Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Anti-Aging Make-up Tricks

No matter how much you try, your skin and body ages every year. As you get older, your lips, lashes and eyebrows naturally get lighter, which causes a contrast in the colors of your skin. By adding dark colors on your eyes and lips, it can create more of a contrast which will make you look even older. Here are some simple make-up tricks to make you look younger.

Start with a creamy foundation, that matches your skin tone. You can use your lower cheeks to determine a color, and do not use your neck because it tends to be lighter from the lack of sunlight. Apply a small amount to your entire face making sure you cover your forehead, nose and chin, while blending it down onto your neck. Use a damp sponge to blend and remove any lines from the product. 

Use eyeliner. As your lashes begin to lighten, it makes it harder to see them and determine where your lash line is. If you have lighter skin, use a brown pencil, and a black pencil if you have darker skin. Using a pencil gives you more control and allows for a more natural look. Apply the liner to the top only, so it does not give the effect of dragging eyes. On your lids, use a medium brown shadow in the crease of your eye lid, and add a lighter color like champagne to your lid, up to the brown. Be sure to blend the colors so it is smooth. To finish off the look apply black mascara to the top lashes. This look will give you brighter looking eyes, and will minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Blush. To give your skin back its youthful glow, apply blush on the highest point of your cheek bones and blend towards the hairline. Your skin sags as we age, so you want to apply it in a way that it directs you away from the problem areas. Instead of using a powder blush, use a cream. It will give a glow to your skin and will last for the whole day.  If you wish to add bronzer, use it lightly. Apply a c shape from your forehead to your temples to under your cheekbones. This technique will enhance your skin structure and make your skin look lighter. 

Defining your eyebrows. Your eyebrows tend to thin on the ends and fade out as you age. Your eyebrows should be natural looking and not take over your face. Use a medium brown pencil or one that matches the color of your eyebrow hair. Use the pencil to apply short strokes to any thin spots, and be sure your eyebrows come to the outer corners of your eye. You can use the pencil to create an arch to your brows as well.

Lips. Your lip color will lighten over time and your lips will also get smaller. To give them a fuller look, be sure to use lip liner first. Lip liner will keep your lipstick from running and give your lips a more defined look. Use a color that closely matches the middle of your lips. Use a more natural looking lipstick, like a medium pink. You can exfoliate your lips before applying lip liner to make them look more plumped as well.

Sticking to more natural colors when you are older will compliment your skin more than doing a dramatic eye and lip. Try these tricks on your next make-up application and you will have people guessing your actual age. 

~aphrodite

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Preparing Yourself For Fall

When the weather begins to change, you need to prepare yourself so it doesn't effect you in a harsh way. Trends change as quickly as the seasons, but it is still important to keep up with your beauty treatments. Here are the current things you need to continue doing, to make sure you look great during the colder months.

Nail Care
Getting regular manicures and pedicures is not just a thing of the summer, and its not just for women. Men need to get there nails filed, cleaned, and feet scrubbed just as much as women do. Most people think that you only have to get pedicures when your toes are going to be showing. It is even more important to get your nails done in the dry, colder months then in the summer. Even though your feet are not showing, they still get dry, and brittle. Your nails should be cleaned, filed, and the cuticles pushed back to help prevent diseases and injuries. You should get a manicure every two weeks. The more often you get your nails done, the stronger they will grow, the healthier, and nicer they will look. You should get a pedicure every 4 weeks, to keep them from getting dry, brittle, and callused. 
There are great nail polish colors that you can use. The in fall colors are deep berry colors like pink and purple, dark neutral colors like nude and grey's, polish with fine glitter, and darker shades of blue. Try out one of these colors by coming in for a manicure/pedicure today.
         




