Fighting Frizz

     Frizz can change any fabulous hairstyle into a bad hair day. Frizzy hair is extremely frustrating, due to it being so very difficult to manage. Frizz is triggered by a few factors including: humidity in the air,  hair being too dry; and one of the biggest of all unhealthy strands.

     The right hair products can help fight frizz and keep hair sleek, healthy, and beautiful. This happens by supplying your hair with one of the things it needs the most, moisture. Many people overlook the importance of moisture in their hair care regimen. The connection between dry, unhealthy hair and frizzy hair is something many people don't realize.  Some of the simplest ways to keeping moisture added to your regular hair care/style regimen are pretty easy. Small steps that could make big differences are; Conditioning hair well after each shampoo, using a high quality deep conditioner weekly, making sure hair gets trimmed regularly (Every 6 to eight weeks or when hair is relaxed, and/or chemically processed), and proper use of heating tools for example; using a diffuser attachment when blow drying hair. Splurging a little on high quality hair dryers and flat irons is highly recommended. Other products and tools can be purchased with bargain hunting if needed, but you should definitely invest in heated tools.

     Going to a salon regularly can help keep hair sleek and frizz free. But understandably enough, it does not fit into some people's schedules, pockets, or preferences. Knowing a simple step by step way to combat frizzies on your own instead of (or in between) salon visits is very handy:

   Starting with freshly cleaned, conditioned, and damp hair; apply a small amount of leave in conditioner and a lightweight moisturizing gel, like BIOSILK (for fine hair), or a heavy cream like MIZANI H20 (for thicker hair). Pay special attention to the ends avoiding weighing down the roots too much with product.

   Using a high quality Tourmaline hair dryer and a round, boar bristle brush; hold blow dryer downward toward hair, about 5 inches away, and rotate brush in a circular motion in sections of hair until dry. Make sure hair is completely dry to prevent left over moisture from swelling and triggering more frizz in your hair once you step outside. 

    Next Prep hair for straightening. Use a small amount of styling serum (for thinner hair) or moisturizing cream (for thicker hair) focusing mostly on the ends. With your flat iron set to about medium, smooth hair using a ceramic plated flat iron. Avoid pausing mid strand or snagging hair so the cuticles of the hair strands will lay flat in a downward motion, thus avoiding the hair looking frizzy before you even achieve your look. While flat ironing try to use quick strokes and avoid going over the same hair strands repeatedly, this will cause excess heat damage in the long run and defeat the purpose. Now look at yourself in the mirror and be proud that you are frizz free, smooth and your hair has been treated as lovingly as it deserves :)

To maintain this frizz free look keep a lightweight anti frizzing serum on hand throughout the day (like chi) to fight any little frizzy flair ups while on the go without weighing hair down or giving it a "greasy" look.

Facial Hair Removal

Many women have tons of routines they perform constantly,  to keep themselves looking as amazing as they do on a daily basis. There is the weekly/bi-weekly hair appointment, manicures, pedicures, shopping to stay on top of the latest fashions, and sometimes the most painful of all - Hair Removal. In the process of keeping our title of  "Fabulous Woman" we remove upper lip hair and shape brows, we deal with ingrown hairs, razor, burn, skin sensitivity, and the horrible pain of certain hair removal techniques. However there are ways to stay fabulous with baby smooth facial skin.

There several different types of hair removal Some of my favorites are: 
Shaving 
Shaving is one of the more popular less expensive methods of hair removal, lasting some about 1 to 3 days until hair returns. But a woman's face is not meant to be shaved, not unless she is shaping her eyebrows with a dry eyebrow razor. Shaving improperly raises the risk of ingrown hairs, razor burn, and cuts, not the type of treatment a woman should give to her face.
Tweezing 
Tweezing is another one of the cheaper methods of hair removal, lasting a little longer than shaving (2-6 weeks). If done improperly, you run the risk of ingrown hairs, infection, and irritation. The process is very painful, since hairs are ripped from below the skins surface one by one. A good tweezer could cost anywhere between $2-$30. 
Depilatories 
  Depilatory cream is a strong chemical for hair removal. The chemical breaks down hair molecules and dissolves it. Results can last a few days to a week depending on the texture of the hair being removed. The chemical in depilatory cream works pretty quickly but is messy, has a foul odor, and is usually too harsh for the fragile skin on the face. There are some depilatory creams that promise to be gentle enough for the face, but people with sensitive skin should stay away from depilatories at all costs. Depilatories cost between $5-$30.
Waxing 
Waxing is a method similar to tweezing but more preferable since more strands of hair are pulled out at once, making it quicker and shortening the amount of time enduring pain.  It's highly recommended to get waxing done by a professional to avoid over waxing or damage to skin due to an improper technique. Waxing can last about 2-4 weeks. Some people may be sensitive to the ingredients in wax. Waxing is usually more expensive than tweezing at home and shaving costing from $10-$150 depending on the area being waxed and weather its done professionally or at home. 
Electrolysis 
Electrolysis is a method of hair removal that can only be done by a professional. A more permanent and expensive procedure done in many mini sessions. Using a needle and electric current directly into the skin and hair follicle it permanently stops hair growth. Usually done in small areas at a time and takes a while to be finished. Costs can range from $25-$150 per session. Some people get scars and irritation on there skin from the procedure. Hair removal sometimes still isn't permanent. 
Laser Hair Removal 
Laser Hair Removal is another, more permanent, procedure that can only be done professionally. A laser is applied to the skin in larger areas than electrolysis but the technique is also usually less permanent and maintenance may need to be done every 6 months to a year. Laser hair Removal is more expensive per treatment than Electrolysis costing around $400 a session. However irritation can be less extensive.

