Party Ready Nails

With the holiday season in full swing, people rushing around town purchasing gifts, and wrapping presents, this can be a hectic time of year. Don't let the stress take a toll on your appearance this year. Take some time to relax and pamper yourself to look your best this holiday. 

What best way to bring some joy to your life and make you happier, yes you guessed it! Getting your nails done. Going to a nail salon can get pretty expensive, so this year why not try doing them yourself at home. It's actually pretty easy, and the more you practice, the better you will get. 

This you will need to get started:
-scissors
-file
-nail polish
-polish remover
-q-tips (for clean up around the cuticle).

1. First off, start by cutting and shaping your nails. 
2. Then file them to get rid of any harsh edges. 
3. Use nail polish remover to get rid of excess oils on the nail. 
4. Decide what design you are looking for. (be creative).
5. Paint yours nails. 

Pretty simple right, well set out a time to do your nails. You want to be patient for this, and allow maximum time for your nails to dry in between coats. This can be annoying, I know, but trust me...better to wait than be sorry afterwards. 

This is one look I have created and love, love on my nails. It is simple, yet sophisticated and elegant at the same time. Perfect for that holiday party. 

Once you have the basic's done. Cutting and shaping and all that fun jazz. 

You start by:
- Adding a protective base coat to your nails. (anything you have will do).
- Then I added two black coats. (let dry in between each coat). 
   I applied this at an angle, thin coats.
- Then I added the sparkles. (add how much you want, let dry then you may add more).
- Finish off with a top coat. Here I added two coats. 


These are the products I used for this look.

My thoughts on these products are as follows:
I love this brand: by Sally Hansen because it is easy to apply, and you don't need many coats to get the colour you want. The top coat I use is by L'oreal, "Top Coat". 

And Voila you are done!

Hope you enjoyed this look, and don't be afraid to try this in different colours. Be creative and post your pictures or comments. I would love to see what you have come up with!

Tanda's Innovative Technology

Tanda is an online company which offers customers innovative technology. They offer acne fighting treatments, a skin rejuvenation system, permanent hair removal, and a teeth whitening system. Tanda products are clinically tested, safe and are made to use from the comfort of your home. 

Via: Tanda Skincare">

The Tanda Zap is a proven system which kills acne causing bacteria which can lead to pimples and thus helps to prevent further breakouts. It uses the Blue Led Light technology, and the Sonic Vibration dermatologist’s use in their offices. It increases circulation, reduces swelling and inflammation. It has a gentle warming sensation to open up pores which allows the light to travel further into your skin to kill more bacteria.

This product seems to be my favourite because if it can help to stop breakouts, who wouldn’t want this to try this system and have clear and healthy skin. Also, check out the other great products this company has to offer!

Sublime Mousse

My review on the Sublime Mousse in color 

"30 Pure Darkest Brown".

I was skeptical at first. I didn’t know how well this product would work. It does say to apply like a shampoo, with no drips. 

My concern was, “Would it cover and dye all my hair, or leave some strands un-colored”. And my second concern was, “Do I have enough product to cover my hair, or do I need a second box”. 

Well, let me start off by saying my hair is medium in length, and my color was a light brown color.

As I started to apply the color and working it into my hair as directed…my fears were still there. Only after all my hair was covered and I was satisfied with the saturation of the product on my hair, did I start to relax. This product does what it claims to do. It is easy to apply, there were no drips. Nothing leaking around my face, that I had to keep wiping away or anything like that. And yes, there was enough product for my length of hair. The color I am totally in love with. It is a dark, dark brown, looks like black to me but anyways, I am very happy with the color and the application of this product. I do recommend this product to others, who are starting out in the hair coloring world. It is super easy to apply and does not involve in parting the hair, or making separations as you apply the color. It is easy for anyone to do on their own, just massage it onto your hair, until your whole head is covered.

I used the Sublime Mousse in 30 Pure Darkest Brown, by Healthy Look. The package claims it’s easy to apply like a shampoo, covers grey hair, and you get healthy-looking hair, full of life.

Directions:

POUR – ROTATE – PUMP – MASSAGE IN

Pretty simple right! It does come with the instruction manual inside the box, and please do a patch test to make sure you have no allergic reaction to the product. 

Luminaze

As we age and get older our skin tone and texture change. Due to sun, wind, hormones, eating habits, they all affect how your skin will feel. There are many ways you can reduce the effects of the climate, and many products to try on the market. But none of them are quite as unique as Luminaze.

First of all, this product it is an all-natural active enzyme formula, and secondly it comes in a bottle with two chambers step 1, then Step 2. This product is best applied on clean skin after cleansing your face. One to two squirts of each step is more than enough to cover the entire face and neck area. It is recommended to use twice a day, morning and night for best results. This is the only product on the market right now that lightens the melanin on the skin. It does not contain hydroquinone. People who have tried the 2% hydroquinone based products were not pleased with the results. It takes several months just to see minor changes in the skin tone.

With Luminaze you notice results fairly quickly. In as little as two weeks you will notice your skin brighter and in as little as 31 days you will notice your skin lighten up acne scars and sun spots. This product has a consistency of a serum and a lotion. It spreads easily, and absorbs into your skin without it being greasy, nor is it highly fragranced. Retailing at $120 dollars, this product can be a little pricey, but it is money well spent, and actually works wonders. People who have tried this product highly recommend it to others.

Foot Scrub Soak

Having time for you is the key to happiness and having a clear mind. Everyone should take some time out of their busy days to relax and enjoy something for themselves. If you enjoy going to spas and beauty salons, this may be something you can enjoy once a week at home, at a fraction of the cost. You can save a lot of money by mixing up your own concoction and preparing a home, spa-like experience is really easy. Lighting up some candles, listening to some soft music, dimming the lights, can all help to ease your mind of stress. Stress plays a big role in our lives. From work, cooking dinners, taking kids to practices, you name it. We all do it, we are all tired, and most important we need to take a “ME” break. To sit down, breathe deeply and relax.

Here is a really simple way you can accomplish this in the comfort of your home. It only takes minutes to make and gives your health long lasting benefits.

Enhance your home spa experience with this foot scrub soak. 

-fill a basin with warm water.
-add some stones to the bottom of the basin. (Acts as a foot massage).
-add some flower petals (Can be real or fake).
-essential oils can be added, for relaxing purposes. 
-basic scrub recipe that can be made at home. (With ingredients from your kitchen).
-any oil you have on hand (Olive oil works great). 
-keep on hand some clean towels. (They can be put in the dryer to be nice and warm).

Basic Scrub Recipe (With ingredients from your kitchen).
For a foot scrub I usually love to use salt, it adds a more vigorous scrub feel. If you find it is too rough on your feet, you can always substitute it for sugar. 

-In a bowl, add some salt or sugar.
-Then add your oil, about half the amount of the salt / sugar. (Depending how you may like it, you can always add more and less oil).
-Optional: essential oils. Peppermint is a good choice, it is cooling and refreshing at the same time. (You may also add some vanilla extract). The scent will help ease you mind from worries, and help you relax. It will calm your nerves and send you to a happy place. 
-Mix everything together, and there you have it. A homemade foot scrub, ready in seconds. That will make your feet, nice and smooth and feel fresh at the same time.

*A bonus would be: if someone else would give you a foot massage at the same time*
Since we all know that may not be possible at all times, that is why we add those stones to the bottom of the basin. It acts like a foot massage. Just rub your feet back and forth on them, and it will help to relax your feet. 

PROS:
-Money saved by not going to a spa.
-You can give yourself a relaxing foot scrub anything time you want. (Day or night).
-Easy to make yourself at home.
-Removes dead skin cells and refreshes the skin.

CONS:
-You have to take some time to prepare this basin and scrub. (Shouldn’t take too long, add some water, and mix the ingredients, how long can that take?)

Directions:
-Soak your feet, for about 10min in the warm water, while rubbing your feet against the rocks at the bottom of the basin. 
-Then remove one leg at a time, and add some scrub to your hands, and massage it over your feet, the balls of the feet, in between the toes, working your way up your leg.
-Now repeat the other leg, while this one rests back in the water.
-After you are done, towel-dry your feet, and legs really well.
-If you wish, you may apply a little oil to your hands and massage it into your feet and legs. This will provide added moisture, and give you a really soft, silky feeling.(Of course you will want to add some socks, to help penetrate the oils into your skin. With the added heat from the socks it will really make your skin nice and soft).

My advice is for you all, is to try this scrub at home.

It will clear your mind, release tension and help you relax!

ENJOY!!!

Makeup Trends Spring / Summer 2012

This year’s Spring / Summer Season is different from last year’s season as we put our focus more on checks and lips this year. Stay away from matte skin this summer. Fresh, dewy skin is in. No Spring / Summer look is complete without a splash of neon color.

Start by prepping your skin. Exfoliate once or twice a week. Use a deep clay mask to remove all impurities from the pores. Tone and most importantly don’t forget to moisturize and use SPF to protect your skin from sun damage.

This season is all about that sun-kissed glow, that is not overdone.

Glowing Skin
Dewy, fresh, clean skin is in. Glittery Sparkles and subtle pearl finishes are the way to go this season.

Start with a luminizing face primer over moisturized skin.
Even out your skin tone with a thin layer of foundation or use a tinted moisturizer.
Sweep the blush of your choice to the apples of your cheeks, up to the temple area.
Finish off with a light dusting of translucent powder.

Accentuate the eye area
Play off the smokey eye look. Instead of going darker, go lighter instead. Try some violets, blues, pinks, or soft browns.

Cheeks
Don’t be afraid to try new colors this season. Burnt oranges, corals, terracotta, peach or copper. Lightly dust it on and try to remain as natural as possible. Remember we want our skin to feel fresh, and glow!

Lips
Try some pretty pastels, bright or dark reds. Keep it matte, or add a glossy finish, but remember to keep the eyes soft.

You can play around with a splash of neon colors. Choose one, either your eyes or your lips. You can mix two colors together; just make sure they complement one another.

Whether your fair, or dark skin toned, there is always a color that will complement your skin tone best.

Fair: pastels, dark lips.

Dark: metallic work wonders for you. Try a softer lip color or gloss for added shine. 

The Hottest Spring Trend

 The hottest Spring look
         right now.. 

            NEONS

 

 

The hot pink look is totally awesome. Applying the milk jumbo eye pencil  by NYX will only make ure eyes pop and look even brighter. You can also try the yellows, bright blues, greens and purples this season. Apply the eyeshadow  single pan by NYX in the same color for added color staying power. It will hold the shadow in place all day long, without smudging or fading. Neons are so in at the moment, they are a great way to start the season right. Nice, cheery and bright. Who wouldn’t want to smile?

With a variety of colors to choose from, the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils are vibrant and fun at the same time. Truly an amazing product, that I recommend you check out. Retailing online at http://www.nyxcosmetics.ca  for $5.99 each. You can also check them out at your local drug store, Target, and other locations.

Use the Jumbo Eye Pencil to line your waterline, as a primer or alone as an eye shadow. This all in one product, is creamy and glides on smoothly, which lasts all day. Highly pigmented, color sticks and is vibrant, which makes the eyes pop. Use the "Milk" Jumbo Eye Pencil around your eyes to really make them stand out and brighten your eye area. I'm totally in love with it. I use it in my inner tear duct, and a highlighter under my brows. It really makes the eyes stand out.

When used with shadows these colors really last all day. They don't fade or smudge. The creamy texture blends easily, and is perfect in creating the "smokey eye" look. Some colors for Spring to consider are Strawberry Milk, Lavender, Electric Blue, and Iced Mocha. Use them as a base or a shadow. Depending on my mood, or if I am going out with the girls for a night out I like to try new colors and techniques to dress up my eyes.

Use the "Eyeshadow Single Pan" shadows over your Jumbo Eye Pencil to really make your shadow stick. Layering is the key to a flawless application. Apply the same shadow color as your base or play around with different colors to achieve a funky look. There colors range at $6.99 each. From browns, gold's, to pinks and blues, in sheer, frosty, matte, glitter or shimmer there are many options to choose from. Create a simple look for daywear or go all out and use the brightest colors. There are many choices to suit everyone's needs. 

