With the warnings about the dangers of skin cancer caused by tanning, people are flocking to tanning beds and tanning bed lotions are popping up on store shelves.

Skin cancer, caused by tanning, is a great concern for many people. Tanning beds are considered to be a safe alternative to natural sun exposure and skin cancer caused by outdoor tanning. But does the use of tanning bed lotions protect against skin cancer and damaging tanning bed rays? Recent studies have shown similar negative effects on skin from tanning beds as from sun exposure. Tanning bed lotions with sunscreen are now being sold in response to these growing concerns.

Tanning beds use UVA rays rather than UVB rays, which are responsible for burning. UVA rays do not burn, but can cause deep, long term skin damage. Most commercially available tanning lotions for use in a tanning bed do not contain sunscreen.

Consumers receive conflicting information about the safety of tanning beds. Most information released by the tanning bed industry suggests that using beds is a safe alternative to the sun and skin cancer caused by outdoor tanning. Tanning lotions are recommended to produce an even tan and preserve moisture in the skin. They point to the fact that because the sun is not exposed to burning UVB rays, the skin will not be damaged by tanning.

Others insist that tanning beds are dangerous regardless of the presence of sunburn. This side argues that long term, deep skin damage is caused by UVA rays, making the use of tanning beds dangerous. Most dermatologists are on this side of the argument.

While both sides battle it out, use of tanning beds remains a personal choice. If you choose to tan indoors, follow some safety precautions to avoid potential skin damage. Use a tanning lotion specifically made for tanning beds. Regular tanning lotion with sunscreen is not made for use in beds. Select a product formulated for use in a tanning bed and follow the directions exactly. When possible, choose a product containing UVA protection. This may slow down the tanning process somewhat, but can preserve your skin.

Follow the manufacturer's directions as to the duration of tanning. Staying in longer than recommended won't produce a better tan, but can cause damage to the skin even with the use of tanning lotions. Always moisturize after tanning, especially if you have dry skin. And keep skin moisturized between tanning sessions.

As Americans become increasingly health conscious, skin care companies have responded by including all natural skin care products in their lines.  Most traditional skin care products contain ingredients that have not been adequately tested for safety. Some skin care products even contain ingredients which are thought to be carcinogenic.  Synthetic ingredients are often added to products to extent the shelf life.

Wide spread use of synthetic ingredients in all natural skin care products make pure products difficult to find.  Check the ingredients list carefully.  If a complete list is not included in the all natural skin care product packaging, it can be obtained from the manufacturer.

The best way to ensure purity in all natural skin care products is to make your own.  Recipes are widely available in books and on the Internet.  Choose ingredients appropriate for your skin type and follow a basic beauty routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing.  This should be done twice a day, in the morning and at night.

Common ingredients in natural and organic skin care products and their uses:

• Oatmeal is a wonderful natural cleanser when added to water or milk.  Use finely ground oatmeal for best results.
• Wheat germ is nourishing and soothing to the skin.  The grainy texture of wheat germ makes it great for exfoliating the skin.

• Fruits and vegetables have different uses, some soothing, toning or moisturizing.
• Yogurt and milk have exfoliating and soothing properties.  They are also used to hydrate the skin.
• Honey is an excellent natural moisturizer.
• Aloe ahs soothing properties and can aid in healing.  It is often used in products for healing blemishes and sunburn.

Many people use all natural skin care products in an attempt to avoid the toxins in traditional products. For this reason, many people also opt for mineral cosmetics in their beauty routine.

Mineral cosmetics are lightweight and don't clog the pores.  They are free of the oils, perfumes and chemicals which make them an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies. These organic skin care products use ingredients like titanium oxide and zinc oxide which provide protection from UVA and UVB rays.

                                            Some people think short hairstyles as anything above the jaw line.  Other people view short hairstyles as anything cut at or above the ear.  If a client and a hair stylist have different definitions, the results can be disastrous. Take it from me! I've been there.

Short hairstyles can be categorized in two groups: short and very short.  Short hairstyles are typically cuts ending anywhere beneath the ear, but above the jaw.  Very short cuts are at or above the jaw line.

There are many benefits to short hairstyles.  They look great on people with fine hair.  When fine hair is long it can look limp and lifeless.   The hair gains body from short layered cuts.  Shorter styles look great on most other textures of hair as well.

