Beauty Tips and Secrets

Skin Care:

Start of with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil for Normal to Oily skin. This one is a gel base that does not clog pores. All it does is clean gently and it gets rid of extra unwanted oil.

Brush of dead skin cells gently, but thoroughly, with a dry towel. Be careful not to pull the skin harshly.

Use a new, clean, mascara tester wand to brush dead skin cells off of eyebrow area. Don't forget to brush off the dead skin cells that fall on your cheeks from doing this. Use small dabs of hair moisturizing cream on eyebrows. Eyebrow hair needs care too!

Moisturize dry spots quickly after washing so it will have time to absorb before you apply cosmetics. I like to use natural moisturizers with as little ingredients as possible.

Color Cosmetics:

Try out a foundation primer before you apply any makeup. There are many new brands on the market to experiment with. I use Smashbox Photo Finish. Do not over do the primer because it can cake.

Apply concealer after foundation and blend well. Leave concealer on for a minute or two to let it thicken, and apply another layer if needed, to cover flaws seamlessly. If you have very dark circles, you can apply concealer before and after foundation, in thin layers until the desired effect is achieved. My favorite is Origins Quick, Hide! concealer.

Use a smooth, almost oily, creme concealer for upper eyelids as well. This type works well for skin discolorations.

Wipe of any excess liner or mess ups with a cotton swab dabbed in your foundation or concealer color cosmetic.

Use blush and contouring powders to add depth and a beautiful glow to your skin. Use an all over translucent powder to set your entire look.

Apply mascara after eyeshadow and eyeliner. Wipe off any mistakes on eye lids with a cotton swab, and use your forefinger and thumb to gently pull away thick globs attaching lashes together. We want the full and feather-like look, ladies!

Line lips with a similar color to your lipstick, and fill in the entire lip area. Wait a few seconds to let the liner set, and then apply lipstick. Use more than one coat to get the full effect of the lipstick color. If you use lip gloss, apply it after the lip liner, or after the lipstick, and use one coat for a subtle sheen effect. Layer it on like there is no tomorrow for high drama! I love lip gloss!

Taking time to do these simple things can really effect your mood and outlook on the day.

My Beauty Secret, Bobbi Brown

Contributed by Anupama Robin

A flawless face is a beauty must have for any season. When you have a clear, smooth complexion, it lays the perfect foundation for more color and fun. So, to create this smooth canvas, I recommend using my favorite makeup line: Bobbi Brown.

My Bobbi Brown Essentials
1. Oil-free even finish compact foundation
2. Corrector
3. Creamy concealer
4. Sheer finish pressed powder

I follow this regimen to achieve a flawless complexion:

1. First, cleanse your face with a salicylic acid or glycolic acid based cleanser like Murad Acne Cleanser or Olay Salicylic Acid Cleanser (available at drugstores). Then, use (my all time favorite scrub), Become Face Smoothing Gel. This is the best scrub I have used. Massaging this soothing scrub over your face for 2 minutes makes your skin so smooth and makes it appear brighter. Makeup slides on better after scrubbing your face with this beauty essential. A must have in every diva’s shower.

2. Then use a water-based serum to prep and soothe skin. An effective one is Olay Regenerating Serum.
3. After that, use a sunscreen based moisturizer. Again, Olay is a great skincare line that’s effective and affordable.

4. Next, starting at your cheeks apply the foundation with the sponge that is included. Apply in a downward motion to smooth down any facial hairs. Apply down to your neck for a uniform appearance of skin tone.

5. Next, apply the Corrector, under your eyes using your middle or index finger. You can also purchase a brush at the counter. But I have found that the free fingers you already have are just as effective ;) . Don’t rub, just tap and spread slowly and with a slight touch.

6. You can also cover up any brown spots or (yikes) pimples, with this same Corrector. Just spot over any blemishes.

7. Next, use the Creamy Concealer to top over the corrector in the same manner mentioned in Step 5.

8. Check to make sure you blend, blend, blend for a smooth look.

9. Next, slightly apply the pressed powder with the applicator that is included. Just press lightly over foundation and concealer. Start with under your eyes, cheeks, forehead, and finally down your neck. Then take a make-up brush to lightly brush off excess powder.

10. Finally, apply a hydrating water spray. Hold the spray away from your face and mist for one press. This will make your makeup appear fresh and natural. One affordable try is the Dream Mist Hydrating Water Spray (Available at drugstores). You can also use this spray throughout the day to refresh your skin and yourself!

As for what shade to buy, it’s best to go to the Bobbi Brown counter directly to get the perfect shade for your skin tone, but there is also help on the website. Follow the above steps, and people will always notice you not your makeup. You will achieve a clear and even tone complexion. But of course good skincare is a must. More on that next time. -A.R.

Beauty Must Haves

There are just some things every diva must have! Here are a few of our beauty editor Judy's picks to help you stay beautiful.

Powder Sunscreens:

Last month I watched a report on the benefit of powder sunscreens on a Korean News network (I did not understand much. Thank God for subtitles). It was the first time I heard of sunscreens in powder form and I was really curious to find out if it was better than the common sunscreen lotion as the reporter suggested.

Two weeks later I’m at my favorite place, Sephora, and picked up Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant Mineral SPF 30. And after a month of using it, I find it to be a sort of blessing for those times of reapplication when under sun. It gives the much needed sun protection sans the greasy, sticky, annoying feeling that even the “oil-free” or “greaseless” sunscreen lotions create. With the built-in brush applicator, reapplication wherever you may be is a cinch. Major bonus: you don’t have to fret about messing up you makeup when reapplying on your face.

Editor's Pick:

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30, $30

Primer:

I never realized the benefit of using a primer before applying my makeup until I actually started using a primer. Now it’s a staple in my huge train case.

Benefits:

• Creates a smooth, flawless canvas allowing foundation to glide on smoothly and evenly.
  
• Skin looks perfect. It shrinks large pores and creates a satin-like look and feel. You’ll find that you won’t have to bother with foundation.
  
• Oil-absorbing. Great for those with oily skin and will not over-dry those with dry skin such as myself. Not only will your makeup look fresh, but your skin will feel fresh throughout the day and/or night. You can literally say good bye to the icky, sticky, oily feel of makeup after a few hours.
  
  Note: So you don’t have to worry about getting the necessary UVA and UVB protection use Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant Mineral SPF 30 or any other powder sunscreen before or after applying your makeup.

Editor's Pick:

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, $30