Korean Beacon

Beauty Tips

Say Sayonara To Dry Lips

Posted on 22 October 2010 by irene

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Lately, I’ve been noticing how so many people walk around with dry lips.
It bothers me just to see it, so I can only imagine how uncomfortable it must feel.
Dry, Flaky, Cracked Lips are not good~ For the people who have them or the people looking at them.
 
Here are a few quick tips to help you get rid of chapped lips and turn them kissably soft.

1.  Use a Lip Balm
Obvious enough, right?  But there are a lot of people that don’t bother with the most basic step to get rid of dry lips.  There are tons of lip balms out there.  I prefer the Burt’s Beeswax (which comes in a yellow and unisex packaging), Smith’s Rosebud Salve, or Aquaphor (for lips that are REALLY dry).
 
2. Brush Lips with a Toothbrush
For lips that flake and peel, use a toothbrush to brush your lips when you’re brushing your teeth.  You can even use vaseline or olive to brush your lips if a plain old toothbrush isn’t cutting it.  The circulation of the brushing can also temporarily plump up your lips (making them look oh so luscious and kissably soft)
 
3. Drink More Water
A reason your lips are so dry may be because your body is dehydrated.  Drinking water is always good for your health and your looks, so drink up!
 
4.  Exfoliate Lips
If you feel that brushing your lips with a toothbrush isn’t cutting it, you can make your own exfoliant by mixing a tablespoon of honey (to moisturize) with sugar (to exfoliate).  You can use your finger to exfoliate (if you make the mixture very grainy) or use a toothbrush to brush your lips. 
5. Moisturize Lips at Night
The cold dry air can dry out your lips as you sleep, so slather on some lip conditioner before hitting the hay.  It may not help with your morning breath, but your lips should be a lot smoother and softer!  ;)
 
So as the season gets colder, the air drier, and your lips chappeder, don’t forget to take steps to keep those lips in tip top makeout mode!   =D
XOXO~*
 
 

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Helping A Hangover: Prevention and Recovery

Posted on 12 October 2010 by irene

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Koreans like to drink.
Soju, Tequila, Whiskey, Wine~ Pick your poison.
Unfortunately, there can be some negative side affects when you drink too much:
Bad Hangovers and a Red Face are two bad ones that come to mind.
 
This may not work for everyone, but here are some tips to prevent the horrible hangover, what do if you get a hangover, and how to prevent the dreaded Red Face while drinking.
    1. Know Your Limits:  The rate at which you get sloshed depends on the individual of course, but try not to drink more than 3 beverages in 1-2 hours.
     
    2. Eat Before Going Out and While Drinking:  I know it will be difficult for many to stick to 3 drinks:1-2 hours, so try not to drink on an empty stomach.  That’s why Bars and Po Jang Ma Cha’s have such yummy greasy food! 
     
    3. Have a Glass of Milk Before Alcohol: It coats the lining of your stomach and slows the absorption of alcohol
    ( I don’t drink milk so I don’t know if this works, but it won’t hurt to try)
     
    4. Choose light liquors (Vodka,Gin) over dark liquors (Brandy, Whiskey):
    Here is the order for alcohol that will give you the least amount of hangovers from least to greatest:
    Vodka, Gin, White Wine, Whiskey, Rum, Red Wine, and Brandy. 
     
    5. Stick with Non-carbonated Mixers: Carbonated Mixers accelerate alcohol absorption
     
    6. Stick with One type of Alcohol:  Oooooh… mixing drinks is bad news bears.  Bad. Very Bad.
     
    7. Stay hydrated:  Alcohol makes you urinate more and leaves you dehydrated. Have a glass of water before, during, and after drinking.  Have one glass of water after each alcoholic beverage: It keeps you hydrated and can slow your alcohol consumption
     
     
    Hangover Help:
    If you didn’t follow these rules and have a gnarly hangover, there is a magic pill that can help.
    Most hangovers consist of a headache and a generally nasty feeling in the morning.  Sometimes, it can be worse. MUCH worse.
    - Personally, when I drink waaaay too much, I get soooo thirsty (I can finish a bottle of water in a few seconds), but I drink water and within a few minutes, it’ll come back up.  All I taste is a disgusting citrusy taste and I can’t keep anything in my stomach (and I’m STILL dying of thirst).
    - For times like these, my friends and I take ZANTAC 75 or ZANTAC 150.  (The Pepto Bismol Pill also works, but not as well).
    I don’t know how good it is for your body, but when I’m that miserable,  I’ll take whatever works!
    After popping a Zantac, I’m good to eat and drink whatever I want in about 30 min to an hour.
    Chicken Noodle Soup and a Bagel is a good hangover breakfast for me  =D
    •  
    Prevent a Red Face:
    For those of you whose faces get really red after drinking, my friend swears by Pepcid AC.
    Again, I’m not sure how kosher it is, but if you’re going somewhere where you’ll be drinking a lot and taking a lot of pictures (clubs, weddings, etc), pop a Pepcid before drinking to prevent a red face.
      I don’t drink beer so I don’t know how true it is, but they do say
      “Beer before liquor, never been sicker.  Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear”
       
      So Drink Responsibly, Don’t be a sloppy drunk, Drink with people you can trust, and have a good toast on hand when you “Guhm Bae”  (“Cheers”)!       =D
       

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      Back To Basics: Brushing Your Teeth

      Posted on 01 October 2010 by irene

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      For the past week, I’ve been struggling to learn something new:
      How To Brush My Teeth.
      No, I’m not a gross girl who doesn’t brush her teeth… but I have apparently been brushing my teeth the wrong way… my whole life!
      It doesn’t matter how great you look or how white your teeth are if you don’t
      have clean and healthy teeth.
      -Improper brushing can lead to Gum Disease (which is mainly caused by plaque and tartar build up)
      *Gum Disease can lead to Gingivitis, Periodontitis, and can contribute to/ be a warning sign for Heart Disease and Stroke, Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Pre-term birth.
      -It is estimated that 75% of Americans have some form of Gum Disease
      •  
      I’ve mentioned my love of flossing before… but I haven’t been brushing correctly.
      * I’ve been brushing my teeth back and forth in a sideways motion, which is why I have a receding gum line and sensitive teeth before the age of 30 
      (but I guess it’s better than a receding hairline, right?!?)
      * My dentist informed me that I should floss first, and brush in an up and down manner across the teeth (teeth together) and back and forth on the top of the teeth (teeth apart).
      - When you brush sideways, it’s basically sawing away at your gum line little
      by little (since it’s basically going against the grain)
      About.com, WebMD, and EHow all seem to differ slightly on the “correct way to brush”, but there are some things that you can’t really argue with.
       
      * Use a Soft bristled brush- Medium and Hard Bristled brushes are too harsh and can wear away the gum line. 
      (Korean toothbrushes are the BEST.  I used to have my friends stock up for me, but now they sell them in the states)
      *  Be gentle (Or else you’ll have receding gums and wear away your tooth enamel)
      * Don’t forget to floss!  There’s a lot of gross things that can get stuck between your teeth~ Get it out!
      * Visit your dentist every 6 months. It’ll save you a lot more trouble in the end.
        So if you don’t take care of your teeth and brush twice a day (yuck!), or if you’ve been brushing incorrectly, hopefully you picked up some tips.
         
        And most importantly, don’t forget to SMILE (but make sure you’re taking care of those pearly whites before you do!)   ;)

        *~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

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        An American Korean: Small Cultural Differences

        Posted on 20 September 2010 by irene

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        I love being a Korean-American.

        I feel I have the best of both worlds. 
        I’m an American Girl, but my Korean cultural ties are a huge part of who I am.
        Last year, I befriended some typical All-American guys from my apartment and met many American people through work and play.

