a little Sunday inspiration...

I realize it's been awhile since we've had a Sunday inspiration post. I was too wrapped up in gift guides...
Here are some refreshing images. To me, the owners really love the idea of being close to nature. I have to admit, taking a bath while watching a snow storm sounds like a wonderful idea!

The new year will be here soon, posts on Flawless Beauty may slow down slightly for a short time due to other commitments I have but that just means quality vs. quantity, which is always a good thing!

I am also looking for more guest bloggers. If you have something you would like to guest blog about (with relevance to previous Flawless Beauty posts), I would love to hear about it via email.

Wishing everyone a New Year full of love, happiness and beauty!
Images via Desire to Inspire.

tips for holiday stress...

The peak of the holiday season has passed and may have left you in the middle of holiday stress. Last minute parties, travel, shopping and work deadlines can take a toll on the body and mind.
Here are a few products, tips and tricks to save you time and get you into the new year...
Sleep your way to glowing skin and revitalized hair.
The average female needs 9 hours of sleep a night! This is time your body needs for proper cellular repair. Use your time off this holiday to catch up on sleep, before resting, apply a hair mask or oil. Wake up with shiny hair and a healthy scalp. Try Saaf Organic enriching hair oil or Weleda Rosemary hair oil. Both wonderful products that I use regularly. If you skin is feeling tired and dull apply a facial oil or nutrient rich moisturizer, be sure to cover your whole body, not just your face!
Radiate energy.
Wake up tired eyes by applying an eyecream first thing in the morning. That is, after drinking an 8oz glass of water, your skin needs water to glow. Apply a serum made to repair and feed the skin such as The Body Deli's, Vital C Serum. Still feel like you need some extra repair? Apply a face mask while in the shower. This saves time while you wash your hair or shave your legs.
Reinvent your makeup.
Use makeup to your advantage, brighten eyes with Nvey Eco Makeup, add a hint of color with Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics. There are a handful of great natural makeup brands that have fun new products to offer. Lets not forget Korres, Tarte and Dr. Hauschka, plenty of options!

Spend this week relaxing, celebrating and reflecting!

last minute holiday gift ideas...

I hope everyone enjoyed the gift guides, here are a few more things I've come across in celebration of the holidays...

• Beautorium is having a special, 25% off your entire order, just enter "HOLIDAY" upon checkout.
• Jurlique is offering adorable pre-packeged "staycation" gifts for 25$ each.
• Nature Girl is having a buy one, get one free. Upon checkout in the comment box note the item you want to have for free. The item needs to be cheaper or the same price as the item your purchasing. Offer ends today, Monday the 15th so act immediately.

There are also so many amazing environmentally friendly gift wrapping guides that I have found through blogs this year! I think I am going to stick with the very easy and basic "magazine wrap" technique. Anyway, here are a few blogs below that give great holiday wrap and decor ideas. Enjoy!

Pia Jane Bijkerk
Fryd & DesignCreature Comforts
Love Forever

gift guide...for those who love the scent of nature.

The Green Balm by Moa, 20$ available at Luckyscent.
Patyka Shampooing Bio- Rosemary, 16$ available at Patykausa.
Strange Invisible Body Lotion-Wild Orange, 40$ available at Siperfumes.
Jurlique Tranquil Bubble Bath, 18$ available at Jurlique.
Trilogy Botanical Moisture Hair Mask, 24$ available at Beautorium. Weleda Lavender Relaxing Body Oil, 17$ available at Weleda.
100% Pure Organic Eucalyptus Seafoam Facial Cleanser, 19$ available at 100percentpure.
Tsi-La Parfum minis, 95$ (four fragrances) available at Tsilaorganics.

gift guide...for a Bohemian Beauty

Korres Lip Tint-Wild Rose, 9$ available at Sephora.
Red Flower Body Scrub, 45$ available at Apothica.
Farfalla Gemstone Oil-Joy of Life, 32$ available at Beautorium.
Zoya Nail Polish-Glimmer, 7$ available at Zoya.
Juara Tiare Jasmine Tea Body Milk, 30$ available at Apothica.
Saaf Organic Complexion Boosting Serum, 65$ available at Beautorium.
Pacifica Soap, 7$ available at Pacificaparfume.
Altru Unity Aromatic Soy Blend Candle, 55$ (proceeds support In a Perfect World Foundation) available at Gamillahboutique.

gift guide...for those who adore Paris

Mirror, Mirror Jewel Box, 38$ available at Urban Outfitters.

