A Fresh Spring Look to Dark Brown Skin

A fresh spring look can the be perfect way to welcome warmer weather and a little change in your routine.  If you have beautiful dark skin, it's only a matter of choosing the right colors and applying them properly to show off your stunning skin.

1. Apply a light coat of foundation- don't go overboard, just a quick application to keep things natural and simple.

Try Makari's Liquid Foundation, here:

2. Choose a deep pink or burgundy shade of blush if you have dark brown skin. This will show off your deep undertones. Starting with the apples of your cheeks, lightly brush it out under your cheekbones on each side to add more definition.

To enhance your cheekbones, use Makari's Make-up Brush:

 

3. And now for your eyes. Since you are keeping the rest of your look simple, focus on enhancing your eyes. To bring out the gold undertones of brown skin, choose a golden-hued eyeshadow.

Now it's time to play up those pretty peepers. Finish off with a light coat of black mascara.

4. Now your lips need a light coat of lip gloss to polish off your look and plump your pout -- which is something no girl is going to complain about. Choose a flavored gloss in strawberry or peach. Just don't eat it.

How to Remove Make-up

You can artfully apply makeup, and you know that stay-put makeup can keep your face looking fresh all day and evening. But then you get to the bathroom at night and must vigilantly remove all the makeup. What's the best way to do it?

Eyes

Creamy eye shadows, liquid liners and waterproof mascaras are difficult to remove. Try soaking cotton pads in a gentle eye makeup remover and hold the pads over closed lids for about a minute. Then gently wipe away the makeup without pulling and tugging the skin around your eyes. 

Makari has a very gentle make-up remover perfect for hard to remove eye make-up, face foundation, and lipsticks:

Lips

Your signature red stay-put lipstick keeps your pout delectably kissable all day, but can pose some hazards to your sheets and pillows. Warm water will not do the trick for long-wear lipsticks.  Soak a cotton pad in a gentle makeup remover and dab your lips until the lipstick comes off.

Face

You will definitely need Makari's Make-up Remover! Pour a quarter-sized amount into your palm and carefully dab the remover onto your forehead, temples, cheeks and chin -- and work the remover into the rest of your face, without pulling or tugging at the skin. Then apply a warm, wet washcloth over your face for one minute to allow the steam to work with the remover. Then gently pull the washcloth away while wiping off the makeup. Follow with a normal facial cleanser.

Makari's Deep Cleansing Lotion removes all dirt, grime, and makeup off your face:

The Danger of Hydroquinone

Makari strives to develop the highest quality products using the safest ingredients possible. Something we pride ourselves on is our Hydroquinone-free products which provide smooth, even toned, flawless skin without any harmful chemicals.

Hydroquinone is a chemical used in some skin care products that causes depigmentation. It has been found to be so dangerous that it has been banned in most countries in Europe, the FDA has proposed a ban on it in the United States, and they have also named it as a possible carcinogen (although sufficient tests have not been done to prove these claims). Makari products give you an alternative to Hydroquinone and provide a safe and natural way to care for your skin and to keep it fresh and beautiful.

Click here to try some of Makari's Hydroquinone-free products!

Look Fabulous in Your 30s

Here are a few techniques to keep your skin looking great, flawless and sexy.

- Use a facial scrub to whisk away those dead skin cells which are making your complexion dull and lackluster.

Try Makari's Clarifying Scrubbing Cream:

- Under-eye bags and circles make you look older and tired. Laser treatments and a better diet can remove circles. Some good sleep using an elevated pillow helps to drain retained fluid under your eyes, leaving the area underneath your eyes flat and looking good.

- Stress and hormonal imbalances can cause acne to recur. Practicing stress-relieving exercises and good face care can help make those bumps disappears.  Consult with a doctor if you still have the blemishes. Some health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, could be the culprit.

Love,

Makari

Developing a Great Skin Care Routine - Morning and Night

Your skin is one of your best assets, so a good morning and evening routine will pay off with beautiful skin, so matter how busy you are. No idea where to start? Don't worry, we've outlined it for you below and given you some Makari products which should do the trick:

Cleanse

Give you skin a good clean, so matter if it is oil, dry or combination. Daily dirt, sweat and natural oils gather on your skin, clogging pores and leaving you with an unnatural sheen. A gentle skin cleanser works well for all skin types. You don't want to scrub your healthy skin, but rather take off the dirt from the surface so it doesn't get into your pores.

