Are you a … Candle ❤️ Lover?

I am too! I surround myself with them in my home and in my business too. All types of candles give me a high. Battery operated, electric plug ins and the traditional candle. They are a part of my Self-Care Sunday or nighttime beauty rituals.

However I have become pickier when I buy them now..I found a brand on Instagram that I had to tell you about. The brand is called L’oil. Created by a woman (Lexi Brown) of course. This artisan candle maker said the L is for Lexi. The oil will n the name represent the oils used.

I love ❤️ supporting small business owners and indie brands.

Her candles are made with all- organic soy natural with 💯 cotton wicks. Choose from an array of scents. The best part they have a 30-34 hour burn time.

Her fragrance oils used are lab tested (phthalate free, SLS + SLES free, paraben free and not tested on animals.

Vegan lovers you’ll love that Lexi says they are vegan too.

My favorite candle is the one with the lip 👄 shaped vessel, so adorable and so sexy! It looks great as decor, on your or to enjoy in your bathroom or at your dressing/ makeup table.

The sweet apple cinnamon makes me swoon! So warm and inviting. And my space smells divine! I love her candles so much i featured them with me on TV 📺 on First Coast Living on NBC12 this week.

Check out her fun brand on Instagram.

@loilbylexi

L’oil by Lexi on Instagram

Spring Clean that Beauty Clutter

Time to start spring cleaning for your home and for your beauty routine. I know what some of you are thinking it is cold and snowy outside but here in Florida the birds are churping and it is getting HOT. It was so cold but the azaleas are in full bloom. One day it is 80 degrees the next it is 30’s.

When you can try and take some time to clean out the “beauty clutter”.

Photo by Anderson Guerra on Pexels.com

Choose a drawer, a shelf and more and explore. One area at a time. Lay out all of your things and go over each product or item.

How does it look?

Does it smell?

Are you STILL using it?

When was that? How long? If you can’t even remember maybe it’s time to throw it out!

Is it really really dirty?

Bacteria is doing the samba on your beauty, skin care and makeup tools. Think about throwing them out or wipe the containers down with rubbing alcohol and tap water. Wipe down the mirrors with a glass cleaner too.

Go ahead and do the same to your makeup brushes and sponges too. After you do place what you no longer use in the garbage and WASH your makeup brushes and tools with a makeup brush balm or brush cleaner.

If things are broken, mirrors have a chip or crack you might want to replace that product or buy something new to replace it too.

Still in the midst of the pandemic we need to keep all things super clean! Don’t take a chance with your health.

I mentioned this brand and sanitizing case before but maybe it is time you add a SterileLight disnfecting case to your home or office life. Great for beauty, skincare, makeup brushes, tech tools, iPhones and so much more!

Worth a look at: http://www.SterileLight.com

Clear the air and let spring in!

The bottom line when it comes to beauty clutter and your beauty space or shelves is to know when to throw them out!

Isn’t it time for a beauty refresh?

Free yourself and your space!

Beauty Lovers …You NEED this and more!

Were already into the new year and I KNOW some of you have made new year resolutions, some of you may have not kept those resolutions and some of you have not even made any. That’s OK!

We’ve already had a crazy start to the new year!

But I think its a perfect time to refresh our makeup and and start fresh with some new skincare. I know you’ve heard it all before but we have to throw out our makeup and skincare at some point. It doesn’t last forever and now with Covid we have to protect our health,skin,eyes and body even more. Bacteria is doing the salsa on and in our products. So, get Stay healthy and get beauty smart and learn a few new ideas I have for you. This week on TV I am sharing with my River City Live TV viewers in sunny Florida Step by Step ways to do this.

Here’s a sneak peek for you.

Step 1. Pull out all your skincare and check each bottle,tube and jar. Ask yourself when was the last time you used them? Yesterday or a year ago. Once opened they lose their potency and quality of the ingredients breaks down. Next how does it smell? Pretty or pretty ugly? Or no scent. Are the tubes closing properly or are de-funked.You decide. The point is if it smells bad or OLD or doesn’t close tightly it should be thrown away.

