Monday, December 31, 2007

Diamond – April's Gemstone Of Sparkling Glamour

Diamond – April's Gemstone Of Sparkling Glamour
by: Sarah Stephens

Diamond is a precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is a clear stone revered for its ability to reflect light, and is widely recognized as the April Birthstone and the center stone used in most American engagement rings. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, diamonds hold a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that add nostalgic value to their already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your diamond jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!

Diamonds are prized for their beauty and durability. A form of carbon, the Diamond is the world’s hardest known natural material. In fact, the word "Diamond" comes from the ancient Greek adamas, which means invincible. Because of their durability, Diamonds have been used in tools for since antiquity. Diamonds were first used as religions icons in India nearly 2,500 years ago. Since then, they've become highly coveted gemstones.

Diamonds are often described and valued by their gemological characteristics: The Four C's (carat, color, cut and clarity). Although Diamonds are used in many types of fine jewelry, they are traditionally associated with engagement and wedding rings. Most people think diamonds are white or colorless. In fact, yellow and brown Diamonds are the most common. Any Diamond with a hue other than brown or yellow is considered a colored Diamond. Colorless Diamonds are pure or nearly pure. The color scale for colorless diamonds goes from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow).

Diamonds look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, dark amethyst or cool blue sapphire. More casual combinations include lighter, bridal colored blends with aquamarine, pearls and carnelian. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring raw diamonds, visit http://www.dashaboutique.com/shopbygemstone. Diamond is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of blue or green eyes.

Almost half of all Diamonds come from mines in central and southern Africa. The other half comes from mines in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil and Australia. Today, the jewelry industry is buzzing about high-quality or lab-created diamonds. These synthetic diamonds possess the same molecular structure as natural diamonds. With public concerns about the mining industry, these man-made beauties offer a compelling alternative to the real thing.

Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Diamonds are often proved real by the fact that they can scratch glass. Because they are such scratch resistant stones, diamonds are extremelty suitable as a component of oft-worn jewelry. Diamonds should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Avoid ultra-sonic cleaners, solvents and harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.

Learn more about all semi-precious and precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, aquamarine, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart: http://www.dashaboutique.com/gemstone chart.html.

Diamond – April's Gemstone Of Sparkling Glamour

Diamond – April's Gemstone Of Sparkling Glamour
by: Sarah Stephens

Diamond is a precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is a clear stone revered for its ability to reflect light, and is widely recognized as the April Birthstone and the center stone used in most American engagement rings. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, diamonds hold a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that add nostalgic value to their already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your diamond jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!

Diamonds are prized for their beauty and durability. A form of carbon, the Diamond is the world’s hardest known natural material. In fact, the word "Diamond" comes from the ancient Greek adamas, which means invincible. Because of their durability, Diamonds have been used in tools for since antiquity. Diamonds were first used as religions icons in India nearly 2,500 years ago. Since then, they've become highly coveted gemstones.

Diamonds are often described and valued by their gemological characteristics: The Four C's (carat, color, cut and clarity). Although Diamonds are used in many types of fine jewelry, they are traditionally associated with engagement and wedding rings. Most people think diamonds are white or colorless. In fact, yellow and brown Diamonds are the most common. Any Diamond with a hue other than brown or yellow is considered a colored Diamond. Colorless Diamonds are pure or nearly pure. The color scale for colorless diamonds goes from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow).

Diamonds look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, dark amethyst or cool blue sapphire. More casual combinations include lighter, bridal colored blends with aquamarine, pearls and carnelian. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring raw diamonds, visit http://www.dashaboutique.com/shopbygemstone. Diamond is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of blue or green eyes.

Almost half of all Diamonds come from mines in central and southern Africa. The other half comes from mines in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil and Australia. Today, the jewelry industry is buzzing about high-quality or lab-created diamonds. These synthetic diamonds possess the same molecular structure as natural diamonds. With public concerns about the mining industry, these man-made beauties offer a compelling alternative to the real thing.

Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Diamonds are often proved real by the fact that they can scratch glass. Because they are such scratch resistant stones, diamonds are extremelty suitable as a component of oft-worn jewelry. Diamonds should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Avoid ultra-sonic cleaners, solvents and harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.

