Behind Every Amazing Makeup Application Is Great Skin Care
Ladies, I am here to tell you that if you do not take good care of your skin your makeup will not look good either. Think of your skin like the foundation of your home. If the foundation is solid, then a beautiful home can be built on it.
Skin Care, AHHH!
As a child growing up, we're told "Wash your face!", "Put sunscreen on!" from our parents. A task that as kids, we most likely had a sassy comment back or at least rolled our eyes. Now, through years of experience and self-education, I've learned how important a good skincare regimen is. I'd put myself in the skincare enthusiast category.
Enter Adulthood... I've been working as a professional makeup artist for 10 years, you could say that I've seen it all {or almost all}. With that in mind, what shocks me the most is when I ask a client about their skincare and they tell me "Oh I just use bar soap." or "Does splashing water on my face before bed count?" or the worst of them all "I don't wash my makeup off ever.". (<--- if this is you stop it right now! For every day you don't wash you makeup off your skin will age by 7 days!!)
Before and after shots above: Experts said Anna's skin aged by ten years as a result of not removing her make-up for an entire month. Original Article from DailyMail.co.UK. Read More.
Why Don't You Wash Your Face?
I hear these comments more often than not these days. It's left me asking...WHY? I don't think it's due to lack of resources or education. There are more skincare products out in the market than we can count. I also don't think it's due to the lack of being able to find products that are affordable. I do, however, believe that two things are happening:
- We are relying too much on the facade that makeup will make everything perfect. I know this because I've had women say to me "Why would I waste money on skincare when makeup can make me look perfect?".
- Social media has given a false sense of reality. This is not a new epiphany. We know that social media often is "smoke and mirrors" especially when it comes to images of beauty. With tons of filter & editing options, we're able to hide any flaw on our face in an image, and in an instant.
LADIES..., I am here to tell you that if you do not take good care of your skin your makeup will not look good either. Sure, you might not see the effects right away, but over time this will absolutely be the case. Think of your skin like the foundation of your home. If the foundation is solid, then a beautiful home can be built on it. If your skin is well taken care of, a beautiful makeup application can be applied and you'll look amazing! It's that simple. Now, I know that skincare products can be costly but they don't have to be. I also know that mother nature has a funny way of intervening and sometimes it's a challenge to get our skin to cooperate. What I'm talking about here is simply the need for us to take better care of our skin and ourselves. Here are a few tips for an easy, effective and affordable skincare routine.
STEP 1
Cleanse both morning and night. I really like the Gentle Daily Cleanser from Arbonne. For $28 it's a high-quality product that won't break the bank. For those that are acne-prone, I'd recommend Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash ($5). Start off by using it once a day (and your other cleanser for the second wash) then increase to twice a day, but if you get dry or flakey back it down to just once a day. Make sure you are getting all of your makeup off - especially mascara. Use an eye makeup remover to ensure it's gone for the day.
STEP 2
Exfoliate 2 to 3 times per week. Exfoliating can help improve your skin's overall tone & texture as it removes dead skin cells. This also allows your skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin. If you like to use a granular exfoliant, make sure that you are really gentle and don't rub your skin harshly. Using gentle circular motions - polish your skin.
STEP 3
Moisturize Day and Night. This is a crucial step. Properly moisturizing your skin will help with anti-aging and also help your makeup application go on smoothly and last throughout the day. My two favorites moisturizing products right now are Ultra Sheer from Skin Medica ($58) and Water Balm from Sonia Roselli ($48). Both are a little spendier but so worth it. Water Balm is a multi-use product as well, so there's lots of bang for your buck! Don't forget a good night cream. I like No 7's Beautiful Skin Night Cream ($15).
STEP 4
SPF! The sun is one of the leading causes of aging and not to mention the risk of skin cancer. Apply after your serum / moisturizer / eye cream. I really like Skin Medica's Tinted SPF ($68), I use that one as a foundation replacement in the summer. Neutrogena's Age Shield Face Lotion ($13) is also a great affordable option.
STEP 5
Go to see an esthetician. Regular facials can make a huge difference. An esthetician will treat your skin based on its needs. This is especially helpful for those pesky blackheads. He or she will do extractions to clean out the pores and leave your skin soft & supple. A good facial will run you around $80, but look for deals on places like Groupon if you're sticking to a budget.
BONUS: To REALLY make a difference in your skin (do all of the above of course) invest in a Clarisonic. Seriously. They are a bit expensive, but so worth it. I've had mine for 2 years now and I can't speak highly enough about how it has changed my skin. I now have the confidence to go sans-makeup and still feel beautiful. I attribute a lot that to using my Clarisonic every day along with great skincare products. Save your pennies and get one. You won't regret it!
