Fuller Lips without Chemicals or Injections!!

For those that don't already know, I own my own small beauty company. It's one that accidentally threw me into the entrepreneurial world at a time in my life when most others are headed for retirement. I have been asked countless times why I started the business and invented my first product, Fullips, and the truth is it sprang out of necessity.

As I got older and started facing some more common aging issues (like thin lips), I went searching for options outside of injections. While I know many that have encountered no issues with their injections, I always just personally prefer natural options, at least for as long as I can get them!  I feel like looking good at any age is important and people should always do what works best for them.

I'm also not one to shell out a lot of money on treatments and certainly don't like pain or needles, so I tried the various plumping glosses and gels on the market. Some stung, some worked for a brief moment, and some did nothing. I wanted plump lips, but not red, burning ones from chemicals.

I knew lips naturally plump up when we're well hydrated because fluid draws to the lips and if someone sucks on your lips while kissing, they also plump up. So I decided to find a way to combine those two things into a beauty tool that would temporarily provide what I was looking for.

Self-suction turned out to be my answer! Figuring out that one size enhancer doesn't fit all was a bit of a chore, but after sucking on dozens of things and understanding what worked best, Fullips was born!  Add a little lipstick and liner and for those of us older women who have lost our lips, voila!

There are so many options for helping slow the aging process both inside and out. There are invasive products and natural products. I don't think there is a right or wrong, but simply what works best for you. Cost is often a factor as well. The key is to do research, talk to people about what you're considering, and interview several doctors if you decide to do a more invasive procedure. Remember to ask about maintenance and take it all into consideration.

Here's to your health first and your looks to follow!

Pretty, Soft and Happy Feet!

Living in the desert like I do (being in Las Vegas), where snow is non-existent and rainy days are few, sandals can be worn almost year round. This also means our feet are constantly exposed and take a beating, a little extra attention especially with open toed shoes, never hurts. 

However, for most people, even if we are wearing winter boots and shoes, having our feet soft and looking nice is always a plus! If you'd like to give your feet some much needed TLC, here are a few great tools for between your pedi appointments! 

First on my list, the Silk Feet Exfoliating Microscreen. I stumbled across this at Bed, Bath, & Beyond of all places. It's inexpensive at $6.99 and it beats out any pumice stone you've ever tried! It's a flexible mesh steel material and works wonders! 

Follow it up with a foot cream, of which I've tried many! My recent obsession is the Burt’s Bees Honey and Bilberry Cream. It smells so tempting and soaks right in without leaving a greasy, slippery mess to walk around in.

If you're looking for a total "makeover" and your feet are in rough shape, you can try the electronic file tool by Amope. It's a little pricier at about $36.99, but it does the job and with no effort! 

Additionally, for those that have ever been curious of the Baby Foot peel, if you have a free week where you can cover up your feet and let it do its magic (trust me, you won't want to be wearing sandals during the peel process), you will indeed come away with remarkably baby soft feet! 

Happy treading!

Baby Boomers and Skin Cancer

For those of us over 50, baby oil and iodine may be an all too familiar memory of our 20’s. Throw in a reflector followed by a top notch sunburn and that’s how I attained that perfectly bronzed body during my younger days. Knowing what we all know now, the idea isn’t quite as appealing these days!

As a consequence of the era where we baked until we were a fine golden brown, many of us are now keeping our dermatologist busy. And if you haven't visited your doctor yet, you may want to consider it!

Skin cancer has different types, but as with many others, the earlier you catch it, the better options you have for treatment.

From my own experiences, don’t ignore anything. I recently noticed a very tiny spot in the small of my back. A quick biopsy determined it was squamous cell carcinoma and I had MOH surgery to remove it. A tiny scar that’s now hardly even noticeable is a small price to pay. Had I waited, it would have been larger and could have spread. A spot on my face was also suspicious and frozen off. Left a slight white mark, but again far better than waiting and needing a more invasive procedure. 

