Monday, December 8, 2014

Add Some Color




OK all of you faithful readers--I need you to make yourself a holiday promise. Add more color to your wardrobe. Yes, black is classic and tans and browns fit in anywhere. But there is no reason to banish lovely colors just because you've reached a certain age.

One of the best ways to reintroduce color into your wardrobe is to match your eyecolor. A darker skintone can use almost any color, but if you are lighter skinned, you may have to stay away from. Often yellow tones, will make your skin look sallow.

The above color has been dubbed by my family, "menopause blue." It looks great on almost anyone. Give it a try!!



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What Kind of Makeup is Best for You?


The goal of foundation is to even out skin, minimize imperfections, and make it look beautiful. Knowing what to look for will help you find the perfect product. Choosing the right formula for your skin type is just as important as matching the color to your skin. Find the perfect fit and your foundation will last and be imperceptible. Pick the wrong one and you could highlight imperfections, look like you are wearing a mask, or watch your makeup disappear in an hour.

The place to start is to decide what type of coverage you want. Then move on to what formula works best for your skin type. The last step is finding the exact color match.

Here’s everything you need to know about foundation before you hit the store:

Coverage Options

Sheer/Light: The perfect choice when you want your skin to really shine through with minimal coverage. A tinted moisturizer offers the lightest sheerest finish.

Medium
: Most foundation formulas are medium finish offering enough coverage to hide imperfections, but not too much that your makeup looks heavy. You’ll find medium coverage versions for powder, liquid, and stick foundations. BB cream also offers medium coverage with skin enhancing benefits.

Full: This formula does what it says, covering your skin in foundation and eliminating any imperfections or redness. For evening makeup or more of a Hollywood retro look, go with full-coverage. You will find versions in powder, liquid, and stick foundations.


Foundation Types


TintedMoisturizer : A slight tint paired with moisturizer offers a light amount of coverage. If you are makeup averse or looking for just a little extra something on the weekends, this is the perfect option.

Balm: Balm foundation is harder to find, but the combination of extra hydration, a light tint, and a dewy finish make it ideal for mature or dry skin.

Liquid: Liquid foundation is the classic foundation formula and comes in a range of finishes. It can be applied with fingers, brush, or a sponge.

Stick: Creamy formulas that offer medium to full coverage in a convenient package. If you want your makeup to last longer or stand up to heat and humidity, stick makeup is a smart choice. You can use it as an all-over face foundation or as a touch-up, concealer to use on your face or body.

Mineral: Makeup made primarily of minerals with no fragrance or chemicals is a favorite of natural beauty lovers. Available in compact, loose powder, and liquid formulas—mineral foundation works well with sensitive and acne prone skin.

Powder: A great on-the-go option, powder formulas come in a compact and are applied with a brush. They offer more coverage than our basic finishing powder.



The Best Foundation for Your Skin Type


Normal Skin: You can really go with any type of foundation, it just depends on the finish you want. A luminous formula will give you a glowy finish. A matte or full-coverage foundation will help to create a red-carpet Hollywood retro look. And if you just want a little coverage when you are running errands, reach for your tinted moisturizer.

Combination: Women with normal to oily skin need to adjust their skincare and foundation with the seasons. They should go with the lighter oil-free foundation in the summer and a richer, hydrating one in the winter.

Dry, Mature Skin
: Look for foundations marked luminous, hydrating, and moisturizing. Balms and tinted moisturizers make great choices too. These formulas will fill in lines and leave a dewy, glowy finish. Stay away from oil free or powder options.

Oily Skin: You can find oil-free options for every single type of foundation. If you really want to cut shine, look for a matte finish. Pore-minimizing foundations are available too. Avoid luminous finish and hydrating formulas.

Acne-Prone:
If you are battling breakouts, you want to treat your skin with acne-fighting skincare first. Try and stay away from makeup, until your skin clears up. When you are ready for foundation, look for versions that include acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid.



Finding the Right Color for You

The truth is you can’t really tell if a color is right for you from just looking at the package or testing out a swipe on your hand or arm. You have to try it out. On a makeup-free face, pick three shades close to your skin tone and apply them in two-inch strips to the side of your face. Check the color in natural light. The color that blends in with your skin, is the one to go with. If you are in between colors, go with the color that is slightly darker.

Here are some other factors to be aware of:

Skin color changes throughout the year: Your skin color changes throughout the year, so the foundation you wear in the summer might be a shade darker than in the winter.

Oily skin can affect your foundation color: If you have oily skin, you may have to choose a lighter shade. The oils in your skin can make your foundation look a shade darker.

Look for a yellow-toned foundation: Everyone has yellow undertones in their skin. Yellow-toned foundation looks the most natural and has the edited benefit of reducing the appearance of redness.


Application


I like to apply foundation with my fingers. It gives me control of the product and the warmth of my hands makes the product easier to apply. Sponges can work to give you an even, pretty finish. However, sponges absorb a lot of product, so you will go through your foundation much faster. A brush is another way to apply foundation, but you will still need to blend with your fingers to achieve that flawless, invisible look.

https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/foundation-101-how-to-find-the-perfect-formula-104433844263.html

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Thinning Hair Got You Down?

