Archive for the ‘Makeup’ Category

Teenage Makeup Dos and Don’ts

The first time I wore eyeliner, I was 13 and a bridesmaid at my sisters wedding! A lot of girls in my year were full on makeup addicts, faces full of flaky foundation and glitter lip gloss. When I finally discovered eye-shadow? Utter glitter-palooza! The bathroom looked like it belonged to Tinkerbell. Glitter became a staple for the next couple years. Looking back, I’m surprised my parents let me wear it as long as I did!

When is it appropriate to let your teen start wearing makeup?

It depends greatly on the child, the kind of makeup they want to wear, and their school regulations. Many private, and even some public schools, have rules about what kind of make up is acceptable.

The best piece of advice I got as a teen was, “Make Up is an Accessory, Not a Necessity”. While girls will ask for makeup, especially if their friends are already wearing it, emphasize that makeup, like earrings, bracelets or scarves, is not a necessity.

Most girls start using tinted lip products, such as glosses and balms during the late elementary and middle school years, usually between 11 and 13. By the time they reach High School, most teens are wearing concealer along with simple eye makeup.

The ideal that most grown women are trying for when applying makeup is a natural ‘no-makeup’ look. Clear dewy, youthful skin with large eyes and bee-stung lips, the exact look most teens already have!

Go Shopping Together

Sometimes, the best defense is a good offence. My early makeup lessons in the poorly lit bathroom at school included such gems as “always line your lips outside the lines so they look huge!”, “30 layers of blue glitter is sooooo in this year!”, and “purple lipstick goes with everything!”

Want to avoid the glittery clownish makeup you’ve spotted on tweens and teens at the mall? Go shopping together and help you child choose products that suit her skin tone and personality.  Have a Mini-Make-Over Day! Spend an afternoon applying your new found goodies. Improper application is one of the biggest reasons teen makeup can look garish. There are lots of amazing no makeup and minimal makeup looks.

Teenage Makeup Shopping List

• Lip Gloss & Tinted Lip Balm - Choose a Tinted Lip Balm over Lip Stick. The colour is much more natural, subtle, and usually offer SPF protection. A glitter or tinted gloss can dress up lips for an afternoon at the mall or a first date. Lip Gloss is usually, the first product girls start using thanks to the number of fun and glittery options marketed to tweens.  Steer your child to clear glosses that bring out the natural colour of her lips. Women ingest a portion of the lip products they apply. For daily use, choose products that are natural, neutral, and lead-free. We love Burt’s Bees Lip Products
• Concealer – For the inevitable Teen Acne choose a concealer that matches your skin tone and gently pat it in. Make sure to match the shade of your skin, especially at the jaw line. Concealer can be used to help even out discoloured patches or hid a pimple. Try the Zap and Hide Concealer from Jane Iredale
• Foundation – Most Teens should skip the foundation. With naturally dewy, youthful skin, there’s no need to cover it up with an oily foundation. Too much foundation can give you a Matte, unnatural look. Instead, use a tinted moisturizer/SPF combo to help keep your skin tone even and protected.
• Mascara – Choose a quality mascara, especially if you plan to wear it every day. Any product worn around the eye can end up in your eyes. Causing irritation or infection, especially from older products. Never use expired product. Mascara should be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Staff Pick: Jane Iredale Purelash Mascara.
• Eye Liner – A teenage staple, choose a soft eyeliner that will highlight your eyes. The purpose of eye liner is to help make your eyes look larger, so avoid lining the inside of your lids. Most girls are opting for black to make a statement. Save the dramatic eyes for special occasions, instead opt for a neutral to accent your eyes. We love the variety of colour offered by Mica Beauty Liquid Eye Liner and the lovely blending you can get with the pencils from Jane Iredale.
• Eye Shadow – As much as I loved my purple glitter as a teen, looking at the photos now, it was pretty ridiculous. Instead, choose a simple shadow that complements your skin tone and accentuates your eye colour.

Resist the urge to apply the makeup to your child. Instead, apply it to yourself to show her the technique and then let her try. It’s also a great opportunity to talk about beauty and body image.

Body Image, Makeup and Being Seventeen

A good friend of mine struggled with an eating disorder all through high school. The control over her appearance extended not just to her weight, but her makeup as well. If her brows weren’t perfect, she would wash them off and do them again… and again… and again… As a teenager, the majority of your life is out of your control. Girls can become obsessed with controlling their appearance simply because it’s one of the few things they can actually control.

When you’re up against Photo-shopped and Painted beauties like Jennifer Lawrence, Selena Gomez, and Rita Ora splattered across glossy magazine covers, it’s hard for a girl to feel beautiful. One or two of those glossy photos will find their way into the inside of a locker, hung next to a small mirror where every insecurity will be written across an “inadequate” face. Appearance, especially in our increasingly image driven culture where every meal is instagrammed and daily events are captured forever on the internet,  has taken on fresh importance.

Not all hope is lost! While the internet is full of treated and retouched images. There are also countless candids and no-makeup celebs (Selena Gomez even did a no-makeup shoot!). Our girls are also much more image savvy then we were at their age. Maybe she’s born with it, Maybe its Photoshop. Education, especially on how designers retouch photos, is key to keeping our girls confident. It’s important to teach that those glossy images aren’t 100% “real”.

One of the best beauty tips I ever received was while planning my wedding. “Do you know why the bride is always the most beautiful on her wedding day? It’s because she’s happy. Happiness is the best makeup you can ever wear.” If, instead of encouraging our girls to seek beauty, we encourage them to seek happiness, beauty will follow.

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

BEHIND BEAUTY: SOFT SPRING SMOKEY EYE TUTORIAL

Transform the shimmery Spring day look into a sultry smokey eye for evening!

Start by thoroughly cleansing your eye area. A clean canvas is necessary for optimal results.

Gently Sweep Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow in ”Champagne” across the entire lid as a base.

Add a touch of colour. We choose a soft gold with a hint of pink, “Rose Gold” Pressed Eye Shadow. Apply in a “V” shape along the corner of the eye (where you would add the “Wing” of a cat eye) into the crease. Blend into the base colour for a seamless transition.



Next, use your darkest colour, such as “Shady Lady”, as an eyeliner. Apply with an angled brush and gently smudge upward to create the “smokey” effect. By using a soft powder instead of a liquid liner, the smokey effect is much softer for spring.

As a highlight, add “Oyster” along the brow bone. Next, add just a touch of Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust Powder to the interior of the eye for extra romance and an elegant shimmer.

Finish with Jane Iredale PureLash Mascara in classic black for a fantastic look for an intimate coffee date, a walk along the pier or dinner by candle light!

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Burt’s Bees Lip Product Guide

I love my Burt’s Bees Lip Balm. Everywhere she goes, Christine, the Burt’s Bees National Trainer, hears the same. “People love our lip products. It’s the first thing they tell me when we meet. ‘See, I’ve got it right here!’ They tell me, pulling a tube from their purse or pocket.”

One of the things I love about Burt’s Bees is that the lip products are 100% Natural and leave my lips feeling fantastic. Plus, they are free from parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, Sodium Lauryl / Laureth Sulfates, Artificial Flavours, Colours, and GMOs.

Tinted Lip Balms

Named the Best New Product 2012 by Canadian Living, this tinted balm offers a touch of colour to refresh tired lips.  Toss it in your purse and go! Beeswax and natural botanical flower waxes (Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine) condition and protect while Sea butter, Vitamin E hydrate and nourish. 6 delightful shades to choose from, soft neutrals, pinks, and rouges.Lips that feel soft, healthy, and beautiful.

 

Lip Shimmer

Closer to a lipstick, than the tinted balms. The Lip Shimmers contain a higher concentration of colour. Still sheer when compared to a traditional lipstick, there are 11 shimmery shades! All are infused with peppermint to help plump. Other essential oils and natural ingrediants help to nourish your lips. Personally, I love the “Strawberry” shade. This soft, cherry blossom pink is perfect for brightening a grey day.

Lip Shine

Looking for touch of gloss that goes on smooth and offers a “just right” amount of colour? Try the Lip Shine. Deliciously apricot and available in 6 versatile shades are infused with Sunflower, Sweet Almond, and Castor Seed Oils to nourish and soften your lips. Plus, these shines help relieve dryness. Perfect for layering over a bright lipstick for spring. Or, wear on its own for a subtle shine.

 

Lip Gloss

Vibrant colour with a pearly shine. The smooth applicator glides along the lip for an even sheen. Castor seed oil helps to coat and treat the lip for a glossy shine. Sunflower Seed and Olive Oils offer rich hydration. Plus, minerals such as iron oxides, mica, and zinc oxide help to provide colour and shimmer. All the glosses have a sweet vanilla flavour,

Plus! Purchase $50 in Burt’s Bees products and receive a Pink Lip Balm Duo FREE!  ($19.60 value) For just a hint of color and a whole lot of conditioning. Includes the shades Pink Blossom and Rose

*One Gift per order, not valid with any other promotions, available while quantities last. Substitutions may occur.

 

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

The BEST Bronzers Guide

What is Bronzer?

A Bronzer is a tinted makeup that adds a sun-kissed or “Bronzed” look to the skin.

Used on the face or body, it can take you from tepid to tawny with 3 easy strokes!  Most bronzers come as a pressed, pearled, or loose powder. However, you can find liquid ones as well. Self tanners with a “Wash Off” option can also act as a bronzer.

There are two primary kinds, matte and shimmer. Matte bronzers are great for contouring and help to keep your sun-kissed look natural. Shimmer is fun for a night out or special occasion, however the light catching makeup can emphasize pores. The best bronzers have an illuminating quality without overpowering the rest of your makeup. At Spa Boutique, we carry over 50 Blushes and Bronzers, there’s a perfect shade for every skin tone!

How Do I Apply Bronzer?

Start with a foundation slightly darker than your normal tone.

