What can your cosmetics do for you?

Good products, specifically formulated for African American skin tones are hard to come by. That is why it is important to utilize the cosmetic products you already have to their fullest potential. The following are some of the unintended uses for common beauty products, allowing you get more bang for your buck.

Eyeliner:

If you have faint eyebrows, you can use eyeliner to fill them in and make them appear darker. The trick is to use the liner very lightly, so that your eyebrows do not look darker than your hair. Similarly, you can use eyeliner to cover gray hairs.

"Just like you used the eyeliner to darken your eyebrows on the previous occasion, you can put it to similar use on your hair. Many young women are graying early these days. If you have just a few embarrassing strands of gray hair, cover it up with a dark liquid eyeliner. It is a quick fix method to cover gray hair," according Bold Sky news source.

Blush or Bronzer:

If you find yourself in a situation where you're going to have your picture taken in a small outfit or bikini, blush or bronzer can be used to make your muscles look better. You can apply the bronzer or blush to your stomach, legs, arms, or anywhere else where you'd like more definition.

Eye shadow:

Most people know that eye shadow can be used as eyeliner, but it can also be used to contour and highlight cheeks depending on the shade. Lightly colored shades such as peach, cream, or gold can be blended on the top of the cheekbone as a high lighter. Darker brown shades can be used in the hollow of cheeks to define cheekbones.

Foundation:

For women with brown skin it is difficult to find a good foundation that matches skin tone perfectly.  The right color foundation can also be used to prime eyelids for eye shadow. Just dot or brush foundation onto your eyelids and blend carefully. When properly blended, discoloration should not be visible and the skin of your eyelids should appear even in tone. 

Extract: Have you been using your African American skin care products to their full potential?

 

Make-up artist explains how to choose the best bronzer

Make artist explains how to choose the best bronzer

Skin Care How Tos

Keep African American skin glowing a little longer through the fall with  some new bronzer. Recently, The Denver Post spoke to makeup artist Michael Moore who explained how to choose the bronzer that will work best for you and how to apply it.

How to pick the right color
"The correct product should be two to three shades darker than your facial skin. Use a sponge applicator to apply the bronzer to the top of your arm. The inside of your arm is too pale to tell if it is the right color. If it blends into your arm, you've got a winner," said Moore.

Bronzer is not blush
Bronzer, should be applied all over the face. It should particularly highlight any area where the sun would hit your skin.

Get the right brush
Cosmopolitan magazine recommends that if you get a new bronzer, you should get a bronzer brush as well. These brushes have more bristles and are packed tightly together to get more color with each swipe. 

Extract:

Keep African American skin glowing a little longer through the fall with some new bronzer.

What to do about seasonal body acne

Beat body acne this summer

Skin Care How Tos

Every season, your African American skin faces different challenges. In the winter, your skin may feel dry and cracked, while the summer can bring about sweat and oil that can clog the pores. Recently, BangStyle published an article with tips on how to avoid developing body acne that may pop up as a result of the summer heat.

Back and Shoulders
If you find acne on your back or shoulders, consider using a medicated body wash. These products may help clean your pores and prevent bacteria from causing breakouts. Also, be sure to exfoliate and moisturize your whole body in the summer, not just your face.
"Just like your face skincare routine, it is really beneficial to exfoliate your body once a week to slough off dead skin cells that clog your pores. Don’t go overboard on the exfoliation because it can result in irritated and dry skin that can also lead to body acne. Be sure to moisturize for optimal skin health," according to the news source.

Neck, Chest and Forehead
Allure magazine has a very simple suggestion for avoiding body acne: wear your hair up. According to the information provider, wearing your hair down on hot days may cause the oil from your scalp to end up on your neck, causing breakouts.