Thursday 24 April 2014

How to give yourself an at-home facial

antiage

If you're like me you love to go to the spa and get a relaxing facial. Sadly, the reality is, most of us can't afford this on a regular basis, nor do we have the time as busy working moms or dads.

An at-home facial can be equally relaxing and beneficial. I encourage friends, family and clients to take good care of their skin in between facials. If you put in the effort with your daily skincare regimen, your skin will reflect health and beauty.

If you've read my previous postings you know I am a huge advocate for all of the Rodan + Fields skincare products. The REVERSE Regimen is a part of my daily routine!

skincare
Rodan + Fields REVERSE Regimen available in Canada August 2014
In between my daily skincare regimen, every few weeks, I like to give myself a small treat with an at-home facial.

To make my facial relaxing, I like to do my at-home facials at night after a loooong day at work. I always light some candles and turn on some cheesy girlie music. I take this opportunity to turn off my blackberry (great Canadian product btw made in my home town!), close my bedroom door and let all the boys in the house know...it's mommy time - DO NO DISTURB! As a working mom...this is a very rare opportunity to make this time all about me! 

My at-home facial steps slightly mirror those of a spa. 
I start by washing my face to remove makeup and oils with Rodan + Fields REVERSE Deep Exfoliating Wash , then use Rodan + Fields Micro-dermabrasion paste. In fact to make my facial even more relaxing I hop into the shower or a hot bath after applying the paste. The steam from the heat keeps the scrub active.
antiage

Now, I don’t recommend doing extractions yourself and if you use Rodan + Fields products regularly you'll find you won't need to.  However, if you feel you need to extract after using the paste I recommend using two cotton swabs instead of your fingers. When using your fingers you tend to break the skin with fingernails and can risk leaving marks or even worse scars...believe me I know this first hand from my teenage years! 

If you choose to extract the area, then clean the area with a Rodan + Fields toner. Because the REVERSE regimen is my go-to skincare regimen I use Rodan + Fields Skin Lightening Toner...it helps with the sun damage I have from my teenage years!
Lastly I follow with REVERSE Dual Active Brightening Complex creams. These creams feature vitamin C and retinol, to brighte my skin while diminishing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone over time.  

skincare

I like to do a gentle massage downward on the sides of the neck in a circular motion as this encourages lymphatic drainage and decreases swelling. 

Give it a try and let me know how it goes...Feel free to offer other suggestions on at-home facials!

Want to learn more about the Rodan + FIelds Canadian launch in August 2014? Send me a message at sueandpaul.rfcanada@gmail.com.

Tuesday 22 April 2014

New favorite anti-age device

skincare
Rodan + Fields REDEFINE AMP MD™ System
I have discovered an amazing tool to help keep your skin looking firmer and younger. It's the Rodan + Fields REDEFINE MD Micro-Exfoliating Roller combined with the Night Renewing Serum.

This product was even featured on the TV show Ellen as a product recommended to Ellen by Kym Douglas on her pre-Oscar show.



This anti-aging system is developed by world famous dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields (Makers of Proactiv). 

Clinical studies showed that participants using the REDEFINE Regimen and the AMP MD system had smoother, softer skin after just one use. I too experienced this after just one use. I was amazed. Over the past month I have continued to combine the AMP roller with the REDEFINE Regimen and I cannot believe the difference I am seeing on my crows feet and forehead. My only regret is that I didn't take before and after pictures for you.

My skin was beginning to sag but it is now firmer and younger looking. I seriously cannot believe the difference one month of using this regimen has made to my face. I am so sold on these products that's I have decided to sell Rodan + Fields when it comes to Canada in August 2014.

My skin looks firmer and fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable. My skin hasn't felt this good since I was in my 20's!!

Currently this product is only available in the US but will be available in Canada in August 2014. If you are Canadian and want more details about this product or have questions about the Canadian launch in August 2014, feel free to send me a personal message.

Stay tuned for more skincare product reviews!

Thursday 17 April 2014

Sunburn 101




As I've stated before…I'm what you would call a "Sunny-bunny." I love the sun, but since approaching my 40's I've been more cautious about using sunscreen. 


Now, my best friend…she's a burner and avoids the sun at all cost. I’m not saying that she gets a little pink. I’m talking deep-seated, might need a therapist for post-traumatic sunburn disorder, burned. You can bake a cake on on her legs when she gets burned. She has shared with me (for my blog) the remedies she's used over the years for her sunburns. Hope they help! 

