Depotting MAC Shadows

All the things mentioned in the post we bought at Michael's Craft Store =).

All Things Contouring

Skin Care Skin Care Skin Care!!!!!

I will be the FIRST to tell you that I am TeRrIbLe when it comes to advise on skin care. I am learning as I go but there is SO much I don't know. There IS, however, a guy on YouTube that is GREAT and has some amazing tips for ya'll!!! Click HERE and soak it all in!!! I learned a TON!!!

Numbers on MAC brushes

Just a quick tip for those of you that purchase or plan to purchase MAC brushes. The numbers on the side wear off pretty quickly and me, being the type A that I am, like to keep them there nice and orderly like =). A tip to keep them there is to take clear nail polish and swipe just a bit over the number and let it dry.

Lips Baby

Please help me welcome our first makeup guest tutorialista......what? It's a word!!!! =) Codi is one of my dear friends from me serving a mission for my church out in good old Siberia. She brought you looks like the beautiful butterfly mask for Halloween and the gorgeous fall look with golds!!! She is SO talented and one of the funniest people I know. Without further ado heeeeeeeeere's Cooooodiiiiiiii.....

Hey ladies!!! Just wanted to give you a few tips and pointers on how to get the perfect lip. I'm a true believer that a face is never finished without some color on the lips! Even if you only have 5 minutes for makeup, color on the lip is a must. Hope you enjoy the tutorial and I hope it helps you create your perfect lip!

~Quote of the day.... (from my friend Cynthia)~

" The way you look and dress tells people how you expect to be treated."

So throw on some color and expect some lip action from someone special!!

*P.S. Please ignore the awkward pauses... this was my first movie tutorial. Some of us just aren't as naturally talented as Jenni.*

Quick Tip For Brushes

Beauty Blender

I've been using this Beauty Blender sponge for a week now and I must say...I am in LOVE!!!!! The appeal for me was seeing how many celebs use it and seeing their flawless application. I figured, let's check it out and see if it lives up to the hype! I. AM. SO. IMPRESSES!!!!!! The beauty of this blender (no pun intended) is it's small egg-like shape, with the added point, but no edges. No edges = a more streak free application. It is recommended you use this slightly damp so it expands. As it expands, it gets even softer and creates SuCh a smooth application. You use a stippling technique (which I'll demo in a future tutorial) so that it deposits and blends at the same time. I love using the pointy edge for more control in hard to reach places, like under my eyes and around my nose. One of the BeSt things about this sponge is that it is REUSABLE!!!!!!! Treat it like your mascara ladies and use it for up to 3 months! It comes with a cleanser and a dArLiNg little pedestal where it can dry and get ready to fulfill it's purpose yet again =).  Add it to the list girls!!!!!

Mature Makeup!

Ladies, here it is. My video on mature makeup. Some tips and tricks to live by. This is a slightly dramatic look (and rather quickly done). Our next video will be a very light natural look.

Make Fluidline Liner Last

Sweat Proof/ Water Proof

Don't Sweat It...please!!!

Let's be honest ladies, most of us don't want to leave home without the extra coverage, or safety, of a foundation. Something to even out your skin making it look effortlessly and beautifully smooth and silky. But in the beautiful yet rather warm summertime, because of the humidity and high temperatures, the foundation does not really last and it just feels heavy. I want to sweat just thinking about my skin gasping for air through a thick layer of makeup on my face when it's hot outside. I just received a text this morning from my friend Summer at Tres Chic Boutique wondering about waterproof/sweat proof makeup. She was going to be going to a youth camp out and wanted to be ready. Could I EVER relate. I had gone to a young women's camp as a counselor during that awful breakout just about a month ago. So fun but didn't want to go anywhere without makeup....which I hated because had I not had that reaction I would have gone the whole week makeup and carefree. Alas that wasn't on the menu so I had to switch up the routine a bit. Here are some of the things that I have learned through the years..I gotcha covered =) ( pun intended). Feel free to click on any of the links for suggestions on products described.

For Starters:

Wear a primer. Should I repeat? WEAR A PRIMER! Don't skip this cuz it makes a big difference!!! Choose a lightweight, oil-free formula and apply after your moisturizer and/or sunscreen and before the rest of your makeup. A pea-size amount should be enough (don't get crazy). This step is essential for your foundation and color to last all day.