While none of us want scars, the techniques used for these removals when caught early are minimal and certainly better than the alternatives!

For scars on your face, long-lasting coverage concealers work beautifully, and using one with sunscreen is even better. Hats, sunglasses with UV protection (very important) and sunscreen are a must.

And being covered doesn't mean you can't still have that sun-kissed look with your favorite bronzer. My current favorite is Benefit’s Hoola Matte Bronzer in a powder and of course tanning moisturizers will work too!

As always, it's never too late to protect your beautiful skin so please use that sunscreen! If it's exposed and the sun is out, you’re at risk. And make that call to the doc for your skin check. The sooner the better!

Little Changes...Good For Your Health and Your Waistline!

Summer often sees a rapid increase in health memberships for those of us hoping to get back into those swimsuits. There’s the old saying, “you are what you eat”, and if that’s the case I’m currently a giant piece of pie.

When we’re younger foods often affect growth and development. Sugar and caffeine are obviously not good for growing youngsters and in your youth you may not need the daily caffeine boost.  As we age, however, that morning cup of coffee can be our biggest reason for getting out of bed! Lucky for us, getting older has its perks, and recent studies have shown caffeine to be beneficial for us grown-ups. From reductions in cardiovascular disease and diabetes to psychological pick-me-ups, it’s proving to be quite curative!

While many of our nutrition habits are often established in childhood, as adults we have so much more information at our fingertips for easy ways to be healthier and adopt better habits! These habits can improve our physical as well as our mental health.

Sugar of course is one of the biggest saboteurs to our good intentions and unfortunately seems to pop up in anything that doesn’t grow out of the ground. It’s a plague for those at risk for diabetes or struggling with weight gain. And while it’s easy for some to suggest cutting it out altogether, it’s sometimes easier to figure out what “good” you can add to your diet, rather than subtract from it. So, what are some things we can all easily do to get results from the inside out this year? Here are a couple tips to make you feel and look better for the summer weather, without needing a gym membership or a crash diet!

Grab an Omega-3! Aside from the amazing brain-boosting properties like helping to reduce Alzheimer’s risks and depression, fatty acids are also connected to lowering heart disease and raising Vitamin D levels. And if that wasn’t enough, they contribute to the healthy skin and shiny hair we all want more of! Adding one or two servings a week of fish like Salmon into your diet can provide all these worthwhile results without any giant lifestyle changes.

Try something new! Whether it’s a food or activity, new things are always fun! Did you like riding a bike as a kid? Chances are you still will! Take an evening stroll after dinner and enjoy the winter season. If you’re a foodie, find a way to try out some things that are making the news. Many swear by anti-aging fruits like papaya which helps breaks down proteins and ease digestion. And the currently popular coconut oil and avocado have a whole host of uses and benefits. Obviously diet is a huge factor for weight, so if you just want to start somewhere, change just one thing at a time and go slowly. Maybe ditch the soda at lunch or replace your morning doughnut with a quinoa-oatmeal blend. Over time, little changes add up!

And for the beauty lovers needing a little pampering, here’s one more fun use for the great avocado!

Quick Avocado Face Mask:

Mash 1/2 Avocado really well. Dissolve 1 teaspoon honey in 2 tablespoons of hot water and add to the avocado. Smooth onto face avoiding the eye and mouth area. Leave 10 minutes and wash away.

Thinning lips? There are lots of tips to help!

As we age many things change--one major thing being our lips!

Where do they go?

Hormones changes often cause our lips to thin.

While I invented fullips lip enhancers to give us that extra plump without the cost or pain of injections, here are some other important tips to remember!

1)  Stay hydrated.  Dehydration can cause lips to lose some of their natural fullness.  So being well hydrated is beneficial, not to mention to your overall health too!

 Coffee, tea, sodas, alcohol, etc...anything with caffeine will decrease the results tremendously, do to the diuretic effects of those products."

