That’s what happened when I came across shikakai (shee-ka-kai) a few years ago. No one I knew had ever heard of it… but it’s one of the oldest cleansing agents in the world.

Shikakai gently cleanses and conditions, leaving your hair healthy and beautiful.

Women in India have gorgeous hair. And their long, thick tresses aren’t just because they have “good genes.” For countless centuries, Indian women – from wealthy maharinis to poor farm girls – have been washing their hair with shikakai.

Sometimes called “soap-pod,” shikakai is the dried and powdered fruit of an acacia tree. In India, this tree has been a part of herbal tradition since the earliest times. And its fruit has long been prized for its effect on hair.

The name “shikakai” actually comes from ancient Hindi words meaning “fruit for hair.” And if there was ever a fruit to give you more beautiful hair, shikakai is it.

Shikakai is loaded with natural chemicals called saponins. These chemicals have a mild lathering and cleansing effect. Shikakai saponins clean hair effectively, and leave your hair shiny and manageable instead of dry and frizzy.

Shikakai is also a great hair conditioner. This gentle cleanser doesn’t strip the natural oils from your hair, so it helps keep your hair soft and flexible. You naturally get that beautiful “bounce” that says your hair is healthy.

And because shikakai doesn’t remove your hair’s natural oils, you won’t have the tangle problem you do with so many commercial products.

All this makes shikakai an ideal natural shampoo. But it may do much more besides.

Researchers at India’s Sigma Institute of Pharmacy recently looked at many of the herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. They noted that shikakai promotes hair growth and helps prevent dandruff.¹

Added to everything else shikakai does for your hair, this puts it miles ahead of any of today’s commercial shampoos.

Shikakai doesn’t lather as much as commercial shampoos… but don’t be fooled. It provides terrific cleansing action. And as a conditioning treatment, it’s hard to beat a paste made from shikakai powder left on your hair for a couple of hours.

Keep on Stylin’!

Anesta Dawkins

[Ed. Note: Anesta Dawkins is owner and founder of Salon Hottie in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is an accomplished hairstylist, platform artist, and instructor. With over 20 years experience in the industry and a satisfied network of clients, Anesta is dedicated to keeping you current with the latest and most innovative products in the beauty industry.]

1 Gediya, S.K., et al, “Herbal Plants: Used as a cosmetics,” J. Nat. Prod. Plant Resour., 2011;1(1):24-32

Instead of being 100% organic the real list of ingredients often reads: glycol sterate, glycerin, behentrimonium chloride and steric acid. The only thing “organic” about those ingredients is the petroleum that has been there since the dinosaurs.

What if you didn’t decide to take a closer look?

Organic ingredients have become the latest fashion in marketing. It has even crossed over into our pet supplies.

Shopping for organic products has become like going to the dollar store to buy a mop — which my husband did last weekend. And the first time he used it, it broke.

I’ve decided to help right this wrong and ease you into the highest fashion in organic skin care for the upcoming season.

You need the best ingredients you can afford to keep your skin protected and balanced as the weather changes from season to season. If your wardrobe changes with the season, why shouldn’t your skin care regimen?

Fresh, exotic spices and nutrient-rich ingredients harvested for ultimate pureness — with no chemicals added — is what your skin deserves. Products made with organic ingredients mean that potentially harmful, toxic insecticides and fertilizers are not included.

Here are some incredible and helpful ingredients you may not have heard of and should be in your skin regimen:

These dynamic, delicious ingredients are antioxidant-rich and helpful for your skin in their most original, organic state.

Hibiscus can even help to prevent hair loss. Indians have been using hibiscus for centuries in scalp remedies. It will also unclog closed pores and boost your immune system. Plus, it makes a delicious cup of tea.

These tangy and sweet-smelling herbs can help to purify and balance your skin. Mandarin is one terrific treatment for acne scars and stretch marks. Echinacea is great for healing sensitive skin. It repairs signs of aging and is soothing while it hydrates. And I can’t say enough about lemongrass. It’s the mildest cleanser ever and it smells awesome!

There are some effective organic products out there; you just have to pay attention. If you haven’t been successful in finding any, just make your own. I honestly believe that Mother Nature understands beauty better than a manufacturer.

