Do you like to DIY?

I am doing a Galentine’s Day (Valentine’s Day) Workshop at IKEA in sunny Jacksonville Florida 🌴 only problem is it’s NOT so sunny. It’s been storming and it’s 90% chance of rain ☔️ today. I hope the ladies come out and play with me and not let rain get in the way.

So excited to do a Workshop at IKEA ❤️

If you’re looking for a fun DIY gift 🎁 I like to give as gifts … you’re in luck. My workshop is all about self-care and made with love.

SPA in a Jar

Here’s what you will need to make this gift:

❤️1 medium or large glass jar with a lid and a large neck so you can fill it. Decorative ribbon and other touches to embellish it. Greenery and faux or even fresh cut flowers work too. This gives it a natural and pretty touch.

❤️Things you might want to use to fill your very own SPA in Jar are:

A headband,washcloth or eco friendly washable facial rounds,sheet masks, eye gel masks.

❤️ How about some bubble bath,epsom salts,shower gel,hand lotion, a body lotion and a luxurious soap and bath sponge.

❤️ Crystals, incense, sage,Palo Santo or a mini book.

❤️ A bottle of Prosecco, mini liquor, small beer can, (optional)

❤️ A small box of candy. An apple 🍎 as an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Or you can create a mix of store bought and hand-made DIY recipes. Please note IF you are allergic to any of my recipe ingredients please do not try them.

Kiss Me Lip 👄 Polish

1 jar organic coconut oil

1 packet of sugar left in your purse from last coffee shop stop or 1/4 cup brown or white sugar. It all depends how many jars you want to make. Note: both sugars will work too.

Mix the two together with a spoon or spatula and place in a small microwave safe bowl. Warm the polish 5 seconds to melt a bit and stir again. Be careful. It will be hot. Let cool a bit.

Place mixture into a small glass or plastic jar of your choice. If you want a bigger batch double the recipe. Add a pretty lip stickers or custom label you make and it’s all set. Men and women love ❤️ thus recipe. Including my husband.

Kissable lips in minutes! This is a unisex recipe guys love it too!

❤️ Chamomile Flower Facial Steam Bath

Chamomile dried flowers- a small handful will do.

A pot of water 💦

This recipe is so easy and so gratifying. Your skin will love you back by the way it looks and feels. A relaxing detox facial steam!

Place some dried chamomile flowers in a bag and give it to the person you are gifting to. Add instructions with it. All they do is warm water to a light boil. .

Place the flowers in the water. Place a small towel over your head like a tent. Do NOT put your face in the hot water. You are simply allowing the steam to RISE up to your face. Do this for 3 or 5 minutes. If you have high blood pressure or a skin condition like Rosacea or acne please do not use this facial steam recipe.

Rose 🌹 Eye Mask

Cooling cucumbers 🥒 are refreshing and certainly you can still use them. They work! However, I love this simple aromatic eye mask. Asian Royalty and in many other times in history used them to look younger and refresh their eyes. Did you ever really feel a petal from the rose? It’s so soft and lovely to the touch. It’s known for its skin softening and feel good properties.

Pick me up … for the eyes.

1 fresh Rose rinsed please.

Rinse rose gently in water

Tear off one of the rose petals for an aromatic relaxing treat. They add a touch of moisture for your eye area.

Eyelid pillows are great but I love this nature based eye treatment.

Chill out & rest with a rose petal eye mask!

Laying down close the eyes. Place a rose 🌹 petal on each eyelid and rest the eyes. Listen to some relaxing music. Leave on your closed eyelids at least 6-10 minutes. That’s it!

I hope you enjoy these recipes! Please note…Store bought self-care products are great for your jar. However there’s nothing like a handmade and homemade creation.

Made with LOVE. ❤️

Oops! Forgot to post to my blog before I left. Update despite the rain i had an awesome crowd, workshop and morning at IKEA! Went crazy shopping in the stores food market. Had one of their awesome pretzel with their yummy dipping sauce and drive away smiling all day!

❤️Love that store.

Guac 🥑 at Home…

I’ve always loved guacamole. And learning about a NEW D.I.Y. face mask makes me want to visit The Lodge at Woodloch. Spa in Hailey PA. Even more!

