Tips from the Experts...

Tips about beauty, health and happiness :)

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Smokey Eyes


There are a few ways of doing smokey eyes... but here is my way:) 

Firstly it doesn't really matter what colors you choose... but there should be at least 3. A dark, medium and light shade. 

Here's Mei Lee to help me show you.... 


We start fresh faced... and the first thing i do is tweeze her brows a bit. Taking away what I call the 'tad pole' eyebrow shape with the clump of hair at the start... the line on  the underside of the brow should be straight to the highest point, curve and taper down. I also use some brow powder to shade in the brow a bit to make them fuller. 


Starting with the darkest color I place the brush on the outside corner of her eyelid and work inwards. (Where you start with your brush is important because that's where the product will be most concentrated)
I shadow along the lash line and where her eye crease is. Almost like a sideways V. Depending on your eye shape this will need to be adjusted... but stick with shadow in the crease and just above the crease. Try to blend out the color with a concealer brush so you don't get a harsh line.


When you have done the same to both eyes you can take your medium shade and blend it onto the rest of the lid and into the edge of the dark shade. If this color has a lot of shimmer go really lightly over the the entire lid keeping a bit of space from the lash line though. The lightest color (usually a pearl or even white) goes on the inner corners of the eye and on the brow bone. Reasons being the inner corner of your eye is the deepest part on your face to bring it out and give focus on your eyes this is a MUST. Also along the brow bone where your arch on your brow is give you lift and an eye opening effect. 







Tips :

Start with the darkest color so if you make any mistakes it can be easily removed without wrecking your makeup. 

Use an eyelid primer so your makeup doesn't run or crease, Bare Minerals has a GREAT one that I can't live without:)


Try using colors that make your eyes stand out:) The easiest way to figure that out is to look at this color chart. Find your eye color... then look on the complete opposite side. There are colors that are going to make your eyes stand out. I have blue for example... the opposite would be orange. I could use golds, peaches, warm browns to make my eyes pop.




Sunday, August 14, 2011

Digestion Problems? Aloe Vera Juice could free you...

Aloe Vera Juice could be the answer to a lot of problems....


Since moving to Norway my stomach didn't quite agree with the change in diet. No matter what I tried things just weren't functioning as they should. Even that extra strong coffee in the morning wasn't doing it for me if you catch my drift. Then a client of mine told me about Aloe Vera Juice. I decided anything was worth a shot... and since then I haven't had a problem. There are also SO MANY other benefits that I just had to share my joy with you all:)

-Drinking of Aloe vera juice can alleviate several gastro-intestinal problems including ulcer, acid indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. It also helps maintain proper digestion! 
-Aloe vera juice provides your body 200 health promoting compounds including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins.
-It forms a protective barrier around achy and sore joints and muscles.
-Aloe vera soothes itching and helps restore skin's natural beauty.
-It nourishes the skin and tissues with body-loving nutrients such as vitamin E and C.
-It relieves inflammation and redness.
-Aloe vera minimizes scarring.
-Aloe vera juice is also used for the treatment of blood circulation, detoxification, and pain relief
- Aloe vera juice stimulates the metabolic rate.
"Apart from stimulating your metabolic rate, the other reason is that Aloe vera contains high amounts of the protein, collagen. The body has to spend extra energy to digest the collage protein in the body. And the expenditure of all that extra energy helps in weight loss; at same time due to collagen protein it also promotes muscle development. Aloe vera reduces the amount of time food stays in your intestine, which means that less energy is absorbed from the food. Because of its supporting in weight loss this plant is also known as “The dietary plant” and “The harmony remedy”.


So since DRINKING aloe vera is the best way to get ALL the benefits I take a minimum of 2 one ounce shots a day. One first thing in the morning and another before dinner. 



There are 3 different flavors... to be honest. I personally feel that it doesn't matter which one you drink, they all taste disgusting. The benefits out-weigh anything else... if you can shoot a shot of tequila then you wont even bat an eyelash at this. Some people like the taste... just not me. 




Seen here are 3 of my favorite products from this Aloe Vera line. This scrub is gentle enough for daily use... skin becomes soft and balanced. The mask is also great for giving moisture to the skin, balancing redness, and deep cleansing pores. ( I recommend this mask to anyone that experiences breakouts!!! GREAT for soothing the skin while detoxifying. ) Lastly the original Aloe Vera Gel... which in other words is the juice. ( Juice made from gel...blah blah blah)

If you have any questions regarding this product, or how to get a hold of some yourself.... just give me a shout! It really has changed my day to day life:)



Saturday, August 13, 2011

HEALTH: Meal Idea :)



   It may be hard to get back to your old eating habits after a summer vacation. But there are multiple things you can do to ensure you feel great. Having meals that combine protein and veggies are ultimately the best. It keeps you full longer and veggies give you great nutrients with little calories and no fat.  


This is a salad containing different types of lettuce... the more variety and the deeper the color of the leafs the better it is for you:) It also has snap peas, cherry tomatoes, red pepper, red onion, avocado, chili peppers, cashew nuts, and chicken breast. Use any type of lighter dressing you like... I like to add fresh squeezed lime for a really fresh taste.

Health Facts:

AVOCADO: Is a super-food! It may be high in calories (from the oil, which is GREAT for your skin) but the nutrients you get from this super fruit is amazing! 

  1.  Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, an important antioxidant that researchers say is important in preventing aging, cancer, and heart disease
  2. Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado
  3. Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health
  4. Avocado also contains vitamin A,K, and C. Great for overall health!! Your hair, skin and eyes will be brighter and have more moisture:)
  5. lowers cholesterol !
This is only a glimpse into how much avocado has to offer... 

CHERRY TOMATOES: So tasty!! And full of vitamins and antioxidants:) 


  1. Full of Vitamins C, A AND K
  2. Lycopene a carotenoid found in tomatoes has been a hot topic lately. It has the ability to protect cells and other structures in the body from oxygen damage!!  Great antioxidant with cancer-preventing properties.... not just lycopene itself but its combination with other health benefits from the tomato. EAT THEM! So sweet its like candy:) 
  3. Good source of fiber... lowering cholesterol levels and keeps blood sugar level low.
  4. Contains beta-carotene.... most of you have heard of this due to it helping with getting a healthy tan that lasts longer. 

If you find it hard to find healthy options while at work, then plan ahead!! If you can plan your meals you are less likely to snack on high calorie foods that give you nothing in return.


I pack some chicken breast with veggies to snack on throughout the day so I don't feel that hunger pain that usually results in rash decisions of chocolate! :)





Friday, August 12, 2011

How to "Pop a Zit" correctly...


 You know when you get this annoying bump growing under your skin, its painful and sometimes feels like it has its own heartbeat?? DON'T SQUEEZE IT! Here are a few things you need to know about pimples...


First off.... NEVER start picking at your face without have washed your hands and cleansed your face.
The best would be after a warm shower when all your pores are open, and stay AWAY from magnifying mirrors! People become obsessed and reek havoc on their faces! 

There are a few very common mistakes people make. They always try and pick at things that are under to many layers of skin. This causes a lot of damage. I know its annoying to have this mound growing on your face... it hurts and you want to get rid of it ASAP. 
BUT what happens when you squeeze a pimple that not almost bursting out of the surface of your skin already.. its that it gets bigger. YES. What happens is the infection that's in your pore becomes irritated and expands under your skin. This makes a larger pocket of pus build up and mean you have an extra 2 weeks with this beauty. 
 THIS is what i mean. There is no whitehead here... squeezing this WILL only make it worse. It will take double the amount of time to heal AND you are at risk for scarring. 


THIS is what you want a pimple to look like when you get to "pop" it. 

Yes... you might think that's gross. And you don't to wait that long... but listen to the pros! You don't a big scar on your face, or a mountain that last a month either. 

Take a safety pin. Burn the tip with a lighter to make sure there are no bacteria. Place the pin so its lateral to your face, and poke the pimples tip. This creates an escape route for the pus so it doesn't build up pressure under the skin and go the wrong way. Take a couple layers of tissue paper and wrap them around your pointy fingers. Place them on either side of the pimple... first press down, and then inward... wriggling back and forth slightly. This should be a gentle movement!!! 

Once you have gotten rid of all the puss a clear liquid will appear. Now you can stop squeezing and wipe the area. Afterwards your skin will be repairing itself creating a small, most likely clear, scab. Try not to keep scratching this away.. just let your body do the rest:)


Thanks for the questions... keep em coming!!

You can ask directly on this blog and be discreet... you don't have to go through facebook:)




Thursday, August 11, 2011

Happiness :)



 Why is it that when you have a near fatal experience, or almost lose someone very close to you that you gain a completely different perspective on life? 




When i was 18 I was in a car accident. It was the most surreal experience... the whole slow motion, sirens, complete shock, dream state experience. When you realize how close you are to death everything you complained about a few minutes before seems irrelevant. You appreciate everything you have. Grateful for a rainy day, not caring if you missed the bus or forgot the garbage. Life goes on. You look at life with hope... and happiness for what you have.

After time... the feeling fades. The light that made everything seem so bright is gone and life goes back to normal. 

Everyday I have clients that come to me and share their thoughts. Some have an energy that is so contagious i feel like they lift me up. Others have sad stories that make me want to hug them til its all better. Some are just 'whatever' about most things. Its allowed to have different reactions and emotions in life!! But what I'm getting at is its really our way of dealing with the cards that have been dealt. You cant go to Vegas to play poker and say 'hey... these cards suck, I want new ones'.  Life doesn't work that way.

People seem to never live in the moment.  Why is it always tomorrow or the next day? Or back when....

How about you look at RIGHT NOW and see what has made you happy today?


I'm only 26 years old... but I feel like it takes people a lifetime to finally figure out what makes them happy. It really shouldn't be that hard. A new pair of shoes might make you happy in the moment... but if you lost someone you loved would that pair of shoes have any relevance in your life? NO.... most likely the people that love you, and are there for you would be the only thing that helps you grieve, not your jimmy choo's.

Not to get all dark and emotional about death... but it seems like that's when most people realize whats important. Why does it have to get that extreme for us to realize? 

As you might already know... I live in Norway. This country has just been rocked by a crime of hate and terror so inconceivable. Many lives were lost and a whole country was in mourning. I hope that out of this people will open their hearts and focus on the good. Take time to make someone smile. Help someone who has dropped their groceries. Coming from a land like Canada it might seem like these things are a given.... but    not everywhere is as open. We can all do our part to change how things are.


I have a tattoo on my arm that reads 'Freedom is the ability to choose'. A lot of people ask me what I mean by that.... And what I mean is this. So many people complain about life. Everything from weather, appearance, weight gain, relationships, income, jobs in general... etc etc. But the thing is... you are the only person that can change your situation. If your unhappy with something then change it! You are free to decide that somethings not working for you. Either you change your outlook on life and stop focusing and the stuff that doesn't matter... or if your really not happy then figure out something else. If you cant do it on your own then get someone to help you:) It might seem easier to just continue with what you have going on... but is that really fair? We don't have anyone to blame but ourselves.


Take time for yourself. Reflect on what it is you enjoy. Focus on things that make you smile. Happiness is a mindset not a material thing you hold onto. You have a lot to be grateful for so act like it! 




Lastly... to all my clients that think they are not good enough. Who look in a magnifying mirror and tell me that they have large pores (ANYONE who looks in a magnifying mirror can see their pores FYI) or that they hate their hair, or they feel ugly.... SERIOUSLY! I have never seen so many gorgeous people in one country so stop being so hard on yourselves!! Get some confidence because you have no need to be the one to rain on your own parade. Happiness is contagious... its also attractive. A smile is more attractive then anything else. Be Happy:) Life can be a WONDERFUL thing if you let it. 