                                                          

                                                              

                                   

Eyebrows: A lot of women get eyebrows done professionally, but it is possible to achieve great looking eyebrows at home. You could get a at home wax kit and follow directions on the package or you could use a razor. when waxing eyebrows at home a good technique to zone in on what hair should be left on the face is to get a eyebrow stencil (in the shape you want your eyebrows to be, and looks right with the natural shape of your eyebrows), a dark colored eyebrow pencil, eyebrow brush, little scissors. 

1. brush  eyebrows up and outwards to make all hairs lay in a natural neat direction.  

2. Place eyebrow stencil on brow matching up where your brows begin to the line straight above from the sides of your nostrils, your arch is where the diagonal line from the side of your nostrils that goes over the pupils of your eyes, and the point of your brow is the diagonal lines from your nostrils to the corners of your eyes. Mark all of these points with a eye pencil to give the stencil a guide.

3. Shade inside stencil using brow brush and dark powder, filling completely. 

4. brush brows, careful not to mess up the shading you have just made (if any of the powder or pencil lines smudge a little you can take a q-tip and gently remove any of the smudged lines that move outside of your shaped brow. 

5. Using a scissors trim any long hairs that stick up and  outside the guide you have shaded onto your brow.

6. Using a razor (or wax if your hand is steady and you feel confident you wont wax your entire brow off) take off hair growing outside of the shaded area.

7. using makeup remover, a baby wipe, or a moist cloth wipe off all the pencil markings and check your work. If parts were missed and you left hairs that needed trimming. go back with the razor or tweezers and clean up strays. Make sure you do not take off anymore than necessary. If you make a tiny mistake on one brow do not attempt to even both brows out, or else when you remove the brow makeup you will be left with thin awkwardly shaped brows or even worse none at all.

 Upper Lip: There are a few different ways to remove lip hair. Some people go to a salon and have a professional handle things while others take matters into their own hands at home.

My favorite at home method is waxing. 

1. Clean the area to be waxed with a mild facial cleanser 

2. Using a at home wax kit (pre-waxed strips are the easiest) lay the strip over hair and rub over the strip in the direction of hair growth. 

3.While holding skin tight with one hand, quickly pull off the waxing strip from the opposite side in the opposite direction of hair growth. 

4. If any little hairs are left over use a tweezer to finish the job. 

5. Finish off by using a gentle soothing cream to calm down the skin, Aloe and vitamin E work wonders.  

Cleaning Makeup Brushes and Sponges

Dirty makeup brushes and sponges hold bacteria and germs. They should be washed frequently, about 2-3 times a month. For professionals they should be washed more often, after contact with every clients skin. 

 You can use a brush cleaner, make your own (2 parts water 1 part vinegar) or use a mild shampoo or facial cleanser. Using a harsh shampoo or facial cleanser on brushes will only ruin the bristles texture and make them useless for makeup application. 

Wash all brushes that are used in liquid makeup daily. All other brushes should be washed weekly or bi weekly the latest.

The steps to cleaning brushes are very simple

1. Fill a small bowl or cup with warm water and cleaner, or the homemade solution.
2. Dip brush bristles in solution and swirl gently (Make sure not to get the handle wet, getting the handle wet will ruin the brush and make mold that will hold bacteria). Sponges can be soaked in cleaner
3. Massage bristles between fingertips to loosen any makeup between bristles. squeeze sponges to work in cleaner
4. Rinse bristles in clean water until water runs clear (keeping brush bristles faced down to keep handles from getting wet). Squeeze sponges until water is clear.
5. Gently pat brushes on a clean towel (to remove excess water), and squeeze water from sponges then lay flat to dry, a blow dryer can be used on a cool setting to speed the drying process 

Sanitizing is another important step to kill germs and bacteria. After brushes and sponges have been washed use a small spray bottle filled with the strongest alcohol you can find 99% is the best. Then let them continue to dry.

There are daily brush cleaners that can be used to keep brushes clean in between weekly deep cleaning. After deep cleaning brushes you will notice your makeup looking more fresh, since old makeup residue and oils aren't tampering with the pigments or consistency. 

 

 

Makeup Application Steps

Everyone has their own distinctive makeup routines. Here is a sample of one that could help someone in need of a little motivation.

 
Cleanse and Exfoliate- Rinse face with lukewarm water, follow with a gentle exfoliating cleanser gently rubbing product in circular motions. Rinse 

Use Toner or Astringent- Using a cotton swab damp with astringent (for oily/combination skin) or Toner (for dry/normal skin)  apply a thin layer over face gently. Allow 1-2 min to dry.

