How To Use Foundation Primer For A Flawless Finish

You've heard of Spackle. That stuff you use to fill in holes and cracks BEFORE you paint or paper a wall. It smoothes the surface. Period. That's exactly what a makeup primer does. And more.

Primers or foundation primers, as they are called in the beauty biz, are gaining greater popularity these days. And there are a large number of primers on store shelves to choose from. Most are colorless. But there are some that come in bronze shades for a tanned appearance. Some in green to cancel out or minimize redness. And some in lavender to balance out yellow skintones. There are other primers with moisturizers blended in them. Or some with salicylic acid to battle pimples all day long. And even a bunch with soothing anti-oxidants like grapeseed extract and peptide complexes. And so on.

The beauty of a primer is its perfection at filling in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish BEFORE foundation application. Some women like to wear primer alone, and skip the foundation. But most primer fans love to create as smooth a complexion as they can, so that the next layer, that of foundation, glides over easily.

In other words, think of these steps, as building a house. Layer upon layer. Only in this case, you end up with an almost 'air-brushed' face. The primer allows your makeup staying power. Oily faces are supposed to stay fresher longer. And if your primer doesn't contain 'built-in' dewy softeners for dry skin, then apply moisturizer before you prime.

Here are 3 foundation primers well-respected in the world of makeup:

Laura Geller Spackle Primer ($21.50, http://www.sephora.com/ and fine dept. stores) 100% oil-free. Comes in an 'airless' pump, so you get every last drop. Perfects your skin's texture. Contains soothing botanicals.

Smashbox PhotoFinish Foundation Primer-colorless ($36, http://www.sephora.com/ and fine dept. stores). Contains Vitamin C and peptides to help even skintone and encourage collagen production.

Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer ($28, http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/). Helps skin retain its natural moisture with sweet almond, algae extract, and soothing raspberry and chamomile.

Foundation primers seem to cost more than regular foundation makeup. At least starting in the $20 range. Think of a primer as a good beauty investment. And in case you're wondering about a separate primer for eyes, yeah, they've got that, too. It really makes eyeshadows and liners 'stay put,' and helps minimize crepey skin, which is common in wrinkles around the eyes.

Beauty Insiders Give Their Best Makeup And Hair Tips

We all love beauty tips. And when a bunch of celebrity hair and makeup insiders give us mere mortals some of their best secrets, then we want to share them with all our friends.

Our source is the new fall 2008 issue of In Style/ Makeover. This super guide gives every gal the beauty tools to transform herself into a stunning new woman. From layered celebrity hairstyles to making over your makeup bag to an interview with healthy beauty Brooke Shields, there are amazing tips that you can call your own.

And the hair and makeup pros each give some unique and useful advice:

Concealer. Makeup artist Carmindy tells women to put on the foundation BEFORE putting on the concealer. " If you put it on first and then you blend on the foundation, you're essentially erasing all your handiwork. If you layer concealer on top, it's staying where it needs to stay, and doing its job."

Flyaway Hair. Hair stylist Clyde Haygood goes to the laundry room for this trade secret. Dryer sheets. Carry them in your purse. "If frizzies threaten to ruin your look, run a sheet over your hair to subdue flyaway strands. When you need to take a model's photo fast, this trick really does work."

Pimples. We all get blemishes and we all hate how these skin eruptions ruin our lives, but esthetician to the stars, Sonya Dakar, has a natural remedy. "Mix together one packet of dry yeast with the juice of half a lemon and spread over a blemish for 5 minutes. This works wonderfully to dry it out."

Liquid Liner. Applying liquid eyeliner perfectly is extremely difficult to do. Makeup artist and Avon Global Creative Color Director, Jillian Dempsey, has a neat trick that allows you to cheat.

"To make liquid liner less intimidating to use, create a liner 'stencil' by going over the lash line with taupe pencil first. Then apply liquid liner over that."