2)  Moisture.  Keeping your lips well moisturized, just like you would the rest of your face, not only keeps them fuller looking, but their overall appearance is better.  

3)  Exfoliate your lips.  Yes, while we often think about exfoliating our skin, we often forget that our lips can also benefit.  Use a very soft brush, gently.  In fact, Fullips packages include small exfoliation brushes with every order as a gift, I think it's that important!  Remember, nothing is nicer and more kissable than soft lips!

4)  Consider using a Plumping Gloss.  There are several good ones on the market. Even if you prefer more color than you can get with just a gloss, or have your favorite lipstick, you can use a plumping gloss underneath your favorite color, still giving you the benefit of the plumping effect.  With any new plumping gloss, remember to always check the ingredients first to make sure you do not have any allergies.

5)  Hormones.  If your lips seem to have thinned due to age, and possible hormone changes, you might talk to your doctor about checking your hormone levels as a lack of estrogen can add to this problem.  (I use Bio-Identical pellets and love them!)  However if you are not a candidate for hormone replacement, then using alternative, natural options may be best in these situations.

6)  Liner.  When applying your lipstick, consider using a lip liner.  If you use a neutral lip color then you can take it just outside the edge of your lip line and it will still look natural.  Additionally, using the liner as a barrier, your lipstick is less likely to bleed.

7)  Find a Moisturizing Lipstick.  While I personally like the look of matte finish lipsticks, they can be more drying and your lips will not look as full.  However, if you have a special matte color you prefer, you could still try a plumping gloss under it. I am adding a great liquid matte the my line which lasts and does not cause me any dryness. None of my products are ever tested on animals!

8)  Lip Liner Illusions.  For a fuller looking lip using a liner, add a thicker line under your bottom lip in the center of your mouth.  It creates the illusion of more depth and fullness.

Bonus Fullips Enhancer Tips:

*For those that have a Fullips enhancer, here are some extra tips.  For those coming straight to our blog, the Fullips product was created to offer a natural and less expensive alternative for those wanting fuller lips, without the use of chemicals or invasive procedures.  Our enhancers come in 3 sizes and shapes for a variety of uses.

The Small Oval is my personal favorite!  It was developed to be used vertically, to target the middle of the mouth. In doing this, it takes the focus off the outside area where many older women, like myself, have more noticeable laugh lines and often get a turned down mouth look.  By drawing attention to the center of my mouth, and focusing on a smaller area, the fullness is more pronounced and distracts from the areas that I do not like.  It is kind of a smoke and mirrors thing, but it works! :)

The Medium Oval can focus both on the whole mouth area, and be turned vertically for targeting certain areas.  It can be used to do one lip at a time, and while that takes a little more practice to perfect, it is very useful if you have one lip that is smaller than the other.  If you are looking at just targeting smaller areas, like the center of your mouth, the small one is still the best.  But the Medium Oval tool provides options for both overall fullness and targeting.

The Large Round is our most popular seller for those looking to achieve an overall, fuller look.  It is best for doing the whole mouth area, but not as useful for targeting specific areas.  While some customers use it for one lip at a time, the size is best used for encompassing the whole mouth.  Generally, those with an overall larger mouth shape, and younger people, prefer this one.  Even though my 26 year old daughter in our demo uses the medium oval.  It's such a personal choice really.

 And...next blog, I will have tips for my latest product Nexsey! Designed to hide those neck wrinkles that also age us far beyond what we feel! Sixy is the New Sexy!

The Eyes Have it--It's all about the lashes!

Beauty trends are an ever revolving door. What is old is new again and even the fads we wish would stay buried in the past, tend to resurface!

Brows and lashes are two things that have had an interesting history of trends. Going as far back as Ancient Egypt, men and women heavily darkened them with kohl. In the Middle Ages both were shaved to create the illusion of a higher forehead, and early versions of mascara and tinting have been around for centuries.

