Memorial Day - Remember and Honor

Hi ya Gorgeous,
Happy Memorial Day weekend to you!
This day is really important. Like, Fourth of July Independence important in the United States.
Why? What is the significance of this holiday over others?

Because of the sacrifice of life. The saying, "all gave some and some gave all" is so true and we remember on this holiday, the prisoners of war and missing in action as well as those who have died in service to the country. The men and women of the United States military, were doing more than just their job when they went to war.

 They were protecting the freedoms and way of life, the beliefs of a new country and the opportunities that their families would have when their sacrifice resulted in a secure nation.

So, before you enjoy a fabulous barbecue, or if you are on the cruise ship about to hit the buffet, and even in the forest about to rise for coffee from your tent, please take a moment and pray for the families who lost a loved one while in service in the military.

Pray for the safety and security of the USA. Pray for the leadership to have wisdom to lead the country. Pray for those who are active duty military to be blessed and favored of God in their missions. Pray that the loved ones who are hurting from the loss of family to war, are comforted.

Today is a good day to remember the service of our military and then celebrate the good times we enjoy because of it!

Ooh rah!


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

Bullhead City Native Protects Middle East Skies over Bahrain

 Hi ya Gorgeous,
Today's post is near and dear to my heart. Myself and my family are huge supporters of the United States Military and many of our family members have served in the Navy, as well as Army, Air Force and Marines.

 

Petty Officer First Class Kimberly Kustesky

It's with great joy that I repost this story from Lt. Philip Fortnam about a beautiful young lady from my home area in Arizona.  Meet Petty Officer First Class Kimberly Kustesky.  She is hard at work for the United States and deserves this recognition. Please enjoy the story and share it forward while keeping her in your prayers!
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Bullhead City Native Protects Middle East Skies over Bahrain

http://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2017/05/bullhead-city-native-protects-middle.html

By Lt. Philip Fortnam, Navy Office of Community Outreach

U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS – A 1998 Mohave High School graduate and Bullhead City, Arizona native is a part of a Navy team tasked to protect the skies over the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Petty Officer First Class Kimberly Kustesky is a master-at-arms, which involves enforcing the rules and regulations on the base to maintain good order and discipline. We provide security, anti terrorism and force protection, according to Kustesky.

“I work in training and I enjoy teaching a new concept to my Sailors,” said Kustesky. “I love the expression on their faces when they get it.”

Within this undisclosed location in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Sailors from all over the United States come together to form one unit, providing unparalleled support to multiservice personnel within the area of operations. These Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines work together to deter and counter disruptive countries, defeat violent extremism and strengthen security and stability throughout the region.

She is one of thousands of Sailors forward deployed to the Middle East in the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.

The Navy’s 5th Fleet’s area of operation encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse comprises 20 countries, including three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

Kustesky is receiving firsthand experience working in a foreign country alongside coalition-focused forces who are executing the full spectrum of maritime operations with foreign counterparts, to keep the world safe from hostile forces.

“This command is a multi-national, multi-service environment. Working with the other services and the host nation is really interesting, seeing how they’re similar and how they’re not,” said Kustesky.

Kustesky realizes the significance of serving her country abroad and is proud of the work she is doing in the Middle East, helping protect America halfway around the world.

“The Navy is family. That means wherever I go in the country or the world I have friends and acquaintances. That's very different from the civilian world,” said Kustesky.
Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

All retired or active duty Veterans will receive $5 off haircut on Sunday, Nov. 11th & Monday, Nov. 12th, 2012 in honor of your service.

I love our military! The United States of America has the finest men and women serving in our military branches.

In honor of Veteran's Day on Monday November 12th, Arizona Hair Co is offering a $5 savings off of haircuts.

Go see Star Flores at the Tempe Marketplace Arizona Hair Co location-and get your hair cut and styled for the upcoming Thanksgiving parties!

