Go Organic – Mother Nature Knows Best when it comes to Skin Care

Finding a good line of organic skin care products is more of a challenge than you might think.

As a skin cancer survivor I know how important it is to take care of my skin.  I had the right side of my face taken off last summer and it took ten procedures to put me back together again.  So when I say I am careful about what I put on my skin, I mean it.  What most people fail to realize is that their skin is an organ and what you put on it most definitely goes in it.  I have been looking tirelessly to find a good skincare line that is really organic and not just a bunch of hype.  There are a number of products that claim to be organic, but when you feel you need a PhD in chemistry just to decipher all the ingredients you quickly sense that it’s just another false claim.

I was lucky enough recently to meet Marianne Wilson Stein, the creator of Gifts from the Earth, a natural skincare product line.  First let me say that Marianne has been creating her magical potions for more than ten years and that she has lovely skin.  I love people that walk their talk and her skin glowed.  I wish I could say that I love one product more than the other but they are all really that good.  It’s rare for me to find a product line where I am enamored with the entire line of products; it’s usually just one or two.  One of the things that I discovered about Gifts from the earth is that a few of them are multi-purpose such as the Relaxing Honey Scrub with lemongrass.  It’s a fabulous exfoliate that eliminates the need for an additional moisturizer but it also feels really great on tired aching muscles.  The Restoring Serum combined with the Forever Young Luscious Lotion face care feels amazing; it makes my skin feel so soft, plump, and hydrated.  It also keeps those fine lines at bay.  I really love these two products as it gives my skin that dewy glow that you get after a facial.  Living in the desert makes my skin get dry but this Luscious lotion really makes a difference.  It slides into my skin easily and, with its calming properties of lavender and chamomile, leaves me with a sense of serenity.

I have to say that most organic skin care product lines leave a lot to be desired when it comes to packaging.  Gifts from the Earth products are so pretty that I’m proud to have them displayed on my bathroom counter.

I’m happy to recommend the full line of Gifts from the Earth products.  It will make your skin look and feel good, it doesn’t come with the department store prices, and you can be confident in knowing that these organic skin care products are truly a healthy choice.

 

A Moment with Deidre Hall

I remember growing up and watching shows like Batman, Superman and so many other of the male super hero shows that dominated Saturday morning.  It was a pleasant surprise for me when I happened to stumble upon Deidre Hall and Judy Strangis starring as Electra Woman and Dyna Girl.  Up until then women were mostly portrayed as mothers and daughters but rarely had roles as strong independent women.  They were simply extensions of the starring males.

I didn’t see Deidre again until I was in high school and saw her portraying Dr. Marlena Evans in Days of our Lives on NBC.  Once again she played the intelligent strong woman which, I have to say, was still pretty rare in the late 1970s.

I recently had the pleasure of reading her new beauty book with co-author Lynne Parmiter Bowman called How Does She Do It?  I, like many other women, have devoured every how to beauty book on the planet consisting mostly of regurgitated tips we already know.  This book, however, is different on so many levels, it’s not only funny, engaging, and practical, but also is a great story between two life-long girlfriends.  I was so impressed with the book that I set out to get an interview with Deidre Hall.

I met Deidre and her BFF/co-author, Lynne, at the Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo this past weekend and was able to interview Deidre for SmartFem magazine.

As a member of the press I meet celebrities all the time but it’s rare that after spending time with them I become more impressed.  It wouldn’t be right to start off this article without discussing my first encounter with Lynne, her co-author and friend.  It was clear to me right off the bat that these women are not only co-authors and partners, but that they are best friends.  Lynne looks out for Deidre and I would be remiss if I did not mention her or their incredible friendship which instantly reminded me of my own lifetime best girlfriend.

What impressed me most about Deidre Hall is that the strong, caring, and intelligent woman she always portrays is simply who she is.  I couldn’t help but notice that close up she is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, and after a few minutes talking, I realized her real beauty comes from within.  She is a mom, a career woman, and a person who deeply cares about world affairs and our planet (Her book is made from recycled paper and soy ink).  She is forward thinking, conscious of our environment, and helpful to those in need such as autistic children whom she is devoted to helping in the real world as much as she was as Dr. Marlena Evans, on Days Of Our Lives.

She is passionate about women and their rights and is enraged that men are still making decisions about a woman’s right to make choices regarding her own body.  I was impressed with her candid nature in regards to politics and current events as well as her wit and sense of humor.  I laughed when she told me the name originally discussed for the book title was “Does this Mascara Make My Butt Look Big?’  My impression of Deidre Hall is that despite her celebrity status she is real and has the same worries and concerns that the rest of us do.

I whole heartedly recommend her new beauty book, How Does She Do It?   In fact, you should buy two copies as it’s a fun, easy, and informative read that every woman and her best friend should have.

 For more exclusive photos from the Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo this past weekend look at our Facebook Page.

 

 

The Red Carpet Facial is a Box Office Hit!

Like most women,  I can say that I have several drawers full of cosmetics and anti-aging products that fail to live up to their promise of eternal youth.  I am a hard core skeptic when it comes to beauty regimes or products that cost a lot and never seem to deliver.  Once in awhile, however, I am pleasantly surprised and am compelled to share my experience with other women.

I don’t think I know a woman who hasn’t had a spa facial treatment and although they feel good, up until now, I have never really seen or felt a significant difference.  That is, up until now.  Recently I had the pleasure of experiencing  a Red Carpet Facial treatment with Medical Esthetician Saejah Tapp of Chambers Clinic in North Scottsdale.  Also known as the “Hollywood Facial” for it’s amazing results.  Saejah is an expert who specializes in corrective skincare and told me that it would dissolve dry/dead skin, even out skin tone, lighten sun damage, plump skin, shrink pores and leave skin glowing.

Wow!  After a little over an hour I can say with excitement that it’s all true, it even shrunk the pores on my nose!

Off the shelf anti-aging cosmetic products have always left something to be desired but I am happy to say that the red carpet facial absolutely does deliver.  It’s a safer and far less expensive alternative to botox treatments.   I was so impressed that I asked Saejah to give my SmartFem readers a discount and she agreed.

If you have an important event or just want to look your best, check out Saejah at Chambers clinic and ask for her “Red Carpet Facial.”  She will have your face ready for a Hollywood close up in no time.  Be sure to mention you read about her here on SmartFem and receive a ten percent discount!

 

Fashion’s Night Out

On a regular Thursday evening, you’ll find the fashion industry locking up and the bars getting busier. But once a year, at Fashion’s Night Out, it’s the clothes that get to stay out past curfew. Stores stay open until 11 p.m. and have a variety of attractions. Men and women dress up to go out for discounts, free cocktails, celebrity and fashion designer sightings and music.

On the streets of Soho, there was a young blonde woman clad in her fashionable black blazer, mini-skirt and tights on a business stoop changing out of her flats into peep toe wedges. Around the corner, there was another young woman with thick, curly black hair standing in line for the bathroom at Starbucks in a black and white blazer and black tights sporting an eccentric bracelet made of gold spikes and diamonds.

Over at Ted Baker London in the Meatpacking District, the store was turned into a bar and concert venue. As it began to fill – some for the liquor, some for the discounts, some for the music – the eclectic crowd mingled over the free cocktails with only a few venturing out to look at the clothes lined up for display. There was a short, lavender, princess-cut dress, a beige trench coat with a high neckline, teal, ruffled cocktail dresses, fur coats and black, knit sweaters all waiting for customers to pick them up for fall.

An older man in a black suit, white button-up shirt and deep red tie pushed up his glasses as he observed the crowd, possibly looking for a familiar face. An employee with her hair held in a ponytail wore a black blazer, grey skinny jeans and five-inch, muted gold heels shuffling merchandise to and fro as she made small talk with customers and friends.

Different languages could be heard throughout the room. Two young French women conversed in their foreign dialect holding free cocktails, one wearing lavender Converse and a simple striped pink and white t-shirt and the other wearing olive green Pumas and a floral blouse.

The wait staff stood behind the bar and walked around with black trays, identifiable in black slacks, white, long-sleeved button-ups with purple ties. The drinks were served at two, rectangular tables with black tablecloths lined with wine and martini glasses. There were mint leaves piled in wine glasses standing next to the alcohol and mixers in the rear.

The members of the pop-rock band, The Postelles, arrived an hour behind schedule and went to their places behind the microphones. The drummer sat in his jeans with a purple, plaid, long-sleeve button-up. The acoustic and bass guitarists strummed in jeans, plaid collared shirts and black blazers. The lead singer sang in a purple tunic with the sleeves rolled up while his guitar strap rocked a colorful, tribal design. All articles of clothing above the waist on the band were from Ted Baker London.

The crowd whipped out their smart phones, taking amateur photos, possibly to post on the walls of their Facebook or Twitter updates. As the audience members began shuffling side to side and swaying their hips, they abandoned the need to shop and listened to the music – even if just for five songs. The night transformed from being about fashion into a mixture of all the enticements the night was about.

 

Fashion Tips from Mad Men

1. Bra’s should be pointy, thus to accentuate the chest area to men, which is important because your life goal is to find a rich man and settle down and have children.

2. Glove are an essential fashion piece, no matter what the season is. And make sure they match your accessories.

3. Your handbag should be a clutch. Your clutch shouldn’t be bigger than what can fit your lipstick and face powder. Your husband will carry the money and the car keys.

4. Diamonds have not always been forever. Yes, the men sure did put a diamond ring on it. But the women of the Mad Men 60s sure did love their pearls and beads. They rocked out large pearl earrings and long strings of dark silver beads.

5. Heels. Heels. Heels. Heels. Heels. Heels.

And last but not least, one must always have a cigarette in hand. Oh wait… they found out those things are bad for you… Never mind, then.

Heels.

photo from www.amctv.com

An Eyeshadow Tutorial

How-To: Perfect your eye make-up.

Step One: After putting on your foundation, powder, bronzer and whatever you use for your base, use the secret weapon of eye shadow: Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

Put a light layer on your entire eye lid.

Step Two: Apply your eyeliner, really, however you like it. I prefer it this way, but that’s because I don’t actually know how to put on eyeliner. If you have suggestions, please feel free to comment with your ideas. Or email me. I’ll even take owl. Just help!

Step Three: Apply the first, darker eye shadow color of your choice in a sideways “V” with a smudging eye-shadow brush.

Step Four: Apply the second, lighter color eye shadow on the rest of your eyelid with a medium-sized eye shadow brush, blending in with the first coat of eye shadow.

Step Five: Apply your mascara. You’re finished!

What else do you ladies need to learn? Fashion tips? Beauty tips? Let me know!

Beauty Shopping

The one thing better than experimenting with your make up personality is shopping for make up. When you walk in, there’s the smell of perfume and the multiple colors of eye shadow lined up in rainbow order. The consultants walk up and ask if you’d like a free makeover. There are hair dyes and body lotions and face powders and blush brushes of every shape and size. There are tons of stores out there designed solely for the make up lovers delight. Whether they’re online, your neighbor, or a car ride away, make up stores allow expert advice and a variety of face-designing options.

Sephora – Urban Decay and Too Faced and M|A|C, oh my! This is my personal favorite make up store. While it is very easy to drop $100 over three 5-ounce eyes shadows and a thing of blush, they have a reward-points card. Even on just a $60 dollar purchase, they throw in a medium sized, deliciously flavored body wash. What more can a girl ask for than awesome products and free rewards?!

Ulta – While they do carry your quality and not-so-expensive brands, Ulta also has a bigger variety of products that the pharmacies. If there’s a hair product you need to keep your hair curly throughout the entire day but you can only afford $10, they will have that Garnier or Aussie product.

Sally’s Beauty Supply – I’ve always thought of Sally’s as the “cool punk girl that you want to be but don’t have the guts to” of beauty supply stores. There are crazy hair color dyes and flat irons with chic designs. It’s a great place to go when you’re looking for an offbeat make up brand and style.

Mary Kay – When in need of a natural and cultured look, head to your nearest Mary Kay beauty consultant. They keep most of their make up and other products classy and sophisticated, yet affordable with good quality. Not only that, but I have had friends as beauty consultants and it’s a great company to work for. Support your local entrepreneurs.

Walgreen’s – Don’t be fooled by this neighborhood – er – national pharmacy. Just because they have the less expensive brands, doesn’t mean their beauty consultants don’t know what they’re talking about. You know that person who is standing in front of all the perfume; they were hired for that job. If you have a question on whether Maybelline or Cover Girl has the better mascara, chances are they have that answer for you.

Green Stiletto Salt Scrub

My new green obsession is eco-friendly exfoliating. If you haven’t been exfoliating, it’s life changing and you must make this recipe for my Green Salt Scrub immediately. Exfoliating has many benefits. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, (any woman’s arch nemesis) unclogs your pores, improves the texture of dull skin and helps keep your skin healthy, thus helping to prevent breakouts! Exfoliating will also help you retain that gorgeous tan you’ve been working so hard on if you exfoliate before rubbing on your sunscreen.

Naturally, I took a look at the ingredients in my salt scrub and I had a mini-heart attack! Nitrosamines – What on earth is that and why is it in my salt scrub?! I did some research on organic/green salt scrubs and they were shockingly expensive. I don’t want to pay $20+ for anything, let alone something I am going to use so up quickly. I exfoliate every day. The “experts” are divided on this issue. Some say it’s good to exfoliate every day, some say it’s bad for you. If you haven’t figured it out, I march to the beat of my own drum. So, I exfoliate every day and I love the way my skin looks!

So, What are you waiting for?

Green Stiletto Salt Scrub

1 cups of fine sea salt
2 cups of almond oil or olive oil
10 drops of lavender oil (I use tea tree oil but not everyone loves the medicinal smell)

Mix everything in a glass jar (reuse something laying around the house or visit a Goodwill) Jump in the shower and scrub away!! You will step out of the shower looking more radiant than ever!

I appreciate how inexpensive the ingredients are for the Green Stiletto Salt Scrub in comparison to a jar of the fancy stuff. Green Stiletto Girls are not brand snobs. We reuse, shop at thrift stores and make our own beauty products. We are completely independent and unbelievably eco-friendly.

Happy Exfoliating!

 

Step into Spring!

Spring and summer are the best time of the year for shoes. Whether it’s sandals, flats, espadrilles or pumps, they are far easier to slip into than the dreary-weather boots. Want to walk in style? We compiled a list that Fashion Week announced were all the hits of the season:

Boat shoes

[yellow is a hit color for spring]

Clogs

Floral prints

Snakeskin

Tribal-inspired

Oxfords

*All shoes and those like it can be found on Amazon! Don’t deny your shopoholism.

B H L D N

Anthropologie released their bridal line on February 14 and it’s been the talk
of the fashion blogs. With their classic and vintage styles, a bride can choose
her bridesmaid dresses along with her entire outfit. Here is a peak at B H L D N
[pronounced beholden]. Find the entire line at www.bhldn.com.

Weddings gowns.

Bridesmaid dresses.

Shoes.

Cover-ups.

Lingerie.

Hair adornments.

Accessories.

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