Disposable Color Contacts - Are They Any Good?

The days when color contacts were unbelievably expensive are long gone. As the manufacturing costs go down, disposable color contact lenses appear. These days you can find monthly, weekly and even daily disposable color contact lenses. But how do disposable color contacts compare with traditional color lenses, in terms of quality and health issues?

Disposable color contacts are a recent development, and they become progressively more popular. Sometimes it is not obvious whether the lenses are disposable or traditional (annual replacement schedule). The easiest way to spot the difference is to look at the package - if they are sold in a box (usually 6 lenses per box), then the lenses are disposable; if they are in a phial and the price is indicated per lens, then they are traditional color contact lenses.

Advantages of disposable color contacts

• The more often you replace your contact lenses, the healthier your eyes will be. So disposable color contacts are better, from the health point of view - they are thinner, more comfortable, and proteins don't have enough time to build up on them.
• Trying different colors is easier, too, since you can buy 3 or 4 boxes of different disposable color contacts for the price of a pair of traditional color lenses.
• If you lose or break a disposable lens, no worries! Just take another one out of the box

However, the main difference between disposable color contacts and annual replacement (traditional) lenses is that high quality traditional lenses are hand painted. Hand painted color lenses like Illusions by CibaVision create a more natural look than digitally printed lenses. None of the disposable color lenses is hand painted - it simply is not cost effective for the manufacturer.

Best disposable color contacts

Freshlook is one of the more popular brands in disposable color contacts. Freshlook offers you three collections: Freshlook Colorblends - opaque color contacts for people with dark eyes; Freshlook Impressions, which are partially transparent enhancement lenses designed to brighten naturally blue or green eyes; and Freshlook Dimensions, the unique designs of which make your eyes appear larger and deeper. All Freshlook color lenses are monthly disposable.

Acuvue 2 Colors by Johnson and Johnson is also a good choice. Acuvue 2 Colors offers opaque color lenses, for people with dark eyes, as well as enhancement lenses, for light eyes. Acuvue 2 Colors are 1-2 week disposable color contact lenses. They are also FDA approved to be worn for a week continuously, which means that you can sleep in them.

Recently released 1 Day Acuvue Colors are the first daily disposable color contact lenses. They look the same as Acuvue 2 Colors opaque color lenses, but you don't have to worry about cleaning, disinfecting and storing them. 1 Day Acuvue Colors are ideal for people who only want to wear color contacts for special occasions; this way, you can wear fresh lenses every time.

Expression Colors by Cooper Vision also comes as opaque colors, for dark eyes, and enhancement colors, for light eyes. Expression lenses are monthly disposable color contacts.

Prescriptions for color contact lenses

Most disposable color contact lenses come in plano (no correction) as well as with corrective powers. Sometime people think that if they have a perfect vision and want color contacts purely for cosmetic effect, they can just order a box online without consulting an optometrist. This is not true, though: all contact lenses - including plano color lenses - are medical devices, so you can't buy color contact lenses without doctor's prescription.

However, after getting your prescription, you don't have to buy your color contacts from your optometrist. Many reputable contact lens retailers sell color contacts online and ordering your color lenses through the Internet can save you a lot of money.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens and eye health expert and a founder of http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/, where you can find unbiased information about all types of contact lenses including color contact lenses reviews and pictures.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tanya_Turner

How to Spot a Fake Designer Purse or Handbag

When you finally decide to dish out a large amount of cash for a handbag, you'll want to make sure it's the real thing you are purchasing and not a cheap knock-off. With the popularity of handbags at the present time, its no wonder so many companies are eager to produce knock-off versions of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and other high-fashion handbags. We want to make sure that you know when you are being ripped off so you can spend your well-earned money on something that is truly authentic. Here are some hints which will help you spot a fake designer handbag when you see one:

The Fabric

The fabric used to manufacture top-of-the-line brand name handbags is noticeably different than the material used for fakes. If there is wrong stitching or if the material is flawed in even the slightest manner, chances are it is not a name brand purse. High-fashion handbags will always have real materials, they will not use fake leather or fake animal skin and you will get the real deal 100 percent of the time.

