GIRLY GIRLS BEAUTY GUIDE

NO MORE TOXIC BEAUTY!

2011-11-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

Many well-known beauty products are filled with harsh chemicals, preservatives, artificial colors, fragrances and in some cases, carcinogens. Did you know, many personal care products we apply to our skin are ABSORBED into OUR BLOODSTREAM?

While the average female is aiming to improve her skin and hair condition, she is unknowingly HARMING herself each time she uses toxic ingredients, including deodorant, soap, shampoo, moisturizer, body wash, mascara, foundation and the list is ENDLESS. According to the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, "Some companies use ingredients that may cause cancer or that are associated with developmental problems. Many cosmetics ingredients penetrate the skin. People ingest those used on lips and hands and inhale sprays and powders. When risky and unstudied chemicals are used in cosmetics, the stakes are high."

As a Licensed beauty professional with over 25 years experience in the beauty industry, I'm taking a firm stand to say, "NO MORE TOXIC BEAUTY!" The most IMPORTANT KEY to ensuring safe, pure and non-toxic ingredients is EDUCATING ourselves. If you are uncertain of which ingredients are safe or unsafe, check out SKIN DEEP COSMETICS DATABASE to learn more. What I love about the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database is the amazing information right at my fingertips! Their link is http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ and sign up for their free email to receive informative updates.

Another non-toxic personal care business I highly recommend is AVA ANDERSON NON-TOXIC BEAUTY, which was developed by a savvy 14 year old who discovered the hazardous health effects of harsh chemicals contained in personal care products. Rather than expose herself to toxic ingredients, Ava Anderson began researching companies who claimed to be "pure" and "organic", yet, the bottle labels read otherwise.

After Ava exhausted all efforts in search of safe, organic ingredients, she launched out to create her own 100% non-toxic line of products. In December 2009, Ava’s personal care company was launched and it has been GROWING and GROWING ever since!

Girly Girls, we only have ONE life to live....let's choose NON-TOXIC!

To learn more about Ava Anderson Non-Toxic, please visit: http://avaandersonnontoxic.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzZOmbToVTg&feature=share

Copyright © 2008-2011 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved. No part of this blog can be reproduced, copied or distributed without express written permission of the Author.

Beauty Regime: LESS is Best!

2011-09-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

How many females are slaves to their hair? I used to be, but for the past six years, I only shampoo and condition my hair every three days. This promotes my hair color to last longer, less heat damage to my hair/via the hair dryer, which means LESS work, time, energy & money! An EXTRA bonus is your beauty products last even longer! When I need to dash out the door with no time to spare, I opt for natural bouncy, curly locks, instead of smoothing my hair with a flat iron. It not only saves time, it provides a much softer appearance!

Makeup: If I'm planning on staying home, NO makeup; only lip balm or gloss. To keep my makeup to a minimum on days I'm rushed, I quickly apply one "eye brightening" shade of eyeshadow, a few coats of black mascara only on the top lashes and I skip eyeliner. This little makeup trick creates the appearance of larger eyes and is excellent for smaller eye shapes. If I'm planning on working, going out or to an appointment, I do apply makeup, but it could be the bare minimal to a full makeover, depending on exactly where I'm headed! For a wedding or Girls Night Out, I go all out! :)

Hands & Feet: My toenails are ALWAYS painted.....it's just one of those things I do, but my fingernails are rarely painted.....too much time, too much work & my hands are in water so often it causes frequent chipping. What I prefer is a basic manicure with a strengthening base coat and a shiny top coat. Hydrating hand creme is essential and I love the brand Kiss My Face in the yummy flavor peaches & creme!

Teeth: Brushing & flossing my teeth is probably the #1 essential routine that I practice consistently. I have the stain-fighting Go Smile Touch Up ampoules to whiten & brighten my teeth. The tiny ampoules are convenient for a smile-on-the-go and they are mint-licious!

Skin Care: If there's one area, which I refuse to skimp, it's most definitely skin care. We are only young once so we better make the most of it, while we have it! Therefore, I always cleanse my face twice; once in the morning & once in the evening. Then I apply my favorite eye cream, moisturizer and skin primer for a flawless complexion. At least 1-2 per week, I use a facial scrub to exfoliate and remove dead dry skin.

Adult Acne/Blemishes: For annoying monthly blemishes, I apply Proactive Face Mask ONLY to the blemished spots and I leave it on for the entire night. The following morning, when I cleanse my skin, I gently remove the Proactive Face Mask. Usually, it takes 2-3 consistent applications before the blemish heals. The secret ingredient is sulfur & it works great even on the most stubborn acne!

Beauty regimes do NOT have to be time-consuming, confusing or cost a fortune. It's just a matter of determining what works well for you, your lifestyle and putting it into practice! When it comes to looking and feeling great, LESS is best!

Copyright © 2008-2011 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

True Beauty Begins WITHIN

2011-04-29T05:08:00.000-07:00

Finding our true beauty begins WITHIN....not the way our secular world portrays beauty, which is distorted. Rather, true beauty begins by looking within OURSELVES to see who we are through the eyes of our Heavenly Maker.

Unless we fully understand true beauty, we may find ourselves critically comparing our outer appearance to the perfect models plastered throughout the media. Without being aware, we may suddenly encounter negative feelings about ourselves not measuring up to the worlds standard of beauty.

Not surprisingly, females of all ages have fallen into the devil's schemes to think beauty consists of flawless skin, hair, teeth, nails and a perfect "10" figure. The media is the primary target for deception, which lethally takes root within our mind and soul to fill us with shame, doubts, jealousy, insecurities, false beliefs and a plummeting self-esteem.

Not a day goes by without observing lifelike billboards, fashion magazines and beauty advertisements with drop-dead stunning models plastered upon each page! Of course, advance image editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, magically erase all imperfections, such as unsightly scars, birthmarks and blemishes.

Underneath an exquisite model's trendy fashion, sultry pose and dazzling smile is just an ordinary female. Yet, today's teenagers and adult women are fooled into thinking they must lose weight, schedule breast augmentation, compulsively seek fad diets and spend a fortune on every imaginable beauty contraption. All for the quest to look the best!

When will we take a firm stand to admit, "Enough is enough?" Will we stop this nonsense to take a good look at God's word and begin filling our minds with HIS biblical truths, instead of distorted lies set out to destroy us?

Psalms 45:11 proclaims, "The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor Him, for He is your Lord." Just close your eyes and imagine....Your Heavenly Father is downright ENTHRALLED with your beauty! Yrs, in His eyes, you are BEAUTIFUL, RADIANT, ACCEPTED, CHERISHED AND ETERNALLY SIGNIFICANT.

Finding our identity in Christ will FREE US from negative feelings, which surface when we falsely believe our worlds idea of beauty. Prayerfully, we can let go of the worlds distorted view of beauty to become more confident in GOD'S WORD about TRUE beauty, which begins WITHIN.

I challenge you today to step out in faith with your head held high in confidence that YOU are truly beautiful in God's eyes, no matter what size, shape or color. For it is only when we clearly see ourselves through GOD'S EYES, we are able to look beyond our outer appearance to suddenly discover deep within the core of our heart and soul who we really are.

For more information about true beauty and finding your identity in Christ, visit
Find Your True Beauty at http://www.teen-beauty-tips.com/.

Copyright © 2008-2011 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

BEAUTY REVIEW: SEPHORA LIGHT TOUCH HIGHLIGHTER

2011-02-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

Five years ago, I was on a quest to find the BEST under-eye highlighter. As a passionate Makeup Artist, I wanted to find an under-eye highlighter that would brighten up my eyes without appearing dry or cakey. In addition, I wanted a highlighter to provide top quality coverage for early mornings when I needed an extra "pick me up" if I accidentally missed my beauty sleep the night before.

I suppose my quest to find the best under-eye highlighter was far more challenging than I had anticipated, but I suppose being a "perfectionist" didn't make it easier? I confess, as a true makeup junkie, I NOT only desired a product that would successfully conceal dark under-eye shadows without creasing or settling into the facial lines, but I expected this magic wand to produce younger, brighter, flawless eyes!

After three months of searching high and low for a top notch under-eye highlighter, I surprisingly discovered the product that met my strict credentials. After sampling, demonstrating and purchasing one highlighter after the other, my FAVORITE OF ALL FAVORITE under- eye highlighters is Light Touch Highlighter by Sephora.

With a gentle swipe of the pen, Light Touch Highlighter instantly diminishes dark circles, fine lines and imperfections. One of the benefits of Light Touch Highlighter is that it's a lightweight, creamy concealer and brightening highlighter all in one!

After sampling, demonstrating and purchasing one highlighter after the other, my FAVORITE OF ALL FAVORITE under-eye highlighters is Light Touch Highlighter by Sephora. With just a gentle swipe of the pen, Light Touch Highlighter instantly diminishes dark circles, fine lines and imperfections.

Whether your skin color is as light as a fairmaiden or as dark as chocolate, Sephora has six shades to choose from. Keep in mind, when you are highlighting your under-eye area, it's beneficial to choose one to two shades LIGHTER. Also, if your skin is dry, dehydrated or has fine lines, it is a great idea to FIRST apply a hydrating eye cream onto the delicate under-eye area BEFORE applying the Sephora highlighter.

All it takes is a little twist and once there is a dot on the tip of the brush carefully apply under each eye. Use your ring finger, which is the weakest finger, to gently pat the delicate under eye area to blend evenly and you will instantly look refreshed, radiant and ready for a night on the town!

To locate a Sephora nearest you or to check out their wonderful website, go to www.sephora.com.

Copyright © 2011 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

NO MORE RACCOON EYES!

2011-01-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

At last, NO MORE RACCOON EYES! As a lifelong makeup lover and an experienced beauty professional, I have used every imaginable eyeliner available from pricey high-end department stores to budget-friendly drug stores.

There is nothing worse than spending BIG bucks on fancy eyeliners retailed from prestigious cosmetic companies who claim to "stay in place and never budge." Yet, by mid-afternoon, you look into the mirror to unexpectedly discover a scary raccoon staring back at you!

If you've been searching for an affordable eyeliner that will not end up looking like raccoon eyes, look no further! For ONLY $8, mark No Place to Run Longwear Eyeliner, retailed through Avon, sets in minutes to provide long-lasting and smudge-resistant eyeliner available in eight brilliant shades.

To order mark No Place to Run Longwear Eyeliner, please visit their website at www.avon.com or contact your local Avon representative.

Copyright © 2011 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

CONCEALER RX BEAUTY REVIEW

2010-06-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hey, girly girls, if you need to diminish dark under-eye circles, stubborn sun spots or annoying blemishes, try CONCEAL RX PHYSICIANS STRENGTH CONCEALER by Physicians Formula. Several months ago, I discovered this MIRACLE concealer by pure accident at Rite Aid and I am excited to share my beauty review with you!

While I was browsing the beauty aisle at Rite Aid, I noticed a selection of cosmetics by Physicians Formula that had the label RX for physicians strength. (Hint: The RX truly steps it up a notch!)

What caught my immediate attention was the remarkable photograph on the box, which displayed a dramatic "before" and "after" picture. The woman in the "before" picture had dark under-eye circles with fine lines, but in the "after" picture, her under-eye area appeared youthful, bright & flawless.

I admit, the amazing difference between the two photo's most definitely had me curious enough to purchase it. Yet, it takes MUCH MORE than a pretty picture advertised on a package to win me over!

Quite frankly, I typically purchase high end concealers that are usually on the pricey side. However, as a true makeup junkie, I am always up for a beauty bargain, especially if it's a GREAT PRODUCT for a GREAT PRICE! (For ONLY $7.95, this is worth stocking up!)

The following day, after I applied moisturizer to my freshly cleansed face along with my favorite anti-aging eye cream, I gently applied the CONCEAL RX PHYSICIANS STRENGTH CONCEALER with my synthetic concealer brush to my under-eye area. Right away, my stubborn sun spot and dark under-eye circles suddenly disappeared as I carefully blended the product.

Thrilled to see fabulous results, I applied CONCEAL RX PHYSICIANS STRENGTH CONCEALER with my synthetic concealer brush to my blemish on my chin. Once again, as I expertly blended in the concealer by patting it with my finger, the concealer successfully diminished my imperfection.

In my personal and professional opinion, CONCEAL RX PHYSICIANS STRENGTH CONCEALER by Physicians Formula provides full coverage, blends wonderfully, looks natural, lasts all day and is a terrific value. I've tried almost every concealer on the market and this one not only diminishes dark under-eye circles and blemishes, but it also conceals scars, birthmarks, age spots, bruises, broken capillaries, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

This beauty review was extremely enjoyable and Girly Girls Beauty Guide gives this OUTSTANDING concealer a THUMBS UP!

Copyright © 2010-2011 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

BEAUTIFUL! BEAUTIFUL!

2010-04-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

This morning, after I woke up from a deep sleep, feeling rather groggy, I caught a quick glance of myself in the mirror. Shocked at the complete mess of my hair standing on ends every which way, I looked away from the mirror. Silently, I was thinking every imaginable negative thought possible!

As I carefully made my country-themed bed, I could not help, but question when on earth the time clock struck "SO LONG YOUTH & WELCOME MIDLIFE?" Quite frankly, midlife has not been exactly welcoming to me!!! That is, unless you consider puffy eyes, dark shadows, crows feet, sparse eyebrows and thinning hair with gray roots a HAPPY WELCOME!

After 23 years working in the beauty industry, I am still mystified that an adult female could have dry, dehydrated skin along with teenage acne at the exact SAME time! Whatever happened to aging GRACEFULLY or is that a special trait ONLY for MEN?

This morning, while I was fluffing my pillows, I turned on my favorite radio station, K-LOVE, when the song "Beautiful, Beautiful" by Francesca Battistelli began to profoundly speak to me. Soothingly, my self-doubt began to softly melt away.

It was as if at that very moment, time stopped.....It was as if at that very moment, my Heavenly Father lovingly walked into my country styled bedroom.....And Jesus automatically knew my heart was troubled so He gently wrapped His strong arms around me to comfort me with His grace.....

As tears suddenly slipped down my cheeks, Jesus reassuringly whispered, "MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU." (2CO 12:9) Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I humbly turned my eyes away from myself to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.

With my eyes relaxed and closed, I joyfully embraced the brilliant beauty of my Heavenly Father. Eagerly, I knelt beside my bed and immersed myself in His amazing, omnipotent presence. Tenderly, the Spirit of the Sovereign Lord graciously poured forth His compassion, mercy, love and grace, which swiftly washed away all of my self-doubt, frustration and inadequacy.

The next time you glance at yourself in the mirror and find yourself thinking unpleasant or negative thoughts about yourself, STOP what you are doing. Stop all criticizing & name calling! No bad mouthing your hair, skin, teeth, thighs or fanny!

Instead, fill your mind with confident, positive, uplifting thoughts on the Lord! Soak in the radiant beauty and glory of God!

Take a slow, deep breath....As you exhale, let go of the self-sabotaging thoughts....

Take another slow, deep cleansing breath....While you exhale, let go of the negative attitude....

Sit up straight, take another slow deep breath in....Allow yourself to feel the almighty presence of the KING OF ALL KINGS to REJOICE in HIS BEAUTY!~

Copyright © 2010 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

TREAT SKIN WITH TEA TREE OIL

2010-04-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

ANTISEPTIC & BACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF TEA TREE OIL: A general disinfectant that fights bacteria in all kinds of wounds and infections.

Anti-Fungal Properties: Treats fungal diseases affecting humans and animals.

Anti-Viral Properties: Fights may common infectious diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Excellent skin penetration capabilities.

Antimicrobial Properties: Extremely low potential for skin irritation or sensitization.

Immune Stimulant: Helps the body to fight off a variety of infections.

Cleans Wounds: Tea tree oil dissolves pus and cleans the surface of wounds without damage to the tissue.

Repairs Skin: Tea tree oil helps heal the skin by encouraging the formation of new scar tissue.

Copyright © 2010 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

FEMININE FASHION TO EXPRESS YOURSELF!

2010-03-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

As a lifelong girly girl, I enjoy everything FEMININE, SOFT, GRACEFUL & GIRLY....And I love SHOPPING!!!

In my opinion, there is NOTHING better than spontaneous shopping adventures with girlfriends, enjoying corny & romantic "chick flicks", pampering pedicures, singing praiseworthy songs with sister's in Christ, perfectly coordinating our trendy fashions to match our lip gloss, delightfully savoring mouthwatering chocolate and expressing ourselves through positive words to share encouragement, love, joy and laughter.

One of my favorite quotes is, "LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE!" I sincerely believe that in our chaotic world, we need to intentionally schedule time for relaxation, nurturing ourselves, renewing our heart, mind & soul as well as letting our hair down to share a few good laughs with our family & friends.

An upbeat, fun and fashionable way to boldly express yourself is by wearing beautifully designed stylish apparel to promote positive words of wisdom, humorous phrases, heartfelt sayings, statements of faith or Happy-go-Lucky thoughts. For the fashion-savvy females who have a great sense of humor, the ability to strike up unexpected conversations, the passion to advocate for an important cause, the courage to overcome obstacles or the confidence to empower others to live a healthy lifestyle, FlirtyGirlTees has something for everyone!

Whether you are a female who is passionate about keeping fit, advocating for cancer survivors, openly declaring your spiritual beliefs, practicing greener living, coping with menopause madness, seeking romance, honoring the military, relishing motherhood or rejoicing in retirement, take a moment to CELEBRATE your own uniqueness as a female by expressing yourself with FlirtyGirlTees.

When you wear the fun, creative, flirty tees, you will discover that FlirtyGirlTees are NOT ordinary T-shirts! Instead, the high quality, 100% cotton, feminine-fitting t-shirts created by FlirtyGirlTees has a super soft lettering application that is applied to the shirts with a heat bonding process. The images on their shirts DO NOT fade, crack, wear-out or fall off.

Here are the five benefits that I love about FlirtyGirlTees:

1) FlirtyGirlTees are UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED!

2) FlirtyGirlTees are SHIPPED FREE via US POSTAL/FIRST CLASS MAIL in the continental US!

3) FlirtyGirlTees require NO MINIMUM ORDERS!

4) FlirtyGirlTees are AVAILABLE in ALL SIZES, INCLUDING PLUS SIZES!

5) FlirtyGirlTees are AFFORDABLE!

Most importantly of all, FlirtyGirlTees has a meaningful mission to support each other as women by contributing 5% of each sale to the Foundation for International Community Assistance (FINCA). The purpose of reaching out to poverty stricken women is to empower them to overcome their challenges by helping them start successful businesses in the villages where they live and raise their children.

When you order your very own FlirtyGirlTees, you can confidently feel good about reaching out to touch the lives of women and children in a positive way. To view the amazing variety of stylish, classy & fun tees, go to FlirtyGirlTees website at: http://www.flirtygirltees.com/

Copyright © 2010 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

REVEALING THE DIRTY UGLY TRUTH ABOUT BEAUTY INGREDIENTS.....

2010-01-23T14:23:00.000-08:00

As a true girly girl who is sincerely passionate about beauty products and working in the beauty industry, I have grown increasingly concerned with the harsh, toxic and unsafe ingredients contained inside plenty of beauty and personal care products.

In the past 14 years, I began actively researching the mind-boggling list of beauty ingredients to better understand exactly what I was applying to my client's hair, skin or nails as well as my own. After years of reading, researching, gathering information, collecting important data, discussing ingredients with beauty professionals and pursuing advanced education, I successfully unraveled the mystery behind beauty ingredients.

By surprise, what began as curiosity to learn more about beauty ingredients turned into a deep dark mystery, which gradually led to a disturbing discovering! Unexpectedly, I had an eye-opening experience to discover the dirty ugly truth about beauty ingredients.

To my dismay, numerous popular name-brand companies in the beauty industry were exposed to reveal the dirty ugly truth about their beauty & personal care products containing toxic, harmful and unsafe chemicals listed in their ingredients. At an alarming rate, latest medical research has linked toxic ingredients contained inside beauty products to lead to life-threatening diseases.

Apparently, there are NO LEGAL STANDARDS for organic or natural beauty and personal care products retailed in the United States. Sadly, beauty and personal care companies may easily take advantage of this freedom to market a "so-called" natural product relying on deceptive advertising and gimmicks.

In earnest attempt to educate the public and encourage consumers to READ ALL LABELS on BEAUTY PRODUCTS, PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS, FOODS, BEVERAGES, CLEANING PRODUCTS and WELLNESS PRODUCTS, I am going to share three beauty categories to differentiate one beauty company from another.

In reality, unless you clearly understand each ingredient listed on the back of each beauty product, I will list some helpful details about the difference between each group. In todays progressive and high tech world, it is fairly easy to feel as if you are walking through a confusing maze, instead of walking down a beauty aisle!

By all means, do not simply take my word for it when I share some specific information pertaining to beauty products and companies......INSTEAD, I HIGHLY SUGGEST THAT YOU EMPOWER YOURSELF BY ACTIVELY CHECKING EACH INGREDIENT CONTAINED IN YOUR BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS THAT MAY BE SITTING ON YOUR SHELF AT THIS VERY MOMENT.

By going to your local library or favorite bookstore, doing some extra reading, educating yourself, reading labels and searching online for helpful and credible facts, you will truly make a positive difference in your own life.

Here is some general information to reveal the basic difference between the magnitudes of beauty and personal care products available today. Keep in mind that although the ingredients, prices and retail locations may vary world wide, do not be fooled into believing that "more expensive is better" or if the product claims to be "natural," yet, there is NO pure or organic ingredients written on the label, BUYER BEWARE!

Before we get into the "nitty gritty" details of ingredients, which I will save for future blog, here is some helpful insight pertaining to the three main categories of beauty & personal care products:

1) HIGH END BEAUTY PRODUCTS - The high end beauty products offer a wide selection of moderately-priced beauty products to outrageously expensive beauty products that are typically retailed in upscale salons, elite spas, popular department stores, fancy boutiques, cosmetic specialty shops, wellness shops and various websites. What stands out the most with the high end beauty products is not only the EXUBERANT PRICES, but also the LAVISH PACKAGING. However, the startling TRUTH is that regardless of how luxuriant the beauty products may appear, it absolutely DOES NOT GUARANTEE the QUALITY of the INGREDIENTS contained inside each elegantly designed package.

2) REASONABLY-PRICED BEAUTY PRODUCTS - The reasonably-priced beauty products offer a huge selection of "dirt cheap" discounts on beauty products to reasonably-priced beauty products. Usually, you will find these low-cost beauty products retailed in drug store chains, grocery store chains, local beauty salons, wellness shops, shopping outlets and various websites. What stands out the most with the reasonably-priced beauty products is the AFFORDABLE COST. In todays struggling economy, more families and individuals are becoming savvy shoppers by investigating every possible bargain to get the best deal for less. While the thrifty shoppers are to be admired for their determination to investigate every discount possible, the GIGANTIC SAVINGS DOES NOT GUARANTEE the QUALITY of the INGREDIENTS contained within each product.

3) COMPANIES WHO SIGNED THE CAMPAIGN FOR SAFE COSMETICS PLEDGE - Whether you are a bargain buyer or an extravagant spender, your priority in shopping for beauty products is based on the PURE, ORGANIC and SAFE INGREDIENTS contained inside each recyclable package. What truly matters most when you purchase beauty & personal care products is that the ingredients are PURE, SAFE, NON-TOXIC and HIGH QUALITY. The products that you purchase are made from companies that have SIGNED a PLEDGE with the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. When beauty and personal care companies take the pledge with the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, they are not only making SAFER PRODUCTS, but are also providing GREATER TRANSPARENCY to consumers about their products.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU, YOUR CHILDREN, YOUR RELATIVES, YOUR FRIENDS & OUR SOCIETY AS A WHOLE? This means that we may take a big sigh of relief because there are high quality products consisting of pure, safe and non-toxic ingredients made by more than 1,000 companies who have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is advocating for a standard that means ingredients are BOTH natural and safe for people. This means that as consumers we have plenty of options to choose from when shopping or ordering our beauty & personal care products! Lastly, this means that by staying informed, educated and aware of ingredients, you can confidently be reassured that your own beauty & personal care products are FREE of carcinogens, toxic chemicals, harmful ingredients and contaminants.

To check out the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, go to their link at:
http://www.safecosmetics.org/

To learn more about beauty & personal care ingredients, go to Skin Deep at:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

Copyright © 2010 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

LOOKING THROUGH A NEW LENS IN 2010!

2010-01-17T19:18:00.000-08:00

As I excitedly rang in the new year to celebrate 2010 with my family, I decided to not follow the common tradition of making new year's resolutions. Instead, I decided to focus on a few simple and attainable goals to improve my life this year.

In 2009, I was excited to have made dramatic changes in my health, wellness and body by eating more organic, raw and whole foods following an anti-yeast diet. Once I became determined to practice my new lifestyle, I began walking outdoors, swimming, eating nutritiously, taking healthy supplements and staying more active. After following this new wellness plan for over four months, I was thrilled to gradually lose a total of 26 lbs. It was the highlight of 2009!

Fortunately, I have been able to maintain my weight for eight months. However, I am no longer following the intense anti-yeast diet. In reality, the strict diet required me to eliminate a large amount of food groups and I became bored with eating the same foods day in and day out.

No doubt, it was a tough diet to stick with for a lengthy amount of time and I discovered that I definitely need variety in my diet. Therefore, I made new changes in my wellness plan to begin eating a wider variety of foods to "spice up" my life!

What works best for me is balancing healthy, nutritious foods with the occasional tempting indulgences, such as pizza, dark chocolate or Mexican food. My motto is "WHATEVER WORKS!" As long as this works for me, I am going to enjoy it!

Have you made traditional new year's resolutions? If so, was weight loss, fitness, anti-aging or a radiant complexion part of your plan? My suggestion is to consider choosing 1-2 primary goals for yourself, instead of a long list of unrealistic idea's about drastically dieting, going into debt for plastic surgery or managing to look like the gorgeous model on the front cover of Vogue. The point is to keep it simple and attainable!

Begin by writing your goals onto an index card to post throughout your home. For instance, I posted my goals on my bedroom mirror and bathroom mirror. Another idea is to post your 2010 goals on your car dash board, on your refrigerator or on your desk where you will continually be reminded.

If you are like my sister, Doreen, you may feel the urge to bring your 2010 goals to a whole new level by adding creativity and self-discipline. As a teenager, Doreen was extremely frustrated with her weight. When she encountered road blocks with dieting, she radically bumped up her weight loss goals to take drastic measures into her own hands.

I will never forget the incident in which my sister wrapped duct tape around our refrigerator door to prevent herself from overeating! Another hysterical weight loss trick that my sister practiced in an attempt to work off extra pounds was to firmly roll plastic wrap all around her body prior to exercising to increase perspiration. (Hey, I give my sister extra credit for coming up with those brilliant idea's!)

Although, Doreen struggled with losing weight as a teenager, she successfully lost 122 lbs after spending one year actively following a low fat diet, walking outdoors, persevering and overcoming rough challenges. Doreen looks amazing! I am in absolute AWE at how dedicated she was to dramatically take charge of her health and make a positive difference in her life!

To read more about my sister's inspirational weight loss journey, read "SEASONS OF CHANGE" at this link:
http://writing4theheart-n-soul.blogspot.com/2009/04/fabulously-fat-free.html

It was Doreen's incredible weight loss success that encouraged me to try to eat healthier and exercise more often. I knew in my heart that if my sister could lose 122 lbs by changing her diet, reducing calories and becoming more active then I could lose weight, too.

When I began eating organic, raw, whole foods, started walking outdoors 3-4 times per week and began aqua therapy, I was truly aiming to lose 10 lbs. I can imagine right now that some of you readers are wondering, "ONLY 10 LBS? FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, THAT IS NO BIG DEAL!"

Actually, I am feeling quite ashamed to confess this, but I did not believe that I could ever lose weight or even 10 lbs last year. While it may sound ridiculous or pathetic, I truly reached the lowest time in my life when my weight had relentlessly climbed shockingly high to the point of people asking me if I were PREGNANT! No joke! Talk about the most HUMILIATING experience to suffer in public!

Without going into an in depth story, much of my weight gain occurred from 11/06 to 3/09 when I had been diagnosed with 4 bulging discs, advanced degenerative disc disease, sciatica, wacky hormonal imbalances and fibromyalgia. (If that isn't enough to send the average female frantically over the edge, I don't know what will!)

The moment I began taking steroids to reduce my chronic pain and inflammation, my petite and thin body suddenly blew up two sizes overnight! Alright.....that may be a teeny weeny bit exaggerated.....But I did gain much weight rather quickly.

Keeping that in mind, you can probably understand how frustrated I felt when I had to buy clothes 2-3 sizes larger than what I had previously worn. Sadly, I went from wearing size 6 to wearing size 12. My passion for shopping at the local mall and trying on new trendy clothes suddenly became a NIGHTMARE!

As I recall the physically and emotionally painful challenges that I was coping with for three years, my turning point was in March 2009 when I made the bold decision to have more faith in God, have more faith in myself, to push forward and to change the direction of my life.

When I confidently took that very first step to actively make positive changes in my life physically, spiritually and emotionally, I made a realistic list of helpful steps that would eventually lead me to a higher quality of life. By organizing a realistic plan, taking one step at a time, I kept my focus NOT on what I was sacrificing, such as delicious cakes, greasy burgers, creamy milkshakes, addictive Starbucks latte's and spicy Mexican burritos. Rather, I kept my focus on what I would GAIN!

In my mind, I could clearly see myself in the near future being healthier, happier, stronger in faith, slender and living a life with purpose. I had no doubt in my mind that what I was gaining was far more meaningful, positive and life-changing than what I would sacrifice to reach my goals.

There were occasional times, in the beginning of my organic, yeast-free diet, I used to stroll through my favorite dress shops and longingly admire the adorable fashions in smaller sizes. Silently, I would cheer myself on by saying,"DON'T GIVE UP HOPE! YOU CAN CAN DO IT!"

The most exciting moment was when my size 10-12 jeans were too big to wear! After one month of consistently consuming organic, pure, nutritious foods, enjoying all of the wonderful recipes and staying physically active, the hard work was actually paying off!

Within two months of persevering with my new lifestyle goals, I was no longer able to wear any of my larger clothes. As I tried on my dresses, slacks, blouses, jeans and shorts, I was delighted to look in my bedroom mirror to see my large-sized clothes slide off of me because they were all too big! What a better way to celebrate this exciting victory then to go on a fabulous shopping spree?

What I have learned about myself in 2009 is that I have far more determination and faith than I give myself credit for. No matter how difficult life may become, living with chronic pain, trying to eat healthier foods, forcing myself to walk outdoors for 30 minutes or go to aqua therapy for warm water exercises in hope to improve my life, God has continually been my comfort and strength.

Another meaningful lesson that I learned is that regardless of my weight, size, shape, color of skin or color of hair, my Heavenly Father loves me unconditionally. No matter how distorted the world may view beauty, in God's eyes we are all BEAUTIFUL, RADIANT, ACCEPTED, CHERISHED and ETERNALLY SIGNIFICANT.

The bible says in Psalm 45:11 "The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." Can you imagine that......God doesn't just think that you are average, He is downright ENTHRALLED with YOUR beauty! This is something SPECTACULAR to jump up and down about, sisters!

If this new year finds you frustrated, disappointed or teary-eyed as you look at your reflection in the mirror, I want to encourage you to begin looking at yourself through a brand new lens: THE EYES OF GOD.

Instead of criticizing yourself or silently thinking negatively about your outer appearance, STOP! Please consider to stop for 5-10 minutes to sincerely view yourself through God's eyes.

When you begin opening up your eyes to see yourself through a brand new lens, you will clearly see yourself become transparent right before your very eyes. For it is only when we clearly see ourselves through GOD'S EYES, we are able to look beyond our outer appearance to suddenly discover deep within the core of our heart and soul who we really are.