        I always thought I was very “American”… but I realized that there are a few big differences that perhaps Koreans could learn from.

        Here are some of the differences I experienced between “Caucasian” and “Asian” culture.
        Picture Taking:
        * American people take pictures smiling with their teeth. 
        * Asian people like to pose: They try to look hard-core, cute, sexy, and LOOOVE peace signs and other random Hand Gestures
        - Up until last year, I would only take pictures with my mouth closed.  I didn’t realize that many Asian girls take pictures this way until my friend asked me about this little phenomenon.
        - My answer was that we look better not showing our teethI I originally started taking pictures smiling with my mouth open as a joke (“Look B, I’m smiling like you~”), but then I realized that I actually liked pictures with an open smile.
        * Smiling with your teeth showing looks more genuine, you look happier and brighter, and it’ll probably be a better picture
         
        Weddings:
        * Americans have sooo much fun at weddings.  People of all ages dance, drink, and let loose
        * Asians usually have a lot of adult guests who eat, give their gift, and leave. 
        - I took my American friend to a Korean wedding.  I warned him that most of the guests would be gone right after dinner.  He couldn’t believe it when I was right.
        - I recently found out that this cultural difference takes place because in Korea, there typically was no wedding reception.  The bride and groom take their vows, the guests eat, they drop off their gift (typically envelopes of money), and they go home
        * If you’re at a wedding, invite lots of young people, get the older people to dance, have fun, and be care-free! It’s a party, people!!!
         
         
        Physical Fitness:
        *American guys are better at keeping up with a regular physical fitness regimen
        - This may just be my friends, but I find that American guys are much more physically fit and active. 
        My American friends are always doing something to keep in shape: hiking, swimming, running, gym, biking, even yoga!
        - I’m always surprised when Asians work out and play sports (but maybe that’s just my bias from my Asian friends). My Asian friends that do work out are more Americanized.
        When I think of Asians and Sports, I think of Golf… which I consider an old-person sport….
        * Be active.  Try new ways of getting healthy.  Get off your butts and go play outside!
        (The Skinny Asian metabolism lasts until around college~ You will eventually get fatter if you don’t stay active … and it won’t be pretty!)
         
         
         
        Being Adventurous:
        - I’ve become very good at handling rejection… from my Asian friends.  I was always the one coming up with ideas for new things to do, places to go, and things to try.  I get turned down a lot.
        - When I suggest things to my American friends, they’re usually open to trying it out (or even just the idea of it).  I’m always surprised at how open they are to eating new foods, meeting new people, and doing things they’ve never done before.
        * Try new things. Have new experiences.  Take risks.  Carpe Diem. Live a full life of new and exciting things~  Even if you hate it… at least you’ll have tried it!
         
         
        Friendships and Meeting New People:
        *American people are very open and are good at meeting new people and introducing different circles of friends to each other
        * Koreans tend to be cliqueish and usually stick to hanging out with people they know… and other Asians
        -  My American friends had their own close circle of friends, but they would invite me and my friends to hang out with them.  I typically didn’t mix circles of friends, but we always had a good time and got to know people we never would have met otherwise.
        - Even something as simple as having a conversation with people you don’t know is something my American friends are much better at.  Some of the best conversations I’ve had are with strangers.  And you never know when that stranger will become a new friend~
        * Go out and meet new people.  Strike up conversations with people you normally wouldn’t.  Introduce your friends to each other. Go to places where everyone isn’t Asian and dressed in all black   ;)
         
         
        So, of course there are many other differences between Americans and Asians, but these are the ones that stuck out the most from my own experiences.
        I love and am very proud to be a Korean, but I do think there are really great things to learn from American people.
          In the end, I think it comes down to the fact that Americans are more open to trying new and different things, and they’re good at really enjoying themselves and not taking themselves so seriously.
          So get out there and try something new~ you’re life may be changed!
           
           *~ Have a Beautiful Day!~*

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          Boy, Boys, Boys: Male Grooming

          Posted on 09 September 2010 by irene

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          When I watch Korean dramas, it seems that the boys in Korea take very good care of themselves.
           
          Maybe it’s only extremely rich Korean boys (such as the characters in “Boys Before Flowers” or “Brilliant Legacy”) or K-Pop stars, but it seems that boys in Korea pay more attention to their appearance than the ones in America.
          Now I’m not suggesting that guys should start wearing guy-liner or headbands, but there are a few basic grooming habits that guys should have.
          If you’ve already gone through puberty, it’s time to become a well-groomed man!
          • Basic Grooming:
           Brush Your Teeth 2x a day- Yes. This is a basic, but surprisingly, I’ve met many people (male and female) that claim they don’t always brush their teeth.  Gross.
           
          Face Washing:  You should wash your face at least once a day.  If you’re skin is on the dry side, you only need to wash at night. 
           
          Moisturize:  
          Day- Use an SPF 30+ during the day everyday, wherever you are.  You may not see wrinkles now, but you will in a few years. 
          Night- Any moisturizer is better than none.  Props if you get an anti-aging or problem-solving moisturizer. 
          Body- Girls definitely prefer soft skin over rough skin.  If you don’t do it for yourself, do it for the ladies.
          Hair: Generally, I would say most Korean girls prefer their guys to be clean cut. 
          - Don’t forget or be too lazy to get haircuts. If you can tie your hair in a pony tail, it’s time to get thee to a barber’s chair.
          - Shaving after a shower is best~ it’ll be easier to shave, resulting in less cuts/red bumps
          - If you have scruff, keep it well-groomed and maintained. 
          - Make sure you don’t have long nose hairs.
          - I think most girls will appreciate if you keep things tamed… in places where the sun don’t shine…. down there….
           
          Nails:  Don’t bite your nails~ It looks really gross and your skin will eventually grow over your nails (Trust me, I’ve seen it… ).
          - If you DO bite your nails, get a nail file and keep your fingers clean.
          - Get out all the dirt out from underneath your fingernails. 
          • Better Grooming:
          Blemishes:  If you have a pimple, get a blemish remover. If you have acne, use acne-fighting products or see a dermatologist.
           
          Face Mask:  An easy peel-off mask will work wonders for your skin.  Just make sure no one’s around if you get embarassed  =D
           
          Oil Blotting Papers:  Get rid of the shine.  You can also just take a tissue and press it on your t-zone (Across your forehead and nose)
           
          Exfoliate:  Get one of the Korean Italy Towels or Red/Green Bath mitts and use in the shower with soap/cleanser
           
          Teeth: Use a whitening strip.  Even a strip once in a while can make a big difference.
           
          Lip Balm:  The softer the lips, the better to kiss with!
           
          Cologne:  When a guy wears cologne, it shows he’s putting effort
          - Don’t buy the cheap stuff… you’ll smell cheap. 
          - Don’t douse yourself in the stuff… you’ll seem skeevy. 
           
          Work Out:  If you have a nice body… it makes a difference.  Trust me.

           

          • Basic Don’ts:
          - Don’t wear clothes that are smelly, stained, wrinkled.  I know guys who will wear shirts for a reaaally long time and then flip it inside out. Don’t do that (or at least don’t do it around a girl).
          - Don’t keep bars of soap that have hair (short or long) on it.  It’s really really disgusting.
          - Don’t wear more makeup than your sister does.  Concealer on a blemish is ok.  Eyeliner is not (unless you’re in a band… and on stage… )
          - Don’t spend more time on your hair than a girl does. A little bit of gel/mousse/pomade and you should be good to go.
          - Don’t look like a girl. Straight dudes should look like dudes. 
          - Don’t button the bottom button on a 3-piece suit. 
          “Sometimes. Always. Never” 
          (Top button is left up to you, middle button should always be closed, and bottom is always left undone)
           
           
           
          I’m not expecting all the boys in America to become metro-sexuals overnight (although I would be in heaven if that were to happen!)
          I DO think that there’s a certain level of grooming that men should be able to maintain. 
          So boys, get out of those smelly sweats and please put forth a little bit of effort~ you’ll look and feel sooo much better.
          More importantly, I’m sure the ladies will appreciate you much more~  ;)
           
          Good luck to Good Grooming!
           
