Monday, January 21, 2013

Foundation: The RIGHT One

Alright, I'm back! Let's talk about shopping for your perfect foundation match:

The difference between buying a house solely based upon pictures you've seen of it on the internet, and purchasing a foundation without trying it on is....none at all! There is no difference! Why not take a few minutes to sit down comfortably in a chair at your local department store, and allow a trained professional to stripe a few different shades on your jawline in order to find that PERFECT match?! Avoid trying it on your arm, hand, or wrist, as these areas of the body can be different shades than your face. When you discover a shade that works perfectly with your tone, you're set! No worries about having to return a drugstore-bought foundation because it didn't match once you got home and put it on. Even after you receive your money back, you're still faced with having to find ANOTHER miscellaneous shade, hoping that one will be different. It's a waste of time, and depending on your choice's ingredients and potential lack of benefits...it can be a waste of money also.

Consider your undertones when shopping for a foundation. Ask your specialist about the difference between these tones in your skin: Cool (blue/pink undertones), Warm (red/orange undertones), Neutral (a combination of warm and cool undertones), Cool-Neutral, and Warm-Neutral.

Something else to consider is this: Yes it's true! Your skin tone is likely to vary between the Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer months...so, having two different shades of foundation in your arsenal is not a strange notion, but not completely necessary! When the weather is hotter, most people spend more time outdoors, and their skin tone warms up (becomes darker). They're not as light as they are in the winter months. A dusting of bronzer on top of your normal (correct) foundation shade can be just enough to cover your skin tone's change in the summer months. Having a year-round foundation that you can alter by simply dusting on a bit of bronzer is...priceless! Discovering that one shade of foundation will be an easier task to achieve for some more than others, but a personal consultation with a knowlegeable specialist is time well spent. Also, know that not all bronzers are created equally. One that you will LOVE is Estee Lauder's 'Bronze Goddess' bronzing powder in Shimmer or Matte.

When looking for your perfect foundation match, consider the many variables of your skin's type. For example, there are water-based, oil-free foundations for oily and acne-prone skin, and there are hydrating foundations for those of you who suffer from dry skin. Visit the website of your favorite brands in advance to do a little research about their different types of foundation so that you can converse with the beauty specialist as an informed consumer. Remember, this is your money and time! Make them matter, and walk away feeling confident about your investment. :-)

Happy shopping ladies, and again...I'm here to assist! Email your questions and/or concerns to: thirdeyecreativity7@gmail.com.

Peace!

~Carmen~

Lalah Hathaway - Forever, For Always, For Love



Cleaning my brushes...feeling some kind of way. Ms. Lalah Hathaway everyone....

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Skin Care for MEN!

Hello Folks, I hope everyone is having an awesome weekend! :-)

I had a young man suggest that I talk about skin care for the fellas, so that's what I'm gonna do! Guys, you should be taking care of your skin just as us women do, because as I said before, you will be in the same skin for the rest of your life! You want to promote healthy cell turnover, so what you do now for your face will GREATLY impact its condition as you grow older. Also, you guys are NOT exempt from the harmful effects of sun exposure. Harmful UVA/UVB rays are not taking time off from beating down on your handsome faces. You want to use a moisturizer with and SPF15 or higher.

Is there a difference between men's and women's skin? "Definitely. Male hormones have a very pronounced effect on skin. They stimulate oil and sweat glands, and make skin stronger by enlarging the middle layer—the dermis—with collagen. Men's skin tends to be thicker and oilier throughout their lives, since their hormone levels remain fairly high." - Clinique

As a pre-requisite to the rest of this PSA, you definitely need to read this post: "The Skin You're In" (linked below)

 

Contrary to popular belief, it is not FEMININE nor is it VAIN for a man to utilize products for the sole purpose of caring for his face. Hygiene, cleanliness and protection from the environment are not only relevant to your body. Also, your face is the first representation that people will see when they meet you, and a man with nice, supple skin is incredibly attractive and noticeable to...everyone! Aside from that fact, it's the right thing to do for YOURSELF. Get on the bus! =)
 
I'm having technical difficulties posting pictures to the blog, but I'll provide a description of the following products, and their functions. Here are the products that I recommend for you to try:
 
CLEANSER:
*Murad for Men Cleansing Shave
-Provides a superior shave and deep cleaning.
 
*Dove Men + Care Deep Clean Bar
-Has ¼ moisturizing cream and purifying micro grains to provide a deep clean while fighting skin dryness.
 
