Wedding Hair and Makeup Guaranteed to Last

DG: Wedding season can be hot. What are your tips for brides, bridesmaids and guests that want their makeup to last all day?

LC: Start by applying a mattifying but non-drying moisturizer like MAC Oil-Control Lotion (Skip the heavy eye-cream). Then, select a long-wear foundation that offers buildable coverage and is formulated to last for hours like Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, which contains SPF (perfect for outdoor weddings!).

Next, prep eyes with an eye primer – Urban Decay Primer Potion is among the best. Choose long wear, waterproof eyeliners and mascaras. I love the waterproof versions of L’Oreal Voluminousand CoverGirl LashBlast. For eyeliner, I live for the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, which comes in an amazing shade range, perfect for weddings.

Line and fill in lips with long-wear lip pencil, then add lipstick. Blot. Then reapply lipstick. If you want a glossy finish, add gloss to center of lips only.

Set makeup with translucent powder. My favorite is Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder, which photographs beautifully helps makeup stay put.

LC’s what not to do tip:  It is not always necessary to touch up makeup with more makeup. A common bridal mistake is continual powdering throughout the day, which will end up looking cakey or blotchy (not how you want to look in your bridal pics!)  Rather, invest in blotting tissues. Remember to press tissues over areas with shine. Do not rub tissues around your face as you could ruin the placement of the makeup. My favorite: Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper.

DG: Are brides and bridesmaids keeping their makeup au natural or have you seen some ask for a more dramatic look?

LC: Most brides want to look like enhanced version of themselves, so bridal palettes often include champagnes, taupes, pewters, browns and other neutrals on the eye. They’re asking for pinks, peaches and roses on cheek and lip. Individual false lashes also add to that wedding day allure without looking too “done.”

This summer more brides are also requesting pops of color, in line with this seasons “bights” trend. I personally always recommend a little more color than the bride initially thinks – as color fades over time (particularly with kissing, toasting and so on) and isn’t always truly captured on camera. A nude lip, for instance, often photographs as no lip. This summer brides are also asking for fun shades on lids (violets, for example) and lips (hot pinks, fuchsias, corals). Contouring and highlighting are also more popular of late, which enhances facial features and adds drama.

DG: What emergency beauty loot should you stash in your purse pre-wedding?

LC:  In even the smallest clutch, find room for blotting tissues and lipstick (which can do double-duty as blush!)

DG: How can a bridal party and guests keep elaborate up-do’s or even all-down styles in place?

KS: The best way to keep a wedding style looking its best for an entire day is with proper preparation of the hair. Start by using a high quality mousse as soon as you step out of the shower to achieve volume and the longevity needed to last an entire day.  I recommend applyingRene Furterer Volumea Foam to the entire head – making sure to saturate every strand.  Next, blast your hair approximately 80% dry with a powerful  blow dryer like, Salon Tech 2800 Feather Light Blow dryer and then lightly brush your hair with a boar-bristle brush like Cricket Boar #350 round brush to smooth the ends.

To make the hairstyle last all day, it is important to seal in the hair cuticle creating shine and blocking frizz. You can do this by using a versatile flat iron, which can create curls, waves or soft, straight locks.  Whether you prefer curls or straight hair this effect can be achieved by using theKiss by Salon Tech Silicone Protection Flat Iron that allows for greater heat generation to best seal the cuticle. Regardless if your hair is going up or down, it is best to finish with a firm hold hair spray such as Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer Finishing Spray.

DG: Let’s say you have seven weddings this summer (like me!), is there a hair cut you should get at the beginning of the summer that will make up-dos more seamless, or will help a style last throughout the day?

KS: The perfect cut for any up-do is one with seamless layers. Layers add dimension and texture to the shape of the hair, which allows for more options when styling an up-do.

DG: Any hair products that brides and bridesmaids should stash in their purse for touch-ups if necessary?

KS: Bobby pins and a small can Jonathan Product Finish Control Mini Hair Spray — it’s a must for touchups throughout the day!

