How to Determine Your Body Shape

Everyone has a certain body shape. Determining your body shape is not that hard. If you want to wear clothes that flatter you and make you look your best, you should first determine your body shape. If you understand what your current shape and proportions are and know a few style guidelines for your shape you are well on your way to looking your best. Women can compare their body shapes to pieces of fruit. Most women will either be pear or spoon shape, apple shape, hourglass or ruler shape.

Look in the mirror and decide what shape you think you are. You can take measurements to give you more accurate results. If you are more bigger on the hips and the bottom half compared to the rest of your body, then you are a pear or spoon shaped. If your waist measurements are bigger than your bust and hip measurements, then you are apple shaped. To be a ruler shaped there will be very little differences in your hip, waist and bust measurements. Hourglass-shaped people have chest and hip measurements that are very close to one another, but have a small waist. To be classified as a true hourglass, your waist needs to be at least 6 inches between your waist and chest and your waist and hips.

If you are having problems determining your body type, it is probably because you are carrying extra weight. You are only temporarily caught between types because of your weight. Deep down you are a pure hourglass, pear or spoon, ruler or apple shape.

3 Tummy Trimming Exercises to Flatten Your Tummy Fast

If you want to flatten your abs I have a few tummy trimming exercises that I recommend you do regularly to help you firm and strengthen your stomach. You can do this at home or at the gym, whenever you like.

Before I write instructions on how to do these stomach reducing exercises, you should always remember that the real way to get long lasting results is to keep your entire body in shape and follow a sensible eating plan. That being said, focused exercises also have a role to play so do these as part of your routine. Here are 3 exercises that you can do:

1. Stomach vacuums - This is a great little exercise which requires no equipment and can be done practically anywhere. To do this you need to stand or sit straight, take a deep breath, exhale all the air out of your lungs, suck in your belly hard as if you were trying to connect your abs with your back, thrust your chest out, and hold.

After 20 seconds or more, release and breathe normally before you do this again several times. This is a static, yet powerful exercise and I believe it is a valuable addition to any workout routine.

2. Hip raises - This is another tummy trimming exercise targeting the lower abdominal muscles. You lie on the floor or a mat and place both hands on the floor close to your body. Raise both legs up into the air straight and hold. Now, push your legs straight upward from your buttocks using your abs to do the lifting. You don't need to do large movements as even small ones will do. Make sure to not let your legs go down at the end of each movement but keep them as straight as possible.

3. Circular crunch - Place your legs on a stability ball and make sure your knees are bent and at a 90 degree angle to you. Place both hands behind your head as you would for a regular crunch. Raise your body toward one knee in a diagonal motion. When you reach the highest point of your rise, twist your torse to the other side in a circular motion toward the other knee and only then lower your torse to the starting position.

In the next rep switch knees. This exercise targets the central abdominal muscles and the obliques. All 3 of these stomach exercises can be done at home with minimal equipment. Make sure to include them in your routine.

Interval Training to Double Your Fat Loss

There is a trick that will allow you to do half the cardiovascular exercise, but get double the results, this technique is interval training.

This method is a very powerful tool in your fat-burning arsenal. This method not only improves your cardiovascular health and circulation, but it also burns more fat than any other method. You can get the same or more benefit in a ten minute interval training session than you can when doing a thirty minute but less intense session.

How do we perform the interval training sessions?

It is done just as it sounds, in intervals. Let's use the treadmill as an example. You should start with a light warm up for five minutes, then do the following:

1. Run or walk quickly for thirty seconds.
2. Slow down your treadmill to a slow walk for a full minute.
3. Repeat this process until you reach your goal for the session

This is an intense workout, so start slowly and build your way up. You will get results very quickly with consistent use of this exercise technique. You can use the treadmill, the outdoors, and even a bicycle to do interval training. If you have access to good weather, you can even use this technique with hiking or rock climbing. If you use your imagination, you will find that there are endless ways to use interval training, which will keep your fat-burning at a maximum.

Skin Care Secrets - How to Shrink Your Pores

Do you have big pores? Many women (and sometimes men, too) will spend hours in front of their magnifying mirror fretting over them, and will often waste their money on the latest purported pore-reducing gizmo at the drug store. What are these tiny holes that can drive you nuts? Pores are tiny openings in your skin that allow the sweat glands and oil glands access to your skin's surface. At the bottom of the pore sits the oil gland. Then a microscopic "tunnel" rises to the surface of your skin. The opening of that "tunnel" is the visible part of the pore. Why can they look so big? Oil, sweat, dirt, makeup, dead skin, all can accumulate inside that tiny opening and essentially stretch it into a bigger opening.

How do you shrink them? Here are four suggestions:

1. Cleanse and Exfoliate - You need to keep your pores clean in order to keep them small. More specifically, you need to keep your pores "cleaned out". If you pores are getting bigger, then you are not effectively cleaning out the oil, sweat, dirt, makeup, and dead skin. Get this debris out of the "tunnel" and it will shrink back down to its normal size. In order to do this, you should use an effective cleanser and wash your face twice daily. Soap is too harsh. It will dry and irritate your skin. Use a gentle cleanser specifically designed for facial skin.

But using a cleanser alone generally isn't enough. You also need to regularly exfoliate your skin. Think of exfoliation as the second cleansing step, and the step that provides your pores with a deeper more penetrating cleaning. My preferred exfoliaters are the alpha and beta-hydroxy acids including salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acid. Acids are so-called because they dissolve things. Skin acids are safe to put on your skin, but they are very effective at "dissolving" the "stuff" in your pores that you don't want. Follow your cleansing step with a mild salicylic acid wash once a day. Or use a low concentration glycolic acid gel a few nights each week. These will give your pores the deep clean they currently aren't getting.

2. Home Devices? - There are a lot of devices for sale in department stores that purport to help shrink your pores. I believe most of them are a waste of your money. Follow the cleansing and exfoliating recommendations above and your pores will improve more effectively than they would by using most of these devices. The single exception is the Clarisonic Brush. Its sonic technology literally shakes some of the hard to get debris out of your pores, and many of my clients have found it very effective. Its available at many department stores or through various online merchandisers. And while not technically a "device", Biore Strips are also a useful and inexpensive method to help keep the pores clean in the nose area (where they are always the largest anyway).

3. Visit an Esthetician - I recommend that you visit an esthetician on a regular basis. An aestheticism will help you maintain your skin's health. Regular facials will help keep your pores clean, healthy, and smaller. Aestheticians can also perform more aggressive pore-reducing exfoliating treatments than you can perform yourself at home - including microdermabrasion and mild chemical peels. These will help maintain good pore health.

4. Get a Laser Treatment - Lasers are the most aggressive and the fastest method for reducing pore size. Laser treatments are performed at doctor's offices specializing in aesthetic medicine. Different lasers have different effects on the pores. Some offer aggressive exfoliation and cleansing, while others use their heat to actually shrink the wall of the pore. Fractionated CO2 lasers such as the Active FX laser treatment offer the greatest pore-reducing effect. Erbium and Yag lasers can also help. Your aesthetic medical doctor can help guide you towards the most effective laser treatment according to your own unique concerns

How to Fight Dark Under Eye Circles Safely and Effectively

If you want to get rid of dark under eye circles and other signs of eye problems, you need powerful ingredients that are both safe and effective. You want to make sure that you choose products which address all of the different eye problems since you don't really want to put more than one cream or lotion on this area if you can help it.

Dark under eye circles, swelling and puffiness are the main issues that many women and men hope to minimize with the choice of the right eye cream. There are a few key ingredients that can work effectively to get rid of these problems while not causing any eye irritation or damage. It is important to choose natural ingredients because these have proven to be safe and effective over years of testing and trials.

A few of the best ingredients are found in only a select few of the superior eye creams. Knowing which ingredients are the most effective can help you find those products which have been proven effective but which are not as well known. Many of these are superior to highly promoted brands but are actually lower in price despite the higher concentrations of active ingredients. Most of the cost of a highly promoted product goes to pay for advertising.

