Jet January 6th, 2014

A Change of Mind

1. Ban toxic individuals from your life or minimize your time spent around their negativity.  Don't eliminate someone just because they tell you what you need to hear - versus what you want to hear.

2. Reframe the way you see yourself. Belittling beliefs can get you stuck in a cycle of destructive habits. Make two columns. In one, write down any self defeating thoughts and in the other, write positive notions that counteract your first list of opinions. Repeat these affirmations when self-doubt invades your consciousness.

3. Tame your emotional responses. The person who angers you, owns you. Try not to make important decisions when you’re sad or at the end of your rope. Give yourself at least 10 minutes to pause before responding to intense situations.

4.  Center yourself when stressed or anxious. Pray or do active meditation such as tai chi or walking. Focus a corner of your pysche on one simple thing while taking deep, cleansing breaths. Most of us breathe about 14 to 16 times a minute. That’s entirely too fast. It makes the body think we’re in a danger.

5. Perform a mental rehearsal. Stop thinking the worst before it even happens. Instead, close your eyes for a few minutes. Go through detailed scenarios and visualize successful outcomes.

6. Start a journal and set goals along the way. At the end of the week, assess your progress. Give yourself credit for how far you’ve come. If you fall short, identify a theme in how you responded or didn’t respond. Next, create a series of small action steps you can take a break that chain.

I found this article extremely helpful. I been trying to do some of these steps, but find it hard to keep doing it. Sometimes, I feel like I am just stuck, but I realize it just a phase and things will get better! I hope this article helps you as much as it did for me.

Julep Nail Polish - Aisha

This wildberry purple creme goes streaky but provides  full coverage. I am not sure if I got a bad batch as the color was stringy coming out, was hard to apply, and took forever to dry. Although, it is a really nice winter color.

Carmex Everyday Healing Lip Balm Jar

Every winter like clockwork I get cold sores from the blistering cold and harsh winds. The menthol and camphor soothes my dry lips and the pain from cold sores. With a cult following for over 75 years, the iconic lip balm softens, hydrates and smooths lips.  After stocking up on Carmex lip balm, I am ready to brave the winter madness!

Stila Lip Glaze - Hibiscus

The twist click pen is packed with vitamins A, C, and E and promises to repair dry lips while imparting a sheer color on lips. The Hibiscus is a sheer berry shade infused with golden pearl flecks. After the sweet scented gloss wore off, my lip were still soft and smooth.

Greenleaf Starlight Votive Candle

With the holiday fun behind us but the money stress piling up, it is the perfect time to take some time to relax. I usually like lighting a candle and either relax in a bath and letting the stress melt away or curling in bed with a new book. When I opened the candle and left it in a votive holder, the scent filled the room even before I let the candle. I notice the scent was pretty potent in the beginning but after a couple uses the scent was not as strong. The 15-hour votive candle is a blend of soy and vegetable waxes with a scent of fruits, citrus, mint and white musk. Close your eyes and imagine the city lights dimming and the bright starlights showering down on you while you indulge in your favorite pastime.

Allure January 2014

How to Make Your Foundation Last

1. Build your base - moisturizing is important because foundation collects on dry spots; choose a lightweight lotion that absorbs completely. If you have oily skin, you can skip it. Give it five minutes to sink in, the apply primer. Some formulas are actually too smooth, and foundation slides off. Find a primer that’s slightly tacky even after it dries.

2. Use your liquid assets - I get the best results from opaque liquid foundation. Powder makes a dry, cakey mess, and creams look heavy and settle into fine lines. Anything too sheer just won’t last very long.

3. Start with less - full coverage foundation lasts longer  and looks better when you’re stingy. That’s because whatever doesn’t make direct contact with the skin will slip, slide, and crease. I apply it in thin layers using a flat top kabuki brush. Start with a  dot on the forehead, one on each cheek and another on the chin, then buff it over the entire face and neck. Stipple another layer over any blemishes.

4. Powder sparingly - it’s true that powder set foundation, but it can change the color and settle into creases. I use translucent powder so the foundation shade stays true, and I apply it to the center of the face only.  That allows light to catch on the brow bone and cheekbones and gives the face a bit of a glow.

Redbook January 2014

Dress for your shape

1. Flattery trick: Ruching - gathered fabric drapes  forgiving over full hips and thighs and a larger bust, while also makes a stick-straight figure look more womanly.

2. Flattery trick: fit-and-flare - the feminine silhouette also gives boyish figures a defined waist and balances broader shoulders and large busts.

3. Flattery trick: panels - a pattern in the middle and a solid on the sides draws the gaze inward, sleekening fuller bodies and creating the illusion of curves on straight ones.

Cream blushes to try-

Photo Credit - Topshop, Topshop Make Up Blush in Flush

Photo Credit - NYX Cosmetics, NYX Cosmetics Rouge Cream Blush in Red Cheeks

Photo Credit -  Stila, Stila Convertible Color in Fuchsia

Photo Credit -  Target, Sonia Kashuk Creme Blush in Rosey

Black tea revitalized your skin. Make ice cubes of brewed black tea then rubs one all over his face weekly, the tannins clarify skin.