Tag Archives: beauty tips

Your Foundation Needs a “Check Up”

It’s officially Spring! You’re most likely headed outdoors more often. It’s time for your foundation to undergo a “check up”. What does this mean? Simply put, your fall/winter skin tone is usually a little lighter than it is in the spring/summer and therefore you need to make sure that your current foundation shade is still a good match.

If you find that your foundation is a little too light now, you can simply go ‘down’ one shade level OR you can apply some Vacation In a Jar Bronzer on top of your foundation. You can also mix the bronzer directly into your loose foundation to deepen the tone.  We offer inexpensive sample sizes of our products, including foundations, for you to test out before committing to full-size products.

If you’re unsure if your current foundation is the right color, please see our in-depth Foundation Matching tutorials. 

The Right Way to Apply PRIIA’s Best-Selling Loose Mineral Foundation

Applying loose mineral foundation?  Well all you need to do is ‘swirl, tap, buff’, right?  WRONG.  PRIIA’s loose mineral foundation is applied differently. It’s a better application process that is more kind & gentle to your skin (especially if you’re acne-prone) AND gives you better results!

PRIIA’s loose mineral foundation is already formulated to adhere really well to the skin so there’s absolutely no need to do any crazy swirling and buffing. All you need to do is our easy-to-learn 3-step ‘Stamp & Blend’ technique!

  1. Dispense a few sprinkles of foundation into the lid of your jar OR into your Minerals Mate Tray.
  2. Dip the head of our synthetic Flat Top Brush into the dispensed minerals making sure to really press the brush head into them. You want the minerals to be loaded well into the brush head.
  3. Starting at the outside edges of your face, gently ‘stamp’ the brush head onto your skin and then go back and blend downward in one direction. Go back and repeat this process working toward the inside of your face until you reach your desired coverage. PS- blending  downward also helps to lay fine facial hair flat giving the skin an overall better appearance!

That’s it!  It’s so easy!  Here’s a few extra tips to help with you this application method:

  • Before applying your loose mineral foundation make sure that any skin care products you’ve put on your skin have had a chance to fully absorb. If not, your minerals will adhere to spots making the end result look patchy and splotchy.
  • Apply our Acne-Safe Foundation Primer BEFORE loose mineral foundation application to increase the longevity of your foundation.  All you need is a pea-sized or less amount of primer to get the job done.
  • Got large pores? Make sure to really press the foundation into the areas of your face that have enlarged pores (generally this is in your T-Zone). Basically, you’re “filling in the holes”. Don’t worry- our products will NOT clog your pores so press away!

Five Minutes to a FLAWLESS Face!

When you’re short on time but need to look flawless, here’s a super easy and fast way to get the job done in five minutes or less!

After cleansing and toning, apply our Acne-Safe Tinted SPF40 + Primer all over your face. This product serves as a substitute for a light foundation, SPF and primer all-in-one!
Tip: Be sure to wash your hands right after you apply this product as it may stain some fabrics.

Next, apply concealer to any areas that need some extra attention such as under the eyes and blemishes. You can use PRIIA’s creme concealer right out of the tube and blend with your fingers or you can use our loose mineral foundation with our Wet/Dry Concealer Brush.

Third, apply a light dusting of our Behave Finishing Powder in Tinted or Untinted all over the face.  If you’re prone to excess oiliness during the day, use our HydraPrime Oil-Control Powder instead.

Fourth, apply a little bit of our Vacation In a Jar Loose Mineral Bronzer to areas where the sun would naturally “kiss” your face. Or use the bronzer just on the apples of your cheeks in place of your regular blush.

Next, apply our Lip Treatment Balm in Tinted or Untinted to keep your lips protected and feeling baby soft all day.

Lastly, apply one to two coats of your favorite mascara.

Voila! You’re done in five minutes or less!

Breaking Out During Seasonal Changes

*Article posted with permission from Blooming Skin Care & Acne Clinic in Bloomington, Indiana.

