This weekend, to prepare for a black-tie event, I tried out Dallas’ latest on demand beauty service, Blownaway. Blownaway was launched just this July, and is the love child of instant gratification and the Drybar/Blushington experience. Using mobile technology similar to transportation game-changer Uber, Blownaway instantly delivers blowouts, updos, professionally done makeup, and spray tans straight to your door.
Scheduling an appointment is easy. Download the Blownaway app from iTunes, and from there, you can shuffle through several blowout, makeup, and spray tan looks. A blowout and makeup can be done in the same sitting, each service taking only 45 minutes. It is suggested that the spray tan be completed separately, not only because it requires a different stylist, but because it should be finished two days before an event so the color has time to mellow out.
Things you should know before scheduling your first appointment? Blownaway asks that you book at least two hours in advance, and have your hair freshly washed before the stylist arrives if you are scheduling a blowdry. Also, for girls who are sensitive to certain product ingredients, or simply want to stick with an eco-friendly beauty product regimen, this request can be entered into the “notes” section upon mobile scheduling so your stylist can prepare accordingly.
For my Blownaway appointment, I booked two days in advance, and the same stylist was scheduled to do both my hair and makeup. Immediately after booking, I got a confirmation text with the stylist’s name, and 10 minutes before the appointment, the stylist confirmed once more. The entire booking experience was professional and painless.
Bianca, my Blownaway stylist, was incredibly prompt and upbeat. Most stylists come from a Drybar background, and become certified Blownaway stylists after background checks, an intense interview process, and comprehensive training. Bianca listened to all of my needs and suggestions regarding hair and makeup, and was both confident and easygoing.
One huge perk about Bianca’s blowout was that she knew exactly how to manage my thick, coarse hair. With her own hair as thick and long as a Disney princess’, she used the perfect technique and products on my hair to make the blowout last for over three days. Her number one tip for creating the perfect blowout at home is to rough-dry the hair 85% before going back through with a round brush. This allows you to save both time and energy.
Blownaway is quickly becoming every Dallas girl’s beauty go-to, whether it is to prep for a major business meeting, a wedding, or date night. A Blownaway tip from us to you? Great discount rates are available for party and group orders, meaning that Blownaway is an ideal and fun solution for bachelorette parties, or just a glam evening in with girlfriends. While services for one are best booked on your mobile phone, book services for a party online.
This Sunday, the Cowboys play the Packers in hopes of getting one step closer to Superbowl glory. However, even when the tension runs high at my house as the ‘boys fight it out, I can’t help but notice the expert hair flips happening on the sidelines. My friend Danielle Marie is a third year on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders team, which is undoubtedly the cutest, most talented squad in the NFL. In our interview she shares a useful DIY beauty recipe, secrets for getting Texas-sized hair, and tips for getting fit in the New Year.
TS:On a daily basis, what is your beauty routine to keep your hair, skin, and nails in tip-top condition?
DM: My daily routine is pretty simple. If I don’t have to put on a full face of make up or put heat on my hair with curling irons and whatnot, I won’t. You need to let your skin breathe and give your hair a break sometimes. However to care for my dry, damaged ends that were caused by excessive heat, I use Kérastase Cristalliste Cristal Dual Sculpt serum. Just use 1 pump and apply it to the ends of your hair to add shine – it smells amazing, too!
TS:Do you do have any DIY beauty recipes you’d like to share?
DM: I love anything DIY! My favorite DIY beauty recipe of all time is my homemade makeup brush cleaner. This is so easy to make and so important to do in order to keep your brushes clean and your face fresh. The recipe uses distilled water, lemon witch hazel, grapefruit essential oil, and 1 tbs of your favorite hair conditioner. The witch hazel cleans and disinfects your brushes and your face, the conditioner softens the brushes, and the essential oil makes it smell awesome! I loved this brush cleaner so much, I made a bunch of it and put it in little spray bottles to give to some of my teammates to try.
TS:What is your number one beauty splurge?
DM: My number one beauty splurge is definitely getting as much sleep as I can. Between working a full-time job, maintaining a hectic schedule with DCC, and being a good mommy to my little French bulldog named Lulu, rest and relaxation is a MUST! During the work week if I have no rehearsal I will probably be in bed by 9pm.
TS:On game day what is your beauty routine? Do you do your own hair and makeup?
DM: On game days we all do our own hair and makeup. Everyone has their own routine when it comes to getting “game day ready.” We’ve all got our hot tools on, blowdryers blowing, hair spray flowing, and makeup everywhere. Since our game day is usually a 9-10 hour day, my beauty routine along with the rest of my teammates consists of A LOT of reapplying makeup and re-curling hair.
TS:What is the secret to getting that DCC-approved volume in your hair? Are there any beauty tips you picked up from DCC vets?
DM: I use rollers when trying to get big Texas-sized volume. I curl my hair normally and then quickly roll it up and pin it in my Velcro rollers while it’s hot. When I’m done, I’ll spray some hairspray and let it sit in the rollers for a while. Once I take the rollers out my hair is bouncy and voluminous. If you want to go for extra volume, tease your hair at the root when you take it out of the rollers. Va-voom!
TS:In season, do you do anything fitness-wise other than practicing the dance routines for the game? When the season ends, how do you stay in shape?
DM: Although free time is limited during the season, I try to make time to workout when I can. I am a runner and I enjoy running outside and getting some fresh air. I also LOVE boxing. I have been taking boxing classes for a few years now and it is such a great work out. I guess you can say I love cardio! On occasion I enjoy a hot bikram yoga class too. When offseason comes around, I have more time to switch my routine up and fit all of these activities into my schedule.
TS:Lastly, do you have any advice for people who are trying to get back into a healthy routine after becoming lazy during the holidays?
DM: We all splurge a little bit during the holidays, it’s understandable! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to get back in shape, but don’t let it get the best of you. What works for me is setting small goals for myself each week. One week, I will focus on my diet and eating as clean as I can. The next week, I will focus on exercise and make it a priority to work out a few times a week. Remember a little goes a long way – start with small, achievable goals and stay with it!
Ashleigh Foster is a filmmaker, a new mom, and a proponent of plant-based diets and eco-friendly beauty products. Ashleigh, a Hockaday alum, writes a lovely, inspiring blog called “I Spy the Beautiful,” that covers everything from the story of her daughter’s home birth, to her favorite vegan recipes. Keep reading to pick up a green smoothie recipe, directions for a DIY sea salt hair spray, and useful tips on transitioning into a vegan diet.
Twyla Shelmire:What is the difference between a vegan diet, a raw diet, and a plant-based diet?
Ashleigh Foster: A plant-based diet is the broadest term and it just means that you try and base most of your meals around plant foods: vegetables, grains, legumes, etc. This has become a very popular term with all of the recent research suggesting that a diet largely comprised of plants is the healthiest long-term approach.
A vegan diet has more of an ethical basis. It excludes all products that are derived from animals, so any meat, poultry or fish but also and dairy products, eggs, even honey isn’t considered vegan.
A raw diet means you’re not cooking anything and are eating a lot of raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Some people choose to include animal products in a raw diet—raw fish and raw (unpasteurized) dairy, which is why you will hear people describe themselves as “raw vegan” to specify that they are both raw and vegan.
TS:Have you always been vegan? Was there someone or something that inspired you to make the transition, or did it just make you feel better?
AF: I wasn’t raised vegan at all and it has been a very slow transition for me. About seven years ago I was struggling with on going depression and just general lethargy. I didn’t wake up with energy in the morning and I just sort of went through life feeling tired. I began to really look at the connection between what I was eating and my energy. As I transitioned towards a healthier diet, I felt better and better. I lost weight. My skin cleared up. My energy increased.
You’ll get a lot of people telling you that making these kinds of big changes to your diet is extreme. They say that like it’s a bad thing. But I love extremity. I’m not about balance at all. I don’t believe in it. The thing that I see is that the place we have gotten to culturally with our food choices is extreme. You know what’s extreme to me? Hot Cheetos. I was drinking a green smoothie in front of a girl eating a bag of hot Cheetos once and she told me it looked weird. Her fingers were dyed BRIGHT ORANGE! It only makes sense that we’re going to have to take some extreme measures in order to get back to a place that is more natural if we want to feel good.
I didn’t go vegan right away, that part came last. When you start feeling better you’ll want to do good things for the world and you’ll start really looking at the effect your choices have on the world. You’ll start caring about things more because you’re becoming more connected to yourself and that is always going to connect you more to the planet. So eating vegan as much as possible just becomes what you want to do because you want to be more loving and compassionate. And I don’t want people to think it’s so out of reach either, you don’t have to be perfect at it, I’m definitely not. But you just keep aiming to be compassionate in your choices and it ends up being amazing for your health and for the planet.
TS:What are some common misconceptions about being vegan or eating all raw?
AF: I think one of the biggest problems is that people feel it’s inaccessible. They hear vegan or raw and they think “Oh I could never do that”. And that’s a huge mistake because this is not about perfection, nothing is. This is just about learning and growing. So I’d encourage people to go vegan for one day a week. Eat a raw breakfast in the morning (a green smoothie for example). See how you feel. Just keep moving in a positive direction. People get overwhelmed and it immobilizes them into not making any changes and that’s sad. Even little changes will add up in an amazing way.
The other huge misconception is that eating healthy has to taste bad or be miserable. If it tastes bad, you’re not doing it right. Granted, there does need to be a transition period where you’re getting used to new flavors. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that your tastebuds are constantly changing. If you give yourself 3 weeks to get used to things you’re going to find a whole new palette of foods that appeal to you. Then the harder work can happen of letting go of some of our emotional connections to foods that are unhealthy because your Grandmother fed you donuts every time you saw her and she really loved you so now when you eat donuts you feel loved. You can start to see those things and rewrite those thoughts in your head. The truth is, you are loved. Grandma loved you. It had nothing to do with the donuts. And then you can start to believe that you deserve to be healthy and to feel good. Once that happens, there’s no holding back.
TS:When you are cooking certain dishes or putting together juices, is it intuitive what ingredients to use, or do you work from a cookbook?
AF: This is the most fun thing and something that I really love is that once you become familiar with a new palette of foods to cook with you can get really creative, especially when you’re cooking raw because you can taste exactly what is coming out as you go. I make a lot of stuff up as I go. But I love to use cookbooks too and often will flip through them for inspiration. One thing I’ve learned that I use a lot is that we are most satisfied by a balance of flavors. We’re looking for something salty, sweet, acidic, and fatty all at once. If you think of your favorite foods, most of them have all four of those going on at once. That’s where you get chocolate chip cookies with sea salt on top. Chocolate is a little acidic. Cookies have sugar and butter. And then you add some salt and it’s like tastebud crack. When I’m making any dish, I always try and remember that.
TS:What are some of your favorite foods, dishes, and juices?
AF: A favorite salad dressing of mine is cashew butter, sage, garlic and lemon juice with a little salt. It feels super indulgent because it has all of those components I just mentioned that your mouth is looking for. You can use that as a template for making your own dressings. Pick a nut butter, your favorite herbs, some garlic, and lemon. Blend that with a little water and maybe some maple syrup if you want it a little sweeter. That’s a great dressing in so many combinations. I love tahini + ginger or almond butter + basil. The options are endless.
I love doing that, creating a sort of template to experiment within. I make a ton of green smoothies by combining frozen fruit, fresh fruit, light greens and dark greens with a liquid. I think people can sometimes be scared to experiment because they don’t want to get it wrong, so having a guide can help. For smoothies you want to use about the same amount of frozen fruit, fresh fruit, and light greens, with about half that amount of dark greens. Add liquid like coconut water or almond milk until the consistency is what you like. My favorite is frozen banana, ripe banana, coconut water, and kale. In that one I leave out the light greens completely. It’s not an exact science. Don’t overdo it on the dark greens or you wont want to drink it. My sister makes green smoothies that look like swamp water because she thinks that is healthier and then she won’t drink them. Make it taste good and you’ll do it over and over again.
TS:Do you stick to non-toxic beauty products? If so, what are some of your favorite brands or products?
AF: I really believe in non-toxic beauty products. You absorb everything that goes on your skin. Not only that but those products that get rinsed off in the shower get into our water system and wreak havoc on our whole ecosystem. My favorite beauty products are no products at all. Our bodies are beautiful. Our imperfections are straight up beautiful. I try to wear make up as little as possible. Maybe a few times a year. I know some people find it fun but I find it fun to feel healthy and glowing from the inside out. If you really feel good inside and you’re treating your body right, your skin is going to be healthy and your hair will shine and your eyes will just glow. People are going to notice and more than that, you’re going to radiate from the inside out. Make up is just trying to make people look healthier. Covering blemishes, creating brighter eyes, giving cheeks a flush. It’s all designed to give the appearance of health but I say just go for the real thing.
