Makeup Guru

Ingredients: RHAMNOSE

2011-08-19T16:00:00.001-04:00

An extract of Uncaria tomentosa, a large woody vine found primarily in Brazil and other tropical climates in Asia and the Mediterranean; / n. / 2. / Known colloquially as “Una de Gato,” or “Cat’s Claw,” a popular anti-inflammatory agent with antibacterial properties that can help relieve arthritis and chronic pain and kill viruses; / n. / 3. / A naturally occurring deoxy sugar that has recently been utilized as a skin stimulator with rejuvenating effects that can help improve surface texture and diminish the overall appearance of wrinkles, e.g., “Plump up fine lines with rhamnose for a complexion that’s the cat’s meow.”

Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

Indian Bridal Makeup Tips & Advice - From your Indian Makeup Artist - Khush Singh

2011-08-18T00:25:00.001-04:00

Indian Bridal Makeup Tips & Advice

Even though Indian wedding makeup is usually very simple and neutral, it’s one of the hardest makeup looks to create, since it has to be PERFECT. After all, it is your big day!

Use a professional makeup artist if possible. Have a pre-wedding consultation so your makeup artist already knows what you want.

Working With The Indian Bridal Makeup Artist (Hopefully Khush ;)

Collect pictures from magazines to show the makeup artist so he or she can get an idea of the look you're going for. Keep in mind that your wedding is not the time to start experimenting -- stick to an enhanced version of your everyday self.
Schedule trial runs before your prewedding parties or other special events (friends' weddings, class reunions, etc.). Some makeup artists do charge you for these practice sessions -- so find a crowd to wow!
Take a close look at yourself a few hours after a trial makeover to check how the makeup wears on your skin. Does it last or fade away? Note any color changes or allergic reactions.
Finally, ask what will happen if the makeup artist can't be there on the day of the wedding. Will he or she arrange for someone else to do the job or are you on your own?

Have your makeup done as close to the ceremony as possible
Have a facial two weeks prior to your wedding. If you’ve not had facials in the past we would recommend you start this process 3-4 months prior to your wedding.

Use a primer before applying your foundation. This will make your foundation last longer. It is also a good idea to use an eye primer to eliminate shadow creasing

Make certain your foundation is an exact match to your skin tone
Use powdered rice papers to eliminate any shine.
Use a light to medium lipstick that is long wearing. If you will be having black and white photos then add a layer of lip gloss.
Start applying your favorite lipstick shade. To last for all day, use lip pencil and then go for filling in with lipstick. Add some gloss to your lips for a great impact. Long lasting lipstick will stand you in good stead.

When applying your makeup wear a button shirt that can be easily removed when its time to dress.

Choose a hairstyle that will suit your face shape. Round faces will look good on high ‘up dos’ and sleek long styles while long faces suit styles that have width and volume.

If your wearing sandals then about a month before your wedding start your foot treatment so your feet look as good as the rest of you.

Do not do your own makeup. Have a professional makeup artist do it. Chances are you’ve got a bit of the jitters with all the excitement which could result in you having difficulties doing your own makeup

Don’t make your foundation thick like a mask. Light for overall eveness is best.

Some basic notes about wedding makeup…

Makeup that lasts: Face primers

Fills in pores and makes the skin look smoother
Makes the makeup last longer

*My favorite face primer: Benefit “The Porefessional”

Hide imperfections: Concealers

Green neutralizes redness (rosacea, pimples, etc)
Yellow neutralizes blue (dark circles)
Lavender neutralizes yellowness

TIP: Apply colored concealers before foundation to get the best result.

*My favorite undereye concealer: Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer

Perfect skin: Foundations

Make sure foundation matches your skin tone, be sure to check it in both natural light and artificial light
If possible, check out how your makeup base looks in photos: Does it appear lighter or darker than the rest of your skin?
You can set the foundation using powder – just be sure you don’t apply it too much, so the result doesn’t look cakey. Preferably use translucent powder.

*My favorite foundation: Revlon Colorstay

Shine the light: Illuminators/ Highlighters

Doesn’t everyone want to shine on their wedding day? To get that wedding day glow, apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, near the tear ducts, and just under the brows. Any more than that and you’ll be looking like a disco ball…. Keep the glitter and shimmer products to a minimum.

