Ten Thrifty Tips for Radiant Skin

/PRNewswire/ -- Beautiful skin without spending a lot of cash? It's true. In fact, you may actually save money on skin care this year, while also boosting your health, lowering your stress level and cleaning out your cabinets.

Skin care guru Celeste Hilling has spent more than 15 years researching and designing products in the quest to help people build and maintain radiant skin. With the ten thrifty tips, this host of "Skin Health TODAY" and CEO of Skin Authority is empowering you to throw away your old ways of thinking, "It's a new year, and time for a new you to embrace a new way of looking at skin care. Open your eyes, mind and bathroom cabinets to new ideas for skin care and you can keep your wallet closed!"

So, what's stopping you? Time for the top ten:

1. Out With the Old -- discard your beauty products one year after opening them because bacteria can grow in the bottle or jar potentially causing infections or irritation when applied to the skin. Use special caution with jars in which you dip your fingers or hands as those tend to have more active bacteria growth. It's a good idea to write the date purchased on the bottom of new products so that you know when it has reached the end of its useful life.

2. Simplify your Beauty -- you have 20 products on your shelf and don't have a clue how to use them! Simplify to no more than three to four steps in the morning and at night. In the morning, you need a mild cleanser, an anti-oxidant such as Vitamin C and a sunscreen moisturizer. Before you go to bed, use resurfacing ingredients such as AHAs and retinols in addition to restorative peptides.

3. Wash your Face -- it sounds simple and it is, cleaning your skin is one of the most important things you can do when you wake up and before you go to bed. Remove make-up and deep cleanse in one step by using cleansers incorporating AHAs, which are antibacterial and remove dead skin cells.

4. Hands Off -- regardless of the urge, keep your hands off your pimples! By pushing and prodding, you are actually pushing bacteria deeper, causing more inflammation and potentially scarring the skin.

5. Stop Smoking -- in addition to its negative, carcinogenic effects on your body and overall health, smoking causes premature aging. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 toxins, many of which are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and are taken by the blood into the skin's structure. Smoking also thins the skin, reduces collagen and contributes to an unflattering "apple" body shape in women.

6. More Sleep, Less Stress -- we don't live in a utopian society, so it's tough to manage enough sleep to make a difference in our stress levels. As one of the biggest impairments to skin care is stress, ease into a good night's sleep by turning off the television, taking a warm bath, dimming the lights and practicing breathing exercises.

7. Sun Protection -- the sun is not your skin's friend. Use sunscreen every day, rain or shine. To determine the quality of a sunscreen, check the SPF number on the label (those with SPF 15 or greater yield the best results), and the active ingredient label to make sure it has UVA-blocking elements such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or anything in the avobenzone family.

8. Cost Per Ounce -- shop for skin care the way that you shop for food, by looking at the cost per ounce. What you'll find is that products from spas and salons are a great bargain as they include complimentary consultations with a licensed esthetics expert, which you won't receive when buying products at grocery, drug or discount stores.

9. Don't Buy Products Based on Price -- while we're on the subject of money, just because a product is expensive, does not mean it's amazing. On the other hand, a product that costs less may not be a bargain that will work for you. Instead of shopping by price, evaluate the concentration of active ingredients and ensure any treatment product has a pH below four. The human skin ranges from 4.5-5.5 pH. A product should be below the pH level of the skin for maximum penetration. Otherwise, you might as well be using water!

10. Free Skin Care Coaching -- in light of the economy, Hilling has developed her own Skin Health Stimulus Package. Everyone now has access to a free phone or online consultation with a licensed professional to help them make safer, wiser choices on where to spend their skin care dollar or better utilize the products they already have. Simply dial 1.866.325.SKIN (7546) and say that you want to join the Beauty Workout.

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Diet Coke and Heidi Klum Use Their 'Charm' to Raise Awareness of Women's Heart Health

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the second straight year, Diet Coke has tapped Heidi Klum as its heart health ambassador in support of The Heart Truth campaign, a national effort sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to educate women about the risks of heart disease. This year, Diet Coke's involvement in The Heart Truth will include sponsorship of The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection fashion show on February 13th at Fashion Week 2009. Diet Coke also will debut a targeted print, television and digital advertising campaign featuring Heidi Klum; unveil packaging featuring The Heart Truth's Red Dress logo; and launch an updated Web site with consumer education about heart health as well as a traveling exhibit.

New this year, Klum is taking on the dual role of jewelry designer and model. She has created a Diet Coke Red Dress Charm, inspired by the Red Dress symbol, encrusted in rubies and diamonds and shaped like an hourglass to remind women it is time to get educated about heart disease, the #1 killer of women in America today. On February 22, 2009, Klum will wear the Diet Coke Red Dress Charm on the Red Carpet at the Academy Awards(R) to help raise awareness for women's heart health.

For a chance to share Klum's new look for the Red Dress, consumers are invited to enter to win a limited-edition version of the charm by entering the Red Dress Charm Sweepstakes at DietCoke.com.

"For more than 25 years, Diet Coke has played an integral role in consumers' lives. We know that women today, now more than ever, are interested in taking care of their health, and with heart disease being the #1 women's health issue, Diet Coke is committed to spreading the message about good heart health," said Caren Pasquale Seckler, Group Director, Low-Calorie Colas, Coca-Cola North America. "Heidi Klum's star-power helped The Heart Truth message reach millions of women last year, and with Heidi's help, we hope to continue to keep the spotlight on this crucial issue, reaching even more women and their families with information and resources for healthier hearts."

Diet Coke Heart Truth Road Show

Diet Coke and the NHLBI will be taking The Heart Truth message directly to women in cities across the United States with The Heart Truth Road Show - a traveling national exhibit about women's heart health. Co-presented by Diet Coke, The Heart Truth Road Show will travel to six cities and each free event will showcase the one-of-a-kind red dresses worn on the runway at the Red Dress Collection fashion show during Fashion Week, and provide free heart health screenings and educational materials. Starting in Minneapolis (3/6-3/8), The Heart Truth Road show will stop in Houston (3/13-3/15), Los Angeles (3/20-3/22), Charlotte (4/3-4/5), New York City (4/16-4/18) and Atlanta (4/24-4/26).

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Women Focus On Controlling A Common Problem

(NAPSI)-According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, one in four women suffers from some type of bladder weakness. Many women think that bladder weakness is an inevitable reality of pregnancy or getting older, but by building a strong pelvic floor-the group of muscles located on the underside of the pelvis that are responsible for bladder control-women can stay in control of their bodies and live an active lifestyle.

Having strong pelvic floor muscles improves posture and tummy tone and is an integral part of preventing bladder weakness and improving bladder control. Through a program of simple, gentle exercises, women can vastly improve the symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor.

"Little time is spent explaining to women the role of their pelvic floor and the impact of neglect or damage," says Kari Bo, an international expert in exercise science and physiotherapy. "Even more important, women don't realize that they can train these muscles to prevent future problems or reduce current symptoms."

Bo is the designer of the PELVICORE Technique, an at-home program that helps women of all ages and levels of ability improve the tone and control of their pelvic floor muscles. The quick and easy 20-minute routine is produced by Core Wellness, an international pelvic fitness campaign sponsored by TENA® (formerly known as Serenity®), a leading provider of incontinence management products and services. The PELVICORE Technique is proven to both prevent and, in 60 to 70 percent of women with stress incontinence, cure bladder weakness.

Following are some tips from TENA for achieving optimal pelvic health:

• Don't Sweat It: More than 70 percent of mild bladder incontinence can be improved through simple muscle exercises that contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises require minimal effort and can be done anywhere-in the office, on the subway or while at home watching TV-no gym clothes required.

• Maintain a Normal Weight: Carrying excess weight increases the likelihood of weak pelvic floor muscles and can also worsen bladder weakness.

• Let Someone Else Do the Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects incorrectly can weaken your pelvic floor. Lift heavy objects carefully by bending your knees and using your leg muscles.

• The Pelvic Health Diet: Certain foods, such as those that are spicy or tomato based, can irritate the bladder. Caffeine and alcoholic beverages can also contribute to leakage, so stick to bladder-friendly liquids such as water, apple juice, grape juice and cranberry juice.

• Don't Let Bladder Weakness Hold You Back: Bladder weakness affects one out of four women. You are not alone in this condition and it doesn't have to control your life. Pelvic floor exercises can greatly improve your pelvic health, but if you're still hesitant to stray too far from a bathroom, consider a discreet liner or pad to help give you confidence through the day. Visit www.tena.us for more tips and to check out all your available options.

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Ms. Wheelchair Georgia Seeks Contestants

The Ms. Wheelchair Georgia Program is seeking contestants for the 2010 Ms. Wheelchair Georgia Pageant to be held in Calhoun, GA April 18th, 2009.

The winner of the Georgia pageant on April 18th will hold the title of "Ms. Wheelchair Georgia, 2010". She will represent Georgia from then until following year's pageant, and in the Ms. Wheelchair America 2010 Pageant 23-29 August, 2009, in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The Ms. Wheelchair Georgia Pageant has been held since 1972, and is affiliated with the Ms. Wheelchair America program. The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for women of achievement who utilize wheelchair to successfully educate and advocate for individuals with disabilities.

