Winter Skin Rx

So by now, many of you non-makeup up wearers are LOVING your easy new makeup routine right?! RIGHT!?!?! Ok well, we trust that you are. ;) Another issue we have been hearing lots about is dryness....even for those with oily skin - and no wonder! This year's record setting artic blasts are enough to take even La Mer to task.

Here are some essentials for whipping winter skin back into shape...(keyword: MOISTURE):


1. Water - ahhh...Mother Nature's greatest gift never fails to deliver. While a good moisturizer is key to Giving Good Face, so is hydrating from the inside out. Not only is this precious gift great for helping skin look and feel its best, it is also great for hair too. Just like your skin, your hair also needs moisture to thrive so why not start from within. Trying to shed those post-holiday pounds? Water makes an excellent "hunger buster". For a fat burning effect, try adding fresh lemon slices (or freshly squeezed lemon juice) to your water - it has the same impact as eating a 1/2 of grapefruit because of the citric acid!

2. Moisturizer - In addition to hydrating your skin from the inside, having a really good moisturizer on-hand helps quench thirsty skin. Clinique's Moisture Surge Thirst Relief is just what the doctor ordered. This lightweight, non-greasy, cream-gel smooths fine lines and banishes flakey dryness. The cream-gel formula is quickly absorbed by skin - leaving a silky smooth texture and making it a cinch to apply makeup over it. Blemishes got you nervous about giving this hydrating wonder a try? Rest easy - it is known to help fight breakouts too! If your skin requires a more heavy duty cream formula, check out Moisture Surge Thirst Relief's Cousin - Moisture On-Line.

3. Mask It! - As we have mentioned before, some of the best remedies for hydrating wind-whipped skin can be found in your kitchen (or local grocer if you are like us and hear an echo when you open your fridge). Avocado not only makes for excellent "guac", it is very hydrating and provides intense moisture to dry skin. Here is a quick & easy "Rich Avocado Facial" recipe courtesy of "Natural Beauty at Home" by Janice Cox:

• 1 Tbsp ripe avocado, mashed
  

• 1 Tsp honey


• 3 drops apple cider vinegar


• A little sesame oil

Mix the first three ingredients and add enough sesame oil to create a spreadable consistency. Smear on with clean hands. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and pat skin dry. If desired, finish off with a light application of rosewater (spritz it on and gently pat in or apply it with a cotton pad) to tone, then apply moisturizer.

Credits: Clinique Laboratories, LLC.

New Year...New You

Many clients have told us they skip make-up as part of their daily routine because they: (a) do not have the time and/or (b) do not know where to begin. We think the following sets are a perfect way to put "Add Make-Up to Daily Routine" on their New Year's "To Do" lists (aka New Year's Resolutions for those who make them).

Cargo's "7 in 7" helps you Give Good Face in a snap! Designed to "...get you gorgeous in 7 steps in under 7 minutes", this kit is packed with the following "can't miss" glam essentials:

• OneBase lightweight concealer and foundation;
• Essential Eye Shadow Palette - each part of the eye lid is imprinted on each color for "can't miss" application & and includes an easy to follow diagram;
• High Pigment Eye Pencil - rich in color, helping eyes really "pop";
• LashActivator mascara - gives lashes extra volume & length;
• BeachBlush - combining blush and bronzer for that "from within" glow;
• Reverse Lip Liner - to help give thinner lips a fuller pout; and
• Classic Lip Gloss with Timestrip technology - non-sticky & paraben free, this silky smooth gloss nourishes lips, while the Timestrip technology lets you know when it is time to "toss the gloss" and get a new one.

"7 in 7" is available in "Light Medium", "Warm Medium", and "Dark Medium". While we do not think the Reverse Lip Liner is great for all skin tones, or is necessary for all lips, we think this package is overall worth the investment. Not sure if you want to commit to the full package? Check out the the mini version available at Ulta.

The Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection is touted as "an all-inclusive kit that includes nine [9] essential shadows for all-over lid color, highlighting, smudging, and more" and we agree! Complete with: color-rich, long wearing eyeshadows; 3 easy to follow "How To" cards for creating 3 flawless & easy natural looks; and a double sided brush/wand, your eyes will go from drap to fab in a blink! The "pure pigment" formula of the eyeshadows allow for effortless blending so you have no excuse for not adding this collection to your beuty bag.

Credits: Cargo Cosmetics Corp.; Two Faced Cosmetics, Inc.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

We would like to take a minute to wish each of you a very safe and Happy New Year! Remember to drink lots of water and that mildly brewed caffeinated tea bags are a quick & easy fix to those late night party eyes! :)

Here's to all the best this New Year holds.

Cin Cin!

B.F.F.: Beautiful.Flawless.Face. Make-up Artistry