Good Skin. Facialist Nerida Joy knows how to achieve glowing, healthy skin. Exfoliation is the key, she says. "By cleansing your face every night with a fresh washcloth---which is more sanitary than re-using a sponge--and using enzyme-based masks on a regular basis, the outer layer of dead cells is eliminated, leaving the newest, softest skin."

Better Brows. Neat and polished eyebrows bring attention to your eyes, so don't neglect your brows. Makeup artist Mally Roncal has this beauty tip using tinted gloss. "To give brows color, shine, and great hold, take a little bit of MAC Oh Baby lipgloss and comb it through the eyebrows. A word of warning: Make sure you're wearing your hair pulled back!"

In Style's special makeover issue for fall 2008, is on newsstands now. For more information, visit: http://www.instyle.com/.

Does Beauty Really Follow The Math Ratio of Phi?

What do mathematics have to do with a beautiful face? Isn't a face either instantly very attractive or it isn't?

Apparently, some experts believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but that beauty is based on key factors like the Phi ratio, or the golden ratio of 1.618:1, which ultimately equals balance and harmony. This golden ratio is found everywhere on the planet----in flowers, music, architecture, birds, etc.

And although, we as individuals, all have different races, nationalities, ages, sexes, and features, according to the MBA or Marquardt Beauty Analysis, a beautiful face will still conform to this one Phi ratio.

Huh?

Dr. Stephen R. Marquardt, a maxillo-facial surgeon from California, has been studying human attractiveness for years. And he developed a beauty mask overlay. The mask, seen above in the photo, uses the pentagon and decagon as its foundation, which embody the Phi ratio in all its dimensions. In other words, beautiful faces will conform most to the measurements in the Marquardt mask.

For all you math genuises out there, there are golden sections that lead to the golden ratio in the composition of our facial features. The golden ratio is thought by many to represent a ratio of natural beauty.

Then what is a golden section? Christian at http://www.thetanooki.com/, had a better explanation than we can give you:

"Well, it’s the point determined by the Golden Ratio, approximately 0.618. When you mark a line at this point, the shorter segment has the same relationship to the larger segment that the larger segment has to the whole line.
Another way to look at it is through the Fibonacci series of numbers. It’s the series of numbers where you add the two previous numbers to get the next one. The ratio between one number to the next just happens to be the so-called Golden Ratio. "

Some plastic surgeons and orthodontists use this mask's dimensions, to help their patients through surgery, become more attractive people. The closer your facial features fit the mask, the more attractive you are, according to the MBA. And yes, your smile and mouth are part of this theory.

On the other hand, there are plastic surgeons and orthodontists who are against using the Phi ratio when performing surgery on patients. Many believe surgery is designed to make an individual look better, but not fit an universal mold, or one mathematical proportion.

Still, it is fascinating to think, that beauty, no matter how individual, still conforms to a universal theory of proportion.

Check out Dr. Marquardt's educational and wonderful website: http://www.beautyanalysis.com/. You can even download a copy of the mask, and slip your own photo underneath it, to see how your own facial measurements conform.

6 Junk Foods That Help Your Diet Weight Loss

What if we told you, there were six deliciously, bad junk foods that are actually good for you. Six snacks that you CAN add to your diet to help you lose weight. Not buying it? Well, sit back, because you can eat a few snacks and not ruin your diet. Don't worry, these foods won't add more 'junk to the trunk.'

We adore beauty tips that involve a healthy diet. We're all fighting the battle of the bulge, at least once in a while. So we were excited to learn about these tips today on Fox TV's The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet.

Their food expert was Keri Gans and she gave out the list of 6 junk foods that are good for your body. And Keri has the background to make these claims. According to her own website, Keri Gans is a Registered Dietitian in private practice in Manhattan. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Ohio University, and is an ACE certified personal trainer. http://www.kerigansnutrition.com/.

The wonderful, bad thing about junk foods, are their naughty and great taste, texture, crunch, saltiness, or sweetness, and chewiness. Usually junk food is so high in fat and sodium, with too many carbohydrates. But Keri says these 6 junk foods offer you more than some good cheating during the day:

Chocolate Milk. You loved it as a kid, and here's another reason to pick up a glass again. Chocolate milk only has about 160 Calories per serving. And 30% of your calcium daily requirement can be found in a glass of chocolate milk. A nice, filling drink.