           
          *~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

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          No Joking~ Stop Smoking!

          Posted on 03 September 2010 by irene

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          I’ve been meaning to write about the topic of smoking for a while, but I always felt like such a hypocrite.
          I’ve now been smoke free for 2 months, so I figure now is the time to write about it (just in case I fall back into the habit!)
          If there are 3 things that I think are many Koreans’ vices, I would say that they are Food, Drink, and Cigarettes.
          Now I’m not saying that all Koreans are fat, chain-smoking drunks.
          However, I do believe that there are a LOOOT of koreans that like to drink (a lot) and smoke (a lot).
          We all know smoking is bad for you.  It’s extremely bad for your health and it’s REALLY bad for your looks.
          If you don’t want cancer, emphysema, or heart disease, quit smoking now.
          If that’s not enough to stop you, think of the yellow teeth, bad breath, leathery skin, wrinkles, and grayish skin you get as a smoker.
          Here is a timeline of the benefits of quitting smoking:

          The moment you quit smoking, you set in motion an amazing healing process that starts with the feeling of fear and excitement over making such a positive change in your life. The healing process continues:

          Thirty Minutes Later …

          Your blood pressure goes down. The nicotine in cigarettes stimulates the release of adrenaline , which raises your blood pressure. Chronic smoking then keeps your blood pressure high, which in essence creates ppersistent hypertension. Hypertension is a risk factor for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, arterial aneurysm, and chronic renal failure.

          Your pulse rate also decreases. Just like with blood pressure, the nicotine in cigarettes stimulates the release of adrenaline, raising your heart rate. An increased heart rate, especially over a period of time, can create a number of problems, increasingly inefficient pumping of blood by the heart and an imbalance in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the hemoglobin in the blood.

          Eight Hours Later …

          Two great things happen in your blood: the levels of poisonous carbon monoxide decrease because you’re no longer inhaling so much CO. This then allows your levels of oxygen in the blood to increase.

          A Day Later …

          Your chances of having a heart attack begin to go down—in just one day after having quit!

          Two Days Later …

          Your nerve endings begin to re-grow and your senses of smell and taste begin to improve

          Three Days Later …

          You will be largely nicotine-free. Most of the nicotine metabolites in your body will have been passed through your urine. Although nicotine withdrawal will be peaking, your bronchial tubes will be relaxing, increasing your ability to breathe.

          Two Weeks To Six Months Later…

          Your circulation gets better, simple activities like walking get easier and you fatigue less quickly, the function of your lungs improves, you aren’t coughing nearly as much and your sinuses are less congested.

          One Year Later…

          You will have lowered your risk of coronary heart disease by half compared to smokers.

          After Five Years …

          You will have lowered your risk of stroke down to the same risk as people who have never smoked.

          After Ten Years…

          Your risk of lung cancer drops to as little as one-half that of people who continue to smoke. Furthermore, you will have significantly reduced your risk of developing cancers of the oral cavity, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas.

          After Fifteen Years…

          Your risk of developing coronary heart disease will be no higher than that of people who have never smoked.

          And most importantly, you will have lowered your risk of death—period—nearly to the level of people who have never smoked.

          * So I know it’s not easy. I smoked for over 11 years.  I’ wasn’t even allowed to tell my friends when I was trying to quit because of the countless “Last Cigarettes” I’ve had over the years…
          Here are some of my tips to help you quit:
          • Don’t give up.  Even one or two less cigaretttes is better than nothing.
          • If you quit for a while (even a day or two) but fall back, don’t be discouraged. Keep trying.
          • Try to pick up some healthier habits.  Eating healthier foods, Sleeping more, Excercise~ Living a healthier lifestyle can make quitting easier.
          • Watch You Tube anti-smoking videos. The Australian ones are the WORST!
          • Candy. Lots and Lots of Candy.
          So, I hope you have the desire and motivation to quit.  It won’t be easy~ I loooooved my ciggies.  But I love being healthy, looking younger, and living longer more.
          Good luck.  I wish you the best of luck on your journey to becoming smoke free.
          Now go out and get some Korean BBQ and Soju (but skip the stog)!  Cheers!  ;)
          *~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

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          Drop 5 Years in 5 Minutes

          Posted on 27 August 2010 by irene

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          “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been”
          -Mark Twain
          Another year has passed and I’m getting older.
          Aging isn’t so bad, but unless you’re 16, you probably don’t want to look older.
          (Ohh… the days when I longed to be older.  How I miss the impatience of my youth!)
           
          Here are some tips from an old(er) Instyle magazine issue  (1/09).
           
          * Eyes *
          Give Your Eyes A Lift
          So long dark circles and droopy lids.  When you swap smoky shadows and sooty pencils for a softer palette, tired eyes take on a decidely youthful glow.
          Rethink Your Concealer: Instead of applying under the entire eye, start at the inner socket, and tap a peach-based shade to a point just underneath the center of the pupil, blending well to cancel out blue shadows. 
          Don’t use concealer on outer corners; it can accentuate crows feet.
          Skip The Shadow: Define your crease with a pencil instead, in a shade slightly darker than your skin tone- then smudge it.  You’ll get the illusion of bigger eyes without the heavy look
          Go Nude: Trace your lower lashline with a flesh-toned pencil.  “It’s like 8 hours of sleep in a liner”
          * Lips *
          The perfect kisser is cushiony and plush with a whisper of color- not overly inflated or sharply defined
          Lighten Up: Tiny shadows at the corners of your mouth can turn your smile upside down.  Keep them under cover with a dot of concealer
          Pencil In A Pout: Use a chubby tip in a neutral shade to trace the fullest version of your lips.  Then blend with your fingertip to soften the edges
          Go Shiny: A bit of gloss on the center of your lower lip and cupid’s bow gives the appearance of fullness.  Try dusky pinks an dsoft toffee hues
           
           
          * Cheeks *
          Just because we weren’t born with killer bone structure doesn’t mean we can’t fake it.  Create the illusion of chiseled cheekbones and give your face a lift
          Start Soft: A Mousse primer smooths the skin’s surface to help the flushed, dewy look stay put
          Add Contour: Use two tones of cream blush.  Swirl a rosy hue on the apples, then blend a swoosh of bronze below the cheekbones.  The result: Pretty definition and babylike fullness
           
           
          * Skin *
          Older complexions can look dull; youthful ones appear moist and even in texture.  Look for formulas with light-diffusing particles and avoid powders, which can settle into fine lines and add decades
          Keep It Sheer: Apply foundation only where needed, and choose a formula that can be layered for more coverage
          Welcome Matte: “Nothing is more aging than overly powdered skin”.  Opt for a mattifying primer instead
          Stay Hydrated: Treat dry patches with a refined face oil. 
          Add Shine: Skin that seems to glisten naturally usually involves a little artificial sparkle.  Apply luminizer to cheek, brow bones, and to the bridge of your nose
          Slim Fast: Using a fluffy brush, blend powder in a shade two hues deeper than your skin just below your chin
           
          •  
          *~*~*  Is Your Makeup Aging You? *~*~*
          Matte Lipstick accentuates age-lines, creating a puckered effect.
          Yellow-Based Bronzer makes skin look sallow, not sun-kissed
          Powder Blush rarely delivers a youthful glow (unless it’s loaded with shimmer)
          Retro Eyeliner is cool, but not when you’re trying to look younger
          Mascara on your lower lashes tends to cast unflattering undereye shadows, so skip it.
           
