Preventative Maintenence: Does it Help?

We all see the ads on television all of the time: wrinkle repair, intense moisture renewal, plumping, firming, tightening...the list goes on for ages.
But for those of us that feel that we don't have these problems with our skin (yet, at least), should we start using these products to prevent said things from happening all together?
Let's get glowing!

The good thing about these anti-aging products is that they usually contain many anti-oxidants that promote cell-turnover. What happens during cell turnover? It's the replacement of old cells with brand new ones. Therefore, the product you're slathering all over your face aids in the production of new and improved skin cells. These cells make you look younger, because they themselves are younger!

Some ingredients that aid in cell turnover include: vitamin C (you can take a gel capsule and break it open and put it directly on the skin. They also sell vitamin C sticks in most drug/beauty stores for relatively inexpensive prices), alpha lipoic acid, and retinoid. Retinoid is a strong ingredient found in many anti-aging products (we hear things like retinol or retin-A, etc.). The issue with retinol, is you need to limit your sun exposure while it is on your skin, or it can damage skin cells. However, it has been found to almost clear age spots, in certain cases.

Then we hear of those firming and plumping ingredients:
Emollients/Humectants: what these do is actually what a moisturizer should be doing. Moisture on the skin's surface will be drawn further into the layers of the skin, creating a plumped effect because the skin is being plumped with this moisture. Very good for your skin!

Alpha Hydroxy Acids: We hear of these acids in things like glycolic peels. They are typically used to slough away dead skin cells and make room for new ones without clogging pores. They essentially dissolve the dead ones! According to a study done at the University of Maryland that I found on the livestrong.com website, alpha hydroxy acids were found to actually promote the production of collagen and elasticity in the skin which in the long run, helps firm it.

Hyaluronic Acid: This stuff can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water! Can you imagine the plumping effect that has on the skin?! Not only that, but your cells are being saturated with moisture that they were lacking, which can end up helping them out in the long-run. These have been specifically recommended for the eye area, however it can be used everywhere.

Peptides: Many of us have heard of these in those anti-wrinkle products. That's because they aid in the production of collagen, which makes the skin appear firmer and more taut. With extended use, these can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, or just make your skin look tighter and not so "saggy" (even though no matter what, your skin is beautiful!)

So with that, should we young people use these products before we even start seeing any of these symptoms of "aging"? 
(I say "aging" because no matter what, there are things that are going to happen to the skin that are unavoidable, and these things can happen at any time and at any age. I do not necessarily like the idea that the industry of anti-aging products making it seem like these products are only for "older" women, everyone has concerns!)
The good news is that if you would like to, there's no reason not to! These are more of a "cure" and not so much being pro-active rather than reactive, but the moisture content in many of these products is actually wonderful for the skin, especially around the very, very delicate eye area. The more moisture in your skin, the better! It's the largest organ you have, and if your insides need to be hydrated, why wouldn't you hydrate the external parts too, right?

Alright, beauties! I hope this was helpful for those of you that would like to "fix" those "imperfections" (because we're all fabulous no matter what age, how we look...), or just prevent them! See you next time, and thank you for reading!

What's Your Feel-Good Makeup Product?

There are lots of things out there that make people happy. Chocolate, six inch heels, movie-theater popcorn buttered halfway through...(or maybe that's just me!)
But when it comes to looking fabulous, even in the worst of times, everyone has a little tool to pick them up, right?
Let's get glowing!
When I think of "feel-good makeup product", I think of my MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Prolong. It's a true red color, and there's nothing that makes me feel more fabulous than a nice red lip! As long as I apply it in such a way that it doesn't get on my teeth and doesn't feather (that's what lipliner is for, people!), it makes me feel absolutely gorgeous. 
Want to know why? Red is a color typically associated with beauty, passion, and danger. This color in our minds, and the minds of men, means the same. When you wear a red lip, your brain flips a switch that basically says "I'm fabulous and I know it."
And with that, you'll probably end up smiling a little more, which is great for you if you're wearing the right red shade! A shade of red lipstick with a blue undertone, it's actually proven to make your teeth look whiter.
It's a confidence boost for sure; that red lip just screams "look at me! I know I'm fabulous, even if I don't feel like it!"

Another makeup product that will make you feel great in an instant: mascara!
One of the most basic makeup products you can have. The right one can actually boost your mood in a similar way to that red lip, just much more subtly.
An eyelash curler is also ideal, however if you're out and can't get your hands on one, that's perfectly fine. All you need to do is swipe on your mascara, and you'll look more awake, your eyes will look more defined, and you're wearing the ultimate no-makeup-makeup! With longer, thicker, more defined lashes, who wouldn't feel good? And all you need is the tube and a compact mirror and you're all set.

Thanks for reading, beauties! I know it's been a while!
Give me some inspiration for what to write about next, I'd love to hear what you'd love to hear about! And leave a comment letting me know what your favorite makeup product is and why, I'd love to do some tests for myself, and we'll see if anyone else has the same answers.