Best Makeup Application Techniques for Mature Skin

Friday, April 12, 2024

BEST MAKEUP APPLICATION TECHNIQUES FOR MATURE SKIN

As your skin ages, it has different needs. Makeup for mature skin has different formulas and requires new application techniques to avoid emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles. Fortunately, there are entire collections dedicated to skin that's seen the world and gained wisdom. These tips can keep you looking glamorous and feeling like a celebrity on the red carpet.

Always Moisturize

Skin has a natural protective layer on the surface called the moisture barrier. This barrier keeps moisture in, making skin appear plump and glowing. Hydrated skin also shows fewer fine lines and wrinkles.

As you get older, that moisture barrier becomes more fragile. It's a natural part of aging, though other factors can impact your moisture barrier's efficiency:

• Smoking

• Harsh chemicals

• Over-washing

• Ultraviolet radiation exposure

• Over-exfoliation

Supporting your moisture barrier is crucial as you age; the best way to do that is to hydrate. In addition to drinking enough water, apply a lightweight moisturizer after you wash your face. Ideally, you should do so in the morning and before bed. You can also use an eye cream at night to hydrate the delicate skin around your eyes, which shows fine lines first.

Primers

Primers are the secret to long-lasting makeup. They can also disguise skin texture and uneven tone, which are concerns as you get older.

Again, moisturizing is an important factor. Many companies offer hydrating primers, so don't be afraid to try a few until you find one that works.

If you want to look completely flawless, consider a silicone-based primer. These fill in wrinkles, giving a smoother finish. Keep in mind that they can also clog pores, so don't use silicone-based primers too often if you're prone to breakouts.

Lightweight Foundation

Foundation is one of the quintessential weapons in your face makeup arsenal. It creates an even-toned, smooth layer that allows other products, such as blush and bronzer, to shine.

There are as many types of foundation as there are people, which means you have a great chance of finding one that matches your skin needs and tone. However, there's one type to steer clear of — powder. Powder foundations absorb oil, leaving skin feeling dry. Instead, opt for moisturizing options, such as liquid or cream.

When applying foundation, use a light hand. Heavy foundation can crease, cake and settle into lines. Instead, look for a light or medium coverage foundation that's buildable. That way, you can adjust your application according to your fluctuating needs.

Brow Products

Thinning hair is a common concern for mature women, and eyebrows are no exception. Fortunately, the right products can make your brows appear full.

Brow gel is an easy way to separate the hair and make your brows appear naturally thick. You can then use a thin brow pencil to fill in thinner areas. Alternatively, you can use a pomade and brush, though it takes practice to achieve the feather-like strokes that create a realistic look.

Everyone deserves to feel beautiful, and the right products can achieve that. From Patrick Ta Major Volume Mascara to silk-finish foundations, there are hundreds of products designed for mature skin. If your current makeup doesn't work for you anymore, take the leap and try something new.

Handwritten Notes: Memory Keepsake

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 United States

HANDWRITTEN NOTES: MEMORY KEEPSAKE

In my childhood, internet is something that is a privilege that not everyone can have. I usually have to go to computer shops just to have access to browsing and emails. That is why a handwritten letters are more adamant.

I remember the excitement of exchanging letter with friends and crushes and how excited I am waiting for mails to arrive every weekdays. That is also the time of me buying and collecting beautiful designs and scented papers or cards. To make impressions on my handwritten notes.

Receiving such personal messages makes me feel appreciated and I like to keep them in a memory box where I can read them again from time to time.

Then the time came that internet service started to be available in each home and emails became more prevalent. Handwritten letters now forgotten. I admit that even I had used emails instead for the comfort of instant delivery and saving money from stamps.

However, I find emails more formal or it lacks the excitement that I usually find in handwritten ones. I miss the old ways and I kind of forgotten already how to write one.

Working here in USA made me remember the happiness of receiving handwritten notes when I received my first one from my manager - it is an appreciation card handwritten made by our manager. Whenever I feel tired and hopeless at work, I just take time to read it and it will make my sprints uplifted again. So far, I already received four cards in my one year of service and I already stacked them together at home in my working desk so I can have it on my line of view as an inspiration. Reading how well you are appreciated by people at work makes me want to be better, to be grateful and to appreciate others as well. This is one of the big difference that I encountered from my previous job. I stayed twelve years from my previous one and not once did anybody received a hand written letters from the managers for appreciation for work. Receiving a handwritten notes feels rewarding!

The handwritten card I received is a surprise and unexpected. Now, I plan to do the same to my friends and family whether it is a letter for appreciation, gratitude or a greeting. The only problem is, it has been a while since I tried writing one and I am afraid that my handwriting will be unreadable and that the letter will not look good. It is hard to find the old fashioned cute and scented papers.

Not only that, I still do not drive on my own so it is hard to always ask my husband to drive me to send mails. It is a good thing that thank you card service do exists! I can just write my heartfelt messages in the comfort of my own home, have it printed looking like a handwritten note and have it delivered straight to the person I wanted to send it to. How easy is that, right? I am already excited to start using such thank you card service on my birthday, thanksgiving and Christmas Day!

Are you new to this? There are some tips that you can easily search online on how to write a thank you card, on how you should start and end it. But for me, the most important part is how you pour yourself out on that letter. The power of the message will make the lasting impressions. Try it yourself!

Exploring: Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville

Thursday, June 23, 2022 United States

EXPLORING: BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS AND ASHEVILLE

The best time to visit Blue Ridge Mountains (Blue Ridge Parkway) for me is during autumn because you will be able to appreciate all the different colors of trees in the mountains. Going there by winter is also not safe as most roads are steep and I saw a lot of signs that they are closing some roads during winter season.

There are a lot of stops you can park and take photos along Blue Ridge Parkway. The first stop that we did is to see the Grandview Overlook of the Blue Ridge Mountains! It is totally breathtaking. It is worth the drive to see the place! Of course, it is the perfect place as well for photos!

After that, we went to Blowing Rock! One of the famous tourist spots in North Carolina. Blowing Rock is a village in NC that has a scenic view for Blue Ridge Parkway. Admission to the Blowing Rock park is actually affordable at $7 per head.

I am just not brave enough to climb the highest rock for a photo! LOL. This photo of me and my friend, Roxanne is the farthest we could climb! It is hard when you have a fear of heights you know...hahaha! So because of that, I will just envy the beautiful photos of others on top of that rock!

Also, there are a lot of Instagrammable spots inside the park besides the rock! Make sure to check the place out. Just be creative and you will be able to stock up photos in just one place!

We also went to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park - there is a museum there that we could visit but it was under renovation during that time. Still, we were able to enjoy the view of a lake below.

My favorite stop along the way to Asheville is Little Switzerland! There is something about this small village that makes me want to spend the night there. It all looks so cozy and warm - definitely an inviting ambience. We all promised to try to go back there this coming Autumn!

After spending the night in one of the hotels in Asheville, we explored the downtown and visited the Basilica St. Lawrence. This is one of Asheville's architectural treasures and it was built in 1909.

The downtown of Asheville is fun to walk into because there are a lot of shops and dining options you can see. Asheville is too big to explore in just one day and during the time that we visited, we went to Biltmore Estate. To know more about Biltmore Estate, go here. I hope you find the post fun and informative for some ideas on where to go in Blue Ridge Parkway and Asheville!

Exploring Biltmore House: Largest Home Estate and Famous Filming Location

Tuesday, May 31, 2022 United States

EXPLORING BILTMORE HOUSE: LARGEST HOME ESTATE AND FAMOUS FILMING LOCATION

Last Autumn 2021, my first autumn experience, we decided to explore the beauty of North Carolina. Upon research, we learned that driving along the Blue Ridge Mountains is best done during autumn because you will be able to appreciate it with the colored trees. Anyway, since we are already exploring and made a lot of stops along the way, one of the most memorable experiences from those stops is when we visited the Biltmore House. (I will post a separate post for what places we visited during this trip - I had a lot to share about Biltmore House that I decided to post a separate one for this place.)

Biltmore House is located in Asheville, North Carolina and known to be America's largest home about 175,000 square feet, 250 French Renaissance rooms, 40+ bathrooms, and more! Although as big as it sounds, you will not be able to really explore the interior grounds of the castle - there are just certain parts that are included in the tour. The whole property is huge though that you will need car just to get to one part to the other.