9 Tips for Women With Thinning Hair



There’s a life-changing beauty moment in the lives of many women that’s bigger than finding your first gray hair or fine line: the moment you discover your hair is thinning. While it’s often the only cosmetic problem men talk about as they lean toward middle age, it’s rarely considered a female problem—even though a Harvard Medical School report says that one-third of women will experience hair loss in their lifetime. So let’s talk about it.

First of all, what causes women to lose their hair? “Certain medications can cause hair loss: vitamin A, anticoagulants, hormones, and even antidepressants,” says Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, L’OrĂ©al Paris Consulting Dermatologist. “Additionally, environmental and artificial stressors like hair straightening and coloring can cause hair loss, as well as health issues such as thyroid problems, anemia and hormonal changes. But the issue is mostly hereditary. We call it androgenetic alopecia.” Dr. Gerstner says a series of tests can be conducted to get to the root of the problem, and that’s when you can start searching for a solution.

Medical Solutions

“We have plenty of options at our disposal to help women who are dealing with thinning hair and hair loss: Biotin, Viviscal and Aviva hair supplements work very well, as do steroid scalp injections,” says Dr. Gerstner. “There are also hair transplants, which can take many hours and are very costly. Some of the plugs take, some don’t.” She recommends seeking a top physician if you decide on this route.





Topical Products

Topical products can be very effective. Women’s Rogaine now comes in a foam formula that can be applied once daily for fast and easy hair growth stimulation. Other products, like the Redken Cerafill Retaliate line, include a minoxidil topical hair regrowth treatment along with daily hair care products that stimulate the scalp and support regrowth. If your hair loss is temporary—due to anything from stress to pregnancy—products like Phyto Phytocane Revitalizing Serum ($65) can help stimulate your scalp.

Get a Haircut

The transformative powers of a good hairstyle can’t be denied, but the word “cut” can be scary. “Most women don’t want to sacrifice any hair, but a chic, stylish cut can change your look and minimize the appearance of hair loss,” explains says Jill Crosby, celebrity stylist and spokesperson for Women’s Rogaine. “Hanging onto to uneven hair can make the problem look worse. The right cut can create weight lines as a visual indicator of weight and volume, which is exactly what you need: the illusion of depth.”

Change Your Color

Also, don’t be afraid of color. “Color offers a really welcome aesthetic and emotional change. It also adds dimension to a cut and volume since color expands the cuticle of the hair,” says Crosby. “Go to someone who really understands chemical processes so they can take care of your hair while they’re processing.” She adds that this isn’t the time to experiment at home. “I don’t recommend just grabbing a box of color. The wrong hair color can make the thinning problem appear worse. Women often go dark with home color, which is a no-no if you have fair skin; it makes the hair loss stand out. You want to enhance your skin tone so that the thinning is less noticeable.”



Watch the Heat Styling

In order to protect the hair you have, lower the temperature of your styling tools. “No more high heat from a hair dryer; thin hair requires a very low heat setting,” cautions Crosby, who suggests cutting the heat into a third of what you’d normally use and work your way up from there. “Also, regular usage of thermal protection products is a must.”

Pick the Right Styling Products

In addition to volumizing shampoo and conditioner, Crosby advises adding styling products that add lift. “I love mousse like BlowPro Body by Blo No Crunch Volumizing Mousse ($20) to amp up volume, and dry shampoo is a great roof lifter; it stays put without look stiff and gives texture and dimension.” Crosby recommends Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($42).

https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/9-tips-for-women-with-thinning-hair-103583691378.html

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Want Shiny Hair?




The Quick Trick For Super-Shiny Hair

Some beauty products are best straight from the department store counter. Others, though, are better from your kitchen counter. It’s true: Many of the ingredients you need to whip up effective, luxurious skin care are right in front of you. That’s the fundamental belief behind our latest collaboration with small-batch skin-care brand Mullein & Sparrow, in which we’ll be rolling out a series of DIY recipes created just for you by the brand’s founder, herbalist and holistic aesthetician, Anit Hora.



There are many reasons why your hair could be lackluster right now. Whether you’re still recovering from this summer’s platinum craze or your strands are feeling dry and prickly in the cold, this is not an easy season for those who crave shiny strands. Luckily, there’s a fix for dull locks, and you can whip it up at home.

You’ll need:

1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp dried mint leaves
1 tbsp dried lavender leaves
1 tbsp rosemary
1 cup boiling water

Combine the vinegar and the herbs in a bowl. Then, bring the water to a boil, and pour it over the mixture. Let it cool completely, and then strain it. For a more potent result, let it steep for longer.



How to use it? After you shampoo your hair, apply the solution to your scalp. Rinse with cool water. “This will leave your hair super-soft and shiny,” says Hora. It’ll work for every hair type — apple cider vinegar helps remove residue from your hair, which alleviates dullness and makes it feel softer. And, those herbs will give your scalp an extra dose of natural, fresh fragrance. So, who’s ready for a good hair day?

https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/the-quick-trick-for-super-shiny-hair-103061804673.html

100 Years of Beauty in 1 Minute