The Son not the Sun

Having been a professional makeup artist more than a decade, I have heard the question hundreds of times: "What is your best makeup tip?' In thirteen years my #1tip has never changed! Ladies hear it is...ready? Wear your sunscreen!!!! Yep that's it. I can see the drop in your face already and hear the sigh of disappointment. I know you were hoping that I would open up my treasure chest of secrets all to help transform your look. Oh sweet girlfriends, what you don't know is that I have!!!

Wearing sunscreen on a daily basis not only prevents premature aging, but it also protects and prevents your chances of developing skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer develop every year. If that is not enough to convince you, then perhaps its time I told you that there is no magic anti aging miracle cream, no lotion potion, and no miracle drug that can correct aging skin. The number one cause of premature aging is sun exposure, so it only makes since that the number one preventative is sunscreen. Here is just some FYI for you to tuck in your back pocket when it comes to sunscreen.

1.) Look for sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB rays. To make this simple for you, think of UVA as the Aging rays, and UVB as the Burning rays.

2.) Don't be fooled by sunscreens that say SPF of 75 or 100. Nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays. UVB protection does not actually increase proportionately with a designated SPF number. For example, an SPF of 30 screens 97% t of UVB rays, whereas an SPF of 15 screens 93 % of UVB rays, and an SPF of 2 screens 50% of UVB rays. However, inadequate application of sunscreen may result in a lower SPF than the product contains, which leads to my third point.

3.) Most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. One application is approximately 1 ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass. Make sure to cover all exposed areas thoroughly including the ears and hands. Just a little secret ladies: your face may look young, but your hands will give your real age, and I look every time. Protect them!

4.) Keep in mind there is no safe way to tan. The sun's rays do the most damage between 10AM-4PM. If your shadow is shorter than you seek shade when possible. There are plenty of way to look bronze beautiful in a safe way. I will cover that on my next post. For now I want you to focus on protecting your beautiful skin.

It is never too late to start protecting your skin.Where do you begin? I'm so glad you asked! My sunscreens of choice are:
Celazone available at http://www.amazon.com/ which is amazing for all skin types, including acne prone skin. Celazome has very few ingredients and is non irritating. It truly lasts all day. I have been a user of this product for three years.

I'm am loving the new Tropical Vanilla SPF 32 Sun Cream by Eminence http://www.eminenceorganics.com/. It has been clinically tested to increase moisture levels in the skin by 250% after one week of use. This one is a newby for me, but most definitely a keeper. I can't get enough of this product. My skin doesn't feel sucked dry after sun exposure. It is available in a face and body formula. I haven't been daring enough to try it for face yet as I'm so prone to breakout.

Are you super sunscreen sensitive?? No problem!!! Try the SPF travel powder by http://www.eminenceorganics.com/, or http://www.chantecaille.com/. Both come in a translucent color, and contain at least an SPF of 30. Keep in mind that mineral powder SPF's don't always protect as well as creams and lotions so limit your sun exposure.

Are you in need of cheap sunscreen that still protects well? My pick is good ole WaterBabies by Coppertone. The thick rich formula covers and protects the most sensitive and fairest of skin (me :)), not to mention it has the best smell. It always reminds me of summer. They also have a chubby stick I recommend for face and lips. The best thing about these two products is that they are available at just about any drugstore or supermarket on the planet.

Spotlight:

I have a question? What has burned you? I don't just mean physically, I mean what has burned you emotionally, mentally, spiritually? The husband or boyfriend that promised forever? The coworker, the parent, the child, the friend, the shopping, the martini, the magazines, the career? ...and the list goes on.

Next question, When that person or thing burned you, what position on your priority list could I find it? Was it above or below Jesus? Ouch and mega OUCH!!!
I have to tell you, as much as I don't want to, often times the people or things that burn us so bad cause such a burn because they moved up a position on the priority list. Perhaps they took number one. Check out this verse:

"Those that cling to worthless idols, forfeit the grace that could be theirs." Jonah 2:8

I'm in no way saying that the people, or things in our lives are worthless, but I am saying I don't want us placing them as an idol above Jesus. I ask you, sunburn and all, to take what has burned you to the throne of the Son that saves. Grab your grace back and let him heal you. Sit with Jesus and reprioritize your list, making sure He is number one, and ummmmm it might be a good idea for sunscreen to be number two!!

Pencil Me In

The pencil skirt is a classic that your closet will appreciate. This shape makes it's way onto the runway and into your favorite stores season after season. If you do not currently own a pencil skirt, may I suggest a neutral color (grey, black or brown) to ease you into the classic trend. It is ideal to wear pumps, not only for your self esteem but also to make you look more like a super model and less like an office cubicle extraordinaire :) Depending on your work environment this trend can be worn several ways. May I suggest looking on J.Crew's website, they have countless ways to wear this look.

Spotlight:

"1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3

Can you imagine what your life would look like if you were completely humble and gentle 100% of the time? Or take it one step further, if others were like that??? I know! Crazy. This verse is such a challenge! Our pray for you is that you will love others, and have patience for everyone in your life, just as Christ has patience with you. When you are feeling at your whit's end we pray that you take a step back and see where they are coming from. Look at the situation from another perspective. Have grace towards one another, and towards yourself. God gives it out endlessly.

Quench That Thirsty Skin

As the seasons change, our skin feels the effect the same way we do. You may be noticing your skin being a bit dryer and feeling, somewhat, tight. We hear all the time the great benefits of water and how we need to drink more of it. Drinking more water is just as beneficial for the functioning of the skin as it is for the body. You won't see me without my SmartWater bottle.
I am a big believer that you must hydrate from the inside out as well as the outside in. When our skin is dry or dehydrated is shows in every crease, crevice, and, pore. Not to mention our makeup does not go on smooth or look even. In my book, this is definately a huge fashion faux pas because our face makes one of the biggest first impressions. To take your face from drab to fab in a instant, I suggest Youngblood Minerals in the Mist to quench that thirsty skin. You can carry it with you anywhere and use it as often as you want throughout the day. It not only will give the skin a "water break" everytime you use it, but it is jam packed with moisture binding vitamins and minerals. After cleansing your skin, apply your favorite moisturizer (my pick of choice:Pumpkin Cream Essence by Rhonda Allison)and SPF (my pick of choice: Obagi SPF30)then spritz on Youngblood Mineral Mist to lock in moisture, then again after apply your makeup to set the foundation. This mineral mist is one big "pick me up" and is a great way to jumpstart the skin as well as your senses. I like to think of it as a "breath of fresh air" for the skin. Youngbloods Mineral Mist comes in three tantalizing teasing blends-Refresh(Tangerine and Grapefruit), Restore(Grapefruit, Lime, and Rosemary), and Recharge(Mint and Ginger). You will never achieve that sought after healthy glow without hydration. So next time your skin is looking a bit dull grab, spritz, and go.. and your on to a healthy and hydrated look.

Spotlight:

Jesus reminds us in John7:37-38 that "If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him".

Spiritually parched? We encourage you to go to Jesus. Talk to him about what is sucking you dry. You will find yourself getting to a place of overflow...

Refresh, Restore, and Recharge in a mistful sort of way.

Cover Girl

It has been a long time since the cover of a magazine has taken my breath away, but this one did the job. Gwen Stefani looks amazing!!! Her look is breathtakingly (is this even a word? :0) gorgeous! She looks so soft and approachable...a look that never goes out of style. Want to re-create the look??? I mean who wouldn't want a look this good?! Here are the product must-haves:
Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer No.1 EvenSkin
JK Jemma Kidd Pro Finish Moisture Tint Collection
JK Jemma Kidd Stain/Flush/Blush Makeup Concentrate - Masquerade
Ardell Fashion Lashes Strip - Black (105)
Boots No7 Extreme Length Mascara - Black
Boots No7 Stay Perfect Eye Color Cream - Fudge
Boots No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick - Chic
There you have it girls. A face of gorgeous glam certain to have others screaming...Cover Girl!!!
And ummmmm, one more small thing...this look is yours for just under $100! This is a time you have full permission to go gossip to all. Your wallet will thank you!

Spotlight:
How often do we pick up a magazine, look at the cover model, flip through, look at the pictures, and put it back? I'm not at all suggesting that we fill our minds with tabloid garbage, but it do think it is interesting that we will stare all day at a face, and never find out more about the face we are so drawn to. Part of being a cover girl for a magazine is the interview that goes along with the photoshoot. She has a story to tell!!!
While reading about Gwen, I learned that she took breaks between shoots to nurse her little one, something I would have never known about her had I chosen not to look inside.
This forced me to ask myself two question that I now present to you:

1.) Are you creating and making up an attractive person that people are drawn to?
2.) If so, what is the storey on the inside (who am I reflecting, what am I promoting)?

