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        <title>Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by shadowprincess</title>
        <description></description>
        <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/</link>
        <lastBuildDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 17:56:22 +0800</lastBuildDate>
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            <title>[WTS] The Crew - PC</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3404330</link>
            <description>&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;The Crew™&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Crew is a revolutionary action-driving MMO, developed exclusively for next-gen consoles and high-end PCs that leverage new hardware capabilities to connect players online like never before. The Crew takes you and your friends on a wild ride across a massive, open-world recreation of &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://assets.ign.com/thumbs/userUploaded/2014/9/16/the-crew-free-download-torrent-1410883129343.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Price: &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;RM 99 (FIRM)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Delivery Date: &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;4 Dec, 2014&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Terms and Conditions&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1. Digital Code Delivery.&lt;br /&gt;2. Full payment Required.&lt;br /&gt;3. Paypal/Credit card accepted at 4.5% surcharge.&lt;br /&gt;4. Contact via PM only. Will reply within a couple of hours max.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!--QuoteBegin--&gt;&lt;div class='quotetop'&gt;QUOTE&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class='quotemain'&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEBegin--&gt;&lt;b&gt;Package includes:&lt;/b&gt; Digital Code&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Warranty:&lt;/b&gt; N/A&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Dealing method:&lt;/b&gt; DIGITAL DELIVERY&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Location of seller:&lt;/b&gt; IOI Mall&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Contact method/details:&lt;/b&gt; PM&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Age of item:&lt;/b&gt; NEW&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Reason for sale:&lt;/b&gt; Trader/Reseller&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEnd--&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEEnd--&gt;</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Garage Sales Archive</category>
            <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2014 08:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>[WTS] Far Cry 4 - PC - RM 99</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3404328</link>
            <description>&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Far Cry® 4&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Hidden in the towering Himalayas lies Kyrat, a country steeped in tradition and violence. You are Ajay Ghale. Traveling to Kyrat to fulfill your mother’s dying wish, you find yourself caught up in a civil war to overthrow the oppressive regime of dictator Pagan Min.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/588a9797c4c0ff792b59a6b46f3e6a86/200123665/farcry4.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Price: &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;RM 99 (FIRM)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Delivery Date: &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;26 Nov, 2014&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Terms and Conditions&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1. Digital Code Delivery.&lt;br /&gt;2. Full payment Required.&lt;br /&gt;3. Paypal/Credit card accepted at 4.5% surcharge.&lt;br /&gt;4. Contact via PM only. Will reply within a couple of hours max.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!--QuoteBegin--&gt;&lt;div class='quotetop'&gt;QUOTE&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class='quotemain'&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEBegin--&gt;&lt;b&gt;Package includes:&lt;/b&gt; Digital Code&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Warranty:&lt;/b&gt; N/A&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Dealing method:&lt;/b&gt; DIGITAL DELIVERY&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Location of seller:&lt;/b&gt; IOI Mall&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Contact method/details:&lt;/b&gt; PM&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Age of item:&lt;/b&gt; NEW&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Reason for sale:&lt;/b&gt; Trader/Reseller&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEnd--&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEEnd--&gt;</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Garage Sales Archive</category>
            <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2014 08:04:09 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>[WTS] Assasin&amp;#39;s Creed Unity - PC - RM 99</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3404326</link>
            <description>&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Assassin’s Creed® Unity&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Assassin’s Creed® Unity tells the story of Arno, a young man who embarks upon an extraordinary journey to expose the true powers behind the French Revolution. In the brand new co-op mode, you and your friends will also be thrown in the middle of a ruthless struggle for the fate of a nation.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://images8.alphacoders.com/495/495796.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Price: &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;RM 99 (FIRM)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Delivery Date: &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;26 Nov, 2014&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Terms and Conditions&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1. Digital Code Delivery.&lt;br /&gt;2. Full payment Required.&lt;br /&gt;3. Paypal/Credit card accepted at 4.5% surcharge.&lt;br /&gt;4. Contact via PM only. Will reply within a couple of hours max.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!--QuoteBegin--&gt;&lt;div class='quotetop'&gt;QUOTE&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class='quotemain'&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEBegin--&gt;&lt;b&gt;Package includes:&lt;/b&gt; Digital Code&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Warranty:&lt;/b&gt; N/A&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Dealing method:&lt;/b&gt; DIGITAL DELIVERY&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Location of seller:&lt;/b&gt; IOI Mall&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Contact method/details:&lt;/b&gt; PM&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Age of item:&lt;/b&gt; NEW&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Reason for sale:&lt;/b&gt; Trader/Reseller&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEnd--&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEEnd--&gt;</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Garage Sales Archive</category>
            <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2014 07:54:02 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>[WTS] Dell U2414H - 5 Years Warranty - RM 800</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3404322</link>
            <description>&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;DELL U2414H IPS 23.8&amp;quot; Monitor with 5 Years Warranty from DELL (LIMITED READY STOCK)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://static.bhphoto.com/images/images500x500/1025570.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YaO5hqC728[/YOUTUBE]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Price: &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;RM 819&lt;/span&gt; (1 Unit), &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;RM 809&lt;/span&gt; (2 Units), &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;RM 800&lt;/span&gt; (3 Units and above)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Stock: &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;Available Immediately&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;b&gt;FREE SHIPPING TO ALL PENINSULAR MALAYSIA ADDRESS. EAST MALAYSIA PAYS FOR SHIPPING&amp;#33;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Terms and Conditions&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1. Order are processed every 1pm.&lt;br /&gt;2. Full payment required for shipping.&lt;br /&gt;3. RM 100 non refundable deposit required for reservation (COD)&lt;br /&gt;4. Paypal/Credit card accepted at 4.5% surcharge&lt;br /&gt;5. Contact via PM only. Will reply within a couple of hours max.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!--QuoteBegin--&gt;&lt;div class='quotetop'&gt;QUOTE&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class='quotemain'&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEBegin--&gt;&lt;b&gt;Package includes:&lt;/b&gt; Full Package, Sealed&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Warranty:&lt;/b&gt; 5 Year by Dell APAC&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Dealing method:&lt;/b&gt; COD / Postage&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Location of seller:&lt;/b&gt; IOI Mall&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Contact method/details:&lt;/b&gt; PM&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Age of item:&lt;/b&gt; NEW&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Reason for sale:&lt;/b&gt; Trader/Reseller&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEnd--&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEEnd--&gt;</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Garage Sales Archive</category>
            <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2014 07:39:43 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>[WTS] [CHEAPEST] Samsung Galaxy Note 4- RM 2279</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3404315</link>
            <description>&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Exynos Octacore) - SME Set&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://cdn.redmondpie.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Galaxy-Note-4-header.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://cdn.redmondpie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Galaxy-Note-3-colors.png' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv7C4e8thv0[/YOUTUBE]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Terms and Conditions&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;1.&lt;/b&gt; Order are processed every Monday and ready to be collected every Thursday/Friday.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.&lt;/b&gt; Order placed over the week will be processed the next Monday, and delivered/ready for collection the next Thursday/Friday&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;3.&lt;/b&gt; RM 100 non refundable deposit required for reservation&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;4.&lt;/b&gt; Paypal/Credit card accepted at 4.5% surcharge&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.&lt;/b&gt; Contact via PM only. Will reply within a couple of hours max.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Price: &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;RM 2,279 (FIRM)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!--QuoteBegin--&gt;&lt;div class='quotetop'&gt;QUOTE&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class='quotemain'&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEBegin--&gt;&lt;b&gt;Package includes:&lt;/b&gt; Full Package, Sealed&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Warranty:&lt;/b&gt; 1 Year by Samsung Malaysia&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Dealing method:&lt;/b&gt; COD / Postage&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Location of seller:&lt;/b&gt; IOI Mall / Tesco Puchong&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Contact method/details:&lt;/b&gt; PM&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Age of item:&lt;/b&gt; NEW&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Reason for sale:&lt;/b&gt; Trader/Reseller&lt;!--QuoteEnd--&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;!--QuoteEEnd--&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:16pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;STOCK ARRIVED&amp;#33;&amp;#33;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Garage Sales Archive</category>
            <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2014 06:39:00 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/176437</link>
            <description>source: &lt;a href='http://www.urologychannel.com/std/index.shtml' target='_blank'&gt;STDs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Overview &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a disease caused by a pathogen (e.g., virus, bacterium, parasite, fungus) that is spread from person to person primarily through sexual contact. STDs can be painful, irritating, debilitating, and life threatening. More than twenty sexually transmitted diseases have been identified. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Incidence and Prevalence &lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;STDs occur most commonly in sexually active teenagers and young adults, especially those with multiple sex partners. An estimated 200 to 400 million people worldwide are infected-representing men and women of all economic classes. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in the United States more than 13 million people are infected each year and more than 65 million have an incurable STD. Generally, STD incidence has declined in the United States over the past 15 years, although rates among certain populations, including men who have sex with men, have increased. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Characteristics &lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Most STDs cause relatively harmless disease, producing few or no symptoms. However, some produce persistent asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic disease (e.g., chlamydia). Some people carry the disease for days or weeks, while others carry the disease for longer periods, even for life. During this time, an infected individual, or carrier, can spread disease. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In persistent infection, the pathogen evades detection by the immune system and remains fairly inactive, causing no overt disease. This inactivity is called latency. However, certain triggers (e.g., stress, immune suppression, injury) can reactivate latent pathogens. In some cases, reactivated disease is asymptomatic (e.g., chlamydia); in others, overt (e.g., genital herpes); and in still others, severe and even fatal (e.g., HIV/AIDS). &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Complications of STD infection include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) in women, inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) and inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) in men, and fertility and reproductive system problems in both sexes. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Possible consequences to an infant infected while in the womb or during birth, include stillbirth, blindness, and permanent neurological damage. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A person infected with an STD is more likely to become infected with HIV, and a person infected with HIV and another STD is more likely to transmit HIV. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Treatment &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Viral STDs, such as genital herpes (HSV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed with medication. Bacterial STDs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can be cured with antibiotics. Fungal (e.g., vaginal yeast infection) and parasitic (e.g., trichomoniasis) diseases can be cured with antifungal and antihelminthic agents, respectively. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chances for cure. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Prevention &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The only sure way to avoid becoming infected with an STD is monogamy with an uninfected partner. It is important for partners to discuss their sexual and STD history before having sex. Prevention is possible only if sexually active individuals understand STDs and how they are spread. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The risk for transmission is dramatically reduced with the use of condoms. The following behaviors and conditions can increase the risk for STDs: &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Engaging in sexual activity when either partner has unhealed lesions (e.g., genital herpes sores, genital warts) &lt;br /&gt;Enema or rectal douching before rectal intercourse &lt;br /&gt;Rectal or vaginal irritation or infection &lt;br /&gt;Sexual activity that may damage the mucosal lining of the vagina or rectum &lt;br /&gt;Tampon use (Tampons can cause vaginal dryness and cellular abnormalities. Sanitary napkins, either disposable or washable cotton pads, are recommended.) &lt;br /&gt;Vaginal dryness (Water-based lubricant is recommended.) &lt;br /&gt;If you suspect you have an STD, see your physician immediately.</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Health &amp;amp; Fitness</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2005 09:31:38 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>Emergency Contraception aka Morning After Pills</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/176435</link>
            <description>Just thought I&amp;#39;d start a thread on this topic as some ppl aren&amp;#39;t too familiar with this form of contracetion. For those who have used it, feel free to add in. &lt;!--emo&amp;:)--&gt;&lt;img src='http://static.lowyat.net/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /&gt;&lt;!--endemo--&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Emergency Contraception&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;.. can prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse. It is also called post-coital or &amp;quot;morning-after&amp;quot; contraception.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;... is available from health care providers, Planned Parenthood health centers, and other women&amp;#39;s health and family planning centers.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;... is provided in two ways&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;    * emergency contraception pills (ECPs)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;    * insertion of an IUD&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;... is used only if a woman is not already pregnant from a previous act of intercourse. EC prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. It will not cause an abortion.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;ECPs&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;ECPs contain hormones. Some ECPs are &lt;i&gt;&amp;quot;combination pills&amp;quot;&lt;/i&gt; with &lt;b&gt;estrogen and progestin&lt;/b&gt; - synthetic hormones like the ones a woman&amp;#39;s body makes. Others are &lt;b&gt;progestin-only&lt;/b&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Some clinicians review your medical history before they prescribe ECPs. Some may want you to give informed consent by signature or over the telephone.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;How to Use ECPs&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Combined hormone ECPs are taken in two doses, 12 hours apart. Progestin-only ECPs can be taken in one dose or in two doses, 12 hours apart. &lt;b&gt;ECPs can reduce the risk of pregnancy if started within 120 hours after unprotected vaginal intercourse&lt;/b&gt;. The sooner they are started, the better. ECPs &lt;b&gt;reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75-89 percent&lt;/b&gt; when the first dose is &lt;b&gt;taken within 72 hours&lt;/b&gt;. ECPs will not affect an existing pregnancy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Plan B is a brand of progestin-only pills designed specifically for emergency contraception. Certain other birth control pills can be used for EC. Several brands have been shown to be effective. The number of pills in a dose depends on the brand. Use the same brand for both doses.</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Health &amp;amp; Fitness</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2005 09:22:17 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>Pap Smear Test *for GIRLS*</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/176434</link>
            <description>&lt;span style='color:purple'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Alternative names &lt;/b&gt;  &lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Papanicolaou test &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Definition&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A Pap smear is a microscopic examination of cells scraped from the cervix.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;How the test is performed &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Pap smear is performed as part of a gynecological exam. You will lie on a table and place your feet in stirrups to position your pelvis for examination. A speculum (an instrument used to open the walls of the vaginal canal to see the interior) will be inserted into your vagina and opened slightly.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A sample of cells from the outside and the canal of the cervix is taken by gently scraping the outside of the cervix with a wooden or plastic spatula, then inserting a small brush that looks like a pipe cleaner into the canal.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The cells are placed on a glass slide and sprayed with a fixative, or put in a bottle containing a preservative, then sent to the lab for examination.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;How to prepare for the test &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The health care provider should be notified if you have had a prior abnormal Pap smear, if you might be pregnant, or if you are taking any medications or birth control pills. You should avoid douching, using tampons, having intercourse, and tub baths 24 hours before the test.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Avoid scheduling your Pap smear while you are menstruating, because blood and cells from the endometrial cavity may obscure the accuracy of the Pap smear. Empty your bladder just before the test.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;How the test will feel&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;    &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There may be some discomfort and a feeling of pressure during the procedure. A small amount of bleeding may occur after the test.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Why the test is performed&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Pap smear can detect cancerous or precancerous conditions of the cervix. For recommendations on the frequency of having this test done, see the information on cervicitis.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Normal Values&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;    &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A normal value is negative, meaning there are no abnormal cells present.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;What abnormal results mean&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;    &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Abnormal values are based on the test results. The current system of reporting divides the results into three main areas: benign (noncancerous), precancerous (showing some abnormal cell changes), and malignant (possibly cancerous).