Tuesday, 17 November 2009

How to Treat a Shiny, Oily Face


Do you have a perpetually shiny, oily face? There’s good news and bad news when it comes to oily skin. Because of its abundant oil supply, an oily face usually ages better, but in the short term, oily skin is more prone to breakouts, blemishes, and shine that can be difficult to control. If you’re frustrated by the thin layer of oil and shine that covers your face, it may be time to re-evaluate how you’re caring for your skin. In most cases, an oily, shiny face can be controlled with the right skin care regimen and the help of a little makeup. Here's how to treat a shiny, oily face.


Instructions


Step
1
Cleanse Your Skin Properly.

Many people with an oily face make the mistake of working too hard to remove every last bit of oil. Using a harsh detergent based cleanser and scrubbing too aggressively can scratch the skin and increase oil production due to overstimulation. When all of the protective oils are removed, the sebaceous glands pump out more which leads to further breakouts and shine. The key is to use a gentle, oil-free soap or cleanser to cleanse along with plenty of warm water. A good choice is Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. Resist the urge to be overly aggressive when you work with a shiny, oily face. It won’t help the problem and can actually cause harm.

Step
2 After Cleansing an Oily Face

Once you’ve cleansed your skin with an oil-free formula, follow up with an astringent to reduce shine and seal the pores. Both Neutrogena and Clearasil make oil-free astringents that remove shine without being overly harsh. Astringent should be applied with a cotton pad using a gentle dabbing motion. Avoid rubbing the skin as this can spread acne causing bacteria around the face. Using an astringent regularly can help to improve the appearance of a shiny, oily face. Do you need moisturizer? If so, it should be oil-free and applied only to the driest areas of the face. Never apply moisturizer to an area prone to breakouts or shine.

Step
3 Other Ways to Treat a Shiny Face Due to Excess Oil

To freshen up a shiny, oily face during the day, carry along a pack of oil blotting papers to remove shine throughout the day. These can be found at most drugstores. If your face still looks shiny after using the blotting paper, apply a light layer of matte, oil-free pressed powder.

Step
4 Other Tips

If you have an oily face that’s prone to acne, talk to your doctor about topical Retin-A. It will not only help to prevent breakouts, but decreases oil production as well in some people. Steam cleansing the skin and applying a clay based mask can also help to reduce excess oil and shine.

How to Treat a Shiny Face

It's nice when skin has a soft, dewy youthful look, but too much shine can be a problem. A shiny face is usually associated with oily skin that's prone to breakouts. A shiny face can also make it difficult to wear makeup since the makeup can "run" on oily skin. Tired of dealing with the excess oil and shine? Here's how to get rid of a shiny face.


Instructions


Step
1Change Your Cleansing Routine

Did you know if you strip surface oils from your face too aggressively when you cleanse, you can actually stimulate more oil production? Use an oil-free cleanser, but don't go overboard by using harsh, detergent based ones. Some good options are Neutrogena Oily Skin Soap or Purpose soap. Always wash with warm water to help further dissolve the oil. Resist the urge to overcleanse - twice a day cleansing is best.

Step
2Follow Up With an Astringent


If you have a shiny face, using an astringent after cleansing can further reduce shine. Use an astringent product that's designed for oily skin, but avoid ones containing alcohol which are too drying and may have the paradoxical effect of stimulating oil production. Instead of buying expensive astringents, try witch hazel instead. It's excellent for absorbing excess oil without stripping the skin.

Step
3Moisturize Only the Dryest Areas

A shiny face already has too much oil production. Use moisturizer on the driest areas of your face. (around the eyes).

Step
4Use Oil Blotting Sheets

Oil blotting sheets are a convenient way to treat a shiny face during the day. You can press them against the shiny areas of your face whenever your skin starts to look too shiny. Keep them with you at work and use one during your lunch break.

Step
5Could Hormones Be the Problem?

Sometimes hormone production and birth control pills can contribute to oily, shiny skin. If you have a problem with excessive oil and are on the birth control pill, ask your doctor about switching to a pill that's approved for treatment of acne. They also help to reduce oil production. Keep in mind that excessive oil production and a shiny face can sometimes be due to polycystic ovary disease. Ask your doctor if this could be cause of your skin problems.

Step
6Use an Oil-Free Pressed Powder

An oil-free pressed powder to a shiny face during the day to help improve its appearance. Always use a matte, oil-free makeup if you use a base makeup at all. Powder blush is better than cream blush which will simply disappear on oily, shiny skin.

