ALL ABOUT PERFUME: WHAT MAKES SCENT TO YOU?

A friend requested that I write about perfume, so here goes one of my favorite subjects that's never been written about.

Perfume, one of the oldest beauty products, is also one of the most popular modern-day. While some women wear perfume on special occasions, others identify by their special bottle of scent. However, now, there are so many different perfume out there, it's hard for any woman to choose a smell that fits her best.
When perfume shopping, it's important for her to try out her choices before purchase. Here are some things to remember:

1. Go perfume shopping with clean skin.
2. Don't try on too many perfume. Otherwise you will confuse the smells.
3. When you try on perfume, leave it on your skin for a while. Test out how long it lasts. Sometimes the mixture in the perfume repels your skin and doesn't last as long as it should.
4. Just remember, when it comes to perfume, it's like a wedding dress. When you have found it, you know it. Don't let all those brand names confuse you. When you stumble into the right one, it becomes yours.
To further help you out, here are a few suggestions that I've tried:
Classical: No. 5 by Channel



Sensual: Irresistible by Lancome


Fresh: Aqua de Gio by Armani



Sporty: Liz Sport by Claiborne



And of course, my all time love: Pleasures by Estee Lauder

THE NEWEST LITTLE BLACK DRESS: CLASSIC GLAMOUR ON A MODERN GIRLIE GIRL

The beloved LBD - silent superstar of our closet, the most applicable backdrop to our accessories, our savior during any fashion crisis. It may be our most under appreciated item yet provides the most stunning of results - a look of understated glamor and classical beauty.
Audrey Hepburn in BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S introduced the classic of the LBD and proved at simplicity can be just as exquisite. Today, however, our takes on the LBD come in so many ways. Below I have compiled some of the more modern LBD's, each one fitting a unique type of body shape, personality or mood.
With so many ways to recreate the lovely effect of the LBD - yes, our most beloved Little Black Dress, this fashion statement is not just seasonal or regional. It's infinitively universal and we like that!

THE GRAVITY-DEFINING MOISTURIZING TECHNIQUE

Want younger skin? 3 words: MOISTURIZE! MOISTURIZE! MOISTURIZE!
Personally I prefer AVEENO POSITIVELY RADIANT DAILY MOISTURIZER WITH SPF 15 for day, Neutrogena POSITIVELY FIRM for night, and SHISHEIDO Eye Moisture Recharge for crow's feet.
In addition to using products, it is also important how you apply them. Instead of stroking from the top to the bottom of your face, stroke from the bottom to the top. This way, you are messaging your skin upwards, in a way defining the weight of gravity.
It might not be natural for you to use the bottom-up technique, but it becomes easier with practice.
For me, I actually start from the neck up, ensuring that all movements are upward and lifting.
And with eye cream, I use my finger tips, start from just below the eye and message around to the outer corner.
Of course, your skin has much to do with diet and genetics. However, products are proven to help. And if you use them, you might as well use them with a great technique.

INTENSIFY YOUR WORKOUT FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS

Sure you can take a brisk walk on the treadmill and call it a workout. To get maximum results, however, you need INTENSITY! I'm talking about sweat-dripping, teeth-clenching, pain-inducing intensity that discomfortingly breaks down your muscles and takes you to a new kind of sore.

Soreness may not be your ideal kind of feeling, but it does provide a sense of personal achievement. Afterwards, feed yourself a good amount of protein and let those muscles rest up, so that next time you can reach another level of INTENSITY.

I know that we are girlie girls and prefer a pedi to hardcore muscle training. But we are also strong females who don't have time to waste. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in gym, do as the gym rats do:
If you prefer the cardio machines, push yourself to go faster and at higher resistance.
If you like to lift, do heavier sets (safely) or increase repetitions.
If you box, throw each punch as if you are fighting for your life!

Whatever you do, put more or all into it. In time, you will clearly identify the results. But tomorrow, you will be sore and very, very proud!