Beauty Basics: My Favorite Products

Years ago, during a New Year's Eve trip to Canada, I shared a hotel room with four other girls (craziness, I know). I recall one particular night when I was the last one to get in the shower, and I was the first one ready to go. While I'm still not sure if this is something I should be proud of, I like to consider myself very "efficient" when it comes to getting ready.  This past week, a friend of mine (ironically, from Canada!) inquired about my favorite beauty products, asking what I use to prepare for photo shoots and on a daily basis.  At first, because I don't use an excessive amount of makeup, I wasn't sure I could come up with much.  After some thought I realized that many of the products I use regularly have been a part of my routine for years. While everyone's skin, makeup style and budget differ, the following products are ones I highly recommend trying.  Interested in learning more about my online fitness programs and challenges? Click here to stay hot and get healthy with the Fuel Your Fitness Method!

Skin Care

Olay Quench.  Moisturize.  Daily!  I cover my body in lotion after every shower.  Well, 95% of the time.  Use lotion while your skin is damp to help retain the moisture.  This products deserves 4 stars and scores a perfect 10! Which is exactly how many years I have been using it.  After I graduated college and was living in Dallas, I noticed how scaly the skin on my lower legs was.  Regardless of which lotion I used, it never seemed to go away.  And I'm not the type of person who is very observant of small changes (if my hair has grown, it'll need to be a good 3 or 4 inches before I realize it!).  Within weeks of using the lotion, I noticed how smooth my skin was.  Since then I've used other lotions from time to time, but I always return to this one.  It's in my bathroom now.  And it's also at Target. Available for less than $10.

Yes to Inc. Facial Wipes.  Because if you ever wear a "smokey eye," it takes EFFORT to remove all of that mascara and black shadow!  And sometimes it's just more convenient to clean up with a facial wipe.  Especially when traveling and on the go. I began using Yes to Cucumbers about two years ago.  I have also used the Yes to Blueberries and am currently using Yes to Grapefruit.  This product sells for less than $10 at Target.

Andalou Naturals SPF. This is the first product I tried from the Andalou Naturals skin care line.  Along with focusing on health and wellness from a fitness perspective, it's also important to prevent damage to your skin with topical products.  Research shows that wearing a daily SPF is one of the best ways to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.  The best part of Andalou (there are many "best parts!") is that it contains fruit stem cells.  The fruit stem cells work at cellular level to repair damage caused by oxidation, free radicals and UV damage.  All of the Andalou Naturals products contain 100% certified organic aloe in place of water.  The aloe helps deliver nutrients to the skin and retains hydration better than water. It is available here at Vitamin Shoppe.

St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse.  While I am still fairly new to using this product, I know the challenge of finding a high quality, non streaking self tanner that doesn't leave you feeling like a stained oompa loompa from Willy Wonka.  After reading a friend's review of this product on Instagram, I purchased it on Amazon for $42 (in addition to the application glove) and have been pleased with the results.  Moisturizing is crucial in the days that follow to help retain the color.  It was a bit spotty as it faded, but was tolerable.  It is also available at Sephora.

Makeup

Bare Escentuals Powder Foundation.  While a loose powder can sometimes be messy, this is another product I have used for years.  There was an extended time when I used the Laura Mercier pressed powder (another great product) but then returned to this one.  It provides great coverage and you'll get even better results when pairing it with the Mineral Veil. No parabens or synthetic chemicals. Contains SPF protection of 15.  It is available at Ulta for about $27.

Cover Girl Lash Blast.  The original.  Not the waterproof. Not the "extra volume" or whatever other version is now available.  This product first came out about 6 or 7 years ago.  The results were amazing. My lashes were long. My lashes were full.  More than ever.  I began using this product while I was living with my mom, and with the "discretionary" income I had, I spent around $20 for mascaras from Sephora, only to be disappointed.  I have tried others since discovering this one, and always return to Lash Blast.  I did accidentally purchase the waterproof once.  I do not recommend it.  I'm convinced I lost several lashes along with the black water that washed down the bathroom sink.

