Don't ignore your skin at night

 

While many women focus on making sure that their African American skin care product is keeping their complexion looking fabulous all day, some ladies may forget how important it is to care for your skin at night. Recently, Daily Glow published an article explaining what you should be doing for your skin before you go to bed each night.

First, it's crucial that you wash your face at night. Even if you didn't wear makeup that day, the dirt, oil and pollutants that you encountered throughout the day can clog your pores and lead to acne.

Next, the news source stated that when you sleep, your body temperature increases, which can dry out your skin. This is why it's very important to use a moisturizer at night.

"To keep your skin hydrated, apply a thin layer of moisturizer that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which bind water to the skin, as well as ceramides that will restore the lipid barrier," said Diane Berson, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at the Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, quoted by the news source.

Become Gorgeous recommends that after washing your face at night, you should use a toner to remove any remaining traces of dirt or oil. 

Wearing winter makeup in warm weather is a faux pas

 

Once the temperatures begin to rise, you probably chuck your sweaters, scarves and boots into the closet and break out the sunglasses and sandals, but what about your makeup bag?

Matte lipstick and dramatic rosy blush can be very chic and eye-catching against a white, snowy backdrop, but when worn in balmy weather, your look may appear more than a little out of place.

As such, spring is the perfect time to update your makeup with new products for black skin.

First, know that bright eye shadow colors are not only appropriate for warm weather, but can make you stand out in a crowd. Play with jewel-toned blues, greens and yellows to see what works best on your skin.

Ditch the lipstick in favor of a light gloss or tinted balm. These are less heavy than their winter-appropriate counterparts and will accentuate your sunny glow.

On your cheeks, seek out a black skin care product with bronze shimmer to highlight your cheekbones and flatter your chocolate complexion.

Skin care for people with eczema

 

If you use the best African American skin care products that contain SPF and natural extracts of green tea and pomegranate, then you are already doing a lot to boost the health of your skin. Unfortunately, sometimes, no matter what you do you may still find yourself with a skin condition like eczema.

Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes you to have dry and itchy skin and a visible rash. It is estimated that more than 35 million Americans suffer from this disorder, according to the National Eczema Association. This number represents a 400 percent increase in prevalence in the past 30 years.

Synthetic fibers, detergents and rough or poor-fitting clothing can trigger an eczema flare-up. Stress, anxiety and environmental factors such as cold temperatures or dry air can also cause eczema to get worse.

The National Eczema Association states that a strict skin care regimen is the key to manage this disease. The organization recommends moisturizing within three minutes after every shower, applying a cold compress to your skin and using gentle skin care products to combat eczema. 

Spring is the perfect time to toss out old skin care products

 

Everyone has a product that they use each day until every drop is gone, like your favorite fade cream for black skin. However, other creams, potions and cleaners are likely to sit in a drawer or cabinet until they are way past their expiration dates, where they pose risks to your skin.

Products that have passed their use-by dates are not only ineffective and foul-smelling, but they can cause infection or rashes, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. So, this spring remember to go through your old products and toss the ones that smell bad, have changed in texture or those that you can't even remember purchasing.

Creams and cosmetics that come in a jar and are applied with the fingers are the most likely to become contaminated with bacteria or fungus, which can cause pimples or even a serious infection if they come into contact with broken skin, so you should get rid of these first.

The best part about purging all of these old cosmetics is that you now have space to stock up on your old favorites, like that black skin product that your girlfriends keep stealing from you.

What makeup should you keep in your purse?

 

Many women know what it feels like to wake up and only have a few minutes to apply their African American skin care product before rushing to the office. Since this can happen often, especially to particularly busy women, you may want to carry some supplies in your purse for touch-ups at the office.

Recently, the Huffington Post Canada published an article with some advice on what cosmetics to keep in your bag.

First, the news source recommended avoiding liquids, since they can spill in your bag and if you're trying to put makeup on in a small area like a bathroom then applying liquids may be messy. Next, you don't need to carry your whole makeup collection with you, just the basics, such as powder, eyeshadow and lipstick.

MakeupGeek.com states that you should always carry face powder with you in your purse. Even if you use a liquid foundation, applying a little bit of powder can help blot up any excess oil that may appear on your skin throughout the day.

Clothes to save your skin this summer

 

Along with wearing sunscreen, you should also cover up to protect your African American skin this summer. Many women may not like the idea of wearing giant T-shirts on the beach all season, but there are other ways to wear protective summer clothing. Recently NBC 8, a Michigan news source, reported on how you can protect your skin while still looking great.

