Superfood for the skin

I briefly touched the subject of superfood in a previous post. As you may remember, I am trying new ways to improve my overall health. I can't say I am fully committed yet, but I am, however, curious and ready for a challenge.

Bloggers, make-up artists and editors worldwide are raving about REN skincare. When I came across a starter kit at the store I didn't hesitate to buy it. The products are not tested on animals, and are sans parabens and perfume. Score! I am now on day 4 of a strict skin care regime. I use the line for sensitive skin, and so far so good. I really like the Omega 3 night serum. My skin has a nice glow to it when I wake up, and any product that can make me look less like a monster in the morning deserves a shout-out!

You'll find REN at your nearest Sephora store, or you can buy them online here.

Beauty Buzz

(I stole this survey from my friend Denae's page. Thanks hon!)

HOW TO SAVE A BAD HAIR DAY? A quick shower and let the hair air dry. Or wear a hat.

WORTH THE SPLURGE? Kanebo Cream Foundation

CHEAP, BUT WORTH A MILLION? Olay Total Effects Moisturizer with a Touch of Sun.

I WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME Cake-y makeup looks horrible. (Then somebody finally DID say something). I was 13 and clueless.

I'M SO GLAD SOMEONE TOLD ME To be adamant about skin care. What you do to your skin in your 20s will benefit you in your 50s. That means no tanning and no smoking and plenty of moisturizer.

BEAUTY PET PEEVE? Greasy hair. And people that never wear any makeup. I think just a little goes a long way, especially in a professional setting.

FAVORITE BEAUTY TOOL? Hair straightener

BEST BYGONE BEAUTY? Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. Use it for EVERYTHING.

I WON'T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT A little mascara.

I WISH SOMEONE WOULD INVENT A freckle eraser. (Kidding!) Allthough I used to want this when I was younger.

LIPSTICK OR GLOSS? Both. I love full, red lips at parties, but sometimes gloss is better. I am in love with Too Faced's Lip Injection. It gives you full, plump lips with a sting. For weekdays I prefer Aquaphor or Rose Bud's Salve.

I FEEL CONFIDENT When I feel happy and loved

Let's talk nails

Excuse the somewhat vain title of this post, but I am in serious need of some advice. My nails are failing me! I'm at wit's end about what to do. No matter how hard I try, I cannot for the life of me grow them longer than a millimeter. They break at the plain sight of a soda can. It's like they whisper faintly, *don't you dare challenge us to open that.*

I've tried cuticles cream, growth treatment, nail polish for strength - you name it. My nails are just as frail and flimsy as an oak leaf in the wind. Pardon the cliche.

So what's a girl to do?

Any advice out there?

Score!!

This could easily be one of my more selfish posts, but I just need to share my latest purchased items.

Check out these boots from Chinese Laundry: Can you say GORGE?! These bandage boots hybrids go with anything! Especially vintage dresses if you want to add a little punk to the pretty. They're pricey, but I scored them at Ross for $20!!!

And then I went into Sephora (cue heavenly music). Awww... I just can't get enough of Too Faced! I thought I was hooked on the new kitchy Asian phenomenon Tokidoki, but when I saw the summer collection from TF, I converted back. I bought the so-called "Natural" eye shadow palette, but I'd rather call them supernatural. It's this season's hottest shimmery bronze and gold shadows, perfect for a pale beach-babe-wannabe like me. If you're fair, they're your best bet to play up what God gave you. For those blessed with darker hues, I'd use them as shimmer effects. You can't go wrong with these.

Beauty bargains!

I don't skimp on skincare. That's why I avoid the sun, don't smoke and religiously apply moisturizer. When it comes to what you put directly on your skin, you'd better avoid the cheap stuff. But that's not to say it's impossible to look good while stretching that dollar. Listen up, I will share with you some of the BEST stuff available among cosmetics, that just happen to be a great steal.

