What We Love This Wednesday

Over the past decade, there's been a serious increase in consciousness— people are more health conscious, environmentally conscious and community conscious than ever before. That being said, there’s not only an interest in products that give back, there’s a demand. Even if it’s not your thing, you have to admit you feel a tad less guilty on a splurge investment when you find out it saves the environment, combats child labor or donates to a charity. Luckily for me, one of my latest investments was far from a splurge and hit the “consciousness” ball way out of the park.

As a sucker for aromatherapy, I often find myself wandering in aisles full of luxury soaps and body butters knowing full well that I should be content with my shelf full of Elizabeth Arden and Caudalie products at home. Nevertheless, an innocent sniff session usually ends with me in the checkout lane. However, this time, I didn’t feel an ounce of remorse! As I browsed through a sea of beautifully packaged and promising items, I stumbled upon a shower crème by Love and Toast. The irresistibly cute packaging drew me in, it passed the sniff test and the label read “paraben, phthalate and sulfate free.” I was sold for all of this at a very reasonable price. After a week of use, I realized that my skin had never felt softer in my life. I have very dry skin that beckons the daily use of body butter. However, Love and Toast lets me cheat a bit! As soon as I hop out of the shower, my skin is noticeably soft and glowing. Now that it’s warmer out, some days I skip the body butter all together. I feel completely and utterly spoiled. So spoiled that I decided to look online for more products. In my research of sorts, I discovered that 97% of the ingredients are naturally derived, there are no animal ingredients, never animal tested and the kicker…a portion of every sale goes to Girls Inc. Even better! So not only am I incredibly soft and sweet smelling, I’m helping empower young girls! Who knew I was being unconsciously conscious. I look forward to trying more Love and Toast products soon!

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Foods That Solve Summer's Beauty Problems

Could the secret to summer time beauty be found in…wait for it…your kitchen?!

Believe it or not, some solutions to beat the heat might have been in your cupboard all along.

Olive oil

If high temperatures leave you frizz-prone, applying a small amount of olive oil after hair is dried and styled can keep you frizz-free longer. For naturally straight hair or short hair, use a dime-sized amount. For curly hair textures or very long hair, use a quarter-sized amount. Rub the hands together and work your way up from tips to roots spreading the oil evenly. Be careful not to douse the hair; a little bit goes a long way.

Honey

 

Besides being ridiculously delicious and fragrant, honey can be quite beneficial for your hair. It’s full of vitamins, antioxidants and it’s a natural humectant—which means it attracts moisture. The best part is that it does more than treat the hair we can see, it stimulates the hair follicles within the scalp.

Invest in a jar of raw honey from your local whole foods store. Mix ¼ or ½ cup (depending on hair length and thickness) of raw honey with water until it thins into a liquid. We recommend adding water little by little and stirring as you go along. Once the mixture is completely liquefied, massage it into your hair like shampoo and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and style as usual.

Strawberries

The acidity found in strawberries is great for fighting acne and oily skin in the hot summer heat. Strawberry seeds also act as a natural exfoliant. Some studies say that rubbing a strawberry over your face will give the desired effect. The verdict is still out on that one, but we do recommend making your own strawberry body scrub!

Mix 5 strawberries, ¼ cup of sugar and 3 tablespooons of olive oil for a wonderful exfoliating scrub to keep skin soft, clear and hydrated during the summer months.

Papaya

This yummy fruit is packed with Vitamin A and papain which evens skin tone and removes dead skin cells—that means, it’s great for anti-aging! Peel, deseed and mash a whole papaya spreading it evenly on your face. Let it sit for no more than 5 minutes so the alpha-hydroxy acids don’t irritate the skin. If you’re feeling a little less courageous, apply it to your feet after a long day of pavement pounding. You’ll have smooth, soft heels in no time.

Nuts

Sure they’re full of protein and healthy fats, but did you know that they can help brighten your teeth? The abrasive texture of nuts helps remove stains and plaque that can cause your teeth to look dull and unhealthy. Give yourself a handful and smile on, all summer long.

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Meet Our Intern!

We’re pleased to announce that our team is growing! (Insert automated applause and handclap emojis). Meet Amber Taylor, our marketing and communications intern who will be helping us with our blog, social media and a ton of other cool things :) 

At what age did you start wearing makeup?

I started wearing makeup in about 7^th grade.

What was your first product?

Eye shadow, way too much eye shadow. I had every shade known to man and would put it on my entire eyelid. Thank God, I know better now.

What's your current favorite product?

I’m becoming more and more obsessed with lipstick. I tend to wear a lot of neutral and dark colors and stick to a black cat-eye for eye makeup. So, I enjoy brightening things up with vibrant accessories and now lipstick—especially in the summer.

Favorite brand?

Maybelline has provided me with some consistent, fuss-free products over the years. I love their foundation and mascara. I'm also obsessed with Revlon nail polish. It's never goopy and always shiny before a topcoat. My favorite fashion brand would have to be AllSaints. The styling of their garments is so unique, that I don’t feel bad about buying more black clothes.

Any quirky must-have products or beauty rituals?

Well, believe it or not, no one has touched my eyebrows for about 6 years. I used to get them waxed, but was never satisfied with them. So, I shape them with a razor stick and fill them in with brow pencil. 

What feature do you like to accentuate?

Definitely my cheeks—God bless my distant Native American genes.

How long does it take you to get ready?

It depends on where I’m going (and if my hair agrees with me that day). My friends tell me I’m “dressed up” even when I’m casual so when I’m actually trying to dress up, it takes about an hour. Otherwise, on a normal day, no more than 30 minutes.

Do you have a favorite look from a particular event?

Yes! The picture on the left is my favorite LBD for serious occasions. I don't have a good close-up of my face, but I had a heavy smokey eye and nude lip. The picture on the right is my favorite clean look. Simple face makeup with contouring and a few coats of mascara. I was having a great hair day in that photo. 

Which celebrity do you think has the best hair?

I’d give Halle Berry the best hair award. No one can rock a short haircut like she can.

Best makeup?

I hate to say, it but Kim Kardashian’s makeup is always flawless.

Best overall style?

Rihanna is my ultimate style crush. She can pull off anything and everything.

What fashion or beauty product would you buy this instant if money was no object?

The classic Chanel quilted flap bag in nude or a pop color like pale pink or cobalt blue.

Favorite city?

In the U.S., definitely Chicago. In the world, it’s a tie between Prague and London.

3pm snack of choice?

Welch’s Fruit snacks. Yes, I’m a child, but hey they’re fat-free and surprisingly filling.

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Can I Wear Makeup To The Gym? We Say Yes (In Moderation)!

Break out the bikinis—no, wait-- put’em back.  Summer is almost here, but that means there’s still a bit of time to crack down and get our fluffy winter bods to the gym.

Last week, I looked around the barre studio and noticed how well dressed everyone was.  Lululemon from head to toe, $12 grip socks, headbands coordinated to tank tops.  The one inconsistency (other than me in my old man t-shirt) was whether or not the ladies had on makeup.  I’d say the split was an even 50/50. 

The majority of sources will tell you not to wear makeup to the gym, as it’s detrimental to your skin, but when you’re sporting $200 worth of athletic gear, you can’t expect every girl to stop caring when it comes to her face.  (Mascara and a cute ponytail were really the only things keeping me from running out of the studio in baggy t-shirt shame.)

Taking into account what we’ve learned and what we want, here’s our list of gym makeup must's!

1. First and foremost, let your skin breathe.  Don’t be that girl with bronzer-tinted sweat and uneven foundation.  Instead, apply a tinted moisturizer, and if you’re moving and shaking outside, be sure to use one with SPF.  Try Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen for an array of shades and superb skin protection.

2. A little lipstick never hurt anyone.  We’re not suggesting a matte red or trendy lilac, but feel free to add a hint of color or shine.  We suggest Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment (SPF 15).  Pick from 7 lovely shades or opt for clear if you’re just looking for a subtle sheen.

3. Invest in a sturdy waterproof mascara.  Raccoon eyes and a black smudged towel are not flattering, but some of us feel more naked without mascara than we do without pants.  For those gals, take the time to try and test a great waterproof mascara.  Try a natural, gentle formula like Bareminerals Flawless Definition WaterproofMascara.

4. You wore makeup to the gym, now what?  Cleanse your skin in 30 seconds with a quick and easy face wipe.  This will save you hours standing in front of the mirror staring at this week’s skin imperfection.   Shiseido’s Pureness Refreshing cleansingSheets (Oil-Free, Alcohol-Free) should do the trick.

Fit, fresh, and a little fancy.  Who says you can't look great all day, every day?

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Our Met Gala 2014 Favorites

There's something about the Met Gala that gets us even more excited than any red carpet in Hollywood.  Fashion at it's finest, I suppose.  This year's homage to Charles James-- the greatest couturier to walk the planet (so they say)-- was a drastic leap from last year's punk theme, but it left us completely fulfilled-- maybe even thirsty for more!  

While it seems that Sarah Jessica Parker has overwhelmingly taken the MVP award, we found some other winning beauties who caught our eye!  

Best Hair: Dree Hemingway

In our humble opinion, Dree captured the Charles James era with her deep part and voluminous curls.  (They may not have worn plunging necklines back in his day, but she could've fooled us!)

Best Makeup: Beyonce
Soft eyes...covered by a (funeral?) veil...and a deep burgundy lip…She's done it again, ladies & gentlemen.  Super chic.

Best Complementary Accessories: Anne Hathaway

We're a bit tired of the pixie cut that's (still) sweeping Hollywood, but Anne's choice of dangly earrings add the length that we've been missing when it comes to her (admittedly lovely) locks.  (Great shade of lipstick, too.)

Best Overall: Cara Delevingne
From the hair accessory, to the curls, to her distinctly defined brows and flawless skin-- Cara takes the cake on achieving the "Best Overall" award.  Definitely something to replicate for your next Gatsby themed bash… probably with the help of a 'Stylisted pro!

Best Surprise Beauty Moment: Joan Smalls
Pairing a simple fishtail braid with those vibrant purple lips was the perfect complement for ultra super model, Joan Smalls.  Something tells us this isn't the last we'll see of the regal shade on models and Hollywood starlets, alike.  Dare we give it a try in the "real world"?

Photo's courtesy of nymag.com/thecut

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How To: Wear Makeup During Allergy Season

If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent the past week sneezing and sniffling and fighting the urge to wear sunglasses indoors to hide your red, teary eyes.  Allergy season can really take a toll on even the most glamorous gal.  By noon on Monday your eye makeup might be halfway down your cheeks.  By mid-week, your glasses are on and you’re completely reworking your beauty routine.  Since this is my current reality, I scoured the web to compile a list of the best tips for tweaking your beauty regimen during allergy season.

Grab your tissues and take a read!

1. Simple skincare is the way to go: Now is not the time to experiment with a new skincare routine or complex formulas.  While your skin is probably thirsty for moisturizer (more so than ever), don’t run out and try to buy quick-fix products.  Stick to the basics and use products with a short ingredient list.  This applies to face, eyes, and lips.
2. Waterproof your eye makeup-- it’s likely going to run: You’ll definitely want to transition to a waterproof mascara (budge proof liners and shadows won’t hurt either).  If you find that any makeup at all is irritating your eyes, try a light set of false lashes.  You won’t have to think twice about raccoon eyes. (Yes, please!)
3.  Clean your brushes- that’s a no brainer: All of your brushes and mascara wands should be kept incredibly sanitary.  If you’ve been waiting for that nudge to wash your brushes, now is the time.  Eliminate all risk of further irritation.
4. Embrace the blues: Certainly not telling you to be sad, although allergies can be a real buzz kill.  Instead, swipe on a blue mascara or liner to counteract any redness in your eyes.  Who doesn’t love an excuse to play with color!
5. When you just can’t imagine the thought of putting your contacts in- opt for glasses and change up your beauty routine:  Make sure your brows are freshly groomed and try filling them in with a pencil or powder so they frame your face and compliment your glasses.  Focus on applying a healthy amount of bronzer and contouring under your cheekbones to reduce puffiness.  Finally, walk into the nearest hipster coffee shop and count how many new friends you make…you might get an extra shot of espresso. 
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