*My favorite highlighter: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish

Blushing bride: Blushes

To avoid looking too pale, use a subtle blush on the apple of your cheeks- it brings more life to your face. A universal flattering shade is a peachy pink color…

*Best universal blush ever: NARS Blush in “Orgasm”

Sit, stay: Eyeshadow primers

Use eyeshadow primer to keep your eyeshadow in place, even when you’re crying out of happiness. This will prevent creasing throughout the day.

*My favorite eye primer: Tarte Natural Eye Primer

Cry-baby: Mascaras

Use waterproof mascara, so it won’t end up on your cheeks if you happen to shed a tear (or a dozen). You don’t always have to use black mascara- for a more natural look, brown mascara can be better choice.

This will lash forever: False lashes

Easy way to enhance your eyes without using too much makeup is to wear artificial lashes. If you are afraid that lash glue will leave you in trouble, you can get yourself lash extensions for the big day. The most natural looking lashes have an invisible base like Ardell’s Invisbands

*The most natural lashes (and easiest to apply): Ardell #301′s

Hugs & kisses : Lips

Choose a lasting lip color. If it doesn’t last, make sure it matches your groom’s outfit, because he’ll be the one wearing it eventually… Lipstains work really well as they give a nice color to the lips that you need for pictures, plus it lasts for hours.
Choose a lip liner the same color as your lipstick/ gloss. Lip liners prevent the lipstick from bleeding.

TIP: Apply lip liner to whole lips before applying lipstick. It makes the color last even longer.
*My favorite lipstains: Palladio Lipstains

*My favorite inexpensive lipliners that work really well! NYX Lipliners

Remember that the wedding day is supposed to be YOUR (and your groom’s) special day, so if you want to have theme wedding, purple eyeliner and orange wedding dress, just go for it!

Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist. "Born with a brush in her hand..." http://www.KhushSingh.com

BubzBeauty Shows Us A Cool, Easy and Decadent Chocolate Mask

2011-08-17T10:58:00.001-04:00

Ever wonder what else chocolate can do except make your mouth water? Well, BubzBeauty came up with a really cool and easy DIY chocolate mask that contains only three easy-to-find ingredients! Besides being tasty, chocolate has a ton of antioxidants that can help nourish and protect the skin. So instead of indulging in a pint of chocolate ice cream tonight why not mix up a super quick and beneficial chocolate face mask that won't add to your waistline.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKbKgQyTc6Q&feature=player_embedded

Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

Indian Bridal Makeup Photography Tips - From your Indian Makeup Artist - Khush Singh

2011-08-17T00:08:00.004-04:00

Indian Bridal Makeup & Photography Tips

To understand why makeup requires different skills, it is important to consider how lasting images are created on different media. The image, seen by the naked eye, impacts on the retina and is transmitted to the brain. To develop a photograph, the image is transferred to film where it is created chemically, whereas videos record images electronically on magnetic tape. The trained makeup artist understands these differences and uses the tools of their trade accordingly to compensate for these differences.

The Camera's Distortions because the camera only records a two-dimensional, flat image whereas the naked eye sees a three-dimensional image, it exaggerates facial flaws: a wide, full face appears wider, close-set or deep-set eyes photograph closer-set or deeper-set, and sometimes these types of eyes can photograph very small when a person smiles.
The Solution Very few people, except professional models, are blessed with bone structure which creates natural planes on the face. As the camera flattens the face even more, the professional makeup artist, through the skillful use of highlighting, contouring and placement of color, creates the illusion of definitive bone structure. The makeup artist strives to create large, upturned eyes, high cheekbones, a strong jaw line and a symmetrical mouth.

The Effects of Lighting and Makeup Solutions This is an important element that makeup artists consider when applying wedding day makeup. Wedding photography takes place in three types of lighting:

Natural light -- outdoor light produced by the sun, which is the harshest, purest light. Makeup must be very soft and in neutral shades to look natural. Dark or bright colors will look harsh and aging.

Fluorescent light -- these lights are found in department stores and homes. To counter the green tones this cool white light casts, warmth must be added to the face through the shades of makeup chosen.

Incandescent light -- lighting found in some restaurants and hotel ballrooms. This lighting casts red undertones. Because this light is dimmer, softer, and rosier, makeup must be applied stronger and in more intense, richer hues to show up.

