Skincare for Every Skin Type

Skincare is one of the most–if not the most–important part of any beauty routine. Of course, beauty always start from the inside out, so make sure that you drink six to eight glasses of water daily. Also, use an SPF high enough for your skin type, weather you’ll be exposed to the sun or not-eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables–and don’t forget to get your beauty sleep!

Oily/Acne Prone Skin

For those with oily and acne prone skin, things can get a little tough.Make sure you use a lightweight cleanser and an oil-free, water-based moisturizer. Toner is a very important part of your routine as well- make sure you apply it especially on the T-zone.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is affected by the climate, so make sure that you always moisturize. Start off by washing the face with a soap-free emollient cleanser and use a creamy moisturizer during the day and at night. Make sure you don’t scrub your face too hard-use gentle motions as to not irritate the parched skin.

Fair/Sensitive Skin

Be sure to use unscented, hypoallergenic products on your face, as your skin is very susceptible to infections, redness and inflammation. Be careful in extreme climate changes and with spicy food especially. Avoid using hot water when cleansing. Use at least an SPF 30 on both your face and your body.

Combination Skin

Combination skin deals with both dry and oily skin. The oily part is usually around the T-zone so make sure you use a good toner around that area. Moisturizer the rest of your skin with a rich cream.

Mature Skin

Because mature skin is very sensitive, wash with a cream cleanser that tissues off instead of rinsing with water. Try products with active ingredients such as vitamins and minerals. If you need to, use a whitening product to even out skin tone.

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Steps to Getting Super Soft Skin

We all want the same thing: super soft, moisturized skin. It can be hard to achieve at times, but it is important to remember that a good skin care routine can make the biggest difference. So follow these steps to getting super soft skin.

Step 1

Skin care is very important, so you must remember that your skin is very sensitive to a number of things. Try not to expose your skin too much to the sun, and wear some sunscreen.

Step 2

Exfoliating is a must. The fine beads grind against your skin, gently sloughing away the dead skin cells, leaving your skin silky smooth.

Step 3
When shaving, it is very important that you use a good razor (it cannot be rusted, or used more than 3 times). This can irritate your skin very easily. Also don’t forget to slather on the shaving cream- don’t ever shave with just water.

Step 4

Moisturize your skin after every bath or shower, and before bed as well. Keeping your skin well moisturized is an essential step in getting beautiful, soft skin. You must look for a good moisturizer that suits your skin.

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How To Perfect Your Skin

Having the perfect skin is just as important, if not more, as having that perfect dress or those perfect shoes. So why not invest a little more time in your face like you do for your wardrobe? Here are six steps to getting that perfect skin.


Step 1: Cleanse

Cleanse your face with a gentle, creamy liquid cleanser. Bar soap is not only drying, but it’s not hygienic. The dirt that comes off your hands ends up on your face. Put your liquid cleanser on a ball of cotton and then apply it to your skin. (Your hands just aren’t clean enough!) Make sure you rinse with lukewarm water because hot water can aggravate the skin and inflame capillaries.

Step 2: Tone

In the old days, toner was analogous to harsh. But there are a multitude of toners on the market today that are gentle and formulated to balance the skin. This removes the last traces of your cleanser and restores the pH balance of the skin so it won’t over-secrete or under-secrete oil. For oily or combination skin, you can use a toner that is more astringent. For oily skin, look for ingredients like witch hazel. It’s true they are drying, but oily complexions may need this drying effect.

Step 3: Exfoliate

The purpose of gently exfoliating the skin is to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that causes breakouts. Also, you want to smooth the skin’s surface so your treatment products can be absorbed more evenly. But don’t use exfoliators that are too harsh. Look for very fine abrasives. Scrubs that contain ground-nut shells or apricot pits may irritate the skin because the edges are uneven and can cause microscopic tears. Never use loofahs and buff puffs on your face. Your face is not a floor and should not be scrubbed like one. Over-exfoliating will only result in removing healthy new skin.

Step 4: Steam

Gently steam your face once a week for five to ten minutes as part of your deep-cleansing ritual. Place a handful of chamomile in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Turn the flame off and let the mixture “brew” and cool. When it’s cooled enough so the steam doesn’t burn you, place a towel over your head for a tent-like effect and expose your face to the vapor. However tempting it may be, do not squeeze or pick any blemishes after you have steamed.

Step 5: Revitalize

Facial masks are used to revitalize and tighten the skin. For those with oily skin, clay- based masks are best. Hydrating gel masks or cream masks should be used by those with dry or sensitive skin. If you have combination skin, apply a mud mask only over the T-zone, which is the center of the forehead, nose and chin and the center of cheeks. For a real at-home “spa experience,” soak two cotton balls in rosewater and then apply to eyelids while the mask is drying.

Step 6: Moisturize

Regularly moisturizing your skin is critical to maintaining young and healthy looking skin. Another very important reason to wear a daily moisturizer is for protection against the sun’s damaging rays. Moisturizers should be used every morning and every night for maximum results. (Even oily complexions need some sort of moisturizer. Just make sure you find one that’s non-comedogenic and formulated not to block pores.) Nighttime is the best time to apply repairing treatments such as anti-aging or anti-wrinkle creams. During the day, make sure you use a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15.

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Vichy Dermablend Review

So I think I finally found the perfect makeup for my problem skin while I was browsing through Shoppers Drug Mart yesterday. I’m not quite sure why I never picked this stuff up since I’ve heard great reviews, but maybe it had something to do with the high price tag ($30!).

Vichy Dermablend is a line of makeup that is specifically targeted for problem skin such as acne or redness. Dermablend promises to cover up any and all imperfections, giving a smooth, flawless look.

I’ve heard of Vichy Dermablend before, but I was a little scared of the $30 price tag to be honest. Last night though, I gave in and bought the Vichy Dermablend Correction Foundation in Gold (45) and the Dermablend Ultra-Corrective Foundation Cream Stick in Bronze (16), which I use as a concealer.

Now I’ve only been using this for a day, so I can’t say that it has broken me out or anything, but I have read a ton of reviews and apparently this stuff is just a miracle in a tube! I applied the concealer on all my problem areas as well as under my eyes and it immediately covered up any imperfections and redness. I then continued with the foundation and blended it well into my skin.

A before and after picture of a woman using Vichy Dermablend

My skin has never looked more flawless. I’ve tried hundreds of different foundations (since I am a makeup junkie after all), and nothing even compares to Vichy Dermablend. The coverage is absolutely flawless…it looks as if I don’t have problem skin at all.

VICHY DERMABLEND PROS:
Excellent coverage
Hypoallergenic
Non-Comedogenic
Non-Acnegenic
Oil Free
Fragrance Free
Tested on sensitive and fragile skin
SPF 11

VICHY DERMABLEND CONS:
Expensive ($30)
A little thick and heavy

To sum this up, I would definitely recommend this to anyone with problem skin such as acne, redness, rosacea, or just sensitive skin. Again, this stuff is an absolute miracle in a tube and I don’t think I’ll be switching to anything else anytime soon.

Now I’m not sure if you can find this stuff anywhere else, but I am from Canada so I found it at my local drug store. If you cannot find it in your country, you can just order it online straight from Vichy.

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10 Awesome Beauty Tips That Works

There are thousands of awesome beauty tips out there that claim to work on whatever problem you have. Problem is, they don’t always work successfully and you just end up wasting your time and money. Here, I’ve researched a list of awesome beauty tips that actually works. How do I know they work? Well, I’ve tried them! and they worked for me.

Powder Your Roots

If your hairline starts to look greasy, dig up a big, fluffy makeup brush, and dip it into a pot of loose powder. Tap it once on the back of your hand to remove excess, then dust it over your roots. It mops up oil and blends into your strands, so no one will know you didn’t shower!

Spot-Treat Smudges

Dip a cotton swab into eye-makeup remover, and trace it along your lids to erase any slipups or goofs when there’s no time to redo your whole look!

Fix a Flushed Face

If you turn red and stay that way after exercising, take an antihistamine like Benadryl when you leave the gym to reduce redness. Works like a charm!

Use Makeup Remover on Stubborn Lipstick

Don’t try to rub off red lipstick (which makes it smear across your mouth-not hot!). Instead, take a cotton ball or tissue, dip it in makeup remover, and just dab to erase the dark stain fast!

Tame Your Eyebrows with Eye Cream

Pat any kind of rich eye cream over brows to help keep them hydrated and banish those icky white specks that look like dandruff.

Brush on Hair Spray

For the final step of your blow-dry, spray hair spray onto your brush, and run it through your strands from roots to tips. This way, your do isn’t so plastered and stiff but still holds volume and shine!

Cure a Cold Sore With Cream

When a cold sore is coming on, dab a bit of thick moisturizer, like Aquaphor, over it to prevent it from getting worse.

Use Toothpaste on a Zit

Use just a pea-size amount. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the oil so the pimple won’t get more clogged, then wash it off!

Use Soap Without Water

You know those fancy bars that are actually too pretty to use? Toss them in your underwear or tee-shirt drawers to make your skin smell extra delicious!

Press a Tea Bag on Splotches

If your skin is sensitive or just looking irritated and puffy for whatever reason, steep a bag of green tea for a minute or two, let it cool down, and bad it over your face. The antioxidants in the tea take down inflammation.

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St. Ives Apricot Cleanser

I have just found one of the best blemish fighting cleansers out there. Not only is it cheap, but it works as well! St. Ives Swiss Formula Apricot Cleanser is a cleanser infused with pure Swiss glacial water, Swiss botanicals, and salicylic acid to get rid of your blemishes.

This cleanser is equipped with a rich, foamy cream and hundreds of little micro beads to get into your skin and cleanse deeply. This formula which fights blemishes and leaves skin smooth and visibly healthy looking, is mostly for oily to blemish prone skin.

Not only that, but it is also a hypo-allergenic product, which means that all skin types may use this product, without any irritation. I definitely recommend this product to anyone that has oily skin, or anyone that has a lot of breakouts or blemishes.

It feels absolutely great on your skin, and leaves it so soft and radiant. You will love using this cleanser, I guarantee you!

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Neutrogena WAVE Power Cleanser

Once in a while, you find a product that pleases you to no end, and you absolutely have to write about it and let people know just how great it is. A revolutionary cleansing system that lets you be your very own esthetician in the comfort of your own home. Neutrogena’s WAVE Power Cleanser lets you be in charge of your skin making it soft, smooth, and bright.
When you first started using the WAVE Power Cleanser about 2 weeks go and you’ve seen a big improvement since that time. To start off, my skin was much more brighter, which you’d had a lot of trouble with before. You can tell there is a glow now that you haven’t seen before. It also feels a lot smoother and cleaner too.

What this system does is basically renews your skin. Young skin renews itself every 28 days, but the aging process slows down your natural exfoliation, collagen production, and moisture retention. With the WAVE Cleanser you’ll keep cell-turnover moving with the at-home exfoliator and brightener.

After just one week, you could already have seen a big improvement. All you had to do was attach a pre-dosed, single use, textured pad on the top of it, ran it under water just to get it wet a little, pressed the button, and glided it gently over my face. Unlike other harsh exfoliating beads, it didn’t really feel all that bad. It vibrated gently, while using a cleansing and moisturizing foam that left my skin feeling fresh, renewed and healthy. you could immediately see brighter skin.

The great thing about the WAVE Cleanser is that it’s gentle enough to use every day so you don’t have to worry about irritation. It’s very small so it doesn’t occupy much space, and it’s also safe to use in the shower. So don’t use the excuse that you don’t have time! Take it with you in the shower, and save some time!

It’s especially excellent for pore-prone areas such as around your nose and on your chin. If that is your problem area, concentrate on that and you’ll see a big difference in just a few days. Like you said, after about a week, your skin will have a complete turn around. It’s like an at-home spa device- simply amazing!

Oh and one more good thing about it is that it doesn’t look scary and intimidating! It’s pink and white (friendly colors of course) and it’s fun to use, not to mention how good it feels on your skin. It’s like getting a professional face massage. That’s one more bonus: massaging your face will get your blood flow moving more, therefore giving your skin that extra glow, the pink cheeks…the works!

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Bourjois Effet 3D Lipgloss

Have you ever found that one beauty/makeup product that you absolutely had to shout to the entire world about? Well this is how I feel about my new Bourjois Effet 3D Lipgloss in Brun Poétic – absolutely gorge!


Now I can’t see I’m a huge fan of lipgloss because of its stickiness and the constant reapplying, but I do buy a lot of it for some reason (okay, I get really drawn in to the pretty packaging they may come in…oops!). I picked the Bourjois Effet 3D Lipgloss yesterday at my local drug store simply because I’ve never seen this line before in Canada, and the display just looked so pretty and feminine. Pretty pathetic, right?

Well say what you will, but after starring at the display for about 45 minutes and contemplating what I should purchase (I only allowed myself to pick one item since they’re kinda pricey), I decided to go for a nice, $18 (yikes!) lipgloss.

Like I said, I don’t even wear lipgloss all that often, but it was probably one of the cheapest products Bourjois had and I just had to have something from this chic collection. So after zoning in on the lipglosses, I spent another 20 minutes deciding which one to get. Eventually, I settled on a beautiful pinkish-nude shade called Brun Poétic (see below).

I really liked this shade because it complemented my skin tone and I am a sucker for the nude, but shiny, lip look. Well I didn’t even wait until I got home to open it up and put it on (did it right in my car), and I fell in love with it right away! My lips looked incredibly shiny and glossy as well as plumper too (although I’m pretty sure this isn’t a plumping lipgloss)….nevertheless it seemed to me like it made my lips look a little fuller.

I love the brush wand too since you can be really precise with it and get exactly the look you want. I like to apply any lipgloss right in the middle of my lower lip for a fuller pout effect. I haven’t tried any other shades yet, but you bet I’ll be going back and picking up a few other colors as well.

BOURJOIS EFFET 3D LIPGLOSS PROS:
Super shiny and glossy look
Glides on very smooth
Lasts a little longer than most glosses I’ve tried
Brush wand for precise application
Cute packaging
Subtle bubblegum smell
Wide color variety

BOURJOIS EFFET 3D LIPGLOSS CONS:
$18 price tag
A little sticky….but that’s standard of all glosses

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Biore Pore Perfect Warming Cleanser

I have heard great things about Biore’s Pore Perfect Warming Anti-Blackhead Cream Cleanser for a while now, but never really gave it a shot until about 3 weeks ago. Since then, I’ve used this product twice a day (morning and night)…so here are my thoughts on it.


The best part of Biore’s Pore Perfect Warming Cleanser is the warming sensation you get when you apply it to your skin. Yes, it only lasts about two seconds, but it’s very calming and relaxing, and so I love using this stuff right before bed.

The gentle beads are perfect for exfoliating and it also has a nice scent to it. Biore is usually known to cater to sensitive skin so that’s why I was surprised to find that after about a week of using this product, my skin became very dry, especially on my neck and chin.

As for the blackheads part…it really didn’t do much of a difference for me. I believe this product is supposed to keep blackheads away and not get rid of them – so far, I haven’t had any new blackheads on my skin that I noticed. As for getting rid of blackheads or pimples, I did not notice any difference whatsoever.

I would only recommend this product for its warming sensation – it is otherwise pretty useless. Also, if you have sensitive skin like me, I would recommend that you only use this product two or three times a week as it dries up your skin very quickly.

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Removing Makeup

One of the most important things that you can do for your skin is to remove your makeup each and every single night before you go to bed. Unfortunately, sometimes you can forget, or you’re just way to tired. But remember that removing your makeup before bed is actually a skin saver. Leaving all that makeup on your face will only clog your pores, and eventually damage your skin.

So here is a simple routine that you should maintain every single day before going to bed. Start off by using a makeup remover to remove any makeup that you have on. Cleansers with essential oils, like calendula, dissolve stubborn water-repelling cosmetics that can sometimes be really hard to get off. Use a cotton ball for better application.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser geared towards your skin type. Wash your face in circular motions to get the blood flowing. Next, apply a pore-tightening toner to a cotton ball and wipe your face in gentle motions.

The toner is excellent for your face because it gets rid of any impurities that might still be there, and it gives your face a fresh, morning feeling. You’re almost done! Next, apply a good moisturizing cream to your face and neck (preferably a night cream).

Now if you don’t have time to do this here are 2 simple steps you can do: remove your makeup with a makeup remover and apply the toner to your face. This will get rid of the makeup and the impurities, skipping all the other steps!

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Mineral Makeup

Although mineral makeup has been around for a good 30 years now, it’s only now that the cosmetic and fashion industry is embracing this new makeup formula. Mineral makeup is simply amazing because it’s good for your skin, unlike most other makeups. It’s hypoallergenic, which is great for sensitive skin and it does not contain any alcohol, perfume, dyes, or preservatives.

One of the best reasons to switch to mineral makeup is because it’s basically good for you skin, especially if your skin is sensitive. Regular makeup can cause dryness, irritation and acne, while mineral makeup lets your skin breathe and doesn’t cause any of those problems.

Mineral makeup also feels light on your face. It doesn’t feel like a mask. With mineral makeup you’ll feel a light coverage, but at the same time a beautiful, translucent, natural glow.

On top of that, mineral makeup contains minerals that are good for your skin such as zing, magnesium, titanium and aluminum which rejuvenate your skin.Mineral makeup also offers protection from UVA and UVB rays.

It’s also great to cover up any redness, wrinkless or imperfections because it has a light, flawless coverage and doesn’t look “caked on” unlike other makeup.

Lastly, you can even sleep with the mineral makeup on because the ingredients are so healthy for your skin. So if you’re ever in a rush in the morning, just apply your makeup at night, and you’re all set to go!

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CoverGirl Exact Eyelights

Finally, someone thought to make eyeshadow designed to match your exact eye color in the form of CoverGirl’s Exact Eyelights which come in 4 different shades for blue eyes, green eyes, brown eyes, and hazel eyes. What’s even better is that these eyeshadow compacts come complete with instructions on how and where to apply every color so that your eyes look divine in any light. The palettes also come with an extra brush that you can use for the allover color. CoverGirl Exact Eyelights are perfect for subtle and beginner eyemakeup applications…it just takes the guesswork of where and how to apply each color – perfect!

CoverGirl Exact Eyelights for Brown Eyes

I picked this one up even though my eyes are hazel…I just liked the colors better. The palette is comprised of 4 different colors: a very light beige for all over color, gold, metallic gray and black for definition. You can even pick up the Exact Eyelights Mascara and Eyeliner for brown eyes to really emphasize your color.

CoverGirl Exact Eyelights for Blue Eyes

These colors are absolutely gorgeous and they bring out the best in blue eyes. Complement your blue peepers with light beige, peach/champagne, green, and blue. Also don’t forget to pick up your matching eyeliner and mascara to really bring out that color.

CoverGirl Exact Eyelights for Green Eyes

The green eye palette features beautiful plum and purple shades which are designed to complement green eyes, whether they’re dark green or light green, your eyes will surely pop with these hues. Start off with a light rosy pink and finish with a dark plum for bright, defined eyes.

CoverGirl Exact Eyelights for Hazel Eyes

If you have hazel eyes like me, you can either go for this color palette or the brown one, so it just depends on your preference. This palette is made up of browns and greens to pick up the brown and green specks that flicker in your eyes.

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Beautiful Makeup Palettes

I’m a makeup junkie, so anytime I find some stunning makeup palettes, I just have to have them! Here I found some beautiful makeup palettes that I just know you’ll love. Whether you’re a makeup junkie, or you need that perfect gift for someone, these palettes are simply to die for!

Dior’s Makeup Palette

This super stylish and totally packed makeup palette from Christian Dior is just what the doctor ordered.It’s everything you could want for an on-the-go application. Choose from a number of different eyeshadows, blushes, lipglosses and even mascara.

Chantecaille’s Shadow and the Rose Palette

This makeup palette is sooo pretty that I just couldn’t keep my eyes off of it. It comes with two amazing eyeshadows and that perfect blush so you never have to worry about switching from day to night. And it fits so nicely in your bag, you’ll never wanna go without it.

Aveda’s Professional Environmental Compact

If you get this makeup palette, you seriously won’t need to carry anything else around in your bag. You can stock up on 16 colors as well as mix and match to your preference. Even more amazing, is that the compact is made from recycled metal so you’ll be helping the environment. Oh and did I mention it’s only $26?

Estee Lauder Chocolate Box Eye Quad in Berry Truffle

Sounds good enough to eat, right? This is the perfect on-the-go palette since it’s got a huge mirror inside the compact and the colors are just to die for.

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Benefit Smokin’ Eyes Review

Benefit Smokin Eyes palette is probably one of the best eye palettes I have ever purchased. Not only is it perfect for travel or just having in your bag for touch-ups, but it’s super easy to use and gives you the perfect smokey eye.

The palette is encased in a cute little cardboard box, as with everything from Benefit. Each color has its own little pot and also comes with a set of very detailed and simple to follow instructions….especially for those who aren’t so accustomed to doing a smokey eye.

What it Contains:
Pink eye brightener
Pink highlighting shadow
Pewter base shadow
Deep charcoal shadow
Mini black eyeliner
Brown brow wax
Shadow/angle brush (in 1)
Mini tweezers
How-to instructions

As you can see, this kit really has everything you need to make the perfect smokey eye. The colors are actually really pretty, and give a softer, but still very noticeable smokey eye. What I really love about this kit ($36), is the fact that a pair of tweezers was included…which can come in really handy at any point in time!

For $36, this palette is just fabulous! There is literally everything you need in here (except for the mascara) so I would highly recommend this to anyone who is just starting out with makeup, is on the go, or just wants an easy to go to palette!

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Hair Mask With Gold and Caviar? Please Do It's Awesome

I recently picked up a hair mask called Sublime Gold by Miriam Quevedo at Winners, since the cute gold bottle caught my eye. But that’s not the only thing that got my attention! As I flipped the bottle to read the ingredients, two little words caught my eye : micronized gold and caviar.

Yes, you read right: this hair mask contains active ingredients of gold and caviar and promises to leave hair silky smooth, soft, and extremely shiny. Now if this mask wasn’t going to leave me feeling rich and luxurious, I don’t know what would have! And at only $9.99 a bottle, I couldn’t resist!

The Gold mask contains the following active ingredients:
Micronized gold
Caviar
Imperial orchid
Bio argan oil
Panthenol
Hydrolysed keratin
Green tea

I swear this mask was made for a greek goddess, so I couldn’t wait to try it out for myself! I’ve been using it for 2 weeks now (almost every single day), and I SWEAR by it. After shampooing, I apply a small amount to my wet hair and massage it throughout. Then, I take a wide tooth comb and brush my hair from bottom to top. Leave it in for 5-15 minutes (the longer the better), and rinse out.

My hair is the silkiest, smoothest, and shiniest it has ever been. NOTHING has ever made my hair look like this, and I’m not just saying that because of all the fancy ingredients it contains. This product really is a miracle in a bottle! Since it contains gold, it also gives your hair some beautiful, natural looking highlights which you’ll start seeing after about a week.

To sum it up, the Miriam Quevedo Gold mask is every girl’s must have. I’m not sure where else you can buy it from in stores, but you can definitely find it on eBay and Amazon. Happy shopping and shiny hair to all!

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Gosh Long Lasting Eye Liner Pen

In honor of the upcoming holidays, I thought I’d give a little product review on Gosh Long Lasting Eye Liner Pens since they come in a variety of sparkling colors! I was pretty excited when I saw these liquid eyeliners – they come in blue, green, purple, and a few other colors that looked amazing when I tried them on my hand.


The thing that really caught my eye was their sparkliness, so I thought they would be perfect for the holiday. I picked up a sparkly green shade that looked just amazing, and also just a regular black shade. At CDN $15 a pop, it wasn’t really a steal, but also wasn’t breaking the bank.

Well I’m sorry to tell you that I was extremely disappointed. Long lasting? Not a chance! For a liquid eyeliner pen, it should have lasted much much longer. But the thing is that the eyeliner didn’t just disappear like others do, it did something much worse: it chipped and flaked (just like nail polish).

So within 3-4 hours, I was left with empty spots of eyeliner on my waterline, which looked like some sort of Halloween getup. Also, I would start feeling little flakes fall on my face throughout the day – which got me even angrier.

What’s worse is that I had to apply two layers since the first layer was so thin and sometimes barely visible.

So would I recommend this product to anyone? N.O! Definitely not. Save your money and instead head to your local MAC counter…where you know you can at least count on their products!

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How to Control Shine

A face full of oil and shine is never a good thing, especially when it shows up in pictures. During the summer months, our complexions tend to be a little greasier than usual and so it’s important to know how to keep shine at bay and also how to get rid of it once it forms.

Controlling Shine

If you have oily/combination skin, it’s a good idea to stick to lighter/airier foundations such as mousses and mineral powders. Apply only where needed and stick to light moisturizers as well. In the summer, keep your makeup to a minimum, especially if it’s very humid out as the more makeup you put on, the more oil will accumulate on your skin.


Getting Rid of Shine

If by the end of the night your face feels a little oily, there are a few things you can do to keep the shine at bay. Keep blotting papers in your bag and use them throughout the night. Personally, I love Clean and Clear’s Oil Absorbing Sheets as they feel very silky to the touch and also absorb sweat as well.

If you find that the blotting sheets are too expensive, another really good alternative is to use toilet seat covers. I know it sounds kinda gross, but the paper is actually very absorbent and absolutely perfect for blotting oil.

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Ways of Getting Rid of Pimple

Pimples…they come at the best of times, don’t you think so? Usually when you have a big event coming up, or you’re sleeping over at your man’s and you wake up with some rather unflattering red bumps. In either case, pimples are a nuisance and we need to put a stop to them NOW! Can you tell I’m enraged? I woke up this morning to a nice surprise on my face, but, thankfully I have my tools ready! Here are 5 ways to get rid of a pesky pimple…stat!

1. Benzyol Peroxide

…is my best friend! I carry this little tube of miracles in my bag all the time. Just apply to the pimple and it will greatly reduce the size and redness in no time.

2. Ice Block 

Ok, so I’ve been watching Glee too much, but ice is actually a great way to reduce those massive surprise pimples. Just put some ice in a baggy and hold it against the pimple for about 10 minutes. This is actually called freezing a pimple..take that!

3. Toothpaste

This trick is as old as they get, but just make sure you use white toothpaste and not the blue, swirly kind because it won’t work as well. Usually the toothpaste on the pimple trick works best when you apply it at night and sleep on it…it’ll dry it right out!

4. Drying Cream

One of my favorite products in the world is Mario Badescu’s Drying Cream because it works miracles. Not only is this cream a lifesaver when it comes to minimizing pimples in record time, but it also works amazingly as a pimple concealer. So you can wear it underneath your foundation, making it almost non-existant, while it is doing its job of drying out the pimple…genius!

5. Tea Bag

Tea bags are another excellent way to reduce the size and redness of a pimple. Just boil some water, dip a tea bag in it (green tea works best), let it steep, and apply the tea bag to the pimple.

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Ways to Get a Beautiful Complexion

Beautiful, flawless skin doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes work, perseverance, and most of all, patience. Here are 7 ways to get beautiful skin…keep these up and within a few weeks you’ll have amazing skin.


1. Cleanse Morning and Night

One of the most important steps in skin care is to cleanse your skin every single morning and every single night before bed. If you fall asleep with your makeup on, you’re basically giving bacteria a perfect breeding ground and you’ll wake up with some unwanted pimples.

2. Know Your Skin Type

Whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination, you need to get the right products for your skin type. So if you have oily skin for example, make sure that your cleansers, toners, and moisturizers are designed for oily skin. Also, make sure your foundation matches up with your skin tone. Again, if you have oily skin you should stay away from heavy, cakey foundations and instead go with minerals.

3. Exfoliate

Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells that can accumulate on your skin. This is important not only for your complexion but the rest of your body as well. Your skin cannot absorb creams and lotions if it has a layer of dead skin cells hanging around. Get a good, gentle exfoliator that you can use 2-3 times a week. Wet your face, and exfoliate very gently. If you’re too rough on your skin, you’ll just end up breaking the soft tissue and that’s when bacteria starts harboring.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Keeping a healthy diet is one of the most important things when it comes to skin. So if you want a beautiful, glowing complexion it’s important that you consume at least 8 glasses of water a day. Oh and, no smoking! Smoking is not only horrible for your skin, but also for your hair, and well…pretty much everything else!

5. Let Your Skin Breathe

If you must wear a concealer and foundation every day, make sure you remove it as soon as you get home. The longer you wear foundation, the more you clog your pores so if you don’t need to wear it, don’t! If you do, just make sure you give your skin a breather and go without any foundation or concealer whenever you’re at home.

6. Take Vitamins

I’m not much for taking pills, but vitamins are very important and there’s just no way we can get all of required our vitamins and minerals in one day. To get beautiful skin make sure you take vitamins A, C, D, and E daily. An easier alternative would be to just take a daily multivitamin to help ensure you’re getting all of the nutrients your skin and body needs.

