Against all Odds!

It doesn't go down-hill for folks in their 40s and 50s, unless they let it be so. This matured stage of womanhood or manhood is a whole new chapter of adventures, so don't let fine lines and sagging skin cast a gloomover it! Find out if what you've been doing is good or bad for your skin!

6 Main Causes of Ageing Skin
- UV rays
- Dehydration
- Lack of sleep and rest
- Poor diet
- Unhealthy lifestyle of booze and cigarettes
- Stress

Right Those Wrongs!

Blunder 1: Only people in their 40s and beyond require anti-ageing skincare. Young people need not bother.
Truth: Ageing happens to everyone at all times. So even if you are in your twenties, you should also take precautions against premature ageing while others can age gracefully throughthe use of anti-ageing products.

Blunder 2: Wrinkles are part and parcel of ageing skin. I shouldn't attempt to combat that in case of undesirable skin results.
Truth: Dry skin contributions to the formation of wrinkles. Thus, moisturizer must be applied to lessen fine lines. Choose moisturizers with SPF 15 or above to protect against harmful sunrays. Also, use anti wrinkles gel patches to get rid of those lines.

Blunder 3: For more youthful skin, I must wash my face frequently to remove grime and dead skin cells.
Truth: Over cleansing will dry out your skin, thus causing it to age faster. Use a cleanser that suits your skin best and cleanse twice daily. To remove dead skin cells, use exfoliating facial wash or facial scrubs weekly.

Blunder 4: For skin to sag is a natural process. The most I can do is to stay away from face massages, as these will cause my skin to sag even more.
Truth: Skin massages will boost skin metabolism, which will lead to a healthier skin. As you age, your body produces less collagen, thus causing your skin to lose its firmness. Try using skincare products with botanical collagen contents and use firming masks to strengthen your skin's elasticity.

Blunder 5: As one of the main causes of ageing skin is harmful UV rays, anti-ageing skincare is most effective during daytime.
Truth: Certain products or ingredients (like retinol) should only be used at night, as they tend to make the skin extra sensitive to the sun. Some products work best when you are asleep as the skin is replenishing its nutrients or the healing process is faster. Read the product labels carefully to choose your day and night creams.

Protection Against The Sun!

Block Out the Rays

Ultraviolet rays penetrate our skin and bring about pigmentation, thus causing dark and uneven skin tones. On more severe situations, your skin may even encounter dark spots, sunburnt or worse, skin cancer. Understand what you can do to avoid causing more harm to your skin!

Right Those Wrongs!

Blunder 1: I only wear sunscreen or sun block lotion when I exercise outdoors.
Truth: The moment you step out of your house, you are exposed to sunlight and harmful UV rays. You ought to rub sun block lotion on every time you come into contact with sunlight. Choose one with SPF 15 or above.

Blunder 2: Sun block lotions are too oily for my skin. I tend to skip them when i have to put on make-up.
Truth: Choose those that are oil-free. In fact, sun block lotions make very good moisturizing make-up base, so you can actually apply them before putting on make-up to both protect against sunrays and maintain skin hydration.

Blunder 3: To protect my skin, I usually apply sun block lotion generously onto my body and face.
Truth: Do not apply sun block lotion meant for your body onto your face, as the skin on your face is more sensitive and requires a special formulation different from that of your normal sunscreen. Choose your sun block lotions with care.

Blunder 4: I love a good tan, so i do not put on any sunscreen or body lotion when i enjoy the sun.
Truth: You can suntan safely and healthily by using a good suntan lotion. A pre-scrub before sun tanning also helps you to achieve a more even tan. A good tan can even help to deflect harmful ultraviolet rays from your skin! Do remember to protect your skin before going under the sun.

Blunder 5: My sun block skincare regime is done once i wear sunscreen lotion.
Truth: The after-jobs of maintaining a healthy skin are also very important. After removing make-up and washing your face with cleanser thoroughly, get into your normal skincare routine of applying the toner and moisturizer. Best use with whitening skincare range of products to eliminate possibilities of blemishes.

How to treat sensitive skin!

Before sensitive skin can be treated, it's important to figure out the underlying cause of the problem. It may be necessary to seek the advice of a dermatologist as you may have a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea. Here are some tips for treating sensitive skin.

Start reading product labels - the fewer ingredients, the better. Avoid products containing alcohol, fragrances, botanicals, antibacterial, ethanol and propylene glycol.

Spot test new facial products before applying to entire face. Apply a few dabs behind ears for 5 days, and if there's no reaction, apply beside eyes for another 5 days. If all goes well, full facial coverage likely will be safe.

Choose natural fabrics for pillowcases and washcloths like 100% cotton or silk instead of synthetic materials. Check your 'cotton' balls, too. Some look like cotton but really are polyester.

Eat a balanced diet to ensure skin gets the nutrients it needs to remain healthy.

Keep skin moist and always apply sun protection.

Gently clean skin. Avoid harsh products like scrubbing mitts, excessively hot water and abrasive exfoliating products.

