Monday, December 16, 2013

Must Have Beauty Reads

Happy New Year everyone! I have been gone for awhile as it has been crazy busy for me! Thankful for that! I am in process of finishing my memoir, doing a wealth of work within the community, modeling, doing make-up, amongst many other things! Glad to be busy though :). I appreciate you all following me, and taking the time to read. Speaking of reading, I wanted to share some of my favorite beauty reads.. Books that have tips/tricks, and amazing beauty advice! Please check them out! Perhaps you want to learn the art of artistry, perfect your current skills, or love to read. You will LOVE these books!



One of my favs is by celebrity make-up artist, Sam Fine. This is an oldie, but goodie. You'll learn so much about contouring, doing ethnic make-up, brow shaping, and more. You can find this, and all books I have mentioned at Barnes and Noble :)




The late, and legendary Kevin Aucoin was a phenomenal artist who showcased many of his tricks of the trade in the book, "Making Faces". There's so many before/afters that are incredible! He's even listed step by step instructions on how to get the looks. I got the news he passed when I lived in New York years ago, and was devastated. He was one of my favs as well.. SOOOO glad he left part of legacy in this book offering.



Definitely a must-read!!!!!!!!! Bobbi Brown is an accomplished make-up artist with her own line of make-up that I LOVE. This book has taught me so much especially about bridal make-up. No matter how, 'good' I feel I am as an artist, there's always room to learn and grow!



I met a beautiful Japanese bride-to-be about five years ago, and she recommended I purchase this book to understand/learn my way around an Asian beauty's face. I am so glad that I humbled myself and took her advice. This book taught me so much about color tones, facial shapes, eye shapes, and concerns that Asian women may have...  LOVE IT!

Asian Faces: The Essential Beauty and Makeup Guide for Asian Women


LOVE this book by Charla Krupp. I wanted to understand what a mature woman's needs would be whilst working with her... Her book offers a practical approach on how to look more youthful. From the glasses you choose, the way you do your make-up, hair coloring, dress style, and more. I highly recommend for anyone over the age of 35!



Love Tyra Bank's book!!!!!! I highly recommend this for adolescent women! Her book covers self-esteem issues, make-up tips, personal style, and more. The book was written with young women in mind, and I remember when I read it in my teens, it encouraged me so much :)


Hopefully you all will find these helpful! I will be back soon! XOXO



Sunday, October 13, 2013

Find your perfect fragrance

Happy Spring everyone!!!

Today I wanted to talk to you all about finding your perfect fragrance, how, and how not to wear it, and a few other helpful hints.



Interested in a little history lesson? Here you are :):
There has always been a trade in scents and by the year 2008 perfume had become a $10 billion industry. Today women have fragrance wardrobes of at least six different perfumes, rather than a single signature perfume, keeping one special perfume for occasion moments.
People have used perfume, oils and unguents on their bodies for thousands of years in lesser or greater amounts dependant on fashion whims. The early Egyptians used perfumed balms as part of religious ceremonies and later as part of pre-intimacy preparations. Myrrh and Frankincense were exuded gums from trees used to scent the atmosphere in rituals. Other plants such as rose and peppermint were steeped in oils until a perfumed unguent formed. The unguent was then rubbed into the skin. It's interesting to note that perfume has come full circle today as more and more of us seek out high quality aromatherapy perfumed oils to use in exactly the same way as our ancestors did.

http://bazaarinegypt.com/catalog/images/XXlpb0007.gif
Products that enhance the feel of skin and the smell of the body have been highly valued in every culture. Trade routes introduced spices to other parts of the world and a wider range of scents could be made. In the past people often mixed their own potions using home methods creating their own aromatherapy products. Many homes had a still room where essences were steeped out of flowers and herbs.
Perfume fell out of use during early Christianity, but was revived in the medieval period. By the 1600s scents were applied to objects such as furniture, gloves and fans. In the Georgian Era non greasy eau de cologne was developed and it had many uses from bath essence to mouthwash.

