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.