Be a CoverGirl...Sorry Guys!

Let's talk mascara.

Hands down, the best mascara I have tried in a long time has to be CoverGirl's Lash Blast! It is the one in the fat orange tube.
I will keep this very simple. I have tried many mascaras, almost every drugstore and professional brand. One important thing I learned is, it is not about the formula but the brush is the most important thing to decide upon when buying. Lash Blast has a flexible, spiky brush with tons of little protruding separators on a chubby stick. It lifts, separates and coats more lashes than most of the traditional brush like applicators that are like a hairbrush with natural bristles. Mind you, many companies are adopting these new, more rubber-like brushes with all kinds of different prong-like applicators but I have had the best luck with Lash Blast. Their formula is also very good. It coats, lifts, separates and seems to thicken the lashes individually, giving them a longer, more stand-out look. It does not clump, flake or smear and it is available in waterproof. It has worked for me and I have been using it since it was launched almost 2 years ago. I used to really like Zoom Lash, by MAC, but when Lash Blast came out, I decided to try it. I don't feel you can compare the two.
This is a budget mascara too and it is important to stay stylish on a budget!!
Lash Blast blasts the competition right out of the park!

Blogging Beauty Inside and Out!

I believe this will be my first beauty blog but definitely not my last!
I have spent 25 years in the beauty industry, wearing many different hats. I have a lot to say and I am bringing it to my blog in the form of fashion, skin care, makeup/artistry, fitness and nutrition amongst the other review topics that have worked for me as well as others to which I have recommended these things to!
Lately I have been answering a lot of makeup and skin care questions, many pertaining to weddings, pregnancy and other special events as well as business in a stressful economy.
First things first. I am no doctor, but I am a certified and licensed skin care practitioner (Esthetician)/makeup artist.
A few things to keep in mind when striving for overall skin (and body health!!) is to try to get adequate rest! It is up to you. Stress can interrupt sleep (amongst other things) but lack of sleep can age you and have all kinds of other health concerns. Try to practice relaxation techniques and setting a bedtime routine (not necessarily a time schedule). I love yoga. It has really taught me how to breathe (yes, very important!) and stretch! This in turn has helped me to relax and gives me a resource to reduce my stress at any time, anywhere, contributing to my overall health.
Lack of sleep in combination with dehydration also takes its toll on the skin so try to get rest and drink plenty of fluids, avoiding high sugar and caffeinated beverages as much as possible.
These are just a couple of things that I know, work for me and I have seen the effects of adequate sleep and hydration on many of my clients.
Reduce stress, get more rest and keep hydrated.
Next blog: Simple makeup techniques and quality products on a time constraint and limited budget!

Caffeinaddicts, Spare Some Time, Save Money

Are you a coffee lover that can't leave the house without your eye-opening essential?
I think it is a nobrainer to say that it is quite unreasonable to spend 3 on a coffee on a daily, even weekly basis, in today's economy.
I am not trying to steer people away from the big name chains but think about what you could be saving by taking an extra 5 minutes at home to make your own.
I went out and bought a $2.69 canister of International Coffee's Suisse Mocha (among many other flavors), boiled some water and added it to a few teaspoons of the coffee mix. Simple, tasty, and certainly not spending big bucks on a single cup of my morning ritual!
I also invested in a $2.99 milk frother from IKEA that I adore.
I brew some fresh coffee or espresso and heat some milk in a separate mug in the microwave, then froth away with my battery operated, little frother. Mix together coffee and milk and voila, a latte. Add sweetener, or for a special treat, buy a bottle of your favorite Torani Syrup (Vanilla, Hazelnut, Raspberry etc.) and you will have a coffee that tastes like you spent that ridiculous amount of money without actually spending it!
So if you don't already have one, invest in a good, reusable, travel mug and spare yourself a little bit of extra time in the morning, not your child's college fund (or whatever is left of that), to enjoy a cup of your own delicious, caffienated beverage!

Estate House Wins Us Over

Do you live in the Phoenix, AZ area or are planning to visit? If so, make sure to stop in to the Estate House on Stetson and Scottsdale in beautiful Old Town.

A good friend and myself were recommended to try this beautiful, 3 story restaurant/lounge with a sprawling outdoor patio on the second floor and VIP patio with indoor lounge on the third floor. Not to mention, the Estate House has gorgeous views of Old Town Scottsdale.
Decorated with contemporary, elegant and a modern style combination, this establishment is both classy and comfortable, attracting a diverse range of clientele. We noticed many couples dining casually, a hosted party for NBA All-Star Weekend, individuals and groups enjoying their Friday night out!
We lounged on the second floor, ordering from an extensive wine/cocktail menu and indulging in a wonderful heirloom tomato appetizer, complete with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella and a sweet and spicy shrimp dish, sized beautifully and filled with gourmet flavors to give your taste buds a zing! The first floor offers a separate, more extensive, menu which includes entrees and desserts. We also toured the VIP patio on the third floor which offers a private outdoor atmosphere, beautifully decorated for comfort and style. This area also included an enclosed indoor private lounge area with a large flat screen and private bar service available (call for VIP bookings).
Not only was the food very good but the staff was very impressive. We were constantly attended to and had prompt, extremely friendly and professional service the entire evening. We did not feel like we were in a stuffy, aloof atmosphere like many an upscale Scottsdale establishment. The comfort level was wonderful, prices within reason for the excellent quality and taste and I would highly recommend the Estate House for any evening of the week.
Click here to visit their website for pictures, menus and event information.