Makeup

If you've ever tried to apply liquid foundation with your fingers, you know how difficult it can be. Your hands are too big and the texture of your skin interferes with the makeup application, making it streaky and uneven. Here are the steps to use a beauty blender, which will make the process much easier.

Prime Your Skin.

The best way to get the most perfect foundation application is to prime your skin first before you apply the foundation. By priming, you already have all of your skin's natural oils on your face and this will make it much easier to blend when applying makeup with a beauty blender.

Prime and moisturize your entire face every day, especially if you're dry-skinned. Using a primer is the best way to help your makeup stay all day long!

Dampen Your Beautyblender.

Before you apply the foundation, wet your beautyblender. By wetting it, you will be able to easily spread your foundation evenly over your entire face. While you do this, hold it in the air, so that it is perfectly damp.

The beautyblender is a sponge that can be used to apply and blend makeup. It's patented, gentle on your skin and very easy to clean. It's made from 100% plant-based materials, safe for the environment and cruelty-free!

Squeeze Out Any Excess Water.

Once your beautyblender is properly damp, place it on a flat surface and squeeze out any excess water.

It's important to prevent the beautyblender from drying out completely, or it'll be hard to use. Squeeze out all the excess water and fold your beautyblender into a small square shape. If you put it on the counter and leave it to dry naturally, the sponge will dry up and become hard to use. Therefore, keeping it in its small square shape helps keep moisture inside while drying up.

Bounce, Don't Drag.

Put your beautyblender to the side, so that you can apply the foundation. If you drag it across your face, it can be hard to evenly distribute the foundation.

Instead, bounce the beautyblender across your face in a upward motion and use circular motions on your face.

The beautyblender can also be used to apply powder foundation, by placing it on top of the foundation and bouncing it in a circular motion. However, I prefer to just apply the foundation with my fingers. By applying it like this, I'm able to focus more on getting an even application.

Add Powder Before You Apply Foundation.

Put your beautyblender down and take the compact powder out of your makeup bag or drawer.

After you've applied the foundation, this is a the best way to set it in place. I prefer to apply powder before I apply my foundation, so that I'm able to flawless it even further.

Apply The Foundation With A Stippling Motion.

Take your beauty blender and apply the foundation in a downward stippling motion. This way, you'll be able to control how much product is going on your face.

You don't need to press too hard with the beauty blender. It's very important to use the lightest, most gentle touch that you can. Try not to drag the beautyblender across your face, because this will only result in streaks and uneven application. You want to apply an even layer of makeup over your entire face that has a beautiful glow to it!

Fine Tune With the Pointed End of Your Beautyblender.

After you've applied the foundation, take your beauty blender and use the pointed end to fine tune your application. This is a great tip to use if you're applying a darker foundation and want to make sure that it only stays in the areas where you want it. By using the pointed end, you'll be able to erase any mistakes that you may have made!

Blend With a Circular Motion.

You can also define your facial features by blending your foundation with a circular motion. You'll want to blend it in slowly and evenly to avoid applying too much foundation onto your face. If you press too hard or use circular motions that are too large, it can leave streaks on your face or make areas look cakey.

Blend Your Foundation With Your Palm.

One great way to apply foundation is with your hand. You can easily apply foundation from your palm with ease, which is so much easier than trying to use a beautyblender! By using one hand and applying the foundation in a circular motion, you'll be able to achieve an even tone without any streaks or unevenness on your face.

Use Your Fingers to Blend.

If you don't have a sponge, use your fingers! While this may be harder than using a sponge, it's still an effective way to blend your foundation. To do it, wet your fingers and spread the foundation evenly over your face. If you don't have any water on hand, spit on your hand and spread the foundation.

Add Pigmentation to Your Foundation.

One great way to deepen the tone of your foundation is with a highlighter. The power of highlighters can make your face look radiant and youthful. The blusher brush can be used to apply highlighter, or you can use a compact powder highlighter. You can apply it by picking up a small amount and placing it onto the high points of your cheekbones. If you want to look more youthful, I would recommend getting one!

Fix Your Foundation With Concealer.

If you notice any areas on your face that need to be fixed, conceal them! By using a concealer and blending it with your beautyblender, you'll be able to get rid of dark circles or blemishes on your face.

Set Your Foundation With Powder.

After you've applied the foundation and concealer, set it in place! By setting your makeup with a powder, you'll be able to remove any sweat or excess oil throughout the day. I'm a huge fan of Laura Mercier's loose translucent setting powder, because it has no color and is very gentle on your skin!

