A lifestyle blog full of beauty, health, fitness, entertainment and positive encouragement designed for the busy mom, bride, beginner, teens and all those in between!
Last week of August - how the heck did we get this far in the year? I sound silly saying it out loud, though it's true. I'm stumped at how fast the year goes! In my humble opinion, with Labor Day Weekend - we are officially in the holiday season.
Photo credit; Dollface Bettys -Tammy Cochran
There are so many events between now and then - then being the Christmas season, celebrations and get togethers that it's safe to call it "holiday season". Or, you could also call it a good time to give and get wine!
Today in the Wine Wednesday review of $10 or under wines from the
Walmart, I have a suggestion for you called Smoking Loon and it's a
cabernet sauvignon.
Enjoy!
Please let me know in the comments what your favorite $10 or under wine
is!
Today - so out of left field, but then again, is it really?
I have a Tuesday Tip for you, especially those of you who are single and
looking or interested in finding someone special.
It's my two cents based off conversation with a mega babe friend of mine
- so before you tinder me and swipe away, have a wee watch.
Then like it and share it why don't'cha!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
Hi ya Gorgeous!
Happy Monday!
Have I mentioned how I love Mondays? Also, in Arizona, finally, a morning that started below the 100 degree mark. Woot woot! That means Fall cool weather is only 2 months away! Joy!
Now - today's blog post is about Santevia mineralized alkaline water - treatment and bottle.
I received this sample from Santevia, thank you very much to test and review for an opinion.
Welp, my opinion is yes and amen. I like the BPA free bottle and the taste and feel of the water when drinking it. My now 13 year old likes it as well! Bonus! He is usually decent at getting water in but this just helps. I think it's the hydrogen booster gadget in the water that it making him drink more water and I've got no argument with that.
There is a wonderful booklet that accompanies the Santevia bottle detailing the benefits of a more alkaline system and how you can achieve it with the water when you add either the hydrogen booster (which is also called a recovery stick) or the bags of alkalized mineral balls.
Either way - I like it! I noticed a wee different in my skin after drinking the alkalized water for 5 days straight. When I say drinking the water, I mean 4 full bottles a day.
The water from your tap is no longer balanced. Conventional
water treatment removes healthy trace minerals and reduces alkalinity
(pH) while adding harsh chemical disinfectants. This Santevia System
restores your water’s pH balance, taste and natural benefits. It’s like
drinking water from a pristine mountain stream: soft, silky and
refreshing.
Now, that's just good stuff. There is a table top version for filling up so the whole family, pets included can use it.
Good stuff! Get yours on Amazon here or visit the Santevia website to see all the options available!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
TGIF! Woo hoo! The weekend is here - and for me - it's packed. No complaints - though the monsoon storms keeping knocking out the power and the internet! So posts have been a tad sporadic. This was supposed to go up last week after getting home from the Aesthetic Everything Beauty Expo - but , the weather! I know, that's like saying "the dog ate my homework" and true story, while at my son's school waiting to visit with a teacher, I heard a kid say that very thing!
So this video is a review/tutorial at the Aesthetic Everything Beauty Expo in Scottsdale at The Phoenician Resort with Oxygenetics skincare. I have used several of their products in my post procedure care for the Lutronic LaseMD facial.
It's a real bonus to have a gentle and healing foundation to use because even though the procedure doesn't require down time, I wanted to even out my skin tone and be camera ready!
Enjoy the video
I was post procedure with a Lutronic LaseMD facial in this video. It had barely been 24 hours and my skin looked great though felt a little dry. Just before the video, Sopie from Oxygenetics had applied some Hydra Matrix first and then the foundation.
I received great hydration, the itchy calmed down, and then the foundation evened out my skin tone and I wore it for the rest of the work day and by the end of the event, I still had dewey even toned skin even though it was post LaseMD laser facial.
I know in the video, a sponge is used to apply - but - for me at home, I prefer to use clean fingers or a foundation brush. I think the sponge soaks up product and wastes it, so - fingers or brush for me!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
Who else is ready for a Wednesday? Or a new wine? Or - what? The fast approaching Labor Day weekend!
Ahh! Where does the time go? Where ever it goes, it goes too fast!
Ok, today I have a wine review of a Newman's Own product - Common Good cabernet sauvignon.
