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Saturday, May 7, 2011

Face Cream claims to get to the root of wrinkles

It's hailed as the magic beauty ingredient that can take years off your face.

And collagen, the skin-plumping protein said to smooth out laugh lines and crow’s feet, seems to be in most anti-wrinkle creams on the market these days.

But what if it were possible to target your skin’s own ‘collagen factory’ and coax it to pump out more of its own?

L'Oreal is to launch a new anti-wrinkle treatment called Lift-Activ which they say has been validated by scientific research

L'Oreal is to launch a new anti-wrinkle treatment called Lift-Activ which they say has been validated by scientific research

That’s the claim, at least, of a cream which is being touted as the first to get to the root of wrinkles.

Its makers say it will be the first anti-ageing cream to pinpoint the collagen-making cells which are vital to youthful skin.

Rubbed into the skin once a day for eight weeks, it tricks ageing skin cells into pumping out levels of collagen normally seen in a much younger body. This plumps up the skin, reducing the depth of wrinkles, according to its makers L’Oreal.

The weapon which targets the key cells is a sugar called rhamnose. It is found in an Amazonian vine called uncaria or cat’s claw and, closer to home, in the sap of the silver birch.

While many types of cells make collagen, those made by cells called papillary fibroblasts contribute the most to the skin’s bounce and texture.

L’Oreal said its scientists screened thousands of naturally-occurring compounds to find one that boosted production of collagen.

The French firm says its product is the first to zero in on these key cells. The cream, called LiftActive Derm Source, which will be launched under the company’s Vichy label in April and will cost about 27 a pot, has been tested by hundreds of women.

When they used it daily for two months, their wrinkles became shorter and shallower by up to a fifth, L’Oreal said.

Julie McManus, the company’s head of scientific affairs, said: ‘For us this is a breakthrough because we have found a compound which can produce an effect on this very important group of cells.

‘Other collagen-stimulating creams work in a relatively untargeted manner. We’ve shown that we’re having an effect exactly where we want it.’

The worth of anti-ageing creams that simply contain collagen, rather than boost its production, has been questioned by scientists.

They said the collagen molecules in such creams are so large that very few make it through the skin.

Dr Blanca Sengerova, an Oxford University protein biochemist, said: ‘It really frustrates me when I see adverts for anti-wrinkle creams containing collagen.

‘Although collagen is structurally important, the protein molecule is far too large to pass through the barrier posed by the skin.’

As a result, the collagen molecules sit on the surface of the face until they are rubbed off or washed away.

Jonathan Hadgraft, professor of biophysical chemistry at the University of London, said: ‘If it did penetrate the skin and get into the blood, it would have to be classed as a medicine.’

Research from another skincare firm, Olay, shows that lines formed by laughing can quickly become permanently etched on our faces.

And the drier the skin is, the quicker the wrinkles take hold, with our 20s and 40s being the prime time for developing lines.



Friday, April 29, 2011

10 Great Wedding Makeup Looks - Links of interest

Your special day has finally come, and, no, I don’t mean the premiere of The Hills. It’s even better than that! It’s your wedding day. :)

Your plate is already spilling over with wedding plans, making sure that everything turns out right — the guest list, the seating charts, the flowers, menus and music.

With so much to do, the last thing on your mind should be your makeup. That’s where this post comes in.

It’s your beautiful face people are going to be staring at all night long. Leave a lasting impression with the help of these 101 wedding makeup looks. Go from bridezilla to bombshell in the time it takes to say “I do.”Tutorials.


  1. Bridal Beauty Tips From the Golden Globes: You’ll be walking down an aisle more important than any red carpet, but these celeb tips can still help you make your wedding as glam as possible!
  2. kate-winslet-golden-globes

  3. Exotic Bridal Makeup: Here’s a very clear tutorial that will show you final makeup looks on half a face along with demonstrations showing how to get the look on the other. Foolproof!
  4. exotic

  5. Carrie Underwood Inspired Bridal Look: Outshine Carrie Underwood! Elegant, innocent and tres chic.
  6. carrie1

  7. Mineral Makeup Wedding Day Tutorial: This post has amazingly detailed pics to help you create your wedding makeup look with mineral makeup.
  8. bridal-full-face

  9. Wedding Eye Makeup: This great tutorial on eye makeup for your wedding day combines soft pinks and browns for any, and I mean ANY skin tone.
  10. pinkbrown

  11. Smokey Wedding Makeup: Time to utilize the drama of the sexy, smokey eye. If not now, when?
  12. smoky

  13. Taylor Swift Soft Bridal Makeup: Look as youthful and vibrant as Taylor Swift on your wedding day!
  14. taylor1

  15. Wedding Makeup and Skincare: Here’s a super helpful guide showing how to prep your skin and makeup for your big day!
  16. weddingmakeup2

  17. Beauty Countdown: This countdown walks you through everything you need to do to look ravishing on your wedding day.
  18. Morning make up



Thursday, April 28, 2011

Booking a Wedding Trial with a Professional Makeup & Hair Artist - Indian Wedding Makeup

It’s no secret that good makeup artists are in high demand all year long but in particular during peak spring/summer wedding seasons. It just makes sound sense to book your chosen makeup artist well in advance. I recommend spending some time looking over different makeup artists portfolio’s and this can be done easily over the web. Find someone who’s style is similar to your own. Look for reviews and recommendations from past clients. Once you’ve chosen your favorite artist, contact him or her and book a wedding trial. I always suggest booking a wedding trial as far in advance as possible however essentially carrying out the trial 2 -3 months prior to your wedding day. The earlier you book your trial the more likely you are to get the most talented and "in demand" artist working for you on your wedding day. Most makeup and hair artists require a deposit before confirming your date. Find out the terms and conditions of your chosen artist and be sure you are clear on how your date will be held. You may also need to put a deposit towards your wedding day prior to your trial taking place if you are concerned your wedding date may be taken by someone else. "In demand" artists are often booked a year in advance especially during the popular summer wedding weekends.

Before your trial, be sure and take clippings of makeup and hair styles from magazines that you like. Be open and honest with your artist, tell him or her if you have any skin or hair problems and be honest about what you really want from the experience. Listen to your makeup artist, take his or her advice on what works for your skin and hair type. The best professional makeup and hair artists have been well trained and should have a keen eye for detail.

Work closely together with your artist and the results will be incredible and exactly what you were hoping for.

<a href="http://khushsingh.com/">Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist...Born with a Brush in her hand</a>

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Bridal Makeup Tips

You have met the man of your dreams, fallen in love with him and even got the marriage date pinned down. And now, you are eagerly waiting for the day when the two of you would become each others -  forever. In the meantime, you have started with the preparations, right from choosing the venue to selecting the bridal dress. However, have you given any thought to the D-day makeup? No? Then, waste no more time and start taking care of yourself from this moment onwards. We have a number of makeup tips and ideas just for you.

Makeup Ideas For Bride

Before The D-Day
  • Undertake a skin, hair and nail care program at least 6 weeks before the wedding. Start receiving regular facials and manicures and ask your beautician to advise on good beauty products.
  • Sunblock, Sunblock, Sunblock. When you have to go out, do not forget to use a sun-block, with at least 20 SPF.
  • If you have a stressful job (and who doesn't now a days?), make sure to go for a relaxing massage, at least once every two weeks. Use essential oils in your bath and try to attend at least one aromatherapy session before the wedding.
  • Do not compromise on your sleep; otherwise you will be hard-pressed to hide your under-eye circles on the D-day. At the same time, remember to smile and be happy. Remember, what goes on in your mind reflects on your face as well.
  • Make the booking for the make-up artists at least 3-4 months before the wedding. Let him/her see your outfit, so that he/she can plan the exact look. You should also go for a trial session before the wedding.
On The D-Day
  • It is always advisable to synchronize your makeup with the bridal outfit and jewelry. If they are extremely heavy, then you may prefer to get light makeup.
  • The time of your wedding also has a bearing on the type and amount of makeup. For instance, heavy makeup looks are great at night, but will make you seem very odd under the harsh rays of the sun.
  • If your wedding has been scheduled for spring/summer, bright, pastel shades may work best. For a winter wedding, warmer and deeper shades would be a better option.
  • Though your bridal makeup needs to be heavier and more dramatic than your normal look, it should no be so heavy that it makes you look like a made-up doll.
  • Remember you will be photographed a lot. Foundations will yellow tones work best with flash photography. While, the ones with pink tones will make you look too pale.
  • Always go for a lip-liner that is the same shade as your lipstick. Otherwise, you might end up with a lip-line that is too noticeable. At the same time, always stick to long-lasting lipsticks, for your wedding.
  • Remember, you have to balance the eye makeup with lip makeup. In case you want to go for dramatic eyes, go for a light-color lip shade. If you are using a dark lipstick, it is better to have natural, light eyes.
  • Never ever forget to apply the foundation on your neck, back, ears and other exposed areas of the body as well. Otherwise, your face will look painted on and your beauty - artificial.
  • It is advisable to go for a light dusting of translucent powder, to conceal any shine. You can also apply bronzing powder to warm your skin tone and get a natural glow.
  • Ask your sister, friend or some other female relative to carry a powder compact, tissues and lipstick for you. This will help you do the touch ups, especially if your wedding is going to be a long affair.Or better yet have your makeup artist stay for the ceremony.
<a href="http://khushsingh.com/">Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist...Born with a Brush in her hand</a>

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Friday, April 8, 2011

Expert Tips on your Wedding Pictures


 
 
 
It is that one day in your life when you want to look back and not notice your face looking goth white, or your outfit clashing with the backdrop, or the light shining in your eyes giving you a supernatural look. What should brides to be and grooms to be keep in mind when they get their wedding photographs done? We asked ace fashion photographer Jatin Kampani to give us some tips.

A wedding is a live event, and capturing pictures which sum the essence and the energy of the event is a skill that the photographer must have. Kampani is against the posed norm for wedding photographs. He says, "When capturing moments to remember, candid shots look much better as opposed to posed. Posing is best left to professional models in a photo shoot , which is essentially stage managed, and the entire purpose of capturing the emotions and mood of the bride and the groom on the most important day of their lives would be lost as it would look stage managed too." Be natural, be aware, and be yourself.


Lighting is an important part of any wedding photography, given that the scenario is the usually a stage or mandap which has photographers aim direct light at the subjects. According to Jatin, "As far as the lighting goes, it would be better to use diffused lighting bounced off the ceiling or a wall rather than flash lights pointing at the subjects directly otherwise the images will tend to look too flat and harsh."

Make up for photography is definitely tricky given that it needs to be natural enough not to look like a mask, and yet play up your best features in the photographs. Says Jatin, "Again, with the make up, keep it simple and not too loud. One wants to look good and pleasing on their wedding day, wanting to stand out and not making the make up the stand out feature."

Other tips you could use are visiting the site of the wedding and reception to determine the best spots to be photographed against. Decide on the colours of the backdrop to make sure they complement what you will be wearing. Too strong or too overwhelming backdrops could make you look washed out.

Meet up with your photographer beforehand to determine the shots you require and when they will be shot.

From:Wedingsutras.com and KhushSingh.com
Khush Singh New York New Jersey Bridal & Indian Bridal Makeup Artists




Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Make Up Ideas before YOUR Wedding Day

Bridal Make up, Indian WeddingFirstly, it is very essential to find out the right kind of make up that would suit and compliment the bride`s style and skin tone. Some of the basic ideas for a bride that she can follow before the arrival of her special big day are as follows:

  • The bride should go for a hair, skin and nail care regimen at around four weeks before the big day.
  • Going for regular facials and manicures is also very important. Moreover, the would-be-bride can take the suggestions from the beautician about the beauty products that suits her skin type.
  • The bride should try and avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If she has to go out for work, she must use a good quality sun-block.
  • For those who are working ladies, they should go for a relaxing massage once in a week. If possible, she must try to attend at least one aromatherapy session before her wedding day.
Make Up Ideas for Wedding Day
  • First and foremost, one should try to synchronize the make up with the wedding outfit and wedding jewelery.
  • If one opts for heavy bridal jewellery, the make should be kept to minimal and light.
  • Bridal make-up also varies and depends on the time of the wedding. For example for the evening occasions, one should go for heavy makeup looks.
  • It is said that bridal make-up should be heavy but it should not be heavier or kind of dramatic otherwise it will make one look like a doll.
  • Use some heavy-pigmented foundations after that it should be layered with powdered foundations. It will help in making the skin look smoother. Don`t forget to apply powder foundation on the neck. A concealer will help in blend both very well.
  • If the bride has a combination skin then water based foundation can be used.
  • Concealer should be used for hiding under eye circles. One must remember that the eye make-up should be balanced with the lip make up.
  • Select a lip-liner that is of the same shade as of the lipstick.
  • Further, one must apply a translucent powder as it prevents in too much shine of the face.
These are some of the basic make up tips for the wedding day. The make up should be done in such a way that it compliments the attire of the bride.

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