Quite Beautiful!

Blushin' Babes

2013-04-03T23:05:00.000-04:00

I've been asked a lot recently to give advice on choosing the proper blush. It's actually simpler than you think and all you really need to do is take a look in the mirror.

For blush it is important to stick within two shades of your skin tone. Play with the natural undertones of your skin to bring out a more natural blush to your cheeks. If you're not sure what I mean by undertone, here's a quick breakdown: The five main colours of the skin are: White, Yellow, Red, Brown. Everyone has a mixture of these colours in their skin, however some skin tones carry none, like ebony has no white pigment, and ivory has no brown. I'm not trying to sound risque by saying this, it's just the truth!

If you're like the lovely Christina Hedricks, you've got ivory skin with pink undertones, and anything darker than cotton candy might be a tad too harsh for your colouring. Stick with corals, terracottas and rose tones. Keep it light!

Christina Hendricks

Here's Kate Middleton. I honestly think she's really one of the loveliest people in the limelight right now, and I wish I knew how the hell she handled stress so well! Her skin tone is pretty neutral, although you can see from her sister and her parents that they either tan really well under the English sun, or they're naturally golden. In this skin range (light to neutral to golden) you do have many options depending on the time of day/year and what event you're attending. Stick with the same tones as the Ivories, but incorporate some berry or lavender-pinks.

Kate Middleton

For all those beautiful golden/copper toned women out there... we all envy you! Almost anything will look nice on you. Depending on your level of tan, you could really wear anything from light pink to dark mauve and it will look fantastic. My personal favourite for your skin type is the terracotta, deep rose, and pinky-taupe.

Maggie Q

Jennifer Hudson will make a fine example for how a dark-skinned beauty wears mauve very well. It's not to say that dark women shouldn't wear rose or berry, on the contrary. Just keep in mind that anything too light will make your skin look ashy, which is not cute in the slightest!

Jennifer Hudson

I hope you've noticed that all these looks are beyond subtle! Blush is one area where less is definitely more. You can go from healthy to looking like a clown with that extra stroke so be careful! And don't be afraid to mix this with or substitute with a great bronzer ;)

Follow Me On Pinterest!

2012-07-27T08:53:00.000-04:00

Source: behance.net via Maya on Pinterest

Hi Friends!

I know I'm a little late to the game on this one, but I've recently signed up, and yes, this site is addictive. If you'd like to follow me on Pinterest just search QuiteBeautiful and you'll see my picture!

Happy Friday!

xoxox

BB Cream

2012-07-19T22:04:00.000-04:00

Well Hello!

It's been a while! I hope you are all having a wonderful summer. I haven't been around for a few months but I have missed you all!

Anyhoo, we have some catching up to do. I thought I'd start this off by talking about BB Cream. I know a lot of you have heard of this term before, but you're not really sure what it is. Well, just like you, I needed someone to break it to me gently.

You can go ahead and think of BB Cream as tinted moisturizer, or special foundation. BB stands for many things, depending on which company you buy it from, but originally, it stood for Blemish Balm and it was all the rage in Asia... (still is). They are very concerned and pay special attention to their skin over there, according to may sources, and hey, that's not a bad thing... and it's been used in Korean/Japanese makeup artistry for a while. It has made it's jump into the western world in the past two years, and it is gaining popularity. At first you could only find it with luxury skin brands such as Estée Lauder or Dior, but now, you can find these babies at your local pharmacy. I've seen Marcelle, Maybelline, and Garnier flashing this stuff at my last visit to the drug store, but I am very happy with the product I bought by Smashbox.

Okay first of all. What the hell is BB Cream? Pretend it's a tinted moisturizer, primer, and perfecter all in one. Instead of the sun-kissed glow you'd normally get with a tinted moisturizer,with BB Cream you're actually improving the look of your skin and mattifying it at the same time. This stuff is supposed to reduce the amount of oil on your face, so it's perfect for summer. Most also come with SPF 15+ so it's even a bigger plus. Also, it evens out your skin tone and covers up blemishes without giving you a cake face. I simply squeeze a dollop on the back of my hand and dab it on my face with a cosmetic sponge before concealer or bronzer. It leaves a nice texture and does not clog my pores. (I've used this stuff on some photoshoots, and the results are just as perfect as photoshop!!)

If you're looking for a change in foundation I would definitely recommend it. If you're on a budget, try Marcelle or Maybelline. Smashbox cost me a pretty penny, but I really love it. And if you don't give a gosh darn about how much money you spend on your face, try Estée Lauder or Dr. Jart.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter

2012-05-16T20:45:00.000-04:00

In honour of the gazillion pregnant women I see every day, and of the upcoming summer, I wanted to talk about Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with you fine folks. I was hesitant to buy this product at first because the second main ingredient is mineral oil (bad stuff) but I'm really glad I did. Around this time of year, us guys and gals start putting away our summer clothes, and start showing some skin. That's all fine and dandy, but like a lot of women out there, my skin is more on the dry side and I find it nearly impossible to get rid of the scaly cracks on my lower legs (ew.) And dammit I wanna wear a skirt this summer!

Thank Zeus I bought this product. Not only does it go on very nicely, and smell amazing, but it literally feels like you've just applied it... even two days later. Who can say that about their skin cream? After one use the cracks on my legs are gone, and my knees, elbows and feet are nice and moisturized. I'm also quite happy that I will be able to use this as a soothing solution for when I get a little too much sun this summer (hey, it happens.) Palmer's is supposed to smooth out stretch marks and scars as well, which is why this product is definitely known as the go-to item for all those knocked up gals out there.

You used to only be able to find this stuff in holistic or African stores, but now I'm seeing this brand a lot at the regular drug store. If you're worried about the chemicals in this product (there actually aren't THAT many) then you can just get yourself 200 grams of cocoa butter (which is not that easy to spread on the skin by itself) or you can try your luck at an organic or natural health food store which usually carries natural alternatives.

If you want to use this on your face, I recommend trying it as a night treatment so it has time to absorb in your skin before you put makeup on the next day.

What's My Coverage?

2012-05-08T20:53:00.001-04:00

There are lots of meanings and connotations to the term "cover-up" but what's the best coverage for your skin? Maybe you're using the wrong foundation and you don't even realize it! There are so many different brands, consistencies, makes and models and if you're unsure about your current product, it might be time to investigate different kinds.

First of all, I want to define the difference between foundation and concealer. Foundation is used all over the face to even out skin tone and create a base for the rest of your makeup. Concealer is used alone, or on top of foundation to cover up blemishes, under eye circles, scars etc.

Basic types of foundation:

Tinted Moisturizer-

This is pretty much the diet version of foundation and is easier on the skin than pure liquid foundation. They usually come with sunblock and last quite a while.
Ideal for: Skin that does not require a lot of coverage.

Best Brands: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release (for this brand, one size fits all... the colour changes to match your skin tone so you don't have to worry about getting the right shade)

Liquid/Cream-
For this type of foundation you would need to be very careful about the shade you get. It has to be perfect. This is less forgiving than tinted moisturizer and flaws (such as the wrong shade) can show very easily at the hairline or jaw.
Ideal For: Uneven skin tone, not very oily skin

Best Brands: According to Sephora.com - the top rated liquid foundation is Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation, and it's $62 USD. First of all, who is this Koh, and why is his foundation so expensive?! If you're willing to spend that much, go for it, but you can find comparable products for a fraction of the price. Tarte Amazonian Clay is a very popular brand, that's $38 USD, then you have Maybelline FIT Me Liquid Foundation for $6.99 USD. There are hundreds of brands of all kinds, shades and prices, the trick is find the one that suits you best. The absolute best way to find a great product is to read customer reviews on beauty websites (such as TotalBeauty.com)

Pressed Powder/Compact-
This is probably one of the most popular forms of foundation. You'll always find a woman in a restaurant or mall taking a compact out of her purse to fix some shine. It's a classic staple in any woman's makeup kit, but not everyone needs to use it.
Ideal For: Oily or shiny skin, uneven skin tone, matte look, light coverage

Best Brands: I know a lot of women would immediately think of Cover Girl... but please don't... it stinks... literally. Estée Lauder and Chanel are great luxury brands for compact makeup (and have beautiful packaging) but they'll make your wallet cry. L'Oreal, Maybelline or Almay are a safe bet in this category.

Loose/Mineral Powder-
This format is not for the newbie in the makeup world. This could look either very good or pretty terrible, depending on how it's applied. Mineral makeup is a rising trend for artists and users and if you can get your hands on a good quality product, they are much less damaging to your skin than their chemical counterparts, and can give you that flawless airbrushed look. The problem is... finding a good product.
Ideal For: Any skin type (other than severely dry or acne-prone skin)

Best Brands: I'm having a hard time finding a mineral makeup that has nothing but minerals in it, but I can't find any yet. Bare Minerals/Escentuals are probably the most popular, but still have some irritants in the ingredients list. There is also Physicians Formula Talc-Free Mineral Loose Powder, which has a little more baddies in it... but it is all much better than the rest of this list IF you get one without talc in it.

How Do I Find the Right Shade?
As previously mentioned, picking the right shade of foundation is very important. With the wrong shade you could look like an over-grown Oompa-Loompa or anemic and sallow. The goal is to be seamless. It can be difficult to shop for foundation at a drug store, but if you're able to, use the tester on your neck, not your hand. The skin on your hand is much different than the skin on your face, and your neck is the closest you can get to it. If there's no mirror available, you could ask a friend to come along or get a clerk to help you. If all that fails, try to shop where they have decent return policies.

If you're still unsure about the product you're using, you can ask a friend, a makeup artist, do some research online, read reviews, order some samples, and don't be shy to email me at info@quitebeautiful.com!

This Week's Spotlight: Florence Welch

2012-05-03T19:00:00.000-04:00

Miss Florence Welch (c. 2011)

This week's spotlight is dedicated to my sister Genny, who has a major crush on this fiery dame. What I love about her makeup, hair, nails, and the photo in general is how every colour compliments each other. Now that is not necessary in all photos, but in this case it really makes her beauty stand out.

The Florence + The Machine star is definitely known for her red locks, and Waterhouse-esque beauty. Even though this photo shows an edgier side of the singer, you can still see her classic elegance shine through.

Her fair skin has no shine or blush. If you're looking to recreate her look, start off with a light foundation or tinted moisturizer. Make sure it's not too dark or else you'll be a tanned Flo wannabe! After that you can apply a loose finishing powder, but I would generally put that on in the end, in case any mishaps occur with the rest of the makeup. Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder works on all skin tones and is great for getting that picture perfect touch.

Her makeup is so simple and easy to recreate. Her eyes have a very light layer of greyish-brownish-mauve shadow on the top lid, black mascara on the top and bottom lashes, and a beautiful olive-gold liner on the bottom. Easy as that. Don't be overzealous with the shadow or it will come out too dark.

Try: Stila eyeshadow in Rain, Tarte Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara and MAC Technakohl Liner in Uniform.

Next is her beautiful berry pout. For this particular look, I would use a magenta or dark fuchsia lip liner. After lining (carefully) your lips with the pencil, smooch your lips together to rub it in, or do it evenly with your finger, to blend in the lip colour.

Luxe by Orly

Now for her very chic and edgy metallic gold nail polish. Metallic enamel is definitely in, so I would jump on that bandwagon, because it looks awesome! There are so many different companies to choose from, so you won't have trouble finding the perfect shade for you!

The only thing left to do is your hair, if you so choose. We all know how to curl our hair, but are we all protecting it properly? High heat can kill your hair if you don't use a protective serum, spray or cream beforehand. Try PYT's Argan Oil Super Serum. It smells great and leaves your hair SUPER soft. And instead of using a curling iron, try the flat iron trick. Simply clamp on a 1-inch section of hair at the top, flip your hand backwards (and then forwards with the next strand) and pull all the way down to the end.

Hope you all have fun recreating Miss Welch's style!

Sugar, Sugar... Baby!

2012-05-02T20:02:00.000-04:00

Hey Gang! So I'm really excited to share these photos with you and I've been waiting so patiently to do so. I was recently asked to do the makeup for a photo shoot with a very talented photographer, Christoper Morrison, and a very beautiful model, Rebecca Ames. You may know her from AskMen.

I was told that the photo shoot was going to be a candy, bubblegum, sugar, and an all around cavity inducing theme. I was a little nervous at first as I don't generally use bright and bold colours, but I was definitely up for the challenge. So we went to Sephora and the drugstore to buy all the stuff I needed and did some research online to see what Chris was looking for. I did a little practice on myself, and by the next day, Chris and I were pretty comfortable with what each other needed for the photo shoot.

When Rebecca walked in on the day of the shoot, I was so pleasantly surprised! Her skin was perfect and blemish free, her lips in a full pout, thick, fanned eyelashes, long gorgeous hair... a makeup artist's dream!

In these pictures (the only ones I have so far!) you can see three different styles of makeup. The one on top I put very a very rich blue cream shadow by Maybelline. On the bottom lid I applied florescent green eyeshadow from GOSH, and blended it into the blue with some yellow in the same GOSH pallet.

On the bottom left, she's wearing those fantastic falsies from Make Up For Ever that Chris picked out himself. The blue mustache is actually icing, which Rebecca drew herself! In the right photo, I've layered her top lid with hot pink shimmery eyeshadow, defined with pinkish/purple eyeliner, and applied white eyeshadow on the bottom, pointing up towards her eyebrow. In all pictures she is wearing Cream Lip Satin No. 6 by Sephora.

And in case you're wondering... that gorgeous mess of hair was actually done by my sister, Genny. I was very impressed by the bird's nests and haystacks in Rebecca's hair, and quite frankly scared at how much fun she had doing it.

Photo Credit: Christopher Morrison
Model: Rebecca Ames
Makeup: Maya Methot
Hair: Genny Methot

Recycle, Reuse, Reduce

2012-04-06T14:18:00.000-04:00

When I was walking around the beauty counter at the pharmacy the other day, it really struck me just how much crap there is out there. Let me rephrase that, how much unnecessary crap there is out there. Everyone's looking out for the newest, latest-and-greatest from this brand or the other (myself included), and I think we all just need to take a step back and realize that what we already have, is fine.

The one product that really got me thinking this is L'Oreal's new Magic Perfecting Base. It's a "Studio Secret" that glides onto skin and reduces the appearance of blah blah blah. Hey, you know what else does that? Moisturizer! Don't be fooled my friends. You can achieve the exact same "perfection," with this stuff, that you can with your regular moisturizer. And you don't have to spend another $20 to get it either.

Another L'Oreal product that made me smirk was their True Match Touche Magique Concealer. I checked out a sample and I stood there in confusion when I saw how it came out. It's... glittery. Now tell me ladies... why do we use concealer? What does the word conceal mean? Right... now why would you want to advertise what you're trying to hide with sun-catching shine? You want to attract attention to that pimple? I thought not.

Primers. What is the deal with primers? They have primers for your lips, eyelashes, face, eyelids, hair... I mean.... come on. I'm about to save you some time and money ladies... you already have all these things at home. It's just not packaged that way. Here we go:

Lips: Lip balm
Face: Moisturizer
Eyelids: Loose powder (or tinted moisturizer, depending on the look you want to achieve)
Hair: Don't need it! Simple conditioner will do just fine.
Eyelashes: Pffft, SO not necessary. (If you want to give your lashes some nourishment, put the smallest drop possible of Argan oil on your finger tip and brush your lashes with it like mascara. But do this after you take your mascara off. It will make them look shiny and healthy!)

Anti-Aging products are another gazillion dollar industry. Everyone wants to look young and most would spend big bucks to get that way. Maybelline has a product out called Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Makeup. If we took this literally, then Maybelline would be a miracle worker! St-Maybelline! Sorry to burst your bubble, but people age. You're aging, I'm aging. There's nothing for you to stop it. Makeup won't change it. Not even this funny looking product can turn back the clock. However, there are preventative measures you can take so that Father Time doesn't abuse his power. Drink lots and lots of water, less coffee, get exercise, laugh a lot, don't smoke, eat well, and use natural oils such as Rosehip Oil, Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil. No chemicals... just the way nature intended. Like wrinkles.

These are just small examples of how cosmetics companies like to take advantage of our insecurities, when all they're really doing is renaming, reinventing, and repackaging the stuff we already have.

Updates To My Beauty Counter

2012-04-03T18:37:00.000-04:00

Hello my beauties! So back in December I shared with everyone all the beauty products that I own. Obviously, this has changed in the past 3 months, so I've made a short list of the products that stick out, so that I can share them with you!

1- Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer

On my quest to find a matte loose mineral powder bronzer (does it even exist??) I took my fabulous friend Dean with me to the fancy makeup store. We looked at the Bare Escentuals section, nothing matte, went to Cargo, no mineral powder... and then we stumbled upon this product. It wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but it came pretty close: It was matte, it was bronzer, and it was indeed powder. Not quite mineral, but no Talc so... SOLD!

It claims to have anti-aging, perfecting and hydrating properties, as well as imparting a "sun-kissing glow." Awesome, but how does it look on the skin? Well, not really being used to powder, it was a little weird at first, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. Not entirely sure if I would buy this again, so here's a list of the Pros and Cons to see how this baby fares.

CON= Doesn't spread that easily
PRO= Makes your skin look super soft and smooth
CON= $45
PRO= While not actually a mineral powder, it claims to have no Talc, which is awesome.

I guess it's about even!

2- Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara

Yes, I'm slowly turning into a hemp-wearing, incense burning hippy. As you can probably guess, I'm trying to make my beauty routine a little greener. I can't say exactly what this mascara is made out of, but Physician's Formula claims that this revolutionary mascara contains the "purest ingredients," and is made without Parabens, harsh chemicals, synthetic materials, and to top it all off the tube is 100% recyclable.

Now, I am not the kind of person to take everything at face value, so reading between the lines, my guess is that they've tried to use the least amount of chemicals, or have replaced the most infamous ones with others. They trick your eye into thinking that the tube is made with 100% recycled material, but they're just saying that you can toss it in the blue bin instead of the black one when you're done. Nevertheless, the brush is pretty good, evens out my lashes quite nicely, and doesn't clump. However, when I first opened up the tube, my first thought was that it had already been used by someone else. Gross. I may potentially purchase this again, not sure yet.

3- Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick

You already know how much I love Burt's Bees products, and quite frankly, I can't get enough of them. I saw this product was half the price in Vermont that it is in Montreal, so I scooped it up as I was eager to try it. The verdict is still out whether it's a Fully-Fledged Blemish Fighter, but I can feel it sting when it is absorbed in the skin, so that to me, is a good sign. I have a feeling it works better on debutante pimples, but full-blown whiteheads seem to take longer to go down. I'm grossing myself out just writing this. However, reading the materials used for this product, I can imagine that it does work as the natural oils are all very well known for their anti-fungal, astringent, and healing properties.

4- Make Up For Ever 5 Camouflage Palette Cream No. 2

A few weekends ago I was asked to do makeup on a friend's photo shoot. I was really honoured and panicked at the same time. I had never seen the model before, and even though they told me that she had really light skin, I didn't want to end up getting the wrong shade and ruining the whole thing. So I opted for Make Up For Ever's 5-shade palette in No. 2. I picked this over No. 1, which had the green shade instead of the lavender, because for some reason I had it in my head that sallow was harder to cover up than red. Anyways, I'm glad I made the decision because the colours turned out to be perfect for her. From a product stand-point, I'm not that used to concealers as I don't use them on a regular basis, but I thought they were a little too oily. I found I had to wipe away the creases and smudges they made more than I thought was normal. But seeing as how the hot lights and the bustle of the day probably effected the model's skin, it might not be a bad product on a normal basis.

5- Hask Placenta Leave-In Instant Conditioning Treatment

And last but not least, the most controversial item on my list. My sister can't even say the word "placenta" without gagging... so it's a lot of fun to talk to her about my new conditioner. Last week I heard about how January Jones has had her placenta turned into nutritional supplement pills. THAT is weird. But! Knowing that there is some merit in what she is doing, as placentas are in fact jam packed with wonderful and healthy nutrients I decided to buy this leave-in conditioner. Perfect for me since I am so impatient in the shower, and I hate the time it takes to condition. This little gem validates my laziness. Not only that, it actually... works.

