True Colors For Women Of Color
by Cheryl Duffey
Women of color have often felt ignored by cosmetics companies. Many ethnic women have had trouble finding foundation and makeup colors that are flattering . African-American women usually have sensitive, oily skin that scars easily. Products that are powdery can look ashy and chalky on darker complexions, and pink pigmented products are unflattering to ethnic skintones.
In the beginning, there was Fashion Fair. Founded in 1973 and aimed at African-American and Carribean women, it offered darker colors, not available at the time. It is still around, and can be purchased at a handful of stores across the country. The line seems a bit old-fashioned to me. There is a skincare line that includes bleaching cream and oil reduction products. Color choices are conservative, and I could not find a product with a sunscreen (we should all wear sunscreen) . Still, it is a no-frills line for dark- skinned women. www.fashionfair.com.
In 1994, fashion model Iman, tired of mixing her own colors and formulas, started her own cosmetics line. I-man is geared to all women of color, and it really succeeds in its goal. It is a line with multi-cultural appeal, and no unnecessary products. She has pared it down to a wonderful range of essentials.
The products are creamy, and blend well. I like the pressed powder, which leaves a dewy finish. The skincare line is excellent. I recommend Hydrator SPF 15, and Drench, a rich but light moisturizer. Both are $35.00.
Iman has two websites. www.i-man.com is her personal site with info about the products, and her makeup philosophy. It projects the image of a funky urban drama queen, fitting for the wife of David Bowie. Her line can be purchased at www.imanbeauty.com, a very user-friendly site with descriptions of all the items, and easy checkout. I-man is also available at most JC Penney’s.
For women who want a large line with many flattering color options, I suggest Nars, and MAC. Nars has dark lipsticks in lovely shades of brown and burgundy. Nars is available at www.neimanmarcus.com and at major department stores. At the MAC shop I visited recently, there was a lovely dark-skinned makeup artist, with her brushes in a large tool belt around her waist. She was willing to take the time to assist customers with their choices, and she knew the line well. MAC uses women of color as models. Go to www.maccosmetics.com for store locations.
I am a multi-racial woman. I am not Asian, but with my very yellow undertones, I find that Shiseido works well for me. I have always been drawn to the dramatic palettes and unique products. I have been wearing makeup since I was 13, and when I want color, Shiseido has never let me down. Find Shiseido products at most major department stores.
Women of color now have more options, as companies realize the potential of a powerful consumer base. Ideally, cosmetics companies should consider the ethnic market. Most women are willing to pay for quality products and good service, especially if the products are tailored to her needs. A woman of color wants to feel welcome at the cosmetics counter. Consultants should be aware of her needs, and the company should feature ethnic faces in their advertising.
True Colors For Women Of Color
Showing posts with label Cosmetics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cosmetics. Show all posts
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Cosmetic Surgery Pros, Cons and Risk Factors
Breaking the Balance: Cosmetic Surgery Pros, Cons and Risk Factors
By Kathryn D'Imperio
Before you slap on a plastic smile, do some deep thinking on the whole picture when it comes to plastic surgery and its risks.
It’s in the news, on television, movies and just about everywhere you look. A pretty face, a slender frame, and sizeable, perky breasts are society’s general prerequisites for a “beautiful woman,” and people are increasingly more willing to succumb to these diluted perceptions each year.
But the purses and bank accounts of women are not the only ones being spilled out for a fresh new look…. More and more men are considering and even going through with cosmetic surgery to fit the trim and youthful appearance desired by so many. Male pectoral implants, calf implants, Rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelifts and tummy tucks are just a few of the popular procedures in which males are recently partaking.
The ever-popular “nose job,” or rhinoplasty, is just one of dozens of treatments available to the big spenders. (Typical procedures cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars and ever climbing.) As the nose is rumored to be the most prominent feature on a person’s face, many are quick to have theirs sculpted to perfection, or at least to improvement.
In addition to aesthetic nose surgery, procedures such as aesthetic ear surgery, cosmetic eyelid surgery, facelifts, forehead lifts, and chemical face peels attempt to present cosmetic surgery patients with a more appealing visage.
Eyelid rejuvenation, or Blepharoplasty, is a relatively common cosmetic procedure practiced in the hopes of reducing the signs of aging around the eyes. Facelifts and forehead lifts and chemical face peels also attempt to decrease the appearance of aging, thus restoring a brighter skin tone and an overall younger look.
Non-facial cosmetic surgery procedures are extremely common as well. Liposuction and tummy tucks are common treatments to aid in contouring the body and eliminating localized deposits of fat in areas such as the waistline, thighs and buttocks.