Copyright © 2010 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

MY QUEST TO FIND THE BEST MINERAL MAKEUP!

2009-11-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

Five years ago, I began experimenting with a wide variety of mineral makeup brands to compare products. What began as curiosity turned into an active quest to find the best mineral makeup!

As a professional Makeup Artist (and a true makeup junkie!), I have met many clients from all walks of life who have shared with me that they were disappointed with some of the top mineral makeup companies after they experienced unpleasant reactions. Countless clients have complained of experiencing itchy, red, swollen, burning, irritated skin with small bumps or pustules.

Due to such a large group of females complaining about harsh ingredients in various brands of mineral makeup, I decided to discover for myself which brands of mineral makeup were the highest quality as well as which brands to avoid.

To do begin my beauty investigation, I considered several pertinent details to determine the quality of many different brands of mineral makeup. Here is my list of important qualities to examine and compare from brand to brand to draw an accurate conclusion regarding the best mineral makeup:

1) MUST CONTAIN PURE INGREDIENTS WITHOUT NEGATIVE REACTIONS, ALLERGIES OR SENSITIVITIES.

2) MUST PROVIDE A NATURAL APPEARANCE WITHOUT SKIN APPEARING "CHALKY," DRY, WRINKLED OR OILY.

3) MUST HAVE THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE A COMPLETE COVERAGE WITHOUT FEELING AS IF YOU ARE WEARING A MASK.

4) MUST CONCEAL BLEMISHES, IRREGULAR SKIN TONES AND MINOR IMPERFECTIONS.

5) MUST PROVIDE A WIDE SELECTION OF SHADES FOR ALL SKIN TONES AND COLORS.

6) MUST BE AFFORDABLE, ESPECIALLY DURING THIS ECONOMIC CHALLENGING TIME.

During five years experimenting with numerous selections of mineral makeup brands for myself and for my clients (from every ethnic race, age and skin type), I came to the conclusion that NOT all mineral makeup is created equal. What I discovered is that the one ingredient that was continually the root cause of negative skin reactions, allergies and sensitivities was bismuth oxychloride.

To better understand this ingredient, let's take a closer look at it. Bismuth oxychloride is a colorant, adding a white pigment to cosmetics. Typically, it is available in diamond and pearl finishes. The diamond is shimmery and the pearl is more matte.

It is often contained in cosmetics because it provides a silky feel, a good slip (easily applied nicely to the skin without dragging it) and the ability to adhere to your skin. Bismuth oxychloride is used in much higher concentrations in mineral makeup, which could explain why there are more frequent reactions from mineral makeup containing bismuth oxychloride, rather than liquid or cream foundation.

In my professional and personal experience using all types of mineral makeup, from the high end department stores to the inexpensive discount stores, I prefer organic mineral makeup that is fragrance-free, paraben-free, talc-free, bismuth oxychloride-free and contains no harsh ingredients. Professionally, one of my tips from the trade is that mineral makeup is best applied to freshly cleansed skin, which has been moisturized for added hydration. If your skin is oily or combination, choose an oil-free, lightweight lotion that absorbs easily into the skin.

Another helpful makeup tip to promote flawless skin is to apply foundation primer following your moisturizer. For best results, allow your moisturizer or oil-free lotion to totally absorb into your skin BEFORE applying foundation primer.

The purpose of a foundation primer is to prepare your skin BEFORE applying mineral makeup or liquid foundation. Foundation primers are available in many different sizes, prices, colors and formula's, depending on where you shop. Usually, foundation primers have a clear color, unless you need to reduce redness, sallow or uneven skin tones.

Whether your skin is dry and dehydrated with fine lines or your skin is very oily, blotchy and has blemishes, the BENEFIT of using a foundation primer is to fill in fine lines, pores and facial crevices to provide a smooth, flawless finish. Your skin will feel softer than a babies bottom!

Now that mineral makeup has been on the market for many years, brand new cosmetic companies have jumped on the bandwagon to retail their own mineral makeup line. However, keep in mind that NOT all mineral makeup products are the same. The KEY is to actively look for ingredients to determine how natural, pure and safe the product is, especially if you are prone to experience allergic reactions, breakouts or sensitivities with cosmetics.

One excellent website to find higher quality ingredients and mineral makeup is at The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. This nonprofit and environmental organization works with more than 100 endorsing organizations, responsible businesses and thousands of citizen activists to shift the cosmetics market toward safer products as well as advocate for smarter laws that protect our health from toxic chemicals and encourage innovation of safer alternatives.

To check it out, go to CAMPAIGN FOR SAFE COSMETICS:
http://www.safecosmetics.org/display.php?modin=50

After spending much time, energy, research and money to determine which mineral makeup brands stand up to my strict criteria, I have been able to successfully weed out the "not acceptable" brands of mineral makeup to the TOP QUALITY mineral makeup companies. If nothing else, this has been extremely educational for me and I hope it will prompt you to check out the ingredients of beauty products the next time you go shopping or order cosmetics on your favorite website.

Stay tuned for my next beauty blog in which I will share my favorite brands of mineral makeup that stood up to my rigid beauty test!

Copyright © 2009 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

WHAT BEAUTY PRODUCT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

2009-10-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Do you have a beauty product that you can NOT live without? If so, name your product and share all the things that you love about it!

As for me, I can NOT go without my organic Alba Lip Balm! As a makeup junkie, I have tried almost every lip protector to prevent chapped, dry, peeling lips. After trying so many different brands of lip protectors, I was frustrated that so many did not successfully treat & heal chapped lips!

I am very fussy about texture and ingredients. Once I discovered Alba Lip Balm, I tried it, loved it and was instantly hooked! My lips looked and felt 100% smoother and softer! One little beauty trick to prevent dry, chapped lips in the winter is to apply Alba Lip Balm before you go to bed at night and reapply after you brush your teeth in the morning!

My 11 year old daughter has now become hooked on the Alba Lip Balms, too! She carries one in her purse everyday to use at school. Both of us love the delicious selections, ranging from Coconut Cream, Passion Fruit Nectar, Pineapple Quench,Cherry,Tangerine and Vanilla.

The pure ingredients promote intensive moisture and protection for sensitive lips. You could purchase your own Alba Lip Balms at Rite Aid, Whole Foods, Walmart and Vitacost. Another possibility is to check out the newest Health/Beauty/Wellness (HBW)Department at select Giant Eagles. This new HBW Department retails a large selection of organic beauty as well as traditional beauty products.

Now it is your turn.....Please share the beauty product that you can NOT live without!

Copyright © 2009 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

PITTSBURGH GROCERY STORE IS RE-INVENTING BEAUTY!

2009-10-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

When you think of shopping for cosmetics, skin care or professional beauty services, what first comes to mind? Perhaps, shopping at a department store, a high end cosmetic shop, such as Sephora or luxurious spa for head to toe pampering? If that is your guess, I have a pleasant surprise for you!

As the Girly Girls Beauty Guide, I am excited to share with you cool news about a Pittsburgh grocery store that has re-invented beauty! Giant Eagle, a 74 year old grocery store located throughout Western Pennsylvania, Central & Northern Ohio, Northern West Virginia & Western Maryland, has recently added a newly remodeled and innovative Health/Beauty/Wellness (HBW) Department to select Giant Eagle Stores.

The HBW Department is twice the size of the average health and beauty section of a typical Giant Eagle store. It is fully stocked with quality beauty products, including traditional, premium, natural & organic beauty lines. Hold onto your hats, Girly Girls, because the new HBW department has something for EVERYONE!

The best news of all is that a professional Licensed Esthetician will be on staff to serve as the skin care and beauty expert in the HBW Department. The Esthetician provides professional beauty consultations, demonstrations, advice and education. In addition, the Esthetician will identify the clients skin type to recommend proper treatment protocols, skin care products and cosmetics best suited for their skin type/coloring.

The HBW Department, located in various Giant Eagle Stores, is a very affordable alternative to the traditional specialty stores, especially during our economic downturn. With the holidays just around the corner, now is the time to consider a unique shopping experience to not only meet your beauty needs, but so much more!