7. Pamper Your Skin

Find time once a week to pamper your skin from head to toe. Exfoliate, moisturizer, and prepare an all-natural mask. This avocado and carrot cream mask is one of my favorites not only because it’s all natural but because it actually works. The avocado combined with the carrots leaves your skin feeling soft, fresh, and young again, so don’t forget to take some time out for yourself in indulge a little!

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Benefits of Aloe Vera

Having Aloe Vera in your home is about as important as having rubbing alcohol or band-aids. Aloe Vera has tons of beneficial uses, especially when it comes to beauty. Acting as not only an after-burn treatment, Aloe Vera can help you with numerous beauty conundrums that you never thought it could.



The Top Benefits of Aloe Vera

Of course you already know this, but Aloe Vera is essential to have for burns. Whether you’re applying it to an actual burn or sun-burnt skin, Aloe Vera is your #1 rescue for fast relief of pain.

It keeps your tan longer. Say you’re on vacation somewhere hot and you’re out on the beach tanning everyday, applying Aloe Vera at night can help your tan stay on longer. So make sure you slather on that Aloe Vera at the end of the night not only to soothe your skin but also to keep up that glowing tan.

As hair gel. Ok, so it may not be salon quality hair gel, but if you ever need some Aloe Vera is also there to help you with your hair. I’ve actually used it as hair gel a few times and I really liked it. It didn’t leave my strands feeling sticky or hard so why not?

It helps diminish pimples. There is no cheaper way to diminish pimples than with Aloe Vera. And while I’ve never actually tried it myself, I know a few friends who have and they actually use it all the time now. The properties in Aloe Vera help to minimize redness and pimples so make sure you give it a try!

It reduces redness and inflammation. Got a bug bite? Aloe Vera can take care of that too!

Last but not least, it’s cheap! Just make sure to get one that is 100% Aloe Vera to get the full benefits. Aloe Vera should not cost more than $5 and with all the things you do can with it, I say it pretty much pays for itself!

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Skin Care Advice For Every Age

Skin care tips when you are in your 20's
Your skin is at its peak of beauty in your twenties, however nurture its beauty and always use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen. This habit should continue the rest of your life.


Avoid oily makeup and coverups. Use an oil free moisturizer every day. This is also a good time to begin using an eye cream under the eye area at night.

Try using products that contain green tea which have shown to help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Skin care tips when you are in your 30's
Your 30's is when your skin is beginning to become a bit drier and sun damage may begin to appear. It's time to start using thicker moisturizing creams so as to lock in high contents of moisture. Continue with eye creams at night and use your sunscreen religiously. Also, skin bleaching products may need to be used to diminish dark spots from sun damage.

Beauty Tip: Put your moisturizer on over damp skin. This helps lock in more moisture.

Skin care tips when you are in your 40's
It's time to kick it up another notch. Your forties is when your skin loses much of it tightness. It may begin to look dull and your pores may become larger. Blotches, freckles, age spots, discoloration, and changes in skin color may become much more visible. Retinoids, anti-oxidants and alpha hydroxy acids can improve the look of your skin and your 40's would be a good time to begin using them. Of course it's essential that you continue using a thick moisturizer and eye serums on a daily basis.

Home microdermabrasion kits are also an option that can result in a smoother more even appearing skin texture and tone while rejuvenating your skin's texture and color.

Skin care tips when you are in your 50's
Changes in your skin have reached high gear. Menopause has assisted in the loss of Estrogen which is what has given your skin its elasticity and kept it hydrated, however since those estrogen levels have diminished, you will begin seeing wrinkles form around your eyes, drooping eyelids and expression lines around the mouth and forehead.

Begin using anti-aging or wrinkle reducing formulas such as vitamin A (Retinol) or Glycolic acid products. Retin A has proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture, skin tone and color, as well as your skin's hydration levels.

Glycolic acid will trigger new formation of collagen to plump cells and reduce wrinkles on the skin's surface. Postmenopausal women can also use a cream containing progesterone that may improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Skincare tips for in your 60's
By age 60 all types of collagen are significantly below their youthful levels. There are, however wonderful hydrating creams that contain Alpha Hydroxy acids (Glycolic acids), soy, green tea and retinol (vitamin A) which your skin will need now that it is drier and showing major signs of age. The alpha Hydroxy acids will help reduce droopy skin and the retinol will reduce your fine lines.

Skin care tips for over 60
Your skin's texture will become visibly less smooth and you will most likely begin to see age spots. You'll appreciate the early care you've given to your skin because the signs of aging will be minimal, however, if you haven't started early you'll clearly notice the effects of neglect.

While it's never too late to take care of your skin the damage you already have will be difficult to reduce without special medical treatments such as botox or perhaps surgical procedures. All the above should continue to be applied but it is wise to consult your physician on advanced treatments.

If you're haven't yet reached 60, the best skin care advice is to follow a good skin care regimen at an early age. It's an easy habit to get into and best of all, you'll thank yourself later on.

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Quickest Tips to Eradicate Stretch Marks

Stretch marks (striae) — pink, red or purple streaks on the skin — may occur where skin is rapidly stretched. Stretch marks are most often associated with rapid weight gain and pregnancy. Unfortunately, there are very few effective treatments for stretch marks.

Drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration keeps your skin soft and less likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeine can increase your risk of stretch marks. If you're stuck on your caffeinated coffee or tea, make sure you balance the fluids. Drink just as much—or more—water as you drink coffee, tea, or soda. Stretch marks can also result from nutritional deficiency. Be sure to consume foods that promote skin health: foods rich in zinc, such as nuts or fish; foods high in vitamins A and C, such as carrots and citrus fruits and milk; protein-rich foods, such as eggs.

Anti-stretch mark creams provide a very comfortable and noninvasive treatment but are not very effective. This is because creams do not penetrate beyond the top layer of the skin. Thus, they do not reach the layer where the skin produces collagen. However, laser removal of stretch marks treatment reaches the underlying levels of the skin and effectively repairs the damage.

Although lotions and creams containing cocoa butter or vitamin E aren't harmful, they probably won't help either. Some research has shown that tretinoin cream (Retin-A, Renova) may improve the appearance of recent stretch marks — those that are less than six weeks old and still pink or red in color.

 Stretch marks are deep scars, or scar tissue, that appears as stripes on the skin. They are commonly found on the stomach, legs, buttocks, and breasts, but may appear nearly anywhere. Extreme stretching of the skin causes tiny skin fibers to tear. There is no known remedy to repair these fibers, though there are many products and treatments available that can help lighten stretch marks and improve the look of the skin.

Laser therapy is another option if you're looking to improve the appearance of stretch marks after delivery. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, a surgeon can use different types of lasers depending on the color of the stretch marks. One type reduces the color of dark stretch marks while another stimulates the production of pigment-making cells in already faded stretch marks. A newer type of laser therapy can be used to stimulate the production of collagen and help restore the skin's elasticity in depressed stretch marks.

The results were nothing short of incredible and I pressed her to find out a bit more about where she'd acquired these remarkable products. It turns out she'd sourced a publication on the net providing a heap of home remedies and recipes for reducing the appearance of stretch marks using very inexpensive everyday ingredients. She went on to say that all of these stretch mark home remedies and recipes are completely natural and are easily obtained from your local grocery, supermarket, or health food store.

Skin Creams and Lotions – Lotions containing cocoa butter are rumored to not only help reduce stretch marks, but to help prevent them entirely. Any cream or oil that is made specifically for the prevention or treatment of stretch marks will help keep your skin healthy and elastic. If you are pregnant or breast feeding consult your doctor first as lotions can contain ingredients that may be passed to your unborn baby or into breast milk.



Research has made to know that COCOA BUTTER is more effective in the treatment of stretch mark.

Dear readers, if you have any question or contribution please kindly use the comment box below

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Locally Made Facial Mask for Dry Skin

Why spend a ton of money on products when you can do the same things at home for much less? Here  is a good  favorite recipe, when my skin feels parched, which is usually around this time (when the cold weather starts to kick in!).

RECIPE
2 oz/60g ripe avocado flesh
1 oz/25g orange juice
1 tsp/5g pure acacia honey
1 tsp/5g molasses
5 drops chamomile essential oil

Start by mixing all the ingredients in a blender. You can also mash them in a bowl if you fish. If you see that the consistency is too thick, add a little bit of orange juice. Apply to your face and neck using your fingers and leave on for 30-40 minutes. Once time is up, gently remove the mask using lukewarm water or a warm washcloth.

This homemade facial mask is great for dry skin because it cleanses the skin but moisturizes it at the same time, leaving your face feeling nice and soft. If you don’t use the entire mixture, you can store it in the fridge for about a day or two.

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Ligthen Your Skin Naturally

Damage from the sun, freckles, dark spots, and scarring can all leave your complexion looking less than lovely. Sure, there are many products out there that claim to lighten your skin and give you a perfect complexion, but can you really trust them? And what’s more, is it really worth it to spend a bundle? I say definitely not! When it comes to beauty, there is virtually nothing that you can’t do at home..especially taking care of your skin. So here are some cheap and natural ways you can lighten your skin and have a beautiful, glowing complexion!

Sunblock

It’s no mystery that sunblock should be your best friend! So before heading out to school or work in the morning, make sure you apply at least an SPF 15 to your hands and face as they are prime areas for age spots. If you wear foundation, find one with an SPF to lighten up your load.

Make Your Own Mask

There’s nothing I love more than having a night in and making my own face mask. There are so many to choose from, that you’re sure to find the perfect one for your skin type! One of my favorites is the banana oatmeal mask which leaves your skin super soft and bright! Make sure to use once a week!

Exfoliate

There is nothing more important than exfoliating since it helps remove dead skin cells, leaving your complexion clean and bright. Click here to learn how to exfoliate the cheap and natural way!

Licorice Extract

Licorice extract is a great way to lighten your skin since it’s actually a natural skin lightener. Just apply a thin layer in the morning after cleansing and before moisturizing, and another layer before bed. Make sure to store in a cool, dark place. You can purchase licorice extract at health food stores or online.

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How to Prep Before and After a Party

It’s that season again where we tend to eat a little too much, drink a little too much, and spend like crazy. Fortunately, you can at least keep your holiday party looks in check with some much-needed pre and post-party preparations. So if you’re hitting up a few parties this holiday season, make sure your makeup stays put all through the night and that in the morning, you look as fresh as ever.

Pre-Party Prep

Prep Your Skin

Before applying all your makeup, make sure your skin is clean and exfoliated. Use a good, gentle exfoliator and rub onto face in slow, circular motions. The circular motions will ensure good blood circulation and the exfoliating will remove dead skin cells, revealing a bright, new complexion. If you have sensitive skin, use synthetic formulas which don’t contain coarse sugar granules of fruit seeds. Synthetic types have round spheres, not irregular ones, and are much less abrasive. After you’ve exfoliated both face and body, moisturize from head to toe. If you have dry skin, look for moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid which plumps up the moisture in the skin. According to dermatologists, any important ingredient you’re looking for in a product, must be listed within the first five ingredients, or else you’re not getting much of it.

Prep Your Face

So how do celebs get that long-lasting, glowing look? Their makeup artists use silicone-based primers because not only do they help keep your makeup stay put all night, but also fill in fine lines, minimize large pores, and correct dry, uneven skin patches as well as redness. So, even though they might be a little expensive, it’s definitely a makeup prep tool you’ll wanna have. Next, apply a good foundation that won’t clog your pores and will have a long-wear formula. Also, remember that the more foundation you apply, the more you’ll have to worry about it coming off…so try to use a minimal amount. Finally, use a powder on oily areas such as chin, nose, and forehead to minimize oiliness.