Some Cookies. Fig Newtons, Bicotti, and Animal Crackers. These three are low in sugar, and excellent to snack on. Lots of texture and lots of crunch. Just don't go overboard and eat tons of them.

Pizza. A slice of regular tomato and cheese pizza is only about 300 Calories. Nutritious, as long as you don't start adding extras like sausage, etc. Keri suggests you also blot your pizza with a napkin, to absorb the overload of sauce and oil.

Pork Rinds. Very crunchy junk food. People love 'em. And guess what? They are full of protein. The fat that's in pork rinds, is the same fat found in healthy olive oil. So crunch on!

Potatoes. Yes, potatoes are good for you. No, not french fries. Try a baked potato. You can even add a Tablespoon or two of sour cream on it. Potatoes are full of Potassium and Vitamin C. Great things for your diet.

Beef Jerky. A super low calorie snack. Nice and chewy and keeps your mouth busy, too. One stick contains about 6 grams of protein. And many of these jerkys are now made organically.

Let's face it. These are 6 super junk foods that not only taste yummy, but also provide a bit of nutrition during the day. Remember---everything in moderation. Now pass us the biscotti and chocolate milk.

You Can Fake Sun-Kissed Skin

Wanna get your glow on? You can shimmer and bronze this summer without lying in the scorching sun. You can fake sun-kissed skin. All you need are a few beauty items from the local drugstore.

1. Clarins Tinted Self-Tanning Face Cream ($29, strawberrynet.com) With an SPF15, this tinted tanning cream works beautifully in creating a smooth, even base of color. No streaks! Good for your skin, and protects complexion from the aging rays of the sun. Was named in 2005, as one of In Style magazine's best beauty buys. Still a popular item among women who want a great self-tanning face cream.

2. Pop Beauty Lid Bronzer Eye Shadow Palette ($22, beauty.com). Six shimmery summer shadows. So pretty for highlighting your eyes. Wear just one, or mix several together. With delicious shade like these, you can't go wrong---Toffee bronze. Metallic peach. Milky beige glow. Rose Nude glimmer. True bronze. Nude gimmer.
3. Wet 'n' Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss in Cherry Glaze ($1.99, CVS + Walgreens). This gloss makes your lips so shiny. A soft cherry wash to brighten your smile and show off your sun-kissed skin. Never sticky. And check out how cheap this gloss is!!

Neutrogena Sheer BodyTint Instant Temporary Tan, Med./Dark ($10.69, 4 oz. can, CVS + Walgreens). This self-tanner features a light mousse. So simple to spread from head to toes. For all skin tones. Delivers a nice caramel shade of tan. And easy to remove---just plain old soap and water. Get a healthy glow without the worry of being burned and prematurely aged.

There. Only four beauty items. Now your dull complexion and pale body can become brighter during these balmy summer days. You can shimmer, bronze, and self-tan. You can fake sun-kissed skin.

Anti-Cellulite Hosiery And Anushka's Secret Tea

Summertime. Your bare legs see a lot of action. And maybe you look down at your legs and search for cellulite, the dreaded 'c' word.

If you have cellulite, you are not alone. Most women have some. And yes, skinny women get it, and even supermodels. And you know when you have it, too. It's been called cottage cheese fat or lumpy orange peel skin or dimpled skin, etc.

So, what can we do about this skin condition?

Here's the bad news---there is absolutely NO way to get rid of cellulite permanently. The good news---we CAN reduce its appearance and STOP further advancement of this dimpled fat.

And one way to fight this dimpled skin is with caffeine. Too bad, we couldn't just drink 7 cups of coffee, or down 7 cans of Coke and have this dreaded dimpleness disappear. But it doesn't work that way. Many cellulite creams now come with caffeine blended in as an active ingredient.

Dr. Ava Shamban, called 'dermatologist to the stars,' explained it this way to CBS' The Early Show.

