Question For Kate

Facial Massage 101

2009-03-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

This simple massage is a really effective way to soothe your skin & get the best result from your facial oil. It’s a simple synergistic blend of massage & acupressure movements. This treatment will stimulate your circulation & kick start cell regeneration ensuring your skin has a fresh, rosy glow.

Technique

Allow your hands to mirror each other in a gentle unhurried way.

Preparation

Cleanse your skin & allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This will ensure your skin has recovered its natural balance and will enable the facial oil to penetrate more efficiently.

Warm Up

Using the thumb & index finger of each hand; start at the inner edge of eyebrows & pinch gently, working outwards towards your ears. Pinch along till you reach the end of your brows. Do twice.
Using same pinching action move hands down to centre of chin and work along jaw to ears.

Facial Massage
Place a small amount of facial oil (remember you only need the tiniest amount) onto the palm of your hand. Dip in fingertips & then gently rub palms together to distribute the oil evenly.

Step One
With one palm resting lightly on the base of your throat and the other palm just below it, gently sweep the palm upwards (one hand following the other). Using the same sweeping motion work outwards to each ear ensuring your neck has been covered with the facial oil.

Step Two
Place palms on your jaw with fingertips resting on cheekbones at each side of nose. With a light sweeping touch, smooth the fingertips up by the sides of the nose, middle of forehead, then down towards temples and back to jawline. Do twice.

Step Three
Place the flat pad of ring finger on inner edge of eyebrow. Using the underlying bone as a guide; start at the inner eyebrow & with a smoothing action work outwards, around cheekbones & back to the top of nose. Do Twice.

Step Four
With the fingertips of each hand touching at the centre of the forehead(arms raised, elbows out) smooth outwards towards temple. Do Twice.

Step Five
With fingertips on temples slowly work in circular motion. Do Twice.

Step Six
With fingertips at both sides of nostril and using cheekbone as your guide use a comfortable pressure to sweep fingertips upwards towards ears. Do Twice.

Step Seven
With flat pad of fingers use small gentle circular motions around the face & neck (but avoid delicate eye area). Then with a gentle tapping action (like tapping a keyboard, but quicker!) use the pads of your fingers to tap all around face & neck. Gently tap eye area (working outwards towards ears) it’s a great depuffing trick! Alternate these two moves for about a minute.

Step Eight
With the back of one hand gently pat under your chin. Do about thirty.

Step Nine
Repeat steps 1 & 2.

Step Ten
Then starting at top of ears, using thumb and index finger pinch around your ear working all the way down to your lobe. This is a lovely way to finish the massage as all your reflexology points are present on the ear lobe, so this simple action will refresh and restore.

Cleansing 101

2009-03-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

My cleansing routine may seem a little bit different to what you are used to, but believe me that extra minute or so of gentle cleansing will reward you with a naturally gorgeous glow.

Cleansing your skin is quite simply the most important step in your skincare routine. Gentle cleansing will ensure that dead skin cells, excess oil, dirt & makeup are removed. Your skin's natural oil (sebum) needs to flow freely onto your skin to perform its own natural moisturizing and healing action. If skin has not been cleansed effectively, your pores get blocked, the natural oil becomes trapped causing infection and breakouts to occur. If skin has not been well cleansed it does take on a dingy appearance with the development of blackheads, whiteheads & enlarged pores. On the other hand overzealous cleansing damages skin and causes sensitivity, dry patches and excess sebum production.

Cleansing Technique
I divide cleansing into an am & pm routine. Your morning cleanse need not be too rigorous, you just simply need to remove any surface oils or excess product that may remain on your skin and ensure your skin is perfectly prepared for the day ahead.

Be Kind To Yourself!
Remember we aren't trying to recreate the opening scene from Mommie Dearest here, gentle is the key word! I am always shocked when new clients tell me of their cleansing routine be it harsh products or harsh action. Scrubs are for kitchen floors not gorgeous faces! Harsh treatment will only upset your skin, while a gentle soothing touch will ensure a fresh and fabulous glow! The aim of the cleanse is to gently remove any surface debris and free the pores to release their own natural moisturizer.

