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Archive for the ‘Beautyphile’ Category

Best Makeup Brushes

Author: Isabel Anderson

As with any type of painting, the success in executing a good facial makeup lies greatly in the tools used to apply the different colors.  Some women are adept at using their bare fingers to apply cosmetics, but the best makeup brushes will certainly deliver the right effects at the right corners.

The basic among the makeup brushes that should be present in every woman’s makeup set is the powder brush.  It is a full brush and is the largest among the set, designed to evenly apply loose makeup powder on the face.  Upward and twirling strokes of this powder brush against the face help to avoid uneven caking of the powder on the skin.

A foundation brush has flat but soft bristles and is used to apply cream based or liquid foundation.  A soft foundation brush may be naturally made from sable fur or from a smooth, washable synthetic material.

The Kabuki brush originated from the Japanese theatres, where performers need a large, thick yet soft brush to apply heavy makeup in a quick time.  The traditional Japanese plays showcase the expressive artistry of  Japanese kabuki makeup.  In the present times, kabuki brushes are gaining a following in parallel with the popularity of the mineral based makeup.  This kind of brush has coarse bristles that can easily pick up loose, powdered minerals and that can conveniently set the mineral foundation unto the skin with a buffing action.

Concealer brushes are meant solely for concealer application.  Since concealers are being used to conceal skin imperfections such as skin discoloration, zits and rough edges, these tools should come in the right form and weight.  A tapered square head with flat firm brushes is the appropriate concealer brush to be used under the eye area.  Tapered, round brushes on the other hand should be used to cover blemishes in other facial zones.  Concealer brushes should have long brushes for flexibility in under the eye makeup application and they should have the right weight to place the right pressure without straining the hands.  Dab the dark spot with the concealer and blend well using precise, short strokes.

A perfect blusher brush should have a full head of slightly tapered brushes for even and natural distribution of blush pigments.  The small brushes that often comes with the blush are oftentimes too hard bristled that they pick up more pigments than necessary.  Naturally blend the blush pigment into the skin tone by upwardly sweeping the blusher blush from the cheek mound up to the hairline.

A medium sized eyeshadow brush is the best to use for a multi purpose function.  Use the side part to apply color across the entire eyelid area and the tip edge to define the eyelid crease.  Do not forget to blend and sweep to achieve a harmonious skin tone hue.  An eyebrow brush will take care of the final touches of defining the brows.

See and feel the difference of having your makeup applied using cosmetic brushes. Look naturally beautiful without the feeling of being too cosmetically made up with the help of the best makeup brushes.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/best-makeup-brushes-919351.html


About the AuthorLooking for a wholesale makeup brush? We show you the best information and sources at http://www.makeup-opinions.com

Benefits of Honey – Homemade Skin Care

Author: Susan Katchur

There are numerous benefits of honey.  This natural substance has been used from a tasty delicacy to health and beauty treatments. Honey is a natural, rich golden, liquid made by honeybees and stored in honeycombs.  Honey contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and sugars.

HONEY AND SKIN CARE:

  • Fights infection; burns, wounds, cuts
  • Antiseptic
  • Antibacterial
  • Antioxidants benefits
  • Anti-inflammatory & Pain Reliever; helpful for arthritis
  • Reduces scarring
  • Provides acne relief
  • Relieves Athlete’s foot fungus
  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Moisturizes and conditions skin and hair
  • Helps to prevent hair loss
  • Used for yeast infection
  • Aids in healing skin tissue

The healthiest form of honey is raw honey. What is the difference between raw honey and commercial honey?  Raw honey is unfiltered. It has textured crystals, particles of bee pollen, honeycomb bits, propolis and broken bee wing fragments.  It is low in moisture and high in antioxidants benefits.  It has a, naturally, milky appearance containing the most nutritional value with the concentrated enzyme, amylase.

