Beauty Optimization: Simple Strategies That Will Help You Look And Feel Your Best

Feeling beautiful throughout the day is a wonderful way to enhance your self-esteem and be more confident when you interact with others in the professional world and your private life. Yet in many cases, we fail to implement the beauty strategies that would help us look better. Don't commit this oversight. Taking a few extra steps can make the difference between you feeling average and awesome. With that idea in mind, consider implementing some or all of the following beauty optimization techniques to ensure that you look and feel your very best:

1. Update Your Wardrobe.

One simple and highly effective way to take your appearance to a new level is by updating your wardrobe. This strategy will empower you to get rid of items that no longer fit properly and thereby detract from your physical appeal. When you're ready to start shopping for new items, note that buying your goods online is a great way to avoid the hassles of long check-out lines and crazy traffic. Companies like Peak Boutique are pleased to empower customers to shop and make purchases via internet. You can visit the site at www.peakboutique.co.uk to start shopping now.

2. Eat Right.

Unfortunately, the majority of Americans are on a Standard American Diet (SAD). This diet is lacking in nutrients and contains too many processed foods. It also fails to provide us with the fiber we need for the body to quickly process and eliminate the food we eat. This lackluster diet can have a horrific impact on physical appearance. One of the diet's primary drawbacks is that it is conducive to weight gain. Yet if you're on this diet now, know that there is hope. In fact, you can hop off the SAD bandwagon and get on the highway to health and beauty now by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. As many health experts know, these foods are known for promoting an optimal appearance in many ways. For example, kidney beans contain the protein and iron that helps us produce strong, healthy hair!

Get Gorgeous Now!

If you're ready to take your appearance from average to exceptional, now is the time to get the process underway. Two techniques that can help you make it happen include shopping online and eating right. Start implementing these beauty techniques immediately so you can begin seeing incredible results!

Review - Key West Dark Spot Corrector with Hyaluronic and Kojic Acid

***I received this product for free in exchange of unbiased review. My feedback/findings are all mine and may vary from yours.

I have tried other beauty serums that actually lightens my complexion with further use but this is the first time I have tried a product with kojic acid and HA combined.

I like the fact that the of this product is more liquid than gel type. I initially thought it was meant for scars only. But this is only for the face, neck and decolletage use.

I liked the lightweight feel of the serum unlike some of the serums I have tried in the past. They were a bit gooey but Key West was not. It didn't make my face look and feel greasy. Another thing that I liked about this product is that it didn't sting when I accidentally applied a small amount near my raw pimple area on the right cheek.

I noticed my age spots slightly becoming light. So I also tested it on my new scar which I got after I got hot cooking oil splatter on my left hand. In just few days, the lightening effect was already visible.

©www.riablahgs.com

The product comes in a 1.7 fl oz/50 ml container with a nozzle pump tip and cap.

I will recommend this product to anyone who wish to lighten their facial complexion, have age spots, to moisturize and give that youthful glow.

This can be bought in Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/BEST-Corrector-Hyaluronic-Glycolic-Kojic/dp/B00IZG78WY/ref=cm_rdp_product


#keywesthb

What to Pack: The Essential Travel Beauty Kit

I have been a Neutrogena user since I was a teen. I am until now and my daughter has started to follow suit. It is a great brand for skin care and blemishes that I highly recommend. And to share some info about the brand, here's a great press release from Neutrogena on what to pack when you travel especially your beauty stuff. Read on...

5 picks from Neutrogena, the dermatologist recommended brand

It’s that time of year again, and wherever your summer adventures may take you, one thing is for sure, travelling can be stressful, especially on your skin. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top 5 beauty essentials to pack when you travel, that will help you look your best, keep your skin glowing and protected.

First to go in the kit is our hardworking Neutrogena Visibly Clear® Pore & Shine facial wash, which will help you keep both pores and shine under control. It removes 77% of excess sebum and unclogs pores, giving you a naturally fresh, matte finish and visibly refined-looking skin. That’s all you need for a flawless-looking complexion this summer!

Nothing short of a saviour, when it comes to beauty on the go, is a pack of Neutrogena® Deep Clean Makeup Remover Wipes. With one easy sweep, these ultra-soft, pre-moistened wipes effectively and gently clear away makeup - even waterproof mascara, dirt and oil leaving skin thoroughly clean. Definitely a must for your travel beauty kit!

We can’t stress this enough: don’t leave anywhere without applying SPF. There’s nothing as damaging to your skin as UV radiation. It causes wrinkles, brown spots and the accelerated aging of our skin. Sunscreen is the best ally we’ve got! So, make sure you pack the Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen (SPF 30, 45 & 55). It’s water-resistant, it feels weightless and has a matte finish on your skin. Plus, it’s PABA free and non-comedogenic too.

We always seem to forget the lip balm, and because lips are the most delicate part of our face, we’re then plagued by dry and chapped lips. Remember to keep the Neutrogena® Norwegian Formula® Lip Care balm handy and apply frequently throughout the day. Its moisture-enriched formula nourishes and protects your lips, keeping them healthy-looking and soft.

We’ve said before, always treat your hands the way you treat your face!  Choose the glycerine-rich, long lasting Neutrogena® Norwegian Formula® Concentrated Hand Cream, its highly concentrated formula noticeably improves the look and feel of your skin, leaving your hands soft and smooth after just one application.



Product information:

Neutrogena® Visibly Clear® Pore & Shine Daily Wash, AED 44.86

Neutrogena® Deep Clean Makeup Remover Wipes, AED 29.14

Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen (SPF 30, 45 and 55), AED 67.82

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula® Lip Care, AED 17.01

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula ® Concentrated Hand Cream, AED 32.83



To know more about Neutrogena here in the Middle East, please visit http://www.neutrogena-me.com or follow on https://www.facebook.com/NeutrogenaME.

Nail Art For Stubby Nails

I have stubby nails? Ok, you might wonder, what stubby means. Stubby, as defined by most dictionaries is having the nature of broadness, shortness or being thick. And in my case, my finger nails are quite stubby. This is the reason why I don't grow my fingernails because they look odd. I also feel bad at times because there's not much room to put nail art on or even maximize the beauty of a nail polish's colour. However, I never realized that even with stubby fingernails, you can actually put nail art on your short nails.

My "long nails" and after cutting my nails.  They still look very short even when I grow them long.



Below are some fabulous ideas to consider if you happen to have stubby fingernails like mine.

Photo credit: naildesigny.com

Photo credit: naildesigny.com

Photo credit: yourfingernails.wordpress.com

Photo credit: easyday.snydle.com

Photo credit: naildesigny.com

Photo credit: naildesignphotos2013.blogspot.com

Homemade Sugar-Lemon Face Scrub

Are you tired having "tired" skin and also short of cash to buy those commercially made facial scrubs? There are plenty of ingredients you can use to make your very own facial scrub without burning a hole in your pocket. Sometimes, they are readily available in your kitchen and all you have to do is mix them up. Here's one classic example and a very easy one to make too!

Perk it up and start nourishing it with this Sugar-Lemon Face Scrub. Grind lemon rind contains citric acid which helps in lightening and brightening the skin while sugar acts as the exfoliating ingredient to help slough away dead skin cells. Lastly, coconut oil can moisturize and nourish your skin, keeping it supple.

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of lemon zest (lemon rind)
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of coconut oil (or substitute with olive oil if you don't have any coconut oil available)

Just mix all the ingredients and place in an air-tight jar and voila! You now have a very inexpensive and yet effective facial scrub for your cleansing routine.

Share with me your natural facial scrub recipe, if you have any aside from this. I'll be happy to know your beauty secret!


