You have just finished filling up your child's milk cup for what seems like the 25th time today and catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. . . Yikes! Your mascara is under your eyes, you look like a ghost and your shirt looks like it has oatmeal or something equally unappealing on the shoulder, welcome to my life. You glance at your watch and notice your husband/partner/boyfriend/babies daddy is due home in 10 minutes. It isn't a lost cause, in 3 minutes you can look and feel better!
Just a thought, this is nothing personal and I am not suggesting that women shouldn't let their natural beauty shine though but whether you get all done up or just put a little make up on to go out with your girlfriends, or out for dinner, you are faced with people that you will either never see again or don't care about the attraction factor. Why not put a little effort in for the person you will be with for the rest of your life, the one you want to be attracted to you still in 30 years from now. It isn't the make up itself, but the effort!
I have divided this to target everyone; the never wear the stuff females, the make up wearers and the 'before I had kids' make up ladies.
The Never Wear Make Up Female (applies to all categories)
1. Apply lip gloss even if it is just clear Blistex, Chapstick etc. -5 seconds
2. Mist yourself with a perfume, if you are not a perfume wearer spread a scented body lotion on your forearms and neck. - All day with the kids, being outside, cooking, chores can leave you less then fresh. -10-20 sec.
3. If you are wearing clothing that shows your arms, chest or legs spread some body cream or lotion on. - Through out the day our skin looses moister, glowing skin looks great, especially on legs -30 sec.
4. Depending on how you wear your hair give it a comb, toss, or tidy the pony tail. -30 sec.
5. Spritz a spa water like Vichy Thermal Spa Water or Avene Thermal Spring Water on your face to freshen and wake up your skin (and you). -10 sec.
6. Change your shirt. - Remember the days when if you spilled on yourself or were spit up on you ran and showered and changed right away? Now you just wipe it off with a baby wipe and get on with your day!?!?! (Don't pretend you don't!) Wow what happened here! Let's get past this ladies and go back to changing into a shirt free of vomit/snot/food/crayon/paint etc.! - 20 sec.
The Make-Up Wearer
First do all the steps under 'Never Wear Make Up" then proceed with;
1. Dip a cotton swab in eye make up remover and run it under your eyes - This will take off any make up that has settled under your eyes throughout the day, instantly making you look fresher.- 10 sec.
2. Top up your existing mascara with a thin coat of mascara. - 20 sec
3. A swipe of a pinkish/peachy blush.- Instantly makes you look alert and healthy - 10 sec
4. Place a highlighter on top of your cheek bones and under eye brows - This makes you look like you got more than 4 hours of sleep. - 20 sec.
5. Finish with a Mineral Powder.
The "I Wore Make Up Before The Kids" Lady
First do all the steps under 'Never Wear Make Up" then proceed with;
1. Curl your eyelashes and place 1-2 coats of mascara on. - Curling your eyelashes instantly opens the eye area helping you appear more alert. - 45 sec.
2. A swipe of a pinkish/peachy blush.- Instantly makes you look alert and healthy - 10 sec
3. Finish with a Mineral Powder.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Quick Beauty Tips
If you are like me you probably feel there are never enough hours in the day. Between making meals, spending time with kids/spouse/friends and chores there isn't much time for yourself and personal beauty routines. I have come up with some simple and realistic tips to help you look and feel your best!
Hair Style
Choose a hair style that suits your hair type, texture as well as one that works with the length of time you can put towards it daily. I have super short hair, think Halle Barry, this hair style is super easy but it must be done every day or it looks un-kept and unintentionally messy. I need to wash it and restyle it daily. Since it only takes 10 minutes total it is pretty quick and easy. If you have longer hair consider washing it in the evening pulling it back in a low ponytail by your neck and twisting it in a bun. In the morning let out the bun and you will have a nice wave to your hair, think Gisele Bundchen. This requires no time at all. A ponytail is always a quick way to wear your hair, especially on days when you don't have time to wash it. Wear one with a slight poof in the front for a chic look, this look will also hide any slight greasiness that a tight ponytail highlights. When blow drying your hair straight don't start the actual styling until your hair is 80% dry, this saves a lot of time. Your hair won't be effected by your efforts until that point anyways!
Hair Colour
If you have time to go to the salon regularly then you can pretty do what ever you want, but if time or finances are a concern a little more thought has to go into finding the perfect colour. One of the fastest ways to look frumpy is having 2 inches of roots hanging out. Consider going natural or something closer to your natural colour. If that seems too boring or you are concerned about greys you could get low lights or highlights. These hide roots better then a flat all over colour but generally need to be done in a salon for the best results.
Nail Care
I have time to paint my nails but generally ruin them in the drying phase or chip them within 2 days. If you don't have a lot of time for nail care stick with short nails. By keeping them filed short and all the same length even without polish they look well maintained. When painting them choose a colour that is light, this will hide chips well. If you prefer always having polished nails you could get acrylic nails, which require a fill in the salon every 3-4 weeks depending on how fast your nail grows. If you don't have time for the upkeep don't get these. Broken or gel/acrylic nails that have grown half way up your own nail beds look terrible. Getting a manicure with a product like CDN Shellac gives you 7-14 day chip free manicure. This is done in the salon and takes the same length of time as a normal polish change would. It takes approximately 10 minutes to have removed. Even if you don't remember to put cream on your hands every time you wash them, make sure to put a good cream on at night as well as a cuticle oil like Solar Oil, or even olive oil! File the bottom of your feet every day in the shower to save from a big build up and remember to put moisturizer on like you would for every other part of your body. Feet take a lot of punishment, they carry our body weight all day everyday, wear ill fitting shoes and high heels!
Skin Care
"Take off your face make up every night and drink lots of water" are two tips that I hear time and time again. There is a reason for this. . . they are simple but make a huge difference with how your skin looks. I am bad for leaving my eye make up on. I now leave my eye make up remover in the family room, so while I am watching tv I can quickly take of my make up. For the morning make your face care steps easy, cleanse, moisturize and protect with a sunscreen. For evening a little more time spent on your routine can help out in the a.m.. Cleanse, exfoliate (2-4 times a week), apply a serum (this helps the moisturizer do its thing. Some help strictly with moister, some help with wrinkles, some with dark spots, etc.. Ask your beautician which is best for you) follow this with an eye cream and moisturizer. If you are like me and love lush lashes apply a lash serum like Revitalash to your lash line. And volia a simple skin care routine for great skin!
Hair Style
Choose a hair style that suits your hair type, texture as well as one that works with the length of time you can put towards it daily. I have super short hair, think Halle Barry, this hair style is super easy but it must be done every day or it looks un-kept and unintentionally messy. I need to wash it and restyle it daily. Since it only takes 10 minutes total it is pretty quick and easy. If you have longer hair consider washing it in the evening pulling it back in a low ponytail by your neck and twisting it in a bun. In the morning let out the bun and you will have a nice wave to your hair, think Gisele Bundchen. This requires no time at all. A ponytail is always a quick way to wear your hair, especially on days when you don't have time to wash it. Wear one with a slight poof in the front for a chic look, this look will also hide any slight greasiness that a tight ponytail highlights. When blow drying your hair straight don't start the actual styling until your hair is 80% dry, this saves a lot of time. Your hair won't be effected by your efforts until that point anyways!
Hair Colour
If you have time to go to the salon regularly then you can pretty do what ever you want, but if time or finances are a concern a little more thought has to go into finding the perfect colour. One of the fastest ways to look frumpy is having 2 inches of roots hanging out. Consider going natural or something closer to your natural colour. If that seems too boring or you are concerned about greys you could get low lights or highlights. These hide roots better then a flat all over colour but generally need to be done in a salon for the best results.
Nail Care
I have time to paint my nails but generally ruin them in the drying phase or chip them within 2 days. If you don't have a lot of time for nail care stick with short nails. By keeping them filed short and all the same length even without polish they look well maintained. When painting them choose a colour that is light, this will hide chips well. If you prefer always having polished nails you could get acrylic nails, which require a fill in the salon every 3-4 weeks depending on how fast your nail grows. If you don't have time for the upkeep don't get these. Broken or gel/acrylic nails that have grown half way up your own nail beds look terrible. Getting a manicure with a product like CDN Shellac gives you 7-14 day chip free manicure. This is done in the salon and takes the same length of time as a normal polish change would. It takes approximately 10 minutes to have removed. Even if you don't remember to put cream on your hands every time you wash them, make sure to put a good cream on at night as well as a cuticle oil like Solar Oil, or even olive oil! File the bottom of your feet every day in the shower to save from a big build up and remember to put moisturizer on like you would for every other part of your body. Feet take a lot of punishment, they carry our body weight all day everyday, wear ill fitting shoes and high heels!