Sensitive Skin Care

Sensitive Skin

Contrary to what you might have heard, sensitive skin isn't considered a medical condition. When someone says he or she has sensitive skin, it typically means the skin has become irritated, red, swollen and/or itchy as a result of either an environmental condition or use of a certain product. The term is also used to describe changes to a person's skin in response to allergic reactions.


Why can skin be sensitive?

Although there are several reasons why skin can be sensitive, the most common is that skin is reacting negatively to a certain product or possibly some combination of products. Think about your daily skin care regime, specifically the number of products you use. Soaps, cleansers, toners, blemish reducers, blemish concealers, foundation, blush, facial masks, after shave lotion – the list never ends! You probably use products that are made by a number of different manufacturers, too. While your intentions are good, some skin cannot tolerate such an assault.

Skin care for anti-aging and wrinkles!

Keeping skin clean and moist is the best skin care regime for anti-aging and wrinkles. It's better than most of the higher-priced solutions that promise to end wrinkling. Wash with warm water and gentle cleaner and pat skin dry so some moisture remains. Hot water and harsh soaps deplete skin of essential oils and increase dryness. Also avoid products with dyes or perfumes which may further irritate skin. Gently remove eye makeup as the skin surrounding the eyes is very delicate and prone to wrinkling. And there you have it – simple, inexpensive skin care for anti-aging and wrinkles.

Aging is an unstoppable process and unfortunately, so are wrinkles. So protect your skin by living a healthy lifestyle. Eat right, exercise, don't smoke and avoid excess alcohol consumption.

3 Must-Knows about Whitening Care!

1. Whitening skincare products can reduce sebum secretion, thus minimizing chances of pigmentation and getting blemishes. Choose those with licorice extracts for long-term prevention against skin darkening.

2. Whitening care helps to prevent the ultraviolet rays from attacking your skin. UV rays cause your skin to age faster and can damage its elasticity. Choose whitening moisturizers with SPF 15 and above.

3. Whitening products contain plenty of Vitamin C and E (which provide moisture to your skin and prevent melanin from forming); and AHAs and BHAs (acids that help to remove dead skin cells).

Right Those Wrongs!

Blunder 1: The ugly acne scars and dark spots on my skin will be highlighted if i have fairer skin complexion. I should skip the whitening process.
Truth: Whitening skincare curbs the formation of melanin and promotes skin cell renewal, thus boosting your old acne scars or dark spots to be replaced with new and healthy skin - all the more for people with skin blemishes!

Blunder 2: Applying whitening cream or fluid on my skin will only make it oilier. So i must not use them at all.
Truth: Choose whitening cream or fluids that are oil-free or are non-greasy. The shine-control pigments will ensure a long-lasting matte finish, so you can even use the whitening cream as a base for your make-up.

Blunder 3: People born with fair skin do not need whitening skincare.
Truth: Whitening care isn't only about transforming dark tanned skin into fairer skin. People blessed with naturally fair skin also need whitening skincare to nurture and maintain their complexion as well as to prevent blemishes.

Blunder 4: I shall use many whitening products from different brands for faster results.
Truth: Stick to a brand and do not flirt with different brands of whitening products at the same time! Most brands have their own range of whitening products that can complement one another very well.

Blunder 5: Fairer skin can be easily achieved through applications of whitening cream.
Truth: Effective whitening results will only be achieved if you remain diligent with the whitening skincare process. Use the entire range of whitening products: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, facial mask and make-up foundation.

Know What's Good for Your Skin!

In your quest for younger, radiant looking skin, you often focus only on topical skincare products and regime. A healthy lifestyle, coupled with proper skincare regime and use of oral supplements, will also help you to enhance your skin condition.

To achieve younger, smoother, radiant looking skin, your body needs nutrients to help facilitate repairing, rejuvenation, regeneration and protection processes.

Right Those Wrongs!

Blunder 1: I only select the best skincare products for myself and i stick to a strict skincare regime. Hence, i do not need supplements.
Truth: Due to our hectic lifestyle and eating habits, we might not be able to get adequate nutrients from our food intake. A skin supplement works from within and synergistically with the skincare products applied externally. It will enhance the results of your skincare regime as it also aids in the absorption of the cream/serums applied.

Blunder 2: I'm only in my mid-20s. Skin supplements are more for people in their older age.
Truth: You should start maintaining youthful looking skin, rather than trying to reverse the signs of ageing when you are older.

Blunder 3: Once i start taking an oral skin supplement, I cannot stop taking or the results i've seen will be reversed.
Truth: The harsh external environment continues to damage our skin, be it the sun, the pollution or dry conditions in your office. Hence, it is important to continue with a maintenance program to sustain the results you've seen and to deliver undisrupted skin protection needed.

Why is skin care different in winter than in summer months?

Winter months generally are colder and drier than summer months when heat and humidity levels are on the rise. When skin is exposed to the harsh winter weather, it takes a beating, becoming excessively dry, irritated and chapped. Clothing protects most skin but we often fail to protect our faces. Moving indoors isn't any better. Constantly running heaters and dehumidifiers sap every bit of moisture from the air.

During the summer, temperatures warm and more skin becomes exposed to the elements. Higher temperatures and humidity levels increase the amount of sweat the body produces in an attempt to cool off. As an unintentional consequence, skin becomes oilier and more prone to pimples and other irritation. Swimming is great way to cool off however exposure to harsh pool chemicals and salt water can lead to excessive dryness.

Acne - What Is Acne?

Acne is a common skin disease that results when pores get blocked and bacteria form inside them. It comes in a variety of familiar forms and affects nearly everyone at some stage, particularly in their teen years. The inflamed, red bumps that sometimes form can be painful, and even painless white pimples are unsightly.

In the surface of the skin are pores, tiny openings called a hair follicle. Deeper inside the pore, near the base of the follicle, there are sebaceous glands that produce sebum, a natural type of oil. That oil helps keep the skin flexible and protected.

Hair continues to grow through the surface, while oil or sebum oozes out the side and is spread around the area. Skin cells grow and die and are sloughed off through washing, rubbing or spontaneously. But that process can be interrupted when the pores close and when bacteria form inside them. The result is acne.

The white pimples that sometimes form are usually a combination of dead skin cells, white blood cells and bacteria. The trapped pus often creates an inflamed, red area around it. The term 'pus' is an adaptation of 'pustule', a type of acne that results when the follicle wall bursts and the white blood cells rush into the area as part of a healing process.

When the tiny bumps or spots appear black they're called blackheads, naturally enough. They're a non-inflamed form of acne that come from the material having poked through the surface. Their dark color isn't the result of contact with dirt on the skin. It's a combination of dead skin cells and sebum that have oxidized. Oxygen in the air causes a chemical reaction that turns them black.

Often, however, the material doesn't break the skin, but simply pushes it up, forming a small, white bump called whiteheads. One form are known as 'milia'. Normally dead skin cells will get washed off or simply fall off the surface. But they can get trapped underneath the surface. This type of acne is common among infants, but can affect people at any age.

All these variations go by a general medical term called 'comedones', and whether that formation is open or closed is part of the clinical difference between them.

As the acne develops it can variously form what are called papules, nodules or cysts. A papule forms when the walls holding the hair follicle burst near the surface. They're small and don't contain pus. A nodule is a hardened lump under the skin, resulting from a break at the base of the follicle. A cyst is a larger, reddened bump. They're soft, but can be very painful.

Naturally, while it's helpful to know what acne is, the most important thing is to be able to treat it. In order to do that, it's necessary to know what type we have. We turn to that next...

Beauty eBook written by Elke Von Freudenberg

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This book goes beyond application techniques. She leads you on a study of your own bone structure and introduces important concepts in color theory.

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Eye shadow - Best ways to apply!

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.

Beware of the following:
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.

Eye Makeup - How to make beautiful eyes?

Eyes have been called the windows of the soul because of how much they communicate. Whether your eye color is brown, black, blue, green or hazel, your eyes can call the attention and speak to the person you are talking to. It is important that you know how to apply eye makeup to be able to project the right personality and feeling.

Below is to give you simple understanding of how the application of eyeliner, shadows and mascara work together to create magic and make your eyes look their best.

How to put on Eye Shadow?
In choosing an eye shadow color or shade, decide on the primary color that you would like to use as a base. You can choose from an array of creams, powders and glittery dusting. If you are not sure what shade or color to use, go neutral and try other colors until you like the look on you.

Apply your chosen primary shade to your whole eyelid and later apply the lighter shade on top of the primary shade, up to right below your eyebrows. Traditional eye shadow powders usually have small applicator brushes and foam pads you can use. One powder color applied on top of a cream shadow base, or two powder colors blended together can give a more dimensional look.

How to apply Eye makeup liner?
Further define your eye features by applying a thin pencil or liquid eyeliners in black, brown, plum, khaki, or navy. Putting on eyeliner will enhance your eye shadow and mascara colors and will complete your look.

The best way to apply eyeliner is to place a thin line on your eyelid base. Gently pull the corner of your eye outward, to form a straight line along your lashes. Starting from the inside corner of your eye, work towards the outside, delicately tracing a line with the pencil or liquid angled toward your eyelashes. Apply a lighter line for a subtle look and a darker and thicker line for a more dramatic effect.

How to use Mascara?
Select among brown, black, and navy blue mascara colors. When choosing the mascara type to buy, consider your type of lashes. You have a choice of mascara for lengthening, thickening, darkening, waterproofing and curling. If you do not want to use an eyelash curler, choose a product with curling formula.

It is important that you know how to put on mascara for that perfect effect. The best way to apply mascara is with a single stroke from the base of your eyelashes going to the tip. Apply two coats to give definition to your lashes. Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second coat, to prevent the mascara from lumping. Use a q-tip to remove the excess mascara from your eyelids or under your eyes.