Thursday, July 17, 2008
FIRST TIME HERE?
If this is your first time checking out my blog, be sure to view each headline for an overview of skin care and skin education. Don't forget, you may be missing something really important!!!! You can also email me with any questions or concerns, go to view my profile and click on contact. I look forward to talking with all of you.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Ever wonder why you are always trying to do different things to improve your appearance? Why you will spend so much money on products and services to look and feel better and not think twice about it? Some will do just about anything for that picture perfect look. The reality of it is, we are all guility of this, but why? Well, our appearance is a huge part of us, and whether you will admit to it or not, we all want to look and feel beautiful to some degree. You hear people say beauty is from within, and although I am a true believer in that, society does not make it easy. Many people feel that they must compete with, and compare themselves to others. The truth is we don't have to. As long as you take care of your skin, you will always feel and look good without going to extremes. The way you feel about your overall appearance should start with your skin. Your skin is the first thing people see when they look at you, so you need to take care of it, because that's the only skin you have. I am a licensed Esthetician who wants to help each and every one of you love the skin you are in. I've set up this blog so that we, together, can fix the problems your having with your skin. I can answer any questions or concerns you may have. My goal is to make you look in the mirror and see a beautiful face looking back at you. I truly believe we are all beautiful as long as we feel it within ourselves. So get ready to love the new you.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
First Things First
You need to know what type of skin you have. There are five types of skin and we all have one of them. You need to know this first so that it will be easier for you to treat your skin type and get the proper products and services that will help you. Many people do not know what type of skin they have and therefore spend money on products that they do not need and wonder why they are not getting the results they are looking for. It is a waste of time and money, so before you buy another thing, read on.
The five skin types are:
-Dry Skin: This skin type does not produce enough oil. Sometimes can be flaky. Pores are small or hard to see. Oil production helps protect us from the environment. Dry skin lacks the oil protection and, therefore, is fragile. Products that you should be looking for are "occlusive products". These are heavier products that include cream cleansers designed to keep moisture in the skin. Drinking lots of water and hydrating the skin can help minimize dryness. You can also use a freshener on the skin after cleansing. Just spritz some on your face and go.
-Normal Skin: This skin type has a good oil/water balance. It can go either way. Sometimes more dry and sometimes more oily. Pores are normal size and skin is usually clear of pimples. Products to look for are cleansing lotions. You want to look for more water based products, not oil based. You want to use toners in this case as well because they will help tighten the skin.
-Combination Skin: This skin can be both oily and dry at the same time. Most people who have combination skin have oil throughout the t-zone. The t-zone is the forehead, nose and chin. The rest of the face tends to be more dry. Pores are larger in the t-zone and get smaller just outside of the zone. With this skin type you need to balance both the oily and dry areas, making this type of skin require a little more care. You should cleanse and exfoliate on a regular basis. Products you should look for are water based products. Foamy cleansers, such as a face wash, is best for this skin type. You also want to use a toner throughout the day. You should spritz on your face several times a day. Don't be afraid to put on right over your makeup, as this with help balance your skin throughout the day.
-Oily Skin: This skin type produces lots of oil. Pore size is large over most of the face. This skin type requires more cleansing and exfoliating than any other type. You see lots of blemishes and blackheads. You should balance this type with treatments and use products on a daily basis, but over cleansing can make skin worse and can strip skin and irritate it. Therefore, you should not cleanse and exfoliate more than once a day. Water based products are best for this skin type. You want to go with foamy face washes and astringents in this case. The up side to this skin type is that oily skin ages more slowly than any other.
-Sensitive Skin: This skin type is characterized by redness and is irritated by products, food and the environment. The best way to care for this condition is to be very gentle. Be very careful in the products that you choose, as many are not good for sensitive skin. This skin condition is usually genetically predisposed and needs to be cared for through professional treatments and nonirritating products.
So those are the five skin types. Analyze your skin right now, because knowing your skin is the first step.
The five skin types are:
-Dry Skin: This skin type does not produce enough oil. Sometimes can be flaky. Pores are small or hard to see. Oil production helps protect us from the environment. Dry skin lacks the oil protection and, therefore, is fragile. Products that you should be looking for are "occlusive products". These are heavier products that include cream cleansers designed to keep moisture in the skin. Drinking lots of water and hydrating the skin can help minimize dryness. You can also use a freshener on the skin after cleansing. Just spritz some on your face and go.
-Normal Skin: This skin type has a good oil/water balance. It can go either way. Sometimes more dry and sometimes more oily. Pores are normal size and skin is usually clear of pimples. Products to look for are cleansing lotions. You want to look for more water based products, not oil based. You want to use toners in this case as well because they will help tighten the skin.
-Combination Skin: This skin can be both oily and dry at the same time. Most people who have combination skin have oil throughout the t-zone. The t-zone is the forehead, nose and chin. The rest of the face tends to be more dry. Pores are larger in the t-zone and get smaller just outside of the zone. With this skin type you need to balance both the oily and dry areas, making this type of skin require a little more care. You should cleanse and exfoliate on a regular basis. Products you should look for are water based products. Foamy cleansers, such as a face wash, is best for this skin type. You also want to use a toner throughout the day. You should spritz on your face several times a day. Don't be afraid to put on right over your makeup, as this with help balance your skin throughout the day.
