Benefits of Natural Health and Beauty Products

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In recent years, the natural personal care market has grown by leaps and bounds. In fact, this niche now comprises a growing segment of the beauty market. Consumers have developed a strong interest in beauty items such as natural shampoo and conditioner, soap, facial care and body care products. This is more than just a passing trend as more and more consumers discover the myriad of benefits associated with these items.

One of the main advantages driving consumer consumption of natural products is the fact that they are, in fact, “nature” based. This means that consumers do not have to worry about the presence of such items as sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates in their facial, hair, and body care items. In addition, there is no PABA or parabens contained in these items. This is extremely important to many consumers who are concerned about the impact that such ingredients could have upon one’s health.

There are many other benefits linked to natural personal care products as well. Consumers who are also concerned about the use of animals in the production and testing of products will be pleased to know that this is not an issue with some natural personal care products. This is because no animal by-products are used in these items. Furthermore, there is no animal testing conducted in the manufacturing of some all natural products. This ensures that conscientious consumers can enjoy high quality health and beauty care without worrying about the impact of such goods on the animal population.

Many natural personal care products are also environmentally friendly because they are bio-degradable. This is a benefit that cannot be associated with most commercial health and beauty items. Through the use of completely natural personal care items, consumers can rest easy knowing they are not damaging the environment.

A wide range of natural health and beauty items are now available today. Consumers can choose products for every aspect of their hygiene regimen. Some also offer another distinct advantage and that is the use of certified organic ingredients that are considered to be far superior for the health of the entire body. These products include certified organic Aloe Vera gel and other natural products such as hair shampoo, soap, body care and facial care.

Many consumers who have tried natural personal care products are now so firmly convinced of the benefits of these items they have completely switched from non-natural products. Such consumers often see the purchase of natural health and beauty care products as a sound investment in their overall health as well as a way to contribute to the improvement of the environment around them.

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The Differences Between Glitz and Natural Beauty Pageants

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This week I received the same question from two different mothers whose daughters both want to be Miss America someday.

What is the difference between glitz and natural beauty pageants and which one do I recommend?

Both glitz and natural pageants can help young girls develop confidence and stage presence in a fun environment; but there are big differences between the glitz and natural worlds of pageantry. To understand where my point of view is coming from, let me first point out that the two young girls want to compete in the Miss America system. Secondly, I am a specialized natural pageant coach with my expertise being in resume writing, interview/communication skills, and positive self-image development.

Natural Pageants

Pageant systems that fall under this category are National American Miss (NAM), American Coed Pageant (COED), International Junior Miss (IJM), America’s National Teenager (ANTSO), Cinderella, America’s Outstanding Teen, Miss America, Teen-World, Miss USA, Mrs. America, Mrs. United States and Mrs. International. There are many more but this is a sampling of familiar systems to people within the pageant world.

  • Generally speaking, the makeup guideline for children under 12 is zero. Some will allow only mascara and lip gloss on stage under the bright light. Makeup used on teens and women is to enhance the natural beauty, not to become the focal point or to make them look like someone they’re not. The same goes for hairstyle. Always make sure to check with your director about the specifics for your pageant.
  • Clothing is tasteful and has sparkle to it; but is not overly ornate. Wardrobe is usually purchased off the rack at a store and subtly embellished or customized by the contestant to reflect their sense of personality and style. The wardrobe is to always bring attention back to the girl wearing it. Not the other way around.
  • Modeling style for gown is elegant and smooth. Arms and hands are close to your body moving in natural opposition (when you step forward with your right foot, your left arm is moving forward and so forth).
  • Facial expressions are natural with the energy of the eyes and smile matching.
  • Communication skills are developed through an on-stage introduction, personal interview and on-stage question.

Who does well in natural pageants? Contestants who enjoy speaking, are skilled in an artist talent, make good grades, have a charitable cause they’re passionate about, and are well-rounded individuals tend to excel in natural pageants. These skills can easily transfer into life outside of the pageant stage.

Glitz Pageants

There are many glitz pageants across the country. If your child is blessed with facial beauty, then this may be the place to start. Glitz pageants offer the opportunity for young children to get use to being on stage before they can speak.

  • In glitz pageants, you will see the use of hairpieces, heavy make-up, deep spray tans, fake teeth (called flippers), false eyelashes, and color contacts worn by the majority of the contestants.
  • Clothing for glitz pageant is usually the short cupcake skirt dress. A cupcake dress is a dress that is several inches above the knee, has multiple layers of lace and is heavily stoned and bedazzled. Most of the dresses you see on the TV show Toddlers and Tiaras are cupcake dresses and are filmed at glitz pageants.
  • Glitz pageants have their own style of modeling. Because of the full cupcake skirt, contestants learn to walk with their hands held away from their body with their finger tips gentle curving around the outer ruffle of their dress. When they walk, their arms don’t move in the natural oppositional way. Instead, they move in the same direction (if you step out with your right foot, the right arm moves slightly with it).
  • Facial Expressions tend to be exaggerated with lots of eyelash batting, tilting of the head from side to side, and blowing kisses.
  • The opportunity to develop oral communication skills are limited in glitz pageants. If the contestant speaks, it is brief or only to say her name, age and where she is from. This may be because most of the contestants are babies and toddlers whose speech isn’t yet develop. Again, the focus is on outer beauty.