This year, instead of spending a fortune on trendy stocking stuffer's, beautiful fragrance or unique feminine gifts, shop at Giant Eagle's new HBW Department and celebrate the "CHING CHING" that will save you a BUNDLE!

Copyright © 2009 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

UPDATE ON ANEW REVERSALIST DUO

2009-10-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

In my last blog, I shared with my readers that my AVON lady was kind enough to offer me the opportunity to try AVON ANEW Reversalist Duo for two weeks with no strings attached. For two weeks, I have been using consistently the AVON ANEW Reversalist Duo on my skin and following directions.

The first week of using the ANEW Reversalist Duo, I had positive results and I was very happy to try the new anti-aging skin care products for FREE! During my first week, I did not experience any negative side effects, such as an acne breakout or sensitive reactions on my skin.

After two weeks of using the ANEW Reversalist Duo, which consists of a velvety serum and a nighttime moisturizer, suddenly I began to break out with acne along my jawline and chin. In all fairness, I personally consider the acne flareup to be rooted to several other health-related conditions, rather than from using the ANEW Reversalist Due.

According to AcneTeam.com, the jaw line acne is not simple mild acne on the jaw line. These are mostly found on the people who are between 25-55 years old. One of the BIGGEST acne triggers for women in their 30's is probably the intense STRESS of daily life. Acute stress triggers oil glands in your body to secret more hormones. An important chemical called Cortisol, is a catalyst that causes the release excess hormones.

In an article posted by AcneSquad.com, I read that one possible cause of jawline acne is regular HORMONAL activity. In addition, some studies link dairy products to acne because they contain hormones. If an individual suspects dairy products are triggering outbreaks, try avoiding them and see what happens.

Lastly, during my research about common reasons for jawline breakouts, I had discovered that changing cosmetics may trigger acne breakouts. Ironically, I have recently started using a new foundation and I definitely suspect that it may have caused my acne.

Keeping all of this in mind, I personally believe that I have experienced acne because I am heading into early menopause and my hormones are going haywire! In addition, my stress level has increased because my young daughter had a double ear infection and dental challenges causing three weeks of intense pain.

The end result of my using ANEW Reversalist Duo is that I may not be the perfect candidate for this product, due to my severe hormonal issues. However, I have heard several females praise this product because they are seeing positive results. I do believe that it is worth a try!

Considering my recent hormonal & acne dilemma, I have begun using AVON CLEARSKIN PROFESSIONAL ACNE TREATMENT SYSTEM in my attempt to combat adult acne. It is clinically proven to be as effective as PROACTIV® Solution 3-Step System!

The secret key to combating acne is in the ingredients. The CLEARSKIN PROFESSIONAL ACNE TREATMENT SYSTEM contains three vital ingredients to treat acne, which includes Salicylic Acid,Glycolic Acid and Zinc Hexapeptide-11.

My 14 year old daughter and I are using the Clearskin Professional Acne Treatment System in an attempt to clear up our acne. Stay tuned for an update on our results!

Copyright © 2009 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

BEAUTY REVIEW: AVON ANEW REVERSALIST

2009-09-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

Recently, my AVON lady gave me a proposition that I could not refuse......She would provide me with two full-sized bottles of the brand new products by AVON called ANEW Reversalist Renewal Serum and Night Renewal Cream. My AVON lady said that all I need to do is consistently use the two products morning and night for two solid weeks FREE! If I like the products, I may purchase them if I choose, but if I am not satisfied with the products, I may simply return the products, free of any obligations!

Once my AVON lady kindly mentioned the AMAZING benefits of ANEW Reversalist Renewal Serum and Night Renewal Cream, which visibly reduces appearance of micro-aging signs and recreate fresher, newer-looking skin, I could NOT pass up the possibility of minimizing the lines around my eyes, forehead or neck! (Girlfriends, let's have a reality check, I am in my 40's and I will NOT be young forever!)

So for the past week, I have consistently been following the simple directions of applying the ANEW Reversalist Renewal Serum and Night Renewal Cream in tandem. Truly, this is going to be a rather intriguing beauty experiment since my skin has been misbehaving during my entrance into early menopause.

It is challenging enough to be a middle-aged female attempting to age gracefully, but frankly, I find NOTHING graceful about menopause! Why is it that men age gracefully and are considered "distinguished", yet, menopausal women are struggling with short-term memory loss, wild mood swings, chronic insomnia and everyone around you is freezing cold, but you have your personal fan blasting on turbo cool!? (Sorry, Beauty Queens, I must have had an ADHD moment in which I went off on a tangent!)

As I have mentioned, my skin has been drastically misbehaving. What makes my skin so confusing is that my face is so oily and breaking out worse than when I was 16 years old, while at the exact same time, new lines are suddenly appearing around my eyes, on my forehead and on my neck!

On the first day that I began using ANEW Reversalist Renewal Serum and Night Renewal Cream, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the soft, velvety texture. Since my skin has been going haywire, I was a bit concerned about the new products causing me to breakout or have an allergic reaction, but the good news is that my skin is starting to clear up and look better!

A little product goes a long way, it goes on light and velvety and it does NOT leave your face feeling greasy! I am really enjoying these new products! I still have about one week left so I will post an update about how my skin is looking and feeling with the ANEW Reversalist Renewal Serum and Night Renewal Cream!

Beauty Queens, so far, I am giving this beauty review a THUMBS UP! But do not take my word for it, try it yourself!!!!

Copyright © 2009 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

FREELANCING IS PICKING UP!

2009-08-23T14:24:00.001-07:00

Hello Beauty Queens! I wanted to share with you some cool news that I have been offered a freelance writing position to write for the Pittsburgh Examiner about makeup artistry and beauty. Once I begin submitting my articles, I will share with you the link so you could check out my latest articles. I am excited about this new adventure!

In addition to this news, I have started freelancing as a professional Makeup Artist for Benefit Cosmetics. If you are not familiar with this cosmetic line, you could check it out at www.benefit.com, at some department stores, at some Ulta Cosmetics, at Sephora and www.sephora.com. My top picks for Benefit products that I love are listed below:

~HELLO FLAWLESS: This silky powder cover-up glides on naturally sheer and layers beautifully for customized coverage with SPF protection. Complete with brush and sponge and dual application lesson.

~MATERIAL GIRL: Mattify your complexion and set your makeup with this silky, matte-finish loose powder. Dust over face, focusing on nose, forehead and any shiny areas and POOF! You look FABULOUS!

~ERASE PASTE: This concentrated, creamy concealer brightens and camouflages in one easy step! Targets dark circles, discoloration and imperfections.

~SOMETHING ABOUT SOFIA: Fragrance that is oriental floral - A dream of oriental blossoms, mango & vanilla. Very soft and pretty!

* top notes: mango, freesia
* middle notes: sheer lily, jasmine sambac, peony petal
* bottom notes: musk, white caramel, vanilla bean
* 30.00 ml / 1.00 US fl oz

Copyright © 2009 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

BIG BEAUTIFUL LASHES ON A BUDGET!

2009-08-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

For girly girls that demand BIG, BEAUTIFUL, THICK and FULL LASHES, but do not want to break the bank, I have the perfect alternative to the #1 bestseller, Dior Show Mascara. Instead of $24, spare yourself the extra expense by shopping at your local drugstore for the COLOSSAL VOLUM' EXPRESS MASCARA by Maybelline!

As the true makeup junkie that I am, at first, I was skeptical about a drugstore brand having the ability and superb quality to provide big, beautiful, long and luscious lashes that are thick, but do NOT clump, smudge, flake or cause allergic reactions. I am excited to share with all you beauty queens that the Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara met my match to truly outdo Dior Show Mascara! Here is my beauty review on Colossal Volum' Express Mascara:

PRICE: For ONLY $5.99 at Rite Aid Online Store or $7.49 at CVS Pharmacy Online Store, you can NOT beat the price! Compared to the whopping $24 Dior Show Mascara, this fabulous beauty steal will save you from $16.51 to $18.01!!! AWESOME!

PACKAGING (Brush & Wand): Although, I am not fussy about the packaging on the outside of a tube of mascara, I am extremely particular about the style of the brush and wand. I like the unique metallic yellow color tube because it stands out from the crowd of other cosmetics, but what matters the most to me is that the wand does NOT promote any clumping and the wand is very sturdy.

