AboutTyla Smith Expertise I can answer any question about makeup application, what brands would be best to use for you and your skin type and age, how to determine skin tone, and many other things having to do with makeup and beauty!
Experience I am a professional makeup artist for film, television, and fashion photoshoots etc. I have been doing makeup for over 18 years in the industry.
Education/Credentials I have a degree in Graphic design and Illustration as well as having gone to several different professional makeup and special effects courses around the country and have learned on the job from and from my mentors such as Billy B. and Candace Corey and Tim Vittetoe to name a few.
Question Hi, I just realized that I want to start looking better and more beautiful. I'm 23 years old girl and I like smooth, healthy skin. Meanwhile, I see many products which indicate having a toning quality which I've always thought to be a way of lightening the skin. Am I right or wrong? I'm not interested in skin lighteners, I'm okay with my skin tone(color 3) or even darker if possible. Please educate me on the meaning of skin toner, does it mean the same thing as skin whitener/lightener or bleaching cream?
Second question is: I use Noxzema anti-blemish astringent for my face, Vaseline intensive care, Nivea body cream for extra dry skin. Are these products OK? Also I want to start using witch hazel astringent, is it also okay? The truth is I'm a novice in beauty and health care products so I'll appreciate if you can educate me on good products.
Also, please can you share other extra tips with me that help to make your skin great looking. Thanks.
Answer Ok, first off- a toner is a skin tightener. Witch hazel is a natural toner and astringent. Its nice because not only is it simple, completely natural and cheap, but it works well and is gentle. Toner is not the same as a skin lightener or bleach.
Next, You don't need to use more than one astringent, it will dry out your face, so pick one and stick with it for at least a month to see if it's what works best for you. The lotion you are using is fine, but if you are using it on your face it might be too heavy. I would look for a face specific moisturizer since the skin on our face and body are two different types of skin.
As far as good products, the best thing to do is look at the ingredients. Burt's Bees is great because they are all natural and their stuff is really good. Avoid products that have mineral oils, petrolatum, or what seems like a ton of artificial ingredients and fillers. If you really take care of your skin now it will be less work to keep it beautiful later on.
Always use a sunscreen on your face and chest, those are the areas that get sun damaged the most. I just use a moisturizer that has it in it, an SPF 24.
