What Scent Do You Leave Behind?

Well, let me start off by apologizing for not updating in quite along time. I’m still in the process of getting settled with the idea of blogging.

With that being said, let’s jump right back into it ladies!!! 

Ok, I had to write an entry on this topic because all throughout High School straight up until today I have always gotten compliments on how “great” I smell. It’s always a bit of fresh air to hear that, rather than the opposite. I’m sure everyone shares the same interest with wanting to smell good! Not only that, but having it last all day long!

What you need:

Body Spray of your choice or Perfume of your choice.

Now, its actually quite easy! If you are the type that loves using body sprays as opposed to perfume, or even both, what you’re going to do is as soon as you come out of the shower while your pores are still open spray that body spray all over your body! BE GENEROUS! A lot of people may think to themselves ok that sounds like its too much. Not at all, body spray is a lot lighter on contrary to perfumes. It may be strong at first but by the time you head out the door it’s a beautiful light scent. So don’t forget when you get out the shower spray your body before applying lotions or anything else.

When it comes to perfumes, on the other hand, you want to be a little more subtle with this because perfume can be over powering at times. After you’re done showering and applying lotion you will spray the perfume once at major pulse areas. For example, when I apply perfume its on the two pulsing areas of my neck, my both wrists, both insides of my elbows, and inside my knees. Very important: Do Not rub them together, just let it dry as is. Never spray perfume on your clothes either, this will not ensure that the perfume lasts longer and at times when it’s mixed in with other factors such as fabric softener or the detergent that you may use it may change the scent of your perfume.

A little advice before I do leave. Don’t apply perfume to your face. Alcohol is used to make perfumes and by applying it to your face it can cause your skin to over dry and of course we don’t want that.

After following these basic directions I guarantee, you will be receiving nothing but compliments on how great you smell all day!

Smooches,

Chantal

What Skin Type Are You?

A lot of people have asked me- how do you know what skin type you are? Well after doing a little bit of research and reading an excellent book by Iman called “The Beauty of Color” I can finally answer this question for you. There are aso even more skin types out there than I knew, so I learned something in the process as well.

There are actually six skin types: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, hyperpigmented, and normal skin. How do you you know which one you are, you ask?

Oily Skin

• Most likely to be prone to acne: pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, etc.
• Face can be shiny in the morning when you wake up, especially in your T-Zones.
• Foundation or makeup doesn’t last long on your face.
• May have large pores.

Don’t worry, there are advantages and disadvantages to having oily skin. The advantage is that your face will always remain moisturized and you will have fewer wrinkles as you age. The disadvantage is that you may have to deal with acne from time to time.

Cleansers for you: Stick to an oil-free gel or a foaming cleanser and leave exfoliating, again, to a minimum once a week.

Dry Skin

• Dull complexion?
• Did you not experience problems with acne?
• Are you sensitive to climate change?

Advantages to having dry skin is that your skin oftentimes looks excellent and flawless with no pimple in sight. The unfortunate end is that your skin may be rough to touch.

Cleansers for you: Cream-based cleanser or a “tissue-off” cleanser such as Cetaphil.

Combination Skin

• Are your T-Zones well moisturized but cheeks dry?
• Do the products you use only help parts of your face?

This happens to be the most common skin type of all. Sometimes this can be caused by using the wrong products for your face, so make sure you’re not using anything too harsh that will cause your skin to result in this. It may not even be important for you to use toners. If you do, try to stick to something less harsh such as Witch Hazel.

Cleansers for you: Stick to cleansers that are made speciafically for your skin type. They will oftensay “Combination” on the bottle.

 

Sensitive Skin

• Is your skin red or blotchy?
• Easily experience allergic reactions?
• Easy for you to sunburn?
• Does your skin become irritated easily?

Make sure that you’re paying attention to what your using on your face and how you react to it. Be sure to not “over-scrub” your face. Leave exfoliating to a minimum, once a week.

Cleansers for you: Go for thin cleansing lotions that say hypoallergenic, allergy-tested, or frgrance-free. Even after knowing this you must still be careful. Test the cleanser on the back of your neck for a few days to test your reaction. Try to also stick with more natural ingredients as well.

Hyperpigmented Skin

• Dark spots/scars caused by acne or bites?
• Moles?
• Do you freckle in the sun?

This skin type is very common amongst Middle Eastern, black, or Latina women. The unfortunate part of this skin type is that it’s something that you have to deal with but there are excellent products out there that help to prevent or take away these spots.

Cleansers for you: The best cleansers for you would be those that exfoliate. Not the harsh ones such as products that contain micro-beads, salts, grounded nuts, etc. Go for the products that more contain gycolic acid.

Normal Skin

• Skin always looks awesome even when you don’t use moisturizer?
• Few or no breakouts?
• Have not experienced any bad reactions to products?
• Even and flawless skin tone?

You clearly have no problems and this is the best skin type to have…I hate you…the end.

Cleansers for you: Go with cream cleansers that are infused with SPF or you can even use cleansing cloths for normal skin types. Make sure whatever product you are using does not leave your skin feeling tight and dry. Very simple, right? Lucky!!

Hope this information helps all you “beauty buffs” out there! Speacial thanks to Iman for putting out the book “The Beauty of Color.” Excellent manual for skin and I recommend anyone to pick a copy up!

For more information on how to maintain flawless and healthy skin refer to my Keys to a Healthy Face article.

Smooches,

Chantal

No More Acne

One thing you need to know, is that if you have acne prone skin then your skin type is most likely on the oily side. Don’t be upset over this, it has its pros and cons. The advantage of having oily skin is that it may take longer for your skin to age- sounds awesome, huh? The disadvantage is that you may have to deal with acne showing up from time to time.

Fortunately, you won’t have to deal with acne with the product that I’m going to introduce you to. The name of it is Black Opal. They have an amazing acne kit that gives excellent results! So, if you don’t have the funds to visit a Dermatologist and pay for prescriptions, this kit is for you!

I had a terrible breakout about two years ago and I did some research and came across this kit. I knew about Black Opal before and heard that they were awesome. So I bought the kit offline- the unfortunate side is that you can only purchase most of their stuff online or at selected beauty supply stores. I must say I have been so pleased with this line of products. Most of the time when I found a great product it worked for a little while and then stopped. This product, however, has remained consistent!

If you are having an extremely bad break out, I highly suggest you go online and purchase the Black Opal Maximum Strength Acne System- disregard the fact that Black Opal is for “women of color,” because it totally works for EVERY AND ANYONE. To purchase this kit visit Treasured Locks and search for “Black Opal Maximum Strength Acne System.”

To maintain your skin after your break out has cleared up, continue to use their Skin Perfecting Acne and Blemish Wash- which you can buy separately online as well; along with your toner and moisturizer. For more information on toners, moisturizers, and how to maintain the health of your face refer to my Keys to a Healthy Face article.

Smooches,

Chantal

Get Rid of the “Mask-Look” with Proper Blending

Have you ever taken a picture with a group of people or just by yourself at an event and you can clearly see where your makeup starts and ends? Well then this article is for you.

For Foundation Users

Whether you use a foundation brush, sponge, or even fingers blend the foundation into your face thoroughly and into your hairline and just below jaw line blending into your neck. DO NOT stop at your hairline or jaw line, continue to go in.

For Loose Powder or Powder Users

Whether you use a loose powder brush or powder sponge swipe the powder blending evenly into your skin again going into your hairline and blending just below your jaw line.

If you use both foundation and loose powder then just follow both instructions accordingly.

Afer you have completed your look, it’s best to take a picture of yourself using a camera with flash. If you still see a line going around your face where you can distinguish between where your makeup starts and ends then just blend in a little better so you can have that flawless coverage without the “mask-look.”

Smooches,

Chantal

At Home Spa

I know it’s hard sometimes to make it out to a spa from time to time to get your regular scheduled facial, whether it be financial issues or not enough time. Well there’s a way to achieve the same glowing look that you get after leaving a spa, right at your home. You will need, however, a few supplies:

1. Facial Cleanser- such as Olay Foaming Face Wash.

2. Facial Scrub- such as St. Ives Apricot Scrub (non-medicated).

3. Facial Mask- depending on the kind of skin you have will determine the kind of mask you will use ( ie, Acne prone skin you can use a mint mask, dry skin you can use a conditioning mask, oily skin you can use either a citrus mask or a mint mask, for normal or combination skin you can use a milk mask.

4. Toner- such as Witch Hazel.

5. Moisturizer- such as Vitamin E Oil, a moisturizing face serum, or a Light Night Cream.

Steps

Step 1. Cleanse your face thoroughly paying attention to specific area of your face where there’s more oil buildup, like your forehead, checks, chin and nose.

Step 2. After cleansing your face, without drying your face, take your scrub and apply to your face and work into your skin avoiding your eye area. Rinse well and dry.

Step 4. Apply your mask and follow the directions on how long to keep it on your face. Rinse well and dry.

Step 5. Swipe toner across your face , avoiding eye area, with a facial cotton to allow your pores to close.

Step 6. Apply moisturizer on your face, avoiding eye area, and massage into your skin evenly and thoroughly.

There!! Your face will feel light, relaxed and will be thanking you after all that attention you gave it. For information on how to properly care for your skin on a daily basis refer to my “Keys To A Healthy Face” article.

Smooches,

Chantal

Stop Your Nail Color From Chipping

Problem

You know what I hate the most?? After you leave the nail parlor with a beautiful manicure… awesome feeling right? WRONG! Two days later you’re left feeling so annoyed because your nail polish starts to chip. Now I’ve tried just about everything to keep the nail polish preserved long enough until the next session. Just about everything that claims to be “No Chip” I’ve tried and still no luck.

Solution

Well I have just a solution for you!! Yes, I know I never thought it was possible either. I learned this little secret from a very good friend of mine- thank you Gia!! The key items that you will need for your manicure is 1. base coat; 2. the nail polish you wish to use; 3. nail hardner, or a no chip top coat; 4. quick dry top coat. After you have these items follow these steps:

Step 1. Apply your base coat to protect your nail for the nail polish and allow it to dry

Step 2. Apply your nail color and allow it to dry

Step 3. Take your “No Chip” topcoat or nail hardner and apply NO LESS than four coats (allowing each coat to dry 1min)

Step 4. Apply quick dry topcoat so you have a nice shine finish

VOILA!! You have yourself a strong, secure and in place nail color. This will keep your nails chip free a lot longer than usual. I work with water everyday because of where I work and my nail color lasts me at least 10days!

For all my ladies who go to the nail salon, don’t worry this applies to you also, you can follow Steps 3 and 4 after you leave the salon!

There you have it! I shared my secret with you guys, hope you enjoy!

Smooches,

Chantal

The Penny Pinching Fashionista

Just recently I was in Dollar General picking up a few things and stopped in the makeup section. Now, I don’t typically purchase makeup from Dollar General but I saw a line of makeup brushes that really caught my attention. 

The name of the collection is E.L.F. I have always wanted my only collection of makeup brushes because I love the concept of them and what they can do. Unfortunately I could never bring myself to paying $14 or more on a makeup brush. These brushes on the other hand were about $1 each and although I knew the benefits of good quality brushes I said to myself “$1 is totally worth the experiment.” So I purchased about eight different brushes and I have to tell you that these brushes are AWESOME, after looking through the internet it turns out that even their reviews aren’t bad. They even have a studio line that’s supposedly even better and for only $3. This line of brushes are amazing, the quality is not bad at all and it’s totally worth buying, especially if you are like me and can’t bring yourself to spending too much on a brush. 

My Collection 

• The Foundation Brush – This brush is amazing, it’s nice and smooth and he bristles are in place. It gives you that flawless coverage but it’s not too heavy as if using a sponge to apply your makeup. 
• The Total Face Brush – This one is probably my favorite brush out of the bunch! It’s so soft and it holds the powder so well, all you need is one swipe of your loose powder and you’re completely covered! 
• Blushing, Bronzing and Blending Brush – Another excellent brush, its perfectly contours along the side of your eyes and cheeks, so you don’t have to worry about getting your blush or bronze in places you don’t want to. 
• Eye Shadow Brush – I am an eye shadow buff, so when I tell you I love this brush I mean it! It’s another soft brush that holds the shadow so nicely and blends in evenly along your eyelids. You don’t have to worry about seeing the lines of the two different shadows, if you ever have this issue, the brush smoothes out everything for an even flawless look! 

So to all my makeup buffs out there check out E.L.F. you can also use their store locator to find a store near you that supplies their products. HAVE FUN!

Smooches,

Chantal

Keys to a Healthy Face

Alrighty people, this segment of my blog is probably going to be my favorite one to write. My skin care regimen. Out of all the beauty products out there I would have to say that everything that has to do with my face is my favorite. I love a clean healthy face and I think everyone should feel the same. I would have to say I spend a lot more time on my face than anywhere else. 

3 Key Factors to a Healthy Face 

Here’s my tip to everyone who seeks healthy, beautiful, glowing skin. There are three keys steps to a healthy face: 1. Cleanse; 2. Tone; 3. Moisturize (day and night). Let’s start with cleansing of the face. You need to find a face wash that applies to you, whether you have normal, combination, oily, dry, or acne prone skin. In addition, picking up a regular face wash like Purpose soap free wash or my favorite Olay foaming face wash is excellent to have because it washes away the makeup so easily and it’s gentle on the eyes. Secondly, a good toner is excellent. I, for example, stick with the basics which is Witch Hazel its excellent very gentle and gets the job done well. Then lastly a good day moisturizer with SPF is in order this again depends on the type of skin you may have find a moisturizer that’s for your skin whether you have normal, combination, oily or dry skin. Also you will need a night cream, go with a light night cream nothing too heavy because the regular night creams tend to be for more mature skin, Neutrogena has an excellent one called “Light Night Cream” and this you would only use at nights. 

3 Key Steps to a Healthy Face 

Once you have these products you will follow these steps: 

Step 1: Wash your face thoroughly with your face wash and warm water being gentle around your eyes and paying    attention to areas like your nose chin and forehead. 

Step 2: Take your toner and apply to a facial pad and swipe across your face and neck, again paying close attention to your nose chin and forehead- where you are more  prone to clogged pores, and let it dry. 

Step 3: Once the toner has dried apply your moisturizer on your face avoiding your eye area. Use the SPF enriched when you wash your face in the morning and the Light Night Cream before you go to sleep at night. 

VERY IMPORTANT!!

Make sure you follow these easy steps every morning and night to achieve your healthy glowing face goal. I know that after a long night of partying it’s hard to bring yourself to anywhere other than the bed, but I am only telling you this once that going to sleep with your makeup is a bad habit and will only do damage to your face. So even if you don’t want to do all three steps after partying, which I don’t, just take your regular face wash and wash the makeup off your face and then crash right after! This also goes for during the day, so if you go out in the morning with your makeup and come back in the afternoon and you know that you’re not going back out anytime soon, do me a favor and just wash the makeup off your face. Well that just about covers my favorite part of the body, the face. Remember a clean face is a healthy face!

Smooches,

Chantal

It’s the Itchy & Scratchy Show!

Well we are obviously not covering that show, but that was pretty funny. 

Problem

Ok, let’s get down to business. Have you ever felt good, fresh and clean after shaving? I know I have; unfortunately, reality hits you about one to two days after with that annoying itch! I have tried just about anything to get that itch away. 

Solution 

Finally one day I thought to myself that I should use a sensitive moisturizer such as baby oil– that was all I had, and I thought it would be weird to use lotion. Baby oil has been the best thing since sliced bread for me along with other friends of mine. 

Say bye-bye to those awkward positions you may put yourself in to try and relieve the itch, stop bending over pretending your picking up something let’s face it we all know you’re not! No more to razor irritation and bumbs that you may get! Go out there to your local store and pick up a bottle of baby oil. Use the baby oil after you shave and everyday after that to keep it moisturized, we have to lotion our bodies’ right? Well start moisturizing your mini!

Smooches,

Chantal

Definition of RedLine

Hey all my beautiful people! Thank you so much for taking out the time to take a look around my blog, you won’t be disappointed. 

My name is Chantal Clemetson and I am currently 22 years old. I have a strong passion for clothes, shopping, and making everything pretty. A little extreme, huh? For the coming of the months you should expect to be enlightened by tutorials on how to apply makeup, how to put different clothes together that you already have and make it look totally new, how you don’t have to spend a fortune on an outfit or makeup to achieve the look that you are going for, and well just about everything that divas enjoy discussing. 

The most important part is that not only will I be covering these great topics, but also different articles on how to better oneself in every situation. Everyone should be lifted and their self confidence risen. The way I view it, if you’re a Diva it doesn’t only show on the outside but on the inside. 

I definitely want my readers to play a part in my journey of blogging, so feel free to send me emails or comments on what you would like to see me cover through the months that follow. 

So lookout for my first blog entry Wednesday, October 14, 2009!!! 

Smooches,

Chantal