10 Beauty Secrets From Around The World

Goodmorning my pretties!
 I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I didn't do anything exciting except jot down some ideas that I have swirling around my head, I will fill you in on those ideas as soon as I have everything organzied and ready to be revealed.

I wanted to share with you all an article from BellaSugar about 10 beauty secrets from around the world. I find it fascinating to know what other cultures do in their beauty routines, what best kept secrets they have that can finally be shared with all you beauty junkies out there.  For millions of years, people have found various of ways to keep their nails, skin, hair etc in the perfect shape. From the Ancient Eygptians using dead sea salt to combat stress & aging of the skin to the pure white faces of Roman women using white lead and chalk to achieve a porcelain look. The promise of beauty and wellness can do wonders for a person’s wellbeing.

Here are the top 10 Beauty Secrets from around the globe. Published by BellaSugar. (I think I might try all of these secrets!)

China: Camellia oil
Worried about stretch marks? Camellia oil is one of the most common cooking oils in southern China, but it's also renowned for its ability to prevent stretch marks and discoloration.

Mexico: Tepezcohuite
The bark of this tree has tons of astringent tannins in it, making it great for preventing infections and keeping scars from forming.

The Dominican Republic: Garlic
Here's a smart secret from the DR for strong, healthy nails: chop up some garlic, throw it in a bottle of top coat, and then, after letting it soak for about a week, start using it as normal. It makes your nails stronger and also has antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

India: Neem
Want glossy, strong hair? A weekly head massage with neem and coconut oil is Indian women's go-to treatment for gorgeous hair and a healthy scalp. Recipes for the combination have a long history in Ayurvedic medicine.

Japan: Sake
Want an easy skin softener? Try a sake bath. Sake is high in kojic acid and enzymes that soften skin and help reduce hyper-pigmentation.

New Zealand: Manuka honey
People have been using honey for its antimicrobial properties (and its deliciousness) since prehistoric times. The Kiwi type of honey, however, is even better as an antibacterial and antimicrobial than the regular kind, and it's even used in poultices to protect wounds.

Ghana: Black soap
This great Ghanian soap is legendary for its gentle cleansing properties and skin-softening abilities. It's made with plantain skins, which have loads of vitamins A and E, and moisturizing shea butter. What you get is a cleanser that removes dirt and oil but doesn't strip skin of any natural moisture.

France: Milk
Milk is full of gentle lactic acid, which exfoliates and softens without the harshness of stronger acid types. Pour some fresh whole milk or cream into your bath along with honey or lavender to get a gorgeous glow.

Morocco: Argan oil
This antioxidant-packed oil is great for hair and skin, and it absorbs much more easily than common skin oils like apricot and avocado.

The Amazon: Passion flower oil
Passion flower oil, aka maracuja, has been used in the Amazon for thousands of years because of its anti-inflammatory abilities, but it's also high in fatty acids and vitamin C.

The Skin You're In

Specific products don't make a huge amount of difference to be honest. Cleansing well, rinsing very well (at least fifteen times), and making sure my skin is moisturized as needed seems to produce consistent results, regardless of the specific products.

I read recently that dermatologists are stunned at the amount of makeup residue that they see under their patients' eyes when they look at them under magnifiers. These traces contribute hugely to an old, tired look. Why would you spend tons of money on treatments and products if one of the easiest ways to look fresh is so cheap and easy?

Don't smoke, eat fairly healthy, and use at least SPF 15 every day, while not spending much time at all in the sun. (drinking alcohol can cause stress to the skin.) DRINK MORE WATER!

For those stubborn cystic acne, I had a choice to go with Accutane. I chickened out from what I've read on the side effects, of course the lawsuits against them was another thing on my mind. I decided to try "Natures Cure" that you can get at your local Walgreens or Walmart (I'm sure other places as well). I can say that it has helped with my face dramatically.

With that as a side note, I'd like to discuss what you should  use regularly on the skin

The 4-step skin care regimen:

Step 1: Cleansing
Simple is key here. You need to find a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it. You can find a good cleanser at the drugstore. There's no need to spend $40 on a fancy wash. Avoid bar soaps because they tend to dry out the skin. According to Rona Berg, in her book, "Beauty," a French cosmetics executive once told her, "Soap should only ever touch your skin from the neck down." I agree. Choose a creamy cleanser if you have dry skin or a clear gel like cleanser if you have oily skin but you have to becareful not to cleanse too often. Washing at night is the best. If you have dry skin, consider cold cream like Pond's, which the French people use. Apply cream, then wipe off, no water needed. Use warm water to loosen dirt and clogged pores. Use a dime-sized bit of cleanser, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. You'll also want to take off your makeup with a proper makeup remover. Make sure no trace of makeup is on your face.