Autumn Means Acne Flairs for the Blemish Prone
Acne flares seem more common in many of my clients during late September and October. Research surrounding seasonal changes done by French Endocrinologist Alain Reinberg supports that the lessoning length of daylight can trigger hormone fluctuations that contribute to acne flares. My theory, a little too much fun this summer has resulted in a delayed flare.
How could that be? It takes as little as 14 days or up to 90 days for a clogged pore to turn into a pimple. Realistically the stuff you’ve been doing or NOT doing for the last few months, (like you are using your customized home care) are probably contributing.

Think back to all the things you were doing just a few weeks ago.
Summer sun burns and tanning of all kinds can result in acne. They usually pop up several weeks later after those sundried dead skin cells have become trapped, yet again, in the pores.
Summer Heat & Humidity causes the stratum corneum to swell. This puts pressure on the fragile follicle walls.

A high carbohydrate diet – basically, processed foods like bread and refined grains that are quickly broken down into sugar – can have a terrible effect on skin. The theory is that refined carbs cause your insulin levels to spike, which in turn leads to increased sebum production and clogged pores.

Noncompliance! Skipping home care, even if it’s just a few times at camp or at a sleep over, allows cellular debris to start piling up in the pores once again. You may not notice breakout immediately but in the weeks and months to come.

Stress, the BIG one! Doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad stress. Moving, starting a new job, going away to college… all rank right up there as some of the top acne contributors.

1. Swimming Pools-chemicals used to clean pools contain ingredients that aggravate the follicle.
2. Summer Foods-Vacations and BBQ’s are full of acne causing foods. Although certain foods do not cause acne they are a major factor on your acne occurrence and severity.
3. Summer Heat-Bacteria loves a nice warm environment and the heat of summer is like heaven to P.Acnes Bacteria. Your clogged pores have had all summer to “grow” bacteria and now they are manifesting into acne lesions. This is why we tell you to ICE!
4. Sleep Overs/Camps-It’s really hard to stay on track with your home care routines with all this fun stuff going on. Inconsistent product usage WILL catch up with you!

If you find yourself breaking out and would like some guidance, schedule a consultation to start with Christy at Blooming Skin Care & Acne Clinic in Bloomington, Indiana or with your local esthetician.

How to Stop Makeup Slide

Every so often we have a customer contact us to say that no matter what they do their PRIIA makeup seems to ‘slide’ off within a few hours. The first questions we ask them are: “What skin care products are you using?” “What is your skin care routine?” “Which PRIIA minerale-derm products are you using?” We ask these questions because PRIIA’s formulas are made to adhere to the skin.  We have thousands and thousands of customers who successfully use our products without incidence so we know that 9 times out of 10, makeup slide is due to ‘user error’.

More than 99% of the time we find out that customers are using inappropriate products for their skin type and/or they’re layering one product after the other and not letting those skin care products absorb properly.  When you’re using skin care products that are too ‘heavy’ for your skin type or you haven’t given the correct products a chance to fully absorb, your makeup can’t adhere properly.  This goes for ANY makeup- not just PRIIA.

Here’s how to correct the situation…

  1. Make sure you’re using skin type appropriate products. Heavy, oily-based skin care products don’t absorb properly and tend to just sit on the surface of the skin. Likewise, skin care products that are too harsh can adversely affect the skin barrier causing an over-production of sebum throughout the day. When using appropriate skin care products don’t use too much. Use only the recommended amount. Too much of a good thing isn’t good. You’re simply wasting product AND money.
  2. Before applying primer and/or foundation, wait AT LEAST 10-15 minutes for your moisturizer/SPF to fully absorb. Your skin should NOT feel wet or overly tacky. It should feel soft and mostly dry to the touch.  While you’re waiting for your products to absorb go brush your teeth, get dressed, have breakfast, etc.
  3. Once your skin care products have absorbed properly apply your makeup in light layers. Remember that you can always go back and add more but you can’t take away if you’ve applied too much to begin with.
  4. When using our acne-safe primer only use a pea-sized amount (about a half pump’s worth) for the entire face and use less around areas of the face with a lot of creasing (i.e. the sides of the nose). We’ve had customers tells us that their using a couple pump’s worth at one time! WOAH…don’t do that! Again, too much of a good thing isn’t good.
  5. If you’re an oily-skin gal, consider using our HydraPrime oil-control powder to ‘set’ your makeup and to help absorb oily breakthrough during the day. If you have combination skin, our BEHAVE Finishing Powder is a great product to help balance your complexion and complete your look.
  6. Give your complexion a refreshing hydrating boost during the day with our Hydrating Skin Spritz! It instantly delivers moisture while helping to lock down makeup.