Biltmore House was started for construction in 1889 by George Vanderbilt and lived in the estate later on with his wife Edith Stuyvesant and daughter, Cornelia. There is a lot of history included in the tour at this house and things preserved that you will be able to learn. Like how the family helped in preserving arts during World War II as they hid priceless works of arts inside their home. The house itself has a lot of preserved furnitures, paintings, even books, clothes, kitchen tools and so much more that I begin to imagine how it feels like to live during the 1800-1900s.

How to start exploring Biltmore Estate?

First thing to do when you enter the premises is to buy your ticket. Tickets vary on what you wanted to do inside the Biltmore estate. You can get cheaper price when you buy tickets online and ahead of time.

When you purchase your ticket and opted to include the tour inside the house, choose your schedule of tour and plan your activities well. You can explore the premises while waiting for your scheduled tour inside the house which takes about 1 hour. While waiting for your schedule, you can visit the Gardens and Grounds, Antler Hill Village, and Biltmore Winery. Tickets range from $86 to $300+ per head depending on the package that you will choose.

During our visit, we just chose the audio-guided house tour and access to the other premises without activities added. There are activities that you can do like horse-back riding, wine tasting, ride a bike around and so much more but we only have like a day so we focused on the house.

Do you plan to stay overnight?

For us, we were able to do a lot in just one day because the house tour is just one hour. But if you plan to stay longer, Biltmore House also have Village Hotel, The Inns, and Cottages in the premises that you can book.

What to explore?

Make sure to get a copy of the map when you buy your tickets. It is free, just grab one from the counter. You will need it if you do not want to miss anything.

While waiting for our tour, we first visited the Antler Hill Village. There are many shops and dining options in the Antler Hill Village. If you love taking photos, there are a lot of Instagrammable places here! Just in case you collect refrigerator magnets (like me!) of the places you go, do not forget to buy one in this village.

Although there are small gift shops inside the Biltmore House but choices in Antler Hill village is broader. The Winery is also located beside the Antler Hill Village.

Last, there is a small museum in the Antler Hill Village that you can enter to see some of the treasures of the family that they show case and the story behind it. Like how were they supposed to be in Titanic but thankfully did not. In this museum, you will see old wheelchair, porcelain plates, vintage clothes, and authentic samurai suit. I managed to see an old luggage of Louis Vuitton as well!

Of course, also sharing with you the best spots to get photos taken, just explore it around the Antler Hill Village. :)

Next place to explore is the Garden and Grounds! More instagrammable spots here! Specially if you will explore the garden.

Were you able to watch Richie Rich movie? The mansion in the story was actually filmed in Biltmore House. The baseball game happened in front of Biltmore House and you will be able to see the house and the fountain on that scene. Besides Richie Rich, The Swan movie also used a part of Biltmore Estate, as well as movies The Last of the Mohicans, Hannibal, and Forrest Gump.

On one side of the house, there is a cafe or snacks store if you are hungry but the queue is quite long. If you love sweets, they have their own baked goods. I actually wanted to try the chocolates or truffles but I am on a tight budget that time so I reluctantly turned away! Haha! (Power of self-control! Lol!)

Last but not the least, visiting Biltmore Estate without the tour will not be complete. With the audio-guided tour, every room will be explained of its importance in the history. Honestly, it feels creepy exploring inside the Biltmore House and I do not think I will be able to explore it alone nor do it at night. LOL. The narrow halls, dark lighting, and cold feeling does not sit well with me. LOL.

Inside the house, you will be greeted with a nice indoor garden that is the center of the house.

There is a direction to follow in coordination with the audio-guide on how you will explore the house. You have to be quick in taking photos! Observe the intricate details on ceilings, walls, furnitures and you will be able to feel the vibe of natural arts in it.

One of the weirdest feeling for me is when I saw the rooms of George and Edith Vanderbilt...I feel like I do not want to stay long inside it like I am invading. Don't get me wrong, others do not feel creeped out. I am just a scaredy-cat. Most of the times! LOL.

Taking this photo on their patio makes me think that the view is fake but it is real!

Another Richie Rich scene is this staircase, where Richie's dad is standing in one of the scenes. The stairs is a very nice Instagram spot but it is hard to take photo alone because there are many people passing by.

These are just some of the best photos that I was able to capture. The rest, I will leave to your imagination and let you see it on your own when you visit Biltmore!

What to take note?

As far as I remember, food and drinks are not allowed. They also have a bag size limit inside the house tour so make sure not to bring a backpack or a big bag. Professional cameras are also not allowed, just use your cellular phone. Wear comfortable clothing specially for shoes as exploring the huge estate will make your feet and legs sore! Believe me, I am suffering from my boots! LOL.

Most of the tour includes a lot of stairs, they have service elevator but it is small and it cannot access all of the house parts.

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My post is done and that is my share of thoughts for this place! I am not thinking of coming back as of now, just one experience in it is enough for me. :) Thank you so much for visiting my blog and reading this post, I hope you find it informative and interesting! :)

5 Cool Things To Experience Living In Cincinnati

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 United States

5 Cool Things You'll Only Experience If You Live in Cincinnati

Cincinnati isn't on the top of many must-visit lists and definitely isn't as well-known as other American hot spots, but it has a spirit all its own and should be on everyone's bucket lists.

From bizarre museums to fun adventures and haunted bars, Cincinnati has a quirky experience for everyone!

The American Sign Museum

If you’ve ever loved the neon glow of a classic American neon sign: you’re not alone! This type of sign is eye-catching and has been a part of American pop culture for over thirty years.

This museum guides you through the history of the use of neon and keeps some classic signs alive and on display so that they can continue to wow and stun visitors.

The Lucky Cat Museum

Lucky cats are a cute east-Asian symbol of luck and prosperity: and this museum in Cincinnati is the only one of its type in the world. Walking through and seeing so many unique cat designs and colors will leave you feeling lucky before you leave!

This is a must-stop if you need a little magic before going to look at Cincinnati houses for sale.

Cincinnati’s Incredible Underground Streets

Cincinnati may not be a city you expect to have closed off streets beneath its surface: but it does. Not only are there multiple spooky streets that feel like the catacombs of Paris, but there are also abandoned subway routes and even a bar that's completely underground.

These portions of the city are treated as fun and quirky, but they're something interesting every visitor should check out.

Limestone Cave Within a Museum

In the Museum of Natural History and Science, there's a darkened two-level 500-foot manufactured cave. Looking natural and as real as can be, this cave allows you to explore many tight twists and turns or take the main wheelchair-accessible path that will enable you to feel like you're spelunking in the actual caves of Ohio.

This museum is an awesome way to introduce younger family members to the natural world and spur an interest in science and the environment.

The Ventriloquism Museum

If you’re scared of dolls or get creeped out by bad special effects: this might not be the best museum for you to visit. The Ventriloquism Museum in Cincinnati is the only one in the world. Lined wall to wall with hundreds of dummy-heads of varying styles and ages, you can enjoy learning about the history of this craft and how it's changed and grown over time.

The walls are adorned with photos of the greats of this craft, mostly in black and white, and the famous people who got their start in ventriloquism. This dying art is fantastic to learn about, and everyone should be excited to visit!

Cincinnati Is a Bizarre and Fun City

Although this isn't the most well-known city on Earth, that plays into some of the charms of living here. Every strange museum, fun shop, and quirky experience will surprise and delight you, and you'll be excited to call this city home!

Foreo Luna 3 Plus: Keeping My Skin Clean and Warm This Winter

Saturday, January 8, 2022 United States

FOREO LUNA 3 PLUS: KEEPING MY SKIN CLEAN AND WARM THIS WINTER

Hello everyone! I am back and sharing my experience with the all-new Luna 3 Plus by Foreo Sweden. For those of you who are unaware, I just moved here in the USA and this is actually my first time to experience different seasons. Summer is no different coming from the Philippines, fall is milder though a bit chilly but winter, I can honestly say that my skin was not prepared for the chills of winter. The cold weather is making my skin really dry! When I say dry, it is like a flaky, scratchy, rough kind of dry. Due to the dry air caused by the season and the central heating system in enclosed places, the air becomes dry and you can feel the lack of moisture in the air manifesting on your skin, hair, breathing and the static cling of clothes on your body. I am guilty of zapping and being zapped in return by touching things and people due to static charge, and that is definitely not a fun thing! Dry air and cold water are not a very pleasant feeling to tackle. Not only that, I also dread having to wash my face because of the cold water. I just lack the patience to wait for the water to run warm enough so I tend to splash my face with cold water instead.

