Mineral Makeup: A Natural Sunscreen

Mineral makeup is the thing to wear this summer if you're looking for an all natural makeup with safe and effective sunscreen. The fact is that two of the main ingredients in mineral makeup are natural sunscreens that not only reflect light but protect your skin from harmful and cancer causing UV rays.

The ingredients, Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide, both natural and very safe minerals are found in almost every sunscreen on the market. Titanium dioxide is so effective because of it's ability to reflect light. It has one of the highest refractive indexes in the world at (n=2.4). In fact this refractive index is surpassed by only one other mineral in the world-diamond.

Titanium dioxide is also inorganic so it keeps the skin from gathering moisture that could feed bacteria and cause or worsen acne. This is great news for acne sufferers looking for an effective makeup and sunscreen product that won't worsen their condition.

The second natural sunscreen mineral in mineral makeup is zinc oxide. Zinc oxide was not chosen as an ingredient because of it's sunscreen qualities however, it was chosen for it's vast array of colors and indeed is elimental in providing a large array of colors for makeup artists to work with when formulating different foundaitons, blushes, and eyeshadows.

Zinc oxide is a natural UV blocker just as titanium dioxide is. It also has the same very water resistant quality of titanium dioxide and wards of bacteria. Zinc oxide is as widely used in sunscreen lotions as titanium dioxide. These two elements together give most brands of mineral makeup an spf of 15.

Sure, almost any sunscreen touting makeup you buy has these minerals in it, so what's the big deal? For acne and rosescea sufferers, believe me it's a big deal. Mineral makeup is known world wide as the skin care makeup because no matter what skin care conditions you may suffer from it is a makeup that is totally safe for your skin. Recommended around the world by dermatologists and plastic surgeons it is actually so pure that you can sleep in it without worrying about acne flair ups or any adverse reaction.

Talc based makeups, although they may contain these two natural sunscreen minerals also have other additives such as dies, chemicals and oils. Talc itself is organic and can help feed bacteria which worsens acne and rosascea. Almost all makeup on the market is talc based. Another drastic difference is the way mineral makeup is processed and worn.

Minerals used in the makeup are finely milled until they are too fine to clog pores. Talc is not milled this fine and it can clog pores worsening or causing skin problems. If you're looking for a sunscreen makeup that is natural and safe mineral makeup is definately the way to go.

Find more Mineral Makeup information at http://www.bare-mineral-makeup.info Get the facts, ingredients, and benefits as well as advice about which brands are the best.

Look Natural Wear Makeup!

Have you ever considered how difficult it is to look natural? Quite difficult ? isn?t it? Especially if there had been no makeup available to achieve it! Many-a-website points out how ordinary our glamorous celebrities look in real life without makeup on. No wonder then that they are always on the lookout for innovative makeup supplies. Such demands have seen a virtual makeover for the makeup business much to the delight of a demanding population yearning to look good.

The art and science of good makeup.

Makeup is still an art ? supported ably, of course, by science. Gone are the days when good makeup meant just soaps, perfumes and oils carefully selected after word-of-mouth recommendation. Today, your persona comes through in MAC makeup ? or was it Max Factor? Take your pick! Show off your gorgeous eyes - wear eye makeup. Impress your peers with a prom makeup worn specially for the nite.

Make a statement with a tattoo or a strategic permanent makeup. Take expert advice ? makeup tips are available for the asking. Desist from using chemicals which may harm your sensitive skin ? wear mineral makeup instead! Consider this ? you don?t have to wear stage makeup if you don?t need to flaunt your expressions under the arc lights to an audience.

Wear makeup ? an appropriate one. Or better still; don?t wear any ? especially if you are among the lucky few who can carry off that natural look ? naturally!

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.beforeandafterpage.com/

Acne Sufferers Look Fabulous This Holiday Season With Natural Mineral Makeup

The holidays are fast approaching, and for many acne sufferers they're dreaded because of the cofines of friends and family. With that many people close, it's hard to get excited when you know they'll get a close glimpse at your acne prone skin.

The natural inclination is to smear loads o concealer and foundation over blemishes to hide them from a close examination. But drugstore foundations that are manufactured by big brands such as CoverGirl, Maybelline, Loreal and others are ridden with oils, chemicals, preservatives and other pore clogging unmentionables.

Caking on these foundations can be more trouble than it's worth because they cause further blemishes and most times major break outs. That's not a scenario that most acne sufferers would associate with happy holidays. So what's the average sufferer to do to avoid this dreaded scenario?

Mineral Makeup is the most popular trend - recommended by dermatologists the world over and used by hollywood celebrities because of it's many benefits to acne sufferers. Mineral makeup is an all natural makeup that is made with minerals from the earth. The minerals are highly water proof so they help to dehydrate and thus kill off the bacteria in your pores that causes cystic acne.

Dermatologists are calling mineral Makeup the skin care makeup because it is so gentle to the skin that you can actually sleep in it. The mineral are ground so fine that they are too small to clog pores. instead they lay on the skin as little flakes that interlace to protect the skin from moisture getting in and feeding acne causing bacteria. The overlying flakes still allow the skin to breathe while shielding off this moisture.

The two primary ingredients in mineral makeup are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. If you read makeup labels then you probably recognize these two minerals. That's because they appear in virtually every sunblock on the market for their full range UV sunblocking abilities. That's right, Mineral Makeup is a natural sunblock as well, which means all that sunlight reflecting off the snow as you build snowmen and go sleding this holiday season is blocked by your mineral makeup. Sumblock is just as important to your skin health in the winter as it is in the summer.

And Mineral Makeup looks fabulous when you wear it. It is delivered to you in powder form and goes on very smoothly, it is so light weight that many people forget they are wearing it. This light weight quality helps it to blend seamlessly into the skin for a beautiful natural look.

Considering the many benefits of using mineral makeup could really help to turn your holidays into the happy holidays we all dream of.

Look fabulous this holiday season with our Natural Mineral Makeup Complete 9 Piece Starter Kit...

The Secrets of Celebrity Makeup Artists

Who hasn?t looked at the perfect beauty of a model on the cover of a magazine or seen the flawless beauty of movie star on the red carpet and wished that they too could possess such ultimate beauty? Now with these surprisingly simple secret techniques used by Hollywood?s top makeup artist on some of the world?s most famous celebrity faces you can discover your own star quality and possess flawless beauty as well.

Model High Cheekbones ? To create model high cheekbones after applying your foundation apply a very thin line of highlighter in a diagonal line on the top of your cheekbones starting at the center of your pupil and ending at the end of your cheekbone, blend thoroughly. Next apply a very thin line of contour shadow or cream in a diagonal line directly underneath your cheekbones starting at the center of your pupil and ending at the end of your cheekbone, blend thoroughly.

Ready For Your Close Up Flawless Complexion ? To create a flawless perfect complexion that can stand up to the closest close up, mix color correctors with your concealer apply after moisturizer and before foundation. Color correctors counteract specific flaws in facial complexions, hides imperfections, evens out skin tones, and covers blemishes. Mint Green Correctors neutralizes redness. Lavender Correctors covers sallowness. Orange Correctors covers blue tones such as veins, dark circles, and bruises.

Cover Girl Perfect Brows - To create cover girl perfect brows pluck clean the area underneath the brow bone and shape the brow with widest part of the brow at the inner corner of your eye and the brow getting thinner has it goes out toward your temple. The highest part of the arch should be just above the outer edge of your pupil.

Dramatic Movie-Star Eyes ? To create dramatic movie-star eyes apply a matte nude eye shadow over the entire eyelid. Next apply dark brown eyeliner to highlight your upper and lower eyelids from the inner corner to the outer corner. Finally apply another layer of eye shadow two shades darker to the crease of your eye and blend it upwards to your eyebrow.

Sexy Starlet Lips ? To create sexy starlet lips trace the outer edge of your mouth with a lip pencil that matches your lips. Next, apply a slightly lighter lip color over your lips, and then blot. Finally, purse your lips and dab a little white eye shadow right in the center of them

Eileen Hammel is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Image, Style and Beauty Expert Ms.Hammel is President of Smarter Image, Smart Skin Care - Smart Cosmetics by Smarter Image. http://www.smartskincaresmartcosmetics.com/

Summer Makeup

Many of you have asked this important question about your own makeup. I have had countless conversations about the topic of shiny vs. matte. There seems to be a strong resistance to the shine factor in makeup. Women feel that it will age their skin, making it look drier and older than it actually is.

Your skin in its healthiest state, like hair and nails, should have a natural sheen, a subtle glow. When your makeup is too matte, it ages the skin just as quickly as if it had too much shine! A subtle shine can add ?pop? to the eye area, highlight cheekbones beautifully, and give the appearance of fuller lips instantly.

After painting faces for almost sixteen years, I have to say I love to see women of all ages and skin tones wearing a little something reflective on their face. The key word here is ?little?. I?m not talking about going out and buying metallic makeup to wear to work everyday. No body glitter, frosty lipstick, or shimmering face powders are allowed! The kind of shine I love the best is a ?satin? finish. Often, there does not even appear to be an actual ?sparkly particle? in the product, but it glows and shows off the skin beautifully. Products with this ?satin? finish catch light and give life to your complexion!

A few rules to keep in mind:

1 Create balance between your features by accenting only one or two of them with shine. For example: matte eye shadows with dewy lips, or satin-finish eye shadows with a traditional lipstick texture.

2 If your skin is dry or flaky, shimmery makeup wouldn?t be the best for you. Stick to dewy, creamy textures instead. This will give your skin a very healthy glow. Try Nars Cream Shadows and Blushes in addition to Stila Convertible Color.

3 If your skin is oily, look for creamy, slightly shimmery eye shadow colors that are smudge-proof. This will serve as a base color and help keep your powder shadows in place during the day ahead. Try Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Sticks and Stila Shadow Pots.

Remember, makeup is not permanent. It comes off! How lucky we are as women to have the ability to change the way we look so easily. If this all still seems a bit scary, a well-trained makeup artist can answer any questions and show you how to look your very best!

Sonja George is Senior Makeup Artist for Scott Miller ? a salon, spa, and store in Rochester, NY (http://www.scottmillerstyle.com). Sonja has been a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician for more than 17 years. Through the proper use of color and technique Sonja helps empower clients to look their absolute best. Additionally she acts as an educator of clients and staff, specializing in product knowledge and industry research and development.

Sonja?s professional experiences include editorial print, runway, fashion, film, and television broadcast. A few of her clients include supermodel Niki Taylor, actor/comedian Joan Rivers, news anchor Dan Rather, sports broadcaster Jim Nantz, and actor Bruce McGill.

Skin Deep Cosmetic Beauty: Permanent Makeup and Eyebrow Design

The importance of eyebrows as a powerful beauty asset is often overlooked. Eyebrows can be shaped to pull together all of the elements of the face into balance, giving your best features glory and the flaws respectful supporting roles. People with thin, partial or no eyebrows often choose to use pencil or powder to create their eyebrows daily and even multiple times daily since this makeup tends to smudge or disappear. Many of these people are ending that daily ritual with permanent makeup. Permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattoo or micro pigmentation, is used to create a variety of changes in the face. Eyebrow enhancement is an extremely popular permanent makeup procedure.

Eyebrow Design Need Only Be Done Once

In her book Bobbi Brown Beauty, Ms. Brown writes, ....a well-groomed, well-defined brow can be extremely flattering and add considerable strength to a woman's eyes. It can open up her face so that she actually needs less makeup. A well-shaped brow can also help lift deep-set eyes or maximize small eyes. There are even instances where a lifted, manicured brow has had the same effect as a surgical eyelift. Good brows are rarely accomplished by guesswork. A permanent makeup artist must be adept in the art and the science of designing the shape, color and placement for beautiful symmetrical eyebrows that enhance through the decades. A well-chosen neutral eyebrow will flatter you through all your hair color changes. Adjustments in the color of your permanent makeup can be made, if necessary, when you have a touch up on it every one to five years.

Cosmetic Tattoo, A Versatile Solution

The causes of missing hair in the eyebrows are many-genes, illness, over-plucked, age related hair loss and physical trauma for instance. An inspired and talented cosmetic tattoo artist can work with the landscape of the brow area be it totally blank, scarred or deeply wrinkled. A lifting arch can be put into straight or droopy eyebrows, width into thin ones, length into short ones and symmetry into asymmetrical ones. Whatever the case may be, tattoo offers a precision that is difficult to obtain and keep with regular makeup. Tattooed eyebrows stay put whether the design is strong and precise or subtle and natural looking. Eyebrows can be applied in delicate hair strokes, a powder fill or a combination of the two, always using more than one color of pigment to create the illusion of dimension. As much as possible of one's natural brow hair is incorporated into the design. The solution of permanent eyebrows is used by men, as well as women.

Make A Statement

Eyebrows not only frame the eyes, but when shaped appropriately for a face they bring the entire face into focus, giving a person more presence. The eyebrow design may even serve to qualify that presence as, for instance, down-to-earth, glamorous, soft or assertive. In other words, eyebrows can influence the way people perceive you. In fact, eyebrows can influence the way you perceive yourself. Even when you know beauty is on the inside, you want to look your best. Confidence can change the impression you leave in all of your social and professional interaction. Positive, healthy self-esteem allows you to focus on important goals, instead of stress about looking old, tired or unattractive. Legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin said, the most dramatic thing you could do to change your look is to shape your eyebrows.

Always Plan Ahead

A permanent makeup procedure is a process that most commonly requires two sessions, usually three or four weeks apart for permanent eyebrows. In the first session the design is applied and in the second session color, shape and detail is refines. Building the eyebrows in stages can minimize or eliminate altogether that oh-so-scary dark eyebrow stage. You need not feel self-conscious about your appearance at any point in the process. If you are planning to have surgery to lift the brow, eyes or full face complete the surgery and the healing process before adding permanent cosmetics to your face. When planning to have Botox, chemotherapy or radiation therapy get your cosmetic tattoos applied first. In regards to laser treatments, discuss these during your consultation.

Dawn Willard?s extensive career in the fine and applied arts has included lettering, illustrations and photo and film styling. Twenty-three years as a photo and film stylist taught Dawn and array of artistic skills, one being makeup. Ms. Willard?s foray into permanent makeup began in 1996. She currently owns the Permanent Makeup Studio in Asheville North Carolina. She has explored a variety of techniques and has clients coming to her from Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, New Hampshire, New Mexico and numerous towns in western and central North Carolina. She can be reached at http://www.DawnColors.com or starjump@gmail.com.

Six "Sexy Lips" Tips

Full, soft, inviting lips. Want them? We all do, and now we all can have them. Here?s the kiss and tell on luscious lips.

#1 Hands off. Let?s start simple, with a line you may have heard in your youth. Mom always told you and so will we ? stop biting and licking your lips. It smears your color and irritates your lips. Keep utensils and pens away from your lips. It?ll keep your pucker pretty and keep lipstick off your teeth.

#2 Hydrate yourself inside and out. Water, water, everywhere. Be sure to drink your share. You know you need to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Here?s another reason to do it. Water is vital to tissue health.

#3 Protect your lips from wind and sun damage. Always wear lip balm with a SPF of 15 or higher. Always. And, don?t forget your lip balm. It moisturizes your lips and serves as a base for your lip color. Wear it in place of lip color on no make-up days. Worn under your lipstick, it?ll even help extend the life of your color.

#4 Lip liner can be a lifesaver. Lip liner serves two main purposes. It solves size and shape problems. It reins in your color. Thin lips? Following the lip line, outline your natural lip shape slightly beyond the edge of your lip. Thick lips? Lucky you. If you think they?re too thick (is there really such a thing?), try the opposite. Following your lip line, outline your natural lip shape just inside the edge of your lip.

Lining your lips helps keep your lip color from seeping out to the skin around your mouth. So, if your lipstick seems to migrate, then lip liner can keep it in place. One caveat to using lip liner: Your lip liner should not actually be visible once your lipstick is applied. So, choose your lip liner carefully. If the world sees an outline around your mouth, you?re using the wrong liner.

#5 Lip color sends a message. The color you choose says something about how you view yourself and how you want others to view you. What does your favorite lip color say?

Pale pink: pretty and sweet.
Red: chic or daring.
Coral: fiery and adventurous.
Brown tones: classic and timeless.

In fact, browns are a universally great choice. Every mouth can wear brown.

#6 Get glossy. Lip gloss is not just for teens. A little gloss worn on low-key days brightens up your face. Lip gloss applied over your daytime makeup transforms you into a party girl. Lip gloss dotted just in the center of your lips creates a pouty look.

Your lips are ready? are you? You?ve pampered, primed, lined and colored yourself all the way to a perfect pair of lips. So pucker up ?

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, Hollywood Makeup Secrets a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved. --------------------------------------------------------------

Keep Your Make Up Looking Fresh Using Mineral Foundation

There are so many cosmetic products on the market today with some new advances in skincare. Most recently the newest type of foundation on the market has been mineral powder foundation. This isn?t just ground up pressed power like you may be used to; in fact, it is made up of ground minerals found in nature.

Even if you?re not a naturalist, you may be interested in trying the new forms of mineral foundation.

During the hot summer months, liquid foundations can be cakey, hot, and oily, that literally melt off your skin. It really is an icky feeling, making you want to run home just to wash your face. With these new advances in mineral foundation, that icky feeling is vanished. Mineral foundation leaves your skin fresh looking all day. Mineral foundation has the consistency of a fine powder, but the coverage of a liquid foundation. It will stay on all day, even with sweating, and will not run off your face like traditional foundations.

To keep your skin fresh this summer, (and all year long) simply start your morning off by washing your face with your favorite cleanser. Follow this by applying a facial moisturizer (one with an SPF is best) and make sure to wait for your skin to dry. Apply your favorite mineral foundation with brush or sponge. You may add additional color with the many mineral blushes and eye shadows available. Like the mineral foundation they will stay on your skin all day without caking. Top off with a little gloss and your good to go.

If you are going to be out all day and evening you may want to bring a little mineral foundation with you to touch up, but you won?t need much, mineral foundations should stay on all day!

So the next time your out in the heat, and your make up feels heavy and oily, and you want that fresh skin feeling back, consider switching over to the newest mineral foundations.

Kat White is the resident Bare Minerals fan at Bare Mineral Reviews.

For more great reviews on your favorite mineral makeup visit http://www.baremineralreviews.com

Mineral Makeup Natural Beauty

As we become more aware of our environment and more aware of the products that we are putting into and onto our bodies, natural and homeopathic products are taking the cosmetic industry by storm.

It?s likely you?ve noticed new skincare and cosmetic companies popping up with ?all natural? and ?organic? products. Of course, just because they say they are, doesn?t necessarily make it true. That is where consumer education comes in, and why it is so important.

The title of this article is ?Mineral Makeup?. After learning what mineral makeup is, what products go into it, and what its benefits are, you can decide if this is the right choice for you.

What Is Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup is designed from all naturally occurring products. It is often recommended by dermatologists to women with sensitive skin, rosacea, post operative, laser and other procedures because of its intrinsic skin soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a powder makeup of finely milled minerals. It can provide very sheer or very opaque coverage, depending on the formulation and application. However, it still allows natural skin radiance to show through, so you don?t get the dreaded ?mask? look. It is typically free of fragrance and preservatives. Minerals cannot feed bacteria, so there is no danger of spoilage, thus it needs no preservatives. It does not go bad. It is very good for oily skin because it has several oil- absorbing components.

It is usually applied with a brush, and is typically shown to be ?buffed? into the skin. This technique forces the makeup into your pores, which is never a good thing. A technique that works with better quality mineral makeup (which we?ll discuss later) is to ?dust? the makeup on, instead of ?buffing? it. If a brush irritates your skin, you can also use a non-latex or flocked sponge. Application can be done either wet or dry.

What Are The Ingredients?

This is the most important part. Learning what is in your makeup will give you the ability to choose what will meet your needs best. These are the ingredients you will most likely come across.

? Titanium Dioxide- A white natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory agent. It is highly reflect, with only a diamond being higher, and thus minimizes fine lines and some skin discolorations.

