Beauty magazines offer some weekend makeup tips

While your African American skin care product can easily transition from day to night, you probably want to have a different look when you're out on the town than when you're in the office. Cosmopolitan Magazine explained some of the science behind choosing your weekend makeup style versus your workday look. 

Celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff told the magazine that your sleep schedule on the weekend should actually be factored into your skin care routine.

"Extra sleep on the weekend helps restore circulation, making under-eye circles less obvious. So just use a tinted moisturizer with SPF and top with bronzer," said Dubroff, quoted by the beauty news source.

Dubroff added that on the weekend you'll want to have more dramatic eye makeup, so don't be afraid to choose a more vibrant color than you would use at the office, such as rich blue shades.

Glamour Magazine offered a fun weekend lipstick and eyeliner combo that was inspired by Solange Knowles. The beauty news provider suggested using a coral lipstick with a green or gold eyeliner, these colors go well together, especially on black skin.  

Your foundation should reflect your skin type

Finding the right foundation that perfectly blends in with your skin tone can be difficult, especially when there are so many African American skin care products on the market that promise to be the answer to all of your needs. Recently, The Miami Herald spoke to Emmy-winning makeup artist Kevin James Bennett about how to choose the perfect foundation, and how to properly apply it once you find it. 

First, the expert said that you need to look at foundation the same way as face wash, meaning that you should choose one that's meant for your specific skin type. For example, people with oily skin should find formulas that say they are meant to control acne and excess oil.

Next, Bennett offered tips on proper foundation application.

"For sanitary reasons and better application, I prefer sponges and brushes [over fingers]. I prefer to dab foundation (with a cotton swab) onto areas that need coverage and then blend with a clean, synthetic foundation brush or a non-latex sponge," said Bennett quoted by the Herald.

Oprah suggests on her website that people with dry skin should choose a liquid or hydrating powder foundation, while individuals with an oily complexion should use an oil-free liquid or powder compact.

 

Dermatologist suggests homemade masks to improve your skin

While your African American skin care product can help you achieve a flawless look, having healthy skin underneath your makeup is just as important. In a recent guest appearance on the television show, Dr. Oz., dermatologist Ellen Marmur explained how you can use some simple ingredients found in your kitchen to boost the health of your skin.

First, the expert suggested wearing a mask of honey and avocado for 10 minutes a week to improve dry skin.

“You are going to cut your avocado in half and scoop out the fruit of the avocado and you’re going to start stirring in about one tablespoon of honey and make it into a kind of a nice consistency,” said Marmur, quoted by EMax.

Next, Marmur said that people who experience rosacea, a condition characterized by redness in the skin, can be improved using a mask of pineapple and cottage cheese.

WebMD reminds readers that what you eat is reflected in your complexion, so while you're using these ingredients on your outer skin, remember the take what your put into your body for account as well. Milk, strawberries and plums have all been found to improve skin's appearance.

 

Skin care experts discuss the benefits of honey

While there are many great African American skin care products on the market that can help protect your skin from the coming winter months, there are also natural substances that you can use to give yourself an added level of protection. 

For example, skin care expert Jackie Gomez is teaming up with the National Honey Board this month to talk about the benefits of the sweet condiment for the skin.

"We all strive for moisturized skin, especially during winter months," said Catherine Barry, director of marketing for the National Honey Board. "Honey is your skin's best friend because it is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture."

Barry and Gomez explained how to create a simple moisturizing mask by simply combining honey, avocado and milk. On the website Mielpura.org, they offer many different recipes and tips for how to use honey and other natural substances to help skin stay soft and smooth during the harsh winter weather.

Using these ingredients along with your usual African American skin care product may be the key to staying gorgeous this season.