A trend that isn't dying (would it really be a "trend", then? hmmmmmm...) is a very sheer, natural look. Here are my tips on how to reduce the amount of makeup you wear, or if you are really daing, how to go "without" makeup.
How to Go Without Makeup
Concentrate on your skin care. The best way to go without makeup is if you've been taking great care of your skin, so you can show it off. If you're feeling confident about your skin you're going to feel good about going without makeup as well.
Get a great cleanser, a very gentle exfoliant and a moisturizer with SPF. Most of the anti-aging creams out there are too rich for a woman under the age 35. If you still feel like you need anti-aging products, incorporate it; but, just like with makeup, less is more. You do not have to spend a lot, but don't go "bottom of the barrel" either. Read the ingredients. I really like The MD Formulations cleanser, or for a natural alternative, try Alba Botanica or Juice Beauty. Your cleanser should have glycolic acid in it, which helps to exfoliate the dead skin, and keep you looking young.
Keep your hair and nails looking good so you don't look unkempt, even though you're not wearing makeup. Consider getting a manicure or get a blowout that you can wear for most of the week.
Have your lip balm handy. If your lips look healthy and moisturized, you won't look scraggly. I really like Burt's Bees.
If you must have something on your face, try a tinted moisturizer with SPF. Aubrey Organics makes a great one. They offer moisture, a small amount of coverage and sunscreen -- makeup or no makeup, you should wear sunscreen everyday. And keep it natural.....you don't want a lot of chemicals on your skin.
How to Go With Less Makeup
First, conceal and correct. Makeup artists love Christopher Drummond Beauty concealer. Just a little bit covers blemishes fabulously. Plus, it's 100% natural, with no preservatives or concealers...it's GREAT for your skin, and lasts all day!
Swipe on some mascara. Maybelline Great Lash is a wonderful choice, or try a curling formula.
Apply a bit of a multi-tasking product -- a palette or stick you can use on your cheeks, lips, even your eyes for a touch of color. A quick application will give you a slight amount of polish and a little glow. Try Saude Pele Radiance Booster. It is amazing to give your skin a radiant glow, while at the same time, it's great for your skin by being all natural. One color works on everyone, and it works all over the face.
Dump the dozens of products you're toting around and replace them with two essentials: a great powder (Like
Finale Finishing Powder. It reduces redness with arrowroot, is soothing and balances the skin while keeping it hydrated. Also use a superior lip balm, like Sally Hansen's Healing Butter for Lips or Smith's Rosebud Salve.
Great Blogs I Love
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Lemon Juice For the Skin
I've been getting a lot of questions about lemon juice for the skin. A lot of people are confused, and wanting to know if it really helps to make the skin more radiant and beautiful. The answer is YES!
You can use lemon juice both topically (as a cleanser/toner) and drink it to clear up your skin. Here's how it works: Lemon Juice contains acids that will 1) exfoliate the dead skin cells and break down sebum (blackheads). 2) It is a natural antibacterial agent. 3) It lightens up dark spots 4) It has vitamin C, which stimulates collagen.
When you drink it, you may think it is too acidic. Actually citrus (lime and orange, too) turn alkaline in the body, thus promoting a better environment to help fight acne internally. It is not proven, but highly thought (even in Chinese Medicine) that having too much acid in the blood will make acne flare ups worse, and "fuel the fire". Lemon juice turns the opposite of acid in the body, and regulates the acidity.
You can also go to Acne.org to see reviews of how acne worked for people who tried it. It received very good reviews.
You can use lemon juice both topically (as a cleanser/toner) and drink it to clear up your skin. Here's how it works: Lemon Juice contains acids that will 1) exfoliate the dead skin cells and break down sebum (blackheads). 2) It is a natural antibacterial agent. 3) It lightens up dark spots 4) It has vitamin C, which stimulates collagen.
When you drink it, you may think it is too acidic. Actually citrus (lime and orange, too) turn alkaline in the body, thus promoting a better environment to help fight acne internally. It is not proven, but highly thought (even in Chinese Medicine) that having too much acid in the blood will make acne flare ups worse, and "fuel the fire". Lemon juice turns the opposite of acid in the body, and regulates the acidity.
You can also go to Acne.org to see reviews of how acne worked for people who tried it. It received very good reviews.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Skincare on a Budget
Americans spend $8 billion a year on cosmetics, but according to new research, you may not need all those pricey creams and cleansers.
Dermatologists say you don't need pricey products to have sensational skin.
Dermatologists and researchers say that people can take great care of their faces using less expensive brands commonly found at the drugstore. Here are some tips to get great skin and not break the bank:
Don't Overwork Your Skin or Your Budget
Some dermatologists are putting their patients on a "cosmetics restriction diet." If you are totally happy with what you're doing and not overworking your skin or your budget, then you don't have to change. This diet is for people who may be using too many products and overworking their skin in the process. Don't forget to use glycolic acid!!!! Juice Beauty. They have organic skincare that is glycolic-based. They also have a great acne line that is organic!!!!!
