Hair Care Tips For Long Hair

Oh, that long, shiny, bouncy shampoo-commercial hair -- we've all pined for it, but it seems like only a select few can actually achieve it. Most of us don't have a professional stylist at our beck and call. 

So how can the average girl get her long locks looking lust-worthy? A lot of it is genetics, to be sure, but with these five tips, you can be on your way to shampoo-model hair -- or close enough, anyway -- in almost no time.

And for any of you who treasure your long hair but figure you'll soon have to part ways with it and fall victim to the dreaded "mom cut" -- you might think again after reading this article.

5: Don't Wash Your Hair Every Day 

OK - we know what you're thinking: "But won't my hair get all gross and greasy?" Yes -- if your hair is used to being shampooed every day, it'll take time to adjust. But the greasiness will be temporary, we promise! Once you get over the hump (in about a week), you'll find that your hair looks a whole lot healthier. Daily shampooing actually strips your hair of its natural oils, which dries it out and leaves it more vulnerable to the elements. If you give the shampoo a rest once in a while, the oils will have a chance to come back, making your hair more shiny and bouncy. And, hey, it's cheaper, too!

4: Get Regular Trims 

This might sound counterintuitive, but you need to keep up with haircuts, even when you have long hair. It's not true that regular trims will make your hair grow faster (how did that one get started, anyway?), but they will help your hair look healthier. Long hair more easily looks damaged than shorter hair does, so you should get those split ends snipped every two to three months. Not so much that you compromise your beautiful, flowing locks, of course, but just enough to spruce things up. Strengthening shampoo and a once-a-week deep conditioning will also keep those pesky ends looking perky.

3: Don't Blow-dry 

Your Hair When It's Wet Say what? Isn't that what a hairdryer's for, you ask? Well, kind of. The general rule of thumb is to wait for your hair to be about 80 percent dry before you pull out the dryer, and that's extra-important for long hair -- more heat exposure causes more damage. So, after you get out of the shower, pat (don't rub!) your hair with a towel, apply styling lotion and detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb. Then hang out, get dressed, do your makeup, do whatever you need to do while your hair air dries. If you're crunched for time, go ahead and use medium heat to pre-dry your hair, but don't start the serious work until it's almost dry.

2: Skip the Roots 

The more hair you have, the more product you need, right? Yes -- sometimes. If you have thick, wavy or otherwise unruly long hair, you probably need to be liberal with the styling products. But everyone else should ease up -- it's also true that the more hair you have, the more weighed-down and limp it can get. If your long hair is fine or straight, you should avoid your roots when applying conditioner or any other hair products. Your roots will end up lighter and bouncier when the product is concentrated where you need it most -- at those damage-prone ends.

1: Don't be Afraid if You're Over 40 

There's an unwritten rule in our society -- let's call it the "Mom Hair Law" -- that dictates that all women of a certain age must chop off their hair. And while it's definitely true that long hair (like a bedraggled, waist-length blunt cut) can weigh down your face and prematurely age you, there are plenty of ways to do it right. The key is in a modern cut with all-over layers -- and a commitment to maintaining it. As we get older, our hair gets drier, coarser and thinner, so we have to put more effort into keeping it looking fresh. But does that mean you have to hack it all off? No way!

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Tips n How To Add Color To Your Wardrobe

Tired of playing it safe in little black dresses? When you’re ready to explore the color wheel when it comes to fashion, here’s how to cheer up your wardrobe without looking like Rainbow Bright.

Little bright dress. Ready to break out of your LBD rut? Trade in your default little black dress for something in color. Yes, other hues can be stylish, too—just learn what flatters your skin tone (for example, certain browns and murky greens don’t do morenas any favors). It’s believed that colors can affect your mood and disposition, so don’t be surprised if you start feeling lighter and brighter along with your wardrobe!

Prep with pastels. If your wardrobe consists mostly of black, white, and 50 shades of gray, ease into the world of color by introducing pastels like blush pink, lilac, lemon yellow, spearmint, and powder blue. Even when used in the tiniest details of your look—in the camisole under your blazer, the piping on your dress, or the cardigan draped on your shoulders, the muted, sorbet hues instantly soften a severe minimalist palette.

Shoes that pop!. Nude pumps are a closet staple because they match practically any outfit, and are especially great with monochrome pastel looks. But for a delightful change, punctuate your power suit with brightly-colored heels for a pop of color! It’s sexy while still looking professional—be ready for the deluge of compliments.

