Are You Cool or Warm?

According to makeup artist Robert Jones, the unwritten rule fifty years ago was that women had to choose the opposite foundation color of their natural skin tone.  So if you had warm olive undertones, you had to use a pink-based foundation.  By the 80's, women were informed to match their exact undertone.  Which means that if you had yellow undertones, you had to wear a yellow-based foundation.  Now, we have finally discovered that yellow undertones make the skin look the most youthful and natural.  Yellow also brings out the flattering warm tones to make your face look healthier.

Jones says that yellow is one color that everyone has in their skin, it's just that some people have other colors in their skin as well.  Nine out of ten times, everyone looks better with some yellow in their foundation.  It will counteract unwanted tones (like redness) but enhance the tones that you do want to see.

  

(Nicole Kidman: cool,

Natalie Portman: warm)

To find out what undertones you have on your face, try this trick.  In a well-lit area, wear a white shirt and stand against a white wall.  Stare at your face in the mirror for about a minute.  You should start to see colors:  pinks, yellows, blues, oranges, etc.  You may see different tones in different areas, such as pinks on the cheeks, blues under the eyes, yellows around the nose.  If blues, purples, pinks and reds are what you see, then you have a cool-toned face.  If yellows, oranges, and ochres are seen, then you have a warm-toned face.

Another way to determine whether you are warm or cool is the way you tan.  If you tan easily, then you are warm.  If you burn easily, then you are cool.

 Happy findings.

Say Goodbye To Winter Skin

Dull, scaly, itchy, dry, flaky...  These are the words to describe how my skin has been feeling lately.  When I smile, laugh, yawn, or attempt any facial movements, I can almost hear the cracking of my skin. Dry, cold winters have no mercy when it comes to the epidermis, especially living in the midwest.  The persistent winds strip moisture from the skin, thus leaving our supple faces and bodies parched.  I decided it was time to put an end to my thirsty skin without the help of medications or a dermatologist.  After research, conversations with my esthetician friends, and personal experimentation, I have found that following the suggestions below significantly heal my chapped body.

1.  Skim milk powder bath:  

The thought of bathing in milk would not usually be at the top of my to-do list, but in my case I would have to comply.  I have found this bath to be equally relaxing, soothing, and extremely moisturizing.  Mix one cup of powdered skim milk with 2-3 drops of lavender oil, and add to bath.  *Note: Adding cereal is optional.

2.  B-Complex Vitamins:

These help in synthesizing fats and oils for healthier skin.  The B-Complex vitamins contain 8 vitamins that are essential for healthy skin and hair.  They are wonderful if you suffer from chapped, cracked lips.

3. Fatty acids:

Avocados and almonds are both rich in essential fatty acids which are key to reviving your skin. Try mashing up an avocado and using it as a mask.  Leave it on about 20 minutes and you will instantly see pliant results.  Nothing says moisture like a guacamole mask.

4. Water:

Imagine that, water...  In order to minimize dehydrated skin, we should be drinking about 1-2 liters a day. That's right, put away that coffee and aperitif because they will do more damage than what is already done.

5. Bye-bye baths:

I know that hot baths are a favorite in the winter time.  There's nothing like a hot bubble bath to soak and relax in.  Although it may calm you, it won't calm your skin.  Prolonged baths can strip off lipids, making you perspire and stimulate water evaporation from the surface of your skin.

6. Humidifiers:

Putting one in your bedroom is a must for tired, winter skin.  A humidifier will control your environment keeping a skin-friendly humidity level. 

7. Moisturize:

Moisturize and do some more moisturizing.  Personally, I am a huge fan of Shiseido's Moisture Night Recharge in enriched.  Rich to the touch, it leaves my stressed skin supple, healthy and glowing.  I apply my sunscreen protection afterwards to lock in the moisture and protect.  

If you are looking for other types of skin care especially designed for dry, dull skin:

-SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

This is a reviving, relaxing full facial treatment that drenches your skin in moisture, and gives an immediate youthful glow.

-Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask

Saturating the skin with moisture, this treatment restores youthful suppleness and radiance.

-Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream

Formulated for extremely dry skin, it contains oatmeal, cocoa, and shea butter.  This formula has been clinically proven to moisturize skin for 24 hours.

- Nina