Tempe Marketplace
2040 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe, AZ 85284
(480) 967-2244

All retired or active duty Veterans will receive $5 off haircut on Sunday, Nov. 11th & Monday, Nov. 12th, 2012 in honor of your service.

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

Happy Memorial Day! Veterans, thank you!

Hello friends and family!
Just a short shout out to say a heartfelt thank you to all veterans and active duty military. Thank you! I appreciate you! I am praying for you!

p.s. Enjoy Fleet Week...have some fun-but nothing too crazy!Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

WEAR BLUE ON FRIDAYS! Remember this simple gesture to honor our soldiers

What Your Guy Actually Notices About Your Looks

Does he notice the extra minutes you spend exfoliating and pushing back your cuticles or is your time better spent catching up on "Jersey Shore"? Find out …

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty tips article When it comes to beauty, what's worth spending precious time on in preparation for a big date and what isn't? We asked Editor-in-Chief of ModernMan.com to find out what a dude really notices. Get tips

Hello gorgeous, please read, implement with blue and pass on. Thank you!

Photo courtesy of Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac. During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful:
'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home.
And they should've.
photo courtesy of Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted'

PLEASE KEEP THIS GOING!
Blue Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers we are not organized, boisterous or overbearing. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is. 'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.
*note from me, Cherelynn-I think this story and simple request is really really beautiful and I will be in my BLUE today! How about you?
Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Pearl Harbor day-the flag of the United States of America flys at half mast in honor

Celebs with the Best Hair Color

Pro hairstylists tell us who they think have the best hair color in Hollywood

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article Celeb colorists David John and Tracey Cunningham share which A-listers they think have the best blonde, brown, red and raven hair, why it looks so good on them and if their shade would work for your complexion. See celebs

Hi friends, normally the blog is so full of beauty advice and product reviews-just about something for everybody when it comes to keeping you looking and feeling your best.

Though today I have posted a pic of Ol'Glory flying half mast at Pearl Harbor to give honor and respect in the memory of those fallen soldiers and the sacrifice made for the United States of America. If you would, please take a moment and reflect and remember this day in history. Better yet, today, this week, and any chance you get, when you see a veteran from the armed forces of the United States of America, please shake hands, hug or simply say thank you to them.

I thank you in advance for paying forward gratitude! Makeup University will be back tomorrow with some amazing and fun stuff! Hanukkah and Christmas beauty style guides are ready!
Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Veterans Day November 11th celebrates veterans of the United States of America Military

The Most Flattering Fringe for Your Face Shape

Celebrity hairstylist shares the geometry of bangs with us

This is a TotalBeauty.com celebrity hairstyles article Eli Thomas, pro hairstylist, tells us which bangs work best with a heart, round, square and oval shaped face and how to style them. See bangs

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

Miss America of another sort..I love it!

Beauty Bucket List: Wild Makeup to Try

Push the makeup envelope before you die with these celeb-inspired looks

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article From Lady Gaga to glam goth, we found some makeup-gone-wild looks that you might be able to pull off next time you're feeling ballsy. See looks

Hello my beautiful friends! I've got guest stories and videos up this week because I am out traveling for fun and leisure with my Mancub before he starts school. While I am away, I am making every concerted effort to not work or be online while vacationing.

I apologize for not having a photo credit or author line for this story but I just love it! Read it and you will too. That gal is just gorgeous! And the photo caption is right: lipgloss and diamonds are right for any situation! Oorah!
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This 19 year old ex-cheerleader, now an Air Force Security Forces Sniper, was watching a road that led to a NATO military base when she observed a man digging by the road.
She engaged the target (she shot him). It turned out he was a bomb maker for the Taliban, and he was burying an IED that was to be detonated when a US patrol walked by 30 minutes later. It would have certainly killed and wounded several soldiers.

The interesting fact of this story is the shot was measured at 725 yards.
She shot him as he was bent over burying the bomb. The shot went through his butt and into the bomb which detonated; he was blown to pieces. The Air Force made a motivational poster of her. That's a shot 25 yards longer than seven football fields)
Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

New video: beauty of Rolling Thunder

I'm so cra'mazingly proud of the servicemen and women of the United States of America.
Love this video and hope you do to! I think it's beautiful and fits right in with what I consider beautiful!

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

Vichy for you? Yes!

11 Secrets Your Body Waxer Would Never Reveal

We got the scoop, from what they're really thinking when they're waxing you to their craziest clients and more

Ever wonder what's going through your waxer's mind while you're spread eagle on their table? You could ask, but that whole hot-wax-in-your-private-areas thing can be a little preoccupying, you know? That's why we tracked down these waxing salon owners: Jodi Shays of Queen Bee Waxing in Culver City, Calif., Cindy Barshop of Completely Bare Salons in New York City, and Leah Nacion of The Waxing Co. in Honolulu. They gave us uncensored scoop on everything you'd ever want to know (and then some) about what goes on in waxing salons. See secrets

Liftactiv Retinol HA Night

Total wrinkle plumping care with triple dose Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol + A1 to fight all 3 types of wrinkles: permanent, reversible and programmed.

- Plumping effect visible from the 1st morning2
- With triple dose Hyaluronic Acid for a deeper, more stabilized filling action and Retinol + A1 for an accelerated skin resurfacing effect
- Patented double-gelled-phase formulation technique provides moisturizing and nourishing yet light and smooth texture
- Suitable for sensitive skin, tested under dermatological control, allergy-tested
- Formulated with soothing & fortifying Vichy Thermal Spa Water

Okay! Now that you've read some details about the Vichy line, visit the website and take a peek at their makeup. I'm thinking I need to try this stuff! It looks like a cross between the coverage of Dermablend/Exuviance/Smart Cover with the flex, feel and texture of a moisturizing and hydrating foundation? We shall see.

Well, I've used the Lieftactive Retinol HA for night several nights in a row and my experience has been good. I like the scent, it's European in origin so that means fragrance is added, but I like it and I'm not sensitive to scents. It has a very soft, velvety rich texture and smoothes on the skin with rapid absorption. So, I enjoy it! Why not try it if you are looking for something new in skin care?

Today is the last day of the April "Military Appreciation" month. Thank you to all of our soldiers and veterans for the enormous sacrifice and faitful service. I appreciate you!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

What does got2b fat-tastic & James Tiberius Kirk have in common?

Pretty Curly Hair Photos

Check out all the celebs who are rocking curls on the red carpet

It seems like all of our favorite stars are throwing out their flat irons and opting for curls instead. Whether natural or curling-iron induced, these wavy and curly styles are a trend that's here to stay. See hairstyles

Funny I should ask! What does the new product from the Schwarzkopf brand got2b fat0tastic mega lift root boosting spray and James Tiberius Kirk have in common? Good hair! Or fill in the comment section with what you think they have in common. I have been using a couple of different volume boosting sprays lately to get the current trend of "big" hair. This products has a collagen infusion, and I'm not quite sure what that is doing for my hair, but it sure does make it big!

You can pick up your favorite got2b products at all major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Walgreens or Rite Aid!


Now the James T. Kirk connection is that my son loves the new Star Trek movie and insists he get his hair cut to look like Captain Kirk. Okay, fine by me though we will have to switch back to using pommade to style his hair because right now I'm using the fat-tastic to plump up his hair and style it.

Remember! There are just a few days left in the April "Military" appreciation month giveaway. If you are an active duty soldier, please post where you serve and why! Then we will mail out your thank you gift, asap! Thank you!

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

Alas April is ending: time for a hair change?

