Makeup Artist Mally Roncal on Beyoncé's Gorgeous Out Cover

Makeup Artist Mally Roncal on Beyoncé's Gorgeous Out Cover

 

 

When makeup artist Mally Roncal met Beyoncé for the very first time in 2002, she was, understandably, at a loss for words. “She walks in with this gold gown, no shoes, big ol’ curly hair, and not a stitch of makeup,” Roncal said recently at the Spring Beauty Soiree for Birchbox at the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City. “I remember going, like, ‘What do we even do to that face? How do you perfect perfection?’ It’s unbelievable.” More than a decade later, Roncal is responsible once again for perfecting perfection for Out magazine’s latest cover, which Queen B appropriately graces for their Power issue in a Marilyn Monroe–esque platinum curly bob and strands of pearls.

Roncal says her inspiration was Beyoncé herself—“There’s not a lot of faces like hers in the universe, in the stratosphere"—and the cover look was a true collaboration. "She had very strong opinions. I wanted to give her just a little more smoldering, smoky appeal.” To achieve that, Roncal did a cat eye (a ’Yoncé favorite, the makeup artist says) and contoured the lids using her Evercolor Shadow Stick in the bronzy Saddle Shimmer. No faux lashes for B either. “It’s just a lot of my Volumizing Mascara.”
For the face, Roncal says, “She already has beautiful skin, so I always try to just enhance that and just make it more healthy, sexy, and glowing.” To get the perfect sun-kissed finish, Roncal used her pore-erasing Evercolor Face Defender and Super Natural Highlighter on the cheeks to “lift everything up.” She topped it off with a glossy lip, using Mally Beauty’s High Shine Liquid Pen in Nude Light.
And for those brows? Not a thing. “Beyoncé's brows are perfect. They’re very, very beautiful and naturally shaped. God made them like that.”

Cuticle tattoos/temporary transfers

There is a whole new nail trend in town. Cuticle tattoos/temporary transfers are a fun and easy new way to glam up your tips and add a bit of twist to your regular mani. Rad Nails and the nail art guru brand Ciaté have already put out a few cuticle tattoo designs. They come in geometric shapes as well as in a shape of Ciaté’s signature bow. Rad Nails founder Chrissy Mahlmeister says “it adds an edge in a new, unexpected way.”

It’s about expanding the nail art canvas outside the typical space and thinking about how your fingertips can be transformed into pieces of art.

Fingers can definitely become another canvas for your self-expresison since the tattoos may not only be applied to the cuticles. The best thing about these transfers is that you can wea any kind of polish and any kind of nail art and still pull off the tattoos.

These press-on transfer tattoos can survive a couple of hours but not multiple hand washes so if you want to prolong their life you’ll have to go with a hand sanitizer instead. You can also use these as nail art material together with your top coat.
Nail art offers numerous manicure options but finger adorment is something new and exciting. Dip-dyed fingers have popped up on stage and runway this year. Singer Lorde has performed with her fingers dip-dyed black at Grammys while Thom Browne sent his models to the runway wearing similar manicure.
Beside the temporary tattoos and the extreme dip-dyed fingers you can also adorn your fingers with nail rings and accessories. These will help you make glam up your everyday manicure nice and easy.
What do you think about cuticle tattoos?

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster

 

I’m one of those people who only gets “tanned” when she misses a patch of skin and accidentally gets burned first. While I love the sun I always shield myself from it to prevent both wrinkles and burns. I wish I could tan; maybe it’s because the grass is always greener on the other side, but tan people seem to have it so much easier than us pale girls! There’s nothing like a tan to cover cellulite…With that said I don’t spray tan often and I try to stay away from self-tanners – I just don’t want to deal with the risk of turning orange.
Recently however Clarins introduced their new product line-up and among the newbie products is Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster. It’s not going to make a pale girl like me look olive tan, but it will, as the name implies, give a golden glow that looks natural. Best of all you can’t over-apply/do anything wrong. There is no risk of streaking, turning orange, or creating unevenness. Just mix a few drops (they recommend three, but I use just one) with your moisturizer and apply it to your face (or your body, but the bottle is small so applying it all over will get pricey…), and voila! I’ve been doing it before going to bed just because it takes a little bit for the color to develop, then by morning people will be asking you if you got a facial! Just remember to mix the drops well with your moisturizer and to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the product. Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster at Sephora for $30.

