Follow up on 'Dairy vs. My Skin'

Dairy vs. My Skin - My skin wins!!!!!

If you have heard me talk about 'No Dairy' as a solution to acne...and if you have ignored me....now is the time to listen.  Check it out.  This is just June 18th start date...after picture taken the morning of June 27th.

This is a blog to follow up on the 5 days I was giving my skin to improve after going off dairy, well I waited 8.  But the results were amazing!!!  As you may recall I was traveling and attending events and eating meals where it would have been rude to NOT eat what was served to me so I had a couple weeks of eating dairy, wheat, and meats that were not in my normal diet.  It caused my skin to flare up and break out and basically rebel against what I was putting in my body.

If you are reading this and you don't know me...I am 35 years old and I should not be having acne on my wrinkles!!!  So after I tried every single harsh product and $1000's of dollars in peels and facials.  I turned to nutrition as a solution.

When I got home I went back to all my normal habits and routines...I must be clear that I didn't do a cleanse or a detox.  I don't like those and I don't believe in doing anything that I cant maintain.  So I just went back to my routine of no dairy or wheat and only fish...trying to get everything fresh and whole into my eating habits again.

This was the result:)

As a side note, I had blood work done and I am NOT'allergic' or 'sensative' or 'intollorant' of any dairy products, wheat products, or any meats.  I was totally low in ALL categories...so it isnt the actual food item, it is totally the way our American Food Industry creates them and what they are putting in them or the animal producing them.  There, jumping down off my soap box now.  Cheers to clear skin and a happy girl!

My First Lesson - Aerial on Silks

Aerial Lessons - (Apparently its Not Just about the Makeup)

I have been working with an amazing company called Animated Objects in Motion for over a year now.  They specialize in 'bringing life to your party' by providing aerialists and stilt walkers, fire breathers, go-go dancers, jugglers, among many other talents.  Flawless Beauty Bars has had the privilege of doing their makeup...we get to collaborate on all kinds of crazy amazing looks that are romantic and mystical!  It is such a cool outlet for us to have some creativity.

Recently I have become so impressed and intrigued with the aerialists who perform on the silks (or fabric)!  I finally felt like I was strong enough to do it and learn.  Today was my first lesson....

This was so difficult, but I am so excited to learn more and get better... I had so much fun and I am totally addicted and sold, however....it did seem really tough for the small outcome of just a couple simple moves.  I guess I have a long way to go with my strength and flexibility, but you better believe that this will give me a great reason to get some new outfits and 'attire' so I look cute while I train!

I will have 'Crossfit' outfits and now I will 'aerial' outfits;)

Bag for Europe

Had to find a handbag for Europe that was cute and functional and inexpensive... Of course I turned to Zappos!   

Mission accomplished.... I found this cute 'Cross Body Bag' big enough for... 

Phone

Map

Sunglasses

Water

Lip Gloss

Sunscreen

Hand Cream

Sanitizer Wipes

....and it was only $30!!!  

I already had a passport case, so I am set!

The Perfect Shoe for Europe

The Perfect Shoes for Touring Europe -

I am trying to find the perfect flat shoe to take to Europe with me on my fabulous, 18 day trip with my mom.   When I went to Italy I went with one pair of shoes that worked ok for the first couple days, but ended up buying cute leather loafers when I was there.  They were actually very comfortable from the very beginning…but I am too worried to do that this time, I want to break them in before I go.

I bought a pair of Drivers recently and have been trying to break them in by wearing them around the house and to work.  I think I need to wear them with socks tho cause they are still bothering me around the top of my big toe.  Does anyone else have this problem?  For a girl who is used to only heels and running shoes this is gonna be tricky. 

I already returned a pair of boat shoes, they just looked too frumpy for me???  Any good suggestions?  I got one suggestion, however it was for a brand that was $400, not my budget anymore! 

I have a pair of ballet flats, but they always hurt at my heel…they are good for a couple of hours like if I am going to the farmers market….but I cant seem to find a pair comfortable enough for 8 hours of walking around cobblestone streets.

I also bought a pair of flat sandals that I can wear with dresses and a little bit more trendy for my days in Paris and LondonJ   These have been much easier to break in and I bought them as just a back up, but they might turn into my main shoe!!!!

My goal for this trip  is to not look like a tourist!  I have heard that the shoes are a good place to start.  I tend to over dress for everything in the US and since it seems that most people in Europe dress up a little more I might be able to fit in a little (aside from the map and annoying carry-all strapped across my body).

Speaking of hand bags, I have a small Coach bag that goes across the body (hands free)….but I am kind of thinking that I want something a little bigger???  Might have to go on Zappos to see what they have.  I picture something that maybe has room for a water bottle, my phone, a map, some lip gloss, my money, ID, and sunglasses.  (That is another blog)

Bridal Suggestions

Wedding Day Suggestions 

This is just a few things that I tell brides who are getting ready for their upcoming weddings.  We get a lot of questions from our brides during their trial run for makeup or tanning...and I thought it might be helpful to share it with everyone.

