Coral Lips

                  

Bare Minerals:

Lip Liner: Energized €19

Lip Stick: Light It Up €19

Lip Gloss: Party Starter €19

All from the Marvelous Moxie Collection 

Medik8

Two months ago I travelled to Manchester to do some new product training with work. The brand is called Medik8. Medik8 is a green cosmeceutical product range. What is that exactly you might ask, a green cosmeuceutical range is any skincare product that offers professional results while being free from harmful ingredients and minimising waste and damage to the environment. The range was developed in the UK and they are constantly changing and upgrading their technologies and ingredients in their products. One of my favourite things about Medik8 is their philosophy on minimising skin irritation.. 

 I am going to do some reviews on different products later on and I will speak a bit more about this and how this helps people with very sensitised skins still get the benefits of actives such as retinols and vitamin c. 

While over in Manchester we had the chance to work with the Medik8 Skin Peels.

These peels are amazing!!

Whenever I mention peels to my clients they are usually a little weary.. Everyone has a picture of Samantha from Sex and the city and her raw red face!!! This is not the case with Level  1 skin peels.

So what exactly is a skin peel you might ask?

A peel is a cosmetic treatment that removes the top layer of the skin, giving a visably improved appearance. Peels are often categorised by their depth: superficial, medium and deep. The deeper the peel, the more dramatic skin improvement can be achieved. However, there is also an associated higher risk of complications, increased pain and longer healing time. 

THE MOST COMMON PEELING AGENTS USED ARE:

Enzyme:
An extremely mild form of peel that can be used on all 
skin types. Enzyme peels can lead to excellent cosmetic 
improvement when repeatedly performed, they provide a 
fresher appearance to the skin.

Chemical: 
Using a different mode of action they provide deeper peeling. 

Most frequently used chemical agents are:
 Hydroxy Acids including:
 AHA (alpha), BHA (beta) and PHA (poly)
 Jessner 
Trichloroacetic Acid or TCA

Medik8 have four superficial peels. 
Eye Peel, Age Peel, White Peel and Beta Peel.
These peels give great results with much less down time than deeper Jessner Peels.

Below are some pictures of my skin during my peel and immediately after.

DURING

STRAIGHT AFTER REMOVAL OF THE PEEL

WITH RETINOL AND SPF TEN MINS AFTER PEEL 

As you can see there is mild redness and these peels can be performed during lunch breaks as they only take 30-40 mins.
We charge €80 for the superficial peels.

I applied gloMinerals mineral pressed base foundation 45 mins after my peel.

Click below for some details on the gloMinerals make up.

http://loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/04/glominerals-make-up.html


If you want some more information on these peels take a look at Medik8's Website
http://www.medik8.co.uk/

I will be posting a piece on Jessner peels very soon, these peels are a little more hard core and require some extra downtime. 
BUT results are amazing!!!

Migraines and Rosacea in Women

Link found between migraines and rosacea in women

Do you suffer from migraines?

According to a new study, this means you could be at a higher risk of developing the skin condition rosacea. 

Women that suffer from migraines have an increased chance of developing rosacea, according to a study published in the September issue of 'American Academy of Dermatology'.

Researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland identified patients that presented with incident rosacea between the years 1995 and 2009 by using the General Practice Research Database. 

A total of 53,927 patients that had rosacea during this time period were compared to the same number of patients without the skin condition.

It was found that there was a small correlation between the incidences of migraines and rosacea in female patients. However, this connection was not found to be present in male patients suffering from rosacea. 

The risks of migraines being associated with the skin condition was strongest in those women aged between 50 and 59.

The authors of the study wrote: "We observed a slightly increased risk for female migraineurs to develop rosacea, particularly in women with severe migraine aged 50 years or older." 

While the study does not conclusively prove that migraines are linked to rosacea, women that suffer from rosacea should be aware of the possible links.

This means that you may be more likely to notice the early signs of the skin condition's progression, allowing you to begin using topical treatments at an early stage and to seek medical advice.

Early use of rosacea treatments can help to keep it under control and avoid some of the more painful symptoms of the condition.

Click below to see my in depth post on Rosacea:

http://loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/04/rosacea.html

If you believe that you may have rosacea, whether you suffer from migraines or not, it is best to talk to your GP or skin expert to get a definitive diagnosis. Some skin conditions can look other problems, which means that it is easy to use the wrong treatments if your GP or skin expert has not confirmed the issue.

SOURCE: 

Salcura Website:

https://www.salcuraskincare.com/news/problem-skin/link-found-between-migraines-and-rosacea-in-women/801669430

Magnifibres brush-on false lashes

Magnifibres natural brush-on false lashes

No glue, no mess, no fuss.

 Just glamour. 

Magnifibres is the perfect solution for those who love long, big, eye lashes but don't like the hassle of false lashes. 

100 per cent natural brush-on fibres create an immediate and stunning false lash effect - achieving length and volume beyond belief. 

Magnifibres are very easy to apply and since they stick to your actual lashes they look completely natural.

How to use:

Step 1: 

Apply your own mascara as usual and immediately move onto step2.

Step 2: 

Apply Magnifibres onto your lashes while the mascara is still wet, using the same technique as if you were applying mascara.

Step 3: 

Wait 30-60 seconds so the fibres can stick to your lashes, then apply a second coat of your usual mascara to cover the white fibres.

BEFORE + AFTER

A good tip is to make sure you use a wet mascara, if your mascara is old and dried out the fibers won't stick. You also need a mascara with a big wand type head as combs just brush the fibers off.

I use gloMinerals Volumising mascara and I find it works great.
Click on the link to find out more about gloMinerals.
http://loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/04/glominerals-make-up.html

Before.              After. 

I LOVE this product, I have tried every type of false lash and lash extension, this product does it all for me. 
Results in seconds that last all day until I remove my make up!!

 Retails at 25Euro.

We have just started stocking these and they are flying out the door.

Plump in that pump

Ingrown Hairs

An ingrown hair is actually a hair that curls back on itself and ,while ingrown hair is more common with people having curly hair, almost everybody will get one at some time, and if you shave or wax regularly, you may have to deal with ingrown hairs quite frequently. 



 Follow these instructions to get rid of them, and keep them from coming back.

Exfoliating method

Exfoliate the area. Twice a day, scrub the ingrown hair gently. This will help to remove any dead skin cells, dirt, and oils that might be trapping the ingrown hair. It may also physically nudge the tip of the hair out of your skin. Try to hit the ingrown hair from a variety of directions. Use an exfoliating glove, or try one of the following exfoliating techniques:

Exfoliate using Tylenol

Exfoliate your legs with a salt scrub

Exfoliate your skin with olive oil and sugar. Be gentle. You'll need to exfoliate enough to achieve this effect, but not so much that the area surrounding the ingrown hair starts to bleed.

When in doubt, exfoliate more gently but for a longer period of time.

It's very difficult to remove an ingrown hair from under a scab. In this case, it might be best to use a different method, or consult your doctor.

Acne medication method

I recommend Image Skincare's Medicated Acne Scrub and Medicated Acne Masque.

Apply a dab of acne medication, (Benzol Peroxide). Ingrown hairs are pretty similar to pimples, especially when the ingrown hair is accompanied by pus. Apply benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid several times a day for a few days. This, combined with daily exfoliation, is often enough to remove the ingrown hair, since swelling will be reduced, giving the hair more room to grow out (rather than in). If you don't have acne medication on hand, you can try using a dab of toothpaste.

Compress method

Apply a warm, moist compress to the area for a few minutes. This will soften the skin.

Just wet a washcloth with hot water, wring it out, and press it against the ingrown hair. When the washcloth cools down, run it under hot water again.

If you can see the ingrown hair embedded in the skin, this treatment will soften the hair and bring it closer to the surface. If you can't initially see the hair, leave the warm compress on until it rises to the skin's surface.

If you apply the compress for ten minutes and you still can't see any sign of hair, you're not going to be able to remove it yourself, or it might be something else altogether.

