Guest Blogger Thursday: What's in Sami's Makeup Bag?

Hello, readers! I'm Sami from Poor & Pretty, here for another guest post for Jennie. This time, I'm writing about a few of my favorite "emergency cosmetics." I have to admit, I don't usually carry much makeup on me — except for a good lip balm and lip gloss, which I must have on me at all times — but today, I have classes at UConn, and then a friend and I are getting dolled up to see the Russian National Ballet Theatre performing Romeo & Juliet tonight at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. Since we don't have many opportunities to really dress up, we thought it would be fun to throw on nice dresses and makeup for the evening. So, here are the essentials that I've packed:

1. Silver Clutch/Makeup Bag by Marketa New York — I love this little bag. It was a gift from Jennie and it's a perfect little clutch or makeup bag.

2. JF Minerals Super Gloss in "Super Nectar" — this lovely lip gloss is a part of Jennie's product line, JF Minerals. The peach color is great because it's a nice, neutral color that can be worn every day, plus the shimmer adds a little glamour.

3. Yes To Carrots Lip Butter in "Carrot" — my all-time favorite lip balm (and, trust me, I've tried a lot of lip balms!). This goes wherever I go, or it's going to be a bad day. It's 95% organic, contains no preservatives, and it contains Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Shea Butter, and other skin conditioners.

4. Fragrance Roller in "Warm Vanilla Bean" by Lollibomb Beauty — Luca Cusolito of Lollibomb Beauty creates some of the most amazing scents on this earth (no wonder her tagline is "smell pretty"!), and her cosmetics are vegan and paraben-free. Warm Vanilla Bean smells like a combination of Warm Vanilla Sugar and Vanilla Bean with a little spice to it. I wear this pretty much every day because it just smells so good!

5. Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in "Ultra Black" — I've recently become a fan of Physicians Formula because they carry affordable and quality cosmetics that are free of harmful chemicals. Do you know how hard it is to find a liquid eyeliner that does not contain parabens (a chemical preservative that has been linked to Cancer)? Very, very difficult. So, I was really glad to find Physicians Formula's hypoallergenic and paraben- and fragrance-free eyeliner.

6. Aveda Inner Light Mineral Dual Foundation in "Aster" — this is a really nice and versatile foundation for anyone with combination skin (like me) because it performs beautifully both wet and dry and, depending on how it's used, offers light to full coverage. It's also paraben-free, talc-free and non-caking.

7. Clinique Color Palette in "Like Mink and Smoldering Plum" — I got this as a gift when a friend of mine was working for Clinique and the colors are perfect for me. The tan and brown eyeshadows are great for my blue eyes and the light plum/pink blush is nice when used very lightly.

What's in your makeup bag?