Getting Rid of Puffy Eyes

Dark, droopy bags under your eyes can make you look dramatically older and exhausted — even if you’re not. Fortunately, there are some effective home remedies and successful medical treatments that can help minimize puffy eyes and dark bags. Here’s how to play down that unpleasant puffiness:

Causes of Puffiness and Dark Bags Under Your Eyes 
Most people find that there’s more than one cause for their puffy or tired-looking eyes. Here are some of the most common:

Aging. As you get older, the skin and muscles around your eyes begin to weaken, making it easier for the fatty tissue beneath the skin to redistribute and for the skin to sag.
Allergies. Itchy, swollen eyes are a common allergic reaction.
Fluid retention. Hormonal shifts, a lack of sleep, or even just eating salty foods can cause you to retain fluid, leading to puffy eyes.
Heredity. If your parents had puffiness under their eyes, you may be more prone to developing the same condition.

Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes or Dark Shadows Many home treatments can temporarily minimize puffiness and dark areas under your eyes. Here are a few ideas to try:

Use makeup to create an illusion. Use a very small amount of a lighter-colored concealer on the puffy, baggy under-eye area to camouflage the dark shadows and make the puffiness look flatter.
Use cold compresses. A little cold can go a long way toward reducing swelling around your eyes. You can use cold packs or ice packs, cold slices of cucumbers, teaspoons that have been chilled in the freezer, or tea bags that have been soaked in ice water.
Get good rest. Try to get enough sleep (about seven to eight hours), and sleep with your head elevated to keep the fluid from collecting under your eyes.
Keep your allergies in check. Avoid allergy triggers and take antihistamines to help prevent your body from reacting to allergens.
Avoid salty food. Stick with foods that won’t cause puffiness.

Medical Treatments for Worn-Out or Puffy Eyes
A dermatologist or plastic surgeon can provide a more permanent fix to a puffy eye problem. Consult with your doctor if you want to try one of these options:

Dermatological treatments. Laser treatments and chemical peels can help tighten up the skin and make the dark areas under your eyes look lighter.
Wrinkle fillers. A plastic surgeon can inject fillers like Restylane and Juvederm right under the under-eye hollow to even out the area. The effect usually lasts for about eight months.
An eyelift. A doctor can tighten up the under-eye area by melting away the fat with an electric probe, then pulling the skin tight. It’s an outpatient surgery that can be done relatively quickly — and provides effects that last for decades.

Pores: The Basics

 If you don’t spend much time poring over your pores, chances are they’re small and don’t get clogged too often. But if your pores are on the larger side, you might be dealing with one or more acne-related conditions including blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. Typically, people with oily skin tend to have enlarged pores that secrete excess oil, or sebum. Larger pores are also more likely to get clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. Dermatologists generally treat acne-related conditions with topical antimicrobials that help disinfect the skin, and topical retinoids to help unclog pores and prevent white- and blackheads from forming. For more moderate or severe cases of acne, an oral antibiotic like erythromycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, or minocycline may be prescribed.

The fact is you can’t get rid of your pores, or even shrink them, but you can cleanse and care for your skin in ways that make pores less visible. And that includes staying out of the sun -- too much sun exposure (as well as the aging process) reduces the amount of collagen in our skin, and that also causes pores to expand.

Do-It-Yourself Tactics
Try these at-home strategies and you might be able to avoid expensive dermatological procedures and spa treatments.

• Use a pore-refining cleanser to help break up excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria that can clog enlarged pores.
• Give yourself a weekly pore-purifying facial treatment.
• Make your own deep-cleansing mask using ingredients such as honey, yogurt, or basic Fuller’s earth clay (find it at a health food store) and adding citrus, strawberries, banana, apple cider vinegar, or rosewater.
• Exfoliate a few times a week with a store-bought or homemade scrub, or go for an exfoliating cleansing cloth. More options to try: products that contain chemical or fruit-enzyme exfoliants such as lipohydroxy acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and alpha and beta hydroxy acids, all of which work to dissolve build-up in your pores.
• Try store-bought microdermabrasion cleansing cloths and/or polishers, which work similarly but more gently than a professional microdermabrasion treatment.
• Put your makeup to work. Products such as primers, concealers, foundation, loose mineral powder, and blotting sheets can help you maintain coverage and make large pores less visible. Just be sure to thoroughly cleanse your face at day’s end to keep pores from getting clogged with makeup residue.

If your issues are more significant, talk to your dermatologist about professional treatments such as:

• Dermatological Facials: Many dermatologists and licensed aestheticians offer professionalfacials that include deep cleansing, exfoliation, steaming, extractions, massage, mask, and moisturizing.
• Chemical Peels: A professional peel performed by a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician can remove dead skin cells, clear plugged pores, eliminate white- and blackheads, correct discoloration, and generate new skin growth.
• Microdermabrasion: During this deep-cleansing procedure, your practitioner “sands” your skin with a handheld device that shoots a spray of fine crystals onto your face and simultaneously vacuums them up. This non-invasive procedure produces instant pore-perfecting results. (Microdermabrasion is also effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, creases, sun damage, and minor scars.)

