Beauty Starts From Within

Being beautiful is not only about looking great; it’s also about feeling great! And feeling great starts with what you eat.

Have you noticed how eating foods that are greasy, fried or high in fat and sugar tend to weigh you down? You feel great when you’re downing those blissful junkies but grumpy or sluggish after it’s had time to sit in your stomach. Wonder why? It’s because the wrong foods = the wrong fuel; and without the right fuel it’s impossible to look or feel your best.

What to change how you feel for the better? Here’s how.

Fiber is your friend

Fiber-rich foods are filling and low in calories. Plus they help control blood sugar. Key foods include whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, barley, oatmeal and oat bran, apples, pears, citrus fruits, carrots, beans, and artichokes.

Got Soy?

Soybeans are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, folate and iron. Plus, it’s loaded with the good fat your body needs. Edamame is a popular soy-based snack that’s sure to prevent that mid afternoon slump that comes with a case of junkies.

Step It Up!!

Nothing gets rid of a case of the slumpy, grumpies like moving around, stretching or taking a few deep breaths. Confined to a desk for the next few hours? Trying talking a quick walk. Whether it’s around the office or down the stairs to the basement, getting your heart pumping is the best way to boost your energy.

Now you’re on your way to looking AND feeling your best!

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“The leave-in conditioner’s great; makes my hair feel silky and smooth.” ~ “Oooo, this smells good, dang!” ~ “I LOVE this crème lotion thing. It’s got a mango-y, citrusy kind of scent working—delicious!” ~ “The wrap lotion? Loved it! My hair was so bouncy and shiny.” ~ “Ooo, this feels nice.” ~ “My hair feels so soft.”

In case you didn’t pick up on it, there’s lots of  buzz about Jane Carter’s hair care products and rightfully so. Made from ingredients derived from nature, natural butters, and certified organic essential oils, Carter’s products deliver on its promise to make your hair vibrant and alive again.

Like many of you, I’m VERY selective of what products I put in my hair, especially since I made the transition from a chemical process to my natural texture. Because kinky/curly hair is prone to dryness, I only use products that return moisture to my follicles. This is where Jane Carter’s Nourish & Shine most impressed me.

Made from essential oils and natural butters, it promises to add amazing shine without the greasy feel—and it does! My hair felt soft, smelled great and had lots of shine.

Deliciously fragranced products and rave reviews aside, my favorite thing about Jane Carter is this declaration: "we believe that "hair is hair," and that segmenting hair care by ethnicity does not encourage diversity, love and multicultural coexistence."

So, ladies whether you’re hair is curly, kinky or pin straight, Jane Carter’s got a product that's just right for you. Don’t believe me? Click here and find out for yourself!

Editor's Note: I received 3 sample kits from Good Girl PR which I shared with 7 different women who'd never tried or heard of Jane Carter, including myself. The above statements are actual comments from people who used the product for the first time.

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What I initially liked about the Glimpse skincare line was the scent. It's a very natural scent, not perfumey at all. It blends well with the skin and leaves no after fragrance. I don't walk away smelling like a fruit tree, medicine cabinet or flower shop. I just feel fresh and clean. I like that the moisturizers are not heavy nor leave a residue.

Through the convergence of time-honored techniques and advanced, customized technology from Japan, BioActive X3 Complex is enhanced with mangosteen-infused water, biofermentation and cold processing to preserve and amplify the potent phytonutrients found in mangosteen. Glimpse Skin Care additionally is intuitive, featuring self-adjusting formulas to address your skin's ever-changing needs. The more you use Glimpse Skin Care, the better it works for you. This scientific care and attention to detail ensures performance-driven skin nutrition coupled with vital safety and rare purity.

I also sampled the mineral treatment. It's easy to apply with good coverage, and can be used in conjunction with their Mangosteen Pericarp Oil for a wet application as well. Again I didn't feel like I was wearing something heavy on my face.  I love the matte look.   It is free of toxins such as Titanium Dioxide, Talc, Oxychloride Bismuth, Parabens, Phthalates and Silicones.

BioActive™ X3 Complex, in harmony with zinc oxide, oat protein powder, silk powder, bio-chelated minerals and our Energizing Gemstone Complex, work together to naturally enhance your skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and minimizing the appearance of pores. Protect your skin, guard your health and benefit our planet with our perfect blend of nature.

These products are available through independent consultants, or on the XanGo website. And consultants receive a considerable discount on their own products, making it an affordable option and business opportunity all in one.

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Confidence

Confidence: Beauty That Never Fails

Vibrant. Stunning. Beautiful.

