LASER TREATMENT: AGE SPOTS and SKIN REJUVENATION



Laser Treatment



As we age, the damage to our skin often becomes increasingly more prominent. Some of this damage is simply a natural effect of aging, while some is caused by too much exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.Sunspots are commonly caused due to over exposure of skin to the harmful sun-rays. Also known as age spots, these are tiny spots, usually whitish or brownish in color. These might appear in cluster or alone on the over exposed areas of your skin. While lesser exposure can just lead to suntan, over exposure or repeated exposure to sun-rays can lead to formation of brown or white spots on skin. Though these are very common in people over 35, depending upon the type of skin and the amount of exposure to sun-rays, these also appear in younger people. Unprotected skin is most susceptible to this and many other skin disorders caused due to sun-rays. Opting for the best treatment is essential to refinish your skin and protect it from further damage. For those individuals who want to turn back the hands of time and achieve an even, more youthful complexion, skin laser treatment may be the answer.

Skin laser treatment is offered by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other skincare professionals. When done by an experienced professional, the success rate of the treatment is very high – and the risk of complications, very low. Patients can also expect very minimal pain during the outpatient procedure and little to no recovery time.

How it Works

Your skincare specialist will use a handheld tool that emits lasers over the treatment area. The lasers penetrate the skin to increase collagen production and eliminate skin discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. The length of the skin laser treatment depends on the size of the area being treated, but often takes less than one hour. In most cases, however, more than one treatment is necessary to remove the sun and age spots entirely. These treatments are usually scheduled within three to five weeks of each other. But because the treatments produce permanent results, you won’t need to repeat the treatments on a regular basis unless future spots develop.

 

 

Treatment Areas

Typically, laser treatments are performed on those parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight, and are, therefore, susceptible to damage. Areas of the body where laser treatment is typically performed includes the face, neck, hands, upper back and chest.

EXTREME EYELINER: Amy Winehouse' Winged Eyeliner



Winged Eyeliner of Amy Winehouse



Amy Winehouse (R.I.P.) had a pin-up make-up style: Lots of black and red... and a winged eyeliner.

A bold red pout competes with the eye. The result is done up and dramatic.

The Amy Winehouse "winged" eyeliner has inspired a thousand magazine covers. Karl Lagerfeld once described Amy Winehouse as a style icon. Indeed her vintage-inspired dress sense, beehived hair and winged eyeliner were certainly replicated worldwide by adoring fans, designers, stylists, makeup artists and fashionistas alike.

    

A Style Icon

Amy made her bold beehive hairdo and exaggerated winged eyeliner her trademark style and a whole generation of young girls followed suit. All the Amy Winehouse essentials - amazingly big hair, winged eyeliner & a bit of retro.

And here is how to wing your eyeliner:

What you will need:

- A liquid eyeliner

 

- Or a gel eyeliner and an eyeliner brush

 

-Or a liquid pen

 

So, now a bit of a demonstration. I'm sure there are many other ways to achieve this but this is just my technique. Don't try to do the whole thing all in one sweep without lifting your brush as you'll lose all precision. I break it down into three steps which I've shown below:

Step 1. Draw a thin line close to your eyelashes. Don't worry about any wing just yet. This line also doesn't need to be overly neat as we'll be going over it again later anyway. It's really important to tilt your head backwards when doing liner because you need your eyelid to be as flat and smooth as possible so that you get a nice fluid line.

Step 2. Draw in the outer line of your wing. This should generally angle upwards in the same direction as your lower lash line. Just imagine that your lower lash line is continuing on upwards. If you have a hooded eye, however, you may need to angle your liner slightly more outwards in order to avoid the hooded area. The length of your wing is down to personal preference. If you want a dramatic liner make the wing longer and make it shorter for a more subtle one.

Step 3. Now you need to connect the wing back to the line along your eyelashes. I've mapped it out here in red. Don't start at the very tip of  your wing. Leave the very top of it alone as that part should be left extremely fine. Now connect the wing back down along your eye, gradually making it thinner as you reach the inner corner of your eye. So it should be thicker on the outer part of your eye and thinner towards the inner corner.


 







That's it! If you need to go over it again to fix any lumps or bumps or to thicken it then you can. Now you just need to line your waterline if you want to and apply your mascara and you're done!

GOLDEN TIPS

-Always start from the inside and stroke outward in one fell swoop. Don’t try to do it in portions, just go for it–it’s silly, but it’s all about believing in yourself.

-When you get to the end of the lashes, go slightly upward. Remember, the more drama you want, the more distinct the angle should be.

- If you mess up at the end, don’t fret, just use a cue tip or tissue with a bit of gentle lotion or makeup remover to remove the wing. Then just try again. If the whole line is a mess, wipe it all off and start all over.

Amy's eyeliner is a a bit more exaggerated... When you look at the pictures, you will see that amy's eyeliner covers almost all of her eyelids then angles up as it's going outward. 

In this picture she is using RIMMEL Exaggerate eyeliner:

Rimmel Exaggerate Eyeliner

Long Wavy Hairstyles: Have Them Naturally

 

 

How to Have Long Wavy Hair:

1. The first step for any hair type is ensure that you are taking care of your hair in order for it to grow long and get that healthy sheen. A proper, balanced diet is essential, along with a good intake of omega-3 fatty acids (think salmon and nuts). Make sure you are conditioning your hair as well (I prefer natural products). You can help improve its sheen by applying homemade ingredients like egg yolks, olive oil or almond oil.

2. Growing your hair long takes patience and still requires regular cuts to trim off dead ends. Stay healthy, and practice the following wave-creating hair tips on hair of any length while you wait for it to grow. If you already have long hair...enjoy it and take care of it.

3.If you have dead straight, fine hair you are probably going to need to break out the curling iron to fake those wavy locks. First, apply some light gel or mousse so your hair will hold the curl. If your hair is thin and fine, don't use too much or it will weigh your hair down.

4. The best way to obtain a natural wave is to hold the barrel vertically while keeping the clamp closed and begin wrapping a section of hair around the outside of the barrel (not clamped inside). You can start at the top by the root or midway down- just be sure to wrap hair all the way to the end. 

5. Curl your entire head, section by section. It also helps to pin up your top layer of hair and curl the bottom layer underneath first. This adds more volume to your hair. I like to curl the hair sections that frame my face by wrapping in the direction AWAY from my face. This gives you that somewhat feathered (but not too 70's look). Finish off with a spritz of hair spray.

6.  If your hair takes kindly to a little wave on its own, you may not need a curling iron. One trick I use is to twist damp hair into tight little buns and pin them to my head while the hair dries. Depending on how much hair you have, you may only need one or two buns on each side of your head (I like to do the bangs/face framing layer separately). Once dry, take out the pins and shake the buns loose, scrunching hair lightly, while trying not to destroy the waviness.

7. This twisting hair method works best if you have a little texturizer in your hair before putting it into the buns. Saltwater is an excellent texturizer...I twist my hair after getting out of the ocean and it dries into lovely waves. If you don't live by the beach, you can try mixing sea salt with water and spritzing it onto your hair.

8. Another method for creating waves that some people have luck with is wrapping your damp hair on top of your head into a bun and securing with a scrunchy. Sleep with you hair like this and shake it loose in the morning. 

9. If you have lovely, naturally wavy hair, you may try applying some frizz easing products to provide a silky sheen and set your waves. Super curly-haired people may want to try a curl relaxing product to loosen up the curls into tousled waves. Whatever your hair type, try wavy for a day and you will instantly feel more girly, sexy and carefree!

• Tips & Warnings

• It is best not to brush your hair after you have created the waves or they will lose their structure.
• Some people like to substitute the curling iron method with a hair straightener instead.
• If using the "twisting method", after removing your buns, flip your head upside down and tousle your roots with your finger tips to lift hair and give it some volume.

MY VACATION BEAUTY BAG "MUST-HAVES"

 

Packing for a trip is always an undertaking.  We agonize over what outfits to bring, how many pairs of shoes to take, and of course what makeup to haul in our makeup bags.  I, like most people, tend to overdo it, and never use half of the products I packed!

When packing skincare and makeup, we feel we need of all the lotions and potions we use on a daily basis, especially the item we might need in an emergency.  We end up bringing everything in our bathroom cabinets, and have much more then we will ever need on our trip.  Going on vacation is all about letting go and relaxing.  This doesn’t mean you have to abandon your beauty regime – just consolidate and simplify.

When going on a vacation you always want to be prepared.  Your skin may have different needs in regard to the stress of travel, hot or cold climate change and different eating habits.  So you want to plan and pack accordingly, and only bring the items you need for your getaway.

