Well you can have one, here are a few tips to ensure your tan is perfectly gorgeous for as long as possible….

Before Tanning

Don’t shave within 36 hours of applying the tan, you could get a little spotty.

Never wash the colour guide off with soapy products, these can lift out the tan.

Always use gloves or a mitt to apply fake tan.

Always moisturise before applying fake tan.

Exfoliation is critical to successful fake tanning, start preparing a few days before fake tanning.

Use a sponge to apply to the hair line, much easier than trying to get it on properly with gloves on.

2 thin coats will give a better tan than 1 thick one, never apply too much product.

During Tanning

Start from the feet upwards, the legs are easier than the upper body, starting with the legs gets you into the swing before the awkward areas are reached.

Apply a little moisturiser to the ankles, ankle joint, knees and elbows just before applying product, these are the main areas that can cause problems as the skin here tends to be dry and patchy anyway.

Use the residue that is on your gloves to tan the hands.

If you want to reapply for a darker result, do the moisturising, but not the scrubbing.

If using a spray or mousse, apply, and wait 30 seconds or until it feels dry to the touch, then rub a small amount of moisturiser to blend, and perfect the tricky areas.

Make sure the light is good, ideally a bathroom, what looks good in shadowy light may prove uneven in the light of day.

If you don’t like the sticky feeling, apply baby powder 30 minutes to 1 hour after applying the fake tan. Use a body powder puff to apply. It wont spoil your fake tan, once the product has dried it will work.

Bend your fingers to get in between your knuckles, this prevents tell tale white lines.

Never rush it, speed and streaks go hand in hand.

Always use a circular motion to apply, never up and down, this can cause lines.

The active ingredient in fake tan is DHA, its a sugar, most fake tans will make you feel sticky, this is perfectly normal.

After Tan

Don’t swim in a swimming pool when fake tanned, chlorine bleaches the skin, the sea is just fine for swimming.

Wear loose clothing while the tan develops, helps avoid discomfort with the sticky effect.

For a long lasting glow, re-apply once or twice a week.

Never forget to moisturise every day, moisturisers designed for use with fake tan are by far the best.

If you have dry skin, fake tan will make this worse, don’t use fake tan for any longer than a week without giving your skin a 3-4 day break.

For the perfect fake tan, exfoliate daily for 1 week before application, moisturise afterwards.

Many outdoor sun protection products now contain DHA, if you have a fake tan before going on holiday, using this type of sun protection will help keep the tan longer.

Buy the best quality fake tan you can afford, the cheap ones contain very little DHA and no skin caring ingredients, your tan will be poor and wont last very long.

The post The expert guide to becoming a Tan Goddess appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

It’s our job to be beauty obsessed and we love it, but there are always areas of improvement for all of us.

Read our beauty New Year’s resolutions and see should they be ones you could take on too.

Resolution 1 – Wear sunscreen every. single. day.

One of the most important resolutions we will talk about today.

Unless your foundation has an SPF already in the formula, it’s recommended that you apply some sort of SPF face lotion before applying any face makeup.

Make sure that you let your sunscreen dry before you put on any makeup or any other creams.

Also, be aware of the directions of how to apply it.

Most bottles recommend applying liberally and applying it all over your face, ears, neck and arms.

Be sure to apply all year round.

Resolution 2 – Washing your makeup brushes

This is so obvious and easy, and yet it’s one we all slack on.

Set a specific time to do this chore every week.

This gives you enough time to allow your brushes to dry naturally without needing the brushes halfway through the process.

Put a calendar reminder in your phone.

Resolution 3 – Being more adventurous with makeup

It’s so easy to get into a makeup rut, but taking inspiration from the likes of Khloe Kardashian, who does a great job of switching it up.

Celebs on Instagram are great inspiration for trying new things — gold eyeshadow, bold red lips.

Khloe always mixes it up — a glossy pout, matte, dark lips, coloured eyeliner — she isn’t afraid.

And why should she be? It washes off!

We should aim to try more bold lipsticks, especially red, and get away from the same light pink / nude lip we have on about 360 days of the year.

Resolution 4 – Taking care of your skin

Even though most of us are good about washing our faces every night and every morning, we should aim to step up the skincare routine even more.

Skin care involves more than just cleaning it and using lotion.

It also involves having a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, and managing stress levels.

Your unique skin type may also determine any additional treatments as well, such as using exfoliating scrubs or moisturising masks.

Resolution 5 – Master masks

Hair and skin masks are fun to use and make a huge difference for soft, shiny hair and clear skin.

There are so many affordable masks for all skin and hair types out there, we just have to know what to look for.

We should aim to apply a face mask once a week — pick a time that works for you, maybe when watching a favourite TV show and make it happen.

The post 5 Beauty New Year’s resolutions we should all adopt appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

With these top seven Christmas beauty tips you’ll be looking gorgeous for those under-the-mistletoe moments.

Christmas party make-up

Party make-up has to be right if you want to look beautiful at Christmas.

The key to looking great for your Christmas party is to put on your eye shadow first.

Then apply your foundation and any other make-up you want to wear.

This way you know that any loose eye shadow won’t fall in those places you don’t want it.

Simple up ‘do

Christmas is such a frantic time that it can be difficult to find the energy to fuss over hair styles.

Yet if you want to look fantastic then one of the best beauty tips you can master is the art of simple hairdos.

If you want to put your hair up, try twisting one section from the front of your hair; once twisted pin into place at the back of your head.

Repeat with the other side.

Then take the remainder of your hair and tie a messy bun.

This look is elegant, simple and more importantly quick.

Glittery lips

Nothing says Christmas like glitter, and slathering some sparkly goodness on your pout will definitely bring you some Christmas cheer this year.

To master the look, line your lips with a light coloured lip pencil and add foundation to the corners of your mouth.

Then apply a creamy lipstick using a lip brush before using a flat brush to add on your glitter.

You can finish with a gloss.

To glam up your lips even more add some clear lip gloss.

The one thing to bear in mind if you’re considering having glittery lips for a Christmas do is that drinking, eating and kissing may be off limits; so weigh up your priorities before donning a glitter pout.

Combat alcohol

Although you may like sipping a tasty mojito or cosmopolitan, your skin doesn’t.

Alcohol dehydrates you and can leave your skin dry, grey and dull.

To make sure your skin glows despite the endless flow of alcohol over the festive period your moisturiser won’t be enough.

Instead invest in some cleansing milks that contain hylauronic acid.

You could also apply a brightening face mask; look for ones that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, as this natural acid helps to destroy dead skin skills, firm up skin and moisturise.

