Is alcohol bad for the skin?

Not all alcohols are created equal when it comes to skincare. While simple alcohols are generally best avoided, some alcohols (particularly fatty alcohols) are actually beneficial for the skin.

There are two types of alcohol in skincare products – simple alcohol and fatty alcohol. 

Simple alcohols are dehydrating and should only be used in the short term, while fatty alcohols create a moisturising effect.

Simple Alcohols

These are the ones that should raise a red flag if you spot them on an ingredients list. Simple alcohols – also known as volatile alcohols – are deeply dehydrating. Dehydration can trigger a domino effect in your skin that may lead to itchiness, sensitivity, dullness, sebum overproduction, fine lines, wrinkles and more.

Go Green With Beauty Empties

 

We buy products in packages which we often empty in the landfills. Going green involves having a stand to care for the environment and contributing less to its destruction.

If you are a skincare or beauty fan like me, then you would definitely have empties lying around. Finding new uses can actually save you money! Moreover reutilizing around the house can also help organize your collection plus not to forget it’s great for the environment! The less waste the better.

So what can we do with those empties? Lets check out some of the ways to repurpose skincare empties, creative ways to upcycle beauty packaging and recycle skincare empties with incentives. 

8 Ways To Repurpose Your Skincare Empties

1) Keep empties as skincare/makeup travel containers

Rather than buying new skincare products every time you travel, why not use your empty containers and refill them with your favourite shampoo or body moisturiser. By reusing them, you’re preventing them from ending up in landfill and saving yourself a few pennies not having to buy new products to take away with you! 

2) Refill

- Refill it with hand sanitizer and pop in the bag. 

- Bring the empty jars and bottles along to zero-waste stores and refill them with laundry detergent, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, etc. 

Source : Feelunique

How Blue Light Can Affect Our Skin

 

With more screen time spent during the pandemic, it has become more than important to protect our skin from blue light emitted from computer monitors and phones. 

Most people are aware of how blue light might affect our eyes such as blurry vision and dry eyes, to headaches and neck pain so blue light blocking glasses are recommended to ease our digital eye strain, according to the American Optometric Association.

As screen time continues to rise, experts are now becoming concerned about the effects of blue light on skin, and whether our screens can damage our entire faces, not just our eyes. 

According to Dr.Vivian Bucay, a board-certified dermatologist in San Antonio, “Visible light, especially blue light is a major contributor to aging and dark spots. And because we’re always using our phones and sitting in front of computer screens for longer periods of time, we’re being exposed to more visible light than ever before.

What Is Blue Light?

All visible light we humans see contains the entire spectrum of the rainbow, from red to violet. Within that spectrum are blue light waves, which are said to help us stay alert and upbeat.

Any source of visible light gives off blue light waves, whether it's the sun, a touchscreen or a light bulb.

We get plenty of blue light waves each day from the sun, but after dark we're still exposed to it from many artificial sources.

Level Up With Devices

If you want more hydrated, clearer, brighter or firmer-looking skin through 2022 and beyond, adding a new product, tool or device to your morning and evening skincare lineup is a great idea! 

Adding these new products and accessories to your existing skincare routine will elevate the results you're investing in, regardless of dry cold weather skin, fine lines or acne breakouts.

Utilizing effective at-home devices along with the right products for your skin can really counteract premature ageing, helping to minimize the need for costly, invasive treatments later on. 

Here are some of the best picks from dermatologists.

NuFACE Mini Petite Facial Toning Device

A favorite among celebs and beauty influencers alike, the NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device is one worth investing in if your biggest skin concern is loss of firmness and wrinkles. 

The FDA-cleared facial-toning device uses microcurrents to gently stimulate areas of the face and neck to improve the look of their contour, tone, fine lines and wrinkles in just five minute per day. 

All you need to do is apply the gel primer and glide the device along the facial contour and neck in an upward motion.

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Amazon SG

What To Do With Skincare Products That Do Not Work?

 

I use up 95% of my beauty products in general and while I do encourage one to empty products as much as you can, in a bid to reduce waste but I am also aware that not everyone is able to do that, either due to having too many products, short product expiry dates, sensitivity issues, allergic concerns, "meh" products or unsuitability. 

Of course, no thanks to Marie Kondo who started the idea of getting rid of things that aren't useful and don't "spark joy" to become a cultural phenomenon.

Hence, I like to share What To Do With Skincare Products That Do Not Work, What To Do With Skincare Products You Don't Use and How To Use Up Skincare Products.

In brief, you can repurpose the product or pass it along to someone else but how do you do that? Lets delve down to the details, shall we? 

Best 5 Budget Skincare Fridges

Do you own a beauty fridge? Do you think its necessary? There are some who think they are unnecessary ( and just a marketing gimmick ) and some who think they are super useful.

A packed beauty fridge have superseded the bathroom shelfie as the new and preferred way to show off your beauty products on Instagram since last year. Just search #beautyfridge and you would understand why. Most recently, the mini gadgets enjoyed viral fame on TikTok, where the hashtag has had 83.3 million views (and counting). Just tap to discover an endless stream of videos featuring proud owners and their chilled #shelfies, laden with temperature-controlled products.

Miniature in size, they are lacquered in shades of pink, blue and lavender and looked so beautiful and instagrammable that its hard to not buy one. When brimming with serums, sheet masks, face mists, eye creams and skincare products, it just feels like your own personal skincare store!

Many skincare products benefit from being kept in the fridge. Specifically, natural products and those that contain few preservatives. The cold helps ingredients stay potent for longer—especially antioxidants, growth factors and peptides—as well as extending their shelf life. When a skincare label instructs you to keep your product in a “cool, dark place,” a skincare fridge instantly ticks both boxes.

Chilled products also tend to feel nourishing and soothing which are especially useful for swelling or red skin. Doing so, produces the added benefit of a cold compress and help to decrease puffiness and redness compared to products stored at room temperature. 

It's a sensorial dream. In addition to jolting your skin awake, the cold temperature dulls any sensations of pain, itching or tenderness. Applying cold skincare can help to vasoconstrict blood vessels and can minimize swelling of inflamed skin, especially for people who are sensitive, dry or rosacea-prone. 

However, as a word of caution, chilled products are not for those with delicate and sensitive skin where extreme temperatures may do more harm than good, but for the masses, its a well-deserved refreshing treat especially during summer.

