501 Easy Look and Feel Good Tips E-Book

Catherine Mortimer

• Herausgeber: IMM Lifestyle Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Seitenzahl: 163

Beschreibung

While we'd all love to be a celebrity with a personal staff at our beck and call, what's a real girl to do? Catherine Mortimer has spent over ten years interviewing stars and their stylists, hairdressers, and makeup artists. She's learned their secrets—and now she reveals them, in this must-have collection of 501 tried-and-tested tips for looking gorgeous and feeling fabulous! Best of all, these ideas aren't about having a big budget or spending hours at the makeup table or spa; these are wonderfully sneaky, marvelously doable beauty tricks to help every woman make the most of whatever gifts Mother Nature gave her. 

Leseprobe

501 EASY LOOK & FEEL GOOD TIPS

Published in 2009 by

New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd

London • Cape Town • Sydney • Auckland

www.newhollandpublishers.com

Garfield House, 86–88 Edgware Road,

London W2 2EA, United Kingdom

80 McKenzie Street, Cape Town 8001, South Africa

66 Gibbes Street, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia

218 Lake Road, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand

Text copyright © 2009 Catherine Mortimer

Copyright © 2009 New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers and copyright holders.

ISBN: 978 1 60765 356 1

Senior Editor: Emma Pattison

Editorial Direction: Rosemary Wilkinson

Production: Marion Storz

Design: Paul Wright

Artwork: Paul Wright

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Reproduction by Pica Digital Pte Ltd, Singapore Printed and bound by Craft Print International Ltd, Singapore

Disclaimer

The author and publishers have made every effort to ensure that all information given in this book is safe and accurate, but they cannot accept liability for any resulting injury or loss or damage to either property or person, whether direct or consequential or however arising. Anyone wishing to embark on a new diet or fitness regime should consult a doctor before doing so. All facts are correct at time of going to press.

501 EASY LOOK & FEEL GOOD TIPS

CATHERINE MORTIMER

Introduction

Face

Body

Hair

Style

Fragrance

Well-being

Index

Introduction

It’s all very well being a celebrity and having a nutritionist, personal trainer, make-up artist and stylist follow you about. But how does a real girl look good without this much help? I hope that by reading this book you’ll be surprised how easy it is to look gorgeous and feel great too.

I’ve spent ten years interviewing celebrities and speaking to their stylists, hairdressers and make-up artists who work behind behind the scenes to keep celebrities looking great. I’ve learned no matter what your size, shape or colour there are enough sneaky beauty tricks out there to make the most of what Mother Nature gave you.

I’ve included everything I’ve learned, from make-up and fashion advice to ways to improve your well-being. I don’t expect all 501 tips will apply to one person, but among the healthy recipes or step-by-step hairstyles, I hope you will find some that can improve your looks and your life.

I do my hair and make-up most of the time, I do an hour’s exercise every day and I eat pretty healthily. But I have to confess that like a lot of women I enjoy a bar of chocolate and a couple of glasses of wine. On some days you’ll even find me in a tracksuit with messy hair and no make-up. But I’ve realized that time out is important for your looks and life in general.

Which brings you to my story, I used to be your typical journalist, working late nights, gulping lunch at my desk and neglecting my health so I could meet deadlines. But then I started to develop back pain and in December, 2005, my car crashed in the snow. I was left with a slipped disc and no choice but to lie on my back for a year as part of my hospital treatment. It was a horrible experience but it made me more interested than ever in what it takes to look and feel good. It’s where the ideas behind this book began.

I’m really passionate that beauty isn’t just for people with big budgets or hours to sit in spas, flicking through magazines. Looking good is important to people who live in the real world, too.

I’ve chatted to hundreds of women throughout my career and they’ve shared some genius tried and tested tips with me. So inside you’ll find a lively mix of celebrity style secrets as well as advice from people like you and me. Keep this in your bag and dip into it whenever you have a few moments. I hope my tips help you as much as they’ve helped me.

Enjoy!

Catherine Mortimer

FACE

1. SUN SEEKERSwap sunshine for shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun’s at its hottest and you’re most likely to burn. Sun damage is one of the biggest causes of premature skin ageing, so wear a sunblock with an SPF15 on your face (or higher during summer). You can save yourself buying two products by checking the label on moisturizers to see if they already contain sun protection.