(Photo from loveandrosen.com/texts by riablahgs.com)

Review - Vita Aeterna Timeless Glow Crème

Facial crème is not my thing. As much as possible, I don't apply any on my skin except for a moisturizer with an SPF during the peak of summer and winter and that is about it. So, it is a very pleasant surprise to find myself “loving” Vita Aeterna Timeless Glow Crème.

Vita Aeterna Timeless Glow  Crème is manufactured in Canada by Vita Aeterna Cosmetics, Inc. It is a rich with off-white color crème that you use for your beauty regimen in the morning. It is great for delaying the signs of aging.

What I like:

Rich texture but does not leave a greasy after-feel

The packaging is luxurious. The canister has a metallic outer cover and a nice pearlized box, giving it an opulent look and feel.

It has a very faint scent, almost none which I prefer.

It is very effective. My skin feels so soft and supple and my skin never felt like that with other crèmes.

It is not tested on animals.

It helps prevent the signs of aging.

It reduces the signs of skin imperfections.

It is packed with antioxidants that help the skin fight against environmental toxins.

It is infused with Co-Enzyme Q and Resveratrol to help prevent/delay the signs of aging.

What I don’t like:

Nothing. This is the ultimate facial crème I have been looking for. I like how it is lightweight but packed with powerful ingredients to make my skin soft, smooth and supple.

Price:

RVP CAD 134.99

Ingredients:

Photo from vitaaeternacosmetics.com

Packaging:

50 ml/1.7 oz plastic/metallic lining container

off-white box with Vita Aeterna logo

My recommendation:

I highly recommend this beauty crème as it worked wonders on my skin. I saw remarkable changes on my skin tone and texture just few days after I started using it. It is rich in antioxidants and helped give my skin a youthful glow. Not only is my skin supple, it is amazingly smooth. I have found the crème that I will use for a long time.

To know more about Vita Aeterna and their other beauty products, please visit their site and check out the other beauty collections.

Disclosure:

I received this wonderful beauty product from Vita Aeterna for evaluation purposes. My opinions and findings may vary from yours. I was not compensated to do this review. All opinions and findings stated herein are all 100% mine. I only review products/services that I like and will use. I also feel that my readers will benefit from this review.

NYC HD Color Trio Eye Shadow Review

I don't buy makeup too often because I just like and very contented with my makeup-less look. However, there are times when I do buy because I like the shimmery effect, the creaminess and softness it feels on my face. NYC New York Color HD Color Trio Eye Shadow is like that.

I received this NYC HD Color Trio (Long Beach Sands) from Influenster as part of the JollyVoxBox campaign. I tried it several times to gauge the velvety texture when applied on the lids. I honestly like it. It is smooth and has that shimmer effect which I love in eyeshadows.

I also like the fact that it is a great makeup for achieving that smoky eyes effect. I love the look of smoky eyes and it makes my eyes  mysterious and yet glam at the same time.

The NYC New York Color HD Color Trio Eye Shadow (Long Beach Sands) is the perfect color of choice. I love neutrals and earthy tones and this makeup palette is just fabulous.

Now, for the nitty-gritty details, here are my findings:

What I like:
Color! I just love neutrals so much. It blends well with my skin tone.
The velvety texture when applied either with a sponge applicator (as provided in the makeup palette) or with small eyeshadow brush.
It has the shimmer effect I like in eyeshadows.
It does stay a bit longer than usual. I applied mine around noon today and by 5 p.m., the eyeshadow was still very visible.
It is easily removed with a makeup remover.
It is fragrant-free. I try my best to not use makeups with overpowering scent. I stick with the non-scented ones most of the time.

What I don't like:
It tends to get loose and powdery so you can't take it anywhere because the palette may break.
The makeup container does not have a mirror. You have to grab one if you want to apply this makeup eyeshadow.


Packaging:
Comes in 3 colors for  highlighting, balancing and for the crease in earthy tones with a 2-sided sponge applicator and plastic/transparent cover.


Price: 
Pegged at $2.99 in most retail outlets, pharmacies, department stores


My recommendation:
Yes. This is a good product except for the minor set backs. I do recommend this product.


To know more about NYC New York Color HD Trio Eyeshadow and the other products NYC is carrying, you may visit the website and their FB fan page.

Disclaimer:


I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Review - Ageless Derma Pressed Mineral Blush Primrose

I am very finicky when it comes to putting anything on my face especially makeup because I have sensitive skin. One harsh makeup and my face will turn red and blotchy. I always go for mineral makeup or anything that is safe for sensitive skin and hypoallergenic. So, receiving the Ageless Derma Pressed Mineral Blush in Primrose color few days ago was a perfect timing as I need to revamp my makeup kit.

I tried the blush using my small blush brush and applied twice on each cheeks and the initial application already gave the results I wanted - flawless and natural-looking. I am just eager to share to you my findings so you can purchase this too and see for yourself. Well of course, you have to consider that my skin may react differently from yours so this review is based entirely on my own feedback.

Here is a photo of the before and after application. I captured this without a flash and not enhanced in any way.





What I like:

It is very light! I just noticed how it blended well with my skin tone. I got the primrose color and it is the perfect color for my face.

It didn't feel chalky or powdery.

Free from parabens. Parabens are synthetic preservatives used in cosmetics, lotions, food and drugs.

It didn't make my face shiny unlike the other blush powder I have used in the past. It's definitely non-greasy.

It is very smooth on the skin like a velvety finish.

It covered my freckles and other blemishes.

The packaging is simple without the frills of other branded make-up I have bought. I like it a lot because sometimes, the best packagings are the ones that are simple and straight to the point.


What I don't like:

Nothing. One suggestion though, it would be nice to have a free brush with the make-up as a kit.


Price:
Suggested retail price is $25.00 (US)


Packaging:
It is packed in a vacuum-packed plastic container with a clear top weighing .21 oz/6g to avoid breakage and contamination.
It comes in a black box with simple logo marking of the manufacturer.


Ingredients:
The blush mineral's other ingredients listed are the following:

Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Boron Nitride, Octyl Palmitate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Cyclomethione, Green Tea Extract (Carmellia Sinesis), Superoxide Dismutase & Catalase & Apple Extract (Pyrus Malus) & Horseradish (Cochlearia Armoracia) & Phospholipids & Retinyl Palmitate & Tocopheryl Acetate & Butylene Glycol, Lavender, Sandalwood, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Rosemary, Sage, Cedarwood, Palmarosa.

It may also contain: Iron Oxide, Bismuth Oxychloride, Manganese Violet, Chromium Oxide Green, Ultramarines, Carmine


My recommendation:

Definitely two-thumbs up and do give it a try! Do choose the best color for your skin tone to compliment your complexion.


This product is produced by Ageless Derma. You can find more info on their products in their website listed below and their other social media sites.

Website
Twitter
Facebook



Disclaimer:

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Long Eyelashes

I am blessed to have long lashes that the need for eyelash growth products is the least of my concern. I am not an avid make-up user so prepping my long lashes is not my ardent task.

There are so many women who love longer eyelashes. Some women go the the extent of gluing fake lashes to make their natural lashes thicker and longer. I am just a bit worried about the glue used for that reason.

Having long lashes is quite appealing because it gives your eyes that extra drama. However, don't despair if you were born with short lashes. It is not your fault. You can always use curlers to make them appear longer or try some eyelash growth products.

Beauty Supplies for Me and My Daughter

It didn't strike me right away that one day, my daughter and I would share our beauty supplies with each other. I have enjoyed the freedom of buying beauty products for my personal consumption. Lately, she has been bugging me on the whereabouts of my lip glosses, hair clips, blemish concealer, blackhead removal astringent and even my hair styling products!

