Whilst none of us actively try to damage our hair, it turns out that those small things we do every day, those shortcuts we take to style our hair in the midst of the morning rush are actually doing just that. Alas, don’t fret ladies, as we caught up with hairdresser veteran and hair guru extraordinaire Beverly C to find out what we need to do give our poor follicles a chance. From styling to cleansing, read on to discover the most common hair mistakes to avoid if a glossy mane is to become a serious reality.

Your skin is a bellwether to your overall health. If you're not healthy, it will be reflected in your complexion. But that doesn't mean you should neglect your skin even if you're feeling fine.

Basic Skin Care
- Always wear a moisturized sunscreen when outdoors, winter and summer. The sun's rays can burn you even if the air feels cool, and sunlight reflected off water or snow can be particularly powerful.

- No matter what your skin type is, use a protective sunscreen when you are in the sun; don't expose your skin for more than 15 minutes. Don't forget to use sunscreen on your face and the back of your hands because these are constantly exposed to the sun's rays.


- Always remove your makeup before going to bed.

- If you usually wear makeup, give your skin a chance to breathe one day a week by going without.

- If your face tends to be puffy in the mornings, keep skin freshener, astringent, and cotton pads for your eyelids in the refrigerator for a quick pick-me-up.

- Rub moisturizing lotion on your legs before applying shaving cream for a smoother, softer finish when removing leg hair. Men who have normal to dry skin can also benefit from this technique.

- Use a humidifier to lessen the drying effects of indoor heat on your skin in the winter.

- Take baths in the evening to avoid exposing your skin immediately to outdoor air.

It's been centuries since British sailors discovered the key to avoiding scurvy: vitamin C. You probably grew up being told that getting enough vitamin C would ward off colds and other ailments, but now the word is out that vitamin C may not play a big part in staving off the sniffles. However, it does have a vital role in maintaining the health of your skin.

Those sailors and others who couldn't get fresh fruits and vegetables suffered bleeding under the skin, ulcers and joint weakness. That's because vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is key to the production of collagen, a protein that aids in the growth of cells and blood vessels and gives skin its firmness and strength [source: WebMD]. Vitamin C also helps create scar tissue and ligaments, and it helps your skin repair itself [source: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center].

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows the rate of free-radical damage -- free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. New research shows that ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a derivative of vitamin C, not only neutralizes free radicals, but also reverses DNA damage [source: University of Leicester].

Research suggests that vitamin C may also reduce sunburn caused by exposure to ultraviolet B radiation and prevent the consequences of long-term sun exposure, which can lead to skin cancer [sources: University of Maryland Medical Center, Bouchez]. This doesn't mean you can take vitamins or apply topical vitamin C and then bake safely in the sun, but you can help keep your skin healthy and supple by making sure you get enough of this antioxidant vitamin [source: Bouchez].

As much as you love your limited-edition eyeshadow or favorite discontinued lipstick shade, the fact is that you can't hold on to your beauty products forever. Much like food, makeup has a “best before” date, especially once they have been opened. Not all beauty products are created alike and some may last longer than others. Here’s a guide on when it's okay to keep and when to toss your make-up:

MASCARA
Shelf Life: 2-3 months
Mascara is very prone to bacteria build up so don't make it worse by sharing yours with other people. You don't want to end up with a nasty infection so it's best to say no when a friend asks to borrow yours. In about 2 to 3 months, your mascara will start to dry up and get clumpy; this is your cue to toss it!

FOUNDATION
Shelf Life: 6 months-1 year
Foundation can start to get clumps in it, lighten in color and even change in smell when it's about to go off. If any of these signs show, it's time for your foundation to go!

LIPSTICK
Shelf Life: 2 years
The good news is that you can keep your beloved lipstick for up to two years before it needs to be chucked. But, if at any time it dries out, changes in color or emits a weird smell, then it's quite obvious that it needs to be replaced asap. For lip glosses, the shelf life is a little less at 1 year. Once it gets to sticky, toss!

