Save Your Lips

Do you ever get chapped lips when the cold seasons come? I do! No matter how much chap stick or lip balm I use; they end up turning white around the corners of my mouth. I'll usually use a wet cloth to scrub them and then put on a good chap stick. That helps for a little while. Then I am back to crackle mouth, lol!
A great way I have found to keep your lips flake free is all natural.

Just a tiny bit of raw sugar and a tiny dab of organic honey. I say raw and organic, because other non-organic sugar and honey may have chemicals which will dry out your lips even more. Also in this magical concoction you will need organic coconut oil.

*You can find these products at your local Trader Joe's, Farmers Market, or Whole Foods.

Put the sugar in the palm of your hand and add a dab of honey. Mix it around until the honey and sugar are well mixed. Then with your finger apply a small amount to your lips and rub and scrub for about a minute. Then you can either rinse of the sweetness or lick it off. I like to lick it off and then take the rest off with a wet cloth. Then apply a very small amount of coconut oil. Really any oil will do. I just love the texture of my lips after using the coconut oil.

*You are left with sweet soft sexy lips instead of your average dry chapped winter lips. Get ready mistletoe HERE WE COME! :*

Clean Fresh Skin

        

           Clean fresh skin is better than chocolate. Well maybe not better, but definitely as good. Since starting school in the skin care industry I have learned some simple tricks you can use to get the skin of your dreams. This is no prince charming, but definitely as good ;) First things first. Getting facials are so important. I know the economy sucks right now, but instead of a new shirt or getting your nails done. Why not treat your skin? Your face is what people notice first about you and what they will remember most. This is why keeping healthy skin is so important. To keep up with your skin after receiving a facial it is best to stick to skin care line you can trust. See what your Aesthetician has to offer, but also do your own research. It's easy to get lost, but once you find out what type of skin you have. You are better able to find the right skin line that works for you. If you're looking for a quick fix like Proactiv and or other products which are advertised on television you can expect to see results, but still have some of the same issues you are having with your skin.

            Myself for example have been using Proactiv. It helps take the acne away, but then I have severely dry skin. This is why these products are sold to a mass audience. In order to make sure your skin stays clear, healthy and glowing your best bet is to visit an Aesthetician. Even Botox and certain injections can't do for you what facials once a month can do. They are relaxing and you get your skin taken care of. I didn't realize the extent of the importance until I got started in this field. Now I realize this entire time all I really needed was a simple facial. I love being able to share this information and help people who may feel stuck. Maybe you've visited a dermatologist and went on a medication. Maybe you spent a lot of money on something that looked like it worked on television, but when you received it in the mail it made your skin even worse. I did all of that and more. The pills the doctor gave me just made my skin peel and the medicated gel was over a hundred dollars even with my insurance. If I had only known what I could have done.

           I am now looking into different products which are actually good for your skin and help promote a healthy glow. The products we use at Marinello are great. I am looking into more natural products as well. A great line you can find at Target is YES. They have a ton of natural products at a reasonable price. You can also find Derma-e at most vitamin shops or even your nearest drug or grocery store.

           Keeping a log of what you use on your skin also helps when going to a spa. Let the Aesthetician know what line you've been using even if it's just a dove soap bar. This way the Aesthetician can guide your skin to looking better than it ever has. I will take before and after pictures of the girl I am working on now. It's already better after one facial, but I am looking to get her skin as smooth as a baby's bum.

           For further reference look into a spa near you. The receptionist can help you with whatever questions you may have. There are also more intensive treatments such as microdermabrasion and peels. Which after your first facial may be good to try. It's always good to have a skin analysis done by your Aesthetician before you try any chemical or mechanical facials.

    Thank you for keeping up with my beauty advice. I know it has been a while since I have blogged, but I have been busy learning all of the skin care secrets. I can not wait to share more with you. Stay tuned :)

Aesthetician

Esthetics have been a passion of mine since I can remember. I have always been fascinated by make-up, facials, and anything to do with the skin. I remember ordering wax at the age of thirteen. I remember waxing my friends back. Even as early as five I was wearing make up without my fathers discretion I might add. I am proud to say I have since become a student at the Marinello School of Beauty and my father is proud as well, lol! I am excited to learn all there is to know about facials, make up, waxing, laser treatments, and everything else esthetics has to offer. My passion is to help others look and feel their best. What better way to do so than with esthetics. I am grateful for this opportunity to be able to follow my dreams of helping others and doing what I love. I can't wait to share with all of you all I have learned and pass my knowledge and experience on to create a butterfly effect in the name of beauty. Thank you all for your support.

Fancy Fall Fashion 2011

Fashion is all about mixing your personality with style. This season is about mixing the latest trends with posh and glamor. Just think class meets leopard and leather. You can also add a touch of color and metallics to spice up your wardrobe, or go plaid and tweed with fur. You want to piece together items that best fit your personality. Don't forget your leather and suede paired in with some lace.

You can choose to go school girl with the plaid and leather or Victorian with the lace and fur. Either which way you pair these trends you are sure to make it on the runway. Thigh high boots, fedora hats, and long chunky necklaces are all great accessories for fall.

