Tag: how

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters:

I previously discussed a lot of skin care products and that brought forth questions, mostly about not WHAT to use, but HOW to use them.  One of the questions I am most frequently asked involves the order in which products should be applied.  This seems to be universally confusing to most users.  People seem to wonder about how to apply skin care cosmetics in the correct order and why it matters.  The sequence in which you apply skin care products actually does make a difference and there is a right way and wrong way.

Too Many Products, Too Many Choices:

There are so many products to choose from nowadays, it is no wonder that how to use them all correctly is mind boggling for most.  After all, there used to just be cleanser, toner, day cream and night cream.  Then came eye cream, serum, moisturizer with sunscreen, moisturizer without sunscreen, sunscreen by itself, face primer, eye primer, lip primer, facial oil, micellar water, facial essence and the list just keeps growing.  (As I’ve been typing this, ten new things have probably been invented!)

Develop An Order:

To achieve the maximum benefit from your products, develop an order to your routine and it will be easy to follow.  What follows is a simple breakdown on how to properly coordinate your skin care products.  After all, why spend the money and go to the trouble to use them if you are not going to get the optimum benefit from the products, right?

Do You Need All of This Stuff?

Now, I’m not telling you that you need to use all of these products every day.  I don’t.  But, you can take a look at the list and you can see where your products fall in line with other products.

Skin Care Cosmetics Application Tips and Tricks:

  • Always begin with clean skin. Nothing is going to work well unless you are starting with a clean, fresh surface.
  • Exfoliate regularly. The products cannot penetrate through a layer of dead skin cells.  There is no point in putting skin care products on if they can’t be absorbed well.
  • Begin with the products that are the thinnest like water and then progress to the next thickest, and so on. Why?  Because if you start with a thick product, the thin one won’t be able to penetrate through it, won’t do any good, and you are basically wasting it.
  • Give each product a chance to be absorbed before you move on to the next product. (Depending upon the product this may be 20 seconds or two minutes.)
How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Cleanse First

Always Begin By Thoroughly Cleansing First

Thinner or Thicker?

Can’t figure out which ones feel thinner or thicker?  Here is a simple trick—Apply a dab of each product along your forearm, then turn your arm sideways and see which ones run or drip down first.  Make a note of that and apply them in that order.  If they all feel the same or don’t drip, then apply them according to how quickly and easily absorbed they are.  Rub  them in one at a time and count how long it takes for them to be absorbed.  Begin with the one that is absorbed the fastest and then progress to the next.  (You can also put them on a plate if you don’t want to put them on your arm, but that won’t tell you anything about the absorption rate.)

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Begin With The Thinnest Products

Begin With The Thinnest Products And Work Up To The Thickest Products

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Cream Thin Or Thick

Does The Cream Feel Thin Or Thick? How Long Does It Take To Be Absorbed?

Your order may be slightly different than what is listed below because your products may differ in viscosity from what I am using.  The order below is a general guideline, only.

Skin Care Products Application Order:

Daytime:

  • Oil Cleanser
  • Foam Cleanser
  • Micellar Water
  • Toner
  • Facial Essence (Like a watered-down moisturizer-good for dry skin)
  • Serum
  • Acne Spot Treatment
  • Eye Cream (If your eye cream is heavy, put it on after moisturizer or facial oil.)
  • Moisturizer
  • Facial Oil
  • Sunscreen
  • Primer
  • Lip Protection
  • Makeup (A future post will discuss the proper order for makeup.)

Nighttime:

  • Eye Makeup Remover
  • Oil Cleanser
  • Foam Cleanser
  • Exfoliation or Facial scrub
  • Treatment Mask
  • Micellar Water
  • Toner
  • Facial Essence
  • Serum
  • Acne Spot Treatment
  • Eye Cream (If your eye cream is heavy, put it on after moisturizer or facial oil.)
  • Moisturizer
  • Facial Oil
  • Night Cream
  • Lip Protection
How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Give The Products Time

Give The Products Time To Be Absorbed Before Applying The Next One

Still Confused?  We Can Help.

Still confused?  Don’t know how to how to apply skin care cosmetics in the correct order and why it matters?  Message me with what you are using and I can quickly sort through the products to put them in order for you.

Coming… The Best Order for Applying Makeup:

I’m going to write another post that will demonstrate the best order to apply your makeup products.

Sign Up:

Want to be notified when the makeup application order posts?  Let us know in the Comments section below and we’ll send it to you.

Thanks!

Step By Step Instructions On How to Apply False Eyelashes (Fake Lashes) Like A Pro

Step By Step Instructions On How to  Apply False Eyelashes (Fake Lashes) Like A Pro — I previously reviewed my favorite brand of strip eyelashes, Kiss.  I received lots of messages from people telling me that they had never been successful in getting them on, so I decided to try and help with some easy application tips and tricks.  Also, all of the false eyelash application tutorials on other sites and YouTube provide information that is just plain wrong, and even dangerous.  I would say that I have seen more incorrect and harmful information related to false eyelashes than any other beauty product.

I love false lashes because nothing can add drama and definition to your eyes like beautiful flirty lashes. Whether you have no lashes or yours just need a little help, there is the perfect pair out there for you.  I don’t know what else can make you look so much better for under $5.00.

Some people are intimidated by the application process, but it really is quite simple once you get the hang of it.  I can actually apply false eyelashes in the same amount of time as two coats of mascara, so if you are new to the world of fake lashes, give it a few tries and in no time, they’ll be quick and easy for you.  Also, if you put them on correctly, they will stay on without any worries.  (I don’t recommend this, but I have even fallen asleep with them on and worn them for a couple of days without them coming off.)

These application tips, tricks and instructions are for removable strip upper lashes, not eyelash extensions or individual lashes.

Warnings:

  • If you have never worn false eyelashes before, please be advised that some lash adhesives contain latex. If you have a latex allergy, make sure you buy only latex-free glue.  (You can message me and I’ll recommend some good brands for you.)
  • If you are sensitive to dyes, buy the white or clear adhesive and not the black. I use the white because of my hypersensitivity.

Step By Step Instructions On How to  Apply False Eyelashes (Fake Lashes) Like A Pro:

  • Sterilize your hands before beginning the eyelash application.  Eye infections are not only ugly, but extremely dangerous.  Your eyes are precious and priceless, so take caution when applying eye makeup.
  • Begin by curling your natural lashes with an eyelash curler.  (If you heat the curler slightly with a blow dryer it will work even better but be careful and don’t get it too hot.)
  • Keep your eyelash curler clean, sterilized, and replace the rubber strip every few months.
  • Apply all of your other eye makeup first–primer, eye shadows, eyeliner, and apply mascara to your lower lashes only.
  • If you apply the false lashes before your other eye makeup, you’re likely to get eye shadow on them and then you may knock them off when trying to clean the fallout.
  • If you are a first-time user, synthetic lashes are stiffer than natural human-hair lashes and they will be easier for you to practice with, but they won’t look as natural. A cheap, thick, dramatic synthetic pair is the best thing to practice with until you get the hang of it.
  • Remove the eyelash from the tray from the outer corner moving inward.
  • Measure the eyelash to see if it is too wide for the width of your eye and needs to be trimmed.
  • If it needs to be trimmed, trim from the outer edge, not the inner edge.  (The outer edge will be closer to your temple and the inner edge will be closer to your nose.)
  • If the lashes need to be trimmed, sterilize the scissors first that you are going to use.  (I like to use a very small pair of cuticle or embroidery scissors that I keep sterilized and only use for lashes.)  If you don’t have any scissors, you can sterilize some nail clippers.
  • Bend the eyelash to match the curvature of your eye. (Move them back and forth like a Slinky to get them to bend.)  Eliminating this step is what gets most people in trouble and the lashes don’t look right or the ends pop up because they are too straight.
  • If the lashes are synthetic, feel stiff and won’t bend to match your eye shape, place them back onto the tray and gently heat them with a hair dryer on low heat for about 30 seconds.  This will make them much more flexible.
  • Apply glue with a sterile toothpick, not from the tube.
  • If you apply glue from the tube, you will get too much glue on the eyelash.
  • Use as little glue as possible.
  • Let the glue dry for about 15-30 seconds before applying. (depends upon brand and thickness)
  • Don’t blow on the lash to dry it; your breath contains bacteria.
  • It is easier if you look down in a mirror and place the false lashes on your eyelid in a downward motion rather than coming straight in to your eyelid.
  • Apply the lash from the inner corner where your lashes begin to the outer corner.
  • Don’t get the lashes too close to your tear ducts.
  • Place the false lashes on the edge of the eyelid next to your natural lashes.
  • Don’t glue the fake lashes onto your natural lashes.  Doing so may pull out some of your own natural lashes when you remove the false lashes and you want to avoid that at all costs.
  • If your eyes are downturned, you can place the outer edge of the lash just above your natural lash line to give the eyes more of an upturned look.
  • After application gently press the lash onto the skin to secure the adhesion.
  • You can sterilize the blunt end of a pair of tweezers to press the lashes to your eyelid.
  • If you don’t have any tweezers, you can use the stick of a clean cotton swab to press the false lashes to your lid.  Make sure to remove the cotton ball at the end first or you will end up with cotton fibers stuck to your lashes. (That won’t look or feel good.)
  • Blend your lashes into your own with a dry spoolie or a mascara made for false lashes. (I like Ardell Lash Magic and I wrote an in-depth review of it if you want to learn more.)
  • Preferably, don’t use regular mascara on your false eyelashes.
  • If you do use regular mascara on your false lashes, make sure it is a water-based formula.
  • If you use waterproof mascara on your false lashes they will only be good for one use.
  • Once the lashes are on and the glue has dried, you may need to touch up your eyeliner.
  • When it is time to remove them, carefully lift up the outer edge and peel them off in the direction from your temple to your nose.
  • Store them on the tray and in the package that they came in for re-use.
  • Carefully remove the old adhesive before applying new adhesive.

If you have never tried false eyelashes and don’t wear a lot of makeup, begin with a natural look and don’t get frustrated.  It takes a few tries to get the routine down.  I can now apply them start to finish in about a minute each.

I hope you found these Step By Step Instructions On How to  Apply False Eyelashes (Fake Lashes) Like A Pro helpful.  If you are still having trouble, message me and I can help.

Give it a try and go get glamorous!

Step By Step Instructions On How to Apply False Eyelashes (Fake Lashes) Like A Pro

Eyes Before and After False Eyelashes

How To Determine Your Skin Type

How To Determine Your Skin Type.  Today we are not discussing a product, but offering a tutorial.  I hope you find this helpful.

Here you will find how to identify what type of skin you have.  If you don’t have a magnifying mirror, I suggest you invest in one and really examine your skin. If, after you review these characteristics you still don’t know what type of skin you have, a brief visit to an esthetician or dermatologist can make that determination.  (Or, you can message me and I’ll try to help you.)

Knowing what type of skin you have is important. You can’t buy the right type of product if you don’t know your skin type. Every day I interview clients and most of them tell me they have “normal” skin when in fact, their skin is combination or some other type. Instead of normal, I prefer the term “consistent”.

Begin by washing your face with a normal facial cleansing bar and then do not apply any type of products to your face.  After one hour, read the below descriptions to determine which one best describes your skin.

Consistent (Commonly Referred to as Normal) Everyone’s skin is “normal” to them because they live in it every day. That doesn’t help to describe a type of skin. Therefore, I’ve decided to use the term “consistent” instead of normal.

  • Skin feels comfortable, rarely dry, tight or oily.
  • Skin is the same all over the face without some areas drier or oilier than others.
  • Skin has a soft, even texture without flakiness from dryness or shine from oiliness.
  • Breakouts are rare.
  • Pores are visible but not black or enlarged.
  • Makeup will stay on for several hours without the need for touch ups.

Combination (I have found this type to be the most common.)

  • Some areas (usually nose but possibly also forehead or chin) are oily and shiny.
  • Other areas (usually cheeks) feel dry, rough or tight. Dry areas may or may not have flaky spots.
  • May experience occasional breakouts, usually in isolated areas.
  • Pores may be enlarged in the oily areas and may contain black heads or white heads. Pores in the dry areas are smaller and may be visible but not black or enlarged.
  • Makeup will stay on well on the dry areas but may need to be touched up every couple of hours on the oily areas, especially the nose.

Dry (Becomes more common as we age)

  • Skin can feel tight, chapped or rough, especially after cleansing with surfactant products such as soap.
  • May experience dullness, patchiness, itchiness or flakiness.
  • Almost never breaks out.
  • Pores are small and nearly invisible. Pores rarely have black heads or white heads.
  • Makeup will stay on for many hours until it is washed away.

Oily (Very common in teenagers)

  • The skin usually feels supple and never feels tight or dry unless a drying product has been applied.
  • Skin looks oily and shiny all over, especially as the day goes on.
  • Breakouts are a regular part of life.
  • Pores tend to be very visible, especially around the nose, and there may be black heads, white heads or both.
  • Makeup tends to melt away after a couple of hours and needs frequent touch ups.

Sensitive (Can occur at any age and in conjunction with other types)

  • Skin becomes easily irritated or inflamed, especially by fragrances, allergens or climate.
  • Skin gets red, itchy, or stings when trying most new skincare products.
  • May have a diagnosis of Rosacea, eczema or dermatitis.
  • May experience breakouts from any number of irritants.
  • May burn easily and requires sunscreen with a high SPF.
  • Makeup may irritate your skin.
  • Makeup will stay on for several hours without the need for touch ups.
  • Sensitive skin can also be Consistent, Combination, Dry, or Oily! (Yes, you may have any type of skin and also experience allergies or sensitivity issues.)

Your skin can change as you age.  For women this is especially true as you experience menopause or even peri-menopause. Hormones can cause major shifts in many areas of your body, including your basic chemistry.

If after reading this you still can’t figure out your skin type, you can message me and after answering a few simple questions, I’ll be able to tell you.

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes

Product:  Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes.  Do you want to feel glamorous or flirty?  These will help.

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost: $2.96 for one pair  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By: KissUSA; Walgreen’s; Wal-mart.

Container: Plastic storage tray with outer carton

Description:  Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes false eyelashes are also commonly called fake lashes or artificial lashes.  These are a strip-style false eyelash.  What sets them apart from some other brands is that they are made from human hair for a more natural look and the tips of the lashes are thinner which simulates natural eyelashes.  The hairs actually taper from being thicker at the strip base to thinner at the end, just as real eyelashes do.

The company claims, “Revolutionary Tapered End Technology delivers real-like lashes that blend seamlessly with your own lashes. 97% of women who wore these lashes felt the difference—you’ll forget you’re wearing them!”

False eyelashes come in different types:

  • Individual lashes that are glued on one at a time on top of or under your own lashes
  • Small clusters of lashes that are glued on to the skin above the natural lashes
  • Strip eyelashes that are glued on to the skin above the natural lashes

False eyelashes are made from different materials:

  • Synthetic-hair lashes
  • Synthetic other materials
  • Natural human-hair lashes
  • Natural animal-hair lashes
  • Natural feathers

False eyelashes come in many different styles:

  • Graduated with the outer ends being longer than the inner ends (winged)
  • All one length
  • Spiky with spaces in between
  • Criss-crossed pattern
  • With black strips
  • With clear strips

False eyelashes can be natural or very dramatic looking depending upon how thick and/or long they are.  The choice is yours whether you want to simply enhance a natural look or go for full-on glamazon drama.

Over the course of my career I have applied thousands of pairs of false eyelashes (sometimes 20 or more pairs per day).  For brides or more natural looks, I prefer human-hair lashes.  For a completely natural look I like Kiss “Sultry”.  For a more defined look I like Kiss “Shy” or “Vamp”.  For slightly more drama I like Kiss”Poise”, “Pretty” or “Flirty”.

For models or rock stars I prefer synthetic lashes because these are the most dramatic.  (I don’t use animal-hair lashes because I think animal hairs should stay on the animals they belong to.)

Warnings:

  • If you have never worn false eyelashes before, please be advised that some lash adhesives contain latex. If you have a latex allergy, make sure you buy only latex-free glue.  (You can message me and I’ll recommend some good brands for you.)
  • If you are sensitive to dyes, buy the white or clear adhesive and not the black. I use the white because of my hypersensitivity.

Daily Review:  After I completed my eye makeup, this was the final touch.  I peeled the Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes “Flirty” eyelashes off of the tray, applied Andrea white glue, placed them onto my eyelids, blended them into my own lashes with Ardell Lash Magic and violâ, instant glamour!

Helpful Tips and How-to Apply False Eyelashes:

  • If you are a first-time user, synthetic lashes are stiffer than natural human-hair lashes and they will be easier for you to practice with, but they won’t look as natural. A cheap, thick, dramatic synthetic pair is the best thing to practice with until you get the hang of it.
  • Sterilize your hands before beginning the eyelash application.
  • Remove the eyelash from the tray from the outer corner moving inward.
  • Measure the eyelash to see if it is too long and needs to be trimmed.
  • If it needs to be trimmed, trim from the outer edge, not the inner edge.
  • Bend the eyelash to match the curvature of your eye.
  • Apply glue with a sterile toothpick, not from the tube.
  • If you apply glue from the tube, you will get too much glue on the eyelash.
  • Use as little glue as possible.
  • Let the glue dry for about 15-30 seconds before applying. (depends upon brand and thickness)
  • Don’t blow on the lash to dry it; your breath contains bacteria.
  • Apply the lash from the inner corner where your lashes begin to the outer corner.
  • After application gently press the lash onto the skin to secure the adhesion.
  • Don’t use regular mascara on your false eyelashes.
  • If you use waterproof mascara on your false lashes they will only be good for one use.
  • Blend your lashes into your own with a dry spoolie or a mascara made for false lashes. (I like Ardell Lash Magic.)
  • Store them on the tray and in the package that they came in for re-use.
  • Carefully remove the old adhesive before applying new adhesive.

Overall Review:  Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes false eyelashes are as good as other brands costing considerably more.  I have purchased hundreds of pairs of these and have never been disappointed.

If you have never tried false eyelashes and don’t wear a lot of makeup, begin with a natural look such as the Kiss “Sultry” and don’t get frustrated.  It takes a few tries to get the routine down.  I can now apply them start to finish in about a minute each.

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes false eyelashes are suitable for the following users:

  • All users (Please pay attention to the Warnings above for some users.)

RATINGS REPORT:

Daily Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Sultry

Kiss Looks So Natural Sultry

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Shy

Kiss Looks So Natural Shy

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Vamp

Kiss Looks So Natural Vamp

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Flirty

Kiss Looks So Natural Flirty

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Flirty

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Flirty with Makeup

Ingredients: Human hair.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.