What I mean by works, is that normally you can tell if your hair has been normally conditioned, versus a leave-in conditioner or no conditioner at all. It actually feels like I've taken the time to condition my hair, and it leaves it feeling SUPER soft, and gives it a really healthy shine. I have one little reservation about this product. It doesn't actually say who has donated the placenta. And quite frankly, I don't really want to know.

Highlighting vs. Contouring

2012-03-19T20:33:00.000-04:00

Highlighting and Contouring are words you hear all the time when you visit the cosmetics counter. If you're not sure what that is, it is essentially a subtle way to sculpt your face and lessen/amplify your features. As you can well guess, highlighting and contouring are the opposites. Highlighting emphasizes and catches the light, and contouring is made to chisel or define your features.

HIGHLIGHTING
Generally, the most common places to highlight are the cheekbones and eyebrow bones. Depending on the shape of your nose and chin, you can also highlight them to make them stand out.

CONTOURING
Adding contour underneath your cheekbones, temples, and just underneath the jawline can also define your face quite nicely.

Highlighting and Contouring are also great ways to subtly de-emphasize or show off your features. For example, my nose has a very straight bridge, and I feel that it sticks out. So, to make it not appear so prominent, I add a circle of highlighter to the tip of my nose that gives it the appearance that it curves up like a pixie nose, adding some femininity. As well, I have big eyes, a big nose but a narrow mouth. So I add highlighter just above my lip and the sides of my mouth which catches the light and highlights the area.

Here's a cool grid I found online that gives suggestions on how you should contour/highlight with a specific face shape.

You can also accentuate your eyes by adding a nice natural brown matte to the crease of your eyes and a lighter matte or semi-matte colour to your lids. This will define the shape of your eyes and really make them pop!

So, what can you use to highlight and contour?

Highligher-
-They sell highlighting creams, powders, pens and pots. All you need to do is explore the makeup aisle at the drug store and you will definitely find something. I personally will never buy anything other than YSL Touche Eclat as I like the consistency, it's not sparkly and they have a shade that's grade with my skin tone.
-If you want to mix blush and highlighter together, get yourself a cream blush and apply it to your cheekbones.

Contour-
Get thee to the bronzer section! Matte brown bronzer can only really work because as soon as you add shimmer, it will catch the light and be counterproductive. If you want you can also use dark concealer.

And if you're really serious about this and want to spend some money, there are palettes available for this specific use.

Smashbox Step-By-Step Contour Kit

CAUTION:
-Do not use too much highlighter as that will just make you look shiny. Also, be selective on where you apply it.
-If you have oily skin use matte products to contour, but since you're already shiny, let's not add more....
-Highlighter on dry skin will make your skin look worse.
-Highlighter on large pores makes them look bigger.

Tyra Banks

Rosehip Oil - God's Gift to Your Skin

2012-03-18T19:43:00.000-04:00

Hello Beautiful People! It's been a while since I last updated the Beauty Blog, and for that I apologize. I was extremely distracted by the beautiful weather, The Hunger Games, and my natural skincare ventures. It was through my research and product browsing for those ventures that I came across this natural gem, Rosehip Oil.

Rosehip Oil is everything your Anti-Aging-Blemish-Sun Spot-Wrinkle cream wishes it could be. Never will your skin feel as healthy and glow so beautifully after you've applied some of this oil on your skin.

Extracted from the Rosehip seeds, this light, non-sticky, lightly scented oil is high Retinol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. Sound familiar? That's because your every day, run-of-the-mill cosmetics brand tries to create something synthetically, that nature can provide for free. Isn't that awesome??

So, you ask... what are the benefits of Rosehip Oil? Here's the list.

-Anti-aging properties (delays aging)
-Brightens & Evens out skin tone
-Fatty acids help increase skin elasticity and collagen levels
-Rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants
-Hydrates and nourishes aged skin
-Provides suppleness to dry skin and eczema.
-Supports cell regeneration
-Neutralizes oily skin
-Reduces appearance of blemishes and sun damage
-Reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks
-Absorbs and spreads easily on your skin.

This product is a MUST HAVE for the upcoming summer months as a Post-Sun treatment. If you've got a naturally oily complexion, the oil is safe for your skin. But if you're too afraid to use it, try adding a few drops into your regular skin cream. A little goes a long way with this one, four or five drops can cover your entire face.

You can find Rosehip Oil at any natural health food store. The bottles range between $10-$50 depending on brand and size. (Go organic if you can)

Trilogy, the skincare brand out of Australia is based entirely off of Rosehip Oil. www.trilogyproducts.com

I want to hear feedback! Let me know what you think!

Birchbox & Topbox

2012-02-26T19:59:00.000-05:00

So I just discovered the most amazing websites for beauty lovers. Birchbox & Topbox are membership based websites that deliver 4 to 5 beauty samples each month, for only $10/month. What?? Why did I just learn of this?

It looks like they have every brand under the sun as well: Benefit, Cargo, Elizabeth Arden, Guerlain, Korres, Nars, Nuxe, Philosophy, Smashbox, Stila... you name it, it's there. You can even buy Birchbox for someone else as a gift. The downside is, Birchbox does not ship in Canada. Topbox does, but it doesn't look like you can gift it to anyone.

I'm really impressed by these ideas and it's actually a great way to audition new makeup and fragrances!

Check out Birchbox.
Check out Topbox

Burt's Bees

2012-02-20T17:30:00.001-05:00

In my quest to get my makeup regime a little cleaner, I've become more and more aware of just how great Burt's Bees is. Everyone and their cousin knows about their awesome lip balm... but I wonder if they're aware of their other products, and what this company is all about.

From their humble beginnings in rural Maine selling honey and candles, to the quickly expanding empire of personal care products, the same idea has always been the same throughout the years. Quality products, using natural ingredients. Plain and simple.

But like you, other than the lip balm I carry in my pocket at all times, I had no idea they offered such an array of products. It wasn't until recently that I was exploring the home-spa section of the pharmacy that I noticed a little row dedicated to their entire line. How wonderfully surprised was I when I noticed that their shampoo did not contain the three most nasty ingredients used in common personal care products: Sulfates, Parabens, Phtalates. I picked that up right away, as well as their makeup removing towelletes.

At first I was a little confused by the shampoo, I must say. It didn't feel like shampoo! It actually felt more like body wash than anything. I actually had to check my hands to see if it lathered. Well it did lather, and it did wash my huge mass of long hair, and it made it REALLY shiny and smell amazing! I was also pleasantly surprised by the Facial Towelettes with White Tea Extract. They smell absolutely divine and leaves my skin feeling very clean, moisturized, and does a great job at removing my makeup. I will never go back to using Boots or Olay or any other brand. No offense to them but... did I mention that these towelettes are 99% natural? Oh and that shampoo? It's 97.2% natural. (99.10% and 99.6% in the States, respectively)

Intrigued by my rediscovery of this brand, I checked out their other stuff online, and they are a serious full-blown operation, offering anything from Toner to Anti-Aging Serum, baby products, and even a full line of men's products!