Revlon Liquid Liner.  Liquid liner addicts, unite!  Because once you've used liquid liner, it's very difficult to go without it.  A college friend introduced me to liquid liner and I will always remember that monumental moment in the dorm bathroom.  It was a game changer.  Wherever we were going that night, in our "5-7-9" sparkly tanks and black pants, I went feeling more glamorous than ever.  I always buy this in black. The one time I bought it in brown (because it was the only one available), I used it once and was disappointed in it's lack of intensity. It remains in the back of my bathroom cabinet to this day.  I have used other brands, but I'm very picky about the applicator (anyone who has tried to apply liquid liner would understand), so I buy this one consistently.  Available at Target for less than $10.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow.  I discovered my love for Urban Decay eyeshadow from a makeup artist/friend.  I reached out to her when trying to find a brand that would mix well with water (yes, stay tuned for details) and go on smoothly and easily.  In the past, I had used a powder eyeshadow from Bare Escentuals, but have no longer been able to find it.  The women who sold it to me suggested dipping the brush in water before applying the eyeshadow for a more dramatic effect.  I have had great luck achieving this effect with the pressed powder in Blackout.  My base color is Virgin and my secondary color is Smog.  I use Virgin and Smog on a daily basis.

MAC Lipstick.  Of course when I finally discovered a lipstick color I LOVED, they discontinued it!  For the longest time I used MAC lipstick in Lady GaGa.  When a client/friend of mine who works for MAC sent me some products, she asked which were my favorites. When I told her about Lady GaGa, she quickly came up with an alternative color, Blankety, which I love and use fairly consistently.

Hair Care

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play.  The first time I bought this, it was at Nordstrom Rack. It's also available at Ulta.  Or on Amazon.  I don't use it often, but it's a must-have for photo shoots and when my hair is looking flat.  Sprinkle a bit on the roots, run your fingers along your scalp and instant volume! For even more fullness, I'll gently tease the hair with a narrow bristle brush, then brush over the top to smooth it out.  This is not good for the hair, so I avoid doing it too often.  The powder gives hair added "thickness" as well.

NeoCell Keratin Hair Volumizer.  While this isn't exactly a product that I "apply" to my hair, I have seen more results with NeoCell's Keratin Hair Volumizer than I have with some of the sprays, creams and other topical treatments I have used in the past.  NeoCell's Keratin supplement contains keratin, collagen, vitamin C and amla extract.  And because the keratin is bioavailable, it's able to bind with hair and has been proven to increase hair strength and make it shinier, longer and thicker.  NeoCell Keratin Hair Volumizer is available here at Vitamin Shoppe for less than $20.  

Not Your Mother's She's a Tease Volumizing Hairspray.  I definitely don't use hairspray very often.  But when styling my hair for photo shoots or the rare "undo," it's a must.  The Not Your Mother's brand is available at Ulta and Target.  The hair spray sells for around $6. They also have an amazing dry shampoo, Clean Freak, at a similar price point.

What are your favorite products and why?

Keratin for Longer Hair and Lashes

I don't put mascara on very often, but recently it's felt like my own lashes have gotten longer. While I've been taking keratin by NeoCell to help grow my hair, I wondered if it effects lashes as well. I did a google search and sure enough, it does. Genetics determines the rate at which your eyelashes grow, but certain nutrients can support their growth. A lot of the same nutrients that support hair growth also support growth of your lashes! NeoCell's Keratin supplement contains keratin, collagen, vitamin C and amla extract. NeoCell Keratin Hair Volumizer is available here at Vitamin Shoppe.  Shipping is free with your purchase of $25 or more.

According to livestrong.com, vitamin C hydrates your eyelashes, decreases hair follicle inflammation, repairs hair follicle damage, aids in collagen production and lowers your risk of eyelash breakage.

Collagen stimulates fibroblasts at the hair root, resulting in increased diameter of the hair shaft. Collagen is the most abundent protein in the body. Collagen supplementation is one of best things you can do to prevent premature aging. Understanding collagen begins with knowing that it is truly the glue that holds the body together. It is the building block for all our body's major systems. Learn more about how collagen works here.

And because the keratin is bioavailable, it's able to bind with hair and has been proven to increase hair strength and make it shinier.

Amla, or Indian Gooseberry, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-aging properties. Amla provides high concentrations of Vitamin C and and has been revered for being a powerful antioxidant.

Have you had your own success story using certain products or making a lifestyle change? Comment below; I'd love to hear from you!

Healthy Diet, Healthy Hair

Years ago my hair was down to my hips and extremely healthy. During college, I chopped 10+ inches and donated it to Locks of Love, anticipating that I would "grow it out, donate it...grow it out, donate it..." Yet, it never grew that long ever again.

