Priming Porelessly in Wonderful Nation of Foundation!

We all want flawless (or the appearance of flawless) skin.  Well, thank Goodness that art and science have now united, to grant this blessing to us, no matter what kind of skin we have!  Years ago, we would call our Avon lady or spackle on the closest color of pancake powder from the nearest drug store, and we didn't have many options back then.  

Now, we can have (the illusion of) a perfect complexion with today's makeup tools and anti aging arsenal.  However, there are many steps in order to create this seamless image, and I am here to help you achieve this look, while avoiding all pitfalls and mistakes along the way in getting you there!

First, let's discuss the different skin types, before we even get into priming!  There are several different skin conditions with different needs.  These are:  dry, combination, oily, acne (with or without oil), sensitive, and rosacea.  Always consult your dermatologist before applying any skin products and/or makeup; and make sure that you are using the correct skin care regimen to TREAT your skin, before applying primer and makeup.  Makeup is used to enhance and hopefully improve our appearance.  Today, there are foundations out there that will trustingly not aggravate our skin, but what we consider to be our daily washing, toning, and moisturizing routine, is what we depend on to protect and improve the texture, tone, and health of our skin.  

Dry Skin:  one word for you:  SUNSCREEN!  Somewhere in your age-fighting arsenal, you need to have a product that contains sunscreen.  Your skin type will unfortunately, be the first to start aging in the way of wrinkles, and the sun will exacerbate this.  Also, if you have dry skin, I suggest, even before primer, to apply a facial oil (email me for recommendations) over deep wrinkles.  This will plump up fine lines and make the skin look smoother.

Combination Skin:  talk about confused!  You have both dry and oily patches, mostly in the T-zone (nose, chin, and forehead).  If you have combination skin, make sure that you are not using products that are too emollient in that area, which will be causing the clogging in that T-zone.  You may have to use different moisturizers for different parts of your face.  

Oily Skin:  I would like to say you are the lucky ones, here, but it doesn't seem that way, now does it?  Research shows that your natural oil will slow down the aging process, and your makeup looks fabulous right after you apply it, but by noontime, all the color from your foundation is everywhere but on your face!  Again, there are oil absorbing lotions that provide just enough moisture to your face, so your skin doesn't freak out and produce more oil from the reaction of your stripping and robbing the natural moisture that your face would normally produce on its own.  

Acne:  this is a tricky one.  Some have acne with dry skin, and others have acne with oily skin.  The severity of your acne will dictate your needs.  The extreme form will warrant a prescription for Accutane.  Although there are side effects to consider, this is the next best thing to a cure, and will undoubtedly prevent disfiguring.  Of course this is all up to your dermatologist.  Without getting too in-depth, one thing to keep in mind with simple acne, is exfoliation!  Depending on your skin type, exfoliation with a glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid based product is the way to go.  This will keep the cells turning over, at a rate which makes it difficult for the bacteria to lodge itself in the pores and cause breakouts.    

Sensitive:  if you can, stay away from fragrances.  I have found, that those with sensitive skin do best with all natural products that contain chamomile and calendula, barring any allergies.

Rosacea:  those mysterious red, annoying patches that seem to come out of nowhere!  Drinking alcohol can worsen or trigger an outbreak of rosacea, so drink accordingly (or not at all if you can).  You most likely will need a prescription from your dermatologist for rosacea, but again, calming agents like those for sensitive skin seem to help.  Anything labeled "for couperose skin" is geared toward treating rosacea.

PRIMING:  Look at it this way:  your face is like a canvas, and priming the canvas before the (makeup) artist applies the "paint" is necessary in most cases.  I used to think priming my face was a wasted step.  This was because I was layering on the WRONG primer, which is worse than applying no primer at all.  Thankfully, there are myriad of primers out there from which to choose.  There are even salicylic acid based primers for acne-prone skin, now.  I suggest that very oily skin types stay away from silicone-based primers.  They work wonders for dry skin, however!  I have come to appreciate primers for their purpose of reducing the look of pore size, wrinkles, and creating that smooth, seamless look that we talked about earlier.  Trust me, with the right primer, your skin will look flawless after your foundation is applied!  See your favorite makeup artist for a consultation in recommending the appropriate one for you! 

Foundation:  Ahhhh, I could go on for pages and days about foundation.  Foundation phobes, fear not!  There are all kinds of textures, from lightweight powders, tinted moisturizers, and BB and CC creams, to heavy, full-coverage formulations!  Traditionally, the first thing we would decide when choosing the correct foundation, is the type of coverage we want, from minimal, to full....those times are gone!  This is where science has introduced itself, and with the latest invention that I am so excited to announce, the steps are now reorganized!  I have been to Sephora recently, and the store has a new device that matches your "color IQ."  The makeup artist will hold this gizmo up to your skin, on usually 3 areas (cheek, jawline and neck, or forehead), to obtain an accurate reading.  The screen magically shows an endless array of options for your coloring.  From there, you can choose the texture you want, from the available selections.  Let me tell you, my experience was marvelous!  Because I am so pale, I used to slap on a self-tanner all over my body, and attempt to match my face with the same color of foundation.  Much to my peril, I looked older in pictures!  When I am wearing the correct foundation, my skin looks younger and more vibrant.  I learned to add color with blush and bronzer, and this is THE way to go!  Add your finishing touches with or without powder.  Today's foundations don't always necessitate "setting" with powder, anymore, especially with dry skin, and most specifically around the eye area. 

I cannot tell you how overjoyed I am that art and science have allied to give us the look that ageless icons from only decades ago, would envy today.  Historically, one must have been born with perfect skin, or else shy away from the camera.  Don't you just love technology?  Not to mention, we have so many eco-friendly and planet-conscious options that actually work!  Please share your tips and results here, I'm waiting!  

                                   Happy Fashion Fixing,

                                                     ~La Puma~!

Traveling Light: How to Look Fantastical, While Still Being Practical!

Working the deal!

And the beat goes on.......summer isn't over, and we are still gallivanting!  Living out of a suitcase gets old very quickly, and lugging that thing around can be even more treacherous.  After reading this week's tutorial, however, you will have mastered the art of roving cloudlessly and looking radiant, so much so, that the gypsies will be envious!

When on the go, keep two things in mind:  versatility and comfort!  I see sooooo many women at the airport trying to look chic with their stiletto spikes and sky scraping wedges; and let me tell you, prima swankies, one word:  Desigual.....doesn't work!  They look uncomfortable and stupid, especially trying to drag their massive, overstuffed carry-ons!  It's totally impossible for a woman to look fashionable and fierce when she can't even walk in her shoes!


Of course you could do what I do, and bring the basics and one "emergency dress and heels" in an otherwise empty suitcase, and just buy whatever you need once you arrive at your destination.  However, this is not economical nor always feasible.  

Easy switch for fun at night!

There are three possible occasions for which to dress during your trip:  A.) Fun excursions (this includes casual visits with friends and family), B.)Dressy events (weddings or dinner engagements), and C.) Business meetings. The first thing to do, is make a list of the necessary nitty gritties, which I have already provided for you here......aren't I wonderful?

1.)  Jeans.......Glorious Jeans!!  If you are not a "jeans person," ok for you, but jeans are not only ambidextrous in the fashion world, but also wearable for a few episodes without having to wash them immediately, like you would, with other pants and shorts.  Who cares if they wrinkle?  Some already come that way.  Jeans are so wonderful because you can wear them casually during the day, and just magically transform your entire look into neatly social for the evening, with just the change of shirt and shoes!

2.)  Polo shirts and tank tops.......lightweight, lightweight, lightweight.........and YES more room in the suitcase for shopping later!!  Just hanging around or casual excursioining is your time to relax and be comfortable.  Stay away from T shirts unless you are using them as night shirts.  Or else T shirts are fitted, they are so boring!  Polo shirts still allow you to look regal, and today's tank will be tomorrow's workout shirt!

3.)  Black Pants (for business):  it may be hot, but most offices and meeting places are air conditioned.  Black trousers are fantastic because now, if you are meeting for dinner/drinks after, all you have to do, is take off your blazer, and voila, you have on one of your fancy tanks, and boom, done, let's go, where's the party!  

4.)  Shoes.........only 3......and one of those pair you will wear to the airport!  How do you like those apples?  You only need one pair of dress shoes, sneakers (if you work out), and flip flops:  if you are venturing to someplace warm, boots:  if you are going someplace cold.  If you never want to be caught off guard, I recommend flip flop wedges with a heel........yes, they make them now.  You can wear them anytime, including a dressy Caribbean dinner celebration, especially if you pick a metallic color!!

5.)  Handbags, including evening clutches:  one of each.......here, one size fits all!  All you have to do is sport a trendy tote during the day, and this will be one of your carry-ons to the plane!! At night, the evening clutch will match your elegant shoes, and they will go with every dress you have!  As an extra tip, I use my evening wristlet as my wallet in my daily handbag, so I don't need an extra one at night.  Besides, it saves time, because I only have to grab it and go, no transferring credit cards and lipstick!

6.)  Dresses:  one for each occasion.  I recommend wearing dresses at night, especially in hot weather.  They look nicer, are easier to store in luggage, and only one piece to match!

7.)  Makeup and skincare:  if you can,  ask your beauty consultant for travel samples or transfer all you can into FSA-approved containers.  Believe it or not, if you have a full Arsenal like I do, these products add up and can get amazingly heavy!  Store them in clear makeup bags and carry them on your person.  One thing I do not want the airlines to lose, is my skincare and makeup!  Depending on where you are going, you may not be able to find the lines that you use.  You can replace clothes and undergarments, but you will be in deep do-do if these items are gone!  Also, if you store them in clear makeup bags, you just reach into your tote and throw them on the airport x-ray conveyor.....tres facile!  To make things even easier, only bring what you know looks best on you!  Chances are, pictures will be taken, and we want to look spotlight-ready, as usual!  This means, again, one eye shadow palette, one blush, two eyeliners (one for the day, and one for the night for a more intense look).  You may bring different lipsticks, and that alone, will change up your presentation.  I suggest lipsticks from different color genres if you can wear them:  warm and cool.  You may be in the cool color family, but if you happen to get a tan, the warm family can look outstanding on you, come sunset!


Dressing for the airport:  If you plan to get some exercise on your trip, wear your sneakers!  Yes, you can still be a stunner in your "tennis."  I usually wear white jeans and a black turtleneck with sporty sunglasses, and let me tell you, this stylish diction is HAUGHT!  It's a sporty, functional look.  Remember, airports and planes are cold!!  If you tend to be going through menopause and/or are one of those lovelies that are always hot (yes we know you are by nature; I'm talking about your body temperature), again, this is where one of your tanks come in, and throw on a button-up or zip sweater.  You can always take the sweater off and tie it around your waist.  This stylish slant is true cooperation with sneakers.  Refer back to our essentials:  polos work with this outfit too.  You see how uncomplicated it is to pull this all together?  One last tip:  whatever you do, do NOT wear sweatpants.......not even nice ones.  Those are for the gym or bed!

 

From Business to Pleasure:

    TO:      

Just remove the blazer!!

Having a Bad Handbag Day?

No fretting allowed, starlets:  La Puma is here to cure all of your fashion ailments!!  For those of us who just don't want to look all put together before we leave the safe cavern of home, but NEED to look impeccably polished before stepping out to the scene, this article is for you! 

How many times have you gotten all decked out, shoes, earrings and all, only to find that you have not one handbag in that mound of accouterments, to match!!  Whatever you do, DO NOT go out and buy another expensive handbag......no no NO, bad fashionistas!!  Remember, true talent in style is all about improvising!  

Let's start by defining and discussing La Puma's three basic styles.  There is a time and a place for each one:

1.)  Too Matchy-Matchy:  when you have the same pattern on your shirt, trousers, and/or handbag.  The only time you ever want to be too matchy matchy, is a when you are scheduling a breakup date!  Too matchy-matchy is a big no no when taking pride in your appearance.  The reason for this is because you don't want to come off like you are trying too hard!  Do I need to remind you, bebe chicas, fashion is a talent that should come naturally, not "worked at."  When our attire looks like we put too much effort into it, it gives off the air that we are trying aimlessly to impress.  That is clearly NOT the image that we want to project.  We want to appear confident and KNOW that we look unstoppable!

2.)  Safe:  well, is just that!  It's ok to remain safe during any kind of interview or business meeting.  Overwhelming your potential boss or client may cost you the deal if he/she assumes your personality is just as intense as your suit!  You always know you are safe when you stick with the basics and the classics.  Solid colored dress shirts, black slacks, pearls, and cashmere are all examples of safe bets.

3.)  Fierce:  a look that OTHERS have to work at in order to duplicate.  A fierce look usually produces head-turning, eye bulging, neck craning responses from your audience!  As Ke$ha says, the party don't start until I walk in; and when you have a reputation of being fierce, everyone will be waiting in anticipation, to see what type of smashing getup you'll be adorned in for the evening!

Now, let's look at examples of each, below.  First let's start with the blouse:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Handbags that would be Too Matchy-Matchy:

GORGEOUS bags, but not an option with this shirt!

Here, we have a "Safe" representation: 

Now for the Demonstration (the fierce way):

Here's the shirt again:

Choose your handbag:  

CLEARLY, THIS DOES NOT MATCH!

Now for the MAGIC: add a cheap matching scarf:

SEE HOW EASY?

 

BOOM!

                                                                                                                                            

ALMOST DONE....

                                   

ADD SHOES

See how painless and fast that was?  Metallic goes with everything, and the silver shoes pick up the silver in the handbag ever so nicely!  My advice to you to make things even faster and accessible, is to phase out your "scarf drawer" if you have one.  Instead, hang all your scarves around the matching chosen attire in your closet.  This way, you won't need more time to have to go hunting for a shirt and then your scarf.  Besides, you probably won't be matching that handbag with the same scarf all the time, since the scarf doesn't match everything in your wardrobe.

Now you only have to look for one article, not two

Twine it through a belt loop
                                                                                   

  

    

It is much cheaper and stylish to go this route, rather than running out to buy yet, another expensive purse.  There are plenty of places to shop for inexpensive scarves.  Feel free to add sparkles and pendants too!  Use your imagination and you will surprise yourself as to how creative you can become!  Get really "fierce" and share your ideas!  

                                                                    HappyFashion Fixing!

                                                                         La Puma~!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Lions, Tigers and Bears.......How Chic!!

......and zebras, and cheetahs, and pumas.....and all the animals of the fashion kingdom (faux of course).....OH MY!!!  Yes, that's what your audience will be saying when you step out in these styles (and oh how you WILL be seen)!  Many bombshells will shy away from animal print because they they think it's too daring, not "safe," or will be a victim to some fashion criticism.  Remember, with La Puma's rules, it DOES NOT have to match, it just has to feel right.  Ok, so now, how do we go about feeling right?  One word for you, my fellow fashionistas: COLOR!   We start with color; and just like makeup, just like decorating a house, we blend, blend, blend!!  When we learn how to blend color, we can even mix TWO animal prints.  I know what you are thinking:  "La Puma, are you crazy........MIX animal prints in the same outfit?"  But as Cher used to say, "Until you're ready to look foolish, you'll never have the possibility of being great."  How do you think fads are started?  Yes, today, I will show you how to wear animal print, whether you want to project attitude, regality, or subtlety......even if you work for Wall Street!  Enough chatter.......let's begin!

Rule 1:  pick 3 colors (three neutral, or two neutral and one loud).  Luckily, most animal prints are all neutral colors, right?  The problem becomes when we mix two prints that don't match because the colors don't blend, or there is one color in there that is too loud.  Here, we have red, white, and black.  

              

                                                                                                                         

Whoah.....4 colors, but they BLEND!

Rule 2:  Pick a solid color pant.  If you're sporting an animal color pant, then pick a solid shirt.  You don't want to overwhelm your audience with too much.  One conversation piece at a time, please!  Here, I would pick white or black pants.  If you happen to find a pair of red pants, ok fine, but the tone of the pants has to the exact red of the shoes or the bag, or it will throw off your entire look.                                                                                                                                                          

Rule 3:  Here comes my favorite:  Accessorize!!  Shoes, handbags, and jewelry.......ready?  This is where you can remain safe or go nuts.  Do you think you could wear pearls with this style?  Absolutely, you can!  How about a plain, black blazer and black pants with pearls, perfect for work, yes?  YES!!  When accessorizing, let's revert back to rule #1, and pick one of those 3 colors you chose for your daily wardrobe.  Here, we got lucky because in the handbag (forgive me for jumping too far ahead),  we were fortunate to find all three colors.  Now, you see how it's not really about the animal print, per se, but again, lovelies, COLOR.......n'est pas?   If you want to respect the traditional rule of matching your shoes with your handbag, in this case, you can choose any of our three primary colors and rock it.  Depending on your scene, you can just switch up your shoes.  If you're at work, pumps, like in the immediate photo above, are fine.  Just out and about?  The red wedges posted here are comfortable, yet statement-minded.  Cribbing with the girls at the club: add strappy heels.........voila!!  

Three neutral colors:  white, black, and brown:  leopard AND zebra!

As you learn to dress in your own animal skin, you can get more and more daring, one step at a time.  For example,  let me draw your attention to the necklace, back in the first picture above.  I added this here, to show you how, if the colors are adjacent, even if there is a slight deviation to the primary 3 that we originally chose, it will work, because they are touching.  For example, when you pick colors for the walls in your house, you stand in one room, and look to see which rooms you can see, from the one in which you are standing.  Those colors must BLEND!! Same rule here.  if the "rooms are adjacent," they must blend.  Here we have some goldish brown and black in the shirt and also the necklace.....again, more about color, less about print, even though we have both white cheetah and brown cheetah in this style!!  

Simple, yet dramatic!!

Blue, brown, and white.....white pants will look FABULOUS!

  

Now, its YOUR turn!!  You will be surprised, with these three rules, how you now look so differently at your wardrobe!  Doesn't this make you want to go run in your closet and see how you can design a new world of style?  Do it, and post your ideas here, with me!!  I encourage you to be as daring as you want!  Wear your new finds with the utmost confidence..........and soon, you will see everyone copying you!!

Happy Fashion Fixing,

~La Puma~!

Welcome.....WELCOME!!!!

........to Youth Arsenal.....where Fashion and Anti Aging are our Passion!!  I can't tell you how EXCITED I am to launch and share this site with all of you!!  Youth Arsenal offers "a LOT of bit" to everyone, from the Queen Bee Fashionista on the hunt for the latest trend, to the Modern Housewife seeking to look and feel the best she can, armed with the latest weaponry in Anti Aging.  Here, at Youth Arsenal, we make YOU the focus.  We share, learn, experience, and grow into our most FIERCE, hottest, and stylish selves, no matter your couture du jour!!  Again, fashion of the millennium is not about strict rules of matching anymore!  Quite, the contrary!  It's about feeling hot and looking fierce in your own self-righteous skin!  

Happy Fashion Fixing!!

~La Puma~!