Color Photography Makeup Color film translates color differently. The camera is most sensitive to red and blues (the opposite ends of the color spectrum). Any feature or discoloration containing red will appear darker on film than to the naked eye. The camera emphasizes red blotches in an uneven skin tone or makes ruddy complexions even redder. Dark under-eye circles photograph even more pronounced.

The Solution Makeup artists and photographers advise that brides wear concealer and foundation to tone down irregularities in skin pigmentation. An opaque, lightweight base uniformly blended creates flawless looking skin in photographs and videos. Powder is also an important cosmetic on the wedding day as it sets the foundation. Sweat and perspiration will catch the flash and translate into a blank, white spot.

Black and White Photography Makeup In black and white photography, the camera records color only within the extremes of white to black and a spectrum of various shades of gray.

The Solution It is especially important in this type of photography to consider the intensity and shades of colors when emphasizing a feature or downplaying it. For example, a deep blue-red lipstick will photograph nearly black, while a brown-pink lipstick will photograph a neutral or medium gray. The techniques of contouring and highlighting also vary from color photography. In black and white photography makeup, the professional makeup artist uses darker shades to contour and create more defined contrasts in the face.

The Final Result: Camera-Ready Wedding Parties Brides should consider engaging a professional makeup artist trained in the specialized craft of photography and film makeup to insure they will be camera-ready; that is, the makeup artist has used the appropriate techniques for their unique features and wedding setting. Being camera-ready will produce infinitely more flattering and natural-looking photographic results, akin to the way the eye sees the face!

Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist. "Born with a brush in her hand..." http://www.KhushSingh.com

Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

The truth about that Gallic je ne sais quoi:

2011-08-10T14:08:00.001-04:00

How French women lie more than Americans about their beauty routines

We all tell little white lies every now and then.

From lying about your age to a sudden bronze (fake) tan, the world of beauty is a particular minefield when it comes to fibbing.

But,
as much as we are all inclined to the odd reworking of the truth, a new
survey shows that American ladies are far more honest than their French
counterparts when it comes to beauty, sex and age.

Je ne sais quoi: The French aren't honest about how much they spend on beauty - nor are they truthful about their sexual pasts

As part of their campaign for new
lash-lengthening mascara 'They're Real!', Benefit commissioned the
survey, comparing French and American women's lying habits.

There are similarities: Both nationalities lie as much as each other with 60 per cent of us lying at least once a week.

Younger women lie even more, with 70 per cent of women between the ages of 18 and 24 lying once a week.

But when it comes to age, The French are more at ease with diverging from the truth.

They also tend to lie more frequently about the number of sexual partners they have had - although it's unclear whether they lie to lower the figure or give it a boost.

They're real: Benefit commissioned the survey
which shows that we all lie about the same amount, though for very
different reasons

The
French also choose dishonesty when it comes to their weight and the
amount of money they spend on beauty products and treatments.

While
both nationalities lie the same amount about how much make-up they
wear, the French have a habit of hiding the amount they spend on their
beauty regimes.

And, while both sets of ladies claim
to own more than two mascaras, they disagree on favourite beauty items.
The French are partial to mascara, followed by lipstick and concealer, while Americans go in for concealer, then lipstick and lip gloss.

Both are honest about their hygiene -
thankfully, the survey doesn't go into specifics, but neither group lies
substantially about how often they wash their hair or how often they
remove their make-up before going to bed.

Truth in the numbers: French women lie much more about weight, sexual partners and age than Americans

Younger women appear to be less
confident in their beauty habits - they lie more than older women about
the amount of make-up they use, the amount of money they spend and the
time it takes them to get ready.

The
motivations behind the fibs are surprisingly different. While 57 per
cent of French women lie to get out of trouble, only 17 per cent of
Americans lie to avoid trouble.

27
per cent of French women lie to 'get what they want' but Americans
don't seem to need to, with the figure hitting only 11 per cent.

Instead, Americans lie for arguably more honourable reasons, fibbing more often 'to protect someone's feelings' than the French.

More tolerant of lies or less honest about their body truths? Either way, the French seem to always look tres chic.

