Jen's bridal party

Jen's bridal party
Most Beautiful Day Ever!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

KELLY RIPA SIMPLE BEAUTY

I've always thought Kelly Ripa was really beautiful.   She's like an all american girl with a great sense of humor to boot.  Recently she snapped a picture with one of her besties Anderson Cooper while on vacation in Croatia.  I thought it was so great that she posted this "au naturale" shot because so many celebs hate to be photographed without makeup.  Just shows her pure confidence and I find that to be a great message to send out to other women.  Funny that I am a makeup artist, beauty junkie and coming out with my own cosmetic line, however I never wear much makeup and I am a huge advocate for natural beauty.  You just can't bottle it!  I guess what I'm trying to say is keep it simple.  Less is more.  Highlight the positive and shine!  That kind of confidence cannot be recreated!

Any celebs you think shine naturally?  I'd love to hear from you!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

FACE OILS FOR WRINKLES!!

I am here once again speaking about the dreaded "w" word.  We all hate them but there is hope!! Face oils for wrinkles!!  The one thing that many of us try and stay away from is probably the best thing for the skin on our face.  Why? Because they maintain the integrity of the lipid barrier.  What's that? Well, lipids are fat molecules that give our skin plumpness.  Over time they dwindle.  Face oils actually feed them and are like anti-oxidents in a way.  Protecting our youthful appearance.  One of my favorite face oils is by Tarte.  It's called Maracuja oil.  It works on so many levels.  It contains essential fatty acids to repair and hydrate skin as well as Vitamin C to promote brightness.  All these ingredients in one little bottle makes simple beauty, simple!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

KEEPING SUMMER SKIN SUPPLE!!

During these summer months it's hard to keep summer skin supple.  Lotion after lotion doesn't help.  Our skin still looks cracked and dry from the sun and chlorinated  pools.  Following are two tips that I have found to really work on your skin.  Firstly exfoliate!! Either with a loofah or even better if you have a Clarisonic, taking the larger body brush and working it all over your body especially the heels of your feet and elbows.  I also really like the Salux Japanese body towel. It's great for hard to reach places like your back. It lasts for months and is just the right amount of roughness for gentle exfoliation.  The second step is after bathing while your skin is still wet apply a nice body oil all over and allow to soak in before toweling off.  I love Trader Joe's Lavender Body Oil.  It has a spray cap for all over ease and the price is great at like $6.
These two tips can change your skin from scaled to silky in a short time.  Simply and beautifully.

Do you have any favorite tricks to creating supple, summer skin?  I'd love to hear about them!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

LOVING YOURSELF "AS IS"!!

So I spend much of my time talking about products and tricks to enhance one's appearance. Or alter something about yourself that you feel needs to be altered.  Today I am reminded of a very simple philosophy that I try(when I remember) to live by. Loving oneself "as is."  I think this is the most challenging of all principles to follow.  We are constantly bombarded by media, social and otherwise, telling us that we aren't good enough as we are.  That we need this, that or another to be "better."    And many times it feels good to make these changes but  for today, let's look in the mirror and pick something we really like about ourself and focus on that.  Something that doesn't need changing or altering.  Make that your mantra for the day.  Every time throughout the day that you feel doubt about something, remember that one thing in your appearance that is working and focus on that.  By changing our focus, little miracles begin to happen in our life. Simply and Beautifully!




Tuesday, August 7, 2012

BECOMING A DIVA!!


Wanna become a diva? Or just look like one?  Well if you have curly hair that has lost its umphf, diva it up with Deva curl.  It's this great new hair care line I discovered.  It gives frizzy hair shape and moisture.  It smells great and is paraben free, sulfate free and is free of dyes and perfumes.  Best thing about it is it really works.  This summer has been so brutal on my hair thanks to the chlorine and sun and all my tricks weren't working as well as they do.  I got turned on to this product line and I love it!  They also make anti-fade shampoo and conditioner specifically for girls who color their hair.  With something for everyone, this line makes "simple beauty" simple!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

CONTINUING ON A THEME-SUMMER HAIR!!

     

Found this great article on Stylist.com.  Thought I'd share it with you.  I love Moroccan Oil.  Smells divine and works great too!! 


Many women balk at the idea of intentionally putting oil in their hair for fear of potentially greasy results, but hear us out: It's a miracle worker for taming dryness and frizz, but also amazing at balancing oilier hair types. It can add shine to dull hair, work as a styling agent and even undo a summer's worth of damage. Need we say more? Check out our guidelines to find out the best hair oils for your hair type, then flip through through the gallery below to see our favorite oils:

Repair fried hair daily:
Hair oil disguised as a styler is an excellent way to sneak in extra moisture and tame unruly hair. The key is to focus on the ends. Apply mid-way through your hair and work down. There's no need to add oil to the roots -- no matter how dry your hair is, it will end up looking greasy. You can also find shampoo formulations that include oil, which will also add a boost of much-needed hydration. Especially for hair that's color-treated or has just seen a lot of sun, salt water and chlorine this summer. Look for out these nourishing oils: argan, coconut, avocado.
Add shine to blah hair:
Lightweight oils like sweet almond, grapeseed and camellia will add an overall healthy sheen without weighing fine hair down. They're also great at targeting cowlicks and random flyways.
Apply a hot oil treatment once a week:
A nod to popular at-home deep conditioners of the '80s, there are now self-heating blends that offer the same ultra-hydrating results. You can expect to see shiny, smoother hair after just a minute or so. Opt for ultra-reparative argan or jojoba oils.
Keep oily hair in check with ... oil:
Rose geranium, orange and tea tree essential oils are fantastic at controlling an oily scalp. Add a few drops to your shampoo to help balance oil production.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

WHAT COLOR LIPSTICK SHOULD I WEAR!?

With all the great colors out this summer it's hard to know what going to look the best on you.  Here you'll find simple guidelines for what color lipstick you should wear this season.

If your skin tone is fair...
Try a neon pink lipstick or a light peach-y coral color. And for fair skin with a slight tan, it's best to compliment lips in sheer peach shades with a light bronze pearl. These tones will warm up fair skin.
If your skin tone is medium… 
 Vibrant, orange tones with golden, deep or bronzed skin tones and warm coral and orange shades enhance medium tanned skin.
If you're skin tone is dark…
You'll look great with bright vibrant hues and coordinating lip pencils.  Or for contrast use the gloss nude lip which is always in fashion.
A few things we should all keep in mind...
Enhance your overall look with a dewy sheen: If you do choose a super-pigmented shade, contrast classic matte lips by adding a bit of glow to your complexion.  For a lighter coverage on hot summer days try a tinted moisturizer, or add a bit of illuminator mixed with SPF or moisturizer.
Always remember, a lip pencil will get you far. It will help your lip shade stay in place for hours!