Weekend Warrior: Black and Tan

WEEKEND WARRIOR:
Black and Tan

Fashion Editor: Angel Quintana

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It's the weekend and it's time to take a load off-- catch up on your favorite business book over a cup-a-joe at your favorite European cafe and just relax. The year is off to a wild start with new friends and Club members joining us for the ride. With a few of your favorite fashion accessories to join us for the road trip, we're keeping our palette neutral and serene: peach and faded denim, kinda like our brand color story.

We believe 2015 is the cream of the crop.

In just a few days we are launching a stellar webinar on how to take that kickback attitude and start making your money WORK for you-- not just hang out in your bank account, but actually earn you money while you sleep. 2014 was a time of getting everything situated, but 2015 is about collecting the green in a lavish and cool manner. Our advice: keep your eyes on the prize and never forget, business is always about strategy and that means incorporating income streams that seal the deal. We think that sounds peachy!

5 Reasons Why Makeup Artists Recommend Airbrush on Your Wedding Day

Why Makeup Artists Recommend Airbrush

5 REASONS WHY MAKEUP ARTISTS RECOMMEND AIRBRUSH ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Article by Marina Melnikova
Philosophy of People
Magazine: Issue #21

I’m asked the question time and again when I meet with brides for their makeup trials; should I choose airbrush or traditional makeup? There are countless benefits to choosing airbrush over regular makeup, but, especially for brides, here are the most important:

1 :: It finishes flawlessly. While they take amazing photographs, HD cameras reveal every imperfection. Airbrush makeup covers without streaking or caking, which is why top celebrities and their makeup artists always choose it over traditional coverage for the red carpet. 

2 :: It lasts up to 16 hours. Yes, really. It withstands heat, humidity, and, best of all, it’s waterproof so you’re safe to tear up during your vows.

3 :: It best achieves a natural look. With airbrush makeup, a thin, even layer of makeup covers the skin, resulting in a smooth and even appearance. Your makeup artist is still able to mix foundation colors to achieve the perfect blend to match your actual skin tone, but with the added benefit of a natural looking finish. 

4 :: The application process is faster than traditional makeup.  When applying airbrush makeup, your makeup artist will insert a small amount of makeup into the airbrush machine and apply an even mist over your face. In mere minutes you open your eyes to a flawless finish. 

5 :: It’s hypoallergenic and fragrance free, so it’s particularly kind to those with sensitive skin. Because no one wants to worry about breaking out on their big day!

Above all, it’s important to hire well-trained, certified makeup artists when choosing airbrush makeup. The quality of your application may vary under a less experienced hand. Use the tools that are available to you to screen makeup artists; Instagram and Pinterest are great social platforms that makeup artists use to showcase their best work and, best of all, they’re free for you to use! 

As you’ll find out in your research, airbrush makeup does cost more than traditional application methods. But brides who choose it always say that the extra dollars are worth it – and at the end of the day, it’s their opinion that matters the most. 

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Spread Your Genius Like Wildfire is a compilation of self-improvement articles written by entrepreneurs seeking to bring holistic solutions to everyday problems. Read more articles from this feature.

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Marina Melnikova is an independent stylist for high-end clients. After finishing her program at Parsons School of Design, she quickly became one of Boston’s top wedding hair and makeup artists. A graduate of the Aveda Institute, TIGI Advanced Academy, and Loreal Advanced Academy, Marina is skilled in airbrush and traditional makeup application, Aquage Upstyling. Karastase Fashion Upstyling, and Shu Eumora Styling. She works only private high-end clients and photo shoots - and to great success; her work was recently featured in Martha Stewart Weddings. Visit her website at Stylist Marina.

3 Secrets to Doing Your Makeup Like a Pro

Doing Your Makeup Like a Pro

3 SECRETS TO DOING YOUR MAKEUP LIKE A PRO

Article by Melissa Hoffman
Philosophy of People
Magazine: Issue #21

As a professional makeup artist, I’ve worked with hundreds of women for the most important occasions and events in their lives. From weddings, to branding photoshoots, and speaking engagements, my job is to make women look amazing and feel confident. Every time I do a woman’s makeup, I hear the same thing: “I wish I could do my makeup like you do. I don’t know how to do my makeup. I’ve been wearing the same makeup since 8th grade. I don’t think I’m doing it right.” Does this sound like you?

You can easily learn how to do your makeup and look amazing. All you need is a little practice, belief in yourself, and some tips from me!

Here are my top 3 tips to do your makeup like a pro!

1| A little goes a long way. Do you feel like your makeup looks caked on, or like you wearing a ton? You’re probably using too much. Or you’re wearing full coverage for everything. You don’t need to wear as much makeup as you think you do. It looks more modern and fresh and YOUNG to just wear enough to enhance your features without covering or changing them.

2| Your brushes are magic erasers. Do you ever get frustrated because you’ve put too much blush on, or your eye shadow looks messy? You can use brushes clean or with your leftover concealer to erase your mistakes and have your makeup looking clean and beautiful.

3| Flawless skin is everything. This is what sets apart a great makeup look from an ok one. If you skin looks good, then you don’t need to wear a lot of other makeup. And if you’re not blessed with naturally clear, glowing skin, you can fake it with good products and techniques.

Spend most of your getting ready time on perfecting your skin, rather than a complicated eye look. If your skin doesn’t look good, no one is going to care about your perfect liner.

Doing your makeup doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be easy and should be fun! I want you to feel confident in your own makeup skills, and know you look amazing every day.

If you want more support and guidance in learning how to do your makeup so you can feel good about being SEEN, check out the 7 Products Every Woman Needs! I can’t wait to work with you!

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Spread Your Genius Like Wildfire is a compilation of self-improvement articles written by entrepreneurs seeking to bring holistic solutions to everyday problems. Read more articles from this feature.

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Melissa Hoffmann is a Makeup and Hair Artist living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Melissa's mission in life is to empower women to feel beautiful and confident every day by teaching them how to do their makeup and hair. Her beauty style is to enhance a woman's natural beauty so she looks like the best version of themselves. You can get Melissa's free beauty guide to the 7 products Every Woman Needs here.

Antiperspirant & Deodorant: Is Yours Safe and Effective

Antiperspirant & Deodorant: Is Yours Safe and Effective

ANTIPERSPIRANT & DEODORANT: IS YOURS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE

Article by Heather Jadus
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #20

What do you use? What do you use to line your pits from stink and sweat?  I would really like to know. Being a person who is trying her best to use clean, safe and effective products... antiperspirant and/or deodorant seems to be one of the hardest to muddle through.

Here's the Good, the Bad and the Ugly; Review to Follow:

Antiperspirant: The GOOD: it keeps you from sweating, The BAD: it keeps you from sweating, The UGLY: it keeps you from sweating...

Explanation: Sweating is one of the best if not the best ways of releasing toxins from your body. When you use an antiperspirant it blocks this detoxification process.

Deodorant: The GOOD: it makes you smell nice, The BAD: it contains fragrance, The UGLY: Fragrance is an ingredient on products that can contain so many harmful chemicals that it's scary.  Those chemicals are considered "trade secret" so the company does not need to disclose what they are.  MOST of those chemicals have NEVER been tested for safety.

I will not even go into the correlation between breast/lymph node cancer that resides near the armpit and the fact that women who shave are at even greater risk due to open "sores" where the product is applied.  Now that I've said it let's hope you don't forget it and move on to find a solution!

Here's what I did.  I bought and tried several "safe" underarm deodorants to see how EFFECTIVE they really are....

Below is the chart for the safety ratings system I use from the Environmental Working Group

What this means is that a product rated 0 is completely safe, all ingredients have been tested and all ingredients are safe for your body.  A product with a rating of 10 means go throw it in the garbage and don't ever put it on your skin again!

Ok so here's the lowdown.....

A. Tom's Long Lasting Apricot - This deodorant works.  It's not offensive, it's not thick or uncomfortable to wear.  The EWG rating for this deodorant is 3.  It's not a horrible rating and it's not a horrible product but I'm kind of miffed about the fact that they claim themselves to be "all natural" and they're not.  They truly are not.

B. Druide Citrus Zest - This product makes me feel more sweaty than when I started.  It goes on wet and feels wet.  The scent was ok but it's not for me.  It's rated a 2.  I will never buy this again!

C. Druide - Pur & Pure Unscented - This product is also rated a 2.  This product actually freaked me out a little bit.  It felt wet like it's scented counterpart above but as I used it, it acquired my underarm scent somehow.  

So now I have BO scented deodorant.  And it's staying that way!!!  I have not used it for weeks... still smells like BO.  Eeeeewwwww!  I will never buy this again!

D. Junglemint All-Natural Deodorant - This stuff rates a 0!  And I kinda like it.  Once in a while it dries out a bit but if I wet it slightly it goes on nice.  I personally prefer it because it goes on dry instead of wet.  I will definitely be keeping this on hand.  But don't get it on your clothes!  NEVER on your clothes!

E. Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone - This thing is so freaking amazing!  It's a solid piece of "potassium silicate" which is basically mineral salts.  There is no scent.  The only downfall is that you have to wet it to use it.  I use it only at home.  I can't throw it in my gym bag. It's rated 1 on the EWG scale.  It's a good product that really surprised me. It's like rubbing a crystal on you pits.  I will definitely buy this again!  I'm really anxious to see how long the stick lasts.

F. Tom's Original Care Unscented - This product is rated a 2 rather than the apricot version above which scores at a 3.  I keep this product on hand and use it.  I'm still not happy with the all-natural claim from the company that truly isn't.  I will save it for backup only.

G. Soap Walla Deodorant Cream - This hand applied paste smells awful.  I used it once.  I don' know what's in it.  I don't care what it rates.  That's all. Sorry.

H. Truly's Cream Deodorant - This is also a hand applied deodorant.  Although the coconut scent was not offensive it was really strong and I went around smelling like an Mounds bar for an entire week.  Not a fan.  It's rated a 1 and totally safe.  I may keep it for my next beach vacation.  No one there will notice I smell like a pina colada!

So that's it!  I know there are others out there.  What do you use?  I know some people make their own.  This is just not my style.

Please comment below with any thoughts, suggestions.

Be Informed. Be Safe. Be Healthy.

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Holistic Fashionista Recommended!

Do YOU know what's hiding in your makeup bag? Maybe you don't have the time to do the research to see what's REALLY in your favorite makeup and skincare products?

Help is here! Click below to get your Beauty Bag Makeover by Beauty on A Mission by Heather Jadus!

Get your Beauty Bag Makeover!

The Metallic Way to Success

The METALLIC WAY TO SUCCESS

Fashion Editor: Angel Quintana

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January might be the month for gloom and rain, but we're ready to kick up the shimmer and make 2015 shine! With a new beginning and fresh start to a New Year, why not add a few special pieces to your life to bring your personal brand to the limelight and get people to take notice of what you're up to!

We think metallic are to die for.

In particular, we are in the mood for pleats, organic vitamins to keep our healthy skin glowing all year round, a striped journal to share our deepest hopes, dreams, AND goals, and a bat our lashes with a new fave make-up accessory. We are also fond of feeding our brain new ideas, that's sure to wake up those creative juices with five star books, cozy over-sized sweaters (which we think pair perfectly with midi skirts), and a favorite designer clutch and sunnies because we know the future is bright. Celebrate your life every single day, and the clients and the fun are sure to join you. <3

A New Year, A Clean Slate

A NEW YEAR, A CLEAN SLATE

Fashion Editor: Angel Quintana

The New Year has arrived and it's officially time to wipe the slate clean, set some new goals, and get on with the show. Your business may have taken some mysterious twists and turns in 2014,  but starting February 4th we'll enter the Chinese Astrological sign of The Sheep. It's time to make some money and use your creativity! Right up our alley.

2015 is the year of the Sheep.

"Sheep year is time to heal after the chaos of 2014's Horse year. What is of value now is intimacy, family and close friendships. We can be more caring, kind and sensitive with each other. Develop a gentle heart, open to love and acceptance on all levels. Another theme of Sheep year is to express your creative side. Now is the time for art, creativity and cultivation of beauty. If you ever wanted to explore your creative side, this is your year. Do not give up, be pessimistic or become discouraged because Sheep can only move forward! This animal is unable to move backwards or sideways. Sheep year is most fortunate for Sheep, and for Sheep's most compatible signs Rabbit, Horse and Pig. Sheep correlates to the Western sign of Cancer." - Astrology.com

Holiday Ensemble: Eat. Drink. and Be Fancy

HOLIDAY ENSEMBLE:
Eat. Drink. and Be Fancy

Fashion Editor: Angel Quintana

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You've got places to go and people to see this holiday season, and it's time to kick your wardrobe and accessories into high gear. Forget the trends and let's start focusing how we can make this the best mistletoe season of the year. Firstly, (don't lie), you've already been slinging a few bevy's back...well why not pour your toast into a fabulous vintage champagne coup and get a little schnazzy with your drinking efforts? Marble ice pail or gold bottle opener anyone? We already know you're an over-achiever at everything you do! (Wink)

So let's talk about a few simple staples that must live in your wardrobe to keep the energy high and without fuss on those evenings you're running late. Investing in a cool 'pop culture' print sweater dress paired a sexy pair of over-the-knee suede stiletto boots area throw-it-on-and-go outfit and whether you're a faux or fur kinda gal (we won't judge you), a cream fuzzy jacket is perfect for those leather leggings you've been dying to sport! Throw on your au naturel lipstick in your tiny shoulder back that screams "I'm badass" and you're off to that next festivity. Don't forget to have fun and please don't drink and drive! xx

Gifts for Her: For the Entrepreneur Who Appreciates the "Finer" Things

GIFTS FOR HER:
For the Entrepreneur Who Appreciates the "Finer" Things

Fashion Editor: Angel Quintana

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After a ridiculously productive and busy year of growing the old-ball-and-chain, there's a few items you've still got your eye on. Well we've got you covered! We say 'who cares' if you splurge a little on yourself between gift buying for loved ones, you did earn your success and now it's time to relish in it! From firewood scented candles, fanciful incense box, to a badass patent leather cosmetic case, there's a little bit for zazzle for the entrepreneur who appreciates the "finer" details.

Before you kick up your suede stilettos, drop by your favorite designer shop and just "browse." Appreciate all the hard work you've done this year and how much you've accomplished. Even if the dream home didn't happen in 2014; it's literally around the corner. There are still beautiful details to dress up YOU and your headquarters until that day comes. Or who knows... perhaps the hubby is reading your fabulous article featured in this month's issue of Holistic Fashionista magazine and now he's gallivanting this fabulous gift guide. We know he wants to see you smile all year long and so do we chica! You're amazing. 

Happy Shopping!