Breast size and shape become a concern to women for several reasons, including physical appearance and personal comfort. Breast enlargement, breast reduction and breast lifts may deliver desire results to happy patients, but several risks could dampen the bliss. Inability to nurse a baby, uneven nipple placement and sensory loss are possible flaws known to occur after a Mammoplasty.
The obvious and ultimate goal, or benefit, is to construct the desired appearance in as little time as possible with little or no pain and a quick recovery. Often, patients know exactly what they want to see when the procedure is done, so a match to the envisioned or sketched result is the greatest advantage, though there is no guarantee.
The cons and risk factors are much more abundant, though sometimes rare or uncommon. The need to take time off from one’s professional career and typical daily activities can be seen as an immediate disadvantage. Financial expenses, imminent bruising and discomfort may also deter an individual from receiving a cosmetic surgical procedure. Speaking with a person who has had cosmetic surgery performed on them may be the best means of deciding for oneself if opting for surgery is the right choice.
As with any type of surgical procedure, certain inherent risks are involved. Infection, dry eye problems/ decreased tear production, bleeding, blindness and damage to nerves, blood vessels and muscles within the eye are just a few complications that can occur when a Blepharoplasty is performed. Less serious risks can include allergic reactions, asymmetry (a notable difference in appearance of the eyes), chronic pain, delayed or prolonged healing of the affected area, permanent or temporary eyelash hair loss, scarring, and dissatisfaction with the end result, among others. This is not to mention additional risks involved with local and general anesthesia administered to patients receiving surgical treatment.
With so many risks, why do so many people continue to go through with cosmetic surgery? Not surprisingly, for the same reasons many people dye their hair! Satisfaction of one’s appearance is intrinsically linked to one’s happiness and overall mood and performance. Do blondes really have more fun? If someone asks your mom one more time how old she is, will she tell? Will enhanced or reduced breasts really make someone a “different person”? It is all a state of mind.
Though risks such as blindness, blood clots, and serious lung problems are rare, it is critical that you are aware of these possible outcomes. If you cannot live with the potential consequences, it is best to think twice and weigh out your options before plunging into a procedure that could change your life forever.
This article’s purpose is to briefly inform individuals about the pros, cons and risk factors involved with cosmetic surgery. It is not meant to replace the opinions and judgments of medical professionals, but to bring a clear and unbiased awareness to the overall concept of cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery Pros, Cons and Risk Factors
By Kathryn D'Imperio
Before you slap on a plastic smile, do some deep thinking on the whole picture when it comes to plastic surgery and its risks.
It’s in the news, on television, movies and just about everywhere you look. A pretty face, a slender frame, and sizeable, perky breasts are society’s general prerequisites for a “beautiful woman,” and people are increasingly more willing to succumb to these diluted perceptions each year.
But the purses and bank accounts of women are not the only ones being spilled out for a fresh new look…. More and more men are considering and even going through with cosmetic surgery to fit the trim and youthful appearance desired by so many. Male pectoral implants, calf implants, Rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelifts and tummy tucks are just a few of the popular procedures in which males are recently partaking.
The ever-popular “nose job,” or rhinoplasty, is just one of dozens of treatments available to the big spenders. (Typical procedures cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars and ever climbing.) As the nose is rumored to be the most prominent feature on a person’s face, many are quick to have theirs sculpted to perfection, or at least to improvement.
In addition to aesthetic nose surgery, procedures such as aesthetic ear surgery, cosmetic eyelid surgery, facelifts, forehead lifts, and chemical face peels attempt to present cosmetic surgery patients with a more appealing visage.
Eyelid rejuvenation, or Blepharoplasty, is a relatively common cosmetic procedure practiced in the hopes of reducing the signs of aging around the eyes. Facelifts and forehead lifts and chemical face peels also attempt to decrease the appearance of aging, thus restoring a brighter skin tone and an overall younger look.
Non-facial cosmetic surgery procedures are extremely common as well. Liposuction and tummy tucks are common treatments to aid in contouring the body and eliminating localized deposits of fat in areas such as the waistline, thighs and buttocks.
Breast size and shape become a concern to women for several reasons, including physical appearance and personal comfort. Breast enlargement, breast reduction and breast lifts may deliver desire results to happy patients, but several risks could dampen the bliss. Inability to nurse a baby, uneven nipple placement and sensory loss are possible flaws known to occur after a Mammoplasty.
The obvious and ultimate goal, or benefit, is to construct the desired appearance in as little time as possible with little or no pain and a quick recovery. Often, patients know exactly what they want to see when the procedure is done, so a match to the envisioned or sketched result is the greatest advantage, though there is no guarantee.
The cons and risk factors are much more abundant, though sometimes rare or uncommon. The need to take time off from one’s professional career and typical daily activities can be seen as an immediate disadvantage. Financial expenses, imminent bruising and discomfort may also deter an individual from receiving a cosmetic surgical procedure. Speaking with a person who has had cosmetic surgery performed on them may be the best means of deciding for oneself if opting for surgery is the right choice.
As with any type of surgical procedure, certain inherent risks are involved. Infection, dry eye problems/ decreased tear production, bleeding, blindness and damage to nerves, blood vessels and muscles within the eye are just a few complications that can occur when a Blepharoplasty is performed. Less serious risks can include allergic reactions, asymmetry (a notable difference in appearance of the eyes), chronic pain, delayed or prolonged healing of the affected area, permanent or temporary eyelash hair loss, scarring, and dissatisfaction with the end result, among others. This is not to mention additional risks involved with local and general anesthesia administered to patients receiving surgical treatment.
With so many risks, why do so many people continue to go through with cosmetic surgery? Not surprisingly, for the same reasons many people dye their hair! Satisfaction of one’s appearance is intrinsically linked to one’s happiness and overall mood and performance. Do blondes really have more fun? If someone asks your mom one more time how old she is, will she tell? Will enhanced or reduced breasts really make someone a “different person”? It is all a state of mind.
Though risks such as blindness, blood clots, and serious lung problems are rare, it is critical that you are aware of these possible outcomes. If you cannot live with the potential consequences, it is best to think twice and weigh out your options before plunging into a procedure that could change your life forever.
This article’s purpose is to briefly inform individuals about the pros, cons and risk factors involved with cosmetic surgery. It is not meant to replace the opinions and judgments of medical professionals, but to bring a clear and unbiased awareness to the overall concept of cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery Pros, Cons and Risk Factors
Simple Ways to Retain a Youthful Look
Simple Ways to Retain a Youthful Look
We women, in one way or another, wish to look young all our lives. Whether you pin the blame on our upbringing, the media or our youth-oriented society, the thing is that we do indeed desire to retain our youthful looks for as long as we can. That is why cosmetic surgery and the cosmetic industry in general are making loads of money. Many women – and even men – are willing to spend a tremendous amount just to keep their faces and bodies looking young.
But did you know that retaining a youthful look is quite simple and that you do not have to break the bank just to achieve it? It is just as easy as taking care of your self and deciding for yourself to make a few changes in your habits and lifestyle.
Taking care of your self from the outside.
The one part of the body that easily reveals our age is our skin. Having dry, stretched skin with wrinkles, fine lines and spots makes a person look old. One way of keeping our skin looking young is to make a habit of moisturizing the skin at least twice a day – once in the morning and once at night, before you go to bed. Keeping the skin moisturized makes our skin feel soft and smooth and plumps up the fine lines. The act of rubbing the skin with the moisturizer also helps improve blood circulation to the skin.
There are specifically formulated moisturizing products targeted to suit the different areas of our skin. A face cream is for the face and the face alone. It should not be used for the hands or the body. A hand and body lotion is for the hands and the body only; they should not be used for the face. There are different products designed particularly for the neck, the foot, and the eyelids. This may seem tedious, but different areas of the skin have different moisture requirements. Use these products to “feed” your skin with moisture. Remember as well that oily skin needs oil-free products, while dry skin needs extra moisture.
Also, try to keep out of the sun as much as you can. The sun’s ultraviolet rays harm the skin; not only does constant exposure induce the appearance of wrinkles on the skin, but it also causes ailments such as skin cancer. If you have to go out, make sure you are protected. Use a hat and sunglasses. Your skin products should also have SPF.
Makeup also helps. Dab a concealer over the pimples, the dark circles under the eyes, and whatever skin blemishes that you have. After that, apply a light foundation, then a touch of the bronzer and a little lipstick. Take care not to put on too much makeup; too much makeup makes us look older instead of younger.
Don’t forget your hair. All the effort that goes into taking care of the skin will all be wasted if the hair is not given enough attention as well. Keep your roots touched up if you have dyed hair. You may also want to frame your face with highlighted locks to add light to your face. Keep your hair clean, soft and well-groomed.
Taking care of your from the inside.
