Life is filled with a multitude of responsibilities, and what little time exists for beautifying yourself should not be wasted on following popular “beauty secrets” that are simply no more than plain, old myths. From getting rid of pimples to thickening your hair, beauty myths run rampant. The following five common “beauty secrets” may appear to be logical, but facts show that these are truly old wives’ tales.

Shaving makes your hair grow thicker and darker.

Uncut hair grows only to a certain point, making the hair thin and light at its tip but dark and thick at its root. Shaving your hair gets rid of the tip, allowing the dark, thick base to grow out. Your hair may appear thicker and darker, but shaving does not change the hair’s density, color or width.

You can cure cellulite.

Cellulite is a fact of life for many people, and nothing, not even liposuction, can get rid of it. Cellulite develops when fat cells build up against your tissue’s fibrous bands, occasionally pushing through and resulting in a clumpy appearance. Several treatments, such as VaserShape and VelaShape, can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but nothing will cure it for good.

Permanently shrinking your pores is plausible.

As with cellulite, large pores are a reality many people face every day. Removing access stretching debris and applying skin-tightening treatments may help pores appear smaller, but this is only a temporary solution. A plastic surgeon in Phoenix, AZ can provide fractionated laser treatments to help rearrange and increase your skin’s collagen production, resurfacing your epidermal surface for a smooth appearance.

Crossing your legs creates varicose veins.

Crossing your legs is not the culprit for varicose veins, but standing may be. Many people who stand for long periods of time or are genetically disposed are more likely to experience ghastly varicose veins. Pregnancy and traumas can also place a lot of pressure on your circulatory system, leading to spider or varicose veins.

Sleeping with a satin pillow and laying on your back helps your face remain wrinkle-free.

As you grow older, your skin’s elastin fibers and collagen begin to break down, causing wrinkles to form. Granted, burrowing your face into a pillow several hours every night can decrease the chances of your skin snapping back, but wrinkles develop on everyone. Phoenix cosmetic surgery can help reduce wrinkle and pigmentation variations, providing your skin with youthful appearance.

This post was submitted by Madyson.

Having a zit is bad enough, but no one should have to suffer from acne scars years after the acne is long gone! Luckily there are ways to remove acne scars and get your skin back to its former glory.

Red or brown acne marks that are left behind after a pimple (also known as macules) will usually fade with no need for treatment. To encourage skin renewal, try skin treatments with retinoids (prescription Retin-A or over the counter creams with retinol), hydroquinone, kojic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid.

Be careful with hydroquinone if you have a darker skin tone because some dark skin tones can have a (rare) reactive darkening. For darker skin tones, try one of the other options. For severe marks, try dermabrasion or chemical peels to remove the top, discolored layers of skin.

Deep, pitted acne scars can take two forms: scars with a gradual dip or depression or scars that are deep and narrow. These acne scars are called ice-pick scars, depressed fibrotic scars, soft scars, atrophic macules, or follicule macular atrophy.

For deep acne scars, try laser resurfacing. Laser Skin Resurfacing is a cosmetic laser procedure that, when performed in the hands of the proper licensed medical professional, can have amazing results beginning with the very first treatment. Laser resurfacing uses high-energy light to remove damaged and discolored skin. Laser resurfacing may also be used to minimize wrinkles and fine lines.

Be realistic with your expectations, and explore your options with your doctor or skin care professional.

Guest post by Daron Scordo, General Manager of South Coast MedSpa (SCMS), a worldwide leader in laser skin resurfacing treatment for all skin types. SCMS is proud to announce the grand opening of its 4^th location in San Diego. SCMS offers San Diego skin resurfacing, San Diego skin rejuvenation and San Diego acne scar removal for dark skin as well as light skin tones. SCMS also has locations in Los Angeles and Orange County.

