Shaving isn’t a requirement to feel beautiful, but many people prefer it. Whether you shave your legs, armpits or anywhere else, you don’t need to battle continuous growth with razors forever. Consider trying laser hair removal. It could become your new favorite beauty treatment at a salon or in your bathroom because it’s so effective. What Is Laser Hair Removal? Laser hair removal is a scientific technique known as selective photothermolysis. A laser targets a specific area of your skin before flashing its light and heat. Your hair follicles absorb the monochromatic or broadband electromagnetic radiation within the laser’s wavelengths. The energy turns into heat, which fries the inside of your hair follicles to slow or stop their growth. Does Laser Hair Removal Actually Work? Laser hair removal does work if you use the right equipment and remember certain considerations. First, you likely won’t have total hair removal after a single treatment. Experts found that people have 60%-73.60% hair reduction after their first appointment, so you may need an additional treatment to see the results you want. You might also need recurring appointments. Some hair follicles might not receive the same wavelength exposure as others, like if they’re beneath a scar or freckle. It can take a period of months before your hair follicles stop growing back. Additionally, people of color should talk with a dermatologist about their options. More melanocyte activity and higher amounts of melanin act as competitive chromophores, which can result in permanent discoloration in treatment areas. A dermatologist can discuss other options, like laser hair removal with alternative types of lasers. Average Cost of Professional Laser Hair Removal The average cost of laser hair removal is $389, but that number changes depending on the treatment. You’ll pay more to get hair removed from both of your legs than around your eyebrows. As the treatment areas shrink, so do the fees. It’s also important to note that you will likely need at least two appointments to get the results you want. The relatively small cost for your first appointment doubles when you need two treatments. However, you can space out your appointments to have more time to save.  Banish Body Hair at Home Instead of finding the gentlest razors for your sensitive skin to reduce razor burn, try gentle laser treatments in your own bathroom. It can help you understand the process better and potentially feel more comfortable about contacting a dermatologist. Make sure you get everything you need to keep your skin safe and healthy if you want to try laser hair removal at home. Braun IPL Hair Removal System People know the Braun brand for its famous hair removal system. This laser hair removal tool only needs two uses to start showing results. Its skin tone sensor automatically adjustst the laser’s strength to your skin’s unique needs. Use it on your feet, legs, armpits, face and anywhere in between. It’s so quick and easy to use that you can complete a total body treatment in just 10 minutes. Price: $349.99 from Amazon Cooling Gel Packs Typically, an at-home laser hair removal session ends without any fanfare. You just put your laser tool away and continue with your day. However, you may have some slight redness or irritation if you’ve tried a higher strength in the laser’s setting. If you feel any discomfort, reach for a gel pack that’s been in your freezer overnight. It’ll reduce swelling and irritation so you get instant comfort. Try using a lower laser setting next time to avoid the same issue twice. Price: $6.99 from Amazon La Roche-Posay 70 SPF Lotion Your skin is going to be more sensitive to light after a laser treatment. The wavelengths have already penetrated your outer layer of skin, so spending time in the sunshine immediately afterward isn’t ideal. The laser hair removal product you use should indicate how long you should avoid direct sun exposure after treatment within its instruction pamphlet. If you can’t spend that time inside or just want to take an extra precaution, apply a moisturizer with a strong sun protection factor (SPF) rating on any treatment areas that aren’t covered by your clothes. Price: $36.99 from Amazon Laser Hair Removal Video for Beginners Sometimes it’s easier to try something new if you have a video guide to follow along with. Check out this viral video from YouTuber Jessica Ford if you want a companion along for your new beauty treatment. She walks viewers through how she used the Braun hair removal system to achieve the results she wanted — yes, including a crucial time lapse to show you the before and after results. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMLfqsvQNRY What to Expect From a Professional Appointment If you’d prefer to try laser hair removal options at a local medical spa or dermatology office, prepare for the experience so you know what to expect. First, a technician at your selected office will discuss your goals. They’ll review the areas you want hair removed from and determine if you’re a good candidate. People with very fine hair may not be candidates because the hair follicle isn’t dense enough for the laser. Once you schedule your appointment, you may need to shave your treatment area before you arrive. It depends on the thickness of your hair in the treatment area. Call your technician to double check if you aren’t sure. During your treatment, you’ll need to wear protective eye equipment to block the laser from harming your eyes. You might also need to remove certain articles of clothing to make the treatment area easier to access. The length of your appointment will last however long your technician recommends for the amount of hair you want to target. When to See a Doctor After Laser Hair Removal You should know when to seek help from your primary care provider if something were to go wrong with your laser hair removal attempts. Watch any treated areas in the hours and days after your treatment. If you develop blisters, swelling or pain that doesn’t go away with ice, contact your doctor. They may need to administer a prescription strength antiseptic cream and burn injury ointments.  Look and Feel Your Best Without the Extra Hair You don’t have to spend the rest of your life shaving body hair you don’t want. Consider trying laser hair removal at a dermatologist’s office or at home. You’ll simplify your beauty routine, save time in the shower and feel your best without any extra hassle.

People with long hair have plenty of hairstyles to choose from. One such hairstyle implements the use of banana curls — long, tube-like curls that seem to be full of volume and hold lots of bounce. Once your hair is curled this way, you can add extra styling to it, like buns or ponytails, or leave it down. It's such a versatile hairstyle, and here's all you need to know about it. Why Go Bananas? No one knows why these curls were named after one particular fruit, but you might guess that the curve of a banana reminded people of the curls in their hair. When looser, banana curls tend to have that sweeping shape to them that bananas have. How tight or loose you wear them depends on your personal preference. Banana curls were a favorite hairstyle of women in the 1940s, as they allowed for their hair to stay out of their face when they worked. When you search for this particular type of curl, you may see several different answers. That's because people achieve a similar look through various methods and put their own spin on the banana curl that suits their daily life and the appearance they want. Another form of the "banana curl" method involves using bananas to strengthen your curls. The fruit works great in a hair mask that you can use to keep your hair smooth, and you can use it just like your favorite deep conditioning treatment.  Easy Banana Hair Masks for Dry, Damaged Hair The easiest way to make a hair mask is to mash that banana to a pulp. Lumps are more likely to stick, so use beaters if necessary to create a creamy consistency. Then, mix banana with your favorite relaxing or replenishing herbs, such as lavender or fenugreek and add an extra conditioning ingredient for extra softness or special hair needs, such as: Honey Olive oil  Avocado Egg Yogurt Argan oil  Aloe vera Papaya Ensure you wash the mask out of your hair before it completely dries. Letting it get crunchy can result in a frustrating time when you go to rinse.  How to Make Banana Curls Tight ringlets are called many things, but the most iconic name has to be the banana curl. You can use many methods to achieve your banana curls, but these are some of the best. Try something new — you may just love the results! Heated Methods You have two basic methods for using heat to create banana curls.  1. Curling Iron When you use a curling iron, you put heat onto your hair. If you want to protect your hair from any potential frizz or heat damage, make sure you use a good heat protecting spray beforehand. Curls work best when you're working with "dirty" hair — that is, hair you haven't washed right before — but you can still curl your hair when it's been freshly washed. The size of your curling iron determines the size of the curls. If you want tight, ringlet curls that you can brush out into a style you like, use a barrel with a smaller diameter. Curling irons with a smaller barrel means that your coils will last longer.  2. Dryer  This method requires you to employ one of the non-heat styling methods outlined below but accelerates the process. All you need to do is subject your wrapped curls to the blow dryer, taking frequent breaks, as it can feel hot. Alternatively, if you can locate an old-fashioned bonnet hair dryer — or an updated version with a modern twist — you can kick back and enjoy a novel while your style sets.  Non-Heat Methods  Many people try to stay away from using heat on their hair. Using heat on your hair without any protection can cause damage to the outer shell, which can lead to breakage or even hair loss. Eating the right diet can protect your hair, but so can avoiding heat sources. 1. Pin Curls  For the ultimate in springy banana curls, use the pin curl method. You’ll begin with wet hair, and you’ll need a big stack of bobby pins, or, better yet, duckbill hair clips that snap into place — they’re easier to maneuver and keep in place overnight.  