How To Wear A Bright Lip This Spring!

Everything is bright this Spring, from handbags to necklaces to sandals, why not add a pop of bright color into your makeup? Here are a few simple steps to guarantee the look is done the right way!

1. Make sure your lips are moisturized beforehand, this makes a huge difference in the color payoff. Using a lip exfoliating scrub will reveal new skin cells, following exfoliation with a super rich lip balm will insure a great canvas for a bright lip!
2. Choose the right color for your skin complexion. 
1. If you have fair, pink based skin you should look at peachy/orange based pinks, bright lips can at times come off looking harsh on fair skin, a great way to tone the color down is to apply with your fingertip, dabbing and building the color on your lips. (MAC Lipstick in “On Hold”)
2. If you have light, olive toned skin your best shade is going to be a vibrant fuchsia. Pair this with a lipliner that is 1-2 shades darker than the lipstick, this will keep it on your lips and keep it from feathering. (NYX Lipliner in Fuchsia & MAC Amplified Lipstick in “Full Fuchsia”)
3. Deeper, ethnic skin tones look immaculate in darker plum shades. It’s best to avoid matte formulas, a bit of shine keeps lips looking full and healthy. (DIOR Addict Lipstick in “Decadent Plum”)

3. Now that you know what shade you should be shopping for, the 2nd half is to make sure you keep your eye makeup to a minimal! A soft “almost skin toned” eyeshadow swept across your lid, a few generous coats of mascara and you’re all set!

Take Your Lashes WAY Above Average : Dr. Lily's Product Picks For Enormous Eyelashes!

Have you ever looked at magazine photos of celebrities and wondered how in the world how such a small feature like eyelashes can look astonishing in photographs? Well, you're not alone!

 

Today's technology offers many ways to either add to or enhance your natural lashes. If you have thin, faint, or short lashes, or if you just feel like you look sleepy every day, listen up.

 

a. False Eyelashes - Wearing false eyelashes may take some time to get accustomed to, however they are an instant eye-opener when applied properly. To assure proper application I suggest going to a make-up artist, at least for the first time.  If you are applying them at home, make sure the glue you use is not white, but fdries close to the color of the lashes.  Apply a thin coat to the rim, apply to one hand and press down to let dry with the end of a brush or Q-tip. There are hundreds of styles of lashes on the market, the best way to find which suits you is to start simple and explore more dramatic styles as time goes on. 

 

b. Eyelash Extensions - Applying and removing false lashes can be a lot of work, an of course will last you only one day. Eyelash extensons when applied by a trained professional, will 3-4 weeks and are waterproof.  Small synthetic lashes that are applied onto your natural lash hair, looking and feeling very natural. Touch ups are required every 3-4 weeks.   Our Mclean, VA office now offers eyelash extensions!  Call 703-356-5111  for a consultation! 

 

c. Fiber Infused Mascara - This product, first introduced several years ago, works by adhering small fibers  to each individual lash to physically make them bigger.  Then a dark mascara either sequentially or simultateously colors the fibers the desired mascara color. At times this product can be difficult to remove but using an oil-based eye make-up remover makes it a clean sweep!

 

d. Utilizing mascara in combination with a lash primer – Many primers have been thought to serve o purpose.  However, I beg to differ. There is one lash primer that has proven itself in the cosmetics world : MAKEUP FOREVER LASH FIBERS PRIMER. As mentioned above, fiber-infused products physically attach to the natural lash. When this primer is paired with a great mascara like L’Orèal Voluminous Mascara it will do 2 things : thicken the lashes & will add length. Tis primer can be used with any of your favorite mascara brands.

 

e. If cosmetic products are not giving you the results you desire, Latisse is a prescription eyelash solution that will grow your existing eyelashes. Sparce, thin or short lashes can be very difficult to apply cosmetic products to because you have so little to work with. Your Physician can only prescribe Latisse after an evaluation is done to determine if Latisse is right for you.

If your lashes are drab, call to make an appintment for a consultation.

Dark Spots

There are many women as well as men who have melasma or dark spots from chronic sun exposure. Whether a slight case or one that is more severe,  wearing a sunscreen everyday is a must. Even if you think you are "inside all day" or "it's raining today, so I don't need sunscreen". Ultravoilet light is present even if it's raining or snowing..... and goes through window glass. 

When you read on a product, "SPF 20", it only refers to protection against UVB radiation and does nothing to protect from UVA radiation. UVA is highly implicated in skin cancer, dark spots, and aging. If you are only using the SPF rating to choose your sunblock, you are being misled. Sun protection needs to be "broad spectrum" which means covering both UVA and UVB rays.

There are two sunscreens that provide complete coverage of both these rays, Anthelios with Mexoryl and Neutrogena with Helioplex.  However, sunscreens with borad coverage often leave a white, ashy residue on darker skin making the complexion appear sallow and unhealthy. Sunscreens with micronized titanium dioxide or zinc oxide minimize the white residue and are more appealing. 

Similarly, new technology in cosmetics have been developed that contain a high SPF in a tinted base. A couple of my favorites are Revision Intellishade SPF 45, which is available in our office and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20. They both provide a small amount of tint to counteract the potential of looking sallow on darker skin tones. Both of these also offer an oil-free formulation which are great for acne prone patients. 

In order to help your dark spots or melasma, you must be very vigilant about using sun protection 365 days a year. If you are seeing a dermatologist  and receiving laser treatment, hydroquinone bleaching creams, retinoids or peels to treat these condition, your skin is even more susceptible to ultraviolet radiation.  

My philosophy is:  prevention is more important for the health of your skin than treatment. Practice sun avoidance and use the right sunscreen!

Congratulations to Dr. Lily!

Dr. Lily Talakoub was voted as "Top Doctor" in Northern Virginia Magazine 2011!

Masking Skin Imperfections

Dr. Talakoub and Dr. Wesley discuss covering skin imperfections on this "Skin of Color" discussion: 

Skin of Color : Masking Imperfections 1/26/12

Dr. Lily's Favorites, Just a Click Away!

Ever wish you could shop Dr. Lily's best reviewed products right away? Great news, now you can! Introducing our brand new online store, featuring some of Dr. Lily's favorite cleansers, moisturizers and cosmetics.

Feel free to e-mail your questions about choosing the right products for your specific needs after all, all skin is not created equal!

Dry, Chapped Lips? ... Avoid It All Year Long!

Everyone experiences a little bit of lip dryness here and there, and for most of us it happens in the harsh winter months. Follow these tricks to win the battle over dry, chapped lips year round!

1. Never Ever Lick Your Lips

          When you lick your lips, saliva does not contain anything that will add moisture to your lips. Licking your lips will only leave your lips feeling worse than they did to begin with.      

2. Avoid Menthol!

      When shopping for lip balm, avoid menthol because it can both dry out the lips and  irritate dry lips cracked. 

3. Stay Hydrated Inside And See It On The Outside! 

       This is the simple rule of drinking plenty of water will keep you very hydrated and also reflect on the appearance of your skin.

3. Use A Gentle Exfoliant On Your Lips

       One of the many unattractive side effects of dry lips is peeling and/or flaking. Use a gentle exfoliant a few times a week (FRESH Sugar Lip Polish) and follow up with a moisture-rich lip balm (Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment).  If your lips are very dry, or cracked, try a thick healing ointment like Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Pintments penetrate the skin faster and stay on longer than lip balms or creams.

If you are using these tips and still experiencing dryness it could be a more complex issue, so schedule an appointment with your Dermatologist!