Lemonade Manicure and Pedicure

As I was driving the other day I saw a sign outside of a spa advertising Lemonade manicures and pedicures. It just sounded simply summery and refreshing, but then I thought about how gimmicky it all sounded. Was there a real benefit to a lemonade procedure??

Lemons have been used for centuries in beauty, to lighten the hair, make skin look fresher and younger and to simply lift your spirits with it's aromatherapy. Using it for the hands and feet are only a natural progression.

Lemons remove stains from the nails we often get from using darker shades of nail polish. They also remove discolouration from the skin as well as softening the skin for east removal of any dryness and callus! The aroma is also just a natural lift to the spirit which of course cannot be ignored when relaxing during a mani, pedi session!

So there is a lot to be said for a lemonade beauty treatment... is it a little gimmicky during these hot summer months...yes!!! Never the less if your local spa offers this treatment take advantage, the benefits are real!

Using Coloured Liners to Create Summer Drama

During the summer months you don't often don't want to be putting on a lot of makeup just to go out into the heat. So what is a makeup lover to do when they still want to make a statement??

 I turn to my coloured eyeliners! Liquid, gel, kohl the types are almost endless these days and they are a great option for someone who loves to play with colour during the hot months!

I have oily lids so during the hot months I do tend to lean towards liquid or gel liners as they set to a budge proof finish. I keep my pencils and kohls for the waterline mostly this time of year.

I love using liquid liner to create a bold pop of colour, then add black just at the lash line to create the depth I love. With so many colours out there to choose from these days the possibilities are endless.

Cleaning Your Jewellery

I asked a while ago if everyone would like to learn the way this obsessed gal keeps her jewellery clean and I was surprised to see how many people were really interested to know what I do! So if you are obsessed with keeping those gems sparkling just like me keep on reading!!

One of my routines is for jewellery that can get grime into hard to clean places, earrings certain rings and even watches (keeping the face of the watch dry of course!) This uses something that I think is a miracle worker... Oxy Clean powder.  I take a glass of hot water and add a tablespoon of Oxy Clean to the mix, the bubbling action that begins right away is what cleans the dirt. Without stirring ad your gems and let sit until the bubbling stops. If it has been a while you will see dirt on the surface of the glass... gross I know but this means clean jewels!! Rinse off your items and be amazed!

Another routine of mine is using toothpaste and a toothbrush (meant just for this task) for cleaning my rings etc. The toothpaste makes the items sparkle like crazy and the toothbrush gets the dirt out of every nook and cranny possible!! I tend to do this at least twice a week for my rings I wear everyday!

What is your routine for cleaning your jewellery??

Quick Tip - Don't Let That Foundation Go to Waste!

I am always being asked for tip's and tricks for makeup. So I have decided to add quick tips here and there so let you all know some of my favourites.

Quick tip for the day is a favourite of mine for foundations that you simply don't use because they are just a little too dark for you. Simply add some of this foundation to your moisturizer to give yourself a great tinted moisturizer on those day's where you simply don't need foundation. It's a great way to use product that would normally just go to waste. When I really want a glow I also add a little liquid illuminator to the mix as well!

Do you have a great quick tip?? Let me know at makeupkase@hotmail.com. It may get included on a future quick tip post!

Great Lipstick Shades for Valentines Day!

Valentine's day is just one of those times a year where you want to look your best for that special someone! Lipstick can send out the signal that you are ready for romance!

Lipstick was first used to make women look more fertile and therefore attractive to the male of our species. When women are fertile or aroused their lips become flushed, which is what the first lipsticks were meant to mimic.

We have moved on since those days venturing into colours that really just mean we like to play with colour. With nude the look that many women want today it totally goes again the original purpose for adding colour to the lips!

Here are a few of my favourite lippies, great for completing that Valentines look! There is something for you here, whether you want to use a romantic red or a coy nude!

Besame Cosmetics in either Cherry Red, or Merlot.

MAC Russian Red

Gosh Darling

MAC Myth

My favorite gloss is Sally Hansen Lip Inflation in either Sheer Blush or Sheer Pink!

What colour are you planning on wearing this Valentines Day??

Ban Dry Winter Skin

If you are anything like me you suffer from dry skin during the winter season. It's a horrible feeling and is inevitable during this cold season. There are some easy steps you can do, as well as not do to help keep your skin as moisturized during the cold months of winter.

