We have grown up watching the careers of a number of famous super models and celebrities. . .yet they never seem to age. How do these models and celebrities continue to look so young? A good skin care regimen is extremely important for long-term benefits. But, when on the set, models and celebrities need quick-fix secrets. Well-trained and experienced make-up artists have a bag of tricks help create and maintain that youthful image. These carefully guarded secrets are slowly creeping onto the shelves of local retailers.
Let’s face facts. Each day we continue to age. In an effort to minimize the signs of aging, skin care products nourish and take care of the skin. Skin care products can help, but not prevent the inevitable. Solution? Color cosmetics. Color cosmetics have always allowed us to highlight our features and help minimize some of our imperfections.
While lipstick, blush and eye shadow colors may change with the seasons, the real change is with the introduction of innovative cosmetics. We are about to witness a metamorphosis of the entire color cosmetics industry. Color products will no longer simply color to help hide imperfections, but actually provide temporary effects to create that look of perfection.
 
THE PERFECT PIECE OF CANVAS
Make-up artistry is just that. . .a work of art. One of the tricks used by make-up artists is creating a base “canvas” that prepares the skin. This step is not to be confused with foundations. The “trick” here is to smooth out the skin and prepare it. Under make-up bases or lotions are quick absorbing. They utilize oil-absorbing ingredients and firming properties to create an even, smooth type of “canvas” as a base for the artist. Make-up goes on easier. The results are more effective. Imperfections are easier to hide, while features are easier to highlight and accent.
 
FIRMING FOUNDATION
During the 80’s, a “trick” of the trade was to use albumin (derived from egg whites) to create an instant facial. Several companies launched products that contained the albumin powder along with a liquid activator. When the two were combined, they created a firming effect that lasted for hours. The negative side was that these products became ineffective if the skin became wet or a liquid foundation was used. Over the past few years, a new protein complex was developed that duplicated the positive effects of albumin. . .quick firming properties that lasted for hours. The problem is that this protein complex was very costly and it was animal derived. . .which is taboo in the cosmetic industry.
Earlier this year, a new hydrolyzed wheat protein, known in the industry as FirmaCell, was introduced that could create the desired firming effect and even allow the use of a foundation after. Even more importantly, this natural product is extremely cost effective. Several companies have already introduced this new technology in firming eye gels and facial moisturizers. Later this year, watch for the technology to be introduced in under make-up lotions and firming foundations.

The hydrolyzed wheat protein not only provides long term benefits, but a short term firming feature. Within minutes, the protein creates an invisible layer that quickly tightens the dermal surface, creating a more youthful appearance within minutes. When incorporated in to traditional foundations, the hydrolyzed wheat protein makes the skin appear to less wrinkles while the color evens out skin tones.
When compared to traditional products without the hydrolyzed wheat protein, studies demonstrated that the new technology created a greater benefit that lasted all day long.

REFRACTING 
  THE YEARS
Want to wave your magic wand and make wrinkles disappear? Well, while hydrolyzed wheat protein can provide a firming and toning effect, another new technology has opened the door to a whole new series of fine line correctors. New processes allow tiny spheres to be micronized and then coated, so not to create a whitening effect. Instead, when this new powdery substance is incorporated in to a lotion type

formulation, it acts as an invisible filler between fine lines and wrinkles. The appearance of wrinkles is seen due to the changes in the reflection of light from the surface of the skin and the peaks of the wrinkle. This filler utilizes light diffusing properties to scatter and minimizes the severity of wrinkles from inside the wrinkle. The diffusing technology can be taken a step further by coating the micro spheres with titanium dioxide and iron oxide for a more intensive effect, where the light is scattered and refracted. Fine lines and are practically invisible instantly. In addition to line correcting wands, the refracting technology is now being incorporated in to foundations, eye shadows and basic skin care moisturizers.
 
MORE TO COME
About a decade ago, we witnessed a merging of the cosmetics industry with the efficacy of the pharmaceutical industry. . .creating a whole new category called cosmeceuticals. Cosmetic companies raced to incorporate alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, vitamin C, coQ10, etc., all in an effort to develop skin care products that deliver anti-aging benefits. While cosmetic companies focused on skin care, everyone was overlooking the “cosmetics” in the term “cosmeceuticals”. . .well, until now.
While lipstick, blush and eye shadow colors may change with the seasons, the real change is with the introduction of anti-cosmetics. While the secrets used by make-up artists, models and celebrities provide youthful looking results instantly. . .keep an eye out for truly anti-aging make-up that will actually work synergistically with our skin care products.