Avoid Nail Polish Containing Toluene

Toluene is a very dangerous chemical found in many leading nail polish brands. It is part of the notorious toxic-trio: toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and formaldehyde. These are the three most harmful ingredients which are rampant in the nail polish industry. Toluene has indeed become an infamous nail enamel ingredient- its severe health risks have been exposed!Toluene is a solvent which enables nail polish to be applied to the nail bed smoothly, and also acts as a thinner. Although many on-the-shelf nail polish brands use this abrasive chemical for the above reasons, it is actually not a necessary ingredient in nail enamel and can be completely omitted altogether. Proof that toluene can be omitted from nail polish ingredients lies in the fact that several nail enamel companies create their products without the use of this solvent. These natural alternatives are generally water-based rather than chemical-based, ideal for women who are conscious of their health or who are carrying an unborn.Why You Should Avoid TolueneToluene is a very harmful chemical and should be avoided as much as possible, particularly during pregnancy! Many people are highly sensitive to toluene and report side-effects such as skin irritations, headaches and dizzy spells. Even if a person does not experience these immediate symptoms, long-term exposure to this abrasive solvent can cause more serious health problems, which often won't show up until it's too late. More serious risks associated with toluene are liver and kidney damage, brain lesions, behavioural changes and birth defects. Women should therefore avoid this chemical as much as possible and would be wise to seek a more natural polish brand.


Why Nail Polish (Containing Toluene) Should Be Avoided During PregnancyIt is widely reported that exposure to toluene may cause birth defects amongst pregnant women. Even low-level exposure of this harmful abrasive substance may be dangerous for the developing fetus. Therefore pregnant mothers should avoid typical nail enamel salons and popular brands with a high-chemical content (sadly, most).Read your ingredients carefully!Among the long list of ingredients found in your typical nail polish brands, you may not actually see toluene. This is because it could be masked under some other name such as toluol, phenylmethane or methylbenzene. So be aware!A More Natural AlternativeIf you do your research you will be able to find several toluene-free nail polishes available, which are generally water-based and do not have a horrible smell like your typical polishes do. There are not a lot available, but there certainly are some so have a good look! Thanks to the chemical-free brands on the market nowadays you can look beautiful without having to worry about wearing dangerous chemicals on your fingers or inhaling poison through your lungs!

Make the Switch to Organic Skin Care Today

The world has now started to realize the importance of making the much-required switch to an organic lifestyle. Awareness is the key and knowing what you put on and in your body is essential. It is important to detoxify your body of all the impurities and synthetic ingredients. Hence, to help you get started with the process, we've put together five great tips to guide you on the easiest switch to organic skin care.Top 5 easy tips to switch to organic skin care:1. One step at a time- There is no hurry, go slow. Switching to organic skin care products may cost you a tad bit more, but it is definitely worth the price. Replace one beauty product at a time to ensure there is no lump sum expense in your spend. You could start with an organic face wash and eventually move onto organic soaps and body washes.2. Choose smartly- Now that you've taken the pledge to go organic, make it a point to replace all your essentials first. By 'essentials' we mean the products you make use of on a daily basis or more frequently. You could swap your body lotions for organic moisturizers, as moisturizers are something you would use on a regular basis.3. Keep away from fragrances- Just because it smells good does not have to mean that it's good for your skin. If fragrance is your priority, be sure to look for skin care products that have perfume made from natural ingredients. Most of the times, these organic products smell better than its artificial equivalents.


4. Check the label- Invest some time in checking the labels to ensure you are buying products that have the organic seal from known bodies. This way you can be rest assured that the product you are buying is worth the price and 100% authentic.5. Dwell in the organic sphere- To switch to organic, you need to believe in the organic arena. You could change your entire lifestyle and buy organic clothes, foods and have your very own little organic garden.Be sure to know more and have sufficient information about the organic sphere. Try implementing the above-mentioned tips and stay conscious about the products you and your family use. Also, whenever out on a shopping spree; make sure to buy the best organic face wash, moisturizer, soap, shampoo and every other skin care product you use on an ongoing basis.

Eyes Made Bigger and Better

It does not really matter how small your eyes are. These tips and tricks are guaranteed to make them bigger-whether you want them to appear really huge or just have that popping effect to them.1. Groom your eyebrowsWhoever said that unkempt eyebrows are OK should definitely take the highway. Really, unkempt eyebrows are very unflattering-for men and women alike! Make sure to keep your eyebrows in good shape. Invest in salon trips at scheduled intervals to keep them groomed. If you are confident about your grooming skills, then you can go ahead and groom your brows yourself. Just make sure to follow your eyes' natural shape, and you'll do fine.2. Conceal dark circles under your eyesDark circles definitely make you look older, if not tired. Technically, concealing these circles does not really make your eyes appear bigger. But we all know that dark circles can grab anyone's attention. It's better to conceal them, rather than have someone check out your eyes for the wrong reasons.3. White eye shadow is betterEven makeup artists would give you this tip. White eye shadow gives the illusion of eyes that are wide open. Make sure to use white eye shadow or white eye pencil near your tear ducts. Your tear ducts are on the inner corner of your eyes, by the way. If you do not have white eye shadow or eye pencil, you can use another light color.4. Use eyeliner moderatelyToo much eyeliner does not make your eyes appear bigger. So, make sure to avoid making a full circle of eyeliner around your eyes. And if you're using kajal, just apply outside your lash line. Do not apply kajal on the inner rim of your lower lash line. Also, make sure not to extend the eyeliner up to your tear ducts. Just cover 2/3 of your lashes.


5. Apply nude pencilIf you're applying kajal, make sure to apply nude pencil over it. Apply white eye pencil on your lower lash line's inner rim. Bear in mind that white eye pencil might not look too good on brown or dark skin tones. So if you have a dark skin tone, you can use a nude eye pencil instead. This gives a more natural look, which you can comfortably wear even during the day. You may want to consider using MAC Chromagraphic Pencil or Bourjois Khol and Contour Eyeliner Pencil- 08 Rose Fantaisiste.6. Use false eye lashes or mascaraIf you prefer mascara, use two to three coats. Or if you have false eye lashes, you can use them in place of mascara. You can also use both, if you want. Just make sure to cover just 2/3 of your outer lash line for either or both false eye lashes and mascara.7. Keep your eyebrows boldWhen you shape your eyebrows or have a salon shape your eyebrows, make sure that they make it bold and slightly thicker. Having thick and bold eyebrows helps in making your eyes look bigger. Just make sure their shape compliments the shape of your face as well.8. Get rid of that puffinessIf the skin around your eyes is swollen, your eyes will appear small. Here are some tips on reducing the puffiness of your eyes:• Have enough sleep.• Reduce salt in your diet.• Maintain exercise because this can reduce eye puffiness.• Use cold water when you wash your face, and wash often.• Place cold, used tea bags over your eyes. The tannis in the tea tightens your skin.

Microdermabrasion - New Definition Of Beauty

Microdermabrasion is the process of exfoliating the skin by using very tiny crystal like substances. It is the use of a tiny abrasive instrument that gets rid of all the dead skin in critical areas like the face. In the human skin, there is a thick and uneven outer layer that protects the skin from bad weather and pathogens. This method rejuvenates the skin by treating skin that is scarred or discolored and skin that sun damage has affected. This method has very many benefits. Microdermabrasion removes spots and blackheads, exfoliates the skin, lessens stretch marks, reduces lines and wrinkles, treats acne, reduces hyperpigmentation and eliminates large pores.MicrodermabrasionThis method also works to thicken the collagen fibers in the human skin. Collagen is the component that gives the skin a younger look and feel. Collagen is very abundant when people are in their formative years and this explains why children have tight, flawless and beautiful skin. Scientists believe that microdermabrasion is the answer to most common skin ailments. Microdermabrasion makes use of diamond crystals or aluminum oxide crystals in a pressurized wand to remove the outer layer of the skin. Sometimes, this procedure is light and it can take place in an office or day spa. There needs to be a trained professional to carry it out. Some people also do it at home by using fine materials that scrub and exfoliate the skin. Many cosmetic companies grind seeds and nuts like apricot and make a fine facial and body scrub (Plasticsurgery.org).Most clients find the microdermabrasion procedure to be slightly uncomfortable to mildly painful. In this process, there is no need to take anesthetics. There is a more aggressive process called dermabrasion, which is surgical and very painful and should not be confused with microdermabrasion. The microdermabrasion technique requires a machine that applies a vacuum suction and pressure to the skin. The amount of suction and pressure depends on the resistance of the skin and the preference of the trained professional.