Concealer:

Less is more when it comes to makeup in the summer but if you feel you need coverage, like I did and occasionally still do, be picky!!! Choose a sheer silicone-based formula for your concealer because it acts as a barrier from humidity. Avoid liquids as much as possible, choose a cream concealer and spot treat dark circles and blemishes using your ring finger to pat and blend the color onto skin. To avoid a shiny complexion make sure and look for oil-free products always, summer or not.

So Many Choices:

Makeup has come a looong way from one general formula for the entire face. Thanks to stains, tints, gels, balms, and creams designed for the lips, eyes, and cheeks you can achieve the look you want with the same color pay off and even better staying power. Not to mention a lovely sheen finish that will give your skin that coveted glow. These formulas work wonders in the summer and are great alternatives to powder because they won’t mix with sweat, smear, or run. Avoid kohl liners that will smear, powder blush that will fade, and chalky powders that will cake when you sweat. But if you tend to be oily and need the security of a powder, choose a talc-free

translucent formula and apply lightly with a large fluffy brush to the t-zone. The talc-free, color-free formula stops shine and sets makeup with out appearing dry or changing colors.

Water-proof=Melt-proof:

Don’t underestimate the power of water-proof mascara and eyeliner. It’s great for daily use when you need to go from work to dinner to a night out and there’s no exception when it comes to swimming, sweating, or working out. Choose a water-proof mascara with a creamy, smudge-resistant formula that won’t flake off or make lashes brittle. As for eyeliner go with a smooth, smudge-proof gel formula that glides on easily, sets quickly and lasts all day. These two products, which come in tons of different colors, are enough to play up the eyes so it can cut your makeup time in half by not having to do shadows.

Don’t leave home without it:

*Sunscreen. It’s so important to start the day off with sunscreen for several reasons. Sunscreen (choose a broad spectrum one that protects against both UVB and UVA rays) is the best way to prevent skin from aging, wrinkles and sunspots caused by UVA rays, how could we pass on that?? Along with ranging in SPF (15-70) there are formulas that include antioxidants that work double-time by protecting from free radicals and UV damage, while others come in a wipe form that make it quick and easy to freshen up as it protects. Luckily most are designed with different skin types in mind (from acne-prone, sensitive, to normal, and oily) so there’s no excuse, girls! In the past it was hard to reach for the sunscreen because of its tell-tale smell and the way it felt on the skin but now most formulas on the market are so lightweight and fresh smelling that you won’t even know it’s there.

*Oil-absorbing sheets. These thin little papers absorb surface oil without smudging makeup, rendering the mid-day compact touch up useless and avoiding all that product build-up, yuck.

*Tinted lip balm with SPF. Choose your favorite color in a wax formula to avoid it melting on your lips. I love the ones from MAC.

Here are some ideas for products:

FACE

Product: Era Face Spray on Foundation by Classified Cosmetics ($55)

• Water-resistant, sweat-proof, oil-free aerosol foundation
  
• Mists a wash of color onto the skin for a "airbrush" finish with no blending required
  
• Many surgeons recommend this product for people that might have newly healing skin, gives everyone the opportunity to remain covered up
  
• Can help freckles, moles,birthmarks,scars,tattoos,varicose veins,stretch marks, skin discoloration to remain under cover
  
• Comes in 10 shades for all skin types
  
• Included is cosmetic puff and headwrap
  
• Found in Fred Segal, Bendels, on Amazon, specialty stores & exclusive department stores

Product: Clinique Almost Makeup ($17.50)

• Waterproof, sweatproof, streak-proof - its not going anywhere
  
• Good for ANY activity including swimming
  
• Ultra-sheer
  
• Won't clog pores
  
• Comes in 4 shades
  
• SPF 15 as an added incentive!

Product: Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Protective Under eye Concealer ($21)

• Blends in completely and is crease resistant
  
• Has soothing chamomile extract and honey to hydrate and condition your eye area which is a very delicate area especially in older skin
  
• Crease resistant. As we get older and eyes get heavier and more wrinkles appear, this product is great at adding a softer look to the fine lines that might start to see.

EYES

Product: L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara ($8)

• Thickens your eyelashes up to four times their normal size
  
• ONLY $8!

Product: Cynthia Rowley Natural Long Mascara water resistant ($16)

• Comes in a spectrum of brighter and not your typical colors like bright blue and burgundy.

Product: Clarins Fix Mascara ($16.50)

• For people that are so attached to their regular mascara that they don’t want to make the switch -this product waterproofs your mascara!
  
• Waterproof sealant for use over your favorite non water proof mascara
  
• It is a transparent microseal that is long-lasting and resistant to water, heat, and oily substances

EYEBROWS

Product: Clinique Brow Keeper ($14.50)

• Brow-grooming tool
  
• Water resistant, smudge resistant, and long-wearing
  
• Deposits a sheer, subtle layer of color that can be built on coats to make it darker or more intense looking
  
• The tapered brush on the other end of the pencil allows for easy definition, blending, and control

Eyeliner

Product: Christian Dior Aquadior Waterproof Eyeliner ($21)Product: MAC Fluidline ($15)

I really prefer the fluid line by MAC. It comes in so many different colors and won't smudge or run. It can be put on with a super tiny angled brush.

Eye shadow

Product: Trish McEvoy Waterstix ($20)

• Applying eye color in seconds
  
• Portable easy to use swivel stick designed for women on the go
  
• To apply just draw across eyelids and blend it in
  
• 6 colors

Product: Finish Line or Benefit Shelaq ($15)

• Water-proofing elixir that converts your non water proof eye color and makes it waterproof
  
• Pour one or two drops into bottle cap, dampen eye liner brush in liquid, then fill brush with color stroking along outer edge of pressed eye shadow

LIPS

Product: Max Factor Lipfinity ($12.75)

• 2 step process: "paint for lips" that last eight hours which goes on first. Then there is the "moisturizing top coat" that keeps lips feeling moist, smooth, and keeps lips looking shiny
  
• Has PermaTone, which is a semi-permanent color
  
• The paint is waterproof and to restore the glossy look you can apply the top coat through out the day
  
• 25 flattering shades

Product: Clarins "Sun-Kissed" Colour Gloss

• Long lasting and water resistant, very glossy
  
• A comfortable texture that will not run
  
• Perfect for the summer and being outdoors

BLUSH

Product: Nars Color Wash ($24)

• This will not come off without soap and water
  
• Makes it look like the color is really coming from within
  
• Gives you a very natural glow
  
• Since it is so sheer it is good for all skin tones
  
• Paint it on with the brush in the cap and blend it in with fingers and then wash your finger b.c it will dye!
  
• It will not come off of your face once it dries on your face

Product: Loreal Sheer Gel Blush

• Long wearing and water repellant
  
• Convenient, fits into pocket
  
• Casual and subtle look
  
• Available in 5 shades

Product: Stila Sport Color Push-Ups ($20)

• Activity proof
  
• Simple as a glide of a stick
  
• Gel based and oil free
  
• They are hydrating, they are great for dry or flaky skin
  
• 3 colors
  
• Portable and small

Product: Stila Color Courier ($20)

• Activity proof, water repellant, great for working out!
  
• Simple to use: Just pencil it on your face and blend it with fingers or sponge

MAKEUP REMOVERS

Product: Nivea visage eye make-up remover ($5.19)

• A greaseless formula
  
• Formulated for your eyes but can also work on lips and face
  
• Don't even have to rinse - wipes off with tissue
  
• Feels really clean after use

Product: Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover ($15)I am SUCH a fan of this makeup remover. It takes everything off so completely and it leaves a non-greasy fresh clean feel on your eyes. To make the product last longer I use Q-Tips as opposed to cotton balls or pads. To order from a GREAT girl click here. Lindsay and I have been friends forever and she goes WAY out of her way to make sure you get what you want. Tell her I sent you and she'll take even bEtTeR care of you!!!

Blemishes Be Gone!!!

*CAUTION* Scary images below! If you have just eaten, I recommend you wait at least an hour!!!!! I had a bad reaction to something but wanted to show you how to cover up blemishes really well. We all need it now and then right? =)

Homemade Brush Cleanser on am 590

- 1 cup bottled or distilled water
- 1/4 cup alcohol ( I use 99%) This will be your disinfecting, sanitizing & antibacterial agent
- 1/2 TBSP dish soap (if it can cut grease on your dishes, think of the grease on your brushes)
- 1/2 TBSP gentle shampoo (I used Avalon Organic Shampoo from Walmart)*
- 1 TBSP spray leave-in-conditioner (not cream) to condition bristles