My skin care routine is really basic. I rinse with water and exfoliate with scrubby gloves daily. If my skin is getting a little dry in colder weather I will use a little bit of moisturizer. I use Detox Moisturizer by Sonya Dakar. When I do use makeup, my absolute favorite brand is RMS, which is created by a woman who did makeup for Victoria Secret models for a long time. They’re all based in coconut oil and she has a great really natural color palette. Definitely check them out. There’s a store called Evolue that only carries really awesome products that are all good for the environment and your skin. You can check them out online. Oh also, I LOVE the Weleda citrus deodorant. It’s the best natural one out there. A lot of natural deodorants don’t work. That one smells fantastic and it works.
TS:Do you have any DIY beauty recipes you’d like to share? Or do you keep any specific kitchen ingredients on hand for beauty purposes?
AF: The one thing I’ve had fun making myself is a sea salt hair spray that can give you those beachy waves. I’ve seen it sold by different hair product lines. It’s really easy to make. You basically simmer 16 oz of water on the stove and add about 1/3 c of sea salt until it dissolves. Then cool the water and add 10 drops of lavender essential oil. I add a few drops of coconut oil, maybe like an 1/8th of a teaspoon just to give a tiny bit of shine. Let it cool and store it in a spray bottle. If you spray it on damp hair, it’ll give you that beachy look of being out at the ocean. I have curly hair and it works great. I’m not sure what it would do on straight hair.
I keep Epsom salts around for some great hot baths. I love to add some essential oils of lavender or chamomile to the water. I use jojoba oil to moisturize because I don’t really like to use coconut oil, which a lot of people love. Jojoba oil is a really mild seed oil that you can add scented oils to if you want. I always keep some castor oil around which is great for healing cuts or dry patches of skin. If I want to feel absolutely fantastic, I take a long hot bath and then shave. Then I rinse off in a cool shower and exfoliate with scrubby gloves. Then I get out and immediately use jojoba oil to moisturize my arms and legs and neck, etc. I put some moisturizer on my face. Comb my hair and spray with the salt spray and then brush my teeth and put on comfy pajamas. You will feel like a million bucks. Clean from head to toe and absolutely naturally gorgeous, which I guarantee you are.
Have you ever wondered how the Victoria’s Secret Angels get so toned? Or how Natalie Portman reached tip-top dancing shape for her role in blockbuster film Black Swan? The secret to both is Mary Helen Bowers, former New York City Ballet dancer, Columbia University graduate, and founder of fitness sensation Ballet Beautiful.
Ballet Beautiful is a transformative system of exercises based on the athleticism and grace of classical ballet. This workout is not made up of traditional ballet sequences per se, but is a system of exercises that target these same “ballet” muscles to sculpt and lengthen the body. From Dallas, tap into the world of Ballet Beautiful through live class via online platform, customized workout subscriptions, and a whole range of streaming videos and DVDs.
Ballet Beautiful is the perfect workout for dancers and non-dancers alike. This workout is a great option for those who are overwhelmed by the gym, and dislike the group fitness environment. Read on to learn more about Ballet Beautiful, and get some inside tips from Mary Helen on wellness and beauty tips to practice in 2015.
Courtesy of Ballet Beautiful
Twyla Shelmire: For people who haven’t done Ballet Beautiful before, how should they get started? Is there a certain DVD you would suggest?
Mary Helen Bowers: We have an amazing subscription, called Custom Workout. You purchase the subscription and get instant access to everything. You go in, you plug in how much time you have, what your fitness goals are, and then you’re off to the races. The subscription gives you full access to our online library so you have access to over 50 videos. We built them into really customized workouts for people, so you can update and change as you go based on your needs and how much time you have and things like that. So that’s a great way to use the workouts. As for DVDs, the classic DVD bundle on our website, the 60-minute, and the Body Blast are great places to start if you’re a DVD user. We have a new one coming out this January, so that will be fun, too.
Coming to the Ballet Beautiful online store the week of January 20th
TS: If you have a certain DVD and love it, would you suggest mixing it up? How often should you be using Ballet Beautiful to see results?
