Makeup Tip: Beautiful Eyes

Eyes have been called the windows of the soul because of how much they communicate. Eyes give your face energy and individuality. They do not have to be a certain size or shape to be considered pretty - all eyes have their own unique beauty. When makeup is applied to look natural it will bring out the eye's true color and enhance the eye's beauty. When you feel good about your makeup you will be more confident and will have one less thing to worry about.

A subtle application of eyeliner, shadows and mascara work together to create magic and make your eyes look their best.

Eye Shadow

Eye shadow is meant to highlight and define the eyes. Eye shadow is used to create depth to bring out the beauty of the eyes. A dark color used on the lid will make the eye appear smaller, while a lighter color will make it appear larger. That is what eye shadow is about creating illusions. These are the basic techniques for the following eye shapes:

Small eyes: Don't use too much shadow or liner - it will make you eyes look smaller. Apply a light color on eyelid, use a darker color in the crease and use a highlighter under the brow.

Large eyes: Wear darker shadow on the lid and extend it to the crease. Use a flat color under the brow to highlight.

Deep-set eyes: Use light colors on the eyelid and under the brow. Use a medium color in the crease. Emphasize the outer corners with shadow.

Wide-set eyes: Use darker colors on the inner corners of the eye.

Hooded eyes: Apply light colors on the lid. Use darker colors from the center of the eyelid to the outer corners and blend.

Round eyes: Make round eyes longer by using color all around and extending toward the outer corners.

Asian eyes: Apply highlighter under the brow. Use light shadow on the inner half of the lid and a darker color on the outer half.

1. Light colors cause the eyes to open, dark colors will cause the eyes to recede

2. If you have very light skin avoid dark shades

3. Be careful with shimmer - they will bring attention to imperfections and wrinkles.

4. The eye area is the first to show age don't tug on the skin.

Eyeliners:

Eyeliners are meant to define the eyes so they should do just that, not be the focal point of your makeup. Eyeliners come in various colors and forms liquid, pencil etc. Keep the eyeliner natural. Pencils are available in many colors (for the best look stick to black or brown) and can be sharpened for a fine line. For a smudged effect use a sponge tip shadow applicator or an eye shadow brush. When your pencils are too soft refrigerate them. When they are too hard soften them by holding them between your fingers.

To line the eye, start on the lower lid, just beneath the lashes. When you are finished always smudge the line with your sponge. Stay as close to the lash line as possible. On the upper lid, draw a line form the inner corner to the outer corner, thickening the line toward the outer corner. After the age of 40 keep the line in between the lashes.

Mascara and the creation of beautiful lashes:

Mascara frames your eyes and can make your face come alive. Mascara softly accentuates the eye while thickening and darkening the lashes; it is the finishing touch for eyes. There are several different types to choose from, thickening, and waterproof to smudge proof. Waterproof will need a special remover and smudge proof will wash off easily. It is not a good idea to wear waterproof mascara for extended periods of time since it has a tendency to dry the lashes.

Select a shade of mascara that complements your coloring. Dark shades on pale eyes with brown lashes will darken them and will look harsh. Stay away from blues and other colors since they will ruin your look.

Lashes that are hard to curl may need the help of an eyelash curler. Curl your lashes before you apply mascara - hold for ten to twenty seconds.

To apply mascara look straight into your mirror with your chin slightly lifted so you can see your lashes. Insert the wand only once and twist, don't pump. Pumping can break the brush bristles and distribute the mascara unevenly and will dry out the mascara faster. Start by rolling the wand from root to tip in an upward motion. Reinsert the brush and apply again. If your eyelashes are thick and long they may clunk together. If this happens let them dry and then separate them with the corner of an eyebrow brush.