Tired eyes

All those nights partying to Mariah Carey and Wham! is bound to leave even young eyes looking tired.

To make sure you stay looking bright and alert over Christmas give yourself a little eye massage to get rid of puffy eyes.

Begin at the corner of one of your eyes and work your way up, between your brow bone and your eye, rubbing as you go until you reach the outer edge of your eye.

Repeat along your lower lash line.

Also, be careful about where you apply your blusher as applying it too high can make you look tired.

Flat stomach

For most of us, a flat, washboard stomach is like the elixir of life – a distant, priceless dream that will never become a reality.

Yet we have a few tricks that might make that flat tummy achievable.

Firstly, try taking peppermint capsules or aloe vera juice.

Each do a fantastic job in supporting the digestive system and both can help you achieve a flat stomach by preventing bloating.

So that you can look amazing in your Christmas outfit, you can also cut out certain foods that can cause excessive bloating.

Try to limit things that contain refined sugar, or fermented products like cheese and alcohol.

Have a great time this Christmas

We’re about to reveal one of the best beauty Christmas tips of all time, so sit comfortably and listen up.

Here it is: enjoy yourself.

It sounds so simple, but whatever you’re up to this Christmas, make sure you spend time with people you like and spend at least some time with people who make you feel good about yourself.

Having a great time is the perfect beauty treatment because when you’re having a great time it shows: your skin glows, your eyes brighten and everyone warms to you and wants to spend time with you.

The post How to tick all the beauty boxes this Christmas appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

In fact, more often than not, women who have gotten facials give us mixed feedback:

Some tell us they love how their skin looks, others see no change in their skin.

Still others report that they’ve ended up with more problems than they had before they got a facial.

A good facial can make you look and feel better than when you first arrived for your appointment.

Whether done once or routinely, facials cannot perform miracles, and they have their limits.

Here are just a few types of facials to give you an idea of what it is you need from your treatment.

Younger-looking skin Facial

A facial that uses collagen-stimulating ingredients, like AHAs which exfoliate skin and encourages new cell production.

When new cells are produced, skin produces new collagen and elastin, which are essential for achieving healthy skin structure.

Peptides and vitamin C are also believed to boost collagen production, making them useful in anti-aging facials as well.

Major moisturising Facial

A facial incorporating products like hyaluronate that naturally bind moisture to the skin.

Hyaluronate, a humectant, draws water to the skin so it stays moist and soft.

Natural plant oils are also easily absorbed by the skin and make for a great addition in moisturising treatments.

Just be sure any hydrating facial you book includes a gentle exfoliating step so moisturisers can be more readily soaked up by the skin.

A brighter, more even complexion

A peel or microdermabrasion to fight sunspots and hyper-pigmentation caused by hormonal changes or acne scars.

Serious microdermabrasion and strong peels are best left to the experts, but some day spas offer lower strength versions of these services as well.

Just be sure to find out what sort of training your esthetician has received before you book the service.

The last step in a brightening facial should always include an application of a full-spectrum sunscreen to help defend skin from future damage.

Go ahead and ask for some SPF if the treatment protocol doesn’t call for it.

A clear complexion

A pore-cleansing facial using salicylic acid, which not only clears away debris.

This type of facial also has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to calm irritation and prevent breakouts.

Sebum gets trapped in the pores with dead cells and this becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and infection.

Vitamin A can also help speed up skin cell turnover so dead cells don’t accumulate and clog pores.

Plenty of peace and quiet

A stress-reducing facial that includes tons of extra massage time, is light on extractions or extraction-free.

It focuses primarily on easing muscle tension in the face and elsewhere on the body.

Look for treatments that feature leg, arm, foot and/or scalp rub downs in addition to face massage.

Aromatherapy can also help you relax even deeper.

Bonus: Massaging the skin increases circulation so your complexion will look fresh and healthy post-facial.

The key in any relaxing facial is a great aesthetician with an incredible touch and a passion for what she does.

What a Facial Cannot Do

Many people look to facials to address a range of skincare concerns, from acne to wrinkles.

A skilled aesthetician, using superior techniques and products, can help you address most of these issues to some extent, but facials are not cure-alls.

They absolutely do not replace what you use at home in your skincare routine on a daily basis.

Here is what a facial cannot do:

• Eliminate acne
• Permanently fade discolourations
• Replace cosmetic corrective procedures such as Botox, lasers, or dermal fillers
• Lift sagging skin
• Eliminate dark circles or puffy eyes

The post Facial Treatments: What’s Best For Your Skin? appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

We spend a lot of time looking at our hair, touching it, tending to it: Choosing the most effective shampoo and conditioner. Washing, blow-drying, and styling it. Colouring it. Curling or straightening it.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean our tresses are healthy.

People often don’t have a good hair routine, we’ve got a bazillion moisturisers and protectors for our face, but we’re abusing and depleting our hair.

So how do you keep those locks shiny and healthy?

Do: Take care of your overall health

Hair is an ever-growing tissue affected by our physical well-being.

Diet, particularly getting enough protein and iron, is vital to hair health.

Stress can accelerate shedding, particularly in the shower.

And a medical condition, such as a thyroid problem, could also cause hair issues.

Don’t: Swim unprotected

What could possibly dampen a day at the beach or pool? Salt water or chlorine.

Both can wreak havoc on hair, drying it out, causing split ends, and stripping colour.

We recommend applying a strong leave-in conditioning treatment to damp hair before hitting the water.

Don’t: Tie your hair too tightly

They’re convenient and cute, yes, but they could lead to traction alopecia, or hair loss caused by styles that pull on your scalp.

Instead of tying tightly, aim for loose braids, buns, and ponytails, and let your hair down before going to sleep at night.

It’s important to get the right tie, some are better than others.

The thicker ones work well, and the ones that don’t have a seam breaking up the middle.

They’re a little gentler on your hair.

Even better: Try holding it back with a headband, instead.

And if you must go the ponytail route, alternate the way you put it up—tie it low one day, high another, to the side the next—so you’re not always stressing the same strands.

Do: Keep an eye on ingredients

Eyeball shampoo and conditioner labels before heading to the checkout line.

If a product contains more than two detergents—like sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, or ammonium lauryl sulfate—it could strip your hair.

We recommend organic products, which are made with natural plant ingredients instead of chemicals.

Don’t: Overdo the appliances

Even if they’re pricier, invest in good tools.

Make sure they offer different heat settings and, in the case of flat irons, display the temperature.

Hair dryers should have a diffuser to help distribute heat more evenly.

Still, it’s best to let your hair dry naturally whenever possible.

Reserve dryers for special occasions, and keep the air cool.