How to Get Shiny Skin

Shiny skin can make us look radiant and healthy. Whereas dull skin makes us look haggard and lifeless. None of us want to have dull dry skin, but it happens. Why does it happen? There are a number of reasons, but none that we can't take care of on our own


Instructions

Step
1
Shiny legsNaturally, shiny skin or glowing skin makes a woman look more attractive. The only time some women don't like it is when it comes to the face then we usually want a matte look, but when it comes to our body it's another story. We all want silky, smooth glowing skin that can turn heads, especially when it comes to legs.

We can get this beautiful skin naturally or sometimes use products to acquire it. Or we can do a combination of the two, which is what many of us do including myself. It's not that hard with a little discipline you can have radiant, to die for skin, in no time. A nice tan doesn't
hurt either!

Step
2

WaterOne of the first things we need to do is hydrate our body properly. This means drink water and plenty of it. Nutritionists say 8-10 glasses a day it sounds like a lot, but if you space it out its doable. Water will also help with weight control, so it's does double duty.

To have and keep shiny skin you also need to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those that contain antioxidants such as artichokes, russet potatoes, beans, blueberries, cranberries, grapes, oranges, watermelon, pecans and walnuts to name a few.

Step
3
ExfoliateIt's also helpful to exfoliate the skin to get rid of dry dead skin this way you can expose the finer more delicate skin underneath. All you do is apply an exfoliating cleanser and loofah to the skin in a circular motion. In addition, take care of the face with special products designed for this as well as other sensitive areas of the body.

When you're finished use a good moisturizer since exfoliation can dry out skin. You can also use body wraps and body masks to keep skin shiny as well as massage. Anything that increases circulation will be beneficial to the skin including exercise. Try to have a routine, so that you will be consistent.

Step
4
MoisturizeThere are several types of oil used on skin to add shine one of the most popular is olive oil, which can be used for nails, hair and skin, so you will get a lot of use out of it. Then there is almond and baby oil tying for second and shimmer/glitter lotion coming up in the ranks for third.

Remember you want shiny skin not greasy skin, so apply sparingly. Of course, the goal is to look and feel natural and to look better than ever.

Friday, 6 November 2009

Perfect Makeup for Face and Lips

Choosing and Applying Makeup


Perfect Makeup for Face and Lips




Foundation: Foundation should match your skin tone. Test several different shades at the beauty counter by administering a small touch of foundation on to the back of the hand, smooth in gently and choose the foundation that blends in with your natural skin colour. You will usually find a few free testers on display.

When applying foundation to your face, dab it on your hands and pat it on to your forehead, cheekbones, the tip of your nose and your chin. Blend it in. For the fragile area around the eyes, tap and blend in a mere trace of foundation with your little finger using an inward motion under the eyes. Don't forget to extend the foundation over the jaw line and neck so that you don't leave a line. Finish off by patting gently with a damp sponge to give your skin a lovely natural look.Concealer: With the many different tones and textures of concealer on the market, finding one that suits you can be a daunting task. As mentioned earlier, test some on the back of your hand by gently rubbing on to the skin. The correct concealer for you will blend in with your natural skin tone.

Concealers are used mainly for correcting poor skin tones, concealing dark circles under the eyes, improving and contouring facial features.
A mauve based concealer will brighten up a pale and dull skin tone. Use a green base to conceal red blotches and ruddiness. Always apply foundation before the concealer.

To reduce dark circles under the eyes use a yellow based concealer. Apply to the darkest areas with a small brush and blend in gently with your fingertips. Apply the concealer prior to putting on your foundation.

To improve facial features, use pale shades to lengthen and lighten and dark shades to reduce, deepen and conceal. Available as creams, liquids and pencils. Apply after basic foundation.

Contour your face using a foundation or concealer two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Create depth and shadow in areas such as the cheeks and jaw. Use highlighting cream on the top of your cheek-bones to emphasize their shape.

Powder: Keep your powder application light. Blot the face lightly with a tissue, especially over the forehead, nose and chin. Pick up the powder on the puff and press it firmly on the face, one area at a time. Don't try to smooth it on by massaging the puff over the face. Whisk away the access using a soft, thick powder brush. Brush downwards to avoid powder getting caught in the fine facial hair.

Blusher: Use a rose-toned blusher for fair skin, for olive skin use peach and for a dark complexion choose red or apricot.

Put the blush on your brush, tapping off any excess. Look into the mirror and smile. This pin-points where the 'apple' of your cheek is. Gently brush the blusher upwards towards the temple, making a slight curve. Keep colour light and blend in well for a natural look. A touch of colour across the forehead and on the chin completes the look.