? Zinc Oxide- A natural sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

? Sericite- A colorless mica that can be used to cut the opacity of Titanium Dioxide and also works as an oil absorber.

? Cornstarch/ Rice Powder- Cosmetic grade- An oil humectant (draws oil out of the pores). Can make acne worse as it is a source of food for bacteria.

? Kaolin Clay- Natural oil-absorption.

? Mica- Natural ?glitter?. Provides shimmer and sparkle.

? Iron Oxides- Natural pigment- very opaque. Used for tinting cosmetics.

Ingredients To Avoid

These ingredients are also common, but can cause problems so are best to avoid.

? Talc/ Various Powders- Common fillers- can cause respiratory problems.

? FD&C Dyes- Derived from coal tar.

? Bismuth Oxychloride- Known skin irritant- causes itching, rashes and breakouts. Especially prevalent when the wearer sweats.

? Ferric Ferrocyanide- Controversial because of its suspected toxicity.

? Carmine- Crushed beetles.

What Brand Should I Buy?

Well, if you?re familiar with mineral makeup, it?s likely you?ve seen the infomercials. After further research you?ll find these companies use controversial ingredients, and charge quite a bit for their products.

There are several good mineral makeup companies out there that provide a much better product at a more affordable price, as well as a superior customer experience. They also offer samples, which the larger companies do not. You?ll get to try the makeup (unlike in the drugstore!) for a fraction of the cost before you buy it. They don?t have expensive advertising and packaging to pay for, so the savings are often passed on to you.

Lynn is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics at http://www.beautyblisscosmetics as well as http://www.ultimate-skin-care-tips.com

Cosmetic Application Techniques

There are several cosmetic application techniques that are used by top Tinseltown makeup artists and professional stylists on runways models and Hollywood actresses, both on movie sets and for special events across the world. These techniques apply to women of all ages. These techniques will really bring out your best features, and help camouflage areas you feel may need a little more help or a radiance boost.

We Will Discuss the Following Techniques:

Foundation Application Techniques

Eyebrow Shaping, Arching and Pencil Application

Eyeliner Application

Eyeshadow Color Choices and Application Techniques

Foundation: Color Choice and Application Technique

Foundation is one of the most important cosmetics you will purchase and use. It is absolutely imperative that you pick the right shade of foundation. Pick a shade lighter than your skin tone and try to stay away from reddish or pink tones, as they tend to look very pink and ruddy in artificial lighting, and can make your skin appear uneven and flushed.

Foundation Application Technique

It is not negotiable that you apply your foundation with a makeup pad. There are some really excellent sponge makeup applicators right now that are used by makeup artists, and are a favorite of women everywhere who want to get the most natural and well blended look from their foundation.

Makeup sponges create wonderful, even finish since they make it nearly impossible to put too much foundation on, due to their absorption of excess liquid. Be sure to thoroughly blend the makeup with the sponge, covering each and every area of the face evenly and equally, including right up to the hairline, and even on the neck, so that there is not an obvious line where your foundation ends and your real neck color begins!

Eyebrows: Shaping, Arching and Pencil Application Technique

Eyebrow pencils are also one of the most important cosmetics in your beauty collection and daily makeup routine. Carefully choose the pencil color to be a shade lighter than your natural eyebrow color. This way, it will look more natural, instead of obviously drawn on. When tweezing, follow the natural arch and shape of the brow bone and be sure to tweeze any stray hair often, for a clean and classic eyebrow shape like those coveted brows of celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta Jones.

Eyeliner: How to Select Color, and Application Technique

Eyeliner is a great cosmetic for accentuating, dramatizing, and bringing out your natural eye color and enhancing or even changing the shape of the eye. As with all other essential cosmetics, there is a specific technique for getting perfect results from eyeliner application. Brown is one of my personal favorites since it is so versatile and looks good on everyone in the daytime and at night. Brown can also be applied sparingly for a great, light daytime look, or more heavily for a smudgy, smoldering night time look.

Black eyeliner should probably be reserved for nights out on the town, or any night time usage, since black tends to be too severe in the natural daylight, and can actually wash you out and magnify complexion imperfections during the day when sun light is at its peak. If you still want to wear black during the day, that's fine. Just choose a more muted shade of black, such as a slate gray or a grey black - which is a great color between black and grey that many cosmetics companies are now offering.

Now that you know what color to use for eyeliner, here's the technique for applying it. Start with a sharp eyeliner pencil, lining the rim of your eye as close to the lower row of eyelashes as you can get without getting any of the cosmetic in your eye.

With a sponge-tipped cosmetics smudger, gently smudge the line you created using a gentle horizontal back and forth movement. You should always smudge your eyeliner at least a little bit - more if you want it more dramatic, or smokey looking. Eyeliner that has not been smudged looks to artificial and too severe. All good makeup jobs that you've seen are the result of good smudging!

If you want to make your eyes appear larger, use a bright white eye liner pencil (I know it seems weird, but trust me on this) on the very inner corners of the lower lid. This is a great trick that makeup artists use to create an optical illusion that the eyes are larger and brighter in color.

Eyeshadow: Color Selection and Application Technique

The first rule of thumb for this excellent and versatile, face altering cosmetic is to stay away from colors with pink, red or auburn hues, and these do not flatter most skin types. These tones actually tend to bring out the red, bloodshot look in the eyes, and make the eyes appear smaller than they really are, which I don't think is what any of us are aiming for!

Whether you wear browns, blues, greys or purples, make sure you have a nice pale nude or near white, slightly shimmery for the tops of your eyes, near the brow bone. Apply eyeshadow with a small, preferably fine haired or natural hair cosmetic brush. Don't go cheap on the brushes - you'll be sorry - you will get a superior finish and excellent durability if your spend a little more on a professional eyeshadow/eyeliner brush.

Brushes work much better than the small sponge-like applicators that usually come with most cosmetic cases when you buy eyeshadow at the store. Some of the new shimmery eye creams and squeeze tube liquid matte eyeshadows are also great for non-crease and lasting color - just be careful not to load up too much or it will look creased. Always apply eyeshadow a little more heavily on the crease between the upper and lower lid to add more depth and dimension to your eyes, and make them appear larger. Then, add the paler color to the top for added depth and perceived size.

Visit Cosmetic Application Techniques for more makeup selection suggestions and tips. Danna Schneider is the founder of Cosmetics Galore.com where you can find out how to get Acne Magazine: All About the Treatment of Acne.

Foundation Top Picks!

Hi, I'm the Fashion & Beauty Consultant for Estate Jewelry International where we don't just sell jewelry but pamper the whole you!

It's always tough finding the perfect foundation for your skin type, color, and texture. Some products are heavy,some don't cover so well, others don't blend well. We'll review a few of the products which we tried.

Tinted Moisturizers

* Laura Mercier tint moisturizer that leaves your skin feeling fresh. Comes in 7 shades all very natural. It has an SPF of 20 and is fortified with age-defying antioxidants.

* Elizabeth Arden tint moisturizer blends easily with enough coverage that you don't feel naked. It doesn't build up on dry patches. Demotologist tested. It has a SPF of 15

* Hydramax tint moisturizer is a lightweight hydrating lotion balancing moisture and coverage with natural-colour tint. Extract of Butterfly Lavender helps boost hydration by stimulating the water-trapping proteins essential for skin's proper moisture balance. Comes in 2 shades.

* Bobbi Brown tint moisturizer won the Best New Foundation award in Nov 2004 in Health Magazine. This formula is rich and luxurious so its perfect for anyone with extra dry skin. It blends easily and gives skin light coverage. Deeply moisturizes skin, to help reduce the look of fine lines. Dermatologist tested.

* Avon tint moisturizer is great for younger skin, however it has a tendency to stick out like a sore thumb on dry skin. I tried applying it as a foundation with a make up sponge and as a moisturiser using my fingertips and both times my skin looked terrible. It has a nice feel and a pleasant floral scent but the overall look it gave me was not natural in any way, the dry spots on my face seemed to show badly. Perhaps better suited for pre 40's skin. Liquid Foundations

* Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk liquid foundation is lush yet feather light with a very sheer texture. It is exceptional at correcting discoloration, elimating redness and blotchiness. Comes in 14 shades.

* L'Oreal True Match liquid foundation is a nice light weight and has terrific texture. No oils, fragrences or pore clogging materials. Contains vitamins B & E as well as glycerin to nourish the skin. Available in 24 colors.

* Laura Mercier liquid foundation is water based yet exceptionally creamy with a nice smooth finish. It has great coverage for a non oil based product. It isn't greasy or drying and the color matches well. Application is best with a sponge, and you can get more or less coverage depending on how much you apply. Takes a few minutes to set.

* Revlon Age Defying liquid foundation has great coverage and does not feel heavy. It does have a fragrance which does not go away. May hot be the best choice if your skin is at all oily. By mid day face may tend to feel oily and some experience zit outbreaks. It has an SPF of 30. Limited colors.

* T Leclerc Hydrating Fluid liquid foundation is best applied with a sponge or fingers. Its super thin so you hardly know its there. Comes in 6 shades. It has an SPF of 8. Mousse Foundation

* Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse is my all time favourite foundation. It gives great coverage but you feel like you've got nothing on. It's lighweight and easy to apply. I find it's best applied with fingers. If your skins a little on the dry side apply a moisturizer and then the mousse and it says light weight. It lasts all day and I've never had a break out using this product. It's advertised as a revolutionary whipped formula and that describes its texture perfetly. Available in 10 shades.

* Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Mousse is easy to apply and it never looks cakey or thick. Good coverage for such a sheer foundation. Great for dry skin. If you have oily or dry skin you may find yourself oily by mid day. I must say the smell can be a little harsh. If your at all sensative to smells have a whiff before buying. Dermatologist, clinically, allergy tested. Recommended for all skin types, except extra-oily.

* Erno Laszlo Absolute Finish Finishing Mousse Foundation is water free, air whipped providing flawless coverage. It is good for almost all skin types except for very oily skin and those that have a sensitivity to salicylic acid. Its very light and coverage can be sheer to complete. Stays on all day. Its a water free air whipped. Contains Emu Oil and essential fatty acids for non greasy moisturizing. Antioxidants vitamin A, C, & E to defend against free radical damage. It has UVA and UVB protection, and it is Dermatologist tested.