Stir GENTLY!!!!! You do not want the soaps to start foaming or to sud up. After it is all mixed together pour it into your container and there is your inexpensive homemade brush cleanser.
Okay, so for those of you having a hard time cleaning lip brushes or eyeliner brushes with your ordinary cleanser, I have NEWS for YOU!!!!! Since lipstick and most liquid liners are gel/wax based you need something to prep them before disinfecting with your cleanser. You'll need:
- Any olive oil you have in the house
- A paper towel or cloth (best) to deposit color
- A dirty lip or liner brush =)
Put just a DrOp of oil on the rag and clean brush back and forth (avoid circular motions) till most color is gone. Add another drop if needed and repeat process. After color is off of the brush, cleanse normally with your home made brush cleanser or any cosmetic cleanser you have. A trick that I follow for keeping my white brushes white is that after this whole process...I wash them again with Clearasil and they return to WHITE WHITE WHITE!!! =) Click here to see how I clean my brushes (alert! OLD video!!!)

*Click here to learn more about "safe and natural" shampoos. Unfortunately we are led to believe that all baby shampoos must be the most gentle but it's not the case. There are three major ingredients that are unsafe that can be found in your shampoo but the Avalon Shampoo from Walmart has none of them.

AM 590 Tips Cosmetics Brushes

Cosmetics brushes can make or break your look but they can be pricey when purchased at department stores. Well never fear!!!! You can buy duplicate craft store brushes made from the same natural fibers (goat hair) as you will find at MAC. Here is a list of ones I use EvErYday:

Maxine's Mop (by Loew Cornell) 3/8" is a duplicate for MAC's #239 brush. The 239 is $24.50 and the Maxine's Mop is $3.95. What a STEAL right??? Right now till June 20th if you click here you can get it for $2.77 and even enter the code DAD1 and get 10% off your entire order!!!!! This also applies for the Maxine's Mini Mop, the 1/2" and 1" Mops. Love them all!!! I even got mine signed by Maxine...yeah, I'm a nerd =).

This is the Loew Cornell 1/4" Rose Petal Brush. I use this for my eyebrows and couldn't AdOrE it more!!! You can buy it in stores for around $5.00 but click here to get it for $3.09!!!

You can click on that most recent link to also find these great Loew Cornell brushes for powder and blush needs. The XXL Round Mop at $10.25 (on sale at the second link for $6.15) compares to MAC's #150 which will run you $42. For blush, MAC has the #129 at $34 but good 'ole Loew Cornell comes through with the Large Round Mop at $7.89 (on sale at the second link for $4.73).

Now this next one is also one of my all time FAVS as this is what I use EvErYday for my liquid last liner from MAC. This is the Loew Cornell 1/8" Angular Shader brush. In stores for $5.79, but here for $2.90.

There are also some great brush sets that can be found at the Coastal Scents site. This 13 piece set is only $16.95 and got a 4 out of 5 star rating.

At Target I LOVE the Sonia Kashuk line, especially this brush which I mostly use for cream blush application. It was $14.99 and worth every penny!!!

I want to stress that there are cheap brushes everywhere but with most, you get what you pay for. These I have used, tested and reviewed and have found them to be worthy of notice. I haven't had ANY bristles fall out (HUGE pet peeve!) and they all blend really well. I recommend them and hope to hear how you liked them as well.

Let's Be Clean Ladies!!!

I found an article and wanted to pass on some VERY important information!!! I have met so many ladies and have worked with so many individuals that have had makeup since high school or at least 10 years or so. I know that at some point in this time that they have been sick, or had an infection and STILL used their makeup. This is GROSS Ladies!!! I have already stressed the importance of cleaning your brushes. Aside from the fact that they contain bacteria, makeup pigments mix with the oil from your skin making your brushes sticky and dirty. Please wash them uuuuuuunless you love little creatures crawling on the bristles and being rubbed all around your face....gag!!! Click here to see how to clean them (alert OLD video!!!) But what about the cleanliness of your actual makeup??? You should occasionally take some rubbing alcohol on a tissue and clean your lipsticks. Sharpen your pencils often to shave off germies, and ALWAYS do this if you are going to share makeup!!! I don't let ANYONE use my mascara and neither should you. As for the shelf life of your makeup, here's some professional advice on how long to keep it around before its time to toss it out.

