WATER WATER WATER

I can't stress enough how amazing water is for your skin and to prove it I did a little project of my own to see just how effective water was.

For one week I didn't drink  pure water. I just drank pop or milk or sports drink for 7 days. I felt more tired, my skin looked horrible and started breaking out (I didn't try any new products either so I knew it wasn't from that), I didn't have much success expelling my food if you know what I mean ;), my hair looked dry, I had bags under my eyes, etc. Now having said all of that let me say this: I didn't look like death by any means. I could still function, work, play, all that jazz but I did notice a difference in so many areas. Enough to make me want to drink even more water and less sugar now. Our bodies need water to survive and look healthy, just like it needs fresh fruits and veggies. :) Here are some links I found on the benefits of drinking water:

http://www.health-benefit-of-water.com/benefit-of-drinking-water.html

http://www.mangosteen-natural-remedies.com/benefits-of-drinking-water.html

http://www.thedietchannel.com/Top-4-Benefits-of-Drinking-Water.htm

http://www.health-benefit-of-water.com/drinking-water.html

I really enjoyed reading these articles about water. I know this isn't a super exciting post about makeup or looking "2beautiful" but I promise you without water no amount of makeup will help out at all! Water is vital in looking good and feeling great. And don't forget water helps in weight loss! If you can't stand the taste of water mix sugar free flavor packets with it. I do this daily so I don't ever get bored with the taste.

I challenge you to try drinking nothing but water for one week, 8-10 glasses per day, and see the difference yourself. (Be sure and still eat lol I'm not saying just drink water only) If you don't see a difference it can only be because you already drink lots o water :)

Be refreshed and hydrated always!!

This article was too good not to share! ENJOY!

How To Get Great Skin Naturally

Treat Acne, Oily Skin, Dryness, Sunburn, Eczema, Wrinkles, Calluses

 

There's no reason not to take care of your skin when these ingredients can be found in your kitchen. Try these natural tips for healthy, clean skin.

 

 

Try these easy natural beauty tips to look great and stay healthy. All of these ingredients are used in commercially prepared products – and they’re just a kitchen away.

Treating Acne

For persistent acne gently scrub the skin on your face or other problem area of your body with sea salt and a few drops of neem oil or a teaspoon of neem powder (both are available available at South Asian grocers). The salt is an antiseptic and the neem oil acts as an anti-fungal. Rinse off and wash face with your regular cleanser. Cinnamon or nutmeg powder can also be used with neem oil or honey to banish acne-causing bacteria.

Cleansing and Toning Skin

Banish oily skin with a homemade lemon toner. Combine lemon juice, distilled water and witch hazel in a clean bottle. Shake well before each use apply with a cotton pad. The lemon juice exfoliates the skin and evens out uneven skin tone while witch hazel is a herbal antibacterial cleanser.

 

 

Also try a yogurt mask to cleanse, exfoliate and boost circulation. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which dissolves dead skin cells. Add oatmeal or chickpea powder for oilier skin.

Honey is the perfect face mask for all types of skin. It has natural anti-bacterial and cleansing qualities for acne-prone skin and it hydrates, heals and balances dry skin. If you feel a burning sensation, rinse off immediately; some people are allergic to honey.


Soothing Eczema, Sunburns and Redness

Soothe minor eczema and dry skin flare-ups by applying olive oil directly to the irritated area. Rub the olive oil into the skin and leave on to nourish and heal the skin and create a barrier so skin won’t dry out.

Minor sunburns and other small burns can be treated with a cold compress of black or green tea. Brew a cup of tea and let cool completely by placing the pot in cold water or an ice bowl. Soak a small clean towel in the cold tea and apply it to the area. The tea contains phytonutrients which reduces inflamed blood vessels and helps to heal the burn faster.

Soak away feet calluses and rough hands. Give your toes a 30 minute bath in warm tea. The tannic acid in tea gently dissolves away calluses and rough dead skin build up. Any kind of tea will work but black tea is the best, simply add a teabag or two to a foot bath and let it brew.
Soothe redness with tomatoes. Lycopene a natural antioxidant found in tomatoes helps balance the skin’s pH balance ad improves ruddy, uneven complexions while the fruit acids get rid of excess skin oil. Try using fresh tomato juice like a toner and let it dry before rinsing with tepid water or make a mask by combining mashed tomato pulp with facial mask clay or finely ground oatmeal.

Get Glowing Skin and Shrink Pores

Glow with a ginger body scrub. The molecular properties of ginger cause a warming effect because they draw blood to the surface helping to increase circulation for healthy skin repair. Make your own natural ginger body scrub by combining freshly grated ginger root, coconut oil or olive oil and sugar. Rub mixture over your skin and let sit for 5 minutes before rinsing with tepid water.

Grapefruit is not only part of a healthy breakfast, it can also shrink pores. Citric acid, grapefruit’s main component acts as a mild astringent and exfoliator getting deep down into the pores to remove dirt and impurities for clean, fresh skin. Use grapefruit juice alone applied as a toner and rinsed off after a few minutes or make your own grapefruit cleanser with olive oil, grapefruit juice and borax powder.

Hydrate Dry Skin

Quench dry, weather-beaten skin with an avocado facial. Simply mash or puree a piece of avocado and apply to skin. Leave on for about 15 minutes before rinsing off with tepid water. Avocados are loaded with vitamin E and monounsaturated fats and will keep skin cells nicely hydrated whether applied as a mask or eaten.
Take a break from your everyday products and try these gentle age-old kitchen remedies to soothe and refresh your skin. Always store any left over product in a tightly covered container in the fridge and use within five to seven days for best results

PERFECT WEDDING (or PROM) MAKEUP

Since I have a wedding that I'm doing next weekend (for about 6-7 girls, plus the bride! ahhhh) and since we are getting into bridal season I figured showing one of my favorite bridal videos would be a super idea! :) So here it is. I love Kandee Johnson and how she does this look. I hope you enjoy too!

 

Clean them brushes!

If you use any kind of makeup brush for any reason, please read this post! I wash my brushes every weekend because if I don't I notice my skin gets oily fast and I start to break out. Bacteria and yucky stuff builds up on those brushes so do it at least once a week! Here is a video tutorial on how to clean your brushes:

 http://youtu.be/fYz5MsoHqUM

It's quick and easy and it will extend the life of your brushes for sure! And if you don't own any brushes, go out and get em! Your makeup goes on sooo much better with the proper tools! And there are inexpensive ones too so you don't need to spend $20-$40 on a single brush. There are kits that you can get for under $100 for everything.

Check these out for starters! --------> http://crownbrush.us/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3_27_1 and these are really good for the everyday makeup application and who can beat the cost????

Here is to clean brushes and a great Memorial Day weekend! Be safe, Be good, Be blessed!!!!

BIRCHBOX CAME!!!!

Well my first shipment of Birchbox samples came in last week. It was so fun to be surprised by what was inside. The box was packaged very nicely and the size of the samples did not disappoint! Here is a link to what I got on May's shipment ----> http://www.birchbox.com/shop/birchbox/birchbox-may2011-bb4/?utm_source=weekly-blast&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2011-05-18_bvlgari_2

Here is a picture of the actual samples I received:

And now for my thoughts on what I got. I loved the packaging, I loved the surprise of it all but I wasn't too happy with the some of the samples :( Here is a run down of each product and what I thought about it.

AHAVA Deadsea Water Mineral Hand Cream:

The sample size was very generous! When I first put the cream on my hands the smell almost made me gag. It smells like something my great great grandma would wear. Now remember this is only my opinion! Some people like the more "matured" smell but not me! I want to smell like my age not Grandma's. The smoothness was amazing and it kept my hands very moist. I loved that it was a mineral product. I will use this until it's gone as I don't like to waste but I'm finding that putting in on before I go to bed, helps me handle the smell more, and when I wake up my hands feel so smooth and soft. So I give this a 2 out of 5 :( Here is the link to the information on the website -----> http://www.birchbox.com/shop/birchbox/birchbox-may2011-bb4/ahava-mineral-hand-lotion






Stila Eye Shadow in Mimosa:

 Again the size of the compact sample was awesome! I could use this over and over again. I received the sample color Mimosa (see sample swatches below). I was quite excited to get this color because I'm trying to venture out into brighter colors instead of the everyday natural tones so I couldn't wait to try this. (I'm actually wearing it today). Ok so when I rubbed my finger across the sample it seemed very pigmented. One swipe and the color was bright and bold on my finger. I used an eye brush to apply it was a little disappointed that it took so much to create color....so I wet down my brush and wow the color popped! For me it's just the right amount of color, not too much and not too little. There is a pretty shimmer to it too so that added some shine to my lid but just enough. I've never tried Stila products so maybe now I will since I liked this one so much..... I give this a 5 out of 5! Here is the link to the website -----> http://www.birchbox.com/shop/birchbox/birchbox-may2011-bb4/stila-eyeshadows
.

