Aging is the harsh truth of life, which majority of us women would never want to face, for its effects on the face! As one grows old, the once glowing, young and wrinkle free skin tends to sag, and develops ugly wrinkles and age spots. Exposure of the skin to sun and loss of the adipose tissue, which is present beneath the skin, are the major culprits for the aging skin signs. There are innumerable beauty products available in the stores that one can use to beautify the skin. Applying makeup on the skin is an easy way to make the skin ‘look’ young and less damaged, and so is preferred by many. But, if there are too many marks, spots and pores on the skin, applying makeup primer prior to the actual makeup would be helpful. Reason – the primer prepares the skin for the makeup process. It helps hide the age spots and pores on the skin, and gives an even and smooth skin tone.

Primers only prepare the skin for makeup, and as such there are no major beauty benefits associated with their use. Applying primer is quite easy and it is applied before the application of foundation and concealer. There are many good primers, each with its own set of pros and cons. But before you grab one for aging skin, determine your skin type, as primers are often differentiated as per the skin type. Presented below is a compilation of some anti-aging makeup primers, that have earned positive reviews in the consumer market.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer: A product of L’oreal Maybelline Series, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer is a perfect solution for all your aging problems. It remarkably reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles and promises a youthful skin.
Korres Age-reversing Quercetin & Oak Age-reversing Face Primer: The product is rich in antioxidants and so works well to treat the aging skin. The ingredients in this popular product target fine lines and wrinkles and thus help hide aging.
Laura Mercier – Foundation Primer: The primer is especially popular for its light weightlessness, and is considered the best makeup primer for large pores.
Revlon Age Defying Firming Face Primer for Normal Skin: In a skin that is aging, what is missing is firmness. And this product from revlon targets firmness and tightens the skin, reducing the appearance of pores to a great extent.
Tarte Recreate Silicone-Free Anti-Aging Primer: Silicon in the product works as an anti aging agent and works to hide pores and wrinkles. It acts a good moisturizer, and also tightens the sagging skin.
Other good primers that have got positive reviews from users are,
Roc Brilliance Anti-Aging Face Primer
CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer
Fusion Beauty PrimeResults Primer
Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion
ReCreate Silicone-Free Primer with Wrinkle Rewind Technology
The results of these primers may vary from person to person, and a product suitable to one person may not be the best for others. The brands we have mentioned also come in many varieties according to skin type. For best results a primer should be applied evenly on a clean and moisturized face and neck, apart from that all the application instructions given on the primer product should be adhered to. If you are in the aging process drinking lots of water, and occasional facial treatment may also prove helpful in delaying the aging process

Mineral makeup has already become a hit in the world of cosmetics. Characterized by ingredients that comprise only natural minerals, these products are much safer for use than the regular ones. Many brands have already established themselves as stalwarts in this area of the cosmetic industry. Although they are widely marketed as ‘made with all minerals that are completely natural’, sometimes they might contain some chemically-produced ingredients, too. While there is a debate regarding the safety of the user as they contain extremely tiny particles which might be inhaled, there are a number of fans of such makeup products due to the classic finish it gives to the skin. The latest debate is about the inclusion of bismuth oxychloride in these products.

Before we move on, let’s understand what exactly is it. Bismuth occurs naturally in very small amounts and is not safe to be used in cosmetics, unless refined and combined with other products. It is refined through various processes to remove toxic elements like lead. On chlorination of this processed bismuth, bismuth chloride is formed. Later, the process of hydrolysis is carried out which results in bismuth oxychloride. The FDA has approved it as a safe product that can be used in mineral makeup. So, use of makeup products that contain bismuth oxychloride is not unsafe for the skin.

Why Omit It?

Basically, there are people who are enjoying the use of mineral make up as it is. This ingredient helps the makeup cling on to your skin for a longer time and in a better way. Moreover, that radiant pearly finish which one gets after application of powder or liquid makeup is due to this element. It adds a soft sheen to your skin and covers up the fine lines, wrinkles, and discolored patches of skin.

You might still be wondering then why are makeup brands going, ‘bismuth oxychloride free’! Many people have sensitive skin. Some suffer from acne and pimples. The cause of itching and rashes even after use of safe makeup is known to be bismuth oxychloride. Make up foundation containing this element is also known to cause cystic acne. Some have also reported extreme burning sensation, redness, and small bumps after using mineral makeup, and the element causing this is known to be bismuth oxychloride. As mentioned above, the element is FDA-approved as a safe one to be used in beauty products. But some people might be allergic to this element, which leads to such skin reactions.