So how do we found our own signature fragrance?
There are plenty of perfume and cologne choices out there. But even with the variety of fragrances available, there is still one dilemma…how do you find the perfect fragrance that smells great on you? That is, without having to waste your precious money buying bottle after bottle only to find out they don’t work the magic you’re looking for? Now, you are familiar with the sales people at the discount stores, waiting for you in the aisle, ready to give a spray or two. Yeah, then you try this one and that one and by the end of your experience, you’re either confused, dizzy, or both!
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Lifeandhealth/Pix/pictures/2008/12/05/perfume1.jpg

Trying New Fragrances At No Cost To You!

If you happen to like going to the mall and visiting department stores, you can take advantage of your visit without having to buy their perfume. You also have to be careful not to try out too many fragrances at once. Decide to try between two and four fragrances per visit: one sample on each wrist and one on each crevice of your elbows. More than that is overkill. Take a small spray of each fragrance, allowing some time in between perfumes or colognes to let the alcohol evaporate.

As you take your stroll around the mall or go on to your next adventure for the day, the fragrances will be working their magic… you then decide if you like any of the candidates, or not. You can do this as often as needed until you find the fragrance, or fragrances, that make you, and those around you, smile. Once you have selected your signature scent, purchase it online.


http://www.adta.net.au/images/the-fragrance-gallery.JPG
The advantage of buying perfume and cologne online is that the prices are much more affordable. Also, you’ll find more variety because they have more space, since the perfume stores online don’t have to keep a storefront and make room for any other products. Additionally, while you are trying out your different fragrance, take a whiff of coffee beans (the counter should have some available) to reset your nose :)

http://fusioncoffee.com.au/roasted%20coffee%20beans%201.jpg


Trying Out Your New Fragrances

Once you decide on the fragrances to try, the idea is to wear each for a while to allow the middle notes, or the heart of the fragrance to emerge. These are the notes that will reveal the essence of your chosen fragrance. They will interact with your body chemistry and become one – your very own signature scent. Wear your potential fragrance around the house, as you do your chores. This is a great way to test drive it because you will be allowing your body to heat up the fragrance and therefore reveal its heart notes. You can then experience the full scent effect and either buy a bigger bottle or take a shower!

Tips & Warnings

*If some perfumes make you break out, consult someone about the particualr perfume you are interested in. This way you can avoid a skin reaction at all costs.

*Should the price of the perfume you like is high, consider looking at other stores. There are many retail stores that carry name brand perfumes for a lower price.

*While there are many positives to wearing perfume, there are few things to avoid. One involves perfume and jewelry. Certain types of jewelry, such as costume or pearl jewelry, can become discolored due to perfume alcohols. Some jewelry can also be stripped of its outer coating. When wearing perfume with this type of jewelry, apply it away from the jewelry.
*Don't use only one perfume year round. Test out various perfumes during seasonal changes to see which ones work best in the hot or cool temperatures. Different fragrances are affected by temperatures when it comes to scent intensity.
*Never apply perfume behind the ears. It can blend with skin secretions and create a bad smell. Also, don't spray perfume onto light-colored clothes because it can turn the fabric yellow.
*When buying perfumes online, try out the same brand and scent in a local store first to be sure it's right for you.

*The perfume fragrances you wear can cause people to be attracted to you or, unfortunately, to flee from you! You should carefully choose perfumes that enhance the space around you. Be careful not to offend others with fragrances that are too strong.

*Find a fragrance that complements your skin and natural aroma of your body. The scent should be subtle enough to not invade anyone else’s “personal space” but pleasant enough that others will want to stay around you. Perfume is meant to enhance your personality, attire, and overall being.



http://bluemooncandles.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/perfume-bottles.jpg
Other tidbits:
If you have dry skin, wear extra perfume. The oils in your skin, or lack thereof, can enhance or weaken the scent. When it’s cold out, wear extra perfume. Cold weather tends to weaken the scent as well. When, buying new perfume, don’t base your decision on what works for someone else. Try it out on your own skin first. Everyone’s skin reacts differently to a scent.
The best time to apply perfume is right after a shower or bath. After bathing, your skin pores will be open and will soak up the perfume’s fragrance. Also when bathing, use non-deodorized soap where the perfume will be applied. Soaps and deodorants can affect how the perfume will smell on your skin; the mixture won’t always be pleasant!
When applying perfume, dab it in unusual places where it will stay warm and keep its scent longer. It can be applied on the inside of the elbow, on the wrist, neck, stomach, cleavage, and back of the knees.
http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/2/20652/20_2007/WomanPefume_0.jpg

MelissaRoshan's personal favs:
When I am feeling happy, and go lucky I wear Ralph Lauren Sport:
Ralph Lauren Blue By Ralph Lauren for Women, Eau De Toilette Spray
On my wedding day I wore Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, and I also break it out on date nights:
http://stylefrizz.com/img/donna-karan-cashmere-mist-perfume.jpg
If I am going out to dinner with my girlfriends, and will look snazzy, I pull out Armani Mania.
http://tienda.jeperfumes.com/images/armani_mania_ea.jpg

If I am going to a black tie event, Allure Chanel never lets me down:
http://podnesi.com/images/47614ede7398280b2dbb75f7992e21e4Chanel_Allure_w.jpg
When I am working with clients, I don't want to over-power them with scents, so I opt for a small dab of Ellen Tracy:
http://www.skinstep.com/product_images/eau-parfum-spray-02917078006.jpg

And lastly, I recently discovered a new fragrance I love by Queen Latifah! Appropriately called, 'Queen':
http://www.mimifroufrou.com/scentedsalamander/images/Queen-Latifah-Ad-B.jpg


Well, that is all for now my fabulous ones!!!! Hope this posting was insightful, and that you are on your way to finding that perfect fragrance!




Monday, September 23, 2013

Fall Palettes Part 2.

Love lambs! As promised, I'm back with the second half of my make-up palette favs.  One post just wasn't enough, and I didn't want to over-crowd you with too much :). In my last post, I covered my eyeshadow palette favs, however in this post I will highlight lips, sets, as well as a few shadows. XOXO


 
I can't say enough about the Too Faced Cosmetics, "Natural Kiss" palette.  There is a shade for everyone, and to be honest, everyone can wear every color--yes, really.  Whether you pair it up with something else, (say a gloss, or lip liner) it's the perfect neutral palette for your collection. For all my make-up artists that work with the bridal clientele, you'll love this! Found at Sephora...

SEPHORA COLLECTION - Harmony Gloss 3 
Speaking of Sephora, check out their Harmony Gloss 3 set.  It's so pretty!!!!! I purchased, two. :) 

Stila - Lovely In London Travel Palette 
I'm TOTALLY digging this Stila set... ALL of the colors can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips.  LOVE IT! If you go to www.stilacosmetics.com, they sometimes have free shipping on orders over $20.00.  Score!!!!!!!

I about flipped when I saw this Lorac Pro set at Sephora.  I purchased three as I KNOW I will use these up... The color quality is PHENOMENAL. From the most natural eye, to the smokiest of smoking hot-----this is def one of the favs.

Smashbox - Cream Eye Liner PaletteI have a feeling my make-up artist friends out there are going to LOVE Smashbox Studios creme liner set. It's equipped with a precision brush, and the pigments are out of this world gorgeous. If you spend $50.00 or more in product on Smashbox.com, you'll get three deluxe samples. I don't think that will be difficult, smile.

SHADES OF FAME EYE SHADOW PALETTE 
 Told you it wouldn't be difficult.. This is Smashbox Studios, "Shades of Fame" palette.  It's equipped with 9 shadows, 2 creme liners, and a lid primer.  Haven't the foggiest where you would use the colors? There's a how-to-guide to help you out. SMOKING!

10 Color Professional Blush PaletteI couldn't forget about this palette from www.bhcosmetics.com. It's not top of the line, but for photo shoots, it's awesome (for all my artists out there) The colors are beautiful, go on well, and the price point is under $20.00----nice, right?
Well, I SOOOO appreciate you all reading, you make me so happy with your feedback. CHEESE! I'll be back very soon! My next post, is in regards to a book that changed my life. I promise you'll love it. 
XOXO,

Monday, September 2, 2013

Palettes for the Fall! (Part 1)

Hi Beauties! Happy Labor Day Weekend! I decided to put together a blog posting that highlights amazing shadow palettes for this Fall season.  Nothing like having multiple colors in one convenient set-up at your disposal.  If you travel frequently, love experimenting with colors, or just want to keep your counters clutter free--you will LOVE the palette concept.  Below you will find some of my favs! I own these for my professional make-up kit, and personal kit.  Enjoy!





I absolutely love the, "Naked Palette', by Urban Decay Cosmetics.  With so many colors at your disposal, and a fabulous 24-hour liner, it's easy to see why this is almost always sold out.  You can find it at Sephora stores, and some department stores.





Lorac Cosmetics, "Red Carpet, Reveal" palette is fabulous. If you have an olive skin tone, this is the perfect go-to for a natural toned smoky eye, or every day sultry look. You can use the pinkier tone for an amazing cheek color. I also found this at Sephora.
After working an event for V.S., I was gifted their, "Hello Bombshell" make-up kit. LOVE! It has 30 shadows, 5 lip glosses, 5 lip sticks, 4 blushes, 1 luminous powder, 1 translucent powder, 1 bronzer, 1 mascara, 1 lip-liner, and 1 eye-liner. (Fiiiiiive Golden Rinnnnngs!) Sorry, I had to :).  I carry this  pretty gal in my pro-kit. I don't like the eyeshadow applicators as I work on multiple faces, but other than that, the pigments are wonderful! Victoria Secret currently sells them in-store, and online.

This is probably one of my FAVS! The Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, "Desert Twilight". LOVE, LOVE, and LOVE.  This palette looks amazing on some of my bridal clients, and Honey, you know I just had to have it for myself.  FABULOUS!!!!!!!! If there is a Nordstroms, Von-Maur, Saks Fifth Ave, Henri-Bendels, or Sephora, you should be able to find this amazing product.  Also, Bobbi Brown cosmetics online is FABULOUS.
Totally digging the Iman Cosmetics, "Eye-Con" Collection.... I found this at Target, and flipped when I tested the colors out on my hand.  With make-up artists, we always look for consistency-- is the texture smooth? Creamy? Hard? We check for how well the pigment shows up.. Do we have to re-dip our make-up brush to get the full coverage we desire? I found that her colors felt smooth, the pigments are very concentrated (a little goes a long way), and they are BEAUTIFUL.







I will end Part (1) of this posting with Tarte Cosmetic's answer to a palette.  I LOVE the fact that the shadows are removable by way of magnetic technology, and the shadows are actually organic, all natural make-up.  Plus, when you run out of one shadow, you just buy a re-fill.  Tarte is big on being kind to your skin, but also being kind to planet Earth. By buying refills, it's less wasteful as you're not buying the container.. I've used their palettes for YEARS.  LOVE them.

Thanks for reading Love Lambs! I will back with more after the holiday! XOXO,



Monday, August 5, 2013

My beauty secret weapon--Probiotics!

For years I've been a fan of balancing out my body with Probiotics. Naturally found in some foods, but also found in a supplement form, probiotics are good bacteria. They are basically living microorganisms that have been shown to benefit our overall health in some way, such as improving digestive functions, or helping us resist common infectious diseases. Sound icky???

Don't worry---the composition of the bacteria (there are hundreds of different species) is not the least bit harmful to the body. As a matter of fact, probiotic bacteria is very similar to the bacteria naturally found within the intestines. The two most common types of bacteria in probiotics are milk-derived Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium..

I am not a practicing health practicioner, but I have done my research for you! Any questions beyond this post, should always followed up with your doctor! As someone who lost 72 pounds of weight, and I've been told I look about ten years younger than my age (humbly speaking) Probiotics is definitely something everyone should look into. :D


Benefits:
Probiotics can alleviate internal problems, like digestive issues, and external skin issues, such as acne. When taken orally, probiotics have an AMAZING effect on both the skin, and the body. The natural inflammatory properties of probiotics make them a must-have in skin-care products. When used topically, probiotics are thought to eliminate bacteria that cause acne, rosacea, millia, dermatitis, and psoriasis. They also reduce redness, and inflammation, and have a long term effect against premature wrinkles.
Short-term benefits
Reduced infection and inflammation by suppressing bacteria production
Long-term benefits
Possible slower formation of wrinkles