I was invited to an event sponsored by LovelySkin.com recently where I learned a little bit about the company as well as about some of their bestselling skincare lines. If there’s one thing that I took away from the event (besides the amazing gift bag) is that the founder of Lovely Skin, Dr. Joel Schlessinger puts a lot of love and research into everything that has to do with the site. On more than one occasion Dr. Schlessinger spoke about how much he and his staff strive to provide the best possible customer service and how all of the products on the site are options that he would recommend to his own patients. In fact, most of the skincare brands that are sold on the site are only available for purchase at dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon’s offices. Did I mention that he’s an award winning dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon? I don’t know about you, but that speaks miles to me.

I mentioned a gift bag that contained a grouping of some of their best sellers earlier. These products include the following products:

Tria Hair Removal Laser

The FDA-cleared TRIA laser is the first and only device approved for at-home laser hair removal. The easy-to-use device utilizes the same laser technology that professionals use, allowing you to achieve the equivalent permanent results from the privacy and comfort of your own home. As with professional treatments, this device only treats brown or black body hair on white to light brown skin tones. Purchase the TRIA laser today to free yourself from the hassles of constant waxing and shaving in as little as 6 months.

Neostrata Skin Active Perfecting Peel

This high strength two-step peel kit delivers noticeable anti-aging and skin smoothing benefits, along with improvements in the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and texture. With regular once weekly use, the peel has been clinically proven to improve skin clarity and brightness and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Neostrata Skin Active Antioxidant Defense Serum

The effective combination of citric acid, lilac, green tea and chardonnay grape extracts work together to provide your skin with the potent benefits of antioxidants. Together, these incredible products neutralize five different types of free radicals and help preserve healthy DNA, lipids and cellular membranes. Your skin will be healthier and shielded from environmental damage and premature aging.

SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

How does this serum work so effectively in suppressing the signs of aging – such as wrinkles, fine lines, poor texture and uneven tone – while enhancing your skin’s innate ability to regenerate itself?

It’s due to the collection of robust anti-aging agents that smooth and protect your face, neck and décolletage, such as:

• Hyaluronic Filing Spheres: Delivers deep-hydrating penetration
• Ubiquinone: Negates free radical damage and provides advanced skin care protection against UVA rays
• Green Leaf Extract: Diminishes skin inflammation and irritation through its mighty antioxidants that

safeguard your cells from pollution and other environmental stressors

• Blackberry Leaf Extract: Slows wrinkle formation by slowing the degradation of the extracellular matrix

Rene Furterer Okara Active Light Light Activating Shampoo

This highlight enhancing shampoo gently cleanses while revealing the brilliance of highlighted, bleached hair. A gentle cleasing base prevents fading and maintains vibrancy. This shampoo revives hair’s luminosity and leaves it radiant, soft and silky.
Okara extract: works to repair hair from deep within and honey extract nourishes and antioxidant action to prevent fading and yellowing. The gentle cleansing base prevents fading to maintain brilliance.

Rene Furterer Vegetal Mousse

Vegetal mousse gives structure, volume and long-lasting hold with a natural look.

Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo

When you don’t have time to properly cleanse your hair, turn to the best dry shampoo from Rene Furterer. This rinse-free product effectively cleanses hair without the need for water. The convenient formula can be used anywhere, anytime and leaves your hair fresh and subtly scented. Order it today.

Rene Furterer Okara Light Activating Leave-In Fluid

This daily leave-in nourishes and repairs hair while revealing the brilliance of highlights. A UV filter prevents fading and ensures brightness. Hair is soft, shiny and luminous.

Rene Furterer Karite Intense Nourishing Mask

Nourish dry damaged hair with Rene Furterer Karite Intense Nourishing Mask Tube. This deep conditioner for hair repairs dry damaged hair with a combination of Karité oil (shea), phospholipids and Cimentrio®, which restore moisture and nutrients to the hair, leaving it soft and silky without added weight. Designed to work in 2-5 minutes, less time than other leave-in products, this creamy formula delivers shine and repairs the essential building blocks of hair’s structure. Buy Rene Furterer Karite Intense Nourishing Mask Tube and give your hair the extra moisture it needs.