By Sheila Dicks

Six Steps For Skin Care

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the modern and developed world. Many teenagers, and those in their twenties are more prone to acne than adults; although, adults may get it too. For some reason or another acne always seems to come when a “big event” is approaching. The nature of the event isn’t really important; it may be a job interview, a first date, a bu

siness meeting. The first thing you do is try to hide the acne with hair, heavy makeup,
or attempt to “pop” it which ultimately will make it worse and even lead to scarring. For acne sufferers all over the world, this scenario is all too common and is just another challenge in the modern world. However, there is a solution. Acne can be managed and brought under control with a few simple guidelines.

Nourish
The most important factor in healing any condition; including acne, is diet. A balanced diet could help in giving your system the necessary tools to fight bumps and blemishes on the skin. In addition, your complexion will become brighter, and more energy will suddenly be released. Small choices can bring about major changes.
Eating fruits, vegetables, and more whole foods will help to vitalize the body and brain with vitamins and minerals while improving digestion with enzymes. Also, drinking a sufficient amount of water ; about 8 glasses a day, will help to purify and clean toxins in the system.


Cleanse
Cleansing the skin is essential for attaining and maintaining a clearer complexion. You don’t have to wash your face with harsh and stripping alcohols or gritty scrubs either. There are many gentle and dermatologist recommended cleansers on the market such as Cetaphil, which may be a solution to removing the daily dirt and oil.

Exfoliating the skin two to three times a week with a safe exfoliating cleanser is also a great way to buff away dead skin cells and other impurities. Yet, always keep in mind that overwashing the skin leads to irritation and in turn causes greater oil production for more skin problems.

Protect
Sun exposure can help the skin by providing doses of Vitamin D3, but these benefits are temporary. Constant and major sun exposure will actually do the opposite of helping your skin by plugging the pores and comedones (whiteheads or blackheads), and create a comfortable breeding ground
for more acne. Thus, to avoid this problem; especially if you have already cleared your skin, you should use an SPF 15 or 30 sunscreen when outside.

Rest
A good night sleep of 7-8 hours beginning around 10pm is a wonderful way of gaining a healthier complexion. Healthy resting habits help in clearing acne by building a stronger immune system. Also, if you do not receive adequate rest at the right time of night your skin will appear pale and dull; an indication of a weaker immune system, and thus you will be more prone to breakouts.
Exercise Working out is a great way to increase blood flow through the body, achieve a higher heart rate, increase vitamin and mineral absorption from foods, increase the oxygen level in the bloodstream, detoxify the body, and improve overall function in both the body and brain. On top of all these great benefits movement in the body also helps you to release energy, thus enabling you to relax and reduce stress. As you will see in the next solution, stress reduction is crucial in attaining clear skin.

Relax
Tension and stress in the body has many detrimental effects. Tension leads your adrenal glands to flood the bloodstream with a hormone known as Cortisol. Cortisol has been the cause of many chronic conditions, but when hormone levels escalate then this ultimately causes acne flare ups and severe breakouts. So, it is important to take time out everyday to just sit and relax, and let your mind unwind. Meditation alone can be the best way to relax and let the body attain a higher level of peace and tranquility.
Clearer skin could be achieved through meditation since you are in the process of rejuvenation where you are releasing the body and mind of any pressures and anxieties that would otherwise take a toll on the immune system. Evidently being acne free is not simply having a strict skin cleansing regimen. Having clear skin and a glowing complexion includes adopting a system and lifelong routine that aims at all aspects of prevention and healthcare, one that will provide clear skin for years to come.

Tips To Clear Skin

1. Wash your face at least twice each day, using a pure soap such as Ivory, and clean water. Hot water opens pores, so wash with hot water. Cold water closes pores, so splash your face with cold water after washing to ensure that your pores are protected from the environment. Splash with cold water before applying makeup as well.

2. Reduce the use of cosmetics as much as possible. These clog pores. If you must wear makeup, make sure that you are using hypoallergenic products, or products for sensitive skin. Splash your face with cold water before applying, and make sure you wash all the makeup away before going to bed.

