Beauty Tip Tuesday: Remove Makeup before Bed

Duh, right?

I can't tell you how many of my clients shamefully admit to not washing their faces before bedtime.  Not properly washing your face is one of the main causes for breakouts.  The reason being, makeup and debris left on the skin overnight will breakdown and clog your pores.  Cleaning your skin is truly the most important part of maintaining a healthy and clear complexion.

Personally, I love a milky cleanser over wipes but a lot of women like the no water-required convenience of wipes.  I wouldn't suggest getting in the habit of only using wipes, but after a late night holiday shin dig, they are the perfect solution!  They clean your face in one easy swipe!

Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes support the Polar Bear initiative, a portion of every package sold will go to protect these endangered animals!

P.s. They are made with love, a blend of aloe and camomile.  They are free of parabens and other harmful chemicals!

Available at Sephora!

XXOO

Must Have Monday: Dripping in Diamonds Brush Set

Good makeup brushes can be quite an investment.  I have to say, I'm really impressed with the quality of Sonia Kashuk's brushes.  This holiday season, she has a fabulous set for a really fabulous price!!  This set includes 7 of your basic brushes and glittery clutch to keep them in!!  A little bling for your stocking!

Available for under $25 at Target!

XO

Feature Friday By Jennie Fresa

photo by Robert Norman! 

LOVE this beauty shot from our Venetucci Photo Shoot!!

Makeup: Jennie Fresa
Hair: Nedelyn Perry
Dress & Accessories: The white dress by the shore

XO

Happy Thanksgiving!! guest blogger Tracee Dolan of tracee teaches yoga

photo credit glassdoor.com

what are you thankful for?

I am super thankful for so much this Thanksgiving. The impending meal for starters!
I am also thankful for how beautiful this past November was. Once I get the gratitude ball rolling I can't stop finding things to be thankful for no matter how big or seemingly small.

You always hear people say to write down what you are thankful for, but this Thanksgiving how about you really do it? Before bed take a moment and maybe a flashy marker (I used pink) and write down the big & little things that make you feel gratitude. The highest emotional vibration is gratitude and once you embrace that sensation more and more things to be thankful for flow your way. You think it, you thank it, you feel it, and then you get in alignment or 'in sync' with more things to be grateful for. Get specific. Smile about.

I am also thankful that the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library exists. There is no place like it, and we are all a part of something very special- so thanks Jennie! I am so thankful to call you my friend!

Tracee Dolan is available for private & group instruction. Contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com

What's Happening Wednesday: Blow out Makeup Sale!!

We are offering select makeup colors at 50% OFF while supplies last!!  Come to the JF Beauty Library to take advantage of this amazing deal!!  Here are just a few of the gorgeous colors that we have discounted!

Impulse Red

Regularly $17.50

Sale: $8.75 

Perfect Holiday Lip Color!

Cat's Eye Quartz

Regularly $15

Sale: $7.50

Great color for a sultry, smokey eye!!

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Holiday Hair Tips

With holiday parties in full swing, I started to think about how I can "dress up" my hair from my usual (and boring) day to day style.  Lets be honest, we all love the chance to get decked out with glitz and super-glam details this time of year!!

I absolutely adore the style shown above and think I just might be able to master it myself.  I did a little research and here are a few tips for achieving this super chic twist!

1.) Start with day old hair- it has more texture and holds better
2.) Apply a volumizing spray to dry hair, then hit with the brow dryer for 2 or 3 minutes.  Tease hair from the roots.
3.) Pull hair back, twist and tuck.
4.) Secure with bobby pins and add a fabulous over sized bow or sparkling comb!  I love how this bow covers the bobby pins, so you don't need to worry about it being perfect!
5.) Allow the shorter pieces to softly fall around your face.

Another great idea:  Try a wiglet--they are available at most beauty supply stores!! What a fun way to change your look.  You can wear them to imitate bangs or to give yourself a bee-hive crown.

XO

Must Have Monday: A Gift for the Hostess with the Mostess

For over 50 years, legendary French perfumer, Diptyque has perfected the art of making scented candles.

