Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Somewhere over the rainbow of fabulous department store colors, can one find a cosmetic that provides more than just a pretty hue?

In addition to a good, no-nonsense skincare regimen, many cosmetics companies have introduced “age-defying” and multi-functional makeup products. Foundations, powderseven eye color are popping up on store shelves everywhere. From department stores to drug stores, these brands are carving a new niche on crowded makeup shelves.

With the advent of a multitasking lifestyle, so too, our cosmetics are trying to solve underlying skin concerns while providing gorgeous color.

Some color cosmetics (predominantly those in cream or lotion bases such as foundations) may involve the use of peptides to firm the skin. These ingredients have previously been found in numerous skincare productsincluding those from makeup companies, skincare manufacturers and cosmeceutical firms.

Caffeine, another new additive, appears in many products; predominatly those where shrinking puffy tissue (such as all that undereye baggage or dark circles) requires. Taking aim at hiding the dusky hues of dark circles, DERMAdoctor Eye Spy Daily Eye Treatment and Shadow Neutralizer lends a yellow base to its formulation, erasing a tired, haggard appearance and creating a look that’s bright and luminous.

MD Skincare All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 15 solves the problem of how to moisturize, provide sun protection and get one’s favorite flawless foundation look. And never forget, sunscreen is your best anti-aging friend.

Looking for something more than a rosy glow when browsing for blush? A new family of antioxidants derived from cherries, through a process of biotransformation, was introduced this spring with DERMAdoctor Little Red Dress – Rejuvenating Chic Tint.

And what about the lips? Life most definitely can take its toll upon one’s lips, making them thin and wrinkled. LipFusion Micro-Injected Collagen Color Shine – Kiss is an option one can use to restore a pretty youthful pout to one’s expression.

What do all of these lines and products have in common? Money. Women are willing to spend whatever it takes to look younger and improve the appearance of their skin. And since these products are fairly inexpensive, it’s easy for most women to experiment to see which brand works best for them.

In Your Own Skin

OK, so you’ve found some makeup that just might help reduce those nagging lines and wrinkles. The thing that’s important to remember, though, is that skin health should be the biggest concern for women. Sun-related damage is one of the major culprits in causing skin to age prematurely. And don’t forget smoking: There are few other ways to suck the moisture and elasticity out of your skin faster.

See Spot Run!

Yes, we know. As we age, it’s not just the creasing of our skin that makes us crazy. It’s also the lovely little discolorations that tend to show up at the most inopportune times (like right before your high school reunion). Fortunately, you can probably cover up a small age spot with some well-placed concealer; however, it’s likely to emerge from its cover before you can perform a touch up.

It is possible to zap age spots away with laser treatment performed by a dermatologist. This method is both safe (when performed by a well-trained physician) and effective. However, it can be costly (prices vary depending on the practitioners expertise as well as geographic location). B. Kamins Skin Lightening Treatment or DERMAdoctor Immaculate Correction Potent Hydroquinone-Free Skin Brightener (the latter is hydroquinone-free) are other options.

Perhaps the best thing about the newest makeup trends for reducing (or covering) the signs of aging is that they are inexpensive and temporary. Sometimes it’s nice to look in the mirror and realize that a few of those lines help mark the passage of timea life well-lived and battles well-fought. Oh, wait a minute, who am I kidding? Pass me the age-defying makeup. I’m just not that proud of those lines after all!

If you missed Part 1, check it out here.