10 Sultry Summer Make-up Tips

I came across some great summer tips from Image consultants @ Colour Me Beautiful where they share their top tips to ensure you'll look your best no matter how hot it gets this summer.

10 Sultry Summer Make-up Tips from 'Colour Me Beautiful'

1. Essential protection

Protect your skin from damage this summer by using a moisturiser with an SPF factor of 15 or higher. Use it daily and you'll help to combat those early signs of aging such as sun spots and fine lines. Remember that you'll be exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays even on a cloudy day. Apply your SPF moisturiser to a clean face and allow 10 minutes for it to absorb before applying your foundation.

2. Lighten up

When the warm weather hits you might find that foundation and powder feels too heavy on your skin. For a fresher, lighter look switch to a tinted moisturiser, apply with a damp sponge and you'll be sure to get an even look. A little concealer dabbed under the eye will give added radiance.

3. Fake it

On a lovely summer's day there is nothing better than the appearance of a healthy glow to make you feel better, and one of the easiest ways of achieving this is with bronzing powder. If you're worried that you'll choose the wrong shade of bronzer and end up looking orange instead of sun-kissed, Colour Me Beautiful has a range of shades that have been specifically created to suit your skin tone.

4. The eyes have it

Eye shadows in lighter, neutral shades are perfect for the summer. If it's really hot and you don't want to go to the effort of applying a full make-up, a touch of mascara and a little eye liner will 'open' up the eye and bring your face to life. For a lighter, more summery appearance, swap your black mascara for one that is either brown-black or brown. To complete your look remember to have your eyebrows professionally shaped.

5. Essential waterproofing

There is nothing worse than running mascara, so if you're planning a beach holiday or going to a wedding, consider your choice of mascara with care. Waterproof mascara is great, but you'll probably need an oil-based eye make-up remover to take it off properly so that you don't get an unsightly build-up. If you don't want the hassle, it's worth getting your eyelashes professionally tinted. If you're particularly fair and have very light eyebrows it's worth getting them dyed too.

6. Luscious lips

Being out in the fresh air can take its toll on your skin and that includes your lips. If you're sunbathing, it's important to remember to use some lip balm to keep them soft and supple. When you've got a slight tan, a touch of lipstick or lip gloss is often all you need to face the world.

7. Holiday glam

Make the most of your newly-acquired tan by using Colour Me Beautiful's fabulous new Glow highlighter on your cheekbones and brow. With its subtle pearlescent lustre it looks amazing on tanned skin and you can even use it in the daytime to help keep your holiday glow when you return to work. For a touch of instant evening glamour apply the Glow highlighter to your shoulders and decolletage.

8. Cheeky cheeks

If you don't like using fake tans and bronzing powders, the easiest way to achieve a healthy natural glow is with blush. Whether your blush is an ultra-fine powder or a light cream, the rules are the same.

Apply it along your cheekbones or the apples of your cheeks, depending on your face shape. Remember to build up the colour gradually until you get the soft natural glow that you're looking for.

9. Tip-top toes

You'll want your feet to look their best if you're wearing sandals or flip-flops this summer. Build time into your weekly beauty routine to pamper them. Remember to use a pumice or foot file to keep them free from dry skin and unsightly cracked heels and moisturise regularly to ensure that skin appears smooth and supple.

10. And finally...

If you are going to be spending large amounts of time in the sun, whether in the garden or on the beach, make sure you invest in a bottle of sun tan lotion, a floppy sun hat and a pair of sun glasses to help protect your skin from potential sun damage.

via: http://www.ivillage.co.uk/beauty/makeup/tips/articles/0,,548145_710696,00.html#ixzz0sHq4VMqR

Blonde for Summer!

So, I decided to go ahead with the "Blonde look" for summer. I added a whole bunch of blonde highlights all over and I've received positive feedback from friends and family. It's just for the summer and I wanted a new brighter look for a change. I'm sure when the Summer comes to an end I'll be over it, lol but for now I will enjoy the whole "Blondes Have More Fun" deal! ;)

"Keep on SMILING and Keep on SHINING!" ~ Glam Gal Tee

Do Blondes Have More Fun?!

So, do blondes have more fun or what?! I'm thinking of changing my dark locks to a more fun and brighter look. I haven't gone "blonde" in a while, well "hair color" at least...LOL

I went online to mylifetime.com and did a "Total Beauty Makeover" with different blonde colored looks. The looks above were the "Top Three" I chose. I did a poll on Facebook and it seems like Blonde #3 was the best choice and I agree. I know it can be hard to maintain blonde locks since I'm a natural brunette but I thought I'd try it out for the Summer, just for a fresh new look! So, wish me luck...here I go!

Summer Beauty

Summer not only makes you feel like your face is melting off but your makeup as well. I’m very much into the whole powder and foundation routine but recommend that in the hotter weather you go for something more light like a tinted moisturizer and a good concealer to brighten up your eyes. If you’re looking a bit shiny, you can use a light translucent powder to touch up, other than that, keep it light.

”In hot weather, applying your makeup should be as simple and comfy as putting on your favorite pair of jeans and flip-flops,” says New York City makeup artist Troy Surratt. “But the heat and humidity are a challenge, so you have to make a few little changes to your routine.”

In the article below some of the top makeup artists to spill their best tips. These beauty tips are being used by their star clients as well!

1. Make time for primer. You won’t regret the few seconds it will take to smooth on a primer, which goes on after moisturizer but before face makeup. Like house-paint primer, it provides a smooth base for whatever goes on next. “Primers are definitely the way to go in summer,” says New York City makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff. “They’re incredibly light — they don’t feel at all like a heavy, additional layer — and they really help hold makeup in place.” We’ve got the evidence: In a Good Housekeeping Research Institute test, primer helped volunteers’ makeup look better and hold up throughout the day (even after a sweltering stint in our 80-degree, high-humidity chamber); Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light ($36, Sephora) proved to be the very best of the bunch.

2. Lighten your face makeup. “Just as you switch to breezy skirts and linen blouses, dress your face with lighter makeup,” says Surratt. First step: Swap foundation for tinted moisturizer. These sheer formulas look and feel airier on skin and are less likely to turn cakey on steamy days. Try Shiseido The Skincare Tinted Moisture Protection SPF 20 ($36, department stores) or Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($18, marykay.com). Feeling a little too exposed? Surratt recommends brushing powder foundation over the tinted moisturizer in spots where you need a little extra coverage — say, on blemishes or areas of redness around your nose. Try CoverGirl TruBlend Minerals Pressed Mineral Foundation ($8, drugstores) or Jane Iredale Amazing Base ($42, janeiredaledirect.com).

3. Bronze believably. “Bronzer makes your eyes look brighter, your teeth whiter — everyone looks better with a little warmth added to their skin,” says Surratt. To keep the results looking fresh and natural, he recommends applying bronzer just to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits you: forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose. (Covering every nook and cranny is what gives you that fake, baked look.) Powder bronzers are the easiest to apply; look for one with varying shades — they’ll swirl together for the most authentic-looking results. Try Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits Beauty Brilliance Bronzing Powder ($8, drugstores) or Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Multi-Colored Custom Face Powder in Warm Beige/Light Bronzer ($13, drugstores). Another essential for keeping it real: a brush with long, loose, fluffy bristles — anything densely packed will deposit too much color. Prescriptives Bronzer Brush ($32, department stores) is a great choice. And be sure to sweep a little bronzer onto your neck and earlobes, especially if you have short hair or are wearing a pony­tail. A tan face that’s framed by pale ears will out you fast.

4. Try out vibrant color. Just as you’re probably more likely to wear a vivid top or carry a bright bag this season, now’s the perfect time to play up your makeup palette. Besides looking summery, “livelier colors brighten the face and bring a youthful glow to skin,” says Surratt. If you tend to stick with neutrals, experiment with just one area of your face. A punchy blush on the apples of the cheeks is a good place to start. Try Revlon A Floral Affair Sheer Powder Blush in Pinking of You ($11.69, drugstores), Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink ($20, department stores), or Ramy Juicy Cheeks Sheer Intense Cheek Color in Maya Papaya ($24, ramy.com).

5. Stop shine, add glow. A slick T-zone instantly telegraphs the message “I’m hot” — and we don’t mean sexy. To eliminate unsightly shine in seconds, nothing beats blotting papers. “They’re cheap, easy, and amazing — you just press and go,” says Sheriff. Try Too Faced Re-Fresh Oil Blotting Papers ($12, Sephora). If you need to perk up your makeup too, blot first, then follow up with a dusting of pressed powder with a hint of luminescence. “You want to eliminate shine, but you still want to look a little glow-y, especially in summer,” says Surratt. Try Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Luminous Matte Pressed Powder ($12, drugstores).

6. Switch out thick lipsticks. Since heavy lip colors often feel like overkill once the weather warms up, many women opt for clear balm or skip their lips altogether. But just because you’re feeling low-maintenance doesn’t mean you have to look it. A simple swipe-and-go choice: tinted lip balms. “They give you whisper-light color, and many even have SPF to protect you from the sun,” says Surratt. Try Neutrogena Moisture­Shine Tinted Lip Balm SPF 20 ($7, drugstores) or Jane Be Pure Mineral Lip Balm ($4, drugstores).

7. Stay-proof your eye makeup. For longer-lasting shadow, avoid using eye cream on your lids (it can break down makeup), and smooth on an eye primer instead. “It will minimize creasing and create a base for the shadow to cling to so it lasts longer,” says Seattle makeup artist Sharona Schweitzer. Try Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye­Shadow Base ($15, department stores) — the top performer in our GHRI eye-primer test. Although powder shadows generally last longer than creams, for the ultimate in all-day wearability, layer a powder over a cream (don’t worry — this makeup artist’s trick still feels light on the lids). Try Tarte Lock & Roll Eye Shadow Duo ($17, Sephora), which has matching cream and powder shadows in one tube. Doubling up works for liner, too. “Apply your regular pencil or cream liner, then use a small angled brush to press dark shadow over the liner to set it for longer wear,” says Schweitzer.

8. Wade into waterproof. If you tried water­proof mascaras once but found them less than stellar, it’s time to give ‘em another go. “They used to be brittle, crumbly, and flaky, but today’s formulas are much better — and they really last,” says Surratt. Can’t bear to switch from your favorite? Apply a waterproof version (we like Lumene Star Effect Waterproof Mascara, $8, CVS) on the tips of your lashes over regular mascara to boost its staying power.

9. Go sheer. “Rich, deep colors have their place, but they can look heavy in summer,” says Surratt. To lighten up, switch to sheer versions of your go-to lip and eye hues. Two sheer lip shades we love: Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Juicy Apple ($14, department stores) and Sonia Kashuk Dual Ended Sheer Lip Color and Plumping Glossy Tint in Passion Fruit ($12, Target). Use a lipliner pre-application if you need extra definition, but go for a nude shade to keep that carefree feeling, or try “invisible” lipliner, which deposits a clear, waxy film to stop color from bleeding. Try Benefit D’finer D’liner Clear Lipliner ($18, Sephora). Bonus: Because sheer colors are subtler, you almost can’t go overboard. Case in point: Stila Summer Eye Shadow Palette ($40, Sephora), which contains pretty pastels and everyday neutrals, all with a sheerness that keeps them sophisticated.

via: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/makeup/summer-makeup-tips

M is for...Moisturize!

Moisturizing isn’t just for the gals boys. I always tell my guy friends that it is so important for them to moisturize their skin. A good moisturizer helps rehydrate the skin and include vitamins to help repair any damage due to the environment and even makes you look younger. When looking for a moisturizer in general, the key ingredients you should be looking for are Glycerin, Silicone, Shea Butter and Green Tea, jojoba oil and aloe. At the end of the day, you’re a winner when you have your special gal showering you with kisses all over soft and smooth skin.

 

Here are some of the best facial products for men according to menshealth.com:


BEST CLEANSER

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

When it comes to your face, you want a cleanser that’s simple, fragrance-free, and foaming. Our pick has soothing mint and lavender extracts and won’t cling to your face when you rinse. ($28, dermalogica.com)

Runner-Up: Clarins Men Active Face Wash ($17, clarins.com)

Best Buy: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($9, drugstore.com)

BEST DAY MOISTURIZER

Lab Series Day Rescue Total Face Therapy with SPF 15

Moisturizer sans sunscreen misses the point–the sun will damage your face more than dryness. This lotion has UV-activated sunblock that kicks up the protection when the sun intensifies. ($30, labseriesformen.com)

Runner-up: Clinique M Lotion ($18, clinique.com)

Best Buy: Gillette Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($6, gillettecomplete.com)

BEST NIGHT MOISTURIZER

Clarins Men Total Wrinkle Control

Night moisturizers are heavier than their daytime counterparts and work like a timed-release capsule. Slather on a dollop every night and you’ll stanch wrinkles where they start. This one penetrates deeper than others we tried. ($32, clarins.com)

Runner-Up: Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream. It’s worth it. ($165, cremedelamer.com)

Best Buy: Nivea for Men Oil Control Lotion ($5, drugstore.com)

Tip: Apply at least 5 minutes before going to bed. Otherwise, you’ll just moisturize your pillow.

BEST SCRUB

Sharps Daily Prep Foaming Scrub

Face scrubs are like supersoap, leaving your mug fresh and healthy. Use them two or three times a week, and the small grains help slough off dead skin cells and eliminate deep-down dirt. This one won’t sandblast your face, unlike several others we tried. ($19, sharpsusa.com)

Runner-Up: Maleface Deep Cleaning Face Scrub ($19, maleface.com)

Best Buy: Nivea for Men Deep Cleaning Face Scrub ($5, drugstore.com)

BEST LIP BALM

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1

We like it because it’s simple, and when it comes to man lips, frills kill. ($6, kiehls.com)

Runner-Up: John Allan’s Lip ($7, johnallans.com)

Best Buy: ChapStick ($2, drugstore.com)

Pamper Your Eyes

Unfortunately, dark and puffy under-eye circles run in my family. Luckily, over the years I have mastered the technique of covering them up with some good makeup although the issue is deeper than that. Dark circles and puffy under-eyes can result from various things such as lack of sleep, unhealthy diet, and allergies. It never fails that around the time of my menstrual cycle my under-eye circles swell up and get that puffy look to them. Does that happen to you? Well, here are a couple of tips I found online on how to get rid of dark under-eye circles and puffy eyes:

Dark Under-Eye Circles:

*Sleep in*

Do you know what the first natural remedy is that we are going to tell you? This is one of the most common and important remedies. Do you know lack of sleep could be the cause of those dark circles? With that said, we believe you should start making sure you get at least seven to nine hour of sleep each night. It is believed that the average person needs at least eight hours of sleep each night so that they will not be tired throughout the day. It’s hard to believe that a simple technique such as getting more sleep could eliminate that problem. I try to get the required sleep each night so that I do not have those circles. However, if this technique does not work for you, then we highly recommend you moving forward to the next step.

*Eat Healthy*

Believe it or not, what you eat really does count. When you eat healthy, have a balanced diet and drink lots of water, you may eliminate those annoying things under the eyes. You should also make sure you get lots of minerals and vitamins each day. Don’t forget to eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Cabbage, leafy greens and spinach are perfect. In fact, everyday, you should consume at least two cups of spinach. Who wouldn’t want to eat spinach? I personally believe it is good.

You should stay away from foods that are too salty. Why/ Because those salty foods are known for causing your body to hold water. When you hold water in your body, you will get bloating and puffiness, especially noticeable under you eye.

*Try Asian Pear*

Have you ever heard of Asian pear? Asian pear is a crunchy and juicy fruit that has been in Chinese herbalists minds for many years. Would you believe it if we told you this would be a way to lighten up those circles? Asian, also known as Fuji pears have tons of antioxidants, copper and vitamin C in them.

* Apply Washcloth*

As you are sleeping, you can treat your skin. Right before you go to bed, put a washcloth over your eyes. The wash cloth should contain cold water. When morning time comes, you are going to notice an improvement in your eyes. This is one of the easiest methods out there. I have personally tried it and found that it really does work.

*Try Cucumber and Tea Bags*

This fifth method is something that is very popular and has been used throughout history. Get some cucumber slices and apply them to your eyes. If you do not want to use cucumber slices, then you can use tea bags and put them over your eyes. The cucumber slices are perfect for reducing the puffiness. The tannin, which is found in tea is perfect for getting rid of the discoloration and swelling. During this process, you will need to lay down, close your eyes and put the cucumber slices or caffeinated tea bags on your eyes. Make sure the cucumber slices are cold. You should do this method for ten minutes each day.

Puffy Eyes:

*Cool the swollen skin around your eyes to reduce puffines.*

Do this with chilled eye and face creams (keep them in the fridge), an ice cube wrapped in a paper towel, chilled spoons, a cool wet washcloth, chilled left-over herbal tea bags, or strips of potato, cucumber, or strawberry. The applied cold will reduce puffiness and irritation, and can be used as often as is comfortable to get rid of puffy eyes.

*Avoid excessive rubbing or drying of your eyes to get rid of puffiness. *

The skin around your eyes is extremely sensitive, and repeated touching of your eyes can not only irritate the them, but also worsen allergies — and both can lead to puffy eyes. Also remember to take your contact lenses out before bed each night to avoid irritation and drying and the resulting puffiness.

*Get regular sleep to get rid of puffy eyes.*

It’s important to not only get a healthy amount (7-9 hours) of sleep each night, but to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each night and morning. This keeps your body regulated and rested, which in turn keeps your physical appearance healthy; this includes healthy-looking, un-baggy eyes.

*Drink plenty of water to get rid of puffy eyes.*

When your body becomes dehydrated (maybe after a night of heavy drinking or an extended illness) it stores water as a defense mechanism. This built-up water can contribute to baggy or puffy eyes, so drinking the recommended 8-10 glasses of water will reduce water build-up and alleviate baggy eyes.

*Cut down on your salt intake to get rid of puffy eyes.*

Eating lots of salt can cause water retention in your body (just like dehydration, above), so reducing your salt intake can in turn reduce your puffy eyes, as well as reduce bloating in other parts of your body.

via: http://www.makeupstyles.org/?paged=2

via: http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-puffy-eyes.html

Here Comes The Bride!

Wedding season is around the corner! All of you blushing brides-to-be have a lot to look forward to, especially looking absolutely beautiful on your wedding day!

Here are some tips that you should definitely follow before saying “I DO”:

1. Don’t drink wine or eat dark-colored foods like berries.

Unless you want to capture a stained smile in your wedding photos, you should avoid foods that can tint your pearly whites. To get ‘em extra pearly, invest in a professional teeth-whitening service. On a strict budget? “Crest Whitestrips work magic!” says Melissa Roshan of Make-Up by Melissa Roshan in Columbus, Ohio. “Start any whitening regime about one month before the wedding.”

2. Don’t tan.

Not only are you putting yourself at risk of skin damage, but getting too dark a tan can look unnatural in wedding photos. Especially if it’s a spray tan gone wrong. “Nothing says Jersey Shore more than an orange bride in a white dress,” says Hingham, Massachusetts, makeup artist Kelly O’Keefe of Blush. “This is one of the worst looks, and it’s not fixable!”

3. Don’t get your first-ever bikini wax just before your wedding.

If you plan to wax your bikini line, begin the process at least three months beforehand — or face the consequences. “Waxing that area becomes less painful each time, and you’ll avoid major pain, swelling, and irritation on your wedding night,” says Houston makeup artist Jen Marine.

4. Don’t change your birth control, skin-care program, washing detergent, etc., less than six weeks before the wedding.

Sure, that fabric softener might be on sale, but that new rash you get from it? Hardly a sweet deal. “You don’t want to introduce new products because you don’t know how your skin will react,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Elle Leary.

5. Don’t get a facial, get your brows waxed, or cut or color your hair two days or less before your wedding.

“Get these services done a week or so beforehand,” says Atlanta-based makeup artist Raney O’Keefe. “Then you have plenty of time to remedy any ‘oopsie-daisies’ that may happen!”

6. Don’t ingest excess sodium the week before the wedding.

That means no salty foods, sauces, dressings, or salty deli meats. Instead, choose low- or no-sodium everything starting at least seven days before the wedding. “Sodium holds 50 times its weight in water, so you can shed two to five pounds the week before the wedding just by doing this!” says Liz DiAlto of Fit, Healthy and Beautiful in New York City.

7. Don’t flat-iron your hair before a trial or on your big day.

That cute, flat-ironed hairstyle you had for your rehearsal dinner is going to wreak havoc on the curly look you’re planning for your ceremony. “If you’re aiming for soft, romantic curls on your wedding day, you need to have fresh hair,” says Samara Binder of Bridal Beauty Chicago. “That means if you flat-iron your hair the night before, make sure to wash it out!”

8. Don’t sit around in your bra the morning of your wedding.

Makeup artist and hair stylist Nicole Francavilla, of Beauty by Nicole in Orange County, New York, says this is the best way to avoid those unsightly pink indents on your back and shoulders (especially if you’re wearing a strapless dress!). And if you’re wearing your hair up but don’t wear your hair up often? “My suggestion is to take an Advil with your breakfast to eliminate the possibility of an updo headache,” she says.

9. Don’t skimp on water!

Double up on your water intake for at least one month prior to the wedding to keep your skin clear and glowing. You should also limit the toasting at your prewedding parties. “During the rehearsal dinner, try to switch back and forth between alcohol and a glass of water,” says makeup artist Adriana Fontes of Adriana Fontes Makeup Design in Chandler, Arizona.

10. Don’t forget your beauty emergency kit.

Trust us — and hair and makeup expert Megan Garmers (MG Hair and Makeup) — when we say this will be a lifesaver. Include different sized safety pins, double-sided sticky tape, a small sewing kit, a small pair of scissors, a bleach pen, bobby pins, hair spray, blotting papers, gum or mints, a razor, deodorant, Band-Aids, a small packs of tissue, nail polish remover, clear nail polish, an emery board, a nail clipper, makeup remover wipes, tampons, and anything else you think you might need. “Be prepared for what can go wrong so it doesn’t ruin your day,” Garmers says.

11. Don’t forget to touch up!

It’s okay to be a little high-maintenance — bring a touch-up bag and actually use the products at the reception. “You may have hired the best makeup and hair professionals you could find, but if you’re cutting a rug on the dance floor and drinking Champagne like France is going dry, chances are you’ll break a little sweat and your lip color will wear off,” says Chicago-based makeup artist Adriana Aude.

12. Don’t cry off all your beautiful makeup!

Tears will happen, so it’s important to know how to weep correctly. “Hold a tissue in each hand. Then press the tissues in the tear duct and let the tears run into the tissue — and keep changing the tissue,” says Catherine Sullivan of Fresh Face Chicago. “This keeps you from rubbing your face and eyes and ruining your beautiful face.”

13. Don’t forget your makeup artist or hair stylist!

Trust us, they want to see how beautiful you looked! “Remember to send at least one picture to your makeup artist,” says Stephanie McKenzie of Stephanie M. Make-Up in the DC metro area. “Doing so enables your makeup artist to build a fantastic portfolio and, more importantly, your beauty will be showcased for all to see.”

via: http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-beauty-tips/bridal-beauty-secrets/articles/top-13-bridal-beauty-donts.aspx

Love The Skin You're In

I love to research on ways to make my skin look healthier and flawless. As we get older, we will start noticing little flaws here and there and I definitely want to maintain my skin looking as smooth and young as possible.

Here are some tips I came across:

DO: Wear makeup with the most natural ingredients possible. Mineral makeup provides flawless coverage while allowing your skin to breathe. Fewer ingredients often means the makeup’s better for your skin.

DON’T: Smoke. Smoking prematurely ages your skin at a rate second only to sun damage. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, blocking the flow of oxygen to your skin.

DO: Exfoliate regularly. Once a week works for most. If you have oily or combination skin, use a chemical exfoliator like glycolic or salicylic acid. Those with normal or sensitive skin will reap the greatest benefit with a microdermabrasion formula exfoliator — the kind with little beads that scrub your face.

DON’T: Forget to wear sunscreen! Make your moisturizer do double duty and wear one with an SPF of at least 30, even in the winter, and even if you are only outdoors a few minutes a day.

DO: Use eye cream every day! The skin around your eyes is very thin and fragile. Protect it with an SPF 30 eye cream.

DON’T: Forget your neck, chest and hands. These areas age the fastest and are all but ignored in our skincare routines. Sunscreen, exfoliation and moisturization are just as important in these areas as they are on your face. Look for anti-aging ingredients like vitamin A, kinetin, copper and vitamin C.

DO: Eat and drink healthful foods. Great skin starts on the inside. Drink lots of water to keep hydrated, and ingest lots of antioxidants like those found in green tea and foods high in vitamins A, E, C and beta carotene. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which can cause cell damage. (Bonus: Antioxidants also help protect against cancers and heart disease!)

DON’T: Overdry your skin. Many women make the mistake of staging a full-scale drying assault on their entire faces when confronted with a pimple. This only makes the problem worse. When skin is stripped of all its natural oils, it produces even more sebum to make up for it. This substance is what clogs pores, causing pimples. A gentle cleanser and regular exfoliation is kind to your skin, yet effective enough for most women — but do see your dermatologist if you feel you have an acne problem.

DO: Follow a regimen regularly. Caring for your skin should be a twice-daily occurrence. Don’t be slapdash about your regimen or follow it only sporadically and expect to see any lasting results.

DON’T: Forget that your skin is the largest organ in your body. Treat it well!

via: http://www.sheknows.com/articles/805658/skin-care-dos-and-don-ts

6 Do’s & Don’ts for Male Grooming

Us Glam Gals love to look good but we would also like that special man in our life to look good too. Would you like it if your boyfriend sat next to you getting a pedicure and manicure himself or is that too “flamboyant” for your taste? Personally, I’m into a “Man’s man” and I’d just clean up his nails myself! ;P

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts featured on yahoo’s SHINE for Male Grooming:

1. DON’T: Manis/Pedis – André Leon Talley is the only man who should remain the pedicure prince—it works for the Vogue editor-at-large. But as for our main squeeze who isn’t a head honcho at one of the most well-renowned fashion magazines? We’d rather not have our guy sitting with us at our next salon visit.

2. DO: Nail clipping – No more hangnails, guys, and keep them short! We just hope that he opts for the clipper and not his teeth when trimming down his man talons.

3. DON’T: Eyebrow waxing – Men are complete wimps when it comes to this kind of beauty regimen, so we don’t know many who would opt to have facial hair ripped out of their face with a hot wax strip. (Of course, with the exception of Pauly D from MTV’s The Jersey Shore).

4. DO: Eyebrow Tweezing (and nose/ear hair trimming) – Because no one wants to date the guy with the unibrow…or the long nose hair…or the curly ear hair.

5. DON’T: Self-tanning – We would have a hard time taking him seriously if we saw him sitting on the side of the tub, exfoliating and smoothing in a self-tanner. Bronze glowing skin should definitely be left to women.

6. DO: SPF – Women’s magazines are great for pushing for their readers to wear a daily SPF 30, but men are hardly exposed to this information. Protect his skin with a masculine product like Every Man Jack, available for $8 at select drugstores.

via: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/the-6-dos-and-donts-of-male-grooming-habits-581153/

Dr. Oz & Anti-Aging Secrets

Oprah is the Queen of launching new talk show hosts like Dr. Phil and Rachel Ray that were once apart of her show. Dr. Oz is one of them and I am a huge fan of his show which I'll be sharing a lot of beauty tips from. He’s big on sharing anti-aging secrets and how to make your skin look years younger. It’s great because on his show, he uses volunteers from the audience to share their experiences and even gives them a free on-air consultation. For me, it’s like having a ‘live-in’ Doctor for an hour a day!

Here are some interesting things I’ve learned from watching Dr. Oz’s show:

Dr. Oz says one of his favorite anti-aging foods are blueberries. You can tell blueberries are chockfull of antioxidants because of their dark color. “All foods with dark colors in them have some of these really protecting antioxidant chemicals in them,” he says. “Blueberries lead the charge.” Other good anti-aging foods include sweet potatoes, broccoli and tomatoes. “[When eating] tomatoes, heat them up a little bit and put a little oil in them. It makes it easier to absorb the lycopene,” Dr. Oz says

Dr. Oz has a segment on his show where guests share their own home remedies. I was surprised to hear that egg yolk can actually make your skin look younger! I usually have my eggs scrambled and ready to eat. It never crossed my mind to apply it all over my face, but if Dr. Oz says it works, why not?!

Here’s how it works:

Egg Whites for an Instant Facelift

Method: Mix egg whites together in a small bowl; apply to your face. Let dry and wash off.

Verdict: It works! Egg whites contain proline, an amino acid that serves as a building block for collagen. Egg whites contain more proline than most foods we eat, making this facelift a winner.

Another guest on Dr. Oz shared her home remedy for flawless skin and that was another surprise. She said it was a beauty secret her grandmother shared with her and she’s been using it for years. The lady was in her 50’s and her skin looked great! So, I think I might give this one a try myself.

Here’s how it works:

Yogurt Facial Cleanser for Flawless Skin

Method: Combine plain natural yogurt with some sunflower oil and a little lemon juice. Blend well; apply to face with a clean towel. Rub it into the skin; gently wash off and pat dry.

Verdict: It works! Yogurt has lactic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid that functions as an effective skin exfoliant. Sunflower oil helps seal in your skin’s moisture. Additionally, lemon juice is a natural whitener, and it inhibits melanin production, which causes age spots.

I think these are great! Do you have any of your own home remedies to share with Glam Gal NYC?

Awareness Ribbons - BE IN THE KNOW!

Most likely everyone has a family member or friend that was or is affected by Cancer or other diseases, I have. To show our loved ones we care, we proudly display a specific colored ribbon for the cause.

I decided to research on the meaning of all of these color awareness ribbons for my own knowledge. I probably knew about five of the colors and their meanings but there are more than twenty-five! Here is the list so you can be in the know and represent for your loved ones with a colored ribbon of your own.

Click on list below to zoom in full size:

Got Brushes?

It’s all about using the right ‘tools’ when applying makeup and by using the right tools I mean using the right makeup brushes.

I mostly own Mac brushes but also use regular drug store brands that work just as well. There are so many brushes out there than can be used for multiple purposes according to what the makeup artist or customer feels comfortable using. Here is my personal ‘cheat sheet’ on what brushes I use and what they are for:

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Also, you must make sure to take the proper steps to maintain and keep your brushes clean.

Here are some tips:

Using warm water, wet your brush then place a small amount of soap (baby shampoo is recommended and also Neutrogena liquid soap is another fav I like to use) in the middle of your palm and dip the brush in the soap.

Begin to swirl it and run it back and forth as if you were painting until you see the foundation/makeup coming off the brush. Then rinse the brush under the warm water and feel free to repeat if you have not washed it in a while.

After rinsing, make sure to squeeze any excess water off the brush and reshape it into its original form. Place it on the towel and let it dry until ready for use.

Mac also has a brush cleaner that is good for when you are traveling or on-the-go. I use this one when applying makeup on clients right after the other by pouring the liquid onto a towel and gently wiping the makeup off the brushes.