Empowerment

Tegeler Career Center Fashion Show Runway

Recently I was a guest speaker at an alternative campus for junior and high school seniors.  The theme was "I Am Unwritten".  The girls were encouraged to "Write The Vision", meaning I can write my own story and "BE Bold as they walk in their Destiny", (Barbara Henderson).  It was absolutely amazing.  I have had some moments of joy but this day truly brought me a joy that I definitely want to feel again. 

The day started with makeup for the girls participating in the fashion show and of course I was down for that!  But just talking to them and getting to know them made me realize that these moments for them, these opportunities were far and few between.  So it was time to make them feel extra special.  As I did makeup for them, they kept watching and would say "Miss..." and asked questions and I was just tickled to see how excited they were about the whole thing.

During the middle of the day I was assigned to speak to two groups of girls about Empowerment.  And I was not sure what I was going to talk about, I prayed about it and asked God to help me find the words to encourage these young ladies. Then I remembered something... it was in 7th grade.  It was a comment said to me by a guy I thought was hotter than a pair of Jimmy Choo heels.... well not that hot but you get what I mean.  He said to me, "has anyone ever told you- you were beautiful?"  I replied "no".  He replied, "Good, then no one ever will".  Now this comment stuck with me for a very, very long time and crippled the way I thought about myself for years, but now ... I have been EMPOWERED by that comment.  My mission now is to make sure that these girls and women always feel BEAUTIFUL and CONFIDENT in themselves.  That they know their worth, that they have the authority to say NO to someone, that they can dream and that they posses the power change their circumstances. 

Girlfriend, YOU are loved, YOU are beautiful, YOU are strong, YOU are stylish, YOU can do anything, YOU look good just the way you are, YOU are amazing!

That comment made to me is why I am in love with beauty, I see it everywhere.  And I see it in you Girlfriend. xo

Skincare, what's the point?

In my years as a makeup artist I have learned a thing or two about why skincare is so important.  So what's the point in having a good skin care regime?  EVERYTHING!  Skincare helps keep our skin looking youthful and keeps our skin healthy (plus, your makeup looks better when you take care of your skin).

What is a "good skincare regime"?  Great question, there are some steps that are essential in keeping your skin looking polished as fresh.  Here is what I do to keep my skin feeling and looking its best.

1. Cleanse- It's a must.  You need to remove all the makeup, dirt and oil buildup off your face.  I have used Clean and Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser- Oil Free.  I have used this since high school!! However, if you have dry skin you need a cream cleanser like  NARS Skin Gentle Cream Cleanser.
2. Exfoliate- Find a gentle exfoliator to use as a deep disinfection of the pores.  PLUS, you gently polish and keep the skin from looking dull.  Try Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub or Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub, you can get this OTC (over the counter).
3. Tone- This simple act plumps up those skin cells from raisins to grapes and gets your skin back to pH balance.   I use Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner because it will not over dry my skin, its hypoallergenic and it will not strip my skin's natural oils.
4. Serum- This is your anti-aging BFF! Serums aid in repairing the skin, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles and brightens the skin.  I use a serum every night to help repair my skin from daily wear and tear.  Try Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough to put the breaks on aging a little.
5. Moisturize-her- This is needed to hydrate the skin.  It helps maintain skin firmness, smoothness, softness and luminosity.  I have used so many and your skin type will depend on what moisturizer you should use.  For norm-oily skin try NARS Skin Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer or for norm-dry skin try NARS Skin Luminous Moisture Cream.  I have used both products and they are phenomenal!
6. Eye cream- PLEASE.... you must use eye cream!  My favorite product ever and I would request this if left on a desert isle!!  SOAP BOX: We have no sebaceous gland in the delicate tissue of the eye (under eye area).  Therefore, eye cream is like a drink of water for that area.  It hydrates, protects, helps with fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles... need I say more??  I have used many and I like Kiehl's eye creams and eye serums and NARS Total Replenishing Eye Cream.

So there you have it.  I could write forever about skincare, I love it!  Everyone needs an AM and PM regime.  I know it's a lot of steps but I promise that you will notice a difference.  Your skin will look radiant, youthful and will glow!  I've included links for some suggestions but I also encourage you to do some research. Go to these websites for more information about the skin: Mayo Clinic or American Academy of Dermatology.

I'm turning 38 this year and I want to take care of what I have.  Take care of your skin Girlfriend!xoxo
(all pictures were taken with my iPhone, no editing or filter)

 

(I am not affiliated with any companies listed and am not paid to promote their products)

Long time...no see

And once again I have neglected my blog.  I woke up today with it on my mind and decided to change it up again.  This time, I want to add some craftiness to the mix.  Plus, perhaps I can talk about other things besides beauty.  Everyone is an expert these days since the internet and current issue of 'whatever' can teach you how to be your own beauty expert.  Nothing new here, but I still like to talk about it.

In fact, I have been freelancing for NARS a lot lately at Nordstrom for anniversary and I have noticed some of the cutest, boldest and quirkiest fashionistas in town!  And what else I noticed and must have are these incredible scarves that are on every mannequin! And maybe I am a little late on this fashion craze but now I must have one OR make my own.  Which is what I think I am going to do.  Most of these scarves range from $18 -$300+ online and in store.  Like I am going to buy a piece of fabric for $300???  My mission tomorrow is to go to the fabric store and purchase a little fabric so I can attempt to create my own fashionable piece of clothing. Anyone of us can do it yet we are mesmerized by what we see in the department store...GUILTY!  Well, I did purchase a few of the very cheap ones online ($11) and I will use those to inspire some creations.  Sorry, I just can't help myself sometimes plus, I get reward points at Nordstrom:)
Well, make it a great day or not and wear a scarf Girlfriend!!!

Nordstrom.com

Beach beauty

I love making memories with my family. Going to the beach is one of them. At the beach you get sunshine, nice breeze, a fierce tan and lots of fun.  But the one thing that makes me cringe is being in a swim suit.  I have my own moment of weakness in feeling "beautiful" when I have to bare my skin in public.  Why?  Why don't I have that same confidence when I have clothes on???  On top of that, I just turned 36 and I'm thinking... this is it.  I have struggled with my weight going up and down and my body going small to big then pregnant then big and staying that way until a year ago when I finally went down a few sizes and became happy with myself... I can't keep up with all the young and the skinny...I have to be me or else!  


I need to be comfortable in my own skin when I have a swim suit on because at the end of the day it will all still be there when I take a shower and go to bed.  So my question is WHY??  Why do we torture ourselves into thinking that we have to look like an amazon princess who is genetically born to be perfect in every way, shape and form?  Let's get real, unless I fork out some cash to get surgically altered then it is what it is, right? 


I am wonderfully and fearfully made, and I know this very well.  And you are too!  I encourage you and myself to harness that God-given beauty and don't dare let go because there is no comparison.  Be beautiful and feel beautiful today and everyday, Girlfriend!!