In the morning, a splash lukewarm water on your face, that's all you need (I find it's great for removing excess oils from your nightly moisturizing). Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both can cause broken capillaries). Also be careful about over cleansing skin.

Step 2: Exfoliate
Most people skip exfoliation in their weekly skincare routine but trust me, if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference. Wonder why men's skin looks more youthful than women's? Its because men tend to exfoliate when they shave. There are several ways to exfoliate skin: Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and retinoids.

Scrubs work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that tend to dull your complexion. We find exfoliating skin once a week with a microdermabrasion kit keeps skin glowing year-round. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and cause more harm than good (St.Ives tends to be a scrub with big grains).

In the hour it takes to get a chemical peel, you can take off five years from your face.
Retinoids can be a miracle skin save. It removes the top layer of dead skin cells while generating collagen to the skin. (Collagen is the skins structural fiber)

Should you use a toner? Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not (I once read a skincare expert claim, "toners are only for copy machines"). Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup and dirt, but a good cleanser should do this. I believe it's up to you. If you like the way your skin feels with a toner then buy it and enjoy it :)

Step 3: Moisturize
Everyone I've read disagrees and is a believer in it. A basic law of beauty is that everyone, no matter her skin type, should moisturize. Even if your skin is oily, it will benefit from using moisturizers. (The only exception is people with acne). Why? Moisturizers seal moisture into skin. So how much should you moisturize? Your skin will tell you. When your skin is tight, it's crying out for moisture. Be careful not to over moisturize because that can clog pores.


Step 4: Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen was the most important part of your skincare regimen. A secret you should pass on to your daughter(s).

The number-1 cause of wrinkles is sun damage, so it's important to use sunscreen from your early years on even in winter and on cloudy days. A great trick is to purchase two moisturizers: One for night and one for day that includes UV protection. Don't use moisturizers with sunscreen at night, the ingredients are not meant to be used and can aggravate skin. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it contains Mexoryl or Helioplex, found in Neutrogena products.

I would really like to find something to stop my monthly, menstruation-related breakouts, but I have a feeling that's something I'm going to have to learn to live with until pregnancy or menopause.

The key to my skincare is that I keep my expectations of specific products quite low, which I think is something that most women would benefit from doing.

No matter what, Love yourself and Love the skin you're in!

Are eye creams necessary? Maybe. Some beauty experts strongly recommend eye creams. Why? The skin around the eye contains no fatty tissue and is therefore very thin and prone to wrinkles. Special eye creams are formulated to "thicken" this area. Yet other experts claim your daily lotion works around the eyes just as well.

Cosmetic Shelf Life

Concealer up to 12 months


Eye liner should be sharpened regularly and Will last up to three years and Eyeshadow will also last up to three years. Extra tip: A dark eyeshadow can double as eyeliner. You’ll need a super-flat eyeliner brush for this. Get the brush a little damp and dab in dark eyeshadow.

Foundation: Check the ingredients, a water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months. You may find you need two different shades of foundation each year: When your skin is naturally darker and when you’re lighter. Extra tip: If your water-based foundation dries out before its expiration date, just add a few drops of alcohol-free toner and shake to get rid of clumps. No need to do this to oil-based foundations. Because they contain oil, they will tend to separate. You have to shake anyway.

Lip liner Up to three years. Extra tip: Skip the push-up lipliners. They’re expensive, tend to break and you never really know how much you have left until you run out. No need to spend money on lip liners, there’s no secret to greatness for this product. Save your money for powders and foundation.

Lipstick Up to four years. Extra tip: If you store lipstick in the refrigerator, it will last longer. Bonus tip: Want your lipstick to last longer during the day? Shade in lips with lip liner before applying lipstick.

Mascara This product expires the fastest: Throw out after three months. Extra tip: If you don’t want your mascara to expire faster than its fresh date, don’t pump the wand in and out, you’re only exposing the product to drying air.

Nail Polish Up to 12 months, depending on the quality and how many times you apply it.


Powder up to two years.

(LATE) but HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

I know I'm a day late and haven't been blogging up a storm lately but thats because I've been pretty busy & also working on some new ideas (that I will tell you all later) but right now. I want to to tell all the moms out there aka mommy/mum/mami/mama/mamaita that i wish and hope you all had a beautiful mothers day! What makes you all beautiful? The way you love and care about your children. Raising them to be good people who will make a difference in the lives of others (hopefully). No one can love and nourish your child quite like you can, even if they arent babies anymore!  Your love is beautiful, and thats something makeup can never enhance :) 

I would also like to say to all the women who are pregnant or adopting and are worried about whether they will be a good mom or not. Dont worry, you'll know. You'll take it day by day, everyone makes mistakes. Just enjoy each other and be the best you can be.

