Happy Valentine's Day Gorgeous! Eat your chocolate!

 HAPPY VALENTINES DAY GORGEOUS!

I love a day to celebrate love! And eat chocolate-nice big hunk of dark chocolate!
One of my favorite skin care lines is Murad and here Dr. Murad shares with us why it's good for us to eat chocolate! Enjoy!

The Power of Chocolate

The Benefits For The Skin, Health and Mood

 

Dr. Howard Murad, FAAD, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad, Inc., has said numerous times, “Before there was medicine, there was food. And before there was food, there was chocolate!”

 

Chocolate invokes the feelings of comfort, romance and happiness. It’s given as gifts for major holidays and is an ancient delicacy that was exclusive to the upper class. But few understand the health benefits of chocolate, outside of its sugary sweetness.

 

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Dr. Murad is explaining what added bonuses chocolate can give you. Eat up!

 

Skin:

• Contrary to what you grew up thinking, chocolate does NOT cause breakouts
• Chocolate contains flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and protect the body from aging caused by free radicals

 

Mood:

• Chocolate is a slight mood elevator, as it contains phenyl ethylamine.
• The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being

 

Teeth:

• Cacao contains antibacterial properties that fight tooth decay

 

It’s important to remember to eat chocolate in moderation; a little goes a long way. But forget the myths and enjoy the chocolate goodness. Your skin, health and attitude will thank you!

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Fat Tuesday: feast with GUESS GIRL the new fragrance

Hello Gorgeous!
Today is Fat Tuesday-a time of feasting before Ash Wednesday when repenting starts and is usually accompanied by 40 days of abstaining from something. I am saddened by the announcement that the Pope is stepping down from his post. You know, I could be Pope.

I'm qualified. Though my Latin is a bit rusty and I'm not too keen about living in Vatican city. Don't get me wrong-it's a beautiful place to visit, but not quite what I would call home.

So, for Fat Tuesday I have 2 product recommendations for you in two different posts-one now, and guess what, one later. First let's talk about my favorite and in my opinion ultimate accessory: fragrance.





 I have been playing with my sample and I must say, the dry down on me is a light, spicy floral scent with a hint of powder. According to the notes of the fragrance, this isn't the intended scent, but alas, I am eating a lot of asparagus and beets to train for an upcoming triathlon.

No matter-I really like the scent, it's light, it's for everyday, and of course I would definitely recommend it for your Fat Tuesday feasting and any Valentine's Day celebrations you may have too!

Now here's a bit from the company about the new Guess Girl scent:
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The fragrance makes an entrance with a burst of sweet promise: innocent Raspberry Nectar, coy Melon, and intriguing Bergamot Mist. The flirtation continues with a tease of rare Brazilian Paradise Orchid, intoxicating Acacia Flower, and alluring Lily. Finally, it ensnares you with voluptuous Vanilla and indulgent Sandalwood, leaving an impression as lasting as lipstick on a pillowcase.



Top notes: Raspberry Nectar, Melon, Bergamot Mist
Middle Notes: Brazilian Paradise Orchid, Provence Acacia Flower, Lily
Base Notes: Australian Sandalwood, Madagascar Vanilla


GUESS Girl Collection

Eau de Toilette	3.4 fl. oz./100ml	$62
Eau de Toilette	1.7 fl. oz./50ml	$52
Eau de Toilette	1.0 fl. oz./30ml	$40
Body Cream	6.7 oz./200ml	$28

Available worldwide February 2013 at GUESS retail stories, perfumery chains, department stores and www.guess.com

Sensuous, captivating and fresh, GUESS Girl is an ode to the fashion brand’s 30 years of iconic models--and a celebration of bold, beautiful women everywhere. No outfit is complete without the intoxicating fragrance.

About Coty Inc.
Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by François Coty, who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry.
Today, Coty Inc. is the new emerging leader in beauty with annual net sales of $4.5 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed a portfolio of notable brands that compete in all key distribution channels across both prestige and mass markets, and in over 130 countries and territories. Coty Inc.’s top 10 brands include such globally recognized brands as adidas, Calvin Klein, Chloé, Davidoff, Marc Jacobs, OPI, philosophy, Playboy, Rimmel and Sally Hansen.

Sensuous, captivating and fresh, GUESS Girl is an ode to the fashion brand’s 30 years of iconic models--and a celebration of bold, beautiful women everywhere. No outfit is complete without the intoxicating fragrance-

7 New Mascaras That Put Faux Lashes To Shame

If eyes really are the windows to the soul, you better have an amazing mascara. Keep reading to find out which new wands are the best

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article Step away from the lash glue, your natural lashes are about to get a whole lot better. Mascaras are constantly one-upping each other, and we'll be the first to admit that it's hard to keep track, especially when new ones are hitting the shelves all the time. To help you get the cream of the crop for 2013, we've done the homework and found this year's best. If you're adding to your collection of mascaras or just on the hunt for a new favorite, you need to check out this roundup of 2013's best new mascaras. See mascaras

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

New York Fashion Week is caught by "SURPRISE" with Heidi Klum & Project Runway

 Hello Gorgeous! New York Fashion Week is in full swing and there is so much to see! I like a lot of the looks except the big boxy fur mittens. Just not Arizona appropriate? I love Coty fragrances and I know this new scent will not disappoint!

The Heidi Klum Surprise by Coty fragrances notes are:

main accords

balmy

floral

citrus

woody

           rose

So far so good this sounds like a scent I am going to lvoe!

Here's a bit from the press release about Heidi Klum, Surprise, Project Runway and NYFW!
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DESIGNERS WERE IN FOR A “SURPRISE” ON TONIGHT’S PROJECT RUNWAY

 

February 8, 2013 – What is more exciting than unraveling the unknown?  Heidi Klum brought you a surprise that is worth waiting for.  On last night’s episode of Project Runway, Klum brought her new fragrance “Surprise” alive through the Project Runway designers. 

 

In the February 7^th episode of Project Runway Season 11, Klum tasked the designers to use her new fragrance, Surprise, as the muse for this week’s looks.  The essence of the fragrance, its packaging and color scheme inspired designers to emulate Heidi’s fragrance in fabric, with each team creating six looks for her.  Two winning looks were chosen, one which Klum will sport for her advertising campaign and the other that she’ll donn for a launch event.

 

“I love my new fragrance, Surprise and I was so excited to share it with the designers for my Project Runway challenge this season.” says Klum. “Fragrance is an extension of a woman’s style, so this was the perfect collaboration for the show.  Surprise is really feminine and sexy, but with a little edge so I was excited to see what all of the designers would come up with.  I love the winning looks that we chose and I can’t wait for everyone to see the amazing ad campaign.”

 

“The Heidi and Project Runway collaboration exemplify what we have done with the fragrance; we’ve created a new standard of refinement for ladies who want to let their inner style inspire others” says Steve Mormoris, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Coty Beauty .

 

Retailing from $17- $35, Surprise captures Heidi’s fearless spirit, sophisticated glamour and vivacious send of fun.   This sexy, floral fragrance comes to life in a symphony of enamoring scents composed of mandarin and pink pepper extracts, rose and magnolia, as well as benzoin and milk of sandalwood.   Surprise is now offered at perfumery chains, department stores and drug stores in the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany and Eastern Europe.

 

About Coty Inc.

Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by François Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry. Today, Coty Inc. is a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of nearly $4 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of notable brands and delivers its innovative products to consumers in 90 markets worldwide.  A division of Coty Inc. the Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes adidas, ASTOR, Beyoncé Knowles, Celine Dion, Chupa Chups, David and Victoria Beckham, GUESS?, Halle Berry, Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, Miss Sporty, Nautica, New York Color, OPI, Sally Hansen, Tim McGraw, and Tonino Lamborghini.

Get The Perfect Valentine's Date Night Look In 3 Easy Steps

Follow our oh-so-easy steps for a perfect Valentine's Day date night look

This is a TotalBeauty.com Advice article Valentine's Day falls on a Thursday this year, which means you probably won't have all the primping and preparing time that you'd like for your special date. By the time you get off of work, change, re-style your hair, and factor in travel time, standing for hours in front of the mirror to perfect your makeup is definitely no longer an option. Luckily, we've got the perfect makeup routine that creates a gorgeous look in just three easy steps, so you'll make your reservation with time to spare! See steps

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

LUSH for Valentine's Day? YES!

Oh my Gorgeous! How do I love LUSH? Let me count the ways!

So for all my single ladies out there or for those ladies who have a beau who does not indulge their girly girl sides-I insist you get to your local LUSH store and get these goodies or at least log in and order them for yourself before they are gone!

I am a pink lip gloss lover and this new lip balm gives the slightest hint of pink shimmer, smells and (*tastes) wonderful and the slick lipness of it lasts. I have worn it alone, with lip liner and over a lipstick. It's simply delicious and it's worth a blind ordering off of the LUSH website!

The Kiss

The Kiss is another first from the LUSH labs; a delicious vegan lip gloss that's absolutely free from preservatives! With luxurious shea and cupuaçu butters, we've created a light balm to moisturize and protect the lips, while giving them a subtle pink glossy sheen – and a delicious almond and mandarin flavor to boot. Re-apply frequently to keep your lips plump and soft after all that kissing! Read More  $8.95

Again, for my single ladies-you have got to get this and for those ladies who have a beau who can be put to good use even better! The small yellow cone tip has a bit of shimmer to it and looks gorgeous on the skin but the true benefit of this is rubbing the flat side of the cone on a sore muscle. Scent is pure Heaven!

From Dusk Till Dawn

There are times, like Valentine's Day, when you want to make sure your partner is wide awake after a romantic massage. A good rub down with this stimulating bar will ensure your grateful partner has plenty of vim and vigor for other...activities! This gold-capped cone has an uplifting and invigorating perfume of Sicilian lemon and sweet wild orange oil to keep you going all night long, From Dusk 'Til Dawn! $7.95

 

Magic Mushroom

Everyone’s favorite toadstool has returned! Our enormously popular Magic Mushroom bubble bar is back again this Valentine’s Day, spreading his bubbles and soft, fruity scents everywhere he goes! His red cap contains the creamy Vanillary perfume, and is topped off with a perfectly white stem of fresh strawberries. Lay back in his enchanting waters and allow a spell of relaxation to wash over you. Although sharing a Valentine’s bath can be very enjoyable, you may not have mush-room for anyone else with this fungi!  

$5.95

Finally my sweet friends-this it too cute not to order and the scent is light and floral plus it makes an insane amount of bubbles! A very wee bit goes a very long way!

7 Ways To Get Perfect Skin Now

You don't need expensive facials or an appointment with a prestigious dermatologist to have amazing skin. Follow these 7 tips to get flawless skin ASAP

This is a TotalBeauty.com Skin care article Achieving and maintaining perfect skin seems downright impossible most of the time. It’s hard enough to drag yourself to the sink in order to remove your makeup before bed, let alone follow a rigorous anti-aging skin care routine. Luckily, there are easy tweaks you can make to your beauty regimen to get flawless skin instantly. Click ahead to see how. See tips

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Bikes, Bourbon and Rock n Roll: for your Valentine's Day

Oh hello Gorgeous!

#TGIF me at @Cherelynn and let me know how you like the wee smackerel of modern male opinion below, I figured we would mix it up a bit today from the usual beauty stories. Enjoy!

The Virtues of Bikes, Bourbon and Rock N Roll
Blurring Gender Roles are Fine, Writer/Rocker Says, But Men Still Need to be Men
 

Does a real man stay at home with the kids while his wife goes to work? Is he OK if she earns more than him? Will he do the cooking – and like it?

Yes, yes and yes, says contemporary philosopher Eli Just, author of the popular supernatural adventure series that begins with “Manny Jones and the Place” (www.elijustsupernaturalwriter.com).

“The ‘new masculinity’ – the new manly man – understands the value of blurring those old gender lines. And he’s also found the satisfaction and real pleasure that comes with some of those things,” Just says.

“But he balances that with some of the old old-school ideas about what it is to be a man. There’s still a lot to be said for the freedom of roaring along a highway on a motorcycle,  sipping  bourbon, and playing rock ‘n roll with your buddies in the garage.”

Just points to a poll of more than 87,000 men in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. AskMen’s Great Male Survey found that:

• 94 percent would feel fine about their wife earning more than they do. (“That may just indicate we’re evolving,” Just says. “It doesn’t seem kind of stupid to be upset about a better lifestyle just because you’re not the one providing it!)

• 78 percent say marriage potential is “very” or “somewhat” important in evaluating how they feel about the woman they’re dating. (“It’s nice to see we’re raising our standards,” Just says.)

• 64 percent cook at home and like it – only 5 percent called cooking “woman’s work.” (“It stands to reason that if you’re wife is out making the big bucks, you better learn to cook or go hungry,” Just says.)

• 50 percent say the ultimate manly man is a good husband and father. That beat out traditional “manly” virtues such as being good at fixing things (13 percent) and being a great lover (4 percent).

This new appreciation of men’s roles and responsibilities is great, Just says, but if guys want to remain attractive to the opposite sex, they need to retain some of their guy-liness.

“Men need to be open to adventure. They need to be courageous. And they need to lose those little skinny jeans and dress like men,” he says. “We’re already slipping on achievement – more women are getting college degrees than men. More women than men are breadwinners.

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a woman. I love women. But men are not women and we shouldn’t try to be!”

What does he recommend for putting some muscle back into manhood?

• Find your sparkplugs. If you don’t know how to change your engine oil, you need to fix that. Take a class in basic automotive maintenance and repairs – they’re often offered at adult schools and community colleges. “There is nothing less appealing to a woman than a man who has no clue about what’s under the hood – especially when she’s broken down on the side of the highway,” Just says.

• Do a chin-up. A basic difference between men and women is upper body strength. If you’ve let yours go, you need to get it back. “Men should be strong,” Just says. “They should be able to punch the bad guy or open the pickle jar. Too many of us have let ourselves go. Believe me, your wife-to-be doesn’t want to be carrying YOU over the threshold!”

• Get over the video games. Men have gotten far too preoccupied with video games, Just says. “They’re playing in some fantasy world for hours at a time, getting pale, flabby and weird.” He suggests watching football. While many a wife and girlfriend complains about the time her guy spends watching sports, at least he talks to her during commercials, Just points out. They might even get out and throw a ball around. “You can’t do that with virtual cyber swords,” he says.

About Eli Just

Eli Just is the author of several books including the popular “Manny Jones” series and “The Eddy.” He has a master’s in history from Southeastern Louisiana University and is a self-taught student of physics, which he taught at the high school level. As a Christian, Just enjoys exploring themes involving physics and its relationship to religion. He lives in northern Georgia.

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Valentine's Day parfum: Jus D'Amour for the eclectic fragrance lover

7 Ways To Get Perfect Skin Now

You don't need expensive facials or an appointment with a prestigious dermatologist to have amazing skin. Follow these 7 tips to get flawless skin ASAP

This is a TotalBeauty.com Skin care article Achieving and maintaining perfect skin seems downright impossible most of the time. It’s hard enough to drag yourself to the sink in order to remove your makeup before bed, let alone follow a rigorous anti-aging skin care routine. Luckily, there are easy tweaks you can make to your beauty regimen to get flawless skin instantly. Click ahead to see how. See tips

Hello Gorgeous
Oh you know I love fragrance especially when I find a rare treasure. Something that is not mass produced or worn by everyone in a country block. That new find is Jus D'Amour by Parfums Mercedes.

My wee gift arrived in a sumptuous purple pouch with a satin draw string and inside was a wee bottle with a roller ball applicator and inside is a thick oil of parfum that is part board room and part bedroom and all vacation. In my humble opinion that is.

Yes I have some favorites from large houses de parfums-but this is a rare treat and I encourage you, oh wait, not too many of you-but some of you to indulge in this secret scent that will linger on your skin and in the memories of those aroused around you. I dare you to!

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Jus D'Amour (LOVE)
Jus D’Amour is the Essence of Love, a Timeless, Romantic Blend of Fresh Coco Palm and Aqualeaf Accord, Gentle Violet and Night Blooming Jasmine, Rich Tahitian Vanilla and Deep Sandalwood, for the Most Scentual of Moods!

Order online at  http://www.jusdamour.com/
Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

How to heal dry winter hair with Shea Moisture Reconstructive Elixir

7 Celebrity-Inspired Natural Hairstyles

Stars are ditching the chemical straighteners and letting their natural curls take center stage. See how to copy these chic hairstyles

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article A slew of African-American celebrities have been showing that chic doesn't always mean sleek. We've picked the best fuss-free looks that will not only save you time in the morning, but will also save your hair from heat damage. Free yourself from your flat iron and try one of these stunning hairstyles that showcase your natural texture. See hairstyles

Hello Gorgeous!
Winter hair getting dry? Brittle? Static electricity with indoor heating? Look no further than your local Walgreens for a spray on leave in conditioner, or in this case, elixir: Shea Moisture Reconstructive Elixir!