Beware flat irons, too: While they may make your hair look smooth and sleek, they can also turn it dry and brittle, leading to frizz and heavy-duty breakage.

If you must use a flat iron, keep it on the coolest heat setting possible.

And don’t even consider turning it on until your hair is completely dry; otherwise, you’ll end up with a lot of steam and damaged locks.

Do: Brush the right way

Spend some time brushing each morning to remove dust, dirt, and dry scalp material.

If you’re untangling wet hair, use a wide-tooth comb, since a hairbrush will be too harsh.

Opt for a brush with a natural bristle instead of one that’s metal or plastic.

They’re less likely to needlessly pull hair out.

Don’t: Overwash your hair

Shampooing and conditioning every other day will suffice, unless your tresses are extra oily.

Washing too frequently causes dryness.

Just like when you wash your clothes too much—they fade.

It pulls out too many of your natural oils, so you won’t have as much shine.

This is particularly a concern if you’ve coloured your hair; red and blonde tones are especially likely to fade if you shampoo too often.

Note, however, that you don’t need to wash with cold water: That’s just a myth. Warm water works just fine.

Do: Maintain your hair with regular trims

Parting ways with even half an inch can be excruciating if you’re in pursuit of long, luscious locks.

But it’s necessary.

Ideally, head to the salon every six to eight weeks, though you may be able to push it to 10 if you’re trying to maintain length.

Regular trims keep split ends from splitting more and more.

Those with an intense styling routine—straightening or curling every day—typically need more frequent trims than those who sport a more natural look.

One way to tell if it’s time to call the salon: Inspect the bottom of your hair.

If it doesn’t come to a blunt end, you may be overdue.

The post Maintaining Healthy Hair – The Do’s and Don’ts appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

But some tip top advice will make you feel dazzling on the most anticipated social night of the year without having all of the pressure to drop a dress size…

The Christmas party preparation

Believe it or not, the preparation starts a whole week before your Christmas night out!

But for those of you who are about to turn over after thinking ‘I’ve no time for that!’ it is simple prep that will take minutes.

Start by exfoliating your entire body to start smoothing out the skin.

Use exfoliator gloves to work the scrub in – we strongly advise to do this in the shower – dry scrub in the bathtub is a nightmare to clean!

Scrub the face with a lighter exfoliator and only do this once the week before and once a couple of nights before your night out.

Skincare

Up your skincare routine if you aren’t maintaining a good routine already.

It’s so important to remove all make up before bed and to apply the creams or serums that are suitable for your skin type – it will ensure make up will be applied better and will last for much longer!

Cleansing and moisturising are everyday musts.

A fake tan done correctly can be the difference from pasty and grey versus glowing and healthy!

It is great for complimenting make up, as well making you feel slimmer and more toned.

Go for your tan (or D.I.Y) one or two days before your night out – and don’t forget the number one rule before tanning is EXFOLIATE!

Pinkies & toes

Paint your toenails 1-2 days before your night out for it to settle – painting them on the day is pretty risky as smudging can easily happen even hours after application if you put shoes on.

Gel nails or French tips are the way to go for your hands for the Christmas look.

Unfortunately nail polish isn’t as long lasting as we’d like on our busy hands; this is why the gel nails concept was introduced – they are so durable and look fantastic with the added extension.

The French manicure can get a bad name from looking too ‘natural’ and not jazzy enough for an event – having a glitter undercoat added to the nail bed will lift the look and make it totally glam!

Hair

Hair control is an important one to take heed of before your Christmas night out.

If you’re a regular with waxing then try and have waxing done 2-3 days before the night out – to ensure any redness dies down and that skin is prepped and ready for any tanning you may be doing.

For shaving and tweezing the day before is sufficient, but at all costs avoid shaving over an area that you’ve had a fake tan done on, as it will streak and possibly ruin it!

Try and go for something different for your hair – like I said before, it’s the one night of the year that different is very much IN!

If you want to go for a more rugged look then wash your hair the day before but leave out the conditioner.

Try not to frazzle your hair with straighteners as this will make it harder to work with on the night.

If you want curls then hair spray is your best friend – not just a quick zap at the end of the session but blasting it throughout will keep the curls tight for the rest of the night!

On the day

Relax and ensure you have plenty time to get ready – rushing will make you feel harassed and agitated.

Have your outfit well and truly organised so that there’s no frustrated cries of ‘NOTHING FITS ME – I have NO clothes that I can wear tonight!’

Apply a shimmery body lotion around your collar bone and down the arms to add an extra element of glamour.

Take good time doing your make up – having a thorough look after each section of makeup.

Try to focus on one area that you’d like to emphasise i.e. lips or eyes and make it stand out.

Accessorise with bold costume jewellery or eye catching gold’s/silvers.

Don’t be afraid to wear those elaborate earrings you bought months ago but haven’t had the guts to wear yet!

Try and match your hand bag as best you can as this can make or break a look.

You’re now ready for your Christmas night out – have a good one!

The post Christmas Party Prep – get the glow without the fuss appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

However, for most of us, it can seem like we are simply drawing more attention to it.

So how do you conceal a spot, skin breakout or troublesome scar?

These are our tips on how to best conceal them.

1. Right Skin Colour Concealer

You want to choose a shade of concealer that is the most similar to that of your natural skin colour.

When you are testing concealers, be patient as sometimes, with the colour it dries is different in colour then when it is applied.

2. Foundation First

One of the most effective ways to conceal scars is to first apply your foundation and then your concealer.

You may find that most of the time you will wipe away the concealer with your brush, sponge or fingers as you apply your foundation on top.

Not to mention you will use more product than necessary.

3. Apply Sparingly

Apply just enough to spread a light layer over the area you need to conceal.

You can always add more if necessary.

4. Tab & Dab

This is the ultimate trick to concealing anything!

Apply the concealer using light, dabbing or tapping motions to evenly blend out the concealer.

5. Set with Powder

For ultimate staying power, my trade secret is to always set your foundation and concealer with a powder.

This will prolong the longevity of your makeup.

Real Skin Dilemmas

Some of you might be saying.. “That sounds easy but I have really dark marks” or “what do I do with pockmarks?”

For dark scar marks, I suggest using a touch of orange concealer to neutralise the bluish-brown darkness from the mark.

Don’t forget to apply your regular concealer or foundation on top – you don’t want to walk around with an orange spotted face!

For a keloid scar or a raised scar, do not use a lighter colour concealer.

This will draw attention to that raised area instead of minimising it.

You are better off using a concealer that is a perfect match to the colour of your skin so that it blends in.