Accessorize. Shy about wearing bright, attention-grabbing shades? Get your feet wet by using bold colors in small doses, like accentuating your all-beige outfit with a stack of multicolored bangles, a florescent skinny belt, or a chunky statement necklace (coral, turquoise or lime look great against black). Try unique accents, too, like a detachable Peter Pan collar in a contrasting color, or an Ikat-print purse instead of your classic designer bag.

Mix it up. Worried about matching the color of your shoes to your bag? Don’t let style challenges coax you back to head-to-toe black. These days, your bag and shoes no longer have to be matchy-matchy. Easy rule of thumb: when you want to avoid a color clash, keep the color accent on one piece (the bag or the shoes), then go neutral on the other. 

When you’re brave enough, you can start experimenting with color-blocking: mixing two or three different bold shades in one outfit for maximum impact—the key is to pick complementary colors. When wearing prints, pick up the colors in the print and repeat them in your accessories to tie your look together.

Prints. When you’re more comfortable with color, it’s time to play with prints! You can play it safe by pairing a printed top with solid shorts or dark rinse jeans, or kick it up a notch by wearing a brightly-colored top and printed pants—busy-print bottoms are all the rage this season. 

Ready to go all out? Surprise your friends in a printed jumpsuit or dress. It’ll be a welcome break from the monochrome suits hanging in your closet. Botanicals and tribal prints are your best bets and give a nice burst of color. But if you want to stick to your minimalist, clean aesthetic, pick geometric prints instead.

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How To Distinguish Fake Bags

The only thing we love more than a nice handbag is getting a deal on a nice handbag. But it's so easy to be scammed! Counterfeit purses are tempting, but the truth is they're illegal, cheaply made, and a waste of money. And while Coach bags are currently the world's most popular handbags, they're also the most-imitated. So how can you tell real from faux? Here are their six tips to avoid falling for designer imposter bags: 

Look out for obvious indicators 
Spotting replica handbags used to be simple; check the hardware, logos and material. Lightweight metal accents, slightly skewed logos and cheap materials are still the first lines of defense for warding off fakes, but with today's higher-quality knockoffs, it's a case of needing steps two through six as well. 

Seek brand-specific signs 
Know the signs to look for in the specific bag. For instance, Marc Jacobs' zippers are embossed with either RiRi or Lampo and all Louis Vuitton bags made since the early '80s have a date stamped somewhere on the interior. Brand fanatics spend time spotting knock-off bags to protect their favorite designers' integrity, so a quick search before you buy will reveal specific tells for each high-end brand. 

Beware of online trickery 
When buying a handbag online, make sure it's from a reputable source. If sites are based in China, specifically Hong Kong, proceed with caution, as the country makes up 88.8 percent of the goods seized for Intellectual Property Rights by the ACG. Also, check the descriptions and reviews for signs of inauthenticity. If customer reviews say the bags aren't the real thing, then they likely aren't. 

Find trustworthy resellers 
Just because a bag is sold online, it doesn't mean it's fake. Authentic and vintage handbags are often sold on eBay; buyers just need to be smart in researching the seller. If the deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. A Chanel bag will never be $50, so use common sense. Certified resale sites also offer discounts on authentic bags. 

Check for design flaws 
A Burberry or Prada handbag will not have crooked stitching or unfinished edges. High-end brands take ultimate pride in craftsmanship, so no imperfect bag would leave their factory for a legitimate retailer. The leathers and fabrics of authentic bags will always be perfectly stitched and lined up, never crooked or gapped stitched. 

Do your handbag homework 
Before you spend big money on a big brand, make sure to check out the designer's website and/or retail store to make sure the styles you're looking at even exist. The only noticeable differences in some high-end imposters are styles and colors that were never made by the particular designer. If you've never seen a zebra Hermes Birkin bag on a celebrity, then it was probably never produced. 

These tips should help you find great deals and avoid crummy knockoffs. If you can't afford the real deal, an authentic, quality purse from a lesser-known brand is better than fake leatherette Gucci bag that falls apart. Really. 

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Skin Care Diets

Your diet keeps your body slim and healthy, but its impact doesn’t stop there. The food you eat—from wrinkle-fighting antioxidants in fruits and vegetables to hydrating healthy fats in fish—may matter to your skin almost as much as it does to your waistline. Is your way of noshing helping or hurting your complexion? We asked top docs for their take on the face-friendliness of six popular diets. Read on to see if yours passes the beauty test, and find out how you can alter what you eat for A-plus skin.