Skin Care
"Take off your face make up every night and drink lots of water" are two tips that I hear time and time again. There is a reason for this. . . they are simple but make a huge difference with how your skin looks. I am bad for leaving my eye make up on. I now leave my eye make up remover in the family room, so while I am watching tv I can quickly take of my make up. For the morning make your face care steps easy, cleanse, moisturize and protect with a sunscreen. For evening a little more time spent on your routine can help out in the a.m.. Cleanse, exfoliate (2-4 times a week), apply a serum (this helps the moisturizer do its thing. Some help strictly with moister, some help with wrinkles, some with dark spots, etc.. Ask your beautician which is best for you) follow this with an eye cream and moisturizer. If you are like me and love lush lashes apply a lash serum like Revitalash to your lash line. And volia a simple skin care routine for great skin!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Letter to Spring
Dear Spring,
For about a month now I have been patiently awaiting your return. I have been very kind to your cohort winter, after all we do live in Canada. I didn't complain when winter's shenanigans caused me to be trapped in the house with 2 babies for days. I didn't get upset when your buddy winter suddenly dropped its temperature creating black ice causing my car to slip, hitting a curb and knocking my wheel bearings together. We didn't loose it with your constant teasing, plus 9 degree weather followed by a snow storm 24 hours later. (That was pretty unnecessary by the way.) Your partner in crime winter and you have won, that's right we decree you two the winners!
I have played by all the rules . . . I went out and bought clothes from the spring lines for myself, shorts for the kids and a hot pink t-shirt for my husband. . . I have put away some of my winter coats and pulled out lighter weight coats. . .the snow brush is hanging in its spot in the garage. . . we purchased new rain boots for my son. . . got out our walking stroller. . . and my son got out his sand toys!
Spring we have kept our end of the bargain, now it is your turn. We expect to see you in 2 days, no questions asked.
Sincerely,
The Seasonly Challenged
For about a month now I have been patiently awaiting your return. I have been very kind to your cohort winter, after all we do live in Canada. I didn't complain when winter's shenanigans caused me to be trapped in the house with 2 babies for days. I didn't get upset when your buddy winter suddenly dropped its temperature creating black ice causing my car to slip, hitting a curb and knocking my wheel bearings together. We didn't loose it with your constant teasing, plus 9 degree weather followed by a snow storm 24 hours later. (That was pretty unnecessary by the way.) Your partner in crime winter and you have won, that's right we decree you two the winners!
I have played by all the rules . . . I went out and bought clothes from the spring lines for myself, shorts for the kids and a hot pink t-shirt for my husband. . . I have put away some of my winter coats and pulled out lighter weight coats. . .the snow brush is hanging in its spot in the garage. . . we purchased new rain boots for my son. . . got out our walking stroller. . . and my son got out his sand toys!
Spring we have kept our end of the bargain, now it is your turn. We expect to see you in 2 days, no questions asked.
Sincerely,
The Seasonly Challenged
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Michael Kors Watches
So I have a slight obsession with Michael Kors watches. I love them! Great quality, responsible prices and wonderful style what's not to love?!?!
Michael Kors has a watch for everybody; men and women, funky coloured, classic tortoise shell, ceramic, silicone, metal, leather and of course the wildly popular yellow gold and rose gold watches! I have the below two. Realistically how many watches can a person wear, but I cannot help drooling over the new Shiny Square face gold watch, and the Rose Gold watch with the navy face. I originally wanted the rose gold watch but it did nothing for me with my skin tone, so I opted for the plain yellow gold. I think the navy face would compliment the rose gold and add just enough colour to make it look sharp.
Michael Kors has a watch for everybody; men and women, funky coloured, classic tortoise shell, ceramic, silicone, metal, leather and of course the wildly popular yellow gold and rose gold watches! I have the below two. Realistically how many watches can a person wear, but I cannot help drooling over the new Shiny Square face gold watch, and the Rose Gold watch with the navy face. I originally wanted the rose gold watch but it did nothing for me with my skin tone, so I opted for the plain yellow gold. I think the navy face would compliment the rose gold and add just enough colour to make it look sharp.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
H&M 20% off Children's Clothes
I was doing some shopping in H&M today for my oldest son. H&M has on trend clothing for great prices. With summer weather fast approaching (hopefully, as I type this it is snowing!) I wanted to get him some shorts while there is still a good selection.
