In the blink of an eye you can catch someone’s attention.

In the blink of an eye you can make someone think twice.

In the blink of an eye you can shatter someone’s day.

In the blink of an eye you can bring someone back from the dead…

Now can you imagine what you can do if you sparkle your eye with a little shadow?

I still don’t understand why women go to such lengths to clown their faces with so much makeup.  Honestly, give me a natural dewy look and “shadowed” eyes and that’s all you need.  I believe our eyes are the windows to our souls, so why not grab someone’s attention and have them stare at your eyes instead of some other body parts?

We are Oz; we hold the key to our beauty!  We are all beautiful starting from the inside and working our way out – so, let’s learn how to use our gift the right way (and not the scary way)!

I stopped by my favorite candy isle and tasted the beautiful eye shadow they had on display.  Oh, Easter colors were definitely on the minds of these artists.

Bobbi Brown – Pretty pastels to give you a soft yet alluring “once over.”  LOVE the lip gloss, looks like you melted jelly beans on your lips!

Aerin Lauder – A garden in bloom – definitely looks like tulips in spring.  The colors I would sway towards; however, I’m more of an “orchid” kind of girl.

Clinique – Berries, Ginger, and Violet – oh, my!  All I can think of is a colorful martini!  It reminds me of spring time overlooking the Pacific (or Atlantic for a girl like me) sipping a yummy, colorful drink (where’s the hunky guy to buy it for me)?

Lancome – They might be “in love” with their spring collection, but I’m not…  I understand it’s difficult to come up with something “new” every year, but this just tells me a slacker effort was put into this.  You want my money – get me excited!

Giorgio Armani – “POP”—okay, I get it.  It’s a cute concept with the compact and the “pop” of color.  I’m kind of on the fence with this one (and I’m not a big fan of blue shadow; however, I know a cute seven year old who would be)!

Those were just a few artists to wet your palette (or not).  Grab a friend, grab a good time trying fun spring colors on, then afterwards grab that colorful Martini and gossip!

In the blink of an eye your whole day could turn around (in a good way).  Remember to surround yourself with positive people and step out of your comfort zone.  It is my belief that those who choose not to climb out of their box get buried in regret and resentment…

Laugh until your face hurts and you need a dose of Botox!

xo, jo

I asked myself this question the other day and wondered.  I started to make a list of my “must haves” and “indulgences.”

Must Haves:

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Hydroquinone
• Eye cream
• Wonder Woman Serum (I’m getting older…)
• Moisturizer
• SPF (You should use EVERDAY)
• Foundation
• Concealer
• Mascara
• Bronzer
• Lip Balm

Indulgences: (for others – not me)

• Eye Shadow (minimum of 3)
• Eye liner
• Illuminator (cheeks, eyebrow bone)
• Blush
• Lip Liner
• Lip Stick
• Gloss
• Skin Elixir

Sephora shopping spree!

I went to Sephora the other night and picked up a couple necessities (see pic).  I understand these might be indulgences for others, but not me.  Once you get used to a regimen, it becomes second nature, and “my way” of course is not your way; however, occasionally I like to travel down other people’s highway.

Whatever your regimen may be, the only thing I must impress upon you is SPF (everyday).  Use it right after your moisturizer (even if your moisturizer has a standard SPF 15 in it).  You might think you look great today, but I can guarantee you, you will not look great in the near future without the use of SPF!

The products I just can’t live without: (not in any particular order)

1. Lancome LaBase Pro (makeup primer)
2. Bobbi Brown Foundation (long-wear even finish spf 15)
3. Diorshow Maximizer (lash plumping serum)
4. Lancome Mascara (Hypnose)
5. Caudalie (beauty elixir)-LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
6. Naked eye shadow palette
7. Sexy Mother Pucker (lip gloss)
8. Clinique (quickliner for eyes)

That’s a lot of products!  The key is to use whatever you want.  Just make sure you look “natural” walking out the door (not as if you are auditioning for the circus).

I would love to hear back from you guys.  Tell me what products you love, hate, and can’t live without.  Tell me what you think about “looks.”

Is there such a thing as a “natural beauty?” Are looks skin-deep? If you answered yes to both of those questions, remember that everyone is a natural beauty, because looks are skin deep.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…

xo, jo

Yesterday I had the honor of spending several hours with some amazing women. It was a “pay it forward” moment and I felt privileged to be part of something so special.

