Friday, October 31, 2008

Read "The Shack" for a new look at beauty

Oh my goodness! What a read! I read alot, and many times I recommend the book and pass it on to friends, though this book I feel like I need to buy a dozen and distribute!
I am deeply passionate about the Lord and consider Jesus my best friend. Because of my zeal for the Lord, I encounter many bitter, angry, lonely and in general, pissed off at God people because of what "religion" has done to them; and then these people generally take it out their frustrations on me because I am filled with the joy of the Lord and they are not. Though, this book has said it best, what I already know:
it's about relationship with Jesus, not religion.
So, if you don't want to buy a copy, just read some of the preview on the website http://www.theshackbook.com/
and if you like it, go buy it: Walmart has it for $9.97.
I think you will be intrigued one way or another and want to know how it all ends...oh the suspense of it all!
What I love most about the book is the emphasis on talking, just chatting, easy going banter and conversation with Him. Sure, He already knows whats going on, but He wants to hear it from you.
Just like I always ask my toddler " so, tell me a little something about your day?". Even though I already know what his day was like, I just want to hear him tell it, in his words, his way. Well, God is no different with us than we are with our kids.
Enjoy the book, it's worth the ten bucks and after all, if you buy it at Walmart or Costco, you can always get your money back or a store credit if you have to. :)

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Baking soda facials: who knew the kitchen is also a spa?

TotalBeauty.com content:

Sexy Celebrity Hairstyles for Fine Hair

These haircuts and updos added oomph to flat-haired celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Biel


Fine hair can be tricky to style -- do it wrong and you wind up with flat, lifeless strands. To save you from yet another hairstyling headache we got celeb stylist Nelson Chan of the Nelson J salon in Beverly Hills, Calif., to dish on what celebrity-inspired cuts and styles will pump up your fine-textured strands.

http://images.totalbeauty.com/img/beautyBits/b_beautyBits.gif) 0 0 no-repeat; display: block;"> See fine hair


Thank God it's Friday!
Okay, I have survived my Arizona State Fair events...and wouldn't you know it; today is partly cloudy with a forcast of cool.

Well, all that sweating has got to be good for something? Right!

In case you too have been out in the elements, around smoke and dirt, or just plain funk: a simple at home detox mask for your face is to take your everyday household item of :

baking soda...and mix a small slurry/ not quite a paste with water and apply it to clean skin.

This simple mix will pull out dirt and grime, while neutralizing the skin.

So here are the steps to follow:
1. wash face
2. tone face
3. apply baking soda/water slurry
4. steam face ( if you don't have a steamer, simply heat a pot of water on the stove and stand over it for a few minutes...the longer you steam the more intense the results)
5. wash your face
6. tone
7. apply your anti-aging serum
8. apply a thick cream to seal the skin
9. apply your eye cream
10. finish with a light mist of evian atomizer/vapour spray for the face

Nice going! This is great for pre-party, pre-photos or post stressful events!

Have a safe and enjoyable time tonight!
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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Sothy's and Bruno Jamais giveaway!






TotalBeauty.com content:


9 Eyeliners You Should Avoid


These products made TotalBeauty.com readers march to the return counter



9 Eyeliners You Should Avoid

According to your reviews, these eyeliners -- some of which had potential to be great -- possessed at least one fatal flaw that was undetectable at the store. Read on to find out which product harbored your biggest pet peeve. (Spot one of your favorites? Write a counter review to boost its rating!)


See eyeliners


Okay, last week we had talked about the need to do at home spa treatments. Here's some help from Makeup University to get a spa night going for yourself...and if you live in New York, then take your newly rejuvenated skin out for a great meal.

Remember that Sothy's is an amazing, effective and results producing line of skin care and doing an at home treatment with their products is going to give you results similiar to going to a professional.

First, to enter the drawing to wint the SOTHY'S "At home SPA" kit, send your name, mailing address and answer to the questions by October 31st, 2008 at midnight.
1. What year was Sothy's created?
2. Who founded Sothy's?
3. Where is their flagship store/spa located at?

Next...to win the gift certificate for the Bruno Jamais restaraunt, your contact info and answers by October 31st, 2008.
1. Who is the restaraunt owner?
2. What award has the establishment won?
3. Who is playing there on Monday November 3rd?

Good luck!
Now, here's a wee bit more about Sothy's "At Home SPA" kit and Bruno Jamais!
***
Sothys has created the ultimate skin care kit for the winter doldrum skin!

-Each Kit contains 3 am azing targeted-care products

-Essential performing actives provide treatment results

-Convenient for professional results at home

... and most importantly in this economy...price saving!

