Blog 4: Kiss and Makeup

Post date: Nov 1, 2011 3:57:46 PM

For centuries makeup has been part of a woman’s life. There is just such a joy in how the soft strokes of a brush can paint on a completely different face. Days where you may feel completely tired and exhausted can be masked with some under-eye concealer and a hint of shine from lip-gloss. So yes, makeup is not bad, it’s quite useful and entertaining to use

Last summer, a makeup booth set up in the mall was trying to solicit girls to use their products. I kindly declined as I walked passed the stand. The girl behind me, on the other hand, yelled that she would NEVER apply makeup because it causes acne. I glanced over my shoulder for a second, and then I started thinking about what she said. Is makeup really the cause of blemishes?

I looked further to answer my question. I was curious. Makeup has always been such an important key in the relationship I have with my mother. She taught me so many things from being ambitious in life to how to wear makeup. There is no way that makeup is solely the cause of acne, and if it did contribute to acne then there had to be a proper way to use makeup. The article, “Is My Makeup Causing Pimples”, confirmed my beliefs about the proper usage of makeup.

Key concepts in proper makeup usage, in order to prevent acne include a proper care system of the application and removal of makeup. How many times have you gone out and partied all night, where all you could think of doing at the end of the night is passing out? All that makeup from the day before has been sitting on your skin for hours, if not smeared and smudged around your face as well. By using a gentle cleanser and toner, all that makeup from your face and neck will be thoroughly moved. This will help avoid any acne breakouts in the morning. To conclude, don't sleep with your makeup on.

Only apply makeup that is labeled noncomedogenic. This label is a determinant in finding makeup that does not contain ingredients that clog pores.

Always clean your applicators and brushes; these are bacteria attracters. By washing applicators and brushes with antimicrobial soap a few times a week, you can ensure that you are not applying bacteria onto your face whenever you wear makeup.

Use powders instead of liquids. Powder based makeup absorbs excess oil, whereas liquid makeup usually contains oil. Oil is what clogs your pores and produces acne, so stray far from liquid foundation. Keep in mind, completely depriving your face from oil is not a good thing either. Use a sunscreen before applying makeup, so your skin stays moist and protected.

Most importantly, don’t overdo the makeup. Too much makeup is not pretty, and it surely is not going to be beneficial for your skin. Think of the phrase, “less is more”, when you put on makeup. In the commercial advertisement for Maybelline High Shine, it is easy to notice that these women do not have an overwhelming amount of makeup. The women actually look quite natural, and the makeup highlights specific features on their faces. Go bare when you can. Give your skin a break once in a while; she deserves it. This is a huge favor you are doing for your skin. You give her a healing period, and on top of it you learn to feel confident and better in your own skin.

References

"ColorSensational High Shine TV Commercial from Maybelline New York - YouTube."YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Maybelline New York, 26 May 2011. Web. 01 Nov. 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uuxryzjcV4>.

Marilyn Monroe Makeup. Digital image. Kelly Doll Blogspot. Google Blogspot, 14 Apr. 2006. Web. 1 Nov. 2011. <http://ketty-doll.blogspot.com/2009/09/kiss-and-make-up.html>.

Palmer, Angela. "Makeup and Acne - Is My Makeup Causing Acne." Acne - Acne Causes and Acne Treatments. About.com Health's Disease and Condition, 29 Dec. 2007. Web. 01 Nov. 2011. <http://acne.about.com/od/acnetriggers/a/makeup.htm>.