On the contrary, commercial honey, found at grocery stores or supermarkets, has been heated and filtered. This process allows a cleaner, smoother, more eye-appealing product to store on shelves for purchase.  When the commercial type of honey is heated and filtered, its natural enzymes are partially destroyed. These enzymes are the natural activators for its vitamins and minerals.  Although commercial honey may have an eye-appealing appearance, it is not as healthful or nutritious as raw honey.

Honey contains healthful, natural, vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6 and C. Its natural minerals include:  magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron, phosphate, copper, iodine and zinc.   Its sugars include glucose and fructose.

There is a natural, heavy, foot scrub that penetrates down deep where the skin is still alive, relieving cracked heels and calluses. This homemade skin care product is a penetrating, soothing, conditioning, moisturizing and pain-relieving, natural, foot scrub.  It is perfectly handcrafted with natural goat milk soap, raw honey and Dead Sea salt. It provides for, absolutely, beautiful feet!

OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS OF HONEY:

  • Helpful for bad breath
  • Aids in sleep disorders
  • Anti-tumor properties: prevents carcinogens
  • Boost Immune System
  • Excellent substitute for sugar
  • Cleansing for body
  • Used in alternative medicine
  • Delicate aroma
  • Aids in digestion

Nearly one million tons of honey is produced, worldwide, annually!  It can be used in a variety of homemade skin care products, hair care products, or commercial products.  It can be used as a tasty delicacy in foods and drinks.  It is used for alternative medicine or natural cures for a variety of ailments. The health benefits of honey are numerous!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/benefits-of-honey-homemade-skin-care-3622780.html


About the AuthorFind a, natural, foot scrub handcrafted with the benefits of honey, at:  www.natural-goat-milk-soap.com/benefits-of-honey.html

Hyperpigmentation Treatment – 5 Treatment Options Available

Author: Lovel Rose

Hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin, which typically results from increased melanin. It can occur for people with all skin types and complexions. Hyper-pigmentation can be caused by many factors such as drug reactions, excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes, heredity, acne or mechanical exfoliation techniques.

Typically, hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition and sometimes resolves on its own; however, should it be too aesthetically damaging for you, the following treatment options can provide some relief. Here are some treatment options available for Hyperpigmentation, including the following.

1. Bleaching cream
Bleaching creams are designed to lighten the discolored spots on the skin. Some over the counter creams are available. Doctors can also prescribe certain drug treatments both to help prevent hyperpigmentation and to help reduce the visual discoloration that occurs.

Over-the-counter creams typically contain hydroquinone in a two percent formula, while prescription creams may contain tretinoin or a mix of medications such as hydroquinone, tertinoin and cortisone cream. Other possible ingredients include kojic acid and azelaic acid. The creams may require months of use, and are generally not as effective as other treatments. Possible side effects include localized redness and dryness of the skin, accompanied by a peeling of the skin.

2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a mini procedure that involves the skin being sandblasted by aluminum oxide crystals, vitamin C crystals and other types of mild abrasives to remove the horny (top) layer of the skin; dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion is usually done to the face, chest, neck, hands or arms. It is more affordable than cosmetic surgery, has fewer side effects and is effective on all skin types and colours . Microdermabrasion is however only effective in mild cases of hyperpigmentation or dark spots.

3. Chemical peels
A chemical peel is a procedure which is used to improve the appearance of the skin. The procedure is most commonly performed on the face, neck and hands. A chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin and the chemical is left to soak into the pores. The chemical used for the peel causes the skin to “blister” and over the next 14 days the skin will eventually peel off.
The types of chemical peels differ based on how deeply the chemical penetrates and what type of chemical solution is used. Factors that may affect the depth of a peel include the acid concentration in the peeling agent, the number of coats that are applied, and the amount of time allowed before the acid is neutralized. Deeper peels result in more dramatic effects as well as higher risks, increased pain, and longer healing time.

