Tag: skin care

Organic Cleansing Essentials

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Organic Cleansing Essentials

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One of the most soothing parts of my day is when I start my evening skin care ritual by cleansing my skin. When cleansing my face, it feels like I am washing away the stress of the day and preparing for a relaxing sleep. It’s the moment when I can disengage with everything else and focus on myself for a few moments.

Before I read Perfect Skin, I used to cleanse with Awaken Cleanser every evening and a few times a week, I would use an exfoliating cleanser. I thought it was good for my skin to have a vigorous scrubbing. What I learned from Perfect Skin was that an exfoliating cleanser would actually strip my skin of good bacteria, which makes my skin more prone to breakouts.

Every evening, I use Awaken Cleanser to remove my makeup and cleanse the skin. It has a light, milky texture and is made from aloe vera and sunflower seed oil, which cleans the skin without damaging it. It has the most incredible scent (think lavender and rosemary) and leaves the skin clear and refreshed. While gentle, it is still incredibly effective and is strong enough to remove my eye make up.

2-3 evenings I week, I like to give my pores a deeper cleansing and boost of hydration so I apply Angel Balm after cleansing and leave on for 20 minutes. Angel Balm is quite possibly the most iconic Soveral product and receives rave reviews from beauty editors worldwide. It doubles as a deep pore cleanser and regenerative mask. You can also use it as lip balm and cuticle oil. I keep an extra jar packed in my travel bag because my skin tends to feel a bit grimy and dry when traveling.

Since I have adjusted my cleansing routine, my skin feels softer and smoother. If your skin is dull, dry or breaking out, I encourage you to try these cleansers. I am confident they will leave your skin refreshed and glowing.

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 16.2019
Perfect Skin, My Go-To Guide for Skin Care

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Perfect Skin, My Go-To Guide for Skin Care

This post is sponsored by all of the opinions expressed are my own.

There are a variety of reasons I approached Soveral about becoming a brand ambassador. To start, I have been using their products for years and have had fantastic results. The other reason is because I support the entire company philosophy. I try to live by a wholesome, healthy philosophy, especially when it comes to health and skin, and admire their holistic approach.

I believe that health and good skin start from within. I remember going to the dermatologist as a teen… he told me that diet and environment had nothing to do with the way my skin looked. I was immediately suspicious – even at a young age it did not seem reasonable. Fortunately, it seems the more science progresses, we learn that what we ingest and our environment has a significant effect on our health.

Alexandra Soveral is highly educated. She has her Bachelor Honours Degree in Philosophy of Science with an extra module in Biochemistry, BTEC Anatomy & Physiology, ITEC (International professional practitioner) in Holistic Therapies and ITEC & BTEC Advanced Chemistry of Essential Oils. What impresses me as much as her credentials are the fact that she works directly with clients. I like knowing that the person who is creating the products actually helps real clients, hearing about their skin problems and understanding what is effective in treating them. I want to learn as much as possible about taking care of my skin. So, naturally, when it was announced that she was writing a book, I reserved a copy so I would receive it as soon as it was released.

Perfect Skin is an incredible resource for anyone who has skin problems or wants to learn more about the skin. It covers everything about your skin from your genes, the mind-skin connection, hormones, sun, acne eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis and cosmetic treatments and procedures. In Chapter 4, She even has a contributor, nutritionist Deborah Ives, weigh in on gut health and the importance of the digestive system.

The book also provides a few recipes that support overall health and wellness. This is an excellent soup to prepare after the holidays or whenever you need a little detox:

Recipe

Savoy Cabbage Soup

1.7 litres of water (1.8 quarts)
pinch of salt
pinch of cayenne pepper (add a tiny pinch and add more if you want since it is very potent)
2 garlic cloves
1 white onion
1 small chunk of ginger, peeled and sliced into thin strips
2 large carrots
1 medium Savoy cabbage, hard stalks removed and leaves cut into fine strips

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Once you read Perfect Skin, you learn so much about how to care for your skin and your health. Perfect Skin is available at alexandrasoveral.com or amazon.com.

