Blackheads Free Face

Squeezing blackheads out of our skin isn't just painful, it can leave us with unsightly scars, right? What can I do about blackheads?

Blackheads, or open comedones are a type of acne characterised by small bumps embedded in the pores of skin. In this condition, the surface of the skin remains open, hence the name open comedones. You may want to know that in open comedones, the surface of the plug lodged in the follicle is black in colour due to melanin, and not dirt.

Closed comedones, on the other hand, refer to whiteheads, in which the sebaceous follicles are completely blocked.

So what can be we do about blackheads?

SQUEEZING Start by steaming your skin for several minutes to loosen the pores, then press each blackhead gently. If a blackhead refuses to come out despite gentle pressure, stop at once as extra force will not help. In fact, it may lead to an infection if your hands are not clean. A better option is to use an extractor. For your information, there are conflicting opinions about the squeezing out of blackheads.

EXTRACTING A blackhead extractor is a metal wire with a loop at one end (you may have seen it if you have been for a facial). Blackheads can be removed individually with an extractor, but the procedure has to be done with extreme care to prevent scarring.

EXFOLIATING Exfoliating gels remove dead skin cells, thus preventing blackheads in the first place. Use a gentle exfoliator that is designed for your skin especially if your skin is sensitive, and follow the instructions carefully. Do not over-exfoliate for an unwanted blackheads free face!

BLACKHEAD REMOVAL STRIPS These strips provide a temporary solution by removing surface blackheads, most commonly from the nose. The strips are placed on the nose and pulled off after about 10 minutes. There are some strips that can be placed on the forehead and chin as well. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before use.

DIET Eating the right foods may help in the long run. Drink lots of water and include plenty of fruits of vegetables in your diet. Steer clear of foods that are high in saturated and trans-fats. Your skin, and your heart will definitely will thank you!

COSMETICS Use products that say 'non-comedogenic' on the label as they will not clog your pores. Invest in a good makeup remover, and follow it up by cleansing, toning and moisturising your skin. Wash your makeup applicators thoroughly after use for a blackhead free face!

How to Wear Wedges to Look Your Best

Do you think this sturdy invention, i.e. wedges as seen on the runways can make or break your look? I hope by following the tips below, you are able to pick just the right one for you.

Generally, wedges are sturdy and I don’t think we have to fight for balance. Pick complementing styles to suit your skirt, like I do here:

• If you have chunky calves, avoid wearing chunky wedges as that would add bulk to your feet making you look unproportionate. Try slim wedges instead to make your legs appear slender overall.
  
  
• If you have short legs, a platform wedge heel streamlines your look and add miles to your legs.
  
  
• For a casual day look, strappy wedges are your best bet but make sure that the straps end at your ankles so as not to appear cluttered.

   

 
 
 
Pick a wedge with an interesting detail like this for instant glamour on a simple work outfit. The pointed toe elongates your legs while the patent finish gives it an edgy feel.

Pair coloured wedges with a denim mini for a casual, cool look. The skirt length flatters the legs while the low heels ensure lasting comfort for after-work hours.

I hope you like the above tips on how to wear wedges to look your best!

Shu Uemura – Cleansing Oil

Do you believe makeup begins and ends with cleansing?

"Cleansing is the first and last step of makeup." That was what Shu Uemura believed. Like how a painter needs a fresh new canvas every time he starts to paint, a makeup artist needs clean skin to start his work. The delicate touch of eye shadow and foundation as well as the finish to the makeup are all dependent on the condition of the skin. The secret to beautiful skin has been revealed - start with gentle, thorough cleansing that removes impurities without stripping skin's moisture.

When Shu Uemura launched his first cleansing oil in the late 1960s, he encountered strong resistance from women. Yet, he continued to champion the merits of cleansing with oil and committed himself to improving the formula. His enthusiasm and dedication eventually paid off, as his passion for cleansing oils reached fashion and entertainment circles.

People realised that oil cleansing is easy to use, efficient and gentle to the skin, and devotees to Shu Uemura's oil multiplied when the product's benefits were experienced. After 40 years, Shu Uemura has been acknowledged as the father of cleansing oil in Japan and throughout the world. Today, one bottle of cleansing oil is sold every 20 seconds.

While working as a makeup arid in Hollywood in the 1960s, Shu Uemura discovered a remarkable cleanser based on oil that removed even the heaviest stage makeup without damaging skin.

It was appreciated not only for its convenience and efficacy, but also for its amazing feel after rinsing; skin felt conditioned, balanced, soft and silky. This product was the legendary cleansing oil, Unmask!

Whitening Starts with Cleansing

Daily stresses such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, air-conditioning and busy lifestyles can upset the skin's natural balance. This causes skin problems such as dullness, dryness and the accumulation of melanin, leading to dark spots and uneven skin tone. 

Shu Uemura believes that balanced skin is an essential factor in whitening care for translucent, beautiful skin. Cleansing must be gentle enough to not upset skin's natural balance, yet effective enough to ensure skin is purified before applying skin products. For the first time, Shu Uemura has developed a cleansing oil to achieve optimum whitening efficacy.

Taking aspiration from the power and refined, concentrated beauty of the sakura, Shu Uemura went further to uncover the secret to whitening. The result is White Recovery EX+ Brightening Cleansing Oil.

Two active ingredients - prune extract and sakura leaf extract, embody the beauty of nature to gently and immediately remove all traces of makeup while visibly illuminating and clarifying skin in preparation for whitening skincare. The brightening effect is coupled with a soothing, fresh fragrance that blends base notes of balsam and vanilla with an alluring floral body and a crisp citrus-based top note encompassing bitter orange and grapefruit.

This cleansing oil gives ultimate yet effortless cleansing action while enriching skin, and providing ideal comfort.

Shu Uemura's beauty tips:

• Use it daily, even without makeup, as it helps to improve your skin condition.
  
• Don't forget to remove the sunscreen on your skin with cleansing oil as well.