The Daily Beauty Break

SO beautiful people…..LOVE your curls but don’t LOVE how they droop at the end of the day? I picked up this tip from a dear client and friend who has THE most gorgeous head of auburn curls….

Instead of piling on more hairspray (as I usually do) to refresh and de-frizz…try a light spritz of a light detangling spray all over your head and then scrunch softly with your fingers …..I use the same one that I use on my daughter’s hair to get rid of her horrible knots post bath…..AG Conditioning MIst Leave-in Conditioner ($<20).  This stuff smells like grape heaven and my daughter actually likes it when I spray it on her tangled mess…..

TRY IT…you’ll be so happy at the results!! Your curls will regain their bounce and shine and you won’t end up feeling (and looking) like you are wearing a hay bale on your head at the end of the day…………

Be Beautiful Ya’ll!

Ready for some backstage beauty tips? Fashion at the Park is upon us Dallas beauties….and since Northpark is being so cool and offering tickets between $5-$25 bucks this season, what better reason to come join me? Let’s hang out…get drinks and indulge our passion for fashion!!!

Shows I”ll be attending this season are:

THIS   Saturday  October 11 at 6pm Ted Baker

Tuesday  October 14 at 6pm Oscar de la Renta

10pm Ed Hardy (this should be some killer makeup and tickets include the afterparty!!)

Thursday October 16 Neiman Marcus presents Marc Bouer (he’s a Dallas native, you know)

SUPER excited!!! So be sure to leave me a comment and let me know what shows YOU  (Paula) are going to!!! Can’t wait  to see what Bobbi Brown’s amazing makeup artists have in store for us….Can’t wait to show you the photos of the backstage mayhem!!!

Be Beautiful Ya’ll……

Hello my beauties!!! Meet my girlfriend Christine….busy mom of 3 (yes, I said THREE) girls all under the age of seven, she is ONE mom-on-the-go (what is the STAY-at-home mom thing supposed to mean anyways?). I wanted to show her an easy, FAST makeup technique that would enhance her already gorgeous natural beauty…and did I say FAST?

Skin: I used one of my all time favorite liquid mineral foundations…Illuminare Fantastic Finish Foundation ($27). This moisturizing foundation gives beautiful medium-coverage while providing an SPF of 21!  I applied to the center of her face blending outwards….just using it where she needed it. After that, I set it with my good old standby Cornsilk Shineless Classic Translucent Loose Powder(<$6)…if you’ve ever read anything I’ve wrote, you know my devotion to this magic powder. I’ve used it since I was 13…YIKES!

Cheeks, Eyes and Face: Then I used my handy-dandy favorite blush/bronzer combo EVER…..Nars Bronzer/Blush Duo in Orgasm and Laguna($37)…I applied the bronzer in my classic horseshoe shape along the hairline of the entire forehead and tops and sides of cheekbones….and then to the contours of her eyes with a big fluffy blush. I topped it off with the blush just on the apples of her cheeks…..SMILE pretty Christine!!!

Eyes: Before I put the bronzer in her crease, I highlighted her browbone and inner corners with another all-time fav…Prestige Loose Eye Shadow in Jump (<$5). After the bronzer I brushed a quick coat of Cargos’ TexasLash Mascara ($17) to her lashes, top and bottom (and you really only need one coat with this stuff!). Next up was Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil in Medium Ash ($22) to fill in her brows and frame her face. This handy pencil has it’s own brush …I just love multi-tasking…..

Lips: The finishing touch was a newbie I picked up at Target the other day…Pixi Lip Blush in Purity($18)…this stain is perfect “natural” lip and blush color for practically everyone (who is caucasian) and has major staying power…I topped it off with Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lip Gloss in Rose Sugar ($22)…. and Christine was out the door!!!

This look is perfect for anything from picking up the kids at school or a well-deserved (and seldom taken) lunch with the girls (sans kids)…And the best part? It took me like 5 minutes MAX to get the look.……..Doesn’t she just look fab? Did you ever think that just bronzer could bring out your eyes this much?  Thanks so much Christine for being such a doll and letting me plaster your beautiful face all over the internet!!! lol

If you have any questions at all about how to get this look email me anytime!!!

Be Beautiful Ya’ll….

So have you seen Ellen Pompeo on the new October cover of Allure magazine? Totally beach-bunny beautiful!! SO this is always my favorite issue because it features “The Best of Beauty”…..editors top 182 beauty picks of the year!!!! These girls work hard.…..laying on the lotion and lathering the shampoos……My opinion? HEAVEN.

So I have been suffering AGAIN with some horrible breakouts and when I heard their review of the new PUR Mineral Foundation (it’s a 4-in-1…concealor, foundation, power and sunscreen($25) I had to try it!!! They said it had amazing coverage (which I SO need) and I needed something that I could just slick on and run out the door….

