Jessica Alba is often considered one of the most beautiful and sexy women in the world. Which is why it is frightening to see the photoshopping that was done on her photos above. The shots were for a Campari calendar.

Ok, the pool colour I understand - the final shot looks stunning. And it's fine to see the beautiful lighting highlighting her gorgeous face and body, and even all the wrinkles on her clothes ironed out. But taking away all of her sensational curves and altering her already beautiful face is just criminal.

And we wonder why we are all lacking in self esteem.

(Source)

Ladies, have you even been out for lunch in summer and just as you put your hand up to call over the waiter, you realise you haven’t shaved under your arms?

Well, rest assured, those days may be over with the release of the Sure and Dove Hair Minimising roll-ons and sprays. Yes, these are deodorants that actually slow the growth of the hair under your arms.

The products, manufactured by Unilever, are said to make your underarm hair less noticeable, finer and easier to remove. Only catch is if you stop using the deodorant, the hair will grow back as normal.

They are going on sale in the UK next month, so we can only assume that if they do well, the products will be rolled out over the rest of the world soon after.

Unilever have addressed concerns of safety saying they would never launch anything that is potentially risky. Personally, I think it is one more chemical I could do without.

Source

(Source)

Wouldn’t you just love to have long, luscious eyelashes? I know I would. Unfortunately, the gene pool is what it is, which means most of us will never have that power to blink our eyes and make heads turn without a little artificial help.

Well, genes and false lashes may be a thing of the past as far as flirtatious eyes are concerned. A drug called Lumigan, which is used to treat the debilitating eye disease Glaucoma, has shown some interesting side effects. It seems that those who were using it saw longer, daker and thicker eyelashes in the eye being treated for Glaucoma.

Further studies on the drug have proved so promising that the company plans to apply for a cosmetic licence in the US.

It is thought the drug's hormone-like formulation stimulates the growth. If it gets the go-ahead, you can guarantee this will be a best seller amongst men and women alike. 

One of my favourite cold or sinus remedies is a Eucalyptus steam inhalation, however the use of steam is not just limited to being a health remedy. It is actually used as a beauty treatment as well.

Often called a facial sauna, steaming is effective at opening the pores and cleansing away any grime or dirt that may be clogging them. Your skin is left fresh and revitalised, and the circulation to your face is increased.

The process is simple. Bring some water to the boil in a saucepan. Add some fresh herbs and essential oil, then allow it to simmer for a minute. Then pour it into a large heat proof bowl, put your face over it (but not too close that the steam is burning you), cover your head and the bowl with a small towel and relax as your steam facial takes place.

The list of things you can add are quite endless, but I have just read about one I am eager to try it.

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon to the water, then throw in a handful of coriander (cilantro) leaves and a handful of basil leaves. Then add three drops of rosemary essential oil, and your steam is ready to go.

As you finish your steam, splash some cold water over your face so your cleansed pores close again. Your skin will be left looking clear, cleansed and alive.

(Source)
 

I was just reading an article about fragrances, and some of the facts are quite interesting! Here are some of the best:

1. Fragrance companies are using emotional engineering, whereby the main notes are reminiscent of comforting smells in our own lives. It could be the smell of Fresh towels, coffee or even apple pie. No wonder some smell so good!

2. One third of men’s fragrances sold are worn by women. According to fragrance expert Roja Dove, ‘There is nothing inherently masculine or feminine about a fragrance – it’s all marketing.’

3. The best place to store fragrance is in the fridge.

4. The base notes of fragrances take about 30 minutes to appear, so it really is best to spray first, buy later.

5. Adding more fragrance won’t make it last longer, especially if it is a cologne. Cologne has the lowest concentration, so it is only expected to last for 2 hours. Eau de toilette is effective for up to 4 hours, eau de parfum is good for about 5 hours while the most concentrated fragrance is simply the perfume. This is expected to last somewhere between 6 hours and a whole day.
 

Source

(Source)

Preparing your own beauty products is simple and you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Make sure all dishes used for preparation and storage are clean and sterilised. You should test for allergic reactions to ingredients before using any of the products. Do this by placing a small amount of the ingredient onto the skin of your arm and monitor for any reaction for 12 hours.
 

Spring Astringent for Enlarged Pores

1 chamomile tea bag
250mls (8 fl oz) boiling water
2 tbsp cider vinegar

Put the tea bag into a bowl and pour the boiling water over it, then leave to cool. Add the cider vinegar and transfer to a sterilised bottle. Keep in the refrigerator and use within a week.
 

Apricot and Avocado Cleanser

4 tbsp apricot oil
4 tbsp avocado oil
2 tbsp mineral water

Beat all the ingredients together with an electric beater until light and creamy. Transfer to a sterilised bottle and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
 

Absolute Almond and Honey Facial Scrub

2 tbsp ground almonds
2 tsp honey
4 tbsp plain yoghurt
2 drops rose oil

Mix the ground almonds, honey and yoghurt together in a bowl until it becomes a thick paste, then beat in the rose oil. To use gently massage into the skin on the face and neck for 2 minutes, making sure to avoid the eye area. Rinse off.

Super Cool Cucumber Moisturiser

10 cm (4 inch) piece of cucumber
100 mls (3 fl oz) rosewater
2 tbsp glycerine

Finely chop or blend the cucumber, then press through a strainer to extract the juice. Add the juice, rosewater and glycerine to a sterilised bottle then cover and shake. Store in the refrigerator and use within a week. Suitable for all skin types.
 

Actually Avocado Face Mask

½ a ripe avocado
1 tbsp plain yoghurt
1 tsp olive oil

plus either:
1 tbsp lemon juice (for normal to oily skin)
1 egg yolk (for normal to dry skin)

Peel the avocado then mash in a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and beat till blended. Use immediately.