MHB: I would say once a week is not enough, you really need to Ballet Beautiful workouts three hours a week to see a change. And when you do that, the workout is really targeted, and I created it to deliver results because that is what fitness is all about. It’s not just about feeling better and feeling stronger, but I really want people to see a change in their body and the way their muscles are shaped, and a change you can measure visually. We recommend a minimum of three hours of Ballet Beautiful a week – if you want to mix in other workouts you can, but it’s going to change you result. This workout is geared to your ballet muscles, it’s lengthening everything, it’s adding a lot of lean muscle tone. So if you go in and are spinning or doing a workout where you’re lifting heavy weights and doing lots of squats, exercises where you’re building lots of muscle, in the side for example and the arms, bulky muscles that make you look more dense and short, that’s going to make it harder to see what Ballet Beautiful can really do.
TS: What are some key words for how your body is going to change when you start targeting those ballet muscles?
MHB: For most people, everything is going to tighten, lift, and elongate as well. Generally it’s your best butt and legs ever. It improves posture for most people too.
TS: For people who have become lazy over the holidays, what tips do you have for easing back into a healthy routine – whether that’s fitness, eating, or just motivation?
MHB: For getting back in, I think it’s important not to get too obsessive over how far you have to go, just jump in and take it one workout at a time, one week at a time, and then it doesn’t feel as overwhelming. Focus more on each workout, having fun and feeling good, and not “Oh my gosh, I have so much to do.” I think it’s about getting to a place where you’re exercising regularly and it’s part of your life, you’re eating better and not on a rollercoaster that a lot of us are on or have been on at one point.
TS: I read on your website that during your time Columbia University you took a break from dancing for a while. Do you have any tips specifically for dancers about how to get back into fitness or working out even if it might not involve dancing?
MHB: I think when you have been dancing a lot, your body has just been so used to movement, and being active and keeping those muscles in use. It can be physically quite a shock when you stop moving, but for me it was really about finding a way to reconnect with my body and with those muscles that I knew and was so familiar with from dancing, and trying to find a way to do it on my own terms, on my own time and from the privacy of home. I think I’m stronger now than when I was dancing with New York City Ballet, I’m definitely leaner and I have a much more relaxed relationship and healthier one with my body too.
TS: Do you have any foods or snacks that you like to eat throughout the day or after a workout that are both healthy and keep you energized?
MHB: I think it’s important to eat foods that make you feel good. I just had a piece of cheap Christmas chocolate we have here in the studio and it made me feel really sick! Sometimes if you want something, just make sure it’s really high quality – dark chocolate for example. And with cheese, I try not to eat cheap, processed cheese, but save it up for a really lovely cheese from France or a sharp, sharp cheddar and things like that so you’re satisfying your craving in a way that helps you maximize.
TS: Your hair always looks so good in your videos – what are your favorite products, and do you have any tips for keeping your hair healthy?
MHB: With ballet, I feel like it’s really tough on the hair because you’re always pulling it back super tight, so I try not to use rubber bands, I only use them when I’m filming and I need my hair to be secure. So I try to baby my hair quite a bit, and limit the use of pulling it back super tight with rubber bands and things that pull on it and damage it. And in terms of care, I take my vitamins and try to use my shampoos and conditioners. I love the Seaberry line from Fresh, it’s a nice moisturizing, nourishing line. And I think what we eat has a big outward impact on us as well.
TS: Do you have any skincare products that you love and depend on?
MHB: I’m really obsessed with the facials at Ling lately, and they have a very nice skincare line, it’s not inexpensive, but I feel that it’s totally affordable, they have a very hydrating toner that I use after I wash my face, and a really nice face mask that I sleep in a lot. I also love the Honey Face Mask from Fresh, that’s a great one. I use that all the time, whenever I take a bath at night.
TS: What is your post-workout skincare routine?
MHB: I don’t touch my skin throughout the day – I try not to touch it, or put my hands on it. I try to leave it alone and let it be balanced, but I also don’t wear a lot of makeup because I want my skin to breathe during the day. I only wear concealer under my eyes and a little cream blush, and maybe a highlighter under my brows.
TS: Do you have any DIY beauty recipes you rely on?
MHB: Mostly facemasks, hair masks, especially when you have long hair just are so much more involved. I love hot baths with Epson salts as a soak, and then you can wear a facemask then – so that’s a really good way to multitask. I don’t do a lot of professional beauty treatments because I don’t have the time, so I’m a big fan of DIY to take care of your skin and stuff like that.
TS: Having been a professional ballerina, were there any makeup tricks that you learned backstage that you still use today for everyday wear?
