Shopping For Cosmetics

The modern world has made cosmetics a much in demand product for both male and female and for all people no matter what their age and status in life is.  Some people have gotten so accustomed with using cosmetics that they would not be caught dead without them.

This growing dependence on the use of cosmetics is responsible for the booming cosmetics industry.  The industry is experiencing substantial growth every year, with more people being egged on to use cosmetics to improve their skin, their face and even their life!

Since almost everyone has the tendency to be sucked in into the never ending reliance to cosmetic products, it is important that a person knows what he is buying into.  He should also be able to decipher which cosmetic products he can live with and without.

Cosmetics is a wide term that can refer to almost any product that a person uses to enhance his looks.  It can cover the various skin moisturizers and skin cleaning products people use.  It can also refer to hair care products like shampoo, conditioners and creams.  Also add lotions, deodorants and other body creams to that list.

There are cosmetics that offer people the chance to become beautiful in the outside but there are also cosmetics that promise to make people feel beautiful inside and out.  These cosmetics, known as cosmeceuticals, allegedly have medicinal; powers.

When buying cosmetics that can alter the way a person's body works, it is best to make sure that such cosmetics is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.  Also check the ingredients of the cosmetics you are buying and make sure you use them according to specifications.

A person should be careful when buying cosmetics that are to be used directly on the skin, particularly on the face.  Test for allergens and make sure that it is particularly suitable for the skin type that the person has.  If not, the use of such cosmetics may just worsen an already existing skin problem.

When buying cosmetics, it is better to stick to products that a person has already tested and used for a long time.  Most often than not, a person who tries on a new cosmetic product will regret such buying spree later on when he finds out that such product is not suitable for his needs.

It is also advisable to veer away from make ups that are on sale.  When tempted to look at make ups that are on sale make sure to ask for their expiration date because most cosmetic products that are put on sale may already be nearing their expiration date.

It would be foolhardy to scrimp on costs and regret it later on when a person finds out that the product is no longer good for what it is intended for.

Every consumer must be discriminating when buying any product, particularly cosmetics.  Cosmetics can make a person look and feel better so he should spend more time buying these products so as to make sure that he is only buying the best cosmetics for his use.

A person who wants to look and feel beautiful should be careful when buying cosmetics.  Follow the instructions indicated on the package or wrapper as to the proper use of the cosmetics.  This will maximize the effects and benefits that a person can get from buying the said cosmetic products.

Cosmetic Surgery in Orange County

The best of cosmetic surgery can be found in Orange County. With the latest developments of cosmetic surgery, it is now fairly easy to become beautiful. Women who do not feel very much confidence about their bodies just need to save a few dollars and get themselves a trusted cosmetic surgeon. In a matter of just a few hours, you'll be able to remove that unwanted fat, increase your breast size or even make a few changes on your face.

It's really amazing how these cosmetic surgeons work. Gone are the days when you don't have any real solution to ugly scars but to worry. Now, several methods have been developed to make cosmetic surgery as efficient and safe as possible. Depending on what needs to be done, the price of cosmetic surgery in Orange County can be as low as several hundreds of dollars to a few thousand dollars.

Because of the popularity of cosmetic surgery, more and more people are considering getting one or more. Cosmetic surgery has drastically boomed in the past few years. In fact, you can find hundreds of cosmetic surgeons in Orange County alone. All of them would probably promise to give you the best results possible for your cosmetic surgery.

Because of the abundance of these cosmetic surgeons, the primary problem is not on finding a cosmetic surgeon to do the job but finding the one that can do the job right. Because of the rise of the number of people deciding on having cosmetic surgery, the number of cosmetic surgeons in Orange County has also increased.

In looking for qualified cosmetic surgeons, you should be willing to invest a lot of time and effort. You can start off by asking for referrals from your friends, family members or co-workers who may have had cosmetic surgery themselves. If they loved the results of the surgery and you also like what the changes you see on them, you might want to include their cosmetic surgeons on your list.

However, you should not just rely on referrals in getting that perfect cosmetic surgery. It would be most beneficial for you if you can do your own research. Try paying close attention to newspaper and television ads. Most professional cosmetic surgeons have the means to advertise their business extensively.

The internet is also a good source of cosmetic surgeons. You'll probably find several cosmetic surgeons who have their offices or cosmetic clinics around Orange County. You should try to shortlist at least three cosmetic surgeons. Make sure that these surgeons have good credentials.

Because cosmetic surgery has become a booming industry, some cosmetic surgeons nowadays may have only taken a crash course to cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is an intricate profession, and there's definitely no shortcut for mastering the art.

Once you have conducted your research, you would need to start visiting the clinics of these surgeons. In Orange County, every professional cosmetic surgeon would offer to give you a good walk around his clinic. He'll be proud to show you what's going on. You shouldn't immediately discuss money matters without a prior tour around the facility.

Also, another thing that would help you choose your cosmetic surgeon is the before/after pictures of his previous patients. A good cosmetic surgeon would be enthusiastic to show you the results of the previous job he has done. Check the photos carefully, just to make sure there are no alterations. Photos for medical purposes should not show any makeup.

Some cosmetic surgeons in Orange County would even go as far as agreeing to have you talk to his previous patients regarding their experience on his cosmetic surgery. If not, most will just have several testimonials on how they have done a great job. That just shows how competent these Orange County cosmetic surgeons are.

Once you have verified everything, including medical accreditation, then you can get down to business. Orange County cosmetic surgeons are professional, thus, you should also expect 'professional' prices. However, money should not be on top of your priority list. If you want to get the best cosmetic surgeon, there's a price to pay for it.

When you have cosmetic surgery, a saving of a few dollars should not entice you. Who would want to save $ 300 and risk surgery complications after? When you look for a cosmetic surgeon, look for a professional, not a discount. And you'll probably find the professional cosmetic surgeon you're looking for in Orange County.

Medical Advancements In Cosmetic Surgery

The History of Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery has been around for so long that it actually has no traceable beginning. As far back as ancient Greeks and Romans there are depictions of cosmetic procedures occurring to fix disfigurements that occurred at birth, as punishment for a crime, or war injuries. Of course, there have been constant improvements since the very first nose job, but the fact remains that for as long as there have been people, they want to look and feel their best.

Cosmetic surgery was once thought of vanity procedures reserved for the wealthy and the famous. This is no longer true. With increased pressure from society to reverse aging and to lose weight, cosmetic surgery has been steadily increasing in popularity and accessibility. "Medical Advancements In Cosmetic Surgery" has made it accessible to any one who desires it.

Once upon a time cosmetic procedures were considered appropriate for aging women. Today, it is no longer a gender specific specialty. Men are having more nose jobs and even tummy tucks performed than it was ever once thought possible. Age is no longer a critical factor. People in their teens, although most surgeons don't recommend it, are having cosmetic procedures done. Those in their thirties and forties are quickly replacing the market and having anti aging procedures done as early as twenty seven.

Regardless of personal opinions about the popularity of cosmetic procedures and the "Medical Advancements In Cosmetic Surgery", the increased desire to fix ourselves has led to a revolution within the industry. No longer are simple procedures cost prohibitive as price reduction has made it possible for many more people to elect to have these procedures performed.

"The medical advancements in cosmetic surgery" that have taken hold within the cosmetic industry have decreased the associated risks as well as decreased the drastic healing time that was once necessary for these procedures. It is now possible for a person to have a cosmetic procedure done on a Friday and return to work the following Monday, depending of course on the procedure.

There has been a race among plastic surgeons to make their services more accessible by making them more attainable. Medical advancements have led to less intrusive procedures and of course, more quick and easy procedures.

The Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures

"Medical Advancements In Cosmetic Surgery" have made cosmetic surgery very popular some procedures more then other. No one can really answer why certain procedures in the cosmetic industry have become so popular other than their ease of recovery and their basic simplicity. Most of the popular cosmetic surgery procedures are simple and easy fixes that aren't nearly as dramatic as some of the more global enhancement operations.

The nose job, of course is ranked the most popular cosmetic procedure out there. A nose job is mostly a low to moderate intrusive procedure that dramatically alters the appearance of the face. A good rhinoplasty can significantly improve an individual's facial appearance.

Liposuction is a very close second in the cosmetic procedure popularity contest. Americans in particular are quite overweight. In fact between five and fifteen percent of the American population is dramatically obese while seventy percent is a least somewhat overweight. These are staggering numbers. Liposuction has become popular because the results are typically top notch.

A simple eyebrow lift can truly enhance a face and take years off tired eyes. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures because it is truly a simple procedure with dramatic results. Both men and women find eyebrow lifts to be worth the money for their combination of results and discretion.

Breast enlargements are the fourth most popular cosmetic procedure despite the scare of the early nineties when breast implants began to leak silicone into their clients' bodies. With the medical advancements in cosmetic surgery, the following year the plastic surgery community was able to produce safer breast implants and once again breast enhancement surgery was on the rise. Breast enhancement surgery has been a hot topic of social debate since the seventies when they first began their popularity ascent. Breast enhancement received a lot of attention for their medical advancements.

The face lift comes in at number five in the popularity contest regarding cosmetic procedures. While most clients are quite happy with the results, it is a more intrusive procedure and requires a longer recovery period than most of the more popular plastic surgery procedures.

