sometimes we need a little help attaining a perfect complexion. Sometimes even a lot of work. We can take a few shortcuts to looking flawless by using mineral powder or liquid foundation (both good) to even out our skintone but for simplicity sake I say….STICK IT!
What’s New? Well….
NARCISSIST FOUNDATION STICK
If you’re like me you want minimalist makeup with instant gratification.
W3LL PEOPLE is an uncommon beauty dream team founded by an elite makeup artist, cosmetic dermatologist and tree hugging entrepreneur, passionate about making positive choices in life, particularly when it comes to self care.
Skin, our largest organ, absorbs about 80% of what we put on it. This crucial fact drives their mission to create super premium quality cosmetics without the use of potentially harmful artificial chemicals found in most conventional makeup. A modern approach built on simplicity, authenticity and performance.
This feel good, creamy foundation instantly melts into skin giving it a fresh, healthy glow. The modern stick design is ideal for portability and mess-proof application on the go. The New breakthrough formula delivers a weightless, satin, soft-focus finish while balancing skin tone and diminishing imperfections. Made with pure, natural and organic ingredients, so there’s no film, no grease, no crease just diva-friendly perfection.
American Thanksgiving is exactly one week away. So if you cannot wait for that slice of pumpkin pie until then, the beauty obsessed can check out this fun and flavorful assortment of pumpkin bath and beauty products.Give thanks for a delicious assortment of fall-inspired scentual lip balm, bath soap, cuticle oil, you name it, it probably exists. Something to consider while sipping your Starbucks pumpkin-spice latte.
This multitasking product can be used as a body wash or bubbles for your bathtub. Both ensure you’ll be left with a sweet fall scent once you’re done pampering yourself.
Natural pumpkin extract is a great anti-aging agent that also helps skin feel smoother. As a sheet mask, the nutrients will really absorb into your skin and guarantee a youthful finish.
This cuticle oil works as a vitamin E treatment that promotes strong and healthy nails. The dropper guarantees no messes, and it literally smells just like a pumpkin-spice latte.
Indulge your pumpkin-spice cravings by getting a taste of it with this lip balm. Its hydrating beeswax and nutrients will leave your lips smoother than ever.
Bath bombs are everywhere and the trend isn’t stopping anytime soon. Turn your bathtub into a fizzy, pumpkin-scented pampering session with this bath-o’-lantern.
Recently and straight from the source – oil that is! Moroccan Argan Oil from the Atlas Mountains. On a camel no less…
and took a Selfie to prove it
In recent years, an incredible oil from Morocco called Argan oil (Argania spinosa) has become such a hot commodity that a New York Times editorial termed it “liquid gold.”
“I love gold and I definitely love a beauty product with multiple purposes.”
Most women are familiar with the hot selling Moroccanoil haircare products that pioneered a new category in the beauty industry. You can hardly walk by a hair salon that doesn’t sell it. The products are infused with nourishing antioxidant-rich argan oil. Moroccanoil has grown into an iconic beauty brand in less than a decade.
I do not know what amount of argan oil is inside each of their products, but Argan Oil (extracted from the nuts of the fruits of the Argan tree) in general is an all around multi-use product with curative properties revered for centuries in Morocco, the only place where the Argan tree is naturally found . In the southern regions of the country, pure Argan oil is celebrated for everything from soothing skin redness to curing rheumatism and more.
Women preparing the Oil
You can use it on your skin, you hair, your nails and even cook with it (using a different variant of the oil my sister has informed me). See below.
I’ve been sourcing out healing oils from all over the world for the face oil used in my own skincare line. Many of which I’ve researched and found from my very own travels – for “Skin so Divine” and Argan was included in the mix. Before this I bought the Josie Maran Argan Oil at Sephora because it was the only one I could readily find that admits to being 100% pure. But at $60 for 1.7 oz/50 mL it can get quite costly. And that’s only for one oil. It’s the rarity of this Moroccan oil that makes it more expensive than most others.
Nuts from the fruit of the Argan Tree
For face it’s rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids to deeply hydrate and nourish skin.
Traditional Uses of Morocco’s Golden Oil
Traditionally, Argan oil has been used topically to:
Protect against and heal skin infections
• Clear up acne
• Ease eczema
• Hasten recovery from chicken pox
• Heal cracks and burns
One of the Rarest and Most Unique Oils in the World
The Argan tree is known throughout the Berber state in Morocco as the “Tree of Life.” Pure Argan oil is made from the kernels of the nuts from argan trees.
Atlas MountainsThe Tree
Today, Argan trees grow exclusively in the semi-desert soil of the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve. Due to this small and specific growing area, the trees are protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)—and pure Argan oil is one of the rarest in the world.
The pure Argan oil industry is almost as unique as the oil itself. All Argan sold today comes from cooperatives operated by Moroccan women (see bottom for more info.), and the cooperatives share profits among the local women of the Berber tribe. The money goes toward health care and education, as well as other good works. For example, Argan oil profits established an ecosystem reforestation project so that Argan can be sourced conscientiously and the supply will not run out.
Even more incredible is that revenues from pure Argan oil sales are reported to feed 10% of the Moroccan population.
Wonderful for Skin, Hair, and Nails…and the World
“Recent scientific studies have shown that the benefits of Argan oil has antimicrobial properties, and can be used in treating damaged skin and inflammation,” said Majda Alaoui Sosso, director of one of Morocco’s oil cooperatives.
This is in part due to Argan oil’s rich stores of essential fatty acids, or EFAs, which support the health and beauty of skin and hair (while also, when taken internally, boosting heart and brain health and regulating hormone levels and other critical functions).
Pure Argan oil is easily absorbed, and it regulates the pH balance of the skin, which in turn protects against sun exposure and other damage. It also reduces skin inflammation and thus helps control and reverse skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis while also diminishing scars.
Pure Argan oil’s proven and observed benefits for hair, skin, and nails are extensive, and include, to name a few…
Dry Skin: Nourishes and moisturizes dry, scaly, flaky skin and protects against infection.
Oily Skin: Regulates sebum production to keep the skin’s natural oils at a healthy level. With regular use, the skin will no longer look or feel oily.
Irritated/Itchy Skin: Protects skin from allergens that may cause itchiness.
Acne: Controls overproduction of acne-causing sebum and soothes the inflammation brought about by acne; also prevents the ugly scars acne can leave behind.
Aging: Stimulates renewal of skin cells and boosts elasticity while smoothing wrinkles and lines.
Sun Damage Rich in antioxidants that protect cells from UV light.
Eczema and Psoriasis: Helps alleviate inflammatory symptoms associated with psoriasis. Also addresses immunity problems and allergies that trigger eczema symptoms.
Hair: Repairs damaged hair. Moisturizes instantly, and prevents split ends while restoring shine. Increases hair growth and helps control, cure, and prevent dry and itchy scalp.
Scalp: Keeps scalp healthy and well nourished. A few drops will protect against dandruff. Keeps the roots of the hair hydrated, protected, and well nourished.
Nails: Keeps nails strong and healthy and restores natural shine while easily resolving brittle nail problems.
I made up some little bottles of the pure oil to use on its own as well as combined it with the other essential oils which make up the Divine Facial Oil…which by the way, is simply divine.
Thank you LisaXOXOx 10(also for the authentic Moroccan Tagine which I love).
Photos: Lisa King
Another Selfie with a close friend. Step aside Kim!
IN THE KNOW: the tree + production for Argan Oil:
Argan trees live for about 15-200 years and grow up to be nearly 30 meters in height. Around the 30 or 50 year mark, the trees start producing fruit. The trees yield fruit once a year and one tree will usually yield 1 liter of Argan Oil. One liter of oil takes 10 to 12 hours of manual work to make!
The production of 100% organic Argan Oil is a complex, labor intensive process. The Argan fruit is harvested and the peel and the pulp are discarded. What is left is a hard-shelled, oval nut which is cracked by hand. The emerging kernels are ground into a paste from which oil is cold pressed. The freshly extracted oil may be left to sit for 2 to 3 weeks after which clear oil is poured into dark bottles and exported around the world.
This harvesting and cold pressing is done by local women from the Berber tribe of Morocco who are organized into co-operatives. Fair-trade Argan Oil provides Berber women with a stable source of income, financial independence and better opportunities for education, health and personal development.
More than two million people rely on Argan trees for economic sustenance and the Argan Oil trade has reformed the entire region by providing access to a stable income.
Culinary Argan Oil
The culinary variant of the oil is produced by roasting the nuts first and then grinding them to a sticky paste where the oil comes out of. By roasting the oil gently, it will get a deep nutty aroma and flavor. The oil is very good for the heart and brains as it boasts a healthy rich array of omega-3 fatty acids and 3 times more vitamin E than olive oil. It is also amazing for digestion and can be sprinkled on salads, grilled fish & meat stews to get a delicious nutty flavor. I have some of this too. UPS: cooking oil varieties.
Source (in part): underground health reporter, Lisa King & myself
I’m striving to get my Vitamin C any way possible especially during the colder months. Luckily I love apples. Green Apples have multiple beauty benefits aside from being good for one’s overall health as they also help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to call it a natural beauty remedy.
If you’re a person focused on your beauty and skin health, then you’ll certainly reap the benefits of green apples. They contain vitamins A, B, C, as well as E. They also help keep your skin fresh and glowing.
And even though we’re lucky to see a ray of sunshine now, we should still be applying a moisturizer with SPF daily. At this time of the year I lower the amount to at least SPF 15. This is the lowest SPF you should consider. In my opinion anything less is a waste of time and anything higher than 30 (unless you ski) may not be necessary either.
So I was really pleased to receive a full size Green Apple Brightening moisturizer with SPF from natural beauty company, Juice Beauty. It was in my Spring Box of Style but I just only started using it.
I just received my Fall Box of Style which I’ll share with you next week….it’s amazing!As it so happens the brand’s new creative director of makeup is Gwyneth Paltrow. She should know a thing or two. Apparently she benchmarked every item against conventional versions (mostly prestige), pushing the company’s chemist, Mimi, to match their efficacies. “It can’t be that the makeup is organic and that’s why you should use it,” she says. “It has to be as good or better than anything else. That’s how you’re going to move the needle in a real way.”
So guess I’ll be trying some of the makeup next….
Have you tried any of their products? If so, which ones and how do you like them?
Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it – Diane Von Furstenberg
Can you find it in a box?
Sometimes you can find it in a BOX! But it’s what you do with what’s inside that counts.
Wow…I just received my second seasonal box of style from the people over at *the Zoe Report. They’ve curated a carefully selected arsenal of fashion and beauty products, with amazing summer staples every style girl loves. All neatly wrapped and packaged in a nice box. Talk about chic in the heat!
*For those who are not already familiar, The Zoe Report is an online style destination curated by stylist to the stars and fashion designerRachel Zoe. The website gives tips on how to be glamorous every day with fashion, beauty & lifestyle articles from the best in the biz.
A peek inside:
A delicate lariat necklace is a jewelry box staple. The versatile piece can play nice with everything from a plunging neckline to a high-collar blouse—making it an accessory that works for the office, cocktail hour and beyond.
Michael Stars Caftan – to channel your inner Liz Taylor
This eye-catching lariat necklace with delicate pave Swarovski crystals and adjustable open crescent ring will look incredibly chic worn together or alone.
Luv AJ Pavé Tusk Lariat & Open Crescent Ring Exclusive Set.
Michael Stars Pastel Gardens Caftan. Every sun-loving girl needs a colourful caftan (cover up) in her summer wardrobe. To be simply layered over a sleek swimsuit for poolside lunch or dressed up for dinner by wearing it over a slip dress, cinched with a belt and adding earrings – a complete summer look.
YHF Los Angeles Cashton Brown Sunglasses
Flattering Sunglasses
Sunglasses that are as versatile as they are timeless This style was tested by every member of Team Zoe to ensure it flatters every face shape.
Beach in a Bottle – Quai haircare wave spray.
The only thing more alluring than textured beach waves is the knowledge that your textured beach wave spray isn’t ravaging your hair. This formula boasts rice protein instead of salt to provide the fresh-from-the-surf texture you’re craving, minus the crunchiness. I blogged about it recently. See link below.
The Dream Turban – DreamDry (great syling tool towel)
Hair Turban to keep frizz at bay –yay
Treat your tresses with care by using this super absorbent turban (instead of a coarse towel) to speed the drying process without frizz. Thanks to a button-fastening you can easily go about your routine without it slipping out of place and the lightweight fabric won’t take up precious space in your carry on.
THE HEALTHY GLOW
Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Brightening Moisturizer
Juice Beauty SPF 15
Multi-tasking products are wonderful. This organic brightening moisturizer with SPF 15 will help reverse existing skin damage and infuse your skin with hydration and protection so light you can wear it under your makeup.
It’s like getting styled by Rachel Zoe all year long. Order your summer Box of Style now.
Each seasonal box promises to include $300 favorite fashion, beauty and lifestyle items hand-curated by Rachel and The Zoe Report Team. The necklace/ring combo alone is retail value $190 usd. And remember to tell them I sent you. If you want to be really surprised just ignore the spoiler alerts leading up to mailout.
Because unfortunately your personality isn’t the first thing people see.
Yesterday I wrote about doing a wardrobe check – to clear out what is no longer useful and keep only what works to bring out our best selves for a more polished look. Now I want to talk about polishing up our complexions.
Products for all seasons and all reasons.
Change of season means using lighter products and doing a makeover check. First off…
I’m told that half of all women wear the wrong shoe size (can that be true, really?) and two thirds wear the wrong size bra (we know we’re really 34B but we’ll buy a 34D…wishful thinking?). And I don’t know exactly how many of us use the wrong facial products but I’m guessing the numbers are pretty high.
Do you know your skin type?
Maybe you think you do but chances are your skin type falls into more than one category. Even those of us with so-called “normal” complexions experience flare ups and we all have battles from time to time. Some more than others. Skin is a living organ and it mirrors what’s happening in our lives and in our bodies. It constantly changes – hormones one week, stress the next. Taking medication, a change in diet, smoking, drinking, not sleeping, all of it can effect our mood and in turn, our skin.
General classifications are normal, combination, oily, dry, sensitive.
Most people will experience combination skin at some point. The ‘T Zone’ around the nose, forehead and eyes is naturally a bit oilier than the rest of the skin on your face, so one way to find out what mood your skin is in is to clean this area with a light cleanser, followed by a good toner and then leave it for a couple of hours. The results may not be what you’re expecting.
If you find that the skin is very tight, it may be that you need to start using a richer formula for a while to deal with any excess dryness.
Sensitive skin usually benefits from something lighter, like a gel or serum, while skin prone to breakouts or redness may need special attention with regular masks designed to soothe and cleanse the pores.
Customized Skin Care
Then there are problem conditions like acne, rosacea or eczema which can really get in the way of you and your best self. They make you tend to want to hide from the world.
Did you know that you can help ease your problem situation and in some cases clear it up entirely by abiding by some dietary tips and some simple at-home remedies?
This according to skin care guru *Kate Somerville:
Dietary Tips for Treating Acne: be wary of dairy, white sugar, white flour and saturated fats. Milk contains steroid hormones and other compounds that can contribute to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne. Sugars boost insulin which can increase oil production and the growth of pore-clogging cells.
At-Home Remedies for Treating Acne: Find products with different active ingredients to target acne like sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, tea-tree oil and salicylic acid. it’s essential that products don’t strip or over dry the skin because it will over-compensate by producing excess oil.
Dietary Tips for Treating Rosacea: diet plays a large role in rosacea. Avoid trigger foods such as caffeine, white sugar, white flour, alcohol and spicy food. Eat food that encourages the growth of good bacteria like leafy greens, high-fiber foods and probiotics.
At-Home Remedies for Treating Rosacea: Look for products containing calming agents like mineral masks, aloe, lavender and green tea. For severe rosacea see your dermatologist, there are great topical antibiotics available.
Dietary Tips for Treating Eczema: If you’re having a severe eczema breakout, stop eating all dairy, wheat and sugar. Eat whole, unprocessed foods and stay away from acidic items like tomatoes and vinegar. Drinking lemon water will keep you hydrated and make your system more alkaline which is crucial when you’re battling eczema.
At-Home Remedies for Treating Eczema: bathing is better than showering when your skin is dry, because a shower can actually strip oils. Make sure the temperature isn’t too hot and avoid products with fragrance. Try adding goat’s milk or colloidal oatmeal to your bath and apply your lotion, oils or eczema cream as soon as you get out of the tub to seal in hydration.
*At the Kate Somerville “Skin Health Experts Clinic” they use blue and red LED light therapy which aids in treating and clearing up acne, eczema and rosacea.
The treatment is supposed to stimulate cell growth and has an anti-inflammatory effect, which heals and relieves pain. Have any of you tried it?
I guess the answer to perfect skin is to never eat sugar, dairy or fat and get at least 8 solid hours of sleep every night, don’t drink any alcohol and try not to stress. But hey; we’re only human.
What kind of skin type do you think you have? If you don’t mind sharing I’d like to know and also how you deal with any specific skin care problems.
Apple Cider Vinegar is a healthy, natural, inexpensive, effective, multi-use product you can get anywhere. Sound good so far?
It may not be so glamorous to keep on your bathroom shelf but you may thank me later:
Because as much as we love our Tom Ford makeup and La Mer skincare products, there is something naturally appealing about a simple item you probably already have at home stored in your fridge or cupboard. Something you may not use very often.
With multiple health-boosting benefits, the all-natural ingredient has been a go-to beauty remedy since ancient times.
Some reasons why you need to add this easy grocery staple to your daily routine:
Got a pesky pimple? Mix ACV with water and apply on a cotton pad to sweep across your face to remove bacteria, oil, dirt and leftover makeup.
Avoid the mid-day slump by opting for a glass of apple cider vinegar instead of coffee. Drink one tablespoon with a glass of water to allow its enzymes and potassium to wake you up sans the crash. Sometimes I switch up drinking warm lemon water in the morning for this.
Prevent bloating and discomfort post-meals by drinking two tablespoons of ACV with water 15-20 minutes prior to eating. This increases stomach acid, which is crucial in digesting all your food properly and completely.
Gargle one teaspoon of ACV with a cup of water to remove plaque, which is a major culprit of bad breath.
Refuse to spend $50 on a teeth whitening kit? Swish the vinegar through with water to remove stains and kill bacteria on teeth and gums – this apparently is as effective as using coconut oil.
No matter how cute your shoes are stinky feet are never desirable. Tackle foul odour by soaking your feet in half a cup of ACV and five cups of warm water for 15 minutes. Its anti-fungal properties will eliminate the stench.
Whether it’s a bug bite or a sunburn, its ability to balance pH levels soothes pain, swelling and redness.
Prevent dandruff and itching by combining two ounces of apple cider vinegar and equal parts water to apply on your scalp. Its acidity eliminates germs, flakes and dryness.
Bonus: rinse your hair with it to restore shine and remove product build up. I do this about once a month. Your hair will undoubtedly smell like ACV but it does dissipate after blow drying, thank god.
Last but not least, it’s a great addition for salad dressings.
Because as we all know, beauty happens on the inside first!
Van Caissey is best described as a youthful him ‘n her multi-brand lifestyle boutique. Yes, that’s it!
I walked in because it felt airy and uplifting. The brands are not-so-typical.
They specialize in intriguing objects of desire – things you can use from your head to your feet, made by local artisans.
Clothing, hats, healing products, jewelry, skincare, some just for fun and vintage-inspired pieces and a rack of consignment clothing at the very back of the boutique.
Van Caissey is located in Vancouver at 3463 Main St.
FYI: there’s a funky neighbourhood hot spot for great breakfast/lunch right next door called Slickity Jim’s. I recommend you try it.