xo,

Sami

~~~~~~~~

Read my other guest posts on the Jennie Fresa Beauty Blog, visit Poor & Pretty for some fashion/makeup tips for small budgets, and check out my Etsy shop for cupcake soaps!

What's Happening Wednesday: Feature Blog Post on Lovely Little Details

Coming Soon......

Feature blog post on Lovely Little Details!!

Be sure to check in for Jennie's tips on appropriate makeup for morning, afternoon, and evening brides!

xo

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Fresh and Cheeky

With Spring officially here ( even though it doesn't feel like it yet!) we're all craving a little color in our wardrobe and in our skin, right?  Here's how to do it get perfect sun-kissed skin without using a self-tanner or spray tan:

Sweep a shimmery peachy-pink blush ( I love Orgasm by Nars !) across your cheekbones, focusing on the apples of your cheeks.

Using a matte bronzer or pressed powder ( two shades darker then your usual color), apply color to the hollows of your cheeks.  Ps. suck in your cheeks and make a fish mouth with your lips to find the hollows!

Then, apply a shimmery highlighter on the tops on your cheek bones, temples and brow bone!  The light will reflect these areas giving you a soft, natural glow!

Last, use a large powder brush blend all areas so your don't see any lines of demarcation!

XO

Must Have Monday: ExfoliKate

Exfoliation is of the utmost importance during post-winter months!  Our natural cell renewal process ( along with our metabolism) slows down during the winter, leaving our skin rough and flakey.

Beauty experts everywhere say ExfoliKate is the next best thing to seeing Somerville herself in the clinic!

When I first tried this product several months ago, my skin was way too sensitive to handle the active enzymes.  Needless to say, the tube has been sitting in my medicine cabinet ever since.

With my skin feel uncomfortably tight and looking a little dull, I figured I would give it another whirl here at the change of seasons.  Talk about instant results!  Once the redness calmed down, my skin was beaming with radiance!  While writing this post, I learned that Kate offers ExfoliKate Gentle for extremely sensitive skin.  I'll be trying that one next time!

XO

Feature Friday: Classic New England, Fall Wedding: Jennifer & Nathan

Let me start by saying, Jennifer was one of the most gracious brides I have ever worked with!  We enjoyed every minute of getting to know Jenn and learning all about her bridal beauty vision! Being a part of her special day was such a special treat!

A fresh fall palette of orange and gray was simply stunning!  Steve Depino did an incredible job of capturing the beauty in every detail, including the gorgeous bride herself!

Here's how we created her look:

Makeup:

I designed a very natural look for Jenn with an emphasis on her twinkling eyes.  For shadows,  I worked with all warm tones that would beam in the late afternoon light.  She wanted a soft, nude lip so I used a peachy taupe lipstick with a shimmering nectar gloss on top.  I finished the look with a dusting of golden bronzing powder!

Hair:

This hair style captured the evenings whimsical air with it's textured loose curls that moved as the wind did. To complete the look Nedelyn pulled Jenn's hair into a asymmetrical chignon bun, with a side part to truly frame the radiant bride's face!



Church:  St. Mary's Church in Branford
Venue:  Guilford Yacht Club
Catering:  Jordan Caterers
Photography:  Steve DePino
Dress:  Watters and Watters
Bridesmaids: J.crew
Hair:  Nedelyn Perry of Jennie Fresa Beauty Library
Makeup: Jennie Fresa
Flowers: Christie Baker, Flowers on the Green, Guilford CT
DJ:  Audio Media Solutions


XO

What's Happening Wednesday: Mini Hair and Makeup Trials

                                         


Wednesday, March 30th 5:30 - 8:30, Nedelyn Perry and I will be helping our neighbors, The White Dress by the Shore, kick off their Modern Trousseau Trunk Show with designer Callie Tein. Your invited to this cocktail soiree to mix and mingle and get a sneak peek of several styles of Callie Tein's new 2012 collection that is not due to hit the runway until April! Try on Callie's creations (call The White Dress by the Shore to set up an appointment-860-669-4596) and visit our hair and makeup station to try different custom beauty looks for you and your dress. We will make you camera ready before renowned wedding photographer Carla Ten Eyck will be on hand to capture a shot of you in the gown of your dreams! If you purchase a gown during this very exclusive event, you will not only be granted the 10% trunk show discount, but will receive a signed sketch of your gown from the designer herself. Don't miss out on this fabulous opportunity to create the perfect one-of-a-kind look for your wedding day!

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Faux-Tan

I didn't want Florida residents to think they saw a ghost when I arrived so had my very first spray tan right before my Miami vacation and I am happy to report a success!  A few tips to consider before you go under the gun:

1.) you should exfoliate your entire body before you go to the salon.  I used a loofah but next time I want to try those nifty exfoliating gloves!

2.)  Avoid moisturizing before you get a fake tan applied!  The chemical will adhere much better to dry, clean skin.

3.) Don't take a shower for at least 8 hours after your spray.

4.)  Follow up with a low-dose tanning lotion, like Jergen's Natural Glow  Lotion.  I also love Sisley's  self-tanner for the face (it's expensive but well worth it)!


XO

Must Have Monday: Aveeno Color Preserving Shine Glaze

