To Mineralize or not mineralize?

Well, that is the question now isn't it? Minerals are on every one's brain. It's in our water and smoothies, cereals, daily supplements and now our makeup as well.

 Let me start off by saying I am not a scientist nor do I plan on being one. I did however, do some research and have an opinion. There are different types of minerals feldspar, quartz, mica...  So if  we use a cosmetic product containing one of these minerals it can be marketed as 'Mineral blah, blah'. So our question should not be does it contain minerals but, what type of minerals does it have AND are those the minerals that my individual skin likes and/or needs?

So, some common minerals that are beneficial to the skin are:

Selenium- plays a key role in preventing skin cancer by protecting your skin from sun damage and reducing your chances of burning (you can find it in supplemental form or in a cream)

Copper- helps develop elastin to support skin (best combined with vitamin A and zinc)

and

Zinc- helps with acne and clears skin by controlling oil production Most mineral foundations I found contain zinc along with mica, which is to give a you a glow and blur fine lines and silica, which absorbs sweat and oils in the skin, prevents light reflection and keeps makeup on the skin longer.

 I am positive there are others but for the sake of not losing your attention I'll stick with these three. Look at the ingredients on your moisturizers, lotions and mineral makeup (foundations, eye shadows and blushes) to see what minerals are included and do a little web surfing. You, of course will find negatives and positives on virtually everything.  We all have an opinion and researching can help you form yours.

Curls Unite!

 As I was walking to my car the other day I happened to catch a glimpse of this beautiful head of curls bouncing along to the vehicle a few spaces down. When she turned she saw me and we smiled in appreciation of each other's spiraled tresses.

 It's almost as if in those few seconds there was an exchange of understanding, empathy and encouragement.
Understanding, that she too:
*has a million products in her shower that fight frizz, lock in moisture, define curls, add shine etc...
*is terrified to get a trim
*constantly has to unclog the drain in the tub/shower
*is thrilled beyond words when the hair behaves as it's supposed to because you finally found the perfect product or cocktail of products
Empathy, that she too:
*is teased for going against the norm
*has random people ask, 'is that all your hair?', 'did you get a perm?', 'can I touch it?' (the more touching the more frizz)
*suffered through the grow-out process
*has shed numerous tears over a bad haircut
Encouragement:
Rock those curls! They are a beautiful part of the many different forms style can come in!

 Yes, her hair was pretty and so was mine and I walked a little taller that day. I hope she did as well!

Check...Done...Already Taken Care Of.

Check...Done...Already Taken Care Of.
Cool news for those of us that love the TLC show, 'Say Yes to the Dress'!

The Pixie Cut

The 'Pixie Cut' is making a comeback!  It started in the twenties with women rebels stretching their boundaries of decency with scissors in tow. It's a significant style and even though short it has some versatility, (pumped up with volumizer, slicked down with gel, adorned with barrettes, headbands, flowers). Perfect summer cut and great for those with fine textured hair. Wavy hair looks good with it as well but we have to do a bit more styling to it.

The thing is, I was looking on-line to see what's in now and so many people have labeled any shorter haircut as a pixie. No! So, here it is: a pixie cut is cropped short in the back and on the sides and two to three inches longer in the crown or top of the head. It can also be short all over with longer fringe (bangs) or longer in the swirl to cover cowlicks.

Who does it look good on? A woman with confidence and fine features. High cheek bones, big eyes and full lips are played up with such a sassy style. Think Halle Berry, Eva Pigford and Alyssa Milano. Lots of texture (razor, slide cutting, chunking) comes into play with this type of cut. So, if you dare, (which I say, 'Go for it!') keep in mind that it will lose shape fast. So, trims should be scheduled every four to six weeks to keep it looking best.

Have fun with it. Get some awesome earrings and necklaces, a sassy new color shade, play up your cheeks, lips or eyes with beautiful simple make up. But above all, pair it with a bright smile, confident posture and a genuine personality and you are sure to shine!http://media.photobucket.com/image/alyssa%20milano%20short%20hair/charmed_lover34/Alyssa%2520Milano/Alyssa_Milano77.jpg
http://www.haircutshairstyles.com/img/photos/full/2009-06/halle_berry_new_short_pixie_haircut259.jpg
http://www.hairstyles53.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/eva-pigford.jpg

My Trip to Charleston

 I went to Charleston, South Carolina for a few days and recharged my battery. It was a get-away for mom and I and it was HOT! Not in that, we had such a fabulous time, but in temperature. We made the most of it. Of course, staying in the decadent Charleston Place Hotel helped quite a bit! hee, hee, hee

 We went to the spa for pedicures. Mom chose her classic red and I went with trendy jade green. Chanelle did a great job. She was gentle, quiet and thorough. I am usually not a fan of people touching my feet but she put me at ease. So, if you get over that way look her up.

 We also did an evening sailing. Not much wind by still therapeutic to the soul being on the water watching the dolphins and pelicans fishing for their dinner. It made me think I could easily live on a houseboat, of course I would have to figure some thing else out for hurricane season.
 When we arrived there was a cute salon that caught my attention, Trend Benders, so before we left I let my curiosity guide me through the doors. I met Hassan who, while working on a client, had a brief conversation with me. He's been at that location for 16 years and from what I could tell is still a visionary. He was sharing his idea of making curly hair like mine straight but in a more healthy way. It was energizing to see someone who has been in the industry as long as he has still have that twinkle in his eye and continuing to think about ways he can stretch and pull the tools and techniques he has to create something new for the benefit of the people he knows and may meet. Quite a character! I hope to still have his smile sixteen years down the road.

 Charleston streets were charming full of history. However, there was not much diversity so I stuck out with my dark curly hair. I didn't mind though. It's ok to stick out in a crowd when you're fabulous! :)

A Gracious Bride

  Saturday I did makeup for a bride in this beautiful hotel room downtown Atlanta. Truly this room was impressive (to me). It was at the Loews Hotel and the suite on the 21st floor had a full wall and corner of floor to ceiling windows. All the natural light I could ask for, an artist's dream! What was even more impressive than the room, however, was the bride herself.
  She went for the old glamour of Hollywood look and was gorgeous! I hear so many brides say, (some in jest and others in all seriousness) 'Don't make anyone prettier than me..' This girl kept telling her bridal party how beautiful they all looked and how happy she was that they were there to share in her joy, and it wasn't alcohol induced!:) It came across truly heartfelt. She was organized down to a 't'. She had a binder with iteneraries for everyone down to leaving times per group!! And of course, everything didn't go according to plan but as a testament to her character, her bridal party and stepmother (who I would want on my side any day!) rallied around her to make sure things went as smoothly as possible. Which was truly a joy to see. So many bridal parties are self consumed with how they will look that the bride is an after thought. Not these girls! Yet another testimony to her personality.
  She seemed ecstatic to be marrying the man of her heart! It was all of these components that really gave her that bridal glow and made her the prettiest girl in the room! It truly is, 'Fun being a Girl... Great being a Woman!' If you happen to read this Amber, Congratulations and thank you for letting me share such a momentous occasion with you!

Why? Why? Why? (a minor peeve)

 Why do some women insist on wearing foundation that does not match their skin tones?  It's very frustrating to see beautiful women walking around with too light or too dark foundation shades.  Makeup is supposed to enhance your appearance not completely change it.  Of course makeup is also to make you feel better and more confident. But when you wear foundation that does not match it tells me that you have insecurities with yourself and identity.  Is that the impression you want to leave with people?
  One half of the world insists on wearing lighter foundation because lighter shades of people reflect affluence and a leisurely style of life.  They don't want to look like the commoners that work in the field in the sun. The other half of the world wants to look like they are always on vacation in a sun soaked all inclusive resort.
  Remember, foundation is to disappear into the skin. However, if you feel more comfortable being a little lighter or a bit darker, stay within a shade of your skin, either a shade lighter or a shade darker. This way you still look like you and people are not distracted by the line of demarcation. Sounds simple right? I have faith in you. Make me proud!