Makeup starts with a great canvas...

I will definitely begin posting pics of my work soon, but, since this is the beginning of my blog, I thought I would talk a little about skincare first. Great makeup application starts with a great canvas which is why a good skincare regimen is so important. People ask me all the time about my skin because they are amazed when I tell them I have eczema. I don't feel I have the best skin, but as I get older I understand the importance of maintaing elasticity and making your skin look fresk and vibrant. So, during my eczema "flare ups" I go to my local flea market and buy a couple of African Black Soap with Oats, Aloe & Vitamin E by Nubian Heritage. It is very good! Not only does it cleanse the skin, but it heals and protects my skin from harsh environmental conditions. Since I started using this soap, I have seen a tremendous decrease of break outs this year. Here's a photo of it...



Another favorite item of mine is Olay's Smooth Skin Cream Scrub. It's a daily exfoliating cleanser, and yes, it's gentle enough for everyday use. It exfoliates dead skin cells and encourages new cell growth and leaves my face feeling smooth and fresh. Seriously!
Here's a pic of the Olay scrub just so you know what to look for.




These two items you can find for around $5.00 each. (We're in a recession, so I am just being frugal!) You can find the Black Soap at www.nubian heritage.com or www.sunnywindow.com/Soaps.html, and you can find Olay's Smooth Skin Cream Scrub at any drugstore.

Don't forget after cleansing you have to tone and moisturize! Make sure you know your skin type as these two steps are very important based on that knowledde. For example, I have oily skin so I would use an alcohol based toner and a very light, non-oily moisturizing formula with added sunscreen. (Yes, women of color needs sunscreen too!) If it leaves an oily film on the surface, it will be difficult to apply makeup on top, so be careful with the oil-based products! Just for you to reference, I am posting a chart below so you can get an idea of your skin type...Until next post...
Below is a Skin Type Chart to help you discover your skin type.


Skin Type:

Normal
Soft and hydrated with small to medium size pores.
Skin is plump, soft and smooth.
Clear with even texture.
Healthy appearance.

Combination/Dry skin may exhibit all these traits or a select few.
Some areas of the face may be dry while others are oily.
The T-zone is often the oily area of the face.
May experience frequent blemishes, whiteheads and blackheads, especially in the T-zone.

Dry
Dry skin may exhibit all these traits, or a select few.
Skin flakes (similar to dandruff)
Skin feels tight.
Itchy skin.
Noticeable fine lines.
Skin looks tired, not vibrant.
May have red or rough patches of skin.
Skin looks thin.
Small pores.
Prone to broken capillaries, especially in the cheek area.
Women past menopause are especially prone to dry and thinning skin.

Oily-
Oily skin is not uncommon in adults.
Oily skin may exhibit all these traits, or a combination.
Skin shines and feels oily.
May experience frequent blemishes, including whiteheads and blackheads.
Pores are often large.
Forehead, chin and nose are mostly affected.


Sensitive Sensitive skin may exhibit all these traits or only one.
Skin irritates easily.
Fragrance, toners, PABA, Salicylates, Ascorbates (vitamin C), and products with alcohol may further irritate the skin.
Skin may easily sunburn.
May suffer from acne, rosacea or a number of skin conditions.
Skin may be clear but blotchy, can swell, develop hives, and flake.