The Best Lighted Makeup Mirror

Are you a a budding makeup artist? Or do you simply find yourself looking at a  makeup mirror more than the average person?  Perhaps you’re just a normal working gal who applies makeup every morning and occasionally gets dolled up for a night. Whatever your reasons or Basic Makeup habits a Lighted Makeup Mirror is one essential investment you will never regret.

Professional makeup artists typically do not practise their craft in their homes. One reason is that most homes don’t have rooms that are lit well enough to do the job. If you’re in the trade you know that your own portable lighted makeup mirror is an indispensable tool for getting your job done right every time.

As a professional makeup artist might also want to consider purchasing an portable makeup station. This piece of equipment will really take your work a lot easier plus they have their own lighted mirror built in. Makeup stations also have multiple compartments to hold your various makeup tools and cosmetics. These fold and pack neatly into a hard shell carry case. Some also have built-in wheels so your station becomes a trolley which makes it a lot easier to move in and out of locations.

Zadro OVLW68 Oval Two-sided 8X/1X Lighted Wall Mount Makeup Mirror  $62.05  Put on those little touches while looking in a Zadro makeup mirrorTwo sided mirror makes it perfect for everyday use and up-close groomingMirror features dimmable light setting to choose the exact amount of light emitted

Zadro Dual-sided 1x-8x Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror (Reconditioned)  $75.99  This Zandro dual-sided pedestal vanity makeup mirror has a lasting fluorescent bulb and regular as well as eight times magnification. A 360-degree swivel combined with a gorgeous satin nickel finish make this makeup mirror practical and elegant.

Danielle 10X Fold-away Lighted Mirror  $45.59  Vanity mirror is a must have for the powder roomMirror features a 10x magnification Lighted mirror mimics natural day and night light

Danielle Wall-mount 10X Lighted Mirror  $58.99  Update the look of your powder room with this wall-mount mirrorVanity features a 10x magnification Mirror comes with a 12-inch articulating arm

Rialto Lighted 10x/ 1x Two-sided Vanity Mirror  $98.99  Enjoy bright, even lighting with excellent color for makeup with this Rialto lighted 10x/ 1x pedestal vanity mirror. The 22-watt fluorescent light is as bright as 100-watts of incandescent light yet produces almost no heat.

Now, if you’re simply a makeup aficionado then these heavy-duty commercial products are probably a little too much. For personal use there are excellent portable makeup mirrors that are perfect for your home and occasional travel use. These makeup mirrors are usually smaller and they don’t have as many lights as commercial units. But they are also considerably cheaper and are good enough for your makeup dressers or bathroom vanity.

Here are some brands that are worth checking out if you’re shopping for a Lighted Makeup Mirror:

Makeup Mirrors For Professional Use

The Makeup Artist Network a.ka. Makeup Art – a leading manufacturer of makeup cases. Their makeup cases and stations have been used by professionals since 1999. They also sell smaller Vanity style makeup mirrors.

Vanity Girl Hollywood – a specialty vanity mirror and makeup accessories manufacturer. They make unique makeup tables, vanity mirrors and other vanity accessories. Celebs like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey swear by their products.

Makeup Station – makes portable makeup stations for use on location. You’ll see their stations on most of the movie sets for popular Hollywood movies.

Makeup Mirrors For Personal Use

Remington – True-To-Light mirrors have such a simple yet functional design that you’ll find them branded under a number of different names.

General Electric Lighted Makeup Mirror – an industry standard.

Lighted Makeup Mirror Q & A

Q – I have a makeup lighting question -

I usually have to do my makeup in the hallway because I have a mirror there but i don’t have one in my bedroom. The lights always on and it’s a well lit area so when i do my makeup I find looks perfectly blended but then when i check in my bathroom mirror… not so much! but then when I’m out in public like in the department store target bathroom it looks fine again? 

how can i tell what I really look like and if my makeup really is blended or not? i never know! because it looks different in every mirror. is it lighting or what is the reason?

