Toning Isn't Just For the Gym Anymore

An important step in the care of our skin that we routinely leave out is the use of facial toners. At the very least we do some basic form of cleansing and moisturizing andwhen we decide to splurge, we sometimes add a scrub or exfoliator. But what can we add by using facial toners?

Deep Cleansing

Toners take cleansing process one step further. They are absorbed by the skin, purifying and reconditioning it, leaving skin feeling clean without any side effects such as tightness, drying or stinging. It’s common to mistake some of those side effects as a sign that your cleanser is doing your job, but your skin is supposed to feel good so bring an end to the abuse! Designed to penetrate pores deeply, toners clean out all the dirt, oil and grime to help your skin breathe a little better. Toner works great to give you that extra boost when it comes to cleaning and you can depend on it to take care of oil, make-up, sunscreen, sweat and other microscopic bacteria and pollution that end up on your face by the end of the day. Basically, toners clean away anything you don’t want on your pillow at night and that makes for a better night’s sleep for everyone.

Smoother Skin

Let toners take care of the nitty-gritty work while you enjoy the results. They remove dead skin cells lingering on the surface, even out rough patches and reduce the appearance of pores. Smaller pores not only look better, but give your skin a fighting chance against the everyday elements. The reduced size of pores prevents all the dirt and bacteria from entering. Toner can even help restore your skins natural pH balance to normal after using a facial cleanser, keeping skin ultra-moisturized.  Now you’re on your way to achieving desirable smooth, soft skin that you’ve always had – it just needed a little TLC. 

Reduces Blemishes

Need another reason to celebrate? Yes, toners also target acne. Certain toners are specifically designed for those that have problems with acne and oily skin. It will wipe away the oil that causes acne and will do its part in reducing the size of existing blemishes as well as keep new ones from forming, leaving you with a nice, even skin tone. Look for an acne toner with glycolic acid for exfoliation and salicylic acid to rid skin of blemishes.

DorMauri offers a Super Firming Botanical Facial Toner. It’s formula of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients guarantee protection for healthy skin as well as tones and firms, shrinking pores so your skin feels and looks younger. Like most DorMauri products, its mineral clay exfoliates and detoxifies. Other properties include rose pedal infusion, cucumber extract and green tea moisturize and sooth dry, irritated skin and assist in the restoration of elasticity that skin loses over the years. Doesn’t just hearing all this make your skin feel cleaner already?

A few guidelines to keep in mind in searching for a great toner is to purchase one that is alcohol-free (skip over astringents which contain alcohol causing the drying effects you’re trying to avoid!), oil free, hypoallergenic, and one that’s non-comedogenic. Toners are the best way to clean and refresh skin without drying it out and compromising the skin’s natural moisturizers. Apply toner after using a facial cleanser with a cotton ball or pad and don’t forget to moisturize, too! 

This article has been brought to you by the skin care experts at DorMauri.com.

I Never Forget the Wine, I Have it Delivered

I am not a snob, nor would I consider myself posh, but I do like to entertain. My dinner parties are always well attended and one of the main reasons for their success is the wine. I have never been one to only serve a set wine for a given meal. I know I am supposed too, but I would rather my guests have a choice, that way I can be confident that everyone finds one they like. I have received many compliments on my ability to provide a good selection of wines, although I do have a guilty little secret. My friends think I must spend hundreds of pounds and countless hours scouring supermarkets and wine shops, looking for the best quality wines for us all to enjoy. I don’t, I mean I do buy the best quality wines, but always from the comfort of my own home.

Secrets

I did originally scour the shops, but when I found myself spending most of my free time actually involved in this endeavour, not to mention a great deal of money, I decided that there had to be another way. I took my search to the internet. You would be surprised how many companies there are out there, that will deliver bottles of wine. Most of them, my favourite included, usually have a six bottle minimum. But the beauty of mine is that I can mix the case to suit myself, allowing me the confidence that all of my guests will be satisfied. They hold a multitude of different wines, from every country which produces it. If you have a certain bottle in mind, they will stock it. If you happen to be experimenting and are unsure as to the particular type you want, they even stock a taster and starter case.  

Pricing

I am one of those people who like to live the high life, but still have to be cautious with my money. Not only do I want the best wines, for my functions, but I also want the best price. The types of wine I serve would be very expensive in a supermarket, even more so in a wine shop, but my secret supplier not only gives me a low cost delivery service, at less than £6.00 a case, I know I was surprised, they also provide me with a very reasonable price for the wine itself. My parties will continue and up to now no one else has discovered my secret, I aim to keep it to that way.

Why not try a starter or taster case? It’s the most reasonable way of enjoying wine I’ve found and believe me, I’ve looked! Wine delivery is also a growing industry, jump in now before everyone finds out.