Aloe Vera

This is everyone’s go-to for sunburn relief. 


A word of caution though: the spray formulas and a lot of the ‘after sun’ gels that seem like they’re just aloe, actually have a form of alcohol in them. Which feels great and soothing, initially, but once it dries, so will your skin. This will make the burn feel tight and even more unbearable!



Rodan+Fields Daily Body Moisturizer

This is one of my all time favorite body moisturizers and I never go on vacation without it! It features Rodan + Fields RF-Dcell technology to calm frenzied cells, normalize the rate of cell maturation and help make skin function more efficiently. This moisturizer allows your skin to retain moisture and remain comfortable when challenged by climate and other environmental aggressors.

Baking Soda

Yes, it works really well for relieving itchiness, but it is also a remedy that can help a fresh sunburn to feel less irritated. Throw a ¼ cup of baking Soda in a luke warm bath and see if it helps.





Oatmeal

Rolled oats are food from the gods, I swear. Not only can they gently exfoliate, but they taste pretty good in cookies or for breakfast! They’re great for sunburn relief, too.
Throw a handful in a warm (not hot) bath or make a paste out of them (with some water) and smoosh it on.

FYI…the clean up is a pain but not as much of a pain as your sunburn will be without the Oatmeal!!

Vinegar

Throw a cup-full in a lukewarm bath. Either distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar will work to soothe and soften your sunburn.


Next Time
Do a better job of covering up! 

Rodan + Fields ESSENTIALS Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Body Sunscreen is a lightweight, non-sticky and non-greasy broad spectrum sunscreen.

I love to use this sunscreen while out in the sun and then complete with the Body moisturizer after sun.

This sunscreen protects your skin’s moisture barrier, has antioxidant vitamins C and E to absorb damaging free radicals and anti-inflammatory ingredients to protect skin from environmental stress.

It's awesome!



Rodan + Fields products are only available in the US at this time. But will be available in Canada in August 2014. Send me a private message at sueandpaul.rfcanada@gmail.com if you would like more information about the Rodan + Fields Canadian Launch in August 2014.

Wednesday 16 April 2014

Five Bad Habits That Speed The Way You Age


When it comes to premature aging, your lifestyle and daily activities have just as much of an impact as the anti-age products that make up your daily beauty regimen. Here are five bad habits that age you inside and out.


skincare
Sleeping On Your Face

Sleeping face-down or on your side increases wrinkles due to sleep lines. So try to sleep on your back.

Your damage skin cells repair themselves at night while you sleep so don't sleep with your make-up on...it clogs your pores and may even detract from skin cell repair time.


Rodan + Fields will be
available in Canada in August 2014
Forgetting daily moisturizer with sunscreen

My daily beauty regimen consists of Rodan + Fields REDEFINE Regimen which includes REDEFINE Cleanser, Toner and AM face cream in the morning, followed by PM Face cream at night. This is key in presenting a fresh, glowing face each day. Unsightly creases and lines are much less noticeable when skin has been moisturized.

The AM Face cream ingredients include an SPF 30 which is key in decreasing your risk for skin cancer while boosting your youthful appearance. Rodan + Fields products will be available in Canada in August 2014.

antiage
Eating Junk Food

Sugary foods can make your skin look dull and wrinkled. The next time you're in the mood for something sweet, choose fresh fruits, such as blueberries or blackberries. These berries are packed with antioxidants that help improve your skin.


antiage
Stressing Out

Increased stress boosts the production of cortisol, a hormone in the body that breaks down skin cells. Though stress is unavoidable, limit its toll through meditation, a little quality time with your friends, or a little exercise. Being active is a wonderful and easy way to stay healthy and feel young. 



antiage
Smoking

Another reason to quit: Studies show that cigarette smoke actually ages skin by breaking down collagen and elastin. The result...thin, prematurely wrinkled skin that ages your appearance.

Monday 14 April 2014

My Favorite Sunless Tanner





I have to admit, I love a nice healthy sun-kissed glow on my skin. It looks great! but it wasn't always this way.

For centuries women aimed to have pale skin. Having pale, untanned skin was a symbol of wealth, whereas a tanned, leathery complexion was associated with the laboring working class.

Many women used parasols while outside to shade themselves from the sun. Rooms in homes were often shuttered with dark heavy velvet curtains to keep out the sun's rays. Some women even went as far to paint fine blue lines on their skin to increase the appearance of delicate translucent skin showing veins. For centuries, tanned skin was considered unattractive, especially among women. That all changed though in 1923!

