Look good despite aging - 2

But remember, be realistic. It is okay to age. In fact, the women I find the most beautiful are in their forties, but take care of themselves well. It is easy to look good when you are young. But looking good even at 40 is admirable. It does make me think, if women in their forties and beyond can take care of themselves, then what more their partners?

The secret I think is, first and foremost, moisturize! It doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact I’m really not loyal to one brand. Since I have to test a lot, I find they all work to a certain extent. Just read the fine print and buy what focuses on your need.

Second, stay away from the sun. Or at least use SPF. I must admit I don’t like being so fair and I plan to sunbathe soon. But I will use SPF and use it twice a day. Why not? You only live once. Also, eat right.

Most of all, boost your self-esteem. Do you honestly need a man to dictate your self-worth?

Reference: Ria Francisco-Prieto

Look good despite aging - 1

Good morning everybody. There are a lot of things you can do in spite of getting old. Being on the 40s will not stop you from being beautiful as long as you know how to manage everything.

Men are from Mars, they think girls should be Venus. Usually they prefer the looks, some look for the body figure. It doesn’t matter how they take it, as long as you look and feel good despite of aging.

I’ve heard some men tell their partners, “If you let yourself go I’ll leave you.” Weirdly enough, I also admire the guts or gall of these guys to say it straight.

One husband I know said he told his wife that he got turned off by her inability to take care of herself, especially since he gave her all the means to stay fit. Anyway it makes me a bit mad. Why do guys put such a leverage on appearance? Wouldn’t they rather have a good partner? I’ll never understand it.

But let’s face it. We have an obligation to no one but ourselves to try and fight fat and aging. I’m not saying we should all get Botox. But we have to accept the fact that we will all age. So why not age gracefully? If you think Botox will make you feel good, go ahead!

Ref: Ria Francisco-Prieto

Moisturize, hydrate and nourish skin - 2

These was some of the women, whose beauty has graced countless with favorite age-defying products. It helps the skin in the path to beautify and maintain a healthier-looking skin.

Some women says that Avalon Organics CoQ10 Wrinkle Defense Serum, from Healthy Options, is perfect for their skin. Living in a city as polluted area, it tends to look for something organic to lightly moisturize your skin and leave it supple and radiant. It has a refreshing aroma, plus you can wear it alone or under makeup.

The Face Shop Flebeute’ Collagenic Collagen 70 Cream was the thing use by some working women. It replenishes the moisture level of the skin. It is also a wrinkle-diminishing product, so the will skin look toned and revived.

Some business women uses the DMAE-Alpha Lipoic C-Ester Retexturizing Crème, from Healthy options. It not only hydrates the skin, it also reduces facial sag and firms it. Because it’s enriched with vitamins and botanicals, it reassured that you are not only hydrating your skin, it also nourishing it.

This are some of the steps you may follow to moisturize your skin

Step 1: Massage a pea-sized amount of facial moisturizer between your fingertips.

Step 2: Apply to your face and neck using an upward and outward circular gentle motion to massage it in until absorbed.

Do’s

Moisturize at night because your skin loses more water while you are asleep than when you are awake.

A lotion with SPF protection is important for daily use. A deep penetrating cream is ideal to use overnight. Creams replenish more deeply than lotions.

Don’ts

Pulling down on your skin will only stimulate the negative effects of gravity. So always moisturize using upward strokes.

Moisturize, hydrate and nourish skin - 1

“Nature gives you the face you have at 20; it is up to you to merit the face you have at 50.”

You’ve heard it time and time again. All the beauty articles talk about it and all dermatologists nag you to do it— moisturize! It’s the key to looking young.

Maintaining your skin’s moisture balance and keeping it hydrated is fundamental to keeping your skin healthy. Weather, environment, changes from indoor to outdoor temperatures, time in the sun and even diet can all affect the moisture level of our skin. Regular moisturizing will help your skin maintain its vibrant elasticity and prevent premature wrinkles and fine lines.

Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about moisturizers is that it hydrates the skin. The truth is moisturizers form a film over the skin and lock in the skin’s natural moisture. This in turn not only increases the skin’s water content, but also protects the skin and encourages an orderly desquamation (shedding) process that makes the skin appear smoother.

Everyone, no matter what skin type (except for those with acne), should moisturize. Whether oily or dry, both types will benefit from moisturizers. What differs is the texture of the product you choose which depends on your skin type. If you have normal to dry skin, a lotion or creamy lotion texture is best. If you have normal to oily skin, a gel, serum or toner texture is ideal.

New pure mineral makeup brands – 2

Rich in the earth’s minerals, Nature’s Minerals’ ingredients include Mediterranean clay and kaolin, which together ensure amazing staying power; sericite to promote luster; mica-based pearls for healthy-looking bloom; and mica to help disguise fine lines. Red, yellow and black iron oxide provide color while titanium dioxide helps provide sun protection. It comes in Shades 02, 03, 04 and 05.

Nature’s Minerals Eye Color gives you six of the very best up-to-the-minute shades. This stunning, slightly shimmering array of nature-inspired hues is out of this world. Long-lasting, brilliantly blendable, cleverly crease-resistant and fragrance and preservative-free. Its shades have been ophthalmologically tested, and are suitable for wearers of contact lenses, as well as those with sensitive skin. Plus, it contains light-diffusing ingredients to diffuse fine lines so women of all ages can use it.

Packaged in recyclable containers with lids made from 15-percent post-consumer recycled materials, its four shades are 01 Shade: Platinum Shimmer, 04 Shade: Pink Opal, 05 Shade: Bronzed Amber, and 06 Shade: Molten Bronze

Nature’s Minerals Cheek Color delivers a sheer flush of shimmering color to skillfully define and accentuate cheeks. Choose from the following shades: 01 Shade: Pink Quartz, 02 Shade: Golden Terracotta, 03 Shade: Warm Copper, 04 Shade: Brown Topaz.

The Nature’s Minerals Makeup range also includes a Foundation Brush, Blusher Brush, and Eye shadow Brush, which is 100-percent free of animal hair contained in shrink sleeves.

All items have been dermatologically tested; they are oil-free, non-comedogenic and free from potential irritants like preservatives and fragrances.

Nature’s Minerals is one gift to consider for teens who keep digging into mom’s expensive makeup or for friends with very sensitive skin or simply very passionate about anti-animal testing.

Ref: dailyinquirer

New pure mineral makeup brands - 1

IT seems there is a new mineral makeup brand popping up every month that’s actually good for one’s skin. Unlike regular makeup that is pinpointed to be the culprit for breakouts and skin irritation, mineral makeup is recommended for women who have had aggressive skin treatments and even surgical procedures as it contains trace minerals that actually heal and prevent skin irritations.

Not all mineral makeup are created equal as they have to be in loose-powder form to qualify as “pure mineral.” Those in compact or pressed forms are called “mineralized,” which means they contain waxes and binding agents that are non-mineral ingredients. These enable the formula to become a solid block and may cancel out some of the mineral ingredients’ potency and even cause breakouts.

The top locally available brands known for being pure minerals are Jane Iredale, True Scents and Minerals Arcade 6 (at Renaissance Hotel Makati City). There is also Youngblood cosmetics, founded by aesthetic assistant Pauline Youngblood in 1996, which is exclusively available at Beauty Bar. There is another brand, Bare Escentuals Minerals, which I have yet to try.

The newest kid on the block that has come up with more affordable pure mineral makeup is The Body Shop. By saying more affordable, it does not necessarily mean cheap or even reasonable from a student’s-budget point of reference, but the price is considerably lower than the leading brands. Body Shop’s formula is talc-free. Talc may be a mineral as well but it has been linked to skin breakouts.

More formulas

Nature’s Minerals Foundation SPF 25 is a long-lasting powder foundation that has a Sun Protective Factor (SPF) of 25 to protect skin from sun damage. It’s the ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. Easy to blend and build, it also expertly reduces the appearance of redness, imperfections, blemishes and visible pores.

Ref: dailyinquirer

Cover up imperfections - 2

How to apply

When applying concealer, the rule is to use one shade lighter to highlight and bring forward the tired areas of the face, and one shade darker to push back or minimize bumps.

“The best way to know which parts to conceal or highlight is to lower your chin down and check where dark shadows fall on your face (normally it is along the orbital bone). Dot the concealer using your ring finger, let it settle and apply more if needed,” says Flores.

To hide under-eye bags, the concealer must be applied on the shadow beneath the bags and not on the area itself. Applying on the eye bags will highlight the problem rather than disguise it.

Avoid a cakey finish by prepping the skin before applying concealer.

“Using a light eye cream allows the concealer to stick and prevents the area from wrinkling,” recommends Flores. Also, piling on too much concealer and powder leads to more wrinkling.

Flores suggests using the right formulation for the specific area, and applying products a little at a time.

Some palettes have additional colors like green, lilac, blue and apricot in them.

“These color-correctors are used to counter-balance opposing hues, tone down or brighten the complexion and camouflage imperfections,” explains Flores.

Green takes out the redness out of blemishes, thread veins, sunburn and ruddy cheeks; lilac revives a tired, sallow complexion; blue works well to balance pale skin and apricot enhances tired skin.

But Flores reminds us, “If your concealer has the right formulation to suit your specific needs, you do not need these color correctors. Makeup artists use them because we always work with lights for TV or photography.”

Ref: dailyinquirer

Cover up imperfections - 1

SOME people believe a concealer is an eraser that magically covers all blemishes, dark circles and trouble spots.

The reality is, it cannot make problem areas disappear. Rather, it blends them in with the rest of the face, drawing as little attention to them as possible. The imperfections are still there, but they just become less noticeable.

Finding the right concealer formula is key. Choosing the wrong consistency and tone can result in disasters like reverse raccoon eyes, a highlighted pimple or a cakey finish.

