Carefully reading the labels on cosmetics is becoming increasingly important, because some harmful ingredients are still widely used, and only public pressure can force companies to find less dangerous alternatives. If you don’t want to expose your skin to toxins and chemicals that are already outlawed in some countries, discover which are the most dangerous ingredients in cosmetics.

Even when you don’t have an instant reaction to beauty and makeup products that may end harming your skin, repeated exposure to certain chemicals can have lasting effects on your body. Keep these controversial ingredients in mind, and choose cosmetics that are free of possibly harmful chemicals, even if you don’t have sensitive skin.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Most commonly found in shampoos, hair conditioner along with plenty of other cosmetics, SLS and SLES are especially damaging to children, but they can also affect the skin of adults. When combined with other ingredients often found in cosmetics, they can produce carcinogens and allow more nitrates to penetrate the skin.

A perfume is always a good idea, especially if you know what your loved one likes. Still, if you're searching for some inspiration, take a look at these great new perfumes for winter!

Great New Winter Perfume: Anna Sui La Vie De Bohème (starting from $51)

If you're searching for a great new winter perfume for Christmas, you should take a look at Anna Sui's new fragrance La Vie De Bohème. This lovely perfume is specially designed for a romantic and poetic lady, who loves to be authentic and who seeks freedom. Curious to find out more about its notes? Don't hesitate to buy it if you love a great mixture of dragon fruit, skin musk, raspberries, vanilla, peony and freesia.

The Bershka Christmas 2013 collection brings a multitude of sexy dresses into the spotlight. The brand tapped model Julia Almendra for the new ads, who seems to channel singer Ke$ha in the new set of images. Given the fact that the line is mixing glamorous accents with cool seasonal trends it's hardly a surprise that the label's new designs evoke somewhat contradictory images. Though the new options feel very simple at a first glance, a more careful look will reveal a lot of interesting details worth taking into account.

Among the main alternatives the new Bershka Christmas 2013 line brings into the spotlight are velvet dresses. Velvet don't get too much love during the rest of the year but it can be a perfect way to make a fab style statement during the holiday season. Moreover, since the fabric itself is textured, keeping things simple is actually recommended, which means less effort. But, velvet is one of those fabrics that is either loved or hated with passion. If you belong in the latter category and don't even want to consider reevaluating your position, fear not: there are plenty of other cool options which might catch your eye.

A bodycon ¾ sleeve dress is a stunning choice which can instantly steal the spotlight. The champagne colored dress presented in the new Bershka Christmas 2013 lookbook is a definite head-turner and can be a great pick for those who have the confidence to rock it. But beyond the sultry dresses the new line brings into the spotlight, there are also other striking choices which make it hard not to want to examine the new Bershka ads a little closer.

Wind and rain are the usual culprits when it comes to frizzy locks. If you want to prevent this hair disaster, you should learn how to protect your beautiful mane against these external factors, so check out these great curly hair care tips!

Managing Curly Hair: Satin Pillowcase

Though you might think otherwise, managing curly hair really isn't that difficult! For instance, did you know that, if you want to reduce the frizzy aspect of your hair in the morning, you should sleep on a satin pillowcase? This type of pillow will keep your locks intact and gorgeous on the long term. Plus, you'll instantly see the difference between a regular pillow cover and a satin one!

Hair Care for Curly Hair: Conditioning

The Zara TRF In the Evening collection brings a handful of interesting style suggestions for the holiday season ahead and even beyond it. While labels usually focus on bringing festive options that look great for the occasion and then are basically making one's closet pretty for the rest of the year, the new Zara TRF holiday 2013 line brings more versatile options with a trendy vibe into the spotlight.

The new line revolves around black and bluish tones. The chromatic palette might seem quite limiting, yet the brand manages to bring a great set of options that prove that the opposite is actually true. The new set of fashion items manages to impress through a series of clever accents. The label brings quite a few gorgeous outfits which revolve around the ubiquitous leather trend. One the one hand we have girly skirts and leather pants being combined with simple monochrome pieces for a modern and relatively understated look. On the other hand, there are plenty of attention grabbing pieces like a sequined sweatshirt or fab lace details which bring an added feminine note to the simple minimalist options.

Aside from the many gorgeous alternatives with a strong festive flair, the new Zara TRF holiday 2013 line also brings a more surprising set of options: sportswear inspired designs, which are definitely not something we're used to seeing in these holiday lines. These sporty pieces aren't part of a casual ensemble. Instead, the label brings an interesting option with an elegant flair by pairing a simple sporty tee with a sexy, feminine skirt and a pair of minimalist sandals. Not your run-of-the-mill look, but a thought provoking outfit idea, for sure.

Alexa Chung might have released a book and a small makeup like, but she's still the It girl of fashion. This is why it comes as no surprise that the Alexa Chung for Longchamp spring/summer 2014 campaign is a project that really makes her best qualities shine. The model replaced Coco Rocha as the face of the label. It seems like not only average women are finding it hard to resist having a girl crush on her.

According to Longchamp's international communications director, Marie-Sabine Leclercq, she managed to cast a spell on the entire team when she was a DJ at the brand's London flagship opening party in September: “The whole team fell under her spell. She immediately had a real vision and made a very on-point contribution to the looks for the shoot. There was such a synergy and an energy that we all went home delighted with this initial experience with her.”

Moreover, the French label saw in her the perfect qualities they wanted to highlight in the new line: "For the new Escales collection - which is cheerful, colourful and bursting with energy - we needed a woman who was both chic and modern. Alexa Chung is the woman who embodies it the best. Her enchanting gaze, which is very strong and very present, gives the campaign a lot of personality. She has energy and confidence," the brand's representative added.

What's the most important thing a style icon needs nowadays? Here's an answer: they' need a great fashion sense that will make them stand out in the crowd. Do you wish to get inspired? Check out now five of the greatest style icons under 20!

Beautiful Style Icons under 20: Kendall Jenner

Kim Kardashian's younger sister certainly deserves a spot in the top 5 style icons under 20 list. The recently turned 18 American model grew up in a family for whom fashion played a very important role. If you're still not convinced, just take a look at the fashion empire the Kardashian-Jenner clan has built over the past few years. Kendall Jenner probably got her unique fashion sense from her big sisters, Kourtney, Kim and Khloe, and momager Kris Jenner.

Great Style Icon under 20: Chloe Moretz

Although it might be hard to bring up this subject, due to self-esteem issues, you should, however, do it. At the end of the day, if he suffers in silence, it’s only natural to want to offer him a helping hand and chime in with some weight loss ideas. But how do you to tell your partner to lose some pounds? Take a look at these helpful suggestions.

How to Tell My Partner to Lose Weight: Be Considerate

Cold winter weather can severly affect your facial skin unless you take all the necessay precautions. So, as it's imperative to take extra care of your face during the frozen season, here are some amazing and nourishing homemade facials for winter!

Facial Recipes for Winter: Carrot & Honey Mask

The Jitrois spring/summer 2014 lookbook is rife with ultra covetable ensembles worth taking a closer look at! The French label specializes in bringing modern ensembles with an edgy twist and the new line is yet another example of the label's unique creative perspective that gathered a multitude of fans over the years. The new looks mix sexiness and sophistication with a few sci-fi vibes. The unique blend of these characteristics is enough to make any fashionista fall in love, but when bold tones enter the mix, the recipe for sheer style perfection suddenly seems a tangible concept.

The Jitrois spring 2014 lookbook was photographed by Matthew Paul Thomas and styled by Vanessa Merz. It seems like the upscale label has placed a strong emphasis on femininity and sexiness for the warm months of 2014. The line brings a multitude of stunning bodycon dresses and several form fitting jackets which ooze refinement, but which are definitely made to attract attention. The combos are kept simple, yet the modern cuts and perfect tailoring techniques ensure that in the label's case, simplicity is never synonymous with plainness.

Sportswear influences are also visible in the new Jitrois spring/summer 2014 collection. Mesh details are perhaps the most easily distinguishable sporty details, but the influence is also spotted at a construction level, with reinterpreted leather loose tees being one of the most adequate examples. Designer Jean Claude Jitrois explored the complex relationship between space, light and movement in his new line which is why the line has a functional yet futuristic allure.