4. Laser skin resurfacing
Laser resurfacing involves a high-powered laser to remove the skin discoloration. This treatment penetrates deeper into the skin, removing multiple layers as opposed to just surface layers of epidermis. The recovery period is likely to be longer than with standard laser treatment, lasting up to three weeks or longer and often accompanied by redness that could last for months.

5. Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)
Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) uses intense broadband visible light in the 500-1200nm range, that is emitted from a nonlaser filtered flashlamp in pulses. The light which is applied to the target area is absorbed by the cells that have a greater intensity of colour or chromophores (parts of a molecule responsible for its colour) i.e. the hyperpigmented area. This light energy is converted to heat energy which causes damage to the target cells thus causing the break-up of the hyperpigmented area. The use of filters in IPL therapy enables different wavelengths to be applied to the target area and therefore allows optimum wavelength to be selected for effectiveness against different target cells. The advantage of this therapy is that recovery time is quite fast as only the dermis (lower surface) of the skin is targeted. It has shown to be effective against such pigmentation as refactory melasma (darkened brown patches), ephelides (freckles) and solar lentigines (liver spots). IPL therapy can be obtained from clinics.

Many treatment options are available to hyperpigmentation treatment. Discuss all these options in depth with your dermatologist to find out what type treatment is right for you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/acne-articles/hyperpigmentation-treatment-5-treatment-options-available-2240115.html


About the Author
Author: If you want more information about acne please visit this site right now.

How To Choose The Right At Home Chemical Peel

Author: Kathleen Dean

How would you like to easily improve your skin’s health and appearance while reversing the hands of time?

Thanks to at-home chemical peels, women and men of all ages have diminished fine lines and wrinkles, acne and discoloration, while improving skin texture, brightness and firmness. Yet, many consumers fail to select the right peel simply because there are so many to choose from.

Key details to consider when purchasing an at-home chemical peel is the chemical type (Alpha Hydroxy, Beta Hydroxy, Trichloreacetic Acid (TCA), Jessners or a non-acidic Enzyme Peel) the percentage of the peel, and the pH level.

Here’s what you should know before purchasing any chemical peel:

What are the different types of peels?
Lactic Acids (Alpha Hydroxy). The ideal peel for the beginner and suitable for all skin types. Lactic Acid peels derive from milk and penetrate the epidermis only. Some formulations contain licorice extract—an effective skin lightening additive making the peel great for those with hyper-pigmentation (discoloration of the skin).

Glycolic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy). A good all-around acid for normal to oily skin types. Harsher than lactic acids, this peel penetrates the epidermis while exfoliating the skin.
Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy). This peel is oil soluble, making these acids perfect for oily skin that needs deep pore cleansing and loosening of blackheads. A beta-hydroxy, this acid penetrates the upper layers of the epidermis only.

Trichloreacetic Acid (TCA). TCA is a deeper peeling class of acids used for acne, lines, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and scarring. This peel penetrates the epidermis into the upper layers of the dermis producing a more effective peeling experience. Note that no matter how deep the peel penetrates, the skin will heal and return to normal. Always begin with a low strength peel for this particular acid.

Non Acid Enzyme Peel. These all-natural enzyme peels, made from papaya and pineapple, safely dissolve surface skin debris leaving the skin feeling soft, cleansed and refreshed. These are the same peels your esthetician would use at a high-end salon.

Revitalization Peel (Jessner’s Type). This is a drying peel best suited for oily and acneic skin types. Containing both alpha and beta hydroxies, along with resorcinol, this peel penetrates more deeply than an alpha or beta peel, but less deeply than a TCA. Not recommended for sensitive or dry skin.

There is a peel for every skin type, yet many consumers choose peels that are either too strong or not strong enough. This guide can help you make the best decision for your skin. When in doubt, always go gentler rather than stronger.

What do pH Levels mean, and why do they matter?
The pH level refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity within the product. The lower the pH, the more acidic the peel, thus making the peel stronger. The pH scale runs from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). Use caution with products that contain lower acidity levels, as these products are the most irritating to the skin.

