The Youth Fountain Blog – Health, Beauty, Wellness, Weight Loss, Weight Gain, Anti Aging
17Oct/095

Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry

Product Description

Lead in lipstick? 1,4 dioxane in baby soap? Coal tar in shampoo? How is this possible? Simple. The $35 billion cosmetics industry is so powerful they’ve kept themselves unregulated for decades. Not Just a Pretty Face chronicles the quest that led a group of health and environmental activists to the world’s largest cosmetics companies to ask some tough questions:

10Oct/090

Makeup – Have You Ever Wondered About Its History?




Cosmetics as a whole have been around for thousands of years. In the past some really strange items were used to enhance beauty, even a few have been down right lethal. What do you know about the history of makeup?

Origins of makeup

The use of natural materials, such as minerals and vegetable dyes pre-dates civilization as we know it. Such items where used in rituals and as adornments.

It was in Ancient Egypt that manufacturing cosmetics and scents on a large scale was first perfected. They say the greatest Egyptian Queen Cleopatra is credited to compiling what has to be the earliest books of beauty hints.

Many of their preparations were used for religious and symbolic reasons. The Egyptians love for their paints can be seen today in the exquisite work of the jars found in the tombs, many with their contents still intact. Beauty was important to both men and women. A high-born lady of the time most important feature were her eyes. With the use of Kohl to emphasize the eyebrows and it was used to give their eyes their distinctive winged look. Not unlike the cat's eye look of today which is now created with the use of liquid eyeliner.

Moving on in our makeup history lesson.

Next we have the aristocratic women of ancient Greece who apart from enhancing the color of their lips with vegetable dyes, used very few cosmetics. The real users of cosmetics such as white face powder and Kohl was restricted to the courtesans, as a sign of their profession.

Roman women on the other hand couldn't use enough makeup. Some were known to be so enthusiastic about hair dyes and bleaches that partial or even total baldness often happened. The wearing of exotic wigs and using smelly conditioners to save the hair was often used to try to hide the facts of going bald.

After the fall of the Roman Empire makeup fell out of favor until around the 11th century when the Knights returned from the Crusades. The Knights reintroduced makeup, fashion and other toilet preparations that the women they left behind in the Palestine were using.

You know there had to be resistance but it didn't come from the women of that time period, no it came from the all mightily Church itself. Then around the 15th century and the time of the Renaissance that our natural love for all things of beauty were allowed a free reign.

Renaissance Makeup or lack of.

In the Renaissance time, makeup was an almost ghostly white complexion that was ideal for both men and women. It was thought of as a way to distinguish the upper class from the peasants and laborers in the fields. One of the biggest examples from the time period was Queen Elizabeth I of England. It was her use of cosmetics that popularize facial cosmetics among the women. The queen had a naturally fair complexion that was reinforced the fashion of whiter than white skin. With the use of egg whites, ground alabaster and clay, masks and that now infamous white lead, all these were used to aid in the illusion of super white skin.

In the 17th century makeup really had a major influence from the fact that theater became popular. That parts once played by young boys could now be played by young ladies. Young ladies playing the part of young ladies, who would of thought?

Moving on down in makeup's history time.

It was the 18th century that beauty and pain started walking hand in hand. All types of beauty aids of exceptional discomfort and as well as absurdity came about. Rouge was still popular as ever for men and women. This was the time that lipstick in pencil form was introduced and hair? Well hair took off in all types of strangeness. Hair styles were so complex and it took days sometimes even weeks to create. It was set and left as long as they could before redoing it. There was also time of bugs in hair, even mice were reported.

It was towards the end of the century public opinion turn against excesses of the earlier decades.

The Regency period of England saw a return to the more natural look were herbal preparations, many home-made came into favor. Face powder and rouge was still popular but the women of this time had to be more discreet about using it. Powdered wigs and complex hair styles also fell out of favor. The desirability for cleanliness as a health and beauty need was now widely recognized. Respectable Victorian ladies were even more demure with their uses of cosmetics. Barest a trace of rouge of the lips and cheeks was considered ok but they usually had to apply it in secret. Maybe this was the time it because fashionable for ladies to visit restrooms in groups like we do today.

