-Krysta
Monday, January 13, 2014
New page!
For those of you who haven't had a chance to check it out yet, I have moved my blog! It will now appear at www.krystapelc.weebly.com. I plan to move all of the posts from this page so you can continue to go back and read them when you like! Please continue to post and comment on my new page of what you would like to read about! Thanks everyone so much for all of your support and I hope for a bigger and better blog in 2014!! :)
-Krysta
-Krysta
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
A prime example
Hi everyone! Today's blog post is a question requested through Facebook from the beautiful Shauna! :) Her question reads..
"To use or not to use..Primers!"
This is actually a commonly asked question, and the answer can vary depending on who you speak to! Most makeup artists won't even open their kits without first priming your face, and I am one of those ladies as well! Primers are there to prevent creasing in your makeup, and to keep a look of a flawless application. Some girls use primers as a moisturizer as well, but I believe in applying a good lotion base before you do anything makeup related. Now the question I am asked the most is, what is the difference in primers? Some have a tint of foundation, some are green, pink or white, and some are clear. There are eye shadow primers, lip primers, skin primers, and even for super primer lovers, eyelash primers! Phew! Sounds like a confusing jumble of options, and how do you even know what's right for you??
Lets start with basic face primers. The key here is to find one that works the best for you. Some girls swear that if you don't have a really good primer, then you're wasting your time, but cost of the product doesn't necessarily mean it's the best product. (Something I constantly am saying in my blogs ladies!) I have tried it all. I have had a more expensive primer and a less expensive primer and I have to say, the less expensive primer I liked better! It was softer, smoother, and dried fairly quickly. My favorite primer right now is NYX photo loving primer. It will run you about $12.00 and will last you a few months. www.nyxcosmetics.com
If you are really new to the makeup world, or if you're looking to spend less than $10.00 on a basic primer, then NYC brand Smooth skin primer should be your choice. It's only about $4.00 at Wal-Mart, Target or any large comparable shopping center. This will give you the same basic coverage, but probably won't hold up as long with thicker makeup choices.
"To use or not to use..Primers!"
This is actually a commonly asked question, and the answer can vary depending on who you speak to! Most makeup artists won't even open their kits without first priming your face, and I am one of those ladies as well! Primers are there to prevent creasing in your makeup, and to keep a look of a flawless application. Some girls use primers as a moisturizer as well, but I believe in applying a good lotion base before you do anything makeup related. Now the question I am asked the most is, what is the difference in primers? Some have a tint of foundation, some are green, pink or white, and some are clear. There are eye shadow primers, lip primers, skin primers, and even for super primer lovers, eyelash primers! Phew! Sounds like a confusing jumble of options, and how do you even know what's right for you??
Lets start with basic face primers. The key here is to find one that works the best for you. Some girls swear that if you don't have a really good primer, then you're wasting your time, but cost of the product doesn't necessarily mean it's the best product. (Something I constantly am saying in my blogs ladies!) I have tried it all. I have had a more expensive primer and a less expensive primer and I have to say, the less expensive primer I liked better! It was softer, smoother, and dried fairly quickly. My favorite primer right now is NYX photo loving primer. It will run you about $12.00 and will last you a few months. www.nyxcosmetics.com
If you are really new to the makeup world, or if you're looking to spend less than $10.00 on a basic primer, then NYC brand Smooth skin primer should be your choice. It's only about $4.00 at Wal-Mart, Target or any large comparable shopping center. This will give you the same basic coverage, but probably won't hold up as long with thicker makeup choices.
Now that we have talked about basic skin primers, lets move on to a primer I think that every girl should have in their makeup bag, eyelid primer. Eyelid primer is a product that every girl can use, from those who just wear a basic nude shadow, to girls who wear a dark, or colorful eye. No matter what kind of eye shadow you wear, matte, sparkle, liquid, or cream, it will crease or wear off if not primed first. Some creasing is normal, and will happen no matter what, especially if you have a large hood, or excess skin lids, but you will be so surprised how much longer and better your eye makeup will look if primed first.
