Friday, March 30, 2007

Facial Mask Treatment

Masks are an every once in a while beauty treat. You don’t really need to use mask, but they sure feel good. Mask work to exfoliate dead skin cells and deep clean pores, to give a smoother texture and a healthy glow. It really is a simple step. If you have ten minutes twice a week you can add this treatment to your skin-care program. You will definitely see and feel a difference in your skin.
This product, also known as a beauty pack or facial pack, is called a facial mask because when it is applied it covers the entire face, stays on for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and then is removed. This type of product has been formulated with occlusive (gelatinuous or filmlike) substances (eg: kaolin, allantoin) that will help hold the product securely to the surface of the skin. This substance in the masks helps to prevent the air from reaching the skin which in turn increases the absorption of the active ingredients into the stratum corneum.
Selecting the Correct Facial Masks:
There are many excellent facial masks available, but which one is right for you? The following information will help guide you to the mask that is appropriate for your skin.
Dry Skin Mask: Dry skin will benefit from a creamy, moisturizing mask. It should be nondrying, which means it should stay soft and not harden on the skin. The ingredients should include natural oils, essential fatty acids, or essential oils.
Oily Skin Mask: If you have oily skin the mask you select should tighten and become hard to the touch after approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The tightening and drying action of this product will help to absorb excess oils, temporarily counteract enlarged pores, and will give smooth appearance. The ingre­dients should include clay (kaolin), oat flour, or oatmeal.
Dull Skin Mask: If you have dull skin the mask you select should consist of active ingredients that have a stimulating effect on the skin. The consistency of the mask could be either a cream or gel base.

Makeup Storage Tips

If you keep makeup too long it can affect the quality and color of the product as ingredients age and as oils from your fingers and face mix with the cosmetics. It can also allow bacteria or fungi to grow and cause infections, most commonly of the eye or lip. Your makeup tools—brushes, sponges, applicators— can also become filled with makeup and oils, interfering with clean makeup appli­cation and creating another breeding ground for bacteria. To keep your makeup fresh and clean, get in the habit of taking these steps:

  1. Change all eye makeup (liner, shadows, mascara) every three to six months. Liq­uid products should be tossed every three months.
  2. Change other makeup (foundation, powder, concealer )every twelve months.
  3. Change all lip makeup (lipstick, lipliner, lipgloss) every twelve months
  4. Stop using lipstick, lip liner, gloss, and balm if you develop a cold sore or fever blister. Replace the products if you accidentally use them during an infection.
  5. Wash makeup tools every two weeks in mild soap and warm water. Air-dry.
  6. Replace makeup sponges once a month.
  7. Store all makeup products in a dry, cool environment. Keep products tightly closed.


Product How long to keep
Foundation 1 year
Liquid foundation 6 months-1 year
Powder 1-2 years
Blush 1-2 years
Eye liner 3-6 months
Liquid Eye Liner 3 months
Mascara 3 months
Eye Shadow year
Lipstick 1 year

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Makeup Removal

If you don't completely remove your makeup daily, it can attract dirt, clog pores, and cause breakouts. Women who use water-based products may be able to remove all of the makeup with the same cleanser used on the face in the morning. However, oil-based makeup used on dry or combination skin will need to be removed with a makeup removal product.
Makeup removers are formulated for skin type. Once you've selected one for your skin, apply the product according to instructions. You may need to leave it on your skin for several minutes to give it time to dissolve the cosmetics. Use tissue or cotton balls to gently wipe away the residue. If makeup does not come off, you may need to apply additional remover or switch to a more effective product. Women with sensitive skin should avoid products containing irritants such as alcohol and fra­grance.
Take extra care when you remove your eye makeup or apply eye-care products because the skin around the eyes is extremely thin. When removing your eye makeup, use 100 percent cotton eye pad. Moisten it with water then split it in half and dispense a small amount of cleanser or fragrance free eye makeup remover onto the eye pad. Next, gently apply the cotton to the eye area, hold it in place for a moment, and then sweep it over the skin. Use very little pressure. Repeat this action until the eye area is free of makeup.
Pencil and powder eyeliner or eyebrow makeup will be easier to remove than liquid prod­ucts. (If you wear contact lenses, look for eye makeup labeled "for contact-lens wearers" to avoid irritation.) Your choice of makeup formulas depends, of course, on personal preference, but consider the time you're willing to devote to makeup removal before you buy.

