Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things – our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialisation of skin care.
Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home. However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.
So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?
Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.
A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.
Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.
Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.
Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)
Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.
Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive. So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the extent of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic product. You should accept the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.
Lipstick comes in a variety of textures including matte, creme and frost. How should you decide on which formula to use? Read on.
Matte Matte formula lipstick provides rich color without shine. Matte lipstick lasts longer than other types because it contains less moisture. The downside to matte lipstick is that it can leave your lips dry. Look for a matte lipstick that is also labeled as moisturizing for long-lasting color that isn't dried out.
Creme Creme lipstick formulas normally last for several hours. These dewy, soft creamy colors will stay in place longer if you use a primer or concealer all over your lips before applying your lipstick. Creamy lipstick is perfect for women of any age, but particularly for more mature women.
Frost/ShimmerLipsticks labeled as frost or shimmer have flecks of shiny pigment that reflect light, giving your lips a frosty look. These shimmery lipsticks are great for evening.
To help the color last longer (when applying any type of lipstick), line your lips with a lip pencil and then fill in your lips completely with the liner before applying your lipstick. You can apply straight from the tube or with a lip brush for a more precise look. If you're looking for a lip palette that offers more than one choice, try the 'cinnaMEN MENAGE A DEUX!' Lip Palette from Joey New York, which includes nine choices for your lips.
Make Lipstick Stick
When it comes to applying makeup, lipstick is among the trickiest of the tricky. Whether you end up with a cakey mess or no lipstick at all, it's hard to get the application process down. Here's a great trick to help you get those lips looking irresistible: Before beginning, be sure that your lips are moisturized. If those things are cracked or chapped, your lipstick will flake off or settle unevenly—not pretty. Try using a lip exfoliator if possible. This will help alleviate chapped and cracked lips. Apply a tiny bit of concealer or foundation around the outer edge of the lip line (this will help prevent feathering). Use a lip pencil or liner, and trace the natural line of your lips. Use a sharp lip liner pencil that has a soft tip, this is the best lip liner. Use a lip brush to apply the lipstick—this will help to distribute the color evenly as opposed to applying it directly from the tube. A brush will also allow the application to be more precise and blend well with the lipliner. Blot the lips with a Kleenex and apply a light, translucent powder to set the color. Apply a final layer and blott once more. Add gloss if you want that pouty finish!
Preparing Your Lips
Just as a painter calls for a clean canvas, your lipstick needs the perfect backdrop: Smooth, soft lips.
In order to keep your lips and the rest of your skin hydrated, drink a lot of water. Eight to ten glasses per day is ideal.
Moisturize your lips with lip balm on a daily basis. Your lip balm should have an SPF of 15 or higher if you spend significant time in the sun.
Exfoliate your lips if they are flaky. Scrub your lips gently with a washcloth when you are in the shower to remove any excess dry skin. When your lips are flaky, your lipstick won't go on smooth.
Cover your entire lips with a very thin coat of the lip primer to create a smooth setting for your lip color.
Line your lips with a neutral lip pencil that is close to your natural lip color.
Buy moisturizing lipsticks. These formulas will keep your lips smooth and comfortable throughout the day.
Make Your Teeth Look Whiter With Lipstick
Everyone wants whiter teeth. You can't turn on the TV without seeing an ad for whitening toothpaste, strips, gels, bleaching trays, etc. But here's a little beauty secret: you don't need a dentist for whiter teeth; you need a tube of lipstick.
Choose a lipstick shade that has a cool or blue undertone. Go for a medium to deep shade that isn't too yellow or orange in tone. A glossy plum or berry lipstick will maximize the white finish on your teeth making your smile much prettier. If you are having trouble figuring out what exactly a cool shade looks like, head to one of the makeup counters and let a professional do the work for you.
Hint: If you want to do it yourself, head to the Prescriptives makeup counter. All their lip colors are divided into specific warm (Yellow/Orange and Red/Orange) and cool (Blue/Red and Red) color families, so choosing the right shade is a piece of cake!
Dry Lips
Before applying lipstick, try using a lip exfoliator that has moisturizers in it. Avoid matte lipsticks and instead choose a sheer, tinted lipstick or shimmery gloss. This fresh look will stay on longer and keep lips hydrated.
Fuller Lips
To make your lips appear fuller, use a deep shade of lipcolor at the outside corners of lips. Then apply a lighter lipcolor (in similar shade) to the center of the lips. Remember that light brings forward, dark recedes.
Lipstick Choices
The type of lipstick you use depends on your individual taste. There are matte lipsticks that are drier and thus longer lasting. There are cream lipsticks that give good coverage and contain moisturizers. There are hydrating lipsticks that are good for dry lips. There are sheer lipsticks that are moist and give your lips a stain. There are also lipglosses that are fluid and have the most moisture.
Since foundation isn't a “one size fits all” product, it can be tricky to find the right one. Fortunately, reading a foundation review and checking out popular products can help. Read on to learn about foundation reviews for top-rated products.
Light coverage. If you typically don't wear any foundation, try Benefit You Rebel Lite. This is a tinted moisturizer with SPF that blends seamlessly into the skin. It also floats on top of fine lines and wrinkles instead of settling in and drawing attention to them.
Medium coverage. For more coverage, check out Prescriptives Flawless Skin Tone Protection Makeup SPF 15. This product is great for those who don't like the heavy feeling of foundation. It also has skin-repairing enzymes with yeast and antioxidants, which make skin healthier.
Fuller coverage. Nars Balanced foundation provides a fuller coverage while evening out discoloration and imperfections in the skin. This product is great for those who have sensitive skin because it's very gentle.
Bronzer Reviews: Finding the Best Products
Applying a bronzer allows you to create a sunny glow year-round. To make the look appear natural, it's important to have the right product. Read on to learn how to find the right bronzer product.
Check out liquid bronzers. People who write bronzer reviews claim that Origins Sunny Disposition Liquid Bronzer warms up the entire face with only a few dabs on the cheekbone.
Consider using a bronzing/blush duo. Nars Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo allows you to apply blush on the cheeks after applying bronzing powder. This is a trade secret used by makeup artists to create a more natural-looking glow.
Apply a bronzer with a little glitter. Check out CARGO Bronzer, which comes in a rich color that looks natural when applied. The iridescent shimmer gives a soft glow to the entire face. Apply bronzer to the places where the sun would naturally hit (forehead, nose, and chin).
Whether your were born with long lashes or have short, thin lashes, everyone can benefit from mascara. It's important to choose the right product in order to maximize the effect on your lashes. Read on to learn about three different types of mascara that will work wonders for your eyes.
High-volume mascara. If you have thin lashes, volumizing mascara will define each lash, rather than causing a clumping effect. Check out Estee Lauder Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara, which is consistently rated highly on beauty product reviews.
Lash-lengthening mascara. If you weren't born with super long lashes, don't worry. Products like Lancôme Definicils Mascara have earned awards for adding incredible length to lashes.
Smudge-proof mascara. It's hard to find a truly smudge-proof mascara, but products like MAC Zoom Lash Mascara provide smudge-proof formulas that make lashes super thick and long.
Choosing the right makeup for the time of day
The best wedding makeup tips for a wedding is to use the right colors for the lighting and time of day. For a day time wedding, stick to lighter, more basic make up. Avoid black or dark brown eyeliner and opt for more subtle greys and light browns. Use a brow pencil in a shade as close to your hair as possible to shade your eyebrows. Use lighter toned eyeshadow to prevent them overshadowing your eyes. Give your self a glow with a pink or rose hued blush to accentuate your cheek bones and pair it with a lipstick in a similar shade. Avoid pale lipstick since it will appear washed out in photographs. For a nighttime wedding, choose darker, bolder colors. Use bolder eyeshadow and use black or dark brown eyeliner to accentuate your eyes. Use a darker blush as well, while still sticking to rose based colors. Be bold with your lip color, as long as it still blends well with your other make up and your skin tone. Adding a bit of shimmer with sparkly lip gloss will brighten your smile and look great in wedding photos.
Make Up Tips for Brown Eyes
An important thing to remember when considering make up tips for brown eyes is that lighter colored eye shadows will bring out brown eyes more, while darker colored eye shadows will make the eyes look smaller. Darker colors, however, can also add a dramatic, smoky tone to the eyes. Dark eyeliners, for example, combined with a lighter eye shadow, such as pale pink or bronze will emphasize brown eyes, especially when paired with generous amounts of dark mascara. To further make brown eyes stand out, applying touches of gold eye shadow will really play them up. Glittery eyeshadow will bring out the richness of brown eyes, when applied generously to the eyelid, and extending slightly at the sides. The further the eyeshadow extends outward, the lighter it should be. In addition, mascara should be applied in multiple coats, and allowed to dry in between coats. This is so that eyelashes do not become clumped together. The more coats that are correctly applied, the thicker and richer the eyelashes will look, drawing more attention to the eyes. In addition, since brown eyes benefit from all the attention they can get, it important to curl the eyelashes before and after applying mascara to open and bring focus to the eyes. Also, subtly smudging the eyeshadow will give the eyes an extra note of mystery, while not making them look too overdone.