Morning Cleanse
Simply fill a basin with warm water and add 20 drops of Rose Skin Tonic. Swish & swirl this skin balancing blend into the water. Soak a clean, cotton flannel in the water, wring out and place the flannel over your face & neck for about 10 seconds. This simple step will warm up your skin, stimulate circulation and attract any skin debris to the flannel. Rinse & wring out the flannel. Fold the flannel into a small rectangle then covering one section of skin at a time gently press flannel into skin, roll and release. Repeat this action around face & neck. Finally splash face & neck for 30 seconds and pat your skin dry with a soft, fluffy towel (keep your own separate towel especially for skincare). DO NOT share a towel or use any old towel that's just hanging around! Make your cleansing routine a real ritual and a spirited start to the day. Allow your skin to rest for about 5 minutes before applying your SPF and make up.

Evening Cleanse
Your evening cleanse is absolutely essential to remove all the dirt & debris of the day. I don't care how tired you are (sorry I was a bit bossy then!) but if you do only one thing for your skin make it a thorough cleanse in the evening.

Step One

Place the clean, soft flannel in a basin of warm water. Warm the cleanser in the palm of your hand. Just taking the time to warm the Borage Cleansing Oil or Palmarosa Cleansing Balm makes the cleanse so much more effective. A warm product clings to the debris on your skin making your cleansing routine a lot more thorough.

Step Two

With the cleanser distributed evenly in your hands, sweep the cleanser upwards over your neck, jawline, sides of nose & forehead.

Step Three

Then sweep outwards towards temples and back down past cheekbones down to the centre of jaw. With a small circular action using the pads of your fingers work product into skin of face & neck.

Step Four

Use this same action around your eye area. Since you are using a gentle touch combined with a smooth and gentle cleanser, don't worry you will not drag or damage this delicate area at all.

Using this simple, circular technique will ensure that your skin circulation is boosted, giving it a helping hand in eliminating its own dirt and debris that will clog pores.

Step Five
Once the cleanser has been gently massaged into skin, wring out the flannel and place over face & neck for about 10 seconds. This simple step will warm up your skin, stimulate circulation and attract any skin debris to the cloth. Rinse & wring out cloth. Fold cloth into a small rectangle then covering one section of skin at a time gently press cloth into skin, roll and release. Repeat this action around face & neck.

Step Six
Final Rinse - Fill basin with fresh, warm water and add 20 drops of Rose Skin Tonic. Swish & swirl this skin balancing blend into the water. Then proceed to splash face & neck for 30 seconds. This will ensure every little bit of debris & excess cleanser is removed. Rose Skin Tonic is a simple blend, which is a totally natural yet utterly effective skin ph balancer with a lovely antibacterial action.

Step Seven

Pat skin dry with a clean towel and wait about 5 minutes before applying your facial oil. Waiting just a few minutes before applying the next step of your skincare routine allows your skin to recover its natural balance, making it in the perfect state to receive the most nourishment from your facial oil.

Five Rules For Winter Skin

2009-01-30T04:30:00.000-08:00

Winter takes its toll on your skin and you really need to make that extra bit of effort to protect your skin. But just follow my simple winter skincare rules and your skin reap the benefits from that little bit of extra care.

Rule No 1
WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN
I know it’s the middle of a glum English winter but you still need to protect your skin and a decent SPF is the very best skincare purchase you can make. Exposure to the sun (even in the middle of winter) seriously speeds up the ageing process of your skin and makes you prone to developing dry skin, age spots, wrinkles and those horrid spider veins. For daily wear just try a simple SPF 15.

Rule No 2
MOISTURIZE TO THE MAX!
Its bad enough that not only does your skin have to combat the brutal weather outside but as soon as you step inside any teeny bit of moisture in the air is sucked out by central heating. Dry air can wreak havoc on your skin making it flake and crack (it even makes those pesky fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable). To combat this its absolutely essential that you cosset your skin throughout the day. In the morning apply a lovely rich balm (like Rose Otto Healing Balm) and throughout the day spray your skin with Miracle Spritz, rich in glycerin (vegetable of course) which draws water into the skin and keeps it there. It also helps add a gorgeous finish to make up (especially mineral bases) and keeps your skin refreshed, soft and glowing throughout the day.

RULE NO 3
BE KIND TO YOUR SKIN
Products that contain active anti-ageing ingredients such as Retinoid's and AHA‘s can really irritate skin making it even drier, itchier and prone to flaking. If you must use them; why not try applying a every alternate evening so your skin is not overwhelmed by those nasty

RULE NO 4
PUCKER UP!
Don’t forget those delectable lips. Keep your lip balm with you at all times and apply frequently. Frequent application ensures that your lips are soft, supple and totally irresistible!

