The information contained on this web blog are the sole opinions of The Mineral Makeup Coach and PRIIA Cosmetics and is intended for educational purposes only. No information should be construed as a substitute for professional medical care and advice. No advice or products discussed here are intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure disease.
Copyright
Any and all information contained here is considered the intellectual property of PRIIA Cosmetics and Kelley Maddison. If you would like reprint any information (with exception of photography) or use any information (with exception of photography) on another web site, blog, or other form of media you must include the following: Copyright 2008 PRIIA Cosmetics/Kelley Maddison. Original post found at www.priia.typepad.com. Used with permission from PRIIA Cosmetics/Kelley Maddison.
This past weekend was one of the toughest weekends I've had in a long time. My beautiful tuxedo cat, Bubba, passed away. My heart is broken into a thousand pieces and will never be the same again.
We adopted Bubba in October of 2010 after I separated from my husband and moved out of my marital home. I wanted a mellow, fat, lazy cat for my daughter to make the transition a little easier. Not only did I get what I asked for, I also received the unconditional love of this unique cat who bonded with me very quickly. He followed me everywhere. He would 'talk' up a storm everyday. He greeted people when they came to the door. He would sit on the couch with me and wrap his arms around my neck and fall asleep. I have NEVER seen a cat act like Bubba did. My boyfriend affectionately called him "a dog in a fat-cat suit".
Over time, I began noticing that he was throwing up a few times a month. Then it turned into a few times a
week which then became a daily occurence. Our vet diagnosed him with IBD- inflammatory bowel disease. I began researching this condition and learned that he needed to be on a 'grain-free' diet. I switched his food completely. I bought only natural and holistic grain-free food and treats fo Bubba, as well as enzymes and probiotics. He seemed to be doing better at first. However, I began to notice he was losing weight. Over the course of a month, he lost 4 pounds. He stopped cleaning himself and started to become withdrawn. I took him back to the vet for an ultrasound and a biopsy. The results came back as stomach cancer. At this point, everything went downhill. He stopped eating and drinking. I was giving him water with a syringe. He had thrown up blood. I knew that I was going to have to make a very difficult decision. He was in pain and suffering. On May 5th 2013, Bubba passed away peacefully in my arms. I held him and snuggled him and told him that I will one day see him again.
I dedicate the Rainbow Bridge poem to my little buddy, Bubba. He left his paw print on my heart and I will never be the same without him. I love and miss you Bubba. The joy you brought into our lives cannot be measured.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
As the seasons begin to change, you may notice that your skin starts to change aswell. This is the time to re-evaluate the products you’re currently using and consider switching things up a bit.
What you first need to understand is that your SKIN TYPE isn’t changing; it’s simply a SKIN CONDITION your dealing with. For example, you may feel drier in colder months, oilier in the warm months and experience breakouts intermittently over the course of the year. These are skin conditions and can be easily dealt with when you first understand your skin type.
Let’s review:
Oily/Acne Skin: Occasional to frequent breakouts, congested skin and papules, pustules and comedones. Pores are enlarged & visible. You’re likely to have oily shine all over the face and within 1-3 hrs of cleansing.
Combination Skin: Oiliness is usually contained to the T-zone. Pores are visible in the T-zone. You may have occasional breakouts and skin congestion in this area. Other areas of the face can be normal to dry. Oily shine can be seen within 4-6 hrs of cleansing.
Dry Skin: Skin may feel tight and itchy. Flakes of skin are usually visible but pores are not. Breakouts are rare. Congestion may only be confined to the nose if at all.
Normal Skin: Breakouts are very rare and the skin’s surface is even and smooth. There’s typically not a denotation of either dryness or oiliness.
Here are some typical skin conditions and how to deal with them:
Dehydrated & Dull Skin: Add a hydrating serum to your routine. Look for ones that contain Hyaluronic Acid. It’s not an acid at all but is one of the most hydrating ingredients you can use on your skin. It holds 1000x’s its weight in water!
Breakouts: Use products that will dissolve excess sebum (salicylic acid) and oxygenating/antibacterial products to kill acne-causing bacteria. Be cautious though as these types of products can dry out the skin. Use an oil-free moisturizer. My best suggestion for those who have acne would be to seek the help of an acne expert. These professionals have specific training in how to successfully get your skin clear.
Dry Flakey Skin: Use a moisturizing exfoliant such as lactic acid to get rid of visible flakey skin and then follow up with an emollient moisturizer.