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Is the Government doing enough to regulate injectable cosmetic procedures?

Is the Government doing enough to regulate injectable cosmetic procedures?

Professionals are disappointed that the Goverment's new rulings on non-invasive cosmetic surgery make no attempt to legislate fillers or introduce a compulsory register

    

Is the Government doing enough to regulate injectables?

When Sir Bruce Keogh was enlisted by the Government to review cosmetic surgery last year, (triggered by the PIP implant scandal), it was the news that the responsible professionals working within the industry were waiting for.

Keogh's committee findings, published in April 2013, were that cosmetic surgery needed better regulation - including all dermal fillers to become prescription only - better training, and proper redress if things go wrong. What the industry then awaited was statutory enforcement of training, accreditation and registration.
It was the turn of the Government to take action, and today The Department of Health issued its statement on exactly what that would be. Or did they?
READ - The Organic Pharmacy's new bespoke anti-ageing cream
That same expectant group of professionals, most notably those represented by The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC), is rather underwhelmed.
"The announcement today has left an element of disappointment, with a feeling that the Government is sitting on the fence due to budget concerns rather than grasping the full opportunity to make a difference," says Carolyne Cross, chairwoman of BABTAC.
The Government has stood back - it hasn't introduced compulsory training, accreditation or registration, and it hasn't classifed injectables as a medicine. BAAPS say it is appalled, "legislators have clearly been paying lip service to this sector's dire warnings" says president Rajiv Grover.
Concerned that the government would trivialise the need for regulation non-invasive cosmetic procedures over plastic surgery - which of course is already regulated by the General Medical Council - the BAD did their own research. It found that 63 per cent of complications their dermatologists saw from botched non-invasive cosmetic work was irreversible, while BAAPS revealed that two out of three surgeons were seeing patients with facial injectable complications. The vital action needed they say is legislation "which we all believe is necessary for public safety," said a spokesperson.
"Whilst the response makes the right noises in terms of endorsing key recommendations there is little to demonstrate how these recommendations might be thoroughly implemented or robustly enforced, particularly in respect to non-surgical cosmetic interventions," added the BAD, who is particularly worried about the idea of an 'opt in' register for practitioners in the field - both medical and non-medical. It argues that such a register will put more responsibility in the hands of the patient.
Plus, it says, "the public will be prey to a two-tier system; good practice by well qualified professionals on one level, a level that will almost certainly cost the consumer more, and a cut-price, budget approach provided by untrained practitioners with little consideration of risk and redress for complications on the other, lower, level. Such a system is unlikely to address the concerns raised in the original review around unregulated cosmetic interventions."
READ - Looking Fresher is the new 10 Years Younger
"BABTAC has been involved in the Review process and whilst we appreciate the scope of the issues is huge, the recommendations by Keogh were right for the industry," Cross goes on. "We had hoped to see a great step forward today, in terms of making non-invasive cosmetic procedures safer for the public. We have instead seen a very small step forward. We will now work to do our best to make sure that, where we can, these procedures are made safer across the sector," says consultant dermatologist, Tamara Griffiths.

Fitness Friday's are my new thing.

So lately I've been feeling a little uncomfortable in my own skin. I have loads of confidence in myself as a person, however not body confidence. I know I'm beautiful but not so much from the neck down.  

   I want to share my journey with you open and honestly. Numbers are key to be honest and I choose not to share one number with you. The reason, lets say I get to --- and that's your number and you are rocking if with confidence, I do not want to make anyone feel ashamed because I'm not rocking that number. However the numbers I will share with you are:

- lbs lost

- inches lost

- Bmi

- current calorie intake

I don't claim to be a professional. What works for me may not for you. I do know what I'm doing. I've had nutrition classes in college. I've had 30 pound weight loss sucess with weight watchets a few years back and through them have learned a lot. 

   As I go through this journey I'm not doing weight watchers or anything special, just basic eating right and exercise. I have a goal weight but not a goal date. This is a lifestyle change so even after this process I will still need to continue just to maintain the weight loss. I have lots more to say, but I'll save them for future posts.

   Here are my starting stats and I weigh in on Friday's. 

- height 5,4

- BMI. 38.79 (obese)

- pounds to loose 85.

Check back every Friday for updates and as I tackle a question and a goal for the week.

You can also follow 

Twitter - @Beautyhelpings

Instagram - beautyhelpings

For more on my journey 

Stay tuned for a huge transformation Tuesday in the making. 

Obsessed: A Must-Try Brightening Eye Mask

 

If you’ve been scoping the shelves of department stores and beauty meccas recently, you’re probably aware of GlamGlow. The Hollywood-based company has become quite the it brand, with a range of super-potent, highly effective, facials-in-a-jar. The whole line is vegan and cruelty-free, which makes it even more obsession-worthy. And obsessed we have become, first with the face masks, and now with the recently launched Brightmud Eye Treatment.
The treatments come in futuristic single-use pods, though depending on how liberal you are with the product, there’s enough in a single pod to do both eyes. And because the 12-treatment box is a tad spendy at $69, we say why not stretch your investment?
To apply, scoop out the jelly-like substance and tap it into your under eye and orbital bone area. Just be sure to steer clear of the mucous membranes that line the eyes. You may feel a slight tingle (that’s how you know it’s working!) from ingredients like peppermint, which help to cool, soothe, and de-puff. Leave on for no more than three minutes, then gently wipe off with a dry tissue without rinsing—the ingredients will continue to benefit you after the top layer has been wiped away.
The skin around your eyes will look brighter and fine lines and dark circles less noticeable. But the biggest result I saw right away? My under eye bags were virtually gone, (seriously!) which makes it the perfect morning-after secret weapon. The formula includes Juvelane, GlamGlow’s retinol-like plumping ingredient and 14% of Nitroffeine, a blend of caffeine actives that stimulate natural drainage of the lymph to combat dark circles and puffiness. It’s like an instant kick in the pants (err, eyes). Just try feeling sleepy after this treatment!
 

3 Ways to Stop Emotional Eating Before You Start

3 Ways to Stop Emotional Eating Before You Start

Get to the root of the problem to avoid a nose-dive into the ice cream carton.

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3 Ways to Stop Emotional Eating Before You Start Get to the root of the problem to avoid a nose-dive into the ice cream carton.

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Even if that bag of potato chips is staring you down, practically begging to be eaten, the food in front of you may not be the reason you overindulge. Your tendency to shovel it in may have more to do with your mood. In a new study of 1,447 female college students, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 40 percent admitted to overeating in the past month—and being bummed was associated with feeling totally out of control while doing so.

In other words, this study pretty much confirms what many of us already know: Overeating is often an attempt to satisfy psychological, rather than physical, needs. And, the scientists say, you don't necessarily need to have full-on binge-eating disorder (which was officially classified as a disorder in the DSM-5) to overeat when you're feeling down. It can happen to anyone.

So how can you thwart an emotional eating attack before it starts?

Steer Clear of Coffee
Caffeinated beverages can worsen your stress response, so grab a glass of green tea instead. The drink contains theanine, an amino acid known to promote relaxation.

Count Your Blessings
Being grateful can help you calm down. In a study published in Applied Physiology, people who focused on feeling grateful at bedtime felt less worried and anxious.

Take the Trash Out
Writing down your negative thoughts and tossing them in the garbage can put a serious dent in your bad mood, according to a study in Psychology

Perfect the Art of Exfoliation in 4 Steps

 

Exfoliating is one of the best things you can do for your skin. The process sloughs off dead skin cells and allows new smooth, healthy cells to take their place. It also banishes dry, flakey bits, keeps pores clean and clear, and leaves you looking and feeling great. But you have to be careful and keep your specific skin type in mind: rub the wrong way, and you can actually do more harm than good. To get advice on devising the right exfoliating regime for your skin, we called in two experts with different perspectives: New York City–based dermatologist Meghan O’Brien, M.D., and naturalist and founder of Indie Lee skin care, Indie Lee.

Know your product

First, the basics. There are two main types of exfoliators, physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators are products that physically rub off dead skin cells, usually with the help of our hands. Everything from salt- and sugar-based scrubs to exfoliating brushes fall into the physical category. Chemical exfoliators include facial peels and products that slough off dead skin using active (but not necessarily “scrubby”) ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). These usually come in cream form and loosen up the dry cells on the skin’s surface, allowing them to fall away.

Determine your skin type

Your skin type will determine which type of products are best for you—both so you’ll get optimal results and avoid harming your skin. Each of our experts stressed the importance of knowing your skin type before starting an exfoliating regimen. (Check out our guide to skin types here for help.) Both Dr. O’Brien and Lee seem to agree: for sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin, chemical exfoliators are the way to go: “Harsh, physical exfoliation can cause damage, especially to sensitive, acneic, or rosacea- or eczema-prone skin,” says Dr. O’Brien. If you don’t fall into any of these categories, a physical exfoliator is a great option for getting skin smooth and soft.
Knowing your skin type isn’t just important when it comes to picking the right exfoliator. It’s also essential to making sure you aren’t over-scrubbing. Dr. O’Brien recommends that people with drier, more sensitive skin should only exfoliate a few times a week. Those with less sensitive skin types may exfoliate nightly or every other day. Try out a routine and pay attention to how your skin reacts. If you see any signs of irritation, dial back the frequency—and perhaps try another product. This sort of monitoring is key, because you could cause permanent damage! Dr. O’Brien warns, “Over-exfoliating can lead to compromising the skin’s barrier function, leaving it susceptible to further irritation, redness, and dryness.” Which is basically the exact thing you’re trying to combat with exfoliation. No thanks!

Clean tools regularly

Lee notes that if you use any sort of tool (facial brush, sponge, loofah, etc.), it’s important you clean it after every use and store it in a dry, sterile place. “Bacteria grows easily on these items, and instead of doing good for your skin, you’ll end up just spreading that bacteria,” she explains. Cleaning a brush (like a Clarisonic) is super simple: use a gentle cleanser like baby shampoo and some hot water (as warm as your hands can handle) get a good lather going. Run your fingers through all the bristles to get out any gunk, then rinse thoroughly and allow the brush to dry completely before the next use.

Moisturize and protect post-scrub

Following up with a bit of moisturizer is as important as exfoliating itself. “After exfoliating, skin is extra sensitive,” explains Dr. O’Brien, who suggests a heavier cream for more sensitive or drier types. During warmer weather, or for oilier skin, “a lighter lotion or serum may be enough,” she says. If you’re using a chemical product, don’t overlook this step, even though there’s no actual “scrubbing” involved—and remember that it’s vital to incorporate sunscreen. Lee tells us that your skin might be sensitive to sunlight for up to a week after using a chemical exfoliator, depending on how aggressive the product or peel is. “Always wear sunscreen during the day and replenish every few hours,” Lee says. Important advice, whether or not you just scrubbed your face!

Edible ginger snap lip scrub.

Are you applying lip balm over and over throughout the day? A layer of dry, dead skin on your lips may be acting as a barrier, keeping the moisturizer from soaking in. Using a lip scrub once or twice a week, especially during these cold winter months, is a great way to improve the condition of your lips, allowing the wonderful healing and protective properties of your lip balm to soak in while also smoothing your lips so they are more shiny and vibrant when gloss or color is worn.

This is a simple recipe for a lip scrub that tastes as good as it smells. All you need to do is combine all of the simple kitchen ingredients into a bowl. The scrub can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Before you use it, pull it out of the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Ingredients
¼ c turbinado or vegan brown sugar
¼ c cornmeal
1 t maple syrup
1 t virgin coconut oil, melted
½ t ground ginger
1 pinch ground cinnamon

Using a lip scrub is quick and easy. On wet lips, massage a teaspoon amount of scrub in small, circular motions for 1-2 minutes. Rinse (lick) off with warm water and pat your lips dry, before applying your favorite balm or lipstick.

The New, 68-Year-Old Face of NARS. More, Please

 

In February, the 68-year old actress Charlotte Rampling was announced as the new face of NARS—a rarity for any cosmetics line that isn’t specifically geared toward mature consumers. It’s an exciting move, such a big brand raising the bar on what makes a beauty spokesmodel.

The British actress, who’s been working in film and TV since 1965, has been a longtime muse to François Nars. “Charlotte’s ability of transformation is unparalleled,” he told WWD. “Whether captured in pieces of artwork, through the lens of a magazine photographer, or on film and the big screen, she has an amazing power to encompass a character.” Does this mean we’ll be seeing Rampling in character in this year’s campaigns? Or will she simply be appearing as herself? We’re itching to find out.
The exciting thing is that this isn’t a one-off—there’s been a noticeable uptick of models over 50 in the industry lately. MAC featured Pat Cleveland and Jerry Hall in its Antonio Lopez campaign, and Jessica Lange has just been announced as the face of Marc Jacobs new beauty line. For decades, “over the hill” has been a depressingly popular way to describe the middle-aged-and-up set, meaning that growing older has often become a crippling fear, especially among women. Celebrating models of all ages is one of the most effective ways we can think of to curb attitudes toward youth-obsession in our culture. The face of beauty may be ever-changing, but it can never truly fade.
Rampling’s chameleon-like essence proves this point to a T, and we’re highly anticipating seeing how her work with NARS comes out!

Mad About Mauve

Mad About Mauve: The Mauve Lipstick Review

 

Mauve can be a tricky color. Is it pink or purple? Plum or beige? Brown, maybe? Well, it’s sort of a mix of those, which makes it the ultimate color to have in your makeup kit. But there are so many different variations out there that it can be hard to tell what’s actually part of the mauve color family and what’s not, and which one is right for you. We sifted through a bunch of mauve lipsticks, before settling on these nine as our favorites for fall.  Which do you like best?

CoverGirl

Lip Perfection Lipstick in #265 Romance | $5.99

A thick formula that glides easily on lips and leaves a slight iridescent finish. It’s a good, budget mauve to have on hand, even though the scent is a little unpleasant. To avoid getting too much of a taste of it, you can do that old trick to remove color from the inside of your lips: after you apply the color, put your index finger in your mouth and slowly pull it out.

Inglot Cosmetics

Lipstick in #411 Matte | $13 | shop it

This moisturizing lipstick falls on the pink end of the mauve spectrum. The berry undertones make it a standout shade for people with dark complexions. Considering the color, formula, and relative affordabiliy, it’s a great option.

Vapour Organic Beauty

Siren Lipstick in #403 Desire | $22

A hydrating lipstick made from all plant-based ingredients. The slim lavender tube is perfectly shaped for creating a full lip without liner. The best of the bunch to use on a daily basis.

ILIA

Tinted Lip Conditioner in Desert Angel | $24 | shop it

Packaged in a luxurious metal tube, this formula is lightweight, with absolutely no greasiness. The color is slightly transparent but beautiful, and great for amping up natural looks.

Laura Mercier

Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Colour in Cafè | $24

The thin shape makes application flawless and smooth, even on the first try! The color is a balmy coffee-pink with a matching sweet smell.

NARS

Lipstick in Tolede | $26

The ultimate pink-mauve that would flatter almost anyone. It’s one of those “like your lips, but better” shades. The fact that it’s super moisturizing seemingly has no effect on its staying power, either. 

Armani Beauty

Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick in #508 Daybreak | $34

Extremely balmy, this lipstick coats the lips with a thick, buttery layer of a pink-tone color. The thick formula helps plump the lips, that creates a sexy end result. The magnetized red metal packaging makes it feel super glamorous and worth every penny!

Clé De Peau Beauté

Extra Rich Lipstick Silk in #206 | $40

The sculptural case is enough to marvel at, not to mention the jewel-like, multi-faceted shape of the velvety product itself. (It’s actually easy to apply even though it looks like it might not be.) It’s the ultimate high-end lipstick that everyone’s talking about, because it’s both gorgeous and quite a splurge (the refillable case costs $25 extra).

This Fruit May Help You Build Muscle (Plus: 5 Yummy Ways to Eat It)

 

Who knew? According to new research from the University of Iowa, green tomatoes contain a compound that may help build muscle (and protect against future muscle atrophy). 

