beauty – Page 9 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Beauty – and the Bathroom

Have you given much thought to the importance of BEAUTY IN THE BATHROOM?

soap-on-a-rope is Verbena from L'Occitane — Lemon Verbena *soap-on-a-rope* from **L’Occitane.** I visited the original store in Provence, France.

After all, it’s the place where we store all of our treasured beauty products. It’s where we disappear to first thing after waking to brush our teeth, wash our face, etc. and the last place before bedtime to repeat the same routine all over again.

I absolutely love my bathroom! Maybe that sounds strange, but I do.

It’s smallish but has windows which brings in natural light and it’s my personal private refuge and I like to keep it neat and tidy. I also like to surround myself with things of beauty that I love and products that make me feel good. I also have a few items sitting on my shelf that I rarely if ever use just because I only like to admire them – only for show – only for me, no one else. That can’t be considered shallow then, right?

Things like delicate and gorgeous collectible perfume bottles (some as gifts) and a few Hermès beauty items (on the opposite shelf) that haven’t been touched because they seem almost too pretty to disturb and an aquarium window with fish decals stuck to it. So I can remind myself of my scuba diving days. ~~I’m such a child.~~ Also an Amber room spray in a beautiful old-fashioned French perfume bottle from L’Occitane. I want to feel like I’m somewhere else for a little while. I need to escape. I consider it my womanly equivalent of the “man-cave.” Speaking of man caves, I visited a friend this summer and her boyfriend actually has a man-cave…really! I thought they were just a myth. It’s locked (only he has the key) and my friend doesn’t even know what’s inside. I won’t tell you what’s in it – because I had a glimpse when ~~I snooped~~ he opened it up to show someone (I was shocked) and it’s not at all my style but then again I can’t relate to what men like to hide. Which makes me think that we need to have some privacy away from our significant other – a sanctuary of our very own. Even if it’s only a corner space. And some things should really be kept private. Do you agree?

I adore my old-fashioned cast-iron bathtub (the feet have been re-painted white from the original silver) and when I take a bath, I take a bath! It’s a ritual with bath salts, bubble bath and candles and at night sometimes a glass of wine (I have a wine holder on my tub). So relaxing! It has piped in music. I light some candles and just relax! I use masks, scrubs, and lotions. It’s like my little haven. It’s definitely a girly bathroom. Now I have two orchids sitting on my bathroom window ledge – gifts from two friends. They look beautiful – not too much. They sit among some of the many shells I’ve collected (I could actually live outdoors in perfect climate condition). One is a large clam shell that I found snorkelling in the Sinai Peninsula and there’s also a beautiful piece of fan coral that washed up on the beach in Negril. I still can’t believe I was able to get away with taking it on the plane. It’s so very delicate that I just carried it on in a plastic bag. My overall tastes run high and low. I value things I’ve pick up on the shore as much as my Hermès dusting powder which sits in its gorgeous silver case (on my shelf of course, to be admired). I love my illustrated mermaid book from an art store in Florida. Everything has a meaning or a meaningful memory.

I love flowers, perfume, and feminine things. That has never (and probably will never) change. My mother was the same way. She was very feminine and took care of her skin and had a signature scent. I miss her so much. She was so genuine and took pleasure in simple things and loved nature. I think it’s important to hold on to things like that. We really lose track of how to relax in such a fast-paced world.

This year I had my bathroom painted a colour I would have never considered before. Chocolate Brown. I had a few samples narrowed down and for fun asked my dog to make the final decision. He actually put his paws on one of the samples, so I chose that one. When I turned the sample around it was named “Dog Paw.” This is no word of a lie – I swear! Can you believe there is even a colour with a name like that? Neither could I. But maybe they’re referring to dirty dog paws and the tracks they leave on your floor. Well that makes sense. Then I had a wall painted a tropical blue as an accent colour – just to remind me of being in the Carribbean. Thought it might be a bit too much but it could always be changed…. ended up loving it. It’s bright and cheery. Bill the handyman really did an excellent job. He can do anything. I’m going to write a post soon on the people we need in our lives – a handyman is one of them! TRUE!

I think you need to make each room in your home a little different, but meaningful.

It’s not only me right?

Below are a some photos of bathrooms that appeal to me – from martha stewart living:

Photo: Matthew Hranek Modern Bathroom — Photo: Matthew Hranek. **Modern Bathroom**

a simple cast-iron tub in a rustic barn home.