Rodan + Fields
In 1923 Coco Chanel was seen leaving the Duke of Wellington’s yacht with a deep suntan.
As the story goes fashion icon Coco Chanel was seen leaving the Duke of Wellington’s yacht with a deep suntan. Women and the fashion industry took this new bold suntan as Chanel making a fashion statement. Women everywhere instantly tossed away the parasols and began to incorporate dark tanned skin into their fashion..and the trend has never really faded.

The reality is that Coco Channel accidentally got too much sun while cruising the French Riviera but the press assumed the influential designer was making a fashion statement.

Back then women didn't know what we now know about what years of sun tanning can do not only to your skin but your health.

Here's some interesting facts:

  • As much as 80% of our facial aging is caused by our sun habits
  • 90% of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure
  • Only 33% of us routinely use sun protection.

If you've read my other posts you know I am a huge fan of Rodan + Fields sunscreen. I re-apply it every 2 hours and re-apply right after I get out of my pool. I've been using it for almost 2 years...and I absolutely love it.

The problem is I really like to have the sun kissed glow as well. But I don't want the aging skin or possibility of skin cancer that comes with the sun or tanning beds.


Rodan + Fields
Rodan + Fields Foaming Sunless Tan available in Canada August 2014

I found another great product by Rodan + Fields, called Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan. It's lightweight, oil-free and most importantly mess-free! It doesn't irritate my skin or leave it looking orange.

It's so easy to apply and dries quickly. I get an even, natural-looking tan every time I use it - without exposure to the harmful UVA and UVB rays.

This product is only available in the US at this time, but will be available in Canada in August 2014.

Thursday 10 April 2014

Skincare protection is needed all day...not just during peak sun hours!



We all know that UVB rays from the sun are at their peek between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. But did you know, that UVA rays (the aging rays) are present from the sun all day long? This is why using a good sunscreen all day is so important...not just during peak sun hours.


To prevent sun damage and those nasty signs of aging, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays every day. 

My favourite sunscreen to use is Rodan + Fields SPF 30 Body Sunscreen. This sunscreen developed by world renowned Dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields (Makers of proactiv) so you know it's good!


Always apply your sunscreen at least a half hour before you go out in the sun, so it has time to penetrate and completely dry on the surface of your skin. 

Always reapply your sunscreen every two hours to maintain the level of protection you need. Sunlight, sweat and water degrade the efficacy of sunscreen ingredients...so that's why it's so important to re-apply every two hours. 

One full ounce of sunscreen (approximately a shot glass full) should be enough to cover your entire body. When it comes to sunscreen less...is not more!

You should aim for about a teaspoon to cover your entire face. 

If you apply your sunscreen properly over your entire body, you personally should polish off a bottle during a weekend at the beach. You may think this seems expensive, but think of the alternative, leather skin or worse skin cancer!

Investing in a good sunscreen like Rodan + Fields Sunscreen is one favour you owe your skin. Sunscreen is the ultimate anti-wrinkle cream because the best wrinkle is the one you never get!


Wednesday 9 April 2014

Throwback Thursday - Two words...Jack Ryan!




If you were a teenage girl growing up in the 1980's you likely know who Jake Ryan is...and if you don't, you need to revisit the movie Sixteen Candles staring Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall and Michael Schoeffling who plays the famous Jake Ryan.



Jake Ryan was my first real crush, and to this day, I still have a crush on him!


Sixteen Candles was a huge hit in 1984. The story line follows Samantha Baker played by Molly Ringwald, a high school sophomore who struggles to get through the day of her 16th birthday. 

Her entire family has forgotten her birthday because her older sister, Ginny, is getting married the next day. Sam has a major infatuation with the most popular senior in school...The one and only, Jake Ryan.


To add to Sam's problems her eccentric grandparents are staying at her house for her sister's wedding. One set of grandparents brings with them a foreign exchange student "Long Duk Dong." 

Sam's grandparents force her to take "The Donger" as he calls himself, to her school's senior dance that night.  The Donger quickly finds himself a girlfriend at the dance and goes along his night with his girlfriend. 



Another subplot involves a geeky freshman, played by Anthony Michael Hall. He calls himself Farmer Ted...No idea why. Farmer Ted is a very insecure teenage who continually pretends he's popular but in all reality he's a geek and is in love with Sam. 

After the dance Jake's girlfriend, the most popular girl in school, throws a huge party at Jake's house. By the end of the night Jake's entire house is completely trashed. 

At night's end, Jake finds Farmer Ted trapped under a table and they begin to talk. Jake asks Farmer Ted about Sam. Jake allows Farmer Ted to drive home his drunk girlfriend Caroline home in his father's Rolls Royce. Farmer Ted...doesn't have a license. lol.


The next morning Jake finds his girlfriend and Farmer Ted in the church parking lot where Sam's sister is getting married and breaks up with his girlfriend.

Jake waits for Sam to exit the church after her sister's wedding to help celebrate her 16th birthday. 


The movie ends with an iconic scene of Jake and Same sitting on a table with a birthday cake between them. Jake says "Make a wish Samantha", and Sam replies "It already came true"...then they kiss!!



THE END!!! and I LOVE it!

Some interesting facts about Jake Ryan or his real name Michael Schoeffling:

  • He was a member of the U.S. Junior Wrestling Team. His team won a gold medal at the 1978 European Championships in West Germany.
  • At the time of shooting Sixteen Candles he was 23 and Molly Ringwald was only 15 years old.
  • Viggo Mortensen was almost cast as Jake.
  • He was so shy during his audition that he almost lost the role. But the film’s producer found him so “stunning and dreamy” that they cast him anyway.
  • He had a serious girlfriend at the time of shooting Sixteen Candles. They eventually married and now have 2 children together.
  • He retired from acting in 1991 and is now the owner of a handcrafted furniture woodworking shop
Jake Ryan was my very first crush...and to this day whenever I watch Sixteen Candles, I still get butterflies in my stomach!!

Countdown to turning 40 -1980's popculture




My Countdown to 40 continues. If you haven't had a chance to read my other posts check out The Countdown to 40 begins, Countdown to turning 40 - The 1980's, and My Countdown to turning 40 - 1980's Fashion Faux-Pas for a trip down memory lane and some good laughs.

So to continue with the theme let's talk more about 1980's fashion. I have 2 words for you,
Shoulder Pads!

It was tough in the 1980’s to find a dress, jacket, top or sweater that didn’t have built in shoulder pads. If for some reason your outfit didn’t come with shoulder pads, no problem you could insert shoulder toppers on your own. 


I blame the television show Dynasty for introducing this awful look. Dynasty was a very popular prime time television show that profiled a rich and powerful family who "lived and sinned" in their 48-room Denver mansion. Most of the outfits these luxurious woman wore, included large shoulder pads or ruffled edges. 

Thankfully, the big, boxy silhouette went out of style and never really came back. Phew!

Tacky jewelry

Large dangly earrings were very popular in the 1980’s. Other popular jewelry ranged from, candy necklaces, slap bracelets, and large cross earrings inspired by Madonna. 



Slap bracelets were flexible stainless steel that was sealed within a fabric or plastic cover. The bracelet could be straightened out then slapped against your  forearm, causing the band to spring into a curve and wraps around your wrist, securing the bracelet to your wrist.

I remember slap bracelets being banned in my grade school classroom, because we would continued to slap the bracelet on our wrists (or unsuspecting friends as a prank) throughout the day.

Swatch Watch:

Swatch watches were a stylish watch that was trendy and affordable for teens. Most teens had at least two or three Swatch watches when growing up in the 80s. 

If you were really cool, you had a dozen or more and you wore two or three at the same time!! Now that I’m an adult, it makes me laugh at the thought of wearing 2 or 3 watches as a fashion statement.



The first collection of Swatch models was introduced in 1983. If you are lucky enough to still own one of the original Swatch Watches…you might be surprised to find out that original swatch watches are quite the collector’s item. Some collectors pay top dollar for those bad boys.

ValleySpeak:

Like gag me with a spoon...totally grody to the max!


No idea what I'm talking about?? The term Valleyspeak is used to describe a way of talking that combined 1960s surfer slang, hippie lingo and street jargon. It originated in southern California's San Fernando Valley.

The term "Valley Girl" became popular with the release of a Frank Zappa’s 1982 hit called "Valley Girl", on which Frank's teenage daughter, delivered a monologue in "Valley speak" behind the music. This song popularized such phrases as:

  • Grody to the max
  • Gag me with a spoon
  • Barf-out
  • Grody,
  • Like – Oh my Gad
  • Like - totally
If you're looking for some good examples of Valley speak I recommend two classics. The first:

Valley Girl (the movie) starring Nicholas Cage. It was release in 1983 and is loosely based on Romeo and Juliet (very loosely). It's a really cute romantic comedy.