Seriously, this stuff ROCKS. One product and even the nastiest of zits vanish…..it is very matte so there’s no need to top it with powder (like some other mineral foundations..uh-hem..), it’s non-irritating AND has sunscreen for the walk to pick up the kids at school! I’ve found that it works AWESOME when applied with a bronzer brush..( one with pretty tight bristles for heavy coverage)..so no messy fingers.

AND I got proof. Yesterday picking up my daughter at school another mom told me I had gorgeous skin and “by the way, if this isn’t too wierd of a question, what kind of foundation do I use?”…..HELLO, sister. I talk shop in my sleep baby!

You can find at Ulta, Dillards and their website.

Be Beautiful……

So remember that old Ziana prescription that I had a while back that didn’t work on my acne (but did help my wrinkles…). Well I have been meaning to tell ya, I have found the perfect use for ALL my left-over prescription retinioids (wish it wasn’t just the Ziana that didn’t work out)…..I use a big dollop of my old prescriptions on the back of each hand, forearm and my neck once a night after my face ritual…. Don’t forget that the skin in these areas needs love too!!!

And the really nice thing is that since the skin is thicker there, there is absolutely no irritation…just skin that’s a little bit plumper!!!

Be Beautiful……..

Hello my beauties!!! Had MAJOR technical difficulties (they are redo-ing all the dsl on our street) so it’s good to be back. Had a few days to think up some post ideas and between grocery and drugstore runs this week, thought I would list my top 5 drugstore beauty finds!!!!

1. Neutrogena Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment (<$10). Well, it didn’t get top pick from Allure editors for no reason..this is the first 2% salicylic acne treatment that didn’t A. Burn like dickens and B. Create more redness and more flaking….love,love!

2.  Loreal Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Face Cleanser (<$8). The fragrance in this stuff has a kick!!! I seem to taste it every time I wash my face so it’s a no,no for you sensitive girls….BUT it takes off makeup lickety-split...especially eye makeup, so it’s a no-brainer for moi….

3. Covergirl Line Exact Liquid Eyeliner ($7). My hero, makeup artist Pat McGrath came up with this little lovely and I finally picked one up. GREAT for newbies to liquid eyeliner because of it’s tiny size; it really helps to keep your hand steady (and the felt tip is easier than a brush). Loved the formula (lasted a long time)…just wish they would come out with more colors…..

4. Borghese Nail Laquer (<$9). This latest department store import kept the department store quality but changed the prices….it’s got a great brush and went on super smooth and remained chip-free my required week (plus it has no nasty ingredients!)….

5. St. Ives Swiss Minerals Body Lotion (<$5). I don’t why but the minerals in this stuff really appealed to me….and I’m glad I bought it because it is super moisturizing without being greasy and feels pretty luxurious for a pretty cheap price!!! ( I probably go through a gallon of body lotion a week…NOT my most favorite beauty ritual but necessary...)

So there you have it. My grocery store and drugstore beauty conquests this week….if you are in need try them out next trip out (and be sure to leave a comment and tell ME if you find something that makes your step a little bit prettier….)!

TGIF and Be Beautiful Ya’ll……….

Hi beauties! As some of you know, hubby and I were treated to a couple of nights out-on-the town last weekend here in Dallas by my wonderful, amazing mother and step dad.  Now, I’ve only been here in Dallas for the last 5 years ( that’s like 5 minutes in kid-raising time)….and since I was pregnant with a 2 year-old in tow when we moved here from Seattle, needless to say exploring local neighborhood shopping districts didn’t get to the top of my list….

And I have to say…I mean, I LOVE where we live….we are like 10 minutes from downtown; but in order to get your kids into a DECENT school district in Dallas ( private school is SO not an option for us), you have to live just far enough away to have to kiss local, independently-owned businesses goodbye and say hello to big-box shopping…I SO miss the cute little boutique shopping days of old when I could put the kid in the jogging stroller and walk and shop!!!

So off we went on Sunday to The Bishop Arts District……a DARLING little neighborhood a hop-skip-and-a-jump from Downtown Dallas…this cute little cultural area has everything I miss about Seattle….original architecture and cute little gift shops, art galleries, restaurants and vintage stores run by folks that are friendly and warm…not a HINT of pretension or attitude that other neighborhood shopping districts in this city exude…..rich, poor, gay, straight, brown, white, young, old…they were all there in the peaceful coexistence I crave……

And wouldn’t you know it? We pulled in and parked DIRECTLY in front of The Shambhala Body Gallery…an artisan bath and body gallery that custom makes all their own bath and body products ( i swear everything happens for a reason)! The owners started their journey making soaps as gifts for friends and family and before they knew it they had their own storefront!! All of Shambahala’s body products scents and formulas have been painstakingly developed by hand…and believe me, you can TELL. Of course, I was overwhelmed as I tried to devour the entire store (they also have candles in each scent, darling little wind chimes and trinkets you won’t find anywhere else) but these were the standouts:

1. Shambhala Lotion Stick in Nefertiti Soap ($7.50). Seriously, this shea butter and beeswax lotion stick smells a little bit like heaven….The studio’s number one selling flavor, this “good for a guy or a gal” scent combines Amber, Frankincense with notes of Myrhh and Chocolate….and the scent lingers so there’s no need for your regular scents!