 
Green tomatoes are rich in tomatidine (a compound that's obviously perfectly named), which the researchers discovered stimulates growth in human muscle cells—and also helped mice build more muscle and be able to exercise longer.
The authors say they're not yet sure how many green tomatoes people might need to eat in order to reap the muscle-building benefits. Even so, we know that green tomatoes have lots of other good-for-your-health benefits: One large tomato is about 42 calories, rich in antioxidants, provides half the recommended daily amount of vitamin C for women, as well as 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving.
So in the interest of having some variety in your tomato routine, here are some yummy—and healthy—ways to eat the green ones.
These "Fried" Tomatoes from Game and Garden with Stacy Harris are dipped in Greek yogurt and rolled in panko crumbs before being baked in the oven.
Honest Fare's Green Tomato and Corn Tacodillas have green tomatoes, corn, and onion folded together between some mozzarella and tortillas.
Southern Living marinates green tomatoes in olive oil, vinegar, and garlic, grills them, then adds slices of fresh mozzarella for its Green Tomato Caprese.
This Green Zebra Gazpacho from Kalyn's Kitchen is exploding with veggies: green tomatoes (of course!), cucumber, green bell pepper, and avocado.
No-Sugar Green Tomato Salsa from Farmgirl Fare features jalapeno peppers, tons of garlic (yum), green tomatoes, and...green apples!

What's your favorite way to eat green tomatoes?

Why Is Grapefruit Good For Your Skin?

Why Is Grapefruit Good For Your Skin? Find Out Here   

       

 

As a food, grapefruit isn’t for everyone. Some find the citrus fruit’s sour notes too overpowering for snacking. Even if you don’t like eating it, you may want to incorporate grapefruit into your skin care routine. The health benefits are well-reported—grapefruit is a great source of vitamin C, one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, as well as vitamins A and E and minerals like calcium and iron. (Pink and red varieties contain lycopene, another important antioxidant.) Beauty-wise, this means that products containing the fruit itself, grapefruit peel oil, or grapefruit seed extract can help even out and brighten any complexion, and are especially beneficial for aging skin.
The power-punch of antioxidants promotes collagen production and helps protect free radicals and the sun from damaging skin. And that’s not to mention the refreshing, zingy scent that grapefruit brings to any skin cream or cleanser. Try one of these picks in the morning for an instant pick-me-up. You’ll feel energized, and over time, should notice an improvement in your skin tone and texture.

Yon-Ka Age Defense Pamplemousse Vitalizing Cream

This luxe cream is formulated to quench parched complexions, and does so while remaining impossibly light and fast-absorbing. Grapefruit peel oil paired with lemon, lime, and sweet orange help restore balance and vitality to aging skin. For extra hydration, it also contains olive and pumpkin seed oils.

Yes to Grapefruit Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream

We all need eye creams to protect and soothe the sensitive skin around our eyes, so while we’re at it, why not work on combating dark circles, too? With regular use, this blend of licorice root and grapefruit extracts calms inflammation, reduces the appearance of darkened skin, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Bonus: it’s free of petroleum, SLS, and parabens, and comes in a skinny tube that’s perfect for travel.

M-61 Fast Blast 2-Minute Vitamin C Facial Mask

I’m in favor of any mask that you don’t have to leave on forever, and this one works in just two minutes (try it while you brush your teeth!). But it’s so much fun to use that I’m always tempted to go longer. The product starts out creamy but foams up as you massage it in; the foam acts as the most gentle exfoliant, leaving behind a natural glow. It’s among the most hydrating masks I’ve tried—there's no scratchiness and no post-application "tight" feeling, just a satisfying fizziness and a light hint of grapefruit peel oil.

Bliss Grapefruit + Aloe Body Butter

Bliss released this scent of its well-loved body butter over the summer, but the rich, decadent cream is so perfect for winter-dry skin. It has aloe, coconut oil, and vitamin E, all among nature’s most effective moisturizers. Slather it all over right after a shower or bath—it melts right in, and gives skin an amazing (but not overpowering) scent that reminds us of sunnier, warmer days. (Shop it here.)

