L’Occitane Bath and Body skin care products aren’t the only ones that provide us with a lavish and fragrant way to beautify our skin. Ole Henriksen face and body products are every bit as luxurious and effective when it comes to healing, nourishing and protecting our skin from head to toe!

Ole Henriksen Products

I have raved many times about the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum but the brand also offers itesm for the body. There are two Ole Henriksen products in particular that are wildly popular and highly reviewed. Ole Henriksen Lavender Body Oil and Ole Henriksen Body Sleek Lotion are both infused with Mother Nature’s most potent and effective ingredients. Ole Henriksen Lavender Body Oil is an easy to use multi-purpose oil that beautifully transforms the skin of the body making it softer to touch, silky smooth, and much firmer and brighter. The lavender formulated into the Ole Henriksen skincare body oil is proven to be an impressive anti-inflammatory agent with unsurpassed regenerating properties. This Ole Henrkisen skin care product may be used on most every type of skin and is best used when applied directly out of the shower. The scent is described by many Ole Henriksen reviews as being relaxing, intoxicating and lovely.

Next up from Ole Henriksen spa when it comes to caring for the skin of the body is their highly-rated Ole Henriksen Body Sleek Lotion. This lightweight and non-greasy formulation is an outstanding daily moisturizer. It is blended with rich nutrients and botanicals such as Vitamins A and D, Swiss Collagen Protein and exotic oils such as avocado and apricot. This luxurious Ole Henriksen creme moisturizer will hydrate even the driest and moisture depleted types of skin. It has been described by beauty industry professionals as being “The best moisturizer ever!” And this beauty expert agrees!

 Nothing upgrades an outfit quite like fashionable accessories. However, most of us can’t afford to buy lots of pretty jewelry or expensive pieces of our own, nor do we have access to borrow the Queen’s diamonds like the Duchess of Cambridge can, so we have to find easy and affordable ways to buy or make them ourselves.

Of course we can make our own pieces but why do that when you can buy jewelry for less than ten bucks a pop at stores like H&M, Rue21, Ross and Target? However, should you decide to design and make your own clothes and hair accessories be sure you’re going to not only like them, but will also actually wear them.  Have you heard about making your own sexy dress or pencil skirt with duct tape? Well yes…apparently it is in trend and girls are actually doing it...and I’m sure this is a stretch but I have to say “don’t do it!” I say…save wrapping yourself up in plastic type materials such as cellophane for your honeymoon...Not as a fashion statement!  I’m just sayin’…It just doesn’t make a very good one. Sure…In a pinch, I’ll hem a pair of jeans with it but that should be where duct tape (in terms of fashion)…both begins and ends!

On trend in handbags are hot colors in large bags or small hinged clutches. And bold colored headbands are a great way to add a pop of color. You can even match up your pretty little purse with complimentary designer prints and colored ear-buds or headphones.  Another great look is to wear a drop necklace along with multiples of skinny gold and silver or other assorted colored bangles and they look terrific on the arm while you’re holding that cute new bag.

Oh and before you head to your favorite affordable store don’t forget to go online and print out coupons (just like you would for pizza!). Many of them have coupons posted right on their website just waiting to be printed and redeemed!

There are all types of skin - Dry, oily, combination, sensitive…and MEN! Yes, in terms of grooming, men have their own wants and needs, particularly when it comes to the care of their skin. Avene and ARCONA are two outstanding brands which specialize in lines and products designed to meet the specific skin care and grooming needs of men.

Long known for being the ultimate beauty brand for those with sensitive skin, Avene is a great choice for men. Guys are typically gun shy of heavy or irritating products and don’t like anything that feels like they are wearing anything on their skin. They like easy-to-use products that are light and non-irritating, but do indeed want them to be highly effective. This is why Avene Men is the perfect line of products for the low-maintenance gender.

Avene Products

Along with typical skin care for issues such as daily cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, men like Avene skin care for its highly efficacious anti-aging properties. But even more desirable to men is achieving the perfect shave. Avene skincare offers two shaving products in particular that men rate extremely high. Avene Shaving Foam is a highly rated Avene cream that offers up a silky smooth glide while purifying, hydrating, and soothing the skin leaving it feeling incredibly soft and looking radiant.  Avene Shaving Foam is paraben-free and clinical trials report that 90% of the participants confirmed that their skin felt softer and smoother and the same percentage were impressed with the ease of application, texture and results.

And when it comes to a good shave, post-shave care is paramount which is why Avene After-Shave Fluid is the perfect shave partner for executing and delivering the ultimate in men’s shaving. Avene After-Shave Fluid soothes the skin instantly and calms potential razor burn. This Avene lotion is also paraben-free and uses the highly acclaimed Avene Thermal Spring Water to assure skin comfort. This Avene After-Shave Fluid restores and moisturizes the skin along with facilitating superior anti-bacterial properties and outstanding sebum regulation. If considering other items, keep in mind that men tend to prefer the Avene gel products which are lighter weight than the Avene creme products which tend to be heavier.

ARCONA Products

ARCONA is another professional brand that offers stellar after-shave products for men. ARCONA Clarity Aftershave Pads are a favorite ARCONA skin care product for men because the pads are extremely effective and very user-friendly. ARCONA Clarity Aftershave Pads help to mediate razor burn and fight frustrating ingrown hairs. The tonic within the pad reduces pore size and helps to combat acneic breakouts. These ARCONA clarifying pads are perfect for men with normal to oily skin. If you struggle with breakouts regularly, you might also consider the Avene Cleanance line. The Avene Diacneal is particularly effective against breakouts. All Avene acne products help speed healing and promote clarity without irritation.

Men with all types of skin are sure to love the ARCONA powerhouse hydrator, ARCONA Consistency. This ARCONA facial moisturizer is the perfect multi-tasking skin care product for men. ARCONA Consistency minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and moisturizes without feeling greasy or clogging the pores. ARCONA product reviews are outstanding for this hydrating and skin balancing product for men. And after all, men love consistency in all that they do (or use)…and considering the word is right in the name…need I say more?

You can search for ARCONA discounts by shopping for ARCONA online; and while you’re at it don’t forget to buy ARCONA for yourself as well!