ERASE YOUR BAGGAGE



Erase Your Baggage

Thank God it’s Friday!!! The phrase so commonly stated by many often precedes a fun filled, action packed weekend. With those good times there are often repercussions that we are not so thankful for; hangovers, lost sleep, and puffy eyes just to name a few. We all know where hangovers come from and what causes them and lost sleep is an explanation in itself. But, exactly what causes those dreadful puffy eyes that we are many times afflicted with?



Guys Are Affected Too

Puffy eyes are a condition of swollen, inflamed eyes. They affect both men and women. Studies have shown that after the age of 30 people become more plagued by this inflammation. The area surrounding the eyes is very then and full of blood vessels making it ultra sensitive. Puffy eyes can be caused by many factors. As many of us know they also do not limit their appearance on us to just the weekends. Some of the causes of puffy eyes include stress, allergies, hormone changes, fluid retention and other factors. We are fully aware that when someone cries often times it leaves us accompanied with swollen/puffy eyes. This is due to the fact our bodies react to emotions and causes blood to flow through the eyes which ultimately leads to swelling. The production of too many emotional tears will also strain the eye. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” if it were only as easy as the song claims. 

Sleep or lack of I should say, affects our lives in countless ways.  In regards to puffy eyes, too much sleep and not enough sleep can be a trigger. This can be caused due to varying factors such as too much sodium in your diet causing inflammation due to water retention, tossing and turning and not getting enough “good sleep”.

For many of us, the weekend brings with it a time to gather with our friends and family, the celebration of different events or simple weekend getaways. All of these can include the enjoyment of an alcoholic beverage. Studies have shown that alcohol also has an impact on the swelling of your eyes. However, it is a more prominent symptom for those excessive drinkers.

You can take a deep breath because there are several things you can do to treat and prevent the appearance of puffy eyes.  If you suffer from normal puffy eyes that are not caused by other eye conditions you can try several things to get them back to normal. First, always limit your sodium intake for several health reasons in addition to preventing swollen eyes.  Be sure to drink lots of water throughout your day. This is another healthy practice to hydrate your body and to make sure you are flushing your system regularly. I have a few friends who swear that washing your face with ICE cold water offers immediate relief if you can tolerate the chill. I cannot say if this does indeed offer an immediate relief but, I am sure it will wake you up very quickly LOL!!!

Tea Bag Therapy?

Cucumber Spa?

There are of course a few home remedies that most of us have heard of and possibly have even tried. The famous cucumber slices on the eye is one of those. The legend says that you should place two well chilled cucumbers on your eyes for no longer than 10 minutes. Now, I have tried this one. For me it seems to make me relax more but, does not diminish puffy eyes.  Another common home remedy is to take two very well moistened tea bags and place them in the refrigerator. Once they have reached a nice chilled temperature place them on your eyes and leave them on for a period of 10 minutes. This is not a practice I have tried.  But, I am curious….

I would rather have a product that I know works so I can rest assured that I will be able to rectify my swollen eyes when they decide to grace me with their presence LOL!! The three products that I use and highly recommend are:

 Mary Kay Firming Eye Cream ($30): Firms, brightens and provides intense moisturization for the eye area. It also minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.

Mary Kay Indulge Eye Gel ($15): its botanical extracts are proven to help reduce the appearance of puffiness. It is also accompanied by a nice cooling effect.

Mary Kay Targeted-Action Eye Revitalizer ($35): its roller ball applicator makes it possible for you to apply the product exactly where it is needed all while giving your eyes a “massage”

Please be aware that their cases where puffy eyes are persistent and severe. They can be a symptom of an underlying eye condition such as allergies of the eye. When in this form the puffy eyes are commonly accompanied by pain, discomfort, blurry vision, irritation and/or other conditions. If you are experiencing puffy eyes to this degree it is imperative that you seek medical assistance from an optometrist.

 Enjoy your weekends or any celebration by knowing that you can treat the “physical evidence” of your fun filled life!! Start erasing your baggage now. Order your Mary Kay eye care today. Please visit my website at www.marykay.com/ur4beauty to place your order or register to order your free samples. All new customers receive 20% off of their initial orders. I also offer free shipping within the US!!
Have a wonderful weekend!!!!!





