Tag Archives: tips and tricks

Common Exfoliation Mistakes

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Common Exfoliation Mistakes

While it’s true that no skin care regimen is complete with regular exfoliation, this task does require some basic guidelines to be effective. An important component of regular skin care, an exfoliating product should be strong enough to whisk away dead skin cells and, thus, help to clear out your pores. A good routine can result in skin that is fresher, brighter, less acne-prone, and more youthful.

Exfoliation helps encourage cell renewal and leaves skin looking and feeling radiant. Exfoliation works by gently lifting and removing dead skin cells that leave the skin dull and lack lustre, and gently sloughs them away to reveal brighter, healthier, newer layers of skin. This fresher layer of skin leaves your complexion looking fresh, radiant and youthful. Always make sure you use a quality exfoliator with smaller grains, instead of scrubs with larger grains as these can tear and cause irritation to the delicate skin area, doing more harm than good.

Commit some of these mistakes, however, and you might be cancelling out the supreme benefits of that scrub.

Mistake #1 – You scrub without water.

Before you exfoliate, it’s important to lubricate the skin with warm water. A “dry rub” can irritate the skin, causing redness, rashes, and painful after effects. Do yourself a favor and rinse your face first, then get to the scrubbing while your skin is still wet.

Mistake #2 – You scrub too hard.

Some people think that, to be effective, their exfoliating product must be mushed and mashed all over their face. On the contrary, the product is designed to do most of the work on its own. Instead of pushing and pulling the skin which leads to redness, stretching of the pores, and micro-level damage you won’t see until your older, go easy on your skin. Gently massage your fingertips over the skin in little circles for about 10-15 seconds, then move on to the next area. Any more is just overkill.

Mistake #3 – You scrub too often.

Exfoliation is definitely one of those things where the less-is-more philosophy works. While some of us might think exfoliating every day is a good idea (hey–you’ll get rid of lots of dead skin that way, right?), that’s too much. This kind of routine can leave your skin sore, damaged, and overexposed. For oily skin types, exfoliating twice a week is enough to keep cells turning over at a good pace and pores clear. Combination or dry skin types, however, can stick to a once a week schedule.

Mistake #4 – You scrub without follow-up care.

Scrubbing is important, but it’s a big deal for your skin. After you exfoliate the skin, you should always follow-up with a good moisturizer. Skipping this step can leave your skin over-dry and irritated, which can lead to overproduction of oil and lots of other issues. Quench skin’s thirst right away to avoid a dangerous cycle.

Mistake #5 – You scrub your face, but not everywhere else.

Many of us concentrate our healthy skin habits on one area: the face. But the rest of our bodies need some TLC once in a while today. Beyond washing daily, you should also moisturize daily and use a scrub once a week. Your rough elbows and knees will thank you for the extra attention.

Mistake #6 – You scrub with the wrong tools.

Before you scrub, make sure you’re using the right products for the right parts. Don’t use foot scrubs on your face (too harsh) or face scrubs on your body (not strong enough). The same goes for your scrubbing tools. Using a moderately rough loofah or sponge is okay for the body, but can be too much for the delicate skin on your face. Instead, stick to using your fingers with a scrub or a light exfoliating pad with regular face wash. Both will get the job done without causing irritation.


Mistake #7 – You scrub and carry on as usual.

Ignoring the fact that your skin is sensitive after scrubbing is an all-too-common error. When you scrub, the pores open up, brand new skin cells are exposed, and the moisture balance is a little off-kilter. Yes, stick to using that moisturizer as I mentioned in #4. Beyond that, go easy on your skin the day you exfoliate. After scrubbing, avoid sun exposure, harsh masks or facial peels, and hair removal products. The extra sensitivity can make it much easier to harm, irritate, and dry your skin after your weekly exfoliation.

Following exfoliation, the skin is primed and at it’s peak for absorbing products. This is why you should apply your moisturiser or a masque as the ingredients will absorb quicker and more deeper into the skin for maximum results.

Just by avoiding these common errors, your skin care routine can be greatly improved by regular exfoliation. Treat the skin kindly and it will pay off for years to come.