Square Pegs was an awesome show that starred Sarah Jessica Parker in 1982-83. I recently just started watching it again on Netflix. It’s still a great show!!



Tracey Nelson played a character named Jennifer DiNuccio. Her character was the typical Valley Girl. For you younger people Alicia Silverstone also does a great job of Valley speak in the movie Clueless as she plays Cher Horowitz with her famous line "AS IF!!!".


Hopefully this brought back some good memoreies for you. Stayed tuned as we will soon be venturing into the 1990's...What will that bring?



Monday 7 April 2014

My Countdown to turning 40 - Fashion Faux-Pas of the 1980's


canada


So tonight Paul and I were watching Dancing with the Stars and I asked him what were some of the nasty trends he remembers from the 1980's...an its like a light went off in his head and he rambled off: Cougar Boots, Moon Boots, Scrunchies, Acid washed jeans, jelly Shoes, Drakkar Noir, United Colors of Beneton, and Polo Cologne
skincare
.


Hello, my name is Sue and yes I am guilty of wearing Acid washed jeans and Jelly shoes in the 1980's. Those are two fashion trends I am truly hoping do not make a comeback!!

I can remember walking down to the local "Bargain Harold's" which was like a Dollar Store and buying a pair of poorly made Jelly Shoes. I of coarse chose neon pink jelly shoes, as this was my preferred colour in the 1980's. 

Every little girl had a preferred neon colour back in the 1980's and your outfit was centered around your one preferred colour. 

I remember, one of my lifelong oldest and dearest  friends Mary (we are still great friends after over 30 years), got an awesome outfit for her 10th birthday, and I was so jealous. Her parents bought her a pair of black pleather (no not a spelling error, not leather, but a plastic/leather type combo pant called pleather) pants, with a rocking short sleeved t-shirt that had HOT written in neon pink written across the front.

skincare


I was so jealous of her amazing outfit. 30 years later...I still bug her about what I know know was a GOD awful outfit. But in the 1980's...she rocked that HOT t-shirt and pleather pant combo! (The picture shown doesn't do her outfit justice, but you get the idea!) Now that Mary is a mother of a young daughter...I'm not sure this outfit would fly with her and her husband. lol.

Scrunchies. Yes...Scrunchies. These were awesome to tie your hair backn the 80's. You could even match your scrunchie with you outfit.As a pre-teen, I had about 50 different coloured scrunchies. 

I promise you, in my 40's you will not find one scrunchie in my house. They were great for the 1980's but that is exactly where they needed to stay. I use the term "needed to stay" because there are still women who have not received the memo that scrunchies were supposed to be left in the 80's, maybe early 90's, but definitely not in the 2000's. 


scrunchies


One piece of fashion advice ladies...if you still own a scrunchie and use it, time to turn the page. You are aging yourself with your scrunchies. Simply eliminating this one accessory alone, will automatically make you look 10 years younger...I promise!

Stay tuned for more posts as I walk down memory lane as I countdown the days until I turn 40!!

Sue xo

Sunday 6 April 2014

My Countdown To Turning 40 - The 1980's

skincare

Only about 5 more weeks until I turn the BIG 4-0. If you haven't had a chance to read my first post about turning 40 check it out. The countdown to 40 begins.

Summertime is fast appraoching and as a child I played outside all day. I have fond memories playing in my backyard with all the neighbourhood kids running through our sprinkler for hours. (Sadly we weren't to concerned about saving water in the 1980's) 

Ofcoarse I wore my Wonder Woman bathing suit. Linda Carter who played Wonder Woman on TV was my idol. I would run around in my bathing suit at 8 years old pretending I was saving the world. I loved that bathing suit. I decided at a very young age that I was going to be Wonder Woman when I grew up...according to my son and hubby I am. I just don't wear the bathing suit anymore. lol.


I have a sister who is 7 years older than I am, so when I was in elementary school my sister was in highschool. Let me tell you, my sister was the coolest person in my eyes at the time. Fashion in the 1980's was slightly dramatic...and my older sister was no exception when it came to big hair, dramatic makeup, and fashion.