My faves and to get a taste of my personality/style is pairing leopard with bright reds, or any animal print for that matter. Any of these materials in black paired with a splash of warm color gives a sophisticated touch to your personality. Not only is it classy, but it adds a feeling to your personality. Your clothes should feel good on you. Like a nice warm hug.

Here is my favorite must have looks for Fall. And one last thing ladies. Curves are in, so make sure to show off your voluptuous sexy selves!

Red Lips!!!

Red lips are in full effect for Fall! You can get the wow look factor while using a red lipstick that goes best with your skin tone. Try Dolce & Gabana Iconic or Clinique Party Red which is what I am wearing in my pic. M.A.C has several great trendy reds. Your best bet it to ask the beautician what shade works with your tone. Not everyone knows their undertone. This way you can find the perfect shade for you.

Personally I am not used to wearing my lips this red, but I have to admit I loved it. Therefore I will more than likely continue this trend into the Fall weather. It looks great with warm colors which are big for fall fashion.

You can choose a tone that fits your personality or go just outside the box. Nothing beats a good red lip. Especially out to a concert or just a night on the town.You can also sport these shades during the day to work or the market. Just expect to get a lot of turning heads.

I would also say to always line your lips with a similar shade of red, but maybe a tad darker. Make sure to blend together with a lip brush to make your lips full and together.

Red really does work in any weather, but with Fall coming up it really does make it fun to wear with a leopard dress and some knee high boots. Red lips are in fashion, so go out and get your color ready. Fall is right around the corner.

Kerastraight and $20 coupon for Ulta Salon

I recently went to a hairstylist at Ulta because they had the Kerastraight treatment for much cheaper than I'm used to seeing. I've been reading up on the Karastraight treatment as I have been wanting to try it myself. My only worry is that it will straighten out my curls. I love being able to wear my hair curly. Especially when I don't feel like using the blow dryer or the straightener. I love just being able to get up and go. With the Kerastraight it would take away the frizz, but I would end up with mostly straight hair.

After long thought and talking with friends I decided not to do it. Also it would have cost me much more because of the amount of hair I have and it would have taken at least 3 hours. Therefore I just went for a simple much needed trim. Lets just say my hair is already in much better condition after the trim.

When I leave my hair curly I don't rinse the conditioner completely out of my hair. I then apply a leave in conditioner or even more conditioner to the ends. I have very thick curly hair so doing this doesn't leave my hair greasy. When I straighten it I use Organix Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner. I rinse all of the conditioner out and let it dry over night. Then I put in CHI Keratin Mist and blow dry. After that I take about 4 inch strands and apply Organix Keratin Oil along with pure jajoba oil. It usually takes about an hour and a half, but I leave it straight for a few days.

I have found this is what works for my hair. If I ever do decide to to do the Karastraight treatment it will have to be a free treatment or pretty close to it. I have done the Organix Keratin treatment as well as the Garnier Blow Dry Perfector. It made my hair stick straight, but I still had frizz. I'm not sure how similar either of these are to the Kerastraight treatment.

If i do decide to do any type of keratin treatment again. I will use the Karastraight formula whether I buy the product and do it myself or go to the salon. I just found it to be not worth the trouble. I love my curls, but I will also be able to wear it straight on occasion.

I am also giving away a coupon for $20 off your first visit to Ulta. Be the first to email me at bellandrea7@yahoo.com and enter your full name and address. Good luck ;)

Secret to loosing belly fat...

How do you kill the fat? Well lets put it this way. What is the best way to kill your enemy? With it's own weapon of course. That's right fat fights fat. Not any fat such as fried fats and highly saturated fats. MUFAs (which is now going to be your weapon against fighting fat) are monounsaturated fatty acids found in most nuts, oils, and even chocolate. Yes I said chocolate! Dark chocolate only though. The darker the better. There are recipes at http://www.prevention.com/health/weight-loss/flat-belly-diet for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner.

You can stop starving yourself and start eating the right way. This doesn't mean giving up everything you love. Just eating it in a different way. You can turn that unhealthy strawberry milkshake into a healthy shake that still tastes great and satisfies you to every degree. Just blend these ingredients together and your off to a tasty high nutrient shake that will literally melt the fat away.

1 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin

1 1/2 Tbsp water

1 cup almond milk

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup honey

11/2 cups sliced strawberries

1/2 cup Sweet Peanut Sauce (MUFA)

I know it's sometimes hard to find the time to cook and actually get down and dirty in the kitchen. When you can it's always best to make your own meals. You can start by adding some simple foods to your everyday meals. In my Bella Nutrition & Exercise section I give you foods you can even take to work with you. You can add these to your meal or just eat them on the side as snack. Instead of eating fries with your meal eat cashews. Instead of a brownie for dessert have a dark chocolate bar. These simple changes in you everyday eating can mean having the body you've always dreamed of.

Stop dieting! Stop starving yourself and taking pills that promise you a quick fix. The best fix is eating and eating right.

I have just discovered this secret and that's why I wanted to share it with you. I've always tried the low-fat or low-carb diets. They never work! They always leave me feeling down about myself because I'd only be loosing water weight and then gaining it all back within the next few days. This approach sounds much nicer and the results are real. Try it out and let me know what you think. I will show my results in a few weeks after making a few changes. If I can do it so can you.