Small Detailing

The great thing about authentic handbags is that they are unique and hours upon hours go into making each one exactly right. Designer handbags will often have extra stitching and detailing such as little diamonds, buckles or zippers which make them truly unique to any other designer. As noted above, the diamonds on name brand handbags will also be real 100 percent of the time.

Study the Celebrities

The best way to determine whether or not a handbag is a fake is by studying the real ones and the best way to do that is through celebrities. Celebrities will always have real name brand designer handbags. Most people recognize the design of Louis Vuitton purses because of Jessica Simpson and the hype she has created for the company. When you constantly see celebrities sporting specific types of handbags you will be more inclined in noticing the difference between real and fake ones.

Brand Name Labels

Many brand name handbag designers will put a custom label or logo on their items which indicate that they are authentic. The names sometimes appear on zippers or pockets and some companies like to put it in the same spot on every handbag to ensure their customers know it's real.

It is important to know that you are getting what you pay for when it comes to designer handbags. If you're instincts are telling you that the purse is a fake, chances are you're probably right and its best to leave the bag where it lies. With the amount of money you are spending on these items, you want to make sure the bag you're buying is authentic and worth every penny you are spending.

Cathy Feldman is an avid purse enthusiast who has more handbags than she can count. She has become complete addicted to name brand bags and enjoys sharing her knowledge as a contributing editor of http://www.designerhandbags101.com - a site that offers information about designer handbags, designer bags, Louis Vuitton purses and more.

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Color Contact Lenses - Are They Safe?

Do you want to find out how you would look with blue, green or amethyst eyes? But you have heard that color contact lenses might cause problems? Here we will discuss how color contacts can affect the health of your eyes, and give you simple tips to follow so your color lenses never give you any troubles.

There are two main reasons why color contacts cause your eye problems, and both are easily avoidable. The first cause is buying color contacts of inferior quality without a doctor's prescription; and the second is not caring properly for your color lenses.

Sometimes you see color contacts for sale in beauty salons and even in flea markets! You should never buy your lenses in these places. Color contacts aren't fashion jewelry: most paints are very toxic, so the lenses should be properly manufactured, to avoid direct contact between the paint and the sensitive surface of your eye. Most color lenses sold without a doctor's prescription fail to meet these requirements. They might look good and cost less than brand-name color contacts, but they are really dangerous for your eyes.

Since the second common cause of eye infections from wearing color lenses is not caring for them properly, you should always follow your doctor's instructions about caring for your lenses.

Color contact lenses safety rules

If you follow these simple rules, your lenses will be no threat to the health of your eyes.

1. Obtain an eye doctor's prescription before ordering your color contacts. Even if you don't need vision correction, you need an eye doctor to select the lenses that would be best for you

2. It is cheaper to order your color contacts online than buying them from your doctor, but make sure that you order from a reputable contact lens retailer

3. Don't wear your color contacts continuously for too long. Most color contacts block the flow of oxygen to your eyes. This is usually not a problem, though, if you wear your lenses only for 8-9 hours at a stretch, but any longer than that could cause problems.

4. Never sleep wearing your lenses - this is the most dangerous thing you can do, in terms of eye health. If your eyes don't receive enough oxygen for days on end, then you are sure to suffer inflammation of the corneas. Some color contacts, like Acuvue 2 Colors, are FDA approved to wear for up to 7 days straight. However, many eye doctors agree that it is better not to risk your eyes even with the best quality color contacts

5. Don't swim or shower wearing your color lenses. Firstly, it is very easy to lose a lens in the water. Secondly, whenever water gets into your eyes it creates favorable conditions for bacteria, putting you at risk of infection

6. Make sure you clean your lenses properly, and always keep your contacts in soft contact lens solution. You shouldn't rub your color contacts while cleaning them, because it may damage the color. So it is best to use a no-rub multipurpose solution.

7. Never share your color contacts with other people. It might be very tempting to exchange color lenses with a friend but, unfortunately, it is a sure way to pick up an eye infection.