Me, no makeup - no filter!
Those are the basics. Start with those 5 steps and your skin will thank you, as well as your makeup artist. If you come to a makeup appointment with skin that hasn't been cleaned in a week, your makeup will not be all that it can be and you can't blame your artist if the makeup lacks the level of perfection you were expecting - there's only so much we can do. Take the extra few minutes a day and invest in your skin, invest in YOU!
Lastly, none of the above really matters unless you are well-rested and in good health. Starting with good sleeping habits can not only change your life but accelerate great skin care (among many other things). To learn more, read this article about:
Top Tips To Help You Get Your Beauty Sleep.
Top Skin Care Tips for your Wedding Day in 2016
Have you given any thought to your skin care prior to the wedding? What about waxing? Do you see an esthetician? Can you do things at home? What’s your routine? Do you HAVE a routine?
Preparing your skin for your Wedding Day
You’ve picked your venue. Set the date. Picked out your perfect gown (no doubt). You’ve found your glam squad hair, makeup... the works! Have you given any thought to your skin care prior to the wedding? What about waxing? Do you see an esthetician? Can you do things at home? What’s your routine? Do you HAVE a routine?
In case I’ve just spun you into a panic...or you’re thinking what’s an esthetician? I’m here to help guide you through the treacherous waters of the drugstore and department store aisles, and get you on track to the best skin of your life - for the biggest day of your life!
Amber Budd. Licensed Esthetician in Minneapolis
Your wedding will likely be one of the biggest days of your life, and as such, you’ll want your skin to be as flawless as possible: your makeup will lay nicer on the skin, your photos will look better, and you’ll FEEL better about how you look. Feelings relate to confidence and radiance.
Your skin is your largest organ, however, it’s the last place to receive nutrients and hydration from internal sources (i.e.: what you eat and drink) Your skin is one of the first places you’ll notice changes if you aren’t taking care of your body.
Too many nights out in a row? You’ll probably notice dark circles under your eyes and dry or red patches of skin on your face. Not enough vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables? You might see dull, lifeless skin, with more breakouts, and higher or lower oil production.
In order to combat some of these issues, we have to treat the skin from the outside in, and inside out in order to create the balance necessary for flawless skin. Working with a professional gives you the greatest opportunity for success in achieving the skin you dream of.
So where do I start?
Yes, this can be overwhelming….so where do you start? First, find a reputable esthetician. Ask your friends, your makeup artist, or do a Google search. You’re likely to find several people to choose from that are operate reputable businesses.
Next book a consultation. Any esthetician or spa worth it’s weight in luminous skin, will be willing to meet with your for 10-15 minutes for free. Bring your list of questions (don’t worry, I’ll help you with this below) and make sure you’re on the same page.
Interview your Esthetician
Now here's the fun part. Interview your potential esthetician….
- Are they licensed?
- What continuing education do they do, and how often?
- What recommendations would they have for a series of treatments for you and why?
- What are the expected results?
- After the first facial, will they provide home-care product recommendations so you can help maintain and build results at home in between facials?
- What do they do to be sure the treatment room is clean between guests?
You’ll likely want to set up a series of skincare treatments roughly once a month leading up to your wedding so you can see increasing results over time. Remember most people spend a large chunk of their wedding budgets on photos having flawless skin. Hair and makeup just makes those photos THAT MUCH better and is worth every penny of your budget to secure the best hair, makeup and skincare team you can.
Waxing...
If you’re planning to wax any body or facial area prior to the wedding, there are several things to keep in mind:
- Do not have anything waxed within 5 - 7 days prior to your wedding. You’ll want to give your skin ample time to get over any residual irritation before the big day!
- Go to a reputable waxer. If they are double dipping sticks….RUN, don’t walk. I mean it. Leave the room in the middle of a wax and go somewhere else.
- Estheticians are specialists in body and facial waxing. That means they are trained to know the bone structure and muscle layout on the face to give you a custom service to your unique facial features. Estheticians who specialize in bikini and Brazilian waxing can make your experience significantly less painful than you think it will be, given their training. It’s worth seeking out a pro.
Prior to your Wedding
As you get closer to the wedding, make sure you book your hair and makeup consultations. Consultations are an integral part of making sure your wedding day goes smoothly and efficiently. It eliminates any chance for mis-communication, and makes the day so much more relaxing. You just kick back and let the artists do their work!
WarPaint International recommends 4 - 6 weeks before your wedding to have your trial run. It’s really helpful to your artists if you have an idea of what you like or don’t like. Pinterest can be very helpful with this, as you can make a beauty board for your wedding, and your artists can help you narrow down what will and won’t work best for your skin tone, hair thickness and length, etc.