Photo: Chuck Baker Skylands - Martha's Maine summer home. — Photo: Chuck Baker
**Skylands** – Martha’s Maine summer home.

Check out my LIVING board at: https://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/this-is-living/

beauty

Beauty – the highlight of your day

E N H A N C E

AS IF we need to add yet another beauty product to our makeup regime!

I know we’re perfect just as we are, but if we want to appear even more perfect (or at least model perfect like Brazilian beauty Gisele Bündchen) okay, maybe that’s not really a fair comparison. I’ll start again. If you want to know about one of the modelling world’s not-so best kept beauty secrets (cause the word has started to spread) you might want to try adding a rich natural highlighter to your skin.

RMS is a cult favourite with editors, actors, makeup artists and models:

Dabbing a little of this magical highlighter is the quickest way to illuminate your skin. The creamy formula is filled with light-reflecting minerals and blends to leave a subtle (key word) luminous sheen behind. I like to wear it on my lids, browbone and cheekbones. Take your beauty cues from fan Gisele and dab it on your collarbones and shoulders too for a sexy glow. ~~Although I’m sure she got that idea from me~~. Anything she does must be worth a try right?

The pearlescent, pale-gold shade complements all skin tones and goes on ultra sheer – Best thing is that it’s made with certified organic ingredients – formulated with purifying Rosemary Extract and Vitamin E-rich virgin Coconut Oil. It’s not sticky, greasy or glittery.

According to many in the know this is a must have beauty product.

Where to buy:

You won’t find this at Sephora

Online: http://www.net-a-porter.com/ Price: $38

Vancouver: Wish List Boutique – 2811 W Broadway Price: $43

You’re Welcome

beauty

beauty – the classics

Some PEOPLE, BRANDS and COLORS are classic and if they’re extra special some even turn out to be LEGENDS. What becomes a legend most – if not Sophia Loren?

October Issue of Bazaar — **Two Italian Beauties**. An Ad in the October Issue of *Harper’s Bazaar* Magazine. Sophia is #1 and so is this lipstick.

The current trend with magazines is to showcase classic movie stars and current IT-girl celebrities to help promote certain luxury skincare and cosmetics lines – for a double dose of glamour.

It’s quite brilliant actually.

Jennifer Lawrence is anything but the SHY type

While regular models are appealing, there’s something memorable about having a classic like Sophia Lauren (this is a woman) promote a classic lip color or having a younger modern movie actor like Jennifer Lawrence (who I think is great) to call attention to a luxury makeup brand.

It goes to prove that certain shades, brands and people transcend age and time – which defines classic.

With Isabella Rosselini - she was the face of Lancome for 14 years — **The Natural –** with **Isabella Rossellini** this past April. She was the face of ***Lancome*** for 14 years. We first met 26 years ago. *She still glows.*

While on the subject, there’s a certain allure with not being too perfect as in having a slightly asymmetrical face or a nose that’s maybe considered a bit too big for your face or lips that are just….normal. We shouldn’t strive to all look the same. Beauty is built out of character, resolve and confidence. I’ve always believed that. Women like Lauren Hutten, Isabella Rossellini and Barbra Streisand are not classic beauties in a conventional sense but they are true to themselves, strong, intelligent and extremely attractive. They’ve turned their little imperfections into their personal branding. And men love them! So more power to them.

beauty

World beauty – just slap me!

The latest EXTREMEly beautiful trends from around the Globe

I ~~warned~~ told you this was coming!

When you give permission to love something simply because it’s fun and not because it’s necessary, a lot of weird things can go down. This becomes the most obvious in the realm of beauty, where, both historically and globally, anything can happen in the name of getting rid of a zit or two. Parisian spas of the 1920s used to offer muscle-stretching machines and would masturbate you for skin health (the writer Colette was a fan of this technique) but who am I to judge.

These days, you can get slapped in the face in the name of anti-aging and bathe in fermented hay to soothe stiff muscles. Our taste for extreme beauty has only grown, thriving as ever in the sweet spot between the mythic and the scientific. When we want to feel pampered, we’ll try anything once. So here’s a collection of 13 stranger-than-fiction things you can do, all around the word, in the name of beauty. Who knows? Some of them might actually work. (see credits at bottom)

1) San Francisco— You can get your kisser smacked around for $350 a session by licensed practitioners in the art of the Thai Face Slap. Their website assures us it is “1 million percent safe.” Sign up a mean or sly ex-boyfriend for the service, perhaps? Yes, by all means. I tried a regular Thai massage and they don’t kid around.

2) Lithuania — Stop by the Kempinski Hotel and you can exfoliate and bathe in crushed amber to shed impurities. It’s probably as close to bathing in diamonds as we’ll get… for now. Nothing wrong with being second best. Next time I’m in Lithuania I’ll give it a try.

3) Maldives — As if chilling on a private tropical island wasn’t dreamy enough, at Velaa Private Island’s spa you can curl up in a cocoon cradle surrounded by light-generated visuals to simulate the feeling of floating on a cloud. Please note: it also happens to look like a rainbow vagina.

4) London — Bird-poop facials originated in Korea a thousand years ago, and the nightingale variety, appropriately named uguisu no fun in Japanese, has become a favourite among celebrities and royalty: Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham and members of One Direction are all said to be fans of the treatment. For £180 a squat, you can have skin like Posh Spice.

5) Israel — At Ada Barak’s Carnivorous Plant Farm near Haifa, you can willingly have nonvenomous snakes of all sizes slither over your body as an interesting method of stress relief. This would make an excellent scene in a Nicki Minaj video. Hey, I went to Haifa once and all I got was a delicious tasting shwarma with fries.

6) Thailand — At the Snail Spa in Chiang Mai, you can have little slimeballs crawl all over your face in the name of hydration. If you can’t make the trip, snail-based face masks aren’t hard to find nowadays. Thank god for that!

7) Italy — At Hotel Heubad in the hills of Northern Italy, you can be wrapped in a bed of hot local fermented hay to sweat out your impurities. It is evidently great for stiff muscles and arthritis, though the treatment has lost the scientific support it once held. Hay, who cares? I would do just about anything to even be in Italy!

8) China — Huo liao, also known as the fire treatment, involves placing a cloth soaked in alcohol and a serum on the skin and igniting it until the therapist decides to smother the flame with a wet towel. Probably a relaxing treatment for arsonists. Ahhh think I’ll pass!

9) Over 75 Regions, including Brooklyn — Of course the weirdest borough would have the weirdest facial. A new treatment from Hydrafacial mines precious cells from baby foreskins to help resurface your skin for a “youthful glow.” Maybe too youthful. Maaaybe we’re taking this anti-aging thing a bit too far?

10) California — Potheads, rejoice! Or, don’t; the marijuana massage uses topical cannabis oil to get you high on life. It won’t actually get you stoned, but it does purport to help with chronic pain, wounds and inflammation. Free bong hit not included; for that particular happy ending, you might have to go to Denver, where the marijuana massage is also available. And looking like soon right here at home!

11) Kenya — At the Segera Retreat near Mount Kenya, you can bathe in a rock bath of lavender, sage and camel milk and spy on elephants roaming the wildlife sanctuary Segera is a part of. This is Extreme Self Care: Safari Edition. I’m IN!

12) The World Wide Web — While the Oculus Rift waits in the wings, YouTube is the latest platform for beauty, or at least for immersive beauty tutorials. ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) junkies can feast on the popular channel ASMR Requests, which offers spine-tingling virtual aesthetician visits, and the interstellar Departure series. They’re like spas for sci-fi nerds.

13) North Carolina — Asheville’s Omni Grove Park Inn, with its 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa, features an 80-minute “Color and Light Wrap with Aura Imaging” treatment. Translation: you sit in a pod that vibrates and changes color like a very expensive and all-encompassing Windows screen saver. I’m intrigued!

Now, tell me which one (or more) of the above would you be most inclined to do?

Credits:

Photographer: Bon Duke playfully re-imagines (and maybe even invents) a few luxe beauty treatments.

Makeup by Anastasia Durasova at the Wall Group / Hair by Joey George at the Wall Group / Photographer assistants: John Temones and Tiri / Model: Eden Weinhardt at New York Model Management

Source: Arabelle Sicardi for PaperMag.com

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Beauty: make like an Egyptian

HOW TO CHANNEL your inner CLEOPATRA or NEFERTITI – take your pick.

