Mascara and Lashes

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This week 275 we are sharing lots of tips, history, and facts about mascara. In my personal makeup, I can go without many steps but definitely not without mascara. The eyes are such an important part of our expressions and they reflect not only the state of our moods and health but at the same time our deepest inner being. There is a saying that the eyes are the windows to our soul. With that said we will take you into the mascara world, we are sharing the use of it and how mascara came about. It is quite fascinating for us to know the history of products and how they came about it makes the products a collaborative effort just to acknowledge the effort that went into it. Aside from knowing what we are placing on our bodies, thank you for your time and attention.

 

No eye makeup is complete without the frame that lashes curled and defined can give to the final look.  For a semi-permanent solution ideal for vacation consider having your lashes color tinted, but for every day there are mascaras to color, thicken, volumize, lengthen, curl and condition.  Waterproof formulas withstand rain, tears, and swimming they can be a very helpful for wearers of contact lenses.  Clear mascara gives a dewy look to natural lashes and can also be used to hold brows in shape and tame the stubborn hairs.

 

 

 

History of Mascara

 

Mascara started thousands of years ago, early examples of those attempts can be found in the archaeological research at several ancient civilizations digs such as Mesopotamia and Assyria, where dust of ground precious stones were used to decorate women’s lips and eyes, but the true revolution of mascara for eye-related cosmetic products was found to came from Ancient Egypt.

Egyptian society slowly built fashion that integrated not only with their medicine but at the same time with their religion and deep beliefs. Egyptians viewed fashion as a way to honor their beliefs, and a majority of the population used Facial and body painting on a regular basis. Eyelash and eyelid products that appeared at that time speak of a substance called kohl it was one of the most widely used cosmetic products in both ancient and to this day in the Middle East culture, it was made from charcoal or soot, honey, water and strangely enough, from crocodile stool, wow who would have thought!!

 

Kohl and ground up minerals 

 

Ancient Egypt Eye Makeup Applicators

 

They used this tools it to darken eyes, eyelashes, and eyebrows, protect their eyes from harmful dust and microorganisms that were blown by the wind, (we tend to forget that eyelashes are for protection of our eyes that is their main role) and of course, this substance and accompanying applying ritual was a part of their religion (most often it represented preservation of wearer soul against harmful evil spirits) and still that is a reason to wear eye make up in certain ways in many cultures.

 

Eye Makeup as a protection in Egypt

 

 

In Ancient Egypt, men used to style their lashes just as often as women. They used kohl and ointments to darken the lashes, which also served as protection for their eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, dust, wind, and natural elements. Women also used malachite on their lashes as they believed it worked as an aphrodisiac Hmmm that’s a thought!maybe we should give it a try!

After the fall of Rome, Europe fell into dark times, in this era when cosmetics were viewed as vanity items of rich and powerful people. The changed during the reign of English Queen Victoria (1837 – 1901, fashion style continued to live until 1912) cosmetic products and elaborate clothing became a major part of woman life of mid-class and high social classes. Elaborate beauty routines, the assortment of complex fashion styles, and public promotion of cosmetic pushed women to spend many hours a day applying and maintaining makeup on their faces. Mascara represented a very important part of every woman cosmetic collection, and the illusion of dark and long eyelashes became their obsession.

Victorian women are really into their makeup, and with painters from the Pre-Rapahelite Brotherhood celebrating lovelies with extremely long lashes, mascara formulations once again abound. Recipes include everything from a blend of ashes and elderberries to lampblack, which is the sticky soot from oil lamps (very toxic).

It was in 1913 when French chemist and perfumer Eugène Rimmel produced the first industrial made non-toxic mascara. This product was far from perfect, messy and inconsistent, never the less it managed to become massively popular across Europe, South America, and other continents, where several countries still call mascara products as “Rimmel” and in Chile where I am from we still do. Worldwide acceptance of mascara came from the mind of T. L. Williams who devised very similar packaging and formula as Rimmel, but he managed to market it better and eventually form his company “Maybelline” which is even today well known  for their mascara he created the first modern day mascara by mixing coal dust and petroleum jelly. Ouch!!!! Toxic right?

Modern mascara gained large popularity only after much promotion and marketing by Helena Rubinstein (1870 – 1965). Her influence and constant promotions by various movie actresses of 1930s, 40s, and 50s made mascara socially acceptable in any situation and an important part of almost every fashion style makeup all over the world.

Eyelashes are as a natural rule about one-third as long as the eye is wide and this is the ideal length for diverting airflow to keep eyes from drying and protect them from the elements, our main takeaway is that they’re just as consequential to our eyes health as they are important for our vanity.

 

The first nontoxic Rimmel Mascara

Maybelline Cream Mascara 

Maybelline Cake Mascara

 

Different Mascara Wands

 

 

TIP:  I only use waterproof mascara in a special situation I don’t regularly do, because it tends to dry the lashes, it coats them and doesn’t let them breath, aside it is hard to remove and promotes rubbing the delicate skin of the eyes and under the eyes, and irritates the skin by  that, is best to give a place for that kind of mascara when is an absolute must.

 

Color:  Black mascara defines the eyes like nothing else and works with almost any look, but electric blues and deep purples can also be stunning, so don’t be afraid to experiment.  Dark brown mascara is generally softer and more flattering for mature faces, keep in mind that a reddish mascara can make you look tired and the eyes look irritated like you have an allergy or have been crying.

 

Application:  Whatever formula you choose, here is a foolproof guide to applying mascara:

 

1. Make sure the mascara wand is not overloaded so that the product is less likely to come into contact with the skin and you get a stain if you have concerns due to hooded lids is wonderful shields in the market to prevent mascara to stain the skin.  Look down and stroke the wand over the top of the upper lashes from roots to tips you can hold the lid gently upward that helps you reach the roots without getting it on the lid.  Move along from one corner of the eye to the other until every lash is coated I usually move my eyeball to the opposite corner so I can get in closer also is a large assortment of brushes that can aid you with the process always be conscious of not harming your eyes I have seen and experienced my self, eye injuries from misuse of the mascara wand.

2. With the eyes wide open, stroke the wand up the upper lashes from underneath, starting at the roots and sweeping up to the tips.  Move along as before from one corner to the other until every lash is coated.  Repeat, but this time move the wand up the lashes in a zigzag motion to coat the sides of each lash.

3. To add more volume to the roots of the upper lashes, hold the wand vertically and push it directly up into the roots, working your way along from corner to corner I prefer the outer longer lashes with a thicker amount of mascara due to the fact that if  I place thick amount in the inner corners I give my self a crosseyed look.

4. To coat the lower lashes, hold the wand vertically and sweep it from side to side over the lashes, being careful not to let the wand touch your skin, it helps to open your mouth and pull your lower jaw down that way you stretch the skin naturally without pulling it too hard.

 

TIP:  I like to use an eyeliner brush to coat the roots, that way I prevent my self from touching the skin and at the same time I clean any eyeshadow that got in the lashes which will show the mascara as fake and not so natural.

