Foundation Experimentation - Day 1 (with Celebrity Makeup Artist, Trendee King)

A Moment of Reflection

I know from experience that we all get caught up in our day to day routines; meaning our thoughts about ourselves and others: what that girl is wearing, what she looks like compared to me, what she has that I don’t, I hate that she can afford that beauty product and I can’t, I’d be much more pretty and happy if I just lost this weight, etc., etc. But when it all comes down to it, none of that matters. All of this stuff that I talk about on this blog is fun and enjoyable, but don’t get it twisted – it’s not what matters most in life. Beauty is not just on the surface. Loyalty, love, friendship, and family ties are what matter most. Funny thing is, those are the things that we seem to focus on the least. Well, at least until something happens that makes us rethink our priorities….

This week I lost a dear uncle that loved his family and friends to the end. He was a wonderful man with a beautiful heart and a loving demeanor.  Death seems to put things in perspective, even if just for a little while before we need that reminder again.   He left behind two beautiful daughters, a son and a wife who are going through this time with strength and grace. THAT is what’s beautiful - not what they're wearing. Because when death comes, all of the small stuff just magically disappears. Haven't you noticed?

Please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying: that taking care of ourselves isn’t a priority. It’s the manner in which we do it is what we need to change. We need to be good to ourselves and to those around us who love us and whom we love. We need to be kind and giving, whether it’s a spa certificate to mom for Mother’s Day, or a simple “I Love You” on a Tuesday. Remember that the small things in life will make us happy; it’s the stuff inside of us that nobody can see or touch that will make a difference in the life you lead on this earth – not what you look like or the labels you wear. Remember that.  

Castor Oil for Your Eyebrows?!

Spanx You Lord! for the Shape You Give Me

So usually, I’m not a suck it and tuck it kind of girl, only because undergarments that constrict your movement are pretty damn uncomfortable most of the time. HOWEVER, I recently have been getting nervous about my upcoming wedding dress fitting and hoping I look sleek and toned (yes, I’ve been working out too) for the big day. How else besides Spanx do you manage this? Well, I decided to see what all the stars rave about when they talk about Spanx. So, I tried the knock-off version from Ross - $9.99! And boy was it a waste of my ten bucks…I got the same one as pictured below but the knock-off version kept rolling down my stomach! And the legs were too tight and gave me the sausage-roll-effect. Not cute and not worth the sweat that rolled down my face as I tried to peel it off me. 

So, I braved it and spent the $38 on the ‘Super High Power, High-Waisted, Mid-Thigh Shaper” by the company that started it all – Spanx. And holy crap what a difference. I seriously put this thing on and it gave me that little extra hug in the middle and hid the imperfections on my thighs while it was stretchy enough to let me breathe all over! I mean it’s seriously comfortable all around! Even the thigh area has is ‘legband free’ which I didn’t know what that was until I put it on and WAH-LAH! It’s like a second skin with no cinching or bulges anywhere. I even wore it around under a flowy dress today to just test out the ‘livability’ of the damn thing. And I swear I didn’t even feel it after a few minutes. And damn did my tummy look flat!!! I bended down, twisted, sat in the car, etc. and that thing sure did not roll down which was really my biggest worry. 

I’m telling you, if you want to give yourself a little extra edge when wearing a beautiful gown or sexy dress, this is the piece to buy (even my boobs got propped up a bit and I wasn't even wearing a bra with it, but it does allow for you to wear your favorite bra as well). I’m not joking when I say I’m a dumbass for not trying this the day it was launched!! LOVE THIS BRAND!!!!

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

I just got back from Vegas for Memorial Day weekend and saw waaaaaay too many people (women and men) with dark orange tans and wrinkly skin. Umm, don’t you know that tanning beds are out? Actually, tanning should be out altogether (although I’m definitely guilty of laying out in the sun when on vay-cay). Did you know that May is skin cancer awareness month?  Well, we are quickly coming up on summer and with that comes skimpy bikinis, hot summer days (and nights) and less clothing in general. So what do you do to keep your skin soft, supple and wrinkle-free when you’ve been looking forward to those warm rays all year? 

Here are a few tips for tanning, if you must (which we all know we want a little JLo glow in our lives):

1.  Reapply suntan lotion with a Spray – I don’t know why I haven’t thought of this before – (I think it’s because I am hooked on Neutrogena’s Helioplex suntan lotion and all of it’s wonderful benefits) – but, when tanning by the pool and you’re feeling lazy, or a little tipsy and don’t want to make the effort to spread lotion on your body all over again, put a spray can of suntan lotion on the table next to you, and apply every half hour! Simple, easy and takes absolutely no time. My skin actually felt much more refreshed (and not rubbery) by the end of our three-hour pool rendezvous (oh, and I still got a beautiful glowy tan!)

2. Don’t stay out too long in the sun – this one should be pretty self-explanatory, but if you’re a little dense, here’s a tip: staying out in the sun, no matter how much protection you have is NO BUENO. Too much of a good thing and all that jazz….

3. A burn is NOT a tan! This just means you’re burned!! Hello!! I have Italian friends that once told me that if they are red that means it will turn into a nice brown color in a few days – umm, no, it just means you just increased your chances of skin cancer! Use common sense people.

That’s all for now! Email me if you have any requests for posts! Lisa.Atia@gmail.com

Beyonce Post-Baby

I just saw this crazy, beautiful photo of Beyonce at the Met Gala where she is tonight, May 7^th. This woman, post-baby looks amazing. Yes, I know, she has a trainer and a nanny and a chef, etc., etc. and it makes it that much easier to look as amazing as she does. I still have to hand it to her, she does take care of herself (even though it’s part of her job). But more than that, she takes such fashion risks and is confident in how she carries herself that no matter what she wears (I’ve seen her look great in sneakers) she looks like she owns any room she walks in. Just so you all know – CONFIDENCE is the key to fashion (and anything else in life, really).

SPF is a MUST!

I know I’ve written about this just in passing in my other posts, but I wanted to dedicate a special one just to the topic of using SPF.

Most of us (myself included) forget to use SPF on a daily basis. You only bust out the leftover bottles when summer comes. But here’s the thing: since I’ve been using it on my face, neck and hands (I don’t want my hands to give away how old I am!), my complexion has become more smooth and youthful looking. Now, yes, that is also with the help of all the other stuff I use on my face, but my hands don’t have lines in them like they used to. My neck looks smoother than it used to. I’m telling you, SPF is one of those things that may seem like a pain in the ass to put on now (btw, your foundation does NOT have enough SPF to wear alone), but you will thank your lucky stars later.

So here’s my suggestion: get a super light, liquid spf (I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock, Target, $12) and add it to your morning beauty repertoire.  Don’t use the thick creams that we are used to wearing during the summer months; there are ones specifically formulated for your face and hands. Oh, and this is important: EVEN WHEN IT’S OVERCAST OR RAINING, USE SPF. You must use it everyday for it to be effective.  Consistency is key.

You don’t want to have turtle skin and if this is the only beauty regiment you keep up, you won’t be sorry!!!