COFFEE
I can’t stress enough that coffee is not a meal substitute. Coffee is one of the leading causes of bad breath in our society because most people, like me, are addicted to the sweet aromatic caffeine rush that helps them get through the day. However, what most people forget is that coffee causes stale breath and tooth stains. I know many people drink coffee in the morning and nothing else all day. Their breath is kicking within an hour or two, whenever they forget to brush. It is important to remember to brush your teeth 30 minutes after you drink coffee. It will help with your case of bad breath, which will only get worse if you don’t freshen your mouth. If you don’t have time to brush, mask it with a mint or rinse.

FOOD
Bile can cause a foul odor in your mouth after meals. During digestion your body will release acid to breakdown food particles in your small intestine, which can rise into your mouth especially if you don’t digest correctly evident through burping. Another way food can cause bad breath is through being trapped in between your teeth and can potentially lead to teeth stain, plaque, and cavity. To fix bad breath by food, brush your teeth after meals and don’t forget your tongue either.

TOOTH DECAY
Rotting teeth can cause serious bad breath as well as health problems. This is because tooth decay develops toxins that can seep into the body’s system and cause inflammations that can possibly lead to other health issues. Food particles can get stuck in a rotting tooth and, as stated above, can cause bad breath. If any of your teeth hurt, go see a dentist. A dentist will ultimately determine if you have a rotting tooth and will suggest the best method of treating it. Fixing a decaying tooth will cure your bad breath, if that is the cause of your bad breath.

DRY MOUTH
Dry mouth contributes to bad breath because the production of saliva decreased. Saliva helps clean your mouth by washing away food particles and bacteria that cause bad odors. Luckily for us, dry mouth usually occurs during sleep,

which will lead to morning breath. However, if you find yourself waking up to morning breath make sure you’re sleeping correctly with your mouth closed.

SMOKING & DRINKING
To state the obvious, smoking and drinking will cause bad breath. This is because the alcohol is similar to the bile realized in our body and the nicotine will dry out your mouth. I know it’s hard to kick a habit, but if you want to cure your bad breath, eliminate smoking and drinking in your lifestyle.

Vitamin A Rich Vegetables
We know that carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a chemical that is converted into vitamin A. It improves eyesight and helps prevent night blindness. Furthermore, did you also know that vitamin A is a prime factor in keeping your skin silky smooth?  Carrots aren’t the only vegetables with this benefit, sweet potatoes does the trick too!

Vitamin C Rich Fruits
Vitamin C is a great skin saver. It not only evens out skin complexion but can stimulate collagen synthesis, therefore protecting against wrinkles. Fruits that contain a high concentration of vitamin C include : kiwi, oranges, and grapefruits.

Vitamin E Rich Foods
Foods that are vitamin E rich contain anti-inflammatory and immunity-enhancing nutrients that help reduce skin flare-ups. Nuts (almond nuts) and seeds (sunflower seeds), spinach, broccoli, and wheat are some of vitamin E rich foods that will improve your skin, especially when you have those nasty breakouts.

Low-Fat Dairy Products
Yogurt is a great substitute for people who have problems converting beta carotene to vitamin A. Yogurt is high in vitamin A and high in acidophilus, which is the good “live” bacteria in our intestines that helps with digestion; A good digestion will reflect in healthy-looking skin. Added benefits of yogurt include stronger nails, glowing skin, and slimmer waistline due to the protein and biotin it provides.

Dark Chocolate
Many people with diabetes eat dark chocolate. Dark chocolate not only helps with diabetes by regulating your blood glucose, it can also make your skin more hydrated and softer. This is because a small piece of dark chocolate can release high levels of cocoa flavonoids, which helps increase blood circulation to the skin.

Essential Fatty Acid Rich Foods
Foods that are essential fatty acid rich include salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed. These foods are the key foods to healthy skin since essential fatty acids are responsible for healthy cell membranes, which will deter harmful waste from entering our cells and provide a safe passageway for nutrients. Cell membranes also retain water in your skin, so healthier cell membranes equates to younger looking skin. However, if you don’t want to eat these foods, try a nutrient supplement such as omega3 and omega6 pills as an alternative.

Plenty of Water
The obvious to beautiful skin is drinking lots of water. Water will keep your skin moisturized and supple. So, drink up! However, water does not mean any liquid fluid. Substituting soda or sugary drink for water will not provide ample nutrition your skin and body needs.

However, there’s a biological reason for why men rarely get cellulite as much as women. The human bone is normally surrounded by muscle which is covered in a layer of fat that will be turned into energy. Cellulite, a collection of fats that includes lipids, fatty acids, and oils, is crammed in this fat layer directly underneath the skin, giving it a dimply, lumpy appearance. Most men don’t have cellulite because they tend to have more muscle and less body fat than women. Not only that, the skin of women is often thinner than the skin of men, making it easier to notice the fat layer underneath.

Fortunately, one of the best methods to prevent and decrease cellulite is through exercise and reducing consumption of fatty foods. Regular cardio can shrink the fat-cell deposits that make up cellulite. Exercise will not only tone your butt and thighs but can also reduce the amount and appearance of fat so the skin looks smoother. Taking the stairs and doing lunges are especially great cellulite busters. I recommend doing three sets of 12 to 15 reps, while alternating legs.

Thick creams like Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream will trap water and plump up the skin so dimples don’t appear as deep. Look for creams that specifically target cellulite. These creams contain caffeine, a natural anti-cellulite ingredient, which will tighten the skin by constricting blood vessels. Another ingredient to look for is Retin-A, only available by prescription, which thickens the uppermost skin cell layer. Retinol, the over-the-counter alternative, functions similarly.

One of the worst anti-cellulite products I’ve ever tried is Nivea Body Good-bye Cellulite. This gel-like cream promises to visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite and smooth out the skin’s uneven lumps within 2 weeks. Yet despite using an entire bottle for one year, this product has failed to visibly reduce my cellulite. In fact, regular exercise has proven more effective. It’s important to note that topical products will not fix cellulite permanently; they can only make the skin look less rippled for a few hours.

For a quick cover-up, try tanning yourself as cellulite tends to be less noticeable on darker skin. The dark color reduces the contrast so bumps are less obvious.

The best natural method for reducing cellulite is maintaining a healthy diet filled with plenty of high fiber fruits and vegetables, as well as drinking hot tea that will help breakdown accumulated lipids. Green tea, in particular, will help burn fat cells and increase metabolism naturally thanks to the catechin polyphenol in green tea. Furthermore, green tea lowers cholesterol and enhances fat oxidation. Lastly, green tea inhibits the movement of glucose in fat cells attributed with obesity. Together, a healthy diet and green tea can improve the overall appearance of cellulite if used daily.

In summary, the best methods for treating cellulite are exercise, proper diet, and thick creams.

Good Daily Skincare Regimen
For brides to get their skin in flawless condition, their daily skin regimen should consist of:

1) Cleanser
2) Moisturizer
3) Sunscreen

Consider exfoliating your skin at least twice a week to reveal younger looking skin.

Body Scrub and Massage
A body scrub or body wrap will give the entire body a gorgeous glow while a massage will elevate last-minute stress and help the bride unwind before her big day. Body scrubs rely on natural exfoliants, such as brown sugar, sea salt, and oatmeal, to gently polish away old layers and reveal the radiant skin beneath. A body wrap, where technicians cocoon you in steamy layers of linen and ointment, will provide total-body relaxation and optimal skin pampering. Don’t forget to work on the elbows and knees which are some of the driest parts of the body. One of the best massages for brides is the Hot Stone Massage, which uses hot stones improve energy flow and soothe muscle tension.

Back Facials
Many brides opt for a dress that reveals part of their back or most of their back. Then, they realize that the spotlight will be on their upper body. To get rid of “backne” or remove back blemish, opt for a back facial.  A back facial consists of a luxurious steam cleansing, exfoliating, and extraction treatments that will leave the back feeling smooth and flawless. Like any facial, a back facial should be done at least a week before the wedding allowing time for any redness and swelling to go down.

Glossy Hair Treatment
Whether you’ll have an up-do, down-do, or half-up-half-down-do your hair still need to look its best for the big day. A gloss hair treatment is the best way to get gorgeous, gleaming hair. The treatment will start with a shampoo and head massage. A nutrient-packed cool gel is applied to your hair to enhance its natural sheen, which will results in glossy and manageable hair that will look great down or twisted into an intricate up-do. For maximum results, get your gloss treatment five days before the wedding.

If you don’t want to pay for the glossy hair treatment, opt for a DIY hot oil treatment, which can get you the same results. Perform a hot oil treatment on your hair once or twice a week at least a month in advance and you’ll be ready to go for the big day.