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Enjoy reading, friends!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 4.2019
New Year, New Beauty Ritual

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New Year, New Beauty Ritual

This post is sponsored but all of the opinions expressed are my own.

And just like that..we are into the New Year with goals, intentions and resolutions at the forefront of our mind. This year, I am not setting resolutions, I am focusing on how I want to feel, who I want to be and building everything I do around that. Some of the key things I want to be are healthy, peaceful and organized. Like all of you…I am juggling. Family, work and blog take time, energy and effort and I tend to put myself at the bottom of the list of priorities. In order to feel the way I want, I am blocking off time on my calendar for this lovely beauty ritual I have created and am sharing with you.

There are only a few things I enjoy more than lighting a candle, brewing a cup of tea and spending the evening applying face masks. It is the ultimate luxury and relaxation and leaves me feeling refreshed and relaxed…like I did something really good for myself. While doing this little beauty ritual, I will read a magazine or watch an old movie…something that is enjoyable and not stressful.

My ritual begins by lighting a candle and brewing a pot of Soveral Tea, a refreshing blend of verbena, melissa and peppermint that promotes good digestion, and, in turn, healthy skin. The tea leaves are picked from Alexandra’s family farm in Portugal where the soil is rich in minerals…which I find truly luxurious.

For my mask routine, I start by massaging Awaken Cleanser into my skin and removing with a hot damp face cloth. Then, I will lightly splash water, apply Angel Balm and perform a Soveral massage to my face, neck and décollaetage. Angel Balm is the most versatile skin care product I have ever used. Not only does it give your skin an in-depth cleansing, you can use it as a mask that will nourish, balance and regenerate your skin. You can also apply it to your lips or cuticles for hydration. The bonus…it smells positively amazing (think geranium and rosemary) so leaving it on is a pleasure. When you purchase Angel Balm, it comes with a cotton washcloth…after 20 minutes, simply rinse the cloth with hot water, leave on the skin for a few seconds and then remove the mask.

The next step in my ritual is to apply the Volcano Ash face mask. This face mask is made with palmarosa to regulate sebum and stimulate cell regeneration and peppermint to serve as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It has a soft consistency as you apply it and then it firms into a light layer that you need to remove with a washcloth. I leave it on for 20-30 minutes and when I remove it, my skin has a clean, firm feeling and healthy glow. I then close my eyes and apply the Floral Rain toner.

I will then do another small massage as I apply either the Midnight Oil or Forever Young face oil…I use 6 to 8 drops and massage until all of the oil is absorbed into the skin.

To final step in my beauty ritual is to use a Super Hero infused gauze mask. Super Hero is a concentrate I use when my skin needs an extra dose of moisture. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, which transforms skin and gives it a plump and radiant finish. I leave the gauze mask on for 20-30 minutes and do deep breathing exercises the entire time the mask is on. It is the perfect way to end this evening of bliss. Once I remove the mask, I pat any remaining product into the skin and then apply my Forever Young eye cream and Mandarin Kiss lip balm.

My husband went to watch a football game on Monday evening so I had the house to myself. I had a wonderful evening with my little beauty ritual. Not only did I feel more relaxed, my skin felt clean, healthy and was glowing. On Tuesday, I had three people ask me what I did to my skin because I looked so refreshed!

I know you are busy, I know you are juggling…however, you deserve to feel beautiful. I encourage each of you to carve out time for yourself to create a ritual that leaves you feeling peaceful and invigorated.

To shop these products and the full Soveral line, visit alexandrasoveral.com.uk or via netaporter.com. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at info@styleandlife.com or via direct message on any of my social media channels.

Bisous,
Rebecca

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f. 15.2019
Who is Alexandra Soveral and why am I obsessed with her products?

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Who is Alexandra Soveral and why am I obsessed with her products?

this post is sponsored by Soveral but the opinions expressed are my own

Friends… I am excited to announce another “first” for Style & Life! I am going to be a brand ambassador for the award-winning skincare brand, Alexandra Soveral. If you have been following me for any length of time, you will know this is a dream come true. I started posting about Soveral skincare back in 2014. It is such an honor to work with a brand I have been using for many years.