The original skinny jean from the 1980's

When getting ready for school my job was to help my sister get into her skin tight jeans. The 1980's was the beginning of the Skinny Jean phenomenon. Jeans weren't made with the same material as they are now - there wasn't much stretch to them. So  to help my sister get into her jeans, she would lie on the floor and I would take a crochet hook and yank my sister's zipper up. It was a true team effort to get into the latest fashion back then. 

In a celebrated 1980 television ad, fifteen-year-old actress/model Brooke Shields was seen whistling “Oh My Darling, Clementine” as the camera panned along the length of her body. She gazed up at the camera and said  “You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing. The commercial was so controversial, that sales Calvin Klein jeans soared.




This now legendary commercial marked the very phenomenon of the designer jean, or “status jeans,” as they were sometimes dubbed in the press. 

Some popular jeans in the 1980's included Gloria Vanderbilt, Jordache, Sasson, and Sergio Valente. All these all brands soon had commercials that focused on a women's backsides in some of the raciest ads we have ever seen. Many of these ads wouldn't fly now-a-days. 

Big Hair in the 1980's
Farrah Fawcet was a huge icon in the late 70's and early 80's  She was famous for the TV show Charlie's Angels...and her hair style was copied by women everywhere. 

Her hairstyle went on to become an international trend, with women sporting a "Farrah-do", a "Farrah-flip", or simply "Farrah hair". Her famous hair style predominated among American women's hairstyles well into the 1980s.



I can remember sitting in the bathroom with my older sister while she tried to give me the Farrah-Do. I was about 8 years old and all I wanted was to look like my older sister and Farrah Fawcet. lol.

Sadly Farrah died on June 25th 2009 from cancer. I have 2 wonderful friends and at work we have been dubbed Charlie's Angels because we are always together. I always joke that I am Farrah...30 years after I still want to be Farrah!

Hope you enjoyed my walk down memory lane from the 1980's. Stay tuned for more posts as I countdown until I turn 40 with posts about fashion, hair and beauty that was popular while I was growing up.

Friday 4 April 2014

The countdown to 40 begins


Canada


So yes, I turn the BIG 4-0 this year. Instead of loading my martini glass up with my tears I have decided to take a walk down memory lane and embrace this new era of my life.


But for the record...it does suck getting old! If I knew back in my 20's what I know now about money, men, skincare and health I likely would have made some VERY different choices. lol. However I have learned from all my experiences, met some great people, both laughed and cried a lot and created some wonderful memories along the way.

So the countdown to the Big 4-0 begins.


Rodan+Fields
My older sister hanging from our swingset. (Safety first in the 1970's). My older brother and I sitting on the teeter totter. I'm in the back with the blond hair.

Over the next month I am going to take a trip down memory lane of what it was like being a toddler in the 70's, a pre-teen in the 80's, a teenager in the 90's, and essentially an adult (which is still debatable) in the 2000's.

I'll share all things that popular at the time such as fashion, makeup brands, music, movies and toys.

Hopefully reading my posts will bring back happy memories of your childhood as well...so let's begin.

I was born on May 27 1974. Nope can't share that memory clearly because I don't remember it. lol.

Famous celebrities born in the same year I was:

  • Leonardo Dicaprio
  • Amy Adams
  • Christian Bale
  • Joaquin Pheonix
  • Jimmy Fallon
  • Hilary Swank


skincare



Popular make-up in 1974

Blue eyeshadow was very popular in 1974

skincare

Love's Baby Soft was also a popular cosmetic. I'm not so sure this advertisement would fly now-a-days though...It's kind of disturbing.

skincare


Popular Fashion in 1974

In the 1970's it wasn't uncommon for women to make their own clothes from patterns. I can remember my mom made a lot of our clothes back in the 1970's. She always had sewing patterns lying around. I can't tell you the last time I saw one of these, whenever I see them it reminds me of my childhood.


skincare

Hopefully you enjoyed my first post on my final few weeks before my 40th. Stay tuned for more posts this month on my journey to the BIG 4-0.

xo Sue


Wednesday 2 April 2014

How does Jim Carrey get such "ssssmokin" skin?


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

antiage

Jim Carrey (a fellow Canadian) is well know for his off-the-wall humour and his peculiar facial expressions.

While he might have a few friendly crows feet, for a 52 year-old Jim looks amazing! He has always insisted that he has never gone under the knife, so what could be the miracle behind his glowing skin?

My guess...quite simply a MASK!


skincare

To be more specific...a face mask, cleanser, moisturizer and toner. All the key components for an amazing healthy skincare routine!