I found quite a few items. I would have liked to look longer but time was of the essence, I had to grab some clothes and head to the check out. Upon arriving there the cashier informed me that the kids catalog has a coupon for an additional 20% off your entire purchase of kid's clothing & accessories. They had a stack of the catalogs right there at the counter so that was a nice bonus. This is what I was able to round up in my short visit.
I got all this for under $85.oo!!! Can you believe that?!?! I was impressed with that, what a steal. The jacket alone was the only sale item and was originally $29. If you need children's clothes I suggest you check out the 20% off (with coupon) sale on now until the 27th at H&M.
I found quite a few items. I would have liked to look longer but time was of the essence, I had to grab some clothes and head to the check out. Upon arriving there the cashier informed me that the kids catalog has a coupon for an additional 20% off your entire purchase of kid's clothing & accessories. They had a stack of the catalogs right there at the counter so that was a nice bonus. This is what I was able to round up in my short visit.
 |
| 10 Cute Items |
 |
| 1 Denim & 4 Cargo Style Shorts |
 |
| 2 T-Shirts & 1 Button Down |
 |
| 1 Military Style Jacket and 1 Pair Cargo Pants (not shown here) |
Monday, March 21, 2011
Like These?!?!
Have you ever seen something that you love but you can't explain why? Something that is not your typical style but you absolutely adore? The following are perfect examples of things that I was instantly drawn to.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1. Haute Hippie Longhorn skull-motif jersey sweatshirt $135
2. Balmain Printed cotton tank $575
3. Isabel Marant Semax mid-rise printed skinny jeans $480
4. Kevington silk blazer $1,820
5. Bird by Juicy Couture Cashmere track pants $400
1.
2.3.
4.
5.1. Haute Hippie Longhorn skull-motif jersey sweatshirt $135
2. Balmain Printed cotton tank $575
3. Isabel Marant Semax mid-rise printed skinny jeans $480
4. Kevington silk blazer $1,820
5. Bird by Juicy Couture Cashmere track pants $400
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Leggings Are NOT Pants
I have a bone to pick with legging wearers! There are two types of legging wearers. I am not talking to you legging wearers who wear them with a nice tunic, dress so short your bum would show if you bent over or a long shirt . . . please legging away! I too wear leggings, in fact I am wearing them right now with a long shirt/short jacket.
I am talking to those who wear them as pants! If your shirt is up to your waist, is tucked into your "pants" or your mid drift is showing and you are still sporting leggings please don't. You aren't doing anyone a service especially yourself. Unless you are blessed to look like a Victoria's Secret Model (in fact I have never even seen a VS model wearing leggings as pants) then chances are the look is a little too Peg Bundy! Check out Net-A-Porter for chic ways to wear leggings. The only pair they have with a shirt tucked in are $990, yes you read that right, nine hundred and ninety dollars! I am sure for that kind of money you are not getting anything sheer or flimsy.
Look into jeggings! These hug your curves and give the skin tight appeal that men love but with out the sheerness of a legging. There is nothing worse then when you bend over and your leggings go see-through, or are being pulled so tight they become shiny. They are basically thick nylons, and no one would rock those with a short shirt!
Just sayin'!
I am talking to those who wear them as pants! If your shirt is up to your waist, is tucked into your "pants" or your mid drift is showing and you are still sporting leggings please don't. You aren't doing anyone a service especially yourself. Unless you are blessed to look like a Victoria's Secret Model (in fact I have never even seen a VS model wearing leggings as pants) then chances are the look is a little too Peg Bundy! Check out Net-A-Porter for chic ways to wear leggings. The only pair they have with a shirt tucked in are $990, yes you read that right, nine hundred and ninety dollars! I am sure for that kind of money you are not getting anything sheer or flimsy.
Look into jeggings! These hug your curves and give the skin tight appeal that men love but with out the sheerness of a legging. There is nothing worse then when you bend over and your leggings go see-through, or are being pulled so tight they become shiny. They are basically thick nylons, and no one would rock those with a short shirt!
Just sayin'!
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