How to use a Retinoid!!

*Important!! Don't use a retinoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.*

*Plan ahead
It takes about 4 to 6 months for your skin to become acclimated to a retinoid. Check your calendar for a "safe window" where you have no major events (your daughter's wedding, a high school reunion) on the horizon. Then, follow these other starter steps to get the best results for younger-looking skin.


*Consider summer
Any retinoid is likely to dry out your skin to some extent, so summer--when there's more humidity in the air--is an ideal time to start using one.


*Dab only a pea-size amount
This is powerful medicine, so don't smear a ton of the stuff on three times a day. Just a tiny pearl-sized amount is all you need for your whole face. Immediately afterward, pat a tissue on your skin; if it sticks, you've used too much. Next time, use half the amount.


*Go slowly, You should ease into them.
Most experts suggest applying a retinoid every third day, at least for the first 2 weeks. Use retinoids every other day for the next 2 weeks, and build up to daily use. For some people (especially those with fair complexions and light-colored eyes), the process might take longer, and others may be satisfied with the results of using retinoids every other day. You'll have to keep up your routine for life to maintain the benefits . You should ease into them.
Follow your doctor's instructions for application. More likely than not, you'll want to begin using your prescription once every two or three days to allow your skin to adjust.


*Go easy with your skin care & clean out your cabinets
It's best to ditch the harsh exfoliants, glycolic acid, and vigorous scrubbing. Benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acids may deactivate retinoids, so don't layer them. Your skin not only won't respond well to it, it also doesn't need it. Go gentle into that good nighttime skin care routine.
Facial products likely to react with retinoids: scrubs and exfoliation products, alcohol-based toners and astringents, and medicated cleansers and makeup.


*For Sensitive Skin Users
A small percentage of people with ultrasensitive skin can never tolerate a retinoid; if you're one of them, use a gentle physical exfoliator twice a week to soften your skin. Do this in the morning!


*Wax ahead of time. Say adios to waxing.
Schedule one last facial-waxing appointment--dry skin is more prone to burning. Allow any irritation from retinoids to subside before resuming waxing. Waxing can cause excess redness on retinoid-treated skin; don't use a retinoid for several days before a treatment. Say adios to waxing. Learn to love tweezers, as your days of eyebrow waxing are over (if they ever began). If you wax while using a retinoid, a layer of skin is likely to come off with the wax. Not fun.


*Sleep on it
Apply retinoids before bedtime because sunlight can destabilize their effectiveness, advises Baumann. To keep dryness, flakiness, and redness to a minimum, cleanse skin about 20 minutes beforehand; damp skin increases risk of sensitivity. Then apply the retinoid and, in another 20 minutes, your moisturizer. This will avoid sealing the medication into your skin, which makes it stronger and more likely to irritate.


*Be vigilant about sunscreen
Because retinoids slough dead surface cells, removing skin's natural protection against UV exposure, every morning be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 (the higher the better: 50!!); you can also use a topical antioxidant like a serum with green tea to reduce inflammation. and be extra-conscientious about sunscreen to prevent collagen loss in the first place. SPF is a must. Seriously. Because retinoids make your skin photosensitive, wearing sunblock every day is imperative. Look for at least SPF 30.


*Keep it away from your lips, your eyes and your nostrils. Why? Your skin will peel.
Here is what will happen: You'll apply the cream or gel, la-di-da, and all will go well until a few days pass. Then, bam! Tiny, tissue-paper-thin bits of skin will begin to peel off. It is a little weird, to say the least. Make things easier on yourself by waiting 30 minutes after washing before applying your prescription, and use a gentle moisturizer.


*That cream could be cheaper than you think.
You do need to see a dermatologist to get a prescription for retinoids. But if you have health insurance, your copay could be less expensive than the cost of a fancy (or not-so-fancy) over-the-counter skin cream.


*Things will get worse before they get better.
Even if your skin doesn't peel or get red, you could see a surge of whiteheads a few weeks into your treatment. Don't freak out; this is actually a good thing, as it means the retinoid is working. Withstand it for a couple of months and your skin will reward you.


*They really work.
There's a reason retinoids continue to be prescribed even decades after their debut. Here's more about it, but the bottom line is that retinoids' effectiveness has been measured time and time again in double-blind studies.




Hope you enjoy these great tips!

How to prevent lines and wrinkles

Aging happens, but with the right skin care regimen and an aggressive approach to sun protection, there are ways to limit the lines and wrinkles on your skin. 

*Apply face cream with SPF. Or a finishing powder with SPF.

Sunscreen absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin exposed to sunlight and thus helps protect against sunburn/damaged skin. 

*Apply antioxidant cream.  

An antioxidant cream can help rejuvenate tired looking skin and bring back the vitality your appearance may have lost due to the natural signs of aging.

*Don't smoke.

Smoking cretates all these free radials resulting in damage skin. Pursing your lips when smoking causes lines and wirnkles around the mouth. 

*Take multivitamins, antioxidants, eat your fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water. 

A balanced diet with the right nutrients and antioxidents will help restore aging skin. 

*Apply retinoid at night.

Derive from Vitamin A, retinoids unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin. Retinoid are extremely potent to your skin. 

Next Week's guide will cover on  How to use retinoids.

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

How to calm sensitive skin

Some people have extremely sensitive skin that applying a moisturizer, face wash or anything will turn their face red, itchy, and sometimes feel a burning sensation. Here are a few tips to battle sensitive skin

*Use fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products 

Moisturizers, eye cream, and body wash should be labeled fragrance free and or hypoallergenic.  However some products that are fragrance-free are still filled with fragrance. Read the ingredients in the back and check for "Fragrance" if you spot them, avoid buying. 

*Try mineral sunscreen

Since chemical sunscreens can irritate sensitive skin, mineral sunscreen contain general mineral actives of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for UVA and UVB protection. Usually they are fragrance free and great for delicate sensitive skin.

*Exfoliate Lightly

Most scrubs are too abrasive. Use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Invest on good quality scrubs. Avoid drug store products that are too harsh for your skin.

*Try a mild detergent that is also hypoallergenic

After you wash your clothes, you may notice itchy skin. Fortunately there are plenty of laundry detergents that are dye-free, scent-free and hypoallergenic that you can buy instead, which should work for your sensitive skin. Check online and read labels.

*Apply Aloe Vera Gel on the irritated skin. 

Look for 100% Natural Aloe Vera Gel. Some have too much alcohol which will dry out your skin, so watch for it and read the labels. Apply a tiny bit to the affected area. For a more soothing solution, place the aloe vera gel in the refrigerator for half an hour before applying it. Aloe Vera Gel is also useful for sunburned skin.

*To all skin products, remember a little goes a long way

While there's no guideline on how much is too much, your skin will give you clues, like sudden dryness or oiliness, heavy tingling, burning, or redness. Tip: Use sparingly. 

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

How to minimize pores

Ever look into the mirror and all you see are humongous pores staring at you? Well there's a system you can follow that makes your pores smaller.   

*Every other day or two use a toner.  

Toners are a must-have because they tighten, refine pores while gently removing excess oil, dirt and makeup residue without overdrying. So how about Astringent? Can we use it? Well, astringent is different from toner, they contain a high amount of alcohol and usually contain salicylic acid for acne users. Don't apply too much astringent as it dries out your skin. If you have acne prone skin use astringent every 2-3 days depending whether or not your skin dries out. For normal skin, apply Toner every other day or two. 

*Exfoliate. 

Once a week, exfoliate. Exfoliating your skin removes the the surface layer of dead cells. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and cause more harm than good. 

*Apply translucent powder.

Translucent powder hides pores making it less noticeable. 

Yes it's these 3 simple steps but don't forget your daily face wash routine. 

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

How to apply Sunscreen

Summer is around the corner and during warm weather, the sun rays damages our skin. Here are simple steps on how to apply sunscreen. 

*Apply sunscreen right out of the shower instead of body lotion when planning on going out all day. 

*Use a face cream with sunscreen for your face rather than one intended for the body. 

*After a swim, reapply sunscreen every hour or two. Even though most sunscreens are waterproof, its better to be safe than sorry. Avoid sunburned and damaged skin at all times. 