The Cartier Winter Tale 2013 campaign is, hands down, the most adorable holiday campaign of 2013! Just like last year's holiday campaign, this too revolves around an adorable panther cub whose adventures not only aim to transport the viewers into a magical world filled with sophistication and luxury but also help them rediscover the special holiday spirit. As fans of the brands might already know, this year's Winter Tale campaign is the fourth installment of the Winter Tale film series, which seems directed towards loyal fans of the label.

The 85 seconds video directed by Bibo Bergeron, who was also the director behind “Shark Tale” and “A Monster in Paris”, is inspired by the 1920s Paris and revolves around the idea of a cute partnership between a cuddly panther cub with magical powers and a human working together to bring the opulent Cartier jewelry into homes in Paris for Christmas on an ethereal winter day. It doesn't get much heart melting than that! In the case of the adorable campaign a picture is truly worth a thousand words.

It's even hard to decide whether to focus on the adorable wild cat or the exquisite Cartier jewelry picks for the festive days of the year as every single aspect of the new campaign is carefully picked to be memorable. When it comes to jewelry, the choices are classy, luxurious and superbly crafted, embodying exactly the qualities the label's fans expect.

A great timeless accessory or piece of clothing can make you look fabulous. And if you've already inspected your mother's closet and stolen chic, classic items, it means you'll most definitely enjoy these great vintage style blogs!

Vintage Fashion Blog: Diary of a Vintage Girl

This is a great vintage fashion blog run by Fleur de Guerre. This lovely vintage style fashion blogger is an event manager, passionate about fashion, sports and a healthy lifestyle. So, if you share Fleur's passion for vintage outfits, you should definitely take a look at Diary of a Vintage Girl to get inspired by her style choices and enjoy her motivational posts. 

Plastic Bodies by Sheila Pree Bright is an ad series that encourages an in depth, thought-provoking discussion on modern beauty standards and how we internalize subtle messages about the “perfect look” from a very early age. This time, however, it's not a mere representation of how real women size up to Barbie, but also about how women of color feel the pressure to abide “white beauty standards” and the confusing cultural messages that derive from it, or as the Atlanta based photographer herself explains it: “This body of work addresses the loss of personal identity many women experience, specifically women of colour.”

There is an ongoing debate as to whether the dolls we play with during childhood really help shape our body image and our idea of how we should look in a subtle yet pervasive way, but by juxtaposing the image of a conventional Barbie doll with a more realistic image of a woman, the photographer really manages to show the contrast between the standardized idea of beauty and what beauty really is.

These photos also bring into the spotlight the perceived importance of keeping up with trends and the idea that looking a certain way is of paramount importance: "American concepts of the 'perfect female body' are clearly exemplified through commercialism, portraying 'image as everything' and introducing trends that many spend hundreds of dollars to imitate. It is a lot more widespread than at any time that ladies are enlarging breasts with silicone, building brief hair for a longer time with synthetic hair weaves, covering pure nails with acrylic fill-ins, or most likely replacing all-natural eyes with contacts, " the photographer explained in an e-mail for Huffington Post.

Some people simply can't work out in a gym and prefer other types of workouts to lose weight and stay in shape. If you are one of them and you're looking for effective workouts for people who hate exercising to get you started, take a peak at some great alternatives that will keep you healthy and fit!

Exercise for People Who Hate Exercising: Biking

Biking is a great exercise for people who hate exercising at the gym. You can practice this great activity outdoors, in a park or in the mountains, whenever you feel like it. This is one of the best workouts for people who hate going to the gym because it allows you to increase your cardiovascular fitness while enjoying the outdoor scenery. Plus, biking is also great for those who are dealing with joint issues, because it involves low impact exercises that will boost your energy nonetheless.

Workout for People Who Hate the Gym: Dancing Classes

Wasn't the unveiling of Katniss' mockingjay dress one of the most powerful scenes of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie? If you love everything about Katniss Everdeen as much as we do, check put this step-by-step hair braiding tutorial for the hairstyle that she wore in that exact scene.

Even though Katniss Everdeen's wedding updo might look a rather challenging hairstyle, with patience and a few braiding skills, you'll be able to achieve this intricate, enviable hairdo in no time! All you need are a comb, clear rubber hair bands, several bobby pins and three optional white feathers for the complete bridal look.

Follow this tutorial and learn how to recreate this intricate braided hairstyle inspired by Katniss Everdeen's wedding updo from the second Hunger Games movie, Catching Fire!

Katniss Everdeen Wedding Updo Tutorial 

It's not unusual for a long term relationship to lose its sparks and romance after several years. However, if you feel that things have changed between you and your significant other, you should know that there are great and easy ways to improve your bond and make it stronger. Check them out now!

Join a New Activity Together

The Too Faced spring 2014 collection has made an early debut at Sephora. Though any beauty enthusiast knows that it's not unusual to learn more about upcoming makeup releases well in advance, it's quite unusual to actually be able to get them way ahead of the season. Well, the Too Faced spring 2014 makeup line strays from the norm, which is quite exciting as it features a multitude of options you can already get your hands on!

A single glimpse at the some of the new makeup products can cause major sweet cravings. That's because the brand brings an entire makeup palette inspired by chocolate and we're not just talking about rich brown tones. The packaging of the label's new addition, The Chocolate Bar Eye Palette actually looks the part! Not only that, but the eyeshadow tones are actually infused with cocoa powder for a cool, chocolate-y smell. Here are a few more details worth knowing:

Too Faced The Chocolate Bar Eye Palette ($49)

The new palette features both gorgeous neutrals and stunning, more vibrant candy-inspired tones for maximum versatility. Mix and match any of the following tones: Milk Chocolate, Black Forrest Truffle, Triple Fudge, Salted Caramel, Marzipan, Semi-Sweet, Strawberry Bon Bon, Candied Violet, Amaretto, Hazelnut, Crème Brulee, Haute Chocolate, Cherry Cordial, White Chocolate and Champagne Truffle.

The cold weather outside can make your lips crack and become sore. If you want to keep them protected, you can learn how to make natural chapstick. This way, your lips will always be smooth and moisturized, so check out these homemade chapstick recipes!

Homemade Chapstick: Pomegranate Lip Balm

For this homemade chapstick you'll need the following ingredients: petroleum jelly and Crystal Light (e.g. cherry pomegranate). Mix these two ingredients in a small container and let the mixture sit for about an hour. Meanwhile, the granules will dissolve and you'll get to hydrate your chapped lips with an incredible and divinely perfumed homemade chapstick.

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Asian women look amazing and ageless, making people around the world envy their genes. But it’s not all about genetics, Naomi Moriyama, the co-author of ‘Japanese Women Don’t Get Old or Fat’, says. In fact, the secret is the Japanese cooking style. Check out these great Japanese diet tips for women.

Japanese Diet Secrets for Women: Seaweed

One of the most important Japanese diet secrets for women is eating seaweed. You should know that this food is a great source of nutrients, ranging from potassium to vitamin C and from calcium to beta-carotene. So, a regular Japanese meal includes seaweed, a great nutritive food source.

Probably one of the best Japanese diet tips for women is to add seaweed in your diet if you want to get one step closer to looking ever-youthful.

When paired adequately, glitter nail polish can make you stand out and can beautifully complement your outfit. However, when it comes to removing it, you probably realized that it isn't the easiest of jobs. Still, it's not that difficult once you know how to do it properly. Find out now the best tricks to remove glitter nail polish.

How to Remove Glitter Nail Polish with Foil

If you want to find out how to remove glitter nail polish fast, aluminum foil might just do the trick. To get rid of the stubborn sparkly nail polish, you need acetone nail polish remover, 10 tin foil squares and 10 cotton balls. Saturate a cotton ball into the nail polish remover and then place it on your nail. Apply a little pressure to make sure that the nail is covered completely.

Afterwards, take a square aluminum foil and wrap it around your fingertip. Repeat this action for each finger and then wait for about 5 minutes. When the time has elapsed, remove the foils and cotton balls one at a time, with a twisting motion.