SKIN BASICS by Abe's Market

SPRING INTO BEAUTY | HAIR + BEAUTY TRENDS

Alexander Wang SS13

Iam really excited about Spring and Summer! Here in Texas it might feel like we just have two seasons since it is either really hot or really cold and in between we have rainy days and some perfect ones. Spring/Summer though have to be my favorite seasons especially spending those hot summer days at the beach or the lake with my friends and family or those days where the weather is in the perfect 70s and with clear skies we love to have cookouts or visit our favorite flea markets.

I mentioned in my previous fashion post how excited I am about upcoming trends. I think that sometimes we tend to think how over the top some of the looks we see in the runway and often say to ourselves "Who would wear that, I wouldn't!" But we have to learn that the key is to wear what catches your attention and what you are comfortable in and not wear it all together!

Keep reading below to see my favorite upcoming beauty trends { shown in bold. }

The middle part is making a comeback you can keep it simple by parting sleek hair as seen in the Blumarine runway or you can also try a low pony or even a low bun. *Use a defrizzing cream to achieve ultra sleek hair! If you are looking for something more fun then try loose tousled hair like we saw in the J. Mandel show those effortless waves aren't going anywhere anytime soon so brush away those curls. Slept-in, natural hair as well as crimped hair was very popular on the runways. *I personally loved the Betsey Johnson show uber fun! Pair candy colored hair (like what we saw in the Oscar de la Renta show) with a heavy side part or a punk-y hairstyle. Braids are hot right now and perfect for Spring or Summer *My personal favorite the 'Milkmaid Braid' there is tons of versions you just have to play with it and make it your own you will find the one that fits your face shape. Retro glam basically anything 50's 60's inspired is in I love retro hair and topping it off with hair accessories like headbands.

 

It is all about natural bold brows, luminous skin and smoky lids so ditch the mascara and rock bare natural lashes (try eyelash extensions for natural length pair it with bold liner, bright eyeshadow (pink and red shades are hot for Spring!) Pucker up with matte bold red lips. Give your nails a natural feel by getting a white manicure or using a nude nail polish. 

XO, 

 

BEAUTY: FABULOUS + SPRING/SUMMER READY FEET

With Spring and Summer approaching and dusting off those wedges and comfortable but chic sandals I want to make sure your feet are ready! Checkout these quick tips you might have some of the ingredients already at home (:

Enjoy! 

SOFTEN THAT SKIN

• Fill a basin with warm water, juice of a lemon and one cup of oatmeal. Soak feet for ten minutes. Rub the oatmeal all over your feet while soaking. The oatmeal will soften rough skin and the lemon will lighten and even out your skin tone.
• File rough skin with a coarse nail file. Combine one-half cup of sugar, one-quarter teaspoon of poppy seeds and one-quarter baking soda + a few drops of lemon juice. Scrub and rinse.
• Apply Vicks VapoRub on dry feet just before bed. Wear socks.

TRY IT!

• Refresh your feet after a long day by adding six drops of both eucalyptus and rosemary oil to a pan of hot water. Soak for about ten minutes and rinse (alternating between hot and cold water to improve circulation.
• Rub your foot over a soda can or a tennis ball to help with cramps and to relax feet.
• Combine a teaspoon of coconut oil and five drops of rosemary essential oil in a microwave-safe container. Heat until coconut oil is melted (about five or six seconds) Fill a small basin with warm water halfway and add the mixture. Soak for fifteen minutes and pat dry.
• Soak your feet in warm salt water. Buff with a coarse emery board. Apply a pineapple slice for five minutes over the corn. Rub in lotion and sleep wearing socks.

MAKE YOUR PEDICURE LAST TWICE AS LONG

1. Choose metallic or shimmery polishes. They contain minerals that adhere to the nail better and cause it to last much longer.
2. Brush on several thin coats rather than one thick layer.
3. Wait at least five minutes before applying the topcoat. If the polish is not set it will thin out and be more prone to chipping.