Photographed by Eilzabeth Brockway for Vogue — Photographed by Eilzabeth Brockway for **Vogue**

They were both beautiful, powerful women of their time. They used natural cosmetics made of malachite and naturally colored clay they would dry in the sun and then burnt to achieve the right red pigment perfect for cheeks and lips. Seems like a lot of work. I’m sure that both Cleo & Nef had help to attend to that part and then loaded it on with a heavy hand. But they were regal, glamorous, rich and desired. This is 2015 so where am I going with all this?

Photographed by Kevin Tachman. Makeup by Pat McGrath

Besides the fact that I stayed in a hotel across the street from The Egyptian Museum in Cairo for almost one month and was fascinated with the world’s most extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities and think I may have seen it all….and tried to imagine what life may have been like as a pharaoh (as the longest-reigning female pharaoh in a man’s world – coincidentally there’s a book called “The Woman who would be King”). I know it’s a long shot but I like to think we have something in common.

This is going somewhere I promise….

Kre-at Beauty 24-Karat Gold Lashes, $295; for information: barneys.com — Kre-at Beauty **24-Karat Gold Lashes,** $295; for information: barneys.com

The METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART has a brand new exhibition “Ancient Egypt Transformed: The Middle Kingdom,” which highlights the cultural and political renaissance that flourished in the civilization over the span of nearly 400 years.

Spitfire Girl Potion Collection Spray Perfumes, $45 each; spitfiregirl.com — **Spitfire Girl** Potion Collection Spray Perfumes, $45 each; spitfiregirl.com

Among the pieces on display are canopic jars used for mummification, and ornate royal jewelry inlaid with precious stones and coated in gold. Ahh….gold! I left Egypt with some beautiful 22kt gold jewellery which included a ring that has an inlaid Pharaoh and a pair of good luck scarab earrings and matching pendant.

Tarte Stroke of Midnight Brush Set, $44; sephora.com — **Tarte Stroke of Midnight Brush Set**, $44; sephora.com

Even more than 3,000 years later, a dash of bright gold—prized by the Egyptians as a divine and indestructible element and associated with the sun god Ra—still makes our hearts flutter. Just ask the gilded aficionado Pat McGrath, who adorned Parisians last week with her forthcoming 24-karat inspired eyeshadow hue (in above photo).

Christian Louboutin Scarabée Nail Colour, $50 each; christianlouboutin.com — **Christian Louboutin Scarabée Nail Colour**, $50 each; christianlouboutin.com

We are not suggesting you go full-scale Cleopatra, but a simple swipe of metallic eye gloss or a gold-handled makeup brush is enough to tap into the hue’s brilliant decorative effect. Maybe make you feel a little pharaohish.

Aerin Travel Gold Hairbrush, $75; aerin.com — Aerin Travel **Gold Hairbrush**, $75; aerin.com

Why not bring a little Egyptian-inspired glamour to your everyday beauty routine?

Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask, $80; peterthomasroth.com

From Spitfire Girl’s hieroglyphic-stamped perfume bottles (I love my little collection of Egyptian perfume bottles) to a gold-capped mask so rich Cleopatra might have kept it on her vanity, these are some ways to celebrate the arrival of Egypt by way of New York City.

That was my point all along!

Source: Jenna Rennert for Vogue

beauty

Beauty: war of the Sheet Masks

Once a week I have a strong urge to cover my face with a sheet. A thin, wet paper sheet that I pull out of a plastic container that fits snugly over my face with holes cut out so that I can still see and breathe. And if they’re good enough for the lady…

A friend brought a tub of them back for me from Japan (along with some oil absorbing rice paper tissues ~~and a few paper thin umbrellas~~) and all I can tell you is that it has Coenzyme Q10 because all the rest of the writing is in Japanese. And I’m hooked!

Now we should talk about Korean sheet masks because South Korea has churned out countless sheet masks that are changing the beauty game in a big way. If Paris is known for perfume, South Korea might just be known for the fanatic devotion to skincare, with 10-step routines being just a matter of course. I’m only six steps behind. Sheet masks are a BIG, BIG DEAL!

You’ve seen a wall of them at Sephora. Of all the options, it’s hard to tell which one’s going to do exactly what, mostly because, well, they’re in Korean, so we picked five of the best out there, all locally sourced from NYC’s Koreatown, and broke it down for y’all. Sheet up, people. Don’t be scared.

