Stephie Estie | Page 37 of 39 |

My Summer Essential Product List!

May 13, 2014

With summer around the corner, I decided to write a post and share a few of my favorite must haves for summer.

PCA Skin Representative/Dermstore $40

PCA Skin Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Love this sunscreen! True to its name, it has weightless, non-greasy formulation that has caffeine and silybin added as antioxidants. It does not make me breakout and wears well under makeup.

Sephora, $30

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

This is a matte bronzer, (no shimmer or shine) which I find perfect for summer since my skin tends to be more on the oily side. Sometimes I use it to contour my cheekbones and sometimes I use it as I would a blush to get a hint if color. For some weird reason, the smell reminds me of those chocolate scratch and sniff stickers you would get in elementary school.

Sephora, $20

Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

This eyeliner will last all day without smearing. I have worn this without an eye primer and it didn’t budge. The tip allows for both a thin, precise line or a thick bolder one. Apply once and forget about it the rest of the day.

Sephora, $25

Stila Convertible Color

I received a deluxe sample of this 2-in-1 product that is both a lipstick and a blush. It is creamy without feeling heavy, sheer with buildable color, and you can toss it in your purse and take it on the go. The color I got was Peony, a brownish rose that looks pretty and natural.

Sephora, $35

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Coutre Vernis A Levris Glossy Stain

These lip stains are on the pricey side, but in my opinion well worth it. Unlike other stains I have tried, these don’t feel drying, there is a great color selection and are nicely pigmented- one swipe and you’re good to go. The long-lasting staying power ensures you don’t have to reapply frequently and you don’t have to worry about it leaving a mark on your drinkware.

Drugstores, $5

NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss

These come in a variety of shades (neutral to bright) and the price tag allows for multiple purchases. The consistency is a bit sticky ( not as moisturizing as I would have hoped) but they do last a good 2-3 hours on the lips and the color payoff is excellent. I really like Cherry Cheese Cake as it is a wearable summer orange color.

Giovanni Cosmetics/Individual Representative, $14

Giovanni Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub

When I’m not making my own body scrubs, I like to use this one. The yummy chocolate scent makes for a sweet body treat that is not abrasive but still effective in smoothing away rough skin, especially on elbows, knees and feet.

Drugstores, $5-$10

Milani Total Lash Cover Mascara with 3 Zone Brush

This mascara is one of the few mascaras out there that doesn’t irritate by eyes. Other mascaras leave a burning sensation on my eyes towards the end of the day, but not this one. I also love the brush as I can use the tip to coat harder to reach lashes such as the inner corners and bottom ones.

I always love trying other products, so please share your favorites!

What's Your Type?

May 8, 2014

Our skin types are genetically determined. However, to the joy of some and the dismay of others, they can change over time, or you can have a combination of several all at once. Dry skin and a few breakouts here and there? Yup. As weird as it sounds, it can happen.

Do you know your skin type(s) or do you just recall what someone once told you your skin type was and have clung to that notion ever since?

Here are six common skin types and their characteristics to help you determine-or at least give you an idea of- of what would be beneficial to your skin.

Normal

Normal skin (oh the lucky ones!) has a good oil-water balance and is soft and plump. It has a healthy glow and color, with fine texture, small pores and no congestion . Maintenance and preventative care are your main goals.

Combination

I personally fall into this category and let me tell you, it can be gosh darn frustrating. Combination skin is characterized by an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) while the cheeks tend to be on the dry side, causing a flaky appearance. The goal is to control areas prone to oiliness while moisturizing areas that are dry, and to keep skin well exfoliated to help combat breakouts and dryness.

Oily

Oily skin is characterized by an all over greasy shine, visible pores, coarser skin texture (akin to that of an orange), little wrinkling (silver lining, no?), blackheads/whiteheads, breakouts. Controlling sebum production, and clearing out the pores is key. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are good at providing hydration.