Moisturize-  Apply a moisturizer (light for oily/combination skin, or cream for dry/normal skin) in circular motions. Follow with eye cream(optional). Allow 1-2 min to absorb.

Primer- Rub in hands to warm product, then smooth all over face. allow 1-2 min to set in.

Concealer (optional)- Dab under eyes and over blemishes, blend carefully.

Foundation- Starting with a little then adding more if needed, smooth over face and blend.

Powder- Brush on a light layer over entire face to seal concealer and foundation, and to eliminate any unwanted shine.

Brows- Using a brow powder, liner, or gel lightly fill in brows to define shape. Use a stencil if it makes application easier. Brush brows and finish with a highlighting cream over brow bone.

Eyeshadow- accentuate the shape of eyes and define crease line with choice of complimenting shadow.

Eyeliner- Line eyes in water line and upper and lower eye line with liquid or pencil liner.

Mascara- Curl lashes then apply two coats of mascara to top and bottom lashes. Use a eyelash comb to separate lashes and get rid of any clumping.

Lip liner- Using a liner that matches color of lipstick, trace along the natural lip line or go slightly higher or lower to make the desired shape and size.

Lipstick- apply to the center of bottom lip then blend outwards.

Blush/Bronzer- Lightly brush onto the apples of cheeks.

Theses steps can be rearranged to whatever fits into your schedule or makes you feel comfortable the most. Use deeper/Brighter colors for a more bold look. Clean makeup brushes regularly to prevent any skin irritation or breakouts. Its best to splurge on certain products and tools (Brushes, Foundation, concealer) Throw out old makeup after when it clumps, flakes, changes color, changes texture, or smells. Don't share Liners, brushes (without cleaning), or mascara.   

       

Eye Cream

Reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles,and dark circles around the eyes, eye cream is used by many woman daily. Eye cream is tested by Ophthalmologists to be safe to use near your eyes. The labels of these creams will usually say they are the equivalent to the PH level of tears.

Starting with a clean face, use a mild exfoliating face wash to prep skin so cream can be absorbed into skin better. Apply a dime size amount of product to skin rubbing gently in a circular motion, being careful not to get cream inside eyes. Process can be repeated daily in the morning under makeup (wait about 2 min before following up with makeup to allow best absorption, and every night before bed. Read all labels on product first since some directions may vary slightly.



There are three main types of eye cream.
Day cream: Enhances eyes appearance during the day by reducing puffiness and dark circles.
Night cream: Repairs and prevents damage to skin. Usually containing Alpha-Hydraoxy acid, and/or retinal
Non specific cream: provides extra moisture

Some good reliable brands of eye cream are, 

Olay regenerist daily regenerating serum($20)- an all over moisturizer safe enough for eye area.

ROC retinal correction eye cream($20) 

Eye creams are usually fragrance free. Make sure you are VERY gentle working with the extra sensitive skin under eyes

Making your own eye cream is possible.

1tbs grape seed oil

1teaspoon pomegranate seed oil

1 teaspoon carrot oil

1 teaspoon cranberry seed oil

mix the oils together, smooth one drop of mixture to eye area at night.  

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo (under your spell)

MAC has yet again come up with an amazing  product :)

Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo has two coordinating shades of mineral eyeshadow in one pot. The eyeshadow duo is very sheer and lightweight with long lasting color.

Soft looks can be achieved by applying shadow with a dry brush. More bold looks are made by using a brush dampened with a mixing medium, water, or eye drops (visine).

I personally really like this product. More bold looks are more my style so I usually use the golden color of the two with a damp brush in the inner corners of my eyes making them look like they are actually golden plated with a metallic paint I prefer to use the lighter of the two with a dry brush over my brow bone as a highlighter.

If you use a damp brush make sure it's consistent on both eyes to achieve an even intensity for both eyes. .

Covering scars with makeup

Many people have scars and/or imperfections they would like to remove or hide, makeup gives them an easy way to achieve this.



Supplies: Moisturizer (moisturizer with vitamin E could help heal blemishes)
concealer (cream for deeper blemishes, cream for lighter)
primer
foundation
face powder
sponge
concealer brush
foundation brush
powder brush


Directions: 1. Apply moisturizer to clean skin. 2. Apply primer then let it set for one to two minutes for better results with the next few steps. 3. Apply concealer starting with a little and adding more if needed, gently blend into scar. 4. Blend foundation gently using a little then adding more if needed over concealer. 5. Dust a light layer of powder over foundation to set makeup and remove any shine on skin.


Some good products to use:

Moisturizer: Jergens($8), Olay($19), Ponds($10), Neutrogena($13)

Concealer: Lancome($29), Nars($22), Urban decay($17), smashbox($18), Mac($16)

Primer: Nars($33), smashbox($38), bare escentials($21), laura mercier($30),
Lorac($30), Tarte($27)

Foundation: Mac($30), Nars($40), smashbox($38)

Face powder: Mac($32), Clinique($19), Stila($32), Urban decay($30)