SKIN CARE & MAKEUP TIPS  

by Sandra Sturgeon 

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Points of Pageantry by Sandra

Partners in Performance

Due to overwhelming response, we are having 6 Rodeo Queen Camps this year. 

Our skin is an amazing organ: strong enough to provide a barrier against the elements and sensitive enough to register the slightest touch. Think of your face as a canvas. After all, it is a work of art created by you. Its up to you to make your face look the best it can be, regardless of any flaws you may have. Below we will talk about some of those flaws and how to work with them.  But first, lets start with the basics. healthy, radiant skin. 

Take care of your skin by doing the following:

• Cleanse morning and evening. When it comes to skin care, the most important
  thing is to keep your skin from drying out in the first place. The best place to start is with your cleansing routine, since washing removes the protective
  surface oils from your skin. 
  • Avoid makeup removers that contain alcohol or witch
    hazel, because these chemicals dry skin out, especially around the eyes.
  • Then wash your face. If your skin is normal, you should use
    a non-soap cleanser like glycerin once a day.  If it's dry, you can forego products altogether and simply rinse with warm water. Those with oily or
    combination skin should choose a cleanser in the normal to oily range and wash twice a day. 
• Moisturize every morning and evening.  Look for a product  that won't clog pores.. containing 4 to 8 percent alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and use just a little where you're driest. If you have normal skin, use a light moisturizer, again only where you need it (usually just on the cheeks and neck). For dry skin, look for a medium to heavy moisturizer and apply all over your face.
  • And absolutely everyone should use a moisturizer around
    the eyes. 
  •  Be sure to apply moisturizer with your middle or ring finger so that you aren't as likely to tug or pull at the skin. 
• Exfoliate to keep your skin clear and smooth. If you do choose a moisturizer that contains alpha hydroxy acids, be sure your cleanser' and any other facial products you use don't.  
• In addition to moisturizing, you need to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen year-round to protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) rays.  Always look for an SPF of at least 15.
• Adopt a skin-friendly diet. Once your "outsides" are taken care, it's time to pay attention to your "insides," since' skin care is actually more internal than external. Eat a diet rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E and the trace mineral selenium) and essential fatty acids (especially those found in flaxseeds, nuts, seeds and olive oil) to nourish your skin.
• Finally, don't forget to drink plenty of water. 

Now for those makeup tips:

• Blend. Strive for a seamless application around your jaw-line and hairline.
• A dry sponge will give you more coverage; a damp sponge glides on easier to help thin foundation.
• Olive complexions look great in warm, yellow-based colors. Avoid pink or peachy shades.
• Too much powder on face can look dull and accumulates fine lines.
• Fair skin looks good with soft-muted pinks or peach blush.
• Medium skin can go warmer with mauves or chili colors, for blush.
• Use dark eye shadow in crease of eye and at outer corners to "open" the eyes.
• Use lighter eye shadow across browbone to highlight.
• The arch of your eyes should be directly above your pupil or slightly to the outside.
• Always use lipliner.
• Always wear darker makeup at night and in the rodeo arena.

How to correct those flaws:

• For a flat or wide nose, use a brown eye pencil. Draw 2 lines up and down on each side of your nose bone and blend up & down.
• Use dark red lip-liner under cheekbone. Draw line towards hairline and blend to create deeper cheek-lines.
• Don’t let eyebrows extend past end of eyes.
• To create the perfect lips, use lip-liner to draw and form your lips.
• Light lipstick will make your lips look fuller.

When you are in a pinch and don't have a mirror

• How to apply Lipstick without a Mirror.
  • Using a fingertip on the non-lipstick-wielding hand as a guide, position the tip of the lipstick on the center of your mouth's bow. 
  • Draw half a heart from the bow to the edge of your mouth. At the same time trace the top line of your lip with your fingertip to shield from wobbles. 
  • Use the same fingertip to mark the center of your lower lip and to use as your guide. 
  • Sweep the color to each corner of your mouth

By keeping moisture in--with a healthy diet as well as protective skin products, and a smart cleansing routing--your skin will thank you.

I hope these pointers help you in your daily activities as well as reaching your goals to become a Rodeo Queen.

Happy Trails,  Sandra Sturgeon
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