What You Didn't Know About Airbrush Makeup Vs Traditional Makeup

1. Airbrush makeup applied properly is 'invisible' through a camera and on digital/print view.

Reason being that airbrush makeup is sprayed in hundreds of 'dots'.

Similarly, a camera picks up light and displays it in pixels on your computer screen or the LCD screen. Pixels are tiny, tiny dots as well.

Airbrush makeup is applied the same way a camera reads what is infront of it, which is tiny dots of color, which is why it is extremely easy to have 'invisible' makeup with airbrush makeup!

2. Airbrush makeup isn't always the most natural way of doing makeup.

Every skin and person is unique and an experienced makeup artist is able to use different mediums to produce the most 'natural' result for you.

For example, when a person has very dry, parched skin, sometimes using a gel based foundation will work better than airbrush because it will 'tone' and hydrate the skin better than an airbrush makeup will. (depending on the formula and brand)

For example, I look and treat the skin first, then I determine which medium will produce the healthiest look of skin for them that similarly reflects the same skin throughout their body, as if it was at it's optimal, healthiest state.

3. You can achieve the 'airbrush' makeup look with traditional makeup!

Yes an experienced makeup artist with the right layering technique can produce an invisible effect as well.

It just takes more blending and knowledge of deceiving the way light is picked up on the camera. Powder helps this because it is also tiny, tiny dots, similar to airbrushing. It comes out 'softer' looking.

Airbrushing has it's way of having the edges already blended but with traditional makeup, the blending is manual with your brushes.

4. Airbrush makeup doesn't mean it's longer lasting either.

It depends how it is set and the prep of the skin, and treatment of the skin before the makeup is applied.

40% of the makeup application is in the skincare prep and moisturizing ritual.

If you don't prep the skin well enough, most likely your makeup will oxidize faster, slide, or sweat off in a worse case scenario!

5. Airbrush makeup isn't for fine lines and the elderly and mature skin!

You need a brush to get into the crevices so it all depends on the medium of the artist once again.

For skin that has fine lines, ideally you require a brush to make sure that it can get into the folds for optimal results.

For example, when that face starts to move, you don't want gaps of makeup and areas with no makeup when the skin stretches!

After, make sure that you set it with powder so that it prevents creasing.

6. Airbrush makeup is great for covering blemishes, especially ones that are patchy!

If you go in with a brush and makeup, you need to blend out the edges to make sure that the concealed area is blended well.

With an airbrush gun, it delivers the already blended area immediately and all you are required to do after, is to powder the concealed blemish.

It also prevents you having to go in with a brush that disturbs any patchy, flaky skin otherwise. You can avoid it with a patting motion but most cases, it's easier and can be faster to apply with an airbrush gun.

In Summary,

A lot of people like to 'hype' up airbrush makeup but truth is, it is just a tool and an option to make some applications easier to apply versus traditional makeup.

It's skill over the tool, and the purpose of why it is used, not just the tool itself.
(For example if I gave a 10 year old an airbrush and a paint brush with some paint, it doesn't mean airbrush would be 'better'.)

It does give a different look to your makeup that is unlike any other finish because it's sprayed on, but improperly applied it can look even worse than if you applied your own foundation traditionally!

If you're looking at this in hopes to see if you should invest in an airbrush machine, I would advise to skip it. The idea seems more promising than the reality where you have to close your eyes to 'guess' where you spray your makeup. Not to mention the difficult steps to cleaning your airbrush gun and machine too. It always has to be clean and properly taken care of or it will clog!

If you're trying to decide airbrush vs traditional makeup with an artist, look at their work on the difference.

The best way to indicate if the artist is good for you is if you were to look at their before and afters without the use of professional photography and post editing in Photoshop. You can determine their skill level and work if they're able to deliver that result to you that you wish for that way, rather than judging if they are an airbrush artist or not.

In this industry, I've met fantastic artists that choose not to use airbrush makeup as a medium because they're extremely skilled with traditional makeup.



By Olivia Ha 

Best Hair Removal Methods and Products

Excessive body hair is a nightmare for every modern woman. Having excessive body hair can be a painful experience. It can also lower self-esteem and confidence. It is almost the same for men. Being too hairy can affect social interaction especially since people will always be talking about the hairy growth and not about other valuable things such as character.

If you have excessive body hair, you do not have to worry. Many methods and products are available in the market today. And these do provide good results. In fact, these products are a separate industry of their own. This is a clear-cut indication of how much people want to be hair free. Because of the large number of products available in the market, it is important for consumers to take proper decisions while buying these products.