Every beautyblender-owning self-care enthusiast knows that a freshly cleaned beautyblender is better than working with an old one. No matter which way you spin it, the truth remains the same: a clean and dry beautyblender looks more polished and pristine than anything else. But those who only wash their sponges occasionally might not think about how much of a chore it becomes when you've got too many to clean. And, let's face it, straggly bristles are not pretty - or effective. Here's everything you need to know about cleaning your beautyblender.

Use Beautyblender brand cleansers.

There are a couple different cleansers that can be used to wash your beautyblender. But, the official brand cleansers for sponges and the accompanying sponge-cleaning kits are created specifically for beautyblenders, so you can rest easy knowing that what you're using on your sponges won't leave them damaged. The WASH, which stands for "water activated cleanser," and the solid cleanser, called CLEAN, are both made with skin-friendly ingredients that are gentle enough to not damage the material of your beautyblender.

Wash your sponge immediately.

Never let your beautyblender sit in soaking water for longer than an hour after you're finished with it. This is because the sponge will naturally absorb most of the water from the cleaning solution itself, which will leave your sponge soggy and unusable.

Or a more budget-friendly option.

A DIY alternative to the official Beautyblender cleanser is soap, water, and a brush or scrub for cleaning. You can use just about any soap or cleanser, and then try to vigorously scrub off all of your makeup using the aforementioned tools. However, this won't give your sponge a truly deep clean, but it's a great way to handle a quick washing of your beautyblender.

Only clean if it really needs doing.

Even if you find yourself with no time to wash your beautyblender, you can use the CLEAN or WASH solution anytime you're using one to clean whatever foundation powder blending and buffing you've got going on. The beautyblenders are very absorbent, and they'll still pick up most of the excess product. You can then let the beautyblender dry or let it sit in a small dish filled with either CLEAN or WASH solution. This will help get rid of any last traces of makeup that might be left on your sponge, and it will also help keep your beautyblender nice and clean between washes.

Cut it in half.

If you find your beautyblenders are getting out of hand, they're probably time to be cut in half. The beautyblender company recommends that you cut the original full-sized sponges in half before starting to use them, and this will help preserve the life of your sponge. Plus, it's an easy way to make sure that you're using a clean half at all times - which is helpful in case one side of your sponge is more used than the other.

Encourage your sponges to replace themselves.

After you've gotten so much use out of a beautyblender, it's probably time for one of these bad boys to move on to a new family member. You can encourage this to happen by tying the ends together with cheesecloth or nylon string before wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them in a box with lots of paper towels and/or cardboard. This will help keep your beautyblenders fresh and ready to be used until they're replaced.

Try a double-cleanse.

A lot of people swear by the double-cleanse, which involves washing your face in the morning and then again to get any leftover dirt and makeup off before going to bed. The beautyblender can be used with all your cleanse-related needs, with either a cleanser or just water. Once you've gotten your regular skin care routine out of the way, you can use your beautyblender to get any makeup product that might be left behind. Then, to finish off the cleanse, you can use a toner, used cotton pads, or just water to remove any excess makeup that might be left over.

Pack it correctly.

If you're a frequent traveler, make sure to keep your beautyblender separate from the rest of your makeup. You don't want that sponge to absorb the bacteria floating around in your makeup bag, which could lead to some nasty breakouts. Just put it in a small Ziploc bag or plastic box and store it away from the rest of your products.

Set it up right.

The way you store your beautyblender can affect its shape. Just like you wouldn't leave your makeup brushes out in the open, you shouldn't leave your beautyblender while it's still damp unless it's in its own proper storage container. And make sure that this container is airtight and free of any sharp edges or corners. While the beautyblender won't be damaged or start to smell or stain in a closed environment, any bacteria, oil, or dirt can cling to these potential pets and lead to infections on your skin.

Replace it often.

A beautyblender will last you a long time if you take care of it. You should always ensure that it's clean and dried before its next use, but they do have a tendency to wear out after a while if used on the same face all the time. They can be a little more expensive than other cosmetic sponges, but they're much better at absorbing product, so you may find yourself using less makeup overall.

The word oil means anything of numerous combustible substances that are in liquid form or can be liquified by warming and are partially soluble, leaving a grassy stain on a cloth. Sometimes it makes us think of Aceneic skin, rough hair, food dishes, and even oil leaks in the oceans. Yet, it is not considered to be a dirty word as soon as it comes under the purpose of beauty equipment. As oil was considered to be harmful to the skin in the early days, it is now incorporated into everyone's skincare routine. Known by the term �Face oils', it provides ample skin benefits.

Description of Face Oils 

As probably guessed by the name, face oils are nothing but liquid formulas designed to be used on skin and hence protect them. Mainly they are formulated into botanic and other useful oils that do not cause any clogged pores. This type of oil often contains plant extracts and other useful chemicals. Such combined oils are of several types in number that address several purposes. Non-oil substances like retinol, when combined with face oils, retain skin healthcare that cannot be cured by oils alone. Moreover, face oils are regarded as a type of emollient for strengthening the outer skin portion by softening it, and preventing water loss by healing it.

Advantages of Face Oils 

Face oils are many in numbers depending on their application and purpose. These oils are instrumental in healing dry, sensitive, and acid-prone skin. Depending on the properties and application of face oils, they can be classified into the following.

Olive Oil- This is a type of Mediterranean food staple that has no fragrance and is full of fatty acids. Olive oil is a fundamental requirement in almost every cleanser as it is full of hydrating properties and antioxidant benefits, depending on its concentration, olive oil can further be classified into moringa oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, and evening primrose oil.

Pomegranate Oil- Known by the name, it is easily said to have derived from a fruit. It has an antibacterial property that helps the skin in fighting the bacteria in skin pores. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory property heals applied parts of the rough, broken skin. One does not feel heavy on applying this oil as it is light weighted.

Apricot Oil- Apricot oil constitutes Linoleic acids, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. It was first discovered in China and was previously used in China to cure ulcers, swellings and other certain skin issues. The apricot oil also consists of hydrating and antiseptic properties that treat skin problems.

Castor Oil- Known renowned for treating mature skins, castor oil is anti-inflammatory and an efficient antioxidant. Such properties help the skin in fighting wrinkles and slow down aging processes. The softening property of this oil helps in improving skin texture and the presence of fatty acids makes it an effective moisturizer.

Who can use the oil and who are not? 

Just like the other facial products, skin oils are not for every skin type. The question is whether facial oil will be beneficial or not solely depends on the interaction between the facial oil and your skin, like how your skin reacts to the facial oil. This further depends on the skin type and formula of the facial oil to be used. Facial oils especially nourish dry skin, although sometimes they may be beneficial for oily skins too. However, pregnant women should avoid rosemary and basil-based facial oil. It is suggested that allergy-prone people carefully inspect the oil ingredients before use.

Incorporating Face Oils in daily routines 

Facial oils are suggested to be used twice daily. Further changes can be made to the routine as instructed. The best way of applying facial oil is to pat or dab it on the skin using a genetic circular motion.

Most facial oils do not contain humectant properties. The humectant is an essential ingredient which seals moisture by binding water to the skin. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are examples of humectants. King suggests using a serum before applying facial oil so that everything gets sealed. If you use facial oil in the daytime, apply it just before applying sunscreen and if you use facial oil in the night hours apply it as the last thing to be applied on the face.

Best Oils in Market

Sunday Riley U.F.O Acne Treatment Face oil

Price - $80.00

This facial oil is specially designed for acne-prone skin types. The special ingredients of this oil like black cumin seed oil and tea tree oil aid in fighting against acne. There is one more ingredient, that is, salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps to unclog pores.

GoodJanes Best Facel Oil

Price - $37.00

This facial oil is perfect for dry skin types. This facial oil contains deeply moisturizing ingredients like coconut, safflower, jojoba oils and argan. This helps to make the skin smooth and nourished. Acne-prone oily skin type people can also use this oil, as this does not contain coconut oil.

Naked Poppy Revitalize Organic Facial Oil

Price - $42.00

This facial oil contains Rosehip seed oil which is an antioxidant-rich ingredient. It also contains Vitamin A and this oil gets absorbed into the skin quickly.

Carter + Jane the Everything Oil

Price - $ 128.00

This is advanced facial oil which is appropriately named "do-it-all". This serves all the purposes of skin. It contains moisturizing and hydrating ingredients like organic avocado oil, aloe vera, sweet almond oil and pear seed oil. These ingredients also act as anti-inflammatory and antioxidants. Above all, this facial oil is a purely organic, cruel - free and vegan product.

The Jojoba Company Ultimate Youth Potion

Price - $45.00

This is a highly recommended Jojoba Oil. The main ingredient of this Facial oil is jojoba but apart from this it also contains marula, olive oil, baobab, macadamia and argan which act as a skin shield. It also contains antioxidants like coenzyme Q10.

Conclusion 

The overall article will provide you with a brief detail regarding facial oils. It discloses the importance and incorporation of facial oils as a part of the skincare routine. This article also provides information regarding who can benefit from facial oils. A few suggestions are provided about the best facial oils in the market which are worth a try.

Beauty Industry claims that every product has a specific power to provide a quick result and can also make a clearer as well as brighter look. Here, the most famous facialist such as Georgia Louise invites them to show the magical outcome of sculpts and lifts within a second with their celebrity client. I was amazed after seeing such an event and observed the whole event through my iPhone.

It is seen that the facial has the power to produce an instant glow on the client's face as it is based on the major factors of quick lift and natural factors. Mainly, the clients can get a bright and de-puff face with lifted check-bone as well as shaped brows. Mostly, I became amazed after seeing the customer's satisfied face as the facial can also produce a wrinkle-free face with a soft line texture on the face without any kind of fillers or Botox. It has been seen that the lift technique of Louise is now been done at a homely process. The moistness of the face can also be brighter without any chemical application even in a natural tone of light.

Description of Butterfly Stone

Butterfly Stone is a specific tool of Louise which has the power to make a natural contour with a perfect sculpt as well as lift up face. It is brightening the most because of the power of anti-ageing factors with the application of rose quartz which costs $75.

Major advantages of Butterfly Stone

It can say that the application of this tool can decrease stress as well as increase the blood circulation of the face by relaxing the muscle. Apart from this, you can also feel that your skin is started reducing wrinkles and glowing with plumping fine lines.

Apart from this, it is also seen that this Butterfly Stone can maintain healthy skin with proper blood circulation which can target personalization concerns. It is an attractive process to grab the clients as the treatment is itself very much relaxing and make the clients comfortable after such application. It mainly develops the blood flow immediately which makes the whole process most attractive so that the client can even make the process the essential work for them to get a healthy, soft, as well as natural look.

Usage of Butterfly Stone at home

The homely process of Butterfly Stone is grabbing the clients because it is affordable to them and they can get the Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Serum at only $177.00. There is a very easy process to get bright and soft skin at home by pumping the serum twice and taking it on your palm. It must be warmth between your two had and then apply it on your face gently. You have to make sure that before applying the serum, you should clean up your face so that the serum can be properly absorbed into your skin. Besides, you can apply it even on your décolletage and neck and must avoid your eyes. The application of the serum is up to you as if you feel to keep your skin oily enough, and then you can apply more. The application of such serum is effective the most as it can stimulate the cell renewal factors as well as support the entire structure of cells of your skin.

The application of Georgia Louise Lift + Sculpt Butterfly Stone is also impactful on the skin because of its massaging process and mainly, it can be got at $75.00. You need to rub the groove of the rose quartz from different areas of your face along with the jawline and cheekbone. It also trims down wrinkles and fine lines and drains puffiness from under the eye.

Finally, the application of Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream can develop the skin tone with firmness by making it hydrated. It can be used as a pea and remember that it is a day cream. It costs $128.00 and you can get amazing skin after 15 days of using it.

Conclusion 

I got pink and soft skin after the facial at home with relaxed muscles and a sharp jawline within 15 days of doing my facial. I can consider myself a happy and satisfied client by getting such skin instantly.

De-Puffing your face in 3 minutes is now easier!

Leading plastic surgeon Davis B. Nguyen, MD, serves Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and NYC. He holds double board certifications in otolaryngology-head & neck surgery and facial plastic surgery. Dr. Nguyen recommends the product from SkinMedica, TNS Essential Serum to do this method. Dr. Nguyen advises using your serum while performing this massage method every morning and evening. In a pinch, even one minute will help revive, glow up, and tone your face into perfection. Aim for the whole procedure in three minutes.

Here is specifically how to do it step by step:

1. Use the tip of your fingers with a pea-sized quantity of the product. Work your way inward by circling the product across your face's outer features. This motion should be in a continuous motion for roughly a minute.

2. Next, slightly open your mouth and make a small O shape to reveal your cheekbone hollows. Insert the fingers of your choice, whichever you are comfortable with into the crevices. Massage your cheeks with light pressure in upward strokes. Mind the strokes of your finger when you apply the cream. It must be in an upward position and never drag the skin down.

3. Finally, apply strong pressure to your jawline by pinching it with your fingers and thumbs. Squeeze and release repeatedly for a minute or two. For lymphatic drainage, this part of the massage is extremely crucial. Imagine that your jawline and chin are where you can dump all the poisonous accumulation is dumped. This method assures you that it will assist flush everything out and leaving your face free of puff.

4. For the finishing touch, give your skin a gentle tap all over the surfaces of your facial skin.

Do you feel excited about trying this facial massage? Share your experience with us soon!

Have you heard about the new trend, ponytail facelifts? If you are picturing an image of a girl with her hair styled in a super slick, super high, super tight ponytail hairstyle that is pulling her entire face up, we will not blame you because ponytail facelift is the marketing term and not the medical for this new trendy treatment that is getting everyone's attention. Ponytail facelift is actually a surgical procedure, and we managed to ask board-certified plastic surgeons Steven Levine, MD, Carolyn Chang, MD, and Robert Guida, MD, to enlighten us on everything we need to know about ponytail facelifts.

What Is This Surgical Procedure?

As explained by Carolyn Chang, a ponytail facelift is the marketing term for a surgical procedure that involves a minimally-invasive lift that is performed through small incisions that would help the face mimic the look it makes when the hair is being tightly pulled back in a ponytail style. Steven Levine has mentioned that the term ponytail facelift actually has a two-fold meaning, and the exact name for it is just a marketing term and not exactly the textbook procedure. During a ponytail facelift, the incisions are placed completely within the hairline and not around the ears, which makes it different from the basic facelift. If you are thinking about wearing a ponytail after the surgical procedure, you can easily do so without worrying about possible scars.

What Are The Benefits Of A Ponytail Facelift?

According to Carolyn Chang, the main benefits a ponytail facelift can give you includes the lifting of your face's temples, jowls, and midface. The surgical lift procedure concentrates on the patient's midface and does not allow much skin excision, and the surgical treatment is best used on people who are showing visible signs of early aging. A ponytail facelift can make your mid-face lifted, which can make you look younger. Robert Guida added that complimenting the ponytail facelift with the fractional C02 laser can help add a better, younger-looking texture to the skin. The fractional C02 laser can significantly enhance the results of the ponytail facelift, according to Guida.

How To Prepare For A Ponytail Facelift?

Preparing for a ponytail facelift is pretty much the same as other preparation protocols that would involve plastic surgery, which means no smoking allowed for at least one month before the surgical procedure, having a proper healthy weight, avoiding eating anything after midnight before the ponytail facelift and have realistic expectations about the surgical procedure. It is essential to avoid taking any medications that would involve blood thinning before the surgical procedure and make sure that your facial skin is in excellent condition before undergoing the ponytail facelift, be sure to give your skin time to heal and recover after the procedure.

What Can You Expect During A Ponytail Facelift?

According to Carolyn Chang, a ponytail facelift is not a textbook medical procedure which means that there will be a few variabilities in how this surgical procedure would be performed on the patient. During the surgical procedure, Chang mentioned that a small hidden incision would be made along the hairline area, and the deeper structures on the face are lifted into a more favorable position that helps the aged look of the patient; this can be performed with the help of an endoscope and suspension sutures. If you are worried about any possible pain during the surgical operation, do not worry because this is a surgical procedure that will be performed carefully with anesthesia.

Traditional Facelift VS Ponytail Facelift

While these two procedures are both facelift procedures, they are not the same; the main difference between the two is the incisions made during these facelift procedures. According to Carolyn Chang, a traditional facelift will leave longer scars that can be found around the ear and into the scalp, while the ponytail facelift does not have visible scars on that area. Steven Levine added that modern versions of the traditional facelift usually come with minimal scarring around the ears and that patients can wear their hair up after the traditional facelift procedure. During a traditional facelift, the placement of incisions done by the doctors can help remove loose skin, lift up the lower face, and address neck skin issues, while these can not be done during a ponytail facelift. Although it is important to note that the ponytail facelift is minimally invasive and the work needed to be done during the procedure is lesser than the traditional facelift, which makes the recovery phase faster.

Possible Side Effects Of Ponytail Facelift

According to Rober Guida, the ponytail facelift has a common complication that happens with any facelift procedure; five to seven percent of patients can experience a hematoma, which is a small collection of blood that is found under the skin. Various possible side effects from a ponytail facelift include infection, bleeding, numbness, nerve injuries, possible delays in the healing of the wound, and unfavorable scarring. To ensure that your ponytail facelift is a success, be sure to do this surgical procedure with a licensed and board-certified surgeon to avoid any mishaps that could occur during the procedure.

The Cost Of The Procedure

The price of a ponytail facelift can vary depending on where you are having the surgical procedure, and this would include the surgeon's price and the location of where the procedure will happen. Robert Guida mentioned that a ponytail facelift in places such as Manhattan could range from around $20,000 to $30,000.

Post Surgery Treatment

After the surgical procedure, you will experience some bruising and swelling that would last around 5 to 7 days after the surgery, most people who have undertaken the procedure would be able to return to their regular work and everyday lives after a week. It is crucial to avoid doing any tiring and strenuous activities for the following weeks after the surgery. Steven Levine added that general surgery is not that painful, so not many pain medications would be required.

Key Takeaway

While the ponytail facelift is becoming a trendy treatment, it does not necessarily mean that you should try it immediately. Steven Levine mentions that it is a bad idea to go into a surgeon's office with a specific procedure in mind and that it is best to tell the surgeon what is bothering you so that they can work on how to address you with the best treatment that can fix your issue. Just because a clever marketing procedure is becoming a trendy treatment does not mean it would be the correct type of facelift or surgical procedure for you.

Lots of people aren't sure what baking your makeup means, which is okay. Thankfully you don't have to put your makeup in the oven, nor even go into the kitchen. Your makeup might crease throughout the day, or even start to disappear after you've worn it for a long time. If you find this to be relatable, then you can bake your makeup to make it more long-lasting could be the solution you've been waiting for! Even if you don't have this problem, baking your makeup will brighten up your under-eyes exponentially and bring your makeup game to another level.

We'll go through the step-by-step process of how to bake your makeup and cover everything you'll need to know so that you can do it by yourself. The celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon gave us her expert opinion on this technique and her professional advice!

Who's the Expert? 

With experience catering to clients such as Rachel Brosnahan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anna Kendrick, Camila Mendes, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Lisa Aharon is based in New York.

Step 1 - Prime and Prep

Nailing this first step will affect how your makeup turns out, so take your time and don't rush yourself. Properly priming and prepping your skin for makeup not only makes it stick better, but it looks better too. Apply your moisturizer, eye cream, primer, and every other product you regularly use before starting to apply the actual makeup to your face. Aharon says that eye cream is her go-to product for keeping her under eyes looking as attractive as possible.

"Keeping the under-eye area moist and hydrated is crucial to avoid the appearance of dry, crepey skin," Aharon claims. "Prep is everything, so make sure to let a generous amount of eye cream set in before your first layer of concealer. Freck Beauty's So Jelly Cactus Eye Jelly with Plant Collagen ($28) is a fantastic lightweight option. If you prefer a creamier consistency, Joanna Vargas's Revitalizing Eye Cream never lets me down. The more your skin looks hydrated, the better it will look and feel with makeup on (and off, too)."

You can use your favorite eye cream during this step, but I recommend trying Aharon's recommendations. Her career as a celebrity makeup artist means that she has experience with a wider variety of makeup than most people ever will, which means you know that a makeup brand is good if she's praising it.

Step 2 - Apply Foundation 

Once your skincare applications and treatments have been absorbed into your skin, you'll need to apply foundation across your entire face. Use different products at your discretion. Choose the perfect one based on the coverage you want. I use the Pinnacle Foundation Brush from Anisa ($30) to apply Cle de Peau Beaute's Radiant Fluid Foundation ($130). Blend the foundation across your whole face in a circular motion until you're happy with the coverage. Make sure that you evenly distribute it and appear symmetrical without any uneven areas.

Step 3 - Apply Concealer Under Eyes 

Concealers can be applied in other places, but applying concealer on your undereye area is essential if you want that spot to look brighter, well-rested, and rejuvenated. I use Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer ($38) in the inner corners and beneath my eyes to conceal my dark circles. To make sure it appears natural and isn't applied too thickly, I lightly tap the concealer in with a concealer brush. Aharon's advice is that the creamier your concealer is, the better! She says "Creamy concealers, usually medium to full coverage, work wonders under a heavy coat of loose powder." Once the concealer has been applied, you can blend out the makeup with a clean finger or with a brush. This spreads it out and prevents caking, distributing it evenly beneath your eyes.

Step 4 - Get to Baking 

To bake your makeup means applying a setting or translucent powder over certain spots across your face that are more likely to crease. You'll wait five to ten minutes after applying your powder to let it bake. Once it's been properly baked, dust off whatever remains of the product. The results are an awing and perfect finish that will still be there at the end of the day!

Leaving the powder on your face for five to ten minutes lets it "bake". It mixes with the heat your body temperature provides before setting with the rest of your makeup. You can apply your eye makeup while this is happening, add mascara, define your brows, or take care of anything else you need to get done while you're waiting. Five minutes might seem like a long time with nothing to do, but the time will end quickly once you're preoccupied with something else.

Step 5 - Remove Your Excess Powder

After giving your powder the proper amount of time to bake, remove it with the same brush that it was applied with to smooth out beneath your eyes and brush away any extra or excess powder. It's okay to add more powder if you feel like it's lacking. Lightly mist your face using a facial spray before applying more powder. You can use Tatcha's Luminous Dewy Skin Mist ($20), Rosen's Water Face Dew ($15), or any other similar facial sprays. Using a spray lets the powder adhere to your skin with less trouble. You can apply your blush, bronzer, highlight, lips, and whatever other makeup you want once you're pleased with how it looks.

Step 6 - You're Officially Baked, Gorgeous!

Congratulations, you've successfully baked yourself once you've applied the rest of your makeup. Sometimes naturally oily skin can cause a problem with your makeup once it's been baked. Applying loose powder is messier than when at home and can backfire, so we recommend keeping a powder compact on hand so that you can make minor touch-ups and adjustments to your makeup if your skin starts feeling oily as the day progresses. Try out various powder finishes to find which one suits you the best for baking your makeup. You'll quickly become a pro with a little practice and experimentation!

It was only recently that I realized that I was truly insane. At least, when it came to how I take care of my clogged pores. Repeating the same mistakes endlessly and expecting a different result.

Let me fill you in. A couple of weeks before the year's end, renowned esthetician Shani Darden treated me for the first time. It wasn't a good first impression, what with my T-zone looking like a war zone. Blackheads sprouting throughout it, my face topped off with a rocky chin and a bright red milia highlighting my nose. Darden's bright light came to life as I cried out, "Why does my skin look like this?". Darden's answer was simple, incorrect cleansing of my combination skin.

My dirty blocked pores were my own doing. The moment my skin was clean was the same moment they re-clogged. As a side note, why do we do this? Are we that egotistical? Cleansing is a tricky business, at least for me. I always get it wrong, my vision clouded by a myriad of moisturizers, masks, and serums. This results in me paying the least amount of attention to it.

Hollywood's other facial expert Renee Rouleau explains, "Individuals with combination skin pay little importance to cleansers. In fact, they view it as an aside rather than a focus.". She continues, "Sadly, it is the cleanser that either makes a routine work or sets it up to fail. Starting off your routine with unhealthy skin should be a non-starter. Cleansing your face and the products you cleanse it with are the most vital parts of your routine.".

After speaking with Rouleau, Darden, and New York City dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, I have compiled their advice. All in an effort to help my combination skin comrades in their battle against clogged pores. Read on to learn how to fix the five most common cleansing mistakes you are probably making.

Mistake #1: Applying a Formula That is Too Harsh for Your Face

All experts agree that chemical-based and fragrance-loaded soaps and cleansers when attempting to scrub out breakouts is a massive combo skin mistake. Darden explains, "This drys out your skin excessively and leads to irritation.". I inquired as to why and she kindly explained, "Strong cleansers pull out excess water and this causes a build-up of dead skin cells.". At this point, Rouleau further elaborated, "Moisturizer must quickly be applied to remedy the situation.".

The key to avoiding this is using sulfate-free cleansers with the lowest lather possible. No more irritated skin post-cleansing. Afterward, you have 60 seconds to finish your routine. Rouleau explains why "Bare skin begins to dehydrate after one minute.".

Garnier SkinActive the Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser $11.00, Buy Here

Mistake #2: Forgetting to Cleanse Post Gym

This is an obvious mistake that I committed several times. Especially after having received a facial from Darden, forgetting to wash my face after the gym. "Not washing your face after a workout clogs your pores.", Darden stated.

Before you ask, no, facial wipes for cleansing are no good. Rouleau strongly believes that "Wipes are not a smart choice for combo skin types due to them smearing dirt, makeup, oil, and bacteria across your face.".

How about we all agree to just use an adequate face wash? CeraVe Travel Size Hydrating Cleanser ($5) is the right choice.

Mistake #3: Skipping the Morning Cleanse

Rouleau has experience with this, "Combo types are lazy and they believe that their skin is already clean from their nightly wash.". Clogged pores still occur and this is how.

"Your skin enters a mode of repair at night.", Rouleau explained. This impedes the job of your daytime products and new bacteria is introduced to your pores by touching your face or wearing a hair net. Ingredients such as retinol, BHAs, and AHAs must be removed from the skin the following day to prevent irritation or redness. Rouleau went on to say, "This is non-negotiable. Clean your face in the morning.".

Is Clinical Cleansing Complex $45.00, Buy Here

Mistake #4: Using Oil as a Cleanser

What to know the reason for my milia and disgusting blackheads? My cherished oils and balms were not right for me or my skin type. Our relationship had to end if I was to save my skin from the kingdom of looking terrible.

"Cleansing oils and their equivalent balms have fooled many people into falling in love with them and all because of their decadent feel when used. ", said Rouleau. I think attest to this with my own experience. The bane of any clog-happy pore is the residue left behind by these cleansing oils.

Remember that oils grew in weight and strength when used in conjunction with other products such as serums and toners. The result is a cell membrane that was not penetrated effectively. To summarize this load of information, multiple cleansing and balms may be popular at the moment, but combo types must stay away.

Renée Rouleau Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel $33.00, Buy Here

Mistake #5: Using Too Many Products At Once

Dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, who lives in New York City, states that the most common combo skin type mistake that she has witnessed is applying a plethora of products all at once. The reason is due to the prevalence of misdiagnosis of one's self and the attempts at fixing the non-existent issues.

She further explains, "When you mix and overuse multiple products at once, you are unable to figure out which product is damaging your skin and pores. The issues could range from flaring skin to acne breakouts.". Mixing all these chemicals could even trigger new and unforeseen reactions on your skin. Nazarian continues, "It is entirely possible that some chemicals may lessen the effect of other chemicals. What you are left with is an ineffective routine that weighs down your skin.".

What can be done to avoid this issue? Pick a basic routine and be consistent with it. Over time, slowly introduce products one at a time. This way, you can know what product is causing what reaction.

Over-masking has become the new thing over the past few years and now it's just becoming too much.

Over-masking is the new trend of wearing multiple face masks at once. This trend started in Asia and has been gaining popularity on social media. People believe that over-masking can help protect them from air pollution and other environmental hazards. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, many people are choosing to over-mask their faces on the side of caution. This may be because they feel like they have nothing to lose or that it's worth a shot if it might work. To make the process easier, some companies have created packages containing different types of masks for different purposes so you don't have to buy a bunch of different masks.

Over-Masking and Your Skin

While the occasional face mask can do wonders for your skin, over-masking can actually have the opposite effect. Over-masking can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing dryness, redness, and irritation. If you're struggling with maskne (acne caused by wearing face masks), you may be over-masking your face. Try cutting back on the number of masks you use each week, and make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly before applying a mask. You'll want to avoid using the same type of mask two days in a row as well. As always, consult your dermatologist if you are experiencing any negative side effects from over-masking.

DIY Masks and Over-Masking

Lately, it seems like everyone is talking about masks. No, not the ones we wear to protect ourselves from the coronavirus pandemic, but rather, the ones we wear to take care of our skin. DIY masks and over-masking have become a popular skincare trend on social media, with people experimenting with all sorts of concoctions in an attempt to achieve the perfect complexion.

From avocado masks to honey lemon hair treatments, there's no shortage of weird ingredients that can be used as face masks. If you want to try something new without any risk, why not give it a go? Who knows what amazing results you might see! One downside is that it does take some time for these masks to dry out and fully do their job, so make sure you allow at least 20 minutes before removing them.

Although this process may seem tedious, this will help your mask better absorb into your skin. If you are wearing makeup, don't forget to remove it before applying your mask because most of these recipes will remove the foundation or other products already on your face .

How to Avoid Over-Masking

1. Keep it simple. When it comes to skincare, less is usually more. If you're using too many products or layers of product, your skin won't be able to breathe and could end up looking irritated.

2. Be mindful of the ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, be extra careful about the ingredients in your skincare products. Some ingredients can actually cause more harm than good, so it's important to do your research beforehand. If you're unsure about a specific ingredient, don't use it!

3. Make sure that everything has time to absorb into your skin before applying anything else on top. Skincare experts recommend waiting at least 20 minutes before putting on any other products like makeup, but this may vary depending on what type of product you're using. For example, oils will take longer to absorb.

It's also important to note that not all makeup brands are safe for over-masking your face. A lot of people choose products with natural ingredients like coconut oil or jojoba oil because they're better for sensitive skin types. However, these types of oils tend to make oily and acne prone skin worse by clogging pores and causing breakouts. So if you have oily skin or acne, stay away from these types of ingredients!

What to Look For in a Face Mask

When you're looking for a face mask, it's important to find one that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a hydrating mask that will help infuse your skin with moisture. If you have oily skin, look for a clay mask that will help absorb excess oil. And if you have sensitive skin, be sure to find a gentle mask that won't irritate your skin.

 Once you've found the perfect mask, apply it to your clean and dry face and wait 10-15 minutes until the product has dried. Remove the product from your skin using warm water or a wet cloth, then pat dry and moisturize as usual.

Masking once or twice per week is recommended but don't forget to apply sunscreen before going outside! These days there are so many different types of masks on the market, such as sheet masks and peel-off masks. The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding your perfect face mask for any occasion.

Post-Mask Essentials

If you're new to the world of face masks, or even if you're a seasoned pro, there's one important rule to follow: never over-mask your face. Over-masking is when you apply too much product, or leave a mask on for too long, and it can lead to dryness, redness, and irritation. But that's not all! Keep reading to learn more about the risks of over-masking your face. Start by washing your hands with soap and water before handling any skincare products

Wipe down the surfaces where you'll be applying product so they don't get contaminated

Always start with a light layer, then build up as needed

If your skin feels tight after 20 minutes, take off the mask and reapply lotion. Wash your hands after removing the mask and before touching anything else.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a new beauty trend to try, look no further than over-masking your face. This trend is taking over social media and for good reason. Not only does it make your skin look flawless, but it's also incredibly relaxing. It can be applied before bed or while watching TV in the evening. You may not think this would have any effect on your life, but after trying it out it will help soothe your stress and anxiety.