FOOT TONIC

Microwave for about one minute (warm to the touch.)                                                                   

- One cup of Milk                                                                                                                           

- One tablespoon dry mint leaves
- 1 tsp. rosemary

- 1tsp. peppermint extract
Apply to feet with a clean, dry cloth. Remove residue and wrap your feet in plastic wrap for five minutes and rinse.

BEAUTY Q & A: 12 BEAUTY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

My sister gifted me a book I have come obsessed with, Yes! I carry it with me everywhere I go! ASK: The 100 Most Asked Questions About Beauty by Bella Blissett. We found it at TJ MAXX for just $5.99 I have learned so much from this little book. Its tips include anything about beauty and fashion as well as diet and healthy living.  I want to share with you some of its’ content, I will be posting 12 new questions every week. Remember that you can submit beauty, fashion or in general questions, simply click on the CONTACT tab above.

You can purchase the book here.

“What is the best way to hide my raw nose when I have a cold?” Find a moisturizing concealer that contains ingredients such as vitamin E, jojoba oil, and beeswax to replenish the dry skin. A slightly blue undertone will also balance out the redness.

“What are the key ingredients I should look for in an anti-aging product?” Dermatologists recommend co-enzyme Q10, carotenoids, vitamins C and E, flavonoids, idebenone, ferulic acid, and lycopene. Hyaluronic acid is another wonder ingredient that skincare experts swear by.

“How can I prevent tooth decay?” Try finishing meals with a small amount of cheese. It is thought to protect tooth enamel by reducing acidity levels in the mouth.

“Do I need to swap shampoo with the seasons?” In the summer your hair has to defend itself against ore enemies, such as the sun, sea salt excess sweat, and chlorine, so switching to a gentler shampoo can help to keep your hair soft without stripping it of its natural oils.

“Should you apply concealer over or under foundation?” If you are trying to cover a blemish the foundation comes first and concealer is dabbed on afterward. If you are covering dark under eye circles use concealer only and keep foundation away from this delicate area.

“What are the best products to use with hair extensions?” Hair extensions require dedicated upkeep to remain looking luscious. Conditioning products containing a cocktail of vitamins and proteins will revitalize and preserve, while shampoo containing Pro-vitamin B5 will cleanse and nourish hair and protect bonds. It is important to consult your hair stylist on the compatibility of any products you are not sure of, because some products can loosen braids.

 

“Is there a natural way to treat cracked lips?” Get kissable lips by mixing a teaspoon of moisturizing honey with a pinch of sugar to exfoliate the dead skin away. Rub gently over the skin’s surface with a toothbrush.

“Lipstick: One coat or two?” Two (and a bit). Apply your first coat, blot on a tissue then dust loose powder over your lips before applying the second coat.

“When’s the best time to pluck my eyebrows?” After a bath or shower when the skin is more supple and the poses have been opened. Avoid plucking during the week before your period when your skin is more sensitive.

“How can I make my perfume last longer?” Fragrances tend to evaporate more quickly from the surface of dry skin so apply a layer of moisturizer before your scent to keep it there for longer.

“Is it okay to shave with soap?” Soap usually has a drying effect on the skin, so does not act as a good lubricant when shaving. Choose foams and gels that contain cooling ingredients such as aloe vera to soothe, rather than irritate the skin.

“Can I recreate salon treatments at home?” The latest gadgets allow you to get the treatment without the price tag. Tools such as the Roc Renew Microdermabrasion System come with a grainy scrub and a battery-operated applicator to give salon-like exfoliation

PERFECT LIPS | QUICK AND EASY LIP TIPS + TRICKS

CHAPPED LIPS Combine four teaspoons of almond oil and the contents of one vitamin E capsule, and warm in the microwave. When mixture is slightly warm (check it on the inside of your wrist), gently pat on your lips. LIP PENCIL Its purpose is to give the lips definition and keep lipstick from bleeding. Using it to outline your lips is a big no-no. It leaves a big ring around the mouth when lipstick fades. Always use a lip liner close to your lipstick shade. PLUMPER LIPS WITHOUT COLLAGEN Cinnamon oil plumps up your lips by increasing blood flow to the lips. It also leaves the lips with a slight rosy tint. Test on your wrist to ensure that you are not sensitive or allergic. WHAT COLOR? Fair complexions: Pale pink, beige, or cool red. Medium: Burgundy, caramel, or berry. Olive/Yellow: Brown and plums. Dark: Berry, dark, red beige. WHAT KIND? Long-wearing: Stays on for four to five hours, but it can also feel dry. Transfer-resistant: Lasts up to eight hours, but can make lips dry and may be hard to remove. Matte: Lots of color! But can look dull. Cream: Contains lighter waxes, but needs reapplication. Moisturizing: Makes lips soft and shiny, but doesn't last. Satin: Lots of oil and moisturizing, but looks darker than actual color. GET SMOOTH Before applying lipstick make sure your lips are smooth and 'flake' free. Gently brush your lips with  your toothbrush to remove dead skin. Apply lip balm and allow it to soak before applying your lipstick. MAKE small LIPS LOOK FULLER use a neutral lip pencil to draw slightly outside the line. Go for shimmer. A light-reflective surface can make your lips appear larger. Don't use much though because gloss reflects light and can make your lips fade. LIP TRICKS Open your mouth when applying your lipstick. Apply lip pencil along the Cupid's bow of your upper lip. Never go over your natural lip line. THIN LIPS Use a small amount of gloss or pearlized shadow in the center of the bottom lip, this will make it appear fuller and pouty. PETROLEUM JELLY gives lips a natural gloss. NATURAL LOOKING LIPS Simply apply lip balm followed by neutral pencil over it. POUTY LIPS Add shine over your lipstick. Shine makes everything look bigger. Warm some bag balm in the microwave and gently pat on your lips after it's warm but comfortable to the touch. Using a baby's toothbrush, gently brush your lip in a circular motion. this will not only take away the chapping but it will also swell the lips temporarily, making your lips look fuller. LUSCIOUS LIPS Open a vitamin E capsule with a pink and squeeze the contents on your fingertip. Use it as gloss to treat chapped lips, wipe off the flakes with a toothbrush.

 XO,

  

FOOD FOR BEAUTY

• EGGS Gently take an egg white out of the shell and pat it on areas of the face that are most wrinkled. Without moving a muscle, allow to dry. This works as a temporary face lift. 
• AVOCADO Mash a ripe avocado and gently massage on under eye puffiness and dark circles. Place a cold damp washcloth over closed eyes for about 15-Minutes. Rinse off. 
• PLAIN YOGURT Soothe skin with one-half peeled cucumber and teaspoon of olive oil mixed together. Leave on face and neck for about 15-Minutes. Rinse with warm water. The cucumber will soothe irritated skin while the yogurt and olive oil will moisturize. 
• CHERRIES are loaded with malic acid, which speeds up cell renewal while getting rid of dead skin cells. Mix two tablespoons cherry juice with a tablespoon of dry oatmeal. Smooth over face for five minutes, then rinse off. 
• STRAWBERRIES Calm irritated skin by smashing two strawberries with a teaspoon of sour cream. Apply to face and leave on ten to fifteen minutes. 
• BANANAS Mash a banana with one egg yolk plus a teaspoon of almond extract. Apply to face and leave on until dry. Remove with cool chamomile tea to moisturize ad refresh. 
• HONEY Mix a tablespoon of honey with an egg white. Spread over fave and throat, and leave on for to ten minutes. Rinse off with warm water. 
• MAYONNAISE Massage mayonnaise into hair before shampooing. Concentrate on the ends. Leave on for about ten minutes, then shampoo thoroughly. The oil and eggs in the mayonnaise make a highly concentrated and effective treatment for damaged hair. 
• OLIVE OIL Warm one-half cup of olive oil in microwave for just a few seconds. Make sure it's warm, but comfortable t the touch. massage into dry skin. 
• POPPY SEEDS Mix a teaspoon of poppy seeds with two tablespoons of jojoba oil to exfoliate rough spots on body {knees, heels,elbows, etc.} 

• LEMONS Slice a lemon in half and apply the juice to age spots. SOY MILK Researchers have found that soy milk contains an ingredient that slows hair growth. Apply it before shaving.  
• CRANBERRIES Crush a handful of raw cranberries in the blender. Strain to remove pulp. Soak gauze pads in the juice and place them on your face, avoiding the eye area. Let soak in for about ten minutes, and then rinse with warm water. WHEAT GERM Mix it with a bit of honey if you have very dry skin. Mix it with water if your skin is normal. Wheat germ is high in protein and vitamins E and B. 

• MARGARINE Soften skin by massaging softened margarine over your entire body. Let it penetrate your skin before showering of. 
• GRAPEFRUIT Mix the juice from one grapefruit with two cups of water in a spritzer bottle. Mist over hair while damp after shampooing. The grapefruit's acids help remove excess product buildup.  
• MILK Use milk powder and water as a paste to gently cleanse the face. the proteins in the milk make skin silky smooth. The milk's lactic acids take away dirt, debris, and the leathery layers of the skin.  
• TOMATOES Cut up and mash a ripe tomato. Spread it over your face and allow to set for twenty minutes. rinse off with warm water. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant. 
• PEANUT BUTTER Simply massage a tablespoon or two into rough patches of skin. Leave it on for about fifteen minutes, and then wipe off with a paper towel. Finish by rinsing in warm water. 
• GREEN TEA Natural anti-inflammatory reduces redness and calms irritated skin. Soak a cloth for ten minutes. Then rinse away the excess.

XO,

GET PERFECT BROWS!

Picture from LaurenConrad.com

 XO,

MAKEUP FOR YOUNG GIRLS | MY EVERYDAY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

One of my favorite things to do on my spare time is to visit http://answers.yahoo.com/ and answer some beauty and fashion questions. I get ideas on what people like you and me want to know so I post on what interests other young girls. One of the most asked questions is from teen girls who want to start wearing makeup. I wanted to share with you girls what beauty products I used when I first began getting into makeup. I honestly believe following these steps and not over doing it is what gave me the result of not needing much makeup today. Everyone knows that applying and using makeup daily can make you appear older and eventually you will need a full face of makeup daily.

Let's get started!

1. MASCARA You can start with a clear mascara and move on to black.  
2. MATTE BRONZER Shimmer bronzer can easily be overdone and appear fake.  
3. GEL EYELINER I love gel liner because it lasts longer than pencil eyeliner but doesn't create a harsh look like liquid eyeliner would.  
4. LIP GLOSS Any lip product that hydrates your lips is a must.  
5. CONCEALER  Perfect for under eye circles.  
6. TINTED MOISTURIZER Take baby steps don't go too extreme by putting on a full coverage foundation if you don't need it. Using a tinted moisturizer will not only protect your skin, but it will help to even out your skin tone while giving you a sheer more natural coverage.  
7. NEUTRAL EYESHADOW TRIO It's a great way to not leave the eye "naked" great for natural looking eyes or a nice brown smoky eye.  
8. BLUSH { only if needed }

       

I hope this helps young girls who want to learn more about where to start with makeup.

XO,

 

BEAUTY BASICS | CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOUNDATION

When it comes to makeup foundation without a doubt the most important and it can also be the most difficult to choose. Choosing the right foundation can make your skin appear flawless and natural. When choosing your foundation you should not only insure that the foundation of your choice matches your skin tone and depth but also your skin type. I like to have different foundations in my makeup kit because not all foundations work for all or most skin types. I think we all tend to steer towards liquid foundation and even though it works for most skin types it may not be the best for you. 

