No Raccoon Eyes

Dark under-eye circles are one blemish that can plague a woman's life. Whether it is hereditary or just lack of sleep, it is something we hate. Dark circles can make you look sleep deprived and heaven forbid, older.

Because I have an olive complexion, mine are due to my skin tones. I will also admit I don't get enough sleep.

We spend huge amounts of money on concealers, creams, and treatments to try to reduce the look of them. But there are easier and more wallet-friendly ways to reduce them found right in your home.

Now the number one secret to prevent or diminish dark circles is plenty of sleep and drinking lots of water. But who are we kidding? We all know with the busy day-to-day schedules of the average person, no one is getting the proper amount of sleep.

With that said, here is a list of ways to reduce dark under eye circles:

1. Black Tea Bags: Tea of any kind reduces inflammation and will decongest the skin. (A dark circle fraction.)

Heavily caffeinated tea is a vasoconstrictor which shrinks veins under the skin reducing the look of dark circles.

Now, if you do not want to lay with tea bags under your eyes I don't blame you. We are busy gals and have things to do. So try this little trick:

Brew some extra strong tea, soak some cotton pads in it, and place them under the eyes. With the cotton soaked in tea it will stay in place and this way you can go about your day while you treat your under eye circles.

I would leave it on for at least ten to twenty minutes.

2. Hydration: Dark under-eye circles can look worse when the skin is dry because it makes it appear thinner, and therefore will give you a bruised look under your eye.

This is why hydration is very important. So drink plenty of water, and try using some Olive Oil under the eyes.

This is a treatment I personally love. I like to mix a little with my moisturizer and dab under the eye. DO NOT RUB IN, just dab and let it absorb into the skin. Put it on at night before you go to bed.

3. Arnica: This is a herb known to help reduce bruising and muscle soreness.

It will reduce inflammation and boost circulation, which will flush out low-oxygen blood that give the eyes a bruised, puffy look.

Mix about a half tablespoon of Arnica with a little water and honey to make a mask. Apply on the under-eye area, being careful not to get it into the eye. I would leave it on for no less than ten minutes.

4. Raw Potato: Dark circles caused by pigmentation and not visible veins or thin skin need this treatment.

Raw potato is a great way to naturally lighten the skin. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase that, when exposed to air, oxidizes into benzoquinone derivative, a gentle relative of common skin lightener hydroquinone. (Yeah, I sound smart!)

Wash your potato and then grate it into a pile. Wrap the pile in two separate cheese cloths and place under the eyes. Then just lay back and let it sit for twenty minutes.

I hope these tips help you with your own Raccoon eyes. Because we all know the "I stayed out way too late and had to get up at the crack of dawn" look isn't pretty!

And Always
Stay Fabulous

Red Cheeks Are For Elves

Dry, ruddy skin can be a problem, especially during the fall/winter months. No matter if it is due to chapped, sensitive skin or naturally pink hues, it can cause unwanted redness.

Although a natural flush is pretty, splotches of red can be uncomfortable. And depending on the severity, it can make the most confident of us self-conscious. But don't worry, there is help. Before you pile on the concealer, try one of these easy treatments for temporary relief.

Green Tea

1. Green Tea: Green Tea is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, which will re-hydrate and replenish the skin.

Brew the tea and dilute with cold water. Use a clean cotton ball or pad and rinse the face with it. For severe redness brew the tea extra strong and do not dilute. Place the tea in the freezer to cool down.

(Tip: the tea can also be frozen in an ice cube tray and then pop a cube out when you want to use one.)


2. Ibuprofen or Aspirin: Both are anti-inflammatories which will reduce redness. Refer to my previous blog post Zits Be Gone. Remember an Aspirin mask will also reduce breakouts.

(If allergic to Aspirin us the Ibuprofen)



3. Benadryl: Or any other antihistamine will reduce redness temporarily. You can take a pill form orally according to package directions. For those last minute quick fixes use the cream on the red areas of the face.

(Caution: Use the cream sparingly because it can cause the skin to thin.)

Turmeric

4. Turmeric: This spice, like Green Tea, is an anti-inflammatory. Mix a little with water to make a paste for a mask, add some honey to make it sticky, and rub onto the face to gently remove red spots. I suggest leaving it on for no less then ten minutes to make sure it absorbs into the skin.

5. Visine: Not only does it get the red out your eyes, it will do the same for the skin. Visine is a vasoconstrictor, which makes the blood vessels smaller and less visible, resulting in a less ruddy appearance.

Use a cotton swab or ball and apply to red areas. This will also work on blemishes (zits/pimples) that are inflamed and red.





So this winter keep the healthy flush and leave the rosy red to Rudolph and the Elves.

And Always
Stay Fabulous

November Nail Polish

The seasons are changing, and just as the colors change in the world around us, we tend to change the colors of our wardrobe. But this isn't limited to shoes and clothing.