Skincare is, hands down, the #1 thing in which I invest. This has been my perspective since my early 20’s. You can always buy a nicer shirt or pair of shoes, but you only get one set of skin. If I need to cut back on my budget, I will do it in other places, but never my skincare. I have tried a lot of different products over the years. A LOT. I discovered Soveral one evening while scrolling through Pinterest one evening and it immediately peaked my interest. Particularly, the fact that it is 100% organic and hand blended.

I placed an order, which I will never forget. Someone emailed me the next morning and advised my items would ship in 2 days since they were making “a fresh batch”. I was beyond impressed. A fresh batch? It hasn’t been sitting on a shelf for 2 years? I gladly waited and when I received the items, was delighted with the clean, elegant packaging which just so happens to be and how it is recyclable and created using non-toxic inks.

About a week after using the products I had multiple friends and colleagues ask “What did you do to your skin? It looks amazing…you are glowing.” I was traveling frequently and my skin was sallow and tired. After using Soveral products, it was brighter, smoother and had an overall better texture. Since then, several of my friends have tried it and are also hooked.

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The company was founded by Alexandra Soveral and Jorj Aleem. Alexandra is the perfumier and cosmetic formulator, while Jorj concepts and defines how the product is presented. Alexandra was studying for her Bachelor Honours Degree in the Philosophy of Science (how the use of genetic engineering of flora will affect the world in future generations). She became aware of how irresponsible science is being used within the skincare industry and decided to marry her interest of science with natural skincare. She set up her own research lab into natural raw ingredients and their benefit on the human health. Impressed? Me too. Additionally, they have received a number of prestigious awards (to learn more click here).

Many of her products are available at net-a-porter.com or you may order directly from their website alexandrasoveral.com. I am excited to share more about this incredible brand in upcoming posts.

Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 5.2018
DIY Eyelash Treatment

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DIY Eyelash Treatment

Coconut oil is a favorite product of mine….not only can you cook with it but it can be used for a number of beauty treatments (see skin care post here and hair care post here). Another way I like to use it is to remove eye makeup and as a conditioner for my eyelashes. Between mascara and false eyelashes, they need a little TLC from time to time. Being a bit of a beauty junkie, I have tried a number of eye makeup removers and, by far, coconut oil is just as effective as anything I have purchased.

You can use it straight out of the jar, but I wanted to find a way to travel with it and so I found these nice little applicators on Amazon. I use fractionated coconut oil so that it will pour into the applicator (it is also great as a skin moisturizer). To create this hydrating little treatment, simply open the applicator, add 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil, 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil and fill the rest with the fractionated coconut oil. Apply carefully to your eyelashes to remove makeup or before bedtime if you just want a hydrating lash treatment.

Keep those lashes gorgeous with this luxurious little treatment for your lashes.

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 23.2018
The Benefits of Jade Rolling

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The Benefits of Jade Rolling

I started seeing jade rollers a couple of years back and, being a bit of a beauty junkie, was intrigued about this pretty little tool. After doing some quick research, I decided to order it since they are relatively inexpensive and looked easy to use.

Jade rolling is an ancient Chinese technique that basically gives your face a nice, cooling massage. I like to use my jade roller first thing in the morning after applying my facial oil and cream because it helps me feel more awake.

The benefits of jade rolling are reported to be lymphatic drainage, the lifting of facial muscles, collagen stimulation, improved circulation, reduction of under eye dark circles and increased absorption of skin care products.

It is easy to use. Simply apply your favorite serum, oil or cream. Use the large end of the jade roller in an upward and outward motion. The small end is perfect to use under the eyes to reduce puffiness. I usually roll each portion of the face 5-7 times and sometimes more because it is so soothing. I always use this before a photoshoot or while traveling. I keep mine in the refrigerator so that it feels extra cold to the skin. Take a moment and treat yourself to a little luxury with this cooling facial massage! No appointment required.

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Bisous,
Rebecca

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f. 13.2018
Five Makeup Tips from Aradia Vive

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Five Makeup Tips from Aradia Vive

We have all met those people with whom you have an instant connection and hope you will spend more time in the years to come. I had that experience when I met my wedding makeup artist, Aradia Vive. Long before Style & Life was even a thought, I had hoped our paths would cross along the years. Five years later, we are spending Saturday mornings together as she does my makeup for my photoshoots.