What will happen to the skin following the peel?

The effects of chemical peels vary depending on the type. Here’s what to expect following:

Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels—temporary redness for approximately 1 hour at the lower percentage

Beta Hydroxy Peels–temporary redness for approximately 45 minutes, some light flaking post-peel
TCA Peels—tempoary redness at lower percentages, followed by light flaking of the skin. At the higher percentrage you will see redness followed by the skin turning a brown coloration and visible peeling for up to 10 days. The degree to which these visible symptoms appear depends on the strength of the peel.

Jessner Peels—temporary redness and peeling for several days

Enzyme Peels—temporary pink coloration for 30-45 minutes

Conclusion

Today, chemical peels are one of the most affordable methods to improving the skin and fighting aging. Achieve lasting and noticeable results with a chemical peel that truly “fits” your skin. If the peel fits, you’ll enjoy years of glowing, fresh and youthful skin!

For more information about at-home chemical peels, including a before/after video of results, click here to link to our chemical peel products page.
http://www.makeupartistschoice.com/catalog/Chemical_Peels-10-1.html

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/how-to-choose-the-right-at-home-chemical-peel-857005.html


About the Author


Owner/CEO of Makeup Artist’s Choice, manufacturers and retailers of cosmeceuticals and makeup.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment – 5 Treatment Options Available

Author: Lovel Rose

Hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin, which typically results from increased melanin. It can occur for people with all skin types and complexions. Hyper-pigmentation can be caused by many factors such as drug reactions, excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes, heredity, acne or mechanical exfoliation techniques.

Typically, hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition and sometimes resolves on its own; however, should it be too aesthetically damaging for you, the following treatment options can provide some relief. Here are some treatment options available for Hyperpigmentation, including the following.

1. Bleaching cream
Bleaching creams are designed to lighten the discolored spots on the skin. Some over the counter creams are available. Doctors can also prescribe certain drug treatments both to help prevent hyperpigmentation and to help reduce the visual discoloration that occurs.

Over-the-counter creams typically contain hydroquinone in a two percent formula, while prescription creams may contain tretinoin or a mix of medications such as hydroquinone, tertinoin and cortisone cream. Other possible ingredients include kojic acid and azelaic acid. The creams may require months of use, and are generally not as effective as other treatments. Possible side effects include localized redness and dryness of the skin, accompanied by a peeling of the skin.

2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a mini procedure that involves the skin being sandblasted by aluminum oxide crystals, vitamin C crystals and other types of mild abrasives to remove the horny (top) layer of the skin; dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion is usually done to the face, chest, neck, hands or arms. It is more affordable than cosmetic surgery, has fewer side effects and is effective on all skin types and colours . Microdermabrasion is however only effective in mild cases of hyperpigmentation or dark spots.

3. Chemical peels
A chemical peel is a procedure which is used to improve the appearance of the skin. The procedure is most commonly performed on the face, neck and hands. A chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin and the chemical is left to soak into the pores. The chemical used for the peel causes the skin to “blister” and over the next 14 days the skin will eventually peel off.
The types of chemical peels differ based on how deeply the chemical penetrates and what type of chemical solution is used. Factors that may affect the depth of a peel include the acid concentration in the peeling agent, the number of coats that are applied, and the amount of time allowed before the acid is neutralized. Deeper peels result in more dramatic effects as well as higher risks, increased pain, and longer healing time.

4. Laser skin resurfacing
Laser resurfacing involves a high-powered laser to remove the skin discoloration. This treatment penetrates deeper into the skin, removing multiple layers as opposed to just surface layers of epidermis. The recovery period is likely to be longer than with standard laser treatment, lasting up to three weeks or longer and often accompanied by redness that could last for months.

5. Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)
Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) uses intense broadband visible light in the 500-1200nm range, that is emitted from a nonlaser filtered flashlamp in pulses. The light which is applied to the target area is absorbed by the cells that have a greater intensity of colour or chromophores (parts of a molecule responsible for its colour) i.e. the hyperpigmented area. This light energy is converted to heat energy which causes damage to the target cells thus causing the break-up of the hyperpigmented area. The use of filters in IPL therapy enables different wavelengths to be applied to the target area and therefore allows optimum wavelength to be selected for effectiveness against different target cells. The advantage of this therapy is that recovery time is quite fast as only the dermis (lower surface) of the skin is targeted. It has shown to be effective against such pigmentation as refactory melasma (darkened brown patches), ephelides (freckles) and solar lentigines (liver spots). IPL therapy can be obtained from clinics.

Many treatment options are available to hyperpigmentation treatment. Discuss all these options in depth with your dermatologist to find out what type treatment is right for you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/acne-articles/hyperpigmentation-treatment-5-treatment-options-available-2240115.html


About the Author
Author: If you want more information about acne please visit this site right now.

How To Choose The Right At Home Chemical Peel

Author: Kathleen Dean

How would you like to easily improve your skin’s health and appearance while reversing the hands of time?

Thanks to at-home chemical peels, women and men of all ages have diminished fine lines and wrinkles, acne and discoloration, while improving skin texture, brightness and firmness. Yet, many consumers fail to select the right peel simply because there are so many to choose from.

Key details to consider when purchasing an at-home chemical peel is the chemical type (Alpha Hydroxy, Beta Hydroxy, Trichloreacetic Acid (TCA), Jessners or a non-acidic Enzyme Peel) the percentage of the peel, and the pH level.

Here’s what you should know before purchasing any chemical peel:

What are the different types of peels?
Lactic Acids (Alpha Hydroxy). The ideal peel for the beginner and suitable for all skin types. Lactic Acid peels derive from milk and penetrate the epidermis only. Some formulations contain licorice extract—an effective skin lightening additive making the peel great for those with hyper-pigmentation (discoloration of the skin).

Glycolic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy). A good all-around acid for normal to oily skin types. Harsher than lactic acids, this peel penetrates the epidermis while exfoliating the skin.
Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy). This peel is oil soluble, making these acids perfect for oily skin that needs deep pore cleansing and loosening of blackheads. A beta-hydroxy, this acid penetrates the upper layers of the epidermis only.

Trichloreacetic Acid (TCA). TCA is a deeper peeling class of acids used for acne, lines, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and scarring. This peel penetrates the epidermis into the upper layers of the dermis producing a more effective peeling experience. Note that no matter how deep the peel penetrates, the skin will heal and return to normal. Always begin with a low strength peel for this particular acid.

Non Acid Enzyme Peel. These all-natural enzyme peels, made from papaya and pineapple, safely dissolve surface skin debris leaving the skin feeling soft, cleansed and refreshed. These are the same peels your esthetician would use at a high-end salon.

Revitalization Peel (Jessner’s Type). This is a drying peel best suited for oily and acneic skin types. Containing both alpha and beta hydroxies, along with resorcinol, this peel penetrates more deeply than an alpha or beta peel, but less deeply than a TCA. Not recommended for sensitive or dry skin.

There is a peel for every skin type, yet many consumers choose peels that are either too strong or not strong enough. This guide can help you make the best decision for your skin. When in doubt, always go gentler rather than stronger.

What do pH Levels mean, and why do they matter?
The pH level refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity within the product. The lower the pH, the more acidic the peel, thus making the peel stronger. The pH scale runs from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). Use caution with products that contain lower acidity levels, as these products are the most irritating to the skin.

What will happen to the skin following the peel?