           
          Here are my tips on how I stay young at heart:
          * Have fun!  People are too serious.  Relax and enjoy the day.
          * Spend time with kids. They’re fun, they enjoy the little things in life, and they’ll remind you of your childhood.  Play!
          (I like to bite my nieces on the cheek and tell them I’m stealing their youth… but I’m just weird…)
          * Spend time with older people:  You’ll instantly feel younger… because you are!  Plus they can give you really good advice and reassure you that you’re still young  =)  But keep the “I’m so old” statements to a minimum or else you’ll just piss them off   ;)
          * Look at everything as a learning experience and an adventure.  If you take the time to slow down and really notice what’s going on around you, you’ll see that there’s so much to do, so much to see… and that makes me feel young.
          * Stay active.  When I’m busy (which is most of the time), I don’t have time to feel old.
          * Attempt to live a healthy lifestyle~ I always feel good when I’m eating better, sleeping more, and able to take care of myself.  I always feel old when I gain weight and I’m tired.
          * Live life in the fast lane.  There’s a whole lotta world out there and I’m gonna experience as much of it as I can!
          “Age is an issue of mind over matter.  If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”
          -Mark Twain
           
           
            
          *~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*
           

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          Burn Baby Burn: Sunburns

          Posted on 19 August 2010 by irene

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          Ouch. 
          You wanted to get a nice dark tan while laying out and you ended up getting burned.
          You should know better than to skimp on the SPF, but I’m not here to lecture you (or I’ll try to refrain….)
          The Damage is done (literally), so here a few tips to help you deal.

          Keep it cool: Apply cold compresses — such as a towel dampened with cool water — to the affected skin. Or take a cool bath.
           
          Keep it moist: Apply aloe or moisturizing cream to the affected skin.
          * Try making Aloe Cubes by filling an empty ice tray with Aloe.  Use the frozen Aloe Cubes to ease the pain and cool down the skin
          -Avoid products containing alcohol, which can further dry out skin. (Beware of sunburn treatment products containing anesthetics, such as benzocaine. There’s little evidence that these products are effective. In some cases, they may even irritate the skin)
           
          Leave blisters intact: If blisters form, don’t break them. You’ll only slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection. If needed, lightly cover blisters with gauze.

          Take an over-the-counter pain reliever: If needed, take anti-inflammatory medication — such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) — according to the label instructions until redness and soreness subside.
          -(Don’t give children or teenagers aspirin. It may cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease)
           
          Drink Water: A sunburn can cause a mild fever and a headache. Lie down in a cool, quiet room to relieve the headache. A headache may be caused by dehydration, so drinking fluids may help.
           
          Treat peeling skin gently. Within a few days, the affected area may begin to peel. This is simply your body’s way of getting rid of the top layer of damaged skin. While your skin is peeling, continue to use moisturizing cream 


           Consult a doctor for sunburn treatment if:
          - Severe sunburn covers a large portion of your body with blisters
          - Sunburn is accompanied by a high fever or severe pain
          - Severe sunburn doesn’t begin to improve within a few days
           
          So remember to cover yourself in SPF~
          It sucks getting burned…. but at least you’ll end up with that tan you wanted!  ;)
           

           

          *~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*
          http://irenekimmakeup.com
          http://irenekimmakeup.blogspot.com
          http://twitter.com/irenekimmakeup

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          A Few Quick Tips: Skin Rituals Pros Do At Home

          Posted on 13 August 2010 by irene

          Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,


          Taking care of your skin is one of the most important things you can do to beautify yourself.
          Remember~ It’s all about prevention!
          Here are a few tips from professional dermatologists and facialists from an old Glamour (4/09) issue. 
          Try and see how it works for you!
           