A final word: Even though people with normal and dry skin tend to have smaller pores than those with an oily or combination complexion, they may still be susceptible to certain pore problems. Plus, skin type can change with age, or as a result of environmental factors, genetics, nutrition, or complications related to other health conditions. If you’re concerned about any skin changes, talk to your dermatologist.

How to Make a Blow-Out Last

My secret “if I were a celebrity” fantasy is to have my hair blown out every morning. I know it would probably fry my hair, but wouldn’t it be amazing if every day were a good hair day? For now, I save the blow-outs for special occasions, and I go to Danielle Lopreore, who works at the Fred Segal Salon. Wish you could get salon-perfect hair that doesn't fall flat as soon as you get home? Here are the tips I've gotten from Danielle:

• Start with wet hair. You can gently towel-dry so it’s not dripping wet, but don’t rub too hard (it’ll get tangled). For the smoothest, most long-lasting results, avoid “rough drying” — fluffing the hair with your hands while drying. While this saves time, it makes hair frizzy.
• Don’t use too much product. If your hair is fine or oily, it’ll make your hair limp. Put a bit on the ends if needed.
• Divide your hair in sections, and start in front, since this area tends to dry the quickest. Using a round brush and plenty of tension, aim the blow dryer at the roots and move it along the length of your hair to the ends. Heating the hair in the direction of the hair cuticle helps keep it smooth and fights frizz.
• For volume and height, hold each section up and in the opposite direction you want it to lie. For extra bounce, pin each section up after drying and let it cool. This helps set the curl so it doesn’t go flat the minute you walk out the door.
• To make your blow-out last, spray your hair lightly and leave it alone. Avoid brushing it out or running your fingers through it — this will ruin the bounce and make it frizzy!

Prevent and Treat Bug Bites

There’s a reason that insects are called pests. But despite the itchy, red bumps they leave behind, insect bites are usually mild and the itching goes away in a day or so, especially if the bug bites come from mosquitoes or biting flies. On the other hand (leg, arm, or toe...), bees, wasps, and fire ants tend to cause more irritation and can sometimes lead to bigger problems.

Bug bites can be avoided, or at least minimized, by following a few precautions for common outdoor pests. According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, the first line of defense against insect bites is to plan ahead — always evaluate your surroundings and prepare accordingly if you anticipate large numbers of insects. It’s always a good idea to apply insect repellent with DEET or picaridin. If you’re concerned about using chemicals, particularly around children, you might want to try lemon eucalyptus and citronella oils, which also work.

Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a common nuisance. When you’re outside, create a mosquito-proof barrier with citronella and citrus-oil-based candles. Wearing loose-fitting layers of clothing helps as well, as mosquitoes won’t be able to penetrate through all the layers. When it comes to perfume, avoid all fragrances that might attract unwanted attention.

Yellow Jackets and Wasps
Yellow jackets or wasps can spoil any picnic, particularly in late summer when scavenger wasps look for anything with sugar in it to bring back to the feeding larvae. Your first step is to keep all sweet and pungent foods under cover. If you’re surrounded by yellow jackets or wasps, don’t start swatting, running, or waving your hands. Exaggerated movements aggravate aggressive yellow jackets and wasps. Keep calm and then slowly move away.

Ticks 
The great outdoors can make you more susceptible to bug bites from ticks. Although ticks don’t fly, they seek warm bodies and attach. These blood-sucking parasites typically fall off once they’re full, but their feasting can take a few days.

When outdoors in wooded areas, clothing works as a great tick repellent; make sure that your skin isn’t exposed by tucking your pants into your socks, and your shirt into the waistband of your pants. If possible, apply permethrin to clothes (not skin) to protect yourself from ticks settling on fabric. Spray skin with tick repellent, like DEET. Hats and long sleeves help too.

If you do end up with a tick, forgo the hot match or petroleum-jelly method of tick removal; instead, use a pair of thin tweezers to pull the tick out by its head. The key is to grasp close to the skin and pull the tick firmly until it lets go. Since ticks are known to carry Lyme disease, store it in a jar of alcohol to bring to your doctor for identification purposes. Once the tick is removed, use an alcohol swab to remove any bacteria.