1) Aquaphor

This is the only thing that has ever cured my dry, chappy skin. You can use it on anything anytime! Lips, nose, scars... you name it. You can use it as a base before long flights, to prevent your skin from getting dehydrated. Hands down, at only $ I consider this my number one ally in the fight against fine lines and chappy lips.

2) St. Ives Apricot Scrub

Forget everything you've ever learned about skincare. Let me tell you... it's enough to scrub your face once or twice weekly. It will get rid of a dull surface, and keep things smooth. You also don't need a pricey label, this will make your face and your entire body as soft as a baby's butt!

3) Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

A staple in my make-up bag. I always come bag to this one, no matter how many new inventions are tempting me on the market. This will always create long and lush lashes. And forget about the "Big Brush" edition. When it comes to Maybelline, only the original green and pink will do. With the SMALL brush!

4) Cucumbers

Oh la la! Forget about expensive eye creams and serum. A good ole cumber will do. Just slice, cool and cover your eye-lids. Bags? What bags? Cucumbers have always stepped to my rescue on days with literally zero sleep the night before. And yes, they will soothe red and swollen eyes too, either caused from crying or allergies.

5) Olay Total Effects Touch of Sun

The *best* moisturizer on the market. Believe me, I've tried most of them. This one gives a healthy glow to fair-skinned freckles like me. But don't put too much on it... it can get a tad too orange during winter.

Get your face on for the party!

MIDNIGHT STAR: HOW YOU CAN OUTLAST CINDERELLA
Five Steps to Stay-Put-All-Night Party Make-Up!

Fellow females, it is time to confess; whether it is a best-friend’s wedding, the high school prom, an important date, disco fever on spring break or a New Year’s Eve party – we all want to be the belle of the ball. Weeks before the big event, we spend hours and money on outfits, shoes, hairdressers and makeup – but what is the point if we end up looking like a melting bag of M&Ms before the second dish is served? Everybody knows that beauty comes from within, but sometimes a well-applied makeup that highlights our best features is exactly what it takes to give us that extra boost of confidence which is often needed before a long night of mingling. If you are among those who have to run to the restroom every 30 minutes to matte down a shiny nose, or afraid that the lip gloss covers the glass more than your lips – do not despair. Here is a process of navigating with beauty-tools the way professionals do. Not only will you look stunning as you leave for the party; as you enter your house in the early morning hours you will still shine like a star. And look at it this way – if your long time expectations of the big night out did not fulfill your dreams – you can always tell yourself “at least I looked great!”

Step one: Cleansing. The key to a long lasting yet radiant makeup is the base. Always cleanse and tone your skin before applying a moisturizer. This will calm and soften your skin and prepare it for make-up. If you are among the lucky ones blessed with a normal skin, there are multiple products to choose from. A long time favorite among models and celebs is Dr. Hauschka Moisturizing Day Cream ($28), which is an all-natural holistic cream suitable for normal skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, go for a calming creme such as Lancome Hydra Zen ($46). Those with oily skins should apply a mattening gel-product that hydrates while it prevents the oil from flooding. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel ($23) is a good choice. TIP: For extra radiance and illumination, boost your face by applying Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, available at Sephora ($36). Not only will this fluid make your skin flawless, it will also keep your makeup fresh and concealed all night long. Perfect for those 24 hours party peeps.

Step two: Foundation. This is one of the most crucial phases in the process. There are too many women who either put on too much or choose the wrong color. Remember that less is more, and when scrolling the department store for the perfect foundation, always try it on your cheekbone, not on your hand. If your skin only needs a little hint of color, try Stila Sheer Control Tinted Moisturizer ($34), which will even your skin tone and make it look radiant for hours. For skin that needs more magic, try the new sensational air-brushing foundation from Christian Dior, DiorSkin AirFlash ($60), which has a stay-put and long-lasting guarantee. Simply spray it on and forget about it. Your skin will be velvet-like for the rest of the night. TIP: If you have greasy skin and want to feel extra secure, brush on some translucent powder to keep your skin smooth and matte.

Step three: Concealer. Dark circles? Red spots? Acne? Do not let these buggers ruin your night. Cover up with Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen ($34) and wave those worries good-bye. For more advanced operations, check out Tarte Natural Beauty 7 Piece Natural Complexion Collection - Light ($157 Value), also available at Sephora.

Step four: Eyes. Always start by applying an eye shadow base. It will protect your eyelids and conceal your eye makeup. A good buy is i.d. bareMinerals Multi-Tasking Minerals ($18) from Bare Escentuals. Use it as an eye makeup base, concealer or blush. It contains only fine and natural minerals; it is so pure that you can sleep with it. However, every party princess should be woman enough to remove all makeup before retiring to bed.

Let us move on to the tricky part – eye shadow! No matter which color you choose, always apply the shadow with clean brushes. A good tip is to dab a buff of translucent powder under your eyes; this will catch up excess shadow and prevent it from coloring off onto your perfectly made-up skin. Simply sweep it off when you have finished applying the shadow. If you feel like staying on the all-natural track, follow up with Bare Escentuals Eye Shadow ($12). These 100 % pure mineral shades come in a specter of colors, and should have a suitable option for anyone.

The most important, and often tricky part of the eye makeup is mascara. Do not enter the ball without long silky lashes. Add emphasis to your eyes by lining the contours with NARS Eye Liner Pencil ($18). Use a q-tip dipped in foundation to erase errors if your hand is a little shaky. Next – stretch the lashes with NARS Black Orchid Mascara ($22). Remember to comb the lashes with a lash brush between each application. For a stunning Marilyn-look apply three coats of mascara. My long-time personal fave is Lancome's DÉFINICILS - High Definition Mascara ($24.50),

Step five: Lips and cheeks. Almost there! With the image of a lipstick-covered glass still visible, go for a long-lasting product that will not come off. Try Tarte Rise & Shine Plumping Lip Stain ($21). The color is supposed to last for a minimum of eight hours – while making sure you have the shiniest pout in the crowd. Just remember to go easy on the color if you have chosen to put focus on your eyes. On the other hand, if you have kept the eye area neutral, never underestimate the power of red lips.

The last step is easy; simply smile and brush on the bestselling NARS Blush in Orgasm ($25) on the apple cheeks for that cute, youthful fresh-complexion we all love to hate. Envy no more, this time it will belong to you.

Still feeling pale, you say? If you want to woo the crowd by making an entree a la J-LO, add some faux sunshine by applying Guerlain’s famous Terracotta Bronzing Powder ($46) which is suitable for all skin types. Sweep it over your forehead, nose and cheeks, and you will look like you spent a week in St. Tropez. This product is a must-have for all the glamourinas out there.

Mission completed! You will shine like a star even post midnight. Dance to the rhythms of your life and enjoy a refreshing margarita without any worries. This time the makeup stays on you.

Let's talk hair!

My friend Natasha has the longest, silkiest, most perfect hair. I am envious, especially since I chopped off my locks last year. I am trying to grow my hair back out, but it takes time, and I am now sporting a in-between-awkward-state do.



My friend says she smothers her hair in oil before she goes to bed. No doubt it's working, it looks so beautiful. I could do the oil thing, but I am kind of lazy when it comes to bedtime routines. My daily scrub and moisturizer is pretty much all I have the energy to do before snoozing.



Turns out there are a number of things you can do to boost your hair health. A website called "ARA Lifestyle.com" promotes OOKISA, a hair renewal product that's reportedly popular in Asia. The products include a varieties of tea said to help thicken each individual hair. Hmm.. might be worth a try?



Another website called "UK Hairdressers" have several nontraditional approaches to shiny locks... How about washing your hair in beer? Or rinsing it in fabric softener?! You can also crush some aspirin and apply to your scalp to fight dandruff. Don't take my word for any of these advice actually working....



I'd be happy to get any feedback!