Lips: Check the lipstick colour is correct for your skin tone, hair and eye colouring. Keep to lighter and subtler shades during the day with maybe a tinted lip gloss and use darker, more vibrant shades and a shimmery lip gloss for night time.

Keeping your mouth closed trace a fine line around the lips with a sharp pencil. Start at the v of the top lip and move outward to lip corners by using short strokes, pencil in the bottom lip starting from the middle outwards.

To make lips look fuller follow the outer edge of the natural lip line and inside the natural lip line to make them look thinner.

Apply lipstick with a lip brush and blot lips with a tissue.

ToP Secreat of BeautY

Top 20 Skin-Care Questions Answered


1. Age spots

Q "I've noticed 'liver spots' appearing on the back of my hands.How are they caused - and how can I get rid of them? "

A Many people find these light-to-dark brown patches appearing on the back of their hands as they grow older.They can also appear on other areas, such as the forehead and temples.They're caused by an uneven production of the tanning pigment called melanin in the skin.This can be caused by excess sun exposure, or merely highlighted by it.

You can use a cream containing an ingredient called hydroquinone, which works by penetrating the skin tissue to "dissolve" the melanin.Within six to eight weeks, your skin should be back to normal.However, you must ensure you use a safe level of hydroquinone - the recommended amount in a cream is a mere two per cent.Using a sunscreen on your hands on a daily basis can prevent these patches from appearing again.

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2. Pregnant pause

Q "I'm pregnant and have developed patches of darker colour on my face, particularly under my eyes and around my mouth.What causes this?"

A This is called chloasma, or "the mask of pregnancy".It's triggered by a change in hormones at this time, and is made more obvious by sunbathing.Cover up under the sun and wear a sunblock to prevent the patches from becoming denser.It usually fades within a few months of having your baby.Chloasma can also be triggered by birth-control pills, but disappears once you stop taking them.

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3. On the spot

Q "I suffer from oily skin, but find blemish creams too drying.What can you suggest?"

A Many women have skin that has dry patches as well as blemishes.The solution is to choose an antibacterial cream that will kill off the cause of your blemishes, while soothing the skin around them.This means you won't be left with dry patches of skin as well as blemishes.

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4. Treatment sprays

Q "I find body lotions too hot and sticky to wear after bathing.Is there anything else I can try?"

A There's lovely new trend for body treatment sprays, which combine the moisturizing and toning properties of a body care product with the firagrance of a traditional perfume.This means they'll make you smell beautifully fresh as well as lightly moisturizing your skin.Many of the large perfume companies now offer a choice of these products.



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5. The throat vote

Q "The skin on my neck looks grey and dull.Are there any special treats to use?"

A Necks can quickly show the signs of ageing.This is mainly due to the fact that they have a lack of sebaceous glands.Using a creamy cleanser can help.Massage in, leave to dissolve dirt, and then remove with cotton wool (cotton) pads.Dull grey skin will benefit from regular exfoliation - scrub briskly with a face cloth or soft shaving brush.
Grey lines on neck and throat can be bleached away by smoothing plain yogurt over clean skin.Leave on for about half an hour, then rinse away thoroughly with warm water.Boost softness by smoothing on moisturizer.There's no need for a specialized throat cream - your ordinary one will do.


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Top 20 Skin-Care Questions Answered


1. Age spots

Q "I've noticed 'liver spots' appearing on the back of my hands.How are they caused - and how can I get rid of them? "

A Many people find these light-to-dark brown patches appearing on the back of their hands as they grow older.They can also appear on other areas, such as the forehead and temples.They're caused by an uneven production of the tanning pigment called melanin in the skin.This can be caused by excess sun exposure, or merely highlighted by it.

You can use a cream containing an ingredient called hydroquinone, which works by penetrating the skin tissue to "dissolve" the melanin.Within six to eight weeks, your skin should be back to normal.However, you must ensure you use a safe level of hydroquinone - the recommended amount in a cream is a mere two per cent.Using a sunscreen on your hands on a daily basis can prevent these patches from appearing again.

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2. Pregnant pause

Q "I'm pregnant and have developed patches of darker colour on my face, particularly under my eyes and around my mouth.What causes this?"

A This is called chloasma, or "the mask of pregnancy".It's triggered by a change in hormones at this time, and is made more obvious by sunbathing.Cover up under the sun and wear a sunblock to prevent the patches from becoming denser.It usually fades within a few months of having your baby.Chloasma can also be triggered by birth-control pills, but disappears once you stop taking them.