If you’ve tried the above suggestions and you’re still experiencing problems, consider making an appointment with a licensed skin care professional. They can examine your skin properly and assist you in choosing the correct products for your skin type and skin condition.

Oily Skin Part II: What Can You Do About It?

oily skinIn last week’s article, you learned what facial oil is and I discussed what the causes of oily skin are.  Today we’ll find out if there’s anything we can do about oily skin and what are the best ways to manage it.

First and foremost, you can’t stop your skin from producing oil. Short of taking a prescription drug like Accutane, you can’t just shut off your sebaceous glands.  However, you can get your oil production under control.  Here’s a few simple tips:

  1. Get hydrated!  Yes, drinking water is important to overall health but it’s not enough to keep your skin hydrated. You MUST use a hydrating product that’s going to draw moisture to the skin. Look for ones that contain Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid).  This ingredient is like a tall glass of water for your skin.  My favorite is HydraBalance by Face Reality Acne Clinic. Just like the name says, it HYDRATES and it BALANCES.  I just LOVE this stuff!
  2. Start using the correct products for your skin type.  Steer clear of products that are too harsh and that can strip away the lipid barrier of the epidermis (top layer of skin).  Likewise, don’t OVERUSE your skin care products.  Washing your face twenty times per day isn’t going to get rid of the oil; it just compounds the problem.  Oh and when you do wash your face, use TEPID water only.  Water that’s too hot will leach moisture right out of your skin!
  3. If it all possible, get a home humidifier installed to run during the cold months of the year. Dry indoor heating is horrible!  It dehydrates the skin.  If a home humidifier is too expensive, consider getting a small unit that you can run at night while you’re sleeping.  A good brand is Honeywell.  Just be sure to change the filter often enough to prevent mold & bacteria growth!
  4. Don’t even think about using oil as a moisturizer.  I hate to break this to you but oils DO NOT moisturize the skin.  They only create a barrier that helps to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss).  Hydrate your skin first with a water-based moisturizer and then you can use an emollient-type of product on top to seal in that moisture.  My favorite is Clearderma by Face Reality Acne Clinic.  I put their HydraBalance on first and then I put on a light layer of Clearderma. Voila!  Instantly plumped and hydrated skin. Me likey.
  5. I can’t believe I even have to say this but…STOP TANNING!  It’s bad for you and your skin. Enough said.
  6. Lastly, consider using an acne-safe oil-control product such as PRIIA’s HydraPrime oil-control powder BEFORE and AFTER foundation application.  It’s specially formulated to absorb excess facial without over-drying the skin and it’s translucent so it won’t interfere with other makeup colors.  Customers have reported that it helps keep the shine away for 6, 7 and even 8+ hours.  *Before applying any makeup products, make sure you’ve let your moisturizer/SPF absorb into the skin.  This means you’ll need to wait about 10-15 minutes.  I’m sure you can think of something to do such as brushing your teeth, putting on your undies or checking your FaceBook and Instagram feeds…

Hey Kelley, what about those oil-blotting papers?  Should I be using these?oily skin blotting papers

Oh I have a love/hate relationship with oil-blotting papers. Why?  Because they’re expensive!  Plus, I’ve seen a few that contain ingredients (besides just paper) that can be a problem for acne-prone skin.  Not to mention I’ve seen gals literally pressing these things into their faces.  You don’t want to do this!  Why? Because your face collects dust, debris and environmental pollution throughout the day.  Pressing a piece of paper into your skin may collect some oil but at the same time you’re forcing all of that gunk into your pores and asking for an acne breakout. Ick.  Instead do this:

  • Save yourself some $$$ and grab a few toilet protector sheets the next time you visit the ladies room.  Don’t be embarrassed!  They’re there for you to use.  There are no rules as to how you use them, right? Cut them up into small squares and carry them in your purse.  Voila!  Oil absorbing sheets for free!
  • When you want to absorb some excess shine, GENTLY lay one of the sheets onto your oily spots and let the paper do the job of absorbing the oil.  DO NOT PRESS it into your skin. When done, throw it out.
  • Lastly, mist a few pumps of PRIIA’s Hydrating Spritz on our Deluxe Powder Buffer Brush and lightly sweep across your face to refresh your makeup and give some extra hydration to your skin.  *Optionally, you can dust on a little extra HydraPrime to help absorb oil throughout the rest of the day.

