5 Steps to a Happy New You! January 5, 2012

Happy New Year and Happy New You!  So here we are on day 5 of resolution season and I’m sure every year  you vow to do things better…to eat better…to spend less…to exercise…to be a better you!

Goodbye 2011

Well if this is the case, then I’m sure you probably released the last bit of old habits before the new year began.  Whether that was drinking, partying, eating all types of goodies or all of the above, I’m here to offer a little help at giving your skin a fresh start, by sharing a few skin refreshing tips for these next cold couple of months:

The eyes have it!

1. It’s in the EYES – You didn’t see this one coming, but as the old saying goes, “the eyes are the window to….” well that’s not exactly where I’m going here, but if your eyes are sparkling, you look as though you are sparkling! Doll-like lashes are in right now, whether you’re doing false lashes or tons of mascara, it’s time to step it up!  Spend less time fussing by getting lash extensions or lash tinting.  If you’re a little less fussy and prefer less primping, then might I suggest a couple of growth serums: Talika Lipocils and you’ll thank me for this 2-FER, Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara, it even smells like roses!  If this $70 price tag is just too much right now (even though it’s getting RAVE reviews), then opt for the less-pricey version of Chantecaille Mascara, at $40.

Doll Eyes

2. CLEAR OUT – We all say it every year, “I’m going to do a detox.” Detox-schmetox!  It almost NEVER happens.  I don’t know if it’s because of fear or a bad experience, but most people say they’ll start a detox and either never do or never complete it.  So if you’re one of those people, here’s a simple everyday solution: drink a glass of hot water with lemon. This Chinese herbal remedy is a sure-fire method of energizing your body. It will de-tox your entire system, including the liver and gall bladder. This means that your body will be able to clean the blood faster to get rid of toxins responsible for bad skin.

3. OXYGIZE - okay, so that may not really be a word, but you get the point.  We all know oxygen is essential for life, and therefore it’s essential for healthy, beautiful skin.  City life and just aging in general lowers the levels of oxygen in our skin, leading to a duller complexion and possibly even more wrinkles.  My suggestion is to go to a professional and get an oxygen facial and then follow up with: REN Rose Synergy O12 Restoring Facial Serum- This oil based serum soaks into the skin and the oxygen effect gives an instant radiating glow.  Also, the Bliss Triple Oxygen Cleansing Foam is GREAT!

bliss triple oxygen cleansing foam

4. Speaking of oxygen, we have come to #4 which is SLEEP!  I know some of the products I recommended above are quite pricey, so here’s my 2012 gift to you: Simply sleep! Money can’t buy the benefits of a good nights’ rest. Your oxygen levels will drop if you don’t get enough sleep, meaning that your cells will not be renewed as quickly. This is when degenerative skin aging sets in. Try to get seven, if not eight or nine hours of rest a night to achieve absolutely painless benefits. It’s ideal!

5. MOISTURIZE - The final step is keeping the skin moist.  This time of year, everyone scurries trying to find the best moisturizing creams for these chappy conditions.  I’ve listed some of my favorites before, so I’ll just stress things to look for when shopping. Most think because it’s cold, they don’t need to protect themselves from the sunrays, however the sun is still out and almost more intense in winter months, especially on snowy days when the sun is reflecting off it.  So the first tip is to look for something with SPF30, preferably containing zinc oxide (a reflecting agent), next is to simply look for something more creamier and thick (hate to state the obvious), lastly take care of the elasticity in your skin by looking for something with Vitamin E.  You should be moisturizing in the morning AND at night, especially if you are washing your face at least twice a day (which I recommend).

Moisturizing glow

Hey Pumpkin Face! October 31, 2011

I don’t really celebrate Halloween, but I never shy away from an excuse to taste all the goodies that come with the holiday festivities.  Well, this time around I was reading some interesting things to do with the leftover Halloween scraps – those from the pumpkin of course!  So I figured, just in time for your coming down from your sugar high, treat yourself to a pumpkin facial.  I know most of my friends don’t have the time to play around with any recipes I give them, so why not make it a fun day at the spa?!  If you’re around, come join me in the spa this Wednesday for a Pumpkin Facial! (as seen on The Doctors show last Friday 10/28/2011).

pumpkin facial

Pumpkin offers over 100 beneficial ingredients for the skin, including retinol (Vitamin A), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), beta-carotene, a natural form of salicylic acid, and more.

If you want to join me on Wednesday, please RSVP by going to:  http://icfaces.appointy.com/?isGadget=1 and click on ‘Pumpkin Facial – One Day Treatment!  Choose your appointment time…see you there!

If you can’t join me, here’s the recipe to try on your own:

2 tsp pumpkin puree (see below for instructions, or substitute with canned pumpkin)
½ tsp honey
½ tsp milk
¼ tsp cinnamon spice (Note: while this can be nice astringent for some, it can also create a mild allergic reaction in others. To be safe, conduct a skin patch test – if it burns, leave the cinnamon out of this recipe.)

