Does your skin look shiny within an hour after applying powder or makeup? Do you always need to retouch or use an oil blotting paper whenever you go out? Do you also have frequent breakouts even when you’re meticulous about your skin regimen?

If your answers to these are yes, then you probably have oily skin.

It’s Both Bad and Good

Oily skin types usually have larger pores, but people with combination skin types only exhibit excessive oily skin on the T-zone of the face and some portions of the cheeks. Most people with oily skin also have acne, because the skin produces too much sebum. The cause can be genetic or hormonal changes, so you will have to deal with your oily skin for the rest of your life.

The good news, however, is that it’s better than having dry skin, because oil slows down aging and gives your skin a natural lubricant. The goal of the treatment of oily skin, therefore, is to reduce the breakouts and amount of oil, not to eliminate it entirely.

Use the Right Moisturizer

So, does that mean you don’t need to use moisturizer anymore? You skin still needs a moisturizer, but you have to be careful when choosing products. Avoid any skin cosmetics that are greasy and heavy with moisturizers, like lotions, soaps, cream, ointments, and makeup. Look for products that are non-comedogenic and oil-free. If some parts of your skin are drier than others, you might want to use two different types of moisturizers. Remember that if your skin gets dry, it can also cause your glands to produce more oil, which is counterproductive.

Always Look for Oil-Free Products

 The labels oil-free and non-comedogenic should not just be considered when choosing moisturizers, but also with all the skin and hair products that you’re using. If your face is oily, your scalp is too, so use hair products that doesn’t contain a lot of moisturizers. When choosing your makeup, pick only products that are oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. Then make sure to clean your face before applying makeup and before going to bed. Lastly, use an oil-free sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.

Use Blotting Papers, Tissues, and Sheets

Ideally, you should wash your face twice a day, but excess oil can’t be avoided, so use blotting papers, tissues, and sheets for such events. Avoid touching your face as much as possible or using your handkerchief to blot out the oil. Do not wipe your skin, instead, blot with a regular paper towel or a special absorbing sheet and do not use tissues that contain extra ingredients, because these can clog your pores.

Talk to Your Dermatologist

If you have other skin conditions, such as acne, talk to your dermatologist about treatment options. Do not use products that your dermatologist did not recommend if you’re undergoing treatment, because they can react differently with those that were prescribed for acne and oily skin.

Facial treatments, whether DIY or professionally done, are some of the beauty practices that aren’t meant to be done every single day. Why? Because of the ingredients. Facials are made of potent ingredients, which can slough away dead skin cells and dirt and unclog the pores. While it’s beneficial to the skin, doing this everyday will strip away your natural oils, and you don’t want that to happen.

To master this beauty routine and enjoy its full potential, here’s what you need to know about beauty facials.

1. It is for deep cleansing and exfoliating
Over time, the skin collects dirt, debris and oils that can cause clogged pores and premature aging., and it is important to get professional cleansing once in a while to remove these impurities. Some facial treatments include exfoliating to slough away dead skin cells, help products penetrate the skin better and promote healthy circulation of blood and oxygen.

2. They aren’t instant solutions
Facial treatments are more like preventive than curative. Think of visiting your dermatologist as like visiting your dentist for removal of plaque buildup. Having your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist is like your seasonal facial treatment, while brushing your teeth at home is your maintenance.

3. You’ll see better results when you stick to a schedule
Surprisingly, you can ‘train’ your skin. According to experts, getting a facial every four weeks can significantly improve your complexion. Having facials regularly is like training your skin. The skin cells love routine, and they respond to that very well. However, before sticking to a schedule, decide how often you should see your dermatologist by considering your skin type. While experts suggest going once every four weeks, you can go more or less based on your skin’s dryness or oiliness level.

4. Expensive treatments don’t necessarily mean better
When choosing a professional to do your facials, trust your instincts. When you feel comfortable with the aesthetician, you will know. A good aesthetician should never make you feel as if you need to buy their facial products other than getting your treatment. They should be able to provide you with recommendations for your skin’s ideal health.

5. There is difference between medi-spa and facial spa
do not assume that all facials involve cucumber slices on eyes. A facial spa likely focuses on ambiance and your comfort, but that doesn’t also mean that medi-spa treats you like clinical patients. It simply means that the latter minimizes massages and use of oils. So, when searching for a good place to have your facial treatment, don’t just look for spas. See if your favorite skincare brand offers in-house services as well.

