Insecurities in a Relationship

Insecurities can lead to a lot of problems in a relationship and sometime a person becomes so occupied by them, that the negativity is taken to a whole new level. Both the partners have to understand that insecurities are born in a relationship and that they don't exist from before. The relationship has to be nurtured in such a way that there is no space for doubts and questions. You won't even understand how insecurities can ruin a relationship in no time. Maintaining healthy relationships is very important if you want to make the relation last and be happy. Given below are some reasons that give rise to insecurities in a relationship and how one can deal with these insecurities.

Everything You Wanted to Know About an Insecure Partner

Trust
Trust is a very important aspect in every relationship. However, trust is something that cannot be gained easily. It takes years of staying together to know if you can trust that person. Some very easily say that we trust our partners, but how sure are we? Constant efforts have to be made to gain the trust of your partner and if it's not done, it hits a low pit. It is at this moment that insecurity issues step in. You are all of a sudden unsure of all the promises and plans you'll made together.

Jealousy
One of the leading causes of insecurity is jealousy. We first need to understand that jealousy is not only limited to physical appearance but much more than that. When two people are in a relationship, they sort of own each other emotionally as well. If that space is suddenly occupied by a third person (male or female), doubts of regarding importance are going to surface. Every relationship demands a sort of ownership of time and space of the partner.

Spontaneity
Spontaneity is very vital in a relationship as the lack of this will eventually show your partner the lack of your interest in the relationship. There has to be a surprise element to the relationship as well which tells you that the love is not dead yet. Enthusiasm towards each other is one of the best ways to keep the relationship alive with healthy thoughts and feelings. If this goes missing, the level of interest is going to be judged which if found low, will lead to insecurities.

Distance Issues
The maximum number of insecurities in a relation arise if two people are in a long distance relationship. When the person is near you, you are subconsciously aware of him/her being there with you, near you. Distance brings a lot of a problems in relationship, mainly those of communication. When communication takes a step back, assumptions take a step ahead. Insecurities relating to infidelity are a maximum here. The best advice here is to communicate enough and proper.

Lack of Understanding
Have you heard of lack of empathy in a relationship? This has been a problem in so many relationships that some of them have even lead to divorces. Insecurities basically arise when there is no understanding or when there is no initiative to understand someone. An emotional block can do a lot of harm to the feelings that should actually flow between two people in love. A genuine effort to understand and comfort in certain situations can solve problems to a great extent.

These were some issues that give rise to insecurities in a relationship. The moment you see some signs of insecurity, take a step back and see what you need to work on. Insecurities don't only affect your relationship but gradually you start looking at the world through them. They can cause a lot of emotional turbulence for you that is not only unhealthy but also heartbreaking at times. Learn to fight insecurities by communicating well with your partner.

Tribal Sun Tattoo Design

Tribal tattoo designs are popular even till date. The art of tribal tattoo designs has been handed down since the ancient days. The art has a rich source of popular forms such as dragons, butterflies, flames, hearts, scorpions, etc., but the one that is most often requested is the tribal sun tattoo design. It need not necessarily mean the use of the traditional form. These have been modified to suit modern tastes as well.

The ancient days saw the tattoos being used to mark a particular person as a member of a certain tribe. Today, tribal tattoo art is used to make a fashion statement and also at times, to 'belong' to a particular group as well. Most tattoo enthusiasts swear by the beauty of this design. So, what is it, that has made these tribal sun tattoos a popular form for all? Read on for some more facts about the same.

Tribal Sun Tattoos

The form of the sun has always caught my fancy as well. When I finally had my first encounter with a tattoo artist on the sunny beaches of Goa, (although he showed me various designs), it was the tribal sun tattoo design that helped me to make up my mind instantly! (Which is not the case, always!) Although, I did not go in for a permanent tattoo, this design will remain etched in my mind forever because of the beauty and the balance of form.

The sun designs have always been popular for their look as well as the meaning they portray. The sun has enchanted our ancestors for various reasons. Most mythologies have a reference in context to the sun as well. The sun is the cause for dawn and dusk and is also a powerful source of energy. For the Asians, the Japanese and the Hindus, the sun holds a prominent position even in the ancient scriptures. In Europe, various cultures worshiped the sun in their own way. The Norse worshiped Freyr who is the God of both, the sun as well as the rain. In parts of Western Africa, people lived under the rule of Liza. He was the African God who was associated with the sun. Liza was always thought to be a fierce male deity. He was always shown grouped together with Mawu (the Moon), who was supposedly his faithful partner. The Aztecs worshiped the sun-god Huitzilopochtil. For the Native Americans of North America the sun was considered to be the guardian of the day. The sun was worshiped for its strength and the energy it generated throughout the day.

Therefore, since ancient times, this design has been adorned as an honor for the deity. The tribal sun tattoos are known to symbolize a kind of partnership between life and the sun. In this modern world, sporting tribal sun tattoos does not always mean the person uses it, to worship the sun. Tribal sun tattoos are worn for their visual appeal and form. Tattoo artists can bring amazing variations to the basic sun form with the use of colors and styles. Tribal sun tattoos are known to have different meanings; this depends largely on the patterns. Some of them can have a fun and freaky element whereas some can symbolize anger or strength. The sun symbolizes power, dignity, shining truth, strength, leadership, force and creativity. These are used in various forms such as the Celtic sun, eye of the Horus sun, sun with the moon and stars, tribal sun, Aztec sun etc.

When you are going in for a tribal sun design, choose a perfect tribal sun tattoo design that matches your personality and flaunt the same on your arm, legs, chest, belly button (The sun looks fab around the belly button), back or even your waist. Combine them with other forms and add variation to the design. Flaunt your tattoo and watch the others turn green with envy!

Saline Solution for Piercings

Body piercing is one of the coolest things these days and, if you too believe in it, you must have gotten a body piercing done yourself. Agreed that piercing can be painful; but what is more painful is the consequence, if proper aftercare methods are not followed. Using saline solution for piercings is often recommended to prevent infection. This solution is easily available in the market, or even at the tattoo artist's studio. But, it can be easily made at home. Let us take a look at its recipe, along with some tips that are to be followed.

How to Make Saline Solution

Saline solution is nothing, but, simple salt water solution which is used to treat and even prevent infections caused due to body piercing. Saline solution is similar to the saline content of the body and hence, it is helpful in warding off infections. Although all people who have undergone piercing are advised to use this solution to clean the area around piercing, they fail to follow the instructions which results in infections, irritation and discomfort. If you wish to avoid either of these, you can make your own saline solution at home and use it accordingly.

You need to use only specific ingredients. For e.g, it is wise to use clear distilled, packaged water. Secondly, the salt used should not contain iodine, or it can irritate the wound caused due to piercing. You need to check the labels of both the ingredients before using them for making normal saline solution. At the same time, the containers used for the same should also be sterilized (washed in boiling water).

Ingredients

• teaspoon of sea salt
• 8 oz of water

Method of Preparation
The water should be heated so that it boils for 5 to 10 minutes. Once the water boils, remove from heat and set to cool. When the water is lukewarm, add salt into it. Stir continually, so that the salt is completely dissolved in the water. Pour the solution in sterilized sprays, bottles or cups. Your homemade sterile saline solution for piercing is ready.

Using Saline Solution

Once you have prepared the saline solution used for body piercing aftercare, you should go through the following tips to know how to use the solution. Saline solution can also be used to clear the crusty matter. The following are the tips that you should follow as piercing aftercare.

• Before actually using the solution, you should wash your hands with clean water and soap and only then touch the piercing.
• The piercing should be directly dipped in the saline solution for cleaning it. If not possible, you can simply pour the lukewarm solution slowly and directly on the piercing. It can also be sprayed directly on it if you are using a spray.
• Another method of using saline solution is by using cotton swabs to clean the area around it. Cotton swabs should be dipped in the solution and used to clean dirt as well as crusty matter around the piercing.
• Once you are done, you should wipe off the fluid with a soft towel or a clean tissue. Make sure that you simply dab or pat gently, and not wipe or rub harshly. The solution can be used 2-3 times a day.

You must have also noted that it is simple and can be made in a short time, so, if you have done any body piercing, make your own saline solution and use it right away to prevent infection. Take care!

Room Makeover Ideas for Boys

Boys will be boys! Recognizing a boy's room is a 'no-brainer'. Scattered books, chipping posters, hibernating computer, clothes falling off from everywhere and food left overs are the defining pieces of a boy's room. The room looks less of a room to live in and more of a garbage dump. Tired of seeing the same old mess in your boy's room? I am sure you are. Following these room makeover ideas for boys will transform the room altogether. The aim is to make space for everything, throw the clutter out and make the room look neat and tidy. So, pull your act together and get down to some cleaning business.

Color Scheme
Boys love bright and bold. They are more of outdoorsy and willing to experiment. So don't be shy to use vibrant colors in your boy's room. Crimson, dark blue, shades of yellow, combination of black and white will give the room a lively effect. Boys don't kind of understand the concept of using pastel shades, so just avoid them. Make sure the entire room is not painted in a dark color, as it will make the place look dingy and dark. It's always safe to have paint as compared to wall paper, as it is easier to maintain.

Furniture
The important part of bedroom decoration for a boy's room is to keep it as simplistic as possible. Boys simply dislike the satiny curtains and intricately crafted wrought iron beds. Hence, just go in for minimalistic furniture, both in style and number. Have a separate study table, which can be used for multiple uses like storing books, for a laptop or just as a table to pile things on (at least they won't be lying all over the place!).

Accessories
The creation of clutter begins from a lousy attempt at accessorizing the walls and cupboards. So just do it for them. Get the posters of favorite movies, football clubs, actors and rock stars framed and put them up on the walls. This way the posters remain safe from dust and pests and the wall too is saved from all the glue and adhesives. If you are decorating a kid's room, then having a small basketball ring on the wall is also a good idea. Create a space for all the musical instruments like guitar, violin and so on.

Bathroom
Towels on the floor, wet floor and innumerable clothes on every flat surface. Tell me about it! Boys and bathroom don't really gel. Hence keep the bathroom as simple as possible. Again, make a separate space for every item in the bathroom. For instance, soap cakes remain wet until they are used again. So see to it that all the toiletries are kept slightly away from the shower area. Keep a mop in the bathroom, so that you can draw out the water and keep it dry.

A room makeover will create a fresh space, adding enthusiasm, and organization. Once the room is completely changed, get your boys into the habit of keeping the room neat and clean. It's important to teach kids the need for organization and disadvantages of cluttering up a space. Learning such skills in life at an early age, changes their perspective towards life (although in a small way) for better. A good room will always radiate charm and positivity, which will help your child in more ways than one.

Investment Property Financing

Have you ever considered real estate investment as a measure to generate capital gains or rental income? An investment property promises good appreciation in the coming years and a lot of people are applying with banks, mortgage money lenders, etc., in order to finance their investments. Loans are the most common forms of investment property financing. There might be cases when one is able to borrow from family and friends, but more often that not banks and private money lending agencies are the institutions one looks forward to while thinking about financing a property. There might be some real estate investors who have got enough funds to buy the property outright, but a majority of prospective investors look for the various sources of financing.

Investment Property Financing : A Few Guidelines

While you may be all excited about owning properties and increasing your monthly income, there are certain strategies that you should know before obtaining an investment loan. Some of these strategies are

• Knowing the purpose are you borrowing the money for. While talking to your lender make sure that you reveal the true motive behind the financing. If it is a second home or you want to put it up on rent, let the lender know about it.
• While calculating the mortgage payments, the plan of action for most people is that they pay off the monthly installments through the rent they receive. While this is good business planning, things can go wrong if you are not able to find a tenant. So, ensure that you are in a position to pay regularly from your funds so that things like foreclosure, bad credit rating etc., can be kept at bay.
• The sub-prime crisis has made the financing of the down payment a bit difficult, however if you have a good credit score or can put up a collateral, then the down payment would not be that big a concern. You can also use the equity in the house for making a down payment.
• A small chink in the armor can make things complicated. So, before obtaining the loan, carefully check your IRS returns, credit card statements, other debts etc.
• If you are fairly new to real estate investment, take advice from realtors or mortgage professionals who can guide you with various financing options. Once you are all versed with all the rules of the game, then you can start with the investments on your own.
• Try to see if you can get a pre approved loan. Pre-approved loans save time and money and also instill the confidence in the property dealer that his property won't be tied up in case it takes time for you to get the loan approved.

There are various options available for people who are considering investing in real estate properties. Some of the available options are line of credit loans and standard loans.

Line of Credit Loans: These loans can be thought of as the maximum money that a bank lends to an individual without requiring additional approvals. Having a line of credit entitles you to take several loans over a period of time without going through the approval process again. For example, instead of applying for a $100,000 loan once, a person with a line of credit can borrow $50,000 once and another $50,000 next time without going through the process associated with the approval of the loan.

Standard Loans: Well, these are the most common forms of investment property finance where you meet with a bank official to check what rate he offers you. If you feel that you are getting a fair deal, then you can either take up the loan with either fixed or variable rate of interest. It is very important to do a bit of research before considering an investment. The research should include the location of the property you are interested in and whether the property has the potential to bring you a good profit. Apart from this, you should also check the affordability of the loan the rate of interest that you will be charged.

Paramedical Esthetician Salary

Paramedical estheticians work under health care settings, they work along with cosmetic surgeons, physicians, dermatologists, etc. The salary is quite comparable with other medical support staff and at the entry-level they get an average salary starting from USD 25,000. Paramedical estheticians help accident trauma victims, patients undergoing cosmetic surgery and other procedures related to skin. They educate patients about the make up techniques that help hide scars and provide better skin care tips.

Paramedical estheticians are skin care experts and have an in-depth know how of the latest medical aesthetics. We live in a vain world today where looking good is one of the basic criteria of social acceptance, hence the job of an esthetician is really important. They not only help patients look better but help boost self-esteem levels in people who have visible scarring or deformities.

Education and Job Description

To practice as a medical esthetician an individual needs to complete a cosmetology program from an approved training school. To enter a cosmetology program, a student needs to have at least a high school diploma. Students with a general education degree (GED) can also opt for a cosmetology program.

In the program, students are taught the nuances of skin care, different skin treatment methods like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, etc. Students will also get an in-depth look into the make up methodology including massage techniques. Good knowledge on facial skin care and the use of face masks will also be imparted to the students. The cosmetology program lasts for 9 months and upon completion of the course individuals need to apply for state licenses to practice as certified paramedical estheticians. For most states, the certification exam consists only of a written test but in some states you will be required to give a practical test too.

The job includes providing skin care treatments and tips to patients about covering their scars or blemishes with make up. Esthetician also make the patients aware of facial creams and masks that can be used at home to treat skin problems due to injury, medication or surgical procedures. In addition to facials and recommending cosmetic products or medical creams esthetician also use waxing and other grooming methods to make the patients presentable. They teach patients skin rejuvenation techniques like massage, body wraps, oil baths. Estheticians also give patients a makeover to hide any visible scars or signs of balding.

Salaries

If you are wondering how much does a paramedical esthetician make, well they make anywhere from USD 25,000 to USD 45,000. Like most other medical jobs people with experience tend to make more than inexperienced freshmen.

The salary also depends on the employer with many hospital jobs paying good salaries. If you want to know what is the salary for a paramedical esthetician at the entry-level, well they earn around USD 24,000 to USD 38,000 depending on the employer. The salary range depends on the size of the organization they are working for and the geographical location of their job. Estheticians working in rural clinical setting earn less than the ones working for cosmetic surgeons in metropolitan areas.

Along with their salaries, paramedical estheticians also make good money as commissions on sale of cosmetic products to patients. New York on the east coast and California on the west coast are some of the regions where the salaries are quite good.

The salary is generally more than estheticians working in beauty salons and skin care centers. According to sources, the job outlook for this profession is also good with growth expected to be around 30 percent in the next decade to come.

Belly Button Piercing Pain

Body piercing has been a popular form of self expression since centuries. In ancient times, Greeks, Egyptians and Romans, used body piercing as a means to impose one's importance in his herd or clan, or as a protection from an evil entity. Today, body piercing has become one of the most followed fashion trends. Amongst different types of body piercings, belly button piercing or navel piercing is the most sought after. Being located on such a sensuous part of the body, it is needless to guess the reasons behind its popularity. However, while getting this sort of body piercing, one must also be aware about the pain and healing process, as well as all the dangers and risks of belly button piercing.

Belly Button Piercing Pain Level

Is belly button piercing painful? Well, as with any piercing, pain is the key factor which is associated with belly piercing. The level of pain depends totally on the level of pain tolerance of that individual. Some people have high pain tolerance and hence, they get the belly button piercing done with utmost comfort. While some people find it excruciating, that comes with the aftermath like navel piercing infection and sore, runny and itchy belly button. For the people with low pain tolerance level, the time of piercing can be quite uncomfortable. Many people also say that the pain is caused more with the clamps that are used for holding the skin, rather than the actual 'piercing pain'.

How to Reduce the Pain

Getting the piercing done from a reputed piercing parlor, and by an experienced piercing artists are two important things to adhere to. This will ensure that there are no unpleasant incidents like infection and all the other kinds of belly button piercing infections. Selecting the right kind of jewelry which is resistible to rust, corrosion and varnish is important. Understand, that the belly button jewelry will get into contact with body fluids and hence, it must be totally sterile. You can use materials like surgical stainless steel, Tygon plastic, 14K gold, titanium jewelry, etc. While materials like sterling silver, bamboo, nickel, bones, electroplated silver and gold, should be avoided.

