Is The Weather Wreaking Havoc on Your Skin?

Here are 3 ways to make your skin look better when it’s so cold 🥶 outside.

To start with you have to exfoliate and I am in love with a gentle exfoliant found on Amazon. It is called Cure Natural Aqua Gel It works wonders FAST and is so gentle! It can even be used around the eye area to kiss the driest skin cells “Bye Bye!” If you don’t own it. You need to. It comes from Japan and I discovered it in my travels.

Another alternative to the above product is to try this method. Use a luke warm wet with water washcloth “pressed” against the face. I like to work in sections. Doing this gently lifts up the tight, dry and flakey skin cells.

Work in circular motions.

When you are washing your face. Don’t use a deodorant bar use a creamy soap. face wash or oil cleanser. Work in circular motions as doing this will help lift up dirt, oil, pollution and dry patch skin.

Another quick fix is a sheet mask. You know those little wonders found almost everywhere and originated from Korea. There are so many to choose from!

I am in love ❤️ with them and so is my skin!

Make sure you leave them on as long as you can. Not just 10 minutes. I find the longer the better! 20 Minutes will do! They will soothe the driest parched skin.

I hope these skin care tips help you. And. while you’re at it invite your sweetie to join in on the fun too!

Use up every bit of the masks juicy hydrating goodness!

Prettier Healthy Skin from inside and out!

They say “You are what you eat” and it is so true!

This week on TV on River City Live I featured some ideas for snacking,face and body masking and for GLOWING skin! I hope you will enjoy them too.

I try and eat the right stuff and love most fruits and veggies. But sometimes I am looking for a little cheat drink that gives me energy and can help give my skin a boost over time. I discovered an easy recipe that actress Reese Whiterspoon shared on Instagram last year. I am kinda addicted and make and drink this recipe weekly. IF you have not tried it its worth looking into. Even my husband enjoys it.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

All you need is:

2 HEADS OF ROMAN LETTUCE

1/2 CUP OF SPINACH

1/2 CUP OF COCONUT WATER

1 WHOLE BANANA

1 WHOLE APPLE

1 WHOLE PEAR

1 WHOLE LEMON

SCOOP OF ALMOND BUTTER (optional)

Mix all of the above to a Vitamix type blender for easy blending.

Sometimes I like to make a smoothie/ drink what I call “Everything but the kitchen sink” I simply pull out whatever leftover vegetables and fruits I have on hand and put it in a blender with a juice I might have leftover or some bottled water. It usually turns out quite delicious!

If you are really pressed for time, Dole makes some delicious options in the freezer aisle of a mix of fruits and greens blend. One of favorites is made with mango.banana,apple,pineapple and spinach.

Stay hydrated for plump happy skin for face and body. If you are not a water drinker snack on cucumbers or drink coconut water. Add a cherry in the glass or an umbrella and make it a fun ritual. you look forward to.

Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Pexels.com

Celebrities just like I love using produce for prettier vibrant skin and a healthier body. Like a strawberry face mask with fresh strawberries or they use it as a teeth whitening treat.

Photo by Jenna Hamra on Pexels.com

Avocado masks are also good for your hair or face and neck. So nourishing.

Spinach is a rock star for skin and body! My friend Victoria Evelyn founder of the Chocolate Skincare Factory brand happens to be both a pharmacist and an esthetician recommended to me another way to get my greens for my on the go lifestyle! Simply keep on hand fresh bag of spinach in your fridge and pop a handful as a quick snack. I even take a mini snack bag with me on the road or on the run. Be like POPEYE and eat spinach.

Photo by Rodolfo Quiru00f3s on Pexels.com

I love baby tomatoes! I pop them like candy. Really! There is a magical ingredient in tomatoes that research shows may protect our skin from UV damage from sunburn. Naturally I have to protect my skin with a SUNSCREEN from a tube but I also eat these and also make Italian dishes with tomato paste which is loaded with lycopene. Since I have had a bad sunburn before I really never want to feel that again.

I also love a banana mask for dry elbows and knees. All you do is mash a banana and put it on those dry dull areas for the body. Or you can use it as a soothing hydrating face mask too.

Photo by Any Lane on Pexels.com

If you crave a little crunch…mini baby carrots are a great go too instead of potato chips! Although I really love a bag of Kettle Chips! Your eyes and skin will love you too.

Grapes are hydrating bites of love that keep your skin looking good too.

Nuts and dried fruits are good for you snack too! You haven’t lived until you have tried dried cherries! I love them as a sweet treat alone or in a salad.

Whatever you do…always remember your health is #1.

And so should your skin be too!

Ho! Ho! Ho! 🎅🎄

Did I ever tell you I use to be a Santa’s Helper at the mall? I loved ❤️that job!

Counting down to Santa’s arrival and the beauty of Christmas Eve! I took care of my last client. Shipped the last holiday mail order 📦 and closed my business doors. I wish the holiday season was like before. But it is not the same for brick and mortar businesses. Although we are trying to hang in there. Again this holiday it was hard to speak to people with face masks 😷 on and not hear them clearly or most of all see their lovely smile!

I want to take this moment to say I hope you have a HAPPY Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I know many people celebrate it tonight and go to church tomorrow. I know every family has their own ritual. Blessings to you and your family and friends too!

Put something cozy on and take time and chill and sip a cup of cheer.

What are you serving Santa tonight? A delicious cookie 🍪? A cocktail 🍹? A glass of milk? Do tell!

I’m serving him a hot chocolate with a chocolate marshmallow bomb inside. And a home-made cookie.

I believe in ❤️ Santa!

Vacay or mini travel tips you need!

Who doesn’t love to travel?

I have always loved to travel. I got the “travel bug” when I lived in the tri-state area. I always heard the sound of airplanes. Manhattan has a lot of tourists arriving and landing and departing! JFK airport has many global flights too!

It is a beautiful sight and as I grew up I loved that sound of the airplanes more and more.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

So happy to be traveling again! It’s been a long time by one and a half years for me. How about you?

Here are a few of my personal tips I have cultivated through the years and now with the pandemic not over what to expect.

Choosing a window seat is lovely but can ruin your skin over time. SUN SHINE 🌞 at sunrise, afternoon or sunset is damaging to the skin over time. By the way, I love the window too. And if you pee a lot you need to make sure you choose an aisle seat to make it easy for you to get in and out!

Photo by Janiere Fernandez on Pexels.com

Don’t forget your sunscreen. Even under face masks the sun can get you! Apply sunscreen to your hands (especially the tops) and don’t forget your neck too!

Stay hydrated I can’t say it enough. BEFORE you leave your house, at airport and on your flight keep the water coming. Skip the caffeine especially if you’re anxious about flying it will only make you even more jittery.

Please note:

Airport and other places you go water 💧 fountains are covered and off limits due to Covid19 and refill water stations are closed off too. So if you’re used to bringing your own water or beverage container bottle with you. You will not be able to fill it with H2O.

Pack disinfecting wipes too! For each of you traveling. You will need to double check and clean your surroundings. The airplanes are very clean but you can ever be too careful or clean. On my Delta flights they hand you a disinfecting wipe packet when you get on board.

Photo by Charlotte May on Pexels.com

Mask 😷 up!

I like to sprinkle some essential oil on my disposable mask or cloth mask with lips 👄depending on my mood. Most times I use lavender oil and I love ❤️ the Aura Cacia brand. It’s great quality and simply the best!

You MUST wear your face mask and keep your nose 👃 covered at the airport and on the plane ride and while switching planes. They are very strict to keep everyone safe.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

Pack a chamomile tea bag in your tote or your handbag.

Bigelow Tea Co makes an awesome one with stress relieving chamomile and calming lavender.sometimes when you order tea there isn’t any chamomile tea available. So order a cup of hot water and take the tea bag (for another time) they are serving and just use the water 💦 and make a cup of chamomile tea.

Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com

Travel with your favorite snacks. YOUR comfort food. Mine are bananas, apples, tangerines and anything crunchy, M&M chocolate candies or Hershey’s chocolate 🍫 or and HARD candies or gum.

These will not only comfort you they hydrate your throat which can get dry while flying with a mask on especially.

Photo by Vanessa Loring on Pexels.com

Another calming treat is to pack a CBD tincture or CBD gummies to balance your mood if you’d like. They really come in handy. I love Martha Stewart’s collection of edibles.

I hope these tips bring comfort to you and help you on your next flight too.

Happy summer!

Is Lipliner 💋 Gone Forever?

💋

I don’t think so! Do you?

What do you think?

Do you use one? Or have you ever used one. Please share!

Have you started to use a lipliner now that many of us are no longer wearing masks everywhere?

I love ❤️ lipstick 💄 & lipliner! They are like TWINS for the lips to me since I’m one I like that sound of twins even more.

💋Using lip liner makes our lipstick last longer by shaping the lips with it and makes lipgloss NOT run.

💋It gives shape and definition to our lips.

💋It makes thin lips look fuller.

💋It makes very lips look smaller.

Depending on the lipliner mood you’re in and the look you want to create that day.

I hope lip pencils aren’t gone forever and that since were masking up less. We will continue wearing them.

What’s Your Go To?

Girls,

What’s your favorite beauty or skin care go to daily during these pandemic times?

Are you wearing any makeup? Full makeup?

Are you focusing only on your eyes?

Or are you just doing skin care under that mask?

Photo by Shiny Diamond on Pexels.com

If you’re not wearing a mask and don’t have a state mandate to wear a mask 😷 now. What are you doing?

Are you back to your normal beauty routine?

Please join in and share. I’d love to hear from you.

Lips & the Face Mask

Are your lips flaky, peeling and beyond dry?

Summer heat and the face masks may be making them dry. But also know RX medicine can trigger dry lips too.

So, what’s a gal to do? 

Today I featured on River City Live on WJXT-4 a few tips on what you can do.

http://www.rivercitylivetv.com

Exfoliate

 

Photo by Rodolfo Clix on Pexels.com

 

• You may feel like a D.I.Y.  that you can whip up yourself with a recipe of white sugar and coconut oil or olive oil. Apply to lips and brush the lips with a babies tooth brush.Rinse well with a warm washcloth.
• OR you can buy one already made like the Farmhouse Fresh Beach Punch.

It FHF  is one of Oprah’s fav’ brands.

• Coconut Oil is a cream and you can rub all across the lips as a quick lip fix just swipe and go. I keep mini travel jars around the house. Celebrities love ❤️ using coconut 🥥 oil.
• Fresh organic honey 🍯 is a natural and wonderful lip 👄mask!
• TLC Vitamin E or C lip conditioners in a tube travel friendly and work wonders too.
• Lip gel or sheet masks from Korea give instant gratification to your lips. All the rage with professional makeup artists and celebrities too.
• DRINK plenty of water 💦 to keep yourself hydrated.
• Try not to lick your lips a lot. It dries out the skin on your lips.
• My mantra and slogan has always been … 💄
• ” A woman without lipstick is like a day without sunshine”. Don’t forget to lift your spirits and do give your lips some sunshine.🌞

 

Enjoy these tips just for the lips!

Please Note:If you are allergic to any of the above ingredients…don’t use them.

 

Beauty Essentials for Your Wedding Day

Photo by Kyle Roxas on Pexels.com

Getting ready the days before your wedding day and on your wedding day takes preparation.

During wedding season and for that unexpected impromptu wedding I usually do the bride, the groom (yes you read right) or the the entire bridal party and leave once the ceremony begins. On occasion when money is no object I have been asked and hired to stay the entire time of the wedding.

Because you asked here are a few things I like to bring and use. Some items are JUST IN CASE. Think about stocking a cosmetic tote with some of these the day of your wedding for you the bride,mom,mom-in-laws and bridesmaids too.

AFTER the hair is styled and and makeup done…Touch ups are important and so is that unexpected need or emergency. So, before you go down that aisle…

Here are a few beauty products and extras you will need:

👄A rosewater spray to refresh the skin great for end of makeup or a pick me up if the skin is outdoors or on the beach. Refreshing!

👄Lip stain lipstick  in China Doll…I use it on almost all my brides before I apply their fav’ lipstick. Makes any lipstick last longer and stains the lips with a moist rosy glow.

👄And high clear shine lip gloss for a sexy pout! And a lip conditioner for HIM.

Photo by Cleyder Duque on Pexels.com

👄Gleam by celebrity makeup artist Melanie Mills. May be used on eye area, face, the decolette, tummy, shoulders or down the legs. You never know where you may want to glow and Gleam! .

👄Rice Powder to set makeup especially in the T-zone where you are the shiniest.

AND Powder papers to blot oil and powder touch up the face at the same time before you go down the aisle with style. Guys love them too.

👄Perfume, cologne or a delicious lotion along with deodorant.

👄A mini brush I love the Wet Brush brand.

👄Blinc Brand mascara water 💦 and sweat resistant.

👄 Hairspray and styling gel

👄Clothes pin or safety pin for any fashion issues.

👄Mini sewing kit and safety pins

👄Hard candy

👄Gum

👄Mouthwash

👄Aspirin or ibuprofen.

👄Tums or Alka-Seltzer just in case.

👄 AND disposable lip brush, powder brush etc.

As you can see once your makeup is done and your hair is styled you still may be in need of the items on the above list.

What I have learned being in the business of beauty is… You can never be too prepared.

LOVE ❤️ still is in the air. Some people are getting married. Some engaged. And some people are postponing their date due to the virus.

But I have HOPE and see weddings in the future. Maybe with a glam white face cover encrusted with pearls or diamonds.

“I Do’s” will be said and our beautiful world 🌎 will go on.

Photo by Orione Conceição on Pexels.com

Feed Your Face from the Inside Out!

Photo by Trang Doan on Pexels.com

I’m really trying to enjoy being more green, clean and eco friendly…with my food and lifestyle.

And in my skincare too!

Skin is so in…Especially when it is healthy looking. If your skin is not looking the way you would like it to… Perhaps its time to try something fresh and new! Looking good takes a little effort girls and so worth it. If you do not have a skin care regime now is the time to start. Also if you have been wearing sweat pants and not taking care of your skin think about taking time for YOU and get your skin in shape too.

They say “You are what you eat” and it is so true. Eating right … with a little bit of a naughty is really best. All in balance and moderation darlings! I’ve been on a kick of making SMOOTHIE BOWLS and making them is so much fun too. Your whole family will enjoy.

I love to get glowing, use beauty from my kitchen, a local farmer’s market, and make a few D.I.Y. beauty recipes and beauty potions on my own.

I will share some of the them on my new podcast to come too! But here are a few for you to enjoy this Memorial day too.

Take care of your skin and your skin will always take care of you!

Recipe for pretty skin starts from within. Not only are these good to eat they are good to use as skincare. Especially when many of us are on stay at home orders.

Yogurt (plain Greek yogurt) makes a GREAT cheap and chic face mask. Apply to a clan face and leave on at least 15 minutes. Genty exfoliates dead skin cells too.

Avocados are a great for hydrating your face and neck. Add honey to a mashed avocado and leave on at least 15 minutes. Your skin will LOVE it.

Bananas work wonders on dry elbows and knees. If your bananas are beyond ripe and you don’t feel like making banana bread…give your skin a moisturizing natural treat.

In addition, when the weather is hot and you want to chill down and make your skin feel amazing. Take a plain ice cube and rub gently on your skin. Not your eye area but try on the face. It will tighten your pores and make your makeup glide on beautifully. I also like to use an ice cube on my chest and neck. So cool and refreshing.

Have a BEAUTY filled deligthful day!

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