Red, Sensitive Skin: Use gentle products designed to soothe and calm. Make a homemade mask using colloidal oatmeal and milk (or distilled water). Use 1-2x’s per week followed by a moisturizer.
All skin types should avoid using hot water to wash the face because it can cause excessive dryness. Use tepid water only and be gentle. The goal to maintaining healthy skin is keeping it balanced no matter what condition your skin is facing.
Welcome to Part 3 of my three part series called "The Fortune is in the Face". Todays lesson is all about using advanced mineral makeup techniques to enhance your lips to achieve the perfect pout. Enjoy!
LIPS:
The lip shape determines how to correct the shape of the lips using a lip liner pencil. When in doubt, always use a lip-colored or neutral lip liner.
Always start with a fresh BLANK canvas! Apply foundation and powder over the lips. Next, determine the lip shape and make any corrections if necessary.
Down-turned lips: Slightly round off the edges of the lips with liner.
Uneven lips: One lip is usually more full than the other. Decide which lip you want to correct; make one more full or less full.
Flat lips: There is no ‘pucker’ to the mouth from a side profile angle. Use lip-colored liner and light colored lipstick or light reflective gloss on the entire lip area.
Small/thin: Slightly overdraw the natural lip line and use a light colored lipstick or light reflective gloss on the entire lip area. Avoid dark, matte colors. It's NOT true that women over a certain age should avoid darker lip colors. It has more to do with the SIZE of your lips.
Large/full: Slightly under draw the lip line. With full lips it’s OK to use deeper colors and matte or satin lip formulas.
*TIP: To create a dramatic pucker, don’t fill in the center portion of the lips with liner. Apply lipstick or gloss as usual and then top off the center portion of the lips with a shimmer gloss.
*TIP: Apply lipstick or lip gloss with a lip brush. This helps the lip color last longer because a brush helps deposit color into the small indentations of the lips.
Rule of Thumb: Always make sure the lips are exfoliated and hydrated properly!
In need of some great lippie products for achieving the perfect pout? Look no further! Whether your a gloss gal or a lipstick lady, PRIIA Cosmetics has got you covered! Check out our About2Pout Natural Lip Glossand our Pucker Upz Lip Infusion Natural Lipstick. Your lips never had it so good!
Welcome to Part 2 of my three part series called "The Fortune is in the Face". Todays lesson is all about using advanced mineral makeup techniques to enhance your beautiful peepers. Enjoy!
Eyes:
I believe ANYONE can wear ANY color! There is no right or wrong per se when choosing colors for the eyes! It’s more about the shape of the eye and where to apply highlights, midtones and accents. If you’re very unsure as to which colors to choose, choose neutral colors based on your skin tone or refer back to the color wheel and choose colors that are complimentary to the eye color.
Best Types of Eye Shadow to Use:
Matte or Satin. Shimmers/Glitters/Frosts should be used sparingly unless creating a dramatic effect or doing teen makeup. Satin shadows work best for highlighting and accenting. Matte shadows work well as midtones.
Eye Lateral Position: Determines how to apply the eye liner.
Close-set: The space between the hairline and the eye is GREATER than the space between the eyes. Liner should be applied half way (pupil) outward to the edge of the eye.
Wide-set: The space between the hairline and the eye is LESS than the space between the eyes. Liner should be applied all the way across the eye from inner corner to outer edge.
Eye Shapes: Basic (average), Close-set, Wide-set, Prominent (bulging), Hooded (naturally or from age), Deep-set, Down-turned.
For Down-turned or “droopy” eyes: Similar application to ‘Average Eyes’ except make sure the accent color starts slightly inward from the outside corner of the eye.
Concealing Dark Circles & Under Eye Puffiness:
Use a salmon-colored (NOT yellow) concealer to conceal dark circles as this will neutralize blue/purple/red discolorations. For puffiness, ONLY conceal the shadow the raised/puffy area creates- not the actual ‘puffed’ area. By concealing only the shadowed area, it helps to make the raised area appear flat and even with the rest of the face. In need of a great salmon-colored under eye concealer? Look no further! Give PRIIA's Mineral Under Eye Concealer a try! It's the best thing since sliced bread!
Welcome to a 3-part tutorial on advanced mineral makeup techniques! This 3-part series is entitled "The Fortune is in The Face" and it will help you solve 3 areas of concern for women: Face, Eyes & Lips. Enjoy!
