| Today's topics: flawless
makeup, skin care for preteens |
Dear Gina,
In what order should I apply skin care products and makeup for a flawless
makeup application?
- Ginger L.
Dear Ginger,
Beautiful skin is the key to a flawless makeup application. So great
skin care should be your #1 priority. Always wash your face in the
morning with a cleanser appropriate for your skin type. The cleanser
will remove any dirt or oil that may have accumulated on your skin
overnight and will prepare the skin for your morning regimen.
Think thin to thick when it comes to skin care products. Apply thinner
treatment serums or gels before heavier lotions or creams. A sunscreen
will usually be your last step. Many daily moisturizers also contain
sunscreen, so a combination product may save you a step.
After applying skin care products, the steps in your makeup application
will depend on the formulations of your makeup. For makeup, my rule
of thumb is wet to dry. So if you're using a cream concealer, a gel
blush and a mineral powder makeup, apply the concealer first, followed
by the blush and then the mineral makeup. If your blush is a powder,
it should go on after the mineral makeup. Don't forget a little mascara
and some pretty lip gloss to complete your look. I'm sure you will
look just flawless! |
| Today's topic: recovery
after cosmetic surgery |
|
Dear Gina,
I am considering a facelift and I am concerned about going back
to work after the procedure. How long should I take off work and
what can I do to minimize the side effects of surgery?
- Francine L.
Dear Francine,
After 10 years working in a plastic surgery office, I have seen
the many stages of recovery following a facelift. For the best possible
outcome, start with proper preparation. Follow all pre-surgical
instructions from your plastic surgeon and maintain a healthy skin
care regimen for optimal results. Also, avoid cutting your hair
too short around your ears before surgery, since some of the incisions
are usually made in this area.
I recommend taking at least two weeks off work-and three if possible.
You should expect to be homebound most of the first week after surgery,
with possible bruising and swelling. By the second week, you'll
probably want to get out, and camouflage makeup can usually be applied
at this point to cover any redness or bruising. Hats and big sunglasses
work wonders to cover the upper face and mock turtlenecks (that
are not too tight) or scarves are a great solution for neck swelling
and bruising.
The biggest mistake I've seen is expecting to look fabulous for
a special event shortly after a surgical procedure. It takes time
to heal and complications are always possible. Seek advice from
a board-certified plastic surgeon and allow adequate time to heal.
You will look and feel years younger before you know it.
|
| Today's topic: Shopping
for skin care products |
|
Dear Gina,
So many skin care companies seem to promise miracles. How do I know
what is real and what is just hype?
Heidi B.
Dear Heidi:,
With the latest advances in technology and ingredient research,
it's more exciting than ever to see what all these lotions and potions
can do for our fine lines, sun spots, breakouts, and dull, lifeless
skin. The possibility of transformation is always alluring and it
is easy to be tempted by the flawless, airbrushed faces in magazine
ads. Unfortunately, the only way to know what really works for you
is to try the product yourself. I have spent countless hours researching
hundreds of products for my skin care clients and I always follow
a few simple guidelines while shopping for the next miracle product:
One size does not fit all. Not all products are made for everyone.
Try before you buy. Samples and gifts with purchase are a good opportunity
to try new things.
Give it time. Stick with a new product or program for at least 4
to 6 weeks to see results.
You're the best judge. If you don't see or feel a positive change
in your skin, try something else.
Be loyal. Stay true to products that deliver results.
Take it back. Reputable companies should stand by their claims,
so return what doesn't work and try another product.
Be realistic. If a product sounds too good to be true, it probably
is.
You should be able to find products that can smooth the texture
of your skin, fade those unsightly brown spots and give you a healthy
glow. But don't expect miracles from something that comes in a jar-that
kind of transformation requires plastic surgery.
|