To all the women with babies and toddlers, they grow up quickly, i'm sure its a chaotic time, but you'll regain your life again. You'll think back and remember their first steps, words, walk, etc. My mom tells my siblings and I stories of us when we were little all the time and with a smile on her face as if she wishes we were still that age again. 

 To all the women who are stuck with the teenagers who talk-back, talk-shit and feel that they know the world more then you do (I was one of those teenage rebels). The phase will pass. 

To all the women whose children have moved out into the real world of Adulthood. They still need you no matter what, I'm an adult and cant picture a moment where I wont require the love and support of my own mother.

To all the women whose children have passed away. My heart goes out to you and I know no words can ease your pain but please know that you're not forgotten on mothers day or any day. Your children arent forgotten either. I think of you all especially on mothers day. I wish nothing but peace in your lives. 

To all women who suffer through infertility. I pray that the next mothers day finds you holding the child you always dreamed of.

To everyone who never felt the love of a mom. I'll give you a few words of love. PLEASE know that life is beautiful, even if mothers day doesnt seem beautiful to you... you are loved and if you feel you are loved by no one, then you are loved by me. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. 

GOD BLESS

and a special Happy Mothers Day to my mom.

CONGRATS TO THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE

Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

April 29, 2011 

The moment I've been waiting for. The wedding of Prince William to his long time college sweetheart Catherine Middleton. If you were as obsessed as I was, then you waited up since 3am central time, to watch this historic moment come together. Let me just say, everything was beautiful. I bet designers and dressmakers all around the world were planning replicas of a gown they'd never laid eyes on. Is it possible to duplicate Sarah Burton's masterpiece? We'll see. Kate, now Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, went for both traditional and elegance in a lace and ivory silk gown.

Although the dress was simple and elegant. I would have gone all out if I was going to marry Prince William and be future Queen of England.  I would've chosen Michael Cinco to design my wedding gown. His work is so stunning and breathtaking. Let me tell you, this dress SPARKLES.

and did we all hear about kate doing her own makeup for her wedding? Thats a no no, Kate. You want to look radiant for your wedding, especially when 2 billion people have their eyes on you. Although she did look very pretty, she just had her every day look. Plain ol' makeup and hair done the same way she always does it. Why woman? Why not have a beautiful updo? and a glowing face with radiant makeup to highlight all your beautiful features? THATS WHAT US MAKEUP ARTIST CAN DO FOR YOU! well anywho, she didn't wow me like I hoped for.

Again, if I was in her glass slipper, This would've been my ideal hair and makeup (along with the dress above)

Now this is a Princess look I envision. Beautiful.

but, with my opinions aside. She did make a beautiful bride and she did look amazing. I hope they live a long and happy life together. It was a beautiful wedding and I hope you all got to enjoy it as much as I did.

And so they lived Happily Ever After

HAPPY EASTER!

 HAPPY EASTER

and what a beautiful day it is today. the sun is out, the weather is lovely, the birds are chirping, people are with their family & friends. It is a perfect Sunday.

So, I hope you all are looking fabulous and wearing your best easter sunday dress. Like Tracy Dimarco from Jerseylicious is doing. Doesnt she look HOT?! I think so, and i'd so rock this outfit any day!

So, I'd like to give you all 3 spring beauty trends of this year. 

Best spring color? CORAL! I love coral and it reminds me of the ocean. Probably why I've  been a huge fan of coral jewelry and why I literally jumped for joy when I started spotting coral as the color for spring 2011. Wear it on your lips, cheeks, eyes, even as an accessory in your hair, coral really warms up your look. But be cautious; as I always say, don't go crazy with any trend and, the last thing you want is matchy-matchy coral. So keep the color to one area, like on your lips or cheeks not both.

Easy-to-do hairstyles: I love trendy hairstyles where you dont have to do much with your hair. Like the high ballerina buns (thanks to "Black Swan")or the slick back ponytails. Both styles look really polished and sophisticated and don't require a lot of work. Take slicked back hair. Just use a little gel and comb in through wet hair, then pull back and secure tightly in a low ponytail. For the high bun, allow your hair to air dry and then comb it back tightly and secure it up high into a bun. Finish with hairspray to keep it in place and tame those annoying flyaways.

Neutral nails: I love color but I'm kind of over the high maintenance and easily chipped bright mani/pedi. Plus, I'm equally tired of seeing dark, vampy nails (it is so last season). So, neutral nails are back this spring. Look for colors that are milky and sheer. (I've been a fan of Essie Nail Polish in "Sugar Daddy", $8. I LOVE essie nail polish) They are soft, feminine and most of all, you don't have to plan your weekly calendar of outfits around your manicure. Neutral nails match anything. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter Sunday. God Bless. xoxo

Easter-Inspired Eyes

Summer Goddess

2011 summer is coming soon and it's probably the most fun and enjoyable season for a lot of people (including myself.) It‘s the time where we go out and socialize, do more activities, walk instead of drive etc. Who wants to be cooped up inside the house when the sun is shining brightly and the weather is hot?. And since you SHOULD be outside, why not wear beautiful makeup to show off your beautiful face?
　
The makeup you wear in summer will be a lot different than the makeup you wear in other seasons like winter, spring, or fall. This is because in the summer, you have to think about the hot temperature, the humidity and the dryness (depending where you live of course).

It is important to apply primer before you wear makeup and after using moisturizer on your face. When you wear a primer, it will hold your makeup in place even after wearing it for several hours. People who are active in the summer wear primer to keep their makeup intact all throughout the day. Remember to also switch to light makeup. You don’t want to wear tons of gunk on your face because it will be too hot and heavy for the summer weather. Keep it light, just like what you would with your clothes. (LESS IS MORE) ;-) also, keeping it light will prevent your makeup from becoming cakey because of the heat and humidity.

And you do not want to look pale and sickly while everyone else looks tanned and healthy. So bronzer will be your best friend in the summer. It does not only make you look more attractive and healthy. It also can give you that fun and sexy look. (a beautiful self-tanner like “ST.TROPEZ” will give you that lovely tanned color without streaking or turning your skin orange, I LOVE LOVE LOVE St.Tropez and can say it’s the best self-tanner).

As requested, I'm going to share a makeup look that would look gorgeous on just about any skin tone/eye color. Specifically this look on Charlize Theron. A beachy gold summer look.

The first thing you want to do is wear sunscreen to protect your face from the suns rays and environmental damage. Then apply your moisturizer and then your primer. (please wait a few minutes in between layering).

Eyes: For the eyes, you'd want to start with applying an eye primer all over the eyes. I'd recommend urban decay primer potion or E.L.F eyelid primer. Then as a base, you'd want a nude eye shadow color applied all over the eye area.(Revlon Luxurious Color Satin Eye Shadow Nude Slip). You'll then want to use a buttery yellow eyeshadow color (Butterfly eyeshadow by Bare Escentuals), and with a fluffy eyeshadow brush, apply the shadow all over the lid and under the eyebrows.

Next you’ll want to take a gold eyeshadow (Goldmine by MAC) then take your fluffy brush and place the gold shadow in the center of eyelid and pull out towards the outer corner of eyes and then with a light stroke, pull the eyeshadow color towards to inner corner of your eye.

Use a brown eye liner pencil (powersurge eye kohl liner by MAC) on your top and lower lash line. Then using a flat brush, dab brown eyeshadow (Bronze eyeshadow by Mac) above lash line and gently blend upwards, use bronze on crease to add dimension and depth to the eye. Also apply it to lower lash line. Take your fluffy brush to blend the brown crease. You can also take black eyeliner and line waterline, and to go an extra step to get a more sultry look, take black shadow and dab it onto the lash lines to hold liner. Curl lashes, and put on black waterproof mascara to complete the eye look. Your complete look should look similar to this

Face: Moisturize your face (Clinique dramatically different moisturizing gel), face primer (studio gear prime objective for oily skin, if you have dry skin then MAC prep & Prime), Tinted moisturizer all over your face(you rebel lite tinted moisturizer available at sephora), concealer to cover imperfections and dark circles (studio sculpt concealer by MAC using MAC 196 brush), then you'll use powder all over your face to set the makeup (MAC skin finish natural using MAC 182 kabuki brush in a circular motion ), last but not least, use your bronzer (nars laguna bronzer using MAC 134 brush) dust off access and apply to your face.

If you want to take an extra glam step, then you'll want to contour your face. The picture below will show you the areas where you should contour and highlight (Dark Shadow: places where you'd want to hide/minimize - White Shadow: Places you'd want highlighted/to stand out) the key is to BLEND BLEND BLEND!.. you can use your bronzer to contour and a good highlighter to use is Benefits Cosmetics High Beam.

Cheeks: Use a gold or tan cream color on the cheeks (Maybelline Dream Mousse in Coffee Cake or Peach Satin)

The area within the triangle is where you would ideally like to keep within the triangle. Blend the blush outwards from the initial blush application to the edges of the triangle. Make sure that there are no harsh lines



Lips: Nude lip liner (optional step; keeps lip stick/lip gloss from bleeding out), Nude lip stick (revlon color burst soft nude, and then lip gloss (Turkish Delight lipgloss by NARS)

and there you have it! I'll be posting up tutorial videos soon so you can all visually see what i'm doing and get a better understanding of it. Until then, I hope all of your summer nights bring heated love, with lots of rum in your blood <3

XOXO