** Be warned that Pinterest is both a great tool and a detriment to your search. Many Artists are quite used to example photos that have more Adobe air-brushing happening than Artist air-brushing. Your Artists will likely help you weed out unrealistic expectations or images that resonate editorial touchups.
You’re going to be stunning. You’re a bride, after all! Implement a plan, think ahead and enjoy your day!
Amber Budd
Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artisan. Amber is an Esthiology graduate from the Aveda Institute and is a Twin Cities-based makeup artist for WarPaint International.
Amber can be booked for skincare treatments online HERE.
For Beauty and Makeup bookings, or to see Amber's portfolio, check out her Artisan profile HERE.
8 Tips on How to Prepare Your Skin for Winter
H to the 2-O!!! Hydration from the inside out is the very best way to prevent the problem in these desert dry months.
Winter is coming! Here are some tips to prepare your skin.
What products and / or treatments work well for people who suffer from eczema in the winter time?
Chronic eczema can be very tricky to treat completely, but to decrease symptoms and itch that can sometimes accompany it, an excellent natural remedy is Veriditas Botanicals essential oil blend called "Eczema Treatment". Applied 2-3 times daily with a thick salve, shea butter or olive oil on top can greatly improve this problem without the typical prescribed steroid creams that thin the skin and eventually stop working anyway.
Aesthetician & skin care specialist.
Skin Savvy Inc. located at the Wayzata Medical Spa.
952-473-1111
What are some of the best ways to combat dry or chapped lips?
First of all...H to the 2-O!!! Hydration from the inside out is the very best way to prevent the problem in these desert dry months. Dry lips are one of the very first indicators that you are dehydrated. Listen to them!
Secondly, always keeping a barrier on those chops to keep the cold wind and elements that we're exposed to in the frigid weather away from that delicate skin. Look for names like lip butter, or protective balm. Even Aquaphor is wonderful. NO Chap-stick or Blistex! These have fiber glass derivatives that harm the lips rather then help.
How often should you be exfoliating your skin to get rid dead cells?
Generally, for normal skin types every other day is good. But when it comes to dry skin types, too much exfoliating strips that ever important layer of skin that can hold all important oils in, out of the skin that we very much need this time of year. To be sure you're exfoliating enough but not too much, use the Clarisonic brush once a day with the Delicate brush head and a gentle, creamy granular scrub with jojoba beads.
What are some of your favorite products for those who have excessive dry skin in the winter?
You may think thick, creamy lotions are the best, but they can only do so much to really get down deep into the skin, or retain enough water. An excellent pre moisturizer serum that pushes moisture deep down to lock in water in the dermis is Hydrating Complex from Skin Medica. Do this before moisturizer and then top with Skin Ceuticals Hydrating B5 mask before bed to douse skin with the ultimate moisture cocktail.
For us oily skinned guys & gals; what do you recommend to keep our skin hydrated while also controlling the oil?
Again, the Hydrating Complex! Light enough not to add oil, but moisturizing enough to prevent dehydration that can occur in the winter to even oily skin, which will then in turn cause your skin to produce more oil to compensate for the loss of moisture.
How often should you go in for a facial to maintain healthy glowing skin?
For a normal skin, about 8 weeks. Problematic, congested, or dry / dehydrated skin should be more consistently 4-6 weeks apart to keep skin more deeply cleansed and exfoliated which in turn prevents acne bacteria to produce, or dry, built up dead skin to block moisture retention.
What are some of the biggest mistakes people make in regards to their skin the winter?
One the hardest things on our skin during the winter is the exposure to the elements when it comes to wind and extreme cold. This stresses the blood vessels in the skin creating redness (and many times breaking the vessels) and stripping moisture. So not having enough moisture in the skin to protect, PLUS a scarf or high necked coat to block the harsh weather can cause a lot of aging and damage.
Any other tips & advice for keeping our skin healthy in the winter time?
Besides all the above, one word, Sunblock. We think because it isn't summer anymore and not outside as much, we can forget about this step. The sun can actually be as strong as an August summer day (when the sun is at its peak strength) with the reflection of the sun on the snow. We've all been blinded by the sun when driving in the winter. With how hard it is on our eyes to see, think how hard it is on our skin as well! And all the "aging" UVA rays go right through glass. At least a daily SPF of 30 or higher to hold up all day is best.
Top 5 Wedding Day Skin Care Tips for Brides.
Your wedding day is here but your skin is FREAKING OUT!
