If you thought that everything related to a better looking body involves dieting and exercise, then you’ll be pleased to know that that’s not actually the case.

Yes, there are other things you can do that will give you a better looking body, and one of those is contouring creams.

These lotions and potions may look like your ordinary beauty products, but they contain a range of special ingredients that penetrate the skin, improving tone, smoothing it out, and even helping to combat cellulite and other lumps and bumps that can ruin your figure.

Of course, they won’t work miracles, but if you are already eating healthily, and excercising, and want a little extra help, then they might just be the answer.

I used to hate my nose. Luckily, while my nose seemed large in junior school, I did grow into it, and it’s perfectly fine now.

However, since your nose is one of your most prominent features, if you really hate yours, or are embarrassed by it, it can really sap your confidence. That’s when a nose job, or rhinoplasty, might just be the answer.

Nose jobs can reduce the size of the nose, increase it if necessary, and reshape it, so whatever the issue you have with your nose, there should be a solution that works for you. Most nose surgeries of this type also include repairs to common problems, like deviated septums, and other minor issues, so they are not completely cosmetic.

If you do want to have a rhinoplasty, make sure that you find a good doctor, and that you’re clear about what you want.

When it comes to skin care, they say it’s never too early to start. That is certainly true, but when you’re getting a little older, every little bit helps, and creams that contain anti oxidants, such as vitamin A, otherwise known as retinol, as well as vitamins C and E, are the best way to do just that.

These ingredients help to protect the skin from pollution, smoke and other daily irritants, and in the case of retinol, also to repair damage that’s already been done. That’s great news if you did not start your skin care regime early!

So, if you want to look younger for longer (and who doesn’t) make sure that when you shop for products, you look out for these.

When it comes to the perfect shape for nails, a squoval (square with rounded corners) is the most popular shape, according to nail salons. However, if you’re going to keep your nails shorter, you should be able to get away with most shapes.

Shorter nails will always look chic, particularly if you love darker nail varnish shades. If you’re going to go with nudes or pale shades, you can get away with slightly longer hails, but unless you want to look like Cruella De Vil, never, ever do long talons in dark shades!

Of course, getting your nail shape perfect yourself might be tricky, so why not book a professional manicure, and let the salon do it for you. Then it’s simply a matter of maintenance, rather than trying to get it perfect on your own.

A visit to the nail salon is the stuff of girly dreams, isn’t it? However, if you are on a budget, it may not be possible to go as often as you would like.

To get great nails at home, there are a few simple steps to follow. First, make sure yuu pay attention to your cuticles too – ragged, torn skin is going to draw attention to your hands – and not in a good way. rub a cuticle softener, or even olive oil, into your cuticles, leave for a few minutes, and then wash your hands thoroughly.

To prepare your nail for polish, clean with a swipe of nail varnish remover – any oil will mean streaks or bubbles in your polish – not a good look. Apply a base coat, which makes polish go on easier, and follow with two coats of your favorite shade. Lastly, apply a clear top coat to set and seal the color, and make it last longer.

If there’s one thing most women find tedious and time consuming, it’s shaving our legs. Which is probably why,in the depths of winter when trousers and opaque tights are acceptable, you’ll find that most girls would admit to leaving the stubble longer than they should.

However, there is an alternative to shaving, waxing and depilatory creams that is simple, long lasting and safe.

Laser hair removal, done by a licensed practitioner, is perfectly safe, and will permanently, or semi permanently, remove hair from the follicle in the area that it is practiced.

While the process can be costly, after four to six treatments in a particular area, most patients find that the hair removal is permanent. It’s also not too painful, and most patients find that within a day or two, they can return to normal activity. So if you are sick of shaving, tweezing and plucking, why not consider laser treatment?

Now, you might not have ever considered nail whitening, but when it comes to looking younger for longer, your hands and nails are one of the  telltale signs that can ruin even the most perfect illusion of youth.

Nails can turn yellow for a number of reasons. It could be a sign of a deficiency or illness, or you might find that external causes, like smoking, can turn your nails from pink and white to a sickly shade of yellow. Definitely not a good look.

However, whatever the cause – whether it’s a penchant for dark polish or anything else, the fact remains that yellow nails are not a good look.

If you have a buffing file, lightly buffing the surface of your nail can remove most superficial yellowing. Another good idea is to immerse your hands in water that contains lemon juice once or twice a week. Some salons also have special treatments that will give you perfect, pale nails. The bottom line is, you don’t have to live with yellow nails!

There’s just about nothing worse than dandruff. Itchy and flaky is bad enough, but when you can’t wear dark colors for fear of looking like a snow capped peak, something has to be done!

Dandruff is either dry or oily, but it amounts to a buildup of dead skin on the scalp, which fortunately, is usually quite easy to treat.

If you have a mild case of dandruff, then shampooing more often, and perhaps using a commercial anti dandruff shampoo, should clear up the problem.

Finding the right shampoo to treat your dandruff may be a matter of trial and error though, as some contain tar, others selenium sulphide, and others anti bacterial agents. If your dandruff is severe, however, and you can’t seem to find a shampoo that clears it up, a trip to your doctor or dermatologist should solve the problem.

When it comes to washing African American or ethnic hair, most women will tell you that it’s the bane of their lives. However, it does not have to be the nightmare that you’ve endured up till now. Here are a few tips that will make it a little easier to keep your hair clean and shiny, without tearing it out in the process!

First, make sure that you own a good comb. This is particularly true if you have natural hair – lets face it – shampooing hair that you can’t tame is not the easiest thing in the world!

Section your hair, and braid it. That way, you can unbraid one section at a time, and wash it, before rebraiding, and moving on to the next section. That way, you won’t be left with a tangled mess!

It’s no secret that getting your bangs right can really alter the way you look. However, getting them wrong can be a disaster. Here are a few ideas that will help you to get them right, and look great, rather than closing up your face with a curtain of hair!

If your face is oval or heart shaped, for instance, then the current trend for heavy, straight bangs is perfect for you, however, if you have a square face, or rounded cheeks, then a wispier, lighter style is the look for you.

Length also plays a big part here – if you have a wider forehead, then longer bangs will look great, and help to visually shorten it. If you have a small, delicate face however, long bangs might make you look like you’re drowning in hair, and should be avoided.

Speak to your hair stylist  - they should be able to advise you on what will look best on your face, and what should be avoided.