Psychological Benefits of Plastic Surgery

Since its inception and "Medical Advancements In Cosmetic Surgery", plastic surgery has allowed people to feel better about their outward appearance. Though it originated as a medical process of repairing disfigurements, the medical advancements of plastic surgery have encouraged the world to embrace a more beautiful side to themselves.

Most patients who have undergone cosmetic procedures report having a higher self esteem and a better quality of life. It is difficult to say whether their improvements in the quality of life come from a prettier face or from their improved self esteem, but ninety seven percent of all plastic surgery patients report appreciating the difference and would do it again if faced with the same options.

There are of course risks that are involved with any cosmetic procedure. These risks include complications from anesthesia, incomplete improvement and even disfigurement. Most doctors will tell you that the "medical advancements in cosmetic surgery" have drastically reduced the chances of the associated risks.

Two Brand New Procedures

Two of the newest "medical advancements in cosmetic surgery" are captique and contour threads. Both of these new procedures were designed to minimize both the typical risks involved with cosmetic surgery and the invasive procedures available. The medical advancements in cosmetic surgery push through quickly in an effort to provide faster, less invasive options to the clientele.

Captique is a new procedure that has jest been introduced to compete with the face lift and Botox. It is a chemical filler that is injected into the skin which in turn drastically reduces wrinkle appearance. It is completely synthetic and not derived from any animal products. The entire captique procedure is a quick outpatient visit that can be completed in about fifteen to twenty minutes, and the patient is then free to drive home. It does not act as a paralytic as Botox does, so the patient can reduce wrinkles while still maintaining facial expressions. Captique is currently only available in a few select clinics.

Contour threads is a brand new procedure that resembles a facelift, but it allows for the patient to retain their more natural and relaxed appearance rather than end up with tight skin pulled back over the head. Contour threads have actually been used in various other medical procedures, but have only recently become available in the cosmetic industry.

Contour threads are made from a clear, soft polypropylene. This eliminates the dark stitch areas that traditional stitches are known to leave behind. In the correct hands, contour threads can produce a very soft face devoid of wrinkles and serious signs of aging.

These two "medical advancements in cosmetic surgery" have created quite the excited buzz in the cosmetic industry. With leaps forward such as these it may actually be possible one day to get anti aging procedures done in an afternoon and return to work the next day as though nothing extraordinary happened.

Continual Progress

The cosmetic industry will continue to have remarkable advancements in its field and continue to produce procedures that can create wonderful outcomes with minimal interference in daily life. The less invasive these procedures become, the more popular they will become as well.

The cosmetic industry is attempting to produce natural results that only those closest to the patient will ultimately be able to discern plastic surgery procedures. The surgeons and researchers have of course not forgotten the original intent of the cosmetic industry. They are continually prototyping advancements in correcting birth defect and accidental disfigurements as well.

It is an exciting age to live in. We are rapidly approaching another outstanding revolutionary period in the cosmetic industry. It is important to keep yourself informed is you are even contemplating having any cosmetic procedure done. Sometimes waiting as little as two or three months prior to committing to a cosmetic surgical procedure can allow enough time for a new product to finish being tested and hit the market. With each "medical advancement in the cosmetic surgery" industry, each procedure will become less invasive and easier to recover from.

Keep yourself informed of upcoming advancements and procedures that may very well benefit you. Visit lifeplasticsurgery to keep on top of the latest news and happenings in the cosmetic industry. Here you can learn about nearly every available procedure and even a few that are almost available. An informed client is a client that is truly ready to face cosmetic surgery and come through with reasonable but good expectations. The miracle of science will never stop creating these advancements and people will never stop wanting to utilize them. Don't be the last to know. Stop by the lifeplasticsurgery regularly and find out what's coming your way.

Cosmetic Products Free - How You Too Can Get Top Brand Cosmetic Products Free

You've often heard the phrase "there is no such thing as a free lunch", right? Right. But I can tell you there is such a thing as "free, top brand, cosmetic products".

You see, many of the brand leaders provide some free cosmetics for certain reasons that I explain below. And this is your opportunity to get your favorite luxury brands free of charge.

OK, first "why" and then "how". Well, there are three main reasons for the "why":

1- Market Testing

They may be "market testing" a new range. Who better to tell them what they think of the product than *you*. Think about it.

If you don't take a free bag of cosmetics or a high quality bag for say $1, then you are unlikely to go and buy the same products. But if you do take the products they provide for free or for $1, then you are more likely to later buy the product.

After testing, if you intend to buy the products later, then you obviously like the products. They will want to know what exactly you like about the products.

If you decide you won't be buying the cosmetics in the future, again they'll want to know how they can improve their cosmetics range. In short your opinion matters.

