Exfoliate Right

Hi!!

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend about exfoliating. This all started because we were watching a basketball game and I mentioned to her how it literally hurts me to see the players wipe the sweat off their faces with a TOWEL!!! (told you it was painful) She then tells me that she doesn't understand why if it's good for their skin because it is helping them remove dead skin cells and proceeds to tell me that when she was younger she was taught to exfoliate with a washcloth. Yes it is true, I tell her, you can use a washcloth BUT NOT ON YOUR FACE. First of all the material is very rough for the delicate skin on your face and depending on how much pressure you are using you could be doing more harm than good. After this discussion we decided that it might be a good idea for me to blog about proper exfoliating techniques and maybe help you understand the importance of doing it right. 

Exfoliate: 1. To remove (a layer of bark or skin, for example) in flakes or scales; peel.

There are two types of exfoliation techniques, manual and chemical. Manual exfoliation is when you use a scrub either with your hands or a brush (designed to be used on the face) to remove dead skin cells another example of manual exfoliation is microdermabrasion. Chemical exfoliation is when you apply a chemical to your skin and let it sit for a few minutes without the need to rub or brush the skin. There are different types and grades of chemical exfoliants depending on their concentration level they have to be done by either an esthetician or dermatologist. 

There are different factors to consider when you want to exfoliate. It is recommended to do it at least once a week but no more than 3 times depending on how sensitive your skin is. You also want to make sure that if you use a scrub it is one that is made specifically for the face and that the actual beads that remove dead skin do not have rough edges as this can be very harmful to your skin because it can break skin and capillaries. Lastly I just want to mention that no matter how gentle and exfoliant claims to be you do not want to use it everyday as this can irritate your skin in the long run. 


Thank you for reading and please show your support by subscribing ☺
MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!!


Yenuhen 

Review: Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion SPF 30

Hi Everyone!!

Quite often people ask me for recommendations or my opinion on different products whether it's makeup or skin care and even sometimes hair care. There is a certain catch here because I can definitely recommend something that has worked for me but most of the time when something DOES work for me I stick to it end of story. Now for the sake of the blog ☺and also the fact that I would like to be more 'knowledgeable' when it comes to certain products I am going to using more products and sharing my thoughts and experiences with you guys.

Recently, I ran out of my trusted Repechage Hydra Refine Pore Perfecting Serum and while this is a great moisturizer for my skin type (oily) I did want to try out something new. Unfortunately, my experience with trying out a new moisturizer was not good because I started to break out a couple days after using Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion.

My first impression was good... when I first applied the product (one pump) to my face it seemed to apply easily. The consistency was neither watery nor too thick of a cream, it was just right. I didn't notice any special scent which was good because it indicated being 'fragrance free' but it did not have a bad odor either. Lastly the cream seemed to be absorbed by my skin within minutes and it did not leave behind that greasy feel that some creams can  leave on the skin.

After using it twice daily for a couple days I notice a pimple was surfacing on my cheekbone. At this time I wasn't too alarmed because I do get one every now and then but the next day I noticed more pimples on my face and by now I knew it was something I was doing wrong because this is not like my skin. Still unsure whether it was the moisturizer itself or just really bad timing with my skin I decided to continue using it. Bad idea!!! A few days later and still dealing with the stress on my skin I decided not to use makeup that day because I was letting my skin breathe and relax, I noticed that I had something white towards my temple and paying close attention to this I realized that it was the moisturizer that was not being absorbed by my skin and instead it was just sitting on top of my skin in a very thin layer just obstructing my skin from oxygen.

Needless to say that I stopped using it immediately and for the time being and until my skin goes back to it's normal state I am back to using the Hydra Refine Pore Perfecting Serum. It has now been several days since I stopped using the Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion and my skin is already seeing the difference.

Thanks!! Please make a great day ☺ YENUHEN

*Disclaimer: I purchased this product with my own money. Please keep in mind that what works for me might not work for someone else and vice versa. All I'm doing here is giving you some insight on my experience and just be cautious if you decide to try this product out.

Fool Proof Way To Apply Eyelashes

Hey Everyone!! 

A lot of the times when I wear false lashes there are people that ask me why I wear them if my lashes are already long. And the answer to that is, really who is ever content with the length of their lashes?!? HA!! But the truth of the matter is that lashes don't just add length but volume as well and depending on the falsies you use they can add a dramatic, fun, or even sexy feel to your look. 

Unfortunately, for some people putting falsies on can be tricky just remember that practice makes perfect and with time you will be a pro. If you still find that applying the entire strip of lash a bit difficult there is another way to do it.This method wouldn't be useful for lashes with a lot of detail on them like stones or feathers because you have to cut the strip of lash preferably into three sections.

Here are some pictures to show you how its done:

I'm using Ardell Sexies for this

I will apply one full strip and the other eye  I will cut these into 3 separate pieces, make sure to keep the lashes you cut in order because most types of lashes are shorter on the inner end and longer toward the outer corner

Apply DUO lash glue to the lash straight from the tube, give about 30 seconds for the glue to get tacky and then apply

or you can apply a line of glue to the back of your hand and pick up the lashes with a pair to tweezers and 'dip' into the glue on your hand

again let the glue get tacky before you apply 

this is me without falsies

Voila!!
 My right eye (left on the screen) has the full strip and my left eye (right on screen) has the 3 mini lashes
you can't tell that they were cut to ease application and they still get the job done ☺

*Remember lashes, like anything else, will last you a long time if you handle them properly. 

Have fun trying on your lashes and please subscribe ☺

Thank you very much for reading and make it a great day!!

Yenuhen

Temporary Hair Removal Methods

I think it's safe to say that to most women hair removal is a nuisance plain and simple. Whether we choose to shave, wax or use any other method removing unwanted hair can either be painful, time consuming and in our minds the end result never lasts long enough. Unfortunately, removing unwanted hair is a necessary evil, so I have dedicated this post to help you better understand the pros and cons of the most common methods of temporary hair removal. 

The bottom line is there are two different types of hair removal, epilation and depilation, and each type has different methods. Epilation is the when hair is removed from the follicle giving you longer period of time of being hair free. Depilation is removing the hair at the surface of the skin and because the hair was not removed from the follicle it'll grow out sooner, experiencing a shorter period of time of being hair free. 

DEPILATION

Shaving: Can either be done with an electric shaver, clippers or razors and is often used to remove hair from large areas of the body. Since the hair is not removed from the root, it usually grows back beginning with short stubble within 24-48 hours.

Chemical Depilatories: Usually a painless method that dissolves the hair at the surface of the skin. These chemicals come in different forms most common are cream, paste and powder. Always perform a patch test to determine sensitivity to product, if you develop itching, burning or inflammation you should not use this product. If you decide to use this method make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply soothing lotion after product is removed. Since hair is removed at skin level, regrowth is usually in a couple days. 

EPILATION

Tweezing: May very well be the most common epilation technique but it is usually done on smaller areas such as eyebrows, upper lip, chin or to remove stubborn hairs that survived waxing.

Waxing: Depending on your pain threshold waxing can be somewhat uncomfortable to painful but the result of waxing is being hair free for about 4-6 weeks. Despite common believe it is more common to wax during the winter moths than the summer months because in order to wax, hair needs to be a certain length and for most women it is more convenient to let hair grow out when it's cold because wearing skirts or shorts is not as common in the winter. There are two types of wax, soft and hard, soft being the most common of the two and mainly used on larger areas of the body. It is applied to the skin in a thin layer with a spatula and covered with a strip of material, the material is then lifted off of the skin removing the wax and the hair simultaneously. Hard wax is ideal for smaller areas with thinner more sensitive hair. Hard wax is applied with a spatula in a thick layer and removed from the skin once it's harden. Certain guidelines should be followed before and after waxing . Before waxing avoid exfoliating at least 48 hours before. After waxing it is recommended to stay away from direct sunlight or tanning beds, avoid hot showers, saunas or steam rooms for several hours, do not apply makeup for at least a couple hours, do not exfoliate for the next 48 hours and stay away from fragrant lotions or oils over the waxed areas. 

Threading: This technique utilizes 100% cotton thread that is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin, entwining the hair in the thread and then lifting it from the follicle. The results last approximately 3-8 weeks (same as tweezing) and side effects can be less severe than with other hair removal methods. 

Hope you find this information helpful ☺

Please subscribe and make it a great day!!!

Yenuhen

Fall Makeup Trends...

Safe to say that most of us have a go to look, either because it is something quick and simple or it may just be that you have your favorite eye shadow colors or a certain lipstick and want to use them as often as possible. Well there is nothing wrong with that but there are also trends that come and go as the seasons change. 

This autumn/winter trends are very wearable not really dramatic, the main focus is in one feature only. For example, if you decide to go with a smoky eye then wear your lips nude or if you want the focus to be on your lips then go with a more subtle eye look. The key is choosing the colors you wear wisely. For instance warm earthy tones in eye shadows are in this fall and for those days that you want your lips to be the main attraction then red and oranges are the perfect shade. As far as the rest of the face goes you want your complexion to be clean and healthy. I'm not saying go without foundation or concealer if you need it but definitely keep it to a bare minimum with the coverage. And lets not forget about the cheeks, this season you will see more pinks and peachy colors but remember that you want the focus to be on either the eyes of the lips so your cheeks must be just a subtle blush just as if it were natural. 

A picture is worth a thousand words....hehehe so I have included some pictures to give you a better idea.

Also it's worth mentioning that this is just a trend, you will follow it if you want to or not. But remember to never lose your style this is what's going to make any look your own. 

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoy!!

and remember to make it a GREAT DAY!!

~DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE~

Yenuhen☺

Is it time to clean out your makeup bag?

Cleaning out our makeup bag is not something we often think about...but it is something that has to be done every few months. There are several factors to consider when cleaning out your bag...to name a few,  the formula type, how you have been storing it and whether or not you have had any infections due to the makeup. The best way to store your makeup is in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and always make sure the lids are tightly sealed. 


These are the recommended guidelines, although keep in mind that if you notice the product has changed color, consistency or it has an odd smell you are better of tossing it out.


Mascara - the cosmetic with the shortest life span...you should change your mascara every 3-4 months.


Eye/Lip Liners - Pencils can be kept for a couple of years but you have to be good about maintaining them clean. The best way to do this is to sharpen them before each use if you don't wear too often or at least once a week. Liquid eyeliners should be changed every 9-12 months.


Eyeshadow - Shadows can be kept up to two years as long as you are diligent about keeping your brushes clean. 


Lipsticks - It is safe to keep lipsticks for a couple years but the minute you start noticing a rancid smell (which is very common with these) toss them out even if it hasn't been two years that you've had it. 


Blushes and Powders - Cream blushes should be kept no more than a year and powders can be kept up to two years. 


Foundation and Concealers - These have an average of 18-24 month shelf life.


I know it's not fun throwing out makeup but look at the bright side ☺ YOU GET TO BUY MORE MAKEUP!!!! 


MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!!
YENUHEN ☺

Tips for A Healthy and Radiant Skin

Having beautiful healthy skin shouldn't be considered a luxury. In fact, a lot of the things you can do to help your skin be healthy are not necessarily obtainable at any store. Here are some tips to help you achieve healthy and radiant skin.

• Protect skin from sun: Make sure to wear an SPF of at least 15 on a daily basis even if it is not sunny or it's a cold winter day. The damaging rays of the sun are invisible and will affect your skin on a cloudy day. Remember to reapply sunscreen every couple hours if you are going to be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
• Do not smoke: Smoking can speed up the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. Also contributing factors are the continued exposure to the heat from the burning cigarette and the facial expressions you make when you smoke.
• Drink lots of water: The amount of water that your body needs is different for every person. The best way to know how much water you need to drink on a daily basis is to divide your weight by 2 and whatever that number is that's how many ounces of water your body needs. Also, try to limit you caffeine intake because it helps dehydrate the skin. But if you must have that coffee in the morning or or anything containing caffeine then make sure to compensate that with drinking more water. For every one ounce of caffeine you have to drink two ounces of water. 
• Manage stress: It would be ideal to be stress free but if not possible definitely try to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. If you are having a bad day take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and reflect on the positive events in your life. Try different things to manage your stress and soon you will find out what works for you best.
• Eat healthy: A wholesome diet is essential for healthy skin. It is important to get a balance amount of protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables along with legumes on a daily basis. Even better if you eat organic.
• Follow a skin care regimen: Cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin (face and necki) twice a day and exfoliate once a week. When you remove your makeup at night always cleanse twice, the first is to remove excess makeup and the second you want to make sure your skin is actually clean. It is best to use a professional skin care line versus over the counter brands. MY favorite brand is Repechage, I have used this for a few years and have been very happy with it. It is a seaweed based line therefore if you have allergies to seaweed or seafood it might not be best for you. Always do your research when starting a new brand.
• Get some beauty sleep: Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep if not every night the majority of them. While we sleep, our skin is being renewed and restored. Some of the stress and harmful effects from daily living is being reversed. Due to lack of sleep, we are depriving our skin of the opportunities for cell renewal. This is why it is very important to cleanse, tone and moisturize before going to bed every night.
• Pamper yourself: Though it might not be an option for a lot of us to go to a spa on a regular basis it is okay to treat yourself every now and then. If you get a facial at least once a month it would be great for your skin not to mention that this will also help with your stress levels. I know spas can be pricey but if you shop around you will most definitely find some with reasonable prices. There are also esthetic schools where services are provided by students under the supervision of an instructor and therefore services are more affordable.

Remember this the best 'foundation' for a great makeup application is healthy skin.