One of the best all around ingredients that can fight dark under eye circles is Haloxyl. It has an incredible ability to lessen the appearance of dark under eye circles. Although it is incredibly powerful, it can be made even more effective when coupled with Eyeliss, an ingredient that is known for reducing puffiness, bags and wrinkles around the eyes. The wonderful thing about these two ingredients is that they are both naturally sourced and will not irritate the delicate skin around your eyes.

One of the main reasons why eyes look aged is because of a breakdown in the structure of the skin which surrounds them. It is essential to make sure that you are also toning and moisturizing the skin as well. If you look for natural moisturizers such as babassu oil and skin firming ingredients such as CynergyTK you will be amazed at how much more youthful and smooth your skin looks.

Natural Hair Care Homemade Recipes - Stop Hair Loss, Increase Body and Shine

If you have priced the cost of high quality hair products then you know there are hundreds of dollars to be saved by Natural Hair Care Homemade Recipes. Its not just for the hardcore do it yourself folks. Many of the recipes are age old and still used today, even in ritzy salons. Lets look at some techniques for mixing, applying, and the recipes themselves.

Creative Mixing: Start out with simple recipes. Mix one main ingredient and then add a small amount of another. It is much easier to determine what does and does not work when your ingredients list is simple.

Create mixes and try them until you find one that works well for your hair. If its a recipe that gives you great results, make note of it and then retry the recipe with the same main ingredient but now alter the second ingredient to refine and alter the formula. You may find you need to reverse the amounts of ingredients used, switching the main ingredient with the secondary ingredient.

Tricks For Applying: Experiment with applying your natural hair care homemade recipe to your hair both wet and dry. Also experiment with leaving it in your hair over night. If you can eat it, it is most likely safe in your hair. Finer recipes can be spritzed on as a nutrient glaze for shine and body.

Recipes to increase body and shine:

1 medium ripe avocado - peeled and stoned

2 tablespoons soft honey


Mix together the ingredients in a small bowl.
Massage into hair.
Leave in for 20-30 minutes.
Wash hair as you normally do.

4 egg whites

1 bunch seaweed soaked over night

1 lemon squeezed for juice


Mix together the ingredients in a blender.
Massage into hair.
Leave in for 20-30 minutes.
Wash hair as you normally do.

4 Tablespoons Organic Coconut Oil melted at room temperature

4 drops of an essential oil of your choice such as peppermint or lavender


Mix together the ingredients in a small bowl.
Massage into hair.
Leave in for over night
Wash hair as you normally do.

Other suggested ingredients: Herbs can be applied from a tea - Comfrey Root, Calendula, Nettles, and Horsetail are excellent tonics on the hair and are readily available in most natural food stores. There are infinite possibilities in using Natural Hair Care Homemade Recipes. You may wish to also experiment with recipes for highlighting. Also, you can stop hair loss at home using these ingredients for gray hair natural remedies. In Addition to using these recipes be sure to brush your hair twice daily, both forward and backward. Have a good hair day and have fun with your mixes.

Fresh New Hairstyles For 2010

The New Year 2010 is here. I think you want to get a new fresh look for the coming new year. The change of hairstyles is the most important thing. One of the hottest hairs that remain strong for 2010 is long hair. For the past season short hair has remained in the spotlight. But with 1980s styles making a comeback, 1980s styles can be created with the use of hair spray. A big ponytail crinkles crimp and of course tight curls - no matter what, 2010 hairstyle videos say everything.

After all your hair is considered to be your crowning glory. The slightest change, which you can do to your hairstyle, can cause a lasting impact on how you totally look liked. Get to know 2010 hair trends and popular hairstyles for New Year; also do not forget to be inspired by celebrities for best 2010 hairstyles ideas.

We all know how important hair is, it our most noticeable feminine feature. If a woman's hair looks great she feels great. Beautiful hairstyles will surely make you feel great and they help you find more joy in your life. There will be cuts that look best on you no matter your face shape is. Here a quick guide of what to look for and what to avoid.

