Author: Cybil Solyn

I'm a skin fitness guru who has a passion for reading, travel, and musicals.

The Importance of SPF

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen, but which SPF is best? A walk through the sunscreen aisle reveals dozens of options, with varying SPFs. The highest SPF protect is 100, but does that make it the best? It’s just one of the many questions consumers have when it comes to the dizzying array of sunscreens. Check out these frequently asked questions to learn more.

What does SPF measure?
SPF, or sun protection factor, measures the product’s ability to block the sun’s UVB rays. Those rays can turn your skin into a fiery-red hide. It does not take into account UVA rays, which can damage skin and lead to certain kinds of cancer.

Does SPF 100 offer the best protection?
People assume the higher the SPF, the better the protection. Sunscreen with SPF 50 offers twice the protection of SPF 25, right? Wrong. Sunscreen with SPF 15 blocks 94 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent, SPF 50 blocks 98 percent and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent. Yes, SPF 100 offers the highest protection, but it’s not significantly more than its double-digit competitors. Anything higher than 15 or 30 SPF needs chemicals to make it work which can cause allergic reactions and is often what most people hate about the “gross feel” of sunscreen. Plus, doctors fear consumers who buy products with SPF 100 apply it less, making it less effective than other options. No matter what the SPF, you should apply sunscreen every two hours and as soon as you get out of the water.

When do I need SPF?
Whether it is a day at the pool, walking from your car to the mall, or an afternoon walk in the park, make sure that you are arming yourself with sun protection so that you can enjoy many sunny days ahead. It’s also good to remember that you can burn in the shade. UVA rays penetrate in the shade, through windows, and even through many fabrics. If you’re going to be outside a lot look into SPF clothing and be sure you wear your SPF every day!

What to look for?
Rather than focusing on the SPF number, look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with as little chemical as possible. You want the first ingredients to be Zinc or Titanium Dioxide. These will protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offering full protection without chemical. Sometimes a chemical SPF is needed for extra sticking power during sweating or water activities. In these cases aim for something that still uses Zinc and Titanium Dioxide but also with a little chemical. The jury is still out of most of these, but the least disturbing to me is Octinoxate. It doesn’t clog and has a very low allergy report.

Need To Have Makeup Tools

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Makeup

When it comes to makeup, tools and compacts can add up. Let’s face it; there are a ton of useless do-dads that help apply makeup. Which ones are actually useful and worth splurging on? Here’s a list of the top four makeup tools you should have:

Eyelash curler
For eye-catching lashes, you’ll need a curler. While you can buy a cheap curler at any department store, there are other options that last a bit longer. The award winning Kevyn Acuoin lasher curler is my favorite non heated curler. The patented red pad helps you see where your lashes are laying before you curl. The silicone material is also long lasting and replaced easily with an email to the company.

Tweezers
This multi-purpose tool is a must-have. Your tweezers can remove stray hairs from your face. They’ll be put to good use on your eyebrows, as stray hairs appear in between waxing appointments. Pick a metal pair with a slanted head for the best results. Many have free sharpening too which is great since once they get dull they start breaking hairs more than tweezing them.

Foundation Brush
If you’re applying a cream or liquid foundation, primer, or even a tinted moisturizer a large Foundation Brush is your ticket to smooth success. Get one that isn’t too fat and has pointed tips so you can really get product into the pores.

Eye shadow applicator
Yes, you can use your finger to apply eye shadow, but an eye shadow brush is better. A brush allows for sharper edges and a cleaner look. The small applicator that comes with most eye shadow compacts will work, but a bigger brush, the size of your eyelid below the crease, is often more helpful.

As always, I can guide your makeup decisions. From tools to application tips and tricks, I am up-to-date on the latest makeup trends. Book a Makeup Consult today!

Don’t Bother Blemishes With Bad Products

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

I know you’ve heard it a million times, SPF is important and should be worn everyday. But many people with oily or sensitive skin are prone to breakouts when using over the counter SPF’s. The thing is, a good SPF will keep you protected and clear. You just have to know how to pick one and apply it. Here are a few sunscreen tips:

Mineral Makeup
If you plan to spend time outside skip heavy makeup and use a mineral based makeup like Jane Iredale. You’ll get your SPF protection and look good while doing it.

