Look of the Day : Terry Pheto At Marie Claire Beauty Awards 2011

Terry Pheto in a  Thula Sindi dress at the 2011  Marie Claire Prix' D  Excellence Awards (Beauty Awards )  held 13 March 2011  at Radisson Blue ( Sandton Eye ) Hotel .

Autumn/ Winter Hair Trend 2011 : New Take on Fringes

 One of  the hottest trends for  Autumn /Winter 2011 is surprise surprise  the Fringe. Everywhere where you go in mzansi someone is rocking some kind of a fringe do. Below are 3  new takes  on the fringe that will have you looking  hot and happening .

TREND 1 : FRINGE PONYTAIL

High or Low Ponytail with Flat Ironed  Blunt  Fringe .

TREND 2 : CURLY PRETTY  "PINUP " FRINGE   LOOK


Blunt Fringe teamed up with Pretty Girly Curls to Give that Sexy Pinup Girl Look.

TREND 3 : BOWL CUT AKA" HUT CUT  " 


We  see  a return of a popular  early 90's look , the Bowl Cut. Remember or Google ( depending on your age ) Anita Baker / Halle Berry / Toni Braxton early 90's. Why it's called the bowl cut is  it looks as if someone  sat a bowl  on top of  your head and cut off the perimeters. In my opinion should be called the HUT CUT  cause it resembles a traditional hut. Still think it looks hot  though. 

Current "Fave" Beauty Product : Bobbi Brown Long Lasting Gel Eyeliner

Right now I am currently loving my  Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Black . It's the best of  both worlds , the smudagbility of a kohl pencil (great if make a mistake )  and the precision of a liquid eye liner (minus  the mess and drama ) . It gives  you the popping eye effect  with no harsh lines.  Very easy to apply (especially if you have a quality fine tip brush ) , it glides on smoothly  and quickly dries. BB gel eyeliner stays put the whole day and does not wear off , unlike pencils which start  disappearing or smudging   after two hours or so. Although it's a bit pricey(ya tsipa) , its  a worthy beauty investment. This one is a keeper ladies and  I don't foresee myself falling  out of love soon.

Recognizing Your Skin Type

One of the most common questions I get asked is  : WHAT IS MY SKIN TYPE?

Here are some tips on helping you determine your skin type : 

Normal Skin 

You have normal  skin if your skin .................

• Complexion is even (uniform texture &pigment )
• Have few or no blemishes (dark marks /spots ) 
• No oily sheen or dry spots .
• Has few breakouts 
• Appears soft , clear and supple .
• Pores are small in size
• Is not overtly sensitive to the sun 

Oily Skin 

You have oily skin if your skin ............

• Has all over shine 
• Shine appears quickly
• Pores are enlarged and / or open especially in the nose , chin and cheek  area 
• Suffers from frequent blemishes ( blackheads and / or whiteheads)
• May have an acne blemish ( dark spot from pimples ) 

Dry Skin 

You have dry skin if  your skin .........................

• Looks and feels dry and tight
• Pores are undetectable 
• Lines appear early around the eyes, mouth and forehead.
• Skin appears dull and cheeks and / or chin occasionally flakes
• Blemishes are rarely a problem.
• Extremely sensitive to sun and cold

Combination Skin 

Combination skin  is a mix of skin types. It occurs  when you have more than one type of skin type on your face such as oily  and dry skin .  In other words some skin areas are oily while others areas are dry. 

Oily-Normal Combination Skin :

You have Oily-Normal combination skin if your skin...

•  Is oily in the T-panel (The cheeks , nose and chin are called the T-panel/ zone.)
• Is normal across the cheeks, which are soft clear and supple.

Normal-Dry Combination Skin :
You have Normal-Dry combination skin if ...

• Your skin is normal in the T-panel.
• Excess oil and blemishes are rarely a problem.
• Dry in the cheek area.

Oily-Dry Combination Skin :
You have Oily-Dry combination skin if you have...

• An oily T-panel  with an oily sheen.
•  Dry cheeks with taunt skin and no blemishes.

Sensitive Skin 

You have sensitive skin if your ..............

•  Face has sensitivity to products  ( burning, itching or stinging )
• Skin is delicate or thin 
• Face has blotchy patches  (dry or red )

It is important to identify your skin type so you will be able to select the correct skin care products for your special needs . Different skins have different needs and if you do not know your skin type , you maybe using products that are not best for you.

Later Mzansi Beauties 

Look of the Day : Kelly Khumalo

Kelly Khumalo attending Jub Jub court case on March 23 2011.

Why is a foundation with a yellow undertone usually best ?