Güd from Burt’s Bees Red Ruby Groovy Natural Body Wash

We’re loving this new offshoot of Burt’s Bees, which offers slightly more affordable products that, while not quite 100% natural, are still pretty healthy. This gentle shower gel, for example, is free of parabens, phthalates, and petrochemicals, lathers beautifully, and contains wild thyme, which lends a kicky, herbal top note to the invigorating grapefruit.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub

A drugstore standby facial scrub that foams lightly and smoothes out rough spots and imperfections with microbeads and naturally derived grapefruit extract. The maximum strength salicylic acid means it’s powerful stuff. We recommend it for oily types only; even then, use it a few times a week max, and be sure to follow up with a moisturizer. It has great blemish-healing power many acne sufferers swear by, but can be drying if overused.

The 10 Reasons You Hate Running

Whether you're new to running or have a few races under your belt, the way you run might be the reason you can't seem to shake off those lead legs. Take a look at this checklist to be sure you aren't holding yourself back with these running mistakes. Changing one of these bad habits may just be the key to your next easy, breezy run.

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1. You don't switch your route: Same time, same route can make for a boring workout — and stats that don't ever improve. Switching up your route will challenge different muscles, keep you motivated, and improve your running skills. Don't stick to your tried-and-true trail; find a new running route with these tips.
2. You don't fuel right: You may be able to power through a short run without any food, but if you're going long, you need fuel and water. Time your run so it's two to three hours after a meal, or have a snack full of carbs and protein (like one of these pre-workout snacks) about 30 minutes to an hour before you go for a run. Don't forget to drink plenty of water well before you step out; drinking too much right before you go can cause cramps.
3. You don't warm up: Starting your run at full force is not a good idea. You'll feel sluggish, tight, and discouraged if you don't warm up before that sprint. Do a light jog or five minutes of brisk walking before starting your actual run.
4. You don't cool down: You came, you conquered, you're done with your run. Don't stop now, however; you still need to take a few minutes to stretch your warmed muscles to help you recover. These postrun stretches will help increase your flexibility and reduce muscle soreness.
5. You don't check your form: Running may seem natural, but a few body adjustments can make a big difference, allowing you to run faster, longer, and more efficiently. Make a mental note to pay attention to your running form every once in a while; your shoulders should be relaxed and down, your arms should swing parallel to the ground (without crossing your midsection), and your head should be up and looking forward, not down. Get more tips on proper running form here.
6. You don't challenge yourself: If you want to be a better runner, you need to up your pace. Intervals and tempo runs help you increase your speed in the short term, so that in the long run, you become a faster, better runner.
7. You run in the wrong gear: Sweat-soaked cotton shirts, shoes without enough support, and pants with chafing seams — all of these can cut a run short or at least make you not want to go out again. Invest in a few key pieces once you've upped your mileage; you'll be surprised by how much what you wear matters. Don't worry, we've got you — check out our list of what not to wear when running here.
8. You push yourself too hard: Challenging yourself is great, but doing too much too soon is a common cause of runner burnout, not to mention injuries. Start off slow and gradually increase your pace as you get more comfortable. Remember not to ramp up your mileage too quickly; increase your total by only 10 percent every week.
9. Your strides are too long: It may feel good to bound down that trail, but if you make a habit of taking too-long strides, you may tire more quickly. Shorter strides are also easier on your knees, so if you find yourself going long, shorten your steps and see if it feels better.
10. You're not consistent: It's not going to get easier unless you stick with it. Try to run three times a week if you want to become a better runner; you'll be amazed at how much easier that three-miler seems after just a few weeks of running.

'Vikings' star reveals her secret to flawless skin

Aussie beauty Alyssa Sutherland may have started out as a model, but now she's making serious waves on the hit History Channel show, 'Vikings.' Her stunning beauty (and gorgeous figure) has definitely caught our attention and we couldn't wait to find out how the 31-year-old keeps her skin looking flawless on and off set.

Beauty Helpings (BH): What is your skin care routine?
Alyssa Sutherland (AS): I keep it really simple with SKII products. Face wash, treatment essence and moisturizer. I use the melting cream when my skin is particularly dry or on flights.

BH: What's the best advice anyone has given you about your skin?
AS: Stay out of the sun. I'm an Aussie and we get this drilled into us from a young age and our parents make us wear big, weird swimsuits as kids.

BH: What are 3 tips you'd give our audience for gorgeous skin?
AS: I repeat, stay out of the sun!! Don't pick pimples (it's tough). And a dab of illuminator on cheekbones goes a long way (I like NARS illuminator in "Copacabana").

Check out Alyssa's show 'Vikings' on the History Channel, Thursday nights at 10/9c.

Everything You Need to Know About Gel Manicures

 

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Gel manicures have quickly become one of the most sought-after nail services across the board, and for good reason—the color can last up to two weeks. But gels can also lead to brittle nails or irritation, which means there are warnings floating around the web that say that gel manis might do us more harm than good.
Some experts think it’s the gel formula itself that poses a threat (more on that in a minute) and note that the extended exposure to acetone that your nails endure during the removal process can be drying. Others worry that if your nails are constantly covered in polish—especially for longer time periods that you get with gels—you won’t see any issues that can arise under the nail, like fungal infections. To help sort all of this out, we spoke with Essie manicurist Michelle Saunders. Saunders assured us that as long as you choose the right formula and go to a pro for both application and removal, even gel loyalists don’t have much to worry about. Read on for all of her advice.

Find a gentle formula

It turns out when it comes to scoring the perfect mani, not all gels are created equal. “The most important precaution,” explains Saunders, “is to choose a gel system that’s designed to be gentle on nails.”
Gel formulas often have a few ingredients considered more harsh than what you find in traditional polishes. Methyl acrylate, which may irritate skin on contact is one; methyl pyrrolidone and BHA or butylated hydroxyanisole, are two others, both of which are known carcinogens. If you can find a gel system that leaves out these three, that’s a plus—just call up a salon and ask!
Another thing to ask? Whether or not your salon offers gel products that contain keratin, a vital protein found in nails. According to Saunders, the addition of keratin can help nails stay healthy while gels are on and after they’ve been removed—and that also means you don’t need to let your nails “air out” between applications. If your salon doesn’t offer a keratin-infused option, its best to give your nails a few days to rest and recuperate between manicures.

Make sure your salon doesn’t “cocktail”

During your appointment, pay attention to what the nail tech does. You want to make sure your salon doesn’t “cocktail,” or combine gel systems from different brands. “For example, every step of the Essie Gel System was designed to work together. If the salon uses, say, a lamp from another label, the result won’t come out as good,” explains Saunders. Don’t be afraid to ask your manicurist about the brands and types of products he or she is using.  

Wear SPF to your appointment

The drying process, which usually involves using a UV light, has raised questions about UV exposure to your hands. “For anyone who still isn’t totally comfortable with the idea, there are gel systems that instead use a high-speed LED light to dry polish quickly, like Essie’s,” says Saunders. The verdict is still out on whether or not drying your nails under a UV light occasionally will cause significant skin damage. But knowing what we know about tanning beds, it’s better to be safe than sorry. To be extra cautious, massage sunscreen or another SPF product into your hands before you hit the salon.

Don’t pick or peel!

We all know how tempting it can be to peel off your polish, but Saunders warns strongly against it: “When you peel off gel polish without using the proper removal system, it can remove layers of Keratin and that results in a weaker nail.” Yikes! To keep your nails in good condition, always leave the removal to the pros. Often, you’ll need to book an appointment to have your gels removed. The process takes about 20 minutes and costs roughly $5 to $10—your tech will put cotton pads soaked in acetone around your nails and then bundle your fingertips in foil to keep everything in place. After letting that soak for 10–15 minutes, the gel loosens up, and the tech will gently scrape off the color using the flat end of a cuticle pusher, and finish with a bit of buffing to leave nails clean.

And finally, pay attention

Remember, gels stay on nails for up to 14 days at a time, while regular polish lasts maybe a week. It’s important to inspect your nails once any type of polish comes off, but even more so with gels, since you go longer between applications. After a removal session, take a look at nail beds and cuticles to make sure everything looks normal. If you spot anything awry, see a doctor, and skip all polish until you address the issue. Also, for anyone who uses nail polish and remover of any kind regularly, a daily application of cuticle balm or oil does wonders!

Let's face your big day together.

Attention Brides

Let's face it wedding season is here.  Let me help you put your best face foward.  Book a facial with me and get a free makeup demo to see how you want to look on your special day.  Book @ M Salon and spa on Beechurst Avenue beside the senica center.  Call 304-296-0559.

Thanks Andrea Moore