Step 2. Do the same to your makeup. Put all your beauty on the table. Check if your liquid or cream foundation has an odor OR if it looks different. Are your compact or eye shadow mirrors broken or the glass chipped? Lipsticks smell weird? I realize some of you Beauty Lovers will need to do a round or three of this exercise since you own so much beauty booty. But it is important to do it!

Photo by Bryan Schneider on Pexels.com

Step 4. When you are ready so shop and time and your budget allows. Create a Beauty Shopping List and start browsing and shopping to add some some new things to start with a few new things. Ask for samples if the brick and mortar beauty store has any or the online site you are shopping at has samples. Look in current magazines you subscribe to for free sample inserts inside. They have turned me into a buyer once I tried them.

Shop on!

Step 5. Now make a list of what you might need and go shop! Brands are not all the same. Choose wisely. Some will take a little play and experimentation to see if the brand you buy agrees with you and your skin. Especially when it comes to skincare. Also some cheap $1.00 store and other type stores where the price points are really low should proceed with caution.Some makeup brands and certain colors like a purple hued eye shadow kit may have allergic reactions on you like itchy red eyes. Be careful if you have sensitive skin.

Check out your makeup brushes!

Step 3. Next go over all your makeup brushes and sponges.They too are breeding ground of bacteria and need cleaning, sanitizing and or replacing eventually.

Step 6: Since the pandemic I am even more cautious when it comes to makeup and skincare I wash my personal sponges and brushes more often. I also have added assorted spatulas on my vanity to apply my face creams,masks and other products with. DON’T double or triple dip into your creams. This contaminates your product after even a bit of time. So, I highly recommend you do too. Also ALWAYS wash your hands before you do your makeup or clean your skin.

*NEVER share Makeup! Even if it is your family. Don’t give your used or old makeup to family or friends. Stay safe and healthy! Throw it out.

Looking for a healthier cosmetic bag?

Try a bag created by the founders of the SterileLight disinfecting case I shared with you awhile back.

I so can’t wait to use and travel with this NEW medical grade essential bag with this roomy safer cosmetic bag. Resists bacteria and microbe growth. It also comes with an instant service shield mat.

FYI the company says it can not only be used for makeup,skincare and makeup brushes but also for:

*Have you heard there is a NEW makeup bag that has just launched in the world of beauty that is anti-microbial?

Electronics,travel bag, child toys,baby bottles and pacifiers and more. You can even use it on the tray on your next airline flight to protect yourself even further.

To learn more visit:

http://www.sterilelight.com

Below is the actual disinfecting case for your home or office. Worth a look!

To catch my video form TV…visit:

http://www.riverycitylivetv.com

Sweet Dreams Darling

 

Are you Sleepless in Seattle like me? I find a lot of us are. This pandemic isn’t very pretty and a bit stressful too.

So here are a few tips I use or have started to use to get better sleep that I find are working and make me look better when I wake up too.

Drinking tea like Chamomile or Holy Basil are calming to the nervous system and great to enjoy a cup an hour or so before you go to bed.

Photo by Mareefe on Pexels.com

Buy fresh lavender online and get some muslin or organza bags you can find at the craft or Dollar store. Make yourself some fresh lavender bud sachets. Place in pillowcase or hang from the bed post. The soothing and calming scent will make you feel relaxed. You can even make an eye mask with them if you like to sew.

Photo by Mareefe on Pexels.com

Take a bath…Especially if you are a shower guy or gal. Baths are miracle workers and can really settle you down after a long day. Even more so now. Use Epsom salts and add a few drops of jojoba and lavender oil. I like the brand called Aura Cacia. Did you know they even make lavender tea? So delightful to the tongue and to your spirits.

If you want to refresh tired feet soak them in a water basin and give them a bath with a few drops of peppermint oil.

Discover Spongelle... it is a hand wash buffer sponge that gives you  at least 40 hand washings and sanitizes too. More effective at removing germs and dirt than soap alone. The best part it has aromatherapy like Thyme &  Tea Tree Oil. You can use it in a bath,in the shower or hand washing. You can even travel with it. Since we need to wash our hands often and haven’t been able to get manicures. I love to use this to keep clean especially for behind the finger nails. I’ve cut my nails back and love how clean and soft yet not dry my hands are.

A good nights sleep I think also requires clean pretty sheets and a lush BETTER  pillow. I found a pillow that is great to not only sleep with but helps with sleep wrinkles,Morning puffiness and marks. Bye Bye puffy face when you wake up in the morning!

Sleep and Glow  is designed with your face in mind! And is the brand and I can’t wait for you to check it out too.

http://www.sleepandglow.com

Make a nightly SLEEP ritual… and I wish you Sweet Dreams!

This week I featured these tips on River City Live on TV here in Jacksonville Florida. The video is available below and or on YouTube too.

http://www.rivercitylive.com                       http://www.news4jax.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cooties!

Germs 🦠 are all around us and our precious little ones are at risk now even more.

So, where do cooties come from? Where does that word come from?

Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com

I once read an article the word cootie comes from the Malaysian word ‘kutu”meaning lice. The word was first recorded when an American general in wartime used the word cooties as an all -encompassing word in a letter referring to the different bugs and lice he encountered in the trenches of battle. No one is quite sure how the word cootie has  made its way to schools and the playground.

The other day I was on a Zoom call with a relative and noticed how her children played in the background with such wonder and passion. Trying to discover the next thing they could on the floor. I also noticed MANY things going into their mouths!!! All to happy to explore. I then thought on how much the unit I told you about called SterileLight Illumicide disinfecting case that I use in my beauty business to clean my makeup and skincare,disinfect my makeup brushes and more can be used with babies and in children’s rooms and things. I knew it was great for baby bottles and teething rings but looking around even more at these nine month old babies and another 2 year old what a necessity it could be.

The COVID-19 pandemic is making us think  beyond  just washing our hands to the entire tune of Happy Birthday to keep our hands clean. Children and our homes and home offices need to be protected and so do all our belongings and things.

 

Here’s a list of a few things I thought you can disinfect too and in just a few minutes:

Baby bottles

Sippy cups

Kitchen utensils

Food Bowls and plates

Teething rings

Hair brushes and combs

Nail clippers etc.

Baby Toys

Children’s toys

Story books both made of paper and plastic

Small baby blankets

Small plush toys

Clothing

And I am sure you can dream up and think of a whole lot of more things you’d like to disinfect. As I mentioned before when you discover something that you love and you know others would too. YOU simply have to share. So one day do yourself and your family a favor and learn what SterileLight can do for you,your entire family and your entire home too. I don’t work for the company I am simply thrilled about this new technology and what it does. It disinfects and sanitizes using a germicidal and bacteria killing light.

http://www.sterilelight.com 

Keeping ourselves and our family healthy and out of harms way…is our priority.

 

 

 

Know when to say…GOODBYE & Clean your Skin Care Routine!

While staying at home and helping to do our part on flattening the curve you can get your mind off of the virus 🦠 and be productive and get lots of things done. I can’t stop organizing my home,cleaning and doing other things to bring me joy.

The other day I started to use a cream I had received from a beauty event in NYC six months ago and I applied this new face cream but I quickly smelled something funky.

I washed my face IMMEDIATELY.

It wasn’t something I wanted to use on my face So, I also threw it out. Once opened or sitting in a box for several years OR unopened BOTH matter!You have to know when to throw it out!If you HAVEN’T worn it in many months and are not sure how old it is…it is probably old.

Photo by Nika Akin on Pexels.com

You want to be safe and protect your face,body,hair, fingers,toes and more! Don’t you? Be smart. Armed and dangerous and protect yourself!

So I thought you might need a reminder on your skincare.

Here is what to KEEP or Toss when it comes to your skincare:

Moisturizer and eye cream or gel – Unopened lasts 2-3 years. But only if it is stored in a dark place. Not in or near a sunny 🌞 window or area.

Once opened = Lasts up to 1 year

Sunscreen or Sunblock- Unopened 2-3 years Once opened-Lasts 6 mos. to 1 year .

Face Masks –Unopened 2 to 3 years Once opened– Last up to a year.

Treatment skincare products– Unopened last no longer than 1 year. Once opened– Lasts up to six months.

Now just a reminder. Did you know you can disinfect your skin care products too?

You simply need to own a SterileLight disinfecting case. Visit their website for all the information.

http://www.sterilelight.com

All you do is open the jars, tube cap, tops and more. Next place in the SterileLight disinfecting case unit. Three minutes of disinfecting ❤️ love!

And once a week I like to wipe down all my skincare jars, bottles, tubes that I have used or that need some cleaning attention.

Washing our hands and makeup brushes is so important but disinfecting the opened products you use makes so much sense.

Now what are you waiting for? You’ve got the time. Go over all your skincare and decide what to keep and what needs to be thrown away. Your health and skin health depends on it!!

Vitamin C , AHAs, retinoids, Facial Serums, Essences or skin toners. Unopened or Opened the cosmetic chemists recommend to not keep them beyond a year.

Now, to disinfect and sanitize your skincare products especially in today’s new world.

You need to DISINFECT and sanitize your skincare and beauty products. I USED TO and still do wipe them down with rubbing alcohol on a paper towel. Your safety and health (as well as your families) is very important. But now I use the SterileLight disinfecting case. I am addicted since this COVID-19 hit the US. I feel SAFER.

Photo by Natalia Hawthorne on Pexels.com

How To Declutter A Room In 5 Easy Steps —

I have been cleaning up and organizing in my home these past few days. How about you? What have you been doing?

This bloggers post gave me food for thought. I have a room I would like to tackle. My  office at home. We have the time.Now let’s try and use it wisely and help our mind,body and spirit.

Were all in this together! Have a beauty filled day.

By Leanne Shelton Are you sick of the inescapable mess in your home? Not only can clutter create feelings of guilt – it also inhibits productivity and creativity. And those are two undesirable traits when working from home. In our current crazy climate, decluttering rooms is a form of self-care. It means removing the ‘stuff’…

via How To Declutter A Room In 5 Easy Steps —

Can this really …Disinfect my MAKEUP?

Yes… it can! Keep reading below.

You know how dirty our beauty supplies can get! Our makeup brushes need cleaning and disinfecting and now even more so. Alcohol,brush cleaner and soap and water 💦 Are great but aren’t enough.

AND who knew we could disinfect our eye shadows, lipsticks, blushers,foundation at all???

It is called SterileLight Illumicide. It is a disinfecting case. Dermatologist tested and recommended. A QUICK disinfectant. It kills 99.9 % bacteria in just minutes.

What does SterileLight disinfect for you?

Makeup 💄

Mascara wands

Lipsticks 💋

Lip liners

Eyeliners

Makeup palettes 🎨 and kits

Compacts

Blushers

Powder compacts

Hair brushes

Hair combs

Hair clippers

Razors

Scissors ✂️

Tweezers

Gemstone 💎 face and body rollers like the iconic Jade Facial roller.

Lash extensions

Makeup Brushes

Makeup Sponges

It even DRIES your makeup brushes after you wash them and fast. NOT over night.

Easy to operate. Easy operation panel with LED countdown.

I couldn’t believe my eyes and neither could my beauty team.

I want to show my clients how clean we are and their health is most important when it comes to applying makeup 💄 on them doing a makeup lesson or face care. This unit is so amazing it’s not only wonderful for my beauty business it is awesome for my home.

I will never clean and DRY my brushes without SterileLight by my side either.

Sharing is caring…

I am not the companies sales rep. I’m not selling you but I am telling you this is fabulous for our industry and for home use as well.

Check out their website for ALL the information.

http://www.sterilelight.com

Visit my Instragram page to see more photos on my personal experience disinfecting and MORE!

@noreenkissyoung

I was supposed to be on TV 📺 here in sunny Florida this past Friday but they had to cancel my much needed beauty report introducing this due to the Pandemic we are going through. But I simply couldn’t wait to share it with you!

 

Night Time IS the Right Time! ⏰

Women I meet in my travels and in my private studio continue to ask me how to get their skin clean. They say they don’t have a clue on what to really do.

I tell them to NEVER go to sleep without washing your face or with the days makeup on (and remove every trace of mascara too) as well as getting a great nights sleep. That is why they call it beauty sleep.

I know that’s not always easy to get when you are sleepless in Seattle. But a good nights sleep is essential nightly as your skin needs it.

You need to make a plan and create a nightly beauty ritual and do it every night.

Do what’s right for you and select a skin care line that is so you. You can mix and match. A soap from one brand and a cream from another. But try and keep a few from the same line if possible so you don’t have an allergic reaction.

Just a few easy steps!

Clean:

You may use a soap bar (not deodorant) liquid soap but cream cleanser at night.

Tone:

Rosewater makes a refreshing toner. Stay away from strong alcohol based ones. Way too drying to the skin.

Nourish and Hydrate:

Choose a moisturizer that is light but at night you can use a richer one. It all depends on how your skin is behaving. Your skin changes as the seasons change and from stress or the weather outdoors. Your moisturizer must change to go with the flow.

Eye care:

A hydrating Eye gel or light eye cream is perfect. A little goes a long way.

And remember don’t scrub or rub your face like you’re washing your car or pots and pans. Be gentle with your delicate skin.

Always treat your neck and décolleté to what you put on your face. Not just your face!

So that’s it as far as a SIMPLE nightly skin ritual.

Photo by Shiny Diamond on Pexels.com

Eau de beauty of Perfume

I am stuck indoors waiting for the monster hurricane in Florida. We are all trying to keep our minds busy and may be in the dark with no lights,air conditioner and not able to leave beyond our front door. As a Northerner I am not used weathering a hurricane. VERY STRESSFUL. However,  I am keeping  busy organizing and cleaning and my beautiful  fragrance tray is getting my attention. wiping down and shining each bottle and the spritzer with a dash of alcohol to freshen them up.

I realized I have not given much love to some of the fragrances  as they look barely used. A word to the wise. GIVE YOUR FRAGRANCES some LOVE and USE THEM.

They lose their potency and formulas if you let them just sit there. Wether you made a fragrance from scratch or store bought. They must be rotated and used up.

Here are a few tips I have learned working in Bloomingdales and Macy’s in Manhattan as one of fragrance spritzer girls!

• Shop for fragrance when you are in the MOOD to buy a new one..
• Hit the fragrance counters when it is midday. Your sense of smell is the sharpest. DON’T put on fragrance before you go.
• I like to use those little paper blotters to check out a fragrance first.
• If coffee beans are available at the counter (or ask the sales associate) SNIFF them inbetween testing and sniffing to clear your nose of the previous scent.
• TEST only three fragrances …no more! Or you will be confused and your nose tricked. Apply one on one wrist and spritz on theother. Next try the third on the inner part of your arm.
• IF you don’t like a fragrance and find it smells not so pretty on your skin…remove it as fast as you can with soap and water OR a cotton ball blotted with rubbing alcohol.
• Ask for free samples…and try them out for a tleast a few days. Not just one time. your mood may change and you may not like the fragrance afterall once day three comes. You don’t want to waste money $$$ on a fragrance purchase you’ll regret.
• I find ther best time to apply fragrance is after a bath or shower.
• Spritz on your pulse points,inner wrists,ankles,throat area and a dash at the decolette.
• Bottom line…fragrance doesn’t last forever so enjoy it and finsih up all those beautiful bottles.
• To see my personal collection of fragrances from Russia,Poland,China,Japan and the US.  See my fragrant tray on Instagram @noreenkissyoung 
• FYI I love spraying a love note card to my husband with my fragrance spritzed on it and place it in his luggage when he travels out of town.
• Every day we are alive is a special day! Don’t wait to use your expensive perfume,best Chinaware,silverware or bedding. Enjoy them every day. You’ll be glad you did.

 

 

 

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com