Lashes and brows are still a huge point of focus today. Thick brows and long, luscious lashes dominate social media beauty pages. They can greatly accentuate the shape and size of the eyes and make the rest of your makeup pop. Much the way lipstick highlights your lips, lashes and brows finish your look.

Over time however, just as your hair thins or changes, lashes and brows can befall the same fate and leave us looking for options. While after 50 it’s perhaps not as much about trendsetting, we still want to maintain the same finished and more youthful look.

False eyelashes in particular are all the rage at the moment and options abound!  Full, partial, demi, angled, straight, you name it and they exist. There are thick, thin, wispy and everything in between. They can be applied one lash at a time or all at once in strips. You can attempt to do them at home, or have them professionally done. Price of course varies as well, starting at just a few dollars for drugstore brands or $25 for a more expensive pair. 

For those looking to start somewhere, my friend recently launched her own gorgeous line called Eyeris Beauty. They are not only extraordinary, but they are 100% cruelty free, which for me is a big thing! And they can be used up to 20 times allowing for some practice too!

False eyelashes certainly provide the most dramatic change, but you must be careful. Sometimes they can accidentally pull out your own lashes and the last thing you want to do is lose anymore!

And for simpler solutions, of course there is always mascara, all prices and all types. And again, while this is what I mostly use, you have to be careful as it can be drying and when it sticks to your natural lashes can cause further thinning. Last, there are prescription topicals you can ask your doctor about that promote growth. If this is of interest, just be sure to do some research of any possible downsides. The most important thing while enhancing any part of your look is not to cause further damage to anything you already have!

I have tried the false lashes and they were fun and quite dramatic. Personally they're something I would use for special occasions mostly. As I've shared before, I tend to be a bit lazy so anything that requires extra work probably isn't going to make my daily routine. So I suppose my drugstore Covergirl Lash Blast Volume mascara will have to do for now! Brows are up next month!

Hemlines-Long, Short, Mid-Length? You Decide!

There’s a theory out there that hemlines rise and fall with the economy (aka the Hemline Index). Whether true or just myth, one thing is for certain, boomers have had the honor of seeing it all over the decades-short and long, upswings and downturns.

For those of us over or nearing 60, we can certainly remember the hemlines of the 70's. Yikes! I wasn't paying much attention to the economy back then (my interests were certainly elsewhere), but I guess it must have been a thriving economy. How in the world did we bend over to pick anything up!? As the years have passed, the skirts of the 70’s are no longer as easy to pull off! Today there is a fine line between looking classy, sexy, and then of course looking ridiculous.  Ridiculous is the important one to pay attention to.

While the extra short skirt is best left to younger women, it does not mean we have to wear our skirts below the knees like our grandmothers would have insisted back in the day. If your knees have "aged well" summer dresses matched with a cute pair of sandals in this warm weather can be stylish and very appropriate worn just above the knees. If your knees are showing your age, a hemline mid-knee is often enough to camouflage the signs of age and still be a fun summer look.

Moving into fall and winter, the door is opened to many more fun options!

Wearing a chic pair of tights or opaque nylons, not only covers the knees, but gives you the ability to pull off a shorter look, while still providing coverage. Black tights paired with black booties, allow for a shorter skirt and a younger, sassy look. Tights with texture also allow for a fun break from the typical solid colors.

So how short is too short? Often body type will dictate what may look best. Fuller, flowing shirts can be more forgiving and be a bit shorter. For me personally, about 2 inches above the knee is what I can get away with these days.

The mid length between my knee and ankle is the least flattering on me because of my body shape and height. Also, if you find something you like that doesn’t look as flattering off the rack, keep in mind that alterations are usually easy and inexpensive, and can quickly turn a dress from good to great! An inch or two in the hemline and even some quick adjustments in the sides can make a big difference on how an outfit looks on your body.