MHB: I’m not wearing false lashes on a daily basis, or ever really, but you become very comfortable with wearing heavier makeup, with liquid liner and things like that. So those are skills you can always pull out when you need a more dramatic look.
TS: Congratulations on the launch of Ballet Baby! Are there any upcoming Ballet Beautiful developments we should keep our eyes peeled for?
MHB: We are releasing a new cardio DVD so that’s very exciting, and that’s coming out in late January!
Source: Ballet Beautiful Instagram, photo by Sonja Georgevich.
There are two types of change: the changes you make, and the uncontrollable changes that happen which you must learn to live with. The first five days of January have already brought catastrophic change to my life. While this reconfiguring has been against my will to say the least, it is always good to make some of your own changes in January to start the New Year off with a reinvigorated routine and a fresh outlook.
One of the changes I’ll be making to Melancholic Magpie is replacing the weekly installment of “From the Editor’s Desk.” The first Monday of every month expect a “Letter from the Editor,” followed each week by the “Beauty List,” “Fashion List,” and “Lifestyle List.” In the rest of the month, expect interviews with Mary Helen Bowers, founder of Ballet Beautiful, and Michael Eudy, contemporary artist, as well as features on how to hang a gallery wall and how to successfully shop for vintage clothing. While these interviews and features might inspire you to make some changes later in the month, for now, consider making some beauty resolutions!
In this first Letter from the Editor, let me at long last explain to you the Melancholic Magpie Manifesto…
The story begins in 2009 when I took my first internship at D Magazine as the Style Intern. Even as an 18-year-old I wanted to be in the magazine editorial realm and was desperate for a Devil Wears Prada experience. Fast forward to 2013 – I finally got that experience, and then some, at Harper’s Bazaar. Tasks included wrapping a Christmas present for Tom Ford and, my favorite, pouring a few Red Bulls over ice, sticking straws in them (with 1/5th of the wrapper still on), and delivering them to the editors’ daily meeting. Sure, some of these stupid intern tasks were to be expected, but at the end of the day I realized that this world that I had dreamed of for so long unfortunately promoted all of the things I utterly despise.
From the outside, the editors were everything I hoped they’d be: totally glamorous with high standards, authoritative voices, and an amazing knack for uncovering insider knowledge. Turns out that magazine editors rival seasoned academics in the research realm. Yet while this quality was particularly impressive to me, and useful to learn, it was disappointing what they were researching and what they ultimately chose to feature in the publication.
Many of the big fashion magazine titles, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Elle, have faced declining numbers in the digital age. But I think the reason for their imminent extinction goes beyond the hardcopy vs. digital dilemma, and is instead because of the underlying exploitative nature of the content. While the alignment with powerhouse designers, massive beauty corporations, and influential photographers is a magazine’s marker of status in the publishing world, it seems these inflexible alliances will ultimately lead to the demise of the classic fashion magazine. After all, I know I’m not the only one who is uncomfortable being told to wear real fur, buy animal-tested makeup, and look at photographs of vamped up teenagers taken by predator Terry Richardson. Not only have these three themes in particular become tired and un-cool, but they also feel morally wrong to engage with.
Thus Melancholic Magpie was born at the intersection of the old and new approaches to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle writing. Melancholic Magpie seeks to maintain the high standards of research and writing that lie at the heart of all the aforementioned publications that inspire me (despite their shortcomings). Yet at the same time, I hope to refresh and modernize the escapist content of the classic women’s magazine through this blog – making the entries smarter, more observant, and better curated, with some components that are attainable, and others that are aspirational. After all, a girl’s got to have a pair of ridiculous shoes to lust after.
Winter Skincare Must-Have: Aromatherapy Associates, Polishing Body Brush, $23.00
If you moisturize and moisturize and still have dry, flaky skin, it might be because you haven’t yet incorporated a polishing dry brush into your beauty routine. Use one of these brushes all over your body (pre-shower) for revitalized skin. Not only will one of these brushes remove dead skin cells, but it even reduces cellulite and in-grown hairs. With continued use, dry brushing boosts circulation and aids the lymphatic system.
Train Like an Angel: Ballet Beautiful, Custom Workout, $39.99/month
Fulfill your fitness goals in the New Year by committing to a monthly subscription of customized workouts from Ballet Beautiful. Ballet Beautiful videos are my go-to for a workout that is intensely toning, and done from the comfort of my own home. Mary Helen Bowers, founder of Ballet Beautiful, is a former New York City Ballet dancer and trains the Victoria’s Secret Angels (along with other A-list celebs) with this body-blasting system. If that’s not motivating enough to try, I don’t know what is. Check back in with DFW Beauty Guide tomorrow for a full interview with Mary Helen.
