How To Wear Bangs Like A Boss: LC Edition

How To Wear Bangs Like A Boss: LC Edition

How To Wear Bangs Like A Boss: LC Edition

The story behind the photo that's blowing up on Instagram

If Lauren Conrad has taught us anything -- and oh, she has -- it's that fishtail braids can be mind-blowingly adorable, and that the perfect cat-eye is within even my shaky-handed grasp. Now she's gone for the chop. Yep, new bangs. 

In a tweet posted yesterday, LC said "With @Kristin_Ess and flirting with the idea of Bardot bangs ... Thoughts?" Then she Instagrammed a selfie that read, "bow bow bang bang." 

Maybe we're getting a little ahead of ourselves (after all, she did say flirting). But wouldn't that be kind of amazing if she did change it up -- something besides a boho braid or intricate updo? Clearly her fan base thinks so. The photo got nearly 72,000 Instagram likes. 

What do you think of LC's trial run with bangs? Should she go with the faux or actually chop them off? 

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Makeup for Dark Skin

Makeup for Dark Skin

One of the most important aspects to makeup success involves using techniques/products that properly match your skin tone. So if you have a darker complexion, you'll obviously want to use makeup techniques that work well with your skin type.

This being said, let's take a look at some important factors with regards to applying makeup on dark skin.

Cool or Warm Understones ?

The first step in the process of dark skin makeup application involves finding out if you have cool or warm undertones.

A quick tip for figuring out if your skin has cool or warm undertones is this:
hold an orange cloth or piece of paper up next to your face while standing in front of the mirror. Assuming the orange piece of paper makes your skin "glow", then it has warm undertones.

If you're still unsure, hold a pink cloth or pink piece of paper up to your face while again standing in the mirror. Assuming your skin brightens with the pink paper next to your face, it has a cool undertone. When you're standing in front of the rows of cosmetics in the store, you can use this same trick to make buying products a little easier.

Make sure to buy face makeup from the same warm or cool family in a shade that matches your skin tone.

Using Powder on Dark Skin

It's true that it only takes a small dusting of powder over your face in order to get the job done. But while it may seem like any shade of powder will work no matter what your skin tone is, this notion couldn't be further from the truth!

Your dark brown skin won't look healthy or lustrous if it has a layer of powder that was meant for a woman with tan or pale skin. Long story short, avoid being overwhelmed in the makeup shop by reading about makeup and dark skin.

Before applying powder, first apply your concealer and foundation onto clean skin. You'll probably have a couple of shades of powder because in the summer, your skin may be darker than it is in the winter. Use a makeup brush to tap or buff the powder onto your face. Powder is great for reducing oil, keeping the oil from building up, and can be used on the areas of skin that see the most oil production.

Before wearing your powder for a night out – or anywhere other than your house for that matter – check the applied powder in natural sunlight outside to be sure that it's complimenting your complexion and not causing more problems. If the powder makes your skin look ashy, then it's too light. Having muddy-looking skin after applying powder comes from using a product that's too light for your skin tone. Not all cosmetic companies make shades for dark skin, but Cover Girl, Makeup Forever, MAC, and some other drug store brands may be worth a try.

Another tip for finding worthwhile powder is to try it out at the makeup counter and wear it throughout the day. This can help you decide if the product is worth buying or should be skipped. And remember that finding cosmetics for dark skin can be a challenge in itself, but luckily it's not impossible!

Foundation for Dark, Brown Skin

When your skin is working against you, use foundation to mask any imperfections that may show up. Foundation can be tricky and difficult to match on deep skin colors because of the red undertones – instead of yellow or pink undertones that medium and fair skin colors tend to have. If you've ever tried a foundation with a yellow undertone, then you've likely already discovered that the result is an ashy-looking complexion.

To avoid ashy skin, cover hyperpigmentation, and conceal uneven skin tone, all you'll need to do is choose the right foundation.

