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Tag Archives: complexion

Cover It: The ultimate guide to concealer

27 Monday May 2013

Posted by freshbeautyblog in Beauty Tips, Beauty Tutorials, Complexion, Get The Look, Ingredient Spotlight, Makeup Shortcuts, Makeup Tips & Tricks

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beauty, beauty tips, complexion, concealer, cosmetics, makeup

concealer-tutorial-L1

Turns out the secret to having flawless skin is knowing how to apply concealer. Read on to find out how to brush up on your camouflaging skills.

concealer

How to conceal puffiness

You need: highlighter + liquid concealer

Mix a liquid concealer with a tiny bit of highlighter, and dab it on the puffy areas of your face. This will help reflect light and give the effect of smooth skin. I recommend recommend Peter Thomas Roth Un Wrinkle Concealer & Brightener, $55.

youngblood

How to conceal redness around the nose

You need: cream concealer + latex sponge+ loose powder

It’s a known fact that the area around your nose gets oily quickly, so it’s best to use an oil-free cream concealer for heavier coverage. Use your ring finger to pat and blend the concealer into the crease around the nose. Then take a damp makeup sponge, dip in loose powder, and blend. Try Youngblood Ultimate Concealer, $43 coupled with Lavera Fine Loose Mineral Powder, $38.

_1_RMK-Pencil-Concealer-03-Pink-Beige-0-2g-0-007oz-148586

How to conceal a pimple

You need: green concealer + concealer pencil + latex sponge + translucent powder

Pencils are best at coating blemishes because the pointy shape allows you to go on the pimple and around it easily. Reach for RMK Concealer Pencil, $51. Then take a damp sponge and powder over the area. If your pimple is red, try neutralising the color by using a green concealer first.

secretconcealer

How to conceal scars or dark spots

You need: cream pot + lifting concealer + concealer brush + latex sponge+ loose powder

To completely erase dark pigment or scars, the heavy coverage of a cream concealer works best thanks to the thicker texture which contains less oil than liquid and therefore lasts longer. Apply the concealer with a brush over the problem area and then apply a dab of lifting concealer, which will provide a highlight. Finish with a damp sponge and loose powder to blend it all together. Try Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, $40.

christian-dior-face-care-diorskin-sculpt-lifting-smoothing-concealer-ivory-women517493

How to conceal under-eye bags

You need: liquid concealer with lifting ingredients + latex sponge + loose powder

To counteract the yellow, bluish hues under the eyes the key is to use a peach-based concealer as it brings warmth to the area. A lifting ingredient like vitamin A prevents the concealer from settling into creases and fine lines. Another key trick is to dip a damp makeup sponge into loose powder and then dab over the under eye area to set the concealer.  Try Diorskin Sculpt Lifting Smoothing Concealer, $56.

❤ Kristina xo

PS. In a beauty fix and need some advice? Or maybe you just want to chat about all things pretty? Drop me a line: kristina@fragrancesandcosmetics.com.au. Or, if you’re in the mood for some eye candy, come and see what I’ve been Pinning over at www.pinterest.com/freshdiscover. Better yet – join me on Facebook for more beauty fun www.facebook.com/freshfragrances. And for a plain old good time, come and follow Fresh on Instagram – @freshdiscoverbeauty – & Twitter@fresh_fragrances.

Beauty Without Botox: How to fake looking like you’ve just had a face lift

28 Sunday Apr 2013

Posted by freshbeautyblog in Anti-Aging, Beauty Tips, Beauty Tutorials, Complexion, Eye-mazing, Fresh discover beauty online, Get The Look, Ingredient Spotlight, Makeup Shortcuts, Makeup Tips & Tricks, Skincare, Sunscreen, Tutorials

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anti-aging, beauty, complexion, skincare, tips, wrinkles

gwenythbeautywithoutbotox

It seems like every woman’s greatest fear is to look gasp, her actual age. But fighting the hands of time doesn’t have to be about hating the changes your skin and body are undergoing. Rather, the aging process should be about embracing and enhancing your best bits without the need for invasive surgery or needles. After all, ageless beauty is about feeling good in your skin, right?