BVLGARI Mon Jasmin Noir Perfume:

This is NOT for me at all. I was breath taken (literally) by the strength of this perfume. The size was your typical perfume sample size and it came surrounded by a card that explains the scent. Again this to me reminded me of something Grandma would wear (the Grandma that wears a lot of glitter and bright red shoes and orange lipstick lol) I hate to give bad reviews on anything so I will leave it at...this is NOT for me at all.
I give this a 0 out of 5 (sorry) :(  Here is the link to the website ----> http://www.birchbox.com/shop/birchbox/birchbox-may2011-bb4/bvlgari-mon-jasmin-noir







Archipelago Pomegranate Soap:

The sample size of this was about the same that you would find in a high end hotel. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this soap! The scent is soft but yet leaves your skin feeling and smelling ah-mazing! I'm realizing that I love anything pomegranate :) I wish I could have received everything you see here in the picture but maybe that's the whole point huh? Tease you with the soap so you'll buy the entire kit. I can't imagine being disappointed with this at all! I wish I could send the scent to each of you! I give this a 5 out of 5. I will for sure use this up fast! Here is the link to order it -----> http://www.birchbox.com/shop/birchbox/birchbox-may2011-bb4/archipelago-pomegranate-gift-set



Tinyprints Card:

This little card is adorable! The card stock is very think and the website has tons of different cards to chose from. www.tinyprints.com is where you can find these cards or through www.birchbox.com also. The card is 5 inches tall by 3.5 inches wide. You can design so many different cards. And the ideas are endless for what you can do with them! I give this a 5 out of 5, they are super cute!
Here is the link to the website ------> http://www.tinyprints.com/greeting/product/14012/blank_inside_greeting_cards_blue_bird.html


And that's about it. I love knowing each month I'm getting something new to try! And remember if you sign up to receive the samples and you order through Birchbox's website, there are great incentives!!

I hope you liked this review! If you decide to order these super awesome little goodies each month, let me know! I'd love to hear what you thought about your samples :)

Be blessed!

Summer scrubs for your body!!!

With summer coming up, we all want to be ready for the sun and swimwear! Below are two different (but kinda the same) body scrubs. Follow the directions and you will have soft silky skin in no time!! Plus it's really great for your sinuses while your in the shower!

Scrubs are designed to help exfoliate your skin. Why exfoliate?? It removes dull, dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin. This helps to stimulate blood circulation, remove toxins, clean pores, and most importantly, reveal softer, glowing skin. It can also be helpful in preventing ingrown hairs.

Mint is a great addition to scrubs because it is so cooling and refreshing. When applied to the skin, mint can be used to increase blood flow and reduce muscle tension. As an inhalant, it can be soothing to the nasal passages for allergies.








Salt Versus Sugar
Salt is coarser with more exfoliating power, while sugar is gentle and a better choice for more sensitive skin!

How to Use a Scrub
Using gentle pressure, rub in a circular motion upward toward the heart. This will help stimulate lymphatic flow. Remember to be extra cautious as the oils can make your shower more slippery!

When To Use A Scrub
To prep your skin before using a self tanner for a more even color application. Before shaving or waxing to help prevent ingrown hairs or just to feel better about your skin and get rid of that dead stuff! YUCK!

 
Peppermint Salt Scrub

• 2 cups salt
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 1/2 cup jojoba oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil

1. Mix dry ingredients together and blend well. Add carrier oils and essential oils to the mixture. Blend thoroughly and store in a tightly sealed plastic bag or storage container. Store in the refrigerator and use within four to six weeks. You may safely exfoliate once or twice weekly.
2. To apply, stand in the shower or tub. Using a handful of the scrub, gently rub skin in a circular motion. Start with feet and work toward the heart. Do not use on face or delicate areas. Be careful since the oils can make your shower or tub slippery. If shaving your legs, do so after you exfoliate since the oils will help to lubricate your skin.

 
Peppermint Sugar Scrub

2 cups brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup salt

1/2 cup sweet almond oil

1/2 cup apricot oil

10 drops peppermint essential oil

10 drops vanilla essential oil

1. Mix dry ingredients together and blend well. Add carrier oils and essential oils to the mixture. Blend thoroughly and store in a tightly sealed plastic bag or storage container. Store in the refrigerator and use within four to six weeks. You may safely exfoliate once or twice weekly.
2. To apply, stand in the shower or tub. Using a handful of the scrub, gently rub skin in a circular motion. Start with feet and work toward the heart. Do not use on face or delicate areas. Be careful since the oils can make your shower or tub slippery. If shaving your legs, do so after you exfoliate since the oils will help to lubricate your skin.

Amazing braids for summer!! I can't wait to try this.......

I am so in love with these braids for summer!!! I found this link on beautylish.com and I can't wait to try them! My favorite is the fishtail braid. This post has videos on how to create the braids you see pictured below so you can try it right now! It's good for short hair too because you can do the headband braid. :) If you try any of these out, send me a picture at jodipeffley@yahoo.com and I will post it! Good luck and fun braiding!!!!

Be blessed

Do The Twist: 3 Summer Braids

Braids, pleats, or plaits—whatever you call them, we're absolutely loving all things twisted in hair this season. Beautylish brings you the three hottest braid-al trends this season and three easy DIY tutorials so you can re-create the look yourself!

Who needs a headband when you can make one from your hair! We're loving this Dutch, Heidi-inspired front braid that you can style into an updo or wear with your hair down, the possibilities are endless! See how easy it is to give yourself a plait with Imogen's tutorial.

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It's easy to give your braids a little extra something with ribbons, flowers, bows, and any other accessories you can think of. See how Evalina incorporates beautiful orchids into her cascading bang braid.

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The fishtail (or Herringbone braid) became a popular trend among celebrities and fashionistas this year, and we adore this sea-inspired style. To give your otherwise intricate braid a beachy-chic edge, loosen the braid and take out some strands after you finish. Watch Ashlyn braid the perfect fishtail and see her tips on how to make it extra bohemian.

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Images courtesy of wanyrazak.tumblr.com, kimkiins.tumblr.com, awesomefreakingshots.tumblr.com, annaleaelizabeth.tumblr.co, ,sierrasometimes.tumblr.com, beautifullife.info/art-works/sensual-photos-by-joanna kustra, getouttahere.tumblr.com/,shelikeshim.tumblr.com, tumblr.com/reblog/5090922724/SHmVD2Q9?redirect_to=%2Fdashboard, packagedsmiles.tumblr.com/post/5329485004, flickr.com/photos/luisamoehle/3869693659/

Gallery

Click an image below to see the full size.

Revlon ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup

This powder is amazing! When you apply it with the compact foundation brush (which is so fabulous) you get a cooling effect and super great coverage. If I'm being honest I use this as a powder finish not a foundation. I put on either my Revlon photo ready foundation or my Maybelline Fit foundation and then finish with this powder. It has coconut water instead of oils so it's great for any skin type! The finish is so natural so there is no powder feeling or look at all. The cooling effect is beyond cool too. I love combining the foundation I use with this because it really covers my pores and other imperfections without looking "done up". It doesn't have a smell either and I clean all my brushes, including this foundation brush, once a week so I don't have to worry about the germs building up on them. (side note-cleaning your brushes weekly will reduce breakouts and such)

Here is what the website says about it:

NEW Colorstay Aqua™ Mineral Makeup delivers a burst of hydrating coconut water and an instant cooling sensation upon application. The result: your skin looks luminous and its texture smoother. With a shine-free formula that’s made with water, not oil, this lightweight powder gives you a fresh, flawless finish that lasts all day.

Fragrance free and non-irritating.

Provides medium coverage in 8 beautiful shades, with SPF 13 protection

Website-------> http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Products/Face/Foundation/ColorStayAqua-Mineral-Makeup.aspx#

Here are a couple more pictures I've found that shows the brush along with the powder:

I give this a 5 out of 5. The coverage is great, the cooling sensation is way cool, it stays on all day, and doesn't cake up or get oily! Let me know if you use this as a foundation or a finish and if you like it as much as I do!

Be blessed!

NYX Haul Part 2

On with the review.....

NYX Lip Liner

I bought a few of these lip liners. My favorite color is probably Nude Beige because I like a natural lip color and this definitely gives that. They are a little on the dry side but that makes them last longer under a NYX lip gloss. As I said in my first review, I apply this lip liner under lip gloss and it's lasts about 5 hours so that's not bad at all. I would use these liners on my brides or someone who wanted long lasting coverage.These come in many different colors. I will include the link to the website at the bottom of this review so you can see all the options. They do not bleed at all so when you apply that's where it stays. I give this product a 4 out of 5 simply because of the dryness of it but I would for sure buy again.

Last but not least, the Jumbo Eye Pencil

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these pencils! There are so many colors to choose from and so many different ways to use them! You can use them to highlight, to contour, for eyeshadow, for eyeliner, for lips! The list is endless. They are highly pigmented and last forever! I use the Milk 604 under my eyeshadows to make them pop with color. If you buy nothing else from NYX from this review, BUY THE JUMBO EYE PENCILS! You won't regret spending the dollars on them (and as everything from NYX they are very inexpensive). Here are some swatches of the pencils so you can see the pigmentation and different colors.

There are more to choose from then the ones shown above.

Here is the website to check out everything NYX has to offer:

www.nyxcosmetics.com

And don't forget, right now you can get 1 free NYX item if you buy 2 from Ulta!

www.ulta.com

Going to a wedding

I had a session yesterday of a friend of mine who was going to a wedding and wanted her makeup done without paying a crazy price...after all it isn't her wedding right? I'm sure we all wish we could get our makeup done for small events for a low price....

WELL NOW YOU CAN!! :) You just come see me and I will fix you right up! It only takes about 30-45 minutes for the full session. 45 minutes usually are for more detailed sessions.Here is a picture of the session I had yesterday.

I love the deep colors I used around her eyes and then the sweet shimmer all over her face. I also used the NYX lip liners and glosses on her! The camera is coming soon so hopefully everyone will get to see what we see when I do the makeup because these pictures do no justice!

Be sure and contact me via email if you want to schedule a session! jodipeffley@yahoo.com