I love ❤️ to travel and explore. And spas and beauty stores are at the top of my TO Do list.

I recently read an article in my fave magazine just for industry PROfessionals in America Spa magazine.

I can’t wait to try this recipe after I fly home to Florida after guest speaking at the International Esthetics Cosmetics and SPA Conference show here in Chicago.

DIY Avocado Cooler Face Mask

Ingredients needed:

1 fresh avocado

1 carrot, cooked and mashed

1/2 cup of heavy cream

1 egg,beaten

3 tablespoons of honey

Directions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor and apply to a cleansed face. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes , then rinse with warm water.

This recipe is by: Amanda Clabaugh, treatments manager at the Spa.

Look forward to trying this natural fave mask and maybe making an avocado smoothie or avocado dip and enjoy a refreshing drink too.

I love natural beauty recipes that are simple, quick and easy. Don’t you?

I love to DIY do you???

Counting down to… Las Vegas again!

Last year the shows got cancelled.

PRO only shows…
Stylists,makeup artists,nail techs,estheticians and beauty business owners from all over the world will flock to the ever popular International Beauty Show and the International Esthetics Cosmetics & Spa Conference.

But now … Counting down with hope to a fabulous and fun time. June is coming soon.

I’ll be BEAUTY reporting from there and sharing with you ALL THAT I SEE. It’s going to be a bumpy exciting out of the park ride! Hair beauty shows are not like peaceful spa shows. They have a mood and vibe all of their own and have seen some unique hair and makeup Pro’s. Some of them wear just as much makeup as you and I do and their men! If I bump into any you need to know about.

I’ll Instagram and blog out photo’s and comments to you. So follow me there too!

@noreenkissyoung on Instagram

I’ll be guest speaking at the spa show and reporting LIVE from both shows.

Find out …What’s hot, What’s Not, What’s now! It is going to be a beauty filled and hair raising time!!!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I LOVE ❤️ Las Vegas and if you haven’t been maybe now’s the time to add it to your list of places to go when we can all travel without a care! So much to see and the eye candy is mostly FREE. SO MANY PLACES TO EXPLORE. Good and club life is non- stop. Hotels to die for! Amazing views! All waiting for me and you. Minutes from the desert 🌵 Red Rock Canyon and a few hours car ride to California.

I can’t wait to shop the IECSC show floor! And see the latest and greatest in skincare,makeup and more! If you’re a beauty pro, spa or salon you gotta go!

I will be teaching a class on MAKEUP and sharing the new look for the summer.

Photo by Maria Orlova on Pexels.com

Nail Techs will show the latest in hues and looks for nails.

Photo by Karley Saagi on Pexels.com

Hair in all it’s crowning glory will reign supreme! Can’t wait to see the new hues and styles and share them with you!

Photo by Ali Pazani on Pexels.com

So stay tuned I’ll share more.

Instagram:NoreenKissYoung

Brown & Black Girl Beauty!

I love ❤️ ALL my clients and those who are girls of color too. So, I thought you’d like to learn some tips for a pretty awesome complexion,makeup and hair.This post addresses three beauty issues.

Since I am Eurasian I usually mix two foundation colors to create my look. Same is true for women of color.

Things have changed in the world of beauty with beauty brands like Fenty Beauty and other brands you can find a foundation. But at times or if you’re a mixed chick like me or not sometimes you’ll find foundation for you may be too pink, too pale, too red… so you’ll look better if you play chemist and mix two. It’s fun actually.

Mixing one foundation from a brand and a few dots of another brands color you will look even more even toned. That’s the goal… Right?

For applying foundation I like to use my Makeup Magic Wand sponge on a stick damp with a dash of water. This way it spreads easier and you can sheer the colors out as you give them a whirl.

I apply a lighter color on the inner part of the face and a darker on the edges, forehead and chin. Black or brown skin is usually two-toned. So I have learned to play with makeup and mix.

Photo by Marcelo Chagas on Pexels.com

For feet, soft elbows and knees I highly recommend one of Oprah’s favorites.

Farmhouse Fresh Honey 🍯 Heel Glaze. It has an aromatic scent with hydrating loveliness that takes away an ashy look to your soles,toes, elbows and knees. It smells like grandma baked an awesome pie! Instant soft skin gratification. Beyond yum!

