Inpsirational: Alicia Keys #nomakeup

Hello Lovelies,

Today's post is focusing on raw, natural, beauty. 

When I think of that, my mind goes straight to Alicia Keys. If you haven't noticed, Alicia Keys has been stepping out in the spotlight with no makeup. 

That's right. 

No makeup!

As a professional makeup artist, I actually find this really refreshing. While I will always believe that makeup is a powerful and positive thing, it can also be very crippling for many people. 

Alicia Keys wrote an article in Lenny Letter HERE about her no makeup journey, and it is really inspiring. To see someone who is always being photographed and in the spotlight, being comfortable in her own skin enough to show up to the VMA's with NO MAKEUP on-- it was awesome!

photo: RCA/Paola Kudacki

I think she's a great role model for women all over. Finding the strength to be comfortable in your own skin and having the confidence to show the world that you are beautiful just the way you are, is an incredible feat and is challenging for most of us. 

As a professional artist I am faced with people's insecurities, facades, and distorted perceptions. Most women I work with have no idea how beautiful they really are. 

When looking at a client's face, all I see are the beautiful parts of the face-- Great cheekbones, lovely brows, gorgeous eye colors and shapes.
So often we are focusing our energy on what can be better? 
What can I do to fix this? 

We are constantly keeping focus on whatever we see as negative. This is SO damaging. We are all too hard on ourselves. 

So here's what I have to say... 

Take a break. Slowly start to wear less, and less makeup. Really. 

The more we cover ourselves up, the more we lose sight of our true beauty and create a negative association with ourselves in our natural state. I have so many clients that I've worked with that can't even fathom the idea of leaving the house without putting any makeup on! 

Now why would a makeup artist suggest taking a break from makeup?! isn't that my job?? Isn't that how I make a living?? 

Of course I love my job.
And I really do love the positive effects makeup can have. But in this craze of heavy makeup application, and contours, and exaggerated features, I think it's important to step back and appreciate what you have. It's so easy to lose sight of ourselves especially amongst all the outside pressures of the media surrounding us.

Alicia Keys mentions in her article that she turned to meditation to find a deeper sense of self. This is important! We are being fed through the media that all women need to do to be perceived a certain way. Many of us feel the pressure to wear their hair a certain way, or do their makeup just right-- and I'm guilty of it too! Everyone is affected.

Now I  do believe in taking care of yourself. I do believe in the mantra, "Look good, feel good." I do believe that everyone has their own version of beauty.
I don't want to be another source telling you what to do and how you should look-- I want to be a resource for you. I want you to come to my site as a reader and know that if you wanted to know how to take better care of your skin, you could go Here. Or if you wanted to learn about bronzer because you started using it and you're not sure you're doing it properly, you could go Here.

Of course I have my own personal aesthetic when it comes to makeup, but as a professional, you have to learn to appreciate all forms.

So while I urge you to challenge yourself and slowly learn to love yourself a little more, maybe one day you can contribute to the #nomakeup trend. You just might be surprised at how good it can make you feel.

In the meantime, let's not criticize one another for how we decide to present ourselves to the world.
Let's appreciate all forms of beauty. 

Pay someone a compliment today, it just might make their day! 

Post Holiday Relaxation...

Hello loves, 

Happy New Year! 

I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays with their family and friends. While this time of year is fun and sentimental, it can also be quite stressful. I've found the best thing to do after the New Year rings in, is to take a mental and beauty health day. 

With all the celebrating (ie; overeating and drinking winter cocktails), on top of the lack of sleep, and added holiday stress, your body needs a break! It's so important to make time for yourself. Whether it's for an hour or a full day, you deserve it. 

Here are 5 tips for recuperating after the most wonderful time of the year! 

1. Start with a Meditation.

I've been starting my mornings the past few months with a quick 5 minute meditation and I cannot express to you how helpful it is! It's a great way to start your day, as it puts you in a relaxed, positive mind set-- which helps with stress levels, anxiety, and even my patience! (road rage anyone?!) Taking just 5 minutes in the morning to quiet your mind and breathe deeply is important for your mental state. There are some great guided meditations on Youtube and Chopra.com. 

2. Workout.  

Ick. 

I know. 

But honestly, taking even just 10 minutes to go for a walk will help to open up your mind and release all those wonderful endorphins! It will keep you motivated through the day and help you to feel great about yourself. So take a walk, or do some yoga. It doesn't have to be an extreme workout- just do something active that's fun and relaxing. 

3. Take a bath.

Your muscles may be sore and tired from lack of sleep, stress, NYE dancing... so create an ambiance and allow your muscles to relax and recharge. 

 Add some epsom salts to your bath. You can pick this up at any drugstore, grocery store or online. Ranging anywhere from $3- $10, you can get them unscented or scented (lavender is a favorite of mine for added relaxation). 

*Photo c/o Ulta.com

The salts help relieve muscle tension, stress and smooth your skin. 

4. Water and Vegetables.

A great way to recharge your body after the holidays is to eat lots of green veggies and drink plenty of water. After all the cheese plates and cookies and spiked apple cider, your body will be thanking you for replenishing. 

A great way to start your day is by drinking a big glass of water! If you get that first thing, you will be less likely to go for cereal or a bagel and more likely to make a smart breakfast decision and stay conscious of the amount of water you're drinking. 

Everything you put into your body has a direct effect on your skin- so keep that in mind :) The cleaner you eat, the cleaner your skin! 

5. Sleep.

Seems obvious, but many take sleep for granted! 

Turn off your computer (after reading this of course:)), turn off your phone and go to  bed at a decent hour. Really make sure you get a good night's sleep to try to make up for the lack of sleep over NYE :) Your skin needs this, your brain needs this and your body most definitely needs this. 

I hope this helps to remind you to take care of yourself! It's hard to constantly do all the right things all the time, but if you can dedicate a day or a few hours every week to focusing on these key tips-- it will help you to feel and look your best. 

To relaxation!