One brand to consider purchasing for foundation is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, which happens to be great for layering to cover the aforementioned hyperpigmintation or uneven skin tone. Black Opal Foundation Stick and other Black Opal cosmetics are all made with women of color in mind. Their foundation sticks offer heavy to light coverage with matte finishes workable for all-day wear.

The Queen Collection from CoverGirl offers women of color another option for foundation. And the last brand worth mentioning in this discussion is MAC because their Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation line features a large array of shades catering to dark skin colors. Amongst this line, you'll find a number of light weight and heavy duty products that make it easy to hide imperfections.

Concealer for Dark Skin Colors

Many of us use concealer for dark under-eye circles, acne scars and other imperfections. Just as there are different reasons to use concealer, there are different types of concealers to suit the various areas of skin that need to be covered up. And you may even need to use three or four shades to suit your skin tone. But before buying a concealer, you'll want to determine what areas of your face need concealed to be sure you've got the right formula.

Most concealers say right on the packaging which areas of the face they are suitable for. So if you need to conceal around the eye, then using a product meant for under-eye concealing would be best since it's creamy and lighter than other products like the matte finish variety; these are meant for other areas of your face. To find a shade of concealer, just take a look at the foundation you use and choose a concealer that's a couple shades lighter.

Bronzer and Deep Skin Tones

Sun-kissed skin isn't just for summer or for light skin tones! In fact, there are a few different tips for finding a shimmering bronzer for that sun-kissed look that's so desirable for summer.

The first thing worth knowing about choosing a bronzer for dark skin is to avoid using one that's lighter than your natural skin color. This will keep you from looking dirty or homeless, but still give you the beach bunny glow every woman deserves. Test out new bronzers on your jaw to see if the color is tan or golden on your skin. You may have to try different shades, brands, and textures to get the look you're going for.

The best formulas of bronzer for dark skin are powder, pressed powder and cream bronzers, and they can be narrowed down according to your personal skin type.

For example, someone with dry skin would see better results with a cream, while oily or normal skin can use powder.

Applying Blush to Dark Skin

Blush can add color to your cheeks and help define your cheekbones. When you're applying blush, always use a soft fluffy brush to avoid harsh lines. Stiff brushes pose a problem when blending out the color and make the finished result look less natural. Here are some more things to keep in mind while shopping for a new blush to brighten up a dull complexion.

Pink always looks stunning on dark complexions, but not every shade is suitable for day-time wear. Bright pink works well if you want to add a bold shade for added drama while clubbing or for girls' night out. Other pinks are great for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner, or any other time you feel like being rosy.

A bronze blush with a slightly pink hue highlights your skin while giving you a soft radiant glow; choose a bronzed pink blush that is close in color to your natural skin tone. Brush the color on the apples of your cheeks as well as your cheekbones for instant color and glow.

Plum blush is great for after hours or for dates. The reason why plum is another excellent blush color is because of the undertones it brings out of your skin. Swipe a plum shade of blush onto your cheeks to up your appeal; just beware of using a shade that's too dark for your skin so as not to look like a zombie.

Eyeshadows for Dark Skin

Eyeshadows allow you to enhance eye shape, color and size, as well as offering up a chance for self expression. You can use eyeshadow to make a big statement or use it to soften your feminine features. Before you apply any eyeshadow to your lid, use an eyeshadow primer to boost the pigmentation of colors and for long-lasting wear. Caramel shades see pleasant results with champagne hues, while darker skin sparkles with coral shades. Pink shades are also good choices for dark skin – or light skin for that matter! The trick is to keep the color below your crease when you are applying it to your lid. Gold is also a great color match for dark skin hues.

Lipstick for Dark Skin

Finding a shade of lipstick that flatters women of color isn't hard; there are quite a few shades that compliment a dark complexion ranging from nudes to bright colors.

Bold pinks, oranges, reds and purples are all cute and flexible lipstick shades for women of color. The trick to making bold lips work for dark-skinned women is to keep the rest of your makeup simple and neutral to avoid looking like you belong in a circus!

