One of your greatest beauty assets is your smile. I have known many women who try to avoid having photographs taken, they fear the camera so much that they set their face in what they think will be an expression which will not appear foolish but in reality, their uncomfortableness shows in the photo. These same women, caught smiling unawares, are engaging and beautiful.

There are many products on the market designed to whiten your teeth and give you a brighter smile, but in order to make the best of them, you have to protect your teeth first from decay and placque.

The findings of a new study done in Sweden show that the sweetener xylitol reduces the acidity of placque and bacteria that cause cavities. Xylitol is found in many brands of sugarless gum as well as other sugar-free treats. Xylitol occurs naturally in fruits and berries, such as pears and strawberries.

The researchers found that and intake of 6.0 grams of Xylitol daily was sufficient to reduce the risk of cavities. According to the research:

* A daily intake of xylitol is recommended as a supplement for patients at high risk for tooth decay.

* Xylitol products that actively stimulate the secretion of saliva should be the first choice, such as chewing gum.

* About 6 g of xylitol per day is needed to counteract the production of acid and thereby reduce the risk of cavities.

* The daily intake should be distributed over at least three occasions.

* The products should contain as much xylitol as possible and not be mixed with other sweeteners.

Of course, chewing gum constantly isn’t the heighth of attractiveness either, but just as chewing gum after meals helps clean the teeth, one could easily fit the three daily doses into her schedule.

And remember, you’re beautiful when you smile.

Medical News Today

The application of blush can be considered a form of art in the style of realism. Too many times blush can look more like modern, abstract art with its streaks and sharp edges and way-too-vibrant colors.

Blush is meant to be just that - a glow on your cheeks, subtle color that makes you look healthy and fresh.

If you use gel or cream blush, the key is blending. Start at the center of the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards in widening circles. Keep in mind that the color must be lighter and more blended with each circle until it disappears at the very edge. You can use a translucent powder over it to set it and prevent it from “melting” into pores.

Powder blush is easily blended if you use a large, soft brush. If your powder blush came with a small, square, flat brush, throw it away and get a professional makeup brush. Again you should start at the apples of your cheeks and lightly brush over them with color.

The best blush color is one that looks natural. Bright pinks or pinks that are too dark will leave you with a “slapped cheek” look. For most of us pinky peaches or peachy tans are the most natural but not every skintone is alike so look for a color that is natural on you .

Finally, your blush should never compete or clash with your lipcolor. People should see your face as a total whole, and not in brightly painted pieces.

Is winter giving you dry, itchy, flaky skin? If so, your’re not alone. Reaching for the bottle of hand lotion several times a day may temporarily relieve some of the dryness but until the dryness of our environments change, dryness is going to continue to plague.

So what to do? Well, how about making some changes in that environment yourself? A home humidifier to add moisture to the air not only has health benefits (as well as making the house feel warmer) it can help alleviate some of the causes of dry skin. Working from the inside, we can keep our bodies hydrated too by drinking plenty of water and not just colas and coffees. The water content of a cola or coffee beverage compensates for caffeine’s diuretic properties, but you aren’t going far in hydrating your body.

Do moisturize and use a lotion or cream that contains a moisture barrier shield, to protect skin from losing moisture. These products are most effective if applied directly after showering when skin is still moist.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet and keeping hydrated as well as using preparations to protect and moisturize will help your skin weather the long winter.

Oh, and look at the calendar…Spring is only 35 days away.

Winter has its icy grip on many parts of the country. But just because the mercury is dropping doesn’t mean your face can’t be warm and bright.

Sometimes just a few changes are all that is necessary to take your makeup from one season to another.

*Go a shade lighter with foundation, your usual shade may be too dark for your winter skin.

*Warm up cheeks with a brighter shade. Use sparingly, brush color lightly over the apples of your cheeks for an automatic winter warm up.

*Choose a warm, rich lipcolor. Now is the time to go for deeper reds and browns,

*Let your eyes stand out. Use eyeliner in a deep rich brown, charcoal or black. Use mascara to match for a lush lash look.

*Even if you don’t usually use face powder, try it. The powder will set your foundation and give you a matte finish.