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How to Safely Remove Makeup

Posted by admin on Mar 30, 2013 in Make Up | 0 comments

How to Safely Remove Makeup

You should know this by now, but it really is not safe to go to bed with makeup on. From the moment you put on your makeup and head out the door, you could be exposed to many harmful factors. Gladly, the sun protection and foundation help to protect your skin, however, all the microscopic debris and dirt also tend to penetrate the pores and stay there if not cleansed properly. This could lead to irritation of the skin and unwanted breakouts which could make or destroy your overall appearance, especially when you need to make an impression on important days.

Eye Makeup

Eye makeup could be one of the stubborn products to remove. Because mascara types these days are formulated to stay on for hours, it could also be one of the toughest and the last to leave your face. Getting rid of it before going to bed is important as well as eye shadow to at least keep sagging heavy lids at bay. You have to keep the skin in this area clean and fresh. You have to make sure you get everything off! That includes mascara, eye shadow, and eyeliner. It may take some time but it is important for you to take it all off. With the use of a cotton swab that has been dampened with pure and natural oil, you can reach into hard to reach places and remove your remaining makeup.

You have to be careful when you decide to wear waterproof eye makeup. It is much more difficult to remove compared to ordinary makeup and could damage the thin protective film of your eyelids if not removed properly. Use your facial cleanser, lather between your hands and apply on your eyelids while massaging. This could help you to remove the makeup and relieve your eyes.

You should also follow up with a soothing, cleansing substance such as pure sunflower oil to help moisturize your eye area and help soothe it. This works well before you go to bed so you know that it has done its maximum effect while you were asleep, you can wake up feeling like a queen.

Lip Colour

Some lip colour may dry the lips, and chapped lips are not a very good condition to be in. The lip tissue needs constant moisturization, and if not done well, or if you used the wrong products, you will have flaky lips as a result. You can use a good, clean tissue cloth to wipe away your lipstick, especially if you are fond of layering your lipstick and lip gloss. As for this section of your face, you could easily rub off your lips with some moisturizing power of good old honey.

You might want to follow up with an old fashioned, but tried and tested regimen of sugar scrub to help get rid of the old lip tissue and to reveal a smoother layer of tissue for your lips that is healthier. Be sure to scrub all parts, even the sides to get it even. You can also add a soothing, non-tinted lip balm which contains peppermint to have a cooling effect on your lips, and you will feel guilt-free every time you reach for it and swipe.

Do not forget to leave some protective layer of lip balm with SPF to at least help protect from discoloration due to overexposure from the sun’s rays. It is best to be safe before you step out and carry on with your activities.

Makeup Remover

There are homemade recipes for makeup removers, and there are others which you can get that are readily available in body care product stores. You can use a soft cloth or cotton balls to absorb your makeup remover and use it to remove your concealer, foundation, blush, and everything else you have applied and layered on your face and neck.

You can also steam your pores by pouring hot water in a basin. You should be able to keep your hair away from your face with the help of a headband or hair tie. You can do this for five minutes and just let the steam open up your pores. You can feel it with a calming, soothing effect that could help the cleansing.

You can follow up with a very gentle or mild cleanser. Simply remember that your face has been covered in makeup all day, and to safely remove makeup can let your skin breathe, and liberate your pores. Unless you have oily skin, you can skip your toner because otherwise it will strip your skin of its natural oils.

Lastly, you can splash some cool water on your face for a refreshing feel and lightly pat while drying with a clean, soft towel. You have to remember that some fibres on the towel you are using can be too rough on your skin.

After all the removing is done, you can go to bed and end the day with clear, makeup free skin and you can worry less about breakouts later on.

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How to Care For Your Makeup Brushes

Posted by admin on Mar 15, 2013 in Make Up | 0 comments

How to Care For Your Makeup Brushes

Makeup lovers around the globe unite when it comes to knowing how to care for your makeup brushes. Your skin needs to have clean brushes all the time, and the life of your brushes can be extended if you regularly clean them and handle with care. Here are some helpful tips for you to maintain the cleanliness and maximize the use of your brushes.

What You Need To Keep Your Skin Free From

You first have to know what you are keeping your skin free from. Keep in mind that your brushes regularly carry old makeup in the bristles, bacteria, dust and dirt, as well as oil from your skin. It also makes a difference where you store your brushes. These factors are not applicable only to sensitive skin, but also make or break your overall look. It just might be the only influencing factor from clear skin to makeup covered, blotchy skin.