Because of the season change, many of us have a tendency to change the colors of our makeup. And that includes nail polish.

The trend for nail color this November is metallic and glitter. Here are some of the hottest colors that you can rock all the way to winter!

And Always
Stay Fabulous

Urban Decay Holiday Nail Kit ($28)

Nails Inc. Donmar collection ($20)

Dior Vernis in Or Divin ($22)

Nicole by OPI in Snow-man of My Dreams ($7)

Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland Mini Nail Colour Set($18)

Butter London polish in The Black Knight ($14)

Lancôme Le Vernis Mini in 003 ($15)

Givenchy Vernis Please! nail lacquer in Noir Cèleste($17)d caption

Forever 21 Indie Rock Glitter nail lacquer ($3)

Paul & Joe Ornamental nail enamel in O Holy Night ($19)

China Fashion Week

China's Fashion Week just recently ended, and the looks walking down the runway were amazing (even though you really can't wear them out). That is, unless you are Lady GaGa or one of my many Drag Queen friends. Here are 32 looks to inspire and awe you. Personally I love most of them, but again, not appropriate for work. Click the link below to view.

Click here to see photos on BuzzFeed
\

Hope you enjoy!
And Always
Stay Fabulous

Wash Your Face

If you asked me what the most important part of skin care is, I would give you one simple answer. WASH YOUR FACE!

Proper washing of the face is an important part of a daily routine. It should be done every morning when you get up and before you go to bed at night. Everything starts and ends with a clean face.

But sometimes just washing your face isn't enough. Using a scrub to exfoliate the skin is an excellent way to clean your face. Not only will it remove dirt and makeup from the face, it will also remove the surface layer of dead cells. Afterward, fine lines will be less visible and your complexion will glow.

A good exfoliating scrub that is easy to make is a sugar scrub. I use mine at least two times a week and is very easy to make.

What you need:



- Sugar: (Two cups) Regular granulated sugar can be used, but you can also use light brown. You can also combine the different sugars to make a different texture to clean your skin.








- Olive Oil: (One tablespoon) Olive oil is very good for your skin. It moisturizes and hydrates with out clogging your pores. It will also give your skin a healthy glow.




- Vitamin E: (Five capsules) Vitamin E has some amazing benefits for the skin. It is an antioxidant and is known to keep the skin supple and retain its elasticity which will help fight wrinkles.





Now at this point if you want an all natural face scrub to exfoliate the skin this is all you will need (If so only one cup of sugar should do.) Just mix all the ingredients together and you are done. But I want to make sure my face is super clean. So the last ingredient to add is a facial cleaner.

An organic face scrub can be used if you wish to keep it all natural, but any will do. Just pick your favorite. I have used Noxzema, Clean and Clear, Dove, Neutrogena, and St Ives, all with great results. Depending on the consistency, you will need one or two tablespoons for this scrub.

Mix all the ingredients together. The ingredients can be adjusted to suit your needs. When it is all mixed, the scrub will have the consistency of wet sand. Store the mix in a container with a lid. I recommend the Rubber Maid containers with the screw-top lid.

Wet the face with warm water, take a small amount of scrub, rub between your fingers, and apply to face... Scrub in a circular motion avoiding the eyes. Rinse off with warm water and a clean washcloth. I like to use it in the shower because the hot water will open the pores making it easier to clean. Dry with a clean towel and then apply your favorite moisturizer.


Your face should feel soft and rejuvenated. You will also notice your make up will apply smoother. This is a great scrub to use in the winter to keep the skin soft. Hope you like it.

And Always
Stay Fabulous

Un-Chappable Lips

Fall is here, and winter isn't that far away. And for many people that means one thing: chapped lips! They hurt and are hard to get rid of once the rawness has set in. The best thing for them is preventative treatment.

That is what I am going to share with you, my lip scrub. It will gently exfoliate the skin on and around your mouth and rehydrate the lips at the same time, keeping them kissable and soft all winter.

It is really simple to do and some thing you can make and keep for a while.

What you will need:

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1/2 Cup Sugar

3 Vitamin Capsules

2 Tablespoons

(Poke the capsules with a pin and squeeze)

2 Tablespoons Honey

Should look like this.

Mix all the ingredients together and put into a container with a lid.

Wet the lips and the area around the lips with warm water. Apply a small amount of the scrub to the lips and scrub in gentle circles. you will want to do this for about a minute.

Rinse with warm water and then apply your favorite lip balm.

I like to use this scrub early in the fall and continue all winter about every other day. And remember to keep your lips hydrated with lip balm and drink plenty of water. This will help you have kissable, chap-free lips all winter.

And Always
Stay Fabulous

Accessories

A small portion of my accessories!