Ohhhh, how I love this beauty product!  I discovered it last week when I stopped at Target to pick up a few travel-size toiletries for my trip to Miami ( which was super fabulous, by the way!).

I always love that lustrous shine my hair has right after I get it colored!  BUT-it always fades too quickly!  Aveeno just launched this new, color preserving shine glaze that truly gives your locks that glossy sheen and fresh from the salon brilliance!  Why pay for a glaze that usually runs $20-30 at the salon?!  For $7.49, you can't go wrong!

XO

Guest Blog Thursday: Your Nutrition Coach—Jane Ashley

Dear friends,

Do you eat breakfast in the morning? If not, you are NOT doing your body and weight loss efforts a favor. Fueling your body in the morning and breaking the fast (break-fast) is important to get your metabolism going so you will burn your food as energy and not store it as fat. Here's an idea that works for me—every morning, I have a breakfast smoothie. Smoothies are convenient - you can take them on the go - and are an easy way to get all the good stuff in for optimal energy that you will sustain throughout your day. Even a not-so-great blender will work! Here is my tried and true recipe - it’s chocolate, it’s got about 300 calories, tons of fiber, omega 3s and vitamins and minerals! I hope you will try this and give us some feedback. I’d love to hear about your OWN ideas for breakfast smoothies!

____________________________________________

Wellness With Jane Smoothie:

Place the following ingredients into a blender and go to town!

1 frozen banana

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup unsweeetened almond milk, or other plant milk i.e. soy, hemp

A big handful of kale or other dark leafy green i.e. spinach, collards

1 scoop Juice Plus Complete Chocolate Protein powder

2 tbsp flax seed

1 tbsp brewers yeast

ice (if your banana isn’t frozen)

____________________________________________

In Love and Service,

Jane

Jane Ashley, MA, CHHC, AADP, and founder of Beautiful Body—Beautiful Bride: Nutrition Coaching for brides-to-be, and The New Mom’s Rescue Nutrition Program is an expert in nutrition and holistic weight loss. In addition to her one-on-one coaching practice, group events and corporate workshops, Jane is a regular contributor to the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library blog, The Eat Right America™ Blog,  and is a sought-after speaker in the community.

To learn more about Jane, please visit: http://www.WellnessWithJane.com

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/h98e8C

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/janescottashley

A quick getaway......

Hello friends!  I'm heading south to enjoy a few relaxing days in the sun!  I'll be staying at the Mayfair Hotel and Spa located in the exclusive neighborhood on the Biscayne Bay ( 5 minutes south of downtown Miami and 15 minutes from South Beach) known as Coconut Grove.  This bohemian village, know as an artists' colony and the birthplace of Miami has tons of charm and energy!  The tree-lined streets are filled with restaurants, boutiques and nightlife!  By noon on monday, I will be sitting poolside, sipping a fruity cocktail!  I can't wait to enjoy some much needed down time!  I plan to indulge in a hot-stone massage and of course, some shopping at the famed CocoWalk!  I'll be back to blogging the following monday, hopefully feeling refreshed and fabulous!  Until then....

XO

Feature Friday: by Emily Denny

photo by Adrien Broom 

One of my faves!  Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend JF Beauties!

XO,

Em

Guest Blogger Thursday: MD Aesthetics on Laser Hair and Tattoo Removal

Wedding Prep: Laser Hair & Tattoo Removal

If you are involved in planning a wedding, then you’re no stranger to checklists. The details around the personal grooming of the Bride and her wedding party are a checklist in and of itself.  As time draws closer, a myriad of appointments are scheduled in order to try on different looks that will best suit what is being worn, as well as enhance the pursuit for the perfect wedding.   

However, since many bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses tend to reveal large areas of the shoulders, arms, back and decollete, a Bride needs to address two delicate subject matters very early on in the checklist process: body hair and tattoos. This is what best friends are for?…right!

Laser technology has turned the cosmetic procedure world upside down.  The Bella Rosa Medspa in Houston, Texas, specializes in state-of-the-art laser technology treatments for a variety of skin rejuvenation procedures.  Situated within the confines of the MD Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, founded and directly supervised by a world renowned plastic surgeon, the Bella Rosa website, bellarosaclinic.com  offers a wealth of information on cosmetic laser procedures.

Laser Hair Removal
An important aspect of hair removal is the fact that all facial and body hair grows in stages. This is due to a cycle of active and dormant hair follicles. When removing hair, by whatever means, you are only removing active hair follicles. The next growth contains the hair follicles that were previously lying dormant. This is why you feel that there is a never ending amount of hair that needs to be shaved, plucked, tweezed, bleached, waxed or creamed away.  Laser technology not only zaps the active follicles at their root, follow-up treatments zap the new growth of previously dormant follicles, ultimately resulting in PERMANENT hair removal!

The Soprano™ XL Laser with a built-in cooling system called DuraChill™ is the system of choice for hair removal by the very best practitioners.  The cooling system keeps the skin from overheating when a gentle beam of laser light is working its magic. This system is approved to be safe for all sections of the body including the face, underarm and bikini areas.  When it comes to laser hair removal as part of a wedding prep, the earlier it is scheduled the better in order to achieve optimal results before the big day.

Which brings us to:
Laser Tattoo Removal
{shudder}  The very name sounds painful.  But, let’s be honest.  As you stand surrounded by full length mirrors in that gleaming satin, sleeveless, plunging, absolutely perfect wedding gown—the one you have been searching for for months—what does that tattoo you got on spring break your freshman year do for the look?  What message is it sending?  I hope at least, that’s not Randy The Cozumel Guy snuggled in your cleavage, rather than Devon, your fiance.  

And, while you and Devon are standing together before the minister, surrounded by flowers and ribbons and doves on wing, speaking vows of unending devotion and fidelity, do you really want every friend, relation and business associate both of you have ever had seeing nothing but the ‘girls gone wild’ tattoo on your back?

Tattoos always seem like a great idea at the time, but depending on how life changes as time goes by, they can lose their early allure, especially if prominently placed on the upper body.  Q-switched laser technology has taken tattoo removal out of the surgical realm and into the world of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.  Q-switching lasers deliver highly concentrated and rapidly pulsating beams of light to break down the tattoo ink pigments in the outer layer of skin. The resulting ink particles are safely absorbed into the body and carried away by the lymphatic system.   The results of Q-switched laser tattoo removal range from total erasure to a significant reduction in visibility. Relatively painless, there are no known side effects.

The length and number of treatments required is dependent upon the size, location and colors of the artwork. In some cases, one treatment may be sufficient, in others, upwards of 5-10 may be required. Treatments are scheduled 6-8 weeks apart to allow the ink particles to break down.  Therefore, laser tattoo removal is a decision that needs to be made well in advance of any wedding date.

When planning that perfect wedding during your year-long engagement, the first six months seem to creep along with a chore here and a reminder there, and you begin to wonder why exactly you are waiting.  Then the six-month mark passes and that checklist begins to fill up, and at three months everything explodes and you are desperately tempted to just elope.  

But, with the right help and some expert advice, your wedding can be perfect.  Chores and decisions can be scheduled evenly to make your life easier.  While you are waiting for the craziness to begin, free yourself of that tattoo you’ve hated for years and don’t want in your wedding pictures.  At your wedding, feel free to wheel and spin as you dance the night away, knowing not the least shadow of underarm stubble can be seen.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Thanks to Jennie Fresa’s Beauty Library for allowing us to guest blog.  It’s been lots of fun, and we appreciate the opportunity to share just a little of what we know.  

We are MD Aesthetics, a Houston cosmetic surgery center and medspa.  We pride ourselves in our trained and certified medical professionals and provide the best service to be had with cutting-edge technology.  Owned and operated by the best cosmetic surgeon in Houston, Dr. Mark A. Schusterman has created the Bella Rosa Medspa to safely and effectively perform the delicate procedures so easily mangled, with a minimum amount of pain and recovery time and a maximum amount of customer satisfaction.
www.bellarosaclinic.com 

What's Happening Wednesday: 11 Days Till Spring

After coming back from the International Beauty Show in NYC I'm feeling inspired to dust off those makeup brushes and get organized for an extraordinary 2011 wedding season! With the help of my new, fabulously tourquoise makeup kit, bring on the brides- I can feel spring right around the corner!

Beauty Tip Tuesday: How to preserve your hair color

You spend a fortune at the salon getting your hair colored, right?  Here are a few tips for maintaining color so it looks better, longer!

1.) Avoid washing your hair for a few days after your color appointment ( I'm lucky I can go for an entire week!).  I know, this might be hard for some, but your color is less likely to fade if you don't wash it right away!

2.)  Sulfate-free shampoos are detergent-free and much more gentle on color treated hair.  Try rotating a sulfate-free product with a color-preserving shampoo.  I use this one by Loreal  and love it!

XO

Must Have Monday: Axxium Gel Manicure by OPI

Last Monday I headed over to my favorite nail salon, MRS NAILS in Branford for my weekly manicure.  I decided to see what all the hype was about and try the Axxium soak-off gel manicure!  Unlike the traditional nail gel, Axxium is odorless and is applied directly to your bare nails.  The gel come in a variety of colors and requires 2 coats, each needing about 2 minutes in a UV light box to dry.  I was really surprised at how quick and easy the entire process was.  The manicure lasts for 2-3 weeks (longer if you choose a light color) and costs a little more than a standard manicure ($30).  Removing the get does require another visit to the nail salon, though.  BUT--you can paint right over the gel, if you get bored with the color in between visits.  My nails look just as perfect and shiny today as they did last week!  I'm sold!

XO

Feature Friday: Special Edition: Oscar Picks for Best Hair & Makeup!

And, the winner for BEST makeup goes to Jennifer Lawrence.  What I loved about her entire look was how effortless-chic she looked.  The simplicity of her sleek, red dress worked with the smoldering eye makeup and soft, tousled down-do!  Everything about Jennifer's look was perfectly balanced- a dramatic eye and nude lip, a classic, understated dress with a sparkly, jeweled bag!  LOVED!

Michelle William's makeup was stunning as well!  In fact, I give Michelle two thumbs up for hair and makeup.  (In my dreams I would wear a platinum, pixie cut and pull it off so naturally!)  The metallic, silvery-blue shadow dusted on the lower lash line MADE this 60's inspired look!  Unlike at the Globes, I think she nailed her entire look on the red carpet for Oscar!

One of the best parts about watching the Oscars was seeing Anne Hathaway make all of her wardrobe changes!  For me, her best look was upon arrival to the Red Carpet.  Dashing in like a real movie star with flawless skin and a vibrant red lip, I couldn't take my eyes off her!  She wins my vote for BEST hair!  For starters, her hair color is Ah-mazing!  The highlights are perfectly suited for her porcelain complexion!  The striking center part works for her face shape.  It's her unusual bun that really caught my attention though!  The knot holding the style together makes this "easy-do" a real show stopper!

I was also keen on the vintage-wave that Mila Kunis rocked!  I really enjoyed how this hair style fell at the nap of her neck and was sleek at the crown.  Old Hollywood glamour at it's best!  Mila took my breathe away!  She is also my pick for BEST dressed!

I would love to hear your favorites!  

Until next time........

Happy Weekend!

XO

Guest Blogger Thursday: Sami's Avocado Mask for the Poor & Pretty

Happy March, everyone! I'm Sami from Poor & Pretty and I'm back for another guest post! Though spring is just around the corner, some of us may still be suffering from dry, winter skin. Don't worry, I have the perfect recipe! Today, I'm sharing with you an inexpensive mask that you can create right in your very own kitchen.

Sami's Avocado Mask for the Poor & Pretty
Ingredients:
1 avocado
1 egg yolk
4 tsp honey (all-natural or raw honey is best, if you have it)

First, let's talk a little bit about the ingredients. I know, it's all food stuff — why put all of that on your face? Yuck! Actually, not yuck at all! Avocados are rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2, D & E, which are all great for dry/dull skin and hair. The oil in avocados also creates a protective barrier on your skin to help prevent the loss of moisture, which is especially important in winter. Egg yolk has moisturizing benefits and is also loaded in Vitamin A, which promotes skin and cellular health. Honey, especially if it's raw, acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the air into the skin, and it's also antibacterial.

Okay, so now that you have your ingredients list, what do you do?

1. Cut the avocado in half, take out the seed, and scoop the "meat"(or pulp) into a mixing bowl.
2. Mash the avocado.

3. Add egg yolk and honey to the avocado.

4. Mix well. This makes enough mask for two, so share with a friend, a honey, or use the rest in your hair (yes, this is equally good for your hair, but make sure the honey is very well mixed in... you don't want chunks of honey stuck in your luscious locks!)

Note: After using the mask, I realized it would have been much, much better to blend the ingredients in a blender to minimize the avocado chunks you'll undoubtedly have if you use a potato masher. But, either way, your skin will love you!

Another tip: Before using any mask, it's recommended that you wash & exfoliate your face to really maximize the effects of the mask.

Enjoy!

P.S. Check out my Cupcake Soap Shoppe! I'm having a massive sale — everything is $5 to make room for new fragrances! I also do custom orders :)

What's Happening Wednesday: 9th Annual Women's Health Conference

                                                        Photo Credit: www.womenandfamilylifecenter.org/healthconference.html


This Sunday, March 6th, at the Omni Hotel at Yale in New Haven, Jennie Fresa Beauty Library will be represented at the 2011 9th Annual Women's Health Conference by our very own Lindsay Milan and our in-house nutrition coach, Jane Ashley.


The Women’s Health Conference offers women the most current health information presented by leading experts while also providing a fun and relaxing day to connect with other women. This year's theme, "Exploring the Art of Living", excites women's curiosities to embrace new ideas, learn about cutting edge health information, and challenge notions of wellness and being. Each year the conference presents a wide variety of speakers, informational and product booths, as well as seminars that address topics in the areas of medicine, wellness, alternative therapies, nutrition and beauty. So don’t miss all the action this Sunday March 6th from 8am – 4pm, and don’t forget to stop by our booth!

For more information about the conference visit the Women & Family Life Center website at: womenandfamilylifecenter.org

Beauty Tip Tuesday: More on Head-To-Toe help!

Does anyone else have those goose-like, fleshy bumps on the back of their arms and legs (not such a flattering look for my spring wardrobe).  I need to act fast.  I learned that these little buggers, formally know as kertatosis pilaris are hereditary (and intensified by the cold weather!).  Basically, they are small protein deposits that like to hibernate around hair follicles.  To dissolve them, use a daily body lotion with a lactic acid base like AmLactin, found at most drugstores.

XO