Short hairstyles offer flexibility in styling options.  You can shampoo and go, scrunch and dry, curl or straighten the hair.  For women who enjoy frequent change, short hair offers the most versatility.  When styling your hair, add mousse for volume.  Gel can be used for styles that require more staying power. 

Short hairstyles work well for women with active lifestyles.  Shorter hair requires less upkeep than longer styles.  People with little time for beauty routines often opt for styles that allow them to shampoo and go. 

Older women benefit from short hairstyles.  Shorter hair can actually make you look younger.  Since long hair is often associated with youth and beauty, many women hold onto their longer styles as they age.  This can be a mistake.  As women age, hair turns grey and becomes more coarse in texture.  This change can make the hair look unruly and results in the opposite effect by making women look older.  Natural sagging of the facial skin in older women is accentuated by longer styles.

Short hairstyles never go out of style.  They were popular in the 1920s and are still popular today.  While styling techniques may change over time, short lengths remain trendy.  

Ahh, Sephora -- how I love your vastness and rows of temptation! Don't let the grandness of the place scare ya. It's always fun to wander around and try new things. (They have a no-questions-asked return policy, ya know.) But for those of you looking for some make-your-life-better products, I'm here to inspire you. My Sephora needs generally fall into the categories of: makeup, skincare, and haircare. So to start things off, here's my gotta-have Sephora makeup picks:

1 -- Lancome EFFACERNES - Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer
Unless you were blessed with some inhuman perfection that you shouldn't admit (lest we hate you), you probably have some under-eye discoloration. No shame in coverin' it up. Forget the $75 variety that Kim Kardashian is a fan of (Cle De Peau). This one by Lancome's got it beat. It evens out your skin tone, looks natural, covers dark circles, and even (supposedly) minimizes fine lines. And since it's waterproof, it'll still be hanging on, even after an hour at the gym or a really touching chick flick. Score: 4.5/5 stars on Sephora.com. Price: $27.50


2 -- DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation
I'm a foundation fiend: minerals, liquids, mousse, powder, tinted moisturizer . . . I try and like so many. But this one's hands-down the best. Why don't I use it everyday? Because it's sixty freakin' dollars. (Ouch.) And it only lasts a couple of months max if you use it every day. (Double ouch.) But when you really want that airbrushed look, look no further. This stuff comes in a spray can. And yeah, you can actually spray it at your face. But it's much easier to spray it on a kabuki brush and buff it in. Seems that every time I wear this one, I get a "you look beautiful" or "your skin looks perfect" comment from my fiancé. Is *that* worth $60? Hell yeah. Score: 4.4/5 stars on Sephora.com. Price: $60


3 -- LORAC Croc Palate
Every gal needs an everyday eyeshadow palate, and this one plays well with just about all skin tones. It's a great neutral set, and comes with four shadows and a matching blush. The shadow colors: Moonstone (soft champagne), Serenity (peachy champagne bronze), Garnet (bronze), Suede (chocolate). The blush: Soul (burnished rose). You can play it down for the day, then add a little oomph for after-dark play. No matter how many MAC shadows I have, I more often than not reach for this sucker, because you don't need to think. Just apply. Score: 4.6/5 stars. Price: $36

4 -- Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer
Bronzers, bronzers everywhere . . . but which one to pick? This one, ladies. You won't look like an Oompa Loompa. You won't like a Simpsons character. I swear, you'll just look sun-kissed and divine. And it doesn't hurt that "Skinvigorating" ingredients (like vitamins A and E) fight those pesky free radicals all day long. It even comes in two shades, Park Avenue Princess (the lightest) and Hotel Heiress (the darkest), perfect for everyone. It definitely keeps me from looking like a goth chick. Score: 4.57/5 stars on Sephora.com. Price: $28

5 -- Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips
I've yet to be caught up in the lip-plumper craze, but this gloss is great on its own merit. It's supposed to plump your pout so you look like a shiny-mouthed Jolie. I dunno about all that. But it gives high shine, without the dreaded flypaper stickiness. And it tingles in good way -- not in the stung-by-an-anthill feeling of Lip Injection and some others. Plus, your hair won't stick to it when the wind blows. There are over 20 fabulous shades to choose from (my favorite's Dolly), and it's chockfull of good stuff like minerals and vitamins A and E, which help keep your lips soft, smooth, and protected. Score: 4.5/5 stars on Sephora.com. Price: $18