Friday, December 23, 2011

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

7 Ingredients to Stop the Clock!



Hey guys!
Below is a re-post from Stylist, some really good anti-aging tips and ingredients!:



 Green Tea, Red Wine And 5 Other Ingredients To Stop The Clock
When it comes to anti-aging, we're literally inundated with creams and serums that promise to fill lines, even spots and even bring you back the smooth skin you had when you were younger. Lofty claims aside, how do you know what really works? While certain products make certain promises, there are a few ingredients that are scientifically proven to work -- and we've enlisted the best of the best in the skincare field to help break it down. Herewith, our guidelines for the top seven anti-aging ingredients:
1. RETINOIDS: A derivative of vitamin-A. Retinoids are hands-down the most important (and effective) ingredient on the market. "That’s always my first choice when people ask me," says Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, founder of Specific Beauty. "We’re talking about years and years of clinical research that has been proven to improve fine lines and wrinkles." Retinoids work by rapidly turning over the cells, which then generates healthier, younger-looking skin -- once the dead skin cells are removed. You should know that it comes in different forms (and strengths): Retinol (which is great for beginners) can be found in various over-the-counter products, while its stronger counterparts retin-A, Tazorac and Differin and require precsriptions.


2. GREEN TEA: A botanical antioxidant. The nutrients in green tea neutralize free radicals that damage cells and tissue, which in turn slows down the aging process. While you can reap the benefits by drinking green tea, Woolery-Lloyd advises applying it topically: "It's more concentrated and will work better as an antioxidant."


3. VITAMIN-C: A naturally-occurring antioxidant that helps fight free radicals. "One of the things that can cause wrinkles, among skin cancer and other things, is damage towards DNA,"notes Woolery-Lloyd. "80 percent of the damage that can occur in the DNA of the skin comes from some environmental sources like the sun or smoking or living in a highly-polluted environment. Antioxidants block the free radicals in our skin that can increase skin damage, photo aging, wrinkles and fine lines." Vitamin-C works to prevent that.


4. RESVERATROL: A powerful antioxidant derived from grape skin, and found in red wine. By promoting cell turnover and increasing collagen and elastin production, it effectively firms skin's texture. Resveratrol is also effective at repairing damage.


5. HYALURONIC ACID: A sugar that binds a thousand times its weight in water. This is essentially your best line of defense against dryness. "If you have loss of volume and want to fill in those surface irregularities, this is a great moisturizer for highly wrinkled skin," says Dr. Cheryl Karcher, consulting dermatologist for Avon Skincare. While hyalauronic acid-based products can applied topically, Dr. Karcher notes that it is far more effective when injected (Restylane, Juvederm) into the dermis.


6. GLYCOLIC ACID: An alpha-hydroxy acid (or AHA) that's derived from food, like fruit. "They basically exfoliate the top layer of the skin by breaking the glue that holds the top layer of skin together, so that when you exfoliate you have smoother, luminous skin underneath," says Woolery-Lloyd. "They essentially buff the skin, and help with pigmentation and photoaging issues," Karcher adds.


7. BROAD COVERAGE SUNSCREEN: This type of sunscreen will protect the skin against harmful UVA (aging) and UVB (skin cancer) rays. Karcher notes, "UVA and UVB sunscreens help fight against anti-aging by boosting skin's own antioxidants to fight free radicals."

Try one or try them all to have younger, smoother skin!
Who doesn't want that?

I can say from my own experience that I drink tea everyday and I use glycolic acid (and sun protection religiously) on a pretty regular basis and it does wonders for the texture of your skin.
Keep in mind that none of these ingredients or products are going to change your skin overnight. You will probably need about 3 months to see a real difference, also it is best to use a few different things and not just one. Compare it to your nutrition, you wouldn't just eat one thing and expect it to provide all the nutrition your body needs, you would eat a variety of things. Same concept with your skin, there isn't going to be only one thing that will improve your skin.


Sunday, December 18, 2011

Lady Gaga Crystal Encrusted Eyebrows!



Last week I was watching Ellen (LOVE HER) and the ever entertaining Lady Gaga was on. Never one to disappoint with her outrageous looks, she came out wearing these big, huge crystal eyebrows! The rest of her makeup was so tastefully done that her eyebrows looked almost normal encrusted in big crystal rocks! I thought it was a fun look especially with New Years Eve right around the corner, so I wanted to give you my version of crystal encrusted eyebrows!

Lady Gaga on Ellen looking fabulous!
What you'll need:
Crystals-whatever kind you want! I used Crystalazzi in size 125.
Duo Glue-Make sure to get the white kind because it dries clear.
Tweezers
and
Q-tips (or as my peeps across the pond like to say, cotton buds)

1-Groom your brows!! Make sure you brush and groom them to the shape you want. Also, make sure to take care of any stray hairs as all focus will be on your eyebrows!

2-Get the crystals out of the package and ready for use. 

3-Take a little Duo glue on the back of your hand, dip a Q-tip in it then apply to a small section of your eyebrow. We are working in small sections because the glue will dry faster than you think.

4-Pick up a crystal with your tweezers and apply to the glued area of your eyebrow. Apply pressure to the crystal with your clean, glue free finger or a clean Q-tip.

5-Repeat until both eyebrows are covered!


That's me looking glamorously disheveled

So here are a few tips!
This can be a little messy, I had glue on the back of my hand and kept running my hand through my hair! So be mindful of the glue and not getting it all over everything.

These stayed on for 7 hours until I picked them off-they probably would have stayed on all night. Honeybuns has announced he wishes this is how I dressed all the time. 
I had no problem picking the crystals off but it took a little effort to get the glue out of my eyebrows. I rubbed olive oil through them and then rubbed the glue off with a towel.

So try this look! I loved it!
You can have your very own New Year's Eve ball dropping good time!









Thursday, December 15, 2011

Congratulations and Thank You!!

Congratulations to Keisha White for winning the Little Goddess Happy Birthday to ME Giveaway!
Keisha is a makeup artist based in Hotlanta, GA!
Her website is

Congratulations again Keisha and thank you to all who participated in the giveaway!
The next one will be in the spring!
Can't wait!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Sundrop Liquid Lustre



The holidays are filled with all kinds of sparkly things!
Twinkling lights, tinsel, shiny ornaments and your lips!

Liquid Lustre Palette!

Your lips can shine like a disco Christmas ball with Little Goddess Liquid Lustres!

The color I am soooo obsessed with is Sundrop-it's like liquid gold with a brush!


You can wear it alone or over any color to give a high impact gold sheen!!
Watch my Festive Holiday Makeup video- I use Sundrop on my lips and you can see how shiny they made them!

Happy drops of liquid sun!!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Festive Holiday Look!

Time to wrap yourself up like a pretty little package!

If you have a lot of Christmas parties and holiday get togethers, then this is the perfect time to try something different and festive with your makeup!

The holidays are a sparkly time, so I wanted to create a look for you that has a little bit of glamorous shimmer in it!

I love gold mixed with just about every color. Gold is flattering against pretty much every skin tone so I picked a gold and pink palette to create a soft glowy look.

Watch the video to see the look!




Here are step by step instructions to get the same look: 

1. Apply Silk Sheets Mineral Eyeshadow as a base all over your lid.
2. Apply Roselle Mineral Matte Eyeshadow in the crease and blend.
3. Apply Gold Minx Mineral Eyeshadow to the lid up to the crease.

****TIP-Dampen your brush to apply a more intense color that stays on longer****

4. Apply Absolute Black Creme Liner to the outer corner of the upper eyelid.
5. Blend the eyeliner into the lashline and set with Volcanic Ash Mineral Matte Eyeshadow.
6. Apply Sandstone Mineral Eyeshadow to the brow bone and blend. Also apply Sandstone to the inner corner of your eye.
7.Apply Evergreen pencil eyeliner to the outer corners of your lower lash line.
8.Blend, soften and set with Gold Minx.
9.Curl and apply HD Mascara in Carbon.