Wouldn't life be grand if one product worked for all of us. However, that's not the case so although I try and review products I cannot tell you how they will work on your skin. Most reputable cosmetic companies will refund or exchange a product if you are unhappy with it. When you find a product that works for you stay with it.

Remember your fashion statement includes the whole you from your hair to the polish on your toes, from your hat to your shoes, from your earrings to the rings on your fingers. So be sure to let the world know who you are and Make Your Fashion Statement!

Sher Matsen from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

Choosing The Right Cosmetic Colors For YOU!

The first thing you need to do before picking out colors is to decide if you have a Warm, Neutral or Cool skin tone. One way to do this is to take a good look at yourself in a mirror in natural sunlight. Decide if your skin color has more Blue or Yellow to it, or if they are pretty well even.

More Blue = Cool
More Yellow = Warm
Equal = Neutral

Another way to find out what skin tone you have is to compare your skin to the colors Silver and Gold. Generally if your skin looks good with Gold, you have a warm skin tone, Silver means cool, and if it looks good with both, then you have Neutral.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell on yourself, so you may want to ask a friend to help you decide.

Once you have decided your skin tone, it is time to choose a Concealer, Foundation and Powder. Depending on where you buy your cosmetics from, you may have a hard time figuring out which one looks best on your skin tone. Avon products are labeled with a W, C or N to decipher which skin tone they are best for. After this, the best way to choose a Concealer, foundation and powder is to try it out! Generally for concealer, you should pick one that is a shade lighter than your natural skin tone, so that when you use it to cover dark areas and imperfections it will blend and look natural. If you have a lot of red spots (acne, scars, etc.) then you should also look into getting a Green spot neutralizer, you use this under concealer to neutralize the red spot and make it look natural. After you have chosen the right concealer for yourself, you should choose a liquid foundation that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. If you have freckles it is recommended to match the color with your lightest freckles to help even out your skin color. Your powder should match your liquid foundation as closely as possible and be used last out of the 3.

After this you should choose an eye shadow. Again, depending on where you purchase your cosmetics you may have trouble finding shades that look good on you as they arent always labeled for skin tones. From my experience I have found that for Cool skin tones, Pinks, Berries and Blue/greys seem to look best, for Warm skin tones Earth tones tend to look best (greens & browns and some reds ESPECIALLY for redheads), and for Neutral Skin tones, I try to combine the 2.

After you have chosen and applied the appropriate eyeshadow, you should apply an eyeliner and Mascara. For people with light colored hair, brown or brown/black is an excellent choice of eyeliner and mascara. For people with Darker hair, Black is best, Although black looks very dramatic on anyone, it is a great choice for evening time.

After eyeliner and mascara it is time to choose and apply a lipstick. Generally you should match your lipstick to your eyeshadow, keep it in the same general color family, so if you are wearing pink eyeshadow, try a similar color lipstick, maybe a shade darker or lighter. Grey eyeshadow looks great with different shades of red lipstick! As a rule of thumb, if your eyeshadow is shimmery, you should avoid shimmery lipsticks, and vice-versa. I recommend to all of my clients to DAB lipstick on, not to swipe it across their lips. By dabbing you have more control over the intensity of the color and you can make a more natural or bold look.

As with everything, this is just a guideline, play around with your makeup, take whatever seems helpful and leave the rest, this is just meant to give some suggestions, the best way to find out what looks best on you, is to try different things out! Good luck!

Jessica Tracy is a work at home mom of 2 little boys, and currently runs 2 home based businesses. One as an Avon Beauty Advisor and Leadership Representative, and another as a distributor for Enchanted Potions. You can contact Jessica through her website http://enchantedscents.cjb.cc

This article may be reprinted so long as the Author Bio is attached.

Makeup Artist Tricks of the Trade Skincare Advice and Makeup for Your Wedding or Special Event

Skincare - in preparation to your wedding this should be an essential part of your planning its just as important as choosing the right venue or dress, as all eyes will be on you and your bridal party so you want to look and feel great!

There are so many products out there that we are bombarded with choice. A salon is usually a good place to start as you can talk to someone who has specifically trained in skincare and will use a high quality range of products.

If you?re not doing it already cleansing and toning the skin is an important step in maintaining a healthy skin. Soaps tend to dry the skin out and are a fantastic breeding ground for bacteria, so avoid using on your skin and go for a gentler option such as a foaming face wash or face wipes if you want a quick cleanse.

Along with this, part of your everyday ritual should include twice daily moisturising even if your skin is oily you still should use a good moisturiser but one with a mattifying effect, which can help to control excess sebum production.

The day before the wedding make sure you exfoliate the skin so there is a good base to work on. Exfoliating gets rid of excess dead skin cells which cling to the surface and prevent your products from doing their job as effectively. Your makeup will look much better on a smoother skin. Makeup - Choosing the right makeup is the next step.

What colours should you get and what will last?

I would always recommend using a qualified beauty therapist/makeup artist for your wedding as from experience many brides have found it a great help. A trial should be offered so you can view the products and the makeup will be applied therefore you can see what the finished look will be for your special day. A general rule that older members of the bridal party such as the mother of the bride should go for a light base nothing too heavy which may draw attention to fine lines and matte eye shadows. The bride can choose from many different looks, matte and flawless, the dewy look for a healthy natural appearance. When having the makeup done on the day it is fun and helps your morning run smoothly so when you are all made up you feel confident and ready to go.

If you decide to do your own makeup then you can have a makeup lesson to learn some of the tricks of the trade. Here are just a few, use a daker blusher in a tan colour under the cheekbones to lift them and make them appear higher and deeper ( I call this the cheekbone effect. Apply eyeshadow with a damp brush for longer wear and stronger colour for precise application. The best foundation I have come across during my time as a makeup artist has such a flawless finish but doesn?t look heavy or caked, it covers redness and is also water resistant. A foundation like this is ideal for brides as being perspiration proof when you get hot in the evening dancing the night away your skin will still look perfect.

If booking a makeup artist always plan ahead these services get booked quite far in advance as do popular venues and other wedding services. Have fun preparing for your wedding and its a great excuse to get on top of a good skincare regime.

Lucy Orrey fully qualified beauty therapist/mobile makeup artist to Surrey and west Sussex RIPHH BTEC ND BABTAC For more advice , products available, wedding packages and treatments visit http://www.harmonyinbeauty.co.uk

Natural Mineral Makeup is the Savvy Women's Winter Sun Protection

The holidays are here, that means sleding, tubing, skiing, building snow men, and snowball fights with frineds and family. Many people forget to wear sunscreen this time of year because it's not the hot days of summer. But going without sunscreen in a snow covered environment is in many ways worse than no protection in the mid summer sun.

The fact is that snow reflects light in a blinding fashion. If you've ever walked through snow and had to shade your eyes from the glare of the snow then you know what I mean. That light is also hitting your unprotected skin and causing sun damage. The glare from the snow is usually many more times magnifined then the sun is on it's own. This means the damage to your skin could be greater in the winter than in the summer.

Using sun protection in the winter is for this reason very important. Using water proof sun protection like Mineral Makeup is a great alternative for winter use. Because the natural minerals in the makeup are water resistant and bond to the skin they won't wash away, smear or melt when you sweat or when rain or snow lands on your face. In fact, mineral makeup is so effective that it takes some amount of soap to really remove mineral makeup. Water alone won't remove it completely.

The two primary ingredients in mineral makeup - Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are natural full spectrum UV sun blockers which gives you complete coverage from the damaging rays of the sun glaring off the snow. Titanium Dioxide is also the second most reflective mineral in the world, next only to diamond. This reflective quality gives your face a radiant glow that many faithful mineral makeup fans rave about.

Mineral Makeup also helps fight acne by keeping bacteria feeding moisture out of the pores. The minerals are also non organic, which further prevents them feeding bacteria. And not to worry about the minerals clogging pores. They are so finely ground that they are smaller than the pores on your face, in fact they come in a powder form that you simply dust on your face for a light natural coverage. Because the minerals are in powder form they blend seamlessly into the skin for a very natural look.

If you're health conscious then you will love mineral makeup because it is all natural with no dyes, chemicals, or preservatives. These qualites make mineral makeup one of your best sun fighting winter friends.

Look fabulous this holiday season with our Natural Mineral Makeup Complete 9 Piece Starter Kit...

How to Wear Make Up and Still Look Natural (Part 1)

There are some who wouldn't be caught dead in public without make up and then there are some who refuse to wear make up at all and prefer the natural look.

Some people have told me they like to let their skin breathe. Well don't worry about it! There's plenty of skin on your body, let the rest of it do the breathing! Your skin is fed from the inside and won't suffer so long as you make sure you cleanse at the end of the day.

But you can actually create a natural look using make up. That way you can have that clean fresh appearance while being able to disguise those flaws that you (and probably only you!) dislike.

So let's have a basic lesson on how to apply make up to create a fresh natural look.

Natural make up techniques

We'll look at base (foundation), concealer, powder and blush this time and in part 2 go on to how to apply make up for the eyes and mouth.

In the case of applying make up the term less is more definitely applies! If your going to enjoy a big night out on the town that's different - use your bright eye shadow, lippie and glittery mascara. You can put on a bit more foundation too, to create a flawless palate on which to paint your masterpiece!

But during the day whether you're at work, at home or hitting the shops you don't want to look like Coco the clown! Too much makeup can actually appear very ageing.

So let's start with a really clean face. For daytime use a moisturizing sunscreen or sun block. If your skin is oily use a non oily one, if it's very dry use both moisturizer and sun block.

Make up base (or foundation) comes in many types, liquid, stick, cream etc. Mostly this is a matter of preference although the stick or solid base usually has a better coverage and will hide things like broken veins almost completely. The liquid bases have a lighter coverage and will give a more natural look.

If your skin is oily, the dry compact bases work well, or opt for an oil free liquid one. Dry skins like the cream bases which give a moist 'dewy' appearance.

Make sure the base you choose matches the colour of your skin as closely as possible. Don't try and create a darker sun tanned look with your base, there are bronzing powders specially created for this. Go outside the store when selecting different colours and make sure they look ok in natural light. It's best to test on your jaw line rather your wrist.

Don't buy pre-packaged make-up bases from the supermarket, you'll not be able to try them on!

Concealers are great for that natural look, you can cover blemishes and broken veins with a concealer without having to use a heavy base all over your face.

Concealers also come in different forms but they all do the same job. You can buy them with built in sunscreen and also with anti bacterial additives if you like. Try to find one just slightly lighter than your skin tone. Pat the concealer onto the area you wish to cover. Don't rub hard or it will disappear into your pores. Make sure it is blended well and has no tide marks.

Now dot the base onto your face. Use the sheerest one you can. Don't use too much at first, you can always add more.

Blend really well. Some make up artists recommend a damp sponge, but fingers work just as well. Make sure you blend into the hairline, sides of face, around the nose and particularly the jaw line. Don't just stop at the jaw, your face will look like a mask. Just blend away to nothing before your throat, that way you won't get make-up stains on your collar.

Powder is optional but I like to use it as it sets your make-up and absorbs excess oil. Press the powder onto your face with a puff or you may prefer to use a powder brush. After a couple of minutes brush the powder off using light downward strokes.

Next apply blusher. Brush this lightly on the apple of your cheeks and up towards the temples. Don't put too much on your brush, you can always go over it again. If you are using a cream blusher, apply this before powder. Dot onto the apple of your cheeks and blend in up to the temples. Blend really well!

Now for my special tip. Place a cool damp (not wet) face washer over your face and press very gently. this will give the whole face a fresh look - Gorgeous!

Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen

Wendy Owen is a health researcher and author. For advice on absolutely natural skin care visit http://www.just-natural-skincare.com

Best Hairstyle Fashions and Beauty Trends for 2006

Hairstyle and beauty has become quite a fashion statement lately. We have seen prices for a good cut or style skyrocket with no end in sight. Some cuts are going in and out of style every day it seems. As some beauty experts say - your hair can make you or break you. What will be the hot styles and beauty cuts for 2006? Some of these will surprise you.

1) The classic up-do. It has been one of the longest trends but seems to be a temporary style - something to do for a social party or event, but not every day. The hollywood stars like Jessica Simpson and many others sport the updo for Awards banquets and such, but they have personal hair stylists that can have their hair back in whatever style they want the following day. This style is best suited for medium or longer length hair.

2) Hair stenciling for uniqueness - this has been hot overseas in Japan, Milan, Paris, and London and is starting to make its way into the U.S. This is where you or a stylist create a stencil which you then attach to your hair and you use glitter and paint to make a bold, brazen fashion statement. Everything from animal prints (like tiger stripes) to symbols have been used. This works on any length hair, but is more predominantly displayed on shorter hair. Stencils have been used frequently lately on Runway models in shows by Gucci, Calvin Klein, etc...

3) The wedge. This was popular in the 1970's and is once again becoming popular. This was the cutesy do that made the likes of Dorothy Hammil America's sweetheart of that era. This style is gaining popularity amongst 30-40 year olds in search of a short and easily maintained style. The wedge tends to draw attention to your face, not your hair and looks natural. So, if you already have a beautiful face and skin this is a real winner, as it will draw people in to your good looks. We recommend natural, mild makeup with this do.

4) The mullet. Yes, I know we thought it died off in the early 90's, but it is making a surge again. No one knows why, except that is is a very low maintanence style - or basically no style. It is basically a mop of hair for head banging music. Business in the front and party in the back. It has been popping up all over the south and has been seen on the rise even in New York, Chicago, etc... This is a bad style that just won't go away.

5) The Fullet. The female version of the mullet. Just as bad if not worse, but, once again it is making a comeback. Maybe that means the Bangles will make a comeback also? Heavy makeup is common with this do.

6) The flip. The style from the roaring 20's is back as can be seen at the recent awards shows. This style has always been equated with glitz and glamour. It is another easy style and is easy to maintain. The flip goes with almost any makeup regimen. All the stars have worn this do at one time or another - from Jodie Foster to Rita Garbo.

Most of the hairstyles trends for 2006 are comebacks and are easy dos. Basically, people want something that is easy to manage and want variety - a cut that can be easily transformed from one style to another for different events or just for that different look. Women also want a style with easy, light makeup. According to numerous fashion sources these hairstyle and light makeup trends trends will be the big styles of 2006.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests and manufactures various skin peels for plastic surgeons, medispas, and in home use. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

Foundation Makeup: Should You Use Liquid or Powder?

Foundation makeup is the key to whether your makeup will look good or bad. The application of a foundation will help to smooth out your skin tone, conceal blemishes and give you a more healthy glow. Applying makeup without a foundation base can actually enhance unsightly skin problems, rather than conceal them. But before you head out to the store, here are some basic rules that should be followed when making your product selection.

How Do I Choose A Foundation Makeup Base?

First, you need to select the correct color for your skin tone. Often times, people choose foundations that are either too light - making them look pale and washed out - or too dark - which often leaves a line of makeup between the jaw and neck. Generally, you will look like you're wearing a mask. The foundation color that you choose must blend in with your natural skin tone.

Also keep in mind that your skin tone color will change with the seasons. In the summer, you will most likely need a slightly darker foundation color, as your skin will tan somewhat (even if you don't purposely suntan - you still need to go outside sometimes.) In the winter your skin will lighten again back to its original tone and you should use your natural base color foundation makeup.

Deciding Between Liquid and Powder Foundations

The next decision is to determine whether you would prefer powder foundation or liquid foundation makeup. This tends to be more personal choice, although there are pros and cons to both types.

Most women seem to prefer the liquid foundation base. It appears to be quicker and much easier to apply. As well, once blended into the skin, liquid foundation makeup appears more natural and lighter, giving the skin a smooth, even appearance. However, how it is applied can also make a difference. Applying too much will cause streaks and spots that look heavier then others on your skin. Using a makeup sponge rather than using a fingers can help a lot with creating a smooth, even appearance. Apply a small amount of liquid foundation at a time and blend in carefully.

Another advantage of a liquid foundation is that it absorbs into the skin rather than sitting on top of it, so you get a more natural skin tone appearance. It also comes in a variety of bases to suit women with dry skin, normal skin, oily skin, combination skin, and sensitive skin types.

Powder foundations are a less popular choice, but can work just as well as liquid foundation makeup. It's easy to apply and there is less blending involved. They are also great for people that have very oily skin, as the powder will soak up the oil and prevent a greasy appearance. You can also carry a compact powder case with you on days when you need to do a slight touch up to your makeup or on days that are hot and humid, to rid your face of shine.

A slight problem with powders, however, is that they can look like they are caked on your face if applied to heavily or after a couple of hours in warm weather. They also tend to rub off on clothes easier since the powder sits on top of your skin.

Another Choice: Liquid-Powder Foundations

Liquid-powder foundation combinations are another choice that is gaining in popularity. The foundation makeup comes in a compact, much like powder bases, but contains a somewhat creamy mixture. Application of this foundation gives a smooth appearance, like a liquid, with the absorption benefits of a powder. However, you have to be careful when applying this type of foundation, since a heavy hand will give you a caked appearance. Like liquids, the key is to apply it lightly and blend well. This combination is not the best for people with dry skin as it will also give you a patchy skin appearance. Choose this type of product if you have normal to oily skin.

If this is the first time you are going to buy a foundation, you should visit a make-up counter that allows you to try out the various products or seek out a professional make-up artist to help you with your selection. For those that have problem skin, such as severe acne breakouts, you should visit a dermatologist first. They can help you with making a wiser choice on the type of foundation makeup would work best, plus provide you with other skin care options to help clear up underlying problems.

Remember, the best makeup techniques start with a good foundation that is appropriate for your skin type and skin tone. Be smart and take the time to research what is out there before spending money on any product. You'll be happy you did.

About the Author:

Rose Smith owns TotalBeautyTips.com. Learn you how to enhance your own natural beauty using a variety of makeup techniques, skin care advice, and products designed to make your total body feel smooth, soft and fabulous. Visit Total Beauty Tips today.

Beauty Tip: Foundation Secrets For A Flawless Complexion

1. For a natural look your foundation must match your skin tone. Test foundations along your jawline. You will know the best color because it will disappear into your skin.

2. Spread foundation on your hands and pat it on your face, then smooth out with a sponge making sure not to pull or stretch the skin. Be extra careful in the area around your eyes where the skin is super thin. Don't forget to apply foundation on your eyelids and lips.

3. To make foundation last apply moisturizer first giving the foundation a base. Dry skin will soak up the foundation if not given that base. For oily skin use an oil-free moisturizer and powder foundation

4. On hot days foundation can be difficult to keep looking fresh. Set your foundation in the morning using a loose powder and puff, then do regular touch ups throughout the day.

5. To cover imperfections apply foundation first and then go back and dot on a concealer that neutralizes red. For noticeable imperfections like very dark circles and birthmarks use a yellow concealer (available from Mary Kay). Don?t use too much powder in problem areas because it will draw attention to it.

6. To avoid a foundation line around the jaw apply foundation as usual then use a little moisturizer in your hand and blend it down your neck.

7. For evening mix some shimmer powder with your powder and put it where you want to attract light such as the bridge of the nose, underneath the brow bone, the temples, cheekbone, chin and shoulders.

8. Always use a foundation with a sunscreen of at least 15 to prevent future sun damage.

9. Change your foundation shade if the color of your skin changes.

10. After you apply foundation go near a window to make sure it looks natural. Natural light is the ultimate test.

Copyright 2004 Sheila Dicks

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

CancerCausing Ingredients in Your Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

Cosmetics make you attractive, but some of the ingredients in your cosmetics and personal care products may be killing you!

If you?re like most Americans, you may be unknowingly poisoning yourself and your family everyday with the many cancer-causing ingredients in today?s cosmetics, toiletries and personal care products. Makeup, shampoo, hair coloring products, baby powder (Yes, baby powder!), shaving cream, mouthwash and toothpaste are just a few of the products that contain cancer-causing ingredients.

But don?t despair! In just a minute, you?ll know what products to avoid and how to choose those that are safe for you and your family.

You may be asking yourself, Why do I have to check the ingredients to see if they?re safe? Doesn?t the government do this? The answer is: Well, kind of..., but not really!