2. TURN BACK THE CLOCKUse a concealer in a shade lighter than your foundation to cover laughter lines and crow’s feet around eyes. The lighter colour highlights areas that are wrinkled and gives the illusion of smoother skin. Finish off by blending foundation over your whole face and just like magic you’ll look years younger.

3. SCRUB UPGet a spa facial at home by whipping up a homemade anti-wrinkle polish. Mix 2 tbsp of almond oil with the same amount of porridge oats. Then using your fingertips massage it into your face every morning (avoid getting too close to your eyes). Rinse clean with warm water and pat dry with a towel.

4. MAKE-UP MASTERCLASSBook an appointment with a make-up artist at a beauty counter for free make-up advice. He or she will be able to show you how to use products properly and recommend what suits you best. It’s also worth going along to update your knowledge of new products and replace bits and bobs in your makeup bag that have seen better days.

5. LIP SERVICEOscar winner Halle Berry has a trick up her sleeve for getting the perfect pink pout when she hasn’t got her professional make-up team to hand. The star applies red lippy then wipes it off and applies clear lip gloss. The subtle hint of colour is enough to pass off as a different lip colour.

6. BRIGHT EYESGently massaging either side of the bridge of your nose in the morning can get rid of fluid retention and reduce puffiness around eyes. Place two fingers on the top of each side of your nose, then using slow movements gently sweep fingers down and off the tip of your nose. Repeat ten times.

7. SMART SNACKINGNibble on raw fruit and vegetables rather than crisps or sweets to boost valuable nutrients needed for the health of your hair, skin, nails and teeth. Cutting out junk food, which is highly processed and stripped of goodness, will boost your antioxidant intake and act like a gentle detox for your body. If you’ve got a juicer then have fun inventing smoothies to help keep you away from the biscuit tin.

8. SHINY SKINInstead of using powder to cover blemishes, switch to a light textured foundation. Powder settles in every tiny crease of your skin and highlights wrinkles dramatically. Choose a foundation that compliments your skin tone (see tip 16) and apply lightly to avoid overloading your skin.

9. SNOW WHITEDid you know your choice of lipstick affects how white your teeth look? Pick your lip colour with care and your pearly whites will look amazing. Shades of pink achieve a white smile but avoid orange and brown tones, which make teeth look more yellow.

10. FACE-FIXERHelp a puffy face with a minute of massage. Place your hands either side of your head on the nape of the neck. Turn palms up towards the ceiling and thumbs down towards the front of the throat. (Your hands should be loosely ‘locked’ at the sides of your neck but thumbs shouldn’t touch or you’re gripping too tight.) Using gliding movements, work hands from the top of your neck to your collarbone. Repeat five times.

11. UNDER COVERCelebrity make-up artists agree that a good light-reflecting concealer is an essential part of a professional makeup kit. Use it beneath eyes, on the sides of your nose, at the corners of your mouth, over fine expression lines and to help cover dark patches. It will hide flaws and bring out the radiance in your skin by catching and reflecting the light.

12. GRIN AND BARE ITHere’s what you need to do to achieve a perfect smile:

•    Brush twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride to prevent plaque building up on teeth.

•    Floss between teeth every day to remove plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach.

•    Change your toothbrush every three months.

•    Brush teeth for two minutes minimum every morning and night.

•    Limit sugary and acidic food and drink.

•    Visit the dentist every six months for check-ups and your dental hygienist every three months.

13. CLOSE CALLAlmost all eye shapes are flattered by emphasizing the outer corners to create a wide-eyed effect. If you’ve got deep set eyes or they’re close together then avoid applying too much make-up on the inner corners.

14. SAY NO TO SUNBEDSNow for the serious tip! Protect your health and skin by limiting your exposure to the sun and sunbeds. Fair enough they make you look tanned, but it’s actually a sign of tissue damage. Both produce ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which changes cells in your body and can lead to skin cancer. The sun’s rays have the following effects:

•    UVA – produces sunburn and suntans (but to a lesser extent than UVB).

•    UVB – the biggest cause of sunburn and suntans.

•    UVC – the most damaging to skin but UVC in sunlight is absorbed by the ozone layer. UVC from artificial sources can damage eyes.

15. DOUBLE TROUBLETackle a double chin by strengthening lower face muscles. Sitting up straight in a chair, place your elbows on the table in front of you. Make your hands into fists and rest your chin on your hands. Press your chin firmly down against the resistance of your fists and then relax so your chin is resting on your fists. Repeat ten times. (You’ll feel your front neck muscles contracting, which is normal).

16. FIRM FOUNDATIONSConsider your skin’s texture when picking a foundation. If you’ve got greasy skin look for products labelled ‘oil free’ but if your skin is dry go for foundations that are moisturizing. Combination skin is a bit more complicated. You’ll need to first work out whether you’re skin is more oily or more dry, then choose products as explained above.

17. FISHY FACTStudies show fish fights wrinkles. Oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and herring contain omega 3, essential fatty acids which feeds skin cells and fights the effects of ageing. Salmon also contains DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) and firms skin. Pregnant women should avoid larger fish varieties, like tuna, which contains mercury that may be harmful to babies.

18. KISS AND MAKE-UPNever emphasize eyes and lips at the same time when doing your make-up. Top make-up artists say it looks too overpowering. If you’re going for a strong lip colour, cover blemishes or dark areas around eyes with a concealer and then dust a light eyeshadow over eyelids.

19. PERFECT PEGSHere’s how to make your teeth whiter:

•    Dental trays – custom-made to the exact fit of a patient’s teeth by a dentist. The wearer pours hydrogen peroxide gel into the tray and puts it in their mouth overnight.

•    Laser whitening or ‘power whitening’ – your dentist applies a concentrated bleaching gel to teeth and uses heat from a special light to penetrate teeth and draw stains out.

•    Home bleaching kits – a cheaper alternative to dental tray bleaching (above). Instead of a dentist fitting a tray to your mouth, a standard size tray is sold as part of a pack from pharmacies.

•    Whitening toothpastes – don’t affect the natural colour of your teeth but they help remove staining, which improves the overall appearance of your teeth.

20. FOLLOW YOUR NOSECleanse your nose thoroughly of oily pores and blackheads by using a mild soap, cleanser or gentle exfoliating face scrub. Apply it to your face using small circular movements and cover the sides, stem, grooves and tip of the nose. For skin that’s extra oily or congested, wrap a flannel around your index finger and go over your nose in the same way once more.

21. STAR TIPBroccoli, cucumber, peas, asparagus, beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach and watercress are all on actress Goldie Hawn’s shopping list. The star juices green vegetables in a blender and drinks a glass every day to fight wrinkles. Green vegetables contain lutein, a powerful antioxidant that boosts eye and skin health.

22. FANCY A FACELIFT?Protein is great for skin because it maintains your body’s tissues and stops your skin feeling rough and wrinkly. Without it you’d have poor muscle tone, brittle nails and weak hair. Whipping up a chicken stir-fry cooked in sesame oil with added linseeds is a great skin booster.

23. EYE SPYTake care not to drag the skin around your eyes down when applying or removing make-up or moisturizer. Heavy-handedness can cause wrinkles. But having said that, try not to fall into the trap of slathering your eyes with super-rich creams either. Thick moisturizers also pull delicate eye skin down. Instead choose an eye gel and lightly tap it around your eyes.

24. UNDER THE KNIFEIf you’re choosing a cosmetic surgeon, make basic checks as follows:

•    Contact professional medical associations to confirm your surgeon is fully registered.

•    Ask your surgeon for proof of his or her qualifications.

•    Ask how many procedures like yours they’ve carried out before.

•    Enquire if you can see photos of their work.

•    Ask for a detailed list of surgery pros and cons at your consultation (that way you can take it away and make a decision in your own time).

•    Remember, if you’re in any doubt don’t do it!

25. WRINKLE REMEDYBotox is the better known name for Botulinum toxin, which is injected into face muscles to paralyze them and leave skin looking smoother. Growing in popularity, the treatment is used to relax fine lines and the idea is that if muscles can’t move then skin can’t wrinkle. Effects can last three to six months until the toxin is destroyed by the body. There can be initial bruising and you should always choose an experienced doctor or therapist.

26. LASH FLASHApply mascara from the base of your lashes, sweeping outwards towards the tips. Don’t pump wands in and out of the tube because mascara dries out quickly when you push air into the tube. A secret tip from celebrity make-up artists is to bend the end of the wand at a right angle if your hand isn’t very steady. Always wait five seconds before blinking once you’ve applied mascara to avoid it smudging.

