Oh no...Don't Tell Me That.

It pains me to say that I have heard some very unfortunate things during my adventures as Makeup Artist and Skincare Specialist...about how people treat their skin or how they use certain products. I will start with the ones that stuck out the most...the ones I cannot support.

SKINCARE NO-NOs:
1)I don't use face moisturizer. (Your skin is then aging faster than it should be.)
2)I don't wash my face with anything but water/scolding hot water. (OUCH!)
3)I use body moisturizer on my face. (It is called BODY moisturizer. Body.)
4)I use alcohol as my toner. (YIKES....hello rosacea.)
5)I use body scrub on my face. (It is called BODY scrub. Body.)
6)I wash my face with body wash/hand wash. (UGH...do I need to say it again?)
7)I don't use eye cream. (.... you are aging faster!)
8)I don't exfoliate. (your skin isn't regenerating at a normal rate and you prob have 1 or more skin issues)

MAKEUP NO-NOs:
1)I'm using my under eye concealer as eyelid base.(made for/says UNDER THE EYE)
2)I'm using my finger to apply under eye concealer. (waste)
3)I use my brow pencil as my eye liner or vice versa. (I've seen this too many times-terrible)
4)I've had this lipstick since it first came out____years ago. (throw it away NOW)
5)I'm using this color foundation/tinted moisturizer because I wanna look more tan. (This is one of the biggest mistakes women make. Match your skin first w/foundation. Then use bronzer over it to create a tan look.)
6)Powder makes my skin dry. (Your skin is dry because you do not exfoliate and moisturize properly.)
7)I wash my brushes with alcohol. (you are ruining your brushes and possibly your skin.)
8)I just use my daughter's bronzer. (Chances are, your daughter's bronzer is too sparkly for a more mature skin. Try something matte.)

There is a reason why all these statements scare me, and that is because they are all SCARY!
The year is 2010 and there is NO reason why you should have to substitute one product for another. If you have access to the internet, or access to a Sephora, cosmetic boutique or cosmetic counter at a department store, then there is no excuse. Also, be aware that some sales people are not specialists and will try to sell you the wrong product if they are out of stock of the right one for you. Research is the best way to find the right products for you. Asking questions is a good tool as well.

There is also no reason why we shouldn't utilize the proper skincare. I cannot stress how important your skincare is. Your skin is the largest organ on your body. As we mature, the skin loses it's ability to regenerate and produce collagen and elastin. After the age of 25, this production actually slows down by 1% every year. So, if you are 35, your collagen and elastin production has slowed down by 10% already. If you are a sun-whore or smoke, drink in excess, the rate you age increases exponentially. We need to give back to our skin! Proper cleansing and hydrating products are essential to your skin's health and vitality. If we pay better attention to the skin, we can preserve our youth longer. Also, no makeup will look good on tired, dry, irritated skin. The skincare steps are the most important part. Fix the skincare issues...don't just cover up with makeup!

Also, using products with your finger that are meant to be used with a brush is not the best idea. Brushes are sold for your convenience, for a better/smoother application. Using your fingers can waste a ton of makeup and will result in you having to purchase products more often. $$$

Do not save cream or wet makeup products for more than a year! PLEASE! Read my post about not being sentimental with your makeup. Expired products are an infection waiting to happen and you are simply applying dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and bacteria back onto your skin. And that is just plain gross. Get rid of them! Come on...we are always finding excuses to shop. This is a perfect justification to go out and buy new makeup!

Make a list of all the things you need to do for your skin. Make a list of all the issues you have with your skin. If the issues are severe, please see your dermatologist. Otherwise, feel free to always ask questions to a Makeup Artist, Skincare/Product Specialist! Feel free to ask me questions as well!