My daily routine now consists of a lemongrass cleanser twice a day, a light apricot moisturizer for the daytime, and Echinacea recovery cream at night. Once a month, I use a skin peel made of radish and lemon, and I apply a primrose mask at least once a week. And for those bags under the eyes, chamomile and bearberry eye repair are my life savers.

Your skin has to be cared for in the right way for it to look its best. Get into skin fashion and incorporate some real organic ingredients into your daily routine. You will look and feel more youthful, and your skin will look radiant because of it.

Also serve warm/hot.

Hibiscus Tea Recipe

• 2-4 ounces water
  
• 2 tablespoons hibiscus flowers (organically grown)
  
• Cinnamon sticks
  
• 1 teaspoon sugar or sweeten to taste
  
• Small orange slice
  
• Lemon cut into wedges

Boil water and turn off the heat. Add the hibiscus flowers and cinnamon sticks. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain into containers, and add sugar and orange slices. Serve over ice. Garnish glass with lemon slices.

Keep on Stylin’!

Anesta Dawkins

[Ed. Note: Anesta Dawkins is owner and founder of Salon Hottie in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is an accomplished hairstylist, platform artist, and instructor. With over 20 years experience in the industry and a satisfied network of clients, Anesta is dedicated to keeping you current with the latest and most innovative products in the beauty industry.]

In fact, it’s simple, safe and fun! Choose your favorite scents and mix them together to match your style and personality. I personally love jasmine and eucalyptus. Alone or together these scents make me feel relaxed and beautiful.

Here’s a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

2 TBSP shredded beeswax
2 TBSP sweet almond oil
1-2 TSP of your favorite essential oil

Directions:

1. Melt beeswax in a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water (just like a double boiler). Add the sweet almond oil and blend completely. This step may take some time, so be patient.
2. Allow the wax and oil to cool slightly.
3. Add oils of your choice. Experiment until you find something you love. Some good ideas are lavender, lemon, orange or sandalwood.
4. Fill a small glass jar with the solid perfume and let it cool completely. To use, take a small amount and rub on pressure points … behind your wrist, behind your ears or your collar bone.
5. Store your unique fragrance in a cool, dark place or in a dark bottle, and it’ll last as long as store-bought perfume.

Keep On Stylin’!

Anesta Dawkins

[Ed. Note: Anesta Dawkins is owner and founder of Salon Hottie in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is an accomplished hairstylist, platform artist, and instructor. With over 20 years experience in the industry and a satisfied network of clients, Anesta is dedicated to keeping you current with the latest and most innovative products in the beauty industry.]

Nail fungus is a fairly common problem. And it can turn even an outgoing woman into a hermit. Thick, yellow nails – all cracked and chipped – look horrible in a pair of open-toed shoes. And nail fungus can be tough to get rid of.

Today I’ll share a few natural secrets that can help you get back into your sandals… and show off your sexy toes again.

You can pick up nail fungus in all sorts of places. Public swimming pools and gym locker rooms are prime breeding grounds. But nail fungus thrives anywhere it’s humid or moist.

That’s why this fungus attacks your toenails more often than fingernails. Your feet can sweat a lot during the course of a day… and that creates a perfect environment for fungus to grow.

But even if you have sweaty feet, you can keep nail fungus from getting a “toehold.”

Always dry your feet thoroughly after showering – and be sure to get between your toes. Try socks designed to wick moisture away from your skin. If your feet sweat heavily, changing your socks during the day can help, too.

Everyone should avoid going barefoot in public places – especially damp places. Keep your nails clean and neatly trimmed. And always get your nails done at a salon you trust. Plenty of women have left a cheap pedicure with more than just polish on their nails. (I see a lot of nail fungus among women who wear acrylics.)

If you do pick up a nail fungus, it will usually start out as a small white or yellow spot on your nail bed. Then the nail may become thick, discolored, brittle or distorted.

If this happens to you, I’ve found some natural fungus-fighters that can help you get your beautiful nails back.

Follow these natural secrets to keep your toes sexy!

Coconut oil seems to work very well. Just wash and dry your feet thoroughly. Then apply pure coconut oil all over the affected area. Let the coconut oil dry before you put your shoes back on. Just do this two or three times a day until the fungus clears up.

When I heard about coconut oil, I was curious. So I did a little reading and found some solid scientific evidence.