2 Corinthians 5: 16-20 (The Message)
16-20Because of this decision we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don't look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.

The truth is we are cover girls for something. Wear your external beauty in such a way that women not only flip through the pages, but look inside. Create the opportunity to tell someone else about Jesus, and be a...(Sing it with me)...Biblically Beautiful...Cover Girl!!!!!!

Scarfed With Light

Photography: Blake Campbell
Makeup: Chelsie Trumphour
Model: Ashley Summerfield

Ok this is just too good to keep to myself. One the same day we posted Walk in the Light
this picture was released. I honestly wasn't expecting it for weeks, as it was only taken three days ago. I cannot even tell you the emails and Facebooks that have come our way over this talk of walking in the light. I cannot encourage you enough to get with a close friend and talk through your struggles. What are some things you can do to let your life light up? What friends do you need to talk to? What accountability do you have in place? I remind you of the words form Matthew 5.

Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)
14-16"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Girls, God loves us way too much to get caught in the dark. Get a bright scarf for you and a friend and talk about the tough stuff. Remember that darkness does not define the light, but light certainly defines the darkness. Go light up...bright scarf and all.
Enjoy the video below to Christy Nockles song Life Light Up.

A Little Lip Service

Just because dim matte lip looks are very much in this season, doesn't mean you should leave your pucker in the dark. Wearing lipstick (especially matte) on top of unattended lips is as much an eye-sore as wearing circles and stripes!

Drench the dry and cracky with a little bit of lip service.

.

1.) Begin by mixing a a little sugar with a 1/2 tsp of olive oil.

2.) Place the mixture on the corner of a moist wash cloth and rub the lips in a circular motion to remove dry, dead skin cells. (please spare me the devistation of picturing you scrub your lips to death with a dry toothbrush. You will only add to the problem).

3.) Wipe the lips clean with the moist wash cloth.

NOW the lips are ready for moisture!

My recommendation is Luxe Moisture Balm and Flawless Lip by Trish McEvoy. This mega moisture duo will most certainly rain on the dryness parade, leaving your lips to show & tell "matte" in style.

To accomplish velvety matte lips follow steps 1-3. Pat dry with a dry towel and apply Flawless Lip all over the lip area. Next apply a flat lip color to the lips such as Trish McEvoy Essential Pencil in Nude or Sweet Berry. Lastly and most certainly not least apply a dab of Luxe Balm to the pout and bow tie of the lip (and any time the lips feel parched).

Oooh la la! Lips at your Service.

Spotlight: Question? How many of you have been hurt by words?? (Oh wait!!! I can't take all the hands at once!) How many of you have said something you wish you could take back?? (Can I get a show of hands please! It really is ok, you're not the only one.) The truth is we have all been hurt by words. In as much we have hurt others with our own words.
Proverbs 12:18 tells us, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
The truth is, you may be wearing the latest shade of Chanel on your lips (glossmier and all), have reckless words coming out of your mouth and you will have an unattractive mouth. Simple as that. Girls, we are here to learn how to look our best! The above scripture tells us, clearly, we can heal with our words. Don't get caught with dry mouth! Hydrate your words, Luxe Balm and all, so next time you are tempted to get caught tongue-in-cheek what comes out is..."Lips at your service!!"

One Fabulous Find

To those of you that have had the priviledge of smelling Trish McEvoy #9 Blackberry and Vanilla Musk fragrance know that there truly is no better nose candy. It is the most amazing whiff of sexy sweet, meets playful, meets your inner whimsy! This fragrance is at its peek performance when layered on top of the #9 lotion or body cream. For the spender scream score, but to the budget bunch there might be a note of caution.