-Oily Skin: This skin type produces lots of oil. Pore size is large over most of the face. This skin type requires more cleansing and exfoliating than any other type. You see lots of blemishes and blackheads. You should balance this type with treatments and use products on a daily basis, but over cleansing can make skin worse and can strip skin and irritate it. Therefore, you should not cleanse and exfoliate more than once a day. Water based products are best for this skin type. You want to go with foamy face washes and astringents in this case. The up side to this skin type is that oily skin ages more slowly than any other.
-Sensitive Skin: This skin type is characterized by redness and is irritated by products, food and the environment. The best way to care for this condition is to be very gentle. Be very careful in the products that you choose, as many are not good for sensitive skin. This skin condition is usually genetically predisposed and needs to be cared for through professional treatments and nonirritating products.
So those are the five skin types. Analyze your skin right now, because knowing your skin is the first step.
Why facials are important
I cannot stress the importance of facial treatments. Everyone, regardless of your condition, your age, or your lifestyle, should get regular facial treatments. There are many factors that affect the skin that you would never even realize. The things that can cause damage to our skin include: Stress; life styles; sun; enviroment; health; dehydration; vitamin deficiency; not enough nutrition; how much alcohol and caffeine we put into our bodies; hormones; menopause; lack of rest; smoking; medications and drugs; and food (to name a few!). All these things affect our skin and cause all kinds of problems. We all go throughout our day not knowing the effects that every day life has on our skin. Everything we do plays an important role. Going for facial treatments can help minimize the damage that we put our skin through. If you have never gone for a facial treatment, or do not go often, let me explain what it is we do.
Facials: A facial is a relaxing and rewarding way to take care of your skin. Depending on your skin type, we customize a treatment especially for you. First we start with a double cleanse routine, followed by exfoliating your skin. Next, we do extractions if needed followed by a massage on the body and face and a customized masque designed for your skin condition. To end the treatment, we tone and moisturize your face. You leave feeling like a new person. If you have regular facial treatments, stick to certain products and follow proper at home applications, you will see a huge difference in the appearance of your skin.
Benefits of Cleansing: Cleanser may help to remove dirt and oil build up on the skin. It helps nourish and moisturize the skin.
Benefits of Exfoliation: Depending on the exfoliate, makes skin smoother, faster cell turnover, help the extraction process, helps improve moisture, helps product penetration, stimulates blood flow and helps get rid of dead skin cells.
Benefits of Massage: Takes away stress and tension. Stimulates circulation and blood flow. Helps with muscular contractions, good for toning. Soothing and relaxing for the body.
Benefits of a Masques: Depending on the type of masque used, they remove dead cells and absorb oil in the skin. Sometimes used to firm mature skin. Moisturizing and soothing.
Benefits of Toners: Moisturizes and tightens the skin.
Benefits of Moisturizers: Depending on the moisturizer used, provides skin hydration, smoothes skin and improves texture, helps repair damaged skin. Some moisurizers are also sunscreen that will protect against UV rays.
Facials: A facial is a relaxing and rewarding way to take care of your skin. Depending on your skin type, we customize a treatment especially for you. First we start with a double cleanse routine, followed by exfoliating your skin. Next, we do extractions if needed followed by a massage on the body and face and a customized masque designed for your skin condition. To end the treatment, we tone and moisturize your face. You leave feeling like a new person. If you have regular facial treatments, stick to certain products and follow proper at home applications, you will see a huge difference in the appearance of your skin.
Benefits of Cleansing: Cleanser may help to remove dirt and oil build up on the skin. It helps nourish and moisturize the skin.
Benefits of Exfoliation: Depending on the exfoliate, makes skin smoother, faster cell turnover, help the extraction process, helps improve moisture, helps product penetration, stimulates blood flow and helps get rid of dead skin cells.
Benefits of Massage: Takes away stress and tension. Stimulates circulation and blood flow. Helps with muscular contractions, good for toning. Soothing and relaxing for the body.
Benefits of a Masques: Depending on the type of masque used, they remove dead cells and absorb oil in the skin. Sometimes used to firm mature skin. Moisturizing and soothing.
Benefits of Toners: Moisturizes and tightens the skin.
Benefits of Moisturizers: Depending on the moisturizer used, provides skin hydration, smoothes skin and improves texture, helps repair damaged skin. Some moisurizers are also sunscreen that will protect against UV rays.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Clients with Acne
Acne: We have all had it at some point in our lives, some worse than others. Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by comedones and blemishes. Acne is not a viral infection and comes in many different forms.
Causes of Acne: Clogged pores, bacteria, cosmetics and products that we use, hormones, stress, food, and irritations are all things that can cause acne.
Acne triggers:
-Hormones:
Male hormones: High levels of testosterone cause an increase in oil productions, which then causes acne. Oil in and on the skin blocks pores and causes acne breakouts. When there is a lot of oil on the skin, the skin cannot breath and therefore it becomes clogged.
Female hormones: Adult acne is more common in females, than males. Woman are more prone to breakouts on the skin due to premenstrual changes, birth control pills, pregnancy and menopause. Most likely to be on the chin, but on other areas as well.
-Foods: Many foods such as those high in salt and MSG, cheeses, processed and packaged foods, fast foods, and minerals from the ocean can irritate acne. Eating fresh vegetables, fruits and drinking lots of water helps with acne.
-Stress: Another BIG thing that can cause breakouts to the skin. When we get stressed it causes hormonal fluctuations and increases oil productions. When we have big events or special occasions that come up, people tend to breakout more because their body is stressed. Try and remain calm and keep it together so that blemishes do not occur for that big event.
Irritations-Rubbing or touching the face, using the phone, wearing hats, dirty pillows rubbing up against the skin and dirty makeup brushes may cause some acne. Try to avoid these things as much as possible.
There are different types of acne. The type someone has depends on the number of lesions (structural changes in tissus caused by damage or injury), comedones (blackheads), papules (a pimple), pustules (inflamed papule with white or yellow center filled with pus), or cysts (closed, abnormally developed sac containing fluid, or infection above or below the skin) present.
If you have an acne problem, trust me you, are not the only one. There are many things that we can do to help with your acne. Getting facials regularly helps with this condition. I recommend getting a facial that is customized just for you so that we can really focus on the areas that need the most attention. Don't let acne get in the way anymore!!!
Causes of Acne: Clogged pores, bacteria, cosmetics and products that we use, hormones, stress, food, and irritations are all things that can cause acne.
Acne triggers:
-Hormones:
Male hormones: High levels of testosterone cause an increase in oil productions, which then causes acne. Oil in and on the skin blocks pores and causes acne breakouts. When there is a lot of oil on the skin, the skin cannot breath and therefore it becomes clogged.
Female hormones: Adult acne is more common in females, than males. Woman are more prone to breakouts on the skin due to premenstrual changes, birth control pills, pregnancy and menopause. Most likely to be on the chin, but on other areas as well.
-Foods: Many foods such as those high in salt and MSG, cheeses, processed and packaged foods, fast foods, and minerals from the ocean can irritate acne. Eating fresh vegetables, fruits and drinking lots of water helps with acne.
-Stress: Another BIG thing that can cause breakouts to the skin. When we get stressed it causes hormonal fluctuations and increases oil productions. When we have big events or special occasions that come up, people tend to breakout more because their body is stressed. Try and remain calm and keep it together so that blemishes do not occur for that big event.
Irritations-Rubbing or touching the face, using the phone, wearing hats, dirty pillows rubbing up against the skin and dirty makeup brushes may cause some acne. Try to avoid these things as much as possible.
There are different types of acne. The type someone has depends on the number of lesions (structural changes in tissus caused by damage or injury), comedones (blackheads), papules (a pimple), pustules (inflamed papule with white or yellow center filled with pus), or cysts (closed, abnormally developed sac containing fluid, or infection above or below the skin) present.
If you have an acne problem, trust me you, are not the only one. There are many things that we can do to help with your acne. Getting facials regularly helps with this condition. I recommend getting a facial that is customized just for you so that we can really focus on the areas that need the most attention. Don't let acne get in the way anymore!!!
Some Added Extras You Should Know
Did you ever realize that when it's a nice, sunny day everyone around you is in a better mood, has more energy and seems to have a little more bounce to their step? Why on a sunny day do you want to roll the window down and put the music up more than usual? Why you drive a little bit faster then normal? The answer is the sun, of course. It has that effect on us. So why can't we enjoy it the way we want to? So many people want to know, "what it is about the sun that is so bad?" How could something so bright and beautiful cause so many problems for our skin? Well it's the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two rays that effect the skin. Each rays influence the skin at different levels.
UVA rays- These rays cause us to age. Unlike the UVB rays, these rays attack our skin and weaken the skin's collagen and elastin fibers, causing wrinkes and sagging of the skin to appear.
UVB rays- These are the rays that causes us to burn. They cause tanning or burning by affecting the melanocytes (cells that are responsible for producing melanin-pigment that determines the color of your skin). Melanin helps to protect us from the suns UV rays, but can be destroyed when we let to much UV light penetrate the skin.
Sun exposure leads not only to skin cancer, but aging, hyperpigmentation, capillary damage, free radical damage (unstable chemical particles) and collagen and elastin damage.
Thats a lot to take in. We all want to enjoy the sun without getting the effects of the rays. So how can we do this? Well, there are ways to help protect yourselve against the sun. Here are some helpfull hints:
-Wear a moisturizers or lotion with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 on all areas of exposure. Ladies if you are going to wear a foundation you should get one that has a sunscreen built in.
-If you are going to be sitting out in the sun for a prolonged period of time, use a sunscreen with a higher SPF. The higher the better.
-Avoid too much sun exposure especially during peak hours where the UV is at its highest point. This is usually between 10am and 3pm.