Your Daily Regimen
Every day, you should be cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and regenerating and you can do that with just a few products. For example, you can moisturize and protect with the Neutrogena Healthy Skin SPF 15. Add rejuvenation by using Neutrogena Healthy Skin SPF 15 Anti-Wrinkle. Or, try Alba Botanica's products. They are natural based, and a great price. Also, don't forget a healthy foundatin like Veludo Velvet Foundation. It is 100% natural, non-irritating, and great for your skin.
Lancome Paris Renergie vs. Olay Regenerist Products
Both Lancome Paris Renergie ($88) and Olay Regenerist ($19) are highly rated. Because of the price difference, Olay Regenerist is the better option.
La Prairie Cellular Cream, Eucerin Redness Relief and Vaseline Intensive Care
Eucerin ($14.99) works well for reducing redness. Similarly, Vasaline (less than $5) is a good moisturizer; Vasaline Intensive Therapy or Intensive Moisture Lotion also work well. In comparison, La Prairie Cellular Cream can cost up to $195. Or, for a natural choice, Alba Botanica has a great body lotion that is all natural. It can be found in your local drug store. Cost is around $9.
Stretch Marks: Strivectiv-SD vs. Cocoa Butter
Strivectiv-SD Intensive Concentrate ($135) has been lauded for its use on reducing the appearance of existing stretch marks. As an alternative, cocoa butter (under $5) also works really well for moisturizing and reducing stretch marks. I LOVE Cocoa butter--it's an amazing product: cheap, effective, with a nice chocolate smell.
Read the Label
To tell if a cheaper product will be just as good as the more expensive brand, read the label. Ingredients largely determine a product's quality. Don't buy a product just for the brand. EXPENSIVE DOESN'T MEAN IT'S GOOD!!!!!!!!!!
If you have any questions about ingredients, email me!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Makeup/Skincare Trends for 2009
I have always hated the "Year in review" that everybody does. I mean, we were there when it happened, do you have to remind us, like we've totally FORGOTTEN the past year????????
That being said, I'm looking forward to 2009, and posting the top ten beauty ingredients that you will be fawning over:
Pierce Mattie PR has unveiled its predictions for the top 10 beauty ingredients set to hit the big time in 2009.
The public relations firm said the trend for natural cosmetics would evolve over the year ahead with the emphasis turning to ingredients that offer targeted benefits.
Fruits feature highly
Blueberry, for example, is expected to find its way into more and more skin care products on account of the vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and fatty acids that it contains.
Also in the list are acai (which we use in our Saude Pele Radiance Booster), goji berries, acerola and baobab. They all have specific properties that make them suitable for different cosmetic applications.
For example, acerola is packed with vitamin C and is expected to turn up mostly in skin care products that target redness and inflammation.
Fruits are not the only foods tipped to make a big impact in cosmetics next year. The Indian spice turmeric is moving from curry to cosmetics where its medicinal properties make it suitable for several applications including hair care, sunscreen and anti-acne.
Argan oil is another biggie, and has already become a popular anti-aging ingredient. Also, Myrrh, a resin that is expected to gain in popularity as Ayurveda takes off in the US.
Rise of cosmeceutical ingredients
The growing popularity of cosmeceutical products is also set to influence ingredient trends going into 2009.
One of the science-rich ingredients is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, which the firm said would be marketed as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures. Probiotics are also expected to become more than just a buzzword and take their place in clinical like products.
That being said, I'm looking forward to 2009, and posting the top ten beauty ingredients that you will be fawning over:
Pierce Mattie PR has unveiled its predictions for the top 10 beauty ingredients set to hit the big time in 2009.
The public relations firm said the trend for natural cosmetics would evolve over the year ahead with the emphasis turning to ingredients that offer targeted benefits.
Fruits feature highly
Blueberry, for example, is expected to find its way into more and more skin care products on account of the vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and fatty acids that it contains.
Also in the list are acai (which we use in our Saude Pele Radiance Booster), goji berries, acerola and baobab. They all have specific properties that make them suitable for different cosmetic applications.
For example, acerola is packed with vitamin C and is expected to turn up mostly in skin care products that target redness and inflammation.
Fruits are not the only foods tipped to make a big impact in cosmetics next year. The Indian spice turmeric is moving from curry to cosmetics where its medicinal properties make it suitable for several applications including hair care, sunscreen and anti-acne.
Argan oil is another biggie, and has already become a popular anti-aging ingredient. Also, Myrrh, a resin that is expected to gain in popularity as Ayurveda takes off in the US.
Rise of cosmeceutical ingredients
The growing popularity of cosmeceutical products is also set to influence ingredient trends going into 2009.
One of the science-rich ingredients is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, which the firm said would be marketed as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures. Probiotics are also expected to become more than just a buzzword and take their place in clinical like products.
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