We’ve spoken about the importance of exfoliation in the past and it’s time for you to figure out which type you are: 1) Scared and never tried or you’re a 2) Face-scrubbing, exfoliating demon.

Here are a few things you should know BEFORE exfoliating:

• Exfoliating is NOT cleansing: Exfoliating scrubs are not a replacement for a cleanser. While they remove some oil and slough off dead skin, most formulas are not designed to remove makeup and grime, so do NOT use an exfoliator as your daily cleaner!

• Chemical or Mechanical: There are 2 types of exfoliators – chemical and mechanical. exfoliators loosen the connectors between the skin cells to allow them to wash off easily. These usually include acids such as alpha hydroxyl, beta-hydroxyl, and salicylic, or sometimes fruit enzymes such as citric acid. Mechanical exfoliators manually remove dead skin cells with an abrasive substance such as shells, salt, or sugar.

• Know your skin: If you have sensitive or dry skin, stay away from exfoliators that contain apricot pits and walnut shells since they’re too rough on your face and should only be used on rough areas of the body like your elbow and knees.

• Don’t OVEREXFOLIATE:  If your face hurts, stop exfoliating. If your skin has changed texture dramatically – for example gone from oily to very oily or normal to dry – stop using the product.

• Moisturizer & Sunscreen: Over-exfoliation can also cause severe dryness and irritation because your skin doesn’t have the time to restore it’s natural oil balance. So after exfoliating, always moisturize afterwards and don’t forget to wear sunscreen during the day since exfoliation can increase sun sensitivity by 45%.

Now go forth and fulfill your resolution to exfoliate! Your face will thank you!

We here at Marie Louise Cosmetics wish all our fans a very HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

See you all in 2012!

It’s about time FDA!

The FDA recently held a public meeting about microbiological safety issues in cosmetics. Currently, the FDA doesn’t approve cosmetics before they are sold to consumers and has no specific regulations regarding microbial safety in cosmetic products. But the agency is contemplating developing such safety guidelines for cosmetic makers, and the public meeting will give leading experts a chance to have their say.

Contaminated cosmetics, particularly those used in the eye area, can lead to serious issues, according to the FDA. If lotion, often used on the whole body, is tainted, it can lead to infections.

During the meeting, the FDA will also address testing cosmetics for contamination, the efficacy of preservatives and how packaging can harbor bacteria.

When it comes to cosmetics, the FDA’s legal authority is different from some of the other products the agency regulates, like drugs, biologics or medical devices. Cosmetics aren’t subject to FDA premarket approval (except for color additives); instead, cosmetic companies are responsible for testing and ensuring the safety of their products and ingredients before they hit the market.

So how do you protect yourself?

• Don’t keep your products in a hot & humid place like your bathroom since heat promotes bacteria growth.

• Check the expiration dates frequently for ALL your beauty products.

• Don’t share your personal care products with others.

• Check the FDA site for product recalls. Earlier this month, John Frieda conditioner (specifically, John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Enhancing Conditioner for Lighter Shades) was recalled due to microbial contamination. And in late October, Purity Cosmetics‘ 100% Pure Cocoa Plum Eye Shadow was recalled after the item was found to harbor Pseudomonas Luteola, a bacterium that can cause peritonitis, cellulitis and bacteremia.

Seriously, how cute is the tong and apron cookie in this “Turkey Dinner” set?

And don’t get us started on these “Turkey Cab” ones!

Y’all have a wonderful THANKSGIVING and enjoy your time with your families!

Well, thanks to Real Simple magazine’s handy SKINCARE PORTION CONTROL GUIDE in their September issue, now you know how  much you should be using:

• Moisturizer w/SPF: Quarter-size. This amount will cover your face, neck and ears for a day. Go straight from fingertips to face otherwise you’ll wind up with a too-thin, underprotective layer.

• Exfoliating Scrub: Quarter-size. This amount may seem like a lot but you need to slough your whole face so don’t scrimp. Do NOT scrub hard since it’ll just irritated your gentle skin – just sooth over your face in a circular motion.

• Foaming Cleanser: Golf-ball size. Foaming formulas work best for oily skin (the Marie Louise Cosmetics Washing Foam works for ALL skin types) but regardless of skin type, you need to massage it in for at least 30 seconds and then rinse with warm (not hot) water.

• Oil-absorbing Mask: Nickel-size. Purifying masks are great for treating pimples but can be very drying so use sparingly and don’t use more than once a week.

• Serum: Pea-size. Since serums are concentrated, one dot is sufficient. To figure out if you need to use a serum, click here

To learn how to apply skincare products in order, click here

To learn how to properly wash your face, click here

Even though Halloween is over, hold onto those vampire fangs since you may need it the next time you’re in Tokyo!

Called “yaeba” in Japanese (or the American equivalent of snaggletooth), this latest Japanese trend has countless Japanese young women rushing to their dentists for re-shaping their teeth into sharper, fang-like look.

Why?

“The gapped tooth is sort of preorthodontic or early development, and the naturally occurring yaeba is because of delayed baby teeth or a mouth that’s too small,” Pace University’s Dr. Emilie Zaslow told The New York Times, adding, “It’s this kind of emphasis on youth and the sexualization of young girls.”

To read more creepy Japanese trends, click here

First, you need to figure out what your skin type is. There are generally 4 types: Normal, Dry, Oily, and Combination Dry/Oily. If you’re not sure what your skin type is, consult with a dermatologist.

Next is finding the right cleanser type for your skin type:

• OIL / BALM: Cleansing oils can sound scary especially if you have oily skin. When applied, the oil bonds to other oils and dirt on your face, fully cleansing the skin of impurities and makeup without the drying effects of detergent based cleansers. If used correctly, and washed off thoroughly, cleansing oil is the best way to remove heavier makeup and cleanse your face of dirt and grime.

By mid-afternoon, its definitely time to re-apply your hair & makeup and thanks to Real Simple‘s guide to MAKING HAIR & MAKEUP LAST, there’s no need to rely on anyone anymore!

FOUNDATION:

• Try to use oil-free foundation is the best since they don’t contain ingredients like emollient that makes your makeup slide off your face.
• To make foundation last longer, give your  moisturizer time to sink in completely before putting on foundation.
• After putting on your foundation, lock it in with translucent powder so that it can help soak up oil.
• Use oil-blotting sheets every few hours to soak up any oil.

BLUSH:

• Whether its a gel, liquid, or cream format, blush tends to go on sheer and will eventually fade throughout the day.
• Try a slightly brighter shade than what you normally use since it will eventually fade into something more subtle yet still noticeable.
• Sweep blush into an X shape over the apple of each cheek since it will guarantee that the strongest concentration of color is in the perfect place after the rest fades.

EYE SHADOW:

• The same way you need to apply a moisturizer before foundation, you need to use a primer before putting on any eye makeup. Primers help eye shadows adhere to your eyelids and makes it last longer.

EYELINER:

• Liquid and gel liners last longer than pencil.
• If you still want to use eye pencil, trace over it with a matching eye shadow.

MASCARA:

• Use a waterproof mascara since any kind of moisture whether its humidity, sweat, or tears will make non-waterproof mascara come off.
• When applying mascara, make sure to apply in quick layers before the mascara dries to prevent clumping and flaking.

LIPS:

• Outline your lips with a lip pencil in the same color as your lipstick. The pencil will help anchor your lipstick.
• Use a lipstick brush since it presses the pigment deeper into your lips than your lipstick tube.

CURLS:

• Spritz on a flexible-hold hairspray onto damp hair so you have a foundation before setting your curls.
• This will take some time but it’s totally worth it! Use large Velcro rollers before drying until no moisture is left.
• Unravel the rollers and use a curling iron to retwist the curls. This should last for days!

Now that you know how to make your makeup last longer, learn how to APPLY MAKEUP IN THE RIGHT ORDER!

A few months ago we ran a story on HOW TO PUT ON SKINCARE PRODUCTS IN ORDER.

This time, we’d like to share HOW TO PUT ON MAKEUP IN ORDER, thanks to the folks at Latina magazine!

1. Moisturizer – Always use one with minimum SPF30
2. Primer – Stops foundation from mixing with your moisturizer or soaking into the skin
3. Foundation
4. Concealer
5. Blush/Bronzer - Must apply in the beginning since these tend to fade fast
6. Powder – If any makeup falls onto your face, you can easily brush it away with powder
7. Lip color – Put this on after face makeup so it won’t smudge
8. Lash Curler – Allows accidental eyelash crimps time to relax into the shape you want
9. Cream eyeshadow – Goes on before any other eye makeup  so formulas don’t clump
10. Eyeliner pencil
11. Eye Shadow in Powder format
12. Gel or Liquid Eye Liner - Should go on after eyeshadow (powder-style) so it can set perfectly
13. Mascara
14. Eyebrow Pencil

Now that you know the basics, go out and get gorgeous!

Click here to learn how to apply skincare in the right order

Well get ready to say goodbye to indoor tanning salons all together!

Starting Jan. 1st, 2012, CA residents under 18 will NOT be allowed to use ultraviolet tanning devices.

The new law was recently signed by CA Gov. Jerry Brown and supercedes the existing law that requires consent from a parent or legal guardian for people ages 14-18 who want to use UV tanning devices.

California is the FIRST law in the country banning indoor tanning for people under the age of 18.

According to Darrell Rigel, MD, skin cancer expert and member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), “Melanoma is the No. 1 form of cancer in people ages 25-29. Rates for melanoma in this age group are seven times higher for women, the primary factor being the use of tanning beds,” says Rigel.

When the law takes effect, teenagers in California who want an artificially enhanced bronzed look will have to turn to other options, like spray tans or tanning creams.

At least 3 other states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey are considering similar legislation.

Jersey Shore viewers, watch out!