Hands Are Beautiful Too

Sometime we may be too preoccupied taking care of our face that we forget to take care of other important parts of our body…The Hands.  How many times have you gone to your beauty salon and asked for a facial or skin care treatment, but forgotten about your hands?  Hands should receive the same kind of treatment that you give your face; – after all, one can tell a lot about a person’s age strictly by looking at their hands!  Our hands are made up of thin skin and without the proper care; they may become worn out, dry, cracked and wrinkled beyond belief.

Below are a few quick tips on how to care for your hands without breaking the bank.

Hand Care Tips 101

• Remember to put on some rubber gloves whenever you are doing any household work, using chemicals, gardening e.t.c.  When you expose your hands to too much soap, detergents, dirt, chemicals or water, your hands may become wrinkled and very rough.
• Try and moisturize your hands at least 3 to 4 times a day- especially immediately after washing them.  At least make a habit of using a good moisturizer with adequate moisturizing properties before you go to bed every night.  Think of it as remembering to brush your teeth each time before bed!
• Feel free to also use your face exfoliant on your hands or use bath salts.  This helps remove any dead skin cells as it smooths, nourishes and rejuvenates the skin on your hands.  Slather on some moisturizer right after you dry your hands.
• Try regular manicures (homemade/professional), this will keep your hands and nails in tip top condition.
• Drink a lot of water and get the adequate vitamins (especially vitamin A, C, E and B complex)
• Exercising regularly will help with blood flow to all areas of your body, including your hands…Plus you’ll get that healthy glow!
• If you have dry and flaky skin around your nails or hands, just massage a little Vaseline on your hands before bed. Wake up in the morning with baby soft hands!

Want to get softer hands at home, click here

Homemade Hand Scrub Recipe

A quick, easy-to-make homemade scrub for your hand will help. Here’s the recipe for a rejuvenating homemade hand scrub:

Homemade hand scrub recipe Ingredients

• White Oats- 1 tbsp.
• Honey-1 tsp.
• Water-½ cup
• Milk (refrigerated)-1 tbsp.

Preparing the hand scrub
put your water and oats in a Pyrex glass. Boil the mixture well until the water has evaporated completely (make sure not to burn the oats). ..Take out the boiled oats and put them in a glass bowl.  Add the milk and honey to the boiled oats and make sure to mix well.

Applying the hand scrub

• Clean hands with a mild soap.
• Dry your hands with a soft towel.
• Apply the mixture/hand scrub, evenly, over your hands
• Leave it on for 10 minutes to allow product to work.
• Wash your hands with lukewarm water.
• Dry your hands with a soft towel.
• Massage the moisturizer of your choice into your hands and fingers in a circular motion.

Using this homemade scrub two times a week you will see the best results.  The scrub contains oatmeal and honey, two important ingredients that work in order to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin on your hands.  Use this hand scrub regularly and you’ll see a difference in the appearance, softness and feel of your hands.

Note: Please do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

How To Apply Bronzer

A Big Bronzer Don’t = The orange colored look

When not applied correctly, bronzer can be a big makeup mistake! Yikes!

Bronzer is great for your skin, but only if applied correctly. It can give your skin a great sun-kissed glow, -even after you’ve applied sunscreen. Bronzer is also great for waking up tired, pale skin.

Here’s How to Properly Apply Bronzer:

Where Should You Apply Bronzer?

Bronzer looks best when applied lightly to all the spots where the sun naturally shines (the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin)

Don’t Use Too Dark A Shade!

Unless you want the ultimate orange glow of bronzer shame, avoid using a color that will overwhelm your skin tone. Always pick a shade that is no more than two shades darker than your skin.

Match Bronzer Type To Skin Type

Powder bronzer is more suitable for oily to normal skin. Always remember to use a blush brush or bronzer brush to apply bronzer, tap the excess bronzer off the brush before applying…or you risk going overboard with the color.

Gel or cream -based bronzers are more suitable for dry skin.  Always apply such bronzers using a finger or a sponge. Blend well to avoid any lines of demarcation.

Put on A Little Blush

Bronzer by itself can be dull, applying a cream or powder blush to your cheeks can liven up your entire look.

Combine bronzer and blush for gorgeous results! Makeup artist Bobbi Brown agrees that ” bronzer looks best on days you don’t wear a lot of foundation.”

How to Prepare Your Skin For The Camera

Perhaps you are taking pictures for a wedding, or you have a graduation or baby dedication pictures planned; -whatever the occasion, knowing how to prepare for the camera is essential if your pictures are to turn out right. Nobody likes to spend the extra time doing retakes! Outlined below are some important steps to take in making sure that your pictures turn out to be the best.

1. Start with a clean, moisturized face

The camera will highlight any patches of dry or oily skin. Apply your makeup primer a few seconds after your lotion has soaked in.

2. Apply a foundation primer

Makeup primer will even out the texture of your skin and help fill in fine lines, acne scars, or pores. Primer Allows the foundation to sit on top of your skin rather than sink in and clog pores. let the primer set for about 25 seconds before you apply any  foundation.

3. Use a non-SPF liquid or creme foundation.

When the camera flash goes off, SPF may give a white cast to your skin. Skip SPF foundation if you are having any pictures taken. Try “camera-friendly” foundations such as : Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Prescriptives Flawless Skin, and Chanel Teint Innocence.

4. Take extra time blending foundation around the hairline and jawline.

This will eliminate any unattractive line of demarcation that the camera is sure to pick up on.  Even if you aren’t having your picture taken, remember to  always blend foundation well.

5. Avoid  shimmery bronzers and blush.

Many shimmery powders do not fare well on camera. Use a matte bronzer instead, use one that is slightly darker than your skin tone. No one wants to look orange!

6. Use eye shadow base or primer & keep your eye shadow and eyeliner from smudging.

This is especially important if you are going to be shooting pictures outside in the heat or in a heavily lit camera studio. Eyeshadow and eyeliner can melt and smudge, leaving you looking like a raccoon… MAC Paints in a non-shimmery, neutral color like Bare Canvas is an excellent choice.

7. Avoid using pearlescent eye shadows.

Matte eye shadows photographs better on camera. Use shimmer sparingly: Applying a small amount of a champagne-colored eye shadow in the inner corner of each eye will translate into a beautiful glimmer as well as make your eyes look brighter and wider!

8. Keep the eye color shades fairly natural.

You want to enhance your eyes, not just show the color of your eye shadow. Bobbi Brown has matte eye shadows in awesome  neutral shades such as beige, soft brown, soft pink, and peachy colors that help in enhancing your eyes.

9. Use a bit more cheek color than you normally would, but choose a fleshy tone.

The effect you’re going for  is to enhance and brighten your face while balancing out the eyes and lips. Look for neutral and natural  soft pinks and peachy tones.

10. Line your lips with a lip liner that is the same color or abit lighter than your lipstick.

Define your lips, this means avoiding dark lines around a light center (this is the “Oreo Cookie lips”). Pick a lip color that will enhance and not overwhelm your face.  Avoid pale or nude-colored lips instead, choose something soft, bright, and medium in shade and depth.

Get Rid of Oily Skin; Your Makeup Will Last Longer

Flawless Foundation, is hard to resist!

The Benefits of Using Foundation Primer:

• Primer makes the skin ready for the application of foundation.

• It smooths out fine lines and wrinkles by lightly filling them in and creating a flat, even canvas.

• Primer  diminishes the appearance of large pores by coating them and filling in the uneven skin texture they produce in the skin.

• Primers helps to reduce shine  in oily and combination skin

• It keeps foundation, eyeshadow e.t.c  on the skin longer, lessening the need for touching up throughout the day. T

• Foundation primer also helps to absorb any excess oils this  reduces the shine that occurs in combination or oily skin types .

• For drier skin types, the silicones in primer help to trap moisture, keeping skin hydrated and smooth all day long.

• By using a foundation  primer  you will be able to significantly less  makeup or cover-up.

*Remember : Foundation makeup primer helps you achieve and maintain clear skin because it acts as a barrier between your foundation and skin, by preventing your foundation from being directly  absorbed  into your skin.

Oily Skin Benefits From Foundation Primer:

I have oily skin and it’s both a blessing and a curse. It’s good to have oily skin because it ages better than dry skin, but at the same time, it’s no fun when it comes to being more prone to breakouts and a shiny face (nobody finds a shiny face sexy!). It’s hard to maintain a fresh makeup look when your skin gets shiny 5 minutes after you’ve already applied your foundation and set it using a powder.

I was introduced to Bare Escentuals Prime Time Foundation Primer (Oil Control) by a good friend who also happens to be one of those friends that have every makeup product on earth! Although I do not wear foundation on a daily basis, when I do, I usually have a routine in place to ensure that my skin is taken care of first and foremost.

My Routine Before I apply Foundation:

1. Wash my face

2.Use Toner (to close the pores and remove pore clogging oil!)

3.Put on moisturizer

4. blot away excess with an oil blotting sheet

5. Put on Bare Escentuals Prime Time Foundation Primer (oil control)

6. Put on my foundation using a foundation brush

7. Set the foundation with clear powder

8. I am out the door!

Your foundation will last all day!

Acne Facts: Truth vs Myth

9 Most Common Acne Myths Exposed

MYTH #1: Tanning or Sun Exposure Can Cure Acne

Fact: A tan or any overexposure to sunlight can cause your skin to become darker, and perhaps temporarily conceal the redness fro;- acne. But once the tan fades, the acne will still remain.

Excessive tanning/sunbathing can also result in dry and irritated skin. Even worse, tanning and sunbathing can greatly increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. Using an oil free sunscreen with an SPF protection of at least 15 is very important.  Nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic  sunscreen is important for use with acne prone skin.

MYTH #2 : Fried Oily and Fatty Foods Can Cause Acne

Fact: No scientific evidence has been released with a direct connection of greasy foods and acne.  Regardless, such a myth may be helpful in encouraging more people to consume vegetables and fruits instead of less nutritious and fattening foods such as pizza and chocolate bars. It is important to note that certain foods can  worsen, but not cause, acne. Foods  that contain a high Calcium content (such as milk) or high Iodine content (seafood) are prime candidates in worsening acne.

MYTH #3: Acne is Primarily A Result of Poor Hygiene

Fact: Skin infections may be connected to acne .- But poor hygiene is in fact not the only cause in acne breakouts.  Acne occurs because your skin produces oil and that oil mixes with dead skin cells, thus pimples are born.

The mixing of oil and dead skin cells occurs under your skin’s  surface (where it is impossible to reach and clean!).  Gently washing your body and face with mild soap and water at least twice a day is the best way to reduce acne causing bacteria.

*If your daily beauty routine involves extreme & harsh or excessive washing and scrubbing, it can  worsen the condition of your skin.

MYTH #4: Makeup or Cosmetic Products Can Cause Acne

Fact: There is some legitimacy to this myth.  Some cosmetic products are not advisable because they can cause clogging and inflammation of the skin pores.

Nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic beauty products are recommended  to use even by those who already have acne. As a matter of fact, there are some cosmetic brands that contain acne-treating ingredients.

MYTH #5: Sex and Masturbation Can Result in Acne

Fact: As a sex hormone, testosterone,  can cause acne outbreaks, however, sex and masturbation has absolutely no relevance to the occurrence of acne. This is a 17th century myth, concocted in order to discourage young people from engaging in premarital sex.

MYTH #6: Acne is More Common Among Girls Than Boys

Fact: Wrong. As a matter of fact, acne is more common in boys than girls because of the dominance of male hormone androgen, as well as the presence of testosterone.

MYTH #7: The Best Way To Get Rid of Pimples is to Squeeze Them

Fact: Squeezing pimples, will only aggravate and further encourage the spread of bacteria.  Popping or squeezing the pimples can eventually lead to the scarring that can be permanent depending on severity.

MYTH # 8: Long Hair Can Make Acne Worse

Fact: The length of  your hair is not the issue.  As long as  hair is kept clean, it is not the length but neglecting to cleanse the hair which may aggravate the occurrence of acne.

MYTH # 9: Acne is Contagious.

Fact: False. Acne causing bacteria is buried deep beneath the skin and the skin  condition is never contagious.

Here’s to acne treatment and prevention!

How To Winterize Your Skin

Winter Skin Care Tips

Summer and fall may be over, but the fact is that your skin still needs the same great care regardless of seasons. You don’t have to spend a lot of money buying ultra expensive skin care products in order to keep your skin looking good in the harsh wintertime. As a matter of fact, great products can be used to winterize your skin straight from your nearby drugstore!

Pay attention to your hands:

The harsh winter weather can wreck havoc on your tender hands, besides your under eye, the skin around your hands is also thinner than skin found on other parts of your body. Your hands are delicate and using the proper moisturizer is essential to keep them looking their best.  Look for lotions with humectants, emollients and occlusives such as glycerin. Such ingredients can literally restore and change your skin’s moisture in order to promote new cell regeneration and heal dry cracked hands.

Look out for the kisser :

Your lips may start to feel a bit dry and rough especially in the winter, you can prevent this by drinking alot of water (remember 6-8 glasses atleast) as well as using a protective lip balm or salve to hydrate and protect the delicate and thin skin around your lips.

The Pick: Aveeno Lip balm SPF 15

Price: $3.99 (drugstores)

Winterize Your Face Products:

Your skin may be more oily in the summer than during winter time, switching a cleanser may be required to adjust to this change. Finding the proper balance is to buy a cleanser that doesn’t dry out your winter skin, but at the same time a cleanser that is able to wash off all your makeup while leaving your skin moisturized and non-irritated.

The Pick: Aveeno Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser

Price: $8.99 most drugstores carry it.

Keep Your Face Moisturized

A light moisturizer that won’t clog your pores, it also helps to treat dry, red, and irritated skin, also the feverfew in it  helps sooth redness, irritation, and inflammation. Perfect for winter days when the cold wind is on blast!

The Pick: Aveeno Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15

Price Tag: $16.79

Pay attention to you entire body

Your entire body is covered by your skin, pay attention to other areas of your body, they are just as equally as important. A moisturizer that prevents moisture loss and keeps your skin supple and hydrated is a MUST for winter skin!

The Pick: Vaseline Intensive Rescue Clinical Therapy Skin Protectant Body Lotion

Price Tag: $ 4.49

*Prices are by estimate and in USD, they do not include state tax
or currency rates.

Available Solutions for Scars and Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks & Scarring

If you happen to have certain injuries such as cuts or allergic skin reactions, there are specific  skin treatments like creams and lotions available to help with your situation.

Stretch Marks:

A safe and effective solution for stretch marks

For stretch marks, there are  specialize gels for it, as well as creams. A great product for stretch marks is Palmer’s  Cocoa Butter available at drugstores for a really low price, it moisturizes your skin and prevents stretch marks,- while the vitamin E in it helps any stretch marks you may have to fade away. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is also safe enough for use by pregnant women.

Scarring:

A drugstore remedy for post pimple marks!

For some minimal skin scars and other blemishes, some simple make over magic can be done by using a concealer. Just use a small make-up brush to dab concealer or foundation directly onto the blemished area.

Following these beauty tips, so you can transform yourself  and take care of problem skin and get rid of your scars and stretch marks! Improve the appearance of your skin without spending a fortune.  Glowing skin is possible, – even from home and the results will yield benefits for you in no time!

In extreme cases, you should always consult a dermatologist.

How to Hide Scars and Blemishes

Not all of us are born with perfect flawless head to toe skin. Having a perfectly smooth and even complexion every day of the month that complements a perfect smile is not always the case.

Some of us have marks, scars, or blemishes. Older women may start to see so called “imperfections” in the form of wrinkles and dull skin. However, the good news is that it is still possible to enhance and or take action to prevent your skin from any further damage, but only with the proper care.

This means making changes where needed. A change of habits or lifestyles for those who with hectic schedules can make a significant difference in your skin’s overall appearance. You are more prone to breakouts especially when anxious or stressed; minimizing stress and anxiety is also very important for healthy clear skin.

The Best Way to Hide Scars and Blemishes:

If you have minimal scars, post acne marks, and other blemishes, some simple make up techniques can be used to cover and conceal any spots or pigmentation.

Using a concealer brush, apply just a small pea sized amount on the concealer brush and apply to the area you need to conceal using light dabbing motions.

After you are done with the concealer, make sure to apply a setting powder for longer lasting hold (not too much powder, it will end up looking cakey).

You don’t need to spend tons of money on overly expensive products to look good!