Artistry Cosmetics

Have you heard of Artistry Cosmetics?

Artistry® is one of the world's top five largest-selling prestige brands of facial skin care and colour cosmetics (based on a study by Euromonitor Consultancy of 2003 global retail sales). From the high standards set for research and development to state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, the Artistry brand is an industry leader. All Artistry products are dermatologically and allergy tested.



I encourage you to take a look at the Artistry Cosmetics line, Here is a list of my most recommended products:

•  The Balancing Cleanser, Toner and Moisturizer system which is recommended for oily and combination skin.
• The Hydrating Cleanser, Toner and Moisturizer system for dry skin.
• Skin Polishing scrub which I highly recommend for use of 2-3 times a week.

Follow the link below to create your Artistry Account and begin your journey with beautiful skin!
Create Artistry Account.

Job interview Makeup: Keeping it simple

Have an upcoming  job interview? Here are some makeup tips for the job hunt:
You would want a neutral look similar to Angelina Jolie's makeup pictured here.

• Your goal should be fresh, clean, and put together.
• Concealer and Face Powder is all you need for a natural look.
• Add blush for a healthy glow/skip the bronzer.
• Neutral colored eyeshadow (without too much shimmer)
• A tiny bit of eyeliner smudged into the lash line.
• Mascara is a must to finish off the look
• Lip stick, keep it very neutral or just go with a tinted chap stick.
• Be sure to groom eyebrows, tweezing any stray hairs and brush neatly with an eyebrow gel.

In preparation the night before, be sure to lightly exfoliate face, lips and neck. In the morning just cleanse, tone, and moisturize before applying makeup. Be sure to allow a few extra minutes to apply makeup. All it takes is a few minutes to have a polished, put together look.

Lets talk Mascara

Mascara is important in finishing off your make up look. It can darken, thicken and extend the look of your natural eyelashes to draw attention to your stunningly beautiful enhanced eyes.

• Check out this great deluxe sampler from Sephora of all the most wanted Mascaras! The Lash Stash Mascara deluxe sampler , comes with 10 sample sized mascaras all for under $40! This is a great gift item as well as for your own personal use. I love mascara and I love switching it up and using different kinds. This kit is great, it helps you choose which lash extender works best for you.

• My personal favorite mascara is Benefit Cosmetics BAD GAL, it truly gives me the appearance of false eyelashes. I love how the brush is over sized, which helps with the thickening process. ;)

•  Also, try Maybelline's the Colossal Volume Express Mascara for a super long lash extension.

• A conditioning Mascara from Bourjois' Glamour Ultra Black Mascara. I feel that this mascara conditions my lashes with each stroke. It never clumps and my lashes seem to be hydrated after each use.

Winter lip candy. How to keep those perfect puckers moisturized!!

Winter is slowly approaching and we all know what the harsh cold dry air can do to our skin. We also must think of our pretty pink lips. They must be protected. We all know that the last thing we want is dry cracked lips. So, here's some tips, tricks and supplies that may make your winter a little easier on your perfect puckers.

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  First we must hydrate our body with plenty of water. The more water your body has, the less dehydrated your skin/lips will be.
  
  
  
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  Next, exfoliate! One really good way to slough off dead skin on the lips is using sugar mixed with a drop of olive oil. Works great and at the same time the olive oil moisturizes.
  
  
  
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  Moisturize and protect your lips often with a moisturizing lip balm/gloss like bees wax or petroleum jelly.
  
  
  

Here's some of my favorite lip candy:

Burts Bee's wax lip shimmers -They moisturize and still give your lips great color.

Jane Iredale Sugar and butter lip exfoliater: One end exfoliates with brown sugar, it tastes so yummy! The other end gives great color. Another one of my favorites by Jane Iredale is her Moisturizing Lip Drink. Jane Iredale's products are all natural mineral make up. This is one of my favorite make up lines.

Twilight Saga....New Moon Apparel and Make up!!

OK, I will admit that maybe, just maybe I'm a little late with the whole Twilight Saga. Last week I decided to read Twilight and quickly read New Moon as well....I am now hooked!! I'm going to start on Eclipse later today and I can't wait!!! What is it about Bella's story that has captivated me and so many others? I guess in a way we all feel some how connected to Bella and her fantasy life.

I came across Nordstrom's New Moon Fashion line. Can you believe it!! Well at first I was thrilled, then I felt well I'm too old to wear the apparel and accessories. As I took a closer look I saw that there was truly something for ALL of the fans. The items would be great as Christmas gifts as well!! Check it out. Even the make up line looks awesome!

