Try these long standing tips for great looking eyebrows:

1. To calm those unruly brows apply a little hairspray to a small brush; then brush your brows up and out.
2. If you use a brow pencil only use the side of the pencil. Using the tip will result in a hard line; a look that will surely ruin your entire look.
3. Keep the brow peak where it is naturally.
4. When using a brow pencil just fill the holes rather than trying to fill the entire brow.
5. Reduce irritation and redness by softening the skin with cream or warm water before you tweeze and then tweeze in the direction of the hair growth.

Glitter nail polish looks great but it can be a real pain to remove. Here’s a method that might solve that problem for you: Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover. Place the cotton ball on a nail then wrap the fingertip in foil. Leave this on for about 5 minutes.  The glitter should wipe right off.  Repeat for each nail. Holidays are no time for breakouts. Zap them with this recipe: Spot treat blackheads and whiteheads with .5% salicylic acid. All other breakouts can be spot treated with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Once you have spot treated the area, glob on 1% hydrocortisone cream, available OTC (over the counter.) Retinol – the one wrinkle fighter you should be using. This is the one ingredient that will boost collagen, soften skin, even out the texture of the skin and fade dark spots. Start using it about twice a week under your moisturizer for a few weeks then increase usage to three times a week.  Retinoids break down in sunlight so the best time to use them is at bedtime. Get your eyeshadow to stay put. Apply moisturizer and foundation first. Multi-Vitamin injectable with hyaluronic acid is the latest buzz. This is the newest invasive treatment that promises to protect the DNA of the skin and rejuvenate cells.  This treatment costs about $825 and lasts approximately six months. Facial Powder – did you know that it is the only makeup product that is applied with a downward motion in the direction of the facial hair? Makeup Tricks to Make You Look 10 Years Younger (really!)

1. As you age the sides of your mouth will begin to droop; it’s a fact. To lessen the effect, you can brush highlighter on the corners and concealer below the outer edges of your lower lip to minimize shadows.
2. Crow’s feet can be camouflaged. In lieu of heavy makeup cover-up, brighten the area with concealer under the outer third of your lower lashes and then a creamy highlighter just below any lines.
3. Reduce the appearance of those lines that run from your nose to your mouth by applying concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin over the shadow just below the fold, avoiding the entire crease.
4. A double chin can look slimmer if you apply a light layer of foundation or a matte bronzer two shades darker than your skin under your chin, shading over any jowl. Be sure to blend toward your neck using a sponge or brush.
5. When your brows are high and full they look youthful and they define all of your facial features. Use a brow powder or pencil a shade lighter than your hair color to fill in any sparse areas.

Skin Care Products That Should Never Be Used Together

1. Vitamin C and Benzoyl Peroxide Benzoyl Peroxide is used for acne. When the two are combined the peroxide will oxidize the Vitamin C, rendering both products useless.

2. Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid Salicylic Acid is used for acne and Glycolic Acid is an exfoliator. When used together they will seriously dry the skin.

3. Retin-A and Gritty Exfoliants Retin-A dries skin and causes it to peel and become sensitive while the gritty exfoliants create irritation by rubbing, making the situation much worse.

4. Sonic Brush and Exfoliants Using the two together is too irritating. It robs the skin of necessary oils and its protective barrier.

5. Retin-A and Toner Together they are too drying.

Sandi’s Skin Talk Q & A

Q:  I have heard about Ayurvedic skin care, what is that? A:  Ayurveda is an ancient Indian holistic system based on the five elements: air, space, fire, water and earth. When there is an imbalance of the water element in the body, for instance, the skin is dry.  This system believes that treating your skin from the inside out using a whole body approach delivers serious beauty-boosting benefits. Q:  Can I use essential oils on my face? A:  Not all essential oils are made the same. Without knowing why you would want to be using the oil on your face, or if you would be using it alone, I can’t fully answer your question. Higher concentrations of some essential oils can irritate skin. Q: What’s the best way to apply foundation? A:  According to makeup artist Bobbi Brown, foundation only needs to be applied where there are imperfections, usually under the eyes, around the mouth and nose and on any blemishes. Q:  Is it okay to use baby oil to remove my makeup? A:  Baby oil is not the best option. If it is not removed properly it can trap oil and bacteria, which can cause irritation and breakouts, especially around the eyes.  A better option would be natural oils such as olive or almond oil. Q:  What can I do to avoid razor bumps after I shave? A:  First, never shave dry skin. Take a hot shower and use a thick shaving cream or rich conditioner. Also, be sure to shave in the direction of the hair growth and then rinse with cold water to help close the pores when finished. Views:]]>