Beauty is Within: Beauty and Fashion Blog

5 Tips For Taking Care Of Your Inner Beauty

2009-07-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Part of my mission with this blog is to help people realize that you cannot have outer beauty without taking care of your inner self. And part of taking care of your inner self means nurturing your body, mind, and soul. Your inner body, mind, and soul is what I consider to be your "inner beauty".

I recently found out about Marlise Karlin, a woman whose mission it is to help people by experiencing The Simplicity of Stillness.

Marlise offers five tips that are invaluable in making the journey of life more enjoyable, balanced, and beautiful...

#1: Breathe Into the Moment

In the midst of a busy day, take a few moments to find stillness. Slow your pace, breathe deep, and refocus your attention away from the mind-chatter. Instead, reflect on what is most meaningful to you in life, and carry those inspirational thoughts with you throughout your day.

#2: Take Inspired Action

Being in constant reaction mode will leave you feeling exhausted & unfulfilled. After taking a moment of reflection and stillness, follow through with the necessary steps to achieve the goals you set forth for the day. If a disruption occurs, acknowledge it and look for a solution, rather than allowing it to derail you. Notice how your new focus helps you to stay on track with greater ease.

#3: Water Your Garden

Truly acknowledge the people in your life for the value they bring to you and the world. As with a garden, relationships need to be nurtured and appreciated. With even a sprinkling, the relationship will bloom – and the beauty of what is given will return to you tenfold.

#4 Be Aware of Your Attitude

Notice how you feel and how you radiate those feelings outward. If you have a positive attitude, people will not only gravitate to you, but it might even help change the attitude of others from negative to positive. If you are projecting love, generosity and hope, others may follow your lead. Realize how what you give comes back to you!

#5 Make Choices

Acknowledge that you have the ability to make choices that will keep you moving forward toward your overall vision, rather than letting other people, or life’s circumstances distract you from staying focused on what matters most. Choose what moves you toward your goals that give you the greatest rewards – inside and out.

Visit Marlise Karlin's website: www.marlisekarlin.com

Fashion and Beauty Weekend Readings

2009-07-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

I've been a little out of it when it comes to reading the juicy stories from fellow fashion and beauty bloggers. I opened up my Google Reader for the first time in quite awhile to find 1,000+ blog posts to wade through!

Well, I decided to just focus on this past week's news and share some of the good stuff with you:

Hilary Alexander of Telegraph shares the top ten little black swimsuits for the summer. Watch a video below of the photo shoot featuring the swimsuits...(Email readers may need to click here to watch the video)

Helene of The Luxe Chronicles offers her thoughts on Alexander McQueen's creative angst and the future of fashion marketing.

Second City Style says that Anna Sui for Target's 'Gossip Girl' Collection Takes Cues from Former Runway Looks

Ok, we all know that smoking is bad for you, however, Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains breaks it down for us. This is your skin on smoking.

Karen of the Makeup and Beauty Blog wants to know: Are the New Sonia Kashuk Ultra Shine Sheer Lip Glosses Dupes for Chanel Aqualumiere Glossimers?

Did You Know?
If you're on Twitter, you can find other beauty peeps simply by doing a Twitter search for #beauty!

Join the Bikini Week Festivities in San Diego

2009-07-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

In San Diego, summer just isn't summer without a big Fourth of July weekend bash! Many people flock to San Diego during this weekend to lay out on the beach and soak up some fantastic California sunshine. As I was riding on the train up the coast yesterday, there were crowds of people already on the beaches.

If you happen to be in San Diego this weekend, you should check out the Bikini Week festivities that are going on in the Gaslamp Quarter! I am out of town this weekend, so I'm a little bummed I won't be able to participate in all the goodness ;)

Bikini Week San Diego is a five-day event that actually started this past Wednesday and runs through Sunday, July 5th. Every night there is a different venue for the event. Click here for the schedule of events.

My Twitter pal, Rob of DowntownRob.com (aka "@downtownrob" on Twitter) will be covering Bikini Week on his blog. Stay tuned!

