face – Life, Lipstick, & Glowing Skin

Face Fitness

Are you taking better care of your skin in the pandemic? Or have you fallen into a lazy no skin care and no makeup routine?

As a make-up artist and skin therapist I never stopped! I know many of my clients have chosen to opt out of most makeup and their skin care “go to” is mainly moisturizer.

I have so enjoyed… , playing,testing,spraying,sniffing and editing my beauty and skincare products even in the pandemic. I also have calmed down on using foundation or tinted moisturizer I still use them but softer lighter and fresher in application especially behind a face mask.

And I have also discovered a new way to take care of myself! I have fallen hard for Face Fitness an exercise book for your face and so much more! The cover reads “Simple Exercise and Rituals for Toned, Glowing Skin”

Written by an esthetician and health enthusiast Patricia San Pedro. She obviously practices what she preaches even with a few children and a business. She looks fabulous!

I am still reading and test driving the exercises. So far I love the Lip 👄Cardio Exercise.

This exercise gives the lips 👄 a natural lift! especially if your lips sides go down. You know if you frown or have tension in your mouth area. Sometimes it’s your bite that’s not right. No matter what your issue is. This lip cardio exercise is for you. Feels good too.

*Another favorite of mine is the Neck Cardio.

*And the Forehead Glow Flow.

I’m still practicing and trying to get the hang of how to do these exercises but I’m ALL in!

If you want happy healthier glowing toned skin? This book just might be what you need.

Not fillers, Botox, using filters. Start an exercise regime for your skin.

My aromatic Spring Cleansing treat!

Have you ever tried doing a facial steam for your skin? It feels so good and leaves your skin refreshed and dewy!

My new favorite skin recipe is to use a small sprinkle a handful of lavender buds, chamomile flowers and rose petals. A little goes a long way. They infuse the water with a light scented facial steam and looks so pretty!

Make a recipe for yourself or you can share with your clients at your spa or beauty business. All you need to do is pick up a few flowers and herbs depending on what you are going to make. Just remember if you have acne, rosacea or sensitive skin issues you might want to skip this beauty recipe.

There are so many choices to make in your kitchen!!!

Then all you need is a clean face and a bowl of hot water that you boiled in a pot on the stove top and poured into a glass bowl.
I like to use a glass bowl that you can see through. It makes the experience even more delightful.
Next, toss a few herbs or flowers of your choice. What are you in the mood for today? * You might even want to try a drop of your favorite essential oil. Like lavender or rose oil.
Place your face over the bowl and place a tea towel over your head and not to close.
Allow the warm STEAM to rise and to your face.
Do this for at least 5 to 10 minutes or until the water cools.
Your face will sweat and be damp. A good sign! The dead skin,traces of old makeup and impurities will sweat out.
Wash your face with a lukewarm washcloth and follow with and use your fave facial toner or astringent.
Apply a few drops of moisturizer and eye cream.
Let me know how you like it and any recipes you come up with!

So escape and enjoy a few minutes just for you! My husband even loves to do this too.

Beauty Tips We Makeup Artists LOVE!

Want more lush lashes without looking like OVER THE TOP Bambi lashes?

Try a dash of baby powder on a disposable mascara wand. Wait a minute and apply any brand mascara.

Want a shimmer lipstick to turn into a matte lipstick?

The secret is a dash of face powder on your lips applied carefully over your shimmer lipstick.

Want to tone down shine but not look like you have a cake face on?

Rice powder is the answer. Totally translucent. Sheer.Lovely. Use it alone over a no foundation face. Use over any brand foundation even over a powder foundation.

Want that sexy magazine cover pout in seconds?

A really shiny brand gloss is the answer. And apply it in the center of your lips and a bit outward but NOT all the way for mega shine and sexiness.

Want a mascara that won’t run down your eyes and face when you cry at your best friends wedding or on hot summer days?

Try the brand called Blinc. It tubes the lashes not paints them with pigment…AMAZE…ing ! It works.

Want to feel fresh as a summer rose in a few minutes?

Rosewater spray is an old Victorian secret the porcelain skinned ladies would use. It can be used on a flat cotton pad and applied on a clean face pre-makeup or after you remove your makeup at night time. It is a toner for the skin and much gentler than using an astringent. Smells amazing feels so refreshing.

I hope you enjoyed these tips and you’ll explore more that I share with you. I love being a makeup artist I get to make people look good and feel it too! How about you?

Got a beauty top to share with me?

close up photo of woman s face — Photo by Lidia Costea on Pexels.com

Wine 🍷 Anyone?

I wanted to share a glass of wine with my husband while in quarantine and decided to take it a bit further. So, being the skin care professional and makeup artist I am I had to make something with a beauty and self care twist.

D.I.Y. Wine Mask for TWO

action alcohol art beverage — Photo by Posawee Suwannaphati on Pexels.com

1 bottle of red wine which is filled with antioxidants.

2 tablespoons of red wine

2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (I prefer Greek yogurt) exfoliates gently

Mix both of these in a glass bowl.

Wash your face like you normally do.

Apply to a clean face while you sip some of your fav’ red wine 🍷. You’ll feel sublime!

Leave this pretty mask on at least 15 minutes.

