Showing posts with label cosmetics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cosmetics. Show all posts

07 March 2012

Tips on how to Cure Adult Acne at any age | post 18

I don't know about you, but this harsh winter weather is not my skins best friend. Since moving to a colder climate, my skin has gone from "mostly under control" to "yikes!!". What is going on?! I am not a teenager going through puberty, so what gives?? Below are a few quick tips on how to beat blemishes in your 20's, 30's, and 40's.


In Your 20's


First and foremost, don't get discouraged if you start breaking out well after your teen years. "Regardless of age, there are several factors that can affect why a woman will suddenly begin to get acne," explains Houston-based dermatologist, Dr. Paul Friedman. "Genetics, exposure to bacteria, open hair follicles, and hormones are among them."

Younger women should start their attack on breakouts by opting for lightweight skin-care products, because their skin still produces a fair amount of natural oils. "I tell my patients to look for non-comedogenic gels, lotions, and serums that won't further clog pores," advises Friedman. "Also, you don't want to overdo it with harsh cleansers, so find a gentle wash to use daily."


DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser, $30; drugstore.com

For singular pimples, "I recommend that my younger patients use salicylic acid-based products, because this ingredient also serves to clean out pores," explains Friedman. We like this pen because, even though you should never pop a pimple, mistakes happen, and this gel-based solution will protect the wound from infection.


Clean & Clear Advantage Popped Pimple Relief Pen, $6.99; drugstore.com



In Your 30's


"As women in their 30s and 40s approach menopause, their menstrual cycles become less consistent, which can result in increased breakouts," says Friedman. For many, this type of hormone-related acne appears along the chin and jawline in the form of cystic nodules. "See your doctor if you experience this," notes Friedman. "The best cure might be taking low-dose birth control pills to regulate hormone activity."

Because slightly older skin doesn't heal as quickly as younger dermises (scarring, yikes!), go full throttle when you notice the occasional breakout, and try a three-step skin-care system that works to remove impurities while hydrating parched skin. We like this kit because it also helps reduce redness for sensitive skin-types.


Clinique Acne Solutions Clear SKin System, $32.50; nordstrom.com

Vitamin A derivatives, like Renova, don't just work to erase wrinkles. They help clear up acne, too (it all comes down to exfoliation in the end). "For women in their 20s and 30s, I prescribe Retin A or Tazorac to treat regular breakouts," explains Friedman. "Unless she's trying to conceive, or is pregnant. In that case these medications are not recommended."


In Your 40's


"The reality of aging is that our skin produces less oil and collagen over time," notes Friedman. "So, I recommend that my patients over 40 opt for more hydrating products to treat their acne, like creams." Since acne isn't just limited to the face, remember to moisturize from head to toe to prevent body breakouts, in addition to scaly patches.

While stress plays a role in the appearance acne, no matter your age, certain factors associated with the 40+ years can exacerbate breakout-prone skin even more. "I remind my older patients how much diet can play a role in how our skin looks, especially as women start to raise junk-food-happy teenagers," continues Friedman. Stick to a low-carb, low-dairy food plan, instead of munching on drive-through grabs, to score a more youthful glow around the clock.


Once you get to a certain age, it's more important to look at the concentration of active ingredients that you're using, than the product itself," adds Friedman. "Women who are predisposed to dry, sensitive skin should look for lower levels of actives, like two percent salicylic acid, when selecting spot treatments." We like this formula because it tightens pores (another telltale sign of aging) as it erases pesky pimples.


La Roche-Posay Effaclar K Daily Renovating Anti-Relapse Acne Treatment, $27.50; amazon.com


The information above was taken from www.realbeauty.com. Read more: Adult Acne Products and Cures - How to Treat Adult Acne - Realbeauty.com
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27 January 2012

7 Tricks to look fabulous in a hurry | post 13



Is anyone else psyched that December's over?

Don't get me wrong — in many ways, it is the most wonderful time of the year. It's just that after a month of shopping, over-indulging, and "family togetherness," I'm pooped. Even worse, I look pooped.

Since a rejuvenating vacation or trip to the spa isn't in the budget, I'm going to share with you a few tips and tricks to look bright eyed and energized. Of course, I now have no excuse for looking like a schlep...and, I'm afraid, neither do you!


Get your glow on

Self-tanner can be a hassle in the winter, but you can still get a flattering, youthful glow with a quick face and body scrub. Exfoliating gets rid of dull, dead skin cells and helps products like moisturizer penetrate more effectively.

Try an exfoliating cleanser, like OLAY Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser, $14, and use upward, circular motions. Then rinse, pat your skin dry with a towel and apply moisturizer immediately.




Chill your eye cream

This tip is particularly great after you wake up, whether it's first thing in the morning or after a nap. Keep your eye cream in the refrigerator, and apply whenever you need a little post sleep pick-me-up.