One of the best gifts I have received is from one of my friends…I threw her a bridal shower and as a thank you, she gave me a makeup lesson with Aradia. It was an incredible experience as we were able to learn about her recommended products, tips and techniques on how we should be applying our makeup. Although, there is no comparison between Aradia doing my makeup and doing it myself…I can create a smokey eye, contour and create other gorgeous looks. If you are in the Miami area, I highly recommend this experience as a gift for yourself of someone special as you will learn techniques that you can use forever.

For those who do not live in the Miami area, I am sharing five key tips that I have learned in my time working with Aradia. These are the foundation of elevating your makeup routine.

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Start with Skin

For your makeup to go on beautifully, you need to start with a great canvas. Keep yourself hydrated, exfoliate and moisturize before you being applying makeup.

Prime

I never believed the hype around primers but Aradia convinced me to try them…and now, my makeup lasts considerably longer and looks much smoother. Primer creates a smooth surface, reduces shine and minimizes pores. Stay tuned…I am working on a post that features my favorite primers.

Contour

Contouring is about highlighting your best features and creating shape and definition. When done correctly, it should be subtle and hardly noticeable. Use professional brushes and invest in a Beauty Blender to contour properly.

Clean Your Tools

During our makeup lesson, Aradia asked me to get my foundation brush…she must have been horrified as I had not cleaned it in a few weeks! Tools become dirty and if you do not clean them, you are putting bacteria directly onto your face. It only takes a minute or two to clean your brushes after application so take the time and clean them immediately!

Finishing Spray

If you are going to take the time and put the effort in…be sure your work will last and finish with Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray. Your makeup will stay fresh all day. Available at www.skindinavia.com.

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To schedule a makeup less or learn more visit www.bridalmakeovers.com.

Bisous,

Rebecca

Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 24.2017
Sun Kissed for Summer…my current bronzers

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Sun Kissed for Summer…my current bronzers

There is nothing like a healthy glow to make you feel vibrant and fresh for the summer season. In order to prevent sun damage, I like to use bronzers and self tanners since both can create natural looking color. For the best results, be sure to select a shade or two darker than your skin tone. I hope you stay sun kissed this summer…here are the current bronzers I am using.

Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Bronzer

I love all things from Hourglass cosmetics…just like the blush featured in our Spring 17 Beauty Report, this bronzer is formulated with Photoluminescent Technology, featuring optically transparent particles that transform the look of skin and emphasize your best features. There are four gorgeous shades in this bronzer. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Eve Lom Golden Radiance Bronzing Powder
This Even Lom bronzer is ideal to keep in your handbag for mid-day touchups or your travel bag due to the convenient brush applicator. Formulated with their BerryFlux Vita™, the powder stimulates the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. Available in two pretty shades at www.neimanmarcus.com

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Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
If powdered bronzers are not for you, then you may want to try the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation stick. This stick is creamy and lightweight and comes in 30 shades. Apply with a foundation brush and then buff with a beauty blender to achieve your desired shade. Available at www.sephora.com.

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NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer
An excellent everyday choice, this NARS bronzer creates a matte finish with a soft glow. It has a natural appearance and enhances your natural skin tone. It contains light diffusing properties that blur the skins imperfections. Available in 4 different colors at www.saks.com.

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Sephora Collection Bronzer Powder
This bronzer creates a radiant complexion with its matte or shimmer finishes. The powder goes on smoothly and is easy to blend to create a natural look. Available in 5 finishes at www.sephora.com.

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These should help you get a beautiful summer glow!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 30.2017
Skin Refresh: My Current Facial Masks

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Skin Refresh: My Current Facial Masks

Once or twice (if I can squeeze it in) a week, I like to take an evening to pamper myself. I make some tea (see my Tea Traditions post) a bath, exfoliate and do a series of facial masks. Life is busy and these moments of self care are essential to feeling my best. I like to try different masks and products. Right now, this is my current facial mask routine and after I complete it, my skin looks and feels amazing.