As for the eyes. I show my clients how to create a one color all over the lid look with a highlighter. Or how to apply several shades of  highlighters …all over the lid. Champagne, gold, copper… and at the outer corner a smidge of a deeper matte shade to pull it all together for even more definition.

As for hair I recommend what clients tell me they use for a hair hydrating treatment it is Clarified Butter. Yes, a spa hair treatment awaits you at the grocery store. You just need to go buy it. Do this once a week and leave on at least 20 minutes. Your hair will say… Thank You!!

My clients teach me and I teach them. Caring is sharing!I hope you’ve enjoyed my tips and tricks!

Photo by Jennifer Enujiugha on Pexels.com

Education is Essential!

Are you a hairstylist,beauty professional,spa or salon owner?

If you are listen up! If you’re not… know that your hairstylist may be attending these two iconic shows. March 13th -15th 2002 in NEW YORK CITY.

In a few weeks beauty professionals, hair stylists, estheticians, makeup artists,massage therapists, nail techs, salon and spa owners from all over the globe 🌎 will make the city even prettier!

The iconic International Beauty Show for the beauty experience. Alongside the iconic International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa Conference.

For licensed hair, skin,makeup and nail professionals only.

If you haven’t been there in a long time or never attended the show. It is amazing! So much education, inspiration and fun!

And so is shopping and dining in some awesome places in the one and only NYC.

It is not too late to get your ticket, book a flight.make a plan and discover something new,be inspired and get educated even more too. YOUR career depends upon it!

Wait and see … it is a hair razing experience that will inspire the stylist,skincare expert,beauty business owner and beauty PRO in you! Tell a friend.

See it all in NYC!

Get your ticket for my class…

I’ll be teaching an advanced class on the Power of Makeup Consultations and Makeup Lessons.

 

I am looking forward to my makeup and skincare class in NYC!

Travel and Explore!

I just spent an amazing time in Arizona! One of my stays was at the JW Marriott Star ⭐️ Pass Resort & Spa. It is an amazzzing place! And the spa was beautiful too. 

It was so refreshing to be back to Arizona again! The history and the food with a bit of heat 🔥 some things more spicy 🌶 than others. It is an awesome place to visit.

The highlights from my trip were visiting the city of De Tubac where arts and history and foodies are alive and kicking. I happened to be there when they had a festival going on. So many creatives in one place!

My fav’ place to eat was at Elvira’s. So delicious and the wait staff was awesome. The restaurant was Eye 👁 candy in itself. All the color from the moment you arrive. The art 🖼 and even using the powder room was a religious experience.

Connected to this place is a fabulous decor & gift shop! From angels, to hearts to art to glassware. I found a hand blown heart ❤️ piece I had to have. I’m going to place it in a gold ribbon and hang it from one of my chandeliers. I used to buy mugs, pot holders and tea towels when visiting places. Now when I travel I got smarter! I buy things that make me 😊 happy and that decor adorns my home or office. A daily reminder of my wonderful trips!

Also in this town there was a fabulous kitchen store Tumacookery I could have shopped there ALL day. If you’re a foodie or chef. What a fabulous and fun place!

Everywhere you travel 🌵 cactus of all kinds follow you. And they have skin care and cocktails 🍹 and other edible cacti treats too! The weather was amazing! 🌞

The people were charming and the sunsets were breathtaking! As I always say…explore beyond your door. Life is even more wonderful if you just get out the door and travel.

Have you ever been? Share with me.

My new SKIN BUDDY

I have a new best friend. And it isn’t a person.It is this device!

 

* MYSKINBUDDY™ is the revolutionary facial device that utilizes four proven technologies to help you achieve a clearer complexion, brighter and even skin tone, and a more youthful appearance.

Created for men and women by a woman!

GHADA ABUHAKMEH is the woman behind the brand. She said this device does many things for your skin and I know all about the beauty of this machine.

ONE DEVICE… no more clutter on your bathroom counter.

LED Light Therapy, Ion Care, ultrasonic Vibration and Heat Therapy.

MULTIPLE BENEFITS

1. Enhances product penetration.
2. Reduce redness and inflammation.
3. Stimulate collagen renewal and skin rejuvenation.
4. Deeply cleanse and gently exfoliate dead skin cells.
5. Reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.
6. Kills P. acne bacteria that leads to acne formation.

