Grow Longer Lashes

Hi Beauties! So happy to be back! Hope you all are loving those Probiotics that I blogged about in my previous posting. Today, I would like to share with you innovative ways to get the lashes of your dreams.

Long, lush, dark lashes have always been en-vogue.. I'm going to show you some products that I LOVE to help you get there! Did you know, that the average life of an eyelash is about three months. Once it falls out, it can take up to two months to grow back! (EEEK!)

Years of abusing our lashes with mascara, make-up remover, and hair tugging lash curlers can impede healthy lash growth. The growth cycle of an eyelash is MUCH different than the hair on our heads. Over time, they don't grow as long, or as fast.. Aging can make them brittle, and weak.....

To grow, and thicken lashes, always look for peptide based stimulators. Peptide is a common ingredient in lash conditioners that stimulate hair so that it grows in healthy cycles.

For thickness, and volume:

Brittle lashes meet their match with this high-performance serum. With proven peptides, the daily-use Glymed Plus Age Management Skin Care System Eyelash Power Treatment also strengthens the root of each lash to prevent loss.

www.glymedplus.com

Natural Lash Grower:

Packed with the hair growth-promoting vitamin of biotin, LashFood Nano-Peptide, Natural Eyelash Conditioner uses peptides, natural plant extracts, and soy protein to help promote the growth of healthy lashes when applied once a day. Side note---you can also use this to grow over-plucked eyebrows back. I personally saw results in ten days.

www.lashfood.com

Supercharged Formula:


When applied twice a day, the effects of Beauty Society Enormous Lash--four times stronger than the original version--are quite evident. Goodbye short, sparse lashes! This will stimulate your lash follicle, and transform your lashes in two months. It is very gentle, and great for ultra sensitive eyes, or contact lense wearers.

For Added Shine:


Free of parabens, this renewing serum claims to promote thicker, longer lashes in just four weeks. Safe to use on brows too, Rapid Lash makes lashes supershiny thanks to a blend of panthenol, minerals, proteins, and vitamins. There is a fine tip on the applicator which makes it easy to apply the serum directly to the lashes.

For Serious Length:

Jan Marini's star lash accelerator Marini Lash Eyelash Conditioner makes lush lashes attainable for all. With its proprietary peptide complex, this lash enhancer claims to mimic the effects of prostaglandin (an ingredient that promotes darker lashes without the unwanted side effects.)

www.janmarini.com

The Lash Conditioner:

Just like hair conditioner for your lashes, the nightly use of Neulash, packs a triple threat by increasing lash length, elasticity, and strength so that the life of each lash is prolonged and the lash is better able to stay attached to the lid. When using this product, you will fine the life span of your lashes will be longer--even despite the wear of mascara everyday.

For More Curled Lashes:

With its double applicator, which boasts a sponge, and a mascara brush together, Talika Lipocils Expert gives more curl to your lashes and will make them darker, and thicker. It's also packed with baobab leaf, and sour orange extract to protect lashes from the sun, and peptides to reinforce the bond between the root and the skin.

www.talika.com

A Celebrity Favorite:

One of the original eyelash enhancers, Revitalash Eyelash Conditioner can transform even the shortest lashes. A favorite amongst celebrities, this doctor-developed formula--a gift to his wife while she was recovering from Cancer aims to make lashes appear longer, thicker, and darker without make-up.

www.revitalash.com

Prescription Based Formula:

As of late, Latisse is the only FDA-approved treatment for growing longer lashes. It was developed from Lumigan, which is prescribed to glaucoma patients, and produces incredible eyelashes as a side effect. Saturate the disposable applicators with bimatoprost, a pharmaceutical-grade ingredient that lengthens the growing phase, and increases how many lashes can mature.

www.latisse.com

Hope you all find this helpful! I will be back very soon! Xoxo

Six Steps to Pampered Pretty Feet

Hi amazing ones!!!!!!!!! I'm back, back, back! I will be posting at minimum twice a month now, and have sooo much amazing information to share with you all! I'm so grateful to all of my readers asking me to do more posts! Your encouragement means the world! Now then....

From day-to-day standing and walking to squeezing into uncomfortable shoes for hours on end, our feet take a beating--yet they are often one of the most neglected areas of the body. In fact, according to a recent study by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), 87 percent of women suffer from foot ailments, but an outstanding 72 percent spend less money on their feet than any other body part, including the face, skin, and hair.

Join me in loving on our tootsies!!!!

1. Reflexology.
Reflexology is a system of massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head linked to every part of the body. Over time, you will feel healthier, which leads to a life even more full of joy!

2. Invest in an amazing support system.
Wearing inserts, and supports does not make you old.. It means you love yourself enough to treat yourself kindly! I stand on my feet all day normally, and love the arch support insoles by Dr. Scholls..


3. Relax with a soothing foot soak...
If your budget, or time won't allow for a pedicure/spa treatment twice a month, finding an amazing foot soak can be so beneficial. I personally love the Akhassa Rituals foot soak---delightful! A salt-based foot soak can help soften skin, and cuticles and leave feet feeling invigorated. (www.akhassa.com) LOVE!


4. A Soothing Serum
Although it has an ingredient list that sounds more suited for the face, this glycolic acid-based serum tackles severe calluses and cracks and reduces dryness--especially in problem areas like the soles of your feet. Do try Skin Juice Tough Buff AHA Foot Serum (www.skinjuice.com.au)

5. An amazing hydrating balm..
I am in love with Butter London's Stiletto Stick. The solid, nongreasy formulation of this macadamia nut oil-rich soothing stick makes it shoe-friendly-so you can perk up parched patches on the go without worrying about greasiness.. (Butter London Stiletto Stick)


6. The Callus Eliminator
Think of this handy two-side tool as an instant pedicure with everything but the polish. The rough stone side removes dead skin and callused spots while the smoother side massages and gently exfoliates feet.


I had so much fun sharing this with you all! Next up, I'm going to share one of my beauty secret weapons.... Xoxoxoxo

Four ways to lush up your lashes!

Hello Cookies!

I am hearing more, and more from my clients that they wish they could have longer, thicker, softer lashes. Here are a few tricks you can try out without breaking your piggy bank :) Please note: I've tried to break it down by your individual concerns. Did I happen to miss yours? E-mail me, and I will send you an individual lash RX! :)

Do you have thin lashes, and want them to be much fatter? Falsies are the gold standard, but if you don't want to go that route, load up your lashes with a thickening mascara. Apply three coats, and let each one dry before doing another. Top it off with a thin line of expresso colored eye-liner, and you're good to go!

For a great thickening mascara please do try: MAC Cosmetics Opulash Mascara



Are your lashes bone straight, and you want a lasting curl? An eyelash curler is a must. Before diving in, use a hair-dryer to warm it up. Be careful however! The metal part of the eyelash curler can burn you, so let it cool for a pinch. Starting at the base of your lashes, gently squeeze and release the curler moving up until you reach the ends. Sweep on your mascara, and there you are! By heating up your lash curler, this is what gives that staying power!



My personal favorite mascara for lifting, and curling is by Benefit Cosmetics.. It's called, "Yes They're Real".. OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! I bought nine tubes. That's how good it is!



Lashes short, and you crave length? Build up those shorties, Honey!! Apply mascara from lash base to tips, put on a second coat from the middle to the ends then do a final swipe just on the tips. Don't neglect your lashes at the outer corners of your eyes for they will reward you with that wide-eyed affect. Please do try Covergirl Cosmetics LashBlast Lengthening mascara! You'll love it!



Are your lashes incredibly blond, and you want color? An extra-black mascara will give you the intensity you're craving. Contrary to popular belief, all you blond beauties out there do not have to resort to a brown color. If you want intensity, absolutely go with black. Even more fun: Coat all your lashes or just the bottom ones with blue, or green. It's totally funky, and totally eighties! Apply a great lash primer first to really make the colors pop.

Another personal fav to aid in giving you intense color drenched lashe: Christian Diors' "DiorShow" mascara!





Be bold! Be daring! Take it back to the eighties!




Urban Decay Big fatty mascara makes amazing hip colors!





That is all for now Honey Buns! Xo!

Inner Chemist

To pick up where we left off on the last posting, you are fully capable of creating fabulous spa like products at home! I wanted to share a recipe I have for a fabulous mask that is detoxifying, and decadent.

For an amazing mask at home, try this wonderful Strawberry Mask! What you will need:

• 1 very ripe strawberry


• 1 teaspoon of yogurt


• 1 teaspoon of honey


• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch


• oatmeal

Mash the strawberry until it's pulpy. Add the yoghurt and honey and stir to combine. Add the cornstarch and thicken the mask with the oatmeal. You may want to lay your head on a pillow covered with a towel after applying the mask. Wait 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.



Strawberries are wonderful for softening skin and contain AHAs. It's great for oily and acne prone skin. The mild enzymes and acids in yogurt is another skin softening agent. You will love this mask dolls! Don't forget to apply the mixture to your declotee area. Enjoy!

How fun!

While stocking up on much needed supplies at Sephora, I came across a really cute eye shadow palette from Stila Cosmetics. It's called, Stila Barbie Loves Stila Talking Palette ($72 Value)




I remember spending hours as a little girl playing with Barbie, and admiring her vibrant out to there makeup. I still to this day, stop and gaze at the dolls in their boxes thinking, "Gosh, I would love to find that candy pink color you have near your brow bone, Miss Princess Barbie"....

Of course, I was absolutely thrilled when I saw this sitting on the shelf! I immediately picked this product up, and began to play. The colors go on wet, or dry, and have a hint of sparkle in each one. I recommend this product for all the makeup lovers out there. Have fun with it!

Here is a Mac Cosmetics Ad. Their artists created this amazing look!


My gracious model Sarah, before. And after. We had so much fun!

How to achieve the perfect manicure at home!

Does the economy have you cutting back on trips to the nail salon? Or do you just prefer to do your nails on your own comfy couch?

Make your manicure your designated “me time” and enjoy the quiet time alone; or grab your favorite DVDs and invite your girlfriends over for a manicure party at your place.