There are 9 basic facial shapes: Round, Square, Heart, Pear/Triangle, Oblong, Rectangle, Diamond, Inverted Triangle, Oval.
An oval-shaped face is considered the perfect facial shape. It’s easy to achieve an oval-shaped face with nothing more than foundation and powder.
Sculpting the Face to Perfection:
The following technique will add color, warmth and life to EVERY face. The subtle effect of facial sculpting can also add a youthful glow to your complexion and make fuller faces appear much slimmer and younger.
Basic facial “sculpting” involves highlighting and contouring the face. Highlighting or lightening brings everything forward. Contouring or darkening/deepening makes everything recede.
Through facial sculpting, we pull forward the area of the face we want to see (the oval area) and push back the areas we don’t want to see.
What you need to start: 3 shades of foundation or powder (highlight powder and bronzers) in 3 different DEPTH levels.
Second choice is your HIGHLIGHT color. This color should be one level LIGHTER than your first color; preferably with the same undertone. (Your choice would be Neutral Ivory Foundation)
Third choice is your CONTOUR shade. It should be one level DEEPER; preferably with the same undertone. Here’s where you can use matte bronzers if you choose. DO NOT USE BLUSH TO CONTOUR. (You could use Neutral Tan Foundation)
To begin sculpting:
Apply the first color (true foundation color) in a light layer all over the face. Visualize an OVAL on your face. The width of the oval is your eye sockets; the height and length of the oval extends from the tip ofyour forehead to the tip of your chin. The reason behind envisioning an oval is to help see where to highlight and contour.
Next, apply your second color (highlight color) to the high points inside the oval. These include: forehead, under the eyes at the top of your cheekbones (zygomatic arch), and the tip of the chin.
Finally, apply your third color (contour color) to the areas OUTSIDE of the oval such as temples, along the hairline and sides of the cheeks down to the jaw. Finish off the look with a light dusting of powder in either translucent or one that matches the true skin tone.
*TIP: If you want more of a dramatic appearance (i.e. special events, photo shoots, etc.), then choose a more dramatic contrast between the 3 shade choices. Just remember, the more dramatic your color choices, the more carefully and thoroughly you’ll need to blend the shades together.
Rule of Thumb: With ivory/beige skin tones, you will CONTOUR more than you highlight. With bronze/ebony skin, you will HIGHLIGHT more than you contour.
Was this post helpful to you? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you.
On March 11th 2013, PRIIA Cosmetics released updated formulas for two of its best selling products. One of them was our oil-control powder known as HydraPrime. The new formula now contains Japanese Green Tea Extract.
Since the release of PRIIA’s two updated formulas, I’ve been made aware of recent various web articles and blog posts written by so-called self-proclaimed“skin care experts” and beauty “gurus” that are intent on disproving thebenefits of using botanicals and extracts in mineral makeup. Do I think these articles written AFTER the debut of PRIIA's reformulated products are a coincidence? No, I do not. Actually, I find them to be almost a personal attack of sorts on my company, my integrity, skin care knowledge and formulating expertise.
In a nutshell, these articles and posts are claiming that companies (such as PRIIA) who are using botanicals and extracts like Japanese Green Tea, are out to fool or “dupe” the customer and that formulas (such as HydraPrime) are simply nothing more than marketing ‘puffery’ and gimmicks.
First, I’d like to point out that the individuals who are writing these posts and articles have no formal training, licensure, degree or background in the arenas of cosmetic chemistry, esthetics or skin histology. Unlike a licensed skin care professional or cosmetic chemist, their knowledge is extremely limited and relies vastly on simply ‘googling’ information. Anyone can write a beauty article and anyone can buy a book or watch a YouTube video on how to make mineral makeup. It certainly doesn’t take a genius to do this.
I have had the honor and pleasure to be able to work with some of the esthetic industry’s top skin care professionals and cosmetic chemists and formulators. With their guidance, I’ve been able to formulate a line of natural mineral cosmetics that I am proud of beyond words. I stand behind each and every formula I create and manufacture. Any of our products, such as HydraPrime, that contain botanicals and extracts are formulated in such a manner in order to protect and preserve the botanical’s and/or extract’s efficacy. Through a propriety encapsulation process (akin to liposome technology), we can ensure our botanicals and extracts don’t degrade in a short period of time without having to use preservative systems such as parabens. If adding botanicals and extracts to formulas were as easy as just dumping some raw ingredients into powdered makeup and giving it a stir, then everybody would be doing it. Well, it’s not that easy and everybody is NOT doing it. The process of properly incorporating actives into a formula is actually quite complicated and delicate.
