Staying Power: 18 Tips for Long-Lasting Makeup

Keep your makeup as fresh as it was when you stepped out of the house in the morning with these tips. By Myra Santiago

Flattering clothes? Check! Stylish bag? Check! Comfortable yet chic shoes? Check! Long-lasting makeup? "I'll get back to you on that..."

As on-the-go women who lead active lifestyles, reapplying makeup may be the last thing on our minds—or at least, an annoying inconvenience. Sure, you won't leave the house without dabbing on a bit of concealer and swiping on some lipstick—after all, you still have to look presentable. But come midday, when work and family become the priority, will this still be the case?

The solution? Long-wearing makeup that will take you from a meeting with a client to cocktails with the girls! After all, why worry about constantly retouching your makeup when you can make it last through the long hours? Here are a few tips and tricks to make budge-proof, long-lasting makeup an easy reality.

CONSTANT COMPLEXION

1. Exfoliate regularly.

Keep those flakes away. Remove the dead cells that cling to the surface of your skin—they prevent products from setting on your skin—by exfoliating regularly.

TIP: A gentle daily exfoliation is best. Follow it up with a light application of oil-free moisturizer to prevent excessive dryness from the exfoliation.

2. Get primed.

Another way to prepare your skin for long-lasting foundation? Use a foundation primer, which works specifically to help foundation adhere to your skin. Other products to use before foundation: line and pore minimizers and anti-puffiness eye gels. Give the products a few minutes to absorb into your skin before applying your foundation.

3. Use concealer for blemishes and dark areas.

Don’t hide behind your foundation. Concealers cover blemishes and dark circles, but foundation is meant to merely even out your skin tone. Do not use your foundation in excess, trying to cover skin flaws.

TIP: Use a concealer after applying a regular layer of sheer liquid foundation, and blend the edges with a small, flat brush. Thick and dry textured concealers will stay longer because they’re heavy, but do not apply in one thick layer. Apply in thin layers, allowing them to dry in between each application.

4. Use cheek stains when going natural, but powdered blush when fully made up.

Oil and water don’t mix. Long-lasting cheek stains are better suited for bare skin or light foundation only. Do not make the mistake of trying to apply a water-based stain on top of a heavy, oil-based foundation. Use powders instead, and make sure to press some of the blush into your foundation. Blend carefully with a rounded brush.

TIP: It is possible to use a cheek stain and set it with powder, although you will dull that natural-looking blush.

LASTING LIPS

1. When it comes to lipstick, less is more.

Less is more! The more lipstick you put on your lips, the more likely that it’s going to disappear from your lips and transfer to your teeth or your drinking glass.

TIP: Use a lip brush to apply satin-finish lipstick (these types stay the longest without drying your lips) in just the right amount.

2. Powder your nose, not your lips.

Some women think that powdering their lips after applying lipstick will set it and make it stay in place. Wrong! Doing that will only dry your lipstick and make it flake off, besides the fact that it ruins the color too.

TIP: Powder the edges of your lips before applying lipstick to keep color from bleeding.

3. Always keep your lips soft and moisturized.

Dry lips cannot hold color. If your lips are dry and chapped, they won’t hold pigment well. The emollients in your lipstick will just make it slide off the dry surface of your lips. However, keep in mind that too much moisture doesn’t hold color well either.

TIP: After applying lip balm, blot your lips lightly to remove excess moisture.

4. Lip liner is your lipstick’s best friend.

A light layer of lip liner over your lips acts as a base, helping lipstick cling on a little longer. Lip liner also keeps your lipstick from bleeding out towards the little lines around
the mouth.

5. Skip the gloss.

High-shine glosses are so pretty, but they really don’t stay. In fact, they take our lipstick with them when they slide off our lips.

TIP: If you really like it, increase your odds by using a matte, long-wearing lipstick underneath.

6. Color your lips with lip stains.

There is a whole range of lip stains available on the market today, all of which mark your lips with either a deep red or dark pink blush.

TIP: The stains won’t set if your lips are dry or flaking. They won’t absorb into your lips and will wipe off.

EYES EVERLASTING

1. Make your peepers the star of the show.

Lipsticks smear off, blushes fade and foundation rubs off, but in general, eye makeup doesn’t move unless you mess with it. That’s why the dramatic-eye look is the most popular for long days and even longer nights—less touch-ups needed. Invest time before going out of the house to apply your eye makeup cleanly and carefully. Putting the effort now means you won’t have to repeat it later.