1. Avoid hot baths- I know we all love them but hot water will dry the skin. Keep baths as short as you can and keep them luke warm. Use bath products that will but moisture into the skin. Shower instead of a bath when ever possible ( I know I am a bath lover too, but it is extremely drying) and opt for a shower instead!
2. Use a humidifier- Going from the heat into the cold and back is very taxing on the skin. Blowing heat in homes and especially in the car can dry out skin in a short amount  of time. Using a cool steam humidifier will help balance out the moisture in your home and not only benefit your skin but often your sinuses as well.
3. Moisturize more- I know it sounds simple, but many people don't realize that during the cold months it is necessary to add moisture more often to the skin. As well using stronger lotions is usually needed. Look for creams with 'humectants', or labeled as ointments. Be careful when switching your face cream as you don't want to cause skin irritation. Usually the brand you normally buy will have a more moisturizing option.
4. Hydrate from within- I know you have heard it before but assuring your body is hydrated will aid your skin. As well new studies suggest trying fish oil or omega-3 for soothing dry skin. Omega-3 aids our body in more then one way so no matter the time of year this supplement is a great one to take for overall health.

I know there are dozens more tips, but these are the one's that I find the most helpful for combating the dry skin of winter. What are your tips for moist skin during the cold months??

Stocking Stuffers for Your Makeup Lover this Christmas!

  
It can be so hard to buy cosmetics for that makeup lover on your list. There are so many 'safe' options that they will love that I thought I would share a small list if you are finding hard to buy for that special person this holiday season.

Unless they have made you a list colours can be hard to purchase, foundations can be hard to match without the person present, and shadow's etc can be daunting to say the least. There are some staple products though that we makeup lovers can never seem to have enough of. If you look in a stocked makeup drawer anywhere in the world you will numerous variations of these products at once, so here is the safe list!

Mascara is always a safe bet. I usually have 4 different ones going at any given time, and I am always looking for a new one!

Second is eye liner, something I can never have enough of. There are many types of liners out there so the options are endless. For a very young makeup lover I would suggest a pencil, they are easier to apply and it is easy to correct mistakes. For someone who loves the dramatic liquid is always a great option, and always a favorite in black!

Third is nail polish, I know I said to stay away from colours but this is the exception! If I could I would have one of every shade available, and many other makeup addicts are the same!!

Fourth is an amazing clear lip gloss! We all have them, love them and could use another! Gloss is another one of those things I am always looking to try, and clear is the safest option that can be worn to add shine to any favorite lipstick!

If you are shopping a counter ask about their best seller or newest offering. If you are shopping at the drug store, look for that product that has been placed on on a stand alone display! This usually means that this is a new from the company so they are looking to give it some special attention!

I know there are endless more options and I would love to hear yours! I hope this just gives you a point to start from when shopping for that makeup addict on your list!

Conditioner Wash Only... Does it Work???

Recently I have been looking for new ways to condition and treat my hair. I was drawn in when I heard that Leesha (xsparkage from youtube) had tried Wen Cleansing Conditioner and was loving the results. I immediately checked out the site and was taken back by the cost of the product! I started researching other methods and found a similar product at Sally's, only to find out it is not available in Canada! My search started again and I was pleased to find a method where you can use normal conditioner to get similar results.

First I learned not to use treatment conditioners as they are too heavy and till not achieve what you want. I turned to my Tresemme conditioner for curly hair as I had it on hand and it had a pump ( something that you will want for ease of use when co-washing!). I actually used my conditioner as directed in the WEN infomercial so I had a clear guide I could watch. I soaked my hair thoroughly, then started by using approx. 6 pumps on individual sections of my scalp until coated! That's right... unlike normal conditioning where you avoid the scalp with co-washing you must coat the scalp so that the conditioner can wash and remove excessive oil from that area. I then added additional conditioner to the ends until coated. This method takes A LOT of product, but if you don't it WILL NOT work! I then combed the conditioner through and let it sit for 10 min ( also note you will not get a foam as you do with shampoo so don't be surprised). I then rinsed thoroughly and ended with adding a little conditioner as a leave in to soaking wet hair. (For this step I used a different conditioner, it was the one I get with my hair colour.)

For the first week I also avoided heat styling, just for the sake of my poor hair that gets tortured often!! LOL I could not believe how soft my hair was, even after only one time co-washing! Usually when I let my hair dry on it's own it feels dry, but my hair felt soft to the touch for the first time in a long time. My hair was not weighed down and felt as clean as it normally would with a shampoo wash!

I do find that I need to use a little shampoo on my roots once a week simply because they tend to be oily, but shampoo hasn't touched the ends of my hair in a few weeks now and I am loving the results!