New Moon Fashion Line for BP

Here's some of my favorites.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon for BP. 'Moody Skies' Long Sleeve Tee (Juniors) $32.00:

The Twilight Saga: New Moon for BP. at Nordstrom 'Forbidden Love' Burnout Tee (Juniors) $30.00:

Luna Twilight 'Just Bitten' Staining Balm $18.00:

Luna Twilight 'Moonshadow' Eyeshadow $20.00:

Luna Twilight 'Mortal Glow' Blushing Crème $22.00:

Why is exfoliation so important?

Exfoliation seems unnecessary right? Wrong! ;)

Exfoliation is so very important because it helps in assisting with the regeneration of our skin cells. Our skin naturally regenerates every 28-31 days, although sometimes it needs a little assistance. Without exfoliating, the old skin cells sometimes will remain attached to the surface of the skin. Which may cause black heads or white heads to appear, or leaving a very dull complexion. After exfoliating just once I'm sure that you will see a noticeable change, your skin will have more of a youthful glow. Be very careful not to over exfoliate, which can damage the skin cells and inflame the skin. Depending on your specific skin type a person may or may not be able to exfoliate every day or every other day. Once a week will do the skin a lot better than not at all. An enzyme exfoliant works great in a hot steaming shower. My personal favorite is Daily Microfoliant by Dermalogica. My recent favorite exfoliator is Baking Soda...yes, scroll down to read my posting about baking Soda.

Keeping your skin exfoliated will help other products like moisturizers, serums and masks to work more effectively. Makeup products will also go on a lot smoother with a freshly exfoliated face.

Invest in a facial Steamer...

Are you craving that youthful, dewy complexion? Have you ever tried boiling a pot of water to steam your face as a facial treatment? If so, you are on the right track to beautiful skin. Did you know there are facial steamers with ozone (an ultraviolet light that kills bacteria on the surface of skin). The Satin smooth facial steamer is an excellent investment.

 

Why facial steamers are important:

• Steamers soften sebum and debris found in pores to make exctracting easier.
• They help to stimulate blood circulation for that rosy glow appearance.
• Help oxygenate the skin.
• Steamers w/ Ozone have an antiseptic effect killing bacteria that causes acne and breakouts.

The facial steamer works best if used in conjunction with an enzyme exfoliant and treatment mask. After just one use you will notice an immediate change in the appearance of your skin and texture. Your skin will feel soft to the touch and have a much more youthful appearance.

 

Alpha Lipoic Acid....Need I say more??

So, I posted a few weeks back about Dr. Nicholas Perricone's book "The Acne Prescription." (Which is a book on Dr. Perricones prescription to clearer, healthier skin.)  I truly believe everyone should read it because if you have just one or two break outs a month or more that is considered some sort of Acne. Dr. Perricone talks about a multitude of vitamins and antioxidants that are great for the skin and body. One of which is Alpha Lipoic Acid. Alpha Lipoic Acid is a vitamin like antioxidant that contains antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals in the body (which reverse signs of aging!). It also helps to revitalize the underlying structure of the skin. Your skin will actually appear healthier and more radiant!! Get this, by upping your Alpha Lipoic Acid intake you can also have a decrease in body fat and have more energy!! I started taking 100mg a day of supplements and I have to say that I have more energy and it's only been three days!

If you are skeptical about taking supplements Alpha Lipoic Acid is available in foods we eat, such as:

-Dark green leafy vegetables, including spinach, collard greens and broccoli
-Beef/Steak

So....start eating healthier, looking positively radiant and having tons of energy!!

Do you want younger looking skin?

Do you want younger looking skin? Visit yNs medspa to pick up your *Free* 10 day sample trial kit of excellent beauty products. I had this awesome kit delivered to my door in just one week!! You don't even have to enter your credit card for shipping and handling. It's completely free with NO catches. If you like the products (you will) then you order them after your products run out in 10 days.

Here's what you will get:

• Cleansing Gel- cleanses and protects with antioxidants
• yNs A- renews skin cells for younger looking skin.
• Radiance- Professional strength peptide cream (reduces the appearance of wrinkles)

These products are an excellent source of antioxidants like Green tea extract, Vitamin C and Vitamin E...which are all great for the skin. So I recommend you signing up to get your free sample!

