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.  

 

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. 

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.

10 ways to wear Red Lipstick

1. Leopard print top and Boyfriend Jeans

   

   Makeup by Louise Croce

   
   
2. Black Dress
3. Neutral Color Blocking
4. Pink blush and Bronze Eye shadow
5. Bronze Cat-Eye Wing Liner
6. Jeans and a White T-Shirt
7. Gingham 
8. Plaid Shirt 
9. Blues and Purples both in Makeup and Wardrobe
10. Camouflage Print

How to apply Graphic-Liner

Graphic liner is one trend women tend to find intimidating or complicated.  In fact graphic liner is not an everyday look according to what most my clients say.  I can agree with that statement, and also can tell you that there are other ways to incorporate it for day-time, and not look like you just left the Givenchy Show during fashion week.  Girl you know you want to though!  

Joking aside you can just follow what other artist are doing, but make it your own.  What we mean by that is that if you take an element of what they have done with their liner, and apply it in a way that you would feel comfortable.  It is easy and stress free this way.  If you like trends and always wonder how you can apply it to your life style, then this is the approach for you.  

On the images you see here, you can see that I have taken a different approach to some, however they are more runway inspired.  What would you take away from that?  
So for example; if you like the one with the yellow and black, maybe try a gold shadow in an undertone of your choice, and apply your liner thin across the upper lash-line only and give it a small wing.  That is how trends work from runway to real-way.  

If you try this look please post your comments on my blog and tell me how it went.  Better yet you can head over to Trends by Louise on Facebook and post your look.  I will pick the best look and you could win something from a brand new cosmetic line called Teeez Cosmetics coming to North America from Europe.  Teeez has been featured in +ipsy and +Birchbox. You won't want to miss this treat!.  

How to use Coconut Oil

When it comes to skin care we really tend to gear towards the latest and greatest technology.  Have we ever thought of maybe thinking more towards what is in your cupboard.  Coconut is one to think about. Coconut Oil not only hydrates, but acts as a antihistamine to inflamed skin.  It is anti aging and repairing of current skin damage.  It has Vitamin E which is healing.  

Unless you have sensitivities or allergies to coconut, then this item is for you.  Always do a patch test on your inner wrist before you try anything new on your skin.  If you are using on the skin regularly, it is best to try to find an organic coconut oil, to reduce the absorption of toxins and pesticides through your skin.  It helps boost your metabolize when you take up to two tablespoons a day orally.  It's been known to reduce bad breath and oral plaque when used to oil pull.  

Being in the Beauty Industry, it is imperative that my skin always looks it's best.  Since I switched about 4 months ago to Coconut Oil, my skin's texture and hydration have changed significantly.  I use it mostly as a night cream, but because we are in the winter months here I am using it sparingly during the day.  To answer your burning question; is it oily?  No when you use it sparingly or mixed with an essential oil for yor skin-type, you're going to be fine.  

Image source coconutoil.com

 Beauty/Health Tips for Coconut Oil 

• cuticle Oil
• hair mask (ends only-we mean it)
• body moisturizer
• face moisturizer
• foot cream with socks before bed 
• mixed with sugar and honey for a body scrub
• eat a teaspoon before your meal to boost your metabolism (healthy eating required)
• spread on toast
• instead of Pam cooking spray
• razor burn treatment
• eye makeup remover ( sparingly and it won't clog pores)

Beauty Hacks

• Wash makeup brushes every 2 weeks.  Using lukewarm water, dampen brush, add a bit of baby shampoo, work through brush in back and forth motions, rinse until bubbles disappear within the brush, and lay flat to dry.  Pro Tip:  Condition brushes every few months (this will ensure the natural hair is treated, to prevent breakage).  

• Sharpen all unused pencils and swipe them with rubbing alcohol.  This will help by removing dead skin cells and possible bacteria.  Keeps it fresh and clean.

• Want to save money on hundreds of dollars per month on makeup?  Then sign up for a subscription like +ipsy  or similar subscriptions, to receive full size products and deluxe samples, for less than $20/month.  Or just buy every season and just give yourself a budget.  This is coming from someone who needs Makeups Anonymous.  *silent awkwardness-crickets in the background* 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Don’t share that eyeliner, lipstick or mascara with anyone.   When you mix bacteria it can be costly to our vision even, so if you feel like getting a eye infection or a lip sore, we’d suggest you keep your makeup to yourself.  Unless you sanitize the way trained professionals know how, or at least should know better.

• Great time to have a look at the Nail Polish you own, and throw out all the thick gooey polishes.  No one needs bubbles on their nails.

• Get your brows groomed and feel free to fill them in.  Perfect brows look great when there’s no time for makeup.

• Throw out old hair elastic bands, and grab some new ones!  Non snag elastics are the best.

• Attend a beauty workshop, it’s always nice to learn new techniques.  No matter how little hands on experience you have.  Soon in the near future, Trends by Louise will have workshops online, and we will keep you posted.

• Wash your face before bed every night...flawless skin starts with you!  Water is also a perfect pair to this.  Down a glass before bed!

• Replace your mascara every 3 months.  Some of my favorite bargains are +Rimel Cosmetics Rimmel and +Maybelline NY Mx .  Splurges would be +YSL Beauty  or +Lancôme Canada .