Choosing The Right Moisturizer

With literally hundreds of facial creams on the market today, you may feel overwhelmed by all of the potential choices available. 

What you need to know before choosing a face cream, is there’s more to a face cream than meets the eye. You may have come across many creams that feel rich and creamy or smell great, but a good moisturizer is all about the ingredients, and at what stage in your regimen you apply it!

Buy this cream at suemiller.myrandf.com/ca

Tip #1: SPF Protection

The best face moisturizers will always contain an SPF protection. Moisturizers that have SPF protection will protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays from the sun. These rays cause a number of different skin problems such as the development of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, the development of wrinkles and lastly - skincancer. The best moisturizer will offer your skin hydration and protection from the sun, which means you never have to worry about forgetting your sunscreen once you start applying your new moisturizer daily.

Buy this cream at suemiller.myrandf.com/ca

Tip #2: Consider an Overnight Moisturizer

For better results, you may wish to consider hydrating your skin overnight, when the body is going through its natural rejuvenation process. In this case, the best moisturizer for your skin care regimen is a moisturizer that contains a variety of different ingredients that will work to soften and protect your skin while you sleep. Rodan + Fields Restorative Overnight Cream is an ultra-hydrating cream which replenishes your skin's natural moisturizing factors while you sleep. This results in a visibly firmer, less-lined skin in the morning. Moisture recycling complex of hyaluronic acid and glycerin prevent moisture loss while 12-hour, time-released antioxidants A, C and E replenish vital skin nutrients. 

Buy this cream at suemiller.myrandf.com/ca

Tip #3: Choosing A Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, then you already know how difficult it is to find products that don't irritate, cause redness, or inflammation of your skin. The best moisturizer for sensitive skin will contain ingredients that soothe your skin and moisturize without causing inflammation. 

When you’re shopping for the best moisturizer for sensitive skin, try to avoid products that include parabens, other harsh preservatives, artificial colors, alcohol, and ingredients that give the product a heavy fragrance, as these ingredients usually cause irritation. One of the best products on the market for sensitive skin is Rodan + Fields SOOTHE.  SOOTHE shields against the biological and environmental aggressors and helps fortify your skin’s natural moisture barrier so that you can take comfort in having a healthy-looking complexion every day!

Everyone’s skin type and skin requirements are different. I do have a skincare tool that can help you determine the best regimen and moisturizer for your skin.
Try my skincare assessment tool - it only takes about 30 seconds to complete. Get a custom skincare recommendation from Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields ... no appointment necessary.

As always for all your skincare needs pop by my Rodan + Fields website. Become a Preferred Customer today and receive 10% off and FREE Shipping. Products are available anywhere in North America. Coming soon to Australia!!

If you have questions about Rodan + Fields regimens or are interested in the business opportunity send me a message from my site....Would love to connect....Sue

Tips for Dry Winter Hands

During the winter months, wind and cold can inflict damage on your delicate digits and make your hands look weather-beaten and world-weary. To help you combat those ill effects I've put together some advice to help your hands look their best all winter long - no matter how harsh Mother Nature decides to be.

Wear gloves

It might seem obvious, but it bears repeating: Gloves are key to protecting the fragile skin of your hands. Even for quick errands outside, you should shield your hands from the elements. Keep a pair in your purse, in case you forget them on your way out the door.



Swap harsh soap for something milder

Trade in your bar soap and keep a mild non-fragrant bath and shower gel beside your sink for hand washing. 

It’s a nice change for the colder months, because while bar soaps can strip the skin of moisture, bath and shower gels are richer and can actually add moisture to dry hands.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Moisturizer is crucial to hand care year-round, but in the winter it’s even more important. Regularly apply a good moisturizer throughout the day and after washing your hands. My favourite moisturizer to use in the winter is Rodan + Fields SOOTHE Moisture Replenishing Cream.  This rich formula replenishes skin’s natural moisturizing factors as it soothes, hydrates and nourishes. Nearly all of the formula (over 98%) is an exclusive blend of skin beneficial moisturizers, humectants, skin conditioners and protectants that offer effective, long-lasting moisturization.

It’s a good idea to keep a small bottle of lotion in your purse or at your desk so you’ll have it available whenever you need it.

Stay hydrated

A refreshing glass of water may be the last thing on your winter beverage list, but it’s actually one of the times you need water most: Water will keep your body hydrated and counterbalance the drying effect of indoor heating. By drinking water throughout the day, you’ll help your skin stay supple and moist. You might also want to invest in a humidifier to put moisture back into parched indoor air.

Practice between-manicure maintenance.

Nothing beats a great at-home treatment for keeping hands looking their best between manicures.Try this four step at home maintenance manicure:

• File or cut your nails to the same length
• Clean your nail tips thoroughly to make them look really white: Soak them in freshly-squeezed lemon juice for a natural bleaching
• Moisturize using SOOTHE Moisture Replenishing Cream, paying special attention to cuticles and knuckles.
• Finish by buffing with a smooth buffer to make your nails shine like glass.

As always for all your skincare needs pop by my Rodan + Fields website. Become a Preferred Customer today and receive 10% off and FREE Shipping. Products are available anywhere in North America. Coming soon to Australia!!

If you have questions about Rodan + Fields regimens or are interested in the business opportunity send me a message from my site....Would love to connect....Sue

How The Sun Sees you!

Have you ever wondered how the sun see's you? This is an awesome video that shows you the importance of sunscreen!

Your skin likely already has sun damage and you don't even know it. Rodan + Fields REVERSE Regimen can help reverse the sign of aging.

Exposure to the sun and the environment can leave you with less-than-youthful skin. Erase the appearance of premature aging, including brown spots, dullness and discoloration with REVERSE. 

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. (Available in Canada Fall 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!

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 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.

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

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.

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??

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.

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.

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!

Healthy Skincare Beauty Tip #4

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!

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

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

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.

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

Healthy skincare beauty tip #2

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

...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!!

5 things to help your aging skin!

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

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

You can impact your skin's future!

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

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

According to 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.

The good news is that If you are like me and among the other 90 percent who don't truly love their completion...you can impact your skin's future. 

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.

Your skin condition didn’t happen overnight. It will take time to see results, just like going to the gym. If you want to lose weight and tone your body going to the gym once a week isn't exactly the way to achieve your goal. But if you eat healthy and go to the gym regularly - eventually you will achieve your goal. Your skincare should follow the same routine. In order to restore your healthy glow, you need to make your skincare regimen a regular part of your daily routine...night and day and not just the odd time.

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

Clean your makeup brushes...the right way!

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

If you've read my post Makeup Brushes 101 , you know which brushes to use for applying, contouring and concealing. But did you know that you should be cleaning your makeup brushes regularly? 

Washing your makeup brushes should be a regular part of your beauty routine. Why??? It's simple, when you use your makeup brushes, bits of makeup, oil, dirt, and even bacteria can get trapped in the bristles. Not washing your brushes regularly can lead to clogged pores, pesky breakouts and even infections in severe cases...so learning how to properly clean your brushes is one of the best ways to protect your beautiful skin and the investment you've made into you 

brushes.

Here is what I do reguarly to keep my brushes clean and free of bacteria.

Daily brush cleaningUse a daily brush cleaner and spritz it on your brushes after each use. My favorite is Lise Watier Makeup Brush Cleanser ($13.50 CDN). It helps clean and disinfects leaving your brushes clean and dry in just a few minutes. Spray it directly on the brush hair and wipe it off on on a tissue. You can purchase it at the Bay or even at your local Shoppers Drug Mart where they carry Lise Watier products.

Once a week - Deep clean
Once every week, you want to do a deep cleaning of your makeup brushes. Believe me, if you have never cleaned your brushes (yes...I know most of you don't), you will notice a HUGE difference in the way your makeup goes on and the feel of your brushes on your skin. It's simple and easy. 

I like to clean my brushes at night to allow sufficient time for them to dry. Here is what I do to clean my brushes weekly.

You will need:
• A small bowl
• baby shampoo
• A lint free cloth

Instructions:

1). Run your brush under lukewarm water and rinse off  any residual makeup. It's important to focus on the actual bristles rather than where handle meets the head.

2). In a small bowl with lukewarm water gently mix in a small amount of baby shampoo. Gently swirl your brush in the bowl of luke warm water and massage the bristles to get them clean. Don't scrub the brush, a simply work up a light lather gently.

3). Rinse the brush bristles under luke warm running water to rinse of the shampoo solution. 

4). Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the water runs clear from the brush

5). Use a lint free cloth to wipe your brush clean. Reshape the bristles as you go.

6). Repeat for each brush that needs to be cleaned.

7). Lay the brush flat on a cloth to dry

Be sure to pin this post so that you’ll remember how to properly wash them.

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

My Oscar Fashion Picks

Last nights Oscars brought out some of the best in fashion. Here are my top picks for dresses and fashion disasters. (Oye Vay)!!

Best Dress nominees:

Kate Hudson wore and Atelier Versace dress with Neil Lane Jewels. Absolutely stunning! Her mom Goldie on the other hand...should really stay away from doing anymore plastic surgery! 

Bette Midler rocked it this year! She wore a red lace, cap-sleeve Reem Acra dress that fit her curves beautifully. One word: Ammmmmaaaaazing!

Kerry Washington looked absolutely stunning wearing a Jason Wu gown. She happily showed off her baby bump along with her beautiful pregnancy glow! This look was a winner in my books!


















I'm not a huge fan of Charlize Theron but she definitely showed us exactly how to wear this Dior black dress with plunging neckline. Two thumbs up for the dress!


















My winning pick is Lupita Nyong'o. She chose to wear a beautiful pale blue Prada. She also helped design this winning number. She said the colour reminded her of her homeland Nairobi's sky. She is quickly becoming a fashion icon in Hollywood. On another note...lose the headband!












Fashion Disasters:

Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir missed the mark big-time!!! The pair look as if they are off to a very tacky junior prom. Tara is wearing a strapless chiffon gown by Rani Zakhem. Her date Johnny Weir is a hot-mess...no other way to sum this up - in an all-white ensemble with sparkling silver loafers. Two thumbs down in every way possible.

Smurfette called and wants her PJs back!! Liza Minnelli wore an off-the-shoulder, electric blue pajama set. This look is certainly bold enough to maintain her crazy woman reputation.

Pharrell Williams and his wife clearly did not get the message that this was a grown-up party. Pharell made an Oscar first in wearing tuxedo shorts on the red carpet. Show a little respect for Hollywood's biggest night and wear your big boy pants next time.

Oh Whoopi...what can I say??? Whoopi Goldberg wore a combo outfit I was soooo not feeling. The black dress/white dress shirt underneath is just not a winning look....the ruby slippers were a nice added touch though for the Wizard of Oz tribute.

Feel free to post your favorites and worst dressed in the comments section.