AestheticianBeauty: July 2014

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Do you want fuller, plumper, younger and healthier lips? If so, I have found the product to do just that!

City Lips claims to plump lips within 3 to 5 minutes. It uses natural lip enhancers like Hyaluronic Acid, which draws in moisture; Celadrin, which helps slow down the breakdown of new collagen; and Oligopeptides, which stimulates new collagen and elasticity. All of these diminish as we age; such a fun fact!

I was as skeptical as anyone when I purchased City Lips. I didn't want just another lipgloss that plumped while it was on. This lipgloss, however, actually gives you long lasting results by stimulating your own collagen. It's not just fluff and puff; they actually swell from the inside out.

With all of the ingredients combined, it not only plumps and hydrates, it also works on fine lines and wrinkles. This is great b/c as our lips get thinner, deep wrinkles set in. This happens through the natural aging process and the repeated pursing of the lips.

I use this product in the morning while I get ready to prep my lips; then I apply lipstick. And I only use the gloss occasionally again throughout the day for added moisture.

Every so often, I use it right before bedtime to work overnight, b/c with continued use it will create a noticeable difference to the lips.

Along with all of the above mentioned benefits/elements, this product has a slight tingle, I hardly notice it at all, as it is smooth, hydrating, and not sticky (which is key for me, b/c I hate sticky anything on my lips!). A lot of times, we associate plumping with burn; this product does not do that. It is not a product that only works through superficial irritation.

And it comes in 8 gorgeous colors!

Losangelips - soft pink
Nudeyork - nude coral
Orchid - light purple
Sangria - burgundy red
Sundiego - coral
Tinseltown- light, sheer nude
Holly - red
Clear - clear (nude)
I have purchased the shades Losangelips & Nudeyork; however, my next one will be clear. I will one day have the entire line, as they are all so beautiful!

http://citycosmetics.com/p/lips/city-lips.php

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Know Your Skin Type

Ever wonder what your skin type is? What skin care products should you use? Should you switch your products?

Knowledge is power, and when you know your skin type, you are able to treat your skin with the right products and ingredients. For the most part, our skin type is based on genetics. However, climate, diet, aging, medication, and hormones play a huge role.

There are 5 basic skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. When trying to distinguish which one you have, try and ask yourself, how is my skin throughout the day? Do I have to blot or powder consistently? Does it feel oily/greasy in the morning? dry/flaky? irritated/sensitive? dry in some areas (usually around cheeks) or oily in the T-zone? We are much more in tune with our skin than we think.

A simple yet affective way to determine your skin type is to wash your skin with a gentle cleanser and then use a thin tissue or blotting paper an hour later. You can also cleanse your skin at night, apply nothing afterwards, and then blot your skin in the morning. If the paper has no traces of oil, it is usually dry. Oily, it has oil residue. Sensitive can go either way. But a lot of times it is dry or combination, and the paper will have some dry spots and oily spots in others.

How to visually tell your skin type: Normal Skin: The most enjoyable skin type; average pore size; normal amounts of sebum (oil); no flaking/dryness; healthy/radiant skin; does not breakout often; not too sensitive to products; natural aging.

Dry Skin: small pores; crepe skin; dryness; flaking; dehydrated; milias (small white bumps); very little breakouts; can show increased signs of aging.

Oily Skin: Large pores; oily all over; thick texture; breakout prone; clogged pores (blackheads/congestion); and ages better.

Combination Skin: Oily in some areas (usually T-Zone); dry patches in others; harder to keep hydrated/oiliness at bay.

Sensitive Skin: Stings with certain products; flakes; redness; and inflammation.

Normal: Look for water based products; light-weight moisturizer; and keep skin well-balanced.

Dry: Oil-based products; heavier creams; lock-in-moisture.

Oily: Oil-free products; lightweight; water-based; non-comedogenic.

Combination: Mixture of dry skin care products/oily skin products. Treat each area separately (can be a pain to treat).

Sensitive: Look for soothing/calming ingredients; natural products; no fragrances; watch for harsh acids.

Normal Skin Ingredients:
Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, AHA, Avocado Oil, Panthenol, Algae Extract.

Dry Skin Ingredients:
Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Avocado Oil, Squalene, Lanolin.

Oily Skin Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Jojoba Beads, Jojoba Oil, Benzoyl Peroxide, Sodium PCA.

Combination Skin Ingredients: Treatment depends on area. Revert to dry/oily skin type ingredients.

Sensitive Skin Ingredients:
Beta Glucans, White Tea Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin.

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