Caviar Clarifying Gel

Deep Cleansing Lotion

Exfoliate

Skin regenerates itself and grows new cells every day. But that means that about 30,000 - 40,000 skin cells are left behind on the surface. (Ewww!!) Exfoliating with a mild scrub twice a week at night keeps your skin looking and feeling healthy.

Clarifying Scrubbing Cream

Moisturize

Your morning and night routines should include moisturizer. When applying the right moisturizer for your skin, tap it around your face with your pinkie. Pay special attention to the delicate eye areas. Don’t tug or you will make more wrinkles.

Body Beautifying Cream

Moisturize Internally

Getting enough rest, exercising several times a week and drinking those glasses of water give your skin a healthy glow.

Love,
Team Makari

ADULT ACNE: CAUSES AND REMEDIES

Acne can be a real problem for adults, especially women, who are more likely than men to have acne that continues into adulthood.

There are two types of adult acne:

• Persistent acne. This is acne you have beyond your mid-20s. It is usually on the lower face, especially around the mouth, along the jawline, and on the chin. Unlike the milder acne you may have had as a teenager, persistent acne often causes inflamed pimples and deep-seated nodules or cysts — painful lesions that often lead to scarring.
• Late-onset acne. Even if you sailed through adolescence with nary a zit, you can first develop acne as late as 30, 40, or even during menopause. Late-onset acne can be just as severe as persistent acne, and can affect the chest and back as well as the face.

The Causes of Adult Acne
Acne happens when oil glands secrete too much sebum, a natural moisturizer in your skin. When your pores become clogged with excessive amounts of sebum and skin cells, an infection-causing bacterium can start growing, resulting in acne.

• Medications. Some birth-control pills can help control acne — but others can make it worse. Some other common triggers are  medications used to treat epilepsy and depression.
• Genetics. 50% of adults with acne have at least one first-degree relative (a parent, sibling, or child) who has acne.
• Hormones. Fluctuations in female hormones can cause breakouts. Some women develop late-onset acne when they stop taking birth-control pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. If you get pimples when you are stressed, it might be because of overproduction of testosterone.
• Skin and hair products. Some sunscreens, hair products, and cosmetics can promote "acne cosmetica." 

Prevention Strategies
Proper skin care is essential!

• Wash your face gently. Wash your entire face 2x a day with a mild soap. Be sure to wash after exercising.
• Protect your skin. Don't pop your pimples. Also use a non-comedogenic sunscreen of at least SPF 15

* Makari's Sulphur Soap and Anti Acne Regimen Kit works really well for people with acne:

Treatments
Adult acne is more difficult to resolve than teenage acne. There are some over the counter treatments, and if those don't work then consult a dermatologist. A prescription medication might work. Treatments can be very effective and resolve almost all cases of adult acne.

Last 3 Days of Makari Fan Contest!!!

Hi MAKARI FANS!!!

There are only 3 DAYS LEFT to get enough points to win some FABULOUS prizes from Makari!

Makari is giving away an EXCLUSIVE PRIZE to our TOP 5 FANS by April 13th. This is the LAST THREE DAYS!!! Prizes include ANTISEPTIC AND EXFOLIATING SOAPS, MAKEUP REMOVER, CLARIFYING SCRUB, and loofah!

How do you gain points???

+500 pts to LIKE FANZY ON FACEBOOK
+500 pts to ADD MAKARI DE SUISSE SKIN CARE on Twitter
+2000 pts to FOLLOW MAKARI DE SUISSE SKIN CARE on Twitter
+2000 pts to SUBSCRIBE TO MAKARI DE SUISSE SKIN CARE on YouTube

Other bonus points for tweeting and mentioning the following on Facebook:
- Get Clean for Spring
- I love Makari
- Makari contest

ENTER HERE to start playing: http://tinyurl.com/7c6bds5

*Previous Fanzy Makari contest winners cannot win again. :)

The Truth About Skincare:

Skin Myths and Facts 

Myth: Drinking 8 Glasses of Water is All I Need for Great Skin

Fact: You need to drink water, wear sunscreen, and have a good skincare regimen to keep your skin beautiful.

Myth: My Diet Causes My Acne

Fact: For the most part, acne is genetic.

Myth: Hair Grows Back Thicker When I Shave

Fact: It doesn't actually influence hair growth or thickness. The blunt hair growing from the shaft is just an optical illusion.

Myth: My Skin Will Age Just Like My Mom's

Fact: Your skin may or may not age just like your mother's, since your dad's genetics also play a role, as well as your health and lifestyle.

Myth: Falling Asleep with Makeup On Won't Affect My Skin

Fact: Cosmetic products can leave a toxic film on the skin's surface that could cause dehydration, inflammation, irritation, and clog the pores. Take time to wash your face every night.