My daughter has recently turned 13 so I think the inevitable of sharing my beauty supplies will be sooner than I thought. I guess I have to spare extra budget for her beauty needs too in our next trip to the supermarket.

New Blog Coming Very Soon!

I am going to introduce a new blog very soon. I am very busy working on it right now with ideas on contents and template.

It is about another aspects in life I am passionate about - beauty tips, fashion sense and style, and shopping tips and great deals.

I used to own a domain about beauty and fashion but deleted it 2 years ago for personal reasons. I am back on track again and hopefully it will pick up soon.

I am still working on some stuff on the design because I want it fabulous. It may spur my next goal - open an e-commerce site. I am crossing my fingers and I hope to see you there when I launch it soon!

Aging Gracefully

I know that the time will come where I have to accept the fact that I will become a bona fide member of the "over-the-hills" club soon. Although I am not officially 40 yet, I may have to start psyching myself that the signs of aging will slowly creep and find their way to my once vital and young body.

The once svelte and very slim body is now pudgy and rotund. My normal outfit does not fall properly on my body. The perkiness of some attributes have slightly gave in to gravity. My next collection of favorites will include spandex! I am already checking my wardrobe and replacing the clothes I used to wear when I was younger. I think, as I age, I have to dress appropriately too. So, I am investing on the classics - business suits, shift dresses, comfortable jeans, not-tight fitting tees and blouses, and loafers. I need to dress down now not because I need to conform on what society dictates but because I want to look and act like my age. I leave the prancing-around-on-skimpy clothes to the younger and more able generation. Those outfits look better on them anyway.

An over-hauling of my make-up kit is also in the offing. I used to wear bright colors to highlight my eyes and cheeks. As I gracefully reach 40, I have started buying make-up palettes on the neutral and classic tones of brown and grey. I feel a little uneasy looking like "Raggedy Ann" when I can look like "Barbie" on neutral tones.

My skin texture is also showing the years. I have small lines on my face and may soon need to apply anti wrinkle serum. My face is not the only one showing the passing of time. My hands and feet look a bit wrinkly unlike before. I don't really mind. I just know that these things are going to happen. I just didn't realize how it felt like seeing the graceful signs of aging.

I guess becoming more mature physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually will do wonders to one's well-being. It is the course of human nature. I am not one to defy that. So, next year, when I officially become 40, I will rejoice and say - "Life begins at 40!"

Beauty Tip 101 - Supple Skin

We are born with genetic dispositions much as we want to have peachy skins. Some people are just very lucky to have alabaster complexion that even the ivory will pale in comparison. Some people resort to cosmetic science to enhance their skin tone and suppleness. However, we can still have a soft and supple skin the natural way.

The weather condition is one of the factors which affects our skin tone and suppleness. Pollution, humidity, extreme temperatures, sun and rain causes imbalance on the moisture our bodies retain. So, one of the easiest way to have supple skin is to keep it hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Eat vegetables and fruits to supply lost nutrients.

Put chlorine filter in your shower to reduce chlorine as this dries up our skin.

Look for the best night cream in the market you can find. It should have moisturizer too.

Take plenty of rest and sleep on time as this will help in regenerating skin cells.

So, it is really not that hard to have a soft and supple skin. Albeit not naturally born with it.

Wrinkles and All

My daughter keeps teasing my mom about her numerous lines on the face. I think she still does not understand the full concept of getting old and losing skin's flexibility as one ages. I told her many times that we would all have wrinkles someday. Then she gave me this "why-are-the-Hollywood-stars'-faces-so-fine" kind of debate. I told her they have money to spend for their vanity and it was part of the business to look 'almost' perfect.

I may one day find myself in the same situation where I get noticed for my facial lines. Maybe it is high time to check the Internet for wrinkle cream reviews and know more about the products out there to reduce or at least prevent the early onset of facial lines.

Beauty Tip 101 - Eye Cream

The market is now saturated with "magic potions" claiming to bring youthful appearance. These creams target the market of 40 and above age group. I am not very far from that age group. I may just find myself going through racks upon racks of beauty creams to conceal my lines soon for all I know.

The best eye cream for wrinkles is the one which reduces fine lines or what we call crow's feet around the eyes area, reduces dark circles and stimulates the production of collagen. At the same time, it must be gentle enough not to harm the skin's sensitive area which is around the eyes region.

Beauty 101 - Clean Skin

I had my fair share with blemishes while growing up. I remember my mom telling me very often to always wash my face in the morning and before sleeping at night. My mom was very picky with the kind of soap I use for my face. She bought me phisoderm soap to use. The soap was very gentle to my skin and does not leave it dry or chapped. Unlike other soaps I have used before, this soap has balanced pH which works well with dry, oily or combination skin.

Always keep your face clean and fresh every morning and evening. We cannot avoid getting blemishes or breakouts because these all depend on our diet and genes. However, we can always prevent the breakout of unsightly blemishes if we keep our face clean. Eat healthily and do regular exercises as the latter aids in removing toxins in our system through sweating. Also, drink plenty of fresh fruit juices and water.

Beauty 101 - Acne Treatment

Acne can be treated. It is really not a hopeless case as long as you take necessary steps to maintain good hygiene. Drink plenty of water and eat vegetables and fresh fruits. Avoiding greasy and fatty food can also prevent the acne from building up. Over the counter acne treatment gel can also prevent the spread of acne and aids in drying the affected area; thus, minimizing scars and blemish spots. also, it pays to have a good night sleep and avoid getting over-stressed.

Having a flawless skin is a genetic disposition. If you are blessed with a peachy complexion then better take care of it.

Fine Lines

I woke up feeling energized because I had a good sleep last night. I did my usual routine, brush my hair, gargle and wash my face with water. I noticed some fine lines near my eyes area and lips. Could be it the sign of aging? Nah! I think those are laugh lines because I laugh all the time even for no reason. I just laugh. Simple as that. I may not need wrinkle crème soon but will not certainly hurt to check out the market.

When I was younger, I always see my mom slapping on several cremes on her forehead and the eye area. When asked, she'd tell us those were beauty creme. Now I know better.

Beauty Tip 101 - Saving on Antioxidant

Vitamin E is known for its powerful antioxidants which helps in freeing radicals damage caused by environmental factors like the sun, wind and pollution.

If you are trying to save on your budget and would not like to spend unnecessarily on costly Vitamin- E enriched beauty creams, you may just have your dose of Vitamin E from leafy green vegetables and olive oil.

Beauty Fixes

I know plenty of lady friends who have undergone quick beauty fixes in the past. Years ago, plastic surgery is not known for its benefits on one's aesthetic feature. It is known for its reconstruction purpose to fix a broken face due to accident. The field of plastic surgery has evolved dramatically over the years. More people are now going under the knife not for reconstruction of broken or battered face but to augment flat chests, remove bulging stomach flabs and to improve one's appearance and health. There are various procedures under the umbrella of plastic surgery and these are rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty, body contouring through liposuction, and chest augmentation and reduction.

People are now embracing the wonders of plastic surgery. There are various reasons why people go through the this. Health impediments in the nasal cavity like deviated nasal septum is one of the reason why people have rhinoplasty. Actress Ashley Tisdale had one because of that. Beverly Hills rhinoplasty is one place to go to if you have similar condition as her.

If you are looking at having chest improvement for personal reasons, then Los Angeles breast augmentation is the procedure you should consider. This particular procedure is subjective to one's desire to have a bigger bosom. I know a lot who will go the extra mile to have this done. One sure thing about this procedure is that it enhanced one's personal outlook in life.

The benefits of going through plastic surgery is wide. It is not just aesthetic; it is also to boost one's confidence and improve one's life. If you want to know more about the various procedure involved in plastic surgery, please feel free to read plastic surgery articles for a better understanding of the process.