Has anyone ever told you that you have "puppy dog" eyes? If they have, then you have the "droopy eye" eye shape. This eye shape is where the outer corners of your eyes are turned slightly downward, or they seem lower than the inner corners of your eyes. There is a pretty simple way to apply eye makeup to de-accentuate that eye shape and make your eyes appear more open and lifted.
The trick is simple. You want to keep all eye makeup off of the very outer corners of your eyes. If you apply makeup in the outer corners, it drags them down more and actually makes your eyes appear droopier than they already are.
Here is a step-by-step easy way to apply your eye makeup. You will use at least three shades of eye shadow: highlight is the lightest shade, midtone is darker, and the accent is the darkest shade. In order to provide a visible "lift" to the outer corners of your eye, do the following:
1. Apply the highlight shade to the brow bone and eyelid as well as the inner corner of the lower lash line.
2. Be careful with the midtone shade, proper placement will lift the outer corners of your eyes. Apply the midtone shade slightly in from the outside corner of the eye. You will then sweep the color upwards and in across the crease and into the inside corner of your eye - (but not onto the sides of the bridge of your nose!) Also apply the midtone shade along your lower lashline using a thin, flat eyeliner brush. You will start slightly in from the outside corner and brush it across to the inside corner. I know I said don't put anything in the outside corners, however, applying a little midtone shade across most of the entire lower lashline will help it blend with the accent shade later on.
3. Apply the accent shade slightly in from the outside corner and sweep it up and into the crease, not going as far across the entire eyelid as you did with the midtone shade. Just like with the midtone shade, go over the lower lashline with an eyeliner brush, but you will start slightly in from the outside corner (go slightly further in than you did with the midtone shade). If you start at the beginning of the outside corner, you will only accentuate that part of the eye, drawing it down.
The best trick for applying makeup for droopy eyes is to make sure that the eye shadow on your top lash line and bottom lash line to not meet at the outer corner of your eye. This is the perfect way to give the outer corners a lift. Also, you will create a softer look by using an eye shadow across the lower lashline instead of an eyeliner. Using an eyeliner here will make your eyes look too harsh and will tend to drag the eye downward.
Also, when using mascara, concentrate the color on the middle and inside lashes. If you place a lot of mascara on the outer lashes, guess what happens? The corners are accented and your eyes will look droopy again.
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Best Makeup for Green Eyes
Did you know that Green eyes are one of the rarest eye colors found in humans – an eye color that is actually a color and not a mutation?
Because green eyes are so rare, finding the right eye makeup to accent your green eyes may be even more rare. But do not despair, here is a quick guide to help you find suitable eye color combinations to make your already stunning-looking eyes appear quite overpowering.
To look like a pro when applying your eye makeup, understand the basic elements of eye color. This entails using a highlighter, a midtone, and an accent. Yes, this means you will usually apply at least 3 different eye shadow shades to your eyes. You will finish your look with eyeliner and plenty of mascara.
The first shade is your lightest, called the highlighter. Use this just below your brow bone, in the inner corner of your eye, and along the inner third of your eyelid (and as far as the whole eyelid -depending upon your eye shape), to brighten that area. A highlighter helps make your eye “pop”.
The second shade is darker, called the midtone. It is usually used along the crease of your eye, blending it upward toward the highlighted area.
The third shade is your darkest, called the accent. You apply this color to the outer part of the crease and along the outer upper and lower lashline. You can make your eyes look more dramatic by using more of the darkest color and applying it along the entire upper and lower lashline.
Here are some guidelines to make your green eyes look phenomenal. Use a shimmery highlighter in an off-white color. Next, use a rosy brown as your midtone. Make sure it is matte in texture. Lastly, use a dark purple as the accent and you will have captured a look that non-green eyed people can only dream about. If you use a purple eyeliner and black mascara, you are in for hearing some double “wows” and seeing others mouths drop in silent “ooohs” as you strut your stuff.
Everyone will envy your gorgeous look, as if they don’t have enough to envy because of your great green eyes! Remember to care for your skin to make your eyes really glow.
Discover the best skin care secrets by grabbing my Free Report titled “Guide to Healthy, Beautiful, Wrinkle and Blemish Free Skin” by submitting your info to the right. Submit in confidence and be sure to hit the confirmation link in your email which shows you really do want more information on how to take care of your skin. (This helps keep spam out of your inbox!)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
How to Choose the Right Facial Cleanser - Top 5 Tips Revealed
We all know that you must use a good skin care program to take care of your face. Consequently, picking the right facial cleanser is crucial to your skin care program. There are many facial cleansers out there on the market, and they are all meant to do different things, depending upon your skin type and skin's needs.
How many times have you complained that using skin care just doesn't work for you? Well, you have to be your own detective. Why would you use something that is ineffective? You must search for what will work in order to have an effective skin care program.
Here are some tips to find the right facial cleanser and how to properly use it.
1. Use the right facial cleanser for your skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily). As a word of advice, if your skin is flaky, it doesn't mean you have dry skin. It might mean you need to exfoliate more often to help slough off the dry skin.
2. Opt for a cleanser that does more. Some products are called a 3-in-1 cleanser because it contains a cleanser, an exfoliator, and a freshener as well, saving you time and money on cleaning your face. These first three steps are crucial to clean your face properly. The cleanser gets rid of dirt and grime, the exfoliator sloughs off dead skin, and the freshener helps clean out pores.
3. If you have normal to dry skin, but tend to have occasional acne outbreaks, don't use a facial cleanser for combination or oily skin. It will dry out your face too much. Instead, opt for an acne treatment product and use it only on the places where you tend to break out.
4. After finding the right formula of cleanser for your skin type, be sure to use it morning and night. You produce oil through the night that needs to be cleansed in the morning, which also preps your face for makeup application. At night, you obviously wash off the dirt, grime, and makeup that you've accumulated through the day.
5. Never use any type of facial cleanser to remove eye makeup. They are too harsh for the delicate skin around the eye area. If you have a cleanser that contains exfoliating beads, this is especially true as the grains can irritate your eye. Always use an eye makeup remover, which is effective and gentle enough to use on your eyes.
For more help and ideas on how to choose the right facial cleanser and learn other secrets to care for your skin, grab your Free Report titled "Guide to Healthy, Beautiful, Wrinkle and Blemish Free Skin" by submitting your info to the right.
How many times have you complained that using skin care just doesn't work for you? Well, you have to be your own detective. Why would you use something that is ineffective? You must search for what will work in order to have an effective skin care program.
Here are some tips to find the right facial cleanser and how to properly use it.
1. Use the right facial cleanser for your skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily). As a word of advice, if your skin is flaky, it doesn't mean you have dry skin. It might mean you need to exfoliate more often to help slough off the dry skin.
2. Opt for a cleanser that does more. Some products are called a 3-in-1 cleanser because it contains a cleanser, an exfoliator, and a freshener as well, saving you time and money on cleaning your face. These first three steps are crucial to clean your face properly. The cleanser gets rid of dirt and grime, the exfoliator sloughs off dead skin, and the freshener helps clean out pores.
3. If you have normal to dry skin, but tend to have occasional acne outbreaks, don't use a facial cleanser for combination or oily skin. It will dry out your face too much. Instead, opt for an acne treatment product and use it only on the places where you tend to break out.
4. After finding the right formula of cleanser for your skin type, be sure to use it morning and night. You produce oil through the night that needs to be cleansed in the morning, which also preps your face for makeup application. At night, you obviously wash off the dirt, grime, and makeup that you've accumulated through the day.
5. Never use any type of facial cleanser to remove eye makeup. They are too harsh for the delicate skin around the eye area. If you have a cleanser that contains exfoliating beads, this is especially true as the grains can irritate your eye. Always use an eye makeup remover, which is effective and gentle enough to use on your eyes.
For more help and ideas on how to choose the right facial cleanser and learn other secrets to care for your skin, grab your Free Report titled "Guide to Healthy, Beautiful, Wrinkle and Blemish Free Skin" by submitting your info to the right.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Smooth Wrinkles Around Your Eyes
Some may think that if a person starts using an anti-aging product to smooth the wrinkles around their eyes, their skin will develop wrinkles more quickly and they will be dependent on the product. This is actually far from the truth. This is like saying not to drink too much water or you will become dependent on it.
The problem is that the skin around the eye area is very delicate. Consequently, it is the first place where wrinkles set in, and the place where wrinkles tend to be the deepest. You can blame it on genetics, sun-exposure, or having that great ability to “smile with your eyes.” Regardless of how those wrinkles got there (or soon will get there) you need to do something about it or you will definitely look like you’ve neglected that part of your face.