Last, if you just feel more comfortable in them, longer lengths are always appropriate and very stylish. Additionally, wearing a bit of a heel regardless of the length, even a wedge, helps to elongate the legs and can offer a bit of a dressier look.

While we may not be squeezing into any miniskirts now, we’re not limited to just covering everything up either! In 2016, in spite of the economy, the choice is yours!

Moisturizers, Creams, Lotions, Balms ..So Many Choices!

One thing is for sure, living in the desert the “dry” heat we face every day can unknowingly take its toll on our delicate skin. Hydration is an easily overlooked beauty necessity and to maintain the plump, youthful look we desire, we can’t overlook it!

So, what to do about it? The answer seems simple enough. Drinking water is certainly a start. If you’re like me however, I still tend to forget and I’ve found it’s not always enough. Adding a topical moisturizer is helpful, yet finding the perfect one to complement your complexion can be challenging!

Lotions, creams, serums, and beauty balms. You can spend 3.00 for Pond's cold cream that’s been around since I was a girl…and that's a long time! Or, you can buy the tiny promise of “youth in a jar” from a department store for hundreds. Decisions, decisions!

Some guarantee results, claiming years off your appearance. Others have fancy ingredients like gold and diamond particles, but I'm unsure if fanciness means results!

Can these products turn back the clock 10 years, or is it just good marketing? Personally, I like more proof before spending so much on anything.

So what about drug store brands? Reading the labels is enough to put you to sleep. The claims are amazing, but the ingredients are undiscernible and the results seem similar.

Some moisturizers work for awhile, then aren’t as effective, leading me to another. I will say good ‘ole Ponds has come through for me. It’s a bit oily, but I find occasionally I need that, especially around the eyes. As a bonus it smells nice and reminds me of my Nana. She used it as her “beauty secret” and passed away at 94 with hardly a wrinkle!

Still, I haven’t found one that’s been life changing. So what's the answer? I think trial and error. The only way to know if something works for you is to test it. You can read reviews and ask friends, just keep in mind your own skin and body is constantly changing. What might be great for one person, may not be for you. 

Luckily, with more expensive brands, you can often ask for a sample first. And drug store pricing allows for personal testing to see what works best, without the guilt of spending money on something that may not work. And, if you don't love it, use it as an all over body moisturizer!

The most important advice I have is if you’re going to test various brands be sure to buy direct from the manufacturer, or a reputable store. Buying cosmetics online can be dangerous as they can easily be counterfeited. The FBI has warnings of the toxic ingredients they contain. It’s becoming increasingly more difficult to discern what’s real, as counterfeiters often list and sell on popular sites right under the manufacturer’s name. My own product is a perfect example, toxic counterfeits are being sold out of China. I manufacture in the USA for safety, as many others do now. So please, be aware of what you are putting on your beautiful faces!

Stay cool, hydrated and well moisturized this summer! And if you do happen to find youth in jar, let me know! Meanwhile, feel free to write me with any suggestions, I love hearing them!

Legs are the Last To Go!

For those living in Vegas, the long, beautiful legs of dolled up showgirls appear everywhere from billboards to buses. A great pair of legs is the epitome of sex appeal and often overlooked as years pass. Many say that legs are the “last to go” when it comes to our looks. And while there may be some truth in this, we should be sure to give them the proper attention they deserve - not only to stay healthy, but remain a showstopper!

As we get older some of the most common complaints with our legs can be knee and joint issues, swelling and varicose veins.  While many of us baby boomers are physically active, our knees often suffer. 

For women especially, things like wearing high heels are often no longer a comfortable option. For the relief and health of our joints, abandoning a favorite pair of stilettos might be necessary, but every woman still loves the fashionable look of a heel. Lucky for us, this season a chunky, wider heel is back in fashion! And of course don’t forget wedges which have come a long way and offer options both casual and dressy! For those like me that have worn heels for years and actually have a painful problem with wearing anything flat now, they also provide more stability and are my go-to for long hour days. Both styles provide a compromise while protecting those knees and feet from further discomfort and they can still look sexy!