The truth is the cosmetics industry is very poorly regulated. With the exception of a handful of extremely toxic chemicals, manufacturers can put almost anything in their cosmetics without testing to see if the ingredients are harmful. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can only make suggestions or recommendations to manufacturers about cosmetic products or their ingredients, but the manufacturers don?t have to follow them.

To make matters worse, most products are labeled to sell rather than to provide accurate information. Words like natural and hypoallergenic (which give us a nice warm feeling about the product and persuade us to believe that a product is safe) do not have official definitions. This means the manufacturers can use them to mean anything they want and not get in trouble with the regulatory agencies. This often leads to misleading information on the label...and more sales.

Here?s a rogue?s list of ingredients in cosmetics, toiletries and personal care products you should avoid:

Fragrances. Each fragrance can have up to 600 different ingredients which are not required to be listed on the label. Even if you?re not sensitive to fragrances, it?s wise to avoid them because they often have hazardous ingredients and there?s no way of knowing if they do.

Preservatives. Many preservatives contain or release formaldehyde which is a carcinogen, neurotoxin, irritant and sensitizer. These include DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, quaternium 15, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate and bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol). Other preservatives that may also cause reactions include the parabens, methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone.

Talc. It may contain carcinogenic contaminants and products containing talc, including baby powder, should never be used on babies and children.

Artificial colors. Many of them cause cancer. Most of the D&C and FD&C colors are derived form coal tar, a known cancer-causing agent.

Silica. By itself, silica is not harmful, but it?s often contaminated with crystalline silica which causes cancer. Manufacturers are not required to list contaminants so you?ll never see it on the label.

How big of a threat are contaminants to you and your family? From 1978 to 1980, the FDA analyzed 300 cosmetic samples for carcinogenic contamination. Forty percent of the samples analyzed contained carcinogens. Things actually got worse the next time they analyzed cosmetic samples. In 1991-92, they found that 65% of the cosmetic products sampled contained carcinogenic contaminants. Most recently, in 2004, the Environmental Working Group evaluated 7,500 personal care products for safety. They found that nearly 70% of all products contain ingredients that can be contaminated with impurities linked to cancer and other health problems.

Polysorbate 60 or 80, polyoxyethylene, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, PEG, anything ending in -eth, such as sodium laureth sulfate. These ingredients may be contaminated with cancer-causing 1,4-dioxane, which is easily absorbed through the skin. Again, manufacturers are not required to tell you about the contaminants.

Diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). These two ingredients are found in many cosmetic and personal care products. Even though they don?t cause cancer by themselves you should avoid all products that contain them because DEA and TEA can react with nitrites to form nitrosamines which can cause cancer. The tricky thing is that nitrites can be present as a contaminant and not listed on the label. So there?s no way of knowing whether or not a product with DEA or TEA ingredients is contaminated with the cancer-causing nitrosamines.

Propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate. These are common ingredients in shampoos and they?re both toxic. Propylene glycol is a skin irritant which causes kidney and liver damage. Sodium laurel sulfate causes genetic damage.

So what?s the bottom line? Even though a great many cosmetics and personal care products are harmful, there are products that are safe and healthy to use. But you?re the one who needs to know what cosmetic and personal care products you're using are safe. The way the current regulations are structured, the government simply cannot protect you. Their hands are tied. According to John Bailey, Ph.D., director of the FDA?s Office of Cosmetics and Colors, Consumers believe that 'if it?s on the market, it can't hurt me,' and this belief is sometimes wrong.

Knowing how to read and interpret the ingredient label on cosmetics, toiletries and personal care products is a powerful shield. But the manufacturers are fighting back. They?re designing packaging with seductive designs to make it look like their products are healthy and made from natural ingredients. Don?t be fooled by the fancy packaging and persuasive words like natural, gentle and hypoallergenic. When you read the label, you?ll probably find that is not the case.

As you might suspect, there are more ingredients that can harm you. But if you start avoiding products with the above ingredients, you may find that you and your family feel better and more energetic, allergic reactions may disappear, and your risk for cancer will, most definitely, be decreased.

Christine H. Farlow, D.C. is the author of Dying To Look Good, which classifies over 1300 commonly used ingredients according to safety and lists over 750 safe products, with resources where to buy. For more info, visit DyingToLookGood.com

Makeup With Contact Lenses On: How to Apply Makeup While Wearing Contact Lenses?

Ralph Waldo Emerson very rightly said, One of the most wonderful things in nature is a glance of the eye; it transcends speech; it is the bodily symbol of identity. Eye is considered to be an integral party of one's beauty and we at times completely ignoring taking care of it. The unhygienic environment around us along with inevitable aging deteoriates the beauty of eye unless we make a concious effort to take care of it. Here are few healthy tips on how to apply makeup with contact lenses on!

. Always apply cosmetics after you insert your lenses. Apply eye make-up sparingly and take care not to soil or damage a lens. Apply eye make-up on the outer lid margin only, not the inside.

. Use Eye make-up that has been specially formulated to be oil and fragrance free. Use a non-oily mascara which is water-proof to prevent flaking and excessive smudging. Mascara with lash-building fibres should be avoided.

. Replace mascara and eyeliner products very three to six months to avoid contamination.

. Avoid eye shadow that is powder. Use only gel, liquid or cream. Never use eye shadow that is frosted or iridescent. These may contain oyster shells or mica.

. Do not use eyeliner that is directly drawn on the rim of the eye. Keep all eyeliner pencils sharp enough so the wood doesn't scratch the surface of the eye.

. Remove the lenses before removing eye make up all make-up daily with an oily-free remover.

Random Tip: How to achieve the smoky eyes effect-

. Use a highlighter pencil right under the eyebrow, with a wider sweep. near the end, right on the bone. Blend. Emphasing the natural curves of your eye, use silver eye-shadow on the lid and inner corner, and a deeper gray on the socket crease, outer corner and near the lashes.

. Whip out the eyeliner and redefine the shape of your eye by making the line narrower in the inner corner and wider in the outer corner, to give it an upward slanting, almond shape.

Must Read: Skin Care Treatment and Tips - 10 skin care tips a women must know at http://www.weightloss-health.com/skin%20care%20treatment%20tips.htm

Wash your hands prior to putting in each contact, and then apply makeup.

Your mascara needs to have two magic phrases on its label: hypo-allergenic and safe for use by contact lens wearers.

Never apply eye makeup while in a car.

The odd flake of mascara fiber or the wrong eye pencil can make your eyes puff up or can bring that bloodshot effect which obviously you don't want, right?.

Random Tip: Home remedy for black spots-

Try these easy recipes to do away with black spots: Make a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and glycerin and apply it on the spots.

Grind dried basil leaf, neem and mint (100gm each). Add some turmeric powder and rose water to make it into a paste and apply it on the spots.

About the Author

Ashley Green: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

To get more free tips and advice on Eye Care, visit us at Free Eye Care Product and Eye Makeup Tips

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

Proper Eye Makeup Will Cheer up Your Appearance Tips from the Experts

Eyes speak volumes, giving you individuality; however, a little eye makeup can just do wonders ? empowering your twin gazers to spell their magic over everything. People belonging to ancient civilizations were sensible enough to recognize the importance of cosmetics and engaged in elaborate eye makeup.

The tradition continues even today and the modern beauties deem eye make up as the best way to heighten physical attractiveness. Hence, no matter what color or shape your eyes are, clever usage of eye make up can turn them to beauty assets, giving them greater depth and meaning.

How to get on with your eye make up?

Usage of eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara in keeping with essential beauty tips completes the makeup for your eyes, unless and until you have dark circles under you eyes. You may hide your dark circles with a few dots of concealer.

Eye Shadow

Available in a beautiful array of powders, creams and glittery dustings, eye shadows highlight and define the eyes by creating depth. Natural shades that go well with your skin tone will enhance your looks and add to your individuality. Therefore, select earthy tones such as beige, brown, gold or plum. Apply dark colored shadow on your eyelids if you have large eyes; this will make the eyes appear small. Using lighter color helps give eyes a larger effect.

Eyeliner

Give your eyes the real definition by applying a thin line of eyeliner. The line should be as close to the lash line as possible. If you want a heavy make up, you may go for a darker and thicker line. Going by standard beauty tips, you should stick to natural colors such as black or brown or else give in to your imagination. Pencil, liquid eyeliners are available in various colors.

To achieve the best definition, line both the lower and upper lid. Line the upper lid from the inside corner to the outside corner; for the lower lid draw a line just under the lashes.

Mascara

Mascara gives you a majestic gaze by framing your eyes in beautiful flaps of thick, dark, long eyelashes. Again, black and brown are hot favorites in mascara. Generally, two coats of mascara are applied; however, you will be required to give the first coating a little drying up time before you go ahead with the final finish.

Makeup is no less than art and so is eye makeup. The secret to success with this art is not overdoing. A valuable beauty tip for you would be ? Indulge in eye makeup to the degree that it keeps the natural beauty of your eyes intact, giving them more glitter, expression and life.

David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests and manufactures various skin peels and other for doctors offices and medispas. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

Permanent Cosmetics

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup is a state-of-the-art form of cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as micropigmentation, micropigment implantation or dermagraphics. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits tiny individual implants of pigment into the dermal layer of skin to enhance facial features. The 3 most common procedures are eyebrows, eyeliner and full lip color. How Is It Done?

Permanent cosmetic procedures are performed using various machines, including the traditional (or specialized) tattoo or coil machines; the pen or rotary machine and the non-machine or hand tool method.

What Can Be Done?

- Eyebrows - Eyeliner
- LipLiner - Full Lips
- Cleft Lip - Beauty Marks
-Skin Grafts
-Scar Camouflage
-Areola repigmentation

Who Benefits?

Women who:

?Have sparse brows and are tired of brow pencils
?Are tired of their makeup smearing
?Are athletic, yet still want to look their best
?Are allergic to conventional cosmetics
?Wear contact lenses
?Want to streamline their daily makeup r?gime
?Have colorless lips or uneven lip borders
?Have had breast reconstruction surgery (can tattoo an areola)
?Have scars and want them blended with their surrounding normal skin

?Does it hurt??