Glytone Antioxidant Improve Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Caffeine and licorice extracts with red tea flavonoids and glycolic acid helps reduce signs of premature aging.

Klorane Soothing Makeup Remover Wipes With Cornflower Water

Infused with the KLORANE cornflower extract, the soothing makeup remover wipes remove all makeup in a couple of quick swipes, with no rinsing.

ColoreScience Sunforgettable SPF30Mineral Powder

Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Powder Eyescreen SPF 30 is a soft mineral powder sunscreen that provides UVA and UVB sun protection for the delicate eye area. The sheer pink powder also diffuses light and brightens up dark circles under eyes, acting as a concealer on a variety of skin tones. This non-irritating natural sunscreen goes on quickly and evenly to illuminate the eye area and prevent sun damage.

Avene Thermal Spring Water

A 40-year journey through the Cevennes Mountains allows the water to acquire a perfectly balanced mineral composition. It becomes gradually enriched with silicates and trace elements such as Magnesium and Selenium that help restore skin’s natural balance.

SkinMedica Acne System

This three-piece set of high-quality, serious skin care products effectively treats acne prone skin while it helps prevent future breakouts. A cleanser, toner and treatment lotion remove buildup from the skin and deposit concentrated acne-fighting ingredients into deepest layers of your epidermis for a healthy, clear complexion. Buy your SkinMedica Acne System today at LovelySkin.com.

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Moisturizer

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Moisturizer is recommended for use after the following procedures:

• CO2 laser
• Rhinoplasty
• Laser hair removal
• Acne/rosacea treatment
• Facial surgery bruising
• Scar revision
• Skin resurfacing
• Injectables
• Eye surgery
• Dermabrasion
• Chemical peels

Immediately following a procedure, this aloe vera gel moisturizer is instrumental in helping heal the skin and cover wounds and scars. Once skin is repaired, continued use of Oxygenetix promotes healthy skin by increasing the flow of oxygen, stimulating the production of new skin cells and moisturizing dry skin. Extended use also aids in collagen production for firmer, smoother skin.

Oxygenating Foundation

Post procedure skin is stressed, easily irritated and sensitive. Oxygenetix foundations soothe and heal even the most sensitive skin with these beneficial properties, perfect for all skin types:

• Non-comedogenic
• Oil-free
• Fragrance-free
• Organically certified ingredients
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-drying
• Water-resistant; won’t rub or sweat off
• SPF 25 for UVA/UVB sun protection

Buy Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation for the best foundation makeup for rosacea and post procedure coverage.

Lovely Skin Blue Quilted Cosmetic Case

Complete your makeup collection with the

LovelySkin Blue Quilted Cosmetics Case . This beautiful and functional mini makeup case will keep your makeup safe in your purse, gym bag or carry-on.

Lovely Skin Cream Cleanser

LovelySkin Cleanser Regular washes away skin-damaging impurities, excess oil and makeup while exfoliating your skin, leaving your face with a bright, even skin tone. Fortified with nourishing and cleansing ingredients, LovelySkin Cleanser Regular removes dead skin cells without over-drying the skin. Other facial cleansers won’t leave your skin as soft, supple and luminous as the LovelySkin Cleanser Regular.

Lovely Skin Acne Care

You’ll see accelerated acne-clearing results with LovelySkin Acne Care Gel, which targets acne at the source. This light gel is formulated to penetrate deep into the sub-surface of your skin to actively remove excess oil, makeup residue and other environmental impurities. Dr. Joel Schlessinger, LovelySkin.com’s founder and CEO, developed this product specifically for acne-prone skin and recommends it to his patients who are looking for effective teen skin care and acne skin care products.

Lovely Skin Exfoliating Gel Mild

This powerful gel uses amino acids and antioxidants to renew and exfoliate skin. With just a few uses, you’ll see a noticeable difference in fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, acne and overall skin health. Purchase this customer favorite today for comprehensive results.

Lovely Skin Oil Free Moisturizer

Finding the right facial moisturizer can be tough for people with oily skin. LovelySkin Sheer Oil-Free Moisturizer is your choice for a light, easily absorbed moisturizer for oily skin. This soothing and hydrating moisturizer won’t clog pores and gives skin-smoothing results without added weight.

Fix My Skin Healing Balm With Hydrocortisone

Since this powerful – and yet soothing – balm contains 1% hydrocortisone, it’s able to provide relief for numerous common skin problems, such as:

• dry itchy skin
• chronic chapped lips
• psoriasis
• eczema
• insect bites
• poison ivy
• seborrheic dermatitis
• allergic skin reactions to other products

Fix My Skin Healing Balm Vanilla

Featured in The New York Times as an ideal balm for dry itchy skin in the wintertime, this all-seasons balm is also perfect for common summer afflictions such as insect bites and poison ivy. Add this FixMySkin balm to your skin care kit to treat the aforementioned conditions as well as any of the following:

• Chronic chapped lips
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Allergic skin reactions to other products

I can’t tell you how excited I am to try out all of these products, especially the Oxygenetix because I do laser and electrolysis hair removal for a living and I’m really interested to see how it holds up. I’m also excited about trying out the Lovely Skin products and the Fix My Skin balms because they’re both developed by Dr. Schlessinger and his son. What I’m saying is expect a lot of reviews in the near future and be sure to check out all of these and other skincare and beauty products on Lovely Skin.

Have you purchased anything from LovelySkin.com? How was your experience and which products have you tried?

While you probably know all the tried-and-true ways keep your body healthy (stick to a low-fat diet, exercise regularly, and don’t smoke), you may need a refresher on how to maintain healthy skin. It turns out that there are equally simple daily commandments to follow to ensure a healthy complexion and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Follow the advice of these expert dermatologists to help your skin be the healthiest it can.

Apply Sunscreen Every Day

Wearing UV protection daily is the easiest way to shield your skin from damage — but it’s also the habit you’re most likely to forget. If you remember to apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day (and reapply it every two hours), you can help ward off wrinkles and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Sunscreen helps block the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, which burn the skin and cause inflammation, and, over time, damage DNA, which can lead to skin cancer. “Ninety percent of skin cancers, and the effects of aging, come from the sun,” says Mona Gohara, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. Even if the forecast calls for clouds and rain, you can be exposed to UV rays, so apply sunscreen over any exposed areas of your body.

Manage Your Stress

Exfoliating your skin is very important because the process helps you to remove dead skin cells so that you’re left with beautiful healthy looking skin. At the forefront of exfoliants are sugar scrubs which are gentle yet effective. They can also be made quickly and inexpensive which is always a big plus. If you’re a newbie and want to learn how to make sugar scrubs or are looking for a few new homemade scrub recipes keep on reading for my favorites.

How To Make Sugar Scrubs

Regardless of the type of homemade skin exfoliator you decide to make, there are a few basic rules on how to get started.

• It’s important to find a jar that has a lid to hold the product. Make sure that the lid closes tightly and that the jar is big enough for you to make enough for a few uses in order to save you time. I like to use the empty jar from my Minus 416 body scrub but you can use something smaller if you like.
• When making a homemade sugar scrub, be sure to leave enough room in the jar so that you can mix the sugars with a spoon comfortably. It would be such a waste for it all to go overboard.
• When measuring sugars, you should use equal parts of white and brown sugars. So if you measure out ½ cup of white sugar then be sure to measure out ½ cup of brown sugar.
• When measuring out the oil use only one part oil for two parts of sugar. So that would mean that you use ½ cup of white sugar. ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ of oil.
• Oils that work well with sugar scrubs are olive, sunflower, almond, coconut and grapeseed oil.
• After you’ve put the sugar into the container, drizzle in some oil and mix. Then drizzle again and mix again. Chances are that over time, the oil will drain down to the bottom of the jar but that’s normal and nothing to worry about.

Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes

Traditional Sugar Scrub Recipe

½ Cup White Sugar

½ Cup Brown Sugar

½ Cup Oil (of your choice)

½ Cup Almond Oil

Lavender Sugar Scrub Recipe

This is a good recipe for people anyone regardless of their skin type.

½ Cup White Sugar

½ Cup Brown Sugar

½ Cup Almond Oil

Coffee Sugar Scrub Recipe

If your skin is looking dull, this one’s for you.

½ Cup White Sugar

½ Cup Brown Sugar

½ Cup Olive Oil

½ Cup Ground Coffee

Almond Sugar Scrub Recipe

This is a good recipe for people who have dry skin because almonds have a lot of soothing properties.

½ Cup White Sugar

½ Cup Brown Sugar

½ Cup Almond Oil

Orange Oil Sugar Scrub Recipe

Another good one for tired and dull looking skin.

½ Cup White Sugar

½ Cup Brown Sugar

½ Cup Orange Oil

Olive Oil Sugar Scrub Recipe

This is a good recipe for people who want a soothing sugar scrub with anti-aging properties.

½ Cup White Sugar

½ Cup Brown Sugar

½ Cup Olive Oil

Rosemary Oil Sugar Scrub Recipe

This is a good recipe for people who have oily skin.

½ Cup White Sugar

½ Cup Brown Sugar

½ Cup Rosemary Oil

Do you have a sugar scrub recipe that you like?  Please feel free to share them.

Hey there. Thanks for checking out Spontaneous Chick. Please check out the rest of our skin care posts,  beauty blog,  beauty product reviews and our beauty tips for women and please feel free to leave a comment.

Image Source: flickr

1. Using the wrong products

Your skin needs products that are suitable to its type. Often, people are not aware of their skin type and its specific requirements. Just buying expensive and branded skin care products might not be of much help if the product itself is wrong. The skin type ranges from normal to extra sensitive with dry, oily, and combination skin types falling in between. You need to find out your type and buy products suitable to its needs so that you do not end up harming your underlying skin tissues.

2. Using moisturizer all the time

It is a myth that moisturizer is required in all seasons and is suitable for all skin types. In fact using moisturizers on a regular basis on acne or pimple prone skin is a big no-no! Since moisturizers are generally oil based, they can cause unnecessary eruptions or break outs. Even if you need to use a moisturizer, make sure that you use a water based one. Also remember, excess of anything is never good! Whether you have an oily skin or a dry skin, always use moisturizers sparingly.

3. Scrubbing the scalp excessively

If you believe that excessive scrubbing of your scalp will help you to get rid of dandruff and deep rooted grime in your hair, you might be in for a surprise! Excessive scrubbing does not work in your favour. It stimulates the sweat glands in your scalp and causes them to secrete more oil. This makes your hair stickier and attracts dirt and grime. It is best to go for other methods of treatment such as hot turban therapy, deep conditioning, etc. to keep your hair healthy and shining.

4. Not preparing sufficiently before shaving

To ensure a comfortable and smooth shave, it is important that you moisturize your face well ahead of shaving. Facial hair needs to be weak in order to allow a smooth shave. You should always use hot water for this purpose. Insufficient moisture in your facial hair can cause razor burns, rashes, red bumps, rashes, or even eruptions. Also ensure that you use a good quality shaving cream and avoid using dull or previously used blades or old razors. You should ideally shave in the direction in which your hair grows; this will help you to minimize ingrowths.

