Protect your eyes — don’t make up and drive
If you want to protect your eyes, don’t apply makeup and drive. Sounds like a no-brainer, yet it’s a reminder from Dr. Harvey Moscot of Moscot Eyewear and Eyecare in New York City.
The most serious problem related to the application of eye makeup is injury to the cornea from either scratching the eye with a fingernail or eyeliner pencil, Moscot said. Tearing, itching, swelling and redness also can be the result of allergic reactions from preservatives that stop bacterial growth on makeup.
Here are Dr. Moscot’s tips to help prevent potential injuries, infections or allergic reactions around your eyes:
*Be careful. Eye makeup removers are designed to be used near and around the eye. Makeup removers can cause dryness, itching and swelling if they get into your eyes so apply with ease and slowly.
* Keep your eyeliner pencils sharpened. This prevents the wood casing from scratchign the eye. An old pencil tends to get stiff, requiring more pressure. If this happens, replace the pencil with a new one.
* Give your makeup a break. If you have an eye infection such as pink eye or conjunctivitis, avoid wearing makeup until the condition abates. Throw away exiting makeup and purchase new since older products may still contain bacteria.
* Out with the old, in with the new. It’s important to replace old cosmetics every six months to avoid excess contamination and bacteria growth. Old cosmetics are a major cause of eye infections.
*Saliva and makeup don’t mix. If your makeup needs a little fix, don’t use your saliva to do it. Use water or makeup remover. Since saliva contains bacteria and might cause infection.
* Just say no. Never share eye makeup. It’s a sure way to cause cross contamination which can lead to eye infections.
* Never mix old with new. Old applicators should not be used with new cosmetics. You run the risk of transferring bacteria into the new products by using older applicators.
*Makeup counter no-no. Never use sample products at cosmetic counters without making sure you’re using a fresh sample.
* Don’t makeup and drive. Never apply makeup in a moving vehicle. Ouch!
Cheap tips for calming your dry, stressed-out skin
If cold weather is wreaking havoc on your skin but the economy is causing you to rethink your beauty budget, consider these at-home tips from Dr. Ellen Marmur, chief of the division of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center New York.
“At home facials once a week in the winter will help reduce dead skin build-up and a dull complexion, Marmur said. “Make it yourself — blend one avocado, juice from half of a lemon and the conents of a lemon-zinger tea bag. Apply to face for 10 minutes, wash with gentle face wash like Terralina, and immediately moisturize with your favorite face/neck cream, massaging for 5 minutes.”
The No. 1 tip for extremely dry or irritated skin: Don’t scrub or pick inflamed skin, and don’t wash with harsh soaps, Marmur said.
No. 2: Apply a thick ointment, such as Aquaphor, which is available at drug stores, to your neck, chest and and hands at least an hour before bed. Either wipe off with a soft towel or wash with a gentle face wash, Marmur said.
Remember to use a humidifer in your home, especially the bedroom, to protect agains the drying effect of heaters.
Cocktail Rings All the Rage!
Cocktail rings are making a sparkle this season, (and probably for seasons to come). Celebrities are adding them to any ensemble and you can too! This is the perfect way to dress up any outfit and it comes at a reasonable price. Here are a few examples under $50.00:
From the Limited, “Enamel Ring”. Was $20.50, Now on Sale for $12.30
From Banana Republic, “Enamel Graphic Ring”. $39.00
From Forever21, “Spring Ring Set”, $3.80
There are tons of options out there, pick the one that dazzles you the most!
From the desk of Crystal VanZandt, winter break intern for Linda Miller. Be sure to check out more blogs from Linda Miller and myself on ‘Smart Shopping’.
Beauty tip: shaving your legs
You know I’m a fan of Charla Krupp’s “How Not to Look Old, Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better.”
Here’s a tidbit from the book:
According to Gillette, 95 percent of American women choose the razor as their leg hair removal method of choice.
“My favorite razor (sorry, Gillette) is the Schick Intuition because the blade is attached to a cartridge that automatically releases shaving cream while you shave,” she writes. “I never buy shaving cream anymore, which means no more cans leaving rings in my shower. It’s one of those beauty innovations that has you say, ‘What took them so long?’ “
Beauty tip: faking eyelashes
If you’ve lost your lashes due to a medical condition or treatment, create the illusion of hair by double lining the eyes, says makeup artist Bobbi Brown in her book “Living Beauty.”
Using a dry eyeliner brush, apply dark powder eye shadow (dark brown, gray or charcoal) as close to the base of the lashes as possible. The line should be thick and smudgy. Repeat the process, this time with the brush slightly dampened. Use a stamping motion to draw a thinner line.
Beauty tip: eye opener
Makeup artist Bobbi Brown says applying concealer on the holllow sides of the nose (the spot next to the eye socket) will open up your eyes and make them look bright and awake.
Beauty tip: wrinkles a go-go
Who says you can’t have a spa experience with ingredients found in the kitchen? Here’s a recipe for a wrinkle-softening mask from “Age-Defying Beauty Secrets” by Diane Irons.
Mash half a cucumber and apply to clean, dry skin. Leave on at least 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Beauty tip: a pretty blush
Natural-toned blushes make you look younger and more rested.
Who among us hasn’t looked in the mirror and wondered what’s up with the blush? It just doesn’t look right.
In her book “The Power of Makeup,” makeup artist Trish McEvoy says colors that mimic nature will make you look more rested. Placement is key. Keep the blush on the apple of the cheek, not too low, and use a brush that will allow a gentle sweep of color.
Natural-toned blushes will make you appear younger and more rested. Darker tones can add years, Trish says.
