Oh, So You Want Flawless Coverage, Do Ya?

Three Tips to a Perfect Complexion


Tip 1:
Moisturize!

Applying a facial moisturizer before any make-up comes into contact with your face is essential to getting flawless coverage. Often confused with facial primers, moisturizer is healthier for the skin and typically includes at least some SPF and anti-aging bonuses. Primers can be oily and very expensive. The moisturizer I use is Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 (for all skin types). It's non-greasy, fragrance-free, won't break you out and inexpensive (around 9 dollars). This product is perfect for people with sensitive skin (that's me!) and is recommended in most dermatology offices. You can find CDFM at any local drug or grocery store.

Here's a link to help you get an idea of what you're lookin' for: http://www.cetaphil.com/Products/DailyFacialMoisturizer.aspx


Tip 2:
Foundation...

What a hard topic to cover in a mini-tip-blurb.
Here it goes!

Qualities of good foundation:
1. Lightweight, airy
2. Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
3. Ample coverage, but not cakey
4. Long lasting
5. Good color range

Some foundations I prefer:
Dream Matte mousse, by Mabelline New York (Any convenience store)

Dinair, Airbrush Makeup (Only available online: www.airbrushmakeup.com )--Also makes a good concealer

Tient Idole Ultra, by Lancome (Select department stores)

Mineral Power, by Mabelline New York (Convenience stores) OR Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation (Online or select stores)

Q: How do I find my shade?!

A: Jaw lines and necks are i-m-p-o-r-t-a-n-t! Hands are misleading... No one wants a "mask" of make-up. Right? You want foundation to blend into your natural color, not stand apart from it. A common mistake women make: trying to add color with foundation. Foundation is not a bronzer, it's a canvas!

Some lucky people have perfect skin, and don't need foundation. My recommendation is to use a tinted moisturizer with a SPF, to maintain good complexion and protect skin from sun damage and free radicals!


Tip 3.
To conceal or not to conceal?

Women get red (because of hormones) around the eyelid, nose, chin and underneath the eye. These are places to conceal with a lightweight concealer (ex. Covergirl Fresh Complexion, Loreal Paris Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Concealer...). Friendly tip: With concealer, a little goes a long way.

Q: I have acne. How am I ever going to get "flawless" skin?

A: Mineral concealers! No oil, good for the skin. Oh, and are you using your moisturizer? ;) Believe it or not, even drying out your skin can cause break outs. The skin is an organ that needs a healthy balance of oils. Tip: Drink lots of water, it will flush out those toxins that cause acne.

If you have acne that is outside of the norm (ie: during your cycle), then consulting a dermatologist may be a healthy idea. But acne is caused by bacteria (even if you wash your face daily), and your doctor can help find a solution.

Q: I have pores the size of lunar craters. HELP.

A: Product: St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser. Use this morning and night. Those pores'll be shrinkin' in no time. Using a scrub will help too. Mixing a Cetaphil lotion with baking soda is an at-home remedy that is gentle enough to soften the face and not clog pores.



Depending on the "look" you're going for and your skin type, you may want to set your foundation with a light powder. This will help with preventing transfer and will keep your skin matte if you're prone to oil. Personally, this step is optional.

I hope your day is filled with love and smiles!
Until next time!
Melinda (: