Top Dermatologist Tips for Preventing Wrinkles

The beauty industry is filled with products and “miracle” creams promising to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. But if you're lucky enough to not have even gotten to the stage where wrinkles are significantly noticeable, why not work to prevent them?

Sleeping Beauty 
Though it's difficult to change your usual sleeping habits, if you don’t sleep on your back—try to! Think of it this way: sleep lines are tough to get rid of. And though a good nights rest is needed for a youthful appearance, it doesn’t end there. Your position makes a difference when hitting the sack! Avoid sleeping on your face or side with your skin all scrunched up in your sheets. This will help prevent lines on your face, especially in areas prone to wrinkles.

Beautify Gently 
When applying makeup or washing it off before bed, try to be gentle, specially around the eyes. Don’t rub around your eyes to wash out excessive eyeliner and mascara. Don’t use harsh towels, avoid vigorously scrubbing your face or stretching your skin daily to apply makeup in sensitive areas and take your time!

Like Mother, Like Daughter 
How do you know if you are prone to wrinkles and in which areas? Look at an older family member’s face—especially your mother. If you suspect an upcoming battle with creases in your future, speak to your dermatologist about preventative measures like Botox.

Kiss Lip Lines Goodbye 
Want to avoid lip lines? Don't drink from a straw repeatedly, smoke or constantly blow bubbles with bubble gum. Activities that cause you to pucker or purse your lips may result in added lines. If you are prone to lip lines— again observing family members to see if you might be genetically predisposed—, avoid pursing your lips. To further prevent lip lines, don't get electrolysis. It is a nonspecific heat probe, so as it’s killing the hair, it can inadvertently kill some collagen too. It’s rare, but it does happen. Try laser hair removal to remove hair or just bleach, thread, wax or shave.

Maintain Protection 
It is a given that avoiding the sun and using sunscreen is one of the most effective anti-aging measures. However, many people forget to reapply. Sunscreen only lasts 2-3 hours, so keep a powder sunscreen in your bag and reapply throughout the day.


What are your habits for preventing wrinkles?

Mascara Secrets For The Best Looking Lashes Ever

Eyelashes can really add serious drama to eyes. I know alot of women would choose mascara if they could only use one item of make-up in a hurry, while others go so far as to glue false eyelashes on every day.

Here are my tips for naturally long looking lashes:

1. Apply your foundation and eyeshadow first. Powder and eyeshadow always end up on eyelashes, so using mascara after is always a good idea to camouflage those powder specks. Plus that powder will add thickness to lashes.
2. Curl lashes. I've heard ELF Cosmetics sells a decent one for $1!
3. Before using your mascara, be sure to wipe off the excess goop - on a tissue or the edge of the tube - and clumping. If your mascara is dry or flaky, it's time to replace it.
4. The "Business Card Trick": to avoid mascara from transfering onto your eyelids - and ruining your make-up - use a piece of cardboard (or an old business card) and hold it as a barrier between your lashes and upper eyelids.

5. Apply one coat of your favorite seperating mascara (these come with smaller wands). My recommendation: Maybelline Define A Lash ($6.74)
6. Immediatly comb thru lashes with an eyelash comb or spooley to seperate any clumps. This is also available at ELF Cosmetics for $1.
7. Apply a coat of volumizing mascara. My recommendations: L'oreal Voluminous and Maybelline Collosal. They have bigger brushes and give volume and length.
8. Repeat step 5. 
9. You can also apply mascara to bottom lashes. Clinique recently came out with an amazing mascara specially designed for bottom lashes "Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara" ($10). You can also use it as a regular mascara to really seperate every lash- even those tiny ones in the corners which makes the biggest difference.
10. When I'm done, I like to use an eyelash comb or spooley to seperate any clumps which may have formed.

TIP for daytime and the "natural look":
1. Curl lashes.
2. Use a clear mascara. My Recommendation: Maybelline Clear Mascara $6


What are your favorite mascara's and favorite tried and tested techniques?

How To Make Small Eyes Look Bigger

I got an email from a reader, asking if I had any beauty tips for smaller eyes.

Question:
My eyes are very small. Are there any tips to make them stand out more?

Answer:

• Eyeliner is like a "magic wand" when it comes to creating the illusion of bigger, expressive eyes. Line the entire top lash line, extending the line slightly at the corners. 
• If you want to line your waterline with a dark color, only do this on the outer third and extend it slightly past the edge. Dark, smokey eyes are a big no-no! A soft look will open your eyes more than harsh dark lining.
• You can also use a white pencil on the waterline to make eyes appear bigger.

Lashes can also be a great eye-opener. Check out my post for creating movie star lashes.

Contrary to popular belief dramatic eyeshadow looks won't make your eyes look bigger. In fact, it does just the opposite. If you have small eyes, keep it simple by using only light-colored shadows. Brush a subtle base color from lash to brow, and then use a slightly darker shade to create subtle definition in the crease.