Plus there are very specific solutions for individual skin types. Such as the 3 main skin types encountered at the spa:



Normal Skin

Contains: retail size Hydra-Protective Creme, retail size Vitamin Serum, trial size Desquacreme



Sensitive Skin

Contains: retail size Immuniscience Creme, retail size Clearness Serum, trial size Clearness & Comfort Mask



Oily Skin

Contains: retail size Hydra-Matt Fluid , retail size Clarifying Correcting Serum, trial size Absorbent Mask


###From the press release about the club...
"Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club brings the French Riviera to the upper east side. Where else can one dine in style until 3am with delectable cuisine such as chocolate soufflé and Foie Gras? The service and décor are equally impressive. The restaurant received the "Best Interior Design" award by Hospitality Design Magazine. There is also live entertainment on Monday nights with the best of jazz and soul. On a cold winter's night, allow debonair owner Bruno Jamais to make you feel at home and beat the doldrums of winter. With Chef Hok Chin at the kitchen's helm the cuisine is sure to delight even the most discerning palates. Bruno Jamais and Chef Hok Chin have created a unique menu that has an Asian influence without losing its French integrity. Bruno Jamais is also the perfect place to book your private party and can accommodate up to 200 diners for a buffet dinner or 70 people for a sit down dinner. For those upper east siders who are tired of trekking downtime for an evening of fun, this exclusive venue has it all. If you are looking to see stars, celebrity patrons have included: Billy Baldwin, Joan Rivers, Cindy Adams, Chazz Palminteri and even former President Bill Clinton. Reservations are suggested and chic attire is requested. BRUNO JAMAIS RESTAURANT CLUB --- The restaurant received the “Best Restaurant Design” Award by Hospitality Design Magazine for 2004.

24 EAST 81 STREET NY NY www.brunojamais.com
Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club

Ph: 212 396-3444


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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The makeup of Patrick Nagel: showing soon!

TotalBeauty.com content:

Halloween Costume Idea: Retro '60s Girl

Channel Twiggy with extreme false lashes and a pale pout


We teamed up with Gregory Arlt, director of makeup artistry for MAC cosmetics, to show you how to create this classic Twiggy look. It's easy if you follow these step-by-step instructions. For a complete look, pair this dramatic makeup with a wide headband and '60s-style turtleneck dress.

See the look


Okay, this sixties makeup is a favorite of mine in the daily beauty bit, so I figured it was worth one more look for your upcoming parties.

Speaking of looks, what I am creating for the Scottsdale Fashion week is based on the artwork of Patrick Nagel.
Remember those prints from the 1978 to early 1980's? It will be fun to see how it pairs with the bridal gowns being worn. Much of Patrick Nagel's work was featured in Playboy, but it is the Duran Duran Rio album cover that came to my mind when I began to design a look for the runway.
So come out and see how it looks! Say hi when you are there!
Remember to take care of your transitioning fall to winter skin!

Bridal Makeup DIY Style: How To Take Control of Your Wedding Day Beauty for brides who would rather spend the money on cake!

















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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Last minute cosmetic costume ideas

TotalBeauty.com content:

Be a Sexy Vampire This Halloween

This ghoulish yet glam look is dramatic enough to win any costume contest


If you're looking for a costume that will truly transform your look while still making you look a little sexy, Vampira is the way to go. Follow these step-by-step instructions courtesy of Gregory Arlt, director of makeup artistry for MAC Cosmetics, to learn how to do this look. Complete this vampy makeup with a black wig and cape.

See the look


Well, for those of you who are planning to wait til the last minute to get your party look together, here is a link with some help. I suspect you are also the same people who wait til December 24th, at 6 pm to start your Christmas shopping?

The Total Beauty site has many links with videos and step by step instructions on how to create a costume with makeup, then you add a wig and wardrobe.

Good luck and enjoy a safe party!
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Monday, October 27, 2008

Fall skincare to winter skin care: what you need to do

TotalBeauty.com content:

Editors' 9 Lowest-Rated Body Lotions

These moisturizers from brands like Clinique, Sephora and Dove didn't give us enough bang for our buck


When the weather turns cold and dry, we hand over hard-earned cash for body moisturizers that we hope will keep our skin from feeling parched and itchy. But these nine promising lotions left us, well, a bit dissatisfied.

See lotions


Today's daily beauty bit will help with some product info on what has been the lowest rated; meaning the ones not to buy-in body lotions.

Though there are a few different steps that you can do to help ease the transition from Fall skincare into Winter skin care.