A simple session takes about ten minutes to one hour depending on the way the professional will approach it. There is little to no recovery time after a microderm procedure. The professional may give a cream to the patient to apply after the treatment. This soothes the exfoliated skin and prevents any bacteria from entering the skin. Traditionally, professionals use corundum crystals or sodium bicarbonate powder to abrade the skin. Another type of microdermabrasion technique is to use a diamond crystal tip on the machine wand. Both techniques are effective and are used widely today.The top layer of the skin is the Stratum Corneum or the dead skin. This layer has dirt and skin debris. The human skin is in a constant state of regeneration and growth. Microdermabrasion ensures that the body produces younger skin quicker and this changes the overall appearance. Most people repeat this procedure every four weeks because the skin regenerates every 30 days. Scientists have noted that when people carry out this procedure faithfully, avoid the sun and apply sunscreen when they are in the sun, they get the best results. The procedure works on all skin colors. Its effects are gradual under routine use. The skin changes color slightly after the procedure but it reverts back to the original color in a day. For example, light skinned people turn pink because of the abrasion and they might feel their skin tingle a bit, but this is temporary.Despite the many advantages, the procedure has some disadvantages. One of it is pain and tingly sensation that results after someone comes from the procedure. In very uncommon cases microdermabrasion can cause scarring. It is important to received treatment from a trained esthetician. A trained professional will ensure that the machine, their hands, and the client's skin is clean and sanitary to avoid infections. One of the main goals of the practice is to reduce minor and major skin blemishes. Men and women seek this treatment to keep their skin looking youthful, even, and radiant.

How To Find Women Haircuts That Will Be Flattering On You

Women are very concerned about how they look to the rest of the world. When a woman gets ready to go out she takes hours choosing the right outfit, applying makeup, and fixing her hair so that she looks her very best. That is why females agonize so long over women haircuts before they go to the salon.Finding women haircuts that will look good with their particular hair type, and face shape, is crucial to a woman feeling like she looks her very best. When they go to a salon they want to see pictures of women's hair in stylish cuts so they can choose one for their own hair.Fashion magazines are one of the first places that you can go to when you are looking for women's hair in stylish cuts that will flatter you. In order to use the pictures to discern how the style will look on you it is crucial that you identify your face shape, and select cuts shown on females with the same shape faces.Your face is either round, heart shaped, or oval. There are a few women who will have a square jaw line, but mostly this is a male trait, so finding pictures of women's hair in stylish cuts on faces with square jawlines will be difficult.Once you have identified your face shape you must decide what characteristics your hair has naturally. If you have naturally curly hair, that is coarse, then you do not want to be choosing styles depicted on the head of models who have board straight hair that is fine. The results of women's haircuts depend on the type of hair they have.


There are many variables to hair types, but the thickness of the hair will be one of the main deciding factors in whether or not you can wear the style you are seeing in the magazine. Thick hair can be cut into shorter styles and will stay in position naturally. Thinner hair may not be able to hold the style you are creating without styling gels to hold it in place. In some instances the styling gel will not be able to hold the hair in place to re-create the look of the model.The best way to find a hair style that will look flattering on your face shape, and be manageable with your hair type, is to ask your stylist to help you. Stylists have magazines that are filled with images of people who have the same face shape, and hair thickness, that you have. Your stylist also knows your hair, and knows how well it responds to styling gels, flat irons, and curlers.It is highly recommended that you find a style you think is flattering and stick with it. If you think your hair looks good cut short then do not try to wear longer hair just to be fashionable. A woman looks her best when she is confident, and when she accepts what looks good on her.

Tips For Hair Color That Looks Natural On You

Stylish haircuts look better when your hair color is vibrant. Many women were born with hair color that simply looks dull, and lifeless. These women would like to change their hair color, but they do not want to look strange. The following tips will help you to choose colors that look good on you.Your complexion is what determines whether a hair color will look good on you, or will make you look odd. A natural red head, with a fair complexion, can ruin stylish haircuts, by dying their hair black, deep brown, or other really dark colors. People with naturally dark hair have naturally darker complexions, and almost always have brown eyes. Do not try to dye your hair black if you have a light skinned complexion.If you want to enhance the color of your hair, and improve the look of the stylish haircuts you get then stick to a dye that will color your hair within two shades of the color you were born to have. If you are blonde naturally then stick with darker blondes, light browns, or lighter blondes. These colors will look good with your complexion, and will not make you looked washed out, or pale.Any dye that has the word ash in the name will have a hint of red in it. If you have hair that already has a hint of red in it then using an ash blonde will cause the red in your hair to be more prominent. People with red undertones have to stay away from the dues that have ash in the name.