Treat yourself to a facial

Ahhh, I just gave myself the same treatment I give to my clients!! An hour long facial, full of cleansing, massaging, exfoliating/with steam, mask and extractions. My skin is now thanking me. I give myself facials often, usually about once a week. This time I gave myself the ultimate facial and I love the way my skin feels. So smooth, silky and blemish free. I don't know how I have forgotten about how awesome a real facial is. I give them all the time, yet I have neglected myself  of a facial treatment. Next time, I'm going to have one of my Esthetician friends help me out. ;)

***Treat yourself to a facial and your skin will thank you. I'm not talking about a do it yourself 20 minute facial. I'm talking go to a Spa and luxuriate in the hands of an Esthetician. Think deep facial massage and cleansing, think steam and hot towels, think peace and quiet! An oh, so relaxing time. When you finally get up, your skin will be clean, fresh, free of congestion and glowing!!

Sephora's Glitz & Glam Shimmer and Shine Deluxe Sampler!!!

Check out Sephora's Glitz & Glam Shimmer and Shine Deluxe Sampler!!!

I just had to post this! While shopping sephora.com I noticed this yummy shimmery pack of great products for only $38.00!! That is a great buy. This kit is a steal for us make up product junkies. An absolute must buy if you want that shimmery bronze holiday glow. Run don't walk to sephora and get your limited deluxe sampler!

Cold and Flu Season = telangiectasia :(

I unfortunately caught the "bug" going around. The change in season Flu/Cold. Miserable achy body, itchy watery eyes, congestion. Now my point here is how does this affect my skin?? It will if I let it. Have you heard of telangiectasia? Telangiectasia is broken capilleries or blood vessels usually surrounding the nose, face and chin; although they can develop anywhere on the body.

 Do you have severe redness surrounding your nose? If  you  look closely you can see that it's not just redness it is broken capilleries (telangiectasia). This redness can be brought about a number of ways. The number one way is by blowing your nose, or wiping your nose too roughly. This is a common mistake we often make when we're too sick to care. The next time you are sick, you must take into account that just by wiping your nose can cause you to have a long term effect of telangiectasia. Another cause is over exfoliating.  Telangiectasia is not easy to get rid of and treat. What we often find ourselves doing is covering the redness up with concealer. The best way to treat this redness is with laser technology. So keep in mind next time you're wiping your nose, that this is a sensitive delicate area.

Here is an article you telangiectasia sufferers might benefit from : http://www.skinandaging.com/article/1976

Mario Badescu Skin Care on Acne treatement Mistakes

Common Acne Treatment Mistakes

Great article I discovered from Mario Badescu's skin care website on Common Acne treatment mistakes. This article is great for oily/breakout prone skin types:

http://mariobadescu.com/Common-Acne-Mistakes

Make-up in just 5 minutes.

 You have just 5 minutes before running out the door to work, school, or play....don't leave the house without putting on a few make up essentials that will create a flawless complexion. This post is specifically for the girl that doesn't want to wear a lot of make up, yet still wants to look sophisticated. After cleansing, toning and moisturizing.... Here's what you will need:

• Concealer - (pat on under eyes with ring finger. Also pat on any marks or blemishes.)
• Powder foundation - (with a powder brush, stroke powder on in downward motions. Covering face, neck and ears.)
• Powder blush - (Two ways of putting on the blush; For a rosy glow add blush to the apples of your cheeks. For a more dramatic look add blush to your cheek bones.)
• Mascara - (Meant to open up your eyes and  lengthen lashes. Apply to just the top lashes in a few quick strokes. You may apply a little to your bottom lashes for added drama.)
• Lip Gloss - (Every girl needs a little lip gloss. Choose any color that you would like to compliment your look.) 

5 products that take just 5 minutes to put on. Now you have the natural beauty look! ;)

NARS Lip Gloss....Love it!!

Chihuahua's!!! Absolutely adore them!  I happen to also love NARS Lip gloss in the Chihuahua shade. This lip gloss is subtle enough to wear on an interview and chic enough to wear on a lunch or dinner date. When I'm not sure of a lip color to put on for the day, I grab my Chihuahua!! The gloss gives my lips a neutral look with a hint of soft pink and shine. Very comfortable to wear, without the over the top "gooey" feel. My ultimate lip gloss recommendation!   NARS Lip Gloss, Chihuahua

Use baking Soda to be beautiful

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda? Yes, I watched a Tyra Banks talk show that claimed if you add baking soda to your everyday cleanser it can be used as an exfoliating cleanser. I was out of town for Labor day weekend and needed a little "pick me up" and decided to give it a try. I had a few break outs and wanted to try something different. So, last night I took a little baking soda in the palm of my hand and added a few drops of water, I massaged the pasty mix slowly in circular motions into my skin. I have to say as I rinsed I could feel my face was much smoother. When looking in the mirror, I couldn't believe it...my skin was glowing! The best shocker was when I woke up the next morning and the blemishes I had on my face the night before were non- existent!! No more redness! I couldn't believe it. I will add Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to my beauty regimen. This is very exciting!