Did you know that Newman's Own charity started 30 years ago with a simple salad dressing? To this day, I like that dressing, and I like the Sockerooni marinara sauce too!
Now get ready to experience this wine - it's worth it! So much fun and goodness in the bottle!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
Did you know that a brand new roof installation can benefit you in more than one way? The roof is the crown of the home! The roof represents the covering of the house and the better condition it is, the better the house can be for keeping care of a family, furniture and valuables inside.
First, if you have been trying to sell your home or commercial building and it hasn't budged, consider installing a new roof to help with the resale value.
Second, a new roof improves curb appeal - meaning that the house or building looks better than the one next to it!
Third, energy efficiency is a hallmark of a new roof due to tighter seals and insulation.
In the Canton Michigan area, the Tittle Brothers Construction company is licensed, bonded and insured and has the best reputation in the Canton area and can get started working for you now with a written quote and estimate on your roof installation.
Contact Tittle Brothers Construction today by calling
(734) 225-2525
Use this link to find out the other reasons why a new roof installation can benefit you!
Happy Monday to ya! Oh, how I love Mondays - I get so much done and this week is action packed!
So I'm going into my second week of my laser facial and I just really like the results.
I'm continuing to follow the post procedure protocol of taking really good care of my skin, which is a norm and given for me personally.
This little skin cleansing sponge made of natural plant based fiber is gentle on my healing skin and effective in cleaning my skin. Meet Dew Puff!
I have 3 samples, the orange tone in the photo is the Asian Clay Dew Puff - and I also have samples of Bamboo Charcoal which is the grey puff and then the white puff is the original Dew Puff.
The Dew Puff can replace your skin chamois or wash cloth or current skin brush. You can use it alone with water or with your favorite cleanser. I use mine wet with cleanser and it gets a nice foamy lather and I wash my face and it's soft and removes makeup while being gentle on the face and neck.
It's been great for post procedure care and going forward, I'm going to continue to use it to remove the heavy sunscreens I am wearing to protect my freshly lasered skin!
Learn more at www.dewpuff.com - find it at Walgreens and online!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
Hi ya Gorgeous!
How is your Sunday going? Is it relaxing or full of adventure or prep and planning?
Mine, is prep and planning. Though I would like to be sipping sangria and grillin' meats for the fam then having a show - I'm not.
The week ahead is cray cray amazing - don't get me wrong - I'm super excited for all that is coming up in the next 3 weeks - but - it means that some serious nose to the grindstone preparation needs to be done around the house to ensure a smooth week ahead and then some.
Now that all the chores are done - with just some in house cleaning to complete - I am ready to relax with a long hot shower and lots of my fave bath goodies, but in the shower. I don't really like baths because who wants to soak in their own dirty water? Seriously!
I have a new foaming shower gel to use for some in shower spa aromatherapy from Treets Tradtions, it's rose and ricebran oil. I'm a huge fan of the rose scent and this shower foam is made with rose oil!
It's foamy with lots of nourishing skin oil for a pampering shower. You can dispense a ball of foam into your palm, onto a poof or wash cloth then enjoy the aromatherapy and moisturizing wash.
I'm liking mine- you just may like it too! Find it online at Amazon!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
Hi ya Gorgeous!
TGIF!
Woo hoo - the weekend is here! Ours is jam packed with activity - good stuff - though have I mentioned the commute?
During my whirlwind trip to Scottsdale to experience Lutronic LaseMD - I
also attended the Aesthetic Everything Beauty Expo and met with the
representatives for Lutronic LaseMD, DJ Shooter and Brian Lodwig.
p.s. If you are not in Arizona and need to find a Lutronic LaseMD laser technician in your area, use the link above!
Thank you for watching, please subscribe and comment.
Oh happy Friday! Woo hoo - the weekend! Ever since we have gone back to the mega commute, I find I look forward to the weekend more than my son so I don't have to drive!
Now let's get into today's blog post - please reference yesterdays post here for the scoop on why I am talking about post procedure products to care for healing skin!
My first laser facial with Lutronic LaseMD is in my humble opinion, a success! I am liking the tightening and more even skin tone on my face - though what I really love - is the neck. I have been wanting to address this neck for some time now, and well, now - it's had some attention addressed to it! Not exactly where I want to see it in the long run, but a great start to a firmer more even skin tone.