Color contact lenses are fun. As the saying goes, "The eyes are the mirror of the soul", and it is amazing how much different eye colors can transform your appearance. Caring for your color lenses isn't hard work - people who wear color contacts every day report that it takes them less than a minute to clean the lenses and put them in - so you should always follow the safety rules. If you do, then color contact lenses will bring you only joy, with no troubles.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens and eye health expert and a founder of http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/, where you can find unbiased information about all types of contact lenses including color contacts reviews and pictures

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tanya_Turner

How to Dress for the Business World

1. Treat your business clothing as an investment and choose wisely. Make sure you buy classic styles that suit your body shape, are comfortable, have quality workmanship and quality material. This is no time to try the latest fads. Take your time and shop around for the best price and the best service. Be aware of the return policy and if possible purchase your wardrobe items at a store that can do professional alternations if necessary.

2. For business situations match your handbag, shoes and belt. Black shoes should be matched with a black handbag. This is not a time to get creative with your accessories or to wear colored shoes.

3. Do not neglect your outerwear. Purchase a good quality coat that can be worn with either pants or a skirt. For cooler weather don't neglect your outdoor footwear. For skirts choose long knee-high boots.

4. Keep shoes and boots in a good state of repair. Scuffed shoes with worn heels will ruin the look of your outfit.

5. To complete your look choose soft leather gloves that will add a nice touch as well as keep your hands from getting chapped.

6. Choose clothing material that reflects the season. Heavy fabrics and tweeds are best for Fall and Winter and will look out of place during Summer, as light linen fabrics will look out of place during Winter.

7. Always wear a belt where there are belt loops. Choose a good quality leather belt and don't be tempted to wear a flashy or plastic belt. If you don't like belts choose pants without loops.

© Copyright Sheila Dicks 2005

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women learn how to dress to suit their body type and look fabulous. You can reach her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com and get the Free Report “ 7 Things Your Girlfriends Won’t Tell You About Beauty and Fashion”.

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Men's Fashion - Designer Suits

"Two thousand dollars for one suit?! Are you crazy? I don't have
that kind of coin to spend on one suit! Yes I am well aware of
the quality and that it is well worth every penny. I just can't
justify spending that kind of money on one garment. Oh but I
sure would love to have an Armani."

Rest assured if you hear yourself in the above comments, you're
not alone. Countless businessmen would love to have fancy
designer suits but their budget doesn't allow for it; champagne
tastes on a beer budget ... understood! There's a way you can get
one or more of these suits without costing you an arm and a leg.
If you could buy one for anywhere from $15 to $300, and it wasn't
stolen goods, would you? Read on.

Definitions on what makes a men's suit categorized as "Designer"
may vary. One eBay seller's definition is "any brand of
pre-owned suit that has sold on online auctions for $300 or
more." She continues, "See for yourself. Do a search on
completed auctions--MEN'S SUITS, sort High to Low in price and see
what brands repeatedly come up."

Here are some of the brand names classified as "designer":
Acquaviva, Barberini, Baroni,Belvedere, Brioni, Canali, Charvet,
David Eden, Dolce & Gabbana, Enrico Venturi, Ermenegildo Zegna,
Fendi, Gene Meyer, Gianni Manzoni, Gionfriddo, Giorgio Armani,
Gucci, Hugo Boss, Leonardo Valenti, Luciano Carreli, Natazzi,
Nino Bertini, Otello, Prada, Rossetti, Trussardi, and Versace.

Where are you going to find these suits? If you want to pay under
$20, you're going to start hunting all the thrift/second hand
stores. Yes you will indeed find them there, but you need to
search. If you don't mind paying a little more, just go directly
to eBay. They are out there.

If you opt to hunt for your own, here are a few simply tips for
thrift store hunting. Don't expect these wonderfully made
designer suits to jump out at you. And don't expect to find a
boatload of them all in one place. It is truly a matter of
treasure hunting.

Thrift stores, estate sales, storage unit auctions and garage
sales will be your best hunting ground. Not to discourage you,
but it won't be uncommon for you to look through 100+ suits until
you might find one "good" one. The good news is that after you
have a little experience under your belt, you will be able to
whip through an entire rack of suits in mere minutes and tell
just by look and feel which ones are even worthy of looking
inside for the labels. Take your list with you and become
familiar at which brands you'll pause and take a second glace.

