CURRENT OBSESSIONS- Chunky Jewelry, and Asian Beauty Products..

I'm a HUGE fan of chunky jewelry! Lately, I've been reaching for thick chains, and wide cuffs. 

I'm also really loving this gold wishbone necklace I ordered from Ebay. Make a wish!! =) *----

I found this great NEW little asian beauty store at my local mall. I was so excited, since my usually spot is a bit of a drive. I didn't go too crazy, but I picked up a few things. =) 

I whipped out my favorite BB Cream today! BB cream is the perfect one step makeup when I want to keep my makeup minimal. It's a tad thicker than a tinted moisturizer, but contains the added benefits of skincare.

I'm really trying to narrow down my favorite products, and not use too many different items on my skin. =)

So far, these are the go-to products in my master bathroom.

♥ My Hubby Is On YouTube ♥

♥ DIY Easy Hair Mask ♥

♥ My Hygiene Routine ♥

5 Beauty Tricks That Every Girl Must Know

1. Keep Lipstick From Bleeding- When applying foundation, apply a little on your lips. Next, use a wax based lip liner to line your lips before applying any lipstick. Lip pigments will adhere to the wax and stay within the lines you've created.

2. Fix Flyaways- We all get them, but you can avoid flyaways by regularly deep conditioning your hair. If you need a quick fix, rub a unscented dryer sheet over flyaways wherever you see them.

3. Look More Awake- Line your lid and inner lid with a neutral colored eyeliner pencil, which will instantly make your eyes look more white and awake. Also, using a eyelash curler and mascara are quick and easy ways to instantly look more awake.

4. Hide A Zit- Concealing a zit can be tricky. Your concealer has to have just the right consistency. It can't be too waxy or too creamy. I personally love Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer ($8.99.) It is the best I have ever used, and I have tried virtually everything. My husband even uses it when he gets a whopper! Put a small dab of powder over the concealed pimple for even better coverage.

5. Fix A Nick- If you Nick yourself whilst shaving, dab a little bit of deodorant on the cut and hold for 5 seconds. The aluminum chloride in deodorant can also shrink blood vessels.

Image Courtesy Of: beautytips.higsnobiety.com and GettyImages
Parts Of This Article Courtesy Of: Oprah.com

BEST SUMMER BEAUTY TIPS

1. Don't Forget Your Lips- Protect your face and body while exposed to any sun rays, but
don't neglect your pout. Keep lip wrinkles at bay with a lip balm that contains SPF.

2. Spritz & Cool Off- I always carry rose water in my purse, and in the summer it can be
really refreshing during the middle of a hot day. Not only will it freshen your face, it will set your makeup.

3. Don't Forget Your Scalp- Believe it or not, your scalp can get pretty badly burnt during the summer months. Don't forget to protect your scalp. Try Nioxin Scalp Guard Sunblock SPF20.

4. Wear A Wide Brim Hat- Find a wide brim hat, instead of a baseball hat (which doesn't protect your skin very much). Try to find one that has UV filters already build into it. Try looking up "SPF hat" on ebay, and see what you find.

5. Eat Melon- Facialist Kate Somerville, whose clients include Katy Perry, Jessica Alba, Katherine Heigl, likes watermelon in the summer months. “It can actually boost your SPF by several factors,” she says.

Image Courtesy Of: GreatSkinTips.com

5 Skin tricks you can find in your fridge

1. Apple Juice- Use an ice cube tray to create apple juice ice cubes. The malic acid in the juice is a natural alpha hydroxy acid that is anti-aging. Glide the ice cube over your skin. The skin is instantly tighter and firmer.

2. Strawberries- Strawberries are rich in salicylic acid, which is a common ingredient found in most acne creams. Strawberries also help lighten pigmentation on the skin overtime. Cut a strawberries in half and poke it with a small fork. Glide the strawberry over cleansed skin twice a week and leave the juice on your skin for 20 min.

3. Sour Cream- Twice a week apply a tablespoon of sour cream to sensitive skin for 20 min. It will nourish the skin and the natural lactic acid gently smooths skin texture.

4. Avocado- smash an avocado and apply to skin for 15 min once a week as a hydrating mask.

5. Olive Oil- Olive oil is a great moisturizer. Apply a pea size amount to cleansed skin and follow with moisturzer. Avoid this if you are acne prone.

Banish Cellulite

Nearly all women suffer from cellulite. Exercise, proper diet, and hydration can help aid in diminishing the un-sightly orange peel look, but there are plenty of creams on the market to topically firm and smooth the skin. Here are the top picks:

Fat Girl Slim by Bliss- This product contains caffeine and other firming ingredients.

