Skincare Revelations - Our NEW Exclusive Skin Care Advice Column by Skincare Expert Soli Davis
The 5 steps to the Beauty of Balance
Nature, Nurture, Unveil, Enhance/Balance and Protect are the Five Ways that I look at a holistic regime that helps me to achieve The Beauty of Balance.
Nature:
Your skin is the largest organ in your body; the first line of defense towards disease and your way to regulate the effects of life both internally and externally. What you eat, what you do in terms of life style and who you are genetically will all be expressed through the appearance of your skin.
Diet, hydration and a proper cleansing regime are the beginning steps to... (keep reading)
Brand New!
Your biggest beauty concerns now answered by our Palacinka Beauty Staff
Q. How do celebrities like Halle Berry, Paula Patton, and Jessica Alba (biracial celebrities) always have such perfect skin? What make up do they use? What make up can I buy to achieve the same naturally even-toned look? (For a low price!)
A. If you are looking for great concealers, then look no further than Three Custom Color Specialists! The color range is amazing, the match is always on the mark, it lasts all day and the cost is very reasonable. The founder by the way, is also biracial and really understands the nuances of all the different shades of brown skin and the different undertones in women's skin. The L'Oreal HIP line also has great foundations that you can use as a spot concealer. meet mark is another inexpensive brand to try with lots of "mid range" lighter brown skin tone shades.
Q. Why are my dreadlocks not growing even, the left side is way shorter than right. How can I even it out?
A. Many people have one side of the hair on their head that grows faster than the other. The best thing to do is to try to find a hair salon that specializes in dreadlocks. They will give you a shampoo and conditioning treatment and then trim the longer side and steam the locks to keep them looking fresh. You should also invest in a few supplements to ensure that your hair stays healthy and grows all over at its maximum pace. Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil supplements (no they don't have a fish taste and are very inexpensive from any drug store!) are essential and very effective in giving the scalp with much needed healthy oils to moisturize the locks, and help strengthen and grow the hair.
Also check out the best products for dreadlocks report on our site!
http://www.palacinka.com/ best-dreadlock-products.html
Q. I have long hair and I have been told I need to cut off my ends because they are dead. I really don’t want to cut it off. I heard that there are things I can do to repair my hair.
A. Take a small piece of hair (about an inch in thickness) and twist it tightly so it makes a long “curly que” -- like a piece of licorice. The split ends will stick out and fringe from that twist, from the top to the bottom. Take scissors and cut that fringe off. You won't be sacrificing any length at all and won't really be able to tell you cut anything, except that it will be smooth again. This will make your hair look much healthier!
As for prevention, one of the best products is Korres Rice Proteins Serum for Split Ends which you can apply daily just to the tips of your hair (and smells absolutely amazing!). Kiehls Silk Groom is another wonderful daily hair conditioner that also adds control and shine as well as protecting hair from damage. Just a little is needed and it really works well for all hair types.
I am African-American teenager (15), about Jada Pinkett's complexion. What make-up should I use to cover up blemishes and pimples? L.F.
Palacinka Beauty Editors:
At your age, assuming the rest of your skin has a good tone, you simply need a concealer. Some great ones that come in nice tan colors with good yellow undertones are from e.l.f (everything is just $1!) and is available on their website. Some other lines to try are meet mark (available on their website) and the L'Oreal HIP line.
To apply, simply dab with a small brush (similar to a lip brush), using a thin coat of concealer. Let dry and then if necessary, add another thin coat. Then apply a light layer of pressed powder. All the companies above also make great ones.
Also important, really concentrate on solving your skin breakouts by possibly seeing a dermatologist who can recommend products and a skin care regime to at least reduce the breakouts. As far a good product lines for teens, try the Biore line, Neutrogena and Phisoderm.
I'm thinking of buying a lipstick gloss but because I have dark skin, I don't know what colors would suit me. Would it be better buying a lipstick gloss like juicy tubes or buying a lipstick then putting a clear gloss over it? B.P.
Palacinka Beauty Editors:
For darker skin there are some great choices at all different price points. One of the best is the L'Oreal HIP High Intensity Pigments lip glosses and their long lasting lip colors. They have about 8 or 9 deeper shades that range from browns and reds, to purples and wines that would look great on you, like Gallant 728, Enchanting 748 or Darling 818 for more of a "nude" mouth.
Higher end, you can't beat Bobbi Brown for her shade collection, as well as Prescriptives. They have many lovely shades in the darker ranges as well.
I am Latina (about Eva Mendes complexion) what is the best shade of MAC blush? I'm looking specifically for a mixture of peach/orange/brown blush! J.T.
Palacinka Beauty Editors:
Some great NARS blush colors are: Gilda, Deep Throat and Orgasm. If you are looking for another great brand with fantastic peachy/brown colors, try Sue Devitt's Los Angeles.
For all of our Palacinka readers who live outside of North America you can still shop our reviews by using a service called www.myus.com. It creates a U.S. address for you to use for online purchases and then forwards the items to your international address!
