Sunday, March 7, 2010

Red Shoe, Red Lips, Red Carpet!

In just a few hours we will be lounging with friends and family marveling at the beauty and intrigue only the Oscars can deliver.
Even though the Oscars do not sell as many big screen TVs as the Superbowl, there will be more Americans tuned in to this Red Carpet Affair.

  • Who will win Best Actress? Best supporting role, best musical score?

  • Who's gown is the most elegant, revealing, inappropriate?

  • How do these hollywood beauties, male and female maintain their polished flawless look underneath those glaring lights?
This is juicy water-cooler fodder for weeks to come!

Here in Denver the Medispas and Salons have been in overdrive assisting us everyday folk prepare for this evening with our own glamour needs. Facials, Microderms and the sale of beauty products saw an exciting upturn. When we roll out the hors d'oervres we will be representing the best of ourselves, and deserve to look and feel our best.

Here are a few simple and quick ideas from your local Medical Spa and Make-up professionals:
  • Do choose a fabulous shade of red for your lips!

  • Do choose false eyelashes, for the outer half of your top lashes!

  • Do choose a black mascara to really help your eyes pop!

Want to make your eyes pop? A sophisticated cat eye will add a touch of retro glamour to any evening. All you need is your eyeliner, either pencil or liquid — whichever you're more comfortable with. To get the look, follow your lash line from the inside outward, extending the line out past your eye and slanting it slightly upward. The trick is to make sure the length of each line is even. The longer the line, the more dramatic the effect. On the bottom lid, be sure you follow the lash line all the way to the outside corner of the eye, meeting the top line.

Want to up the flirt factor? Try eyelashes, that is. Apply half strips of fake lashes to the outside of the eye to make the cat effect even more dramatic.

Lips deserve to be treated wonderfully. They are the most on display part of our faces. Choose a lip liner a shade or 2 darker then the lip color. From the middle of your upper lip, follow your lip line outward to the point of your lip. Repeat with your other side. Complete this look by lining your bottom lip. Make sure your lines meet with out an overlap. Fill in the lip liner with your beautiful, lush color. A pat of a clear gloss will help to set both your lipstick and the lip liner. DO NOT BLOT. The look for the evening is full and bold, not muted.


http://www.cosmopolitan.com/hairstyles-beauty/skin-care-makeup/oscar-makeup-2009

http://bubble20snarkgroup.com/oscar-winners-2010-razzies-2010-winners-list-update/

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

What is your Red Carpet look?



Ahhh... I am just now getting my breath back after the incredible events of the Olympics. It seems everyday brought exciting moments and I found myself holding my breath as skiers flew down the hills and speed skaters spun around the track.
But it seems there is no rest for the wicked! Now I must get busy planning the menu, my clothing and hair style for our Oscar party on March 7th.

I am not alone. All over the globe salons and spas are gearing up for the rush of clients that turn out for such glam events as weddings, reunions and of course Oscar parties! This is big business! Viewers such as myself are glued to the TV set. What film will win the most Oscars? What had the best sound track? What will Jennifer Aniston be wearing? What will I be wearing? Will I be able to get in for a microderm before the big event?

The Oscars are synonymous with Glamor, Gossip and the Red Carpet. It is fun to step outside of our day to day and shine along with the rest of the world. So go ahead. Make your appointment for your facial, manicure and up-do and enjoy your own red carpet evening. You deserve it!
!http://entertaining.about.com/cs/holidays/a/hurrayhollywood.htm
http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/index.html
http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/82/partykit/index.html

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Enter to Win Mile High Mamas’ Wii and Wii Fit Giveaway!

Mile High Mama (Aren't all of us Mothers, Sisters, Aunties in this category) check this out.

This is just too fun and informative not to share! In Denver Colorado, around the world,we all appreciate help to make our lives easer! Check out this sight to make your life a bit easer, one creative idea at a time! Look for giveaways, contests, discounts and insights. Connect with others on Beauty, Skin Care, Child Care, great restaurants with even better discounts, and cool events happening in your area.



http://www.milehighmamas.com/2008/12/14/enter-to-win-mile-high-mamas-wii-and-wii-fit-giveaway/?sms_ss=blogger

Check Yourself Out, Before you Get in the Check Out Line

No one is immune to screaming kids, appointments running longer then scheduled, road work slowing traffic along your route or bad hair days. There are times we just can't get away from feeling rushed, tired and over taxed. But we can use a few simple beauty tricks to keep from looking frazzled.