I have said this repeatedly, but I do believe that there are moments when the universe allows us to indulge in great pleasures like helping others and being in the company of great people. However, as always, that act is up to us and we are in control of slowing ourselves down and partaking in such a generous gift.

So, onto “my moment.” Recently, a woman who was in need of some “make-up tips” approached me. Now, this wasn’t just any woman, but my son’s teacher, who through the course of the year has occupied a very special place in my heart. Why, you ask? She is a good, honest, hard working person who takes the time to nurture and guide children. My father was a special education teacher, and I have the utmost respect for “good” teachers who are in this area of expertise for the right reasons.

In July I left my entire life behind in New York and moved 3,000 miles across the country to start a new life in California. It was a painful and daunting experience, but deep down in my soul, I felt that life was short (just after losing my father), and my parents told me to “get into the game and not view it from the sidelines.” The last goodbye to my mom was while she lay in a hospital bed and it ripped me apart to leave her there (she went on to live eight more months, but now resides in heaven with my dad). I wanted to show my sons that with great change comes great pain and sacrifice, but as long as you believe, you will endure.

I feel the universe knew of the challenges that lay ahead of me and buffered my collisions with some of the most amazing people I have ever met, which brings me back to my son’s teacher. Through this woman, a class was set up with three other teachers and one Friday afternoon after school, school started with them and I was the teacher.

We all gathered and I began to show and share with them how they can improve on what God had given them. We had a blast and laughed for hours. I focused on enhancing their beautiful features and taught them how to correctly take care of their skin and apply make-up in such a way that it left them feeling gorgeous and ready to take on the world (or maybe dinner with their significant other)!

I come across many products, but there are a few that I swear by and stick with. I may cheat on my favorite products, but I always come back to them. Here are some of my favorites:

• Eye Cream: Bobbi Brown
• Face Primer: Lancome
• Face Serum: Skinceutical (CE Feurlic Acid)
• Eye Shadow: Urban Decay (Naked Palate)
• Make-up Brushes: MAC
• SPF: Obagi (30) face
• Skin Exfoliator: Clarisonic Brush
• Skin(Beauty) Elixor: Caudaile

As for other products like: cleansers, toner, moisturizers, lipstick, (and so on), I have not found the “perfect one” and remember my perfect may not be yours. I merely give my suggestions based on experience with these products and share with those who want to listen and learn.

Moments like these bring women together and bond us. I would like to bridge the gap between women and cut down on the jealousy between us.

There was a moment when I stepped back and watched how they happily interacted with each other complimenting like there was no tomorrow. I could feel my mom’s smile washing over me and although I can no longer do her makeup and hair, I have been given the opportunity to help others. Since moving here I have grown close to some very special people – you know who you are!

It is my opinion that the most beautiful face is the one with the right intentions.

Live and love your life…
xo, jo

Raccoon Lashes

I’m not sure what frustrates me more: short eyelashes or clumpy, raccoon eyelashes. Since the ripe age of 14, I have been battling with my lashes, and nothing has changed (until now)!

I started with Revlon (as most girls do), and tried my best to get those “magazine lashes.” Regardless of the attempts, I have been unsuccessful. Over the years, I have: mix and matched mascaras, prayed, picked and prodded with toothpicks, and even contemplated road tar (just kidding about the tar). Now, thanks to people thinking out of the box, I use but am not thrilled with a moisturizer for my lashes and two (yes, two) different mascaras: one for length, and one for thickness. My “butterflies” were ok for a while, but I want more! I want longer, thicker, sexy lashes!

Now I use a “lash enhancer” to help my beauties flutter. Is it possible you don’t know what a “lash enhancer” is? I’m sure most of you do, and for those who don’t, a lash enhancer does what it is called and enhances the lashes (gives them thickness and lengthens them) with vitamins, peptides and natural ingredients (in some). When most people think of lash enhancers, they think of Latisse, but I use RapidLash.

RapidLash

Ingredients in some lash enhancers:

RapidLash (polypeptides combined with proteins and vitamins to strengthen and protect your lashes against damage or breakage and allow you to naturally grow stronger and more voluminous lashes on your own).

Jan Marini (Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-12Lash Conditioning Agents: Horse Chestnut Extract, Cinnamon Bark Extract, Panthenol, Biotin, Copper Ferment).

Latisse ( bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% as a novel treatment for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. Eyelash hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes).