Sharp device method

Use a sterile needle or tweezers to gently tease the hair out of the skin. Use the warm compress first, this should bring the hair to the surface, don't dig for the hair if you can't easily get at it. Don't pluck the hair out completely if you can avoid doing so; just make sure that the ingrown end is out of the skin. It may take a little time to coax the hair out, so persevere and and do not cut the skin.

Sometimes you'll see a loop of the hair close to the surface of the skin. This means that the tip of the hair has begun growing down into the skin. If you get a needle in the loop and tug lightly, the end will often come loose.

If you choose to use tweezers, remember that tweezers can be bought either pointy or flat-tipped. A pointy-tipped pair may cause less damage to the skin around the hair if used carefully. Another choice might be to use a rotable medical device for ingrown hairs which does not damage the follicle or the surrounding skin.

Wash the area around the (formerly) ingrown hair with warm water. Apply an antiseptic to provide extra protection against infection. Avoid wearing tight clothing on that area, and exfoliate regularly to prevent new ingrown hairs. You may wish to apply a daily topical solution to prevent any further ingrown hairs from developing.

Sometimes, the ingrown hairs may not budge at all due to the fact that they may be placed in very deep. If these methods do not work, talk to your doctor or dermatologist to get a prescription medication.

TIPS

Always use a fresh blade when shaving the very sensitive areas, like your bikini line.

If you can't see the hair initially, leave the warm, moist compress in place for a while longer.

If it burns or has reddish bumps after, use a moisturising cream to spot away redness.

Make sure to keep the area very clean. Washing the specific area very thoroughly every time you take a shower will help.

Always make sure you keep the area you are about to shave wet or moist, never apply soap or foam to a dry area.

Always make sure razor is clean before use. Invest in a good quality shaving cream too, as some kinds even say they prevent ingrown hairs.

Try not to squeeze the ingrown hair as this can either damage the skin, making it raw or break through the skin, which can get it infected and/or harder to heal.

You can (almost) sterilise your tools by boiling in water or by cleaning with alcohol (contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not kill everything under the sun, but is better than leaving the tool untreated).

Manzilians

What's a Manzilian?!

Commonly referred to as a "boyzilian," a manzilian is the complete removal of hair from a man's crotch. 

The most common question asked by men contemplating the manzilian is; Does waxing hurt?

Yep. The pain does fade within seconds and subsequent sessions hurt less than the first session. But it does hurt.. In saying that, it is a much better solution than shaving. Shaving stimulates potential hair growth and can strengthen the hair follicle. Shaving also cuts the hair at the hair shaft, which not only re-grows with a stubbly feel, but it allows the hair to re-grow the next day or in some cases the same day.

So, what does it all involve you ask!!

The hair is trimmed, if necessary, and then wax is applied a little at a time. The hair is removed and the procedure continues.  The wax used for this procedure is alternated between a strip wax and a non-strip wax. While waxing, it's best to pull the skin tight, so you may be asked to help stretch an area with your hand. After the hairs are removed, a cooling solution is applied to help soothe the area. And then you exhale at this point :)

I think everyone remembers this scene from the 40 year old virgin! Don't let it put you off, when professionally applied the wax will not hurt like this!

There are some possible side effects to waxing but they can they be minimised.

Although you can not predict or guarantee who may react, most clients do not experience reactions beyond redness and minor irritation. Hair may break at the root during waxing, causing some hairs to grow out faster. 

Follow these guidelines to minimise irritation and possible break outs

Avoid the sun immediately after waxing and wear sun screen; recently waxed areas are prone to hyperpigmentation (permanent darkening of the skin) if exposed to the sun.

Avoid heavy exercise for at least 24 hours after waxing.

Do not use exfoliating products (AHAs, scrubs, etc) and loofas for at least 24 hours after waxing as they might further irritate your skin.

Avoid tight clothing after waxing, especially in the waxed areas. Tight clothing may result in irritation and ingrown hairs.

No hot bath, hot shower or anything that will create heat or friction in the area for 10 hours after a Manzilian. While your pores are open, they are vulnerable to irritation by hot temperatures and infection by bacteria.

Depending on the density of the hair growth, your waxing appointment will take about a half-hour.