*Always have sunscreen on hand just in case you get caught under the sun for a long period of time. Have one in your purse, beach bag, work bag, and your gym bag.

*Finally, take antioxidant supplements along with your usual vitamins intake. The antioxidants are believed to help protect the body from free-radical damage, so don't forget a balanced diet consisting of 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

How to grow healthy strong hair

We all want great hair. But unfortunately, shiny, healthy hair doesn't just happen without a little bit of effort. By following this simple routine, your hair can be shiny, healthy, and gorgeous. 

STEP 1: Wash your hair. 

How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type. If you have oily/greasy hair wash every other day. If you have normal hair or dry coarse hair wash every 2 days. Too much shampooing strips your natural oils, causing harm to your hair.

STEP 2: Condition your hair.

Since shampooing strips away the natural oils on our hair, using a conditioner restores it back. It keeps hair hydrated, moisturized and tangle free.

STEP 3: Air Dry Naturally.

Let hair dry naturally to minimize damage to the hair. If you must blow dry, use the lowest heat setting possible  Don't forget to use a heat protecting product before blow drying.    

STEP 4: Brush/Comb Hair.

Remember to only brush and comb hair when it is dry. Hair is vulnerable to damage when wet. Brushing keeps your hair tangle free and distributes its natural oils throughout the hair.

STEP 5: Leave In Conditioner/Hot Oil Treatments.

Treat your hair with care. Once a week or every two weeks use a leave in conditioner or Hot Oil once a month. Just like getting a manicure and pedicure, your hair needs special treatments as well.

STEP 6: Visit your hairstylist.
Avoid split ends. Once split ends are visible, it's time to visit your hair stylist.

STEP 7: Take a Multivitamin

It is amazing how much the lack of nutrients in our body can effect the quality of our hair. Drink lots of water and take your vitamin every day.

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

10 Signs You Need a Hair Makeover!

SIGN #1: Your hair has no volume.

The top is flat, the sides are bulky, and it no longer frames your features. If your hair just sits there, even after you've blown it dry, set it, or curled it, at the very least get a trim. 

SIGN #2: Your old pals assure you that "you haven't changed a bit!
It's probably time to do just that.  Start getting inspired by collecting images of cuts you'd consider. Revisit them weekly until you can picture living with one of them. Next, schedule an appointment.

SIGN #3: Your highlights are more noticeable than your base color.

This is an indication that your highlights have become too heavy. Consider a single process to cover the streaks and lay off new highlights for at least three months. (Don't worry, some of the lighter bits will naturally show through, giving you a subtler, sun-kissed effect.)

SIGN #4: You're not receiving compliments on your hair anymore.

One simple tweak sure to garner attention is to set your strands in hot rollers. Of all the heat-styling tools, they produce the softest, sexiest waves.

SIGN #5: Your hair and skin tone match.

If your tress and skin tones have become too close, you could benefit from lowlights. Add deeper, warmer streaks using peroxide and ammonia-free color to give your look loads of dimension without damaging your hair.

SIGN #6: Your clothes have evolved; your hair hasn't.

Altering your clothing style is the perfect excuse to update your 'do. This way, your new look will work from head to toe.

SIGN #7: Split ends are visible. 

When split ends are visible, you need to get a trim. Split ends damages your hair. So make the appointment STAT. 

SIGN #8: You pull your hair into a ponytail all the time.

Adding bangs or layers to give your locks some shape — that way, you'll be more apt to wear them down.

SIGN #9: You spend more than 20 minutes styling your hair.

If it takes this long, your cut is clearly not making the most of your texture.

SIGN #10: Your stylist could cut your hair with her eyes closed.

Sounds like someone's in a rut. Tell her exactly what you want, don't be afraid... after all it's their job. 

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

How to clean your makeup brushes

There are two ways to clean your brushes: Spot Clean and Deep Clean

Spot Clean:  

You don't submerge your brushes under water. Mostly used by makeup artists at work when they need to clean brushes immediately. Spot cleaning is great when you need to use the same brush for another color, therefore you don't mix the colors. With spot cleaning, the brushes dry very quickly. 

How to spot clean: 

You need: 

Paper Towel/Dry Clean Cloth

Makeup cleanser

Step 1: 

Take the makeup cleanser and spray into the paper towel/wash cloth.

Step 2: 

Grab the brush and just sweep it back and forth on the paper towel.  If using a paper towel, once it gets worn out, use another one. Keep repeating until no more make up residue on the paper towel/wash cloth. You're done!

    

Deep Clean: 

Cleans your brushes way better, and it is very important to deep clean your brushes at least once month. If you use makeup everyday then at least every 2 weeks/ twice a month. Also, too much washing will damage your brushes. Remember, your brushes are going to need at least 24 hours to dry.

How to Deep Clean: 

You need: 
Small Plate

Detergent such as Dawn or Palmolive

Makeup Cleanser

Paper Towel/Dry Clean Cloth

Hand Towel

Step 1:

With the brush pointing downwards, run it under water. You should only be wetting the hairs of the brush. Do not let water get into the handle.  

Step 2:

Pour a teaspoon of detergent and a teaspoon of the homemade brush cleanser on the plate.*If cleaning a Kabuki Brush use 1/2 tablespoon* 

Take the brush and gently sweep it back and forth on the plate. You should see makeup coming off the brush. 

Step 3:

Rinse the brush pointing downwards, thoroughly washing the detergent of the brush. Rinse until the water runs clear. After rinsing, gently squeeze the brush to remove excess water. *Just make sure the brush isn't dripping wet when drying*  

Step 4:

If water does get into the brush besides the hair, now's the time to take the paper towel/clean cloth to clean/dry off the handle.

Step 5:

Take your homemade brush cleanser and spray a small amount on the brush to keep it clean, condition and bacteria-free. Take the same cloth you used earlier (Step 5) to remove the excess residue and reshape your brush.

Step 6: 

Fold the hand towel in half so your cleaned brushes will not touch the surface. Try to keep your brushes stored in a place where they won't get dusty.  Lay it flat to dry on the hand towel overnight.

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

Homemade Makeup Brush cleanser

Makeup brushes can harbor lots of dirt and bacteria, BUT washing them can keep them clean. Plus your face will thank you for that-you want a clean and a healthy face. There are tons of brush cleansers but have you read the ingredients in the back? Do you know what the ingredients are? Chemicals you haven't heard of? How expensive they are? I have tried other brush cleansers but they always leave my brushes dry and slightly brittle.

You don't need to spend a lot of money on a makeup brush cleaner because 

I found a video on YouTube and I think it's the most natural cleanser you can make at home. The ingredients are products you have at your home. I've been using this home made makeup brush cleanser for the past year and my brushes have been good as new. The result: the brushes are virtually soft and squeaky clean. 

So here's what you need for the home made brush cleanser:

• 1 cup Distilled Water, Purified or Bottled water: DO NOT use tap water. BUT make sure you boil tap water first for 10 minutes, let cool, then you can use it.

• 1/4 cup 70% Isopropyl Rubbing alcohol: To kill bacteria and to sanitize our brushes. 

• 1/2 tablespoon Dish Soap/Detergent: To remove the oils produced from our skin. Remember Palmolive Or Dawn only. We use Dawn detergent to clean sea animals affected by Oil Spills, and are least toxic to animals. They do not cause harm to our skin. Palmolive is safe for hands because it doesn't dry out our hands. Other detergents are extremely drying. 

• 1/2 tablespoon Baby Shampoo: To wash out dirt and makeup residue from foundation, eyeshadow, translucent powder, and blush. No harsh chemicals therefore safe for your brush.

• 1 tablespoon Spray on Leave-in Conditioner (Liquid form): Leave in conditioner is useful because your hair is soft & conditioned without the need of water. Using this conditioner on your brush leaves your brushes soft, never dry or brittle. Good brands are: Aveeno: Nourish + Condition™ Leave-In Treatment,  Paul Mitchell: The Conditioner™ Leave-In Moisturizer,  Aussie: Hair Insurance™ Leave In Conditioner  Nexxus: Humectress™ Luxe Ultimate Moisturizing Leave-In Spray.  Please do not buy the "GEL FORM" make sure it's in "LIQUID FORM"

• Mixing Jar/Container

• Something to stir with: spoon, spatula, chopsticks..etc

• Empty bottle for the cleanser

Mix the ingredients together in the jar/ container starting with the water.

