All about Sunscreen!!!

Last month a new federal regulation about sunscreen came out. The new laws primarily influence sunscreen labeling:

• anything less than SPF 15 that did not pass the new test that was developed must have a big warning label on it saying that it does not protect against sun burn, skin damage, skin cancer, etc. 
• SPF labels above SPF 50 are banned (basically because above SPF 50 doesn't make much of a difference)
• terms like "sunblock" and "water-proof" are banned (because nothing can totally protect you from sun damage). FYI - Sunscreens labeled "water resistant" are required to maintain their SPF level after 40 minutes of water immersion. "Very water resistant" products maintain their SPF level for 80 minutes. I didn't know this before and thought that the "very" was just a name!
• in order to be labeled "broad spectrum," products must protect against both UVA and UVB rays

UVA and UVB rays differ in their length. UVA rays, which are longer and penetrate deeper into the skin, are the cancer-causing and DNA/collagen-damaging rays. UVA rays cause wrinkles by damaging the dermis layer - most importantly, the fibroblasts that produce the collagen and elastin, which is the elastic tissue that gives skin its elasticity. When you pull it or push it, your skin should bounce right back.  Damages to the elastin fibers causes sagging, winkles and aging. Damage done is permanent; the fibroblasts do not regenerate, and thus will not be replacing the collagen/elastin. In contrast, UVB rays are the burning rays that cause sun burn and alter skin color. Melanin is produced by cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis (sitting above the dermis).  Genetics determine the amount of melanin activated - once skin is exposed to UV rays, melanin is produced and is pushed to the top layer of your skin to help absorb and block UV rays. Fair skinned people produces pheomelanin (red to yellow color cells, which is why fair people turn PINK or become tanned), whereas dark-colored skin produces eumelanin, which is dark brown/black pigment.  Another common misconception is that darker skin tones do not need sun screen.  Well - you will not turn that much darker because increased amounts of eumelanin is not readily visible, but it doesn't mean that the UVA rays did not damage your DNA & collagen & elastin!!!

In esthetics, most clients come in to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging.  Let me tell you...the sun exacerbates all three of the above. The sun can cause redness & inflammation (erythma)  to acneic skin, and furthermore, your skin will pump melanin to protect itself as it is more vulnerable when there is a breakout, and that will leave you with a acne scar. If you are not concerned about acne, hyperpigmentation, or youthful appearances, it's still a good idea to wear sun screen because it is good for your health!!  You would not smoke, therefore...you should wear sun screen! 

SPF refers to the Sun Protection Factor and how much longer you can stay under the sun compared to with no sun protection. An SPF 15 sunscreen protects against about 93% of UVB rays, while an SPF 30 blocks about 96.9% of UVB rays. Notice that doubling the SPF number does not double the protection. Dermatologists generally recommend SPF 30 with broad spectrum protection.

The label "SPF" only refers to protection against UVB rays. In the U.S., labels only specify SPF. In Asia, sunscreen labels also contain PA measures (PA+++ being the best protecting against UVA rays and PA+ being less protection). It'd be great if we could get this labeling system going in the U.S., in addition to the new law requiring all sunscreen to meet broad spectrum protection!

How should you go about selecting sunscreens? There are two types of active sunscreen ingredients: those that provide physical protection and chemical protection. The main difference between the two is that physical sunscreens reflect UV rays, while chemical protection chemically absorbs UV rays. Physical sunscreens work immediately upon application, whereas chemical protection needs 15 to 30 minutes to become effective (depending on the quality). 

A very important thing to do is to check the sunscreen you are currently using -- check this chart from this EPA article to see if your product has both physical and chemical protection. It's good to have at least one of each! If your current sunscreen meets the requirements, GREAT! If not, it may be time to look into investing in a great sunscreen.  

The above table is from EPA's article about sun and skin. Check it out: http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/sunscreen.pdf

During your annual check up with your physician, ask about any abnormal growths and dark spots that you've noticed and ask your doctor if you should get it checked out by the dermatologists. I've encountered a client who was in her late 20s that had squamous cell carcinoma removed on their nose!