I'm happy to see that there are more fashion events like this in San Diego. You may recall my thoughts on San Diego's first fashion week. Hopefully one day San Diego will be put on the fashion map ;)

Fourth of July Fashion Inspiration

2009-07-03T05:02:00.000-07:00

Shopping for an outfit for that Fourth of July bash? Take some inspiration from this fashion spread created by Looloo...(Mouseover and click on images to shop!)

Tees by G by Guess
Wedges by Charles by Charles David
Clutches by GUESS
Bracelets by Chamak by Priya Kakkar

Overcome Your Skin Care Challenges

2009-07-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Your Skin Challenges -- Solved!

Take this quiz to get customized tips on winning your skin battles, from acne and wrinkles to chronic dryness

Does it feel like your skin is conspiring against you, sprouting pimples or fine lines when your back is turned? It may seem impossible but you can overcome any skin challenge and have a flawless complexion -- with the right care. Take this quiz to identify your enemies and get tips on how to conquer them.

Take the quiz

And speaking of skin care, summer is here and that means more sweat and oil! Here is a video that demonstrates how to use a facial cleanser...

Share Your Beauty Tips and Win $250 Worth of Beauty Goodies

2009-07-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

What I love about technology nowadays is that anybody can be a star. If you have a blog and a digital or video camera, you can share your beauty or fashion knowledge and expertise without having to work at a fashion magazine.

There are tons of ways you can share your beauty tips. One place to check out is ELLE's new online community for makeup artists - both amateur and professional. Share your videos and each week you have a chance to win $250 worth of beauty goodies!

Bonus: Video Star favorites will get their faces and tips in the pages of ELLE magazine, with the most popular personality of the year winning $3000 in products!

For more information, visit: http://videostar.elle.com/

I'm thinking of starting a series of beauty and fashion videos...once I can get over my shyness ;) If you have any topics you'd like for me to cover, let me know! Email me at: maria [at] beautyiswithin [dot] net.

David Babaii's Forecast for 2009 Fall Hair Trends

2009-06-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

Celebrity hairstylist David Babaii's forecast for Fall Hair 2009 includes a flash back to the 70's: an era considered to be a major turning point for hair with the birth of the blow dryer, Farah Fawcett's famous style, the Shag, the Afro and punk.

Hair is all about movement with soft layers to achieve an updated version of Farah's world famous hairstyle. Opt for a longer length fringe so you can easily create changes in your style. The key is creating a lot of changes using accessories like a fabulous headband or scarf to transform your style as often as your mood fits.

In 2009, the blow dryer will, once again, play a key role in creating looks for longer length hair.

The 70's Shag incorporated many disconnected layers. In 2009, any disconnect is out dated. A well blended and softly textured version of the Shag will definitely turn heads.

Big hair also dominated this period and will always be a fashion statement. What woman doesn't love "Gianormous" hair? No matter what length of texture, volume can be created numerous ways.

For women with highly textured hair, the Afro gave this era a sense of freedom and style. For Fall Hair 2009, your curls and waves can still experience that same freedom.

For Fall 2009, hair color should be natural looking but color enhanced with a conditioner or glaze to bring out your hair's assets.

Shop for David Babaii's products at Amazon.com...

L'Occitane: Keeping the Mission of Natural Beauty Alive

2009-06-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

"The sun, the products of the soil and a love of nature are the essence of my Provence. It is this essence I want to share with the world. It is what inspired me to create L'OCCITANE."
--Olivier Baussan, Founder of L'Occitane

As a firm believer in supporting socially responsible companies, I'd like to bring your attention to one such company that has been around for more than 30 years: L'Occitane.

The fields and the beauty of France are the inspiration for this brand that is known worldwide for providing authentic beauty products. Olivier Baussan's mission began when he purchased a steam distiller and began harvesting wild rosemary to produce pure rosemary essential oil.

Over the years Baussan has traveled the world searching for new ingredients and different techniques, he learned about shea butter that is grown on shea trees in West Africa. There are three women's cooperatives in Africa that help produce the shea butter, otherwise known as "Women's gold". L'Occitane has partnered with the women's cooperatives and buys the shea butter at a fair price to be used in the company's products.