Most “Oh Cool” Idea

TonyMoly Rice Mask Sheet

The gimmick here is that the mask itself isn’t cotton or paper–it’s actual rice paper. The kind you delight to see stretched out over your late-night Seamless spring rolls. The kind you douse in peanut sauce. And, if you’ve ever bought them yourself (unlimited rolls 24/7!) you know that they undergo rapid change from pantry to plate — starting out crusty and brittle, then, after a few minutes in liquid, soft, jellyfish-like, rollable (but also, like using long stretches of tape), is liable to twist up and stick to itself. Unlike other masks, this one doesn’t come already marinated in essence–the liquid is in a separate pouch, which you dump onto the rice paper three minutes before impact with your face. It’s good, healthy, interactive, multi-step fun. The rice paper gels up and sticks to skin better than many of its cotton counterparts. The serum’s pretty strongly scented, making it hard to eat my quinoa-and-soy-sauce without also getting a cross-breeze of gardenia in there. But the effects were undeniable–a plumped-up deep nourishment that, even though I didn’t sleep in it, made my skin look better well into the next day. Five stars.

Best Target-Area Mask

Glam Rock Abracadabra Mask

This isn’t the full-face horror show sheet mask you’re used to–this one’s actually (stand by to be totally shocked) got a little who-is-that-masked-stranger sex appeal. It’s an eye mask, set in the shape of a good masquerade-meets-Zorro–type mask, with little lacy designs festooning its little jellyfish-y body. Good for spot-treating your world-weary eyes that have seen too much banditry or world-saving the night before. If you don’t want to commit to the whole shebang of a sheet mask, slap one of these on and your eyebags deflate, puffiness is un-puffed, and the whole area is blessed and forgiven, so you never have to reveal your true identity as a Secretly Hungover Person living unknown amongst an unsuspecting office.

Best All-Around Nourishing Leaders Coconut Gel Mask with Broccoli

The Leaders brand is, as my K-beauty junkie friend describes it, “the Korean Clinique,” highly dermatologically trustworthy with like little icons of beakers on the back of packaging. This is the thickest of the masks here–not a strip of saturated cotton but a full-face-adhering slab of gel, like a Dr. Scholl’s sole insert for your face. It gloms on and really stays put–you can walk around, do chores (lol throwback–remember chores?!) and get a glass of water (one imagines coconut is suggested). No cruciferous odor detected, but healthy benefits were nonetheless conferred. This mask is so intensely nourishing that you get this fully saturated face, totally drunken with hydration. The next morning was the best–my forehead lines reduced (for the time being), general tone evener, skin texture firm and supple to the touch. Are you gellin’?

Best In ClayTonyMoly Egg Pore Tightening Pack Mask

Clay masks do not, that I’ve seen, come in sheet form. So if you want pore-tightening and that sense of all manner of impurity being sucked out of your skin by precision-placed mini vortexes, this is the mask for you. In the (admittedly sort of adorable) container, the kaolin-based formula starts out as a fluffy mousse, smears on like a cream, and dries and tightens like a good clay mask should. It doesn’t flake off, but sort of balls up on your face when it can tighten no more. No Queen Helene like-the-deserts-miss-the-rain cracked earth face here. You’ll have skin that’s cleaned out and calmed down, not further reddened and parched. Give it a shot on oily, black- or white-heady spots. Out with the old, in with the.egg.

Best In ShowBenton Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack

Arguably the Gold Standard of Korean sheet masks. It feels light, has no heavy fragrance, and is jam-packed with tiny-creature ingredients like snail secretion and bee venom, floating in a solvent of super-soothing camellia sinensis leaf extract (tea, sort of) and aloe juice. Peel it off in front of mirror and you can almost hear that chorus-of-angels note that happens in movies when a minor miracle occurs or John Stamos enters the frame (“Ahhhhhh!”). Count on this mask for instant skin-brightening and -soothing effects. If you’re planning on wearing anything red and don’t want your face to match, do this first. With the mask’s heavy load of skin-brightening arbutin, one could imagine one’s freckles lightening over time with continued use, although there’s also a strong argument to be made for being proud of your adorable freckles. Plus, it’s on the cheaper side too, even for sheet masks. Stock up–go crazy.

They’re really cheap, they do the trick but admittedly the above one makes me want to gaga!

Source: for 5 best By Trace Barnhill for Papermag.com

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beauty – from the inside out

INNER BEAUTY is more relevant now than ever

so why are we still obsessed with outer beauty? — so why are we still so obsessed with outer beauty?