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3. On the spot

Q "I suffer from oily skin, but find blemish creams too drying.What can you suggest?"

A Many women have skin that has dry patches as well as blemishes.The solution is to choose an antibacterial cream that will kill off the cause of your blemishes, while soothing the skin around them.This means you won't be left with dry patches of skin as well as blemishes.

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4. Treatment sprays

Q "I find body lotions too hot and sticky to wear after bathing.Is there anything else I can try?"

A There's lovely new trend for body treatment sprays, which combine the moisturizing and toning properties of a body care product with the firagrance of a traditional perfume.This means they'll make you smell beautifully fresh as well as lightly moisturizing your skin.Many of the large perfume companies now offer a choice of these products.



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5. The throat vote

Q "The skin on my neck looks grey and dull.Are there any special treats to use?"

A Necks can quickly show the signs of ageing.This is mainly due to the fact that they have a lack of sebaceous glands.Using a creamy cleanser can help.Massage in, leave to dissolve dirt, and then remove with cotton wool (cotton) pads.Dull grey skin will benefit from regular exfoliation - scrub briskly with a face cloth or soft shaving brush.
Grey lines on neck and throat can be bleached away by smoothing plain yogurt over clean skin.Leave on for about half an hour, then rinse away thoroughly with warm water.Boost softness by smoothing on moisturizer.There's no need for a specialized throat cream - your ordinary one will do.


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6. Beautiful back

Q "How can I get rid of the pimples on my back and bottom?"

A Because backs are covered up, and hard to reach, they're prone to breakouts.Keep yours blemish-free by exfoliating daily with a loofah or body brush to remove dry, flaking skin and superficial blemishes.For more stubborn pimples, try a clay mask to draw out deep-seated impurities.Smooth onto broken-out areas, leave until dry, then rinse away with lots of warm water.



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7. Mole watch

Q "I understand you need to keep an eye on moles on your skin to guard against the risk of skin cancer.But what exactly should I be looking for?"
A Moles are clumps of clustered pigment cells that are nearly always darker than freckles.All changes in existing moles should be checked by your doctor.Any that cause concern will be removed and sent off for analysis.You should also check moles yourself once a month.Try the following A, B, C, D.Code: check for A ( asymmetry); B( border irregularity); C( colour change); D( change in diameter).

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8. Shadow sense

Q "I've got dark shadows under my eyes.What's the best way to deal with them?"

A Dark shadows can be the result of a variety of causes, including fatigue, anaemia, poor digestion and lack of fresh air.They can also be hereditary.If in doubt, consult your doctor for advice.Take steps to ensure you're cutting out the causes - for instance, getting a good night's sleep, and keeping to a low-fat, high-fibre diet.

For special occasions, you can bathe the area with pads soaked in ice-cold water for 15 minutes.This will help lessen the shadow effect temporarily.Or cover shadows by dotting on some concealer.

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9. Brown baby

Q "Is there anything I can do hang onto my tan for longer?"

A Just when you want to show off a golden tan, it begins to peel away.This is because your skin is especially dry after sunbathing, and so it sheds its old cells more quickly.You can prolong the colour for a little while longer by applying lots of body lotion in the morning and evening.Apply it while your skin is still damp to make it extra effective.Apply a little fake tan every few days to keep your colour topped up.Or better still, protect your skin by not tanning at all.

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10. Sticky situation

Q "I exercise a lot, and find body odour a problem.How can I prevent it?"

A Sweating is your body's natural cooling device.Sweat itself has no odour, but it begins to smell when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin's surface.Keeping underarms hair-free can help prevent sweat from being trapped.

Opt for an antiperspirant deodorant rather than just an ordinary deodorant alone.
The antiperspirants help prevent sweating, while the deodorant helps prevent odour.As a result, a product with the combination of the two is highly effective.Also, try to wear natural fibres next to your skin because they help you to stay fresh for longer.

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11. Massage magic

Q "I had a facial massage in a beauty salon.Is there a way I can give myself one at home?"

A Yes, just like every other part of your body, your face will look better after a bit of exercise, and a massage is the ideal way to give your complexion a workout.Pour a few drops of vegetable oil into the palms of your hands and smooth it onto your face and neck.Make sure your skin is damp, as this makes the oil go on more easily.

Then follow these steps:
Use the pads of your fingers to stroke upwards from the base of your neck to your chin.
Continue with long strokes up one side of your face, then the other.
Now go around your nose and up towards your forehead.
When you get to your forehead, stroke it across from left to right using one hand.Finish off by gently drawing a circle around each eye using one finger.