Home-made skincare preparations and beauty hints with recipes were found in the women's magazines and journals of the day. Rich society women would visit Salons under disguises in fear of being found out that they were enhancing their looks.

Thank goodness for the popular actresses of the day because towards the end of the century, they helped pave the way towards a more liberal attitude using of cosmetics as beauty aids.

This takes us up to modern times before World War One.

Now you may have a better understanding of were our love for beauty, cosmetics, hair care, skincare comes from. Thanks to earliest man for trying to please their gods, to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and good old Queen Elizabeth the First. All who have taught us what not to use and what to use for beauty. Kohl was made popular by ancient Egyptians and is still as big today. Some of your home-made recipes may of come from the turn of the century. Beauty and the use of cosmetics will always be a sign of our times.

Beauty will always be a part of what is going on in the world as a whole and what we see on the movie screen. Hope you enjoy your little lesson is the history of makeup.

9Oct/090

Beauty Tips for Women Over 50




Beautiful skin, a beautiful body and a beautiful sense of style does not have an end once you hit 50s. There’s very little difference between the recommended diet and exercise habits for a 20-year-old and that of a 50-year-old. In fact, the only difference is that a healthy diet and regular exercise are more important than ever. During the aging process, the key to keeping your body properly functioning and in shape is to eat healthy and stay active.

At 50 and older, most adults are still capable of completing most exercises. Exercising can mean taking daily 40 minutes walk with your partner or alone, enjoying exercise videos at home. Botox injections can ease wrinkles in the upper third of the face. Chemical peels are effective in removing fine lines and smoothing skin, especially around the eyes and mouth. Wrinkle fillers can plump up your skin and erase lines.

Women over 50 usually look better with a cream lipsticks rather than a matte or gloss and in a pinch your lipsticks can double as a blush. Lips tend to lose definition and color, and become thinner with age. One of the great makeup tricks for aging skin is using a neutral lip liner to add plumpness with a sheer lipstick to avoid feathering (we like berries and browns). Use a lip liner to help define lips. Try a lip liner whose color is very close to the natural shade of your lips and both line and fill in the lips with this pencil prior to using your lip color. Carry a stash of different lipsticks in daring shades in your purse for different occasions, outfits, and moods. Use makeup to accentuate your positive qualities and make yourself feel great.

Women Over 50 and Beauty Tips


1. Using heavy makeup and powders does not compliment dryer skin.


2. Heavily powdered skin will make your skin look matte and dry.


3. Just as the pigment in our hair changes and it turns grey, the melanin in our skin changes also.

4. Don't give into the idea that you have to own every new color that is fashionable for a particular season.

5. Use a humidifier. Use moisturizing soaps and lotions.


6. Good nutrition helps the body repair skin.


7.Drinking lots of water helps hydrate skin from the inside out.


8. Use products with SPF 15 or higher, and both UVB and UVA protection.

9Oct/090

Lips Care




We tend to focus on improving our skin condition and complexion by using proper skin care products and follow our daily skin care regime. And yet, we never seems to care so much about our lip, neck and other parts of our body.

Talking about the lip area, the delicate area where lipsticks are applied onto it quite often or even daily to enhance your beauty. Some of you have a thick lip, some will have thin lip. The lip area is so delicate and sensitive that, the appearance of vertical lines and dull texture around the lip and in the lip area, are signs of aging without proper care. As you age, your lip becomes hyper sensitive and prone to dryness, lip crack, chapped and flaky, which may cause pain and discomfort when talking or eating.

Several factors which causes lip dryness, lip crack, lip chapped, lip peeling or irritation include changes of season, climate and weather, using the wrong types of lipsticks or lip liner, insufficient moisturizing, food allergies, poor circulation result in dull appearance, and environment pollution.

Use a moisturizing lip balm to repair your delicate lip area from time to time. If you have to use a lipstick, try to use a moisturizing lip stick, and add a thin layer of lip balm formulated with sun protection properties.

There are many types of lip balm which you can choose to protect your lips according to your lip condition – from a cream type for very dry and severe condition, moisturizing gel type for daily use, 2-in-1 lipstick and balm formula which is very convenient, to an easy to carry stick type. If you run out of a lip balm during emergency, quickly pick a natural based face moisturizer, apply a thin layer on your lip gently for temporary use. Or another way is,if you take vitamin E at home, break one vitamin E capsule and massage onto your lip, then leave it overnight.

A soothing lip balm contains gentle and mild ingredient, suitable for everyone of all ages, including children who suffer from sensitive lip problems such as chapped, flaky lips. However, as for very young children and babies, it is advisable to use a petroleum jelly to soothe and repair chapped and flaky lip, avoid using lip balms which are recommended for adults unless it is stated.

In order to slow down lip aging, try a simple solution to soften and visibly reduce the appearance of vertical lip lines and lip dehydration. You may do it at the same time with your DIY facial and eye treatment or on its own. Let us call this a DIY lip treatment.

Just remember, once a weekly only – cleanse, exfoliate, repair and moisturize your lip to feel the difference and delay lip aging. You will look great.

30Sep/090

Enhance Your Natural Beauty With Organic Cosmetics




Women begin experimenting with beauty products in their childhood years. Most girls can't wait to reach the magical age where we can begin to use makeup. From trying on Mom's high heels to smearing on her lipstick, we want to do what we can to look beautiful. Organic cosmetics can show off the beauty you already have and help keep your body healthier.

Your skin acts like an armor surrounding and protecting your internal organs. It acts as a first line of defense by putting up a stop sign to dangerous bacteria and infectious organisms. Yet the same way it acts as a stop sign keeping guard as the bad, when using cosmetics, we can inadvertently apply things we shouldn't directly to our skin.

When we do that, the skin acts like a sponge and soaks the ingredients, such as topical medicines right down into our body. While using a topical medicine every now and then to fix an ailment might not be such a big deal to the skin, repeated use of some cosmetics can be.

When you apply cosmetics, you're not simply applying it to the top layer of your skin. Your body does absorb the cosmetics you wear. That means that if you choose cosmetics with questionable ingredients, those ingredients go below the surface. Think chemicals in cosmetics aren't really a cause for concern? If you don't use organic cosmetics, take a look at what you do use. Pay attention to the list.

Would you cover your face in antifreeze? No? What about putting on some brake fluid on your face instead. Don't like the sound of that either? Yet, this ingredient is found in some cosmetic foundations. It goes by the name propylene glycol.

Despite the names these ingredients have, in the formula they all add up to the same answer. Chemicals that are bad for your health and bad for your skin. Did you know at least one ingredient in straight from the store cosmetics could give you contact dermatitis that's chemically inducted?

Don't assume contact dermatitis is always isolated to a small reddened area signifying an allergic reaction. It can vary in severity and range and give a skin reaction that will cover the majority of the body, bring on fever, chills and warrant a trip to the emergency room.

When you use organic cosmetics, you're using ingredients that do not contain the harmful chemicals your skin cannot protect you from. What you're getting are safe, gentle ingredients that actually help your skin do the job it was designed to do. With the safer alternative to regular cosmetics, you'll not only gain healthier skin but peace of mind as well. Life is tough enough on your skin. Give it the cosmetics that will help and not harm it.

29Sep/090

Cosmetics For Beauty




Some people are so obsessed with beauty that they spend their last penny on creams or put on make- up to achieve different looks at different times. These days, it's not surprising to see beauty - conscious women doing those tried and tested tips like putting mayonnaise on the hair, cucumbers on the eyes and even milk or eggs on the face. All these for the sake of beauty.

Undoubtedly, cosmetics has played an important role in women's lives. Superficial or not, most spend endless hours being scrubbed, massaged, exfoliated and made up like a butterfly. You have beauty products for having lovely eyes, sweet fragrances, oil-free foundations, dyes, anti-ageing creams, moisturizers, powders, lipsticks, among others.

"But one should be careful," explains dermatologist Glibenette Tapang - Panlaqui. "Contact dermatitis to cosmetics is common nowadays due to the wide range of products available in the market. The leading cause of skin reactions due to cosmetics is fragrances. Other causes are preservatives such as Bronopol, lanolin, and woolwax alcohols."

