These are some of the most common mistakes I see that women make when applying makeup. These are all tips and mistakes to avoid which I have learned in school, and in applications I have done over the years. I love sharing the knowledge I have to assist others and make women aware of things to steer clear of. Hopefully you’ll take from my tips and create beauty day to day!

Foundation

 

• Unless you are going to a major event or taking professional pictures… never over apply foundation. Too much application is too obvious on the skin for daily wear and can create cracks/ wrinkles in your face.
• Never wear foundation which is too light for your skin. This can make your skin appear gray or ashy. It is always better to stick with a color as true or natural to your skin or a color ½-1 shade darker then your skin.
• Always apply foundation down the neck to the décolleté area and remember to blend.
• Remember to consider your skin type when choosing the right foundation option.
• Normal Skin: liquid foundation or powder foundation is suitable.
• Oily/Combo/Mature Skin:  mattifying & oil free liquid foundation is recommended with use of powder over your oily sections if needed. Never use just a powder for mature skin; it will accentuate wrinkles and fine lines. Powder alone also sticks more over oily sections which results in a very uneven application.
• Dry Skin:  use liquid foundation or you can use moisture-replenishing technology powder only.
• Steer clear of red toned/ orange based foundations, which will make any skin color appear off.
• Make sure you are using the correct foundation brush for the type of foundation used and coverage needed.
• Not cleansing your brush can result in bacteria buildup and also affect your application of foundation.

 

Eyes

 

• Don’t use glitter! Use shadows which are metallic or shimmer based pigments. Glitter can be harsh on the sensitive eye area, create eye irritation, oversize your eye, and just looks messy.
• When deciding on dramatic eyes or smoky eyes, make sure that you down play application of other facial features.
• Use eye colors for eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara which accentuate your eye shape, pupil color, and skin tone.
• Never over apply mascara otherwise you will end up with spider lashes. Also, only apply mascara to the top lashes and bat your lashes together to get a perfect lower lash application.
• If you have crepe lids or wrinkled lids, apply a shadow primer or instant wrinkle filler over target areas/ entire lid depending on the product used. Wait about 1-2 minutes before shadow application. 
• If you have oily skin and your eye shadow creases or won’t stay on, utilize a primer. If that doesn’t work either, then use a maximum coverage oil free concealer. Wait about 1 min before shadow application and never use crème or liquid based shadows.
• To open up your eyes, utilize false eyelashes. However for smaller eyes use only a half of the strip or use individual lashes towards the outer end of your lash line.

 

Lips

 

• Never use lipsticks made with glitter. Stick with matte colors or colors with shimmer.
• For dry lips or mature skin around the lip area, make sure your use a lip primer or an instant line/ wrinkle filler to hydrate and plump your skin.
• On that note, don’t forget to use your anti-feathering products to keep your color from escaping your lips.
• The darker your eye makeup, the lighter or more natural your lips should remain.
• To make your lips appear plump or full, use lip gloss.
• To add some color or shimmer to your lips and to help adhere lipstick to the lips longer, apply your powder over your lips before color application.

 

Cheeks

 

• Watch your application on the cheeks! Never over apply your cheek color. Start with a small amount first and then add as desired. If using powder, always make sure to tap off excess powder before each application.
• Stick to light through dark shades of coral and mauve. These colors are universal shades to almost every skin tone and will help keep you from looking over done or too bland.
• Apply blush in between the apples and hollows of your cheeks; up to your ears. This will help create cheek structure and appear more natural in appearance. Also, make sure you blend in your blush to your foundation around the edges.
• Use the correct blush brush for the application you prefer. I suggest an angled brush for a great application.

Recently we have had requests for products to treat a common skin condition known as Seborrheic dermatitis. This inflammatory skin condition can be categorized as dry, flaky, or white to yellow scales that can be all over the body. The most common area affected by this condition is the scalp. There may also be dry and flaky patches on your eyebrows, behind your ears, and even on your legs and groin area. In infants, Seborrheic dermatitis is called cradle cap. For babies it is most common in the newborn months and will usually clear up on its own in 12 months or so. To treat this condition on babies you can use almond or olive oil to condition the area. You would then want to use a mild shampoo such as Mustela Foam Shampoo For Newborns and leave on for about two minutes. Seborrheic Dermatitis is thought to be caused by an over production of oil and irritation from a yeast known as malessizia. Other factors that can attribute to this condition are stress, oily skin, and use of lotions that contain certain alcohols. Something to be aware of is that this condition is not contagious and is often very embarrassing for the millions of people who suffer from Seborrheic dermatitis.