Like most people, a new year brings a new promise of setting and achieving goals, and this year, I decided that I would try to stick to my skincare routine. This winter season, I decided that my skin needs all the moisture it can get and what better way to jumpstart it by using my Foreo products!

Foreo (For-ray-oh) is a Swedish high-end beauty tech company that was founded in 2013. It took me some time to finally dive into using their products, but once I did, I knew that there was simply no turning back.

Upgrading my cleansing device from Luna Play Plus to Luna 3 Plus is definitely worth it.

Luna 3 Plus was able to make top of the line skincare more accessible in the comforts of our home. FOREO is the only beauty-tech in the world that features thermo-cleansing with targeted microcurrent in one sleek and smart device. Not only can the Luna 3 Plus clean, it can also warm my skin to reach that perfect temperature which can melt away oil, dirt, and products applied on the skin while massaging with the T-sonic pulsations. These features can remove up to 99.5% of impurities from the skin.

Luna 3 Plus is the only skincare device that offers thermal facial cleansing and targeted microcurrent with firming massage. That is like having 2 separate devices working for you.

Foreo offers Luna 3 Plus with two models targeting specific skin types: Normal and Sensitive Skin. The pink one is for normal skin types, and the lilac one is for those who have sensitive skin.

The package comes with the device, a storage bag, charging cable, and a free sachet of serum for the price of $299.

If you do not have their cleanser yet, Foreo also offers their own Micro-Foam Cleanser for $44.90

FEATURES:

Luna 3 Plus has two major features:

Unparalleled thermal cleansing wherein thermal touchpoints channel a gentle heat to loosen sebum trapped beneath the surface of the skin which is the common source of breakouts. The T-sonic pulsations boasts of 16 intensities which lift away impurities while improving the performance of the cleanser you are using. Thermal heat also enhances product absorption to maximize effectiveness of products used on the area. The heat produced by the Luna 3 Plus technology is the most essential part of its effective cleansing routine, because this optimal temperature can provide a deep, thorough cleanse.

Offers a Microcurrent Facial Treatment wherein two small pins deliver microcurrent directly onto the skin for a non-invasive age renewal therapy that targets specific areas that show signs of aging. There are a variety of treatments available with 15 different intensities that you can choose from when you use the Foreo app. Luna 3 Plus offers a quick and targeted microcurrent treatment with a combination of thermal and ultra-hygienic silicone touchpoints. It works together with up to 8,000 T-sonic pulsations per minute to channel a deep, yet gentle heat onto the skin while cleansing.

Bear in mind, just like the other Foreo devices, this one is 100% waterproof as well!

HOW TO USE:

1. Remove makeup.

2. Download the app Foreoon your phone or tablet

3. Turn on the Luna 3 Plus and press the button to enter the cleansing mode.

4. Glide Luna 3 Plus touchpoints in circular motion over the face until the timer shuts off. You can use Foreo's Micro-Foam Cleanser or your own favorite cleanser. Make sure you dampen your face with water first.

4. Rinse and pat-dry your face. Rinse Luna 3 Plus making sure that the device is free from leftover products to prolong its life and performance.

5. Proceed with your skincare routine.

I usually follow it with my FOREO UFO treatment. If you do not have a UFO from Foreo yet, you can still use this device for application of other skin products.

The good thing with Luna Plus 3 is that it also offers its own treatments! These microcurrent treatments gently stimulate skin through a low-level electrical current for a firm, and youthful appearance.

The Luna Plus 3 Treatments are:

A. Full Facial Toning - a 7.1-minute treatment that helps improve overall facial contour and tone, leaving skin looking firm and lifted.