Divide your hair into small sections — the tinier the section, the tighter the curl. Twirl each group of strands around your finger until they start to curl in upon themselves. Pin the tight coils right against your head and secure it with a bobby pin or duckbill clip. Placing a breathable fishnet hair net over your coils protects them overnight. Release them in the morning for a headful of springy curls.  Pro-tip: Apply gel or mousse to your tresses before making the curls. You’ll have springy style that lasts all day.  2. Rags  Another method is taking strips of rag and using them to secure your curls. This method keeps the hair closest to your head straight, flipping the ends and creating a softer style than pins.  Begin with damp tresses and apply mousse or gel for a longer-lasting hold. Twist a small section of hair along a strip of rag — one to 2-inch strips work well. Tie the fabric in place, continuing until you roll all of your hair. As a bonus, many people find rags easier to sleep in than pins.  3. Curlers  You can also buy specialty curlers to create banana curls. Some sets come with various sized rollers, allowing you to make tiny, face-framing curls and larger waves in the back. You can choose from hard or soft styles — the foam ones are more comfortable if you plan on letting your style dry naturally overnight.  4. Any Round Stick  While you don’t have to go for the “Pebbles” look, tying a bone in your hair like the child from “The Flintstones,” you can use any round stick to create banana curls. For example, repurpose old paper towel rolls before composting them to make big, wavy banana curls. Plastic straws are a nightmare for the environment, but they hold a bobby pin — find a positive use for those party leftovers lingering in your kitchen drawer.  https://youtu.be/5awQifISbdg?si=lwIBe6gercZv7GXf How to Make Banana Curls Even Better — Additional Styling Ideas You can make banana curls even better by arranging them in fun styles. Here are four ideas to whet your creative appetite.  1. The Pippi Longstocking Tie your banana curls into twin pigtails on either side of your head. You can even add a floppy bow to either one. This style looks adorable on younger family members, but adults can rock it, too — think Abby from “NCIS.”  2. The Elegant Updo Banana curls are perfect for elegant updos that are the pride of any bride. Begin by creating a flurry of banana curls all over your head. Then, use a clear elastic to pull your hair into a high ponytail. From there, use bobby pins to arrange your curls in a creative style, leaving some tendrils lose while arranging the others into a makeshift bun. Add a sprig of flowers or a decorative comb for added effect.  3. The Low Bun If you have long hair, you can also create a loose bun at the nape of your neck with your banana curls. Use the same procedure as you would for an updo, but keep the hair tie low, near your hairline. Frame your face with a few loose tendrils and give it an extra spritz of spray to keep your curls from wilting if your back gets sweaty.  4. The Nellie Olsen A simple way to style your banana curls is to pin back the front section with a clip or a bow. Doing so keeps lose hairs from getting in your face during various activities — like slurping spaghetti noodles — but leaves it long and loose in the back. The fastener you choose can take this look from strictly business to night-on-the-town in no time. Use a simple black barrette for the former and pair a pearled clip with a pair of dangling earrings for evening wear.  Use Banana Curls for a Fun and Formal Hairstyle Banana curls are perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you're attending a formal event or a casual party, you can style your curls to fit any celebration. It might take some practice to achieve the perfect loop, but once you work with your hair, you'll understand more about it and what it needs to hold the shape of banana curls. Once you figure out which method works best for you, you'll be a pro and can teach others about these unique, versatile curls. Originally published August 1, 2024. Updated October 30, 2024.

