Keep your makeup bag germ-free

Keep your makeup bag germ-free

Skin Care Concerns

If you're like many other women, you have a makeup bag filled with African American skin care products to help you look your best. However, you also may be like the many women who don't know that this bag could be filled with bacteria if you are not taking the proper steps to keep it clean. Recently, Shape Magazine explained some of the hidden dangers in your makeup bag and how to avoid them.

Clean Brushes
Makeup brushes need to be cleaned at least once a month. These tools can get dirty from the makeup you put on them, as well as the bacteria from your skin that gets left behind if you don't clean the brushes.

Share less
If you're constantly sharing your makeup with friends, it may be time to buy some new products. The information provider states that when you share cosmetics, you are really sharing germs, and this could lead to something worse than a mere cold sore.

"If you are diabetic or have a compromised immune system, infections are more severe and can lead to severe consequences," said Faranna Haffizulla, M.D., quoted by Shape . "Most common infections involve the eye in the form of blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid), conjunctivitis (pink eye), and sty formation. The skin can also react with pustular infections."

Regular Cleaning
Real Beauty recommends that you take the time to regularly clean out your makeup bag. The news source suggested doing a smell check of certain products. If a product has a weird, chemical odor, then it may be time to buy a new one.
Also you should toss any product with an expired date stamp.

Expert suggestions for how to cut out redness

Expert suggestions for how to cut out redness

Skin Care How Tos

You can get flawless makeup without having to go to a professional, you just need a little practice and know-how. Recently, Diablo Magazine spoke to cosmetics professional Susanna Stroberg-Gora, who offers suggestions on how to you can use makeup to give your African American skin that glow you've always wanted.

First, like many other experts, Strober-Gora warned against using cheap makeup brushes. You want to buy high-quality brushes and take proper care of them, since these tools can be a haven for germs and bacteria.

Next, she explained that people who experience redness in their skin and want to even their tone should try using a violet-colored foundation primer. While many go for green to cut out redness, this doesn't always work for everyone. Strober-Gora said that if you've have trouble with green in the past, then give violet a try.

Discovery Health states that people who want to even out their skin tone should exfoliate.

"Many inconsistencies in your skin may be the result of dead skin cells that haven't been shed yet and exfoliation helps speed up that process. Making sure your outer layer of skin cells is healthy and new will help you look and feel better," according to the news source.

Finally, Strober-Gora said if you've been looking for the right brown eyeliner but they all appear to orange, look for ones with a violet-base.

Tips for at home facial masks

Tips for facial masks

Skin Care How Tos

There are so many beauty tips out there, it can be hard to know which ones to try on your African American skin. Recently, Holly Carter, beauty director for People StyleWatch, highlighted some of her favorite face mask tips, and Access Hollywood published them for readers. The best part is they are all foods you might have in your home.
 
Banana
Nourishing skin with a banana peel can help make your skin feel refreshed and soft because of the minerals it contains. Peel a banana and rub what's left on the peel on your face and leave it on for 10 minutes.

Honey
Everyday Health recommends that for dry skin, try using a honey mask. Put honey on your face for a few minutes and then rinse with warm water. The honey helps to open and clean pores while moisturizing and rejuvenating your skin.

Olive Oil
Olive oil can give you a great facial if you rub it on your skin, just be sure to use an extra-virgin variety and wash it off after a few minutes. Olive oil is full of vitamin E and other antioxidants that slow the appearance of aging by fighting free radicals.

Oatmeal
Using an oatmeal face mask can add a glow to your skin. Restorative properties in oatmeal works to enhance the texture of the skin and makes it plain and even. Also if your skin is damaged due to sunburn, it can be cured effectively with cooling oatmeal. All you need is 5-6 tables spoons of plain prepared oatmeal, spread on the face and let dry 10 minutes. Wash normal and enjoy the results.

Care for your skin after a workout

Care for your skin after a workout

Skin Care How Tos

It's important that you exercise regularly to stay healthy, but workouts can wreak havoc on your African American skin. Recently, The New Zealand Herald published an article explaining what you should do after a workout to prevent clogging your pores and developing acne.

"The type of care depends on the individual skin type and the condition of the skin," said Elena Helfenbein, an expert with the German association of cosmeticians, quoted by the news source. 

"It's important for sporty people to regularly cleanse their skin and remove any grease, sweat and chlorine."

After exercise, the news source suggested a short, warm shower. Hot water robs the skin of too many oils, while people who take cold showers quickly may start sweating again. The information provider also said that if you swim regularly, put lotion on beforehand to keep chlorine from drying out the skin.

Become Gorgeous states that after a workout, you should wash your face with a foaming cleanser and then moisturize after, since strenuous physical activity may leave the skin dehydrated.