Top 10 Skin Myths Debunked

2011-07-13T14:53:00.002-04:00

Are you approaching your regimen all wrong? Dermatologists expose common blunders that could be sabotaging your complexion.
MYTH 1: A complete skincare routine must have three steps.
TRUTH:Cleanse, tone, then moisturize has been drilled into our heads, but feel free to skip the second step, says Cambridge, Massachusetts, dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch: "People think that toning an oily complexion will make it better, but oil is protective and the body produces it in response to injury. When you strip your skin, it reacts by making a ton of grease."
MYTH 2: You need to cleanse your face at least twice a day.
TRUTH: Using a face wash in the morning is just an excuse to go through more product, according to Hirsch, who advises avoiding antibacterial soaps at all costs because they're too harsh for your face. "In the morning, the best thing is water and your fingers, not a cleanser," she says.
MYTH 3: Scrubs make skin glow.
TRUTH: Overexfoliating leads to extra oil production, so the glow you see the first week will eventually turn into a greasy mess. "Skin is actually a good exfoliator on its own, so I rarely recommend manual scrubs," says Hirsch.
MYTH 4: Dryness causes fine lines.
TRUTH: People confuse dryness and flaking with wrinkles, says Hirsch, who suggests smoothing things out visually with a little lotion: "Just moisturizing will make wrinkles look better. The lines are still there, but you won't see them anymore."
MYTH 5: You should buy your best friend's favorite eye cream.
TRUTH: "Everyone has different eye issues, so one size does not fit all," reveals New York City dermatologist Dr. Anne Chapas. If you have puffiness, choose a gel (heavy creams can boost swelling) with caffeine and store the tube in the fridge to maximize benefits. If you have dark circles, look for a product with a lightening ingredient like vitamin C and a collagen-builder like retinol.

MYTH 6: Leaving a mask on overnight gives you more for your money.

TRUTH: Masks deliver a potent dose of active ingredients or moisture quickly into the skin, but you can overdo it, causing irritation or breakouts. "You should use things as directed. Rarely do you outsmart the people who have done the clinical testing for a product," says Hirsch.

MYTH 7: Wearing foundation with an SPF means you're being sun safe.

TRUTH: You should still apply a sunscreen underneath, says Chapas. "Unless you're slathering on a mask of makeup, you're not getting enough protection. You need to wear an SPF of at least 30 on your face every day, and nobody puts on enough foundation to get that SPF value out of it."

MYTH 8: Nano-size titanium dioxide sunscreen causes cancer.

TRUTH: "The majority of studies show that titanium dioxide nanoparticles are not absorbed through the normal skin," explains Dr. Chapas. "There are animal studies that show a link between nano-size titanium dioxide and organ damage, but the mice tested were ingesting or inhaling multiple times the amount that you would put on your skin. As far as we know, nano-size sunscreens that are applied topically are safe."

MYTH 9: The more wrinkle cream you apply, the better your results.

TRUTH: Morning and evening applications are a waste of money, says Hirsch. Most active ingredients work really well once a day, and antiaging retinols should be used only at night (because they're broken down by sunlight). Plus, slathering on too many retinols will cause irritation and make your skin look worse, leading to redness, peeling, and inflammation.

MYTH 10: The best way to get rid of blackheads is extractions.

TRUTH: Pulling and pressing on pores can cause scarring, warns Chapas. "After extractions, skin just fills right back up with oil. Using retinols and gentle acid peels at home is enough to unclog pores."

Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

Lady Gaga for M.A.C. Viva Glam

2011-06-22T13:46:00.000-04:00

Make-up by Val Garland

Photo: M.A.C. Cosmetics

Enlarge Image [+]

“The celestial chameleon: one of the many guises that epitomize Lady Gaga.” -- Val Garland

Editor’s note: This image is from an advertisement for M.A.C. Cosmetics’ Viva Glam Gaga campaign.

Powder

M.A.C. Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder on T-zone

Blush

M.A.C. Pro Cream Color Base in Nude on cheekbones

Eye Shadow

Upper lid: M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Malt and M.A.C. Impeccable Brow Pencil in Taupe on lid and into socket line, M.A.C. Pigment in Vanilla on the inner corner. Lower lid: M.A.C. Impeccable Brow Pencil in Taupe, set with M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Charcoal Brown

Eye Liner

M.A.C. Fluidline in Blacktrack brushed into the top lash line, followed by M.A.C. Penultimate Eye Liner to enhance and elongate the line. Finally, M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Carbon set and strengthened the line for a velvet finish. M.A.C. Eye Kohl in Fascinating inside lower and upper rims of eyes

Mascara

M.A.C. Opulash Mascara in Bad, Bad Black and M.A.C. Plush Lash Mascara in Plushblack applied with small fan brush

