Foundation Questions Are Answered!

December 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

What are ways to find the right foundation for specific skin types?

For dry skin, you will want a moisturizing liquid foundation that has a slight dewy texture as to add a healthy glow. Additionally, products with SPF will help to nourish and protect your skin from the drying effects of the sun. For greasy skin, choose to use a powder that naturally soaks up oil and has a matte texture that is meant specifically for oily skin and use non-oil based liquids to cover blemishes. For those with combination skin, use an oil-free cream foundation all over to create an even look and then apply a translucent powder to those areas with a little extra shine.

How do I prevent my foundation from sliding off when I sweat?

To prevent your foundation from streaking on those hot days, look for products that do not contain wax, emollients or oil that will melt and slide about. Instead, sport foundation that has silicone, an ingredient that holds up well against heat and liquid. Another avenue is to choose tinted moisturizers, as it is absorbed by the skin and, because the pigmentation is faint, any unevenness or streaking will be less noticeable. Consider carrying around blotting sheets, a handy tool that quickly absorbs oil from the skin’s surface. Furthermore, avoid substances that make you sweat, like caffeine and nicotine.

What is the most effective way to apply liquid foundation?

Foundation is generally applied three different ways – with a finger, brush or sponge. Each present their own benefits so there is no singular winner, but rather elements that address individual preferences. Applying foundation with a finger heats the product which allows for easier blending and more controlled application. On the other hand, a brush enables a more even look. Sponges are ideal for those who want a lighter layer as the sponge absorbs much of the foundation and allows for lighter usage.

How to Best Use Both Foundation and Concealers?

When using both foundation and concealer, it is best to use products from the same brand so they can seamlessly mix with one another. Additionally, match consistencies with one another so they easily blend – powder should be joined by powder, liquid with liquid, etc. Though this is not a set rule, generally speaking, concealer should be applied after foundation. Furthermore, slect a shade of cover-up that is slightly lighter than your skin tone as most blemishes are darker in tone.

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Keep Your Dyed Hair Healthy & Shiny

December 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Idhren at Flickr

Hair dye can add verve and shine to your look, and allow you to play with your style and perhaps even express your personality. However, there is no denying that it can also give your locks a dry, dull look, especially as the color fades. There is no need to anguish over this reality as there are certain steps you can take to maintain a full head of healthy curls.

  • Avoid washing your hair until at least 48 hours after your dye, as this provides your strands the necessary time to build up natural, protective oils. Even after this initial period, it is unnecessary to wash your hair every day. Even after the two days, avoid shampoos that have “clarifying” properties or get rid of dandruff, as these are especially harsh. As important as it is to find conditioners and washes that cater to preserving color, the true culprit is the water itself. As the dye strips away the protective oils, it makes hair more susceptible and the water easily rinses out the color molecules. To minimize this, elect to use warm water instead of that of a hotter temperature, as heat weakens the strands’ hold on the hue. Dry shampoo is a great tool to extend the time between wetting your tresses.
  • Diminish heat damage in its many forms. If you have the time to spare, let your tresses air dry until they’re only slightly damp and then use a blow dryer to finish the job and style your look. Additionally, consider applying products that help to insulate your cuticles from the otherwise blistering temperature of hot tools. On days with plenty of direct sun, either wear a covering or applying protective sprays with SPF (and always wear a swimming cap when swimming as chlorine is a dye job’s worse nightmare). Plus, there are plenty of leave-in conditioners and masks that will help to seal in moisture.
  • Finally, choosing the right shade can help to maintain your hair’s natural shine. When you drastically deviate away from your natural color, it can really do a number on your particles, especially when bleach is involved. One alternative to consider is to choose demi-permanent color as it utilizes less chemicals.
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Heal and Replenish Chapped Lips

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Dropping temperatures mixed with harsh winds and falling snow can wreak havoc on your skin and especially areas that are consistently exposed and sensitive, like your lips. The common result of this is chapping; below are a few measures you can take to main healthy, kissable lips through the cold months ahead.

As tempting as it is to moisten your lips with saliva, limit licking your lips as the water evaporates and actually makes lips dryer than they even were before.  Instead, drink plenty of water to keep the body naturally hydrated.

Help seal in moisture by applying lip balm or even lipstick. To best nourish your smile, look for products with natural ingredients like the oil from almonds or eucalyptus or mango butter that help to provide thicker protection from the air. Be aware that, even though you may be cold, your lips are still vulnerable to sunburn during the winter so protect this sensitive area with products that contain SPF protection. Additionally, shield your mouth from the elements by wearing a scarf when entering cold weather.

Just like exfoliating your skin helps to clear away dead cells, your lips can benefit from a similar treatment. Using a dry toothbrush (perhaps a different one than you use on your teeth), softly rub the bristles in a circular motion over the surface of your lips to brush away the top, dry surface so the new, soft skin can breath. Nighttime is a great time to replenish your lips from the tribulations of the day, and there are plenty of products that are designed to work specifically as you sleep; adding a humidifier to moisten the air is also effective. Switching up your bathing routine so you brush your teeth before you wash your face can do wonders – tooth paste has a drying aspect that easily chaps lips.

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Hollywood’s Hottest – From Short to Tall

December 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

There’s no denying that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and it evidently comes in all heights too! Check out the length of these famous celebrity beauties.

Surprised at Drew Barrymore’s petite size or how very tall the tennis players are? Shocked that you tower over some celebrities and are child-size compared to others? Sound off in our comment section!

 

 

 

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How to Shellac Nail Polish, Step-by-Step

December 7, 2012 By 1 Comment

Tired of having to retouch your nails on a daily basis? Shellacking your nails might be the way to go, as the paint will last for up to a month (though it is recommended that it be redone ever fourteen days. Below, we detail a step-by-step guide to properly shellacking your nails.

Step 1

You will first remove the old shellac nail polish.  You will need to soak a small piece of cotton in pure acetone nail polish remover then gently wrap the nail in a small piece of aluminum foil.  Let it set for 3-5 minutes.

Step 2

Once the shellac starts to lift, you will use an orange wood stick to scrap the old shellac off of the nail.  Once the nail is clean of the old shellac, you will lightly buff the nail.

Step 3

You will do a manicure, but without the water. The shellac will not stick well to wet nail beds.   Start with filing the nails to your desired shape and size.

Step 4

For this step, you will apply the cuticle cream to all of your nails. Then, push back and trim the cuticles and buff the nails.

Step 5

Much like hair and skin, nails can get oily, so you will want to use Alcohol to remove any oil from the nail bed.  It is important to get into all the corners and edges of the nail.

Step 6

You are finally ready to apply the Shellac base coat.  Coat the nail thinly, making sure to get the free edge (the tip) of the nail.  When the Shellac is applied, cure each hand under the UV light for 10 seconds.

Step 7

Now you will apply two coats of the color of your choosing.  After the first coat is applied you need to cure it under the UV light for two minutes. Then apply the second coat and place your nails under the UV light for another two minutes.

Step 8  

Once the first and second coats are applied and cured, you will then apply the third and final coat. Make sure to get all edges and corners of the nail to ensure a clean look.

Step 9  

When the polish on all nails is cured, you will want to wipe each nail with a nail wipe dampened in alcohol.  This will remove the sticky residue that the Shellac sometimes leaves.

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