Category: Beauty Tags: hair care, hairstyle https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-near-wall-SxPISzSxJrQ Most everyone dreams of having glossy, shiny hair. It looks fantastic, feels silky and signifies good health. What if you’ve had one too many drying treatments, though? Maybe you’ve overused the blow dryer, have had multiple coloring jobs or been too judicious with alcohol-based styling products. If so, it’s time to turn to a hair gloss treatment for help. You can certainly head to a salon to have one done professionally, but what if you’re short on cash or a true DIYer? Consider using a hair gloss treatment at home. Here’s how to get professional results in the comfort of your bathroom. What Is a Hair Gloss Treatment?  Hair gloss is a product you apply to your mane that conditions, tones and adds shine. There are two types: Untinted: Untinted hair gloss nourishes and conditions your hair and adds lots of shine. It will provide that healthy glow you crave. Tinted: Tinted hair gloss does the same as untinted, but it also adds subtle color and neutralizes brassiness that may result from bad coloring jobs or sun damage. It’s important to pick a shade close to your natural color to enhance your look.  A salon treatment consists of a colorist using a professional treatment to smooth your strands. They can be done as part of a coloring session or in between visits to perk up your look. Conversely, you can pick up a hair gloss treatment online or at the drugstore and apply it yourself at home.  A hair gloss treatment is considered semi-permanent and can last from four to six weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair. Benefits of a Hair Gloss Treatment https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-white-scoop-neck-top-in-front-of-white-wall-iuJClDf7S-M Hair gloss has many upsides, especially for people who have color-treated tresses. It can enhance your shade and extend its life, reducing the amount of time between touch-ups. It also boosts shine and conditions your hair, which is beneficial if yours is damaged or prone to frizziness. It seals cuticles, softens, adds shine and provides low-maintenance color if you choose a tinted version. There are many good reasons for glossing your hair: Your hair is damaged: Dry, dull and damaged hair happens to everyone now and then, thanks to chemical processing or repeated use of hot styling tools. Gloss will help bring it back to life.  You want a new look: A hair gloss treatment is a great way to test out a subtle new shade before committing to a permanent color. You want to shine: Perhaps the holidays are approaching, it’s your birthday or you’ll be attending a special event. Gloss will make you feel fabulous for any big occasion. You need to fix your color: You may have been to the salon for a coloring treatment but are not happy with the results. A hair gloss treatment can smooth out mistakes without forcing you to go through another major process.  You’re on a budget: Gloss services are less expensive than a full color treatment at the salon and even cheaper if you DIY. It’s a great way to perk up your look for less. Consider Product Option Pros and Cons Applying a hair gloss treatment at home is a great way to pamper yourself and help you look and feel beautiful. There are several things to keep in mind when taking this route rather than going to a salon. First, choose a hair gloss treatment that gets high marks when tested. Look for products that have proven to have good consistency and don't weigh hair down or leave a film behind. Consider a brand’s ease of application, whether it’s known to be messy or prone to staining, and the time it takes to complete the process. Understanding these nuances will help you select an at-home treatment that will be enjoyable and lead to a stress-free experience. Thankfully, hair gloss treatments do not cause damage like products containing bleach or harsh chemicals. For best results, be sure to use the right formula for your hair type and color. Get Ready to Gloss https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-standing-on-cliff-CfUyeAZOWIw Now that you know what to expect and have your preferred product in hand, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are the steps to take when applying hair gloss treatment. Shampoo Shampoo your hair as usual and gently squeeze out excess water with a towel. There’s no need to use conditioner. Carefully detangle with a wide-toothed comb. Apply Apply an even layer of hair gloss from roots to tips. Leave on for the correct amount of time according to package directions, typically five to 15 minutes. Drape an old towel over your shoulders to prevent potential staining if using a tinted product. Rinse Hop back in the shower and rinse your hair thoroughly in lukewarm water. Glossing treatments condition your hair, so you don’t need to apply conditioner at this stage either. Tips to Maintain Your Mane A hair gloss treatment is simple to apply, but it’s still an investment. Ensure it lasts by employing the following tips so you get the most out of it and keep your hair looking its best. Use Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair Although tinted hair gloss is not a permanent color, it’s still a good idea to use shampoo and conditioner made for color-treated hair. These products will keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant while making the shade last as long as possible. In addition, they reduce damage by making your hair feel soft and smooth.  Cut Back on Heat Styling There’s no need to eliminate heat styling altogether, but you should cut back on your use of hot tools. Frequent exposure to high temperatures can cause your shade to fade and can lead to dryness, brittleness and frizz. If you must blow dry or use an iron, apply a heat-protectant product beforehand to prevent damage and keep your hair smooth. Apply a Deep Conditioning Treatment Keep your hair shining by applying a deep conditioning treatment or mask once weekly. Use it in place of your usual conditioner to keep your tresses in top shape. Products like this lock in moisture and nourish your hair without affecting your shade, so they’re a safe way to extend the life of your gloss. Get Shining With at-Home Hair Gloss Treatments Hair gloss treatments are a great way to get shiny, silky and healthy-looking hair. Applying this product at home is a quick and easy way to perk up your look, whether you choose to enhance your shade or just want to glow. This subtle treatment goes a long way in boosting your appearance and confidence, and that’s no small feat.

Hair is one of the best ways to express yourself and feel more confident in your appearance. Everyone has their style and preferences regarding how it frames their face and its length. Hue is another factor that people have particular likes and dislikes about. If you want to be more dynamic, creative and free, consider multi-colored hair ideas.  The Fun of Multi-Color Hair Techniques Color has always held a deep meaning for people. Some cultures perceive hues as symbols of love, luck, prosperity, and so much more. The LGBTQIA+ community views different colors as a representation of people’s identities and attraction to others. You may also have your own personal memories and meanings associated with the color.   Multi-color hair techniques are a fun and small way to pay tribute to those meanings. Plus, they just look cool. Kids who see teens and adults with hair outside the usual blonde and brunette are usually in awe, wondering what they'd look like with those hues. Achieving Your Multi-Color Hair If you want to get your multi-colored hair ideas into action, you could either go down the salon or box dye route. Either way, remember to pay attention to the products before and after your color application. For example, it’s recommended to avoid sulfates, as they can strip the color from your hair.  If you want to color your hair, here’s a little guideline of what to expect: Add on hair bleach: Bleach is good for lightening your hair and ensuring the color that appears is close to what’s advertised. If it’s been frequently colored or bleached in the last 18 months, skip this stage or reschedule your mini salon session to avoid damage. Choose your dye: Hair coloring doesn’t last forever, but there are permanent dyes that can last for a few months. Semi-permanent dye usually lasts around 10 washings with shampoo. If you just want to test what a particular color would look like on you, temporary may be the way to go. Section out the hair: Depending on the multi-colored hair look you’re going for, part your lock. You can usually use hair ties to separate the sections.  Apply evenly: Use a brush and gloves when applying the color, ensuring you add an even amount throughout the strands. Cover with the foil afterward.  The Best Multi-Colored Hair Ideas What kind of multi-colored hair techniques would you want to try out? Here are a few trendy suggestions on what to do with your beautiful locks.  1. Ombre Hair Ombre hair is a timeless trend, characterized by two-toned hair with hues transitioning to one another. People who want to stick to the more neutral hues could also use this trend, having their ash brown hair transition into a lighter blond. However, if you want to go the extra mile, you could also try picking more out-of-the-box colors. Think of bright yellow at the top, slowly transitioning into vibrant green at the bottom. Pink roots bleeding into red are also beautiful.  2. 3-Color Hair Combinations If you have multiple favorite hues and can’t decide on just two, try out 3-color hair combinations. These usually add a lot more variety and contrast from one another. You can either do an ombre that flows into one another or add it to different sections of your hair. The possibilities are endless with this one. White-blonde, yellow, and red create a striking combo to make you stand out anywhere, projecting the image of fire. If you want a punk-pop look, neon pink, orange, and green are showstoppers.  3. Peekaboo Hair Peekaboo hair is one of the more subtle multi-colored hair ideas trending recently. This involves adding color to the bottom layer of your crowning glory. The pop of color only shows up in certain angles or when you tie it up. It’s great for beginners who want to keep their natural hair color up top. However, you could also totally change what’s on your top layer. It will still give that surprising effect of revealing a unique hue underneath.   4. Vibrant Highlights Vibrant highlights are great if you want to add streaks to your hair. Just like with peekaboo hair, you can keep your natural hue as the base and section out what you want to bleach and dye. Others will go for neutral colors such as blonde or brown to look for something more natural. However, you can also use more colorful shades like bright purple or wine red. 5. Colored Face Frame Society has a love-hate relationship with bangs. It started as early as the 1600s, when it was only acceptable for the fringe to be the same length as the hair. Nowadays though, everyone loves those face-framing parts, whether they be wispy or curtain bangs.  