The effects of chemical peels vary depending on the type. Here’s what to expect following:

Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels—temporary redness for approximately 1 hour at the lower percentage

Beta Hydroxy Peels–temporary redness for approximately 45 minutes, some light flaking post-peel
TCA Peels—tempoary redness at lower percentages, followed by light flaking of the skin. At the higher percentrage you will see redness followed by the skin turning a brown coloration and visible peeling for up to 10 days. The degree to which these visible symptoms appear depends on the strength of the peel.

Jessner Peels—temporary redness and peeling for several days

Enzyme Peels—temporary pink coloration for 30-45 minutes

Conclusion

Today, chemical peels are one of the most affordable methods to improving the skin and fighting aging. Achieve lasting and noticeable results with a chemical peel that truly “fits” your skin. If the peel fits, you’ll enjoy years of glowing, fresh and youthful skin!

For more information about at-home chemical peels, including a before/after video of results, click here to link to our chemical peel products page.
http://www.makeupartistschoice.com/catalog/Chemical_Peels-10-1.html

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/how-to-choose-the-right-at-home-chemical-peel-857005.html


About the Author


Owner/CEO of Makeup Artist’s Choice, manufacturers and retailers of cosmeceuticals and makeup.

Rock It Knock It Fall/Winter 2010 Trend: Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

I don’t know about you, but I live for maxi dresses. They are insanely easy to pull together and are incredibly comfy. Will you be rocking them this season?

Preen Line



26 Natural Oils that May Be Causing Your Breakouts

While you’re practicing healthier hair habits, you should know that certain natural oils are comedogenic. Here is a list of oils that have been proven to increase comedones/acne. This is especially helpful for women that are prone to acne. Some of the oils are worse than others and some may not cause acne on certain individuals. Cocoa Butter is one of the offenders, receiving a 4 out of 5 on the scale. I’ve known quite a few people that apply cocoa butter to their faces everyday and have no blemishes, but if I do it, my face freaks out.

The main reason for posting this is to help women that have acne or experience a breakout and don’t know why. Hopefully this list can be a first step to better skin. Try eliminating the ingredients from this list in your face and hair care regimens and see if it helps. You might be surprised to see how many comedogenic ingredients are in your cleansers, moisturizers and other stuff you’re putting on and near your precious face.
The source of this post is www.dermaxime.com. Click here to view more comedogenic ingredients.
  • Almond Oil
  • Apricot Kernel Oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Bubussa Oil
  • Cajeput Oil
  • Camphor Oil
  • Castor Oil
  • Chaulomoogra Oil
  • Cocoa Butter
  • Coconut Butter
  • Coconut Oil
  • Cotton Aws Oil
  • Cotton Seed Oil
  • Crisco
  • Evening Primrose Oil
  • Hydrogenated Castor Oil
  • Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
  • Mink Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Peanut Oil
  • Sandalwood Seed Oil
  • Sesame Oil
  • Soybean Oil
  • Squalane
  • Sulfated Castor Oil
  • Wheat Germ Oil

Sunday Splurge: Silk’n Silk’n SensEpil Hair Removal Kit

The Silk’n Silk’n SensEpil™ Hair Removal Kit ($499 at Saks) is a portable, FDA cleared device that promises the same results of in-office laser hair removal treatment, but in your own home.

Okay, let’s say it could deliver on all it’s promises and it was perfectly safe to use, it would save money on razors, waxing, and spa visits in the long run. It got an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 on Sephora by 63 reviewers. A negative is that it will only work on fair skinned people with dark hair.

Not many people will spend this kind of money on something that may or may not work. It’s a curious product, and if it really worked I might consider it… would you shell out the dough?

SpaRitual Vegan Nail Lacquer


Continuing on my quest to provide you with the healthiest yet flyest beauty products, meet SpaRitual. It’s the first brand of vegan nail lacquers. I discovered it sometime last year at a high end spa and fell in love. The line is free of DBP, formaldehyde and toluene. The colors are hand-blended and use the science of color therapy to soothe, seduce, nurture or ignite. Check out these haute colors from their Dramatic High Notes collection.