-  For the puree: Cut pumpkin and reserve just the flesh – seeds, stringy matter and skin discarded. Steam pumpkin for about 15 minutes, or until a fork goes in smoothly. Puree in a food processor or blender until smooth, but not watery.
- Mix the ingredients into a paste and apply to a freshly cleansed face. Let dry for about 15-20 minutes and rinse off with water.

My skin is glowing September 13, 2011

It feels like ages since I’ve been on here and realize although I like to write, I just have too much going on in my life to have a “blog”.  Therefore, this is now my journal!  And for the love of skincare and health, I’m going to go where I have not been before and unveil (to those who follow here) what I have been up to (those who know me well, call me secretive.  That’s not really how I would describe it, I’m just not talkative and feel that most people don’t care too much about how you’ve been doing or what you’ve been doing until it affects them.  So typically, I keep it short and say, “nothing much”. 

So, what I’ve been up to – besides everything (spa).  I have decided to dedicate two full months of committing to a “bikini diet/regimen”, thus my huge interest in watching Miss Universe yesterday!  (if you saw my tweets).  There were a few reasons I decided to do this, but honestly I won’t go into it here.  The one thing I can say here, is I’ve been SO impressed with my skin!  But here’s where it doesn’t fit with this blog – FOOD!

I LOVE to cook and experiment in the kitchen, however lost a huge drive to do such when my schedule got crazy.  However, one of the things that ultimately convinced me to do this was to challenge my cooking skills.  Now again, for those who know me, you know I’m VERRRRRYYY picky about my food and never realized just how hard of a challenge it is to cook WITHOUT SALT!  Yes!  I said with NO SALT!  WHEW!  Not only was this a challenge for me mentally, but it became a challenge physically and my body was fatigued and confused.  I felt naseous and totally weak at times.  (I’m talking as if I’ve been at this for months – it’s really just a week but seemed like the longest week EVER!)  It would take me an hour to eat my lunch (either rice and chicken or chicken and pasta).  Well, I found the best thing ever!  LIQUID AMINO’S  Like MSG, this stuff makes EVERYTHING taste better!  It’s SO much better than salt, and for someone like me who loves Soy Sauce, it’s a great replacement.  Salad is now my favorite meal of the day (dinner time meal) and I typically use a small amount along with balsamic vinegar as my salad dressing.  It reminds me of the Benihanna ginger salad that I love so much!  I could go into osharing recipes, but I won’t – email or comment if you’d like.  A Kale salad is another addiction of mine right now, using the Braggs – so simple but so scrumptious! 

Although, I know I won’t stick strongly to this diet after October I know that it has taught me that food can taste just as good without seasoning with all types of salts.  With a family history of high blood pressure, I’m hoping that I won’t follow in the footsteps of my family and encourage my friends and family members to lessen their salt intake and enjoy eating just the same!

Benefit Cosmetics – FREE Shipping & FREE Gift August 29, 2011

Until 2 September 2011, when you spend $50 or more on the new-look Benefit website, you can score a free FULL SIZE

Ooh La Lift or Moon Beam. It is your pick of either product, both valued at over US $20 each.

Just enter the following promotional code at checkout to add the free product to your order.

For a free Ooh La Lift, valued at US $22, enter code LIFTMEUP

For a free Moon Beam, valued at US $26, enter code HIGHMOON

Personally, I am a huge fan of Ooh La Lift because I have terribly dark under-eye circles. I can’t recommend it enough if you have dark bags like me!

(via www.plasticdiaries.com)

Shower Power July 7, 2011

Yes, yes I know.  I’ve been MIA for a little while now.  I’ve been a busy little bee this summer and things are finally calming down for me. 

I came across a blog today that I had to share.  Not only did it make me think about a friend of mine (who I think enjoys her showers WAYYY too much – you know who you are), but it made me think about the Neutrogena after bath oil that I was addicted to for some time.  In the end, I LOVE essential oils and expect to spend hours in the shower now, with a result of feeling refreshed or ready for bed after trying out these professional tips.  Here’s what was taken from the Laura Carson Miller blog:

All you need is the essential oil or essential oil blend of your choice and a clean washcloth.

Here’s how you can derive the maximum benefits of essential oils while in the shower:

1) Before you get into the shower, think about the therapeutic properties and positive effects of the essential oil that you are going to use.

2) Put 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil on the washcloth.

3) While showering, place the washcloth on your chest and allow the heat of the shower to release the vapors of the essential oil. Breathe deeply, relax your mind and visualize the wonderful changes that the essential oils are bringing about in your mind and body.

4) Once you turn the shower off, use the same washcloth to rub your body, specially arms and legs, with movements pointing towards the heart. This helps stimulate circulation, lymph movement and your immune system

Which essential oils to choose?

SINUS CONGESTION OR BLOCKED RESPIRATORY PASSAGES:

RESPIRO IMMUNE SUPPORT Essential Oil Blend

CLEAR YOUR MIND:

• Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
• Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinale)

ENERGY FOR THE DAY:

• 3 drops of VIGOR ENERGIA Essential Oil Blend
• 2 drops of Black Spruce Essential Oil

HAPPY AND POSITIVE ENERGY:

CITRUS DELIGHT Essential Oil Blend

RESTFUL SLEEP:

SERENO SLEEP TIME Essential Oil Blend

Let me know how your bathroom ritual (NOT toilet) change…or have changed.  What’s your favorite/must-have bath product.

Build your portfolio while in LA for the BET Awards June 14, 2011

UFW Los Angeles PMD Shoot Out Party (During The BET Awards Weekend)

JUNE 24, 2011 PMD SHOOT OUT PARTY UFW is looking for the hottest Photographers, Make up Artist, Models, Designers to participate in a Photo Shoot Out. If your talented in one of these area’s, please submit your pictures for consideration. The final contestant will be notified if selected. The Shoot out will be at private downtown loft location. Photographers will share pictures, designers/ make up artist will have new looks and models will increase their portfolio while they are in Los Angeles for the BET Awards Weekend. If your interested, please submit your photo’s immediately. Top participants will receive a free flight to Atlanta PMD Shoot Out Party in July, 2011. If interested in being a judge for this specialty event, please submit credential to : PMDSHOOTOUT@gmail.com. After the PMD Shoot, a private party will take place on set. This event will be video taped for TV consideration. Please RSVP for this event :www.pmdshootoutparty.eventbrite.com Submit pictures to: PMDSHOOTOUT@gmail.com

I have no relationship with this contest or the organization (Urban Fashion Industry) promoting the contest.

Personal Care Industry reach new heights June 14, 2011

Archtek Cool Mint Toothpaste Tablets

In continuation of last weeks bright, beautiful smile talk…we are headed to new heights in the cosmetics and personal care industry!  Let me know if you’ve tried this already (it’s been out since last year):

US-based Archtek has launched Toothpaste Tablets, in chewable form. Once chewed, the product turns to a similar consistency to toothpaste, allowing the teeth to be brushed as normal.

The Toothpaste Tablets are available on the company’s website and currently retail for $3.25, and can also be found nation-wide through the REI retail chain.

Bright Smile from Tom’s June 7, 2011

What is the first thing you notice about a person?  For me, it’s skin and then the smile.  I’m always drawn in by a beautiful smile and what helps best is to have a bright smile.  Not only straight teeth, but white teeth.  For years, i’ve been too scared to try whitening techniques.  I’ve heard horror stories first hand from cancer survivors, with claims to having been obsessed with teeth whitening using the laser light technique.   As a former researcher, I’ve read too many journal articals and research papers on the harmful chemicals (causing tooth decay and further staining and even leading to increased tartar build up) in teeth whitening toothpastes and products.  Just the other week, I noted to a friend of mine that her teeth were so white and pretty.  She confessed she’d been using the Crest at-home whitening strips.  I was very tempted because her teeth were so pretty.  I must admit, I probably would have tried it if I’d had the time to get to the store.  But finding out about this, I can continue to stick to my natural ways and try Tom’s: 

Natural oral care provider Tom’s of Maine has launched what is claimed to be the first ever clinically tested natural whitening toothpaste on the US market.

The maker claims that Natural Simply White Fluoride Toothpaste has been clinically proven to whiten teeth, even though the formulation does not include conventional whitening ingredients such as bleaching agents.

Conventional whitening toothpastes can contain a number of ingredients, including abrasives such as silica, which help to remove stains, or peroxides such as carbamide or hydrogen peroxide.

Tom of Maine says its new whitening toothpaste is based on three different types of naturally occurring silicas that combine to gently remove tartar and stains without causing any damage to the tooth enamel.

This product has mixed reviews, so we’ll just have to be the judge for ourselves.  To be totally honest, I’ve never been a big fan of Tom’s although my mom and sister are faithful users.  I just prefer a stronger, minty feel after brushing.  Hope to let you know my view soon.

Information excerpts from CosmeticsDesign.com

Pat McGrath Downsizes for Dolce & Gabbana June 2, 2011

Vogue cought up with make-up artist Pat McGrath who was in town to show the new season’s colours from Dolce &Gabbana.  Pat is legendary for among other things carrying oodles of make-up kit with her on the road.  She had downsized to a sparkling clean Dolce and Gabbana kit, each item complete with its own stick-on label, applied by one of her three assistants.  Pictured beneath Ms. McGrath is the highly covetable Dolce and Gabbana Animalier compact.

Taken from The Vogue Beauty Blog (May 31, 2011 entry)

Sidewalk Skincare May 24, 2011

 

Survival Balm

I’ve never admitted it, but I’m obsessed with everything about skin.  Well, maybe I have admitted it.  It’s what has gotten me to where I am now, and what led to this blog.  I guess I’d be better off saying I generally focus on the skin on the face or hands.  Well, let’s change it up a bit.  I came across a product that I am VERY curious about.  It’s called Shoe Survival Balm by a company called Sidewalk Skincare.  Maybe I’m late, because they have been featured in everything – from Self to The Examiner to Daily Candy and even Readers Digest. 

 

The concept behind the brand is to prevent chaffing and blistering or skin irritations in general, that result from everyday shoe wear.  Although marketed for everyday use, the product seems to be heavily supported by brides and runners.  Its design is reminiscent of your average deodorant stick, however sleek enough to slip into your purse with no hesitation to pull it out at the first sign of rubbing or irritation.

Buy with me here.