Taking care of your skin during Winter!

Winter is fast approaching and the cold temperatures changes your skin. You skin and lips becomes dry, chapped, crusty and itchy. It is necessary to take care of your skin in winter. Here are some tips for skin care during the winter.

* Avoid harsh (typically colored, fragrant or antibacterial) soaps and stick with mild non-drying soaps.  Stick with soaps with Oatmeal or Aloe Vera or all-natural soaps. Oatmeal moisturize, protects and cleans the skin and Aloe Vera moisturizes the skin. It is often used for treating cuts and  burns. You can find natural soaps at a Natural Foods Store.   

 

* Moisturize more and frequently

The winter months causes the skin to dry, chapped and itch easily. So find a moisturizer that traps in moisture. If you have itchy skin, look for "non-irritating" and "fragrance free" products. Eucerin®​ is a good brand. Most of their line are effective for dry skin. These are typically used for the arms, body, hands and legs.

If your face turns itchy and dry more during the winter, avoid washing your face with warm water. Use cold water. Immediately after washing your face, dry your face completely dry and apply moisturizer to lock in moisture. Olay® is a good brand for moisturizer, it's not too thick and provides SPF 15. Other brands include:  Cetaphil®, Neutrogena®, and Philosophy®  

Don't forget to apply your moisturizing cream/lotion immediately after bathing and toweling dry to lock in moisture.

*Use a Humidifier

Heaters causes your skin to dry out. Humidifiers prevents your skin from drying out. Remember to use the humidifiers only when your heater is on. Too much humid causes mold to grow.

*Stock up on Lip balm

Your lips gets easily chapped and cracked during the winter. It is very common so pamper your lips with lip balm throughout the winter season.  If you have severely chapped lips (do not pick it), apply throughout the day including at night before you go to bed.

*Slather on the Sunscreen. 

Don’t forget your sun protection, the winter sun can still damage your skin.The sun ages your skin. Sun protection with SPF 15 is fine. Either use a moisturizer with SPF 15 or a finishing powder with SPF. 

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

15 minutes makeup routine!

If you're on the go, woke up late, or going for the all natural look with little makeup. 

Here are 10 steps you can follow to apply your makeup in as little as 15 minutes.

1. Clean face and apply moisturizer.

2. Apply foundation. Use lightly.

3. Shape your eyebrows. Define brows gives your face more impact

4. Apple neutral eyeshadow on the eyelid. 

5. Apply eyeliner. Make one thin line above your natural eyelash line. (Or if you prefer apply above and bottom of your eyelash line) 

6. Curl your eyelash. You can skip this if you want. 

7. Apply with one coat of mascara applied to both the top and bottom lashes

8. Apply matte powder or translucent powder to set your makeup 

9. Apply blush. Use pink or peach. Choose neutral colors. You want a light blush on your cheeks.     

10. Finish with applying lip balm first then translucent or nude lipstick. No Lip gloss. or Liplining necessary. Remember, you want the all natural lip color.  

Voila! You're Done!

That's all folks!

What is Permanent Makeup?

Tired of putting on eyeliner, defining/shaping your eyebrows, or lining your lips everyday? Well there's a technique called Permanent Makeup. It is a form of cosmetic tattoo. Yes, a tattoo which will enhance the color of your eyebrows, eyes, and lips.

Permanent Makeup, also known as Micro pigmentation, is a form of cosmetic tattooing used to enhance our facial features.

Many women prefer permanent makeup on their eyebrows so they will never have to trace their eyebrow shape ever again. Some have it on their eyes. While some have it on their lips.

The procedure is in fact painless to painful depending per person.

Permanent makeup may begin to fade over time but some generally last 3-5 years.

Remember to choose a skilled, experienced permanent makeup professional because there are cases where the outcomes are "too dark" "too thick" or "wrong color" So it's best to look at their portfolio.

For More Information: Call NORA'S BEAUTY SALON @ 707 649 1245 to learn more about Permanent Makeup.

That's all folks!

Foundation Basics

 The beauty of foundation evens out our skin tone and hide imperfections. Whether you have blotchy skin, light or dark patches, acne, blemishes, eczema, rosacea, wrinkles, or dark circles under eyes, foundations are a girl's best friend.

* Determine your Skin Type. Is your skin Oily? Dry? or Combination of both? Pick the right shade. Look for words specifically for your skin type:
Oily Skin: Oil-free, Oil-control
Dry Skin: Hydrating, Moisture
Combination skin: Usually cream and powder works best because it's hydrating and oil free

* Okay now everyone thinks that the perfect way to pick the right shade is try the color out on your wrist or hand. WRONG!!! The skin color on your wrist and hand is usually darker than your face. Instead try the color out on your JAWLINE. Also, try and stand near the doorway where there's natural light. It's best to match your shade under natural light. Make sure you find something that closely matches your skin tone.

* There are different types of foundation.
Liquid: Easy to apply. Smooth. Maximum Coverage.
Cream: Provides milky, flawless coverage. Good for Dry Skin. 
Powder: Perfect for Combination skin types. Great Coverage
Cream to powder: Liquid form but dries to a powder finish. Long lasting coverage
Mineral: Made of natural ingredients, does not contain harsh chemical dyes. Lightweight. Excellent coverage. Can be messy due to its powder form.

* Try to invest in quality foundations. High quality foundations usually last longer, gives better coverage, and healthier for our skin. Don't forget to apply pressed or loose powder. These gives us a matte, sheer, natural look.

* Be careful not to overdo the make up, you might look like a clown, a porcelain doll or unnatural.  If you need maximum heavy coverage, avoid liquid foundation. First, get a PRIMER. Primers prepare the face for makeup. They smooth fine lines and create a perfect surface so applying makeup goes on smoothly and evenly. Plus they last throughout the day. Remember after applying primer, it's essential to let it sink in for a few minutes. After primer, use a powder or mineral foundation. They are lightweight and natural. 

* Concealer hides big or little acne spots, blemishes, dark circles or dark spots, giving you flawless skin. They are far more heavier than foundation so its best to apply a tiny amount first. One important note: make sure to blend the concealer properly. Blending is the key. Sometimes concealer is all you need for the all natural look. Apply a tiny amount first then go from there. If you did it right, your concealer should look natural. Then finish it off with loose or pressed powder and you're done!

*Steps for applying concealer

1. Clean Face, Clean Fingers, Clean Brushes or Clean Sponge. (Clean your makeup tools regularly) 
2  Moisturize your face. Concealer dries up your skin. So apply moisturizer first.
3. Apply Primer for long lasting coverage all over face or wherever coverage is needed. 
4. Apply Concealer. Use a tiny amount first. Apply under eyes, nose area, tiny acne spots, or blemishes.
5. Blend properly <--- Very Important. Use your ring finger to blend.
5. Apply loose or pressed powder to set the look. Now you're done! =)


* Steps for applying foundation:
1. Clean Face, Clean Fingers, Clean Brushes or Clean Sponge. (Clean your makeup tools regularly) 
2  Moisturize your face. Foundation dries up your skin. So apply moisturizer first.
3. Apply Primer for long lasting coverage all over face or wherever coverage is needed. If using Liquid foundation, skip this. 
4. Apply Concealer. Use a tiny amount first. Blend properly.
5. Apply foundation.
6. Blend, Blend, Blend. Use a small amount first then stop and check under natural light if you need  more. Don't forget the neck area.
7. Apply loose or pressed powder to set the look. Now you're done! =)

* Last but not least, always wear sunscreen to prevent sun damage and of course wrinkles. Some foundations comes with SPF.   

That's all Folks! Hope you enjoyed these tips.

Next Week,  What is Permanent Makeup

Look 10 years younger

We are obsessed to look younger.  Having younger looking skin will masked our age. If you're 40 years old but look 30, then why bother right? You're happier, confident, and healthier with a better lifestyle. In today's world, we are looking for the fountain of youth. Though it doesn't exist, here are some ways to look 10 years younger without spending thousands of dollars at your dermatologist.

CLEANSE. Always cleanse your face twice a day. Once in the morning and at night. Use a gentle cleanser that doesn't dry your face. Note: Never sleep with your make up on either!

TONE. Toners are great because they remove excess dirt, makeup and oil. Look for one that's gentle and alcohol-free. Astringent is different from Toner, they contain high amount of alcohol and usually contain salicylic acid for acne users. Don't apply too much astringent as it dries out your skin. Toners even out skin tone as well as refine pores, making it smaller

EXFOLIATE. Once a week, exfoliate.  Exfoliating your skin removes the the surface layer of dead cells. Use a product designed for your face. These products contains tiny amount of grains.

FACE MASQUE. Once a week, use a facial masque. Facial masque deep cleanse your face. These masque are applied on and you have to leave them on for up to 15 minutes till they dry.

MOISTURIZE Just because you cleanse, tone, exfoliate or use a facial masque doesn't mean you're done.  Don't ever skip the moisturizer because water has chlorine so it dries your face out.  Plus moisturizing keeps your skin from producing its own oils, which cause breakouts. Also dry skin causes wrinkles. Dry skin = wrinkles and pimples.

SUNSCREEN. The number 1 cause of wrinkles is sun damage. It's important to use sunscreen to prevent skin damage. Use it before you leave in the A.M. Wear a hat and sunglasses also.

AVOID ALCOHOL & CAFFEINE. Yes these things makes you look older. Just compare your skin tone to someone who's drinks frequently (daily/weekly)  to someone who drinks only on occasion (monthly). There's a MAJOR difference.

VITAMINS. Taking vitamins improves complexion. Multivitamins works wonders. Remember to take it at the same time everyday.

WATER. Drinking lots of water helps flush out excess toxins out of the body.

DIET. Eat right. Avoid deep fried foods, eat your vegetables.

FOUNDATION. Foundation does wonders as an instant age rewind. Some people have all types of skin problems. Such as rosacea, uneven skin tone, skin pigmentation, wrinkles, dark circles under eyes, acne, acne scars and blemishes. A great foundation covers these problem areas. Sometimes a great foundation is only needed on your face. Minus the concealer, eyeshadow..etc. If you want the all-natural look, foundation and concealer works best together. Only a small amount will do.  Just make sure you find the perfect foundation that matches your skin color and type.  (I'll explain more on the next blog. )

**Keep in mind that choosing products for your face may not work at first try. Don't be afraid to try new different types of products until you find the right one for you. Also, try buying the small sizes first.

That's all Folks! Hope you enjoyed these tips.

Next Week,  Basic Foundation and Concealer!

Color Treated Hair

Color treated hair that isn't taken care of can often look dull, dry and unhealthy because the chemicals in hair dyes damages our hair. But don't panic, here are some anti-damaging hair tips to keep your color treated hair super healthy.

*Wash your hair every other day, or it will strip out the color very quickly.

*Get a shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair.These products hydrate and moisturize your hair without stripping the color. Another alternative to conditioners are color enhancing conditioners.

*Use low heat setting then cool setting when blow drying. Do not blow dry the hair completely dry. If possible, let the hair dry naturally.

*Avoid brushing your hair frequently, it can fracture your hair. On wet hair, use a wide tooth comb. Wet hair is especially prone to breakage.

*Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from the sun. The harmful rays not only fades the color but dries your hair as well. Also, chlorine in swimming pools fades and dries your hair too. So remember to always wear a cap and rinse your hair thoroughly.

*Apply deep conditioning treatments once a week. Apply the conditioner to your hair, cover it with a plastic cap and leave it on for 30 minutes. If you have oily hair, apply every 2 weeks. If you have dry hair, you can also apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair after every shower.

*Apply hot oil treatments once a month.

*Every 2 months, get regular trims,  1/2 inch to prevent split ends.

*When it's time to retouch, there's no need to apply color to your entire head. Instead, apply color to the root. Only when it starts to fade, then go ahead and apply color to your entire head.

*If your hair is beyond help, your last hope is a short haircut. =(

That's all folks! Just follow the easy healthy hair tips for beautiful fabulous hair.

Next week, "Look 10 years younger"

Battle Dry and Oily hair!

DRY HAIR:
*Do not wash you hair daily. Wash it every 2 days.

* Always use a mild shampoo specially formulated for dry hair such as a moisturizing shampoo.

* Dry hair is the most fragile type of hair and is subject to breakage. When you wash your hair, massage the scalp gently. Don't be tempted to scrub your scalp with your fingernails. 

* Avoid brushing your hair frequently, it can fracture your hair. On wet hair, use a wide tooth comb.

* Using heat on your hair is asking for dry hair. Before applying any heat to your hair, apply a heat taming agent.

* Use low heat setting then cool setting when blow drying. Do not blow dry the hair completely dry. If possible, let the hair dry naturally.

* When swimming, use a rubber cap. The chlorine in swimming pools dries the hair. Rinse your hair with water thoroughly after swimming. Apply a shampoo formulated for swimming.

 * The key to eliminating dry hair are conditioners. Use a leave in conditioner once a week.  Deep Conditioning is advisable once a month. A simple trick is to use your own conditioner formulated for dry hair, cover it with a plastic cap and leave it on for 30 minutes.

* Hot Oil treatments is another key to eliminate dry hair. Usually salons offer hot oil treatments. Over the counter hot oil products are available but must be heated before applying to hair.  Apply every month.

OILY HAIR:
* Even with oily hair, do not wash your hair daily. Doing so will damage your hair. Wash it every other day.

* For a quick fix, use BABY POWDER. (baby powder absorbs oil glands) First use a towel on your shoulders to protect your clothes. Sprinkle a little baby powder to your head. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes.  Simply brush through. Do not use too much because if you have dark hair, it becomes ashy. If it does, take the towel and rub in the powder. Besides baby powder, a dry shampoo also works.

* Look for shampoo according to your hair type. Avoid moisturizing shampoos.

* When you wash your hair, massage the scalp gently. Don't be tempted to scrub your scalp with your fingernails.

* Use the conditioner halfway down to the ends. Avoid the top. Rinse the hair thoroughly.

* Just like Dry hair, avoid brushing your hair frequently. On wet hair, use a wide tooth comb.

That's all folks! Just follow these easy steps to beautiful fabulous healthy hair. 

Next week, "Color Treated Hair" 

Want Healthy Hair?

*Washing your hair daily strips out the natural oil on our hair. Leaving it flat. Wash it every other day. 

*Don't use too much conditioner. Only a teaspoonful will do.

*Rinse your hair thoroughly.

*On wet hair, use a wide-toothed comb and avoid the roots. Wet hair is thinner than dry hair. If your hair doesn't tangle, avoid combing.

*Before you apply any heat to your hair: "hair dryer"  "flat iron"  "curling iron" apply a heat taming agent. This will prevent split ends, and frizz.

*When using the hair dryer, alternate the heat settings. Use Low Heat first, then Cool Air, then if necessary  switch to high heat. It takes a while to dry your hair but prevents your hair from getting FRIED.

*Every 2 weeks, deep condition. Use leave in conditioner or Hot Oil treatments.

*Every 2 months, get regular trims,  1/2 inch to prevent split ends. 

That's all folks! Just follow these easy steps to beautiful fabulous healthy hair. 

Next week, "Battle Dry and Oily Hair"