Category Archives: Beauty

October 31, 2012 · 09:00

Pop Art Girl

Posted by: Stacey Maka

It’s finally here, Halloween!! If you’re still looking for a last minute costume, look no further. Perhaps this pop art girl will do the trick. It’s quite easy and is always a crowd pleaser. Here’s how to create this look.

I already applied foundation, concealer, and pressed powder to my entire face. Pop art girls have dark eyebrows so I’m going in with black eye liner pencil to fill them in. And with a black liquid pencil liner I started to outline starting with my eyes.

To make my eyes appear bigger, I used a white liner pencil on my water line. I used a Roy Lichtenstein image for reference to pin point where to apply the expression lines.

You want to create lines in the creases of your eyes, down your nose bridge, around your nostrils, cupid’s bow, and outline of your lips.

Then I started to draw tear drops, and as well, created lines along the jaw line.

Once the outlines are done you can start filling in the tears with a white pencil liner. And with accents of blue, I filled the bottom of the tears. Then I filled in my lips with a red lipstick.

I decided to follow the reference picture a bit more and created the contours of the cheeks.

Now for the fun but time consuming part! I decided to paint on the spots using a brown concealer instead of red. The spots look best applied in a diagonal line. And of course if you want to really go all out, you can do these steps on your neck, hands, or anywhere else where your skin will be exposed for the full effect.

Apply false eyelashes and mascara on your bottom lashes. And if you aren’t already blessed with blue eyes, put on some coloured blue contacts.

 

And there you have it!

Have a very Happy Halloween everyone!!

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October 10, 2012 · 03:00

The Little Mermaid’s Ursula Makeup

Posted by: Stacey Maka

Continuing with my Halloween series – I decided to choose a villain instead of a princess since villains don’t normally get the spotlight. The Little Mermaid is my favourite Disney movie of all time, so I thought it would be perfect to do Ursula’s makeup. Of course I added my own twist and made it an oddly more wearable and modernized Ursula. Here’s how to look devilishly sexy in purple skin (lol).

Begin with flawless looking skin. I went ahead and mixed up the right shade for my complexion and used concealer to brighten up the center points of my face.

Blend the concealer with your brush and using a pressed powder, pack it down in place.

Fill in your brows.

Using my Sleek Glory palette, and with this rich ocean blue eyeshadow (Victoria), I sweeped the colour across my lids and slightly wing it out. Then I applied some of that same colour to the bottom lash line.

Using this shimmery sand colour (Overground), I applied some to my inner tear ducts to brighten up the eyes.

With a matte grey colour (Platform) I went on top of the blue and blended it out in a square motion for a bit of dimension.

And with a dark shimmer blue/grey colour (“Glitz” from the Sleek Oh So Special palette), I went halfway over the matter grey colour from the end of the wing and faded it out towards the inner part of my eyes. Then attached it to the bottom lash line as well, and blended everything together for a smokier look.

Taking a white pencil liner (Rimmel London Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in “Pure White”), directly line your water line so that it gives off the appearance of bigger eyes. Then with a black liquid liner you’re going to create fake lashes. Go in and create 3 lines of lashes.

Option: Some people might not feel comfortable wearing bottom lashes so you can also create some bottom lashes if you prefer to not wear any. This still gives off a great illusion of lashes.

Apply some dramatic top and bottom lashes and top it off with your favourite mascara.

I wanted to add a little extra “umph” to the look so I took a grey/brown shadow (“Matt Patel” The Balm Meet Matt(e) palette) and lightly blended the colour on top.

I popped in some hazel coloured contacts (to be honest I couldn’t determine Ursula’s exact eye colour so I thought this was a good guess). I purchased these from Pinky Paradise.

Now for Ursula’s octopus skin! I decided to use this shimmery purple/lavender colour (Essence in “Disco Diva”) and treated it as if I were to bronze and contour my skin usually. I thought it was a fresh approach instead of fully transforming my entire face and body to pure purple. So I used the colour on my cheeks and the temples of my forehead. Don’t be afraid to extend and go crazy with this, you want to exaggerate as much as possible.