Voluminous Hair Contest Photos -- Winner Revealed

These blogtastic, um, bloggers go tete-a-tete to create big hair -- see the looks here

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article The challenge: Five women create voluminous 'dos using Sebastian Volupt Spray. Then Total Beauty editors pick a winner. The winning blogger scores a trip to NY Fashion Week this fall. See the volumized hairstyles these bloggers came up with, who won and how to recreate the hairstyles. See hairstyles

In Arizona it's hot, well today was and before that we had several days of stormy clouds and it was so amazing.
Now, with the weather changing from warm to sweaty hot it's time to rethink your hair strategy for the coming summer months. You may notice that many celbrities have shorn their hair and added bangs for a less intensive style routine.
I personally, made the mistake of opting for convenience and price over tried and true, tested results when it comes to my hair color. I have been doing it myself at home for a year now, and I always get the same stuff from Sally's until this week when faced with a busy work schedule, and travel and meetings and my son's own shaggy hair and full schedule: I just got a box of something from the drugstore that was on sale and I happened to have a coupon for.

Well, first off, you should know I missed a spot. A really big spot right in the front hairline pretty much dead center on my forhead, so it's like a laser beam guiding your eye there. (*If you see me, please ignore it) Then, the box said that it was dark brown but what they really meant to print on the box is that it's "light black". Oh! My hair is too dark for summer!

To make matters more unique in my personal hair style: I let it sit on the roots and then smushed it around on the ends but a moment and rinsed it out. So, I have black'ish roots and brownish middle and some light ends. I look like a radioactive zebra.

I only share all of this because the blog just received a sample of "at home hair highlighting" kit. The 'new' thing to do it yourself easy highlighting. Well, not on this swamp water coif. So more on that later.

In the meantime: if you are on a budget and in an effor to conserve cost you do your hair at home: notes from my personal experience are
1. Don't leave it on so long! The instructions said ten minutes but I got busy and forgot. So I sort of deserve it?
2. Stay within 1 to 2 shades of your natural color. You would never believe it looking at me know, but my natural color is about a 6 level! Yes, a 6! Right now I'm currently wearing a 1. For reference, platinum blonde is a 10.
3. Consider every third touch up at your local salon and stylist: that way you have a professional opinion of what's going on with your hair.

Remember, this is the final week of April and the last few days of the "Military Appreciation" month. For every comment posted by an active duty soldier that shares rank and station, Makeup University inc blog is giving away a free product. A beauty goody as a way of saying thank you for all you do. Go Army! Navy! Air Force! Marines! and National Guard!
Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Shiny sunscreen face?

"Dancing with the Stars" Hairstyle Highs and Lows

See if you agree with our picks for the best and worst hairdos on the show

Did you vote for their dancing alone, or did their hair have something to do with it? Check out the 10 best and worst "DWTS" 'dos. See hairstyles

Hi,
I hope you enjoyed the how to video yesterday! I love making the videos for you and teaching you a wee something new in makeup or maybe just refreshing the technique you are already using.

I've got more videos coming soon and some blog product reviews also! In fact, a box of swag just arrived...

In the meantime, remember to wear your sunscreen, and if you like me, have a challenge with your sunscreen making you shiny, switch to a "dry" formula. I like the clear athletic sprays from Banana Boat and they dry down shiny. So, I'm shiny and I put my makeup on over the spf 85 after hosing down my face and letting the sting of it wear off my eyes.

In Arizona, we need this kind of protection! There are some doctor / dermatologist brands that are higher in spf and specifically for the face with less sting and more uva/uvb protection; when I come across that I will let you know!

In the meantime, consider googling or Bing'ing for "summer" or spring deals at your local dermatologist office. I know that Dr. James Michaels in Las Vegas has specials as well as local Phoenix offices for helping you keep your youthful look.

More to come soon as well as product giveaways and remember! April is military appreciation month! All comments by an active soldier receive a free product as a way of saying thank you!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

How to video for softening curly hair

Hi!
The how to video below demonstrates how to use the Smooth N Shine hydrating gel for smoothing frizzies and curly hair. I hope you like it and a big thanks to my model and photographer Josh Taylor. You can get the Smooth 'n' Shine products (which are part of the Schwarzkopf family) at major retailers like Walmart, Target and Walgreens! Enjoy!




*April is military appreciation month! All comments by active duty soldiers in any one of the 5 branches of military get a free thank you gift! Why? Because I appreciate you and your service!*

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

Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis serum = awesome!

Snappy Ways to Look Hot In the Heat

Put yourself together in no time with these warm-weather makeup and hair tips

Experts share tricks of the trade on how to get ready quick and look amazing by using the best multi-functional products. Get tricks

There is just so much fun stuff going on with the blog this month, I love it! (*and you too!) There is also so much going on in the greater Phoenix area. Seems everyone plans an event this time of year to get it in before it gets too hot to go outside.

I am a huge fan of the Elizabeth Grant eye patches: the serum soaked cottom patches that rest on your orbital bone while the vitamin C or collagen serum seeps into your skin! Though I just recently tried the Biocollasis serum for day and night, along with a lip and eye treatment.

It seems that the Elizabeth Grant line is just as good in fact a bit better than other lines sold for more cost in department stores, plus it's more effective in treating the skin. I know I like what I have tried and the website is packed with information! Go see more at www.elizabethgrant.com and if you are wondering where to start in the line, go for the eye patches!

I'll keep you tuned on how the skin care performs for me, but so far I like the light serum texture, virtually no scent, readily absorbs into skin, and just feels good! Stay tuned!

**April is Military Appreciation month! If you are an active duty soldier in any branch of the military, make a comment on where you are stationed, what rank and why you serve and the blog will send you a free appreciation product! Why? Because we love you and want to thank you!**

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

Brides & Prom gals: get some Tree Hut Hawaiian Kukui

What's Your Ideal Smoky Eye Look? Find Out!

Take this quiz to find the perfect sultry eye makeup for your eye shape

Smoky eye makeup is hot almost every season, but especially for spring, so answer these questions to find out how to make the look work for you. Take quiz

Hello brides to be! Gals getting ready for prom and the rest of us who need to get our feet in the best sandal ready shape ever! I recently tried a sample of the Tree Hut Hawaiian Kukui collection and must say it's lovely!

The sugar scrub does a very soft exfoliation so it removes dead skin cells and softens while lightly scenting all at once! The shea body lotion is very lightweight and absorbs into the skin.

Shea butter is so healing to the skin so if you have winter dryness and need to get ready for your wedding or prom, now is the time to start exfoliating with a sugar body scrub and reapplying much needed oils and moisture in a lotion.

Something worth noting: Tree Hut uses certified organic shea in every product and are known for having perfected the art of using it in each product they make! There are no parabens, it's made in the United States of America and it's easy to get! Just visit your local Walmart or Ulta store.

Psst! I have even seen a four pack of Tree Hut shea body butters in my local Costco...maybe look in yours?

*Remember that April is "Military Appreciation" month and for every comment by an active duty soldier from any branch of the military, a free appreciation gift product will be sent! Just state your name, rank, where you serve and why and Makeup University Inc will send you out a lovely something! Thank you!

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

Beauty breakthroughs: like Skindinavia spray moisturizer

2010 Beauty Breakthroughs

See the latest and greatest in beauty technology

Find out which advances in the cosmetic industry are rocking our world. Then, see all the great products that have these beauty-boosting ingredients in them. See breakthroughs

Oh how I love a new invention or new technology in beauty! Somethings, like the battery powered mascara never quite find a niche to call home in the marketplace and then other products do!

Today's beauty bubble is really neat, but before you click over I want to share with you about Skindinavia's newest goody in the line up-they have a new spray moisturizer with spf 8. It's lightweight, so far it hasn't clogged up and not sprayed, it's easy to apply before makeup and I have applied it after makeup and it didn't make my liquid smear, but over mineral powder it made dots that had to be blended in with my purse kabuki.

Here in Arizona, it would be good to see the spf bumped up a bit though an 8 is better than nothing.