If you have a concave pockmark or scar, I would try using an angled brush dipped in a concealer that’s a shade lighter than your skin tone.

Fill in the center of the pockmark without going over the edges and then dust skin with translucent powder.

This is professional technique that I was taught when I first started makeup.

It will create the illusion of raising the depth of the pockmark or scar.

An instant fix to your beauty dilemma.

Scar & Acne Treatments

Preventing Blemishes

Pimples and blemishes are often unavoidable.

It’s paramount to have a skin care regimen that you follow daily, and please make sure you always remove your makeup.

Here are my tips in trying to beat scars and acne:

Skin Primer

Primers have a silicone base that helps fill in lines and evens out the surface texture of the skin.

It also helps create a barrier between your pores and your makeup, as well as making your makeup stay on longer.

Scar Cream

Scar creams are formulated to help break up scar tissue and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Dab a bit of the cream on your skin each night.

With regular use you will start to see the scars fading.

You can find inexpensive scar creams at any drugstore.

You can also, seek help from a dermatologist for combating troublesome scars.

Whether you suffer regularly from acne or there has been a sudden change in hormones.

We all suffer acne or scars at some point.

Always:

Protect the scar from sun exposure as sun damage results in delayed or improper healing.

Treat the scar with a product with skin healing ingredients such as quercetin (an antioxidant), onion extract, petrolatum and vitamin C.

Avoid using drying cleansers, including bar soaps, and applying products that contain irritating ingredients, like lavender or eucalyptus, as they can cause serious irritation that will inhibit the skin’s ideal healing response.

Avoid using products that cause a breakout in acne, such as makeup or face washes.

Give your skin some downtime and avoid applying makeup.

Just let your skin breathe freely.

Drink lots of water and eat healthy – your skin will appreciate it.

The post How to conceal a spot, scar or any skin blemish with makeup appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

And after our exceptionally mild autumn, people won’t be used to dressing warmly for the winter weather.

Here, we look at some ways you can minimise your risk of catching colds and flu.

Keep warm this winter

Granny was right – keeping warm can help you avoid coughs, colds and flu.

Shivering depresses the immune system and this makes us more likely to catch colds.

Also, we lose up to 30% of our body heat through our heads – so wear a hat!

Wash your hands

Although most infections are mainly carried in the air, germs can be transmitted by physical contact and enter the body when infected hands touch vulnerable parts like our eyes, mouths and noses.

These areas offer easy access to invading germs despite being equipped with defence mechanisms such as mucous and hairs.

Washing hands often can significantly reduce the chances of catching a virus, especially the rotavirus, which tends to infect children and causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

Watch the weather

Low cloud, dull and misty conditions tend to bring an increase in germs.

Viruses survive longer when the weather is moist.

This is the time when you’re more likely to catch something – although you may not notice you’ve done so until ten to 12 days later, the incubation period for many colds and coughs.

Avoid huddling and heating

Crowded trains and buses with little ventilation, department stores bustling with shoppers, and people gathering for parties all make catching a cold more likely.

Central heating reduces our defences and affects the respiratory system by drying out the protective mucous in our nasal passages.

The dry, stuffy air of central heating can also lead to sore throats and aggravate chest complaints like asthma.

Herbal help

If your immune system needs pepping up to withstand the winter onslaught of germs, Echinacea should be an integral part of your daily routine.

It is popularly used to boost the immune system in fighting colds and flu, and also as an agent to help heal viral and bacterial infections.

Zinc and garlic

The mineral zinc is essential to help fight colds and provide a boost to a flagging immune system.

Garlic helps ease chest complaints, and small amounts taken daily may also reduce the frequency of colds and flu.

Drink plenty

If you have a cold, being dehydrated makes your mucus drier and thicker and less able to cope against invading bacteria and viruses.

If you’ve already caught a cold, drinking plenty of fluids will help flush out the infection.

Sleep soundly

Lack of sleep makes us more prone to infection.

Moods also affect our ability to fight off infections, and if you feel stressed you are more likely to become ill compared to when you’re feeling buoyant, happy and relaxed.

Moving throughout the winter

Don’t underestimate the importance of regular activity, especially in winter.

Regular moderate exercise increases our circulation, which in turn brings more oxygen and nutrients around the body leading to healthier organs.

Take vitamins and probiotics this winter

Taking a daily multivitamin is especially important in the winter when we may be less likely to be eating enough fresh fruit and vegetables, and are also more at risk from infection.

Studies have shown that taking probiotic supplements can improve the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections.

The post Ten ways to avoid colds and flu this winter appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

There are a lot of things to consider, most importantly skin type.

Every skin type has specific needs that should not only be taken into consideration when buying a cleanser or moisturiser, but also when getting a facial.

Spa treatments are a great way to give your skin a boost.

With so many types of facials to choose from, what will benefit your needs the most?

We have the inside scoop to give you a better idea of what to look for on your next visit to the salon.

Every facial should be customised based on what’s going on with your skin at the time of your appointment.

Dry skin

Dry skin needs many different treatments.

It lacks natural lipids or oils, making it prone to dehydration, it needs both oil and water to balance it out.

Because of this lack of water, it’s natural exfoliating cycle slows down.

Facials that include gentle exfoliation are a great way to take your skin from flakey to fabulous.

We suggest looking for facials that include masks, which will help penetrate product into the skin.

One example is a mask that will rubberise.

Any product you put under this type of mask will be pushed into the skin as the mask hardens, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.

Oily skin

Oily skin produces more oil than it needs.

This oil is a magnet for debris, such as dead cells, makeup and pollution, which then cause congestion inside the pores.

Over time, the congestion becomes hardened, just like plaque on your teeth.

Look for facials that include a chemical exfoliant (glycolic acid or salicylic acid.)

This will penetrate into the pores and melt the congestion.

Extractions are needed to remove any hardened debris within the pores (so long, blackheads!) But don’t try this at home.

Extractions are something your therapist is trained to do safely as part of your facial.

Combination skin

This is most common skin type to work with, has both oily and dry areas, so these areas need to be treated separately.

Enzyme, chemical or even microdermabrasion exfoliants work very well.

Extractions are also needed to remove congestion, and a professional treatment mask, to replenish lost water and soothe the face.

Mature skin

Mature types can be challenging. It can be oily/acne prone, dry/dehydrated or a multitude of conditions.

It also slows down (cell production, circulation), so there are many issues to address.

Your therapist will first treat the type of skin (oily, dry, combination, normal).

Then she will have to increase circulation and saturate the skin with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Sensitive skin

We have to be careful working with sensitive types.

All skin needs exfoliation to remove built-up dead skin, but this needs to be done gently.