Look closely at the color dye package when you are choosing a new shade. On the side of the package the manufacturer places a color chart to show you what shade your hair will turn out depending on the shade it is naturally. If your hair is already colored then you want to consider how the shade of color you have is going to be changed by the shade you are about to purchase.You may need to have any old dyes stripped from your hair before you can put a new color on your hair. Stripping the color away is not recommended as a home color treatment. You should go to a salon to have this procedure done.If you have grey hairs that you are attempting to dye you will have to leave the dye solution on the hair longer than for hair that is not grey. Grey hair does not accept the dye as readily as pre-grey hair does. Read the instructions carefully to find out how long the solution will take to dye grey hair. If your grey hairs are close to the root place the solution on them first, and then after an appropriate amount of time you can spread the solution to the remaining hair. This will stop you from having darker hair on the bottom, and lighter colored hair next to the roots.

Some Important Tips About Clip in Hair Extensions

Everyone wants his/her hair to look great and charming. But you may feel embarrassed about your hair's condition. Sometimes you want to make a new hairstyle, but the hair is too short, sometimes you want your hair to be curly, but you do not have so much time to make it curly in a salon. Instead of wishing and waiting for your hair to grow longer, you can use clip in hair extensions to help you, just like what many others have done. These extensions are not expensive and easy to get. You do not need to spend hours and hours in the salon to get the hairstyle you want, you only need to clip them in and unclip them to get what you desire. You can even wear them when sleeping.If the clip in extensions are made of human hair, you can even wear them for sunbathing, because human hair extensions can suffer high extensive heat, while extensions made of synthetic hair do not react well to strong heat, therefore, synthetic extensions are less versatile. Compared to human hair extensions, the synthetic ones can never fully blend in with your natural hair to look realistic and natural, although sometimes they can give you a shocking hairstyle.Now let's talk something about human hair clip in extensions. Because the hair is human, it can not always have a healthy shine and stay in good condition. But there is an exception, hair from Indian people usually carries a great cachet. Therefore, you need to take care of them from time to time to keep them as healthy as the real hair.


There is a wide range of human hair extensions available over the internet, so you can not make up your mind. Before you make the payment, you can read testimonials or reviews about the extensions in the related shops. Or you can get some professional advice from someone whose opinions are valuable and trustworthy.Usually a full set of clip in extensions contains at least 7pcs, so when you purchase a full set, you need to pay attention to how many pieces you will receive. How to wear them? Usually you wear the smaller pieces on the sides and the larger pieces for the back of your head, and you can start clipping them in at the back.When buying clip in extensions, another important thing is that, you need to select the one that has a similar texture with your natural hair, so that it can blend in well with the hair and look more realistic and natural. It is suggested to purchase the one which is thicker in texture than your own hair, that way it can give you a full look.

The New Best Friend: Dry Shampoo and What You Need to Know

If you're new to the hair extensions game, you probably don't yet know all the ins and outs, tips and tricks. While you may think they are too much maintenance, they don't have to be. You just need to have the right products and tools. The first product you should invest in is dry shampoo. If you don't already have a favorite, we suggest trying a few before writing them off.You might be thinking, "dry shampoo leaves a powdery residue on my hair," or "It's too expensive!" But this is not all true. Not all dry shampoos leave a powdery residue nor do they have to be expensive. Whatever your budget is, you can spend as much or as little as you want on a bottle. But one thing is for sure if you're wearing extensions-you can't afford not to have at least one bottle. Even if you are not wearing hair extensions, dry shampoo should be one of your best friends.To answer your question as to why it's especially important for hair extensions is that it will keep your micro-beads, bond, or tape intact. If your stylist hasn't told you by now, you shouldn't wash your hair too often. You want to keep the washes in between 2-3 washes a week. In between washes you should use a dry shampoo. It is meant to absorb the excess oil that your scalp produces, therefore keeping the connection between your natural hair and the extensions dry and fresh.


Think about it: you fiddle and tug at your hair extensions while you wash your hair in the shower. Any way to eliminate this stress is ideal. By spraying your hair with dry shampoo, you avoid all of that hassle while keeping your hair oil-free and fresh. Just spray some on your roots, let it sit for a minute, then comb through with your brush, or work in with your fingers.As mentioned earlier, dry shampoo should be in everyone's vanity, even if you don't have hair extensions. Washing your hair daily in the shower with shampoo tends to strip the scalp of the natural oils your hair needs to be healthy and maintain its shine. Your hair extensions don't intake the oil from your scalp, so frequent washing can really dry them out, as each wash removes important moisture.With dry shampoo gaining so much popularity, we now have so many options in choosing the right one for our hair types. From budget friendly, to a special formula, to a smell you'll be drawn to, it is a staple in hair extension care and shouldn't be ignored! This new shampoo method is the best design in the industry. We strive to have the very best quality and formula on the market today. Shop at Donna Bella today for the best new ideas and the best overall products on the market today.