One of the biggest concerns that a Bride-to-be has on her wedding day is what her skin is going to look like. Brides and wedding parties will often spend quite a bit of time and money investing into Wedding Day Beauty services such has hair and makeup, but will then be disappointed by the appearance of their skin. There is a way to help...
Your wedding day is here but your skin is FREAKING OUT!
One of the biggest concerns that a Bride-to-be has on her wedding day is what her skin is going to look like. Brides and wedding parties will often spend quite a bit of time and money investing into Wedding Day Beauty services such has hair and makeup, but will then be disappointed by the appearance of their skin. There is a way to help...
Wedding day advice from our preferred Skin Care Specialist. Call today to talk to Jill.
Jill Schierholz | Owner of Skin Savvy
Aesthetician & skin care specialist.
Stress, weather, and other external forces will often dictate what our skin looks like but there are many things can be done leading up to your big day in terms of a skincare ritual that can help alleviate this from happening. I'll address the most common questions about wedding day skin care tips below.
1. How long before a bride's wedding should she start a skin care regimen to improve tone and texture of her skin?
A consistent treatment and product regimen should be between 2-4 months prior to the wedding. For more mature skin, where there can be more concerns with uneven color, laxity, lines and wrinkles; 4 months is crucial. Acne problems can be stubborn and controlling, so it can take more time to get it under control- start earlier for better results. For someone with little concern, but looking to get a fabulous glow and texture improvement to the skin; 2 months can be enough. All the while for all people, using an AM and PM skincare routine to maximize and maintain is important to ensure the BEST results for the big day!
2. What is the difference between a facial and a peel? What type of results can you expect to see from each?
A facial is deep cleansing, mildly exfoliating, and hydrating. A chemical peel is regenerating, smoothing, pore minimizing, tone evening and can be antibacterial depending on which used. The two compliment each other so much, the best results can really be seen when done together.
3. For brides that are looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars, what treatment would you recommend?
It can really depend on the skin color and skin type for this one. More olive skin types can get brown discoloration on spots of acne, which would then be treated best with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and/or a medium-depth chemical peel. For lighter skin types with red/pink scars, Derma-pen treatments would be the best. For "ice pick" or any scar that causes an indentation in the skin, Derma-pen would also be ideal.
4. For us "oily-skinned" gals, what products and treatments do you recommend to help reduce oiliness?
Being an "oily gal" myself, I've always tried to find the best combination to conquer the shine! For treatments - definitely peels. These help to shed the built up layers of dead skin and thickness that can lead to excess oil. The best are medium depth peels. (The Vitalize Peel or The Perfect Peel)
The best products to help exfoliate to maintain the results of the peels and flush out and shrink pores are professional strength Retinol, Alpha Hydroxy acids and the amazing Clarisonic Cleansing Brush with deep pore or acne brush head.
5. For the night before wedding prep; what can a bride do to ensure a radiant flawless glow?
The night before, exercise if possible to stimulate circulation, a hot bath with a mask suited for their specific skin type, drinking TONS of water to flush toxins and hydrate the skin from the inside out and of course plenty of sleep. Using a satin or silk pillowcase will prevent "sleep lines". All this along with topically applying a professional Retinol cream or Alpha Hydroxy cream along with an individually suited luxurious eye and lip cream will have the skin canvas perfect for a WarPaint International Makeup Artist to work their magic for impeccable skin!
Below are some examples of skin care procedure before and afters. Click them to expand and have a closer look at the results.
I offer the "Perfect Derma Peel", which is a bride and mother-of-the-bride favorite.
What ingredients are in Perfect Derma Peel?
Glutathione - an anti-aging ingredient and skin lightener.
Kojic Acid - skin lightener. (The combination of both these ingredients are unique to this peel)
Trichloroacetic Acid
Salicylic Acid
Phenol
Retin-A
Vitamin C
- The percentages are not noted as this is a proprietary blend, however this is proven to help with Melasma, Rosacea, Hyper-pigmentation, acne and some other skin problems.
Is it safe for all Fitzpatrick's (Skin type scale - 1-6, 1 = super pale white to 6 = dark black)?
Yes, the "Perfect Derma Peel" is safe for all skin types.
How long do you leave it on?
Six hours. Overnight if there is no discomfort for you.
How long does the Perfect Derma Peel last?
Results with maintenance can last a long time. It can be done 3 - 4 times per year (4 - 6 weeks apart) and with the Perfect A it will elongate the effects. How long this procedure lasts depends on how well you care for your skin (i.e. staying out of the sun, tanning, etc).
What does a kit cost and what does it include?
Its $300 for a kit. It includes six customer take home kits with six peels in a kit and A moisturizer and Retin-A pads.