Rinse well with lukewarm water 💦 and washcloth.

Apply a sheer coat of your moisturizer and a dash of eye gel or eye cream.

*Enjoy this unisex face mask and while it dries… Sip a glass of great 👍 for your heart and relaxing glass of red 🍷 wine! It is like a day at the spa.

(Recommended for adults only)

Love Chocolate?

Dry lips 👄 will love this mask.

1/4 cup of natural cocoa powder (sugarless) 🍫

2 Teaspoon heavy cream 🥛

1 Teaspoon of honey 🍯

Place all of these in bowl. Stir well. Apply to your clean lips

What you’ll have is a natural creamy chocolatey lip mask that you can leave on your lips 10min.s Next rinse with lukewarm water and a washcloth.

This D.I.Y. …Lasts up to 10 days in a sealed container in your fridge.

ENJOY!

Have you heard about?

There are so many exciting things happening in beauty and new brands emerging into the US.

The latest one is Cure Natural Aqua gel from Japan. It is the most amazing and gentle skin exfoliant I have ever found or used. It is not just for the face but the entire body. I love the results on the tops of my hands too. My clients love it and my husband is even using it too.

The company says “Skin ages and varies from country to country and this is due to the differences in climate and humidity between locations. The best thing for your skin is to keep it moisturized and to prevent dehydration.
If you normally use just lotion without toner, we strongly recommend that you make a new discovery.” I so agree.

To get started:

Wash the face as you normally would. Dry off completely.

Benefits:

Anti-Aging, brightening skin tone and smooths the skin.
Brighten effect has been proved by Japan’s biggest health magazine.
Awarded “Skincare Brand of the Year” by World Branding Awards.

NO FRAGRANCE ● NO COLORING ● NO PRESERVATIVE

How it Works:
Natural Aqua Gel gently catches dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and removes them without using strong acids. It helps skin metabolism function better.
There is no need to rub or scrub your skin hard and you will be surprised at how smooth your skin has become.

Beneficial effects of gel should last approximately 3 to 4 months if used properly once or twice a week.

How to use it:

Wash your face as you normally would. Dry off completely.

Pump the nozzle 3 to 5 times to obtain the appropriate amount of gel onto your fingertips and apply to the desired area. Leave on skin for a few moments allowing Cure to react with the dead skin cells.

Gently massage in circular motion for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not rub too hard. The gel will turn in to a milky white color, and beads of dead skin cells can be seen as they are lifted off the skin.

Rinse well with water and then continue and follow with your regular skincare routine and or facial.

For best results, I like to use Cure Natural Aqua Gel twice a week.

Once a thin layer of dried skin is removed, it allows the other skincare products that you use daily to work.

Cure Natural gel is my new go to! It is so worth looking into.

And it doesn’t cost a fortune.

Pumpkin Pretty D.I.Y.

An you feel the almost arrival of fall?

My husband says “I kiss better than I cook” 😁 But I so enjoy entertaining,cooking and makeup! I also love this time of year and all the decor and recipes to celebrate fall.

Today I went to the store and discovered a potpourri of pumpkins 🎃 and more.

So to celebrate 🎊 this time of year here is a recipe to do for YOU and or on your clients too! You’ll be tempted to eat it but don’t. The room will smell divine while and after making this facial treat.

close up photography of pumpkins — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Pretty Pumpkin Pie 🎃 facial mask

What you will need:

1 can of pumpkin pie filling

1 teaspoon of honey

1 sprinkle of nutmeg

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Stir in all of the above in a bowl. What you will have is a creamy and dreamy gentle natural exfoliation mask. No harsh chemicals. I find even my clients with sensitive skin love to use this and have no issues.

You may use fresh pumpkin but I love using the can in a pinch!

*But please do a patch test on the inside of your arm near your wrist or a section of your face to see if you have a slight reaction. If you have allergies to these ingredients don’t use this D.I.Y.

I like to leave this on at least 10 minutes. Rinse with luke warm water and a washcloth. Afterwards use your facial toner and moisturizer.

Place remains in a small jam or condiments jar you recycled and you can use it again in a few days.

Sip a cold glass of fresh apple 🍎 cider and you’ll make the day even more delicious.

Enjoy!

D.I.Y. Facial Toner

Before watermelon 🍉 season says “Goodbye” I felt like whipping up an old recipe I have so enjoyed year after year during the watermelon season or in my travels.

It is not only refreshing on the skin it also makes me glow from within (and pee alot) 😄

green piled watermelon — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Icy Watermelon Toner

1/3 cup of watermelon juice

1 tbsp witch hazel

1 tsp distilled water or Perrier water

Mix or Puree this pretty potion and place in a glass bottle. Place in the refrigerator for an hour or even overnight.

Apply to clean face with a flat cotton (puffy ones are OK too! Watermelons applied topically are quite hydrating and are trending in the world of skin care today.

Chill out with a watermelon cocktail,watermelon salad with arugula,feta and add a little bit of mint. If you own a spa or salon your clients will love it too. Hydrating to the skin and body as well as thirst quenching.

Your skin will …Thank you!

watermelon shake filled glass cup beside sliced watermelon fruit on brown surface — Photo by Bruno Scramgnon on Pexels.com