In fact, its been said that refrigerating your favourite skin and cosmetic product can help to extend shelf life and reduce harmful bacteria becoming present. However, do avoid placing sunscreens and silicone-based products in the fridge as they are typically more stable at room temperature. When they get too cold, the products will harden and may break down or separate in the bottle.

The same goes for vitamin C which can solidify in the fridge, preventing you from using them altogether. Consider chilling toners, sheet masks, gel products, and beauty tools (like rollers), all of which won't break down when chilled.

That said, experts do agree that you don't necessary need a skincare fridge but if you enjoy life's little luxuries like the facial rollers on puffy, swollen eyes, a skin care fridge may still be a worthy addition to your routine.

Here are the top 5 popular and cheap mini beauty fridges at below US$80 to try...

Best Overall : Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer

                         Baseus Zero Space Fridge ( Shopee )

This is the top selling skincare fridge on Amazon with almost 8000 ratings!
Shop on Amazon


Best For Travel  : AstroAI Mini Fridge 4 Liter
                               Baseus Igloo Mini Fridge ( Shopee )

Quiet and compact, this beauty fridge has almost 4000 ratings and is one of Amazon's popular choices!

Shop on Amazon

Chefman Mini Portable Eraser Board Personal Fridge

A small, sleek design which is just perfect for the office or your room. You can also draw on the front with the included coloured markers - a great way to set a reminder for your soon-to-be expired facial sheet masks!

Shop on Amazon

Best Eco-Friendly : Caynel Mini Fridge Cooler and Warmer

With 4 colours to choose from, this energy-efficient eco-friendly beauty fridge is also quiet with lots of space. 

Shop on Amazon

Best Budget : Frigidaire Mini Portable Compact Fridge
                        6L Mini Fridge ( Shopee )

This budget-friendly beauty fridge is also portable, compact and great for the environment! 

Shop on Amazon

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How To Transit To An Eco-Friendly Beauty Routine

I joined several Zero-Waste groups on Facebook, brought reusable bags wherever I go, sent my plastic bottles to the recycling bins, lined my garbage bin with newspapers and packed food in my lunchbox, but truth to be told, there is still a long way for me to go, before I can truly be a zero-waster.

Beauty is something that I found it difficult to switch to a more eco-friendly routine as bar soaps do not work well on my skin and hair. If you are also like me, I am here to share alternatives to how one can slowly transit to a eco-friendly beauty routine. Relish in the fact that you are contributing some positive environmental change for the next generation.

Look for packaging that limits the use of glosses and foils (which are messy to make), avoid metal overshells, fancy packaging add-ons and giant ornate lids. Buy bigger bottles less often, instead of smaller bottles more often. Look for products that are packaged in more simple containers, using recyclable and recycled materials, recycled plastic, and fully recyclable pumps.

Focus on slowly introducing one-time swaps and double-duty products. That way, your routine will be easier to keep up with in the long run.

Use a Stainless-Steel Safety Razor instead of Disposable Plastic ones
It is said that a safety razor actually give a cleaner shave that lasts longer and leads to less ingrown hairs. Stainless steel blades also last longer and can be recycled, so you will save money and some environmental impact.

How Anti-pollution Skincare Products Can Help Your Skin?

Pollution is an issue that nobody is spared from. It affects our daily lives. The face is exposed almost all the time. Among other things, pores get clogged, it’s toxic and can lead to a lot of skin problems.

Anti-pollution skin care has become a growing trend in the beauty industry with current released products that claim to protect skin against pollutants in the air. The anti-pollution skincare trend is huge, particularly in large urban centers like London and Shanghai. Pollution is said to be second only to the sun in terms of its ageing impact, hence the increased interest in products that can counteract it.

Air pollution’s effects on our health have been studied for a long time. In terms of skin care, there is research that suggests pollution can lead to things like inflammation and premature aging, so the increasing popularity of anti-pollution beauty and skin care products isn’t a coincidence.

Every day, microscopic specks of soot, smoke and acid are released into our atmosphere. When the particles sizes are smaller than our pores, they infiltrate the deeper layers of our skin.

UV rays, blue light from our phones, iron particles from train tracks, ozone and cigarette smoke also all pose a threat to our skin's protective antioxidant and collagen levels as soon as we step out of the door. They can even directly damage DNA, which stops the cell's ability to repair itself.

The best way to counteract the attack? By beefing up your skincare arsenal.

How Pollution Affects Our Skin?

Air pollution contains a combination of tiny particles called particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

They can cause more oxidative damage, increase skin inflammation and change the skin microflora or activation of acyl hydrocarbon receptor pathways causing dullness, hyper-pigmentation, inflammation, dehydration, fine lines and increased wrinkles. Prolonged exposure to pollutants in the air can also contribute to a breakdown of collagen.

How Anti-Pollution Skincare Helps Our Skin?

The use of anti-pollution skin care is to counteract the particulates in the air that lead to damaged skin. It is to remove those tiny micro-particles from the pores so it’s not really clogging them and also to protect the skin from the pollution that can penetrate the deeper layers, because that pollution can actually break down collagen.

The goal is to make a sort of barrier between your skin and pollutants in the air.

Antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, play a big part in protecting our skin from the effects of pollution in the air. Vitamin C and other antioxidants help block the formation of free radicals (unstable atoms that can damage cells and potentially lead to premature aging) and “pigment pathways. Melanin blockers, such as niacinamide, are also helpful.

It is important to have an intact skin barrier by using moisturizers with ceramides and not over-treating the skin with retinol or acids.

Along with topical products, include vitamin C and other antioxidants into our diets, as they’re going to protect our skin and bodies from inflammation. Exfoliating agents, like salicylic and lactic acid can also help to take off  the grime from the skin and unclogging the pores.


Product Recommendations By Dermatologists : 
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Drunk Elephant The Littles 3.0 Kit
Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic  ( Best )
The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate  ( for first-timers )
Peter Thomas Roth Potent C Power Serum ( stable formula )
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum  ( for daily use )

Popular Anti-Pollution Products :
Allies of Skin Multi-Nutrient Day Cream : The lightweight formula is packed with 12 different antioxidant extracts that work to shield your skin on every level, as well as two different types of hyaluronic acid that hydrate both the skin surface and the deeper layers.
Lixir Skin Vitamin C Paste : A mask that delivers a vitamin C top-up to your skin each morning. Apply and leave it for 5 minutes, brush your teeth then wash away for clear, balanced skin that’s ready to face the smoggiest of cities.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops : Keep pollution at bay with a drop of this bronzing gel into your moisturiser or BB Cream.


Source : Huffpost, Elle

How To Get Rid Of Forehead Wrinkles?

Wrinkles can develop for a number of reasons. The most common reason is simply old age. As people age, their skin loses some of its elasticity. Facial expressions can also lead to the development of lines and folds on the face (especially around the eyes, forehead and mouth).

The forehead is the first area of a person's face to begin to wrinkle.  The forehead is very different from other areas of our body and this causes it to wrinkle first.  There is no fat underneath the forehead while the rest of the face has fat deposits that will help deter wrinkles. 

Forehead wrinkles can be frustrating, but they’re nothing to furrow your brow over. As annoying and stubborn as they may be, lines on the forehead in particular are also very common, because our eyebrows are responsible for so many of our expressions. When it comes to getting rid of wrinkles, it all comes down to collagen; one way or another, your skin needs more of it to fill the lines. (That, or the muscles that created the line in the first place get frozen up ). Here's what you can do.

Lifestyle 

1) Sleep Position
If you tend to lie on your stomach with your face pressed into your pillow, then you’ll be more at risk of developing wrinkles on your forehead. Start sleeping on your back to reduce wrinkles but if you really can't, then invest in a good quality silk pillowcase. Other than reducing your wrinkles, it leave you less puffy in the morning and for anyone with rosacea, silk will be less abrasive on your face than your run-of-the-mill cotton covers, which can help reduce redness.

Why Probiotic Skin Care Is Worth The Hype?

The human body is home to trillions of microorganisms, outnumbering even the human cells. And a host of these diverse bacteria ecosystems (over 1,000 species approx.) reside on your skin. Research shows that some of these microbes actually promote skin health. They reinforce your skin's natural barrier against bad bacteria, balance your skin's pH levels and may even protect against skin cancer.

But constant use of harsh facial cleansers and antibacterial soaps strip your skin of these healthy bacteria or the 'good bugs' — consequently damaging your skin's natural bacterial ecosystem. This, in turn, makes your skin stressed and dry, causing skin issues like breakouts, eczema, rosacea flares and psoriasis.

Just as the “good” bacteria improve our gut health, probiotics help the microbiome of the skin in the same way. The skin’s unique ecosystem (aka the microbiome) must remain healthy as it’s essential for controlling nearly every function of the skin. If your skin is too oily or too dry, this is a sign that your microbiome may not be healthy. If you are breaking out or having a flare-up, this, too, is indicative that your microbiome is not functioning optimally.

So, what can you do to build back your skin's natural defenses and healthy function? Enter probiotics, which is 1 of the 5 Food-Based Skincare Trends for 2019

Probiotics include various strains of uniquely helpful bacteria that occur naturally on skin and that can be applied via probiotic skincare products. Probiotics work with prebiotics, carbohydrates that serve as a food source so the probiotics can optimally do their job of protecting and nurturing your skin.

One of the most popular ingredients in anti-aging skin care, dating all the way back to the times of Cleopatra, is lactic acid. Part of the Lactobacillus family, it's one of the three most popular strains found in skincare (the other two being Bifidabacterium and Vitreoscilla). Well-known for locking in moisture and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it's no wonder it's a staple in many products.

Would Probiotic Skincare Work?

Yes, if:
- You Have Sensitive Skin:
Probiotics have the rather clever ability to rebuild and strengthen the skin's barrier. Sensitive skin may take a while to repair itself after damage but incorporating probiotics into your skincare regime helps speed up the process.

- You're A City Dweller
Free radicals such as pollution have the ability to accelerate ageing and to zap the skin of it's youthful radiance, but when applied topically, probiotics can boost the skin's natural defence.

Probiotics calm the natural immune triggers in your skin which can be overstimulated by pollution and stress and they reduce the damage these immune triggers cause to collagen, elastin and healthy cells.

- You are Acne-Prone
Using probiotics topically creates an optimal environment for the good bugs, swinging the balance in your favor against zit-causing bacteria — the primary culprit being Propionibacterium acnes.

How Probiotics Work on Skin?

Skin’s surface is a multifaceted environment, almost like a city of living things populating and working in every part of it. Even though the top layers of skin are dead, there’s an abundant population of microflora thriving there, affecting skin’s appearance, youthful or otherwise, every day. This is skin’s microbiome, and keeping it in balance is among the more fascinating parts of how probiotics for skin work.

What do we mean by “balance?" Some of the microflora on skin are helpful, some are (or can become) harmful. The good guys are often referred to as “resident bacteria,” while the bad guys are “transient bacteria”; however, although they’re transient, the problems they cause can linger and not go away. Ironically, when skin’s microbiome is out of balance, the good microflora can become bad, leading to issues like acne and red, sensitive skin.

Keeping the microflora of skin balanced can:

- Strengthen skin’s surface against environmental threats.
- Enhance skin’s ability to become—and stay—properly hydrated.
- Diminish factors that trigger sensitized, reddened skin.
- Visibly improve signs of dryness, including a tight, uncomfortable feeling.
- Restore a healthy pH balance to skin’s surface.

What’s even more fascinating is that probiotics and their derivatives, known as lysates, work beautifully with other skincare ingredients. And get this: As the probiotics break down on skin’s surface, they create brilliant new ingredients for skin, such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins, as well as increasing the presence of ceramides. This in turn leads to diminished signs of aging, better hydration, and a radiance that’s visible proof of skin’s renewed vitality.


When buying a probiotics-packed beauty product, look for ingredients like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Vitreoscilla and prebiotic sugars like xylitol. Also, keep in mind that probiotic skin care products are quite delicate. Most of them have a six month expiration date after opening and need to be stored in a cool environment, some even in the fridge. So, read the packaging instructions carefully.

Probiotics in skincare products demand careful formulation due to their inherent instability; they’re very fragile and deteriorate easily. This means no jar packaging (light and air cause them to break down faster) and buying products only from brands that have a good understanding of how probiotics work. Knowing which formulary techniques are necessary is essential to getting the best possible results when using probiotics on skin.


Product Recommendation :
The Beauty Chef's Hydration Inner Beauty Boost - Probiotic Skincare Supplement
LaFlore's Natural Organic Probiotic 3-Step Kit
TULA Skincare Probiotic Skincare Discovery Kit
Andalou Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk ( Amazon Popular Choice )
Mother Dirt's AO+ Mist ( Amazon Popular Choice ) - Great for oily skin 
Biossance's Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer  - hydrates and treats
Glowbiotics MD Probiotic Hydraglow Anti-Aging Hydrator Cream Oil ( Amazon Popular Choice ) - Great for sensitive skin 
Glowbiotics MD Probiotic Brightening Daily Essentials with Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
Glowbiotics MD SPF 30 Tinted Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Sunscreen
Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Masque - prevent acne and regulate oil production
LALICIOUS Brown Sugar Vanilla Shower Oil and Bubble Bath - Shower Cleanser with Topical Probiotics and Grapeseed Oil

If you want a guide for reading labels when it comes to microbiome skincare, look for the following strains in probiotic skincare.

Acne/Rosacea
Nitrosomonas Eutropha
Lactobacillus Plantarum
Streptococcus Salivarium
Lactobacillus paracasei

Pigmentation/Wrinkles
Nitrosomonas Eutropha

Atopic dermatitis/dry/sensitive
Streptococcus Thermophilus
Staphylococcus Species
Roseomonas Mucosa


Terminology
Microbiome: Microbes that live in a particular environment or biome.
Microbiota: The collection of living microbes that live in or on an environment. This term includes the microorganisms only and not the characteristics of their environment.
Prebiotics: A nondigestible food ingredient that promotes the growth of microorganisms in the intestines. These can promote the growth of beneficial or harmful microorganisms. Think of them as a type of “fertilizer” for the microbiome.
Probiotics: Living microorganisms that can provide beneficial qualities when used orally or topically. What probiotics are not? Microbes naturally found in your body and on your skin; microbes that are no longer alive; fermented foods that contain an unknown amount of bacteria.


Source : Forbes, Womansworld, PaulaChoice, SMH

How CBD oil can help improve the appearance of your skin

Have you heard of an ingredient called CBD (short for cannabidiol) these days? The buzzy ingredient has now evolved into a bonafide skin-care trend, with brands offering a luxe spin on what used to be a highly niche category.

However, when compared to skin-care pillar ingredients like retinols and vitamin C, the research behind CBD's efficacy in skin care is still relatively in its infancy.

CBD stands for cannabidiol, “one of many naturally occurring molecules called ‘cannabinoids’ found in both hemp and [marijuana] plants. Both of these CBD-producing plants belong to the cannabis family; scientifically, hemp is any cannabis sativa plant that produces less than 0.3 percent THC, meaning it can’t get you high. Even if the THC content is only 0.4 percent, which still isn’t likely to get you high, it’s still classified as marijuana.

The only difference between [marijuana] and hemp is a legal one. Marijuana plants contain higher levels of THC, the not-fully-legal psychoactive compound that gets you high, and hemp plants contain little to no THC. This is why almost all of the CBD in consumer goods is derived from hemp.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil acts as an emollient to smooth rough cells on the skin's surface and offers moisturizing benefits.

How Does CBD Works?

Each of us has what we call an endocannabinoid system found throughout our body. Its main function is to create bodily balance, aka homeostasis, from our mood to sleep to skin function. As a phytocannabinoid, cannabis-derived CBD “can bind certain receptors in the brain and various other areas of the body,”—including the skin, which has its own endocannabinoid system, complete with cannabinoid receptors. Theoretically, when you slather CBD on your skin, it interacts with said receptors to create homeostasis.

Does CBD Deserve The Hype?

Yes. But also, no.

According to dermatologists and cosmetic chemists, CBD skin care is worthy of some of the attention it’s garnered. Although “large, randomized studies with CBD are lacking, the studies that have been conducted show that CBD might normalize keratinization—meaning pores are less likely to be clogged—possibly lead to fewer wrinkles, and [has] anti-inflammatory activity.

It has been studied as a treatment for a variety of skin issues including eczema, psoriasis, and even acne - It has calming and hydrating effects, and there is some data to suggest that it may inhibit oil production.

Below are some ways on how CBD oil can benefit skin.

CBD Oil May Reduce Acne 

Based on recent scientific studies, CBD oil may help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce sebum production.

One test-tube study found that CBD oil prevented sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, exerted anti-inflammatory actions and prevented the activation of “pro-acne” agents like inflammatory cytokines.

Another study had similar findings, concluding that CBD may be an efficient and safe way to treat acne, thanks in part to its remarkable anti-inflammatory qualities.

Though these results are promising, human studies exploring the effects of CBD on acne are needed.


CBD Oil Can Fight The Appearance Of Wrinkles

CBD is a “powerful antioxidant”, which means it can help protect the body from “harmful free-radical damage”.

In the skin, this largely means preventing visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles.

CBD may also stimulate the growth of new skin cells. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in 2011 found manipulating the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) can regulate the life cycle of basal skin cells, which may lead to younger-looking skin.

The ECS produces its own cannabinoids that bind to specific receptors in the body and brain, and it is thought CBD can influence the body to use more of its own cannabidinoids.


CBD Oil May Soothe Dry Or Itchy Skin

In 2006, German scientists discovered that 14 patients with dry or itchy skin conditions, who were given a cream containing a substance that could stimulate the ECS, reported an 86.4 per cent reduction in itch.

The skin also has its own ECS receptors, which may make topical application of CBD oil particularly effective.

According to evidence presented by the American Academy of Dermatologists, further studies have found CBD can ease symptoms of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.


To sum it up, CBD oil is a potent antioxidant, highly anti-inflammatory and has been shown in multiple studies to reduce lipid product from the sebaceous glands (overproduction of this ‘sebum’ is what leads to acne).

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, plant-driven skincare formulators are excited about the possibilities of CBD oil, which has been proven to be effective in even trace quantities. Mostly, it reduces inflammation, which could mean acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, broken capillaries and even sunburn.

If you’re looking for an ingredient to soothe irritation and reduce redness, as well as potentially combat acne, CBD looks extremely promising.

There has been research that shows potential for soothing psoriasis and even helping slow down signs of aging because of its neuro-regenerative and antioxidant properties ( source ).

When buying a beauty product, look for these words in the ingredients list, which indicates actual CBD in the formula: CBD, hemp CBD, full-spectrum hemp extract, phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil, hemp extract oil. Those are all synonyms for CBD.