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A report in the latter two categories will usually lead to a follow-up examination, including a repeat Pap smear and possibly other tests. If you have never had an abnormal Pap smear before, and the result indicates a mild abnormality, the Pap test is repeated in 6 months.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If the test result suggests a severe abnormality or cancer, you may need an immediate colposcopic evaluation with biopsies. If you have had an abnormal Pap test in the past, or have had treatment for a precancerous change, you may need an immediate colposcopy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Pap smear is a screening test. Any abnormal results should be discussed with your health care professional, who will help determine if a colposcopy is necessary.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;What the risks are&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;   &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There are no risks involved.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Special considerations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;     &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The following drugs may affect Pap smears:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Colchicine &lt;br /&gt;Estrogen &lt;br /&gt;Podophyllin &lt;br /&gt;Progestins &lt;br /&gt;Silver nitrate &lt;br /&gt;Compounds in cigarettes &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;source: &lt;a href='http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003911.htm' target='_blank'&gt;http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003911.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;more info (click on the thumbnails to view a bigger picture):&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/smileyzone/health/papsmear1.jpg' target='_blank'&gt;&lt;img src='http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/smileyzone/health/papsmear1x.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;  &lt;a href='http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/smileyzone/health/papsmear2.jpg' target='_blank'&gt;&lt;img src='http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/smileyzone/health/papsmear2x.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Health &amp;amp; Fitness</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2005 09:18:41 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>Step by Step Guide on How To Post Pictures</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/157118</link>
            <description>For those who dont know how to post pictures on LYN. here is THE guide for you...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;here are the few image hosting sites that provide good service:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.photobucket.com' target='_blank'&gt;Photobucket&lt;/a&gt; &amp;lt;--- good one.. i&amp;#39;m using this &lt;!--emo&amp;:thumbs:--&gt;&lt;img src='http://static.lowyat.net/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='thumbup.gif' /&gt;&lt;!--endemo--&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.imagehost.biz/' target='_blank'&gt;ImageHost&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.imageshack.us' target='_blank'&gt;ImageShack&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.flickr.com' target='_blank'&gt;Flickr&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;this guide is for Photobucket:&lt;br /&gt;1) register&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/smileyzone/crap/register.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2) upload pics &lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/smileyzone/crap/upload.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;3) click on the IMG code to highlight it, right-click and click &amp;quot;copy&amp;quot;.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/smileyzone/crap/copy.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;4) paste the code whereever you want on your post/signature/PM.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;ok thats it... happy posting gals&amp;#33;&amp;#33;&amp;#33;&amp;#33;</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Girl&amp;#39;s Club</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2005 01:28:56 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>*new* RULES for GC (March 1st 2006)</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/156998</link>
            <description>&lt;b&gt;Moderator Preview&lt;/b&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;ALL NEW THREADS HERE ARE SUBJECT TO MODERATOR REVIEW BEFORE APPEARING ON THE INDEX&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If your thread does not appear after 48 hours, please PM GC&amp;#39;s Moderator or Staff.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Here are a few reasons why your thread will not appear.&lt;br /&gt;1. Sex-related thread with no discussion value.&lt;br /&gt;2. Male Thread Starter&lt;br /&gt;3. Spams&lt;br /&gt;4. Advertisement-based threads&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'&gt;Girls&amp;#39; Club R&amp;amp;R&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1) &lt;b&gt;&lt;span style='color:red'&gt;Abusive comments, flaming, or derogatory insults or comments are strictly against the rules.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2) Please &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;refrain from using generalizations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt; in your post such as &amp;quot;My bf/gf is stupid therefore ALL guys/girls are stupid&amp;quot;.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;3) Threads or replies promoting or expressing &lt;b&gt;&lt;span style='color:red'&gt;intolerant views towards &quot;minorities&quot; (race, religion, gender, sexual preference, interracial couples, etc.) will not be tolerated.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Consider this the only warning. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span style='color:red'&gt;Violators will be suspended or banned.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;4) &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or harassment in any form will not be tolerated.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt; Sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and harassment include: unwelcome sexual advances (verbal, written or implied), requests for sexual favors, suggestive talk, name calling, discriminatory or derogatory remarks, and other verbal, written or implied abuse of any sexual or other nature. &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;No further warnings will be given and whichever member guilty of this WILL be either suspended or banned.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;5) &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;If existing thread present, please do not create another similar thread&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;. Perform a search prior to posting anything. If you believe that information in older thread might be outdated, please leave a note, while creating a new thread, explaining that you have performed a search and believe that older information might be outdated or such.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;6) Guys, if you &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;*think*&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt; you might have something constructive to add to an ongoing discussion, you are allowed to do so, but if you &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;*think*&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt; wrong, you will be dealt with accordingly. Yes, in here, the girls decide whether what you say is right or wrong.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;7)Guys are granted the permission to create new topics in the Fashion and Beauty Section of Girls Club only and only IF it is 1) female related 2) worth discussing.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;8) &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;The mod and staff in charge of GC have the right to close, move or delete any post or thread we deem inappropriate.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt; The decision to Close, Move or Delete a Post/Thread is solely ours. We have a strict policy of keeping the posts in GC constructive. Posts that create an unnecessary amount of conflict and serve no further purpose may be closed at the moderator's discretion. &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;All offenders will be dealt with according to the severity of their offence(s)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;. (which most of the time is a 10% warning and also a 3 days suspension)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;9) New female forumers&amp;#33; I warmly welcome you to our feminine retreat. You can introduce yourself &lt;a href='http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=187907' target='_blank'&gt;&lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;HERE&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; however if you get harased by any male forumers with private messages, do message any staff or any mod.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;10) Blog advertising is now a no no. Please refrain yourself from getting your reply deleted/altered. You should avoid replying replies like &amp;quot;If you want to know more infomation, Click Here&amp;quot;. &lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;If the link is directed to your blog or the structure of your sentences might triggered as blog advertisement, it will be removed/altered accordingly without any notification.&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/span&gt;If this is not taken seriously, your actions might lead to warnings and/or suspensions.</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Girl&amp;#39;s Club</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2005 19:35:22 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>Recipes: Share them here</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/153442</link>
            <description>this is a thread for lowyatians to share their recipes....&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;strictly NO CHIT CHAT.... only recipes.... thank u for your co-operation &lt;!--emo&amp;:D--&gt;&lt;img src='http://static.lowyat.net/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /&gt;&lt;!--endemo--&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;all comments and chats please go to this thread : &lt;a href='http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=153360&amp;st=0' target='_blank'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click Me&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Food &amp;amp; Flavours</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2005 10:45:59 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>Step by Step</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/139010</link>
            <description>&lt;span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;makeup application - step by step&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;by Paula Begoun&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Before you Start&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:green'&gt;1)Always apply makeup to clean skin (follow the routine appropriate for your skin type).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2)Make sure you have all the appropriate makeup tools and products you need.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;3)Apply makeup in a well-lighted area.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;4)Use a magnifying mirror to check your blending and overall smoothness. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 1: Foundation&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Select a foundation for your skin type that matches your underlying skin tone exactly. Using the flat, smooth surface of a round, nonporous synthetic sponge, pour some foundation onto the sponge, then transfer the foundation in dots and dabs all over the face and the eyelids. You can also use your fingers to transfer the foundation in dots from the bottle to the face. Use your sponge to blend the foundation down and out over the face. Use the edge of the sponge without foundation (or turn the sponge over to the clean side) to dab or buff away any excess product. Do not apply foundation on the neck or under the chin. Your sponge is an exceptional blending tool that can be utilized throughout the makeup application process.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Note: If you are relying on a foundation with sunscreen for sun protection, you must apply a complete, even layer over the entire face. A thin or too sheer application will not provide adequate protection from the sun.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 2: Concealer&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your foundation. Apply it in a small arc around the inside corner of the eye. Using your fingers or a concealer brush, blend the concealer out evenly by dabbing and buffing. Avoid pulling or tugging the skin under the eye. Be careful not to spread the concealer onto areas where you don't want it. You can also apply concealer to the eyelid if that area is dark or, if your concealer has a matte finish, as a way to help eyeshadow cling better. For concealing facial discolorations such as freckles, blemishes, or red spots, use a concealer that matches or is just slightly lighter than your natural skin tone.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Note: Overly emollient or greasy moisturizers can make concealer slip into the lines around the eyes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 3: Powder&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;After you apply the foundation and concealer, dust a light layer of powder over the entire face and eyelids. Apply the powder with a large, full, round brush. Avoid using a sponge or powder puff, which can put too much powder onto the face. Pick up some of the powder on the full end of the brush, knock off the excess, and brush it on using the same motion and direction as you did for the foundation (down and out).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Powder is great for touch-ups as the day goes by to dust down excessive shine.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Powder with sunscreen must be applied liberally so a thorough application is necessary for adequate protection. It is best to use a powder with sunscreen in combination with a foundation and/or moisturizer that also offers sun protection.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 4: Eyeshadow&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/smileyzone/make-up/christian-eyeliner.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All of the options for building an eye design are too numerous to list here. The following is a basic application that can be adapted to create a variety of looks:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Typically, the lightest color is applied to the entire eyelid and to the edge of the eyebrow. (The general rule is that the larger or more prominent the eyelid area is compared with the under-brow area, the darker or deeper the eyelid color can be; the smaller the eyelid area is compared with the under-brow area, the brighter or lighter the eyelid color can be.) Select a deeper color from the same or a complementary color family to shade the crease. Practice your application and blend well; the goal is not to have obvious edges of color. Remember, lighter colors bring things forward and highlight, dark colors recede and add depth and shading.