Acne

Not just for teenagers anymore as the number of adult acne is rising. Symptoms range from blackheads/whiteheads, breakouts, painful cysts, inflammation and sensitivity . Causes of acne can be genetic or a hormonal imbalance. Deep cleansing facials, proper home regimen and soothing the skin are goals. Avoid excessive or harsh cleansers as it can make acne worse.

Dry

If the Sahara desert would be envious, then you probably have dry skin. Where oily skin produces a mass amount of oil, dry skin doesn’t produce enough. Visible dryness, small pores, tightness,and a propensity to wrinkles are indicators of dry skin. Cleansing creams or milky cleansers are ideal as they don’t strip the skin while ingredients like shea butter or borage seed oil are great moisturizers.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin is identified by fragile, thin, red skin that has an impaired barrier function and more reactive capillaries. It’s easily irritated by products (even sometime water) and exposure to heat and sun. Avoid excessive rubbing, heat, exfoliation, or extractions. Use calming, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol (pro-vitamin B-5), bisabolol, and niacinamide.

Has your skin type been consistent or has it undergone major changes throughout the years?

Why Squeaky Clean Can Be Mean

May 6, 2014

At some point, whether it be morning, mid-afternoon, or evening- perhaps even all three- we walk ourselves over to the sink or shower to cleanse our face. The accumulation of sebum, dirt and environmental pollution can leave our skin feeling grimy and we think that tight, squeaky clean feeling after cleansing means we have gotten rid of it all. Often, the choice of said cleansing is soap, and well, why not? It’s convenient, fairly inexpensive, and if it’s tough enough to remove oil and dirt from our body, hey, why not extend its use to our face, right?

Wrong!

Aside from removing debris and oil, soap tends to remove the fats between the skin cells known as intercellular lipids. Our skin has what’s know as an internal cellular matrix,which is the lipid (fat) substance between cells that protect the cells from water loss and irritation. Excessive removal of these lipids results in dry skin and skin disease.

Take a quick trip back to your chemistry class by glancing at pH (potential hydrogen) scale below.

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of any substance that contains water and extends from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is considered acidic and anything above 7 is alkaline. Soap also has a high pH level, 9-11, while the natural pH of skin can range from 4-6. Since sebum and sweat create a barrier on the skin’s surface known as the acid mantle, this protects against certain forms of bacteria and other microorganisms. Extreme variations in pH can damage the skin’s barrier functions and cause sensitivity, aging, dehydration, and can worsen skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Also, highly alkaline solutions can form an insoluble film, leaving skin feeling dry, irritated and itchy.

Considering the information above and knowing the skin on our face is a lot more delicate than the skin on our body, using facial cleansers that are soap-free or pH balanced are best.

I hope this post was helpful in explaining why using soap to cleanse the face isn’t an ideal option.

Have a great Tuesday!

Shine On…Just Maybe Not Too Much

May 1, 2014

Oh, oil.

You can be a dry skin type’s best friend by creating an ethereal glow and an oily skin type’s worst enemy causing us to look like one hot mess. While oil is a natural substance found in our skin that helps keep skin supple, too much of it can cause problems such as acne and blackheads.

Aside from genetics, there are other factors that can contribute to less than a desirable amount of oil production.

Causes

Genetics, of course

Yup, you can thank your ancestry for this one as skin types are determined by your genes. There is a chance however, that your skin type may change with age.

Hormones/Stress

There is a reason why the majority of breakouts occur when you are a teenager. Your sebaceous glands (glands that are charge of producing oil) are typically dormant before puberty, and spring into life after puberty. Hormones at this time are also raging out of control. The adrenal glands produce testosterone in women, thereby increasing sebum production.

Continual chronic stress also increases hormone levels and also increased sebum levels.

Environment

Heat and humidity increase oil levels. Individuals who work in kitchens or laundry mats or who live in hot and humid places can often find an increase in oil.

Harsh products/Not using a moisturizer

Excessive drying of skin or not moisturizing the skin may cause the sebaceous glands to overcompensate by producing an excessive amount of sebum to replace the moisture lost.