For your nose use your normal bronzer to narrow it down.

Line your lips with the similar lip colour, and apply a deep red lipstick (Rimmel London Kate collection in #11). I use the index finger trick so that there is no lipstick stuck on my teeth.

Finishing touches: Can’t forget Ursula’s signature birth mark on the right side of her chin! Also her silver/white hair (wig purchased from ebay).

Don’t be afraid to add more purple on your body, like on your collar bone, shoulders, sides of your neck, and cleavage (it looks great to add accents of purple on your arms too).

The finished look!

As for wardrobe: I wore a black tube dress purchased from Zara but you can find a tube dress from anywhere else. The seashell is from Michaels Arts & Crafts and I attached it around my neck with a purple ribbon.

Stay tuned next week for another Halloween look!

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October 1, 2012 · 17:30

Marilyn Monroe Takes Over MAC

Posted by Stacey Maka

Last week I attend the exclusive viewing of the MAC Marilyn Monroe collection before it hits stores this coming Thursday October 4th. It was a small yet very cute event where many lucky ladies enjoyed some cocktails, good company, and delicious canapés. Besides the fantastic atmosphere (they even had a Marilyn Monroe model!), the collection itself is absolutely stunning. The colour selections are spot on to this iconic sex symbol. From eyebrow stain to shimmer shadows, everything is perfection. But of course, the lipsticks are what stood out the most. The variety of reds are amazing and oh so Marilyn! For those of you searching for that perfect red lip, you will most likely find it in this collection. Even for you modest ladies out there, do not shy away from this collection, there’s something for you too! So take a look at what I purchased.

I got 2 products…but I might have to go back for more.

My first purchase was the powder blush in “Legendary”.

When I first laid my eyes on this blush I had to have it! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. Of course pictures never really do justice, but it’s actually way more on the matte peachy side. I’ve been wearing it everyday since I got it (hence the crazy finger prints all over it).

It’s a nice natural light wash of colour.

Second product is a dazzleglass in “Phiff!”

Another peachy colour…what can I say, I love peach colours in the fall ;D (I was going to swatch this on my lips but decided to save it for an upcoming tutorial, so stay tuned for that!)

The checklist of what is in the collection.

Remember to visit your local MAC store on October 4th to check out this amazing Marilyn Monroe collection! You will not regret it!

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August 27, 2012 · 17:06

Bringing Back the 90s

Posted by: Stacey Maka

Move over 80s because the 90s is the new black [insert cheesy cliché line]! Being that I was born in the late 80s, makes me a kid of the 90s – and like any kid/teen of the 90s would know, the 90s had a big movement in music. Whether it was from pop to hip-hop to grunge – they were all influential to our fashion and lifestyle. The 90s were kept pretty simple makeup wise though. Skin was porcelain perfect, eyebrows and lips were defined (the centers of attention), and all while eyes were more on the subtle side. Matte colours were what it was all about. I’ll show you how to take some of that 90s flavour into your everyday school or work look.

The 90s Natural

I believe this was a very common and a fresh everyday look at the time. It was all about dewy skin, and looking like you were barely wearing any makeup. This look is great for you girls who are going back to school since its fast, simple, yet still showcases your natural beauty (your young skin really doesn’t need to be wearing a lot of makeup anyways!).

I already did my base. I used Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream and Tarte Smooth Operator loose powder.

So first off…you got to work those eyebrows, and don’t be afraid to fill them in a little thicker than usual. If you look back at pictures from the 90s you’ll see how thick and naturally beautiful they kept their eyebrows back then.

With a black eyeliner pencil, line your inner lash line. This will help your lashes to appear fuller.

Keep it natural with some demi false eyelashes.

Then coat your top and bottom lashes with mascara.

Lip liner was huge in the 90s so line those babies up with a coffee colour (or similar). Then apply a nude lipstick and don’t forget to blot to get rid of some shine. Yea I know their lips were even more matte back then, but I think it’s ok to have some shine so that your lips don’t look dry or chapped…plus we got to modern this up a bit right?

And there you have it!

If you want to have fun with the entire 90s look, and have naturally curly/wavy hair, add some mousse and let your hair air dry (or blow dry on medium heat with preferably a diffuser). As for wardrobe, I chose to wear a black leotard and a vintage denim jacket.

The 90s Glam

Bright matte red lips were also another big 90s hit. Transiting from the natural look to the glam look is super simple to do.

So go in with a black eyeliner pencil again and line your waterline to complete the tight lining on your eyes.

With a matte black eyeshadow on an angled brush, line as close as you can to your eyelash line.

You may want to reapply some more mascara.

Again, line your lips but this time with a red liner, and apply a bright red lipstick.  I found this great colour from the Kate collection by Rimmel London in number 11.

You can blot again or you can follow this neat trick. Split a tissue part, place one side over your lips, and with a loose powder and a big brush pat it over your lips for a longer lasting colour and more matte finish.

Lightly apply a light matte brown eyeshadow across the lid, and as well along down the starting point of your brow and eye (this brings more shape to your face and also creates a narrower look). Then with the same colour, use a heavy hand and apply the colour into your crease.

You may even want to go in with a light contour powder and dust a bit on the hallows of your cheeks and along the sides of your nose.

For hair, I kept the same style in the natural look. But if you want the real thing, slick your hair back with some gel. As for my wardrobe, I just wore a vintage cream white crop tank top with some high-waisted shorts (if you could see :]).

If you’re not so much into the clean prettiness, then go ahead and take it into…

The 90s Grunge

Using a q-tip and/or your finger, go ahead and smudge your makeup to look like you were partying all night. “Bedhead” is alright here so mess up that do for a less polished look.

I was a little Courtney Love inspired with the tiara but ended up looking more on the prom-ish side (lol). If you can pull off the tiara then go for it. But if you decide to ditch the crown, this look is great with a vintage slip dress and some mary janes.

Hope you enjoyed the looks! Let’s keep the 90s alive :D

 

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July 23, 2012 · 15:05

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Ramona Flowers Inspired Makeup

Posted by: Stacey Maka

I just couldn’t wait for Halloween to do this look! And if you’re like me and like to think about your costume ahead of time (this way ahead!), then I hope this might help you with some ideas. This was actually my costume last year, but I just had to show it again because it was one of my favourite looks of all time. Even though most people thought I was just some anime character it was still so much fun to be Ramona and walk along side my Scott Pilgrim.

Even though Ramona Flowers is such a badass I kept the makeup quite cute and simple. I enhanced my eye shape to make them appear bigger and went with soft pinks for the lips and cheeks. Here’s how to recreate this easy look.

1. Ramona has quite fair skin so using a BB cream (Lioele Triple the Solution) in a shade lighter than your own skin tone, apply it to your face, 2. Next, prep your eyes with a primer (Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion), 3. Mattify your face with pressed powder (Maybelline Dream Matte Powder), 4. Fill in your brows (Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Ash).

5. Taking a beige shimmer eyeshadow colour (Kat Von D in Enjoy the Silence), 6. Apply it to your entire lid, 7. As well as your brow bone for a little more shine.

8. Now taking a shimmer bronze brown colour (Kat Von D in Pray for Me), 9. Apply it to your crease, 10. You may want to blend it in a bit.

11. Taking a white eyeliner pencil (from Sephora), you want to start lining your eyes, 12. I exaggerated them a bit to make my eyes appear slightly bigger.

13. Begin by winging out with liquid liner (Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner), 14 & 15. From underneath the white eyeliner, start connecting the lines together. We are trying to create a bigger and more cartoon eye just like Ramona’s eyes.  16. And thicken the line a bit to make your eyes stand out.

17. With a medium brown eyeshadow, 18. Apply the colour into your crease, 19 & 20. Get ready to apply some dramatic eyelashes and your teal wig (from ebay)!

Ramona has short hair but I chose to keep the wig long for my own spin.

21. Using a bronzer (The Balm Bahama Mama bronzer), 22. You want to create a narrower and smaller looking nose, 23. And with a pink blush (The Balm Down Boy), 24. Apply to the apples of your cheeks.

25 & 26. Finish your lips off with a cute milky pink colour (Melliesh in 05), 27. Apply mascara to your bottom lashes.

For wardrobe, I’m wearing a blue hoodie from American Apparel, a black choker I had laying around, Geo Honey Wing circle lenses, and some goggles I purchased from ebay.

I hope you enjoyed this easy Ramona Flowers look!

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Aside

A Vagabond, though Rooted in Style

Posted by: Hana Gabrielle

Don’t call it a comeback. Sorry folks! I’ve been missing in action for the last couple of weeks so that may explain the delay in my posts. My, have I missed this.

It’s summer and what most people do when they have some time off is: travel. Who wouldn’t? I heard an awesome quote a few days ago that goes like this:

“The World is a Book. When you do not travel, you only read one page”

As an aspiring self-proclaimed vagabond,  I want to read this book from cover to cover. Even twice.

This summer, I will be travelling to Europe in August, specifically Ireland and Scotland for 2 weeks to visit my sister and her husband who currently reside there.

I like to think I travel a lot, maybe not as much as I want since expenses hold me back, but for the most part, I try to. And, most times when I do travel, I rarely find the time, patience and even space to pack my whole closet – thus, finding ways to be super stylish but also comfortable (especially for the sight-seeing adventures) when you’re in the streets of Paris or Milan seem impractical unless you’re Beyonce or Mariah Carey (who wears 5 inch heels to Disney World? I’m just saying.)

The point is when you travel, you pack light, you pack for comfort and you also pack for the weather.

It would be easy packing for Mexico or any other hot destination because the majority of your luggage would be bathing suits. But Ireland and Scotland in August? Hmmm. That’s a tough one.

In Ontario, Canada where I reside, our summer’s are fairly hot and humid. But in Ireland and Scotland, apparently it’s not so much. Word has it – it rains. Frequently. Often. Maybe, all the time with hints of sun light here and there.

From what I hear though and what I’ve read, all that rain makes Ireland and Scotland what is is; Lush, Green and Beautiful. My sister Nikki has reassured me the scenery is breathtaking.

Is this a perfect opportunity for photo sessions with breathtaking scenery then? I think yes!

But you better believe it –  I plan to be a little stylish tourist ready for the weather and the rolling green hills!

Below, I have compiled 4 different outfits I would probably see myself wearing when traveling to Ireland and Scotland.

Who says you can’t be damn cute in the rain?


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T.Babaton – Bergen Blouse in Abstract Animal (originally $120) - www.aritzia.com

T.Babaton – Alvin Shorts (originally $110) - www.aritzia.com

Printed Lace Raincoat (originally $89.32) - www.freepeople.com

Dilute Leopard Loafers (originially $80.00) - www.Anthropologie.com

 The Kinney Reader Eye Frames ($200-500) - www.needsupplyco.com

 Gold Arc bracelet ($80.00) – www.shopsupplyroom.com

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Taluta Trooper Jacket – in Surplus (originally $120) - www.aritzia.com

 V-Fringe Brown Purse ($25.00) – www.brandymelvilleusa.com/

 Always in Bloom Dress ($34.00) – www.shopconversationpieces.com/

 Sam Edelman Lisle Ankle Boot (originally $160) - www.urbanoutfitters.com

 Max & Chloe – Emily Elizabeth Jewelery Polished Fern Leaf Bangle ($98) - www.maxandchloe.com

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Lizzie Fortunato Medicine Woman Necklace (approximately $200-500) - www.francesmay.com