Short version of a long moral store - WEAR SUNSCREEN APPLY DAILY AND ALL OVER!
See the products in the picture above? That's exactly what I have used this entire week to care for my skin - and I'm a fan of all of it! It was a real comfort when I first met Cindy of Cosmetic Laser Solution and I walked into her laser treatment room and there were some old blog favorites of skin care sitting on the shelf to greet me.
I've been in Murad skincare for a decade though have deviated a bit here and there and tried other brands that were samples sent to the blog, such as PCA Skin ( oh how I love there masks and retinol!) and Oxygenetics which has a light effervescent feeling day lotion that packs a powerful load of moisture into it!
I've recently really returned and enjoyed products from MyChelle and I swear by the reef safe mineral based (20% zinc oxide!) sunscreen which is what I need with this fresh skin!
Enjoy this video - walking you through the products and the process and the links below the products is for you to look into if you are interested.
My first LaseMD laser facial with Cindy at Cosmetic Laser Solutions
inside Scottsdale Skin Institute. Lutronic reached out with an
opportunity to try the procedure in return for an honest opinion of the
experience.
Hi ya Gorgeous,
Today I get to share what I started last week! Lately it's been a whirlwind of activity, both as a filmmaker and in the beauty community as a blogger and makeup artist.
I was invited by Lutronic to try their new facial procedure, LaseMD. The stars aligned and call it coincidence, kismet or mercury in retrograde - I just happened to be able to schedule pick up shots for a music video I'm working on, visit with the Lutronic LaseMD provider, Cindy of Cosmetic Laser Solutions and then also swing by the Aesthetic Everything Beauty Expo. Bada boom bada bing! It was a very busy weekend - yet everything worked out perfectly!
Before we get into the video - here are the photos of the Lutronic LaseMD facial healing- from day one last Thursday to today.
Lutronic reached out with an opportunity to try the procedure in return
for an honest opinion of the experience.
Day 3 Post Procedure
Things to know - this was not painful. Not at all like the time three years ago that I was given a lovely gift of a Fraxel CO2 laser facial which was very painful and took 18 days to have my salsa face turn into a tomato face and from there, another full week before I wasn't red, just bright pink. Yes I saw nice results though it took 6 months for it to show up.
That's not the case with the Lutronic LaseMD laser facial, it's really more of a combo spa/med spa/laser/facial/esteem enhancement treatment.
Day 4 Post Procedure
My skin immediately looked better, less dull, more vibrant and I noticed a bit of tightening in the neck - which is really the area I am convinced of right now. Don't get me wrong, in real life, it doesn't look like Madonna, but it doesn't look like Selena Gomez either.
Day 5 Post Procedure
I had some dryness and I was told about that. I grew a light fuzzy crust and that too was covered in the post operative care sheet - what I experienced was a light bit of itching and like a tattoo, I didn't dare scratch the itch! Instead, light tapping with clean hands to satisfy the fuzzy tingle.
Day 6 Post Procedure
I have cheated a bit and used the Dew Puff skin sponge to wash my face with to help defuzz the crust a little. The Lutronic LaseMD laser facial never made scabs like the fraxel laser. I have a follow up post with all of the products I used for my post care. I would say that eating water filled foods, like iceberg lettuce, watermelon and cucumbers helped on the inside while I was treating the outside with PCA Skin ad Oxygenetics.
I'm very please with the results and especially happy with the results I got with no downtime. I literally went to work the next day and if you only have an hour lunch break during the week you could enjoy this facial. From the time you fill out the paperwork to the time you are walking out of Cosmetic Laser Solutions could be an hour.
Note to you - wear a button up shirt and allow room around your neck. I didn't even think of that going in and needed to take my shirt off.
I also recommend that you follow the post care instructions to the T - even if free champagne is available. Life is about choices!
Now, here is the video for you - enjoy the process - and if I can do it, so can you! Don't wait to take care of yourself and invest in you today! You are worth it!
Hi ya Gorgeous!
Woot woot! It's Wednesday! You know what that means, right? It's wine Wednesday here on MakeupUniversity and I have a double packed twice the punch helpful packing tip for you in today's blog post.
Labor Day Weekend is a few short weeks away and if you are planning on going anywhere - staycation or vacation, these lil single serving recycle friendly merlot and cabernet sauvignon wines can help you have a wonderful celebration - or, just calm your nerves after a very long drive in heavy traffic.
Meet Rex Goliath and Black Box - these wines come in bottles and full size boxes as well and you can find them at Walmart!
Before you go, please let me know in the comments, what's your favorite $10 and under wine!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
Hi ya Gorgeous!
Oh what a wonderful week it is! I'm so excited for what's next in this life adventure! I'm in the middle of planning my son's 13th birthday party! Whoa - where did 13 years go?
Today's post is an introduction to a new series of skincare by Dove. Now, who doesn't know Dove as a go to staple of skincare in the drugstore? Am I right? But, did you know that they have a new product line that is geared towards and focused on skincare needs of those with eczema, extremely dry skin and those with a need for extra care.
Dove puts it this way: " A new way to care for the most delicate faces, every product in our
range protects against dry skin and leaves it soft, smooth and
comfortable. Discover a dermatologist-tested face bar – our mildest
beauty bar yet – that’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Or try Dove
DermaSeries Gentle Cleansing Face Wash, a hypoallergenic face wash that
improves visual dryness in just 4 washes. Finish your routine with our
face cream, DermaSeries Replenishing Face Cream with SPF 15. Every
product glides onto your skin with ease, moisturises and sinks in
without a trace. Creamy cleansing and care for a beauty routine as
enjoyable as you deserve."
I agree. My son who has Pilaris Keratosis on his upper arms and calves has been using this and so far, so good. It's providing relief as well as comfort without scent or a sticky tacky feeling on the skin. That's a win for us!
Get your Dove DermaSeries products online at Amazon or in your local CVS and Walmart!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
Happy Monday! This weekend was jam packed and this week the blog will be! I've got some reviews and recaps coming up like this post about the Aesthetic Everything Beauty Expo, my time with Cindy and Lutronic LaseMD and a Wine Wednesday that will get you prepped and ready for the Labor Day Weekend.
First up, special thank you to Vanessa and Kelly for the invitation to attend! I learned
so much plus had the opportunity to try a few new things out! I also saw some MakeupUniversity blog favorites in PCA Skin, Epionce and met a new fave, Eversmile.
In August at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale Arizona, all things
beauty education, advancement in skincare solutions and beyond happen at
the Aesthetic Everything Beauty Expo created by Vanessa. The best in
skin physicians come to share what's developing and available for the
advancement of beauty!
This year featured red carpet host, Kevin Frazier
from Entertainment Tonight, and awarded
Hi ya Gorgeous!
Get ready for a great day! I'm excited to be testing this new product sample I received from PUR energizer that when using - can give you - PUR attitude!
I love a skin care gadget and I'm at the Aesthetic Beauty Expo for Lutronic Lase MD and so glad to have this wee misty nano technology skincare gadget to help the post care! I'll be at Cosmetic Laser Solutions first and then on to the event!
Enjoy the video and stay tuned to Twitter for the expo updates! Check in on the hashtag, #AEBeautyExpo for all the latest news and updates!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
Hi ya Gorgeous!
Girl, you know what time it is! Wine Wednesday! Time for a wine review of a bottle of red that is ten dollars or under.
So why the distinction of a red wine? Because, in general I prefer red. I will dabble in some rose, or champagne and if you ever see me drinking white wine, I'm most likely signaling for help.
This bottle was under ten dollars and actually came in near the $5 range - apologies for not remembering the exact price though what I do remember is that this pinto noir finished hard, sour, and like sand paper that has been used for a few trees.
It always surprises me when I don't like something, and I have to say, this is not a favorite. Enjoy the video!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
Hi ya Gorgeous!
Today I have a new product introduction for you, meet Bronx Colors Urban Cosmetics.
You may have seen these on the reality tv show, American Beauty Star with Adriana Lima.
This is a fairly new brand and you can find it on UltaBeauty.com and their webpage which has the biggest selection of products.
I was recently at Cosmoprof North America on a media assignment. Bronx Colors has a brand new line of makeup brushes that are magnetic and they come in a metal tin. You can use the tin case as a palette and place to "park" your brushes magnetically to hold them up and keep the brush bristles off of the table area where you are working, increasing the hygienic barrier for your client or self.
I received this sample box of makeup and it was such a delight to open and find so many fun colors to play with. I love the lip tint in a Fall berry hue!
