With everything going in and out of style quicker than you can blink an eye, including makeup.  It can be quite confusing to make choices that are flattering to you, and still be in style.

In my very unsolicited professional opinion, rules are there for a reason.  They lovingly help guide us along the way, and avoid awkwardness of seeing yourself in a picture, and thinking why didn’t anyone tell me?

If You Are Breaking The Rules, You Better Have A Darn Good Reason

I’ve done makeup for over 16 years. It started out as something to do in the girls bathroom before classes started, and then progressed into something else.  Something that I was actually pretty good at, but as any makeup can attest I didn’t knock em out of the park every time.  Sometimes it was stunning and other times it was quite the eyesore.

Since I was self taught mostly through books and magazines, and didn’t initially receive formal training, I did not realize that there were rules to makeup, go figure.  I went absolutely crazy with the smoky eye look in the late 90’s early 2000’s, any and everyone that would sit still long enough had a pair of the smokiest eyes.

When I saw a picture of WDIV Local 4’s darling Ms. Rhonda Walker on the cover of Ambassador Magazine. I had an unpleasant flash back, ahhhh! Now I’ve seen Ms. Walker in person and I think she is absolutely stunning.

Her skin is beautiful, hair is always perfect, Ms. Walker’s makeup is impeccably flawless, and her smile is captivating.  She is a natural beaute (be-yoot), as my daddy would say. I personally was not a fan of this look on her.  What do you think?

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

If you want to know what you look like, good, bad or indifferent.  Grab a camera, stand as close as possible to a natural light source and strike-a-pose.  By doing this you will see what others see, and make the needed adjustments.

What’s The Big Idea?

A rule of thumb when it comes to wearing makeup is to  K.IS.S. it (keep it simple Shirley).  Makeup is to enhance our best features, and minimize our less than flattering ones.  If this seasons trend does not tickle your fancy, and flatter the heck out of you, don’t do it.

If you still lack confindence seek professional help, when it comes to your makeup.  I am partial to the freelance MUA vs. the Makeup Counter MUA, I have my reasons. With the first being I started out as a freelance MUA, and then worked briefly at the Cardeaux counter at Hudson’s Department store in Southland Mall.  Second freelance MUA’s have more experience with makeup  in general, and can recommend quality product vs. a counter MUA that is only versed in their counter’s makeup.  Not to mention 9/10 times they are on a commission (there in lies an ulterior motive).

Sure some of the biggest names in makeup started at a counter, and yes there may be that one MUA that is very talented. Personally I’ve had more bad experiences and mis-matched colors at the hand of a counter MUA then I care to recount.  This is just my opinion.  I’d like to hear your experiences. Freelance vs. Counter.

embrace your own personal beauty-love who you are today and every day -robert jones

I could not agree with Mr. Jones more, and as an esthetician it is my goal to assist you in discovering ‘Your Own Personal Beauty’.  I would like to explore a series of posts and videos that would lay the ground work for this.  The first post in this series is an soft introduction to face shapes. Understanding your face shape is very important as it will influence your makeup, eyebrows, hairstyles, and neckline. As information becomes available to me I will build on this.

Tiffany

Some have a love hate relationship with their skin, they love when it looks great, and hate when it doesn’t.  With this simple guide you will no longer be a prisoner to your skin behaving badly.

Start At the Beginning

Beautiful skin is attainable, without spending a fortune (consider this an investment).  Our skins needs will change from time to time, and our skin products should too.  Updating your product line is a must if you want to maintain a great complexion.  Here is what you do.  Consult with a reputable esthetician or dermatologist and have a list of questions prepared.  Feel free to ask them to explain things that don’t understand, and take notes.  Always feel free to get a second opinion.

Invest in a good professional product line. A good esthetician will be  well versed in more than one line, and can recommend you products that she may or may not carry in her spa.

