How to recover your skin after the Holiday Season

Let’s face it, we ate all the chocolate there was, all the salty snacks that went so well with that cocktail, and we stuffed ourselves with home cooking that put us in a food coma.  When it comes to our skin, it is transparent in showing us what our body likes and dislikes.  So all those breakouts we are vulnerable to, make our skin lack lustre, break out, sensitive and more reactive to what we put on our skin.

Symtoms and Signs of Stressed skin from Alcohol and Food

• Whiteheads
• Red bumps
• Enlarged pores (oily skin/combo skin will see this more)
• Tight pores (dry skin types see this more with milia which is known as whiteheads)
• Pustuals
• Sore chapped lips (bleeding can happen when salt is consumed, alcohol and sugar in excess) 
• Lacking lustre and cushioned feeling to the skin (signs of dehydration)
• Itchy
• Just plane old not the same!  Help!!! 

We got you it’s all good now, rest assured you will see your normal skin back, and if your skin is already acne prone, the tips shared here may help you see some changes too.  Before we get into treating the skin, there are a few things that we need to cover, and that is not your skin.  Try to avoid makeup on the weeekend, or on your days off if you can help it, at least until any irritation or inflammation is minimal.  If you are just dehydrated without any of the other symptoms listed, then a Hyluronic Acid Mask, like La Roche Posay’s Hydra Phase Mask, 2 times a week after exfoliating, is the best way to treat it other than drinking more water and hydrating with a daily moisturizer.


Drink warm Lemon 🍋 💦 Water

Warm water is best for not parching the organs as well as our skin, our largest organ, it lubes everything for us, and gives us an antibacterial property as well, as Lemon juice when combined with water acts to keep bacteria from manifesting.  Because it’s a powerful form of vitamin C you’ll love the effects it has during a cold or flu as well.


Wash your face before Bedtime

Don’t be lazy, yes we had to be the one to say that.  But tough love is good love no?  Ensure you at least do the basics with a cleanse and a moisturizer to ensure you are not blocking your skin from breathing during REM, and providing hydration is a key step to anti inflammatory and anti aging affects.  Our skin repairs it’s self at night, so give it something to defend and repair with by adding a serum and toner to your night routine for further add on value.  For example if someone wanted anti dark spot, clarity of the skin, and luminosity then serums usually help with this.  Trends by Louise loves  +Lancôme  Genefique Serum and also Advanced Night Repair from +Estée Lauder all found at  Shoppers Drug Mart and any retailer that sells beauty products like major department stores.

Try a hydration mask

Do this a few times a week and only do it if you are going to bed before your night routine.  Some we like are Cicaplast  and Hydraphase Mask from La Roch Posay.

Eat Clean and Avoid Caffeine 

At least for the next 7 days to get your natural PH where it feels comfortable naturally and doing this will increase your skins clarity and your stomach acidity to a level where your used to be awesome skin is back, and better than ever!  If you must drink coffee, limit to one a day, and drink that water baby!!


That’s it, there’s no major secret to good skin after a fun holiday binge.  Have a Happy New Year form #TrendsbyLouise!!

How to shop like a MUA

Have you been wondering what the secret is to how a makeup artist decides to buy eye-shadow for their kit? 

The secret is palettes!  Whether it is lipstick or eyeshadow, if you buy palettes you have more options, that take up less space, and we cannot say no to that!
I will share with you how to use your palettes, and what to look out for in a palette. 

The secret is buying matte, some shimmer, neutrals, warm and cool tones, staples and glitters. Also try sticking to your three color combos that you may be used to, and what is great about having palettes, is that you have a plethera of varieties available to you. You can add a fourth one as your color accent which can be placed on your outter eyelid, or as a tight liner to thicken lashes.

Some recommendations are:

+Too Faced Cosmetics Peach Palette C$59 +Sephora

Here we have warm, cool, neutrals and staples which is the perfect combo for any look you're
trying to achieve. 