2- Market Stimulation

The cosmetics firm may be stimulating the market for a new product. So you will get a whole bunch of small samples or may be even full sized products. And if you're happy with the products, you will of course rave about it to all your frineds. Hey look, we all like to talk about the latest, biggest, best, most unusual, luxurious, etc, experiences we've had.

This is an age old technique used in marketing and you can benefit by knowing where to look and getting a regular supply of top brand cosmetics. Sometimes all it will takes is giving your opinion.

There are even times when the cosmetics firms will invite you to take part in their focus groups. In return for your detailed opinions the benefits can be huge.

When I say detailed, I mean you may have to fill in a 5 page form for example. They'll want to know what you thought of everything. The packaging, the product and even the way the cosmetics range was presented to you. Your rewards can be significant.

3- Marketing Boost

There are times when a cosmetics range has been around for a while and is well established. Even thought this cosmetics range is well liked, the newer competition and competitive marketing may be taking some customers away.

Many cosmetics firms run campaigns to give a bit of a boost to their existing ranges. This is why you often see TV and billboard advertisements for products that have been around for ages. But in those ads, they can offer free cosmetics to everyone nor can they let you touch, feel and sample the cosmetics.

Therefore the free offers are made through other means and the Internet has made this much easier and cheaper than ever. The result is that you too can benefit significantly as I will show you next.

How? Well, the free cosmetics products aren't advertised on the TV but they are widely publicized on the web. This makes it really easy for you to find them. There are specialist web sites that will list these offers for you.

Some offers last a long time and others come and go quickly. But by looking at these specialist sites you can pick and choose what you want when you want it.

All you need do is to conduct a search for the following terms: "free cosmetics", "cosmetics offers", "free cosmetics offers". But also try two variations:

A) Try repeating the above searches, each time replacing the term "cosmetics" with your preferred brand name(s).

B) Do as In A) but instead of replacing, try inserting your preferred rand name(s) in between "free" and "cosmetics" or before "cosmetics offers".

I have two more quick tips for you:

A) Firstly, read the details of the terms carefully. If they are asking you to jump through too many hoops and mailing it difficult for you to get the cosmetics then just move on.

"How much is too much" depends on you. You may find 15 minutes of form filling is great for what's being offered or you may hate giving your opinion for even 5 minutes, for $100 worth of products. In the end the choice is yours but read the details first.

B) Secondly, some cosmetics offers require your email address. This is not a bad thing as you may get those invites to participate in their focus groups etc.

Don't worry all the reputable brands will immediately remove you from their list any time you wish. All you do is click the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of their emails.

However, I suggest you set up a separate email account for this purpose. This means your offers are always clearly visible to you all in one place. Also the offers won't clutter your inbox for your private mail.

This also enables you to quickly participate in some offers. After they send you an offer, if the cosmetics offer is good, then you can read the details. This saves you a lot of time wastage before you opt in.

Which ever email address you use, make sure you add the sender's address to your address book or white list so that your ISP doesn't filter the offers into your junk mail folder.

Well, that's about it. By tapping into one of these sites you get a regular supply of your favorite cosmetics free of charge. And at times, all it can take is your valued opinion.

Are Your Cosmetics Safe?

Cosmetics are defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as:

(1) articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance, and

(2) articles intended for use as a component of any such articles; except that such term shall not include soap.

In the United States, cosmetics are being used by teens at a younger and younger age, and cosmetic safety has become quite an issue. Cosmetics can become contaminated with bacteria that the brush or applicator sponge picks up from the skin.  Wearing cosmetics to bed, sharing cosmetics, scratching yourself with a mascara wand, and aerosol fumes are the top dangers of cosmetic use.

The most irritating ingredients in cosmetics are talc, dye, fragrance and preservatives.  It is unfortunate that the preservatives which prevent bacterial build-up are also very bad for your skin.

It is not surprising, therefore, that there is an increased interest in natural and organic cosmetics.  The two main categories of safer cosmetics are mineral cosmetics and hypoallergenic cosmetics.

Mineral Cosmetics

Mineral cosmetics are quickly coming out of dermatologist clinics and high-end spas to retailer near you.  Certified organic products and non-toxic makeup are becoming more mainstream as they demonstrate that they are as effective as those of the leading cosmetic companies.  Women who use mineral cosmetics are said to experience fewer break-outs, as they are not affected by chemical preservatives.