           
          Spa-Style Smoothing
          In the shower, NY derm Jeannette Graf, M.D., rubs on a scrub before getting wet. 
          “The grains grip dry skin better” she says.  A natural-bristle body brush also does the job.
          A Surprise Pimple Eraser
          NYC derm Francesca Fusco, M.D., sometimes applies hydrocortisone (the stuff you use for bug bites) to hers and leaves it on for a few hours.
          “It’s an anti-inflammatory, so it reduces swelling and redness”
            
          Yogurt as Moisturizer
          This weekly must for aesthetician Jacqueline Aghajani in Beverly Hills may sound like a party dip, but it’s a very hydrating mask.
          She grates the skin of a cucumber, mixes it with plain yogurt, and leaves it on for 20 minutes
           
          The Two-Minute Facial
          Svetlana Nadirova, spa director of the Four Seasons Punta Mita, presses a hot wash-cloth to her face for 15 seconds, then repeats with a cold one.
          “I alternate them for two minutes, finishing with cold.  It makes my skin rosy and fresh”
           
          A Blotch Fader
          When her cheeks get ruddy, Dr. Graf puts a few drops of Visine into a tablespoon of water, dips in a cotton pad and pats it on to shrink blood vessels (and get the red out).  Test for irritation on your wrist first.
          * You can also use Visine directly on pimples to help tone down redness
          A Quick Hand Treatment
          “Hands often show your age before your face does, so I rub facial serum on mine at bedtime” says Palm Beach aesthetician Tammy Fender.
          Hoarding that serum?  Put it on your face, then apply what’s left on fingers over the backs of your hands
            
          The Vitamin E Lip Fix
          To soothe a chapped kisser, California derm Jessica Wu, M.D., pierces a capsule of Vitamin E and dabs on the contents.
          “The oil is much more emollient than a waxy balm”
            
           
          A Post-Shower Pore Purge
          Dr. Wu uses blackhead-extracting strips right after a hot shower.
          “I pat my face dry, stick one on, then brush my teeth. The bathroom steam helps loosen dirt and oil buildup; it comes right out”

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          “I Know You Are, But What Am I?”- How Do You See Yourself?

          Posted on 08 August 2010 by irene

          Tags: , , , , , , , ,


          “Whether you think you can or think you can’t – you are right”
          -Henry Ford
           
          Do you feel beautiful, fun to be around, and smart?
          Or do you usually feel ugly, boring, and dumb?
           
          I recently heard a message about self-perception that intrigued me.
          How do you see yourself?
          If you think of the adjectives to describe yourself, do they lean more towards the positive or negative?
           
          Our self-perception determines our life and how we see ourselves changes who we become.
          • If you are constantly berating yourself because you’re not good enough…. then you won’t be.
          • If you can’t see accept yourself, how can you expect others to?

          Positive reinforcement works much better on children than negative reinforcement~ This also applies to you.

          • Stop being so hard on yourself, accept your faults, embrace your positive traits, and work on changing the things you want to change about yourself.
          One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been given is “Fake it until you make it”.
          So simple… yet so true.
          Even a few years ago, my life was a mess and I was at a really low point.  My friend gave me this advice, I embraced it, and I do believe my life has changed  dramatically because of it.
          • You might not feel confident, attractive, or good enough…. but take a deep breath, pretend you are, and soon you will be.
          • Your self-perception shows in your behavior and actions.
          • A person who is confident in a paper bag can shine much more brightly than a self-conscious person in gorgeous clothes.

          Self-Acceptance and Self-Confidence are two of the biggest beauty tips I could ever give you.

          I hope you find within yourself what you need to become the best version of you.
           
          Remember…. Fake it until you make it!   =)
           
            
          You have brains in your head.
          You have feet in your shoes.
          You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
          You’re on your own.
          And you know what you know.
          You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
          -Dr. Seuss

           

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