Learn more about all semi-precious and precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, aquamarine, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart: http://www.dashaboutique.com/gemstone chart.html.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Makeup and Cosmetic Cases - Choosing the Right One for Your Needs

Makeup and Cosmetic Cases - Choosing the Right One for Your Needs
By Nicole Essler

Being a professional makeup artist is not an easy job. Whether you work with celebrities on movie or television sets or in a beauty salon for special occasions such as weddings, proms or birthdays the job of a true cosmetic artist is always filled with pressure, urgency and the need for precision and accuracy. When people request the services of a make up artist it's usually for something pretty important, which puts a lot of pressure on you - the makeup artist. The last thing a beautician wants to be doing is trying to find the right shade or brush - or in a worst case scenario realize that she forgot to bring the right brush or color!
Because of pressure filled situations such as the one described above, every makeup artists understands the importance of being highly organized when it comes to cosmetics and other tools of the trade. A good cosmetic case can go a long way toward making you more organized, but you must be careful to choose one that is right for your needs otherwise you can end up with an extra headache.

First decide on the size of the case you will need because they come in many sizes and shapes. How much makeup, cosmetics and brushes do you need to take with you to your assignments or to your salon? If you do not work with a wide variety of pallets and brushes you may opt for a smaller size makeup case in order to make thing easier to find and quick to retrieve. If however your practice involves hundreds of shades and many different brushes, you will need a larger case that can accommodate all your tools.

Next you should consider the tray and storage compartments of the cosmetic case you need. Once again this should be decided by the variety of colors and tools that you most often use. An optimal case will have easier to reach trays on top for your every day needs and deeper, pull-out trays underneath for those makeup shades that are used rarely, but still come in handy.

Finally decide if you will need a soft or a hard makeup case. A hard cosmetic case that is used for traveling in airplanes is called a train case. When deciding on the outside finish of your case consider your working and travel conditions. If you plan on checking in your case often or traveling with it a lot then a hardtop, aluminum or plastic shell case is the way to go. However if you need something that will easily fit into your carry-on luggage or just something to keep at the shop then a soft, leather case will do.

To summarize, remember that choosing the right makeup case is very important for a cosmetic professional because it can mean the difference between being able to find the right beauty tool or shade at the needed, urgent time or not. In this profession we all know the pressure we are under so try to reduce the gray hairs by staying organized and professional.

Nicole Essler is the head beautician at Cleopatra's Choice which carries professional makeup cases and cosmetic cases and mineral makeup online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_Essler

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Your Skin Care and Beauty Routine - How Does It Measure Up?

Your Skin Care and Beauty Routine - How Does It Measure Up?
By Katrina Price

When choosing a skin care regimen, it is important to use all of the steps from the same brand because they are formulated to work together. Don’t use a piece of this set and a piece of that set. Also, be sure to use ALL the steps in a skin care set. You wouldn’t bake a cake and leave out the flour, would you?

Wash your face thoroughly before applying makeup and glamour cosmetics. Give yourself a nice facial. An artist wouldn’t paint a masterpiece on a stained or dingy canvas, right?

When applying your facial skin care cleanser, use light strokes so as not to tug on your skin. Mask should not be applied too close to the mouth or the eye area. Toner and moisturizer round out the facial and now you’re ready for foundation and color cosmetics.

True beauty comes from within, and makeup and cosmetics simply enhance that. If your skin care and beauty routine doesn’t involve a lot of glamour makeup, don’t worry. A few shades of neutral or sheer cosmetics will give you that special glow and look of natural beauty. Pay attention to your manicure and pedicure as well.

For goodness sakes, don’t fall asleep with makeup or cosmetics on. It’s estimated that for every night you do, your skin ages by 12 days! Give yourself a quick facial before you hit the sheets. It’s called skin CARE for a reason.

Katrina Price offers her knowledge in the world of skin care and beauty. You can read more by visiting http://www.skincareteacher.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katrina_Price

Technorati Profile

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Acne Scars and Makeup

Acne Scars and Makeup
By Suzanne Hughes

When a person has acne scars, makeup is important. There is makeup for acne scars that is especially formulated for this situation.