This natural makeup is the simplest, most natural, and non-reactive form of cosmetics.  Mineral cosmetics are made from minerals and inorganic pigments that exist in nature. Because it is not made from organic materials it cannot produce bacteria and there is no need to add chemical preservatives.  Endless combinations of beautifully colored minerals, such as mica, titanium dioxide, zinc and iron oxides, and ultramarine pigments, can be used. These elemets are created to make every cosmetic from foundation to eyeshadow to shimmer powder for the body. They are finely milled and purified, treated or coated with other pigments to create different colors and effects.  Mica, for example, is a transparent mineral which is mined from the earth in thin sheets.  Due to the sheer, translucent, and skin-hugging effect of the mica mineral, your natural skin tone shines through.

With mineral makeup you get all of the coverage, color, and finesse, without the chemicals, synthetics, and dyes.  Mineral foundation looks and feels much more natural, without sacrificing any of the coverage.  It allows the skin to breathe while balancing and protecting all skin types.  The light mineral powders let skin breathe naturally and it does not settle into pores.  If you've ever had trouble finding a foundation that matches your skin tone or locating that perfect eyeshadow color, you will love mineral cosmetics.

Hypoallergenic Cosmetics

Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that makers claim cause fewer allergic reactions than other products. They are a greathelp to those with sensitive skin.  Hypoallergenic cosmetics contain a minimum of allergenic ingredients, such as perfumes and preservatives, which will cause skin irritation and other allergic reactions.

However, there is a controversy about the labeling of hypoallergenic cosmetics.  Manufacturers of cosmetics labeled as hypoallergenic are not required to submit substantiation of their hypoallergenic claims to the Food and Drug Administration, (FDA).  For the past four years, the FDA has been working to clear up this confusion of claims by establishing testing requirements that would determine which products really are hypoallergenic.  A cosmetic would be permitted to be labeled hypoallergenic or make similar claims only if scientific studies on human subjects showed that the product caused a significantly lower rate of adverse skin reactions than similar products not making such claims.

The manufacturers would be responsible for carrying out the required tests.  The guidelines have not been finalized yet, and manufacturers may continue to label their cosmetics as hypoallergenic without any supporting evidence.  Undoubtedly most products that claim to be hypoallergenic actually are, but be an intelligent consumer; read labels carefully, do some studying yourself, and do not rely solely on manufacturers claims.

Consumers concerned about allergic reactions from cosmetics should understand that no cosmetic can be guaranteed never to produce an allergic reaction.  Even products that have natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions.  If you have an allergy to certain plants or animals, then you may have an allergic reaction to cosmetics containing them.  If you do have an allergic reaction to a cosmetic, you should stop using all cosmetics until you and your doctor can determine which ingredient or combination of ingredients caused the reaction.  Even if you have used a particular cosmetic for years with no problems, you can develop an allergic reaction.  This occurs as you become sensitized to one or more of the ingredients.

The Benefits Of Cosmetic Dentistry

In today's quest for beauty and eternal youth cosmetic dentistry is emerging into the forefront.  Many patients are choosing to utilize the many different procedures of cosmetic dentistry to improve the look of their smile.  While cosmetic dentistry does take into account the treatment of dental problems and even the prevention of dental problems the main focus is on improving the appearance of a patient's smile.  While cosmetic dentistry is not a modern day Fountain of Youth there are significant benefits to using cosmetic surgery. A wise consumer will consider the issue from all sides.  While it would be imprudent to state there are no drawbacks to cosmetic dentistry as of today most patients report being happy with the outcome of their procedures.  The field of cosmetic dentistry has many benefits.   Here are just a few-

1. Obviously the biggest benefit to cosmetic dentistry is that it produces results.  Patients who just a few years ago may have had to be satisfied with chipped, cracked or broken teeth can now have that fixed.  Teeth that have been deeply discolored can be whitened.  In fact most types of dental defects can be corrected with cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry can even reduce signs of aging and leave the patient with a more vibrant and youthful appearance.  It can also repair dental damage caused by trauma, illness, infection, developmental abnormalities, or heredity.

2. Since cosmetic surgery is so successful it can leave the patient not only with a more attractive physical appearance but an improved psychological outlook as well.  Many patients report battling years of low self-esteem that is reversed when these types of dental problems are corrected or covered up.  They report being more comfortable not only with themselves but with others they have relationships with.

3. With the exception of patients who live in extreme rural or remote areas cosmetic dentistry is fairly accessible.  Unlike other specialties of cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dentistry has become fairly widespread even in smaller urban areas.  While many dentists choose to specialize in cosmetic dentistry most of the procedures of cosmetic dentistry are not beyond the scope of general dentists.  This leaves the possibility of utilizing cosmetic dentistry much more open to a wider segment of the population.

4. While it would be dishonest to say cosmetic dentistry is cheap the price of many procedures used in cosmetic dentistry is coming down.  This enables many more patients to be able to benefit from cosmetic dentistry.  In addition many dental insurances are choosing to cover cosmetic dentistry procedures when done to help with structural reasons.  Patients considering cosmetic dentistry should check with their insurance company to see if procedures are covered.

5. Cosmetic dentistry has long lasting effects.  Unlike many other cosmetic procedures many cosmetic dental procedures can last as long as upwards of 10 years.  This is a huge benefit to patients as it limits the amount of money and time that must be committed to maintaining whatever procedure that has been done.

6. The recovery time from cosmetic dentistry is fairly short.  Many other cosmetic procedures require a lengthy recovery time and involve a great amount of pain.  Most patients using cosmetic dentistry report not only a short recovery time but very little pain in the recovery.  In addition the success rate for these procedures is quite high with some studies showing success rates on cosmetic dental procedures up into the 90th percentile.

As with any other medical decision patients should weigh both the pros and cons and then make the decision that is right for them.   But the bottom line is dental technology has provided a fast, efficient and relatively cost efficient way to improve our smiles by the use of cosmetic dentistry.

Dangers of Cosmetics

Hi there, are you a regular user of cosmetics? Do you know that there are certain dangers associated with the use of cosmetics? Just like there are pros and cons in everything you do, the use of cosmetics can lead to danger in some cases or just hazardous to health, if you are using the wrong type of cosmetics or you are using bad and harmful cosmetics.

First of all, there is a saying do not drink and drive. It is not good when you have drunk alcohol above the legal prescribed limit but decide to drive after that. Similarly, drivers should also know that the use of handphones is not safe for driving. I know you may have also seen Mr Bean wake up in the morning and brush his teeth, change into his work clothes (including putting on his pants and socks) while driving.

While this may seem quite out of this world and may not happen, I think putting on cosmetics while driving may seem to be quite a real thing, hence there is some dangers associated with this and I would advise you to refrain from driving and putting on cosmetics at the same time!

Another danger of cosmetics is if you use cosmetics which has already turned bad and has turned bad and cannot be used anymore. If your cosmetics smells funny or looks funny, i.e. the colour has faded or instead of one colour you now see two colours, it may be an indication that the cosmetics is not to be used anymore. Always remember to close your make-up containers tight when you are not using the make-up.

This will help to preserve the make up and the cosmetics. In addition, do store your cosmetics in a cool dry place. Do not leave your cosmetics in an area which is exposed to sunlight or constant heat. Sunlight and heat can kill the preservatives used in the cosmetics that are added to preserve it and to kill off fight bacteria. That said, if your car is parked under the hot sun for several hours, it is best not to keep your cosmetics in the car while you are not on the road.

Oh another point is never to share your cosmetics and make-up with other people. This is due to personal hygiene reasons and is simple common sense really. Just like you do not share your clothes, towels or personal toiletries with others, please also do not share your cosmetics also. Beware too when you try out samples at a departmental store and always use a new sponge to apply these cosmetics. Please also do not apply the cosmetics directly to your lips, eyes, etc. It is best just to test it out on the skin of your hands.

How Cosmetic Brushes Affect Acne

Acne can be an extremely irritating, frustrating and embarrassing problem. Often women tend to blame their cosmetics or their diets, but sometimes the real cause of the problem can be something a little unexpected - your make-up brushes.

Cosmetic brushes are used more and more these days with the increasing popularity of high-end cosmetic use and mineral make-up. Generally using a quality cosmetic brush is much better to use in terms of overall cosmetic application and end result than using your fingers or a piece of tissue. However, you need to remember that without regular and thorough cleaning, cosmetic brushes can and often do harbour bacteria and dirt.

Your cosmetic brushes can contain millions of little bacteria and can cause various infections and skin problems such as acne. If you have been breaking-out often lately then take a look at your cosmetic brushes and see if they are as clean as they could be.

Think about it. When you wake-up each and every single morning you are putting your make-up on with your cosmetic brushes. You place them back in your bottomless make-up bag or your drawer and leave them there until the next time you apply your make-up. You may also occasionally set your cosmetic brushes on your sink which may not be pristine. Perhaps they momentarily fall on the floor. You might not be able to bring yourself to throw away that discontinued blush (now expired as well) that you have had for 3 years now.

Your counter, drawer, cosmetic bag, floor and potentially expired cosmetics can all deposit bacteria into your cosmetic brush which you, in turn, brush on your face. Day after day you are potentially buffing bacteria picked up from dirty surfaces bags and floors onto your face, infecting your skin and clogging up your pores at the same time.