Makeup artist to celebrities Lala Flores knows just what concealer to use to hide a specific imperfection. She shares some tips:

Three formulas

Concealers come in three different formulas—light diffusing, cream and dry pencil forms. Each is made to suit certain skin types and camouflage particular areas.

Light Diffusing Concealer. This comes in sheer and ultra-light textures, and is ideal for lifting the tired points of the face, like the corners of the nostrils, under the eyes and the sides of the mouth. It provides light coverage and can be worn on its own, without foundation or powder.

Cream Concealer. This works well to hide scars and birthmarks and comes in a creamier, drier texture. This is the favorite of makeup artists as it offers great coverage while working well on photographic and television lighting.

Dry Pencil or Stick Concealer. This acts as a spot corrector, as it targets small areas like pimples and scars. It has the driest and richest pigment and because of the absence of oil it adheres to the skin longer.

ref: dailyinquirer

Beauty remedies from kitchen, garden

Hair conditioner

MIX 3 tbsp of honey with 1/3 cup olive oil. Heat in microwave, then work in and leave on hair for 30 minutes in a shower cap. Shampoo and rinse afterwards. Squeeze juice from half a lemon and mix with a mug of hot water as a final rinse for hair. This clears up buildup and residue on scalp and hair and controls grease.

Aloe vera is an ingredient of many conditioners for a reason—it’s been proven to soften hair. Break a branch from the garden and squeeze sap onto your locks. Use like you would a conditioner.

Face

Moisturize your face naturally with mashed avocado. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse. Don’t forget your neck! Smoothen your skin once a week with a mix of oatmeal, ¼ cup honey, and half a cup of water. Microwave oats and water, cool for five minutes then mix in honey. Leave on mask for 15 minutes before rinsing. Or, cool down with a facemask made of 1 tbsp honey, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tsp yogurt, straight from the fridge. Yogurt tightens the pores while the honey and egg yolk moisturize.

Feet

Make a relaxing foot soak of four tea bags, 1/8 cup dried parsley, and four drops of your choice of essential oil. Mix with hot water 10 minutes before soaking your feet and say, “ahhhh...” An easy and quick do-it-yourself scrub is 1 cup brown sugar with 2 tbsp of lotion. Scrub well areas that often rub against shoes like heels, balls of feet and toes. Two cups of milk with a cup of honey make for the ultimate moisturizing foot soak. Pour in hot water and dip feet in for 10 minutes before rinsing and drying.

Throw in some rose petals for an instant spa at home!

Nails

Scrub your nails with baking soda or whitening toothpaste. Soften cuticles by massaging a teaspoon of olive oil with a teaspoon of vitamin E oil.

ref: dailyinquirer

Dramatic lights

Shadow and color play are the new beauty elements

The most basic goal of makeup is to make you look good by hiding your flaws and highlighting your features. This is what Shu Uemura’s international artistic director Kakayasu Uchiide wanted the brand’s 128th mode makeup collection to deliver, along with a dreamlike look that will complement any woman.

"I was always moved by the way the Impressionists, especially Monet, used light, shadow, and
reflection to create beauty. They use soft, light colors, but the details of the painting are still discernable from a distance. This is achieved by mastering the balance of light and shadow, a key element in creating natural beauty. Throughout this collection, I had this technique in mind to create natural depth and dimension in the face with Spring-like colors," shares the young artist.

Dimensions on the right areas are achieved with different colors and textures when applied on the eyes and cheeks. Although in subtle hues, the difference is apparent, as the shading creates accents and highlights along with a mystical, feminine look through the pastel hues from this collection. Aptly called the "Mirage" collection, this makeup set highlights your natural beauty, mirroring a softer glow and fresher look that’s perfect for the summer.

Oh, and did we mention how cute the packaging is as well? Designs on the cases are reminiscent of painted brushstrokes, as the obvious inspiration for this collection are the paintings of Monet.
So have fun creating your own masterpiece with any (or all) in the latest line from one of the ost well-loved makeup brands.

ref: manilabulletin

Loose, Sexy Curls

Many of us buy curling irons in pusuit of sultry righlets, only to end up resembling Shirley Temple. Finally, you can get the look you cave with Conair's new Cone Styler. The tapered barrel creates curls that are tighter at the scalp, then taper into tousled waves. Their unique shape helps support the weight of long hair, so curls stay spring.

Get that last drop of shampoo . . .

Frustrated that you can never get out that last bit of shampoo? Now you can, thanks to a brilliant new packaging innovation. Kusco-Murphy hair care comes in an air-pump package developed by a pharmacist. A bag within the bottle gets squeezed until emplty, allowing you to squirt right till the end without having to smack the bottom or store it uside down.

Bye-Bye, Blemishes

Now you can vanish breakouts in just one visit. The FDA recently approved the NLite-V laser for treating acne, and studies show a 50 percent imporvement after a single session The fast-pulse laser kills bacteria on contact and stimulates collagen production. The painless treatment takes less than 30 mintues.