Like to keep your makeup routine simple? Me too. This NARS product is brand-new this month and is already a must-have for those who like a natural look. Apply this multi-purpose product to your face with your fingertips for a highlighting, and subtly shimmery effect. Use it for allover color, contours, and accents.
January is the universal month to refresh and reboot. Kick-start your health with a 3-day juice cleanse with GEM Juice Bar in Preston Center. If a full cleanse isn’t your thing, committing to one fruit or vegetable juice a day to balance out the holiday-season-toxin-consumption surely won’t hurt!
It’s important to baby your skin during the winter months – the cold outside, and the central heat inside are sure to do a number on those with dry and sensitive skin. Beef up your skincare routine for the next few months with an extra layer of moisture underneath your current cream moisturizer. I love this face oil from Beauty Counter, it absorbs quickly and packs a punch with rosehip and sea buckthorn.
Once again, the time has come to write your New Year resolutions. If you’re not yet sure what to commit to in 2015, get inspired by the following 10 ideas. Whether you have a vision of the way you’d like to reinvent yourself come January 1 or not, basic beauty goals like adequate sleep, water consumption, and vitamin popping are good additions to anyone’s resolution list.
1. Convert to green beauty products. Not only will you be doing yourself a favor by avoiding non-toxic products (whether it’s skincare or makeup), but you’ll also be endorsing brands that don’t test on animals. To make a complete conversion, you’ll have to do your research on companies that are green. Keep in mind that many of the big beauty companies – M.A.C., Neutrogena, L’Oreal are bad guys when it comes to chemical use and animal testing.
2. Drink more water. Hydration is key to everything from weight loss to glowing skin. As for how much to drink? Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
3. Take beauty-enhancing vitamins. Probiotics, biotin, vitamin D, vitamin c, and fish oil are all good go-tos for beautiful hair, skin, and nails. As always, do some research and talk with your doctor about supplements for specific ailments.
4. Stop picking your skin. Regardless what you pick at, whether it’s your lips, your nails, your face, or pesky ingrown hairs, picking only makes the issue worse! Head over to Into the Gloss for some expert advice on underlying anxiety issues and how to dissuade yourself from this obsessive and harmful behavior.
5. Quit biting your nails. Not only is nail biting not cute to watch, but it also leaves you with stubby nails and chipped polish. If you’re ready to take action and end this bad habit once and for all, try out a miracle product called Bite It. This matte-finish polish has a bitter taste to discourage nail biting, and simultaneously promotes nail growth.
6. Schedule regular haircuts. Your hair and friends alike will thank you. Even if you’re working on growing your hair out, getting a trim every few months will help keep your hair in shape. While you’re in the salon, get a conditioning treatment as well. Unshapely hair and split ends aren’t flattering on anyone.
7. Cut out dairy (or consume in moderation). Digesting milk as an adult is a genetic adaptation – no other species besides from humans drink milk after infancy. Survival of the fittest, sure, but we are not baby cows and therefore should not eat like them. Even if you think you can digest cow’s milk just fine, cutting out milk will drastically (and quickly) improve skin, help you lose weight, and generally make you feel less sluggish. By the way, almond milk has more calcium, potassium, and vitamin D than the milk sitting in your fridge right now.
8. Initiate Meatless Monday. If you’re not vegan or vegetarian, but nonetheless disagree with the obsessive meat consumption in our society, commit to Meatless Monday – one day a week in which you don’t eat meat. Cutting out meat, even for one day, is good for your health, your wallet, and the environment. If you’re feeling inspired, consider a Wheatless Wednesday as well.
9. Make time for breakfast. It is easy to fall prey to the cup of coffee and nothing else habit in the morning, but eating a healthy breakfast is important to starting your day on the right foot. Weight loss, improved concentration, and physical endurance are only a few benefits to consistently eating a well-rounded breakfast in the morning.
10. Get at least 8 hours of sleep. Ahh, sleep, the magical cure-all. The benefits of sleep are numerous, from improved memory to better moods. As for beauty benefits of 8 hours of sleep every night, expect weight loss, less inflamed skin, and a more youthful complexion.