Makeup Allergies

You may use a makeup product too much. Something in it does not agree with your skin. Occasionally, makeup ingredients can trigger allergic reactions. These reactions most commonly occur on the upper and lower eyelids from eye makeup such as eyeliner and mascara because of the preservatives these products contain. Don't share eye products, which could spread infection. If you already have an eye infection or eyelid inflammation avoids eye makeup.
Signs you may have a makeup allergy may also include a rash, swelling, or excessive wrinkling of the skin around the eyes. Also, you may develop a sudden breakout on the skin or a rash around the lips (owing to dye in some lipsticks). If you notice a reaction, stop using the product immediately. Take an antihistamine to relieve symptoms if the reaction persists. If reactions continue no matter what product you use, sched­ule an appointment with a dermatologist or an allergist. The physician can admin­ister an allergy patch test to determine what specific ingredient your skin may be reacting to. One way to avoid potential triggers of allergic reaction is to patch-test the product on your skin before use. If you are allergic to your mascara, you might try applying a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to lashes for a fuller, thicker appearance.

Makeup Tips

To create a polished look for all days, follow these steps after you've washed your face and applied moisturizer (for dry or combination skin) or toner (oily skin) and sunscreen:
  1. Apply concealer (one shade lighter than your natural skin tone) to blotchy or darker areas of the face (such as the under-eye area) using fingers or a makeup sponge to camouflage discolorations.
  2. Apply foundation (the same color as your skin) by dotting it all over the face and blending evenly with a makeup sponge to create a smooth, even complexion.
  3. Dust a layer of translucent powder (or pressed powder the same color as your foundation) over the face with a makeup brush or powder puff to set foun­dation.
  4. Apply eye shadows, eyeliner, and/or mascara to accent your eyes. An eyebrow pencil is used to fill in empty sections of brow or to extend them. Before applying any eye makeup, make sure your brows are groomed. Eye shadow is used to add color and definition to the eyes. Mascara is a product used to coat and define eyelashes.
  5. Blush is used to add color and definition to cheeks. Apply blush just below cheekbones with a makeup brush or sponge.
  6. Apply lip liner and two coats of lipstick for the finishing touch. Lip liner is used to prevent lipstick from seeping into fine lines around mouth and also help reshape lip line if needed. Lipstick used to adds color, evens out lips, and even help change the shape of your lips depending on application

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Lip makeup

With lip liners, lipsticks, and gloss you have the tools to create a lovely mouth that can speak volumes.
Lipliner: Lipliners do two things: They prevent lipstick from seeping into fine lines around mouth and also help reshape lipline if needed. The product is very similar to lipstick, but in a waxier formulation. Choose a liner that matches your lipstick color; outline the shape of your mouth with the pencil. You can change the shape of an imperfect pout by patting foundation around your lip lines and draw­ing a line inside or outside the natural line to create the illusion of evenness. Lipliner can also be used in place of lipstick for a more natural look.
Lipstick: Lipstick adds color, evens out lips, and even help change the shape of your lips depending on application. It is the most important makeup product. Lipsticks come in an array of shades and three general formulations: matte (nonshiny), semi-matte (subtle shine), and cream or moisturizing (glossy shine). Matte shades tend to give a more dramatic, movie-star appearance to the face, but they can be drying to the lips. Semi-matte and moisturizing lipsticks give a softer appearance to lips. Apply your lipstick, preferably with a lip brush, right over the softened lip line, being careful not to go outside your lip lines. Blot with tissue and reapply. You shouldn’t see the line at all you’re finished.
Lip Gloss: Used alone or in combination with liner and lipstick, lip gloss adds shine and softness to the lips. Many women these days use gloss alone in nude or neutral shades for a low-maintenance look. If your lips are frequently dry, cracked, or peeling owing to cold weather or drying matte lipsticks, add a vaseline to your routine. Apply a vaseline or lip balm before applying lip liner and lipstick to protect lips from the elements. In the summer, apply an SPF 15 lip balm. Also use chapstick at nighttime to prevent your dry, cracked lips while you are asleep.