Often, men don't think about their skincare routine, other than their regular shaving or the the occasional taming of monobrows. But men do need to pay attention to their skincare routine to help fight the signs of aging as well. 

So, guys, if you want to look as good as Jim Carrey at 52, you need to listen to his daily skincare routine.

The main key things in a good skincare routine include:


  1. A face wash with an exfoliant
  2. A good Toner that targets you problems area, and
  3. Moisturize with a good daily face cream that has SPF

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  I am a huge fan of Rodan + Fields skincare products. 

Rodan and Fields

Not only do they offer a vareity of skincare regimens for different skincare concerns, they are created by world famous Dermatologist Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields (makers of Proactiv).

You need to find a moisturizer that suits your skin type. Dry skin must be hydrated: sensitive skin should be soothed: oily skin needs shine control. Find the right moisturizer for your skin and your face will thank you for it.

Most importantly guys...be gentle!

Shaving can take its toll on your face, so make sure you use an anti-irritation shave gel and an aftershave balm to soothe your skin. 


There's nothing Dumb about taking care of your face! (Get what I did there??)

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

A History Of Sun Tanning


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

skincare

This video comes from the Canadian Skin Care Foundation and I found it so powerful that I thought it would share.

Growing up I didn't wear sun screen as much as I should have. Now I know how important it is to wear everyday, whether the sun is shining or not.


Here's why sunscreen is so important!



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



Tuesday 1 April 2014

Six Skincare Steps You Don't Want To Miss

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

beauty

OK so I admit it, I'm guilty of occasionally skimping on sunscreen and possibly waiting until the last possible moment before tossing out an old lipstick.

I know as a beauty blogger avoiding these steps regularly can lead to major beauty blunders and can even have a negative impact on my health.

I've compiled some beauty tips that have surprising consequences if you regularly skip and tips on how to start doing them now.

Rodan + Fields
Exfoliate Regularly

Regular exfoliation helps improve your skin's texture and overall radiance. Using a good exfoliant like Rodan + Fields REVERSE Deep Exfoliating Wash, is without a doubt, one of the biggest steps in achieving healthy, beautiful skin.

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and allows moisturizers to be more effective by penetrating deeper into the skin. If you have oily skin, it helps unclog pores and prevents and removes white and blackheads keeping blemishes at bay.



skincare
Toner

Incorporating a good toner into your daily routine after exfoliating, helps rid your skin of dirt, oil, and impurities that cleansers leave behind. Toners help remove cleanser residue and chlorine found in tap water. 

I like to leave my toner damp on my skin, to allow my daily moisturizer to seal in the water and the active anti-aging ingredients. My skin is left feeling healthier and more hydrated skin. I like to pair my toner with my exfoliator by using Rodan + Fields REVERSE Intensive Brightening Toner.


skincare
Daily moisturizer with SPF

A common mistake we make, is forgetting to apply sunscreen to all areas that could be exposed to the sun, particularly your hands.

Our hands are among the hardest working and most environmentally vulnerable parts of our bodies. That’s why the backs of people’s hands often look so much older than our faces. 

I recommend REDEFINE Hand Treatment Regimen. It has done wonders for my hands!



makeup
Toss Your Old Makeup

Did you know that dried out mascara bristles tug and pull out eyelashes and can cause eye infections? 

I said earlier that I can on occasion I have difficulty parting with an old lipstick. I shouldn't do this because bacteria can grow on lipstick and lip gloss and can cause mouth sores. for timelines on when to toss the old check out my post:
Spring has sprung time to clean your makeup bag.


beauty
Flossing Daily

OK...I am guilty of not flossing everyday, but I should. Flossing at least once a day, every day, is not only vital to a bright smile and healthy gums, but it's also important for your overall health.

Bacteria that attach to teeth and gums have been shown to be in the bloodstream of patients with strokes, high blood pressure, and diabetes In fact, patients with gum disease are three times more likely to die from strokes and two times more likely to die from heart disease.


beauty
Replace Your Loofah

Loofahs are excellent tools for scrubbing away dead skin cells, enhancing your blood circulation, and creating an overall spa-like ambiance. However, if they're not replaced frequently and properly stored post-shower, they can become hotbeds for mold and bacteria that can lead to skin irritations or even infections. 


You should replace your loofah once a month to avoid bacteria buildup.  Also, avoid hanging your loofah to dry in the shower or bath. Instead wring it out, and store in a cool dry place.

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