16 Amazing Oils for your Skin

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Menopause, Aging and Skin

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Your wisdom and confidence may grow as you get older, but the same isn't true for many of your hormone levels. During menopause, lower levels of estrogen have a big impact on your skin. Less estrogen makes you prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging by taking care of your specific skin care needs.

Your Skin and Menopause
Menopause causes many changes to your skin. Your body stops making as much collagen. You lose some fat under your skin and your skin's elasticity drops. That, combined with dryness caused by hormonal changes, can cause sagging -- especially around the neck, jawline, and cheeks -- and fine lines and wrinkles. The lines and wrinkles you get with menopause are often crow's feet and lines above the upper lip.

Clean Up!
Cleansing is an important skin care step -- especially as you age. As you get older and your skin gets drier, your skin especially can benefit from extra moisture. The key is using a cleanser that's right for drier skin. So, opt for a creamy formula that hydrates instead of foam or gel cleansers, which can strip moisture away.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
After menopause, your skin gets drier because oil glands aren't as active. Try to give skin more moisture with a heavier cream. Skip long, hot showers and put on moisturizer while your skin is still damp. That helps boost hydration.

You Still Need SPF
Even though skin cancer and wrinkling are caused by the amount of sun you got in your 20s, 30s, and 40s, you still need to protect your skin. Why? Skin may have less natural protection than when you were younger. So look for a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, and wear it every day.

Minimize Wrinkled Skin
You get wrinkles from too much sun damage over the years, as well as the hormonal changes of menopause. As your hormone levels decrease with age, that can change your skin quality and make wrinkles worse.  Wrinkles may be more obvious when your skin is dry, especially as you age. Use moisturizer on your face, jawline and neck every day, and look for skin care products designed to help fight fine lines and sagging and that lead to a brighter appearance overall.

Hit the Spots
Age spots on the face, hands, and chest can look more obvious around menopause. Help prevent them by using sunscreen every day. Already got spots? Fade them with exfoliating products that shed dead skin cells, which can be dull and flaky. Skin-lightening products can help fade spots. Toners can also help even out skin color.

Help Your Hands
The backs of your hands can lose moisture, collagen, and fat during menopause. That can make veins more obvious and skin more wrinkled. Plus, your skin can look see-through and bony. To reduce the look of wrinkles, use moisturizer often on your hands. Protect them from the sun.  And wear gloves when doing house or yard work.

Eat Your Antioxidants
Collagen gives your skin its youthful plumpness and keeps your skin tight. As your estrogen levels drop, so does the collagen in your skin. Eating foods with antioxidants may help make your skin stronger from the inside out. Look for brightly colored fruits and vegetables (they get their color from these healthy compounds) and try to eat every color of the spectrum.

Stock Up on Soy
Soy is rich in isoflavones, plant-based compounds that seem to act like estrogen in the body. Isoflavones may help improve age-related changes like thinning skin. Experts believe about 50 mg of isoflavones -- that's like two 8-ounce glasses of soy milk -- a day can help menopausal women in other ways, too.

Look for Balance
Stress can make your skin drier and more sensitive. It can also trigger conditions like psoriasis. And if you're stressed out, you might even forget your skin care routine. Try yoga, meditation, and other stress-reduction techniques to help you relax.

Work It Out
Exercise does more than just tone your muscles. It helps skin in two ways. First, it relieves stress. Exercise also boosts circulation, which begins to slow with age. The extra oxygen and blood flow can help your skin look brighter and healthier.

Bulk Up on Beauty Sleep
Getting enough sleep helps your skin look fresh. Sleep can help prevent dark circles under your eyes, and it also gives the rest of your body a chance to recharge. Lack of sleep can change your hormone levels and metabolism in many of the same ways that aging does. So shoot for a solid 8 to 9 hours of shut-eye every night.

Information from WebMD

Beauty Resolutions You Should Make ASAP

As we turn over the page to 2014, New Year's resolutions are being made (and most likely, already being broken, oops) everywhere. We're all aiming to eat better, sleep more, and waste less. But in the spirit of, well, beauty (what else?) we talked to the top dermatologists on a few ways you can show your skin some well-deserved TLC this year.

Resolution: use lotion after lathering. Warm showers strip your skin of oils so it's important to restore them after you're done. But since moisturizing your body can be an annoying extra step, try storing your body lotion in the shower so you'll remember to apply it once you turn off the water. Trust us, the move will make this part of your routine so much easier to do.

Resolution: take off your makeup at night. This is nothing new (or rocket science for that matter)—we all know not removing your makeup (and the day's grime) can lead to pesky breakouts. The problem is doing it late at night when you're exhausted. Our trick: Do it right when you get home (not after you're in bed watching TV) or when all else fails, using a face wipe (we keep them in our nightstands so they're close by).