The product line should be tailored to fit your skin.  It should contain a milk or cream cleanser,  an exfoliator that completely dissolves in water, no shells, pumice, and beads…allowed. It should also include a mask that suits your skins needs at that present moment.  If your skin is dry use a hydrating mask, to learn more about which mask is right for you click here.  You will also need a toner , and two moisturizers, one for day and one for night.

FYI- Feel free to be eclectic when it comes to your skin care. If you have a  toner that really works feel free to use it.  Realistically speaking there is no perfect product line. Being able to choose products from different lines will require knowledge in skincare and your esthetician should be able to assist you.

Here is What I’ve Found!

Guinot Has amazing milk cleansers and their gommage biologique is a must use.

Simone France’s line has several goodies. The sandwich, her moisturizers, and masks are awesome.

Ling carries an amazing purfying mask.

For a no nonsense approach to product selection give MySkin a try.  Use the code: msesthy to set up your profile.

Instead of opting for the very popular botox or rejuaderm injections, some have taken matter  into their own hands and given facial yoga a try. This is going to be the latest trend in the on going battle against aging. Yoga has been known to tone muscles, detoxify the body, and increase flexibility. These benefits are exactly what is needed to help us to age gracefully.

Using masks in your skin care routine is very beneficial.  The right mask can work wonders for your skin.  Typically they contain oils, vitamins, fruit, minerals, flowers, and herbs, and they can come in different forms hydrating, clay, collagen, and vitamin c to name a few.

The benefits that masks provide are endless, they can: hydrate, soothe, tighten and tone, clear up blemishes and rejuvenate your skin.

Masking According To Your Kind

Clay masks will gently purify your skin, and are ideal for normal to oily skin.

A soothing mask such as hibiscus & arnica, has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps to soothe your skin.

Collagen masks help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, it also helps increase your skins hydration.

No facial is complete without a mask application.  They can stay on anywhere from 5- 45 minutes, and it is recommended that you apply a mask at least once a week.  Beautiful skin awaits.

If you want great skin give this a try:

Smoking Ain’t Hip

Cigarette smoking falls under the category of bad habits that are pretty hard to break.  After learning that it not only has been linked to cancer, it is also responsible for premature aging, and the dreaded wrinkling of  skin.  This may give mokers (that’s how my daughter used to say smokers) a little more of an incentive to kick that bad habits boo-tay.

Yeah I am sure you get that smoking is really unhealthy for your lungs, but OMG the damage that is does to your skin is insane.  First, it totally causes your blood vessels to constrict, on your skins outer layers (too much of this causes wrinkles).   Second, it has been known to cause dry skin, aka sand paper hands.  Third, um…if you smoke long enough, you’ll probably end up with smokers lips.

FYI- If you are not willing to kick the habit, but suffer from smokers lips, there are inject-able solutions that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles around your mouth.  Go a reputable plastic surgeon, that has experience with this procedure.

Quench That Thirsty Skin

Moisturize, Moisturize Moisturize. Our skin can’t survive without it.  If we deprive it of moisture it can cause irritation, dryness, itching, and the socially unacceptable ashing of the skin (a/k/a ashy).

Rub, Rub, Rub Away

Exfoliating your skin once a week is an amazing treat.  It removes dead skin, bringing the fresh new skin to the surface.  It gives you a glow, that won’t stop. FYI- I am enamoured with Guinot’s Gommage Biologique

Don’t sleep in your Makeup

This is something that I have heard my entire life, but when I was in beauty school our instructor said “sleeping in your makeup can age you 10 years”.  Now that is very, very scary.  Get in the routine of washing your face with a cleansing milk every night before bed, tone, moisturize and sweet dreams.

With the economy on everyone’s mind; sticking to your budget is more important than ever before, and here are some ideas to keep you looking fab minus the tab.

The Ole Switch-A-Roo

Don’t have money in the budget for that new outfit? No sweat my pet, organize a clothing swap with your girlfriends, and get a few new-to-you pieces to spruce up your wardrobe.  Here is how it works: spring clean your closet, find things that you’d want to swap. The items have to be in good condition, trendy, and ready to be worn (no dirty clothes).

Take them to the designated location, and swap until your heart is content.  Jeans, handbags, accessories, and wives (according to ABC) are all swappable these days.   The sky is the limit, have fun, be creative, and most important you’ve got new clothes and stayed with in the family’s budget.

Hey There, Sleeping Beauty

Adequate sleep is one the most beneficial things we can do to instantly improve our appearance.  It also boosts our immune system, as well as helps the nervous system function properly.  Adults generally need between seven and eight hours of sleep each night.  If you experience problems sleeping, consult a physician as there may be an underlying issue.  Sweet dreams.

Polish Your Nails

Nail polish has the ability to transform boring and drab into totally fab.  Choose a color that you haven’t worn in a while.  This will make your nails pop.  In 30 minutes you can have a fabulous nails and an improved look, all without spending a dime.

How have you reinvented yourself for FREE?

I’ve had many a pair of hands in my head, and some I’ve liked more than others.  When I started the discussion; What do you like or dislike about your hairdresser, the responses ranged from one end of the spectrum to the other.

Punctuality, professionalism, time management (double booking), answering the phone during service, creativity, ability to listen, and the cleanliness of the salon were some of the responses that were thrown out there.

It’s a wonder that anyone still goes to a salon if they have to put up with this kind of behavior.

I’m a Beautician, Not A Magician

Going to a reputable salon and finding a stylist that is a perfect match for you is possible, it just requires a little effort on your part.  Have a clear idea of what you are looking for, and be realistic.  It is nothing more frustrating than a client with unrealistic expectations, and a hairdresser that can live up to them.

Speak Now or Forever Sit There

We each get 24 hours in a day, if we are lucky.  For a technician to double book their clients it is unprofessional and greedy. One could argue that ‘people do make appointments and then don’t show up’, and this may be the case.  Salons that have a high rate of no-shows could try operating on a walk ins welcome, first come first serve basis.

I remember my first experience with a double booking.  I showed up for my 10 am  appointment with a hairdresser (that shall remain nameless), and another woman came in the salon and had a 10 am with the same person.  I started looking at her, and she started looking back at me, and then we both looked at him like he was crazy. Needless to say I lost that battle.  She definitely pulled rank, as a weekly standing appointment. Hey, at least he valued his loyal clients.

It’s A Sign Of The Times

Are they keeping up with the trends in hair dressing, or do they pride themselves on having graduated in 1980 from beauty school and never taken another class? Sites such as Citysearch, Yelp, Salon & Spa, and the up and coming E Salon Space, are all designed to help you find a hairdresser in your area that is keeping up with current trends and safety regulations.

Do You Understand The Words That Are Coming Out Of My Mouth?

Communication is very important in any relationship, and having your hair dresser 100% understand your goal for your hair, that’s major.  Be specific in communicating your ideas.  Bring pictures, visual aids work wonders in helping get your point across.  Be consistent, set a regular routine and stick to it.

This Place Is A Mess

An unsanitary salon is not acceptable. It not only puts you at risk and potentially endagers your health, but it is also a direct violation of state board regulations. Here are a few things to look for: Are the combs and brushes cleaned and soaked in barbicide after each use, do they wipe down their entire station in between clients, are they sweeping up the hair and disposing of it properly?  Just a little something something to think about when choosing a hairdresser. When is enough, enough when it comes to your technician? Please share your thoughts.

A Florida resident was recently awarded $15,000 in a lawsuit, for a botched brazilian bikini wax.  In which she claims her labia was torn, and had to receive six stitches to close the gaping wound.  After I saw the story on the news (thanks Carla for the heads up), I started thinking, How can you avoid something like this?

Seek Professional Help

I highly recommend that if you are interested in brazilian bikini waxing, no short cuts allowed. Girl bits are tender, and should be treated with the utmost respect.  DIY brazilian bikini waxing on the bathroom floor, or having a friend wax you in her basement is very risky.  Go to a licensed professional that has received additional training in this technique.

FYI- A standard beauty school education is not good enough when it comes to this service, most schools won’t even train their estheticians to preform brazilian bikini waxing.

You Get What You Pay For

Save big at the grocery store by clipping coupons, but being frugal when it comes to bikini waxing can lead to disaster. From experience, education is what separates the good from the the bad.  People that are passionate about their work will become masters of their craft, they will continue their education, and learn everything there is to know about waxing.

FYI- I am slightly against having your jack of all trades master of none stylist perform this service on you, because your safety is most important not the fact that she can “upsell” services to you.

Do Your Homework

Sites like citysearch, yelp, merchant circle, and insider pages are wonderful resources.  Clients will review the business, and their reviews can be very helpful to you.  Just ask, you’d be surprised how many people are brazilian waxing.  You can even call the esthetician directly, and ask about her procedures.  This is your body, and you have every right to make a sound decision.

FYI- Things to look for: Do they have web presence, what are other people saying about them, do they continue their  education, will they stand behind their work.

There is always the possibility of injury associated with waxing, but following these steps can help reduce injury.

Indigo Zuri lead stylist and owner of p2styles (pronounced p squared styles) a professional image and consulting company, gave me the biznazz on why a white tee in your wardrobe is important, and since you know how much I love my tees, I just had to share this. Here is what she had to say:

Ask practically any celebrity or fashion stylist to name their favorite wardrobe staple and the classic T-shirt almost always makes the list. A wardrobe without a T-shirt is simply incomplete. The classic white tee can look different on singer Rihanna, Taylor Swift or you. Throw in a variety of colors and necklines, along with the following tee styling tips, and never worry about “what the wear”.

• Invest in a seamless bra or T-shirt bra for a smooth silhouette.
• A tee-shirt’s shoulder seam should sit properly at the widest part of your shoulders.
• A fitted crewneck tee is a classic for all ages.
• Scoopneck and V-neck types are great for those with fuller busts; be sure to avoid loose-fitting ones that can be unflattering.
• Cap-sleeve tees show off those toned biceps well.
• Want to give the illusion of a more elongated silhouette?  Push up long sleeves.
• Wear an open-neck fitted tee under a smart jacket for boardroom chic.

Ms. Indigo has exclusively invited Body Waxing Saved My Life readers, and fans of Ms. Esthetician to attend her Her Color Expert webinar at no-cost.  The official invite goes out to the public on Thursday February 18th, so reserve your spot, Today.

Webinar with Color Expert, Indigo Zuri @Colourgurl

Ever wondered what colors look best on you? Well wonder no more!  Join in on a free one-hour color introductory webinar, Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST.  The Colour Gurl, Indigo Zuri, introduces the five properties used to determine one’s personal color palette.  Also, have your color questions answered by this industry expert and certified color consultant.

Why Is This Color Analysis Webinar Vital to You? First and foremost, wearing colors that are in harmony with your personal color palette help you to look younger, healthier and yes, thinner, instantly.  Moreover, many people feel a psychological boost knowing that they look their absolute best.

Getting in on the Spring/Summer Color Trends.  Expect to see lots of vibrant colors during spring and summer 2010.  Find out how to select the perfect shade or tint of practically any hue.  Get in on this webinar and learn ways to inject the right hues into your personal wardrobe for pure fabulocity.

Be a part of this dynamic hour-long event.  Simply Email us – p2styles[at]gmail[dot]com – your name, email address, source for learning about this event (if twitter, whose @ account) and your fashion related questions*.  We will send you a confirmation email with the call-in information.

Date: February 23, 2009

Time: 9:00 pm EST

*We will only answer pre-submitted questions for this webinar.