In the years that followed, my hair was every color from bleach blonde to auburn, to "box color black." Yes, it was called "black" and came from a box. Scary stuff. It occurred to me that when it was its longest, I had never colored it. So last year, when I reassessed my budget ($100+ for a salon visit?!) and the time it took to blow dry, flat iron, and style my hair (only to put it up and get it all sweaty during my workouts), I decided to take on "Project Grow My Hair Out." While I am not a stylist, have never been to beauty school, and have learned only by experience and my own research, I have provided insight at to what has worked for me and has helped to grow my hair.

Avoid Coloring Your Hair
Hair color penetrates the hair shaft through the cuticle, which is the outermost layer of hair. Hydrogen peroxide, that is present in most hair dyes, opens the cuticle to let color pigments enter the shaft, bringing about a chemical reaction. However, an opened cuticle means that there will be a liberal loss of moisture, causing the hair to become dry and thin.


Avoid Flat Irons, Blow Dryers, and Heat
Continuous use of hot irons and blow dryers will cause the ends of your hair to dry out and become brittle. This will cause the ends of your hair to split, with no way of repair other than being cut off. To reduce the damage to your hair, towel dry until it is just damp, not dripping wet, then blow try after treating it with a heat-protectant product. Better yet, let it air dry. Use a mousse or conditioning oil to help tame frizz and let your natural waves or curls do their thing! I use a texturizing product called Beach Babe by Not Your Mothers (found at Ulta).

Sleep With Your Hair Down
It is best to sleep with your hair down because having it in a ponytail can result in damage and breakage to your hair, caused by the pulling and tautness of the elastic band.


Brush Hair When Dry, Comb Hair When Wet
Wet hair is much more fragile and susceptible to damage than dry hair. Fine toothed combs and brushes forces the hair and stretches it, usually causing it to break off when placed under too much stress. The best way to detangle is with a wide-toothed comb.


Maintain a Healthy Diet
Here is a list of healthy foods that will provide the nutrients you need to grow healthy hair (www.webmd.com).

1. Salmon

Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both are key to strong hair) the omega-3 fatty acids found in this tasty cold-water fish are the true superstar. Your body can't make those fatty acids, which your body needs to grow hair. About 3% of the hair shaft is make up of these fatty acids. Omega-3s are also found in cell membranes in the skin of your scalp, and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated.

2. Walnuts

These are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Since your hair rarely gets much shielding from the sun, this is especially great. Too little biotin can lead to hair loss. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that helps keep your natural hair color rich and lustrous.

3. Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even in your eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. Three ounces has a whopping 493% of your daily value. You can get some zinc through fortified cereals and whole grain breads, but oysters can boast a good level of protein too. Without enough protein, your body can't replace the hairs that you naturally shed every day and what you do make can be dry, brittle, or weak.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. It also helps protect and produce the oils that sustain your scalp, and being low on vitamin A can even leave you with itchy, irksome dandruff. Click here previous blog for my Sweet Potato Fries recipe!

5. Eggs

A great source of protein, eggs are loaded with four key minerals: zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron. Iron is especially important, because it helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles, and too little iron (anemia) is a major cause of hair loss, particularly in women.

6. Spinach

The iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C in spinach help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating.

7. Lentils

Tiny but mighty, these legumes are teeming with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, making it a great staple for vegetarian, vegans, and meat eaters.

8. Greek yogurt

Cruise the dairy aisle for low-fat options such as Greek yogurt, which is high in hair-friendly protein, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid -- an ingredient you'll often see on hair care product labels), and vitamin D. Emerging research links vitamin D and hair follicle health, but exactly how that works isn't clear.

9. Blueberries

Exotic super fruits may come and go but when it comes to vitamin C, C is critical for circulation to the scalp and supports the tiny blood vessels that feed the follicles. Too little C in your diet can lead to hair breakage.

10. Poultry

This everyday entree is extraordinary when it comes to protein, as well as hair-healthy zinc, iron, and B vitamins to keep strands strong and plentiful. Because hair is nearly all protein, foods rich in protein are literally giving you the building blocks for hair.

Schedule a Trim Every 6-8 Weeks
While I have not followed through with this one as much as I would like, it is very important to keep the split ends to a minimum. If you cannot afford to go to a full service salon this frequently, do what I do and visit Great Clips or Super Cuts for "maintenance" trims and visit the salon every few months for a more stylized cut.