The NOTICEABLE difference between corrective makeup and camouflage makeup

Acne scars, pigmentation, melasma - if you have these, you struggle to cover them up. But instead of hiding them, why not treat them?

Be careful when purchasing makeup, however, because there is a big difference between over-the-counter corrective makeup and skin camouflage products. For example, skin camouflage products are designed to last 8-16 hours and are significantly water resistant making them harder to wash off at the end of the day. A great way to avoid that "caked on"  look is to apply an oil-free tinted moisturizer like our Avene Tinted Compact with SPF or Revision's Intellishade Matte. 

Now if you are looking to really cover up a stubborn dark spot or scar try Dermablend Cover Cream or Foundation. It's great for both moderate to major imperfections. Warning: markup should enhance your beauty, not make you look fake. We are here to not only make you look beautiful, but feel beautiful as well.

#mcleanderm #askdrlily #dermablend #makeupdoneright #beauty #healthyskin #loveyourskin

What's in your makeup? There's an app for that!

Are you worried about possible harmful ingredients in your cosmetics? Download this app on your phone!

#mcleanderm #cosmetics #makeup #thinkdirty #askdrlily

End of the Year Product Clean Out!

Out with the old, in with the new! We all have those products that we love and cling onto for years because it’s that perfect shade of red, or have that drawer full of half used mascara, blush, or eye shadows because we think we will need it in the future. But it is time to come to terms with the fact that these products eventually become breeding grounds for bacteria. The New Year is a good time to clean out your make up and facial products you’ve had for years. 

Here are some guidelines for your End of the Year Product Clean Out:

• Facial Moisturizers: These have a shelf life of two to three years unopened, however once opened they are good for 6 to 12 months. Keep in mind, facial moisturizers that include added ingredients such as antioxidants or vitamins (A, C, or E) can expire quicker due to their sensitivity to light. In contrast, ones that contain acids (such as glycolic or salicylic acid) may have a longer shelf life. 

• Liquid Foundation: Unopened, foundation can last up to two years, but once opened it has a shelf life of 12 months. Most formulas are water based, which means bacteria loves them, so storing them in a cool, dry area will prolong the life of your foundation.   

• Mascaras: To prevent bacteria from forming it should be replaced every three months because every time the applicator is taken out it can pick up bacteria. Do not share your mascara! 

• Eyeliner/Eye Shadow: Due to contact with the eye’s mucous membrane, the possibility of transferring bacteria to the product and back to the eye is higher, which increases the risk for infection. Powder eye shadows and eyeliner should be replaced every three months.

• Lipstick: For most formulas lipstick can last for about two years, but since it is exposed to the mouth often it’s recommended to replace them if used while sick. Storing them in a cool, dry area helps their shelf life. 

• Nail Polish: It can last up to two years. Nail polish will not go bad from bacteria, but it can dry up and get clumpy. Keeping the top on tightly helps. 

• Powders and Blush: Have a shelf life of about two years, although cream blush should be replaced after one year. To prolong the life of your powders and blush clean your brush regularly.  

• Tools: Makeup brushes should be cleaned once a month with a gentle shampoo or cleanser. Quick Tip: Wash them at night, lay them flat to dry overnight and they will be ready to use in the morning!
• Can’t invest in makeup brushes? Use paintbrushes! They are a fraction of the cost of top of the line makeup brushes, are made of the same hairs, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For acne prone skin, try washing your makeup brushes with one of our Glytone face washes.

Summer Is Here! Time To Retire Your Winter Makeup Shades!

Spring weekends are all about spending time outside with friends and family, even with the proper sun protection you will begin to notice a sun-kissed glow. This glow means the foundation, concealer and blush colors that you have worn all winter long will need to be retired for the summer to maintain picture-perfect make-up. Even if you don’t recognize an overnight change in your skin color, it’s only natural your skin is a shade or two deeper in the summertime. 

A great alternative to changing your foundation color throughout the summer, try a tinted moisturizer. One shade fits all tinted moisturizers are going to even skin tone and provide sun protection all in one. I like Revision Skincare Intellishade SPF 45. As for blush, try a bronzer for a change in the summer months. Bronzer should not be more than a shade or two darker than your skin color or it will look muddy. Sweep the product in a “C” motion from the temple onto the cheeks and blend onto the jawline. 

So, for your concealer, foundation & blush make sure you have both summer & winter shades that best fit your skin!

Beauty Balm.. Love it or leave it?

Using cutting-edge technology, cosmetic and skincare companies are joining forces to create better products that incorporate the aspects of a great skin care along with the complexion perfecting properties of makeup. 

Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm, is a product new to the US, but originated in Korea. The idea behind the product is a thick, tinted cream that acts like a moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation and concealer wrapped up into one product. 

There is a long list of US cosmetic brands that have their own B.B. cream. The range of sunscreen SPF varies and the coverage varies depending on the product.  

For those with less than perfect complexion, beauty balms are not going to provide enough coverage but can enhance skin for a natural look. I recommend applying the balm all over and using a concealer for dark spots and under the eyes. For those with acne-prone skin, try it before you buy it! Some of the sunscreens used can cause oily skin to breakout. 

While highly popular in Asia, beauty balms life span on the US beauty scene is unknown right now but it’s worth a try!

Makeup in a minute!

Time is money and having a quick makeup routine in the morning saves time. A great product that saves time is a one step, one shade tinted moisturizer. It combines supple moisturizing agents along with SPF 45 and just enough coverage to even skin tone and cover minor skin imperfections. Available at my McLean office is Intellishade SPF 45 by Revision Skincare. You can also order over the phone by calling us at 703-356-5111. 

The End of Transferring Makeup

Is there such thing as a makeup that will stay on your face? Or will stained shirt collars be in our lives forever? I found the answer! Don’t ruin great clothes anymore with makeup that smudges and budges... CHANEL Perfection Lumière Liquid Foundation, this is medium to full coverage and has a flawless matte finish that will stay exactly where you put it, no questions about it!