While we can always try to cover up our tiny flaws and imperfections with makeup correctors & concealers, and enhance our complexion with blush and bronzer, nothing beats a real lit from within healthy glow that comes from eating healthy foods, drinking lots of water and limiting alcohol intake.

It seems that our beauty routine lately is becoming a lot less traditional and a lot more ingestible. We don’t really need a lot of expensive night creams to do the trick if we live a relatively healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and lots of sleep. I believe in the arsenal of a common sense routine mixed with a few tried and true products.

I want to introduce you to five of the latest beauty products on the market meant to make you more beautiful from the inside out – picks that are sure to blur the line between your kitchen cabinet and your vanity.

Starting with..1) Drinkable Hyaluronic Acid

Drinkable Hyaluronic Acid Spike your favorite drink with 2 teaspoons of this liquid hyaluronic acid to plump your complexion and keep skin hydrated. The Hyaluronic Molecule, Fountain $30 — Spike your favorite drink with 2 teaspoons of this liquid hyaluronic acid to plump your complexion and keep skin hydrated.
The Hyaluronic Molecule, **Fountain** $30

2) Powdered Collagen

Mix a sachet of this marine-based powder with smoothies, coffee, water (or any other beverage of choice) to naturally boost collagen production and maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. Gratitude Package, Vida Glow $50 — Mix a sachet of this marine-based powder with smoothies, coffee, water (or any other beverage of choice) to naturally boost collagen production and maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.
Gratitude Package, **Vida Glow** $50

3) Drinkable Free Radical-Fighter

Drinkable Free Radical-Fighter This cocktail of organic coconut water, aloe vera and lemon myrtle hydrate the body from the inside-out to combat dry, dull skin, fine lines and also fights free-radical damage caused by environmental stressors. Inner Beauty Boost, The Beauty Chef $40 — Drinkable Free Radical-Fighter
This cocktail of organic coconut water, aloe vera and lemon myrtle hydrate the body from the inside-out to combat dry, dull skin, fine lines and also fights free-radical damage caused by environmental stressors.
Inner Beauty Boost, **The Beauty Chef $**40

4) Skin-Perfecting Pills For Oily Skin

Skin-Perfecting Pills For Oily Skin 2 antioxidant and omega-infused capsules per day repair skin, boost hydration and help regulate oil production. It's also suitable for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets. Vegan Omega 3-6-9 Supplements, Zelens $50 — 2 antioxidant and omega-infused capsules per day repair skin, boost hydration and help regulate oil production. It’s also suitable for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
Vegan Omega 3-6-9 Supplements, **Zelens** $50

5) All-Around Beauty Booster

When mixed into a beverage, this powdered mix of raw vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, and seaweed increases collagen and silica production and hydrates and strengthens skin, hair and nails. Beauty Dust, Moon Juice $65 — When mixed into a beverage, this powdered mix of raw vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, and seaweed increases collagen and silica production and hydrates and strengthens skin, hair and nails.
**Beauty Dust, Moon Juice** $65

I’m not promoting these products as I haven’t tried any of them and don’t intend to – just that it’s interesting to find out how the market may be changing. With so many things out there it’s hard to decide what to choose – you have to be selective. I did come across a vegan chocolate bar that claims to slow the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin – hell, I’m all for that one!

Never mind the saying “you are what you eat” – I’m changing it to “you are what you live” – it’s much broader and more forgiving.

What do you think about that?

beauty

beauty – lather up

RAISING THE BARS

Long ago there was only Ivory and Dove. Then along came totally transparent Pears as the soap de jour. Soothing olive oil followed…then exotic shea or was it just jojoba? Not sure. Anyway, I think it’s fair to say…

THEY DON’T MAKE SOAP LIKE THEY USED TO

these are handmade in Kaslo, BC. I have Cedar & Saffron. — These are handmade in Kaslo, BC. I’m using ***Cedar & Saffron*** right now. Moths will stay away from me and saffron makes me feel rare & expensive.

It’s much, much better now and the choices are immense. From goat’s milk and honey to hemp and everything else in between. Some have dried flowers, essential oils and come with fancy names and really different funny combinations you would never ever dream of. They can be pricey too. A single bar of soap can cost upwards of $15. I think the most I paid for a bar I loved was about $12 and I thought it was outrageous and didn’t use it for the longest time. Of course I used soap but just not that particular bar. It was meant to be saved for a special occasion shower I guess. It looked so pretty just sitting by the tub and I didn’t want to disturb the design. But eventually it got washed up and I’ve never looked back on using regular soap since (but I don’t even know if there is such a thing anymore).