Yes, unfortunately certain lighting can be flattering or not so. The best advice is to apply your makeup in as natural a light as possible. Try moving near your bedroom window so you get natural light. It’s easy to do if you have a small portable makeup mirror. This is the very best way to truly know that your makeup is bledned evenly.

MAC Make Up

MAC Make up has long been known to be the best makeup in whole market of cosmetics. Proof – MAC is recommended and used actors, performers and professional beauticians the world over. MAC products are hypo-allergenic and is made of naturally occurring minerals. So if you’re one of those gals with skin is very sensitive, you will find their product line  was created just for you. MAC Cosmetics come in a wide selection of colours and for various applications including: powder, base, blush, lip stick, lip gloss, moisturizers and more. Their product line has something every woman can use be it for a typical day or  special occasion. The colours of the MAC eyeshadow palette are so extensive you can vary to meet any of your makeup desires.

MAC Cosmetics are perceived as the  ”THE” final word when it comes to beauty and looking your best. They have one of the largest of mineral based cosmetics, even nail polish. And MAC still features their famous cosmetic line created exclusively for skilled professional makeup artists. This is the product line that most Hollywood celebrities and exclusive beauty salons use. With MAC Makeup products at home you can appear every day as though a professional had done your makeup without the need to  go to a beauty salon.

MAC Make Up Q & A

I’ve heard that  on the day of my graduation a MAC Beauty Consultant will do my make up for free? Is that true?

I will probably buy some products after they do my makeup, after all it would be embarrassing and kind of rude just leaving without doing that. and, what if i bring MAC makeup that I already have, will they use it or will I still need to buy?

A- Yes, they will do your make up for free, but there is a catch – you just have to buy their products and they often have a minimum purchase of requirement of $50. Of course if you love MAC than it’s not a big deal. You can amazing, professional quality makeup application that would likely cost you a lot of money, for nothing and you walk away with $50 worth of exceptional makeup.

Kim Kardashian Smokey Eyes with MAC Make Up

Bare Minerals Cosmetics

Much ado has been made about Natural Mineral Makeup as of late. But many women are still quite confused about what Mineral Makeup is and how it’s different from the regular makeup sold at department store beauty counters around the globe.

In it’s simplest form the answer is – mineral based makeup, like Sheer Cover and Bare Minerals Cosmetics to name a few, difference lies in the ingredients. This new-age makeup is made with pure minerals in their natural form. They are then processed into cosmetics using exacting methods to maintain their quality and purity.

The Minerals which are commonly used in these cosmetics are:  naturally occurring iron oxide, titanium, and zinc oxide. These constitue the main minerals used as ingredients. The minerals are obtained from the earth and are carefully inspected to insure they meet strict guidelines for use in cosmetic production. Only the finest minerals pass while sub-standard minerals are used for other industrial applications.

You may have an image of a bag of rocks in your head but that’s not the end. To turn those ‘rocks’ into makeup means they need to be ground to a fine dust and also purified by removing any and all impurities. In this state these fine minerals can be applied directly to your skin with no risk of harm. Of course they wouldn’t look like much but they would certainly be good for the health of your skin. What makes beautiful to use is the addition of natural dyes to create a wide and luscious variety of colour hues and shades.

If you’re looking for healthier skin and a more youthful appearance than you’ve simply got to try Bare Minerals makeup. It’s your best bet for rejuvenating and maintaining young looking skin.

Bare Minerals Cosmetics Q & A

Q – What is the difference between Bare Minerals – ‘Multi-tasking’, ‘Foundation’ and ‘Veil’ products?

I was looking at buying Bare Minerals makeup to cover up my spots – I’ve got freckles and some blemishes. Also I really want to get that flawless skin look but I don’t know which product is best?.

A – I’ve found ‘Multi-tasking Concealer’ to be useless. My best concealing tip – simply cover area with the foundation and then finish up by using a stippling the brush. Mineral Veil is great for airbrushing to cover your small imperfections, that’s after applying the foundation. Answer – not one but two of those products – the foundation and mineral veil.