Blushing Beauty

Blush is used to add color and definition to cheeks. It comes in powder, liquid, and cream form. Powder offers the easiest application and most natural look. Before selecting a blush, make sure it is made for your skin type.
Powder blushers suit oily complexions best because their matte finish won't contribute to shine. You might even investigate oil-free blushers.
The matte finish of a powder blusher is exactly what you don't need if you have drier or more mature skin, however. So choose a cream blusher: Its dewy finish will play down lines and wrinkles.
Cream-powder blushers combine the pliability of a cream with the brush-on ease of a powder and suit any skin type—even mature and oily complexions can wear them.
Remember that color belongs on the high point of your cheek­bones. To find this point, smile broadly, then find the top of the swell with your fingers.
To apply cream blusher: Place a dime-size dot of blusher on each cheek with your fingertip or a cosmetic sponge and blend until you can't see where the blusher begins or ends. If you've applied too much color, gently wipe away the excess with a cosmetic sponge.
To apply powder blusher: Use a round brush just about the width of your cheeks. Touch the bristles of your brush to the cake and tap off excess color. Then apply lightly, blending with light, feathery strokes until you've softened any lines of demarcation. Dust translucent powder over your cheeks to tone down too-bright color.

Eye Makeup

To accent your eyes, you can use eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara as well as eyebrow makeup.
Eye Brows: An eyebrow pencil is used to fill in empty sections of brow or to extend them. Before applying any eye makeup, make sure your brows are groomed. If you have thick brows or excess hair between them, consider getting a professional wax or in­vest in a good tweezer, but be careful not to over pluck. Long-term overplucking may result in the hair never growing back, which can be a problem if you wish to change the shape of your brows or if you decide on a fuller look. If you have very thin brows, do not attempt to "draw" in a straight or arched brow line; this looks very artificial. Instead, after grooming your brows with an eyebrow comb, brush on light strokes of eyebrow pencil or eye shadow that match the color of your hair to add depth and color.
Eye Shadows: Eye shadow is used to add color and definition to the eyes. It comes in a variety of powder, pencil and cream formats.
As with other cosmetics, however you’ll want to choose your eye shadow with your skin type in mind. De-emphasize dry skin by using creamy shadows, which will glide rather than drag across your lids. If your skin tends to be oily, choose powdered shadows, which are less likely to slip or streak if your face gets shiny.
Eye shadow should always be applied with a sponge-tip applicator, makeup wedge, or an eye-shadow brush. Sponge-tip applicators will apply the heaviest coating of shadow, brushes the lightest. (Eye shadow should be applied before eyeliner and mascara).
Eye Liner: Eyeliner is only for those with very steady hands. It is used to line the eyes to create definition. It comes in both liquid, pencil, and cake forms, none of which is particularly easy to use. You’ll have the most control and a more natural look with a pencil liner. For a more dramatic look, try a liquid liner applied with a moistened makeup brush.
Mascara: The final step in eye makeup application is the mascara. Mascara is a product used to coat and define eyelashes. Before applying mascara, you may want to curl your lashes with a lash curler, but this may not be necessary for everyday makeup. Then sweep the mascara wand along the length of your lashes, allow to dry, and apply a second coat if necessary. If the mas­cara clumps, use an eyelash comb to separate lashes and remove excess makeup. If you wear contact lenses or if your eyes are sensitive, don’t wear mascaras with added fibers.