"The theory behind caffeine is that it actually can reduce fat. It can enhance fat metabolism and also reduce some of the edema, or swelling that we get around the fat, so the skin appears smoother."

In other words, the caffeine goes to work by plumping up the skin, creating a smoother texture when massaged on cellulite prone areas. It produces a slimming effect, by tightening blood vessels.

And now, how about this? Anti-Cellulite Hosiery by Newport News ($15, pr. http://www.newport-news.com/). The popular women's clothing catalogue has just put out its fall fashions, along with nylon stockings/pantyhose that promise to tone and firm thighs.

The hosiery is caffeine-infused. That means the stimulating power of caffeine massages your legs all day and helps provide a slimming support. The stockings are made of nylon with a high-count spandex to shape your rear. And caffeine micro-capsules help firm your legs.

Hey, it's worth a shot. And the Newport News hosiery offers your 5 pairs to choose from:

Opaque Tights ( black or grey}
Sheer Pantyhose (nude or black)

Sheer Footless Pantyhose (sheer or black)

Ribbed Opaque Tights (dark grey or black)

Floral Pattern Tights (dark grey, black, or royal purple)

Anushka, a world-renown cellulite pioneer for some 30 years now, has a secret tea that promotes beautiful skin and helps lessen the appearance of cellulite. (Dimpled fat can appear on thighs, buttocks, tummy, even arms).

"Raspberry tea. It's wonderful for women in general," Anushka says. "In addition to acting as a diuretic which helps reduce bloating (leading to a slimmer silhouette), it also helps alleviate menstrual discomfort and cramps, reduces heavy bleeding, promotes healthy skin, bones, and teeth. And when combined with peppermint tea, can help with morning sickness."

How To Get Big Eyes Using An Eyelash Curler

If you're going to wear mascara, then you need to have an eyelash curler in your daily beauty routine. The two go hand in hand. Unless, of course, you were born with curly lashes, then forget our advice.

What does an eyelash curler do? Any professional makeup artist will tell you, that curling your lashes opens up the eyes. Your eyes will look bigger. Stubborn lashes will look more even. And short, wimpy lashes will take on thickness and appear longer.

There are many eyelash curlers out there. Plastic, metal, mini curlers, heated curlers, etc. You might have to buy several before you hit the perfect eyelash curler. Plastic ones break much quicker and easier than the metal pairs, with their scissor-like motion. Heated curlers cost more.

And if you've never used an eyelash curler, don't be afraid. It's not hard. This beauty tool is an odd-looking item, but it does great things for your lashes and really widens your eyes. In fact, if you hate wearing mascara, and absolutely refuse to, at least curl your lashes. You will see the difference. You will even look more awake.

What you want to do, is position the eyelash curler around your eyelashes. The upper lashes must be between the edges of the curler.

Then, carefully squeeze the edges of the eyelash curler together and hold for about 10 seconds.

Now gently release the curler from the lashes. Repeat again if you want extra curly lashes, or if you have stubborn straight lashes. Always make sure that the curler is fully open before removing it.

Then apply a few coats of mascara.

Here are 3 Eyelash Curlers highly respected in the beauty world:

Shu Uemura ($19.00, Sephora stores). A big favorite among pros and women everywhere. Delivers the perfect curl. Metal curler.

Kevin Aucoin ($20.00, online stores). The late and great makeup artist designed this curler that gets the eyelid at all the right angles. Metal curler with red rounded pad.

Lashpro ($19.00, online stores). Curls lashes in a natural way. Very gentle curler. Designed for smaller eyes, too. Easy to manuever. (see above photo of models with Lashpro curlers).

Kevin Aucoin's experts gave this special beauty secret for curling bottom eyelashes:
"Turn (curler) upside down and curl bottom lashes downward. Trick of old movie stars from the 30's and 40's."

Hmmm. Looks like that requires very nimble fingers and accuracy. Please do not try at home, unless you are really familiar with an eyelash curler. We wouldn't want you injuring yourself for the sake of beauty...ha ha.