2. Prep your lids.

A base or make-up primer will help your eyeshadow cling longer to your eyelids. But too much moisture will make the product slide off.

TIP: Wipe off any excess moisturizer or eye cream from your lids before prepping your eyes.

3. Use a light hand to downplay under-eye circles.

We know what raccoon eyes look like, but have you also noticed reverse raccoon eyes? This is what happens when coverage over dark circles is excessive. Instead of camouflaging it, these white circles of concealer draw even more attention to it! Learn to apply a creamy concealer with a flat brush and to blend in carefully and little by little, until just below the lash line. Set it with a damp sponge and a couple of light presses of pressed powder.

4. Opt for an eyeliner pencil for everyday use.

True, liquid eyeliner can stay for as long as you keep it there, but the dramatic look is not especially flattering for everyday. It can look too harsh, especially on fairer-skinned women. To get that same longevity, but without all the drama, use an eyeliner pencil (not crayon) and set it with a matching shade of eyeshadow using a stiff, angled brush to gently press the powder into the eyeliner.

5. Water-resistant mascaras are sufficient for daily wear.

When it comes to mascara, waterproof properties have their benefits. But for more urban purposes, a water-resistant mascara is enough. They’re actually friendlier on your eyes than waterproof because they are less likely to flake off and irritate your eyes. Plus, they are so much easier to remove at the end of the day.

TIP: Whether your mascara is regular, water-resistant or waterproof, change it every three to four months. Old mascara smells bad and can harbor bacteria, not something you want near your eyes.

LONG-LASTING MAKEUP FAQS

“What stays longer on the face, powders or creams?”

With the humidity and tendency of the Filipina to have oily skin, it’s safe to say that cream shadows and blushes will not stay on as long as powders. They will slip away with the oil and sweat from our face. Powders, on the other hand, absorb oiliness and help set make-up. On eyelids, powder eyeshadow will not crease the way cream eyeshadow will. On cheeks, powder blush adheres easier to base foundation than any creamy blush does.

“When applying powder to my face, should I press it in or rub it in?”

Powder should always be applied with light pressure in a dabbing motion. Do not move your hand from side to side. Rubbing in or smearing it on will just ruin the makeup that you’re trying to set. For an even surface application of powder, try using a thick powder brush. Dip the tip into loose powder, shake it off slightly, and lightly brush your face with the powder. This is pretty, especially with translucent powder or bronzer, but this technique doesn’t make the application last any longer.

“Is it better to apply makeup with your fingers or a brush?

Makeup brushes are definitely the better choice; they are much more precise and make flawless blending an easier job. Your fingers are good for emergency situations (when there’s nothing else available), or for quick on-the-spot blending, but always choose the brush over your fingers. The exception is cream blush that is impossible to apply with a brush. In this case, use all the fingers you want.

Diamond Peel

Okay. Tret has been doing an excellent job on my skin. However, I am still not satisfied. I missed having my skin diamond peeled! It has been more or less one year since my last diamond peel session and I sooo love the results!

According to Godiva Skin Station Philippines:

Diamond Peel is a safe, easy and painless way to refine the texture and color of your skin, improve causes of mild acne, mild to moderate sun damage, early fine lines, skin discolorations & scars, and oily skin. It stimulates blood flow to the surface of the skin, which increases oxygenation and stimulates cell turnover and renewal. It is commonly done on the face, underarms, and the back.

The Diamond Peel is safer, less extreme and has zero downtime compared to chemical peels. There is absolutely no pain during the 30-minute procedure and most beneficial when done every two weeks or so.

• increased firmness


• more even skin tone


• minimized pores


• reduced pigment marks and scars


• minimized appearance of stretch marks

======

As far as I can remember, every diamond peel session with my dermatologist starts by having my face cleansed first. She put on some creams and a facial mask, and was rinsed using a moist sponge. Then she turned on the machine beside us (now, the diamond peeling is about to start), and a wand touched my face. She said that this wand has a disposable tip encrusted with diamonds that will encourage exfoliation. The wand will also act as a vacuum, sucking out the impurities, dead skin cells, whiteheads and blackheads from your skin. It wasn't really painful. It just feels like you are being pinched a lot of times. My face was red after and when I touched it, it was like I can feel the diamond powders on my face. My derma told me not to wash my face when I get home. It should be free of other chemicals and water for at least 24 hours.

The following day, I noticed the difference on my skin. I looked like I am not stressed at all, then my skin felt so soft and smooth just like a baby. My pores were less visible and my skin was free from whiteheads and blackheads! But the downside here is that you have to have this diamond peel every 2-3 weeks to maintain the result since our skin turnover occurs every 28 days.

