Friday 28 March 2014

It's official...I'm no longer a "cool" mom.

Today my son and I slept in so I had to drive him to school. The highlight of my morning was when Vanilla Ice came on the radio and rapped his famous "Ice Ice Baby."


Lucky for my 10 year old son I know every single word to this song and was able to display my excellent rapping skills for him...I threw in some wicked heads bobs and car dance moves as well. I looked over to my son expecting him to be dancing along with me but to my astonishment her was horrified.

When we stopped at the light he actually begged me to stop singing and dancing. As we pulled up to his school, being the wonderful thoughtful mom that I am, I rolled down the window, turned up the music, and sang louder.

I don't think I've ever seen my son get out of the car so quickly in my life. As a good mother should, I let my son know that I loved him very much by yelling it out the window over my blaring music and then pulled away smiling from his school. Yes...I am a wonderful parent, and I love to embarrass my 10 year old son on occasion. It's one of the perks I get as moms for giving him life.

As I was driving home and singing along to my old school music (NKOTB Step by Step was playing on the radio at this point), I started thinking about my high school days.

I was a competitive swimmer back in high school and trained 9 times a week. No that is not a mis-type I did train 9 times a week. Before and after school. Because I was regularly in a chlorine soaked pool my skin used to get unbelievably dry. I'm not talking about that tight skin dry feeling...I'm talking about flaky, scaly dry. (Gross I know).


Back then I did moisturize my skin after swimming but I used whatever cheap brand I could find at the drug store. It didn't matter what kind as long as it was cheap.

Now that I blog about skincare, I wish I had invested the money and bought a good moisturizer, because I now know the earlier you start a good skincare regimen the better.

I thought I would share some of my favorite moisturizers for you and perhaps you can pass what I have learned onto your daughters to help get them to start a skincare regimen sooner rather than later.

Rodan + Fields ESSENTIALS Daily Body Moisturizer contains humectants to rehydrate skin and dimethicone to help repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly to smooth and soften rough, dry, bumpy skin, leaving it effectively moisturized all day long. I love this because it is created by Dermatologists.

Body Cream

Kiehl's Creme de Corps body cream is great for hydrating dry skin. It contains Jojoba Butter, Olive Fruit Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil. It helps skin to maintain its natural moisture balance and prevents moisture loss.

Rodan + Fields
AVEENO® Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion contains a triple oat formula and Shea butter that helps soothe extra-dry, itchy skin.

Rodan + Fields 

Hope this post made you laugh and helped you learn a bit about skincare!

Thursday 27 March 2014

Aging through the eyes of my 10 year old


Skincare should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle...

My 10 year old son took my picture yesterday using an App on his iPod called “Age My Face”. If I had known that he was going to take my picture and then magically transform my image to look 30 years older….I never would have agreed to it.

antiage


While I walked away with the sounds of my son’s laughter still ringing in my ears, I thought to myself “Is this really what I’m going to look like in 30 years?” No…not me. I’m still 31…36…39. I’m 39 turning 40 this year...the BIG 4-0.

The reality hit me…Yes I could look like that if I didn't continue to take care of my skin!!

I first discovered the Rodan + Fields in 2011 while visiting family in Boston. My cousin had her REDEFINE regimen dutifully displayed in her spare bathroom.

Now, let me start by saying, yes I am one of “those” people. I will open your bathroom drawers and cupboards to see what’s in there…There’s no denying it now, I’ve just announced it to the world.

Anyway, being the intrusive person I am…I tried the displayed Rodan + Fields products. The next morning, my conscience got the best of me and I confessed that I essentially helped myself to her skincare regimen without asking. I waited for a response of “You are sooo rude!” But instead she said “Why do you think I displayed it?”


skincare

I immediately told her I loved it and asked where I could buy Rodan + Fields in Canada. Sadly, I was told it wasn’t available in Canada yet….the key word being YET.

I was hooked on my first try. I know that if I want to ensure I don't look like the Aged Face photo my son took I needed Rodan + Fields to be a part of my daily skin care regimen.