The severity of the skin reactions, she says, vary from person to person or from time to time for the same person, due to the conditions of the skin at the time of exposure to a given concentration of the irritant.

"It is therefore advisable to buy products which are labeled hypo-allergenic or non-comedogenic and do a patch test before using the products on the skin to make sure one is not allergic to it, " Dr. Panlaqui adds.

Cosmetic ingredients vary. They come from aloe vera, wheat grain products, essential oils and extracts derived from plants. One of the newest are florabeads which are ideal for facial scrub.

Evidence of mechanical exfoliation dates back as 3,000 BC when honey and salt constituted the main cleansing ingredients of the Egyptian religious community. According to data, exfoliation acids have a long history of use like the baths taken by Cleopatra and Marie Antoinette.

Aside from the scrubs, cosmetics and treatment are reputed to beautify and minimize ageing effects. Hair cosmetics strengthen the hair and scalp as well as color it; lipstick makes one look more attractive; powder makes the skin glow and rosy; and fragrance leaves an enchanting scent. Indeed, the growing complexity of today's market combine make-up and treatment using cosmetics that don't harm the skin.

What are the precautions to take? Don't forget the patch test. Keep away from the sun, use an umbrella or a sunblock lotion. Throw away old make-up. Read labels just like you would food and medicine labels.

Dr. Panlaqui also warned about the following cosmetics and its harmful ingredients:

In axilliary deodorants and antiperspirants, aluminum salts like aluminum chloride or zinc slats (e.g. zinc chloride act as a primary irritant. In roll-ons, the quaternary ammonium compounds may produce allergic contact dermatitis.

In hair dyes, those containing PPDA or paraphenylenediamine may act as sensitizer. Hair bleaches peroxide ad ammonia.

In lipsticks, the perfumes used and di- and tetrabomo -fluorescein in the dyes may cause sensitization reactions.

In eye make-up, be wary of preservatives and perfumes.

In sunscreens, keep away from paraaminobenzoicacid and its esters.

In depigmenting creams, beware of those containing hydroquinone.

Well, while cosmetics really makes a whole lot of difference in enhancing a woman's beauty, there's still no substitute for a radiant and sincere smile.

25Sep/090

Avon Cosmetics – A Leader Beauty Products and More




Avon cosmetics was established in 1886 by 28-year-old David H. McConnell. After he discovered the love of perfume making, he then founded the California Perfume Company in New York. As the company grew, he hired additional representatives. In October 1939, the name of the company changes to Avon Products, Inc.

These products are a multi level marketing company at present. They employ door-to-door sales people and uses catalogs to advertise its products. In addition you can also find these products sold in limited retail stores. This company also uses the Internet as a form of marketing strategy.

Beauty cosmetics have an enormous variety of products in their catalogs ranging from lipstick, foundation, bath and skin lotions, clothing, jewelry, and perfumes and anti aging cream; aside from that, here are some of the latest products that the company offers.

* Ideal Shade Mineral Make up
* Mark Face Expert Flawless Touch
* Mark Speedway Do Everything
* Moisture Effective Eye Makeup
* Perfect Wear
* Ultra Color Rich
* Precision Glimmer Powder

Although they have always been directed towards female customers, the company now is getting the attention of males. The company has opened a line of products for male that includes skin care products, clothing, shoes and other men's accessories. It also has opened up a line of children's products ranging from toys, shampoos, shoes, clothing, school supplies and lunch box kit.

Aside from the many products that Avon offers, the company also gives opportunity to people who are interested to earn additional income. These are reps are above 18 yrs old who sell and promote these products. The best about being a representative is that you choose your own hours, you have the privilege to meet interesting people, and you have a discount privilege on any company products. Also, you own your own business meaning you also get to be your own boss.

Maybe this just might be the right business opportunity for you!

19Sep/090

Fabulous Beauty Tips – Which Cosmetics Create the Perfect Finish?




Why is it so important to have access to makeup and cosmetic advice before use? An honest answer is because some women haven`t got a clue how to apply makeup properly to create the perfect finish. Every beauty product will be tried and tested to an extent where it is given the okay after reaching the final stage to prove that it will do the job for which it was purposely developed. If these products are not used accordingly - then heaven forbid on the result.