If you want to take your hairstyle one step further, add color. Bright colors like orange can stand out from the rest of your hair.  6. Half and Half Hair Half-and-half hair became incredibly popular around the time Disney’s “Cruella” came out, with Emma Stone sporting a black-and-white hairstyle. You can copy it color for color or make a more colorful rendition, like pink and blue or red and blonde.  The main thing to remember during the application is to section the hair out evenly. You can’t let the two colors blend, as the appeal lies in a total split.  7. Holographic Hair Holographic hair is a fun multi-colored hairstyle that mimics the ethereal sheen that holographic materials are known for. It’s perfect for people who used to wear hair tinsel clips for shimmer. To achieve this, you usually need a light base and layer on rainbow pastels to create that iridescent sheen on the hair.  8. Rainbow Hair What sets rainbow hair apart from holographic hair is it deviates from a pastel reflection-like appearance of colors and goes straight into saturated color everywhere. Add the colors into different sections of your hair and let them stand out from one another. You could follow the ROYGBIV sequence or just wing the placement.  Bring the Multi-Colored Hair Ideas To Life Customize your crowning glory with these trendy multi-colored hair ideas. Whether you’re letting a professional take care of your locks or tending to them yourself, allow it to be an extension of your self-expression and confidence. That will be forever trendy. 

As young girls grow up, it’s a right of passage to get your first makeup bag and tube of mascara. Whether you used your mother’s products to play with makeup during dress-up or experimented with it for a high school dance, makeup is part of many women’s daily lives from a young age. Have you ever wondered why it’s such a big part of life? There has to be more to makeup than trying on shades of lipstick or putting on fake eyelashes before a date. If you take a deep dive into the world of makeup, you’ll discover plenty of reasons to have a regular beauty routine. Check out these seven benefits of wearing makeup that you may already experience. Foundation and highlighter can do more than enhance your look, especially if you use makeup products every day. 1. You Can Express Yourself Life is a journey where you’re always learning more about yourself. You won’t figure out what you like or dislike if you never try anything new. Expressing yourself through your words and actions is crucial to forming your identity. Makeup offers a new way to experiment with your appearance and learn how to communicate your personality with those around you. For example, people feel more powerful when they put on bold red and matte lipstick while plum lippies lean into a grunge image. It's a staple for them when they go outside for work, see friends at parties and more. Luckily, some of these products stay on for 16 hours or more, allowing them to feel more like themselves until nightfall.  Putting on makeup is also akin to embracing your gender identity. Cisgendered women shamed for being girly reclaim a part of their womanhood with makeup. Plus, those in the LGBT community also use cosmetics to have gender-affirming beauty routines. https://www.tiktok.com/@august_skyz/video/7345556721491889438?lang=en 2. You May Experience More Confidence Everyone wonders what they’d look like if they had a different appearance. Disliking how you look could result in low self-confidence, affecting your grades, workplace performance, and overall happiness. Feeling better about how you look when you leave the house every morning gives you the energy to take on your day. That extra dab of foundation does wonders for your self-esteem. About 49% of American women use makeup as a confidence boost. Some use it to enhance their features, while others focus on covering up their blemishes. Try to see what coverage works best for you. Learning something new also builds confidence. Makeup is constantly evolving, and you can learn new techniques like winged eyeliner or lip penciling every single day. There are tons of tools to incorporate as well.  3. You’ll Have Fun For most people, wearing makeup is about having fun. There’s always something new to try and gurus to follow. You never have to get bored with a repeated style. It becomes a hobby and a passion for those who dive into the world of beauty. Life should be more fun for everyone, so why not allow makeup to be something you look forward to daily? Clear out an afternoon and just focus on doing makeup. You can put on your favorite podcast or play a movie in the middle of it. If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with glitter or graphic liner, take your time and do it now. You can also pull up a tutorial and make a mission out of following it. Certain styles like douyin makeup may be out of your comfort zone, but it can be amusing to do something different. Who knows, you may even like the outcome.  4. You Can Protect Your Skin Makeup also gives you the power to protect yourself and your skin. Certain products have SPF lotion mixed in without leaving your face feeling greasy or shiny. It’s more protection than if you’d left the house without doing your makeup first, which helps your skin stay healthy as you age. It’s also a hobby that will continuously teach you new ways to protect yourself. After you find SPF products you enjoy, you can go further and discover how to get glowing skin by taking your makeup game to the next level with lifestyle changes, vitamins and nutrients. You’ll never worry about dry skin in the summer or flakiness in the winter as you continue to learn the benefits of wearing makeup. 5. You Learn to Love Your Age Aging isn’t always easy. Sometimes it takes a toll on your appearance that leaves you feeling like a stranger in your skin. Makeup can make aging easier by giving you a youthful appearance as you adjust to wrinkles and age spots. You become more acquainted with the way you look.  You also get to apply the same products you’ve always used in earlier parts of adulthood, whether it's a soft pink blush or eyeliner that makes your eyes pop. The nostalgia is all part of recognizing how far you’ve come in life. It’s a stepping stone to loving yourself and celebrating your appearance, even when it changes with age. 6. You Learn About Self Care It’s essential to pay attention to your mental health and learn how to improve it. Self-care is vital to your mental health because you’ll take care of yourself and monitor your well-being. Catch symptoms of poor mental health before they spiral out of control. Applying makeup and enhancing your look is an act of self-care if it makes you feel happier. Even just a swipe of your favorite lip gloss is a great pick-me-up on the days that feel a little harder.  7. You’ll Be More Responsible When you don’t wear makeup, it’s easy to forget to wash your face at night. Taking off your makeup at the end of the day results in cleansing your skin, which prevents breakouts and residue buildup in your pores. Your face will feel noticeably fresher and cleaner because you make an effort to wash off your makeup before bed. Wearing makeup entails organizing a variety of cosmetics. Meticulously fix up your vanity table after your routine. If certain products get on your clothes, you could use a stain solution to wash them off during laundry.  Enjoy Your Routine These seven benefits of wearing makeup help you enjoy your routine. Makeup should feel empowering and enhance your life, like boosting your confidence or improving your self-care habits. Embrace your skills and learn something new to get the most out of your makeup products. Original Publish Date 9/8/2020 — Updated 10/10/2024

Breastfeeding passes on valuable immunities to babies and ensures the child gets the nutrition they need to thrive and grow. However, breast milk can also carry substances a woman eats or absorbs, which can lead to severe health issues. One such potential poisonous chemical residue in breast milk comes from self-tanners. Is it safe to fake tan while breastfeeding? While everyone likes a healthy, outdoor glow, continuing to fake tan while breastfeeding can pose a risk to your little one. I should note that if you're going to fake tan, sunless tanning lotions are absolutely always preferable to and safer than a tanning bed. However, there are risks to your baby ingesting chemicals in certain lotions as well. Here's what all women should know about fake tanning while breastfeeding. How Prevalent Is Tanning Among Breastfeeding Women? While there are no precise recorded figures as to how many breastfeeding women turn to fake tanning, other statistics suggest the problem may be more widespread than first thought. According to Statista, only about 8% of women don’t use any fake bronzers at all, and the majority of artificial tan enthusiasts are in their reproductive years. A Google search for "fake tan while breastfeeding" reveals a host of infant pictures with brown rings around their lips. While these photos appear humorous, the ingredients in spray tans do not wash off with soap and water. It can cause significant stress and fear of the judgment of others while parents wait for their babies' old skin cells to shed and get replaced by new ones. Health Benefits of Breastfeeding Numerous studies recommend new mothers breastfeed for the health benefits both they and their babies receive. Breast milk passes on immunity to certain diseases to the infant. Mothers who choose to breastfeed also decrease their risk of breast