Rodial Bum Lift- Works to reduce cellulite by 32%.

Nivea Cellulite Gel Cream- This product is inexpensive and works just as well as the pricey alternatives.

Image courtesy of: Bliss.com

Look Flawless This Summer!

Image Courtesy: dreamstime.com


Summer is the time of year when we are the most exposed. For most of us, we can use a couple little tricks to help us achieve a flawless summer look!

Self Tan: St. Tropez products are fabulous to use as a base coat. I generally exfoliate very well in the shower and apply some St. Tropez with a pair of latex gloves. I maintain the color by applying Mystic Tan daily after my shower. The green undertone of the St. Tropez and the brown/red undertone of the Mystic Tan make an excellent combination and a very natural looking tan. For an Instant tan on nights when I'm given last minute notice and need color, I apply Rodial "Skinny Beach" tinted moisturizer. It gives INSTANT glow that washes off and has the added benefit of sun protection. This is especially beneficial for summer trips. Keeping the skin hydrated allows the tan to last longer along with keeping your body glowing, so don't skimp on moisturizer! I love The Body Shops mango body butter.

Wavy Hair: Summer is the best time to let your locks flow. Beachy waves are very sexy and pretty easy to achieve. Try Bumble and Bumble surf spray. Spray in damp hair from the roots down and scrunch your hair for two or three minutes! Let it dry naturally. If you prefer you can do a loose braid instead of wearing it down. Both these styles are casual and chic.


Pack Proper Necessities: Prepare to look fabulous at the beach by choosing a bathing suit that fits your body shape along with a color that compliments your skin tone. Pack a big floppy hat to protect your face from the sun and help you look extra chic. Big sunglasses are essential and elegant. You can wear a simple sarong or a chic bathing suit cover over your bathing suit for a bit of modesty. I personally love to wear a pair or beach appropriate wedge heels, but that comes down to preference. Bring an evian spray bottle or rose water to freshen up your makeup, and a small compact mirror. It's embarrassing to fall asleep on the beach and awake to looking like some sort of sea monster, so check in the mirror regularly. I don't mean to sound redundant but for heavens sake please wear sunscreen; or age like a Louis Vuitton bag, your choice.

June Beauty Must-Haves

1. MD Skincare Glow Pads- These little exfoliating self tanners with active vitamin D are fabulous! With these, you get all the elements you love out of the sun, without the harmful UV rays.

2. BB Cream- Discard the tinted moisturizer and foundation, and get your hands on Asia's biggest beauty secret!! You will get a treatment for your skin, along with coverage and sun protection.

3. Kate Somerville Exfolikate- Exfoliation is important, and this exfoliant is amazing. It contains exfoliating enzymes, along with physical granules. Its the next best thing to a chemical peel.



4. Lorac Tantalizer- This mousse is an instant tan, with a little shimmer. It makes you look like a summer goddess!! It's a MUST-HAVE for every girl!

5. Nars Multiple In Copacabana- This highlighter is amazing, and gives you the healthiest looking glow! Pick it up for those summer nights, and you will be stunning!

Do You Have Beauty Questions For Me???

I wanted to send a quick reminder to all you beauties. I will be LIVE on BLOGTV tomorrow at 5pm PST, 8pm EST answering all your skin, beauty, fashion, health and wellness questions!!

Come with lots of questions, and be ready for a fun time!! =)

Click HERE to check out my BLOGTV channel, and be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you can get an email notice before my live broadcasts!!

See you there, xoxo RT

My Top 5 FAQ About Beauty

1. What is the best acne spot treatment?- Kate Somerville Eradicate is the best spot treatment for a zit. I personally like Sulfur based spot treatments, and this product contains that. I also apply a dab of Neosporin on any zits, because it is an antibiotic and scar preventer. It works wonders!!

2. How can you make hair grow faster?- On average, hair grows at a rate of 6 inches per year, if you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Besides that, you can take supplements like Biotin, Niacin, or basic hair supplements available at most health food stores. Also, I do a scalp treatment on occasion, 6-9 drop of eucalyptus oil massaged into the scalp and left on over night. You can feel it tingle, and the Australian women believe it stimulates hair growth!

3. Whats your favorite foundation?- I typically don't wear foundation, but occasionally I will. I really love Stila One Step Makeup (primer, foundation and powder in one.) I also really love Chanel Vitalumiere foundation, which gives my skin flawless coverage and a beautiful glow.

