Beauty emergency? Not anymore… Benefit’s Realness of Concealness mini “fake it” kit has the solution for just about anything. This little kit contains an assortment of fix-it products from Benefit Cosmetics. The enhancers include Ooh La Lift, Lip Plump and High Beam, as well as Lemon Aid and Boi-ing – two of the top selling Benefit concealers. The kit is portable – small enough to pass through airport security with its recently tightened regulations (learn more about travel beauty tips). According to Benefit, “It’s your solution for beauty dilemmas on-the-go”.

If you’re a Cosmopolitan Magazine fan, you’ll be glad to know it was praised there and received the “Fabulous Face Kit” Beauty Award. It was also voted the “Favorite Timesaver” by Child Magazine. If you have a stressful week and you happen to break out, this concealer kit can be a life saver if you have any events that week. If you’ve been curious about a Benefit concealer or other correction product, this is a great way to try it out, along with a few other Benefit fan favorites. This is also a great item to keep handy in a wedding day makeup kit. The kit retails for just $32 and comes in a darling little box.

You can purchase it here!

photo credit: ookikioo

[See the rest of our How to Apply Makeup series for beginners.]

Makeup primer is one of those beauty secrets that can make a big difference in the look and wear of your makeup. It preps your skin for makeup and creates a smooth base that makeup can adhere well to. If you’ve tried a foundation that looks fantastic on a friend or a model in a magazine only to be disappointed with the results, using makeup primers can make a big difference. Even if you are happy with the foundation you are currently using, a layer of cosmetics primer underneath can bring it to a whole new level.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to apply makeup primer:

Step 1: First you will need to use moisturizer. Putting any makeup on top of dry skin usually leads to trouble later in the day. Choose a light moisturizer as heavy creams tend to make primer slide right off your skin. Be sure to let the moisturizer sit for a few minutes to allow it to be absorbed into your skin.

Step 2: Pump or pour a small amount of the primer into your hand. Dip a damp foundation wedge sponge into the primer and dab it gently onto your face, beginning under your eyes and around your nose. (Note that some primers are packaged in such a way that you spritz them directly onto your face from the bottle.)

photo credit: L30Nde

Step 3: Next, add the primer to your forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks.

Step 4: Using the same sponge, blend the primer into your skin. Be sure you cover all areas s evenly as possible, but it’s okay to use a little extra in places where your makeup tends to wear off quickly, such as in the T-zone or over large pores.

Step 5: Wait a few minutes for your primer to dry before applying foundation and concealer.

Step 6: Most foundation primers aren’t suited for the eyelids, but you can purchase a primer specifically designed for the eyelid. Eyeshadow is often the first makeup to fade during the day. A good eye makeup primer can help you get much more mileage out of even the cheapest eyeshadows. Just rub some into your eyelids before applying shadow to help your shadow stick to your lids all day.

Once you know how to use makeup primer, you’ll have an extra secret weapon at your disposal to help you achieve the ultimate in your makeup look for your next special occasion.

[See the rest of our How to Apply Makeup series for beginners.]

Concealer is a cosmetics life saver. Nearly everyone can benefit from concealer – even if they’re not planning on applying a full face of makeup. We all have little imperfections that we want to hide and concealer does a great job of this when applied properly. If you’re just starting out with this product, learning the proper concealer tips and application techniques is the key to using concealer makeup without it being obvious and drawing even more attention to your trouble spots. As with any cosmetics product, learning how to apply makeup products the right way will help you get the best look possible.

Step 1: Always use moisturizer first. Concealer can accentuate any dry, flaky spots. This is particularly important if you have been spot-treating pimples because the treatments tend to dry out the surrounding skin. Putting concealer onto flakes only makes the blemish more obvious and the concealer will simply eventually flake off. For best results, you may want to use a mild facial scrub prior to moisturizing. Some cleansers even contain a gentle exfoliating ingredient that is safe for everyday use, like Neutrogena’s Fresh Foaming Scrub.

Step 2: If you are wearing liquid foundation, it should go on first or you risk smudging or removing your applied concealer. On the other hand, if you are using a powder or mineral foundation, it is usually better to apply that after the concealer.