-Instead of trying to tan yourself in the sun to get color, try using a tinted moisturizer or a self tanning lotion. This will help get the color you want, and still avoid the damage from the sun.
- Apply sunscreen every couple hours, as they do not last all day. You need to reapply.
-Check expiration dates on all sunscreens you buy to make sure that they have not expired.
It is very important to protect your skin from the sun. You may not realize the damage it causes. Just by driving with your arm out the window you are exposed to the sun's rays. Although we can not avoid the sun completely, following the steps above will minimize your risk. It may take some time to see the visual damage that sun actually inflicts, but eventually it will catch up with you.
UVA rays- These rays cause us to age. Unlike the UVB rays, these rays attack our skin and weaken the skin's collagen and elastin fibers, causing wrinkes and sagging of the skin to appear.
UVB rays- These are the rays that causes us to burn. They cause tanning or burning by affecting the melanocytes (cells that are responsible for producing melanin-pigment that determines the color of your skin). Melanin helps to protect us from the suns UV rays, but can be destroyed when we let to much UV light penetrate the skin.
Sun exposure leads not only to skin cancer, but aging, hyperpigmentation, capillary damage, free radical damage (unstable chemical particles) and collagen and elastin damage.
Thats a lot to take in. We all want to enjoy the sun without getting the effects of the rays. So how can we do this? Well, there are ways to help protect yourselve against the sun. Here are some helpfull hints:
-Wear a moisturizers or lotion with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 on all areas of exposure. Ladies if you are going to wear a foundation you should get one that has a sunscreen built in.
-If you are going to be sitting out in the sun for a prolonged period of time, use a sunscreen with a higher SPF. The higher the better.
-Avoid too much sun exposure especially during peak hours where the UV is at its highest point. This is usually between 10am and 3pm.
-Instead of trying to tan yourself in the sun to get color, try using a tinted moisturizer or a self tanning lotion. This will help get the color you want, and still avoid the damage from the sun.
- Apply sunscreen every couple hours, as they do not last all day. You need to reapply.
-Check expiration dates on all sunscreens you buy to make sure that they have not expired.
It is very important to protect your skin from the sun. You may not realize the damage it causes. Just by driving with your arm out the window you are exposed to the sun's rays. Although we can not avoid the sun completely, following the steps above will minimize your risk. It may take some time to see the visual damage that sun actually inflicts, but eventually it will catch up with you.
Client Cards and Consultaions! Why are they so important?
It would seem as if the last thing a person desiring a facial would want to do is spend time filling out a client consultation card. This part of the treatment, however, is one of the most important for several reasons. First, the client consultation card provides your esthetician with vital health information that you may not even have thought to be important. For example: alllergies to certain products; prior medical health history such as heart conditions; current medications; lifestyle concerns (stress factors, smoking, exercise, tanning, diet, etc.), to name a few. Also, the card will provide the esthetician with information regarding your daily routine and maintenance. The information provided on the client consultation card will explain to the esthetician what your concerns are, and perhaps more importantly, what your goals are. Knowing this information is the key to obaining that goal...a better skin for you to be in. Be patient, and you will be rewarded!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Waxing
Waxing can have a positive impact on your overall appearance. People do not realize what a difference a little wax can do. Getting rid of unwanted hair is is a way to get a cleaner, more attractive appearance. Waxing adheres to the hair and removes the bulb from the follicle making the hair grow back at a much slower rate. You can usually go 3 to 4 weeks before your next appointment. It is a quick and easy way to be rid of the hair so that you don't have to worry about it. Some clients do get a little red, especially their first time, but the redness goes away, so no worries. If a client is too sensitive for waxing, we can always tweeze away those hairs around the brows. Tweezing pulls hair out by the root one at a time. This is a slower alternative method for those sentitve to the waxing procedure.
Facial waxing should not be performed on clients that have the following conditions:
* Rosacea or very sensitive skin
* Sunburn
* History of fever blisters or cold sores
* Presence of pustules or papules
* Had recent chemical peel using glycolic, salicylic, or other acid based product.
* Recent botox or collagen injections
* Cosmetic or reconstructive surgery
Clients using the following medications should not receive waxing services:
* Retin-A, Renova, hydroquinone, or similar skin thinning products
* Blood-thinning medications
* Topical or oral cortisone medication
* Accutane or other acne medications
To ensure your waxing experience is pleasant and successful, here are some helpful hints you should do prior to your service.
* Stop shaving or tweezing the area at least 14 days prior to waxing. If hair is not long enough the wax will not adhere.
* Do not remove ingrown hairs 4 to 5 days before service.
* Exfoliate the area 24 to 48 hours before the service.
After your service you should NOT do the following:
* Take hot baths for the remainder of the day of service.
* Apply perfumed products or tanning lotions for at least 24 hours.
* Exfoliate the waxed area 24 to 48 hours after the service.
* Avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays (sun or tanning beds) for at least 24 to 48 hours after the service.
Facial waxing should not be performed on clients that have the following conditions:
* Rosacea or very sensitive skin
* Sunburn
* History of fever blisters or cold sores
* Presence of pustules or papules
* Had recent chemical peel using glycolic, salicylic, or other acid based product.
