Women’s Health June 2013

Picks for the summer -

Essie Nail Polish in Naughty Nautical and in The Cab-Ana

Tarte LipSurgence in Enchanted

ClariSEA Sea Salt Solutions Beachy WAves Salt Spray

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat

MCMC Fragances Noble Perfume Oil

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Chilled on Ice

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

Herbs to the Rescue

“Rosemary - Sniff IT - researchers found that cognitive performances improves when a compound in the herb’s oil is absorbed into blood. So put a few drops of rosemary essential oil into an aroma diffuser.

Lavender - Eat IT - taking a daily supplement containing the plant’s oil may reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

Mint - Chew IT - chewing spearmint gum can reduce daytime sleepiness, without the jitteriness caused by coffee”

First Aid Skin Rescue Purifying Mask with Red Clay

In 20 minutes, this promises to detoxify, reduce pores, and control excess oil according to the product’s website. The mask has is enriched with red clay that draws out impurities and purifies the complexion while improving the skin’s texture. The mask was very easy to use but like most masks, it could get a bit messy. While, the paraben, sulfate, and phthalate free mask promised instant results like a professional treatment, I noticed no such thing. Yes, my face was smoother, softer and brighter but my dark spots were still there. Don’t get me wrong, it is a great product, but I don’t think it works like a professional treatment but it does get the job done.

Juara Tiare Jasmine Tea Bath and Shower Gel

The sweet jasmine tea scented body is enriched with extracts of green, white, and black teas to soothe and calm skin.  The body wash is both sulfate and paraben free and employs natural cleansers to soften and moisturize skin. While the body wash was a sweet treat to use, I noticed I couldn’t get much of lather. I didn’t bother using it as a bubble bath as it wouldn’t really lather well when I was using a loofah. Although, I did notice that it did leave my skin silky soft. While, I love the scent, I don’t think I would buy this again because I love when my shower gels give a luxurious lather than envelope me.

Julep Nail Polish - Tracy

One coat :)

The texture nail polish is supposed to be the color of the ocean.  While it is sparkly it does have a dull shine about it though. [They recommend using a top coat to give it a shiny finish] I used two coats to get the full coverage effect.  I did it get some smudges while applying the nail polish and a few chips after 2 hours of applying the nail polish.  But other than that, the polish lasted for another 3 days before I had to redo it.

Cosmopolitan February 2014

Dress for Every Body Type

Pear Shape - Dresses that are fitted on top and A line on the bottom. Dark pants will slim your lower half. Heels elevate your curves to bombshell level.

Straight Up and Down - peplums create the illusion of a slender waist and curves. A strong shouldered blazer or top does the same by drawing the eye up and out. Avoid dresses without structure unless they are short. Your legs are the best asset, so show them off!

Athletic - bias cut skirts, and tops with wide straps. Soft, fluid fabrics keep strong bodies from looking too masculine. A bias cut dress generally lies flat across the tummy.

Apple - Skirts and dresses with a roomy or flowy lower half, hitting either midthigh or at the shin. They hide tummy, rear-end, and upper thigh issues. Pair with wedges, platforms, or stacked heels to balance out the proportions of your body.

3 New Ways to Use Dry Shampoo

1. Spray it all over for extra volume and body

2. Smooth winter hat dents. Just spray and rub.

3. Disguise root-y highlights. White hued hair powder adds ashiness.

Cosmopolitan April 2014

Late for Work? Getting Ready Quickly

At Home : Prep -

1. Quench skin - your skin’s desperate for a drink - especially if you skimped on sleep, which leaves skin parched

2. Look Alive - rehydrate dry, bloodshot eye with drops before bringing potentially irritating eye makeup anywhere near them.

3. Wake up your face - liquid foundation reverses the look of tired almost instantly. Dot it in the center of your face, and blend outward.

4. Perk up with peach - coral blush masks dullness. Cream formulas melt into foundations and can be dabbed on as you brush your teeth.

5. Work with bedhead - mist hair with texturizing spray, and throw it into a side braid. It looks good in public and sets the scene for a more stylish, work appropriate look later.

At Work: Polish

1. Add dimensions - pay creamy highlighter onto the tops of your cheekbones and lids. It attracts light, hiding dullness and shadow. Bonus - cheekbones look higher without a lot of effort.

2. Keep it simple and smudgy - double ended shadow liners let you create subtle definition with a pencil or shadow filled sponge tip. Finish with mascara.

3. Bring out the balm - busy morning are all about tinted lip balms - they are quick and comforting and require less precision than lipstick.

4. Finish your style - undo the braid, tousle texture with your fingers, and blast roots with dry shampoo for extra volume.

5. Scent yourself - keep a fresh, work - friendly fragrance at your desk for days when perfuming yourself at home is the last thing on your mind.

Allure March 2014

Homemade DIY Spa Treatments

Lemon Face Scrub - mix a tablespoon of lemon juice with a tablespoon of sugar. Scrub in circles, then wipe clean with a damp towel.

Honey and yogurt face mask  - mix a half cup of plain yogurt with a quarter cup of honey, smooth it onto your face, and let it sit for ten minutes. Honey is a fabulous antibacterial and probiotics in yogurt calms and brighten skin when it gets blotchy.

Oatmeal bath soak - puree a cup of rolled oats in a blender until the mixture is as fine as sand. Fill your tub with warm water [not hot water because it will dry skin more] and the oats, then soak.

5 Ways to Use Nivea Creme

1. Makeup remover - massaged into skin and rubbed off with a cloth or cotton ball, the cream removes even matte lipstick, and lip stain, as well as waterproof eye shadow and liner.

2. Shoe polish - dab a small amount of cream on an tissue and use it to buff your leather goods. But don’t use it on soft leather, such as kidskin and calfskin, as it could stain.

3. Styling cream - rub a tiny dab between your palms and run it through your hair to tame flyaways.

4. Primer - before applying cream blush, rub a pea size drop of the creme on your cheeks. It will give a more natural finish.

5. Cuticle Cream - the formula contains glycerin and lanolin to moisturize and create a barrier on the skin.

Marie Claire March 2014

Rock Your Career in 3 Steps or Less

1. Ask Yourself: Would I Do This For Free

2. Maximize Your Afters Hours  - find something you are passionate about and it may grow into something more

3. Don’t Quit Your Day Job Just Yet until you are really ready and emotionally ready.