Makeup application techniques have evolved over the years. And if you are a beginner trying makeup for the first time, there are chances you may end up making common mistakes in the process. This can range from not using the right shade of eye shadow, using the wrong brush, or even something as simple as misapplying the foundation. However, with the right products and a few makeup tips, one can achieve the perfect look with healthy glowing skin.

Over-washing the face
Washing or cleansing the face is one of the most important steps in the makeup application process. However, each person has a different skin type. Moreover, with age, the skin may undergo various changes. So, when one applies foundation and notices dry and flaky skin, it’s a sign of over-cleansing. Hence, experts suggest washing the face twice daily – morning and night. This process can help retain the skin’s moisture in the form of natural skin oils.

Skipping a skin preparation routine
One of the biggest makeup mistakes people make is applying makeup products directly on the skin. This can often make the face look cakey. Therefore, it is important to apply hydrating skin care products like moisturizer, serum, primer, and toner before makeup application. You can follow the cleansing-toning-moisturizing routine before going in with the makeup process. This can make the makeup application look good while maintaining skin health.

Applying makeup in the wrong lighting
Lighting is the key element while applying makeup or choosing the right products. It is important to test the products on the skin in natural lighting. Trying to buy makeup products in dim-lit stores can lead you to buy the wrong shade of products. A wrong shade of foundation can make your face look ashy, leaving a gray cast on the pigmented areas on the face. To prevent this situation, it is best to swatch the products in a natural light setup.

Using too much concealer
Concealers help to cancel out pigmented/dark areas like dark circles on the face. However, incorrect use of the right products or the right shade of concealer can highlight fine lines, darkness, and pigmented spots. Therefore, it is advised to use a small amount of the concealer on the under eyes and blend it well with your finger or a brush. If required, you can add another layer of the product. Ensure you set it with a translucent powder to prevent it from setting into fine lines. Additionally, experts suggest avoiding thick and creamy foundations or concealers and using liquid and hydrating options to achieve a healthy and natural look.

Ignoring the lips
Lips are one of the key focus points when it comes to makeup. Usually, as one begins to age, the upper lip begins to slowly thin and lose its natural color and shape. Hence, it is crucial to care for the lips as much as any other body part. Therefore, experts recommend exfoliating the lips with a gentle scrub at least once a week and regularly applying hydrating lip balms. In addition, one must also opt for colors close to the natural lip color for lipsticks, glosses, and lip liners to achieve the look of fuller lips. Avoid applying products on dry, chapped lips.

Not applying blush
Nowadays, most people prefer to skip the application of blush from their makeup routine. However, this proves to be one of the biggest mistakes resulting in duller-looking skin. In most cases, blush can instantly help one look youthful since its primary objective is to mimic a natural flush of color. However, one must make sure to choose a natural rosy color that complements the skin tone. So it is considered best to avoid blushes that are either too bright, powdery, or shimmery for a more natural look.

Using the wrong blending techniques
Buying the right shades of foundations, concealer, or eyeshadows is not enough. Just dabbing these products can make the face look unnatural and out of place. So, to avoid this common makeup mistake, one must blend the products properly, as the key to natural-looking makeup is in the art of blending. It’s recommended to watch a few tutorials and videos online to get a better idea of the process. Blending with the right set of tools is also essential. Therefore, invest in good-quality brushes and blenders.

Applying heavy mascara on the lashes
A top-quality mascara achieves the objective of accentuating the edges of the eyes, giving a sharp shape to the eyes. The heavy application of mascara can lead to clumpy eyelashes, leading to droopy-looking eyes. Some people may make the mistake of applying heavy mascara on both the top and bottom lashes. However, in most cases, heavy application of mascara can bring attention to the wrinkles below the eyes. Hence, it’s best to apply a single coat of mascara to achieve a natural and lifted eye look.

Apart from avoiding the above-mentioned makeup mistakes, one must also regularly follow a skincare regimen. Good skincare ensures healthy and glowing skin. This includes using the right moisturizer, toner, primer, and exfoliant regularly. One can also visit a dermatologist to learn more about tips and tricks for healthy skin.

A moisturizer can do wonders for the skin. With many options available on the market, you may feel befuddled when making a choice. So, how do you find the right moisturizer for your skin? Turns out, your skin porosity, type, and age can play a crucial role in guiding you toward the right product. Use these strategies to narrow down your choices, pick the best moisturizer, and leave your skin feeling healthy, supple, and glowing.

Consider the skin’s type and texture
Depending on whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, you will need to choose a product with the right formulation. Having sensitive skin, or being prone to acne will further influence your choice of moisturizer.

For instance, people with acne-prone oily skin may receive the most benefit from a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer with alpha-hydroxy acids. If you have dry skin, opt for heavier formulations with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, lanolin, or mineral oil to keep your skin hydrated. Those with sensitive skin, on the other hand, may want to opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizers.

Those with recent tattoos or skin troubles like eczema must diligently use a thick moisturizing ointment at night or whenever their skin feels dry or tight. 

Opt for products with anti-aging benefits
If you are looking for products with anti-aging benefits, go for retinol-based face creams, moisturizers, and serums. Retinol is an active form of vitamin A that is applied topically to reduce the effects of aging and acne. They work by promoting new collagen and elastic fiber synthesis that can repair and reverse sagging skin. Retinol-based night creams for dry and oily skin can work wonders to diminish the appearance of wrinkly or crepey skin on the face, hands, arms, and thighs.

Look for sun protection
It is crucial to wear sunscreen, no matter what your skin type. Most dermatologists recommend using a moisturizer with SPF-30 or higher around the year. Look for a lotion or moisturizer with sunscreen qualities for your face and body to protect against sun damage.

Prioritize antioxidants
Moisturizers with antioxidants, such as green tea, chamomile, pomegranate, or licorice root extract, can improve the skin’s health. They help neutralize molecules that break down skin cells (free radicals) to keep skin looking fresh and healthy.

To get the most benefit to your skin, look for moisturizers made with skin-friendly ingredients. Avoid those with potentially irritating ingredients such as colors, perfumes, or anti-bacterial agents. Gold Bond’s range of healing lotions and creams can work wonders for your skin. Their formula contains seven essential moisturizers and three nourishing vitamins that help battle dry skin. They are dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic formulas containing niacinamide, which is known to have a brightening effect on the body. These products also contain vitamins E and C to prevent moisture loss and protect against environmental stressors.

No matter how expensive your perfume may be, applying it the wrong way can only make it last for a couple of hours. Smelling nice can make us feel fresh and give our confidence a big boost. After all, who doesn’t want to bask in the aura of their fragrance? So, from storing your perfume correctly to applying it, these hacks will make the allure of your signature scent last all day.

Moisturize before spraying
Spraying on moisturized or damp skin helps the perfume last longer as the fragrances fuse with the surface. The best time to apply your favorite perfume is right after a shower. You can also use an unscented moisturizing lotion before use.

Catch the pulse
Applying perfumes on a pulsating vein is the most suggested hack for making a fragrance last longer. The surface of the skin is thinnest in these areas as well as the warmest. Consequently, this warmth makes the fragrance stay on for quite a while. Ideal areas for application include the wrists, elbows, behind the ears, and clavicles.

Avoid rubbing the wrists
Now that you’re aware of the pulse points, rubbing them against each other after spraying may feel intuitive. But this plan always backfires because the top notes fade away quicker than expected. Usually, a fruity or musky note is used as the initial fragrance that makes for a strong first impression.

Don’t keep perfumes in the bathroom
If your perfume bottles are constantly exposed to changes in heat, light, and humidity, the quality and intensity of the scent will break down. We recommend storing your bottles in a vanity box or any other cool and dry place in the house.

Layer the scents
This hack not only lets you create your custom scent but also helps it last longer. Try a few combinations on an applicator before deciding which one to use on your skin. Once you’ve found the right blend, spray the strongest fragrance first and then top it with a lighter one to make sure that the former doesn’t overpower the latter.

Spray your clothes too
The last and easiest hack to make perfumes last long is a light spray on your outfit. As the body’s natural oils accumulate on the surface throughout the day, the fragrance you apply to the skin will need an extra layer on your clothes.

Pineapples are abundant in antioxidants, fibers, vitamins, and water – properties that are beneficial for the skin. Therefore, people often eat pineapples or apply them topically to their skin to boost their skin health. However, there are a few points to note before eating the fruit or before applying it topically. It is also recommended to consult a health professional before applying any such fruit to the skin. 

The benefits of consuming pineapples
Pineapples contain multiple health benefits. The fruit contains bromelain – a powerful enzyme with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties when it comes to skin. The fruit also contains vitamin C, which also has benefits for the skin like:

• Increasing collagen production to give the skin structure and maintain plasticity
• Preventing damage to skin cells caused by free radicals
• Improving the pace of healing wounds by complimenting the production of new skin cells

Topical benefits of pineapples
People often resort to applying pineapple to their skin in the form of homemade serums and face masks. There even exist skincare products that contain pineapple extract or bromelain. Some studies describe the benefits of applying pineapple-based products to the skin.