First, if you find a truly great hat, it can serve to help you look stylish and and protect you from the sun. Next, try out some long dresses, which have become very popular in recent years.

"Bright patterned maxi dresses are fun ways to keep you fashionably dressed and keep your skin away from harmful rays. Color-blocked maxi dresses are in this summer. Match these with some colorful stacked sandals and a sheer, cotton cover-up and you’ve got a great look that is also a perfect solution for avoiding harmful [UV rays]," according to the news source.

The New York University School of Medicine states that there is clothing made from fabrics that have been treated with chemical UV absorbers, known as colorless dyes. These may help protect you against sunburn, while keeping you comfortable. 

Get the Cannes red carpet look

 

If you're looking for examples of how to use your African American skin care product to help you look like a celebrity, look no further than the recently held 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This is one of the biggest movie festivals, and it was filled with celebs and their makeup artists. Recently, Grazia Daily spoke to renowned makeup artist Jamie Combes who talked about the "dos" and "don'ts" of the red carpet.

Combes said that when it comes to the red carpet look, one rule of thumb to follow is that there should always be a pop of bright color on the lips, eyes or cheeks.

Next, the news source spoke to makeup designer Violette, who was also at the festival. She had some suggestions for making eyelashes and lips pop.

"Make lashes appear more luscious and luxurious by using a sharp black eyeliner to draw in the tiny gaps between the lashes. Don’t be afraid to cheat when applying your lipstick. I use a red lip pencil to draw in the lip before adding the lipstick and finishing it with a powder," said Violette, quoted by Grazia.

InStyle magazine spoke to some celebrities about how women can achieve a red carpet look in their everyday life. Beyonce said that she makes her African American skin appear flawless by using moisturizer, while Mary J. Blige said she never goes a day without thoroughly washing her face.

 

Tips for safely putting makeup on in the car

 

Most women know what it's like to only have a minute or two to apply their African American skin care products. It's possible to look great even if you only have a few minutes,  as long as you follow a few simple dos and don'ts. Recently, the Times Live published an article with some tips for girls who only have time to do their makeup in the car before they step into the office.

First, the news source said to never apply makeup while you're driving. Not only could this be dangerous and lead to an accident, but there's a good chance that you're going to come out looking like a complete mess. At the very least, you should be using both hands when putting your cosmetics on, and there's no way to do that while driving, so be sure you're parked.

Next, the Times Live told readers not to worry about looking stupid.

"Everyone looks like an idiot applying makeup anyway. Use a stance most comfortable to you, even if it is mouth gaping and bug-eyes," according to the news source.

Finally, the information provider suggested applying base an concealer first and then finish it off with powder in case you miss any spots. Use the car mirror instead of a handheld on for added stability.

Total Beauty says that when you're really crunched for space and time, the best thing to do is simply put on some mascara. It will draw attention away from the fact that the rest of your face isn't done.

Travelling this Memorial Day? Don't forget about your African American skin

 

Memorial Day is coming soon, and you might be using this opportunity to take a summer trip. While traveling, you want to be sure to take care of your African American skin. Recently, Styleite published an article with some tips on how to keep your skin fresh and healthy, even if you're spending hours in the road or on a plane.

First, if you're flying, you'll want to put your products into travel-size containers so that they don't get confiscated in the airport.

"Long flights are incredibly dehydrating, with the inactivity slowing down circulation and the dry atmosphere leaving skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. You may want to sleep, so keep makeup to a minimum, apply moisturizer and lip balm, and drink plenty of water," according to the news source.

Next, you'll want to bring blotting pads to get rid of any excess oil, and you might want to use a tinted moisturizer rather than bringing a separate foundation and moisturizer.

Diva Village suggests that if you're going on a long flight, buy pre-moistened eye pads made with cucumber and other soothing ingredients to reduce eye puffiness. Put them on for an hour before landing, and leave them on for 15 and 20 minutes. 

Dark spots on black skin may be a condition called melasma

 

Many women experience melasma, whether it be the result of sun exposure, pregnancy, hormonal changes or age. But what exactly is this condition that appears as dark spots on black skin and patches of discoloration on women of all skin colors?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), melasma is a purely cosmetic condition – meaning that it's not a symptom of something more serious – that typically affects the cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip.

Women who think they may have melasma should visit a dermatologist who can provide a diagnosis, as well as rule out other conditions, the NIH reports.