Any Diptyque candle makes a delightful and impressive hostess gift!!  The new, limited-edition Holiday Collection is a great choice if you're not sure which scent to choose.  The aroma of pine needles with a hint of patchouli will evoke the scent of a winter wonderland and the magic of the holiday season!!  The beautiful, glass votive is a piece of artwork in and of itself.

What makes these candles so special (and expensive)?  The wax is properly distributed so your candle will burn evenly and every wick is made of lead-free cotton.  Each candle is hand-made and with all natural ingredients.

XO

Feature Friday by Lindsay Milan - My Best Friend's Wedding

Happy Friday, JF Beauties!


Today, I wanted to share with you a few shots from my best friend's wedding.  Yes gals, she went to that chapel, and she got married! 


Here she is with her handsome guy:

Chadene and Joe!

Now, I'm sure none of you will be surprised when I tell you that, bride excluded, I was the gal with the most luggage there (and nope, I'm not embarrassed one bit! Light packer, I am not!)  As the resident makeup artist of the bunch, I brought an entire suitcase dedicated solely to makeup and skincare products.  You know, just in case... A girl needs options!

"The Arsenal" - which seems to expand exponentially whenever I make a Sephora run...

In between breakfast errands, and psyching the gorgeous bride up for her day, I did two makeup apps on my fellow bridesmaids, Julie and Shannon.  

These gals are as fun and sweet as they are beautiful!

I want to point out that these ladies had done some serious dancing at the reception (held at The Heritage Hotel) and frankly, I was actually stunned how incredibly their makeup stayed put!  Now, my daily routine consists of JFBL makeup, so I know how it stands up throughout the day... But these gals were tearing it up on the dance floor for hours on end, and looked just as fresh faced as they did at the beginning of the day!  Cheers to long-lasting makeup coverage!

And of course, cheers to my best friend and her husband - to love, laughter and happily ever after!

Chadene's makeup was done by her Aunt Kelly!
Check out Kelly's all natural skincare line, Phophet Skincare

Have a great weekend, JF Beauties!

Until next time!

xoxo

Lindsay

Guest Blogger Thursday - Sami Teaches Us How to Make Sugar Scrub

Hello again, readers! I hope you're having a wonderful week! Hopefully you remember me from my first post a few weeks ago, but if not, you can read it here to get to know me a little better. 

As a part of my mission to reduce my consumer footprint and try to DIY as much as I can, I started making my own sugar scrub last year. I gave it to friends, co-workers, family, and (of course) saved some for myself. We're coming up on winter, when our skin needs a little extra exfoliating and moisturizing, so I thought I'd share my recipe with you. I can't guarantee it's as luxurious as the sugar body scrub the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library sells, but it will do for a home brew. Enjoy! xoxo

Gimme Some Suga, Scrub! (yields 10 oz of unscented sugar scrub)

Ingredients/tools:

• 1 cup raw cane sugar
• 1/4 cup carrier oil ( jojoba oil, safflower oil, castor oil are good ones to use)
• 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil (optional)*
• jar (for storing)
• mortar & pestle (for grinding the sugar)*
• a spoon & bowl (for mixing)

Directions:

Grind the sugar in the mortar and pestle for a few minutes to soften up the course sugar. This will produce a small amount of fine, powdery sugar and the rest of your sugar will be smaller, less harsh, crystals. Combine all of your ingredients into a bowl and stir until well mixed. Dump it into a jar, seal it tightly, and store it in a dry place. To use, stand in your shower/tub and massage a handful all over your body. This will gently exfoliate your skin and leave it feeling super moisturized and silky smooth! Yum!

Note: If you’re allergic to nuts, don’t use the vitamin e oil, as it tends to contain almond oil. Also, if you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can put your sugar in a Ziploc bag, seal it tightly, and use a kitchen mallet (preferably one with a smooth side) to bash away at the sugar. I promise, it's a great way to relieve stress!

Do you make any of your own cosmetics, or have any neat homemade makeup tricks? I'd love to hear them!

What's Happening Wednesday: Meet our new Intern!

If you follow us on Facebook or Twitter, you may have noticed all of the fun and fabulous updates lately!!

Well, let me introduce you to the lady behind the scenes who is responsible for spreading all of this love!

Please meet our new intern here at JF Beauty Library, Emily Tatasciore!

Emily comes to us after graduating from the University of Vermont with a BS in Business Administration and concentration in Marketing!  She is putting her skills to work by helping us with our social media, PR, market research and by creating our new marketing materials!  In additional to all of this, she is also helping me get organized, manage our inventory and, keep my sanity!!

I'm so excited to have Emily on our team and can't wait for everyone to meet her!  Thank you, Emily for all of your hard work!!

xxoo

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Beauty Products make GREAT Holiday Gifts!

Who doesn't love to get beauty products as gifts??!!  (Well, other than most men)  Seriously, I LOVE to get fancy powders, perfume, candles, lotions, any kind of glittery makeup, you name it!!!

It's all so fun and seems so personal!!  So why make yourself go crazy trying to decide what to buy?!

Balsam Fir room fragrance sachet for a Hostess Gift!!  Only $10

Facial-To-Go Organic Skin care set!!  Perfect for someone who's traveling for the holidays!!!  $33

Sugar Body Scrub and Peppermint Lip Balm!!  $18  Stay in budget and make your office secret santa
jump for joy!!

These are just a few of the great gifts we have available at Jennie Fresa Beauty Library!!   Beat the crowds on Back Friday!  Mention this BLOG POST and get 10% OFF!!!  (between now and Thanksgiving only, so get shopping)!

Gift Certificate are available!!  Treat your friends and family to a relaxing Facial, Makeup Lesson or Series of Brow appointments!!

XO

Must Have Monday: A Splurge Worthy Stocking Stuffer

Dear Santa,

I hope you're keeping warm.  I'm writing to tell you about this new perfume that I'm adding to my wish list for christmas!  I have been a very good girl this year so I hope you'll bring me something special.  I promise, you'll like this scent too.  It's a sensual, powdery blend of white petals, yellow flowers and natural honey--named after mademoiselle Chanel's  favorite color.  Thank you and I love you.

xxoo

Feature Friday By Jennie Fresa

This week I did makeup for a head shot of my former bride, Jacin!  Jacin was married back in September at the Pine Orchard Club in Branford, CT.

During her engagement, she started the wedding blog "She Said Yes"  and has created quite a buzz for herself with hundreds of followers and recognition among many wedding professionals!

Please enjoy a few shots from our shoot on Monday!!  Photos are by local photographer, Steve Depino

Keep an eye out for Jacin!  This isn't the last you'll hear of her.....

XXOO

Guest Blogger Thursday - Holistic Nutrition Coach Jane Ashley

Hello Goddesses!

Some of the amazing women from the Powwow: from left, Annie Lala,
Jane Ashley, Sara Flowers, and Rose Cole

I have just returned from an amazing 3-day retreat run by RoseCole.com called the Powerful Women Powwow - where I, along with 9 other women from across the world, gathered to support each others transformation in body, mind and spirit. What an incredible, poignant time in my life to get to this place and I’d like to share something very important that I learned with you: how to eat for optimal health and energy.

This practice and way of eating allows your body to reach it’s prime state of highest vibration. Rose has helped to change my relationship to food forever, and I feeling energized like never before! Here’s the short and sweet of how it works - but to really master this, I recommend signing up for Rose's 10-week transformation program (link below) where you will learn the true secrets to achieving ideal weight and optimal energy:

• stay away from gluten, soy, sugar and dairy

• eat lots of raw food and veggies, eat some fruit but don’t go crazy with it

• if you eat meat, choose organic, grass-fed (much higher vibration)

• wake up and have a rice protein -based shake or mini-meal. Don’t drink water with your meal as it dilutes the acid in your stomach, messes up the ph and requires more energy than necessary to digest

• in approximately 2 hours when you feel the food has digested and moved down into your intestines, time to start drinking water - drink alot!!

• at around the 3rd hour mark, wait 5 minutes after drinking the water and then have your next mini-meal

• in approximately 2 hours when you feel the food has digested and moved down into your intestines, time to start drinking water

• at around the 3rd hour mark, wait 5 minutes after drinking the water and then have your next mini-meal

Do this throughout the day so that you are having 5 mini meals/day, spaced out evenly every 3 hours so that you blood sugar stays even. Eating this way optimizes your energy levels, too! You will notice a difference! Give it a try, and please visit my friend Rose Cole for more info on her amazing programs. The links are below:

Powerful Women Powwow

http://rosecole.com/powerfulwoman?affid=43394

Rose Cole Main Website

http://www.RoseCole.com?affid=43394

“10 Week Transformation” Program:

http://rosecole.com/programs/transformation?affid=43394

“7 Weeks To Super Skin” Program:

http://rosecole.com/programs/7weekstosuperskin?affid=43394

“Wellness With Rose Cookbook”:

http://www.RoseCole.com/cookbook?affid=43394

“Get Rid Of Psoriasis & Eczema For Good” Program:

http://rosecole.com/programs/how-to-get-rid-of-psoriasis-and-eczema?affid=43394

Also, please visit my website at http://www.WellnessWithJane.com and sign up for your complimentary health coaching session with me - I am here to support you on your journey to feeling amazing in your body, mind and spirit!

Peace & Veggies,

Jane Ashley, MA, CHHC, AADP, is a Holistic Nutrition Coach. She is also the Director of Consumer Communications for Eat Right America™. Her passion is to help people create balance in body, mind and spirit. She helps those who struggle with stress, lack of energy and excess weight take action to reach optimal health through good nutrition. She loves to cook, run, teach cooking classes and runs monthly women’s groups called “Feed Your Soul—for Women on the GO.” She also runs corporate wellness workshops and participates in public speaking events. Jane offers a personalized coaching program or group classes. Special rates apply for fans of Jennie Fresa :) Check out www.WellnessWithJane.com for more info!

What's Happening Wednesday: Beauty Event with Hana Floral Design

We would like to invite you to an Evening of Beauty!  Yumiko of Hana Floral Design asked me to be a guest speaker in her Mystic shop on Friday November 19th from 5-7pm!  I'm so excited and hope to see you there!

Sip champagne and enjoy some goodies while I create some stunning bridal and holiday makeup looks!

Space is limited!

please rsvp to 860-572-2929 or yumiko@hanafloraldesign.com 

xxoo

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Sleeping Beauty

no beauty product can do for you what eight hours of sleep can.

xxoo

Must have Monday: Noxema Shaving Cream

I'm not too picky when it comes to shaving cream brands and I certainly don't buy into the shaving creams made "just for women".  In my opinion, shaving cream is shaving cream.  Whatever kind my husband buys, which could vary from time to time is what I use too!!  I admit, I shave less often in the winter but when I do I can't stand how dry and itchy my legs are afterward.  I noticed this morning, after using Doug's most recent brand of choice- Aloe & Lanolin Medicated Noxema- that my legs weren't dry at all.  In fact they felt really soft and hydrated!  

XO

Feature Friday by Nedelyn Perry

On Wednesday, October 27, 2010 I had the pleasure of being a part of a fabulous Wedding Row event hosted by Wedding Row and the lovely folks at Venetucci Home  in Westbrook, CT. Jennie Fresa Beauty LIbrary  contributed to the event by doing hair and makeup for two beautiful models that were showcasing the dresses and accessories for the evening.

Model's: Leah and Kelley

Gown & Accessories: The white dress by the shore 

Makeup: Jennie Fresa

Hair: by yours truly!

Beauty Notes:

Leah

Leah has long, naturally wavy hair and based on this particular hair accessory I wanted the hair to appear short with a bit of a retro vibe. To achieve this look I started by prepping her hair with a great product called "Volumizing Tonic" by Aveda which helped set the hair before I used a large barrel curling iron.