You have to be aware of the brushes in your bristles carrying bacteria from the environment, especially from where you store them. So you need to store your brushes in a dry, cool place that is free from moist, dust and other debris that can damage your makeup brushes. If your vanity is situated someplace near, such as directly below or beside a room where your renovation is being done, it is best to find them a separate place of storage or display, together with your other makeup, tools and essentials.

You can always invest in a cheap but practical and very versatile brush holder. A simple desk organizer could work, and it can hold more than just your brushes, but your lipsticks and other makeup in tubes as well. You can make a choice between a desk organizer that has a simple design from plastic, metal and stainless steel. Be sure to choose one that is easy to clean and one that is durable, which will not break after a few bumps and falls, even from bruises.

Keep them smelling clean. This means your brushes are free from that icky, gross mildew-smell. Here are a couple of ideas for you to remember when storing your brushes. You should dry your brushes flat or with the bristles down. If you are using a makeup brush cleaning solution, or mild shampoo, the bristles should be down. This is done to avoid the water to seep in the handle that holds the glue and bristles. Never, never blow dry your makeup brushes. This could cause damage to the bristles hair and the over exposure to extreme heat could be bad for your brushes.

Are Brush Guards a Good Idea?

More and more brush guards are making their selves known in shops, boutiques, online shops and more outlets. Just as makeup have gained recognition through their branding, brush guards are fast becoming a hit as an essential in every makeup lover’s stash.

Brush guards are a complete brush cleaning kit which contains sleeves or soft shape retainers that can keep dirt, dust and other debris away from your brush’s bristles. The sleeves are made from durable, versatile material and can help store brushes and retain the bristle’s shape especially if you are preparing for travel and cannot live without your makeup brushes. Brush guard kits contain a gentle shampoo, a variety of brush sleeves for every type of brush, a soft textured bamboo cloth and a ventilated tin case for better and faster drying.

Regular Cleaning Does the Trick

For those who are content with materials and supplies which can be found around the house, there are a few useful things which can be put to good use. If you have brush cleaner solutions within reach, you can always use them. You have to read brush cleaner instructions on the label. There are many other methods and vary depending on the concentration of the solution. If you don’t have any brush cleaner solutions available, you can always use a gentle shampoo. Organic ones can also work, and you can avoid stronger scents and stick with fresh scents.

Gently wash your brushes in the shampoo and clean water solution. Make sure the water is lukewarm; do not use boiling hot water. This will be enough to get rid of oils and other left over substances on the bristles. Rinse very well before you lift them up to dry.

You can use a clean, dry cloth to lay the brushes on. Choose a spot that is far from direct sunlight, away from dust sources and you leave them to dry. Reshape them while they are a little wet so there won’t be any bristles that go awry.

When storing your brushes, keep them in a straight position. You can use a makeup bag or brush bag to store them in.

By regularly caring and cleaning your brushes, you can extend the life and use of you brushes instead of having to shell out money regularly when you can keep the current ones in good shape.

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Are Makeup Sets Worth The Splurge?

Posted by admin on Mar 7, 2013 in Make Up | 0 comments

Are Makeup Sets Worth The Splurge

There are many makeup brands out there that need to expose their brand, and the best way to do so is to offer a one stop package that includes all the works. Most of the time, makeup sets can cost, and it is more often a splurge than a steal. Are makeup sets worth the splurge? Would you be willing to buy an all-in one kit from a brand that is just starting out and has decided to put in different shades of makeup that might not be a good tone for your skin? It all seems too good to be true that you seem to be getting value for an important buy.

But first, take a step back and see what it is you are spending your money on. Are makeup sets really what you should be going for?

What Makeup Sets Consist Of

Makeup sets are all over the place, in department stores, boutiques, beauty bars, even online shops. There are different types and sizes of makeup sets which come in super sleek compacts, and can carry all your makeup needs in smaller sizes, as well as train cases which can carry all the shades and colours of makeup you can dare to bring with you.

Who could not resist makeup sets? At this point, there must be many different types of makeup sets which could carry pressed powder foundations, powder blush, eye shadow, concealer, eye liner, mascara, bronzer and lip colour. These could be a handheld compact complete set, or the ultimate train case which are heavily endorsed by makeup artists and stylists.

Compacts are a bestselling item when it comes to makeup sets. It all depends on what you are going for, NYX has a popular eye palette that could range from thirty five colours to as much as seventy eight. Benefit usually has a makeup set that is designed to be a vanity all in one, where you can have a small blush, lip colour, eye colour, bronzer or a small and convenient foundation and mascara. Sometimes, extra applicators and brushes also accompany the sets to make it a one stop, instant makeover kit.

The prices for smaller compacts begin at $10 and could go as much as $64 and up. The traincase makeup sets which are for professional makeup artists begin from $49 for the basic ones to the fully equipped trolley priced at $200.

If You Are Hesitant to Splurge…

… There are various ways to save while still getting the makeup set of your choice. Most makeup users would choose to buy makeup components separately. With twenty to fifty shades of eyeshadow, is there an assurance and a definite answer that you will be using all of them? Most palettes have a certain range of hues which could be what you could picture yourself using that is limited to only eight or ten shades.

If you do not see the need to use all thirty to fifty shades, then it might be wiser to buy your makeup products separately. You have to check before purchasing if the palettes and other makeup in the set match your skin tone.

If the set comes with many different shades of lipstick or glosses and you know you cannot really use and consume all of them, alone or combined, then it is probably not worth the splurge.

You need to check on the expiration dates, makeup sets have a tendency to last for a long time, especially if you do not frequently use them.

Damaged Palettes

You can always get cheaper makeup in thrift stores. Some friends might be selling and posting in Ebay or Facebook damaged palettes that are unopened. Except for a few cracks, it is as good as the brand new ones and you can get the same value at a cheaper price.

Customized Palettes

Most beauty companies offer you the chance to customize your palettes. You can be in contact with beauty representatives from companies like Mary Kay and you can get compact makeup sets with the palettes and products which you know is suitable for your skin tone and you will be able to use, which could prove to be a good investment for you too.

Buy Only What You Need

The next choice you have is to buy only what you need. You have to be honest with yourself here if you really see yourself using your makeup set loyally, or if you will be using the lip gloss or the blush. If not, you can always buy the full sized version and forget about the whole makeup set altogether.

Just like anything, makeup sets can be either a splurge or investment, depending on how you use it. Remember that it is better to save your money and put it into practical use instead of wasting it on something you know you would not really be using that often anyway.

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Is It OK To Wear Replica Makeup?

Posted by admin on Feb 25, 2013 in Make Up | 0 comments

Is It OK To Wear Replica Makeup?

Magazines, online shops and blogs have all been talking about replica makeup. What brands have replica makeup? The count includes MAC, Revlon, Benefit, even Max Factor. These big names in cosmetics have replicas in the market. There are different types and forms of replica, offering big savings, but what is the difference? Read on to learn more.

What Is Replica Makeup?

You could see them everywhere, and they are being sold at a much cheaper price. Replica makeup are “fakes”, Class A or knock-offs of the genuine makeup. It is what most makeup artists will consider as counterfeit makeup. A jar of glitter eye shadow can easily be labelled as MAC, Revlon or any of the high-end, more expensive versions of the makeup or cosmetics you are usually purchasing in boutiques or signature stores.

Replica makeup comes in many forms, just as you would for your favourite makeup brands. You can find replica makeup such as lipstick, eyeliner, lip gloss, blush and all sorts of makeup available in the market. you will actually be surprised at first, because they have the similar packaging, stamps, trademarks as that of the genuine thing. More and more makeup brands are being replicated these days, and it would take a closer look if you are not careful.

The knock-offs are cheaper and many people claim that they are factory overruns. Counterfeiting is when someone imitates or tries to sell an item, in this case it is cosmetics or makeup, and try to pass them off as authentic- sometimes claiming that they should be bought or sold at the same price, and make a profit off your hard-earned money.

What Is the Difference?

Replica makeup has similar packaging as that of the genuine makeup. You will be surprised how these replicas can show off and imitate the same packaging to a T. Even the labels can be treated as authentic, and-you are going to love this-even the price.

High end replica makeup resellers will indicate that they come from countries like Canada. You should be wary of these items, especially when buying online, you can’t see the products with your own eyes and you rely on what the pictures show you.

If you see your favourite makeup brands being sold way below the original price for which you are used to, even below the sale price as expected, it is time to be alert and ask as many questions as much as you can. If the seller mentions any of the terms overrun, replica or knock-off, even Singapore authentic, you have to step back.

They pigments and colours may be similar at first glance, and you will be convinced that you are getting such great value for you money. It is best to try out first what you are considering to buy. You will notice that for powders, blushes and similar foundations there are rough, coarser grains. You should be able to observe upon application if the powder applies evenly. For mascaras and liners, the liquid should not blot, the brushes should be fine. The lipsticks, if they are indeed made of genuine, high-end makeup ingredients, should have good spreadability and high pigmentation. The packaging can also be off, like in the Naked Urban Decay palette for eye colour, the velvet is rougher and the less finer text for the fake one, the colours are too light, there is lesser concentration on the pigments and they easily wear off.

If these come off in a few hours, or even minutes after application, then you are looking at possible replicas.

