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Skin Friendly Makeup That Won't Break The Bank

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Makeup Budget
When it comes to buying cosmetics, prices can range from very inexpensive to getting a second mortgage on your house for the latest eye shadow palette.
Cost is not the usually the only factor when purchasing new makeup. Another thing to consider, are the ingredients and the quality of the product. Just because a cosmetic has a higher price point, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for your skin.
You also need to think about the importance of cruelty free products. Many larger companies still test on animals,so if that is something you feel strongly against, be sure to read the labels before you buy.
So, what are some makeup brands that are skin friendly and cost effective as well? Let’s take a look at several options that may help you decide on what is best for you.

Milani

If you are looking for a wide variety of quality cosmetics with a great price point, look no further. Milani has everything you need.
All of their products are highly rated and are also cruelty free, which is an added benefit.
You will love their highly pigmented eye shadows that last all day. They come in a number of coordinating palettes in matte, shimmer, pearl and metallic.
Another fabulous product is their Conceal + Perfect foundation and concealer combination. There are 19 shades available that will match any skin tone.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Besides from their budget friendly price and wide selection of products, e.l.f. Cosmetics have other benefits to consider as well.
All of their products are non-comodogenic, which means that they won’t clog your pores and cause blackheads. They are also do not test on animals or endorse doing so.
e.l.f. Cosmetics offers a complete line of make up and skin care products for all skin types. They also sell tools such as make up brushes, beauty sponges, and cosmetic bags.

Physicians Formula

If you are one of the many people with sensitive skin, then you realize the importance of using hypo-allergenic make up. Cosmetics that contain harsh ingredients can cause inflammation, breakouts, excessive dryness, redness and other issues.
Physicians Formula cosmetics are specifically formulated for sensitive skin and eyes. It is also highly recommended by allergists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and plastic surgeons.
You will find that they have a full line of makeup for the entire face. Additionally they offer a line of skin care products, such as serums, oils and primers.

Wet N Wild

Wet N Wild has been voted the number one value brand in America and has been around since 1979. Many of us can remember their first make up purchase was a Wet N Wild product.
Their cosmetics are very low in cost but high in quality. You will find a large selection of products to choose from, for any skin tone or type. The color selection is incredible, featuring over 400 shades!
Known for their safety, Wet N Wild cosmetics is the leading brand of lead free lipstick.
Conclusion
With a little research and label reading, you should be able to find the right makeup for your budget and skin type. Aside from the brands listed above, there are many others on the market that will fit the criteria you are looking for.
Whether you have young skin with no signs of aging or mature skin, you can find products that will help you look and feel your best without breaking the bank.
If you are interested in further reading about skincare and ways to keep a youthful appearance, check out: 10 Minute Facial Exercise That Will Help You Look Younger and Does Anti-Aging Make Up Really Work? Dermatologists Have Their Say.
Image: Flickr

Basic Skin Care Routines For The Beginner

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Image: tommerton2010

Having a regular skin care routine is more than just a surface-level concern. No matter what your age is, having a skin care routine will help keep your skin healthy, making you look and feel good all throughout the year.  

Skin Care Guide For Beginners

Skin care routine may sound too high maintenance but the truth is, it’s very easy to implement even for complete newbies. Below is a skin care routine guide for beginners.  
Step 1. Know your skin type 
The first step in establishing a skin care routine is knowing your skin type.  
The most common skin types are normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. 
Normal Skin Type 
A normal skin type is characterized by good blood circulation on the skin. People with normal skin type usually have smooth, soft, and even skin tone.  
Oily Skin Type 
An oily skin type is characterized by overactive sebaceous glands. Hence, people who have oily skin tend to produce more oil than necessary, making them more prone to having enlarged pores and acne flare-ups.  
Dry Skin Type 
A dry skin type is the opposite of the oily skin. People with a dry skin has a low level of sebum, making the skin flakier and feels tight after being wiped with a tissue.  
Combination Skin Type 
A combination skin type is characterized by dry or normal skin in some areas and oily in others. The oily area is usually the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).  
Sensitive Skin Type 
Sensitive skin is a term used to describe a skin condition in people who break out easily. People with sensitive skin type can easily get itchy, blotchy, or stinging skin after using certain products or exposed to certain weather conditions.  
Step 2. Learn what types of products you need 
A basic skin care routine usually involves the following items:  

  • Cleanser
    A cleanser is a product you use for washing your face. It is important to choose a cleanser that’s suitable for your skin type and one that’s meant for washing your face. The usual bar or body wash can have harsh ingredients that can easily strip off your skin’s moisture.Finding the right cleanser can be tricky as it’s usually a trial and error process. If you have dry skin, a fragrance or alcohol-free type can be a good option. If you have an oily skin, opting for an oil-free type can be your best bet.
     
  • Toner
    After you wash your face, you will need a toner to smoothen, soften, and calm your skin. A toner can provide a ‘clean’ feel for those with oily or combination skin type.A good toner contains ingredients that help restore nutrients to the skin. It can also help in reducing dry patches or redness.
     
  • Moisturizer
    Regardless of your skin type, you’ll need a moisturizer to hydrate your skin. It can keep your skin smooth and healthy-looking.
     
  • Sunscreen
    UV exposure doesn’t just cause skin cancer; it’s also the leading cause of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging.Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
    Sunscreen should be applied everyday even when it’s gray or cold outside.
     
  • Exfoliating products
    Exfoliating products are not meant to be used every day but they can be useful for certain skin types such as weather-induced dry skin. Using it once or twice a week after a cleanser and before applying the moisturizer can help in getting rid of dead skin cells. When used correctly, they can help clear the pores, giving you smoother and younger-looking skin.  

Step 3. Determine when to use certain products 
As a beginner, the list of skin care items to use may sound too overwhelming. A good way to remember what items to use at certain times of the day is this: morning routine should be about protection and prevention while night time routine should focus on cleansing and repair.
You can begin your morning routine by rinsing your face with warm water and then applying moisturizer and sunscreen. At night, a more dedicated skin care routine is needed. It involves cleansing the face with a product suitable for your skin type, getting rid of the makeup and dirt using a toner, exfoliating if there’s a need to, and then capping off the routine with the use of a moisturizer.  
As the largest organ of the body and the first line of health defense, your skin needs to be taken good care of.  
Whether you’re in your 20s or 40s, this skin care guide can get you to your goal of having healthy, smooth, and young-looking skin.