The favorites were their claim to the perfect haircut they right this is the most flattering haircut on almost every face type. An little shaggy and layered, how to get it? Here are some tips. Layer is the key - the best layers are left to the front and are meant to frame the face, but never go above the eye on short hair or above earlobes on long hair.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a short hair style if you think you would like short hairstyles you should bracket and also look at all of the very short hairstyles and medium hairstyles. I have always believed that the perfect style can only be achieved when you considered all the variables for instance your new short hair cut should match your personality lifestyle time constraints body shape face shape hair texture hair density eye color and skin tone.

It should create a sense of balance between your head face and body for those interested in getting a shorter haircut and being free of taking care of all that long hair these hairstyles might be exactly what you need most hairstyles will fit any age group and hair color is an easy adjustment do not let these be a tool to narrow your list of potential hairstyles or haircuts.

How to pick the perfect haircut when you are considering a new haircut and looking for a new haircut style? Here are some suggestions from professional stylists resources can be found everywhere you look. You can find so many different hair cut styles. Short to medium layered hairstyles are best suited for triangle shaped face layered hair with fullness at the crown would look best for pear shaped face for an oblong shaped face layered bobs and choppy cuts are best suited, and good luck in the coming year.

Diamond shaped face? Go for hairstyle that has width at the top and bottom and sleekness in the wider part of the face chin length haircut with temple to temple fringes is the best bet for a diamond shaped face. A pear shaped face the haircut should symmetry to the narrow forehead and wide cheeks and jaw line concentrate fullness at the temple and the fringe area make it sleek at the cheeks and jaw line. Searching a hairstylist for curly haircuts difficulties with naturally curly haircuts include getting the curls to grow in the right direction keeping the hair in good condition, which is why curly haired women should head straight for an expert in curly hair. And good luck for the New Year.

After all your hair is considered to be your crowning glory. The slightest change, which you can do to your hairstyle, can cause a lasting impact on how you totally look liked.

3 Things to Check Before Buying Facial Lotion Products

Are you just plain fed up? Do you keep on buying one new skin cream after the other and still fail to find one that really works? That's the problem with facial lotion products today - too many choices and too little good ones amongst them.

Here are three simple checks that will help you find the best facial lotion products out there -

1 - Check if the lotion has any chemicals inside
This is the number one reason why people are still stuck with a tired, damaged skin even after using the big brand name products. Most of these creams and lotions are loaded with harsh chemical ingredients.

These companies liberally use chemicals such as Mineral Oil, Fragrances and Parabens in their products to make them more attractive, last longer and also save money in manufacturing them.

Fact is - exposure to these chemicals over the long term can cause skin dryness, allergies, irritation, and even cancer.

So make sure to stay far away from any skin care products containing chemical ingredients.

2 - Check if it has effective natural ingredients
Just being natural is not enough. The ingredients in your lotion should be effective too.

Look for ingredients like Phytessence Wakame. This sea kelp from Japan is very beneficial for the skin. It nourishes the skin with vitamin B complex and minerals like iron, potassium and calcium. It also prevents the breakdown of hyraluronic acid in the skin which is responsible for keeping the skin firm and binds the Collagen fibers in it tightly.

Active Manuka Honey is another such ingredient. This unique honey stimulates the Collagen and Elastin production in the body and helps in keeping the skin firm and wrinkle free naturally. It also has special anti oxidant and anti bacterial properties that keep the skin healthy and damage free.

Natural plant based oils like Avocado and Macadamia are very effective at moisturizing the skin deeply and keeping it soft and supple. These oils maintain the moisture level in the skin without making it too oily or dry.

3 - Look for satisfied customers
If the merchant's website has testimonials from satisfied customers who have used their products and liked them, then this is the best indication of an effective, quality product. You can then safely use their facial lotion products with peace of mind.

So there you have it. Three simple checks to find the best facial lotion products for a fresh young skin. Visit my website to know about one such effective line of skin care products.