How often do you clean your brushes?!

makeup brush pic

Don’t even ask me when I last did it…. I can’t even remember!! It’s one of those things everyone knows they SHOULD do, but hardly ever remember to – unless there’s so much gunk on them that its hard to miss, or your skin starts to break out. Yuk.

Also, dirty tools aren’t as effective when it comes to putting on make-up either. When working with a clean brush you know exactly what colours you’re applying and can better distribute the product.

It’s good practice to wash your brushes at least once a month. Giving them a good regular clean keeps them in good shape and prolongs their life.

Step 1 – Rinse brushes under running water to get off any excess product
Step 2 – Add a small amount of cleanser or shampoo to a small bowl of lukewarm water
Step 3 – Wash brushes gently, bristles pointing down so the water doesn’t go up the brush (as this can weaken the glue and shorten its lifespan)
Step 4 – Rinse brushes under running water again, and repeat steps 3 and 1 until all product is gone (the water runs clear)
Step 5 – Gently squeeze excess water out of the brushes, reshape them and lie flat to dry on a clean cloth/towel (rotating once or twice so they maintain their shape)

When was the last time you did that??

What’s Your Anti-Aging Stage?

Regardless of your age, it’s always important to hydrate, exfoliate and protect your skin to slow the appearance of aging.

 

Beginning – ages 18 – 29

Fine lines can start to appear around your eyes and lips.  Skin will still produce oil, and will have a healthy cell turnover every 14-25 days.  Acne breakouts can still be an issue.  Lifestyle choices like sunbathing, smoking and alcohol will also impact skin health over the next decade.

Moderate – ages 30-49

Collagen production starts to decline by 1% every year, resulting in the appearance of more fine lines and wrinkles.  Cell turnover slows to 30 days, which can lead to dehydration and dryness.  Signs of previous sun damage, like brown or age spots, can start to form.  As collagen and elastin production continues to decline, skin loses resilience and the ability to ‘snap back’.  Repetitive moves, like frowning or squinting, form the first permanent wrinkles.  Hormonal changes can trigger dryness and sensitive skin.  Wrinkles, age spots, and uneven skin tone become more apparent as cell turnover slows down further to an average of 45 days.

Advanced – ages 50+

Menopause can trigger a 30% reduction in collagen and a dramatic increase in dryness and dehydration.  Gravity, along with a decrease in collagen and elastin production, causes skin to sag.  Exposed skin has ‘mottled hyperpigmentation’ (covered with patches of different colours) and age spots.  Oil-producing glands become less active and skin becomes drier, more fragile, and more sensitive to environmental stresses.

 

Where do you fit in?  What are you doing to “fight” the stage your in?

What does a Make-Up Primer even do??

This was something I only recently learnt the answer to at the ripe old age of 32!  I’ve always worn make-up, but have never been too clued up on the basics.  Cleanse, moisturise, foundation etc…. (gasp! nope, I’ve never bothered with toning!) that’s always been how I’ve rolled.  Well hallelujah I have finally seen the light!

Basically, primer is a base for foundation that allows it to go on smoother and last longer throughout the day.  It also minimises the look of skin imperfections as well as a diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Ye-yaaaa!!

It’s not really too different from when you say, paint a house – the primer is your undercoat, the initial layer you paint on to smooth out any lumps and bumps, and to ‘seal the wood’.  I totally wouldn’t be without it now!!

If you’re keen to find out for yourself what I’m talking about, or are already in the know but would be interested in trying out a different primer to one you might already be using – drop me a comment below or contact me on Facebook or by email, and I’ll get a FREE primer sample to you.  It’s one I personally use and absolutely swear by.

Skin Types & Conditions

healthy skin

It goes without saying really that it’s important to properly care for your skin every day.  There are 4 major skin types:

  1. Oily
  2. Combination
  3. Normal
  4. Dry

Oily – oily skin produces an excessive amount of oil all over the face every day, all day long.  The skin looks shiny due to the presence of an oily film.  It also looks coarse and rough in texture.  Blackheads and blemishes may be present.  Pores generally look enlarged.

Combination – this skin type is like having two different skin types on the same face.  Say whaaaaat?!  Combination skin generally experiences an oily skin type in the T-zone and a dry skin type on the cheeks.  Both areas of oiliness and dryness are present every day, all year long.  The skin looks shiny in the T-zone due to the presence of an oily film.  It also looks dry and matte on the cheeks.  Blackheads and blemishes may be present, especially in the oilier T-zone area.  Pores generally look enlarged on the nose, forehead and chin.

Normal – normal skin is not too oily or too dry.  Blemishes are uncommon, as skin looks soft and supple.  Pores are generally small and not noticeable.  Skin looks healthy and smooth.

Dry – when skin loses its ability to produce oils and retain moisture, it feels dry.  Though it may look smooth with small pores, it may have a tight, leathery appearance.

 

As well as taking care of your skin according to your skin type, skincare conditions can arise that need special attention.

Acne – acne is generally experienced by those with an oily skin type or in an oily T-zone of a combination skin type.  Acne is characterised by blackheads and pimples, redness and inflammation due to the invasion of bacteria.  If neglected, these blemishes can scar the skin.

Sensitive Skin – sensitive skin should not be overstimulated.  Products gentle enough for a baby’s skin will help pamper sensitive skin.

Which are you?

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