Beauty

• Because beauty is so often affiliated with products, beauty-oriented Web sites are frequently targeted by advertisers. Although the Web sites selected here are less promotional than most, be mindful of the possibility of product endorsement.

• Sometimes the best places to get an idea of what's popular are Web sites that list consumer favorites. Visit the "Buying Beauty Products Online" section of this guide to see what products online beauty stores sell most, as many of these Web sites have links to users' preferred products.

• Reading beauty blogs and forums can be a good way to hear what real users are saying about trends.

• Makeup color and perfume scents can be hard to discern on your computer. Before ordering makeup or a specific perfume online, visit a store to find out if the product is right for you. Another way to be confident in online orders is to select samples when making a purchase. If you like your sample products, buy them the next time you shop online. Some sites, such as Beauty.com, let you add samples to your purchase for free.

• If you normally experience allergic reactions or irritations from beauty products, you may find the natural and organic Web sites listed below to be helpful. To learn the difference between "natural" and "organic," see the USDA's organic guidelines.

• Blogs and newsletters can be great objective sources for product reviews because the individual consumers writing them are free of promotional obligations. Be mindful, however, that users have not necessarily tested all types of products, so their reviews can be limited. Below we suggest some blogs that have product reviews written by users like you.

• Although these Web sites deal specifically with homemade beauty products, you can also look back at some of the beauty blogs and organic product Web sites to find other beauty recipes. Revisit spa Web sites that are described as having "Spa at Home" sections, since many have tips for making your own products and treatments.

• Finding some of the unusual ingredients called for in many at-home beauty recipes is easiest done online, as exotic oils and spices can be difficult to find locally. Some of these Web sites help you purchase ingredients directly. If that's not an option, try typing the ingredient you seek into a shopping search engine.

• Because not all skin issues can be dealt with at home, we've included some dermatology Web sites to help you deal with more pressing conditions or questions. For more help finding a dermatologist who's right for you, visit the findingDulcinea Health Web Guide, which has a section about getting the most from your doctor visits. For more information about general skin care, see the findingDulcinea Skin Care Web Guide.

• Although products can do a lot for your skin, many people also consider healthy eating habits an essential component to a well-rounded beauty regime. Visit the findingDulcinea Nutrition Web Guide for help on how to take great care of your body from the inside out.

• Be mindful of the many arguments against tanning. It can be an unhealthy process, especially in excess. We suggest consulting your physician or dermatologist, or at least doing thorough research before you begin to tan. You should also take care to find places with the most sanitary conditions and up-to-date equipment to be as safe as possible.

• Revisit the online versions of popular beauty magazines recommended in the "Tips and Trends" section of this guide. Most of these publications have entire sections dedicated to hair care and are great places to look for trendy haircuts, hip hair colors, and new grooming tips.

• If you are looking for a salon, try doing a general search. Type in "hair salon" and the city you live in for a general idea of where to go for cutting, coloring, and styling. Citysearch, for example, helps you customize your search and gives you salon reviews.

• Consult with your general physician before you begin any hair loss treatment.

• Citysearch offers customer reviews and editorial coverage of specific topics ("Sanitary" and "Satisfaction" are two examples). Type the name of the spa you are considering into the search box and you'll get directions and a link to its Web site.

• If you are looking for more information on destination spas, you might also consider visiting a travel magazine like Travel and Leisure for reviews of some of the year's most highly acclaimed locales.

• Users new to the spa experience should know that visiting a spa is not like being a guest at a regular hotel; spa goers follow specific etiquette. The Web sites recommended here help you familiarize yourself with spa culture and the specific location you choose, so that you can feel relaxed as soon as you arrive.

• Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are two different things. Although both permanently alter the body, plastic surgery is considered reconstructive, while cosmetic surgery is purely aesthetic.

To learn about plastic surgery ...

• Many Web sites that address positive body image and self-acceptance offer blogs and forums. A supportive group with which you can communicate your feelings can be a great resource for escaping cultural pressures.