Time and again, women have clamored for the proverbially elusive “beauty secret” as well as the promise — or is it the premise — of the “fountain of youth.” Ladies have been enamored by the sheer radiance of beautiful, effervescent and luminous skin. Who wouldn’t? It is a sigh to behold and a sensation to uphold.

But the ravages of time and the unyielding elements of the wind, sun and more recently, pollution and toxic radicals have wrought havoc and taken its toll on the largest organ of the human body, the skin. It can only take so much.

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Faces that look like Madame Tussaud’s waxy creations or aged Kabuki actresses — we’ve all seen them on strangers or clueless colleagues whose inept application of foundation has turned many of us off from one of makeup’s most basic and powerful tools. The pasty and skin-smothering cosmetic product has thus been regulated to red-letter occasions, like weddings, debuts, and red-carpet walks. For the common gal, it has become necessary sacrifice to look more made up for as long as the cameras are flashing. But the fastest and safest route to getting smooth, almost flawless skin is actually the underrated foundation, not Botox. It’s really just a matter of using the right techniques and the right product.

1. Pick the right palette. Never make the purchase without testing the foundation on your skin. Some suggest smearing the product on your hand, but the most accurate basis of comparison is still where the foundation is meant for — your face. You don’ want anything that’s too light, too dark, too pink, too orangey. Your foundation should never clash with your skin tone. At most, it is one shade lighter than your facial skin, which is usually lighter than the neck due to less sun exposure.
2. Start with clean canvas. A face that’s freshly washed is primed for foundation. Well, almost. Don’t forget to protect your dermal asset with sunblock that has at least an SPF of 30. Allow it to absorb into your skin for at least five minutes before applying foundation.
3. Don’t miss a spot. Under strong light, blend the foundation well while paying special attention to the corners of the nose and mouth, the hairline, the jawline, and the neck, areas that are frequently overlooked. Be less generous when applying on folds and crevices, where too much foundation can settle and crack.
4. Don’t leave home without it. Now that you’re wearing foundation, meet your new best friend — a packet of oil absorbent paper. Always keep it with you to blog excess oil, which you should religiously do before retouching with powder.

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Hip Hops Abs is all the rage and it’s only proper: it’s cheap, convenient, and crazy cool!

We come up with lots of excuses to miss much-needed exercise, but you’ll be making excuses not to miss a minute of this fun dance workout.

Hip Hop Abs is a home video workout that targets your abs. Fitness instructor and dance choreographer Shaun Thompson will give you a complete dance workout that’ll get you a flatter midsection in no time.

What’s great about Hip Hop Abs is that it allows you to exercise at any time convenient for you. You don’t have to pay for gym membership, pack a bulky gym bag, or pick out the perfect workout outfit; you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home!

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You know this all too well: Even if you love your hair, it doesn’t always love you back. Check out these helpful solutions to your most common mane emergencies.

Many of us consider summer as the time that’s toughest on our locks — thanks to all that exposure to sunlight, chlorine, and saltwater. And, when you add other hassles like frizz-induced humidity, and oily scalp, limp locks, and broom-like strands, it’s easy to get fed up and just give up the battle. To help ease your frustrations, we tackle your trickiest hot-head hair woe and offer you easy, fast solutions.

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There’s something exciting about seeking out something new to utilize as a means of expressing yourself. Although fragrance is something that you wear, it can’t be seen. This is what makes it so appealing and alluring. Finding a fragrance to suit you is a personal endeavor that I recommend you take on, like a fun project. Here are some suggestions as you set out to find a scent that’s right for you:

Take your time.

The fragrance you choose is the scent you and everyone around you will have to be with so pace yourself and don’t rush your choice. It may take weeks of fragrance hunting until you find something you really like. Don’t overwhelm yourself (and your nose) with too many scent trials at one time is good; any more can be overwhelming.

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