The Future of Makeup I’m sure that there are a few readers who can remember when the idea of pay TV sounded totally unrealistic. As futuristic as this may sound, a prototype 3-D printer, named The Mink, has been developed to make custom blends of makeup. The target market hopes to be an audience of 13 to 21 year old girls, yet this just may attract other groups as well. According to the inventor, Grace Choi, this printer will be able to add pigment to various base ingredients, known as subtrates, for lipsticks, eyeshadows, creams, bronzers, powders and more. Ms. Choi states that all beauty brands use the same quality base ingredients, which implies one is only limited by their creativity. How it works: users get to select any color or combination of, using existing software and then print the color right into the product. This will afford the user the opportunity to create custom blended products. Imagine, one day we may see makeup pigment available right next to the printer ink section or at your favorite cosmetic counter or perhaps a drive-up machine. The possibilities are endless!
The No-Makeup Look
As seen on the runways the newest trend is to have a natural, minimal look. Less makeup and the right application are all you need to get that great look.
Start with a natural prep and primer that allows your skin to shine through. Follow with a sheer foundation, applied gently, first with a brush and then with your fingers. Lastly, dust with a light translucent powder. This helps to reduce any excessive shine and helps to set the foundation.
To finish the natural look your brows can be lightly filled if necessary, then set them with a gel and brush upward for a more youthful effect.
Finish your new look with a splash of color on your lips, or perhaps you might want to settle for a nude or slightly tinted conditioning balm. A light dusting of blush will finish the look.
Retin-A
Retin-A may just be the fountain of youth you’ve been looking for. This is a derivative of vitamin A that is beneficial for various skin issues:- It thickens the layer of skin below the outer protective layer.
- It increases the blood flow to your skin.
- It increases skin-cell turnover.
- It stimulates cells that produce collagen for firmness.
Winter and Your Dry Skin
FACE Dry air, cold weather, and blustery winds can cause havoc for your skin. The best defense is to keep water from evaporating from your skin. It helps to use a heavier night cream to repair dry skin on your face. Try one that has hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, an antioxidant and even a light retinol to help repair fine lines. LIPS Seal the moisture in your lips with a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. HANDS Ointments with lanolin and petroleum work well. It helps to cover them at night after moisturizing to lock the protection in. BODY Use an exfoliating body scrub to speed up your skins natural renewal process. This procedure helps the moisturizer penetrate deeper in your skin. Try a brown sugar scrub. You can make it with brown sugar, olive oil and honey. Apply a moisturizer to your body, especially knees and elbows but don’t neglect your feet. Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged hot showers and baths. Try a moisturizing wash-off facial toner: Rose Water Toner ½ cup Rose Water 1 drop Chamomile Oil 1 drop Geranium Oil Mix, apply to face, leave on 15 minutes then wash with warm water. Watermelon Juice Toner 6 Tablespoons fresh watermelon juice 1 tablespoon honey Apply, leave on 15 minutes, and wash with warm water Sandi’s Q & A Q: Can I reduce the signs of aging without flaring my acne? A: Yes you can just keep track of the agents in the products that are used for spreading as they may contain fatty materials that can clog or cause acne flares. Q: Is a facial massage helpful for dry skin? A: Absolutely! Massage increases the blood flow to the skin which helps to stimulate the production of sebum. Massage also helps products absorb into the surface of the skin more efficiently. Q: Why does my skin get so dry and chapped? A: There are several reasons this may occur. The environment is certainly a major culprit, especially extreme temperatures. The water in the skin evaporates, drying the surface which eventually produces the chapping. Another source could be from chemicals which severely damage the barrier function of the skin. Q: Will microdermabrasion remove my acne scars? A: Probably not since it is effective for making the skin surface look smoother but it is not deep enough to affect scar tissue. Q: The last few years I have noticed that I get red, flaky skin near my hairline and the sides of my nose every time the seasons change. What is this? A: It could be seborrheic dermatitis, a common inflammation of the sebaceous glands. Often this condition is mistaken for dry skin, and then it is treated with heavy moisturizers causing more inflammation. It’s best to visit a dermatologist to be properly diagnosed. Q: How can I help bags under my eyes? What causes them? A: This is a result of fluid retention or fat deposits in the lower lid area, which can be hereditary. Those with sinus congestion suffer from this condition. Here are some suggestions:- Facial massage can help.
- A compress made with black tea or cucumber extract can be applied while in an upright position.
- A gel designed for tightening the skin around the eye area forms a film. This pulls up on the tissue, reducing the puffiness.
- Apply the back of a cold spoon for a few minutes to help reduce the area.