The Mediterranean Diet

The lowdown: Fish, leafy greens, olive oil, and fruit are the stars of this heart-healthy diet. But the benefits don’t end there—eating Mediterranean may also protect against melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, a recent Italian study suggests. On the cosmetic front, omega-3 fatty acids in fish help keep skin-cell membranes strong and elastic.

Olive oil, tomatoes, and red wine also have antioxidants that help block the chemical reactions that lead to sun damage, explains Leslie Baumann, MD, chief executive officer of the Baumann Cosmetic and Research Institute in Miami Beach, Florida.


Vegetarian Diet

The lowdown: Whether you skip meat and other animal products for your health, ethical reasons, or both, you probably eat more fresh produce and whole grains as a result—good news for your skin. The antioxidants in these eats neutralize the free radicals that contribute to wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of aging.

Veggie diets tend to be low in fat, so incorporate ground flaxseeds and olive and safflower oils to help your skin retain water, making it more supple, Dr. Baumann says.


South Beach Diet

The lowdown: Cutting back on white bread, pasta, and refined sugar can also lower the stress hormone cortisol and minimize breakouts, says dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD. Plans that swap in whole grains, fresh produce, and lean meats also up antioxidants, blemish-busting zinc, and collagen-building protein.

But beware of meat-heavy plans. "Too much animal fat can result in an increased production of free radicals, which are thought to interfere with normal cellular processing," says aesthetic dermatologist Lisa Airan, MD.

Drink lots of water to keep skin hydrated. Choose fish and other lean proteins, not just red meat. Eat antioxidant-rich leafy greens daily.


Low-fat Diet

The lowdown: Cutting down on saturated fat is great for your heart and waistline. A diet low in animal fat also stems the production of free radicals that can prematurely age skin, Dr. Airan says.

Still, your skin needs some fat, especially the good kind found in nuts and olive oil. Fat helps your body absorb complexion-friendly antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins, and strengthens cell membranes—and ultimately your epidermis—for a dewier, more supple face.

"Get at least 20% of your calories from fat, mainly the unsaturated kind," says dermatologist Cheryl Karcher, MD.


Raw-food Diet

The lowdown: Raw-foodists—who nosh mainly on produce, nuts, and sprouted beans and grains—believe that not cooking food preserves its natural enzymes, aiding digestion, energy, and weight loss. Though these claims aren’t universally accepted by doctors, there’s no denying that these foods make for a happy complexion. What’s more, the healthy oils in nuts, avocados, and olive oil keep skin cell membranes strong and pliant. The downside: "When you eat very little meat, it’s challenging to get enough of the building blocks for collagen," Dr. Airan says.


CarbLovers Diet

The cornerstone of Health’s signature plan is Resistant Starch (RS), a type of carbohydrate that acts like fiber, moving through the digestive tract without being fully digested, absorbed, or converted to glucose. Piling your plate with RS foods boosts metabolism and keeps you fuller longer, which helps you steer clear of skin-damaging foods, such as fat- and sugar-laden snacks, while lowering blood sugar and insulin levels.

The result: a happy body and clearer skin, Dr. Karcher says. CarbLovers also provides lots of skin-smoothing omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant-packed whole grains, and collagen-building protein.

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Treat and Boost Fertility with Avocados and Olive Oil

For women trying to get pregnant through IVF treatments, a new study finds that eating avocados and olive oil might boost their chances of success.

Dr. Jorge Chavarro and colleagues at the Harvard School of Public Health in the US looked at how intake of different types of fats affected success of IVF treatment in 147 women, mostly in their 30s. 

Findings revealed that diets rich in foods typically eaten as part of the Mediterranean diet, including sunflower oil and nuts and seeds, tripled the chances of success for women having the fertility treatment.

In contrast, women who ate mostly saturated fat, found in dairy products and red meat, produced fewer good eggs for use in fertility treatment. High saturated fat intake has already been linked to lower sperm counts. 

The study was presented on July 3 at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Istanbul.

"The best kinds of food to eat are avocados, which have a lot of monounsaturated fat and low levels of other sorts of fat, and olive oil," said Chavarro. He said the study was small and more research is needed before clinical advice can be given to women. "While these results are interesting, this is the first time to our knowledge that dietary fats have been linked to treatment outcome in IVF."

Another new study presented at the same conference found that women who reported drinking five or more cups of coffee a day at the start of IVF treatment reduced their chance of success by 50 percent. The Danish researchers described heavy coffee drinking as being "comparable to the detrimental effect of smoking."

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Tips on How to Be a Beautiful Bride

 Want to be more beautiful on your special day? Follow this simple tips on how to be a beautiful bride on your wedding day:

Bridal beauty tip 1: Exfoliate

It’s often hard to keep up with a skin routine, especially while you’re planning a wedding. To compliment your moisturiser and ensure that your skin stays lovelier for longer, make sure you leave extra time to exfoliate daily. Skin continually produces new cells and, as the new cells appear, the dead ones tend to sit on top making it appear dry and dull. When this happens, there’s not much point in moisturising. Why waste your expensive body butter on dead skin cells? Try buttering up after you’ve buffed the old cells off, and you’ll be silky smooth by your wedding day.

Bridal beauty tip 2: Have sex

Getting down and dirty is the ultimate beauty booster. Just 15 minutes a day spent doing the deed with your husband-to-be leaves your cheeks flushed; your lips lusciously red; and your skin glowing and beautiful – what every bride should look like. Studies have shown that regular romps increase blood flow and bring essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin, which flush out harmful toxins and make us appear younger. Plus, the stress-busting effects of sex with bid farewell to any bridezilla tendencies.

Bridal beauty tip 3: Ditch the alcohol and cigarettes

You may think alcohol and cigarettes calm your wedding jitters, but they don’t do our skin any favours. Smoking allows a staggering 4000 toxic substances into the body during every puff, and too much alcohol causes skin to dry out and eyes to become puffy – not the best look for any bride. Quit smoking, and only drink in moderation to improve your skin’s elasticity and reduce puffy eyes. This is a sure-fire way to make you look beautiful in time for your wedding day.

Bridal beauty tip 4: Rest

The phrase “beauty sleep” is famous for a reason; sleep really does make you beautiful. While you may find yourself up late writing wedding invitations, lack of sleep leaves us looking and feeling a bit worse for wear. During periods of deep sleep our cells renew themselves, and if you have trouble getting your beauty sleep, try and relax. Add a few drops of aromatherapy oils to your bath, try deep-breathing exercises, and avoid caffeinated drinks before you head to bed – the perfect solution for a stressed bride.

Bridal beauty tip 5: Groom your eyebrows

Few things can change your look as quickly and drastically as nicely plucked brows. The right brow shape can really frame your face and compliment your favourite features, whilst bushy brows distract attention away from your best features. There are many different ways of removing your brow hair too: plucking, threading, tweezing and waxing – just find the way that suits you best and you’ll be wedding photo-ready in no time.

Bridal beauty tip 6: Strengthen your hair with protein

Glossy locks are the key feature to any bride, so to care for your tresses ensure you’re getting enough protein in your diet which reinforces the keratin in our hair to make it healthier and stronger. Boost the natural protein in your hair by eating protein-rich foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, shellfish and meat for stronger, healthier locks. Not only will having stronger hair wow your wedding guests, but it will also make it easier for your hairdresser to achieve the perfect wedding hairstyle.

Bridal beauty tip 7: Enjoy the simple things

It’s a beauty tip that we’ve heard time and time again, but it’s true: we are what we eat, and being healthy on the inside makes us even more beautiful on the outside. This tip is pretty straight-forward; drink plenty of water to flush out harmful toxins in your skin and increase skin’s elasticity; get plenty of exercise to sweat out the toxins; and eat all of your fruit and vegetables for vital nutrients that will make your skin glow – simple, easy ways to boost your bridal beauty.

Bridal beauty tip 8: Wear mineral makeup

Don’t clog your pores up with a thick, heavy foundation that won’t allow your skin to breathe. Instead, opt for kinder ways to cover up imperfections on your wedding day such as mineral makeup or BB creams. Most mineral powders even help to prevent spots whilst BB creams moisturise your skin and even out skin tone without clogging your pores – the perfect bridal beauty solution.

Bridal beauty tip 9: Go for a brisk walk

A brisk walk is an excellent way to boost your circulation and get beautiful glowing skin. Walking improves your sleep, targets your inner bridezilla and helps to counteract wedding nerves. This will all reflect in your complexion as you appear happier and healthier. You might be able to get rosy cheeks from a pot of blusher, but you won’t get the beautifully natural glow of flushed, healthy skin by using a makeup palette.