Managing the Pain

Apart from getting the belly area numb for piercing, there are a few common things that are used in order to alleviate the pain of belly button piercing. Some artists use the cryogesic sprays like ethyl chloride to avoid pain and discomfort. However, belly button piercing info is incomplete without knowledge about proper piercing aftercare. Once the piercing is done, you are likely to experience a sore belly button for a while, since it is a fresh wound. Since belly button is that part of the body, which is prone to irritation due to contact with clothes, you are likely to suffer with pain, soreness, swelling and redness of the belly button and the area around it. You can take over-the-counter pain killers, in order to avoid the pain, along with the mentioned tips:

• Avoid using products that contain benzalkonium chloride, since it can irritate your wound.
• Cleaning belly button piercing at least once a day with unscented soap, which is also dye free will aid in preventing infection.
• Using salt water soaks with 1/8 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt to and 8 oz water reduces the belly button piercing healing period.
• You need to avoid wearing tight, figure hugging clothes and, basically, all such clothes that can irritate the belly piercing wound.
• Also, avoid all sorts of antibiotics, tanning spray, sunscreen lotions, etc. You also need to avoid swimming and tub baths.
• Lastly, never finger your belly button piercing without washing your hands, since hands are the easiest mode of getting an infected belly button piercing.

With the aforementioned aftercare tips, your belly button piercing may take about a year to completely heal. However, the inner area of the belly button may require some more time to heal completely. As I said earlier, the belly button piercing pain level is totally subjective and hence, it is quite possible for different people to experience different levels of pain. If you also want to get the belly button piercing, make sure you learn everything that you need to know about its care to truly enjoy flaunting your pierced belly button.

Smart Ways to Look Taller and Slimmer

Everyone wants to look as smart as he/she can when surrounded by people. You want to look as if you rule the world with your towering personality. This is easily possible for people who are tall and slim originally. But, what about those who are comparatively short and plump? I know that the height and the weight that a person possesses is partly because of heredity and partly due to a person's own hormonal behavior. But, isn't there any way that a person can choose to look different than his/her original personality? Yes, there is a way, you can choose to appear taller and slimmer, if you just alter your dressing style. You will encounter some tips on how to look taller and slimmer in the following part of the article.

Although you cannot change your original height and weight, you can do a lot by modifying your outer look, which will help to increase your height and make you look thinner. Follow these easy tips:

Dressing

This is the most important factor that can make a huge difference to your personality. Dressing in clothes that suit you is essential than dressing in clothes that you like but do not match your personality. It is said that one should always rely on others' choice when it comes to dressing, because people who watch you from a distance know better, what suits you or what looks good on you. Slimming dresses are also available in the market which will make your job easier. Following are a few hints on dressing yourself to look taller and thinner:

• Color plays an important role in making short people look taller. You should prefer monochromatic dressing. Monochromatic dressing refers to dressing in a single color from top to bottom. Do not divide your body into two separate colors, for example, wearing a white shirt with a red skirt. Women often use black for their monochromatic outfit which makes them look slim and trim. There are other options as well like silver, gray and charcoal to look taller. Dressing in one color will create a long unbreakable line that will make you look taller. Try to use dark colors like black, navy blue, etc., as these colors have the ability to catch the light and hide it in the background rather than reflecting it like the lighter shades do.
• Avoid using loose-fitting clothes. They make you look short and stubby. You can use tighter clothes like leggings, slim trousers, etc., which make your curves and lines identifiable. It is not at all helpful to use capris or tight shorts because it cuts the length of your legs. It's better to wear Bermuda shorts which end up at the knee or even above the knee which projects the complete height of the legs.
• Vertical stripes will do wonders to make you look taller. These stripes form a long vertical line which will make people observe you from top to bottom rather than looking across.

Hairstyles

Short hair can make you look taller. But, if you do not wish to cut them, you can simply lift them and increase their volume which will give you a slender look. Set your hair in higher hairstyles that will add an extra height to the original because it will make people look at your neck and not your hair. When you are fat and you want to look slimmer, your face plays an important role in changing your look.

• You can go for highlights. The vertical stripes will make people look up and down rather than across your face. Your face will get a thinner and slender look because the length of your face will seem to be increased. Contrasting colors will brighten your face and offer it a thinner and younger look.
• Focus on your best features and try to highlight them. Eyes, lips, eyebrows, eyelashes; all seem to be small body parts but have great capacity to catch and hold attention. Through these features, you can show people what you want to and obviously hide what you don't want to show.
• Tan yourself by applying a self-tanner. The self-tanner affects your skin and gives you an instant slender look. Focus on elbows, thighs and knees while tanning yourself.
• Makeup can also contribute to your slim look. It can help to make your jawline sharp concealing the extra skin which will add to your sleek look. The extra wiggle around the neck and below the chin can be faded in the background using a little amount of bronzer.

It is true that short and fat people are restricted to follow some fashion rules, but it does not mean that they cannot be trendy. Carry a tall attitude in your mind, be confident in your style and you will realize that sky is the limit. Never make yourself feel low because of your height and weight. Attempt the above tips, put on your brightest smile and feel confident to move around in crowd.

Popular Haircuts for Boys

There are many types of boys' haircuts that can be worn by kids as well as teenagers. As kids are active and energetic, it is better for them to wear short haircuts which, unlike long hairstyles, do not interfere in their play and enjoyment activities. Long hairstyles, on the other hand, are mostly preferred by teenagers and youngsters, as they choose to be more intent in making a fashion statement.

Teenagers and youngsters can easily choose their type of hairstyle and wear it according to their likes. But in choosing the appropriate hairdo for kids, parents need to think on some important aspects. They need to make sure that the haircut they choose for their son does not hinder his daily activities in school or in home. It is suggested to keep kids' hair shorter. Since kids do not like to spend more time in front of the mirror styling their hair, make sure that the haircut is very easy to do and maintain. For those thinking about convenient hairdos for boys, short hairstyles and haircuts are the best options.

Popular Types of Boys' Haircuts

Military or Crew Cut
This is the best haircut option for kids who are playing all day long. Moreover, it is also really easy to maintain. As a matter of fact, a crew or military haircut being very short does not actually require any maintenance. You can set the hair in place by just using your hand.

Spikes
A spiky hairstyle is great for kids who are not much into playing but prefer to be stylish and cute. Spikes can be made on hair which is a bit longer than the hair in a crew cut. Being a short haircut, it is also easy to maintain. You would need some amount of hair gel for making spikes on the all over the head or just at the front.

Comb Down
A comb down hairdo is where the hair is allowed to grow little longer till it covers the ears. This kind of haircut is good for kids and teenagers who have fine and silky hair. It seems much like a bowl haircut.

Bowl Haircuts
A bowl haircut is mostly suitable for teenagers. It relates to a bowl being positioned on your head, and the hair that comes from under it being cut. So, it seems as if a bowl made of hair is placed on the kid's head.

Shag Hairstyles
A shaggy haircut is kind of a rough and disordered cut. It relates to using different layers of hair to make a rough hairdo. This teen hairstyle does not require maintenance, as it is actually meant to be without maintenance. You would just need to brush the hair, and nothing more.

Side Sweep
A side sweep is more formal than a shag hairdo, as the layers of the hair are well set in a proper manner to either sides. This is one of the most ordinary hairstyles that is used by kids, teenagers, as well as youngsters. It can also be worn on a majority of occasions.

These are some of the most popular boys' haircuts. Whichever haircut you choose for your son, simply ensure that it is easy to do and maintain and he looks great in that haircut.

Mascara for Oily Skin

Which girl can do without mascara? No eye makeup is complete without applying mascara to you lashes. But what if you have oily skin and whatever cosmetic you apply on your eyes, transfers to your skin in just an hour. Even some eye make up which claims to be waterproof and non comedogenic, ultimately ends up smudging all over the eyes making us look like raccoons. So is a girl with oily skin, never going to apply mascara at all? Well, you certainly can apply mascara once you find the best mascara for oily skin. Here we will discuss some of the mascara that is specially formulated for oily skin that stays put all through the day without running or smudging.

Best Mascara Suitable for Oily Skin

There are many mascaras in the market both regular drugstore brands as well as the high-end designer ones. Finding the right mascara is very important if you want your eye makeup to last all through the day.

Maybelline's Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
One of the best drugstore brand of mascara that is just right for oily skin is Maybelline's Great Lash Waterproof Mascara. This product is creamy and has a brush that is very easy to apply. It dries within seconds of application and doesn't smudge once it dries. Even if you wash your face with water the mascara stays put and the best part is that it does not clump at all. This mascara is available in four colors and they are Very Black, Soft Black, Brownish Black, and Dark Brown.

Blinc Kiss Me Mascara
Another great mascara is the Blinc Kiss Me Mascara. This mascara, unlike the conventional ones that just coats your lashes with paint, actually forms water resistant tubes around your lashes. This gives your lashes extra volume and length and will not rub off, clump or smudge. This smudge proof mascara is not only for people who have oily skin but is also ideal for those women who work out, contact lens users and people with sensitive eyes. Blinc Kiss Me Mascara is available in three shades, black, medium brown and dark brown.

