In case you are not aware, she is the female lead (replacing Megan Fox) in last summer’s Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
First things first—those trademark lips! How do you care for them?
I use Lucas’ Papaw Ointment religiously, especially when traveling. I also like to use a lip scrub, but when I don’t have one, I just rub the edge of my towel to buff away dead skin after I wash my face. I genuinely don’t like a lot of bright color on my lips. They’re red anyway, so I keep them really natural.
What’s your off-duty routine?
I do my eyebrows every day—that’s my thing. I use a Laura Mercier brow powder and a little brush. I just fill them in and then stick them down with brow gel. It really changes my appearance and makes me look more awake.
You’ve modeled since you were 16. What’s the best tip you’ve picked up?
To mix products and use them for more than one thing. I don’t travel with a lot of makeup, so I keep the palette neutral. I carry brown eyeliner and bronzer and smudge them on the lid to create a shadow, or dab a little blush on my lips.
Any product MVPs on set?
My hairstylist used Klorane dry shampoo because I was really sweaty from running around. I also had to be very tan, so I used St. Tropez self-tanner once or twice a week—depending on how often Michael Bay thought I needed it.
Source : Elle
8 Ways to Make Your Skin-Care Products More Effective
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
1) Exfoliate first
- Get rid of dead cells which is a barrier preventing products to get into the skin
- Basic cleansers free up pores by removing dirt and oil, but to truly increase absorption, you'll need an enzyme– or acid–based cleanser or a grainy scrub with small, smooth particles,
Personally I exfoliate my skin twice a week, before piling on my facial masks. On a normal day, I use either a gentle cleanser or a cleanser with some grainy bits. My sensitive skin can suffer if I overdo it.
2) Go in order
- Whatever goes on first penetrates best, hence the most active ingredients should be applied first. If you're using two products for two different problems ( eg. zits, pigmentation ), apply one to bare skin in the morning and the other to bare skin at night so you're guaranteed 100 percent efficacy from both. After treatments are in place, smooth on other items in order of density, from thinnest (antioxidant serum) to thickest (sunscreen or night cream). The exception is retinoids, which could irritate those with sensitive skin if applied first.
3) Apply to just-washed skin
- Damp skin acts like a sponge, quickly absorbing whatever comes its way. (That's damp, not wet.) This rule applies to almost every product—even retinoids. The only exception? Mineral-based sunscreen. "It's not absorbed," says dermatologist David Bank. "It's designed to sit on the surface of the skin and reflect the sun's rays. On damp skin, mineral blocks tend to run, give uneven coverage, and look chalky."
4) Warm it up
- When you wash your face with lukewarm water instead of cold, you raise the skin's temperature slightly, causing blood vessels and pores to dilate in an effort to cool you down. "Space between the cells means there's a greater surface area for absorption, which helps product get in," says dermatologist Heidi Waldorf. Plus, ingredients move through skin and interact with cells more quickly when the skin is warm.
5) Top it off
- "One of the best ways to boost absorption is to top ingredients with heavy, occlusive ointments," says Waldorf. Thick ointments and creams with large amounts of petrolatum, natural butters, oils, and waxes make the best occlusive agents, says cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer.
6) Save retinoids for nighttime
- These line-fighting superheroes do their best work under cover of darkness, because both prescription and over-the-counter versions degrade and weaken in the sun.
Another distinct advantage night has over day: Skin temperature rises by about half a degree while we sleep, because more blood is shunted to the skin, away from internal organs. And with greater warmth and blood-vessel dilation comes better penetration. Says Bank, "Though it's not an enormous difference, your skin does absorb more overnight." This pertains to any ingredient you apply before bed, not just retinoids.
7) Try serums
You'll find the strongest dose of active ingredients in serums—not, say, cleansers. "A serum is a concentrated source of an active ingredient in a simple form that penetrates very quickly and completely, unhindered by lotion-type emollients that make it difficult for actives to sink in
8) Combine right
"Sunscreen and antioxidants were born to be married," says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch. As the former absorbs UV rays, the latter neutralizes the free radicals created by those rays before they can do damage. If your SPF doesn't include them, layer an antioxidant serum underneath.
Many antioxidants also complement peptides: "They bolster the skin's ability to protect and heal itself, allowing collagen-building peptides to work better," says Bank. Retinoids and hydroquinone are another dynamic duo—one typically prescribed for the dark splotches of melasma. "They get out pigment in different ways," says Waldorf. Other smart combos exist in the prescription realm—"benzoyl peroxide may enhance the bacteria-killing powers of the topical antibiotic clindamycin," Wechsler says—but this is a tricky topic, so talk to your dermatologist before mixing and matching.