1. Still need to be drinking alot of water to stay hydrated from the inside out
2. Adding the flax seed oil supplement or omega 3 fish oil will help also along with having residual health benefits
3. Move out of your oil free lotions into a thicker textured creme based lotion or creme
4. Apply the serums first, and if you aren't using an anti-aging serum, now is the time to try it
5. The transistion of weather changing and products can cause skin to erupt a pimple: don't pick! Simple steam off the head, and apply an over the counter pimple medicine

I love the cool weather because in Arizona, it happens for about 2, maybe 3 months if we are lucky!

It's not cool yet, well, it's below 100, so in a way that is cool in comparison. Though pant weather is just a month away! Yea!

For those who are in Arizona, remember the Scottsdale Fashion Week starts on November 4th, come out and enjoy the festivities!
*This is not a traditional runway fashion show created for buyers, it's more of a party. Though worth going to anyway for the free swag bag.

See you there!

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Saturday, October 25, 2008

The smokey eye: for more than just celebrities

TotalBeauty.com content:

Victoria Beckham's Sultry Makeup

Who doesn't want to be Posh Spice this Halloween? Follow these steps to copy her look


David and Victoria Beckham will be the couple costume of the year. Follow these step-by-step instructions from one of Victoria's makeup artists, Director of Makeup Artistry for MAC Cosmetics Gregory Arlt, and learn how to recreate her signature makeup look. Pair this with a Posh-like wig and you're set.

See Victoria



It's probably one of the most asked questions: how do I create a smokey eye? Something that looks like the Super glam Pam on magazine covers, red carpet events and even in today's daily beauty bit with Posh Spice Victoria Beckham.

It's fairly simple, and you don't need alot of product. In fact, 2 shadows, mascara, and black eyeliner. Sure, you can add more shadows, but the basics are covered in 2 shadows, a light and a dark. It's more about technique than it is about product.

To start with: cover your eye with powder/foundation/concealer or a shadow base

Next, apply your light shadow on the brow bone area and pull downwards towards the lash line

Be sure to get a bit of color on the inside tear duct area of the eye to make it "pop"

That was easy right?

Now, using your dark shadow and a crease brush/medium sized shadow brush, begin to blend the shadow in a small triangle with a comma tail through the crease, putting most of the product on the outer edge of the eye and blending it towards the crease to make it fade

Run the brush under the eye towards the tear duct

Keep blending! The secret here is to blend! And blend some more!

Finish with black eyeliner on top and on the inside rim of the lower lid.

Put the sharpened black eyeliner or liquid eyeliner at the outer edge of the corner of the eye and draw one smooth line towards the nose.

Color in the lower rim for a more dramatic effect.

Put some mascara on! Or a set of false lashes! Now is the time to use eggplant purple mascara or deep navy to enhance the effect of your smokey eye.

Remember, the smokey eye can be a black/white shadow set, blues, purples, greens or browns. The smokey is more of a pattern of blending than it is a set of colors.

Enjoy the dramatic makeup and send some pics!

See you at the costume party makeup sessions on Friday or a workshop at your place or mine!
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Friday, October 24, 2008

BOND GIRL at the AZ State Fair plus savings & freebies for you!


TotalBeauty.com content:

Recreate Amy Winehouse's Signature Makeup

Her over-the-top look is guaranteed to be a hit at every Halloween party


Recreate Amy Winehouse's Signature Makeup

In the mood to channel this infamous, disturbed rock star this Halloween? Then follow these step-by-step instructions courtesy of Gregory Arlt, director of makeup artistry for MAC Cosmetics. Complete the look with a ratty, black bouffant wig (an Elvira wig at any costume shop will work perfectly) and you're good to go.

See Amy




Get your BOND GIRL at the Arizona State Fair today for $20 instead of $30 PLUS the free movie ticket!
Have you seen the publicity photos of Gemma Arterton? Wow! Now that's a Bond Girl. Oh, have you seen my photo? I'm a Bond Girl too! ( without all the weapons and Bond kissing ...)

While at the Arizona State Fair ( www.azstatefair.com check here for concerts, discounts, and the $25 ride all you want days) I came across an Avon booth in the building next on the other side of the Grandstand. The odd thing about this statement is that, depending on which side you are standing on, could be the other.

Anyways, there in the corner is a booth filled with Avon products, Dora and Katrina, the Avon reps staffing the booth.