Toluene - A Harmful Chemical In Nail Polish

Nail polish is notorious for its toxic chemicals and harmful ingredients. One of the most harmful substances found in this beauty product is toluene. This chemical is part of the "toxic-trio," which refers to the three most dangerous ingredients found in many nail polish brands today. The toxic trio consists of toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and formaldehyde. This article explains what the chemical toluene is and its purpose, why it should be avoided as much as possible (particularly during pregnancy) and what other alternatives are available for women who are health-conscious or sensitive to the chemical toluene.Toluene - why it is usedThe reason why many beauty companies include toluene as an ingredient in their nail polish is because it is a solvent which assists in the smooth application of nail polish and also acts as a thinner.Why Toluene is a dangerous chemicalThe facts about toluene are rather concerning and would make most people think twice about buying normal over-the-counter nail polish brands again. This abrasive chemical comes from petroleum, so the toxic smell is bad enough in itself. Associated risks of toluene are liver and kidney damage, irritation of the skin, headaches, dizziness and birth defects. High levels of toluene exposure can cause brain lesions, behavioural abnormalities and a wide range of other possible side effects. Much research has been done in this area and exposure to toluene should be kept to an absolute minimal. Be aware also that toluene is often an ingredient in certain household products, paints and solvents - so exposure can accumulate.


Is it a necessary ingredient?Toluene is not a necessary component in nail polish as there are several brands available these days that do not include this harmful substance as one of their ingredients. So thankfully you do not have to go polish free in order to avoid this chemical. Rather, you simply have to know your alternatives and get to know the chemical-free brands available on the market today.Is nail polish during pregnancy safe (including toluene)?Pregnant women should avoid wearing nail polish containing chemicals of the infamous "toxic-trio", including toluene. Toluene has been linked to birth defects with women who have had over-exposure to this harmful solvent. Therefore pregnant women should avoid going to salons which use polish containing toluene, and should also avoid typical nasty brands on the market. Even low-level exposure of toluene could be potentially harmful to the developing fetus. Mothers should be diligent in researching chemical-free alternatives and only applying these during pregnancy. This will guard against possible fetal development damage that may otherwise result.

Finding the Best Retinol Cream for Your Skin

It is usually impossible to turn back the clock. Nevertheless, with the best retinol face cream you can give your skin a youthful glow! Retinol is one of the priceless gifts you can give your ageing skin. Known for its anti-ageing properties like reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture, and fading age spots. However, that is not the only benefit you can get from the best retinol cream. It can also help acne prone skin have fewer breakouts and smaller pores. It is also proven to reduce skin oil production, making it an effective treatment for oily skin. With so many benefits from one ingredient, you are bound to be buying yourself the best retinol cream in the market. Nevertheless, with so many choices, how do you find the best one? Here is how.Every organ in your body needs a well-balanced diet in order to function smoothly and efficiently. It is obvious then that the skin, the largest organ in the human body, also needs adequate supply of nutrients to look well-toned, smooth, and healthy. Skin that is not well nourished and hydrated looks lifeless and easily gives away the most dreaded signs of ageing! When choosing the best retinol cream for your skin, bear in mind the following points:• There are several anti-ageing creams available in the market and retinol are certainly one among the best. However, many so-called retinol creams only contain minute or negligible quantities of retinol. At such low proportions, the cream cannot function effectively. You must always choose the cream with a high concentration of retinol. While the right concentration of retinol varies with the skin types, the best retinol creams that suit a variety of skin types contain 0.5% of retinol. Nonetheless, depending on your skin type, your dermatologist may recommend a milder or a stronger formula - say 0.1% or 1%.


• The skin needs to be moisturized adequately to look smooth, supple, and have a youthful glow. Therefore, when choosing the best retinol cream, you must always look for one with a moisturizer. This will not only fight visible signs of ageing, but will also help you look younger with a charming, youthful glow!• Expert advice is often the best, and so it is best to consult your dermatologist. The best retinol creams are often the first to be recommended by the dermatologists. With expert advice, you can trust you are going to get the best results for your skin.• You should always keep an eye out for creams with alpha hydroxyl acids. Retinol creams with alpha hydroxyl acids are most effective in warding off the signs of ageing. You should also check if the cream has come in an airtight container. Retinol is highly susceptible to contamination and is bound to be less effective when it is contaminated.• You should also remember that every skin type is different. A cream that works wonders for your best friend may not exactly be the best retinol cream for you! You should always take time to do ample research to find the best cream for your individual skin type.Use the above tips to find the best retinol cream on the market and give your skin a softer, smoother, more youthful appearance!