Well after 3 years of waiting, it has finally happened…In August 2014 Rodan + Fields is finally coming to Canada and I can’t wait to share these amazing products with my Canadian family and friends.

I’ve decided to ensure my blog has a purpose. I want to share my humorous thoughts about aging, my life and but most importantly share my knowledge about products that can help your skin still look fabulous 30 years from now.

Join me on my journey…and let’s see if in 30 years I look like the photo my son took.

Wednesday 26 March 2014

Father Time doesn't call the shots when it comes to your skin!

skincare

Many of us are under the impression that when it comes to skincare  “Father Time calls the shots.” I'm here to tell you that you call the shots when it comes to aging...not father time!!

Studies show that as much as 80% of our skins appearance is caused by our sun habits not the passage of time. 


According to dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, "dermatologists once believed that 80% of a person’s lifetime sun damage occurred by age 18 however, we now know that only 20% of lifetime sun damage occurs by age 23, with 10% accumulating per decade thereafter."

Even if you didn't use sunscreen in your early years, you can fight and reverse the signs of aging going forward. 

My favorite regimen to use to help reverse the signs of sun damage is REVERSE regimen by Rodan + Fields.

skincare

This regimen helps "clean the slate". REVERSE helps erase the appearance of premature aging, including brown spots, dullness and discoloration. It exfoliates, visibly brightens, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and defends against sun exposure.

Most importantly as summer approaches (if the snow if Canada ever clears) don't skip the daily sunscreen. 
 Whether you are sitting in a sunny office, commuting on the highway or walking the dog, if you neglect to protect yourself from daily sun damage, you're putting your skin at risk for greater photo-aging in the long run. 

Another Liebster nomination - Who am I??

Blog award

So today I was nominated for my 2nd Liebster award Woot woot! 

If you aren't sure what a Liebster awards is, check out my post: I was nominated for a Liebster Award...What's that?
Essentially here are the rules:
  • Thank the blogger who nominated you through your blog and on social media
  • Answer the questions given to you and post in your blog
  • Nominate 3 bloggers you follow who have with less than 500 followers
  • Post 5-10 questions for your nominees to answer
  • Tag your nominees & post a comment on their blog or via social media to let them know you nominated them
First I want to thank Sarah who blogs at Photo Beauty Blog for nominating me for my 2nd Liebster award. I was a nice surprise to wake up to this morning. If you haven't had a chance to read her blog, I recommend it!

With spring finally here (even though there's still snow on the ground in canada - lol) Zazie asked spring questions. Here are my answers so you can get to know a little more about me.

1. Do you change your makeup when spring arrives? If so, how?
I don't really change up my colour scheme but I do a spring clean out my make-up. Out with the old and in with the new. Check out my blog Spring has sprung: Time to clean up your make-up bag.
Beauty

2. What is your favourite spring fragrance?
I don't wear perfume. But if I did I have always loved the smell of Anais Anais because it reminds me of my mom.

3. What's going to be your favourite accessory this spring?
My new Marc Jacobs watch and Stella and Dot jewelry. Love Stella and Dot!

4. What's going to be your most worn item of clothing this spring?
Likely my white capris. I love the way they fit, and love the look of a white pant with a snappy top and jewelry.

5. What are your top three favourite nail polishes?
Essie - No place like Chrome, Nicole by Opi - Always a Flirt, and Nicole by Opi Emerald Empowered.
beauty

6. Do you prefer pumps or sandals in spring?
Sandals with a heel and open toe with a French pedicure.

7. What's your favourite spring jacket?
I have a light black leather jacket that I love. It fits well and keeps me young looking - lol.

That's it for me. I hope you learned a little about me. Now it's time to pass the torch and nominate some other beauty bloggers so you can get to know them better.

I nominate: Beybiapril, Toni's Glamour Shack, and My Makeup issues

Here are my questions for you.

  1. What are your favorite skincare products?
  2. When did you start making skincare a regular part of your life?
  3. If you were stranded on a desert island what are the three beauty products you can't live without?
  4. What got you interested in Beauty Blogging?
  5. If you had to choose - Manicure or pedicure?
  6. What is your favorite piece of jewelry and why?
  7. You can have dinner with 3 people living or deceased - who would it be and why?