Caring for your Make-Up Brushes

Make-up brushes and pencils need to be cared for and kept clean. Remember this makeup tool comes in direct contact with one of the most important parts of your body your skin. Here are some Basic Makeup Tips for maintaining your brushes:

Make-Up Brush Maintenance  Tip 1:

Use mild liquid soap to clean your makeup brushes. Simply cup your hand, and some soapy water and swirl the brushes around in your palm for a few minutes. Then rinse and reshape. Finally hang them over the edge of your vanity to naturally air dry. You can avoid damage by not soaking or wrapping to dry.

Make-Up Brush Tip 2:

Look for clean, firm bristles when buying an eyebrow brush. Soft bristles will cause the brush to only slide over your brows rather than penetrating. Firm bristles will allow the brush to penetrate and groom your short eyebrow hairs.

Make-Up Brush Tip 3:

Use a concealer make-up brush for applying eye makeup in the inner corner of your eye.

The small, firm concealer brush has the right tip for reaching this tough to get at spot. If you don’t have a concealer brush you can try using your finger for applying concealer to this area.

Make-Up Brush Tip 4:

For quality make-up brushes, you need to invest in natural bristles (yes, animal hair) rather than synthetic.

Sable is always a big favorite of professional make-up artists. Be sure the bristles are packed tight. A quick check is to simply brush it across your hand and make sure very few bristles fall out or come loose.

Make-Up Brush Tip 5:

When using your eye brow pencil, use short strokes in the direction your hair is growing.

Also, be sure to apply a little extra to areas where there are less hairs to give even coverage.

Bonus Basic Eye Make-up Tip: Don’t be tempted to use an eye liner pencil on your eyebrows. An eye-liner is soft and malleable. It’s made for your delicate eye areas. But an eye brow pencil is hard allowing you to use firm, tiny strokes on specific areas.

Make-Up Brushes Q & A

Q – Where can I find good make-up brushes that aren’t made from animal hair?

I checked and found out that most of department stores Clinique, Loreal, MAC, etc. sell brushes using animal hair. It’s typically goat hair or camel hair. They looked at me like I was crazy when I asked about ‘Cruelty Free’ and makeup that didn’t exploit animals.

If you don’t understand me, think about picking up a dead animal and using it’s hide on your face! – Sorry I think that’s just Gross!

I’m not sure where you are located but, I hear you and … ‘Times they are a changin‘. A lot of cosmetics companies now offer brushes made with synthetic hair and they’re often quite inexpensive. That said, I have to say, synthetic means plastic – means oil. Would you rather be dependant on a resource which is diminishing everyday and is likely to cause more and more war and problems in the world – or – a renewable resource that can be harvested form an animal without even hurting it?

Makeup Articles - ph of the skin

For decades, cosmetic manufacturers have done considerable research in order to discover and produce products whose pH is healthiest for the skin and the hair. The symbol pH is used in everyday language to represent the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. When a solution is neither alkaline nor acidic, it is called neutral. For example, the pH of pure water, a neutral substance, is 7. If the pH of a solution is less than 7, it is acidic; if the pH is greater than 7, it is alkaline.\

The pH of healthy normal skin is between 5.2 and 6; that is, it is slightly acidic. This acidic pH of the skin is due to the presence of acids in the sebum, sweat, and keratin. It is necessary to maintain the acidity of the skin. This is, probably, the reason why it is thought that curds and lemon juice when applied would do wonders for your skin. This is also the reason why ordinary soaps (which are alkaline) have, rather erroneously, got themselves a bad name.

Prevent Eczema - Treatment tips

Eczema is a general name for skin conditions that vary from red swollen tissues to even broken or bleeding dry sores. It is not dangerous, but most types cause red, swollen and itchy skin. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. Although eczema may look different from person to person, it is most often characterized by dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin. It occurs in adults and children, but most often appears on babies. Small blisters may be seen in active eczema but occasionally large ones may occur, either due to the particular nature of the eczema or because of skin infection coming along as well when the blisters may be filled not only with clear fluid but also pus. Eczema is a very common condition, and it affects all races and ages, including young infants. Allergies to animal dander, rough fabrics, and dust may also trigger the condition in some people. Eczema can't be cured, but there are plenty of things you can do to prevent a flare-up.

Eczema is usually related to a history of hypersensitivity or reaction in the body similar to an allergy. Eczema is divided into a small number of subgroups based largely on the factors that may be most important in causing eczema in any one individual, but it is important to recognise that the symptoms and appearance of the skin in all these types can be exactly the same. Eczema often affects the skin in areas around joints such as the elbow, behind the knees and in front of the ankles where the skin also needs to be particularly flexible. Excessive sweating can aggravate eczema - especially skin rashes near the joints, under the breasts and any other body areas where the skin folds on itself. Obesity greatly increases the chances of excessive sweating and skin fold rashes, so weight loss may help reduce symptoms. The skin of areas of eczema that have been inflamed for a while are usually much thicker than unaffected skin. Mainly this occurs as a protective response of the skin to the repeated trauma of scratching.

People with eczema also may have asthma and certain allergies, such as hay fever. You are more likely to have eczema if you have a family history of the condition. Other less common types of eczema are seborrhoeica, which affects the scalp and eye-lashes as a severe form of dandruff; and discoid eczema, which causes circular patches of eczema over the body. Skin affected by eczema may frequently become infected. If this happens to you, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. One of the most important components of an eczema treatment routine is to prevent scratching. Because eczema is usually dry and itchy, the most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible. Alternatives to nonprescription corticosteroids include more potent prescription corticosteroid creams and ointments, which are effective, but which may have some side effects. To prevent side effects such as skin thinning, your doctor may limit the length of treatment time and locations where you can apply treatment.

Prevention may include:

1. Brush your skin rapidly with the palms of your hands, or gently pat your skin dry with a towel after bathing.

2. Use only certain soaps or synthetic detergents. Choose mild soaps, such as Basis, Dove or Oil of Olay, that clean without excessively removing natural oils.

3. Seal in moisture, while your skin is still damp, with an oil or cream. Pay special attention to your legs, arms, back and the sides of your body.

4. Use soap only on areas where it is necessary.

5. Never rub your skin dry, or else your skin's oil/moisture will be on the towel and not your body.

6. Avoid scratching when you itch. If you can not stop yourself, then gently rubbing, with the flat of your hand, is less likely to do damage.

7. Avoid exposure to chemicals and strong detergents. It is usually better to avoid using biological agents altogether.

Treatment may include:

1. Antihistamines to reduce inflammation and itching.

2. Keep the skin moist with lotions and ointments to reduce symptoms.

3. Mild neutral soaps are recommended as needed, and bubble baths should be avoided.

4. Topical ointment for lesions that are oozing or extremely itchy, including mild anti-itching lotions or topical steroids.

5. Oral steroids, such as prednisone, for severe cases of eczema or inflammation.

6. A steroid cream or ointment is usually used to calm down flare-ups. Since these are often triggered by the staphylococcus aureus bacteria, an antibiotic cream can be combined with the steroid as a convenient combination treatment.

7. Sometimes antibiotics or skin wraps are necessary.

Facial Skin Care Tips

Healthy skin is the most important element of a great looking face. Daily skin and facial care is much more effective in making us look beautiful than any cosmetics in the world. It is not only easy to achieve; it is a critical thing you can do for yourself. It is very important; no matter what skin type you have, to clean your face every day. Deep cleansing is important. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy and you looking good. A good scrub is essential for healthy clean skin. It will remove dead cells and smooth the surface of your face. The scrub should be strong without being damaging. Stay away from scrubs that contain rough elements like ground bits of nut or seed extracts. Moisturizing is a necessity. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and shaving and don't forget your neck.

Facial skin care begins with cleansers; they help in the exfoliation of the skin and are gentle on the skin. There are special facial cleansing gels to remove facial make-up. Facial cleansers also refresh the skin. Healthy skin is young looking skin. There are preventative techniques that can promote the best skin possible and keep it looking its best longer. The most important thing that you can do to shelter your skin from damage is by establishing a good skin care regimen. It is very important to clean your skin every day. Deep cleansing is vital as it keeps pores clear and skin healthy. Cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. Moisturizing is an important requirement for great natural looking healthy skin. A good skin care tip is to always use a light moisturizer on your face and neck after cleansing.

Skin Care Tips for Black Spots

1. Make a paste of saffron and add some honey, apply it on the face to remove black spots.

2. Apply the paste of turmeric and curry leaves on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.

3. Grind dried basil leaf, neem and mint. Add some turmeric powder and rose water to make it in a paste form and apply it on the spots.

4. Soak a chappathi in milk overnight. Make it into a paste and apply it on black heads. Repeat for several days. 

5. Make a paste with mehndi and oil and apply on the face.

Skin Care Tips for Glowing skin

1. Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth skin.

2. Carrot juice applied daily fades blemishes.

3. A facemask of egg white and honey gently removes the tan from your face.

4. For oily skin, apply a mixture of grapes, lemon and egg white.

5. For a soothing body pack, prepare a paste of mint leaves and almonds. Mix it with warm water and apply all over your body. Leave it till it dries and rinse with warm water.

6. Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Mix cucumber juice with milk and use it instead of a cleanser.

7. Mix vinegar and rose water in equal quantities and apply.

Skin Care Tips for pimples

1. Make a paste with sandal wood and turmeric and apply it on the face.

2. A mixture of crushed mint leaves and oats will reduce pimples.

3. Crush garlic and take the juice and apply it on the face daily to reduce pimples. 

4. Mix thick curd, turmeric and two drops of oil. Apply on the face.

Fashion Tips for Women

As a woman, you don’t need to become a fashion model or some kind of fashionista to be always in latest and trendy in fashion. You just need to figure out what is the right type of dress fit your body as well as with your personality.

Fashion tips are not just for super models but also apply to any women who want to look good and dress attractively. Here are some tips you need to know as a woman to have a trendy fashion in your own way.

Helpful Fashion Tips for Women

In defining the perfect fashion for you, you need to figure out the type of body that you have so you would know what kind of dresses that will exactly fit you. After figuring out your body, you also need to identify your height, weight and age. For a more detailed fashion tips for women, you may refer below:

To achieve a slim and long look, always try wearing fabrics that are free-flowing and with one-tone. For dresses type, look for the fabrics of georgette or chiffon.

Only wear your size if possible and do not wear oversized clothes as these will make you look exaggerated and baggy though they are very comfortable to wear.

Watch out the adding or wearing of your accessories as these will make you more over-decorated. Do not wear accessories just for the heck of it as accessories always speak louder than the clothes that you wear. Always ensure that whatever accessories or jewelries that you wear blend well with your dress.

Belts are only applicable for those women who have extremely thin waist.

Wear clothes that you feel comfortable with as well as reflecting your personality so you will look undoubtedly best on them.

To cleverly accessorize your look, you may add a stole or scarf for a more added effect as well.

In buying your clothes, always read the wash care and maintenance instructions very carefully to avoid incidents of inappropriate washing and maintenance for the clothes. Do not buy clothes because of impulsiveness.

Always buy clothes and other accessories such as bags and shoes that can be worn basically everyday.

Create your own fashion styles and statements and refrain from following the latest fashion trends because it might go with your original look and styles.

Healthy Living Tips

Healthy living is available to everyone, and does not depend on buying the latest diet book or the most expensive vitamins. Regular exercise can prevent and reverse age-related decreases in muscle mass and strength, improve balance, flexibility, and endurance, and decrease the risk of falls in the elderly. Regular exercise can help prevent coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. It seems that everyone is concerned with healthy living these days. This is a good thing; it is important to be concerned with your health and to look for better strategies to improve your life. The most important group of foods, and the one that is most often the cause of poor diets, is fruit and vegetables. There is nothing particularly innovative about this advice; everyone knows that you need to eat your fruit and vegetables. Healthy living choices are affected by where you live, work, learn and play. Keeping yourself informed about positive health practices within your environment is an important way to improve your overall health and sense of well-being.

Healthy Living Tips for Kids

1. Help children avoid unintentional injuries.

2. Make sure your children receive regular check-ups and have their shots on schedule.

3. Teach your children good health habits like regularly washing their hands, good oral hygiene.

4. Talk with your children and be involved in their lives and schoolwork.

5. Talk to your children about drugs and teach them before they begin experimenting on their own. The older they get, the more information they need.

6. Teach your children basic water safety techniques and how to swim. It could save their lives.

7. Regular exercise can prevent and reverse age-related decreases in muscle mass and strength, improve balance, flexibility, and endurance, and decrease the risk of falls in the elderly.

 Makeup Articles - Lips care

If women were allowed to use only one item of make-up, most of us would choose lipstick. As a result, it is slightly surprising that when it comes to taking care of our kissers, most of us are guilty of neglect. Remember that the lips do not have a strong lipid barrier, so they dry out quickly, and the habit of constant licking makes this dehydration worse. The lips have no sebaceous glands either, which makes them almost totally reliant on external moisturizer to keep them in peak condition. The best thing you can do to achieve a perfect pair of pouters is treat them to a daily ritual: first exfoliate (brush them very gently with a toothbrush if you do not want to splash out on a special cream), then hydrate with a protective balm. Remember that smoking and exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays cause ugly vertical lines to appear around the mouth, so invest in a product with UV protection and never leave home without it and, ideally, try to stop smoking.

After you have applied your foundation, your contour (if you choose to useit) and/or your highlighter, and after you have done your eyes, it's time to work on your lips.

Lips Care Tips and Advice

How much you do with your lips is completely up to you. There is no wrong or right answer as to whether to wear lipstick-only wrong and right ways to apply it. It's up to you how you want to treat your lips. But whatever you decide, here are some tricks of the trade to show your lips to their best advantage.

An important thing to think about concerning your lips is that thereare two extremes, neither one of which, as is often the case, is terrific First of all, everyone needs something that moisturizes the lips. Secondly, the extra shine that lipstick (or gloss, or petroleum jelly, which, by the way, is a terrific moisturizer-it gives your lips a wonderful glow) provides is a touch thatyour face should not be without.

A face without something on the lips really looks undone, unfinished- as if you forgot something. This is particularly so for women whose makeup routine is the simplest one-a little mascara and blush on good clean skin-because naked lips will make the whole face seem wan, while a little gloss can pick up the entire look.

The other extreme is a lip that is overdone, that screams for attention and gets it, at the expense of your face. You really don't want your lips to precede you into a room, do you? Yet many women sooverline and overcolor their lips that their mouth is the first (and sometimesthe only) thing you notice about their whole appearance.

Another mistake some women make is to choose lipstick without any consideration for their foundation and their blush. This is not a good idea because the lipstick can then clash with the rest of your makeup. And even if the difference is subtle, believe me, it will still be noticeable. So if you use a tawny blush, choose a lipstick from tawny to bronze to beige to compliment your makeup. If you usea a rose foundation and a rose blush, you need to use a lipstick within the range of rose to pink that corresponds with your foundation.

Yet another misconception about lipstick is that it should match the clothes you wear. This is simply not true, and can in fact make you look rather silly. First of all, the days of matching everything are gone. Fashion has for many years advised that the natural, more casual look (rather than the detailed, precise, everything-dyed-thesame- color look) is the right one for everyone. You can choose to wear what you want to wear-you need not have to make sure that everything you own, whether it be clothes or makeup, be the same color. Shades and textures that compliment one another-yes. But gone are the days when your shoes, gloves, hat, purse,dress, lipstick and nail polish all had to match.