EXFOLIATOR:
*Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (Use 2-3x/week)
-Polishes away dullness and locked-in impurities. Exfoliates dull, dry, uneven texture. Leaves skin smooth and hydrated.
 
*Clinique Scruffing Lotion
-Gentle exfoliation for skins dry, tight and uncomfortable all over. De-flakes skin's surface to smooth, reveal clearer skin. Allows moisturizer to work more effectively. Ensures a closer, more comfortable shave.
 
TONER:
*Murad Essential-C Toner (Unisex)
-Restores balance and conditions skin.
OR
*Murad Clarifying Toner (Unisex & Perfect for Acne)
-Eliminates oil and impurities from acne-prone skin. Clears and tightens pores. Get that dirt OUT!
 
SERUM/TREATMENT:
*Murad for Men Razor Burn Rescue
-Reduces ingrown hairs, bumps and irritation.
 
*Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (Unisex &MY Favorite)
-Repairs the appearance of past damage. You'll see a visible improvement in the signs of aging-specifically lines, uneven skintone and immediate hydration.
-Neutralizes up to 90% of environmentally generated free radicals (harmful, airborne environmental factors) before they can affect skin's appearance.
-Creates the optimal environment for repair with nature's long-proven moisture magnet, Hyaluronic Acid-increasing skin's levels of moisturization.
 
MOISTURIZER:
*Clinique M Lotion
-Soothes, relieves dryness. Smooth over face and neck, wherever skin feels dry.
 
*Murad Men Face Defense w/ SPF15
-Delivers light-weight hydration and UVA/UVB protection.
 
If you are hesitant to dive in to such a strict regimen, I understand. Start with a cleanser and a moisturizer, for sure. Those two products are non-negotiable. If you find that your skin is excreting excess oil OR it is extremely dry and flaky, you definitely want to add a toner to your list in order to balance your skin's pH level. If you have specific skin care concerns that you want to target, that is where your serum/treatment product will be be super beneficial to you.
 
If you have questions about how to use any of these products, their price points, the difference between them, where to find them, or if you would like recommendations for other options, I'm here for you! Email your inquiries to: thirdeyecreativity7@gmail.com 
 
LADIES: Help a brotha out! Pick up some products for your man, brother, son, co-worker, or any other man who you know can benefit from some skin care in his life! Treat him to a facial from time to time. Not only is a facial a nice, relaxing way to de-stress, it is also a great way to introduce him to the wonders of treating his skin well. He will see an immediate difference, and starting an at-home regimen will begin to make more sense to him. There are a ton of places that offer this service, and an overwhelming amount of facials to choose from, so let me know if you need help! Email me @ thirdeyecreativity7@gmail.com
Peace and Blessings!!!
 
~Carmen~
 

Friday, January 11, 2013

Helpful Lifestyle Changes

***TGIF!!! Woot Woot!!!!!!***

Alright, so previously I've discussed a few dietary changes you can make to improve the condition of your skin (http://sassychicsoul.blogspot.com/2012/12/beauty-vitamins.html), however there are also some simple lifestyle changes that will make a nice difference as well! Exercising, getting enough sleep, protecting our skin from the sun, and limiting our intake of both caffeine and alcohol are all crucial to our skin's current and future state.

By now you know that I love, love, LOVE Bobbi Brown, so here's what she has to say about a few simple things you can begin doing today in order to achieve beautiful skin through a healthier lifestyle:

*Exercise: Raising the heart rate through vigorous exercise increases blood flow, brings more oxygen to the skin, and cleanses impurities from the body through sweat. Ideally, you want to do a mix of aerobic exercise and strength training. Aerobic exercise helps get the blood flowing, so take a walk, run, or swim regularly. If you're not about being out in the elements, ALL of these activities can be done indoors.

*Sleep: Sleep is the time when the body's cells have a chance to repair and regenerate. Sleep deprivation stresses all of the body's systems, including the skin. The skin becomes less elastic and prone to outbreaks of acne or rashes.

*Sun: Excess sun exposure is skin's no.1 enemy. It causes premature aging, including wrinkles, loss of elasticity , and hyperpigmentation (dark areas). Worse, over-exposure often causes deadly forms of skin cancer. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) during the winter AND summer months. Even when it's cold outside, the sun is still radiating those harmful UVA and UVB rays.

*Alcohol: Skin problems can be caused by excessive alcohol intake. Alcohol can cause allergic reactions, such as hives and rashes. Most people won't make the connection between the two when they break out. Some have allergic reactions to salicylates, which occur in foods such as bananas, grapes, beans, berries and also, wine. If a rash appears after you eat these foods, it is likely that beer and wine will also cause outbreaks.

*Stress: Stress often shows up on the skin. Stress-related hormonal fluctuations can cause adult acne other skin problems. While healthy eating and exercise habits help to combat the symptoms of anxiety and stress, finding mechanisms to deal with underlying causes of your stress is important. Learn to cope, in a healthy way.
Brown, Bobbi. (2008). Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual. New York: Springboard Press.
 
***A couple of tips:

-Smile, be positive, breathe, do yoga, meditate.

-Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to help flush out toxins and keep all skin types more clear.

-Drink one glass of water each time you have a beverage that contains caffeine or alcohol.

*Challuuuuunge!!! Let me know what impact these lifestyle changes have had on your skin (and overall energy) after 3 months. Take a picture the day that you begin your changes, and then take a picture three months from that date. There will be a noticeable difference, as long as you are committed to the challenge! Send your before and after pics to thirdeyecreativity7@gmail.com. The first beauty to send her submission by April 15, 2013 will win a luxury skin care gift! Let's gooooo!!! =)

Peace!

~Carmen

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Building a Beauty Budget! Plan and Prosper

Let's re-visit the essentials! Afterwards, let's talk about your budget and find the products that you absolutely must have, and can reasonably invest in. The following suggestions are my faves, but you can achieve similar results with other products that are more affordable. Let's chat about it!

* = Recommendations

Cleanser: Wash it all away. Just wash it, chile. The stress, the worry, the uncertainty, the grime of life.... Watch it swirl down the drain. Clear out those pores and allow room for healthy skin cell turnover.

*Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean (Oily/Normal/Combination) or Soft Clean (Dry Skin) - $20




Exfoliator: Scrub away those dead skin cells milling around the surface of your skin. 1 - 2 times a week. The difference will be undeniably visible in less than one month.

*Murad AHA/BHA Cleansing Exfoliator ($35) or St. Ives Apricot Scrub w/ AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) - ($4)

Toner: Balance out your pH level, why don't you?! Too oily? Too dry? Combination areas? Even out your acidity levels with this quick and effective step in your routine. Apply to a cotton ball and wipe your entire face. Skip excessive alcohol content in your toner's ingredients. Read the labels!

*Murad Essential-C (oily/normal/combination skin) OR Clarifying Toner (for acne) - $26
*Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Toner - $21.50

Serum & Moisturizer (w/ SPF!!): A serum can be optional, depending on your list of skin care concerns & priorities. I strongly suggest one, depending on your specific skin concerns. A serum worth anything will target your issue and simultaneously change your life.
*Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skin Tone Iluminator - $60
A moisturizer is not an option!!! Hydration is a must and if you are oily or acne prone, you must know, there are moisturizers that are built to specifically combat your issues.

*I honestly prefer to give individual recommendations when it comes to the moisturizer that will be right for YOU! Let's discuss your skin type.
*If your skin type is normal/combination, I can easily recommend the Miracle Skin Transformer. Continue reading to learn WHY....

Primer: Sarah McNamara's 5-in-1 Miracle Skin Transformer! ($48) Have your Moisturizer, Primer, Color, Oil Mattifier and SPF protection in ONE product. That alone is going to save you a grip of money, at $48 for a 3 month supply. That breaks down to $16 a month for 5 essential benefits. I challenge you to find TWO of those products (of quality) for $16!

Your primer smoothes and reduces the appearance of creases, fine lines, wrinkles, and pores on the face, and is most vital prior to applying any foundation or powder, for a clean finish. Your makeup application should be free of any product settling into your creases, lines, wrinkles and pores. A proper primer assures this.

-Alternatives to the 5-in-1:
*Estee Lauder: Spotlight (Illuminating), or Matte Perfecting Primer (Great for Oil Control) - $32


*Smashbox: This line has a variety of primers, including these benefit specific products: Oil-free, Luminosity (great for dull skin), Hydrating (skin-quencher..for dry skin),  Balancing (for oily skin), Blending (for darker discoloration), and Adjusting (primarily for redness). Get you some! - $36





Foundation/Powder: They can be one and the same, or two different products. This is all depending on the amount of coverage and the finish desired. A Pressed Powder Foundation and Liquid Foundation going to offer more full coverage in comparison to a Tinted Moisturizer or BB Creme. There is a poignant difference between the first two and latter two as it pertains to coverage and benefits, so learn them!!!  can offer lightweight, medium OR full coverage. Depending on what your desired coverage is, there are a myriad of options.

A lightweight Pressed Powder or Loose Powder can be used by themselves to mattify oil, even out the complexion, and/or SET a liquid foundation so that it stays in place for the duration of your day. Usually up to 8 hours before a touch up is required.

Be sure to find a stay-in-place Finishing Powder that will set your makeup and advocate keeping your makeup from transferring onto your clothes....or anyone else's clothes! Hugs and Smooches should not leave an unpleasant reminder!

*Tarte's 'Smooth Operator' ($28) and Smashbox's 'Photo Set' ($28) are the BEST translucent Finishing Powders that I've come across, thus far.

Beyond the above mentioned staples are going to be Eye, Cheek, and Lip Colors, which can be purchased at a lower cost. If you want to amp up the pigmentation of any eye color use an eyeshadow primer, and to enhance any lip color, use a concealer on the lip first. There's plenty to add here, but these are my personal must haves.

I can tailor your absolute must haves into an individual plan. There are several products to choose from that will provide you with each of these benefits and at comfortable prices, so let's have a beauty budget consultation! Hit me up at thirdeyecreativity7@gmail.com and tell me about your current routine.

TTYSoon!!!

~Carmen~

Spring 2013 Makeup Trends: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I'll say it again! =) HAPPY NEW YEEEEEAAARRRRR!!!!!!!!

WOW, can you believe it's 2013 already??? It seems like only yesterday I graduated from high school, and that was 13 years ago! I don't know about you, but I'm stepping my beauty game up! While our bare faces are a beautiful thang, there's some magic in sporting a nice makeup look....especially a clean, subtle enhancement. You just FEEL different when you KNOW you look your best, and that is a guarantee. Step out in some soft, fresh, and beautiful looks this New Year!!!

The Spring 2013 Runway Looks have been revealed, and here are a few of the most popular:


*RED LIPS! Every shade from a bold red-orange, to a fire-engine red, to a burgundy, alllllll the way to a deep black cherry. Reds are IN, honey. Choose a matte shade of red-based lipstick and pair with a shimmery, neutral eye (use a creme shadow)....OR a sexy, glossy red lip with a matte eyeshadow. Define your lips with a
lip liner that matches your shade of
lipstick to really make them pop.
Full, defined lips are an eye-catcher, believe me. *wink*


*NEUTRAL LIPS/GLOWING SKIN - On trend this season are "barely there" makeup looks. Seek out a nude or beige lipstick that compliments your complexion, and pair that with an eyeshadow trio containing a beige, cappucino (light brown), and coffee (darker brown) color combination. I HIGHLY recommend the "Sandstone" Trio by Glo Minerals or the "Romantic Eye" Palette by Too Faced.

^^^^^^^^Use bronzer as your blush and give the People FEVER, with ease, definition, and flare! Don't forget to highlight and contour:-)


*BLUE & GREEN LINER/EYESHADOW - Apply shades of aqua, jade, and turqouise to your upper lids and lashline, lower lashline, or ALL THREE if you're REALLY bad!!! :-D I have to tell you: Stila's Stay-All-Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Moss and/or Indigo are must haves!!! You can smoothly achieve these looks with a creme OR powder shadow, a liquid or gel eyeliner, and the proper brushes. I love being bold with my colors on occassion, so expect to see a reflection of said boldness in my next round of portfolio sample pictures (coming soon)!


*SUBTLE CAT EYE/NATURAL LIP - Cat eyes in Brown AND Black are all over the runways, using a variety of eyeliners, or simply....eyeshadow (easy easy easy!!!) If you're going for the NEUTRAL LIPS/GLOWING SKIN look, and you want to incorporate a cat eye, stick with the Glo Minerals "Coffee" eyeshadow trio or Too Faced "Romantic Eye" Palette recommended above. Use your makeup brushes for a clean, precise application.
I'm always here if you'd like a one-on-one application lesson! It's a LOT of fun, plus you'll always walk away with goodies. Let's spend some time! :-)

CONTEST HINT: If you choose to participate in the contest, expect to find two items in the Beauty Basket that give you a heads up on these trends! =) Only five days left in the contest! Let's get it!!! (see details below)


XOXOXOXO!