• Face wash with bromelain extract is known to prevent acne-causing bacteria.
• People who applied the pineapple extract cream twice daily noticed a reduction in skin irritation, oil production, and melasma.

The limitations of the topical/oral use of pineapples
Though pineapple extracts are beneficial to the skin, applying too much may have adverse effects. The risk factors of consuming pineapples or applying lotions with pineapple extracts include:

• A slightly swollen tongue or redness around the mouth (the symptom may occur because bromelain is a potent enzyme and a common cause of skin irritation)
• No strong evidence to show positive results of topical use of pineapples
• The skin does not easily absorb the healthy properties of fresh pineapples

Conclusion
Pineapples contain several antioxidants, nutrients, and a healthy enzyme that benefits the skin. But applying the crowned fruit directly to the skin may have side effects and cause skin irritation. Therefore, we recommend using specially curated skincare products with pineapple or bromelain extracts to enjoy the benefits of topical pineapple.

Oral health is essential, but despite that, most often easily neglected by individuals. While it is recommended to visit a dentist regularly, there are some tips and tricks that we can use at home to make sure our teeth are healthy, clean, and white! Here are some ways on how you can keep your teeth shiny and white through safe and tested methods. Do speak to your dentist before using these tips regularly at home.

Easy at-home teeth whitening tips

Whitening trays and strips
You can easily find reputed whitening strips and trays which contain a bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide. These strips are applied directly to the enamel to see desirable results.

Activated charcoal whitener
Charcoal whiteners have three very effective ingredients, namely activated charcoal, bentonite, and an oil like orange seed oil. These whiten the teeth by getting absorbed into them.

Teeth whitening pastes
These pastes contain ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, hydrated silica, and calcium carbonate that remove stains from the teeth and polish them.

Whitening packs
These whitening packs are to be applied directly onto your teeth. You can do so at night after brushing your teeth. The pack is to be used as per instructions.

Teeth whitening light
In this, a whitening agent is directly applied to your enamel, and a blue LED light is held above to let the enamel absorb the ingredient in a slow and effective manner.

Coconut oil pulling
Another popular teeth whitening tip at home is to take 1tbsp of coconut oil and swirl it around your mouth for 10-15 minutes. Spit it out after and just do a quick rinse.

Smart whitening brush
A mix of whitening toothpaste and gel is the trick to get bright, clean teeth. It is advised to use this combination daily till the desired results are achieved.

Whitening pens
These contain hydrogen peroxide in low quantities. The pens can be used after meals or beverages to ensure the stains are minimal and give the teeth a cleaner look.

Teeth whitening floss
Up your flossing game with these special hydrogen peroxide-infused whitening floss. These are to be used like ordinary floss, but the results include pearly-white teeth after regular use!

Apart from teeth whitening, you can also straighten your teeth at home using the Smile Direct at-home kit. If you do not want cumbersome traditional braces, you can even opt for invisible braces at home. Get a consultation on usage and safety, and you will be good to go!

Long eyelashes and bushy brows are all the rage right now. People have been investing in eyelash extensions, falsies, and even splurging on expensive products to perfect their lash and brow game. But did you know that you can also promote lash and brow growth with the help of serums? In this article, we discuss a few of the best top lash and brow growth serums that will help you achieve just that.

Latisse 

If you’re looking for a good lash and brow growth serum, you may want to check out Latisse. It is the only FDA-approved eyelash serum that is available in prescription strength. The serum is formulated with bimatoprost, an active ingredient that helps stimulate growth in the eyelashes in four to six weeks. It’s a super-powerful product; however, if overused or misused, it can lead to irritation in the eye and even potentially cause eye-color change. It costs around $100 and is available on a precipitation basis on certain online stores.

GrandeLash MD 

When it comes to over-the-counter top last and brow growth serums, GrandeLash MD is one of the best. The $65 serum promotes natural lash growth and works to help achieve those thick lashes. Aside from promoting new and thick growth, GrandeLash MD also helps strengthen the already present eyelashes and hydrates them. Proper use will result in longer and better-looking lashes in four to six weeks.

CoverGirl Lash Blast Lash & Brow Serum

The CoverGirl Lash Blast Lash & Brow Serum is made to tackle brittle lashes and brows. It is made from a combination of bamboo extract, peptides, castor oil, and biotin that smoothens, strengthens, and thickens lashes with consistent use. The best part of this top lash and brow growth serum is its consistency and texture. The serum is smooth to apply and is suitable to use under mascara or other makeup products. What also makes this a must-have is its $13 drug-store price.

LashFood Phyto‐Medic Eyelash Enhancer

Another must-have top lash and brow growth serum is the LashFood Phyto‐Medic Eyelash Enhancer. This serum comes in the form of a clear gel, which is made from soy proteins and lavender water, which strengthen and thicken lashes. The LashFood Phyto‐Medic Eyelash Enhancer also comes with a thin brush applicator that coats the product evenly and easily on both the bottom and top lashes. Moreover, this serum is also Ecocert-certified, meaning that all or most of the ingredients used to make it are organically grown and responsibly sourced.

A huge part of making ourselves presentable every day involves taming our hair and styling it. If you are a busy person who cannot spend hours in the morning trying to make your hair, investing in some good quality hair styling tools can help you save precious time. Even though there are several options of hair styling tools to choose from, we have narrowed it down to three.

These are some popular hair styling tools in the market right now.

Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer
A hairdryer is a must-have if you are always in a rush in the morning. The Ultra Light Pro Dryer from Harry Josh Pro Tools is an extremely lightweight dryer that works efficiently and will help you quickly dry and style your hair. The air flow of this hair dryer is extremely silent. The dryer also comes with 12 different heat, speed, and ion settings for ease of use. Harry Josh Pro Tools Ultra Light Pro Dryer can cost you between $244 to $349.

Dyson Airwrap Styler Complete
Lately, the Airwrap styling tools from Dyson have become increasingly popular among hair stylers. The Dyson Airwrap Styler Complete is an entire kit that features several styling attachments including four curling barrels of different sizes, four hair styling brushes, and a pre-styling hair dryer nozzle. One of the biggest benefits of using Dyson’s Airwrap products is that they can be used even on damp hair. The entire set can cost anywhere between $549 to $599.

amika Blowout Babe Interchangeable Thermal Brush
A thermal brush is an excellent alternative for those who do not have a lot of time to properly dry their hair and then style it using different tools. The Blowout Babe Interchangeable Thermal Brush from amika is perfect for such people since the set includes three interchangeable brush heads that can be used for different styling purposes. You can switch between these brush heads depending on your hair type, the length of your hair, and the style you wish to achieve. This handy thermal brush can cost anywhere between $100 to $150.

Important information you need to know about teeth whitening toothpastes

Teeth staining and sensitivity are two of the most common issues present today. However, they are equally easily overlooked by a majority of people. While there are in-office treatments, over the counter medications, and other methods available to deal with these issues, the most convenient way is brushing.

Although brushing might not give you instant results, it helps in putting up a consistent fight. Considering how neither sensitivity nor teeth staining can be cured once and for all, affordable teeth-whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth is your best bet. Research has suggested that regular brushing with such specifically designed toothpastes helps remove surface stains caused by the foods we eat. This, however, does not help with the natural color of your teeth or the discoloration present beneath the surface.

What you should know about teeth whitening toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes can be abrasive, and they work by polishing the stains off. Some other types contain chemicals like peroxides that break down the stains. If you are worried that these might harm your teeth, you can opt for products that have items like charcoal or activated carbon and zinc citrate in them.

Some other whitening toothpastes contain blue covarine. Instead of cleaning out the stains, blue covarine coats the teeth and provides instant whiteness. These, however, are superficial results and don’t actually help the staining issue.

Which whitening toothpaste is the best?

So if you haven’t been using teeth whitening toothpastes to get rid of teeth stains, we’re here to help. Given below is a list of affordable teeth-whitening toothpastes for sensitive teeth so that you know which are the best ones in the market.

• Colgate® Optic White®

Contrary to most commonly available whitening toothpastes, this one works on intrinsic stains along with surface stains. Apart from hydrogen peroxide, Colgate® Optic White® also contains fluoride that helps fight cavities.

• Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste

All Sensodyne products aim at providing protection from sensitivity. This product also contains silica, which is a natural ingredient that helps in gently scrubbing away dental stains. The toothpaste’s active ingredients, along with silica, help provide all-round dental care.

• Crest 3D White Brilliance

This two-step whitening toothpaste provides amazing results by first cleaning and then whitening the freshly cleaned teeth.

Your basic dental care requires you to keep your teeth cavity-free. To ensure that you do not take that aspect lightly, it’s best to read the ingredients of your toothpaste. Pick which whitening method or chemical you want to go ahead with and ensure that it has fluoride for cavity and decay protection. Additionally, ensure that your choice of affordable teeth-whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth has the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. The ADA’s seal of acceptance is proof of product safety and should not be ignored.