WHAT IT CLAIMS: Creates 9X the volume, instantly.
* Patented MegaBrush + Collagen Formula plump lashes one by one
* Dramatic Volume with no clumps
* Washable

THE TRUE FACTS: The first time that I used the Colossal Volum' Express on my own lashes, I was shocked that it literally provided such a dramatic, thick, full and beautiful lashes that created stunning volume! Most importantly, there was NO clumping, NO smudging, NO flaking, NO black spots under or above my lashes and NO irritation or allergic reactions with my sensitive eyes.

WHAT I LOVED ABOUT IT: I was thrilled to see my sparse lashes appear so much fuller, thicker, longer and well-defined! (My teenage daughter even inquired how I got my lashes so full!!!)

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE ABOUT IT: Honestly, I have discovered that there is NOTHING to complain about with this product! For the makeup junkie that I am, very picky about my mascara, this is truly AMAZING! However, in all fairness, I want to mention that I read other beauty reviews regarding this mascara and was surprised that the scent of the mascara bothered some individuals. Just between you and me, I NEVER smelled any scent, while applying the Colossal Volum' Express, I NEVER noticed a scent while wearing this mascara and I have a nose that picks up nasty odors like a hunting dog!!!

OVERALL OPINION: The Colossal Volum' Express has become my FAVORITE mascara that I use every single day! My blue eyes are standing out beautifully, I love that this product does NOT smudge even in the sticky, humid heat of Pittsburgh and this mascara is very easy to remove WITHOUT any eye irritations! This mascara advertises that it removes easily with soap and water, but as a skin care expert, I professionally do NOT use soap and water on my eyes or skin. Professionally, I recommend removing this mascara with a gentle eye make up remover. NEVER, in my entire 22 years of specializing in makeup artistry, would I have imagined a drugstore brand to outmatch a department store brand!!!

Beauty queens, I HIGHLY recommend that you grab yourself the Colossal Volum' Express immediately to discover for yourself that you can have BIG, BEAUTIFUL LASHES ON A BUDGET!!!

Copyright © 2009 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

FREE BEAUTY REVIEWS!

2009-07-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

Do you have a fantastic beauty product that you sell or love? What a better way to spread the word: Girly Girls Beauty Guide at your service!

I will provide FREE beauty reviews for cosmetic and skin care companies. As a Licensed Hairstylist/Makeup Artist/Esthetician, I will personally use your beauty products and share a beauty review on Girly Girls Beauty Guide describing my own experience.

For details on having your product reviewed, please contact me here by leaving a comment. Please provide the company that you represent, the product of choice that you would like to have me review and any pertinent information. I look forward to hearing from you!

CERTIFIED ORGANIC BEAUTY PRODUCTS

2009-07-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

Do you want your skin to look healthy and youthful? Have you been challenged with allergic reactions or sensitivities from synthetic ingredients contained in your beauty products? Did you know that everything you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body?

The good news is that there is an easier and safer method to maintaining a natural healthy glow to your skin. Certified organic beauty products contain NO toxins, No preservatives or synthetic chemicals. Here is my list of top quality certified organic beauty products:

BODIORGANIC: This company has a complete online store for a vast range of 100% Toxic free products. You will find No Preservatives or synthetic chemicals inside their products. The entire range of products (more than 70 items) are all Certified Organic. http://bodiorganic.com/

TERRESSENTIALS: This company hand-crafts a wide range of certified organic products: organic skin care, organic hair care, organic baby products, and other goods made with certified organic herbs and certified organic essential oils. USDA Certified Organic! http://www.terressentials.com/

LOVE LULA: This company retails a large selection of natural and organic skin care products from all over the globe by companies that share the passion for truly pure and natural skin care. http://www.lovelula.com/cat_about_our.cfm

MIESSENCE CERTIFIED ORGANIC PRODUCTS: This company retails products that contain absolutely NO synthetic detergents, artificial preservatives, colors or fragrances, petroleum by-products, tar derivatives or genetically modified ingredients. Nor are any ingredients tested on animals. http://www.inspiredliving.com/organic/

If you use or know of other companies that provide certified organic beauty products, feel free to leave me a comment so I can check into the company and add it to my list!

WHY BUY ORGANIC BEAUTY PRODUCTS?

2009-07-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

Certified organic beauty products are made with ingredients that are grown FREE of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and genetically modified organisms. They also don’t contain dangerous or harmful additives such as petroleum waxes, fillers and artificial chemicals. Why buy certified organic beauty products?

Because they are completely healthy, natural and safe, but synthetic alternatives are not. You deserve to look your best so why not choose the best?

Stay tune for Girl Girls Beauty Guides BEST BUYS for organic beauty!

BEAUTY BEGINS WITHIN FOR HEALTHY SKIN!

2009-06-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

For over one month, I have been actively changing my eating habits with the goal to have improved health and wellness. Now that I have radically changed my diet and lost 10 lbs in 4 1/2 weeks, I have noticed that my skin is actually looking in much better condition. This is very exciting for me!

I am on a yeast-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, wheat-free diet and I have eliminated dairy, sugar, wheat, junk food, fast food, processed food, artificial colors & preservatives as well as all foods and beverages that contain hormones, antibiotics and steroids. So are you wondering what I am eating? I try to eat organic because this food is free of pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, steroids and harsh chemicals that deplete the body of the essential nutrients to maintain wellness. I will be honest, I truly miss eating sweets, buttery popcorn, and Starbucks latte's! (The first week of my diet was exhausting without my caffeine to give me energy.)

I am eating organic vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, lettuce, cucumbers, celery, zucchini, peppers, onions and mostly green veggies. (No potatoes or corn, which not only lack health benefits, but they are too high in carbohydrates.) In addition, I am eating organic chicken, eggs and turkey. The price is truly not as high as I had thought it would be!

The only fruits I eat are mostly high in alkaline, which is promoting a normal PH balance in the body. These fruits include fresh grapefruit, lemons, limes, green apples, raspberries and delicious pineapple, which is my favorite. For colon cleansing purposes and health benefits, I eat blue berries. If you ever suffer with constipation, consider choosing fresh blue berries rather than prunes to help become more regular.

What I have discovered in the past 4 1/2 weeks is that what we eat and drink truly does affect our skin. If we have a poor diet of mostly sweets, junk food, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and processed foods, our skin will tend to break out more, look dull and not look healthy. Individuals that are taking medication may also notice that their skin is not looking as vibrant, due to medication taking a toll on their skin. What we ingest in our bodies, whether healthy or unhealthy, will influence the overall condition of our skin.

Although, there are thousands of facial creams available on the market, each promising younger, smoother, more vibrant skin, the fact is that if our diet is lacking quality nutritious foods, our skin will suffer. THE BASIC FOUNDATION OF HEALTHY SKIN IS GOOD NUTRITION.

Therefore, if you desire to have a clear complexion that radiates good health then you need to BEGIN WITHIN to change how your skin appears on the outside. Keep in mind that our skin is the LARGEST organ in our body. Nothing else could substitute healthy, radiant, glowing skin.

HEALTHY TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR SKIN:

1) WATER - One of the most important elements to achieving and maintaining healthy skin is drinking lots of water. Filtered and pure water is healthier than drinking tap water. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to promote healthier skin.
Water actually hydrates the cells of the skin, eliminating waste products, which in turn prevents constipation. This gives skin new softness and radiance. Additionally, keeping your skin hydrated will help to diminish lines, wrinkles as well as eliminate pimples and blackheads.

2) VITAMIN A - Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and it helps reduce an overactive sebaceous gland. If you are troubled by acne or oily skin, consider taking vitamin A. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins.

3) VITAMIN B COMPLEX - The eight B vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamine (B12), folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin. The other related substances include choline, inositol and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). As our skin, hair and nails are constantly growing and renewing themselves we need the following B vitamins to ensure the good health of these structures - Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Biotin and Choline. Deficiencies of any of these B Vitamins can lead to dry, gray skin, dermatitis, wrinkles, acne, rashes, falling hair as well as weak, splitting nails.