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How often do you exfoliate ? Do you commit any of these mistakes ?

Live Web Chat with Alex Box and David Horne, Illamasqua Experts

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Live Web Chat with Alex Box and David Horne, Illamasqua Experts
Alex Box
David Horne

Legendary make-up artist and Creative Director of Illamasqua Alex Box is in the Stylist office with the cult brand’s Director of New Product Development, David Horne to answer your questions in a live webchat now!

Cult British make-up brand Illamasqua prides itself on making ‘make-up for your alter ego’ – products come in a rainbow of intense, highly pigmented shades and shimmering formulations to allow you to unleash your imagination to create individual, avant-garde looks. Behind all this is the visionary hand of Creative Director Alex Box, a make-up artist who has worked with everyone from Gareth Pugh and Alexander McQueen to Stella McCartney and Chanel.

Illamasqua’s Director of Product Development, David Horne, has 20 years’ experience as a catwalk make-up artist and is totally fearless when it comes to pushing the boundaries of beauty. As well as working with designers like Calvin Klein and Balenciaga and making up the faces of Erin O’Connor, Sophie Dahl and Karolina Kurkova, David has also lectured at the London College of Fashion and now heads up SOMUA – Illamasqua’s school of make-up art.

I asked what colors he recommends for medium Asian skin with warm undertones and the fool proof way to do smokey eyes..

Here is his answer..

Hi Bhumika

For your skintone always select colours with a yellow or olive undertone to look most natural, this would be amber, orange, caramel colours. If you choose blue-based colours they will be more dramatic and self-expressive. When doing smokey eyes always do this before your foundation to help you maintain a clean area under the eye. To lift underneath the smokey eye, try an apricot concealer tone or peach to lift the eye upwards.

Some other questions and advices I liked..

1) any tips to stop eyeshadow creasing?

Always prepare the skin and start with a matte base to ensure your make-up has the best longevity.

2) Illamasqua Powder Blush for Contouring?

If you have a light to medium skinton you can try Heroine powder eyeshadow and use this as a cheek contour. If you prefer a cream to contour the cheeks try Hollow Cream Pigment. If you are a deeper skintone you can try Disobey powder blusher which is a mid-amber tone suitable for contouring.

3) Hi Alex and David, What advice would you give to an artist who is naturally very shy? I’ve struggled with the social aspect of freelancing but have a very strong art sense. I don’t want to give up on my dream because I’m a bit of a wall flower. I could use some tips!

Be confident in your ability and that confidence will help you open dialogue and interact in the settings you will come into contact with. Assist others who inspire you and also who will help you gain confidence. Even the people that seem the most outwardly confident are not always as they appear and like every circumstance, never judge a book by its cover – they are probably as nervous and scared as you may have felt at times.

I loved this answer ! 🙂 It was only for an hour..and thats why many questions were not answered..

I hope you find it useful 🙂

8 Hair Myths––Debunked

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8 Hair Myths––Debunked


I read this article online and I was amazed reading few myths myself..so I had to share it with you all..

By now you probably know that washing your hair every day can dry out and damage your locks, which is why experts recommend only washing up two to three times per week instead. That got us thinking-what other long-standing hair beliefs can’t be trusted? We spoke to the experts to dispel eight popular tress tenets. Read on for what they had to say about everything from treating greasy strands to understanding your hair’s natural texture.

Myth #1: Slather on mayonnaise and olive oil to deep condition your hair.

While kitchen staples like mayo and olive oil do contain moisturizing properties, adding heaping handfuls of the stuff to your locks isn’t the ticket to silky hair. “The success of this treatment depends on the type and texture of your hair,” says Doug DiCanio, a stylist at Blow in New York City. “If your hair is fine, limp or sparse, you’ll see a greasy or heavy result. But if you have thick, coarse and extremely dry hair, mayo and olive oil can be a low-cost alternative to deep conditioning treatments, so long as you apply them correctly.” He suggests distributing one tablespoon of either ingredient into clean, damp hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then thoroughly rinse with a gentle cleansing shampoo. Photo: Valentyn Volkov/Thinkstock

Myth #2: You have to constantly change up your shampoo and conditioner in order to get great results.

