Skin Types and Skin Care
There are so many make-up brands out there and finding the right shade can be a challenge. Skin tones and mature skin all have different characteristics to consider. It is also important to care for your skin all year round not just so it is healthy, but so your make-up looks perfect. Especially in the months leading to the big day.
Skin undertones can either be warm, cool or neutral. The best way to discover which undertone you have is to look at the veins on your wrist. If your vein appears green then you have a warm undertone, which you could use yellows and golds. If your vein is blue then you have cool undertones which are reds, pinks and blues. If your veins look like both then you have a neutral undertone.
Applying to make up all depends on the skin type and tone and it is important to get it right with the technique and the products.
Blusher
Deeper colours for blush are more flattering than pastel pinks and peaches, which can look ashy on dark skin. Colours, such as burgundy and bright orange, on lighter skin, work well with a warm undertone.
A cream satin blush works on all skin tones but especially on mature skin, which blends smoothly adding a natural flush to the face and a youthful glow. The best technique is applying the blush to the apples of the cheeks and blending up and backwards to the corners of the eyes. Powder blushes are best to avoid as it can set in the fine lines making them more visible.
Eye shadow
Vibrant and bright colours work well with darker skin such as greens, purples and blacks along with matte finishes and satin colours. It is best to not use white or frosty eye shadow that can appear unflattering to the skin tone.
For mature skin, natural tones and light, satin finishes on the eyelids define the eyes more and brighten up the area. Matte or sparkly finishes on mature skin do not look as good as they can make wrinkles and textures more noticeable.
Foundation
It is always better to test the foundation before applying fully, as choosing the correct colour to suit your skin tone is essential. The best one is the foundation that disappears and blends into the skin so it does not look obvious. For darker skin, it is best to test the foundation on multiple areas of the face as there can be lighter areas.
A thick mask on any skin does not look good and it is always obvious if applied heavily. It is best not to use a lot of foundation powder on mature skin as this can emphasise any lines.
In some circumstances, you may like to have a warmer base that is a little darker to the skin tone which is fine if the foundation is blended to the neck.
Caring for your skin
For dry skin, one could use the thickest and greasiest cream to try and moisturise, however, it all depends on the ingredients as you should aim for those that contain natural oils that replenish natural moisture to your skin. This stops the body from producing excess oil as it is already hydrated.
For acne-prone skin, do not use any products that contain alcohol or fragrances. These ingredients can irritate and even cause an allergic reaction as they strip oil from the skin so it dries out more and the skin produces excess oil.
Moisturiser should be used daily and not just when there is an acne flare-up as it will continue to help make the skin look healthy. The best time to apply is after the shower to ensure the skin is hydrated. Do not exfoliate too often. When you do use warm water a mild exfoliator and a soft cloth so you do not damage the skin. Look for a cleanser that has moisturising ingredients.
Products
Soap-free cleansers and unscented or naturally scented products are a lot better for your skin and will not strip your skin of essential oils. Pat your skin gently when drying and do not scrub as it can cause it to flake. In a bath, add essential oil to the water which will make the skin soft.
Some great natural remedies for the skin are avocado and olive oil, honey and oatmeal and honey and salt. Sliced avocados are great for a moisturising face mask. Honey with warm water can exfoliate the skin with a soothing mask too. Salt is good to exfoliate dry skin anywhere on the body and rinse with warm water. Mixing sugar with olive oil also makes a good moisturising scrub.
The skincare brand I use is Arbonne. I use this as it contains no parabens or chemicals, so is natural to the skin. This company do not test on animals and it is sustainable and gluten and vegan-free certified.
The skin should be moisturised before applying any make-up to mature skin. SPF protection in products is also ideal as it reduces sun damage and ageing of the skin.
These routines and products should be used over a long time and not just days before the big day just in case any reactions occur and for the best possible outcome too.
If you would like advice or know more about me do contact 07799 662837 or follow this link to my contact page.