While the spots may fade on their own over time, there are several treatments for melasma available. For instance, a number of over-the-counter cosmetics and creams are aimed specifically at fading dark spots on the skin. In more serious and permanent cases, a doctor may recommend laser treatment.

An article on melasma on SkinInc.com reports that the condition may be prevented by staying out of the sun and regular application of SPF.

 

In honor of Mother's Day, some beauty tips from moms

 

Mother's Day is soon, and you may want to consider getting mom a spa gift certificate or some products to take care of her African American skin. In honor of this occasion, Allure magazine asked its contributors to share the best beauty secrets their mothers have given them.

Beauty writer Liz Siegel told the news source that when she was younger, her mother tried to get her to wear blush. She resisted, and told her mom that she already had enough redness and didn't want more.

"She responded with some of the best makeup advice of all time: Every woman needs to wear a little blush. She's right. It immediately makes you look healthy and more awake. Now, it's the first thing I put on after foundation. I would never wear makeup without it," said Siegel, quoted by the news source.

BettyConfidental.com also asked for beauty tips from moms. One mom made a very smart suggestion: She said to always wear sunscreen and a hat when you're going to be in the sun for a long time. Not only will this help keep you safe from skin cancer, it will also keep your skin from getting burned and ruining your complexion.

Octavia Spencer's makeup withstands teary Oscar acceptance speech

 

Perhaps the only thing more captivating than Octavia Spencer's performance in The Help was the emotion and sincerity behind her acceptance speech for the best supporting actress award at the 2012 Oscars - not to mention that her flawless makeup managed to stay put during her teary dedication.

So, what kind of African American skin products was she wearing? Essence magazine spoke with Spencer's makeup artist Valerie Noble on how she achieved the fabulous look.

"We used two different foundations and just blended it. I do the same with the powder - I use one that’s a little bit lighter on the T-zone and darker around the jaw line," said Noble, quoted by the news source.

In order to highlight Spencer's cheekbones, Noble instructed the actress to make a "fish face" before sweeping a dark pink blush on the apples of her cheeks.

Let's not forget about Spencer's gorgeous gown, which the Huffington Post reports was designed by Tadashi Shoji. The sparkly silver gown had a cap sleeve and was ruched at the bodice for a flattering silhouette. 

Esperanza Spalding may single-handedly bring the Afro back

 

Singer and bassist Esperanza Spalding has long been a proponent of natural African American hair, routinely sporting a full kinky-curly 'do. But when she stepped onto the red carpet at the 2012 Oscars, she stunned in a different look which could be described as a modern take on an Afro.

The juxtaposition between her voluminous hair and her sleek, baby blue gown was perhaps one of the more memorable looks from this year's Academy Awards.

To top it all off, Spalding gave a flawless performance of Louis Armstrong's What A Wonderful World during the show's In Memoriam segment.

The singer wisely kept her makeup look simple with a sweep of black liquid eyeliner and raspberry-toned lipstick. She also looks as though she has little more than a sweep of bronzer on her cheekbones to accentuate her mocha complexion.

Ladies looking for a face as flawless as Spalding's may want to look into skin care for black women that contains antioxidant-rich ingredients and hyaluronic acid, which helps gently brighten and even out skin tone. 

Start getting in the habit of applying SPF now

 

While it's important to be sure you're wearing SPF all year round – as the sun's UV rays don't take a winter vacation – it's especially beneficial during the warmer months. Too often, people forget about this and end up with a severe sunburn on the first sunny day of the year.

In order to prevent this from happening to you, start being diligent now about applying your African American skin product with SPF.

While a sunburn will heal with time, it can sometimes cause long-lasting damage, such as dark spots on black skin, blisters or scarring. You can try to keep these effects at bay by applying aloe vera to your skin immediately after the signs of a burn start to show. This will promote healing and cool the surface of your skin.

Additionally, skin care for black women often contains ingredients meant to even out skin tone, which may help fade dark spots that pop up due to sun damage.

Of course, prevention is always the best medicine, so be sure to slather on your sunscreen to protect your beautiful ethnic skin from damaging rays.

 

Skin care products from your kitchen

 

If you use the best African American skin care products on the market, then you probably care a lot about your complexion. While there are many creams and powders you can buy to keep your skin looking its best, what do you do when you run out of your favorite moisturizer and it's going to be a few days before you can pick up more?

According to Health24, there are many natural ingredients that you can find in your kitchen that can treat your skin. For example, honey is a natural moisturizer that can actually work to keep moisture in your skin. Also, this product can also help your hair on those days when you forgot to pick up conditioner.