A lot of men tend to trim the area before coming into the salon, please do not do this!! If the hair is too short it is impossible to wax. It needs to be at least 1/4 of an inch or just leave it at full growth.

Everybody grows hair differently; it will last for two weeks for a clean look. Four weeks is the average time in between waxing.

The hair will come in finer and start to thin out over time. So eventually, you may wax less.

There are a couple of reasons why you may possibly have a breakout after waxing. After the hair is pulled out, the sebaceous gland (oil gland) becomes overly stimulated and causes a pimple like reaction. There are certain products for preventing ingrown hairs and breakouts and you can ask the therapist to recommend something.


I recommend Lycon's ingrown- it solution applied daily after waxing.

When not to wax

You should not wax if you are on Retin-A, Renova, Accutane or any other skin- thinning product that is designed to clear the skin of acne taken topically or orally. Read the ingredients on your moisturiser. Almost all moisturisers for oily skin contains some product for acne. Please refrain from using your moisturiser at least 24 hours prior to your wax. You also shouldn't wax if you have a systemic disease or if you are sunburned.

Prices
Prices really vary from place to place, I always recommend salons that specialise in waxing, the therapists are more confident, they usually take less time and can offer cheaper prices. 
Expect to pay anything from 45Euro to 70Euro depending on the salon.

If you are looking for permanent removal I definitely recommend laser hair removal. I work with Candela Laser and it is the most effective form of permanent hair removal available on the market.
Treatments are quick and easy, (about 20 minutes) and virtually pain free as we use cryogen to cool the skin alongside the laser. 
Treatments start at 110Euro per treatment and a course of six is recommended. Discounts are always offered if you purchase a course of treatments.

Image Skincare Tips

Here's an excellent tip for boosting Collagen and Elastin production with Stem Cell products on those very often "forgotten areas."

Always ensure not to overuse your Retinol-A cream.

Once per week should suffice, twice per week maximum.

Inspiration

       Love the looks achieved here!!

Autumn Looks

I love Autumn/ Winter looks.

New colors just arrived into the salon and they are fab.

Lot's of deep plums, dark wines and blueberry/black..

LOVE.....

For Tips on how best to apply your lippy click below:

http://loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/09/lip-tips-x.html

My latest purchase:

To achieve a matte finish follow these steps:

http://loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/07/matte-lips.html

Diet for Healthy Skin

Diet for Healthy Skin

After my post on the Acne article I had a request for a list of foods to help with certain skin conditions.

Apologies for the delay!!

I hope this is useful.

"Your skin is the fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions are the manifestations of your body's internal needs, including its nutritional needs."

Beautiful, glowing, unblemished skin involves many factors, including a nutrient-dense diet for healthy skin and the prevention of various skin disorders. Are there certain foods that can enhance the appearance of your skin, deter wrinkles from forming and nourish your skin cells for a lifetime of health and radiance? Indeed, the choices you make today do impact your appearance now and in the years to come.

Basic Guidelines for a Diet for Healthy Skin

Since your skin is the largest organ of your body, it requires optimal nourishment and feeding it well is necessary for a lifetime of quality health. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats and lean protein is essential to supply the skin with the nourishment it requires. General guidelines to include in a diet for healthy skin recommended by skincare specialists and nutritionists include:

Drinking 60-70 ounces of water per day for hydration of the skin

A hefty supply of antioxidants, mainly vitamin A, C, E and selenium (referred to as the ACES). See below for more specifics.

Omission of refined sugars to decrease incidence of inflammation, a known skin assailant

An adequate amount of lean protein for the repair and growth of muscle fibers in the face and throughout the body

Plenty of essential fatty acids for the proper lubrication of cells, including skin cells, which enhance appearance

A quality multivitamin to supply skin with essential vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, vitamin C, B-complex, vitamin E and vitamin A, to name a few

Antioxidant Power

Free radicals occur in the human body constantly. They are by-products of every breath we take, every beat of our heart and every morsel of food we digest. Sun damage to the skin is the result of the free radical process, as is wrinkling of the skin. However, there is an antidote in our food supply for all this free radical activity. It is known as the antioxidant. As mentioned above, the ACES are powerful players in the fight to retain optimal skin health. The following foods are chock-full of antioxidants and are mandatory in an effective diet for healthy skin:

Vitamin A-rich foods

Broccoli

Spinach

Kale

Halibut

Cod

Red peppers

Vitamin C-rich foods

Citrus fruits

Strawberries

Cantaloupe

Tomatoes

Vitamin E-rich foods

Almonds

Asparagus

Avocado

Olives

Sunflower seeds

Selenium-rich foods

Nuts

Garlic

Poultry

Besides the antioxidants, zinc is a well-researched mineral that helps diminish reddened skin areas. Zinc is abundant in nuts, poultry, salmon and oats. Supplemental dose recommendation is 30 milligrams. The B vitamins are also highly recommended for the health of the skin, hair and nails. Eating plenty of legumes such as chickpeas, pinto beans, nuts and fatty fish (salmon and mackerel) will ensure that a B-vitamin deficiency is not present.

Diet for Skin Problems

Just as a diet for healthy skin is important for keeping skin in the best shape possible, a diet can cause or exacerbate a variety of skin disorders. For example, a poor diet is known to aggravate eczema. Avoiding possible food allergens, such as the most common milk, eggs, wheat, soy and peanuts, has been shown to improve the condition drastically. In fact, one study found a 75% improvement in eczema conditions when food allergens were eliminated from the diet. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseeds has been proven to decrease inflammation which is a major indicator of eczema and similar reactions of the skin. Quercetin is a powerful flavonoid also identified as an inhibitor of histamine release, thus lowering the incidence of inflammation. An appropriate dose of quercetin is 400 milligrams taken about 20 to 30 minutes before a meal. Finally, since eczema patients typically have low levels of zinc when tested, supplementation may be helpful as it is a required mineral for the metabolism of essential fatty acids.

Additional skin disorders affected by dietary intake include acne, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.

 For example, acne appears to be the direct result of refined sugars, trans fats and high levels of iodine in the diet. By eliminating these foods, inflammatory reactions are greatly reduced and result in fewer breakouts. Rosacea, a chronic acne-like condition, has been shown to result from a B-vitamin deficiency. 

Also, avoiding foods and beverages that cause flushing of the skin, such as alcohol, is a known cure for keeping the skin eruptions to a minimum. Seborrheic dermatitis is as common as eczema, and its preventative measures are similar. 

Eliminating possible food allergens, as well as adding zinc and omega-3 fatty acid to the diet, can help. A B-vitamin deficiency and a low level of biotin have been identified in most persons with this skin disorder. 

For this reason, a diet for healthy skin and a decreased occurrence of eruptions would include foods rich in these food components or supplementation.

Lip Tips! x

How to make lipstick last longer

STEP 1 - Exfoliate: 

To get your lips soft  and allow your lipstick to smooth on better, gently buff your lips with an exfoliant and clean away the residue with lukewarm water or a damp cloth. You can also pat on a clear, nourishing balm afterwards and give it a few minutes to sink in before blotting with a tissue. This will help hydrate your lips so the lipstick holds better.

STEP 2 - Lip liner: 

Lightly trace a lip pencil in the same colour or slightly lighter than your lipstick along the inside edge of your lips. This will add a layer of pigment and help your colour last longer while also preventing feathering and bleeding.

STEP 3 - Lipstick: 

For stellar colour payoff, apply your lipstick straight from the tube (long-wearing formulas are best for colour longevity). You can also use a lip brush for a more subtle effect and better distribution.

STEP 4 - Tissue:

 Blot your lipstick with a tissue by folding it in half, opening your mouth, placing it in between your upper and lower lips and pressing down. This is great at removing excess oil and preventing lippie from getting on your teeth.

STEP 5 - Powder: 

To seal the colour, load up an eyeshadow blending brush with loose or pressed powder, then swirl the brush across your lips until they're totally mattified. You might notice that your lipstick goes a touch lighter, but the long-wearing benefits will be worth it.

STEP 6 - More lipstick: 

Add a last layer of lipstick! You can clean up any product that's escaped your natural lip line with a teensy bit of concealer on a lip brush.