Difference Between CBD Oil and Cannabis Sativa Hemp Seed Oil

Brands like Kiehl’s, Peter Thomas Roth, and Herbivore Botanicals are just some of the many major brands jumping on the cannabis craze by launching soothing product lines that contain cannabis sativa hemp seed oil. This ingredient can be helpful for skin, but does not offer the same level of benefits.

Hemp seed lacks the cannabinoids that reduce inflammation and encourage healthy cell production and is sourced just from the seeds. CBD oil is sourced from the full plant and does contain cannabinoids.

While hemp seed oil is a part of the same plant species, hemp seeds are from the male plant and CBD can only be produced by female plants that can grow flowers or ‘buds.

To understand their functional differences, think of CBD as an “active” ingredient and hemp seed oil as an “inactive” ingredient. CBD is an active ingredient in that it works with our skin’s cannabinoid receptors and is being used to physically change something within our skin’s natural response—it’s working with our skin in an intimate manner. Comparatively, hemp seed oil is inactive and basically just sits on the skin’s surface.

That is not to say hemp seed oil isn’t good. Hemp seed oil is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and is therefore used primarily as a moisturizing facial oil. It has been used for decades because of its moisturizing properties, but is now gaining popularity, likely because of the [partial] legalization of marijuana. If you’re looking for an ingredient to support your skin barrier and lock in hydration, hemp seed oil is it. If you’re looking for an ingredient that contains CBD, hemp seed oil is not the answer.


Is CBD Legal and Is It Safe?

According to the 2018 Farm Bill, passed by Congress last year, CBD extracted from industrial hemp (meaning the plant contains less than .3% THC) is legal. CBD extracted from marijuana plants that contain more than .3% THC is not, unless you’re in a state that allows recreational or medicinal marijuana use.

As ever, speak to your doctor or health practitioner first and, until there is tighter and more uniform legislation on the use of CBD within skincare, only invest in trusted and established brands.


Where To Purchase :
Josie Maran Hemp Seed Oil 
Populum Full-Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil
Belize Seaweed Detoxifying Face Mask with Pure Hemp Seed Oil ( Amazon's Choice )
DIY CBD Rich Hemp Oil Skin, Body and Beauty Care Products: Learn to Make Soap, Shampoo, Body Butter, Lotion and So Much More ( Kindle Edition )


Source : Express, Healthline, Allure, Byrdie, Theklog, Coveteur

Difference between Skin Dryness and Dehydration

Dry and dehydrated skin might look the same on the surface. However it is important to make a distinction between the two. Dry skin is a skin type and describes skin that lacks oil ( inadequate oil or sebum production ). Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that describes skin that lacks water ( lack of moisture ) in the stratum corneum, which is the top layer of the skin. Some of us experience dry skin, but most of us experienced dehydrated skin at some point. Yes, even oily and combination skin types.

Dry VS Dehydrated Skin Test and Symptoms: 

Dry skin is a skin type. It is skin that lacks oil (your oil production is low) or lipids. Usually the cause of dry skin is genetics. But as we grow older our skin tends to get drier (even if it was oily and combination previously). Some of the most common symptoms would include increased sensitivity, tightness, itchiness and in some cases even flaking. Your skin may feel rough, appear dry and can be flaky.

Dehydrated skin is a condition. Fine lines and wrinkles are more prominent, skin will feel tight and uncomfortable and look dull or show accelerated signs of ageing, like sagging skin and deep wrinkles.
Pinch the skin on your cheek, if the lines become more prominent, you are dehydrated.

Causes of Dry skin VS Dehydrated skin : 

Dry skin can also be exacerbated by taking long hot showers or baths. The best way to treat dry skin is to add oils and oil-based products to your skincare routine.

Dehydrated skin can be caused by weather (both extreme cold and heat), heating and air conditioning, pollutants, travel, medication, diet and using unsuitable skincare products (for example using a cleanser that is too harsh for your skin).

UVA in sunlight can make the skin dehydrated, increase the ageing process, increase oxidants in the skin, dehydrate it and increase free radicals in the cells, damaging the skin.

Treatment for Dry skin VS Dehydrated skin : 

To treat dry skin, add oils and oil-based products to your skincare routine.

To treat dehydrated skin, drink more water although that alone will probably not be enough. One ingredient that has grown in popularity is hyaluronic acid (or Sodium Hyaluronate) as it is a humectant. Humectants are ingredients that will hold on water and prevent further transepidermal water loss. Sodium Hyaluronate (a salt form of hyaluronic acid) can hold 1000 times its weight in water. Other ingredients to look for would include glycerin and urea. You can follow it up with occlusive ingredients to lock in the moisture. When buying products look for oils, Propylene glycol and even silicones.

Moisturisers come in various forms that can be categorised according to their oil-water ratio. This means they can have either a higher oil or water content. For example, creams have higher oil content while gels are purely water-based. Identifying whether your skin is dry or dehydrated and what it needs is key. Is your skin oily and dehydrated? You should be boosting hydration with a gel-based moisturiser instead of a cream-based one, which contains more oil. That said, cream-based moisturisers are better for dry skin types.

Don't skip your moisturizer just because you have oily skin. For oily and combination skin types, choose a light-textured moisturizer for a grease-free feeling. If you have dry or ageing skin, opt for moisturizers with richer emollients to help with skin dryness.

Oily skins have to beware of dehydration as it is possible for oily skin to be dehydrated.
In fact, because women with dry skin tend to moisturize religiously, it is little wonder that dehydration is sometimes more serious in individuals with oily skin than those with dry skin. Skin dehydration may sometimes trigger excessive sebum production, resulting in an even oilier complexion, or even adult acne. That's why it's important not to skip your moisturizer even if you have oily skin type.

Recommended Reading :
Top 22 Tried and Tested Products in 2018
Top 15 Products in 2017 
Top 5 Products in 2016

Use face masks. Treat your skin to deep moisturizing or intense hydrating masks frequently, approximately once or twice a week, or every 3-5 days. The essence or hydration ingredients work to give your skin an extra dose of much needed moisture, in addition to your regular moisturizer.

Dermal Sheet Masks ( 16 pcs )
Etude House 0.2mm Air Mask 

Drink ample water to replenish fluid loss, especially if you're under the hot sun, working out or in an air-conditioned room for long hours. Take in high-moisture foods like cucumbers and watermelons, which are said to offer an effective way of keeping your body hydrated as we absorb water more slowly when we eat water-rich foods, since it’s “trapped” within the structure of these foods. This helps in retaining moisture in our body, which in turn lets us reap its benefits for a longer period.

