Sleeping Beauty: Nighttime Beauty Tips

   When Beauties wake up in the morning and head out into the world they take extra care washing,toning, moisturizing, and putting on their makeup with pride. However, not so much effort goes into the nigh-time routine, which is totally a big deal! Our skin braves the sun, pollution, and our hand contact all day, and at night it needs some revitalization. Several studies report that women who do not practice a night-time skin care routine are 10 times more likely to have puffy and/or darkened under eye circles, and an increase in wrinkles, and more frequent break-outs. Many of us know how to prep their skin for the daytime, and have heard the importance of using oil-controllers and  protective SPF,but surprisingly very few of us know the magnitude of night-time skin care practices and products. It may take a little extra time, but loving the skin your in is totally worth it. Here are some night-time skincare tips, to have you  glowing like a true sleeping beauty!


Sleeping Beauty Tip 1: Hold off on the fluids before bed!
            Of course we try to get our 8 glasses of water a day in, before we call it a night, but drinking a lot of water before sleeping can actually cause puffy and dark eye circles. When you sleep at night, the thin area under your eyes, retains water and fluid, which unfortunately can give you the raccoon look in the morning. It's best to stop drinking liquids at least two hours before bed time. Avoid caffeine at night at all cost, for both a good night's sleep and clear skin. A great nighttime eye cream can also aid in getting rid of dark circles and puffiness.

Sleeping Beauty Tip 2: Moisture is KEY!
         Dehydration is the biggest problem our skin faces at night. Putting a hydrating moisturizing cream  or a hydrating serum on your face at night is a major factor in slowing down the aging process, and keep your skin crystal clear. There are so many great choices out there, depending on age and budget range. Look for one with collagen and retinoids
(vitamins A,C,&K) to keep pores small and to minimize dark spots. Our skin attempts to restore itself while we sleep and actually absorbs serums and creams more deeply at night!

Lancome' Genefique Night Serum -very highly rated!

Sleeping Beauty Tip 3: NEVER sleep in makeup!

      Sleeping in makeup is the number one cause of breakouts in women. As tempting as it is to crash after coming home from a long day at work, or a long night of partying-it is detrimental to your skin to sleep in makeup. Your skin is fighting against the chemicals in makeup at night, which ends up in stretched, and clogged pores and oily skin. Sleeping in mascara and eyeliner can also cause your lashes to weaken and shed, as well as irritating eye infections. A great makeup remover like Pond's Cold Cream thoroughly removes all makeup, while moisturizing at the same time. 

Sleeping Beauty Tip 3: Exfoliate!

       Many people exfoliate in the morning, which can actually leave your skin more vulnerable to during the day. It's best to cleanse the day off by exfoliating at night, and following up with a moisturizer. A great tool for true exfoliation is the Clarisonic.It gives your face a great deep cleaning, while massaging the skin. The cool thing is that it times itself, knowing exactly how much time and attention your face needs to get thoroughly cleansed!

Sleeping Beauty Tip 4: Beauty is not just the face!

     We always want to put our best face forward, but its not our only part that needs revitalization after a long day. Exfoliating and moisturizing your hands and feet at night can truly a go a long way in keeping them youthful, pretty and healthy, not to mention longevity in between mani &pedi dates. Typing, cooking, washing dishes, and roaming the city in heels all day, can take its toll, if you don't take care. I swear by Partylite's Instant Manicure, it exfoliates and scrubs away dead skin leaving the skin on your hands and feet clean and silky smooth. Following up with a great shea butter on your hands and feet has an amazing, softening affect.

Sleeping Beauty Tip 5: Take care of that smile!

            In my opinion, a  great smile is woman's best feature! Taking the time to floss and brush your teeth at night, will your whites pearly, and your face girlie! Nighttime flossing and brushing is absolutely the best defense against cavities, gum disease, and gingivitis, not to mention scary morning breath. Having a healthy beautiful mouth, will truly give you something to smile about! And don't forget to moisturize those lips at night too! Classic Vaseline works great.

          Use these tips and you are guaranteed to be a true sleeping beauty, giving your skin the royal treatment. The coolest thing about a nightly beauty routine as that it gives you time all to yourself before bed to reflect on the day, unwind, and invest in your health and beauty!

Good night & Sleep Tight Beauties! XOXOXO -Laura Love

BEAUTY REPORT: Fall 2011 Trends!

Breaking Beauty News!
   The designers all over the world have spoken, sending down their models  for fashion week with the top makeup and nail looks for the fall. I'll give you a hint: brows, wings, matte...and snakes-Yes some of it might shock you!


Trend 1: Winged-Eyes

The winged eye-shadow and liner, seen on these Marc Jacobs models is so in! Bold and  intriguing, this is probably not the best look to wear to work, but awesome to try on the weekends or out on the town. The bonus of the winged-eye look is that it gives the illusion of a more defined cheeked bone, which instantly slims the face. Tip:To get the look-use this makeup artist trick of placing clear scotch tape from the top of the cheek bone right up to the temple, or wherever you want the wing when applying eye-shadow. After you covered the area remove the tape and it will look like you applied a perfectly defined strip of color!

                            Smokey with wings

Trend 2: Rich Lips

This season pair a nude matte face with rich juicy lips. Oranges, reds, and sultry maroons and dark wine colors are all the rave.The best thing about this look is that it gives a regal, expensive, and classy look with out a lot of effort. Orange and reddish colors look great on practically every skin tone, and there's so much variety out there! Tip: No more applying straight from the tube. Invest in a lip brush for a flawless application. I have one from E.L.F. cosmetics that makes my lips look perfectly painted. Not bad for $1.99!!!

Trend 3: Bold Brows

The catwalk had nothing but bold brows this season. Arched, highlighted,defined and completely full. To get the look, use a brow gel or brow pencil that is one shade lighter than your natural brow color and blend to highlight the eyes. If your brows are on the sparse side, try the new brow markers they give an excellent natural looking fullness.

Trend 4: Slithering, Serpent Nails

Yes. Snakeskin is in, not just on bags and boots this year,but nails. Snake-like patterns are now the hottest nail design, and some celebrities are paying over $1000 for manis+ pedis that lays real shedded snake skin over their nails! Just an imitated pattern will be just fine for me, Thanks...



Even Estee Lauder is playing on the snake trend, with the new bronzer pattern!



Not quite into the snake trend? Well dark metallic nails will do. Grays, greens, silvers, and golds are the fall colors. These colors in the new Chanel nail collection set the mold. Stunning!

In my expert opinion ;) The new NARS fall collection is going to be one of  the hottest, for fall. It has elements of all the emerging trends, with classic subtly.

Well Beauties, Now your hip for the fall looks! Always Be Beautiful!

XOXOXOXO -Laura Love

Simply Glowing!

         Hello Gorgeous!

        The sun has not been the least bit shy this summer, and we still have a couple months lefts to show some skin. Recently, a  friend of mine who is traveling to the beautiful Dominican Republic next week asked me what beauty products she can use to make her skin shimmer and glow in the sun. I knew exactly what to suggest!

NARS BODY GLOW

A beauty favorite of  Jada Pinkett-Smith, Keri Hilson, and Trya Banks, NARS Body Glow is the perfect oil to give you a luminous, shimmery glow! Not only does it smell great, but its velvety texture smooths over any part of the body to give you a natural looking radiance.
 Sold separately at any Sephora, or Beauty Counter in Bloomingdale's or Macy's, the clear, translucent bottle Monoi is for those who simply want a translucent glow that reflects the sun's light to really shine.

The darker glow ( my personal favorite) Monoi de Tahiti gives a beautful glow, with a pop of shimmer, that looks amazing on medium to dark skin. NARS Body Glow can go anywhere on the body, just remember to apply your SPF sunscreen underneath for protection.

Look how Jada Pinkett-Smith uses Nars Body Glow to look like a bronzed goddess!

If it's just your legs you wish to accent,  try Sally Hansen Airbursh legs, which can be found at any drugstore, or beauty supply store.




Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

 They offer a range of shades, to match your complexion, and have an easy spray-on applicator. You can never go wrong when your simply glowing!

I love giving beauty advice! Please send any and all inquires to tiabellebeauty@gmail.com anytime.
Always Be Beautiful !!!

BEAUTY & THE BEACH

  Hey Beautiful Belle's

   It's vacation season!!! No need to avoid the beach or the pool, for fear of beauty blunders. If you want to make a splash this summer, let me introduce you to your new best friends......

 Waterproof Eyeliner is a MUST.
  One of my favorite new products this summer is Makeup Forever's AquaLiner, which can be found in an abundance of colors at Sephora. The fun summer colors look great in the light of the sun, and it is the perfect beauty tool to accent the color of your bathing suit or sundress.

                                                    Look at all the Pretty Colors!

     Dive all you want! This liner stays in place and will have everyone wondering how your face still looks   so great. For awesomeness on top of awesomeness -try pairing it with Makeup Forever Aqua Cream-

Available in 22 shades, I love multiple products like this that can be used on your lips, eyes, or cheeks
Its long-lasting formula will not crease or smudge under the most extreme conditions.


Rock these products the right way, and the sun won't be the only thing on the beach that's hot!

AMERICAN BEAUTY

  Happy Independence Day !!! 

here are some looks I rocked over the 4th of July Holiday!

    

 

                                            


                              Fingers of Freedom

  On the 4th of July, we celebrate the freedom of expression through makeup and nail art. Check out these patriotic prints that are truly setting off fireworks!



MAC Blogger Obssession Collection exclusives on sale today!!!!!!

    Hey Gorgeous!        

                Not only is it the first official day of summer, but it's the first official day on MAC's new Blogger Obsession Collection is on sale! These are online exclusives. All of the makeup was inspired by fellow beauty bloggers like myself, who MAC selected to make colors after-SO COOL. The whole collections is sublime, but here are my two favs:

                                                                   Jealousy Wakes

                               This shadow will give you a sexy smokey green eye, with lots of pop!

                                                                  All My Purple Life

                                     This is a passionate purple to say the least! I freakin love it!

Exploring AstroBeauty

ASTROBEAUTY

 How the zodiac elements influence our beauty style

This week as I was taking a moonlit stroll through Beautyland, I glanced up at the stars, and the relationship between our zodiac charts and how we do beauty really struck me with inspiration. Each of our sun signs fall under one of nature’s four basic elements. We’ve all heard that our personality is strongly influenced by this, so naturally  our beauty choices are as well.Let’s take a look !!!!

Earth: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn -Grounded goddesses born under earth signs possess a very natural,sensual,and solid beauty. Their keen bone structures and goal-oriented nature allows them to carefully select their products based on their needs and best believe they will invest in keeping their skin and teeth flawless! It’s all about enhancing their natural-born features. Soular Therapy Astrological Heavenly Body Oil is the perfect earthy-scented product for  earths signs to keep that skin clear, healthy, and glowing.  Virgo Beyonce’ swears by Aquaphor to keep her skin glowing and hydrated as well as Natura Bisse Diamond Creme to keep her face flawless.




#NP-Signs by Beyonce



Water: Cancer,Scorpio,and Pisces- Expect to see these intuitive beauties wearing their emotions on their sleeve and on their face.There is no set routine for these gals, the water signs will no doubt do their make up according to their emotions and receptivity to their Bohemian style.  With water signs it’s not about what’s in, it’s about what they’re feeling. Somehow their look always ends up feminine and beautiful. Always imaginative-the Protect Paradise Eye Compact is perfect for the water signs, providing a strong element of luxury and fantasy,with enough range to compliment all your moods.Ever checked out Pisces Erykah Badu’s make up? It definitely sets the mood and it always means something. She's also notorious for using body make up as a part of her style

Fire: Leo,Aries,Sagittarius-

I’m not ashamed to say it’s most likely one of my fellow fire divas with the longest weave and the brightest eye shadow in the room! Lively and bright fire signs love to be the center of attention, almost as much as they love shopping for whatever is out there to add to their glamorous lifestyle. Color, excess, and a little razzle dazzle is the fire sign’s staple.Yves Saint Laurent’s Classic Red lipstick is just bright enough to satisfy fire’s flare for drama, while remaining classic and chic.Leo Jennifer Lopez has been known to rock this seductive shade.

Air: Gemini,Libra,Aquarius -These sociable signs have a love for beautiful things and their beauty buys will definitely have pretty packaging.Flirty and fun, air girls are the master of the perfect party look and are radiant with style and charm. Libra fashionista Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers perfumes are a prime example of the creative and charming qualities air signs embody. Besides an airy scent, you’ll need a pink blush for all those social events. Try Chanel’s Narcisse spotted on Gemini Natalie Portman,it’s light and lovely on almost all skin tones. 

Laura Love’s 6 Steps to Green Your Beauty Routine

Laura Love's 6 Steps to Green Your Beauty Routine

 

     For those who share my addiction to beauty and glam, the thought of changing your regular beauty products can have you shaking your head so hard your faux lashes come off! However, to become true goddesses we must realize that true beauty goes beyond our faces and reflects in our efforts to take care of our minds, bodies, and our precious planet earth. Many make up, skin, and hair care products are loaded with toxins and harsh chemicals that our bodies absorb every time we use them, not to mention the mass produced products that harm the earth with heavy oil usage, excess waste, and non-recyclable packaging. Fortunately, many mainstream cosmetic companies have got on board with the global “going green” efforts, and new brands of eco-friendly cosmetics are popping up everyday. It feels great that us green girls have some options. After all, shouldn’t our planet be as beautiful as we are? Of course we have to hold our beloved brands responsible for doing their part, but, instead of starting an all too dramatic one woman protest at the MAC counter, try these 6 simple steps you can take NOW to personally green your beauty routine.

          

         1.) Fall for Fair Trade –With an undergrad degree in Women’s Studies I could go on a tangent all day. However, I’ll just state this one simple statistic: Women provide about 90 % of the world’s resources, and receive less than 10 % of the profits. Alas, this sad stat applies to the beauty industry as well. Often times the resources for cosmetics are discovered, made, and packaged by women who are underpaid, underweight, and overworked. Companies and brands that use fair trade and ethical business practices are straight up AWESOME! In fair trade, the products are usually organic and of premium origin, while the angels who put it all together are blessed with fair wages, fair working conditions, and fair treatment of the environment. It’s a WIN -WIN situation. Some popular fair traders are: The Body Shop, Moroccan Oil, and Aveda. 

Spa Polynesian line by The Body Shop.

Moroccan Oil Products.
Aveda's Enbrightenment line.

2.) Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls-TLC told the truth and gave some great advice in that song,! The beautiful Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopez (may she rest in peace)was a major advocate for the environment. I know if she was looking down on us now to see how much water we waste a day in our beauty routines, she would not be pleased. Make Up: If you didn’t get the winged eyeliner look quite right the first time there’s no need to wash your face and start all over again. Try oil-free make up removal wipes instead. Hair: Of course you need a good lather & rinse when necessary, but in between salon visits opt for dry shampoo. A lot are made from natural ingredients, and they save energy, water, and money you waste when constantly shower washing your hair. My personal fave is Lush’s Candy Fluff powder, it can be used for both weaves and natural hair, and I can personally testify that it absorbs the excess oil, and leaves your head smelling candy sweet! Although, I have to warn you that it might cause guys to follow you around all day.  

Stay sweet with Lush's Candy Fluff dry shampoo!

Nails: When doing manicures at home, opt for placing your hands under a wet cloth for an extended period of time, instead of soaking them. It gives the same affect of cleansing the nails and softening the hands, without the excess water bowl water down the drain. Relax and Wax: If you like hair barely there, go for waxing instead of shaving. The results last much longer. You run less water by cutting out the shave in the shower routine, and now that your showers are quicker you have more time to try that outfit with different accessories! WIN –WIN.

3.) All-IN-ONES and one for all! You don’t have to be a musketeer to appreciate the value of the 3- in- one deal. An awesome and savvy way to green your beauty routine is to buy make up with multiple uses. There are plenty of make up palettes that can be used for eyes, lips, and cheeks interchangeably. Moisturizers that have sunscreen and tint, double -ended lip liners, concealers with added anti-age vitamins…get my drift? Using products that have more than one function saves money and cuts down on environmental damage-it’s all about taking two birds down with one stone. The brilliant brains at NARS were thinking along these lines when they put out The Multiple – it’s a cheek, lip, and eye color in one tube for $38.00. I couldn’t be a green girl without mentioning Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm, which you can use almost everywhere on your face for $34.00. Now that’s what I call multi-tasking. An added bonus, to buying multi-use products, is having more space in your bathroom vanity and most importantly more space in your purse! Is the WIN-WIN situation becoming a recurring theme here? Hmmm….

Freedom Glow Beauty Balms by Revolution Organics.

4.) This is the one time its better to Go Synthetic- I’m talking the importance of fur-free make up brushes. Does any body remember what happened to Cruella De’vil at the end of the movie? It wasn’t pretty. Plus, animal cruelty is sooooo not in this year. There are too many high quality synthetic brushes that work beautifully. Taklon fiber brushes are the way to go. If you’re rolling with fur brushes, you could be carrying around goat, squirrel, pony, camel or mink fur in your make up bag and my guess is that they didn’t give it up willingly. Be a caring consumer, and support brands like Urban Decay, and Revlon who absolutely do not test on animals, nor use animal-hair make up brushes. 

 

Earth Friendly Makeup Brushes by EcoTools.

5.) This next step is a real revolutionary concept so brace yourself--ACTUALLY READ THE LABELS.  Check out the labels and ingredients on your cosmetic products to see what you are putting in and on your face and body. If it appears to be full of toxic crap then toss it. I know…with all those words you don’t understand written as small as they could be, it’s hard to know what’s what. You can check out the exact meanings and origins on websites like www.SKINDEEP.com or at www.Ecobella.com , these websites and plenty others out there are great at breaking down those confusing list of words, and informing consumers exactly what those chemicals do, and where they originate.

6.) REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE = REWARD. Recall me mentioning those mainstream cosmetic companies in the intro that are now getting on board? Well some of them definitely provide an incentive for remembering the 3 ‘R’s. Returning empty cosmetic jars to Origins will earn you a sweet 10 % discount. MAC provides a free lipstick with every six empty containers you return, and Aveda will give you a perfect purse-sized hand cream for bringing in your cosmetic caps! Come On…Say it with me…WIN-WIN!

You've got to be seen green! Try tweaking your routine with these 6 simple steps and you'll be just lovely inside and out. Thanks for reading goddess, continue to support your sisters who believe in love and peace, and make sure you stay tuned for more of Laura Love's Adventures in Beautyland! Until next time, Always be bright, Always be bold, and Always be beautiful.