Facial treatments are generally great for skin. However, it is not meant to be an everyday habit. Go easy on facial treatments and focus more on daily facial washing, essences and creams to boost your skin’s complexion.

Our skin is basically our best asset so it is a must that we take care of it. Needless to say, our skincare dedicated to our faces is as important as our clothing. Our faces are the first medium of interaction we have with other people, so we should minimize impurities as much as possible.

This is not to encourage or tolerate vanity, but we wouldn’t also want to neglect our faces. Among the myriad of problems our faces could encounter, pimples are the most annoying at the least, and degrading at the most. In worst cases, it even affects self-esteem.

So before it gets worse, both our skin and our ego, here are a few tips to avoid those dreaded pimples:

1. Wash frequently
Needless to say, frequent washing is an effective way to keep your skin away from pimples. But don’t overdo this either, as washing your face more than twice a day can make pimples worse. It is also advisable to wash with warm water. You should keep the distinction between warm and hot, as the latter could cause even worse problems. The cleanser you use is also worth taking note of. Mild cleansers are advisable. Wash your face using circular motion with your bare fingers and not with a washcloth as this may dry skin and rob it of its natural moisture. Rinse well and don’t forget to just pat it dry. Most of us have this habit of rubbing our faces dry as this is much faster, but sad to say it also irritates our skin.

2. Stay hydrated
If you’re not fond of following that 8-glasses of water routine, you just might want to reconsider it. Our bodies are basically made up of water, so any depletion on its levels could cause problems – even pimples. Skin that’s well-hydrated glows effortlessly and doesn’t produce excess oil which could lead to pimples if pores are also clogged with dirt. So keep those tumblers within reach, as water intake just got into your beauty regimen.

3. Limit sun exposure
As much as we’d like to stay indoors, some of us might just need to sacrifice this luxury most days. If not for work or for school, we can’t just do away with long hours under the sun. If this is the case, sunscreen would be a helpful companion against skin dryness. Water intake should also be upped as this regulates our body temperature and keeps skin moisturized. However, you would want to check those suncreens before using them as most of them are oily. So make sure you use oil-free ones to successfully avoid those pimples, and not attract them instead.

Keeping our faces healthy, glowing and pimple-free not only helps add plus points to our grooming, but more importantly it adds points to our self-image and self-regard.
So skin-up and face life.

Facials are now one of the most popular beauty packages people avail. It is easy to figure out the reason behind this growing trend in Singapore, especially since our faces are one of our greatest assets, and how we look leaves a lasting impression on the people we meet.

Most of us aspires to have the same healthy, glowing skin we see in models who are on the cover pages of magazines – and the good news is, having a facial package is a great step to that path! Facials help in fixing few skin problems. Aside from getting rid of clogged dead cells, the process revives the skin’s appearance and prevents wrinkles and other fine lines. It also maintains the skin’s firmness. However, as tempting it is to avail of that beauty package right now, here are some important things you need to know first.

Your Skin Type
Not all skincare treatments are suited for your skin. People with sensitive skin should practice caution in undergoing beauty packages since there’s a chance that their skin may be irritated. Using only the best products depending on your skin type will likely give you the results you are aiming for without additional costs in an event of complications. Better safe than sorry!

Setting Expectations
Sadly, one session alone cannot guarantee you instant results. Yes, you will notice some changes – such as how your skin seems lighter than usual – but it is important to have reasonable expectations of the outcome before undergoing the procedure. That way, you won’t be as disappointed in case the results don’t match the tremendous and great outcomes you were expecting.

Dehydration
If you see annoying, dry flakes on your nose in the morning, chances are your skin is turning dry. Dehydration can cause further troubles to your dermis and you’d want to avoid that before having your rejuvenating facial package. Dehydration, of course, happens when your skin lacks water, making it look dull and gloomy. So make sure to drink plenty of water to improve your complexion.

Caution
Your skin actually turns extra sensitive after going through extraction or deep cleansing which is why it’s better to resist touching your baby-soft complexion after going through a facial package. With your skin being fragile, you must also ensure to protect it against harmful UV rays, external chemicals, and bacteria from your environment.