Now this one case that I truly believe you should spend a little more money on your eyelid primer, because the higher quality products will be better for such a sensitive, and thin area of your skin. My favorite eye primer is Urban Decay's Primer potion. It comes in a cool little bottle with a wand attached to the handle. Take the wand and rub some product on the back of your clean hand, applying lightly with your ring finger. (Using the actual wand, and applying too much pressure will stretch the already thin skin. When your lid, and under eye skin is stretched out, there is no way to retighten without surgery) This will run you about $24.00, which is definitely on the higher side, but I swear is worth every penny when you see how long your eye shadow stays in place without creasing! www.sephora.com www.urbandecay.com
For those of you that have kept up with my blogs, (Thanks to all of you!!) you know that I always give a cheaper alternative to my more expensive likes. Even though personally I do believe in spending a little more money on a better quality eye primer, there is nothing wrong with spending a little less on something you don't believe is as important in your own makeup routine. An inexpensive eye primer, that does work, is from Elf. I used this years ago when I was building my makeup kit, more on natural makeup applications because it's a thinner base so doesn't tend to hold the thicker eye shadows, but I never had a single complaint! This also has a wand applicator, but yet again, apply with your ring finger not the wand itself. The mineral primer is a steal at only $3.00 and the eyelid primer is only $1.00! I would say that's worth your money even just to try, for those who are skeptical ! www.eyeslipsface.com
On a small side note, and I can touch on this more at a later time if you like, but I think just as important as a primer is to keep your makeup in place, a setting spray will keep your face from melting or sweating off. It also prevents those mascara smears on your under eyes, and will keep you looking fresh all day. My favorite is All-nighter from Urban Decay. 2-3 spritzes, holding it 6-7 inches away from your face, spray, then don't move your mouth or eyes for a min or so until it dries and voila! Perfect set makeup all day! www.sephora.com ($29.00)
I hope I answered your question and even gave you a few good options to try! I personally think primers are a good investment in your daily makeup routine, and you will notice the difference at the end of the day when your makeup stays put!
Be careful ladies if you have a silicone allergy because a lot of primers tend to have a silicone base. Do your research like I always say, and if something bothers your skin, itches, or causes a rash in anyway, discontinue use immediately!
Thanks for your input everyone! You make blogging fun, and I hope to continue to do so for a long time with all of your help and support! :)
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Great skin is always a win
Happy New Year everyone! It's a new year, a new day and a whole new start to anything you want! We wiped the slate clean, and we get to start over in many ways. We all know the standard New years resolutions;
1. Lose weight
2. Create a budget
3. Find the man/woman of my dreams
etc and so on, and while they all are terrific goals to shoot for, most of the time they are hard to stick to, or are out of your power. Women everywhere forget something on a regular basis, that's so easy and necessary to fix, and yet bypass it without a second thought. It's really as simple as this..
TAKE BETTER CARE OF MY SKIN.
This goes for men too! It's such a simple thing and yet we all, myself included, still go to bed with our makeup on, forget to moisturize daily, and layer on products that clog our pours without a second thought. Girls ask me all the time, how can I know I'm using the right product for my skin? Well this answer is very similar to my answer regarding picking a foundation.
1. Know your skin type.
Am I oily, dry or combination? The easiest way to know this is after you wash your face at night, what does your skin feel like in the morning? Is it dying for lotion, or could you fry an egg on your forehead? Take your finger and wipe across your T-zone (The area across your forehead and down the middle of your face forming a "T") is it oily, or does your skin flake? If you're oily, stay away from any skin care products that are "extra moisturizing" and pick and oil free face wash. If your skin is dry, find a face a lotion that is thicker, and water based if possible.
2. Am I prone to acne, or already have blemishes?
If you are a girl, (guys too) you have a pimple here and there. I wouldn't consider that acne prone skin. People are under the assumption that the best way to avoid acne, is using an acne wash daily. That couldn't be farther from the truth! Acne washes main ingredient is salicylic acid, which is intended to dry out acne, so imagine what it is doing to your natural skin? You are stripping your face of all of the natural oils, therefore causing dry, cracked skin. (And not always just visible on the outside.) If you do breakout regularly, find a gentle exfoliate, and an oil free acne wash, changing every few days. Even if your face is completely covered in blemishes, scrubbing with a harsh acne wash isn't good for you either. Use a gentle wash, a water based lotion, and keep your hands off of your face. (Changing and washing your pillow cases often is a good idea, and well as staying away from washcloths. They just spread bacteria around your face, and when using hot water, your pours are open and allowing those towel germs to fill your pours, causing even more pimples.
When picking a face regiment, remember the fad skin care lines aren't always the best, so do your research before finding what works for you.
Taking care of your skin seems like a lot of effort, but its really not! Men this goes for you too, your significant other would rather smooch a smooth, soft face so take care of your skin as well! Wash your face with a good face wash everyday, and apply a moisturizer (They even have male skin care lines) and you'll be amazed at the difference!
Ladies because of what we put our faces through daily wearing makeup, your skin care routine should be slightly more involved but still simple. Remember the four R's. Rinse, Renew,Retract Regenerate.
1. Rinse.
Be sure you are wetting your face with warm water first to open your pours! Warm water makes your pours expand, making it easier for your face wash to penetrate the bacteria within them.
2. Renew.
Using a face wash, scrub all of that daily bacteria, makeup, and oil off of your face, bringing it back fresh and renewed. (Add a gentle exfoliate to your regiment 3 times a week to get rid of dead dry skin cells that can build up.)
3. Retract.
Because your pours are open from the hot water, we need to make them retract back to their original size to prevent letting germs in, so when your face is all clean, splash your whole face with a little cold water. This will make them shrink back down and close.
4. Regenerate.
Find a good face lotion, whether it be a wrinkle cream, moisturizer, dark spot corrector, or even acne prone face lotion, and apply liberally. Be sure you go down your neck as well, and that you're careful when applying underneath your eyes where skin is the thinnest. Everyday we can help renew our skin cells by keeping them moisturized, and well maintained.
Do this in the morning, and before going to bed. It seems like a lot of steps, but it really only takes about 5 minutes and you won't believe what a difference it will make with your skin!
Take care of your skin ladies, because without a good canvas, your painting will never be complete :) Happy 2014!
1. Lose weight
2. Create a budget
3. Find the man/woman of my dreams
etc and so on, and while they all are terrific goals to shoot for, most of the time they are hard to stick to, or are out of your power. Women everywhere forget something on a regular basis, that's so easy and necessary to fix, and yet bypass it without a second thought. It's really as simple as this..
TAKE BETTER CARE OF MY SKIN.
This goes for men too! It's such a simple thing and yet we all, myself included, still go to bed with our makeup on, forget to moisturize daily, and layer on products that clog our pours without a second thought. Girls ask me all the time, how can I know I'm using the right product for my skin? Well this answer is very similar to my answer regarding picking a foundation.
1. Know your skin type.
Am I oily, dry or combination? The easiest way to know this is after you wash your face at night, what does your skin feel like in the morning? Is it dying for lotion, or could you fry an egg on your forehead? Take your finger and wipe across your T-zone (The area across your forehead and down the middle of your face forming a "T") is it oily, or does your skin flake? If you're oily, stay away from any skin care products that are "extra moisturizing" and pick and oil free face wash. If your skin is dry, find a face a lotion that is thicker, and water based if possible.
2. Am I prone to acne, or already have blemishes?
If you are a girl, (guys too) you have a pimple here and there. I wouldn't consider that acne prone skin. People are under the assumption that the best way to avoid acne, is using an acne wash daily. That couldn't be farther from the truth! Acne washes main ingredient is salicylic acid, which is intended to dry out acne, so imagine what it is doing to your natural skin? You are stripping your face of all of the natural oils, therefore causing dry, cracked skin. (And not always just visible on the outside.) If you do breakout regularly, find a gentle exfoliate, and an oil free acne wash, changing every few days. Even if your face is completely covered in blemishes, scrubbing with a harsh acne wash isn't good for you either. Use a gentle wash, a water based lotion, and keep your hands off of your face. (Changing and washing your pillow cases often is a good idea, and well as staying away from washcloths. They just spread bacteria around your face, and when using hot water, your pours are open and allowing those towel germs to fill your pours, causing even more pimples.
When picking a face regiment, remember the fad skin care lines aren't always the best, so do your research before finding what works for you.
Taking care of your skin seems like a lot of effort, but its really not! Men this goes for you too, your significant other would rather smooch a smooth, soft face so take care of your skin as well! Wash your face with a good face wash everyday, and apply a moisturizer (They even have male skin care lines) and you'll be amazed at the difference!
Ladies because of what we put our faces through daily wearing makeup, your skin care routine should be slightly more involved but still simple. Remember the four R's. Rinse, Renew,Retract Regenerate.
1. Rinse.
Be sure you are wetting your face with warm water first to open your pours! Warm water makes your pours expand, making it easier for your face wash to penetrate the bacteria within them.
2. Renew.
Using a face wash, scrub all of that daily bacteria, makeup, and oil off of your face, bringing it back fresh and renewed. (Add a gentle exfoliate to your regiment 3 times a week to get rid of dead dry skin cells that can build up.)
3. Retract.
Because your pours are open from the hot water, we need to make them retract back to their original size to prevent letting germs in, so when your face is all clean, splash your whole face with a little cold water. This will make them shrink back down and close.
4. Regenerate.
Find a good face lotion, whether it be a wrinkle cream, moisturizer, dark spot corrector, or even acne prone face lotion, and apply liberally. Be sure you go down your neck as well, and that you're careful when applying underneath your eyes where skin is the thinnest. Everyday we can help renew our skin cells by keeping them moisturized, and well maintained.
Do this in the morning, and before going to bed. It seems like a lot of steps, but it really only takes about 5 minutes and you won't believe what a difference it will make with your skin!
Take care of your skin ladies, because without a good canvas, your painting will never be complete :) Happy 2014!
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