Immediately after washing your face in the morning, use your toner. This will prepare your skin for your essential skin care products in only 2 minutes (not 20 plus minutes).
Purchase a good quality moisturizer. This will effectively hydrate skin, giving it a smoother, more radiant appearance.
Choose a toothpaste with baking soda. The enhanced look of clean white teeth naturally brighten your face.
(Men, we encourage you to take care of yourself! These tips above great for you too. Mascara optional)
Watch what makeup you put on. Mascara is your friend. It opens your eyes and you will appear more awake. Bright eyes are inviting, just don't over due it.
Remember your sunscreen. At the very least, check out your moisturizer for an SPF or try Sunforgettable.
Harsh, bright makeup is your enemy. Choose a subtle lip color or stain, apply and go!
Last step. Comb thru your hair, wear a clip or grab a hat. It is the final easy touch to your 5 minute, get out the door look.

So the next time you get in the short check out line, behind the person paying with coupons and in pennies, your bright smile, open eyes and glowing skin will radiate calm. Those around you will see a together, relaxed human even when you are not.
http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/lips/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-care/SN00003

Friday, February 19, 2010

Olympic Rings, Beautiful. Circles Under Our Eyes, Not so Much...

The representative symbol of the Olympics is the 5 interlocking ring design. This is recognized world wide as a positive symbol representing strength and limitless possibilities. These 5 rings represent the five continents or major geographical areas of the world. These regions are Africa, North & South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The Olympic Charter states the five-ringed symbol "represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games." Each ring color represents a flag from the country participating in the Olympics. The colors are vibrant and carry a sense of pride and strength. The Colors are blue, black, red, yellow and green.

The interlacing ring design was conceived by Baron Pierre de Coubertin ands first displayed at the 1920 Antwerp Games.

Circles under our eyes typically don't receive the same respect as the Olympic Rings, yet receive the same treatment worldwide. In fact we try to eliminate the blue, black and purple rings from under our eyes as quickly as possible, not put a trading pin of it on the lapel of our favorite jacket.

So what is the cause of these Rings of discontent? Lack of Sleep? Stress? Heredity? Unfortunately, it could be a combination of these and other factors. The skin around our eyes is very thin and delicate. For some it may be translucent. Capillaries are the smallest of a body's blood vessels and are very close to the surface underneath your eyes. The dark under eye circles are broken and bruised capillaries. Every time we rub our eyes we are "bruising" this tender area.
So what do we need to take into account when working towards brighter eyes, decreasing or eliminating dark circles?

  • Lack of sleep may cause our skin to look pale.

  • Allergies may cause dark circles in two ways: histamine reactions cause dark smudges to appear under the eyes and the normal response to the allergy 'itch' is to rub and scratch, aggravating the already compromised tissue.

  • Poor diet and lack of H2O can cause ruddy, discolored areas across the entire face and decollate.

  • Age plays a major part. Our skin becomes thinner, losing collagen and elasticity as we age, thus allowing any dark area, and uneven skin tone to become more pronounced.


Now it is time to get focused, and think of the dark circles as our Olympic rings. So what do we do to achieve the gold medal?

  • Eating a healthy diet will help boost your energy and ward off illness. Including a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and boosting your water intake will do your body good. It’s also a great way to reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.

  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

  • Rest when possible. Close your eyes a bit earlier every night, or simply relax for a few moments after work or school each afternoon.

  • Elevate your head when sleeping.

  • Be conscience of when and why you are rubbing your eyes, or the eye area. When applying skin care, be very gentle. If you are experiencing dry, itchy eyes, check into soothing eyedrops to help reduce the temptation.

  • Check into skin care products that contain zinc and copper to help restore elasticity and build collagen. Glycerin boosts the skin's natural protection by attracting the perfect level of moisture and hydration for the skin.


