The Importance of Makeup Primers

Credits: makeup.com

Just as an artist getting ready to paint his masterpiece on a bare canvas, they must get the new canvas ready  before a drop of paint is applied. For an artist, this process neutralizes the canvases natural  hue so that it does not change the overall coloring of the final painting. While doing the makeup consider your bare face as a canvas. Your makeup application will be easier , smoother and your makeup will last a really long time. Some primers will also brighten the appearance of your skin . You can also use primers on their own just to get an evened out complexion.

What do primers do ?

Primers actually create a barrier between your skin and your foundation. By using primers you are applying makeup but it is not in direct contact with your skin . Thus your skin will be relatively protected from the harmful chemicals present in your makeup. Also when this barrier is created between the skin and makeup your foundation doesn't oxidize due to the sebum production and therefore your makeup stays fresh for a longer period of time.   There are some on the market that has SPF formulation to protect your face from the harmful UVA and UVB rays as well as moisturizing and oil controlling properties. 

The other kinds of primers available in the market and their uses :

Eye primer

An eye primer is used as a base on the eyelids and sometimes even below the eyelids as a concealer base. Some of The eye primers also take care of the darkness of the lids and provide you with a neutralized lid so that the eye shadows appear vibrant and true to the color when applied. The eye primer also prevents your eye shadows from creasing and overall increase the lasting power of your eye shadows. You can find eye primers in different forms in market i.e liquids or cream formulations.

Lip primer

Lip primers are probably the least common kind of primers but still they are available in the market . Lip primers are used for prepping the lips for lipstick application. Lip primers specially come handy with dryer formulated lipsticks. Your lipsticks will last longer , the application will be smoother and the dry formula of your lipstick won’t irritate you.

How To Do an At-Home Facial?

Pic source: health.howstuffworks.com

You don't need to go to a spa to give your skin some TLC. Try this easy and effective advice for doing a facial treatment at home and your complexion will thank you.

When you don’t have the time or the money to hit the spa, an at-home facial can be equally relaxing and beneficial. If you put in a little effort, your skin will reflect health and beauty. The compliments you get will be worth the effort once you start taking regular care of your skin.

To make your facial relaxing, light some candles and turn on some soothing music. Never have your phone on while doing a facial and don’t multi-task, Make this all about you!

The steps of an at-home facial mirror those of one at a spa. Whether at home or in the salon, the steps are meant to prepare the skin sequentially for extraction. Start by washing your face to remove makeup and oils, and then use an exfoliating product, such as a mask or a gentle scrub. At home, it is recommended you apply an exfoliating mask before you jump into the shower. The steam from your shower will keep the mask active while you shampoo, shave, etc. Alternatively, you can use an at-home steamer for similar results.

Related products:

PureDerm make up remover cleansing tissue

Though most doctors and aestheticians, don’t recommend doing extractions yourself, for those who opt not to follow that advice and are confident they can do them properly, You can use two cotton swabs instead of your fingers because we tend to break the skin with our fingernails and can risk leaving a mark. Once you have extracted the area, clean the area with a toner.

Follow with a mask appropriate for your skin type. A hydrating mask works for dry skin, a brightening mask helps to bring back a glow, and a clarifying mask will deep clean pores. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm, not hot, water.

masks & peels

The final step is to apply a serum and moisturizer. For added benefits, massage these products into your skin. A gentle massage downward on the sides of the neck in a circular motion encourages lymphatic drainage and decreases swelling. To reduce puffiness underneath your eyes, gently massage from the inner corner to the outer using circular motions.

Organic moisturizers

Tips for looking after your skin in heat

Hi, I am Ammar Naeem. I recently started working in Dubai. Great company, great people but I have one problem, just one atm. I am absolutely not a morning person AT ALL, and my body agrees with me to a point that it doesn’t want to move.  But have to work so what you gonna do?. Anyway this post isn’t about my lazy self (more on this latter ;)), this post is about skin problems that people who just moved to UAE or the Middle East (like myself) may face. When you think of Dubai; what comes to mind? SUMMER HEAT that’s what comes to mind than SIMCITY on cheat codes. (Only very very few people will get this SIMCITY pun :( )

Don’t get me wrong Dubai is a great place, but its summers can be brutal on your skin. Staying out in the sun too long especially when you are not used to these high temps, you need to keep your skin protected and healthy. So what are some of the problems you can literally face?

• Too much sun exposure can cause the skin to become darker with uneven skin tones.
• Melisma.
• Freckles.
• Darkening of existing freckles.
• Pre mature skin aging.

How can I protect my skin?

Well the obvious answer can be; don’t go out into the sun (DUH). But that’s not the answer. Whether you are a working person or a stay at home mom, you have to go out, so following are a few daily things you can help protect your skin.

• When you get the chance always wash your face. Not necessarily with soap or scrub, just water will do. This will re-hydrate your skin.
• Don’t over use make-up. You will see a lot of women wearing a heck a lot of make-up. If you have to go out constantly and have to use make-up, use just enough for touching up (simple make-up).
• Use facial scrubs with papaya; it cleans the skin from dead cells and leaves the skin healthy with a fresh glow.
• Avoid going into the sun during 11:30am-5:00pm.
• Crank your windows a bit so the air can circulate even when parking inside or it will be like a sauna when you open the door.
• Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going out in the sun. The sunscreen should have a minimum SPF of 30+.
• You can also use anti-aging products. Especially look you products with ostrich oil or more conveniently use Age Defying cleansing tissues.

Ammar Naeem

7 beauty products essential for the women in fast life of Dubai

It can be very difficult to keep-up with the fast paced life here in Dubai. As we try to coupe with it all, we sometimes for the most important thing, taking care of our body. Here is our list for the 7 essential organic beauty products that you need to protect and revitalize your skin.

1. Dr. James Feminine Hygiene Liquid Soap:  Ideal for everyday use, this soap will help keep your skin refreshed all day long. http://bit.ly/1mcGGwc

2. Dr. James Derma Genesis Cream: This cream contains caviar extract which helps smoothen skin, heal scar, reduce skin problems such as acne and itching problems, while nourishing and leaving the skin looking perfectly rested. http://bit.ly/1nxBNiM

3.Rose is less expensive way to provide you with good skin care. It will smooth out irritated skin leaving you with smoother and clearer skin. http://bit.ly/1gtYR8o

4. Anti Frizz Hair Serum: Its specially designed for women who wear hijab.It helps to eliminate dry, defiant hair and protect hair from damages due to chemical process, heat of hair dry and pollution. After applying the serum your hair will be extremely supply and soft and easy to manage. It also helps to extend the life of color treated hair. http://bit.ly/1mcTMcL

5.  PureDerm Cucumber Eye Pads:  Enjoy the cooling sensation and natural aroma of freshly cut cucumber slices as cucumber eye pads sooth your tired, stressed eyes. They will also help reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles under your eyes. After just one use, you will feel your eyes refreshed. http://bit.ly/1ivvsj9

6. Milk Serum-Heat Defense :  This conditioner contains aloe-vera & vitamin E which help protect hair from damage white blow drying and heat styling.http://bit.ly/1kX1nvD

7. Good Life Paris: Strawberry peel off mask from Good Life Paris is one of the best face masks in the market today. It isfor all skin types a powerful blend of pure strawberry extracts along with natural oils that help to nourish the skin and tighten the pores. This moisture mask lift impurities very effectively and also controls facial hair and lighten stretch marks. http://bit.ly/NnenMj