The benefits of shea butter include:

Evens skin tone and brings luster to hair and nails

Moisturizes and protects skin and scalp

Is absorbed by the skin quickly without leaving a greasy residue, unlike petroleum or mineral oil-based products

Naturally rich in Vitamins A, E, & F

I love Olivier Baussan's commitment and vision of producing high-quality natural and organic beauty products.

I also love the missions of the L'Occitane Foundation:

To support organizations in the field of sensory handicaps, in France and abroad.

To safeguard the "knowledge of nature" in Provence.

To support projects of economic development led by women in developing societies.

L'Occitane offers a wide variety of products including bath and shower products like their famous French soap, skincare, haircare, and fragrances. They also offer free gift wrap, email alerts of special announcements, plus free samples with any purchase.

Photo Credit:gtknj

Jimmy Choo For H&M: The Saving Begins

2009-06-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

I read quite a bit of fashion news and I like to keep up with who is designing for which brand, up-and-coming fashion designers, etc.

So, I was on Twitter the other day and noticed that "H&M" was a trending topic. Of course I was curious as to why so many people were talking about the company. Sheer joy ran through my veins when I discovered that Jimmy Choo is coming out with a collection for H&M this coming fall - November 14 to be exact!

Jimmy Choo has reached iconic status with his ever-so-glamorous shoes and handbags. You really have to see his designs in person to appreciate the craftmanship.

Browsing through the Saks Fifth Avenue website, I came across this Jimmy Choo "Blythe" leather satchel.

I like big handbags like this. It would be perfect to carry a mini laptop in...or a nice traveling bag.

If Jimmy Choo's designs for H&M are as nice as his current designs, I may have to start saving up for a spending spree in the fall!

Makeup Tips For a Tired-Looking Face

2009-06-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Ingrid

As a follow up to my post about lack of sleep and getting rid of those bags under your eyes, I want to share some makeup tips for those mornings when your face just looks oh, so tired:

I like this tip on waking up a tired face in one simple step posted over at Splendicity.

I got this eye makeup tip from a friend...Put on a few coats of mascara on just the top lashes. For me, it opens up my eyes a little more.

I've never tried concealer to hide dark circles under my eyes, but you may want to try out these concealer tips for tired-looking eyes.

Nothing says I'm tired more than red, blood-shot eyes. Back in my early 20's I was working full-time, going to school part-time, and I still partied my booty off! I always made sure to carry around eye drops in my purse ;) Nowadays I use these eye drops from Rohto that definitely make my eyes white and bright. These eye drops feel really weird when you put them on - for lack of a better descriptive phrase. It's just feels much different than Visine...hard to explain. However, they're very cool and soothing ;)

Goodbye To Back in Skinny Jeans

2009-06-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Quilao is one of my favorite bloggers and I just found out today that she has retired her famous Back in Skinny Jeans blog.

However, if you're into eating healthy like I am, you can still follow Stephanie on Noshtopia where she provides tips for wellness through food.

I'm going to miss Stephanie's inspiring tips and advice about body image and self-esteem. I have the same philosophies about beauty that she has and I know that she has influenced many women around the world, including myself.

I wanted to pass on a message from one of Stephanie's posts that everyone should think about...

There is nothing outside of you that will make you stop obsessing about your body and your looks. YOU have to decide that you will no longer make your body and beauty the focus of your life. YOU have to stop attaching your self esteem, your self-worth, and your self-love to something external to you. YOU must become conscious that you are chasing an illusion and not a reality. YOU must ask for help and take responsibility for your healing if you find yourself dealing with anything that is causing harm to your health, life, and those around you.

These are very profound statements because it's all so true. Many of us place so much attention on the external. What brand of clothing you wear or the beauty products you use determine how you feel about yourself. Carrying that Louis Vuitton handbag does not heal your soul. You could have a trillion dollars, have the "perfect" body, and a closet the size of Disneyland, but you still won't be happy unless you have love for yourself.

Get Rid of Those Bags Under Your Eyes, Girlfriend!

2009-06-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, when you don't get enough sleep, it can get pretty ugly. Perhaps I could just be speaking for myself, but I doubt it!

The past week I've been helping my friend by watching her three little girls, which means that I have to be up at the crack of dawn because she has to be at work at 7 a.m. Being a night-owl who often goes to bed at 1 or 2 a.m., making it throughout the day on five hours of sleep was a challenge for me. I'm the type of person who likes to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.