Never fear!! This is where Fab Find, Blueberry Thrill by Soap & Glory comes to the rescue. This tub of yummy blueberry goodness not only moisturizes the skin, but is also loaded with super-smoothing 5-fruit mix that helps clear dead cells, giving you the smoothest skin ever. At $14.99 does it get any better??? Let me think...at a 1/4 of the price you can own a body cream that smells as close to Trish McEvoy #9 Body Cream as you are gonna get!!! It just doesn't get better than that!!!! Oh wait...I think it does :)...I just spotted this treasure on sale at Target for $7.99! Yes...$7.99!!!!! At this price you can go ahead and pick up the large bottle of Trish #9 fragrance and still save, while strutting in layered luxury.
Ok...Yes! I understand you gotta go to Target!!! I'll make the spotlight quick!
Spotlight: As you lather on the berry bliss, consider the fragrance that the Lord most desires.

"and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:2
Challange: Make an effort to love someone not easy to love today. Perhaps the mother with a basket full of groceries and two screaming kids would love a tub of Blueberry Thrill as well!
Comment on your success stories...love, blueberries, and all.

Nail It!!!

If you want to nail it this season, remember to go short in order to go deep. This season women who would never do away with the fake frenchies, go short, and all natural to wear navy, aubergine or slate gray on their nails. Black is also back! These dramatic colors are the finishing beauty touch this season that will make a huge fashion statement.

Not sure where to start? I suggest you make a quick trip to a nail salon for nail trimming, shaping, and polish. This is a service you can truly do on the cheap...running as low as $7-$10 at some salons. Have the nail tech cut the nail just longer than the quick, and square, or round them off, avoiding tapering. Next your ready for polish. My recommendation for easy transition into this trend is Lincoln Park At Dark by OPI. This color will create fashion savvy without causing anxiety.

Spotlight: As you nail it this season remember who did it first.
"Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements (sin) that was against us, He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." Colossians 2:14
Prayer: Jesus I thank you for taking my place on a cross, taking the nails, and suffering for me. I thank you because you paid the price for my sin I can expereince heaven. Thank you for being nailed for me! Amen!
Going deep into Jesus!

Fall-ing Away

Now that Fall is officially here feel free to fall back and play it cool with all the rich colors this season has to offer. If you have yet to get the guts to wear smouldering eyes or berry, rich lips, today is the day. This look by NARS Cosmetics got daring and played up both the eyes and lips. FYI this trend is hot this cooler season. If you prefer to play it safe smoke up those eyes or wine-up those lips.

Happy Fall!!

Spotlight: As you Fall away with all the rich trends this season, make sure your spiritual life doesn't do the same. Mark 4:17 tells us this,

"But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away."

I pray this Fall season as you watch the trees loose their leaves and appear dead, you will be reminded that they are rooted well. They are very much alive because their roots are strong. As you face times that make you feel lifeless be encouraged.

"Blessed is the man who does not fall away." Matthew 11:6

Be rooted well as you enjoy Fall-ing Away (smokey eyes and all!! :))

Polish Up

With summer over and our skin being at its dullest, it is most defiantly time to polish up that rutty completion and reveal that bright and healthy glow. If you want to go from drab to fab in as little as 15 minutes, with no down time, then enzymes are the choice for you.

My pick is Rhonda Allison's Pumpkin Parfait Enzyme. It is made up of all natural pumpkin enzymes that will seduce your senses while removing surface build up and enriching your skin with antioxidants. It will leave your skin looking polished and plump. Always cleanse your skin first then apply the enzyme.. 15 minutes later.. WAH LAH!!! The new you is revealed. Make sure to make a date with this, much needed guiltless pleasure, on a weekly basis. This will be sure to keep you putting a healthy, vibrant, face forward every time.

Caution: This could leave your taste buds teased with its Pumpkin Pie aroma!!

Loose it with Style

Loose waves are a trend all of us can take advantage of this fall. Yes, even if your hair is stick straight. If your hair is naturally curly you have several options: Apply a curl enhancing product after you towel dry like Bumble & bumble Defining Creme or Surf Spray. Squeeze into your hair with your hand from the bottom up to enhance your curls. You can also diffuse your hair with curl enhancing products to acheive the same look. For stick straight hair (I feel you ladies), blow dry your hair completley. Spray a heat protectant, like Sebastian Trilliant over your hair, and use a flat iron or larger curling iron to create curls. With this trend, the more natural looking the better, so don't worry about having your curls start at the top of your head. One thing I like about this trend is that it can last for more than a day. With a little phoophing (you know another way to spell it?) you are good to go for a second or even 3rd (gasp!) day. You can use Bumble and Bumble Tonic spray all over your hair to reactivate and restyle with products already in your hair.