Hope you enjoyed the video!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
Hi ya Gorgeous!
Today I have a two part series for you on a new healthy perfume, Wild Spirit Fragrances.
This video is an interview on the show floor at Cosmoprof in Las Vegas
inside Mandalay Bay with Joyce from the brand. These are available in stores now and you can either select the fragrance sampler that has roller ball application or the larger sizes that are sprays.
Such a wonderful kismet Divine appointment!
Enjoy the video and remember to pick up your own Wild Spirit fragrances
at Walmart and Walmart.com
http://wildspiritfragrances.com/
Hi ya Gorgeous!
Happy Monday!
Oh boy do I ever love a Monday. Anything and everything is possible on a Monday. I have a jam action packed week ahead of me and though it's a lot of work, I'm excited for the creative challenge!
Woot woot!
There are a lot of videos coming up this week so stay tuned for that goodness!
A few thoughts before we get into the video for today, of which there are two because there was just so much to share about Wild Spirit Fragrances that it really required two posts.
Back to school is in full swing here in Arizona and in Nevada and many other places around the country. That could mean, "back to bullying, being teased, harassed, having lunch money stolen," and in general a miserable life for a kid.
Do you remember ever having a job that you hated, but you needed the money so you still forced yourself to go and being there made you physically sick, but you had to go?
For some kids, that's what back to school is like instead of being the joy of seeing old friends, having new clothes, shoes, backpacks and school supplies.
So this fragrance that I came across (details in the video) is perfect for a kid, boy or girl, who is going back to school and needs a boost of confidence.
I agree with Coco Chanel, that fragrance is the best accessory! As is a smile!
So enjoy the video and going forward into this year, boost your confidence with a great scent. It can be the scent secret that a student has to help boost their morale in a tough day!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
Hi ya Gorgeous,
Happy Thursday - that feels like a Monday with the back to school season upon us. I just received some samples from Australian Gold in the new botanical sunscreen line, just in time for the Labor Day Weekend coming up in a few weeks.
I'm testing the products now in my home pool and so far, so good! I'm looking forward to using these at Caesar's Palace over the holiday weekend!
These are available on Amazon, in mass retailers and on the Australian Gold website.
This sunscreen is lightweight, has a bit of scent, wears a sheer tint on the face that is not greasy and my other makeups wore well over it! Now, notice in the photo below - it's fairly light. I do not know if there is a shade range in this product, but I do know, that anyone with deeper pigment in the skin still needs to wear sunscreen!
Now, before you blink it will be the long holiday weekend to celebrate Labor Day. I will be on mini vacay in Vegas with friends and packing this along. So - please don't wait til the last minute, invest in some good protection now!
The Australian Gold® Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion is more than just
powerful sun protection – it’s gentle care for your skin. This
non-chemical sunscreen lotion delivers a refreshingly luxurious,
powdery-clean feel, while the subtle tint seamlessly blends into any
skin tone yet washes away with water. Specially designed for sensitive
facial skin, this lotion won’t clog pores and is fragrance free. Rich in
vitamins and antioxidants from native Australian botanical ingredients,
it allows you to enjoy the sun your way, protected from both UVA and
UVB rays, and water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Discover the non-greasy, non-sticky feel of the Australian Gold Botanical® Line and experience worry-free days in the sun! $13.99
The Australian Gold® Botanical SPF 50 Natural Spray is more than just powerful sun
protection – it’s gentle care for your skin. This natural sunscreen
spray delivers a refreshingly luxurious, powdery-clean feel in a
convenient 360° continuous spray. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from
native Australian botanical ingredients, it allows you to enjoy the sun
your way, protected from both UVA and UVB rays, and water resistant for
up to 80 minutes.
Discover the deliciously subtle scents and non-greasy, non-sticky
feel of the Australian Gold Botanical® Line and experience worry-free
days in the sun! $15.99
So far so good, my son and I both like this spray and I know the experts say don't use spray sunscreen because enough does not get on the skin and a thick layer that gets rubbed in and activated on the skin is really what is necessary for sun protection.
This product is an avobenzone product and not reef safe - but it's pool safe and some sun protection is better than none at all. Australian gold is pediatrician tested, dermatologist tested, paba free, phthalate free, paba free, oxybenzone free, hypo allergenic and no animal testing with organic alcohol being used in the base.
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!