We've seen them. They're the go-getters and mountain movers. They slay the monsters under the bed and make boo-boo's dissipate with a kiss. They embrace all life has to offer knowing that you can't enjoy the flowers unless it rains every now and again. They're mothers, activists, engineers and CEO's; but most importantly, they're confident.

Confidence isn't something that's sold in a jar. It's released–from within–as self-truths, discoveries and acceptances are embraced. Confidence changes how you walk into a room, how you speak and even how you think. It's magnetic and boldly declares to those near and far: I KNOW my worth and my value; and regardless of what you think of me, I LOVE who I am.  THAT is beauty at its finest.

Take an inventory of who most people think are beautiful: Michelle Obama, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sharon Stone, etc. Regardless of what you think of these women, there's an undeniable truth: their confidence in themselves radiates a beauty that sets them apart from other women. Would the First Lady be perceived as beautiful if she had a withdrawn, anxious or slouched demeanor?  Probably not.

As human beings, we're drawn to what stands out; we're attracted to the extraordinary.

Beauty starts with self-acceptance and self-acceptance breeds confidence. We all have flaws or cracks in our armor; but it doesn't have to define how we think and feel about ourselves.

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Beauty

Say What? The Best Beauty Tips You've Never Heard Of!

We've all heard the beauty secrets: lemon juice and sunlight help to lighten the hair, green tea bags under the eyes helps to reduce puffiness and swelling or that a sugar, honey and vitamin E oil concoction works wonders for the skin and face. You name it, we've heard it–until now.

Here are some beauty tips that will definitely make you go hmmm.

Got Lip Balm?

It's that time of year where we reach for the lip balms, chapsticks and the like to keep our lips hydrated. But did you know that using some of these products actually makes your dry lips worse? The problem is phenol. It's used to treat pain but it's also known to cause strip the lips of moisture.

Dry and Flaky No More

Do you get that pink, splotchy or flaky flare up between your brows or on your forehead? Dabbing a bit of dandruff shampoo on that area and letting it set for 5 minutes before rinsing helps to alleviate that problem. According to research, you should do this three times a week.

Conditioned Cuticles

Deep hydrating hair conditioners can do double-duty. Soaking your fingers and cuticles in a deep moisture conditioner for up to 5 minutes and then rinsing, helps to alleviate dry, cracked or peeling cuticles.

Remember, beauty's not limited to achieving a certain look. It's about maintaining, enhancing and learning to love the look you've got.

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How to Choose a Make-up Artist

As a professional make-up artist, I try to be very careful not to judge the work of other make-up artists. But it is my duty as a card carrying member of the 'I Am a Diva Club' (it should be a club), to issue a warning to the unsuspecting men and women who fall prey to those who don the name "professional make-up artist."  Ordinarily, I'd pass on a subject like this, but after seeing so many people with bad make-up done by "professionals,"  I've reconsidered. Here are three rules to help you avoid a makeover that just isn't making it.

Rule #1: Check out the artist

First impressions are everything. When meeting a make-up artist for the first time make sure you look for the obvious: tastefully applied makeup. Now it is true that everyone has different styles and their style may not necessarily reflect your own; however, style isn't what's most important–it's application and appearance. Is he or she put together? Does he or she seem to have good taste? And don't be afraid to switch make-up artists especially if their hygiene isn't as fresh as it should be.

Rule #2: Body of Evidence

Let's say you meet with your artist and he or she is going au natural–they're not wearing make-up at all. What do you do? Ask for a portfolio. Professional make-up artists should have a collection of pictures showcasing their work. Even if the photos consist of a few camera phone pictures, the point is they should have some of their work for you to view. Also, look for a variety of styles and techniques so you can can see the range of their capabilities.

Rule #3: Go for a Test Drive

Every make-up artist should offer you a trial session or a consultation. This is extremely important especially if you need make-up for a special occassion like a wedding or prom, etc. A trial session gives you the chance to make an educated decision before your big day. Could you imagine planning for your special day and everything turns out perfect, except your face? The reality is this happens but it doesn't have to happen to you. Also, make sure the artist chooses the right type of make-up for the right occassion. For example, make-up for a photo shoot is going to be very different than the make-up used to make-over a person going out on the town.

In the end, it's all about trusting your "beauty sense". If something doesn’t feel right about your make-over or it's taking too long, trust your instincts and get out of there as quickly as you can–without making a scene!