Bridal beauty tip 10: Protect your skin

It’s important to protect your skin whatever the weather, particularly if yours is sensitive and you’re planning a wedding in the sun. Too much sun exposure can dry the skin out, causing it to look dull and flakey – not to mention the wider health implications of sun damage. Similarly, in colder weather when we rely on central heating, our skin will suffer just as much. To help prevent dry skin, make moisturising a regular part of your routine.

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Health Clues in Your Smile

Good teeth can do more than keep your dental bills low—they can help protect you from a whole host of health problems. The following are 5 good reasons why you should take great care of your chompers. 

Heart Disease and Stroke

A variety of studies have established that inflammation and bacteria in the mouth and gums can find its way into the bloodstream, leading to thickening of the arteries and increasing the risk of a heart attack; while fatty plaques that build up on the inside of the vessels can break off, go to the brain and cause a stroke.

Need further convincing? One recent study published in the British Medical Journal analyzed data from over 11,000 adults and determined that participants who reported brushing their teeth less frequently had a 70% increased risk of heart disease versus those who brushed twice daily. So do your heart a favor and brush up on good dental hygiene.

Diabetes

Doctors have long known that Type 2 diabetics have an increased occurrence of periodontal disease, but it turns out preventing gum infections may stave off diabetes in the first place. A recent study out of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health that followed 9,296 nondiabetic participants over 20 years found that people who had higher levels of periodontal disease had twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with low levels or no gum infections.

Although further research is needed to determine the exact reason, one theory proposes that serious oral infections can lead to low-grade inflammation throughout your body and that inflammation may destroy your ability to process sugar.

Respiratory Infections

Keeping your mouth clean and healthy can also help keep your lungs protected according to a recent study in the Journal of Periodontology. In a pool of 200 participants aged 20 to 60, researchers found that patients suffering from a respiratory illness such as pneumonia, acute bronchitis, an upper respiratory infection, or COPD had poorer periodontal health than those in the control group. The reason for this association likely lies in the bacteria caused by periodontal disease, which forms in the upper throat. From there it can easily be inhaled into the lower respiratory tract and can obstruct breathing or develop into more serious lung-related problems.

Breast Cancer

As science continues to discover a very clear link between oral health and overall health, more and more studies are being conducted that explore different parts of the body. The latest study out of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden suggests that women may be over 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer if they have missing teeth and gum disease. Since this is one of the first studies of its kind, more research needs to be done to back up the results, but so far they seem to be on track with the current findings that poor dental hygiene can directly affect your general health.

Pregnancy Problems

If you’re pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant it’s more important than ever to stay on top of your oral health. Due to hormonal fluctuations and the increased blood flow throughout your body during pregnancy, you are more likely to notice changes in your teeth and gums. According to the American Academy of Periodontists, about fifty percent of pregnant women develop gingivitis, a condition that leaves gums inflamed, bleeding, swollen, or tender. Left unchecked it can lead to periodontal disease, a serious infection that could create problems in the delivery room. While research is still being done, several studies suggest there is a direct relationship between infected bacteria in your mouth and premature deliveries, low-birth rate, and preeclampsia. To be safe, be diligent about brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist, and make sure to alert her to any pain or problems that pop up over the nine months.

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Beauty Products Containing Excessive Amount of Mercury Found

MANILA, Philippines --- A consumer watchdog is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban supposed harmful skin whitening products sold in the Philippines after it found 13 of them containing excessive amounts of mercury.

Ecowaste Coalition said 13 of the 14 skin whitening products it purchased in stores in Manila and Makati Cities contained excessive levels of mercury from 550 parts per million (ppm) to 60,800 ppm in violation of the 1 ppm allowable limit under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Cosmetics Directive. 

It said mercury can damage the kidneys and nervous system, and adversely affect the normal development of the brain in fetuses and young children.

In 2010 and 2011, the FDA banned 50 skin whitening products in the country that were found to contain mercury levels that exceeded the 1 ppm limit.

"We have notified the FDA about the illicit sale of mercury-tainted products that lure consumers with the promise of lighter complexion and removal of facial freckles, scars and spots. These products are dangerous and should not be sold to uninformed consumers," said Aileen Lucero of the EcoWaste Coalition's "Project Protect."