I felt less than fresh, in fact I think I stinketh from walking around the fair all day. I saw the perfume and asked to try it. I'm pretty sure the only reason why I tried it is because it did say BOND Girl. I hosed on a more than fair share and loved the scent. It's light and spicy. It may remind you of L'Ancome's Tresore but not as sweet.

Anyways, that's when I was told that if I bought it at the Arizona State Fair Avon booth...I would receive ten dollars off the normal $30 price, and pay only $20...plus...receive a free movie ticket to see the new BOND movie.

How could you not buy it with all the savings and freebies! So, now I too, am a BOND girl.

If you would like to buy it online from these gals at the Fair, go to:
www.youravon.com/kwoods

Or, just come down to the Arizona State Fair and buy your bottle of BOND Girl at a discount and get the free ticket!

The interesting thing about Godsmacking into the Avon booth, is that I was just teaching at the Fresh Start Women's Foundation ( www.wehelpwomen.com) and in the eyeshadow portion of the class, told my over stuffed room full of gals that one of the best creme eyeshadows left on the market since the demise of DIOR's Ombre Plum, is Avon's Anew Eye-Lifting Serum Shadow. It's a smooth gel formula that goes on smooth and wears. It's in 13 shades, only $10 and right now there is a special that you can buy one and get another at half price.

I suggest for the basic day eye to get: Luminescence and Chestnut
or...
for your late night party going to the club look get: Pearl and Sky or Mint. Put some false lashes over those colors and your ready to party!

Now... for your review...the book I was looking at has the "In a wink instant eyeshdaow sheets", I covered the Sephora version of these that are $35 verses the Avon $9...plus there is a special to buy one get one half off again) perhaps I will test these also and review it for you.

In the meantime, visit the Arizona State Fair Avon booth for your discount BOND Girl perfume and movie ticket, or go online to the website and get some.

See you at a workshop soon!
p.s. if you are booking costume party makeup, the Friday October 31st only has a two spots left, email for times/location and price.

p.s.s. Regular makeup workshops will resume November 3rd...if you are booking for your women's group to have a makeup workshop, please book a minimum of 10.

p.s.s.s. Yes, I will be back at Scottsdale Fashion Week doing Runway makeup, though, exclusively for JennyVi Couture.
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Thursday, October 23, 2008

Need a facial? Do your own! Plus Y.E.S. skin care giveaway

TotalBeauty.com content:

Natural Homemade Beauty Care Tips

Take control over your skin care (and improve your cooking skills) with easy DIY recipes you can make at home


We present our favorite beauty recipes so you can cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate your skin the easy way. (And for those of you who just aren't DIY-types at heart, we feel your pain; check out the natural store bought alternatives after each recipe.)

See recipes



Wow! It's Wednesday already! Okay, I have a giveaway for you below...but before we get to that, let's talk about how to do some at home beauty treatments.

I encourage you to do at home what the spa does for you. It takes a little time though the benefits are huge!

You can find at home spa recipes from Google, or visit Total Beauty.com for reviews of which recipes worked and didn't!

I did my own facial last night complete with steaming. If you have been working a lot, a wee touch stressed or just need a skin pick me up, here's the routine:

First, get an at home mask of some kind whether it's a moisturizing, clay or anti-aging mask.

1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Steam
4. Tone
5. Mask...for as long as the tube says too!
6. Rinse with cool water
7. Tone
8. Apply serums
9. Apply moisturizer
10.Apply eye creme/lip treatment

Wah lah! Gorgeous! Why all the toning you ask? Because it cleans off residual product and helps pH balance the skin. No toner? Use witch hazel applied to a cotton ball or spritzed out of an atomizer.

Now...for those of you who need to get some serum and moisturizer, Y.E.S. skin care is offering an anti-aging duo for you!

To win the Makeup University set of Y.E.S. skin care, the company with a heart for women...please email me between today October 22-24th with answers to these questions:

1. Who founded Y.E.S. skin care
2. Which charity does Y.E.S. skin care support with a portion of sales from the product?
3. Why do you use toner?

Remember to include your mailing address and contact information and the prize will be sent out the following week after the closing date. One email per person/per household please. Thanks!
Now, enjoy the Y.E.S. skin care facts below and see you in the drawing pool!
###
Y.E.S. is continuing to change the face of beauty. “Our anti-aging products are truly a remarkably effective system that combines innovative ingredients that work in tandem to fight even the earliest signs of aging skin," said Linda. "We're eager to introduce the Dynamic Duo to the beauty market as it's the most revolutionary skincare system that industry has ever seen. At Y.E.S., we create a beauty experience that exceeds our customers' expectations continuing to raise the bar for excellence.”