For mild conditions on the scalp area you will want to look for products that contain salicylic acid. The salicylic acid will help to exfoliate your skin and prevent excess oil production. Anytime you use a dandruff shampoo you will want to rub the shampoo in your hair thoroughly and leave it in your hair for at least 5 minutes before you rinse it out. Dandruff will cause scaling on the scalp, however if you have Seborrheic dermatitis you will notice redness and excessive oiliness as well as scaling. You can use a shampoo like DS Laboratories Dandrene as long as you do not have any open sores or severe inflamed skin. This shampoo works effectively because it contains salicylic acid, amino acids to strengthen the scalp, and ketaconazole that is used as an antifungal ingredient. For a solution you can use every day until the scaling goes away we like to suggest NeoCeuticals Treatment Scalp Solution. This solution contains a blend of alpha hydroxy and polyhydroxy acids to gently exfoliate the scalp.

If you have Seborrheic Dermatitis on your body and scalp you can use Stiefel ZNP Bar to address the areas of concern. This solution will help to relive itchy and flaking skin because it contains pyrithione zinc. Pyrithione zinc is used as an antifungal and antibacterial agent to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. If you are looking for a liquid body wash for your skin that contains salicylic acid, we suggest Peter Thomas Roth Blemish Buffing Beads Body Wash. You can use this body wash daily to help with breakouts and to control oil. This body wash also contains antioxidants to improve the overall health of your skin.

With the right products this skin condition can tolerable.  If you have severe Seborrheic dermatitis you may want to consult your dermatologist and they may be able to prescribe a steroid lotion that you can use in conjunction with your products.

Visit SkinStore to find more products for Seborrheic Dermatitis.

These are just a few tips to have healthy glowing skin for the new season ahead!

 

1. Pull your sweet tooth. A lot of dermatologists agree that foods high in sugar result in low skin self esteem. When you cram your body with sugar, it causes the cells to breakdown in your body and this will over time make them less resilient and more prone to getting wrinkles and will dry out your skin. Yet another reason to stay away from candy. We just can’t win, can we?

 

2. You can have healthy fats. Yes I said healthy fats. These are foods rich in Omega 3 or Omega 6 like avocados, fish, and nuts. You can improve the overall health of your skin by keeping it soft and supple. As an alternative you can take omega dietary supplements such as flaxseed, fish oil, or evening primrose oil if you do not want all the extra calories.

 

3. Cut down on caffeinated drinks. This means sodas, energy drinks, and yes coffee! Caffeine dehydrates you; this means you can get a dry dull complexion if you continue to intake caffeine in excessive amounts. Try decaf coffee, green tea, or sodas. You will still get the flavor, but won’t deplete your skin of its much needed vitamins and minerals.

 

4. Try some jolly greens. This goes for us adults too! Dark green leafy vegetables are super antioxidant rich with Vitamins A, B and E. This is a must have that our skin requires to sustain an overall wellbeing and obtain that healthy glow we all want. You may also want to add some artichokes, beans, and colorful vegetables to your salad. These are rich in silica which is a mineral that strengthens the body’s connective tissues such as collagen. If you are not a huge veggie eater try the Boscia Antioxidant Vegetable Therapy supplements. You can get your fill of 15 vegetables and herbs your body needs to stay and look healthy, without having to chew one bite.

 

5. Drink your water. This may seem like a given, but you’d be surprised. It is recommended that you drink about a half gallon of pure water a day, which is about eight glasses. This will ensure that you are moving out the toxins in your body and hydrating your skin at the same time.

 

6. Try some wholesome grains. Whole grains are a friendly diet and skin alternative to bleached white grains. Whole wheat contains a mineral called selenium that will protect your skin’s cells and prevent further damage from occurring. Selenium is also found in fish, red meat, eggs, and garlic.
7. Say no to that extra cocktail. Alcohol will dehydrate your body and skin. This will result in a dull, dreary, and sometimes reddened complexion. You may think twice about celebrating with friends over a large number of cocktails.

 

8. Add some berries to your diet. Berries such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums are high in antioxidants. These little colorful sweet morsels will actually protect our skin from free radical damage, so enjoy.

 

9. Try Low-Fat Dairy Products. Dairy products that are low in fat are high in vitamin A. Experts agree that a diet rich in vitamin A will ensure that you will have healthy skin cells, which will give your complexion a boost and maybe even a slimmer waist line.

 

10. Eat healthy oils. These will help hydrate and keep your skin lubricated. You should look for oils that are labeled cold-pressed or expeller process. This will guarantee that you are getting all of the benefits of the nutrients because the oils are less processed this way. When selecting olive oils, extra virgin would be the best choice. While healthy oils are essential, you should limit your intake to about two tablespoons per day.

 

Click here for information about supplements and antioxidants SkinStore.com offers.

The Air Glow Gun may give off the impression of being a little intimidating just by the looks of  this “gun”. You may be thinking, “wow I can’t even apply a self tanner let alone use an air brush machine.” You may be spending way too much at the tanning beds when you could be trying a safe alternative and more cost effective way of getting that glow. It’s time to put away your tanning goggles and give your skin a break from all of the harmful UV rays of the tanning beds and try out this air brush. This device is easy to use, and the results will far out weigh the little bit of instruction you will need to in order to use the Fusion Air Glow Gun.

You first want to prepare your skin for maximum results by exfoliating. We suggest Bliss Fabulous Foaming Body Wash. This body treatment has natural fruit extracts as well as lactic acid to exfoliate your skin and get rid of dead skin cells.

To use the Fusion Beauty GlowFusion Air Glow Gun you’ll want to hold the device at least 4 inches away from the area, and you want to then create a thin layer of product mist. If you do have any drips, don’t worry you can always redue the area later. It’s not like self tanners where you can get streaks, blotchy skin, and an uneven application. You can always go back over the area if you feel you missed a spot or smudged the area. Don’t worry the tanning solution will not stain your clothes, it is odor-free, and the results are lot nicer then other self tanning products. You can have a soft glowing tan for up to two weeks. The formula comes in two colors for a customized look.

You can alternate the glow gun applications with the Fusion Beauty GlowFusion Micro Nutrient Face and Body Natural Protein Tan. This will help to even out an existing tan and will give you a nice buildable application as it gradually darkens. The fusion products are formulated for all skin types and are non-comedogenic.

Remember to also keep your skin hydrated to extend the life of your tan. If you are looking for a fragrance free body lotion that will add hydration and help to preserve your tan, try Philosophy Be Somebody Unscented Body Lotion. This has rich shea butter and jojoba to condition and protect your skin.

You will soon be on your way to beautiful glowing skin in just a few simple steps!

Products featured in this article: Fusion Beauty GlowFusion Air Glow Gun, Bliss Fabulous Foaming Body Wash, Fusion Beauty GlowFusion Micro Nutrient Face and Body Natural Protein Tan, Philosophy Be Somebody Unscented Body Lotion.

Want to know an insider tip that will dramatically decreases wrinkles, stress and improve your health? The best part is, it’s free to everyone! It won’t cost any of us a dime, but maybe an extra hour or so of your time. The trick is getting a full 8 hours of sleep. Seems simple right?!

Studies have proven time and time again that during your sleep cycle you skin naturally repairs itself due to the growth hormone (A.K.A the youth hormone) that is released during sleep. Also, during the hours of 11pm- 7am (or whatever you time of slumber may be) levels of cortisol are lowered that were most likely heightened during the hectic daytime hours. High levels of cortisol will; increase body fat, cause depression, thin the skin, and are toxic to the body.  Falling into a deep sleep causes your body to release more melatonin in the body which has positive effects on your skin and immune system. Melatonin helps regulate the body’s internal clock to keep the body in rhythm trying to balance out any negative levels of cortisol. So its best encourage this process at night by applying hydrating moisturizes to support the repair process.

Anyone of us can testify that when we do not get a good night sleep it shows. It’s more difficult to focus and we become easily stressed which in turn causes those bad levels of cortisol to rise. Just remember when those levels increase your only aging yourself, so it’s important to take time to relax before bedtime. Receiving an adequate amount of sleep will restore the glow and luminosity in your skin and you wake feeling more alert and recharged.

Visit SkinStore for all your skin care needs!

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These days finding skin in perfect condition is almost impossible. We weren’t created that way but there are solutions to achieve that perfect skin tone. Depending on environmental damage your skin has been affected by, different skin conditions you may have or skin concerns passed on by heredity; there is a way to help achieve perfection, at least temporarily. Dermablend has different products for many different concerns and offers amazing results.

The products have been featured on different television shows, worn by different actors, and raved about by makeup artists around the world as well. I cannot count how many times I have personally been asked about the products or asked to help assist someone with the products. There are basically 4 different categories that most all skin concerns can be addressed by.

