Think of makeup like fresh fruit. If you don’t consume it within a certain amount of time it will go bad. Unlike that crispy new apple, it may not be as readily apparent that your makeup has turned. Applying old makeup and skin care products to your face can actually be doing more harm than good. Bacteria can get into even the most expensive brand name products and irritate your skin.

Mascara is a prime example. Old mascara is a prime target for bacteria and can lead to eye infections. So throw out those old clumpy tubes. I don’t care if you have a date. Which is worse for your guy to see - macara-less lashes or the inside of an emergency room?

Here are some rules of thumb when it comes to your makeup’s expiration:

1) Unopened cosmetics and skin care products have the longest shelf life. Keep all cosmetics in a cool dry environment. Hint, your bathroom is probably not the best place to store your cosmetics.

2) If your makeup looks like it is separating ( i.e. if it looks like there is liquid sitting on top of a thicker substance) then it is more than time to toss it. Don’t try shaking it to try to reblend it, unless the product specifically says that this is normal.

3) Don’t put the makeup directly on your hands, straight from the bottle. Use a cotton swab or double folded tissue paper.  Your fingers have germs and natural oils that can easily get into your products with repeated use.

4) Keep jar sealed tightly. Yes, I know that you are in a hurry to get out the door but this only takes an extra second or two.

5) Replace mascara at least every three months and really make sure that it is sealed tightly between uses.

These are just a few tips on how to keep your makeup fresh so that you can continue to have wonderful glowing skin and less skin reactions. These tips are even more important if you have any type of problem with acne. Don’t let your makeup be one more battle between you and your quest for clear, beautiful skin.

Have you noticed how women of the past seemed to be remarkably beautiful? They had amazing skin, silky hair and managed to keep their weight under control without all of the modern conveniences we have today. Legend or truth? If truth, then it is those ancient beauty secrets that women today need and want.

Ancient beauty secrets reveal knowledge about how to use common, natural ingredients to make yourself beautiful. All you need to do is find them.

Beauty reviews often avoid ancient beauty secrets because they are afraid women will stop buying today’s products and make their own products of these natural ingredients. The truth, though, is that today’s woman has barely enough time to go through her beauty ritual yet alone make her own products!

The best place to look for these beauty secrets is right where you buy beauty products. You can find so many products today that contain the natural ingredients that ancient beauties used to look so fabulous. It is simple. You find these great products by looking for natural and organic products in many ways.

1. Do an online search for organic ingredients.

2. Learn about natural herbs and products.

3. Find a product line you trust and stick with their natural line.

One ingredient that is a major ancient beauty secret is using shea or cocoa butter for smooth as silk skin. You can find products like Lavanila’s The Healthy Body Butter which contains these natural ingredients.

Getting beautiful with ancient techniques is not something that is difficult. You just have to know where to find them.

acne skin care ancient beauty secrets skin care

Want to Know How to Avoid Premature Aging?

I write beauty reviews because I’ve always enjoyed playing around with hair and makeup. So when I discovered that my passion for these products gave me a way to have fun and answer questions of you gals out there in blog-land, it was like a dream come true.

Of course, I’ve learned a LOT along the way from you too. Whether it’s when you send me your beauty reviews of the products I recommend, or when you give me advice on what you want to hear more about, I learn something new daily.

Recently, and “older than me, but not old” reader send me a quick message. Basically, she said that as much fun as makeup is that understanding the relationship between health and beauty is the most important topic I cover. Why? Well, she wisely pointed out that makeup can only cover up so much.

Frankly, cosmetics are a lot more fun when you are enhancing rather than hiding. So here are a few easy steps to ensure that your health and beauty routines will keep you looking and feeling your best.

1. Always use sunscreen! Age spots and wrinkles aren’t pretty, but are definite signs of skin damage and potential skin cancer. If you’re going to grow into wrinkles, let them be signs of your years of deep thinking, not excess sun.

2. Moisturize daily. Try combining steps 1 and 2 with something like Max Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 With Dermaxyl Complex 0.98 oz SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex. I like this one because it’s light and fragrance free, and good on any skin type.

1. Drink water and eat your veggies. Never one to knock the benefits of an occasional Snickers bar, I’m just recommending balance and awareness. Eating right increases your energy and promotes healthy skin.

2. Floss nightly. Yes, I know that dental health isn’t my area of expertise, but seriously, how good is that new lipstick going to look on a toothless smile?

So the bottom line on health and beauty is to follow the advice that your mom’s been giving you right along. Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand.

Sincerely,

Caterina - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Manicures can be a delightful and relaxing experience for most. For me, it was something that I was talked into because no matter where I went I ended up having what I thought was an allergic reaction. The skin above my nails would start to peel. It completely defeated the purpose of having a manicure and making my hands look nice.

Well a few weeks ago I had to go get a manicure again for a family event and I finally found a manicurist that told me what was really going on. It isn’t the chemicals. It is the cuticle removal process. If the technician cuts too deeply into the cuticle it forms a cut that actually keeps going. This causes the skin to peel in strips.

If you have experienced the same phenomenon there is a simple solution. Simply tell the technician that this tends to happen when you get manicures and have her not cut so deeply. Leave more of the cuticle in tact and you can have a great looking manicure without irritating your skin.

I love simple beauty solutions. Don’t you?