Looking forward to learning more about you!

Monday 24 March 2014

Mom...you were right about skincare!

skincare

My mom has great skin…Seriously, I won't reveal her age but she has amazing skin. For years she has purchased every age-defying product to ensure she still looks youthful. And truthfully, it has worked.

My parents recently had their portraits taken, and my sister and I joked how young my mom looked in comparison to my dad (Sorry Dad you still look great…love you xoxo!). My mom has changed products over the years but the daily and nightly regimen has always been there.

Now you would think that I would follow my mother's example by taking care of my skin, but the truth is, when we are young, we think WE know everything and our parents know nothing.

Now that I am a parent…all I can say if "Well played Karma, well played!"

When I was younger, I didn't even think to take care of my skin. I was what you would call a "Sun Bunny." I looooooved the sun. When I was a teenager, I used to use cooking oil on my body to tan. Seriously, how awful is that?? *Disclaimer - Healthy Skin Canada does not recommend using oil to tan!

Now that I am approaching my 40's I finally understand the importance of having a daily and nightly skin regimen. Oh, and the importance of a good sunscreen too.

I now use Rodan and Fields REVERSE regimen everyday and it has really helped me with reversing the sun damaged I received while in my teens and 20's.


skincare

No matter what products you use, it's so important to have a daily skincare regimen that is right for you. More importantly - it's never to early to start. The best wrinkle to have is the one you never get!!

I now wear sunscreen regularly, use my daily and nightly REVERSE Regimen, and where sunglasses regularly. (And not only because I love my Gucci sunglasses…well maybe a bit., but every bit helps!)

Now that I am 39…I finally get what my mom was talking about. And yes mom….I am wearing sunscreen…finally after 30 years of your bugging me…I finally get it! You were right.

Love you mom, and I hope I look as good as you at your age! xoxo.

SuperFoods For Radiant Skin

There are literally hundreds of superfoods that benefit the skin. I thought I would share a small sample for you.

Cold water fish
super food
Wild Alaskan Salmon and other cold water fish such as salmon, herring or trout are great sources of protein which is necessary to maintain and repair the body-including the skin on a cellular level.
These fish are high omega 3 essential fatty acids which helps keep your skin radiant, supple and wrinkle free, moods upbeat and brain functioning at optimal levels

Beans and lentils 
superfood
Beans and lentils are a superfood for a number of reasons in addition to their high fiber content. When it comes to maintaining beautiful skin and keeping unwanted pounds at bay, beans and lentils are a body's best friend. The reason is because they are very low-glycemic. This means they will not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when eaten, the way sugary, starchy food do. Beans and lentils are anti-inflammatory foods, and will keep your blood sugar stable-key in preventing dull, dry, wrinkled sagging skin and hard to lose body fat.

Olives and extra virgin olive oil
superfoods
We need a source of good fats in our diet, fats that will help us absorb nutrients from our vegetables and fruits, keep our cells supple, our skin glowing and wrinkle-free, our brains sharp and our mood upbeat. We also need dietary fat to burn fat. Extra virgin olive oil contains oleic acid, which helps us to absorb the omega-3s and other vitamins and nutrients from our foods.

Green tea
superfoods
Green tea contains polyphenols. Researchers have found that polyphenols protect healthy cells from cancer causing DNA damage, while ushering cancer cells to their death.
Another remarkable finding is the power of green tea polyphenols known as EGCG to reactivate dying skin cells. In fact, researchers consider this amazing energizing of dying skin cells to potential benefit skin diseases such as psoriasis, ulcers, rosacea, wounds-and yes, even wrinkles.

Blueberries
superfoods
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, blueberries have some amazing qualities including the fact that are one of the greatest sources of antioxidants. Blueberries also increase brain power, restore balance and improve memory. Anything that is good for the brain is also excellent for the skin because of the brain/beauty connection.