Follow these essential travel rules along with few extra tips to insure you will be prepared for anything, your packing will be easy, and your beauty bag will be light:

• Get a manicure and pedicure a day or two before you go on holiday.  Take the nail color used on your nails and pack it along with a clear top coat and a nail file all together in a plastic baggy for quick touch-ups to ensure your nails will look fabulous for the duration of your trip.

• Get your eyebrows, bikini line, underarms and legs professionally waxed a week before your vacation. This will ensure smooth, radiant skin without razor burn or irritations, and no need for a razor or refills.  No fuss and no worries about shaving while you’re gone.

• Pack a high SPF cream for the face and body, along with an after sun lotion that will double as a body lotion.  Protecting your skin from the sun’s rays is a key factor to beautiful skin and your health in general.

• Buy travel size containers for shampoo, conditioner, and your favorite hair care products they will take up less room in your bag, and are easy to refill for your next vacation.

• A mini cleanser, toner, and moisturizer with SPF 15 and eye cream are the ideal size for a vacation.  A complete skincare.

• A Light weight with buildable coverage foundation is perfect. Or if light coverage is fine for you a BB cream with SPF is perfect to wear during the day.

• A nude color lipstick and/lipgloss is a great universal color and is beautiful on everyone.
• Take your favourite neutral color shadow quad.

• Easily applied eyeliner adds great definition to your eyes.

• A waterproof mascara will last all day long in any climate.

• A translucent powder  to set your foundation and is great for touch ups throughout the day.

Now your beauty bag is complete with only the must-haves you need to look and feel great on your next vacation!

Travel Cosmetic Bag

KAJAL/KOHL EYELINER: Arabian Way to Beautify

Kajal Eyeliner

Application of ‘Kajal’ (also known as kohl or surma) is a common practice in Indian and Arabic families. 

Kohl in either powder or paste form is the traditional way that both women and men give a natural herbal treatment for their eyes.

Kohl is made of natural things like minerals and herbs, depending on what type it is.

 

 

Some are made of burnt cumin seeds and others of a mineral rock that is considered extremely healthy for the eyes.

Natural kohl is also considered to help grow the eyelashes, too!

 

It's no wonder that women from all over the world are using kohl products from Arabia and Asia, and that they have adopted the sexy smokey eye look that has been traditional in the Arabian Gulf and surrounding areas for thousands of years. 

A kohl/kajal eyeliner perfectly defines your eyes,making them look more attractive and bold.

 GOLDEN TIPS:

     - You can use it on your waterline. It will  make your eyes look bigger. 

- You can apply it along the upper lash line together with lower lash line: certainly defines your eyes.

- First apply compact powder under your eyes, dust out the excess powder, and then apply the kajal. The kajal will not spread. You could also try applying kajal to your eyes at night, and then wiping out the excess in the morning when you wake up. What is left in the eyes doesn't leak out.

Eyes are one of the most alluring and noticeable features, using Kohl/Kajal eyeliner helps define them. Various color options means Kohl/Kajal can be used lightly for a daytime look and more intensely for an evening look. Use brown for a subtle daytime look or a more natural look.

HISTORY OF KOHL

The use of Kohl on eyes by women and men is thought to originate from ancient Egypt, being applied generously and often extending outwards from the corner of each eye.

  

Max Factor Kajal

Kajal was traditionally made in South Asia by women in their homes. A mixture of soot from an oil lamp and pure castor oil would product pure Kajal. The castor oil gave provided a cooling effect to eyes. Kajal powder was applied with fingers or a thin wood, bone silver or ivory applicator. The applicator would be dipped in water, rosewater or olive oil before dipping into Kajal pot. Other names for Kajal include Al-kahl, Surma and Anjur.

Application method today is simpler and can be carried in your bag for re-application.

 

Eye Makeup Tips to Prevent Kajal from Smudging

1.Clean Your Eyelids

Before you apply any eye makeup it is essential that you clean your eyelids. Makeup on the lids can make your eyelids oily which is the main reason for smudging and creasing of eye makeup. Use a Q tip with some eye makeup remover and use it to clean your lids. Once your lids are clean apply a face powder on the lids and around the eye area. This will help in absorbing the excess oils and moisture thus allowing the kajal to stay on for a longer time.

2.Use An Eye Primer

Primers or an eye shadow base allow the eye makeup to stay on for a longer time. There are many eye primers by different cosmetic brands available in the market. You can use any of these to prepare your eyelids for the kajal. Apply the primer on the lower lash line before you apply the kajal.

3.Apply The Kajal

Apply the kajal on your lower lash line with care. It is a good idea to invest in some good long lasting kajals if you face the problem of smudging. While applying the kajal leave some space at the two corners of your lower eyelids as these are the areas that tend to start watering after some time thus leading to smudging of the kajal.

4.Set The Kajal With Black Eyeshadow

This is probably the best way of ensuring that the kajal does not smudge. Once you have applied the kajal set it with a little powder black eyeshadow on top. This not only intensifies the color but also helps in absorbing the moisture and oil in the region thus allowing the kajal to stay on for a longer time.

 

5.Finish up by powdering the area around the eyes

It is important to keep in mind that kajals will smudge to some extent and you can only delay the smudging, not stop it completely. To prevent raccoon eyes you can carry some Q tips with you and wipe off the smudged kajal from the under eye area

RETINOIDS: Anti-aging Vitamin A

Retinoid

Studies have shown that the vitamin A derivatives known as Retinoids (retinoic acid) unplug pores, help clear up acne, reduce fine lines, boost the production of collagen, lighten brown spots and freckles, and improve skin texture.

Before and After Using Retinoid Creams

The retinoids – which have even been shown to help treat precancerous skin lesions -- is sold by prescription only under names that include Renova, Retin-A, and the generic Tretinoin.

A retinoid should be the foundation of any topical antiaging regimen.

Men and women should make a retinoid part of their evening regimen beginning in their 20s.

The downside is that retinoids can initially cause dryness, flaking, and redness.

Dermatologists say that starting out slowly, applying a pea-sized amount of retinoid every second or third night, can help your skin adjust to the powerful ingredient.

Or consider an over-the-counter cream, gel, or serum containing retinol. This nonprescription version of a retinoid works more gradually and gently but is still effective in rejuvenating your skin.

Serum Containing Retinol

Vichy LiftActiv Retional HA

Bombarding your skin with lots of different ingredients can be irritating. What’s more, used in combination, some ingredients will cancel out each other’s benefits.

For example, the acid in salicylic or glycolic acid breaks down ingredients like retinol, hydroquinone, or Vitamin C. More is not necessarily better.

 

The products necessary for beautiful skin aren’t glamorous, and include a simple cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer, and a retinoid or retinol.

Skin Benefits of Tretinoin (Retinoic acid)

1.  Increased collagen stimulation: Avoiding Wrinkles

Tretinoin directly stimulates collagen formation by inhibiting collagen breakdown.  It increases extracellular collagen formation by 80% in the papillary dermis when used for 1 year!  The clinical effects relate to smoother and softer skin texture with a decrease of fine lines and wrinkles. So, it is one of the best anti-aging cream we can find.

2.  Protection from sun exposure

Tretinoin prevents breakdown of collagen from ultraviolet exposure.  It is still important to sun protect with an effective sunscreen.  

Apply Retinoids at Night and Sunscreen in the Morning

3. Treatment for Acne

Topical retinoid medications are useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by helping to open clogged pores. Examples of these are tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), adapalene (brand name Differin) and tazarotene (brand name Tazorac).

Before and After Using Tretinoin

4.  Improves Pigmentation

Tretinoin increases cell turnover thereby removing epidermal cells containing pigment (melanin) giving a less pigmented appearance.  This increase of cell turnover also allows better penetration of a topical bleaching agent (hydroquinone) when used in combination.

It is important to remember to clean the face 20-30 minutes before application of tretinoin since application while the face is damp will increase sensitivity.

The third generation retinoic acids are the newest additions, adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac).

Adapalene (Differin) has less retinoid dermatitis than tretinoin, but it works primarily for acne and does not help a lot for photodamaged skin.

 Tazarotene (tazorac) has similar results as tretinoin in that it helps improve wrinkling, pore size, textural irregularities and hyperpigmentation.

So my recommendation is to use a form of retinoic acid at night before you sleep. There are generics available for Retina-A (tretinoin).  Apply a thin layer of tretinoin to your face and neck to help stimulate dermal collagen and help with cell turnover.

From time to time, your skin will peel, in which case, skip one night and reapply the next night.  To some degree you can think of topical retinoids as your own chemical peel.