Brands in Market

There are various brands launching product lines without its inclusion. Some of them are Southern Magnolia Minerals (SMM) cosmetics, Mineral Pure Makeup, BellaPierre, Minerale Mineral Makeup, Sheer Miracle Naturals Mineral Makeup, Luxury Mineral Makeup, and Illuminare Cosmetics Mineral Makeup.

Doesn’t matter if you have dry or oily skin, it is all about whether the products suit your skin. While some might be absolutely okay with it, others might notice some allergic reactions. Remember that, makeup is not always about following the latest trends, but using what suits you the best.

Every girl dreams for that perfect skin for every season, but not all of us have such luck. Even though makeup has come to us as our savior, but finding the right makeup for oily skin can be a struggle that many of us go through in order to look our best. Most of the time, checking for oil-free products, stocking up on blotting paper, and worrying about getting pimples can be so tiring. Now one good news for people having oily skin is that it doesn’t show early signs of skin aging. But even that good news can’t be. There are occasions when you have to use makeup and applying the right ones is the key here.

This type of skin is nothing but excess oil produced by the sebaceous glands, which cause the skin to have large pores, acne, whiteheads and blackheads, oily appearance, and dullness. The skin tends to be shiny, thick, and has embarrassing blemishes. The oils tend to ooze out from the enlarged pores. The causes can be heredity, hormone levels, pregnancy, humidity or hot weather, birth control pills, or certain cosmetics.

What is the Best Makeup for Oily Skin?

Before finding the best makeup, let’s see how you can use some easy home remedies to get that beautiful skin. First of all, it’s important to drink at least 8 glasses (8 ounces each) of pure water daily. This helps keep the skin hydrated and will make it shine less. Second of all, applying cucumber juice or witch hazel on your face helps maintain the pH level of the skin. Also, you should avoid using water-based foundations and keep blotting paper. When you follow these tips, you can be sure that your skin is being well taken care of.

Best Foundation Makeup
There are cosmetic companies that make skin-tone specific foundations. Make sure to get a high-quality foundation that doesn’t aggravate or clog your pores, and the appearance of your skin is even. Here are some tips that will help you pick the best foundation.

Foundation Sticks
Always buy foundation that is one tone lighter than your skin tone. This will give a natural look to your makeup. Foundation sticks cover the blotchy look and can hold for long hours.

Mineral Foundation
While using mineral makeup for oily skin, there are certain guidelines you should follow. Don’t use mineral foundations during winters. This season is generally dry and the mineral foundation will make your skin look dry and oily at certain areas. Liquid foundations with mineral powder can be one way to escape from such issues. The foundation should be 100% pure minerals.

Foundation Powder
Instead of using a liquid foundation, powder foundations are much more effective. They stay in place and absorb excess oils from the skin. Plus, with powder foundation, you can apply as many applications as you want, only after washing and cleansing your face.

Foundation with SPF
If you choose to go with any liquid foundations, check the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) on the label. The number indicates how many hours the SPF lasts. There are many foundations with SPF 15 and SPF 30 available in the market. That is a big bonus for foundations because it provides maximum coverage for your skin.

Check for full-coverage matte foundations, rather than light or medium coverage foundations which won’t last long. Check the ingredients on the foundations that says “For oily skin”. Don’t use your fingers to apply the foundation, only use a make-up sponge. This will prevent from spreading more oil onto your face.

Tips to Selecting Makeup
Buy foundations that contain titanium dioxide, a natural sun protector.
Avoid products that have alcohol in them, especially SD40.
Kaolin clay used in foundations will prevent excess oil formation on your face.
Zinc oxide foundation is the best makeup for acne-prone skin, as it is anti-inflammatory.
Make sure it contains sericite, which reduces the appearance of large pores and helps to absorb excess oil.
Make sure to talk to a dermatologist, before starting any skin regimen or selecting the right makeup for acne prone skin that’s oily. Accutane or topical retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A, that have been proven to lessen the amount of oil the skin produces.

At-home Remedies for Skin Care
Apply as little makeup as possible; your skin needs to breathe properly.
Cleanse your face daily with cleansing milk, at least twice a day.
Moisturize with an oil-free lotion that contains SPF 30.
Use blotting paper to absorb excess oils. You can also use it, while you have makeup on.
If you must use a soap to wash your face, use sulfur soap.
Avoid eating too much oily foods.
A diet rich in proteins, plenty of green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits.
Knowing how to take care of your skin and which products to use will not only be beneficial for now, but also in the long run. Use as little foundation as possible, it will last longer and won’t look heavy as if it’s caked on. If you are confused about how you should go about finding the right makeup for yourself and which products will suit your skin type, consult with your dermatologist. Only you can take the initiative to having a healthy skin.

Is it possible to even out blemishes of blotchy skin using makeup? Yes of course, provided you choose an appropriate makeup and apply it in the right amount. Blotchy skin appears excessively red, and has a rough texture and tone. In such a case, applying inappropriate cosmetic products can actually accentuate the blemishes associated with blotchy skin. Skin blotching will aggravate if you wear the wrong makeup.

Makeup should be such that it blends with your skin tone, and reduces the appearance of blotches. It should be able to camouflage all those unsightly flaws of the skin. Also, the cosmetic products have to be non-greasy and soothe the blotchy skin. Skin irritation, shortly after makeup is indicative of the fact that the cosmetic products you have applied are not compatible with your skin.

Makeup Tips for Blotchy Skin

Use Exfoliating Creams
Usage of exfoliating creams is important before you apply your makeup. It should be an integral part of the beauty regimen. Applying exfoliating creams or masks helps to ‘dust off’ dead skin cells and impurities from the superficial skin. Also, never wear makeup just after exfoliation. It is recommended that you exfoliate the skin the previous night, and then apply makeup in the morning. Exfoliation once or twice a week, is essential to improve the appearance of the skin. However, if you have pimples or pustules on the surface of the skin, avoid exfoliation.

Choose High-pigment Foundation
Using high-pigment foundation is necessary to camouflage blotchy skin. Highly pigmented foundations provide full coverage, and can effectively conceal skin imperfections, such as discolorations and scarring, thereby, giving a luminous look to your skin. Apart from providing opaque coverage, these foundations have a flawless finish that last for quite some time.

Use the Right Foundation Primer
Before you put on your foundation, applying a primer is recommended. A primer ensures that your makeup lasts long, and does not wear off easily. Applying makeup that comes off within 2 – 3 hours is something that you don’t want. With a primer, available in the form of a cream or gel, the makeup stays throughout the day and therefore, is successful in covering your blotchy skin throughout.

Use Green Primer
As far as choosing the color of the primer is concerned, go for green-tinted primer. Also referred to as anti-redness primer, green primer is ideal for red, blotchy skin. The green color negates the redness; it not only covers the redness on the face, but also gives a better appearance to the skin.

Use Appropriate Makeup
Mineral makeup wins brownie points for covering blotchy skin. This new beauty trend is touted to be beneficial for the skin. Quite a few dermatologists advocate use of this makeup on a wide range of skin problems, including eczema and rosacea. The makeup foundation is free from chemical dyes, fragrances, oils, and any synthetic preservatives. With the absence of these skin irritants, applying mineral makeup on blotchy skin is certainly not a cause for concern.

Mineral makeup contains natural ingredients that not only conceal those skin imperfections, but also protect the skin from the sun. People with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin can also use this makeup without worrying about any reaction. The mineral makeup foundation has an amazing coverage that provides a natural, smooth finish, helping you to conceal redness and other flaws associated with blotchy skin. This oil-free makeup foundation is so lightweight that you feel as if no makeup has been put on.

Take Your Time
Don’t be in a hurry to wear your makeup. Applying it somehow, in a haphazard manner will not do any justice in covering your blotchy skin. So, despite having correct makeup products for your skin type, you won’t see any results, if you are not applying it properly. Applying the makeup evenly, is the key to hide the blotches and look beautiful.

Don’t Overdo Makeup
Yes, it is necessary to cover those blemishes, but that does not mean excessive use of makeup. Heavy makeup will give an impression that you have painted your face. It will give you a tacky look, which is certainly unacceptable. Moreover, it can actually irritate the skin, which may discourage you from wearing makeup in the future. Also, the visibility of blemishes may increase by putting more makeup. So, using any cosmetic product excessively is a strict no-no, when you want to even out blotchy skin.