4) VITAMIN C - Vitamin C is essential for the health of collagen, which is the supportive tissues of the skin. It has an action on connective tissue and is necessary for collagen synthesis. Therefore, it helps to maintain skin that is firm, resilient and delays the development of wrinkles and lines. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and protects against infection. Applied topically, vitamin C may protect the skin from free radical damage after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

5) VITAMIN D3 - Vitamin D3 is produced in skin exposed to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B radiation. Due to the winter season, weather conditions and sunscreen blockers, the body’s ability to produce sufficient vitamin D levels may be hindered.
According to the Vitamin D Council, if healthy individuals avoid regular exposure to sunlight that research indicates that it is necessary to supplement with at least 5,000 units (IU) of vitamin D daily. To acquire this amount from milk an individual would need to consume 50 glasses.

6) FISH OIL - Fish oil helps to improve the condition of poor and dry skin by making it shiny and glowing. It is useful in treating various skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, itching, inflammation, skin lesions and rashes. Fish oil can be applied topically to obtain relief from psoriasis. Regular intake of fish oil capsules helps in reducing loss of moisture from the skin. Omega 3 fatty acids have a wide variety of health benefits including reducing inflammation, cardiovascular health, better brain function, less depression and a reduction in breast and colon cancer.

Copyright © 2009 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

GIRLY GIRL IS GOING GREEN!

2009-05-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Beauty Queens! Have you ever wondered what ingredients are inside your beauty products or hair supplies? My background in the beauty industry is much more than just applying makeup and making pretty faces. Another area in the beauty industry that I have always been intrigued to learn about is cosmetic ingredients.

My sincere interest to learn more about ingredients has prompted me to investigate cosmetic companies, beauty supply shops and to examine the ingredients of ALL beauty products, including hair care, nail care, body care and personal care. In my research, I was shocked to discover that many beauty products contain unsafe ingredients that pose a potential threat to our bodies. However, I did find some very helpful and informative companies that promote safe cosmetics and beauty ingredients.

One of the companies that I trust for providing high quality, pure and natural beauty products from head to toe is The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. At this helpful website, you have the ability to discover which companies are organic and pure, you can check into ingredients, you can learn about cosmetic laws in your country and you can learn how chemicals and specific ingredients affect your health and the environment. The website for The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics is http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?list=type&type=33.

Another beauty website to learn more about ingredients is located at Skin Deep. The website can be found at http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/. I highly recommend that you start taking a good look at what ingredients are in the beauty products you use as well as the personal care products, such as toothpaste, deodorant, soap and hair color.

A few years ago, I recall a scare about lead being found in several lipsticks, including L'Oreal, Cover Girl and Dior Addict to name a few. As a professional in the beauty industry, I am fed up with beauty products being unsafe! Looking beautiful should NOT cause allergic reactions, disease or fatalities!

From this point forward, I am going green! I have decided to start up a website focusing on this very topic. The website is called Girly Girl Goes Green and it can be found at http://girlygirlgoesgreen.blogspot.com/.

The purpose of Girly Girl Goes Green is to seek out PURE and HEALTHY alternatives for quality living, beauty, home, health and wellness. My goal is to help myself, my family and others to reclaim our lives and regain our health! Feel free to come on over to Girl Girl Goes Green and let's start making positive changes that will truly make a difference in our bodies and in our environment!

Copyright © 2009 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

THE QUEST TO FIND THE BEST SELF-TANNER

2009-05-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

When God was creating me, I think that He had Snow White in mind. All of my life, I have always been a fair maiden with dark hair, blue eyes and the fairest of fair skin. In the winter, I do not mind a bit, but once summer weather is just around the corner, I can no longer stand appearing white as a ghost!

Perhaps, that is why I have always had such a passion for color? It helps me feel alive and not appear so pale. Nevertheless, as a Licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist, I have been on a quest to discover the highest quality self-tanner that will promote a very natural golden glow without any streaking, phony orange color or putrid odor.

My quest to find the best self-tanner is taking far more time than I have ever imagined. A huge factor that is crucial to me is that I do NOT want to have to spend a fortune just to look good! After 22 years in the beauty industry working for salons, spas, cosmetic companies, television, hair shows and independently on my own, I have experienced the good, the bad and the ugly!

Four years ago, when I worked at an upscale spa, one of the perks was to receive free beauty services. I enjoyed receiving a relaxing massage, marvelous manicure and a pampering pedicure every now and then. However, I was highly disappointed in the professional spa spray on tan. After turning in every imaginable direction to get sprayed twice all over, while I was wearing a swim suit, I was told that I could NOT shower for 12 hours. (Good thing that I showered right before I arrived to the spa!)

I followed all of the directions, I did not shower for 12 hours following the spray on tan and I definitely applied extra deodorant just in case! The next day, I woke up and noticed that I barely looked like I even had a tan. As I stood in front of my bathroom mirror examining my skin, I was shocked that the $99 spray on tan could hardly be noticed! No joke, my drugstore brand at least looked like I had a real tan! The lesson of this story: More expensive does NOT mean higher quality or better results.

Self-tanners are available in many various forms ranging from gel, mousse, cream, lotion, towelette and spray. Personally, I prefer the spray because I find it easier and it dries quicker. However, for best results with any type of self-tanner, I highly recommend exfoliating with a shower scrub to remove all dead, dry skin prior to applying your self-tanner. Avoid shaving your legs after exfoliating with a salt scrub because the salt will burn your skin. The best option is to shave your legs before applying a scrub or use a sugar scrub.

I am going to begin my experiment by purchasing and using self-tanners to determine which brand is the most cost-effective, the purest in ingredients as well as the highest of quality in the overall appearance in self-tanners. Stay tuned to hear more about my summer glow......

Copyright © 2009 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.

BEAUTY REVIEW: DIOR SKINFLASH RADIANCE BOOSTER PEN

2009-05-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those mornings when you crawled out of bed and looked in the mirror only to be shocked at the dark circles, fine lines and swollen eyes staring back at you? Next time you stay out too late, have no fear, reach for the Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen to watch your dark shadows amazingly disappear!

With just one twist of this remarkable silver pen, sheer highlighting concealer glides on like silk, hydrates the delicate under eye skin to diminish fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. It adds a touch of radiance to lighten and brighten the under eye area without appearing dry or cakey. So the next time you stay up too late and wake up on the wrong side of the bed, have no fear, Dior Skinflash is here to magically have your flaws disappear!

Here is my review for the Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen:

RATING: Excellent!

BENEFITS: The best cosmetic product to highlight problem areas/dark circles without causing dryness or creasing.

DETAILS: Having tried so many different products to lighten the dark circles under my eyes, I discovered the Dior Skinflash highlighting pen. I applied a small amount to only one side of the under eye area and gently blended it in. To my surprise, this eye looked so much youthful, brighter and flawless compared to the other eye that I did not touch! I wanted to purchase this product because I was thrilled at the terrific results, but after checking the price, I decided not to spend $33.

Instead, I decided to go on a beauty hunt for another comparable highlighting pen that does the same job, but costs much less. Off I went trying every highlighting pen on the market, including YSL Touche Eclat, Benefit Cosmetics Lyin' Eyes, Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer, Smashbox Cosmetics Eye Brightener, Laura Mercier Eye Basics, Sephora Brand Light Touch Highlighter and Mary Kay Signature Facial Highlighting Pen.

END RESULT: After experimenting with many different brands of highlighting pens, I did NOT find any to be of equal or greater quality than Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen. The top grief I had with the other brands was that they were NOT nearly as hydrating and natural as Dior Skinflash. Keep in mind that I am in my 40's and I do have fine lines. Dior Skinflash truly stepped up to the plate to provide me with brighter, younger and flawless looking eyes! For individuals who DO NOT have fine lines or wrinkles in the eye area, the next best highlighting product that comes in second place is the Sephora Brand Light Touch Highlighter. This inexpensive pen will not only save you a bundle, but it will brighten & lighten your under eye area.

The next time you look less than your best or need a quick "pick me up", grab your Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen to banish dark spots, shadows and circles!

Copyright © 2009-2011 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved.