Peaceful and aromatic …Rituals!

Do you ever burn incense and be still and enjoy the quiet time and maybe meditate A bit when you do it too?

I do and IT FEELS so good. I have always been spiritual in many ways and since I was a teen I loved burning incense. I first had the pleasure of the scent in church.

I never knew why except that I loved the aroma. Especially the scent of sandalwood incense. The common but adored incense burned in Chinatown’s, temples and more.

When I visited China and South Korea this spring and can’t wait to go back. I fell in love with that scent again and the ritual of burning candles and lighting incense even more.

If you’ve never tried it. I invite you into the world of incense in your home. If you don’t like sandalwood there are many other scents to choose from. Go shop and explore!

If someone in your home or even you have allergies or sensitivities….

You can place an incense stick in a terra-cotta flower pot filled with sand. Burn it outside your door.

I burn incense to start and end my day. I burn incense at my lipstick 💄 red door 🚪 at my business. I want to start the day off with good vibes only. They say incense wards off evil spirits or juju around you.

Whatever you wish to believe … believe. But enjoy the beauty of this aromatic and exotic air elixir in your space. It may do the same for you. I especially like to burn it as it calms my mind down from racing especially after a long hectic day.

Stop and smell the incense. It may just surprise you. It’s all about the simple pleasures and the little things!

Photo by Hoàng Chương 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

Allergy tested and Fragrance-Free…

Doesn’t always mean you won’t be allergic to that product. I lost my fav gel eyeliner pencil on a recent trip. I was so LOST without it! I like that black liner almost as much 😉 as I love wearing 💄 lipstick! And that’s a lot!!!

I went to the local big box beauty store and purchased an eyeliner. I was so happy… mission accomplished!!! Until about 2 minutes after applying it. My eyes got a film over them and I couldn’t see quite as clear. My eyes wanted to close and try and clear whatever was causing that. The itching started just a bit but it was so annoying like that film forming across my eyes.

I just had to stop 🛑 everything and remove the eyeliner with a tissue as I wasn’t at my hotel and was working. It reminded me again that just because the product says fragrance free,opthamologist and allergy tested… it can STILL cause allergic reactions.

I threw out the eyeliner and did not want to share the germs with a friend or my sisters. Remember this too!

Don’t forget if you can test products in the store. Have them freshly sharpen the liner and try it. If they are in a box and all packed up I know you can’t.

But when a tester is not available you are taking a chance. So always test drive products just in case.

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

The scent of a woman…is important!

Shopping for makeup is easy! 

Shopping for fragrance is yet another kind of shopping altogether. I recently went shopping for Christmas gifts for my brother- in- law and lured by a fragrance counter. The lights,the bottles and scents! The sales associate greeted me quickly and wondered who I was buying for. I said no one. I  told her I thought I would touch, spray and see what calls out to me!

She started to assist and I did not mind as I used to work in Bloomingdales 59th St. and Macys 34th Street in NYC  and I know all about the job. They stand all day and work hard! 

She tired her best to introduce me to some scents. After she was about to show and spritz the fifth one. I had to say “Bye” at least for now. I was getting fragrance overload. She was disapoointed to see me leave and offered me the infamous coffee bean bowl. If you haven’t been to a fine fragrance counter this is a PROfessional fragrance and perfumer’s tip …You sniff the coffee beans to clear your nose of all the scents and start sniffing scents again. Sort of like the sherbet or sorbet that they serve you between dishes at a fine restaurant! That is why I chose to do this blog post today to let you know the process.

Back to the fragrances and the sales associate…I was confused and wasn’t feeling it. I needed to shop for holiday gifts. So, I left that store. Every time I placed my wrists or hands toward my face to move my hair, or sling my tote over my shouder I suddenly fell in love with the top of my hand where one of the fragances I tested was. I couldn’t stop sniffing and smelling my hand. I smelled so sexy and the scent made me feel so happy. I drove back to that store that night and had to buy a bottle and a body cream to go with it.

So, the next time you are in the mood or just happen to feel like you want to test drive something new. Don’t try more than 3 or 4 fragrances at a time tops! Don’t be in a hurry. Wait a while to see how the fragrance traslates and smells on you. Smelling coffee beans is great but most times you simply have to wait.

I smelled so …Delish!

What scent are you wearing today? Talk to me.

Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com

Here Comes the Bride!

TODAY on my beauty and lifestyle segment on TV on River City Live I’ll share a few pre-wedding beauty and gift idea tips.

If you are lucky enough to live in Jacksonville OR GETTING MARRIED in the city or not you’ll love these tips TOO. If you want to sparkle like Meghan Markle here are a few beauty secrets,ideas and recommendations for you.

 

• Prep your skin…Get a facial and prep at least three months leading to your wedding if possible. Cleaner pores,hydrated skin and kiss tired dead skin cells Goodbye!
  
• The skin on your BODY needs some some attention too. Exfoliating treatments work wonders and make detox your body and skin.
• Get those lips ready for KISSING. Do lip scrubs once a week for a three weeks and the day before the wedding.
  
• The groom needs to groom up too (skin,brows,beard oil,brows shaped and use a lip conditioner too.
• Wanna gorgeous celebrity like glow to your face and skin? Try this! a a sexy angel glow in a powder brush.http://www.noreenyoung.com All you do is brush on this beauty.Another one comes in a tube.Gleam by Melanie Mills of Hollywood. A model and celebrity fav’…www.melaniemillshollywood.com
• Experiment with a new signature scent for your special day with the latest trend Hair Mist  NO.1 by entrpeneur and designer Sandra Alford. Treat yourself to this clean,romantic and sensual scent. (That’s my best description) She also has other scentsational gift ideas to give the mother of the bride,groom or bridesmaids. http://www.sandraalford.com
• Personalized Wine bottle  by www.windsorvineyards.com for your bridal party or your guests. This is also a fun idea for Anniversary’s,Birthdays and Graduation celebrations.

ATTENTION: Windsor Vineywards is offering a special for my TV and blog followers and visitors. 20% off any WINE order for your wedding or next special event!

Promo Code: rivercitylive 

The best part this offer lasts until December 31st 2018! YAY! What do ya say..order your customized wine TODAY!

• If you’re getting married in Jacksonville FLorida here are a few stylist to consult. John Brent for Chocolate Blonde Salon or if you prefer a female stylist Hair By Terri Moore at Salon at St. John. If you are getting married in St. Augustine you’ve gotta call Angela Byrd of Spoiled Beauties.
• Looking for a photographer in Jacksonville and the area for this special time OR ANYTIME. Meet with a professional photographer and share your vision of the wedding photos OR a photo of you before you get married.Capture the times in your life with photos! Anetta Wilkerson of www.artnillusion.com by the way, my blog photos are done by her.What’s even more amazing is she is a triple threat…a photographer,a hair stylist and does makeup too.
• Looking for a cake or glittering fresh chocolate dipped strawberries you must call Glamour Gourmet. These are some gorgeous looking delights.
• Looking for a venue for your next event,shower or wedding?  The Treasury on the Plaza in St. Augustine,Florida. They put on a hell of a party and event. The team there lives for your wedding or next fun affair. http://www.thetreasuryontheplaza.com

 

• ALL of the above recommendations are my personal recommendation. I have  worked with all of these professionals. I think you’ll find them fit for a royal…YOU!

 

Gift Ideas with a Florida Twist!

As a business owner…you never are off REALLY. Last week was a whirlwind getting my makeup studio retail ready for the holidays!

So, I am sorry I have been kinda M.I.A.

Since it is the time for gift giving I thought you might like this blog post.

I am really more like a NYC girl and as I write this and the holidays are near I am starting to get homesick already. When I first moved to Jacksonville I felt like actress Eva Gabor in the sitcom Green Acres. I would often dance around the house and tease my husband and sing “Darling I love you but give me Park Avenue”. But having HIM in my life and opened up my business in Florida I eventually fell in love with palm trees,not driving in ice and snow,yummy Southern food and the slower paced lifestyle.

So, with that said I have compiled a list of gift ideas that are made in Florida or that are made in…Jacksonville Florida. You don’t have to live in Florida to buy these.

My blog is called Beauty Candy cause I am crazy about beauty and candy!  Now I have to share with you about my fav’ LOCAL candy delight. 

Topsy Toffee is a locally owned toffee company that is to die for! No kidding. You just can’t eat a few pieces. The creator uses his mom’s recipe and soared with it. Chocolate and toffee anyone? They just introduced a Perky peppermint to the mixjust in time for the holidays…so excited!

http://www.topsytoffee.com

Gottahaveit is a store in the historic Avondale section of town. Iva the owner carries an amazing array of gifts and personalized gifts too. You gotta see this place! Give yourself time to browse and shop. You might even find something  you  love and have to treat yourself too!

http://www.gottahaveit.com

Speaking of beauty there is a beauty of a salon in a sweet yellow house called Chocolate Blonde Salon. I am mad about a product they have named after one of their top stylists! It is called John’s Elixir. This magic mix is not only great for conditioning the hair before you blow dry,you can shave your legs ,face (guys) with it,you can remove makeup with it. I have smoothed out dead ends and brows that have gone wild too. A little goes a long way. And it smells sublime!

Looking for a NEW scent to add to your fragrance wardrobe? TRY No.1 by a local designer Sandra Alford. It is a really sexy but soft  scent. They are offering FREE shipping with any order over $100.00 and up.

http://www.sandraalford.com

Don’t ya just love Chocolate dipped strawberries???

How can you resist? The absolute best the city has to offer comes from Glamour Gourmet.

The creator and owner Natasha makes the most DAZZLING glittered,sugared,chocolate decadence you will ever taste. Find her and shop her Instagram account…that’s how I find her!!! Warning you will soon be drooling at the edibles on the screen. She also makes chocolate dipped shimmering other things. Trust me on this your guests will be WOWED if you serve her glam YUMMY treats or given as a gift they will thing you are the bomb!

If  you’re looking for a hostess gift or something to stuff in a holiday basket you’re making…a trip to Community Loaves is all you need. They have some awesome fresh bread you will love and so will the people you give a loaf to. BREAD HEAVEN awaits you in Murray Hill.

If you are looking for locally made candles there are a few companies I can recommend…

Five Points Candle Company is your go to brand. You may buy them online or at Gottahaveit.

http://www.fivepointscandlecompany.com

Fitz Pulins has some aromatic and beautifully packaged candles. http://www.inventoryroom.com

Jacksonville in a BOX shipped to your or someone who used to live here’s door. A variety of things made in Florida and wrapped and shipped by people who have developmental disabilities. A combination of food plus Florida souvenir fun!

http://www.jacksonvilleinabox.com

If you’re looking for a cheap stocking stuffer and think Jax IS RAD! Go visit this site.

 

http://www.jaxisrad.com

Gotta foodie in your life that loves pie? Going to grandmas house or the in laws for dinner? Bring a pie from the YUM YUM TREE. This infamous place is an icon in Jacksonville.

These are just a few of my fav’ things I simply had to share and tell you about!

I know the season is really all about the reason. But since gifts are a part of it. I thought you’d enjoy my gift or stocking stuffer ideas.

Until next time…enjoy the beauty of this wonderful time of year!

 

Scent-sational…

On my recent trip to New Orleans I rediscovered a place I had shopped for fragrant soaps and more! It is a  perfumery called Bourbon French Parfums.They have been creating elegant,sensual fragrances for almost 175 years. Began by August Doussan now housed in a quaint Creole cottage on Royal Street (my fav’ street in New Orleans).Mary Behlar,owner and the house perfumer,has continued the tradition of personal care for her clients in the French Quarter.

My latest obsession is in the photograph above. This fragrant roll on and creamy moisturizing soap is on of their secret formula fragrances. Seductive yet shy,pretty yet gave me a sensual sexy high. As I travel for work and play in beauty I am asked what is that scent I am wearing? A little drop is all it takes.

The old world charm and the vials and pretty little bottles of perfume will call your name. They also make a signature custom blend for YOU and your sweetie too! Your custom blend specialist will do a complete assessment of your body chemistry as well as your personality,your likes and dislikes and more. I hope you’ll explore.

Visit and shop: http://www.neworleansperfume.com 

 

How To Speak to a Crowd

 

First, do a little prep before you do a presentation.

 

Get a good night’s sleep. Stay away from that cup of anything Starbucks! You may simply be nervous or caffeine wired up that they you cannot sleep. Instead, try sipping some hot chamomile tea or take a supplement that calms the muscles and nerves called Magnesium.

 

The day of your speech or presentation, eat a good but not heavy breakfast. Keep it light but hearty like an acai yogurt bowl or steel cut oatmeal. If you eat too much you will want to take a nap and feel no energy. If it is a luncheon or evening presentation, pay particular attention to what you eat too.

 

Drink water and stay hydrated. Do you know liquids help your brain think better, you will be more on your toes? This is especially true when you have to take a test or an exam too.

 

Bring honey and lemon throat lozenges you never know when your throat may get that annoying tickle in the throat and a coughing fit comes on.

 

Do not forget to brush your teeth if possible BEFORE your talk and carry Altoids to the rescue.

Guys and gals. Do not’ wear shoes that are brand new. Nothing feels worse than sore feet. Be comfortable in a pair of shoes that are broken in and that are in pristine condition.

If you happen to get the dreaded nervous red flush on the face and chest before you speak…. Apply a CC cream. This cream is unisex and it covers and corrects your skin and calms down the red or pink flushed appearance. No more red.

Ladies…wear a bolder lipstick and cheek color and eyeliner or mascara is necessary. You want to be seen from a distance. If you are in a conference room or small luncheon meeting, lighten up a bit on these.

Guys you can wear a dash of tinted moisturizer to even out your complexion.

Add some guy liner or manscara.

However, not as heavy as Johnny Depp in the pirate movies. A little goes a long way.

Really, they all work and define your eyes and fine-tune your complexion. If you are prone to DRY lips. Apply lip balm. Nothing worse than crusty dehydrated lips.

Do not over do on aftershave or cologne. It can be over powering and you never know who has allergies in the room. You want them to remember you and what you said…Not your fragrance.

Smile as you open up to your audience with your presentation. A smile is better than wearing a Rolex watch that they most likely will never see.

A smile invites them in. Also, tell a little story about yourself or a fun joke that will fit in to what you have to say. If you are nervous…picture the audience is naked. This is a speaker’s tip that works as unusual as it may sound.

Above all, engage your audience, work the room with your eyes, and smile! Do not just look one direction or at a few people in the audience. Show everyone you care about them by your eyes and glance at as many people as you can. Eye contact is key.

After your speech…thank your audience and ALWAYS have your business card ready to give. Never be without it. It is like a mini billboard of you. Add your social media info.I also  find a picture is worth a thousand words. Ever since I added my photo on my business card and website business booms even more. People want to see who they are doing business with and put a face with a name.

I hope this helps you put your best forward and always know this. My words of wisdom: “YOU are a star no matter whom you are so …Shine brightly!”

Holiday Perfume for your home…

Naturally…

Tis’ the season for gatherings and holidays and sometimes your house does not smell that fabulous. Perfume the air with this!

MY stove is bubbling over with this aromatic stove top recipe. Smells good enough to eat.

1 small orange pulled into pieces

1 or 2 cinnamon sticks

1 tablespoon or more of fresh cinnamon

Add water to the pan and let it steam in the air. Your home will smell amazing.

It is a scentsational idea!

Lemon Love

I have always loved lemons just typing on the keyboard and posting this blog post makes my mouth pucker and water.

And I am always whipping up new recipes for beauty and healthy skin in my kitchen lab or in my bathroom. So, today was no different.I made some fresh lemonade for my husband and I started to really crave lemons. So, I made this lemon toner for face and body.

4 cups of distilled water

12 drops of lemon essential oil (I love the brand Aura Cacia)

1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar

Optional: I like to add a drop of lavender for another version of this.

After I mixed all of the above together I  poured it in a pretty spray bottle.

My skin loves this skin toner.

Today I smelled like lemons all day and I received many compliments on the way I smelled today. Citrus lifts your spirits too!