Nude lips are still on trend for dark skin hues. The great thing about wearing a nude lip is that it's easily worn with any outfit for all occasions. Choose nudes that are coffee-colored like toffee, mocha and caramel. Peach, orange, and coral colors are great choices too because there are a variety of different shades and depths of color that make it easy to find something flattering for your specific skin tone.

A woman can never go wrong with red lipstick because it's a classic that never goes out of style! The trick is to find the right shade that compliments your skin's color. Dark skin hues look best in shades of red that are wine or brick-colored. Bright red lips can be done too if you're willing to put the time into finding one that works well with deeper shades. Try applying the vibrant red-only on the center of your lips to make them look lush.

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10 Bad Skin Care Habits

10 Bad Skin Care Habits

Kick them to the curb for glowing skin

by Leah Karpus

Do you ever go to sleep with makeup on? Or maybe you bite your lip? Many of us are guilty of at least one bad skin habit. While they may seem harmless, these skin care no-nos can keep us from looking our best.  

Fixing a faux pas

Maybe it’s something we suspect we shouldn’t do, such as using old makeup brushes. Or maybe it’s something we’ve never considered before, such as not changing our sheets and pillowcases enough. Nevertheless, no matter what the bad habit is, there are natural ways to get our skin glowing again!

1: Tanning

This one falls under the “we know we shouldn’t do it” designation. Not only will tanning accelerate our skin’s aging process, leading to prematurely older-looking skin, but it can also lead to skin cancer—definitely not worth it.

If you crave a golden glow, opt for a natural bronzer or sunless tanner, available at natural health retailers. And always make sure to be sun-smart by using a natural mineral-based sunscreen when spending time in the sun.

2: Over-exfoliating

Although regular exfoliation can remove dead, dull skin cells, not going overboard is key. Generally, exfoliating once or twice a week with a natural product (such as one made from oatmeal or sugar) is sufficient. And exfoliation should be avoided altogether for those with sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions, or in the middle of an acne breakout.

3: Wearing makeup to bed

Wearing makeup to bed can be tempting on late nights, but it’s a definite no-no. Sleeping with makeup on can clog our pores so our skin isn’t able to breathe, and not removing eye makeup may even lead to an allergic reaction or an eye infection.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser for your skin type, and use a natural eye makeup remover—even on lazy evenings!

4: Biting lips

Licking or chewing on our lips can dehydrate them, leading to dried, cracked, and chapped lips, which can be even harder to leave alone. Although this problem can be exacerbated in the winter, it can happen all year long.

Stop the vicious cycle by investing in an exfoliating lip scrub to remove rough skin, and then keep lips moisturized with a natural lip balm. You’ll be less likely to chew on them if they’re soft and smooth.  

5: Using old makeup brushes

Makeup brushes can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cared for. Be sure to clean your makeup brushes at least once a month. Use a natural makeup brush cleaner or a gentle Castile soap, available at health food stores.

Other cosmetic TLC tips include always washing your hands before applying makeup and not sharing cosmetics or cosmetic applicators (be especially cautious when trying out colours at the beauty counter).

6: Not caring for neck and chest skin

Don’t let your skin care routine stop at your face. Our delicate décolletages (our necks and upper chests) are exposed to the elements just like our faces, so they can show signs of aging faster than areas we keep covered up.

Incorporate your neck and chest skin into your daily cleansing, toning, and moisturizing routine—and when you’re in the sun, make sure to wear your natural sunscreen on your décolletage as well.

7: Squeezing pimples

We may try to convince ourselves that popping or picking pimples helps, but in reality it only makes acne worse and can cause scarring. Plus, it can spread bacteria to other areas of the face, leading to more pimples.

Help clear up pimples naturally with a gel or wash made with tea tree oil. Another option is herbal preparations for the skin that contain thyme, which may have a greater antibacterial effect than prescription acne cremes, according to a new study.

8: Using too much product

When it comes to skin care, keep it simple. Although all skin types can benefit from a daily skin care routine that includes a gentle cleanser, toner, and lotion, piling on the products can irritate skin, especially when using products that all have differing formulas and purposes. See the sidebar below to learn which skin type you have and how to best care for it.

9: Taking very hot showers

Sure, hot showers can feel great (even this time of year, since—who are we kidding?—the cold weather isn’t over yet) but they can wreak havoc on our skin’s lipid barriers, leading to dry skin. Lukewarm water is also recommended for those suffering from eczema or dermatitis, as it is gentler on the skin. Keep your showers short and the temperature mild.

10: Not changing sheets and pillowcases often enough

Our pillowcases and sheets absorb oils from our skin, and they can reapply these oils and dirt onto our skin later on. Changing pillowcases and sheets frequently is especially important for those with oily, acne-prone skin.

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Skin types 101

Our skin type helps us determine how to craft our daily skin care routine.

Oily

Skin with visible pores that looks shiny quickly can be classified as oily. Often, oily skin is also acne prone. Cleanse twice daily, but don’t be afraid of using moisturizer—a lightweight oil-free lotion can still benefit oily skin.

Combination

If your cheeks are dry, but your T-zone (forehead, nose, and cheeks) is oily, that’s combination skin. A gentle cleanser and midweight lotion works best with this skin type.

Dry

Dry skin can feel tight and is often flaky. A mild creme cleanser can help retain moisture, as can applying moisturizer while skin is still damp after washing.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin can often look red, inflamed, and dry, and can react to irritants with itchiness, burning, and blotchiness. Often, those with sensitive skin suffer from allergic or contact dermatitis, or rosacea.

Although each condition requires slightly different treatment, generally, sensitive skin benefits from products with minimal ingredients. Soothing ingredients such as camomile, aloe, and green tea polyphenols can help, but alcohol and fragrance should be avoided.

About the Author

After writing this article, alive editor Leah Karpus vows to include her décolletage in her skin care routine and to clean her makeup brushes more often.

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Summer Skin Care Guide

Summer Skin Care Guide

Culprits of dry skin in the summer include chlorine, air conditioning, and sun exposure. Alcohol-free, moisturizing products can help prevent dry skin from developing.

By Melanie Winderlich

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD

With skimpy clothing and revealing bathing suits during the summer, it's hard to hide any flaws — flaky, dry skin being one of them. Unlike winter's bulky turtlenecks and baggy corduroys, summer's style follows the skin-is-in theory. So how do you avoid dry skin, or xerosis, in the summer and keep your skin looking great in that itsy, bitsy, polka-dot bikini?

Skip Dry Skin This Summer: Preventive Tips and Tactics

Lucky for you, winter is much worse for dry skin than summer. That's because steamy summer humidity keeps moisture in the air. Think of your skin as a sponge — the more moisture and oils it can retain, the less likely it will dry or crack.

"In general, summer is a better time than winter for dry skin — if you just behave yourself," says Rox Anderson, MD, professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Summer can still assault skin, especially if you live in a dry, low-humidity climate, like the Southwest. Here are the common culprits of summer that can make your skin go from smooth and supple to parched and scaly:

• Sun exposure. When the weather turns warm, it seems like everyone jumps outdoors to catch some rays. But sun exposure can do real damage. If you're fair skinned and get a series of sunburns that peel, your skin will feel dried out, lose protection against skin care, and show signs of aging sooner. Prevent dry skin by limiting direct sun exposure and wearing alcohol-free sunblock and lip balm with at least an SPF of 15, a large-brimmed hat, and protective clothing.
• Harsh soaps and solvents. Many chemicals in bug repellents and solvents, which you might use for gardening projects, can be irritating and make skin feel dry and itchy. Natural moisturizers and oils in the skin dissolve away with harsh soaps and alcohol-based products. Use mild cleansers with moisturizing properties that are free of fragrances and dyes, which can irritate skin further.
• Bathing and swimming. It might seem counterintuitive that water would cause dry skin, especially since humidity seems to help the condition. However, hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils very quickly. Chlorine in pools is a harsh chemical that can also pull out moisture quickly, especially bad for frequent swimmers, who frequently jump from the pool to the shower. The best way to protect your skin is to avoid chlorine as much as possible, and to take short, warm showers or baths to rinse off skin. There are also new lotions and products available to swimmers, which claim to neutralize chlorine and block chemicals from drying the skin.
• Shaving. However embarrassing dry skin can be in the summer, stubble can be just as bad. The problem with shaving is that it can irritate skin, and some shaving creams and gels have ingredients, like alcohol, that dry skin. Protect skin by always using a fresh blade, and don't shave quite as close if you have sensitive skin. Choose alcohol-free creams and gels with moisturizers, and shave in the direction in which the hair grows.
• Air conditioning. Resist cranking up the air conditioner as high as it will go. Your air conditioner pulls humidity out of the air, thus triggering dry skin.

Remember to keep moisturizing this summer — after showering, shaving, even washing the dishes. If dry skin becomes increasingly itchy, painful, or inflamed, no matter what season, it's best to see your dermatologist.

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HOW TO CONTOUR: THE BASICS

HOW TO CONTOUR: THE BASICS

According to Los Angeles–based makeup artist Brande Bytheway, all makeup applications involve contouring on some level. But to many, the thought of doing it at home seems inaccessible and a little too tricky. But it's easier than you think! “Basically, all makeup is contouring,” says Brande. “When you contour, all you’re doing is accentuating your natural features.” To get the technique down, we had Brande walk us through the how-to's and tools to create a basic look. 

This approach will look different on every person, depending on the shape of the features. Brande’s one piece of advice: practice, practice, practice. Try it, play around, and discover what works on your face. “It’s not as complicated as it seems,” Brande swears. “Some people do it every day!”

There are two main techniques used for basic contouring: lowlighting and highlighting. Lowlighting refers to using a darker color wherever there’s an area of the face or feature you want to recede or de-emphasize. Brande recommends a hue about three shades darker than your own skin—and making sure your product is matte, never frosted or shimmery. The opposite of lowlighting is highlighting—this you do on areas you want to emphasize or bring forward. For highlight, you can use either matte or frosted/shimmery color, whichever you prefer.

Here’s how to do a basic highlight for the cheeks, nose, eyes, and jaw. For this tutorial, we used powder eye shadows from Inglot. Make Up For Ever’s sculpting kits also get Brande’s thumbs-up; check out this quick guide to contour kits at every price for more ideas, too.

Cheekbones

According to Brande, the first thing most people want to contour are the cheekbones. To start, try receding the hollow of the cheek. You can find the hollow of cheek right underneath the cheekbone—there, apply your darker lowlight shadow using an angled medium or large brush. We used taupe-y brown here.

Every area you lowlight, you want to balance with a highlight. After receding the hollow of the cheek, counter that by making cheekbones stand out. To do that, brush on a frosted gloss or light shadow along the cheekbones, and blend out toward the temple.

Nose

This is a basic strategy to slim down the nose just a bit (which remember, may not work on every face). For the nose, use the same lowlight shade you used for cheeks. Start at inner corner of brow and apply down either side of the nose.

Next, apply your highlight down the bridge of the nose. For the nose, always use matte product, even for highlighting. “Generally speaking, people don’t want the nose or T-zone to look shiny, so in those areas, I’d stay away from frost or shimmer,” Brande explains. Finally, blend the two together using a brush.

Eyes

To make the eyes pop in two simple steps, start with your lowlight. Apply into the crease of the lid and blend well.

Then, counter that with a highlight, brushed right along the browbone.

Jaw

To lowlight, apply your darker shadow below the jaw along the jawline, right where the jaw meets the neck. Then blend down into the neck using a clean brush, so you don’t have a line.

Then, highlight right on top of the jawline, and blend together.Be careful not to go all the way around to the chin here. You want to highlight on the sides, along the mandible. “If you go all the way forward to the chin, it can make the chin look bigger, like it’s jutting forward,” says Brande.

Do you contour? What are your favorite products, tips, and techniques? Tell us, and show us your looks below!

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