Unique Gift Ideas

A look at how there is no reason why you wouldn't be able to find a great gift for your loved one.
In the last decade the choice of gift ideas for both men and women has become extensive. Gone are the days of sending socks to him or a scarf to her. There is literally no excuse for not being able to source a wonderful gift idea.
For Him or Her
Days on the track are always a favourite and what could be better than driving a super car. The cars on offer often include Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins. Experiences include a day at track at numerous locations throughout the UK. After training attendees will drive the super car of their choice. If that is not exhilarating enough they then sit in the passenger seat while a trained driver takes them on a white knuckle ride. Photographs of their experience are taken to capture the memory of a great day.  
Out on the trail
Not all experiences have to be as thrilling. Often just getting away from it all can be just the ticket. In recent years the Segway has been the two wheeled tool of choice. Early versions were strictly for smooth pavements and roads but the more recent ruggedized versions now offer the opportunity to go off the beaten track. After some initial group training it is not long before forest trails and rough terrain can be explored. The Segway is unique in that it uses a gyroscopic motor to calculate where you are. If you lean forward the Segway moves forward. Stand upright and it comes to a halt. Lean to the left or right and it will turn.
Gravity defying
Should you want to lose all sense of orientation then zorbing could be just the thing to excite the senses. Zorbing entails being strapped into a giant, transparent inflatable ball. The experience comes in two varieties. Dry and wet. Dry entails being secured via a climbing harness and then merrily being pushed down a hill. People who have done it often talk of laughing hysterically as gravity takes hold and they thunder down the hill at 30mph.
Pamper Yourself
If pampering is your thing then you are well catered for in the world of unique gifts. Treatments often include sumptuous full body massages, foot massage, stone treatments, steam room and jacuzzi sessions. Some spa experiences can include afternoon tea and overnight stays in luxurious settings in the city or country. Whatever you choose you will be assured of a thrilling experience.

Mark Evans is an expert on designer homeware and unique gift ideas, writing relevant articles for a number of publications.

The Acne Countdown: 9 Facts to Know

If you struggle with acne, you are not alone.  Acne is a very common skin condition that affects 50 million Americans. If you are assuming that most of the 50 million are teenagers, you are mistaken. Acne is not limited to only teens, in fact, a whopping 50% of women have adult acne and 25% of adult men struggle with it as well. Although acne is more prevalent among adolescents, it affects all walks of life—regardless of age, sex, ethnicity and social class. The acne treatment industry’s annual revenue of over 1.4 billion dollars is proof that acne is indeed an epidemic. Perhaps you are one of many acne sufferers who believe that breakouts are a result of something you ate or did. Acne has nothing to do with anything you did! It mostly stems from one or more of the following: hormones, heredity and stress. Granted, an unhealthful diet and poor skin care habits can exacerbate the problem, but they are certainly not the direct cause of it. 

Interested in learning more about acne?  Visit Mario Badescu Skin Care's Acne Treatment Center for more articles, tips, and complete acne treatment regimens.

5 Exercises to Add to Your Routine to Look Your Best

Six months ago, you came to the conclusion that it was time to take better care of yourself. You threw out the cookies and chips, headed to the Farmers Market and drafted a work-out routine to rival that of even the most energetic exercise zealot. You wake up every morning and jog with your pup around the block. You take the stairs at work and you make an effort to park your car farther from the door when you are running errands. Evenings are dedicated to an hour of Yoga or a kick-boxing class. You feel so healthy and energized but suddenly you realize that your routine is no longer working for you. That pooch around your belly is still there no matter how far you park your car away from the door; so what gives? This is what experts call a plateau. Your muscles have become accustomed to the exercises you have been diligently practicing and they are no longer being pushed and stretched to their limit. Work a couple of these moves in your next work-out to break out of your routine and keep your muscles surprised.

Basic Ab Work

1. Crunches are only effective at eliminating that bottom stomach pooch when used in the correct form. This can be difficult to do for beginners but guaranteed you will see results if push yourself. When laying on your back, pull your belly button into your spine as if someone has a string and is pulling your center through your back. Keep your core engaged as you crunch up. Hold for 3 seconds and slowly release back to the ground, keeping your core stabilized.

2. Bridge Pose in Yoga is great for working the lower abs as well as strengthening the back and buttocks. Lay on your back with your arms resting to your sides and your knees bent; feet hip width apart. Keeping your core engaged and tightened-remember the string- lift up with your hips pressing into your heels. Hold for ten seconds and release gently back to your starting position.

3. Wall Holds are tough but fantastic at erasing the flab. Sit with your tailbone against a wall and your legs bent at the knees, resting on the floor in front of you. Put your hands on the floor between your knees and lift your feet off the ground, keeping your core engaged and buttocks on the floor. Start with a one minute hold and work your way up from there.

Cardio Booster
4. Jumping Jacks are a fantastic go-to if you just don't feel like leaving the house or are short on time. 45 jumping jacks followed by one minute of light jogging in place repeated three times is a good start.

5. Yoga when done a certain way can be beneficial as a cardio exercise as well. This kind of Yoga is called Vinyasa or "Flow" Yoga. Sun Salutations are meant to get your blood pumping and increase heart rate while aiding in digestion. Start standing with your back straight and your arms at your side pointing to the ground. Inhale and swan-dive touching your toes with your fingers. Place your hands on the ground and step back into a plank. Push forward with your feet and bring yourself into a push-up until your hips are against the ground and your chest is toward the sky. Push back with your hips into an inverted triangle position-downward facing dog- and remember to breath. Bring your feet back to your hands and slowly stand up to your starting position. Repeat this series of poses as many times as you feel comfortable but remember to breath and take a break if you begin to feel dizzy.

Add any of these exercises every time you feel your routine has gotten stagnant or you just aren't seeing results anymore and you are sure to not only feel your best, but look your best as well.

John Graham writes about fitness, health & insurance quotes.

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