I’ve always been one to share. My toys (as a tyke), my food, my time, and yes…my beauty secrets! While I absolutely love writing product reviews and demystifying the in’s and out’s of the newest beauty, what I enjoy most is the opportunity to chat personally with my readers and dish the kind of beauty wisdom that can be applied across the board, regardless of the specific products your choose to use. So when Wella Professionals asked if I’d share my best kept secrets for pitch-perfect hair, enviable skin, and makeup-musts — well, I jumped at the opportunity. Why? Because beauty is my passion and sharing every ounce of that passion is the very reason I started ThisThatBeauty over five years ago.
So from me to you: My Best Kept Beauty Secrets for Hair, Skin, and Makeup
Skin:
For bright, clear, even-toned skin, I cannot stress enough the importance of sunscreen 365 days a year. The sun’s harmful rays are the number one cause of pre-mature aging. In simpler language — it’s making you look old! In more eloquent language — it’s causing fine lines and wrinkles to appear as early as your 20’s. Yikes! Around age 60, I’ll happily accept my character-defining smile lines as a little token of a life well lived….but at 30-something, I’ll pass (thank you!). Maintain line-free skin by wearing daily broad spectrum (UVA &UVB) sunscreen. Many of today’s formulations are lightweight and are undetectable under makeup. There are even powdered SPF products that can be applied over makeup. Nice, huh?
Hair: Let’s focus on heat protection. I’m always amazed at the amount of thought and label-reading that goes into selecting the appropriate shampoo and conditioner for a specific hair type…only to have the affects of your nourishing shampoo and deep-conditioning treatment reversed by heat damage during the styling process. Ladies, let’s get it together! If you are applying any type of heat to hair (blow dryer, curling iron, straightening iron) a heat protectant is imperative to shield hair against damage. Failure to comply can result in frayed ends, breakage, and irreversible damage to curls if you’re naturally curly (like me). Wella Professionals Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray can help. The formula lynch-pin, Polyquaternium-16, not only protects hair from heat, but also helps to reduce static electricity, and provide touchable hold. Ask your stylist for Wella or find a Wella salon near you at wellausa.com
Makeup: If I’ve learned anything at all from RuPaul’s Drag Race, I’ve learned that “contour” is a gift from above. But let’s use this technique of shading and highlighting for good, and not over-contoured evil. I love creating soft contour with blush and bronzer….this gives my face a sculpted, more lifted look. Also, if I’m feeling a little plump in the cheeks, in addition to amping up my workout, I go a bit more generous on the bronzer…you’d be surprised what a little well placed contouring can do!
Acne: Ever think about some of the “non beauty product” things you can do to manage your acne? 1) Change pillow cases often. 2) Use a headset with cell phone. 3) Use paper towels after washing face (instead of using the towel that was used to dry your body).
Overall Skincare Maintenance: Remember to evaluate your skin and products often. Maybe the super lightweight moisturizer that was a God send for summer, falls short for winter. Skin changes from season to season and so should your skin care products.
So there you have. . . a few of my best tips for staying beautiful! Xx
[This video is sponsored by Wella Professionals. For more beauty inspiration and to find a Wella salon near you visit facebook.com/WellaUSA]