 

+Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked

Smokey Palette C$66 at #Sephora

 

You have all the right mattes and shimmers to create a more dramatic eye combination

 

 

 

 



Some other favorites are +Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renessance and the Mario Artist Palette for medium to darker skin tones. 

 

 

Which one will be your pick?  Post a look of your own on my blog comments with a review on your palette, for a chance to be featured on my Trends by Louise Blog.  

 

The Blue Lipstick Phenomenon 

Blue, green, yellow, gold, grey, and the list goes on. Is this really a new trend? Pretty much it is, if we look back to the 1960's we were seeing white frosted shades and light pink or nudes, in the 1970's we saw some dark purple for more of the punk vibe, and in the 1980's it was a plethora of colours worn on the lips, however blue was not common (David Bowe rest his soul was an experimental type) but blue and green where still not really a trend yet.  Although gold was a 70's look it was more disco evening wear, and not something you'd wear out for the day to day maven. 

So why are we seeing these shades now? Self expression is even bigger now, we feel more free to express individuality through our makeup choices, wardrobe choices and even the cars we drive.  There's a feeling I get when I wear blue on my lips vs my eyes, I feel individual different from the rest. 

Here's a question: so why don't we see +Kim Kardashian wearing blue on her lips? Well it's not her signature look.  Does that mean she would suit it? We feel she would, and it would certainly change her look.  The point is when we do something out of the norm, it catches attention, it brings the focus to you in a different light.  This point brings me to say that when I wear blue or green or whatever looks different, people stare at me.  Why? Because it's still different, it's eye catching, it's fun.  So why not shock your friends, family and show them your colourful side.  Oh, you say it makes you uncomfortable?  Why? Is it the city you live in? Are you afraid of judgment? Being individual is sexy and when you're feeling well put together, it does something to your vibe, it alters your vibe, you feel like you're setting an example for others who have trouble trying something they like, but are too afraid of trying.  So if this trend is calling your name, get out there and grab your fun shade.  

Some brands Trends by Louise recommends are: Lime Crime, +TAKIEMOTO +MAC Cosmetics 

+Kat Von D 

How to Grow your Eyelashes

It's funny how we are so fixated on longer luscious lashes, and we will stop at anything to get those dreamy lashes we have always wanted.

You've more than likely have heard of lash serums that promise to grow lashes, and we know that the chemically derived ingredients can not only irritate the eyes, if misused cause damage to the eyes. 

If I told you that you could get a lash-growing system that's cruelty free, chemically preservative free and that it actually works; would you believe me?

 

 Did this image surprise you?  Are you wondering how long it took for me to get lashes this long, and my brows this full? Well results can vary depending on the individual.  3 weeks is all it took for me to see the results you see in this image.  Can you believe the difference?  I want to share that I used the serum morning and night (mostly at night), on both my brows and lash line.  I also want to share that in both images above I did not fill in my eyebrows with anything, so you could see the true effects of the product.  Can you believe it - so full and luscious.  

Plume Enhancing Serum can be used under makeup, and can be used even after you see results.  This formula is meant to unclog lash pores to promote growth.  Lauren Billon the creator's story is so unique to me, as I had the same issue as she had experienced.  To see her story check out the website noted below.   Comment below if you'd like to experience this product, or by booking a one on one appointment at louise@plumescience.com.  

Or to purchase individually @ www.plumescience.com  

How to wear NARS Orgasm Blush

Featured in Keel Magazine

+NARS Cosmetics Orgasm Line comes in lip-gloss, nail polish, cream blush and in powder.  Choose a texture that is best for you.  If your skin is dry then try the Multiples from Nars, if you are oily try the powdered blush.  In the image above I used NARS Orgasm on my eyes, lips, and cheeks.  It is very versatile and makes you glow, like you've been at the beach all day. 

