Friday, August 19, 2011

Powder Foundation vs Liquid Foundation





I’m an avid supporter of the M.A.C fix it powder foundation, I have been using it for almost 2 years now and it gives me that natural flawless look – the one that makes people believe you have beautiful smooth skin without thinking you have make up on – which by the way is how make up is supposed to look on you. A lot of people use make up and end up looking like a totally different person, this could be good or bad – good when people go wow, great transformation  - bad when people go wow, is that a mask she has on!!

Foundation plays a key role in the makeup routine especially for us brown skin sisters, because it is very rare that one has to use primers and conceallers for a day to day look unless you really have bad skin and have tons to hide or you prefer the “Tv make up” look *side eye*. Given the correct colour/tone foundation, one can achieve a very flawless, minimal natural look, and thus it is important that when you buy foundation you make sure it matches your skin tone and is the correct one for your skin type - Do this by either blending a sample on your inner wrist or wipe a part of your face with a clean wipe and test if the foundation gives you the tone you want. Now let’s look at differences between liquid and powder foundations:

Liquid Foundation

Professionals usually refer liquid foundation to people who have normal or dry skin, this is because liquids tend to melt into pores on people with oilier skin. If you have oily skin and use a liquid foundation there is a high chance that after a few hours your skin starts to look like there are small cracks or cakiness hence you are constantly redoing or retouching your make up. But on the upside, it is easier and quicker to apply.

Powder Foundation

Powder foundation is perfect for oily skin or combination skin, they provide light to medium coverage thus achieving the minimalist look that I love so much. If your skin is too oily, the powder can look thick and clumpy and if you have dry skin – the powder will absorb moisture and make your skin drier.

My Experiement..

I have played around with both of the above foundation types and ended up using the M.A.C Fix Powder Foundation as previously mentioned. I recently came across another foundation type that i was not familiar with – Liquid Powder Foundation, which is more of a creamy mixture in a compact. Application of this foundation gives a smooth appearance, like a liquid, with the absorption benefits of a powder. However, you have to be careful when applying this type of foundation, since a heavy hand will give you a caked appearance. It is best recommended for people with normal to oily skin. I am currently trying out Avon’s Cream to Powder Foundation and thus far it’s doing good –makes my face look radiant, and I love radiant :) ...

The M.A.C Studio Fix powder retails for about R260 at some Edgars stores. The Avon Cream to Powder Foundation for R173 - I’m an approved Avon/Justine consultant, so if you want to try it out, let me know and I will get you sorted :) .

Friday, August 5, 2011

Spring Cleaning your Body - Detoxing Demystified...




I have never really understood why people make a fuss about detox, and at some point it almost became a trend or fashion accessory to undergo some sort of a detox programme. The perception is that people use detox as a quick diet fix without really understanding the implications or benefits it offers for the body. So I made it my mission to understand why I should at least once or twice a year undergo some sort of detox programme, and hope this will also help you decide if this is something you should consider. Detoxing is meant to help you cleanse and clear unwanted toxins and waste from your body. It leaves your skin looking healthy, vibrant and rejuvinates the body.

You should consider detox if:

• You are forever feeling tired
• You are experiencing skin problems, aches or digestive problems
• Have been straying from your healthier habits
• Having problems dropping that bit of access weight
Detox methods available:
• 3 day eating plan involving only vegetables, fresh fruit and loads of water
• Using a sauna or steam bath – this helps open pores and assists toxins to leave your body
• Going on a liquid only fast – drinking water and 100% juice for 2-3 days straight
• Commercial Methods:
  • Buying detox tablets from a pharmacy, i.e dischem has BePure Detox Liquid which you use for 3 days, it also comes with a eating plan for the 3 days at a mere R89.95

* Body detoxification methods should always include an abundance of water, because this nutrient is essential to good health and the waste elimination process. Without this life sustaining fluid you will dehydrate and this will also make it harder to flush out any poisons and garbage.
* It is advisable to ensure that your state of health is good before undertaking a detox programme as well as seeking medical advice on which one is best for you to avoid getting sick from it.
* You will be continuously visiting the ladies/gents, so be prepared for this
 
 
Here is a link to a sample detox programme taken from Michelle Howard at Freshradiantskin.com: