Beauty is Within: Beauty and Fashion Blog

What I Love Right Now: "Jasper" by butter LONDON

2013-05-22T00:11:00.001-07:00

I've never been into yellow anything - until now. "Jasper" by butter LONDON ($15) has put me in a sunshine-y mood, and for once I'm looking forward to summer. Well, kind of looking forward to summer.

What I am definitely looking forward to, though, is using this mellow yellow color in a variety of easy nail art designs. So far I've done bright stripes and polka dots...
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Beauty, Fitness, and A Trip to NYC, Oh My!

2013-05-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

I know this is a little last minute, but I wanted to pass on this invite in case you're interested. Who doesn't want to be pampered, get healthy, and possibly win a trip to NYC to boot?

WHAT: Benefit Cosmetics, Physique 57, Intermix and Thompson Hotels have joined forces to kick off summer. They're sending one lucky winner and her BFF off to NYC for a weekend getaway. Swanky hotel accommodations, a $1000 shopping spree, free fitness classes and makeovers will have our gals feeling fab for summer.

WHEN & WHERE: They will also be giving fans a little pampering on Monday, May 20th in Los Angeles and Tuesday, May 21st in NYC. Guests are invited to participate in a free class at Physique 57 and follow it up with some bubbly and mini-makeovers at Benefit.

RSVP below:

http://girlsnightoutbenefitla.eventbrite.com
http://girlsnightoutbenefitnyc.eventbrite.com

The Life of the Arm Party

2013-05-15T01:31:00.000-07:00

If you have been hibernating in a cave somewhere for the past couple years, there's a huge party going on in the fashion world. It's called the "arm party." Well, actually, there are a ton of “parties” going on, and you are invited too. Just do a search for #armparty on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr and you’ll discover a whole lot of partying going on!

Throw on a few bracelets and voila - you've just created a party on your arm. You can mix it up with one more thing, which I consider the life of the party: A stylish watch.

Inner Beauty Inspiration For the Week

2013-05-13T18:21:00.001-07:00

Treat yourself! Inner classic beauty isn't about total indulgence; rather, it's about finding joy at every opportunity.
— Fashion and Style (@FashionAndStyle) April 25, 2013

Here's another great reminder that when you're happy, you're beautiful.
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Recommended Mother's Day Gift: Spa Sonic Skin Care System

2013-05-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

If you haven't purchased a Mother's Day gift yet, you may want to consider giving her the Spa Sonic Skin Care System. Every woman washes her face, right? I'm all for practical gift-giving, and the Spa Sonic is something I think every woman should own. Seriously, if you care about your skin (or obsessed with skincare like I am), then get this product.

Sarah Jessica Parker at the MET Gala: A Reminder That Fashion Should Be Fun

2013-05-07T01:18:00.001-07:00

If you're attending the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala where they're celebrating its newest exhibit, PUNK: Chaos to Couture, it's only right to come in your own version of Punk fashion. Sarah Jessica Parker did just that.

5 Cute and Stylish Dresses Every Woman Should Own

2013-05-06T00:09:00.000-07:00

Well, ok, not everyone woman should have these dresses in their wardrobe because there are some of us who just don’t like to wear dresses. I used to be one of them. I was very much a tomboy back in the day. It was just only a few years ago that I set the intention to wear more dresses, and now I love them because it’s so much easier to just throw on a dress versus mixing and matching tops and pants.

If you love dresses, here are five to consider adding to your style arsenal when the occasion calls for them:

Why You Should Read the Instructions on Beauty Products

2013-04-30T16:44:00.003-07:00

Awhile back I received Davines Authentic Moisturizing Balm to review, so I'm thinking it's your typical moisturizing lotion. It comes in a unique tube and pretty artwork on the packaging with a woman and various elements from nature, and because I'm an artistic, visual person, I paid more attention to that than to the directions on the back.

Then one day I decided to read the directions:

Jane Fonda Doesn't Consider Herself Beautiful

2013-04-26T12:42:00.001-07:00

"...the energy that emanates from someone who owns who they are, shines from their eyes, and it affects the people watching them. I think that gives off an aura of youth, even though chronologically you're not young." --Jane Fonda

Try Something New: 2013 Spring Makeup Trends

2013-04-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

You may have enough makeup to last ten lifetimes, but do you find yourself sticking with the same makeup looks season after season? TotalBeauty.com offers up three makeup trends you may want to try out this spring...

3 Spring Makeup Trends You Have To Try This Season

We asked an expert makeup artist to scour the runways and pick the hottest spring trends. Here are the top 3

This is a TotalBeauty.com Makeup article

Now that you've restocked your makeup back with the new makeup products that have launched for spring, it's time to put them to use. To get you started, we enlisted the help of makeup artist Taylor Babaian, who scoured the runways of Fashion Week to find the top 3 must-try makeup trends for spring. Click ahead to see Babaian's expert tips on how to recreate these fresh, new looks this season.

See makeup trends

Here are more spring makeup trends over at the Solemates blog.

Spring Day in Balboa Park

2013-04-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

Top: gifted to me (and surprisingly has no label!) / Pants: Forever 21 /

Jacket: Ann Taylor / Purse: City DKNY / Sunglasses: Forever 21 / Shoes: BOBS by Skechers

Spring is here in San Diego, so it's only right to visit Balboa Park to enjoy the weather, see all of the beautiful blooming flowers in the Botanical Garden, and stroll through a few museums for art inspiration.

Are You Your Own Worst Critic?

2013-04-16T16:40:00.001-07:00

In Dove's latest campaign, Real Beauty Sketches, they say that only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful. That seems like such a low number to me, but I can see how many women, especially those living in the U.S., can be very critical of themselves.

Watch how women describe themselves compared to how others describe them in the video below...

Beauty Product Review: Primavera Clarifying Face Scrub

2013-04-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

"...every day is a chance to bring nature closer – to discover balance with the outside world and the world within.." --From the Primavera website

Have you noticed that I've been writing alot about skin care lately? I guess that happens when you start to get "up there" in age. I just celebrated a birthday and have really started to notice how much my skin has changed. I never did believe women when they told me about all the different changes. I figured I could drink enough water, take vitamins, exercise, and eat healthy so that my skin would stay the same. Uh, no.

Interview With a Makeup Artist: Dr. G Is On a Mission to Provide "Beauty Care"

2013-04-08T14:54:00.003-07:00

Gina Charles is not just any makeup artist. Gina is also a doctor who is on a mission to provide what she calls "beauty care" to help boost the self-esteem of women who are dealing with cancer. I was fortunate to connect with her on Twitter and felt compelled to learn more about her story. Here is my interview with her...

What inspired you to become a makeup artist?

During graduate school, I was approached by a fellow makeup artist to assist her with a large wedding. Although I enjoyed learning about makeup from her, I had never did makeup professionally. After some training, I went on to assist her a few more times. A few years later, I moved away to start medical school. Based on my experiences with her clients I was inspired: I observed how the women were glowing after their makeup was completed. It was not simply a matter of looking good but I noticed they were feeling good about themselves.
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What Does Your Favorite Perfume Say About You?

2013-04-05T00:24:00.001-07:00

I believe what Maya Angelou said about people forgetting what you said or did, but remembering how you made them feel. However, our five senses come into play as well, and what you wear can leave an impression on people too. It's the visuals that capture our attention, and sometimes even our scent or perfume that makes people remember you. When they encounter that scent again, it reminds them of you.
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The Secret to High Style on a Budget

2013-04-04T00:01:00.002-07:00

LOW BUDGET BUT WITH STYLE...VICTORIA BECKHAM by ninazul on Polyvore

How do you keep up with fashion trends and look stylish every season if you’re on a budget?

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

2013-04-02T17:16:00.001-07:00

Love this! (Available at marlows-diamonds.co.uk)

Have you ever really looked at diamonds and wondered why women treasure them so much? I sit here staring at the diamond on my finger, it’s beauty and sparkle putting me in a trance. Regardless of how much light hits it, it still shines bright. Even in the dark, it still shines. No matter what angle you look at it, it still shines.

Do you think of yourself as a diamond? Do you shine bright regardless of what’s going on in your life? Do you shine even through dark times?

Be Happy, Be Beautiful

2013-04-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that when you're happy, confident, and smile, it makes your day - and outfit - complete.

What are some things you can do to be happy? Eat a piece of chocolate, play with your pet, dance to your favorite song...Whatever it is, do it at the start of your day and watch your day unfold in a state of peace and happiness. (One piece of chocolate in the morning is ok in my book!)

Natural Fashion Calls For Natural Beauty

2013-03-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

It’s so easy to transition into spring fashion when the weather outside is absolutely perfect, the birds are singing their songs, and all the flowers and trees are radiating bright colors. All I want to do is put on a fun spring outfit and dance around in the green grass. And I might just do that because it’s my birthday today!

It’s only right that this season’s fashion trends have taken cues from nature. What would a spring season be without bright colors and flowers? In all the stores I’ve seen coral, green, yellow, and neon colors. Oh, and why not mix and match all your pretty prints just for the fun of it?

Besides the black and white stripes trend, here are a few other spring looks that have caught my eye recently...

4 Tips For Finding the Right Bra

2013-03-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

VASSARETTE Women's Soft and Smooth Wirefree Bra

As I've probably mentioned before, I am not a bra and panty shopper. I never really used to care whether or not my bra and underwear matched. I would also wear bras way past their expiration date. That is, if bras had expiration dates.

That said, I've been on a mission to buy sexier underwear to look good in the bedroom, if you know what I mean :)

But now as I get older, I'm well aware of gravity and how it can start to work on a woman's body - especially "the girls". Oprah's show about bras awhile back opened up my eyes to the importance of wearing a bra that fits correctly.

Vanity Fair Lingerie has a few easy tips to help you find the right fit:

Get Off the Scale!

2013-03-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

I came across these inspiring words today and wanted to pass on the wisdom...

You are beautiful. Your beauty, just like your capacity for life, happiness, and success, is immeasurable. Day after day, countless people across the globe get on a scale in search of validation of beauty and social acceptance.

How to Wear the Low Heels Trend For Spring 2013

2013-03-21T16:51:00.001-07:00

Your feet will be singing high praises because low heeled shoes are back in action, ladies. Pull out the classic kitten heels and pumps and say goodbye (for now) to those high heel stilettos that pinch your toes and give you ugly bunions. You don’t have to sacrifice your feet to look cute this spring.
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Solutions and Remedies For the 3 Most Common Skin Problems

2013-03-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

Besides taking care of your inner beauty every day, it’s important to nourish your skin as well. After all, this is part of the body that holds everything together, so when your skin is not healthy, everything else suffers. That’s why I share a lot of information about skin care, and want to help you to learn more about taking care of your skin.

Skin is a big issue for everyone, but even more for women like me who are...um...getting *older*. Here are the most common skin problems, plus solutions and remedies to try out.

5 Must Try Yoga Poses

2013-03-19T15:54:00.002-07:00

Finding balance in this hectic world that we live in has been a challenge for many people, myself included. Finding time for yourself between work and family duties is a must if you want to stay sane.

Part of the "me" time includes plenty of rest and exercise. I would like to be more consistent with exercise, but my problem is that I tend to get bored too easily with exercise routines. I've tried different types of exercises including running, zumba, cross training, pilates, and yoga. Yoga is one thing I'd like to do more of because of all the different benefits.

I asked Elena Brower, Founder of Virayoga and author of Art Of Attention, to share her 5 favorite yoga poses...

Have You Committed This Nail Polish No-No?

2013-03-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

A pretty ring deserves pretty nails

"Ooohhh, I love your ring!"

You look down at your hands and say, "Thank you!" only to realize that your nails look absolutely hideous. The nail polish has started to chip, which doesn't do justice for the gorgeous ring that you're wearing.

Ladies, you have a moral obligation (ok, I'm being a bit dramatic...) to make sure your nails look beautiful if you're going to wear pretty rings.