4. How can I get rid of acne scars?- It depends on whether they are pitted scars or hyperpigmentation. If they are pitted scars, you will need to get regular peels and microdermabrasion treatments from your dermatologists or local skin clinic. If your scars are more severe, you may need to consider more intense facial laser treatments.

If your scars are reddish or purple, this is typically a bruising that hyperpigments due to sun exposure. Be sure you are wearing SPF 30 everyday, exfoliating 3 times and week, and using at home facial peels once a week. Creams that contain ingredients like Kojic Acid, Arbutin, or Vitamin C can help fade the scarring. If the red spot is relatively new, you can treat it with Arnica Cream (available at Jurlique.com.) Arnica cream is said to relieve bruising, and is typically reccomended for post surgery clients. If scarring is more significant, you can have your doctor prescribe Hydroquinone, which when applied, over time to the pigmentated areas, will bleach them.

5. How can I get rid of blackheads- Blackheads typically occur on the nose and chin area, and occasionally on the cheeks. Using a Retinol or Retin-A at night before bed will help clean out your pores, among its many other benefits. Proper cleansing and regular exfoliation will also help clean out the pores. Try using the Clarisonic Mia, every night before bed. This sonic cleansing system will effectively erradicate blackheads.

DIY At Home Beauty Treatments

Keep Your Face Young Looking At Any Age

In your 20's- Wash your face morning and night with a mild cleanser. A hyaluronic acid based serum should be used after cleansing, and a light moisturizer can be applied over the serum if needed. Start as young as possible wearing SPF 30 daily.

At night- be sure to use a Retinol product daily, and exfoliate 3x a week with a scrub. Follow with serum and a rich moisturizer.

Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to keep your skin hydrated, soft, and smooth.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of water, exercising, and eating a healthy balanced diet. Avoid too much alcohol and smoking.

In your 30's- Follow the same basic steps as in your 20's, but invest in monthly facials. Ask your facialist to perform microdermabrasion treatments and chemical peels on your skin. Consider light botox in your 30's if you start to notice deeper lines

In your 40's- Follow the same basic steps as in your 20's and 30's, but consider adding additional treatments every six to twelve months. There are many new lasers available to resurface the skin. Ask your local skin clinic or plastic surgeon if they offer lasers like "Laser Genesis," or "Pearl Laser." These lasers offer deeper exfoliation than microdermabrasion or chemical peels. You can also consider various fillers and continued the use of botox to soften fine and wrinkles.

In your 50's and 60's+ - Maintain proper care of your skin and consider treatments like "Titan," or "Thermage" if you notice slightly sagging skin. These treatments can give you face lift like results for a fraction of the cost and down time.

Image courtesy of: Handbag.com

Spring Break Packing List

Spring break is so much fun, but in order to have the best time, you have to make sure you pack all the proper goods!! I've made a spring break packing list, assuming you are going somewhere with lots of sun!! Enjoy SPRING BREAK PACKING LIST Clothing Sundress Cotton t- shirts Jeans Evening dress Flowy top Shorts Bathing suit cover Light sweater or jacket Bathing suit Sun hat Sunglasses Flip-flops Strappy heels Comfortable shoes Accessories Beach Bag Evening bag or clutch Bra and underwear Beauty Sunblock Self Tanner Exfoliant Face wash Moisturizer Razor Shave gel Toothpaste Toothbrush Tweezers Deodorant Cotton pads Polish remover Makeup bag Handcream Body lotion Aloe vera gel Nail file

image courtesy of: Squidoo.com

Shop And Give To Japan

Various beauty brands and fashion companies are donating 100% of all purchases to Japan!!

Besides what we give on our own terms, this is a great way to "Shop And Give To Japan."

Here are the stores that are participating.

Forever21.com- 100% of all sales today 3/18/2011, will go to relief in Japan.

Hello Kitty

Temptu- Airbrush device, available at Sephora.

Shu Uemura

Shiseido

Image Courtesy Of: CocoPerez.com

Perfume Matters

Ever since I was young I have loved collecting different perfumes and perfume bottles. I have always had a real thing about perfume. Perfume scents can take me back and evoke so many different emotions. Anything with Gardenias remind me of my wedding day, and the Angel scent brings me back to the first couple of months Byron and I started dating. There are some very specific rules and standards I use when applying perfume.

1.Dab it on, and be sure that it doesn't overpower. We can all recall a time when you have literally been choked by an awful abundance of overpowering perfume. Don't let that be you.

2.Don't spray it on your hair as this can make it go flat.

3. Don't rub perfume between your wrists, It is true that wrists are the ideal place to put perfume on, but rubbing the wrists will reduce the effect of perfume on the skin.