Solutions

Although you can’t really reason with genetics, figure out what your triggers are and read these options available to help keep sebum at bay.

Relax and slow down if stress seems to be the issue. Take a small amount of time out of your day/night (even if it’s only one minute!) for yourself and do something you enjoy. Exercising, reading, meditating, and aromatherapy can work wonders.

Hydrate! Humectants, which include glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA, attract water (not oil) to the skin and cinnamon bark, borage seed oil, wheat germ oil, niacinamide, zinc glucanate, caffeine, enantia bark, yeast extract, horse chestnut and biotin can regulate oil production with regular use.

Stay balanced! Using a pH balanced cleanser, something that is NOT soap, can help keep you from over drying the skin. Cleansing your skin about twice a say should suffice, or you run the risk of over drying the skin as well. Those who have acne may want to be careful about over using ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, which although can be great for acne, can also be very drying.

Nutrition Zinc can help regulate oil glands. Zinc rich foods include oysters, crab, liver, mushrooms and spinach.

Other Blotting tissues, using oil-free makeup, and certain primers can also keep shine to a minimum.

If you have oily skin, what product do you swear by?

Fun Spring Look!

April 29, 2014

Spring is perfect for a few bold and bright shades in makeup. Here’s a neutral look splashed with a pop of color I created. The products I used are in parenthesis. You can also simplify this look by skipping the crease color and using only one eyeshadow, either the medium shade or the lightest shade on the lid; you’ll still get the pop of color.

Face: Use a light-weight foundation to provide an even base. (Smashbox Liquid Halo HD Foundation)

Concealer: Use concealer only if you need it. (Kat Von D Lock-It Tatto Concealer)

Cheeks: A soft pink blush gives checks a bit of color without competing with the overall look. A swipe of bronzer can also be used in place of blush to provide a subtle hint of color. (Nars Blush in Douceur)

Eyes Primer: This step is optional, however it does keep the eyeshadow from creasing (Too Faced Shadow Insurance)

Eyeshadows: Use neutral colored eyeshadows, one light, one medium and one dark. Pat the medium shade on the lid and use the darker shade in the crease. The lightest shade, also known as a highlight shade, should be used just underneath the brows and make sure to blend well. (Urban Decay Naked 3: Trick (lid), Factory (crease), and Strange (highlight).

Eyeliner: Line the top lid with black liner and the bottom with a blue. (Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black and Maybelline Master Drama Chromatics in Blast of Blue)

Mascara: One to two coats of your favorite mascara (Milani Total Lash Cover Mascara with 3 Zone Brush)

Brows: Shade in brows with powder (Merle Norman Natural Brow Powder)

Lips: Choose a bold lip color, preferably pink, coral, or orange (Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Tart)

What are your favorite spring makeup shades?

Ready. Set. 'Defeet' Cancer!

April 28, 2014

This past Sunday was the 9^th annual Kids 4 Kids 5K and 10 K Run/Walk 2014 in Downtown L.A. which benefits the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. As I’ve mentioned before, I love helping people, but to be able to help and participate in helping brave kids who are fighting cancer is awesome! It’s my third time partaking in this event and every year I am amazed to see how many people (of all ages and fitness levels!) come out and support such a great cause. Parents encouraging their little kids to keep running, volunteers cheering us on, heck we even get encouragement from Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, which gets major smiles from all the children.

I had a family remember who although didn’t have cancer, was given the same treatment as someone who did. Sadly, he passed away two weeks after his sixth birthday. Despite all his pain, his face would light up whenever he had visitors, especially if they brought him toys. There aren’t too many feelings you experience that can top that of bringing joy to a child who is sick, at least in my opinion. That captivating smile on his face is an image that will forever be engraved in my memory, and now, this 5K has an extra special meaning to me. I run for Bryant and all the little angels watching us from heaven as well as the current ones here on earth who battle such a devastating disease.