Here are some of the common hair removal methods and products:

Hair removal creams and lotions

Creams and lotions are the most popular way to get rid of unwanted body hair. They are cheap and can be easily purchased. They're also easy to use. All that you have to do is apply a layer of the cream or lotion on the area with unwanted hair, wait for some time and then wash it off. The chemicals present in these products dissolve the hair strands and remove them. Hair removal sprays are also available these days. The main disadvantage with hair removal creams and lotions is that they contain harmful chemicals which can cause allergic reactions. You should always do a patch test before using this products.

Threading and waxing

Threading and waxing are cheap way of removing unwanted hair. However, they are time-consuming and painful as well. Threading cannot be used to remove hair on larger areas. It also doesn't work effectively if the hairs are too thick.

Shaving

Shaving is another easy method to remove unwanted hair. Special shaving razors are available for women. These are designed for shaving legs and arms.

Shaving is cost-effective but it is not permanent. The hairs will grow back within just a few days. It also needs to be done carefully as there is a risk of cuts, rashes and irritation.

Epilatories

Epilatories remove the hair from the root mechanically. They are effective for removing a few hair strands but cannot be used on larger skin surfaces.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is becoming very popular these days. The method involves the application of electricity to the hair roots to remove the hairs. It is painful and time-consuming but provides very good results. It also provides permanent results.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is an advanced and effective hair removal technique. As the name suggests, it involves the use of laser to destroy the hair follicles and prevent hair growth in the future. It provided more or less permanent results. Laser hair removal technique is very effective but it is not suitable for everybody. And it is not light on the budget either.

By A. K. Nath

Does Your Skin Lightening Cream Contain These Harmful Ingredients?

The demand for skin whitening treatments (aka also known as bleaching creams, skin brighteners, skin lighteners or fade) continue to skyrocket, especially in countries where having paler skin is so greatly admired.

Whenever I travel to the United States and parts of Europe, I don't notice such a fascination with lighter skin among females.

However, on my trips to China and Thailand, I do notice that many women sport pale complexions.

While In China and Thailand, I ventured into a couple drugstores and supermarkets and I can tell you that skin whitening treatments abound.

Even though these treatments are applied topically, they are not without risks. As with any new product, be sure to read the label and investigate any skin whitening product before you buy.

What Determines Skin Color?

The color of one's skin is determined by the amount of melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. Darker skinned people have more melanin.

The amount of melanin in your skin is predominantly a matter of your genetics. Hormones, exposure to certain chemicals and sunlight can also affect melanin production.

Changes in complexion are often temporary and eventually the skin will revert to its normal complexion. For example, a tan will start fading when the skin's exposure to sunlight is lessened.

But as time goes on, certain discolorations such as "age" spots or "liver" spots become permanent.

What Are Skin Whitening Treatments?

People use over-the-counter and prescription skin whitening products for a variety of reasons. Some use them to treat skin problems such as age spots, acne scars or to even out skin tone.

These treatments are also applied over the entire body to lighten naturally dark skin. Using such products over one's entire body can be a risky affair.

One ingredient that makes this practice potentially harmful is mercury, an active ingredient in many skin lighteners. Using lightening products can lead to mercury poisoning.

Mercury is a known inhibitor of melatonin but mercury toxicity can cause serious psychiatric, neurological, and kidney problems. Pregnant women who use skin lighteners with mercury can pass the mercury onto their unborn children.

The use of mercury as an ingredient in skin brighteners sold in the U.S. is banned. However, some bootlegger creams sold in the U.S and skin lighteners produced outside the U.S. continue to contain mercury.

How Do Skin Brighteners Work?

Skin whitening products contain a combination of ingredients that reduces the amount of melanin production wherever on the body it is applied. The most popularly used ingredient in skin whiteners sold in the U.S. market is hydroquinone.

How safe this ingredient is debatable.

It has been found to cause cancer in laboratory mice. Actually, in Europe, the use of this ingredient in cosmetic products has been banned since 2001.

In the U.S., the FDA regulates the cosmetic industry more loosely. So hydroquinone is used in over-the-counter skin lighteners. Those products however can only contain a maximum of 2% hydroquinone.

In order to use a cream that contains more than 2% -4% hydroquinone, a prescription from a dermatologists would be needed.

Some skin brighteners use drugs such as steroids and retinoic acid, which come from vitamin A. Other products use natural ingredients such as kojic acid, a compound that comes from a fungus and arbutin, a compound found in various plants.

Risks of Skin Lighteners

I previously touched on some of the health risks the mercury in skin brighteners pose. A study conducted by the Chicago Tribune reinforced the need for consumers to be vigilant about the creams they buy.

The Chicago Tribune analyzed 50 skin-lightening treatments and found five made in Asian countries that were high in mercury and sold in the Chicago.

The EPA reported similar findings in imported skin whitening treatments sold in California, New York and Virginia.

Overall, they are potential risks to using skin brighteners. Some of these risks include:

=> Premature skin aging after prolonged use.

=> Increased risks of skin cancer from sun exposure. If you are going to be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time, you may want to use a sunscreen that is not absorbed into the skin.

For health reasons, you may not want to use sunscreen daily.

=> Increased risk of acne, skin infections and thinning of the skin due to the presence of steroids in some of these products.

=> The presence of hydroquinone in these creams can cause unwanted and untreatable discoloration of the skin.

=> Some bleaching agents, including natural ingredients, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Safety Precautions When Using Whitening Creams

=> Have a chat with your dermatologist or pharmacist before using these types of creams. Get his/her opinion as to whether or not these creams are safe.

It is quite possible 

By Rose T. Kelly

Secrets Unveiled on Making Perfumes Last Longer

Senses expound all the details around us in a very encyclopedic way. The warmth of sun, the beauty of spring, the smell of the flowers are all felt only because of the senses. One couldn't simply imagine the life without senses. Out of all the senses one possess, the sense of smell is the most important and powerful one in an exciting person. A good smell always resembles a healthy environment and is easily approachable. Good smell around us boosts the confidence inside us and helps us in maintaining the relations in the society.

A perfume is the one that decimate the odor which is a result of sweating after a long tiresome day. It spreads pleasant smell around us and makes us sociable. In a group, one needs to be gregarious and for this he/she has to smell pleasant and for this we prefer perfumes. We spray perfumes all around the body for a pleasant smell. But this is not the end of the problem. We have to smell good throughout the entire day. We can't carry a perfume with us and spray it whenever it is. Here are the secrets that you always wanted dig out in preserving the smell of the perfumes to last longer.

Now let us look at the steps we have to take for a perfume to last longer. Some of them are listed as below:

1.The perfumes are to be stored properly: The perfumes may get degraded when exposed to sun and light which in turn effects the smell. The pleasant smell of the perfumes may turn into odoriferous when it is exposed to sun. So we need to store it in a dark place in our home. The chemicals used in it may also start reacting and cause other side effects like allergies, rashes etc. This suggests us to store our perfume in a dark and dry place.

2.Using the right amount of perfume: All of us has got different types of skin. Some of them can withhold the smell of perfumes for a long time and hence a little quantity may be sufficient. On the other hand, there are many who will need more puffs. In fact perfumes get evaporated on a dry skin very quickly but the oily skin can withhold the aroma for a longer time.

3.Applying perfumes depending on the weather conditions: Heat usually energizes the chemicals present in a perfume to react and give strong fragrance. Therefore, in warm temperature only little amount of it would be sufficient whereas in cold weather we may have to spray a bit high.

4.Applying perfume to the pulse points: This is one unique practice followed by many and has proven effects as well. The beauty is that you don't have to shake the entire bottle; instead a mild application can do the job!

Also, the application of perfumes right after bath and just before dressing up plays a vital role in holding the smell for a longer time.

By Rizvana Manzoor

The Best Way to Finance Breast Implants

Breast Implants can be expensive. Many women will spend as much as $10,000 on them. They don't pay that amount with cash though. Most of them will finance the breast implants. If you're considering breast implant financing, you might want to take these tips and use them, so you don't get yourself into financial troubles.

Pay As Much As Possible In Cash

The more you can put down on the cost of breast implants, the less you'll have to pay back. Not only that, you won't have to pay as much in interest because it won't take you as long to pay back the remaining amount. Even putting $500 towards the cost of the implants is better than not paying anything at all.

Shop Around for the Lowest Interest Rate

Lenders have different interest rates. The lower the rate, the less you'll have to pay on top of the amount you are financing. This is why it's important to shop around for the lowest rate possible. Some lenders will even match rates, if you tell them you found a lower one elsewhere.

After having your loan for a few months, call your lender to ask if there are any specials that will lower your interest rate even more. Some lenders do this, but they don't advertise it, so the only way to get it is to ask.

Pay More than the Minimum

Don't pay just the minimum due each month because you'll end up paying the full interest. If you pay more than the amount due, you decrease the interest amount significantly.

Don't Default

If you can't pay on your loan, do not ignore it. It's important that you don't miss a payment because you may end up with a mark on your credit report. You may also end up having to pay a hefty late fee. Find a way to make each payment, so you don't end dealing with a bad financial situation.