Myth: I Won't Get Sunburned Outside if I Have a Base Tan from a Salon

Fact: When your skin color is darker than normal it means your skin has been damaged, even if you got the tan from a salon. The burning sensation may be less, but it is still damaged.

Myth: SPF Tells Me How Much Sun Protection I'm Getting

Fact: Damaging UV light is separated into two parts: UVA and UVB. SPF only measures UVB, once thought to be the only harmful part of the spectrum. A standard to measure UVA protection in the US is in the works. Until then, choose an SPF with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Myth: My General Practitioner Can Examine My Skin

Fact: Dermatologists are trained to know all about skin, hair and nails, so it's best to see a dermatologist if you have a skin problem.

Love,
TEAM MAKARI

HOW TO GET RID OF YOUR PIMPLES

 
Even if your take good care of your skin, hormone fluctuations or stress can make your skin produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and a big breakout.

Apply a cold washcloth to the area and dab a little Visine on the pimple which will reduce the redness and swelling. Don't try hot compresses because they can make it larger and redder. If you must squeeze the blemish yourself, the try to be gentle and stop if nothing comes out after the first try. Squeezing your pimple too hard might push the pus deeper and create a boil and/or leave a scab, which can result in a scar.

And sometimes you need to just go to the doctor and have your blemishes removed by a pro.

Love,
Makari

HAIR BREAKAGE

Why is my hair breaking off???

Hair breakage can be a serious problem whether or not you're trying to attain length. It may seem like your hair isn't growing at all if it breaks off faster than it's growing. The trick is to figure out where the breakage is occurring... at the ends of your hair or the crown of your head. Then you can figure out what the reason is for the breakage.

Dry ends: If your hair is breaking at the end, it might be super dry due to heat styling with flat irons and hot curlers. Using a wide-spaced comb might help you. You can also try deep conditioning, or daily conditioning with moisturizing products. Also try to heat style less.

MAKARI'S HAIR GROWTH ELIXER works wonders on dry and damaged hair and helps to reduce the breakage. IT'S ALSO ON SALE through MARCH 31ST, so check out MAKARI.COM to learn how we can help you manage your hair.

Breakage at the crown of your head: Overlapping the relaxer onto previously relaxed hair can cause it to break, so be careful when making touch-ups. Hair color can also add to your breakage problem if used too often or if it is put on top of other chemical processes or if its been relaxed or texturized.

MAKARI'S HAIR RENEWAL CREAM can also help restore your hair to its natural luster. It repairs the capillary fibers and smoothes down the scales of hair which is particularly dry and devitalised.

How should I wash my face in the morning?

Cleansing your face twice a day is arguably the most important part of your daily beauty routine. Neglecting this simple process can result in dirty, oily skin that's much more likely to fall prey to acne breakouts -- who needs that? Cleanse your face once at night to remove all the makeup, dirt, sweat and pollutants that your hectic day subjected your poor face to and follow with a moisturizer. Wash again in the morning to rinse away your moisturizer from the night before and help you put your best face forward for the coming day.

1. Choose a high quality cleanser.

The Caviar Clarifying Gel works for many skin types:

2. Pull back your hair with a hair tie or headband to keep it away from your face while you're washing it.

3. Use lukewarm water to splash your face. Pour a nickel-sized dollop of face wash into your hand and rub your hands together. Apply the cleanser to your skin by gently making small circular motions with your fingertips.

4. Rinse the soap off your face with cool water. This will also close your pores.

5. Pat your face dry using a soft clean towel. Rubbing your skin will irritate and redden it. 

6. Apply a moisturizer and sunscreen and wait about 10 minutes before applying makeup.

The Day Treatment Cream will keep your face hydrated throughout the day:

 SHAPE YOUR FACE!!

Your eyebrows are one of the defining points on your face. The shape of your eyebrows can create dramatic effect and really get you to stand out. The MAKARI EYEBROW PENCIL takes the guesswork out of filling in your eyebrows!

Vitamins And Cream For BEAUTIFUL Skin

Everyone wants beautiful, healthy, radiant skin. Here's a list of vitamins that will benefit your complexion:

• Vitamins C and E can give your face a lift without a face-lift because they counter sun damage. Eat foods that are extra rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons), bell peppers (green and red), broccoli, cauliflower, and dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and mustard greens. Vitamin E is also important, so be sure to eat lots of vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, and asparagus. 
• Vitamin A is also essential, since without enough your skin might look dry and flaky. It repairs skin tissue; so adding it directly to your skin can result in a real improvement.
• Vitamin B. Vitamin B might  be the most important vitamin for your skin. Biotin, found in B vitamins, is a nutrient which forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells and without enough your skin will lack radiance. You can get biotin by eating bananas, eggs, rice, and oatmeal. 
• Vitamin K. Vitamin K can eliminate dark circles under your eyes and reveal beautiful, glowing skin.

MAKARI'S face creams have a lot of ingredients with THESE VITAMINS!!! This is a good way of directly applying vitamins that are wonderful for your skin, in addition to a healthy diet.

Try the NIGHT TREATMENT CREAM!!!

That Post-Workout Glow

There are plenty of reasons to exercise. For some, it’s because you booked a beach vacation, while others are focused on staying healthy. No matter what your motivation is, we can all agree that there are obvious benefits to exercising. But by working out your skin will definitely look much healthier!

Here are some other healthy skin benefits to exercise:

Instant Glow : When your heart's pumpin' from aerobic exercise, you’re supplying your skin with a nice dose of oxygenated blood. It gives you that great post-workout glow.

Wrinkle Reduction : Working out also helps maintain healthy levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can cause the collagen in the skin increase wrinkles and sagging. The boost in this protein helps to keep your skin firm, supple, and elastic.

Acne Relief : Regular exercise boosts circulation, nourishing your skin, bringing more blood flow and oxygen to it. This will help draw toxins out of the body.  Plus, all that sweating cleans out the pores of congested skin. Avoid exercising with makeup on your face though.

*If you have acne problems and need a good soap, try Makari's Clarifying Scrubbing Cream!
 
Healthier Hair : The improved blood flow helps keep your hair stronger and healthier. Your blood, full of nutrients, stimulates the hair follicles and promotes growth.

* To give you hair more body and make it softer, try Makari's Hair Maintenance Kit!

Love, 

The Makari Team @ makari.com 

Perfect Locks

We thought we would give you some hair care tips today...

* Cut back on heat styling: Blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and hot combs cause dryness and hair breakage. Try to only use these tools once a week.

* LOVE your natural color: Hair color dries your hair out, especially if you are bleaching or lightening your hair. Either stick to rinses, which are gentler, or avoid color altogether until your hair is healthier. And when you do return to color, stick to shades that don't vary so much from your natural hair color.

* Wear hairstyles which protect your hair: braids, two-strand twists, cornrows, flat twist, topknots, chignons, buns, and French rolls protect your ends and are less prone to dryness and breakage.

* Use a capillary cream: This is really good for super damaged hair because it stimulates hair growth, smooths the scales on your hair, and repairs the capillary fibers as well.

Try MAKARI's HAIR RENEWAL CREAM:

* Use hair oils: MAKARI has a really good HAIR TREATMENT OIL, which contains natural botanic oils to repair damaged hair and strengthen your scalp. It also makes your hair soft and shiny.

* Wear satin caps or use silk/satin pillowcases at night: hair clings to cotton and cotton sucks moisture out of your hair, leading to...dryness.

Love,
Makari.com

Who doesn't feel better when we have a great set of nails to show off? 

Below are some tips to keeping your nails looking pretty all week long:

• Do coat the outside of the nails with polish or ridge fillers, to protect your nails and prevent breaking and splitting.
• Do moisturize the cuticle area to prevent cracking and peeling.
• Do wear gloves while doing housework, gardening and washing dishes.
• Do be cautious when doing office work. Nails and cuticles get damaged when filing, opening letters, typing and handling papers.
• Do apply hand cream frequently.

Makari's Body Beautifying Milk is great for hands, since it has a rich, hydrating formula:

• Do wear a sunscreen to prevent sun damage, which can hurt your nails.
• Do meticulously clean all nail implements and change nail files often. Bacteria and other microbes can get transferred by the nail tools you use, which will cause infections.
• Do disinfect any tears or cuts to the cuticle, and treat ingrown nails as soon as possible. Nail infections are unsightly can cause long-lasting damage to the nail. Use a drugstore antibacterial ointment, such as Polysporin, Neosporin or Bacitracin.
• Don't use fingernails as tools to pry things open.
• Don't soak nails for long periods, and never use any kind of soap or detergent when soaking. Nails and cuticles that become engorged with water and weakened.
• Don't overuse nail-polish remover.
• Don't push the cuticle back too far. Leave the cuticle alone as much as possible.
• Don't allow any manicurist to touch your hands with utensils that have not been properly sterilized. The importance of this step cannot be stressed enough.
• Don't pull or tear at hangnails. Always gently cut them away. 