RULE NO 5
BATHE IN THE MOISTURE!
Keep your baths and showers short & sweet. A quick dip of about 15 minutes maximum will add moisture to your skin but any longer any your skin will dry out! Keep the water warm, not HOT! Hot water strips your skin of its natural protective oils and damages skin cells causing dry, itchy skin. After your bath or shower pat skin dry, this action helps the skin retain moisture and is a far more gentle action to use on sensitive skin. Apply your body moisturizer as soon as you can to trap any remaining moisture into the skin. Moisturizers don’t add moisture to the skin, they just trap the water that’s already there. By following these simple steps you will see & feel a difference in your skin.

Questions Please!!!

2008-05-29T12:38:00.001-07:00

If you have any skincare or make up questions just e-mail them to me at questions@kateloganbeauty.com.

Flawless and Fabulous Skin!

2008-05-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Polished, flawless and gorgeously fabulous. Yes, that can be you with a little help from some perfectly applied foundation. With a myriad of lovely light diffusing formulas you can say goodbye to those teeny imperfections and glow, glow, glow!

The Secret
Finding the right shade is the key to getting the perfect look. When foundation shopping, take a friend (for an honest opinion). Apply the foundation to your jawline, ideally you want the colour just to disappear into your natural skin tone. Step away from the pink toned foundations; they do not suit anyone! Look for yellow toned shades, they are flattering and realistic.

Application

Tools of the Trade - Damp Sponge (wedge shape please!) or foundation brush.

Allow your moisturizer to really sink into your skin before you even think about applying your base. If you apply base straight after your moisturizer it will not last (basically it will slide off before you even leave the house!)

Dot foundation along your forehead, down your nose, along your chin and finally across those gorgeous cheekbones.

With your sponge or brush held deftly in your hand start at the centre of your face and blend, blend, blend with short, downward strokes. Working downwards ensures you don't ruffle up those fine facial hairs and also means you will create a lovely smooth finish. Carry on blending and do not forget the jawline and hairline (remember we aren't recreating retro air hostess look!). Concentrate on the jawline and hairline, gently blending away any telltale foundation lines.

Time to camouflage all those teeny tiny imperfections. For dark circles use a light, liquid concealer. Dot on under eye area and gently pat with ring finger to blend. For spots or areas of skin discolouration use a thicker concealer. This is best applied with a small pointed concealer brush. Using a concealer brush allows you to target just the area of redness and avoid that horrid cakey coverage look.

Powder time, ladies! Dip a large, fluffy powder brush in translucent powder. Tap to remove any excess powder and lightly sweep across your forehead, nose and chin. A quick spray of Miracle Spritz will "set" your makeup and add a lovely dewy glow.

There you have it 5 simple steps for flawless skin, the rest is up to you!

Do I Need a Make Up Primer

2008-05-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Kate, I hear so much about make up primers, are they worth buying?
Andrea W.

A make up primer is designed to temporarily smooth your skin. It usually contains silicones & polymers which create a smooth surface and waxes which bind with your make up to give it longevity. Not everyone needs a primer. Make up primer is really suited to those who have uneven skin texture (perhaps due to old scars) since they level out the skin. Its also helpful for those whose lip colour feathers due to fine lines or who find that their eye shadow creases easily. From my own experience I have found that after I have used a make up primer it does make application of foundation particularly easy. It just seems to prep the surface of the skin but as for adding longevity to your make up, I'm not convinced!

Tinted Moisturizer - Does it Cover?

2008-05-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Kate, I'm not entirely convinced a tinted moisturizer will give the coverage I need, what do I do?
Nicola T.

Summer is on its way and the last thing you need is that horrid, heavy foundation feeling. Tinted moisturizer will give you a lovely sheer finish that will look flawless if you follow my foolproof action plan for a not so natural, natural look!

Step One - Tools of the Trade
Any base product will look so much better if you apply with a foundation brush. But the secret to a great foundation brush is price, cheap ones work great! Oh dear, I've shocked you. There is a reason behind my cheapness (trust me I speak from experience), pricey, natural bristle brushes really soak up the base whereas with the not so natural bristle foundation brush, the product just sits on it and transfers easily to your skin and provide great coverage.