If your tried-and-true shampoo and conditioner don’t seem to be working as well as they used to, don’t rush out to pick up new brands. Contrary to popular belief, hair doesn’t “get used to” products-build-up and residue is usually to blame for lackluster locks. “Some shampoos and conditioners can leave behind residue, which might make it difficult to see results over the long term,” says DiCanio. “Use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks to remove excess build-up in your hair, and you should be able to see continued great results from your favorite products.” Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen/Thinkstock

Myth #3: Cutting your hair will make it grow faster.

While regular trims are a great way to keep your hair healthy, monthly snips won’t turn you into Rapunzel. “On average, hair grows about half an inch every month regardless of whether or not you trim it,” says Jenny Cho, a stylist for Suave Professionals. “While cutting ends will prevent damage and encourage stronger, healthier hair, it doesn’t tell the roots to grow faster.” However, healthy hair may appear longer, since it’s free from dry, damaged and broken ends. So visiting your salon every eight to 12 weeks is still the key to maintaining healthy, long locks. Photo: Diego Cervo/Thinkstock

Myth #4: You can’t dye your hair while pregnant.

According to Amy Burkett, MD, ob-gyn residency director at Summa Health System in Akron, Ohio, no studies have conclusively proven hair dye is dangerous to a developing fetus. That said, “In general, pregnant women need to be concerned with what they’re exposing their body to. The big concern for me is that some hair products contain formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen that I’d recommend any woman, pregnant or not, steer clear of.” Formaldehyde will be noted on a product’s ingredients list, so to be safe, choose a dye that doesn’t contain it, opting instead for one that has as many natural ingredients as possible, such as henna-based dyes. If you go to the salon for color, ask your stylist what ingredients are in your hair dye, and see if there’s a more natural option to pursue. (Note: Formaldehyde can also be found in Brazilian blow outs, a hair-straightening treatment.) Although none of Dr. Burkett’s patients-including hair dressers-have ever experienced hair dye-related complications, to be cautious she recommends avoiding all hair dye during the first trimester of pregnancy, since that is when a fetus’s basic neurological development occurs. Photo: Shutterstock
Myth #5: If you have greasy hair, skip conditioner.

According to DiCanio, greasy hair is caused by the overproduction of sebum, a waxy, oily substance that comes from the tissues of the scalp-so skipping conditioner altogether is not going to cure the problem. Instead, she recommends those with greasy locks to “shampoo the roots with a clarifying shampoo and the ends with a moisturizing shampoo. Apply conditioner to the middle and ends of your hair only, steering clear of the scalp.” Once your hair is dry, applying dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil. Since oil deposits can build up on styling tools and redistribute them throughout your hair, DiCanio also recommends keeping your brush clean by occasionally using a fine-toothed comb to remove the hair that can get stuck in its teeth. To remove oil and build up, dip both your brush and comb into a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of shampoo, rinse with warm water and let dry face down. Photo: Olga Lisitskaya/Thinkstock

Myth #6: Always comb your hair from top to bottom.

Though nearly every hair commercial features women brushing their locks from the roots downward, combing wet hair in this manner can actually cause breakage. Avoid snapping strands by combing your hair from bottom to top instead. “Start at the ends and work your way up,” suggests Cho. “This will put less stress on your hair than if you started at the top and had to pull downwards to detangle a massive knot.” Use your other hand to hold onto the hair above the knot you’re detangling so that the pressure doesn’t pull the hair from the roots, which could cause hair loss. Photo: George Doyle/Thinkstock

Myth #7: All hair grows at the same rate.

Ever wondered why the perfect symmetry of a fresh haircut never lasts? According to Joel Schlessinger, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and president emeritus of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, “Hair grows at different rates on every part of the body, including on your scalp. Hair goes through three phases of growth, and each area of your body has different phase times.” While there’s nothing you can do to even out your hair growth times, regular trims will keep your style looking consistent. Photo: Thinkstock

Myth #8: Nothing will ever change the natural texture of your hair.