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Acne Pimple Remedies straight from your pantry or medicine cabinet.

Have a sudden one or two pimple flare up but don’t have your usual acne medication in the house? Try dabbing a bit of toothpaste on it.  Toothpaste generally has alcohol in it which will dry up that impromptu pimple. Now this doesn’t fix the cause of the acne but if you have that hot date that night and don’t have time to run to the drugstore that day this may be your answer.

If you feel a pimple about to flare up the night before a big event this works even better because you can sleep with the paste on that spot the whole night without worrying about having toothpaste on your face.

Another natural way to deal with pimples, if toothpaste is too abrasive for your skin is to dab a bit of honey on the problem spot. Honey is a natural antiseptic and can also be used to dry out one or two acne spots.

Try these simple acne solutions for yourself. Remember to try any skin solution on a very small patch of skin first to make sure that you don’t have any personal adverse reactions. Everyone’s skin is different. See what works for you.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

The use of professional makeup in the mainstream is becoming more and more prominent. The makeup used by professionals has not always been available to the public, nor has the public really wanted to use it.

In the past professional makeup was cake make up that was similar to stage makeup. It was not a look that would work on the street. As technology has evolved, though, makeup has changed. Today’s high resolution technology means that makeup doesn’t have to be so strong and can actually be much more like that you would wear on the street.

Professional makeup does not have to cost a lot. Many professionals use old drug store standbys and other affordable products to make stars shine. What’s more, most of these products are easy to use.

Many professional makeup products are easily found in beauty reviews where the reviewer will mention the professional use of the product. The use of a certain item by professionals makes it more reliable because professionals know what stuff is good.

Here are a couple hints for applying this type of makeup straight from the professionals:

• Use a professional brush for applying your eye makeup. It will give you more control, and this will help you achieve what ever results you desire- subtle to dramatic.

• Use a high grade eyeliner to bring attention where you need it more. Start on the upper lid. Apply eyeliner below for a more dramatic or nighttime look. You’ll find the professional quality liner apply more easily and are easier to work with.

A great example of professional makeup that is available to the average consumer is Pop Beauty Day to Play Wallet Day To Play Wallet. This eye shadow pallet is inspired by professionals and provides a nice range of color choices that work for any need, from day to night, from office to dinner.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hi all

There is a huge difference in the skin care products that you find in doctors’ offices and what you find on the shelves of most skin are counters. The ones that doctors’ carry are usually pharmaceutical grade and a ton of research has gone in to ensuring the highest quality ingredients.

Now I realize that we can’t run to the doctor every time we need skin care products. By the time you get through the co-pay and buying the products you end up paying a fortune.

Fortunately there is now a site that is founded by a physician and actually carries fresh skin care products that you can normally only find in physicians offices. Just a sample of what they offer are various moisturizers, green tea anti-oxidants, acne care and anti-aging products, plus some of the best-selling retinols. These products are from all over the world, so if there is a product line that you discovered overseas you may be able to find it here.

Check this site out: http://www.skindimensionsonline.com

Choosing a high quality skin care product should be easy. Buying from a doctor gives you a bit of an edge over over the counter products.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hi all

I recently recieved an email asking about a particular beauty bar. Unfortunately she could not recall where she bought it or the exact brand name. I am afraid I need a few more questions answered before I can give her an educated guess as to what she may have purchased. In the mean time if there is one that you particularly like - write in and let us know.

When picking a beauty bar really look at what it is specifically designed to do. Some are for facial cleansing, others can be used on the face and body ( I am a bit leery of these) and still others are meant to be used on your hair as shampoo and conditioner.

Next look at your skin type to make sure that it is appropriate for you to use.

And finally choose a beauty bar based on its ingredients. Some have glycolic acid in them which may be harsh for sensitive skin and others may contain oils not appropriate for facial use.

Here is a list of some of the beauty bars that I personally enjoy:

ARCONA Toner Tea Bar, Cleanse AM/PM - a facial cleanser and toner in one

Baxter of California Vitamin E-D-A Cleansing Bar, Bergamot-Pear Essence

Bliss Big Blue Bar - anything by Bliss ranks high in my book

Claus Porto Condessa Wild Pansy Bar Soap - this is a light sweet smelling soap that leaves you feeling relaxed

Let me know what you think.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hi all

Skin care is important but we don’t always have time to swing by the mall or your local spa to get an in depth skin care analysis. There are a few simple ways to find the right beauty products for your skin type from home. Here is one site that goes out of its way to help you select skin care products from home tailored to your particular skin care needs:

Personalized Skin Care Analysis

They take you step by step through your analysis then make skin care product suggestions. Pick what you feel is appropriate for your budget and save the headache of fighting the holiday shoppers.

They also have a try before you buy policy of giving you: Try before you buy! Get 3 free samples with every order.

Not bad for choosing beauty products from your own home.

Enjoy!

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hi all

I love it when Oprah makes her best beauty products recommendations. Here is a woman that really gets to try every new product on the market and choose the best of the best. Anyway, I found deals on some of her personal favorites and thought I would pass them along. Here they are:

Get Free Shipping on one of Oprah’s Favorites Things: Clarisonic Skin Care Brushes

Claus Porto Soaps featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things

Bourjois Docteur Glamour Lipsticks

Happy Shopping!

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls