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.