You cannot apply regular moisturizers around the eye because the skin is too thin. Remember that the only products you should use around the eye area are ones that specify they are safe for that purpose. If the product doesn't say it, don't use it there! If you do, you will find that your eyes will sting and burn and the skin will be irritated.
So, the big question that needs to be answered is this: “When should you start giving extra care to the skin around your eyes?” The answer is that most people would benefit from using an anti-aging product for the eye area as early as their twenties to prevent wrinkles. If you can prevent those eye wrinkles from forming deeply, then you will be ahead of the anti-aging game. If you are older than that, the second answer to the big question is “Now!”
Most eye creams found on the market are anti-aging and are usually more expensive. If you are younger and just want a moisturizer that is safe for the eye area, there are some gels and other eye creams that are less expensive and will provide this benefit for you. If you suffer from eye puffiness, look for products that contain cucumber extract (yes, it really does work!)
While you're already concerned for your skin's appearance, be sure to use a good skin care program designed for your skin type. Remember, adding an anti-aging eye product to your skin care program sooner, rather than later, will help prevent severe wrinkles and keep your skin looking young.
To get more information on how to smooth the wrinkles around your eyes and for other ways to take care of your skin, grab a copy of the "Guide to Healthy, Beautiful, Wrinkle and Blemish Free Skin," by submitting your info to the right. It's free, confidential, and fast! Be sure to confirm the email you will recieve that asks if you really do want the Free Report. (This helps keep spammers out of your inbox!)
The problem is that the skin around the eye area is very delicate. Consequently, it is the first place where wrinkles set in, and the place where wrinkles tend to be the deepest. You can blame it on genetics, sun-exposure, or having that great ability to “smile with your eyes.” Regardless of how those wrinkles got there (or soon will get there) you need to do something about it or you will definitely look like you’ve neglected that part of your face.
You cannot apply regular moisturizers around the eye because the skin is too thin. Remember that the only products you should use around the eye area are ones that specify they are safe for that purpose. If the product doesn't say it, don't use it there! If you do, you will find that your eyes will sting and burn and the skin will be irritated.
So, the big question that needs to be answered is this: “When should you start giving extra care to the skin around your eyes?” The answer is that most people would benefit from using an anti-aging product for the eye area as early as their twenties to prevent wrinkles. If you can prevent those eye wrinkles from forming deeply, then you will be ahead of the anti-aging game. If you are older than that, the second answer to the big question is “Now!”
Most eye creams found on the market are anti-aging and are usually more expensive. If you are younger and just want a moisturizer that is safe for the eye area, there are some gels and other eye creams that are less expensive and will provide this benefit for you. If you suffer from eye puffiness, look for products that contain cucumber extract (yes, it really does work!)
While you're already concerned for your skin's appearance, be sure to use a good skin care program designed for your skin type. Remember, adding an anti-aging eye product to your skin care program sooner, rather than later, will help prevent severe wrinkles and keep your skin looking young.
To get more information on how to smooth the wrinkles around your eyes and for other ways to take care of your skin, grab a copy of the "Guide to Healthy, Beautiful, Wrinkle and Blemish Free Skin," by submitting your info to the right. It's free, confidential, and fast! Be sure to confirm the email you will recieve that asks if you really do want the Free Report. (This helps keep spammers out of your inbox!)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Best Make Up for Blue Eyes
People often ask me what eye shadow colors would be the best match for their eye color. I love this question because there are definitely some eye shadow shades that enhance the beauty of your eye color better than others. This holds especially true for those who have blue eyes.
While you may get away with wearing sassy colors, such as purples, blues, and greens, remember to use a splash of color sparingly to avoid looking clownish. Using these colors along your lashline or as an accent on the outer crease of your eye is a great way to dabble in color without looking inexperienced in makeup application.
However, if you really want to accent the beautiful color of your eye, here are the absolute best colors to make your eye look bolder. Before you apply your eye make up, you need to understand that in order to make eyes look great, you need three different shades of eye shadow.
The first shade is your lightest, called the highlighter. You generally use this just below your brow bone, in the inner corner of your eye, and along the inner third of your eyelid (and as far as the whole eyelid -depending upon your eye shape), to brighten that area.
The second shade is darker, called the midtone. It is usually used along the crease of your eye, blending it upward toward the highlighted area.
The third shade is your darkest, called the accent. You apply this color to the outer part of the crease and along the outer upper and lower lashline. You can make your eyes look more dramatic by using more of the darkest color and applying it along the entire upper and lower lashline.
For blues eyes, use a light, vanilla color for your highlighter. Your midtone should be a nice, neutral brown color. Your accent should be a bronze color, a shade that resembles a penny. Use bronze or deep brown eyeliner and lots of mascara to complete your color combination. Stick with these colors to make your eyes look absolutely stunning.
When you have blue eyes, and get tired of using just neutral browns and want to add a little bit of other colors, be sure to only apply other colors in the accent area. This is the only place where blue-eyed people can get away with using purple, green, and blue, without looking like you’ve reverted back to the 80’s.
Always make sure that at least one of your eye shadows is matte in appearance. Matte shades are usually best as the midtone color, and you can use a bit of shimmer in the highlight and accent areas.
Remember that makeup on bad skin looks like makeup on bad skin. So take care of it so people will notice your eyes more instead of being distracted by your skin’s imperfections!
Enter your email to the right for our free Skintacular You! Newsletter and get your Skin Care Guide for free!
While you may get away with wearing sassy colors, such as purples, blues, and greens, remember to use a splash of color sparingly to avoid looking clownish. Using these colors along your lashline or as an accent on the outer crease of your eye is a great way to dabble in color without looking inexperienced in makeup application.
However, if you really want to accent the beautiful color of your eye, here are the absolute best colors to make your eye look bolder. Before you apply your eye make up, you need to understand that in order to make eyes look great, you need three different shades of eye shadow.
The first shade is your lightest, called the highlighter. You generally use this just below your brow bone, in the inner corner of your eye, and along the inner third of your eyelid (and as far as the whole eyelid -depending upon your eye shape), to brighten that area.
The second shade is darker, called the midtone. It is usually used along the crease of your eye, blending it upward toward the highlighted area.
The third shade is your darkest, called the accent. You apply this color to the outer part of the crease and along the outer upper and lower lashline. You can make your eyes look more dramatic by using more of the darkest color and applying it along the entire upper and lower lashline.
For blues eyes, use a light, vanilla color for your highlighter. Your midtone should be a nice, neutral brown color. Your accent should be a bronze color, a shade that resembles a penny. Use bronze or deep brown eyeliner and lots of mascara to complete your color combination. Stick with these colors to make your eyes look absolutely stunning.
When you have blue eyes, and get tired of using just neutral browns and want to add a little bit of other colors, be sure to only apply other colors in the accent area. This is the only place where blue-eyed people can get away with using purple, green, and blue, without looking like you’ve reverted back to the 80’s.
Always make sure that at least one of your eye shadows is matte in appearance. Matte shades are usually best as the midtone color, and you can use a bit of shimmer in the highlight and accent areas.
Remember that makeup on bad skin looks like makeup on bad skin. So take care of it so people will notice your eyes more instead of being distracted by your skin’s imperfections!
Enter your email to the right for our free Skintacular You! Newsletter and get your Skin Care Guide for free!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Best Tips to Use Concealer
The Best Tricks to Use Concealer
Makeup is an amazing thing. It accentuates what you have, hides what you don’t want others to see, and magically reveals what you don’t naturally have! One of makeup’s secret tools is the use of concealer. When used correctly, it is attractive. When not used correctly, it shows.
So, here are the best tips to use your concealer correctly.
1. Blemishes: Always apply a small dab of concealer on top of the blemish, blend the outer edges.
2. Open sores: If you are trying to hide open sores, concealer won’t stay on just by itself. Apply a small amount of powder first, then a dab of concealer, blend the edges carefully, and apply powder carefully again. This will help keep the concealer in place. Be sure to remove your makeup as soon as you are able and then apply a little antibiotic ointment to allow the open sore to heal more rapidly.
3. Dark Under Eye Circles: Mix the concealer with a bit of eye cream to avoid the garish goose-flesh look. If you’ve ever applied concealer to your inner eyes, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Mixing concealer with a little eye cream not only hydrates that delicate area, but allows the concealer to go on much more smoothly, give more highlighting coverage than foundation, and adequately lightens the dark areas.
4. Application Tools: Use a thin, flat, short-bristled lip liner or eye liner brush to apply concealer. There are brushes made specifically for applying concealer, but if you don’t have one, another cosmetic brush will do. Make sure the bristles are short – you don’t need the brush to soak up all of your concealer.
5. Highlight: You can mix concealer with a little bit of moisturizer and use a brush to apply it to the outside corners of your nose, inside and under your eyes, and to your frown lines at the outer edges of your mouth. Blend with your pinky.
6. Color: use a concealer that is slightly lighter than your skin tone. If you have purple dark circles under your eyes, you might try using a yellow concealer. Otherwise, a concealer that is close to your skin tone is best for all other applications.
To finish your look, apply your foundation over your face (except for the eye area – you’ll displace what you’ve applied) and dust with powder. Now you are ready to apply your color cosmetics.
Remember, your makeup will always look better and go on much more smoothly if you use a skin care program: cleanse, protect, hydrate.
Be sure to sign up for Skintacular You! free newsletter to the right and get your Free Skin Care Guide!
Makeup is an amazing thing. It accentuates what you have, hides what you don’t want others to see, and magically reveals what you don’t naturally have! One of makeup’s secret tools is the use of concealer. When used correctly, it is attractive. When not used correctly, it shows.
So, here are the best tips to use your concealer correctly.
1. Blemishes: Always apply a small dab of concealer on top of the blemish, blend the outer edges.
2. Open sores: If you are trying to hide open sores, concealer won’t stay on just by itself. Apply a small amount of powder first, then a dab of concealer, blend the edges carefully, and apply powder carefully again. This will help keep the concealer in place. Be sure to remove your makeup as soon as you are able and then apply a little antibiotic ointment to allow the open sore to heal more rapidly.
3. Dark Under Eye Circles: Mix the concealer with a bit of eye cream to avoid the garish goose-flesh look. If you’ve ever applied concealer to your inner eyes, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Mixing concealer with a little eye cream not only hydrates that delicate area, but allows the concealer to go on much more smoothly, give more highlighting coverage than foundation, and adequately lightens the dark areas.
4. Application Tools: Use a thin, flat, short-bristled lip liner or eye liner brush to apply concealer. There are brushes made specifically for applying concealer, but if you don’t have one, another cosmetic brush will do. Make sure the bristles are short – you don’t need the brush to soak up all of your concealer.
5. Highlight: You can mix concealer with a little bit of moisturizer and use a brush to apply it to the outside corners of your nose, inside and under your eyes, and to your frown lines at the outer edges of your mouth. Blend with your pinky.
6. Color: use a concealer that is slightly lighter than your skin tone. If you have purple dark circles under your eyes, you might try using a yellow concealer. Otherwise, a concealer that is close to your skin tone is best for all other applications.
To finish your look, apply your foundation over your face (except for the eye area – you’ll displace what you’ve applied) and dust with powder. Now you are ready to apply your color cosmetics.
Remember, your makeup will always look better and go on much more smoothly if you use a skin care program: cleanse, protect, hydrate.
Be sure to sign up for Skintacular You! free newsletter to the right and get your Free Skin Care Guide!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
How to Wear Fall 2010’s Hottest Makeup Trend
Everyone wants to know what is the hottest color to wear for Fall 2010. Whenever in doubt, always wear black and gray. However, those colors can get tiresome because they actually lack color! So what is the hottest color to wear for the Fall 2010 season? The answer is purple!
As you spice up your wardrobe with great combinations of black, grey and purple, don’t forget to update your makeup look as well.
The best makeup tip for this season is to add purple. And here is how you wear it. Don’t go splashing purple all over your eyes: any makeup applied carelessly looks just like that: careless. The Fall 2010 hottest makeup trend is to wear a smoky eye using purple colors. Here are the steps to achieve that look:
1. Apply a liquid vanilla eye color to the inner corners of your eyes as well as the area just below your eyebrow. Use your fingers to pat the color on, which will help blend it in. This will highlight the correct areas of your eyes, making them “pop”, especially when you add darker colors to other areas.
2. Apply a neutral brown eye color to your entire eye – lid and below the brow. This will be a great base so when you add the purple eye color, it will blend easily and not look too harsh.
3. You will need two shades of purple, one darker than the first. The first shade is a true purple color. Apply the purple shade on the eyelid, softly blending from lashline to the crease. Then, use the darker shade, more plum in color, to accent the outer corner of the crease to the inner corner of the crease. The secret is to blend. And what is the secret to blending? Use an eye crease brush!
4. Use purple eyeliner across the base of the upper eyelash line as well as to the lower eyelash outer corner. Use the plum colored eye shadow to fill in the rest of the lower lashline, blending well and to soften the look.
5. If you’ve gone too dark with the purple eye shadow, you can lightly apply the liquid vanilla eye color to the inner corner of the eye as well as just below the brow to emphasize the highlight.
6. Finish off with at least two applications of mascara: apply to both lower lashes first, then to the upper lashes. This prevents mascara from transferring to your eyelids if you are in the habit of coating the top lashes first!
You will look so classy at work, home, or at any holiday party!
Be sure to submit your info to the right to sign up for our Skintacular You! Newsletter and get our Skin Care Guide for Free!
As you spice up your wardrobe with great combinations of black, grey and purple, don’t forget to update your makeup look as well.
The best makeup tip for this season is to add purple. And here is how you wear it. Don’t go splashing purple all over your eyes: any makeup applied carelessly looks just like that: careless. The Fall 2010 hottest makeup trend is to wear a smoky eye using purple colors. Here are the steps to achieve that look:
1. Apply a liquid vanilla eye color to the inner corners of your eyes as well as the area just below your eyebrow. Use your fingers to pat the color on, which will help blend it in. This will highlight the correct areas of your eyes, making them “pop”, especially when you add darker colors to other areas.
2. Apply a neutral brown eye color to your entire eye – lid and below the brow. This will be a great base so when you add the purple eye color, it will blend easily and not look too harsh.
3. You will need two shades of purple, one darker than the first. The first shade is a true purple color. Apply the purple shade on the eyelid, softly blending from lashline to the crease. Then, use the darker shade, more plum in color, to accent the outer corner of the crease to the inner corner of the crease. The secret is to blend. And what is the secret to blending? Use an eye crease brush!
4. Use purple eyeliner across the base of the upper eyelash line as well as to the lower eyelash outer corner. Use the plum colored eye shadow to fill in the rest of the lower lashline, blending well and to soften the look.
5. If you’ve gone too dark with the purple eye shadow, you can lightly apply the liquid vanilla eye color to the inner corner of the eye as well as just below the brow to emphasize the highlight.
6. Finish off with at least two applications of mascara: apply to both lower lashes first, then to the upper lashes. This prevents mascara from transferring to your eyelids if you are in the habit of coating the top lashes first!
You will look so classy at work, home, or at any holiday party!
Be sure to submit your info to the right to sign up for our Skintacular You! Newsletter and get our Skin Care Guide for Free!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Timeless Fall-time Makeup Color Tips
Fall is a fabulous time for transitions. We put away our summer clothes and break out the wardrobe that is full of lush fabrics, vibrant colors, and steeped in warmth. As you change your wardrobe to match the fall season, be sure to do the same for your makeup as well!
For example, in the summer, we use loads of bronzers, bright pink lipsticks, and colors that tend to be more natural, giving an on-the-go look that tells others you are ready to play. However, as fall is upon us, we find outfits and makeup that is a bit more festive, reminding us of the holiday season.
As you wear various fall time colors like burgundy, deep blue, evergreen, red, brown, and black, be sure that your makeup matches. For example, you would never wear the summer’s bright pink lipstick with a deep blue outfit. You’ll look absolutely classy if you keep your lipstick in the same family shade as the color you are wearing.
Avoid looking garish when jumping into fall by wearing lipstick that isn’t too dark. You can wear a dark lipstick as long as you lighten it up with a light colored lipgloss, or go over it with an intensity controller lipstick (usually a light neutral shade).
What lipstick shades are best for fall time? You can never go wrong with a berry lipstick. They are full of color and look absolutely mouthwatering, especially if the lipstick shade matches what you are wearing (except for brown, blue, and black, of course!) Just remember this: the darker the lipstick shade, the thinner your lips will look. If you have nice full lips, you don’t have to worry about this. However, if your lips are thin and more hidden, be sure to wear a lighter lip shade.
Don’t forget your eyes: As you use fun eye shadows that are vibrant in color, be sure to use those colors as an accent instead of spreading them across your whole eye. Colors are fun to play in, but when used too much, you instantly age yourself.
Be careful of trendy makeup, the kind that requires harsh lines and too much color that is well-suited for the runway, but not when stepping out to your driveway. Go for a well-blended, soft look instead. Remember, makeup is supposed to accent your features, not become them.
Last of all, have fun with your makeup and don’t be afraid to experiment - but don’t save the experimenting to an hour before going out to a big event!
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For example, in the summer, we use loads of bronzers, bright pink lipsticks, and colors that tend to be more natural, giving an on-the-go look that tells others you are ready to play. However, as fall is upon us, we find outfits and makeup that is a bit more festive, reminding us of the holiday season.
As you wear various fall time colors like burgundy, deep blue, evergreen, red, brown, and black, be sure that your makeup matches. For example, you would never wear the summer’s bright pink lipstick with a deep blue outfit. You’ll look absolutely classy if you keep your lipstick in the same family shade as the color you are wearing.
Avoid looking garish when jumping into fall by wearing lipstick that isn’t too dark. You can wear a dark lipstick as long as you lighten it up with a light colored lipgloss, or go over it with an intensity controller lipstick (usually a light neutral shade).
What lipstick shades are best for fall time? You can never go wrong with a berry lipstick. They are full of color and look absolutely mouthwatering, especially if the lipstick shade matches what you are wearing (except for brown, blue, and black, of course!) Just remember this: the darker the lipstick shade, the thinner your lips will look. If you have nice full lips, you don’t have to worry about this. However, if your lips are thin and more hidden, be sure to wear a lighter lip shade.
Don’t forget your eyes: As you use fun eye shadows that are vibrant in color, be sure to use those colors as an accent instead of spreading them across your whole eye. Colors are fun to play in, but when used too much, you instantly age yourself.
Be careful of trendy makeup, the kind that requires harsh lines and too much color that is well-suited for the runway, but not when stepping out to your driveway. Go for a well-blended, soft look instead. Remember, makeup is supposed to accent your features, not become them.
Last of all, have fun with your makeup and don’t be afraid to experiment - but don’t save the experimenting to an hour before going out to a big event!
Sign up to the right for our Skintacular You! newsletter and get our "Skin Care Guide" for Free!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Don't Let Your Halloween Make up Leave a Mark!
No doubt, you’ve done countless searches for Halloween make up ideas as you are trying to be creative and figure out what to be for Halloween. For most costumes, this involves applying all sorts of ill-colored Halloween makeup to your face and skin.
As you try to look garish or godly, don’t forget that you don’t want to be sporting such spooky makeup for the days following your Halloween festivities.
Inexpensive Halloween make up ideas involve techniques that combine red food coloring and corn syrup for that battle-scarred look. Or, if you have a slew of colored cosmetics, you may try using dark eye pencils to make your eyes look hollow or add wrinkles. Just remember that color cosmetics applied to untraditional areas of your face may leave a stain or dark mark that is hard to remove if you don’t use the following preventative steps.
To avoid after Halloween makeup stains that make you look scarier than your original costume look intended, follow these simple rules to preserve your skin so you don’t look like a corpse the day after Halloween:
1) Be sure to wash your face before you get started. Not only will your skin thank you for the extra cleaning, your makeup will go on better.
2) Use a light weight moisturizer. This will prevent your makeup from sinking into the dry cracks of your skin, consequently staining those areas.
3) Apply a foundation the color of your skin. This will act as a barrier between your skin and the extra makeup you intend to apply. If you don’t have moisturizer or foundation, apply a very thin layer of cold cream to your skin and then use a cotton ball to dust over it with cornstarch. This, too will protect your skin from the extra makeup.
4) When the Halloween party is over, use an eye makeup remover - it is excellent in removing any makeup with pigments. Then, use a facial cleanser and a warm wet wash cloth to remove all your makeup. If you use soap, you will find it dries out your face too much and is too harsh. If you were careful to moisturize and use a foundation or cold cream as a barrier to protect your face, you will prevent any residue from staining your face.
5) Again, moisturize to add hydration back to your skin.
This will help your Halloween costume be a hit!
Be sure to sign up for the Skintacular You! Newsletter (to the right) to receive great skin care tips! After all, your face is the first thing people see! - Especially on Halloween!
As you try to look garish or godly, don’t forget that you don’t want to be sporting such spooky makeup for the days following your Halloween festivities.
Inexpensive Halloween make up ideas involve techniques that combine red food coloring and corn syrup for that battle-scarred look. Or, if you have a slew of colored cosmetics, you may try using dark eye pencils to make your eyes look hollow or add wrinkles. Just remember that color cosmetics applied to untraditional areas of your face may leave a stain or dark mark that is hard to remove if you don’t use the following preventative steps.
To avoid after Halloween makeup stains that make you look scarier than your original costume look intended, follow these simple rules to preserve your skin so you don’t look like a corpse the day after Halloween:
1) Be sure to wash your face before you get started. Not only will your skin thank you for the extra cleaning, your makeup will go on better.
2) Use a light weight moisturizer. This will prevent your makeup from sinking into the dry cracks of your skin, consequently staining those areas.
3) Apply a foundation the color of your skin. This will act as a barrier between your skin and the extra makeup you intend to apply. If you don’t have moisturizer or foundation, apply a very thin layer of cold cream to your skin and then use a cotton ball to dust over it with cornstarch. This, too will protect your skin from the extra makeup.
4) When the Halloween party is over, use an eye makeup remover - it is excellent in removing any makeup with pigments. Then, use a facial cleanser and a warm wet wash cloth to remove all your makeup. If you use soap, you will find it dries out your face too much and is too harsh. If you were careful to moisturize and use a foundation or cold cream as a barrier to protect your face, you will prevent any residue from staining your face.
5) Again, moisturize to add hydration back to your skin.
This will help your Halloween costume be a hit!
Be sure to sign up for the Skintacular You! Newsletter (to the right) to receive great skin care tips! After all, your face is the first thing people see! - Especially on Halloween!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Does Microdermabrasion Hurt?
Does Microdermabrasion hurt? I have many clients who were reluctant to try microdermabrasion because they thought that microdermabrasion hurts, is painful, or they may experience adverse side effects.
The short answer is "no," if you use a microdermabrasion home system. A home microdermabrasion system differs from a professional treatment of microdermabrasion in that at home, you control the amount and the pressure applied when using the scrubbing crystals (usually made of aluminum oxide).
A professional treatment is obviously done by someone else using a specialized tool that essentially sucks up a portion of your skin, shoots the scrubbing crystals at it, and then suctions off the very topmost layer of your skin. Consequently, there is a higher probability that damage to the skin can be inflicted if the procedure is done improperly or carelessly.
Here are some tips when using a home microdermabrasion system:
1) First, cleanse your face with a damp washcloth and a cleanser that is the same product line as your home microdermabrasion system. Using a cleanser will make the microdermabrasion more effective.
2) Use lots of water when rubbing in the scrubbing crystals. I personally like using this in the shower, where the shower's mist keeps my face nice and moist, and the shower makes it easy to rinse the scrubbing crystals off my face - be sure to avoid the eye area or you will feel like someone threw a handful of sand in your eyes!
3) Don't ever use a washcloth to remove the scrubbing crystals. You cannot tell how much pressure you are applying to your face and could cause irritation.
4) Remember, when rubbing in the oxide crystals, which removes that top layer of dead skin, you can adjust the amount of pressure with your fingertips. If rubbing seems uncomfortable, use less pressure, more water, or both!
5) Be sure to follow-up with the replenishing serum. Most home microdermabrasion kits come with two products: the scrubbing crystals that take off the dead skin, and the replenishing serum that adds nutrients back to your skin.
6) Apply moisturizer that contains a sunscreen. After using Microdermabrasion, your skin is more susceptible to sun-damage so be sure to protect it.
Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
The short answer is "no," if you use a microdermabrasion home system. A home microdermabrasion system differs from a professional treatment of microdermabrasion in that at home, you control the amount and the pressure applied when using the scrubbing crystals (usually made of aluminum oxide).
A professional treatment is obviously done by someone else using a specialized tool that essentially sucks up a portion of your skin, shoots the scrubbing crystals at it, and then suctions off the very topmost layer of your skin. Consequently, there is a higher probability that damage to the skin can be inflicted if the procedure is done improperly or carelessly.
Here are some tips when using a home microdermabrasion system:
1) First, cleanse your face with a damp washcloth and a cleanser that is the same product line as your home microdermabrasion system. Using a cleanser will make the microdermabrasion more effective.
