Cougar Fitness Club Makeup Secrets

Let's Face It!

There is so much makeup to choose from. You can go from a natural sheer look to an all out glamorous Kim Kardashian look. However, one of the first things you probably want to focus on, to make your makeup even more alluring, is your skin.

You have to start with beautiful skin for a powder or foundation to look spectacular. Well cared-for skin is the true foundation of beauty. Powders, concealers, and foundations exist to enhance your skin's luminescence.

What can you do to ensure soft clear skin? Start with gentle cleaners and soft exfoliating scrubs. Some face washes foam and others have a mild grit for exfoliating purposes (also called a “scrub”). Decide what works best for your skin type. I prefer to use the gentler foaming face washes for daily use and then once or twice a week I use the scrub for extra deep cleaning. Try using an exfoliating scrub or a mask once or twice a week for a deep clean and gentler alternatives the rest of the week. If your skin is sensitive, you may need to cut down the exfoliating to once a week.

After cleansing, it's important to moisturize. I like to use a thicker eye-cream or even a night cream around the sensitive eye area. I also try to use a hypoallergenic product with no fragrance because I am often allergic to additives in cosmetics. A note on that subject... it's important to test new eye creams slowly and in smalls areas over the span of several days to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction. This is especially true if you're trying an “anti-aging” product, as these often contain irritating ingredients.

I actually received a great skin serum last year as a birthday gift, Patricia Wexler, M.D. Regenerating Serum, and my sensitive skin loves it! She has a whole line of dermatological grade facial products. You can order from her website, Patricia Wexler, M.D. , or her line can also physically be purchased at Bath and Body Works. I find the Regenerating Serum soothing and non-irritating. For someone who has had a lot of bad skin reactions in the past, this is like a miracle for me!

When it comes to moisturizer, it's a great idea to use one that contains a sunscreen. Sunblock is a huge factor in preventing aging. Most makeups contain at least some sunscreen. Check the label to determine exactly how much sunscreen your base makeup contains. If it's not sufficient, you can supplement with a light moisturizer which contains sunscreen as well. You can either apply the moisturizer prior to applying the base makeup, or you can mix the two together in your hand for a slightly more sheer coverage with all your desired sun protection! Tinted moisturizers may also be a good choice for you. I really like Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 15. Some of Aveeno's products contain natural light diffusers which really help even your skin tone and reflect light to minimize the look of fine lines. Love that! Neutrogena and Oil of Olay are two of my other favorite products.

After making sure your skin is a great canvas, you can move on to finding the right makeup for you. Some people even regularly use more than one type and brand of makeup depending on the occasion. You may choose a mineral powder with light coverage or a “sport” sweat-proof makeup for the gym. Also, “no-transfer” makeup, such as Revlon Colorstay, and Maybelline SuperStay 24-Hour Makeup are two of my personal favorites. They really do stay on, they don't transfer onto your collar or your clothes, and they even help set your makeup (like eyeshadow).

When applying a “no-transfer” makeup, take care to work quickly and evenly in sections because it dries fast and is somewhat unforgiving. Also of note, definitely don't get this type of makeup on your clothes. It's almost impossible to get out.

Another thing to consider when choosing your base makeup and powder is whether or not it flatters your skin type and tone. If your makeup settles into wrinkles and creases, you may actually look worse than without makeup because it can highlight and magnify imperfections. Try to pick something that minimizes and/or deflects light from fine lines. When applying a “no-transfer” makeup, take care to work quickly and evenly in sections because it dries fast and is somewhat unforgiving. Also of note, definitely don't get this type of makeup on your clothes. It's almost impossible to get out.

Another thing to consider when choosing your base makeup and powder is whether or not it flatters your skin type and tone. If your makeup settles into wrinkles and creases, you may actually look worse than without makeup because it can highlight and magnify imperfections. Try to pick something that minimizes and/or deflects light from fine lines.

It's a great idea to check your makeup in “real” lighting every once in a while. Preferably check it in natural daylight, maybe near a window, and see if it “disappears” into your skin. That is the idea, after all. You don't want to wear a mask, you want to enhance the natural beauty of your skin.

Different lighting can really change the way you do your makeup too. Obviously, at night, you can get away with a lot more makeup and deeper colors. Experiment with different colors and products and see what works for you. And, last but not least, don't be afraid to be adventurous and try something new! New looks, colors, products, etc. can give you a whole new fresh look!