Next, if you have a jar of old-fashioned oats around, you can use them to fix a number of skin problems.

"Keep a carton of old-fashioned oatmeal in your pantry to use as a bath additive that will keep dry skin at bay," said holistic aesthetician Stephanie Tourles, quoted by the news source."Oats have been used for centuries as a skin-pampering ingredient in facial scrubs, body scrubs, masks and anti-itch remedies for such things as poison ivy."

SimpleOrganic.net also has a fun tip for skin care products you can find around the kitchen. According to the information provider, you can dab a little olive oil on a cotton swab and use it to gently remove eye makeup. 

Celebrity planner offers wedding tips

 

If you're planning on getting married soon, then hopefully you've already determined how you're going to wear your African American skin care product. If not, get cracking because makeup is not something you want to leave to the last minute. Recently, the Huffington Post spoke to celebrity wedding planner Jung Lee about the secrets to a having a Hollywood wedding.

Among the many tips the the expert gave to Post readers was that a bride needs to have her makeup schedule planned out.

"It is essential to create a hair and makeup schedule for you and the bridal party that has realistic start and end times. Treat this time like a salon by asking everyone to arrive early and make sure your stylists stay on schedule. A lot goes on before you walk down the aisle," said Lee, quoted by the news source.

Lee also added that you should plan the lighting in your wedding venue. According to the expert, lighting sets the mood for the event and can be the difference between whether or not you look flawless in pictures.

Brides.com recommends getting your nails done the day before the big event, rather than trying to fit a manicure in the day of the wedding.

Hydration is key to healthy looking skin

You may notice that after a night of indulging on cocktails or consuming salty snacks that your skin doesn't look quite as luminous as it usually does. This is because alcohol and salt tend to deplete the body of moisture, which ultimately shows up on your face.

In order to avoid this, try to consume one glass of water after each cocktail, beer or glass of wine you drink. In addition to making your skin look healthy in the morning, this may prevent you from becoming too intoxicated, thereby helping you save face in a metaphorical sense.

The same goes for when you're having a calorie splurge, either snacking with girlfriends over a movie or eating out at a restaurant. These foods typically contain higher amounts of sodium than you would usually cook with, making them hidden dangers.

It's also important to keep the skin hydrated topically with your favorite African American skin product. These skin creams and potions should contain natural, antioxidant-rich ingredients to nourish and brighten your complexion, as well as fight off the signs of aging.

Dark spots on black skin may be the result of sun exposure

Hyperpigmentation is relatively common, especially among African American women. In fact, it's the reason skin care for black women is often targeted to treat this condition. But what is it, and what causes it?

Well, hyperpigmentation looks like dark, splotchy patches on the skin that are not raised or irritating in any way. The problem is not a serious one, but it can affect a woman's self-esteem.

Perhaps the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation is to stay out of the sun. A study that was published on the American Academy of Family Physicians website reports that hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin responds to the sun's UV rays by producing excess melanosomes, which eventually convert to melanin, a pigment found naturally in the skin to protect it from the sun.

The New Zealand Herald recently published an article on the issue and reported on a skin treatment that uses an array of products and leaves the skin feeling moisturized, but does little to erase spots.

Women looking to even out their skin tone may want to consider trying skin care for black women that contains hyaluronic acid, a gentle ingredient that may help fade dark spots on black skin.

 

Sleep and diet tips to improve skin

 

While there are a lot of African American skin care products that promise to keep your skin looking young as you age, what do you do if your complexion starts to look old before you've even hit your 30s? It's possible that some of your lifestyle habits could be causing your skin to look worn out before it's time. Here are some tips to stop this from happening from WFMZ, a Colorado news source.

First, be sure to get plenty of sleep to improve your skin. Also, you may want to change the position you sleep in at night. For example, if you sleep face-down at night than fluid may collect underneath your eyes. The solution to this is to sleep with your head slightly elevated with multiple pillows. Also, try a cold compress if you wake up with a swollen face.

Next, you may want to your limit sodium intake, because too much salt can cause your body to shift fluids into other spaces, particularly beneath the eyes.

Self Magazine recommends eating strawberries, citrus fruits, broccoli and red peppers for a smooth complexion.

Use the right product for your skin

 

When you go out to buy an African American skin care product, it's important that you keep your skin type in mind. This is because different complexions require unique care. For example, you don't want to be using a product that will dry out your skin if it's already flaky, or one that contains a heavy moisturizer if you have an oily complexion.