Prep Your EyesIf there is one thing I hate about eyeshadow is that it doesn’t always stay put, and by the end of the night, you end up with an ugly looking crease. That being said, lay off the cream eyeshadows which are major crease-creators. Instead, invest in a good eyeshadow palette that has staying power. Also, before applying your eyeshadow, prep your peepers by dabbing on a little foundation followed by powder. This will absorb all of the excess oil and will ensure a long stay for your shadows. Finally, apply iridescent powder shadows to illuminate your eyes and give you a nice shimmer all night long.

Prep Your Lips

Lipgloss for a night out can be as annoying as nails on a chalkboard. Everytime you take a sip of anything, your lipgloss will rub off and you’ll have to reapply again. Not only does that look disgusting on your glass, but it’s also a drag. So instead, why not stock up on lip stains which are great because they don’t rub off, and they have ultimate staying powder. So eat, drink, laugh, and dance all night long without worrying about retouching your lipgloss/lipstick.

Post-Party Prep

Skin

So now the party’s over, but the party on your skin is just beginning. This is a crucial moment for your skin because that’s when we tend to break out, so it’s super important to remove all traces of makeup before going to bed. If you’re too tried, just use a couple of makeup-removing towelettes to get rid of all the dirt and makeup. When you wake up, make your own super-hydrating mask to soothe the previous night’s damage. Take a glob of regular moisturizer and heat it up in a microwavable dish for five seconds. Lay it on thick and remove it with a dry washcloth using slow, circular motions. Treat your puffy eyes with a cold eye pack or cucumbers which will help increase blood flow and remove extra fluid.

Makeup

Now that your skin’s feeling much better, add some color to it. Use a creamy pink blush on the apples of your cheeks which will give you a nice, healthy glow. If your eyelashes look dry and brittle, treat them to some petroleum jelly which will help to keep them lush and healthy.

And that’s all there is to it! It might seem like a lot, but once you get into the routine of doing this, your skin will thank you majorly!

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Ways to Get Rid of Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes can give your face a less than youthful glow. Even if you have no other lines or wrinkles, those bags under your eyes can make you age instantly. Thankfully, there are many different ways you can prevent and treat dark circles, and there’s no better way to do that than with homemade remedies that you can find in your own kitchen. Keep below to learn how you can stop dark circles.

1. Drink Water

One of the most important steps in preventing dark circles is drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day. Water is not only beneficial in preventing dark circles, but also keeping your skin hydrated all day.

2. Cucumbers

One of the oldest tricks in the book, and most widely used too. Make it a habit to place slices of cold cucumber to your eyes 2-3 times a week. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.

3. Potatoes

Just like cucumbers, potatoes also help to take away the darkness from underneath the eyes. Place two cold, thin slices of potato on your eyes and let sit for 10-15 minutes.

4. Rosewater

Another great way to reduce dark circles is to soak a cotton ball in rosewater and place on the eyes. Make sure the rosewater is chilled and sit back and relax for about 10 minutes!

5. Tea Bags

Tea bags are also a great way to reduce dark circles. Just place two warm teabags over your eyes and leave on for 15 minutes. You’ll notice a different almost immediately.

6. Sleep

It’s no wonder that sleep is the number one cure for dark, tired eyes. So make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep each night and that you drink plenty of water and eat fresh fruits and veggies!

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How to Get Longer Nails

If there is one thing most women try to achieve but just can’t do it, is get longer nails. It’s hard to get your nails to grow because of so many things, including calcium deficiency. If your body does not get enough calcium, your nails tend to slow their growth and they become weak and brittle. Even if you do get enough calcium but your nails are still short and weak, it may be because that calcium doesn’t go through, in which case a lot of people have to take vitamins and calcium tablets.

That being said, there are other factors which stop your nails from growing. One of them is not enough upkeep. In order to get your nails to grow longer, you have to take care of them, just like you take extra care with your hair. If you wash dishes or you use any chemicals and your hands aren’t covered, these things affect your nails and leave them damaged. So next time, put on some gloves!

Also remember that for your nails to grow, you need to file them on a regular basis. Now you might think that doing that will actually shorten them, but it just keep them healthy and gets rid of the top, brittle layer (just like you get your split ends cut, it’s the same with your nails). So file your nails every other day, and you’ll start seeing them grow longer and stronger.

If you’re in the process of trying to get longer nails, try to stay away from nail polishes and they too, can damage the nail. Instead, try using a nail growth publish, as there are tons and tons out there. They nourish your nails, and they are packed with vitamins, giving your nail the treatment it deserves. Use it every other day, and you’ll see a major improvement.

Lastly, take care of your nails by getting rid of your cuticles, and pushing back the skin at the bottom of your nails. Oh, and bitting your nails is a big no-no so try to keep that in mind!

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Ways T o Keep Your Skin Healthy

Our skin goes through so much on a day to day basis including environmental pollution, harmful UV rays, smoke, oily makeup, and many more. These all take a dire effect on your skin either making it dry, break out, or age faster,and that’s why we need to take care of our skin pronto! Here are 5 golden healthy skin rules you should really live by!

1. Wash Off Your Makeup

Never go to bed before at least removing your makeup. If you’re super tired, just grab a makeup removing towelette and wipe your face with it. But always remember to thoroughly remove your makeup before hitting the sack!

2. Protect Your Skin

Before heading out the door, makeup sure your moisturizer or foundation has at least an SPF 30. Even if it’s cold outside, the sun is still powerful enough to wreak havoc on your skin.

3. Keep Your Skin Healthy

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to take Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and will help clear away those pesky zits as well as keep your skin looking fresh and young. Take a maximum of 2000 iu of Vitamin C a day.

4. Exfoliate

Exfoliating is very important because it sloughs off the dead skin cells that build up on your face. Either use a gentle, daily exfoliating wash or do an exfoliating treatment once a week.

5. Keep Hydrated

Last but not least, drink lots and lots of water! If you’re not a water fan, make sure you keep your skin hydrated by eating plenty of water-rich fruits such as watermelon.

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