Resolution: clean up after the gym. If you're working out and not showering immediately after, you could be inviting body and face acne (thanks, sweat!). To prevent this, keep salicylic acid pads in your gym bag so you can wipe down your face, back, and chest after class. Slipping on a clean tee and showering when you get home are helpful, too.

Resolution: have patience with your skin care routine. If you've recently switched face creams or are finally getting religious about using one, don't freak if you don't see instant results. Good anti-aging creams take around six weeks to work, dermatologists tell us, and this includes skin brightening and acne products. After you've hit the six week period, you should see improvement. If you don't, move on to the next.

Resolution: clean your makeup brushes. This is one of those little tasks that never seem to make it to the top of our to do lists, but consider the consequence: Your makeup brushes are breeding grounds for bacteria that can cause irritation and zits. Fix this by washing them with a baby shampoo monthly and spritzing them with an antibacterial brush spray weekly.

Ready, set, go—and good luck! Here's to a year of pretty (ier) skin!

by Heather Muir, Beauty News Editor

10 Winter Skin Care Tips!

For many people, the cold clear days of winter bring more than just a rosy glow to the cheeks. They also bring uncomfortable dryness to the skin of the face, hands, and feet. For some people, the problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling: They get skin so dry it results in flaking, cracking, even eczema (in which the skin becomes inflamed).

"As soon as you turn the heat on indoors, the skin starts to dry out," Bonnie LaPlante, an esthetician with the Canyon Ranch resort in Lenox, Mass., tells WebMD. "It doesn't matter if you heat your home using oil, wood, or electricity. The skin gets dry."

Sound familiar? Read on to get the top 10 tips for boosting your winter skin care regimen, so that your skin stays moist and healthy through the winter months.

1. Seek a Specialist

If you go to your local drugstore, you'll be hard put to find a salesperson who can give you good advice. That's why going to an esthetician or dermatologist even once is a good investment. Such a specialist can analyze your skin type, troubleshoot your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using.
But that doesn't mean you'll be stuck buying high-end products. "Inexpensive products work just as well as high-end ones," says David Voron, MD, a dermatologist in Arcadia, Calif. "In fact, the extra price you pay for the expensive stuff is often just for packaging and marketing. What's most important is how your skin responds to the product -- and how you like its feel, not how much money you paid for it."

2. Moisturize More

You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine in spring and summer.  But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skin care routine.  Find an "ointment" moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. (Hint: Many lotions labeled as "night creams" are oil-based.)
But choose your oils with care because not all oils are appropriate for the face. Instead, look for "nonclogging" oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. Shea oil -- or butter -- is controversial, because it can clog facial pores. And vegetable shortening, LaPlante says, is a really bad idea. "It would just sit on the skin," she says. "And it would be really greasy."
You can also look for lotions containing "humectants," a class of substances (including glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids) that attract moisture to your skin.

3. Slather on the Sunscreen

No, sunscreen isn't just for summertime. Winter sun -- combined with snow glare -- can still damage your skin. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands (if they're exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently if you stay outside a long time.

4. Give Your Hands a Hand

The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it's harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. Wear gloves when you go outside; if you need to wear wool to keep your hands warm, slip on a thin cotton glove first, to avoid any irritation the wool might cause.

5. Avoid Wet Gloves and Socks

Wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema.

6. Hook Up the Humidifier

Central heating systems (as well as space heaters) blast hot dry air throughout our homes and offices. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place several small humidifiers throughout your home; they help disperse the moisture more evenly.

7. Hydrate for Your Health, Not for Your Skin

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: Drinking water helps your skin stay young looking. In fact, it's a myth. Water is good for your overall health and "the skin of someone who is severely dehydrated will benefit from fluids. But the average person's skin does not reflect the amount of water being drunk," Kenneth Bielinski, MD, a dermatologist in Oak Lawn, Ill., tells WebMD "It's a very common misconception."
LaPlante agrees. "I see clients at the spa who drink their 10 to 12 glasses of water a day and still have superdry skin. It just doesn't do that much."

8. Grease Up Your Feet

Yes, those minty foot lotions are lovely in the hot summer months, but during the winter, your feet need stronger stuff. Try finding lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine instead. And use exfoliants to get the dead skin off periodically; that helps any moisturizers you use to sink in faster and deeper.

9. Pace the Peels

If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are "deeply hydrating," rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face. And use them a little less often.

10. Ban Superhot Baths

Sure, soaking in a burning-hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. "You're better off with just warm water," LaPlante advises, "and staying in the water a shorter amount of time."
A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy, Bielinski notes. So, too, can periodically reapplying your moisturizer. If those techniques don't work, go see a dermatologist. "You may need a prescription lotion to combat the dry skin," Bielinski says. "Or you may have a condition that isn't simply dry skin and that requires different treatment."

SOURCES: Bonnie LaPlante, esthetician, Canyon Ranch Resort, Lenox, Mass. David Voron, MD, Arcadia, Calif. Kenneth Bielinski, MD, Oak Lawn, Ill. Mayo Clinic: "Dry Skin." American Academy of Dermatology: "EczemaNet: Winter Skin Care Guidelines."

Hollywood Secrets: Applying Eye Makeup like the Professionals

Hollywood Secrets:  Applying Eye Makeup like the Professionals

If you want to get the look of Hollywood glamour, you need to know the makeup tricks that the professionals use.  One of the hardest techniques to master is properly applying eye makeup.  Use too little and you won’t get the effect that you want.  Apply too much and you end up looking like a raccoon.  Here are some eye makeup tips to get you started creating your own red carpet worthy look.

Applying eye shadow

The first step in applying eye shadow is using different shades.  You will want to start with a base color that covers the entire eye lid from lashes to crease.  Then, to add more definition, you will want to use a darker color blended into the crease.  Lastly, highlight the brow bone with a lighter color.

When choosing an eye shadow color, test them first on the back of your hand.  This will allow you to see the intensity of the color.  Remember that lighter colors will help emphasize your eyes, while dark colors will help define them.

Applying eye liners

The next step in applying your eye makeup is to use the eye liner.  Generally, you have two options – liquid or pencil – to achieve the look that you want.

·       Liquid.  Before you use a liquid liner on your eyes, test it on your hand to see how much pressure you will need to apply to generate the thickness that you want.  Try steadying your elbow on a flat surface to keep the line smooth.  Start at the inside corner of the eye and work outwards.  Extending past the outer corner can give you a more exotic look, while stopping at the corner will cause the eyes to appear more open.  Once applied, use a Q-tip to soften the edges of the liner.

·       Pencil.  To apply eye makeup with a pencil, you will basically use the same technique.  The only difference is that pencils create a softer line than liquid liners.  For best results, make sure that pencils are sharpened before using them.

Applying mascara

The next step in applying eye makeup is the mascara.  Start by looking down and brushing the top lashes from the roots downwards.  Then look up and do a second coat brushing from the bottom of the lashes upwards.  Lastly, apply a coat to the lower lashes while you are still looking up.  Allow the lashes to dry, and then repeat.  If you have a problem with lashes sticking together, use a clean and dry mascara brush to gently separate them.

Solving eye “problems” by applying eye makeup

In general, the almond-shaped eye is considered the most desirable one to have.  However, not everyone is born with perfectly shaped eyes.  Applying eye makeup, however, can help improve your eye’s shape.

·       For small eyes, keep eyebrows fine.  Add a little shadow under the lower lashes.  Shadow on the upper lid should curve upwards like a wing.  Line both lids, extending the outer corner outwards.  This will cause your eyes to appear longer and larger.

·       For wide-set eyes, pencil in eyebrows so they are closer to each other.  A little shadow along the bridge of your nose that stops at the center of the eye can help make the eyes appear closer together.  When lining, start from the inner corner.

·       For close-set eyes, shape the eyebrows so that they do not appear to be too close together.  Eye shadow should be used on the outer half of the upper lid and extend to the brow.  Liner should not begin at the inner corner of the eye.

You can get the beautiful, Hollywood look by implementing the eye makeup tips and techniques used by professional makeup artists.  With a few strokes of practice, along with mineral makeup, you can quickly develop that perfect look for your beautiful face.

Check out our Mineral Eye Shadows Here!

5 Elements to Look For In Organic Makeup

5 Elements to Look For In Organic Makeup

Many women are concerned about what they put into their bodies, and more are also becoming concerned about what they put on their bodies.  But how much of the organic makeup industry is real, and how much is hype?  Here are five elements that you can do to make sure that you are getting organic makeup that is worth the price.

What’s in a name?

One of the first things that you should do is read the names of the ingredients of the organic makeup that you are considering.  In many organic makeup products, you will see plant, fruit, vegetable, and herb ingredients on the list.  For instance, your organic makeup might include lavender.  If there are many long, chemical names on the ingredient list, then chances are your organic makeup is more chemical than organic.  If you don’t recognize nearly all of the ingredients, don’t buy it.

What’s in the top 5?

