Without a doubt, mineral makeup is all the rage these days. Ironically, though, this new trend is essentially an ancient beauty secret. Women in centuries and millennia past used clays, minerals and other natural pigments to enhance their beauty. What sets us apart from those gals of long ago is a refined product, convenient packaging and a killer makeup brush. Armed with those tools, you can accentuate your beauty in a light and natural way. Here's how.

Step 1
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. This will clear away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, as well as tighten your pores for improved coverage.

Step 2
Apply a light moisturizer. This will prevent your skin from getting dry and causing the makeup to go on unevenly.

Step 3
Shake out a small amount of makeup onto the sifter top of the makeup container. If your container is not equipped with a sifter, shake out the makeup onto a tissue or piece of paper.

Step 4
Dip the makeup brush into the minerals using a swirling motion so that the makeup is worked into the bristles. Tap off any excess makeup.

Step 5
Apply the makeup to your face in a circular motion, working from the outside in. Start at the jaw line, working in to your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin.

Step 6
Buff the makeup by continuing the swirling motion all over your face until the makeup is well-blended and even.

Step 7
Apply additional layers in the same way to achieve heavier coverage. Many women find one layer to be adequate, and in most cases a second or third application will provide plenty of coverage.

Step 8
Apply blush or bronzer. These add warmth and color to your face and can be purchased in mineral formulas, as well.

Step 9
Apply a finishing powder. A light layer of powder on top of the mineral makeup will help to set the makeup and give you a clean, finished look.

ingredients
Facial Cleanser
Facial Moisturizer
Loose Powder Mineral Makeup
Kabuki-style Makeup Brush

tips
There are many mineral makeup formulas on the market, and they are not all created equal. Experiment with more than one brand to find the one that suits you best.

warnings
Mineral makeup is far more opaque than regular loose powder, so it is easy to apply too much. It is better to start with less on your brush and add more if needed.

For many parents, strollers are a must-have. They free you up to walk, run, and shop--all while bringing your baby along for the ride. Because of the precious cargo they carry, though, it is essential to consider a number of safety factors when choosing the right stroller for your baby.

Baby's Age
One of the most important safety consideration when buying a stroller is choosing the right type for the age of your infant. You wouldn't, for example, put a newborn into an umbrella stroller. Similarly, very young babies should not ride in jogging strollers or in any stroller that does not recline. While older babies can ride in most any style of stroller, there are some features that are not safe to use with them, such as the carrier component of a travel system or the leg hole cover of a traditional stroller. You could buy two strollers to accommodate your child as he grows or save yourself a little money and buy a combination stroller that converts from a carriage to a stroller.

Harness Types
No matter what type of stroller you buy, the most crucial safety feature is its harness. There are two basic harness types available in most strollers: three point harnesses and five point harnesses. Three point harnesses consist of two waist straps and one crotch strap that fasten near the baby's belly button. Five point harnesses have two chest straps in addition to the other straps. They fasten both at the baby's chest and tummy, like the five point harnesses found in a car seat. While a three point harness may be adequate, particularly for older babies and toddlers, a five point harness is the safest option.

Stroller's Purpose
While one stroller might be ideal for a walk around the block, another might be suitable for running or jogging. Unfortunately, one stroller is rarely suited for both purposes. If you plan to have your baby in the stroller during long walks or outings, a stroller that reclines will be more comfortable for her. If you will be running or jogging, a jogging stroller is a must for your child's comfort and safety. If you just need something for a quick trip to the mall, an umbrella stroller might be all you need. Remember, though, that babies need to ride in reclining strollers until they are able to sit up on their own. You may have to put off jogging for a few months but with a newborn in the house, you could probably use the break.

Hinges
The hinges that allow strollers to fold up for convenience have also been responsible for injuring babies and young children. Small fingers can get caught in the hinges and result in pinching, breaking, and in a few cases, even amputation. You can avoid this potential safety hazard by purchasing a stroller with no exposed hinges. If they are covered by fabric or plastic they will help to keep your child's fingers safe. Fortunately, more and more stroller manufacturers are becoming aware of this problem and as a result, fewer strollers are available with exposed hinges.

New vs. Used
As with so many other baby products, it is a good idea to avoid buying a used stroller. Older strollers may not conform to modern safety standards while previously owned strollers of any age may have been recalled. If that's not enough, strollers that have been stored in basements, attics, or garages can easily become breeding grounds for dust mites, mold and other allergens.

You're only as old as you feel, but if your skin didn't get the memo, it's time to take action. Between turkey necks and crow's feet, the prospect of growing older is enough to inspire a search for the fountain of youth. Until the ever-elusive fountain is discovered, keep a few skin care tricks up your sleeve to fend off the signs of aging. Remaining diligent to the healthy skin tips just may cause you to get carded the next time you purchase your favorite bottle of Bordeaux.

Step 1
Grab a mirror and a natural light source to investigate the signs of aging that may be forming. If your skin is flawless, this investigation may not turn up anything. For the rest of the population with normal skin, note the areas of your skin that need some attention. Focus on those areas during your regular skin care routine.

Step 2
Put your skin care routine under a microscope. It should include cleansing, toning and moisturizing with a skin care line that matches your skin type. Avoid the temptation to hit the pillow without completing your skin care regimen. Not only will it help prevent signs of aging, it will keep your pillowcase clean and fresh too.

Step 3
Take an honest look at your diet. Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, fish and the other healthy foods your mom always tried to make you eat. Turns out she knew what she was talking about. The vitamins and minerals found in these nutrient-rich foods help your skin's health and appearance. Improve the health of your diet to keep your waistline small and your skin glowing, but don't feel guilty about sneaking a few pieces of chocolate now and then.

Step 4
Sweat your way to younger-looking skin. If the thought of sweat pouring down your face doesn't appeal to you, consider its benefits. Exercise helps rid the body of all the toxins that wreak havoc, both internally and externally. Your circulation and blood flow will increase, allowing oxygen and nutrients to work their magic on all of your body systems, including the skin.

Step 5
Enjoy the sun from beneath your favorite sun hat. Not only will you display your good fashion sense, you'll protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Pair the hat with a good sunscreen for the greatest sun protection.

Step 6
Smile and enjoy life. It's natural to dig your heals into the ground to resist the aging process. Caring for your skin is important, but worrying nonstop about signs of aging may cause you to miss out on the little moments that make life worth living. At the end of the day, those you meet and know are more likely to remember how you treat them than how many wrinkles you have on your face.

ingredients
Cleanser
Toner
Moisturizer
Sunscreen