Is It Safe?

One thing to check for if replica makeup is for you and you want to save money because they usually are at a bargain price is the effect on your skin. If you have sensitive skin and you immediately react to cheaper ingredients used to manufacture these cosmetics, then it is better for you to stick to authentic ones if you can afford it.

Think first, which one would you rather risk, your money or your health. There are other cheaper brands out there than can give you satisfactory colour and safer mineral colour that follow certain standards which are being sold in department stores and in the mall.

Always remember that there are smarter, cheaper and safer alternatives when it comes to cosmetics and other similar makeups that will not harm your health. The next time you are faced with the choice of having to buy knock-offs or replicas, you can always have the option of choosing a safer, cheaper brand. Do not sacrifice your health. You can always brag about your signature makeup or authentic cosmetics brand but not about replicas.

The next time you hear the words replica, Class A, knock-off, overruns or Singapore authentic, be careful. This just might save your health.

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How to Apply Mineral Makeup and Care For Your Skin

Posted by admin on Feb 21, 2013 in Make Up, Skin Care | 0 comments

How to Apply Mineral Makeup and Care For Your Skin

Mineral makeup has earned recognition among many avid makeup users and all throughout the cosmetics industry. In fact, it has become a standard when it comes to healthy makeup. From foundation, concealer, blush and lipstick, mineral makeup has offered an alternative, sometimes cheaper way to apply makeup. Read on to know the difference between mineral and commercial makeup, how to apply mineral makeup and how to choose the right shades based on your skin tone.

What’s The Difference between Mineral and Commercial Makeup?

Is mineral makeup really safer to use? Let’s take a look at the ingredients used, shall we?

The common ingredients used to manufacture mineral makeup include earth minerals such as zinc oxide, mica and titanium oxide. Because mineral makeup does not use common irritants and synthetic additives like talc, synthetic fragrances, commercial dyes and preservatives, it is gentler for use on the skin.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also non-comedogenic, and is frequently mixed with rice bran oil which offers moisturizing properties and sun protection.

Mineral makeup is excellent for sensitive, sun-exposed or acne-prone skin.

Many women are attracted to mineral makeup because it is said to be healthier on the skin. It is the pure formulations-which are commonly plant or earth mineral derived- which is proved safer for makeup users who have acne-prone or sensitive skin. It also has a glowing effect and natural barely-there look. The loose powders might be messier to apply if not careful, it is advised to use a good quality brush when applying mineral makeup.

Other brands of mineral makeup might have relatively shorter shelf life compared to commercial makeup, however this accounts for the natural, fresh ingredients used and the absence of preservatives which can do long-term damage to the skin.

Commercial makeup brands, however, use paraben, an industrial based ingredient that is too tough on the skin. Talc is also a common ingredient used on commercial brand makeup which is linked to tumor in the ovaries and some certain cancers. Commercial brand makeups also use synthetic dyes and artificial fragrances.

How Do You Apply Mineral Makeup?

Now that you have decided to try out mineral makeup, here is a helpful step-by-step guide on how to apply on your face using your new set of makeup. Remember to regularly clean your brushes and keep them organized.

Always start with a clean face. Cleanse using a gentle facial wash.
Focus on the T-zone area and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry.
If you have a toner, apply using a soft cotton ball. Having a skin care routine is good for your skin especially if your skin type is oily-combination or acne-prone.
Apply moisturizer and allow 5-10 minutes for skin to absorb it completely.
If you have a concealer, use one shade lighter than your foundation. Apply concealer with a brush starting from inner corner of your eye, working outward, you may use your fingers to gently blend on your skin for a more natural look.
For your foundation, use a brush and apply in a circular motion to buff in your foundation. Apply in layers until you have reached your desired shade.
Now that it is time for blush, using a blush, smile and start at the apples of your cheeks. Glide your blush along your cheekbones towards your hairline.
Sculp your eyebrows using your favorite eyebrow pencil.
Brush and curl your eyelashes before applying mascara. One or two coats of mascara will do.
Applying eyeliner to the top of your lid helps make an impression of bigger eyes.
Start by applying eye color on the inner part of your eye.
For your setting powder, use a brush for precise application and lightly dab all over your face.
Setting powder minimizes the appearance of fine lines and apply using a clean brush.
Apply mineral lipstick for added natural color, you can also layer using
Retouch when needed.

How to Base on Skin Tones

Your skin tone is based on the undertone of your skin. Here is a quick guide to determine your skin undertone.