Like many people who lack sleep, I developed those ugly bags under my eyes. Oy vey! The one thing worse than having a zit on my face is having bags under my eyes.

I came across this video that offers a tip on how to get rid of under-eye bags:

And speaking of sleepless nights, if you have trouble falling asleep at night, my friend Bill Perry offers a CD or MP3 that helps you get the rest you need.

Check it out at MindAudios.com.

The audio slows down your brainwaves to get you into an alpha state that helps you sleep better. I use it when my mind has all those random thoughts and can't sleep.

Fragrance Review: Island Michael Kors Bermuda

2009-06-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

Michael Kors has long been a favorite designer of mine. You may recall my experience in a Michael Kors store at the Fashion Valley Mall here in San Diego.

For the summer season, Michael Kors has come out with a new "destination in fragrance". Escape to relaxed luxury...

Island Michael Kors Bermuda is a blend of vibrant hibiscus, tropical passion flower, and smooth cedar wood. If you love floral fragrances, this is one you may want to check out. I tend to gravitate toward sweet, citrus scents - so this Michael Kors fragrance won't be on my personal list of must-have's.

Notes: Freesia, Hibiscus, Cassis Buds, Tiare, Peony, Jasmine, Passion Flower, Driftwood, Soft Skin Accord, and Cedar

As an aside, the artsy side of me really likes the pink bottle that the fragrance comes in. It looks like a nice piece of glass sculpture ;)

Marina Geigert of Perfume-Smellin' Things also reviews Michael Kors Bermuda...

Read the Perfume archives...

Buy Michael Kors Island Michael Kors Bermuda Gift Set at Amazon.com ($62)

Beauty Is: Pampering Yourself Once in Awhile

2009-06-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

Skip the Spa and Pamper Yourself at Home

Find out how you can get professional-level results at home

Who has the money or the time to head to the spa or beauty salon these days? Not us. That's why we searched around for gadgets and products that would give us spa-worthy results at home. Check them out and be on your way to clearer, smoother skin, glossy hair and more, without making a huge dent in your bank account.

See products

My Thoughts:
It's important to pamper yourself once in awhile. Just because you don't have the time or the money to go to a full-service spa doesn't mean that you shouldn't take care of yourself!

When you take care of yourself, you feel better about yourself...and when you feel better about yourself, your inner beauty comes out!

TotalBeauty.com Web Tour: Summer Beauty Edition

2009-06-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

The stars came out for the CoverGirl/MTV Movie Awards event at Byron & Tracey Salon, Beauty Junkies Unite was there!

It's 3 Custom Color Specialist Week on The Informed Makeup Maven who writes, interviews and reviews 3CCS. Don't forget to enter IMM's MAC Pack and Diorshow giveaways, and follow IMM on Twitter.

eye4style has the scoop on Sienna Miller's totally gorgeous MTV Movie Awards hair! Get the how-to here.

A Beautified Life reviews Summer Shimmer makeup that helps withstand the summer heat!

Boutique Flair features makeup with wonderful waterproof magic.

Meilily is giving away an eyeQuatic waterproof summer makeup set from tarte!

Beauty Anonymous reviews La Mer The SPF30 UV Protecting Fluid.

Celebrate Shawn Johnson's win on Dancing with the Stars... click here to enter to win a makeup bag full of her favorite goodies over at Beauty in Real Life.

Fabulous Over Forty discusses mens skincare needs and products.

Beautè Noire discovered the perfect anti-oxidant and moisture-rich SPF body lotion for summer!

Beauty Banter gives you the EXCLUSIVE step-by-step with top celeb stylist for creating spring's hottest hair 'do: the messy ballerina bun. Includes images of each step!

Neon Bible tries out the best. moisturizer. ever. And guess what? It's cheap, too!

Addicted to Lipstick shows us How to Depot MAC Eyeshadows and Make Your Own Eyeshadow Palette using a candle.

Image and Style News Dishes on the Hottest Makeup and Hairstyles at the 2009 Mtv Movie Awards.