Topical cream anesthetics are used to numb the area. Most people equate the sensation as similar to tweezing or waxing. Nancy provides instructions which further promote comfort. Not following instructions can promote bleeding and increase sensitivity. Permanent makeup intrigues me, ?..I don?t know much about it??..

You probably know of someone who has permanent makeup and they love it. Or you may have seen or heard stories of bad work. It seems that the media is more likely to expound on the horror stories rather than the beautiful work that can be permanent makeup.

What Could Help Me Know If Permanent Makeup Is For Me?

First you must determine if there is something about your face, or body that you?re unhappy with. Say your brows are sparse, you use pencil every day and you?re tired of it. You may want to look into what permanent makeup can do for you. If you?ve had breast reconstruction and the areola/nipple was not replaced, then a permanent makeup artist can tattoo one on, making a woman feel whole again. Napoleon Hill said ?We Refuse to Believe What We Don?t Understand?. Without further knowledge the average person cannot make an educated decision about whether or not something will work for them. This means learn as much as possible about permanent makeup prior to making a a firm decision about it.

What Things Should I Look For In A Technician?

Once you have decided that you want permanent makeup, find out more about the technician. See if they have a website; visit that website. See if the information provided makes sense to you. Did you learn anything from it? Contact the technician, but instead of first asking ?how much it costs??, do this:

1) Learn as much about permanent makeup yourself before you talk to a prospective technician. Remember, this is your body/face ? you need to do your research and not rely only on the information they provide you.

2) How many procedures have they done?

3) What educational training have they had?

4) Do they have a portfolio of ?before? and ?after? photos you can review? Do you like what you see?

5) Does the technician seem interested in you?

6) Are they willing to provide answers to your questions?

7) Meet with her for a consultation.

8) Do you get a good feeling about this technician?

9) Ask how she keeps the procedure safe.

10) Then ask for costs. However, be advised this is not the industry to be looking for bargain basement prices?...you will get what you pay for?...trust me. I?ve repaired work that was inexpensive to the client who was only price shopping.

We?re On The Web
www.alwayslookyourbest.com

NANCY LATOUCHE
PERMANENT MAKEUP CONSULTANT
(714) 404-1306

Nancy LaTouche is a retired Board Certified Permanent Makeup Technician/Artist/Consultant.

Nancy is completing an E-book on Permanent Makeup due end of 2006, directed at new technicians. It will be information not provided in a typical course instruction, and will be published on her website upon completion. If you are a technician that is interested, see http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com

How To Make Your Eyes Irrisistible

The Eyes Have It

Remember the dreamy eyes of your first love? Who can resist a beautiful set of eyes? Your eyes are one of your

most important features. Do you treat them like the treasures they are? Even if your eyes are not 'to die for', you can make them truly memorable.

Eye Care. Do you care for them the way you should?

Sunscreen on your lids? Sunglasses? Carefully cleaned and stored contact lenses? Makeup remover made expressly for eyes? Adequate sleep? These aren't merely suggestions. They're requirements for stunning eyes.

Eye Color. Do you take the time to make up your eyes every day.

Take a minute to add some extra color and your whole face will light up.

Medium and dark complexions can?t go wrong with universal earth tones.

Going to work? Apply brown tones on the lower lids, highlight with a light taupe at the inner corners, sweeping up and outward to the brow bones.

Going out on the town? Add a complementary bronze or deep gold to your outer lid, gently swept from the middle of the eyelash line to the corner of the eyes. Fair faced women should use lighter colors as their basic palette.

Conservative? Use two colors for day - apply medium-gray or mushroom all over the lids to the brow bones, and from the middle of the lash line outward with a coordinating lighter shade from the same family. At night, add a shimmering gold dust overcoating.

Eyelashes and Eyebrows

Let?s talk mascara. Brown is becoming ever more popular because it complements all iris colors. It works on everyone, as does the standard black. And even though it's available, avoid blue and green tinted mascara, unless it matches your ultra-colorful dye job. Waterproof mascara is really not for everyday, unless you're especially weepy. A water-soluble mascara leaves your lashes in healthier condition, and healthy is beautiful.

No one has the perfect arch without a little help from tweezers or a lot of help from a stylist. All eyebrows need taming, whether it?s tweezing to remove one stray hair or an all-out waxing at the salon. Tweezing is cheap, which is great. And you don?t need an appointment. Oh, and if you use tweezers...

Did you know that some estheticians (that?s a highly trained skincare professional) will create a template for you to use when tweezing? If you want to deal with your brows on a less frequent basis, investigate having your eyebrows waxed at a reputable salon. It hurts, but many women feel the irritation is worth the gorgeous results.

Eyeglasses. Wear them if you need them?

Of course.

They're not just an accessory of necessity. Carefully chosen spectacles look great and can draw deserved attention to your eyes. Just think how smart they make you look. And smart is always in style!

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, Hollywood Makeup Secrets a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved. ----------------------------------------------------------

Skin Care Tips Multiple Uses For Your Organic Skin Care Products

You might be asking why do my skin care products have to be certified organic in order to have multiple uses? Good question! The answer is simply this; I wouldn?t recommend using any products that aren?t certified organic anywhere other than where it?s intended to be used due to the fact that many of the products can contain carcinogens and other toxic substances. Certified organic skin care products are however a different story as they do not contain anything toxic.

First Tip: Use your organic hair styling gel to darken your eyebrows. Forget having to use your eyeliner just take a dab of hair gel and smooth it over each eyebrow to generate a deeper tone. This will also keep your eyebrows in position throughout the day.

Second Tip: If your used to using a waterproof mascara and are having trouble with smudging when it?s not waterproof remember these tips when you apply. First of all set your foundation, powder, eyeshadow etc. with a light hydrating mist and let that dry. Next add another thin layer of powder under the eye to make sure there isn?t any moisture that will cause the mascara to smudge. Only after this should you apply your mascara.

Third Tip: Before you go to bed at night apply a small dab of lotion (only if it is certified organic) to your lips to keep them extra soft. (And don?t forget to smother your feet with lotion so that you don?t get dry callused feet)

Fourth Tip: Use an exfoliating scrub on your legs to remove dead skin then nourish them with lotion. You can also use a hydrating mist on your legs if you have one.

Fifth Tip: After applying all your makeup (except your mascara) spray a light mist over your face to set your makeup for the day. A hydrating mist is the perfect choice for setting your makeup.

Erika Juhas is the owner of http://www.kalistaorganics.com She offers extensive information regarding the organic lifestyle on her website. Primarily she represents an organic line of skin and body care products that will contribute to eliminating toxic chemicals from your body.

7 Steps to Great Makeup

1. Avoid wearing too much

Makeup is meant to enhance features not bring negative attention to you. That's what wearing too much makeup will do; it will bring you unwanted attention. Don't wear too much of anything such as:

1.Eyeliner: dark, thick eyeliner will make you look overdone and will ruin the rest of your makeup.

2.Mascara: too much mascara looks fake and will flake. It looks especially bad if worn with thick eyeliner or dark blue eye eye shadow.

3.Foundation: Make sure your foundation is the same color as your skin. Foundation is meant to protect and give the face a smooth look. The magic word is blend.

4.Powder: The same holds true for powder - not too much. Also, be sure to blend your makeup so there are no obvious lines.

2. Lips

Apply lip liner to completely cover the lips, add color and your lipstick will stay on much longer. Make sure your lip liner doesn't show. Also, your lip color should match your skin tone; wear cool colors if you have cool coloring and warm colors if you have warm coloring. If you want to make your lips look smaller, keep your liner on the inside of your lips. However, if you decide to make your lips look larger, going outside the natural outline of you lips is a mistake. This can look quite messy and unnatural.

3. Appropriate makeup

Wear makeup that is appropriate for the occasion. If you are going to the beach you shouldn't wear the same or as much makeup as you would if you were going dancing. Also, when you are in daylight your makeup should be a lighter than when you are out for the evening.

4. Too little or no makeup

Some women don't wear makeup because they are not sure how to use it and are afraid of being overdone. If you are unsure, start will light colours in your shade. Start slowly and add one product at a time. Maybe start with foundation, add mascara, blush or lipstick. If you are not used to wearing makeup, using a lot a first may be a little too much for you, so start slowly. The bottom line is a little is better than none. If you are still unsure seek professional advice.

5. Overall look

When your makeup is completed it should look natural. That means avoiding colours that clash. If you have dark skin and hair you will look better in darker shades; light colours will make you look washed out. If your hair and skin tone are light, light colours will look better on you. Dark makeup will make you look older and harsh. If you have oily skin, first use oil control moisturizer and foundation. Then be sure to wear loose powder, keeping pressed powder with you for touch ups.

6. Hair color

Your hair color should also be in harmony with your skin. If you have dark hair and you want to add color, keep it close to the same shade. If you have light hair, use light colors. As you age your skin will lighten, so should your hair color. One last thing about hair color - if you do color you hair be sure you keep it up, don't let your roots show.

7. One last thing

Keep makeup looking fresh all day by doing regular touch ups. Don't let your makeup fade or crease. Smile!!!

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

DermaPro: Botox Alternative and Foundation Set

Women who wear makeup and want to apply a treatment method for wrinkles are limited in the products available. Many products on the market are oil-based. Using these products with foundation can be messy at best. Most products formulated to treat wrinkles are oil based. It can be difficult to apply foundation over products that are oil based. In addition, the oil can eventually seep through the foundation, giving the skin an uneven appearance. Instead of having to go without foundation, women who use foundation should use an alternative treatment.

The good news about DermaPro is that not only allows women who wear foundation to treat their skin for wrinkles, but it actually facilitates better foundation application. It actually prepares the application process to be smoother. DermaPro is an alternative wrinkle treatment for women who use foundation, but it is also a Botox alternative in general. DermaPro works similar to Botox in that it is formulated to relax the muscles so that wrinkles and fine lines become smoother and less visible to the eye. When you apply DermaPro prior to using foundation, your skin will also appear smooth. So, you can treat you skin while looking beautiful. DermaPro goes a step further and actually improves the way your foundation looks.