After all the ingredients have been mixed in, carefully and gently stir everything together. Don't mix too fast, you don't want to start sudsing/foaming. After everything is blended toghether, pour the mixture into the empty bottle. There will be little white residue due to the spray on conditioner. This is ok.

So there you go, you're very own brush cleanser. Remember to deep clean your brushes once a month. Too much washing will damage your brushes. Please take good care of your brushes. A well maintained brush help you create that flawless look.

Hope you enjoy these great tips! Thanks EnKoreMakeup for the cleanser.

4 Basic Skin Care Needs

4 Basic Skin Care Needs.   

Everytime we touch our face, put makeup on, expose yourself under the sun, you are producing bacteria, residue, and damaged skin. Therefore, our skin needs to stay healthy-looking so here are 4 basic daily skin care needs. 

1: Cleansing

First, your skin type -- whether it's oily, dry, normal or combination - you have pick a cleanser one that suits your skin type. Don't be afraid to try several products. However using too many products may cause irritation. Experimenting is the Key, to a minimum of course. Also you can always ask your friends about the type of cleanser they use. Cleansing removes hidden dirt, makeup, opens up clogged pores and keeps the skin fresh 

When you cleanse, be sure to massage it into your face for at least 20 seconds so the ingredients can penetrate and be most effective.

2: Exfoliate

Exfoliating skin once a week with a microdermabrasion kit keeps skin glowing year-round.  Scrubs work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that tend to dull your complexion. We find exfoliating skin once a week with a microdermabrasion kit keeps skin glowing all year-round. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and cause more harm than good. 

Retinoids (such as Retin-A or the more moisturizing Renova) also work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells while also generating collagen in the skin. 

3: Moisturize

Moisturizing is very essential to keep the skin healthy and glowing. All types of skins need moisturizing. Even if your skin is oily, you should use a moisturizer. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin. Do not over-moisturize.

4: Sun Protection/SPF/Sunscreen

When you use sunscreen, you're not just helping to protect yourself from diseases like skin cancer; you're also helping to prevent the signs of skin aging that come from sun exposure. Skin that's left naked in the sun ends up more discolored and wrinkled and less elastic than skin that has been steadily shielded from UV radiation. Sun exposure causes wrinkles. It's best to use a moisturizer with sunscreen in the morning and another moisturizer without SPF at night. 

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

Hair Loss causes and prevention

Hair Loss plays a lead role in enhancing our looks. As a result poor self esteem may occur and your loss of confidence may prevent you from being happy. But don't despair unless it's hereditary, which is common baldness: male-pattern baldness/female pattern baldness, or permanent-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men/women. But if none of the above plays a role in that, here are some prevention and tips that are helpful for you.  

Hair Loss Causes: 

• If you have live a high stressed life try reducing stress by taking some time out daily just to relax, excessive stress is believed to induce hair loss

• Have you experience an illness/infection, an underlying disease, hormonal problems or a major surgery? These factors can cause hair loss. 

• Certain medicines/medications can cause hair loss. Ask your doctor.

• If you color your hair, limit coloring it to once ever 2 months. Hair coloring damages your hair and the less frequently you color it the better.

• Avoid putting too much physical stress on your hair, brush/comb your hair gently, don’t pull your hair when you brush and avoid braids and ponytails if possible, they place constant stress on your hair.

• Avoid excessive wind, sun, and heat (such as from hair dryers, hot showers, flat irons/curling irons) on your hair.

Hair Loss Prevention

• Getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair. Drink lots of water, avoid junk/ processed food and eat your veggies.  

• Take a multivitamin, Vitamin C and Omega 3's all play a part in maintaining a healthy scalp, skin, and hair.

• Massage your scalp will increase circulation. Plus it's soothing and calming.

• Get enough sleep.

• Visit your hairstylist for trimmings especially split ends. Having split ends means unhealthy hair. 

• If all else fails, see your doctor or a dermatologist for advice if you have concerns about hair loss and want to seek treatment. Don't forget there are wigs, hair pieces, and extensions at beauty department stores. 

Hope you enjoy these great tips!