Friday, July 22, 2011

Summer Essentials

I know summer is half way over but it's never too late to talk about essentials. For those nights out, day trips, or summer vacations, these are the items you should have in your purse-just in case.

aloe vera- After a day in the sun, even if you aren't burnt, aloe vera is what your skin needs to repair itself. It soothes and moisturizes so that your burn can turn into a healthy tan. 


clear nail polish- Not only is it good for your nails and keeping them healthy & long, but in case of wardrobe malfunctions, such as a tare in stockings or fabric, clear nail polish is a quick fix to repair.


 body mist-No body wants to be sweaty or smelly and with the summer sun out, this is hard to prevent. Sometimes deodorant does not do the trick and you need more help. This is where a body mist can come in handy and if you get the right one, it'll last all day and won't over power you with smells.


moisturizing lotion-Lotion is a necessity in any girls purse but especially during the summer months. This is when the sun is taking moisture out of our bodies and we need to replenish it. Lotion does just this-if you get a moisturizing lotion.


sunglasses-With the sun beating throughout the day (and most of the night), it is important to protect your eyes and the right sunglasses, with uv protection, will do just that. Plus, they are always a stylish accessory!


sunblock- In Los Angeles, the summer days can get pretty gruesome with temperatures into the 100s. Sunblock is not just something that is needed, it is ESSENTIAL! Skin cancer is not a joke and wearing sunblock every day, even when you are only in the sun for a few minutes, is a sure way to prevent cancer or any other side affects that sunburns cause.


chapstick- Our lips, whether we realize it or not, loose moisture very easily and using a good chapstic every day will help to prevent chapped lips. 


blot film-Warm temperatures lead to sweat and sweat can lead to oily skin and acne. To prevent oily skin and uneven foundation, carry blot films in your purse to blot the sweat away when needed. They are small and will fit in any purse regardless of size. When you feel sweat dripping or like your skin is oily, regardless of whether you are wearing makeup or not, blot yourself with the film and you will be ready to go in less than a minute!


makeup bag-It doesn't have to be a big bag, but a small makeup bag to carry all of the essentials listed above, is the most essential on the list. Place everything you need for the work day or a night out in the bag that is sure to fit into any sized purse. Then you are ready to go!


I hope all of these tips helped and that you will pile all of them into a small bag to take with you wherever you go!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

A Few of My Favorite Things

Here is a list of some of my favorite things that I use daily.

Face:

Daily cleanser-ProActive doesn't work, Mary-Kay has some okay products, and all the over the counter washes do not do the job. The best two products I have found that I swap daily are Bare Essentials' Purifying Facial Cleanser and Deep Cleansing Foam. Using these two simultaneously, I found, has not only cleared up my pours and my skin, but it also makes my skin more smooth. The healthy ingredients in these products will help slow down the aging process and are good for your skin. I felt the difference after one wash!

Foundation- I swear by Bare Essentials powder foundation. When I first started using make-up in middle school, I used cremes, which actually increase your breakouts and create oily skin. This is something none of us want. My mom introduced me to Bare Essentials powder and I have never gone back. There are plenty of other powders out there that claim they will do the same and may be cheaper, but Bare Essentials lasts for MONTHS and stays on for HOURS. I have even showered and not taken off the make-up if I am going to a night time event and do not want to have to re-do my make-up and the powder mostly stays on in the shower!
Recently Bare Essentials introduced their matte foundations, which not only last longer (if you can imagine) but go on smoother. If you didn't think that their foundation could get any better, they include SPF 15 to protect your face from the sun.

Concealer-I do not really consider this a concealer and I do not use it as such, but Bare Essentials' version, which they call "bisque", is what I use to cover up any and all acne that is on my face. When combined with the foundation, one would never know that you had acne underneath. The "bisque" comes in one color and contains SPF 20.

Skin Masks- I only use masks once in a blew moon because using them daily or weekly is not good for the skin. Finding one that actually works and doesn't stick when trying to peel off is hard to do. That is why I am so glad Forever 21 started making beauty products! They have a few masks that come in different 'flavors' including cucumber and kiwi yogurt that all include healthy ingredients for your skin. Each packet is only $1.80 and are good for 2 treatments. I say this is a steal!

Teeth- There are many whitening products out there and none work better, I have found, then good old toothpaste. Whitening strips are expensive and do not work or last. Professional whitening should be left to the stars who can afford it, and the only time you need that kind of whitening done is every six months at the dentist. So what is the best toothpaste? I have tried a lot of the years and I have found that Crest' 3D white toothpaste is the best. It not only comes in a tube so it's easy to access, but it also foams once inside your mouth and leaves your mouth feeling tingly clean. I noticed a major difference after about two days.

Eyes:

Eyeliner- Bare Essentials doesn't have an actual powder eyeliner which is what I prefer, but their powdered eyeshadows can be used as an eyeliner. I use their "oynx" which is a dark black and if applied correctly, can last almost all day. Don't be scared that it's an eyeshadow instead of a liner, because I have been using it for over a year and it works perfectly well-no problems.

Eyeshadow- There are TONS of different eyeshadow paletes and when it comes to my eye colors, I do not have a preference. I will buy any eyeshadow as long as it isn't a creme, which can get messy and does not last. But here are some shoutouts to some awesome eyeshadows: Forever 21, Gretchen Christine and Almay.

Mascara- Bare Essentials' Flawless Definition Mascara in black last all day and all night that I do not have to even touch-up to go from day to night. It lasts so well that when I wash my face at night, it is a little tough to wash off if I try with just water. The mascara brightens up my blue eyes and adds a touch of length even though I already have naturally long lashes. They also have a mascara for those who wish to add length to their shorter lashes. Both come in black only.

Body:

Lotion- Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works have the best lotions in terms of smell and moisture. Both stores are always having sales and have TONS of different smells to chose from. My favorites include: strawberry and champagne, love spell, sweet craving, endless love, sweet pea, black amethyst, ps I love you, and cucumber melon.

Foot scrub- Bath and Body Works True Blue foot scrub and foot creme work great just on their own and work even better together. If you have calluses on your feet like me, then your feet need extra special attention and these are the perfect solutions! Use the scrub in the shower then apply the creme when you get out. Even if you don't have calluses, these products work great after a long day of being on your feet.

Tanning Lotion- If you have pail skin like me and cannot get a nature tan, then you SHOULD NOT go to the tanning salon and jump in the tanning bed! Those cause skin damage and can lead to skin cancer. Don't worry, I have the perfect solution! Jergens Natural Glow is just like a moisturizing lotion except that it adds a natural glow to your skin-as if you had gone into the sun. Unlike other tanning products, Jergens Natural Glow doesn't have a nasty smell, is easy to use with no spilling, and goes on smoothly. Use everyday or every other day and you will have a natural, HEALTHY glow! If lathered on enough, it'll last through showering!

Body mist- Bodycology has multiple flavors of body mists but none of the ones that sounded good ended up smelling as good as they sound. "Fresh Waters" is a simple smell, as it does not smell like much, but during summer, it does the job for keeping cool and smelling good.

Hair:

Shampoo/Conditioner- Another thing I swear by is Pantene ProV. Both their shampoos and conditioners work wonders. Who needs expensive salon products to protect, untangle and moisturize their hair? I certainly don't! Pantene ProV does the exact same thing! My personal favorite is "Dry to Moisturized" which keeps my hair moist and healthy.

Hairspray- Pantene ProV's  Anti-Humidity hairspray not only holds the curls in your hair for HOURS but it isn't sticky like other hairsprays. Whether needed to stay in for hours on end or just enough to last throughout the day, this is the best product to keep the curls in your hair!

Hope you try some or all of these products because TRUST me- they WORK!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Southern Cali Venues

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor weddings and Los Angeles and the areas surrounding it are great locations to say "I Do." From the beach to local hotels, Southern California has a lot to offer in terms of nuptials.  Below is a list of locations throughout Southern California that any bride would love.


Villa de Amore- Located in Temecula, CA, it is central to Orange County and San Diego. This private estate is perfect for wine lovers, as it has a 360 view of the Temecula Wine Country. Whether it be the bride that wants to splerge on her big day or the bride that is on a budget, this location can accomedate any bride's needs. For the splerging bride, the venue can create your dream wedding FOR you with their "all inclusive wedding package". For the bride on a budget, the venue can also cater to a minimum of 50 guests with their discounted vendors.


Elings Park-Santa Barbara's biggest public park offers three different venues to chose from for an ideal outdoor wedding. Voted The Knot's "Best of Weddings" 2011 pick, this venue is ideal for the nature bride.  With a large lawn fit for 300 guests, gardens, amber trees, and poppies, this venue is beautiful for a summer wedding.


Rancho Chiquita-Located in the Malibu mountains, this private home venue overlooks the ocean and 250 acres of rolling hills. Inspired by Mexican style, this location is both private and spacious with a beautiful courtyard and Lawn and Garden Terrace. Brides and their bridesmaids can use a private Bridal Room to do hair, make-up and take photographs beforehand. Renowned chef and restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland offers her food for any occasion, with cuisine from Mexican, Chinese  to Indian and Barbeque. This location is perfect for the Latina bride or anyone who wants to incorporate a Mexican style in their wedding.


Tivoli Terrece- Winning Wedding Wire's "Bride's Choice Awards 2011," this venue is located in the Laguna Beach Canyons and offers exclusive wedding packages. These packages include wedding coordinators, floral decorations, live pianist, a dressing room, wedding rehearsal, among more. Donned with a chapel and grand staircase, this venue offers a very romantic outdoors experience for all. The location includes trees, plants, and fountains surrounding the ceremony area while the reception includes candlelight, stained glass and a Sycamore tree. For the nature lover or hopeless romantic, this Laguna Beach venue is the perfect outdoors location.  


Hotel del Coronado- Located in San Diego, this beachfront hotel was named the "number-one wedding destination in America" by the Travel Channel and is perfect for those who want a variety of options by the beach. Whether a bride wants to be literally ON the beach, in a garden or a ballroom, this hotel has 42 different rooms to chose from. With such a big event to plan, the hotel even offers suggestions of venders that they have used before, amongst other things. Whether simple, romantic, fancy or picturesque, this hotel is picture-perfect. 


Castle Green-This seven story Spanish-style hotel is located in Old Pasadena and has a marble stairway in its lobby, perfect for a bride's grand entrance. Whether a bride wants a wedding for hundreds of people, or a close group of friends, this venue offers multiple rooms for each and a lush garden for a perfect romantic ceremony.  









Bridal Hair Trends

Flowers don't just have to be for your center pieces or bouquet. Florals are making their  way into the bridal world as a hair accessory. From fancy updos to simple braids, flowers give your hair that extra flair without too much distraction or bling.

The current trends in the bridal hair world include:
-updos in curls
-curly downdos
-low braided ponytail
-low side ponytail

All of these styles can be accessorized with flowers instead of a diamond broach or feather, for a less blinged-out, more simpler, look.

Down, up, to the side, braided, curled, or straight, adding a simple flower can make any bride look beautiful. You can check out some of the styles mentioned on WeddingChannel's web site under "Hairstyles."