Prep Yourself:

There’s nothing like digging through your bathroom drawers to ruin your manicure. Make sure all your tools are lined up before you begin. Protect your workspace from any spills with towels. Most important: Make sure your polish is in good shape. I know it seems old fashioned, but refrigerating your polish will keep it fresh, and gorgeous.

• 100% cotton balls
• Nail polish remover
• Nail files
• Cuticle pusher
• Towels
• One small bowl of warm water
• Good lighting

Go Bare:

Use 100% cotton balls and acetone-free nail polish remover to slip back into your natural shade. Synthetic cotton balls and wadded-up toilet paper need not apply. Quality cotton balls will remove your polish more efficiently. For the best results, soak the cotton ball with remover, then gently remove all layers of color or treatment with a gentle back and forth motion.

Soften Up:

Even if your cuticles aren’t dry and cracking, they still need a little TLC. Massage hands with Sally Hands Cuticle Remover:

After soaking for five minutes, take your cuticle stick, and dip one end of the stick in water, then wrap the end with cotton. Gently push back your cuticles using the cotton-wrapped cuticle stick.

Rank and File:

Next, use a nail buffer. Most nail buffers have numbers on each side, so you know what to start, and end with.

This will give you a smooth, shiny, even finish. It also promotes nail growth!Follow up with your hand scrub, to slough away dead skin cells. Your regular body scrub will do just fine, or I love the Crab Tree Evelyn scrub.

Dry your hands completely, and now file. I prefer a square shape, you may prefer oval. Give both a try!

Get Polished:

Before you start painting, you’ll need a blank canvas. Make sure your nails are free from excess oils and creams to ensure that your polish stays put. I use a ridge filler so that the polish goes on smoother. It acts as a primer.

You don’t have to be Picasso to turn your nails into a masterpiece. Don’t over-apply. Three strokes is all it takes! One in the middle and one on each side ensures a perfect application. Polish that is too thick is likely to smudge when wet, or peel, once dry.

I personally love, and have used for years, Essie Nail Polish
polishes. My favorite is, 'Ballet Slippers' for a classy clean look.

Extra Credit:

Maintenance is a must for making your manicures last, so nourish and protect them! The Burts Bee's cuticle cream is amazing, and don't forget your Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream

Enjoy gorgeous gals!

Vendor Conversation!

Hello cookies! I have been away for a pinch! Busy, busy, busy! I am so excited to update you all on what I have been up too however! I will start by by bring you a vendor conversation that I had with the fabulous Sumer Schmitt of Simply Perfect Weddings! If you are a Pittsburgh bride, this is the wedding planner for you! Visit her website at: www.simplyperfectwedding.net

Here is my vendor conversation:

Makeup Artist Spotlight :: MelissaRoshan

Our next makeup artist in our spotlight series is MelissaRoshan, the owner and creative force behind Makeup By MelissaRoshan. MelissaRoshan is based out of Columbus, Ohio, but also travels to Pittsburgh for on-location makeup clients. Not only is she an amazingly talented makeup artist, she is also one of the nicest and most genuine people I have come across! We hope you enjoy her Q + A session with us below:

1. First off, tell us a little about yourself:

Greetings, my name is MelissaRoshan, and I would like to think I’m about as unique as my name (my first name is actually MelissaRoshan). I am originally from Seattle, Washington.. Fate brought my family to the East Coast seven years ago. I have been a professional model, and make-up artist for a decade now, and I feel so very blessed!

2. How did you get started in makeup artistry?

I started out managing a cosmetics counter in Seattle, Washington. I always had a love for make-up artistry, and decided quickly once I graduated from school, that it was something I wanted to pursue. After growing tired of the demands of retails sales, and realizing there was a certain level of service I wanted to give to my clients, I knew I wanted to freelance on my own.

3. What is your #1 piece of makeup advice for brides on their wedding day?

Less is definitely more. Caking foundation, mascara, and lipliner on, can look un-natural, and ultimately unflattering. The look should be a soft, enhanced version of yourself. I also recommend wearing a perfume you have never worn before. That way, everytime you wear it after your wedding date, you will always be reminded of your special day!

4. What do you like best about your job?

I love the connection I make with the bride, and her bridal party. I am often told that I am more like a girlfriend, rather than a wedding vendor. This is such a honor to hear! I try to combine professionalism, with a down to earth approach for each client.

5. If you weren't a makeup artist, what would you be?

I would definitely say an astronomer. The Universe is unbelievably beautiful, and amazing. To be able to study it’s wonders, would be amazing! I do have to say however, if I were aboard any type of space craft, I would require/demand make-up!!!!

6. What is one thing you absolutely cannot live without?

I cannot live without my Blackberry, especially during wedding season!

7. If you could work with anyone, who would it be?

Sumer Schmitt from Simply Perfect Weddings! {Aww, thanks dear! I promise I did not pay her to say that!}

Please share a few of your favorite photos from your portfolio of work:



Shannon Williams Photography

Scott Cunningham Photography

Okay lovely chicas! I'll be back soon!