After initial application in the morning, you can use powder sunscreens or makeup with SPF during the day for continuous protection against sun damage. Keep in mind, though, that many of these contain light-reflective metallic SPF (like Zinc and Titanium dioxide). These metallic ingredients reflect light and might cause the skin to appear somewhat whitish or super-shiny, which may also alter your skin color in flash photography. This is totally fine for everyday, but I'd avoid products with SPF for special occasions for this reason. The metals also make sunscreen harder to spread across your face - think of the white pasty look and the stickiness you experience! The ancient Greeks used to bathe in olive oil and then dust their bodies with fine sand in order to protect themselves from the sun. That sounds uncomfortable! Fortunately, many sunscreens on the market today have been refined and grinds the metals micro-fine and manufactured with excellent spreadability and 0 stickiness! 

Even if you don't see the sun (rainy day, cold winter day), or if you're staying at home on your day off, you still need to wear sunscreen. Light from ambient or fluorescent lighting, and light through a window all still contain harmful rays. 

What I use myself is PCA's Weightless Protection SPF 45 for my oily skin type. It's incredibly light and smooth because there's Vitamin E in it, which is a great emollient and antioxidant. It also contains caffeine, which is also an antioxidant but additionally kills damaged skin cells that may turn into skin cancer. Another one of my favorite sunscreens is Perfecting Protection SPF 30 from PCA skin. It contains Licorice Root Extract that not only reduces hyperpigmentation but also suppresses the pigment from forming after being exposed to the sun.

Even with great sun screen, if you are out in the sun for long hours (especially between 10-4:00pm), the effects of sun damage can still be very significant. My husband looked great (and younger) before he began playing golf....He aged significantly since he started. He gets a little sad when I mention this, but alas, it is true. People would not have guessed his age, but ever since his golf habits started, he actually looks his age - when I touch his face, I immediately notice the loss in elastin and the formulation of fine lines where it previously did not exist. It's already a little late, but I've been bugging him to use more serums and stuff. The moral of the story is...by the time you notice the wrinkles, it's already LATE. If you are worried about premature aging/photo damage, wearing sun screen is almost half the battle! 

For the gentlemen reading this, wearing sunscreen does not male you less manly, but enhances your attractiveness in every way. If you are 24 and look 40, it really isn't more manly...!  

Don't forget about your lips (don't want to lose collagen there!), arms, tops of your feet, ears and neck! A good place to look for your sunscreen and lip balm is Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.

To read more about the new law, check out these links:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/new-sunscreen-regulations-seek-to-block-out-misconceptions/2011/06/17/AGKoD7YH_blog.html

http://www.fdalawblog.com/2011/06/articles/legislation/sunscreen-in-the-spotlight-fda-illuminates-new-sunscreen-regulations/

Oscars 2012 Makeup - and how it relates to you!

Before reading this blog, please visit US Magazine's Oscar 2012: The Best Makeup & Hair Looks and use the hover option to ZOOM in and take a nice close look at the 17 celebrities they chose to highlight. This post is like Part III in the Part I What you should know before hiring a makeup artist, and Part II Why are Makeup Artists so expensive? 

After seeing those photos, I felt like it's a perfect opportunity to discuss makeup in an HD world. My disclaimer here is that my intent is not to criticize the celebrities, the makeup artists, or the photographers that photographed the 17 images but to use it to discuss what I "see" (literally - with my eye sight) in the 17 photos on the link above, and discuss how it relates to my work and also, anyone who is hiring a professional makeup artist.  Feel free to scroll down to the very bottom to read my tips & observations about hiring a makeup artist! 

I recorded the show and watched the "live on the red carpet" on my 1080p/HDTV - and from the camera angles, all of the celebrities they highlighted and interviewed looked great. I fully appreciated the full length shots of their gowns, their head to toe outfit!  When we think about all things glamorous and perfect, high-end, what most people want to look like - in general, if we are thinking of an inspiration makeup & hair look to bring to an artist either via email or pinterest (yes yes Us makeup artists!) to replicate for ourselves, we would look to the red carpet!  And the images we usually see are on the web are small web sizes 300px in the size and resolution.  It's not a very big image to base on to "see" what's going on, and even on an HD screen, they look flawless.  

Back to the 17 photos... when you zoom in, for most of the photos, you can SEE everything!  However, not all 17 photos were similarly focused, framed or processed the same way - probably because they may also be from different photographers and their cameras.  Of course, it also reflects the bias of the person selecting the photos to place on the website (whoever the editor favors - she or he or they may choose to present more flattering photos!) 

The first photo was J-Lo.  Looking gorgeous on the red carpet as usual, but when you zoomed in, you can see her makeup, you can see texture on her skin.  You will not notice this if you were standing at a reasonable distance from her, or through the moving camera. The focus is perfect, so...yes you can see everything! (and yes..she is due for a nose wax...I wouldn't have known this unless it was zoomed in)

I couldn't capture a zoomed in photo with my screen capture, but in contrast, Penelope's photo was much more flattering because it's actually not in focus.  Which...also means that you won't be able to pick up on the skin texture and you will not be able to see the details.  

Emma's photo on the website was over exposed, also leaving out a lot of detail and texture on her skin.  I noticed some other things, but the only thing I wanted to mention is that her lipstick needed a touch-up at the time it was taken. I'll follow-up on this towards the end in my conclusion segment! 

 Now...Gwyneth's photo.  Very sharp & defined - and yes, you can notice her pores underneath the makeup. Gwyneth takes great care of her skin, but I'm pointing out that our skin has a texture to it, depending on your genes, your age, and how well you take care of it on the regular basis.  Models & Actresses are no exception! And this is what it will look like up close! Makeup certainly enhances how your skin looks, but it is not a realistic expectation to expect the makeup to cover skin texture.  

And...Natalie.  She looked glowing while presenting, but when you use the Zoom in tool, you can see that she has some congestion on her forehead and cheeks, and you can notice the concealer/make-up that was used to conceal it and from a normal distance or on the screen, you cannot see it at all! Again, this is not a critique on the makeup artist (it is a phenomenal, flawless makeup job!!!) and I'm not trying to pick at Natalie's skin care routine - I really just want to point out that makeup, no matter how expert the artist, no matter how beautiful the celebrity, no matter if it's airbrushed or hand-applied, the makeup itself goes over your skin, and how it will look will be largely dependent on your skin itself. More on this in the conclusion! 

I also wanted to discuss Milla's close-up with harsher lighting, unphoto-shopped!  Again, you can definitely see everything - but mostly you can tell she has a bit of a shine on her t-zone, but the look is actually the classic dewy look - she will look radiant and glowing in person and in motion camera.  (Yes, her lipstick needs a touch-up here too!) 

And I found these photos from another source - the lighting is different, she looks soft, glowing and beautiful - but we do not know if the images below has been processed/photo shopped because of the smaller resolution.

And these below of Emma, Natalie and Gwyneth are the photos from InStyle UK - the smaller web versions, resized and color-corrected for flattering angles! 

Love the hair!!!

This photo of Natalie was either the same one as the US link, or taken by another photographer at the same time. But at this resolution, which is what we see, you will not notice anything on her skin and definitely not the congestion on her forehead! 

A much more glowing/flattering photo of Gwyeneth!

Here is my conclusion & tips (lol) inspired by the website and my experience:

• When you are getting your makeup done by a professional makeup artist, you may become hyper-alert about every detail of your face, skin, pores and you may notice developments that may be "new" (hyper-pigmentation, fine lines) that you haven't noticed before; on a normal day, chances are, you don't look so closely! When you come see us makeup artists, it's usually for a special occasion (a big event, your wedding), and you are likely nervous & excited about the way you will look. You may think that everyone is looking at you and noticing every detail the same effect like the Us website's  Zoom function!! But that's simply not true! Please remember that a) Your guests will not be carrying a magnifying glass (like the zoom function) to check out your skin! b) what they will see, is really closer to the 300pixel web version - arms length away! Our eye sight is usually not better than 20/20!
• Please also believe that your makeup artist will know and understand that if you are looking for "flawless" foundation coverage, they will most likely need to layer on foundation & concealer to achieve the look for you. Fuller coverage also means that you will notice the makeup, it will feel heavier than usual, but you will photograph beautifully.  Just remember that full coverage doesn't always mean you will look unnatural!  Full coverage examples from above: J-Lo, Penelope Cruz, Natalie Portman & Milla Jovovich!  Medium coverage: Emma Stone & Gwyneth.  None of the above is an example of "sheer" coverage.  Wearing makeup and foundation doesn't mean that you will be pore-less, and texture-less - makeup enhances your look, but it's not magic.  If you are concerned about fine lines or pores, they will become less noticeable after professional makeup, but they will still be there! (Yes..even if you airbrush!)  I'm not really saying that everybody should go with Medium to Full coverage; it depends on your skin type and condition, and then also your desired look and your comfort level!  I'm just hoping to use the Us website to help us communicate what Full - Medium - Sheer coverage means when it comes to makeup application & HD! 
• You don't have to worry about the camera not picking up the colors. There are slight adjustments for outdoors and evenings, but even in the non-zoomed in photos, you can see the eyeshadow, the blush and lip color in the images! Just because you are doing evening, you can still go for a more natural look like Gwyneth, and have it photograph just fine! 
• If your close-ups are very important to you, your photographer is the next most important thing as your makeup artist! A great way to decide on your event photographer is to take a close look at their close-up portrait work. How does the skin look? Generally your event photographer will not go into each and every single photo and photoshop out every little thing.  Their style and how they adjust the camera setting/what lens they use/what time of day they shoot, will decide how flattering you might look! I for one, do not want to my pores and lines to be in SHARP focus! It doesn't mean I want to be BLURRY, but I don't want it zoomed in at my skin! 
• Celebrities are people too! They have small flaws as well, and they too need to touch-up their lipstick and maybe blot their t-zone with a tissue.  This doesn't mean the artist failed by using 'inferior' products (FYI Emma's artist used Chanel) but long-wear lipsticks will dry out your lips, and while lipliner prolongs the wear and the way you apply the lipstick will also help... if you talk, eat and drink, or just swallow saliva, the lipstick will go away bit by bit.  And..as a human, you do need to do those things throughout the day!! :) Even with oil-free/oil-absorbing makeup products and great primers, if you have combination or oily skin, expect it to be shinny in about 5-6 hours.  Your skin will do what it naturally should do - and there are products out there (alcohol based) that may last, but those products are typically meant for tattoo-coverups, and not recommend to be used on your face for prolonged periods of time.  
• Which brings me to...even with the Best Artists using the Best Products applying it on the Most Beautiful People in the world - you may see pores/fine lines/texture and you may need to touch-up your lipstick and powder.  This is real life, unless you hire someone to follow you the whole day, coming in to powder and touch-up every 15 minutes! (That service is definitely available if you opt for it!!)  
• It's important to select your professional makeup artist carefully, but it's also important to keep in mind that what we as do as artists is to highlight your best features, and our goal is to present a 'dressed-up/dolled-up/slightly more glamorous' version of yourself for your special occasion to highlight your beauty.  Just remember that you are beautiful, and you are a real person! A real person may have pores/fine lines/texture & hyper-pigmentation!  Embrace it!!! 

Introducing...Harmony Skin Solutions!

I am excited and proud to introduce Harmony Skin Solutions! I tried my best to blog more, but with the truth is, I've been busy going to advanced training courses and launching my new skin care business along with my friend and esteemed classmate Liliana Aranda whom I've met from Aveda - a spankin' new (mainly) on-location spa and chemical peel service.  The product line we chose to use on our clients is the reputable PCA Skin - one of the few brands cited on medical/dermatology textbooks.  We hope to help men and women obtain and maintain healthy skin by fitting skin care services into your busy schedules.  So! If you are in the Bay Area, don't hesitate to book your appointment soon!!! :)

Just to share a little bit of the story of Liz & Liliana, we got along at the get-go on our first day attending Cinta Aveda Institute.  As esthetic students, we would perform services on each other in the intro-phase of our studies (before doing it on clients at the clinical-phase). The thing is, we had 10 hours of class a day, and I had to wake up early to commute to San Francisco, so by the time we are exchanging service, it was like my nap time - I was OUT.  So when Liliana was treating my skin, and doing the massages on me, it was then she saw a green color, a distinct Reiki experience! (For those unfamiliar with Reiki, please check out the Wikipedia link! ^o^).  For further details of how it happened, you would need to ask Liliana since I was completely asleep!  But during the course of intro phase, Liliana experienced the green color twice with me (while I was asleep!) The green color corresponds with the Heart Chakra - most commonly associated with harmony, creativity & nature.  I know to many it might sound a bit mystic, and at first I was very intrigued because it was my first time learning about Reiki, but it made perfect sense that we would experience the harmony color, as it exemplifies our relationship.  It was a mere coincidence that during our first official business meeting, I pulled out my netbook sleeve and it had the birds on a tree branch, and Liliana was wearing a necklace with a silhouette of a bird sitting on a branch!

The funny thing is...I decided that I wanted Maria to be on our website and brochure for advertisement, and now I REALIZE subconsciously, I also picked her because of her GREEN eyes and the color of her hair - very earthy.  I did her makeup/hair and photography with my *new* lights.  I am excited for all the  potential growth in my business as an esthetician, and also as an artist.

Exfoliation 101: Mechanical vs. Chemical

A while ago, I was working on a list of blog ideas that I plan to write about – and after I reviewed the St. Ives apricot scrub, I think my first skin topic should be EXFOLIATION!  Even though I didn’t share this publically because I wasn’t really sure what it would mean for my business (but now I do know! Stay posted!), I’ve been - or I am - a graduate of Cinta Aveda Institute for Esthiology and a licensed Esthetician.  A makeup artist does not need a license to practice, but I feel…that right now, armed with expertise/knowledge (and a license!) of the skin, I definitely feel more confident touching someone’s skin, and I remember when I first started, I was reliant on the information the model/client told me about their skin and just glancing at it, but now that information is important reference but I can just touch and know! A wonderful feeling!  I just wanted to put a disclaimer out there that I’m not trying to sell one product or another and specifically did not mention any specific product, but to help you choose your proper exfoliation!  This is my professional recommendation – what I share here is what I would also tell my clients. 

Exfoliation is interchangeable with refinement or desquamation, and basically the goal is to remove dead skin cells on the surface of your skin.  How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type and condition, but as a general rule, 1-2 times a week is a safe frequency. 

The Benefits of Exfoliation:

+  Improves skin texture (smoother & softer, helps maintain hydration level of the epidermis – definitely a huge help to makeup application!!)

+ Eases deep pore cleansing, extractions, product penetration, and more effective delivery of ingredients into the skin.

+ Increases cell turnover rate – and brings new cells to the surface faster.

+ Stimulates blood flow and circulation

+ Exfoliating the body can prevent ingrown hairs that happen during shaving or waxing

+Exfoliating the side of the arms can improve Keratosis Pilaris

Everyone can benefit from exfoliation! But conditions that can really be improved with regular exfoliations include: oily, congested skin (blackheads/whiteheads/minor acne breakouts), and dry, dehydrated skin with cell buildup, flaking, tight dry surface that often looks dull, grey, and lifeless.  Exfoliation can also alleviate surface hyperpigmentation in a way that evens and brightens the skin.  For acneic skin (like my skin!!!), taking care of dead skin cells is essential as they can trap sebum, dirt and bacteria and cause an infection/breakout. However, over exfoliation can deplete the acid mantle – the protective lipid barrier of our skin – and allow bacteria to flourish, and escort free radicals from environmental dangers into our skin - and hello, hyper pigmentation and DNA damage and collagen loss! lol...


Click "Read More" to read more about Mechanical vs. Chemical exfoliation...! 

What you should know before hiring a Makeup Artist

Happy new year!! May 2011 top 2010 for everyone!!! I can't believe I'm blogging again today since I blogged yesterday! This is one of my goals...to blog more but...I'm realistic, I can only try my best! ^o^

This post is inspired by a recent conversation I had with my sister-in-law during her visit over Thanksgiving, and also my partner's fraternity brothers who were visiting town recently.  The core of what led me to write this post is unsanitary practices I've witnessed in the past - and also, I become really surprised when models (who get makeup done all the time for their jobs) would compliment me for being super sanitary and when I pull out my disposable mascara wands, they say to me: "Oh it's so good you are careful (with mascara) and use disposables!"  My reaction on my face is: "You mean...you've worked with OTHER ARTISTS WHO DON'T USE DISPOSABLES WITH MASCARA!??!?!" But most people don't get their makeup done everyday (unless you are a reality tv star! ;P)  and so I'm wondering if clients who are searching for their makeup artists, or go to a trial session know how check these things.  I've had my makeup done for my brother-in-law & sister-in-law's wedding (it was nice to receive makeup application for once!!!) but I was freaking out the whole time...I can't help but wonder how these artists get away with those things.....freaks me out.........so how do you separate a good professional makeup artist, and....not?  These are 100% my personal opinions and sentiments~ although they are shared by many artists out there!!! 

Before I get started, I highly recommend the following blog posts by makeup artist Jessica Jean Mayers:

Not-So-Glamorous Life of a Makeup Artist & Weddings - Makeup Artists rule to live by !  When I saw these posts I can't help but go: "Omg~ so true~ exactly how I feel~" ^^|| So I'm going to follow Jessica's footsteps and add a couple things in my own blog just in case you don't know these things already! 

What you should know (or find out!) before hiring a Makeup Artist (abbreviated as 'MUA') / Indicators of professionalism

1. Does the artist practice proper sanitation? 

...Basic, but can be overlooked.  I've seen scary stuff in person, and especially on youtube...*shiver...* gives me the CREEPS.

Good sanitation practices to look for:

• Does the artist use clean brushes and sanitize the brushes in between clients? 
• Does the artist wash hands or use hand sanitizer before touching your face?  Does the artist wash/sanitize hands in between clients?
• Does the artist use palette knifes or disposable spatulas to remove cream/liquid products from a jar onto a clean surface (clean hands or clean palette) and using a clean brush or clean fingers to apply it on your face? 
• Does the artist clean the implements in between dipping into products (aka: not double dipping and preventing cross-contamination?) Does the artist use disposable mascara wands? 
• Does the artist disinfect tweezers and scissors with proper disinfection solutions?  
• Does the artist bring clean implements (tweezers, lash curler) and disposables in a clean or separate container, free from exposure to moisture and bacteria?
• Does the artist place soiled items in a designated bag (for reusable items) and throw disposables/trash away?

Bad, unsanitary practices to look out for:

• Does the artist use products straight from the tub of product and on to your face? or straight out of a mascara tube?
• Does the artist apply lash glue straight from the tube? 
• Does the artist uses a lip brush straight from the tube and then double dip on to the lipstick to apply more lipstick on your lips? 
• Does the artist BLOW on the lash glue or the eyeshadow brush OR the blush brush!?!??! Do you like spit on your face?  or near your eyes on the false lashes?!?
• Does the artist have a habit of touching his/her face and hair before touching your face?