2) Use lots of water when rubbing in the scrubbing crystals. I personally like using this in the shower, where the shower's mist keeps my face nice and moist, and the shower makes it easy to rinse the scrubbing crystals off my face - be sure to avoid the eye area or you will feel like someone threw a handful of sand in your eyes!
3) Don't ever use a washcloth to remove the scrubbing crystals. You cannot tell how much pressure you are applying to your face and could cause irritation.
4) Remember, when rubbing in the oxide crystals, which removes that top layer of dead skin, you can adjust the amount of pressure with your fingertips. If rubbing seems uncomfortable, use less pressure, more water, or both!
5) Be sure to follow-up with the replenishing serum. Most home microdermabrasion kits come with two products: the scrubbing crystals that take off the dead skin, and the replenishing serum that adds nutrients back to your skin.
6) Apply moisturizer that contains a sunscreen. After using Microdermabrasion, your skin is more susceptible to sun-damage so be sure to protect it.
Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
2010 Hottest Fall Fashions
It may seem inconsequential to some, but a popular topic people like to know about is what are the hottest 2010 fashions this fall.
On a very personal side note, I don't get it. I never have, but nevertheless, there are a lot of readers who organize their wardrobe according to what is in and send what is out to the thrift stores - which is a lot better than just throwing unwanted items in the garbage. What I do "get" is what is hot in makeup tips and trends.
So, here is what to look for in the greatest 2010 fall Fashions:
Bold Fall colors are a must, regardless of what is colored: jewelry, handbags, clutches, clothes, shoes, you name it.
Next, Texture is everything! Look for contrasting textures to accentuate your wardrobe: mixing a silk blouse with a suede jacket adds emphasis and contrast. Classy, dressy denim jeans with suede covered heels, a white cotton blouse top, and a textured faux-leather clutch in red is very trendy this fall. Throw on a jacket that matches your shoes and you’re set!
Mind your ankles: High heeled shoes are back. Look for high heeled shoes that are sculpted and look like a piece of art in and of themselves! Ankle-cut boots are back, bringing greater attention to the base of your stance.
Chain it up! No, not your tires if you live in the snowy north. Necklaces with bold chains and rhinestones will bring the sophistication you need.
Check the zippers. I don’t mean on your trousers either. Look for zippers to embellish all accessories - from shoes to clutches, from jackets to handbags. Zippers will be where you want people to see!
From strong-presence bracelets to eye-catching chains, be bold and go bigger with all your accessories – they are meant to be seen!
Makeup is following the same trends. Color accents in eye makeup will show off your eyes. High-shine lipgloss over a bold lipstick will do wonders. The darker the lipstick, the older you will look. Wear a brighter lipstick, subtly toned down by a neutral lipgloss.
To avoid looking like a clown, don’t over-do it. If you really play up your eyes, keep your lipstick toned down and even neutral.
Keep your face glowing. Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
On a very personal side note, I don't get it. I never have, but nevertheless, there are a lot of readers who organize their wardrobe according to what is in and send what is out to the thrift stores - which is a lot better than just throwing unwanted items in the garbage. What I do "get" is what is hot in makeup tips and trends.
So, here is what to look for in the greatest 2010 fall Fashions:
Bold Fall colors are a must, regardless of what is colored: jewelry, handbags, clutches, clothes, shoes, you name it.
Next, Texture is everything! Look for contrasting textures to accentuate your wardrobe: mixing a silk blouse with a suede jacket adds emphasis and contrast. Classy, dressy denim jeans with suede covered heels, a white cotton blouse top, and a textured faux-leather clutch in red is very trendy this fall. Throw on a jacket that matches your shoes and you’re set!
Mind your ankles: High heeled shoes are back. Look for high heeled shoes that are sculpted and look like a piece of art in and of themselves! Ankle-cut boots are back, bringing greater attention to the base of your stance.
Chain it up! No, not your tires if you live in the snowy north. Necklaces with bold chains and rhinestones will bring the sophistication you need.
Check the zippers. I don’t mean on your trousers either. Look for zippers to embellish all accessories - from shoes to clutches, from jackets to handbags. Zippers will be where you want people to see!
From strong-presence bracelets to eye-catching chains, be bold and go bigger with all your accessories – they are meant to be seen!
Makeup is following the same trends. Color accents in eye makeup will show off your eyes. High-shine lipgloss over a bold lipstick will do wonders. The darker the lipstick, the older you will look. Wear a brighter lipstick, subtly toned down by a neutral lipgloss.
To avoid looking like a clown, don’t over-do it. If you really play up your eyes, keep your lipstick toned down and even neutral.
Keep your face glowing. Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Microdermabrasion vs. Skin Care
I have many clients who want to skip their daily skin care routine and just get the benefits microdermabrasion has to offer.
So, let me again explain the difference between the two. Home microdermabrasion is a great product. The first step contains the gritty grains that exfoliate, removing all the dead skin. It's second step is fabulous as it replenishes and hydrates the skin.
Because most people find that their skin is super soft after a home microdermabrasion treatment, they tend to ignore their daily skin care routine. Home microdermabrasion systems should only be used 2-3 times a week, at the very most.
A daily skin care program consists of a cleanser, exfoliator (which can be replaced by a microdermabrasion system), freshener, moisturizer, and a protector (sunscreen or foundation or both). The daily skin care routine should be done twice a day: morning and night.
Think of your dialy skin care routine as brushing your teeth: a maintenance that needs to be done twice a day. Then, think of the microdermabrasion as your 6-month dental cleaning. You wouldn't only clean your teeth every 6 months, would you? Just like you wouldn't skip brushing your teeth daily, you shouldn't skip your daily skin care routine.
That "6-month checkup" is an extra boost to clean your teeth, as your microdermabrasion should be an extra boost to add to your skin's softness and health. Microdermabrasion shouldn't replace the daily care you get from you skin care routine. I hope this analogy helps clear things up!
Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
So, let me again explain the difference between the two. Home microdermabrasion is a great product. The first step contains the gritty grains that exfoliate, removing all the dead skin. It's second step is fabulous as it replenishes and hydrates the skin.
Because most people find that their skin is super soft after a home microdermabrasion treatment, they tend to ignore their daily skin care routine. Home microdermabrasion systems should only be used 2-3 times a week, at the very most.
A daily skin care program consists of a cleanser, exfoliator (which can be replaced by a microdermabrasion system), freshener, moisturizer, and a protector (sunscreen or foundation or both). The daily skin care routine should be done twice a day: morning and night.
Think of your dialy skin care routine as brushing your teeth: a maintenance that needs to be done twice a day. Then, think of the microdermabrasion as your 6-month dental cleaning. You wouldn't only clean your teeth every 6 months, would you? Just like you wouldn't skip brushing your teeth daily, you shouldn't skip your daily skin care routine.
That "6-month checkup" is an extra boost to clean your teeth, as your microdermabrasion should be an extra boost to add to your skin's softness and health. Microdermabrasion shouldn't replace the daily care you get from you skin care routine. I hope this analogy helps clear things up!
Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Pregnancy Hormones Causing Acne Breakouts
Help is on the way for those who find themselves pregnant and their skin is out of control!
How often do you or someone you know have completely different skin when you become pregnant? Well, blame it on those lovely pregnancy hormones. I only know of one person, who has oily skin, whose skin actually clears up and looks better when she's pregnant!
But, for the rest of you, getting acne and blemishes may be a new thing that you don't know how to combat. So, here is what you do.
Temporarily, you must change the formula in your skin care routine. It is obvious that you now have acne and blemishes and you must use something to combat those, versus just using your same old skin care for your pre-pregnancy skin type.
So, to get you through those short months of having unfamiliar skin problems, do the following:
1) Cleanse your face twice daily. It is tempting to skip this since your energy levels are probably shot and you feel gross and don't feel like doing anything. You can quickly get your skin under control if you simply change to a cleanser appropriate for acne-prone skin.
2) Exfoliate: your skin may be doing double time in trying to slough off dead skin cells because of pregnancy hormones. If you don't keep up with exfoliating 2-3 times a week, the dead skin cells can clog your pores and give rise to worse acne.
3) Freshen: this helps clean out and tighten your pores. Use a freshener that is for oily or acne-prone skin, since this is what you are trying to combat.
4) Moisturize: again, use a moisturizer for acne-prone or oily skin. Moisture or water is different than oil and you won't make yourself break out more, but will help your skin fight off the acne if it is properly hydrated.
If you find that you are pregnant and have only a slight increase in acne, it may not be necessary to change formulas in your skin care routine. You may be able to just get away with using an acne treatment gel on the trouble spots.