Facials that use enzymes to exfoliate work very well, because they don’t irritate.

Also look for products that don’t have excessive fragrances or irritants in them.

Once you’re back at home

Simple at-home tips for keeping a good facial routine:

• Cleanse to remove debris from the day
• Use a toner to rehydrate after cleansing, rehydrating will make your moisturisers penetrate better
• Exfoliate to help with the natural cycle of shedding dead cells
• Moisturise to replenish
• Protect to inhibit free radicals and shield from UV damage

The steps stay the same for every skin type, but the products you use to complete the steps will be different for everyone.

If you are unsure, talk to your therapist about what products are best for you to use.

The post Knowing your skin type is the key to good skin routines appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

However, some barbers are finding it difficult to maintain the consistent growth required to build and maintain a large clientele base.

Here’s a list of the top 5 traits that can help you achieve success as a barber:

Be the approachable barber

People still want the old-time feel of a great conversation with their haircut.

If you’re an approachable person with good conversation skills, you’ll find that your clients are like friends & family.

The more personal connections that you make and the more stories that you share encourage the greater the bond.

Clients after all are still human and crave the connection.

Execute military style consistency with your hours of operation

Remember your not just a barber, your a business and your own personal brand.

It might not seem like not following a strict schedule is affecting your business if you already have a following — after all your still getting booked right ?

The reality is that you can always be doing better.

Giving away silly reasons for your clients to look at another barber who is more consistent with their schedule is something that will work against you in the long run.

Another way this can have a negative impact on your business is some customers might be discouraged to refer you to their friends and family members.

Your business is a reflection of yourself if your inconsistent the business will reflect that.

Be a networking machine

The most successful in the industry consider barbering to be a lifestyle.

Clothing brands such as The professionals barbershop creates their “Barber Life” & “Barber Chic” lines to help barbers do just that.

Embrasing this point of view will help you live your brand.

Create in your mind a self-promoting mentality that will help you network and expand a lot faster and in a more enjoyable way.

Every new person you meet either needs a barber or knows more then one person who does.

Get out there , meet people and network the growth of your clientele base.

Look like a million bucks

In the restaurant industry they say “never trust a skinny chef “.

We like to say never trust an unpolished barber.

Clean, polished barbers with great personal hygiene tend to be more successful then those who are not.

Look at any celebrity barber and you’ll see what we mean.

While it is easy to assume they look that way because they are successful the opposite is true.

Just as the old saying goes ” dress for the job you want not the job you have”.

Embrace technology

Barbers have an opportunity to step into the new age and catch up to their clients and the technology they are using on the latest smart phones and tablets.

Social Media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat all give you more options, a bigger reach and new capabilities.

Embrace change and innovate. Your customers will love it.

The post Be a cut above the rest in the barber industry. appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

Good eyebrows frame your face and make you appear more youthful.

If you pencil yours in, you might be searching for alternative ways to achieve fuller-looking eyebrows that don’t require the time and precision of daily drawing sessions.

Grow the eyebrow

It may be genetics or years of over plucking, but some of us just don’t have a lot of bush in our brows.

A brow kit with a quick-dry gel formula that contains a few shades is what you need to create the appearance of fuller, more even eyebrows in one application.

Shape shifter

Tweezing gives you much more control in being able to sculpt your brows into the perfect shape.

To maintain a full appearance, only tweeze the strays from your arch and even then just making the eyebrow tidy, not tiny.

Fill in your eyebrow 

The key to filling in your brows without looking OTT fierce is employing an eyebrow powder.

Combine the palettes until you have a custom colour one to two shades darker than your natural hair.

Then apply it with the angled brush using feathered stokes focusing in on sparse areas.

Blend and buff 

Now soften and smooth out any harsh lines or heavy handed spots by combing your brows with the Spoolie brush.

If you need more colour, just repeat Step 3 and then continue to blend until your desired look is achieved.

Hold onto those eyebrows 

Use a clear brow gel to help set and further define your power brow handy work: Defined eyebrows will lift and open your eyes giving your face a younger, fresher look.

Emphasise your arch

Finally, apply a light eye shadow just along your brow bone to subtly highlight your arch and create contrast between your brow and eyelid.

The post Eyebrow Envy – Getting the best look for your face appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

Here, we show you how to rock a fuss-free, fabulous false flutter of eyelashes in next to no time.

Prepping The Natural Eyelashes

Start off by curling your lashes using a heated curler and follow with a thin, single coat of mascara.
This will help blend your natural eyelashes with your falsies.
Don’t apply any more than one coat of mascara, as this will create an obvious difference between your natural and false eyelashes.

False Eyelash Prep

Choose your preferred eyelash style and holding them gently at each end between your thumb and index fingers, lightly bend the strip.

This will help your eyelashes sit comfortably on the natural curve of your lash line instead of straight, which can cause them to ‘pop’ off.

Getting The Eyelashes Measured

Now your lashes are curved, hold the strip up to your eye and make sure it’s the right size.
If it hangs off the outer corner, trim it with a pair of nail scissors.

Glue Time

Apply the eyelash glue onto the strip of your false lash using a cotton tip.

Leave the glue to become tacky before application, which will take around one minute.

Expert Tip: Any decent glue should turn slightly transparent when it’s ready, unless otherwise stated.

Applying Eyelashes

The best way to apply your falsies is to hold them gently in the middle of the strip between your thumb and index finger and pop them straight onto the middle of your lash line before pressing them down on either side.
For first timers or those who are a little heavy-handed, use tweezers to make sure you don’t squish your false eyelashes.

Finishing Touches

Once your eyelashes are applied, wait a few minutes for them to dry completely before applying a liquid liner along the root of your lashes.
This will help to disguise the strip for incredible, flawless flutter.

The post A quick 6 step guide to applying the best false eyelashes ever! appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

Since eye makeup is something most women apply every single day, it’s a hot topic for ladies everywhere who are trying to put it on and keep it on.

While sometimes day to day activity can get the best of us, there are a few things you can do to always make sure your eye makeup stays intact, even if you feel like nothing seems to be going your way.

Here are our 5 tips that will keep your eye makeup from smudging, so you can worry about the more important stuff:

Eye makeup needs a Start Fresh

If you don’t already know, one of the most important things you should be doing on a daily basis is cleansing your skin.

You must wash all eye makeup off before going to sleep so that nothing is left over in the morning.

When you start with clean skin, you set yourself up for an easy application and layering of products.

Use gentle eye makeup removers to get everything off, and make it a consistent habit.