27. CHEEKY MONKEYFor perfect blusher, choose a tone that matches your face when it’s flushed after exercise. Then pick the right formula – powder for oily or combination skin and cream for dry skin. To apply, look in the mirror and smile to highlight the apples of your cheeks and blend in lightly.

28. BERRY NICERaspberries, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, you name it – berries are full of ‘good’ chemicals called antioxidants. They neutralize the ‘bad’ chemicals, called free radicals, caused by pollution and sunlight which damage cells and leave skin looking older (see tip 103). Berries have super high concentrations of antioxidants compared to most other fruits.

29. REST UPLook after your face by relaxing as much as you can if you have a stressful job, demanding kids or you’re prone to worrying. Relaxing facial muscles helps prevent wrinkles and aches and pains. Help face muscles loosen up by lightly tapping your fingertips around your eyes, forehead, cheeks and mouth.

30. GLITTER BALLAs much as you might love a bit of sparkle, go easy with it if you haven’t got the youngest of faces. Foundation or blusher containing glitter or shimmer can draw attention to older skin, especially on faces and make you look older.

31. PUCKER UPTo get a plumper pout, use a lip brush or lipliner to finely outline your lips just outside natural contours before you apply any colour. Avoid opaque lipsticks which generally make lips appear thinner and try tinted lip glosses instead.

32. MASCARA MAGICBefore applying mascara, always curl your eyelashes – nothing opens up eyes better. You can buy eyelash curlers cheaply from most pharmacies and it only takes a minute to clamp them onto lashes. Mascara goes on easier after curling lashes and it’ll stay put for longer.

33. SUN-KISSED SKINYour best bet for adding colour to skin is to go for a fake tan to avoid skin damage (see tip 14). Salons offer spray-on treatments which give the best effect but can be expensive. Before you splash your cash, you can buy plenty of good self tans to help you do it yourself at a fraction of the cost. DIY tanning can be better because you can build up colour gradually and avoid waking up looking orange the next day.

34. DRINK DAMAGEAs much as you might enjoy a chilled glass of chardonnay or a warming whisky, try to drink in moderation. Alcohol dehydrates the skin and speeds up the ageing process. It can also flare up skin conditions and increases bruising.

35. PERFECT POUTFor plump, soft lips brush a damp toothbrush back and forth over your lips for a minute (but don’t go too hard!). It’ll scrub away dry skin as well as boosting circulation. Then slap on a lip balm to seal in moisture and form a barrier against harsh weather conditions.

36. ALLERGY ALERTWhen you apply a new product to your skin there’s always a slight risk that you’ll react badly. Try a patch test somewhere out of sight and leave it for 48 hours so you have time to see if it agrees with you. Products labelled ‘hypoallergenic’ suggest they won’t cause an allergic reaction. But there’s not a single product on the market that can guarantee somebody won’t be allergic to it.

37. SLIP, SLAP, SLOPIf you’re desperate to turn back the clock, invest in a good face cream that contains retinol (a form of vitamin A which maintains skin) and coenzyme Q10 (found naturally in skin and prevents damage to collagen).

38. LAYING THE FOUNDATIONSThe number one beauty rule when applying foundation or concealer is to always remember to moisturize skin first and give it a couple of minutes to soak in. If you don’t, your make-up won’t stay put very long and products could look crusty or flaky.

39. RISE AND SHINESome people buy blotting sheets to mop up shiny faces. A cheaper alternative is to carry a few sheets of toilet roll in your handbag. Simply separate the two layers and place one over the oily zone of your face. Lightly press it down and lift away.

40. EYE TESTWhen shopping for eyeshadow, try out new colours on the inside of your wrist. That’s where skin is most similar to skin on eyelids and you can see what it will look like most accurately.

41. CHEEKY CHAPPYMake sure your blusher matches your skin tone or the end result will look totally unnatural and over the top. Pale skin suits light beige or soft pink shades. Pink skin looks good with pale beige or peach. Yellow skin tones are best with honey or coral and black skins go well with auburn.

42. NECKS BEST THINGNecks are a dead giveaway of your age and they’re often left looking wrinkly and saggy without the right treatment. Every time you moisturize your face or apply sun protection, work a little into your neck using upward strokes to help keep skin as taut as possible.

43. SPOT ON