Another common issue for women over 40 can be varicose veins and swelling. While many are concerned about the appearance, it can be a sign of a more serious condition. Genetics often plays a factor, but also circulation problems should be evaluated by a doctor. The good news from a cosmetics standpoint is that varicose veins can usually be treated with laser therapy. Spider veins, while less noticeable can also be reduced with treatment, giving your legs a more youthful appearance.

If treatment seems too invasive or is out of your budget, luckily there are a few great options for coverage, other than pants!

During the summer, especially in places like Las Vegas where sun dresses and sandals are far more comfortable, those winter white legs may need a little help with the "sun kissed glow". Fortunately, no sun time is needed these days! There are some really nice products that provide the glow and some extra coverage without the risk of sun damage. One of my favorites is Jergens Natural Glow for gradual color enhancement. For those that need instant coverage, Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs is quick and also waterproof if you are going to be by the pool or beach. And Laura Mercier’s Body Bronzing Makeup, while not waterproof, does provide a nice natural color, in one application, so it’s perfect for everyday use, or for your date night out in your fav dress. For deeper coverage of veins, leg makeup is another option. Dermablend is a personal favorite for that type of extra coverage!

In the winter, wearing nylons can cover a lot of things we'd rather not have noticed and can be sexy too! A nice pair of thigh-highs from Victoria Secret can give legs a beautiful look and feel! And any control top styles can help flatten that tummy and make your legs appear longer.

Bottom line ladies, don't take those legs for granted! Make sure they are both healthy and look great! A good check-up and a few tricks is all you need for those glam gams!

Hair: Our Crowning Glory

Many of us have a love hate relationship with our hair. Gray, stray, and missing hair. Hair where you wish it was, and where you wish it wasn't! Our hairstyle is one of the most noticeable aspects of our look. It can show off our personalities and highlight our face.

 

In our youth, hair was often taken for granted. Most of us had thick locks yet wished for something different. The 60's and 70's rage was stick straight hair, some girls had it naturally, but most of us had to work for it, and without the use of flat irons! We tried everything from giant rollers and soup cans to irons and ironing boards, yikes! 

 

Like with so many things, age and hormones changes all of that. Thinning hair isn't just a male problem, many women also face this battle. It's often not as noticeable because women cover the issue with hairpieces, hats, scarves, styles and products. Women may have more options, but also feel more compelled to hide the issue. 

 

If you notice thinning hair, check with your doctor to make sure your hormones or medications aren't a factor. These both play a vital role in the health and maintenance of our bodies, yet they can affect other things, like our hair.

 

It’s important to prevent damage in our normal routine. Hair color, curling and straightening irons, blow dryers, and teasing, can all add to the problem. Things we do to create the illusion of full, youthful hair may be damaging.

 

When it comes to color, ask your hairdresser about options with less harsh chemicals, like hair color with no ammonia and/or no peroxide. Try going longer periods between treatments using less chemicals. If you're just starting to gray, consider Level 1 hair color, to allow more time before starting permanent color. It's more work but your hair may stay healthier longer. Highlights are also another option to ask about.

For hair tools, the less heat the better. When possible, consider letting your hair air dry and use lower heat settings. It can take longer, but your hair won’t be under near the stress. Be careful if you wear a bun or ponytail, don't pull it tight especially if the top front of your hairline is thinning. Use thick, soft cloth ties, as regular elastics can cause breakage.

 

If you tease your hair, try fluffing it with your fingers while still wet, let it air dry most of the way, then style. This creates natural fullness to minimize teasing and help prevent breakage. We forget how fragile our hair can be and how rough some styling attempts are.

 

If you need to cover bald spots there are many temporary products on the market, ask your hairdresser to suggest some good ones. There are many forms, from pigmented powders to authentic hair cover.