 

TIP: You can purchase or make your own Mascara shield with rice paper and stick it to the skin with your foundation or a little bit of moisturizer so it doesn’t move, it will help you prevent getting it on the skin.

 

TIP:  I personally don’t use mascara on the lower lashes on every person, only on certain eye shapes, it can create the effect of a droopy eye everyone is different use your discretion.

 

DO Wipe the brush clean before you first apply a brand new mascara you can do this on the edge of the tube when you are pulling the brush out make sure you don’t get it at the outer rim or it can prevent your top from closing properly and it will cause your mascara to dry. That way you get a feel for the brush and how much to load up for maximum effect minimum flick back, that way is no clumps that can transfer to your skin. Clumpy lashes are the result of applying too much product or having moisturizer or any oil on your lashes or that your mascara needs to retire because or reach the end.

Using a light touch and an eyelash comb or brush used before mascara has dried will help fluff the lashes and remove excess product, you can use a mascara spun to do the trick.

DON’T Rely on one mascara to do it all! Consider mascara wardrobing like you do with your clothes – using more than one mascara – you create your desired look to suit your lash needs and overall look. For instance, if you have short, sparse lashes and crave length and volume begin with a lengthening formula and slim brush design to extend lashes followed by a curved or bigger brush combined with a thickening formula to add volume to upper lashes just customize it to your needs.

DO  I like to moisten lashes with a clean, wet brush or Qtip prior to applying mascara. I learned that by doing this it allows the mascara to go on more smoothly and evenly. Remember to apply the product starting at the lash base and working outward to the ends of the lashes.

DON’T Pump  Don’t pump the wand in and out of the tube. This action does not coat the wand with more mascara any better and only causes the mascara to dry out faster by introducing air into the container and most likely messing up the brush and coating the entrance of the tube with product, which will prevent closing the tube airtight.

DO  You can Layer it, usually people apply just one or two coats of mascara to lashes; however, in many cases, you may actually need three or four layers to get the desired look again that depends on your judgment. In the case of short, thin lashes, try mixing mascaras. You can first start by applying a layer of mascara that is made to lengthen lashes. Then add a layer of mascara made for thickening the lash. Try what works for you. It is good to do a bit of research and collect pictures of looks you like and then practice.

 

Don’t, the answer is a big NO  Add any other products to your mascara in the tub. Somebody once asked me if adding water or moisturizer to extend and thin out the mascara was okay the answers a big NO!!! it will ruin the product and it may not be safe for the eyes.

 

Duration of a mascara to be safe  Is best to discard the  mascara after 2 or at most 3 months perhaps sooner and this depends on how much usage the mascara is put through, I personally keep it to one month be the judge if you notice that the mascara is losing its shine that means is getting dry and it would not give you the results that you spect and it has turned. Our lashes are designed to catch bacteria, dirt, and anything that pose a danger to your eyes so usually, the mascara brush brings a few of those invaders into the tube of mascara. The environment inside the tube it is wet and dark Hmmm! great grounds for bacteria and other invaders to proliferate and we talking your eyes here. Using a new mascara is a lot cheaper than an eye infection not to mention the risk and pain and the danger of having permanent damage to your eyes.

For safety and hygiene purposes, NEVER test mascaras at the cosmetics counter even with the throwaway mascara wands, you don’t know if people introduce the wand a few times when trying the product before you I personally had a very bad experience by doing this.

For more tips, this is a great site

http://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/eyes/_/makeup-tips-tricks-mascara#dos 

 

 Mascara Shields

 

 

DO  Hold your brush like a pro and go vertical as well as horizontal strokes. when you use the tapered end of the brush it allows you to push lashes up for a wide-eyed look now days is so much selection of brushes that are specially designed for this purpose.

DON’T  Is best not to load up to much mascara to lash tips as that makes them heavy and result in the dreaded droopy look Place your focus on the roots and pulling the wand through to tips.

 

 

Recipes to make your own Vegan mascara:

 

Vegan homemade mascara

1tsp Candelilla Wax

1.5 tsp Jojoba Oil or Argan Oil

1 tsp Black Iron Oxide

1/4 tsp Zinc Oxide

This will make 5 to 6 pots

Here please make sure that all the utensils that are used to make the mascara are sanitized and the same with the container that you will use to keep the final product is no worth a risk to hurt your eyes otherwise.

How to make it:

 

Begin by mixing the black iron oxide and zinc oxide until well blended.

Place a small glass or metal bowl over a pot with water over low heat on the stove, add the wax to it and the oil and let it sit until completely melted do not boil the mixture when it starts to melt mix well.

Add the mixture to your sanitized pots and press down with a piece of cloth like gauze or cheesecloth, you can press it with the back of a spoon. Let the mixture set and dry before using.

A great way to transfer your finished mixture to the pot is to use a large syringe or a small pastry bag,  you can also make a cone by cutting the end of a strong plastic bag, it is a bit messy this way.

Cake mascara is well applied with a spoolie brush or a brow brush.

If for some reason your mixture is runny, add a bit more Iron Oxide until desired consistency, I always like to add more color for certain recipes so you get a fuller and luscious look.

 

Creamy Mascara Recipe

 

Ingredients 

1/2 tsp Carnauba Wax

1/2 tsp Candelilla Wav

1/4 tsp Cocoa Butter

1  tsp  Jojoba oil

2 drops of preservative Sodium Benzoate or Potassium Sorbate

1 1/2 tsp pigment color use 2 tsp for pigment with Mica

This mixture makes 6 tubes or more

 

Colors 

 

Black  use 1 1/2 tsp black Iron Oxide

Brown use 1 1/2 tsp brown Iron Oxide

Black Brown use 1 1/2 tsp black Iron Oxide and 1 tsp brown Iron Oxide

Blue use 1/2 tsp black Iron Oxide and 1 1/2 tsp deep blue mica, you can apply different color micas for desired look.

 

How to make it:

Mix your color pigments together using a coffee grinder or a mortar ( like you are making guacamole) or a Ziploc bag.

Place a glass bowl over a pot of water on a low heat on your stove.

Add the waxes, butter, and oil to the bowl and let it sit until melted, do not boil and mix well.

Add the pigments slowly so you don’t create lumps, mix well until is a smooth paste, little whisk works really well.

Add your preservative and mix well

A safe preservative to use that are safe for eyes

is Potassium Sorbate

According to  https://blog.honest.com/what-is-potassium-sorbate/#

 

Ingredient: Potassium Sorbate

 

What it is: Potassium sorbate is a salt of a sorbic acid which is naturally found in some fruits (like the berries of mountain ash).  The commercial ingredient is synthetically produced creating what is termed a “nature identical” chemical (chemically equivalent to the molecule found in nature).

What it does: Fights bacteria. Most personal care products are made with a lot of water and a variety of nutrients which makes an incredibly hospitable breeding ground for microorganisms. What’s worse – the product might smell and look just fine, but be swarming with bacteria or fungi  Effective preservatives are vital for ensuring safety!

