What Is The Difference Between Skin Type and Skin Condition?

The skin is very complex and I find people are constantly misdiagnosing their skin type and skin condition. 

What is the difference?

Skin type is what you are genetically born with. If you have large pores in the T-zone portion of your face, you are most likely oily in that area, which gives you combination skin. If you have really small pores all over, you are probably dry.

Regardless of any claims made by cosmetic companies or professionals, you cannot change your pore size. As I said, it is genetic and embedded in your DNA. However, there are ingredients and products that can help minimize the appearance of your pores.

(Note: When examining your pores, never take into consideration the size of the pores on your nose. It is very rare when someone, regardless of skin type, does not complain of the pores in this area because they are typically larger here.) 

However, your skin condition or concern could influence your skin type. Your skin condition is susceptible to external influencers and changes in:

• your environment (including weather and pollution)
• diet
• stress
• medications
• hormones
• sun damage
• and age

Taking all of these aspects into consideration makes you and your skin type and condition unique. From here, it is a process of elimination. 

When everything is taken into account, you will be able to more accurately determine what product you need to use - or avoid. 

Stay posted on the next post further explaining this topic!

Marcella
Your Bridal Beauty Blogger

Do You Have Dirty Skin And Not Know It?

In today’s society we try to be as hygenic as possible. We shower, apply deodorant, carry breathmints and anti-bacterial gels…

But, can you tell me how long you spend cleansing your skin (especially at night when you’re tired from a long day of work)??

BEFORE you answer that, I want you to really think and calculate how long it takes you to apply your skin care products and makeup.

10–15 minutes?

Even if it’s five minutes, I guarantee you it’s a lot longer than what you spend cleansing your skin!

So again, let me ask you:

How long do you spend cleansing your face?

Here’s the dirt (punn somewhat intended):

WE ARE DIRTY!

According to research conducted by the International Dermal Institute, most women on average only spend 20 SECONDS on cleaning their face! (not usually including neck and chest area.)

Obviously, this is not enough time considering the layers of smog, grime and environmental pollutants that have accumulated throughout the day (on top of your skin care, SPF, makeup and natural sebum.)

(For men, or those of you who don’t wear makeup, this still applies.)
Not a pretty picture, wouldn’t you agree?

This is why it is SO important to cleanse your skin properly before going to bed.

If you find that you’re just too tired at night (and tend to fall asleep on the couch), just be sure to do your routine as soon as you walk in the door.

As you can now see, it will take more than some water and 20 seconds of rubbing to even begin penetrating the layer of oil-based grime that coats your skin’s surface.

Also think of this:
How can your skin care products even begin doing what they’re supposed to do without being able to get past this layer of “debris”?

Can you imagine now how this is contributing to dulling your skin’s appearance, as well as clogging and congestion?

But before you begin stripping your skin with harsh astringents, here are some words of advice:

• Be sure to double cleanse your skin (that’s right…wash it twice!)

• The first cleanser should be oil-based (oil attracts oil--basic chemistry facts!)

• If you have clogged or oily skin, contrary to popular belief, using an oil-based cleanser first will help break down the oil barrier on the surface of your skin.

• Consider this a cleanse-prep. For this step, look for products with light, plant-based oils such as: Olive, Rice Bran, Kukui Nut, and Apricot Kernel Oils.)

• Remember to cleanse the entire face (including hairline), neck, chest and even in the cleavage area between the breasts (oil and sweat accumulate here as well and can cause break-outs.)

• Your second cleansing should be done with a cleanser appropriate for your skin type or simply based on your texture preference (i.e. foaming cleanser vs. milky cleanser.)

• If you prefer foaming cleansers (to get that clean feeling), be sure to use one that does not leave your skin tight or taught-feeling (this indicates it is throwing off the pH balance of your skin, which is important for your skin’s health.)

• Use the Clarisonic brush with your second cleansing. The Clarisonic brush is an amazing tool that we have used and constantly recommend to all of our clients (regardless of skin concern.)

It’s even recommended for the most sensitive skins, even those with rosacea.
I would love to hear how these cleansing tips begin improving your skin care results!

To brighter and cleaner skin!

Your Bridal Beauty Blogger,
Marcella.

How To Apply Mascara...To Make The Most of Your Lashes!

I decided to create a little video tutorial to show you how I apply mascara to myself and my brides...for fuller, longer lashes.


People comment on my eyelashes, and the truth is, the way I apply my mascara is my secret...


Take a look!


P.S. I'm learning all the technological stuff, so bare with me! Future videos should be better!!


Thanks for watching!
Your Bridal Beauty Blogger,
Marcella.

Pictures, please!

I know I've been away for a bit, but it just seems like the paperwork never gets done. Regardless, that's not your concern so I won't bore you with details. What I'm trying to say is I'm sorry I haven't written in a little while...Alright, alright-more like four weeks. Oh-well, I'm here now!


Although today's post is not that long, I did want to give two words of advice to all brides about to get married who have hired a professional makeup aritst:


1- Schedule a trial run and
2- Bring pictures of makeup (and/or hair) you like.


This isn't because we don't know what we're doing, or because we need help with a "natural look" or "smokey eye". It's because the image that's in your head, may not translate to us and this may create frustration on your part. (I touched upon this in a previous post. Click here to read)


Having visual representation also helps YOU, as the bride, define what you want. I've noticed there are women that have this general notion of what they think will look beautiful (i.e. etherial, glowing, etc.), but if you ask any specific questions, they don't know how to explain it.


It's okay to have multiple pictures and mix what you like about one with that which you like about the other.


The more visual input we have, the better we can serve you, it's as simple as that!


And by all means, if there is something you don't like, speak up! We want to know. It's YOUR day and we'd like an opportunity to correct what you're displeased with. If you don't say anything, it's hard for us to correct it and make you happy.


Can I get a Hallelujah?


Your bridal beauty blogger,
Marcella.