Timeline:
With topical skin-care products, anywhere from a few days to a few weeks; with internal supplements, and foods taken daily, four to six weeks to see some difference; six months to one year for a noticeable difference...
Bacteria 101:
Two types of bacteria live in the intestines: good bacteria, and bad bacteria both of which are essential. When diet, stress, aging, pH shifts, and even antiobitcs upset the equilibrium, bad bacteria take charge, resulting in conditions like digestion problems, acne, and eczema. Probiotics help to shift the balance in favor of good bacteria, thereby eliminating any threat from the bad bacteria present.

Top Probiotic products:

www.usana.com
Power Packets---This is awesome because it allows you to turn normal water, and other beverages into a probiotic-packed drink. The individually packaged powders have virtually no taste, and promote healthy digestion.


www.sonyadakarskinclinic.com

Sonya Dakar is a Beverly Hills based esthetician who has long believed in the benefits of probiotics. Her Acidophillus Flora Probiotic Supllement contains 15 billion love bacteria, works to improve intestinal health, and supports a strong immune system. The effects of her supplements, are equivalent to the amount of probiotics found in 37 containers of yogurt.


www.blissworld.com
This three-piece Bliss 'Zit' Sherlock Complete Acne System relies upon two different anti-breakout ingredients: salicylic acid to break up dead skin and oil and probiotic-packed yogurt to fight bacteria.


www.store.sk1nprobiotics.com

Developed by Dr. Hynes, this pH-balanced SK1N Cleanser works to deeply cleanse the skin without disrupting the water, and oil balance that's needed to maintain proper skin health, in turn reducing the effects of eczema, and protecting the skin's barrier.


www.bioelements.com

Using Bioelements Probiotic Anti-Aging Serum with Bifidus cultures immersed in milk proteins helps deter the formation of lines and wrinkles by firming and strengthening collagen and elastin, which creates a stronger barrier layer.







www.metagenics.com
Metagenics Ultra Flora IB combines equal parts of the two main strains of probiotic bacteria to reduce the pain, and discomfort associated with digestive problems by creating a healthy bacterial balance in the intestines.

Well, I hope you have found this posting very helpful.. While it was a little more, "technical" than what I normally post, hopefully you will consider introducing this amazing supplement into your life!

You can find them in most health, and vitamin stores, as well as some supermarkets. Remember to take two supplements before you eat in the morning, and two before dinner... Your body will be so thankful to you!

On my next post, I will share with you tips on how to get the lashes of your dreams---naturally! Hooray!!!!!!! Xoxoxo

Monday, July 8, 2013

EAT CLEAN DIET--CHANGED MY LIFE.

Hello Love Lambs...

In my last post I mentioned that I would highlight a book that changed my life...... That book is none other than Tosca Reno's:



About 3 years ago I was seventy five (yes, really) pounds heavier, I had irregular cycles, was moody, and could barely get up a flight of stairs without huffing, and puffing.  I would say things like, "when I lose weight, such, and such will be". I avoided being seen in public, and fell into a state of sadness surrounding my weight not coming off.

One day, I told my story to one of my clients Shelley Johnson founder of www.losingcoach.com. I knew she lost over 100 pounds (really) and she told me about this book that she was featured in......the rest was history.



About one year later after changing my MIND, then my LIFE, I lost weight, and to this date, I have kept it off.. My weight was comprised of un-forgiveness, worry, doubt, fear, anxiety, hopelessness, bad eating, lack of movement, etc...

Let me say this: The Eat Clean Diet isn't a diet, it is a way of life.  You eat wholesome, oxygenating foods, five times a day, FOREVER. I cut sugar, dairy, fried foods, processed foods, and bad energy.....

Here is my before, and after:

YOU CAN DO THIS. I felt led to put this post out there.... I hope it reaches who it was intended for.  Go grab the book, and give yourself a chance to live the HEALTHIEST LIFE POSSIBLE. If you need help by chance, contact Shelley at her website I referenced above.  Remember, you can't win until you begin. START NOW.

Love, and light to you all. I will be back soon.....