When is it time to let go of your favorite makeup products? It’s a question that many women ask themselves but likely take few steps to find out unless their products look as if they are “going bad.” But unlike food products, sometimes the signs of aging beauty products are not obvious and should be determined by the length of the products intended use. We spoke with Professional Makeup Artist Maria Rivera about when to let go of aging makeup and what products come out on top with the best life span. She first noted that most beauty products have a shelf life of two years.  The life span of the product begins once opened. Also check any marked expiration date on the packaging if there is one to ensure it has not expired.

CONCEALER
Shelf life: 2 years.
Life span: Typically lasts for 2 months with everyday use.
Once oil visibly separates from product indicates that a product is starting to age.
Recommended: Skin Perfecter Concealer by Bodyography (http://www.bodyography.com)

POWDER FOUNDATION (Press Powder & Loose Powder)
Shelf life: 2 years for press powder and 2-5 years for loose powder.
Life span: Both typically last for 3-6 months with everyday use.
With powders, do not blot your face with the same sponge you use to remove oil from your face; the powder will harden when the sponge is placed back into the compact and the life span will be dramatically cut. Wash a used sponge with shampoo after 1-2 weeks and toss if the sponge gets too soiled.
Recommended: Every Finish Powder by Bodyography (http://www.bodyography.com)

LIQUID FOUNDATION (Water-based & Oil-based)
Shelf life: 2 years.
Life span: Water-based liquid foundation typically last for 3-6 months with everyday use while oil-based foundation can last longer; approximately 6-9 months.
Recommended: Natural Finish Foundation (water-based) by Bodyography (http://www.bodyography.com) & Color Stay Foundation (oil-based) by Revlon (http://www.revlon.com)

CLEANSERS (Cream & Gel)
Shelf life: 2 years.
Life span: Both typically last for 3-6 months with everyday use.
Recommended: Special Cleansing Gel by Dermalogica & Cleansing Solution Cream by Dermalogica (http://www.dermalogica.com)

EYE LINER
Shelf life: 2 years
Life span: Full-size pencil eye liners with typical everyday use 3-6 months; this is also dependent on sharpening. Retractable eye liners can last up to 9 months.
Recommended: Urban Decay Pencil Eye Liner (http://www.urbandecay.com) & Kiss New York Luxury Retractable Eye Liner (http://www.kissnewyorkusa.com)

EYE SHADOW
Shelf life: 2-5 Years
Life span: Typical everyday use for eye shadow is 9-12 months.
Recommended: MAC Eye Shadow (http://www.maccosmetics.com) & NYX Eye Shadow (http://www.nyxcosmetics.com)

LIP LINER
Shelf life: Similar to eye Liner, 2 years.
Life span: Typical everyday use will last up to 3-6 months depending on whether you use lip pencils to only line the lips, or to line the lips and fill in color.
Recommended: Urban Decay Lip Liner (http://www.urbandecay.com) & NYX Lip Liner (http://www.nyxcosmetics.com)

LIPSTICK
Shelf life: Up to 4 Years.
Life span: Typical everyday use for 6-12months
If the lipstick ages and has a rancid smell or odd odor, toss it.
Recommended: MAC Lipstick (http://www.maccosmetics.com)

MASCARA
Shelf life: 1 year. Once opened the shelf life decreases to 4 months.
Life span: Typical everyday use for approximately 1-2 months
Once mascara is exposed to air the product will begin to dry. Pumping the brush back-and-forth into mascara container can also reduce the life span.
Recommended: Lash Envy Express Volume Mascara by Kiss New York (http://www.kissnewyorkusa.com)

EYELASHES
Life span: Lashes last approximately 3 uses or 3-4 weeks with care.
You can prolong the use of lashes if you remove adhesive and clean the strip with alcohol.
Recommended: Ardell Strip Eyelashes (http://www.ardelllashes.com)

Maria Rivera is an accomplished and creative makeup artist with experience in all aspects of media makeup: fashion, video and print. Maria Riviera’s Twitter: @Makeupmaria

Words by Guest Beauty Editor: Jen Prudhome
(Photo above by Richard Philips/MAC cosmetics)

We all know that 60% of what is put on our skin is absorbed, but who knew chocolate was so good for you? Well, the Mayans and Aztecs did, as they learned early on about the hydrating and healing properties of cocoa butter. This balm became a staple remedy for healing chapped skin and easing sunburn. Studies show that cocoa powder has anti-oxidant activity more potent than red wine. Also Cocoa Butter’s mildly protective effects against heart disease are well known. Here’s a quick DIY Facial remedy you should try this month!

Homemade Chocolate Facials

Ingredients:

1 tsp cacao
½ tsp honey
1 tbsp sour cream or yogurt / kefir or 1 tbsp avocado
1 tsp oatmeal powder

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Apply on the face, gently massaging it so that oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and rinse off with luke warm water. Thoroughly cleanse with a hot towel and extend a facial massage with warm cocoa butter. Now rest with a soothed spirit and fragrantly smooth skin.
Don’t forget to breathe, smile and be happy.

Source: Irina Wardas, Women’s Holistic Health, Nutrition and Relationship Expert

*For a twist, play Aesthetician and spoil your partner with this in home spa treatment!

Knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life at a young age is a hard job, and at times it can be overwhelming. For Michael Beel (far left in image), it took him a little time to find his way. Before cutting tresses and creating hairstyles, Beel was studying Law and Marketing at Otago University. After giving a friend a Medusa inspired hairstyle for Halloween he was offered a job in a salon sweeping floors and shampooing heads. Loving the atmosphere and creativity Beel knew his calling was in hairstyling and not Law.

The inspiration behind his hairstyles are about texture and dramatic shapes. “I still wanted to keep it soft and feminine and the style of photography helped achieve this result,” the 33 year-old stated through an email. Everything from soft dreads, curls, to frizzy or crimped, Beel is able to able to make any shape. But practice makes perfect, and preparation equals a successful shoot. “Hair is my passion and my life and even on my days off I am practicing, researching, or planning my next shoot or show. I practice on mannequin heads all the time at home, to try out the shape and structure of each look so I know what I need to do on the day.” He also believes that having the right team for shoots is imperative in order to receive the right results.

Beel has also been able to travel throughout Australia, Singapore, India and New York for fashion week. The same passion he has for hairstyling, he shares the same enthusiasm for traveling. He wants to expand his success all over the globe and most importantly, partake in International Fashion Week. For over a decade Beel has been doing hair and leaves no room for other career choices. He has no regrets from switching career paths and says, “I absolutely love traveling and I am fortunate enough to travel some great places and try great flavors of the world. If I wasn’t doing hair I would love to be a food critic or do a TV travel show. It wouldn’t be law or marketing!”

Even though Beel has thrived in his career, he gives credit when it is due. He admires hairdressers like Antoinette Beenders, Robert Lobetta, Akin Konizi and Jayne Wild. Wild has been Australian Hairdresser of the Year twice and has contributed many years to the hair industry. But Beel holds his mentor and close friend, Derek Elvy, very close to him. “[Derek Elvy] is an iconic member of New Zealand’s hairdressing industry and has had work published all over the world. He has been my friend and mentor for 12 years.”

In Australia, hair dressers are able to exhibit their talent in a hair expo, and Beel was a finalist in 2004, 2009 and 2010. “These awards are the Oscars of the Australian hair industry,” he stated. In order to participate in the show a 20-30 page resume has to be submitted of your styles from the whole year, a business turnover, your contributions for the apprentice industry, how that has been promoted and any editorial spreads.

From now until next year, Beel will be preparing himself for another round at the hair expo. Even though he has not won a title yet, he is grateful to have been a finalist and is enthused for 2011. “Being a finalist three times is an absolute honor and privilege in itself. But I will be entering again. As you put your heart and soul into entering these awards and you learn so much about yourself, but deep down I also want the title!”
Words by Crystal Hardman

Recently, Obvious Magazine had the pleasure of taking an introspective look into the career of industry Make-Up expert Daniel Chinchilla, the host of TLC’s “Get Your Face On”.

