Saturday, May 10, 2008

Warm Weather Moisturizing

Your facial is finished, your nails are perfect, and your dress is gorgeous. You step outside and within an hour your face has a shine that only another oil slick would love. Sound familiar?

One of the most daunting tasks is switching from a cool weather moisturizer to one light enough for warm, even hot, weather. As you reevaluate your make up shades, refresh your supply of oil free moisturizers and sunscreens. It is easier than you think, but you have to read labels!

  • Compare ingredients...
Your fall and winter moisturizers probably show several oils in the first few ingredients. Since skin tends to be oilier during warmer months, it is wise to look for products showing oils further down the ingredients list.

My favorite maneuver is to use a moisturizer that has hyaluronic acid. It doesn't create shine the way many moisturizers do. It seals in moisture against the skin and draws moisture from the environment. In fact, I buy hyaluronic acid alone and use it as the main moisturizing ingredient in personal, warm weather blends. My skin has improved dramatically.

This isn't to say that all oils are undesirable during the warmer months. Jojoba oil is very light and has less shine than a safflower or avocado oil. The key is to spread the oil as thin as possible. Place one or two drops in the palm of your hand, rub your palms together, them pat or lightly stroke the oil on a clean, damp face. This might be all that you need before applying your foundation.
  • Do serious moisturizing at night...
Some ladies, and gentlemen for that matter, use night creams as their main moisturizer. You don't have to worry about how it looks with make up, there are no worries about sun exposure, and you look a little better when you wake up! You can also use a heavier moisturizer as part of your home spa regimen. The only warning here is to keep tabs on your skin's behavior during the day as it may become oilier. If this happens, decrease the frequency with which you apply your night cream.

  • Do a test drive...
Before a special event, try wearing your moisturizer with the make up you intend to wear, for a few hours. Look in the mirror after 2 or 3 hours to see how much oil or shine is present. This will let you know if you need to make a few adjustments. Use less moisturizer or add a little water.

Don't add water directly to your container of moisturizer, though! This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Spread your moisturizer on your dampened face or add a couple of drops to moisturizer in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together to mix, then apply the mixture to your face.
  • Avoid the sun...
A hat, a shady spot, or a colorful parasol will serve you well during outdoor events that start during the afternoon hours. Here, perspiration can add to the break down of your make up and moisturizer. Keep your compact handy! Light dusting of loose mineral veil helps control the shine.

A note about "slip".....

Slip is that smooth glide we seek when applying make up. It is easier to create even coverage for foundation and colors are easier to work with when the skin's surface primed and smoothed. Often, some of that slip is lost when we got to a lighter moisturizer. To preserve slip, look for products that have plant silicones as one of the ingredients. Cyclomethicone is lighter than dimethicone, but both will help your make up glide on while adding a moisture preserving barrier.

I start experimenting with lighter blends during the first weeks of spring, but that time investment isn't for everyone. I just love the creative process, and the results! Read your ingredients, think about problems you have had in the past, and think about your warm weather beauty regimen. There is a product or process, that can solve problems and improve your sense of well being!


Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Want to see what others do?

I always enjoy seeing how other women create the perfect face. There are as many variations as there are colors and desires!

Use the suggestions here, but don't be afraid to build your own arsenal of techniques to create your look for the approaching summer season!