The first is the Dermablend Cover Creme. It can provide long lasting full coverage of vitilligo, birthmarks, rosacea, redness, scars, bruises, and pigmentation disorders. The Dermablend Leg & Body Cover can provide long lasting full coverage of tattoos, stretch marks, varicose veins, spider veins, bruises, scars, and burns. The Quick Fix Concealer can provide long lasting full coverage of dark under eye circles, blemishes, age spots, freckles, scars and bruises. Lastly the Smooth Indulgence Foundation offers coverage of rosacea, redness, minor acne scars and uneven skin tone.

Depending on your concerns, you’d want to appropriately match up the product with your skin. There are numerous options which cover a wide range of colors or shades. The most common question when looking towards Dermablend products is, “How do I know what color to get?” It is pretty difficult to try and consult for a color over the phone, since we can’t see you. We do suggest however that you either find a local store to do a color test against your skin or you can view the color chart online.

Among finding the right shade, inquiries on application are sought out frequently. Suggestion of application on the Cover Crème Foundation includes, removing a small amount from your jar, warming it on the back of your hand using small circular motions to soften the product, apply over the area of concern using short tapping motions to ensure full coverage, and then blend outward. If you desire extra coverage on the area, then tap on more cream. To ensure wear and to waterproof the coverage, make sure to use the setting powder. You’d want to wait to apply the setting powder until the crème is completely dry on the skin. Powder on your covered areas and wait two minutes. You may then dust off any excess powder with a makeup brush. Application for the Leg & Body Cover include, applying product with your fingertip to the specific area of concern using up and down motions. Make sure you work quickly to avoid any harsh color lines and make sure you blend out the edges of the select area. Before you apply the setting powder to the area, make sure you allow 3-5 minutes for the area to dry. After you pat on the setting powder, wait 2 minutes and then brush off the excess powder.

The Quick- Fix Concealer would need to be applied with your fingertips after warming the product to soften the texture. Apply it to your area of concern and remember to blend out to avoid lines or unevenness in product. Don’t forget to use the setting powder for long wear and durability. Lastly, application for the Smooth Indulgence Foundation includes using the Dermablend foundation brush. It is suggested you work from the inner face, outward in light stokes. You can dab on more product if needed in concern areas. Make sure to blend product down the neck, around the ears and into the forehead area until the maximum coverage is achieved. Don’t forget the setting powder!

 The brand is amazing as are the results. If you have a concern or condition that you need assistance with, you should definitely give these products a try. You will be happy with what you receive! Smiles are ahead of you!

You can find more information about Dermablend at SkinStore.

Does it seem like your nails never grow? Are they dry, brittle or surrounded by damaged cuticles?  Many people have nails that do not appear healthy and do not know where to turn for help. I’ve got all of you covered because help can be at your fingertips with Trind. Remember that your hands and nails are always exposed to different environmental factors which could create damage.

Trind is a brand dedicated to helping treat all of your hand and nail concerns. Day to day I hear a good amount of hand inquiries and have realized that the results must be stellar by the number of excited and raving Trind customers. It seems the products are the perfect answer for many different people. If you feel as if your nails will not grow, then we’d suggest you try out Trind Cuticle Balsam. The oil free formulation gets to the root of the problem where it stimulates nail growth! If you experience dry brittle nails, then we suggest using Trind Nail Balsam. This product contains a special active ingredient which provides ultimate moisture where it needs it the most to keep the nails supple. You only have to apply this product once a week also, which is great for time binds. To make your nails flexible yet durable, you can include Trind Natural Nail Repair. If your cuticles are over grown and in the way of beautiful looking nails, you can use Trind Cuticle Remover. This product will help soften the cuticles so you can easily remove them with the proper nail tools and will then help aid in nail growth.

The line also includes accessory products that you can choose from. They offer a professional glass nail file, a 3-way buffer, a hand repair product and also a quick dry product for polish. This is surely the quick fix regimen to reach confident, stunning and healthy nails. Your nails can be seen easily by others as our hands are always in use. Make sure you give your hand and nails the proper treatments they need to shine!

Click here to learn more about Trind products.

Flowers are blooming and the sun is shining! Warmer weather is on the horizon and it’s time to break out the sundresses and sandals again! Here are a few of our spring season cosmetic must haves available at SkinStore.com!