Another aspect to consider when buying organic makeup is evaluating the top five ingredients.  Remember, manufacturers will list the ingredients in order of the amount found in the product.  Thus, items near the top of the list make up a large portion of the product, while items towards the bottom are only included in minute amounts.  Make sure that you recognize the top five ingredients, as these are the ones that will have the most benefit for your skin.

Who makes the organic makeup?

Keep in mind that in the makeup industry, a company only has to include some ingredients to label their product as “organic” makeup or “all natural” makeup.  However, some manufacturers have a better reputation than others when it comes to being truly organic.  Look for websites that compare the different manufacturers to find one that is best for you. Or try consulting your dermatologist about companies and products that he or she recommends for patients who want to try organic makeup.

How does your skin react to the organic makeup?

Just like you would with any makeup, it is helpful to give organic makeup a trial run to see how your skin reacts to it.  While shopping for organic makeup, see if they have any samples that you can try before you purchase the product.  If not, always buy the smallest size of the product first to try it – this way, you are not stuck with an economy size bottle of organic makeup foundation that you will never wear.

If you find that you do have sensitivity, read down the ingredient list, paying close attention to the top five ingredients.  You might be allergic to one of these items, so try to avoid them in future purchases.  Or, if you find that the product does not do what it claims, then you know that it is not the right organic makeup for you.  If you decide that you love the organic makeup product, you can always go back and buy more in the future.

What will the organic makeup cost?

The last element of organic makeup to consider is the cost.  While organic makeup tends to be more expensive than traditional cosmetics, you will still find a varying price range depending on what you are purchasing.  Use caution with products that are much cheaper than the competition, as they may not have the same quality.  Take some time to shop around to find the best product for you.

As more research is conducted, revealing that the chemical ingredients in cosmetics do not bode well for your skin’s long-term health, switching to organic makeup will cause your skin to look – and feel – much better. 

Check out our Mineral Makeup and Skincare line today! www.MineralSilk.com

3 mineral make up tips to create an effortless, natural look quickly and easily

One of the best aspects about mineral makeup is that you can achieve a flawless, natural look with very little effort.  The secret to achieving this perfect look is all about knowing how to apply mineral makeup correctly.

What you should know about mineral makeup

The important thing to know about mineral makeup is that it is very different from your traditional cosmetics.  It does not include chemicals like sodium laurel sulfate in its design, but instead mineral makeup up is comprised of pure minerals.  Because of this, the mineral makeup sits on top of your skin, instead of being absorbed by it, which keeps it from clogging pores or irritating skin. 

Mineral makeup also allows you to create a natural look without having to cake on product.  The only downside to using mineral makeup is that it can be a bit messy for beginners, thus, one mineral make up tip is to set up an old towel over your bathroom counter to catch any loose dust or spills that might occur to make cleanup easier.

Before getting started

While mineral makeup matches your skin tone significantly easier than traditional cosmetics, there are a few things to consider before choosing your perfect colors.  In the summer, try using lighter applications and lighter colors for a more natural look.  In the winter, you can use richer colors to give your skin added warmth.

Mineral make up tip #1 – Use the right brush

One of the first mineral make up tips for achieving the natural look is to go with the correct brush.  If you are using a powder mineral foundation, a kabuki brush is often your best choice.  The short, wide brush makes it easier to apply makeup without getting the makeup everywhere.  However, if you are using liquid mineral makeup foundation, you may find that using your fingers will allow you to get a more even application.  Eye shadows can be more naturally applied using a fluff brush, as the longer and thinner bristles allow you to focus the color exactly where you want it to go.

Mineral make up tip #2 – Use the right foundation for your skin type

Having the right mineral makeup foundation for your skin type is an important mineral make up tip to follow if you want to achieve a natural look.  Women with oily skin should avoid liquid mineral makeup and only use the powder.  Also, pay close attention to the ingredients – a mineral makeup including Bismuth Oxychloride will cause oily skin to look even shinier.  On the other hand, women with dry skin will often get better results using a liquid mineral makeup foundation, as it will provide better coverage.  For most women, mineral makeup can be used even if they have sensitive skin.

Mineral make up tip #3 – Learn to mix

A third mineral make up tip that you can try is to mix your mineral makeup with your daily moisturizer.  This works well for women who have dry skin and need the extra moisture boost, or for women who want or need more sun protection than the mineral makeup can provide.  This also allows you to control how much color is included in your foundation to help you create the perfect natural look for your skin tone and type.

Learning to apply mineral makeup properly will allow you to easily achieve stunning, natural results in just minutes.  With these mineral make up tips – and many more – your face will show its natural beauty, instead of the coloration of traditional makeup.

Check out our Pre-made Sample Packs to start your Mineral Makeup Experience Today!