Step Two - Application
Dot the tinted moisturizer on forehead, nose, cheekbones and jawline. With foundation brush start at centre of face, and use short, downward strokes to ensure smooth coverage. Remember to blend in well around hairline and jawline, this is no time for telltale lines.

Step Three - Conceal, Conceal, Conceal!
Eye Area: Dot concealer under eyes with ring finger.
Spots/Areas of discolouration: With a small pointed concealer brush, dab a thicker formulation concealer on the redness/discolouration only. Then set with a light dusting of a translucent powder.

Step Four - Get the Glow
Embrace the fresh new you by using a sheer cream blush to give just that flash of gorgeous glow! Finally, just a quick spray of Miracle Spritz will ensure your make up stays put and will also leave you with a delectable glow.

Go For The Glow!

2008-05-28T12:39:00.001-07:00

Self tan can give you that golden glow, rather than a tango glow! Facial tanners can work wonders; they can even out your complexion, help hide any broken capillaries, camouflage acne scars, even make your face look thinner. But you have to apply it correctly, you do not want the colour to look obvious, you just want that delectable Antibes glow. Those with a fair complexion are best suited to the gradual tanners that enable you to build up the glow. Medium to dark complexions can go for the self tanners that develop in a few hours. Self tanners usually give you a little hint to the intensity of the shade, but if in doubt just look at the ingredient listing and the higher DIHYDROXYACETONE appears on the list, the darker the tan will be. Dixydroxyacetone is the stuff that colours your skin. So pick a shade (light, medium, dark) that is closest to your natural skin colour. Remember you can always apply subtle colour boost with either blush or bronzer. And the golden (no pun intended) rule is to ensure you moisturize frequently and reapply the self tan around every three days as this will keep your skin smooth and the colour looking fresh.

Kate's Foolproof Guide to a Golden Glow!

Preparation
Cleanse skin and gently exfoliate. My Palmarosa Cleansing Balm is perfect for this as it cleanses skin thoroughly while the muslin cloth gently exfoliates skin. Then simply pat dry This gentle exfoliation ensures that any dry skin is removed. Any dry skin would absorb colour unevenly making the self tan look icky and fake.

Moisture
If you have used either my Palmarosa Cleansing Balm or Borage Cleanser you can easily skip this step as you skin will be soft, smooth and ready for the self tan. If you have used a foaming cleanser then please apply a thin layer of moisturizer and wait 15 minutes for that to fully absorb.

Application
Splodge a pea size amount of the self tanner on your middle and index fingers (using these fingers will help you to apply the colour a lot more precisely). Dot self tanner on the centre of your forehead, along you cheekbones, down the centre of your nose and on the middle of you chin. Using the same two fingers blend the self tanner from those points out towards your hairline. Work the formula over the jawline and down the neck. Allow the skin to dry for a good 20 minutes before applying make up or heading for bed.

The Day After
When the tan has taken effect, go lightly on the foundation. Just use concealer and maybe even try a tinted moisturizer (with spf please!) that is a shade darker than your regular one. Then sweep on rosy colour blush (or use a sheer cream blush) lightly to replicate that glossy summer glow!

WARNING - a few hints to keep you glowing!

Do not apply body tanner to the face. Body tanner is usually a thicker formulation and will clog pores.

Downside of facial self tan - It will accentuate any blackheads or pores. So diminish the chance of this happening by using a deep cleansing facial mask the night before application.

Always give the self tan time to dry (about 20 mins). If you go to bed without letting the tan dry sufficiently it will settle rather obviously in the lines on your neck (take this advice from one who has suffered).

Stick to warm make up shades; cool shades look weird but warm bronzes and golds will be oh so flattering.

The Perils Of Airplane Skin

2008-05-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Kate, due to my job I have to fly a lot! The trouble is it really is taking its toll on my skin. How do I care for my skin in the air?
Rachel T.

To arrive at your destination fresh faced and fabulous the work begins long before you check in! Its best to make a few small changes to your diet a few days before you fly by avoiding alcohol and cutting back on caffeine and salt. All of these dehydrate your body and will make your skin look dull and exacerbate puffy eyes. Switch your moisturizer to a richer balm, like my Borage & Calendula Skin Healing Balm. Chock full of goodies like soothing Calendula and anti-inflammatory Borage, it really makes the perfect base. It contains absolutely no essential oils so is perfect for skin that may be extra dry and sensitive due to horrid recycled airplane air!