Shaving Tips for the Guys

Shaving is an invasive activity, but you shouldn't abuse your face to get a close shave. Below are some tips to make your shaving experience and results much better!

Shave in the shower: The steam and warmth of a shower opens your pores and makes your hairs soft.

Lubricate: Use a good shaving gel or cream to lubricate your skin so that the blades glide without scraping your skin too much. Apply it to your face about one minute before you shave.

Use a face scrub: A gentle exfoliator will help open pores and raise hair stubs for a closer shave. This exfoliation removes dead cells and impurities that can cause acne, ingrown hairs and infection. Your complexion will also look better.

Makari has a good Clarifying Exfoliating Soap that would be perfect for this:

Use a sharp blade: Discard shaving blades after four or five uses, and use gentle strokes when shaving.

For special occasions: Shave in two easy steps. On the first go, shave with the grain using light pressure. The second time around, apply shaving cream and shave against the grain for super-close and smooth results.

MAKARI's new website features our 

BESTSELLING HAIRCARE PRODUCTS!

Come check out MAKARI.com!!! 

CHOOSING A GOOD MOISTURIZER

Every women should consider several things when looking for a moisturizer. She needs to think about her skin type, her individual skin care needs, and whether she has sensitive skin. 

MAKARI's Bestseller: BODY BEAUTIFYING MILK

Moisturizers often have lighter formulas if they are designed for daytime use under makeup. Below is MAKARI's DAY TREATMENT CREAM, which will even your skin tone. It has a high lightening agent content, which will also diminish dark spots, blemishes, and uneven pigmentation.

It's also good to have a nighttime cream which is heavier and has more nutrients to build skins cells while you are sleeping. Cream moisturizers are also especially good for women with more mature skin and those of us with dry skin (especially over winter). We highly recommend MAKARI's NIGHT TREATMENT CREAM which will balance you skin's moisture content.

It is important to wear a good moisturizer under your makeup. It feeds your skin and enables your makeup to look better. Ever notice someone wearing base, which makes their skin look so much drier? She probably didn't apply moisturizer. You can totally tell.

The last thing is to make sure you are drinking enough water. This will also hydrate your skin and help your moisturizer to work its magic!

INSPIRATION ALERT!!!!! BEYONCE'S BEST BEAUTY LOOKS!!

We spotted this feature in Essence about Beyonce and thought we would pass it along! This girl's got style!

http://www.essence.com/2011/12/20/2011-beyonces-best-beauty-looks/

THOSE PERFECT LIPS.....


One of the most often overlooked, and underestimated products that should be in every girl's make-up bag is lip liner. The key to making it work is to understand first how to use lip liner properly, and what it can do for you. Applying lip liner can prevent color from bleeding onto your face or feathering. If you match your lipstick it holds the natural contours of your lips, if you use a contrasting shade, you can create some fun effects like the ones listed below. We found these tips from the professionals at CoverGirl.com

To Make Lips Look Fuller Pick a lipstick and lip liner in matching shades—choose lighter colors, since darker tones can make lips appear smaller. Use your lip pencil to define lips. Go to the outermost edge of lips but no further—do not go outside the natural lip line. Then fill in entire area with lip liner. This will "hold" lipstick longer. Apply your lipstick over lip liner. To Make Lips Look Wider Instead of plumping up thin lips, try accentuating your mouth's wonderful width! Use a liner that perfectly matches your lipstick and line the extreme edges of lips, extending out to corners. Fill in with lipstick color, then top with gloss on middle of lips only. To Make Lips Look Thinner Trace inside the natural lip line, and fill in with your lipstick. Picking a matte shade will also make lips appear smaller. To Add Natural Definition Give your lips a strong line using a neutral colored pencil, then fill in with a sheer gloss blended gently to the edges by a few strokes of the lip brush. The result is naturally shimmery and moist-looking lips.

Want some tips to keep your skin looking beautiful?

- Protect yourself from the sun

- DON'T SMOKE - Because it is an organ, your skin needs a lot of circulation. When you smoke, your skin is getting poisoned, which makes your skin dull and gray. 

- Wash your face twice a day and use the right skin care cleansers for your skin 

- Get enough rest and nutritious food 

- Reduce emotional and environmental stress 

- Don't forget to moisturize and put sunscreen on your elbows, heels, neck, and decolletage

- Touch your face less and wash your hands more!

- Keep your makeup clean. -- Cosmetics keep for 6-12 months. After that, toss 'em!