A party soap for dirty girls — **Party in the Tub** – for dirty girls

I wanted to learn how to make soap from scratch not as a way to save money (actually cost me a small fortune to buy all the stuff to make it) but to create signature varieties and fragrances. In the same vein that I tried making candles, but that was not my passion. My kitchen became a lab for a while. In turn I became obsessed with finding molds to shape them in the way of starfish, shells, the cameo girl (I was really excited when I found that one), you name it. Then I became obsessed with a really clean simple but elegant square although those had to have dried flowers like lavender or roses and you had to either see them or they were a surprise. Sometimes not the best surprise because you had to clean up the mess after – but they were pretty ~~messy~~. It was fun and creative and they made good gifts as part of a package for a while. I would personalize many, it was a lot of work but a clean (ha) rewarding hobby. I still make soap on occasion.

Do I wash with it or do I eat it? — *Do I wash with them or do I eat them?*

Now I feel outdone by all the unbelievable assortments you can find in almost any drugstore. I make them for myself and a few friends who appreciate handmade ~~works of art~~ things. I never intended to rent a table at a craft fair to sell them. I enjoy the process of making something from scratch the same way I once made a rag doll (not quite raggedy ann but she was soft and cuddly like her), photo albums (no one needs them anymore), a beautiful book for scribbling your thoughts that was bound with Japanese rice paper and tied together with ribbon (for a gift but now everyone uses their IPad or tablet and even phones come with pens) and all those dried flower arrangements (Instead of buying them already dried, I hung fresh flowers upside down in a pantry room for however long it took them to dry, but over time they gather dust and I have allergies).

Lovely packaging from Crabtree & Evelyn - London Drugs — Lovely packaging from *Crabtree & Evelyn* – London Drugs

But I still have a curiousity about how to make something from nothing. Although, it does not extend to anything too technical because I can’t even turn on a barbeque (I always let the guy handle it). And it does not extend to making a straw hat out of banana leaves that I never intended to wear or weaving another little wicker basket, or tye-dying anything or hand painting bathing suit cover ups and wraps (from having free time on my hands in Jamaica). I loved making the clay doll with fruit basket on her head but it was very detailed and kind of knick knacky.

I took a sewing workshop once with a topnotch instructor because I wanted to make the DVF “wrap dress.” I thought ahhh, it looks so simple it will be a breeze. Not so. I did with some trial and error end up choosing a pattern and satin fabric (printed red & black design) and made the darn dress just to prove to myself that I could. I even wore it once. I have much more respect for Diane Von Furstenburg and her so very simple little design that got her on the cover of Time and is still being sold and others are copying it. I wanted to do just that.

My castaways using a combination of goat's milk, oatmeal + olive oil. I collect boxes and tins to contain them. — My castaways using a combination of goat’s milk, oatmeal + olive oil. I collect boxes and tins to contain them. Lavender has lavender oil & real dried lavender flowers that I dried myself.

Of late I’ve created a signature scent eau du parfum just for myself (selfish me) because scent is personal and I am so curious how they make Chanel No 5 (or anything remotely close to that). Now that is something intriguing to me – to learn to work all the right notes and combinations. It’s something of a science really (they never tell you their secret, they always leave something out on purpose). That’s why I’ve decided not to publish or share a few special recipes. Things that should remain a family secret, just because. Not to be a complete open book and retain a tiny bit of mystery…which is lacking.

But what you can never do, try as you may…

…you can never recreate an original masterpiece…be it a dress, a painting, a perfume or even a great bar of soap! Yes, getting back to soap now…

Things of beauty right? And the names! Good clean fun.

What about you? Have you tried making soap or anything else kind of crafty or crazy?

Photos: d. king

beauty

beauty: breakup makeup

Just broke up with your boyfriend or husband? I know a few of those. And you think a trip to the cosmetics counter will immediately make you feel better and help heal your broken heart? Not!

But it can help perk up your spirits along with your daily workouts to obtain a great new bod so you also look better. And it takes your mind off of the obvious.

You will be over your ex soon enough who doesn’t deserve you anyway and be so ready and in tip top shape for your new lucky fellow. Believe me, he’s out there. Next!

In the meantime some revenge glam after a breakup makeup ideas that might help:

Maybe you didn’t wine enough!

