Food for Thought!

Make Use of Your On-Their-Way-to-Expired Groceries.

I woke up today and my skin is feeling just SOOO dehydrated and dry.  I drink plenty of water and use a humidifier in the bedroom but no matter what I always need some extra TLC in the cold months of winter.  So I decided while cleaning up around the house on this snow day, I would put a hydrating mask on my skin.

While getting a mask ready it dawned on me ...The greek yogurt that I used to cook dinner with last night was going to expire today and I was going to throw it away.  But why not kill 2 birds with one stone??? A healthy dinner and healthy skin!

Yogurt has lots of good for you ingredients.  Zinc which is an anti-inflammatory, (great for acne or blemishes), lactic acid, (which is its key ingredient)  helps exfoliate, soothe, moisturize, and help combate wrinkles.  Vitamin B12, B5 , and calcium.  The B vitamins help with cell growth to hydrate and give skin a nice glowing complexion and calcium has anti-oxidant power to aid in healing skin.


So remember, next time you are getting ready to throw away yogurt that is expired use it for your face! If you also have bananas that are starting to brown that you don't want to eat, mash them up and mix with a teaspoon of honey to bind the mask together .  It will be easier to spread on your face.  Now that's what I call a win-win. Super easy and skincare on a budget!

New Beginnings...

Welcome 2015! 

With every new year comes new resolutions.  I for one like the idea of making a resolution for yourself.  It is a positive approach to bettering ones' self and I am all about that!

I prefer making little resolutions, they are much more realistic and you have a much better chance of sticking to it.  So this year one of my resolutions is to start doing video blogs.  I have been saying I am going to do this for a while but always had a minor set back with the camera, or a model, or just didnt have the time.  But I am making this one of my goals because I believe it will be a big help for those who like to see more of a visual while I am giving tips on makeup and will better my skills as a professional.

So stay tuned I will be seeing ya soon!
P.S. Thanks for all the encouragement ladies. (You know who you are!)

Ancient Beauty

Every decade or so beauty trends come back.  

Some good, some bad, and others we are just not sure exactly what to do with.  One inparticular is Oil pulling. Also known as Gandusha. An ancient indian ritual.  It has been circulating in magazines and websites lately and there's been lots of reviews on it.  So I decided to check it out for myself.  After 5 days I noticed a whiter smile and some health benefits such as fresher breathe in the morning as soon as I wake up.  The taste is nice because it is sweet.  But remember not to swallow, use it as you would listerine.  The oil draws out all Impuritites and in return can help with any bacteria and toxins in the mouth or any that are connected to your lymph nodes located along the jaw, near the ears, annd in the neck.  Which means clearer nasal cavity and pharynx.  This is perfect for all my prego friends who seem to be having pregnancy gingivities or any other mouth concerns.  

Here are some articles about Oil Pulling.  If you want to give it a try read this and decide if it's something for you.  Here is a picture of the organic coconut oil I purchased.  I got it at whole foods.  Good Luck!

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/oil-pulling

http://wellnessmama.com/7866/oil-pulling-for-oral-health/

XOXO

~Sam~

#TryItOutTuesday

The beauty industry is at it again! First South Korea gave us BB creams, then came CC creams.  Now the latest multitasker is Cushion Compacts.  If you don't like using your hands to apply your BB and CC cream well then this is the product for you.  It comes in a compact and you use the spongy pad to apply to the face.  Cushion compacts are tinted moisturizer that is packed with antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients.  Here are three brands that are first to give it a go !

Amorepacific Color Control Cushion Compact SPF 50 $60

IT Cosmetics CC+Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation SPF 50 $38

Dr. Jart+ Bounce Beauty Balm SPF 30 $48



XOXO
Sam

#TIPTUESDAY!

Not applying sunscreen regularly, especially in the summer months will result in hyper pigmentation. Also known as "sun spots." Using a serum with hydroquinone will lighten up the dark spots and help even out the coloring in your complexion.  Need suggestions on a product , MSG me .

Facials always help too! I can schedule you one today!

Is Your Skin Still Suffering from Post Labor Day Stress ?

If you ask most people , they would say Labor Day marks the end of summer.  But technically it is  still amongst us.  Either way for most of us our skin is in dire need of some T.L.C

Between sun exposure, dehydration from alcohol, and puffy eyes (from late nights), our skin is fighting back.  Lucky for you, you can fix all these issues by just grabbing a few things from your kitchen and bathroom.  Here are a few you can do in one night with one ingredient.  So when I say easy, I mean EASY!! 

Grab a banana.  Skin needs potassium to look less dehydrated.  So by eating just one, your skin can look refreshed. 

Slice up a potato.  Potatoes are made up of mostly vitamin K.  Which is in the best moisturizing eye creams.  So cut one up and place a slice on each eye, and watch the puffy eyes you once had, de-puff. 

Grab a cup of tea. Green tea is the best. It has the most antioxidants.  Steep up a tea bag in some hot water.   Drink it for the most health benefits.  And when your done cool it off by popping it in the fridge.  Take it out and place it over one eye at a time.  This helps with deconstructing your blood vessels so your eyes look refreshed and have no bluish/ purple undertone. 

And last but not least, if your not a tea drinker grab some cotton balls and soak them in toner.  Place them in a freezer bag and pop them in the freezer.  Take them out and place them on your face wherever you need them.  The refreshing cool feeling will help your blood vessels decrease just as the tea bags did. 

There you have it.  A couple of Post Summer Quick Remedies that will have your skin on your face looking much better Post Labor Day weekend.


                                                                                                            XOXO,
                                                                                                            Samantha

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful and ON THE GO...

I am sure most of you,  if not all of you probably read this title and said "The story of my life!" Well I am right there with you.  Every weekend and even most weekdays I am on the go.  Between work, social events, and now most of you with children, it's hard to look your best and get out the door in record breaking time.

To make matters worse summer is  almost here and we are busier than ever. So I have compiled a list of easy multi-use products that can lighten up your weekender and make getting where you have to go a lot quicker.  Not to mention if you are looking to buy some new makeup products this upcoming season you will save some dough by getting a product that can give your eyes a pop of color, liven up your cheeks and give your lips a splash of color.  Just throw them in your clutch and off you go ! 

One of the products that has been around for a while that has been a go-to staple of mine is Benefits Tints Collection. They come in all different colors and have great pigment. It is great for the lips and cheeks.  $30 . 

There is also a huge range of chubby sticks or also known as makeup color crayons.  They come in matte and laquer. Also sheer coverage and medium coverage.  So its best to try them out before you purchase to see what look is right for you. To make life easier I will just list them  so you can choose what brand/ price point is for you.  T

$3-NYC New York lip color.

$9- Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm 

$17- Clinique Chubby Stick

$24- Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint

Now you can spend more time doing the things you love and still look summer chic! 

XOXO,

Samantha