COLLAGEN-THE REAL FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

It seems as though every time we turn on the television or pick up a newspaper or magazine, we see an article about celebrities having plastic surgery. As we all know, there are numerous types of plastic surgery. One of the most popular procedures that is being performed is collagen injections. Stars are constantly injecting their lips, their foreheads, cheeks and any other part they want (or so it seems). Have you ever wondered why they go under the knife and spend so much money to obtain the look they want? Nine times out of 10 it is because of collagen. So what exactly is collagen?

Collagen accounts for 30% of the human proteins found in our bodies. And yes, this includes the guys! It is responsible for the elasticity, flexibility and moisture of the skin as well as the constant renovation of her cells. Collagen basically functions as scaffolding for our body. It is the fibrous protein constituent of skin, cartilage, bones and other connective tissue. An appropriate and enough collagen supply in our body are extremely required, however it is not easy to maintain and achieve. Unfortunately, it is established that our body loses collagen at a rate of 1.5% per year, starting at the age of 25. Since the amount of collagen diminishes as we grow older we ultimately develop the appearance of wrinkles because we are losing our anti-aging/age-fighting weapon. Collagen functions as a chondroprotective agent, which means that it protects cartilage and synovial fluid against degeneration.

So by losing our collagen we not only make our bodies susceptible to wrinkles but also the occurrence of other signs of aging. Another function of collagen is that it can reduce oxidative damage to joints therefore; stimulating a major decrease in joint pain and swelling. By understanding the importance of collagen within our bodies we will have gained a greater appreciation for it and will do whatever we can to encourage it back into our systems.

There are steps you can take to begin strengthening and nurturing your collagen levels. The are a wide variety of collagen supplements that are available. These supplements help to replenish the diminishing supply of collagen in our body to perform its function. Regular intake of collagen supplements will make your skin nourished and relieve the uncomfortable joint pain you may be experiencing. Please remember that this applies to both men and women.

For an immediate and noticeable boost, you can begin using Mary Kay’s TimeWise Replenishing Serum +C ($55) skin care system. This award winning system helps give Collagen jump start. It helps skin bounce back by supplying your skin with the ingredients that it needs to enhance the production of new collagen all while keeping the old collagen from breaking down. This set includes four weekly vials and has been toasted as one of the best products available for healthy skin. It helps you obtain and keep the firm, youthful skin we all want to hang onto. You can have the type of skin celebrities and other people pay lots of money for or undergo evasive procedures to obtain without the physical or financial pain that tends to accompany them.

Start Replenishing Your Collagen
Today for Firmer, Youthful Skin

For more information or to order this product please visit my website at: www.marykay.com/ur4beauty. All first time customers receive 20% off their first order. Start reversing the signs of aging now!!!

EVEN YOUR LIPS DESERVE A TRIP TO THE SPA

With the changing of this week’s temperatures here in Florida I have had several people (male and female) ask me about ways to treat their dry,chapped and even cracked lips. I have personally had to deal with this myself year round and decided to research the subject. Not only was I directly affected me but, my youngest son was constantly plagued by chapped/cracked lips to the point that they would bleed at times. This is common among young children because they are constantly licking their lips and we as mom’s are always making sure to keep Chap Stick on hand. For him it was always worse in the winter and I know that this is the case for many of us. For others it can be a year round battle.  Chapped lips are the result of diminished moisture in the skin on and around the lips. In most cases, chapped lips are caused by the elements. Therefore, the change in climates (extreme or not) can and will affect the texture/condition of your lips. Keep in mind that there are other factors, such as frequent licking of the lips or an allergic reaction that may be the cause. Chapped/cracked lips are a common condition and can be treated fairly simply and inexpensively.

Does This Happen To You?