Transfer the mixture to the mascara tubes.

 

Vegan Eyelash Conditioner Recipes

 

from: http://www.fashionwithaconscience.org/2012/11/16/how-to-grow-long-eyelashes-naturally/
Most of us crave full and natural lashes. Though we can’t change the lashes we have from the inside, we can use topical treatments to help them grow healthier and longer. There are a number of different eyelash serums and growth conditioners you can purchase from the store or have prescribed from your dermatologist. They have their benefits and risks so be sure to do your research or talk with your dermatologist to see which product would suit you best. There are a number of different natural remedies to create your own homemade eyelash conditioners. Results will not come overnight but over a period of weeks–possibly months–so be prepared for a slow process. Take a break from mascara and curling your lashes once in a while to give them a break from all the lash stress. Give these natural eyelash conditioners recipes a try to achieve longer, thicker, and fuller lashes!

 

Coconut Oil Eyelash Conditioner

Ingredients:
– Coconut Oil
– Extra Virgin Olive Oil
– Vitamin E Oil or capsules
– Small clean container
– Disposable mascara wands or cotton swabs

Pour equal parts of each oil into a small container. Note that coconut oil is solid at room temperature but melts when warmed or mixed with other oils. Dip your mascara wand or cotton swab into the mixture, remove the excess and apply it to the root of your lashes twice a day. Make sure to use the conditioner on clean lashes.
Avoid using your fingers to apply the conditioner to your lashes because they can transfer bacteria into the mixture and also absorb the oils. Mascara wands and cotton swabs are precise and ensure that every one of your lashes benefits from the goodness of your homemade eyelash conditioners.
Try one of these recipes and let me know how you are liking them. Also, if you have your own recipes please share them with us so we can all grow beautiful, long, voluminous lashes.

 

Vitamin E Eyelash Conditioner

from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vmyvn/diy-lash-conditioner

 

Ingredients:
1 Vitamin E oil or capsules
2 Small container or plate
3 Cotton Swabs
You can use vitamin E capsules or vials of oil to use as an eyelash conditioner. Squeeze or add a few drops of vitamin E oil into your clean container or plate, making sure not to touch the oil with your fingertips. Dab the cotton swab in the oil and sweep the swab across clean eyelashes from root to tip on both sides of lashes, twice a day (typically in the morning before makeup application and before you go to bed).

 

 

Longer Lash Conditioning Serum

from: http://hellonatural.co/eyelash-conditioning-serum

 

Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons castor oil
• 2 tablespoons 100 percent aloe vera gel
• Jar with a lid
• Q-tips or clean mascara wand

Instructions
1 Combine castor oil and aloe vera in a small container with a lid.
2 Shake to combine before each use.
3 Apply nightly to lashes with Q-tip or mascara wand.
4 Do not rinse.

 

For more information watch the videos below:

 

https://youtu.be/xJ0Ig6qx-JU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara

CLE DE PEAU  The Mascara

Youngblood Outrageous Lashes Mineral Lengthening Mascara

Youngblood Outrageous Lashes Mineral Lengthening Mascara nourishes and volumes the lashes while increasing length and definition to get you noticeably gorgeous lashes. The long-wearing, non-flaky, smudge-proof formula is everything you want in a mascara.

 

 

 

 

 

The difference between Nontouring, Strobing, and Contouring

 

 

 

WOW!  the support this past week has been tremendous. We are so thankful for your help, it means so much to us, it is what keeps us going. The fact that you engage with our writings gives us such  valuable feedback is of tremendous  value to us. On week 269, this post is about the difference between highlighting  shading, strobing and now the new trend of “Nontouring”, a whole new way of accomplishing the highlight and shading in a more “NATURAL” way, to me if you are wearing make up right, there is a little bit or a lot, you are already out of the true term natural, so here we may say light and very well blended make up techniques,won’t you agree? Here we are sharing a few different perceptions and techniques and different videos from contributors that are very gifted. Enjoy and share with others and don’t forget to click like.

We wish this post finds you heathy, happy and in ideal abundance from all of us at isabelsbeautyblog.com

 

Nontouring

 

 

By now, non-touring is the next big makeup trend, according to HelloGiggles. And it’s the easiest and most practical one of them all, at least for now.

What is this “non-touring” procedure? Well, it’s basically a super hip way of saying “natural-looking, dewy skin.” Yes, that’s it. It’s all about keeping makeup light (especially the foundation and primer portions) and using a great Luminizer to give your face a radiant glow ( like a wet look). So, fear not! You can still put those strobing products to good use to get your cheekbones sparkling and less you think that you may want to try what is just out in the market “for the only purpose of non-touring” really we can use are common sense also and make the older products work!!.

This makeup trend is coming around just in time for summer to have something new for the cosmetic industry to have the opportunity to launch new products for us to play with, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Because this lightweight approach to makeup is just what your skin needs for a day out in the scorching heat no need for bloating or powdering so we don’t have to be overly conscious about shine.

To get the ideal nontour look, start with a light coat of  primer to create a smooth base. Then, even out your complexion with a tinted moisturizer or a very light concealer, only on the places that need it not all over the face or you will defeat the purpose of the look. The last step is all about strategically placed highlighter. Make sure to hit your face’s natural high points, like along the browbone, on the tops of the cheeks, and the center of the nose, here Jennifer Lopez is wearing avery well done Nontour, to me she is the one with Scott Barnes that started this trend many years ago and I love and have used his amazing products to produce these effects. I usually mix luminizer with either the foundation, moisturizer or the cream blush which I usually apply under the foundation to create the appearance of being under the skin and not the blush sitting on top and obviously blush look.

According to Renee Sanganoo:

 

1. “Start with a primer that’s right for your skin type I prefer the sheer creepy kinds. If you’re oily, don’t use something that’s super matte. Look for one that’s dewy or has a luminous shimmer, make sure you use an astringent on old skin so the coverage once you apply the luminous shimmer goes on evenly and not spotty.

2. Since this is a more natural look, a tinted moisturizer or a BB cream should be used instead of using a heavy, full coverage foundation, I like colored moisturizer. If you have problematic skin or blemishes, use a concealer as a spot treatment, and if it is really severed don’t do this procedure at all do to the fact that it will emphasize the blemishes in a very big way.

3. “The last step is highlighting the now non-touring, which is obviously a big trend right now. There are a lot of different highlighters, so it’s all about choosing what flatters your skin tone. If your skin is lighter, look for one with frosty pink undertones so it doesn’t make your skin look orange. If your skin is warm or darker, pick a golden bronze highlight. Brush  the powder kind or apply with sponger a brush the creamy kind on the highlight on the planes of the face where light would hit naturally-above the cheekbones, under the brow bone, down the bridge of the nose, and on the cupid’s bow.

The difference from contouring to nontouring

If you’re still confused about how non-touring is different than strobing  well, so are we, the only thing. like strobing, non-touring is essentially using highlighter on your face to create more dimension. Lets please keep in mind that when the light hits it everything looks larger and every little blemish shows. But regardless of what name this trend is given, we dig the luminous look.

 

 

Strobing

 

WHAT IS STROBE MAKEUP? Difference between Contouring and Strobing?

According to http://vanitynoapologies.com/how-to-diy-strobing-highlighter-makeup-tutorial-on-indian-skin/

Strobe means a flash, like the flash of a camera or a strobe light in nightclubs. Now imagine standing under a strobe..all the high points of your face shall reflect light or in simpler terms, glow! That’s it! That is what we try to achieve in this technique. So basically strobing is HIGHLIGHTING. Highlighting but without a touch of contouring which is accentuating the hallows of our face with a darker color to make the effect of residing the area (so your cheekbones, brow bones, the center of your forehead, down your nose, cupid bow and on your chin basically anything you wish to protrude);welcome natural looking dewy face. To make it even more easier, refer to the picture below and see the difference between contouring & highlighting and strobing.

While strobing isn’t exactly new to the beauty game it’s certainly one of the buzz words to capture our attention.

If you’re not into following trends or aren’t into a sculpted, highlighting and shading, completely contoured full face of make-up, take note because maybe strobing is for you is what you want to try.

So, let’s begin with the basics. While contouring is about creating a defined look by shading and highlighting the face strobing places a much heavier focus on highlighting and politely suggests getting rid of  shading all together.

Think of strobing as basic highlighting’s older sister or best friend– there’s a lot more impact and if you’re one who prefers a dewy, fresh-faced look then this technique is perfect to add to your repertoire and to have lots of fun with now that summer is almost here, great time to practice.

When Strobing you can use cream or liquid products an finally grounded powders and thanks to the beauty industry – who are always ready to fill a beauty gap – specialised strobing products do exist but using your regular highlighter will work just the same, play practice makes perfect always aim for a natural look.

So how do we actually conquer strobing? Always start off with prepped and primed skin make sure you use light moisturizing products, so ensure that you’ve moisturised before applying any product let it sit a bit and blot excess so you have the shimmer look in the designated places. One of the most important things to remember when it comes to strobing is that your product of choice shouldn’t have any physical large visible chunks of glitter in it that will obviously scream bad job or cabaret look; the product should bring more of a sheen than a disco ball to your face – plus visible glitter will only accentuate problem skin or pores little lines and all the details that we girls are not so friends with.

After you’ve applied your base ( moisturizer, primer and foundation highlight the areas of the face, as mentioned earlier, that the light naturally hits. Avoid applying the products to any areas that may be suffering from a break out (we don’t want to highlight blemishes) and then if you’re keen to finish the look off with a hint of bronzer or blush be sure to use a matte product. These will complement your looks without detracting from the glow by adding tonnes more glitter and or shine to the face, since blush goes on cheek bone also I like to mix it  with a tinny bit of the Luminizer so they blend better .

Fair skin tones should look for champagne highlighters or strobing products while light – medium tones can also use pink tones. Olive skin or those with yellow undertones should opt for golden hues products while deep skin tones can use terracotta or bronzed pigments.

 We’re not covering up with tons of matte powders here, instead it’s actually the opposite. Try mixing a luminzer into your moisturizer for a brighter look all over use a concealer on any blemishes that you wish to cover.Yes, it’s really that easy.

What is strobing, you may ask yourself? It’s a fun term for highlighting, basically is using a dewy looking product in the high points of your face and also your body, how about that, J Lo and Scott Barnes have used this technique for years now with great results, lets be cautious not to over do it. Extra highlighting will give you a dewy, shimmery,But because “dewy” can turn into “sweaty” super-quick, here are a few tips to keep you on the right track.

MARIO DeDIVANOVIC shows Strobing on Kim Kardhasian genius work

https://youtu.be/34u4GlAH_Ng

 

Highlight

Is the opposite of contour. Highlighting is the process of enhancing; visually enlarging, drawing attention to a specific area, a feature highlight shade is usually a lighter shade.

 

Contour

Contour is the opposite of Highlight.
Everything that we contour we push away from the eye to make it appear less visible, in other words to minimize or give the illusion that is smaller.
A contour shade is usually a darker shade that give your features more depth and definition by contrasting against the lighter shades used on your Skin.

 

 

1. Prep your face with two shades of base. “Dot on a foundation that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone in the center of your face, and another that’s one shade darker than your complexion around the perimeter,” . Our model Jess used IT Cosmetics Bye-Bye Under Eye Concealer in “Natural Medium” (as the light base) and “Deep” (as the dark).
2. Blend the two shades. “Using a blending brush, blend the two shades on your face to create the subtle illusion of depth and dimension.”
3. Map the contours and highlights of your face. “Mark the areas you want to contour — the hollows under your cheekbones, your temples, along your hairline, jawline, the sides of your nose, the tip of the nose, and the crease of your eyes — with a brow or a concealer pencil,” . Brow gel pencils are really concentrated, yet very smudgeable and it’s easy to control the placement of their dark pigment, making it perfect for contouring. “Next, use an all-over cream highlighter on the tops of your cheekbones, on the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, the center of your chin, and on your cupids bow.” Here is used IT Cosmetics Brow Power Perfector Gel Pencil in “Auburn” and Mac Cosmetics Cream Colour Base in “Luna.”
4. Blend the two for a flawless finish. “Create that sculpted airbrushed effect using a flat top dense brush to buff out the two shades to perfection,” . Here,is used IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush.
Lastly, bump up the contours and highlights with MAC Sculpt and Shape Powders and consider yourself contoured!,here is used “Definitive” to enhance the contoured areas on your face and “Emphasize” to illuminate the highlighted spots.

 

Contouring By Scott Barnes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlighting and contouring according to rookie rookie

Highlighting and contouring are two crafty li’l tricks that you can use to enhance your bone structure and make it look like you’re constantly under the most flattering movie lighting possible. Even if you’re not going to an event, it’s fun to experiment with elements of ~drama~ in your makeup. This tutorial will show you how to use foundation, concealer, and powder to put a spotlight on your natural gorgeousness. Let’s get to it!

What you’ll need:

• Liquid foundation in your normal shade. (I used Revlon ColorStay Foundation in Cappuccino.)
• Liquid concealer or foundation in a slightly lighter color than your skin. (Mine’s L.A. Girl Pro Conceal in Warm Honey.)
• Concealer, foundation, or powder in a slightly darker color than your skin. (I used M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Embark.)
• Setting powder (Mine: M.A.C. Mineralize Skinfinish Natural powder in Dark.)
• Blush (Mine came from a Kleancolor palette like this one.)
• A powder brush such as this kabuki brush from Claire’s.
• Optional: a foundation brush or sponge like this one from e.l.f.
• Optional: a concealer brush like this one from e.l.f.

A note on picking your contour and highlight colors: Don’t choose shades that are drastically lighter or darker than your natural skin tone. If you have fair skin, use a very light shade to highlight and a fair to medium color to contour. If you have darker skin, use a medium-toned highlight and a contour slightly deeper than your skin color. If you have very dark skin and can’t find a deeper shade of foundation to contour with, a dark eye shadow will do the trick!

 

Step 1

After cleaning and moisturizing your skin, apply your foundation all over your face using a foundation brush or your fingers.

 

Step 2

Blend your foundation to about midway down your neck. Since my skin is naturally darker there, this step makes the difference between my face and neck less stark.

 

Step 3

Mix your lighter concealer or foundation with your regular foundation using a brush or your fingers.

 

Step 4

Using a concealer brush or your fingers, apply the lighter makeup mixture to your T-zone (the area right above your eyebrows and the spot between them, if you have one; down the center of your nose; the middle of your upper lip; and the middle of your chin), your under-eye area, and right above your cheekbones.

 

Step 5

Paint a thin line with this highlighting mixture right above your jawline.

step 6

Use a brush, sponge, or your fingers to blend your makeup until there is no visible line of demarcation between the highlighter and your foundation. You want this to look seamless.

 

 

Step 7

The “contour,” or darker makeup, goes on the sides of your nose, right under your cheekbones, and around your hairline (the darkest areas on the diagram above).

 

Step 8

Blend in your contour just like you did your highlight. Easy, right?

Step 9

Apply finishing powder to your whole face to get rid of any excess shine and set your makeup.

 

Step 10

Add blush to your cheeks, moving upward from the apples to your temples. This will add dimension to your face and give you a pretty glow.

Wow! You’re all set. Now go astound the world with your flawless skillz!

 

 

Bronzed Contoured & Highlighted Makeup Tutorial

 

 

Why & How I Contour & Highlight

 

 

How To Cream Highlight & Contour

 

How I Contour My Face With Anastasia Beverly Hills

Contour Kit

 

How To Contour and Highlight

 

HOW TO: CONTOUR AND HIGHLIGHT YOUR FACE!

 

 

 

 

Benefit Cosmetics Watt’S Up! Soft Focus Highlighter for Face

 

GIORGIO ARMANI Fluid Sheer

• This fluid sculpts & fine tunes your complexion
• Ultra light & provides seamless coverage
• Available with a range of versatile shades
• Wear alone as a makeup base
• Can be mixed with foundation to increase radiance & color
• Or used over foundation for highlighting & contouring
• Suitable for all skin types

 

GIORGIO ARMANI Light Master Make Up Primer

• Helps form a mirror-like veil that intensifies cheekbones & arches of face
• Formulated with a Micro-fil pearl that transforms colors when reflecting light
• Optically sculpts facial contours by brightening
• Relieves & comforts dry, tight skin
• Ensures a long-lasting foundation
• Creates a fresh, radiant & evenly-toned complexion

NARS Contour Blush

• This blush provides two contouring shades
• Deeper shade gives a strong definition to sculpt cheeks
• While lighter shade imparts a sheer luster on the high points of the face
• Renders a natural look with 3D effect for the face
• Lightweight & adheres well on skin for long lasting wear

NARS Multiple Bronzer

• Multi-purpose bronzing stick for eyes, cheeks, lips & body
• Imparts a sun-kissed glow & contour for face
• Rich in anti-oxidant that helps strengthen, support & repair skin
• Oil free, cream to powder texture for easy application
• Renders you a healthy, natural complexions

 

 

Microcurrent Science

 

 

 

Hello and welcome to week 266 to Isabel’s Beauty Blog. We are so grateful of your visits, likes, and shares without them we would not be here. We strive to research and gather the best quality posts for you to enjoy, share, and our purpose gets validated. It really feels so good, thank you from all of us.

This post is about microcurrent and I am personally a huge fan of it for years. I even put together a handheld facial machine that is combined with photon light and great results with it. It makes sense we are an electrical body when I discovered it through all my research that I continuously do. I was fascinated. I am a great fan of Rife machines and Tesla equipment. I personally have seen remarkable results with microcurrent. Acupuncturists also use current with needles to reactivate the Chi currents in the meridians. There is a lot of research on the internet that you can access if you are intrigued and wish to learn more. So here we go with ours. Enjoy, share, like, engage and give credit to us,  that is one important point for our ratings. Much gratitude to you and yours.

Back in the early 1900´s, Dr. Albert Abrams, M.D. was the first physician who used equipment capable of detecting specific frequencies of living tissue. Each organ and tissue within our body emit an invisible energy or vibration in the form of specific frequencies. This allows the cells to communicate with each other and to organize, monitor, and regulate complex living processes. When there is a disruption in this vibration of energy as a result of injury, illness, or the normal age process, we begin to see the symptoms of this disruption in the form of chronic health issues and one of those issues is a result of skin atrophy and wrinkled deteriorating skin.

Microcurrent machines utilize unique technologies and specific frequency signatures to reenergize the cells and tissue back to their normal state of vibration. Microcurrent machines communicate with the cells of living tissue and muscle to resonate at a perfect harmonic tone allowing enhancement of the normal body´s biological processes naturally and non-invasively.

according to http://www.drwhitaker.com/what-is-microcurrent-therapy

 

 

Microcurrent therapy simply restores normal frequencies within the cells, resulting in remarkable improvements in pain, inflammation, and function.

At the cellular level, microcurrent therapy stimulates a dramatic increase in ATP, the energy that fuels all biochemical functions in the body. It also bumps up protein synthesis, which is necessary for tissue repair. The ensuing enhancement in blood flow and a decrease in inflammation translates into reductions in pain and muscle spasms, as well as increased range of motion.

Microcurrent (often called MENS) is extremely small pulsating currents of electricity. Microcurrent units produce electrical current just above the levels of the electrical exchanges that occur at a cellular level in the human body. This is why microcurrent is readily accepted by the body’s cells when applied to the body using conductive electrodes.

It is an ongoing process to heal damaged cells, and microcurrent – like the body’s own electrical current – likes to go around the injury, taking the path of least resistance. However, by applying microcurrent to the site of an injury, the microamperes current is able to pick up where the body mist it. Through regular microcurrent treatments, the current is able to gradually close the gap and help restore the damaged area. This helps stimulate healing and will accelerate the body’s healing process, as well as increasing the level of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). It is important to note that each unit has varying specifications and it is necessary to match your device selection with your specific needs in order to improve the treatment outcomes.

According to

http://prettyyoungerskin.com/best-home-microcurrent-machines/

 

 

 

Microcurrent isn’t new.

 

 

Microcurrent isn’t new technology. It’s been used for ages. I mean really, ages…

Electrotherapy – which, by the way, is the use of electrical currents to treat certain medical problems and diseases…

has an ancient history in the medical and other therapy-based professions.

It is said that the Romans used electric eels as a means for bringing about pain relief.

 

 

What is Microcurrent?

 

The Body

Microcurrent is naturally generated in the body to produce the energy required for muscle movement and nerve impulses. It is the body’s own electrical system that provides the voltage for ionic exchanges across the cell membranes allowing for cell functions including the intake of nutrients from the blood, removal of cellular waste and movement of impulses along nerve pathways. The harmonious flow of these tiny electrical signals is also essential for healthy cell function and cell-to-cell communication.

Cells are similar to miniature batteries and electrical generators by this action they conduct electricity, create electrical fields, and are powered by a very low level of electrical voltage known as Microcurrents. The unique bipolar membrane surrounding each cell serves as a medium that separates intracellular and extracellular fluids. In the inside of this membrane are channels that allow for communications in and out of the cell. The opening and closing of these channels are very well regulated in order to influence cell function.

Either single molecules or complexes of molecules within the channels allow for the passage of positively and negatively charged atoms (ions) such as sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium. Membrane potentials the name for the voltage difference in electrical potential across cell membranes.This is the Discovery of ionic channels

This method invented by German Nobel prizewinners, Erwin Neher and Bert Sakmann. These two scientists were able to record how a single channel molecule alters its shape to control the flow of current in and out of the cell, all within a few millionths of a second.

 

 

 

Mitochondria

 

Mitochondria is essential to the growth and function of all cells and accomplish a multitude of metabolic tasks.

There can be as many as 500 to 2000 mitochondria scattered throughout the cytoplasm of a cell. The amount is specific to the location of the cell in the body. Mitochondria are the sites for aerobic respiration and energy production and contain their own DNA. They act as storage units for energy converted from food nutrients. Chemical energy is stored as sugars, amino, and fatty acids and is used for conversion into ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).

Energy is manufactured in the form of ATP through the collaboration actions of proteins located in and on the inner mitochondrion membrane that is called the electron transport chain  Electrons are passed down this transport chain releasing energy at each step of the conversion process (Krebs Cycle).

This complex electrochemical process is known as ATP synthesis.

According to http://microcurrent4people.com/articles/Microcurrent-Therapy.php

 

 

ATP (Adenosine triphosphate): ATP is considered by some biologists as the “currency of life.” It is a reservoir of energy that is integral and dynamic to the function of nearly every cell in the human body.In one instance ATP is used in muscle contraction, protein biosynthesis, and nerve transmission. One of the elements of microcurrent therapy is that research has shown that application of microamperes can increase the level of ATP production by up to 500%. This is crucially important at the site of an injury ATP supplies can often become diminished. Also, unlike other forms of electric therapy, microcurrent has a cumulative effect on ATP levels. Therefore by applying microcurrent ATP levels can be increased and in turn, the body’s healing process accelerates, by repeated use.

New research reveals that the role of the mitochondria in health and disease is crucial. Once defined as an energy factory, mitochondria also have specialized responsibilities that adapt to each phase of our life from embryo to mature age. They are closely involved with most of the major metabolic pathways used by the cell to build, break down, and recycling of its molecular building blocks. It is also these progressive metabolic changes that become so significant when assessing the actual biological age of cells and the state of their health.

 

Microcurrent in Esthetics

Low level of electrical current (500 microamperes) works in harmony with the body’s natural healing processes.  At a cellular level, microcurrent stimulates activity in the cell to create massive amounts (a 500% increase) of adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), known as the “energy of life”.  ATP drives a number of biological processes including muscle contraction, re-education, and protein (collagen and elastin) synthesis.  Facial toning is achieved through muscle re-education, working a muscle from its origin and insertion inward to shorten slackened muscles (such as in the cheeks or forehead), and working from the belly outward to lengthen contracted muscles (such as the muscles that pull the corners of the mouth downward).  Microcurrent also offers specific iontophoresis which allows superior penetration of serums and skin care products into the skin.

New applications for microcurrent technology encompass the beauty industry for face and body sculpting. There are major benefits when applying these external energy sources. The application of microcurrent also supports skin regeneration by encouraging the repair process. Damaged skin requires a program of restoration that is gradual and progressive for long-term optimum wellbeing, with that being said the process is of maintenance. Clearly, all modalities of correction certainly have their place. Prior to choosing a course of treatment including product selection, the first step in skin correction is to determine the level of deterioration caused by sun damage, the aging process, and other skin conditions. Microcurrent gently encourages repair of the stratum corneum, the bi-layers, and dermal components to foster the skin into an ideal state. Cosmetic Microcurrent is beneficial for improvement in the appearance of the skin.

The effects of microcurrent are accumulative and studies have confirmed that there are significant side benefits including muscle re-education. Be aware that the results are also dependent upon lifestyle, age, health, diet the amount of dedication to the use of it and condition of the skin discovered after many years of using Microcurrent and studying the process that the use of Fulvic and Ionic minerals helps with the conduction and communication of the Microcurrent among the cells.   The concept that ATP can be stored is more of a reason for performing a series of sessions whereby there is a re-education process of muscle tissue. Furthermore, the low intensity of microcurrent cannot cause visible muscle contractions or marked discomfort.

 

 

The probe should be placed at the beginning and end of the muscle

 

 

 

 

 

The Technology – Microcurrent

The use of Microcurrent in medicine and cosmetic improvement has been studied for more than 30 years. Stimulation with microcurrents is also called biostimulation or bioelectric therapy because it encourages cell physiology and growth. Essentially, Microcurrent is a low level of electrical current that mirrors the natural current flow of the body. It serves as a non-invasive augmentation of the body’s natural electrophysiology through frequency, polarity balancing, and homeostasis. The effects of microcurrent (electroporation) in clinical medicine has demonstrated acceleration of healing bone tissue, wound healing, muscle rehabilitation, TMJ, tendon repairs, and collagen remodeling.

 

Some of the benefits:

 

•  Promotes cell metabolism and tissue repair
•  Supports circulation – blood and lymph
• Reduces inflammation
•  Helps increase mitochondrial activity through increasing ATP
• Increase natural production of collagen and elastin
•  Support scar repair by dispersing scar tissue and collagen remodeling
•  Increase protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis (GNG) and membrane transport.
•  Re-educate and rejuvenate muscle tissue
• increase the natural production of collagen
• increase elastin
• increase the natural production of collagen
• increase elastin
• increase blood circulation
•  Aged and slackened skin.
•  Improvement of skin texture.
•  Fine lines and wrinkles.
•  Reduction of acne scars.
•  Use pre and post surgery to improve the both muscle and tissue for optimum outcome.
•  Post surgically the application of microcurrent supports the reduction of trauma, irritation, inflammation and helps foster skin healing as well as minimizing scar tissue.
•  Muscle tightening all over the body areas.

 

 

The Research

 

 

Reports in the research involving the application of electrical stimulus on wounded tissue have been documented since the 1830’s when Carlos Matteucci confirmed that electrical current was generated in injured tissue. During the past 30 years and with the invention of sophisticated instrumentation, scientists are able to explore and measure the effects of low level of electrical stimulation and the positive effects on tissue. The principles of microcurrent in both healing and beauty therapy applications share a commonality and consensus regarding its effects on improving the function and appearance of tissue. In wounded skin, there is a specific biological pathway for repair. Referred to as current of injury, living tissue has a direct current surface electro-potential to regulate this healing process. Moreover, intervention is critical in order to prevent further deterioration.

It is reasonable to believe that this concept holds true for aging and damaged skin including injury to the acid mantle, stratum corneum, and epidermis. There is an interruption in the biological movement of electricity that controls cell behavior for normal skin function. The ability for the skin to repair and maintain water balance, the process of epidermal differentiation, collagen synthesis, and maintaining an overall wellbeing appearances it becomes increasingly challenged. More so this is apparent in xerosis skin (abnormal dryness). It has been confirmed that the application of low levels of microcurrent directly affects circulation (capillary density and perfusion), increased ATP, and improved fibroblast activity for synthesis. of collagen.

 

 

Study review

 

 

In a study with important implication for electrotherapy using microcurrent, Ngok Cheng (1982) verified the effects of electric current of changeable intensity on variables crucial to the healing process. At 500µA (microamps) the production of ATP (cell energy) increased by approximately 500%, while amino acid transport increased by 30-40% over control levels using 30 to 40 percent above the control levels using 100 to 500 µA. When microamps were increased to the milliampere range, ATP generation was depleted, amino acid uptake was reduced by 20-73 percent and protein synthesis was inhibited by as much as 50 percent. Conclusively it was suggested that the higher milliamp currents inhibit healing whereas the lower currents promote healing.

Robert O. Becker, M.D. author of “The Body Electric”, performed pioneering research with his study of the field of regeneration and its relationship to electrical currents in living things. He made reference to comparing microcurrent to acupuncture reflecting on the system of meridians that connect all parts of the body. Furthermore, he recognized the action of electrical currents, via the perineural cells and circulatory system. The future for the use of microcurrent relies on education and understanding of the cells and body systems and the benefits that are available from this innovative technology. The intended use for microcurrent in esthetics is to present a powerful and effective tool to aid in inspiring a healthy skin transition from youth to maturity.

________________________________________________

Disclaimer. In no way does it replace the advice of a medical practitioner.

Question: Is this treatment painful?

Answer: No. In most cases it is sub-sensory, and many people find it quite relaxing.

Question: How long does each treatment take?

Answer: Most facials take approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

Question: How soon will I see some improvement?

Answer: Although a remarkable difference is seen after the first treatment, the benefits of microcurrent are cumulative, and as such, microcurrent treatments are typically performed in a series to gain maximum anti-aging results.

Question:  Is microcurrent for everyone?

Answer:  While most people can benefit from the application of microcurrent, there are some absolute contraindications; it cannot be performed on persons with epilepsy, pacemaker, pregnant women, or anyone with active cancer.

Question: How long will the results last?

Answer: After you have completed the Microcurrent maintenance treatments at 3 to 6-week intervals are recommended to retain your results.( everyone is an individual result are individual as well)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some Great Micro Current Machines

 

 

NuFace Mini (limited edition)

 

The NuFACE mini is an FDA-cleared Facial Toning Device that gently stimulates the larger surface areas of the face to improve your appearance.

NuFACE Trinity + ELE Attachment Kit

 

The NuFACE Trinity is an FDA-cleared, multi solution, skin care device innovatively designed with interchangeable treatment attachments to help rejuvenate and improve your appearance.

NuFACE Gel Primer

The NuFACE Gel Primer is a unique, chloride-free electrolyte gel that is the essential first step to using the NuFACE Microcurrent Device. The NuFACE Gel Primer allows the NuFACE Device to easily glide across the skin and ensures conductivity for optimum lifting, toning, and contouring results. Convenient, smaller size – ideal for travel.

 

 

NuFACE Creme Primer

The NuFACE Crème Primer is a unique, high quality hydrating crème that is the essential first step to using the NuFACE Microcurrent Device. The NuFACE Crème Primer allows the NuFACE Device to easily glide across the skin and ensures conductivity for optimum lifting, toning, and contouring results. Convenient, smaller size – ideal for travel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

History Of Lipstick

 

 

Hello and welcome to our blog we are grateful for your visit and the likes without we wouldn’t be here, on week 265 we are sharing a post on lipstick we get a lot of requests and we put together a bit of history and some tips on lipstick application, I like to dedicate the post to our friend Oriah Mirza she is fabulous all the way around and the other day when we met for lunch in Malibu we went to Sephora to play and she asked me about lipsticks and I realized at that moment how much fun it was to travel through the amazing selections of colors textures liners and glosses so I decided to dedicate the post to Oriah Mirza and her beautiful lips.  Enjoy the post and please share and like if you do, see you guys in two weeks and thanks again for your time and loyalty, is well appreciated, from Isabel’s Beauty Blog team.

http://www.lipstickhistory.com

The dawn of prehistoric times, humans always had the need to distinguish themselves from others. Clothes, shoes, tools, jewelry and cosmetics were first of the ways we managed to do that, but lipsticks and facial paints were one of the most noticeable ways to change our appearance. Hunters painted their skin to better blend in with their surroundings, priests and acolytes decorated themselves to honor their gods and beliefs, and young people used every way imaginable to make them more pretty and presentable to the opposite sex.

However, in the long prehistoric periods, lipsticks were made only from readily available natural sources – fruit and plant juices. As early civilizations started appearing in the Middle East, North Africa and India, advanced manufacturing processes enabled mankind to finally start producing new kinds of lipsticks. First ones to do so were Mesopotamian women, who ground out precious gems and used their dust to decorate their lips with glimmer and riches. Women from Indus Valley Civilization used lipstick regularly, but it was Egypt where the manufacture of lipstick received many advancements. There, royal members, clergy, and high class used several types of lipsticks, some of them with recipes that contained poisonous ingredients that could cause serious illnesses. It was there that carmine color became popular, extracted from the bodies of cochineal insects, technique that is widely used even today

Lipsticks and other cosmetic products had a very important impact on our development. Here you can find facts about their journey through the ages, from the ancient kingdoms in the Middle East to the phenomenon of global fashion.

History of Lipstick spans the entire modern history of mankind. Here you can find out more about its incredible journey from the Ancient Egypt, harsh times in medieval Europe, to the worldwide popularity that it enjoys today.

 

 

Who Invented Lipstick?

 

 

 

Determining who invented first lipstick is not an easy task because they were present in our fashion from the earliest moments of our history. Here you can witness how that journey went, and how lipsticks became what they are today.

Lipstick Timeline

Lipstick timeline through our history is full of interesting events and moments when it had the significant impact on our culture and fashion. Here you can find out when those important moments happened on the lipstick’s journey to worldwide popularity.

Lip Gloss History

 

Even though opaque lipstick can be found everywhere today, its popularity is heavily threatened by lip gloss, transparent substance that showcases our lips in more natural and subdued colors. Also, the rise in its popularity can be found in its beneficiary medical properties.

 

Max Factor History

 

History of cosmetics is full of influential companies that had a great impact on worldwide fashion, but Max Factor managed to distinguish itself by very significant innovation in the field of lipsticks by introducing to the public Lip Gloss.

Cosmetic product always fascinated human race with their ability to make us distinct, pretty and more confident. No matter how large fashion changes swings occurred during last few thousand years, some cosmetic products always managed to remain popular and in widespread use. Soaps, shampoos, eyeliners, nail polishes, make up paints, and various medicinal and protective balms survived trough the rise and fall of many civilizations, but one cosmetic item managed to survive for a long time without widespread popularity, only to become one of the most important cosmetic items of a modern woman – Lipstick.

There is no way for us to determine who discovered lipstick first. It was with us from the prehistoric times when women and men used various potent fruit and plant juices to mark their faces in religious ceremonies or to make themselves more pretty for the opposite sex. Of course, a very large reason for lipstick use was also for medicinal purposes, to protect our lips from natural elements such as dry wind, moisture, and the sun (lip tissue does not have melanin that protects us from UV rays).

As modern civilizations started to make rapid advances in technology and chemistry, first manmade lipstick appeared as a cosmetic tool for the wealthy women and men of ancient Mesopotamia, Indus Valley Region and Egypt. Egypt especially managed to advance the art of lipstick making, managing to produce bright red carmine lipstick that is made from cochineal insect pigments, which is a timeless technique that is in use even today. Those lipsticks were made from powdered and processed bodies of cochineal insects or purple extracts of seaweed, mixed with various oils and waxes. History book will forever remember various important Egyptian figures that were depicted in their hydrographic images with various cosmetic enhancements – Nefertiti’s black eyeliner or Cleopatra’s bright red lips.

History of the lipsticks tells us that European dark Middle Ages almost totally removed lipstick from the fashion. Harsh living conditions, constant wars, poor medicine, plagues, lack of food and many other factions led to the period of around 1000 years where very little or no advancements were made in arts, sciences and many areas of knowledge. In such environment, Church was the only constant presence in the mind of the Europeans, and the church was responsible for maintaining fashion and common laws. Sadly, it was them who actively discouraged lipstick use, linking it to the Satan worshipers and cults. Because of that, only the female population of the lowest status (prostitutes) continued to use lipstick on regular basis, with actors occasionally painting themselves in facial colors.

One of the most important moments in the lipstick history happened during the Islamic Golden Age when famous cosmetologist and chemist Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi managed to perfect his formula for solid lipsticks. These perfumed sticks represent the basis for all the modern lipstick that can be found in any fashion shop.

Several centuries later, lipstick returned to the popular fashion during the reign of English Queen Elizabeth I (1558 – 1603), but only for a short while. It was only in late 19th century when industrial advancements enabled French cosmetologist to start producing lipsticks for commercial sales. From that point, lipsticks slowly become more and more popular. New inventions enabled their packaging to get the form we know today (swivel-up tube), new types (sparkle, gloss), the introduction of lip gloss, no smear formulas, new colors, and last but not least, very famous introduction of flavored “Lip Smackers” in 1973.

Today lipsticks are considered to be one of the most popular and cheapest ways for females to showcase their femininity and beauty.

The variety of lipstick forms

 

 

Matte Lipstick:

Delivers sophisticated and a full intense coverage color that contains absolutely no shine. The reason being is its formulation is designed to stay longer, the reality is that it can be quite drying to the lips and it may give your lips the feeling and appearance of being dehydrated. The dark intense shades are beautiful and stay put so it won’t move and smear, It does not give that illusion of a fuller lip or a moist yummy lip at all.

Creme Lipstick:

This particular formula contains more emollients than the matte lipstick and still provides you with a full coverage of moist color, not a shiny coat. The cosmetic lines offer the largest selection of this formula due to the fact that it is the most versatile and popular. It wears very well and it doesn’t look dry.

Frosted Lipstick:

This product gives you a pale sheen, and metallic in appearance. Being that the single color of sheen the formula contains in the ingredients, I personally don’t use it on me due to the fact that it shows every little crease, and it looks a bit dry too. I don’t recommend it on mature lips.

Sheer Lipstick:

 

This product is actually of sheer glossy color that allows your natural texture and coloration to show through. Its formulation is designed to opaquely cover. It is very similar to a gel blush if you will, due that it is simply pigments mixed with a gel. It does last longer than a gloss but not longer than a cream Lipstick.

Due to its sheerness, it is great for a quick fix and it doesn’t require precision when applied.

Gloss Lipstick:

 

This product contains extreme shine and moisture.

When applied, it delivers a layer of sheer color that requires frequent application. Even though it doesn’t last long, gloss gives the appearance of freshness and moisture that is recommended for all age groups. When used correctly it makes lips look fuller.

This product comes in tube, pot or wand.

Last but not least let’s talk about:

 

Lip Liner:

 

This product comes as a pencil and is used to define and basically frame and shape the lips. If well used it helps to correct lip shapes as well as prevent lip color from bleeding outside of the lip line or into any little lines. I also use it to cover the entire lip. The lip is topped with a color of the same shade or lighter to give volume, you can use just gloss over it as well, make sure to blend so it doesn’t look harsh unless you like that finish. Using a lip liner greatly improves the staying power of any lip color.

Facts:

 

According to Sloane. (1933). Teach your clients the correct use of lipstick. The Hairdresser and Beauty Trade. December, 12.

When carefully observing the lips we will disclose a number of rather surprising points. We can notice, for instance, that while the actual shape and size of the mouth varies considerably with each individual, when the mouth is reposed ( resting)  mouth will have the same factors in common. This is the actual shape of the upper lip in relation to the lower. You will notice that the upper part of the upper lip drops slightly and fits into a corresponding groove on the upper part of the lower lip. There are also two tiny grooves in the upper lip, into which two corresponding protuberances fit closely when the mouth is closed. A small remark that is a common denominator.

Another important point to notice is that the lower lip is always slightly deeper in colour than the upper lip. This means that in applying lip colour you must make the color a little deeper on the lower lip.Interesting balance and it works.

 

 

The History of Red Lipstick

 

 

 

 

Picking the Perfect Lipstick from TMI Weekly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on the image to learn more about any of the products below

 

 

 

Lipstick Queen Big Bang Illusion Gloss

 

 

Lipstick Queen Endless Summer Lipstick

 

 

Lipstick Queen Lip Liner

 

 

 

Fusion Beauty Plump + RePlump Liquid Lipstick – RUNWAY

 

 

 

Kevyn Aucoin The Lipstick

 

 

Lipstick Queen Vesuvius Liquid Lips

 

 

 

Lipstick Queen Oxymoron Matte Gloss

 

 

Cle De Peau Lipliner Pencil