So unless you are one of those that would rather watch your normal tv shows instead of the olympics, dark circles bad, Olympic Rings, good.

http://history1900s.about.com/od/greateventsofthecentury/a/olympicfacts_2.htm

www.obagi.com

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dark-circles-under-eyes/MY00346

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

It's cool to keep your Raspberries, Broccoli and Skin Care in the fridge

As I learn more about being healthy, strong and beautiful in my 40's, my research has lead me to great food, wonderful Skin Care Professionals and incredible skin care products. But where do I store this yummy food and perfect for my skin products to keep them fresh and readily available? Inside my beautiful stainless french door refrigerator, in the humidically controlled fruit and vegetable drawers, you will find Kale, Broccoli, Strawberries and more. In the top right hand door shelf, there is Silk half and half, Hemp oil, Flax seed and Flax seed oil, and my Obagj Professional-C Serum.

Why you ask do I have my skin care in amongst my tummy filling treats? It is recommended we place Vitamin C rich foods in the fridge as Vitamin C is highly sensitive to air, sunlight, water and temperature fluctuation. And since we are eating these foods to boost our immune system, lower our cancer risk, and heal wounds within the body, we want to ensure the food is at it's optimum when we eat it. It is also known to be a powerful antioxidant in the body. Vitamin C is a water-soluble essential vitamin that is quickly lost from your body, so daily intake is vital.

Knowing this, it makes sense to put the Vitamin C Rich Skin Care in the refrigerator as well. And now I have learned many skin care professionals and skin care manufacturers recommend placing certain nutrient rich products in the controlled environment the refrigerator provides. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is one of the topical agents whose effectiveness against wrinkles and fine lines is backed by a fair amount of reliable scientific evidence. Vitamin C rich skin care is designed to visibly reduce the signs of aging, protect your skin from future damage from free radicals, and support healthy skin function. The smooth serum also boosts collagen, brightens skin tone, and restores needed moisture and hydration to improve the skin's tone and texture.

Keeping some of our skin care products from aging themselves is becoming so highly recommended that there are several companies producing beautiful and affordable "Cosmetic and Medical " fridges, designed to fit in a smaller space such as a bath or hallway closet. Of course I am looking into the pink and black series....
So, now that we know it is cool to keep our products in the fridge, maybe it will replace some of the junk food I once had on that shelf...

http://www.popgadget.net/2006/02/cosmetic_refrig.php

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=109
www.obagi.com

www.reulaserandskincare.com

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Sand Blasting your way to Beauty?

Birthdays, change of seasons, life events and general over all skin care take me in for a skin care consult at least twice a year. I am open to new treatments and ideas, but I prefer to have a plan of attack. What should I be doing for the next 12 months, or 2 years to achieve the skin care goals I have? How will my active outdoor lifestyle affect my decisions? What about the wedding (not mine) I am in this April? What do I do about these (new) fine lines and uneven skin tone?

Of course, a good skin care regime which includes a true Sun Protection is paramount to my overall goal of maintaining healthy, beautiful skin. We have now added a series of Microdermabrasion to my skin care treatments. To maintain the result of vibrant, healthy skin at 46 I am using the Obagi Skin Care Line and my Clarisonic. Colorescience Sunforgettable is my sun protection while I ski, run and as it gets warmer, golf, or just drive my kids to all of their events!

Research demonstrates that Microdermabrasion treatments are effective exfoliant treatments in stimulating cell renewal and rejuvenation of aging skin. The Microderm facial uses a "sandblasting" technique to clean away the outermost layer of old dead skin cells. Although the treatment was a bit noisy, I experienced very little discomfort. My skin felt slightly warm, and tight for the first 24 hours, but I had the treatment at lunch and went right back to work!

A seres of Microderm treatments may be as effective as more invasive, more costly treatments. I have had one and will be going thru a series of about 6 to achieve my goals of improving my skin tone and diminishing some of the fine lines around cheeks and eyes. Microderm treatments range from about 5 to 10 treatments depending on your skin care goals.

Take a look in the mirror tonight, and really take stock of your skin. Do you have fine lines around your eyes? Is your skin evenly toned or ruddy? Do you have pimples or age and sun spots? Now may be the time for you to talk with your Skin Care Specialist about Microdermabrasion.

http://www.docshop.com/education/dermatology/facial/microdermabrasion/risks-benefits/