Unfortunately you can only find out these things from either former clients, or meeting them for a trial session.  If they don't practice good sanitation habits on you, they probably didn't on their other clients..and round and round the germs goes...!  I can't stress how important it is...I'm probably considered very strict on even the little-st things, but I know artists who are as strict as I am - and I can tell you that if the artist doesn't practice sanitation practices, you can get:

• Pink-eye (conjunctivitis) or Staph (MSRA) infections in the eye area
• Herpes Simplex (cold sore) - can be spread from mouth, to the nose area or even eyes 
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens: HIV virus, Hepatitis, etc.
• Actually - there are many more communicable diseases you can catch...Tetanus/Diptheria, food poisoning, tuberculosis, strep throat, blood poisoning, pneomonia, typhoid fever 

What!? HIV? from makeup application? lol Yes chances are lower than say a bacterial infection - but sometimes when you tweeze brows or if their skin have open sores/abscess where blood comes out (including acneic pustules or just injuries where there might be blood), and let's say they use a dirty/contaminated brush or implement, and then apply it onto YOUR face and you just happen to have open skin (think cuts, sores, or open skin from acne) then bam! You are exposed to blood-borne pathogens..Do I look like I'm joking around here?  In Asia it's common to use a blade to groom brows - but if you are not careful, you can easily CUT - no matter how small the cut is - and if you don't dip that implement into approved disinfection solution for 10 minutes (immersed), and then cleansed before using it on the next client, you are exposing all of your clients to potential blood borne pathogens.

How do you know the MUA is doing all of this behind the scenes or even in front of me? 

YOU as the consumer and the client are RESPONSIBLE for preventing unsanitary practices from happening to you.  If during the trial session, the makeup artist comes at you with the mascara straight out of the tube, it is YOUR right to DEMAND a fresh tube of mascara and using disposables and PROTECT YOURSELF from getting pink-eye or staph infections! If at ANY TIME you are uncertain, it is your RIGHT to stop the artist from using contaminated materials on your face.

Of course, hiring a 'true professional' and not a hobbyist will make a difference, but how can you REALLY tell before meeting them?  You still have to be vigilant and protect yourself!!!  I went to a reputable spa one time to check it out as a potential work place (No I don't want to work there after my experience...) but at the end of the service, the esthetician FORGOT to put sunscreen on my face, and when I asked the front desk to ask for me, she confirmed this and then told me I can use the 'mineral makeup with SPF' with the kabuki brush on the counter - first of all, the brush is obviously exposed to germs and not covered, and second of all, IT WAS DIRTY. I demanded a brush cleaner and thankfully the receptionist brought it over quickly - this is my right - I ain't gonna expose myself to unnecessary germs and definitely not going to expose myself to UV rays after a facial!!!! I haven't really gone to another spa since~ but I'm sure other spas are not like this! Unacceptable in my books.  I had this conversation with my friend who is a dentist - and we were both like "EWEEEE!!!!!! THAT'S DANGEROUS & GROSS" lol...but really, you don't have to be in the medical profession to spot bad sanitation practices and appreciate good sanitary makeup artists!!! 

Please click to read the rest of this blog~ and see #2-4 and my conclusion to this post! :)

Acne-prone skin [Part I: Skincare]

I've expressed before that once my website is up, my Skyla Arts blog will also include posts/articles about skincare products and makeup product reviews (and my personal blog will have more entries about my boring life!) I have been occasionally commenting on bride-oriented beauty forums recently and one of the most frequently recurring threads have been focused on products that help heal acne (many questions about ProActive) and whether or not bare minerals/bare escentuals is a good choice for wedding makeup - oftentimes the two themes occur together!  I divided this topic into two parts: Part I will focus on skincare products and Part II will discuss makeup products (and more bare minerals!) While I am not a dermatologist, I've been "battling" acne skin for 11 years or so and have tried an array of products. None of the products I mention are sponsored or provided; I have no commercial relationships with these companies! As a makeup artist, I am also concerned with this because it is my responsibility to select the best product for each skin type. Even if you don't have adult acne regularly, perhaps stressful situations (like Wedding Planning!)  or a women's menstrual cycle can also cause breakouts!  If you are interested in reading short reviews on the products that I have tried, some tips to take care of your skin, and also what I think about mineral makeup or ProActive for acne-prone skin, please click to continue reading!