Want the celebrity look? It doesn't take a fortune to achieve

Most women would love to get the flawless look that celebrities seem to achieve so easily. For African American women, there are many black skin care products that can help you get the high-cost look without spending a fortune. Recently, Parade magazine offered tips on how to look like you're famous while sticking to a budget.

First, the news provider suggested using a bold lipstick. Bright red colors can make you stand out, and when you find the bright color that works for you, a glamorous look becomes effortless. Next, Parade recommended filling out the eyebrows to make the eyes pop without the need for expensive makeup.

"To achieve this look, go a few shades darker than your original eyebrow color. For example, if you're blonde, don't go for a black brow. Stick with the same color family," said the news source.

Marie Claire magazine states that the best way to get the celebrity look is to create a "smoky eye." The periodical said to first apply a cream concealer to the eye, then use an eyeliner to trace the top lid from the inner corner to the outer. Then use eye shadow all over the lid and slightly past the outer corner to get the sultry look. 

Skin therapist discusses the importance of antioxidants

While many women are looking to get different things out of their cosmetics, most can agree that healthy, clear skin is a worthy goal. For African American women, there are many skin care products for black skin that contain antioxidant extracts, which have been shown to potentially protect skin from the pollutants that come with everyday life.

Recently, skin therapist Louise Thomas-Minns discussed the importance of having these natural ingredients present in your makeup and daily life. She also mentioned that even though the summer is ending, it's important to protect yourself against the sun year-round.

"Incorporating antioxidants into your skincare and diet will protect the skin from further damage and can work to reverse some of the damage if used in higher levels," she stated, quoted by MyPure.com.

The expert reminded people that the best way to choose the right product for you is to consult a makeup professional. Reading the ingredients on cosmetics can also help you determine which ones will be the best protection against pollutants and the sun's UV rays. Pomegranate, green tea and soy can be found in many African American skin care products, and are high in antioxidants.

The National Institutes of Health state that antioxidants may protect skin cells from pollutants caused by smoking, radiation and other things that can cause disease. 

Prone to breakouts? The problem may be more than skin deep

Whether your skin is too dry or too oily, it can be difficult to decide what technique may help make improvements. For African American women, there are a variety of skin care products for black skin that can moisturize without causing breakouts and improve the overall look of the skin.

Sometimes cosmetics aren't enough though, and when that happens the problem may be psychological. The Huffington Post offered tips for keeping the skin calm when the mind is all over the place.

First, the news provider said that stress can have a serious impact on skin, so try practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or deep breathing. WebMD calls the connection between emotion and skin psychodermatology, and the medical site agrees that a person's stress levels can affect their appearance.

"A lot of nerve endings are connected to the skin, which wraps around the organs, so as emotions are played out neurologically, they can be expressed through the skin just as stress can be expressed through gastrointestinal symptoms, increased anxiety or hypertension," psychiatrist Karen Mallin told WebMD.

Next, the Post suggested remaining active and keeping a positive attitude. Exercise increases endorphins, which can improve the mood. Keeping optimistic can lower stress levels, and potentially improve the look of the skin. 

Dermatologist Channing Barnett offers tips for keeping skin healthy in winter

The summer is coming to an end, and for many women the colder weather means dry skin. Luckily, for African American women, there are many skin care products for black skin with added moisturizers to keep the face looking fresh and hydrated all year long. Using these products is one way women can protect their skin in the winter months, and dermatologist Channing Barnett, M.D, recently offered some other tips for getting yourself ready for the season.

“A few simple things make a big difference in hydrating the skin,” said Barnett.

The doctor suggested bathing in lukewarm water instead of hot, because hot water can dry out the skin. She also recommended avoiding harsh soaps and products that contain strong fragrances, since these products are also known to potentially cause drying and. She also reminded people to exercise caution when using a washcloth or towel. It's better to pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it, which can cause redness.

Finally, Barnett said that the best time to apply moisturizers to the face is immediately after bathing. That way, the product will hold the moisture on your skin from the shower and will be potentially more effective.

The secret to anti-aging may be a combination of the right product and application

While women may have different concerns regarding the health of their skin, most can agree that they all want to reduce the signs of aging. Luckily for African American women, there are many skin care products for black skin that contain green tea and pomegranate extracts.

These substances contain antioxidants and, according to WebMD, these naturally occurring chemicals can protect against sun damage, a major cause of skin aging.

Recently, London magazine Hello! reported on other ways to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the skin. First, the news source said it's all about the right moisturizer. Using the wrong cream can cause more damage, so try out a few products to see what's best.

Next, the news provider said that products should always be applied to clean skin, rather than just applying them on top of other makeup from earlier in the day or the dirt and pollutants that women encounter on a regular basis. Finally, how you apply cosmetics does make a difference. Massaging the skin while applying moisturizer will bet the blood flowing, and allow the ingredients to better absorb into the pores.

Natural extracts may make for better skin care products

Women have many choices when it comes to African American skin care products, but not all cosmetics for black skin are the same. One way to distinguish between the variety of brands on the market is to look at the ingredients and see which products contain natural ingredients, such as soy, pomegranate and green tea.

Recently, makeup artist Sophie Chamings explained the benefits of choosing a makeup with natural ingredients in it.

"Natural ingredients are gentle but extremely powerful and finding the right natural product for someone is like magic," said Chamings.

The expert also mentioned that organic ingredients work naturally with the body to help skin stay clear and moisturized, without drying it out. While other products promise quick fixes to problems such as wrinkles, they may cause damage in the long run by drawing moisture away from the skin.

The website SmartSkinCare.com further explained what natural ingredients can do for the skin. For example, green tea, which can be found in many African American skin care products, has been shown to protect against UV rays from the sun, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Green tea may protect skin from inflammation and sun damage

With so many African American skin care products on the market, it can be difficult to know what separates one from the other. One thing to look for is the ingredients, since many products are filled with chemicals and nothing natural. Skin care products for black skin that contain green tea and pomegranate extracts may be a better choice for keeping skin healthy and looking great.

Researchers believe that green tea can benefit the body, but what about the skin?

"Taken altogether, the evidence certainly suggests that incorporating at least a few cups of green tea every day will positively affect your health," says Diane McKay, PhD, a Tufts University scientist who studies antioxidants, quoted by WebMD.

The Bellingham Herald recently ran an article from RetailMeNot.com stating that green tea may combat acne, infection and inflammation of the skin.

The news provider mentioned that green tea has also been shown to help protect against the harmful UV rays of the sun. Avoiding sun damage is one of the best ways to keep skin from aging, and using cosmetics with green tea extract may be one way to help your skin retain a youthful glow.  

Keeping skin care simple may keep it looking healthy

With so many skin care products on the market and leagues of "experts" claiming that they know the secret to perfect skin, it can be difficult to know what methods truly work. The website AfricanAmericanMakeUp.org suggests that women stick to what they know when it comes to cosmetics and keep it simple. Don't try and look like a celebrity by piling makeup on but rather try to go for a simpler, more natural look when using African American skin care products.

Recently, USA Today ran an article on other ways to keep it simple when it comes to skin care.

"You don't need 25 products to have good, clean skin," says dermatologist Karen Nern, M.D., quoted by the news source. "Cleansing your face is not complicated."

The news provider recommended cleaning the face with a basic skin cleanser and water. Try to avoid using products formulated for the body and not for the face. Although there is skin everywhere, the skin on the face should always be cared for in a different way than that on the body. A basic routine that doesn't involve products that make over-the-top claims is the best way to keep skin clean, smooth and healthy looking. 

Fall is coming, time to switch up the makeup

The summer is coming to a close, and for women that means it's time to switch up their skin care routine. As the weather gets colder, skin is at a greater risk of drying out, meaning that it might not be a bad idea for ethnic women to invest in African American skin care products with an added moisturizer. SkinCareNews.com recently offered some tips for fall office makeup that looks both fashionable and professional

First, the website stated that although light moisturizer may have worked in the summer, it's time to go for the heavier creams now that the cold weather is coming. Next, the beauty site recommended using products that contain antioxidant extracts, such as green tea or pomegranate. These healthy ingredients may help protect the skin during the winter months.

Finally, the website reminded women that looking professional can help you get ahead in the professional world. Taking care of your skin is one way that you can show that you take yourself seriously, and others will respect you for it.

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Dr. Susan Taylor discusses common signs of black skin aging

The National Institutes of Health states that melanin is a natural substance that gives skin its color. Melanin can also help protect the skin from the sun, which can lead to fewer signs of aging. African Americans have more melanin, which can make them look younger and keep skin from having as many wrinkles. This doesn't mean African Americans don't have signs of aging, however, and Dr. Susan Taylor discusses these on the website brownskin.net. 

The first sign of aging Taylor mentioned is skin roughness. As we get older, our skin loses its smooth texture.To combat this, Taylor recommends that African Americans use topical agents that are designed to treat dry, rough skin.

Next, Taylor discussed dermatosis papulosa nigra, which are benign growths that occur in African American skin as it matures. The expert explained that this can happen in both men and women and are caused by a variety of things.

"Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN), a cluster of small seborrheic keratoses, are prominently located on the faces of both African American men and women. They are small, brown or black bumps that are sometimes mistaken for moles. It is felt that a combination of heredity, aging and exposure to the sun are factors in the development of DPNs," said Taylor.

The simplest way to combat many signs of aging is with the right African American skin care product, which can give skin back its youthful, healthy glow.  

When looking for the right foundation, makeup professionals are there to help

African American skin care products have come a long way in the past decades, and there are now more options that ever. While that's great for being able to switch up your routine, it can be difficult to know where to begin with so many choices on the market. Luckily, there are several resources out there that offer tips for how to choose the product that's right for you.

Essortment.com explained the best way to choose foundation for African American skin. First, the site recommended that when looking to find a new product, women should go to the makeup counter and talk to a sales person. They are trained to match unique skin tones to the right makeup and once they match you with the right foundation, it's easier to pick the right color in the future.