Most skin types have yellow undertones with true red undertones being extremely rare. Skin colour almost always has a yellow undertone since that is what the natural colour of melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its natural colour ) tends to be. As a result , yellow -based foundations look more natural on most skin types ; from fair complexions to the darkest coloured skin. Pink or orange maybe be great for your cheeks and lips , but it doesn't make for the most natural- looking face. Remember , foundation is not to be used to change your face ; it should blend into your skin , making your other make-up appear more natural.

Types of Make Up Foundations

There are 5 main textures of foundations . Each one is specially formulated to meet the needs of specific skin types.


1. Cream Foundation is ideal for : Normal , combination and dry skin. It is especially well suited for women with uneven pigmentation , or those requiring a heavier coverage.


     Coverage : Medium to full


     Finish : Dewy

    What it does : Covers and conceals discolourations  and imperfections on the skin providing a flawless finish.




2. Liquid Foundation is ideal for  : All skin types . It is especially well suited for dry or mature skin 


   Coverage : Light to medium


   Finish : Dewy , satin or matte depending on the formulation 


  What it does : Evens out the skin tone by smoothing out any unevenness. It also provides added moisture to  the skin 

   Application : Use a makeup sponge  or a foundation brush 




3. Pressed powder foundation is ideal for : Oily skin 


   Coverage : Light to medium
   
   Finish : Matte


   What it does  : Evens the skin tone , hides the imperfections and absorbs excess oil .


  Application : Use a powder brush . The denser the bristles , the more product will be deposited on the skin .




4. Mineral Foundation is ideal for : All skin types ( except oily). It is especially well suited for those with sensitive skin or rosacea.


   Coverage : Light to medium


   Finish : Matte


   What it does  : Evens the skin tone , moisturizes , protects and absorbs excess oil .


  Application : Use a Kabuki brush to buff it on 




5. Tinted Moisturizer is ideal for : Normal and dry skin . It is especially well suited for those who need the extra hydration and just a touch of color to pull everything together.


   Coverage :Sheer to light 


  What it does : Lightly evens out the skin tone , while giving a true " no makeup " look .


   Application : Use a foundation brush 


Whatever your skin type , you have a variety of choices. Pick the one that is best for you and start reaping the benefits today.

How To Choose Right Foundation For Black Skin Tones

Finding the perfect foundation can be an epic quest and one that doesn't always have a happy ending. Our drawers are full of foundations that seemed right for us but turned out to be all wrong. Picking the wrong foundation is one of the common mistakes that black woman make . For some odd reason choosing the right foundation seems to be a step most women just get wrong - sometimes horribly wrong . Few things are more unattractive than a beautiful woman whose is face is an entirely different shade of colour than her neck or whose face is covered in foundation so thick it makes them  look like  they are wearing a mask.


Product Benefit 
The purpose in using the right foundation is to make yourself look as natural as possible. Foundation hides flaws, evens out your skin tone , makes you look refreshed  and natural all at  the same time. Your foundation is your canvas  and I believe it is one of the most  important cosmetic investments  you will make. The Bottom Line selecting the best possible foundation is the key to having a great look and long lasting makeup.


There are many things to consider  before you purchase a foundation  and hence I will try to make this post  as simple and informative as possible. After reading this  post  , you will have the necessary information you need before purchasing foundation makeup from any line. Now on to the selection process.


Step 1 : Determine Your Skin Type 
You'll want to figure out your skin type , since they are different formulas for different skin types of skins. So do you have normal skin , oily skin, dry skin , combination skin or sensitive skin ?

• Normal skin has none of the issues listed below. (lucky you )

• Oily Skin looks shiny and feels greasy . It may also have larger pores than normal skin. Spots can be a problem for those with oily skin , as is reducing the shiny appearance.

• Dry skin can look dull and reflects  light badly because of its of oil. It gets itchy and irritated easily ,and can be prone to flaky or scaly patches.

• Combination skin is dry with oily zones or vice -versa. Often the T-zone (the T-shaped area of the face formed by the forehead , nose and chin ) gets oily but cheeks are dry.

• Sensitive skin is prone to skin irritancy and allergic reactions.

Step 2 : Choose a Formulation that Suits your Skin type 

The second thing you'll decide want to decide is which kind of formulation (texture ) you  want. Foundations come in many forms , which can be narrowed down to these four : cream , cream-to- powder , liquid and loose mineral powder .  Some  women choose a texture based on personal preference - they may like the feel of a super - hydrating liquid on their  skin. Other choose based on their skin type. Personally I think it's much easier , less drama and less chance of buyer 's remorse if you  to narrow down your options based on your skin type.   

Normal Skin

Pretty much anything goes for you :  Liquid, Cream and Powder  foundations. It 's based on your personal preference.

Oily Skin 

Choose a foundation that controls oil and shine and is oil free. Foundations that provide "matte" coverage or powder or cream to powder formulas are very good for woman that have oily skin . If you prefer liquid foundation, look for oil-free liquids. Mousses are also good for oily skin. You may want to find primers that help with oil control   like Make up Forever (MUFE) All Matte and Mac Matte. Primers can better control oil than moisturizers.

Dry Skin 

Select a foundation that has a moisturizing formula to relieve dryness. Look for creamier liquid foundations , cream foundations  are your best bet , or tinted moisturizers . Be sure to stay away from foundations that dry to a  powder finish or cream to powder foundations as they make your skin look flaky and even drier. The key for you is prep your face well before using foundation . Either use a thick rich moisturizer to quench the skin or use a serum as they produce "slip " and let the foundation "melt " into your skin.

Combination Skin 

Choose formulas that will absorb oils in the  T-zone, while moisturizing in the other areas. Traditionally , moisturized meant shiny and matte meant opaque. You , however, need a foundation that has moisturizers in it , but is also oil-free. Try using a stick foundation , which will mask shine in the t-zone and blend  well on other areas of the face.

Sensitive Skin 

Since you need to be extra careful , try a foundation that is  oil- free , fragrance- free and allergy tested for skin irritancy. The key word you're looking for is hyper- allergenic.  

Uneven Tone  

If you have spotty or splotchy skin , try an easy to blend sheer liquid formula , which will minimize your pigment problem.

Step 3  :  Consider How Much Coverage 

Once you've found your formula , you need to choose a coverage type . This boils down to what you need to hide. If you like the no makeup look or simply like the option to layer , go for a sheer foundation. Those who want to hide minor discolourations should try medium coverage and anyone with serious skin issues should use full coverage.


~Sheer or Natural Finish - This foundation is light and sheer , usually in liquid form and are almost the consistency of pure water. This  is the foundation for those natural beauties , and people that do not need much coverage due to smooth, clear,  even skin.


~Medium Coverage- These foundations are thicker in consistency and provide some coverage with blemishes , discolourations or just uneven skin tones. They go on thicker and be purchased in liquid form or compact form (like creams, sticks or cream to powder)


~Matte Finish - These foundations are typically for those with oily skin. A matte finish is great for helping to control oily shine and breakthrough shine later. Matte finish makeup is also available in several forms ( liquid, creams, sticks or cream to powder)


~ Powder Finish- These foundations go on creamy and dry with powder finish. These are  wonderful for those oily skin or combination skin because they tend to be thicker and the powder helps with the shine. This type of foundations can applied by anyone , however, if you have a dry skin , you will definitely have to apply a good moisturizer.


Step 4 : Consider Your Skin Tone 


Shade selection is crucial , and finding a perfect match is  what can make or break your decision. If your foundation does not match the colour of your face , it will not look good at all. 


 The perfect foundation shade should identical to your skin tone .  You need to be sure it  is not too dark or too light. Pay careful attention to the next piece of advice it will revolutionize your shade selection process.  Go  for  yellow based foundation  and avoid foundations that feature pink, peach and orange tones. Yellow based foundations look more natural on most skins types ; from light skinned  (yellow boned sisters) to the darkest coloured skin .  If have a very dark skin tone you should go for  a foundation with a either a yellow or red undertone.


Once you have determined the above criteria for  your needs ,you should then test the foundation on your skin to make sure that it is a match. When testing shades , choose at least 3 that you think might matches your skin and your undertones . Apply the  the foundations  onto your jaw line. next to  one another (next door) , blending them  gently into your skin . Do not test foundation on your hand  , as your hands are not the some colour of your face.  If you barely see any foundation applied on your face then it means it is the right colour for you.

In Closing 
As you can see, there are many things to consider before purchasing a foundation. If you use all these tips , you'll be sure to find  the perfect foundation for you. I promise you won't be disappointed. 


Get out there and make yourselves  even more beautiful . 


Later Mzansi Beauties 

Foundation 101 Series : Intro

Mzansi Beauty will be dedicating , it's first series on the blog to foundation , the base of our makeup. Foundation 101 will be a compilation of reviews, tutorials and articles on foundations.

You'll learn how to apply it, what it looks like , how to use it , how to keep it on , the best brands and much more .

If you have any questions about foundation , leave them below . I'll try incorporate them into the series.

The entire series will be documented from this post daily . Just click on the new link that  will be added. This me saving you time , so you don't have to scroll the whole blog  to get the relevant info.