Getting the Best from Your Makeup
29 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Beauty Tips Tags: Make-up Accessories, Make-up tips, Using Makeup
Cosmetics play an important role in the lives of almost all women, but even the best makeup can’t apply itself – which is why cosmetic accessories are so important. Without a good quality sponge or brush, even the highest end brands of foundation can appear patchy so it’s important that you choose the appropriate accessory when applying makeup. Eyeshadow brushes can also make a big difference; not only does the finished effect appear much more professional and long-lasting, having several brushes in varying sizes can make the applicati
on process itself quicker and easier!
NBR Sponges are now the most common kind of cosmetic sponge. Free from latex (making them ideal for anyone with a latex allergy) they are oil resistant and hard wearing. Most modern NBR sponges are anti-UV which prevents any discolouring if left in the sunlight, and anti-bacterial though bacteria can still grow inside sponges so it’s advisable to wash them with soap regularly; at least once a week. Most manufactured sponges are also anti-copper as well, meaning that washing them in regular tap water won’t cause any damage or discolouration whatsoever. It’s also best to let the sponge air dry, as this won’t damage it meaning that it lasts for longer. However, you shouldn’t expect your sponge to have a lengthy life; as soon as any signs of fraying or shredding at the edges appear, you notice a strange smell or any warping of the shape of the sponge, it’s time to buy a new one. Triangular sponges are best for applying foundation around the nose area to avoid patchiness or lines, whereas larger, round sponges are more appropriate for sections of the face such as the cheeks or forehead in order to achieve a smooth, even finish.
Cosmetic Brushes come in a variety of different shapes and sizes and all have different uses. When choosing a makeup brush you should also consider the material that it is made from; synthetic bristles are better for applying oil based products such as foundation or crème cosmetics, whereas for powder based cosmetics you should use natural bristles. When choosing a brush for applying face powder, you should choose a flat, round-edged brush with a silky texture. If the brush is too large, too much powder will be dropped all over your face without reaching the areas which need it the most. Natural contour, highlighter and eyeshadow brushes are also useful, and various brushes for lipstick, blusher and bronzer are also available. If you’re confused by the different kinds of brushes available, it may be advisable to invest in a complete set which will include all the brushes you will need for day to day cosmetic application.
Cleansing Sponges can be made from a number of different materials, the most common being cellulose or PVA. PVA sponges are the best for deep cleansing and makeup removal as they are very absorbent, soft and smooth. Non-woven polyester or polyurethane sponges are best for exfoliation, while cellulose (made from wood pulp and cotton) is a biodegradable, natural alternative to PVA sponges.
Choosing the perfect perfume
12 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Beauty Tips, Consumer Tips Tags: Buying Perfume, Choosing a Perfume
When choosing a perfume, be it for yourself or for a loved one, there are some tips you can keep in mind to help you through the ever growing maze of perfumes available. Despite this perfume’s still remain a popular gift for many occasions. It is important to remember a perfume is a very individual thing; everybody has a different body chemistry and just because it smells amazing on your friend or sister, doesn’t mean it would work for you. Where possible, test the perfume on the inside of your wrist (obviously if you are buying as a gift this is harder).
There are however some things that you can keep in mind to help you choose, and may give you pointers so you know what to keep an nose for when you are around the person you want to buy for.
Perfumes tend to come in a few base groups:-
Floral: – Scents with a floral base tend to be viewed as romantic and have a timelessness about them that makes them popular with many age groups. For example, Flower, by Kenzo.
Fruity: – These normally use the citrus fruits for a base and tend to be fairly light and sweet smelling, making them good for everyday wear. For example, Hugo Woman by Hugo Boss.
Woody/Musky: – These scents tend to be heavier, and suit a more mature woman or be reserved for evenings out. For example, White Musk by Alyssa Ashley.
Oceanic: – Fresh scents tend to try and mimic the tang of the ocean air and are again a good choice for everyday wear. For example, Ocean Dream by Giorgio Beverly Hills.
Oriental: – Oriental scents tend to be fairly heavy, and rich with spices and heavier scented flowers making them superb for evenings out. For example, Loverdose, by Diesel.
Green: – Green scents are the ones that remind you of the outdoors on a summer’s day, and tend to be favoured by younger women. For example, Gucci by Gucci.
As well as the basic groups, remember that perfumes have three distinct layers of scent. The first, referred to in the trade, as the “top note” is the burst of scent you get right away after applying the perfume. It isn’t wise to base your choice on this note as it fades quickly. Citrus scents tend to be used for a top note.
The second layer, or “Middle note” tends to last a bit longer, normally ranging between a few minutes or even as long as an hour, they tend to be the floral, spices or heavier fruit scents like plum.
The “base note” is the final layer of the scent, and tends to be the heaviest, containing the woody, musky scents or heavier blooms and fruits like Vanilla or Magnolia. Most base notes take a minimum of 5 hrs to fully develop on the skin but start to mix with the middle note after about half an hour or so to provide the main body of the perfume.
Because of this, most reputable perfume sellers would suggest that you leave the scent on your skin for a day, so you can see how all three layers appeal to you. The chances are if after this time you still love the scent, then it is the one for you.
Don’t be afraid to take your time in choosing the perfume that is right for you, it is a choice that is likely to stay with you for many years. Once you have decided on the scent that is right for you, there are a couple of other factors you need to bear in mind.
Some perfumes can stain your clothes if they have an added colorant in them, so it is best to check the ingredients in case of a mis-spray. Also, some of the oil based perfumes may also stain even if they have no colour in them – in this case, put the perfume on a handkerchief in your pocket instead of directly on your skin or clothing.
The other thing to consider is would a parfum or eau de toilette suit you better, and this really depends on how you like to wear your perfume. If you like to spray all over, then an eau de toilette would suit your needs better as it would be less over powering used that way. But you would need to “top up” again during the day, as it doesn’t last as well as the heavier parfum, which is better applied to the pulse points where your blood can warm and nurture the scent.
The most basic trick to choosing a perfume is simply to go for something you like the smell of, take your time, smell it through its various stages and if at the end of the day, you still love it, you have found the scent for you. Of course, once you have settled on the perfume you like it is often cheaper to buy your perfume online, allowing you, in most cases, to save money on the recommended retail price.
