How and when to update the old makeup bag

When women find that perfect African American skin care product, they want to hang on to it for as long as possible. There's nothing wrong with being loyal to a particular brand, but it's important to to keep makeup looks updated with current trends.

Recently, the website InquirerLifestyle spoke to cosmetcs expert Luc Bouchard on ways to spice up makeup. First, the cosmetics artist suggested choosing a liquid foundation and putting some of it on a small plate. Then, take a moisturizer and mix it in with the foundation to help makeup look smooth and keep it from drying out the skin.

Next, the expert recommended using spot concealers to cover up blemishes and to not be afraid to go bold with lipstick choice.

"Bold lipstick can be magenta or a red orange, something you can use every day. I would probably go with a satiny-matte finish - more on the matte side than the glossy side," said Bouchard, quoted by the website.

The beauty website 101BeautySalon also offered tips on how to update cosmetics. They reminded readers that makeup has a shelf life, and that foundation should be thrown out after a year, mascara after six months and eye shadow and lipstick after two to three years.

Makeup brushes can help perfect your look

For women, choosing the right makeup can be a complicated process. For ethnic women, there are many African American skin care products to pick from that can give skin an even tone on their own, but a makeup brush can make all the difference. What many women don't realize is the importance of makeup brushes and how they can change a person's entire look.

There are many different types to choose from, and there are different aspects to consider before making the decision. There should be a special brush for foundation, along with concealer brushes, powder brushes, blush brushes and eye shadow brushes.

The bristles are the most important thing to look at when deciding on a brush. The best

kind of bristles are the ones that will help the brush maintain its shape for as long as it can. Most makeup artists use natural fibers, though high-quality synthetic ones can work as well.

Many brushes have a wooden handle, while others are made out of plastic. The handle does not affect the quality of brush, so this is a matter of personal preference. The right brush can help give makeup a flawless finish and cover up minor blemishes. 

EBONY to release a list of the best African American skin care products

The African American themed magazine EBONY is going to hold their first ever beauty and grooming awards in next month's issue. These awards will showcase the best skin care products for black skin.

Each winner was chosen with the help of a team of celebrity hair and makeup stylists and beauty bloggers who reviewed a variety of products.

"We're very proud to stand behind each winner with our EBONY Beauty and Grooming Award 'seal of approval' and look forward to growing our new editorial franchise with platforms across print, digital, social media, retail and mobile applications," said Amy DuBois Barnett, EBONY editor-in-chief.

Barnett also said that what will make this list different than other "best beauty product" lists is that rather than stick to the opinions of staff and friends, EBONY writers looked to outside influences in making their decisions of the best products. A full list of winners can be found in the issue and on the EBONY website. 

Researchers find an association between vitamin D and skin cancer

As the prevalence of skin cancer continues to rise in the U.S., researchers have been searching to find all of the various factors that contribute to the development of the disease. Anyone, regardless of skin tone, is at risk for this form of cancer.

For ethnic women, there are many skin care products for black skin that contain SPF and can potentially help protect against the sun, and scientists have recently discovered a new factor that may affect a person's likelihood of getting skin cancer.

Recently, researchers have noticed that as a person's vitamin D levels rise, so does their chance of developing skin cancer, though the connection remains inconsistent. Melody J. Eide, M.D., M.P.H., and colleagues from Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, conducted a study among a group of people who had a high risk of eventually getting cancer.

They found that participants who were not deficient in vitamin D appeared to have an increased chance of developing the disorder, even after other factors were considered. According to researchers, more studies need to be conducted to determine if this could lead to earlier diagnosis and new treatments of skin cancer.