Lighten the load

Avoid caking on foundation and powder — they can settle into your wrinkles and make your skin look dry, dull, and tired. Instead, bring out more of your natural glow with a sheer, illuminating foundation or tinted moisturizer. (Try COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation, $7.)




Open your eyes

Trick everyone into believing you've gotten a good night's sleep with these three easy tips:

1. Groom your brows. Fill them in with light, quick strokes at a 45-degree angle with a sharp brow pencil. Then use a brow brush or clean toothbrush to sweep them up and into place.

2. Line your lower lids. A white or nude liner on the inner rim of your eye always does the trick. But if you're feeling particularly festive, try silver or gold.

3. Curl your lashes. It actually helps make your eyes look bigger. Don't forget to finish with a lengthening mascara.




Knock out dark circles

To detract from any fine lines, wrinkles, or discoloration around your eyes, dot and blend illuminating concealer just under the arch of your eyebrow and on the inner corner of each eye. You can also do this under the eye to help mask any dark circles.



Color yourself happy

If you have a lip-cheek stain in your makeup stash, use it! If not, all it takes is one product to put some joie de vivre back in your face: lipstick. Simply dab a peachy-pink or rose shade onto your lips and the apples of your cheeks (just be sure to blend well with your fingers). Try Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint, $24, or COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor, $5.99.




Twist away

No time to wash your hair? Take advantage of its lived-in state. First, give your roots a dose of dry shampoo to help soak up grease and boost body. Then, part your hair in the middle (no need to brush it). Starting above your ear, use both hands to gather and twist hair up and back like ropes toward the nape of your neck. Secure the roll with bobby pins placed in the "seam" along the way. Pin the ends in place and repeat on the other side. If your hair is long, gather it into a bun at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic and bobby pins. Then set with hairspray.





* Photos, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
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19 January 2012

The Finishing Touches | Post 09

Hi everyone it's Joyce!  For me, the finishing touch of any outfit is hair and make up. I'm just going to give a few tips that I've found over the years, will work best for daily maintenance.

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For hair:
*This is mainly for those with straight hair

Don't wash your hair everyday. This doesn't mean don't shower everyday, but you don't need to wash you hair on a daily basis. It's actually better for your hair if you don't. Your hair needs the oils it produces to keep it healthy. If you wash your hair daily you're stripping your hair of those oils and they will need to produce more of it faster.

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Use Styling Products. Since most of us probably don't like having damaged hair, you can use styling products when using a flat iron or curler so your efforts won't be wasted. Also, if you're using heat on your hair, like a flat iron, curling iron, or blow dryer, spray a heat protector in your hair first. This will help to give your hair more protection against the damaging heat. Find a styling product that's best for you. I personally like mousse since it's lighter weight and not as harsh as gel on my hair.  There are also sprays, oils, and wax that are available too.

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Make sure you're using the correct Shampoo and Conditioner. If you color your hair you should be using a shampoo and conditioner that is specially for dyed hair.  Even if just the ends are dyed! The reason being that these conditioners have added vitamins and nutrients made so your colored hair won't become brittle or damaged. Also, you should use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to avoid build-up in your hair. For those with damaged hair or women who are pregnant, use a product that is protein fortified. When your hair is damaged (split, brittle, dry) or when you're pregnant your hair is being stripped of its proteins so products that are protein fortified helps your hair to stay strong and healthy.

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Blow Dry Your Hair To Get Volume. If you're like me, you might have a hard time getting volume in your hair. One of the best tips that I got from my hairdresser was when my hair is wet, blow dry it. First, when blow drying your hair keep the nozzle 6 inches away from your hair so it won't be as damaging! Blow dry the top first and finish be flipping your hair over and blow dry the rest of it. Here's how to get volume though.... WAIT to flip your hair back over! If you want volume wait until the heat is gone from your hair to flip it back over! Style and go. Now, if you live somewhere more humid this volume might not last for long. You can check out {THIS VIDEO} on how to do rollers to add volume and style. What I do is after my shower, I blow dry each section and set each section with curlers. I'll let my hair cool while I apply my makeup and then take them down and my hair would be finished at the same time! This might take an extra 5-10 minutes depending on the length of your hair, but you'll have great volume and your hair will be done for the day without any more styling.

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Try to do something new. I like change and I find that the easiest thing for me to change is my hair. It could be something as simple as curling it one day or putting in a braid or a cute up do. But if you feel like you're in a rut, change it up!  If you are going to color you hair I recommend natural colors.  Also, when dressing up, have some fun and dress up your hair and make up too. You want your overall look to be cohesive and put together. There are great video tutorials out there that can help you with whatever look you want.  Just have fun with it!



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For makeup:
Moisturize! First and foremost you need to moisturize! This is something that I learned from my grandma who is in her late 80's but looks closer to late 50's, early 60's. If you take care of your skin then you don't have to wear as much make up.  I personally like a tinted moisturizer, especially during the summer time. Also, make sure to get a lotion with SPF in it. Nowadays, almost every brand has an SPF in it, so make sure to use it.  You're skin is important so take good care of it!  You should be able to find the perfect moisturizer for you skin type.  Also be sure to cleanse your face and wash off makeup completely after you're finished.  It's also important to keep your makeup utensils clean- change them out every 4-6 months.  You don't want any bacteria to start growing.

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You're a Natural Beauty. The point of make up is not to cover up but to enhance your own beautiful features!  Love what you were blessed with but if you're going to wear makeup don't spend a ton of time doing it.  I seriously take 5 minutes to do my own make up, if I'm trying to really dress it up then maybe ten.  Also, you have to find out what cosmetics works best for you. The main things most women need are concealer/foundation, eye liner, mascara, blush and a lip color. That's about it. Some people with really good skin might not even need the concealer/foundation or blush. It's up to you.  Taking 5 minutes to put on make up helps to enhance the features you have, not hide them!  It could be your eyes, cheek bones, lips.   Some easy tips to remember are to focus on one feature that you want to highlight.  If you do a dark color on your lips, go easy on the eyes.  When making your eyes the focus then go for a natural, lighter colored lip.

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Know your color. So this might just be my own pet peeve but I hate it when I see someone with an orange face but a white neck and body.  Really, the reason it bugs me so much is because it's such an easy fix!  Be sure to take a moment and step back to see if this is happening to you!  Many times this occurs in between seasons when you are getting darker in the summer or fairer in the winter.  Find a foundation and concealer that is as close to your skin color as possible.  There are so many different varieties to choose from too- minerals, creams, liquid, powders, even airbrushed foundation! Also, choose the rest of your color palette to blend in with your own natural tones. You don't want a blush that is too pink or red that will make you look like you have clown cheeks.  Remember that when dealing with make up... Less is More!

Want to play with makeup and hair but don't want to shell out the cash?  Check out this {LINK}.  For more specific tips on how to do certain make up applications, leave a comment and I'll get back to you in another post!

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Modest Makeup | post 08

Modesty, Noun
1.  freedom from conceit or vanity
2.  propriety in dress, speech, or conduct

Modesty.  Do you know what that is?  Well according to Merriam-Webster.com it is defined as freedom from conceit or vanity, propriety in dress, speech, or conduct.
Now what does propriety mean?  You can either click on this {link} for the literal definition, or summed up it can mean proper, decent, appropriate, polite or TRUE NATURE....

"God has given you one face and you make yourself another" - Hamlet

In a recent article on Yahoo.com, they shared a photo of a reality television star, Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi without ANY make up on.  Now Snooki is notoriously known for fake bake'n it up, layers of bronzer, fake eyelashes, radical hair colors, and tons of cosmetics applied to her face.  What do you think?  Better with or without make up?  In my opinion, she looks TONS better without-  she went from Oompa Loompa to Snow White! ;)  .....


Ever wonder why women start wearing make up in the first place?  It usually starts in your teens and doesn't end until you're very mature.  Teenage young ladies wanting to look more grown up, trying to fit in with peers, wanting to fix their 'flaws', or maybe trying to mimic a famous celeb's image, will start wearing cosmetics to 'make up' for lack of self confidence and individuality.  They can then form a life long habit and mind set believing that they ONLY look good with make up on.

In the article on Yahoo of Snooki wearing no makeup, nearly all the comments agreed that she looked much better without it, yet our society is constantly flashing advertisements giving ideations that we NEED make up to fit in and look good.  In this day it truly takes self mastery to NOT wear make up.

When I was a teenager, I used to perform in Hawai'i in front of tourists dancing hula and tahitian and we were told to wear heavy make up and false lashes because the bright lights would wash out our features.  I'm pretty sure this is the same thing many celebs and models need to do since they are constantly in front of cameras and bright lights.  Now that I'm older I don't wear heavy makeup and occasionally wear light make up for special outings, occasions and usually for church.  I don't always feel confident with out any make up on {I'm no Angelina Jolie} but do think that when you are wearing make up casually, then it should be JUST to enhance the features that you have and not let them get hidden by wearing too much.  You should not look completely different when you do or don't wear make up.  Embrace who you are and the beauty that you have.


To the brave and confident women who don't ever wear any makeup I applaud you.  To those who do, I suggest to keeping it natural and modest.  You don't want to look like someone else when all that makeup comes off.  You are probably very gorgeous if not MORE without any on!  Don't be fooled by celebrities or cosmetics ads.  No one is flawless!  If you do end up going heavy on the makeup then I wold recommend only for VERY special occasions.  Buy cosmetics in natural shades and tones.  Try to stay away from all those very tempting colors- greens, reds, purple, orange, blue {unless you know how to use them}.  Hope this article helps you to reflect on how you do your makeup, how much makeup you put on, if it's modest, and why you do.  Remember that you were created in the image of God and as my husband likes to say, "if it isn't broken don't fix it!" 
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