Source : Allure
- Get rid of dead cells which is a barrier preventing products to get into the skin
- Basic cleansers free up pores by removing dirt and oil, but to truly increase absorption, you'll need an enzyme– or acid–based cleanser or a grainy scrub with small, smooth particles,
Personally I exfoliate my skin twice a week, before piling on my facial masks. On a normal day, I use either a gentle cleanser or a cleanser with some grainy bits. My sensitive skin can suffer if I overdo it.
2) Go in order
- Whatever goes on first penetrates best, hence the most active ingredients should be applied first. If you're using two products for two different problems ( eg. zits, pigmentation ), apply one to bare skin in the morning and the other to bare skin at night so you're guaranteed 100 percent efficacy from both. After treatments are in place, smooth on other items in order of density, from thinnest (antioxidant serum) to thickest (sunscreen or night cream). The exception is retinoids, which could irritate those with sensitive skin if applied first.
3) Apply to just-washed skin
- Damp skin acts like a sponge, quickly absorbing whatever comes its way. (That's damp, not wet.) This rule applies to almost every product—even retinoids. The only exception? Mineral-based sunscreen. "It's not absorbed," says dermatologist David Bank. "It's designed to sit on the surface of the skin and reflect the sun's rays. On damp skin, mineral blocks tend to run, give uneven coverage, and look chalky."
4) Warm it up
- When you wash your face with lukewarm water instead of cold, you raise the skin's temperature slightly, causing blood vessels and pores to dilate in an effort to cool you down. "Space between the cells means there's a greater surface area for absorption, which helps product get in," says dermatologist Heidi Waldorf. Plus, ingredients move through skin and interact with cells more quickly when the skin is warm.
5) Top it off
- "One of the best ways to boost absorption is to top ingredients with heavy, occlusive ointments," says Waldorf. Thick ointments and creams with large amounts of petrolatum, natural butters, oils, and waxes make the best occlusive agents, says cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer.
6) Save retinoids for nighttime
- These line-fighting superheroes do their best work under cover of darkness, because both prescription and over-the-counter versions degrade and weaken in the sun.
Another distinct advantage night has over day: Skin temperature rises by about half a degree while we sleep, because more blood is shunted to the skin, away from internal organs. And with greater warmth and blood-vessel dilation comes better penetration. Says Bank, "Though it's not an enormous difference, your skin does absorb more overnight." This pertains to any ingredient you apply before bed, not just retinoids.
7) Try serums
You'll find the strongest dose of active ingredients in serums—not, say, cleansers. "A serum is a concentrated source of an active ingredient in a simple form that penetrates very quickly and completely, unhindered by lotion-type emollients that make it difficult for actives to sink in
8) Combine right
"Sunscreen and antioxidants were born to be married," says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch. As the former absorbs UV rays, the latter neutralizes the free radicals created by those rays before they can do damage. If your SPF doesn't include them, layer an antioxidant serum underneath.
Many antioxidants also complement peptides: "They bolster the skin's ability to protect and heal itself, allowing collagen-building peptides to work better," says Bank. Retinoids and hydroquinone are another dynamic duo—one typically prescribed for the dark splotches of melasma. "They get out pigment in different ways," says Waldorf. Other smart combos exist in the prescription realm—"benzoyl peroxide may enhance the bacteria-killing powers of the topical antibiotic clindamycin," Wechsler says—but this is a tricky topic, so talk to your dermatologist before mixing and matching.
Source : Allure
Review : Naruko Toner
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I bought this trio set in Taiwan last year. However, in this review, it would be just the toner. I am also using the moisturiser in the above set which I would review soon. I still have a few Naruko products in queue but I usually refrain from opening new products when I have not used up my old ones.
I have to apologize for my poor Chinese interpretation from the toner description. But first up, here's a trival bit on Naruko though I think most of us would have been familiarize with his name now.
Naruko is a brand of afforable, paraben-free yet effective products formulated by Niu-er , who is a beauty king in his homeland, Taiwan. He takes great care of his own skin, spending on supplements, skincare products and face massages. You can read more about him here or here
This toner is not available for individual purchase, I believe, as I cannot seem to find this product anywhere.
Here's the back description
This toner is supposed to give you soft, supple skin with hydrating and whitening benefits. Please let me know, should I interpret it wrongly.
It has a rose-like fragrance that is soothing to the senses. The gap opening is just the right hole for the fluid to flow out seamlessly.
The clear liquid is lotion-like and refreshing after each cleansing. I did not experience any tingling sensation or breakouts throughout the 2 months of daily use. I found it mild and gentle for my sensitive skin but have yet to reap any visible improvements to my skin after 2 months.
Its great that this toner does not contain alcohol however it does contain the following 2 ingredients though they are not high on the list.
METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE (preservative) - associated with allergic reactions and neurotoxicity.