****TIP-Apply 1/2 lashes to the outer corners of your eyes for and even more glamorous look!****

10. Shape brows with Brow Shaper Kit.
11. Apply Wild Pink Creme Blush to cheeks and blend.
12. Apply Baked Finishing Powder in Satin Glow to your cheekbones.
13. Apply So Sweet Lipliner all over your lips.
14. Apply Sundrop Liquid Lustre to your lips

Be careful around the mistletoe because you have now become irresistible!


All products available at


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Happy December!



HO HO HO and Happy Birthday to ME!

There are some really happy days in the month of December! You have Christmas, New Years Eve and the happiest day of all-my birthday!

In honor of my very special day-which in my humble opinion should be considered a national holiday, I am going to be doing a very special giveaway!!

What will we be giving away you ask?

A Little Goddess Creative Color Pro Palette!



Yes that's right! You will be able to build your own Pro Palette choosing whichever Little Goddess eyeshadow colors you want to be in it!



There are 3 different ways you can join in the fun!

1. Subscribe to my blog and write in the comments section below which 3 colors you would like in you palette.

2. Like us on Facebook and post on our wall what colors you would like in your palette.
or
3. Follow us on Twitter and tweet me which colors you would like in your palette!

Do one or do them all! Just make sure you get involved!

I will be announcing 1 winner on my birthday, Thursday, December 15th! So you have 1 week to join.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Cleansers for Sensitive Skin


Whenever I come across a skin care product that I love, I want to share it with you guys!

Now some of you may be aware of the year long search for a cleanser I had been on. The reason I was on such a hunt for a cleanser was because it seemed as though absolutely every cleanser was making me break out. One of the reasons may have been that I was on an all "natural" kick and apparently natural makes me break out, especially essential oils.


The criteria for my cleansers go like this:
  • NO Fragrance (fragrance is really bad for your skin)
  • NO Parabens
  • Not too many strange chemical ingredients

Well I would like to introduce you to TWO fabulous, and very different, cleansers that I have found.


The first cleanser I found is Aquanil.
This has become my primary cleanser and I am now working on my 2nd bottle.

According to the bottle, Aquanil "provides gentle, complete cleansing of sensitive skin"
Aquanil is specially formulated to be free of oils and irritating soaps. It has the same consistency as Cetephil or CeraVe but without the long ingredients list and it is fragrance and paraben free! Aquanil was created for people with sensitive skin and I have not had a bad reaction to this cleanser, it is very gentle and does not break me out. The one negative is you will need a separate eye makeup remover to remove heavier eye makeup. I bought an 8 ounce bottle at Dermstore.com for about $10.

The next cleanser I found is
FIX Malibu Wish Wash Exfoliating Powder Wash



I had received a very generous sample of this in one of my Birchbox deliveries.


Now this is an interesting little find as it is a powder that you activate with water. I had read that this was created by founder Rebecca Giles, who was tired of her favorite travel necessities being barred from planes, so she created this TSA friendly powder to make her life easier!

A little goes a long way with this so you want to place a small amount of powder in the palm of your hand and add a few drops of water to activate, massage into your skin and voila'! Clean skin! Wish Wash contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate your skin and I know it says to avoid the eye area but I found this took off all of my eye makeup without any irritation! This is probably best used in the summer when you are a little more oily-I feel this has the potential to be drying due to the salicylic acid. This cleanser is a bit more pricey at $40 for a little over 1 ounce but if you're feeling flush, it's worth a try!

So those are my reviews for today, I hope I helped anyone looking for a cleanser for their sensitive skin. I will include the links below so if you want to try them out for yourself you can.

I will be announcing a very exciting, celebrating my birthday, giveaway in a few days so stay tuned!


DONT FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
@LittleGoddessCo

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Merry Christmas!




Tis' the season!

 December is the most exciting month of the year and in honor of the holiday season, there will be FREE SHIPPING on all orders until January!!!

As well as it being the big guy's birthday, it is also my birthday month and in honor of that very special occassion I will be announcing a special givaway!!!! More on that next week!

So happy shopping and make sure to get your orders in early so you can receive your gifts with plenty of time until Christmas!




Monday, November 28, 2011

Delicious Red Lips!


So a friend of mine recently asked me how to pick a red lipstick that was right for her skin tone. You know how certain colored clothes look good against your skin tone? Well it is the same with lipstick!

To pick a perfect lipstick for  you, you need to know a few things:


First, you need to know your skin tone-are you light or dark? Cool or warm?
I have read that a trick to figuring this out is to stand in front of a mirror in as natural light as possible holding a piece of white paper right below your face. Close your eyes for a moment. When you open them, note the thing you notice first. If it was your face, you have cool undertones; if it was the paper, you have warm undertones. Also you can refer to the old seasonal colors chart, Winters and Summers have cool undertones and Autumns and Springs have warm undertones. Those with cool tones will look best in jewel tones, and warm toned skin will look best in earthy, golden hued tones-think autumn foliage. Most makeup counters should be able to help you with this!

Second, you will need to know the different undertones of red lipstick-either a blue red or an orange/brown red.

Temptress
Sangria
An example of a blue red would be a crimson red or a red that is verging on hot pink such as Little Goddess Liptoxyl in Sangria or Temptress and Little Goddess Lip Rouge in Chili!

   An example of an orange/brown red would be a brick or coral red such as Little Goddess Lip Rouge in Spicy.
Spicy

So basically, if your complexion is on the cooler side then try cherry reds, crimson, plum and burgundy and if you are on the warmer side, look for shades of red with a brown base such as deep orange, golden red and coral. 

Most importantly-have fun and try them on!!

A lipstick that is labeled a "true red" such as Little Goddess Lip Rouge in Vegas, would most likely fall into the warm skin tone category!


Vegas

****TIP****
When wearing red lipsticks, please make sure to use lipliner as red lipstick bleeds like no other!

All products mentioned available at Littlegoddesscosmetics.com!









Monday, October 3, 2011

Home Sweet Home

Trevi Fountain

Hello my peeps!!

I am back from my Italian adventure!
Did you miss me?

Italy is breathtaking and the people are stunningly beautiful!
Everyone in Rome looked like a model!

The food is delicious!
Unfortunately, due to an unexpected illness that sidetracked me, I did not get to stuff my face as much as I wanted to!
My favorite restaurant in Rome is Alle fratte di Trastevere and I want to go back there right now and have a big bowl of pasta!

We visited Rome and also Umbria.
I have posted some videos to my YouTube Channel so you can see how beautiful the country side is.

The video below was taken outside of the Pantheon in Rome, with some stellar commentary from Honeybuns!








Monday, September 12, 2011

Little Goddess New Colors for Fall!


Little Goddess NEW Fall Eyeshadow Colors!
 It's that time of year when the leaves on the trees change colors and so should your makeup!

The Summer is usually all about juicy, fruity colors, washes of pastels and sheer textures.

The Fall is when all the sultriness comes out!

So for this fall I have added 5 new eyeshadow colors and 2 new lip colors!

For eyes, 3 new Mineral Matte colors! Dusk-a light grayish color with undertones of pink, Teak-a blackish/brownish smokey color and Volcanic Ash-a blackish/grayish smokey color.
Also 2 new Mineral eyeshadow colors
Caramel-a shimmery caramel color and Brushed Velvet-a shimmery pinky brown. 

Sangria
For lips, Sangria our newest LipToxyl color-a delicious deep red wine-yum! and Sugar Plum our newest Lipshine color-sheer purple grapeness!


Sugar Plum
Hurry up and get your Fall Goddess on!
Everything is available at:

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Do Blonds Have More Fun?




Do blondes have more fun?

Not this blonde!

Let me tell you a little story about my hair!

