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Read Let's Face It Archives Here
Who is That Masked Woman?
Masks have been around forever, or so it seems. The Egyptians used mud from the Nile which was rich in marine extracts, minerals, vitamins, phyto-hormones, etc. Smart people, those Egyptians! They didn't stop at their faces. They masked their entire bodies!
It's well known that Cleopatra was way ahead of her time. She regularly used alpha hydroxy acids in the form of lactic acid (sour milk) to produce velvety skin. She also, not surprisingly, used mud masks and essential oils. If she was that resourceful and imaginative then, imagine what she'd do today!
Long before we had the plethora of active beauty treatments we have now, masks reigned. They were the one thing that could transform your skin, at least temporarily, from dull to vibrant and rough to smooth. These days, while other more aggressive treatments have been getting all the press, the poor mask has fallen by the wayside. I say, it's time to unearth it, so to speak.
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Most professional facials end with a mask treatment and for good reason. They are the finishing touch and do much more than you might think.
The proper mask can:
- Tone skin
- Soften and minimize fine lines
- Calm and soothe sensitive skin
- Minimize the appearance of pores
- Improve skin texture
- Revitalize skin that has been tortured by the elements, stress and fatigue
- All of this allows your makeup to look more radiant!
Some of the most common ingredients in masks are muds, clays, minerals, marine extracts, flower extracts, fruit acids, enzymes, essential oils, herbs, etc. Some are heated, some are cool, some are thick, some are light. There are many, many different types of masks that your esthetician might use depending on the needs of your skin, but the most common for at-home use are:
Mud or Clay Masks
These are the most well-known. They are most often used on combination or oily skin to purify and detoxify the skin. Of course, other ingredients are included to soften, smooth and revitalize the skin and will vary from product to product.
Creamy Masks
These feel incredible on your skin and leave it soft, supple and well-hydrated. They are usually used on dry to normal and dehydrated skin.
Cooling Masks
Usually in a gel form, they are perfect for someone with rosacea or sensitive skin as they hydrate, sooth and calm the skin in addition to all the other benefits of a mask.
When was the last time you masked? All it takes is 10-20 minutes (and you can do other things while it's setting) and yet often we forget, make excuses, or procrastinate. Do it once, however, and you'll quickly recall how delicious it is when you wash it off and feel your soft, smooth skin. Yum! So, drag that mask out of the bathroom cabinet and use it (once a week is great)! You'll be glad you did.
If you don't have a mask you like watch for an upcoming skin care & makeup special offer. This one will be on masks. If you're signed up for that newsletter you'll receive the notice automatically, if not you can sign up here or simply go to our "special sales page" and look for the special discount there.
Copyright 2005, Total Image Consultants - All rights reserved.
Fashion Secret 2005 is written and produced by Total Image Consultants. Please direct all questions and comments to ginger@totalimageconsultants.com.
If you would like to forward this newsletter, we ask that you do so in its entirety. Do not alter its content or form and please include copyright info. Thank you. To purchase Ginger's book "Fashion Secrets Mother Never Taught You", please visit www.totalimageconsultants.com or www.amazon.com.
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