There are a hundred and one youtube video's and blog posts on how to achieve a shampoo free life. I had to filter through a lot and do some trial and error before I found what works for me. So if my method doesn't work out the first time you try, make some alterations and try again! For me it is totally worth the results!

Quick Tip - Using Eye Liner to Change the Size of Your Eye

Want your eye's to look bigger? Use a white liner in the waterline of your eye, it extends the look of your eye. Create extra drama by using a light brown shadow slightly under your lash line. This gives you the look of a larger more awake eye.

Want to create a smaller more rectangular eye? Use a black liner on your lower waterline, this will give your eye some serious drama. Using a deep shadow in the lower lashes will further the drama of this look. Using a black liner will also make the whites of your eye's look even whiter making them 'pop'.

E.L.F. Launching in US Target and Canadian Zeller's Stores!

For those of you who didn't know E.L.F. will be introduced in US Target stores as well as Canadian Zeller's stores on November 1st! I haven't heard any word on pricing for the products as of yet but at least for us Canadian's you can bet we won't see the $1 and $2 pricing here. With the saving's on shipping and custom's though you can bet that taking a trip to your local Zellers store will be well worth it!

Honey of a Skin Care Idea... LOL

Recently I've been reading a lot of info on using honey for skin care. If you read my blog often you will have noticed another post on using coconut oil for skin care and beauty. This follows along the same path, using natural products to aid in skin care as opposed to using all chemical treatments. Now don't get me wrong I'm not throwing all my other products away for what I can find at the grocery store, but I am searching for things from nature that can aid in beautiful skin.

Honey has an ability to retain moisture, which is why if is often found in products meant to bring moisture to the skin. It also is an antioxidant as well it has anti-microbial properties making it a perfect addition to your skin care routine. Whether you need moisture, want to stop irritation or mild acne, honey could be just the thing you have been looking for.

Below is a small list of recipes starring honey... give some of them a try!! (Please note that before using any product you should consult a physician, just in case of sensitivity)

Honey-Oats Face Scrub:

Combine 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon finely-ground almonds, 2 tablespoons dry oatmeal, and some lemon juice or yogurt to a luxurious and exfoliating facial scrub. Massage mixture gently onto face, then rinse with warm water.

Soothing Skin Clarifier (for minor acne flare-ups)

Mix 1/2 cup warm water with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using a cotton ball, apply directly to blemish. Maintain pressure with cotton ball for several minutes, to soften blemish. Using a cotton swab, dab honey on blemish; leave on 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.

Hair Conditioner

Mix 1/2 cup honey with 1/4 cup olive oil. (Use 2 tablespoons oil for normal to oily hair.) Using a small amount at a time, work mixture through hair until coated. Cover hair with a shower cap; leave on 30 minutes. Remove shower cap; shampoo well and rinse. Dry as normal.

Hot Honey Bath

Perhaps the easiest beauty recipe related to honey and skin care -- Add 1/4 cup of honey to your hot bath water for silky and luscious skin.

If You Are Getting Married Please Read.... And Even If You Are Not!

Have you been caring for your skin in preparation for your big day? When you are wanting to look flawless for your big day skin care is one of the biggest aspects. So often when working on clients I am finding that with all they have to do they forget their skin. Dehydrated or non-exfoliated skin will not properly receive makeup therefore not giving the flawless appearance every bride ( or anyone for that matter) wants. 

No matter how skilled your makeup artist is skin that has not been cared for is very difficult to give a flawless appearance too. Any dryness that isn't seen without makeup becomes magnified when makeup comes into play, even with the best primers etc. Take the time to properly hydrate and exfoliate your skin before your big day so that your skin is at peak condition for your makeup artist to work with. 

Remember to drink lots of water as well as dehydrated skin is also a big problem. Pre wedding stresses often lead to more caffeine etc, which takes moisture from the skin. Drinking lots of water will make your skin even better for your wedding day.

A final note is about eyebrow waxing before your wedding. Foundation does not adhere properly to freshly waxed skin. The reason is that the wax removes the top layers of skin as well as the hair leaving it a different texture then the rest of the skin on the face. This baby soft area around they eye will now not accept product while the rest of the face will. This leaves a blotchy look to the skin which then is difficult to compensate for with makeup. Have those brows waxed as far in advance as your re-growth will allow you. I always suggest a week or so and then have any hairs plucked on the big day.

Well those are my tips when it comes to skin. Creating the best canvas you can will only make you look more polished for your big day, leaving you feeling confident and gorgeous!!