Step 3: Make sure the color you use is an exact match to your skin. It may be necessary to mix several shades together or add some of your foundation in order to achieve the desired color. If you are covering up noticeable skin problems, you may benefit from using a concealer with a slight corrective tint. Reddish blemishes or other skin conditions like rosacea can be canceled out with a concealer with a greenish corrective tint to it. Purplish or bluish under eye circles or veins near the inner corner of your eye or eyelid can be corrected by a yellowish tinted concealer. Keep in mind that these tinted concealers will be best for more noticeable problems. These concealers also require practice and precision to avoid looking funny once applied. For smaller blemishes, a regular concealer will be easiest to use.

photo credit: Allshots Imaging

Step 4: To apply concealer, use a tapered concealer brush and dot a very small amount of liquid or cream concealer directly on top of the blemish or discoloration. Blend outward. Apply more if needed, a little at a time, until you are satisfied with the level of coverage. Be sure to blend the outside edges of where you applied the product so that there are no noticeable lines.

Step 5: To cover areas of discoloration or uneven skin tone, spread a small amount of concealer over the entire area using your finger or a concealer brush. Then blend the perimeter to avoid obvious transition lines.

Step 6: If you are using concealer under your eyes, apply a few dots onto your dark circles and blend the concealer in lightly using your middle or fourth finger. A patting motion will give much better results than rubbing. Some women also apply a bit of concealer to the inner corner of their eyes (near the side of their nose) to help cover up bluish tints that sometimes appear there too. These eye concealer tips can help your eyes look brighter and help you look less tired.

Step 7: Apply some loose powder to set the concealer in place. Mineral foundation will also work well for this purpose.

Learning how to apply concealer correctly can help you create an even finish (even before you apply your foundation) which will help you achieve that coveted, flawless looking skin.

Our favorite cosmetic brand, MAC Cosmetics, is made specifically to resist any active day or a night out on the town. Tougher than regular cosmetics, MAC knows there is much more to the glitz and glamor than just application. For me, there is nothing I hate more than creases on a beautifully done eyelid, or spending a bunch of time on my face makeup or eye makeup only to see the different shades blend together at the sight of sweat or moisture.
To prevent these cosmetic catastrophes, here are a couple products you might want to try (if you haven’t already), as well as a few quick makeup tips:

To avoid eyelid creases on your lid, first apply MAC Paint under your eyeshadow. These Paints blend right into your skin and serve as a base that will keep your eyeshadow looking fresh all day, or night. Some people use the paints as their actual shadow, but I often use it in addition to shadow to help my shadow last longer and stay in place. Paint can double as a simple basic primer that works well with a matte or shimmer look. The paints come in different shades, but my favorite is Bare Canvas – it is just that, a nice, neutral shade that provides the perfect canvas for your shadow. Truth be told I have even dabbed Bare Canvas on my lips to help keep my lip gloss or lip stick on a little longer.

photo credit: ookikioo

Now, shadows are not the only thing that starts to wear out and blend together. So, for a fresh all over look, MAC created its popular Prep + Prime – a makeup primer that you smooth over your face to achieve an impeccable powder application. Many of us use both foundation and powder but with Prep + Prime I have found that for a more natural look the powder itself will do just fine. Of course both can be used if a little more coverage is needed. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your makeup last all day, you’ll definitely want to give Prep + Prime a try. You can usually even stop by the MAC counter and have one of the makeup artists apply it to your skin so you can test it out.

When there is a long day or night ahead, let these top MAC products come to your cosmetic rescue and make your makeup last longer. MAC Paints and MAC Prep + Prime are both top notch MAC essentials that will prevent you from having to take a too many powder breaks – leaving more time for the more important things in life!

This video tutorial shows you some essential, basic tips on how to achieve a healthy, gorgeous finish for your skin. In the tutorial, NARS primer, concealer, foundation and powder are used, but the tips can help you enhance your makeup routine regardless of which brand you use.

The techniques discussed in the video can provide an excellent foundation for any makeup look where you want good coverage and a flawless finish. Try them out for your next big event, photoshoot, or special occasion.

photo credit: kelpenhagen

For more natural, carefree looks (like summertime, beach, or workout looks), this tutorial may be a bit much. But for work looks, date nights, special occasions, or any event where you want perfect looking skin, these techniques can help you get it:

Dreaming of escaping to warmer weather this winter? Or just feeling the need to get away after the stressful holiday season? It’s cruise season – the perfect time for a warm weather getaway.

