Try patting a moisturizing balm onto your cheeks after completing your makeup. It will give a glow to your face and help the foundation look natural.
To create your own sheer, tinted moisturizer, mix face lotion with foundation.
These tests will help you to determine the ratio of oil to water in a moisturizing product.
Apply moisturizer to your skin. If the skin under the moisturizer is warm, there is a greater percentage of oil in the product. If the area is cool, there is a greater
percentage of water. The science behind this is that evaporation cools, and water evaporates. Oil does not evaporate and therefore traps heat in the body.
Put a small amount of moisturizer on a tissue, and hold it over a lightbulb. Products with higher oil content will melt. The wider the area of melted oil, the greater the
percentage of oil in the moisturizer.
SENSITIVE SKIN needs a moisturizer that does not contain fragrances or dyes and is designed for this skin type.
EXTRA DRY AND MATURE SKIN requires more moisture. Nourishing oils, dense creams, and balms are formulated specifically for both these skin types. These
products help to temporarily plump up the skin, making it appear smoother and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Look for petrolatum-based moisturizers that
also contain ingredients such as lactic acid or alpha hydroxy acids, which help to prevent dry skin.
Specially formulated moisturizers are needed for the area under and around the eye. The skin surrounding the eyes has smaller pores, is thinner than the rest of the
facial skin, and is more sensitive. It is important to keep this area as hydrated as possible. Products on the market target specific problems. Before you go shopping
for an eye cream, decide whether you want an eye cream that hydrates and prepares for concealer, or an overnight cream that is rich and emollient. Anti-wrinkle or
anti-aging creams contain caffeine, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, or vitamin C. Anti-darkening creams contain vitamin K or hydroquinone. Also decide if you want
two different creams, one for night and the other for day. To avoid possible irritation of the eye, look for an eye cream that does not contain fragrance and has a pH
close to that of tears (about 7.5).
Lips are often the first area of the face to wrinkle. Dry and chapped lips are a clear sign that you need to drink more water. While hydrating the body is the first step
toward beautiful lips, there are many products that help keep them plump and smooth.
For personal use, have on hand two facial moisturizers, one lighter than the other. On those days when the skin needs more moisture, apply the lighter product first,
and then layer the heavier moisturizer over that. Also find a moisturizing product formulated specifically for the under-eye area, lip balm, body moisturizer, and
sunscreen. As your skin changes in response to lifestyle, season, or climate, you can treat it with the right hydrating product. Makeup artists carry a full range of
moisturizers in their kits.
Moisturizer Application
Once the face is thoroughly cleansed and toned, and while it is still slightly damp, apply moisturizer using a clean sponge or your fingers. (Note: dense balms
will work only on dry skin.) If you are using your hands to apply any makeup products, always wash them thoroughly so you don’t transfer oils and bacteria to
your face. Bacteria on the hands or makeup tools often cause breakouts.
Use about a nickel-size amount of moisturizer.
Warm the balm or moisturizer between your palms.
With firm, upward strokes, gently press the product into the skin until it is completely absorbed.
Smoking is always a horrible idea.
It severely damages your skin and lungs and is a common cause of cancer. It makes you smell and robs color from your skin and lips. Smoke breaks down the
skin’s defenses, depriving it of the oxygen it needs for healthy cell renewal. Repeated exposure to cigarette smoke causes the skin to lose its luster and tone and to
wrinkle. Smokers often develop permanent wrinkles around the lips. Smoking is the one lifestyle choice for which balance and moderation are not options.
Sun Protection
Lines, dark spots, and uneven skin texture are not the inevitable effects of aging but are often the result of too much sun exposure. Overexposure to sunlight can
also cause cancer. Too much sun is the skin’s worst enemy. The only way to prevent premature aging and skin damage due to overexposure is to stay out of the
midday sun when possible, wear protective clothing and hats, and always use the proper sunscreen.