EYESHADOW, PRESSED POWDER, BLUSH
Shelf Life: 2 years
To keep your powder products from going bad even before their expiration, make sure you clean your brushes thoroughly at least a couple times a week. Once these products become flaky or develop a film over them, it's time to buy new ones!

NAIL POLISH
Shelf Life: 1-2 years
When nail polish becomes dry and hard, starts separating into layers or becomes too thick to apply, then it's time to say goodbye, even if it's your favorite! You won't get the desired effect you want, anyway, so it's best to grab a new bottle.

Source: Erica Paredes, Hippie In High Heels

The truth is that eating fruits and vegetables is good for you, plain and simple. And eating a variety is even better, so your body can get all of the nutrients and vitamins it needs to operate at its optimal level. The best part is that most foods offer a two-for-one deal, if you will. Carrots, for example, may help not only your eyes, but also your brain. And it turns out that if kale or kale chips have become recent staples in your kitchen, they might be doing more good for you than you think.

So, if there's a time when focusing on brain power or energy is a must, say while studying for the bar exam or the GMATs, it might not hurt to increase your intake of healthy foods that have been linked to improving brain productivity and function. Granted, some are meant for long-term health rather than short-term, but it really can't hurt to tackle both ends of the spectrum when it comes to health.

To find out more about the connection between our brains and food, we turned to nutritionist Kelly Aronica. Check out what she has to say and which foods you might want to start incorporating into your diet.
Carrots
Also found in spinach, red peppers, and summer squashes, B vitamins, according to Aronica, help manufacture and release chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. "The nervous system relies on neurotransmitters to communicate messages within the brain, such as those that regulate mood, hunger, and sleep."

Yogurt
Vitamin B12, often referred to as the "memory vitamin," is only found naturally in animal foods, so Aronica suggests vegans should be careful to use supplements. As she explains, its integrally involved in nerve function and found in yogurts, cheeses, salmon, shrimp, and beef.

Spinach or Kale
"I'd list dark leafy greens (spinach is probably my top choice, or kale) as one of the top foods for brain health," says Aronica. She explains that the huge antioxidant punch is the main benefit for the brain, but they are also powerhouses overall in terms of vitamin and mineral content.

Green Tea
Green tea is not only a great source of antioxidants, but it also provides a hefty amount of caffeine, which is good for coffee-turned-tea drinkers. Aronica adds that research has shown caffeine to improve cognitive function, focus, and concentration. Coffee and chocolate also have antioxidants, but probably aren't as strong of a source as green tea.

Eggs
With the conflicting evidence about egg yolks (Good for you? Bad for you?), Aronica says that for brain functions, they're not to be ignored. Choline, a building block from the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine, is involved in memory and is found in eggs, specifically the yolk.

Source: Yahoo (Yasmin Fahr, The Daily Meal)

There comes a point when you have to help your body recover from all your "health sins." Here are 10 moves that may help you get fit.

1. Have a fiber-rich breakfast
Fiber will help rid your digestive system and colon of any undigested foods. Try some oatmeal with nuts and flax seeds to get things, er, moving.

2. Go clean
Ditch processed foods, sugar and additives to help keep your body healthy.

3. Ditch alcohol
Give your liver a break. It'll also do wonders for your skin, and think of all the calories you'll save.

4. Add some fruits and veggies
Lots of lovely fresh leafy greens, whether in juice or food form, will give you a nutrient kick-start and help your body cleanse and repair. Broccoli, garlic, spinach, cabbage, sprouts, blueberries and ginger all have super detoxing powers.

5. Down some water
Make sure you drink plenty of water to help flush out the toxins and help you stay hydrated. After a weekend of kebabs and tequila – it's the least you could do.

6. Add a slice of lemon
Lemons have over 20 proven anti-cancer compounds and will help flush out any nasties.

7. Eat some organic apples
Rich in pectin, which binds to toxins in the intestines to march them out of the body.

8. Take a deep breath
Getting more oxygen in your system will help it work better and keep you energized.

9. Put on a smile
You may not feel like smiling, but forcing yourself to feel positive and crack a smile will help reduce stress levels and produces lots of good chemicals.

10. Sweat it out
30 minutes of exercise will get your heart pumping, your body working and help sweat out any badness.

Source: Handbag.com

Over the past century, average life expectancy has increased radically in the United States. With this increase, it has become more common for people to live to extremely old ages, even up to 100 years.

Many characteristics play into a person's life expectancy. However, diet seems to play a larger role than others in terms of increased longevity and decreased disability. If length of life has grown to be a measure of health, we might be able to learn a thing or two from the people who have been around the longest. The members of the "100 club" have nutrition secrets that could increase your quality and quantity of life.
Here are a few things you can do today to be more beautiful tomorrow:

1. Control Your Portions
Today's centenarians have been through many life events-from the Great Depression to the first landing on the moon-so you can bet they are quite adaptable. But how do portions today measure up to portions in 1960? It is safe to say individuals who once saw normal portions may be flabbergasted at today's mammoth-size meals. To be a centenarian, try eating like one: Smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day will keep blood sugar levels from going haywire. The key is to engage in mindful eating and only eat until you are three-quarters full. Heaping portions can distort your perception of your appetite versus actual hunger and lead to consuming unnecessary calories.

2. Eat Your Plants
While studying centenarians in mountain villages on the island of Sicily, researchers at the University of Palermo, Italy, found these individuals closely followed a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in red meat, refined carbohydrates and sweets. Plants are the secret there---they are our best sources of antioxidants and phytochemicals. Plant-based diets have been shown time and time again to slow the effects of aging by fighting free radicals and preventing cell damage. To get the best bang for your buck, grab green, leafy vegetables and other superfoods such as blueberries, nuts, broccoli and sweet potatoes.

3. Consume Breakfast Regularly
Known as the "most important meal of the day," it's no surprise that eating breakfast is a healthy lifestyle choice. All meals are important, but studies show that metabolism is impacted by the body's circadian rhythm (the biological process that the body follows over a 24-hour cycle), so the time of day we eat can have a big impact on the way our bodies process food. The results of regular breakfast include considerably lower levels of insulin, glucose and triglycerides throughout the day, and therefore, a lower risk of chronic disease including leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer and diabetes.



4. Keep Alcohol Use to a Minimum
A study published in the October 2013 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research indicated that individuals who drink heavily and smoke may show early aging of the brain. This was in part due to decreases in memory, the ability to think quickly and efficiently and problem-solving skills, compared to individuals who abstained from smoking and drinking. In addition, there is much evidence to show that healthy behaviors follow a cumulative pattern. That is, the greater number of healthy behaviors, the greater benefit. Engaging in a combination of healthy activities, such as exercising, eating well and limiting alcohol, can significantly increase the chances for a person to stay healthy as they age.

Successful aging is typically defined as maintaining the ability to function well with good mobility, cognitive skills and mental health without chronic diseases. What you eat is only one-albeit an important-factor that can affect your longevity. So remember to also keep your mind and body active throughout your life.

- (from Yahoo by Kristin Kirkpatrick, R.D. *Hadley Hickner contributed to this column.)

This year, World Sight Day falls on October 10. It is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. The red-letter day is coordinated by the International Association for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) under the World Health Organization's VISION 2020 Global Initiative.

In line with the celebration, we have gathered some fun facts about our eyes from various sources.

1. The average eye blinks over 20,000 times a day, and the average blink lasts about 1/10th of a second. (Milwaukee Eye Care Associates)

2. The little lights you see with your eyes shut are phosphenes, which come about when you shut your eyes tight. This is because the retina is stimulated by pressure on your eyeball. (Matossian Eye Associates)

3. The pupil expands as much as 45% when a person looks at something pleasing. (Matossian Eye Associates)

4. Each of our eyelashes has a "life span" of approximately five months. (Glasses Direct)


5. Babies cry but don't produce tears until they're one to three months old. (Glasses Direct)

6. The average person blinks about 11,500 times per day and approximately 4.2 million times per year. (Zeal Optics)

7. About 80 % of what we perceive comes through the eyes. Our memories are made 80 % by images. The eye comes with information about the depth, distance, shape, color and movement of the objects. (Softpedia)

8. People generally read 25% slower from a computer screen compared to paper. (Alterni)

9. The shark cornea has been used in eye surgery, since its cornea is similar to a human cornea. (Alterni)

10. The human eye can distinguish 500 shades of the gray. (Alterni)

Though beauty fads fade and makeup trends change, there are a few things that we should always remember when it comes to daily rituals. With so much beauty bumph in circulation however, it can be hard to spot the fact from the fiction.

Bookmark it, print it, frame it, memorize it - whatever. Just don't forget it!

1. Don't pull on the skin around your eye when applying eye liner. Stretching it in the same way every day, or even just every weekend, is a fast track to saggy skin and wrinkles.

2. Drinking more water is scientifically proven to be the only way you can hydrate your skin. Creams, serums, masks, lotions, facials etc, they can help treat conditions, keep things supple and aid in the aging battle, but without water? You'll never ever rehydrate dry skin.


3. Pores do not have muscles, and so cannot perform the contraction that would let them 'open and close'. Steaming your face does work by loosening up the underlying grime, making blackheads etc easier to remove, but when it comes to a deep clean? Use exfoliators and a gentle scrubbing action.

4.White spots on your nails rarely indicate a nutritional deficiency. Milk spots? An old wives tale. White spots on your nails, or leukonychia as the pros like to call it, is normally the result of 'mild trauma'. In other words, it's a form of bruising that no amount of extra calcium will fix. If you do have streaks on every single nail however, best get it checked.

5. When it comes to choosing a concealer or using camouflage makeup, you should consider the color of what you're trying to hide. Dark circles for example? They contain blue, so you need an orange/apricot corrector. Green creams will neutralize any redness, yellows will cancel out purple shades like bruises or some especially dark circles, meanwhile lavender shades can help lift sallow complexions and dull olive skin.

6. The hair outside of your head is effectively dead, in that the only part which grows and 'lives' is the root. So try as you might, you can't ever 'repair' your hair. Strong locks start with what you feed your body, though products can of course help to strengthen and smooth. To change your hair's health? Drink plenty of water, eat well and wait for it to grow.

7. In terms of color matching your foundation, you'll need to consider that most people have either a yellow or pink undertone. So too do foundations. When you get it wrong, your color will look 'off' and skin a bit dull.


8. It's no myth that there's a right red for everyone, so try a few on before picking your signature. Generally speaking, you can choose between a blue, orange or brown base, which will help lift your complexion when you strike upon the right one.

9. When you file your natural nails, always move in just one direction rather than in a back-and-forth motion. The latter will lead to split fibers, leaving you with weaker, damaged or flaky nails.

10. The 'perfect eyebrow' starts above the corner of your eye, has the peak of its arch above the center of your iris, and ends diagonally opposite the same corner of your nose. Ready to start measuring?

(Reuters) - American actress Scarlett Johansson has been named the sexiest woman alive for the second time by Esquire, the men's lifestyle magazine said on Monday.

"The Avengers" star was named sexiest woman in 2006 and is the only woman to have been given the title twice by the publication. The annual recipient of the title is chosen by Esquire editors.

Husky-voiced Johansson, who rose to prominence as a teenager in the 2001 cult film "Ghost World," stars in three films this fall. In "Don Jon" she plays the girlfriend of a pornography addict and in the sci-fi thriller "Under the Skin" she is a seductive extraterrestrial. She voices a man's computer companion in "Her."

"You know, I gotta hustle," Johansson told the magazine of her busy work schedule. "I'm a 28-year-old woman in the movie business, right? Pretty soon the roles you're offered all become mothers. Then they just sort of stop."

Johansson said last month she was engaged to marry French journalist Romain Dauriac. Her previous marriage to actor Ryan Reynolds ended in 2011 after three years.