Powder Perfect

Powder is an important step to enhancing your natural beauty. It enables you to enhance your foundation, get more complete coverage, give more polish to your look, and make makeup last longer. You can also use powder in a com­pact to touch up your complexion throughout the day. Powder is well worth the in­vestment. The key to your selection is, again, skin type. Face powder, which comes in loose, finely milled powder, or pressed forms. Loose power sets makeup and gives it a polished finish, while the heavier pressed powder soaks up oily shine or sub­stitutes for foundation.
For oily skin: Select a loose powder that is formulated to absorb oil. Pressed pow­ders may clog pores.
For normal/combination skin: Use a loose or pressed powder. If you have T-zone skin, select a non oily moisturizing product.
For dry skin: Your best bet is a moisturizing pressed or loose powder.
For sensitive skin: Buy a hypoallergenic loose powder for your skin type.
For hyper pigmenting skin: Select a powder for your skin type whether it is oily, dry, or normal skin. Opt for pigmented powder if your dark marks are not fully cam­ouflaged by foundation.
For Mature skin : A lightly frosted or low-pearl powder, applied to the high point of the cheeks with an oversize fluffy brush.
Powders may be translucent or pigmented to match the color of your foun­dation. For many women, translucent powder will suffice. You may want to use a pigmented powder if you have skin discolorations or unevenness that are still visi­ble; make sure, however, that the powder hue truly blends in and is not too orange or red.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Foundation Facts

Foundation is used to even out skin tone and give your face a smooth appearance. Choosing the correct color is crucial, so be sure to test a product before you buy it. When selecting foundation, test the color on the skin of your entire face and not just along your jawline. Don't test it on the back of your hand because this skin is a differ­ent color and texture from facial skin. To do this, have the makeup consultant apply the foundation to your entire face, and take a good look at your skin in natural light. If the foundation blends in and disappears, thus appearing natural, it's the right color. A too-light foundation may make your skin look ashen. Take a closer look to make sure the foundation's undertone is not too red, orange, or yellow. If the color does not match, keep trying other shades, either from that line of cos­metics or from an altogether different line, until you find the one that most closely approximates your skin tone.
The next step is to make sure you've chosen a foundation for your skin type. This is important because the wrong type can make the skin look dull or too shiny—or worse, like you're wearing a mask. Foundations come in different forms—liquid, cream, cream-to-powder, and stick, matte and moisturizing formu­las. If you have acne, you'll need a light oil-free foundation that doesn't clog your pores and trigger a breakout. Avoid oil-based products, such as those often found in compacts, and opt for nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic products instead. Whatever your skin type, you may need to switch products when the seasons change or if you move to a dry climate.
For oily skin. Look for oil-free or water-based foundations, or a foundation and powder in one compact. Matte or semi-matte formulas will look best on your skin. If you have very oily skin, don't forget to use a toner before applying any makeup and blot oily areas during the day with tissue.
For normal /combination skin. A water-based foundation should suit your needs. If you have T-zone skin and your cheeks become especially dry, experiment with water-and-oil combination products. Semi-matte formulas will look best.
For dry skin. Opt for moisturizing foundations that contain some amount of oil or a combination of oil and water—but only if you are not acne-prone. These often come in cream or liquid form. For acne-prone skin, oil-free foundation is still best. Just apply a moisturizer before applying your foundation.
For sensitive skin. As always, choose hypoallergenic products that are free of poten­tial irritants. A light, water-based foundation should do.
For hyperpigmenting skin. Since this skin type is prone to the development of dark marks, camouflaging the marks with foundation is essential. A foundation stick should suit your needs.

Mastering Makeup

To get a polished look you use concealer, foundation, powder, lipstick, and perhaps mascara. For a more striking appearance, you may want to add eye­liner, eye shadow, lip liner, and blush.
Concealer Clues
The purpose of concealer is to conceal or camouflage darker areas of the face (such as the under-eye area) and blemished or blotchy spots. The color of your concealer should be a shade lighter than your foundation—that is, a shade lighter than your natural skin tone. After cleansing, moisturizing (if needed), and applying sunscreen to your face, dot concealer in your trouble spots. Use a light touch—too much concealer can give your complexion an uneven, cakey look. You can use a damp makeup sponge or your fingers to blend in. Don't rush the blend­ing process—take your time to get the right, even-toned look.
Dark circles are unsightly, annoying- and surprisingly easy to cover, once you find the right concealer. The right product is usually the creamiest, because the skin under the eyes is often dry. “It’s not a good idea to apply a hard stick concealer directly to the under eye area-the skin is much too delicate,” so before using stick concealer, softening it up first with your fingertip.
Brighten up- not whiten up-your dark circles with these easy step-by-step instructions.
Prep for your concealer. If the skin under eye area is dry, pat on a light eye cream to keep your concealer from appearing cakey or thick.
Apply foundation. Foundation hides dark circles to some degree and helps concealer glide on more smoothly than concealer alone.
Measure out your concealer. Using your index finger, pat a pea-size creamy concealer, under each eye.
Start covering up. Dab the concealer from the inner corner of your eye outward, using your index finger to pat it into place. Use as little concealer as possible around your eyes; the product will sink into few lines after a few hours.
Check your work. Stand back from the mirror. If you can still see dark circles, pat on a tiny more concealer.
Finish up with powder. Using a very small, narrow makeup brush, dust on translucent powder to set the concealer.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Daily Skin Care Routine

There are many different types of special treatments you can use for the many situations your skin may encounter. But it is important to have a focal point: cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin. This fun­damental part of your skin-care routine is performed on a daily basis in the morning and in the evening. Everyday triggers such as sunlight, scratches, pimples, or even rashes can prompt the overproduction or underproduction of melanin, causing dark or light discolorations. To avoid the discolorations, you must treat your skin with great care.
Cleanse : To remove dirt, excess oil, perspiration, and makeup, most women of color should cleanse the face twice a day. The tools you select for washing are impor­tant. Think gentle. First, choose a mild, nonirritating cleanser. Avoid cleansers that contain abrasive granules for exfoliation. These harsh particles don't clean out pores and they can aggravate and irritate the skin, causing redness, or worse, darkening of the skin or hyper pigmentation. If you have acne, scrubbing with the granules can actually dramatically worsen an acne outbreak.
Pull your hair back with the headband. Splash your face with tepid water and apply your cleanser evenly across the underside of your fingertips. Massage with an upward movement, working in a gentle, yet firm circular movement. Begin at the throat and work your way up to the cheeks, across the T-zone, and finish with the forehead and temples. Splash with cool to tepid water to rinse your face.
Tone: Apply an acid-containing solution to restore the pH balance and protective shield. For dry skin, use a mild fresh­ener-toner. For oily skin, use an astringent preparation. Alternative: Instead of using a freshener, you can splash your face with plenty of water.
Moisturize and Protect: While your skin is still moist immediately after applying your freshener, alcohol-free astrin­gent, or water, apply your daytime moisturizer using a gentle patting and smoothing motion. (If you have extra-dry skin, apply a rich night cream in the evening.) Begin at your chin and work your way along the nose to the outer cheeks then up to the temples and fore­head.

Moisturizers

Moisturizers protect your skin’s top layer, the stratum corneum, by holding in water and smoothing surface dryness. They also prepare your skin for makeup, which glides on more easily and looks prettier on a smooth complexion. But most important, moisturizers make the skin on your face are more supple skin hides its fine lines better.
Choosing the right moisturizer is to keeping skin smooth while not clogging the pores. Moisturizers come in a variety of types, including ones that are oil-based, water-based, oil-free, and vitamin-enriched. To choose the best moisturizer for you, you’ll need to consider your skin type and seasonal change.
While moisturizers can’t get rid of wrinkles, you can buy products formulated with ingredients thought to discourage them. Moisturizers formulated with alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs), mild acids derived from natural substances like fruit and milk, appear to make skin look smoother and brighter, while products that contain certain vitamins called antioxidants are thought-but not proven-to fight age related skin damage caused by free radicals.
But the best wrinkle-deterring moisturizer ingredient containing sunscreen, which guards you skin against photo damage.
For Oily Skin: women with oily skin can typically forgo a moisturizer unless your skin gets dry in winter. In that case, opt for an oil-free moisturizer that hydrates the skin.
For Dry Skin: Moisturize two or three times a day, depending on your needs and your skin on a given day. During winder, use rich cream or lotion designed for dry skin and during summer, use water based lotion or creams.
For Combination Skin: Apply a water-based lotion once or twice a day to the dry areas of the skin only. You will not need to apply the moisturizer to the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin).
For Sensitive Skin: Follow the guide for oily, dry, combination skin, but choose your moisturizer carefully. A water-based formula may be best. Avoid ingredients that can irritate your skin, such as alcohol, lanolin, retinol, vitamin A or fragrance.
For Normal Skin: Apply a water based moisturizer once a day.

Toners

Toners are the second step in the cleansing process. They help the cleanser remove dirt, dead skin cells, and cleanser residue. Also, a toner helps prepare the skin to receive the moisturizer.
There is a new generation of astringents, fresheners, and ton­ers, and it is hard to keep track of the action of each product. So always read labels carefully to make sure the product is safe for your skin type. Years ago astringents (developed for an oily skin type) were associated with high alcohol content and designed to dry up and reduce excess oils. Today most manufacturers have either reduced or completely removed alcohol from the formulations and have replaced it with gentle botanicals that achieve the same results without being harsh on the skin.
Toners can also minimize shine. How do you know whether or not you need to include a toner in your daily routine? If your skin tends to remain oily even after washing, or if your T-zone (forehead and nose) gets very oily, particularly in summer months, you may want to experiment with a toning product to see if it removes oil without irritation. After the application of a toner, your skin should feel smooth, soft, and invigorated.
Toners do not permanently reduce the size of enlarged pores. But the removal of excess oils and proper deep cleansing can temporarily give your skin a more refined-looking appearance.
Oily to Normal skin
Alcohol-free toner
Make sure it contains oil-reducing botanicals
Normal to Dry skin
Alcohol-free toner
Toner use on dry skin can be counterproductive unless the toner formulation is gentle and enriched with emollients or natural plant oils.
Sensitive Skin
Avoid artificial fragrance and alcohol toners.

Cleanser For All Skin

Selecting the wrong cleanser can throw off the delicate balance of your skin. Always read the label and focus on a cleanser for your particular skin type. Normal, oily, and dry skin each need a differ­ent type of formulation. Here are a few tips to make your cleanser selection a little easier.
Oily Skin Cleanser: Water-based and some­times oil-free. You may select cleansers containing glycerin, alphahydroxy acids, or betahydroxy acids. Gel cleansers are extremely efficient. They rinse well and leave virtually no residue. Dermatologists like to recommend gel (oil-free) cleansers to their oily-skinned patients for this reason.
Dry Skin Cleanser: Water-based lotion and cream cleansers use milder cleansing agents and also have a higher amount of skin-softening oils than the gel cleansers do. Your skin won't tighten after cleansing. Rinse easily.
Normal Skin Cleanser: Wash your face with a neutral (not made for a particular skin type) soap or cleanser (such as Neutrogena for normal skin).Rinse with water.
Extremely Dry Skin Cleanser: Water-based rich cream cleansers have a skin-softening effect on irritated, parched, dry complexions. If just washing your face is an irritating experience, then rich emollients in this type of cleanser will soothe your extra-dry skin. But, if you use this type of formulation, you must rinse and then rinse. Cream cleansers like to linger on the skin. You will need to use smooth sponge to help you completely remove all the product from your face. And if you were considering using a tissue to remove cleanser, forget about it. Tissues irritate dry your skin.
Combination Skin Cleanser: You can probably use a cleanser formulated for normal or oily skin if you’re shiny across your forehead, nose and chin (known as the T-zone). But if you want your very own cleanser, try a cleanser made specifically for combination skin.
Sensitive Skin Cleanser: You can probably use a cleanser formulated for sensitive skin. You may select cleansers containing Hypo allergenic, fragrance free, preservative free, alcohol free and lanolin free.