Here is how I achieved this short curly do'

1. I separated the back of the hair into 3 horizontal rows.

2. then I curled & sculpted about 4-5 pin curls in each row.

3. I alternated the direction of the pin curls by row.

4. for the front of Leah's hair I  made a side part and incorporated the hair into the back by pinning it behind her ear.

  

Jill

When I saw Jill's hair and the gorgeous cocktail dress by Modern Trousseau she was going to wear that night I immediately thought of Grace Kelly.

This is how I achieved this classic look:

1. Using a blow dryer I smoothed out her hair .
2. Then I divided the hair into 2 sections (front & back).
3. I gathered the back section and made a side ponytail
4. using a medium barrel curling iron, I wrapped and pinned  the curls to make a side bun.                                                          

5. then I took the front section of her hair and created a smooth side part that was also pinned to the side bun.

 

Many thanks to all the incredible talent that made this event a huge success!

True Events, Stonington Design & Paperie, Beneath the Gown, Hana Floral Design, Chamard Vineyards, Photo booth planet, Valentino Tailors, Maggie Conley Photography, Elan Artist and cake designer Ana Parzych

Happy Friday!!

Ned

60,000 thoughts a day:: Guest Blogger: Tracee Dolan

Did you know that we have 50,000-60,000 thoughts that race & mingle through our mind in 1 day?
Really consider this, we have 60,000 thoughts that burst, spurt & spin in and out of our consciousness.  Some linger & some stick around. So, ask yourself- how many of those thoughts are leftover thoughts, negative, not even close to relevant-to who you have become right now- at this very moment?

That's the awesomeness factor of deliberate creation. We mindfully create what our life is & can be simply by selecting our thoughts and it's not just for yogi's-

although a great example of this is when we set an intention in our yoga class. We take a moment to set something positive & in the present. We plant it into our thoughts & if we return to it enough, who knows, maybe it will join the usual 60,000 and spin our perspective into one of positivity. Take a breath, soften your jaw, soften your gaze and take a moment...what would you like to think about 60,000 times a day- every day? Go BiG! Think beautiful!

Tracee Dolan is available for group and private yoga & meditation instruction. Please feel free to contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com

What's Happening Wednesday: Lingerie Blow Out Sale

Our neighbors and friends at Beneath the Gown is having a Lingerie Blow Out Sale in a few weeks, so mark your calendars!!

November 18th-20th

and 

November 26th & 27th

Don't miss out on up to 60% off European Designer Labels, Lingerie Sets, Hanky Panky's and much more!!

Gift certificates are available!  Stop by and visit with owner, Josie (she's as sweet as pie!) before the holiday rush!  

For more information, please visit  www.beneaththegown.com 

Happy Shopping!

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Do you have the winter time drabs?

This time of year skin starts to look dry and dull.  Try these easy tricks to achieve a smooth, glowing complexion!

*mix a little eye cream with your concealer.  and don't forget to use your ring finger ( your weakest digit) to avoid tugging delicate skin.  If you're in a pinch, try patting a little lip balm on top of your concealer to do the trick!

*try adding a liquid shimmer to your foundation.  This really brightens skin and it's prefect for a fun night out!  Stila makes a great one!  During the day, just add a little of your regular moisturizer to your foundation.

*for a natural, dewy look, avoid using powders all together.  try switching to cream foundations, blush and cream shadows on extra-dry days.

* forget matte lipstick, go for the gloss!

XO

Must Have Monday: Winter White

This season the hottest nail shades are dark, deep, and sexy!  Wicked by Essie has been a staple of mine for years now!  It's an oldie but goodie!!

I was feeling like a change last week so I went on a hunt for the perfect winter white nail color!!  I knew the colored needed to be soft, not too stark and not too bright.

On a whim, I stopped into a small nail salon right next to my makeup studio and I found myself not only really impressed with the meticulous detail of Trang (my nail tech) but also with my color selection--Body Language by Essie!!  The color is a soft, muted, grayish-white, with a slightly pink undertone.  It reminds me of clouds in the sky!

XO