Meet the Beauty Innovator

With more than 20 years in the beauty and fashion industry, Linda Eastwood is a published author and CEO of Y.E.S. Young Essential Skincare. Under Linda’s leadership and guidance, Y.E.S. is positioned as

a leading brand creating trends and driving markets with a simple and differentiated message: provide customers with results-driven products. With the extensive knowledge of new advancements and technology in the beauty industry – from the business sector to product development - Linda is elevating the industry to a new level of excellence. Linda is a visionary and industry leader as she devotes all of her time and energy to Y.E.S. and remains dedicated to the beauty industry.



About Y.E.S. Young Essential Skincare (www.yesskincare.com)

Y.E.S. Young Essential Skincare is a premier skincare line with results-driven anti-aging solutions for women.


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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Why you don't put red lipstick on your eyelids for red shadow

TotalBeauty.com content:

Editors' Must-Have Lip Glosses

We, like you, can never have too many glosses. Here are a few of our faves from MAC, Chanel, Clinique and more


Lip gloss -- it's a staple in everyone's makeup bag (right?!), so the TotalBeauty.com editorial team is obsessed with finding the very best. We've tried a ton -- some even call us lip gloss whores -- and narrowed down the best for you. If you disagree though, please chime in. We'd love to know about your go-to glosses.

See lip glosses



Hello and happy Tuesday:
This month there is a lot of costume makeup being applied. And for those of you who want to have red shadow effects on your eyes: please do not put red lipstick anywhere but where it is designed for.

You can get my favorite red shadow by Anna Sui at Sephora or online at Ulta. Or, as far as theatre makeup goes, Ben Nye products are hands down the best and actually, quite affordable.

You can get Ben Nye makeup online or in your local costume shops this time of year.

Red shadows can come im creme or powder forms, and I have actually seen a liquid liner in the shade.

Why you don't put red lipstick on your eyes is because many of them contain harmful lake # dyes. When it says Red Lake #5, you really shouldn't be wearing it in the first place, and if you do, don't put it next to your eyesight which is surgically expensive to restore.

I have a few spots left on Friday October 31st for costume makeup if you are interested and need a makeup artist for your party. Email for rates.
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Pin up girl style makeup: 40's retro'ish

TotalBeauty.com content:

Classic Pin-Up Girl Makeup How-To

Dita Von Teese's makeup artist shows you how to master her look for Halloween


To win the "sexiest costume" award this Halloween, copy this bombshell makeup look. Here, Gregory Arlt, director of makeup artistry for MAC Cosmetics, shows you step by step how to recreate Dita Von Teese's signature makeup. Finish off the look with a black glam wig and '40s inspired dress.

See Dita


History repeats itself in every aspect of our society!
Now, at this time there is not a full resurgence of classic 1940's pinup style, though there are some celebrities who make it a mainstay and keep it current. Such as Kat Von D, Dita Von Teese, Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani.

I like the look and wear it often. My opinion, the best matte red lipstick is Explore by Lorac, though, check out the daily beauty bit and find some other suggestions in formulations that may work for you.

Remember, if you are going to be wearing a bold red shade, you need to exfoliate your lips with your toothbrush or a fine grained scrub first. Do an extra bit of moisturizer from your face around your mouth to help prepare the skin. The better condition of the lip skin, the better your red will wear.

Plus, as a makeup artist tip: use a stain first such as Benefit Cosmetic's Benetint or the store brand from Sephora. The red will always be there even though the slickery lipstick part has worn off.
Enjoy!
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Monday, October 20, 2008

Hair change is just as important as an oil change!

TotalBeauty.com content:

19 Quick Hairstyles for Your Haircut

Got 10 minutes to spare? That's all you need to copy one of these red carpet-worthy updos


So you've finally got a haircut you love, but now what do you do with it? Here's a solution: Try one of these fun looks created by stylist Rick Farber from The Argyle Salon in Hollywood, Calif. No matter what your hair length or type we have a style -- or five -- for you. Now you have no excuse for wearing your hair the same way day after day.

See hairstyles


Sometimes you get in a makeup rut or a hair rut and the total beauty bit for today is going to help you take a few pins, maybe a pony tail band and update your look.

Lately, I have been wearing my hair in the french roll style pony tail and it's a nice change from the same old swatch of hair hanging off of the back of my head.

I like updo's and it really takes about 5-10 minutes to do. I know that letting it hang off your head and pushed behind your ears takes sixty seconds, but now is the time to start investing in yourself.

Start with one thing, and make a change. You can do it and you'll be glad you did!
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