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 5: Eyeliner&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Position the brush, pencil, or applicator as close to the lashline along the eyelid as possible. Then draw a line from the inner to outer corner using one fluid stroke, following the curvature of the eyelid. As a general rule, do not extend the line past the outer corner of the eye or hug the tear duct area of the eye. At first, keep the line as thin as possible, and if a thicker line is desired, repeat the process either across the entire lash line or simply on the outer third of the lid along the lashes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Generally, the line along the lower lashes should be thinner and a less-intense color than the upper liner. Make sure that the two lines meet at the back corner of the eye. As a general rule, the larger the eyelid area, the thicker and softer the eyeliner should be. The smaller the eyelid area, the thinner and more intense the liner should be.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For health reasons, avoid lining the rim of the eye.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 6: Eyebrow Shaping&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Use a color that closely matches the color of your brows rather than your hair color or a color you think would look better than what already exists. Apply powder brow color using a wedge brush, working in the direction the hair grows. Use a light touch, with short, quick motions, and avoid the temptation to exaggerate the shape of the brow by arching it severely or extending the brow into the temple area.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 7: Mascara&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/smileyzone/make-up/narda-mascara.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; If you use a lash curler, it is best to use it before you apply mascara. Squeeze gently with even pressure. Hold for a few seconds as you &quot;walk&quot; the curler along the length of the eyelashes, and release slowly. Apply mascara to the upper lashes using long, sweeping strokes. Be sure to begin as close to the lash root as possible and brush up and out. Use an old, cleaned-up mascara wand to remove any clumping that occurs.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Apply mascara to the lower lashes by holding the wand perpendicular to the eye and parallel to the lashes (using the tip of the wand). If necessary, use a tissue to wipe excess mascara off the brush before applying to the lower lashes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 8: Blush&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Using a blush brush, apply blush along the full line of the cheekbone brushing down and back toward the ear. Always knock the excess powder out of the brush to avoid applying too much blush. Use your sponge to soften any hard edges. Do not apply blush to the temple area, chin, nose, or forehead--this tends to make skin look uneven and ruddy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Step 9: Lipstick and Lip Liner&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;img src='http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/smileyzone/make-up/mary-lipstick.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; A lip brush or lip pencil is an optional accessory. You can use a lip pencil to draw a definitive edge around the mouth to follow when applying lipstick, and a lip brush to control your application. A standard tube of lipstick makes too wide a mark for some lips and too narrow a mark for others. If your lips are small, it is best to use a lip brush; if your lips are large, the only reason to use a lip brush is to improve your accuracy, especially with deeper shades such as red.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Line the actual shape of your mouth. Do not use corrective techniques that make the mouth look larger or longer, especially for daytime makeup--it almost always looks like a mistake.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you want your lipstick to last, apply more of it and don't blot; blotting takes off several layers before you've even left the house.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:red'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Important Reminder:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:green'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Good brushes are essential for applying makeup:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1)Use soft, pliable brushes. Avoid hard or stiff brushes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2)Use a brush that is the correct size for the area of the face you are working on. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;3)Avoid brushes that are too large or too small.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;4)Remember to knock the excess powder off the brush before you apply the color to your face.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;5)Brush on the color gently with short even strokes; avoid wiping or rubbing the brush across the face.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;6)Gently wash your brushes every month or so.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;source &lt;a href='http://www.make-up-cosmetics.com/make-up/step-by-step-makeup-application.html' target='_blank'&gt;MUP&lt;/a&gt;</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Cosmetics</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2005 06:54:00 +0800</pubDate>
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            <title>Which Type Of Foundation Is Best</title>
            <link>http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/139008</link>
            <description>&lt;span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Which Foundation Type is Best for You&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;by Paula Begoun&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When you&amp;#39;re shopping for a foundation, it is important to &lt;b&gt;be familiar with, and understand, your overall skin color&lt;/b&gt;. The goal is to find a foundation that matches it, regardless of the underlying tone. For the most part, foundation (like skin) should be some shade of neutral ivory, beige, tan, dark brown, bronze brown, or ebony, with a very slight undertone of yellow (but without any orange or pink).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Why a slightly yellow undertone? Because skin color usually has a yellow undertone: that&amp;#39;s what the natural color of melanin (the pigment in the skin) tends to be. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Native North American or South American women, a tiny percentage of African-American women, and some Polynesian women do indeed have a red cast to their skin. Women with these skin tones need to look for foundations that have a slight reddish cast to them-but that&amp;#39;s only a hint of brownish red, and not copper, orange, or peach.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;An attractive makeup application must begin with a light-textured foundation that blends impeccably; otherwise you will look as if the makeup is wearing you. Even if you feel that you need a foundation that provides good coverage, obvious coverage is a big mistake and can negatively affect your entire makeup application. Of course, foundation is about providing coverage, but it is also your personal key to enhancing-not masking-your complexion.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Oil-free and matte liquid foundations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These almost always contain oils or ingredients that act or feel like oils, such as silicones. These oils and oil-like ingredients are not necessarily bad for any skin type, but their presence demonstrates that the term &amp;quot;oil-free&amp;quot; is another cosmetics industry contrivance that won&amp;#39;t necessarily help you find the best product for your skin type. Keep in mind that what most of these foundations have in common (when they are well formulated), is that they dry to a matte finish, with no shine or dewy appearance. On the skin, oil-free, matte foundations look like a traditional liquid foundation, although they are often thicker in appearance and have no shine.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pros: These foundations are the best choice for women who want balanced coverage with no shine at all, and who like a smooth, matte look. They last much longer on oily skin or oily areas than most other foundation types (except for the ultra-matte foundations).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Cons: There aren&amp;#39;t many disadvantages to using this kind of foundation. Some of them can make the skin look or feel dry and flaky, but this is usually only true for those that contain talc or other absorbent ingredients.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Examples: Clinique Stay-True Makeup Oil-Free Formula (&amp;#036;16.50), Almay Wake Up Call Energizing Makeup SPF 15 (&amp;#036;11.99).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Ultra-matte foundations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These are an amazing group of products that truly stay put. Most have a very liquid consistency and are blended on like any other foundation, though precision blending is key. You have to be very careful about using a moisturizer under ultra-matte foundations. If you use too much or if you don&amp;#39;t allow it to be adequately absorbed, it can make the foundation streak.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Today&amp;#39;s ultra-matte foundations are less tenacious than earlier versions, but are also noticeably easier to blend and more forgiving of mistakes. The tradeoff for this added convenience is they do not wear as long as they used to, but most women will appreciate the extra &amp;quot;play&amp;quot; today&amp;#39;s ultra-matte formulas have.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pros: These foundations are a superior option if you have seriously oily skin, have trouble with makeup slipping or disappearing as the day goes by, live in a humid climate, exercise but still like having your makeup stay put, or like a completely matte finish. Ultra-matte foundations will outlast any other foundation, with no slippage or movement. If you have very oily skin, these are an absolute must to try.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Cons: There are many disadvantages to using ultra-matte foundation. Primarily, most of them go on rather heavy and look masklike, leaving the skin feeling very dry and taut. In order to get this makeup on evenly, you must blend quickly or it will dry in place before you know it, and then it can be difficult to blend further. Ultra-matte foundations have less movement than more emollient foundations, which means eyeshadow and blush have a tendency to stick to them; that can make blending and correcting mistakes a bit irksome.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Women of color should be careful when choosing ultra-matte foundation. Even if it is the right color, these foundations can tend to look gray and ashen after being applied to darker skin tones.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Ultra-matte foundations are also the most difficult type to remove. The number of ultra-matte foundations is dwindling, as women have undoubtedly had problems with them. This is unfortunate, as these ingenious formulations can work so well for truly oily skins.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Examples: Maybelline EverFresh Makeup SPF 14 (&amp;#036;7.49), Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup SPF 10 (&amp;#036;28.50), BeautiControl Color Freeze Liquid Makeup SPF 12 (&amp;#036;20).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Water-based and standard liquid foundations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Water-based does not mean oil-free, even if the label says so. What it does mean is that the first ingredient is water and the second or third ingredient is some kind of oil or slip agent. These foundations look like a somewhat thick liquid and pour slowly but easily out of the bottle. They are perfect for women with normal to dry skin and the number of foundations fitting this description and performance abound.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pros: Most water-based foundations are best for those with normal to dry skin. The oil or emollient part of these foundations gives them good movement, which allows blushes and eyeshadows to blend on effortlessly and evenly over the face. Mistakes are easily buffed away with the sponge.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Cons: If you have oily or combination skin, this is not the foundation type for you. Even the little bit of oil or emollients in a water-based foundation show shine almost immediately if you have oily skin. For those with breakout-prone skin, the small amount of oil or emollients in this cosmetic may make you nervous. I personally don&amp;#39;t feel there are any disadvantages to using water-based foundations and I recommend them wholeheartedly. Water-based foundation is also a great option for women of color. The slight amount of emollient these contain helps create a nice glow on the skin, preventing darker skin tones from appearing dull or ashen.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you are concerned with the small amount of shine that water-based foundations leave behind on the skin, try adding a light dusting of loose powder after you&amp;#39;ve blended the foundation in place.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Examples: Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation (&amp;#036;38), L&amp;#39;Oreal Visible Lift Line-Minimizing Makeup SPF 12 (&amp;#036;9.99).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Oil-based foundations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Oil-based foundations have oil as their first ingredient and water usually as their second or third ingredient. Oil-based foundations feel greasy and thick, look and go on greasy, yet can blend out quite sheer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pros: Oil-based foundations can be very good for women with extremely dry skin or wrinkled skin. The emollient ingredients help the skin look very dewy and moist, which can minimize the appearance of wrinkles.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Cons: Oil-based foundations tend to be very greasy and thick and can look that way on the skin unless you are very adept at blending. They also have a tendency to turn orange on the skin because the extra oil in them affects the pigments in the foundation. This can be true for women of color, too, and it explains why oil-based foundations can look orange after they are worn for awhile. The typical recommendation for applying an oil-based foundation is to add water to your sponge so that it goes on thinner, but that can be tricky to gauge and can cause the makeup to streak. Why not just use a water-based foundation in the first place and skip the negatives of the oil-based foundation? Additionally, if you wear face powder over this type of foundation, the oil grabs the talc and the face can appear coated and heavily made up. The same is true for blushes and eyeshadows-they will go on more heavily and will also become darker once applied. Traditional cream blushes tend to work best over this type of foundation.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Examples: Alexandra de Markoff Countess Isserlyn Cream Makeup (&amp;#036;47.50), NARS Balanced Foundation (&amp;#036;38).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Pressed powder-based foundation&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These foundations come in a compact and perform much like any pressed powder, which is what they really are, only with a bit more coverage and ability to stay put. Almost all of them have a superior creamy, silky feel, but when applied to the skin they blend on as easily as any pressed powder.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pros: Powder-based foundations are great for women with normal to oily or combination skin. They blend on easily, last all day, generally don&amp;#39;t change color, and feel light on the skin. They are best for those who want a minimal feel and appearance from their foundation. They also work very well over sunscreens, and can help take down the shine some sunscreen ingredients can leave on the skin.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Cons: This is not a good option if you have any amount of flaky skin. The powder content makes this type too drying for someone with dry skin. Also, women with very oily skin might want to be cautious, because powder-based foundations can get a thickened, pooled appearance as oil resurfaces on the face during the day.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Examples: Laura Mercier Foundation Powder (&amp;#036;38), Chanel Double Perfection Makeup SPF 8 (&amp;#036;45), M.A.C. Studiofix Powder Plus Foundation (&amp;#036;22).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Cream-to-powder foundations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These foundations are an interesting cross between a pressed powder and a creamy liquid foundation. They come in a compact and have a very creamy, almost greasy, appearance. When you blend them, the creamy aspect disappears and you are left with a slightly matte, powdery finish. Cream-to-powder foundations provide much better coverage than pressed powder-based foundations.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pros: Cream-to-powder foundations blend on quickly and easily and provide a semi-matte, medium coverage. They work well for someone with normal to slightly dry or slightly combination skin. The consistency doesn&amp;#39;t require powdering after you apply it. If you wish to use powder, make sure you apply it as lightly ads possible to avoid a caked, heavy look.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Cons: Cream-to-powder foundations can blend on slightly thick, providing a made-up look. They don&amp;#39;t work well for someone with oily skin because the cream components can make skin look more oily, and they don&amp;#39;t work well for dry skin because the powder element can be too powdery looking and cause more dryness. They are best for normal skin types.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Examples: Clinique City Base Compact Foundation SPF 15 (&amp;#036;21), Maybelline True Illusion Liquid to Powder Makeup SPF 10 (despite the name this is definitely a cream-to-powder makeup) (&amp;#036;6.99).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Liquid-to-powder foundations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These liquidy powders with a gel-like wet feel, apply easily and dry to a satiny-smooth, slightly matte finish. They typically contain water as the first ingredient, along with a slip agent such as glycerin. In contrast to cream-to-powder foundations, liquid-to-powder foundations feel lighter on the skin. They also tend to last longer over combination or oily skins since the creamy, waxy ingredients are either decreased or absent.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pros: Liquid-to-powder foundations blend on quickly and relatively easily and provide a semi-matte to matte finish with sheer to medium coverage. They work great for someone with normal to oily or slightly combination skin. The consistency doesn&amp;#39;t require powdering after you apply it.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Cons: Liquid-to-powder foundations dry quickly and can blend on choppy. This type of foundation does not work well over dry skin, as the water portion tends to cling to dry areas, leaving a powder finish that is not easily moved. The product itself must be kept tightly closed, as the water component will evaporate if it is left exposed to air. Some of the compact liquid-to-powder makeups can break apart if you are not careful.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Examples: Vincent Longo Water Canvas (&amp;#036;45), Aveda Cooling Calming Cover Sheer Face Tint (&amp;#036;18), Cover Girl AquaSmooth Makeup SPF 15 (&amp;#036;8.50).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Stick foundations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These foundations are essentially cream-to-powder foundations in stick form, and the application, pros, and cons mentioned in that section apply here. The main difference between stick and cream-to-powder foundations is the variety of coverage available from sticks. Whereas cream-to-powder makeups provide medium coverage, stick foundations come in formulas that range from full to sheer coverage with either matte or creamy coverage. Many stick foundations also feature effective sunscreens, making them a great all-in-one option. In addition, they can do double duty as concealer, and most product lines offer a wide selection of shades.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pros and Cons: Refer to the section for cream-to-powder foundations.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Examples: Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Stick Makeup SPF 15 (&amp;#036;18), Trish McEvoy Foundation Stick (&amp;#036;38), L&amp;#39;Oreal Quick Stick Long Wearing Foundation SPF 14 (&amp;#036;10.99)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Foundations with shine&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A definite trend in the world of makeup is having your entire face shine, either with a makeup primer, a foundation or a powder that shines. In real life it tends to look sparkly or extremely artificial, and if you have normal to oily skin, it looks like the oil you were trying to do away with. It works better as an evening look than for a classic daytime look.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pros: For dull, lifeless skin, the foundations with shine can indeed add a subtle glow to the face, but the more product applied, the more the glow turns into sparkly shine or looks somewhat greasy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Cons: In a word, shine. There&amp;#39;s a lot variation when it comes to how much shine you&amp;#39;ll get from these products, so pick and choose based on whether you want a subtle glow or high-wattage shimmer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Examples: Revlon Skinlights Diffusing Tint SPF 15 (&amp;#036;11.99), Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer (&amp;#036;42).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Self-adjusting foundations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These foundations supposedly stop oil production and also prevent moisture loss. I&amp;#39;ve yet to see one perform as promised, but it would be great if someone ever came up with one that could&amp;#33;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style='color:blue'&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;b&gt;Custom-blended foundations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If a foundation is made for you and you only, will that get you the best shade? The premise is that there are only so many ready-made shades and you might be better off having one custom-blended. Unfortunately, the idea sounds better than the reality. The major problem with custom-blended cosmetics is that the success of the match depends on the expertise of the salesperson-and there are huge variations in skill.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As nice as custom-blended foundations sound, the formulations are not necessarily superior to (or sometimes even as good as) standard products. The foundation may be too greasy or too dry and it might turn too rose or peach as you wear it. With so many off-the-shelf foundation products available, in many excellent colors, custom blending turns out to be more an expensive gimmick than anything else.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When should you try a custom-blended product, particularly foundation? When you have tested many standard foundations and are still frustrated with the color of your foundation.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;source &lt;a href='http://www.make-up-cosmetics.com/make-up/foundations.html' target='_blank'&gt;MUP&lt;/a&gt;</description>
            <author>shadowprincess</author>
            <category>Cosmetics</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2005 06:51:45 +0800</pubDate>
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