Spiders, Fire Ants, and Bumblebees
Spiders, fire ants, bees, and bumblebees don’t typically bite, unless they feel threatened or attacked. Unlike mosquitoes and ticks, who view humans as a food source, these insects stay away from people. If you are bitten or stung, apply a cold pack to minimize swelling, and then follow with hydrocortisone cream to reduce the bug-bite symptoms.

A person with insect-bite allergies may want to take an antihistamine with diphenhydramine, like Benadryl. If a spider bites you, try to identify it and make sure it’s not a black widow spider, which produces a toxin that affects the victim’s nervous system.

If bug-bite symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, dizziness, fainting, nausea, cramps, vomiting, or hives, you need to seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Facial Swelling: Banishing the Bloat

You can use cosmetics to hide a lot of skin conditions, but not facial swelling — a buildup of fluid that can affect the central face, eyes, mouth, forehead, cheeks, or chin, and spread to the neck and upper arms. Other than brushing it off as an accident — or if you're really tough, a bar fight — there's not much you can do to conceal your condition.

Fortunately, facial swelling is usually a mild and temporary nuisance that can be treated at home. But more severe swelling should be evaluated by a doctor, and some cases are true medical emergencies.

Symptoms associated with mild facial swelling include:

• Fever.
• Pain.
• Rash.
• Redness.
• Tenderness.

Symptoms associated with severe facial swelling include:

• Breathing difficulty.
• Lip swelling.
• Mouth or tongue swelling.
• Neck swelling.
• Swallowing difficulty.

The Causes of Facial Swelling

More than 250 causes of facial swelling have been identified. Some of the most common include:

• Allergic reactions.
• Angioedema.
• Blood transfusion reaction.
• Burns.
• Cellulitis.
• Conjunctivitis.
• Drug reactions.
• Injury.
• Malnutrition.
• Obesity.
• Sinusitis.
• Stye.
• Surgery.
• Tooth abscess.

Other causes include skin conditions such as sebaceous cysts, boils, carbuncles, acne, rosacea,seborrhea, and keloids; chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension; infectious diseases such as mumps; and dental infections.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Allergic reactions are a common cause of facial swelling. Hay fever — a reaction to allergens such as pollen, mold, and pet dander — often results in a puffy face. But some allergic reactions are more serious. If you develop swollen lips and eyes and a rash that looks like mosquito bites, you may have hives resulting from exposure to a bee sting, a drug, a food, or even a cosmetic product (hair dyes are notorious for causing severe reactions). If these symptoms are accompanied by breathing difficulty, or if the swelling becomes severe, you should call your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room.

You should also tell your doctor if you experience sudden, painful, or severe facial swelling; persistent or worsening swelling; or swelling accompanied by fever, tenderness, or redness (which could be a sign of infection).

Facial Swelling Prevention Strategies

You can prevent many infectious causes of facial swelling with regular face and hand washing, by dumping old cosmetics (which can become contaminated), and by completely removing makeup before bedtime.

You can prevent allergic reactions by avoiding allergens, drugs, cosmetics, and other substances that have previously provoked symptoms, and by getting appropriate treatment for allergies such as hay fever. If you're highly allergic to bee stings, a particular food, or some other substance, your doctor may advise carrying an EpiPen. This device contains injectable epinephrine and could save your life.

If you're overweight or obese, a sensible weight-loss program may help prevent facial swelling. A low-salt diet and moderate exercise are other ways to prevent or reduce fluid buildup.

Home Treatment of Facial Swelling

If you have mild or moderate facial swelling, home treatment depends on the cause, symptom, or type of swelling. Here are some tips for:

• Allergic swelling. Use an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl, or an antihistamine prescribed by your doctor.
• Facial edema (swelling of the central face). Massage warm mustard oil or apple cider vinegar into the affected area. Add ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil to your diet.
• Injuries. During the first few days, apply a cold compress for 20 to 30 minutes every one or two hours. During sleep, elevate your head by raising the head of the bed or using extra pillows.
• Pain. Apply a warm compress for 20 to 30 minutes every one or two hours. Use an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Facial swelling is usually no cause for panic. With a little tender, loving home care — and appropriate medical treatment if needed — your swelling should quickly subside so you can once again put your best face forward.