I have been testing my sample of Shea Moisture organic raw shea butter reconstructive elixir with sea kelp, argan oil and shea butter for a few days now.

Luckily I began to test before it started to rain here in Arizona. Which it never really does! Prior to the rains, it was a very dry, winter here and my skin was chapped and cracking and my hair was dull too! Now it's plump and full of a healing shea butter spray. You can find this product at Walgreen's everywhere for $9.99.




Strengthens strands from the roots, protects against damage and leaves hair silky and vibrant. Trace minerals detoxify hair follicles of impurities and residue. Argan oil restores shine and rebuilds hair elasticity. Shea butter deeply moisturizes and repairs damage to hair and scalp.

• No parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, PABA, synthetic color, DEA, animal ingredients or sulfates
• Cruelty free, no animal testing
• Ethically traded ingredients, sustainably produced
• Color-safe

Made in USA

Apply to hair and style.
© 2011 Sundial Brands
Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Valentine's Day gifts with L'Occitane Spring Cherry & Immortelle Brightening Mist

8 Super-Simple Ways To Change Your Look in 2013

Skip the pricey makeovers and tweak your look this year with these zero-commitment tricks

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article A new year means a new you, and re-inventing your look is the perfect way to kick off 2013. However, an expensive gym membership or total wardrobe overhaul may not be in the cards. Instead of shelling out $200 for a new hair color you may ultimately regret, try swapping out your foundation and updating your 'do. Read on to steal one of these fuss-free changes for a fresh new look. Get tricks

Hello Gorgeous!
We are getting in the Valentine's Day spirit around here at Makeup University.
Before we move on to the video and the product of the day from L'Occitane, I want to share with you about how to do Valentine's Day different.

First-if you have a significant other, like you are married or betrothed, that's awesome. This applies to both single ladies and attached.

Ladies-give yourself a gift. You are worth it. You are so loved by God and even if times of trial ( and flat out nastiness and attack!) you are loved.

So please let the first Valentine's Day gift you give be one to yourself!

Enjoy the short video introducing you to some of my favorite L'Occitane products. They simply make the BEST hand creme ever, and some other good stuff too!

L’OCCITANE will be launching several new products this spring 2013, including:

·        Spring Cherry Collection: This new floral yet fruity limited-edition scent is perfect for the cherry blossom season! Launching February 2013

·        Immortelle Brightening Mist:  L’Occitane has extended its Immortelle Brightening Range with the introduction of a facial mist that refreshes, softens and brightens the complexion. It can also be used to help set make up. Launching February 2013

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Valentine's Day with Mercado Global:give yourself a gift that gives to someone else

6 Products That'll Make You Look Like A Morning Person

You may never feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the a.m., but these products will certainly help your fake it

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article Don't worry, this isn't one of those stories where we dole out advice on how to get a better night's sleep or openly judge your addiction to caffeine. The truth is, no matter how early you hit the sack or how hard you try to avoid the snooze button, some of us just aren't morning people. The solution? Fake it. From under eye concealers to dry shampoos, there are tons of handy products that work miracles in the morning. Keep reading to see which ones you should try now. See products

Hello Gorgeous!
*Sigh*-soon it will be Valentine's day and it will be a chance for you to love on yourself and others with a simple token of appreciation.

I love celebrating love and I encourage you to get yourself a gift. Perhaps you have a significant other who may get you something to remind you of their feelings for you; though even if you do or do not have that special someone, I think it is crucial to treat yourself to something to remind you of how valuable you are. After all, God only made one you! You are perfect! Now let's get shopping.


 May I introduce you to Mercado Global? I insist you visit the website and find something to bless yourself with! Please read the page about how they started, it's worth it and soare you!
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Every Collection Starts With A Story ...

Rope Dye Clutch

$42.00

 Hand dip-dyed fabric clutch with braided leather wristlet.

10" in width, 4" in height; 100% Cotton; 100% Leather Details; suede wristlet with zip closure; fuchsia/ivory with ivory lining.

Timeless Traditions

The process of weaving in Guatemala dates back centuries and has been passed down by women from generation to generation. The skilled hands of the Mayans have been weaving for over 2,000 years and to this day, traditional methods are still used. Traditional weaving has remained symbolic to our partner artisans because of its Mayan heritage and the value it holds to the weaver.
Our partner artisans weave using two traditional methods - the traditional back strap loom or the foot loom.

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!