Designers' Mag

Oily skin can be a pain to deal. The  accumulation of excess oil on the outer skin layer  often leads to whiteheads, blackheads, blind pimples and other skin irritations. But there is one big advantage. Oily skin tends to age better and develop fewer wrinkles than dry or normal skin. So, it’s not all bad. The excess oil results from the  sebaceous glands in the skin producing excess sebum . Those who have this condition usually have shiny skin and large pores. Oily skin can be caused by genetics, dietary choices, too much stress or hormone changes in the body due to puberty. Oily skin can be difficult to manage, but there are many things you can do to solve this common problem. There is no need to use expensive, chemical-based skin care products. Many people have found simple home remedies to be equally effective. Here are the top 10 home remedies for oily skin. 1. Egg White High in vitamin A, egg whites can effectively dry out skin blemishes as well as tone and tig

  Makeup and Skin Care for Acne We put a lot of time, effort, and money into looking beautiful (or handsome, depending on your gender). Americans fork over nearly $9 billion annually for creams, scrubs, concealers, and a drawer-full of other cosmetics that claim to keep our skin looking clean, clear, and more youthful. Ironically, the very same products you rely on to keep your skin looking its best could be doing your pores a big disservice. Using the wrong makeup or cream could actually accentuate the pimples you're trying so hard to hide. Caring for acne-prone skin requires some careful cosmetic sleuthing -- reading labels to find products that won't clog your pores and lead to more breakouts. WebMD has made the process a little easier by compiling a checklist of must-have makeup and grooming ingredients for people with acne. Use this acne skin-care checklist when navigating the aisles of cosmetics and makeup at your local supermarket or drug store. Moisturize

For years, dermatologists have drilled it into our heads to nix the tanning beds, get regular skin checkups, and load up on sunscreen. And — hallelujah! — it worked. Now there's a generation of savvy 20- and 30-something women who aren't about to let their faces wrinkle, mottle, or sag before they take action. In fact, a study by dermatologists Dr. Kathy Fields and Dr. Katie Rodan found that 84 percent of 25- to 29-year-olds are afraid of the effects of aging on their skin. Hence the recent rush to skincare counters and, in some cases, cosmetic docs — 2009 saw under-35 Botox users rise to 15 percent. But the best strategy for age prevention in young skin isn't always the most potent. As dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross explains, "Keep in mind that it's best to begin with the least aggressive products and procedures." So when should you realistically start? "At 20," says Fields. "Prevention is so much easier than reversal. But even if you coo

Lots of body parts begin to droop with age, eyelids included. When you couple that with naturally small eyes, you can wind up with a squinty look. But there are makeup steps you can take to open up your eyes again. Try these: Groom your brows . Even without any makeup, eyes look instantly wider when they're framed by groomed brows. See a pro for the perfect plucking, or try it yourself by using tweezers to remove any stray hairs under the arch of your brow. Fill in sparse spots with brow powder and a stiff brush, and comb into place with a brow comb. Stick to light colors . Dark shadow shades make small eyes look even littler. Instead, brighten things up with light colors. Bone, taupe, heather, and soft white are good choices for all skin tones. For liner, go with a deeper tone, but avoid a thick line of black or charcoal, which can actually close up the eye. Shimmer softly . Another shadow trick: Use a shimmery formula, which reflects light and makes eyes pop. Pick

Forecasting agency Interfilière predicts that colour trends for lingerie and intimates will be dominated by the following four moods: Oxidised. “The brown, copper and rust family develops strongly in combination with amazing surface & yarn treatments. It is part of the ongoing fascination of artisanal and crafted elements and a counterbalance of the technical invasion in our lifestyles. This section is not without difficulty because it calls for reflection and forward thinking on how to use and merchandise these colours. The danger of ‘heaviness’ needs to be avoided even when an element of roughness is introduced. Combinations with metallic or shiny accents and tonal multi-colour add movement and delicacy. This is also a major direction for novelty animal designs.” Playful. “The spirit of mixology, the art and science of mixing drinks and cocktails. A big trend at the moment is to invent new tastes that coincide with the growing longing for discoveries and experiences

For every morning you see the sun start peeking through the windows and you’re preparing your daily caffeine coffee fix, wouldn’t it be amazing to have a breakfast nook designed just for you to relax and enjoy in? We’ve seen vintage designs and a mash-up of cluttered corners, but how about clearing away all the fuss near that kitchen bay window and creating an area to rest, eat well and get your morning started in? We’re here today giving you some great tips and inspiration for transforming that kitchen space into a chic and clean modern breakfast nook. Here’s how … Make sure to create a separation. You need to create some type of separation from the kitchen to really transform the bay window area or extra table space into the cozy, nook feel. But of course, in a contemporary and chic way. Whether it’s a black and white folding room divider or making sure to create a leather bench cushion next to the windows, there’s got to be some way to distinguish the difference between this

Who among us doesn't feel better when we have a great set of nails to show off? Going to the salon and getting the works is one thing, but what are the steps to caring for those gorgeous nails all week long? Here are some suggestions: Do coat the outside of the nails with polish or ridge fillers,  which can help protect the nail and prevent breaking and splitting, at least while the manicure lasts. Do moisturize the cuticle area  to prevent cracking and peeling, which can hurt the matrix. Do wear gloves  to protect nails and cuticles from housework, gardening and washing dishes. Do be cautious when doing office work.  Nails and cuticles take a beating filing, opening letters (use a letter opener), typing (use the flat of your finger pads on the keyboard instead of the tips of your nails) and handling papers. Do apply hand cream frequently , especially after you're done washing your hands, and pay attention to the cuticle area. Do wear a sunscreen  dur