* Recent botox or collagen injections
* Cosmetic or reconstructive surgery
Clients using the following medications should not receive waxing services:
* Retin-A, Renova, hydroquinone, or similar skin thinning products
* Blood-thinning medications
* Topical or oral cortisone medication
* Accutane or other acne medications
To ensure your waxing experience is pleasant and successful, here are some helpful hints you should do prior to your service.
* Stop shaving or tweezing the area at least 14 days prior to waxing. If hair is not long enough the wax will not adhere.
* Do not remove ingrown hairs 4 to 5 days before service.
* Exfoliate the area 24 to 48 hours before the service.
After your service you should NOT do the following:
* Take hot baths for the remainder of the day of service.
* Apply perfumed products or tanning lotions for at least 24 hours.
* Exfoliate the waxed area 24 to 48 hours after the service.
* Avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays (sun or tanning beds) for at least 24 to 48 hours after the service.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
The Makeup World
Ok Ladies, here is the fun part... Makeup!!! I just love makeup. It's so much fun to put on. You can be creative, really express yourself, and show off all your different features. Experiment with all the different colors and styles, you can go from a basic day look to a dramatic night look. Spend 5 minutes on your face or spend hours. The choice is yours. Whatever your routine, there are ways for everyone to enjoy the endless possibilities of the world of makeup. Most people do not know anything about makeup, such as how to apply it or what brands to buy. You need to know and understand makeup in order to get the results you are looking for. Have no fear, I will cover all the bases with you. You will look at makeup in a whole new way!!!
Choosing a makeup line is the first step, this is something that should be taken very seriously because trust me, it makes a huge difference in the results. Quality is important when choosing any skin products or supplies. There is a difference between high-quality and generic brands. Another thing you need to think about is brushes. I know you're thinking, "why the brushes?" A brush is a brush right? Wrong!!! Brushes are a huge part of the application so the better the brush the better the results.
The order you put makeup on should also be something to consider. First, you always want to start with your foundation, followed by concealer and then powder. Next you want to apply first your eyeshadow, then eyeliner, followed by your mascara. At this point, you would apply your eyebrow color if needed. Cheeks go next and last, your lips. Lip liner is followed by lipstick and that's it. I know, that sounds like so many steps, right? It's easy, and once you get into a routine, it will take you no time to put on your face.
Ok, so should we get started?
Foundation: This is the base of it all. It evens out skin tone and color, conceals imperfections and protects our skin from the outside elements. When picking out foundation, you want to make sure that it has an SPF of some sort, and you want to test it out to see if its the best color for you. *To test, apply a strip of color to jawline, blend in slightly: the color that disappears is the color for you.
There are different forms that foundation comes in. How do you know which ones are best for you? Here are some hints so to make it easier for you to pick what's best for your skin.
Oil-Based Foundation: These are oil-based and come in a form of liquid, stick, cream to powder or tinted moisturizers. Good for normal to dry skin
Oil-free Foundations: These are water based and come in a liquid form, cream to powder or just powder. These are water based so they give you more of a matte (dull, nonshiny) finish. Best used on oily skin types.
Cream Foundations: This is best for dry to normal skin and gives medium to heavier coverage.
Liquid Foundations: This is best for those with oily to normal skin conditions who desire sheer to medium coverage.
Powder Foundations: Good for oily skin.
Cream to Powder Foundations: Good for oily skin. Goes on moist, but dries to a powdery finish.
How to apply foundation: You want to use a sponge or brush. Never use your fingers to apply foundation. Make sure that you blend well so that you have an all over smooth and even face, going all the way down your neck, so that you do not have a line of color that just stops at your jawline.
Concealers: This is used to cover blemishes and discolorations. It should be applied after foundation. They are available in pots, pencils, wands tubes and sticks and come in lots of colors to make it easy for you to match your natural skin tone. When picking a color you want to try and match as close as possible to your actual skin color. You want this to blend in with your natural skin color as close as it can, you do not want to bring any attention to that area you are trying to cover. Using too light or too dark of a concealer is going to make it stick out even more. You can use a concealer alone or over foundation.
Pot Concealer: Heaviest and provides the most coverage
Pencil Concealers: Give sheer to medium coverage
Wand Concealers: This is a creamy consistency
Tube or Stick Concealers: Medium to sheer coverage
How to apply concealer: Concealer should be removed from its container and put on a brush or sponge. Place only a small amount over the area that you are trying to hide and blend in well.
Face Powders: These are used to add a matte, or dull, finish to the face. Used to set the foundation. Enhances the skins natural color helping to conceal minor blemishes and discolorations. Tones down excessive color and shine.
Two types of powder:
Pressed Powder: Compressed, so they will not crumble. Provides heavier coverage. This is easy to carry in your bag throughout the day for those quick touch ups.
Loose Powder: Not compressed. Best used at home. These can be a little messy!