Up, Up and Away!
On the morning of the flight just moisturize and put on the barest amount of make up (concealer, mascara, lip gloss). Full make up will just make your skin look dingy and tired by the time you reach your destination. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and overly salty airline food (if you can!). Stick to plain, flat water. Spritz face during the flight. My Miracle Spritz is perfect for this as it contains soothing Lavender Flower Water, gorgeous Glycerin and freshening Witch Hazel. Its delightful scent also gets rid of that icky airplane smell! After you have spritzed, pat on some more Borage & Calendula Balm to really lock in that moisture. Just before you land, splash your face with cool water (but avoid looking in the airplane bathroom mirror, that has to be the cruelest lighting known to man!) Then moisturize and apply your make up, a quick sweep of blush will really liven up your skin. Also to combat that nasty dry eyed feeling take some lubricating eye drops (not the anti-redness drops as they will just make your eyes feel a whole lot drier!) to soothe that feeling. Before you know it your at the gate and looking gorgeous!

How Do I Treat A Breakout?

2008-05-26T07:30:00.001-07:00

Dear Kate, how do I treat a breakout?
Sara L.

We all suffer breakouts at some point. The causes are widespread; stress, hormonal fluctuations, incorrect product usage. I know its tempting (and oh so satisfying!) to pop a pimple but HANDS OFF! A spot has a natural lifespan of three days, when you touch it, pick at it or squeeze it you create a longer lasting inflammation. Over time excess picking and squeezing can result in pigment changes (creating areas of darker skin) and scarring. Squeezing a spot causes the ickyness to move deeper down into the pimple and that can develop into a very painful and exceedingly ugly cyst.

Acne 1o1
To understand the best way to treat a breakout, its imperative to understand exactly what a pimple is, then you can treat the breakout effectively. When a pore gets clogged with dirt and sebum (the skin's own natural moisturizer), the oil and bacteria are trapped inside and the resulting infection shows itself in the form of a pimple. Over zealous scrubbing and squeezing will only worsen the problem, even extending the lifespan of the spot for up to two weeks. The right way to treat acne is to use products that are gentle, won't irritate your skin and allow your skin to find its own natural balance. Its also a good idea to give your skin a break for just a few days a week by skipping your usual nighttime moisturizer. This will enable your skin to really breathe, get back its natural balance and kick start its own natural healing process.

The Fine Art of Disguise
Before applying your make up, dab a little of my Breakout Balm on the spot. With a blend of anti-inflammatory essential oils and balancing hazelnut oil, this gentle balm will ensure your pimple will heal naturally. Applying the balm will soften the area and take away that horrid crusty carbuncle look. Apply concealer (a thicker, stick concealer seems to cover better and last longer) with a concealer brush. Using a brush enables you to put the concealer exactly where you need it and also keeps your fingers off the spot! When you have applied the concealer, set it with just a tiny amount of powder so that the concealed area blends in well with the skin. Its also a good idea to use just a bit of extra blush, thereby attracting all and sundry to your healthy glow and not the spot!

Keep Your Hands Off Your Face!

2008-05-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Kate, does touching your face cause spots?
Helena P.

Oh God, does this bring back terrible memories? Throughout my teenage years my Mom (who has the most gorgeous skin) would always scream at me "keep your fingers off your face!". Oh I hated that, I wanted to be fidgety in peace but it was never allowed. Now with the benefit of age I know how right (and how irritating) she was! Touching your face during the day can cause breakouts. The culprits are bacteria, viruses, pollutants, chemicals and ink (who said reading the newspaper was good!). Really anything that your hands come into contact with during the day; from keyboards to telephones and door handles. Repeatedly touching your face with unwashed hands can cause microscopic abrasions in the skin that can absorb all these little nasties and cause infections leading to a breakout. To protect your skin keep a little bottle of antibacterial hand gel close by and use throughout the day. Its also a good idea to dollop a bit of the gel onto a tissue and clean the telephone. Telephones can really harbour a wealth of horrid bacteria and can cause breakouts around the jaw area. While you are possessed of the cleaning bug, have a cleansing swipe of your keyboard. The only downside of these antibacterial gels is that they are chock full of alcohol and though powerful bug busters they are incredibly drying so always remember to use a nice and gentle hand balm. My Rosewood Hand Balm combines the antibacterial action of Lavender essential oil with the gentle skin healing action of Rosewood.

Hands Off!
Train yourself to keep your hands off your face. I know its easier said than done, but it is worth it and you will see a difference. You have two ways to tackle this; you could borrow my Mom and she could scream at you every time you touched your face, which though highly effective can be somewhat disruptive in the workplace! Or you could simply dab a drop or two of Lavender essential oil on both wrists. Then when you raise your hands to your face the scent will make you aware of what you are doing and stop. Lavender is also a good choice as if the desire to touch your face is stress/anxiety related as the relaxing scent will calm you and hopefully remove that desire to fidget!

Broken Capillaries

2008-05-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Kate, how do I get rid of the red veins that are appearing all around my nose?
Lizzie W.

You are not alone, broken capillaries happen to us all! So you know how to treat them, its best to know what they are and what causes them. Broken capillaries are permanently dilated blood vessels. They are caused by sun exposure, extremes in temperature, overzealous exfoliation, heavy handed facial treatments, even blowing your nose can cause them! Alcohol and spicy foods can also play they're part; as they can cause the face to flush and if indulged in a little too often that flush remains!

Can Creams Cure It?
I cannot believe how many creams get away with saying that they remove broken capillaries. Wouldn't you be wary of putting something on your skin that would penetrate deep down into your veins and dissolve them, wouldn't that be kind of dangerous!! No fear, they don't do that, in fact they don't do anything but smell nice and feel good. The only way to get rid of broken capillaries is by a laser treatment. The laser basically zaps the broken capillary and dissolves it,
removing it forever. It is very simple and very effective. It should just take one treatment to get rid of the broken capillaries around the nose area, but it isn't unusual to need a second treatment. This procedure must ONLY be undertaken by a qualified medical professional, it is not (I REPEAT, NOT) a salon treatment!

Dealing With The Problem
You can easily disguise the broken capillaries with a yellow tinted foundation. I find that mineral make up is a wonderful tool to camouflage any areas of redness. Please always use a sunblock and always treat your skin with care. Never, ever, ever steam your face or let anyone else steam it for you. I cannot believe that therapists still offer this treatment! A client came to me through her friends' recommendation to help her solve her ongoing battle with facial redness and dry skin. I was shocked to discover that her previous therapist regularly treat her skin with brutal facial steams "to encourage the skins natural oils to flow". During the steam treatment she would also slather the client with petroleum jelly to protect the skin. So an intensive heat treatment combined with skin clogging petroleum; not really the recipe for a dewy glow! I am also angry when clients are given heat treatment facial masks. Heat is NOT GOOD for skin, it might feel good but it really irritates the skin. Treat your skin with lovely tepid temperatures and your skin will thank you. If you enjoy outdoor pursuits such as sailing and skiing, where you really are facing the elements, it is advisable to use a soothing skin balm under your spf just to add a little bit more protection. I created my Rose Otto Skin Balm to protect my skin from a brutal Calgary winter. Rose Otto essential oil is wonderfully soothing and has a great healing action on even the most sensitive of skin. I come Rose Otto with my infused Rose Petal Almond Oil, a rich and glorious skin protecting oil.

Puffy Eyes

2008-05-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Kate, I'm plagued by nasty, puffy skin below my eyes. How do I get rid of them?
Julie T.

Puffiness around your eyes is caused by many factors; allergies, sleep deprivation, alcohol, too much salt in your diet and even a blubbery bout of tears! Different though they are, all these things have one thing in common, they are all irritants which will cause any excess fluid to settle temporarily under the skin. Unfortunately as we grow older our skin does thin causing this problem to be even more apparent. Skin around your eye area shows any fluid retention far more than any other bit! If you have partied a little to hard and overindulged in way too many dirty martinis (salty olives + vodka equals mucho puffiness!!) you can do your bit to combat the inevitable. When you get home drink, drink, drink; water that is! Drinking water will help your skin flush out your system. If allergies or a broken heart are the cause, pop an antihistamine before bed. Whatever the cause it is always good to plump up the pillows before you get into bed. Sleeping with your head slightly raised will help prevent excess fluid from pooling around your eyes.

To Soothe Away Puffiness
Take two chamomile tea bags (chamomile has a wonderful anti-inflammatory action and it is oh so soothing!) Dunk them in cool water, pop in a plastic bag and put in the freezer for about 15 minutes or so. Then remove the tea bags, retreat to your bed ensuring that your head is elevated, close eyes and place each tea bag so it rests on the eyelid and under eye area. Now comes the tough part; relax for a good 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and then gently rinse skin with tepid water.

Be Gentle
When eyes are puffy they are irritated. Avoid any product containing AHA's, BHA's or Retinols. They're goal is to kick start exfoliation, which irritates skin and increases the swelling. I formulated my Argan Eye Balm specifically to soothe the delicate skin around the eye and combat puffiness. Argan oil is a rich, nutrient packed oil that helps moisturize and rejuvenate delicate skin, while a dash of Roman Chamomile essential oil with its gentle anti-inflammatory action and power to calm even the most sensitive skin ensures that delicate skin is soothed and restored.

Depuffing Facial Massage
Use the flat part of your finger, just below your fingertips. Place finger on either side of nose (around sinus area). Gently (and I mean gently, this is your lovely face we're dealing with!!) massage skin in a circular motion, pushing skin slightly upward as you go. Working upwards and outwards (use your cheekbones as a guide; work slightly above them directly on the fleshy parts) along the cheeks and then ending at the outer eye area. Gently sweep back to nose and begin again. Repeat 5 times. This gentle kneading action will help to push built up fluid out of the skin tissue so it will drain (depuff!) faster.

Make Fake Fabulous!

2008-05-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

All Fake Tans Are Created Equal
Aaah, the miracle of fake tan! Don't be put off by those poor unfortunate souls that turn a terrible shade of tangerine. Used with a little bit of skill, it will make you glow and magically erase that pesky cellulite. All fake tans regardless of price have one thing in common - DIHYDROXYACETONE. Its the stuff that creates the colour and it appears in every single self tanner, be it the priciest aerosol tan or the supermarket self tan lotion. When choosing a self tanner always read the ingredient listing on the bottle. Ingredients have to be listed in order of volume, so the ingredient that appears in the greatest amount is first on the listing, then it works downwards with the last ingredient on the list being the smallest amount of ingredient in the product. With this firmly in mind, the higher that the word DIHYDROXYACETONE appears on the ingredient listing the darker the self tanner will be.

Choosing The Right Shade
When buying a self tanner you really need to take into consideration your natural skin colour. For a lovely, natural and totally believable tan you just need to take your colour just a few shades warmer. Notice I said warmer, not darker! Do not go for the darkest shade of self tanner thinking with just one application you will be ready for the beach. It is so much better to buy a shade that is a tad more natural and reapply each day till you get the shade you are happy with.

Preparation Is Everything
It really is best to apply self tanner in the evening. That way you can take your time, wear your raggiest old jimjams and not ruin any lovely clothes. You must exfoliate thoroughly before you even think about applying self tanner. Dry skin just soaks up the self tanner leading to horrid uneven and unbelievable coverage. After your shower, dry yourself thoroughly and maybe think about applying body lotion to areas that are prone to dry skin, such as elbows, knees, heels and ankles. Then wait for about 10 minutes, this allows your body to cool and the lotion to really sink in (if any lotion remains just pat it dry with a towel). Tie your hair back and put on your gloves this is where it gets really serious.....

Application
Self tanner is best applied in a cool room. You don't want to break a sweat when applying tanner and cause yourself nasty streaks, If applying in your bathroom, open a window and ensure its steam free as this can affect application. If your applying in another room use an old sheet to cover the carpet and any area you want to protect from staining. I always use plastic gloves when applying fake tan and I always buy the smallest size. That way they fit really close to the skin enabling you to apply the tanner with ease. Use a 10p size splat of tanner at a time. Massage into skin with a sweeping horizontal actions, followed by a vertical action. Work the tanner in well, this really makes a difference. Take your time and ensure that the tanner has been absorbed before moving on to the next bit. Start with your legs and then work up, slowly! Make sure that everywhere has been covered. Save the insides of your arms, armpits, elbows, knees, feet and hands till last. A quick swipe of the areas with the residue that remains on your gloves is more than adequate. Blot away any excess lotion with an old towel. If using an aerosol or pump spray its best to stand in the bath to apply. But really the application technique is the same (but read the instructions as some aerosol tans must not be rubbed in!), just spray onto skin from the distance advised on the instructions and rub in just the same as a lotion.

Its A Waiting Game....
You've applied the tanner with great care but now you must wait for 20 minutes at the very least before getting dressed. This is where it gets tricky, you do not want the tanner to settle in any areas (like your lovely curves) causing nasty dark bits. Now unless you want to stand with perfect posture, tummy sucked in and head held high you might like to follow this next fabulously lazy but extremely effective tip. Cover your bed with an old sheet, lie across the bed and let gravity work for you. Its a whole lot easier than standing around for 20 minutes avoiding the furnishings! After allowing the self tanner to dry put on your dingiest old t-shirt and rattiest pajama bottoms, then head for bed.

Tan Maintenance
After bathing or showering don't be too zealous with the towel, give your skin a break and pat dry with a lovely fluffy towel (but don't use those chic white ones!). Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Once you have applied fake tan you must get into the habit of applying Nourish Oil or Heavenly Balm twice a day. It really does extend the life of the tan and really ensures your skin has a lovely, glossy look.

How Often Do I Apply Fake Tan?
This really is up to you. The first time you apply self tanner it may take you two application (on consecutive evenings) to get the colour you want. When you are happy with the shade as long as you keep moisturizing you can get away with applying just once a week.

Don't Use Body Tanner On Your Face!
A self tanner for the body has a much richer and thicker consistency. It really isn't suitable for the face or neck. Skin is thinner there, much more sensitive and is much quicker to breakout. I really would recommend that you buy a product that is targeted to the face and neck.

Beauty School - Body Exfoliator

2008-05-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Summer is just around the corner and you can no longer hide under layers and layers and layers of winter clothes. But have no fear as there is one guaranteed way to see (and feel) a real difference in your skin and that my dear friend is the simple routine of exfoliation. Its cheap and easy and the results are terrific! You do not (repeat DO NOT) have to purchase any overpriced and irritating product as you can make your own and it is oh so very simple.

Kate's Fab Weekly Exfoliating Routine

You Will Need
A body brush (natural bristles please!)
About 4 tbsp or so of Nourish Oil (Fennel Nourish Oil is perfect)
About 3 tbsp or so of lovely processed granulated sugar. It may rot your teeth but it does wonders for your thighs (as long as you don't eat it!).

Lock yourself away in the bathroom, this is serious work and you must not be disturbed!

Step One
Apply the Nourish Oil (by the way did I mention you had to take your clothes off?) all over your body with an upward, sweeping action. Then go into massage mode; on fleshy bits like upper arms, thighs and bottom, use a lovely deep kneading action. On bony bits use a gentle circular action. Just taking a minute or so to do this will warm up your skin and make it more receptive to the scrub.

Step Two
Beginning at your feet gently sweep a dry, natural body brush upwards over your skin. When body brushing always work towards the heart. Use short and very light strokes with the body brush, remember you are not scrubbing the floor! Make sure every inch of you has been brushed. This simple step will liven up your skin and ensure the body oil is distributed to bits you may have missed.

Step Three
This is the messy bit, so step into the shower (but don't run any water yet!). Starting at the toes again and working upwards with a mixture of circular and upward sweeping action apply the sugar. Sugar makes the perfect exfoliator as it doesn't sting if it gets into a cut or scratch (unlike salt!) and dissolves incredibly easily. Its also the perfect texture for exfoliation. This exfoliation routine should feel pleasantly scratchy and not at all painful, so easy does it! Pay real attention to all the extra dry bits like heels, knees and elbows. Once you are all sugared up, its time to rinse off.

Step Four
Run the shower but keep the water warm, not hot. Hot water feels lovely but it is incredibly drying. So save your skin, cut down your energy bill and feel a bit smug 'cos you've done your bit for the environment! Rinse off the scrub and continue your shower with a gentle body wash. When you step out of the shower, pat yourself dry with a lovely, soft fluffy towel. Leave your skin slightly damp and then apply your regular body oil or moisturizer and lock in all that lovely moisture.

Step Five
Now relax and admire your smooth, delectable skin or better yet, you relax and let someone else admire it for you!

All Your Questions Answered

2008-05-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the brand new home of the Kate Logan Beauty Q&A. The old question and answer page at kateloganbeauty.com was growing like topsy and threatened to overwhelm the rest of the website. This blog should prove a lot easier to navigate, so you can locate the info you need with real ease. If you do have any beauty questions that need answering just e-mail me at questions@kateloganbeauty.com. I do read every single e-mail but please be patient I do get round to tackling each question, eventually!