Read more about it on EWG and here, where Nuskin believed that its safe for consumer.
PHENOXYETHANOL (preservative) - irritation and organ system toxicity.
Read more about it on EWG and truthinaging
5 exercises to smooth facial lines and wrinkles
Monday, January 9, 2012
Here's an excellent article on how to smooth facial lines and wrinkles which I presume all, if not most of us would be interested.
Exercise 1: The Scowl-Line Banisher
Step 1
Take your two forefingers and place them one on each side of your scowl line. Pull your fingers gently apart if you need to smooth out the line.
Now pull your brows together, but make sure you are not making the line again (look in the mirror to make sure). You are just working those muscles. Hold for a count of ten.
Step 2
Now move your fingers apart so they rest in the middle of your forehead, approximately above the arch of each eyebrow. Now think about pulling your corrugators towards your fingers and your temples—you are counteracting the pulling-in movement with a pulling-out movement. Feel that vertical line being smoothed away.
Exercise 2: Palming (soothe the eyes and the optic nerves, and help reduce puffiness)
Step 1:
Rub your palms together until they feel warm.
Step 2:
Cup palms over your closed eyes so that the heels of your hands are resting directly on your eyelids. Push gently against your eyes
Exercise 3: Upper lip smoothie
Place your forefingers on either side of your mouth corners to anchor the muscles. Stretch your top lip down and over your top teeth and towards your mouth corners at the same time. Your upper lip should be completely smooth, no puckers.
Hold for a count of five, then release. Repeat three times, holding for a count of ten each time.
Exercise 4: The Carp Curl
Step 1:
Place your two forefingers on either side above your mouth, along the nasal-labial folds. This anchors the area as you work on your orbicularis oris.
Without making lines in your upper lip (stretch it as in the upper lip smoothie above) stretch your top lip forward and up towards your nose.
Step 2:
Curl your lip up and out, as if you were a fish sucking in water. Curl it ten times, then relax, then curl it ten times more, this time a little faster
Exercise 5: Advanced Carp Curl
Step 1:
Place your forefingers on either side of the nasal-labial fold and curl your lip up towards your nose as in the previous exercise.
Step 2:
Now stretch your lip down over your teeth (as in the Upper Lip Smoothie).
Step 3:
Alternate the two movements so that you resemble a fish. Repeat 10 times. Relax.
Repeat this three times. Each time you do it, make the alternating movements a little more rapid, while trying to maintain a smooth rhythm. When you are done, relax. Wiggle your mouth around to relax the muscle (without making lines!)
Source : Mvblog
Review : Beauty Without Cruelty Eye Makeup Remover
Friday, January 6, 2012
BWC Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover with an herbal extract and vegetable glycerin gently removes all types of make-up, including water-resistant, completely and easily without irritation.
Leaves no oily residue. Make-up can be re-applied immediately after use. Made with natural ingredients. No animal ingredients. 100% vegan, vegetarian. No synthetic or engineered fragrances. No animal testing.
Being my 1st eye make-up remover of lesser chemical origins, I am curious on its performance. This is my first product from the brand, which I purchased from iHerb. I use an eye make-up remover everyday to cleanse the concealer remains and eyebrow markings at the end of each work day. Hence I needed something that is gentle enough without much tugging required. And this product met my simple needs effortlessly.
Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC in short) is famed for its cruelty-free products that are superior in performance with exceptional prices. Their color cosmetics are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and are fragrance free and their nail colors are free of toluene, formaldehyde, and pthalates. You can read more about the brand here.
The product which I bought comes in a flip-top cap opening and the fluidity of the contents flows out easily.
On weekends with more eye make-up, this eye make-up remover do remove all my eye make-up, from mascara to eyeliner, and leave my eyes feeling clean and fresh without leaving any oily residue. However, it does sting slightly when it gets into the eyes accidentally.
Note that I don't use waterproof mascara and eyeliner so I won't be able to comment much on that.
However, Q-tip is still needed to remove my blue eyeliner marks from The Make-Up Store. That has always been my pet peeve.
It scored 3.7 from 27 users on Makeupalley .
In terms of ingredients, according to GoodGuide, it scored 4.9/10 with concerns on Cocamidopropyl Betaine (surfactant) and Phenoxyethanol (preservative). You can also read more about it here
Cocamidopropyl Betaine : Suspected of causing immunotoxicity and organ toxicity
Phenoxyethanol : Suspected of causing developmental toxicity and reproductive toxicity
Ingredients
Purified Water, Glycerine, Decyl Glucoside, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexylglycerin
You can get it for US$7.19 from drugstore or US$5.73 from Vitacost or US$6.02 from iHerb. Quote OKI787 to get US$5 off your first purchase at iHerb.
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