Remember, this is only temporary, so don't stock up on your new skin care. You may even consider just getting the skin care for oily or acne-prone skin in a travel-size. As soon as you see that the skin care has cleared up your skin, don't switch back to your previous one too quickly unless you notice that suddenly (due to that fabulous shift in hormones) your skin is drying out too much.
Congratulations on your new little bundle! Eat healthy and take care of yourself!
Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
How often do you or someone you know have completely different skin when you become pregnant? Well, blame it on those lovely pregnancy hormones. I only know of one person, who has oily skin, whose skin actually clears up and looks better when she's pregnant!
But, for the rest of you, getting acne and blemishes may be a new thing that you don't know how to combat. So, here is what you do.
Temporarily, you must change the formula in your skin care routine. It is obvious that you now have acne and blemishes and you must use something to combat those, versus just using your same old skin care for your pre-pregnancy skin type.
So, to get you through those short months of having unfamiliar skin problems, do the following:
1) Cleanse your face twice daily. It is tempting to skip this since your energy levels are probably shot and you feel gross and don't feel like doing anything. You can quickly get your skin under control if you simply change to a cleanser appropriate for acne-prone skin.
2) Exfoliate: your skin may be doing double time in trying to slough off dead skin cells because of pregnancy hormones. If you don't keep up with exfoliating 2-3 times a week, the dead skin cells can clog your pores and give rise to worse acne.
3) Freshen: this helps clean out and tighten your pores. Use a freshener that is for oily or acne-prone skin, since this is what you are trying to combat.
4) Moisturize: again, use a moisturizer for acne-prone or oily skin. Moisture or water is different than oil and you won't make yourself break out more, but will help your skin fight off the acne if it is properly hydrated.
If you find that you are pregnant and have only a slight increase in acne, it may not be necessary to change formulas in your skin care routine. You may be able to just get away with using an acne treatment gel on the trouble spots.
Remember, this is only temporary, so don't stock up on your new skin care. You may even consider just getting the skin care for oily or acne-prone skin in a travel-size. As soon as you see that the skin care has cleared up your skin, don't switch back to your previous one too quickly unless you notice that suddenly (due to that fabulous shift in hormones) your skin is drying out too much.
Congratulations on your new little bundle! Eat healthy and take care of yourself!
Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Monday, July 19, 2010
What is a Skin Care Program?
Sometimes when someone knows much about something, they forget to oultine the basics. So, here goes.
A skin care program is a specially designed system to care for your face, body, skin, etc. There are essential steps you must follow to get your skin to look great, and to enhance the overall health of your skin. In addition, there are also supplemental products you may need to use for extra problems you may have with your skin.
Some of those problems can be wrinkles, age spots, acne, super dry skin, super oily skin - you name it and there is a product for it.
Often times people try to use all-natural products, which is fine. But, be warned, if it is all natural, you need to use it within 2-3 days and keep it in the fridge to prevent spoilage and decay. If it doesn't . Cosmetic companies go to great lengths to test their products and make sure they have a good shelf-life (meaning, that they will last a while in a room-temperature environment).
Be sure to use the same products from the same cosmetic line. The reason is this: each cosmetic line pH balances their products to work together in harmony. So, if you use a cleanser from Noxema, and Oil of Olay moisturizer, you are confusing your skin - it doesn't know what to do!
Also, people are unaware of using a skin care system for your skin type: dry, normal, combination, oily.
A Skin Care Program has these basic 5 steps:
1. Cleanse: apply a cleanser to a wet face, rub it in gently, and remove with a wet wash cloth. This gets off the oil, dirt, and grime.
2. Exfoliate: done 2-3 times a week. Apply to a wet face, rub in gently and remove either rinsing off with water, or remove gently with a wet wash cloth. Some exfoliators are so vigorous that you need to remove it with a water rinse so as not to aggravate your skin further. An exfoliator buffs off the dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores which result in acne and black/whiteheads.
3. Freshen - otherwise called a toner. This finishes cleaning out your pores, then closes them to help them from getting clogged. You usually apply this with a sponge and swipe downwards on your face. It is a product you leave on.
--Many skin care lines have a 3-in-1 cleanser that combines the 3 above steps into one bottle to save time and effort.
4. Moisturize - apply sparingly, you don't want globs of moisturizer dripping off your face! If you have the right moisturizer, it should absorb into your skin fairly quickly. Many moisturizers come with sunscreen. If yours doesn't, apply a sunscreen that has an SPF between 15-30 (anymore doesn't provide any statistical amount of extra protection) before your moisturizer.
5. Protect: usually comes in the form of a foundation. You can use a powder, cream to powder, liquid, or cream foundation, depending upon your skin type. This helps lock in the moisture and keep contaminants out. It acts as a barrier between your skin and the world.
So, if you have acne, you might need extra products to fight the acne. If you have wrinkles, be sure to get something with anti-aging properties.
The most important thing to remember is that taking care of your skin is a worth-while process. If you don't have an allergic reaction, you need to use the brand of product you choose for at least 12 weeks to truly see if it is right for you. (It takes that long for skin to do a complete turn-around).
Some product lines give instant results and you can tell it is right for your skin. With others, the opposite is true, you can tell pretty quickly that it is not going to work for your skin. This is more often true if you get a product line that isn't right for your skin type.
If you have never used a skin care program, expect your face to be slightly irritated and even feel itchy as your skin is purged of contaminants. This sensation should only last 2-5 days, depending upon your skin type.
From experience, if I go without my skin care program due to illness or going camping, my skin will feel mildly itchy for an hour after I use my skin care program - and will do this for a couple days as it helps my skin get back to normal.
Don't be tempted to just get a anti-wrinkle cream, or a night-time rejuvinating system, and call that your skin care. Cosmetic company's are expert marketers and know how to advertise. Something like that is a supplemental product that should be used along with your regular skin care, not as a stand-alone product.
Be sure to Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
A skin care program is a specially designed system to care for your face, body, skin, etc. There are essential steps you must follow to get your skin to look great, and to enhance the overall health of your skin. In addition, there are also supplemental products you may need to use for extra problems you may have with your skin.
Some of those problems can be wrinkles, age spots, acne, super dry skin, super oily skin - you name it and there is a product for it.
Often times people try to use all-natural products, which is fine. But, be warned, if it is all natural, you need to use it within 2-3 days and keep it in the fridge to prevent spoilage and decay. If it doesn't . Cosmetic companies go to great lengths to test their products and make sure they have a good shelf-life (meaning, that they will last a while in a room-temperature environment).
Be sure to use the same products from the same cosmetic line. The reason is this: each cosmetic line pH balances their products to work together in harmony. So, if you use a cleanser from Noxema, and Oil of Olay moisturizer, you are confusing your skin - it doesn't know what to do!
Also, people are unaware of using a skin care system for your skin type: dry, normal, combination, oily.
A Skin Care Program has these basic 5 steps:
1. Cleanse: apply a cleanser to a wet face, rub it in gently, and remove with a wet wash cloth. This gets off the oil, dirt, and grime.
2. Exfoliate: done 2-3 times a week. Apply to a wet face, rub in gently and remove either rinsing off with water, or remove gently with a wet wash cloth. Some exfoliators are so vigorous that you need to remove it with a water rinse so as not to aggravate your skin further. An exfoliator buffs off the dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores which result in acne and black/whiteheads.
3. Freshen - otherwise called a toner. This finishes cleaning out your pores, then closes them to help them from getting clogged. You usually apply this with a sponge and swipe downwards on your face. It is a product you leave on.
--Many skin care lines have a 3-in-1 cleanser that combines the 3 above steps into one bottle to save time and effort.
4. Moisturize - apply sparingly, you don't want globs of moisturizer dripping off your face! If you have the right moisturizer, it should absorb into your skin fairly quickly. Many moisturizers come with sunscreen. If yours doesn't, apply a sunscreen that has an SPF between 15-30 (anymore doesn't provide any statistical amount of extra protection) before your moisturizer.
5. Protect: usually comes in the form of a foundation. You can use a powder, cream to powder, liquid, or cream foundation, depending upon your skin type. This helps lock in the moisture and keep contaminants out. It acts as a barrier between your skin and the world.
So, if you have acne, you might need extra products to fight the acne. If you have wrinkles, be sure to get something with anti-aging properties.
The most important thing to remember is that taking care of your skin is a worth-while process. If you don't have an allergic reaction, you need to use the brand of product you choose for at least 12 weeks to truly see if it is right for you. (It takes that long for skin to do a complete turn-around).
Some product lines give instant results and you can tell it is right for your skin. With others, the opposite is true, you can tell pretty quickly that it is not going to work for your skin. This is more often true if you get a product line that isn't right for your skin type.
If you have never used a skin care program, expect your face to be slightly irritated and even feel itchy as your skin is purged of contaminants. This sensation should only last 2-5 days, depending upon your skin type.
From experience, if I go without my skin care program due to illness or going camping, my skin will feel mildly itchy for an hour after I use my skin care program - and will do this for a couple days as it helps my skin get back to normal.
Don't be tempted to just get a anti-wrinkle cream, or a night-time rejuvinating system, and call that your skin care. Cosmetic company's are expert marketers and know how to advertise. Something like that is a supplemental product that should be used along with your regular skin care, not as a stand-alone product.
Be sure to Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Choosing Flattering Eye Makeup Colors
Did you know that everyone can wear every eye makeup color if they know where to place it on their eyelid and how much to use!
Here are some general tips of using eye colors that will intensify and accent the natural beauty of your eye color. These are the best eye colors to use for blue eyes, hazel eyes, green eyes, and brown eyes! Though these are the best, don't be afraid to dabble in other shades and play with your eye makeup colors!
Blue Eyes: stick with browns and creams and shades of bronze. You can play with a little bit of color of any shade in the accent portion of your eye (the outside corner) or as a subtle eyeliner.
Hazel Eyes: Browns and pinks bring out your eye color best.
Green Eyes: creamy white, browns, and purple accent with a neutral purple eyeliner will make your eyes pop!
Brown eyes: Creams, browns, and an accent of dark blue make your eyes look phenomenal!
Finish off your makeup application with eyeliner and mascara for a complete look. If something appears to be missing, look to your eyebrows: Do they need to be tweezed, filled in, etc.? Eyebrows are what frames your face.
Be sure to Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Here are some general tips of using eye colors that will intensify and accent the natural beauty of your eye color. These are the best eye colors to use for blue eyes, hazel eyes, green eyes, and brown eyes! Though these are the best, don't be afraid to dabble in other shades and play with your eye makeup colors!
Blue Eyes: stick with browns and creams and shades of bronze. You can play with a little bit of color of any shade in the accent portion of your eye (the outside corner) or as a subtle eyeliner.
Hazel Eyes: Browns and pinks bring out your eye color best.
Green Eyes: creamy white, browns, and purple accent with a neutral purple eyeliner will make your eyes pop!
Brown eyes: Creams, browns, and an accent of dark blue make your eyes look phenomenal!
Finish off your makeup application with eyeliner and mascara for a complete look. If something appears to be missing, look to your eyebrows: Do they need to be tweezed, filled in, etc.? Eyebrows are what frames your face.
Be sure to Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Welcome Summer, Hello Sunscreen!
Hello Summertime, Hello Sun, Hello Sunburns and Wrinkles!
It seems like I have been waiting FOREVER for it to get here! Now that it is toasty, I'm ready for fall.
In the meantime, while you are cramming every minute with fun summertime activities, here are a few tips to keep your skin perfect during the summer months and avoid sunburns which eventually lead to premature wrinkles!
1. Wear your sunscreen! Did you know that it takes about 1/2 an hour after application for sunscreen to work? That means, if you squirt on sunscreen just before you head outside, you'll get a good half hour of sun damage before your sunscreen is effective. This alone gets many people into trouble.
How often to you hear others say that their sunscreen is "no good" and doesn't work? Now you know the reason why - user error and lack of info on when to apply sunscreen. Reapplying sunscreen is minimally effective unless the previous layer has been washed off (via swimming for 1-2 hours or showering, etc.).
Did you know that an SPF of 30 is as strong as you really need? Anything higher doesn't give you a proportional amount of extra protection. (maybe 1-4% extra protection - not very much). Be sure the sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays.
What provides the best protection is the amount you apply. If you are really stingy and barely cover your skin, your protection is significantly less. Be sure to apply an adequate amount the first time. Also, wearing lotion under your sunscreen is a no-no! Sunscreen has to be right on your skin to be perfectly effective.
2. Wear a well-ventilated broad brimmed hat. I especially love this one - how often do you forget to apply sunscreen to your ears? Withoug, at the end of a hot day outdoors, they look like fried pork rinds. Baseball hats help your crown from getting scorched, but are insufficient in covering your ears.
3. What fries first? Ears, nose, shoulders, front of thighs just above the knees, and calves if you are walking around.
4. Stay Hydrated - stay away from sodas. The extra sodium can dehydrate you and wear you out! Stick with juices, non-sugar drinks, and water!
5. Going swimming? The most intense hours of the sun are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is when most of us want a cool dip in the water. If you are going to be in the water a long time, consider more practical swimwear: shirts and shorts. I'm not talking about t-shirts either. There are many swimshirts and boardshorts available that are fashionable. You'll get more protection from the sun, and you won't be constantly tugging your one-piece into place or making sure your bikini is staying in place!
I'll post more ideas as I think of them that will keep you in the sun without the sun damaging you!
Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
It seems like I have been waiting FOREVER for it to get here! Now that it is toasty, I'm ready for fall.
In the meantime, while you are cramming every minute with fun summertime activities, here are a few tips to keep your skin perfect during the summer months and avoid sunburns which eventually lead to premature wrinkles!
1. Wear your sunscreen! Did you know that it takes about 1/2 an hour after application for sunscreen to work? That means, if you squirt on sunscreen just before you head outside, you'll get a good half hour of sun damage before your sunscreen is effective. This alone gets many people into trouble.
How often to you hear others say that their sunscreen is "no good" and doesn't work? Now you know the reason why - user error and lack of info on when to apply sunscreen. Reapplying sunscreen is minimally effective unless the previous layer has been washed off (via swimming for 1-2 hours or showering, etc.).
Did you know that an SPF of 30 is as strong as you really need? Anything higher doesn't give you a proportional amount of extra protection. (maybe 1-4% extra protection - not very much). Be sure the sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays.
What provides the best protection is the amount you apply. If you are really stingy and barely cover your skin, your protection is significantly less. Be sure to apply an adequate amount the first time. Also, wearing lotion under your sunscreen is a no-no! Sunscreen has to be right on your skin to be perfectly effective.
2. Wear a well-ventilated broad brimmed hat. I especially love this one - how often do you forget to apply sunscreen to your ears? Withoug, at the end of a hot day outdoors, they look like fried pork rinds. Baseball hats help your crown from getting scorched, but are insufficient in covering your ears.
3. What fries first? Ears, nose, shoulders, front of thighs just above the knees, and calves if you are walking around.
4. Stay Hydrated - stay away from sodas. The extra sodium can dehydrate you and wear you out! Stick with juices, non-sugar drinks, and water!
5. Going swimming? The most intense hours of the sun are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is when most of us want a cool dip in the water. If you are going to be in the water a long time, consider more practical swimwear: shirts and shorts. I'm not talking about t-shirts either. There are many swimshirts and boardshorts available that are fashionable. You'll get more protection from the sun, and you won't be constantly tugging your one-piece into place or making sure your bikini is staying in place!
I'll post more ideas as I think of them that will keep you in the sun without the sun damaging you!
Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Too Much Makeup - Very Unflattering
I have an issue with how some ladies apply their makeup. I know I am not perfect, but I have always felt the following:
1) Less is best - unless you are in a formal gown at a night event - then go ahead and make your makeup as garish as the evening allows. Do the works: thick eyeliner, 3 coats of mascara, and loads of dark lipstick and eyeshadow!
2) Natural is better - especially for every day use. Makeup should enhance what you already have - not diminish it or make you look highly unnatural.
Here is a good key to go by: would people shrink back from horror when they sight you without your makeup? If so your colors are wrong, your makeup is on too thick, or....you could be one of those unfortunate women who have no features. You know...white eye lashes and eyebrows that need color to show others you actually have them.
I want to hand some ladies my business card with a gentle suggestion that they might want to update their cosmetic look. The one look that annoys me most is when fair skinned ladies use pale, metalic, colorless cosmetics on their face. This combo is really more flattering on ladies of color. To make a pale lady look more pale is just wrong.
The same goes for ladies of color: to add the same coloring that you already have is just wrong. You know, wearing bronze lipstick when your skin tone happens to be a beautiful bronze.
That's enough ranting for now. I'm thinking of compiling a cheat sheet of what color cosmetics look good on which skin tones. Mmmm - that's a thought.
Remember to Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
***
1) Less is best - unless you are in a formal gown at a night event - then go ahead and make your makeup as garish as the evening allows. Do the works: thick eyeliner, 3 coats of mascara, and loads of dark lipstick and eyeshadow!
2) Natural is better - especially for every day use. Makeup should enhance what you already have - not diminish it or make you look highly unnatural.
Here is a good key to go by: would people shrink back from horror when they sight you without your makeup? If so your colors are wrong, your makeup is on too thick, or....you could be one of those unfortunate women who have no features. You know...white eye lashes and eyebrows that need color to show others you actually have them.
I want to hand some ladies my business card with a gentle suggestion that they might want to update their cosmetic look. The one look that annoys me most is when fair skinned ladies use pale, metalic, colorless cosmetics on their face. This combo is really more flattering on ladies of color. To make a pale lady look more pale is just wrong.
The same goes for ladies of color: to add the same coloring that you already have is just wrong. You know, wearing bronze lipstick when your skin tone happens to be a beautiful bronze.
That's enough ranting for now. I'm thinking of compiling a cheat sheet of what color cosmetics look good on which skin tones. Mmmm - that's a thought.
Remember to Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
***
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Microdermabrasion - My Favorite Skin Care Product
Many of my clients have asked me what is my absolute favorite skin care product. Well, for this week, I would have to give a shout-out to MICRODERBABRASION!
"My beloved Skin Care, don't feel like I am betraying you. I love the gentle cleansing I receive from you each day, along with the age-fighting benefits and moisturizers, but I do admit that I grow bored of you sometimes."
I love how I can use Microdermabrasion at home, 1-2 times a week and feel like my skin is drastically rejuvinated. I love using it in the shower because it only takes me a minute, and the misting of the shower's water helps keep my face moist so as I don't run out of water as I rub in the exfoliating crystals (which is the biggest cause of getting too rough with your home microdermabrasion kit - hence, red irritated skin).
For those of you who are naughty and only use Microdermabrasion...Shame on you! Though your daily skin care routine might get to be redundant, it is still essential to a healthy, glowing look. It just sometimes lacks the "WOW" factor and punch that Microdermabrasion flamboyantly displays.
Now, granted, there is more you need to do to take care of your skin - so Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
"My beloved Skin Care, don't feel like I am betraying you. I love the gentle cleansing I receive from you each day, along with the age-fighting benefits and moisturizers, but I do admit that I grow bored of you sometimes."
I love how I can use Microdermabrasion at home, 1-2 times a week and feel like my skin is drastically rejuvinated. I love using it in the shower because it only takes me a minute, and the misting of the shower's water helps keep my face moist so as I don't run out of water as I rub in the exfoliating crystals (which is the biggest cause of getting too rough with your home microdermabrasion kit - hence, red irritated skin).
For those of you who are naughty and only use Microdermabrasion...Shame on you! Though your daily skin care routine might get to be redundant, it is still essential to a healthy, glowing look. It just sometimes lacks the "WOW" factor and punch that Microdermabrasion flamboyantly displays.
Now, granted, there is more you need to do to take care of your skin - so Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Top 5 Microdermabrasion Benefits
Microdermabrasion benefits have captivated many users, and may have even made them MDA addicts! If you haven’t ever tried microdermabrasion, it is probably because you don’t know what it is and what it can do for you. You can have it done professionally (at a spa or dermatologists office), or you can opt to use a home microdermabrasion kit.
Microdermabrasion usually consists of two steps. The first is the scrubbing crystals (aluminum oxide), the second is a replenishing serum designed to help restore nutrients and moisture to your skin.
In a nutshell, microdermabrasion sloughs off the very topmost, tough layer of skin. The theory is that as the top layer of skin is removed, the body thinks damage has been done and kicks in a response to replace that layer as quickly as possible, producing healthy skin cells to replace the ones just removed.
The results and best benefits of using microdermabrasion include:
1. Glowing skin – with that top layer of dull, toughened skin gone, the newer skin underneath is revealed, making your skin look fresher and more vibrant.
2. Soft skin – with the toughened layer of skin removed, moisturizers are more easily able to penetrate the skin, helping to soften it.
3. Reduced scarring – It has been shown that long-term, consistent use of microdermabrasion can reduce the signs of scarring caused by acne or other blemishes. It is theorized that the skin works overtime in speeding up healthy cells to the surface of the skin, removing blemishes over time.
4. Smoother skin – due to the scrubbing action of the aluminum oxide crystals, the bumpy texture on skin is smoothed out, helping to greatly eliminate rough skin.
5. Reduction of fine lines – again, the scrubbing action removes that top layer of skin, helping those fine lines disappear over time.
To learn more about microdermabrasion and other secrets to care for your skin, Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Microdermabrasion usually consists of two steps. The first is the scrubbing crystals (aluminum oxide), the second is a replenishing serum designed to help restore nutrients and moisture to your skin.
In a nutshell, microdermabrasion sloughs off the very topmost, tough layer of skin. The theory is that as the top layer of skin is removed, the body thinks damage has been done and kicks in a response to replace that layer as quickly as possible, producing healthy skin cells to replace the ones just removed.
The results and best benefits of using microdermabrasion include:
1. Glowing skin – with that top layer of dull, toughened skin gone, the newer skin underneath is revealed, making your skin look fresher and more vibrant.
2. Soft skin – with the toughened layer of skin removed, moisturizers are more easily able to penetrate the skin, helping to soften it.
3. Reduced scarring – It has been shown that long-term, consistent use of microdermabrasion can reduce the signs of scarring caused by acne or other blemishes. It is theorized that the skin works overtime in speeding up healthy cells to the surface of the skin, removing blemishes over time.
4. Smoother skin – due to the scrubbing action of the aluminum oxide crystals, the bumpy texture on skin is smoothed out, helping to greatly eliminate rough skin.
5. Reduction of fine lines – again, the scrubbing action removes that top layer of skin, helping those fine lines disappear over time.
To learn more about microdermabrasion and other secrets to care for your skin, Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Occasional Acne Outbreaks-What To Do
You’ve seen hundreds of commercials advertising acne products for those plagued with unsightly blemishes. But what if you’re one of those who have occasional acne outbreaks and those products are too strong for you to use? If you use those acne products designed for those with perpetual problems, you may find that it dries out your skin too much.
Here is an easy suggestion. It is necessary to use a good skin care program that contains a cleanser, exfoliator, freshener (toner), and moisturizer that is designed to work for your skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily). Then, use acne medication products as needed.
If you suffer from occasional acne outbreaks, use an acne treatment gel on the areas where you are prone to breakout. That way, your skin doesn’t get too dried out from using an acne product all over your face.
Look for these common ingredients found in over-the-counter acne creams or gels.
1. Benzoyl peroxide: is by far the most effective acne medication. It not only removes excess oil, but removes dead skin cells that can clog the pores. It comes in varying strengths of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. The higher the strength, the stronger it is and the more cautious you need to be when using it.
2. Salicylic acid comes in .5% to 2% strength. It actually slows the shedding of cells inside hair follicles, helping prevent pores from clogging.
3. Glycolic acid & Lactic acid (both alpha hydroxyl acids) remove dead skin cells and stimulate growth of new skin, helping reduce appearance of acne scars.
All acne medication can irritate the skin, dry it out, and may cause redness. When first using an acne product, start out slowly with the smallest amount possible. Your skin will become accustomed to the product more easily and may not react adversely. You can increase the dosage of medication over time and as needed.
To learn more about acne medication and other secrets to care for your skin, Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Here is an easy suggestion. It is necessary to use a good skin care program that contains a cleanser, exfoliator, freshener (toner), and moisturizer that is designed to work for your skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily). Then, use acne medication products as needed.
If you suffer from occasional acne outbreaks, use an acne treatment gel on the areas where you are prone to breakout. That way, your skin doesn’t get too dried out from using an acne product all over your face.
Look for these common ingredients found in over-the-counter acne creams or gels.
1. Benzoyl peroxide: is by far the most effective acne medication. It not only removes excess oil, but removes dead skin cells that can clog the pores. It comes in varying strengths of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. The higher the strength, the stronger it is and the more cautious you need to be when using it.
2. Salicylic acid comes in .5% to 2% strength. It actually slows the shedding of cells inside hair follicles, helping prevent pores from clogging.
3. Glycolic acid & Lactic acid (both alpha hydroxyl acids) remove dead skin cells and stimulate growth of new skin, helping reduce appearance of acne scars.
All acne medication can irritate the skin, dry it out, and may cause redness. When first using an acne product, start out slowly with the smallest amount possible. Your skin will become accustomed to the product more easily and may not react adversely. You can increase the dosage of medication over time and as needed.
To learn more about acne medication and other secrets to care for your skin, Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
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