Use the right Makeup to Prime your Lids

Oily eyelids are common among women and can be the death of freshly applied eyeshadow it not primed first beforehand.

Even if you don’t have oily lids primer is still a great product to use before shadow.

Applying primer will give you a great base for eyeshadow that doesn’t crease or smudge and helps create an all day lasting effect.

A small amount of primer goes a long way and depending on what look you’re going for.

You can use clear primer or pigmented ones to add a colour boost.

Makeup that provides Maximum Wear

Make sure that you use formulas in both eyeshadows and eyeliners that are long wearing.

For instance, if you tend to have watery eyes make sure you opt for a waterproof eyeliner instead of non-waterproof.

If you’re going to line underneath the eyes, apply liner to inner rim and below and then blend with a brush to smooth it out.

You can apply eyeshadow on top of the liner to make it softer or smokier, depending on intensity and tone of eyeshadow that you choose.

Go Light On Bottom Mascara

Mascara is something you should wear daily, but make sure when applying it to the bottom lashes to not go too heavy with it.

When applying to top lashes feel free to go for as many coats as you desire (2-3 is a great standard range)

When applying to bottom lashes, a small amount right on the tips is perfect for just the right amount of definition.

Makeup needs to be set

To make sure everything stays in place, set it with a makeup setting spray by spraying a few mists to closed eyes and the rest of the face.

The post A fool proof way to avoid eye makeup smudging appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

If you’ve only got 30 seconds and a pan of brown shadow, swiping a couple half-moon shapes from forehead to cheekbone and then cheek to jawline really does work.

Keep it light in the center, and shadowy at the edges

The basic concept is that the middle of your face—forehead, bridge of nose, cheekbones, under eyes, etc—should be lighter because it’ll make your face look more angular and bright.

Then you use a darker product to create faux shadows along your hairline, jawline, beneath cheekbones, and along the sides of your nose.

That way you always look like you just stepped out from under an old Parisian streetlamp in Les Miz.

Technique makes a huge difference

The subtle contouring method goes something like this: Get two foundations shades, one a shade lighter than your skin tone and one a shade deeper.

Dot the lighter shade across the middle of your face, then dab the deeper one around that as a kind of “frame’ and add subtle stripes of it down the sides of your nose and in the hollows of your cheeks.

Then use a big, fluffy foundation brush to blend it all out.

This works for any foundation formula, although if you’re using an especially thick cream you might want to grab a sponge instead of a brush.

There’s also a more dramatic version, which usually includes either shadow or a full-on contouring kit.

You apply your normal base, then stripe white shimmer shadow or highlighter on the areas you’d normally put the lighter foundation, and line the deeper foundation areas with your dark shadow or bronzer.

Then you blend it out— very carefully.

Don’t combine different product textures

Pick a single bronzer/highlighter/foundation texture and stick to it.

In general, powders are easiest to blend, creams are highest coverage, and liquids have the best staying power.

They’re all solid choices, but when you layer them together, the combination usually cakes up.

This is a good rule of thumb even if you’re not contouring, since the same thing can happen with powder blush over cream concealer, for example.

Remember Your Contouring Shapes

We all have different face shapes, so if you straight up copy someone else’s example it could make you look like a badger.

Face-Framing 3s: Your deeper shade or bronzer gets brushed from forehead to jaw in a ‘3’ that follows your hairline and dips in under your cheekbones.

Eye-Brightening Cs: Think of this as a ‘c’ shape inside the top half of the contouring ‘3’ you just made.

Take your light shade or highlighter and create a crescent that goes from the center of your brow bone to the same point just beneath your eye socket.

Connect-Four Cheekbones: Take your light shade/highlighter and put a tiny dot on the tip of each finger.

Then pat your cheekbones from eye socket to cheek hollows so that you have four columns of dots, like a mini Connect Four board on your cheeks.

Blend out and up towards your temples.

Under-cheek teardrops: Create a long, skinny tear shape in the hollows under your cheekbones, where you could draw a straight line down from the center of your eye to the “point’, and the rounded part is right across from your ear canal.

Keep in mind that all this is subjective

General guidelines are great, but at the end of the day you’re the person who decides when your face looks its best.

So if you don’t want your nose to look more narrow, don’t put shadows down the sides!

Simple as that.

There’s no one way to do it right, so as long as you keep the general idea of creating highlights and shadows in mind, you’ll be just fine.

The post Contouring – The simple ways to get it right every time appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

Choosing the type of facial you want depends on what you’re looking for and also what you can afford.

Some facial treatments are designed to deep-clean the skin, while others offer moisturising benefits, help to relieve stress, the list goes on…

Cleansing Facials

Facials, face packs, aromatherapy facials and massage with facial creams and other remedies help deep cleanse the skin, removing toxins caused by pollution, grease and dirt found in your everyday environment.

Such facials help to reduce an overabundance of sebum, which is a natural substance moisturises and lubricates the skin.

Overproduction of sebum can cause skin problems, including blackheads and acne.

Cleansing facials open the pores of the skin, remove dead skin and toxins from the face, and clean the surface of the skin through exfoliation that tightens and firms the skin.

Increased Circulation

Facial treatments help to improve and restore circulation to facial skin layers, increasing the flow of oxygen-enriched blood to skin cells.

This rush of blood to the skin gives your skin a healthy glow and plumps skin cells with vital nutrients and water, which reduce the appearance of wrinkled and dry skin.

Nutrients like blood, vitamins and minerals found in the blood, along with adequate hydration, help develop and maintain new skin cells, essential for a youthful, healthy appearance.

Emotional Benefits from a facial

Facial treatments feel good, offering soothing relaxation.

Facial massage treatments increase circulation and the flow of blood.

They include a variety of creams, aromatherapy and oils that moisturise the skin, smell good, and relieve stress as well as encourage peace of mind and contentment.

Anti-Ageing Facials

While there is no way to stop the ageing process, a variety of facial treatments and technologies may help slow the skin-ageing process and offer you more youthful, supple skin.

Intense pulsed light, or IPL, laser treatments help to remove dead skin and increase collagen and cell growth and development.

Each can be used to remove dead and damaged skin and increase production of collagen, which is essential for plump and healthy skin cells.

The post What Are the Benefits of Facial Treatments? appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

What happens when you combine the best metallic nail polish with the hottest nail trends? Manicure magic.

If you’ve been paying any attention, you know that nail art is getting its much deserved time in the spotlight, from galaxy nails to half-moons and stiletto tips, there’s definitely something for everyone out there.

One look we love is metallic.

This bold look is always being re-imagined, and every time it comes back around, it is never less than super chic.

We compiled a list of top 10 best metallic nail polish looks, and every single one is to die for!

Metallic Sleek Tip

How absolutely gorgeous is this twist on classic tips?

This mirror-on-matte look is super sexy and oh-so-simple to pull off.

For a day date, try a nude or pastel on most of your nail, or go with charcoal or navy for a lady of the night look.

Chrome Tones

Mesmerising! The only bad thing about all of the amazing nail art out there is you can never settle on a colour or look.

Chrome notes mean you don’t have to. Definitely one of the best metallic nail polish looks to try out.

All Out Brilliant

Warning: This look is only for the truly bold and confident.

We love the amazing shine of full-on mirrored nails, but don’t let your nails outshine your personality, ladies.

Magnetic Marbling

Marbling refuses to go out of style, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

Now if only I could get it to look right on my right hand…

Matte-allic

I absolutely adore the way that high-shine metallics look on a shy, subtle matte.

If you want to try this look (and trust me, you want to try this look), go for a matte that matches your high-shine polish.

You won’t be sorry.

Mirrored Moons

Nothing says prep school pretty quite like a half-moon manicure.

Somehow the metallic accents made the entire look that much classier.

Shattered Metallic Glass

You’ll definitely be a smash hit with the smashed mirror look.

It’s surprisingly simple to do, too!

Just A Sliver

Let’s not forget about gold!

Yes, silver is chic, but go golder – it’s bolder.

Pairing a sliver of gold on a neutral rose is a great way to dip your toes into the metallic nail look without going all the way.

Crystal Metallic Chunks

Why blend in when you can stand out and shine like the diamond you are?

Some of the best metallic nail polish that you can find at the druggist right now are these mega-sparkle coats.

Layer one coat on top of another in the same shade to get a dimensional look, or go prismatic with lots of hues!

Deco Metallic Shine

There’s a reason flappers were so scandalous – the ‘20s vixens refused to play by the rules.

Go for a Great Gatsby look with some simple, sexy geometry.

The post The 10 Best Metallic Nail Polish Looks You MUST Try appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

But there is more to looking after your body during the winter months than the obvious.

You might have considered a multivitamin supplement but wondered what all the minerals and vitamins listed as ingredients actually do.

Each plays an important role in strengthening the immune system, boosting energy levels, improving your complexion and restoring vitality

That’s why now’s the perfect time to start taking these five super-supplements so you can wave goodbye to seasonal health woes all winter long.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is naturally produced by your body when exposed to sunlight, and is one of the few vitamins that isn’t readily available in food.

Your body needs vitamin D to regulate energy levels, keep your heart healthy and develop stronger bones.

That spells trouble for autumn and winter, when sunlight is a rare treat.

Luckily help is at hand, as supplementing vitamin D can keep your levels ticking over until the spring time.

Start taking them now to avoid a SAD-related energy lull come winter.

Vitamin C

Contrary to popular belief, Vitamin C doesn’t prevent colds and flu, but it can reduce the length and severity of symptoms.

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant.

This means it protects the body against disease including heart disease and cancer.

It is vital for the production of collagen, used to build body tissue and bones.

Omega 3

When the winter months roll around, you’ll often find that your extremities are much colder than the rest of your body.

This is because your hands and feet are further away from your heart, so they’re the last place that blood is pumped to.

If you have poor circulation, this will be even more noticeable.

Iron

Iron is essential for the formation of red blood cells which carries oxygen around the body.

A good intake of iron is necessary for energy, intellectual performance and vitality.

A lack of iron leads to anaemia – where the body is unable to transport oxygen around the body causing lethargy and listlessness.

Beta Glucans

Beta glucans is great for contributing to a stronger immune system.

Your immune system takes a hammering every autumn and winter from a whole host of viruses both at home and in the workplace.

Instead of suffering from months of sneezing and vomiting, do your immune system a favour by taking a daily dose of beta glucans.

The post Vitamins & Supplements You NEED To Take This Autumn appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

If it’s your first time going to the Electric Picnic festival, you may not going to know exactly what you need to bring, despite all the horror stories.

Here’s your 15 essentials that should inside your bag this weekend.

Electric Picnic Essentials

1. Baby wipes

This is probably the most important thing to bring!

Baby wipes are an essential for freshening up and will be your much needed substitute for showers for three days!

2. Deodorant

This is quiet obvious for anyone who believes in personal hygiene, some people actually don’t..at all!

You can get travel pack ones that will fit into your pocket to keep you smelling wonderful and fruity throughout the day!

3. Dry shampoo

What an amazing invention.

Most girls get about two days out of their luscious locks, but you don’t want to be going around come Sunday with a frying pans worth of grease on your head.

It’s bad enough we have to go three days without our GHD!

This product will be a life saver.. trust me!

4. Tooth brush

Again, seems obvious right?

But how many times have you went to a sleepover and actually BROUGHT your own toothbrush!

It’s an easy thing to forget, but an essential thing to have at a festival.

Especially when you wake up the morning after, with your mouth tasting like an armpit.

5. Tooth paste

You might think you’re very clever actually bringing a tooth brush, but what use is that without tooth paste?

It saves you from asking some random person at the sink for a squeeze!

Even if you and your mates shared the one tube, every little helps!

6. Sun Cream

Yes, I know this is Ireland… but it’s still a must have, especially for our pale Irish skin!

If you get really lucky, the sun will be shining while the music is playing, and it’s important not to get burnt.

Not just for your health, but no one likes walking around like a crispy tomato!

Kind of awkward when you take off your wellies and are snow white from the knee down.

7. Rain gear

And the complete opposite, because it is Ireland after all.

Prepare for the worst it will more than likely pour out of the heavens!

Buy a light waterproof jacket in Penneys or Dunnes, and even some waterproof pants.

8. Wellies

Yes this is clearly the most obvious thing on the list after you’re tent but you’d be surprised the amount of people you’ll see walking around in runners and sandals.

Penneys sell loads of cute wellies this time of year so rock them with some cute shorts and flowers in your hair.

9. Knee high socks

Wellies are useless without knee high socks, don’t make the same mistake so many people do, because wearing wellies against your bare legs will cut you to shreds!

You might think wearing fluffy socks is clever, but trust me keeping the whole leg dry and warm is a much better option.

10.Extra Underwear

Just in case! Bring enough for the weekend and an extra pair or two, accidents happen you know!

 11. Sleeping bag

Sleeping in a warm hoody just doesn’t suffice for a hard, cold, wet, miserable bed.

Even if it takes up a lot of room and is difficult to carry, a sleeping bag is a must have for camping.

Make sure it zips up to keep you some bit warm throughout the night.

12. Pillow

You will thank yourself if you remember to bring a pillow.

Trying to put together a make shift pillow from a pile of used clothes just isn’t the same.

You need some bit of sleep to function, so make it a good one!

13. Sun glasses

I shouldn’t really have to explain this one! But they will come in handy, especially trying to spot the likes of James Bay on stage with the sun in your eyes.

14. Make-up essentials

By day two, you won’t care less what you look like. But every girl has her make-up must haves!

We want to pack light so just bring what you need. A bit of lip balm and your basic concealer, sorted!

Maybe some moisturiser too… and some mascara.. can’t forget the eyebrow kit – Christ!

15. Emergency Money

No this does not mean.. I’ve drank too much and need more drink, money!

But it’s always better to have more rather than less, especially if something happens.

Imagine missing your bus home …

No way home, and no money.

You’ll never know how much things cost too, the Electric Picnic festival is a money racket so don’t faint when he says your garlic cheese chip and chicken burger costs €11.

Just be prepared for all types of emergencies!

The post Your Essential Electric Picnic Guide – Don’t Get Caught Out! appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

Not only is its basic application a chore, but even after you feel like you have a routine down, the smallest hiccup — anything from product buildup on your brush to a stray brush stroke — can throw off your entire look for the rest of the day.

1. Grab your favourite liquid foundation

Pour or pump an amount about the size of a €1 coin (this will vary depending on the condition of your skin) onto the back of your hand or a palette.

2. Take a dense, flat-top foundation brush

Take a dense, flat top brush, and dip it into the foundation.

Dot this onto your nose, the cheeks, around the borders of your face, and your chin.

3. Starting at the nose…

Starting at the nose, stipple in small, tight areas, moving to the cheeks and the borders of the face, stippling product inward towards the centre.

Repeat this process for your chin.

4. With what is left on the brush…

With what is left on the brush, stipple over the area above your lips and below your mouth.

Avoid the area where you get smile lines for now, this will look weird, but we’ll correct this malfeasance later.

5. If you regularly use foundation under your eyes…

This next step is only if you regularly use foundation under your eyes, rather than or in conjunction with concealer.

Take a bit of foundation on the outer edge of your brush, and dot lightly under the eyes, concentrating the product at the lower inner corners where your under-eyes are darkest.

Stipple lightly over this area, taking the foundation applied under the eyes up and onto the eyelid and brow bone.

6. Stipple foundation across your forehead and into the hairline

You should have about 1/3 of the product left.

Take some on your brush, and stipple it across your forehead and into the hairline.

Your entire face should now be covered.

7. Dot under your jaw line

Take the remainder of the product on your brush, and dot it under your jawline.

Stipple this upwards to connect with the product on your face, and downwards slightly to fade it into your neck.

Stipple lightly where your ears connect to your face.

8. Stipple all over your face

Stipple all over your face, using any excess product to deal with problem areas.

This distributes the foundation evenly.

You may now go over your smile line area, which will only be covered with a small amount of product, greatly reducing the chance of creasing.

9. Buff foundation in a circular motion

After you have stippled all over your entire face once, lightly buff in small circular motions using the same brush.

This blurs imperfections and removes any excess product, and melds the product with your skin, giving it a natural skin-like texture.

Make sure to buff under your eyes, over your eyelids, and around your hairline to blend the product into these areas.

Keep buffing until the foundation starts to feel a bit tacky.

10. Apply any cream face products now

Apply any cream face products (blush, highlighter, contour, etc.)

11. Let your foundation set

This step is crucial. Let the foundation set for 3-5 minutes.

Take a tissue, and blot all over your face, avoiding the nose if you have large pores.

Pay special attention to the eyelids, lines under the eyes, and the corners of the eyes.

If your foundation tends to set into your smile lines, you may wish to buff very lightly over this area once more using the same brush as before.

12. Apply loose powder with a puff

Apply loose powder with a puff, rolling and pushing it into the skin.

13. Finish with any other powders and blend

Apply any other powder products (blush, bronzer, contour, etc.), and blend well.

The post How to apply liquid foundation #101 appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.

Myth #1: Frequent trims make your hair grow faster.

Cutting the ends of your hair doesn’t affect the follicles in your scalp, which determine how fast and how much your hair grows.

Hair grows an average of a quarter-inch every month — whether or not you cut it.

Regular trims might make your hair look a little longer, though.

Getting rid of split ends reduces hair breakage, and breakage is what makes hair look thinner at the ends (and shorter).

Every eight to 12 weeks, ask your stylist to take off the minimum necessary to eliminate split ends.

Myth #2: If you always use the same shampoo, eventually it will stop working.

You don’t need to practice shampoo rotation to keep your hair clean.

But if you’ve recently started colouring your hair or increased your use of hot tools, it might be a good idea to switch to a more moisturising shampoo.

Otherwise, stick with your favourite as long as you love it.

Myth #3: A cold-water rinse makes your hair shinier.

Hairstylists love to spread this gospel.

Their rationale: The icy water will make the cuticle of your hair close so it’s flat (and light-reflective), not ruffled (and dull-looking).

Your hair, however, contains no living cells — it doesn’t react to cold (or hot) water.

Use conditioners and styling products that contain silicones and oils to smooth the cuticle.

And limit damage to your hair from straightening treatments, hot tools, and frequent dyeing.

Myth #4.: For healthy hair, brush 100 strokes a day.

You’ve probably heard that rigorous brushing will distribute the natural oils from your scalp to add shine to your hair.

Or that it will stimulate blood flow to your scalp and boost hair growth. Neither is true.

In fact, brushing causes friction on hair, leading to cuticle damage and breakage, which makes hair lusterless and frizzy.

Brush your hair minimally (only to detangle or style), and use the right tools — a wide-toothed comb or a paddle brush with ball-tipped, plastic bristles.

Avoid boar-bristle brushes — natural bristles aren’t uniform, so they’re especially harsh on your hair and scalp.

Myth #5.: If you shampoo less often, your scalp will gradually produce less oil.

No matter how frequently you shampoo, your scalp produces the same amount of oil.

Cutting back on shampooing will have no effect on your sebaceous glands; genetics and hormones determine the amount of oil they produce.

But it will cause dirt and oil to accumulate on your scalp and hair follicles, and could cause inflammation and irritation that might stunt hair growth.

All experts agree: How often you wash your hair is a personal decision. Use your judgment.

Wash your hair with a moisturising shampoo when you feel you need it, whether that’s daily or weekly.

The post Hair Myths, found, broken down and eliminated appeared first on Sharon Leavy | College of Hair & Beauty | Portlaoise.