As a Carmel stylist, when I work with clients I often focus on wardrobes, but sometimes like to delve into skin care basics, hairstyles and makeup. Especially for women, the wrong make-up or make-up applied wrong is a huge image buster. For instance, I once had a client who only applied eye liner to her lower lashes – not her top lashes. After working together she learned a different way to apply her eye makeup. It was a small thing – but the change made a huge difference.
Grooming and Hygiene Tips for the Ladies
If I meet with a female client and notice she needs to pay attention to her eyebrows, I mention it. It’s hard to believe, but eyebrows “anchor” your whole facial structure. There are many services and products out there to try. I use Latesse on my brows to make them grow and at times dye them, get them threaded or waxed.
I often discuss foundation that matches skin tone with women. This is a big issue, especially if the client is fair skinned. As a Carmel Stylist, Ialways recommend a trip to the department store with the cosmetics line of their choice to get a good match. Foundation from the department store is really not that much more expensive than a drug store brand. As with all products, it’s important to get the formula that fits your skin, especially it it’s oily or extra dry.
As far as cosmetics — if a client is closer to 50 than 40 I recommend to stop using eye shadow/blush with shimmer because it settles into the lines in the face and around the eyes. This also includes any BareMinerals makeup that has shine or sparkle to it. This brand is best left to the 20-somethings. It does not flatter most women as they age.
In general, if you have been using the “same” cleansing, treating moisturizing routine for the last 25-plus years, it’s time for an update. If you love the line you use–such as Mary Kay as one woman told me– simple get an update and see if there are some new, anti-aging lines that will do a better job of tackling your present-day issues with your skin.
Grooming and Hygiene Tips for the Men
For men, sometimes it is a stretch to think they, too, can benefit from a simple skin routine and daily use of sun block — year round. Even if it is just a skin cancer prevention, it does make a difference to avoid too much sun. Cosmetic companies are realizing that men are great customers and users of their products, and many well-known brands have expanded all they offer–so give them a chance. A Carmel stylist would recommend a few brands such as Clinique’s men’s products, Kiehl’s, Aveda, etc. My husband loves Duke Cannon’s Every Damn Day sun block. He loves it and says — it doesn’t smell sweet!
If you have breakouts or your skin seems to be constantly a problem, do not hesitate to see a professional such as a dermatologist. At a med spa (I go to one), they will have products that are prescribed for your skin issues. They are stronger–many are prescription strength– and work very well. You will be pleased with the results!
Beards are so much more common now, and they can be great and attractive if groomed and trimmed. This is important — no one wants to look at a beard that is not groomed, and you know what I mean. With your hair, find the formula for your hair. — one type does not fit all.
There is one area I do not comment on as a female stylist, and that is grooming “below the belt.” Yes, it’s necessary, and here are some tips and product recommendations!
Keep it sassy, Indy.
Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC
