I will be representing the organization by attending events, product knowledge, educating and increasing awareness to clients. I will be providing services such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and light and laser therapy. I pride myself on my education, business demeanor, and experience as a whole in the industry, so you can feel comfortable coming to me for service. Feel free to travel to see me, it will be worth the treatment!

 I thank everyone for their continued support and prayers for my new challenge and journey.

It is very important to take care of your skin on the outside, but to also know what to put in your body so you are taking care of your skin from the inside so it shows on the outside. I just want to give a few tips on how to take care of your skin on the outside and a few things you can eat and drink to help your skin glow.

1. Oily fish such as sardines, tuna and salmon are good sources of EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) Omega-3 and Omega-6. You need these oils not only for your inside health but it produces natural oils to come to the surface of the skin and that is needed especially in the colder season.
2. These foods contain antioxidants: berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants); black grapes; Brazil nuts; broccoli; carrots; cherries; chestnuts; hazelnuts; kale; raisins; papaya; peas; peppers; prunes; spinach; sweet potatoes and tomatoes. We need antioxidants to keep our skin plump and elastic, (better than getting botox injections right?) Not only that but antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E, some of the B complex vitamins.
3. The best drink for your skin is a cocktail of pure water! There are debates of should it be tap, bottled, or fancy water…Well…the answer is if the tap water is fine in your home and doesn’t have contaminants then tap it is. Some of us aren’t that lucky and have to drink bottled water. Just make sure you look at the ingredients and make sure it is pure water.  Green Teas protect from free radicals from the environment. Roobios Teas are proven for such conditions as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis. Make sure to check the labels on the tea.

Always remember everyone’s skin is different and not a single person’s skin is built the same so it is very important that you take care of your skin accordingly! Take time for yourself!

Your skin is recovering from the winter blues! It has a tendency to be dry, dry dry! It is very important to wear a hydrating mask for 30 minutes a week! You do not have to purchase an expensive brand, but the more natural ingredients the better. You can research a few brands to see what works for you in your budget, but make sure the mask says hydrating. If you can not afford a mask, apply pure aloe vera to the face for a half hour. Tip: Steam face before mask so it can help open pores.

Purchase a high grade olive oil and apply a small amount no larger than a size of a quarter, then apply on face after cleansing each night. This will help soften your skin at night.

It is important exfoliate twice a week, if you do not then your cleanser and moisturizer will not be able to work correctly and penetrate your skin. This will cause dead cells to sit on top of the skin and make your face appear very dull. If you can not afford an exfoliator, you can substitute by using oatmeal and honey as a gentle exfoliator.

Lastly, and always drink plenty of water…

We all know we hibernate in the winter, but with spring around the corner you want to start looking your glowing best!

MakeupByLaVelle

Spring 2010 is going to display a few different trends for this year. One end of the spectrum you will be naturally nude to all the way to shadows being full of color with a combination of  red lipsticks that come to life!

Let’s talk about natural/nude trends first. This is why it is so very important to maintain great skincare by using sunscreen on face/body and lips. One of the  popular natural looks will be a natural peachy/pink lip with a gentle shine according toyour skin tone. If you have discoloring on your lips, you can use *Lip Erase by M.A.C. to neutralize and get an even tone before your lip application.

There will be little to none application of mascara, if any its only on top lashes. Eyeshadows, close to the skin tone where the shadow blends into the lid and only one shade used. Example, if you have fair skin use a peachy/pink depending on your undertone and if you are olive to a darker skin use a variety of cinnamon browns to mocha. This look is truly earthy and clean, and beautiful!

The other trend for Spring 2010 will be hot..hot..sizzle..sizzle! Get out your red lipstick (again, know what sexy shade of red is best for you from fire crimson to berry red). Pick out your vibrant shades of shadows including greens, purples, and even blues for the smoky look. Trying these shades of eyeshadows shows there is no limit on what you can try to compliment your overall look, even glitter is making a strong comeback! Cheeks this spring season will demonstrate a chisled look (just think early-mid 80′s rock stars like Madonna and even Prince). Remember if you have drier skin, use a cream blush as that will work best for you. You can even try a blue mascara, this will help your eyes pop and give a certain twinkle.

If you are nervous about spending a lot of money, just go to your local drugstore because you can find great prices to test products. Try a few colors and see what works for you!

*I am not paid by any company to endorse products.

MakeupByLaVelle

*Not in any particular order*

1.  NYX – 5 Color Palette Eyeshadow/5 in one  (Shown as 7.99)

2.  Maybelline – Lip Liner (Shown as 1.99)

3.  Cover Girl -  Loose Powder (Shown as 5.89)

4.  L’Oreal – Colour Juice Lipgloss (Shown as 7.99)

5.  Revlon – Smoothing Primer (Shown as 11.99)

6.  Neutrogena- Blot Sheets (Shown as 7.19)

7.  Almay – Makeup Remover Pads (Shown Travel Size as .99)

8.  Ulta – Cheek Color (Shown as 6.99)

9.  Physicians Formula- 100% Natural Origin Bronzer (Shown as 13.99)

10. Studio Gear – Hidden Agenda Concealer (Shown as 15.00)

You should be able to find with these brands on a budget everything you need for your face. Just make sure if you have questions about the right color for you, ask someone at the makeup counter. In the case, of example if you go to Ulta (where I found these prices, but subject to change at all times) or Sephora make sure to ask an associate because that is what they get paid to do. So there is no excuse not to take care of your appearance, even if you just have to throw on a little powder and a little gloss on the go!

Until next time! Stay warm! Happy New Years!

MakeupByLaVelle

There are a lot of people that don’t even know what is the purpose of Chinese acupressure. Chinese acupressure is a form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of acupuncture and Chinese (Eastern) medicine. In acupressure, the same points on the body are used as in acupuncture, but are stimulated with finger pressure instead of with the insertion of needles. Acupressure is used to relieve a variety of symptoms and pain and also to aid in natural face lifts (firmness) or even dermititis.

I have always been interested and I was ready to go! The first half of the first day we learned theory behind acupressure. The flow of Chi (energy) and the Yin and Yang (complementary opposites). We learned how all of the organs are connected. So if you have a problem with one organ it could originate in another organ, again this is the Eastern medicine approach. We learned 22 (Tsubo) points on the face and shoulder- in other words the points that we would press to stimulate.  After lunch we were ready for the practical, so we changed into our lab coats and gowns.

The most important part we learned from our instructor is that when you are applying acupressure to your client that you must clear your mind and have positive thoughts or you will throw your negative energies on to them (noting the third eye is also a pressure point) so watch out! You also learn an important breathing technique you must use or this will not work correctly.

The next day it was all practical and it was great. It truly relaxes you and we kept practicing our breathing techniques and our pressure on our partners. I know there are some skeptics out there, but it affects everyone differently. It really worked for me on my energies and you must drink plenty of water because it is releasing toxins in your body and helping the flow of energy in your body and organs.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone, for one it’s more natural approach rather than taking medicines to soothe and hide pain such as headaches and sinus ailments (I am not recommending that you don’t take medicine, always contact your physician with any illness).

I come away with the knowledge that the body is harmonious because of the organs. Each organ supports each other in some connection. Again, for example if you have problems with your eyes (yellowing) it could be your liver. If you notice when you go to the doctor and he/she looks at your tongue it is connected to your heart.

Our body is amazing and we must take care of it as we only have one! If you have a chance get this service done in your area, or contact me and I will be happy to hook you up!

Happy Holidays Everyone Be Safe and Be Blessed!

MakeupByLaVelle

You may ask “Why should I steam my face?”, or “How do I even do that at home?” Well here are a few good reasons why you should steam your face.

1. Steaming your face is the best way to loosen debris from your skin, and deep clean your pores. The clogged pores will open and your skin will soften, making the impurites and dead skin cells easier to remove.

Here are a few tips on how to steam your face this up coming season as this is how I also steam mine!

1. Get a pot of water and boil on the stove until a soft boil (you don’t want to get so hot that you won’t be able to bare the heat).

2. Get two towels, (one to put under the pot while you sit on a table and another to put over your head).

3. Depending on your skin type have essential oils that go with your skin type (oily, dry, acne prone) are excellent for the skin. They have so many healing properties and you can get at your local organic or herbal stores/markets.

Here are a few that will help you. If you have oily skin, put about 5 drops of either Lemon, or Peppermint essential oil in your pot. If you have dry skin, put about 5 drops of either Rose or Lavender. Lastly, if you suffer from acne then use Tea Tree oil. Then lower your face in the pot with the towel over your head draped over the pot for about 10/15 minutes.

4. When done, wash face with lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry. Its that simple! If you do not have the oils the steam alone will help you out tremendously until you want to try the oils!

 So make sure you take care of your face wherever you are this coming Winter season!

Good Luck and let me know how it goes!

MakeupByLaVelle

Take hot showers, this will open your pores and help release the toxins in your body. It is good to at least exfoliate 2-3 times a week. Avoid drying soaps, and make sure as soon as you dry off to moisturize with natural body butters, (Shea, real Cocoa Butter)

 It is so important to take care of your lips!!! It is very easy for the lips to become chapped and it is one of the first things you see when you talk to someone. If your lips peel, as they are easy to do in the winter make sure you find a lip balm that has AHA in it. AHA is simply Alpha Hydroxy Acid, the words don’t sound simple but…it has been used for centuries for skin rejuvenation and exfoliation.

It is also important to use a humidifier. You would be surprised on how quickly when seasons change how your skin also changes. Some people get extremely dry, and you don’t drink as much water as you do in the summer. So make sure you also drink plenty of water and keep your humidifier going!

The skin is the largest organ, so it is important that you detoxify. Drink hot water with lemon, or another option with a kick is hot water with ginger once or twice a week. You will be surprised how this will keep irritants away and cleanse out your body and will help relax you in the evenings or those cold days.

Last but not least, SLEEP, SLEEP, SLEEP! This is one of my favorite things to do! Our bodies are on the go, we are twittering, keeping up with our families, and dealing with all types of stress including dealing with the economy. Even if you think you don’t need as much, it is best to get at least eight hours of sleep. If you are not able to get that, try to get a nap in sometime in the day or the weekend. Trust me the older you get, you will see the difference especially under the eyes!

Stay tuned for more tips!

MakeupByLaVelle

Smoky eyes look is here again stronger than ever before. So black eyeliner is a must have for fall and winter 2008/2009. I recommend Smolder eye khol by MAC.

 Natural eyebrows are the trend for the fall/winter. Don’t tweeze so much and find a clear brow gel instead to tame the brows. Remember, a heavier brow can also make you appear younger. For the lips, red lipstick is back along with rich berry lips, even neutral lips will be a great choice for the fall, (gives an innocent girly look). The cheeks will be a contoured, chiseled look. Not too harsh but just enough for the look! Yes everyone the 80′s are back…. I hope you love these tips! Fall is my favorite season, so enjoy the rest of the summer and get ready to try some of these looks! Good luck!!

 MakeupByLaVelle