Skin Care Product Reviews

If you’ve ever been to a cosmetics counter, you know how maddening it can be to pick the appropriate lipstick color out of all the choices that are available. The truth is that the reason there are so many choices is that the appropriate lipstick color for one person, can obviously fall flat for another person. This is due to our skin tone as well as our other facial features like the color of your hair. Even when you want to match your lipstick to a particular outfit, the main considerations will be how it looks on your face, not how it matches your dress. In addition, one has to take into account the season and what colors are in style as well as the time of day one is wearing the lipstick.

Matching Your Skin Tone

This is probably the most important aspect of picking the appropriate lipstick color. Your skin tone is usually determined by genetics. Asians have a yellow-hued skin tone, while Caucasians can vary in lightness. Dark-skinned people have many different shades of skin tone and so one product definitely isn’t the appropriate lipstick color for all.

Fortunately, it isn’t that hard to know what colors best complement the different types of skin. Fair-skinned people work best with tans and beige tones with a hint of orange or pink. Sometimes very light plums work very well for very light-skinned people. Darker-skinned people can wear rich, bright dramatic colors fairly easily like red or a deep plum color. Asian women may find the appropriate lip color to be warm tones while olive-skinned people should stick to brownish mixes.

Take into account your hair color, if you’ve dyed it recently. The same make-up you wore before you dyed your hair can clash afterwards, particularly if the change is dramatic.

Following The Seasons And Times

It’s important to update your make-up every season as you update your wardrobe. Although it’s not a crime to wear pale, glossy lipsticks during the winter, they tend to look out of place. Dark, rich colors are more suitable for winter, with light paler shades reflecting the carefree and fun attitude of summer.

You also have to take into account the lighting. At night, a pale, light-colored lipstick would not be an appropriate lipstick color. It may be drowned out by harsh indoor lighting or totally lost if the lighting is poor, like candlelight. Stick with more dramatic colors for night and lighter shades for day.

Lipstick Trends In Fashion

Almost every season, there is some “hot” color that comes out. You can experiment and have fun with fashion trends. However, keep in mind that a fashion trend is not a law and it may not be the appropriate lipstick color for your skin tone. It’s great to add dazzle with glitters and glosses, or try an outrageous color every now and then. But, when the fashion trend is over, make sure you know what looks best on you and keep some classic lipstick color choices in your head whenever you are sitting at the cosmetic counter wondering what the appropriate lipstick color is for you. Knowing this can save a lot of time and stress, and help you to build on a successful repertoire of beauty colors that work for you.

The technical name for eyelid surgery is “Blepharopasty.” It is the cosmetic procedure designed to remove the fat deposits and excess skin that can accumulate with age around the eyes. As people age, they can start to notice bags to side, below, and above their eyes. This is due to the muscles weakening and fat accumulating. People who are starting to see signs of aging might look in the mirror and see puffy bags and/or dropping eyelids. These are not the same as crow’s feet or dark circles under the eyes. It’s more of a generally puffiness that results in a person looking tired and old.

Eyelid surgery is done for both the upper and lower eyelids, although not usually at the same time. The plastic surgeon might choose to work on one set, like the upper eyelids, and save the other set for another session. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The plastic surgeon makes small incisions along the creases of the upper eyelid or right underneath the lashes on the lower eyelids. After the incisions are done, the plastic surgeon will remove excess fat and skin and then close the incisions with very fine sutures.

Recovery from surgery is usually two or three days, however, you won’t be able to use contact lenses for at least a couple of weeks. There can be bruising, redness for up to a couple weeks. As with any surgery, there can also be complications. You might end up with double or blurred vision for a few days. You might get some whiteheads that can be removed later. There might be some light scarring, but it can be hidden with makeup. It is said that some people may have trouble closing their eyes when they sleep. You will have to check with your plastic surgeon to see if further surgery can correct any issues which arise.