 

Also, check with your doctor for info on over-the-counter hair growth products vs. prescriptions, to make sure you know all of your options! He/she may also be able to recommend supplements that are good for hair health. We have lots of possibilities now, and every woman should love her ‘do!

 

 

 

Age is a State of Mind

Age is a State of Mind

Why is it as we age that some people are “old” at 40 and others at 80 seem so young? As I come to realize in my own personal life, it inevitably comes down to attitude.

I have never been very good at judging age, but lately since moving to Las Vegas, I seem to have an even harder time doing so.

I'm not sure if it’s Vegas’ fun, sexy, vibe with great weather that prompts residents to take better care of themselves, or if the overall feel just exudes youthfulness, but I suspect it’s all connected!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting 2 women, who will go un-named, but both are in their 80's. Both were dancers in their youth and are still absolutely stunning. And I don’t mean stunning as in sweet, little, old lady cute. I really mean sexy, bright and vivacious. 

They are still in amazing physical shape, dress classy yet sexy, carry themselves with the beauty of a dancer, and speak with an elegance that only years of wisdom and knowledge can bring. There were other similarities as well, in how they took care of themselves. Neither drinks or smokes and both eat very healthy. 

But what really made a difference was they have not given in to the common notions of what it means to age. They are still both very active in the community, social and charitable events, and entertaining.

I also noticed that they did not dress "old". While society may seem to dictate what is age appropriate, there is a line that can be walked. Naturally the mini dresses of our 20's have longer hemlines and low cut tops may not be quite as low. And as for anything tight fitting, even if our body can handle it, clothing that actually fits, looks better and is frankly, more comfortable! These things being said, one can easily cross the line on either side. Dressing too young can make us look silly, but we also want to be careful to not wade into wearing frumpy frocks that make us look even older than we are.

The other thing both women have in common is their hair. While neither have hair to their waist, they wear it longer, very classy, but not the typical old lady style that was my grandmother. Both keep  their color current and while that is really a personal choice, for both of these 80 year old plus women, it certainly added to their youthful appearance!

And then most importantly is their incredible energy, physically and mentally. Their stories, laughter, and advice were all fascinating and well received. Their views on current events were interesting and informative. All further proof that staying well-read and involved keeps the mind sharp!

I was so inspired by both of these women! I came away from my encounter hopeful that if I play my cards right, and with a bit of luck, I too can avoid the pitfalls of being old based only on my chronological age. Times are different! We are not destined to follow the way of our Grandparents.  I do believe we can inspire and be sexy at any age and these women were living proof! 

It's Springtime!

Spring is almost here! That means beautiful weather is on the way and it’s a great time to evaluate our beauty routine and refresh our look.

Sometimes the smallest things in a daily beauty regime can make a world of a difference and don’t require anything drastic. Often, they are areas we don't even think much about and are important in defeating the signs of aging too!

First up, our hands!

If you have ever noticed, no matter how much a person can do with make-up or cosmetic surgery, our hands can quickly reveal age.

Under my, "if I only knew then what I know now” category, I would have started using sun-block on the tops of my hands years ago, but like most that brilliant idea never crossed my mind until later years.

However, it is never too late to start! You can minimize any new exposure by adding sun-block to your daily routine and since sun spots tend to darken with additional exposure, the block will keep that from happening. 

For the pesky age spots that have already made their mark, there are over the counter skin lighteners that work pretty well. (of course always clear anything new with your doctor.)

While both spots and thinning skin are all normal parts of aging, they can also simply be camouflaged a bit. You can use the same trick on your hands as you do for your face, foundation! The biggest difference if you are using it for your hands is to make sure and get one that is waterproof. There are several on the market and you don’t have to break the bank on one.

Once you find a shade as close as possible to your skin color, you will want to go over the top of your hand primarily, then gently blending around the fingers and up the arm some until it's blended. You can choose how high up the arm you want to go depending on your personal situation. You can use your fingertips to blend, or use a makeup sponge or brush, whichever is easier. If you look at the difference between your hands, one with foundation and one without, you will see a nice result!