However, airport security has gotten so stringent these days that many of us are tempted to not take anything with us and just shop for whatever we need when we get there. But there’s one thing that is going with us, like it or not: our makeup! Who wants to get on a plane for several hours knowing they’re never going to be able to refresh their lipstick? Forget about it.

Here are some great travel beauty tips for your next jet setting adventure:

Keep It Small and Keep it Few

Airline regulations allow you to carry one personal item onboard a plane, plus one quart-sized clear Ziploc bag with liquids inside. Don’t think you’re going to get that giant bottle of hairspray in that bag – the airline rules out anything larger than 3.4 ounces.

Anything larger than this is going to have to be packed with your suitcase and you know what that means. You’re not going to be fixing your hair or make-up until you land and (hopefully) reclaim your luggage.

photo credit: pic fix

Keep your solid items in your purse. Things like lipstick, facial powder and blush will do just fine. Buy travel-sized bottles of liquid make-up and perfume, but here’s a tip: hold off on using that perfume until you land. Airplanes are small and crammed with people. Three hundred different perfumes at high altitude is liable to make everyone sick.

Travel-sized bottles of hairspray are widely available, too. Lotions and creams, even acne cleanser, are going to have to follow the airport rules and regulations. If they don’t fit in the suitcase they’ll get the boot.

Keep It Simple

When you’re traveling, take the opportunity to go a little light on make-up. Stick with a nice lip gloss, blush and a few coats of mascara. Wash your hair and style it simply. Forget about teasing or curling. The thinner atmosphere often plays havoc with hairstyles anyway. Leave it free and flowing, or tie a colorful scarf around it. If you’re flying coach, forget the ponytail. It will drive you mad rubbing up against the back of the seat.

Airlines will let you break the liquid rule only if you have a medical condition to do so, and since no one has ever died from not being able to apply concealer (that we know of) you’ll just have to be patient. Wear a pretty pair of shaded glasses to give your cleaner look a little more color and indulge in some bright earrings. You’ll be landing soon… and looking fabulous doing it.

Laser skin treatments can produce some truly amazing results. During these various types of treatments, a skilled professional applies laser light to the skin to produce various results and benefits to the skin. Laser light has become an increasingly popular method of treating a variety of skin conditions and providing benefits ranging from scar removal to skin regeneration. A laser skin treatment can provide excellent results with less bleeding, bruising and post-operative pain than any other treatment method available. Depending upon the desired results, there is a laser skin treatment whose procedures can provide an effective remedy.

Laser skin treatments are very effective when it comes to correcting scars, blemishes and other skin problems. These include scarring from acne, brown discoloration from aging, and skin conditions such as rosacea. Laser treatment works over a number of visits to break down the discoloration and help to regenerate new skin growth.

LASER SCAR REMOVAL
CO2 and ERYag lasers are two types of lasers used in the treatment of acne scarring or other scars appearing on the skin caused by inflammation. Both ERYag and CO2 laser skin treatments are known to be effective. Laser skin treatment to remove scarring is performed under general anesthesia as well as local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, depending upon the extent of damage that needs to be corrected.

photo credit: Matías Garabedian

LASER SKIN RESURFACING
The laser skin resurfacing treatment is another very popular laser skin procedure for skin. This procedure is mainly used to help eliminate the wrinkles, scarring and discoloration of the skin that often occurs due to the aging process. Ablative lasers used in this procedure actually vaporize the top layer of the skin in order to promote the eventual appearance of a new fresher looking skin layer. Treatments using this type of laser require a period of conditioning the skin prior to treatment, as well as a certain amount of downtime while healing takes place. Laser skin resurfacing can also be achieved using no-ablative lasers which rather than vaporize the skin, penetrate to the dermis underneath to stimulate the production of collagen in order to tighten the skin into a more youthful appearance. Side effects for any resurfacing procedures can include swelling, redness and discomfort which can be aided by over the counter pain relief medication and topical medications. By using light from lasers, laser skin resurfacing reaches much deeper layers of your skin than microdermabrasion. The procedure tends to be more comfortable and the results tend to be much longer lasting than other types of skin resurfacing treatments.

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL
Many patients seek out laser skin treatments in order to remove a tattoo from their skin which may now be discolored or no longer wanted for a variety of social or personal reasons. In this treatment, laser pulses are applied in order to break down the ink pigments which are eventually absorbed back into the body. Tattoo removal via laser skin treatment occurs over a period of time, with short sessions held every few weeks as the tattoo’s colors become lighter and less apparent with each treatment.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Permanent hair removal using laser treatment is another effective therapy which offers excellent results but usually takes more than one session to complete. Avoiding direct sunlight and treating the area with antibiotic ointment are just a few of the post-procedure steps which must be taken.

No laser skin treatment is a spur of the moment decision. And all laser skin treatments require an initial consultation with a specialist skilled in laser procedures as most require a period of preparation as well as downtime and post-procedure aftercare to avoid any unpleasant side effects such as infection.

Large pores are no fun. They can age and tire your appearance drastically. They are one of the top skin problems that people want to change or eliminate. Thankfully, there are a few techniques and products you can use to help reduce the appearance of any unsightly pores.

First, be sure you’re aware of how larger pores develop in the first place. When your face pores become clogged and/or infected, the irritation causes them to expand. The dirt and oil can also make the pores appear darker which makes them more noticeable and can make them look larger than they really are. Blackheads are especially problematic because such a significant amount of dirt and oil collects and drastically magnifies the diameter of the pore. Preventing blackheads is an essential part of preventing enlarged pores from developing.

You should also be aware that large skin pores do depend a lot on age and genetics. People with thicker skin, or normal to oily skin tend to have larger pores than people with thin, normal to dry skin. Also, as people get older, sun damage and age start to take their toll and the elasticity of the skin begins to give way. Regardless of what kind of skin you were born with, you can still take steps to minimize the size of your facial pores in order to enhance your complexion as much as possible.

There are many techniques and pore treatment products you can use to reduce pores and make them less noticeable:

photo credit: savor_soaps

One way to reduce pore size and visibility is to begin a solid, consistent skin care regimen. You should cleanse your skin thoroughly morning and night. By cleaning your pores of the debris and oil settling on your face, your pores will appear tight, well kept and less noticeable. Not only will you reduce large pores and their appearance, but you’ll also prevent big pores from developing in the future. Over time, you’ll see an improvement if you stick to a good skin care routine. Depending on your skin type and acne needs, a quality pore minimizing skin cleanser will work best. Most skin care brands carry a product especially formulated to minimize pores, and if you’re on a budget, you can usually find a variety of economical yet effective over-the-counter pore cleansers.

You’ll also want to invest in a toner. If you’re serious about minimizing your pores, a pore tightening toner is an essential part of getting and maintaining smaller pores. Use a cotton swab to apply the toner to your problem areas right after you wash your face. The toner will tighten pores so it’s best to do it right after they’ve been deep cleaned.

Finally, apply a light moisturizer. Stay away from super heavy creams as they can potentially clog the skin pore. When purchasing your skin care products, look for products containing retinol and Vitamin C. Salycylic acid also helps unclog and maintain clear pores.

Another way to combat large facial pores is exfoliation. This can be accomplished by using an at-home facial scrub or you can pamper yourself and visit a spa or dermatologist for a little microdermabrasion or a customized facial. If you exfoliate at home with a mild product, you can add the step to your daily skin care routine. If you buy a more intense exfoliating product, you may want to start by using the scrub twice a week.

Another economical and quick way to fight enlarged facial pores is through the wonders of cosmetics. Start with a skin primer. Primers are miracle workers when it comes to lessening the appearance of pores. and follow with a cream or cream to powder foundation which will cover the pores more easily. Top with a nice brushing of translucent powder and those large pores will be kept at bay.

There are a few products on the market that concentrate on helping to shrink pores. Pure Minerals and Murad both offer good pore minimizers. Biore and Aveeno have also proven to be effective in minimizing pores. If you are short on cash, here are a couple of home remedies: Make your own sugar scrub using a tablespoon of sugar, olive oil and honey. Mix well. Rub on your face in a circular motion and rinse with water. The sugar acts as an exfoliating ingredient. Another great home recipe is a nice egg white mask. Egg whites help tighten the skin, and you can add lemon to the mixture for an additional exfoliation benefit.

Reducing the appearance of pores is painless and very doable. The hardest part for anyone is simply learning how to minimize pores by finding the method, product or treatment for large pores that works best with your individual skin type, time constraints and budget. You may need to try a few products and methods in order to find out which ones provide the best results for you and your skin.

When it comes to skin, no amount of cosmetics or concealer can really take the place of healthy, clear skin. Some of the most beautiful makeup looks incorporate fresh, glowing skin and lighter or translucent foundation. Such looks aren’t really an option without clear skin underneath. Heavier makeup can be great for a photo shoot or a special event, but no one wants to be forced to cake on that much makeup every single day.

If you struggle with problem skin, or if you simply want to maintain clear skin consistently, you can begin to clear up any problems by incorporating proper clear skin tips into your daily skin care regimen.

Essential steps to clear skin:

photo credit: _HAAF_

1. As part of your clear skin routine, cleanse twice daily using a gentle but effective facial cleanser. Don’t use regular body bar soap, since they actually tend to lead to more problems (dryness, tightness and signs of aging). Also, don’t wash your face too frequently – dryness and irritation will result, leading to more problems. Simply cleanse your skin using an acne-preventative cleanser for the face. After washing your face, use a high quality facial toner. As the final step in your routine, use an oil-free facial moisturizer. Brands such as Dove, Cetaphil and Neutrogena are just a few brands that have affordable skin care lines with quality products. Be gentle and try a few different brands until you find the right one for you. When trying a new brand, allow several days to a week to see if you notice improvement, before giving up and switching to a new one.

2. Try acne treatments with key ingredients, until you find the one that works best on your skin. Use the product all over your face if appropriate – don’t just “spot treat.” If one works, don’t just use it until your skin is clear. Use of the product should continue as a preventative measure, or your acne will most likely return. Look for some of these common effective ingredients in your product:

- Salicylic Acid: slows abnormal skin cell shedding (that clogs pores and creates pimples) and unclogs pores
- Alcohol combined with Acetone: the acetone degreases and the alcohol kills bacteria
- Benzoyl Peroxide: reduces the bacteria in acne and removes excess dead skin cells that clog pores
- Resorcinol: often combined with sulfur (has a strong and distinct odor), controls acne lesions

3. Keep your hair clean and out of your face, and also try not to touch your face too often. Both your hair and hands carry oils and bacteria that can add to current skin problems and also cause new ones.

Remember, the right kind of skin care regimen is the answer to treating and preventing problem skin. With attention and discipline, most people can obtain beautifully clear, creamy skin. Since healthy clear skin is one of the most desired beauty essentials, your efforts will be more than worth it.

If your breakouts do not improve or go away by following upon these tips for clear skin, you may need to get an appointment with your dermatologist or family doctor for a clear skin solution. They may be able to give you further help or medications designed for more serious acne issues.

[See the rest of our How to Apply Makeup series for beginners.]

Bronzer is one of my favorite products. By using it correctly, you can get that healthy, gorgeous sun-kissed look you’ve been coveting. But if applied poorly, you can end up looking like an Oompa Loompa. The trick with bronzer is to know when, where and how much to use.

Step 1: Choose Your Brush. Choose a brush with a large, fluffy end. A large powder brush or a large blush brush can work, but just know that you need to make sure it is big enough to allow the product to be dusted on over a large area without being too heavy or leaving streaks.

Step 2: Take your brush and gently swirl it in your bronzer. Whether you’re using a loose powder bronzer, or the more common regular powder bronzer, you just want to get a small amount on your brush. It’s better to start with too little than too much. You can always layer the product to get a deeper color, so start light on your first touch.

photo credit: yarnivore

Step 3: Tap your brush on the edge of the compact with the brush end over the makeup pot. This helps to eliminate any excess powder from the brush and allows the excess to fall back into the container so that you avoid wasting any.

Step 4: Apply the bronzer to your face in a number 3 shape on one half of your face – starting at the top of your forehead and working your way down the side of your face. The “number 3 shape” will go from your forehead around the side of your forehead and temple, then in towards the upper part of your cheek bone, then back out around your jawline and down to your chin (your jawline and chin should get less product than your forehead and upper cheeks). Next, you’ll repeat the steps and apply it to the other side of your face. Think of focusing on the areas of your face where the sun naturally hits and tans your face.

Step 5: Blend! As you apply the bronzer in the previous step, you should just be creating a gentle glow, not a dark, obvious stripe of product. Once you are done applying it, Be sure to blend well. One of the most tell-tale signs of a poor makeup look is obvious streaking or lack of blending. To blend, use your empty brush to smooth out the product anywhere it looks uneven.

To finish, you can repeat the steps, and/or blend a little extra across the top of your forehead and cheekbones to add a little depth to your color. Just be careful not to go overboard. Too little bronzer looks way better than too much.