My Favorite Lipstick Roundup

March 2, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

Revlon Moondrops

Revlon Moondrops LipstickI love this lipstick because it is creamy and rich. Unlike some lipsticks it has no unpleasant taste, and it leaves my lips unstained. It comes in a nice variety of colors and is reasonably priced, which makes it a winner.


Neutrogena Moisture Shine Sheer

This is like a blend of a lip gloss and lipstick. Goes on smooth, with light color and no stickiness.

Max Factor Lipfinity

I like this because it is so long wearing. It doesn’t come off when you eat and doesn’t leave lipstick residue on your drinking glass. My first choice for a long day.

Oil of Olay Color Mist

This is another great choice, although it is a little pricey. It is light and creamy and has a great texture.

Filed Under: Makeup ·

Eczema Facts

February 2, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

Eczema is a widespread form of dermatitis, affecting almost 1 in 20 people in the US. Even if you are lucky enough not to suffer from it, I am sure you know someone who does.  Although the symptoms can be quite mild for many people, for others they can cause real pain and unhappiness.

What Causes Eczema?

Experts disagree on the all the causes of eczema, but these are the most commonly reported:

  • Stress: Many people report stressful experiences just prior to a break out of eczema.  It is not clear whether the stress actually causes the eczema or just makes it flare up.
  • Allergies: Many doctors believe eczema is caused by allergies.  Allergies have been on the rise in the U.S. over the past 50 years, and eczema could be another symptom of this.  Thanks to high levels of cleanliness children are not exposed to as many bugs now, and therefore develop less resilience. Eczema may be brought on by an allergy to dust mites, which are common in most households.
  • Diet: Some doctors believe that diet plays a key role in the cause of eczema. Children who suffer from eczema often have allergies to dairy products as well as other food groups.

Treatments

Eczema can cause a great amount of distress, however there are ways to deal with it. There is no guaranteed solution, but if you try different approaches you should find one that works for you.  Treatments include:

  • Topical Creams: Steroidal creams are commonly prescribed for the treatment of eczema.The cream is applied to the affected area once a day until the rash reduces or disappears.  This is more a treatments of the symptoms, and will not necessarily remove the underlying problem.  Also these creams should not be used for prolonged periods, so a doctor’s care is essential.
  • Dietary Treatments: A nutritionist may be able to offer some dietary changes that could help your eczema.This is a low tech treatment that is worth trying, since a small dietary change could make a big difference.  Most often this will involve removing diary, wheat or refined sugar from your diet.
  • Moisturizers: Dry skin can make eczema a lot worse, so moisturizers may help to improve the symptoms. Avoiding products that dry out the skin, such as standard soap and strong detergents, is also important.
  • Sunlight: Some research suggests that sunlight – more specifically UVA and sometimes UVB – may be beneficial to eczema sufferers. Try to give your skin more exposure to sunlight, particularly in the affected areas. However, beware that excessive exposure to sunlight can be harmful.

While eczema is not pleasant, there are ways of treating it that may help and, in some cases, may even cure it. So don’t despair, research your options and get help.

This article is not written by a medical professional and should be treated as personal opinion only. Always speak to your doctor before trying any treatments and seek professional advice if you have any questions or concerns.

Filed Under: Skin Care ·