It takes a powerful product to treat wrinkles. Most products of this type have a particular ingredient that does all the work. In relation to DermaPro, the active ingredient is Thalassine. There are many chemicals available that can smooth skin afflicted with signs of aging. Although the Thalassine in DermaPro works similar to Botox, it is not a toxin. Dermapro is so light that you can apply it along with a moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation. A 1-ounce bottle of DermaPro costs nearly 100 dollars, which may be considered expensive. However, you won?t use but a minimal amount of the product.

Detailed information about botox alternatives, including tips on wrinkle reduction, are available at Botox alternative.

Remedying the Silly Ways Women Get Acne When Applying Makeup and Moisturizers

Women spend thousands of dollars to create a flawless face. Yet faulty or uninformed uses of moisturizers and makeup can lead to inexplicable breakouts for women.

The two key symbols to remember when applying makeup and moisturizers are cotton and the feather. Cotton symbolizes the need to use clean applicators when applying makeup. The feather represents light application of makeup and moisturizers.

Here are the four biggest mistakes women make in their beauty regime that can lead to acne and ways to remedy them.

1. Re-using a consealer applicator

You have a zit and you want to hide it. So what do you do? Dip your consealer applicator in the bottle and apply the liquid cover directly to the inflamed zit, right. No. Reapplying consealer to your face with the applicator provided by the manufacturer does one thing only, spread more bacteria. Once you apply the consealer to your face with the applicator wand, you simply return it to the bottle where the bacteria have a whole container in which to flourish. Giving bacteria a breeding ground is what causes acne in the first place, so don?t give them new real estate in which to reproduce.

Solution:
To avoid this, apply your consealer with a cotton swab and never, ever use the applicator stick provided by the consealer manufacturer. This will ensure that your consealer applications are always fresh and free of as much bacteria as possible.

2. Re-using a foundation sponge

The reasons for not re-using a foundation sponge are the same as the reason for not re-using a consearler applicator, you want to limit the spread of bacteria.

Solution:
Never use the foundation sponge provided by the manufacturer of the cosmetic. Instead, use a cotton ball to apply your foundation. This way, each of your foundation applications will be clean.

3. Applying moisturizers and makeup with a heavy hand.

Do you have the habit of piling layers of makeup onto your face? Caking on your makeup clogs your pores. Clogged pores are an ideal breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.

Solution:
Always lightly apply your makeup and moisturizer. One easy trick for assuring that you are applying your makeup and moisturizer lightly is that you feel a tickling sensation as you apply your cosmetics. The added benefit of light facial handling is that you reduce stretching and irritating your skin, a combination that can help limit the onset of wrinkles and acne breakouts.

4. Not evenly applying cosmetics

If you notice a collection of pimples surrounding your temple or hairline, this could be because you start applying the makeup or moisturizer at the bottom of your face and work your way upward. However, if the makeup or moisturizer collects on your temples or at the hairline, the cosmetic excess may clog the pores and cause zits.

Solution:
When applying makeup or a moisturizer, spread it evenly across the entire face. Keep in mind that hair styling agents may have spread to your hairline and this increases the chances of the pores getting congested and zits arising. Also, while cleansing your face, apply a warm cloth onto your hairline area to help remove the waxy build-up that comes from hair styling agents, moisturizers and makeup.

So next time you are applying makeup or your moisturizer, call to mind the feather and cotton, your metaphor for staying ?light? and ?clean? with your skin.

Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include ?Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne? (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work ?Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we?re still not getting this dieting thing? (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com

Is Your Face a Nightmare After Christmas?

The party's over and the morning after Christmas brings along the dread of watching your haggard face in the mirror. Hectic partying does that for you -- let's face it. And so we might as well start looking for ways to beat the post party face catastrophe.

WATER YOUR BODY

Your body needs it as much as your plants do! Late nights and alcohol can bring about serious depletion of moisture from your face. Drink as much water as possible throughout the evening. If it is not possible to drink much water during the party, be sure to drink a glass when you come home, before going to bed.

Next morning, over a couple of hours, try to drink a whole bottle (at least 750 ml) of fluids like water, herbal tea (jasmine or chamomile also helps hangovers), lemonade, fresh fruit juices etc. For the rest of the day, keep spritzing your face at regular intervals. You could also go in for a light, fruit-water based moisturizer.

SENSITIVE SKIN

A healthy, glowing skin, if heaped with lots of various makeup ingredients, takes no time to turn into an irritable, sensitive skin. Try to use mild and protective products and don't punish your face by applying a little bit of everything you can find in your makeup box.

Find ways to maximize your look with minimal cosmetics. Always cleanse, tone and moisturize before you apply your makeup. It keeps makeup from looking chalky and also acts as a protective layer.

C-L-E-A-N-S-E

Remove all traces of makeup from your face as soon as possible. Cleanse well before going to sleep that night and cleanse again in the morning.

Besides water, use good quality makeup removers and make it a must to use a good eye makeup remover for the eyes.

Over cleansing can strip protective oils from your skin and make your skin more sensitive. But since its absolutely essential that you remove your makeup when you return, use a gentle cleanser. A cream-based cleanser is the gentlest.

Don't forget to tome and moisturize after you have removed your makeup. Massage your skin with an enriching moisturizer for about 5 minutes to stimulate circulation and glow naturally.

EYE CARE

If you are beginning to get dark circles due to lack of sleep and poor circulation, use an eye cream.

A great remedy from the kitchen is to place potato or zucchini slices on your eyelids for about 5 minutes and apply slight pressure. This helps to drain out excess fluid and soothes your eyes.

PUFFY FACE

The best way to deal with a puffy and zitty face is to cool it down. The 'tried and tested' used tea bags and cucumber slices work well. Another remedy is using ice cubes of rosewater. Chill a tray before leaving for parties and rub it all over your face in the morning.

You can also grate a cucumber, soak a cotton ball in it and wipe your whole face with it. Fifteen minutes in a steam room or a cold shower also works wonders for a puffy face.

So now there's nothing to stop you from enjoying your Christmas and New Year Parties and Bashes. Just get equipped to beat the post-party face catastrophe and party hard!

Lata Tokhi is the Founder and Editor of Dot Com Women (http://www.dotcomwomen.com), a premier women's website and fast-growing online community. For more beauty tips and advice, makeup tricks, interviews with famous Fashion personas, seasonal styles and trends, visit the 'Beauty & Fashion' channel at http://www.dotcomwomen.com/beauty

How and Why Skin Ages

For as long as one can remember, it has always been the pursuit of many to keep their youthful looks, even at great costs. And in this day and age, the trend has not changed. Now more than ever, methods, techniques and treatments meant to retain that ?youthful glow? proliferate everywhere. As it is the most telltale sign of getting old, anti-aging goods and services account for billions of dollars spent in the hopes of delaying the onset of skin aging.

Unfortunately, many have been and are misinformed on how and why the skin ages misleading these same people into buying products that only offer short-lived, if not unsuccessful and disappointing, results.

It is therefore only smart to know just how the skin develops over time. In understanding the hows and whys of aging skin, the correct habits and treatments can then be developed to retain as much one?s youthful looks for as long a time as possible.

First off, there are two types of aging for the skin. There is the intrinsic (internal) aging, which is caused by factors within one?s own body, such as genes and body condition; and extrinsic (external) aging, which is caused by factors outside one?s body, such as sunlight and lifestyle.

Intrinsic (internal) aging

Aging is a natural process and our genes determine how one goes through that process. For some, aging can set on earlier or later than most. On average, signs of skin aging begin to appear in the mid-20s.

As one grows older, the skin?s ability to snap back to shape (elasticity) starts to decrease. That is because skin cells do not regenerate as fast as they used to - resulting to tougher, older skin. Although internal aging begins in one?s 20s, the typical signs of wrinkles and sagging skin do not appear for until about a couple of decades more.

Other signs that indicate skin aging are thinning, loss of firmness, dryness, and reduction of sweat production that prevents proper cooling of the body.

Extrinsic (external) aging

Factors outside one?s own genes accelerate skin aging. Lifestyles and habits carry more impact of why aging skin occurs more prematurely in one?s lifetime.

Sun exposure

With the present condition our atmosphere is in, harmful rays from the sun pass through in ever increasing amounts causing damage to the skin and hampering its ability to repair itself. Over a period of time, a few minutes a day of exposure to ultraviolet rays results in changes to the skin (freckles, age spots, rough skin). An even graver symptom would be the onset of skin cancer. Dermatologists call this effect photo aging in reference to the sun?s rays that reduce the production of collagen responsible for maintaining the skin?s elasticity.

One?s susceptibility to photo aging is determined by the amount of pigment in the skin as well as the frequency and duration one spends under the sun?s rays. Given these factors, fair-skinned individuals and those who spend long periods under the sun stand to have more pronounced effects of photo aging compared to those who are darker-skinned and spend more time in the shade.

Facial Exercises

Ironically, the routine once prescribed to prevent facial wrinkles is actually one of the causes of that very thing one aims to avoid. Facial exercises cause the muscles on the face to fold and crease the skin. As the skin?s elasticity decreases, the skin starts to take on the creases more permanently causing deep wrinkles on the face.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking does not only cause harm to the body internally but externally as well. This is most pronounced with the condition of the skin. Nicotine intake causes changes in the body that speeds up the break down of skin cells, among other harmful effects.

It is a common finding that individuals who?ve been smokers for at least a decade look comparably older than those who do not smoke. In addition to wrinkles, yellowish discoloration of the skin has been observed in smokers. However, the good news is that those who have given up smoking show improvements in their skin condition shortly after quitting.

The signs of skin aging will inevitably show up on everyone at one point or the other. All sorts of products and treatments can be availed of but it is only meant to delay the outward symptoms.

Perhaps the best solution is to understand the aging process and not view it as a disease, but rather see it as another stage of development the body undergoes - a solution that requires no prescription and is free of charge.

New! Hollywood beauty professionals and celebrities reveal exactly how they get the perfect hair, skin, nails, make up, and bodies... Super model Sarah Jane reveals for the first time insider access to exclusive Hollywood beauty secrets and advice... Discover advice for: Hair Styles, Makeup Application, Nails, Skin Care, Body and Shape, Weight Loss, Exercise, Fashion and Style Inner Beauty And More!