Dr. Bessie Antonio of the East Avenue Medical Center told Ecowaste Coalition that even those not using skin whitening products with mercury can be exposed to the poison.

"A child, for example, can inhale the mercury vapor with the application of the cream by the user or even directly ingest mercury if she touches a person who used the cream and then placed her hands into her mouth," said Antonio, a pediatric toxicologist.

Ecowaste Coalition said the 13 skin whitening products containing excessive mercury were purchased from stores in Binondo, Divisoria, Quiapo, and Sta. Cruz in Manila and Guadalupe in Makati.

The products were screened for mercury using an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer, Lucero said.

Ecowaste Coalition has sent a letter to FDA Officer-in-Charge Nicolas Lutero III, urging the agency to issue a new advisory to ban products containing mercury beyond 1 ppm.

It also urged the FDA to publish consumer education material to inform the public about the dangers of cosmetics containing mercury.

The coalition also urged victims of mercury exposure from skin whitening products to come out.

FDA Spokesman Ronald de Vera told the Manila Bulletin that the FDA will conduct laboratory tests on the products submitted by Ecowaste Coalition.

He said if the FDA confirmatory tests showed that these products contained mercury beyond the 1 ppm allowable level, the FDA will immediately issue an advisory against these products.

Ecowaste identified the 13 products it tested positive of high levels of mercury between on June 18-19 as:

1. Feique Whitening Anti-Freckle Cream manufactured/distributed by GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd.,China (purchased for P60 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 16,000 ppm of mercury;

2. Feique Golden Aloe Whitening Anti-Scar, Anti Freckle Set manufactured/distributed by GLDJB (Harbin)Cosmetics Ltd., China (purchased for P60 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 25,000 ppm of mercury;

3. Feique Green Tea Vital Whitening Freckle-Removing Cream manufactured/distributed by GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd., China (purchased for P150 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 15,800 ppm of mercury;

4. Bai Li Tou Hong manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased for P150 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall,Divisoria, Manila), 46,700 ppm of mercury;

5. Maidaifu Herbal Moisturizing and Whitening Cream manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased forP180 from Stall IA-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 60,800 ppm of mercury;

6. Green Cucumber and Ginseng 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Set manufactured/distributed by Yudantang International, Taiwan (purchased for P120 from stall IR-24, 168Mall, Divisoria), 9,414 ppm of mercury;

7. Loreial Paris Anti-Freckle Cream Suit manufactured/distributed by (not indicated on the label) (purchased for P120 from stall IB 2-4 999 Shopping Mall,Divisoria, Manila), 1,371 ppm of mercury;

8. Aichun Beauty Strongly Whitening Freckle Series (3 in one) manufactured/distributed by France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd. / Livepro Beauty Cosmetics Co. Ltd., China (purchased for P98 from G2 Beauty Products, Villalobos St., Quiapo, Manila), 550 ppm of mercury;

9. "Special Cream" (double, label in Chinese) manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased for P80 from stall G-162 Good Earth Mall, Bustos St., Sta. Cruz, Manila), 1,565 ppm of mercury;

10. "Special Cream" (single, label in Chinese) manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased for P80 from Famous Chinese Drug Store, Recto Ave. near Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila), 1,378 ppm of mercury;

11. Yudantang Ginseng and Ganoderma Lucidum 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Sun Block Cream manufactured/distributed by Yudantang International, Taiwan (purchased for P140 from Rose and Fujikura General Merchandise, Uni-Mec Supermarket, Guadalupe, Makati City), 31,300 ppm of mercury;

12. Aichun Beauty Green Tea Whitening Speckle Removing Series (3 in one) manufactured/distributed by France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd./Livepro Beauty Cosmetic Co. Ltd., China (purchased for P90 from G2 Beauty Products, Carriedo St., Quiapo, Manila), 1,250 ppm of mercury; and

13. Aichun Beauty Pawpaw Whitening and Freckle Remover Series (3 in one) manufactured/distributed by France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd./Livepro Beauty Cosmetic Co. Ltd., China (purchased for P90 from G2 Beauty Products, Carriedo St., Quiapo, Manila), 867 ppm of mercury.

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Fitness Plan for Brides-To-Be

There is a lot of pressure on brides to look their best on their wedding day.