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Pedicure
To look your best from head to toe, pedicures and manicures are cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of your nails and toe nails. A pedicure includes a warm salt bath for your feet followed by a pressure-point foot massage. The foot massage is a great way to combat pre-wedding stress. After the reflexology session, your nails are polished and painted until they resemble 10 tiny jewels. Pedicures from reputable salons tend to last, so you can schedule your pedicure maximum of four days before the wedding.

Manicure
A manicure is similar to the pedicure in that your hands will receive a massage and then get painted.  However, in addition to the manicure ask for a paraffin wax treatment too. The manicurist will dip your hands into clear, warm wax and place them into heated gloves. The gentle heat and wax works together to smooth your skin and seal in moisture, so your hands feel as good as they look. For gorgeous, chip-free nails, it’s best to get your manicure the day before or the morning of your wedding.

The main ingredients in proactive anti-aging creams include:

• Retinol which fights wrinkles and targets hyperpigmentation that comes with aging and age spots
• Hydroquinone which diminishes brown spots but can be irritating to the skin
• Kojic acid, alpha-arbutin, and licorice extract which diminishes brown sports and is non-sensitizing compared to hydroquinone, but is less potent
• Vitamin C which brightens complexion and can be used as a spot treatment on age spots
• Glycolic or Salicylic acid not only brightens the skin but is a chemical exfoliant that will slough off dead skin and improve the penetration of active ingredients in other products
• Octinoxate and ensulizone act as UV absorber/UV filter, are the most widely used sunscreen ingredient, and are known for their low potential to sensitize skin or act as a phototallergen
• Palmitoyl pentapeptide is a peptide that that has been proven effective in reducing wrinkles and adding moisture to the skin

Olay

• Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum is a concentrated moisturizer formulated with Vitamin E, Vitamin B3, ProVitamin B5, Green Tea Extract, and amino peptides to regenerate and renew the skin’s epidermis.  This product also doubles as an eye cream.
• Olay Total Effects 7X Visible Anti-Aging Vitamin Complex (aka Olay Total Effects Daily Moisturizer) active ingredients, octisalate, avobenzone, ensulizole, and octocrylene, are formulated to 1. Line Minimization: Reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles. 2. Nourishing Moisturization: For a radiant, healthy glow. 3. Tone Enhancement: Balances color & reduces appearance of age spots. 4. Gentle Exfoliation: Smoothes and evens skin texture. 5. Pore Refinement: Minimizes the appearance of pores. 6. Free Radical Defense: Helps prevent damage to skin’s surface. 7 Subtle Lifting: Hydrates for firmer skin appearance.

RoC

• RoC Multi-Correxion Night Treatment provides an anti-aging solution to diminish noticeable signs of aging. Its formula contains antioxidants to defend against skin-damaging free radicals, pure retinol to smoothen wrinkles, and vitamin C to rejuvenate skin tone.
• RoC Retiol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum is a light, silky fluid that glides on easily and is absorbed easily. It is formulated with magnesium, zinc, and copper to stimulate the skin’s renewal process by reducing fine lines and deep wrinkles.

Lancome

• Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate is a thick serum containing bifida ferment lysate to boost skin proteins thus resulting in youthful skin within 7 days.
• Lancome Renergie Microlift R.A.R.E. Intense Targeted Repositioning Lifter (Serum) contains oligopeptide and ensulizone to re-bundle collagen resulting in smoother, softer, suppler skin for a more youthful profile.

Shiseido

• Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Lifting Formula is a time-fighting lifting cream that targets loss of elasticity and poorly-defined facial contours. It’s formulated with bio-yeast extract to promote skin support structure cells and collagen production resulting in smoothness, suppleness, and instant even skin tone.

Beauté Claire

• Beauté Claire Matrice Anti-Wrinkle Serum reduces wrinkles and keeps the skin firm through its ingredients like shea butter, wheat germ oil, and palmitoyl pentapeptide which has the same effects as retinol but is gentler on the skin.

1. FIND YOUR BEST COLOR
The right blush shade should give you the natural flushed look you get after exercising, being in the cold, or just rolled out of bed. The best colors for olive skin are warm shades like peach and copper tones. Natural pink shades, ranging from pale to a rosy hue, works best for fair skinned women. For dark skinned women, stick to plum, cognac, and berry tones. However, no matter which color you choose make sure that it’s shimmer-free.

2. GET THE RIGHT FORMULA
Powdered blush tend to stay on longer and are better for oily skin types and breakout-prone skin. Powders tend to have more pigment, so they’re great in the winter to add a boost of color to your skin. Powder is typically best for oily and combo skin. Liquid and gel are another great option for oily skin.
Creams, which add a sheen, can highlight zits. Creams are more translucent and will give a natural “lit-from-within” flush. Creams won’t settle into fine lines. Cream is great for dry skin.
For even better results, combine cream and powder together. This trick will make your blush act as a stain and stays on longer. Also, the combination of the two types will make your blush look more luminous. However, like most stains they tend to dry very fast so blend well quickly. Please note that this trick works great on well-moisturized skin, not dry skin.

3. USE THE CORRECT BRUSH
If your blush goes on too sheen, you should check your blush size. Big fluffy brushes (powder blushes) are designed to diffuse face powder, so it can make blush barely register on your skin. The ideal blush is a dome brush with densely packed bristles. A blush brush’s head should be no wider than a 2-liter bottle cap. But don’t use too small of a brush head because you won’t get an even blush shade along your cheeks.
4. BLUSH APPLICATION
Blush should normally be the second to last thing you apply, before setting powder. Apply your foundation, eye color, and lipstick first. When you’re ready to apply blush, put the blush on your brush, tapping off any excess or put a dab of gel on your fingers.5. PERFECT PLACEMENT
This first placement is for younger women. My favorite way to apply blush is to smile, so that I know where the apples of my cheeks are. Then apply the blush to the spheres that pop out when I smile and blend upward along my cheek bones toward my temples. Stop when you’re about an inch from your hairline and fade the blush into your skin.

The second placement is for older women. Wayne Goss brought a great point to my attention. When older women smile to apply their blushes, their blush is not actually being applied on the natural apple of their cheek. When older women stop smiling, the apples of their cheeks tend to drop, and this is due to aging and graving. A great trick to keep your blush from looking fake or misplaced it to do not smile when applying your blush. Instead, use your ear as a marker and apply the blush directly onto your cheekbone instead of from the apples of your cheeks. By applying blush to the top of your cheekbones, it will make your cheeks seem more defined, lifts up and define your entire face, and help deflect the dark under-eye circles.

Powder Foundations

Powder foundations are best for oily skin because they stay in place more than liquid and cream foundations, and are very effective in absorbing oil.

• Shiseido Sheer Matifying Compact is a super oil-absorbing powder that last all day. It also makes your skin feel silky smooth with each application.
• Bare Essentials bare Minerals Foundation only needs light application since the term “a little goes a long way” directly applies with this product. If you apply too much, it will set into your fine lines. However, it stays on all day.
• Laura Mercier Powder Foundation is very matifying on oily skin and controls shine extremely well. The powder lasts throughout the day.
• MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation not only matifies oily skin, but also minimizes the appearance of large pores.

Liquid Foundations

If you choose to use a liquid foundation with or without the powder foundation, make sure you use a liquid foundation that is oil-free. Oil-free liquid foundations are designed for oily skin and will control oil production, or at least mask it. Most liquid foundations for oily skin will have a light to medium coverage. However, the coverage is easily buildable to obtain the desired (heavy) coverage.

• Make Up Forever Mat Velvet + is a great matifying liquid foundation for oily skin. It offers a light coverage that you can build up. It is water resistant and keeps your face matte throughout the day. However, the downside to this foundation is that it tends to settle into your fine lines.
• L’Oreal Visible Lift (the one with the blue tags on the front, because the Infallible line is for dry skin types). This foundation also has anti-aging benefits because it contains ingredients like retinol and vitamin C.
• Laura Mercier Oil-Free Liquid Foundation which is one of the best liquid foundations for oily skin. Great matifying coverage all day long.

One of the worst liquid foundations I’ve used is Neutrogena’s Skin Clearing makeup, which does help clear up the face but also dries it out, and L’Oreal True Match, which is for dry skin.

Two of the most important tips to remember when choosing a foundation, whether powder or liquid, for your skin is:

1)      Pick a product that will balance out your skin, which are natural products that are not full of chemicals.
2)      Pick a product that is designed for your skin type. If not your skin will have an adverse reaction to the product and you’ll look the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.

Finally, at the end of the day thoroughly wash off your make and clean your face.

I hope I’ve helped you chose a foundation that works for your oily skin. Let me know if you recommend any other products that have worked for your oily skin.