Makeup for acne scars is manufactured by many different companies. If you are not sure which makeup for acne scars is the best to use you may want to do a little research. Talk to a dermatologist before buying makeup for acne scars. Your dermatologist may have some great recommendations for makeup for acne scars.

Another person to ask is a friend who also has problems with acne scars. A friend can guide you to makeup for acne scars that has worked for them.

You can find makeup for acne scars online. If you don’t know what kind of makeup to use you will be able to read about lots of different kinds of makeup for acne scars. You might find really good prices for makeup for acne scars online.

You can go to a makeup counter at a mall and find makeup for acne scars. The cosmetologists will be able to help you choose the best makeup for you.

Makeup consultants that sell cosmetic products will often have makeup for acne scars. This is a great way to go because the consultant will come right to your home. You can try the makeup for acne scars and see if you like it before you buy.

When you decide on the makeup for acne scars that you plan to use there are a few things to remember:

1. Do not use too much of the makeup for acne scars.

2. Use a fine-bristle makeup brush to blend the makeup for acne scars.

3. Use a dotting motion to apply the makeup for acne scars rather than big left to right strokes.

4. Set the foundation with a transparent powder that does not contain oil.

5. Always have compact powder with you in case you need a touch-up.

When you find a good makeup for acne scars and apply it the correct way, your acne scars will seem to fade away leaving your face looking smoother.

Suzanne Hughes is the webmaster of the informative consumer website all-about-acne visit today for more great acne related information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Hughes

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Daily dose of healthy makeup

Daily dose of healthy makeup
By Mina Dimakis-Lev

Some makeup seems to travel at the speed of light; you put it on and the next thing you notice it's on your white blouse. Or maybe you're one who doesn't care if it's oil free,hypoallergenic or free from any perservatives, but for some reason all brands of makeup seem to irritate your sensitive skin. Your problem maybe solved with mineral makeup. Mineral makeup does not contain perfume, talc, chemical dyes and chemical perservatives or even perfume. Since mineral makeup lacks synthetic irritants it is less likely that will irritate your skin and it will last all day. It will also protect skin from natural sunlight. Mineral makeup is effective at blocking both UVA and UVB rays.

Mina Dimakis-Lev is an expert in the skincare industry and the art of makeup. Her work and articles can be seen at www.BeautyImagebyMina.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mina_Dimakis-Lev

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Look Natural For Wear Makeup

By Mike Yeager

Have you ever considered how difficult it is to look natural? Quite difficult – isn’t it? Especially if there had been no makeup available to achieve it! Many-a-website points out how ordinary our glamorous celebrities look in real life without makeup on. No wonder then that they are always on the lookout for innovative makeup supplies. Such demands have seen a virtual makeover for the makeup business much to the delight of a demanding population yearning to look good.

The art and science of good makeup.

Makeup is still an art – supported ably, of course, by science. Gone are the days when good makeup meant just soaps, perfumes and oils carefully selected after word-of-mouth recommendation. Today, your persona comes through in MAC makeup – or was it Max Factor? Take your pick! Show off your gorgeous eyes - wear eye makeup. Impress your peers with a prom makeup worn specially for "the nite".

Make a statement with a tattoo or a strategic permanent makeup. Take expert advice – makeup tips are available for the asking. Desist from using chemicals which may harm your sensitive skin – wear mineral makeup instead! Consider this – you don’t have to wear stage makeup if you don’t need to flaunt your expressions under the arc lights to an audience.

Wear makeup – an appropriate one. Or better still; don’t wear any – especially if you are among the lucky few who can carry off that natural look – naturally!

