Meditation: Hitting Reset on Your Skin's Cells

 While meditation has always seemed like a nice idea, I’ve never had the time (more like patience) to execute any type of practice into my life. After coming to a place of realization that self-care must be a priority, I’ve decided to embark on Deepak Chopra and Oprah’s 21-day Happiness Mediation Challenge (with the help and push from my dear sister, Renee).

The Challenge that starts today will help to transform your focus of external factors providing happiness, and rather to receive joy from things located within. As you begin to let the “bliss” unfold, you will be rewarded by the fulfillment of your actions. While I don’t know a lot more about what this 21-day challenge will involve, I invite you to join me in finding your inner peace and happiness too.

As it turns out, while I knew meditation was great for many facets of life, not falling short is your skin health and beauty! Meditation helps to revitalize every cell in your body, and unleashing these Chis will replenish the tissues of your skin to defeat aging, release toxins, and help you look your very best. In addition to this, expect greater inner peace, possible weight loss, and overall health improvement.

I extend this offering of peace to you, and hope we will both enjoy it. I look forward to seeing how it goes for both myself, and everyone who decides to participate with me. Click the link below to register (for free) and please keep me posted! Happy Monday, I wish you a blessed week!

 https://chopracentermeditation.com/experience

xo,
Annabelle

Photo Cred: Pinterest

Get Blissed.

This past weekend I paid a visit to the Bliss Spa at the W Scottsdale- and what I found there was just that. Immediately I was welcomed by a warm staff, and was escorted to a lounge area that was both relaxing and fully stocked with Bliss products to use at my disposal. And then suddenly, I was whisked off to two full hours of pure heaven.

The package I selected was the fabulous facial, and the blissage (massage). Both of these services are their “basic” starting level offerings, but they far-exceeded anything basic. During my facial, the esthetician performed a double cleanse including a clarisonic, an exfoliation, extractions, mask, and a relaxing massage. I upgraded my exfoliant to a glycolic peel made by Skinceuticals (Micropeel 20 Solution). I was very pleased with my non-aggressive, yet effective results. The peel I selected is specially formulated to gently exfoliate the skin, while also re hydrating and reducing the appearance of sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles. While I did not experience any visible peeling, I know my skin responded wonderfully to the treatment.

After my seriously fabulous facial, I went into a 49 minute massage. My therapist was very informative and effective. He allowed me to explain my problem areas and performed a full assessment of my alignment before even beginning the service. During my service he would check to see that the pressure was adequate, and that it was in line with my personal goals of the treatment. After the massage he discussed my areas of tension and even demonstrated exercises I could perform at home in between spa visits.

I would highly recommend paying a visit to this famous-for-a-reason spa. It truly is everything it is cracked up to be and more. Phenomenal products, technicians, services, and ambiance. Absolutely Annabelle approved! Go get blissed.

XO,

Annabelle

 

For more information please visit: www.blissworld.com/spa

The Opal of My Eye

 

Even though I pride myself on my super-dedicated skin care regimen, I still have areas that provoke insecurities. My under eye area is one. Although I’m not that old, for as long as I can remember I’ve struggled with under-eye bags, dark circles, and volume depletion. After years of attempts with different products, and not to mention way too much money, I’ve found the game-changer.

As a religious user (and believer) in my Clarisonic, I was elated when the Clarisonic Opal Anti-Aging Eye Corrector was released. Although it’s debut was a few years ago, I hadn’t pulled the trigger on a purchase of my own- big mistake. This handy tool infuses your eye creams at 200+ sonic movements per second! You simply apply a small amount of your eye cream, or serum to the rubber tip and massage each eye for thirty seconds. And PS, it’s timed for you. The deep infusion of your eye creams and serums provided by the Opal is much more effective than using the tip of your finger alone. 

I’ll admit that the biggest part of my struggle has always been my genetic makeup, and not a matter of diligence. However, this product has already dramatically improved the skin and structure that I was naturally given. I look forward to the future improvement in my overall texture, hydration, wrinkle-improvement/prevention, and collagen regeneration.

Questions? Comments? I ordered mine directly from Nordstrom from my personal stylist Kalli Rebich at the Scottsdale location. Email her to order yours today: Kalli.Rebich@nordstrom.com . 