 Citizens of Humanity – Dylan – San Marco Denim Pants ($236) - www.aritzia.com

 Vivid Beginning Oxfords ($79) - www.Anthropologie.com

Super Duper Strength –  Karen Walker Sunglasses - www.karenwalkereyewear.com

 Sail Me Away Shirt ($21.00) – http://www.conversationpieces.com

 Fashion Rebel Vest by Strong and Dickerson ($78.00) - www.shopconversationpieces.com

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River Island Beaded Tribal Belt ($24.86) - www.asos.com

Loeffler Randall Rain Boot ($150) - www.loefflerrandall.com/

 Community Prana Sweater – Finch (originally $85) - www.aritzia.com

 Wilfred Wallis Skirt ($125) - www.aritzia.com

The Classic – Cambridge Satchel Company ($150-250) - www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk/

 Anthropologie Hertiage Rain Coat - www.Anthropologie.com

 Deep Freeze Karen Walker Eyewear - www.karenwalkereyewear.com

Jean Paul Gaultier Umbrella ($75.00) - www.openingceremony.us

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July 18, 2012 · 15:59
July 17, 2012 · 15:00

The Dark Knight Rises: Catwoman Inspired Makeup

Posted by: Stacey Maka

Yes, yet another superhero makeup tutorial! As excited I was about The Amazing Spider-Man movie (which I’m happy to say I watched the day advance screening of and thought the movie was awesome!), I believe The Dark Knight Rises is going to be the big summer superheroes movie box office hit. It’s a very highly anticipated film which I’m really looking forward too as well. Looking at the movie stills of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman made me want to do this look. I incorporated some of the design of Catwoman’s mask into this look while still keeping a cat eye theme. Let’s start:

1. You really don’t want any creasing happening with this dark look so start with priming your eyelids (Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion), 2. Especially when using dark eyeshadows, it’s best to apply loose powder (Tarte Smooth Operator) beneath your eyes in case any fall out happens and ruins your foundation.

3. Taking a greyish taupe colour (Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe), 4. Apply this all over your lids including your upper tear duct (we will be using this has our base so don’t worry too much about mistakes), 5. Start to create a cat eye and apply some to your bottom line as well, 6. Don’t be afraid to wing it out as much as you need to. An extreme eye calls for extreme measures.

7. Using a silver-grey colour (MAC Knight), 8. Apply it to the inner corner of your lids.

9. Taking a very deep matte green eyeshadow (MAC Femme Noir), 10. Apply it starting from the center of your lids and out towards the ends, 11. Line the entire bottom of your eyes right to the tear ducts, 12. Avoid getting too close to the cat line.

13. Taking the blackest eyeshadow (MAC Hot Contrast…so broken!), 14. Apply it to the crease and outer corner of your eyes, and start to define the cat line. If you find it too harsh go around and use your blending brush to soften it a bit.

15. Taking a highlight colour (Kat Von D in Heavens from the Saint palette), 16. Apply right under your brow bone. It gives the eyes a nice finish.

Line your waterline with black eyeliner (Kat Don D Autograph Pencil in Puro Amor).

17. When I think Catwoman, I think of very strong and powerful facial features so let’s do a bit of contouring (The Balm Bahama Mama bronzer), 18. You can apply contour to the hollows of your cheeks, 19. Your jawline, 20. Your temples, and even down the sides of your nose.

21. Use a lip liner before applying your lipstick (Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Addiction), 22. I used a more pinky-red but if you want to use full on red go right ahead.

This is where the more fun part starts!

23. Using a liquid liner, draw a line that curves along your crease line (do your best to not blink before it’s dry!), 24. Once your crease line in done, create a cat eye liner and connect the 2 lines together, 25. From the end of the cat eye liner, start to draw out diagonal lines, 26. Try not to space the lines out too much.

27. Keep them coming! As you get to the end of the line, making the lines more faint as possible, 28. As shown.

29. To make Catwoman’s mask inspired diagonal lines pop more, taking a brown taupe (MAC Satin Taupe), 30. You are going to first apply it to the center of your lower lids, 31. Then start applying the colour between each line, 32. If you need to go back with the liquid liner to define the black lines again go right ahead.

33. The eyes are already very dramatic so I wanted to keep the eyelashes more simple. Apply some false eyelashes (Quo in 803), 34. And apply mascara (Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus) to your lower lashes as well.

I hope this gets you all pumped up to see The Dark Knight Rises!

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July 10, 2012 · 13:30

Makeup Bag Must-Haves For Summer

Posted by: Stacey Maka

Like giving yourself a summer vacation – this is a great time for your skin to get some needed rest as well (your skin deserves a vacation too)! Summer makeup is all about “less is more” and being able to expose your natural beauty instead. Here are my picks for summer makeup bag must-haves:

Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

If I could have only one eyeshadow palette with me, it would have to be a neutral palette. Neutrals are instant brighteners to your eyes. It never fails to have natural/earthy tones with you in case you end up having some last minute plans and don’t have much time to complete a full new look. Neutrals go with all skin tones and are easy to create simple yet beautiful looks. You can easily turn your day look into a night look using just neutrals.

BB Cream

If you’re not into the heavy feel of foundations or think tinted moisturizers are still too light coverage, BB cream is the way to go. I’ve been using it for years and never looked back. It’s extremely easy to throw on and best of all most of them include an SPF. They may appear light at first but after a few minutes they oxidize to your skin and finish off looking very natural.

Eyebrow Pencil

For those super lazy days where you just don’t feel like wearing makeup – I believe you should at least fill in your eyebrows. Eyebrows are the frames to your face and are what make your natural beauty stand out. For brunettes: your brow pencil should be 2-3 shades lighter than your hair colour, and for blondes: 2 shades darker.

Liquid Liner

Liquid liner can completely change up your look in an instant. Lining as close to your eyelashes as you can will make your lashes appear fuller than they really are. Your eyes will appear more defined and dramatic in a flash. This is my “go to” when I absolutely don’t feel like wearing any eyeshadows. A quick winged cat eye and I’m set to go.

Bronzer

Everyone can agree that sun-kissed bronzy skin is beautiful in the summertime. Bronzer enhances your tan, which leaves your skin with a beautiful glow. It’s best to apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, around your jaw line, and if you’re like me, add a little bit on the sides of your nose to make it appear as if you have a slimmer and more defined nose.

Mascara

I’m very much a false eyelashes kind of girl, but when going to the beach it is not something I recommend. If you absolutely can’t go without anything on your eyelashes all day, opt for mascara instead.

Lip Balm

This is a must in everyone’s makeup bag. And just like the rest of your body, it’s important to have an SPF in your lip balm as well. It will help protect your lips from the harsh UV rays. I preferably try to stay away from wearing too much lipstick/lip gloss, but if I want some colour I reach for a tinted lip balm.

Press Powder

Shine is bound to happen during the day so having a compact in your bag is a big lifesaver. It’s understandable to not want to wear much makeup in hot/humid weather. If you want to just throw on some press powder and call it a day, by all means do so.

Concealer

I’m sure we can all relate to having more breakouts in the summertime than in the wintertime. Our sweat can clog up our pores and create these unwanted monsters. They can surface anytime so having concealer in your makeup bag is a great essential to have with you.

And most importantly…

Sunscreen!

As wonderful as the sun is, protecting your skin is extremely important. Times have changed so it’s possible to find sunscreens in all variations. From non-sticky, spray can, sport, to even a stick form, there is no longer any more excuses to them not fitting in with your personal needs. Sunscreen will help you in the long run from any sun damage, and it also helps to prevent skin cancer. Never ever leave the house without this stuff!

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June 20, 2012 · 15:30

Green Tea, Seaweed, and Wasabi, Oh My!

Posted by: Stacey Maka

Summer is officially here (yay!). So what good way to start off the day with some easy at-home and not to mention delicious face masks? During this hot and humid weather we want to wear less makeup and let our natural beauty shine through instead. And since we are going to be wearing less on our face, we need to make sure our skin is well taken care of. Here I have three Asian inspired types of masks using green tea, seaweed, and yes, wasabi! Lady or gent, you need to try these out.

Hydrating Green Tea + Yogurt Mask

We already know green tea has many health benefits so it’s no surprise to hear what it can do for our skin as well. Green tea has a high concentration of antioxidants, benefits those with rosacea, and even helps to slow down signs of aging. Also when applied to your skin it offers sun damage protection by scavenging free radicals, which is great news for us in the summer. Yogurt is packed with enzymes, protein, and zinc which helps clean pores and leaves your skin super soft. Yogurt also includes antioxidant properties, and helps lighten dark spots and blemishes. It also helps to restore balance to your skin’s natural pH level.

You are going to need packaged green tea leafs (or powder) and just some plain ‘ol yogurt.

You want to mix 1 teaspoon and a half of green tea, and 2 teaspoons of yogurt. Mix well, then apply to your entire face.

Leave mask on for 10 minutes, rinse off, and then finish off with your daily skin routine. You will notice how hydrated your skin is afterwards.

Exfoliating Seaweed Mask

For some, seaweed might be an acquired taste, but we can’t fight the fact how great it is for our skin. Seaweed is high in potassium, calcium, amino acids, and vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12. Vitamin B’s have anti-inflammatory properties which are helpful for those with rosacea. Minerals are also in seaweed to repair damaged skin cells. Another great benefit from seaweed is that it opens and clears your pores which make it an excellent detoxifying mask.

All you need are some seaweed sheets.

Let the seaweed soak in warm water for a minute or two until it softens up.

This is optional but you can use otsuka nori for extra exfoliant.

Massage the mix into your skin and let it dry for 10 minutes (you will feel your skin tightening from the seaweed), rinse off, and then follow off with your daily face routine. You will be left with a smooth complexion and a refreshing cooling sensation.

Detoxifying Wasabi + Olive Oil Mask

It’s hard to believe that this spicy fellow is very beneficial to your skin. But since it is filled with calcium, vitamin C, potassium, and phytochemicals, wasabi strengthens the antioxidants in your body which helps your skin fight free radicals. Wasabi also helps to prevent acne from breaking out.  I know it seems a bit scary to apply to your skin but wasabi is a great way to detoxify your skin. Not to mention, when applied to your lips it is an amazing lip plumper!

All you need is extra virgin olive oil, and of course, wasabi.

Mix in 3-5 teaspoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of wasabi. Massage the wasabi and olive oil mix into your face (this great for your hands too) for 10 minutes, and then rinse off using your daily cleanser. You will be left with cleaner, smoother and brighter looking skin.

*Since we’re working with wasabi, please be careful when applying this mask around your eyes. Never apply wasabi on its own onto your skin because I kid you not, it will burn!

Time to eat.

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June 6, 2012 · 16:47

Body Image: Learning To Love You

Posted by: Stacey Maka

As human beings it’s only normally to have our own insecurities – since being exposed everyday to images of perfectly air-brushed models and celebrities can be discouraging. I want to put out my own thoughts and experiences out there for I have always been called “chubby” or “fat” growing up. I always got my cheeks pinched til they turned red (which still brings back bad memories if anyone attempts to do that now) and teased for being a bit heavier than most kids. It always confused me because my mom always cooked for me. I ate the same way my family did, and I did almost the same activities as them, yet they were all so much more slimmer than I was.

It wasn’t until high school when I started to lose some weight. I joined the cheerleading team, but I honestly slacked off when it came to our workout routines at practice. In my late freshman year to my sophomore year, I was a size 6 which is the smallest I’ve ever been. But it wasn’t just joining a sports team that made me lose weight. As a teenager, I usually skipped breakfast because eating in the morning made me feel sick for some reason. And at lunch time, sometimes I didn’t even eat lunch and just waited until I got home from school to eat. I really didn’t do it on purpose though. I spent most of my lunch breaks circling around the entire school with my friends, chatting, and sipping on only a juice box. I was getting exercise without realizing it, but at the same time I wasn’t healthy since I wasn’t eating.

