It’s A New Year.. What Makes YOU Fierce?

It’s a new year and one of my favorite words is FIERCE!  It ignites my passion.. my desire to be strong.. my wish to be fearless.. my ambition to persevere and my goals of being unforgettable!

A year ago in February, my Grama passed away.  We were very close & I loved her with all my heart.  She was one of my most special people: my cheerleader, my mom, my voice of reason, my greatest sounding board and LOVED to watch me dance!  While I was back East for her funeral I stumbled upon a ballroom dance studio I had NO IDEA existed a few blocks from my home in LA.  I contacted them while in NJ (I swear Grama sent me to them) and the rest is history.. I fell back in love with dancing because of the owners Katie & Erick (below) and the wonderful instructors (the events & other students are just a bonus).

I started dancing at 10 yrs old.  I taught, performed & competed all throughout school.  I turned professional at the age of 19 and continued my career until 26.  I taught ballroom at a Fred Astaire studio from 22-24 yrs old.  I lived my dream of being a dancer and performing professionally all over the country.  But I hadn’t ballroom danced in about 15 years (even just for fun).

Dancing has ALWAYS been my heart, my love, my joy, my passion.

When I retired I couldn’t figure out how to enjoy it for fun.. so I gave it up.

Last February I walked into the studio (shaking & heart pounding – thinking WHAT AM I DOING? I can’t do this anymore!) I was greeted by one of the sweetest guys I have ever had the pleasure of meeting (or dancing with) and I haven’t stopped smiling yet!   In a year I have lost 25 pounds.. bought a dozen glittering gowns.. danced & sung more songs then I can remember, laughed uncontrollably (while dancing), felt like a princess (more than once) and entered my first EVER competition in December.

I am FIERCE!  I am having the time of my life.. inspiring others to dare to try something new.. sharing my joy, reminding others talent SHOULD be shared and hoping to become awesome in TANGO (my worst dance, in my mind) by this years end.  I am  not giving up!  I have over done it and injured myself multiple times last year.  But I’ve kept going. I can’t remember as much as I would like to or as quickly as I used to, BUT I AM FIERCE.  I feel good.  I’m graceful.  I’m happy.  I’m taking chances.  I’m NOT giving up!

What is it that you would LOVE to try this year?  What lights a spark in your heart? What do you do and no matter how hard you try, you can’t stop smiling (this is a problem for my TANGO).  Do that!  Try that!  If it scares you a little, it means there is a WONDERFUL treasure awaiting you on the other side.. it’s wrapped in a gorgeous package with a tag on it with YOUR name.. “YOU ARE FIERCE“.. It’s just waiting to be opened.. discovered.. shared.. and ONLY YOU can unwrap it!

Remember, DON’T let anyone or anything STOP you.. especially when you soul is whispering to you.. listen to it!  It’s usually IMPORTANT.

Please share your adventures & journey with me!  I can’t wait to hear what makes YOU FIERCE!(because you are)

New Year, Let’s get real!

There is nothing like browsing gorgeous pictures online or in magazines, especially during award season. I want. I wish. I wonder. Sigh..

Having a makeup artist, hairstylist, great lighting and photoshop editors makes EVERYONE look great – trust me, I KNOW. At the start or end of my day, I don’t even come close to seeing a semblance in my mirror. Do you?

I hate to be Debbie Downer, but those people in the photos aren’t recognizable in their mirror at home after the event – once everything is off.  Good news: They are just as normal as you and I – only they have a BEAUTY TRIBE.

So it’s a new year.. I want to help you with real beauty concerns, questions & frustrations.  I want to give you real solutions, hope and inspiration!  So let’s GET REAL! Who’s with me?

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Here is your first Beauty “TO DO” for 2016.. schedule in #MeTime this year & regularly!  Whatever you have to do; add it to your calendar, phone, schedule an alarm or  stratigically place sticky notes – DO IT & be consistent!  Here’s list to help start you off.

I will be back with more TO DOs for YOU and your perfectly, perfect (and annoying) imperfections!  Together we will GET REAL and feel more BEAUTIFUL by the end of 2016..  Cheers!!!  ~Michelle

Vitamin C is good 4 You

And your skin. Are you using it?

Anti-oxidants protect skin from future sun damage as well as repairing cells of past damage (those darn free radicals). Let me say that again, Vitamin C helps the skin repair itself!

It helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which slows down with age – hence the wrinkles.

Internal consumption is extremely good for skin as well. Buffered Vitamin C has always been recommended as a good choice for better body absorption.  Vitamin C is water soluble so you if it’s not absorbed by the body, it leaves.  We need to replenish daily because look at all the health benefits..

3 of my favorites are:

Dr. Spiller Vitamin C Line (serum, day & night cream)

Rodan + Fields Reverse Line (vitamin c & retinol combo) and the Sunscreen is the most hydrating I’ve ever used!

Avalon Organics Vitamin C renewal (lip balm)

So whether it’s finding a skincare line with Vitamin C, throwing an orange slice into your tea/water, munching on C based veggies (bell pepper, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, collard greens, tomatoes) or supplementing your diet with buffered C (especially during cold & flu season) – start rev-ing UP your anti-aging routine today.

Your skin & body will THANK YOU!

Fall M/U trend #2. Flushed cheeks

Flushed cheeks… what comes to your mind?

For me I think of a blushing bride, a chilly afternoon, a brisk, fall walk, a pilates class or a happy approachable person. Color “coming from within” that’s the goal of this look. Not that you’re embarrassed, doll-like or injured but when you’re flushed, good circulation, a beautiful glow & healthy.

Sometimes the benefit of a bright cheek allows for a quick swipe of mascara (I also like to swipe the blush along my brow bone for the illusion of a natural eyeshadow application) and that is all.  Natural beauty.  The flushed cheek is usually using a PINK/MAUVE or PEACH tone color.. not Bronzer. Watch my quick video on powder application tips:

Gels and tints/stains are also a great option but take a bit more practice.  Powder is easy to blend and wipe off.. a stain is not.  Cream blush and a tint are a great way to layer color.  I use my fingers to apply a swipe of a cream or a gel on the “apples” area of my cheeks and then follow with a light layer of powder color on top.  Blending is always the key!  Remember if you don’t like it, wipe it off and start again.

My Product Picks:

1. Tarte “Natural” cheek stain
2. Nars “Orgasm” Blush
3. Cinema Secrets “Natural” blush
4. NYX blush
5. Naked Illuminating Shimmer 
6. Smashbox soft lights shimmer

Application Tips: 

1. Tap off the end of your applicator before applying to eliminate any “splotches” of too much color at the first point of contact on skin.

2. Use the end of a sponge (“the butt”) to the blend edges of your blush application as well as to remove excess product.

3. Keep color within the triangle of your cheek and do not apply too far down under your cheekbone.  This is where it starts looking like you were punched in the cheek.

4. Take a selfie and see how it looks. Then add a swipe of a light shimmer powder across the top of both cheekbones to finish the look with a little glow. (Alittle goes a long way.)

5. Not working for you? Use the temporary tried and true methods: pinch your cheeks & exercise!

Stop by each week In September for tips on how to incorporate the 5 Fall Runway Trends into your every day look.

8 Reasons to use toner NOW

I didn’t use toner for years. Another product? Another step? No way.. I already have/do too many. I don’t need that (with laughter filling my head).  Sound familiar?

Then I did an experiment. I took a clean cotton pad after using my best cleanser, applied some hydrosol and I wiped. Hmmmm how can that be?  Then I applied all my skincare products and went to grab some much needed beauty sleep.

The next morning, knowing my face was as clean as a whistle I took a cotton pad, applied some more hydrosol and wiped.. YIKES!

How was it possible with a clean face and doing nothing but sleep, I still have sweat & dirt on my face. That was the day I started using toner.

Here’s a picture from this morning.. Guess my mascara wasn’t all off last night. Thank you toner.. I have to say I love you!

WHY Toner..

1. Tightens, refreshes & firms skin

2. Keep pores clean (minimized) & helps prevent breakouts

3. Help pulls moisturizer deeper into skin when applied AFTER toner

4. Combat & repair anti-aging and sun damage

5. Gently exfoliates, soothes & disinfects

6. Is it’s own skin treatment –  adds ingredients like vitamins & antioxidants 

7. Takes off excess dirt, sweat, mascara, misc. makeup & oil (is your 2nd cleanse)

8. It will be your secret weapon (proof is in the pad, see photo above)

WHAT Toner..

Oily skin: Love most of these, astringent & alcohol-free 

Dry skin: Love adding hydrasols & these are great options

Normal skin:  These are good for normal skin – neroli is my favorite

Did I change your mind? Or do you already use toner? Please share with me in the comments below.

DIY: SuperBowl SPAday

It’s SuperBowl Sunday weekend. Is there anyone else not into watching it or is it just me?  Well here’s what I will be doing.. SuperBowl SPAday!  Self pampering beauty.. Way better than football (at least to me) but maybe I’ll peek at the half-time show.

Here’s how to enjoy yourself while everyone else is in front of the television. Or after the party if you want to catch the game. (Can also be used any day you choose, whenever you’re in the mood or need it!)

What you will need:
Music of choice
Book of choice
Coconut oil
Packet of sugar
Honey
Green tea bags (2)
Candles
Socks/slippers
Favorite beverage

Start by lighting some candles (watching a flame lowers blood pressure), choosing some music (can’t go wrong with Classical or George Winston), pull out your favorite read (I’m addicted to Outlander right now) and pour yourself a beverage.

Pull your hair back with a tie or headband and slip into comfy clothes and slippers.  Take out the packet of sugar and empty it into your hand.  Mix a drop of your favorite cleanser into the sugar and apply to your face in circular movements.  Use warm water to wash your face with the mixture and give extra attention to any dry spots (nose, chin, lips).  The sugar will exfoliate and dissolve within the water as you wash (brilliant).  Rinse your face with cold water to close your pores and pat dry.

Apply a thin layer of coconut oil all over your face and follow by spreading a teaspoon of honey to your entire face & neck.  Pat the honey with your fingertips all over your face for about 1-2 minutes.  This stimulates the cells and encourages product penetration.  Apply coconut oil to your cuticles and grab a book, sitting with your feet up in front of the candles.  If you want to relax instead of read, apply one wet green tea bag to each eye and close.

Allow yourself to sit for 15-20 minutes with the honey on your face.  Then massage remaining oil into cuticles, remove tea bags, rinse face and pat dry.  Follow with one more application of coconut oil to your face & neck, apply your favorite eye cream and top with your moisturizer.

The honey and coconut oil will hydrate your skin and leave it feeling baby bottom smooth (and won’t clog or breakout skin).  The green tea bags will help hydrate, eliminate puffiness and firm.

If you want to sneak a peek at the television, now would be the time or just put your feet back up and enjoy YOU.

Let me know if you’ll be enjoying the game or pampering yourself.

If you like this post please tweet it, pin it, re-pin it and share it with your friends! and of course comments are ALWAYS loved..

Why didn’t I Moisturize my chest?

If you’re in your 20s or early 30s STOP reading this! Get up & immediately run to your bathroom, grab your moisturizer and slather it on your chest. You still have time to save your skin.

If you’re over 30 or in your 40s; sigh, smile & look down.. And ask yourself the same question on my mind, “WHY didn’t I moisturize my chest consistently while I was moisturizing my face all these years?” Ughhhh.

Now that I’m in my 40s I see all of the sun damage that I’ve earned without sunscreen, the tiny wrinkles from side sleeping and dehydration lines from lack of moisturizer.

We always take the time & care to keep our faces looking young and beautiful – maybe we even remember our necks. But why do we always forget our décolleté?

My mom didn’t really stress it was a big deal or nag me to go any further than my neck.. Well, I’m here to remind you always do your décolleté! Exfoliate, hydrate & repeat. Sleep on your back whenever possible (or invest in these chest protecting pads : http://www.silcskin.com/) and whatever you do, NEVER leave the house without applying sunscreen!

If I could go back and give my 18-year-old self one beauty tip it would be this: “Moisturize your body daily & NEVER leave out your chest.” While you exfoliating your face, exfoliate your chest. When you apply moisturizer to your face, continue down your neck and end on your chest. When was last time you exfoliated your chest more than twice, more than once a week?

The good news is, we can’t reverse the clock but we can at least slow it down. Start hydrating your décolleté right now!

So what would I tell my 40-year-old self if I was 80: “Take good care of your teeth and go floss immediately.”

I Scream, You Scream.. We all need EYE CREAM!

From a recent conversation with my Pilates trainer, I have realized a lot of people do the bare minimum for skincare. Cleanse, maybe moisturize, maybe SPF.

If you are over 40 years old and want some advice, besides washing before bed, using eye cream may be the second most important step in staying youthful. We all start seeing those mysterious lines around our eyes. Dry skin can make these lines even worse. Here are a few products I LOVE for eye creams and one should be able to fit anyone’s budget. The range is about $30-110.

Caffeine is one of the popular ingredients for tightening and taking puffiness away. The most important thing is to use an eye cream every night. Place it next to your bed if you need to. You will definitely see results within 2-3 weeks and be glad you did in 10 years!

Eye cream for now, Chapstick and moisturizer next! Lol

Please let me know if you have any great finds I can add to my list or questions.

“The eyes hold all the emotions of our heart… And are the windows to our soul.”