Finance the Right Way for Breast Implants

If you finance using these tips, you'll end up with breast implants that will be worth the cost. You'll love the way you look, and you'll love the way your bank account and credit report looks. As long as you financially prepare for the expense, you should be okay. If something unexpected comes up, simply find another way to cover the cost. This might mean making sacrifices, but that's what it will take to make ends meet in tough financial times. It's all worth it when you can look in the mirror and feel the confidence of perkier, larger breasts.

By Marcelina L Hardy

Stalking Can Happen To Anyone

The term stalking refers to unwanted, obsessive attention paid to someone, that may or may not know the perpetrator. Harassment is another term used by law enforcement to describe this behavior. No place is immune to having this kind of illegal activity and that includes schools, workplace, or even the local grocers. Negative consequences can be associated with having someone watch everything you do, and that includes losing a job.

Some Quick Facts

Every year, 3.5 million people report that they have been the victim of stalking and that makes it a serious crime. Nevertheless, numerous incidents are never even reported. Following are some facts about this crime.

• Three or every four cases involves someone the victim knew 

• A third of victims were once intimate with the perpetrator 

• Just 10% of cases involved strangers 

• People between 18 and 24 are the most frequent victims 

• 46% of victims say that they receive a minimum of one undesired contact attempt per week 

• Instant messaging, email and other technology related forms of contact occur in one of every four cases 

• Of every one hundred victims that report this abuse, ten of them say that they have been illegally monitored via video cameras, GPS or listening devices

Typical Victims

The most frequent victims of this unwanted behavior are women, but men are not excluded from this abuse. Victims, no matter their gender, should understand that they are not at fault. They bear no responsibility for what someone else does. Even so, it still leaves the victim feeling out of control of what is happening to them.

Victims often feel isolated and confused and their lives become taken over by the assault. They are unable to enjoy everyday life because they become fearful that something bad might happen. The best thing they can do is tell someone what is happening to them and bring the identity of the perpetrator out in the open. Even causal acquaintances outside intimate circles of friends and family can become allies when they know what to look for to help. Taking back control is the one thing you can do to combat this offense.

Protect Yourself

Although laws are on the books that address stalking, police officers can only do so much. It is often thought that one can protect themselves against the perpetrator by obtaining a restraining order, but the majority of these are violated anyway. There is just so much that law enforcement can do, and most people cannot afford a bodyguard. Learning as much as you can about protecting yourself is always your best defense against becoming a victim.

You must begin by understanding that when you are the target of such behavior there is the potential that it could become violent. You must take steps to educate yourself on what you can do to defend yourself. Your best defense is always listening to your intuition and immediately doing something to get away from danger and protect yourself. You could be saving your life when you do.

By Richard Mongiovi 

Importance of a Good Hairstyle

The hair is an important part of the human body. It can go a long way in complementing your age and attire. Many people neglect their hair, often assuming any style, as long as it does not make them look awful. Unfortunately, most people end up looking average most of their lives, because of being reluctant in exploring new options. For the best results, it is advisable to consider consulting with a professional hairstylist to recommend the best hairstyle. They can help you look your best by emphasizing your strong points. The importance of a good hairstyle includes:


· Enhance your personality

The right hairstyle can help improve the appearance of a person. It has the capacity of transforming a person from boring to exciting. A good one can enhance your look and personality. Therefore, you should not settle for mediocre. The childhood one may appear to be the ideal hairstyle for an individual's quality of hair and facial features. However, they are others that work out better for most people. If you are a professional, you can get one that will improve your professional outlook and if you work in the entertainment industry, a trendy one can come handy.




· Complements your features

The right hairstyle needs to match the shape of your face. When you find a good hair stylist he/she will know how to style your hair by taking into consideration the shape of your face, be it circular, broad or elongated. He/she will conceal and enhance certain facial features. In addition to the facial features, the professional factors in the length of the hair and the type of the hair when choosing one. To help clients make an informed decision, some of the hairstyling professionals use computerized images of their clients with different hairstyles. They may give recommendations because they have a more realistic view of which style can look best on you.

· Match your lifestyle

The right hairstyle will always complement your lifestyle. This can contribute a great deal to your success. However, as your life transitions, it is advisable to consider a new hair style to accommodate these changes. Therefore, if you are a new mom or you are a busy mom of small kids, some hairstyle may not be right for you because they require regular visits to the salon to fix them right. During this stage in life, you need a hairstyle that is easy to manage, while making you look presentable. Furthermore, during this period you are indoors most of the time and as a result, a fancy hair style may not help.



By Mkamba M Juke