Skin Care
Taking care of your skin is extremely important. Always wear sun block, exfoliate your skin, and wash your face with the correct regimen. You should go in and get a facial at least once a month. It will really cleanse your skin, remove any dead skin cells as well as dirt, and give it a more firmer, youthful look. It allows a professional to look at your skin, to figure out if it is lacking any vitamins, moisture, or is producing to much oil. They will help guide you to use the best products for your face and body. Not only should you get facials to take care of your face, but you should also get a monthly body scrub as well. Body scrubs exfoliate your skin, to give it a healthier look and feel. There are three different types that we do. They are a sugar scrub, salt scrub, and a coffee scrub. The salt scrub is used as a cleansing and exfoliating procedure, that leaves your skin clean. The sugar scrub is a more milder scrub, but has the same effects as the salt scrub. A coffee scrub is a bit different. It is harsher then the both scrubs, and can be called a sauna scrub. It is used to exfoliate, and detoxify. It can help reduce cellulite by filtering into problem areas, help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and help reduce excess water weight. They all exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, rejuvenate skin to leave it smooth, soft and with a healthy glow.  Come in and get your facial or body scrub today.


Hair Care
Getting a hair trim every 4-6 weeks is important all year round. As the fall approaches, the colder weather and wind will dry out your hair. To help with the dryness and to improve the amount of moisture in your hair, you should come in every 2-3 weeks to get a treatment. If you color your hair, you should have a treatment to help restore your hair back to its original health. Each treatment does different things. We offer a wide variety of hair treatments that range from a deep condition treatment, to restorative, to keratin treatments. In the fall people like to change up there haircut and color. Rich browns and red-browns are in for the fall, as well as long-layered haircuts, and short haircuts. Come in to get your hair cut, a treatment and maybe even a color.




These trends and services will help you to get prepared for fall. Come in and let us pamper you.

~aphrodite





Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Helping your skin receive what it needs and doesn’t need, from N to Z

I hope you all enjoyed the last blog post. To coincide with the last blog I posted, this is a continuation of that same article. The first half of the article was A to M, so now I will finish off with N to Z.
N. Neuromodulators. Neuromodulators, also known as botox, is used to smooth lines in your forehead and eye area by temporarily paralyzing the underlying muscle. If done correctly, your face will have a relaxed look, but if done incorrectly your face can become permanently paralyzed. 
O. Ozone. Ozone pollution from the decreasing ozone layer, does not help our bodies inside or out. Twenty minutes of high ozone exposure is a big factor in premature aging. Use a product with alkylguanine transferase in it. It has an enzyme in it that repairs ozone induced damage on the skin. Ozone pollution is only common in large cities, or places that have factories, so many people do not have to worry about this on a daily basis.
P. Pores. As we get older, sun exposure damages the fibers that help keep skin smooth and firm, causing pores to expand. In a shower, allow the water to get as hot as you can handle it, so the stem opens up your pores. Then use an exfoliant to clean your skin. After you get out, use an anti-aging mattifying lotion.  
Q. Q-10. Q-10 is an antioxidant and hydrator that strengthens the top layer of the skin, which helps it seal in moisture. It is also an anti-inflammatory.
R. Retinoids. Retinoids are a vitamin a derivative, that increases cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. The collagen production helps smooth skin, treat discoloration, and acne. Do not use every night at first, because there can be some irritation. Use a few times a week, and to ease into it.
S. Stem cells. Stem cells can regenerate indefinitely, and repair tissue they reside in. By apply stem cells from a plant, it can help you get your skin to act younger, which in return can help it look younger.
T. Tanning beds. Tanning beds are used to get UV rays into your skin, which makes it darker, but they also can accelerate the aging process of your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer. Instead go a more natural route and use a self tanner. You will have healthier skin and look younger, longer.
U. UVA & UVB rays. UVA rays cause aging in the skin and UVB rays cause burning in the skin. Both can cause skin cancer. Keep your skin safe, and use sunscreen everyday.
V. Veins. Veins can come from all sorts of contributions. The best fix is sclerotherapy, a procedure where a dermatologist injects the veins with saline. Injecting it causes the veins to collapse, and the blood to be rerouted. To help prevent spider veins, wear compression stockings or support hose. 
W. Water. Most people do not drink enough water on a daily basis, and water is what keeps your body running smoothly. Drinking to much water can be a bad thing as well. Over hydrating can flush out essential vitamins and electrolytes from your blood system. Drink 6-8 8 oz. glasses of water each day.
X. Extra Credit. Most creams do not combine moisturizing, firming or working all day into one. But now there is an all in one anti-aging cream. This Miracle Cream works for the face, neck, and eyes all day or night to firm skin, smooth wrinkles, and hydrate. 
Y. Yogurt. Yogurt has tones of pro-biotics and immune boosting cells, that when used on skin it hydrates and promotes good bacteria growth, while minimizing bad bacteria growth. You can use any type of yogurt on your skin as well.
Z. Zinc oxide. Sunscreens made from zinc help provide broad spectrum protection. They sit on the surface of your skin, instead of soaking in. This in turn makes them safer, more effective, and great for people with sensitive skin. 
I really hope you enjoyed this article and are learning a lot of great facts. Keep reading our blog for more great articles and tips.
~aphrodite
Shape Magazine: Your Skin, A to Z. January/February 2013. Author: Alyssa Kolsky Hertzig