What Should You Do to Protect Your Skin? So now that you know your brushes could be a problem, what should you do to help your skin? There are many cosmetic brush cleaners on the market. Some are washes that resemble a shampoo and others are alcohol based sprays. If you use one of these products keep in mind that any chemical based residue from the cleaner could end up on your face. If your skin is sensitive this could further irritate you.

Want to really clean your cosmetic bushes? A good wash will really help.

1. First rinse each cosmetic brush under warm water to remove the superficial cosmetics from the brush.

2. Place a dot of natural, gentle shampoo on the bristle of each cosmetic brush and massage between your fingers.

3. Fill the bathroom sink with warm water and place the cosmetic brushes in there to soak for a few minutes.

4. Once the cosmetic brushes have had a chance to soak, rinse each brush under warm running water.

5. Dry each brush by first gently squeezing out any excess water.

6. Allow the brushes to air dry on a clean towel.

If your brushes are really dirty then it is possible that they may have contaminated your make-up, regardless how well your make-up is preserved. If you suspect this, throw away your cosmetics and replace them with new products. Always use a clean brush with a new product to ensure that you aren't contaminating the new product.

Also, remember that the majority of cosmetics don't have an indefinite shelf life so be sure to mark the date with a pen when you first open your cosmetics and throw them away when you have reached the standard expiration date.

Overall cosmetic brushes really do come in handy but their usefulness is entirely counterproductive to creating that flawless look if they are causing acne or skin issues. Acne is just one of the many skin conditions you can develop through dirty brushes and so it really is important to keep them as clean as possible. Rinse all your cosmetic brushes under running water at least once a week and wash them properly as mentioned above at least once a month to prevent possible infections.

Choosing Cosmetic Dentist

Today more than ever, the choice of a cosmetic dentist is a critical decision that should be made with the utmost care. So how do you choose a cosmetic dentist? After all, in today's marketplace, many general dentists perform at least some types of cosmetic dental procedures. Over the past few years, there has been a dramatic influx of "cosmetic dentists" into the field so much so that in the industry, being a "cosmetic dentist" is almost a cliche?. . . passe?. Why? Because these days, any general dentist who does things as simple as whitening teeth can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. So when someone is looking to get a Hollywood smile, what should they expect? After all, aren't all dentists the same?

Choosing the right cosmetic dentist for you, one with substantial experience in complex cases, extensive hands-on training, and a gentle approach that compliments your needs and wants is critical to achieving the most successful outcome - your gorgeous new smile. Educated and discerning people will realize that most "cosmetic dentistry," (if done properly), is complex and a precise set of operative procedures that will dramatically affect their lives for years to come.

Selecting a cosmetic dentist can be a difficult and confusing process. In the end, it is a personal decision that each person must make for themselves. We can, however, offer some advice, which our clients have found helpful during the selection process. From discussions with our clients, we believe the most important of these tips include the following:

1. Take Your Time.

Most cosmetic dental procedures are elective procedures, not emergencies. Time spent learning about the dental procedures, different techniques and materials, and cosmetic dentists you are considering will pay great dividends in terms of your understanding and emotional comfort later. If in doubt, see a number of different cosmetic dentists for a consultation. This will clarify in your own mind those personal characteristics that you would like your cosmetic dentists to have.

2. Post Graduate Cosmetic Dental Training.

To perform these procedures at the highest level; technical skill, an artistic eye, and a rigorous program of post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry is needed. It may surprise you to learn that the vast majority of dental schools don't teach any courses in cosmetic dentistry. For the few that do, they are usually limited to only a few introductory courses. Your mouth is not the place for on-the-job training. Therefore, it is crucial that the cosmetic dentist that you select continually completes series of hands-on courses in cosmetic dentistry. The field changes rapidly and what was state-of-the-art five or ten years ago is not anymore. In depth training is essential to learn the latest techniques and materials to get optimal results. The significance lies not only in developing the dentist's clinical judgment and technical skill, but also in demonstrating his/her commitment to practicing cosmetic dentistry at the highest level of excellence.

3. Professional Credentials.

In dentistry as in medicine, specialties exist that indicate a higher level of education, knowledge, and expertise in particular areas of focus. Presently, however, there is not an American Dental Association (ADA) recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry. In 1984, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) was formed and has filled the need for credentialing in this area. Presently, with 5,000 members in the U.S and in 40 countries around the world, the AACD is the largest international dental organization dedicated specifically to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. The AACD also administers the leading accreditation program for cosmetic dentistry. The accreditation process is a rigorous program, which requires dentists to attend a number of continuing education courses in cosmetic dentistry, be tested, and submit a number of cosmetic cases to be judged by a panel of cosmetic dentistry experts.

4. Integrity.

Find a cosmetic dentist who is honest in his/her assessment of your needs and of their ability to meet your expectations. Be wary of the doctor minimizing your recovery period and telling you just how "easy and simple" everything is going to be.

5. A Caring Approach & Great Communication.

Find a doctor with a good chairside manner who conveys to you that they care about you as a person as well as a client. Cosmetic dentistry is a process not a single operation. Find someone with whom you can talk easily. It is just as important that he/she understands what you desire as that you understand what they are describing. To accomplish these goals, the first thing the cosmetic dentist should do is listen and make sure he or she understands all your concerns, needs and desires as they relate to your dental health and the look of your smile. Only then should they spend time diagnosing and consulting on the recommended treatment plan, which should be individualized for each client.

6. Perfectionism.

Find a cosmetic dentist who is accurate in his/her evaluation of your needs, precise in the execution of their operative plan, and meticulous in their craftsmanship. Although perfection is unattainable, this doctor will do whatever it takes to do the best job possible without cutting corners, not only to satisfy you, but also to meet their own personal standards of excellence. Make sure the dentist addresses not just the teeth but also gums, lips, facial structure and your specific requests.

7. An Artistic Eye.

While technical virtuosity is necessary to produce a great clinical result, it is not sufficient.
Excellent cosmetic dentistry demands a highly sophisticated aesthetic sense. In order to achieve an optimal aesthetic result, one must have a clear vision of what is artistically possible and appropriate. In this regard, it helps greatly if the cosmetic dentist has their own in-house laboratory with master ceramists. These special artists can then see you as the client first hand, see your facial complexion and shape and talk with you and the dentist about the desired aesthetic results.

8. Extensive Smile Makeover Experience.

Before you randomly select a dentist out of the phone book or rely on your long-time family dentist to give you the smile makeover of your dreams, think again. Great cosmetic dentistry is an art. The fact is, many dentists are generalists who simply have not performed cosmetic smile makeovers very many times or with a regularity that leads to mastery of this art. So, if you are considering veneers, for example, you should ask exactly how many veneers the cosmetic dentist has placed. Our doctors have placed not just a few or even a few hundred like many dentists, but rather place thousands of veneers a year. Placing this number of veneers allows our dentists to see a wide variety of many different types of smiles and bring this experience and expertise to enhance your case.

9. Be Sure You Review Before and After Photos of Work Performed by the Cosmetic Dentist.

You'll want to look at before and after photos of cosmetic dentistry that has actually been performed by the dentist that you are considering. Beware! There are commercially available photos and albums that show the possibilities for cosmetic dentistry. But, what you want to confirm is that you are seeing the actual work of the dentist you are considering and make sure that the before photos you look at are also cases similar to yours.

10. Other Things You May Want to Consider.

References from other clients, a tour of the office including sterilization areas, and asking about technology and materials used in the practice are all things you may want to look into. You may also want to check with the state to verify that the dentist does not have a history of complaints or adverse State Dental Board action. In New York, you can do this by logging onto the New York Secretary of State' website at [http://www.sos.state.ny.us].

Cosmetic Dentist Directories

Cosmetic dentist directories are web based services offering a fast, efficient way for finding a cosmetic dentist who practices dental aesthetics and dental restorations. These are designed to provide you and your family an opportunity for finding the right dental professional in your area. In these directories, the dentists are listed by location including state or city. Both free and downloadable cosmetic dentist directories are available.

Cosmetic dentists include oral surgeons, periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists, and prosthetic dental practitioners. They provide many types of services such as porcelain veneers, revitalizing cosmetic dentistry, bridges, fresh breath treatment, metal-free fillings, tooth whitening, crowns, and instant orthodontics.

For finding cosmetic dentists, you can search directly by name, map, zip code, or specialty. All the important cosmetic dentistry procedures and dentists' newsletters that emphasize the professional care and services are also included in these directories. These also contain articles and information that assist you to find a local professional dentist who fits your needs.

In most cosmetic dentist directories, the dentists listed are licensed to practice cosmetic dentistry. The directories provide their level of education, experience, and expertise when working with complex dental procedures. Most cosmetic dentist directories are updated daily, so you can collect the most updated listings.

In the field of cosmetic dentistry, not all cosmetic dentists are equally skilled. Many of the more talented cosmetic dentists simply advertise as general dentists. Usually, they avoid emphasizing the cosmetic area of their dental practice. But some dentists who advertise cosmetic dentistry are really no more talented than a standard dentist. But they charge a premium fee for all cosmetic dental work. For these reasons, before selecting a cosmetic dentist, consider some very important facts.

Cosmetic dentist directories are public recourses assisting you to find cosmetic dentists who are qualified to provide a high standard quality at a fair cost. Some cosmetic dentist directories give additional information about available dentists and a map of their office locations.