Sour Citrus Fruits
 superfoods
This includes citrus like lemons, limes, and grapefruit. All are rich in antioxidants known as limonoids and limonene's. These sour citrus fruits play an important role in the maintenance of elastin and the stabilization of collagen, which is crucial for healthy, youthful skin. 

Saturday 22 March 2014

Easy at-home pedicure for hibernating feet

pedicure

This morning I woke up to more snow! Seriously? Just when I thought it was safe to bring my feet out of hibernation for a lovely spring pedicure...more snow.

It's almost like my feet thought they were Wiarton Willy - the famous ground hog who sees his shadow and crawls back into his hole for 6 more weeks of winter.

I'm not going to lie...over the winter months I neglect my feet. It's the part of my regular beauty regimen that hibernates over the winter months. I have no excuse for it except that I simply can't be bothered to beautify me feet when I know the only people who will see them over the winter months is my family.

This morning I gave myself a mini pedicure, to get my feet ready for spring and summer. Here are my tips for and easy at home mini-pedicure to get your feet out of hibernation:

1. Set the mood
Going to a spa to get a pedicure isn't just about your feet, it's also about the relaxing environment. I like to give myself a pedicure in the tub. I sit on the edge with my feet inside and create a relaxing area by lighting a few candles. If it's after 5:00 pm, I usually pour myself a glass of wine too.

2. Soak
Next I fill the tub with enough warm water (Not Hot water) to reach my ankles, and add a dash of soaping product. Soaking can soften calloused areas, but be careful not to make the water too hot, as it can suck the moisture out of your feet. While I soak one, I work on the other, taking off old nail polish using cotton balls and nail polish remover.

.
skincare

3. Exfoliate
To smooth out the roughness, I use Rodan + Fields Enhancements Micro-Dermabrasion Paste. It's an oil-free formula designed to promote maximum gentle exfoliation. It enhances cell turnover and improves skin texture. It's great at smoothing away rough spots




4. Trim, clean nails
I always give my tools a quick wipe with rubbing alcohol before I start. Dry your foot then trim the nails straight across with nail clippers to lessen the chance of painful ingrown toenails. Toenails should be kept short.
.
5. Moisturize
Once you've trimmed and smoothed add a little extra moisture. Try a product with shea butter, coconut milk and vitamin E to help soften and smooth the skin. Give yourself a mini massage, working the lotion between toes, around the ankle and up the calf.


pedicure

6. Polish
Now you're ready for polish. Be bold with toe colour - here's your chance to add some trendy zip to your wardrobe.

Et Voila...now you're ready to bring your feet out of hibernation!!

Friday 21 March 2014

Natural Solutions for Dry Skin and Rough Elbows

beauty

Check out this list for some antioxidant-packed recipes that moisturize and refresh your skin. 
Keep in mind that everyone is different, and so is their skin. A heavy scrub may be too much for some of us, while an oat-based one may not be enough for others. 
Since facial skin is thinner and more sensitive, it’s best to try out the scrubs and masks on less sensitive areas on the body like the arm.

Body Scrubs
Exfoliants remove old, dry, dead skin cells and allow new cells to surface, leaving skin feeling silky smooth, and looking refreshed. Don’t scrub too much, though; if skin is exfoliated more than once or twice a week, it’s hard for the body to create new skin cells the way it naturally does. 
Homemade scrubs typically contain two parts “grit” (usually salt or sugar) and one part oil (like coconut or olive).
Start with one part oil and two parts sugar or salt (depending on how much you’d like to use, and where you’re scrubbing, a good amount to shoot for is ¼ cup of oil and ½ cup of grit).
Brown sugar or sea salt tend to work best because they’re on the coarser side, but for a more gentle scrub, it’s O.K. to use table salt or good old white sugar (especially for more sensitive skin, like on the face).
Body Scrub Recipes
Banilla Scrub (Oil Free)
For an oil-free option, use a fork to blend ½ cup of brown sugar and 1 mashed banana. Add a drop of vanilla extract. (Try not to eat it.)
The benefits: bananas can moisturize if you’ve got no oil on hand.
Lemon Refresher Scrub
Start with ¼ cup of oil and ½ cup of sugar or salt. Add the zest and juice of one lemon. 
The benefits: not only does it smell divine, but lemon has astringent qualities and can help banish shine and tighten the skin.
Calming Milk and Oats Scrub (Oil Free)
For less intense exfoliation, start with ½ cup of oats and ¼ cup of whole milk (the fat content will help moisturize). 
The benefits: oats have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to slough off dead skin in a much gentler way than harsher scrubs. For centuries, oatmeal has been used to soothe itchy, irritated skin because of its polyphenols (a type of antioxidant).

