BASIC MAKEUP TIPS

1. Foundation:  Your makeup foundation should always match your skin tone.  One way to test this out is to try a small amount of yellow based foundation and a small amount of pink foundation to see which one stays on longer and stays natural.  Another way to test and see which colors match your skin tone, is to try a cheaper brand.  Stores such as the Dollar Store and drugstores carry cheaper brands that will not break your  pocket, especially when you are just testing products.  For oily skin, you should use an oil free foundation.  If you have dry or normal skin, try using a creamy moisturizing formula.
2. Covering Up Dark Circles:  When trying to cover dark circles, use a concealer a shade slightly lighter than your foundation.  you need to apply foundation first and then concealer under the eyes and then the inner area.
3. Eyeshadow:  Before applying, put a little foundation or powder under the eye lid.  I personally use concealer as a base.
4. Mascara:  Roll brush upwards when you apply mascara.  Let dry before adding a second coat. 
5. Lips:  Use a lip liner or pencil and that matches your lipstick/lipgloss.  Do not go outside the lines of your lips. 

CELEB HALLE BERRY INSPIRED LOOK! BY THE WAY SHE TURNS 45 TODAY! WOW!!!

Here is a look at Halle Berry's outfit. I am going to tell you about what she

is wearing and how much you would spend to achieve this look. I think this is a very cute and relaxing outfit and she doesn't look like she is going on the runway. Just looks like she is having a casual shopping day.

The sweater is a Costa Blanca sweater $48.50! costablanca.ca It is actually hooded as well. The tank top you can find on ebay or amazon. Here is a picture of a gray tank I found on ebay. But feel free to choose your own style. www.ebay.com

I do not know what kind of jeans she is wearing, however through much research I found these jeans that look close to pair she is wearing. Skinny stone washed jeans. The designer is Joe's Jeans. They can be found at shopbop.com for around $69.

The shoes that she is wearing is unknown but I found some on shoebuy.com that would look great with this outfit. Very low heel, leather. Looks very comfortable. Price around $75

The purse that she is wearing is not really visible on this picture but this grey hobo I found from raincollection.com would look great to complete this outfit. Cost $49.99. Don't forget to finish the outfit with matching accessories and strut your stuff by putting on your favorite shades!

Thanks for looking at my Celebrity inspired outfit. If you desire to have this look at find your own things and put it together to look like this send me a video. I would love to see it. Toodles!

WHAT FOODS WILL HELP KEEP YOUR HAIR SHINY, FULL, AND HEALTHY?

Your body thrives certain nutrients, and so does your hair. To achieve the shiniest and healthiest hair, chose foods that are packed with nutrients.

In this blog, I am going to tell you what nutrients I found, upon thorough research and some experience of some of these foods that help achieve shiny and healthy hair.

1. Protein-foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and dairy products are high in protein. Vegetarians can get their protein from soybeans, seeds, and nuts.
2. Beta Carotene-encourages hair growth and helps prevent hair loss. Can be found in fruits and vegetables, especially orange ones for ex. carrots.
3. Vitamin A-nourishes the scalp. Many orange fruits such as cantaloupe, apricots, squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots, as well as broccoli, are good sources of vitamin A.
4. B Vitamins- (B Complex Vitamins)- promotes hair growth and prevents loss and breakage. Vitamin B3(niacin) nourishes hair follicles, Vitamins B, B6, and B12 prevent hair loss and premature graying. Can be found in meat such as beef, poultry, eggs, whole grains, beans, sunflower seeds, peas, nuts, leafy green vegetables, and fortified breads and cereals.
5. Biotin-use if your scalp is itchy and scaly. Meats, fish, eggs, dairy foods, nuts, whole grains and molasses are where these vitamins can be found.
6. Vitamin C-helps your body absorb iron and also helps keep your hair from breaking. Also promotes hair growth. All Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, lemons, etc. are high in vitamin c.
7. Vitamin E-encourages hair growth. Includes green vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, beans, nuts, and avocados.
8. Vitamin K-promotes hair health. Vitamin K is found in seafood, eggs, liver, dairy products, green vegetables, figs, cabbage, oatmeal, yogurt, and wheat.
9. Para-Aminobenzoic Acid-limits gray hair from growing. Can be found in liver, mushrooms, yeast, molasses, spinach and whole grains.
10. Minerals-promotes hair growth and prevents breakage. Found in unprocessed foods such as meat, seafood, nuts, liver, rice, oats, and cucumbers. Organic foods are high in minerals.

The material used in this blog are for educational purposes only. The tips and advice should not be used in the place of medical advice. Please consult with your physician concerning any diagnosis of treatment.

MY 3 FAVORITE SUMMER 2011 TRENDS

One of my favorite 2011 Summer Trends is the Maxi Dress! These dress are long, comfortable, and just down right adorable. The one thing about these dresses is that you can dress them up or down. If you are going some place fancy, you just add the added accessories and the right shoe and your're ready to go. So yes! This is my number one pick for my favorite trend. I sure hope the Maxi Dress stays around awhile!

My second favorite 2011 Summer Trend is the all in one romper. Another relaxing and comfortable fit. Great for a hot summer day outside.

Third, but not least just the plain white Tee with skinny jeans. This is really an all time favorite. I really do not think this style will never go away. This too can be dressed up or down. Throw on your boyfriend cardigan or blazer jacket and a nice pair of heels or just your favorite pair of tennis shoes. This outfit is very versatile.

This concludes my 3 favorite fashion trends for the Summer of 2011. Let me know what your favorites are! Feel Free to comment below.

What do you think about the "Pony Tail?"

What do you think about pony tails? Do you think of pony tails as something boring or a thing of the past? Well think again because pony tails have been around since before most of you were even born! I will always love the pony tail look. I think it will be around as long as we are on this earth. Celebrities such as Beyonce, Tyra Banks, Janet Jackson, Mary, Mary, and many more sport the "pony tail" on the red carpet. Different celebrities have their own version or style to the pony tail and I will show you a few. Create your own personal pony tail style and place your picture on the comment section. You may just be featured in my next blog!

The "Sheer Nude Lip"

When choosing the shade for your color skin, remember that your lip color is as important as your skin tone. If your smile is usually a bright, rosy color, go for the beige cream mix. If your lips are closer to your natural skin color, then your color will be a pink or coral. If you chose taupe, sometimes that will make your skin look like you do not have lips. If your lips are always or sometimes chapped, exfoliate with a gentle sugar scrub. Video coming soon on how to make your own exfoliate at home with some natural household items.

Dancing For Weight Loss

Dancing can help you lose weight, but not a substantial amount. Dancing is light, physical activity. Unlike exercise, dancing fails to provide any resistance or serious challenge to the muscles.

Another critical aspect of weight loss is the proper diet. You can not depend on exercise alone to lose weight.

Dancing is great, but it can be included as an activity other than workouts. Dancing can help you relax and keep extra fat out when combined with exercise.

Different types of dances help develop different kinds of muscles. For example, Salsa, requires your lower body to be stronger and muscular. While, the Flamenco requires foot work, hands, and torso twisting. There are different forms of dances like latin, classical, hiphop, jazz, freestyle, pole, and much more. An hour of a dance session can help you burn 200-400 calories, where as running for an hour can help you burn more than 600 calories an hour.

Thanks for reading!

Pedicures

Almost 50% of women between the ages of 18-49 have received a professional pedicure before the age of 25.

Pedicure Do's

• It is best to schedule a pedicure in the morning.
• Bring your pedicure utensils to the salon. If the utensils are not properly sanitized, bacteria and fungus can move from person to person.
• Use a pumice stone, foot file, or exfoliating scrub. After soaking feet in warm water for at least five minutes.
• Use a toenail clipper. Manicure scissors and fingernail clippers can increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
• Use an emery board. File lightly in 1 direction.
• Apply an emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep soles soft.
• Use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure stick to gently push back cuticles.
• Use fingernail polish to paint toenails.

Myth's Concerning Beauty that is True??? Or is It?

As I was reading several articles concerning beauty looking for a blog to write about, I came across a very interesting article. The article was about myths concerning beauty that are not necessarily true, or is it? According to Cosmopolitan.com, these are 3 myths that are totally false:

1. Eating Chocolate and greasy foods makes you break out. According to New York City's dermatologist, Diane Berson, the only foods that may exacerbate acne are sushi, shellfish, and soy sauce. These all contain high amounts of iodine, which has been linked to inflammation and breakouts.
2. Dry Skin Causes Wrinkles. Wrinkles from collagen breaks down far below the surface of the skin which is right where dry skin occurs. Moisturizers can improve the appearance of lines, though by temperature, plumping the parched skin around them. Sun exposure is the #1 cause of collagen degeneration. It is suggested that if you looking for a good wrinkle protection, look for one with sunscreen and an anti-aging antioxidant like Vitamin C.
3. Cold water will shrink your pores. Cold water constricts blood vessels so skin only feels tighter according to Dr. Hirsh. When pores are clogged with oil and dead skin, they look bigger. A product with salicylic acid cleans them out. Pores also stretch when you lose collagen. Sun breaks down collagen, so wear Sunscreen.

Hope this article was very informative for you. As always consult your physician for any major questions you make have. These are the opinions of the above mentioned as well as me and are not necessarily true.

Is Your Makeup Making You Sick???

You'll be surprised to discover the ugly creatures that live in your beauty products. Find out what you need to do to fight these germs and look great.

Microorganisms can live in your cosmetics creating unhealthy conditions that can make you sick and not to mention, ruin your skin!

Among the most common bad guys found in makeup is Staphylococcus Epidermis (staph infection), the cold sore causing strain of herpes and mold.

Some of the things to consider are:

1. Thinking twice about testers
2. Don't double up
3. Start with a clean slate and wash your hands
4. Give your brushes a bath
5. Know the signs of makeup contamination
6. Learn to let go

I will include a video to explain this article. This is just a summary.