Prayerful Consideration

Hello friends!

I just want to let you know that we are praying for the future direction of 3 Vanities. I definitely have a vision for it, but want to be certain we are walking with God, not doing our own thing! With so many things going on in the world today, don't forget that you are beautiful, you are God's and we serve Him, not the world. We live in the world, but not of the world.

We will be back soon with many fun adventures to share....

xoxo
Viv and Fern

Kiss Winter Goodbye

Now that the blizzards are gone (hopefully), and Fashion Week is before us I just want to show you a new favorite of mine. J Mendel, is amazing! He previewed his Fall RTW line this week, with inspirations from Autrialia, art deco and geometric influences. I am most impressed with his 2011 Resort line. With all this snow, crazy everyday life and work-- it's easy to catch myself daydreaming for better days to come.

This line focus on flattering hues, slimming shapes, sequins, shimmer and the most beautiful textures. If one of these beauties isn't in your budget, at least get a spray tan and have fun with your own wardrobe! You will feel better about Spring, it's just around the corner!

Fringe Benefits

Fringe is a very hot trend for fall. One reason we love this trend is because it's unlimited based on your interpretation. Look at these 3 ways to wear this trend.

1. Fringe on your bag

This Botkier Morgan Satchel is a beauty. I like the fringe detailing because it's not overdone. It's just a sweet little detail to a bold color on a structured bag.

2. Fringe bangs

If you want to sound like you are "in the know" in the salon world, refer to your bangs as "fringe". Full fringe is a simple trend to embrace this fall. Most salons will give you bangs on the house, just call and ask. We recommend styling your bangs first, before tackling the rest of your locks. Valentina (shown here) has got this trend down.

3. Fringe Lashes

Okay, this trend is for all of you dare devils! I know you're out there! Shu Uemura's Feather Lashes ($25) are a bold way to wear fringe this fall. If you choose to wear these you will most definitely be eye catching (sorry, Elem Ed major- couldn't help it)! This would be something easy to wear to spruce up your LBD for an evening. I would think just like these models shown you should keep everything simple.

Spotlight:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24
Even though we work for men, it's nice to know that we are not receiving an inheritance from him. It seems like everything these days is tangible and can be gone in an instant. So lovely ladies, be careful with your inheritance and what you do to earn it. Our days are short, and not to be taken for granted.

Reader's Choice Awards

Last month Allure released their Reader Choice Awards for products. After reading that article, I feel I have nothing in common with the American woman! So, we want to know what your go-to products are! Just leave all your fav's in a comment!

Tell us your favorite: Face Cleanser & Moisturizer, Body Wash, Razor, Facial Powder/ Foundation, Blush, Bronzer, Mascara, Eyeshadow, Lipstick or Gloss, and Perfume! Anything else that you want to share? Leave it in the box :)

Spotlight:
I just want to encourage you to be who you are and to be confident in yourself and your opinions. You are a woman of God and you are beautifully and wonderfully made!

Easy Breezy

One of the things I love most about the summer, is getting away with doing your hair however. It's basically hot and sticky all summer long, and your hair seems to be on summer vacation too. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray is a perfect product for indecisive hair. All you do is spray this on wet hair. Let it dry naturally or diffuse with a blow dryer. After that, just keep your hands out of your hair and let it do what it wants to. This product works great on all lengths and textures of hair too. Embrace this chill summer style!



Spotlight: Read Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." As a women, I find myself worrying about all kinds of crazy things I have no control over. That's one reason I think it's nice to give my summer style a break. There are plenty of other things that deserve more of our attention besides our hair. So, I encourage you to take it easy. Don't sweat the small stuff, and enjoy the sweet things of our days.

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!!

The (Wo)man in the Mirror

No fashion, skin care or makeup advice for you today. Although, Carrie's vanity is sa-weet!

Just a good word from the Spirit:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen"

Ephesians 3:20, 21

I find myself fretting over the same things day after day, and even beyond that. This verse is encouraging to me that God is able to do "immeasurably more than we ask or imagine". So can he handle your bills? Yes! Insecurities? Yes! (Fill in the blank)? Yes!