Wednesday, August 10, 2011

HEALTH: Meal Idea :)


 As most of you know... diet is a HUGE factor when it comes to health. Not only does eating healthy make you feel good but it gives your body the nutrients it needs to run efficiently. Eating lots of fruits and veggies means your giving yourself vitamins and minerals in the purest form. Its better to eat them then take a tablet!!

 I will be going more in depth about diet and vitamins and their effect on skin later in my blog..

                       But here's a quick meal idea that's high in protein and low in fat :)

   


Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Cottage Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette 

It's a delicious variation of a Greek Salad:) Feel free to add olives and peppers:)

ENJOY!




Tuesday, August 9, 2011

THE BRAZILIAN WAX

 You've all heard of it. Lots of you are addicted to it. Some of you are scared of trying it, but want to. Others are getting your boyfriends or husbands to do it too! BRAZILIAN WAXING is more popular today then ever before.. if you haven't tried yet then hopefully this will give you courage!


What is a Brazilian?
A Brazilian wax is when ALL the hair 'down there' is removed using wax. This includes the inner buttocks. 

Here are some questions I get asked all the time.... 

Does it Hurt??
Umm... Yes. Everyone is different though. I get reactions from 'OH MY F*CKING GOD!' to... 'Oh that hardly hurt at all!' It really depends on your hair growth and tolerance for pain. Its better to go in thinking that its going to be excruciating and be pleasantly surprised then the opposite. The top is usually the worst, (especially the horseshoe at the top of the lips).. but many people fear the rear.  Hehe... But really there is less hair are different nerves in that area... so you will feel the heat of the wax more, but most people don't find the behind painful at all. You could jump a bit but that is due to surprise or impulse not pain:) 

 The best advice I have for someone that has never had a Brazilian is to go to someone with experience. There is a huge difference between someone who knows what they're doing and someone that's guessing. The first time is always the worst because your removing 2 hair growths... the second time you come (4 weeks after) is just one:) So its half the hair!! And the more you wax the easier it gets. Your hair isn't as stubborn and will be removed easier and easier.

How long do I need to grow my hair out? 
For the best result your hair should be 1cm in length. This is approximately 2 weeks of hair growth from being shaved. If your hair is to short the wax wont be able to fasten itself to enough of the hair to pull it out. If it is to long then it tugs more on your skin, which could result in bruising. It can also cause the hair to matte together making it difficult to remove. 

What should I expect?
When you go to get a wax you will most likely be given a cleansing wipe to wash yourself with. Then you are to lay on the waxing table covered by a towel for privacy. Your practitioner will ask if you would like everything removed, or if you would like to behold a stripe or triangle.



Then you will bend your legs into what looks like the number 4. If it is your first time be sure to let them know.. they will most likely do thinner strips to ease you into it. They will wax the top, lips, inside of the lips and lastly the buttock. For this there are numerous positions that can be used. Either on all fours with your back swayed (the doggy position), laying on your back with legs straight up knees to your chest (the one I tend to use) or on your side with the upper knee bent and you holding up the one butt cheek. There are other ones that I have heard of people using that are just not effective... like laying on your stomach for example. How am I supposed to get between your butt cheeks then?? Use my elbow? Get wax everywhere and glue your ass together? Mmmm... no. 

You might think the whole process is embarrassing... but we see so many vagina's in our day that we don't even blink twice at yours. Sorry... its just not that special. We just want to get rid of the hair, and see you again in 4 weeks :) You'll relax after a couple sessions. Piece of cake!!


BRAZILIAN FOR MEN


That's right guys! Men are becoming more focused on grooming and making sure their parts are up to par. Generally speaking women like to have a man that takes care of himself, and this includes his nether region. A lot of men have taken grooming from the basics of trimming to the full blown men's brazilian. This is a personal preference... but let it be known... A LOT OF MEN DO IT! As of right now I am the only one I know of in the small city of Stavanger, Norway that waxes brazilians for men... but due to the high demand we are training more practitioners!! 





Tips : WHILE you are being waxed...

- BREATH! so many people forget this, but it really doesn't help to hold your breath. 