cancer later in life. Breastfeeding babies fall sick with infections at a third of the rate of bottle-fed babies. Additionally, bottle-fed babies run a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome. That alone makes many moms opt for breastfeeding at least the majority of the time. Breastfed babies are less prone to gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome. Perhaps the greatest health benefit of breastfeeding is the sense of attachment it fosters between mother and child. The combination of eye contact and physical closeness helps the child to develop healthy emotional bonds with her and, later, with others. A failure to form a secure attachment increases the risk of anxiety and depression and contributes to personality disorders that make it harder to function and flourish in adult life.  Fortunately, changing social mores have eliminated much of the stigma attached to breastfeeding in public. In previous years, nursing mothers had to stay home with their infant much of the time or use breast pumps regularly if they chose to breastfeed while at work, causing many moms to switch to the bottle for the sake of convenience. Nowadays, few people bat an eye at breastfeeding mothers at the park or on the bus, and laws exist to protect these women from discrimination. The Problem With a Fake Tan While Breastfeeding Those seeking a bronze glow have several options for getting the sun-kissed look. Some women opt for tanning beds, others for professional spray tans and still others use over-the-counter bronzing products. All three can prove problematic for breastfeeding mothers wanting to look like they've just returned from a visit to the French Riviera. Science has definitively proven that those who choose to use tanning beds run a significantly higher risk of developing skin cancers. Nursing mothers face an additional risk when using a tanning bed to get a fake tan while breastfeeding — the UV rays can burn nipples painfully, making feedings difficult. No direct scientific link exists to prove using tanning beds causes a mother's milk to dry up, but considering over half of new mothers struggle to produce enough milk, why take the risk? The chemical used in commercial spray tans and many home tanning products, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), may cause harm to babies who feed soon after their mothers return from the salon. DHA has FDA approval for external use, but the health risks of ingesting the chemical while babies breastfeed remain unknown. Some evidence suggests DHA may cause damage to cellular DNA, leading to a host of health woes, and given the negligible body weight babies have, they can easily ingest enough to potentially do serious damage. Parabens in such tanning products can cause hormonal changes in women who fake tan while breastfeeding, which increases the risk of certain cancers in both mother and child. Parabens can also impair neurological functioning, meaning they may affect the babies' brain and nervous system development. Fake tanning pills containing canthaxanthin can prove toxic to infants. These pills may cause diarrhea, nausea and intestinal discomfort. Research also suggests this common food additive may cause liver damage. Women who work in fields such as entertainment may find it detrimental to their careers if they refuse to fake tan while breastfeeding. Women wanting to tan regardless of the risks can protect their infant by covering their breasts with pads and barrier creams such as petroleum jelly during tanning procedures. Washing the breasts with a gentle body wash before feeding time rolls around can further protect the infant.  If possible, women should feed before hitting the salon, so their baby isn't famished upon their return. Another idea is to pump the milk beforehand or occasionally use formula. This method also works when the mother might ingest a questionable substance, such as a glass of wine with a special dinner — her baby can feast on what she pumped before indulging in the sauce.  Putting Baby Before Beauty The bottom line? Choosing to fake tan while breastfeeding means risking the drying up of a mother's milk at best or passing on harmful toxins to the baby at worst. While most science to date indicates fake tanning is most likely safe for breastfeeding moms, why take unnecessary risks to infant health out of vanity? Yes, fake tans can improve your appearance and give you more confidence. Nevertheless, breastfeeding moms do well to wait to go back to the salon after their little one finishes weaning. When it comes to the health of a child, making responsible decisions while nursing may prevent future heartbreak. Originally published April 2, 2019. Updated September 30, 2024.