Scroll down to see they types of foundation and what works for your skin type, age group and coverage needs.

• Stick Foundation It's pretty much a creme foundation and concealer in one. It's best for normal to dry skin, and those that want more coverage. It covers uneven skin, avoid using it on clear skin since it can appear heavy since not a lot of coverage is not need.   
• Liquid Foundation It is suited to most {if not all} skin types since it is available in different formulas like oil-free, oil-observing and moisturizing formulas and gives sheer to medium coverage depending on the brand and formula. Liquid foundation gives more coverage than a tinted moisturizer but less then a creme foundation.   
• Creme Foundation Smooth and creamy and specifically formulated for dry to normal skin complexions. It offers a natural finish while offering the highest coverage. use a damp sponge to make the finish appear more sheer. It can also be used as a concealer if you don't have heavy under-eye circles. OK to use on dry skin but avoid if skin is dry and flaky since it can appear "cakey".   
• Mousse Foundation { creme foundation that has a whipped consistency } Lighter and sheer that compact. It evens out skin tone without appearing heavy. They seem to sink into the skin rather than sit on top of it. It appears very natural and gives great coverage. It's fabulous on mature skin because they do not collect in fine lines like heavier formulas like creme.  
•  Tinted Moisturizer It is the sheerest of all foundations {moisturizer with a little color added} Perfect for summer months. It evens out the skin tone while providing minimal coverage.   
• Creme-to-Powder Foundation Quick and simple. Creamy texture that dries to a powder finish. No additional powder is needed. { works best for oily skin because it cuts down excess shine } 
•  Powder Compact Dual-finish powder foundation. Quick and convenient. { can be used wet or dry } When used dry it gives you slightly more coverage. Perfect for young girls because it's low in oils and doesn't clog pores, which means lower risk of pimples appearing. Great also for touch ups on the go. Apply with a brush for a sheer coverage. Apply with a sponge for more coverage or apply with a damp sponge for even more coverage, similar to a liquid or creme foundation.  
•  Pigmented Mineral Powder Loose powder that adheres to the skin. Provides medium to full coverage. { contains minerals and vitamins to help treat the skin } Works much like a dual-finish powder foundation. Apply with a brush or sponge.

XO,

TOP 4 BEAUTY MISTAKES

The most common but without a doubt the worst beauty mistake skipping the make up removing process before bed.  All through out the day your make up absorbs oil and dirt in your skin, it can clog pores and result in blackheads, acne and eye irritation.

Another mistake is storing your make up in the bathroom. If you store your make up in the bathroom there is a possibility they will expire before the expiration date. The bathroom is a humid place due to the steam from the shower  and bacteria can also grow in your foundations, eye shadows etc. It's best to store your make up in a cool dry place like your bedroom.

Tip: for nail polish, the best place to store and avoid them getting dry or thick is the refrigerator.

Not cleaning your make up brushes and tools. Whether you wear make up everyday or just for special occasions when you want to look your best. Cleaning your make up brushes at least once a week or once every two weeks with (a mild shampoo or baby shampoo) is a must! This will guarantee less acne breakouts due to dirty brushes and it will actually ensure your brushes will last a lot longer.

Expired Products. Yes its true, Not all make up products have a specific expiration date. Products that you may still be using for years may show no sign of expiration but may also cause rashes. Expired products actually begin to oxidise, change color or the formulas may separate. A lot of products actually have a symbol with the number of months the product can be used after opening for the first time. Powdered foundation usually lasts for 24 months, a eyeshadow trio up to 18 months and mascara lasts for only 6 months. If you start to notice that the texture, color or odor changes then it's time to toss them.

Takings these into prospective can actually save you money and save you lots of nasty pimples, and irritations! 

XO,