Come on girls be honest, have you never joked at another`s expense because of their lipstick shade or to how it was applied. We have more women walking round like Coco the Clown than that of a natural beauty. There is a technique to applying cosmetics and to buying them. Yes; it all begins at the shop counter. Use the wrong beauty product can only result in a wrong you. Ideal beauty products for your skin type and hair colouring are vital.
The first step to being beautiful is to ask yourself, do you really need cosmetics. Natural beauty comes from within. If you feel naked with out lipstick then you owe it to yourself to find out the tricks of the trade.

Useful tips below.

Aloe Vera - Resembling the cactus, it is a plant belonging to the Lily family. Some varieties have valuable medicinal purposes. Much of the plant is water, but the outer leaf contains sap which is included in lotions and gels. Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins/minerals and is also a fabulous source for skin care. It is used for skin conditions like eczema, mild burns and scrapes.

Mascara - If you want to maximise volume then simply buy mascara designed for volume. They are clearly marked. Ask chemist assistant if unsure. More volume in mascara means the more solid in-depth look to your eyes

Nail Polish - Apply clear base coat before using coloured polish. Base-coat is important as it helps prevent nail polish staining the nails; it also gives a smooth even finish on which to apply the colour. Best technique for applying nail varnish is to do it in three strokes: one down the center and one down each side. Keep cotton wool pads and polish remover easily to hand for fear of a slip up. Toenails can be awkward to cover. Sit comfortably resting one foot on a stool in front of you and separate each toe with separators. Use cotton wool or rolled up rags if you have no toe separators. Save time because you don't have to wait for the first coat to dry before second application. The first coat will wet again as soon as the solvent from the second comes in contact. Two thin coats will dry quicker than one thick layer of which can appear unsightly. Wait until this dries and apply top coat to seal.

Some women disagree to the three stroke method. If you have large nails paint the whole nail, if you have short/small nails paint the same. If you have short fingers only apply polish to the centre of the nail. Use pale shades for short stubby hands and dark shades for the delicate look.

Foundation - Make sure you have removed every trace of makeup from the day before fresh foundation is applied. Makeup should be cleansed off every night. New foundation layered over leftover debris looks unattractive? Never rush any beauty pact with the face as it can have disastrous results. When you apply foundation have the room nice and bright. Dim lighting will promote the colour in a different tone.

Perfume - Choosing Scent is not really quite straight forward. Remember the smell of scent on another person may not be the same on you. Spicy musk is said to arouse sexual emotions and vanilla is believed to be an aphrodisiac. Floral scents are seen as fresh and calming.
Skin types react differently to perfume so bear this in mind when testing.

Never rely on sniffing perfume from the bottle, Spray or dab onto the skin. Leave to settle for 5 minutes. Do not sample more than 4-5 perfumes at once, this will only confuse your judgement. Apply scent to pulse point on the wrist or in the crook of the elbow. Flowery fragrances are more ideal in hot months. Perfume is best applied to pulse points: the inner wrists, behind the ears, and lower neck

Lip-liner -There is a knack to applying this beauty asset, one is not to rush and to have a steady hand. Lip-liner should be near to same shade as your lipstick, Ensure your pencil is sharp to get a good line. A blunt lip-liner pencil is a no go.

Draw along the lips, beginning at the center and working towards the edges, both sides from the middle each time; this gives the best shape and smoothest line. Do not rush. Lip-liner should be applied before lipstick. It makes sense i.e. smudging. Not recommended to cut corners initiating this task.

Blusher -To get the best affect from blusher is to find one most natural to your skin colouring. The primary object is to choose a colour that matches your cheeks natural colour.
Use a lighter colour during the day and darker for the evening

Powder - Apply face powder on the lips, it is said to make lipstick last longer and prevent 'bleeding'.

A regular mistake made with eyeliner is to draw a thick black line across the lid, rather than working the pigment into the lash roots. The ideal way is to warm the pencil on the back of your hand first and lining the upper lid, look upwards, and apply from below the lashes to get a subtle blended line. If your eyes are small or deep-set, line the lower lashes, too, applying a dark shadow with a blunt brush for a softer effect. Black is poplar and suits everyone, however teach yourself to compliment

Accentuate blue eyes using warm-toned eye shadows; deep purple and blues work just as well as gold and copper shades, provided a warm undertone is retained. Never be tempted to over add as it can spoil the look altogether. Hazel eyes look fabulous with soft plum, brown and forest greens, while brown eyes just about suit any colour or shade of eye shadow.

Laughter lines - All you need to hide laughter lines is a concealer pencil. Draw a few small lines next to the edges of the mouth with pencil, not to much. Use a sponge to blend in to the corner of the mouth - and hey presto you crack a smile without the cracks.

12Sep/090

Quick Beauty Tips for Busy Professional Women




Nowadays, women have proven that they are not only good in taking care of the family but they can also do things that a man could do, sometimes even better. Women of the 21st century have now more demanding activities such as a lucrative career, family, lifestyle and relationships. And don't forget that looking good is also part of a busy women's stressful life. Below are some of the quick beauty tips that will sure come in handy for any working woman.

• No matter how busy you are, don't forget to use a concealer to cover up your blemishes especially the part under your eyes. It takes only two minutes of your time to hide your flaws, but work impressions last forever.

• Open up your eyes by putting a coat or two of your favorite mascara to define your lashes. Expressive eyes is a plus especially if you deal with a lot of people on a daily basis.

• Use lipstick or lip gloss for that soft, kissable look. Here's a quick beauty tip: some lip gloss with shimmer can also be good as a cheek blush.

• Don't let your hair eat up your face. No beauty tip can do wonder if you won't let people see how beautiful you are. Buy a few hairpins, clips or other hair accessories. The use of gels or hair sprays can also help in preserving your hairstyle and taming those fly-aways.

• Splash on some soft-scented body sprays to give yourself a boost.

These beauty tips are definitely easy and effortless ways of beautifying and facing the world with a more confident you.

9Sep/090

Holiday Beauty: Make Up and Cosmetics Tips




The holiday season are just around here, so now is the time to assess your beauty and skin-care need. To make sure that your looking and feeling are very best inspiring of your appearance for Christmas activities, events, family get togethers, and New Year's Eve parties.

Make this holiday season for a personal checklist of things you can do, such as getting your hair restyled and makeup updated, so that you will not look like a creature from another era.

Here you will find the beauty, make up and cosmetics tips for your look and feel gorgeous during the holidays and throughout the winter season.

CLEANSING the skin properly, especially the face, is fundamental to good skin care. Oil-based makeup, which is preferred by those with drier complexions, should be removed with oil-based cleansing creams. Never go to bed without removing your makeup and thoroughly cleansing your face.

BEFORE makeup is applied, moisturizer should be applied to the face and neck after thorough cleansing. Moisturizers will keep you looking younger with smoother skin. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after you wash or shower, when the skin is damp and the moisturizer can seal in the moisture.

FOUNDATION is very important to one's overall beauty. Foundation is used to enhance the color of the complexion. Choose a foundation to match your skin tone. Using the right foundation makes your skin look flawless and smooth. Choose the shade closest to your skin tone by testing it on your jaw line. When applying the foundation, be sure to blend it into the hairline and neckline to achieve a consistent tone. Set the foundation by brushing it with loose powder that matches the foundation and the color of your skin.

LIPS especially take a beating during bad weather. A good lipstick will moisturize the lips and shield them from the sun without interfering with the final sheen or finish of the lipstick. Keep your kissers moisturized with vitamin E oil, petroleum jelly or a lip balm or gloss.

NAILS that are beautiful certainly will enhance your overall festive appearance. Our nails are designed to protect the fleshy fingertip and help us manipulate small object. Remove dirt lodged underneath nails. Nails are polished with a buffer. This improves blood circulation and gives nails a shine. Two coats of nail polish and a topcoat later.

MEN should make sure that they always look well-groomed, especially during the holidays. A man should be stylish and elegant in his dressing. If you wear a beard, it should be neatly trimmed. Mustaches should also be trimmed. Trim nails and scrub hands if necessary. Good dental hygiene means a dazzling smile.

The above steps will certainly is one way you can make your holidays happy and bright.

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