Daily Beauty Journal -By Patricia Carol Brooks, BlackDoctor.org Skin and Beauty Editor

Daily Beauty Journal

From morning to night, be sure to keep it natural and positive.
6:45 a.m. Paint a mental picture of your day and keep it positive! It also helps to write it down. Keep a journal of your morning thoughts. Molly West makes some really cool journals. Prices vary at http://www.mollywest.com/

7:00 a.m. Meditate for 20 minutes (it really helps), then jump in the shower. Try using a natural scented shower gel or scrub. Beautiful Skin & Company has an array of all natural salt scrubs for $22 at www.beautifulsoap.net or try Philosophy’s Empowermint Shower Gel for another great way to start the morning. You can find it for $16 at http://www.philosophy.com/.

10:00 a.m. Make your morning beverage work for your health by sipping on your favorite herbal tea. If you don’t have time to make tea, Tzu The’ T-bar’s might be the perfect snack. Essentially, it’s a cup of green tea in a nutrition bar. Try them out for $2 at http://www.tzu-the.com/.

As an alternative, try a protein shake packed with fruit for an extra push.

12:35 p.m. Treat yourself. Make an appointment for a manicure & pedicure, a 30 minute body massage or buy yourself something special.

3:45 p.m. Reach out. Call friends and family, confirm dinner with your mate, and make someone smile.

5:10 p.m. When traffic is moving slow, try to relax by listening to your favorite inspirational CD (music that lifts your spirit). Here are a few that I really enjoy: Barry White, The Ultimate Collection, Everything But The Girl The Language of Life, and Lady Sings The Blues Soundtrack.
7:00 p.m. If you are eating at home, have a candlelight dinner alone or create a decorative table with friends. When things are beautiful, it’s really uplifting and exciting.

Visit your local flower mart for flowers or visit http://www.organicbouquet.com/.

Menu tiles are really cool and will make your guests feel extra special.

Check them out for $30 at http://www.placetile.com/.

Visit Crate and Barrel for dinnerware at http://www.crateandbarrel.com/.

10:30 p.m. Give yourself the spa treatment. That means mud mask, body scrub, scented candles, a glass of wine, and your favorite essential oils. Before you close your eyes, remember one thing for which you feel blessed and remember to say thank you!

Try Beautiful Soap & Company Salt Scrub in lavender garden for $22 at http://www.beautifulsoap.net/.

Also try Red Flower Light Candle. Covered in pretty dried flowers, simply shake the flowers off, and put them in your bathtub or a bowl, then light.

Find them for $20 at www.redflower.com and chamomile or lavender essential oils at http://www.floracopeia.com/

By Patricia Carol Brooks, BlackDoctor.org Skin and Beauty Editor

Beauty Q & A

Q. My skin is really dry, should I exfoliate?

A. Yes. Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells and dry, flaky skin finally gets the chance to shed all those dead skin cells. The best time to exfoliate is in the morning; your pores are open and easier to cleanse when you’re in a warm, steamy shower. Your skin will feel silky and your entire body will be energized. Find the right formula for you, and start sloughing! Sea salt, brown sugar or Japanese rice powder are naturals ways to exfoliate.

Q. What is the best way to pluck and shape eyebrows?

A. Always follow the natural shape of your brow. Begin by brushing your brows up and back.
A good rule of thumb to follow so you don’t lose the arch in your brows is to pluck from underneath on the outer arch and from up above on the inner part of the arch. Tweeze out the stray hairs that are far away from the arch and work in. Remember to do above and below the brow. When you've removed all the excess hair, use a lash brush to comb the hair, first below and then above the ridge, each time trimming the hair that sticks above the arch when combed. I would recommend getting them waxed. Then, you can keep it up by plucking. I prefer treading, but find what works for you.

Q. Are there any vitamins suitable for improving your skin and hair?

A. For skin and hair I recommend taking Sulfur 500 mgs per day to begin. Sulfur is the building block of amino acids, which is effective in hair and nail growth and in promoting healthy skin. Sulfur is found abundantly in keratin, a protein that strengthens hair, nails, and skin, and referred to as "nature's beauty mineral." Sulfur plays a role in the production of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin elastic and healthy. Biotin is also important for healthy hair and skin. Biotin should be taken with the B Group Vitamins, but Vitamin C, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), are good companions to it.

Note: Sulfur, by itself, is not toxic to the body. However, some people are highly allergic to relatives of sulfur such as sulfites and sulfa drugs. Those with known allergies to sulfa-containing medications and/or sulfites should avoid sulfur supplements as a precautionary measure. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Q. I have cellulite on my thighs and hips, what about cellulite creams, do they work to get rid of cellulite?

A. A firming cream teamed with a sensible diet and exercise routine can certainly help. Cellulite is caused by poor diet, caffeine and sugary drinks, lack of exercise, insufficient water intake, and a genetic predisposition. Try changing your diet! Also, regular body massages help.

Q. What is your best recommendation for puffiness and covering dark circles under the eyes?

A. To reduce puffiness, your best bet is to treat the affected area with a lightweight eye gel containing green tea, cucumber or chamomile. I would also recommend drinking plenty of fluids, using cucumber slices if you can, and getting enough rest.

Vitamin C (aka L-ascorbic acid) is needed for the production of collagen and may reduce under-eye circles, aid in healing, and inhibit the buildup of melanin (which can cause discolored ‘spots’). Gels and Creams won’t really change the discoloration and some cases of dark circles are hereditary. The best weapons are water and sleep, but a good concealer and careful application to hide the dark circles can also work. Apply concealer either with a clean fingertip or wedge makeup sponge. Continue to dab and blend the concealer until the area is covered. Finish with a loose powder. Try Iman Corrective Concealer $12 (covers dark circles and imperfections). http://www.imancosmetics.com/

Answers provided by Patricia Carol Brooks, BlackDoctor.org Beauty and Skin Editor