Bronzer is used to give a tanned-look that is a safer option than sunbathing.
The colour is close to a bronze look, such as deep tan, red-brown or golden tan. Honestly, I am not a big fan of bronzers but I do have friends who do use them to achieve that perfect tan. I must say my good friends Julia, Lubov and Imbi do look stunning with a tan! On the other hand, I will just continue to admire the great tan on them as it does not look good on me … not flattering I must say. And it’s good to know what does and does not flatter or work for you! Ever wondered what certain terms like non-comedogenic or hypo-allergenic mean? For your information here are some of the most widely-used words in the world of cosmetics and what they really mean. Fragrance-free: This does not mean that the product has no natural odour. It means that the product does not have a separate product added to it. It has botanical products that happen to have odours, but does not have added fragrance for the sake of adding it. Does that make sense? I hope it does! Hypoallergenic products: Do not ever think that for those of you with sensitive skin will not have allergic reaction to products that claim to be “hypoallergenic. Though, they are free from most common allergens, such as mica, glycol, lanolin, and SD alcohol, they can still cause allergies if you happen to be allergic with one of the ingredients found in that particular product. Non-comedogenic: Pertains to a product/s that does not block skin pores – main culprit of this is mineral oil. But if you are prone to zits or spots you can still have adverse effects on your skin. Opthalmologist tested: It means that the product has been tested by an eye doctor and found to be safe to use around the eye area. Keep in mind that it refers to a product’s safety, not its allergy-generating quotient.
Contouring secrets It was in the 1970s when contouring became popular. Powders and blushers always had a darker and lighter shade side-by-side. Deep shades were meant to be applied on the hollow of the cheeks. Light colours brings a particular feature forward, the dark colours make features recede – it can make chubby cheeks look slim, double chin a bit softer and the nose look slimmer. Contouring products that I can definitely suggest would be a product line from cinema secrets! I swear by this brand! Although, let me emphasise that the best make-up artist who was an expert on contouring was Kevin Aucoin. Sad to say he passed away a few years ago – but had left us with great books that showcased his masterpieces.
Glitter Either packed in a tube, pot or in a gel-like form, it is a fashionable way of drawing attention to your face. Just dab a reasonable amount on your cheekbones, eyelids, brow bones or lips. Madonna uses a dab of glitter to have that 3D look on the lips to make them look luscious. Products that I can recommend are: Mac’s sliver dust, Maybelline’s pixie dust, Dior’s loose glittery powders, Estee’s glittery lip glosses and products from Channel as well. The market has so much to offer when it comes to these glamorous shine. Just choose one that suits you best … make sure you test them first before you purchase one.
Lipsy Do you know that our lips become flushed and rosy when we’re sexually aroused and, according to human sexuality experts, we wear lip colour to mimic this “sultry” effect. I have been wearing lip liner for quite sometime – since it was made popular by MAC. However, I personally like wearing glosses as it gives you that lustrous look and great sexy pout. I’m a big fan of “POUT” and “VENOM” it has that minty taste and feel that bites on your lips – thus helping it look like Angelina Jolie’s famous pouty lips. Lipstick usually comes in a stick form - hence acquiring its name. Nowadays it comes in pots, compacts and other cool ways of packaging it. You can also choose from sheer, gloss-like finish, matt, moist and dewy. There are long-lasting lipsticks that last for eight hours or more, the downside effect is that it has that “dry” look, which is not appealing at all. Do choose one with SPF (sun protection factor) it protects and one gives your lips that added moisture and shine. I, however, would suggest that the more seasoned you are (which is a better way of saying the older you are) a lighter and more natural gloss or lipstick will be better. Please ladies, never ever test lipstick colour on your hand as the pigments of your lips are different from that of your skin – that is why it is important to test it on your lips (make sure though that testers are well-kept and clean for testing and that they scrape-off that portion that was used by the previous client). Another thing to remember is that lipstick should not be shared or borrowed. If at all, use a lip brush and make sure it is cleaned after. For me (or as Joy would say – not that she wears lipstick, or anything, as she is one simple creature) lipstick should not be used by anyone but yourself. And finally, please choose a shade that matches the pigments of your lips or your skin tone. Like, for instance, I am more on the pink-browns, corals and blue-reds as my skin tone is winter. Word of caution, please refrain from using flashy, or anything that looks shocking, my dear gals … instead of achieving kissable lips you end up looking like someone has punched you or recruited you for a circus act. Again the secret is to ‘know’ what suits you best! ■ Next week we’ll tackle eye make-up, tools and cruelty-free cosmetics. Also, we will discuss the email sent to me by Ms Caroline. Yes, Caroline I have not forgotten you and we will discuss it next week! Till then stay fab!
Please email me at sidneyfortun@yahoo.com for any questions regarding beauty and well-being.