Face powders come in different weights. Heavier weight is best for oily skin. Light and medium weight are best for dry and normal skin. Face powders blend with all foundations and do not change color when applied. Always pick a color close to your natural skin tone.
How to apply face powder: You want to apply this after foundation using a brush or sponge. Just put a small amount of powder on your brush or sponge and apply all over your face, even on your eyelids. Start at the forehead and work your way down, going all the way down the neck. Make sure you have an even amount on all areas of face.
Eye Shadow: Used to enhance and contour the eye. Available in stick, cream, pressed, dry powder form.
Helpful hints for picking out colors:
*Try not to match eye shadow to eye color. This creates a flat feild of color. Using colors other then your eye color can really bring out your eyes.
*Darker shades of eye shadow make natural color of your iris appear lighter, and lighter shades make the iris appear deeper.
*Try to be more subtle for daytime, and turn it up a notch for night time.
How to apply eye shadow: Heres the tricky part, everyone has a problem putting on shadow, but its really easy. You need three colors. You want to go for a light color, medium color, and dark color. The three colors serve different purposes.
Base Color: This would be the medium color, and it goes on first. This color is used to even out the skin tone on the eye. It is applied all over the lid and the brow bone, from lash to brow.
Highlight Color: This would be the light color, and it goes on second. You want to get a color lighter than your skin tone. This color is applied right under your brow bone. The lighter the color the larger the area will appear.
Contour Color: This would be the darker color, and it goes on last. Applied to minimize specific area to create contour in a crease or to define the eyelash line. This is applied to the crease of the eye only, from inside to out, just run your brush over this area a few times.
Once you do this a couple times you will get the hang of it. You can make the colors as light or as dark as you want, its all up to you. Have fun with it, try all kinds of different color combinations.
Eyeliners: Used to outline and emphasize the eye. Comes in pencil or liquid form. You can create a line on the eyelid close to the lashes to make the eyes appear larger and the lashes fuller.
Choosing a color: Most people prefer eyeliner that is the same color as the lashes or mascara they will be using, but you can do more dramatic colors as well.
How to apply eyeliner: To apply you must have a steady hand and be very careful. With an eyeliner brush, apply to the desired area with short strokes and gentle pressure. You may want to gently pull the skin taut so that it makes it easier for a smooth application.
Mascara: Defines, darkens and thickens the eyelashes. Most popular colors are brown and black but they have lots of colors to choose from. Some of the more dramatic colors really come out looking good. You want to use a small wand if you want more leanth and a big wand if you want more of a full look.
How to apply mascara: Dip into mascara and apply from close to the base of the lashes out toward the tips. You can go over a couple times until the mascara has given you the results you are looking for. Helpful Hint: If you are going to use an eyelash curler, you always want to curl before you apply the mascara. If you use after, eyelashes may be broken or pulled out.
Eyebrow Color: Eyebrow color is used to add color and shape to the eyebrows. Can be used to darken the eyebrow, correct their shape, or fill in sparse areas.
How to apply eyebrow color: Sharpen the eyebrow pencil and wipe with a clean tissue before each use. Lightly apply using gently strokes. You do not want color to come out too dark. For powder eyebrow color, scrape a small amount onto a tissue and use a brush to apply the color. Avoid harsh contrasts beteween hair and eyebrow color. A shade of brown is the best way to go when choosing a color.
Cheek Color: Gives a glow to the face and helps to create contour. Comes in a cream, liquid, dry (pressed), or loose form.
Cream Color: Preferred for dry and normal skin
Liquid Color: This blends well and is suited for all skin types.
Dry Color: Results are a matte finish and is the most popular. Used on all skin types.
Loose Color: For all skin types
How to apply cheek color: You can apply with a brush or a sponge. If you use a brush you want to dip the brush in the color, and start at the apple of your cheek and with light gentle strokes apply up into the hair line. You do not want to stop at the temple. You want the color to blend all the way up into the hair line. When using a sponge, dip into the color. First you want to smile, apply the color right on the apple of the cheek and with the sponge, blend upward until evenly applied.
Lip Liner: Theses are colored penciles used to outline and fill in the lips. Comes in thin or thick pencil form, some double as lipstick. You want to choose a liner that coordinates with your natural lip color or lipstick.
How to apply lip liner: Apply before lipstick to make sure that you have the proper shape and definition. If darker liner is desired, fill in most of the lip with the liner and blend the lip color and liner to avoid harsh lines.
Lipstick: This gives the lips its color, comes in lipgloss as well. Some contain sunscreen to protect lips. It also moisturizes lips to keep them from being dry or chapped. Available in cream glossed, pencils, gels and sticks.
How to apply lipstick: Apply right from the stick or with a brush, press lips together once on to get an even color. You can apply a gloss right over the color if desired.
Makeup Brushes: These are important when appling your makeup. You need to know what each brush looks like and what it is used for.
Powder brush: Large, soft brush used to apply powder or blush; for blending.
Blush brush: Smaller more tapered verizon of powder brush, used for applying powder blush.
Concealer brush: Narrow and firm with a flat edge, used to apply concealer aound the eyes or on blemishes.
Lip brush: Similar to the concealer brush, with more of a tapered edge.
Eye Shadow brush: Available in many sizes and from soft to firm; the softer and larger the brush the more blended the shadow will be; firm brushes are best for depositing dense color rather then blending.
Eyeliner brush: Fine, tapered firm bristles
Angle brush: Firm, thin bristled; angled for application of shadow to the eyebrows or shadow liner to the eyes.
Lash and Brow brush: comb like brush used to remove excess mascara on lashes or to comb brows into place.
Use a Gentle shampoo or brush solvent to clean all your brushes. Lay flat to dry.
I hope that helped some of you better understand makeup and how to apply it. Now that you know a little more about makeup, you are well on your way to achieving the results that you want. Good luck and enjoy! :) Email me with any of your makeup questions, click on view my profile, hit contact. I'll talk to you there!! :)
Choosing a makeup line is the first step, this is something that should be taken very seriously because trust me, it makes a huge difference in the results. Quality is important when choosing any skin products or supplies. There is a difference between high-quality and generic brands. Another thing you need to think about is brushes. I know you're thinking, "why the brushes?" A brush is a brush right? Wrong!!! Brushes are a huge part of the application so the better the brush the better the results.
The order you put makeup on should also be something to consider. First, you always want to start with your foundation, followed by concealer and then powder. Next you want to apply first your eyeshadow, then eyeliner, followed by your mascara. At this point, you would apply your eyebrow color if needed. Cheeks go next and last, your lips. Lip liner is followed by lipstick and that's it. I know, that sounds like so many steps, right? It's easy, and once you get into a routine, it will take you no time to put on your face.
Ok, so should we get started?
Foundation: This is the base of it all. It evens out skin tone and color, conceals imperfections and protects our skin from the outside elements. When picking out foundation, you want to make sure that it has an SPF of some sort, and you want to test it out to see if its the best color for you. *To test, apply a strip of color to jawline, blend in slightly: the color that disappears is the color for you.
There are different forms that foundation comes in. How do you know which ones are best for you? Here are some hints so to make it easier for you to pick what's best for your skin.
Oil-Based Foundation: These are oil-based and come in a form of liquid, stick, cream to powder or tinted moisturizers. Good for normal to dry skin
Oil-free Foundations: These are water based and come in a liquid form, cream to powder or just powder. These are water based so they give you more of a matte (dull, nonshiny) finish. Best used on oily skin types.
Cream Foundations: This is best for dry to normal skin and gives medium to heavier coverage.
Liquid Foundations: This is best for those with oily to normal skin conditions who desire sheer to medium coverage.
Powder Foundations: Good for oily skin.
Cream to Powder Foundations: Good for oily skin. Goes on moist, but dries to a powdery finish.
How to apply foundation: You want to use a sponge or brush. Never use your fingers to apply foundation. Make sure that you blend well so that you have an all over smooth and even face, going all the way down your neck, so that you do not have a line of color that just stops at your jawline.
Concealers: This is used to cover blemishes and discolorations. It should be applied after foundation. They are available in pots, pencils, wands tubes and sticks and come in lots of colors to make it easy for you to match your natural skin tone. When picking a color you want to try and match as close as possible to your actual skin color. You want this to blend in with your natural skin color as close as it can, you do not want to bring any attention to that area you are trying to cover. Using too light or too dark of a concealer is going to make it stick out even more. You can use a concealer alone or over foundation.
Pot Concealer: Heaviest and provides the most coverage
Pencil Concealers: Give sheer to medium coverage
Wand Concealers: This is a creamy consistency
Tube or Stick Concealers: Medium to sheer coverage
How to apply concealer: Concealer should be removed from its container and put on a brush or sponge. Place only a small amount over the area that you are trying to hide and blend in well.
Face Powders: These are used to add a matte, or dull, finish to the face. Used to set the foundation. Enhances the skins natural color helping to conceal minor blemishes and discolorations. Tones down excessive color and shine.
Two types of powder:
Pressed Powder: Compressed, so they will not crumble. Provides heavier coverage. This is easy to carry in your bag throughout the day for those quick touch ups.
Loose Powder: Not compressed. Best used at home. These can be a little messy!
Face powders come in different weights. Heavier weight is best for oily skin. Light and medium weight are best for dry and normal skin. Face powders blend with all foundations and do not change color when applied. Always pick a color close to your natural skin tone.
How to apply face powder: You want to apply this after foundation using a brush or sponge. Just put a small amount of powder on your brush or sponge and apply all over your face, even on your eyelids. Start at the forehead and work your way down, going all the way down the neck. Make sure you have an even amount on all areas of face.
Eye Shadow: Used to enhance and contour the eye. Available in stick, cream, pressed, dry powder form.
Helpful hints for picking out colors:
*Try not to match eye shadow to eye color. This creates a flat feild of color. Using colors other then your eye color can really bring out your eyes.
*Darker shades of eye shadow make natural color of your iris appear lighter, and lighter shades make the iris appear deeper.
*Try to be more subtle for daytime, and turn it up a notch for night time.