Since his descendant into the city of Angels in 2000,  Daniel’s career has taken flight as one of the most  sought after Make Up Artists in the fashion and entertainment industry. With a successful portfolio and elite clientele listing, Daniel launched his namesake beauty brand in 2009.

It’s OBVIOUS a talent such as Daniel’s is always on the go. Yet, this visionary virtuoso took a moment to share a few insider tips and tricks on how to use Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics, as well as, the things in his life that keeps him inspired….let’s take notes!

ObvMag: What drew you to the world of Make Up?
DC: I was drawn to Make Up by the talents of Kevyn Aucoin and his ability to transform. The visual transformation abilities of one of my mentors Kevyn Aucoin, he help me realize the depth and artistry that can be achieved with make-up.

ObvMag: Who or what inspires you?
DC: My mother is my greatest inspiration she’s always there to encourage me.

ObvMag: One of your signature techniques is your optimization of the “flawless look”. How can your clients and consumers alike achieve this look using your foundations?

DC: First of all, thank you so much! I’m flattered that people believe that I have mastered the flawless look. I designed the foundation for an easy error-proof application that gives all faces a naturally flawless finish.

ObvMag: What separates Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics beauty brand from its competitors?

DC: I designed 13 yellow based shades that to suit any skin tone and type. The choice to include vitamin and mineral ingredients in the line further promotes healthier skin within my product line. In addition, the formula for D.C.C. makeup is paraben free free,  fragrance free and non-comedogenic, and fragrance free.

ObvMag: Enlighten us on your personal involvement in the research and development of your brand?

DC: Yes I was. The most important thing to me was to give It was most important to give women a product that would be easy and convenient. In addition to camera ready color combinations and foundations,  the D.C.C. brand infuses natural . As well as beneficial to their skin by using mineral ingredients that have anti-aging properties.anti-aging ingredients

ObvMag: What type of coverage can we expect from your foundation and is it for all skin types?

DC: It’s a water and mineral based foundation that extends long lasting coverage for all skin types and tones.

ObvMag: What would be the one thing that you would love for our readers to know about Daniel?

DC: I feel very fortunate to work in an industry where my imagination and inventions enhances the beauty of women every day. Whether they’re client or a fan of the D.C.C. beauty products, I love to make women look and feel beautiful!

ObvMag: What advice can you extend to our readers on replicating runway looks into their daily make-up routine?

DC: Actually it’s quite simple. The looks on the Runway are exaggerated for the “wow” factor. You can use the same colors and tone down the application technique for a more natural look.

Check out Daniel’s website: www.danielchinchilla.com

Twitter: @dchinchilla

Recently, I caught up with Grooming Expert Craig the Barber. as he was returning home to Los Angeles from an island excursion in the Bahamas. Never a digit away from Dapper, I couldn’t help but notice how well dressed he was considering today’s norm for airport attire is dark shades, sweats, comfortable shoes, and fatigue. Yet, Craig has mastered the art  of blending the two worlds of Men’s Grooming and Fashion. A frequent contributor to Men’s Health Magazine, Craig’s client list spans across the globe starting from Super Mogul Diddy to the Crown Prince of Dubai. Quite the humble image icon, Craig has built his brand on the premise of hard work, passion for quality and superior service within his trade and steadfast diligence to helping his community.

Donaldo: What was the catalyst that drew you into Barbering/Cosmetology?

Craig: Great story! Well, as a young boy, my parents wouldn’t allow me to get my haircut as frequently as I wanted, so I saved my allowance and bought my first pair of clippers. Since I had no clue on how to use them, I would go to the barbershop and watch the barbers cut hair as often as I could. One day I tried cutting my hair and failed miserably. However, after the patch grew back, I tried again and again until I could give myself a haircut on my own. During this time, my mother decided to leave her job to become a hairstylist and quickly converted the garage into a small salon. This is where I started cutting not only my hair, but friends and family as well. I loved it!

Donaldo: What would you consider to be your greatest challenge on transforming the everyday man?

Craig: That would be maintenance. Making sure that my clients can achieve and maintain the same look once they leave. I work very hard to educate them during the service to guarantee a better outcome once they’re on their own.

