I recently started a new skin care regimen by Keys. I wanted to try something a little more "green." And that is what I got. They are all natural, gluten free products. And when I say natural, I mean natural. The ingredient list includes Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Carrot Seed Oil, Cumin Oil, Aloe Vera and Rosemary Extract to name a few.
I ordered from Organic Diva the Wendy's Day Time Skin Care Regime because I was able to get face wash, eye cream, a day time moisturizer with SPF and a nighttime moisturizer in a value pack for $69.95.
So far so good. No major breakouts after the change and it has been over two weeks. I will keep you updated on the progress. I think I made a wise move.
I have been doing some editorial hair and makeup work for Metro Magazine for the past year or so. Photographer Eliesa, owner of Photogen-Inc, creates the magic for this Self-Styled column. Here are the covers and images from the past 3 months and some photos taken of what happens behind the scenes. Enjoy!
Friends of emily j. -- Make sure to check out the Fall/Winter issue of Minnesota Bride magazine “Best of 2009" wedding vendors feature. emily j. hair + make-up is honored, as is our good friend, Che Bella Boutique, voted best Attendant Gifts in Minnesota. Che Bella is an incredible source of handcrafted bridal jewelry and hairpieces, and has just launched a selection of bridal dresses that are “perfect for the style-minded bride with a smart budget.” Check out their fun attendant gifts as well as a signature line of bridal accessories online at http://chebella.com/index.html or visit their beautiful new shop located on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul.
A braid framing your face is a great style to try – especially for summer. The look can be easy-going or classy, stays in place, and works well with all different types of hair. Braids are also a stylish solution for keeping hair out of your face, especially for controlling unruly bangs.
How to style it: Begin by parting you hair to the side. Gather the section framing your face in a piece approximately one inch thick (take a thinner or thicker section of hair depending on how thick you want the braid).French braid sideways across the forehead and secure the end with a bobby pin above your ear or near the back of the hairline at your neck.
Here are some looks to try:
For a casual windswept look (perfect for a day at the beach), try the Hills’ Lauren Conrad’s loose braid – casual but still flattering – that she wore to an event at the MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas last April.
For a slightly more formal affair, try making the braid a little tighter and neater while also slightly curling the hair to give more body as Jennifer Aniston did for her trip down the red carpet at the 2009 Academy Awards.
For a special event, such as a wedding, where you want your hair up, but also unique, try a braided updo.A braid sweeping into a side chignon is a very chic option. You can vary the size of braid for different looks – from a single large section to many tiny braids gathered and swept to one side. Nicole Richie opted for a larger braid above, while Jessica Alba pulled off a smaller plait at the 2009 Academy Awards.
The Herringbone braid is another option for dressing up a look, especially for those with long hair. Hair gathered loosely at the top makes for a more unstudied and romantic effect.
Tip:For these stylish looks, use a light gel before braiding or mist with hairspray to avoid frizz and flyaways.
I am writing with some wonderful news! In early spring many of you voted for emily j. hair + makeup to be honored as a Minnesota Bride magazine’s “Best of 2009" wedding vendor. Lasts week Minnesota Bride hosted their awards ceremony at the Varsity Theater and announced the finalists and winners.
Thanks to all of you and your support, emily j. hair + makeup won for Best Hair and Makeup!
I wanted to share the great news and thank you for your time, support and excitement for emily j. This is such an honor.
To see a complete list of the amazing finalists and winners head to www.mnbride.com or pick up your copy of the latest Minnesota Bride magazine at many of our local book stores and grocers.
Cosmetic Challenge: Lipstick - Lipsticks, and even tinted lip balms, wear off too fast and they can look pasty and unnatural. Long wear lip color might sound like the answer, but a majority of brands make lips feel too stiff and dry. If you want a little bit of shine, you end up slathering on the glossy stuff only to have it smear off on your teeth, face, clothes, etc…
Solution:Lip/cheek stains give lips and cheeks a sheer, fresh, and natural look while also being comfortable to wear, water-proof, and kiss proof!
How to Use: If desired, exfoliate face and lips to slough off dry skin and ensure an even application. Apply stain to lips using the provided applicator or a Q-tip. Follow up with a clear lip balm for a more casual effect , or apply gloss to dress up the look.
Note: You can use the gel as a blusher as well – just apply 3 dots of stain to the apples of cheeks and rub them into skin using circular motions. Apply another coat until desired color is reached to compliment your skin tone. Set the gel with translucent powder for a natural look, or try shimmer powder applied to cheekbones to further highlight and accentuate.
Products to Try:
A big favorite is Benefit Cosmetic’s Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain. Available at Sephora in poppy and rose colors ($28 for 0.4oz), it comes with a brush applicator.
·Winner of Real Simple magazine's "can't-live-without-products-hall-of-fame" award
·Winner of Marie Claire's "Top 25 Products that Changed our Lives"
·2008 Women's Health Beauty Awards - "Beauty all-star: Best cheek color"
·Voted "best blush" by Elle magazine in 2006
Also available at Sephora is Lorac's Sheer Wash in sheer raspberry, rose, and bronze ($20 for 0.3 fl oz), which comes with a roll-on applicator. Bonus – it contains Sodium PCA, a naturally occurring component of the skin that helps absorb moisture and reduce oil/shine.
Word to the Wise: Screw on the cap tightly – a leaky gel can really stain a purse or cosmetic bag!