You may need to have a circuit of approximately 10-12 second hard
stores that you frequent hoping to hit the mother load. You
you're intrigued in the quest, shop a minimum of once a week at
each locale! Your efforts will pay off. But as mentioned above,
if this is more work that you care to spend on finding a suit,
you know the way to eBay.

Enjoy your new dashing designer suit!

Masni Rizal Mansor is a successful author and publisher for http://www.underwear-shopping.com. He has written hundreds of articles and can simplify your online search by recommending merchants for the best value and selections in quality male underwear and womens lingerie.

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7 Keys to Powerful First Impressions

Image Development is the science and art of creating a Powerful First Impression. In the first thirty seconds people make judgments about you on a subconscious level, based on what they see, hear and sense. To create a Powerful First Impression, you must create a positive visual impact.

Here are 7 Keys to Creating Powerful First Impressions

1. Smile! A genuine smile, one that reaches your eyes and shines through your face and body language, is one that will encourage people to smile back. It makes strangers more comfortable with you, makes you seem more approachable, and gives a sense of comfort to those around you.

2. Use direct eye contact - You can convey power, authority and presence by using direct eye contact and direct eye contact also conveys trustworthiness and confidence. Be careful not to stare hard at another person, or you could convey a more confrontational attitude.

3. Wear colors compatible with your basic coloring - Human beings are one of two colorations: warm or cool. People with warm coloring look best in yellow-based colors like gold, warm reds, golden browns, and rich ivory. People with cool coloring look best in blue-based colors like true reds, blues, greens and winter white. Your eye, hair and skin tone help determine whether you are cool or warm, and that helps determine what colors look best on you!

4. Have great Hair Days! - Don't fight your natural hair texture. If you have extremely curly hair, find a hairdresser that has the skill and patience to cut naturally curly hair and celebrate it. You can develop a unique presence by your hairstyle, so if it's straight, wavy, kinky, curly or nappy, enjoy it, and get a hairstyle that works with your natural texture. It'll save you time and aggravation over fighting to straighten extra-curly hair, or trying to get kinky hair to lie flat like newspaper.

5. Watch those lines! - Every day that you get dressed, you are sending a message. If you purchase clothing based on it's effect on your body frame and choose items that celebrate your best features, getting dressed will no longer become an occasion for anxiety, but one of joy and happiness! The right proportions of clothing can make you look younger and thinner (or fuller, if you want that!) or they can make you look dowdy, matronly or unfinished. Choose to look your best in clothing that flatters your silhouette, body frame and size.

6. Avoid trendiness at all costs - The trend of the moment may not be right for you! Some of the fashion trends that have come and gone include micro-minis, hot pants, the 'grunge' look, psychedelic eye makeup and others. Though these trends may be fun to look at, they are often impractical for everyday wear, or simply not affordable. Choose items for your wardrobe that can serve multiple purposes and won't look dated as soon as they are purchased.

7. Spend well, not often - Use the principle of Capsule Wardrobing to choose several colors that look great on you, then mix and match pieces within those colors to create a workable, professional and easy-to-wear wardrobe that won't cost an arm and a leg as you try to keep up with the "trend of the moment". You can purchase just 12 garments in 3 basic colors, plus 1 or 2 accent colors, and create 35 - 40 different outfits!

What message are you sending with your Image? Are you displaying a current look without being a slave to the trend of the moment; is your look finished, complete and together, or is your Image in need of an update?

Dianne M. Daniels is an Image & Color Coach, Consultant and Professional Speaker, and the author/publisher of "Polish & Presence: 31 Days to a New Image". She has helped individuals refine and define their personal and professional image, along with corporations and organizations. Learn how to create your Personal Climate for Personal and Professional Success at http://www.imageandcolor.com

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10 Tips to Stretch Your Wardrobe Dollars

1. Buy what works for you! - Don't waste your money buying suits if you work in a warehouse! Take your job responsibilities into account when purchasing clothing for your career. If you work outdoors, buy clothing fit for your environment. Don't buy items that you won't feel comfortable in, because you won't wear those items and that's wasted money!