Zodiac Makeup Guide

Teeez Cosmetics Zodiac Guide

Have you heard of Teeez Cosmetics before?  Teeez Cosmetics is from the Netherlands and they are coming to North America soon.  Teeez has been featured in Ipsy and other monthly makeup subscriptions.  The nice thing about Teeez is that there are shades for everyone to try.  I have put together a list of shades by zodiac, for you all to experience.  Below you will see 2 eye shadow combos "Spectrum of Stars", combined with "Sealed with a Kiss" lip duos.  Head over to www.teeezcosmetics.com  to check out their latest collections.  Teeez will be launching exclusively with +Hudson's Bay  coming soon to Canada.

Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18

Indigo Dare/Blueberry Dream with Sorbet Vibe

Pisces Feb 19-Mar 20

Bleached Jeans/Smokey Rose & Lavish Nude

Aries Mar 21-Apr19

Apricot Sheen/Magical Fuchsia & Candy Rush

Taurus Apr 20-May 20

Vanilla Sunbeam/Golden Fudge & Dash of Plum

Gemini May 21-Jun 20

Party Mist/Splendor Sunset & Lavish Nude

Cancer June 21-July 22

Sea Glare/Vanilla Sunbeam & Apricot Bite

Leo July 23-August 22

Apricot Sheen/Sepia Haze & Electric Coral

Virgo August 23-Sept 22

Minty Haze/Gunmetal Glow & Naked Almond

Libra Spet 23-Oct 22

Forest Lustre/Sea Glare & Violet Rush

Scorpio Oct 23-Nov 21

Blueberry Dream/Lilac Haze & Retro Mocha

Sagittarius Nov 22-Dec 21

Wisteria Shadow/Indigo Dare & Naked Almond

Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 19

Golden Fudge/Pearly Mist & Blushing Lemonade

How to prep your Skin for Spring & Summer

If you haven't thought of it yet, your skin care and makeup routine is going to change coming out of Winter.  Most women complain that their skincare and makeup doesn't feel or look the same.  I hear this a lot and like to explain to my clients that it is just like changing your fashion wardrobe, wearing a winter parka during a warm or hot day makes no sense.

Trends by Louise has a ready made checklist to get your skin Spring and Summer ready:

• It's all about dewy skin which makes sense for Spring and Summer.  Use powder only where you need it; for example the t-zone or to set your under-eye concealer.
• Try a glycolic acid exfoliate instead of a manual exfoliator, this will ensure all of the dead skin that remains from the winter months will be gone, and you will have fresh skin, which means you will glow more, hence wearing less foundation base when humid and/or hot outside.
• Get your brows re-shaped and tinted, it's all about the thick natural brow this season.
•  Try a facial to re-new your skin, for a fraction of the price try heading to your nearest department store to book a facial.  Cosmetic lines like +Shiseido Skincare and Facial and +Estee Lauder do facials all the time, and don't forget to show them your appreciation for the service with a purchase.  
• Head over to your favorite makeup store or Freelance Makeup Artist to get re-matched for foundation closer to the summer months.  Our skin is not the same color all year round.  Please remember that a darker foundation whilst still pale is not the right way to match a foundation.  Please use bronzer to enhance ones colour.
• Instead of working out at the gym, try a few of your workouts outside, the oxygen is like non-other and you will feel renewed.  Plus you will have a different glow to your skin than you would at the gym because the oxygen is different.  We can't argue that!
• Switch your skincare in the summer to lighter textures, for example, BB or CC creams, tinted moisturizer, gel or mousse foundation.
• Instead of heavy concealer try a concealer pen like Estee Lauder's BB Highlighter Pen.  It highlights and conceals at the same time.
• If you change your hair color, then you must change the colors of makeup you wear.  For example if you are blonde and you go darker, the makeup you usually wear could have the wrong undertones for your new hair-do.  Contact a makeup artist to go over some new looks to enhance your new look.
• Back away from the contour, use bronzer instead to add a natural glow and use a soft hightlight on the cheekbones.  Gone are the days of the Kim K hard contour lines.  Fashion always repeats itself, and we would like to see you looking fresh, save it for a night out as it is way to harsh for day time.
• Buy yourself the perfect red/berry lipstick as it is a hot look for Spring and Summer.