This particular mentality is starting to be adopted by some of Hollywood’s biggest A-listers. Gwenyth Paltrow recently announced she was giving up botox in favour of more natural beauty processes. Similarly, Nicole Kidman is also taking the no-needle pledge.

According to The Age, the big skincare shift is toward preservation and nourishment as opposed to the ‘burn baby burn’ approach of previous decades. Beauty gurus are now touting the benefits of investing in good skincare products from an early age that come turbo charged with active ingredients like peptides, stem cells and antioxidants as opposed to being frozen-into-oblivion or having to go under the knife.

In light of this, read ahead to learn how you can get similar youth-boosting effects with less invasive tactics. From correcting crow’s feet to covering pigmentation and wrinkles, consider this the ultimate anti-aging bible!

fine lines

ISSUE: FINE LINES AND WRINKLES

As we age, the skin begins to lose its elasticity due to dehydration and the constant contracting of facial muscles. Sun damage can also contribute to creating pronounced creases in the skin. Your eyes, mouth and forehead are often the most common areas to cop it.

CURE:  When it comes to warding away wrinkles, it’s important to stimulate the formation of new collagen and hyaluronic acid (a natural sugar in the skin that attracts and binds water, keeping it soft, smooth and firm) with the right products. A hydrating day cream with plumping properties such as peptides and silicone derivatives will provide instant gratification to the skin by filling in lines and crevices. Serums and treatment masques infused with antioxidants are equally as important in helping to rebuild the skin while protecting it against future damage. Finally, a night cream containing retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, will stimulate circulation and increase cell growth, which speeds up the skin’s regeneration process and ultimately its metabolism. Because retinoids can be irritating, first timers should prep skin for 2 weeks with an antioxidant such as coffeeberry or green tea.

SHOP IT: 1. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Super Cream, $42, 2. Prevage Anti-Aging Intensive Repair Daily Serum, $261, 3. SK-II Stempower Rich Cream, $232, 4. Priori CoffeeBerry Day Complex, $105

sunscreen

ISSUE: SUN DAMAGE

Most of the UV rays that bombard us on a daily basis are UVA, which penetrates deeply into the skin and ravages collagen, thus producing age spots, wrinkles and dry areas.

CURE: The one product that will help stave off the years is a broad-spectrum sunscreen. The skin has an incredible ability to heal itself once you start blocking UVA and UVB rays and you’ll see an improvement in both texture and tone. To boost protection, choose a sunscreen or an additional topical product that contains antioxidants such as green tea, pomegranate, and vitamins C and E. Research shows that these supercharged products offer extra insurance against the onslaught of UV-produced free radicals

SHOP IT: 1. Peter Thomas Roth Sheer Liquid SPF 50 Anti-Aging Sunscreen, $67, 2. John Masters Organics Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $51, 3. Orlane Extreme Anti-Wrinkle Care Sunscreen SPF 30, $213, 4. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Day Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30, $70

lips1

ISSUE: AGING LIPS

Over time the area on and around our lips begins to lose its youthful convexity. Fine lines, sagging, loss of volume, thinning and pigmentation begin to appear and lack of moisture and suppleness is evident.

CURE: It’s important to employ a daily ritual to help rejuvenate the lip’s vitality. Look for products that contain hydrators like shea butter and sunflower oil or antioxidants like rosehip. To disguise lost collagen and lip thinning, enlist the help of a treatment that contains hyaluronic acid fillers which help boost volume beneath the skin’s surface to smooth the lips and the surrounding areas. Products that lift and tighten the kissers, while providing the perfect surface for lipstick are also imperative.

SHOP IT: 1. La Prairie Cellular Lip Line Plumper, $112, 2. Swissline Cell Shock Cellular Lip Zone Corrective Complex, $98, 3. Bloom Organics Soothing Lip Balm – Beeswax & Shea Butter, $18, 4. Once Upon A Time Anti-Wrinkle Plumping-Smoothing Lip Balm, $20

sagging

ISSUE: SAGGING SKIN

Ageing causes a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin, as well as the amount of natural moisture, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity which in turn produces a sagging effect.