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Helping your skin receive what it needs and doesn’t need, from A to M

There are many products that your skin needs, and may not receive because you do not know what they are or because you did not know it effected your skin. I found this article that had some great notes in it and I wanted to share it this week. I have added some of my own input as well. I hope you find it very informative.
A. Antioxidants.  Antioxidants are the 2nd best thing to help fight against anti-aging. They help to fight against the effects of UV light exposure and cigarette smoke. Use products daily that contain vitamin c, green tea, or extract. These ingredients will give you the antioxidants you need to help protect your skin from unwanted exposure.
B. Bio-energy. Bioenergetics, which is a communication between cells, slows down over time. This results in an older appearance, and skin that doesn’t respond to rejuvenating ingredients. Use any anti-aging products that help reduce wrinkles, and have a heavier moisturizer. 
C. CC creams. BB creams (beauty balms) were the big thing in 2012. They have a combination of sheer coverage, moisturizers, and sun protectors.The new thing is CC (color and correct) creams. They offer more hydration and anti-aging ingredients. Look for products that contain vitamin c. It helps to soften fine lines, firm skin, and increase the natural glow of your skin.
D. Vitamin D. Vitamin D is responsible for the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate. The best way to get vitamin d in your skin is by taking supplements, or by sunlight. Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, and enjoy some sun. The sunscreen will not block out any vitamin d absorption. 
E. Exfoliation. Exfoliation is very important, especially during the dry, winter months. Exfoliating removes dead skin cell build-up. If you do not already exfoliate, you need to ease into it because it can cause dehydration and irritation of the skin.For your face, find an exfoliate that is made for sensitive skin, and start out by using it once or twice a week. For the rest of your body, buy a lufa. Use with your normal soap of body wash twice a week at first and increase when you can.
F. Fractionated lasers. Normal lasers used in the skin, burn off the top layer, which can result in a long healing process and possible scaring. These lasers only treat a portion of your skin. The beams of light, trigger the natural healing process and growth of healthy cells. The cost is high, but in 2-3 sessions, it can even out skin tones, shrink pores, and increase collagen production, which reduces wrinkles. 
G. Glycolic acid-peels. If lasers aren’t your thing, try a peel. These peels are used to remove dead skin cells, but it is used for brightening your skin and clearing acne. To receive the best results, you will need about 4-6 sessions. If peels sound to scary, then try a problem skin facial instead. It will help to remove acne, and discoloration of the skin.
H. Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule found in the skin and is used in facial creams. It is used as a softener and traps water into the skin. If it is injected, it give youthful volume to the face.
I. Idebenone. Idebenone is an antioxidant found in some anti-aging and intensive repair serums. It is significantly better and more effecting than vitamin c and e.
J. Jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is a hydrator used in face and body creams. It is a natural oil, that’s chemical make-up is similar to one found in our skin, so it is easily absorbed.
K. Vitamin k. Vitamin k is used in under eye creams, along with vitamins c and e to reduce dark circles. It does so by stopping leaking blood vessels. 
L. LED devices. LED lights are used to transmit low levels of light onto skin to help treat wrinkles and dark spots. The red light can be sued to help firm and smooth skin. Over time, LED light can help improve the signs of anti-aging. 
M. Melanin. Melanin is a substance that gives skin its color. If you have dark spots or discoloration, this can be from an over exposure to UV rays or light. Do not go in tanning beds, and when you are going to be exposed to UV light, wear sunscreen.

I hope you found this article as informative as I did. The rest of the article will be posted some time next week. Thank you for all of your support and kind comments. It really is greatly appreciated. 
~aphrodite
Article from Shape Magazine: Your Skin, A to Z. January/February 2013. Author: Alyssa Kolsky Hertzig.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Best Polish Colors For Summer

Nail polish colors are sometimes hard to choose from. There are so many different colors to choose from and it is hard to pick what color will look best on you. I will tell you the most popular nail trends for this summer and which shade to wear for your own skin tone.

The hot nail polish color trends for the summer are coral, metallic, neon's and blues, but not every shade of each color looks good for all skin tones. For each skin tone, I will direct you to the color that will look and compliment your skin the most.

Fair Skin

Coral Polish. For women with light to fair skin, a darker coral will be too much. Go for a lighter shade of coral, like a sweet blush color. It is a lighter coral with orange tones. It will enhance your skin tone, instead of over powering it.



Metallic. Metallic polish on lighter skin can be very hard to pull off. If you have a bold look, it goes great but with the right color. Try for a rose gold shade of polish. It is a pink nail polish, with a gold tone to it. Make sure the polish is very shiny, and not too dark. It will give your skin tone a little added color.


Neon. Neon colors are great to add a pop of color, to a black, white or gray outfit. The best neon color for fair skin is a fuchsia. It is a darker but bright shade of pink. Some fuchsia's even have a hint of purple to them. Every polish line has a fuchsia color.


Blue. Blue nail polish is not something everyone is a fan of. Some people stick to pinks, reds and more natural looking colors, while others like to go for something different. Blue nail polish can be a hard color to pull off, but the best for fair skin is a bright sky blue. The blue is the color of the sky, but with a bright factor to it, instead of the more toned down blue that the sky is.




Olive Skin

Coral. Coral nail polish is a great color for darker skin tones. For olive skin, a melon shade of coral is the best. Melon is the closest standard shade of coral. It is a bit lighter, with an orange tint to it.



Metallic. The best shade of metallic for olive skin is a glittery silver. This gives you a wide variety of options to choose which glitter you like best. There are chunky and thin silver glitters, also silver polish with glitter in it. You can also add the silver glitter over another color, for an added effect.

 

Neon. Bright colors look great on tanned skin. Try an electric lime green against olive skin. You can use a lighter or darker shade of lime green depending on what you like better. It will really make a statement.




Blue. Blue nail polish looks great with a blue outfit. If your outfit is dark blue, wearing a lighter blue, like an aquamarine, will be a great complimenting color. Aquamarine is a blue with green hues in it. You can have it shiny or more of a matte color.
 

Bronze Skin

Coral. For bronze skin, you can go with a sparkly coral pink. It is like the normal shade of coral but with added glitter, for some extra sparkle. You can put a coat of coral on, and then put a coat of a glitter polish over it.



Metallic. To compliment your skin tone, and still get the metallic color, try a copper color. Especially one with a shimmer effect. It will make your skin look brighter and more refreshed.



Neon. For a great neon, that will make you look tanner, try a bright orange. You can choose from an orange with a red tint, or a normal orange shade. Make sure it stays nice and bright. The brighter the color, then better it will look with your skin.


Blue. A great blue for you is a midnight blue. The dark color will look great with a lighter blue out fit. If you want to add a little extra, put a dark blue glitter over it.




Deep Skin

Coral. Any shade of coral would look great on darker skin, but if you want something that you will like, try a salmon coral. This color is more relaxed and a pretty pink. It looks great with anything.



Metallic. Doing dark colors, against dark skin sometimes makes your skin look duller. Try a lighter metallic gold polish. It will compliment any black or brown outfit, and make your skin shine.

 

Neon. All neon colors will make your skin pop. To try something different, use a yellow. It really pops against dark colors.


Blue. For a great blue, go for something rich like a cobalt blue. A dark blue that has a brightness to it looks great with any light colored outfit. 



The color of August is mint green. It is a great light color that can be used for an added pop of color or to tone down any outfit. These are all the nail color trends for this summer. Try one out today, and get a great manicure.

~aphrodite