MY FAVORITE SCENTS:
Thierry Mugler Angel- A very sexy vanilla scent.

Marc Jacobs Woman Solid Perfume Compact- You can carry it in your handbag, and dab it on as needed. Beautiful gardenia scent.

Philosophy Amazing Grace- Makes you smell shower fresh all day and as clean and fresh as a baby.

Philosophy Falling in Love- My husband goes crazy over this magic potion. It makes you smell so sweet and sexy.

La Chasse aux Papillons - Translated as "chasing butterflies." A very fresh and light floral fragrance.

This Spring, Go Natural!!!

Some people say "natural is better," and this spring, I think that is definitely the case. Not only is the "natural" makeup look easy to achieve, it can make any woman look flawless.

For this look, all you need is five simple products.

Image Courtesy Of: Cosmetic-Treatments.com

1. Foundation- First, choose the perfect natural foundation shade.
2. Blush- For a naturally flushed look, try a creamy rose blush that blends well and gives you a just-pinched cheek look.
3. Shadow or Liner- Think one or two shades darker than your natural skin color.
4. Mascara- Use an eyelash curler and mascara.
5. Lips- Finish with chapstick or gloss. If you choose to wear a lipstick, pick a shade one or two shades darker than your natural color.



Go natural with nails too: This spring season, choose nude, peach, or taupe shades.



Image Courtesy Of: PoutCosmetics.com

Fake A Gorgeous Tan!

Image courtesy of Beauty Hype


As the weather starts to warm up, and our shorts and t-shirts make their way to the front of our drawers and closets, our bodies are generally not prepared to reveal what has been hiding for months. The suns rays are damaging, as most of us well know, but, self tanners can be tricky. Perhaps you are just one of the many people who can't seem to find anything except for an orange hue or a streak show on your body!

I have tried my fair share of these creams, gels, ect. I will admit, I do get the occasional spray tan. They can be very satisfactory for a special event, but you must follow the instructions carefully. I personally like the instant satisfaction of applying a cream and seeing the tan instantly. This allows me to properly rub the product into my skin, thus giving me the most realistic tan. Proper exfoliation before self tanning is the key to obtaining the perfect glow. I have selected my favorite pre-self tanning and self tanning products.



MD Skincare Detox Duo $55: Two purifying products (scrub and bath salts) combat environmental aggressors and boost skin’s defenses. This is a perfect duo and can be done before you apply self tanner. It will ensure that you get an even tan while protecting the skin against the environment. Made with very natural ingredients

Trader Joes Lavender scrub $6-$8: An inexpensive luxury. A sea salt scrub made with essential oils and all natural ingredients.

Image courtesy of Apocalypstick Now


LORAC TANtalizer award show glow $32: Friming mousse that gives instant color and a hint of subtle shimmer. It has a red under-tone as opposed to orange which provides you with a more realistic tan.

Dove Energy Glow $8-$10: A gradual tanner that gives subtle color over several days. This formula has a brown under-tone which is also very effective at giving a realistic tan for almost any skin tone. Because this product gives very subtle and gradual results, you can easily fix any mistakes that you may have made while applying it.

How To Cut Your Beauty Routine Time In Half

Image Courtesy Of: blog.ibeauty-makeup.com

1. Think Ahead- If you need to look gorgeous tomorrow, think about it today! The night before, set aside any skincare products, makeup, clothing, and accessories you may need to look amazing. This will save you time when it's time to get ready. 2. Easy Access- Make sure your skin and makeup products are easily accessible. I recently moved all my makeup from makeup bags to plastic drawers, and organized according to makeup type. All my eyeliners, shadows, mascaras, and eyebrow products go in one drawer. All foundations, concealers and powders go in another, and so on and so forth. This makes it much easier to find my products, and saves me loads of time.

3. Use Multi-Purpose Products- Think tinted moisturizers, foundations and concealers in one, and three-in-one products for eyes, lips, and cheeks. I personally love Cargo One Base, which is a concealer, and foundation in one. Nars Multiples are excellent. Also, Stila One Step, is a primer, foundation, and powder all in one. It is brilliant, and truly saves me loads time. Image Courtesy Of: Melodyandjezebel.com

4. Invest- Making investments like laser hair removal, regular manicures and pedicures, and regular facials, can definitely cut time when getting ready. Why? because lots of the work and trouble is already thought out, and done. Ever forgot to shave your legs and needed an extra 5 minutes to clean them up before heading out? Investing in beauty treatments can make life much easier in a time crunch. Try Tria hair removal device, a favorite of Kim Kardashians. Image Courtesy Of: upgradeyourbody.com