For example, doctors in Nigeria tested coconut oil on several kinds of bacteria and fungus growing on people’s hands. The coconut oil cleared them all up.¹

Tea tree oil is also effective against fungus – and it’s even easier to find than coconut oil. You can get it at almost any health food store.

Native Australians discovered the tea tree’s healing properties centuries ago. They didn’t understand exactly what fungal infections were, but they knew tea tree cleared up many skin problems.

You can apply tea tree oil just like coconut oil. Wash your feet and dry them completely. Then apply the tea tree oil directly on the affected areas. Don’t put your shoes and socks on until your feet are dry. Repeat two or three times a day.

Another remedy with a good reputation is Allium sativum. This herb contains a natural chemical called ajoene (ah-ho-in). And it may be your ticket back to beautiful nails.

When I was looking into fungus remedies, I came across a couple of studies where ajoene was even more effective than a common antifungal drug.² In one of these studies, ajoene completely wiped out soldiers’ athletes foot in just 60 days.³

The best part of the story is that you may already have Allium sativum in your kitchen. It’s garlic, and it’s a powerful fungus-killer.

The easiest way I know to use garlic is to crush several cloves of garlic into a shallow pan of water – as hot as you can stand. Then soak your feet for 15 – 20 minutes. When you’re done, dry your feet thoroughly. Do this at least twice a day.

Patchouli is another oil I’ve found effective. It was first described by botanists in the Philippines in 1845 and is now widely cultivated throughout Asia. This earthy and exotic plant is anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-bacterial.

Just add a few drops of the essential oil to your pedicure water and soak for a few minutes. Patchouli has a cooling and moisturizing effect on your skin. The scent will relax you, too.

Pharmaceutical treatments for nail fungus often produce side effects – including diarrhea, stomach pain, and skin rashes. They can even cause you to lose your sense of taste. So I prefer taking the natural route.

Whichever natural method you try, keep your feet clean and dry between treatments. If you can, go barefoot around the house. Within a few weeks, your nails should be “sandal-worthy” once again.

Keep On Stylin’!

Anesta Dawkins

[Ed. Note: Anesta Dawkins is Owner and Founder of Salon Hottie in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is an accomplished hairstylist, platform artist, and instructor. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry and a satisfied network of clients, Anesta is dedicated to keeping you current with the latest and most innovative products in the beauty industry.]

1 Oyi, A.R., et al, “Formulation and Antimicrobial Studies of Coconut (Cocos nucifera Linne) Oil,” Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology. March 10, 2010;2(2): 133-137
2 Ledezma, E. et al, “Ajoene in the topical short-term treatment of tinea cruris and tinea corporis in humans. Randomized comparative study with terbinafine,” Arzneimittelforschung. Jun 1999;49(6):544-7
3 Ledezma, E., et al, “Efficacy of ajoene in the treatment of tinea pedis: a double-blind and comparative study with terbinafine,” J Am Acad Dermatol. Nov 2000;43(5 Pt 1):829-32

If you’re like me, you love going to the pool or beach. But these fun summer activities can leave your hair looking more than just a little parched.

The hot sun, chlorine, salt water and over-washing can result in dry, dragged down, dingy hair by the end of the summer. But I know some great ways to restore the health of your hair this fall:

1. Classic pony. A ponytail can look quite sophisticated for work and play. It keeps your hair from being in your face and can cover some of the damage you encountered over the summer. Visit your nearest beauty supply store and pick out some pretty, unique clips and clamps to help spice up your ‘do. Get creative!

2. More moisture. Shampoo can be drying so be sure to wash it less often to restore moisture. You also can also use products that are less drying (alcohol free) and more moisturizing.

   Don’t be afraid of a leave-in conditioner – even if your hair is fine. It will help keep your hair from frizzing. Use cooler water for rinsing as well. The sensation can be quite invigorating and will leave your scalp and body feeling refreshed.

3. Trim those ends. Get your ends trimmed on a regular basis. Hair starts splitting at the ends, so it best to cut them off before it can cause more damage. If you don’t get a trim regularly, the splitting will continue to travel down your hair’s shaft and cause a frizzy, unkempt look.

4. Nourish it. To keep your hair nourished, be sure to drink plenty of water and try a more natural selection of hair products. Ingredients such as lavender, chamomile, avocado and shea butter are great choices. See your stylist for other treatment options, too.