-Don't jump or close your legs. Doing this can either cause bruising, tearing of skin or just be very 
uncomfortable when you need to pry your legs apart again. 
- Wiggle your toes. This helps you focus on something else so your body stays relaxed.

-Stretch out the area being waxed. Hold up your tummy making the skin as taught as possible without being 
uncomfortable. This makes it less painful and gives you a better result.

- Let your practitioner know how your doing. If you need a breather let her know:) If you want smaller strips... let her know! She will try and make you feel as comfortable as possible.

-Take off your sweater, jacket, scarf etc. People tend to get quite warm the first time around... a light t-shirt or top is recommended.



PROS of WAXING

The more you wax the less hair growth you get!!  

You get 2 weeks without hair compared to 1 day with shaving. 

No razor rash!

You feel clean :)

Your skin feels velvety soft

When the hair grows back its a new hair so the tip is soft and thin, instead of harsh and prickly.



After Care

Its very important to take care of your area after waxing. Most importantly you need to exfoliate the area twice a week. Use a scrub that contains glycolic acid or another form of fruit acid. This exfoliates the area without irritating it. The best product on the market is MD Formulations Face and Body Scrub.
The importance for exfoliation is to prevent ingrown hairs. These are cause by the dead skin cells blocking a new hair from growing properly. Because the hair is so thin and weak at the tip it hits the blockade, either growing under it or curling inwards.... creating what looks like a black dot or pimple. You can also pair a cream containing glycolic acid with the scrub for optimal results. If you get small red spots right after waxing it is just a reaction that shouldn't last longer then a few days. If you have the proper home care this shouldn't be a problem unless you  have an allergic reaction. 


HOPE THIS HELPS!!! GO GET YOUR WAX ON! 













Monday, August 8, 2011

Paris Anyone?


  This is the last day of my two week holiday...









I just went to pick up a birthday package from a dear friend back in Canada. The thoughtful friend she is... i received french VOGUE, chocolates, a mixed CD, a notebook and pencils to draw. We are both dreamers, with love for culture, fashion, art,  food and music... oh and most importantly WINE.  Our dream is to travel to Paris and experience what it is to be french. I think it is important to be open to other cultures, and appreciate other ways of life. This one not being to far off from our own... but the richness, and history of their culture is undeniable. Cheers Salina! Hope one day soon we can sit at a cafe in Paris, drink wine.. go to galleries, and fashion shows, and ride peddle bikes through the park. Miss You!!

Friday, August 5, 2011

THE PERFECT TAN

Ok... As a skin care professional I recommend protecting your skin rather then damaging it. BUT I also realize how important image is. Most people in a western culture feel having a tan makes them feel 'healthier' or in other words more attractive\confident. Got it... I feel the same way! BUT there are healthier ways of achieving this bronzed look.

 First off... Tanning beds are a big NO NO. Research shows that even short term use of tanning beds can cause molecular and genetic damage, pre-mature aging of the skin, and skin cancer. And if your tanning for vanity know this; pigmentation, age spots, dryness, wrinkles and changes in the skins texture are not sexy. 

Here's how you get a sexy glow without the damage...

SELF-TAN!

I know self tan is SUPER scary to a lot of you out there that have maybe experienced the old ways of orange, streaky, smelly self tan. But those are the stone ages people! So many of my clients feel like they cant figure it out, or that it looks fake... but there are brands out there that are pretty fool proof. And with my instructions its a sure thing--- here's what you do.

                                               1: EXFOLIATION :  
It's very important to get rid of all your dead skin cells before you start. This makes your self tan last a lot longer, and you wont get dark spots where dry skin could have been. The best thing to do is have a really warm shower or bath to help soften up the skin. Then take a body scrub and lufa or exfoliating gloves and scrub your entire body... especially feet, knees, elbows, wrists and any places you tend to be dry. DON'T use scrubs that contain any type of oil as a moisturizer. This will make your skin nice and soft but will prevent your self tan from absorbing into your skin.