My hair has been every color of the hair rainbow. My naturally brunette hair has been light brown, dark brown and cherry bomb red, however, most of the time my hair is highlighted (or as some people like to say-"frosted"-you know who you are). 
Most recently, I had decided to step it up a notch and take my highlighted blond hair, all the way blond! A bleach blonde Bombshell! No more stripey highlights, no more multi -tonal hair, just one beautiful blond color.

I love changing the color of my hair! It is the quickest way to a makeover and a brand new look! 

So I should have known better when I showed up to my guy's salon (who has been doing my hair for the past 10 years) and he did not remember the convo we had about going completely blond.

**I believe it was Oprah who always says to trust your gut**

I decided to do it regardless because I have trusted my guy with my hair for the past decade. He has studied under Louis Licari-the King of the Blondes! So really what could go wrong?

My guy asked "what color blond would you like to be?" I replied " I don't want to look like an over processed housewife, I don't want to be yellow and I don't want to be platinum-I want a nice baby blond."

Soooo-ok, that probably wasn't the best description I could have given. A picture of what I wanted probably would've worked better but like I said before-a DECADE together! It would've been the same if honeybun's had asked me what I would like to eat and I responded "I don't want salty and I don't want cold." He should know exactly what I am talking about!

I thought my guy did too when he responded "ok-Baby Blond-like a nice beigey blond?" Exactly! Like a beautiful field of wheat!
        

So he set the plan in motion. Now for those of you who have never had their hair bleached before-it is laborious! First you have to strip all the natural pigment from your hair and then you have to apply the color/tone you want. To make it more difficult, because I had already existing highlights, you have to work around those so as not to damage the hair.

He was very excited about the products he chose raving about the gentle bleach and the blond color he picked as it is the same color he uses when he goes blond. I was very excited. When he took the towel off of my head after rinsing the color out-I couldn't believe my eyes! My hair was not the baby beigy bombshell blond I had been anticipating-it was fluorescent yellowy coppery weird blond! I have never seen a baby with this punk rock color I now had on my head!

So when he looked at me and asked how I liked it, I said the only words that would come out of my mouth:

"I love it!"

Now before you judge me, keep in mind, at this point I was delirious. I had been there for about 4 hours, being bleached and rinsed and conditioned and colored and I was starving. I was also in complete shock of the Blondness of it all! I thought "well-I just made a drastic change to my hair, I will need some time to get used to this"'. After a quick haircut and everyone in the salon complimenting me on my new color (liars), I left.

The shock of what my hair looked like in the salon was nothing compared to what it looked like in the sunlight.
I don't even know how I made it home because I spent the whole ride staring at myself in disbelief in the rear view mirror. I looked like I was wearing a fluorescent banana yellow wig!
So after I got home and stuffed my face-and continued staring at myself some more, trying to figure out who the f**k was looking back at me, I decided I couldn't live with myself with this hair color. (Have I mentioned that I am leaving for Italy in mere days?)

So here I am, less than a week later with my hair restored to a more manageable color. It is still not exactly what I wanted but much better than what I had. I can now stop wearing baseball caps and avoiding human contact. 
I think I may be the only person ever, to have her hair bleached a darker shade of blond than what she started with!

So to get back to my original question-do blondes have more fun? Well I don't know because I really didn't get a chance to test out that theory. I will say they definitely get more attention. Like a shiny object-they just get noticed more!

So Ladies! (and some Gents), the moral of this story is, if you are making a drastic change in your hair:

A-BRING A PHOTO OF WHAT YOU WANT! I broke my first rule! As well as bringing a photo, please be very specific in what you want (and don't want). Make 100% sure you are on the same page.

B-Make sure you are well fed and well hydrated! No drastic decisions on an empty stomach!

C-Speak up if you are not happy! I should have voiced my concern while I was still at the salon.

I hope this story will save someone else the time and energy I spent on my hair this week!
 Happy Bleaching!

Jessica

PS-True Fact:
Blond vs Blonde
Blond refers to the color blond, be it hair or wood or whatever. Blonde refers to a women with blond hair!

Littlegoddesscosmetics.com

Which do you prefer!?


Brunette!

Blond!

RED!