I am also loving using it over a KBeauty sheet mask. It REALLY does all the above and is dope!

Check out this unique and cool…it may just be your best friend.

http://www.myskinbuddy.com

I love you Chicago again and again!

I traveled to Chicago recently but it wasn’t long enough! Although I travel ✈️ there often. I never get tired of exploring new places and visiting some of my fave places too.

Here are a few highlights from my trip.

I love staying at the W hotel on the lake and I also love to stay at the iconic Palmer House. But this time I stayed with my husband at the Residence Inn 700 in the Loop. What a beautiful stay! Such cozy Suites with fabulous beddings and a kitchen with a dishwasher, huge refrigerator and mini loft bing room space area.

I discovered a beautiful church around the in corner in a section they call the Loop. I fell 😍 love! I attended several masses and services. A gem 💎 in the heart of downtown. Run by Franciscan friars.

I love shopping the magnificent Michigan Avenue. AKA the Miracle Mile …

So many shops so little time! One of my fave fashion shops is called Akira. Also since I love 💕 all things fun I shop at Riley Rose!

Food glorious food is another thrill in Chicago! I never get tired of their hot dogs, donuts and dim sum in Chinatown! Oh and this time I discovered a real chocolate filled bao delight! Warm and fluffy and so delicious.

I so wanted to go for a spa day but after doing everything else no time left.

Have you been to Chicago? Lately? Do share.

What’s TRENDING and HOT NOW!

At the International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa show in Las Vegas I heard as I was going down the hall to teach my class these loud happy chants. “ANAL bleach. Loud and proud …more shouts of the words Anal Bleach and those words along with music went on and on.” I must admit it got my attention.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

I snapped a pic with my iphone of one of the class educators and that is what you see in the pic. While I could not attend the class I had to share with you what I found. The name of the company: Wax Hair Removal Bar. And they a plant 🌱 based wax removal system.

Needing to learn more … I had to explore. This is what I found on their website.

Anal bleaching is one of the most popular skin care requests today.

NOT TO BE DONE at home without the TLC care and attention of a spa /waxing PROFESSIONAL.

The Wax Hair Removal Bar intimate area skin lightening products are all safe and FDA & Health Canada approved. Remember that harsh chemicals such as Hydroquinone or Kojic Acid that can burn, irritate and even hypo-lightening the skin which is not reversable or repairable.

It is actually very common for our “sensitive areas” such as the bikini line, vaginal, underarms and anal area to discolor in both men and women.

Most people find it hard to discuss this topic and that why WAX Hair Removal Bar was born! We have zero issue talking about this topic, in fact its as natural as talking about the weather. 😜 (I inserted this emoji)

The most common reasons for skin discoloration tend to be hormonal that may arise after pregnancy, aging, ethnicity or weight gain. Who knew???😳

Many people think that anal bleaching or skin lighting is only for the adult industry – we are here to crush that rumor. Most of our clients are average everyday blue collar workers both male and female that are looking to enhance the appearance of their bodies and even our discolored skin tone anywhere from inner thighs to the ever so sensitive scrotum . We offer this treatment which can be done in the comfort of your own home or in our establishment without the use of harsh chemicals.

Wax Hair Removal Bar was established in 2008 as the first international full-body waxing salon for both men and women. With locations in both Vancouver, Canada and Las Vegas, Nevada, we have had the pleasure of serving a broad clientele ranging from show business performers to adult entertainers to celebrities and the everyday person that walks through our door just looking to undergo a little maintenance.

We are the official Waxperts to the entertainers of the world-famous male revue, Chippendales. The men of Chippendales entrust only the best in regards to their grooming and manscaping needs, and with regular visits to our Las Vegas locations, we are the establishment that helps keep them looking their best for their performances. Stop on by and you never know who you may run into!

Our Waxperts are highly vetted and trained using our signature and virtually painless waxing technique, allowing you to feel comfortable when grooming your most intimate areas. We produce our own high-quality hard and soft Wax formulas, as well as Wax branded scrubs, body washes, body oils, body lotions, bath salts and collagen eye and lip gels that are available for purchase both online and in store.

We offer full-body unisex waxing services as well as custom facial treatments using only the highest quality, organic ingredients along with our signature and effective anal bleaching service a favorite among entertainers that uses plant 🌱 derived ingredients and never harmful Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid, Mercury or Steroids like many of our competitors.

So next time you’re in Las Vegas or Canada. Maybe you might want to check this ever growing and trending now waxing service.

Las Vegas IS always fabulous!

Been so busy since I came back from Las Vegas I finally had a moment to tell you about my beauty filled and foodie trip. I got to go with my sweetie so that’s always good. It wasn’t as hot this year as it usally is in the 100 degree and more mark. I never get tired of Las Vegas and go a few times a year.

I guest spoke at the International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa Conference.

My class went well and I love the eager to learn audience of makeup artists,estheticans,plastic surgeons and Boss Babes.

I enjoyed and sat in on some other classes TO LEARN too but my fave part of any beauty conference is always  discovering what is on the show floor! Shopped til I dropped. I discovered a few new brands and tools I will share with you in the next few blog posts too.

Healthier Looking SKIN is still in! And so are all kinds of beauty devices and facial tools for anti-aging but they are sold to beauty professionals in the spa or plastic surgeons and dermatologists offices. Where they need to be. I think sometimes these at home machines and pro devices are best used by the PROFESSIONAL. Putting the wrong device in the consumers hands can harm you especially if you don’t know what you are doing.

💄 Makeup is sparkling with all things glam and glitter.

Photo by Anderson Guerra on Pexels.com

Lash and hair extensions reign supreme.

Photo by George Sistonen on Pexels.com

Nails 💅are so colorful and blinged out with crystals and some are in varying shapes including very pointy.

Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

I enjoyed my usual foodie spots for food away from the strip where the locals like to go. And at the top of that food list is the infamous In & Out Burger and animal fries too!

I stayed on an extra day to RELAX  and to join Las Vegas Now’s  host Courtney Perna again. So happy to join her again as she’s always fun to work with and quite a show host… loaded with personality! This time my segment was  Asian Beauty Secrets Revealed. Having just been to Korea and China I had a few unique things to share with their TV viewers. The best part of the segment was rolling an Asian Skin Smoothing and Relaxing face roller with her for fun on Boomerang.

This cool little tool is still on a roll in China and now the USA. Using it is so cool and refreshing and the beauty benefits surely beats a face lift… any day!

Asian Royalty used it for centuries now it has made it to main stream from China. Great for those of you who love all things anti-aging. Revs up circulation and they do so much.

Have you ever seen unusual fruit at an Asian market and wondered what they are?

Dragon fruit and Durian are delightful to eat or add in a smoothie for younger looking skin and overall good health. Don’t be afraid to explore what’s not familiar to you and taste what you never tried before.

Asian women I interviewed on the streets of Hong Kong also shared with me that infamous Pearl Powder. Sold by the box in little vials you almost think you are buying something white powdery and illegal. But it is not. It is a powder when mixed with water makes an amazing skin brightening and tightening face mask. The women use this beauty find that is handed down from generations.

Wishing  I were back in the Orient I had a craving for Dim Sum (Chinese Brunch) that is in some places served all day. I adore the owner,staff and food at Orchids Garden. So, authentic and delightful! About 8 MINUTES from the Las Vegas strip. They serve it on hot oven carts. So delicious and you won’t break the bank.

Shopping in Las Vegas is always fun. You can shop on the strip or go out and drive half an hour to an outlet mall called in Prim. They have a Tommy Bahama Outlet my husband so loves. I enjoy the H & M outlet and other discount shops.

By the airport there is also fabulous shopping experience (not just on the strip) and since I am addicted to all things containers and tidying up… The Container Store is also there! I don’t have one in my city so I try and shop one when I travel. After you’re done stop at the center and have a cocktail or go to grab a bite at The Lazy Dog restaurant. The first time I ever had sweet potato tater tots. Everything made from scratch and from the farm! Food …so fresh.

And by the way, if you’re into cannabis. They have licensed recreational dispensaries there now. It is legal.

Next time you travel ✈️ to Las Vegas check out some of these spots. You don’t need a ton of money or gamble to enjoy Las Vegas. I can’t wait to go back in a few months.

I’ve always had a beautiful experience!