Who does well in glitz pageants? Contestants who really enjoy getting all dressed up to create new characters on stage will love glitz pageants. The crowns are bigger than the child’s head and the trophies are twice their height. There are usually lots of prizes, too.

Just make sure your child can tolerant having their hair teased, eyelashes glued on, and wearing heavy makeup. Glitz pageants are high maintenance and expensive. They are very popular and easy to find for children under the age of 5.

Because the glitz environment is about creating an illusion, it’s hard, but not impossible, for children who have only done glitz pageants to successfully transition into natural pageants as they age up. The modeling style, limited speaking experience and facial expressions learned at a young age are hard habits to break.

So to answer the second part of the question as to which pageant type I would recommend, since these two little girls want to be Miss America someday (and what 10-year-old doesn’t want to be) I would say stick to the natural pageant systems.

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Yoga and Natural Beauty – Seven Super Natural Beauty Tips For Face Care

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Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought how tired and weary your eyes look? Or how dry and hard your skin is? The beauty industry spends a lot of money projecting a certain image of beauty which causes you to feel inadequate if you do not match up to this ideal.

However from a yogic perspective, real beauty is inner beauty. The yogi sees their physical body as a temple which houses your soul. True beauty is the reflection of your inner self radiating and touching others. From a yogic view you foster your inner beauty through the natural care of your body.

The pace of life today takes its toll on your skin. It zaps your energy and leaves your skin tired, grey and haggard looking. If you are feeling stressed chances are you are over committed, have multiple tasks to complete at work and at home have to juggle your time between caring for your children and family.

You may even feel you do not deserve to take time out for yourself and spend your money on buying household items, paying bills, buying food and clothes for your children. Maybe after paying out for all these essentials you do not have any money left to have a manicure, facial or spend time at a day spa.

Finding time for yourself, to rest and pamper and nurture your inner being seems a luxury and indulgent activity.

This is a false economy. When you take the time to rest, your parasympathetic nervous system kicks in and starts to slow down your heart rate and rebalance your internal organs. This leaves you feeling relaxed and energised. The more you give to yourself, the more energy you have to give to others and manage your day with minimum stress.

Give yourself a break and try out some of these simple natural face care tips. All the ingredients can be found in your kitchen cupboard or easily purchased at your local supermarket.

Seven Super Natural Beauty Tips for Face Care

1. To rest and rejuvenate tired eyes, place a peeled slice of cucumber over each closed eye as you lay down and breathe slowly.

2. Smile – Close your eyes and smile slightly. Take your awareness into your body and send your loving smile to the parts of your body that feel tired, stiff or sore. With practice you can easily practice this inner smile which leaves you looking refreshed and rejuvenated.

3. Facial Steam – a facial steam releases stale oils from the pores and loosens debris sticking to the skin. Simply fill a small bowl with hot (not boiling) water. If you have any herbs or aromatherapy oils sprinkle in a few drops (for example, lavender and peppermint are stimulating, rosemary, eucalyptus and rose are cleansing, chamomile is soothing). If you don’t have any, that’s ok. Place a towel over your head and sit quietly with your head about 20 inches from the water, with the towel covering the bowl. Breathe deeply for about 5 minutes as you allow the steam to gently ease away cares and stress from your skin.

4. Mix together 1 tablespoon ripe avocado, mashed; 1 teaspoon honey and 3 drops of cider vinegar and sesame oil to work to a spreading paste. Apply this mixture to your face, avoiding your eyes. Lie down and close your eyes for 10 – 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

5. Apply fresh aloe vera gel, straight from the plant, or vitamin E oil to your face, avoiding your eyes. Rest for 10 – 20 minutes, with closed eyes. Gently wash and rinse your face with warm water.

6. Fill a small bowl with warm water. Sprinkle a few herbs (for example mint, bay leaf infusion, or a few slices of lemon) or aromatherapy oils into the bowl. Place a clean flannel in the bowl, swish it around and then wring it out, leaving it slightly damp. Place the warm flannel over your face. Lie down and rest for 5 – 15 minutes.

7. Mix together 2 tablespoons ripe avocado, 1 teaspoon clear honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon plain yoghurt, place the mashed mixture into a small bowl and leave to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Spread over your face, avoiding your eyes and lie down for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse and wipe with lukewarm water.

If your face feels tired, weary and in need of a lift, try any one of the above seven super natural beauty care tips. They will nourish and stimulate you and leave your skin vibrant, clean and glowing.

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