The website LoveToKnow.com says that African American women shouldn't be afraid to go bold when it comes to color. Makeup is meant to accentuate a woman's best feature, so while foundation should be applied to the whole face, bronzers and blush can be used to highlight cheekbones. A bright lipstick or eyeshadow can show off eyes and lips. 

Caffeine may fight against skin cancer

Recently, there has been a variety of natural extracts appearing in cosmetics ingredients. For example, African American women looking to buy skin products for black skin can find many options that contain pomegranate, green tea and soy. Now, a new study has come out that suggests that coffee may also be beneficial for the skin. 

Researchers at Rutgers University believe that caffeine could potentially guard against skin cancer by boosting a protein in the skin. The scientists have suggested that applying caffeine directly to the skin could prevent the damaging effects of UV rays.

"Although it is known that coffee drinking is associated with a decreased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, there now needs to be studies to determine whether topical caffeine inhibits sunlight-induced skin cancer," said Allan Conney, director of the Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research.

Currently, the best method of protecting against skin cancer is still using protective clothing and and sunscreen or cosmetics products with SPF.  

Combining makeup products can help create a natural look

Ethnic women can benefit from using skin care products designed specifically for black skin that keeps their unique tones in mind. The women's magazine Savvy claims that the secret to African American beauty is to understand the skin's undertones. Sometimes, this can mean having to use a variety of products instead of just one.

The beauty news provider said that in order to avoid a chalky-looking complexion, ethnic women may want to consider blending a few different shades of foundation. It can be difficult to find one foundation or concealer that matches a person's exact skin tone, so combining some may be the most effective method to get an even tone.

The website MakeupSense.com offers tips on how to get the most out of foundation. 

The website suggests shaking liquid foundation before using it to get the right texture. It also reminded readers that foundation is not meant to cover major flaws or blemishes and that they shouldn't use concealer along with foundation if trying to create a natural look because it will appear too thick and clumpy.   

A restful night's sleep combined with a healthy diet can equal beautiful skin

African American skin care can be a complicated process that can sometimes require time and patience. According to the website Black-Women-Beauty-Central.com, this might not be a bad thing. The beauty site reports that if a woman is spending less that 15 minutes a day on her routine, then she is not giving her skin the right amount of attention. The website offered tips on how to keep black skin looking healthy by paying attention to other lifestyle factors that make change skin's appearance.

First, the site recommended quitting bad habits such as smoking or eating junk food. Smoking can increase the number of wrinkles on a person's skin, and junk food can potentially create an acne problem.

The magazine Real Simple also mentioned the importance of healthy habits on skin and spoke to an expert in the field to explain the connection between diet and skin's appearance.

“Diet can play a role in strengthening your skin’s ability to maintain moisture, too,” says Leslie Baumann, a professor of dermatology at the University of Miami, quoted by the news source.

Real Simple gave the example of substances rich in the essential fatty acids found in walnuts, flaxseed, salmon and olive oil as being the best foods to help skin cells stay hydrated

Black-Women-Beauty-Central also mentioned that getting enough sleep (8 to 10 hours a night) can reduce the appearance of dark circles and lines, suggesting that a restful night can help lead to a beautiful morning. 

Benefits of healthy extracts in skin products

Lately there has been a lot of talk about the health benefits of pomegranate. This fruit is known as a source of antioxidants, and the Mayo Clinic reports that these substances can protect the body from free radicals, which accumulate from day to day pollution that the body encounters, such as toxins emitted by cars.

Recently, Mercury News reported that pomegranate extract is showing up in many skin care products. Currently, there are many products for ethnic women that contain this and other antioxidant rich extracts, such as green tea. The news provider spoke to David McDaniel, M.D., assistant professor of clinical dermatology at Eastern Virginia Medical School to learn the benefits of having pomegranate and other natural substances in skin care products.

"There are many benefits to natural ingredients in skin care, for example licorice root, chamomile and pomegranate. For some, there is a pigment lightening effect for improving the appearance of uneven skin using licorice root extract and pomegranate.Pomegranate also has a strong antioxidant protective effect and can be found in many good skin care products," said McDaniel, quoted by the news source.

This suggests that when choosing an African American skin care product, women may want to look for ones that contain these healthy ingredients.

Tips for findings the right skin care product for black skin

Finding the right African American skin care product can be difficult. With so many options on the market, it's tough to know which shade or makeup combination will make dark skin shine. The UK news source The Guardian reported in January that the U.S. is leading the revolution in African American makeup products, going so far as to call it the "promised land" of dark skin care.

The website AfricanAmericanMakeup.org offered some tips on what to look for when shopping for an ethnic beauty product. First, the site suggested keeping the skin's undertones in mind, for example if a person has cool undertones than they can wear eye shadows that have shades of blue in them.

Next, the makeup news source recommended that African American women use bronzer instead of blush to add a hint of color to the skin. While some companies sell blush that can work for darker skin tones, bronzers may be the best bet for ethnic women.

Finally, the site reminded women to speak up if they are unsure of which product to choose. Salespeople in makeup departments are there to help guide women in making the decision of what cosmetics will look best on them.