I believe it’s important to take time out of our busy schedules to make time for ourselves as well as to help others out. It’s such a gratifying feeling that focuses our perspective on what truly is important.

My inaugural medal

What the Milia?

April 24, 2014

If you’ve ever examined your skin and noticed tiny, white hard bumps that resemble sesame seeds, most likely you have a skin anomaly known as milia. No need to panic though. Milia aren’t harmful, they’re just more of a complexion nuisance, and boy, are they stubborn!

Milia are usually found around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead and occur when oil, debris and dead skin cells become trapped beneath the surface of the skin. Although they resemble whiteheads, milia won’t go away easily because they don’t have an escape route, meaning they’re not in the pores but rather ‘stuck’ under the outer layer of your skin. Therefore, trying to extract them yourself is NOT recommended since you can damage surrounding tissue and cause scarring.

So what options are available?

First, let’s examine the common culprits. Milia can be genetic and can also be caused by using too-rich ingredients such as mineral oil, lanolin, and isopropyl myristate. If milia are prevalent around the eye area, make sure your eye cream and/or makeup remover is free from these ingredients.

Now, on to the treatment. Thoroughly cleansing your face at night (read: more than just splashing your face with water) can help keep them from forming. Mild exfoliation (enzymes are great for this!) and using a serum or cream with either hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic, or salicylic) or retinol can also help. If this solution doesn’t work (and frustratingly, it often doesn’t) or you want faster results, visit a dermatologist or esthetician where they can remove milia with a lancet.

Do you have milia? What treatment worked best for you?

Special Event Makeup Tips!

April 22, 2014

Any special occasion- be it prom, a performance or dinner party- can send you into a frenzy to find the right dress, shoes and hairstyles. Makeup is usually the last item on the checklist but in my opinion, it’s the most fun and helps pull the look together. While many hire a professional makeup artist to achieve their coveted look, if you opt for the DIY route, here are some tips to help you look your best so you can be less worried about touch-ups and more focused on the event.

Skin care

Having a good skincare regimen in place facilitates your makeup application. Cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and exfoliating are basic steps that can help you achieve a fresh, youthful look. Proper exfoliation can also minimize the appearance of pores and ensures makeup does not cling on to dry, flaky patches.

*Note: While facials and microdermabrassion are excellent in enhancing your complexion, always schedule your appointment at least a week before your event to avoid an unwanted surprise.

Face

Liquid foundation is a popular choice as it’s easy to apply, and can benefit all skin types. However, mineral makeup works especially well for those who have acne and cream foundation doesn’t melt as fast so it lasts longer.

Using a primer underneath your foundation and then setting your foundation with loose translucent powder makes it last longer and can keep oil in check.

Concealer

You can spot correct imperfections with concealer. A concealer with a yellow undertone is great for counteracting the redness found on blemishes and scars while a concealer with a peach undertone is a good option for dark under eye circles.

Concealer can also be used as an ‘eraser’ to fix any mistakes- think eyeliner and lip color.

Brows

Use a brow powder on your eyebrows, and fill in only sparse areas to get a natural but defined look.

Eyes

Whether you are going for a natural or smoky look, using an eye primer helps eye makeup from creasing and can even enhance the eyeshadow color(s). My personal favorite is Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

Water-proof eyeliner is a must to keep your eye makeup from smearing. My current liquid eyeliner obsession is Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

Lashes

False eyelashes (falsies) are always a fun way to give that extra pop. If possible, try out a pair of eyelashes a few days before the event to rule out the possibility of having a reaction to the adhesive (glue).

If you don’t have false eyelashes or can’t wear them, a few coats of waterproof mascara should do the trick.

Cheeks

Powder blush flatters most skin types (except dry) and lasts longer. Dry skin can use a crème blush.

Lips

For long-wearing lip color without the fuss, lip stains are the way to go.

Most important, have fun with your look and embrace your unique beauty!

What Your Skin Does For You!

April 17, 2014

For the most part, I write about skin and how to take care of it. Investing time in a skincare routine, along with adopting healthy lifestyle choices, leads to skin health, enhanced appearance, protection from skin cancer, and prevention from premature aging.

However, have you ever stopped and wondered what your skin does for you?

Confession: Before esthetic school, skin to me was just…well…skin. I knew it encased our organs, protecting them from falling out and responded to sensation but my knowledge about the subject was limited. So what did I learn?

Skin, also known as the integumentary system, is the largest organ in the body and has six primary functions: sensation, protection, heat regulation, excretion, absorption and secretion.

Sensation: Our skin contains sensory nerve endings that respond to touch, pain, colds, heat and pressure. These nerve endings detect stimuli, sending messages to the brain to react as a protective defense mechanism or to react in a positive manner.

Protection: Skin is a thin but strong protective barrier to outside elements and microorganisms. Sebum (oil), lipids (fat), sweat and water make up what is known as the acid mantle. The acid mantle has a pH of about 5.5 and this acidic level protects us from pathogens, irritation, and from the skin drying out.

The most fascinating aspect of skin is its ability to repair itself when injured, protecting the body from infection and damage from injury.

Heat Regulation: The body’s internal thermostat is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Sweat glands release heat from the body through perspiration to keep us from overheating. Through evaporation on the skin’s surface, the body is able to cool itself. To protect ourselves from the cold, our blood vessels constrict and decrease the blood flow. The body’s fat layers help to keep the body warm.

Excretion: Sweat glands excrete perspiration and help detoxify the body by ridding it of excess water, salt and unwanted chemicals.

Secretion: Sebum (oil) protects the surface of the skin and lubricates both skin and hair. It’s responsible for keeping skin soft, protecting from outside elements, slowing down the skin’s evaporation of water, and maintaining water levels in the cells.

Absorption: Absorption of water, oxygen, and ingredients are essential for skin health. Select topical products help keep skin moisturized, nourished and protected.

So there you have it. A tiny, simplified glimpse of what your skin does, regardless if you take care of it or not.

Showing it some consideration and TLC a few minutes a day does not seem that like that much work after all, does it?

Happy Thursday!

Shaving 101!

April 14, 2014

Razor burn. Ingrown hairs. Razor bumps. Sensitivity. Inflammation.

Sound familiar?

For most men, shaving has become a habitual ritual since their adolescent years. Shaving is a fast, easy, and effective way to remove hair but can all too often leave you with some skin woes.

Follow these proper shaving techniques and tips to minimize undesired skin problems- it’s simple and makes a difference!

1) Choose a multi-blade razor with replaceable cartridge blades.

2) Change razors/razor cartridge blades frequently. Most razors allow for 5-7 uses.

3) Store razors in a cool, dry place. Blades need to be thoroughly rinsed of any debris/product.

4) Always cleanse your face first and make sure your face is wet prior to shaving.

5) Allow shaving gel/foam/cream to sit on skin for a couple of minutes to create a barrier between skin and blade and to soften the hair. Use of bar soap, shampoo, and hair conditioner is NOT recommended as it can leave a film on the blade, thus dulling it quicker.

6) Shave with minimal pressure.

7) Keep in mind that if you shave the same area multiple times, the chance for razor burn increases.

8) Never shave with a damaged blade.

9) Soaking the razor head and blade in rubbing alcohol for one minute can minimize the spread of bacterial infections.

10) Never shave an infected area/broken until it’s been completely treated.

11) Never share razors.

12) Chamomile, allantoin, licorice root and aloe are a few ingredients to look for to calm and soothe the skin.

13) Products with chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid and lactic acid can help prevent ingrown hairs and can lift ingrown hairs to the skin’s surface.

Anthony Logistics for Men, Jack Black, and The Art of Shaving seem to be popular (and loved!) brands that offer simple, no fuss but effective shaving products for men.

I hope this post was helpful!

Thoughts or comments, please share!