Better Overall Health
If you condition your overall health properly, you can expect impressive results even from just a single facial session. Dermatologists suggest that having enough sleep, eating healthily, and exercising contributes a lot to the enhancement of your skin’s condition. Make sure to eat a lot of greens and lycopene-rich food such as tomatoes before having your next beauty session!

Beauty problems happen to the best and prettiest of us, but there are some problems that are more difficult to get rid of than others. A broken nail or the occasional breakouts? Those are easy enough to handle. But dandruff? That’s a little harder. Not only does this problem present a larger issue, it’s also downright annoying and embarrassing. If over-the-counter treatments are no longer working for you, don’t rush to your doctor yet; try these home remedies instead.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: When it comes to natural anti-dandruff treatments, apple cider vinegar has just the right amount of acidity and enzyme properties (which most dandruff treatments are short on) to get rid of dandruff-causing germs. Simply massage a good amount of it into your roots, leave it on for an hour, and then rinse thoroughly.

2. Baking Soda: For a kitchen product that’s often forgotten and seldom used, baking soda have proved its value for being an effective beauty tool—and one of its best uses is treating dandruff. The baking soda’s alkaline composition aids in normalizing the pH balance of the scalp, thereby counteracting dandruff flare-ups. Also, this mild exfoliant aids in shedding grime and dead skin cells that might be causing the flakiness in your scalp. All you have to do is put a handful of baking soda onto wet hair and work it into your scalp in gentle scrubbing motion.

3. Fenugreek Seed: We won’t be surprised if you’re unfamiliar with fenugreek as a beauty treatment. After all, it’s more commonly used in cooking. Nevertheless, it’s a proven effective way to treat dandruff. Apart from being packed with protein, its seeds also work as an excellent fungus-removing agent that addresses dandruff at its source. Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seed in water overnight, and once they’ve softened the following day ground them into paste and apply to your scalp for half an hour. Do this treatment regularly to banish your dandruff problems in no time.

4. Tea Tree Oil: With its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil really makes for a wonderful antiseptic that addresses scalp problems, particularly dandruff. Simply dilute the tea tree oil using a few drops of olive oil, and apply the mixture to your scalp. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, if possible, then rinse. Repeat the process once a week and you’ll find surely significant reduction in your dandruff woes.

Dandruff problems are unpleasant and can be difficult to deal with. But with these natural remedies, you’ll soon be bidding goodbye to those embarrassing flakes that keep falling on your shoulders.

We often hate the idea of lugging around so many beauty products in our purses, that’s why we always look for products that can efficiently multitask—such as tinted moisturizers and cheek and lip tints. To further expand your beauty arsenal of multi-tasking products, here are some multipurpose lip balms that don’t only moisturize your lips, but also reduce flyaway and even remedy dry skin.

1. Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil. While we can’t blame those who feel quite sceptical on products that claim to be ‘creamy oil,’ this hydrating balm from Josie Maran actually works wonders as a moisturizer, frizz-fighting cream, lip balm and many more. You can even dab it on your cheekbones to act as a face highlighter. With all its functions, we just can’t think of a single thing that this lip balm can’t do.

2. LUSH Ultrabalm Body Balm. If you’re a die-hard naturalist, then this waxy balm is your best bet. This product only contains jojoba oil, rose wax, and candelilla wax, making it one of the few beauty products with the shortest ingredients list. Whether it’s on your lips, elbow, or strands, chapping and dryness don’t stand a chance against this formula.

3. Badger Organic Lip and Body Balm. With a price of under $4, nothing will beat this organic balm—formulated to not only moisturize and soothe your lips, but other parts of your body as well. The balm is packed with aloe extract, beeswax, olive oil, and many more skin-moisturizing properties. With its price, you can certainly afford having one on your bedside table, on your desk, and in your purse.

4. RMS Beauty Lip and Skin Balm. Coconut oil is one powerful moisturizing ingredient even on its own, but when combined with beeswax, cocoa seed butter, shea butter, and propolis extract, it becomes the only skin you need to keep skin dryness at bay. Smooth onto cuticles to promote healthy nail growth and around the eye and mouth area to minimize appearance of fine lines. This multipurpose balm is basically a small powerhouse that contains several of the best beauty ingredients there is.

5. Jurlique Rose Love Balm. Got an extra sensitive or easily irritated skin? Then this ‘love balm’ is for you. With its generous amount of antioxidant protection, you can apply it on any part of your skin that needs a bit of TLC. This gentle, natural formula is just the perfect amount to protect and soothe even the most sensitive skin.

With these multipurpose balms, you no longer need to stock up several products in your beauty bag. Just owning one of these balms is already enough to maintain your skin and hair’s healthy and youthful look.

Most of us definitely see vodka only as a component for straight-up shots and mixed drinks, but what’s surprising is that this traditional Russian cure-all has actually become a versatile kitchen staple that can even be used in several beauty benefits. So don’t just box vodka as another bar staple, but see at as a tool that can up your beauty regimen.

1. Hair Rinse. Vodka is known to have a low pH level, which is quite helpful for achieving shiny and frizz-free strands. Just mix your chilled vodka into your deep conditioner, or use it as a post-conditioning rinse. For coloured and treated hair, only perform the vodka rinse once a week; if you have virgin hair, you can use it as often as you like. Just ensure that you properly condition your hair afterwards to avoid dryness.

2. Clarifying Treatment. Other than a hair rinse alternative, vodka’s pH-balancing qualities also makes it an excellent clarifying treatment for both your hair and scalp. Simply mix a shot of vodka in your shampoo, then gently massage it into your scalp to remove product build-ups and get a smooth, shiny finish.

3. Astringent Toner. Run out of your astringent toner? Just mix equal parts of water and vodka to get an effective toner alternative. Using this mixture will help in tightening your pores and drying up your blemishes. If you want, you can also customize your natural toner by adding other skin-nourishing ingredients like lavender oil or rose water.

4. Mouthwash. You got that right. We’re telling you to put some vodka into your mouth but not to swallow it. Vodka’s anti-bacterial nature is what will help you kill odour-causing germs and freshen your breath in just a swish.

5. Razor Cleanser. Tired of constantly replacing your razors? Then simply soak them in vodka immediately after shaving to keep them from gathering gross residues that will make them rusty and unpleasant to use. With this trick, you’ll be able to keep your razors fresher for a longer period of time, while saving several bucks.

Surely, vodka is one of the best drinks to relieve a stressful day at work, but it has also proven itself as one of the best tools to amp every woman’s beauty game.

Although this was one of the top makeup secrets of celebrity makeup artists in making the skin glow and cheekbones pop, contouring and highlighting tricks is now a common knowledge among makeup aficionados. So if you want to get a smaller forehead, a thinner nose and amazing cheekbones, use these highlighting and contouring tips that were shared by some celebrity makeup artists.

1. Apply Your Foundation. The first step in getting that perfectly contoured face is applying a good foundation. The foundation works by providing some basic coverage and base for your makeup application, especially for your highlighter and bronzer.

2. Use a Lighter Foundation. After applying your foundation, the next step would be to use a foundation that’s a shade or two lighter than your natural skin tone. Use a sponge in applying it on the centre of your forehead down to the centre of your nose until the line above your lips. Then, apply a finger-width’s amount of lighter foundation beneath your eyes, and in the outer edges of your eyes and nose. Lastly, apply a small amount under your eyebrows’ outer arches and on your chin. Once you’re done, check if you managed to apply it evenly on both sides.

3. Contour Using Your Bronzer. Once you’re done applying your foundation, you can already start the contouring process using your favourite bronzer. Lightly dip your brush in your contouring colour and apply it on the outer edges of your chin forehead. Then, apply a thin line of bronzer over your eyelid and in the highlighted areas of your nose. For your cheeks, contour starting at your cheekbones around the middle of your eyes, then the cheekbones towards your ears.

4. Highlight Your Features. After placing your contouring makeup, it’s now time to apply your powder highlighter. One of the basic approaches to achieve a perfectly highlighted face is to highlight the inner areas of the face like in the forehead, beneath the eyebrows and eyes, in the centre of the nose and in the middle of the chin. These are the areas that often make your face look sunken and puffy, and by highlighting it, your face will now look brighter, fuller and healthier.

5. Check the Results. A good way to ensure that you’ve evenly contoured and highlighted your face is by checking the results in the mirror. See if you’ve missed any spots, or if you need to blend more. Giving your contoured face a final glance can surely make a difference between going out with a perfectly done face and a clunky makeup.

By learning the right way to mix contouring and highlighting techniques, you can now make your most prominent features pop while hiding some flaws even without the help of a professional makeup artist.