What is inside is reflected on the outside. To have a youthful, glowing look, we have to take care of the inside of our bodies too. And that is done by eating right so our bodies get the right nutrients, by exercising right so our muscles would be toned and flexible, and by drinking a lot of water to wash out the waste and toxins from our body. Another thing that you should do is to minimize or even eliminate the consumption of alcohol. You should also quit smoking. Visit the dentist regularly as well to keep your teeth white, strong and healthy.
Whether the fountain of youth is real or not, what matters is that we women should learn to take better care of ourselves. In learning how to take better care of ourselves, we have already found our own fountain of youth.
We women, in one way or another, wish to look young all our lives. Whether you pin the blame on our upbringing, the media or our youth-oriented society, the thing is that we do indeed desire to retain our youthful looks for as long as we can. That is why cosmetic surgery and the cosmetic industry in general are making loads of money. Many women – and even men – are willing to spend a tremendous amount just to keep their faces and bodies looking young.
But did you know that retaining a youthful look is quite simple and that you do not have to break the bank just to achieve it? It is just as easy as taking care of your self and deciding for yourself to make a few changes in your habits and lifestyle.
Taking care of your self from the outside.
The one part of the body that easily reveals our age is our skin. Having dry, stretched skin with wrinkles, fine lines and spots makes a person look old. One way of keeping our skin looking young is to make a habit of moisturizing the skin at least twice a day – once in the morning and once at night, before you go to bed. Keeping the skin moisturized makes our skin feel soft and smooth and plumps up the fine lines. The act of rubbing the skin with the moisturizer also helps improve blood circulation to the skin.
There are specifically formulated moisturizing products targeted to suit the different areas of our skin. A face cream is for the face and the face alone. It should not be used for the hands or the body. A hand and body lotion is for the hands and the body only; they should not be used for the face. There are different products designed particularly for the neck, the foot, and the eyelids. This may seem tedious, but different areas of the skin have different moisture requirements. Use these products to “feed” your skin with moisture. Remember as well that oily skin needs oil-free products, while dry skin needs extra moisture.
Also, try to keep out of the sun as much as you can. The sun’s ultraviolet rays harm the skin; not only does constant exposure induce the appearance of wrinkles on the skin, but it also causes ailments such as skin cancer. If you have to go out, make sure you are protected. Use a hat and sunglasses. Your skin products should also have SPF.
Makeup also helps. Dab a concealer over the pimples, the dark circles under the eyes, and whatever skin blemishes that you have. After that, apply a light foundation, then a touch of the bronzer and a little lipstick. Take care not to put on too much makeup; too much makeup makes us look older instead of younger.
Don’t forget your hair. All the effort that goes into taking care of the skin will all be wasted if the hair is not given enough attention as well. Keep your roots touched up if you have dyed hair. You may also want to frame your face with highlighted locks to add light to your face. Keep your hair clean, soft and well-groomed.
Taking care of your from the inside.
What is inside is reflected on the outside. To have a youthful, glowing look, we have to take care of the inside of our bodies too. And that is done by eating right so our bodies get the right nutrients, by exercising right so our muscles would be toned and flexible, and by drinking a lot of water to wash out the waste and toxins from our body. Another thing that you should do is to minimize or even eliminate the consumption of alcohol. You should also quit smoking. Visit the dentist regularly as well to keep your teeth white, strong and healthy.
Whether the fountain of youth is real or not, what matters is that we women should learn to take better care of ourselves. In learning how to take better care of ourselves, we have already found our own fountain of youth.
Perfect Makeup in Minutes
By Joanne Elliott
No matter what time of day it is, or how busy you are, there are certain golden rules when applying your makeup. Here is a short guide to getting your war paint right every time!
Laying The Foundations
Foundation should be the perfect match to your skin tone. Nobody looks good when they have skin the color of a pumpkin! And worse yet, beware of the tidemarks at the jaw line. Always make sure that your foundation is well blended if you want to avoid looking like you’re wearing a mask.
Top tip - if you use a shimmering moisturizer before you apply your foundation then your skin will absolutely glow!
Dark Circles?
No way! There is a huge range of products on the market for different tones and textures of concealer. Don’t be tempted to go two shades lighter than your natural color, as it will make the darkness of your skin more gray and muddy. And be careful not to lay it on too thick. Apart from the fact that it looks like you’re wearing too much makeup, it may also damage the delicate skin beneath your eyes. Remember, you want to tint the discoloration, not mask it.
Top tip - Have a good look at the actual color of your dark circles. If your darkness is gray, lightly apply a soft pink eye shadow to the circles before applying your foundation. If your darkness is more of a blue hue, use a light peach color first instead.