Mirrored Can Can girl toiletry/jewelry tray, 34$ available at Urban Outfitters.


Figs and Rouge Rambling Rose 100% Organic Balm, around 7$ available at Lovelula.
Cattier Purifying Lotion, 15$ available at Beautorium.
The Pink Room UK Parfum #1, 80$ available at Luckyscents.
The Pink Room UK Parfum Pour Toi, 125$ available at Luckyscents.
Dr. Hauschka Lipstick in #04, 21$ available at Saffronrouge.
Mor Lip Delights Balm in Cassis Noir, 15$ available at Bestowboutique.
Monyette Paris Perfume oil, 45$ available at Luckyscent.
Penhaligons Blenheim Bouquet Bath and Shower Gel, 45$ available at Shoplondons.
L'Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath, 30$ available at Loccitane.

gift guide...for the modern minimalist

Korres Showergels 12$, available at Sephora.
Sonia Kashuk Purse Brush Kit, 13$ available at Target.
Ren Body Balm, 37$ available at SpackNK.
Jatamansi Bath Milk, 80$ available at Barneys NYC.
Diptyque Tam dao shower Gel, 48$ available at Beautyhabit.
Nvey Eco Lip Luster in Seduce Me, 24$ available at Sephora.
Bamford Flower Therapy Oils, 50$ available at Barneys NYC.
Top Photo via Domino Magazine.

soft as a baby...

As many of you know, I am a big fan of Weleda products. I love everything from Skinfood to Wild Rose Body Oil. My new favorite discovery is Calendula Face Cream from the Weleda Baby line. A blend of Sweet Almond oil and Beeswax leave your skin baby soft and sweetly scented. My new favorite and affordable face cream.

holiday gift guide...DIY

Bath Snowballs

The holidays are here! The theme for today's post is "do it yourself" home spa gifts. I am very big on gift giving. I love shopping and picking out things for people I care about. This year though, I am not going to buy any gifts, instead make my own. I have extra time available that I usually don't have so I am going to take advantage. I am going to focus on spending time with the people I care about instead of fighting the crowds. I also feel this is a route a lot of people are taking because of the current economic situation.
Body Scrub

The holiday issue of Martha Stewart magazine really helped me out this year, the issue is stocked full of great affordable holiday decor ideas and amazing cookie recipes. All the DIY beauty gift projects pictured are from Martha Stewart magazine. I have linked the title of each project to the website to the full instructions and labeling material.
Bath Fizzies

Short on time or not feeling so crafty this year? Next week I will post traditional gift guides with a different theme everyday!Lip Balm

facial cleansing cloths...

In a previous post, the importance of washing your face every evening was mentioned, even if that means just swiping it with a cleansing cloth.

I've come across these bamboo facial cleansing cloths from Kaia. Unbleached, biodegradable and infused with lots of goodness for your skin. I can't wait to get my hands on these, not sure where they are available yet though. In the meantime I found some other facial cleansing cloths at Trader Joe's last night, will let you know how those work out. Cleansing cloths seem like such a great option for traveling or if you just need to freshen up after work before going out.

I hope everyone who is celebrating has a wonderful holiday tomorrow!

thermal cleansing...

Winter has arrived in NYC with winds that leave my face dry, cold and yearning for warmth. This is usually around the time of year I switch to using oil-based cleansers and moisturizers with rich ingredients (just make sure it's not mineral oil).

I tried the Thermal Cleansing Balm by Omorovicza, a Hungarian company available at Bergdorf Goodman.This black balm claims to draw out impurities while replenishing the skin leaving it silky and glowing. This mud based cleanser is rich in minerals providing multiple benifits for the skin. My face definitely felt silky after using. The texture was thick, almost like applying a honey mask as a cleanser. If rubbing honey on your face does not sound appealing then this probably isn't the cleanser for you ;).

makeup brushes and more...

My friend Tamar (pictured), is a wonderful makeup artist. I pulled her aside to get some great advice on caring for and choosing makeup brushes...

1. How often should makeup brushes receive a cleaning? And how often should they be replaced?

If you use a foundation brush it should be cleaned daily, there is a lot of bacteria that stays on the brush that will cause skin breakouts. If used regularly, other brushes should be cleaned once a week. Brushes can be cleaned with water and shampoo. 

As far as replacing brushes, I still have brushes from ten years ago. It all depends of how well you care for and the quality of your brushes. If they are shedding too much hair or have lost shape, that would be a good sign that they need replacing. 

2. Is there any special steps you should take when cleaning makeup brushes?

I like to use baby shampoo and water. Always lay flat and air dry your brushes. Never blow dry, the glue will melt.

  

3. How should makeup brushes be cleaned if you want to save time?

I love to use a brush cleaner. I am a makeup artist, every time I work on a new face I need to have clean brushes and I don't have time to wash and wait for them to dry so I use a brush cleaner. I have a few favorites, Mac Brush Cleaner, lightly scented, an excellent formula because it cleanses, disinfects, and conditions your brushes. I also like Shu Uemura, Brush-Off, and Bare Escentuals Well Cared For.

4.Which brushes do you think should be a part of every makeup bag? Do you have any favorite makers?

Foundations brush- I love Mac 190, and also Prescriptives. 

Blush brush- Bobby Brown.

Powder brush- Mac.

Slanted eyeliner brush- Mac.

Eyebrow brush and lash curler- Shu Uemura or Tarte.

Above are all the basics that every woman and/or drag queen should have in their makeup bag! I think it's important to spend a little money and get great quality brushes because they last a long time and also blend makeup better. I really love Mac, Shu Uemura, and Kevin Aucoin brushes. On a budget? I LOVE Sonia Kashuk and Sephora brand.

5. You've worked in the beauty industry for fifteen years on a variety of faces and bodies. Have you picked up any beauty tips or secrets that you would be willing to share with Flawless Beauty readers?

• I love using a lash curler, it makes such a big difference.
• I like to put a highlight eyeshadow color in the inner corner of the eye. It instantly brightens things up.
• Buy foundation that is your skin tone. I LOVE Awake and Armani foundation. 
• YSL Le Touche Eclat.
• Always wash your face. It doesn't matter how late you get home. Buy some cleansing face wipes and put them next to your bed.
• Preparation H wipes. I like to use these on my face sometimes, especially if I've had a late night. It brightens and de-puffs everything!

Contact Tamar for makeup or spray tanning services:

www.gothamglow.com

a little Sunday inspiration...

The inspiration post for today is all about fun storage to organize with, which I think the image above captures pretty well. Similar affordable containers are probably available at Ikea or Target.

I may have posted the above image before, but I still think it's an easy and affordable way to store small necessities when your lacking cabinet space.

This is one of my favorite bathroom storage solutions. I think this sink display is beautiful and so well done. Matching the bottom platforms to the sink platform is such a nice way to keep everything uniform as well. The small art pieces are cute also. The tissue box and toothbrush holder are a good reminder to take advantage off wall space!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Maybe you can treat yourself to a home spa day and try one of these!

Images via Elle Decor

Awake...

Another skincare line I've recently discovered is a "new to me" Japanese brand that I am very eager to try out, Awake. I am trying the Clear Gel Wash for combination skin, Hydro-Force Eye Cream, and Hydro-Force Cream for the face.

Awake products seem to be a good choice for sensitive skin types. All products for the face are Mineral oil-free, hypo-allergenic, not tested on animals and fragrance-free. This of course is great for normal and dry skin as well. Will get back to you with the reviews soon!

Has anyone else tried this line? Is so what did you think?

facebook giveaway...

If you are a fan of Flawless Beauty on Facebook, don't forget to log in through the weekend and leave a commet with your favorite beauty tip or product for glowing skin on the wall here for a chance to win an amazing skincare product! Not yet a fan? Become one here, (must be a Facebook member). Winner will be chosen at random.

If you are not a Facebook member I will have more exciting giveaways through Flawless Beauty Blog soon!

whipped body scrub...

I've come across a great exfoliant for the tender skinned. Naked Body and Bath makes a whipped sea salt body scrub called The Slough Connection. What makes this product so unique the the whipped consistency. In a way it feels more like 'table salt' then large chunks of sea salt that can sometimes scratch sensitive skin. Another great bonus is this product is customizable. You can chose your fragrance, color, and scent strength! Click here for more information.

lovelula.com...

While browsing on Facebook,I discovered a website I adore, lovelula.com. Lovelula.com is an online beauty product retailer that specializes in organic and natural skincare. Based out of the UK with international shipping.

Lovelula.com is offering a limited time Christmas promotion. Spend 75 pounds (I just realized I don't have the pound sign on my keyboard :) ) and receive a gift voucher for 15 pounds. Simply enter xmas in the discount code box upon checkout between Nov 7th and Dec 10th. Below I have posted some of my wish list items from the 100% organic section...