You may remember that Skindinavia makes temperature sensitive setting makeup spray- such as the Bridal for wedding days, the Dance! for active makeup nights, and Cool flash for hot summer days. I love the formulations that I have tried and tested on my self, and clients.

To learn more about Skindinavia and get your own spray moisturizer, visit www.skindinavia.com

Remember to refer your active duty military friends to the blog to comment and get their free appreciation gift! They can be male or female, any branch of the military, just need to be active! It's the Makeup University way of saying thankyou for all that you do!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Sunscreen a daily thing!

New Gilt Group-Like Shopping Destination for Beauty Products

Join Kate Luxe, a members-only site for exclusive deals on beauty goodies

Enter the 21st century of beauty product shopping: Kate Luxe. Become a member and you'll be in the know when new products launch, in the loop for special offers and get privy to sweet discounts on your fave beauty brands. Get deals

Wow, what a weekend of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! There' ain't no party like a Holy Spirit party! woot!

It's nice to get back to "normal" finally! Speaking of normal, sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine and this weekend was hot here in Arizona and I found myself repeatedly reaching for the sunscreen.

One of the best things you can do for your skin and for your youth beauty routine is to slather on a high spf, daily, and always after washing your hands, or being out in the water, exercising and sweating in the sun and after a few hours of wear.

Remember that this month, all month long is "Military Appreciation" month and for every comment from an active duty soldier stating rank, station and why they are serving, a free gift will be sent as a token of appreciation and saying thank you for all you do!

There are new videos coming your way, new product reviews and as always some teaching technique! Enjoy and thanks for being here today! You look really gorgeous!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Time to self tan: which to choose?

How to Get a Fab Faux Tan

Follow this guide and you’ll be a bronzed beauty -- no tanning bed required

Ladies, DHA (Dihydroxy acetone) is your new tanning BFF. It’s the magic ingredient in self-tanning products that “tans” the surface of your skin, but doesn’t equal skin cancer like UVA & UVB rays can. Keep reading for the lowdown on tanning, and get tips and tricks from the pros for how to master a sun-kissed-looking glow. Get tips

Hello friends!
I live in Arizona, and have for the most of my life, except four short years otherwise known as the Carter presidency; have lived my life in the sunbelt and I have the freckles to prove it!

I used Sun In on my hair. Lemons on my hair and skin to lighten freckles while I still went out in the sun without sunscreen. Yes, I admit, as a young girl, myself and my sister and cousins would lay out by the river all day long during the summer and put baby oil on and hold up pieces of cardboard covered with tin foil.

Oh, those were the days! What adds to the living dangerously laissez faire system of summer is that we were gone for hours with no cell phones, by a large body of water, with no food or water with us and played all day until we could here our Grandma ringing the cow bell to come home. Literally.

It's best to say we were burnt. A sunburn? Yes. All over? Yes. We would put Noxzema skin cold creme on our burns. I'm not sure why, but it felt good!

We had a game of "got your skin", meaning, when we had reached the peeling stage, it was funny to sneak attack my cousins or sister and rip off a chunk of flaky skin. I know that's gross and unsanitary and that level of sunburn in this day and age would be considered deadly. Though at that time, it was a trophy to see how large a chunk could be pulled off in a whole piece.

So, as you look at today's beauty bubble: consider this: self tanning products are safer and perform better year after year as the technology improves.

My favorite so far is St. Tropez system available at Sephora. I just tried the Sevin Nyne product and it's good and brown not orange. I like Clarins though feel the L'Oreal Sublime product gives the same color and coverage for less. I have a sample of Xeno Tan coming and will let you know what I find out.

In the meantime, please keep your military appreciation comments coming as the product is beginning to roll out to our service men and women.

Enjoy your Easter celebration too! I love Resurrection Sunday! It's such a beautiful time to say thank you to Jesus Christ and all He has done for us! Kind of like a soldier?
Love you!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!