You don't have to-and shouldn't, really-change your lip color every time you change your clothes. You don't do it with your hair or with your foundation, so why with your lipstick? Unless it is a special occasion (usually an evening gala where unusual shades of color might be appropriate), stick to the lipstick that compliments your face. The lesson here is also this: If you find a foundation and blush color that go with your complexion and hair, and you find a lipstick that compliments these colors, chances are that all these colors will go with almost everything you wear.

Makeup Articles - ph of the skin

For decades, cosmetic manufacturers have done considerable research in order to discover and produce products whose pH is healthiest for the skin and the hair. The symbol pH is used in everyday language to represent the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. When a solution is neither alkaline nor acidic, it is called neutral. For example, the pH of pure water, a neutral substance, is 7. If the pH of a solution is less than 7, it is acidic; if the pH is greater than 7, it is alkaline.\

The pH of healthy normal skin is between 5.2 and 6; that is, it is slightly acidic. This acidic pH of the skin is due to the presence of acids in the sebum, sweat, and keratin. It is necessary to maintain the acidity of the skin. This is, probably, the reason why it is thought that curds and lemon juice when applied would do wonders for your skin. This is also the reason why ordinary soaps (which are alkaline) have, rather erroneously, got themselves a bad name.

Prevent Eczema - Treatment tips

Eczema is a general name for skin conditions that vary from red swollen tissues to even broken or bleeding dry sores. It is not dangerous, but most types cause red, swollen and itchy skin. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. Although eczema may look different from person to person, it is most often characterized by dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin. It occurs in adults and children, but most often appears on babies. Small blisters may be seen in active eczema but occasionally large ones may occur, either due to the particular nature of the eczema or because of skin infection coming along as well when the blisters may be filled not only with clear fluid but also pus. Eczema is a very common condition, and it affects all races and ages, including young infants. Allergies to animal dander, rough fabrics, and dust may also trigger the condition in some people. Eczema can't be cured, but there are plenty of things you can do to prevent a flare-up.

Eczema is usually related to a history of hypersensitivity or reaction in the body similar to an allergy. Eczema is divided into a small number of subgroups based largely on the factors that may be most important in causing eczema in any one individual, but it is important to recognise that the symptoms and appearance of the skin in all these types can be exactly the same. Eczema often affects the skin in areas around joints such as the elbow, behind the knees and in front of the ankles where the skin also needs to be particularly flexible. Excessive sweating can aggravate eczema - especially skin rashes near the joints, under the breasts and any other body areas where the skin folds on itself. Obesity greatly increases the chances of excessive sweating and skin fold rashes, so weight loss may help reduce symptoms. The skin of areas of eczema that have been inflamed for a while are usually much thicker than unaffected skin. Mainly this occurs as a protective response of the skin to the repeated trauma of scratching.

People with eczema also may have asthma and certain allergies, such as hay fever. You are more likely to have eczema if you have a family history of the condition. Other less common types of eczema are seborrhoeica, which affects the scalp and eye-lashes as a severe form of dandruff; and discoid eczema, which causes circular patches of eczema over the body. Skin affected by eczema may frequently become infected. If this happens to you, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. One of the most important components of an eczema treatment routine is to prevent scratching. Because eczema is usually dry and itchy, the most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible. Alternatives to nonprescription corticosteroids include more potent prescription corticosteroid creams and ointments, which are effective, but which may have some side effects. To prevent side effects such as skin thinning, your doctor may limit the length of treatment time and locations where you can apply treatment.

Prevention may include:

1. Brush your skin rapidly with the palms of your hands, or gently pat your skin dry with a towel after bathing.

2. Use only certain soaps or synthetic detergents. Choose mild soaps, such as Basis, Dove or Oil of Olay, that clean without excessively removing natural oils.

3. Seal in moisture, while your skin is still damp, with an oil or cream. Pay special attention to your legs, arms, back and the sides of your body.

4. Use soap only on areas where it is necessary.

5. Never rub your skin dry, or else your skin's oil/moisture will be on the towel and not your body.

6. Avoid scratching when you itch. If you can not stop yourself, then gently rubbing, with the flat of your hand, is less likely to do damage.

7. Avoid exposure to chemicals and strong detergents. It is usually better to avoid using biological agents altogether.

Treatment may include:

1. Antihistamines to reduce inflammation and itching.

2. Keep the skin moist with lotions and ointments to reduce symptoms.

3. Mild neutral soaps are recommended as needed, and bubble baths should be avoided.

4. Topical ointment for lesions that are oozing or extremely itchy, including mild anti-itching lotions or topical steroids.

5. Oral steroids, such as prednisone, for severe cases of eczema or inflammation.

6. A steroid cream or ointment is usually used to calm down flare-ups. Since these are often triggered by the staphylococcus aureus bacteria, an antibiotic cream can be combined with the steroid as a convenient combination treatment.

7. Sometimes antibiotics or skin wraps are necessary.

Makeup Articles - Makeup Application Tips

To make sure you select the right color foundation, choose three shades that you think are about right and stick each one over your face and under your jaw lines. Only one will completely disappear on your skin and that is the color you should bye.

Ignore out-of-date taboos – when it comes to color anything goes. If you want an natural look, stick to shades traditionally associated with your skin tone ( warm tones for yellow based skins and color once for pink skins ), but if you really want to make an entrance, choose the opposite extreme. Redheads, for example will make a far bolder statement in cool aqua eyeshadow or a piercing pink lipstick than in an earthy brown.

Hair is a slightly more complex equation, as your skin tone will always limit your results. Blonde hair against a very olive skin can leave you looking nauseous, while raven locks on an English rose will look more go thick than alluring.

HOW TO APPLY LIP GLOSS

Lip gloss, clear or tinted, can be worn alone to create a natural sheen or over lip colours for a lacquered finish.

HOW TO APPLY LIP LINER

Lip liner, should be used primarily to shade rather than outline the lips. It also acts as a great fixative for lipstick.

HOW TO APPLY PENCILS

Pencils are a must for defining eyes and shaping brows. Always look for a soft pencil which will glide along smoothly.

HOW TO APPLY NAIL POLISH

Nail Polish, whether in neutral or bright colours, gives a well-groomed look.

HOW TO APPLY COLOUR CORRECTORS

Colour correctors can be used if you have problems such as broken blood vessels or a ruddy complexion which cannot be covered with a normal concealer.

HOW TO APPLY LIPSTICK

Lipstick, whatever the shade, can help protect the lips, provided that it contains a sun 12 protection factor and hydrators.

HOW TO APPLY TINTED MOISTURIZER

Moisture, is great if your skin requires minimal coverage and you find foundation too heavy. In the summer choose one with a sun protection factor.

HOW TO APPLY MASCARA

Mascara, accentuates the lashes, helping to frame the eyes. For the best results, two fine coats are better than one single, heavy-handed application.

HOW TO APPLY LIQUID EYELINER

Eyeliner, is essential for transforming daytime make-up into a glamorous evening look, but it does require precision application.

HOW TO APPLY EYESHADOW

Eye shadow, in striking, slightly shimmering tones, applied with a light hand, can give the face an air of lumrnosity.

HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER

Concealer, in a retractable stick will give better coverage and last longer than creamy formulations. Look for a shade with yellow undertone to suit your skin tone.

HOW TO APPLY LOOSE POWDER

Loose powder, must be super-fine to ensure it creates a barely there finish and looks as natural as possible once applied.

HOW TO APPLY FOUNDATION

Foundation, is essential to smooth the skin and disguise imperfections. Dry skin needs a creamy formulation and oily skin will benefit from an oily skin will benefit from an oil-free compact or liquid foundation. For superior coverage, choose a liquid or stick foundation.

The Minimalist's Makeup Routine

1. Apply concealer to uneven areas, like under the eyes, and blend.

2. Wipe a combination powder-foundation formula in a compact over the face.

3. Apply lipstick