Face Masks
Masks are a great way to deeply moisturize the skin. The acids in fruits like papaya, pineapple and lemon also work as gentle exfoliants without all the scrubbing.
Rub the ingredients on your face and let them sit for 15 to 30 minutes, carefully avoiding the eyes and mouth when layering it all on.
Face Mask Recipes
Avocado and Honey Mask
Mash together half an avocado and 1 tablespoon of honey. 
The benefits: honey has antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids and may also help with acne because it is an antimicrobial agent, while avocado oil can help moisturize.
Yogurt and Watermelon Mask
Puree ½ cup of watermelon chunks and mix with a 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt. 
The benefits: yogurt helps soothe and moisturize irritated skin (and sunburns!), as well as brighten skin. The lactic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid (an acid that works as an exfoliating agent), helps smooth skin and may even reverse signs of aging. Watermelon is a good source of vitamin C, which helps produce new collagen and helps skin stay supple.
Tropical Fruit Mask
Mash a small amount (3 tablespoons will do) of raw papaya, and add 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice. 
The benefits: the two fruits contain enzymes that dissolve oil and dry skin cells.
Pumpkin Pie Mask
Mix up 3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree with 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of milk and a dash of cinnamon. 

The benefits: pumpkin has a natural form of salicylic acid, which helps clear and prevent blemished skin. Cinnamon can also help reverse the clock because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Easy tips for healthy looking skin



Beauty


Every women wants to look beautiful, even those of us who have taken minimal steps to proper skin care.

I've created a list of easy tips that help take care of your skin and will help make your skin shine with health and vitality.
  • Good nutrition is vital for glowing skin. A balanced diet definitely goes a long way in maintaining great looking skin.
  • Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins from your body and to give a smooth look to your skin.
  • Sunscreen is a must! UVA rays can lead to pigmentation, wrinkles, sagging skin, and cancer. 
  • The skin around the eyes is thinner than anywhere else and hence should be protected with a good eye cream. My favourite eye cream is Rodan+Fields REDEFINE  Multi-Function Eye Cream. If I could only recommend One Product this would be it!

Eye cream


  • For beautiful skin use a Macro-exfoliator once a week. It sweeps away dead skin cells leaving behind a smoother, healthier-looking and more luminous complexion.
  • Avoid going to bed with makeup. Always wash your face before going to bed it prevents clogged pores, blackheads and give a shiny look to your skin.
  • Toner is a must for a daily routine as it removes all traces of dirt and prevents clogged pores. 
Take these preventative measures and you will have glowing skin!!

Thursday 20 March 2014

Healthy Skincare Beauty Tip #4

Skincare should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle...


...and remember, a healthy lifestyle includes skincare xo

Healthy Skincare Beauty Tip #3


Skincare should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle...



...and remember, a healthy lifestyle includes skincare xo

Spring has sprung: Time to spring clean your makeup bag


It's official, today is spring. Clearly mother nature didn't get the memo as it's still snowing in Ontario...but none the less - Spring is officially here!

Spring brings flowers and sunshine, grass starts to grow and trees start to bloom. It's also the time of the year where I regularly go through my make-up bag and spring clean.

If you regularly take care of your cosmetics, your spring cleaning should be easy. But if your gloss is gloopy, your nail polish is separating, and your lipstick has a funny smell — it's time to toss the old makeup to make room for new makeup. 

Here are a few guidelines for expiration on your makeup to help with your spring clean.


The best part of spring cleaning your makeup bag??? You clear lots of room to go shopping for all the new spring makeup collections...and who doesn't love to do that!