 

What is Magnesium Sulfate?

Magnesium Sulfate in simpler terms as most of us know is Epsom Salts. 


What are they used for? Most common use is to have a bath with Epsom salts. It reduced stress, and soothes muscles after a long day at work. Pour 1-2 cups of salt into a warm bath and soak for about 20-30 minutes. You may wish you add some essential oils for a more therapeutic bath. I'd recommend lavender, or vanilla. Lavender helps to relax you, while vanilla just smells wonderful and it very comforting. 

Epsom salts remove toxins and heavy metals from skin cells which help muscles to relax and minimize body pains. It helps to ease muscle cramps and inflammation as well. Epsom salt can assist in blood circulation, aid in wound healing, remove foot odor, soften your skin and increase your strength and stamina. It is a mineral lacking in most of our bodies, and a good way to get it back into our system is a good, old fashioned bath. 

Womanity

I received a postcard sent by mail on a sample perfume by Thierry Mugler called “womanity”.

The postcard itself was super cute & fun. Love the way the perfume bottle is designed but most importantly the smell is delicious. Perfect for the sophisticated business woman, I’d say. It will make you seem confident and ready to tackle any project that may come your way.

A woody, sweet and savoury

        Eau de Parfum

It is a fragrance whose sides reflect the countless faces of womanhood.

Sweet scent , fruity-juicy notes, saltiness & woody notes all combined into one bottle.

Comforting, fierce, and classy.

This fragrance is one not to miss, be sure to add it to your spring/summer collection.

Can be found in most department stores in your neighbourhood. 

Hair damage...how to limit the damage.

I cannot stress how much damage you do to your hair by blow drying it, curling, straightening, coloring your hair really does to your strands. We all want to keep our hair as healthy as possible and nice and shiny, but the only way we can do that is by protecting it from heat damage. Yes, even the sun causes heat damage. Dry air, not eating well all contribute to damaged hair. So one way to help prevent and protect is to use a "heat protectant spray".

The one that I use all the time is the "thermal shine" by KQC.

It says:
for silky smooth shine and heat protection-use with a flat iron or hair dryer.
Lightweight, non-greasy, mirco-mist spray, eliminates frizz, softens & polishes hair without buildup.
Designed for all hair types.

I will say this is the BEST heat protection spray that I have ever used. And yes I have tried many brands, most feel like they add water to your hair, after spraying it on. This one feels like hairspray, does not wet my hair, or leave it oily. And believe me when I say I have oily hair.

I use it before blow drying my hair, and before I use any styling tool to my hair.

This product is 142 g, so 5 oz. It can be found online at:


(click link) ----> "Flat Iron Experts"  <----(click link)

It is not an expensive product under $20 dollars. 

You can read some more reviews from other customers on their experience with this product. 

Hair Chalking

The new trend for spring this year. Sure it's been around many years now, but it is coming back in style. A perfect way to add color without a commitment. Add a few highlight pieces, do your whole head it's all up to you.

So, lets get started on what you will need.

-soft pastel chalk (not oil-based)

-spray bottle with water in it

-a comb

-hair straightener, or curling iron

Now that you have all the supplies...

Wet ONLY the strands of hair that you will be coloring.

Then twist your hair all the way down.

Apply the chalk, motion downwards.

Then lock in with some heat. (either straighten that piece of hair, or curl it).

Voila, you are done!

Just continue till you get as much or as little color as you like. Experiment with different colors, yellows, pinks, blues, green, teal, the list goes on and on.

Whatever you do, just have fun!

Candy...

And No I am not talking candy to eat. I am talking about "PRADA".

The new line of perfume called "Candy" by PRADA.

Notes of: musk, caramel, benzoin, with warm, sweet notes of vanilla-scented honey.

Think of cotton candy, a hot summer day, drizzled in warm honey. Sounds delicious right. Well this scent is so intoxicating it blows my mind.

I received a sample of this perfume from my local mall, and ever since then I have been addicted to this fragrance. I love anything sweet, candy smelling, so this is perfect for anyone who loves SWEET-scents.

A must have for summer this year! 

Take Years Off Your face...

As you might have guessed....Today I will be talking to you about the importance of protecting your face from sun exposure, and how important it is to keep your skin hydrated. With Spring coming up and Summer just around the corner, the UV index will be high and you need some protection, especially on your face. We all want that youthful glow, and baby soft skin and just by following a simple routine every morning you can help better protect yourself from the sun.

I'm talking about a simple moisturizer with SPF 15.

Right now, I am using the "Olay" Complete, all day moisturizer UV skin shield SPF 15 for combination / oily skin. It comes in a 120ml bottle.

Formulated with antioxidant vitamins E & C. Dermatology tested. 100% oil-free. 100%  PABA free. won't clog pores.
The active ingredients in this formula are:
octisalate 5%, avobenzone 3%, homosalate 3%, octocrylene 2.6%


I have been using this product for a while now, and my HONEST review on this product is:
It says it's for oily skin, and when I 1st apply it, it does take a while to soak into my skin. So minus points on that one.  :(   But once you apply your make-up as usual you don't notice any residue, or heaviness or anything like that. There is no shine afterwards throughout the day or anything like that. It does make your foundation go on alot smoother, and most importantly it does hydrate the skin with the added benefit of the SPF in it.


Would I re-purchase this product again?
Yes and no, I would like to try another brand 1st and see the comparison.

I love....

I LOVE...TROPICAL PARADISE...moisturizing body lotion.


One of my favorites lotions at the moment is: this tropical paradise lotion by I Love Cosmetics. I purchased mine at the drug store, and I got a good deal because I got it on sale for only $3.99. It is a 250ml bottle, comes with a pump for easy application. I use this lotion all the time. It is super moisturizing and does not leave the skin oily.

It smells of coconuts, pineapple, and fresh grapefruit that will leave you feeling like you're on a tropical island.

This lotion does come in many other scents as well....
If interested please visit their website at:    www.ilovecosmetics.eu

This company is located in the UK, but you can find these products at your local pharmacy.

My Favorite Foundation Brand

We all know girls love their make-up, and always want to look their best. So, what do we use to give our complexion the nice finish we are looking for. That's right! A good foundation. There are many brands out there nowadays. From Maybelline, Cover Girl, you name it. They come in many colors from pale to dark skin tones, from oily to dry skin. From trail and error that is how we decide which foundation best suits our individual needs and preferences.

Here is my story:
Ever since I 1st started wearing make-up, and going through my mom's make-up collection, Cover Girl is what I 1st tried. Back then sure it seemed wonderful and great, but over the years skin changes. Due to climate, hormones, age, you name it we've all been there. Honestly, I have not used many brands, other than Cover Girl, I have tried Maybelline, and Almay's, until I came across the brand I still keep using to this day. Can you guess what it is? Here's my little secret! It's called "Rimmel London". Ever since I started using this foundation my skin seems flawless. It acts very well with my skin texture and matches my skin tone well.

Now a little on the type of skin I have. I would classify my skin on the oily side. I am fairly pale too. With other foundations even after washing my face in the morning and using the foundation my face would get really oily within a few hours of wearing the foundation. And NO that is not attractive. But with wearing Rimmel my skin feels really nice. It seems to control the oil and lasts pretty much all day for me. I don't have to re-apply my foundation throughout the day, or even bloth my face with tissue.

Let me tell you a little about this foundation and the claims the company makes.

I use the Rimmel London lasting finish. (25 hour foundation)
In winter since I'm paler I use the 100 ivory.
In the summer when I am tanned I use the 103 true ivory.
It comes in a 1 fl oz or 30 ml screwed on cap container.

It says it's naturally flawless, hydrating and lightweight feel.
Sweat, heat and humidity proof for up to 25 hours. Transfer resistant. Enriched with a revitalizing Mineral Complex and moisterizing Aqua Primer. Skin feels energized and hydrated all day long.

So, my recommendation to all you girls out there who are trying to find a good foundation for your skin. Is to go out and try a few brands, and see which one you like best. For me, this is the brand I will keep on using. :)