It's almost summer.... time to wear those fun and fearless nail shades...Barielle has a unique line of colors that will last all summer long--"Driven" is my fave! Time to choose yours!!.

Enter for a chance to win one of two Men's Essential Kits by The Skin by Monica Olsen over at The Makeup Divas, but hurry contest ends soon!

Kyle at Face Candy Buff'd Cosmetics Mineral Foundation.

Alison aka. "Advice Sister Alison" of the Advice Sisters was inspired by the ballerinas she saw at the American Ballet Theater and shows you how to make a ballet bun..

LA Pretty is giving away Redken's brand new overnight treatment to two lucky readers. Get the all the details here.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews Caudalie Premieres Vendages Moisturizing Cream, an antioxidant-rich moisturizer that works for all skin types!

Hot Beauty Health shows you several different hair style looks for summer and 10 Fab beauty brands for summer 2009.

Lipgloss Break has 2 great giveaways this week - Enter to win KISS Everlasting French Nail Kits and David Babaii WildAid Shampoo & Conditioner!

Butterflydiary gives you the rich, mysterious looks of YSL's Fall Palette already!

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog reviews Prescriptives' NEW mineral makeup.

My Makeup Blog did a prom makeover for one reader!

Look of the Week: Bright Yellow

2009-06-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

This morning in Starbucks I saw this girl with such an eye-catching outfit on. I sat there absorbed in a conversation with a lady next to me, but the vibrant yellow of the girl's outfit made me stop and stare.

It was the cutest outfit and I couldn't help but smile...

Yellow must be the color of the day because I ended up seeing other women with yellow on. All this brightness inspired me to create a yellow look of my own. (Click on the image to see details about each item.)

I personally don't remember the last time I owned a piece of yellow clothing, so I may venture out of my comfort zone the next time I go shopping. If I were to buy a yellow dress, it would be something similar to what is pictured above. I would definitely break up the color with a black belt.

Have you brought a little brightness into your life lately?

Embrace Natural Beauty Products and Give Back With Nuvo Cosmetics

2009-06-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile I like to highlight companies that offer something unique and operate their business a little different from everybody else. Nuvo Cosmetics is a company that has been on my beauty radar lately.

Nuvo Cosmetics is a company based in Madison, Wisconsin that offers natural European skin care products. The company believes in providing products that are cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and are not tested on animals. I think many of us can appreciate this philosophy.

It's important nowadays that we're more conscious of where our beauty products come from and what it takes to produce them. You can read a glossary of cosmetic ingredients used in Nuvo Products here.

You may recall the review I did of Nuvo's lavender floral water last year. Summer is just around the corner and this spray will come in handy again for those times when I want to feel fresh when I'm on the go. ;)

Giving Back to the Community Is Beautiful

Although there are many companies that do offer natural and/or organic products, what makes Nuvo Cosmetics stand out is that they give back to the community. I believe that every penny counts when it comes to helping organizations or causes that do good. With every purchase made at NuvoCosmetics.com, the company donates 25 cents to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a science-based nonprofit organization that is leading the way to a healthier environment and a safer world.

In my eyes, when you give back to the community, you become a more beautiful person...

Connecting With People

I'm a huge fan of Facebook and Twitter...I use these social networking sites on a daily basis. I also love it when companies embrace technology and utilize the internet to connect with people. Nuvo has a page on Facebook as well as a Twitter profile (@Nuvo).

Shop for Nuvo products by visiting: www.nuvocosmetics.com.

Estee Lauder Gift: Get Over $100 Worth of Free Products

2009-06-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

For all of you Estée Lauder fans, you're in for a treat this month!

With ANY purchase of $39.50 or more at EsteeLauder.com, you will receive over $100 worth of free products -- and the BEST part? YOU get to choose the products you want!

Choose a 14-day supply from our best-selling moisturizers:

Time Zone (2009 CEW winner for Best Moisturizer)
DayWear Plus
Hydra Bright
Resilience Lift Extreme

And then choose which color collection suits your skintone best!

Warm Shades include the following Estée Lauder products:

High Gloss in Honey
Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Coral
Double Wear Stay-In-Place ShadowStick in Golden Peach
8 Estée Lauder Eyeshadows in shades Peach, Apricot, Chocolate, Praline and Amber Honey Quad

Cool Shades include the following Estée Lauder products:

High Gloss in Rose
Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Tiramisu
Double Wear Stay-In-Place ShadowStick in Pink Shell
8 Estée Lauder Eyeshadows in shades Mulberry, Lavender, Sugar Cube, Berry Ice and Smokey Pink Quad

Every gift includes a sample of Aerin Lauder's Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia fragrance and a chic City Square cosmetics bag!

Click here for more information...

This offer is available until June 14th or while supplies last! No offer code required.

Which Wedding Dress Is Right For You?

2009-06-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

When shopping for a wedding dress, many brides want to know the latest trends in wedding dresses in order to help them decide on the perfect dress for that special day.

My philosophy about finding that perfect dress is that you shouldn't be focused on picking one that is "trendy", you should pick a wedding dress based on the fact that you absolutely love it and feel comfortable wearing it. So what if it doesn't have flower petal embroidery or it doesn't have feathers galore? (Those are supposed to be the wedding dress trends for this year, by the way.)

As I mentioned before in my post about wedding fashion, I want my wedding dress to be pretty simple. No long trains or big veils - although I may wear a tiara ;)

Priscilla of Boston has a great selection of non-traditional wedding dresses that appeal to my aesthetic tastes. This dress in particular caught my eye - maybe because it's paired with shoes in my favorite color...

Here is a long dress with pretty details from the "Jewel" collection at Priscilla of Boston. I really like the top half of the dress, but I would prefer something a little shorter. I don't like worrying about stepping on my dress or getting it dirty.

As I said earlier, if you are shopping for a wedding dress, choose one that YOU love. Who cares what anybody else thinks about it...

Related Posts:

Fashion Diva: Ashley Tisdale at 2009 MTV Movie Awards

2009-06-01T18:23:00.001-07:00

I only caught about five minutes of the MTV Movie Awards last night. As with any event like this, most of us are more interested in the fashion than anything else.

I will say for the record, though, that I appreciate the work that goes into making movies. As much as we criticize actors for whatever nonsense they put out into the world, without them we wouldn't have much entertainment in our lives!

As much as I like to keep this blog a celebrity-free zone the majority of the time (After all, every other beauty and fashion blog talks about celebrities), I would like to point out one of my favorite celebrity looks from the red carpet arrivals...

Ashley Tisdale came out in this very cute purple Elise Overland dress with a pair of fierce-lookin' shoes. The shoes are from Paul and Joe's Spring/Summer collection. The shoes are super-cute, but I probably would have worn something like these Michael Kors patent strappy sandals...

Congratulations to Ashley for winning the "Breakthrough Female Performance Award"!

Support the Beauty and Fashion Industries

2009-05-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

There are alot of people hurting right now. Our economy is struggling and people seem to be holding on tighter to their cash reserves. I personally don't think it's healthy to hold on so tight to your money. It creates scarcity thinking. You should be thinking that money will always flow to you and that there's plenty of money to go around.

So, what does all this have to do with beauty and fashion?

Well, plenty.

I'm sure many of you have been reading and hearing the news about beauty and fashion companies downsizing or closing up shop. These are the companies that us beauty junkies have supported for many years. There was some news going around about Stila possibly closing shop, but it looks like the company was bought out and will continue with new owners.

I think it's time to whip out the cash...or even credit cards...and start supporting those companies that have provided great beauty and fashion products or services to us. Create good vibes and get the flow of wealth going around!

I normally don't encourage this, but if you're not already heavily in debt, apply for a credit card and buy those things that you've needed for awhile. If you have cash to spend - more power to you! Maybe you need a new pair of work shoes or a new suit for job interviews. Do something to instill trust in the banks so that they'll continue to offer people credit and get the economy in a good flow again. Here is a credit card comparison.

I'm not saying that you should go on a crazy spending spree and buy things you absolutely don't need! I'm not saying you should put yourself in even more debt just to keep up with the latest trends. However, just do a little prosperity spending to get the flow of money going and to support our favorite beauty and fashion companies. After all, they help us with our outer beauty!

Beauty Quote of the Week: Beauty Is Not in the Face...

2009-05-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart”
-- Kahlil Gibran

Have you ever met someone that had this certain aura about them that made him/her so attractive?

You were captivated by their presence, but yet you couldn't quite pinpoint what it was that drew you to him/her...

Yes, the outer beauty was there, but that inner light was shining so bright that it mesmerized everyone in its path. This person is so loving, so giving, so forgiving, and so humble.

Now that, my friends, is true beauty.

Total Beauty Web Tour: Reviews, Giveaways, and More!

2009-05-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Informed Makeup Maven shares highlights from the NYC Makeup show and talks mineral makeup with Obsessed Minerals founder, Michael Huwe. Don't forget to join IMM's facebook group!

Beauty Anonymous loves the fresh floral scents of Bond No.9 Astor Place Eau de Parfum.

Kyl at The Beauty Couch is seriously loving the new By Lauren Luke My Smokey Classics palette.

Get serious coverage that is no joke with these 2 fab concealers that Beauty Junkies Unite tried, even tattoos better duck and take cover!

Boutique Flair reviews the Kiss My Face Potent & Pure line.

A Little More Beautiful has 2 giveaways going on Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin and Max Factor Lash Perfection Volume Couture ending in May and June.

Fabulous Over Forty has a mineral makeup giveaway. Contest ends soon!

The Makeup Divas reviews the new Prescriptives Exhilarating lipgloss in Guava and lipstick in Raspberry.

Neon Bible's new guy writer talks about how to get your guy to get a haircut that costs more than $9.00.

Lipgloss Break has a double giveaway - Enter to Win Wrinkle Arrest DermaScyne & healthDropz!

StyleBell reviews the latest Damp to Dry Flat Iron by HAI Elite, the HaiDraStik. Read if StyleBell gives it a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

Beautè Noire discovers how to get the smoothest, softest, glossiest legs ever!

Jamie, The Working Girl from Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog, shares her after-work spa regimen.

Lipstickaddict makes a review on The Body Shop Productsfrom Spa Wisdom Line, Yes Yes Yes Tantalising Lip Butter and Body Focus Bust Firmer!

Alison at The Advice Sisters (follow her on Twitter - advicesisters) tempts you to try Treats for Summer by TARTE.

makeup loves me gives you the swatches you need to decide if MAC's new style warrior collection is right for you!

eye4style is glossy and fabulous, thanks to the Brazilian Blowout at Maria Bonita. Read about it here!

Hot Beauty Health show us how Shea Butter enhances women beauty.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews the Rx for Brown Skin Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum.

Beauty in Real Life is having a giveaway with Beautyfix, click here to enter to win one of 15 sets up for grabs!!

LA Pretty is giving away a Fruits & Passion pedicure set for a luxurious, at-home foot treatment. Click here for contest details.

addicted to lipstick is having a Kiss My Face Giveaway for Oily and Acne Prone Skin be sure to enter to win!

Summer Fun Locks easy fun curls get the scoop!

What I'm Loving Right Now: Pilates

2009-05-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to Borders bookstore I picked up a video with an intention of toning my abs. I'm starting to feel a muffin top growing! Besides that, I want to look better in my swimsuit this summer ;)

The video I bought is Gaiam's "Pilates: Abs Workout" and I'm telling you right now that my body is really feeling it! Just from one session I'm already feeling the muscles in my body growing stronger.

If you're wondering what the benefits of pilates are, check out this article on WebMD, "Pilates Exercises and Workout Benefits". Here is another good article, "6 Good Reasons to Try Pilates".

I've been slacking on my toning and stretching exercises although I still walk a few miles each week. The walking hasn't done much for my tummy, so I'm setting a goal to do the pilates workout at least 3 times a week. Pilates is something completely new to me, so I'm definitely motivated to keep going. I tend to get very bored doing the same exercise routine. When it comes to exercise, mixing it up is good.

Hopefully in a couple months I'll feel confident enough to wear the bikini at the beach!

And speaking of bikinis, I really like this BCBGMAXAZRIA Sunflower Bikini Swimsuit! ($148 at SmartBargains.com)

Is shipping available on that body as well?

Photo Credit: Scott Rozic

Get Glamorous Now!

2009-05-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Your Get More Glamorous Guide

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