False Lashes

M.A.C. 3 Lash and the outer half of M.A.C. 41 Lash on the outer corner of the eye

Lips

M.A.C. Lip Pencil in Oak on the lip line and M.A.C. Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick in 2; M.A.C. Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass in 2 over the top in the center of the lip for volume

Highlights / Countour

M.A.C. Pro Paint Stick in Deep Brown for contour, buffed in just under the cheekbones, into the hollows and used on the temples. M.A.C. Creme Color Base in Shell and Luna blended and applied as highlighter

Adele promotional portrait

2011-06-21T13:47:00.001-04:00

Make-up by Michael Ashton

Photo: Mari Sarai

This beguiling portrait of Grammy Award-winning singer Adele was recently released to promote her latest album, 21. Michael Ashton, the singer’s personal make-up artist, has created several looks for her that pull inspiration from films, street style, architecture, fabrics, music and more. This look was based on Adele’s natural assets.

“[Adele’s] timeless beauty is reminiscent of old-school Hollywood starlets,” said Ashton of the look. “For me, this is a modern take on classic beauty references.” And as for those eyes? “Adele always loves a lash! They have really become her signature.”

Skin Care

Skin was cleansed using Bioderma Sensibio H2O and moisturized with a mix of Weleda Skin Food and Prescriptives Vibrant-C. Lastly, Ashton slicked Adele’s lips with Lucas Papaw ointment.

Foundation

Chanel Pro Lumière Professional Finish Makeup in Nude 10 was massaged into the skin and polished using Cover FX #160 Cream Foundation Brush

Concealer

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-3 was applied where needed for extra coverage and a sheer veil of Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener in Light Bisque was applied near the inner tear ducts

Powder

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder in Clair 20 was rolled and pressed along the T-zone using a large Shu Uemura Face Powder Sheer Puff. The under-eye area was dusted with Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder in #1.

Blush

Nars Cosmetics Blush in Orgasm was applied to the apples of the cheeks with a Japonesque Professional Kabuki Brush for a “youthful bloom” of color

Eye Shadow

M.A.C. Paint Pot in Painterly was applied all over the eyelid and into the inner corner, with M.A.C. Paints in Bamboom through the crease and under the eye near the lower lash line. Dior 5 Couleurs Designer in Nude Pink 508 was buffed onto the lid with the bronze shade from Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in Sequoia 87 (discontinued) in the crease and on the lower lash line.

Eye Liner

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink was applied with an angle brush on the upper and lower lash lines and M.A.C. Eye Kohl in Feline (limited availability) was drawn on the upper and lower waterline.

Brows

Brows were brushed up with M.A.C. Brow Set in Clear before the artist lifted the arch and extended the length with Givenchy Eyebrow Show in 02—Brown Show

Mascara

Diorshow Mascara in Black was applied on top and bottom lashes

False Lashes

M.A.C. 44 Lash applied with Duo Eyelash Adhesive in Black

Lips

The lips were filled out with M.A.C. Lip Pencil in Subculture and Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Évasion was pressed onto the center of the lips and the cupid’s bow with fingers

Highlights / Countour

Cheekbones were sculpted using the Smashbox Step-By-Step Contour Kit

'I'm not in the ads because I'm vain': Tom Ford strikes a pose with Lara Stone as he launches full make-up range

2011-06-15T12:50:00.000-04:00

His collection of high-pigment lipsticks proved a huge commercial success. Now Tom Ford has announced that he is to expand his beauty offering to include a full range of cosmetics and skincare.

The line, which will hit stores in September, takes its inspiration from the Seventies, with a back-to-basics approach to bold colour.

The designer, 49, unveiled the range last week, along with a campaign in which he co-stars with supermodel Lara Stone.

Designs on beauty: Tom Ford unveiled his new high-colour cosmetics range last week, along with an advertising campaign in which he co-stars with supermodel Lara Stone

Explaining his decision to pose alongside the Dutch beauty, he revealed that by doing so, retail sales were likely to be stronger.

'I’m not in the ads because I’m vain,' he told WWD. 'A lot of people still don’t know who I am, and the product sells better with me in the ads.'

Despite his commercial savvy it seems not everyone had confidence in his beauty venture.