This season’s array of merlot-colored lipsticks will make a happy home on your lips. There’s a range of hues suited to every palette. Raise your lipstick tube for a toast!

I Bette you’ll love this one.

Nars Audacious in Bette — Nars Audacious in *Bette*

NARS Audacious lipsticks are something of a gem among the lipstick-obsessed. From first swipe, you’ll notice how well the color sticks to your lips and the creamy matte formula feels like air.

(NARS Audacious Lipstick, $32 at Sephora)
Maybe you need a different kind of push-up. This one from Benefit “They’re Real” push-up Liner.

After all, you want something with staying power, unlike your ex. There’s a lot to love about gel liner. This one has all those benefits without you having to wield or carry a brush. It won an Allure Breakthrough Award for taking the hassle out of getting the results of a classic gel. You just twist the small dial on the bottom to release the perfect amount of gel into the flexible slanted tip of the pen; as the waterproof formula seeps out of a narrow slit in the skinny end of the tip, the wider base gently pushes lashes out of the way so you can get as close to the lash line as possible. Some tricks we learned the hard way: To avoid clumps and uneven application, wipe the tip before each use. And once it goes on, it stays on—so be sure to have an eye-makeup remover nearby for touch-ups. Available at Sephora or Shopper’s Drug Mart.

What about Serious Volume Spray? Limp locks are so not sexy.

Use It to: Channel Brigitte Bardot’s locks by adding spray to your roots for that glamorously tousled look.

24K Root Envy Ultimate Root Boost,Sally Hershberger $32

Available at most drugstores

GET GLOWING with something that makes you blush naturally.

Available at: http://www.paul-joe-beaute.com/en/

How about trying something new and scentsational:

It’s all personal but you might consider starting this new chapter with a perfume that lets your olfactory senses know that a change (for the better) is happening.

That said, enjoy the search. Let me know if you tried any of these and what you thought of them.

beauty

beauty – truly

what does true beauty mean?

Does it mean fair skin, blond hair and blue eyes? Pale skin, green eyes and freckles? Or an olive complexion with almond shaped brown eyes? What exactly is your perception?It started when I read an article from a beauty writer who grew up in a multi-cultural household. It got me thinking about the true meaning of beauty, which we all know starts from within.

Of course having good genes helps, but if we’re being truthful we want it to show from the outside because that’s what we see right off the bat. When people get to know you then your personality and spirit shine through to make you appear even prettier or at least interesting. I always find pretty without personality just plain boring. I always find a great personality on a plain face more beautiful. And different cultures have their different ideas of beauty too and that’s always interesting. It deserves a blog post of its own (coming soon). I will say this: I was considered too skinny in the Middle East for most of the men ~~and secretly pleased by that, ha ha.~~

For instance, said writer claimed her dad would include wakame seaweed in miso soup to strengthen her hair because marine extracts are for real (domo arigato). Loading up on green tea and grilled fish is also a good idea. That’s why I now start my morning with a tea made from freshly squeezed lemon, slices of ginger, a little cayenne pepper, 1 tsp. of virgin coconut oil (that one is a new addition) and a tsp. of seriously pure honey. The honey is a gift from a friend’s apiary in Nakusp and tastes amazing. ~~Followed by miso soup, grilled fish and red wine.~~

~~And then I pile on the makeup.~~ No I don’t. I think less makeup or even absolutely none at times (very rarely though with absolutely nothing – it must be summer) is a good idea. Give your face a break. I’m appreciating natural a lot more now even though I do love makeup – especially for eyes and lips (okay, cheeks too) ~~and don’t forget the bronzer.~~

It’s still fun to experiment and unless I wear horse blinders I’m like a kid at Sephora looking through the aisles of makeup/skincare that we ~~okay I~~ think will make you look so much better (but then you get home, try the stuff on and you still end up looking the same). Still it’s fun… I’ll never tire of looking at beautiful girly things.

And I think I’m as good a judge as any, with complete honesty on what products actually work.

So, what’s it like to be a writer in the beauty space blogosphere (or at least a reviewer of beauty products)?

Sure, the industry runs on lipstick and fragrance sales, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about redefining “pretty”; sharing the things that make people feel their best (red lipstick, cat-eye liner, or a good moisturizer); and giving a shout-out to people of all shapes, forms, and walks of life who are truly beautiful.

And feeling your best is what I think really defines beauty. And a few good products!