Skindinavia 10 Years Younger Makeup Finish - Sunny days can wreak havoc on your makeup. But have no fear; Skindinavia Makeup Finish can save you from a major makeup meltdown! This innovative spray acts as a makeup primer, chilling the surface and hydrating your skin for all day perfection. Pore size is reduced, fewer touch ups are needed throughout the day, fine lines and wrinkles are diminished. This spray also helps for your makeup to go longer- use up to 50% less makeup than before.  Our SkinStore.com staff love this stuff.

Stila Smudge Pot Set is the perfect addition to your cosmetic wardrobe. This set includes four of their famous gel liners in fashion forward colors for spring: Black, Kitten, Starry Night, and Violet. Stila’s smudge pots not only perfectly define your eyes, they also multi-task as an eye shadow. Our Director of Customer Support swears by these.  

Stila Mini Lip Glaze Collection includes four of their newest and four of the top selling glaze shades, we are so happy to have these at SkinStore.com! No matter what your mood or the occasion you will have a color to match! It’s an easy way to add shine to any spring ensemble.

RapidLash – Bambi won’t be the only big doe eyed beauty this season! Rapidlash contains a potent polypeptide complex, proteins, vitamins, and moisturizers to stimulate and condition lashes. Your lashes will be longer, stronger, and more voluminous with continued use. FYI you can also apply to sparse eyebrows to help stubborn hairs fill in.

bareMinerals Faux Tan All Over Face Color is the ideal golden tan in a jar! We all know how damaging UV rays can be, but can’t help adore beautiful bronzed skin. Why not have the best of both worlds! bareMinerals Faux Tan is a gorgeous, natural, healthy looking tan without the fear of pre-mature aging. Simply apply on the areas of the face, neck and decollate that the sun would naturally touch (forehead, checks, and bridge of nose).

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Golden Shimmer Multi-Usage Dry Oil Splash is an absolute must have for the spring and summer months! Instantly add a bit of color and luminosity to the body and even hair! Your skin is left wonderfully soft and dewy, some may even say irresistible…

bareMinerals Blush – Laughter - An easy way to brighten any look is to add a touch of blush to the apples of your cheeks. The bronzer trend has left many women neglecting their need for a bit of rouge. While bronzer adds depth and deepens skin color, blush is used as a pop of color to liven up and refresh your complexion. Blush is one of the simpler ways to regain a more youthful glow.

Visit SkinStore for all your skincare needs.

Confused on the proper amount to tip your beauty service provider? Well, hopefully I can help remove any questioning from this guessing game.

I worked in a spa for over 2 years as an esthetician. I’ve seen it all when it comes to tipping; over tipped, under tipped, not tipped and tipped in nickels…. (yes, that really happened). So when it comes to things like this, I have to say I’m a girl who prefers guidelines not rules, so here’s a general outline. Different experiences call for different ranges of tipping, it is said that the rule of thumb is 15- 20 percent per total of services. So when leaving the salon, keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Leave a little extra for strenuous work or truly wonderful experiences.
• Hair assistants should be given $2-$5 if provided a shampoo.
• Don’t tip the salon owner.
• When possible tip in cash (but keep the change), otherwise the tip is taxed on the paycheck.
• If you’re using a Gift Certificate to pay, double check to see if a gratuity is covered in the balance.
• When possible give the tip directly to your service provider, it is more personable that way.

Tipping is your way of showing gratitude, no need to feel intimidated, this is only a form of saying “Thank you!”

Click here for more helpful Quick Tips!

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American Idol contestants brave bright lights and harsh criticism on a weekly basis. The pressure of the spotlight beating down is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. With millions of viewers tuning in nightly, sweaty palms should be the least of their worries.

American Idol Make-Up Artist, Mezhgan has made it her top priority to give contestants a competitive edge. She begins every makeup application with a dollop of OC Eight Professional Mattifying Gel.

American Idol Make-Up Artist, Mezhgan, says she is “amazed by how great the contestant’s skin looks on film after using OC Eight.” She says, “OC Eight works like nothing I’ve ever tried before.“

OC Eight Professional Mattifying Gel acts as makeup primer absorbing oil continuously for up to eight hours. This unique product contains ACRYSORB® micro-particles that trap up to 6x their own volume in oil. As a result, skin remains matte and fresh all day, for that just applied look. Your complexion is more even toned, makeup stays in place and your natural glow is not masked.

If contestants can withstand Simon’s wrath without a makeup meltdown, our ordinary lives should be no sweat! With a flawless matte complexion, the only thing shining are their standout performances.

OC Eight Professional Mattifying Gel is formerly known as Clinac O.C. by Ferndale Laboratories.