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Supple Skin Even In Winter

I love autum in New York State: hues of orange, red and yellow spot the hill sides, apples and pumpkins are ripe for picking and white dustings of snow speckle the lawn.  Yes, for many of us, snow flakes in October is a harrowing reality especially for our skin–but it doesn't have to be.

Whether winter starts in October or January, you can help prevent it from wrecking havoc on your skin.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Dry, chaffed skin. It's one of the tell tale signs that winter has arrived. If your like me, then as soon as the weather changes so does your skin. Moisture dissipates, skin becomes parched AND  fine lines and wrinkles seem magnified. In other words, you're 30 but your skin feels more like you're 60. Even people who have oily skin are affected. Contrary to popular belief, skin + oil does NOT equal moist. Want to reverse the winter curse? Here's how:

• Water is your friend ~ one of the best ways to help seal in skin's moisture is to apply moisturizer when the skin is damp. Not only does the lotion go on smoother, the skin absorbs it faster leaving the skin looking soft and supple.
• Drink up ~ make sure you're drinking ample amounts of water throughout the day (8-10 glasses). Our bodies are composed of at least 70 percent water. Drinking enough water goes a long way to maintaining healthy, more nourished skin.
• A dab of oil will do you ~ Sometimes, I add 1-2  drops of my favorite scented oils to my moisturizer. Lavender, lemon or chamomile oils work wonders for the skin. Don't like scented oils? Vitamin E, A or C oils work even better! Still not intrigued? Try adding a dab of Jane Carter's Nourishing Creme to your facial moisturizer for deliciously fragranced and glowing skin.
• Choose your cleanser wisely ~ I've learned an important fact: sometimes the best cleansers are the simplest cleansers. I find that using gentle soaps like Dove Moisture bar or Neutrogena Deep Cleanser work wonders in keeping my skin's pH balance in check. Who says you have to have all the cleanser 'bells and whistles' to have great clean skin?
• An apple a day ~ eating foods that are rich in water like apples, grapes, tomatoes and the like will definitely have an impact on your skin's appearance. Look for softer, more radiant skin.

What are some of the ways you plan on keeping your skin supple this winter? Remember, it's never too early to start, especially where I'm from!

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Votre Vu is a line of anti-aging products.  I tried the restorative neck cream which I love because it has the feel and smell of the old cold creams and does not leave you feeling greasy.  I use it at night along with their wrinkle eraser . I apply this product mostly to my forehead since {shudders} it's beginning to show signs of my first wrinkles.

For travel  I use Om's travel sized sample kit. Om has created chemical and preservative-free skin care products made from pure organic ingredients.  I love that their products do not have an overbearing scent (I am particularly in love with the white truffle face cream).  And for $49, I have an entire face care kit of quality organic products to use on the go.

One of my favorite products so far is the No Foundation Foundation by Perricone M.D.  It is a universal shade that works great even with my olive skin. It helps to smooth blotchy areas and it gives a translucent appearance, as opposed to a heavy matte finish like some foundations.  I was impressed with how well it evened out my skin–I could hardly believe it; plus it still looked natural.  At $50, it's pricier than a lot of your foundations but you are also getting the benefit of an SPF 30 nonchemical sunscreen with antioxidants to help with the aging process.  To me, it is a must have!

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Callex

This Winter Kiss Your Dry, Cracked Feet Goodbye!

Callex by Xenna: A Product Review

To date, one of my favorite things about being the Blissful Beauty Editor is–you guessed it–getting free samples! From hair products to lip glosses, I have the *agonizing* task of trying out the latest in beauty trends and products. * skip, hop, giggle, wiggle* <— For those of you who're new to Blissful Beauty, that's my WHOO HOO dance! Sorry, I digress.

Not too long ago, I received a sample of Callex a product that promises to "thins and soften hardened skin and exfoliates dry, cracked heels." In laymen's terms, it helps to alleviate the, dry-cakey-often- times- scratchy, hard skin that accumulates at the bottom of the heel. If you're like me–and many of you are–your heels are UNSIGHTLY especially during the winter.  This is where Callex shines.

It's patented, natural enzyme ointment works to rid your heels of its dry, cracked skin. The ointment selectively targets and exfoliates dry, thickened skin while it simultaneously moisturizes and smooths. It dons a light, sweet peppermint scent and glides on more like a lotion than an ointment.

The verdict? I was impressed! My feet didn't feel greasy or sticky AND my skin felt smoother, softer after just one use–just like Xenna promises. Plus, it's diabetic friendly. But don't take my word for it, read what others are saying about Callex.

If you're planning on donning a pair of sexy slingback heels this holiday season, why not give Callex a try?  Your heels just might love you for it!

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