To start, I use the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to clear my pores. This mask gives a tight pulling sensation while it is drying on your face that I love. It cleans out dirt, debris and toxins and leaves your face clean and pores smaller. Available at www.sephora.com.

The second mask I use is the Soveral Volcano Ash mask. I use Soveral products for most of my daily skin care routine. This purifying mask detoxifies, nourishes and plumps the skin. It contains palmarosa which helps regulate sebum production and peppermint which heals and smooths. Upon the initial application, this mask seriously tingles but once you have it on for 2-3 minutes, the tingling stops. Available at www.alexandrasoveral.co.uk.

The third facial mask that I am using is the Biodara Coconut Matcha Brightening Mask. This mask nourishes and increases elasticity and skin radiance. It is a powder that you mix with water to create a mousse and then apply to your face. Available at www.biodara.com.

Next in the lineup is the Eve by Eves by Hyluronic Express Brush Mask. This mask contains seaweed, algae, hyluronic acid, jasmine and rose oils. After the cleansing masks, this one is light, moisturizing and leaves your skin incredibly smooth. The brush applicator is a fun bonus. Available at www.evestemptation.com.

The final step is a major dose of hydration…I either use one of the sheet masks covered in our Sheet Mask Review post or I use this Aveda Intense Hydrating Masque. The texture is a tad sticky but if you sleep in this mask…your face will be well hydrated when you wash it off in the morning. Available at www.aveda.com

Take some time for yourself and treat your skin to an evening of pampering. What masks do you use? I would love to hear your favorite masks in the comments below!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 10.2017
The Cellulite Battle

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The Cellulite Battle

While this topic is certainly not lovely or elegant, it is a topic that many women spend hours agonizing over. Unfortunately, I was not blessed with the “no cellulite gene” and so cellulite is something I am battling. And, so, I am always keeping an eye out for new products that may make a difference.

Obviously, healthy eating and exercise are the foundation of any beauty routine and essential for staying lean and fit. I am in the process of re-establishing my health and fitness routines. During pregnancy and after having my daughter, I have struggled to maintain the level of consistency but am continuing to improve every day. While I believe those are the most important things I can do for my health and appearance, I still am determined to improve this cellulite challenge so I am sharing three treatments I believe help cellulite and improve the overall appearance of my skin.

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DRY BRUSHING

There is a tremendous amount of skepticism about the effectiveness of dry brushing…regardless; I have grown to enjoy it as part of my pre-shower routine. Dry brushing is supposed to help cellulite because it improves vascular blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. Since I am unsure if that is happening, I do know that it is a great exfoliate and sheds dead skin cells, which is enough of a reason to continue. While painful when I first started, I have grown to enjoy dry brushing because my skin feels fresh and invigorated. Be sure to move in circular motions toward your heart. This Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush is made from natural cactus bristles. Available at www.aromatherapyassociates.com.

THE FASCIA BLASTER

A gimmick? I am an eternal optimist and so I am going to continue hoping this treatment is effective. Ashley Black, creator of the Fascia Blaster and author of The Cellulite Myth, has a number of videos and before/after images on her website. I have looked at these testimonials and am choosing to believe it is possible. This item is $89 and I actually find it so pretty with its white and rose gold color combination. I do feel the skin on my legs looks smoother…I use this pretty vigorously and have gotten some bruises that make me think this it is working. Available at www. ashleyblackguru.com.

BRAZILIAN BUM BUM CREAM

So, I might have gotten sucked into trying this cream because of the fun name and packaging…AND the large number of svelte and gorgeous Brazilian models. This product is made with guaraná, a native Amazonian plant whose fruit contains one of the most potent forms of caffeine on the planet. The cream also includes nourishing cupuaçu butter, antioxidant powerhouse açaí, and moisturizing coconut oil. This formula quickly absorbs and has a yummy pistachio caramel scent. Verdict is out, but I am going to keep trying to improve. Available at www.sephora.com.

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While no one is 100% certain about the effectiveness of these treatments, I believe they are worth a shot…especially since they are relatively affordable. Do you have favorite products, techniques or ideas? I would LOVE to hear them below!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 20.2017