5. Filing the nails incorrectly

Improper methods of cutting and filing nails can lead to injury or infection. Cuticles are one of the most sensitive parts of your body, and hence are highly prone to catching fungal infections. They maintain the health of your nails by protecting them against the entry of micro organisms in your skin by creating a protective layer between them. Hence cuticle nippers and cuticle pushers should be used with much caution. Often, people use heavy pressure to push back the cuticle; ideally this should be avoided in order to keep the matrix well protected.

Jem, the write who compiled this article, would like to educate you the reader about your skin treatment and health routines. He constantly writes on health issues related to skin conditions and other related topics. Learn more by following him on Twitter at @writerjem now.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sriram/

Avocado face masks are one of the best and most nutritious masks that you can use on your skin. The fruit is packed with vitamins and unsaturated fats that work wonders on people who have acne as well as sensitive or dry skin. They also help to slow down the aging process making them highly versatile and desirable. Here are some avocado face mask recipes that are effective, inexpensive and so easy to make that you’re sure to love them.

Avocado Oatmeal Face Mask

http://www.flickr.com/photos/genbug/

This is one of the best Avocado face masks for people with dry skin it’s super moisturizing and help to restore damaged skin.

• ½ Ripe avocado
• ½ Cup of oatmeal

Cook the oatmeal as instructed on the package and mash up the avocado meat with a fork. Mix the two ingredients together and apply the paste to your skin. After 10 – 15 minutes wash it off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

Avocado Honey Face Mask

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamieanderson/

This is one of my favorite avocado face mask recipes because it really works to give your skin a beautiful glow. Don’t worry, it’s not too sticky, but it is delicious.

• 1 Ripe avocado
• 1 Tablespoon of honey

Mash up the avocado with a fork and stir in the honey until it turns into a paste. Once done apply it to your skin and leave it on for 15- 20 minutes. When you’re done, wash off the mixture with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft towel.

Avocado Yogurt Face Mask

http://www.flickr.com/photos/noramunro/

This avocado face mask is also a great one for people who need to pump up the moisture in their skin and is one of my favorites for the cold winter months.

• ¼ Ripe avocado
• 1 Teaspoon of plain organic yogurt
• ½ Teaspoon of honey

Using a fork mash the avocado until it’s soft and then mix in the honey and yogurt to make a paste. Apply it to your skin for 10 – 15 minutes and remove it by washing your skin with lukewarm water.

Avocado Egg Face Mask

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26412869@N03/

I’ve never tried this one before but a friend of mine swears that this recipe makes for a great avocado face mask for acne because it reduces the oil found on the face.

• ½ Ripe avocado
• 1 Egg white
• 1 Tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

Mash up the avocado with a fork and fold in the egg white and lemon juice. Apply it to your face for 10 to 15 minutes being careful to not get it into your eyes. When finished wash your skin with lukewarm water and pat it dry.

You can apply any of these avocado face masks once a week to get the best possible results. I love what they do for my skin and hope that you like them as well.

Other face mask posts that you might find interesting are:

Oatmea face masks for different types of skin

Homemade face mask recipes bt Candice Kumai

Hey there. Thanks for checking out Spontaneous Chick. Please check out the rest of our skin care posts,  beauty blog,  beauty product reviews and our beauty tips for women and please feel free to leave a comment.

This post was submitted by In Need Pampering.

Oatmeal face masks are a godsend for people with severely dry, oily, normal and even acne invaded skin. Just by adding an extra ingredient or two that you can find in your fridge you can make one of the most effective and least expensive skincare products you’ve ever tried. You can start making any of type of oatmeal face masks by boiling ¾ cup of plain oatmeal with ½ cup of water until it becomes slightly soft. Once it’s done allow the oatmeal to cool and then ground it. Now, here are a few types of oatmeal masks that have been tried and loved by people with different skin types.

Oatmeal Masks For Acne

Getting rid of acne or even reducing its appearance can be a time consuming hassle. Using plain oatmeal or even a honey and oatmeal mask can help to reduce pimples in a soothing, quick manner. If you want to use the plain oatmeal you can go ahead and follow the instructions in the introduction to make the mask and apply it to your face using circular motions. If you want to try the honey and oatmeal mask you can mix ¼ cup of honey to the paste. While you may think that the honey will make the solution sticky and difficult to remove, you will actually be surprised by how good it will feel on your skin and how easily it will come off.

Oatmeal Mask For Dry Skin

If you need a boost of moisture, an oatmeal and milk face mask may be just what you’re looking for. All you have to do is mix in 3 tablespoons of whole milk to the basic mixture. The nutrients in the milk will work their way into your skin to provide a heavy dose of nourishment that your skin will soak up.

Oatmeal Mask For Oily Skin

The great thing about using oatmeal face masks on oily skin is that it reduces the oil that’s sitting on top of your skin without drying it up. You can create a oatmeal and egg face mask by adding 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1.5 teaspoons of lemon juice to the oatmeal mixture.

Oatmeal Face Masks For All Skin Types

Regardless of your skin type the yogurt honey oatmeal mask is a good one to try to get beautiful glowing skin. All you have to do is add 1 cup of plain organic yogurt and 3 tablespoons of honey to the oatmeal paste and mix it well.

No matter which one of these oatmeal face masks you use, you should leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and use lukewarm water to wash it off.

The image is from flickr

Here are a few secret recipes from her book. Go ahead indulge guilt-free!

Cinnie-Orange Face Scrub: Mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh orange zest and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Gently smooth the mixture onto your face (avoiding the eye area); you might feel a mild tingling sensation, which is totally normal—if it’s at all uncomfortable, rinse immediately. Rinse off with warm water and a washcloth.

Yogurt-Honey Mask: Whisk 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt with 1 teaspoon honey in a small bowl. Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes before gently removing with a warm washcloth.

Major Moisture Mask: Mash 1/4 of a ripe avocado in a bowl and stir in 1 tablespoon plain yogurt. Apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes before gently removing with a warm washcloth.

Cinnamon-Ginger Body Scrub: Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon freshly grated gingerroot in a small bowl. Apply to your skin in circular motions in the shower and rinse.

For more details on the lovely Pretty Delicious go to www.PrettyDeliciousCookbook.com. If you’d like your signed copy for $40 with some extra goodies email info@stilettochef.com for easy details!

About Candice Kumai

After viewers fell in love with her on Season One of Bravo’s “Top Chef”, Candice Kumai became the host of Lifetime’s hit series “Cook Yourself Thin” and helped create the show’s NY Times #1 best-selling companion cookbook.

With a culinary education from Le Cordon Bleu in California, she has cooked on the line at LA and Orange County restaurants including the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. She has been featured on Dr. Oz, the TODAY Show, The Nate Berkus Show and CBS’ Early Show.

A former model, Candice is no stranger to great style and fashion. She’s dedicated to making healthy, waist-conscious food that is as delicious as it is visually appealing.
Look out for her as a guest judge on the highly-acclaimed “Iron Chef America”

and a new Food Network series “Extreme Chef” in summer/fall 2011. Candice, formerly a chef contributor on Cooking Channel’s “Unique Eats”, cooking maven on TLC’s “Home Made Simple”, and host of Lifetime’s “Cook yourself Thin”, is now also a regular contributor for healthy lifestyle publications such as Fitness Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, Men’s Health Magazine, Clean Eating Magazine and Prevention. Candice’s first solo cookbook, Pretty Delicious (Rodale, February 2011) has been met with rave reviews.

Candice divides her time between Los Angeles and New York City in pursuit of her great love- amazing food.

Tweet her at @StilettoChef or for more recipes go to: http://www.StilettoChef.com/

Cookbook info: http:// prettydeliciouscookbook.com/
More info press/shows: http://www.candicekumai.com/ index.html

Check out our other skin care tips for women and beauty tips for women.