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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
I am often complimented on the smoothness of my face and at how youthful I look. Let me tell you that after 4 kids, that feels pretty good. So, what's my secret?

Avoid makeup at all costs.

I know what you're thinking. "What about my blemishes?" "What about my freckles?" "How can I cover up my uneven tones?"

My answer to all those questions is simply "Don't you dare!"

The more makeup and products you use to cover up your so-called beauty flaws is most likely doing you more harm than good. Instead of covering up, work on healing the ones that are a real issue and embracing the ones that are naturally you.

Freckles become beauty marks. Uneven skin tones can be healed by applying things like shea butter and cocoa butter, which are very good for the skin overall.

To rid acne, wash the face with a mild soap, like Dove Sensitive Skin . Pat dry and apply diluted tea tree oil. I like a mix with a base of olive oil (about 2 ounces) and 10 drops of pure tea tree oil. Do this twice per day to clear up the acne. This has been my regimen since I first broke out with acne badly. It rid me of the issue and as long as I keep with that regimen daily, it keeps the acne away. Tea tree oil and olive oil is good for the skin in general.

Instead of using things that work against your beauty or cover up your natural beauty, go with natural products that maintain and enhance it.

Don't cover it up! Refresh it!

Lyn is the founder of Write W.A.V.E. Media, parent company to LifeSuccessfully.com and several others. She enjoys publishing freelance writers and supports advocacy through journalism. She's also a freelance web journalist, Community Guide at Yahoo! Contributor Network, and a Y! Shine Parenting Guru. The homeschool ‘Momtrepreneur’ teaches with nature, books, and play. Pet and human homelessness, green living, positive parenting, and education choice (including homeschool) are her passions. She has been published all over the web with major media companies, as well as smaller businesses and organizations. Contact Lyn for guidance in the world of freelance writing.
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by Lisa Mason

Don’t let a bad hair day get you down. There are quick and easy hair fixes for all hair types out there and once you learn the tricks that will work for you, then you can sport beautiful hair day or night, without a lot of fuss and stress.

I’ve been told I have beautiful hair and I appreciate the compliment because those who live with me know that I have had my fair share of bad hair days. I have an interesting hair type that can be both a blessing and a curse. My hair stays where it goes when it is wet.

This means a great blow-out will last until it’s washed again, even after sleeping on it but a sudden downpour of rain means insta-bad-hair-day.

It also means I can add a little lightweight product to my damp hair, poof it a bit and allow it to air dry to experience loose, wavy curls that are an easy no-fuss style.

And it also means that when I want to use a high-heat curling iron and style my tresses, they will likely remain in this curled state until my next hair wash.

While it probably sounds great, there are some real downsides to this type of hair. For one, certain hairstyles are very high maintenance. I’m also highly susceptible to frizz. Still another fault, my hair does not do swimming pools at all!

But over the years, I have learned to love my locks and you can do the same. It all begins with understanding your hair type and your personality type. No matter which you are, it’s important to work with your hair and not against it. Trying to make your hair do something it wasn’t meant to do, especially on a regular basis, is just a recipe for disaster.

Here are some quick tips for hair types:

If your hair falls flat- Curly and straight hair alike can benefit from more boost. Avoid cream or oil based hair care products and at night, pull your hair into a high, loose ponytail at the top of your head. When you take it down in the morning, you will have more body and less flat hair.

If your curls get the frizz- Curls can be a mess when they don’t go where you want them to. Use a flexible-hold styling product and your fingers to help twist your locks in the natural direction of the curls.

If your locks are color treated- Colored or highlighted hair needs special treatment. The sun’s rays, regular washing and chlorinated pools can all wreak havoc on your color-treated hair. Use a special shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair and try to limit sun and pool exposure.

Here are some quick tips for personality types:

The sporty gal- When a regular ponytail just won’t do, consider the flirty but sporty look of a short style. Alternatively, carry hair bands with you often or opt for a more traditional French braid or French pigtails instead of the boring I-just-threw-a-scrunchie-in approach.

The busy new mother- Just because you have a new baby doesn’t mean you have to look a mess. Consider a style that you can sleep on. This allows you to prep the night before and get up in the morning with your hair ready to go.

The glam girl- When you like big hair but don’t have time for the fuss, consider clip-in extensions that add volume and length to your hair. They are now more affordable than ever before and they’re really easy to use.

Casual chic- For you, the haircut is going to be essential. You need something sophisticated, but simple. A wash-and-go style is preferred and will keep your hair healthy and you happy.
Lisa Mason is a freelance writer, mother to four and youth sports coach residing in Central Texas. She has published hundreds of articles on writing and runs www.writingtipsblog.com to provide free writing tips.

Lisa's a Community Guide at Yahoo! Contributor Network and has been writing professionally since 1998 with a specialty in Internet content. Search her profile for articles on writing and writing tips.

Lisa officially began her writing career at the age of 16 after writing for school and local newspapers as well as trade and regional publications. She is the author of 3 writing books, 3 video game guides, 3 poetry anthologies and a how-to poetry book.
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