Chapped lips are marked by dry, cracked, painful lips and may result in a red ring around the mouth and in severe cases even bleeding. In the summer, the sun can be responsible for chapped lips, but routine use of a lip balm/chap stick containing sunscreen can prevent summertime chapped lips. In the wintertime, chapped lips are a more common problem, because the air is dry and the cold wind further dries the lips out. Many people lick their lips to relieve the dryness, making the problem worse. Just as in the summertime, treating chapped lips in the winter can be done with a moisturizing lip balm containing sunscreen.

In my attempts to battle this unattractive and uncomfortable issue I finally stumbled upon a “miracle” treatment that has helped to resolve the issue. Before becoming a Mary Kay consultant I attended a Mary Kay party being hosted by a girlfriend of mine. One of the products being featured was the “Satin Lips” for $18. This item sparked my interest and I purchased it. After the first treatment I literally saw and felt the difference; not only for myself but for my children as well. Needless to say my family & I have been devoted users of it ever since. I no longer have to keep a tube of Chap Stick in my car, my purse, the kids’ backpacks or what seemed to be every room of the house. I simply practice the two step process of “Satin Lips” twice a week.

First, you apply the Satin Lips Lip Mask. This step effectively exfoliates dead surface skin cells that cause lips to appear dull and lifeless. You will leave the mask on your lips for two minutes then simply wipe it off. Not only are you wiping away the mask but, the dead skin cells that cause the appearance of chapped/cracked lips. The next step is to apply the Satin Lips Lip Balm. You will apply this just as you would any lip balm or chap stick. Clinical results show that a single application of Satin Lips Lip Balm moisturizes the lips for at LEAST six hours. If you choose you can use the Satin Lips Lip Balm daily to get the maximum conditioning and to maintain that ultra-smooth texture that Satin Lips Lip Balm gives you. This product is available for purchase as a set or separately but, I strongly recommend using them together to achieve the most healthy, visible and gorgeous results. By using these items on your lips, you are giving your lips the same treatment you do (or should do) to the rest of your skin. We exfoliate our face, our legs, and it is proven that our lips need and deserve it too!!



Insure Your "Pucker Perfect Lips"



You do not have to suffer from this condition in order to use this product. If you belong to the lucky/blessed group of individuals who do not have this problem you can insure that you do not become a member of the "chapped lip club" (LOL). They say prevention is the best medicine and I know that to be true testament with this product. A friend of mine who is an avid skier (both water and snow) uses this product faithfully. He is proud to say he has never had an issue with chapped lips and claims “having good genes has nothing to do with it”. Research has proven Alex’s statement to be true. Genes do not affect your chances of having chapped lips (or not)….just nature. So why not secure your “pucker perfect” lips by using "Satin Lips" as your own personal lip spa.  





In the event that chapped lips become a severe problem, such as with habitual licking, and the redness, cracking and dryness become so painful that talking or chewing is difficult, you should use a medicated lip balm. Avoid using flavored lip balm, as it can encourage more frequent licking of the lips, especially in children.

Children Are Habitual Lickers Causing Worse Cases
of Chapped Lips

If you choose to not introduce and/or implement a lip care and maintenance program like “Satin Lips” into your current skincare routine please be sure to practice other forms of personal care for your dry, chapped lips. Frequent and regular application of lip balm often relieves chapped lips without further incident. Other ways to prevent chapped lips include increasing the amount of humidity in your home and covering your lips with a ski mask or scarf in the winter. Frequent washing of the mouth followed by application of lip balm also helps alleviate the discomfort associated with chapped lips. In some cases, a prescription lip balm may be required if the symptoms are not alleviated with regular treatment or if chapped lips become so severe that the skin begins to bleed.

For more information on this amazing product or to place your order please visit my website: www.marykay.com/ur4beauty

First time customers receive 20% off their first order and I can ship your order directly to you regardless of where you live. If you would like to request free samples of this product or any others offered my Mary Kay, you may also do that directly on my website.

I hope to add you to the list of the wonderful testimonials for this product. Have a great day!!

 

DON'T POP-STOP THE SPOT

We all have experienced an annoying, unattractive, pimple a time or two in our lives. Others have had to deal with the embarrassing and painstaking issue of acne. Either way, none of enjoy looking in the mirror and seeing our faces plagued with the bumps or spots that to us seem to serve as a bulls- eye on our most visible body part OUR FACE.

 If you have ever wondered exactly what a pimple is or what causes them, I have found what I believe to be the most comprehensible explanation and description.

The causes of pimples are generally similar to the reason people get acne. Researchers have discovered that what tends to cause pimples is usually related to the causes of acne as well. Acne is a skin disease that affects the follicles or pores. Follicles cover most of the face and body. A follicle is a tiny skin duct under the skin that a single hair grows out of. Below the duct is a tiny gland that produces sebum, skin oil. This oil is necessary for healthy skin and hair.
What causes pimples is usually the skin below and around the follicles is constantly shedding and growing new skin. These dead skin cells can become excessive and clog up the pores. Contributing to this may be the overproduction of sebum, clogging the pores even more. Once the pores become clogged bacteria will and does form causing a lesion or pimple.

There are several types of lesions. A comedo is a clogged pore. Excess oil mixed with dead skin cells under the surface form a plug. One type of comedo is a whitehead. A whitehead is formed when the clog plugs up the pore entirely forming a small bump with a white center. A blackhead is a clogged pore with a black center. The black center is not dirt but is caused by oxygen having been exposed to the pore because it had opened up slightly.
Papules or pustules are what people usually call pimples. These are raised red bumps because the clogged pores have become infected. The bacteria also cause swelling and bulging. If the pimple is filled with pus it is called a pustule. The pus can become yellow with infection.

Do Not Overwash

Another of the causes of pimples can be over-washing. Over washing acne infected skin can actually produce more acne and more pimples. The skin will make more sebum, which in turn can make acne worse. Wash your face no more than twice a day when using acne medications. Never pick or pop a pimple. This will cause the spread of more bacteria by pushing some bacteria deeper into the skin. This will make the pimple last longer and can also cause it to develop into a cyst. Once the pimple is open it is exposed to even more bacteria from the face and hands causing a bigger infection. This is what causes pimples to spread even more. Another factor to consider in the spreading or worsening of pimples is popping. It is human nature to want to get rid of it quick and most of us think by popping it this will remove the problem. However, it does not-DON'T POP!!

Resist the Urge to Pop

Sweating can cause acne to worsen. Pores can become blocked from excess sweat that cannot evaporate. Always take a shower after sweating and wear loose fitting clothing. Athletic equipment such as headbands, chin straps, pads and helmets may all trap sweat and contribute to the causes of pimples. Avoid wearing fabrics that don't breathe well such as nylon or spandex. Instead, wear cotton fabrics that help to wick sweat away from the skin.
Researchers have also found that what causes pimples in women is also their hormones. Hormones can cause the body to produce more sebum than usual. Women may notice that they have an acne outbreak near the time of their period. Hormones often fluctuate greatly during the teen years and often acne will go away once hormones settle down.
Some medications are also what cause pimples, as they can cause acne to flare up. Anti-depressants, steroids, epilepsy medication and some birth control pills can all contribute to acne. Never stop taking medication because of an acne breakout. Instead, talk with your doctor about it so he can adjust your medication or find other possible causes of pimples and acne.

 There are numerous solutions available on the market for treating acne. However, it is not know which ones really do work or are simply a waste of money. I can tell you from personal experience (with myself and some of my clients) that the Mary Kay Acne Treatment Gel ($7) DOES work. You simply apply it directly to the bump and it is clinically proved to dry and clear the pimple, acne and blemishes. For ongoing treatment and prevention of future flair ups, you should try Mary Kay’s Velocity Facial Cleanser ($10). It deep cleanses the skin all while toning, refreshing and exfoliating it as well. Remember do not wash your face more than twice a day if you are treating these issues. I also recommend the Velocity Lightweight Moisturizer ($12) as the next step in your skin care routine. This moisturizer softens blemish-prone skin and has oil-absorbing ingredients which are very important in the treatment and prevention of future breakouts.
If you suffer from reoccurring pimples, blemishes or acne flare ups, I encourage you to try these products. You will see results quickly without having to spend a fortune or having to be locked into an ongoing purchasing agreement/contract. If you want to stop the spots NOW, please visit my web-site to learn more about the Velocity line: www.marykay.com/ur4beauty. Or you may contact me directly via the information provided on my web-site.

DIMINISH THOSE DARK CIRCLES

What is it that can make you look older than you really are?  Surprisingly, it might not be wrinkles or gray hair but dark circles under your eyes. Although dark circles under eyes usually aren't a sign of exhaustion or serious illness, they can make you feel old, unhealthy and tired. This is a condition that affects both men and women around the world.

Just what constitutes dark circles under eyes is often in the eye of the beholder, but medically, they're defined as round, uniform areas of pigmentation beneath each eye. Dark circles under eyes affect both men and women, and although dark, under-eye circles often start in adulthood; children can develop them, too.

More treatments are available for dark circles under eyes than ever before and range from makeup to laser therapy and in some cases, surgery. Because results aren't always perfect, however, it helps to have realistic expectations.

If you get plenty of sleep, haven't been to a party in years and still have dark circles under your eyes, that's not unusual. Fatigue and high living aren't the main reasons for under-eye circles. What appears to be under-eye circles are sometimes just shadows cast by puffy eyelids or hollows under your eyes that develop as a normal part of aging.

Here are some of the most common causes of true under-eye circles:

§  Allergies

§  Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

§  Heredity — dark under-eye circles can run in families

§  Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol and caffeinated sodas

§  Nasal congestion (which dilates and darkens the veins that drain from your eyes to your nose)

§  Pigmentation irregularities — these are a particular concern for people of color, especially blacks and Asians

§  Sun exposure, which prompts your body to produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color

§  Thinning skin and loss of fat and collagen — common as you age — which make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more obvious

The good news is that if you are one of the many people affected by this condition you do not have to resort to going under the knife. Mary Kay offers an amazing product that is specifically for the treatment of dark circles. TimeWise Targeted Action Eye Revitalizer diminishes dark circles and helps to eliminate the puffiness that occurs under the eye area. This product is one of our top sellers and our customers simply will testify to the results. The cost of this product is $35 for a .34 fl. oz. bottle. If you suffer from dark circles under your eyes and want an inexpensive, non-evasive way to eliminate the appearance of them please visit my website @: www.marykay.com/ur4beauty. Keep in mind that I can ship this item anywhere so start erasing these circles today.

                                                                                                           

Day on the Run

We all have had a morning where we wish we could just rewind and start all over. Speaking from my own experience, I have hit the snooze button way too many times and even slept through the alarm in the past. Adding fuel to the fire, are your kids and spouse/partner all needing your undivided attention when you have barely had enough time to open your eyes.  With this being said, none of us wonderful women dare go to work without doing our makeup or at least making ourselves presentable to the professional world. Now you can take a deep breath and know that you can achieve a fashion savvy look in a small amount of time.

Try this quick look using Mary Kay® products next time you find yourself dashing out the door.

·         Apply Mineral Bronzing Powder in Desert Sun, $12, all over the face for a sun-kissed glow.

·         For eyes, apply the lighter shade of Desert Sun on brow bone, eyelid and along inner third of lower lashes. Use the darker shade along top lash line and into outside half of crease and along lower lash line.

·         Use the darker shade of Desert Sun along cheekbones for additional color if desired.

·         Apply Liquid Eyeliner in Black, $11, along top lash line.

·         Sweep Liquid Lip Color in Malted, $13, along top and bottom lips.

·         Apply Mary Kay® Ultimate Mascara™ in Black, $15, to upper, and if desired, lower lashes.

·         Don't leave home without applying Time Wise Body™ Hand and Décolleté Cream Sunscreen SPF 15*, $18 — two often neglected areas that can betray a woman's age.

Ladies we know longer have to let running late determine the outcome of the rest of our day. You will be amazed at the look these few products create in such a small period of time. You will look fresh and fabulous.

Please visit my website at: www.marykay.com/ur4beauty and register. All new customers receive 20% off of their first order.