I hope you enjoyed these tips!  Please feel free to share this post with anyone you know who’s dealing with oily skin! 

Oily Skin: What Are The Causes?

oily skin confusedOily skin.  It’s a love/hate relationship.  For those of us who have oily skin, we love it because we show less aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Yay!  But we hate it for the inevitable shine breakthrough, enlarged pores and more often than not, acne breakouts. Boo.

What is facial oil?

The technical term is: sebum.  Sebum is a material comprised of fatty materials secreted by the skindiagramsebaceous glands.  Sebum’s function is to protect the outermost layer of skin known as the epidermis against dehydration and bacterial invasion.

What actually causes oily skin?

  1. It’s a genetic thing.  If oily skin runs in the family, you’re more likely to also have it.  Thanks Mom and Dad.
  2. As the seasons change, so does our skin.  In the heat and humidity, oily skin can go into overdrive.  Likewise, in the cold months oily skin can become dehydrated from indoor heating which also ramps up oil production.
  3. Using products that are too harsh for your skin (i.e. alcohol-based toners).  If you strip away your skin’s natural lipid barrier, guess what?  It’s going to work overtime (by producing more oil) to replenish itself.
  4. Just like using incorrect products, over using the correct products is just as bad.  No matter how much you try to wash, rub and scrub the oil away, it will come back and sometimes with a vengeance.  Put away those wash cloths, facial scrubbers and any other “power tools” you’re using to banish the oil.  As with anything in life, the key is finding balance.
  5. Medications can cause havoc for those with oily skin; especially hormonal medications such as birth control and hormone replacement therapy drugs.  Basically ANY medication can cause dehydration in the skin which will cause oil glands to kick into gear.
  6. Ultraviolet exposure (a.k.a. sun tanning, tanning beds).  Tsk Tsk.  Please tell me you’re not doing this!  Besides the obvious increased risk of developing skin cancer, sun exposure through sun burns and tanning (natural or artificial) sends a signal to the body that there’s a need for damage control.  Can you guess what happens next?  Yep.  Oil glands to the rescue!
  7. Too hot!  As in you’re showering, bathing and washing your skin with water that’s too hot.  Hot water literally strips away moisture from the skin causing TEWL (transepidermal water loss) which leads to dehydration.  Dehydration = oil glands working some serious overtime to compensate for the water loss, even though water and ‘oil’ are two different things.
  8. Hormones & Stress.  Ugh.  When hormones fluctuate and stress is high, oily skin can go nuts.  Literally.  A rise in androgen hormone levels (i.e. puberty, pregnancy, peri/pre menopause, as well diet) will cause oil glands to secrete an over-abundance of sebum.

In my next article I’ll discuss how you can bring balance to oily skin in just a few easy steps.  Stay tuned!

PRIIA Business Spotlight: Elements Skin Care & Acne Clinic

We are thrilled to add a new category to the PRIIA Beauty Buzz Blog: PRIIA Business Spotlight. We will be showcasing the FABULOUS businesses who sell the PRIIA minerale-derm line in their salons, spas and acne clinics.  You’ll have an opportunity to get to know these hard-working small business owners and if you’re in their area, please consider contacting them for an appointment.  PRIIA’s wholesale clients are an extremely vital part of our company’s success and we are honored to be a part of their businesses and lives!

Get ready to read all about Rebecca Meyers and Elements Skin Care & Acne Clinic!