Choose a Bronzer 2 shades darker than your skin tone.

Using a large bronzer brush, make a “3″ along each side of your face. Don’t press too hard, keep it light so it blends naturally.

Sweep the bronzer along the sides of your face, just below the cheekbones, and underneath the chin. Soften and Blend so no harsh “edges” remain.

Also add a touch along the neck. If you have short hair, or will be wearing your hair up, remember to add some colour to the back of your neck and behind your ears. If exposed, add to shoulders or lightly brush along legs.

 Top 3 Best Bronzers

Jane Iredale MoonGlow Quad Pressed Bronzer (8.5 g)

Four Shimmering Shades that work together for all over illumination. Or, use these subtle powders individually to highlight the eyes, lips, and cheeks. New Beauty Magazine Beauty Choice Award Winner “Best Bronzer” & Chosen Beast of Beauty by Allure.

 

Eminence Mineral Makeup Mocha Berry Bronzer Mineral Illuminator (0.28oz)
Add a natural glow with this elegant pressed powder. Warm and luminous, it helps to control oil while adding a stunning medium to dark highlight. Contains Rosemary Extract, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Aloe, Acai Berry, and Green Tea.

Priori CoffeeBerry Sun Kissed Bronzer (14G)

This 100% Natural loose powder is fortified with CoffeeBerry, a potent anti-aging botanical. In addition to providing an elegant sun-kissed look, this bronzer is Non-Comedogenic and Non-Acnegenic,  offers free-radical protection, soothes the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, conceals blotchiness and is ideal for sensitive skin.

 

Honorable Mentions: The key to perfect Bronzer is a perfect bronzing brush. Choose one that is soft with lots of bristles. We love the Eminence Powder Brush and the Jane Iredale Kabuki Brush & Case

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Spring Cleaning – How Long Are My Beauty Products Good For?

Today is the First Day of Spring!

In the spirit of the season, I decided to start cleaning out my make-up collection… Imagine my horror when I discovered, in the very back of my drawer, the lipstick I wore to PROM! While I’m sure there’s some sentimental value, it’s long, long, long past wearable.

The fact is, all beauty products expire. As they are exposed to air or light, the products begin to breakdown and lose their effectiveness. Products are easily contaminated by bacteria from your fingers or brushes.

Consumer cosmetics and beauty product should be labeled with an expiry date. However, it’s not required by Health Canada and some products still neglect to do so.  Most commonly, you’ll see a symbol that resembles an open jar. The number written in the middle indicates how long the product is good for once opened. A good way to keep track of how long you’ve been using a product is to take a thick felt tip pen and write the date you opened it next to the Expiry Symbol.

There are many ways the expiry date may appear. It may be are stamped on the bottom of the container or on the box as 20151231 (Year/Month/Day) or DEC15. Occasionally, a company will use a specific code. Unique to that company and rather difficult to figure out, give the company a call directly or check their website for more information.

A Quick Guide To Beauty Product Expiry Dates:

• Mascara & Liquid Eyeliner: 3 Months No Exceptions! Any longer and you risk contamination and infection. Also, avoid sharing these products as it increases the risk. 
• Loofah: 3 Months Constantly exposed to warm water, these luscious scrubs can harbor a lot of bacteria  Make sure to swap yours out fairly often to avoid rashes and breakouts
• Anti-Aging Creams / Acne Products: 3-12 Months  These products loose their effectiveness after the expiry date when the active ingredients break down. Make sure you check your specific product for the date as there’s a wide range here. Anything rich in antioxidants  peptides or labelled as natural needs to be replaced as instructed.
• Foundation: 12-18 Months Make sure to double check the packaging and ingredients  If your foundation is water based ,you’re probably best tossing it near the 12 month mark while an oil based can last closer to 18.
• Nail Polish: 1 Year As soon as your polish starts separating or clumping it’s time to say good bye! Particularity sensitive to heat and humidity keeping your polish in the dark can extend the lifespan.
• Skincare: 1-2 Years Depends greatly on the ingredients  Antioxidant rich creams need to be replaced fairly often as the exposure to light and heat causes them to lose their effectiveness.
• Lipstick: 1-2 Years Heat, moisture and rattling around in your purse can expose lipsticks to all kinds of bacteria. It’s best to replace fairly often. Once they’ve expired, you may start to notice peculiar smells or a strange taste. As soon as you do, toss it!
• Eye Shadow: 1-4 Years Due to the different brands and wide variation in quality, it’s a challenge to gauge exactly when your eye shadow expires. Always double check the packaging. Professional grade products are designed to last longer.
• Eye and Lip Pencils: 2-4 Years Provided you keep your pencils clean by sharpening them on a regular basis, you should be able to prolong their life by quite a bit. However, make sure to check for any dates recommended by the manufacturer as the ingredients will break down over time.

To increase the lifespan of your products, store them in a cool dark place and always clean your brushes on a regular basis (at least once a week with gentle shampoo or cleanser). Also, make sure your products are stored in a cool, dark place to minimize exposure to heat and light.

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!