Recently, The Standard-Examiner, a Texas news source, reported on how to care for your specific skin type. First, for oily skin, the information provider recommends getting a toner, which will help wipe away the dirt and oil that washing may have missed.

Also, while you don't want to use a heavy moisturizer, you do want to use a water-based one if you have oily skin. Discovery Health has some recommendations for finding the right moisturizer for you.

"The best moisturizer for oily skin is one that is lightweight, non-comedogenic (which means it won't clog your pores) and oil-free. Those thick, heavy creams aren't designed with oily skin in mind," according to Discovery.

Finally, The Standard-Examiner discussed dry skin. The news source recommended getting a cream-based cleanser that is made specifically for dry skin. Also, avoid using a toner, as this product may further dry you out. 

Experts' give skin care routine and makeup ingredient picks

 

When it comes to skin care, the best tips come from the experts. Recently, Grazia spoke to a variety of cosmetics experts who had suggestions on how to get a smooth, clear complexion.

First, celebrity facialist Michelle Peck told the news source that during winter, she'll lean toward a thicker moisturizer. In particular, she likes ones that contain hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that can be found in many of the best African American skin care products.

Next, makeup artist Jemma Kidd gave the news source her most basic tips.

"Practicing a good skin care regime is fundamentally important – if you have good skin, you won’t need to wear much makeup, which is a joy.  You don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive products, but do focus on keeping skin moisturized and hydrated, always wear an SPF, take your makeup off at night and treat yourself to occasional facials," said Kidd, quoted by Grazia.

Finally, makeup artist Mel Arter told the news source that people need to let their skin breathe, which means you should always be sure to wash off your cosmetics at night.

Elle Magazine recommends products with green tea and vitamins for their skin-nourishing benefits. 

The 65th annual Bronner Bros. International Hair Show deemed a success

 

The Bronner Bros. International Hair Show is arguably the most popular African American hair show in the country – possibly worldwide. It has attracted the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jackie Robinson because it draws in such a large crowd of movers and shakers.

This year's show was no exception, The Grio reported. The news source featured an article on the event, in which stylist David Hiland took home a grand prize of $20,000.

Speakers at the 65th annual event included Soul Food actress Nicole Ari Parker and reality television star Tami Roman, of Basketball Wives on VH1.

"We are celebrating 65 years of hard work, dedication, determination [and] focus-driven people. We are celebrating family and black history," said Christina Bronner, daughter of the show's founder Bernard Bronner, quoted by the news source.



A CNN article on the show reported that it features extravagant, multi-colored hairstyles that are nearly pieces of art, as well as beautifully styled natural hair for the more conservative set.

Ladies who want to embrace their ethnicity may want to check out some of the styles featured at the show in addition to using natural African American skin care products to bring out the best in their ethnic skin.

 

You can have great hair even on a budget

 

African American women have a tendency to spend more money on hair care than their counterparts of other ethnicities. In fact, a survey conducted by Design Essentials reported that black women are willing to spend about $107 on each trip to the salon, compared to the average consumer, who will dish out about $60 to have their hair done.

However, it's not necessary to break the bank for great hair. With a few investments and experiments, you can get a salon quality look without leaving home.

First, remember that your hair requires protein for strength and moisture for softness. There are many products that promise to provide one or both of these components, but finding the right one for you is often a matter of experimentation.

Also, it's worth it to splurge a little on a good ceramic flat iron or curling iron. These styling tools have come a long way in the past decade and allow ladies the sleek or curly look that they previously had to budget for – making them well worth the investment.

With the money you save styling your locks at home, you'll have more to spend on your favorite African American skin care products and, of course, the latest fashions.

 

Simple habits for healthy skin

 

No one's skin is exactly the same, which is why African American skin care products are specially designed to work for women with dry, oily or normal complexions. While every person's skin is unique, there are some universal rules that everyone should follow if they want to have a smooth, healthy complexion.

First, you should stay hydrated. Even though scientists have disproved the theory that you need eight glasses of water a day, you should still hydrate. Water can help flush toxins out of the body and moisturize the skin from the inside out.

One thing that you may want to try is spending a week swapping out alcohol, coffee and soda for water. If that sounds a little too boring for your tastes, then try green tea instead. This beverage contains antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals that may damage your complexion, and green tea extracts can be found in some of the best African American skin care products.

Next, everyone should adopt a health skin care routine that involves washing makeup off every night and regular moisturizing.

Finally, getting exercise can help improve circulation to the skin, which can improve skin's elasticity and tone.