This New Year’s Eve, try something new and keep your makeup simple and fresh. While this is the most obvious night of the year to go all out with metallic liners, sultry eye shadows, and a face caked in makeup, let your outfit do the heavy lifting instead. The following three looks are very minimal – each emphasizing only one aspect of the face. You probably already have all of the makeup necessary to create these looks, but below each look is broken down with essential products. If you are on the market for a product or two, check out the three beauty companies highlighted here. All products mentioned are cruelty-free, and made with the health of the wearer in mind. After all, this New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to jumpstart 2015 with a new approach to the environment and to health.
The eye shadow is optional, but will add more of a gold undertone, and play up the soft pink color on the cheeks and lips. Brush eyebrows with a bit of Waxelene so they are neat and stay in place. The slightly waxy finish does not require them to be filled in. Mascara is not necessary, but a delicate swipe can be added. If you add mascara, use it for lengthening purposes rather than thickening.
Only put on a very thin, light line on the top and bottom of the eye. Optional swipe of mascara on the top lashes. Again, the mascara is for lengthening rather than thickening purposes.
Put a little bit of the darker eyeliner at the base of the eyelashes on the top and bottom. This was a runway look, so for a more toned-down approach, only add false lashes to the top lashes. Finish with a thick line of light cream or white liner, the corners of the eye are particularly important to emphasize. Do not blend the liner!
Go for a lip color that will not take attention away from the eyes, pick something similar to your natural color – a hot pink or red would be overkill.
Mid-December to January 1st is a very affectionate time of year, second only to that holiday we all love to hate – Valentine’s Day. Between lurking sprigs of mistletoe, and the infamous New Year’s embrace, celebratory kisses are (hopefully) on the horizon. That being said, don’t get caught at a crucial moment with dry, cracked lips induced by winter weather. Prepare in advance for potential suitors with the following colorless lip balms, which will have your lips feeling soft, moisturized, and kissable in no time. Lipstick optional.
I can’t think of anything more daunting then heading to Northpark Mall during the holiday rush to pick up a few makeup products. While Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and MAC alone have all of the shades and miracle-working products we could ever imagine, no one wants to risk crowd-induced anxiety just to visit the makeup counter. But alas, Piermarini Boutique, located in Snider Plaza, has answered our prayers.
Piermarini, a men’s and women’s clothing boutique, was opened in 2010. Just this last summer, the store launched its very own beauty line with over 30 cosmetic and skincare products. As a whole, Piermarini Beauty items are simple, classic, and sophisticated – just like the clothing. The products are made in the USA, never tested on animals, and are brimming with vitamins, minerals, and SPF. Piermarini Beauty does not aim to cover up its wearers with heavy, transformative pigments, but enhances natural beauty with sheer textures, and soft tones. Key natural ingredients in the line include water lily extract, avocado oil, aloe, jojoba, vitamin c, and vitamin k. All products – makeup included – are designed with hydration in mind to keep skin looking youthful and moisturized.
Don’t know which products to try first? Top sellers include the Vitamin C Serum, Liquid Eye Shadow, and Lip Liner. The Vitamin C Serum can be used morning and night, and helps to wake up the natural collagen in your skin. The result is overall brightness, wrinkle reduction, and evened-out skin tone. Piermarini’s Liquid Eye Shadow provides sheer, lightweight, natural-looking color and comes in several shades. Unlike powdered eye shadow, this shadow will not cake or crease and keeps eyelids hydrated. The Lip Liner comes in thee shades and is a makeup bag essential. The texture is gel like, which makes it go on and stay on. Keep your lips hydrated by using the liner alone, or layering it with lip balm or lipstick.
As for a holiday 2014 must-have, try out Piermarini’s Liquid Lipstick. This product just hit the shelves last week, and comes in 5 different shades ranging from bright coral to dark red. My favorite color at the moment is “Be Right There,” (second from the right) which is a perfect pink. If you haven’t tried a liquid lipstick, expect the glossy, flexible texture of a lip gloss, and the vibrant pigment of a lipstick. This Liquid Lipstick has serious staying power, and the color is brighter than it looks in the tube once applied. Apply a little for a subtle, lip staining effect, or brush on a full layer or two for a high-shine lipstick effect.
All Piermarini Beauty products can be purchased in the store at 6827 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205, or online (except the Liquid Lipstick) at www.piermariniboutique.com.
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