This research study has demonstrated that higher water inputs in one’s regular diet might positively impact normal skin physiology, as expressed by its hydration and biomechanical behavior, and in particular in those individuals with lower daily water consumptions.

Easy Tip : Bring a water bottle wherever you go. No more excuses of forgetting to replenish your fluids.

Embrava Sports Water Bottle
Stainless Steel Water Bottle


Source : Ishtarskinlights, larocheposay, the honeycombers

5 Food-Based Skin Care Trends In 2019

PROBOTICS

Probiotics include various strains of uniquely helpful bacteria that occur naturally on skin and that can be applied via probiotic skincare products. Probiotics work with prebiotics, carbohydrates that serve as a food source so the probiotics can optimally do their job of protecting and nurturing your skin. As the probiotics break down on skin’s surface, they create brilliant new ingredients for skin, such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins, as well as increasing the presence of ceramides. This in turn leads to diminished signs of aging, better hydration, and a radiance that’s visible proof of skin’s renewed vitality. ( Source )

A probiotic cream should contain a mix of probiotics, prebiotics (to fuel the probiotics), and lysate ingredients to help reinforce skin’s surface and improve its appearance. Examples of such ingredients include any that begin with Lactobacillus, Bifidabacterium, Vitreoscilla, and various ferments and prebiotic sugars such as xylitol and fructooligosaccharides.

Recommended Products :
TULA Probiotic Skin Care Clear Complexion Kit
TULA Probiotic Skin Care Kefir Ultimate Recovery Mask
TULA Probiotic Skin Care Kefir Moisture Repair Pressed Oil - Amazon's Popular Choice
The Beauty Chef Organic Probiotic Skin Refiner

How To Tackle dark spots and uneven complexion in 4 weeks

Plagued by dull skin and dark spots blossoming across your face? Welcome to the club. Most women (and men) experience hyper-pigmentation issues in Singapore, thanks to our intense, year-round equatorial sunshine.

Hyper-pigmentation is caused by an over production of melanin, the pigment in our skin that is produced by melanocytes deep in the skin’s dermis layer. Melanin is produced in part to protect our skin from sunburn, but an overdrive in melanin production results in uneven skin tone and the unsightly dark spots that are common on the highest points of the face, such as the cheeks and nose.

Concentrated patches of melanin can form underneath the skin’s surface for years before surfacing as dark spots. Once visible, it is not easy to eradicate except with the help of aesthetic treatments such as lasers and Intense Pulsed Light therapy, which is absorbed by melanin, triggering the gradual fragmentation of localised hyper-pigmentation.

However, consistent use of brightening skincare (and regular face treatments) can help even the dullest skin regain its even-toned radiance.

FOUR WEEKS TO GO: TRY LIGHT THERAPY

Continuous long-term use of a serum formulated with highly stabilised Vitamin C can help lighten localised spots while preventing worsening of hyper-pigmentation. Paired with weekly IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments, you are sure to see visible results in a month or two.

THREE WEEKS TO GO: ADD A BRIGHTENING SERUM TO YOUR REGIMEN

Vitamin C aside, there are a host of botanicals that have been proven to help lighten pre-existing pigmentation and, equally as important, to help control melanin over-production.

Look out for ingredients such as arbutin, niacinamide, mulberry extract and licorice, which are often found in whitening serums. Antioxidants also help to mop up free radicals before they trigger melanocytes to go into overdrive. 

TWO WEEKS TO GO: UNMASK YOUR RADIANCE…WITH A MASK

We’re big fans of skin-brightening masks, especially if they are loaded with potent ingredients that can make our complexion sparkle like a Christmas tree bauble once we take them off.

Dry or dehydrated complexions also tend to look greyer and duller, due to the lack of moisture or a compromised skin barrier. Think of how light reflects off a smooth glossy surface like marble, versus a cracked, matte surface like concrete. Regular masking helps skin get re-hydrated and plumped for maximum sheen.

My Recommendation and Review : Lovemore Pearl and Red Barley Whitening Mask Sheet , Acwell Rice Brightening Daanji Mask, Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask

Shop : Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask

THE INSTANT FIX: FAKE THAT GLOW

We’re not talking about throwing on the disco-ball glitter. We’re talking about the subtle radiance-enhancing magic of illuminating, colour-correcting makeup that can help to convert mottled or simply dull skin to a flawless, glowy finish.

Source : CNALifestyle

How to de-crease lines and wrinkles in 4 weeks

Fine lines due to dehydration on the skin's surface are pretty common once you hit your mid- to late-20s. The problem is, they can develop into deep-set wrinkles if you haven't started on a good skincare regimen to slow down the effects of the ageing process.

Expression lines, like marionette lines around the mouth and frown lines between the eyes – though slow in developing – can also add to your collection of lines. Once they are visible, these are almost impossible to erase, apart from a well-aimed Botox injection or fillers.

Four weeks is a short runway to achieving a smoother, less-lined complexion, but you should be able to see a visible reduction in the depth of lines and a more youthful visage.

FOUR WEEKS TO GO: START ON RETINOL AND VITAMIN C

The combo has been proven to help increase skin’s production of collagen fibres, which in turn leads to firmer, plumper and smoother skin.

THREE WEEKS TO GO: STRENGTHEN YOUR BARRIER

Skin lacking hydration and lipids tends to develop deep lines more quickly. Just think of mud that has been baking in the sun, forming cracks as it dries. To stave off more lines, keep your skin hydrated, nourished and ensure that your skin barrier is not compromised so it doesn’t lose precious moisture to the environment.

My Recommendation : Biotherm Aquasource Deep Serum, Biotherm Aquasource Gel, Biotherm Aquasource Everplump Moisturiser

My Reviews : Biotherm Aquasource Everplump Moisturiser

Shop : Biotherm Aquasource 48H Hydration Gel, Biotherm Aquasource Everplump, Biotherm Aquasource Everplump Sleeping Gel

TWO WEEKS TO GO: SPOT CORRECTION

With two weeks to go, it’s time to get harsh on wrinkles. Go for spot treatment with a specific wrinkle-correcting treatment or serum.

ONE WEEK TO GO: INSTANT FIX

Look out for make-up products that are hydrating and have a soft filter effect.

Recommended Reading :

Makeup Tricks That Erase The Years
The Ultimate Facercise
Understanding The Ingredients in Skincare Products
7 Skin Savers Ingredients

Source : Channelnewsasia

6 Surprising Things That Are Causing You To Have Dark Circles

1) Genetics 
Hereditary conditions that run in families and no amount of sleep will make a difference. Laser treatment at the dermatologist may help to reduce the pigmentation.

2) Alcohol
If dark circles popped up during periods where you have been drinking than usual, then you can blame it on the booze. Alcohol is dehydrating and affects the blood circulation in your body, causing the puffiness the next day.
To test : Gently press on your eyebags with your finger, if the darkened skin momentarily brightens up, then it is likely that poor circulation/water retention is to blame.
What to do : Reduce alcohol, drink plenty of water, don an eye mask.

3) Excessive Force 
If you have been removing your eye make-up alittle too aggressively, don't! Skin under the eyes are delicate and prone to bruising and if you rub too hard, it increases the risk of swelling, inflammation and broken blood vessels which gives the appearance of undereye circles.
To test : Check if your eyelashes come off during your make-up removal process
What to do : Use an oil-based make-up remover if your usual make-up remover does not work too well.

4) The Sun 
Skipping the sunblock is the one of the worst things you can do to your skin. The eyelid skin is the thinnest so any sun damage will show up quickly in the form of dilating and increased blood flow, causing a dark glow to come through the skin.
What to do : Apply undereye SPF protection creams

Shop these top-rated eye creams with SPF
Origins A Perfect World Age Defense White Tea Eye Cream SPF 20 Travel Size 
SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50
Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream Spf 34
Origins A Perfect World SPF 20 Age-Defense Eye Cream with White Tea

5) Too Much Screen Time
Excessive screen time put lots of stress on the blood vessels around the eyes, which forces them to work harder. When these blood vessels dilate, the skin around them tends to look darker.
What to do : Take short breaks by looking at a faraway object or something green. Avoid using your mobile phones and tablets in a dark room as this further strains the eyes.

6) Allergies 
Leaking nose, itching and hives cause the body to release histamines that can cause blood vessels to dilate which leads to the appearance of dark circles. Rubbing them with tissues increases inflammation, swelling and broken blood vessels, further aggravating the situation.
What to do : Take antihistamines to reduce swelling and use a cold compress over the eyes to reduce redness.


Recommended Reading :
Banish The Bags Under Your Eyes
Natural Treatment For Undereye Circles 
Eye Care Tips


Source : HerWorld

All You Need To Know About Marie Kondo and Her KonMari Method in Home & Beauty

Decluttering seems to be a magic word recently, thanks to a new Netflix series, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, which debuted on Jan 1. Since the Chinese New Year is coming up pretty soon, it is also the best time to organize the house via the KonMarie Method.

Who is Marie Kondo? 

The series sees Kondo, a 34-year-old organising consultant and bestselling author from Japan, urging homeowners to practice her trademarked KonMari Method of sorting their piles of clothing, books and even sentimental items. You can read more about Marie Kondo on Wikipedia.

She is married to her manager, Takumi Kawahara, and has two daughters, age 3 and 2. She is also in Time's list of 100 most influential people in 2015, and founded her organising consulting business KonMari at the age of 19. Her followers are known as Konverts.

Marie Kondo used to work as a shrine maiden in Japan during college, and there are elements of the KonMari technique that borrow from Shinto beliefs, specifically the notion that inanimate objects are bearers of kami, or divine essence—in the same way that plants, animals, and people are. That’s why Kondo taps piles of old books to “wake them up,” folds clothes so that they can rest more comfortably, and asks her clients to thank pieces of clothing for their service before setting them aside. Paradoxically, the exercise of cultivating empathy for the things that surround us, rather than encouraging materialism, seems to lead Kondo’s clients to also have empathy for one another, and for themselves.

Stay hair-gorgeous

To prevent FRIZZY HAIR

1. STAY HYDRATED. Frizz occurs when dry hair absorbs water from the air, but cream-based moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can prevent it—just be sure to rinse well so hair doesn't look dull or greasy. And lather up only a few times a week: The natural oils that accumulate in the meantime are good frizz-fighters.

2. DRY THE RIGHT WAY. To keep waves smooth, apply styling lotion to damp hair, then let it air-dry—and resist the urge to tousle. The more you put your hands through it, the more likely you are to create frizz. To make straight hair sleek, point the dryer toward the ends— going against the grain, even a little, can cause frizz. And keep blow-drying until every bit of dampness is gone.

3. COAT WITH CAUTION. Use silicone drops or spray to combat frizz, but don't overdose. Apply a drop or spritz to your palms first, then rub them together and pat them over frizz, starting at the ends and working toward the crown (you can always add more later).

4. OIL WELL. To further ward off frizz, give your hair a twice-weekly oil treatment (pros like jojoba oil). Work about a tablespoon through dry hair, first with your hands, then with a synthetic-bristle paddle brush (boar bristles would just soak up the oil). Leave it on for as long as possible before shampooing as usual; even five to ten minutes helps.

5. CUT AND COLOR CORRECTLY. Avoid overlayering, which makes short pieces stick out and get fuzzy. If you have coarse or curly hair, stay away from razor cuts, as they rough up the cuticle and exacerbate frizz. By contrast, nearly blunt cuts can help weigh down frizz. As for color, steer clear of a full head of highlights or a solid blonde: Bleaching deteriorates the outer layer of the hair, making it coarser and frizzier.

Powerhouse Food That Fight and Minimize Cellulite

Cellulite is a term for the formation of lumps and dimples in the skin. It affects both men and women, but it is more common in females, due to the different distributions of fat, muscle, and connective tissue. Between 80 and 90 percent of women may experience cellulite at some point in their lives.

Also known as orange-peel skin, cellulite occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin. As fat cells accumulate and expand beneath skin, they push against tissue, causing an uneven appearance, commonly found on the hips, thighs, buttocks and back of arms.

While we may to battle cellulite with potions, lotions, creams and treatments, the most effective way of smoothing things over is actually by improving our diets.
A diet low in fat, smoking and alcohol cessation, and an active lifestyle may help reduce the incidence of cellulite.

Munch your way to a smoother-looking body with these nutritious picks.

Asparagus : Helps strengthen veins and capillaries and controls blood pressure. It's also a good source of vitamins A, B and C. Many A-listers swear by eating asparagus before appearing on the red carpet because of its fantastic anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce bloating while remaining low in calories. It’s also great for flushing out pesky toxins that can lead to cellulite, as it stimulates blood circulation.

Bananas : A good booster for blood vessels and great for assisting in healthy circulation, they're also a good source of potassium, vitamin B6 and magnesium. Potassium can help to prevent cellulite. Try chopping a large one into a fruit salad in the morning, or tucking in before exercise.

Berries : Blackberries and blueberries enhance collagen production, creating new skin tissue. They contain antioxidants, which break down fat attached to the connective tissue. This allows skin to keep fat beneath it at bay and not push forward and appear lumpy. Sprinkle a handful over your cereal in the morning, or enjoy as part of a low fat smoothie.

Broccoli : Contains alpha lipoic acid, which helps prevent the hardening of collagen caused by sugar. It's also a good source of selenium and calcium.

Citrus : All are excellent sources of vitamin C. Orange contain methoxylated bioflavonoids, which can improve circulation and strengthen capillaries.

Oily fish : Salmon, sardines, tuna, trout and bass are all low in fat and high in cellulite-fighting proteins and minerals. Also good sources of essential fatty acids.

An example is Salmon, which is rich in antioxidants, that helps to break down fat cells in cellulite. The omega-3 fatty acids reduce appetite and low-level inflammation and repair and strengthen skin tissue and fibers. This decreases the build-up of toxins inside blood vessels and improves circulation—the waste trapped in the tissues that push against skin filters out.

Pears : A good detoxifier, pears can help reduce the effects of pollutants in the body, assisting the lymphatic system. A good source of fiber and potassium, too.

Pineapple : Has an anti-inflammatory action in the body that can help fight fluid retention and aid in the healing of damaged collagen fibers. A good source of vitamin C, as well.

Spinach : High in vitamin A, which helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite because it aids the production of collagen – a protein that strengthens, smoothes and plumps out the skin. Swap it in for lettuce in a salad, or throw a handful into a hot meal at dinnertime.

Sunflower Seeds : A good source of vitamin E, potassium and zinc, as well as vitamin B6, a super lump-fighter. Also a natural diuretic, eliminating excess water and bloating that can make cellulite more visible.

Tomato : Tomatoes also get their cheery scarlet exteriors from circulation-stimulating lycopene. They, too, are rich in vitamin C, which helps to keep the skin firm and taut by aiding collagen production.

Water : One of the most common causes of cellulite, other than genetics, are the toxins we consume and inhale. These reduce the skin’s elasticity and slow the circulation, so we need to aid our body’s natural detox process and help to flush them out. Drinking plenty of water is essential for this, so make sure you drink the recommended eight glasses a day, and avoid toxin-rich alcohol and soft drinks.

Watermelon : Watermelon gets its beautiful ruby red colour from a particularly potent antioxidant called lycopene. This not only helps to improve blood circulation, therefore helping to smooth out cellulite over time, but can also protect against heart disease.


Source : medicalnews, womansday, glamour

Makeup Tips to play up your assets

Make the most of what you have with these simple makeup tips that play-up and downplay
your best and not-so-loved features accordingly

NOSE SHAPE• To downplay a prominent nose, dab an eyeshadow brush into bronzer or taupe shadow: Draw a straight, soft line down both sides of the nose. Add an upward swipe underneath the tip to make it look shorter.

• You can make a slightly crooked nose appear aligned by blending a dab of creamy highlighter down the bridge in a perfect straight line—it tricks the eye and reflects light away from the bend.

FACE SHAPE• To make a round face appear more defined, dust bronzer down your temples, along your jaw line, and down your neck. Then, pop your cheekbones with bright blush.

• If you have a narrow face and you'd like to make it seem more balanced. Apply blush on the cheekbones and the apples of the cheeks.

• To minimize a large forehead, sweep an illuminating bronzer along your hairline, creating a shadow across the top of your face—remember to blend well! Also, try a dramatic lip to draw attention downward.

• If you're looking for cheekbone definition without a stripy, 1980s effect, try sweeping your regular blush on the apples of the cheeks in a circular motion and dabbing a shimmery cream in a horizontal line above it, blending outward.

EYES • Emphasize your eye color with complementary shades. Blue eyes look brilliant in toasty suede tones, brown look rich when you wear slate or navy, and green eyes really pop with purple.

• If your eyes are wide-set, play up the inner corners: Use a fine-tip pencil in black or plum and pull the liner all across the lash line, making sure not to go past the last lash. Try a mascara with a mini wand to coat even the smallest lashes.

• To transform small eyes into sultry doe-eyes, Line the top, inner rim of the eye as it brings attention to the eyes and creates the look of fuller lashes. Use a nude pencil along the bottom.

• If you have Asian eyes, don't try to fake a crease—enjoy your natural almond shape! Try a diffused smoky eye that starts along the lashes and gradually fades. Finish it off with a sweep of black liquid liner.

• Make downturned eyes appear more awake with a quick stroke of liner. Draw from the center of the lashes towards the outside of the eye and sweep up to create a slight cat-eye.

• You can easily make too-close-together eyes seem more balanced by adding pale shimmer to the inside corners of the eyes, sweeping it towards the center of the eyelid. Focus mascara and liner on the outer half of your eyes.

EYE CIRCLES AND PUFFINESS
• Whether those dark circles are genetic or from a sleepless night, you can make them disappear: Tap on a yellow-based concealer to cancel out bluish undertones and set it with loose powder in your regular shade.

• Hiding eye puffiness is all about optical illusion: Start with an eye cream that contains light-reflecting particles. Then, pat on an equally illuminating concealer. (Avoid powder—it traps light and makes the problem look worse.)

LIPS• If you'd like your lips to look fuller, opt for a light, shimmery gloss and a dab of highlighter in your cupids bow. (Avoid the overdrawn pencil—it's an obvious giveaway that you're trying to fake something.)

• If your lips don't have a lot of natural pigment, try a stain in a pinky-nude shade. Dab it all over, allowing it to set, and then apply your favorite gloss on top. While the gloss may fade, the stain will give you all-day color.

COMPLEXION• To warm up a sallow complexion, start with a pink-based primer, focusing along your forehead and cheeks. Then, tap on a foundation or tinted moisturizer that matches your natural skintone.

• For a ruddy complexion, Blandino recommends using an illuminating foundation through the center of the face. Redness tends to concentrate on the cheeks and nose. Buff the edges out clean with a makeup sponge.


[ Recommended Reading : Quick and Effective Hacks Every Woman Should Know ]