2. Shambhala Foaming Sugar Scrub in Morning Mint ($14.95).  I’ve yet to see anything like this bad boy…it’s a sugar scrub so you get great exfoliation and all the essential oils for maximum aromatherapy AND moisture, AND it  FOAMS so that you can actually use it daily to get clean…no “special occasion” to feel pampered here!!! It left my skin super smooth and smelled exactly like some of those more pricey (non-handmade) Origins products I’ve loved in the past…..plus hubby went ga-ga over the scent…(anything to help that boy get clean..lol)!

But really, what a JOY to find Shambhala Body Gallery so close to my neck of the woods….Kieth was a total doll I felt so comfortable in his store…and their prices are absolutely affordable…I will DEFINITELY be doing my Xmas shopping at Shambhala and Bishop Arts this season….and heck, if I get too lazy ( I hope I won’t) all of their beauty booty can be purchased online at their website store.

Be Beautiful Ya’ll…..(and support your local businesses)!

Okay Dallas beauties…now you have NO excuse to miss out on all the fun at fashion at Fashion At The Park this season. Due to an amazing stroke of generosity (and not low ticket sales..) the folks at Northpark Center have decided to lower ticket prices…and all shows will run between $5-$25 bucks!!!

So now even you lightweights can drink your tickets worth in free alcohol……(just make sure you get there early enough!).

Tickets can be purchased here.  Be sure to let me know what shows you are going to…..Be there or Be square Y’all!!!

So did you watch  Lipstick Jungle last night my beauties? I had to of course……..even though I feel like there is just something “off” about the show (storyline, acting..)  I think part of the problem was that I was completely distracted by Mary Tyler Moore’s sad-looking face (she played Brook’s mom on the show)……that poor woman has had so much work her done her eyes are different sizes!!!! It’s just so sad when the celebrities we turn into ICONS can’t even seem to accept thier own aging…….and let’s face it…there seems to be a magical line drawn when it comes to getting procedures done…too much and you just look OLD AND FREAKY.

Alas, vain as all get-out, I am a known SUCKER for watching not so good shows for the hair and makeup….and the hair and makeup artists for Lipstick Jungle do an AMAZING job….  I get MAJOR inspiration from this show….the look of  Lipstick Jungle is totally day, soap opera. Their makeup is strong and confident….reminiscent of old times (can you say Melanie Griffith in “Working Girl”) and I just DIG it….

Check it out next week if you are looking to change up your look for fall…..

Watch beautifully Ya’ll…..

So they say all artists have their own “style”….and I’ve thought long and hard on this one and realized over the years that no matter what, I don’t EVER do a “makeup” without highlighting the brow bone and inner corner of the eyes….EVER. We ALL need a little help sometimes when we miss our beauty sleep,no?

That being said, I am constantly on the lookout for new highlighting products and just happens that my favorite Beverly Hill’s Brow Guru just came out with a new one…. Anastasia’s Brow Duality ($23). This double ended pencil contains an amazingly blend-able, creamy formula….one side matte and one side shimmer. Duality comes in two sticks….Duality 1 in Matte Camille/ Shimmer Sand, a pink-based tone good for the pale girls and Duality 2 in Matte Shell/ Shimmer Lace..more golden and for darker complexions.

So needless to say these amazing sticks do the job of highlighting extremely well, but upon experimentation I found 2 additional uses…..1. The matte side of these pens work very well as an eyeshadow base…it really helped my shadows go on smooth and wear longer.  2. (This is the one I’m really excited about) the Matte Shell of Duality 2 COMPLETELY hide my under eye circles!!!….the peach undertones of this shade completely counteracts the blue in my circles so they go Bye,Bye!!!!…literally just draw it over the circles and blend slightly…the texture of the pencil is so creamy there is absolutely no caking or flakiness at all!!!!

Tip: When concealing under eye circles make sure the pick the right toned concealor!  Use peachy-orangy colors for bluish circles and pink-rose based shades for greenish circles….otherwise you run the risk of making your circles look worse (and GREY)…..Been there, done that!!!

Anastasia’s Duality Highlighter pens hit counters October 23!!! Be sure to check them out next visit to Ulta or Sephora…..

Keep those Brow’s Beautiful Y’all!!!