FOR THE LOVE OF SEAWEED

When I was a little girl my family and I would vacation at the Jersey shore while my siblings were making sandcastles and digging in the sand I would take seaweed from the ocean and wrap my arms, legs and tummy with it and lay in the sun! I guess even at a young age I was on to the wonders and healing powers of life giving Seaweed.

Seaweed and algaes are unique in the fact that they reside in the dense marine environment that both protects them from harsh UV rays as well as provides a simple filtration system, with these two factors present they are able to to thrive, flourish and sustain their potent content of minerals and nutrients, Vit A, E, K, Copper and Zinc just to highlight a few.

The other unique fact to the almighty Seaweed is how it exists in a dual environment of high and low tides, during these tide fluctuations the same seaweed plants are protected by cold marine waters and then exposed to environmental pollutants, UV rays and bacteria - similar aggressors that our skin have to deal with, as a result of these dual environments the seaweed develops qualities to maintain hydration, protection against the cold environment and free radicals that can cause damage.  It is these qualities that makes Seaweed an ideal ingredient for maintaining healthy skin and treating skin conditions.

WHAT CAN SEAWEED DO FOR THE HEALTH OF THE SKIN?

-increased hydration, retains water in the dermis

-stimulates collagen production

-plumps the skin

-firms the skin

-provides both instant and long lasting results

-smooths wrinkles and fine lines
-creates stronger and more resilient skin
-mimics human plasma, nourishes and fortifies skin
-deliveries trace minerals to cells, tissues and layers of skin
-assists in delivering oxygen to the cells, tissues and layers of the skin

WHAT SKIN TYPE CAN USE SEAWEED?

All skin types can benefit from the life giving almighty Seaweed!!! Seaweed has so many wonderful strenghtening qualities that not only is it potent for repairing mature and damaged skin but is a great ingredient to utilize in recovery based skin care - recovery from long term use of medication or treatments like chemotherapy or dailies. It is wonderful at treating post acne skin types, assisting it in regenerating healthy and stronger skin cells, feeding the skin with oxygen fortified blood and nutrients that can aid in the healing process.
In terms of use in your skin care routine my professional suggestion
is to add this wonder ingredient into your booster or serum step. I suggest this due to the high power concentration of the minerals and nutrients in the Seaweed, serums are formulated with smaller size molecules to penetrate deeper into the skin yielding a higher impact result.

A WORD ABOUT HARVESTING SEAWEED...

When looking into purchasing Seaweed based products always consider the method of harvesting and the quality of the raw plant material. The most effective method in terms of maintaining the integrity of the plant would be the freeze dried method. This process uses cold as oppose to heat, which can interfere with the potency, to remove all the water from the plant leaving the dry matter an almost all of it precious ingredient content.

Sea Flora and the  are some of my favorite Seaweed based products on the market...I die for the Sea Therapy  Recovery Facial Gel!

https://sea-flora.com/seafloraproducts/sea-therapy-recovery-facial-gel

DIY SEAWEED FACIAL MASK

mix 2 tablespoons of kelp powder with 1 tablespoon of water, mix well until you get a paste

add juice from 1 aloe leaf, mix all together

apply to face and neck for 10-20 minutes, rinse off with warm water, pat dry and follow with moisturizer 

As always its been my pleasure to share with you....

MY SUMMER SURVIVAL MUST HAVES...

The summer time takes on a whole different energy and brings a whole lot of fun.

 With a busy summer schedule of traveling and running all around I like to keep a kit of essentials to keep my skin balanced, healthy and looking its best....

My perfect summer skin care is a mix of simple yet effective products and natural bright make up that can go from day to night with ease....

It is my pleasure to share with you...

SMASHBOX LIP GLOSS "HEAT WAVE" SET

These 4 mini glosses are the perfect shades of deep fuchsia, natural pink, trending orange and sun kissed copper. The texture is loving to the lips, glides on easy and is long lasting.  My summer make up look is always more natural with pops of color on my cheeks and lips...if you have been following me you know I think the best way to transition from day to night is a pop of color on the lip...I love this set not only for the colors but the are small enough to toss TWO in your purse so your options are endless!

