Read an Excerpt
The 5-Minute Face
The Quick & Easy Makeup Guide for Every Woman
By Carmindy Regan Books
Copyright © 2007 Carmindy
All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-06-123826-0
Chapter One
Skin Essentials One of my main goals when I apply makeup is to let my clients' skin show through; I don't cake on foundation or concealer. But in order for skin to be in its best possible shape, you've got to treat it well. It isn't hard. Just find the right cleanser, wash your skin in the morning and before bed, and use moisturizer regularly (a daytime lotion with SPF and something richer, like a cream or serum, at night) to make your complexion radiant. And when skin glows, so will the rest of you. Below, find your skin type and take note of the easy-care steps.
Oily Skin
Oily skin tends to break out more, even into your forties, but regular cleansing can go a long way to keep your face clear. By about age thirty-five, you may notice that oil output slows and skin is more normal. And, good news: that extra oil keeps your skin looking soft and youthful longer than other skin types.
The right cleanser For day, use a foaming gel cleanser. The lather will help break down sebum (skin's natural oil), and since foamers typically don't leave extra moisturizers behind the way creamy cleansers do, they are your best bet for keeping skin clear.
The right moisturizer Use an oil-free lotion. A lot of women assume that if their skin is oily, theyshould skip moisturizer. Not true. Your skin will feel dehydrated and will overcompensate by producing more oil. Trick it into thinking it has enough moisture by using an oil-free formula. This will also function like a primer to even skin texture so foundation goes on smoothly, which will help makeup last longer. At night, apply an oil-free lotion with alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate skin and keep pores clear. Use this regularly and you'll notice softer, smoother skin and fewer breakouts.
Normal Skin-Combination Skin
The truth? Normal skin is combination skin! Yup-we all have more oil glands along our T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin) than on the rest of our face, and every one of us sees shine there. Normal skin has a dewier T-zone midday, but few pimples. It can teeter toward oily or dry.
The right cleanser Use a daily liquid cleanser. Liquid cleansers tend to be mild and well balanced, so they will wash away dirt and oil but won't overdry your skin.
The right moisturizer Use lightweight lotions. Lotions will give you the perfect amount of moisture without being too heavy. At night, use the lightweight lotion and add a cream formula on your drier areas. This is the ideal time to apply a rich cream that may be too greasy for daytime use-your skin will be glowing when you wake up!
Dry Skin
Dry skin has its pros and cons. Pores are usually less visible and you rarely get a blemish, but if you skimp on moisturizer, lines can stand out more and skin can look flat.
The right cleanser Choose a creamy cleanser. This type of product will offer lightweight hydration. Keep in mind that dry skin needs moisture added to every beauty step, including cleansers and foundations.
The right moisturizer Use a cream that will replace lost moisture to keep your skin soft and supple. Try to remember this five-minute rule: if skin feels tight five minutes after applying moisturizer, your formula isn't rich enough. Try applying the cream to damp skin in order to lock in water for maximum softness. At night, add a super-rich cream with antioxidant vitamins. Just keeping your skin well hydrated will plump it up for a youthful, fresh look. Tip: Use a humidifier in the winter. You'll be amazed at what it will do for your skin (and hair, which may also be dry). Tap on a rich eye cream and lip balm at night, as well.
Eye Cream: Worth the Splurge
Sure, you can apply face lotion under your eyes. But dedicated eye creams are made to be gentler, with nonirritating ingredients that won't sting this sensitive area or cause tears. I'm not one for extra stuff rattling around my makeup case, but this splurge is worth it. If you have puffiness, look for formulas that firm. Circles? Try products with vitamin K.
Toner Talk
Twenty years ago, toners were made of witch hazel, alcohol, or both. They were marketed to banish excess oil, and they did-too well! Most of us who used them were left with parched skin. Not surprisingly, they fell out of favor and were viewed as an unnecessary step. Today, gentler versions are available. Botanical toners are refreshing and smell especially good. Myself, I love simple rose water (it's hydrating and calming) or cucumber water (it's a mild astringent and good for oily skin). Both can be found at health food stores. Tip: pour rose or cucumber water into a spray bottle, store in your fridge, and spritz away to rejuvenate skin on a hot day.
Sunscreen Smarts
I am diligent about wearing sunscreen, and you should be, too. It is the single best way to keep skin looking young and healthy. Not convinced? Here's what regular use will help prevent: fine lines, deep wrinkles, discoloration (like light or dark patches), roughness, crepey texture, sagginess, broken capillaries, and of course, skin cancer. That's quite a list! I use SPF 15 for intermittent exposure-when I'm running errands from store to store-and SPF 30 or 45 at the beach or when I'm out for a bike ride or hike. Read labels and choose a formula that's "broad spectrum." It will protect you against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) rays. Choosing daytime moisturizers with built-in suncreens will also save you time in the morning, cutting out an extra step.
Beautify Your Body!
Want fabulously sexy skin all over your body? Who doesn't! These easy tricks will leave you touchably soft and radiant from your neck to your toes.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from The 5-Minute Face by Carmindy Copyright © 2007 by Carmindy. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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