Back to basics: The designer developed the make-up line, which launches in September, using a practical approach, leaning on his years as an architecture student

'My intention was to do color cosmetics out of the gate, but not everyone else was convinced that I had a voice in color until the lipsticks started selling out again and again,' he revealed.

Commercial savvy: Mr Ford, pictured arriving for the Ark gala dinner in London last week, admits not everyone had confidence in his beauty venture

He added that a practical approach, leaning on his years as an architecture student, formed the basis of the collection.

'I don’t like B.S. and a lot of promises, and there are a lot of products out there you don’t even need,' he said.

'You need to understand the face and compensate for the architecture of the face. A nice thick brow is the key to a youthful look.'

Mr Ford, who created the range with top British make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury, also developed a skincare line, which includes a serum, primer and cleanser.

He revealed that a beauty faux fas in his teens led to a life-long interest in cosmetics.

'I’ve cared about cosmetics and makeup since I was a kid,' he told the publication. 'When I was 14, I had to be taken to the emergency room because the cucumber slices I had put on my eyes - to camouflage the bags - had made them swell shut. I could eat cucumbers, but my eyes were clearly allergic to them.'

The designer, who famously transformed the fortunes of Gucci in the Nineties before setting up his own label, now has an empire that includes menswear, sunglasses and fragrance, as well as a newly-launched womenswear collection.

He has also turned his talents to film and his directorial debut, starring Colin Firth, was nominated for an Academy Award.

Fans of his work will also be thrilled to learn of a fly-on-the-wall documentary, which will premiere on June 24 on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

The illnesses staring you in the face

2011-06-14T12:48:00.003-04:00

We tend to see narcissism as an unattractive characteristic, best left for reality TV stars.

However, studies show that taking more than a passing glance at ourselves in the mirror could be a good thing.

Last week, researchers from the Yale School of Medicine in the U.S. suggested that facial wrinkles could be a warning sign of osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease.

Facing facts: Your features really can divulge some surprising secrets about your health

They examined 114 post-menopausal women in their 40s and 50s, counting their wrinkles and then giving them X-rays. This revealed that those with the worst wrinkles had the weakest bones.

‘Bones and skin share common building blocks — collagen,’ says researcher Lubna Pal.

‘As we age, changes in collagen occur that account for wrinkles and sagging skin; they also contribute to deterioration in bone quality and quantity.’

‘The face really can divulge some surprising secrets about your health,’ adds Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard, of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

‘A flushed face, for instance, could be a sign of the heart condition mitral stenosis. As the heart valve doesn’t work properly, it can lead to increased blood pressure.’

Here, with the help of medical experts, we look at more of the surprising health problems a simple look in the mirror could reveal...

EYES

Droopy eyelids, bloodshot eyes, twitching eyes, rings in the eye, pale eyelids... These could be warning signs to hayfever, anaemia or even lung cancer

Droopy eyelids

Possible cause: Bell’s Palsy, stroke, lung cancer

Conditions that affect the nerves in the face such as Bell’s Palsy can cause a weakness or paralysis in one side of the face, which may make closing the eyelid difficult and cause a drooping mouth. This is thought to occur because a virus, usually herpes, causes a nerve to become inflamed. This, in turn, interferes with the signals the brain sends to the face muscles.

Droopy eyelids are also a symptom of a stroke, along with slurred speech and weakness in the mouth and arms.

‘More rarely it can be a sign of lung cancer,’ says Dr Stokes-Lampard.

‘One particular tumour — the pan-coast tumour found at the top of the lung — can put pressure on a group of nerves that affect the eye. Accompanying symptoms include arm and shoulder pain, hand weakness and a tingling sensation in the hand.’

BLOODSHOT EYES

Possible cause: Hayfever, iritis, high blood pressure

‘Red, itchy eyes are most often associated with hayfever — when the body’s immune system overreacts to a supposedly “harmless” substance such as pollen, causing an allergic reaction,’ says Dr Susan Blakeney of the Royal College of Optometrists.

Another cause is iritis, inflammation of the iris (the coloured part of the eye). Iritis is linked to the auto-immune disease Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of arthritis where the body attacks its own tissues, including the eye.

Occasionally, the whole eye can turn red, as a result of a subconjunctival haemorrhage. Although more often simply due to accidental damage, this bleed behind the eyeball can, more rarely, be due to high blood pressure, which causes the small, fragile blood vessels to rupture.

Involuntary movement: Eye twitching - known as myokymia - is usually a sign of stress

Twitching eye

Possible cause: Stress, Multiple Sclerosis

Eye twitching — known as myokymia — occurs when the muscles in the eyelid randomly spasm every few seconds. Stress can cause these tics, as it stops the body absorbing essential B vitamins, known to keep eye muscles strong; these ‘spasms’ can also occur elsewhere in the body, such as the stomach.

‘Persistent, prolonged twitching — over days or weeks — can also occur in conditions that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis,’ says Dr Stokes-Lampard.

Other symptoms of MS include a problem with balance, numbness, and blurring of vision.

RINGS IN THE EYES

Possible cause: High cholesterol, Wilson’s disease

‘White rings around the iris, the coloured part of the eye, are a well known sign of high cholesterol levels in the blood,’ says Dr Blakeney.

Cholesterol can also lead to xanthelasmas — flat, yellow-white fat deposits under the skin on or around your eyelids.

‘The hard, thick plaque is dumped in areas of the body with rich blood supplies, such as the eye,’ adds Dr Blakeney.

Rusty brown rings around the iris are a sign of Wilson’s disease, a genetic condition that prevents the body from getting rid of excess copper.

‘This first affects the liver, but then copper enters into the bloodstream, travelling to other organs, including the eyes,’ says Dr Stokes-Lampard.

‘The copper causes tissue damage, which leads to symptoms including difficulty walking, tremors, and confusion. Typically, it occurs in younger people under the age of 35.’

PALE EYELIDS

Possible cause: Anaemia

‘When the inside of the lower eyelid appears pale instead of a healthy red, you could be anaemic. This is a result of a lack of iron — integral for the making of oxygen-rich red blood cells,’ says Dr Stokes-Lampard.

Although this is particularly apparent in the eyes, you can also see it inside the mouth, the nail bed and on the cheeks.

Anaemia can make you feel weak, cold, dizzy and irritable. It is confirmed with a blood test.

Men need around 8.7mg of iron a day while women need 14.8mg a day, to compensate for blood loss during menstruation. You should, however, be able to get all you need from your daily diet. Good sources include red meat, beans, nuts and most dark-green leafy vegetables.

NOSE

Button nose: If your nose starts looking bigger than usual, it could be a sign of rosacea or giantism

ENLARGED NOSE

Possible cause: Rosacea, acromegaly

A thickening of skin around the nose — known as rhinophyma — can occur in severe cases of rosacea, says Dr Stokes-Lampard.

This common but chronic skin condition is thought to be caused by abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face; the nose becomes bulbous due to an increase in the size of the oil-secreting glands.

Avoiding possible triggers (sun, stress, spicy foods, alcohol) and medication can help with redness, but in severe cases plastic surgery may be considered.

The hormonal condition acromegaly — also known as giantism — can also lead to a change in the appearance of the nose, as well as the hands, jaw and tongue. It occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, stimulating the growth of muscle, cartilage and bone. This is commonly due to a benign pituitary tumour.

SKIN

FLUSHING

Possible cause: Lupus, heart disease, menopause

Redness can be a sign of the auto-immune condition, systemic lupus erythematosus. Along with joint pain and fatigue, this causes a ‘butterfly’ rash over the cheeks and nose. This is as a result of the body attacking its own tissues, including the skin, and is made worse by sunlight.

Mitral stenosis, where the mitral valve (on the left of the heart) doesn’t open fully, can also cause pinkish-purple patches as a result of the increased blood pressure throughout the body and reduced oxygen content in the blood, says Dr Iain Simpson, of the British Cardiovascular Society.

The effects are most obvious on the face, where the skin is thinner and blood vessels are packed closer together.

Red, patchy flushing on the face and neck is also a common sign of the menopause. Changes in hormone levels affect the hypothalmus, the area in the brain that regulates heat.

As a result, the brain thinks the body temperature is too high and must be lowered — it does this by dilating the blood vessels in the skin, causing redness and a hot, burning sensation.

FAT, PUFFY FACE

Possible cause: Underactive thyroid, mumps

When the thyroid isn’t producing enough of the hormone thyroxine — which controls how much energy your body uses — your metabolism slows down. This can lead to weight gain, including on the face.

Certain auto-immune conditions including Hashimoto’s disease, a damaged thyroid, and drugs for depression and heart disorders can all lead to the thyroid not working properly.