How to keep your skin moisturized during the Fall and Winter

 It's that time of year again.....

Fall/Winter = Cracked/Dry skin.

It's September and I feel it already, my skin starting to feel dry and  unmoisturized. Do you want to know my winter skin care trick?? Palmer's Cocoa butter formula!!! I put this heavenly concoction all over my body from head to toe, Even on my face! Yes, it is the only product that works for me during the fall and winter months. Did you know that Palmer's Cocoa butter solution is great for reducing stretch marks and scars, which is an added plus*. I also use the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick to moisturize my lips prior to applying lip gloss. Here is another product I love for the winter, Spa Wisdom, Monoi Miracle Oil. from the Body Shop.This product is absolutely wonderful after a shower or bath, also if poured  into your bath.

How to keep your skin moisturized during the Fall and Winter months:

Moisturize immediately following your shower or bath while skin is a little damp to lock in moisture. Be sure to exfoliate entire body with a body scrub, moisturizer is much more effective on exfoliated skin. Invest in a humidifier for your home and office. During the winter months the air is very dry, add your heater into the mix and it's a recipe for dry cracked skin. A humidifier will add the extra moisture into the air that your skin craves.

How to get rid of Clogged Pores.

So... I recently discovered that I have a pet peeve. I do not want to see clogged pores on beautiful skin, there is NO excuse. I strongly believe in a person showing off the beautiful skin I know they have.

Do you want to know how to get rid of clogged pores?

• First things first, exfoliation is a must. Trust me, after exfoliating just once you will see a noticeable change. Be careful not to over exfoliate, which can damage skin cells and inflame your skin. An enzyme exfoliator works great in a hot steaming shower. Try skin effects Enzyme clearing scrub from CVS pharmacy or my favorite Daily Micro-exfoliant by Dermalogica. which can be purchased by visiting http://www.dermstore.com/.
• The use of a Mud mask once a week would be very beneficial  for normal/oily/dry/Acne skin types. I also recommend a clearing mask for Acne.
• Look for non-comedogenic products (meaning products that will NOT clog pores.)
• DO NOT sleep in makeup. Do your skin a favor and wash your makeup off before going to bed so that your pores can breathe while you're sleeping.
• Visit a Day Spa for a facial if you have severely clogged pores (black heads, white heads). Sometimes just one spa visit can jump start you on the path to clearer skin. Now all you have to do is maintain at home with the tips I have given you.

Links you may find interesting:
http://www.guidetoclearskin.com/non-comedogenic.html

- Just "three" days to clearer skin.

Do you have an upcoming wedding, party, reunion, or a simple get together with friends??? Is your skin not looking too great? Are you planning on calling it off because you don't want to be reunited with friends and family looking poorly? Don't be too sad, because I've got great news for you. You can have clearer looking skin in just three days, thanks to Dr. Perricone! Not only clearer skin, you will lose water weight and have more energy...and feel better.

Have you heard of Dr. Perricone?? He has invented a 3 day meal plan to clearer skin. A good friend of mine brought his book "The Acne Prescription" to my attention a few years ago. I cannot tell you how many times I went on this diet because I had a big event in a week and wanted to insure my skin would be clear. Have you ever heard the expression "You ARE what you eat?" Everyone should know that if you eat too much sugar, salt, carbs and so on....It will not do any good for you're hips or you're skin. Dr. Perricone has discovered a list of foods that cause breakouts (which we want to steer clear of) and foods that will soothe and clear skin. To name a few: Water(the obvious), Green Tea, Blueberries, Plain yogurt, Salmon.... I encourage everyone reading to check out Dr. Perricone's meal plan to clearer skin, And Start EATING your way to a clearer complexion ;)

Purchase this book on Amazon.com!

- Let's talk products

So yesterday I promised to post more products....

• Here's something for you oily prone skin types: a great moisturizer that you can grab from the local drug store! Biore Shine Control Moisturizer!! I have to say, I've used this product during the summer months. It gave my skin just enough moisture that it needed without making me look really shiny and oily.
• May I suggest for the sensitive skin types, Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser, this cleanser doesn't have the harsh detergents that many of the other cleansers may have. Also, if you are OK with spending a little more money Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser for Face and Eyes, this product is so gentle I would feel comfortable enough using on the skin of a baby! I recommend this product for sunburned, hypersensitive, and inflamed skin.
• Dry skin, can be tricky....the question one must ask themselves is: Do I have dry skin, or is my skin dehydrated? Did you know there was a difference? If your skin is dry your pores should be very small and hard to see, you may only have dry skin in patches not across your whole face. If your skin is dehydrated, your pores may or may not be large, and when you run your finger up the side of your cheek, your skin will appear slightly flaky...that's dehydrated....meaning, start drinking water. I will discuss later the importance of water and diet with proper skin care maintenance.
  
• Normal skin types, you lucky ducks!! Normal means that you aren't oily, dry, sensitive, and no Acne. To keep your skin normal cleanse, tone, and moisturize everyday.
  

I'm not only a beauty product junkie....I am also in love with makeup products! Here is a peek into my makeup bag: Top 5 products, I use on a daily basis.

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   First and foremost my all time favorite foundation is PurePressed Base SPF 20 by Jane Iredale. This mineral foundation covers your skin with just enough color to give your skin a smooth, matte clear compexion. And get this, it's completely natural along with an added plus of SPF 20! You are not only covering up, you are protecting your precious skin from the cancerous UV rays of the sun.
2. Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara This will give you the appearance of false eyelashes!!!
   
3. LORAC Double Feature !! A great concealer. The stick has a built in blender ball, along with a highlighter to lighten under eyes.
4. Benefit Cosmetics Moon Beam (I like to add a little right down the center of my nose, on my forehead and chin for a dewy complexion)
5. Revlon cream blush in Rosy Glow
   

Favorite websites:

SpaLook: Official Site
Sephora.com Official Site

DermStore.com - Skin Care

More on Acne to come......

- A daily dose of skin care

Hola!

Are you Ready to start learning? Well, I hope so...I've got some good stuff that I would like to share ;)

In speaking to friends and family members I have come to learn that most people don't know how to properly take care of their skin. Are you one of those that washes your face with the same Dove bar that you wash your body with?? Please don't admit it to me, but that is a definite skin care faux pas. Are you wondering why you have a dull complexion, and blaming it on genetics? Please, I'm begging of you to listen to me! I promise I can help you. Before you know it You too will have the glowing, youthful, dewy complexion that you long for.

Here's what Everyone needs a daily dose of:

1. Proper cleanser: (according to your skin type) Normal, Oily, Dry, Combination, Acne
2. Exfoliation: (one of my personal faves is Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant )
3. Toner: (my fave)Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
4. Moisturizer: (yes, even if you have oily skin) I absolutely love this! Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 makes my skin appear to be glowing literally, while protecting my skin from the very bad sun rays.

Now, please don't look at the list and think it's too much work to add to your daily routine. You can do it! I'm positive.

• All it takes is a pump or two of cleanser into the palm of your hands...massage into your skin for at least 60 seconds.
• Exfoliation can be done everyday depending on the type of exfoliator you use, It depends on your skin type. If you have very sensitive skin, once a week will work wonders for you.
• Now Toner is as easy as spritzing on your favorite perfume. As long as your toner is in a spray bottle that is. Just spritz all over face at arms length, and voila! You're ready to go! Toner is very important because it brings your skins pH level back to normal
• Now moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! I cannot say it enough. I have heard so often that because your skin is oily you cannot moisturize. Now that is a myth. In fact, did you know your skin will produce MORE sebum/oil if it is lacking moisture? Bet you didn't know that one. Besides, there are great products out there.

I will be posting fantastic products that will work wonders for you. Products that you can get straight from the isle at your local drugstore! Check back soon, for more info. I truly hope that you find this information to be helpful. I would love to hear your comments, and feedback.
Thank you....till tomorrow!

- First things first: I am a product junkie ;)

Hi friends,

OK, so I will admit it...I am a product and makeup junkie (in a good way of course). I strongly believe that there is absolutely nothing wrong with a girl pampering herself and putting on a little makeup. I love, love, love shopping and buying new products that will make my skin look and feel fabulous. I know I am not the only one out there, whether you will admit it or not. What female or male for that matter doesn't want fabulous looking skin? I know what you're thinking. No matter what you do, your skin will not look good enough.. right? Well, I'm here to tell you that you're WRONG! (sorry) Everyone can have the fabulous skin they truly want and deserve. As a licensed Esthetician and just being completely in love with skin care I have grown to learn the importance of skin care maintenance. Are you ready to learn and discover with me?? I will be posting how to properly take care of your skin , My favorite and least favorite products, and everything else in between. So get ready to learn and discover and check back for new posts!!