Lash Food (natural eyelash stimulant with herb extracts to provide you with longer, thicker and darker lashes. The breakthrough formula of Biotin (essential vitamins) and Arginine (Natural Amino Acids) and Iris extract (Natural Oriental Medicine Complex Extracts) promotes the natural growth of healthy lashes).

You can spend anywhere from $50.00 to over $100.00. You will probably not see results for 3 to 4 weeks and you should use it every night after you wash your face, but before you add eye cream, and night moisturizer (I hope all of you ladies are washing your face every night)! When buying a lash enhancer, read the ingredients and if you have had eye surgery or wear contacts, please consult your physician first.

As always, let me be brutally honest with you, be careful what you put on your face! Everybody’s body reacts differently to products, whether it’s lash enhancers or breast implants. Just because one person had a positive or adverse reaction doesn’t mean you will, so keep a close eye on what you’re using and never, I mean never, share your products with anyone! We love our friends (for the most part), but we will not love their germs.

If the eyes are the window to our soul, let’s keep the window wide open and beautiful to look at (and into).

Long Luscious Lashes

Take care of yourself…
xo, jo

What is the basis of your foundation?

We all have a foundation that we stand on, a place from which our belief systems stem. We were taught this early on as a child and/or developed it through our trials and tribulations.  Regardless of where it originated from, we all have one.  It is how or if we use it that really matters.  Another important point is: has our “foundation” changed over time?  Have we sacrificed it for the sake of others (good or bad?)

Personally, I know women use many foundations.  Are you surprised?  We do have more hormones then men and we are emotional and outspoken—basically, we will take it to the mattress (love the Godfather and You’ve Got Mail) when it comes to our skin.  Did you think I was prompting a deep, engaging thought where you would find yourself pondering your past, present, and future?  I’m talking about FOUNDATIONS!    

There are countless types of foundations on the market today.  Many different shades come in: liquid, mousse, whipped, cream to powder, mineral, light, heavy, self adjusting shades, stick, and spray on,  just to name a few.  No wonder women have issues, talk about information overload!  Talk about being self-conscious, hating other women who say, “Oh, I rolled out of bed looking like this.”  The one that kills me is… “the natural beauty.”  Really?  C’mon….

If you’re dating, exclusive, engaged, married, thinking about divorce, divorced, or never have even gotten into men, you know we all exhibit SGB (single girl behavior.)  SGB is when you lock yourself in the bathroom and examine your face.  You pinch, probe, pick, stab, and wish you had your best friend’s skin!  You and I both know the countless hours we spend in front of the mirror hating ourselves.  We wonder: where did our flaws come from, how do we get rid of them, who do we hide them from, and should I go to the doctor or head to Sephora and see what products can help get rid of them?

When we choose a foundation, we unfortunately start out on the wrong foot.  We head to our favorite makeup counter/store and start trying them on.  You should make an appointment with a makeup artist from your favorite brand of cosmetics and arrive at your appointment WEARING NO MAKEUP!  In order to get an accurate reading you need to see the foundation on your skin in natural light.  That’s the tough part: there’s no natural light in a store, so I suggest you purchase two shades and bring them home.  Try them on, and return the one that you’re not comfortable with.  They want us to be “happy customers” and they want repeat business, don’t they?  Never feel pressured to buy something you’re not comfortable with (you’ll regret it later.) Remember that the foundation should match your skin tone, not lighter or darker.  If you want to hide blemishes, sun damage, scars, etc…that’s another topic we will definitely cover later on.

I don’t have a favorite when it comes to foundation.  I use two:  Bobbi Brown and MAC (I have a lot to hide.)  In the past, I have used tinted (which is great in the summer), crème to powder, mineral, and stick.  I am a firm believer that you don’t have to stay with one brand when it comes to buying products.  Mix and match; it’s fine!  The cosmetic companies want you to believe that you shouldn’t because they want all your money, but think of yourself and your wallet.  They do, don’t they?

I think finding a foundation is like trying on a bathing suit in January; it’s stressful!  So, lunch with a friend might help ease the pain.  Don’t get discouraged, and remember as we age our skin changes and so must our foundation.

I know there are some people who are dying to see me in a ponytail (it must be a California thing) and all I can say is, “they have no idea what I’m trying to conceal!”

Be good to yourself and remember: it’s just the foundation we put on our face, not the foundation we stand on.

xo, jo