If you are a woman, a U. S. citizen between the ages of 21 and 60, use a wheelchair 100% of the time for community mobility and have been a resident of Georgia for at least six (6) months, you could be eligible to enter the competition. Marital status is not a consideration. For applications and info, Betty Taggart, State Pageant Coordinator and Ms. Wheelchair Georgia 1994, 706-602-1046; mattie04@bellsouth.net.

Click here to find out more about Ms. Wheelchair America
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Glamour and Fashion Return to the White House

/PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in 50 years, fashion returns to the White House. First Lady, Michelle Obama is the most visible and revered woman in the world, she has quickly become an International role model and fashion icon.

In recent months there has been constant speculation on what and whom Michelle Obama will be wearing.

Enter jewelry designer, Loree Rodkin, who was selected for three key moments; Election Night, The Inaugural Concert and Kids Inaugural Concert on The Disney Channel. It is fitting that Michelle Obama selected a female American based designer who attracts a clientele, which is strong, hard-working, feminine, independent, fearless and outspoken.

Undoubtedly, luxury brand strategists from around the world have had their sights set on dressing this historical First Lady. However, Michelle stayed true to her unique and independent voice by selecting Loree Rodkin's designs. Mrs. Obama was introduced to the jewelry brand through Chicago's premier luxury boutique Ikram, where she has been a longstanding client.

"It's a privilege to be a part of history," says Loree Rodkin. "The First Lady is a symbol of hope, courage and great style. I am honored that she has chosen my jewelry."

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Makeup Artist, Paige Padgett Predicts Top Beauty Trends for 2009

/PRNewswire/ -- The overall makeup theme for 2009 is free-spirited, yet polished. There is a strong focus on texture and finish. New, high-tech products will create interesting finishes. The trend in cosmetic spending is eco-friendly. The buzz words in beauty are sustainable, ethical, organic and natural.

-- The Nude Face has come back in a variety of manifestations. But don't
assume it's seamless; from primers to a myriad of skin-preps, this is
makeup worked to the max. The face is flawlessly finished. This look
is highly groomed and uber sophisticated.

-- Gloss, Glitter, and Gossamer is a key beauty story this year. Cheeks
will glimmer with luminizer. Eyes will sparkle with glitter. Skin will
gleam with gloss.

-- Metallics create instant luxe. And who doesn't want that? Faces will
be drenched in gold, bronze, copper, and platinum.

-- Eco and Ethical is tipped for the greatest opportunity for growth.
Organic Monitor published late last year valued the global organic and
naturals market at $7bn, and forecast that it would surpass the $10bn
mark by the end of the decade.

-- India and China are setting trends. Cosmetic companies and consumers
alike are looking to authentic remedies from the East for beauty
inspiration such as traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvidic Medicine.

Paige Padgett has been a successful makeup artist for more than 5 years. She has worked on TV shows including "Shear Genius 2," "The Biggest Loser," and the "Today" show. She has done work for Self Magazine, Nike, "Got Milk" campaign and developed a line of makeup for Randolph Duke for HSN, as well as working on the runways of Diane von Furstenberg and Badgley Mischka, to name a few. Paige has worked with the Environmental Media Association, is a contributing writer for Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa and is the beauty expert for JillianMichaels.com where she writes a green beauty blog.

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Avoiding Fashion Faux Pas

(NAPSI)-Every woman has committed at least one fashion faux pas at some point in her life. Most are smart enough to acknowledge their mistake, take a moment to cringe and then swear to never do it again. Others, though, just keep right on mixing paisleys with stripes while their friends snicker.

Regardless of which group you fall into, a few tips from celebrity stylist Jorge Ramon can help keep you looking your best:

• Jean Queen-When sizing up jeans, remember this rule of thumb: Your back pockets should be about the size of your hand. Any smaller and they'll make your backside look bigger. Also, avoid detailing that could add width or bulk, and-no less important-keep in mind that uniform, dark washes de-emphasize curvier figures.

• Tight Squeeze-Yes, we know, the smug factor of being able to tell everyone you're wearing a size 4 is incredible-unless you're actually a size 8. Which is to say: People notice how your clothes fit, not what size they are. So forget the number on the tag and buy only what looks good on you. If your shirt is pulling at the chest or your pants pockets are puckering, that means they're too small.

• Staying Youthful-Like skin, clothes need to be kept looking "young." There are two new products out there called Tide Total Care and Downy Total Care, a detergent and a fabric softener that help keep your clothes looking like new. By combining the best of beauty and fabric care technologies, these products help protect the color and shape of clothing, wash after wash and wear after wear.

• Stand Tall-Make your legs look longer by having the hem of your pants fall to the top of your foot, covering most of your heel in back. And remember to show up at the tailor in the shoes you wear most often when you have pants hemmed.

For more information and tips, visit www.50washes.com.

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