Laser treatment for acne was mostly relegated to treating acne scars. However, there is new hope that lasers can also be used to treat active acne pustules in treatment using non-ablative laser treatments. These treatments were generally used to even out skin pigmentation and did not damage the skin’s surface layer, like the acne scar laser treatments; instead it uses light to stimulate collagen growth. The laser pulse works beneath the surface of the skin without producing injury to the outer layers.

Types of Lasers Chosen For Acne

There are many different types of lasers that can be used to treat acne. Copper vapor lasers, pulse dye lasers, and orange/red light lasers are a few that have been used to treat acne. These work by exposing the bacterium to light frequencies that trigger a production of a toxin that kills them.

Other types of laser work by creating a thermal injury to the sebaceous glands. These are InfraRed lasers known by such names as CoolTouch and SmoothBeam. The heat injury is underneath the skin and does not break the surface of the skin, leaving the patient with little visible effects of the treatment and not risking further infection.

Repeated Treatments

The patient will have to be treated several times before the acne subsides. There are very few studies to prove the effectiveness of laser therapy on active acne, though empirical evidence is mounting. If you want to get these treatments, be sure you go to someone who has experience with multiple patients and might foresee any problems with your skin type.

For lasers that remove the top layer of the skin, people with darker skin tone are warned of the risk of skin lightening or darkening in the treated areas. The ablative lasers do not damage the top layers of the skin, so they may not have as a great a risk for people of darker skin tone. Be sure to check with your skin care professional about this issue if you are concerned about the effects of the treatment.

Acne Scarring Laser Treatments

Unlike ablative laser treatments, laser treatments for scarring are done after the acne condition has subsided and the face has no recent outbreaks. The laser is used to remove the top layers of the skin and can cause a burning or itching sensation. It requires multiple treatments and can leave the face red for some time. The skin underneath is exposed which should be smoother and have a more even skin tone too. Most people feel only a mild stinging sensation when the procedure is being done, but you should make let your doctor know if the procedure is more painful.

Laser treatments for acne scarring are very well accepted in the dermatological field. It is a proven technique not only to remove acne scarring but also to reduce visible signs of aging on the face. It does produce a controlled skin injury and for that reason, it cannot be done with active pustules. However, it still remains a very viable method to reduce the aftereffects of acne scarring once the damage is done.

Today we’d like to write few words about not the newest but certainly interesting 2005 fragrance - JUST ME PARIS HILTON. After huge success of ‘Paris Hilton’ many people wondered if it’s going to be next big thing in the perfumery world, well it certainly is. The first thing that caught our eyes was ‘pinky’ elegant glass bottle kind of the same shape as it’s younger sister ‘Paris Hilton’. Let’s open it up. Right away you can notice it is totally different smell, more to be used on a daily basis. Scent isn’t really long lasting, depending on the complexion, it can be noticeable anywhere from 1-5 hours. Fragrance is definitely belongs to floral group, directed to younger audience - teenagers, however thank to its subtle nature can be used by middle age women.

Just Me Paris Hilton contains following notes: vanilla, musk, white rose, iris, raspberry, peppercorn, freesia, sandalwood, bergamot, lily, woods.

Cellex C Betaplex Fresh Complexion Mist is a product created by a cell biologist named Dr. Lorraine Meisner and a pathologist named Dr. Michael Schinitsky. One will find the Complexion Mist online or at a specialty skincare stores. The product is to be used on the face.

Cellex C Betaplex Fresh Complexion Mist was created to be used as a toner applied via spray pump applicator. The product can be used after thoroughly cleansing the face or after exercise activities. It’s firming and toning ability allows it to be used under makeup or even as an aftershave for men.

Cellex C Betaplex Fresh Complexion Mist comes in a 180 ml. bottle and is touted as the 20th century version of Japanese Beauty Water. The formula consists of a mixture of botanical acid compounds as well as alpha hydroxy acids. The combination of the two cleanses dead skin out of the way so that newer, fresher cells underneath can show through. Results of consistent daily use will show in approximately five to eight weeks.
Products in the category of misters and spritzers have resurged in popularity in the last few years.

