Blog Posts by RealBeauty.com

Turns out the answer to getting rid of your fine lines and wrinkles may not just be in a bottle, it could very well be in your bed. Sexologist (yes, it's a profession - and a lucky one at that!) Dr. Gloria G. Bramer filled us in on how sex can not only keep you young, but keep your skin brighter and blemish-free. Read below to see how sex is good for your skin so next time you're feeling a little "too tired," you can remind yourself it's in the name of beauty. What are you waiting for? Get busy!

Sex Makes You Glow

It's true - sex gives your skin a heavenly glow. Bramer says that having sex improves blood circulation, which helps to pump oxygen to your skin and make it brighter. It also helps to eliminate toxins and can actually make your lips a little fuller.




Sex Controls Your Acne

Just as with people who exercise, Bramer says, having sex reduces your hormone levels and balances them out. The result? Clearer-looking skin, along with healthier hair!






Sex Prevents Dry Skin

No, this

As much as we love summer, the excessive heat, humidity, and skin-baring clothing (swimsuits, tank tops, and shorts, anyone?) can make us less than comfortable. Stop feeling self-conscious and start enjoying one of the most glorious seasons of the year! These six common hot-weather beauty issues can easily be solved with budget-friendly solutions. Related: More Summer Beauty Bummer Fixes


1. Your Thighs Have Dimples - and They Ain't Cute
Minimize the look of cellulite by spending a minute in the shower rubbing thighs with a smoothing scrub. Boosting circulation to the thigh area can lessen the orange-peel look, says Marcia Kilgore, founder of Soap & Glory. Then, follow with a self-tanner - cellulite always looks better in brown.
Related: Extreme to Low-Key Ways to Tackle Cellulite






2. Your Makeup Has Zero Staying Power
Avoid product overload by using products that multitask. Consider a self-tanner with sunscreen, a mattifying moisturizer, etc. Try Jergens Natural Glow Facial

By now you've probably heard all the things you should be looking out for when label shopping at the grocery store. Terms like "omega-3" and "fatty acids" have been buzzing in your head every time you head out to shop - but finding what foods have these magic ingredients in them can be an undertaking. If you don't want to spend more than 30 minutes in the store, pick up these foods on your next trip to get flawless skin and a glowing complexion.

Wild Salmon

This is your ticket to omega-3, fatty acid heaven. While it's a healthy fish, salmon, along with herring has proven to keep your skin smooth, according to Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, nutritionist and author of The Beauty Diet: Looking Great Has Never Been So Delicious (McGraw-Hill, 2008). These fish provide our skin with oils that lubricate and reduce inflammation, which often leads to redness, acne, and scaly skin. When in doubt, eat something with scales to keep your own scales from forming on your face.

Sweet Potatoes

These yummy

Aging by thin lips is caused by one of three problems: dry, chapped skin; distress lines and wrinkles; and loss of plumpness. Here, your guide to quick fixes and long-term solutions for a great-looking pout.

Step 1: Deal with Dryness
Dehydrated lips that are dry or flaky automatically look thinner and more wrinkled-so get on the balm bandwagon. "Skin makes less oil as we age, and lips are at a unique disadvantage because they don't have an epidermal layer, which is where oil is produced to begin with," says Paul M. Friedman, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston.

Try a rich balm like Aveeno Active Naturals Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner, a treatment like Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Lip Rejuvenating Treatment, or a healing tint with color like Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine.

Step 2: Erase Fine Lines
Those annoying vertical wrinkles around the mouth are mechanically etched into our faces every day, whenever we

He's the one who's shown you the ins and outs of how to throw a baseball and change your car's oil. So whether he's your wise protector or your hot husband who's also a great dad, here are six gifts that will have him looking and feeling great without breaking the bank. See more Father's Day gifts here.

Gillette Fusion Proglide Sneak Preview Combo Pack
Instead of wasting time cutting toilet paper into tiny square sections, save dad time and get him a shaving kit that will not only combat his rough facial hair with ease, but prevent little nicks and cuts.
$9.94; walmart.com

Conair 2-in-1 Custom Style Clipper/Trimmer
It's no secret that most men like shortcuts when it comes to personal hygiene. This 2-in-1 tool comes with 24 different attachments for trimming both the hair on his head and the fuzz on his face. With so many possibilities, he might even start to enjoy this whole DIY-grooming bit! Related: Manscaping - A Do or a Don't?
$30.99, conair.com




Every Man Jack Six Pack Kit

Your teacher said it in second grade, and it still hold true today - there are no stupid questions. This is definitely the case when it comes to protecting your skin. You might think the world of sunscreen should be cut and dry, but do you really want to end up with a painful burn and wrinkles down the line just because you thought you knew what you were doing but really didn't? Here, we answer those burning SPF questions for summer, from the ones you might not even thought about to the ones you though you knew the answer to.

SPF Question #1: My sunscreen makes me break out. What ingredients should I avoid?
Usually, acne caused by sunscreen is not from the chemicals that provide the sun protection, but secondary to the vehicle in the sunscreen, says Eric Schweiger, M.D. Try to find sunscreens that say they are "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic." Related: How to Be Acne-Free Forever

SPF Question #2: How often should I reapply sunscreen?
If you are going to be outside in the sun for a

Let's be honest - when it comes to pedicures, nothing beats the decadent experience of a spa. Between the exotic ingredients, the heavenly foot rub, and the flawless polish job, it's the ultimate in pampering, plus a great way to stay up on the latest nail trends. But who can afford to splurge on a pricey professional pedi every few weeks? That's why we asked top spas across the country to come up with DIY versions of their best summer pedicures.

Strawberry Daiquiri Pedicure
Courtesy of Tara Oolie, owner of Just Calm Down Spa in New York City
In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon pureed strawberries. Use this mixture generously to exfoliate your heels, feet, and calves. Rinse the scrub off with warm water and use a warm washcloth to remove any excess sugar granules.

Next, massage your feet and calves with a mixture of 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 cup coconut cream, and 1 cup pureed strawberries. Rinse off with warm water

Starting fresh with a new haircut can be stressful. You want to change it up, but you don't want to go through the rest of the summer with your hair in a ponytail waiting for your latest hair experiment to grow out. Before you head to the salon, check out these tips to determine what your face shape is, and what cuts will look best on you. Related: Find the best sunglasses for your face shape.

Heart-Shaped

Heart-shaped faces typically have a narrow jaw, with wider cheekbones. Bobs are a great cut for this face shape, because it brings out your bone structure.

Those who have a heart-shaped face also tend to have a wider forehead. Instead of opting for a style with your hair parted down the middle, draw attention to your cheekbones with side-swept bangs and lots of long layers. Related: Check out the five best haircuts ever.



Oval-Shaped

Oval faces are the most proportionate, meaning they can wear almost any kind of cut. If you want to find out if you have an oval-shaped face, measure