   Another thing I like to do is to give my hair a little extra love with homemade treatments and fun styles. Here’s a couple you can try yourself to keep your hair looking and feeling sexy all year long:
   

All these tips should have you come out ahead of the game this fall.

Keep On Stylin’!

Anesta Dawkins

[Ed. Note: Anesta Dawkins is Owner and Founder of Salon Hottie in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is an accomplished hairstylist, platform artist, and instructor. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry and a satisfied network of clients, Anesta is dedicated to keeping you current with the latest and most innovative products in the beauty industry.]

The things we do to keep our hair looking beautiful day after day can really take a toll. Coloring, blow drying, straightening and curling can make your hair look great… but they also do damage. Add pollution, sun and chlorine from the pool during the summer months, and your hair can end up stressed and dried out. Sometimes you need some heavy-duty help to keep your crowning glory… well, glorious.

That’s when I reach for the shea butter.

Shea butter comes from the seeds of the African shea tree. It’s naturally high in vitamin A and vitamin E. It’s also rich in several healthy fatty acids – including cinnamic, oleic and linoleic acids.

People in Africa have been using shea butter on their skin and hair for centuries. It’s a fairly recent arrival here in the United States. But it’s quickly becoming popular.

The fatty acid content in shea butter is remarkably similar to sebum – your body’s natural protective moisturizer. That may be one reason it’s ideal for your skin and hair. It doesn’t clog your pores or block hair shafts.

Shea butter promotes a healthy skin barrier… and holds in moisture, too.

I suffered with dermatitis on my hands for years. Doctors always recommended steroids – but they left my hands looking old and even more beat up. Nothing really worked for me until I tried shea butter.

I’ve used shea butter to combat blemishes and wrinkles … and it’s great for my bouts with dermatitis. I found it’s also effective on skin allergies, insect bites, and even works wonders for sunburn.

Shea butter works by softening and smoothing your skin. It’s fantastic for massages, too. Working it in really helps moisturize your dry, rough skin.

Shea butter can help you control dandruff, too. Studies have found that the cinnamic acid in shea butter kills a type of yeast that often causes dandruff.¹

And that’s not all. A number of patent studies have found that shea butter encourages faster, fuller hair growth.

I use shea butter as a leave-in conditioner at least once a week. Its rich moisturizing properties are especially helpful for my curly, unruly hair.

Not all shea butters are the same. I don’t recommend most commercial shea butter preparations. Many contain chemical fillers, stabilizers or other toxins. The best shea butter is made using the cold press method. It should say “virgin” or “raw” on the label

Here’s how I make my own shea butter conditioner…

I just mix raw shea butter with enough pure olive oil to be able to work it into my hair. The rich fatty acids go right to work, imparting moisture to your hair and scalp. It’s great for de-stressing hair that’s been damaged by chemicals and pollutants

Raw shea butter is beige, and it has a vaguely earthy or nutty smell. Its texture is smooth and buttery. Shea butter has a low melting point – about 86 degrees. So it will start to dissolve as soon as it hits your body. That’s one reason it absorbs into your skin so easily.

Shea butter is a little pricier than some other hair products. But if you have dry, damaged hair or skin, it’s worth every penny.

Keep on Stylin’!

Anesta Dawkins

[1] Baroni, A., et al, “New strategies in dandruff treatment: growth control of Malassezia ovalis,” Dermatology 2000;201(4):332-6
[2] Mesquitta, T.E., “Hair Growth Preparation,” US Patent #5,827,510, issued Oct. 27, 1998
[3] Francis, S., “Composition and Process for the Restoration and Treatment of Hair,” US Patent # 5,695,748, issued Dec. 9,1997

So many women struggle with thinning hair, but most of us are too embarrassed to ask for help. As I thought to myself many times before – isn’t it men that are supposed to be going bald and not women?

For women with thinning hair, restoring health to their hair can also restore much-needed confidence. When your hair becomes thinner and patchier as a result of age, a poor diet, or even a medical condition, it can be devastating.

I’ve been a hairstylist for more than 20 years, and my heart goes out to all of the ladies who come into my salon hoping to mask their thinning hair with a brand-new hairstyle. They’re frustrated. They’re embarrassed. They’re at the end of their ropes because they’ve tried almost every hair care product on the market.

Before panic sets in, the good news is that you don’t have to fear premature thinning of hair with age as a woman. There is a solution available to you, but first you have to get to the root of the issue.

When I discussed this common problem with my good friend Dr. Al Sears, M.D., I was interested to find that most cases of thinning hair were actually hormone related. Even though this is pretty normal for men, it can also happen to us ladies.

The hormone to blame is called dihydrotestosterone, otherwise known as DHT. Dr. Sears told me something pretty interesting about DHT. Women struggling with thinning or receding hair usually have very high levels of DHT in their blood.

So what are we going to do about it? Dr. Sears cares just as much about restoring confidence in women as I do. He created a product called Infuse, a spray-on strengthening formula that blocks the damage caused by the hormone DHT.

In layman’s terms, Infuse gives your hair and scalp the nourishing vitamins and minerals it needs to promote thick, lustrous hair. Most importantly, Infuse is chock full of biotin, a form of vitamin B, which research suggests is exactly what you need to help promote the appearance of shinier, thicker and healthier hair. Biotin works to thicken the hair cuticle and increase elasticity for silky, vibrant, red carpet-worthy locks. Finally!

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Infuse also contains such natural ingredients as fenugreek, panax ginseng root, and the amino acids Arginine, acetyl tyrosine, citrulline and ornithine HCL. Fenugreek has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to promote full, thick hair growth. Panax ginseng root stimulates scalp circulation, which enhances hair depth and thickness. And this group of amino acids works as the building blocks of your hair structure – just as Mother Nature intended.

What stuck out most for me about Infuse is the fact that it is completely free from harmful chemicals. I don’t know about you, but it just doesn’t make sense to treat thinning hair with harsh chemicals that have the potential to damage your scalp even further!

Thinning hair can be devastating for anyone, but women especially need all the help that we can get to bring that volume and life back into our hair. I’ve been using Infuse myself along my hairline because I have to admit that I’ve overdone it with a few too many hair weaves and chemical treatments over the years. And it’s really made a difference. It’s no wonder that Infuse is so popular with my female clients in my salon – it can finally make you feel like yourself again.

Click here to check out Infuse for yourself. Plus, if you decide to make the change for more voluptuous hair today you can get Pure Radiance’s own wood comb FREE with your order, for a limited time!

Keep on Stylin’!

Anesta Dawkins

[Ed. Note: Anesta Dawkins is Owner and Founder of Salon Hottie in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is an accomplished hairstylist, platform artist, and instructor. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry and a satisfied network of clients, Anesta is dedicated to keeping you current with the latest and most innovative products in the beauty industry.]

A group of my friends and I decided to take a five-day vacation to relax and unwind. A few martinis later, everyone was suddenly discussing the different stress factors in their lives and how everything seemed to change past the age of 30.

For starters, our tolerance for drinking had definitely gone down! Our skin regimens seemed to have become significantly more complicated. Our attitudes toward exercise had become discouraging to say the least.

Until my girlfriends and I got together to talk, I thought I was the only one who felt these frustrations. A friend who was over 50 assured the group that it only gets worse with age. This got me thinking: How can we battle the exhaustion that we feel and still preserve our pretty?

Here is what I have learned over the years as I have dealt with these side effects of age:

Hormonal Changes Come with Age

In today’s environment, hormonal changes are starting earlier than in our mother’s and grandmother’s day. The breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin causes the complexion to become wrinkled and acne-prone. Less oil production means that our skin begins looking dry and saggy, and our hair and nail growth seems to slow down dramatically.

As we age and our ovaries become less functional, the decrease in estrogen and progesterone causes a decline in bone density. Digestion takes longer, and our metabolism starts to slow down. This makes us become even more prone to weight gain. And let’s face it… if we don’t look good, we don’t feel good – plain and simple.

Proper Diet and Exercise Is Instrumental

• Make sure to get enough magnesium and vitamin D. Calcium works with vitamin D to strengthen your bones and benefit the appearance of your hair and nails. But my friend Dr. Al Sears, MD, says if you want stronger bones, calcium supplements won’t help. Calcium is in so many foods that you already get plenty from your food. And taking even more calcium in supplement form puts women at a huge risk for heart attacks. To retain the calcium you get from food, make sure you get enough magnesium. It works in your bones to balance your calcium. It’s no coincidence that the foods with the most calcium also have a lot of vitamin D – small, cold-water fish, dark, leafy vegetables, and dairy products like cheese, yogurt and milk. Of course, your natural source of vitamin D comes from the sun – so aim for 10 to 20 minutes of sun exposure each day and you’ll make up to 20,000 IU of vitamin D. If you don’t get out in the sun much, you should try to get at least 2,000 IU per day of the D3 form. Try to get at least 400 mg of magnesium per day.

• The best way to stay hydrated is to drink plain, purified water. It’s also important to use a hydrating body moisturizer to help your skin retain moisture and prevent dehydration.

• Eat lots of protein and leafy greens to keep you full and energetic. It’s also important to eat foods rich in antioxidants to protect you from disease and premature aging, like broccoli, blueberries, tomatoes, garlic, grapes and spinach.

• Cut down on drinking. Alcohol only makes you feel bloated and dehydrates the skin, contributing to premature aging.

• Exercise is a terrific stress reducer and a must to keep you looking fabulous. With a lack of energy increasing with age, we have to try to make our exercise routines a little more fun for motivation. Next time you exercise, try something different! How about a walk on the beach, a bike ride around the neighborhood, or even signing up for dance classes or tennis lessons? Do whatever it takes to get moving. I do PACE workouts every day. It takes just 12 minutes and is great for building my heart and lung muscles. This simple callisthenic routine definitely gives me more energy.

Gentle All-Natural Skin Care Is Critical

As you age, you’ll notice that your skin begins to get a little more sensitive. Be sure to use gentler products and:

• Cleanse your skin daily with a non-drying non-toxic cleanser.

• Exfoliate regularly to get rid of the outer layers of dead skin that cause the complexion to look dull.

• Moisturize daily, especially at night.

• Use vitamin A creams to rebuild lost collagen that causes sagging in the skin.

Fortunately, there are many wonderful products on the market that really work. Be sure to choose products that contain no parabens, gasoline distillates or other harmful toxins.

When it comes to makeup, less is always more. For mature skin, it is best to avoid using heavy foundation since it will only highlight fine lines and wrinkles.

• Light concealer underneath the eyes tends to highlight wrinkles rather than hide them. Choose a concealer that blends well with the tone of your complexion.

• Bright, shimmery eyeshadow should be a thing of the past. Daytime makeup should be light and natural. A little more drama in your makeup is okay at night – but apply in moderation!

• Blush should be applied on top of the cheekbones and not directly on them. This will provide the illusion of higher cheekbones for a quick mini-facelift. Stay away from too much red in your choice of rouge. With age, it is more natural not to look too rosy.

• Heavy lip liners are outdated. Pick a lip liner color that is closest to the lipstick that you will be wearing. Apply the lip liner in a thin and delicate line when lining your lips.

There is no way to opt out of going through menopause, even though we would choose to if we could. But there are definitely some graceful solutions. Wisdom should come with age – so we can finally be smart about the way that we approach aging.

Keep on Stylin’!

Anesta Dawkins

Are you in a love-hate relationship with your makeup? Want to show a more natural face to the world?

Then you might want to jump on the latest bandwagon… with mineral makeup. The leading lines promise weightless, breathable skin coverage.

To find your flawlessness and get rid of that heavy made-up look, you now have the option of using “pure minerals straight from the earth.” However, you’re not exactly using rocks on your face.

In order for “pure minerals straight from the earth” to be safe for cosmetic purposes, the ingredients are created in a lab to duplicate the form of minerals. To achieve the desired effect and give you that fantastic finish, the “mineral” particles have to be very tiny. The results work like a dream but there is cause for concern.

Some ingredients, such as talc, can cause pulmonary issues and lung cancer when inhaled, according to a Harvard Medical School study. For cosmetic purposes, it’s made through a crushing and milling process from a mineral called hydrous magnesium silicate, which has similar properties to asbestos.

In addition, bismuth oxychloride and corn starch can cause skin irritation, itching and severe rashes. Christina Harris, the owner of CMH Essentials, reports that bismuth has been used as a cheap filler and is found to be slightly radioactive.

When these man-made, minute mineral particles come in contact with your skin, they can cause your pores to clog and you may develop acne.

These mineral makeups are marketed as a healthier alternative to chemical-based options and supposedly have no oils, perfumes, dyes or carcinogens, but not all of them can claim such. As always, check out the ingredients before you buy the product.

Keep in mind, what looks good on you may not always be good for you.

Here are a couple other tips when using mineral makeup:

• Don’t fluff your brush! Reduce the risk of inhaling powder by working it into your brush, and swirling and tapping your brush before you apply it.
• To avoid acne, make sure to clean your skin thoroughly, especially before bedtime. Use your favorite moisturizer after cleansing to avoid dryness.

Overall, I like the effect of using mineral makeup but sometimes I prefer to just go without.

Keep on Stylin’!

Anesta Dawkins

[Ed. Note: Anesta Dawkins is Owner and Founder of Salon Hottie in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is an accomplished hairstylist, platform artist, and instructor. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry and a satisfied network of clients, Anesta is dedicated to keeping you current with the latest and most innovative products in the beauty industry.]

But going from drab to fab takes expertise. You’ve probably seen women who pluck their brows to an exaggerated arch. They look as though they’re surprised by everything.

On the other hand, getting it right can enhance your look. For example, shaping your brows flat can make a long face appear shorter, rounder and more appealing.

But creating a truly beautiful brow can take years to master.

That’s why I believe every woman should start by finding an experienced esthetician who can create the right base. Your best look comes from keeping as close to your basic shape as possible and enhancing from there. An esthetician who knows her way around brows will give you a good start. And you can handle the maintenance by investing in a good pair of tweezers. That way, you can pluck away any strays between salon visits.

When you’re doing your makeup, fill in your brows with powder (not pencil!), using an angled brush. If you have light hair, chose powder a shade darker than your natural hair color. If your hair is dark, go with powder that’s a little lighter. Apply the powder with featherlike strokes while holding your skin taut.

Those are the basics. But you have several options for shaping your brows. Here’s my take on the various methods available…

Waxing

Waxing is popular, but I consider it a very dangerous process.

Waxing is fast and can be effective when done correctly. But it can also be quite painful… and there are serious risks. I know. I’ve had a few close calls in the past.

Waxing can cause permanent damage. Burning, scarring and eye injury are a few of the risks. The risk is especially high if you use skin lighteners such as Retin-A.

For these reasons, I don’t recommend waxing.

Threading

Eyebrow threading is another method that’s become popular lately. But it’s been around for ages. Threading is more precise than waxing, but takes much longer. It can be a little uncomfortable, too.

With threading, it’s also much easier to go too far. And it takes longer for your hair to grow back with threading. You don’t have to repeat the process as often, but you could be stuck with a look you don’t like for a while. So be very specific about the shape you want.

You should only have threading done by an experienced professional.

Shaving

Shaving is the fast and furious route to shaping your brows. Almost anyone you trust with a razor can do it… but it can result in cuts and scrapes. You can find razors designed specifically for shaping at many beauty supply stores.

Shaving doesn’t remove the roots, so you’ll have to do regular maintenance on your brows. The advantage is that mistakes don’t last very long… but you’ll have to repeat the process more often than with other shaping methods.

Laser Hair Removal

This procedure is promoted as nearly permanent … and I find that a little scary. Fashion trends change and that would limit your options. Imagine having the same curtains in your living room for 25 years!

The laser targets hair follicles below the surface, which limits re-growth. That’s why you’ll want a thorough – and specific – consultation before you start.

Laser treatments have to be spread out over a period of months, so it takes a while to get the desired effect. Some redness may also persist after the treatment.

There are two other points to keep in mind with lasers. First, laser is more effective with darker skin tones. Second, this is by far the most expensive option … so be sure you really want to go this route before you get started.

Tweezing

I find tweezing to be the most effective shaping method. It’s by far my favorite.

Fuller brows are back in style, and tweezing gives you the best way to take advantage of that trend. That’s because you leave the majority of your brow intact and just select specific strands to pluck. It takes longer than waxing, but plucking is much more precise.

Eyebrow shaping can be an uncomfortable process. But it can also dramatically enhance your look. Achieving your selected sculpt can be well worth a little “ouch.”

Keep on Stylin’!

Anesta Dawkins