Tuesday 18 March 2014

Skin Care Myth Buster - The best way to shine is make-up



Skincare should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle...


makeup


Most of us use makeup such as a good blush or powder to try obtain that healthy looking glow our skin craves. But did you know that blushes and powders contain a sparkly substance known as mica? If you have sensitive skin like I do, mica isn't something that helps improve your "glow".  Now don't get me wrong, a little bit of mica in powders and blushes goes a long way, but too much can irritate and inflame skin and even cause milia, which are those pesky white bumps common around the eye area.


Instead of using a powdered blush to enhance my healthy glow I've been using Rodan + Fields  ENHANCEMENTS Mineral Peptides SPF 20.

makeup

This powder supports your skin’s resiliency to environmental aggressors and irritants and provides sun protection, while light deflecting minerals immediately even skin tone and reduce redness. It comes in three tones Light, Medium and Bronze shades. For added radiance I like to use a darker tone instead of my usual blush.


...and remember, a healthy lifestyle includes skincare xo


How Does Make-up Affect Your Skin?

Skincare should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle...


When you go through your morning makeup routine, your goal is obviously to improve your appearance. But how is that seemingly harmless, perfectly applied layer of powder really affecting your skin?

Most of the time, makeup doesn't have any major negative effects -- other than maybe the early-morning frustration of applying it. However, it could cause a few skin reactions. Most of these reactions aren't severe or long-lasting, but you might want to know how your makeup is affecting your skin.

Some people experience allergic reactions to common cosmetic-product ingredients. These reactions can come in two types: irritant contact dermatitis, which is an itching or burning reaction to a product irritating the skin, and allergic contact dermatitis, which is more of a "true" allergy to specific ingredients that results in swelling, itching, or blisters.

Both of these types of reactions are most commonly caused by things like fragrances or preservatives in makeup and other skin care products.

Makeup can also cause acne. You'll usually be fine if you're diligent about removing your makeup at the end of the day and immediately after exercise.

However, certain oils in many cosmetics can cause or worsen acne. This type of acne, appropriately called acne cosmetica, is mild, common and characterized by blocked pores and reddened bumps on the chin, cheeks and forehead. Acne cosmetica occurs when oils from your makeup collect in and clog your pores, so thick liquid or cream products are more often culprits than are lighter products like powders

To help avoid these reactions, look for makeup products that are fragrance- and oil-free -- these ingredients are typically the most irritating to the skin. Also, look for products that are labeled hypoallergenic (they're less likely to cause allergic reactions), noncomedogenic (they won't block pores) and nonacnegenic (they won't cause acne).

If you find that you develop any kind of reaction after you’ve begin using a new makeup product, it's probably a good idea to stop using that particular product.
But with a good skin care routine and quality makeup products, you can help prevent negative reactions.

...and remember, a healthy lifestyle includes skincare

How to balance being a mom with growing your business



If you regularly follow my blogs you know I am a huge fan of Marie Forleo. She regularly provides her expertise with humour for entrepreneurs. I really enjoy watching her Q&A Tuesday on Marie TV. Tuesdays are when viewers can submit questions and have Marie answer them.

This specific episode talks about how to balance being a mom with growing your business. Marie talks with entrepreneur, mom and author Latham Thomas of Mama Glow.

Latham shares her 5 step process to success for mompreneurs:

1). Don't victimize yourself - Go from "Woe is me"...to "WOW is me!"
2). Make nap time into your dream time - use this time to strategies what you want you business to be, instead of cleaning and doing laundry
3). Join or create a babysitting co-op with other mompreneurs - works with other mompreneurs to create a community to help each other out allowing 1 day a week for you to focus on your business and vice versa
4). Get people on board with your vision for your business
5) Take Goddess time - reclaim yourself

I encourage any mompreneur to sign-up with Marie Forleo (it's free..and nope, I am not affiliated with Marie in any way - just think she's awesome), and get access to all her great video's for any entrepreneur.


Enjoy this video xo

Healthy skincare beauty tip #2


Skincare should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle..

beauty

...and remember, a healthy lifestyle includes skincare xo

Monday 17 March 2014

Healthy skincare beauty Tip #1


Skincare should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle...




...and remember, a healthy lifestyle includes skincare xo

Skincare rehab - attitude is everything!

Skincare should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle...

Beauty

While looking good means feeling good, unfortunately, many of us do not feel as confident in our skin as we’d like to.

In fact according to world famous dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields (makers of Proactiv and Rodan + Fields skincare), one recent survey found that less than 10 percent of women truly love their complexion. Sadly...I am guilty of this :(.

The good news is that if you are like myself and among the 90 percent, take solace in knowing that you can impact the future of your skin. 

How?? The first thing you need to do is address your primary skin concerns with a targeted skincare routine that is clinically proven to restore a healthy, clear, even-toned complexion. If you've read a few of my other posts you know that as a teenager I was what I call "a sun-bunny". My skin had some pretty severe sun damage. My favorite regimen to clean the slate is REVERSE by Rodan + Fields. (Available in Canada in August 2014). 


This regimen erases the appearance of premature aging, including brown spots, dullness and discoloration. This regimen exfoliates, visibly brightens, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and defends against sun exposure for a long-term solution for a radiant complexion. I absolutely love it and highly recommend it.

As you embark on your journey to great skin, remember, your s
kin condition didn’t happen overnight.  It will take time to see results...skincare is just like going to the gym. Stay consistent and track your progress. Focus on what you love about your complexion—and the progress you are making. 

Feeling good about the reflection you see in the mirror and your progress will go a long way toward positively affecting the outcome.

...and remember, a healthy lifestyle includes skincare xo

Sunday 16 March 2014

Did you just call me ma'am??

Skincare should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle...


Whether you’re 18 or 81, the desire to be desirable never goes away. The issues may change from acne to wrinkles, but the desire to look good remains.

As I began my thirties I really started to take care of my skin...mainly because I found more and more University students were starting to call me ma'am!! Seriously in my early 30's??


What I didn't know at the time was that I didn't need to wait until I started seeing wrinkles and a few gray hairs to begin fighting the signs of aging.

When it comes to achieving younger-looking skin, the best wrinkle is truly the one you never get. Prime your skin before wrinkles make an unwanted appearance on your face.

Establish a simple, daily skincare routine to address your skin concerns and help lessen and address the telltale signs of aging, including dullness, discoloration, crow’s feet and enlarged pores. 

Whatever your routine, make sure it includes protection against the #1 one skin ager: the sun

Regular sunscreen application is one of the best habits when it comes to maintaining a youthful-looking complexion. 

Complement your skincare routine by incorporating a few skin-friendly habits, like sleeping on your back and wearing sunglasses.

         


Thanks to great strides in skincare technology, there’s no reason to be afraid of Father Time. 

Looking younger, longer, is within your reach.

...and remember, a healthy lifestyle includes skincare xo

Enchanting eyes made easy


I bet if I were to open your makeup bag I would find an eyeliner, eye shadow, and mascara. For makeup lovers these are a must in our bag of goodies.

Did you know that using an eyelash curler can further enhance your eyes by making them look wider and brighter. Especially if you are like me and are cursed with light short eyelashes.This is one item my makeup bag is never without!! 

Eyelash Curler Options

There are two types of eyelash curlers to choose from, the conventional clamp-down kind and the newer heated eyelash curler.


The traditional eyelash curler is metal and has the same kind of handles you’d find on a pair of scissors. The handles open and close a clamp that, when squeezed tight for a few seconds, produces a pretty curl. The curling end has a rubber pad to protect delicate eyelashes from the metal clamp. The curler works by crimping your lashes up toward your brow, making them look longer and more pronounced. 

Ensure you replace the pad on the curler every two months to avoid any infection. An eyelash curler costs less than $5 to as much as $15, depending on the brand and the store. I always buy a replacement pack of the rubber pads at the same time as buying my new eyelash curler.


You have a few options when it comes to heated eyelash curlers. Some heated eyelash curlers use batteries to warm up the rubber pad while the rest of the curler stays cool to the touch.

