How Far can you Stretch Your Genes?

I would like to preface this with the fact that I was told the other day that I was blessed with great genes.  I would also like to state that I am writing this solely out of thought and that I am not of a science background.

While I appreciate the compliment and it made me feel very happy, I started to think about the fact that I work really hard to keep myself healthy on the inside and I feel that the work shows on the outside.  I started to think about the fact that so many people are blessed with good genes, but they don't stay healthy and others may not have good 'genes' but they work very hard and it shows on the outside.  I wanted to write this article simply because it came to my mind and I couldn't stop thinking about it. 

While I completely understand that we all start out with genes which lead to a set of certain phyiscal characteristics, I also think that we can 'stretch' these characteristics naturally with work and dedication.  It's amazing what a clean diet, consistent workouts, a ton of water and rest can do to stretch these genes to reach their full potential.

This was just a quick thought, but I truly feel that we all have the power and potential in us to make the best 'us' we can imagine.  If you put the work into anything, you can reap the reward you aim for.

Live life to the fullest and you will receive a full life. 

Lacey

One Step Away From A Flawless Tan

It's that time of year again, when the sun is shining and the air is getting warmer so the shorts and skirts come out of the closet for the first time.  It's also the time of year when you might start realizing that your skin is not as bright as you would like it to be. 

I came to this realization when I went out to the lake last weekend and felt too pale to be wearing a sleeveless blouse.  I have a light Olive complexion so I am not completely pale, but it's still rather light.  If you're like me, then you want to stay wrinkle-free and therefore UV tanning is not an option.  One option is spray tan, but it is costly and I don't necessarily want the spray tan on my face because I do have problems with clogged pores. 

Luckily, I found another excellent option to spray tan and it's called Xen Tan Transform Luxe Daily Self Tan.  I purchased the product at Nordstrom and it comes in a large tube.  The consistency is that of lotion and it's white so you will not see the color for a few hours.  The directions are on the tube, but you will need to apply and leave on for a few hours before bathing or swimming.  I think the best bet is to apply in the evening and let your tan develop as you sleep. 

After just two uses, I already have a beautiful tan.  This particular product is a daily self tan and I like that because you can build the tan to your perfect color and then stop for a few days.  I will report back with how long the tan lasts, but I do know it does not just come off in the shower, it has to wear down. 

This is a grade A+ product for me. 

Happy Shopping!

Lacey

Top Picks for Eyes that Stay Put

When I discovered MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack I was ecstatic because that was the first gel liner I had ever used and it had the most staying power for my oily skin.  Since then, I have recently discovered something I think could possibly take first place in my eye makeup routine.  The product is Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.  The beauty about this product is that it's a liquid liner, but it's actually a pen so it makes it much easier to apply, especially for those of us who have never really mastered the art of the liquid eyeliner.  This pen is almost as easy as a kohl liner, but with the precise line and drama you get from a liquid.  This product makes the outer edge winged look much easier (also called the cat eye).  I highly recommend the liquid liner pen as it sets in your skin rather than sitting on top and seems to have amazing staying power.  It also gives you the freedom to have a little fun with the eye area and play with the flirty looks we all love. 

In addition to this, I picked up Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara in Black.  I was as equally impressed with this mascara as I was the Stila liner.  From the first application, I saw lashes I had never (let me repeat, never) seen before.  I think it has to be the combination of the formula and the amazing brush because this product held up to all of its claims.  Below are the claims that are made on Sephora.com and I saw every bit of this in my own experience.  As a connoisseur of beauty products, that doesn't happen very often.  A+ product in my eyes.

Directly from Sephora.com

Research results:
-94% saw dramatic length and volume*
-90% saw base-to-tip curl*
-94% saw visible lift*
-100% saw long-wearing results*
-*Results observed in a consumer panel survey

Happy Shopping!

Lacey

Tried and True: A Winner in the Anti-Aging Eye Category

I turned thirty a couple months ago and just that small change to a number three from two was a huge change for me to comprehend. I mean before that I was in my twenties so I felt like anti-aging creams and serums where just a plus at this point. Now my frame of mind has changed and I covet my serums and creams more than ever, so I wanted to share my take on a specific line that I have found to be a winner.

I spent my college years working at a cosmetic surgeon's office so I have had a chance to try so many great products so when I came across a brand that I felt was truly remarkable I wanted to share. The brand is Dr. Perricone and my favorite product is the Vitamin C Ester Serum for eyes. The serum is very lightweight and almost the consistency of water. It glides on easily and absorbes quickly- which makes me think that my skin just soaks it up and maybe that's why the product is so effective. I originally chose the product for the antioxidant benefits of Vitamin C and the fact that I wanted to protect my eyes from lines as much as possible. Since antioxidants protect and provide a barrier against the free radicals that cause cell damage I thought this could be my product. What I didn't realize is that I had finally found a product that I felt worked good enough to use daily and even repurchase. If you're like me, then you have tried so many products and most of them don't even make it to the repurchase category- they just don't give the results you expect to see. The bottle lasts many months because you use such a small amount so you do not have to repurchase too quickly and it's worth its price tag.

Vitamin C has been touted to lighten, brighten and tighten and I truly feel that this product does all of that. I feel that it's a great barrier to protect my delicate eye area and I feel that it lightens up some of the dark that can plague the under-eye area of many women.

I have been using the serum for years now and felt it was utterly deserving of a 'glowing' review since it has given my eyes a glow of their own.

Happy Shopping!

Lacey