SHINE ON THIS SEASON

With summer officially behind us, it is time to stock up the trendiest shades for this fall and winter. No longer are we confined to a restrictive pallet of earth tones for this season. The new colors taking over the fashion world have also become this season’s trendiest makeup combinations.  These latest top charting hues are ones that are fun, bold, daring and ultra chic.

First on the list of “must haves” are cool metals. This color group consists of eye colors such as: granites, copper glow, blue metal and silver satin. These colors are the perfect show stopper when you combine them with an outfit accessorized with bold, chunky jewelry. Be sure to wear layers of chains and glam it up by adding jewels to your neckline. You can then create a towering effect by wearing your favorite show stopping high heels while creating mile long lashes with our Ultimate Mascara in black. By creating the length from one end to the other you are also creating a classy, slimming effect that is sure to get you noticed. The experts have stated that “the shinier the better” this season. From sleek, metallic finishes to slick lips-shine rules. You too can shine on with our striking gloss finishes. The favorite colors in this department this season are: Berry Sparkle, Bronze Bliss and Sugarberry.

Do not miss out on this season’s trend. It is energetic and experimental. You will see that it is a bold clash of colors, shape and modern details. It is the new urban cool inspired by the pulse of the city both day and night. The collections are imaginative and beautifully daring. And you can wear it well!!!

Visit my website @ www.marykay.com/ur4beauty to view these hot new collections. While visiting the site be sure to register and receive 20% off your first order. If you would like to receive free samples you may request those on the site as well.
Be daring, be you, be beautiful.

SAY GOOD-BYE TO SUMMER BUT NOT YOUR SUN KISSED GLOW

September 21, 2010 was the official last day of summer. But, that doesn’t mean that you cannot keep that beautiful summer glow all year round. There are numerous products available to help you achieve or keep that golden, bronzed look that so many of us love. You can use a self tanner or bronzer to make your skin glow without having to damage your skin with the use of a tanning bed or exposing yourself to harmful UV rays.

Below are some tips to help you achieve various degrees of “natural tan” for a variety of skin tones. Read on to discover which hue best fits you!!

Lightly Sun Kissed

A naturally sun kissed look can be achieved year-round by applying bronzer to places where the sun would hit your face. Mix equal parts moisturizing bronzing lotion with foundation for a sheer, all-over glow that warms up your complexion, or apply it (over liquid foundation) to the high parts of the face. Be sure to avoid mixing wet bronzing formulas with powder foundation or blush.

Sun-Kissed Makeup: Complement a lightly sun-kissed glow with warm pink shades and dewy golden glosses. You will also find that using colored mascara will also help to bring out your eyes.

Golden Glow

For an all-over golden tone that’s perfect for an exotic vacation, try a sheer bronzer that’s a few shades deeper than your skin tone. Blend to perfection. With a fluffy brush, apply pressed powder bronzer where the sun would naturally hit your face. In a sweeping motion that mimics the number three, brush on color to the outer part of each side of the face. Are you in the mood for a loose powder? Swirl your brush over the top of a pressed powder until it loosens then spill the dust into the palm of your hand. Apply as usual.

Golden Glow Makeup: A golden glow looks fetching when paired with shades of peach, gold, coral and sea blue.

Goddess Bronze

A deep, Barbie-perfect tan brings out the color of your eyes and complements highlights in your hair.  This island look is best achieved with deep bronzing products—stay out of the sun! Mix equal parts foundation and bronzer (liquid, foam or gel) for an all-over glow or use these formulas to tan the highpoints of the face: bridge of the nose, temples and cheekbones. Before leaving the house, don’t forget to check your jaw line for tell-tale lines of demarcation.  For best blending, do not mix with powder blush or foundation.

Goddess Bronze makeup: Accent a goddess bronze tan with metallic bronze shadow, bright and juicy lip glosses in shades of pimento red and tangerine. Use highlighters sparingly.

Whatever your choice may be, I can help you achieve the look you are aiming for. Please visit my website: www.marykay.com/ur4beauty

Be sure to register for free samples. All first time buyers receive 20% off their first orders. Also remember that I can ship your products directly to you or wherever you indicate they need to be delivered.