TARTE  BLUSH IN NATURAL BEAUTY

For years I lusted after the perfect bright pink cheek, I tried many different shades until I found this one. 

It is a get up and go color, you can brush on the smallest amount with no other make up and have a natural pink glow to give just enough to feel fabulous. Add to a healthy sun kissed face and you will be amazed...a little bit goes a long way with this bright color. TIP..I prefer to make a "fish or kissing" face when I apply blush as oppose to smiling and applying to apples of my cheeks, the skin stretches a bit more and the blush lays on better and looks more natural.

WELEDA ROSE LIP BALM

 A summer survival must have, the most perfect texture that will never leave your lips to waxy or too glossy feeling. Its a perfect primer for your favorite gloss and necessity pool or beach side to keep the lips hydrated and protected.

PANGEA FACIAL MASK

After 13 years in this industry this mask is still my favorite at home treatment mask. 

I use it a few different ways to balance my summer skin...if I had had to much sun exposure on my face(yes it even happens to me)10-15 minutes of this mask is a great way to sooth and hydrate the traumatized skin. A must have post long or short flights to counter balance the effects plans have on the skin, its usually one of first things I do once I get settled. This mask is formulated with Seaweed, Matcha Green Tea and Goji Berry to replenish, rejuvenate, hydrate and fortify the skin.

It may be the last at home mask you EVER buy!

ESSIE NAIL POLISH "PENNY TALK"

A new color in Essie's summer collection its a great blend of gold and copper to add to your bronzed beauty look. As a career women I love this color because it can easily transfer into a professional look...work hard play hard!!!!

BADGER BALM SOOTHING AFTER SUN CARE BALM

I discovered this amazing healing balm about 5 summers ago and have stocked up every summer since. Formulated with nourishing oils, healing butters and botanical extracts, it is the perfect after sun balm for all over your body to sooth, hydrate and repair the skin. I like to apply it while my skin is still a bit wet from my shower and massage in vigorously to penetrate deep into the skin. It has a wonderful herbal smell and is TSA friendly at 2 ozs.

B KAMINS C RESVERATROL SERUM

One of my main focuses for my summer skin is protection. Vit C is a well know antioxidant that protects your skin and skin cells from free radical damage which can lead to premature aging, lines and wrinkles. This serum is a powerhouse combination of Vit C, Resveratrol extract from the skin of grapes, Acia and Goji Berry as well as Hyloronic Acid and Peptides to strengthen and fortify the skin.  Just 3-5 drops in the morning under my moisturizer gives my not only the benefits of the ingredients but  the Vit C also gives a instant amazing glow.

EMIENCE STONE CROP BODY LOTION

This is the most amazing smelling, perfectly textured and long lasting body lotion. One of my pet peeves is when body lotions doesn't absorb into the skin and just sits on the surface...ugh...especially in the summer time! Stone Crop is a cactus that has wonderful benefits for sensitive and hyper-pigmented skin, although this is not my particular skin type and may not be yours the Stone Crop works to give the skin a natural even tone.

With just a few adjustments to your summer regimen you can have perfect, natural, balanced and protected skin that does not take a lot of work.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL AMAZING AND MAGIAL!!!

TIPS FOR BRIDES TO BE ON THE BIG DAY!!!!!

Bridal season is defiantly upon us, I myself have 5 to attend between now and August!!! I love a good wedding, the love, the celebration, the family and friends and the chance to put on a stunning dress and cut loose! Just this past weekend I had the pleasure of of being a maid of honor to my amazing sister Renea, it was the most perfect day....but of course had its hectic moments day of just making sure everything was in place.  As I prepared not only my sister for the wedding but also my mom and the flower girl as well as myself it dawned on me to share just a few easy does it day of tips to be sure you can be your most absolute self!

-- KNOW YOUR BEST FEATURES...getting your make up done is a wonderful idea it is one less thing you have to worry about plus its a great way to allow yourself to relax and get pampered.  Remember wedding make up is done to be photographed the best so be sure to know your best features.  Use illuminating colors to open up your face, reflect the natural light and help you look alert all day! Don't be afraid to pop your lips and bring in bold color that way, brush some of your face powder lightly over your lips to extend the look. Be sure to prime the skin around your eyes so the eye color stays in place and the skin under the eyes does not look dark or grey, a light illuminating pencil will reflect the light around and under the eyes. Again, know your best features and work with those, stay away from color palettes that close the face up and any make up that may leave a sticky feel to the skin. 

--MORE IS BETTER...its always the simple things that seem to be forgotten on the big day, something even as simple a moisturizing your body. Moisturizing not only alleviates dry ashy looking skin but also smooths the texture, look and feel. Apply a generous amount of body lotion right after you shower, this application will hydrate the skin and give it suppleness, apply a second lighter application about an hour later to smooth the look of the skin. Finally right after you put on your dress have someone else apply a final lite coat with light feather like strokes to the areas that are exposed...this final application will give the skin a illuminating reflective like glow! And make it super soft and silky to the touch! OH and a light dusting of your favorite bronzer on your shoulders and decollete adds a brilliant touch.

--IT ONLY TAKE 10 MINUTES...take a few minutes the morning of the big day before of after your shower to use your favorite mask for as little as 10 minutes. Be sure its a mask you are familiar with and how it will effect your skin. Stay away from masks that may be drying or contain AHAs, use one that will smooth, hydrate and brighten the skin. It will be an instant pick me up, create a smoother texture to the skin, your make up will lay on beautifully and you will fresh refreshed! 

Although these sound quite simple and somewhat obvious its being sure you pay attention to the little things that will go a long way. Everyday should be about you and the love you cultivate for yourself, but on your wedding day it is more then ever ALL ABOUT YOU and the countless ways you ADORE YOURSELF!

SPRING TIME BODY PREP...BIKINI BODY READY!!!

Greeting loves! I don't know about you but I am getting ready for my summer, with lots of mini trips planned there will be multiply bikini outings and I am getting my body bikini ready!!!! Beyond diet and exercise this is also the time of the year I start to shed my winter skin and prep it for the warmer months ahead.  I like to step up my exfoliation routine and add a few more steps to help smooth the texture of my skin.  The recipes below are easy and can be made with ingredients from your local health food store and/or your kitchen, they don't take much time at all and make you feel like a Queen!

SALT OR SUGAR GLOW

2 CUPS COARSE SEA SALT OR BROWN CANE SUGAR

1/2 CUP GRAPESEED OR OLIVE OIL

OR

1/2 CUP WATER

6-8 drops of essential oil of choice(optional)

place all ingredients in a bowl and exfoliate the entire body from toes to chest. Shower off, apply additional body oil or moisturizer if desired. 

can be done 3-5 times a week, is a prep step before big events or potential bronzing activities!

CELLULITE BODY WRAP

8 DROPS OF GRPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL

2 DROPS EACH OF THYME, FENNEL, LAVENDER, GERANIUM & JUNIPER BERRY ESSENTIAL OIL

2 CUPS ALMOND OIL

CELLOPHANE OR SARAN WRAP

turn up the heat in your bathroom or bedroom, mix all ingredients together in a squirt bottle, exfoliate skin using a dry brush or loofah, knead oil mixture generously into legs, thighs, arms and bootie. avoid face and neck. wrap your arms and legs with the cellophane or saran wrap from the bottoms up. sit comfortably for 20 minutes, remove wrapping and shower off with cool water. 

can be done 1-3 times a week

COFFEE GROUND SCRUB

EQUAL PARTS COFFEE GRINDS & WATER TO MAKE A SCRUB

best done in the sauna or steam room or even a heated bathroom. scrub areas of the body that present with fat deposits or cellulite in circle like motions. be sure not ot over scrub or irritate the skin. rinse off in cool shower.

can be done 1-3 times a week

Prevention and maintenance of the skin is more then half the the battle, if you can get these into your routine you will be thanking me!

Hope to see many of you poolside!

I adore you...you should too!

SPRING MAKE UP TRENDS....get sprung!!!!

Hello Loves....spring has sprung for sure!!!! I love this time of the year, flowers and trees are all in bloom, we get to dust off our favorite lighter fabrics and shoes, get ready to start new projects and shed what may no longer be serving us....and for me I love to step into spring with bold brigth colors and fun new expressive make up. SO LIBERATING SO FUN!

TOP 5 TRENDING SPRING MAKE UP LOOKS:

 DEEP SANGRIA LIPS AND CHEEKS....I love this as I hate to give up my bold sophisticated deep looks of the fall and winter. By using creams and glosses you can still carry over the boldness of the color on to the cheeks and lips without so much heavy pigment. Pick a sheer deep color in a cream like texture to brush  along the cheek bones to get a dewy look with just the perfect hint of pigment. A sparkle deep gloss on the lip gives you the effect of bold color without the heavy feeling of lipstick and just enough hint of glimmer to compliment the lightness of the season.

 ALL OVER BRONZE...who does not love the look of a fresh bronze goddess? Use a brown pencil to line the lid before applying a light shimmer shadow to give the eyes a perfect illuminated but not frosty look. A lite dusting of bronze on the cheeks, along the bridge of the nose center of the chin and forehead (places where the sun naturally hits) will do wonders for your natural golden summer look. We are seeing a lot of pale natural shimmery lips on the red carpet this season, this look is a great way to stay natural looking with a twist and to step up your look. Use a natural pencil to fill in the soft edges and the lips, bolt and fill in with your favorite shimmer lip....to make that look last longer lightly brush your face powder over the lips to make that lipstick stick!

TWO TONED NAILS....the classic french manicure is getting an update! Two toned pink and red nails are fun, sexy and hot this season. Use a basic opaque pink as your base with a tip of your favorite red, orange, fuschia, berry or grapefruit shade to give your ordinary mani a trending look. A great mani and nail art is the perfect way to accessorize  a simple spring look.

THE ORANGE EFFECT....I never imagined I could pull off this shade but now I'm addicted! The brightness of these shades give your look a warm sunny glow and does not need any help to give a big impact. Use these tones brushed lightly on the apples of your cheeks and on your eye lids...goes great with a gold liner...you will feel absolutely radiant!

FULLER THICKER DARKER BROWS...I am obsesses with brows, mine, yours and everyone elses! I am so happy to see this trend return more and more over the last few seasons. Fuller and thicker  brows frame the face and when made darker by powder or gel they truly pop off the face enhancing your full made up look or perfectly complimenting your pure natural look.

Have fun with these, make up is great way to express yourself,  uplift your mood and can add tons of dimension to any look your going for. Give yourself permission to reignite your sexy this season, find inspiration everywhere and of course be sure to ADORE YOURSELF!!!!

THE TOP INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN YOUR SKIN AND BODY CARE

Well here it is the blog post I have been promising for the last month!!!
the top ingredients to avoid...
Let me first state that ALL THESE INGREDIENTS are FDA APPROVED as well as being harmful. I have defined each ingredient below so you can see that adding them into any formulation does very little for the effectiveness of the product and can easily be done away with and/or replaced by ingredients that cause no potential harm.

1. butyled hydroxytoluene:a yellowish white crystalline solid used to prevent deterioration of mot cosmetics, eyeliners, eyeshadows, blush and foundations. declared carcinogen

2. ethyl/butyl acetate:clear liquids with fruity odors normally added to nail lacquers. toxic when inhaled
3. coal tar:black viscous liquid derived from coal used in shampoos and skin care products. declared carcinogen

4. cocoamide DEA/lauramide DEA:waxy solids used to thicken hair and skin care products, also used as a foam agent. declared carcinogen

5. diazolidinyl urea:a fine white powder used to keep hair and skin care products from spoiling, inhibits bacterial growth. is a trigger for most causes of dermatitis and skin allergies

6. formaldehyde:colorless gas dissolved in water used in nail hardening products and hair straightening products. Used in skin care as a preservative. declared carcinogen

7. parabens(methyl,ethyl,propyl,butyl):used as a preservative, inhibits bacterial and fungi growth. declared a carcinogen

8. petroleum:colorless, yellowish semi-solid that protects the skin and prevents water loss by forming a barrier. highly comedogenic

9. phthalates:used as a solubulizer, increases the texture and flexibility in personal care products. hormone disruptor

It is a general rule of thumb that you if you can not pronounce it do not put it on your skin....I subscribe to this to some extent. There is a very major difference between products that have synthesized or pharmaceutical grade ingredients verses toxic and harmful ingredients...more on that difference to follow in the future! The point I more want to stress through sharing this information is that you can choose to have to personal care products you love but not have to include toxic harmful preservatives and what I call "filler" ingredients; cheap usually toxic ingredients that enhance the texture, look and feel of the product...and essentially do nothing else. Look for alternative ingredients like Vit E and Rosemary extract that can be used as the perfect non toxic and effective preservative and nourishing butters and oils like Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil to give the product a wonderful luxurious feel and benefits your skin.
I would also encourage you all to remember that your skin in the largest organ of absorption, the average women puts 91 chemicals on her body before she leaves the house in the morning!!!! Many if not most of those are totally unnecessary....START READING YOUR LABELS of your skin and body care just like you read the labels on the food you eat.

GET SMART, GET SEXY AND STAY BEAUTIFUL!!!

MY TOP 5 SKIN CARE AND BEAUTY HABITS TO START NOW...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! IT IS TIME TO GET INTO THE GROOVE!!!!
The beginning of any new year is a great time to start and adapt new habits and routines to improve your lifestyle and quality of health, as your skin care guru here are my TOP 5 TO START NOW...and make them last forever!

1. DO NOT GO TO BED WITHOUT WASHING YOUR FACE! This may seem like a no brainier but it always surprises me the amount of both men and women who go to sleep without removing their make up and washing their faces. Not only is it essential to remove the surface debris and any build up that accumulates throughout the day but we must allow our pores to be clear and breath. As we sleep at night our skin cells "breath" rest, repair and flush out toxins, if we do not allow this process to be facilitated by clean clear pores and surface to our skin the result can be dryness, sallow or problematic skin. So even in your most tired or tipsy state I urge and encourage you to wash that beautiful face of yours!

2. OUT WITH OLD IN WITH THE NEW...Skin care and make up like anything else with a shelf life expires after a certain period. The standard with skin care is 1 YEAR OPENED 2 YEARS UN-OPENED, be mindful of how long you have had something on your shelf, once a product expires the benefits and effects will do nothing for your skin and your are essentially wasting your money. On a side note from your skin care guru if you are not using a product within a year you either don't love it enough to use or are just not using it enough to to yield a specific benefit. In terms of make up, most powder based cosmetics will tend to last till they are gone...the key is keeping your brushes clean(wash at least once a month with anti bacterial soap and allow to dry completely to avoid mold). Liquid based make up and mascara have about a 3 month shelf life, keep them out of direct light or any heat sources.

3.  MINIMIZE TO MAXIMIZE...I am true believer of having a smaller regimen that is easier to do morning and night then having tons of products in your bathroom that you are either not using enough or not really sure what they are meant for. An effective regimen should be anywhere from 1-5 steps and products: Cleanser, Exfoliant, Serum, Eye Cream and Moisturizer. I suggest supporting your local esthetician and creating a regimen that is formulated with active ingredients customized for your skin care program, work with her to prioritize what you need the most and build the rest of the regimen when you can.

4. HYDRATE TO TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME...This is a no brainer and a common theme throughout most of my skin care advice. Drinking water is essential to the most optimum function of our whole bodies and systems as well as does wonders to the look and feel of our skin. With proper hydrated skin we can absorb ingredients in our products more effectively and improve the over tone, function, respiration, texture and appearance of our skin.  Drink and be merry!!!

5. GET SMART, READ MORE...Begin reading the labels of your skin and body care products more carefully. Eliminate ingredients like alcohol, parabans and petroleum's. These are considered "filler" ingredients and do nothing to benefit the skin and take away from more active ingredients that can be delivered deeper into the skin yielding a higher result. Stay tuned or next months blog breaking down the "top ten ingredients to avoid"...the three listed above are a good place to start.

I know new habits and routines are overwhelming to start as well as to keep, my goal here is to give a few easy and beneficially tips to jump start your way into adoring the skin your in!

From my brave heart to yours I wish you  a healthy and abundant 2013!