Aside from being a unique product and an effective way to evenly disperse an ingredient over the uneven surfaces of the skin, their compact size allow them to be carried anywhere. The non greasy formula is a bonus for those with pores that tend to clog easily. While the product is gentle enough to be used on all skin types, it is not uncommon to experience some tingling from the combination of lactic and alpha hydroxy acids. Should there be consistent discomfort, users should rinse the face with cool water and discontinue use immediately. Comparison shopping will find the product varying but staying relatively close to midlevel price ranges.

Ingredients include: Water (Aqua), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) Distillate, Glycerin, Alcohol, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Willow Bark (Salix Alba) Extract, Cucumber (Cucumis Saitvus) Extract, Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) Extract, Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) Oil, Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Oil, Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Methylparaben, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Green 5 (CI 61570)

A browlift is also called a forehead lift. It is performed by making an incision on the top of the head, ideally behind the hairline to hide it, and pulling the skin taut to reduce the appearance of furrow on the forehead. It will also bring the upper eyelids up a bit, which is why it is referred to as a browlift. Some people do the endoscopic forehead lift, which minimizes the area that is cut. As with any surgery that relies on incisions, there is a period of time that must be spent healing. In this case the final redness, bruising, and swelling should disappear within three weeks to one month.

The procedure is normally done for patients that are middle-aged who are experiencing the furrowed lines on their forehead known as “worry lines.” The browlift can be done in conjunction with a facelift. This would provide a whole new look, rather than just affecting the forehead and brow area. This can be a lot of surgery to undergo, and complications from surgery need to be understood.

The possible complications from a browlift that is not correctly done are: the inability of the patient to raise or lower the eyebrows or even wrinkle the forehead, scarring around the incisions, hair loss around the incisions, lack of sensation near the incision area, infection, and bleeding.

No cosmetic surgery is permanent and will relax with age. Therefore, you may need additional surgeries, either to correct a complication, or later in life to renew the look. However, if properly done a browlift can add remove the most noticeable vestiges of aging like a wrinkled forehead and sagging brows. This can dramatically alter your appearance and best of all; it can be your little secret. Any incisions done, whether healed or not, should remain under the hairline and not visible to others.

Sometimes in the glee to get a new look, we forget we have to eventually remove all that make up from our faces with something. That “something” can end up being harsh and uncomfortable for sensitive skin, not to mention expensive. Certain types of make up are also harder to remove than others, like mascara. This can cause you to buy one product to remove make up from your face and another for your eyes. If these products contain additional chemicals or alcohol, you may be removing the make up but unnecessarily stressing the skin. Alcohol is drying and chemicals can cause irritation and acne breakouts. So what are some good alternatives and gentle ways to remove make up.

Jojoba oil is an all-around great make up remover. If your skin is dry, this can make an excellent moisturizer too. Soak a cotton ball with it and it will remove eye make up safely and gently. It has an added bonus of conditioning your lashes while you are doing it too. Olive oil is another great cleansing oil. It is non-comedogenic and easily removes grime and dirt; however, some people don’t want to smell like olive oil after they remove their make up.

Some companies actually manufacture products with great all-natural ingredients that are safe and gentle to the skin. The Body Shop makes a Chamomile gel that works very well and can be bought through their stores. Clinique, a line of cosmetic products that goes through a rigorous testing process to make non-comedogenic and irritant-free products for sensitive skin, has one called Take The Day Off. It has won an award and is even said to be safe for people who wear contacts. It comes in a balm that melts when applied to the skin. It has no fragrance so as not irritate sensitive noses as well.

A Botox procedure is a cosmetic procedure that is done by injecting a form of botulism bacteria specifically created for this procedure. It is a toxin that does have a crippling effect on the muscles injected. In fact, that is the main aim of the procedure: to weaken or paralyze the muscles under the skin directly injected. If Botox is injected into the frown lines on the forehead or the crowfeet near the eyes, the results is the lessening of their appearance and more youthful look within three to seven days. The procedure is said to last up to four months, at which point you can have it re-done. Repeated uses can lead to some side effects, including a thinning of the muscles injected.

