Christopher Stephens Beauty Blog

The benefits of using and applying night creams

Continuing on from this mornings blog about night creams, here are more benefits of using and applying them:

1. They nourish and revitalize the skin
2. They supply moisture and hydration
3. They sooth and calm the skin
4. They promote even complexion and finer texture
5. They boost collagen and elastin production
6. They improve blood circulation
7. They reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discolorations
8. They prevent sagging of the skin
9. They make skin soft, smooth and supple
10. They improve the appearance of aging skin
11. They help skin recover faster and restore the skin's elasticity
12. They stimulate cell renewal

Hot Pants Cosmetics

Have you heard about Hot Pants Cosmetics? It's a flirty line of professional makeup that has been winning the hearts of celebrities and artists since it's launch in 2003. Hot Pants Cosmetics apparently got it's name from Brook Boles (the founder) high school nickname. According to Boles the name represents the feeling you get when actually wearing the makeup - it STOPS TRAFFIC! Hot Pants Cosmetics offers mind blowing colors, sensational textures and unstoppable coverage. And did you know that Britney Spears and Jennifer Aniston have been spotted wearing Hot Pants Cosmetics?

Some nail trends for 2008

Okay, so you've got your hair and make-up sorted this season, so it's time to turn your attention to your nails. If you want to know how your nails should be shaped and polished, check out the following from Creative Nail Design education manager and nail pro Danelle Barr. "Last year's nail shape was quite square," says Barr, "but this year is much more 'squoval'," she explains. To get this look — as seen at Philip Lim, Miss Sixty and Abeate — just follow the natural shape of your nail. The only thing that can top this look is well-hydrated hands, so keep the moisturiser handy, it doesn't get any easier than that.

Volumizing tip.

Going out for dinner and you're in a rush? Try Anthony Nader's simple volumizing tip. "Sprinkle good old-fashioned baby powder generously on the roots and work through with your fingers. The oils will disappear and your hair will appear fuller." Or try the more modern equivalent Nexxus Vitatress Nutri Volumizer.

Hair commandments

Do you want angelic hair? Try some of the following commandments from hairdresser Alan Coban:

Thou shalt manage thy mane: "If your hair is damaged, dry or colour-treated, it is best to use products formulated to repair and hydrate, adding much-needed strength. If your hair is oily, I suggest a deep-cleansing shampoo and a light conditioner to keep it looking its best."

Thou shalt worship nourishing products: A mild shampoo is best for hair, especially in the warmer months when hair is exposed to harsh conditions such as sun, salt and chlorine. It is vital to following washing with a nourishing conditioner.

Protect your hair this summer!

Summer is approaching, so it's time to pay special attention to your hair care, because the sun and humidity is the worst enemy of your hair's cuticles, causing damage that results in split ends, dry hair, frizzy hair or brittle hair. In healthy conditions, hair’s moisture content is approximately 10%, but sunlight has the same damaging effect as a hot blow dryer on your hair. Goldwell Outdoor Sun & Care & Rene Furterer Sun Care products are a must if you really care about protecting your hair this summer!

Thinning Hair Care Tips

We all need to except our hair for what it is. If it’s thinning, we need to ask ourselves to what extent, and be honest and ask ourselves what can we realistically do about it. The following tips are for those of you (both women and men) with thinning hair.

Make-up artists tips & tricks

Instant Radiance: For a savvy skin-glowing trick for Instant radiance (according to Rae Morris), sweep a finely crushed, golden light-reflecting powder in the area between the top of the cheekbones and the eyes, then down the bridge of your nose to reflect light. A touch of gold also works wonders on the inside corner of the eye (where it meets the nose). "It instantly opens up the eyes," she says.

Smooth hands: Make-up artists often apply a sheer foundation on hands so that the skin looks even-toned and flawless. "This is particularly important if your hands are cold or pink from poor circulation," says Nicola Burford, Australian senior artist for MAC. "Avoid shimmery products or your fingers may end up with what I like to call the 'uncooked pork sausage look'."

Mod About Brights by OPI & Summer Fun!

It seems just about everyday now we are asked in our salon, "what's all the rage in nail polish colors?" Well with fashion right now being all about strong color and vivid, graphic prints, we answer Mod About Brights by OPI which captures the fun and edginess of the mod “invasion” of the Sixties, but with a bright twist that makes these colors exciting and current for the summer. These are the shades that look up-to-the-minute on fingertips and toes. One of my favorite colors this summer would have to be Dating A Royal from OPI, it's a royal blue that will set crowns spinning! So this summer, get ready to shine, as some of the hottest nail colors are making their way right onto your nails! Bright, colorful, and cheerful! These colors represent all that is summer, and all that is fun.

Do your nails need some help this summer?

The barer summer clothes and sandals mean your feet and hands will be center stage, so putting a few extra minutes into proper nail care is must for the prettiest looks. How are your nails looking? Do they need some help? How about trying Nailtiques? With their well known peach and teal-colored "squiggly lines" logo, Nailtiques which has been called the "best nail care system available today" for natural nails, has been a staple in the nail care industry since 1990. The Nailtiques line promises to promote natural nail growth, strength and moisture retention with products that are protein-based and varying in strength to address nails of all conditions. Nailtiques Nail Moisturizer is a "greaseless fortified conditioning nail crème enriched with soluble collagen, jojoba and aloe" that promises to nourish nails and promote flexibility.