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.beforeandafterpage.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Yeager

Beauty And Makeup Tips Public Areas

If you use a Public Area, you are solely responsible for your own communications, the consequences of posting those communications, and your reliance on any communications found in the Public Areas. Beauty & Makeup Tips is not responsible for the consequences of any communications in the Public Areas. In cases where you feel threatened or believe someone else is in danger, you should contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

In consideration of being allowed to use the Public Areas, you agree that the following actions shall constitute a material breach of these Terms and Conditions:

Using a Public Area for any purpose in violation of local, state, national, or international laws;

Posting material that infringes on the intellectual property rights of others or on the privacy or publicity rights of others;

Posting material that is unlawful, obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, abusive, slanderous, hateful, or embarrassing to any other person or entity as determined by Beauty & Makeup Tips in its sole discretion;

Posting advertisements or solicitations of business;

After receiving a warning, continuing to disrupt the normal flow of dialogue, or posting comments that are not related to the topic being discussed (unless it is clear the discussion is free-form);

Posting chain letters or pyramid schemes;

Impersonating another person;

Distributing viruses or other harmful computer code;

Harvesting or otherwise collecting information about others, including email addresses, without their consent;

Allowing any other person or entity to use your identification for posting or viewing comments;

Posting the same note more than once or "spamming"; or

Engaging in any other conduct that restricts or inhibits any other person from using or enjoying the Public Area or the Site, or which, in the judgment of Beauty & Makeup Tips, exposes Beauty & Makeup Tips or any of its customers or suppliers to any liability or detriment of any type.

Beauty & Makeup Tips reserves the right (but is not obligated) to do any or all of the following:

Record the dialogue in public chat rooms.

Investigate an allegation that a communication(s) do(es) not conform to the terms of this section and determine in its sole discretion to remove or request the removal of the communication(s).

Remove communications which are abusive, illegal, or disruptive, or that otherwise fail to conform with these Terms and Conditions.

Terminate a user's access to any or all Public Areas and/or the Beauty & Makeup Tips Site upon any breach of these Terms and Conditions.

Monitor, edit, or disclose any communication in the Public Areas.

Edit or delete any communication(s) posted on the Beauty & Makeup Tips Site, regardless of whether such communication(s) violate these standards.

Beauty & Makeup Tips reserves the right to take any action it deems necessary to protect the personal safety of our guests or the public. Beauty & Makeup Tips has no liability or responsibility to users of the Beauty & Makeup Tips Site or any other person or entity for performance or nonperformance of the aforementioned activities.

Designing The Best Wedding Beauty For Your Big Day

Designing The Best Wedding Beauty For Your Big Day
By: Shaunta Pleasant

Hair style, makeup and fashion accessories are a vital part of any successful wedding beauty process for your wedding. Your wedding should be the most glorious and special day of your life, and you will of course want to make sure you look and feel your best.

==Achieving The Perfect Look For Your Wedding Day==

Part of achieving your perfect look for your wedding is creating the perfect hair style and the right makeup.

The right hair style and makeup can take some time to get right, and it is important to experiment with several different styles to ensure that you can achieve the perfect look on the big day.

Making arrangements ahead of time with your favorite hair stylist and makeup artist is the best way to ensure you have plenty of time to get the perfect look.

==Make Sure Your Wedding Beauty Products Complement Your Wedding Dress==

It is also important to be sure that the beauty products, such as makeup, you choose complement the color and style of your wedding dress, as well as accenting your natural features such as eye color and hair color.

A well trained makeup artist will be able to tailor your makeup to highlight your natural beauty and enhance it without being overly made up.

==A Good Hair Stylist Will Be Able To Take Advantage Of Your Natural Beauty On Your Wedding Day==

A good hair stylist will also be able to take advantage of your natural beauty when designing the perfect hair style for the big day. Many brides to be choose a hair stylist who is experienced in doing hair styles for weddings.

These stylists are often better than others at working with your deadlines and dealing with the inevitable stress of planning a wedding.

==Getting Recommendations To Find A Great Makeup And Hair Stylist==

If you don’t already have a makeup artist or hair stylist in mind, it may be a good idea to get recommendations from married family members and friends.

Soliciting the advice of people who have already dealt with hair and makeup issues at their own wedding is often the best way to decide who is qualified to handle your own wedding beauty preparations.

Shaunta Pleasant is a professional writer and editor on wedding planning topics. Visit my site to learn more about planning the perfect wedding at http://www.best-wedding-plan.com/bridal_beauty_checklist.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaunta_Pleasant