Cool Skin Tone

You have cool skin tone if your skin has a pinkish tint. It is easy for you to catch sunburn and freckles, the veins in your wrist are green and you have natural blond, red or light colored hair. Your skin contrast is good on pink, orange and purple clothes. Fuschia pink lipstick goes well on your skin tone.

Warm Skin Tone

If you have brown or hazel eyes, and your skin has yellowish or golden tint, your veins in your wrist appear blue, you have brown or dark color, and your good choice of clothes are brown, beige or navy clothing, you have warm skin tone and you can easily wear coral lipstick.

Natural Skin Tone

For natural skin tone, you have a combination of the above descriptions which apply to you. For neutral skin tone, it is best to follow basic color theory in mind.
Go ahead and try out mineral makeup and see the difference for yourself! It is one thing to hear about it and another more authentic feeling to actually tell your friends about trying out something new.

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Concealer for oily skin

Posted by admin on Sep 22, 2012 in Make Up | 0 comments

Concealer for Oily Skin

Oily skin being acne prone needs enough care and precaution. Choosing the right concealer for oily skin is a must if you want to look beautiful and gorgeous. There are different concealers for different skin types and you need to know which one will suit you the best.
Oily skin is somewhat sensitive too and in order to prevent frequent breakouts, you should use concealer in the right and proper manner. Make sure to buy only the best quality concealer. There is waterproof concealer too available for oily skin. Nevertheless, in all the cases what matters is that you need to look the best in your makeup.

Concealers are a must if you want to give that perfect finish to your makeup. It helps to hide away skin blemishes, acne as well as give an even tone to your skin. These days lot of concealers are available in the market depending upon your skin and requirements.

Elizabeth Arden New Ceramide Skin Smoothing Concealer

If you want to hide away your age, and get a youthful glow then this is a must for you. It helps to diminish your wrinkles, age spots, fine lines thereby giving you a younger looking skin. It promises to strengthen the skin around the eye and thereby give a crease free skin.

Revlon Photo Ready Concealer

If you are dressing up for a photoshoot, then Revlon Photo Ready Concealer will be the best bet for you. Not all concealer can give you a picture perfect look. The chromatic pigments in this concealer will help to bend, diffuse and reflect light thereby giving you a perfect camera look. It is easy to use and carry in the bag. Just dab with your finger and here you are with the right looks.

Fresh Supernova Radiance Brightening Pen

After hard and tiring day, your eyes eventually become tired and begin to show a dull and puffy look. Pampering your eyes with this brightening pen will give a radiant glow to your eyes. It helps to wipe away almost all signs of fatigue because it contains cucumber, chamomile. Yet another effective ingredient is the Mulberry Root Extract which helps in brightening your skin especially around the eyes.

Colorbar Radiant Glow Face Illuminator Pen

It is primarily a face illuminating lotion which has been put in a pen for easy application. It helps to remove the dull and tired look on the face. It contains tiny light reflecting particles which give a shining and bright look on the face. It improves your complexion and makes your skin look fair too. This face can be used under the eyes too to help get rid of puffiness and darkness.

Korres Wild Rose Concealer

This concealer serves dual purpose. Apart from serving well as a concealer it also helps to hydrate your skin well. It is herbal concealer which contains extract from desert plant, Imperata cylindrical. It helps to moisturize the skin around eyes while the wild rose oil is effective in giving you a soft and smooth skin tone especially for those with oily skin.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer

It is a mixed fruit correcting therapy concealer which is meant to remove your dark spots under the eyes as well as skin imperfections. Thus, it helps to give you a radiant look and glowing touch. The best aspect is that it gives a natural look to your face after you have applied it. It also helps to hydrate your skin well. Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer contains extracts of melon, apricots and raspberries.

It is not just easy to apply but blends well giving you an even tone.

Stila Cosmetics Perfecting Concealer

This is a thick concealer and hence works best for those with oily skin. It gives a clean matte finish and thereby leaving a healthy glowing look on the face. It helps to wick away the moisture, prevents unclogging the pores and covers skin blemishes flawlessly. The color shades range from light to deep tan. A good product for those suffering from skin discoloration.

Monave Mineral Makeup Concealer-Foundation

It is a 100% natural and pure makeup and a must for those with sensitive and oily skin. If you have been suffering from frequent breakouts or have acne prone skin then this is for you. It gives an amazing and glowing look.

Some other effective and essential concealers meant for oily skin includes the following:

Lakme Absolute White Intense Concealer Stick which comes with SPF 20.

Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer: This concealer works effectively under the eyes. It blends well under the skin.

Signature Club A by Adrienne Soft Glow & Conceal Trio: it absorbs well into skin, giving a healthy glow. Must for oily skin because it is non greasy.