  1. What is the name of your business?
    Elements Skin Care & Acne Clinic
  1. Where are you located?
    Anchorage, AK
  1. How long have you been in business?
    9 1/2 years 
  1. What types of esthetic services do you offer?
    I am a certified Acne Specialist and I offer acne consultations and treatments, as well as long-distance acne coaching.  I also offer clinical facial treatments & peels and DermaSound skin resurfacing.
  1. Why did you choose to offer PRIIA to your clients?
    I own an acne clinic and providing the right makeup for my clients is imperative in successfully getting them clear.  If someone is doing everything else appropriate for their skin but still using the wrong makeup (which most makeup is), it keeps them from achieving the results they are working so hard to get.  Before I found PRIIA, I struggled to find a makeup line that met my criteria: didn’t clog, was moisturizing and provided full-coverage for acne-prone skin.  PRIIA is 100% acne-safe and always will be, created by an acne specialist who is highly educated about acne (most manufacturers are NOT educated about acne).  Not only will the entire line NOT clog pores, the ingredients are actually beneficial for the skin: anti-inflammatory, soothing, anti-bacterial, anti-aging and even hydrating.  The PRIIA line has everything my clients are looking for (foundations, concealers, primers, brushes, etc.) and I especially love that the makeup is luxurious as well as completely functional.

  2. What is your favorite PRIIA product and why?
    The foundation creme sticks, hands down!  Being in Alaska, we are constantly combating dry skin issues.  My clients love the dewy and more moisturizing application and finish of a cream versus a powder and it had previously been really difficult for me to find them an acne-safe creamy foundation, let alone one that had such a beautiful, flawless finish.  There are many happy women in Alaska right now!
  1. What do your clients think of the PRIIA minerale-derm line?
    So far, my clients are really happy with the PRIIA minerale-derm line.  I’ve introduced it to all of my new clients, have switched over some existing clients and still have many others to transition into it.  Everyone loves the packaging and convenience of the tubes, is fascinated with the brush-on application technique and really, really loves the finish and coverage of the mineral creme sticks and concealers.  Nearly every single person I apply it to in my office cannot believe how beautiful their skin looks and they purchase it on the spot.  A really common response after application is a disbelieiving, “WOW!”.  Not only is this makeup healthy for the skin, it provides a beautiful finish too- very important with acne.  I’ve had several clients reach out to me on their own to tell me how much they are loving their new makeup- we are all really happy!

Here’s Rebecca proudly displaying her selection of the PRIIA minerale-derm line.  Thanks Rebecca! You can find Elements Skin Care & Acne Clinic in Alaska by using our retail locator .

Rebecca Meyers

Beauty Quick Tip: What To Do When You’ve Applied Too Much Blush

Blush Mistake

We've all done it.  Gotten a little too over-zealous with the blush.  Before you know it, our cheek color application is making us look like we've gotten a slap across the face.  Ouch!

What's the best way to deal with this makeup mistake?

It's easy!  Instead of trying to rub away excess product and pigment which will only make your skin 'pink up' even more, simply apply a light application of face powder over the problem area and gently buff over the blush mistake.  This will greatly tone down and diffuse the look of too much cheek color.

To avoid making this mistake again in the future, be sure to tap off any excess cheek color before applying it to the face.  Remember that the first place your blush brush will touch will deposit the most amount of pigment.  So, instead of plunking the brush right onto the apples of your cheeks, start at your hairline and gently move the brush forward.  Continue with a light 'sweeping' motion back and forth horizontally.  To blend away any obvious blush lines, move the brush over the blush line in an up and down motion.  This softens the look, making it appear more natural- the way blush is really meant to be.

Tn__MG_0797 BLUSH BRUSH

 

Tn__MG_0891BLUSH GROUP

Looking for a great cheek color that will give you the perfect amount of color?  Consider trying PRIIA Cosmetics CheekWhisperz Loose Mineral Blush.  You'll also find a large selection of cosmetic brushes that are Vegan & Synthetic and are the softest brushes you face will ever feel!

Related Posts:
Beauty Quick Tip: How To Instantly Brighten Your Eyes
Beauty Quick Tip: How To Keep Those Unruly Brows In Place

 

Get the best beauty quick tips on the web!  Subscribe to The Mineral Makeup Coach Blog today.

If you enjoy reading The Mineral Makeup Coach Blog, please feel free to share the home page with your friends using this link: http://tinyurl.com/5eqd9q.

Tweet with me on Twitter!
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Find me on Facebook

Cheers!

-The Mineral Makeup Coach