Forgive the metaphor...

...my husband and I decided to re-paint our house. The guy who was going to do it for us said he needed to pressure wash the house first. You know, to get the old flaking paint off and smooth out the surface for the new paint. Now, this was going to take a little extra time and money, so we said no. We didn't mind the lumps and bumps that were going to exist on the house after he painted. I mean, no big deal- right?

What am I talking about? Exfoliation. Yep. The same principle can be applied to your face, neck, and chest as pressure washing a house. When you don't get rid of dead skin cells, they just kind of pile up. Your pores get clogged. You can have flakes. And the surface of your skin isn't smooth. But, if you just take a little extra time maybe twice a week, you will notice a difference in a pretty short period of time! And the wonderful thing is that there are options for all skin types. Let's talk about all your options!

1. Regular exfoliation: This is the most common type of exfoliation. It usually involves a cream or gel base with "beads" in it. This can be used twice a week for oily skin and once a week for dry skin. Honestly, Clinique has the 2 best. 7 Day Scrub Cream can be used by all skin types and works wonders: http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY21363/PROD678/Skin_Care/ExfoliatorsMasks/index.tmpl
The other one is their Exfoliating Scrub for oilier skins: http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY21363/PROD715/Skin_Care/ExfoliatorsMasks/index.tmpl
Both are grainy without being scratchy. This is VERY important. You never want to feel like you are using sandpaper on your skin. A few others that are a little more budget conscious are: Burt's Bees- http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1470036
Neutrogena- http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1400130
BeFine- http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1150008
Alba- http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod2145401

2. Microdermabrasion- This is certainly a new buzz term that has come about in the last few years. This is the process of using much smaller, finer crystals to essentially resurface the skin on your face. You can go to a dermatologist and spend a LOT of money to get this done. Or, you can use some of the at home products for a lot less. Keep in mind that this should probably only be done about once a week and that your skin might be a little tender afterwards, so no harsh astringents or AHA's (we'll talk about those next) immediately afterwards. Now, honestly, I think that the Origins Modern Friction is phenomenal: http://www.origins.com/templates/products/sp_nonshaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY5816&PRODUCT_ID=PROD7480
It's got tons of natural ingredients in it and my skin always literally glows after I use it. (Yes, I know it's pricey. Don't forget- you can find it on Ebay, too.) Some of your other choices are:
C. Booth- http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1110470
Olay- http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod2118744
Artemis Woman- http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod2112622
Boots #7- http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=219339&catid=48050

3. Acids (alpha hydorxy, beta hydroxy, etc)- These are actually products that you put on like a moisturizer and they work at the cellular level. The acids break down clogs and help slough off dry skin. I like to use mine at night when I am going to bed. I feel like it really helps overnight while my skin is repairing itself. L'Oreal makes a wonderful version: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1100290. It has the same stuff in it as more expensive versions, but does the same work! Here are a few more that I would definitely recommend:
Juice Beauty- http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P38523&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5650
Clinique- http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P135504&categoryId=S15110&shouldPaginate=true
Zia- http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=39429&catid=48050&trx=PLST-0-CAT&trxp1=48050&trxp2=39429&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT

Now, GET SMOOTHING! I promise, you will see results! Whether it's less blemishes or brighter skin or smoother skin. You'll like what you see.

Don't forget! The recruiting contest is still on! You have until Friday to bring in as many new followers as possible to win your bag of fall beauty must haves!

Bottle or a bar?

There are only about a zillion types of body soap out there. Just go to any aisle of your local drug or grocery store and you can see that. But, let's break down what you're really getting with your options, shall we?

Now, the most frequently used type of body soap by females these days is liquid in the bottle. Ahh, nothing like squirting that stuff onto your lovely little pouf and lathering up. If you're using the Dove's and the Oil of Olay's versions, you are paying WAY too much. Have you ever tried Caress? It's usually a few dollars cheaper and produces the same results. They have one that is called "Glowing Touch" (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=143939&catid=20&brand=7826&trx=PLST-0-BRAND&trxp1=20&trxp2=143939&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-BRAND)

and I don't know how they do it, but there are these micro shimmer things in it that stay on your skin after the shower. It's unreal! They also have one that has exfoliating beads in it that make your skin feel really great. (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=156255&catid=20&brand=7826&trx=PLST-0-BRAND&trxp1=20&trxp2=156255&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-BRAND)

Did I mention it also smells like the most amazing tropical cocktail ever? It's like being at the beach in your shower.

Now, for those who are using/considering bar soap, technically, this is the most earth friendly since there's nothing left over when it's gone. So, factor that into your thinking. Bar soap also tends to be cheaper. If you tend to have oily skin, the classic Ivory soap bar is for you. It's clean, it leaves nothing behind, and is perfect if you don't need any extra moisture. If you have drier skin, the classic Dove bar that our grandmothers used is perfect for you. It is highly moisturizing and everyone loves that scent. How could you not?

The beauty about both soaps, though, is that you can also go to your local health food stores and find some wonderful alternatives. If you want the gold standard in both, you can't go wrong with Burt's Bees: http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/body-washes-soaps/. They truly cover all skin types. Also, Alba is my other favorite all natural line: http://www.albabotanica.com/?id=64

If you are a die hard natural bar soap fan (which I am quickly becoming, by the way) this line is pretty much the end all, be all: http://www.indigowild.com/shopping/natural-zum-bar-goats-milk-soap.cfm. It only comes in about a zillion scents and they work amazingly well and last a long time. Of course, you can always go to your local farmer's market and see what local artisans are crafting as well. I am currently hooked on a lemon eucalyptus blend and I just got an extra minty bar to try today.

Don't forget to find followers for the blog for the big fall beauty giveaway! Deadline is next Friday!

I am not above bribery!!!

So, here's the thing. I need more blog followers. And I have never been above bribery. So, I figured I'd combine the 2 and you can benefit from that.

I need you all to recruit for me. Here's the deal: if you read the blog but aren't a follower yet, join. Then, get your friends to join. When your friends join, have them add a comment that they joined because of you. Whoever recruits the most new followers is going to win a fabulous beauty package of fall must haves.

The deadline for entries will be next Friday, September 4. So, get going!

Oh, and for your tip for the day: Did you know that Sephora.com has a "deal of the week" every week? Yup. And this week's is a fantastic Smashbox eyeshadow duo that is PERFECT for the fall for only $5. http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml;?id=P245400

Um, you can't buy an eyeshadow duo at Wal-Mart for that!! Much less this amazing stuff. The colors would look good on anyone and can be layered and blended with ease. Too Beautylicious gives it 2 thumbs up!

Neutral ground

Most times, when people talk about neutrals, everyone just assumes they mean shades of khaki or black or white. But, this season, I want you to start thinking of grey as your new go-to neutral. First of all, it goes perfectly with all the fall colors that are in this year- purple, teal, and tangerine. Red is also going to be very big and I do LOVE grey with red.

Secondly, when it comes to grey makeup, it's a little less stark than plain old black. Cosmetics companies are even making grey mascara now to give eyes a great smoky, sooty look. I, for one can't wait to try it. I currently have a fantastic deep gun-metal grey on my fingernails. That's another way to rock the shade.

If nothing else, consider investing in a grey bag. You seriously can't go wrong with this one. It will go with everything, it won't show stains, and you can use it all the way through the fall and winter.

So, what does Too recommend? Try these on for size:

Eyes: This one in Hurricane Grey http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2101455&productId=VP00140&navAction=push&navCount=5&categoryId=cat80042&title=SpecialEyes+Eye+Liner+Pencil#sku2101461

This one in Platinum: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2160134&productId=xlsImpprod1000104&navAction=push&navCount=9&categoryId=cat940003&title=Metallic+Eyeshadow+Duo#sku2160137

Nails: LOVE this one: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P243703&categoryId=C107

This in Gothik or Rock: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P231119&categoryId=S10701&shouldPaginate=true

Accessories: http://www.target.com/Merona-Tote-Gray/dp/B001WK64XY/ref=br_1_16?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=370215011&node=370215011&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=Merona%20Tote%20Gray

Or: http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Black-Hobo-Gray/dp/B001WO1UU2/ref=br_1_13?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=370215011&node=370215011&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=Mossimo%20Black%20Hobo%20Gray

Cuteness!!: http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Veta-Cut-Out-Flat-Silver/dp/B001GRM4R8/ref=br_1_14?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=13845861&node=13845861&searchRank=pmrank&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=Mossimo%20Veta%20Cut-Out%20Flat%20Silver

Wowsa!: http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?skuId=071913075&productId=65703&subCatId=cat10243&catId=cat10088&lotId=071913&category=&catdisplayName=Womens+

Have fun!

I love the magic

You know how some people go to magic shows and all they want to know is "oooh, how did they do that??" I, on the other hand, prefer not knowing and just enjoying the magic.

Hence my 2 product recommendations for today. First, do you polish your own nails? If not, is it because it takes too long to dry? Well, I have a great solution. Sally Hansen's Insta-Dry:

http://www.sallyhansen.com/product.cfm?product=50

This stuff is unreal! All you do is put your usual 2 coats of polish on. Wait a minute, then brush on the Insta-Dry. It acts as a top coat and it also dries your nails literally in minutes. I mean reach in your purse and pull out your keys dry. The best part is that I buy mine at Wal-Mart. Super cheap and easy to find!

The second product is for your face. I recently got a sample of Benefit Cosmetics' You Rebel Lite.

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/gp/product/B000WFOVIK/sr=1-7/qid=1251331590/ref=sr_1_7/188-7751378-3317949?ie=UTF8&n=164989011&bcBrand=core

It is a tinted moisturizer with SPF 15. Now, I have tried lots of tinted moisturizers in my time. And I have liked lots of them. But this stuff! Holy cow!!! Somehow it manages to cover imperfections and look completely sheer at the same time. It helps any dry areas on my face, and yet I never feel greasy or shiny when it hits midday like I normally do. Did I also mention I can use this under my eyes, too, to cover my circles?? It really is an all-in-one product! Now, needless to say, I DID NOT pay $30 for mine. I bought mine on Ebay and paid half that. And secondly, there are 2 versions of this great stuff: You Rebel for medium skin tones and You Rebel Lite for those of us with pastier complexions.

So, abracadabra. Some people pull rabbits out of their hats. I pull beautiful faces!

Seriously counting the days

There are 2 days in the year that I really look forward to. March 1 and September 1. Why? Well, I consider March 1 the day I can officially break out the spring makeup and September 1 is when I can break out the fall makeup. Do I occasionally cheat? Of course. But, hey, who am I hurting, really???

I am easing into my fall colors this week with a neat lipstick trick that I LOVE to use. Now, I NEVER wear lipstick in the spring or summer. I just don't. I am a hard core gloss girl. I usually even wear darker glosses in the fall and winter. But, once in a while I do like to break out the lipsticks and I will be doing so more frequently this year after discovering that great lipstain effect I talked about in a previous blog.

Anywho, onto my trick. See if you like this one. First, put on a LIGHT layer of lipbalm. I usually put some on my lower lip and then rub my lips together. Second, dab on the lipstick color of your choice. I went with a berry this morning. Rub lips together and then blot gently with a tissue. Apply one more dabbing of the lipstick. Voila. The color of a lipstick with the sheerness/hydration of the lip balm. The beauty of this is that through out the day, you can just alternate which you put on next. Slap on a little more balm the next time, and then dab on some more color a little later. Keep rubbing your lips together to keep the look soft and natural.

Try it and see what you think!

Puffs or circles?

Most women fall into 2 categories: puffs or circles. What am I talking about? What's going on under your eyes ladies??

So, the question is- which are you? I personally have the circles. But, the good news is that I have solutions for both!

1. Circles- You know who you are. You look like a raccoon first thing in the morning. Or, like someone punched you in the eye and you haven't been in a fight since 3rd grade. What to do? Well, first things first- how hydrated are you? Did you know that if you don't drink enough fluids, that can actually make the circles under your eyes worse? So, start there. Anything caffeine free that you put in your body counts. Secondly, what are you using under your eyes at night? Look for eye creams and gels that specifically address dark circles. And USE THEM EVERY NIGHT. Do not buy the stuff and leave it in your medicine cabinet. Here are some great options:

http://www.garnierusa.com/_en/_us/our_products/product.aspx?tpcode=OUR_PRODUCTS^PRD_SKINCARE^SKIN_RENEW^SKIN_RENEW_DISCOVER^SKIN_RENEW_RTN3&prdcode=P19108

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2208011&productId=xlsImpprod1460038&navAction=push&navCount=2&categoryId=cat80150&title=Ageless+Restoratives+Instant+Eye+Reviver

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2202622&productId=xlsImpprod1190248&navAction=push&navCount=2&categoryId=cat80150&title=Eye+Love+Cucumbers+Soothing+Eye+Gel

http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY21364/PROD503/Skin_Care/Eye__Lip_Care/index.tmpl


2. Puffs- You're schlepping around more bags than Rachel Zoe at a vintage store. People ask you if you're having some sort of allergic reaction to something. Yep, you're cursed with the undereye puffs. Here are your solutions. First, watch your salt/sodium intake. Nothing makes you retain water and puff like salt in any form. So, the next time you go to grab for that salt shaker, think again. Also, if you can sleep on 2 pillows to elevate your head, this can also help. That way, the fluid won't just pool under your eyes while you lay on your back! You also need eye cream. (Well, technically, everyone does.) Here are your options:

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2207980&productId=xlsImpprod1460036&navAction=push&navCount=2&categoryId=cat80150&title=Regenerist+Advanced+Anti-Aging+Eye+Anti-Aging+Roller

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2159864&productId=xlsImpprod820274&navAction=push&navCount=3&categoryId=cat80150&title=De-Puffing+Action+Eye+Gel

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2163172&productId=xlsImpprod700124&navAction=push&navCount=6&categoryId=cat80150&title=Nutritioniste+Renew+Anti-Puff+Eye+Roller

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P50103&categoryId=C11724&shouldPaginate=true


Keep in mind, please, that with both issues, you need concealer. Oh yeah, anyone who knows me knows that I will beat this drum forever. EVERY WOMAN NEEDS CONCEALER. So, make sure that the one that you purchase is MADE FOR YOUR ISSUE. Need some concealer suggestions? Have any questions? E-mail me at toobeautylicious@yahoo.com

Mea Culpa!

I know. I know. I've abandoned you for 2 days. I am so sorry! Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. (Thank you, John Lennon.) Soooo, I will hit you with some serious beauty knowledge today to make up for it. Bonus beauty tips!!!

How many of you are signed up at cosmetic company websites? As in, to get their e-mails/newsletters/etc? Yeah, you're going to want to do that. Why? Because otherwise, how will you know when they are having a giant sale or a gift with purchase or a special opportunity to buy something that the general public doesn't get yet? I can't even begin to tell you how many deals I have scored by ordering through an e-mail I received through a company's website! A few that I really like: http://www.clinique.com/, http://www.stila.com/, http://www.urbandecay.com/, http://www.eyeslipsface.com/, http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/, http://www.tartecosmetics.com/

So, the look this fall is very polished. And by polished, I mean lady like. Intentional. One look that I really like is is kind of a bold lip. Yet, oddly enough, it's also really natural looking. Kind of like you just ate a popsicle and your lips are stained. You can get this look one of 2 ways. You can either buy a deep berry or red lipstick and instead of just putting it on, you smudge it on with your finger, blot, and then do it again. Or, you can buy a lip stain. Maybelline makes one that looks like a marker that you can buy in drugstores. Benefit makes their famous "Benetint" and "Posie Tint" lip and cheek stains. The beauty of these is that either one will last most if all all of your day! Less touchups! YAY!!

And last, but certainly not least, I know bunches of you are Project Runway fans. Why do you like it? The creativity? The amazing designers? The crazy catfights? Well, if you have a designer that you really like, try to think about why. And then, when you go out shopping for you, look for things that remind you of that designer. This is a great way to give your wardrobe a little oomph and style.

Inspiration for the fall

I don't know how many of you are magazine subscribers. I am a magazine fool! Love them! And why am I talking about this today? Because the September issues are coming out!!! And what does that mean? Well, usually, the September issues of magazines tend to be the biggest. They are introducing the major trends in fall clothing/makeup/accessories/etc. They are loaded down with fantastic information and ideas.

So, I am recommending that you go out and buy a couple of the September issues of magazines. Don't worry! Of course I have recommendations! My favorites are Allure, Marie Claire, and InStyle. They tend to have more affordable things as opposed to like Vogue or Vanity Fair.

I have read the Sept. Allure and Marie Claire cover to cover and they were fantastic! I am anxiously awaiting my InStyle. I encourage you to grab one of these the next time you're in the checkout lane. Who knows what inspiration lies within for you?

A little common sense

So, you've got a particular place on your face that keeps breaking out. What is that about??? Well, let's go through some questions and maybe we can figure it out.

1. Where is the breakout? Chin? Side of your face? Forehead? Near your mouth?

2. What goes on in that area on a very regular basis? Do you prop a phone there? Do your spray hairspray and it lands there? Do you sleep on that part of your face? Are you using a new cosmetic/moisturizer/cleanser in that area? Does toothpaste get on the area?

If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, here are a few easy steps to (hopefully) help out.

If the breakout is where you prop a phone, STOP IT. If you can't resist propping your phone then for the love of Pete, swab the phone with a little rubbing alcohol every day or so. That will help kill the bacteria that are so lovingly growing there just waiting for contact with your skin.

If the breakout is on your forehead/neck/wherever hairspray hits, consider covering the area with a tissue or a towel to block the spray.

If you sleep on your side (like I do) you are more prone to cheek breakouts. There are a couple of options here. Change your pillowcase a couple of times a week. Also, pull your hair back from your face when you go to bed. If you are laying on dirty hair, it's going to clog up those pores.

If you are currently trying a new product, take a break from it. Or, if you can, mix it with an old product until your skin adjusts. If the problem persists, take the new item back to wherever you bought it and explain that you are having a reaction. Department store brands are great for taking things back and you'd be surprised at the number of drug stores who also have a very liberal cosmetics return policy.

Finally, that old wives tale about putting toothpaste on a zit is just that- an old wives tale. In fact, toothpaste can actually cause blemishes around the mouth. If you are experiencing this, change toothpastes. If the one breaking you out is a whitening one, switch to a non-whitening one. If you aren't currently using a whitening one, try switching to an all natural one like Tom's of Maine. Sometimes, it's the flouride in the toothpaste that makes people break out! Who knew?

Hopefully, one of these easy fixes will help!

I hear you

You're saying "Ok, Too. I hear you about the all natural stuff and the e.l.f. company, but I am hooked on my Clinique foundation" or "my Lancome concealer" or my "Stila lip glaze". Well, let me tell you, you do have options. Several of them.

Do you live near an outlet mall? Particularly one of the "Premium Outlets"? Well, if they have a "Cosmetics Company" outlet, check it out. It's all the Estee Lauder owned companies, including Lancome, Estee Lauder, Clinique, etc. You can get some amazing prices on stuff there. You can also buy the bonuses that or gifts with purchase that you normally have to spend a lot to get for around $10 each.

The outlets also have stores called Perfumania and other perfume companies that stick cosmetics as well. I've scored Shu Uemura lip glosses that were only $5 a piece!!

Now, honestly, let's get down to real brass tacks. Ebay. If you aren't buying your cosmetics or skin care on Ebay, you are missing out. To make sure you're getting exactly what you're looking for, be very specific in the search field- "MAC Lipglass" or "Clinique Superfit Makeup". Be certain that the item is new and unused. Often times, the only reason the item is on Ebay is because the box it came in was damaged! So, a little snafu at UPS becomes your gain. This is also a great way to try out something that you're interested in without paying full price. I've tried several lip colors this way with great results.

Also, there's a website called www.fragrancenet.com that offers loads of name brand cosmetic companies at some wonderful discounts. If you sign up for e-mail alerts from them, you'll get an e-mail for an extra 10% off your first purchase! Um, yes please!!

And the icing on the cake...

...for our last blog about natural beauty. Now, I know we ALL have this in the cabinet or pantry- Tea. It's the "house wine of the South" per Dolly Parton. But, it can be used externally as well. Although, the health benefits of drinking tea just keep coming out. Scientists have discovered that the anti-oxidant levels in white and red teas are outstanding. What a great way to fight aging, free-radicals, carcinogens, etc! Just enjoy a glass or mug! But, onto the tips for the day:

1. Cool tea bags can also be used on eyes to help de-puff and calm due to the tannic acid. Just make sure you squeeze out excess liquid and don't use herbal teas since they don't contain much tea.

2. Are your pores feeling clogged? Boil a pot of water with a couple of tea bags of your favorite herbal tea. Remove the pot from the stove, lean over the pot as close as you comfortably can and drape a towel over your head. Steam your face for about 5-10 minutes and then go wash your face really well. Your pores should look MUCH better.

3. Got a sunburn or just irritated skin in general? Make 3 cups of very strong chamomile tea. Put that in a spray bottle in your fridge and apply to affected areas as needed. Chamomile is a natural anti-irritant.

4. Are you on your feet a lot? Are you pregnant and have swollen and sore feet and ankles? Brew yourself up a giant pot of peppermint tea either in the morning before you go to work or the night before and stick the pot in the fridge. The next night, soak your feet in the cool tea to reduce swelling and combat any foot funk you've got going on.

I hope you all have liked the all natural tips this week! If you have any questions about any of them, don't forget you can always e-mail me at toobeautylicious@yahoo.com!

We interrupt this blog...

...to bring you an important news bulletin!

I know we've been talking about natural beauty this week. But, I got an e-mail with a deal in it that was too good not to share!

One of my favorite cosmetics companies is Stila. Fantastic stuff, if a tad pricey. Weeeelllll...they are currently running a special where you get 6, count them SIX deluxe sample sizes of their most popular complexion products. (See the photo at the top of the page). Now, when I say deluxe sample, these aren't some puny one time use things. Oh no. You're looking at lots and lots of time to use these products and see if you take a shine to any of them. Here's the best part: it's only $18 for all 6. Oh, and did I mention that if you use the coupon code "freelip" when you checkout, you get a free lipstick?

So, that's 6 different, wonderful face products plus a free lipstick for $18??? How do I get this amazing deal, I'm sure you're asking. Here's the link to the website: http://www.stilacosmetics.com/category.asp?category_id=1

The top 3 items on the "what's new" page are your color options for the packages. Being as Casper-y as I am, I went with the light color option.

Oh, and yes- I've used several of these products before and I loved all of them. I am really looking forward to trying some new ones!!!

Happy shopping!

It's a honey of an O!

No, the blog today is not, in fact, about Cheerios. However, if you guessed it's about honey- YOU WIN!!!

Let's continue on in the wonderful world of all natural beauty. HONEY! Or, as my high school science teacher once called it "bee barf." No joke. Now, we've all heard of the Burt's Bees company. This genius along with the Savannah Bee guy figured out a long time ago that you could use honey for more than just biscuits. While they primarily use the honeycomb and wax part, you do know you can actually use the honey, right? Well, here are a few ideas.

Oh, and before we get into the actual tips, let me remind you that buying raw honey from a local farmer's market is always recommended. It's unfiltered and has more of the good stuff still in it. Plus, you'll be supporting your local economy as opposed to buying something that got shipped across the country and isn't really fresh.

1. Honey is high in an antimicrobial agent. Got a zit? Dab some honey on it and let it sit. Wipe off with warm water after 20 minutes or so.

2. Mix 1 tsp honey with enough almond flour to make a paste. Use as an exfoliant on your face. Rinse off with warm water when you are done.

3. Got some rough hands? Wash hands with warm water and then leave slightly damp. Mix 1 tsp honey with 1 tsp olive oil. Stick your hands in some plastic bags and then some cotton gloves that you've warmed in the dryer. Leave on for 30 minutes.

Plus, remember that actually eating honey has some amazing health benefits as well. If you have seasonal allergies, it is recommended that you get raw honey from around where you live. Since the honey was made with flowers from your area, it will actually help your body fight off the allergies. Kind of the same idea behind getting shots. Introduce a tiny bit to the body so that it can "learn" to fight it off.

You say toe-may-toe...

Yep, more natural beauty info! Now, if you all want to try these suggestions from this week, remember that if you have a health food store in your area, you can buy organic!

Ok, so tomatoes! (Or toe-maaah-toes. However you like to say it!) Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A and C. Natural antioxidants! So, here are some great ways to use them on the outside:

1. Remove an overripe tomato's skin. Crush slightly in a blender , mix with 1 tsp of honey, and then spread on your face. Rinse off with warm water after 15 minutes. This is especially good for normal to oily skins as tomatoes contain oil absorbing acids and natural exfoliants and the honey has anti-bacterial properties.

2. Got a zit? Apply some organic tomato paste to it to absorb the oil and help speed recovery.

3. You can mix tomato juice and rosewater for a great toner in the t-zone!

And to continue with a theme...

I know we were discussing both cheap beauty finds and natural beauty finds this week. So, here's one that I am pretty sure most of you will be able to use. Coffee. Yep, damp coffee grounds can be used to perk up lots of areas of your skin.

1. Take damp coffee grounds and use them to exfoliate thighs and stomach area before your shower. Caffeine is a natural way to fight the appearance of cellulite, even temporarily.

2. Mix coffee grounds with an egg white and apply to your face for a mask that will brighten and tighten your skin. Bonus- while you are rinsing the mask off, rinse in circular motions so that you are also gently exfoliating your skin.

3. If you have dark brown or black hair, brew some strong espresso and add to dry hair. Leave this on for 30 minutes and then shampoo out. You'll have some great sparkling highlights.

4. Enjoy a FRESHLY brewed cup of coffee, in moderation of course. It contains cancer-fighting antioxidants that are just as strong as vitamins C and E

So, here's an interesting concept...

I was reading an article the other day about healthy eating and the author said "The less ingredients in what you eat, the better it is for you. As in 'Apples, green beans, oatmeal.'" I had never thought about it that way before. It seemed so simple. So, then I thought, how can that apply to beauty as well?

Hey, guess what? You can go to the produce section of your grocery store and find beauty products. Today, we're going to talk about cucumbers. Did you know that cucumbers have a pH of 5.5 which is the same as healthy skin? WOW! It also contains anti-wrinkling hormones and anti-inflammatory properties. Oh, and since it's the summertime, you can get these CHEAP!!! YAY! Let's talk about a few ways you can use this amazing veggie:

1. Body smoothing- in a blender, mash 3 peeled cucumbers. Take in the shower and apply to your entire body with a loofah or equally exfoliant sponge. Voila! Super smooth and toned skin.

2. Puffiness- you know we've all seen those pictures of women at a spa with cucumber slices over their eyes. It REALLY works! If your eyes are red and puffy, use a little Visine and then lay down with slices over your eyes. If your eye area is dry and puffy, add a little eye cream around the entire eye area and then lay down with the slices on.

3. Glowing skin- peel and de-seed a cucumber. Blend the cucumber and 4-5 mint leaves into a puree. Add the mixture to a beaten egg white and mix well. Apply to your face and leave on 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Quick, raise your hand...

...if you're broke! Or if at least money's a little tight in this economy. (Um, how do you raise your hand in a blog? Well, consider my hand raised.)

Here's the good thing. There are several ways you can be a beauty-on-a-budget. My absolute favorite ways would be the following:

Q-Tips. For the love of Pete, always have them. They are the ULTIMATE beauty tool. Why? Well, think about it. They can be used to dab concealer in tiny little places and on the tops of blemishes that need to be covered. They are just the right size for dotting highlighter along your cheekbones or browbones and then blending. And in a pinch, they are just about the best eye makeup applicators around. You can use them to apply and blend shadow. You can get the end damp and dip into shadow to line the eye. You can use them to smudge your eyeliner for a great smoky effect. They are also just the right size for any cleanup that needs to be done, whether it's mascara smudged on your lid or some stray color that it somewhere that you don't want it to be.

If you are not using the makeup line Eyes Lips Face (e.l.f. cosmetics for those in the know), you should be ashamed of yourself. They are great quality products. And all the makeup is $1.00. Yes, you read that right- ONE DOLLAR. Where can you find this magical makeup? www.eyeslipsface.com. I have used everything from the eyeshadows to liners to lip colors to highlighters from this company and I've never been disappointed. I've even used some of their products on brides on wedding days because I knew they would hold up. Head over to the site and peruse. See what you find that you like!

Anyone else have any fun, money saving beauty tips they can't live without???

Quick rule of thumb...

Wash your hair from the roots down. Condition from the ends up. Your roots are where the dirt/oil/grease/etc accumulate. So, it makes sense that you'd want to get that area clean. Your ends dry out first. They show damage first. Makes sense that you'd want to nourish that area.

Yes, yes, I know it's only August, but...

...the colors for fall are already in. The big colors this year are (drumroll please)...

Purple, teal, and tangerine!!!

WAIT! Before you run screaming, here's the good news. You aren't supposed to wear them all at the same time. ;) Let's go one by one and I'll explain how to make all of them wearable.

Purple- The good news is that everyone can wear some shade of purple. It's actually a very flattering shade.

From a well lined eye: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P178005&categoryId=C17355&shouldPaginate=true

To a range of eyeshadow shades: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P190712&categoryId=C17355&shouldPaginate=true

To a perfect sheer shade of lipcolor: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2201387&productId=xlsImpprod1060474&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat80058#sku2201399

Teal- Ohhh, I must admit, I do love teal. it's the more sophisticated sister of turquoise. Deeper and a little edgier. It's for grownups, for sure. Here's how to add a little teal to your everyday life.

These are gorgeous shades for toenails or SHORT fingernails:

I also love a teal purse or bag. How about these: http://www.target.com/Merona-Large-Hobo-Blue/dp/B001WKJ648/ref=br_1_5?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=370215011&node=370215011&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=Merona%20Large%20Hobo%20Blue

or: http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Black-Crossbody-Green/dp/B001WO1VKG/ref=br_1_15?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=370215011&node=370215011&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=Mossimo%20Black%20Crossbody%20Green

Finally, tangerine. I know, I know. Orange is always tricky. There are about 3 people in the world who look good in it. But, you can always do orange in a toenail polish as well. OPI has several shades that you can "try on". Go to www.opi.com and play around to find your favorite.

Also, I know it's hard to believe, but an orange shoe can actually be super cute with a neutral outfit. If you're wearing khakis or jeans and either a white or a black shirt, something like this: http://www.zappos.com/product/7308800/color/95652 is fantastic. I loooove these: http://www.zappos.com/product/7297671/color/27064

Of course, if you're feeling crazy, feel free to wear these: http://www.zappos.com/product/7454870/color/7916

Hopefully, I've shown you that you don't have to be scared of color. It's just color, after all. And there are ALWAYS tons of ways to wear them.

Good news! You can now get ahold of me!

Just in case anyone has a specialized beauty question or just something they'd rather not post to general comments, I have set up an e-mail address for my blog followers. You can get ahold of me at toobeautylicious@yahoo.com. That's it. Simple as that! And I PROMISE I will check it regularly. No days and days of waiting!

Whew! That was a...

...CLOSE SHAVE!

We've all heard that expression. Now, unless you're one of those women who are lucky enough to just have several spare thousand dollars lying around to get laser hair removal, I'm sure shaving your legs is a pretty regular part of your life. And every time I hear some guy complaining about having to shave his face, I just want to smack him. A few square inches to shave versus a couple of square feet? Yeah, shut it.

Anywho, I digress... Let's discuss the actual shaving process. I know, I know- there are some of you out there who are die hard stand at the sink and dry shave. But you are doing yourself (and your skin) a disservice. If you can wait until about 5-10 minutes in your shower process, your leg hair will be much softer and will be removed much easier. Thus- less irritation. Also, did you know that when you shave, you are actually removing that top layer of dead skin? (That's why men look younger than women for longer. They are constantly exfoliating by shaving their faces everyday. They just have no idea.) Now, if you are just dry shaving that layer off, there's no buffer for the new skin underneath. Thus, you are more likely to create irritation again.

So, what does Beautylicious suggest? First, wait a little while in the shower as mentioned previously. Softer hair, softer skin. Second, at least use a moisturizing soap or cleanser on your legs. I think using a shave gel is the best. Two reasons for this- again, something moisturizing for that new layer of skin AND the soap/foam/gel actually helps the hair stand up so that you'll get a closer shave. And finally, your razor. One or two blade razors are so 1980's. These days, a minimum of 3 blades is imperative. Honestly, my razor has 5 blades. I stumbled upon the Venus Embrace completely by accident. I had forgotten my razor on a weekend getaway and had to borrow a friends. HO-LEE Cow! I had never, ever had a razor shave that close. I could literally tell a difference. It shaved so close, I was actually able to stretch an extra day out before I had to shave again! So, if you want to spend a little extra to get amazing results, I wholeheartedly recommend the Venus Embrace. But, as long as you have 3 blades or more, you're good.

So, let's sum up- shower, use a moisturizing cleanser/shave gel after 5 or 10 minutes, get a good lather, and shave away with your minimum 3 blade razor! And I'm sure I don't have to tell you to use a good lotion or body cream AS SOON AS YOU GET OUT OF THE SHOWER.

And your word for the day is...

..."emollients." I'm sure we all know what that is. It's the stuff in moisturizers that actually moisturize your hair, skin, etc. Now, today, I'm going to specifically be talking about stuff for dry/treated hair. First, take a look at your shampoo. Is it clear? Close to clear? Can you read something through it? Yeah, that's not moisturizing. You want a shampoo that LOOKS creamy. The clearer your shampoo, the more detergents (i.e. foaming agents) there are in it and the more likely it is to strip your hair than protect or nourish it.

Also, your conditioner- is it runny? Thin? Or is it pretty sturdy? And by that, I mean if you squirt some in your hand and turn it over, is it going to stick? There's no use getting a special moisturizing shampoo and then getting a conditioner that's essentially water and isn't going to help seal in any emollients.

So, if your goal is to help end frayed ends or add shine or protect your color, then you need to look for shampoo that is not only labelled "moisturizing", but that is creamy in appearance as well. Make sure your conditioner is equally as dense in appearance if not more so. Honestly, I really like the new L'Oreal Everpure line. I know it says that it's for colored hair, but anyone who needs a little moisture would definitely benefit. They have several different types (for volume, smoothness, extra moisture) and all are very reasonably priced and work wonders! Give them a try! See what you think!

Playing it safe

So, I am headed to the beach for a week. And let me tell you, I am ready to get there! However, as much as I LOVE being outside and walking in the sand and all that, I am absolutely, positively going to protect myself. Sunscreen, baby. Now, I am one of those very lucky people that have absurdly white, pasty skin. I know, you're jealous, right? Anywho, I not only take a sunscreen for my body; I also have a separate one for my face. Oh, and PS- the smart girls know to also have one for their hair. You're one of those smart girls, aren't you? :)

First and foremost- at least an SPF of 30 for your body. And the spray ones work just as well as the lotion ones if you like their convenience. Just make sure that you really cover yourself and rub it in if you need to. Secondly- at least an SPF of 30 (although 40 or higher is better) for your face. Why a separate one? Well, since I have skin that is prone to break out, I absolutely have to have an oil free one. Plus, there are now sunscreens out there specifically made for your face that also have lovely things in them like anti-oxidants and/or anti-aging properties in them. Hellooo multi-tasking! I also use my face sunscreen on my neck and chest. The chest is actually one of the first places to get burned. Did you know that?

Finally- those smart girls I was telling you about that use a sunscreen on their hair. They have a couple of options. If you're super thrifty, you can actually mix traditional sunscreen lotion in a spray bottle with equal parts water. Shake, and spray well. Or, you can use a sunscreen created for your hair. I am currently using this one: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2203353&productId=xlsImpprod1170126&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat120012
And I really like it. I plan to spray it on as well as a leave in conditioner before I hit either the beach or the pool.

So, there you go. You wear a seat belt in a car. You lock your doors at night. How about you watch out for your skin just as much? Don't be one of those old ladies who looks like a piece of luggage...