Oh Accessories! How I love accessories! I would have to say they are one of my top favorite things in this world!

They can be anything from jewelry, belts, brooches, and purses or handbags. All of these items are important pieces to any wardrobe, and for several good reasons.

Accessories are an instant way to update an old outfit into something new. They make a statement and can define your personal taste and style. They can also be very budget-friendly, if you know where to look. Take advantage of discount stores and consignment shops. You can expand your wardrobe without spending a lot of money.



Here are some key pieces to jazz up any wardrobe:

1. Statement Jewelry:

Statement Ring $4.00 at Walgreens

Statement pieces are now more affordable than ever and bring a real pop to an outfit. Try a large ring, earring, or a necklace to make an unique statement. I also like to stack various bracelets for a different look and to add texture and color.

You can also make your own statement pieces from items you can find at a craft store. Get creative with it. And don't forget to try and go vintage, you will find some amazing deals.

Tip: Do not over crowd your pieces. If you wear large earrings, skip the necklace. Also, if you like large watches, borrow one from a man in your life. It gives you the look with out the cost.

2. Belts ( Wide and Skinny):
A belt around the smallest part of your waist will create a whole new look for an outfit, as well as give a longer and leaner look. Add one to a dress, loose shirt or even a cardigan to give a more fitted, polished look.

Tip: When using belts don't belt something bulky like a thick sweater. It will make you look lumpy!





3. Brooches:
Now I know what you are thinking- Brooches are jewelry! No, they can be used for so much more and they are making a comeback in a big way! They are very versatile and can be worn anywhere.
Here's a small list- jackets, shirts, scarves, as a pendant, on a purse, on a belt and even in the hair. The brooch is amazing, so start digging through grandma's jewelry box!

Latest thrift store finds, Nine West and Kate Spade

4. Purses and Handbags:
These are a huge part of a wardrobe and can be broken down into day and night, formal and non-formal. They come in a huge array of styles and don't have to cost much. Again, take advantage of discount stores and consignment shops. The right purse or handbag, like the right shoe, can make an outfit.

Tip: Your purse or handbag no longer has to match your shoes. A good rule to remember is it doesn't have to match- it goes.



I hope these tips help you choose accessories to incorporate into your wardrobe and update a closet of "nothing to wear". Have fun with it and don't forget to be a little fearless.

And Always
Stay Fabulous

Getting My Hair Cut

Everyone knows that getting your hair cut can be a scary thing. The gut-wrenching anxiety of not knowing if the stylist will do what you want, what your hair will look like, or if you will end up with your ear cut off.

So needless to say, finding a proper hair stylist is tricky business. I will admit, for years I haven't gone to a salon because I got a bad hair cut once and it scared me, and my sister (who is an amazing hair stylist) lives a state away. So I learned to cut and color my own hair. But alas, I am not the best at it, and I need to suck it up and go get a proper hair cut.

Jacquie Presley

So I decided pull up my big girl pants and gave my good friend and hair stylist Miss Jacquie Presley a call. I was a little excited but still a little scared at the upcoming appointment. But from the moment I walked into Retha and Co. Salon and Day Spa, I started to realize the differences between a good hair stylist and a bad one.

Jacquie greeted us with hugs and offerings of frosty goodness in forms of diet soda and or water. In fact everyone at Retha and Co. was friendly and welcoming. It made me feel at ease in my decision to choose this salon.

Getting my hair evaluated.

The next thing is that Jacquie talked to me as she gave me an evaluation of my hair. She asked me what I wanted while telling me the condition of my hair. She made suggestions and explained the reasons for the suggestions, but in the end, the sole decision of the result was up to me. (Remember: if the stylist tells you a style won't work for your hair don't get mad if you get it anyways and it looks awful! They warned you!)





Wow, you mean stylists are supposed to do what you ask them to do? Why yes they are! As I was getting my hair washed and conditioned, I could feel the stress and fear leaving my body. With every stroke of the comb and snip of the scissors I felt more confident in what what was happening behind me that I couldn't see.

Then it was time to style. And I admit, I have been to salons where the stylist felt it wasn't worth their time to properly style the hair after they cut it. Not Miss Jacquie! She took her time, sectioned off the hair and gave it a proper blow dry! The woman is amazing and I would recommend her to anyone in the tri-cities area!

I guess what this is coming down to is when it is time to choose a stylist, make sure you feel comfortable in the salon. The stylist should give you suggestions, answer your questions, but in the end give you what you want. Make sure after the cutting is done they give you a proper style. And please take care of your stylist, because they take care of you!

Here are some pictures of me getting my hair cut:

Finished Product! Love It!

If you live in the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee you can make an appointment with Jacquie Presley at Retha and Co. Salon & Day Spa 423-262-0447. Let her know I sent ya!

And Always
Stay Fabulous