Another point I feel worth mentioning is the percentages of botanicals and extracts used within formulas. Some of these recent articles and posts purport that if a botanical and/or extract is listed near the bottom of the ingredient deck, it is essentially rendered ineffective in a formula. PRIIA’s ingredient decks are always listed in order of predominance. This means ingredients listed at the top of the deck are in the highest percentage within a formula and ingredients listed toward the bottom are at the lowest percentage within a formula. The TYPE of botanical or extract determines where it must be placed within our formulas. For example, our Japanese Green Tea and our Allantoin (derived from the Comfrey plant) CANNOT be used at more than 2% in any given formula otherwise the potential for skin irritation can occur due to their potency. In simple terms, this means if the total formula batch is 100 grams, these ingredients cannot consist of more than 2 grams (2%) in the formula’s entirety. By no means does this indicate that the ingredient is ineffective. We are simply following the recommend and SAFE usage rates. However, there are certain ingredients, such as in the case of peptides, where they are being used in very small percentages in an overall formula. I see this in OTC beauty products all of the time- the peptides are listed at the BOTTOM of the ingredient deck when they should be much closer to the top. In this scenario, the peptide would be ineffective at such a small percentage. Ingredients like peptides need to be higher up on the ingredient deck in order to do their job. One such company who utilizes peptides in the manner in which they were intended is: IMAGE Skin Care. It’s a professional skin care line and can only be dispensed by an MD or other licensed skin care professional. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them for over 7 years.
I’ve always come from the mindset that they are plenty of customers to go around. I don’t feel the need to bash or question other companies who are formulating exciting and innovative products in order to try and gain more support for my own company. My products speak for themselves. Is PRIIA right for EVERYONE? No, and I’m OK with that fact. Some customers will choose PRIIA and some won’t. Whether you are or aren’t a PRIIA customer, you can be assured that the products we manufacture are made with the highest quality ingredients as well as the highest integrity and formulating standards. :-)
Proper exfoliation is the key to achieving beautiful, healthy-looking skin. It smoothes the skin's surface while preparing it to fully receive any nutrients you apply to it. Without exfoliation, the skin tends to appear dry, dull and lifeless.
The question a lot of people ask is, "I have sensitive skin- can I or should I exfoliate?" The answer is a resounding YES.
The trick to exfoliating sensitive skin is to use a modality that won't cause any inflammation or further sensitivities. Most acid-based exfoliation methods (i.e. chemical peels) and microdermabrasion are a NO NO for those with sensitive skin, rosacea and eczema-prone skin. If the skin is thin and delicate, a gentle method of exfoliation is preferred. Fragile and damaged skin means that cellular turnover slows down- a lot. When this happens, dead skin cells build up quickly making the skin appear dull and act sluggish. Plus, no products can penetrate properly through layers of dead skin cell buildup and your makeup will not apply smooth and flawless.
So, this leads up to what should be used to exfoliate sensitive skin. First and foremost, remember to be GENTLE. Always look for products that contain spherical beeds (such as jojoba spheres) or are made of a very fine powder. For dry sensitive skin, choose powders such as rice powder or yogurt powder. If you have oily skin that is sensitive, go for kaolin, rose or glacial clays. They provide a microfine exfoliation while absorbing excess oil at the same time. Stay away from any type of 'scrubs' or powders that contain particles that have jagged edges to them. These types of products (i.e. apricot kernels, walnut shells, etc.) can cause micro-tears in the skin which leads to further inflammation.
It's always best to seek the advice of a licensed skin care professional but if you don't have the time or the funds, you can do at-home treatments. Any of the ingredients I mentioned above can be found online and/or at your local health food store. You can mix them with plain distilled water, honey or milk/cream. Honey is best for oilier skin types while milk is best for those who are more to the drier side. After cleansing your skin, simply make a paste with the suggested ingredients for your skin type and apply to your face and neck. Massage gently (avoiding the immediate eye area) for about a minute and rinse off with tepid water. Follow with your favorite serum or moisturizer. You should do this 1 to 2 times per week in the evening- leaving at least 2-3 days in between treatments. So, a good schedule might be to do this on a Wednesday and Sunday evening before bed.
If you're consistent with this routine, you will see a noticeable difference in the way your skin looks and behaves. Of course, if you experience any irritation with the above mentioned suggestions, stop what you're doing and seek medical advice if necessary.
Today PRIIA Cosmetics released 2 of its best-selling products with updated formulations: HydraPrime Oil-Control Powder and Creamy Under Eye Concealer!
Here's why I'm so excited about these updated formulas...
HydraPrime has been reformulated and now contains Japanese Green Tea Leaf Extract. The potent antioxidant and anti-aging properties of Green Tea are a perfect addition to this fabulous face powder. Also, HydraPrime is nearly 100% translucent now, so even deep skin tones can wear this product without worrying about looking 'ashen'. It still has the same amazing oil-control properties that clients have come to love but now it simply has more beneficial ingredients for your overall complexion. It can be worn as a primer AND a finishing powder. It also works wonders for those who have problems with their eye shadows creasing. Simply apply your foundation onto your lids, then apply a small amount of HydraPrime on top and you've got a perfect 'canvas' for layering your favorite shadows and keeping them in place all day (or night) long! If you're an oily-skinned gal (like me), give HydraPrime a try. Your skin will thank you!
Next, our best-selling Creamy Under Eye Concealer has been reformulated to contain not
one, but TWO amazing extracts: Cucumber Extract and Licorice Root Extract! Cucumber extract is well-known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties and Licorice Root works on lightening and brightening while also decongesting dilated capillaries. Both of these wonderful extracts work synergistically to aid in healing and to help keep the skin even-toned and soothed. Our Under Eye Concealer has been a best-seller ever since we launched it in March 2009. We make and sell so much of this product, I have
sometimes wondered if women are eating this stuff! (please don't eat it- it's made for external use only). ;-)
So, if you've got oily skin or dark under eye circles or both (like me...again) - now you have to 2 products to add to your makeup arsenal. You can find them at www.priia.com . Oh, FYI- both of these products are 100% Gluten Free!
You’re getting ready to go out for a night on the town when you discover a large, red pimple smack in the middle of your nose. You frantically search your makeup bag for your handy-dandy PRIIA face concealer only to realize you’re all out. All you have is your PRIIA Essential Cover Loose Mineral Foundation. What’s a girl to do???
Have No Fear- The Mineral Makeup Coach is Here!
First, take a deep breath (just not over your opened jar of loose minerals, please). All you need for this seemingly impossible task is your PRIIA loose mineral foundation. Say what??? Yes, you heard that right and here's your step-by-step instructions...
Do your normal foundation application with our skin-loving flat top foundation brush. Wait a few seconds to let the minerals begin to work with your skin’s own natural chemistry. Next, take our taklon concealer brush and gently dip it into your Essential Cover loose mineral foundation. Make sure to really work the minerals into the brush. Take your concealer brush and gently pat it onto the problem area until it’s completely covered. Don't swipe it on and don’t stray too far “outside the lines”. Make sure to blend any obvious edges. You can ‘set’ this concealer trick with some HydraPrime or Behave Finishing Powder using the same concealer brush or clean fingers.
Voila! Your problem is GONE- at least visually it is.
You see, covering up a raised area of skin such as in the case of a blemish or keloid-type scar, can be difficult. The reason being is that the pore or pores are stretched making it sometimes tricky to cover them successfully with a cream-based product. It just seems to slide around and not 'stick'. Our Essential Cover Loose Mineral Foundation is made to adhere to the skin and that’s why this trick works so well.
Another added benefit to using your PRIIA loose mineral foundation to cover these types of problems is that you will have an EXACT match to the rest of your face. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen botched concealer jobs on women. They either choose a concealer that is too light or too dark for their skin tone. In either case, the problem they are trying to cover up is only made MORE noticeable. Don’t make this mistake. You’ll only having people staring at you funny. Trust me on this.
So there you have it. Another makeup emergency solved. If you haven’t tried PRIIA’s fabulous products, what are you waiting for? Get on over to www.priia.com and get yourself some samples. You can thank me later.
You would probably think so since I haven't done a post in almost a year! My bad!
However, the answer is a resounding NO. This blog isn't dead ... just dormant. PRIIA Cosmetics has grown by leaps and bounds; so much so that it takes up nearly all of my time. The good news is I have new people coming on board to help manage my company and hopefully alleviate some responsibilities from my shoulders. This means a little free time will be available to share more of my knowledge and expertise with my readers.
What I would like to know is:
1) Are YOU still interested in learning about makeup, beauty, skin care, etc.?
2) If you are, what topics would you like me to talk about? How can I help YOU?
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