Foundation: • Life-span = 6 months to 1 year • Warning signs = thickening, altered color, or change in odor

Concealer: • Life-span = 1 to 1 ½ years • Warning signs = color change or

thickening

Face powder, Eye-shadow: • Life-span = 3 years • Warning signs = texture

change when applying, dryness or change in color

Pencils: (for eyes or lips) • Life-span = 3 to 6 months • Warning signs = Change in odor, texture, or color

Lipstick and lipgloss: • Life-span: 2 years • Warning signs = taste or odor change, stickiness

Info from Enizio.com

As for mascara, It is so important that it is replaced every 3-4 months.

This is one you definitely should not keep around longer!

And one last thing... Never add water to formulas that are drying out. You're

just asking for problems at that point! If you have to add water, you're way overdue!!

Make Your Makeup Stay

Here are some tips for making your makeup last.

Lash Class

Yay Saturday is coming up! =) For those of you wanting to attend the False Eyelash night on the 22nd please RSVP and have your payment of $10 in by Friday ($6 if you bring your own lashes). If I don't hear from you, I won't be expecting you or have goodies for ya, so please let me know. I am so excited for all of those that are already coming and hope to hear from more of you. I adORE meeting new people and love throwing parties! There will be munchies and door prizes in addition to learning how to put your lashes on. I will be providing lashes and I have glue already here but if you have your own bring that with you. To get more details or if you have questions just email me at dollcosmetics@gmail.com. Look forward to meeting you!

Attention Ladies Of Utah!!!

I will be starting to do mini classes at my home starting this month! Set your calendars for the "False Eyelashes Class" October 22nd at 2:30pm. Come and learn common mistakes, easy fixes and how to keep them looking natural and on all day long! There will be door prizes and new friends to meet! It is $10 for the class, eyelashes are provided or if you bring your own it's $6. So much cheaper than lash extensions and GrEaT for Halloween costumes! Message me for more details here or at dollcosmetics@gmail.com. Hope to see all of you there!!! ; D

Treating Stubborn Acne

It's Monday and today from Daily Glow (dot) com we have Dr. Jessica Wu giving us insight on how to treat stubborn acne. Also, if you're a newbie here you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed to get updates on posts =).

While I often recommend acne washes, lotions, and gels to my patients who are having breakouts, these at-home treatments are sometimes not enough to control the problem. For stubborn or severe acne, I perform these procedures in my office:

Extractions (also called acne surgery) help remove pockets of oil and dead skin. I use a few different sterile instruments to safely drain whiteheads, blackheads, and small cysts. Extractions must be done carefully by someone with experience or they can turn a small pimple into a festering boil, which can become infected and take weeks to heal. This is the reason doctors usually recommend that pimples not be squeezed; without the right instruments and technique, you can scar your skin.

Large cysts (such as those that result from hormonal breakouts) can be treated with dilute cortisone injections, which shrink the inflammation under the skin, often within a day or two. The amount of cortisone is very small, but the injection must be done by a skilled doctor — if not, it can cause your skin to become pitted.

Acne peels with alpha and beta hydroxy acids can help unclog pores and reduce blackheads, especially if there are many little bumps and pimples. My favorite solutions are salicylic, lactic, and lipo-hydroxy acids, which target the oil glands to loosen dead skin and oil. Peels generally cause pinkness and flaking for a few days. For an at-home treatment, try Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel System, which contains lactic acid, or Ren Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask, which contains four fruit acids.

Laser and photofacial treatments can help kill acne-causing bacteria and shrink pores, although the effect is temporary. For best results, these treatments are done once every three to four weeks, so they can become costly. However, little to no recovery time is needed. I often recommend lasers to reduce red scars after a breakout is under control.

Warm Or Cool Undertones...*blush*

One of the basics to knowing what to wear, makeup wise, is knowing your skin tone. Are you a warm and golden gal or a cool sophisticated lady? Let this easy guide help you in answering that question and letting you move forward to "makeup bliss".

First and foremost, step out into the light (natural please, we want this to be accurate). What do you see when looking in the mirror? Are you seeing a rosy glow or golden tones? Next, get out some of your favorite jewelry (sound crazy? Read on!). Do you mostly own gold or silver? Silver is most flattering on those of a cooler nature and golds are best if you have warm undertones. Whatever you gravitate toward will help you determine tone. Cool huh? Well lets' take it one step further shall we? Yeah this is fun! Go into that closet of yours and answer me this...when putting a white shirt up to your skin as opposed to an off white and see which looks better? White = Cool and off white iiiiiiiissssss.......you guessed it warm. You are so smart. Here are some more fun facts to help you decide:

- Look amazing in a yellow or orange shirt? Warm
- Inside of your wrist, are the veins more blue or green? Blue = cool Green = warm
- Out in the sun with no sunscreen? (please don't!) Burn easily = cool Tan well = warm

Congrats!!! After all these years you now know "what" you are LOL ;). Now that you do here are some guidelines to live by, but if you're like me (I hope I'm not the only one) do whatever the junk you want and wear white all. year. long!!!

*Cool: You look best in foundation that has a bluish or pink undertone. If you fall under this category, you generally should stick to jewel tones such as blue, purple, blue-green, green, magenta, and bluish-red. You'd probably wear white shirts over ivory ones, and black mascara makes your eyes pop.
*Warm: You look best in foundation that has a yellow or golden undertone. If you fall under this category, you generally should stick to earthier shades such as yellow, orange, brown, orangey-reds, and yellow-green. You'd probably wear ivory shirts over white ones, and a deep brick-red lipstick would be fabulous for a night on the town.

Sooooooo were you a warm or a cool? Take the poll in the sidebar to see what undertones are a majority here at Classy!

"cool image" is from jakandjil.com "warm image" is from thesimplyluxuriouslife.com

Reverse the Signs of Aging

Here the Daily Glow helps us with the secrets to looking younger. Enjoy! =) Take it away Doc!!!

 If you haven’t been protecting your skin, it can start to give away clues about your age. Fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear, along with brown spots and rough skin patches caused by sun exposure. Your skin might be producing less collagen, and dead skin cells don't flake off imperceptibly anymore. If this sounds like your skin, it’s time to turn to anti-aging products and treatments to slow down, reduce, or even reverse the signs of aging and regain younger-looking skin.
Any skin that's been regularly exposed to the elements can be expected to show its age and needs special care to maintain its youthful look, says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, CEO and medical director of Elite MD, Inc. Advanced Dermatology, Laser, and Plastic Surgery Institute in Danville, Calif.
Your Anti-Aging Action Plan
At-home and doctor’s office procedures can have a visible impact on your complexion, giving you back younger-looking skin.

1. Protect your skin. The first rule of thumb: Prevent the damage. "The best thing to do to protect your skin is prevention," Dr. Badreshia-Bansal says. The sun is enemy number one, so you need to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 or higher whenever you're outside. You also should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Protect your face and neck with wide-brimmed hats, your eyes with sunglasses with UV coating. Dryness is enemy number two, making lines seem more noticeable, so choose a moisturizer made for your skin type and use it regularly to keep skin supple.
2. Apply a vitamin A cream. Prescription-strength, vitamin A–based topical gels or creams known as retinoids can reduce wrinkles and produce younger-looking skin. "It helps to build collagen, which can prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles, and to lighten dark spots,” Badreshia-Bansal says. “We also use it to treat acne, and it can help prevent precancerous growths." Prescription retinoids include Retin-A and Renova (tretinoin), Differin (adapalene), and Avage (tazarotene).
3. Bleach your brown spots. You can try lightening brown spots (also called age spots) with a bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone. "Hydroquinone helps inhibit an important enzyme in pigment synthesis," Badreshia-Bansal explains.
4. Pick up a pentapeptide anti-wrinkle cream. These anti-aging creams stimulate the skin's production of collagen and elastin and are found in some drugstore or beauty counter products. "You're helping to build back the support structure that's been lost through aging and sun damage," Badreshia-Bansal says.
5. Peel to reveal fresher skin. Dermatologists use various methods to remove the top layer of skin and expose new skin. These procedures can help tighten the skin and diminish fine lines and brown spots. "By exfoliating that top layer, you're allowing the moisturizers and other products we use to penetrate deeper and work better," Badreshia-Bansal says. Procedures include:
   
   • Chemical peel solutions to loosen and slough away the top layer of skin
   • Laser skin resurfacing to vaporize the surface skin
   • Microdermabrasion that sprays tiny particles to strip away topmost skin cells
   • Plasma skin regeneration using a stream of ionized nitrogen gas to heat the skin and cause the top layer of cells to flake away
6. Consider Botox. Injections of botulinum toxin have become tremendously popular as an anti-aging therapy. The injections relax the muscles under the skin and can eliminate deep lines and wrinkles around the face. Botox treatments also can help prevent new wrinkles from appearing.

You have many options available to create younger-looking skin. Factors including cost and the recovery time associated with procedures like peels will help you decide on your best course of action.