Baffled by why your naturally stick-straight hair has suddenly turned wavy? According to Dr. Schlessinger, hair texture is not set in stone. “It has to do with the length of its growth cycle, nutrition and medications. While the actual hairs we have are technically dead, the scalp and hair root are not. Medications affect the strength of the hair root and can lead to curling or color changes. Additionally, they can weaken the root, eventually leading to hair loss, as happens with chemotherapy.” Stress, age and hormones may also play a role in how your hair texture behaves, turning thick hair thin, or coarse hair fine. Photo: Shutterstock

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5 Surprising Ways to Prevent Wrinkles

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5 Surprising Ways to Prevent Wrinkles


I liked this article on Yahoo on how to prevent wrinkles in old age by taking care of a few things now…and thought of sharing with you guys..
Source

Genes influence how fast your skin will age, but unhealthy habits accelerate the damage. The term “smoker’s face” has long been used to describe the telltale pattern of deep lines and creases that form around the mouth and eyes of tobacco users, from constant squinting sparked by smoke irritation and lip puckering while inhaling. Some studies show that smoking cuts production of elastin and collagen by up to 40 percent, leading to premature fine lines that may start to appear as early as age 20, offering yet another reason to snuff out the habit if you smoke.

What else can you do to fight skin creases? Here’s a look at science-based strategies that help keep your skin looking young and healthy:

1. Swap coffee for cocoa.

Dietary flavonoids called epicatechin and catechin, found in cocoa, help keep blood vessels elastic, raising nourishing flow to both the skin and internal organs. A German study published in Journal of Nutrition found that after three months, women who drank an epicatechin-rich cocoa drink daily not only had smoother skin, but were also more resistant to sun damage (with less redness and scaling when their skin was exposed to UV light).

2. Sleep on your back.

Ironically, beauty sleep can actually increase wrinkles. Over the years, habitually snoozing on your side or belly, with your face mashed into the pillow, gradually etches “sleep lines” that eventually become permanent. According to a study published in Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, side sleeping contributes to more wrinkling of the cheeks and chin, while slumbering facedown furrows the brow. Sleeping on your back prevents sleep lines or may even reverse the problem. Getting enough Z’s spurs release of a “youth hormone” called human growth hormone, leading to thicker, healthier skin and fewer lines, says Nicholas Perricone, MD, author of The Wrinkle Cure.

3. Wear sunscreen—even when driving.

Ever wonder why age spots are most likely to sprout on the left side of the face? Many people don’t realize that UVA rays, the culprits in most wrinkling, easily penetrate car windows, even on cloudy days, accelerating such signs of aging as brown spots and creases on the left side of the driver’s face. The best defense is using broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen every day, even in the winter, since the sun’s damaging rays are the number one cause of wrinkles. If you drive frequently, you may also want to invest in tinted car windows, which help block UVA.

4. Eat more fish and soy.

Salmon, tuna, mackerel and other cold-water fish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which nourish skin and help keep it smooth, glowing and youthful. Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which also help protect against heart disease and stroke, include walnuts, flaxseed oil, and canola oil. Another age-defying food is soy: A 2009 study also found that consuming an isoflavones-rich soy supplement reduced skin wrinkling and increased collagen in 86 percent of the women studied, after just six months of daily use.

5. Avoid squinting—and get your vision checked.

A common cause of crow’s feet and bunny lines on the nose is overworking the facial muscles, creates grooves that turn into wrinkles. The underlying problem is often presbyopia, age-related vision changes that affect almost everyone after age 40—and if you get reading glasses soon enough, it could help relax lines that are starting to form from straining to read fine print. It’s also crucial to wear sunglasses outdoors, both to reduce squinting and to protect skin around the eyes from sun damage.

So some daily changes in your lifestyle..could keep the wrinkles at bay 🙂

Source: 1

Skin Foods

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Skin Foods

Foods are very important for the skin. Some types of foods actually feed the skin too. We use all sorts of creams and lotions on our skin externally but it is extremely important for the skin to be healthy and glowing internally, and for that we need to take care of it from within too, feeding it with the right stuff. I, being a Vegetarian always had some problems as eggs and sea food were out of the list already.