2: Moisturize: 
The next thing you need to do is apply moisturizer to all areas that tend to attract more moisture. Feet, Knees, Armpits, Elbows, Wrists, Hands. Also apply a face moisturizer to minimize the strength of the self tan. Your face shouldn't be as dark as your body. This will just make you look dirty. (try not to apply self tan to close to  your hair line, or around your nose.)

3: SELF TAN!!
The best brand on the market right now is ST.TROPEZ. It has many types of self tan... from a gradual every day body moisturizer, a light-weight mouse, a moisturizing self tan lotion, a mist and even a instant wash off color. The product has a floral aroma and doesn't smell like baked goods like many self tans available today. It also has more of a green undertone so you wont pick up any orange pigments:) Its also fool proof in the way that, if you see any streaks after application, they will disappear after you shower. I recommend that you leave the self tan on for at least 12 hours before showering.

4:AFTER CARE
Once you have applied your self tan wait a few minutes before getting dressed. Try and wear dark, loose fitting clothing for the first few hours if you can manage. This is why i recommend doing it a couple hours before bed... then you wont get any white marks from where your bra strap rubs for example. I also recommend moisturizing every second day to keep your skin cells healthy and preventing them from drying out. This slows the natural exfoliation process and will make your tan last longer. It should last 5-10 days depending on your skin type. I always do a couple applications during the week to strengthen my color if i have an event or a holiday coming up.

Hope you guys think about your health when it comes to getting a tan!! 

Now for some frequently asked questions:

Why do I get white spots when i tan?
 It is very common for people who tan frequently, or for people that use the tanning beds to get small white spots.. usually starting on their stomach, lower back and buttocks. This is most likely a type of skin fungus called Tinea Versicolor. You can either contract this fungus from the tanning bed or since yeast is natural to have in the body it can flare up from being in a humid, warm and sweaty environment. The more you tan the more you will notice the discoloration. It can be treated by applying an over the counter anti-fungal creme to the cleaned area twice a day or by using an anti-dandruff shampoo that has anti-fungal properties. I do not recommend to continue tanning while treating the area... as it will provide less then ideal conditions for it to clear up. Also you wont notice it going away until your skin evens out in color anyways... 

Tanning beds are extremely addictive, and people can become dependent on them to feel good about themselves. Tanning beds have a psychological effect on a person... linked to the vitamin D found in UV rays. Try using self tan to get color, and working out to feel good! Double health without the damage!!!

Why do I get darker areas on my upper lip when i tan? 
This is hyper-pigmentation... areas of skin become darker due to an excess of melanin. It is often blamed on hormones in the body... most frequently linked to birth control pills or pregnancy. But most of my clients that experience these areas of pigmentation are quite young and have been exposed to a lot of sun or UV rays in their lifetime.  The more you tan the more pronounced these areas become. There are a few ways of treating this... most people use lightening creams or serums. THIS IS NOT TO BE DONE WHILE EXPOSED TO SUN OR TANNING!! If you try and treat this area during summer the condition is most likely to become worse. I recommend to use extra sunscreen and protect those areas during the sunny months and then go on a intensive  skin care regime during the winter. These areas will always need extra protection, if not they will most likely re-appear each time you get a nice tan :( Other areas of pigmentation or age spots should be treated in the same way.


When do I need to use sunscreen?? 
There are really no excuses when it come to protecting your skin in this day and age. Most moisturizers or make-up lines contain products with a SPF of 15 or higher. I recommend using a minimum factor of 15 on a daily basis. Even when its not sunny you should be giving your skin that basic protection from any rays that could be coming through. This won't effect any 'glow' you would be getting without the SPF and still helps prevent premature aging. Always apply to areas that are exposed. Your face, neck and decollete should always be protected.. and try getting a hand cream to protect your hands from age spots as well :) You need to think ahead and not just in the here and now. During the summer, or while on vacation I would say SPF 30 would be you minimum factor. 

I use bare minerals foundation which has SPF 15

Also as a light moisturizer MD Formulations has an SPF 20 great for people that experience break-outs

MD Formulations has a great Sun Protection line, including sunscreen with a tint for when your on holiday. No make-up but a nice and even complexion :)