B. Targeted Eye Treatment - a 3.9-minute treatment that targets the eye contour to battle signs of aging and wrinkles and crow’s feet

C. Laugh Line - a 3.1-minute treatment that targets laugh lines to help improve the appearance of the lip area

D. Forehead Smoothing and Lifting - a 4.1-minute treatment which targets the forehead area to a more toned, younger-looking skin

E. Neck Treatment - a 4.6-minute treatment that is designed to improve the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles caused by repeatedly looking down at your mobile device

The treatments are also best used with Foreo's Serum Serum Serum though you can still use your other favorite serum. However, Foreo's Serum Serum Serum is a hydrating serum that effectively and safely transfers microcurrent from the device to the skin. It was specifically created for Foreo devices.

MY THOUGHTS:

Using my Luna Plus 3 feels very similar to my Foreo UFO because both have similar treatments. I am able to cleanse, purify, firm, and tighten my skin just by using Luna 3 Plus!

Comparing the features of my old Luna to this one, there are definitely a lot of upgrades. Cleansing my skin has never been easier and more effective. In the midst of the winter season, the thermal factor made cleansing my skin more comfortable. In fact, the thermal option of the Luna 3 Plus is my favorite feature of this device. Just to clarify, the entire device does not heat up, but the warmth can be felt mostly around the gold circular nubs on the device - the warmth it emits feels good on my skin as it lathers the cleanser around my face.

I was able to maximize the use of Luna 3 Plus with the app because I was able to select my preferred cleansing intensity, temperature and microcurrent level.

The silicone of the Luna 3 Plus is the same with their previous versions which I love compared to other beauty brands that I used before because Foreo’s silicone is soft and gentle on my skin. The silicone does not make my skin feel raw and taut after use.

Luna 3 Plus was able to provide a deep cleansing for my skin which I really need right now since I am also exposed to different illnesses by working in the Emergency Room. With Covid cases rising again, I am required to wear an N95 mask for over 12 hours and that is undeniably wreaking havoc on my skin. I can honestly say that this device makes my skin feel squeaky clean after using it. The deep cleansing definitely improved my skin’s condition in minimizing breakouts and improving its texture.

Contrary to common beliefs and advice about not cleaning skin too much, all LUNA devices are safe and gentle enough to be used daily - morning and night.

My skin condition usually runs between normal to dry. If I ever do get oily skin, it would be just around my T-zone. If I am being honest, I am quite picky when it comes to using serums so when I run out of the Serum Serum Serum by Foreo by Sweden, I also use Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum, Shiseido's Ultimune Serum, and The Ordinary Retinol with the Luna 3 Plus until I can replenish my Serum Serum Serum stock.

Currently, the treatment from the app that I always use is Forehead Smoothing and Lifting because I feel like this is the one that I need the most. I also focus on my chin area since prolonged hours of mask wearing causes breakouts in the area.

After using the Luna 3 Plus, my skin feels soft and supple, especially on my nose area. It feels like I had some of my blackheads and whiteheads removed.

I noticed changes on my skin after regularly using Luna 3 Plus. My skin looks clearer and brighter and I know that it was really deeply cleansed without making my skin feel dry and raw. Check out my photo of before and after one use:

You get consistent results with Foreo devices, with minimal maintenance on the device. Unlike other brands, there is no need to replace any brush heads when using Foreo so you can actually save more money in the long run. One full charge can last up to 125 uses.

FOREO products are available in more than 10,000 stores worldwide including Sephora, H&M, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Barney's, Selfridges, and I also saw some in Ulta.

In the past 3 years, Foreo products have won more than 120 design and beauty awards. It is the world's fastest-growing beauty device brand, based on search term numbers. Besides the LUNA facial brushes, UFO supercharged 2-minute facial devices, UFO activated masks and Bear microcurrent facial toning device, they also have the Espada acne treatment device, Issa sonic toothbrushes and IRIS eye massager. I have not tried all of it yet but I definitely am eyeing the IRIS eye massager next since my eye bags are getting darker and bigger as my night shift at work continues.

My love for Foreo products remains as the years go by, and just when I think they have already perfected a device, I am pleasantly surprised with every product launch that they do.

Always better, always improved, ever innovating.

Check this link to try for yourself: https://foreo.se/9qgy

To know more about Foreo, visit their social media pages on

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FOREO

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreo_ph/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/FOREO

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/FOREO

Website: https://www.foreo.com/