3. Keep you hair and hands off your face. Hair and hands contain oils that can cause acne breakouts. When applying creams or makeup to the face, use applicators - not your hands. Don't lean with your hands on your face either. Keep your hair pulled back off your face.

4. Hydrate the body - and the skin - with water. Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Water helps to detoxify our bodies, and our skin, ridding us of elements that make us ill, as well as elements that can cause acne.

5. Eat a well balanced diet, and make sure that you include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain quite a bit of natural vitamin A and vitamin E, which is essential to good skin care.

6. Don't avoid the sun altogether, because that isn't healthy, but limit your time in the sun, and use a good sunscreen. Overexposure to the sun, or ultraviolet rays, can not only cause acne, but it can cause skin to age quickly. It can also cause skin cancer. Make sure you wash the sunscreen off when you come in from the sun to avoid getting clogged pores.

7. Don't squeeze pimples, or pick at any sores. This can cause the spread of acne, and it can leave scars as well. Instead, treat the pimples and sores with topical ointments and creams, keeping your hands off of them. Use cotton balls or q-tips to apply ointments and creams.

8.Stress is bad for the skin. Just as good hormones and chemicals are produced and released when we sleep, bad hormones and chemicals are produced when we are stressed. Avoid stress as much as possible, and learn to do deep breathing exercises, or other stress reducing techniques, for those times when you are stressed

How To Apply Makeup To Minimize The Signs Of Aging Skin

While we may wear our wrinkles with pride, it's still important to us to look our best. You don't have to go the Botox route to reduce the signs of aging. Below are six makeup tips that can help you look younger.

1. Skin Care

The first step to young-looking skin is keeping it healthy. A gentle cleanser and a good moisturizer will go a long way towards reducing the appearance of fine lines.

2. Foundation

Foundation should not change the color of your skin; it's best when used to even out skin color.

You want to use a foundation that blends into your natural skin color. Liquid foundation is best for mature skin; avoid powder which can settle into wrinkles, making them more pronounced. Use a foundation brush for application rather than fingers or a sponge for the most flawless finish.

Use concealer after foundation so you can easily see where it's most needed. The concealer color should match the foundation. Lightly pat concealer around your eye for the most natural look.

3. Eye Shadow

Mature women should avoid shimmery or frosted eye makeup as it emphasizes wrinkles. Instead, stay with matte shade that blend easily and help hide the lines.

Light peach or champagne colors can be applied to the eyelid first to help open the eyes. Apply a darker taupe or gray into the crease to add depth. Blend well for a natural appearance.

4. Eye Liner
Applying liner correctly can make eyes look wider and lashes look fuller. However, use a liner that's too dark, and it can make your eyes look harsh. Waterproof liner in a brown shade, applied under the lash line, will give a soft look. Use a pencil liner rather than liquid for a softer line, and work it across the top of your lashes, including in between - follow with mascara.
Use a brow pencil in a color that closely matches your eyebrow color to fill in your eyebrows. Following the natural shape of the brow, use small motions to apply the color. Be careful not to create the "drawn on" look, which is a danger for those of us with thinning brows.
5. Blush
As we age, our skin becomes drier, and collagen loss causes it to sag. Use a shade of blush one shade darker than normal to add depth and contours beneath the cheekbone.
Apply the normal shade to the apple of the cheek, brushing it back lightly towards the temple and blending it into the contour shade to soften the line.
Finally, apply a very light touch of color to the parts of your face where the sun naturally hits - your forehead, top of the chin and top of the nose. All together, this helps to add definition to your cheeks, and will help you appear more youthful.
6. Lipstick
As we age, our lips naturally thin. Applying dark, heavy lipsticks only accentuates this. Instead, use softer rose, peach or coral shades. Use a lipstick to apply color first, then use a matching color pencil to outline the lips.
This keeps the lipstick from spreading out into the lines around your mouth. Make sure the liner is not darker than the lipstick color. Top lips off with a sheer gloss to give them a young and healthy shine.
 Marie Sanchez