Fashion sometimes is either genius or very, very weird. (Most of the time genius, though.) Some trend are awesome, some … a little bit out of the box, to say the least. Crazy or Cool this time around comes from the suggestion of reader Dip (thanks Dip!). She wanted to know what others think of the bleached eyebrow trend, and so do I!
Personally, I think this trend looks great in editorial and it’s very high fashion. It gives the most focus on the eyes, and the eye makeup can really stand out. Not to mention, the models look more intense and extreme – I love it. In real life though, I might think it’s a bit weird. I mean, eyebrows frame the face and gives so much expression, so and the person may look permanently surprised. So fashion; love it. Real life, not so much.
What do you think of the bleached eyebrow trend? Is this trend crazy or cool to you?
Taking a shower might reap the same results, but having a perfume that makes you smell squeaky clean 24/7? Now that’s cool. I’ve sniffed some of CLEAN’s fragrances around at Sephora, being the busy body that I am, but I think I may actually have to stop being so annoying and actually purchase one … you know, when I actually get a paycheck.
CLEAN Perfume was launched by Fusion Brands Inc. in April 2003. Randi Shinder, the founder, desired a fragrance that was reminiscent of pure soap, that universal fresh out of the shower scent. Unable to find such a fragrance, she developed her own…CLEAN.
CLEAN is formulated in small quantities to ensure all ingredients are fresh, pure, and of the highest quality. CLEAN is a lifestyle brand that has expanded from its core CLEAN fragrance to encompass ancillaries that remain true to CLEAN’s promise of simplicity in a complicated world.
I am in love with Fresh Laundry. Or was it Shower Fresh? To be honest the names all muddle together with me, but the scents are just amazing. I think they capture exactly the scent they are describing in its name, and I’ve always like citrusy scents – they make you feel more alive! Fragrances range from US$38-$79, so it’s a bit much for a simple scent (who knew smelling clean would cost you that much money?) But I say it’s worth it.
If you like fresh, classic and clean (you knew it was coming) scents, I can already recommend this line to you! Do try it out at Sephora, I am sure you’ll love them. I know I do! (Another scent that has a very citrus, “clean” scent, try out one of my favorite all time perfumes, Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana.)
For those who have tried them out, what do you think? Do you like CLEAN’s perfumes or would just rather use good ole soap?
“Laughter is an instant vacation.” — Milton Berle
Last year I wrote a post, How to Start Building Self Esteem, after speaking to a young reader about her life and insecurities. Since then I’ve been speaking to tons of readers about their lives and an emerging theme I notice is that we could all use a big dose of self esteem and self confidence, because we all have low moments. I also feel that being a woman these days are especially hard – we have so much to do, so many priorities, and so little time for ourselves. Well, no more!
I’ve decided to do a monthly series on self esteem, called Self Esteem Diaries. Every last Sunday I’ll post a topic we can discuss, inspiring quotes, and share with each other our trials and successes so we can support and encourage one another. What do you think? If you have any more ideas, do let me know!
Anyway, to end this month I thought we’d talk about laughter.
Laughter is so important in our lives, not only to keep us feeling lighter and happier, but can also reduce stress, improve our mood and make us feel happier and better about ourselves. (Read more of the benefits of laughter here.) Here are some ways I bring laughter into my own life, and I hope it can help you out with some ideas as well:
I once read that your mood and circumstances at the first 15 minutes of waking up will shape how you view your whole day. So instead of waking up thinking how much you hate your boss/life/yourself, it’s time to change your mood first thing in the morning.
Once you wake up, go to the mirror and say something wonderful about yourself. Tell yourself that whatever yesterday was like, today will be better. And no matter what happens, you are still a wonderful person who deserves the best! Once you are doing your morning rituals of brushing your teeth, doing your hair, showering, you can always think thoughts of positivity and gratitude – remind yourself of all the things you are excited about today, all the things you are thankful of, and most of all, how special you are!
- Hang around people who make you feel great.
You know the saying misery loves company, right? Well the company doesn’t exactly love the misery back… It’s totally normal to have some rough times but if someone is really making you feel awful and you find yourself feeling awful after seeing them, (which as I wrote in my post on toxic friends, is one sign your friend is toxic!) it’s time to move on.
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This week’s beauty tip has to do with … refrigerators! Yep, you heard me. Did you know that storing some of your beloved beauty products in your fridge makes it perform better and prolongs its lifespan? Here are some products and reasons to keep your products in your fridge:
- Nail polishes kept in your fridge make the bottle last super long.
- Skin care creams and serums when chilled helps active ingredients penetrate the skin quicker and better. Not to mention, chilled skincare products feel amazing, especially with eye creams – how soothing for tired eyes!
- Perfumes are said to last longer in when slightly chilled, though I have not tried this one myself.
- Chilled body lotions feel wonderful on the skin after a hot bath or shower.
Do you keep some of your products in the fridge? Do you think it works better? I can vouch for skincare items and nail polishes, since I do that myself, but I haven’t tried this for my perfumes yet.
(P.S. Reader Jeanne read my anniversary beauty tip post on how I didn’t know how the heck to Photoshop a proper post-it image, and sent me this one! Isn’t she the sweetest? Thanks Jeanne, it’s perfect! 
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Image: 1 + 2.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian is the latest celebrity to launch her own fragrance. Her fragrance is Pick of the Week because I am so curious to try it out. Also, I gotta say, I’ve seen some episodes of her show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and I kinda like her.
As I said previously in my post about her favorite makeup products and her dramatic hair color change last summer, I really like how she connects with her fans through her blog. She gives them exclusives photos and shares her tips and answers fan questions regularly on her blog and in videos – talk about being down to Earth! Gotta love that.
To start off the new year with a high, she has just launched her first “voluptuous” fragrance Kim Kardashian, and so far I’ve heard good things.
TV star, entrepreneur, model, actress, and trendsetter Kim Kardashian adds another accomplishment to her portfolio: a trademark fragrance. Discover the sensual scent inspired by one of the world’s most idolized women. The essence evokes Kim’s sultry style with crisp top notes, lush mid notes, and a sexy drydown.
Described as a floral scent, Kim wanted a scent that captures her perfectly. She tells OK! magazine: “It’s sexy and sultry, yet youthful. You could wear it both at night and during the day … it has a broad appeal.” Notes includes Honey Suckle, Pink Jasmine, Tuberose, Sensual Spice, Lush Gardenia, Vanilla Orchid, Sexy Musk and Creamy Sandalwood.
Will you be buying this scent? I’ll definitely try it out at the store but I personally don’t really like celebrity scents – something about them puts me off – so I’m probably not gonna like it. But we’ll have to see how it smells, I can’t judge too much! Am I being snobby or do you dislike celebrity scents as well?
It’s the number one makeup no no: matching your makeup with your outfit, especially matching your eyeshadow to your outfit.
However, I can’t help but think your eye makeup colors matching your dress looks really, really nice when done properly. What do you think? It pulls the whole look together, no?
Jessica Alba sported this makeup “sin” at the premiere of her latest movie, Valentine’s Day, and I have to say I really like this look. (And that dress. I would kill for that dress and those shoes! Damn you Alba, why you so hot?) Instead of the makeup looking too matchy-matchy and over the top (the reason why it’s “forbidden” in the first place), I think it compliments her eye color perfectly as well. (Brown eyed beauties, take note – green looks amazing on you!)
I’ve done it before, with green as well – I did a khaki green smokey eye and I was wearing a green dress, and I didn’t think it looked too awful at all, so personally, I say this makeup no-no is a big yes-yes! in my book.
Let me know what you think – should we debunk this makeup myth that matching your makeup and your outfit is a sin? What do you think of this makeup “sin”? Do you coordinate your makeup and your outfit as well?
One of the greatest skin rituals you can do for yourself is to thoroughly cleanse your face, morning and night. And though it seems simple enough – slap on some soap, then water – there are some tricks and tips to making the most out of your cleanser and to learn how to really clean your face for soft, beautiful skin!
- First, make sure the water you wash your face with is not too hot or too cold. Cold water makes your skin more prone to broken capillaries, and hot water … well, you know what hot water does. Luke warm water is the best.
- Lather up your cleanser in your palms, and start by applying the cleanser to your face with gentle circular motions. Start at your cheeks, then proceed to your t-zone, chin, and then another round all over your face. Allow the cleanser to be left on for at least 30 seconds (I once read an article that said 2 minutes is the recommended for all the ingredients to soak in properly, but that’s a bit long, so leave it on at least half a minute).
- If you have oily skin, apply another layer of cleanser, or if you have any oily areas (for me, it’s my cheeks!), cleanse on just that area one more time. (This is recommended for the warmer times of the year or if you live in a hot climate, though. If you’re in a cold climate and you over cleanse when it’s not needed you may dry out your skin too much.) (And if you don’t know what your skin type it, check out my post How to Find Your Skin Type to find out.)
- Gently allow water to run over your face and gently rub off your cleanser, massaging your face at the same time. After, take a few pieces of face tissue and pat your face dry – don’t rub your face because it’s too harsh for the skin.
Et voila, you are done. Apply your moisturizer and show off that pretty face. What do you think of these tips? How do you cleanse your face – do you have a ritual or is it a simple wash-and-go for you?
That’s right … add some color to your look!
As I wrote yesterday and the day before, I am currently in love with coral and fuchsia lipsticks. For some reason I’ve started to love color (and used to just stick to neutrals, so this is a big deal for me!) and it’s been so much fun. What’s after bright, bold lips for me? Bright bold nails, of course!
So my tip this week is to add some color to your makeup. A pop of hot pink to your lips … a line of bright colored eyeliner … a candy-colored manicure … the list is endless.
Add some color and fun to your makeup and I can guarantee you’ll have a smile on your face the whole day – not only ’cause you’ll be beaming with confidence knowing that you look awesome, but also from all the head’s you’re gonna turn. 
Do you use bright colors in your makeup looks? Will you be experimenting in the future?
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