Donaldo: What’s the one key item that every man should have in their Grooming Kit?

Craig: That, my friend, would be a face moisturizer. Your skin will love you for it, and so will your friends and co-workers. Trust me; no one likes to look at a dry face. Not to mention, it can also double as a body lotion and a hair cream, if you’re in a jam.

Donaldo: You have definitely made your mark in the industry. What’s next for Craig the Barber?

Craig: Wow. thanks! Well, my goal for this year is to continue to build the awareness of my on-location barber service, The Grooming Concierge, and my brand, Craig the Barber® through a variety of projects, especially through my blog, TheMensRoom.com. I have a few other ideas brewing, but it’s “top secret”, ha! But, in all seriousness, I believe that if I continue to work hard and devote the necessary efforts to my trade, I will be prepared for more and more doors to open.

Donaldo: Being the owner of The Grooming Concierge, what sets you apart from your competition?

Craig: Great question! I think the bottom line, in my line of work, is to pay attention to the customer’s requests. I make it my personal mission to try to focus all of my efforts on one customer at a time to guarantee my work, and to make sure they are completely satisfied. Believe it or not, although the average man may not be able to express in technical terms what he wants, most men are keenly aware of what they don’t want. I pride myself on listening to what the client is saying he desires, and then using my knowledge and skill to give him exactly what he wants.

Donaldo: What motivates Craig the Barber everyday to get up out of bed to conquer the world?

Craig: Unfortunately, somewhere along the way it became somewhat of a stigma for men to take pride in their appearance and grooming regimens. Without being presumptuous, I would love to be directly involved in the dissolution of that negative stigma. I am dedicated to helping men navigate their way in the growing world of men’s grooming, as I bring greater awareness and respect to the trade of barbering, as well as the art of the shave. I’ve often said that I want to create a “barber renaissance,” to help bring awareness of my trade to a mainstream audience and encourage men to take some time to look good. Not only will others around them appreciate it, they will feel better about themselves.

Donaldo: Part of life is giving back to the Universe. What are you doing to give back?

Craig: I like to donate my services, when possible. I know that “gifting” a haircut may sound silly, but there are so many men and kids who cannot afford a haircut. Having a professional cut truly helps a man stand tall – or a young boy, especially for a new school year!

To “give back” is also one of the reasons why I was inspired to create my blog, TheMensRoom.com. It is an outlet for me to share the information and knowledge has to a wider audience base. I have received so many emails from people thanking me for sharing my tips, and hearing that it makes such a difference in their lives is worth it.

Donaldo: Who or what is your greatest inspiration?

Craig: It sounds cliché, but I find that I am inspired by many successful men and women who courageously stepped out into the unknown in pursuit of their dream. namely the late Reginald Lewis. He never stopped when people said he couldn’t. He worked hard, and built a great life for himself and his family and in the process opened many doors for people to walk in his footsteps

Donaldo: What quote best describes you?

Craig: “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” Quote from the poem Invictus, by William E. Henley

If you’re ever in the Los Angeles area you can find Craig the Barber at Gornik & Druckeer’s located at the Montage Beverly Hills or 24/7 at www.Craigthebarber.com and the mensroom.com. Tell him Donaldo T. sent you!

Zirh Oily Skin Kit ranked #1 with the Obvious Mag male readers hands down. Zirh beat out national store brands and other major skincare brands for men. “It cleansed my skin without over drying like most products. I would recommend this to my friends.” -S. Smith, Manhattan, NY

(via Obvious Magazine Poll, Facebook Fan Page and Twitter)

OILY SKIN KIT $70

A man’s skin typically contains more oil. Keep oil, shine and blemishes in check with this powerful set of tools. OILY SKIN CARE KIT includes tube of CLEAN  Face Wash, CLAY MASK, FIX Blemish Control Lotion and REFRESH Astringent. Or customize with SCRUB exfoliator instead. Includes a clear ZIRH bag. It’s time to take control.

Available only at Zirh.com

How to Use:

1) Wet your face and work a small amount of CLEAN over face and neck. Rinse well. Use twice a day.

2) Pour a small amount of REFRESH on a cotton ball or tissue and gently rub over oily areas of your face. Also use throughout the day to remove oil build-up.

3) Apply small amounts of FIX directly to blemishes, pimples and ingrown hair. For very oily skin a thin layer of FIX may be applied over entire face.

4) Use CLAY MASK only once or twice a week: Smooth a thin layer over face and neck. Avoid eye area. Leave on 5 – 10 minutes. Rinse well.

With the spring comes new beginnings and we all want to start fresh with a clean slate. In order to get us started on the right path to health skin and well being, I come bearing the tools that would take you through the spring season and no batteries are required.

1. Full Size Kit $100
www.artofshaving.com

Happy New Year Ladies!  Let me be one of the first to welcome you to 2010. A year that will be filled with love, beauty and more beauty. Let me direct your path to some things that may have been left out from under the tree.

Bring in the Moisture Family $10 – $20
www.carolsdaughter.com

From Carol’s daughter to you. She gives us the ultimate reward of hydration. These products will keep your skin hydrated supple and beautiful. There’s nothing like H2O for the skin, absolutely nothing!

Perfect Prep Eye Primer $35
www.mallybeauty.com

Perfect Prep Pore Less Primer $35
www.mallybeauty.com

Mally has created the ultimate product. It gives you invisible pores, refining and smoothing your skin and the best part it’s all found in a jar. Perfection at it’s best.

Perricone MD Citrus Facial Wash $35
www.perriconemd.com

Fight aging, pollution and all the impurities of the environment year round! Say bye bye to fine lines, clogged pores and dull skin and hello to the new found you! Isn’t change simply beautiful!

Ladies you are now entering the land of complete perfection is skin care. So the focus of fall should be preparing your skin to battle the harsh winter which is approaching on the horizon. So take your time to achieve the ultimate form of beauty your skin!

Clarisonic Plus  $225
www.clarisonic.com
The ulimate skin care tool. The Clarisonic Plus takes your skin care regime to a completely different level. It removes all impurities from your skin in a matter of one minute flat. (that includes your make up). The ultimate advantage, it is compatible with all skin care products on the market. Now you can’t beat that with a bat!

Perricone MD Citrus Facial Wash  $35
www.perriconemd.com
Geared towards a normal/combo skin. This refreshing wash removes make up and all the impurities of your day! Yet, leaves behind a more luminous, healthy vibrant you!

Carol’s Daughter Bring in the Moisturizer Gentle Face Toner  $19
www.carolsdaughter.com
Sound the alarm! This toner from Carol’s Daughter is delicious. My skin says thank you everyday. This item only has one warning, you may kiss yourself in the mirror. Girls you have been warned, be careful out there.

Perricone MD Neuropeptide Firming Moisturizer  $280
www.perriconemd.com
Ladies, Ladies, Ladies. I found a moisturizer that has snap back in a jar. It firms, plumps and moisturizes. There is Heaven on Earth, ooh I love technology!

Gentlemen, as you are shifting gears from Summer to Fall. Allow me to get you started along your way with my fall picks to a more healthier, vibrant you. So sit back on cruise and enjoy the new found you.

Lucky Tiger Face Wash
www.luckytiger.net $18
A premium Organic Cleanser packed with Aloe Vera, Jojoba and Cucumber that cleans, clears and energiezes your skin. Bringing out the tiger in you. Now go out into the world and stake your claim.

Anthony Alcohol Free Toner
www.anthony.com $18
Finally a toner that is alcohol free, soothes the skin, refreshes and doesn’t dry out your skin. Anthony nailed this one and trust me fellas you can’t go wrong with this toner. It’s everything you will ever need in a post shaving product.

Anthony Facial Moisturizer SPF15
www.anthony.com $31
The perfect moisturizer packed with the ulitmate punch of the top three vitamins A,C and E. It will stop aging in its tracks in a manly way of course.

Clarisonic Plus
www.clarisonic.com $225
Fellas we all love our gadgets and I’ve found one to add to your arsenal. The Clarisonic Plus!! It’s waterproof, simple and convenient. It cleanses your face in 60 seconds flat. You can’t beat that!