Monday, February 28, 2011

Are You Washing Your Face the Wrong Way?

Iiiiiiiiiit's MONDAY!!! Time for our pearls of wisdom from the Daily Glow =). Today Dr. Jessica Wu teaches us how to wash our faces...the RIGHT way! This is what she says:
 Seems obvious, right? Add water, lather, and rinse. After all, you've probably been washing your own face since you were 5 or 6 years old. But have you had any lessons on face washing since then? One of the first things I ask of my new patients is to describe their skin care routines. While most are picky about eye cream and sunscreen, many don't know the brand of cleanser they use, or they simply make do with the bar soap in the shower — the same one they use on their feet and armpits. There's a better way, and it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Here's how to wash your face, in five easy steps:

1. Remove your eye makeup. If you don't, it will smear all over your face, get into your eyes, and take twice as long to remove, especially if it's waterproof. Plus, you'll ruin your towels. I use Clinique's Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips. If you wear contacts, take them out first.
2. Splash with lukewarm water. This will help your cleanser spread over your skin, so you won't have to use as much. Avoid hot water, which can dry out your skin.
3. Use a liquid face wash. Many bar soaps contain strong detergents that make a lot of suds — great for removing grime from dirty hands and feet, but not so great for your face. For normal to oily skin, try a gel or foaming wash, like Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser, to help lift off oil and makeup. If your skin is dry or sensitive, your best bet is a creamy or milky cleanser like Boscia Soothing Cleansing Cream.
4. Massage with fingertips and rinse with lukewarm water. Then pat dry with a soft towel; rubbing can redden your face and aggravate breakouts, rosacea, and rashes.
5. Skip the cleanser in the morning. Unless your skin is very oily (or you forgot to wash your face the night before), just splash with lukewarm water to get the sleep out of your eyes.

Good Question...

Becky asks:
 "As for your cleaner recipe, I loooooove it and it's all I use now. I'm sure you've mentioned this like 5 million times but do you deep clean your brushes every day? I've been doing that and am wondering what you do. I've tried just spraying on like a washcloth and wiping back and forth but I don't feel like my brush is totally free of shadow since I use a lot of dark or bold colors. It seems to work okay for face brushes though for a couple of days."
 Okay Becks, here's the lowdown. I wash my brushes at LeAsT once a week, as in deep clean. I don't do it everyday. My process? Use olive oil to treat the brushes that have remnants of gel or wax based products i.e. lipstick or gel liner brushes. Just dip them in and wipe back and forth on a rag. Then disinfect all brushes with the homemade brush cleanser. Then to get my brushes SuPeR white (for the ones that are) I clean them again with Clearasil and warm water. After cleansing them all I put the brush guard on them so they look like new and don't fray everywhere. If I need a brush super quickly, sometimes I'll just use the Clearasil and dry it with the blow dryer. Don't recommend that like crazy but sometimes a girl's gotta do ya know?

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Wisdom From The Glow.Com

Don't fret Ethel, help is on the way! She looks like an Ethel right? =)
I was introduce to the Daily Glow website about a week ago and I must say that I am in LOVE!!!!! I get an email from them about everyday and I can honestly say that not one topic hasn't had me HoOkEd. Dr. Jessica Wu (dermatologist to the stars) talks about how to wash your face (I'll be sharing soon), how to de-frizz your hair, how to get red carpet skin, how to "feed" your face, etc. It even has a quiz to see which beauty icon YOU are. I'm Sophia Loren, who are YOU???
(pssst take it here
It's just PACKED full of goodies. I think that I am going to share some pearls of wisdom for them once a week for your listening pleasure. I think that Mondays are PeRfEcT because we can start the week off with an awesome tip that will get us going and keep us confident! Are you excited??? I am!!!!!

2011 Bridal Jewelry Pictures

Bridal Jewelry pic
Bridal Jewelry
Bridal Jewelry image
Bridal Jewelry
Bridal Jewelry 2011

Thursday, February 24, 2011

B-Priceless Clothing Giveaway!!! *CLOSED*

I am SO excited for this giveaway!!! Brittany, of Brittany Rae Boutique and I have been talking about this for over a month and now it's HeRe!!! I've introduced you to her before and she's even sponsored another giveaway at Classy and we are SO glad to have her back. Here's Brittany to tell you about her clothing line =):
"B-Priceless was founded in 2009 as a way to bring great fashion to women for less. All items are ALWAYS under $30! It's a company committed to bringing you quality items for less. You can always count on b-Priceless to find the latest fashions at a price you can afford."
What can you win you ask???   
The winner of the b-priceless giveaway will win one of two prizes. 
First Prize...CLOTHING OF COURSE!!! A top and bottom from Brittany's clothing line! 
Second prize...ACCESSORIES!!! A purse and jewelry of which you can choose!
Because Brittany's clothes are in high demand and she is getting new goodies ALL the time, the winner will be selected March 17th, then sent options to choose from.
Here's how to enter and ReMeMbEr each entry requires a different comment.
1. Leave a comment telling us how YOU try to b priceless everyday and which prize you would choose (i.e. the clothing or the accessories).
2. You must show your complete and utter devotion to us by being a follower of our blogs/subscribe to my RSS Feed. You can find Brittany's blog here.
3. Share the link on Facebook and or Twitter
4. Blog about this giveaway and send them here to enter. If you have more than one blog post about it there too for an additional entry.
Remember to leave your email address in your comment if you can't be reached via your blog!  Giveaway starts 2/24/11 and ends 3/17/11 at midnight MST. The winner will be selected using random.org and will be announced on March 18th. GOOD LUCK! Here are some pics to get you drooling!!!

MAC Cosmetics: Future Face Collection



M∙A∙C forges ahead with a three-in-one force: Powder, Foundation and Tinted Moisturizer altogether. First, Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder blurs the line between skincare and makeup, with a pressed texture that beautifies as it benefits. Gives a sheer to medium, smooth, even coverage for a flawlessly soft and even tone with caring, comforting properties. Studio Fix Fluid and Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 shade extensions fill in all the gaps. A broad, all-inclusive shade range means M∙A∙C Artists can cover everybody, one beautiful conquest at a time. Call your clients most in need of convincing, and watch what happens!

Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation ($26.50 U.S. / $32.00 CDN)

New shades added to permanent range: N18, NW18, NW22, NW33, NW44, NW46, NW48, NW58

Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 ($29.50 U.S. / $38.00 CDN)

Medium Plus Tan beige
Dark Plus Neutral tan beige

Studio Careblend/Pressed ($23.00 U.S. / $27.50 CDN)

Light Soft pale beige
Light Plus Pale golden beige
Medium Soft creamy beige
Medium Plus Tan beige
Medium Dark Caramel beige
Medium Deep Rich golden tan
Dark Deep caramel
Dark Deep Rich golden bronze
Brushes

190 Foundation Brush ($32.00 U.S. / $38.50 CDN)
150 Large Powder Brush ($42.00 U.S. / $50.50 CDN)

Available now! 

Trend Report From London Fashion Week - Pilotto AW2011 With Chantecaille


The make-up look was created by make-up artist Lisa Houghton using Chantecaille. The look was all about the eyes - confident and vibrant with a strong personality.

“We were delighted to be collaborating with design duo Peter Pilotto for a second
season at London Fashion Week. We loved the evolution from last season’s classic Parisian look with its futuristic twist to this season's beautifully bold use of color." Olivia Chantecaille


CREATE THE LOOK WITH CHANTECAILLE

“I wanted to create a beautifully flawless complexion with bright vibrant eyes. Future Skin is perfect for this look as it’s so light and hydrating. You can build it in layers to create the perfect coverage. The Lemongrass and Aqua eye shades were the exact shades I wanted to create bold and vibrant eyes.” Lead make-up artist Lisa Houghton

PREP
The face was prepped with flower harmonising cream and biodynamic lifting fluid to create a flawless matt finish.

SKIN
A very pale complexion with a flawless finish was created using both Porcelain and Alabaster Future Skin Foundations and Subtle Loose Powder.

The cheeks were kept soft with a dusting of cheek shade Ecstasy.

EYES
Eyes were the main focus of the look. To create texture and rich colour Lisa Houghton crushed Iridescent Eye Shade in Lemongrass to create a chalky consistency - this was applied all over the eye socket. Lisa then blended Ecstasy cheek shade and Lilac Rose eye shade with a Brilliant Gloss, Crystalline to give it a shiny appearance and staying power. The eyes were finished with Menthe eye shade in the corners of the eye for definition and to the outer corners shocking Iridescent Eye Shade in Aqua.

Faux Cils mascara was applied to both top and bottom lash lines and eye brows were emphasised using Chantecaille brow definer.

LIPS
The lips were kept understated with protective Lip Potion before applying Hydra Chic in Canna. To highlight a shimmer from the Tiger in the Wild palette was applied to the cupids bow only.


THE CHANTECAILLE MAKE-UP KIT
Flower Harmonising Cream £86
Biodynamic Lifting Fluid £205
Future Skin £55
Subtle Loose Powder £48
Cheek Shade Ecstasy £23
Iridescent Eye Shade in Lemongrass £23
Iridescent Eye Shade in Aqua £23
Iridescent Eye Shade in Lilac Rose £23
Shine Eye Shade in Menthe £23
Brilliant Gloss in Crystalline £23
Brow Definer £19
Faux Cils Mascara £33
Lip Potion £35
Hydra Chic in Canna £27
Tiger in the Wild Palette £73

Trend Report From London Fashion Week - Christopher Kane’s AW2011 With Chantecaille


Christopher Kane’s AW2011 collection is inspired by the pencil cases he had at school and lollipops. This season is all about wearability and sophistication.

“We were so excited to collaborate with Christopher Kane this season. He is a great artist with a very modern eye, who knows how to dress a woman and we both happen to share a love for color and florals. Each of the seasonal collections I create is based on current fashion trends - Christopher’s colours, especially from his SS2011collection, have had a strong influence on our palettes.” Olivia Chantecaille

“We’re delighted to be working with Chantecaille for our AW2011 show. The make-up is luxurious, elegant and feminine – so they are a perfect partner for the show.” Christopher Kane

HOW TO CREATE IT
“We wanted to create a cool, natural look, with a strong eye and soft lip. The collection was less elaborate than previous seasons and we wanted the make-up look to be as wearable and sophisticated as the clothes. Chantecaille foundations easily create a clean complexion and its chic colour palette perfectly translated the make-up look we wanted to create this season.” Lead Make-up Artist Lucia Pieroni

FACE
Skin was prepped with Rose Eye Make-up Remover, Flower Infused Cleansing Milk, Rose de Mai, Vital Essence and Lip Potion.

Future Skin was applied to even out the complexion, creating a dewy light texture. Aquablush in Brilliance was blended into the skin for shimmer followed by Bronzer in St Barths to contour under the cheeks.

EYES
Shine Eye Shade in Meteorite was applied all around the eyes followed by Pewter eye shade from Chantecaille’s Tiger in the Wild Palette - this shade was applied over meteorite and blended around the eye. To finish Shine Eye Shade in Rose Quartz was applied under the eye just below the lash line.
Eyebrows were left natural and only filled in if required withChantecaille Brow Definer. No mascara was applied.

LIPS
Lip Definer in Nuance was applied followed by Lip Matte in Bloomfor a neutral, barely there matte finish.

BODY
Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment combined with Aquablush in Brilliance

THE CHANTECAILLE MAKE-UP KIT


SKIN PREP
Flower Infused Cleansing Milk - £45
Rose Eye Make-up Remover - £32
Rose Water - £45
Vital Essence - £72

BASE
Future Skin Foundation- £52
New Stick - £35
St Barths Bronzer - £36
EYES
Shine Eye Shade in Meteorite - £23
Shine Eye Shade in Rose Quartz - £23
Tiger in the Wild Palette - £73
LIPS
Lip Definer in Nuance - £19
Lip Matte in Bloom - £23

BLONDE TO BRUNETTE - SARAH HARDING STEALS THE SHOW AT LONDON FASHION WEEK.


COPY HER STYLE WITH TIPS FROM HAIRDRESSER, LEE STAFFORD. . .

Her statement, bleached blonde locks have been her trademark look since she arrived on our screens back in Popstars: The Rivals, but Sarah Harding unveiled a chocolate brown do’ over the weekend and we LOVE it!

To take the plunge like Sarah, hairdresser Lee Stafford, who has styled the Girls Aloud beauty’s hair in the past, says:

- There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to changing your hair colour, but there are plenty of guidelines to ensure that this process is less make or break.
- Take into consideration your skin tone and eye colour and ask friends for honest advice
- Be particularly careful when changing your colour at home. You must remember to put the protein back in after it has been stripped out so it remains lustrous and beautiful


- My Colour Love Shampoo and Conditioner are deeply intensive moisturisers, to refresh and revitalise coloured hair. The luxuriously thick formulas will help to repair the damage and drying effects that colouring can cause . . . keeping colour vibrant and hair in fantastic condition. Colour specific products are an absolute must for putting the moisture back after hair has been left battered and bruised by different colour processes

Lee’s Top Tip: "inbetween visits to the salon, disguise root regrowth with either of my TWO NEW shades of DRY SHAMPOO – I’ve brought out a mid brown and dark and it’s available in Boots stores now!"

Lee Stafford Colour Love Shampoo and Conditioner are priced at £5.10 and available exclusively to Boots and Boots.com

Monday, February 21, 2011

Stylish Blogger Award!!!!!

Katie from The Sweet Paper House (check out her site!) has nominated me for a Stylish Blogger Award!!!! Are you kidding me?!? I am so stoked =)!!! I love feeling that I am helping you guys and getting feedback is the BEST! Be it sweet emails that are meant for only me, requests or an award you guys make me feel ToPs! I'm supposed to share 7 things about myself and recommend blogs that I love. So here goes nothin...

1. I have been married to my sweetheart for seven years and am LoViNg the ride =). We met in Siberia while doing service work in 2002 and have been buddies ever since. In the short time we have been married we have lived in 6 different states and now live in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Kev is a graphic designer for a medical training facility and we couldn't be happier here. We have two cute, smooshy little boys that keep us on our toes =). Kayson (K-Diddy) is 5 and Branson (B-Bear) is 3.
 

2. I {heart} dancing. I danced for MTV when I lived in Southern California and just LOVED it! We got to dance on the set of That 70's Show and under the Hollywood sign. Alas my hubby doesn't like to dance so I haven't been able to do it
very much...anyone wanna go clubbing?????
 
3. I used to sing at a bay side restaurant. You know those jazzy tunes by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald...just thinking about it makes me want to do it again =).
4. My birthday is coming up (March 8th) and I'm so excited to celebrate with friends and family. I love any excuse to get everyone together. It's also National Women's Day and they celebrate it everywhere, it seems, but here. This card was so Russian I had to post it LOL!
5. Shows I love to watch (some shamelessly) are:
the Bachelor
Glee
the Office
the Hills (when it was on and OnLy with Lauren)
So You Think You Can Dance!!!
Heroes (watching it on Netflix for the first time)
LOVED LOST! =)
 6. I could be the HaPpIeSt person on Earth if you would let me just live at Disneyland!!! It's where I used to perform, I went every year with my family, have had bachelorette parties, Kev's and my first date, honeymoon and we love to take the boys! It was such a happy time in my life growing up and I think it's so magical that whenever I go there I am transported back to those times and feel like a kid all over again. Oh, Dis...can't wait for November to come =).
 7. I LOVE SHOPPING!!!
And I love me a good deal! My fav places to shop?
- Ann Taylor (love the 40% off sale!)
- White House Black Market. I get most of my jeans from there and have NeVeR paid over $35!!! It's all about discounts, coupons and going when jeans are already on sale =).
- Forever 21!
and 
- Sephora duh =)
For the crafty girl and home decor girl in me I love Michael's, Robert's, Ross, Tai Pan and Hobby Lobby =).

    Now onto the blogs that I adoooooooooore!!!!! =)

    Becca shares her own crafty ideas as well as promotes others on her fabulous blog. I love it when bloggers support each other and highlight other people's amazing"ness" =)
    This woman is WONDER woman. I can't believe all the stuff she makes by herself. I can only aspire to be so hard core and amazing. Her kitchen renovation BLOWS my mind!!!
    I think she is so great at makeup application. She is VeRy easy to follow and I hope to meet her...is that weird? =)
    Everything she makes, makes me want to have a little girl. She can take scraps, old clothes and make the CuTeSt stuff!!! For SURE check her out!!!
    LoVe seeing the fashion on this girl's site and how she is expLODING on the fashion scene!
    enough said, this girl is dArLiNg (I guess not enough said) I love that her fashion is ruled by HER thoughts and ideas. She refuses to conform and would rather live in a Beatrix Potter world than anything =)
    Jessica comes up with the most inventive stuff eVeR! One of my favs was the one with the Valentine Balls. SO cute!!!
    Can you tell I like DIY blogs? I'm sorry if you were expecting makeup but I LOVE these kinds of blogs!!! This one I could (and have) spend hours at seeing what she does with cheap furniture from Goodwill.

    Go check these sites out and you may be stuck for hours enjoying yourself! =)

    Givenchy...Color Me Colorful!

    Givenchy just came out with an amazing line to break through the icy winter that we have been enduring. Look at those warm oranges melting under her eyes into the pink blush. I think it is so fresh and makes me want to have summer sunny days right NOW!!! For those of you with blue and green eyes these hues would be fanTASTIC on you. Am I asking you to sport them down the grocery aisle in the exact way you see them below? No, but try them...pretty please??? Step outside that comfort zone and apply a coral lightly to those cheeks and just "swish" some on your lids. You will LOVE it!!!
     Here is more from the collection:
     Blush Gelée in Candide Pink
     Le Prisme Eye Quad in Candide Garden
     Magic Khôl Eyeliner in Coffee 15
     Rouge Interdit Lipstick in Candide Tangerine 50
     Rouge Inerdit Shine Lipstick in Candide Nude 27
     Gloss Interdit in Candide Tanderine 30,
     Vernis Please in Candide Peach 173
    Re-promoted items from the permanent collection