Other heated models use a small heated brush rather than the clamp to curl the eyelashes. You run the heated brush from the base of the lashes to the tip, working from the center of the eye out to the edges. Heated eyelash curlers can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 depending on where you buy it.

Using an Eyelash Curler

If you have one of the newer, heated curlers, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

If you prefer the traditional, inexpensive model then start with clean lashes. 


Ensure you have removed any old mascara from your eyelashes before you start to curl them. 

Now here's the tid bit most people don't know...Use the eyelash curler before you apply fresh mascara. As mascara dries, lashes can stick to the curler and get pulled out so always curl and then apply.

Make sure you clamp with care. Open the curler and clamp the lashes near the roots. 

Hold for 5 to 10 seconds to ensure your lashes will hold the curl...the longer you hold it, the more curl you get.

To avoid a sharp bend and create a natural curled look, gently release the curler and move it up the lash, away from the lid, by 1 or 2 millimeters and again clamp the lashes for 5 to 10 seconds. Gently release the curler and repeat the process one or two more times, moving the curler up the lashes, closer to the end of the lashes each time. Then apply your favorite mascara...et voila!!

Why You Don't Need A Five Year Plan




If you regularly follow my posts you know that I am a huge fan of Marie Forleo.

As I've said before Marie was born-n-raised in New Jersey and started her empire with nothing more than passion, a laptop and a dream. She has created a multimillion dollar socially conscious empire from scratch.


I regularly tune into MarieTV, especially on Tuesday's. On Tuesday's she takes questions from followers who are entrepreneurs and gives great advice.

I am still in the process of setting up my business (Coming in August 2014) but tune into Marie TV regularly to get as many tips for my new business. I plan to hit the ground running when I launch my skincare business in August - stay tuned for my details about that. 

Here is a great video I found that provides great advise for new entrepreneurs - Why you don't need a 5 year plan.

Enjoy xo


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Thursday 13 March 2014

5 things to help your aging skin!

Skincare should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle...

beauty


If you're like me, you probably find it hard to consume your daily recommended servings of fruits and veggies. I even  take a multivitamin every day to ensure I get my fill of nutrients that are essential for good health.

The following product recommendations are healthy supplements for your face — they're chock-full of glow-boosting ingredients that will instantly give you a healthier-looking complexion. 


Calcium

Most people assume milk is only great for your bones, but did you know that calcium regulates cell turnover by stimulating certain enzymes, giving you plumper skin? Calcium also helps improve skin barrier function, which protects your skin against invading pathogens and locks in moisture. People with dry, fragile skin in particular benefit from calcium-rich skin care products such as Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream.



Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a highly effective anti-aging vitamin and is as close to the fountain of youth in a botlle as you can get. Vitamin A comes in forms of over-the-counter retinols and prescription retinoids. Vitamin A is the only topical that's FDA-approved to treat fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinols can be irritating (especially when you first introduce them into your regimen), so start out with a gentler formula, like RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream, which is specifically formulated for those with sensitive skin.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C doesn't just fend off colds, it also stimulates fibroblasts, which help make wrinkle-reducing collagen. Additionally, vitamin C helps fade pesky brown spots.

Be careful though because not all forms of vitamin C are equal. Ensure you check the label because the skin on absorbs
l-ascorbic acid. So when purchasing you skincare product look for I-ascorbic acid.

Vitamin D

This sunshine vitamin has been used in medications for years to treat psoriasis because it helps ease inflammation. Vitamin D can now be found in the skin care aisle. 

To reap the soothing skin care rewards, try Dr. Dennis Gross Active Vitamin D Serum-Oil, infused with other anti-aging ingredients like ferulic acid, retinol, and CO-Q10.



Zinc

Zinc oxide found in sunblocks is one of the most effective sun protection ingredients on the market. Sunblocks have come a long way since we were kids, you can avoid that white-nosed lifeguard look while still effectively shielding your skin from the sun.

Protect yourself from UV rays by applying EltaMD UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, which also doubles as an anti-ager thanks to the hyaluronic acid and vitamin E found in the formula.


...and remember, a healthy lifestyle includes skincare xo