Beauté Treasure

So what does "SPF" and "PA" means on sunscreen? SPF: Protection against UV-B rays. Increases the time before skin starts burning. SPF 1 protects skin against UV-B rays for 15-20 minutes PA: Protection against UV-A rays. Increases the time before skin starts darkening. PA+ can increase the time before skin starts darkening by 2-4 times. PA++ increases the time by 4-8 times. PA+++ is the maximum protection and can increase the time by more than 8 times. For people who are indoors most of the time, you can choose sunscreen products with lower SPF index, e.g. SPF 30 with PA +++, which gives you enough protection without taxing your skin. For people who are outdoors most of the time, you can choose sunscreen products with higher SPF index, e.g. SPF 50 with PA +++, which is sweat and water resistant to give maximum protection. Below are example of some sunscreens which are available in Singapore. From left to right (1. Shu Uemura UV Armor SPF 30 PA +

Spending too much time under the sun not only causes tanning and spot formation, but also speeds up aging of your skin! So beach babes, beware! Here's why sun rays are bad for you: There are 3 different types of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches us from the sun. The sun's (UV) light falls into three wavelength bands: UVA, UVB & UVC. UVA Rays: Have the longest wavelength and remain high in intensity all day. Present even on a cloudy day or indoors as it can penetrate clouds and window panes Penetrate through the epidermis & continue into the dermis. Breaks down the organization of skin cells. Responsible for skin aging, collagen loss, broken blood vessels, wrinkles and spots formation. UVB Rays: Have mid range wavelength and is highest in intensity from 10am to 2pm near the equator. Blocked off by glass. Penetrate through the epidermis & deep into the dermis damaging newer cells. Responsible for skin burns, sensitivity reactions (skin become

Attended the Kose Whitening Express Beauty Talk Show given by Niu Er on Sunday (20th Feb 2011). Niu Er went through slides on what are effective whitening ingredients and how they work to reverse darkened skin. He also showed us how to do eye and facial massage to improve tautness of the skin (follow links to view live video). Below are some photos taken with Niu Er after the talk show.

Can't bear to throw away the tons of makeup you have? Using expired products might do your skin more harm than good, so do toss away cosmetics that has expired / turn bad. Here's a rough guide on makeup shelf life: 1.  Liquid & cream foundation (2 yrs) 2.  Concealer (2 yrs) 3.  Powder (2 yrs) 4.  Mascara (6 mths) 5.  Lipstick (12 to 18 mths) 6.  Lip & eye pencils (12 to 18 mths) 7.  Eye shadow (2 yrs) 8.  Powder blush (2 yrs) 9.  Cream blush (2 yrs) 10. Moisturizer (2 yrs) 11. Eye cream (6 mths) 12. Sunscreen (2 yrs) 13. Face cream (2 yrs)

The basic canvas for a well done makeup is smooth, healthy, glowing skin. Hence it's important to keep your skin in a good condition. Beautiful skin begins with good nutrition. New, living cells continually replace the dead cells on the surface of the skin, and their growth is dependent on vitamins, minerals and hydration. Below are some of the vitamins required and where they can be found. 1. Vitamin A : Function: Helps prevent aging. An antioxidant essential for growth & renewal of new skin cells. Topically applied, may boost collagen production & promote skin cell turnover. Found in: carrots, spinach, watercress, broccoli, sweet potatoes, melons, egg yolks, dairy 2. Vitamin B : Function: Increases fatty acids in the skin, promoting exfoliation and firmness. Found in: yeast, eggs, liver, vegetables. 3. Vitamin C : Function: Promotes clarity. Vitamin C is the building block of collagen, the protein that gives skin its structure, tone and elasticity. Found in: peppers, stra