All in all, I will definitely be buying more and more products from this company. It feels great to support the "little guys" who aren't just there to make a buck. They know what they're doing, and they do it with integrity.

Click to open Burt's Bees Website

Beauty Talk

2012-02-09T21:57:00.000-05:00

Hey Girls. Let's talk beauty.

After reading and writing a few things on this topic, I've learned a lot along the way and I want to share a few beauty hint and tips with ya!

1- How soon after you shower do you put on a bra? That may sound like a weird question, but believe me it's an important one. Please make sure that after you shower, you THOROUGHLY dry underneath your breasts before putting on your bra. The mix between moist skin and the metal underwire in your bra can cause bacteria, which can lead to nasty skin yuckies on your skin underneath your boobs. Be careful and dry your tatas!

2- How long do you keep your nail polish on? For most women, fingernail polish and toenail polish are two completely different routines. EVERYONE can see your fingernails, obviously. But it's winter... only you, your boyfriend and your cat will see your toenails. If you still have nail polish on from 2011 it's time to take it off. Immediately. Yellow nails are not natural. Most nail polishes are laden with chemicals and do not allow your nails to breath, hence the yellow nastiness. Remove the nail polish and soak your feet in hot water and 7 drops of Tea Tree oil every night until sandal season. Don't keep nail polish on for longer than 2 week at the MAX.

3- Give your hair a break. The reason why women have to condition these days is because we shampoo it. It's a vicious cycle. Shampoo is hampered with detergents, soaps and chemicals to give you that squeeky-clean feeling, but it absolutely dries out your hair. That's why they invented commercial conditioner, so the shampoo doesn't make your hair look like a dry haystack. Girls... believe it or not, this isn't natural. Hair is supposed to always be shiny, and oils are good for it. Want to give your hair a break? How about a baking soda rinse or an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse instead of Shampooing. OR a mayonnaise or avocado and honey mask? They are tons of natural ways to get a salon looking 'do, and they won't break the bank either!

4- Switch to mineral makeup! Good quality mineral makeup (without parabens or silicone) is a great solution to your makeup routine. It's basically just using pulverized minerals on your face and can look great if done well and doesn't have all that excess chemical crap in it. The best brands are Bare Escentuals, Jane Iredale, and Laura Mercier.

5- Eat and drink well. I've said this before and I'll say it again. Eating proper foods and drinking enough water are guaranteed ways to make you feel better and look better too. Avocados, grapefruit, almonds, yogurt, tomatoes, salmon, spinach, asparagus, and LOTS of water will keep you looking fresh and healthy.

6- Use essential oils instead of creams. There are TONS of oils available that can produce the same effect as expensive synthetic products. I am starting to make my own skincare products make with all natural ingredients and so far the reviews are very positive. Stay tuned for more info!

Valentine's Day Treats For Him & Her

2012-02-08T19:10:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy last few days for me. I've started creating my own skincare products using essential oils, natural butters, and beeswax. It's a lot of fun, and I've been running around town trying to find all these exotic ingredients, some I've never even heard of. What I want to do is create awareness for men and women about the thousands of chemicals they put on their body on a daily basis by providing them with natural and effective options for their skin care routine.

With that being said...

I am making a special Valentine's Day Goody Bag for Him or Her. If you work downtown Montreal you can come pick it up on Tuesday the 14th, and not have to worry about buying your Special Someone a boring box of chocolates.

So what's in 'em?

HER - $15
-Mint-Chocolate Lip Pot
-Nourishing Jojoba Face Balm
-Chocolate-Orange Bath Melt
-Ylang-Ylang Body Scrub
-A Chocolate Treat (not made by me)

HIM - $15
-Peppermint Lip Balm
-Lemon-Basil Hand Ointment
-Zesty Foot Balm
-Ylang-Ylang Body Scrub
-A Chocolate Treat (again, not made by me)

All products are 100% natural and home-made (except the chocolate of course). Some of the star ingredients include Argan Oil, Rose-Hip Oil, Avocado Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Ylang-Ylang (which is said to be an aphrodisiac... perfect for V-Day ;)

If you're interested in ordering one (or two), please let me know by Saturday at 9:00 AM. You can comment on this post or email me at info@quitebeautiful.com.
Don't forget to specify if you want the Him or Her package, and the quantity. All orders will need to be picked up downtown at my place of work between 12:00 - 1:00 on Monday or Tuesday (whatever you prefer).

Valentine's Day Makeup

2012-02-05T10:09:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again! Cinnamon Hearts, Cupids, Red Roses, Chocolates, and Teddy Bears are being sold in bulk everywhere you look. The women are excited and the men are nervous- It's St-Valentine's Day!

If you have a significant other, or you're going out with friends on February 14th, you'll want to look your best. Whether it be smoldering and sexy, sweet and romantic, or fun and flirty, you'll definitely want to dress to impress.

Here are my top picks for Valentine's Day Looks.

1- Smoldering & Sexy

You can't go wrong with the smokey eye look. If done properly it will make your eyes smolder, sexy, and irresistible to stare longingly into. To pull off the smokey eye you'll need two shades of eyeshadow, one darker than the other. I would suggest buying a set of two shadows - the product is made by the same company and they were paired together for a reason. I'd go for silver/grey, brown, purple, dark blue.

Nars in Dogon. (Taupe/Charcoal)

Here is a great website that has step-by-step instructions on how to do the Smokey Eye: www.smokyeye.com

I would pair the smokey eye look with a nude or light pink lip. Check out my post about the Nude Lip, it could help you find the right shade. http://www.quitebeautiful.com/2012/01/going-out-in-nude.html

2- Sweet & Romantic

For this look I've chosen the fuchsia lip and black liner for the eyes. It's simple, it's sweet, and completely understated.

You'll need black liquid eyeliner, some shimmery highlighter (for the corners of your eyes and eyebrow bones) and fuchsia lipstick or gloss. Try a matte finish on the lip, so the colour doesn't look so intense. I just bought one from Sephora that has a satin finish, and it's absolutely beautiful.

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick, Fuchsia Flash Matte

3- Fun & Flirty

Channel your inner goddess with a golden look like Charlize Theron's. This look will bring out your eyes no matter what colour they are and will make you skin look extra touchable. This is basically the smokey look but instead of dark and smoldering you will be quenched in bronze and gold. I would suggest using tinted moisturizer as a base to give you that dewy colour and yellowy bronzer on your cheekbones, temples, nose and chin. For the lip, I would use a rose gold gloss like Nars Orgasm.

MAC Aloha: Crushed Metallic Pigment

Nars Lip Gloss in Orgasm

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!
xoxo

Fantastically Fresh Faces!

2012-02-01T17:54:00.000-05:00

I love that we're seeing a lot of natural tones out there! Even natural lip (except Elizabeth and Rachel) -All these beautiful faces look fresh, young and happy! Who says you can only be sexy with the smokey eye?

Kendall & Kylie Jenner

Cara Delevingne

Dianna Agron

Viola Davis

Michelle Williams

Jessica Chastain

Elizabeth Olsen

Rachel McAdams

Naomi Watts

This Week's Spotlight: Emma Stone

2012-01-31T19:10:00.000-05:00

Miss Emma Stone, January 2012

It's Award Season in Hollywood! Yes it's that time of year again where the red carpet rolls out, and the fashion police will be able to meet their quota! Among all the stars that were present at the Golden Globes a couple of weeks ago, was this fiery gem, Emma Stone. The first time I saw Emma was in Superbad, where she played the super cool crush of Jonah Hill. Emma's career has really skyrocketed since then, and her fashion and makeup gets more and more glamorous throughout the years!

Here's how to give yourself Emma's Golden Globe look.

Step 1- Keep it very light on your face. Don't smother your skin with layers of foundation and concealer. If I wanted to do this look myself, I would use my new Stila One Step Correct underneath some tinted moisturizer and highlighter in the corners of my eyes, tip of my nose, chin and eyebrow bones. If you don't have a pronounced nose use the highlighter on the bridge of your nose all the way down to the tip to define its shape.

Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Moisturizer

Step 2- Grab some silver liquid eyeshadow and apply it all over your lid and just to the crease bone. Next you'll need a really dark gray, almost purple eyeshadow for the crease and the corners. I would use an angled eyeshadow brush for the creases. Start at the inner corner, and work your way outwards. With a small eyeshadow brush, apply a nice upside 'V' the same height as the silver eyeshadow and all the way down to your lash line. Use what's left on the angled brush and sweep a small amount on the outer corners upwards to the top lid. Then you're going to grab a blending brush and soften any hard lines between the silver and the dark gray on your lids.

MAC Eye Shadow in Nehru (matte)

Step 3- Using the same silver eyeshadow, or an identically-coloured eyeliner, smudge some colour on the lower lid, blending it in with the dark gray. Don't use too much or you'll end up looking like a clown.

L'Oreal HiP Studio Secrets Professional Color Chrome Eyeliner in Silver Lightning

Step 4- Line your top and bottom lid with black eyeliner pencil from end to end. This is to define the shape and make your eyes pop!

Rimmel Special Eyes Eyeliner Pencil in Black Magic

Step 5- Curl your lashes and apply black mascara to the top and bottom. I would use a thinner wand like Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara.

Step 6- Almost done! Now you've got to blush! Emma's wearing a powder blush by Chanel in Orchid Rose, but you can find yourself something similar that won't break the bank. ( Like L'Oreal True Match Naturale Gentle Mineral Blush in Soft Rose)

Step 7- And last but not least, her perfectly pink lips! Emma's wearing Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Lollipop. Easy enough, you can get this at the drugstore!

Hope you have fun creating this look! Let me know how it goes!

Warm vs. Cool

2012-01-30T17:45:00.000-05:00

Are you a hot beach babe, or a sultry ice queen? Both looks have different connotations and different colours that compliment any skin type, accessory, and season.

In general I would say that warm tones are better suited for day and summer, and cool tones for night and winter. What's great about it is that there are many different ways to be warm or cool, and your accessories or hair colour can even enhance these looks.

WARM:
Generally, warm-tones are brown, terracotta, gold, peach, orange, etc - basically anything that is on or near red on the colour scale.

Warm Hair: Rich or light brown, blonde, red/auburn

Warm Jewellery: Gold, Wood, Pink Topaz, Amber

Bobbi Brown Party Eye Palette

"Smooth Operator" - Amazonian Finishing Clay Powder in Bronze by Tarte

Hot Mamas

Jennifer Aniston

Sienna Miller

COOL:
Cool-tones are blue, silver, frosted pink, black, lilac, grey - most of these colours will be near the grey or blue side of the scale.

Cool Hair: Silver, black, dark brown
Cool Jewellery: Silver, White Gold, Platinum, Pearl, Diamond, Opal, Onyx

Smashbox Smokebox Eye Palette

Benefit Bella Bamba Blush

Cool Chicks

Dita Von Teese

Lucy Liu

There's no set rule as to when you should wear these styles, and you can always mix and match warm and cool. (I guess that's tepid?) - AND, you don't HAVE TO be one or the other! You can be sexy with warm tones, and cute with cool tones, it generally depends on how you wear it, and how you accessorize it!

Stila One Step Correct

2012-01-29T09:47:00.000-05:00

I've recently purchased this odd looking thing, and I'd have to say that the jury's still out on it. When I first started using it I know that I wasn't doing it properly, so it didn't really work. I put the product on with my fingers instead of a sponge or brush, and put tinted moisturizer on right afterwards without letting it set it. Don't do this, there's no point. I didn't really see that the product did anything and it got clumpy after the I hurriedly slathered on the tinted moisturizer. (It's been two of the craziest work weeks of my life, anything personal was done in a rush.)

Anyhow, one night I was feeling experimental and on a clean face, I took this multi-coloured concoction, squirted some on the back of my hand, and applied it on my face with my foundation brush. I did one side first to see if I could see the different, and I couldn't really, so I did the other side and just stared for a bit. To my delight, as the product set in, I could see it was making a change to my skin!

So what is it you ask? It's essentially a primer and a correcter all in one. It's peach, lavender and green.

Green: Counteracts with the redness on your face, and neutralizes it so it magically disappears.

Lavender: Neutralizes the ashy tones on your face.

Peach: Brightens, and illuminates.

Looking at the description on Stila's website, it also says that it has anti-aging benefits, reduces the look of fine lines, hydrates, etc.

Why is the jury still out on this? This bad boy is $47.00 plus tax. Is it worth it? I'm not entirely sure yet. If you've got some extra cash laying around and you want to give it a try, make sure to apply it properly. On a clean, dry face, with a sponge or foundation brush, and let it set in before you apply any other makeup.

If you have this product already, let me know what you think!

3 Great Body Washes

2012-01-22T21:54:00.000-05:00

As a person who believes in finding that perfect perfume, foundation, shampoo and soap, I've tried many different brands of body washes in my day and 3 stand out more than others as a great, feel-oh-so-clean soap that is refreshing from head to toe. I don't use soap bars on my body because I like the feeling of scrubbing my skin with a luffa every time I have a shower. Here are my three faves in order of preference:

1- Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Body Wash
As you already know I am a huge supporter of Argan oil, and this one definitely does the trick. It moisturizes the skin, smells great and makes you feel squeeky clean. It's also great for another aspect as it is not tested on animals, is sulfate and paraben free, pure vegan and made from 98% plant derived ingredients. If you're looking for a greener solution to your shower routine - this is a great choice. (FYI it's not actually green.)

2- Aveeno Positively Nourishing Body Wash in Fig & Shea Butter
I love Aveeno products because they really know what they're doing when it comes to your skin. It is a little on the pricey side $10/bottle - but it's really worth it. They have many different kinds, like citrus and lavender, but I find that the Fig & Shea butter one smells like absolute heaven. If you have a really really hot steamy shower the whole house will smell like delicious fig. It is all-in-all a treat for your skin and your nose!

3- Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap
If you haven't heard about this soap before, it's about time you do. You can't find this soap in regular pharmacies, you'd have to go to an organic or health-food store, but I'm telling you... make the trip! The first time I used this soap I couldn't believe how clean I felt. I felt like I had just gone to the spa and washed off a layer of dead-skin. It's not an exfoliating soap but it's so pure that you feel absolutely refreshed afterwards. Here is a list of it's credentials taken from their website. www.drbronner.com

-Completely Biodegradable and Vegetable-Based

-Made with Certified Fair Trade and Organic Oils

-Multi-Purpose: 18-in-1 Uses

-No Synthetic Foaming Agents, Thickeners or Preservatives

-100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Cylinder Bottles and Paper Labels

-Simple, Ecological Formulations Based on Old-World Quality and Expertise

-#1-Selling Natural Brand of Soaps in North America

INGREDIENTS: Water, Saponified Organic Coconut*, Organic Palm* and Organic Olive* Oils (w/Retained Glycerin), Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Essential Oils**, Citric Acid, Vitamin E

* FAIR TRADE Ingredients
** Available in Peppermint, Lavender, Almond, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Rose and Citrus Orange

All soaps are not only certified by Oregon Tilth to the same rigorous USDA National Organic Program standards that certify organic foods, but also are certified Fair Trade by the respected Swiss certifier IMO.

If you want to try this soap, I guarantee you will feel the difference. I've used Rose and Peppermint before. The Rose smells really good and is really relaxing, and the Peppermint is really soothing on your skin. It especially feels amazing on your feet.

Style Icon: Sophia Loren

2012-01-21T20:11:00.000-05:00

One of the most iconic movie stars in history is Italy's own Sophia Loren. The 77-year-old has graced the silver screen for over 50 years and her big gaudy Italian style has captivated us throughout the decades. She is the queen of the dramatic eye and rocks that lip liner with such grandeur, that she will be idolized for years to come.

If you're interested in braving this look, I should warn you that it's not an everyday-running-errands sort of thing. I would suggest wearing this out to a black-tie event, or a Christmas party.

Step 1-
After you've cleaned your face, apply a nice even layer of foundation or tinted moisturizer all over to even out your skin tone. Don't forget concealer or highlighter in the corners of your eyes and nose, cheekbones and eyebrow bones.

Step 2-
Apply a matte bronzer just underneath your cheekbones, chin, forehead and nose. We're using the bronzer to contour the face, not to make you look tanned.

Step 3-
Apply a matte powder or cream eyeshadow on your eyelids up to the crease of your eye. Use a dark purple, grey or brown colour. This is essential to adding shape to your eyes and for getting that dramatic Sophia look.

MAC Paint Pot in Imaginary

Step 4-
Grab a white eyeliner and line the bottom water-line with it. Make sure not to get it on your lashes or lid as it might make the mascara or black eyeliner appear clumpy or lighter than it should be.

Step 5-
This is one of the most important steps in creating this look. It's also one of the most difficult. I would suggest using a gel eyeliner instead of a liquid eyeliner but both will definitely work. We're going to make a very clean but dramatic line from the corner of your eye along the crease all the way to the other side up until it's the length of your eyebrows. You sort of want to draw something like this:

If you mess up... don't worry about it. Just grab a Q-Tip and try again. After you've completed this masterpiece for both sides, it's time to do the bottom one. Try to stay on the very edge of your eyelid. Don't get it on the water-line, and don't apply it too low on the bottom lid. It's all about slow and steady! Start from the middle of the lid and work your way up and then meet it in the corner of the top liner. After that, complete the line from the middle to the inner eye, finishing in a nice thin line.

Step 6-

Now it's time to do your lashes! If you want to go all out you can wear falsies or just use a volumizing mascara. When using your eyelash curler make sure to curl it for about 10 more seconds than you usually do to get them good and crimped. Put on 5-7 coats of mascara on top (focus a little more attention on the outer corners) and 1-2 coats on the bottom lash. Make sure you don't ruin the white and black eyeliner!

Step 7-
Depending on what colour lipstick you'd want to go with (I would suggest something light) get your self a lip liner that is maybe 1-2 shades darker. For a liner I would suggest MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in In Anticipation, and Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Dune Rose. It's very Sophia.

Step 8- Final Touches
Pop some colour on your face by adding maybe a bit of bronzer on the apples of your cheeks and then a nice rosy blush. Brush your eyebrows upwards and fill them in if necessary. Remember, this look doesn't work when paired with sweatpants. Costume jewellery, a ball gown, big hair, long painted nails and a handsome man on your arm are perfect ways of completing your Sophia Loren look. And have fun!

Golden Globes Glamour: Angelina Jolie

2012-01-17T22:22:00.000-05:00

Angelina Jolie - January 15, 2012

The Stunner appeared on the red carpet on Sunday at the Golden Globes, wearing the most beautiful curve-hugging ivory dress with red silk accents. And although I'm still not over the Jennifer/Brad/Angelina trauma, I can definitely appreciate a beautiful face. Angelina exhibits poise and grace and knows how to do it without layering on the makeup. If you'd like to achieve a similar look, here's a quick and easy way how to do it.

Step 1-
Moisturize your clean face before you put on any makeup. I wouldn't suggest tinted moisturizer as we're trying to keep the look very light and natural.

Step 2-
Apply a light concealer or highlighter to the inner and outer corners and underneath your eyes, as well as the sides of your nostrils and chin. I always use Yves St-Laurent Touche Eclat #2 in these areas and it certainly does the trick!

Step 3-
Apply a light powder foundation to your entire face to even out your skin tone and cover up any blemishes. I would suggest Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Loose Powder. Make sure you pick one out that is your exact skin tone or this look will not work.

Step 4-

Apply a matte neutral eyeshadow to your eyelids to strengthen the shape of your eyes. I use Stila in Rain and I think it's perfect. It's more on the yellow side than the pink side, so if you've got pink undertones in your skin, you may want to pick something like Stila in Dune. (seen below)

Step 5-

Line your upper lids with a soft black or charcoal pencil eyeliner and concentrate the volume on the outer corners. Make sure not to put it on too heavy and keep it very close to the lash line, we just want to define the eye. If you want to make an even softer look, smudge in the eyeliner very subtly with your fingers, but not too much or else it will look like you're wearing black eyeshadow. Try Maybelline LineExpress in Soft Black or Charcoal Grey.

Step 6-

Line the outer lower lid and top corner with a coffee/mocha coloured eyeliner. Make sure to connect the outer corners together and smudge it with your fingers upwards towards your eyebrows but don't go too dramatic as that's not what we're trying to achieve here. Again, I would use Maybelline LineExpress eyeliner in Bronze. I have this at home and it really makes my green eyes pop!

Step 7-

Curl your eyelashes with a heated or regular eyelash curler and hold it for a good 20 seconds. Next apply 3-6 coats of mascara, making sure you get every lash without getting it on your eyelid. If your eyelashes are particularly short or you want to get even more glamorous, use false eyelashes... but use them well!

Step 8-

Although I can't do anything about the size of your lips I can certainly tell you where to get the colour she is wearing on hers. Now in some pictures it looks like she's wearing fuchsia, and in others a deep crimson red. I can't tell which one I like most, so I'll find one somewhere in the middle.

Estée Lauder: Pure Color Sensuous Rouge in Cheating Heart

Step 9- Finishing it off

Complete your look by sweeping your hair into a neat chignon. If you find your face is too dull for this look, trying brushing a light highlighting powder on your cheekbones, nose, chin and forehead bones to catch the light and give you a nice healthy glow. Make sure you have clean lines and accentuate the look by wearing sparkly diamond or cubic zirconia earrings and complimenting clothing.

Most stars pay up to $10K for a Red Carpet look such as this one. We have been able to achieve this look for about $150. If you already have similar products by the same or different brands (and you most likely do) then I would say you could probably achieve this look for about $30-$50.

Don't Pimp Your Pimples!

2012-01-15T18:48:00.000-05:00

For those of us fortunate enough not to have acne-prone skin, it can be quite alarming when we see that we're breaking out in pimples. It's like an unwelcome guest to a really nice party. Who invited them in the first place?
If you see that you're breaking out in pimples, here are some reasons why and how you may be able to prevent your next attack!

1- Make sure your sheets are clean. Bed sheets and linens are much dirtier than they appear. They are covered in our own dead skin and oils from our body. Smell your pillowcase, you will know if it's time for a wash. I would recommend washing your sheets every 2-3 weeks. If you want to go the extra step, use organic detergents as they have little to no chemicals or skin irritants in them and are better for the environment.

2- Watch what you eat! I don't care what anyone says, sugar gives you pimples. I remember once I had something sugary from the vending machine at least once a day for three days in a row, and I developed pimples on my nose and cheeks by the end of the week. SO embarrassing! If you find you're always craving a snack at work, keep a jar of almonds or peanuts at your desk. It's better for your health and your skin.

3- Do some period counting. The week before my period comes, I can usually see it on my face. During PMS your hormones are in disaster mode and can really do a number on your body. Other than a sore back, swollen boobs, mood swings, and self-loathing you can also break out in pimples, which is something that you can't really prevent. It's just all a part of being a girl. Yay!

4- Chuck out old or irritating makeup. Seeing blemishes on your face can just be a result of something so simple as old or bad makeup. Not all makeup is created equal and not everyone has the same kind of skin. Some people have better resistance for certain chemicals found in makeup while others are hypersensitive. If you're makeup is new and you think it's causing a reaction to your skin, it could just be that particular product that your skin isn't fond of. I think 6 months is ok for foundations and concealers but I know someone who's been using the same foundation for 2 years and that just makes me cringe. Check your inventory and throw out old or crappy products.

5- Too much makeup? If your face looks like a birthday cake when you're all done up, it's time for an intervention. There is NO way anyone needs that much. Count how many layers you put on your face and divide it in half. Makeup will clog your pores and cause pimples. It's that simple.

6- Clean your brushes. It's a really good idea to wash your makeup brushes at least every 2 weeks. Some people even do it after every application. Buildup of old makeup, oils from your face and bacteria, stick to the hairs of your brush and as you can imagine, cause pimples on your face. There are many different kind of shampoos and soaps specifically made for makeup brushes. You'll also notice how soft and better the brush becomes after a nice wash.

When you have a Pimple:

-Don't suffocate it with too much concealer, it will only make it worse.

-Don't squeeze it until it's ready. In fact, stop touching it altogether.

-Don't use shiny products like shimmer or highlighter as you will only draw attention to it, and make it look bigger.

-Try green cover up - Because green is the opposite colour of red on the colour scale, it will typically cancel out the redness of the pimple.
-Try medicated concealer, like Revlon ColorStay Blemish Concealer or Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer.

Random Things I Love

2012-01-12T18:31:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling a little under the weather today so I thought I would share with you a brief list of things that I love!

Free Samples! Not only are free samples awesome because they're, well, free... but they're also perfect for trying out new products without making the commitment of putting a dent in your wallet. There are a couple of ways of bagging yourself some free stuff. Walk around the cosmetics section in a department store and find something you want to try. Simply ask the sales person for a free sample (works best with perfume) and 9 times out of 10 they will give you more than one to try. This works best if you're polite and partake in some small talk.
Another way is when you're ordering something online from somewhere like Sephora or Beauty Encounter, each order always comes with free samples that you can choose from.

Natural Products- Most makeup has a lot of talc, Parabens and Sulfates among other chemicals in them. There is debate among different associations whether these chemicals are actually dangerous for us, but for those of you that don't even want to risk it, here some great brands that are considered natural: Josie Maran Cosmetics, Tarte, Korres, Bare Escentuals, Boots Botanics, derma-e, Saffron Rouge, Lavera and many more. Do some research if you're interested! And if you're thinking that no chemicals means that the makeup doesn't look good, you're totally wrong, you can't see the difference.

Curves. Nothing says "I'm a Woman" more than boobs, hips and thighs. Models have boy bodies, every other normal woman has a work of art. Don't try to become a skinny-mini if it isn't in your bone structure, it won't happen naturally and you will always feel miserable and ugly. Instead, embrace your curves (but stay healthy of course). Trust me, real men prefer real women. Real women have curves. So there!

InStyle Magazine- I've been reading this magazine every month for about a year and a half now, and every month I enjoy it thoroughly. It always has amazing ads, pictures, product reviews, fashion and makeup advice, and gives me great ideas for what I'm going to wear the next day. It's no Reader's Digest, but it's definitely fun to get into! InStyle + Wine + Pajamas = Maya's Guilty Pleasure

The Kardashians. I know I will get a lot of flak from my academic friends for saying that... but c'mon! They're all so funny, beautiful, smart business people, and they love each other a lot. Why wouldn't you like them?

Alien by Thierry Mugler. First of all, this isn't a book or movie. This is a perfume. A perfume called Alien. Um... what? "Oh my God your perfume is so out of this world!" I want someone to say that to me while I'm wearing it. In all seriousness though, you honestly smell like $10 million dollars with this on. It's so enticing and sexy. When I got my first whiff I followed the person around took a lot of deep breaths. Then I found out that someone I worked with used it and just HAD to know what it was. As soon as I was laid off from there I bought it!

Well that's my random and short list. I'm going to bed now! (FYI-Another one of my favorite things is NeoCitran)