A travel friendly, drugstore available, stick in your purse sunstickwith high SPF to use before heading out the door and for touchups throughout the day.
We know we need to protect ourselves from the burn but truth be told we don’t want to gain any more sunspots or lines on our face or body. The stick appears to be a good solution because they’re small enough to carry around and don’t spill. Both these companies are reputable. There are others, but I prefer these two brands for sun protection.
Also, it’s so light you can hardly feel it. It doesn’t replace my usual tinted moisturizer for face with SPF 60 but it’s great for use around the eye & high cheekbone area specifically.
It will become my new staple.
as long as you worship it mindfully and protectfully
Nothing like sourcing beautiful body care & fragrance products from beautiful locales where lives beautiful women with a knack for looking after themselves. Which brings me to this place:
Santa Maria Novella, Florence – one of the oldest pharmacies in the world! They carry products with a meaning. They come with tradition and historywhich in my books makes them extra special.
photo: d. king
In all fairness I didn’t know about this until my good friend came back from Florence and gifted me with an elegantly wrapped package of what appeared to be some amazing skincare…made in Italy. I could tell right away these were exceptional from the tasteful ribboned box they came in and even the bag. Of course I couldn’t wait to open it up and try them.
And the best part is their story (I love a good story)….
THEN:
The long name is Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. It was established in 1221 by Dominican Monks shortly after their arrival in Florence. The friars began cultivating medicinal herbs in their gardens to prepare medications, balms and ointments for their convent’s small infirmary.
Once fame of their extraordinary products spread beyond Italy, it became opportune, in 1612, to open the pharmacy to the public.
The ingenuity of the formulas developed by the apothecary fathers, in the 18th century became renowned and crossed numerous borders reaching Russia, the Indies, and as far away as China.
NOW:
They have a tea room
Today the tradition is perpetuated and renewed. They use the highest quality natural raw materials and follow the artisanal procedures first established by the Dominican fathers.
The Officina is particularly attentive to the herbalist’s art which has triumphed since the enterprise began, basing all its preparations on herbs and natural lipids, with nothing tested on animals.
Each of the products has its own peculiar history. For instance one of the products “Acqua della Regina”is an essence that was created especially for Caterina de’ Medici (a noblewoman, crowned Queen of France after marrying Henry II).
There are other ancient recipes that deserve mention but perhaps that is the most popular perfume.
The original Via della Scala premises, where production took place until just a few years ago, while still a store, are genuine museum rooms. The museum’s purpose is not only to educate people about the Santa Maria Novella’s products but to benefit visitors who simply wish to see a “museum of tradition.”
The products are available in Florence.Address: (Via della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze, Italy) and major cities in Italy. They have travelled to France, Spain, Belgium and England and a few locations in the United States.
In North America you can find them at:
Address: 285 Lafayette St #2, New York, NY 10012, United States
Phone:+1 212-271-0884
Address: 8411 Melrose Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90069, United States
Phone:+1 323-651-3754
Address: 9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154, United States
Give thanks for a delicious assortment of fall-inspired scentual lip balm, bath soap, cuticle oil, you name it, it probably exists. Something to consider while sipping your Starbucks pumpkin-spice latte.
I’m striving to get my Vitamin C any way possible especially during the colder months. Luckily I love apples. Green Apples have multiple beauty benefits aside from being good for one’s overall health as they also help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to call it a natural beauty remedy.
And even though we’re lucky to see a ray of sunshine now, we should still be applying a moisturizer with SPF daily. At this time of the year I lower the amount to at least SPF 15. This is the lowest SPF you should consider. In my opinion anything less is a waste of time and anything higher than 30 (unless you ski) may not be necessary either.
As it so happens the brand’s new creative director of makeup is Gwyneth Paltrow. She should know a thing or two. Apparently she benchmarked every item against conventional versions (mostly prestige), pushing the company’s chemist, Mimi, to match their efficacies. “It can’t be that the makeup is organic and that’s why you should use it,” she says. “It has to be as good or better than anything else. That’s how you’re going to move the needle in a real way.”
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
You must be logged in to post a comment.