DIY Spa Exfoliation

So I've seen all the ads and youtube reviews about Clarisonic brush tool and how amazing it is for exfoliation and general skin care. I really wanted to give it a try but wasn't ready for the over $200 price tag that was involved. The other night I was up late watching youtube video's and came across an amazing idea... use an electric toothbrush to aid in exfoliating the skin (disclaimer...I am not an expert on skin care and  advice I give is to be taken with a grain of salt and used with caution).

I tried this my using my normal exfoliator of Cetaphil and making soda then used the toothbrush to aid in those area's I find it hard to exfoliate such as around my nose and lightly all over the face as well. I was amazed with how smooth my face was after, much smoother then with my normal exfoliating techniques. My post treatments seemed to penetrate my skin much better leaving my skin feeling the best it had in quite a while. I have tried it with my normal cleanser as well and was still impressed with the grime that came from my skin! 

If you have used electric cleaning aids for you skin before give this one a try. It worked on my sensitive skin without a hitch! If you have never used something before you may want to get the advice of a skin care professional before starting a new routine.

Acne Products That Actually Work

Ok so I admit it I am not a teen anymore and now have bouts of adult acne. I'm only admitting this for any of you who also have this problem and can't seem to find anything that works. I've tried all the popular advertised brands such as Proactive with no amazing results as advertised. In fact I am left with overly dry while still oily skin that makeup will not sit on top of leaving me feeling worse then when I started. Now I know that many people have a great results with this product so if you do great! 

I have been on a quest trying what ever I can get my hands on and I have learned that you need different routines for different times of the year as well sometimes for different times during the month.

I know it's sounds a little overwhelming but it's really not it's easy and once you understand your breakouts you can suit your routine with ease. Let's start with summertime as we are in the middle of it right now. Here are my list of products;

Clearasil cleanser

Cetaphil cleanser

Clearasil benzoyl peroxide treatment

Clearasil sulphur treatment

Johnson and Johnson salicylic acid treatment

Queen Helene's Mint Julep mask

Moisturiser – I personally love L'Oreals Skin Genisis but use what works for you

Baking Soda ( you'll understand in a little bit.

Lets start with the cleansers, I use the Clearasil when I am in the middle of a bad breakout and my Cetaphil the rest of the time. The Cetaphil is more gentle but still suited to oily skin, therefore it doesn't over dry the skin and is great when combined with the baking soda as once a week exfoliater. I find any more then once a week and it will actually make me breakout.

Next are the treatments of which I have listed 3 great ones. I use the Jonson and Johnson's salicylic acid treatment in the winter time. My skin isn't as oily and it works great without over drying or being too hash on my skin. In the summer for me it's just not strong enough, you will know because the breakouts keep coming. At this point I switch to a benzoyl peroxide product which although too strong in the winter is great in the summer with my oilier skin. The other treatment is a sulphur and zinc product which dries out acne and draws out redness. I find this one great for those spots that just don't want to clear up, it is not effective however on the really inflamed area's these need one of the other two mentioned depending on the season.

As a mask I use Queen Helene's Mint Julep which is also a sulphur product. I LOVE this one and haven't used anything else since finding it last winter. I use it twice a week ad a treatment and then use it on spots that just don't want to go away as a overnight treatment. If you have sensitive skin do a spot test fist as this is not how the product is intended to be used, but it works great for me!

Even in a breakout don't forget to moisturize it really does make all the difference! I use L'Oreal Skin Genesis both the serum and the lotion. The lotion is too strong for me to wear in the daytime during the summer so I use just the serum and both in the evening. For my oily skin I find them wonderful for providing moisture without too much oiliness.

These are the products I love, use some or all whatever works for you. Every ones skin type is so different that often trial and error is the only way to find the perfect products for you.

I hope this helps you all. I get asked so often about acne products and the one's I have listed are the one's that have worked for me!

All of Your Questions Answered!

In order to answer all of the questions I have been getting through email, I am compiling all questions into a sort of ebook/newsletter that I will have for subscribers as soon as I can! If you have any questions you would like to have added please send them through by email or leave then in the comments and I will review them to assure that I have answered them in my ebook.

I get so many questions that I thought it best to create something that answers them all at once. As well it is something that can be kept as a reference when you have a question that you want answered. 

This may take me a little time to get completed but I am trying to answer each question with as much detail as possible for all of you who have asked them.

Remember to leave those questions for me so that I can include them  and stay tuned for some new youtube video's coming up very soon!