But don’t be tempted by crash diets and faddy exercises – stick to this healthy fitness plan from AJ Perera, exercise guru at Fitness First, to be fit and healthy for your big day – and happily ever after!

Monday

Workout: Head outside for a run or jog. Walk for five minutes to warm up then jog at a steady pace for 20 minutes. Walk for a further five minutes for a cool down.

Lifestyle Tip: Swap your processed foods and starchy carbohydrates for lean meat and fish.

Tuesday

Workout:

Body weight circuit:

• Squat x 20 reps (Bend through your knees until your hip joint is lower than your knee joint, then slowly rise up again.)
• Alternating lunges x 20 (Step forward on one leg and bend both knees to 90 degrees. Repeat 10 on each leg)
• Press up on knees x 20 (Check your alignment. Shoulders should be over your wrists and your body in one straight line. If you’re feeling strong – go onto your toes)
• Wide squat x 20 (As before but with your feet wider apart)
• Plank x 30 seconds (Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air or sagging in the middle)

Repeat this routine as many times as possible in 20 minutes.

Lifestyle Tip: As well as eating lots of vegetables, increase the amount of fresh fruit, nuts and seeds you consume. These will do wonders to your waistline.

Wednesday

Workout Tip: Rest day (still try to walk and be active – take the stairs)

Lifestyle Tip: Sleep is also critical in dropping body fat and recovering from workouts. Aim to sleep for eight hours at least 4-5 nights a week, preferably between 10pm-6am.

Thursday

Workout Tip: Hopefully the sun is shining so head outside for another run or jog trying interval training. Walk for five minutes to warm up. Sprint from one lamppost to the next, then walk to the following lamppost and repeat for 20 minutes. Walk for five minutes to cool down.

Lifestyle Tip: Try to drink one litre of water per 20kg of body weight and if you do need a little caffeine burst drink black tea and coffee before midday.

Friday

Workout Tip:

Weighted circuit (fill a backpack with tins or weights for that little bit extra):

• Squat holding a weighted backpack x 20 reps
• Alternating lunges holding a weighted backpack x 20 (10 each leg) – for a bit extra, why not add a jump in between lunges?
• Press up on knees x 20 (or go onto your toes if you’re feeling strong!)
• Sit ups x 20 reps
• Wide squat holding a weighted backpack x 20
• Plank x 30 seconds

Repeat this routine as many times as possible in 20 minutes.

Lifestyle Tip: Try and avoid alcohol as this is full to the brim with hidden calories. Make sure you also avoid high-calorific soft drinks too.

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World's Highly Paid Models (According to Forbes)

Gisele Bündchen has been named the highest paid model in the world 2012. The Victoria's Secret star has topped a list compiled by Forbes.com, which takes in estimated earnings for the 12 months after May 1 2011. 

It is the second year running the Brazilian star has come in at number one, making $45 million this time around. "As the world's most powerful supermodel, she racks up modelling gigs, spokesperson deals, and independent licensing ventures at every turn," the site reports. Victoria's Secret models dominated the top ten list, with Miranda Kerr, Candice Swanepoel and Alessandra Ambrosio also appearing. Ed Razek of the lingerie provider's parent company Limited Brands discussed why the women who work for the firm are so special.

Gisele has deals with companies such as Pantene, Espirit and Versace, models for many big name brands and is currently looking for the next big model in her native country. 

British star Kate Moss came second with $9.2 million, down over $4 million from her previous annual earnings. She has deals with Mango and Longchamp which helped her rake in the cash. "In the entire history of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, 140 separate women have walked that runway," he told Forbes.com. "There are seven billion people on the planet. That makes each of them not one in a million, not one in five million, not one in ten million. That literally makes them one in 50 million humans."

Heidi Klum could have clinched the second spot as she earned around $20 million but as she is no longer a Victoria's Secret Angel and is now known for appearing on TV show Project Runway, the publication considerers her a mogul rather than a model. Rounding out the top five are Natalia Vodianova with $8.6 million and Adriana Lima with $7.3 million.

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 1. Gisele Bündchen - $45 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 2. Kate Moss - $9.2 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 3. Natalia Vodianova - $8.6 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 4. Adriana Lima - $7.3 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 5. Doutzen Kroes - $6.9 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 6. Alessandra Ambrosio - $6.6 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 7. Miranda Kerr - $4 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 8. Lara Stone - $3.8 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 9. Carolyn Murphy - $3.5 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 10. Candice Swanepoel - $3.1 million

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