Keep an eye out: Skin conditions to look out for include flushing, colour change and itchinessKeep an eye out: Skin conditions to look out for include flushing, colour change and itchiness

Early symptoms may also include tiredness, depression and muscle aches. It can be treated with hormone replacement tablets, says Dr Stokes-Lampard.

A distinctive ‘hamster face’ is also a result of mumps, the highly contagious viral infection which has seen an increase due to the lack of uptake of the MMR vaccine.

This occurs when the parotid glands, just below the ears, become infected.

Other symptoms include pain and tenderness in the glands, loss of appetite and joint pain. Although not usually serious (apart from in young males where it can lead to infertility), mumps shares symptoms with more serious infections such as glandular fever, so it’s important to have these ruled out by your GP.

COLOUR CHANGE

Possible cause: Bronchitis, asthma, jaundice

Respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema can lead to a sallow, grey skin — simply because there isn’t enough oxygen going around the body. Sallow skin in a very young child is a good way to spot an imminent asthma attack, says Dr Stokes-Lampard.

A yellow tinge to the skin can be a sign of jaundice, caused by a build-up of bilirubin, the yellow substance produced when red blood cells are broken down. Normally it’s passed out of the body in urine.

However, if there’s something wrong with the liver, an excess amount can build up. In both cases, you should be checked out immediately.

ITCHINESS

Possible cause: Eczema, pregnancy, antibiotic sensitivity

Skin that’s dry, itchy and sore is a well known symptom of eczema.

It normally occurs in areas with folds of skin such as around the eyes and ears, says Dr Catherine Hardman, a dermatologist at BMI The Clementine Churchill Hospital in London. But pregnancy can also result in itchy skin, especially in the latter stages.

It’s thought high hormone levels interfere with the secretion of bile (a yellow fluid that helps with digestion) from the liver cells. Instead of going into the digestive tract, it spills into the blood, causing intense itching.

Certain drugs — such as the antibiotic Doxyclycine used to treat chronic respiratory diseases, sexually transmitted infections and malaria — can also cause itchiness.

SPOTS IN WOMEN

Possible cause: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The hormonal condition polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to a range of symptoms including problems getting pregnant, excessive hair growth and acne — the latter are because some women have higher levels of the male hormone testosterone, which play a role in the increase of the production of sebum, a natural oil in the skin.

What causes the condition is unknown, although there is a genetic link. Diagnosis involves a scan and blood tests.

LIPS

Getting lippy: Cracks in the lips could be a sign of anaemia or diabetes

CRACKS

Possible cause: Anaemia, diabetes

Open cracks or sores on the corners of the mouth, known as angular chelosis, can be a sign of anaemia — caused by a deficiency in iron.

Production of red blood cells (vital for healthy skin) slows down — which means cracks that do appear will be equally slow to recover.

Another possible cause is diabetes, a condition which leads to too much glucose in the blood.

‘The main symptoms include feeling very thirsty, going to the bathroom frequently and extreme tiredness,’ says Dr Stokes-Lampard.

‘However, these high levels also encourage the growth of candida, a type of fungus, that attacks the corners of the mouth.’

EARS

Twisted shape or creased lobes could mean skin cancer or heart disease

TWISTED SHAPE

Possible cause: Skin cancer, repeated injury

Tumours — benign or malignant — on the external ear or in the inner ear canal can cause the ear to change shape or direction.

‘The ear is a common spot for basal cell carcinomas, the most common form of skin cancer,’ says Dr Hardman. ‘They are also found around the eyes and on the scalp.’

These tend to appear as white or skin-coloured, smooth, pearly nodules.

Another form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, looks like an ulcer or reddish patch of skin. If you notice any changes you should consult your doctor immediately.

Rugby players and boxers are the best examples of what’s known as cauliflower ear.

Repeated injury causes a build up of fluid and swelling which left untreated can cause scar tissue.

CREASED LOBES

Possible cause: Heart disease

Diagonal creases across the ear lobes may be linked to cardiovascular problems, according to a study published in the British Heart Journal in 1989.

One theory is that they occur as a result of malformed blood vessels — replicating those supplying the heart. More likely is that the creases are a result of age, when heart disease is also more likely, says Dr Simpson.

The illnesses staring you in the face

2011-06-14T12:48:00.001-04:00