12. Stretch marks

Q "Is there anything I can do get rid of the stretch marks that have appeared on my tummy, breasts and thighs?"

A Stretch marks are a sign of your skin's inability to cope with the rapid expansion of flesh underneath.The collagen and elastin fibres underneath actually tear with the sheer strain of it all.They usually make an appearance in times of rapid weight gain, such as puberty and pregnancy.They look quite red when they first appear, although you can take heart that, with time, they fade away to an almost unnoticeable silvery shade.
There's nothing you can do once you've got them, except wait until they start to fade.However, keeping your skin well moisturized can help guard against them.Apply body lotion after a bath or shower, and give it plenty of time to sink in before dressing.Finally, an application of fake can be a good disguise for stretch marks that might be on view.

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13. Night watch

Q "My dry skin needs night cream, but I seem to lose most of it onto my pillow.Any solutions?"

A Put a little night cream into the palm of your hand, then gently rub your hands together. The heat created will help liquefy the cream and make it more easily absorbed.
Gently massage it into your skin, and you'll find it sinks in better. Another method is to place the cream in a teaspoon, and heat gently over a low gas flame on the cooker until just warm, before applying as usual.It sounds strange, but really works!

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14. Polished perfection

Q "I spend a fortune on skin-care products, but resent paying for an exfoliater. Are there any alternatives?"

A Yes, here's a good, cheap alternative to facial scrubs! After washing your skin, gently massage with a soft facecloth or natural sponge to ease away the deadsurface skin cells which can give your complexion a muddy look. Make sure you avoid ones with scratchy surfaces as they'll be too harsh for your skin. If you have dry skin, massage a little cream cleanser onto damp skin, then rub over the top with your flannel. Rinse afterwards, then apply moisturizer in the normal way. However, it is essential to wash the facecloth after every couple of uses, and to hang it up to dry in between to prevent the build-up of bacteria.

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15. Lip tricks

Q "How can I stop my lips getting so chapped and flaky in winter?"

A This three-step action plan will help.

Massage dry lips with a generous dollop of petroleum jelly.
Allow it to get to work for a couple of minutes to soften your skin.
Then, gently rub your lips with a warm, damp facecloth.
As the petroleum jelly is removed, the flakes of skin will come with it!
Smooth your lips morning and night with a lip balm.
Switch to a moisturizing lipstick to prevent your lips from drying out during the daytime.

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16. Red nose day

Q "It's so embarrassing! My nose looks really red in the winter. What's the best way to cover it?"

A Try smoothing a little green foundation or concealer over the red area before applying your normal foundation and powder. Although it sounds strange, the green works by concealing out the redness - leaving your skin looking a normal shade again.

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17. Winter sun

Q "Someone told me you should still wear a sunscreen in winter. Is this true?"

A Yes, if you want to guard against the signs of ageing! Exposure to sunlight is thought to be the main cause of wrinkling, and the ultraviolet A rays that are responsible for this process are around every single day of the year. You don't, however, need to use a suntan lotion- just choose one of the many moisturizers that contain sunscreens.

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18. Lighten up

Q "My skin feels as though it needs a richer cream in the winter months, but I find most of them too heavy. What can you suggest?"
A Choose the level of moisturizer that feels right for you. Just because a moisturizer is heavier, it doesn't necessarily mean it's more effective. You can help seal in extra moisture to your skin by spritzing your complexion with water before applying it. Also, choose a nourishing foundation or tinted moisturizer to ensure your skin stays smooth and soft all day long. You can help counteract the drying effects of central heating by placing a bowl of water near the radiators to replenish moisture levels in the air.

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19. Water factor

Q "I like the feeling of water on my face, but I find soap too drying. Should I switch to a cream cleanser instead?"

A If you have dry skin, it's generally better to use a creamy cleanser, which you apply with your fingertips and remove with cottonwood (cotton) or soft tissues. This is because it will prevent too much moisture from being lost from the surface of your skin. However, normal and oily skins can still happily use water - but switch to a facial wash or wash-off cleanser instead. They're specially formulated to be non-drying, while still getting your face clean - and you can splash with water as much as you like!

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20. Sensitive issue

Q "Why does my skin feel more sensitive in winter than summer?"

A Eight per cent of women claim to have sensitive skin-which tingles, itches and is prone to dryness. It can be aggravated by harsh winter weather, such as the winds and cold, because this breaks down the natural oily layer which protects your skin. Milder summer weather doesn't tend to be so hard on the skin. The best way to cope is to moisturize regularly with a hypo-allergenic cream that is specially formulated for sensitive skin.




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