Once I graduated and entered college I started to gain some weight again. I got teased here and there so I tried out many attempts to lose it. I went on all the diets you can think of which didn’t last more than 3 weeks. I also went on a paid diet plan program, and even became a vegetarian for 2 years to lose weight (but I gave in to a hamburger that tempted me one day). My college years were probably the hardest I’ve been on my body image though. I was constantly being reminded that my body wasn’t up to par with the other girls. Also the fact that I’m Asian put pressure on me since Asians are “suppose to be” super thin and slender.  I’ve been told in the past that if I just lost 10 pounds or so I would be more “dateable”. Listen, if this ever happens to you, don’t even bother with what this person has to say. Just block it out entirely. People with comments like that aren’t even worth your time.

I can honestly say I didn’t think my weight was that big of an issue. But when the people around me pointed it out, I started to see it as an issue. I probably wouldn’t have went on crazy diets if people didn’t grab my belly fat or if the people around me didn’t think they themselves needed to lose weight either. When your friends think there is something wrong with the way they look (but they look perfectly fine!), you start to wonder if there’s something wrong with you too. But you need to figure out what is right for you based on how you feel about yourself, not what your friend thinks of themselves. I try my best to put those comments behind me and just continue on being my happy and confident self no matter what I hear. I’m telling you now: being slimmer is not the answer to getting you more men/women flocking your way.  It is your confidence and the way you carry yourself that attracts them. And if that’s your only main reason to losing weight, you need to revaluate. Sure, being slimmer can score you more attention, but who really wants to be with someone who only likes them based on their appearance? At my heaviest weight (150lbs at 5’3), I still went out, had fun, flirted, and even got a boyfriend. I wasn’t totally pleased with that weight, but I didn’t let it stop me from living my life the way I wanted to live it. My weight had nothing to do with it and I didn’t make it a big deal either. If you don’t love yourself first, how will others love you back? And most of the time what you think are imperfections are what others think are interesting or sexy about you.

There is nothing wrong with self-improvements when you aren’t happy with something, I’m totally for it. But I believe we forget to love ourselves first before anything. Sure, we can get as sexy fit as we want to, but it only masks our inner issues that we have with ourselves. I believe it should start with us. Don’t let the things you don’t like about yourself rule your life. They aren’t flaws – but are what give you character and make you stand out from others. Taking those negatives and changing them into positives will give you a whole new perspective. If others see how much pride you take in who you are, they will notice how wonderful you are too. If we are happier, have a positive attitude, learn to appreciate what we have over what we don’t, and just be one with ourselves, we will naturally exude beauty, confidence, and health.

As I’m getting older, I decided I want to become healthier for my own future benefits. Only 2 weeks ago I started to exercise and really watch my diet. I not only want to look good on the outside but I want to feel amazing on the inside. I already notice improvements in my thinking and my stamina. I feel less sluggish, depressed, and I’m just feeling more positive about everything, even though I’m going through difficult life changes. I cannot let what others think corrupt how I feel about myself, nor should you. What matters most is what you think about yourself. I love myself, but sometimes I forget what I truly need for my own happiness. We hate to admit it but others or even our loved ones influence our thoughts, and if they have doubts we have them too. If it’s something that is really affecting your thinking or life, it is something you should address to their attention. They could be saying it without knowing how it hurts you. But overall, when it comes down to it – if you want to change something, do it for yourself, not because someone told you that you should. If it makes YOU happy, that’s what counts. And most importantly, just love every inch of you while you’re at it.

Mirror image via fat2fitradio.com, tummy heart image via healing.about.com, self hug image via epicself.com.

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