Clarisonic Opal: $185
For more information please check out Clarisonic.com , or Nordstrom.com 

XO,
Annabelle

How to: Fix Your Streaky Self-Tanner

Dilemma: You've finally given up tanning in the sun because you realize how bad the sun really is for your skin (You go, Glenn Coco.) But, your recent commitment to an at-home self-tanner has left you with an uneven color full of streaks and lines.

Lucky you, I've found the solution!

To remove an uneven tan, simply mix two Tablespoons of lemon juice, and two Tablespoons of baking soda together in a glass dish or bowl. Bring the concoction into your shower, apply for two minutes, and rinse. This mix should still maintain color, while removing any uneven areas. Now you should still be "sunned", and not so Snooki.

What are your solutions to fixing a tan gone wrong?

XO,

Annabelle

So Fresh, and So Clean.

Often times I hear from clients, friends, and family that they cannot understand why they continue breaking out after incessant cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, spot treating, peeling, extracting, dermaplaning... are you tired yet? Could it be so simple that the very reason you continue breaking out is <gasp!> YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES!!?!

Sad, but true, your makeup brushes harbor much bacteria and need consistent cleansing, much like your skin. It is recommended that you actually clean your brushes once a week- which is a stat that most are unaware of. There are several great cleansers to use, but this past weekend I used something more natural that was highly effective. Have you heard the term "like attract like"? Or "oil attract oil"? I got back down to the basics and used a combination of olive oil and coconut oil (either/or should be sufficient) and simple antibacterial soap. My results were glorious. 

First:

I laid out all of my dirty brushes (eew!). I applied a combination of olive oil and coconut oil (mixed on a plate) to the dry brush hairs. After rotating the brush heads a few times around the plate, my makeup was instantly attracted to the oil in the brushes. I rinsed with water and repeated the process once more. 

Second:

After rinsing each brush with the oil solution, I applied some antibacterial soap to my hand. Swirling the brush around for a third time and doing one final rinse. 

You guys,.... EVERYTHING came out. 

I highly recommend using this solution to you as it is effective, will moisturize your brushes while cleansing them, and wont break your bank. What are your favorite brush cleaners? Gimme the dirt.

XO,

Annabelle

<Currently listening to: Flume- Drop The Game.> 

Wind in the Air, Sand in My Hair

Going to the beach is one of my absolute favorite things. There are times that you get to go to the ocean, and then there are times that you need to go to the ocean. The air, the breeze, the clarity,... the grounding. While I haven't been to the beach as recently as I would have liked, I've found the <almost> next best thing. The beach in a bottle.

I've always been able to rely on Bumble & Bumble's surf spray to create soft, textured, beach-like waves in my locks. But to my humbled surprise, the line has now been extended into an entire surf system! I nabbed a sample of their recently released Foam Wash Shampoo, and Creme Rinse Conditioner during a trip to Sephora. To finish the look, I let my hair air dry, sprayed in my already coveted Surf Spray, and called it a day. The textured look absolutely resembles hair after a playful day at the beach- salt included. Go grab a sample of your own, and try before you buy. My bet is that you'll love it, and that the surf will be up all summer.

To check out more info on the line, and see it used by the pros, check out:

 http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/products/9192/Products/SurfCampaign/index.tmpl

Enjoy,

xx Annabelle 

Pillow Preppin

These days, there’s two phrases that don’t exactly go together: free time, and nursing school. Another thing I’ve never associated with is having a short blowdry time. Although I am thankful for my thick hair, I sometimes (okay always) envy girls who can literally shower and walk out the door. Needless to say, I was intrigued when I saw Redken’s newly released “Pillow Prep” on my regular trip to the beauty supply store. After giving this guy a whirl, I’m sold.

Not only is my dry time dramatically shortened, my products are more well recieved. “How?” you ask. Pillow Prep is a primer for your hair that not only cuts dry time, it also volumizes, protects hair from the harsh heat of blowdryers, flatirons, and curling irons, but it also primes your hair for the other products you like to use. Think of your skin, and daily makeup routine. When you use a primer, your foundation lies better, no? If this is also news to you, I suggest you check out a silicone primer stat. ;) Anyways, in addition to all of these fabulous qualities, it extended the life of my blowout (seriously!).

Now available in both full, and trial size, I suggest you give this a go. Have any of you tried a hair primer before? If so, which ones are your favorites? Enjoy your Friday, fabulous new hair, and newly discovered free time!

xx

Annabelle