Staying Pretty While on Vacation

It sounds easy, but a day in the water or being in the sun for too long can leave you feeling pretty funky. Here is a list of the things that saved me on my recent vacation.

Well Done Brows and Lashes

I feel like if your brows and lashes are looking good, the rest of you does too. When your brows are shaped nicely, it doesn’t matter if they’re filled in or not. I recommend getting them professionally shaped before you go on your trip, if you are allergic to wax, try brow treading. On your trip if you want to fill them in, bring a small little kit with you. I also recommend a highlighter. I use Anastasia of Beverly Hills Eyelights in Camille….AMAZING! It’s a super simple pencil that you sweep under your brow and smudge slightly with your finger. It makes your brows look crisper and hides new hairs that are growing in so you don’t have to pluck them. It makes a world of a difference.

Lashes are something that makes a huge difference. Get a good waterproof mascara, if you intend on being in the water a lot and have lighter lashes I highly recommend getting your lashes tinted. It’s easy and the results are dramatic, especially on blondes! If you really want to go all out Lash extensions are amazing, even just a few make the biggest difference.

For more info on Brow Threading , Lash Tinting and Lash Extensions check out Cinta Salon ( here and here )

Evian Facial Spray

I couldn’t have live without this. A spritz of this after applying my make up to set it, kept it lasting all day long. I carried it with me to cool myself off and refresh my make up throughout the day (we were in the middle of a heatwave at Disneyland…super hot). It’s small and even fits in a clutch! Find some at Sephora

Reliable Lip Balm

Yes, lip gloss is pretty, but doesn’t do much for you. I layer some of this under my gloss and it is amazing. It keeps your lips hydrated all day, lasting longer than Burt’s Bee’s in my opinion. Not to mention it comes in this super cute shell. Find some here.

Summer Trend: Coral

Maybe I’m obsessed, but it’s the perfect time of year for Coral! It goes so well with a tan and a tank top!

M.A.C. Vegas Volt Lipstick – Blot for a subtle look or layer with some lip gloss for an electric feel

Benefit Coralista Blush – Dust on cheeks for a flushed look

Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Polish in Destiny – Sheer and pretty!

Clearing Up Problematic Skin

The past 3 months my skin has taken a turn for the worst. Lackluster and breaking out in the same spots I hunted down the best solution for my skin. What I did find was not only glowing skin, but a method of dealing with my whole body.

I switched everything up in my skin care routine, trying to rely on a combination of products to do the work for me. And while I love Bare Escentuals I mainly used it because it claimed to be so gentle I could sleep in it (ie not wash my face because I was too lazy some nights). I was still breaking out and I had no idea why. I was using the best products with no result.

Fast forward to two weeks ago. Despite my annoyance that Kim Kardashian was on the cover of Shape Magazine, I read it anyway and it all clicked.  Kim’s trainer Gunnar Peterson explained that with working out, nothing matters but consistency. That was what I was missing. I had a counter top of amazing products and no routine. I wasn’t consistent.

Not only has my skin improved but I also look better for keeping with a consistent work out routine. On top of that I drink a buttload of water, something I wasn’t doing very often.

My skincare line up:

Sonya Dakar Acai Clarifying Wash

Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Pads – Though I think it was the combo of products I credit my skin clearing up with these pads. They get the excess oil and dirt that you missed with your face wash. Kind of like the Noxema Cleaning Pads but much gentler and effective.

Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion

Are your products to blame for your breakouts?

Most of us know by now that smart eating involves checking the food label for ingredients before consuming. Same goes for your face. Just as there are certain ingredients that can flare up allergies in food, there are also certain ingredients that can flare up acne.

Some of our moisturizers and make up products may contain comedogenic ingredients, that will clog your pores, no matter how well you are taking care of your skin. Face Reality Acne Clinic has a wonderful list of clogging ingredients on their website. When checking the list against my products at home I found even my face wash could be to blame for occasional flare ups!

So check out Face Reality and compare your skin care routine to the list provided. Soon you will be on a path to healthier, glowing skin!

In Desperate Need of a Tan

The sun will be shining a lot more soon and I need some color before I start prancing around showing some leg. Unfortunately, it’s pretty cold here and not worth the hours of tanning needed to actually get anything done.

I’ve been looking into some self tanners, I know my sister is a fan and she always looks perfectly bronzed.

I plan on trying the following:

Santa Tanita Body Bronzer by Urban Decay

Glow Getter by Soap and Glory

Jergens Natural Glow

10 Things That Make You Smell Really Good

I have always liked perfume, but never really loved it until I wasn’t allowed to wear synthetic fragrance anymore. So some of my favorites may not be the newest fragrances, however they still smell delightful.

10. Beautifying Composition Oil by Aveda

I’m not allowed to wear synthetic fragrance so I douse myself with this stuff. I put it in my hair, behind my ears, anywhere. Love it!

Contains:

Jojoba oil, rosemary and bergamot essence

9. Maybe Baby by Benefit

Maybe I’m just a sucker for any smell from Benefit but I love the fruity and powdery fragrance.

Notes:

Apricot, White Ginger, Water Blossom, Lychee, Bergamot, Himalayan Poppy, White Musk and Warm Peach

8. Sunscreen

Maybe it’s nostalgia, but the smell of sunscreen makes me so happy. It’s also nice to know you are protecting yourself from harmful rays!

7. LAvanila in Vanilla Coconut

A more structured smell similar to sunscreen, but much prettier.

Notes:

Coconut. Tiare Flower and Vanilla

6. Philosophy Amazing Grace

My mom has been wearing this for years, it’s such a clean and warm smell. It also comes in a variety of soaps and body washes that isn’t to over powering.

Notes:

Mandarin, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Freesia, Jasmine, Rose and Musk

5. Saint by Kat Von D

I love this pairing, they go well together and are perfect for day and night!

Notes of Saint:

Mirabelle Plum, Mandarin, Tiare Flower, Caramel, Jasmine, Vanilla, Creamy Musk and Sandalwood

Notes of Sinner:

Orange Blossom, Mandarin, Plum, Jasmine, White Flower, Cinnamon, Vetiver, Patchouli, Vanilla and Creamy Musk

4.  Amor Amor

I’ve had this for years andI love it. It’s seductive and perfect for a night out on the town or a date.

Notes:

Mandarin, Black Currant, Melati Blossom, Lilly of the Valley, Vanilla, White Musk and Grey Amber

3. Viva La Juicy

My sister wear this and I love it! It’s sweet and youthful and they have those cute little roll on stick to keep in your purse.

Notes:

Wild berries, Mandarin, Honeysuckle, Gardenia, Jasmine, Amber, Caramel, Vanilla, Sandalwood and Praline

2. Lola by Marc Jacobs

This is on my list to get next! It gives you a sexy feel without an over powering fragrance.

Notes:

Pink Peppercorn, Pear, Grapefruit, Rose, Fuchsia, Peony, Geranium, Vanilla, Tonka Bean and Creamy Musk

1.  Miss Dior Cherie

Youthful, fresh and just pretty, Miss Dior Cherie just smells happy. I personally wear this one.

Notes:

Green Tangerine, Pink Jasmine, Violette, Patchouli (my fave), Crystalline Musk, Strawberry leaves, Carmel Popcorn and STRAWBERRY SORBET (yum)

Recreate Collection and Antoinette Beender’s Punk Couture for Aveda

I don’t think anyone will be wearing this out anytime soon, but it’s really cool so I thought I’d post about it.

Antoinette Beenders is the Global Style Director for Aveda and has won countless awards for her original vision. I like her use of texture and shape in this collection.

And I just really like the new  Avdea Collection, and check out the clothes made of recycled goods.

Why You Should Be Taking Biotin

I love this stuff!

Biotin is a water soluble B complex vitimin. It helps hair grow healthy and improves conditions of dry, scaly skin. I bought the GNC Hair Nail and Skin Blend for $10. I have short strait across bangs, which means I have to cut them every 2-3 weeks to keep them out of my eyes. After using Biotin for a couple of weeks, I had to cut them weekly. Downside: All hair grows faster, like your leg, armpits even your eye brows. I got so frustrated with having to shave my legs everyday  and cut my bangs every week that I stopped taking the suppliment. However it this is something you can deal with by all means take it.

Looking Good for the Superbowl

I’m going to be frank. I grew up in a football house, so I’ve been to many MANY football parties and there’s nothing that kills the mood faster than a girl who comes waaaaay over dressed. Meaning, tons of make up, and an out of place skimpiness to her style.

So here is a mini guide to looking good while not over-doing it while attending this years superbowl party. Remember you are there for a reason, to watch a football game not to distract the boys from it, wait for the commercials for that.

Excuse the pic, the lighting in my house was ideal for photobooth.

Make Up: The best bet is to go with something natural, long pretty natural lashes and a pretty game day glow. You don’t want to actually look like you are wearing much make up, because game day is low key.

Start off with priming your face with a moisturizer. Hit under your eyes with some concealer, I used Bare Minerals Well Rested. Follow with foundation my fave is Urban Decay’s Surreal Skin Cream to Powder.

Use a shimmery nude to cover your lids, I used a combo of Bare Minerals Vanilla Sugar and Queen Phyllis. Line eyes with a thin line of black. Curl lashes and cover with mascara etc etc you know the deal.

I used a shimmery blush and finished off with a mineral powder. There is your basic face, if you’re a Colts fan you can incorporate Urban Decay’s 24/7 Liner in Deviant or for Saint’s fans can use it in Baked.

Hair: Go with a messy pony tail or some loose waves, nothing overdone. For a fun ponytail tease your crown and sides super big. Brush down and put inti a ponytail, letting your short layers fall around your face. and Voila. done in like 3 minutes.

How to tell your skin type

One of the most confusing parts about picking out the appropriate skin care routine is figuring out what kind of skin type you have. It seem obvious if you have dry or oily skin, but what about those of us who are in between. It’s usually categorized as combination, however knowing where you fall in the combination spectrum may help find the perfect skin care product for you.

Sometimes knowing how your skin reacts is harder than just taking a look in the mirror and seeing how large and how concentrated your pores are.

Dry – Is  characterized by small pores, possibly not even visible. It may feel tight, dehydrated and have fine lines and wrinkles. You would usually know when you have dry skin.

Combination Dry – Visible pores in the T-zone but become smaller along edges of face.

Normal – Very rare, has a very smooth finish, not very many wrinkles and even pores throughout the face.

Combination Oily -  Visible pores in the T-zone that spreads out to cheeks but get smaller at edge of face. Easy to get clogged pores.

Oily – Large pores, shiny orange peel like texture, easier to get clogged pores. The good news is that oily skin is less prone to aging and wrinkles!

Acne Prone – Acne prone is actually considered a hereditary skin type that is characterized by very large pores, clogged pores, redness and pimples.

Knowing your skin type is good because usually skin care products are labeled and for someone who knows they have combination skin, but  products that say “Combination to Dry” or “Combination to Oily” it can get confusing and not necessarily help your skin.