CURE: Your focus should mainly be on rebuilding the skin so look for products that contain retinol (vitamin A) or hydroquinone, as well as antixoidants like Vitamin C and coenzyme Q10. You can also replenish your skin with products containing lactic acid for hydration.

SHOP IT: 1. Cellex-C Formulations Advanced-C Skin Tightening Cream, $164, 2. Adrien Arpel Cellular PPRX, $49, 3. Dr. Brandt Time Arrest Cream, $125, 4. Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Creme, $354

pigmentation

ISSUE: PIGMENTATION

Sunlight, environmental factors and the natural passage of time all contribute to the development of dark spots, skin pigmentation and uneven skin tone. There’s also emotional stress and hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause to contend with.

CURE: Key ingredients to consider when trying to control hyperpigmentation are Vitamin C and hydroquinone which improve irregularities and the appearance of  dark spots, while evening out the skin tone. Similarly, retinol-based products makes the skin smoother, firmer, and more even-toned. Exfoliation is also pivotal to the facial rejuvenation process. It increases dermal volume, making skin look less wrinkly and uneven and will also help fade brown spots and redness. A scrub or a chemical exfoliant, such as a glycolic peel or a lactic-acid cleanser are great at curing the effects of age-induced pigmentation. 

SHOP IT: 1. Jan Marini Age Intervention Enlighten Plus, $136, 2. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, $82, 3. Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser, $47, 4. EmerginC Complexion Perfection, $109

eyes1

ISSUE: UNDER EYE BAGS

It’s normal for eyes to bag slightly due to decreased elasticity of the skin as you age. Stray blood cells leak out of under-eye vessels, potentially causing the area beneath to darken and appear bruised.

CURE: Eye creams or serums containing retinol can help thicken the thin skin under the eyes, making it look less transparent. Anti-aging eye cream products containing vitamin K will also help dark circles fade. It’s also important to boost the  circulation underneath your eyes to brighten the area and reduce puffiness. Try an eye cream with a metal applicator to help this process. Also, don’t ever underestimate the power of a good concealer! Start by putting on eye cream—concealer can settle into fine lines of all skin types, especially drier complexions. Then apply a generous layer of concealer from the inner corner of the eye around to the outer corner with a concealer brush. Pat and press the product into the skin to blend. If there’s still any darkness visible, apply a second layer of concealer. Set the concealer with a dusting of face powder that matches your foundation.

SHOP IT: 1. Dr. Dennis Gross Lift & Lighten Eye Cream, $79, 2. Olay Rejuvenating Eye Roller, $33, 3. Jouer Age Repairing Concealer, $34, 4. Eve Lom Eye Lift, $112

crows feet

ISSUE: CROW’S FEET

The lack of a fatty tissue layer is what causes crow’s feet around the eyes to become visible. Eventually, the fatty tissue layer is lost or becomes thinner as time progresses, hence how creases start to appear. Constant muscle contraction from smiling or squinting as well free radicals and UV exposure can damage cellular DNA and lead to eye crevices.

CURE: Amino acids called hexapeptides can block the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract around the eyes, as they work on the same principle as Botox. When applied, the ingredients subtly inhibit muscle movements to soften wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming around the blinkers. The ingredient retinol also helps to tighten and smooth out smile lines.

SHOP IT: 1. Chantecaille Nano Gold Energizing Eye Serum, $315, 2. Pevonia Evolutive Eye Cream, $81, 3. SK-II Wrinkle Specialist, $190, 4. Guinot Hydrazone Eye Contour Serum Cream, $58

brow

ISSUE: AGING EYEBROWS

Like your skin and hair, your brows can start to show their age. They can thin out, become coarse and unruly, or turn gray.

CURE: Just as a new hairstyle can trim away the years, a well-groomed, well-defined brow can lend your face a years-younger look. Use a brow powder to fill in patchy spots and make your arches look thicker or lengthen your brow tails with a pencil. If your brows are mostly gray, dyeing them is the best fix. Ask your stylist if your salon offers the service (it’s often free when you get your hair coloured).

SHOP IT: 1. Laura Mercier Eye Brow Groomer Brush, $19, 2. Jane Iredale Super Shape Me Eyebrow Kit, $88, 3. Lashem Measurable Difference Eyelash & Brow Enhancing Serum, $86, 4. Shiseido Natural Eyebrow Pencil, $31

PRO TIP: Your skin reflects what you eat. Chemicals and processed foods are toxic to your cells and cause degeneration, making you look older. Your skin is an eliminating organ, and if you’ve got a poor diet or are dehydrated, your complexion will show it. Plenty of fresh fruit, veggies and water will help alleviate dull skin and the overall aging process.

❤ Kristina xo

Ps. In a beauty fix and need some advice? Or maybe you just want to chat about all things pretty? Drop me a line: kristina@fragrancesandcosmetics.com.au. Or, if you’re in the mood for some eye candy, come and see what I’ve been Pinning over at www.pinterest.com/freshdiscover. Better yet – join me on Facebook for more beauty fun www.facebook.com/freshfragrances. And for a plain old good time, come and follow us on Instagram – @freshdiscoverbeauty – & Twitter@fresh_fragrances.

Ace Your Base: Choosing the best coverage for your skin

15 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by freshbeautyblog in Beauty Tips, Complexion, Fresh discover beauty online, Makeup Shortcuts, Makeup Tips & Tricks

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Tags

bb cream, beauty, complexion, foundation, makeup tips, tinted moisturiser

skin

Ever wanted to achieve skin that looks airbrushed and flawless? It starts with selecting the right coverage for your skin tone and then applying it like a pro to perfect the ultimate canvas. No retouching needed.

FOR BARELY THERE COVERAGE

Tinted moisturisers hide next to nothing, letting you show off your natural glow. The best way to apply is to press and blend it into the skin with a dry makeup sponge for a smooth, natural look as opposed to using your fingers which can look splotchy.

Try Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, $39.

FOR RADIANT COVERAGE

BB creams contain a small amount of pigment with SPF, primer, brighteners and oil controllers which helps conceal imperfections while nourishing the skin. The texture can be thick so it’s best to dot on then work in with a makeup sponge, diffusing well for an even finish.

Try Estee Lauder DayWear BB Anti Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream, $59.

FOR SHEER COVERAGE

Sheer liquid foundation evens tone and adds radiance without hiding too much or settling into lines. Dip a tapered foundation brush into three drops and apply to your T-zone. Then focus on any other areas that need extra help.

Try Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals Foundation, $68.

FOR MODERATE COVERAGE

A medium-sheer coverage covers flare-ups, without looking cakey. Pump a blob onto the back of your hand, and swipe an angled foundation brush through it. Smooth on face in small strokes, starting at the centre, using a light touch and blending towards the edges.

Try Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF15, $72.

FOR MAJOR COVERAGE

Camouflage confidence-sapping spots with a medium-coverage formula. Dip a large, flat-topped brush, which deposits colour more densely into foundation and swirl it all over. To finish, soak a songe in the base, and push it onto the problem areas.

Try Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup SPF10, $61.

FOR MAXIMUM COVERAGE

If you like a little something extra, opt for a full-coverage foundation. To avoid a mask-like face, drunk the fat side of blending sponge into the liquid and tap in onto your face. Then dip the smaller end in, and stipple around your nose and eyes and until fully blended.

Try Shiseido The Makeup Lifting Foundation SPF 15, $61.

ace base

PRO TIP: Always have at least several foundation formulas handy preferably with a good broad spectrum protection and two different shades; one for summer and one for winter.

❤ Kristina xo

Ps. In a beauty fix and need some advice? Or maybe you just want to chat about all things pretty? Drop me a line: kristina@fragrancesandcosmetics.com.au. Or, if you’re in the mood for some eye candy, come and see what I’ve been Pinning over at www.pinterest.com/freshdiscover. Better yet – join me on Facebook for more beauty fun www.facebook.com/freshfragrances. And for a plain old good time, come and follow us on Instagram – @freshdiscoverbeauty – & Twitter@fresh_fragrances.

Review: La Mer Creme de La Mer – the mother of all moisturisers

08 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by freshbeautyblog in Ingredient Spotlight, Reviews, Skincare

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Tags

anti-aging, beauty, complexion, la mer, review, skin care

My Crème de la Mer - La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream

Finding the end-all, be-all lotion has always been my ultimate conquest, particularly working in an industry where I’m surrounded daily by an influx of new products. And I’ll admit, some of my recent daily moisturisers haven’t been up to snuff. Sure, the jars have promised healthier looking skin, but they’re yet to deliver that celeb-endorsed glow.

So here’s the thing: When I find something I love, it’s hard not to tell the world about it. Which is why you’re reading this little beauty rant today about the current love of my life: La Mer Creme de La Mer, a beyond-effective skin saviour that’s delivering results almost immediately to my mug. What kind of results, you ask? A brighter complexion, divinely nourished skin, and the near-disappearance of dry patches, for starters. Not too shabby.

This cult fave among celebs like Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, Rita Ora, Cheryl Cole, Rihanna, Scottie Disick (aka Lord Disick, bitch from the Kardashian clan) has truly fulfilled its magical reputation and brought my otherwise lacklustre complexion back to life. Alas, there’s proof! Click here. 

The product comes with an interesting little back story. It was created yonks ago by Max Huber, an aerospace physicist whose face was scarred from a chemical experiment gone awry, and as mentioned it now has a cult following among consumers and celebrities thanks to its soothing, healing, and restorative properties (not to mention the $2,672 price tag on some of the products in the range!). As Blake Lively once told Allure magazine, “It’s extravagant, but it’s the best”. And no, I don’t think she was paid to say that.

Cr-me-de-la-Mer-eye-balm--006

Let’s break it down even further…

WHAT IS IT:

A rich moisturising cream  that helps heal dry, sensitive skin and renew its appearance. The blend of nutrients nourish the skin and encourage its natural repair process.

WHAT IT DOES:

Using a medley of sea kelp and vitamins, the extremely rich cream provides long-lasting and deep-penetrating hydration while fighting free radicals and keeping the hands of time at bay.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

Miracle Broth, a blend of sea kelp, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, lecithin, vitamins C, E and B12, in addition to citrus, eucalyptus, wheat germ, alfalfa and sunflower oils. These ingredients help hydrate, renew and soothe irritation.

HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:

A buttery, creamy texture with a very lightly refreshing botanical scent that leaves skin feeling fresh and hydrated and positively glowing without being weighed down. Comes with a small spatula so you can dole out just the right amount of product without overusing it. No greasy residue here.

WHY I’M FREAKING OBSESSED:

I know this sounds crazy, but I noticed a difference after only four days of use. The surface of my skin was noticeably smoother and perhaps it was wishful thinking, but I did think my skin looked tighter and really glowy. The thick-as-butter formula delivers unbeatable hydration to any skin type – be it dry or mature – although I think it might be too rich for oily types. Nevertheless, all those narky dry patches around my foreheads and subtle breakouts around my chin disappeared within days, leaving my visage soft, youthful and looking totally lit-from-within.

la mer

TRY IT IF:

You’re looking for a quick, easy, one-step solution for moisture, fine lines, dullness, discolouration, and even skin tone. Most notably, if you’ve ever dealt with dry skin (and who hasn’t?), then this is definitely worth trying. It can also be used as a super hydrating primer. Simply smooth it on and allow it to absorb before you apply your base. Your makeup will glide on like velvet.

THE VERDICT:

If you can swing the high price tag, it’s worth every penny. Honest. Plus, word has it that this formula lasts for ages. It really can’t get any better than that now, can it?

PRO TIP: Always moisturise down to your decolletage.

Shop It Now >> http://ow.ly/jQxeG 

❤ Kristina xo

Ps. In a beauty fix and need some advice? Or maybe you just want to chat about all things pretty? Drop me a line: kristina@fragrancesandcosmetics.com.au. Or, if you’re in the mood for some eye candy, come and see what I’ve been Pinning over at www.pinterest.com/freshdiscover. Better yet – join me on Facebook for more beauty fun www.facebook.com/freshfragrances. And for a plain old good time, come and follow us on Instagram – @freshdiscoverbeauty – & Twitter@fresh_fragrances.

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