1. Don't try anything too crazy with your skin routine the month before your wedding date.  If you don't already do things like microderm, peels, waxing, or product routines...then don't start that month or your skin might get worse before it gets better.  Just stick with what you normally do and if you do want to try something new do it well before the wedding date.
2. Don't put on too much sunscreen on your face that day.  Sunscreen can contain zinc oxide which is great for protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays, but can show up in photos looking kind of white.  If you are going to be outside for long periods of time in the sun taking pictures then you should think about an umbrella.  There are several stores that make really cute umbrellas that will go with just about any color or theme.  After photos are done and you are still going to be outside, then I would recommend SPF 30 in a spray form.
3. Make-up or Hair first?  In my opinion it doesn't matter if I do your make-up before or after your hair, however if you do plan on having your bangs side swept over your forehead then you should have your make-up done first so your hair doesn't have to be pinned back.
4. Blot paper is better then powder to get rid of shine during the night.  You don't want to have to deal with a brush or possible powder spilling on your dress.
5. Stick with makeup that YOU are comfortable with...not something too different then what you normally wear.  You do need to have a touch more blush and a bit brighter lipstick (brighter lipstick will make your teeth look whiter in photos).  Get the lipstick that you plan to wear that day so that you have something to touch up with...and make sure you take the time to touch up.  Your photos will look better if you touch up your lipstick all night, and you will be happy you took the time to do it.
6. Try your spray tan before the wedding and pay attention to how it looks the next day as well as day 2 & 3.  It might be that you like the look of it on day 3 and you should book your tan three days before your wedding date.  Also look to see if there is anything that turned out less then flawless.  If there are areas that need extra care or attention...then you will know that and we wont be guessing for your actual wedding date.

• It is always better to go too light then too dark for your wedding day.  A light glow photographs so much better then a tan!  Plus you dont want to be to dark next to your fiance or your bridesmaids.  It will look fake in photos.

Whats Hot for the 4th of July

Top Looks for Independence Day...

1.) The Red Lip - this is a popular trend for 4th of July, because it gives a pop of color to you makeup look.

• Keep the eyes simple with lots of lashes and maybe black liner 
• Add a pop of candy apple red blush but apply very conservatively (just as if someone pinched your cheek)
• Use a clear wax lip liner to keep the red from feathering

2.) Bronzed Babe - a medium airbrush tan to give you a glow will compliment any summer dress, with a little body bling on the shoulders and shins and a touch of bronzer on the forehead and across the cheeks and nose

• Dont go too dark with your airbrush tan, because it will fade unnaturally 
• Put shimmer body lotion (my favorite is Body Bling by Scott Barnes) only on the areas that wont touch your clothes or other people
• Use a matte face bronzer only in the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face (forehead, across the nose and cheeks, and a touch on the chin)

3.) Denim - I like just one piece in denim...denim top and bottom is way too much in my opinion, but I do love a strapless denim dress!  (the denim shorts witht he pockets hanging out the bottom...even though it is the trend right now, I think you will end up regreting it if you do)

5.) Stars and Stripes - Pick one.  Wearing both together can start to look like a parade or costume.  I prefer a smaller stripe it is more flattering

6.) Fun Sunglasses - If you can get away with colored rims, I love them.  But for me... I love Gold Rims and a bronzy tinted lense.   Plus it always looks great with my airbrush tan.

7.) Summer Highlights - Everyone wants to lighten their hair a bit during the summer...however, chunky overdone highlights tend to look dated.  Keep them natural and in the right color family for your skin tone.

Picture Perfect Prom Makeup

Perfect Prom Makeup -

Not everyone can afford to get professional makeup done, and as much as we would love to do every one's makeup for every special occasion we don't have the time.  So I have a few recommendation for DIY Prom Makeup to look like it was done by a professional.





1. ) Primer is still necessary for young skin.  It helps control oil and balance out uneven skin.  It will also help the makeup last longer (my favorite is Smashbox Photo Finish Primer available in a small container perfect size for special occasions only)

2.) Color match your foundation carefully.  Everyone needs to have at least 2 colors of foundation, 3 is ideal.  It allows you to change your foundation color to perfectly match your skin no matter how fair or tan you are  on any given day.

• Match your foundation to your décolleté for the full face coverage. 
• Match it to your neck for highlight color. 
• Match it to your shoulders for the perfect bronzy color.

3.) Use an eye primer.  Eye primer helps the shadows stick to the eye and last all night.  It also allows you to blend the colors easily.  (my favorite is MAC Paint  Pot in Painterly or Groundwork for darker skin tones).

3.) Define your brows.  Even if you don't need to fill them in or darken them, it is a good idea to add a little brow gel or brush them with a touch of hairspray or clear brow wax to make them defined for photos.

4.) Liquids before Powders...put on all your liquids (foundation and concealers) before you apply any powders (blush, contour, blot powder).  The texture will start to look cakey and weird if you apply liquids over the top of a setting powder.  Be very careful applying too much setting powder under the eyes it can give you a white look in photos.

5.) Eyes in the Correct Order.  They eye shadow should be applied light to dark in that order, and eye liner last and mascara and lashes at the very end.  Blend out all eye shadows completely with a very light touch and then at the very end use eye liner, mascara, and false lashes.

Having fun putting on your makeup and getting ready is most important, but some of these tricks should help you achieve the look you are wanting and help it last all night.  Cheers.