Fashion Forum

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Guest blogger and skincare and makeup consultant Sameera Ahmed’s advice for Las Vegas.

When getting your personal effects together for a trip to Vegas, remember one important thing: you’re going to a desert.  A fun, fabulous desert, but a desert nonetheless.  That means hot, dry heat with scorching sunshine and blazing sidewalks during the day, and cool, breezy nights.

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BODY – A good moisturizer and sunblock are musts in Vegas.  Even if you can forego moisturizing at home, bring a cream or lotion to Vegas to avoid the pinch and itch of dry skin.  Choose a body moisturizer with vitamin E and aloe to moisturize and soothe skin after a long day at a rooftop pool or walking the strip.

Don’t forget the sun block!  Choose a water and sweat resistant formula with an SPF of 30 or higher, preferably with zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection.  Be sure to cover all exposed areas of the body at least 30 minutes before stepping into the sun.

FACE – Vegas can be tough on delicate facial skin.  With the dry heat and scorching sun by day, and late nights at the smoky bars, clubs and casinos, you’ll need a few key items to keep your skin fresh and glowing.

• Use a mild, alcohol-free face wash to gently remove dirt and makeup without stripping skin of its natural moisture.  Also be sure to pack facial cleansing towelettes for those late nights when you can’t be bothered to wash your face before going to bed.  These make it easy to ensure you won’t be waking up to a lipstick and mascara-streaked face in the morning.
• Moisturize – use a cream, lotion, or gel morning and night (depending on your skin type) with antioxidants like vitamin c and e to protect your skin from dryness and free radical damage.  One of my favorites is Sanita’s Vita Rich Serum – it’s a lightweight, fatty acid-based serum that gives your skin the vitamin boost it needs to keep glowing! (www.sanitas-skincare.com)
• Sunblock – use a tablespoon of sunblock to cover face, neck, and ears.  Choose a formula with an SPF of at least 30 and go for something with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – perfect for any skin type.

Special Care – to combat puffy, tired eyes after a long night out, go to the nearest buffet!  Place a slice of cool cucumber on each eye for 5 minutes to reduce puffiness.   For dark circles, use a couple of tea bags (green or black tea) as instant brighteners.  After drinking your tea (mmm, antioxidants!), place the cooled tea bags over the eyes for a few minutes and let the caffeine and antioxidants go to work.  You can also use a brightening eye cream, like…

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In Vegas, anything goes!  Take that mantra to heart when doing your makeup.

DAYTIME– because of the heat, daytime beauty should be about comfort and cover, while giving you a natural, healthy glow.

For oily skin, stick with a light dusting of powder (preferably with additional SPF coverage).  For dry skin, use a tinted moisturizer for natural cover.   Sweep a highlighting concealer under and around the eyes for a well-rested look, and finish with a sweep of sheer blush onto apples of cheeks, one coat of mascara, and an SPF lipbalm.

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NIGHTTIME – This is the fun part!  Take a tip from those infamous Vegas showgirls and go for the glitz and glam!  Play with dramatic false lashes and glitter in any color.  Just remember not to cross the line from fab to drag – it’s all about balance.  Keep glitter to accessories and makeup OR clothing, not both.

FOCUS – EYES – When applying glittery shadows, be careful not to let it spill all over your face.  Use a cream shadow or primer as a base, and press glitter onto the lids with a wet brush to make sure it sticks.  Apply lashes close to the lashline, and finish with liner and/or mascara (if desired).  Keep the lips balmy and neutral and sweep a peachy-pink blush onto apples of cheeks.

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FOCUS – LIPS - Play up your lips with a bright colored lipstick and complimenting glitter.  Line the lips with a lipliner in the same shade as the lipstick you choose.  Finish lips by pressing glitter directly over lipstick (not the best idea if you’re planning on eating!), or use a glittery gloss, like MAC Dazzleglass (www.maccosmetics.com).  Keep eyes neutral  with a slightly shimmery shadow, brown or black liner, and 2 coats of mascara.  Sweep a highlighting powder or blush over cheeks and you’re ready to go!