Broad spectrum sunscreen is best
For the best protection, go for a broad spectrum brand. I always recommend Titanium Dioxide and Zinc as the primary ingredients. Remember to reapply every few hours. You’ll also want to make sure you pick up a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to 40. Anything over 40 is really not necessary and isn’t worth the added chemicals on your skin for the slight increase in protection.

Avoid added fragrance
Some sunscreens contain dyes or perfumes to make the product look and smell more appealing. Leave the scented sunscreens on the shelf and opt for a product that’s perfume and dye free.

Pick an SPF you love
If you don’t love it, you won’t wear it so choose something you like. I carry eight different SPF options because everyone has different preferences.

Don’t let the sun hinder your radiant look, just prepare for it. Spend some time selecting the right sunscreen to make sure you’re covered for both sun protection and acne prevention.

How to Harmonize Your Facial Features

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Makeup

The textbook idea of beauty is all about the harmony of our facial features. They must be symmetrical, balanced and proportionate to each other. Following this idea of beauty means that the most beautiful person in the world would have to have features that aren’t too big or too small, too far apart or too close together, too protruding or too deep-set. Basically this person would have to be perfect and let’s face it, nobody’s perfect but we’re all beautiful.

When it comes to big eyes versus small eyes, often times people experience this feeling of “The grass is greener on the other side.” But the truth is both are beautiful and enhancing your natural beauty is just a matter of knowing how to make your eyes look more proportionate to the rest of your features. Here are a few tips to help you out.

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Big Eyes:

  • Elongate eyes by applying eye liner along the top lashes and flicking it up at the outer corners, creating the Cat Eye look.
  • Thick strokes of eye liner will make your eyes appear more proportionate.
  • Avoid shimmery eye shadows, because they make big eyes appear abnormally large. Instead, use matte eye shadows and line your lower waterlines.
  • Make sure to highlight the inner corners of your eyes and brow bones with light shades of matte eye shadows.
  • Apply mascara on both the upper and lower lashes.

Small Eyes:

  • Use shimmery eye shadows, because they will help reflect light and make eyes appear bigger.
  • Highlight your brown bones and the inner corners of your eyes with a light matte or shimmery eye shadow to make eyes look more open.
  • The Cat Eye look is great for small eyes. Just make sure to use thin strokes of eye liner rather than thick stokes, or else your eyes will appear even smaller.
  • Avoid dark eye shadows. They’ll close up your eyes and make them appear itty-bitty.
  • Line your lower waterlines with a white or nude eye liner to make eyes appear bigger and more open.
  • Curl lashes and apply two coats of mascara for that extra oomph.

These are only a few suggestions to help you bring balance and harmony to your features. Experiment, try different techniques and decide which work best for your features. Who cares what the textbook says about beauty? As long as you feel beautiful, that’s all that matters. If you’d like to learn more about how to enhance your unique features, make an appointment with us today.

Drink More Water

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Wellness

You’ve heard since childhood that drinking water is good for you. The benefits of taking in some H20 include preventing dehydration and keeping body fluids maintained. But that glass of water you drank at lunch is doing much more than that. Most people don’t know about all the benefits of water. Check out these little-known facts:

Water helps with weight loss
Picking water over a sugary soda will help you drop some unwanted pounds. Plus, water makes you feel full, so you’re less likely to snack if you keep your body hydrated.

Water keeps your muscles in check
Water has a way of revitalizing your muscles. When your body is deprived of water, your electrolytes shrink and your body is forced to borrow nutrients from cells around your muscles. That process leads to muscle fatigue and weakness.

Water keeps wrinkles away
Drinking a bottle of water a day won’t erase wrinkles, but by keeping your skin hydrated it’s less likely to dry out and sag. Water also helps bring out the natural glow in your skin, which means a healthier complexion.

How much water?

A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight, divide it in half, and that’s how many ounces to aim for in a day. BUT remember that consuming that water needs to be slow and steady throughout the day. Chugging 20oz in 5 minutes isn’t going to let your organs process. Imagine the rain in Los Angeles just flooding the streets. That’s what too much water at once does. But water a little here, and a little there, and suddenly you have a watered lawn.

Water in your foods
The good news is you don’t have to drink bottles upon bottles of water everyday. A lot of the food you consume, especially fruits and vegetables, are a good source of water too.