I miss diamond peel! I miss how my skin looks every after session! Might as well have it before school starts!

Ciao! :)

Want to look 7 years younger?

*Article by Leesa Suzman , Good Housekeeping (http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/219/look-7-years-younger/)

Maybe this sounds familiar: You find a photo taken a decade ago at the bottom of a drawer. It shows you barefaced, grinning, while hiking with family or friends. Back then, you thought that without makeup, eye crinkles clearly visible, this photo made you look old. If only you could get that look back now! Plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and the makers of many face creams will tell you that you can, but their wares can be expensive and invasive. We asked dermatologists what affordable, at-home steps will help restore your more youthful appearance. Here are six moves that research proves can deliver; two are even free!

Step 1: Shun the Sun

Why this works: Repeated sun exposure eventually leads to brown spots, fine wrinkles, deeper creases, and sagging skin. If you need proof, just look at the skin on the underside of your arm where the rays are less likely to reach. Does it look smoother and less blotchy? "What the sun does is fast-forward your aging clock," says Doris Day, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City. "Around age 40, you cross that line — your collagen and elastic tissue have experienced enough damage to really start showing a change. You look in the mirror, and uh-oh, you can no longer ignore it or easily cover it up." Protecting your skin year-round will help prevent you from further accelerating your age.

What to try: To start, make sure you always have broad-spectrum protection with an adequate long-wave UVA shield, says Richard Glogau, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. "Those UVA rays give you the wrinkles and the muddy skin tone that ages you," he says. Dr. Glogau recommends UVA filters like Mexoryl and Helioplex, which provide longer-lasting protection. Try Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock SPF 90+ ($9.49, drugstores) or Lancôme UV Expert 20 Sunscreen SPF 20 ($35, department stores). Also use a product — like these — with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect against burns. Get even better coverage by including antioxidants like vitamins C and E and pomegranate extract in your protection. "Antioxidants boost the benefits of sunscreen. They help neutralize the damage caused by UV light," says Ranella Hirsch, M.D., a dermatologist at Boston University Medical Center. Try C.O. Bigelow All-in-One Protective Day Lotion SPF 25 ($19.50, Bath & Body Works), which contains vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidant-rich berry extracts, and UV protection. Of course, behavior counts, too: Whenever possible, avoid midday rays. Wear a hat and sunglasses (less squinting). If you want some color, try self-tanner. We like Jergens Natural Glow Health Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 20 ($9, drugstores). Or go with your own glow. "It will definitely help you look younger," says Dr. Day.

Years younger: 5. Within six months, your sun-protected skin should appear smoother and more even-toned, says Jeffrey Dover, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine and coauthor of The Youth Equation. The catch: You have to continue protecting skin daily and avoiding the harsh rays, or you'll redo the damage.

Step 2: Smooth Lines with Retinoids

Why this works: In studies dating back over the past 20 years, they have been shown to help soften the look of fine lines and brown spots by increasing collagen production and normalizing skin-cell activity. "These vitamin A derivatives have a better-established track record than any other wrinkle-reduction creams," says Dr. Glogau. Even the milder, nonprescription-strength retinol may reduce the effects of chronological aging — albeit more gradually. When University of Michigan researchers applied a .4 percent retinol lotion to one of the study participants' upper inner arms as many as three times a week for 24 weeks, skin biopsies revealed that that arm had more of the building blocks that make skin smooth and resilient than the untreated arm.

What to try: The biggest challenge with retinoids is dealing with the potential side effects, such as redness and peeling skin. Your skin will, however, build up a tolerance, usually within six to 12 weeks. Retin-A is still the gold standard in prescription strength, though there are several less-irritating options — costing $100 per tube on average — including Retin-A Micro, Differin, Avage, and Tazorac. Researchers continue to seek ways of making retinoids more tolerable; one theory currently being tested at the University of Michigan is that using an ultra-mild facial cleanser and moisturizer will help calm the irritation. (The study findings are still a few years away.) Dermatologists also suggest you ease into using one: Apply a pea-size amount at night (sun exposure makes retinoids less effective), and try it every second or third night until your skin handles it better. If that's still too irritating, go with an over-the-counter retinol. These formulas are less potent, but are still effective. Try L'Oréal Paris Advanced Revitalift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair Night Creme ($20, drugstores) or DermaDoctor Poetry in Lotion Intensive Retinol 1.0 ($75, Sephora).

