More harm than good...

So here in LA you will see many many things that women try to do to look younger...the most obvious of course being plastic surgery. You will see some good plastic surgery but plenty of bad when you are walking in Beverly Hills. But even if you don't live in LA, you know bad plastic surgery when you see it. It is almost like a bad face lift is screaming at you "I am trying WAY to hard! I know my skin is all stretched and weird but it has technically gotten rid of my wrinkles! Just don't look at my neck because that will give EVERYTHING away!"

Well as sad as it is too see all that money spent unsuccessfully, there are many things that the average gal does to try to make herself look younger that are not as drastic as plastic surgery but can make you look bad and years older than you are. Yesterday I was in a casting office and I saw woman after woman, beautiful to be sure but many doing the worst things they could- techniques and habits that are sabotaging their look. So today, I present you with the cardinal sins of skin care "age" - avoid these habits at all costs- they do nothing but add years to that beautiful face of yours.

1) Using too much "base" makeup

We all wake up some mornings, look in the mirror and say - "where the heck did that wrinkle/line/spot come from?" And then we reach for the concealer, the foundation, the thick tinted cream and try to cover it up. Well next time - stop yourself. If I see one thing over and over again, it is too much make-up sinking into fine lines and swollen pores making them look worse. You all know what I am talking about, the pretty woman who has piled on foundation trying to make her skin look better only to look like she has bad skin but is trying to cover it up with cake.

The solution?

- use a primer...it will fill in any fine lines and make them appear less than they are...then whatever foundation or powder you apply will not sink into your imperfections but mask them as intended

- use the least amount of "base" you can....take care of your skin and you won't have to mask it with heavy foundations....try to do what you can so you aren't layering things over and over on your face...if you can, go with powder or minerals. If you need more? Work your way up...try tinted moisturizer, if that doesn't work, thin foundation and so on...

2) Neglecting moisture

Just like foundations will sink into fine lines and make them worse, if your skin is dehydrated- everything will show. Imagine your skin in the morning after a bad night of drinking - tired, saggy and full of lines. The same thing will happen if you do not moisturize properly and if you do not drink enough water. Whenever people start to drink the amount of water that everyone says you should their skin improves.

So?

- use a moisturizer that has sunscreen and is intense enough for your skin

- drink your 8 glasses of water a day (at least)

- if you still are having dryness, cut back on caffeine- limit coffee and soda and see the improvement

3) The wrong colors

Ever notice how whenever a star has a bad red carpet look there is always something off about the colors on their skin? When Charlize Theron won her Oscar - her dress was killer but her skin was orange and she looked OLD. Other good examples of this - your elderly neighbor with the bright coral lipstick or the current look that Jenny is rocking on Gossip Girl (hers isn't bad but makes her look 5-8 years older than her 15 years)....You have to be careful about what colors you are using...If you want to look younger, don't go overboard and go fresh. Saturated rich lip and eyeliner colors can be awesome but they are meant for special occasions and to achieve a certain look. Be aware that heavy and bright colors can add years.

So cut out these habits and go forth with fresh young faces!

Keep looking fabulous.

BGND

P.S. I think Renee Z looks fabulous in that photo....