2. Stick to your most flattering colors - Get a professional Color Analysis done to determine what the most flattering colors are for you. By sticking to those colors, you'll be assured that they will help you look your best, you'll have the ability to mix and match outfits and you'll always look great!

3. Buy the right size for right now - Clothing manufacturers are not known for their adherence to standards. Don't get hung up on what size the clothing is tagged as, get hung up on proper fit! If the article of clothing feels tight, pulls or seems stressed at the seams, it won't last as long, and it will make you look heavier in the process. Buy clothing that fits you well and it will not only make you look better, it will last longer. Don't like the size being visible? Cut it out carefully, but leave the care tag intact. Wearing clothing that is too tight makes you look even bigger - wearing too-big clothing just looks sloppy.

4. Purchase for Multi-season use - Try to purchase fabrics that are multi-seasonal. A heavy, textured wool jacket is only good for the coldest of weather, whereas one made of mid-weight or lighter weight wool or wool blend could be worn with a sweater in cold weather and with a shirt or blouse in warmer weather. You'll get more use from multi-season garments than those with a single-season focus.

5. Remember the basics - Suits and separates can form the foundation of a great working wardrobe. Single and double-breasted long-sleeved blazers with matching skirts for women or pants for men or women are essential basics. Don't try to build a wardrobe around the "trend of the moment". When the trend passes, you'll look dated.

6. Accessorize with style - Every wardrobe needs a certain investment in accessories. The well-thought out use of scarves, jewelry and pins, ties and pocket squares, and even hosiery, shoes and hats can transform ordinary clothing into something extraordinary. Determine whether your coloring is cool or warm and let that guide you in choosing accessories, especially metal jewelry. Combining smart accessories with a basic wardrobe ensures you'll always look coordinated and polished, not thrown-together or haphazard.

7. Buy quality over quantity - When purchasing clothing, consider buying items that are fully lined versus only partially lined or unlined (the clothing will "hang" better and last longer). Purchase items with a good feel and drape to the fabric, and choose clothing distributors that have a reputation for quality. It's not necessary to only buy wool, when a better grade wool or polyester blend will work as well initially. Buying a $400 suit for $175 on sale is a really good deal, considering the fabric and construction of that suit will be better than the $150 suit purchased on sale for $80. The more expensive suit will be worn more often and cost you less per wearing. A less expensive piece won't be worn as often and won't last, thereby costing you more per wearing.

8. Compatible shoes and hosiery - For a work wardrobe, shoes and hosiery are the finishing touch. Purchase quality shoes and take care of them. Shoes that are run down, scuffed and showing wear make you look the same way, no matter how polished and professional the rest of your outfit. Job interviewers have been taught to check out a prospective employee's shoes, and for entrepreneurs, prospective clients do the same thing! When you find shoes that fit well and feel good on your feet, buy several pair in your foundation colors, and two pair of your most often-worn color so that you can give one pair a rest while wearing the other. Avoid fads in shoes and stick with classic designs like pumps and sling backs for women, and wingtips or oxfords for men. Ladies, stick with a heel height that you can walk in, and if you have larger feet, consider a kitten heel to lessen the apparent length of your foot.

9. Organize and categorize - Once you've determined your foundation colors for your wardrobe, you can organize and categorize your clothing for easy selection and wearing. Hang jackets by sleeve length, color and garment length, or combined with matching pieces to create ready-made outfits. Keep similar fabric weights close together to avoid putting a heavy wool jacket over a lightweight chiffon or silk skirt. Put mix-and-match items near their foundation counterparts for easier selection. Move items that need cleaning to a specific area for easy pick up and removal.

10. Take notes for future use - Whenever you are shopping, take along color swatches of your basic colors and those determined to be right for you, or if you have a smartphone, consider using one of the wardrobe planning applications made for the device. Make a promise to yourself to stay with your core, basic and accent colors, and keep notes of what basic foundation items you already own. No one really needs 10 virtually identical black dresses or 10 identical black suits!

Make the most of your clothing investment by using the principles outlined above, and you'll always be impeccably dressed!

To find out more - contact me at:
Dianne M Daniels, The Image Coach
Web: http://www.howtoloveyourreflection.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YOURDivaStyleCoach
Twitter: ImageCoachDiane

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