Powdering Up
Keep your powder application light by using loose powder and a big brush for application. Less is definitely more here. Make sure that you buy a good powder that will sink into your skin, rather than visibly lie of the top of it.
Top tip - before applying your powder, try blotting your foundation with a tissue. This will remove any excess oils, and help to stop you from getting ‘shiny’.
Blushing Beauty
Only apply your blush to the apples of your cheeks, and build up the color layers slowly. Next, blend the blush in so that the color looks natural. Remember, you’re just trying to enhance the facial definition that you already have. No matter how much we may want to, it is impossible to draw on fantastic cheekbones. Just be yourself!
Top tip - if you make a mistake and put too much blusher on, don’t panic! You don’t need to start over. Instead, just moisten a sponge and gently dab your cheeks with it. This will dilute the color and return your overall look to something acceptable!
Luscious Lips
Whatever lipstick you use, there is one golden rule to follow... just make sure that it is right for your skin tone, hair and eye coloring. Go vampy for the night time with darker shades, and keep it calm and cute with tinted lip-gloss during the day.
Top tip - if you want great looking shimmery lips try applying sparkling eye shadow over the top of your lipstick to create a new shiny shade, absolutely free!
Powerful Peepers
So long as it’s applied in a constant, unwobbly line, your eyeliner can be as bold as you wish. Use lighter shades of eye shadow during the day, and go darker at night. A shimmering highlighter applied just beneath the eyebrow gives even the most tired looking peepers a lift. And always apply your mascara in thin coats, building up the length and thickness slowly. This helps to avoid that terrible clumping which can happen it you try to apply too much, too soon.
Top tip - blend your eyeliner with a thin layer of eye shadow. This will make your eyes look absolutely magnetic!
No matter what time of day it is, or how busy you are, there are certain golden rules when applying your makeup. Here is a short guide to getting your war paint right every time!
Laying The Foundations
Foundation should be the perfect match to your skin tone. Nobody looks good when they have skin the color of a pumpkin! And worse yet, beware of the tidemarks at the jaw line. Always make sure that your foundation is well blended if you want to avoid looking like you’re wearing a mask.
Top tip - if you use a shimmering moisturizer before you apply your foundation then your skin will absolutely glow!
Dark Circles?
No way! There is a huge range of products on the market for different tones and textures of concealer. Don’t be tempted to go two shades lighter than your natural color, as it will make the darkness of your skin more gray and muddy. And be careful not to lay it on too thick. Apart from the fact that it looks like you’re wearing too much makeup, it may also damage the delicate skin beneath your eyes. Remember, you want to tint the discoloration, not mask it.
Top tip - Have a good look at the actual color of your dark circles. If your darkness is gray, lightly apply a soft pink eye shadow to the circles before applying your foundation. If your darkness is more of a blue hue, use a light peach color first instead.
Powdering Up
Keep your powder application light by using loose powder and a big brush for application. Less is definitely more here. Make sure that you buy a good powder that will sink into your skin, rather than visibly lie of the top of it.
Top tip - before applying your powder, try blotting your foundation with a tissue. This will remove any excess oils, and help to stop you from getting ‘shiny’.
Blushing Beauty
Only apply your blush to the apples of your cheeks, and build up the color layers slowly. Next, blend the blush in so that the color looks natural. Remember, you’re just trying to enhance the facial definition that you already have. No matter how much we may want to, it is impossible to draw on fantastic cheekbones. Just be yourself!
Top tip - if you make a mistake and put too much blusher on, don’t panic! You don’t need to start over. Instead, just moisten a sponge and gently dab your cheeks with it. This will dilute the color and return your overall look to something acceptable!
Luscious Lips
Whatever lipstick you use, there is one golden rule to follow... just make sure that it is right for your skin tone, hair and eye coloring. Go vampy for the night time with darker shades, and keep it calm and cute with tinted lip-gloss during the day.
Top tip - if you want great looking shimmery lips try applying sparkling eye shadow over the top of your lipstick to create a new shiny shade, absolutely free!
Powerful Peepers
So long as it’s applied in a constant, unwobbly line, your eyeliner can be as bold as you wish. Use lighter shades of eye shadow during the day, and go darker at night. A shimmering highlighter applied just beneath the eyebrow gives even the most tired looking peepers a lift. And always apply your mascara in thin coats, building up the length and thickness slowly. This helps to avoid that terrible clumping which can happen it you try to apply too much, too soon.
Top tip - blend your eyeliner with a thin layer of eye shadow. This will make your eyes look absolutely magnetic!
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