Less is More this Spring

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Makeup

With daylight saving time upon us, warmer weather is just on the horizon and it’s time to freshen up our sense of style. Spring is all about flaunting your natural beauty and putting a fresh-face forward. Follow the directions below to create your fresh, flawless look:

  • Prep skin for a smooth makeup application with a good facial primer like one of Jane Iredale’s Smooth Affair products, Absence, or Bioelements Stress Solution.
  • Instead of using a foundation, opt for a tinted moisturizer like Jane Iredale’s Dream Tint with an SPF of 15 or higher. Tinted moisturizers are fast to put on and give a dewy finish. If you use Jane Iredale you can even turn your pressed powder into a daily tinted moisturizer.
  • Create a soft wash of cheek color with a cream to powder blush. Use circular strokes starting from the apples of the cheeks, along the cheekbones and towards the temples. A cream to powder goes on creamy but sets as a soft powder making a glowing soft look.

Now that you’ve enhanced your natural beauty, it’s time to compliment your fresh-face look with a modern nude eye. The modern nude eye is all about tight liner and lush lashes. Create the modern nude eye by following the directions below.

  • Prep lids with an eye shadow primer and simply sweep a light, neutral shade of eye shadow all over lids.
  • Optional: Use eye liner and sweep along the upper lash line.
  • Finish the look by applying two coats of black or espresso mascara.

This fresh look will have you radiating with a natural glow. Continue to carry the natural look forward with either a nude lip gloss or a light pink lip color. Full of versatility, this look can be worn to the office, on a date or even to a pool party.

 

How to Find the Right Foundation

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Makeup

The right foundation is key to your overall look. If your foundation is the wrong shade or looks blotchy, it can drastically change your image. To find a foundation that looks natural, you’ll want to check out these four tips.

Test Foundation On Your Jaw Line And Neck

Many women rub a little foundation on their hand or arm to test the color, but this isn’t the best way to find the right shade. The best place to test the foundation is on your jawline and neck. Necks tend to be a lighter shade than our face and chest so find a color that blends both well, or make sure to apply some foundation to the neck too.

Check Your Look In Natural Light

You should have natural light while testing out new makeup. Just take a mirror over to a window to get a glimpse of the new look.

Different Season, Different Foundation

One shade doesn’t always fit all. As you get more sun in the summer and less in the winter your base color may change. Be sure to check to make sure your color is right for you through the different seasons.

See A Makeup Specialist For The Best Foundation

When it comes to finding the perfect foundation, department store makeup falls short. It’s not easy for an untrained retail clerk to match your skin tone under the florescent lights of big box stores. Instead, call and make an appointment for a makeup consult. You’ll get the best quality makeup and application tips.

Makeup For Hooded Eye

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in How To, Makeup

Who hasn’t tried to recreate a look in a magazine only to find that your eyes now look itty-bitty or bulging and buggy? That’s because certain makeup techniques work better than others at enhancing your unique characteristics. For instance, there are seven different eye settings: close-set, wide-set, deep-set, prominent, down-turned, hooded and monolid. You can have any one or combination of these settings, but all of them are beautiful — it’s just a matter of knowing how to enhance your unique eye-setting. Today, we’re focusing on how to enhance monolids.

Although this type of eye is common among Asian people, it can be spotted in people of all ethnicities and is characterized by a slight or complete lack of a crease on the eyelid. Sandra Oh, Jenna Ushkowitz and Ming Xi are a few celebrities with this eye type.

Many women with monolid eyes find it difficult to wear makeup and some have given up altogether. Don’t lose hope beautiful. Instead, try faking a crease with these tips:

  • Apply a light shade of eye shadow from lash line to brow bone.
  • Apply a medium or dark shade of eye shadow to the outer corners of your eye and blend along the area that would have a crease, if you had double eyelids.
  • Use a shimmery highlight on the inner corners of your eyes and along the brow bones.
  • Curl lashes and apply a couple coats of mascara to complete the look.

Here is another technique you can try to make your hooded eye aka monolids appear more open:

  • Dust a light shade of eye shadow all over the eye.
  • Apply a medium shade of eye shadow at the crease, blending to the upper outer corners of the eyes. Make sure to blend shadow vertically up, which will help open the eye.
  • If you want to, apply the darkest shade of eye shadow along your creases and hoods. Blend up shadow up, but don’t apply as high as you did with the medium shade.
  • Then apply a thin line of eye liner, tightlining your upper waterlines, before curling your lashes and applying two coats of mascara to the top lashes only. Tightlining your eyes will intensify and enlarge their shape and thicken your lash base, which can vanish under the hood.

Regardless of which technique you use above, another eye look that work fabulous with monolids is the classic cat eye. Now that you have these tips, there’s no reason to fret over your eyes. We have empowered you with the knowledge you need to enhance your beautiful peepers. Now you just have to practice. If you’d like to learn more about how to enhance your unique features, contact us and set up an appointment today.

Exercise and Skin Care

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

By all means, when you’re at the gym, work up a sweat. A solid workout routine will do wonders for your overall health, but it can create a few problems in the skin care department. That sweaty layer you’ve got going on is dropping the pH level of yout skin and creating a breeding ground for congestion and bacteria. Don’t let a little sweat stop you from having radiant skin. Just follow these skin care tips:

Remove the makeup
Ladies, if you’re hitting the gym after work, head to the restroom first and wash the makeup off your face. You can put on a fresh batch if you, like me, don’t like to go out without your second skin on. But even an excellent mineral makeup like Jane Iredale has worked hard all day blotting oil and collecting dirt and debris from getting onto your skin. As soon as you sweat thought, all the stuff on top of the makeup will end up rubbed around your skin and in your pores – eew! If you don’t wear an all mineral makeup then please take it off and keep it off during your workout. The combination of gunky makeup and sweat spells disaster for your skin. Use a basic face wash to remove the makeup from your face.

If you’re working out in the morning, be sure to wash your face and apply a light moisturizer. No need for all your products since you’re going to sweat them off, but a clean face stops the goo you’re face has made overnight from spreading all over the place. The moisturizer protects from dehydration and irritation. Once again an all mineral makeup like Jane Iredale is fine to workout in. But when you’re done rinse it off and reapply. That sweat needs off your face!

Exercise needs a gentle face wash
Don’t have time for a full on wash before working out? Why not use a microfiber cloth like the Magic Mitt from Jane Iredale. It removes all makeup, dirt, and debris (even waterproof mascara!) with some warm water and a few swipes. You can rinse and repeat post workout too, saving yourself product and the potential for over washing the skin. The biggest probelm I see with cleansing before and after a workout is stripping. Too much washing can strip the skin of vital moisture and break down it’s natural protective acid mantle. So be sure that gym bag cleanser is very gentle.

Wash or at least rinse your face immediately
Once you’ve finished your workout wash your face again. Yes, it’s a little repetitive, but it’s the best way to keep your skin clear of sweat-induced bacteria. Your skin is a bit sensitive after working out so be mindful not to apply the heavy duty anti-agers or acids within 20min of a hard, sweaty, exercise session. The same is true for applying product before a workout. Sweats pH can reactivate acids and enzymes making them burn or irritate the skin.

Use a clean towel
Using a clean towel when working out is vital. Rubbing sweat off your face and body with a dirty towel is, well, dirty! And don’t go without one either. Even a clean gym can have some nasty surfaces. What if the lady before you didn’t wipe down those dumbells after picking a rock out of the tread of her shoes? Or that mat you’re lying on had someone’s unwashed hair all over it? Bring a towel and keep it clean.

3 Ways for More Hydrated Skin

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

Dry facial skin is a real problem this time of year, and keeping the skin moist with the proper hydration serums and moisturizer may not be enough. So here are some other things to do to keep your cells hydrated.

Cool down the shower
Hot, steamy showers might feel relaxing, but they wreak havoc on your skin. Hot water dries your skin; so consider taking cooler showers to keep your skin from freaking out.

Use a humidifier
Most heating and cooling systems are pumping and circulating dry air through your house. To battle this problem, consider using a humidifier. Set it up in your living room, or wherever you spend the most time. A humidifier is fairly inexpensive and releases water vapor into the air, which will help keep your skin moist. It’s also great for reducing allergens in the air and keeping a more constant temperature in the home.

Remove dead skin cells
Use a Cactus Cloth for the body and a good digestive enzyme facial exfoliant for the face a couple times a week. This helps your products penetrate the skin better.

Facials and body treatments
The benefits of skin care are amplified when you come in for a monthly dose. Monthly facials and even a body treatment (just a facial for the body really!) allow me to power through the dry and rough so you look your best.