SKIN ►►►►

Hyperpigmentations (freckles, age spots, etc.)

Hyperpigmentations can be caused by acne, scratches or other injuries, sun damage and other factors. Skin treatment options include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) such as the PhotoDerm, FotoFacial or PhotoFacial machines, chemical peels and laser resurfacing. At-home chemically-induced exfoliation regimens like Retin A, Retin A Micro and Renova with the use of Hydroquinone or Kojic acid can effectively reduce the signs of sun damage and other pigmentation irregularities.

Vascular Lesions (broken blood vessels, cherry angiomas)

Vascular lesions like broken capillaries, telangiectasias (dilated blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin), hemangiomas (sacs of red, purple or blue blood vessels resembling a blister, aka strawberry hemangiomas), cherry angiomas (red dots), port wine stains, or spider veins can be removed with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Options including PhotoDerm or FotoFacial give you the benefits of a medium depth laser or chemical peel or other type of resurfacing/rejuvenation procedure without the blisters, burns and long recovery time. An added benefit of IPL is that many patients report a reduction in pore size, smoother skin, and fewer wrinkles.

In IPL, light pulses are directed at the vascular lesion to be removed and target hemoglobin in the blood, red blood cells that function primarily as transporters of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body.

A highly advanced computer regulates the light pulse to a specific wavelength range, which in turn heats the visible, targeted blood vessel(s), thereby damaging or destroying the targeted lesion while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. The penetration depth and degree of heat is highly controlled so that most complications contributed to these specific factors are not an issue with Pulsed Light therapy.

SKIN ▶▶▶

Damage from UV Light Exposure

Even the youngest of individuals can appear prematurely aged because of sun damage. Photoaging is the damage inflicted through excessive exposure to the sun and other forms of Ultra Violet (UV) radiation. UV exposure may seem to help lessen eruptions of acne and lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation by camouflaging it with a tan, but UV light can significantly damage your skin. This includes indoor tanning equipment as well as UV from the sun. UV light exposure destroys the skin's collagen and elastin supply. UVA light is more responsible for photo-aging than UVB radiation. Remember, the "A" in UVA stands for aging, but UVB isn't much better.

Your body reacts to excessive UV light by producing a thicker layer of skin cells in an attempt to protect your body from the UV exposure. Tanning or even minimal UV light exposure is contraindicated with many acne medications. Many acne medications can cause increased photosensitivity when used, so check with your prescribing physician.

Symptoms of excessive UV exposure include freckles, dark or light patches, thinning skin, wrinkles or an otherwise unhealthy, muddled appearance. You may think you look good with a tan now, but the long term effects are not worth it. Self tanner creams or gels are a safer and less expensive way to go in the long run. I quit tanning in 2000 and have used sunless tanners ever since.

How to Apply Blush Perfectly

The Basics

Basically, there are two types of blush; cream and powder.

For optimal results, we use Cream Blush on tinted moisturizer or on a face that hasn't been made-up with foundation and powder, and Powder Blush if it has.

Before applying Powder Blush, the face must be powdered to prevent it from appearing blotchy. If you have large pores, into which your Powder Blush tends to settle, use a cream-to-powder foundation.

Natural looking results are achieved by applying a further layer of face powder with a large brush over your Blush.

For those women who feel a lipstick works well in place of Blush; it doesn't. The higher skin temperature of the cheeks will cause the lipstick's pigmentation to separate from its base substances.

But it is correct that cheek and lip colours correspond. They don't have to be an exact match, but they must be of the same colour family.

Blush must also correspond to the foundation or natural skin tone. A soft pink on a beige complexion would appear completely unnatural, and do nothing (good) for the wearer.

Because many women are uncertain when it comes to blush, brown or flesh tones are the common choice. This is absolutely correct for day-wear, when a natural freshness is sought, but quite inappropriate for evening-wear. Colours are swallowed by night light and need a certain vibrancy that browns and flesh tones lack.

The Colours

Cold blueish and pink tones, including fuchsia and rosewood, are at the height of fashion in 2010, and best worn by cool winter and summer types.

Warm, yellow based colours, including salmon, coral, cinnamon and brick red create a soft effect, and are easy to blend.

The natural looking browns, terracotta, amber and sienna are the easiest to blend and match, making them the most popular colours, regardless of fashion.

Strong reds, like hibiscus and tomato, are superb for brown-toned and dark skins.

The strength of colour achieved will depend on the size of brush and pressure applied. For large areas, we use a large brush for a natural effect. For precision and intensity, we use a smaller brush. The large brush is also used to apply bronzer to the entire face.

Adding healthy looking colour to our cheeks is only one aspect of blush. Besides that, it should impact a positive influence on our face shape; an angular face, for example, can be made to appear softer, a round face clearer cut.

Face Shapes

The Oval Face

This is the most versatile of face shapes. Its owner can choose her look at a whim.

For a youthful, fresh, natural look, she needs to do nothing more than stroke a large brush directly over her cheekbone. This also has the effect of filling out the thin faced.

Light colours will bring about a certain freshness.

For a glamorous, extravagant look, the Blush should be placed at a slant just at the point where the cheekbone slopes down to the cheek. Intensive colours are applied with a smaller brush.

This look is powerful and defined, suitable for evening-wear.

The Heart Face

The heart face is the most difficult as far as applying Blush is concerned.

Without make-up, this face appears pointy, with the chin attracting attention. It has to be softened and turned to an oval.

Using the smaller brush, begin at the cheekbone's outermost point and work downwardly and inwardly, but inwardly no farther than at a vertical level with the outer eye corner.

Now go back to the point at which you begun, and using only what is left on the brush, cover the temples and, working upwards, the corners of the forehead. Don't be afraid of going up into the hairline.

Never apply Blush in a sloping direction as we do on the oval face, since it will make your face appear very thin or haggard.

The Square Face

The square face is spacious and has a wide chin.

It looks good with Blush applied diagonally halfway down the cheekbone, rather than directly on it. This lower placement breaks up the space, and takes weight off the chin.

The face is softened by shading the corners of the forehead. To do this, use what is left on the brush.

The Round Face

If we are using Blush to form contours, we absolutely mustn't use any kind of glitter particles or shiny effects; this would actually accentuate our roundness. Only matte products can be used here, and browns work best.

Using the smaller brush, begin at ear level and work along the cheek contour towards the mouth corner. Short, sketchy movements assure good blending.

Using what is left on the brush, cover the narrowest area between eye-brow and hairline.

Good to know ...

• When applying Blush, always use the least possible pressure. Apply more only where the colour should be more intense.
• If your complexion is light, use only a light Blush. Darker ones only look good on tanned or dark skins.
• Only use what is left on the brush when shading the forehead. Never re-load.
• Glittery and glossy Blush may only be used on an absolutely perfect complexion. The same applies to bronzers. Such products cannot be used to form contours either.
• Never blend with the finger; the foundation will be ruined.
• For cream blush, where no foundation is involved, apply with the ring finger. You can further blend with a wedge shaped sponge.
  

One final word ...

Whatever you do, don't be afraid to apply blush.

Start practicing when you get a few minutes to yourself. In no time at all, you'll find it as easy as applying lip-gloss.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde is a fan of feline makeup styles and can be often spotted wearing cat or smokey eyes. In this case if you're eager to master the art of sporting this look take a peek at her makeup look marked by the black eye shadow paired with her piercing blue eye color. Indeed smokey eyes work for everyone if you have the proper skills to pull it off for the different events. Define your eyes with the black eyeliner then go for the eye shadow. The last task would be to highlight your lashes with mascara and keep the lips nude or tint them with a pinky or peachy pouch depending on your skin tone and preferences.