Clinique's High Impact Mascara
If you are not averse spending a few extra bucks on a great product, then I would suggest Clinique's High Impact Mascara. Although it is not waterproof, it lasts for a long time without running or smudging. It provides a lot of volume and curve to your lashes and it gives this effect on even scanty lashes. This mascara is available in two colors black and brown and you need not curl your lashes before applying this mascara. If you are tired of smudging eye makeup, then this mascara is just right for you.

Lancome Oscillation Mascara
A great mascara for oily skin and for those girls that are not adept at applying it is the Lancome Oscillation Mascara. One of the most sought after product, this lengthening mascara comes with a button on the cap, which when you push it on, makes the mascara wand vibrate. You just have to hold the mascara wand close to your eyelashes and it will coat your lashes very thickly giving you the great volume and length. It is best waterproof mascara for oily skin and stays put all day long. Its quick drying formula along with its thick creamy texture makes it the perfect mascara for anyone. Since it has a vibrating wand, each lash is individually coated with the formulation, giving you the non clumpy and wide eyed look.

These were some mascara reviews for people with oily skin. To keep your eyes from any infection, replace your mascara every three months. Applying mascara on oily skin is no different from applying it on any other skin type. A steady hand will ensure that you apply it flawlessly. The best mascara tips that I can give is to avoid pumping the mascara tube too much with the mascara wand. This allows air to get inside the tube, which then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. When you find the mascara that is suitable for you, just stick to the brand. All the best!

Short Hairstyles for People with Big Foreheads

Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, and Christina Ricci, what do all these celebs have in common?

They all have big foreheads, and sport some type of bang hairstyle, so that their forehead doesn't look prominent.Every person has a unique body shape, and some clothes look flattering on them while others just don't look right. Similarly, particular hairstyle looks great on some, while other hairstyles just don't suit them. Hence, you need to select the hairstyle according to your face shape wisely. In this Buzzle article, we will focus on trendy, short hairstyles for people with big foreheads.

Style Options for Women
Modern Pixie with Bangs

Pixie is all the rage this year, and a great option for people with big foreheads. However, ladies always get some sweeping bangs with it. In the above picture, the model is sporting a modern pixie which is closely cropped on the opposite side of the side bangs.

Pixie with Sweeping Bangs

Here is another cool pixie haircut. Get choppy layers in your pixie, and keep the bangs long and sweeping. Crop the bangs choppy to give it texture. You can further get some skinny highlights. Adding texture to your hair by highlighting and layering will make the head look broader, and remove attention from the forehead.

Cleopatra-style Bob

Cleopatra-style bob is a chic hairstyle, which is perfect for big foreheads. The straight, long bangs do a great job of hiding the forehead and directing attention to the eyes. This style gives a sexy-mysterious look. It looks great on people with jet black or light blonde hair. Take a look at the pictures of Christina Ricci flaunting her bob, for inspiration.

Clean Sweeping Bangs with Choppy Bob

You can also get some clean, side-sweeping bangs, with a short haircut. In the above picture, the model is sporting a neat bob, with clean, sweeping bangs. However, to add texture to the hair, the ends are cut a bit choppy. If you have fine hair, then this is a good styling option for you.

Pin-up Style

Another way of removing attention from your large forehead, is by using a nice hair accessory. Use a bold accessory and place it on one side of the head. For example, sweep your hair back and tuck a flower in your ear. The flower will give a romantic look, and remove attention from your forehead. Another way is to pin-up a ribbon, and place the bow on one side of the head. With such styles, you don't have to necessarily sport bangs. These are good styles in case you have overgrown bangs, or no bangs.

Updo Hairstyle

In case you are sporting an updo hairstyle for office or a party, make sure you take out a thick strand of hair from each side (refer to the picture above). This will soften the look, and remove attention from the forehead. Check out pictures of Angelina Jolie in formal hairstyles for ideas.

Style Options for Men
Long Sweeping Bangs

Guys too can opt for side-swept bangs styles, in case they have large foreheads. Get a short, choppy, layered haircut with side bangs that reach your eyebrows. This style is great for people with straight, fine hair. If you want, you can cut the hair in front of the ears and near the nape of neck in layers, to get the wispy-ends look.

Short Side Bangs

Similarly, men can also opt for a layered, short haircut with short bangs. If you don't want the maintenance of long sweeping bangs, then consider getting short, side bangs. They will also do a good job of making the big forehead appear smaller, and divert attention to other facial features.

No Bangs, the Bold Look

This year the 'James Dean' hairstyle is in. Celebs like Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, David Beckham, etc., are sporting this style. Though layered, short, choppy hairstyles are still popular, the swept-back, poofy styles are more in fashion. Even though you have a large forehead, you can carry these styles. Showing off your forehead will give a bold look. In case you want to accessorize, you can wear geeky glasses to bring attention to your eyes, and reduce the prominence of the forehead.

You will need to maintain your hair well, to carry these styles. So, make sure you condition your hair regularly, and use the appropriate styling products to achieve the look. Seek your stylist's advice on styling your new haircut.

Identifying Trees

Mother Nature has bestowed upon us multitude of trees and plant species. Trees come in different shapes, sizes and textures. What would you do if you are asked to submit an assignment that requires knowledge about various trees. You would certainly be interested in learning how to identify trees, shrubs and bushes. So, buy a good field guide that provides an in-depth knowledge about identifying trees that grow in your region. A field guide would give you ample information on various aspects involved in the identification of various plants and trees. You could differentiate between different kinds of trees and shrubs by looking at their leaves, twigs, fruits, flowers and bark.

Now, let's focus on the tree type and find out whether it is a coniferous or deciduous tree.

Identifying Coniferous and Deciduous Trees
Conifers belong to the coniferales order, their needle-like appearance and cones make it easy to identify them. Most of the conifers are evergreen and shed their scaly or needle-like foliage every year. Every season sees a renewal of their leaves. These can be categorized under conifer, evergreen and softwood. Evergreen as the name suggests have foliage throughout the season. Softwood trees are evergreen in nature and bear cones. Examples of softwood are spruce, cedar, fir and pine.

Deciduous trees, on the other hand, can be identified by their leaves. Trees like maples and lilacs have simple leaves on the twig that are faced opposite to each other. Examples of simple leaves located alternately on the twig are birch, willows and poplars. Some deciduous trees like ash and buckeye have compound leaves located on the opposite sides of the wig, while others like locusts and walnut have compound leaves located alternately on the twig.

Identify Trees by their Leaves
It is difficult to identify the trees by their leaves as this would require one to have knowledge of so many types of leaves. You could at least identify some trees that have distinctive leaves. When it comes to some trees, just a look at their leaves will clear any doubts about their identity. That could be the case with pine trees. The needle-like appearance makes it easily identifiable. Leaves could be broadly classified into simple and compound leaves. Have you seen a maple tree? You would have observed that maple, beech, oak and several other trees have one leaflet on one stem. These are simple leaves. Compound leaves have a feathery appearance. The difference lies in the fact that several leaflets are attached on a long leaf stem. These might be categorized into pinnate and palmate. Pinnate is the term used for trees with feather-like leaves. Palmate, as the word suggests, resembles the shape of our palm. Palmate has many leaflets growing from the tip of the stem.

Leaves could be identified by their different shapes. Leaves could be smooth, toothed or lobed. You could also take a look at the intricate details. There might be different kind of patterns. You could see whether they pair up at the same level along the opposite sides of the stem. The different types of toothed or lobed leaves could be marked out by the shape or size of their teeth and lobes respectively. You could check out the texture or the fragrance associated with the leaves. A great example is the cedar which can be recognized with the unique scent that the wood gives out.

Identify Trees by Bark
Trees could also be identified by their bark. So, are you ready to explore your power of touch! Touch the bark of the tree and try to feel the texture of the bark. It could be uniform, spiny, flaky, smooth or ridged. This method could be useful in case of trees that have reached their age of maturity. You could experience different patterns when you touch the tree's bark. The color of the bark can also be a parameter in identification of trees. For instance, if you try to peel the bark of the silver birch, it breaks down into small strips in the horizontal direction. When you attempt to peel the bark of paper birch, it comes off as large strips, and exposes its pinkish-orange layers underneath. You will experience how different kinds of bark peel off in different shaped strips. Some tree trunks are unique in their appearance, thus, they can be identified easily. Examples of such trees are honey locust and hercules-club tree.

Identify Trees by Fruits
Studying the fruits of a tree is another way to identify a tree. Oak trees produce acorns. So, if you know how an acorn looks, you could easily identify an oak tree. Fruits can be categorized into many types: berries, bacate, pepo, hesperidium, drupe and pome are just a few categories. We all know what berries look like. Fleshy pericarp forms a part of it. This is the fruit's ovary wall, which softens when the fruit ripens. Bacate include fruits like banana and avocado. Watermelons, pumpkin and other fruits in the gourd family can be identified with their hard and thick rinds. Citrus fruits like orange and lemon are categorized under hesperidium. Drupes include mangoes, almonds and coconuts. These fruits have seeds with a hard layer of coating around it. Pome includes fruits like pear and apple. The fruit's core is coated by an edible tissue called hypanthium. You could also identify trees by their nuts. Hickory trees could be identified by their flowers or nuts.

The task of identification of trees would be easier if you learn about the various parts of a tree. Identify its leaves, fruits, bark and the way it grows. So look into your field guide and start enriching your knowledge about trees. It is time to go green!

Summer Haircuts

Beautiful blooms and bright sunshine, the summer season has all this and much more in store. The summer season is the time to have fun in the sun! It is the time to pull out those flowery dresses and high heels and it also means loads of trips to the beach. The summer season also allows some time for experimentation! This is the time when you can try out some new and trendy haircuts. Long, cascading hair is not really suited for the hot and sultry weather. The idea is to look cool and trendy without really feeling the heat! So, here are some ideas for trendy summer haircuts.

Ideas for a Trendy Haircut

The bob has been around for ages, but variations have emerged over the years. From the basic bob, we now have the stylized inverted bob where hair is longer towards the front area of the crown. The inverted bob would require you to have sleek, straight hair to make it look really trendy. The best thing about this haircut is that it's short and sleek. Apart from the inverted bob, one can also try the blunt bob, which is slightly shorter. The asymmetrical bob hairstyle is yet another kind that is extremely popular. This popular cut involves the use of asymmetrical bangs on one side of the head so that it hangs heavily on that side. The reason why bob hairstyles are popular is that they are easy to manage. On a hot summers day, they are of low maintenance and on a busy day, they are easy to wash as well.

Short crops are yet another popular option for summer haircuts. Short crops can also enhance the volume of hair. You can opt for the razor to add more bounce and texture to the cut. They suit women who don't mind looking for a new adventurous fashionable hairstyle.

Classy updos are an haute option for girls who do not want to lose the length of their hair. Long hair is then best tied up in elegant updos. This hairstyle would require you to use the help of a hair expert. Try braided stylish updos to keep your hair in place.

A bun is also an ideal option for summer hairstyles. Trim your hair and add some layers. Then tie a low bun and use an elegant hairpiece to keep it in place. This will make you look graceful and keep you cool on a hot summer's day!

Hot Tips

• Use some Jojoba oil for the ends of the strands to soften hair on a dry, summer day. Jojoba oil is particularly helpful for dry, frizzy hair.
• When out in the sun, always use a hat to protect your hair from the harsh rays of the sun. A stylish scarf would also be an ideal option if hats tend to be too difficult to manage.
• Bold hair colors blend well with short hairstyles. The season is therefore an ideal time to experiment with zany hair colors.
• Short hair would look stylish when combined with fringes or bangs. These add to the glam element.

Temporary Tattoos That Look Real

Getting inked seems to be the new fad these days. Many people want to sport a tattoo to show their allegiance to someone they adore or something they believe in. But, the thought of 'what-if-it-doesn't-suit-me?' makes many skeptic about the whole affair. Many give up on the idea of getting inked, while some determined souls decide to take a shot at it. However, 'everything or nothing' seems to be the thing of the past as tattoo fan-boys can flaunt their favorite designs by getting a temporary tattoo. These are a great alternative to the 'real thing', and don't cause that dreaded pain that one experiences when going under the needle.

Henna Tattoos




The most commonly used method of getting these tattoos is by using henna. This is a natural paste made from henna leaves. The leaves are crushed into a powder and then made into a paste in order to use it as tattoo ink. The henna paste can be bought ready-made, over the counter, or you can even make it yourself. The tattoos made of henna ink, usually last on your skin for about ten days time, and give a reddish-brown color to the tattoo design. To make the henna paste yourself, you need to mix the henna powder with some lemon juice and some other essential oils.

Painted On Tattoos




This style require the help of a professional, or somebody who can draw well and has a good artistic sense. The tattoo is actually painted on your skin using a paint brush, thus giving you a great control over what the tattoo design should actually look like. The wide range of designs that are available to you under this method are as varied as the designs that you could get as an actual tattoo.

Airbrush Tattoos




This is possibly the easiest and the quickest way. All you need is a stencil of the design that you wish to have and an airbrush gun. Place the stencil on your skin and spray the paint from your airbrush to get the best results.

Real-looking Temporary Tattoos
A permanent tattoo means there is no looking back (unless you got a lot of dough to erase that off!), however, temporary tattoos amply serve their purpose. Having a permanent mark on your skin for the rest of your life is a big commitment. You need to be absolutely confident about the fact that you need to carry off the tattoo for the rest of your life. Temporary tattoos, on the other hand give you an idea of what a tattoo would actually look like. If you are satisfied with its appearance, maybe you can actually go and get a permanent tattoo. Or else, if you can' stand it even for a moment, the good news is these are easy to remove. Their biggest advantage is that they look great and the many popular ink brands that are available in the market are absolutely safe to use.

Depending on what kind of designs you want, you can choose one of the many methods of applying them on your body. Some of these methods are very inexpensive and require little or no artistic ability, whereas some require help from a professional, who knows how to make tattoos look real and also require some expensive equipment.

The kind of design you choose will depend on your personal tastes and preferences. It would definitely help if you know what design you want to get temporarily tattooed on your body, before you go ahead and get it done. But that is not mandatory. Since this will be just temporary, it will fade away in a few days. You can pick a better design for yourself the next time. Temporary tattoos are a great alternative to real tattoos; there is less pain involved, it is not permanent and it is inexpensive. Keep this option in mind, the next time you are thinking about getting yourself permanently tattooed.

Feather Tattoos

Wings and feather tattoos are one of the unique tattoo designs that very few people get engraved. They have very interesting meanings and can be made on any part of your body. Having a single or many feather tattoos can also symbolize different things like spirituality, creativity, or freedom. You can have tattoos of feathers of any birds you like. Most people go for peacock or eagle feathers as they are beautiful and symmetric. Given below are some great feather tattoo designs you can choose from.

Feather Tattoo Ideas

Feather tattoos are commonly associated with many Native American cultures, in which some birds such as the Eagle, Ostrich Plume, Egret, etc. were considered holy or strong and their feathers represented their characteristics. Eagle feathers were considered sacred and were worn by powerful men like Chieftains, Healers and Elders. This was a strong feather tattoo meaning, interpreted by many people to get the tattoos and even today, is used as a reason for the same.

• You can have, either very simple or complicated ones with other combinations. You can style them in your own way and make shaded feathers or Celtic tattoo designs of them.
• Drawing one simple feather with a fox or a lion on one side of it can be a great feather tattoo behind the ear as it will be a small design yet prominent enough to be noticed.
• A cross with two eagle feathers, one on each side can symbolize spirituality in a beautiful manner.
• If you are a fan of Native American culture, you can get yourself a tattoo of the Chief's face wearing the traditional feather hat on the head.
• Getting a peacock feather tattoo shaded with beautiful blue and green colors can also be a great feather tattoo design.
• Combining feather designs with other designs like flowers, hearts, birds, beads or simple circle designs can create a completely different tattoo design.
• Feathers are the essence of birds and each bird is identified by the type of its feathers. Getting a bird like a peacock tattooed on your back with its feathers accentuated can be one of the best feather tattoos on the back or your arm.
• Feather tattoos are a great option for people who want to get a tattoo for the first time and want it to look posh and one of a kind.
• The feathers of an eagle are well placed and large and so most of the tattoos involve them as simple distinctive tattoo designs.
• One more creative and eye-catching feather tattoo design can be getting a whole phoenix tattooed on your back or arm. That will look majestic and can show the tattooer's skill to the fullest.

You can have these tattoos on your back or lower back. They look grand and elegant at these spots, if you like large sized tattoo designs. Neck tattoos can also be made using these designs and combining them with some other designs. Having a small eagle at the edge of your collarbone can look really attractive on women. Similarly you get these tattoos on your wrists, feet, leg and also shoulders. A Gothic interpretation of these tattoos where feathers are disintegrating into birds can look classic and unique. Your hip can also serve a great place to get one of these amazing tattoos to flaunt before your friends.

These designs can be unique yet beautiful. They are considered as unisex tattoos and both men and women can transform them in their own styles. So, if you've been thinking of getting a tattoo for a long time and can't figure out what to have, feather tattoos should definitely be on your list.

Semi-Permanent Tattoos

So, what are the pros and cons of the semi-permanent tattoos? There are no cons, only pros. You won't have to go through the pain of the needle and soreness which one suffers for days, after getting a permanent tattoo.

You can get rid of these tattoos easily, and get a new one on the same place. The choice of designs and colors in demi-permanent tattoos are same as that of the permanent ones, so practically you can get any design you want.

Your parents won't yell, if you get a semi-permanent tattoo! You can get your partners name tattooed, and don't have to worry about removing the tattoo, if your partner changes!

Now that you know about the pros of these tattoos, here various types of such tattoos with pics.

Click on the pictures below, to view them large.

Picture Gallery



Henna Tattoo


Stick-Ons

Airbrush Tattoo


Mehndi


Pen Tattoo

Tattoo Nylon Sleeve
TypesMany people are looking for demi-permanent tattoos which last for a period of 6 months or 3-5 years. Well there is a lot of discrepancy over those kinds of tattoos, which we will discuss later. But, now here are some old and safe methods used to make these tattoos.

Henna Tattoos: Using henna pen tattoos is a fast, safe and natural way of tattooing. You can buy this semi-permanent tattoo pen online, or in beauty stores. You can draw sharp and fine lines using this ink pen in black color. This type of tattoo will last around 2-4 weeks.

Stick-ons: Do I need to even describe about these kinds of tattoos? Everybody has tried these when they were kids. They look gross when they are fading away, but look cool when freshly glued on the skin. Look for good quality stick-on tattoos, and enjoy the body art for 3-7 days.

Apart from the stick-ons, you can also buy a 'special paper'. A single sheet of this paper costs $5. Just use the paper in your printer and print a design which you like on it. Then use some water and a cloth to transfer the design on your body. If you want to test if a particular design will look good on you, then you can try this method.

TATs: TATs or temporary airbrush tattoos, are applied to the skin surface without causing any damage to the skin. A stencil is placed on the skin, and the tattoo ink is applied using an airbrush. It resembles a permanent tattoo, and can be removed using an oil or alcohol-based product. It doesn't last too long and washing/bathing the skin will result in faster removal of the tattoo. But, you can increase its life by applying baby powder to a freshly done TAT.

Mehndi: Some of you must be thinking, that henna and mehndi are one and the same. But, henna is the substance used to make the ink. The tattoos done using ink pen are black henna tattoos, while mehndi is one of the oldest form of body art. In India and many Arabian countries, women make a green paste of mehndi, put it in a plastic cone and draw designs over their hands which will give a red dye effect on the skin. These last for 4 days to 1 week. You can find these mehndi cones online, if you wish to try mehndi designs.

Ballpoint Pen Tattoos: These can be done using any normal ballpoint pen, and can closely look like the permanent tattoos when neatly done. But, they fade quickly and can be removed easily using soap and water. You can ask a friend (who's good at drawing) to draw a colorful design on your body with pens.

If your skin is sensitive, then do an allergy check before trying any of the above semi-permanent tattooing methods. Apply a little line or patch of ink on your skin, and let it sit for an hour and then check for any allergic reaction.

Tattoo Sleeve: These sleeves look cool and are made of nylon. They are transparent and stretchable. You can wear them for a cool tattooed-sleeve look. Just like tattoo sleeves, you get tattoo shirts too. Make sure you choose the appropriate size of the sleeve or shirt, so that it fits you properly. You can buy tattoo sleeves online, they cost anywhere between $3 to $25.

ControversyThe so-called semi-permanent tattoos, which last for many months or for a few years, involve insertion of the pigments under the skin. The ink inserted in the skin can't be completely removed, and so such tattoos can't be called temporary tattoos. However, some specially formulated ink can be much easier to remove, and they last for a period of 3-6 months. Many tattoos known as temporary tattoos, are applied using a tattoo gun which causes discomfort. Practitioners say that these tattoos will fade after a few years, but there is a lot of discrepancy over this. Due to such mixed opinions, these tattoos can't be completely termed as semi-permanent.

Going for a tattoo using a tattoo gun will cause discomfort and there is no guarantee of complete removal. Hence, it is safe that you stick to any of the above mentioned safe temporary tattoo method, to get a body art design. Good luck!

How to Look Hot

When we think about the term 'hot', we also associate it with sexy, sultry, confident, elegant, beautiful and smart. We see celebrities like Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Halle Berry and many more, and we say "Wow, they are so hot!" We aspire to look just as hot as them, but without burning a hole in our pockets.

Being hot is just a state of mind. It does not depend on what your body looks like or how much skin you show. You can look sultry even by being fully clothed. Being well-endowed with feminine assets should not be a criterion as far as hotness is concerned. Let's face it, Keira Knightley isn't exceptionally endowed, but she is one of the world's hottest women! Here's the lowdown on looking gorgeous everyday.

Hygiene and Health

The key to looking attractive for girls as well as boys is maintaining good personal hygiene. Nails of both the fingers and toes must be clean. You should smell good; so, take a shower and spray some fragrant deodorants. Brush your teeth twice a day for oral hygiene. Work towards improving the health of your skin. Eat right and avoid acidic and gassy foods. Start exercising to keep yourself fit.

Cosmetics

There are a very wide range of cosmetics that you can use to beautify yourself. Whatever makeup products you buy, just make sure that they suit your skin tone. Look at things in a broader perspective while trying new looks and styles. Accentuate your best feature; for example, if it's your eyes, then apply eyeliner in such a way that your eyes look fresh and stand out. Whatever you do, remember that the key to pulling off any look is self-confidence.

Be Trendy

It doesn't matter if your clothes are unbranded or off the rack from some designer store. You should wear clothes that fit you right, not those that are too loose or sizes too small. They should be clean and suit your body type. You can wear something plain and simple, and accessorize it with some fun jewelry and bags (for girls). Boys can wear a good belt and some nice shoes to complete the look. Wear colors that make your eyes stand out or those that work well with your hair shade. Follow a trend but tweak it up in your own way. For example, if the trend is skinny jeans and tank tops, and you are on the chubby side, then you can tweak it up by adding a jacket to it, or wear a sweater instead of the tank top. Fashion is like art, it keeps evolving, making you also change with it.

Personality

When I say personality, I mean that you should be friendly and approachable. Do not stop being with your friends just because they are not in the "hot" category. Whatever your personality maybe, you should carry it off with style and elegance, yet not come across as overconfident. You should have an aura about you that people get attracted to and want to befriend you. It's all in the way you carry yourself, with grace and confidence. Develop the ability to make heads turn your way, wherever you go!

Charm

Be charming and spontaneous. Flirt, but in a very subtle way. There is no need to overdo it. You could just smile and talk to people, and maintaining good eye contact (not in the creepy, stalker way!) will do 90% of the job for you. Showing cleavage or too much leg (for girls) and flexing your muscles too often or using cheesy lines (for boys) are very primitive techniques in flirting. So, please keep these methods at bay. Keep your flirting and charm casual, fresh, and funny. Be witty and quirky, but not rude and insensitive.

Your Walk

The way you walk says a lot about your personality. If you walk with your shoulders hunched, you are nervous, dispirited or low on self-esteem. If you strut, then you may seem arrogant. You should walk in a graceful and dignified manner (for girls), and the boys should have a bit of a swagger to their walk. Maintain a good posture while doing this.

These steps are important for being hot and being loved for it. Keep your head on your shoulders and never compromise on your principles. Remember to have faith and patience to transform yourself into the beautiful butterfly, you always wanted to be! I leave you with a quote:

It's important for all types of women to know that you don't have to fit a prototype of what one person thinks is beautiful in order to be beautiful or feel beautiful.... People think, Sexy, big breasts, curvy body, no cellulite. It's not that. Take the girl at the beach with the cellulite legs, wearing her bathing suit the way she likes it, walking with a certain air, comfortable with herself. That woman is sexy. Then you see the perfect girl who's really thin, tugging at her bathing suit, wondering how her hair looks. That's not sexy. - JENNIFER LOPEZ, Readers Digest, Aug. 2003

Rock Garden Landscaping Ideas

I moved into a new house recently. It has a backyard that I was dying to transform. It's just the right size. Not too big, not too small. But that was one of its problems too. I didn't want a full-fledged garden because I knew I would not get the time to look after it. So I opted for a gorgeous rock garden instead. And now my backyard looks fabulous! So I thought of spreading the joy by mentioning some ideas for rock garden here. Read them, and the next time you think of re-doing your backyard, I'm sure you can use one of them.

Ideas for Rock Garden Landscaping

Creating a rock garden does not mean that you collect a bunch of rocks and dump them in your yard. Yes, it is a less messy landscaping option than normal gardening, but, mind you, it is just as time consuming and involves the same amount of effort and dedication to make it look picture perfect. Below are some ideas for a pretty rock garden that are not too difficult either.

Waterfall
Nothing like water to beautify your garden. Flowing water, to top it, will only further enhance the look! Note that this idea is for a small portion of your garden. So, begin with getting the right size and shapes of rocks. You'll need rocks that have a smooth finish for this idea. Different sizes is what I would suggest. Use medium-sized rocks to make a border for the area that you're going to use for the waterfall. Make a slope towards a corner with mud. Then place the rocks randomly or according to their sizes on the mud slope. You get ready-made waterfalls and waterfall pumps in gardening or interior decorating stores. Place one of those and camouflage it with similar colored rocks. Your corner waterfall is ready. Incorporate this idea in a Japanese garden and it'll have a breathtaking effect.

Flowers
Relax! I'm not going to ask you to carve flowers in rocks! My suggestion is to complement some dull rocks with vibrant flowers having bright colors! So, what you can do is, systematically fill your garden with smooth or crude rocks all around in such a way that it looks random. Leave patches for planting the flowering bushes and shrubs. Or you can work the other way round. It does not really make a difference because it isn't really messy. Then plant the shrubs and bushes in the patches. Go for evergreen flowering shrubs, so that your garden looks colorful all year round. I've used this idea. I've arranged the bushes in such a way that it depicts a star. You can pick a word or a shape too!

Cactus
This is one of those creative rock garden designs! You don't have to worry about watering the plants often. Pick some pretty varieties of cactus to adorn your rock garden. Cactus is extremely hardy and does not need to be watered regularly. There are different types of cactus that you can choose from. Some of them bear tiny colorful flowers too. You can have them potted in your rock garden or you can create a desert like theme. Plant cactus plants around the edges of your garden if you have kids. They might prick themselves by touching the plants. For this idea, it would be better to use small smooth rocks in pale brown or cream. It will give the garden a rusty look, and that's exactly the point.

Greens
Here's another idea which is quite the opposite of the previous one. This one will give you a lush green backyard punctuated with pretty white rocks, or vice versa. You can begin by laying down grass in your entire garden. Pick some spots for rocks. Establish a pattern when you leave the spots bare so that when you finally fill in the white (smooth finish) rocks, there's an elegant look of finesse to it. The exact inversion can be done too. Fill your garden with smooth rocks and leave spots bare for grass.

Pond
Having a pond in your rock garden is another fabulous idea. Design the garden with rocks of different colors, shapes and sizes. Reserve a corner for a small pond. By small, I mean small enough for maybe a bike to fit in, but please, not your boat! You can surround the pond with small flowering bushes to prevent anyone from going into it (yes, kids tend to try that). Or, if your garden is really big, you can have a pretty picket fence around the pond, with a gate for entering to clean it. A Koi pond will be a superb option for a big rock garden!

That's all the rock garden ideas that I could think of. I'm sure you'll have some fabulous ideas as well. Many people would love to read about them. So why not share them too?

Bleaching Cream for Dark Spots

It is every woman's dream to have a flawless, glowing complexion. However, due to a number of reasons such as prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, hormone imbalance that occurs in a woman's body during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, acne, the natural aging process or reaction to some medicines, a woman might find her skin getting spoiled by dark spots. There are numerous beauty products available in the market which are especially formulated to remove these spots. Out of these, bleaching cream is perhaps the most widely used.

There is a plethora of options available in the market. Well, the best one depends upon a number of factors, such as the manufacturer's reputation, the reviews of the consumers, how safe is the cream and most importantly, the quality of the ingredients. Most creams consist of ingredients such as hydroquinone, elegic acid, azelaic acid and kojic acid. All these ingredients help in lightening the skin color by working on the melanin deposits on the skin. Below is some useful information on the various kinds of bleaching creams available these days.

Moisturizing Creams
Certain bleaching creams available in the market, besides the skin lightening ingredients, consist of moisture providing substances as well, like vitamin C, vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients ensure that along with balancing out the skin tone and helping to remove dark spots, it keeps the skin soft, supple and younger looking, by way of extra moisture.

Gel-based Creams
Gel-based creams are effective for people who have a combination skin. These gel based creams fade the spots on the skin and help in getting rid of skin problems such as freckles, sun spots, skin discolorations, etc. Some gel based creams even consist of sunscreen, which helps in preventing dark spots from appearing on the skin again.

Nighttime Creams
This consists of ingredients such as Hydroquinone, botanical extracts and antioxidants which fade the dark spots on face and treat skin discolorations. These creams have to be applied in the night before sleeping, so that they can work on the skin whole night, removing the spots, moisturizing and firming the skin - all at the same time.

Specific-Use Creams
Some bleaching creams are especially formulated to treat the skin which has become dark or has dark spots on it due to the use of oral contraceptives. So women who have got dark spots because of this reason, should apply such creams to lighten dark spots.

Tips on Treating Black Spots with Bleaching Cream

As the chemicals in a bleaching cream are pretty strong, that's why it is very important that it is used in an appropriate manner, so that no harm to the skin can be caused. Here are some tips on applying bleaching cream for dark spots.

• Before using it on the face, a patch test should be done by applying it on the elbow. If for two days there is no reactions/negative effects on the skin, it can be applied on the face.
• After the face has been bleached, a woman should apply sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 before going out in the sun.
• The cream should only be applied on the dark spots or areas of the skin which need to be treated to avoid lightening the surrounding skin areas.
• As it tends to make the skin sensitive, so for cleaning the skin which has been bleached, a good quality face wash should be used.
• A bleaching cream should not be applied on the sensitive areas of the skin such as around the eyes.
• It should be applied moderately, as its effects last only as long as it is used. Thus, apply in moderation, so that skin lightening occurs gradually.

Bleaching cream is indeed effective, although it's not a permanent solution. So preventing the dark spots from occurring, by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and protecting the skin from the sun is very important. By following a regular skin care regimen and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, any woman can get a radiant, flawless and glowing skin.

Stripping Hair Color

What is professionally known as 'color correction', is actually a procedure for stripping hair color, that you may resort to when you opted for a hair color that didn't quite turn out the way you wanted it. This is quite common, as the final result can never be guaranteed, neither by you, nor by the best professional around. Those of you who are absolutely unhappy with the final results, may choose to strip your hair color, and then dye it to a color that is better suited. While this procedure is best done professionally, there are also some ways in which you can follow it at home.

Stripping Hair Color at Home

Hair color can be effectively, but not completely, stripped only if it is darker than the actual shade of your hair. Else, when another color is applied to restore the natural hair color, the effects may be unexpected. If the hair color is lighter than the actual hair color, you may have to apply another hair color over it. That is the only way an unwanted lighter hair color can be taken off. Further, if you want to strip your hair of its color, consider the type of color you applied, and time that has lapsed between the hair color application and the procedure of stripping the hair color. The sooner you take action, the easier it will be for you to get rid of the unwanted hair color. If the hair dye you applied was semi-permanent, it will quickly fade out on its own, without you having to take specific measures. Take a look at some of these remedies for stripping hair color at home.

• Start the procedure by washing your hair with hot water. Hot water opens up the cuticles of the hair, and allows the color to get washed away.
• Follow this up with the use of an anti-dandruff shampoo, or a shampoo meant to eliminate build up. Such a shampoo will easily strip the hair off the undesirable hair color. Before you follow this procedure, apply lots of olive oil on your hair, and let it remain for at least half an hour. This will slightly reduce the damage caused by the chemically loaded products you are going to use. Also, always condition your hair after using all these products.
• For a more effective treatment, mix a good amount of baking soda with a clarifying shampoo and wash your hair with this mixture. Your final mixture should be thick, but not paste like.
• You may purchase a hair bleaching kit, so that all the hair dye is permanently removed. However, this will also affect the natural color of your hair, and when you try to apply another hair color, the outcome is likely to be different than expected.
• Another way of stripping hair color naturally is to apply fresh tomato juice on the hair (not on the scalp), and leave it on for an hour. Then follow it up with your shampoo and conditioning routine.
• The regular application of 3 parts lemon juice, mixed with 1 part of a conditioner suitable for your hair, on colored hair followed by shampooing and conditioning after about 30 minutes, will also get rid of the excess pigment of the unwanted hair color, over time.

Helpful Tips

The process of stripping color also takes away the natural moisture of your hair, and makes it extremely weak and brittle. For this purpose, take a look at some tips on hair care while following the procedure to strip hair color.

• Though the tips and tricks to strip hair color at home have been mentioned here, it is always advisable to consult a hair care professional to take care of this problem. Attempting to do it on your own can worsen your problem sometimes.
• Following any of the above-mentioned procedures to lighten hair color is going to take time. While it does, it is important to care for your hair else it will lose all its natural shine. To take care of it, always follow a deep conditioning treatment to maintain the natural moisture of your hair. You may do this under the guidance of a professional, or simply apply lots of olive oil on your hair overnight, and wash it off in the morning. When you are not applying a shampoo to strip hair color, try to use a mild shampoo for your hair.
• For the purpose of stripping hair color, products are plenty and easily available in the market. However, these can badly damage your hair. Avoid the use of these at any cost.

Though hair coloring is the norm of the day, there is a reason why people say there is beauty in simplicity. Instead of getting your hair dyed in the wrong color, and then having to go through the procedure of stripping hair color and causing further damage to your hair, wouldn't it just be simple to stay natural and be who you are?

Wavy Haircuts for Men

Among men's hairstyles, wavy haircuts are one style that gives a messy but stylish look. Some casual wavy styles also give a just-out-of-bed look. But, guys this doesn't mean that you don't have to keep your hair clean and well-maintained. Using sea salt sprays can make your hair dry. So ensure proper hair care by using a mild shampoo and a good conditioner, to keep your hair clean and soft. Short crew cuts are very common among men, but wavy hairstyles are always a head turner.

Wavy Haircuts for Guys

Plan out what you want from your haircut beforehand depending on factors, like the texture of your hair, your hair length and the hairstyle you want. You can always use hair coloring ideas to color your hair after the haircut, to make your look more unique. The easiest way to explain to your stylist the wavy haircut you want, is to either show him a sample picture of a celebrity, or select the haircut from the pictures in the catalog which will be available at the beauty salon.

John Mayer Wavy Hairstyle: This hairstyle is suitable for guys with slightly curly hair. It is a hairstyle that requires very little maintenance and helps you get that extremely sexy out-of-the-bed look. For this hairstyle, cut the hair at the back, short, and cut the sides of the hair to reach your hair. The front section of hair should be cut in such a manner that it reaches a little above your eyebrows.

Johnny Depp Hairstyle: One needs to have slightly wavy or very wavy hair for this hairstyle. Cut your hair till it reaches your neck, straightening it till your ears and then keeping the rest of your hair wavy. You can always tie up a section of your hair for parties to give a formal look. This hairstyle is also a very low maintenance style.

George Clooney Wavy Cut: George Clooney has salt and pepper hair. This is a good choice amongst wavy haircuts for round face. To get this look, you will have to highlight the waves on the top of your head so that the look is enhanced. This haircut is suitable for men with slightly wavy hair. Cut your hair very short at the sides and at the back and let it remain a little long at the top. In this look, it is a good ideas to part your hair sideways.

Ashton Kutcher Wavy Hairstyle: This kind of hairstyle is very popular and stylish and suits guys with square jawlines. This is also a favorite amongst teen hairstyles. To cut your hair in this style, grow your hair and then texture them using a razor. Sweep the front section of the hair sideways and let it fall uptil your eyebrows. Let the hair length at the back be such that it reaches the middle of the neck.

Owen Wilson Wavy Haircut: This is a stylish wavy haircut for men. For this hairstyle, you need hair which reaches your neck. Cut the front and sides of your hair in layers. Keep the front hair section finely combed and let the hair at the back remain wavy.

Robert Pattinson Hairdo: This is a good short haircut which gives a unique look and is suitable for guys with angled jaws. Your hair should be medium wavy for this haircut. For this haircut, cut the back of your hair very short and leave the top and sides of the hair, long. Semi-spike your hair with gel, in three sections, the top and the two side sections.

Whenever, opting for a wavy haircut, remember that after you make your hair wavy the, length of your hair is going to appear shorter. This is important to remember, especially if you have naturally wavy or curly hair. Hair that reach uptil, or below your shoulders is out of fashion and medium wavy haircuts till neck are popular, so avoid the former hairstyle. Select any one of the above haircuts, and enjoy the latest fashion in men's hairstyle.

Tattooing Tips

Love tattooing? Well, some of you might be still confused in choosing the right piece for your body. No matter, you have one or not, or you are wondering to have some more inked, here are some tips and ideas on tattooing that will be definitely helpful for you. Read these tattooing tips and get ready to have an exciting tattooing experience.

Before You Get a Tattoo

Well, before you hit the studio and get a tattoo inked, the first thing is to be sure that you really want a tattoo. Remember that tattoo removal is a difficult process that involves pain and has a lot of chances of infection. One of the important tips for tattooing is that before getting a tattoo, have your tetanus and hepatitis immunizations up-to-date.

Choosing the Tattoo Artist

Now this is definitely the most important step of getting a tattoo. Remember that the output completely depends on the skills of a tattoo artist. Wrongly done tattoo can ruin the looks and at times, damage your skin as well. One of the tips is to get references from your friends, who have inked a tattoo recently. You must visit a number of reputed and experienced tattoo artists to find out the best artist and tattoo studio. Choose a tattoo artist who is licensed. Remember that a good tattoo artist will spend time knowing your needs and giving ideas accordingly, to help you get the best piece. You can check his work usually put up on the studio walls or albums.

Tattoo Studio Essentials

A tattoo studio is known to be essentially equipped with a few things. To start with, check whether the studio is clean and well-organized. Autoclave, a device which pressurizes the instruments used for tattooing and kills any viruses or bacteria is one thing that any tattoo studio must have. Apart from this, needle buckets, germicidal soap, packaged gauze, disposal containers and disposable gloves are also necessary.

Picking the Right Tattoo

Here's the exiting part of the entire exercise, picking the right tat! Another tip is not to choose a design, just because you saw it on someone's body and liked it. Take time to check out the entire album, check out tattoo image websites and find a unique piece for yourself. There's a trick you can try; place small designs on small body parts and larger on large body part. This will ensure perfect visibility and nice appearance. Sizing down a large design to fit into a small area can lead to a messy design and the minute details need to be skipped or won't be visible. Whenever you go for a letter make sure that whatever you express through it, is readable, so choose the right font and font size. Remember that geometrical shapes might not stay the same as time passes or might even look different on your skin from what they look on a plain paper.

Aftercare to Be Followed

The tattoo artist will give you the details of things to done before coming to the studio and those to be followed after getting a tattoo. Tattoo aftercare is very essential to have the best results and for maintaining the look of your tattoo. Basically, you should not remove the bandage for a day. Apply the ointments (if any) given by the tattoo artist. Also, do not touch or prick it and keep it dry for a 1 - 2 days. You must wash the area with an antibacterial soap, for the next few days. Keep it away from sun's rays and cosmetic creams or lotions, till it heals completely. For excess pain, redness, itching and pus, consult your tattoo artist.

One of the tattooing tips is to tell the artist what exactly you want. If you don't have a design in mind, tell the type of tattoo you want, simple, crazy, cool, weird, 3D, lettering, feminine, etc. This will help the tattoo artist suggest you the right piece. Have fun tattooing!

Bathroom Renovation Ideas

Depending upon the size of your bathroom, you've got to decide the areas that need renovation. In accordance with the budget, make a list of things you need to include and exclude in your bathroom. While remodeling a bathroom you need to consider the regularity of use among the members of the family. You also must keep in mind the various age groups that are in the family before you start renovating your bathroom. If there are many members in your family and the shower and toilet areas are in the same room, it would be a wise move to construct an enclosure that separates the shower and toilet area. This would ensure privacy among different members who use the respective areas.

The available space in a bathroom needs to be constructively used, keeping in mind the layout of the bathroom. In the bathroom, sinks, tiles and vanity cabinets go through a lot of wear and tear due to constant use. Making changes in the bathroom without paying heed to the paintwork on the ceiling and light fixtures results in a drab look of the bathroom.

Choosing Tiles
Tiles make the area look stylish and add to the aesthetic sense of a bathroom. Tiles should be chosen keeping in mind the prevalent or new accessories in the bathroom. Generally lighter colored tiles are preferred in smaller bathrooms as compared to the darker tiles that are better for the more spacious ones. Moreover, in smaller bathrooms, the floor tiles and the tiles on the walls need to be of the same variety. You can choose the various designs and styles that are available in ceramics and marble. For more elaborate theme-based bathroom flooring, you can opt for tiles made of glass and even metal. Adding new tiles is one of the basic essentials while renovating a bathroom.

Sinks
The constant flow of water results in the wear and tear of a bathroom sink. It is important to change the sink in your bathroom. There are various designs made of glass, stone, copper, cast iron and many other materials. Most sinks come in modular designs which can be easily attached under a counter top while custom-made designs need wall brackets. If you have granite walls in your bathroom it would be wise to go in for a sink of the same material.

Vanity Cabinets
The vanity cabinets in your bathroom are used extensively to keep and remove toiletries. The paint or the woodwork is likely to peel or chip off. Moreover, try to install your cabinets in an area where they are less likely to get wet. Another way to avoid this problem is to go in for sleek glass or porcelain bathroom vanities, which will go well with your bathroom faucets.

Lighting
A renovation without proper bathroom lighting is a job half done. You need to take care that the light fixtures you use in your bathroom complement the interiors nicely. You can choose ceiling fixtures with recessed lights that illuminate the entire area or you can go in for more elaborate accent lighting that goes well with vanity cabinets. It is also wise to have lights on both sides of the mirror to minimize shadows.

Apart from the above mentioned changes, you can go ahead and add new shower curtains and install new towel racks and faucets to suit your liking. A well-renovated bathroom adds a whole new feel, making it look beautiful and visually appealing.