Years younger: 6-7. You should start to see an improvement in a matter of weeks with a prescription formula, but don't stop there. "Keep using it," says Dr. Dover, who claims he can always spot a woman on a prescription retinoid because her skin looks "too good" for her age. Over-the-counter retinol converts to the active form, called retinoic acid, at a lower concentration — but the benefits will start to show up after a few months if you stay with it.

Step 3: Exfoliate Gently and Often

Why this works: At-home peels or even a simple face scrub can make your complexion look much more youthful and radiant and may also boost collagen production, says Leslie Baumann, M.D., director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute. "It's one of the best ways to see a quick difference," she says. As you age, skin tends to be drier and dead cells cling to the surface, giving it a rougher texture. When you shed those dead cells with a scrub or peel, it enhances the functioning of your skin: Water-retaining cells come to the surface, and active ingredients in your skin care — like antioxidants and retinoids — penetrate better. "Regular exfoliating is also therapeutic if you have acne-prone skin," says Dr. Glogau. One caveat: People who have sensitive complexions or rosacea should skip this step — or at least exfoliate less often — since those dead cells actually shield skin from irritation.

What to try: The most effective, least expensive options are grainy scrubs that have small, round particles. Try St. Ives Elements Microdermabrasion ($7, drugstores) or SkinEffects Cell2Cell Anti-Aging Exfoliating Cleansing Scrub ($10, CVS). "The particles should be smooth and feel like sugar in your hand," says Dr. Baumann. If they are too big or rough, they can tear skin. At-home chemical exfoliators work more slowly and may cost more, but they too help loosen dead cells. If manual scrubs are too harsh for your skin, choose a chemical wash with glycolic acid, or try a gentler salicylic acid formula (it may also treat acne). Try Aveda Enbrightenment Brightening Cleanser ($35, aveda.com). And if you're also using a retinoid, try sloughing skin twice instead of three or four times weekly.

Years younger: 2-3. There are two provisos, say experts. First, you've got to stick with it to keep seeing improvement. You'll get even better results by also doing monthly doctor's-office peels (glycolic acid or microdermabrasion), which remove the upper layer of skin and may stimulate collagen production. Second, you'll benefit the most if you combine this step with one (or more) of the others listed here.

Step 4: Add Moisture

Why this works: By menopause, the majority of women need a daily moisturizer. "It's what gives skin that smooth, radiant look," explains Dr. Glogau. In fact, most skin care that promises to improve the look of wrinkles in just a few weeks is probably doing it by moisturizing.

What to try: Effective hydrators include those, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, that draw water into the skin, and others that prevent water from escaping, such as petrolatum and lanolin. Try Dove Deep Moisture Facial Lotion SPF 15 ($7.49, drugstores) with glycerin. Natural moisturizers, like olive, sunflower, and coconut oils, can also hydrate skin; skip them, though, if you're prone to acne. Try: Kiss My Face Obsessively Organic Under Age Ultra Hydrating Moisturizer ($21, Whole Foods) with sunflower and grapeseed oils. What won't work: drinking more water. There's little evidence that staying hydrated internally can do anything to reduce wrinkles, though if you're dehydrated, water will definitely give your skin a smoother look.

Years younger: 2-3. Though they have to be reapplied in order to keep up the benefits, moisturizers can help you look a few years younger almost immediately, says Dr. Glogau.

Vitamin C: The Reliable Beauty Solution

If there is one vitamin that I am so addicted into, that is Vitamin C. Why? Because aside from giving our body a boost during stress, it is also known as an anti-oxidant and an anti-aging vitamin.

Personally, I love everything about Vitamin C, but what I love about it most is it helps in wound healing... so, goodbye nasty scars! :)

What is Vitamin C?

According to Wikipedia, L-ascorbic acid, popularly known as Vitamin C, is essential to a healthy diet as well as being a highly effective antioxidant, acting to lessen oxidative stress; a substrate for ascorbate peroxidase; and an enzyme cofactor for the biosynthesis of many important biochemicals.

Vitamin C is soluble in water and heat labile. It can be easily oxidized in presence of oxygen at 100 degrees Celsius. Since it is heat labile, canning and cooking foods rich in Vitamin C is somewhat useless, since the heat, alkali and copper salts detroy it. Ascorbic acid is readily absorbed in the intestine, and released through the urine.

Vitamin C Deficiency

Although rare, the classic vitamin C deficiency disease is scurvy. This is commonly comorbid with other diseases of malnutrition. In scurvy, there is increased fragility of the capillaries thus producing the early signs of the disease such as bleeding gums and bleeding under the skin, causing tiny pinpoint bruises (medical term: petechiae). There is also malfomation of bones and teeth. There is increased brittleness of bones that may lead to fracture. Lack of vitamin C may cause poor wound healing and increased susceptibility to infections. Patient may experience easy fatigability and stressed.

Vitamin C and its benefits

Vitamin C may act as a natural anti-histamine, that's why it is commonly given to patients with colds in order to reduce the severity of its symptoms.
Some studies also say that Vitamin C may have a role in cancer prevention. It has antioxidant properties that protect cells and their DNA from damage and mutation. It can be used as a first line of defense against cancer since it supports the body's immune system by preventing certain cancer-causing compounds from forming in the body.

Vitamin C is also found to help prevent cataracts-- the clouding of the lens of the eye that can lead to blindness in older adults. It counteracts all the free radicals that form as a result of excessive exposure to sunlight and other harmful rays to the eye.

It also lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. HDL is the good cholesterol.

It prevents atherosclerosis and lowers blood pressure.

Higher vitamin C intake reduces serum uric acid levels, and is associated with lower incidence of gout-- a recurrent, painful form of arthritis.

Vitamin C: A Beauty Vitamin?

Ascorbic acid is well known for its antioxidant activity. When there are more free radicals (they are the bad ones!) in the body versus antioxidant, human is under the condition called Oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may cause diseases like cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, chronic inflammatory diseases and diabetes. These oxidative stress may cause every cell in your body to age faster than a normal, healthy cell!

If your diet consists of plenty of foods rich with vitamin C, your skin will improve. Vitamin C is a natural nutrient vital to skin care because it is essential for collagen production. It is the main component for structural protein in the skin. Vitamin C improves skin elasticity, appearance, evenness and skin tone.

Vitamin C can prevent scarring and aid in speedy recovery of skin injuries. If your body lacks it, you may find that wounds take a long time to heal and leave a scar when they do. Rose Hip Oil is great for healing scars as it is a rich source of vitamin C.

Since vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, it reduces skin damage and minimizes those dreaded wrinkles. Skin texture could even improve with regular use of natural or organic products utilizing vitamin C as one of the main ingredients.

It can reduce the appearance of sun damage on the skin as well as reduce brown pigmentation from the sun as well as melasma. It may have an anti acne effect especially when combined with glycolic acid.

And as far as I am concerned, taking Vitamin C everyday, and using topical creams with Vitamin C in it, make my skin glowing. Vitamin C brightens and evens out my skin tone. I love it!

Daily Requirement

Our body can not make our own supply of vitamin C that is why we must obtain this through our diet and supplements.

A daily intake of about 100 mg is enough to maintain the normal plasma level. For children, the recommended dosage is 30 mg to 80 mg for the adolescents. However, if you have scurvy or other signs of Vitamin C deficiency, dose may be increased. You must consult your physician about this.

Who needs more Vitamin C?

Smokers, alcoholics and people who are always stressed and live in polluted areas require vitamin C more than those who are not smokers, alcoholics and who are not stressed most of the time.

Also those who are taking analgesics, anticoagulants, anti-depressants and oral contraceptives since these lower the Vitamin C circulating in the body.

Where can we find Vitamin C?

Aside from the supplements readily available, Vitamin C can also be found through the foods we eat! The richest natural sources are fruits (especially citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, tomatoes, pineapples and papayas! Yum!) and vegetables (like cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, green peppers and beans). It is also present in some cuts of meat, especially liver. Cow's milk, meat and fish contain a little.

And yes, Vitamin C topical creams, lotions, toners and a lot more are available. They should be added on your beauty regimen. I love Vitamin C!

White Casts on Pictures!

Okay.

Imagine this.

You and your friends were on a beach, enjoying the heat of the sun. Of course, as usual, you put on your favorite Sunblock. Then you and your friends started taking pictures of each other. To your surprise, you can't recognize yourself. Was it a geisha? Or a ghost? Yes. It was you. Your face was so white that you look like sacks of flour were just thrown at you.

How about this.

You went into a ball with your date. You look so dazzling. But when you saw your pictures, your face is much much much whiter than your neck. So disappointing, right?

Sounds familiar?

Of course.

As much as possible, do not wear make-ups that contain SPF when you are going to have your pictures taken. Cosmetics like make-ups with SPF, Sunblocks, and the like contain titanium oxide making your skin too light reflective, thus producing the white casts in your photos.

So, keep this tip in mind and have your pictures taken with your natural look. Memories are better shared with great pictures, right? :)