Botox procedures have become excessively popular. They provide a middle ground between face-lift cosmetics and plastic surgery. They take only a few minutes to perform and last about four months. The procedure has to be repeated, but not as often as creams. You do not have the risk of surgery scars, as it is completely non-invasive. If you don’t mind getting stuck with needles in some odd places of your body, they can produce some dramatic results.

There are some concerns from holistic and natural practitioners with the fact that the procedure is using a toxin to immobilize the muscles under the skin. Botulinum toxin, Botox, is a highly toxic neurotoxin. However, the Botox procedure itself uses very minute quantities of the toxin and is not digested, so there is no risk of fatal food poisoning from the procedure. The FDA approved the use of Botox for cosmetic procedures in April 2002. Improper or excessive dosages of Botox can result in some negative side effects including twitching, facial pain, eyelid droop, headaches, redness at the point of injection and more.

No one wants to admit that they are aging, but the signs can be hard to ignore. For women, being over 40 may start the slow march to menopause. This time of their life will bring hormonal fluctuations that affect their skin quality. Men may not have menopause, but their skin can also begin to show the signs of premature aging due to environmental factors like excessive sun or chemical exposure. It may come as a surprise to some people to even experience acne as they advance in age, but that can also be quite normal. Having a daily skin beauty routine and protecting it with products that are safe and natural can do a lot to promote a youthful appearance. The skin changes over time, and what were the problems of youth disappear and new issues can take their place. If you are prepared for what some of those changes might entail, you can change your skin routine to make the skin appear younger, firmer, and with a better tone as you age despite the years going by.

One of the things that has been scientifically proven to age skin is excessive sun exposure. If you were a beach bum during your younger years, now is the time to pull back and start protecting the skin. All those years of lying out in the sun will show up as wrinkles and premature aging on your skin. This is because sun exposure causes free radicals to go about your skin wreaking havoc. If you want to start reducing the visible effects of sun exposure, you need to start including products in your daily beauty routine that include SPF sun block with UVA and UVB protection. You should also add creams that can moisturize the skin, as the skin becomes dryer as you age, and add antioxidants, which are known to hunt down and remove free radicals. These antioxidants are high levels of natural vitamins that can also nourish the skin.

Ystheal+ Cream is a product developed by Avene Pierre Fabre Laboratoires. The product is for use on the face. Avene Ystheal+ Cream contains a combination of Retinaldehyde C.T. and Pre-tocopheryl as a way to fight the signs of aging while combating dry or very dry skin. Those looking to rid the face of lines and wrinkles without the damaging effects acidic components can have on dry skin are good candidates for this type of product. Avene Ystheal+ Cream is both hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

Avene Ystheal+ Cream comes in a 30 ml bottle with pump dispenser. The product is to be applied to the skin nightly before bed. As this is product is European in origin, the cream is made using Avène Thermal Spring Water giving a neutral pH balance. Consistent use yields results in 6-8 weeks.

As with most products for sufferers of very dry skin, the formula of Avene Ystheal+ Cream can seem somewhat greasy. This may prove to be a challenge for those with pores that clog rather easily. Some users also find it can take a little while to completely work the formula into the skin. However, to its credit, Avene Ystheal is completely free of fragrance. Because of the concentration of Retinaldehyde C.T. and Pre-tocopheryl, the product can take some time to get used to, especially for those with sensitive skin. With a number of distributors cutting back on their supply of Avene Ystheal, it can be difficult to find in U.S. stores, making online distributors a best bet. According to the manufacturer, this product should not be used in the area under the eye or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Comparison shopping can find Avene Ystheal+ Cream at various prices throughout the mid level price range.

Ingredients include: aqua, caprylic/capric triglyceride, avene thermal spring water, mineral oil, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, squalane, propylene glycol, glycol montanate, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, bht, butylparaben, carbomer, disodium edta, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, CI 17200, retinaldehyde C.T. 0.05%, tocopheryl glucoside (vitamin E), triethanolamine.