Next up, eyebrows!

Much like everything else, they change over the years. They not only thin, but can become gray too. They play a huge part in framing out your eyes and so their importance should not be over looked!

To fill in sparse areas of the brow, using an eyebrow pencil is one option, but it can often result in a look that’s overly heavy or penciled in. A softer option is to use an eyebrow brush and powder eyeshadow--matching the color of your brows, or one shade darker. This will fill in the thinner spots without looking overdone.

For early graying of the eyebrows, and prior to them being so gray that you may consider having them professionally tinted, you can use a felt tip liquid eyeliner. 

The fine point allows you to cover the few early grays that show just enough to be noticeable, but not enough to need to do anything more drastic. And for no reason should you ever pluck the gray ones out. While tempting, it will just make matters worse! 

There are many different brands on the market if you don’t have this type of liner in your collection already. I have recently added a fine point waterproof eyeliner to my webstore in black, so if that is the color you would need, we carry it! Otherwise, you can find a variety of colors and brands any almost any store.

Any questions or tips you have to share, just let me know! And Happy Spring! Xoxo, Linda

Love is in the Air!

• Everywhere we look there are reminders that in just two short weeks that

  special day to express our love will be here-Valentine's Day! While a bit

  commercialized, it’s a sweet and fun holiday to celebrate those closest to us.

  And while we should let those we love know it all the time, sometimes we

  don't, so it’s a great excuse to do something special.

  Aside from flowers and candy, jewelry is often on the agenda. If you are

  looking for a special gift I found a recent collection from Ana Gutierrez at the

  Grand Bazaar Shops quite the treat! The line is gorgeous and Ana is a

  designer with heart, giving back and keeping the environment clean are at

  the forefront of her business decisions.

  If the evening calls for dinner, then aside from our favorite dress, makeup

  must be perfect too! Before actually applying any cosmetics though,

  preparation is the first step! Starting with a clean face is so important. As we

  age, our skin can become problematic, so washing without drying it out can

  be tricky. In search of a solution, I recently discovered a face cleanser call

  Better Cleansing Oil by Dermasensa, a local Henderson company. It leaves

  your skin moist, but not oily and it rinses clean. They have a great line of

  products and much to my happiness many of them are aimed at the over 50

  set!

  Once you have a clean canvas to work with, here are a couple of my favorite

  makeup tricks for the lips and eyes!

  As the creator of Fullips, a temporary lip enhancer, lips is obviously one of

  my specialties! Plumping my pout is the first thing I do before applying my

  makeup. As we age that lip line can seem to disappear so using our lipstick

  and liner can be harder to apply!

  After I plump my lips, but before starting other makeup, I use an eye cream

  prior to concealer under my eyes. A fun tip I learned at a product

  demonstration, if you have bags under your eyes, apply your eye cream with

  a slight smile. Dab in a gentle tapping motion, smoothing the skin to the

  outside towards your temple. This helps the skin be a little smoother to prep

  for the concealer. Top with your concealer in the same way, gently tapping in

  an outward direction.

  The last thing I do in my routine is my lip color. Having used my Fullips

  enhancer and now with them nice and plumped up, I first use a lip colored

  liner. Liner can keep your lipstick from bleeding and when lined just outside

  the lip line can add extra fullness too! If you use a waterproof liner, your lips

  will still have shape as the liner will last even if your lipstick doesn’t. If you

  blend the liner partially onto your lips, and then apply your favorite lipstick
• over it, again, even as the lipstick wears off, you will still have color. Our lip

  color also tends to fade as we get older, so anything to keep our lips looking

  young, full and sexy helps! The key is to blend, not fully color in your lips.

  I hope everyone has a warm and loving Valentine's Day, but you don't have

  to wait until then to let someone know you love them! Love to you all!