There are always new fashion trends, even in accessories. I am not sure this is one I really want to follow, but some might find it fun and maybe a bit freeing.

The newest fashion accessory is handbags made out of bras. You can buy them or make your own and the internet is full of sites with simple instructions.

The fun part is that all you need is an old bra and some embellishments: feathers, beads, fringe - even tassels is you’re daring.

In the 60s women burned their bras to show their new freedom from conventional standards. Bras themselves have become a fashion accessory and now they make a fun and kicky handbag.

Here’s a site where you can buy them ready-made:

Red Hat Village

And here are some sites with instructions for crafting your own:

Craftbits.com

Sewing.org

There are scientists in all fields, we know that, but did you know there are scientists out there studying what makes fingernails hard or soft?

According to researchers at the University of Manchester, our nails are at their strongest when at a humidity of 60%, the natural humidiy of the nail bed. When the humidity is lower, nails become brittle, too high - such as when you have your hands in hot water - and they become soft and bend easily.

Nails are made up of three layers, the middle layer protects the inner layer from breaking towards the quick. At humidities higher or lower than 60%, these layers change and lose their protective qualities.

Hard as Nails!

In the news today is another story of storefront cosmetic procedures gone horribly wrong, and again, performed by an unlicensed practitioner.

Patricia Villegas, a beautician in Flushing, NY, is accused of administering cosmetic injections without a license. Several clients suffered disfiguring infections and scarring. In this case, the injections turned out to be fake. The substances she was injecting into women’s skin were not collagen and cortisone as she claimed.

In the quest for perfection women will go to great lengths and sometimes undergo cosmetic procedures that may not be necessary, safe or approved by the FDA. There have been increasing reports of unlicensed doctors performing cosmetic surgeries and medical procedures being illegally offered in beauty salons. A young woman in Massachusetts died while undergoing an illegal liposuction in a basement.

It’s another reminder to seek medical cosmetic procedures from only licensed professionals. Check credentials and licenses and if your state gives you access to such information, find out if they have ever been disciplined by the state board that regulates practicioners holding that license.

We talk about a lot of cosmetics and tips for achieving beauty here, but remember, the point of cosmetics is to make the most of what nature gave you, to bring out the natural beauty that you already are. The beauty on the outside is just packaging for the beauty inside, and nothing is worth the pain and suffering that can be caused by unscrupulous people who peddle unsafe cosmetic procedures to women whose self-image has been damaged by the computer-altered images of unattainable beauty that are constantly before them.

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