Tips for a smooth and glowing complexion

To have flawless foundation application, having smooth and glowing skin is essential. To reach that, understanding how lifestyle can affect the skin is important. I am someone who struggles with combination skin - this can be considered an advantage, considering most foundations or face products work on my skin type. But when having oily and dry skin, finding a face wash, moisturizer, and more, can be a struggle.
Bobbi Brown, a professional make artist and the founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, states in her book that the condition of your skin can be impacted or changed due to many factor: the environment, diet, or overall health (33). This means that there are many things that can contribute to the type of skin someone may have, for example, skin that is red and dry can be caused by very hot or cold temperatures. For me, I have found that very cold temperatures lead my skin to be more flaky than usual. In the winter, the cold weather dries out my skin and minimizes my pores, which impacts my makeup application and often causes me to have to use a different, more hydrating foundation.

Brown goes into further description and analysis about all skin types, "Normal skin: comfortable feeling, smooth texture with small pores... Dry/Extra Dry skin: feels tight after washing, pores are small and sensitive... Oily skin: large visible pores, frequent breakouts... Combination skin: oily T-zone, dry cheeks or spot dehydration" (32). Before reading this chapter of the book, I did not know how to identify certain skin types. Brown led me to the conclusion of me having combination skin. I did some research on what products work best on combination skin, and I found that the brand Murad has a set of face washes and moisturizers for skin like mine.

This face was is a gel based cleanser, which Brown states is best for oily or combination skin that are prone to breakouts (34). Ever since following Brown's tip on using a gel cleanser, my skin has cleared up and my pores have been minimized, which leads to less breakouts.

A question I have for you guys is: what type of skin do you guys have? And what cleanser or facial products work for your skin type?

Brown, Bobbi, et al. Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: for Everyone from Beginner to Pro. Springboard Press, 2011.

Importance of Skin Preparation

Beauty Routine: Importance of Skin Preparation

Why would skincare involve makeup? Beauty starts with smooth, healthy, glowing skin. Many people tend to forget about skin care beforehand and place makeup on directly, resulting in damaged, clogged pores. Preparing your skin before the application of  makeup will ensure you flawless results, as well as increase the longevity of your makeup. Based on the individual products may vary whether you have normal, combination, sensitive, dry, or oily skin type. Include a cleanser, exfoliator, toner, moisturizer, as well as SPF to your daily routine as it creates a barrier between your skin and the harmful UV rays given off from the sun.

Personally, through all four seasons I have very dry skin. Without properly hydrating beforehand, my foundation looks like the Sahara desert. My skin will often flake, and when your base is not cute, you're not cute. Especially in person. But neither is looking like an oil spill appealing. People tend to always complain that, "oh I don't have time". But sad truth is that, we can't all be blessed with normal skin, and have to work for it in the long term

Analyzing your skin will help you recognize your own particular routine that is beneficial for you. So you can go slay all day. But here is some information for educational purposes. Normal skin is ideal as it is neither too dry nor too oily. People with combination skin tend to have an oily t-zone, while having the cruel experience of dry cheeks, or spot dehydration at the same time. Us dry skin people can be flaky, and tend to have a dull complexion. Oily skin is shiny throughout your entire face as it is caused by overactive oil-producing glands. But on the positive note, you'll have beautiful youthful skin longer than me. I'm also very sensitive, and sensitive skin is more complex because it ranges from dry to oily skin, and is easily irritated by many cosmetics  and skincare products.

According to Bobbi Brown, an internationally renowned makeup artist, and CCO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, “The skin’s condition can be quickly impacted by changes in the environment, health, diet, and even products chosen in which irritate the skin” (Brown 33).

Cleansing, and toning will tighten pores, and remove excess oil, promoting longevity of the products. Exfoliators will improve skin texture by removing dead skin cells, as well as decreasing the appearance of hyperpigmentation on skin’s surface.

But, hydration is the most significant step of skin preparation as our skin’s tone and flexibility relies on the water content of our tissues drawn from the humidity of the air, as well as moisture added onto the skin’s surface. Adding moisture will help maintain luminosity, and firmness. It's truly the secret to having youthful skin. Products entitled as a moisturizer will plump your skin. Enhance the look, feel, and overall health of your skin. No one likes wrinkles, and big pores am I right? Hence, the right moisturizer will help your makeup application to go on smoothly, and properly adhere to your precious skin.

I tend to go towards products in which don't tighten my skin and tend to be quite hydrating, so it may not appeal to oilier skin. But please, no matter what skin type you have, avoid alcohol. It'll only irritate, and dry out your face significantly causing your pores to create even more oil.

While I could continue to rant about the different types of skin, and the significance of preparing your face before applying makeup, there are 6 tips in which are beneficial, and adhere to all skin types. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks UV rays, and avoid long periods of direct sunlight. Too much sunlight can cause aging process to quicken. Stay hydrated by drinking water, as well as moisturize. Not only will it help the condition of your skin, but bodily functions as well. Obtain a moisturizer that works for you. For oilier skin types, I recommend using gel bases rather than creams. Do not ever smoke, nor try any form of narcotics. Most importantly, wash your skin gently everyday, and never wear any form of makeup to bed. Will you incorporate skin care to your lifestyle?

skin care

Skin

               Everyone wants clear and beautiful skin. Some use products to get clear skin and others use illusions that help skin look flawless. I do not have clear nor perfect skin but I do try to use the illusion of makeup to cover up acne and other times I would use skin care products to have decent skin. While reading the book “Face paint the story of makeup” by Lisa Eldridge I read a part where the author was taking about how some products in lotions are better to use, “As women sought to appear to have perfect skin while using less makeup, skin-lightening skin-care and ingestible become popular. Lotions and potions containing hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid), ammonium, hydrogen peroxide, arsenic, and mercury compounds were all the rage for their freckle- and pigmentation- fading properties. Knowing this, I sought out to find some acne based products for my skin and order to “appear to have perfect skin.”

               I went to Ulta and asked for some acne-based products for my skin specifically that had the ingredients recommended. The woman there recommended that I get the Mario Badescu skin care line and me being me I bought it right there and then.

               Using the product for a week or two and I saw more improvements in my skin and I ended up using less makeup and embracing the skin that I have.

               My question for you people is what types of products do you use for your skin and have you seen any results in using them?