How to apply eye shadow: Heres the tricky part, everyone has a problem putting on shadow, but its really easy. You need three colors. You want to go for a light color, medium color, and dark color. The three colors serve different purposes.
Base Color: This would be the medium color, and it goes on first. This color is used to even out the skin tone on the eye. It is applied all over the lid and the brow bone, from lash to brow.
Highlight Color: This would be the light color, and it goes on second. You want to get a color lighter than your skin tone. This color is applied right under your brow bone. The lighter the color the larger the area will appear.
Contour Color: This would be the darker color, and it goes on last. Applied to minimize specific area to create contour in a crease or to define the eyelash line. This is applied to the crease of the eye only, from inside to out, just run your brush over this area a few times.
Once you do this a couple times you will get the hang of it. You can make the colors as light or as dark as you want, its all up to you. Have fun with it, try all kinds of different color combinations.
Eyeliners: Used to outline and emphasize the eye. Comes in pencil or liquid form. You can create a line on the eyelid close to the lashes to make the eyes appear larger and the lashes fuller.
Choosing a color: Most people prefer eyeliner that is the same color as the lashes or mascara they will be using, but you can do more dramatic colors as well.
How to apply eyeliner: To apply you must have a steady hand and be very careful. With an eyeliner brush, apply to the desired area with short strokes and gentle pressure. You may want to gently pull the skin taut so that it makes it easier for a smooth application.
Mascara: Defines, darkens and thickens the eyelashes. Most popular colors are brown and black but they have lots of colors to choose from. Some of the more dramatic colors really come out looking good. You want to use a small wand if you want more leanth and a big wand if you want more of a full look.
How to apply mascara: Dip into mascara and apply from close to the base of the lashes out toward the tips. You can go over a couple times until the mascara has given you the results you are looking for. Helpful Hint: If you are going to use an eyelash curler, you always want to curl before you apply the mascara. If you use after, eyelashes may be broken or pulled out.
Eyebrow Color: Eyebrow color is used to add color and shape to the eyebrows. Can be used to darken the eyebrow, correct their shape, or fill in sparse areas.
How to apply eyebrow color: Sharpen the eyebrow pencil and wipe with a clean tissue before each use. Lightly apply using gently strokes. You do not want color to come out too dark. For powder eyebrow color, scrape a small amount onto a tissue and use a brush to apply the color. Avoid harsh contrasts beteween hair and eyebrow color. A shade of brown is the best way to go when choosing a color.
Cheek Color: Gives a glow to the face and helps to create contour. Comes in a cream, liquid, dry (pressed), or loose form.
Cream Color: Preferred for dry and normal skin
Liquid Color: This blends well and is suited for all skin types.
Dry Color: Results are a matte finish and is the most popular. Used on all skin types.
Loose Color: For all skin types
How to apply cheek color: You can apply with a brush or a sponge. If you use a brush you want to dip the brush in the color, and start at the apple of your cheek and with light gentle strokes apply up into the hair line. You do not want to stop at the temple. You want the color to blend all the way up into the hair line. When using a sponge, dip into the color. First you want to smile, apply the color right on the apple of the cheek and with the sponge, blend upward until evenly applied.
Lip Liner: Theses are colored penciles used to outline and fill in the lips. Comes in thin or thick pencil form, some double as lipstick. You want to choose a liner that coordinates with your natural lip color or lipstick.
How to apply lip liner: Apply before lipstick to make sure that you have the proper shape and definition. If darker liner is desired, fill in most of the lip with the liner and blend the lip color and liner to avoid harsh lines.
Lipstick: This gives the lips its color, comes in lipgloss as well. Some contain sunscreen to protect lips. It also moisturizes lips to keep them from being dry or chapped. Available in cream glossed, pencils, gels and sticks.
How to apply lipstick: Apply right from the stick or with a brush, press lips together once on to get an even color. You can apply a gloss right over the color if desired.
Makeup Brushes: These are important when appling your makeup. You need to know what each brush looks like and what it is used for.
Powder brush: Large, soft brush used to apply powder or blush; for blending.
Blush brush: Smaller more tapered verizon of powder brush, used for applying powder blush.
Concealer brush: Narrow and firm with a flat edge, used to apply concealer aound the eyes or on blemishes.
Lip brush: Similar to the concealer brush, with more of a tapered edge.
Eye Shadow brush: Available in many sizes and from soft to firm; the softer and larger the brush the more blended the shadow will be; firm brushes are best for depositing dense color rather then blending.
Eyeliner brush: Fine, tapered firm bristles
Angle brush: Firm, thin bristled; angled for application of shadow to the eyebrows or shadow liner to the eyes.
Lash and Brow brush: comb like brush used to remove excess mascara on lashes or to comb brows into place.
Use a Gentle shampoo or brush solvent to clean all your brushes. Lay flat to dry.
I hope that helped some of you better understand makeup and how to apply it. Now that you know a little more about makeup, you are well on your way to achieving the results that you want. Good luck and enjoy! :) Email me with any of your makeup questions, click on view my profile, hit contact. I'll talk to you there!! :)
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