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!

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..

Beauty 2 beat Winter Blues

Paint Your Nails

WINTER BLUES got you down?

Here are some ideas to lift your spirits & make you feel Pretty! (Because YOU ARE!)

1.  Paint your nails:  A little color can make all the difference.  Purple is the “IT” color for SPRING 2014 so start testing out some of your favorites.  Adding a little SPARKLE on top always makes me smile.

Product Pick:  Love Zoya AWAKEN Spring 2014 line, especially Monet topper.

2.  Take a bath:  Warm water and some wonderful smells can take you to a whole new world. Play your favorite music, close your eyes and breathe deeply.

Product Pick:  Pandora’s peaceful stations never fail to lull my clients into beauty rest.

3.  Grab an aromatherapy based lotion:  Applying aromatherapy to your body will lift your spirits and help soften and smooth your skin from chapped, dry skin.

Product Pick:  I am addicted to Shea Butter based lotions with aromatic scents (KleanSpa does custom “scenting”).  I can’t get enough!

4.  Buy a new lip gloss:  This works for me every time.  Apply & Smile.

Product Pick: Urban Decay has a beautiful new line of lipsticks for spring 2014.

5.  Add bangs:  Whether they are feathered, side swiped or curly – change can be good.  It always grows back.

6.  Give yourself a mini-facial:  Clean your face and apply a mask, then take a shower.  (Steam helps the ingredients penetrate) after you’re done wipe it off & apply coconut oil.  Your skin will LOVE it!

Product Pick:  This hydrating mask from Boot’s look delish (love the ingredients).  You can also just apply Honey.  Works beautifully.

I would LOVE to hear what YOU do to “Beat the Blues..”

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.”

January & February Celebrating Chocolate

Chocolate Facial

Introducing Michelle’s New Signature Facial: $149
A luxurious Chocolate Facial with a Chocolate Brow Design
and Lash Extension Flirty Flares
Strawberry scrub, hydrating chocolate massage & mask,
aromatherapy oil hand wrap, ending with a hot chocolate or caramel latte

“All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!”

 

After Keratin Treatment

Linda’s Chocolate Scented Keratin Straightening: $150
Back by Popular Demand
All hair lengths

Formaldehyde Free
Won’t make your hair “poker” straight.  It adds protein to condition & shine
and take away the frizzies

If you wear your hair straight, even in the hottest, humid conditions it will stay that way.
If you curl your hair, it will hold the curl and be smooth as can be.  It lasts for 2-3 months without any grow out lines.